GOD BLESS THE USA

SHE'D SAY TO CARRY ON...

Great metal tears stream down her face but she still lifts her torch up high to light the way to freedom through a smoke filled Manhattan sky.

She weeps for her police and fire fighters and her EMS workers she has lost, and on her copper shoulders she bears the weight of the heavy human cost.

She hears the cries of the helpless, she sees them in their pain... and she sees the families waiting for those who won't be home again.

Our proud Lady Liberty watched the horror unfold from the bay- what would that dear lady tell us if she could speak to us today?

She'd tell us to stand up proudly 

She'd say to carry on
She'd tell us that those who hate us, 

those who have done such wrongs can't ever destroy the spirit that makes our land so great

America will not be beaten by terrorism or hate.

She'd say to reach out to each other, to face this hand in hand
and show the world how strong the people are that are the backbone of this land.

NO PRAYER FOR 9-11

Marion Pellicano Ambrose 

Again, Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York has given me reason to be glad I moved to Florida! First he excluded first responders from the upcoming 9-11 Ceremonies and now I find he has decided not to allow any religious leaders to speak or offer a prayer. Regardless of the comfort and consolation this might bring to the families who lost loved ones and those who lived through this traumatic experience, Bloomberg has made a political decision rather than one from the heart.

Our country was built on the principal of freedom OF religion, not FROM religion. How beautiful would it be to have all faiths represented, all races, religions, philosophies and socioeconomic levels together with one purpose: to remember and honor.

The days of patriotism, faith and enthusiasm are not gone. Americans can and should stand up and speak out, or in this case PRAY OUT!  Isn’t that what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. did? Didn’t our founding fathers rely on faith and prayer to see them through? We need to show Mayor Bloomberg that America is not silent or apathetic. We are still the spirit filled, passionate, patriotic, rebels who rose against the powers that tried to infringe on our freedom so many years ago! This is the opportunity for us, as Americans, to defeat these attempts by politicians to stifle our spiritual expression and silence the voices of our souls.

Pray on 9-11. Pray loud and clear so that our voices will echo through the World Trade Center site, through the hallways of the Pentagon, and across that field in Pennsylvania. Pray for those who lost their lives, those who lost their loved ones, and those who lost their faith that day. Pray for our country and its leaders, that we can enter into a new era where we can once again hold our heads high in the global community and say with assurance, America is the land of the free and the home of the brave.

I read an article by Tom Wetzel, http://www.cleveland.com/opinion/index.ssf/2011/09/raise_your_prayers_on_911_tom.html

that challenged those at the ceremonies at Ground Zero to begin a “flash prayer” by reciting a formal, standard prayer, like the Our Father, and all who will be watching on TV to join with them in spite of Mayor Bloomberg’s plan to omit prayer. He stated:

“Those who do raise their hearts heavenward can be certain they will lift the spirits of those who lost loved ones on Sept. 11, 2001, as well as all those who have died defending our country since then. Sept. 11 will offer America a chance to deepen its connection with its creator and honor its victims and heroes. Hopefully, they will take advantage of this opportunity.”

I couldn’t agree more!

TV SPECIALS ON 9-11 ANNIVERSARY; WILL YOU BE WATCHING?

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

NEW CBS SPECIAL: 9-11, 10 YEARS LATER

The 10^th anniversary of 9-11 is close at hand. A new CBS special “9-11, 10 Years Later” will be aired on September 11, 2011 at 8pm and will document the changes that have taken place at Ground Zero since that awful day in 2001. It will also highlight the lives of some of the first responders at the scene of the tragedy. Robert DiNiro, who narrated the original CBS special, will also host this follow up program. DiNiro is from the Downtown New York area himself.

It will be interesting to see how many Americans tune in to see the unveiling of Ground Zero by President Obama. Over the past 10 years it seems the patriotism, support for first responders and participation in memorials has waned somewhat in the US. In addition, it seems that September 11, 2011 will be the date of the first full slate of games for the NFL season!

New DISCOVERY CHANNEL Special – Rising: Rebuilding Ground Zero

The Discovery Channel will be airing a special series produced by Steven Spielberg on Sunday, August 28 which will air commercial free on the rebuilding of the World Trade Center Complex.

Executive Producer Steven Spielberg, Discovery and Science Channel Present RISING: REBUILDING GROUND ZERO
A Two Week Television Event Marks the Rebirth of a City as the 10^th Anniversary of 9/11 Approaches
Premieres Commercial Free Thursday, August 25 at 8PM E/P on Discovery Channel,
All Day Encore Marathon on Science Channel Sunday, September 11 beginning at 5PM E/P

From executive producer Steven Spielberg, DreamWorks Television, Discovery Channel and Science Channel comes the story of hope from darkness, life from ashes, a dream born from a nightmare.  RISING: REBUILDING GROUND ZERO, premiering Friday, August 25 at 8PM E/P on Discovery Channel, showcases the men and women determined to rebuild and restore a sacred site, constructing the new, 104-story One World Trade Center.

“Discovery Channel is proud to be sharing this important story and transitional moment in the history of our country.  With incredible access and deft storytelling, RISING: REBUILDING GROUND ZERO captures a city and a country moving forward but never forgetting.  September 11^th is something we all share and RISING: REBUILDING GROUND ZERO will be a touchstone for audiences to remember, reflect and look forward,” said Debbie Myers, General Manager of Science Channel.

The six-hour special premieres Thursday, August 25 and concludes Thursday, September 1 from 8-11PM ET/PT each night.

Science will encore Discovery Channel’s RISING: REBUILDING GROUND ZERO on Sunday, August 28 from 8-11PM ET/PT and Sunday, September 4 from 8-11PM ET/PT. The entire six-hour special will re-air on Sunday, September 11 at 5PM ET/PT.

 I hope on September 11, 2011, every American will have their flag flying, their hearts filled with pride and remembrance, and their souls strengthened and determined never to forget those who lost their lives in the attack and those who gave their lives so others might survive. The staff of DRL sends our love and prayers out to the survivors and the friends and family members of the victims of this tragedy. Many of us lost loved ones and friends as well. Remember: VOTE WISELY, GET INVOLVED, EDUCATE YOURSELF ON WORLD AND LOCAL ISSUES, PRAY FOR OUR COUNTRY AND ITS LEADERS!

WANNA LAUGH?!?!

Tony Walker

A guy goes to hell & is met by the devil who explains that the punishments of the inmates are changed every thousand year & he is to select his first punishment.
The first room has a young guy on a wall being whipped. The new guy is not too keen on this & asks to see the next room.
The next room has a middle aged man being tortured with fire. The new guy immediately asks to see the next room.
The 3rd room is a really old guy chained to a wall getting oral sex from a beautiful blonde. The new guy jumps at this. "I'll take this room! Please give me this room!"
The devil then walks over to the blonde, taps her on the shoulder & says, "OK you can stop now. You've been relieved."
 

LOVE YOURSELF

Love Yourself

“If you don’t fully accept and love yourself as you are, you could be more prone to comparing yourself to others as a way of artificially boosting your feeling of self-worth.” — Steve Pavlina

Self worth comes with self appreciation and love. People who are truly comfortable and secure with themselves, rarely let jealousy get in the way. Look within, spend time with yourself, get to know the real you. Choose to focus on yourself, instead of the person you are trying to make happy. Use your understanding of desires and your mind to change your perception. Know that you have everything you need to be whole, happy and complete right inside of you. Know that if you feel something is missing that you can have it, you can achieve it.

THE JOBS ACT:OBAMA'S "NEW DEAL"?

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

I did not vote for President Obama and have had occasion to disagree with much of what he has done during his presidency, especially in the area of cutting military and defense. Tonight, however, I have to say that after listening to the President’s speech to Congress on the new Jobs Act, I agree with him and believe that this Act is a good start to restoring the economy and bringing  jobs to the thousands of Americans who have been put out of work. This $450 billion jobs plan will give an array of tax cuts to small businesses that hire or raise salaries of employees while reforming the corporate tax code and investing in infrastructure projects like rebuilding and repairing schools, bridges and highly traveled roadways. (Too bad it doesn't include the Space Program!)

Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO who was a guest of Michelle Obama at the speech, called on Congress to pass the bill. "The plan announced by the president is only the opening bid," he said. "We expect to see more proposals in the next weeks and months to put America back to work."

Democratic response to the speech was very positive. Republicans agreed with parts of the Act but seem to question that it took nearly 3 years to come up with such an urgent plan, stating that the timing has more to do with the president trying to save his own job. While this may or may not be true, I think we need to look at the plan and decide if it can work, how will it be paid for, and can Democrats and Republicans put their own political agendas aside for the good of the American People!

What do you think? Do you support the plan or is it just a campaign tactic? Am I naïve in believing that Obama’s “New Deal” will help get America back on track?

WANNA LAUGH?!?!

Tony Walker

The first time I met Barbara was when she worked at Carvel.
I walked in & asked flavors they had.
"Vanilla, chocolate, & strawberry'" she replied in a hoarse whisper.
I ask, "Do you have laryngitis?"
"Um... no.... just vanilla, chocolate, & strawberry."

DRAGONBOAT RACING: COLORFUL AND COOL!

 Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival

Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival
Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 8:00 AM
Downtown Disney®, Orlando Florida

Last year'sBreast Cancer Survivor Team

Event takes place in Downtown Disney

Orlando International Dragon Boat Festival is back for its 4th annual event in Orlando, FL. The world's fastest growing water sport is also the most exciting. Twenty paddlers move in unison, combining strength with teamwork in a boat whose elaborate design originates in ancient China. It's all About Teamwork with a maximum of 20 paddlers, with a steer person and a drummer. The drummer in the front determines the pace at which the paddlers row. You can hear the beating of the drums echoing across the lake. As they move closer to the finish, the pace quickens and the spectators are filled with anticipation. It’s a great way to spend the day! The colorful costumes, the decorated boats and the exciting atmosphere all make this an event that should not be missed!

Please contact info@gwndragonboat.com   or call (416) 962-8899 for any event questions or details.

NO PAIN NO GAIN

THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY

Patty B

Pear shape or apple shape? Or just regular sausage shape?

When the chips are down, you can't eat the dip.

If your pants are the same size as a regular sleeping bag, you don't need the s'mores.

SHAKEN TO THE BONE...

Dawn Boyle

Over the past few weeks I noticed a number of people sharing the post below on their social media outlets.



At first I thought "this is a virus". There could be no way that the people who risked their lives on September 11,  2001 and every day they worked since would be shut out of the memorial.
The claims in the message are true and have been confirmed by a number of credible news reports. An August 16 report published on UPI.com notes:

NEW YORK, Aug. 16 (UPI) -- First responders who rushed to the disaster scene on Sept. 11, 2001, are not invited to this year's memorial service at Ground Zero, New York officials confirm.

The service is scheduled for Sept. 11, 10 years after the terror attacks.

In a statement, a spokesman for New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Andrew Brent, said the memorial is for victims' families, CNN reported.

An August 17 Fox News report concurs, noting:

New York – They were the first ones on the scene when the World Trade Center towers fell on September 11, 2001, but ten years later, the first responders are being told that they will not be invited to take part in this year's tenth anniversary ceremony at Ground Zero.

The city announced earlier this week that due to security and space issues, there would be no room for the first responders.

What a disgrace to those brave men and women who risked their lives and health to respond to the events that occured that day. New York officials claim that the 10th Anniversary memorial ceremony will focus on the families of victims. New York Mayoral spokesman, Andrew Brent stated that "given the space constraints, we're working to find ways to recognize and honor first responders, and other groups, at different places and times."

Official invitations have not be sent to first responders in previous years, they were still free to attend memorial ceremonies if they desired and thousands have done so. This, the 10 year memorial is reportedly the first year in which first responders have been officially advised that they are not invited to the event.

This story gives me a pit in my stomach. I am thankful for all the people who rushed into those buildings, while others were desperately trying to get out. I think of all the people in my life that have lost a husband, father, brother or friend that were there on that day. All they did to help and this is the thanks we give to the others "left behind:"?

Something has to be done...we need to make sure these hero's know not all New Yorkers or even Americans agree with Bloomberg and other officials that have made this decision.

WANNA LAUGH????

A woman was cleaning her husbands dresser drawers when she found 3 golf balls and a box with $2000 in it. She waited for him to come home from the golf course to ask him why these things were hidden in his dresser drawer.

The husband said I'm sorry I hid this from you but the truth is every time I cheated on you over the last 30 years I put a golf ball in the drawer.

The wife was very upset at first but after thinking about it said "I guess 3 times in 30 years is really not that bad! Oh by the way what is the $2000 in the drawer.

The husband replied" Well every time I got to a dozen balls I sold them.

WITH GREAT POWER

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

Whatever life holds in store for me, I will never forget these words: "With great power comes great responsibility."

Peter Parker was talking about his newly found super powers as Spiderman when he said these words, but when I hear them I think of the power we all now have through our postings on social media such as Facebook and Twitter.

I’ve read too many posts that twist facts or even state falsehoods as if they were facts. Unfortunately , many people believe whatever they see in print and are purposely misled by such tactics. It’s certainly common practice in political posts, as noted in a You Tube video called “.Alternate Reality”

The system has gone mad, everyday newspapers and TV carry more and more stories of brazen politicians and executives who have no fear and act as though they are above the law. Even when their own words (at times on tape) confirm their scheming, they continue to treat the public like we're stupid.

It seems the government also wants in on the social media propaganda bandwagon. According to radio celebrity Alex Jones, the Defense Department unveiled its Social Media in Strategic Communication (SMISC) program. It’s an attempt to get better at both detecting and conducting propaganda campaigns on social media.This is more than just checking the trending topics on Twitter. The Defense Department wants to deeply grok social media dynamics. So SMISC will be aimed at discovering and tracking the “formation, development and spread of ideas and concepts (memes)” on social media. http://www.prisonplanet.com/pentagon-wants-a-social-media-propaganda-machine.html

  DRL takes our responsibility seriously, using social media to educate, inform, inspire and enlighten as well as give our readers the opportunity to voice their own opinions, whether they agree with ours or not. We also use this forum to encourage positive action, as in The Generosity Game Meme http://delayedreactionlounge.blogspot.com/2011/06/generosity-game-meme.html ) or Meet Pongo and Join DRL’s Team to Help Him and The Center For Great Apes (http://delayedreactionlounge.blogspot.com/2011/06/meet-pongo-and-join-drls-team-to-help.html)

Barbara’s Soul Food attempts to lighten the soul and encourage our readers to “keep the promises you make to yourself ”                                                                ( http://delayedreactionlounge.blogspot.com/2011/07/soul-food_24.html) and Patty’s Sticky Sweet (http://delayedreactionlounge.blogspot.com/2011/07/sticky-sweet_24.html)  just makes you feel good! Tony has shared his stories with us to help us understand issues that we might not have considered, such as For Me It’s My Little Girl (http://delayedreactionlounge.blogspot.com/2011/03/tony-walker-almost-everyone-has.html). Dawn gives us a wake up call as to what’s happening to our daughters’ childhoods with In Vogue (http://delayedreactionlounge.blogspot.com/2011/08/in-vogue.html)

I’m proud to be a writer for Delayed Reaction Lounge. It’s a place where every effort is made to present truthful, enlightening information as well as entertaining, funny, even spooky reading as well! I hope you enjoy reading as much as we all enjoy writing for you.

Let us know how you feel. What are your favorite features? Is there something you would like to read about that we haven’t covered yet? If there’s something you really like, let us know and we’ll keep it coming. If there’s something you think needs to be said, tell us and we’ll try to say it for you! The Lounge is for everyone and everyone is welcome! Thanks for stopping in!

EATERY IS OPEN...IS THAT THE RED OR THE WHITE??? MANHATTAN CLAM CHOWDER

• 4 ounces bacon, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium green bell pepper diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled, diced
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 ½ pounds potatoes, peeled, diced
• 5 cups Clam liquid or clam broth
• 16 ounces diced clams
• 1 28-ounce can whole tomatoes
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• salt and pepper

Add bacon to large dutch oven set over low heat. When bacon starts to render some fat, turn heat to medium and cook until crisp, about five minutes. Drain bacon on paper towels. Remove all but one tablespoon of fat from dutch oven.

Pour olive oil into dutch oven. Add garlic, and cook until very fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add onion, celery, bell pepper, carrots, bay leaves, oregano, and crushed red pepper. Cook, stirring often with wooden spoon, until vegetables are soft, about 10 minutes.

Add potatoes, clam broth, and enough extra water (if needed) to just cover potatoes. Turn heat to medium-high, and bring to boil. Partially cover dutch oven and cook until potatoes are soft, about 10 minutes. Smash some cubed potatoes with wooden spoon, to help thicken the broth.

Chop canned tomatoes. Add them to dutch oven, along with remaining tomato juice. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.

Turn off heat, add diced clams and parsley. Stir well, and let sit for five minutes covered.

WHAT TO DO TONIGHT?? TAKE OVER THE WORLD!!!!

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

Genghis Khan, Alexander the Great, Napoleon Bonaparte, Adolph Hitler, Gaius Julius Caesar, Pinky and the Brain: They all have something in common, World Domination! 

Throughout history there have always been, and will always be those who dream of “taking over the world”. I’ve always had difficulty understanding why anyone would want to do this. I love the idea of diversity and the multitude of different customs and beliefs to be found all over the globe. Why would anyone want to blend us all into one boring empire?

New York's Little Italy

One of the reasons I love living in the United States is the amazing variety of cultures, races, religions and customs of the different people living here. Coming from New York, I know the great pleasure of having a Jewish deli, Italian restaurant, French bistro and Irish pub all on the same block! On weekends we would all go up to China town for authentic Chinese food or Little Italy for the best pastries on earth. We could have a Guinness (or in my case some good Irish tea) at McSorley’s Bar and then hop over to Brooklyn for the Chili Pepper Fiesta! One minute you could be doing the polka in a Polish club and then the next sitting in on a new age séance in the village! The options are endless!

McSorely's Pub

I’m all for world peace, cooperation between nations, and fair, humane treatment for all people, but why can’t we just live and let live, accepting our differences as blessings instead of obstacles?  Believe me, I know it isn’t as simple as that, but I think this world would be a happier, more interesting place to live if we could all give up the idea of “taking over the world”!  Sorry Brain!

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJPFSNu_QNs



Dancing the Polka



Chinatown, New York

WANNA LAUGH????

Tony Walker
Boyle and I were walking through a museum the other day.
She wasn't looking where she was going and walked into a vase which smashes to the ground.
A museum attendant runs over an yells, "That vase was over 500 years old!"
"Oh thank God!" replies Boyle, "I thought it was a new one!"

SHE SAID...

Dawn Boyle

I agree with Tony's feelings about today. I HATE that summer is over. I mentioned in a post last week about the days, weeks, months and years flying past and how it brings me this sense of time running out.

Even though my kids made me crazy the entire summer, I did get a little teary eyed this morning as they got ready. My big girl is in fifth grade. Which only means that each day that passes she will hate me more and think what a horrible mother I am, no matter what I do. The baby going into second grade no longer wants to wear party dresses. She has been interning behind my back with Rachel Zoe and does not want to hear what I think about her fashion choices, complete with the roll of the eyes and that long drawn out "MOOOOOMMMMMMM"!!!

For a few hours today it was a little sad. It is sad that my babies are growing up. The time that is so precious is now, these are the days to look back on. Memories made. Funny stories to tell.

I am an emotional wreck today - not sure what it is....probably just inner anxiety that homework is only a few days away...tests and reports to follow,  AND CHRISTMAS is only 16 weeks away!!

Go buy their Halloween costumes now - it's only a half hour away! I don't care how old they are.. the rule still is,  no one is going to be slutty pirate even if it's a "TWEEN" costume!

SEPTEMBER SONGS....

Wake Me Up When September Ends- Green Day
September- Earth, Wind and Fire
September/The Joker- Fat Boy Slim and Wind and Fire Earth
September- Kirk Franklin
September- Kalai
September Morn- Neal Diamond
September Song- Jimmy Durante
September Skyline- Single File
Pale September- Fiona Apple
September Song- Tony Bennett
The Worst September- Sugarcult
75 Septembers- Cheryl Wheelers

HE SAID... TRANSLATION... THE WIMP SAID

TONY WALKER

This week's He Said should be called He's Crying... which translates to The Wimp Said.
Tomorrow my kids go back to school. Since I run my own business I can make my own hours so I am the one who sees the kids off.


This is why I am a wimp... I hate when my kids go back to school. I teared up when they went to bed tonight.

My son starts middle school tomorrow. I am so worried. My son is a lot like me, poor bastard, & I had a rough adjustment into junior high, middle school, whatever you call it. So I am worried about my boy. Hopefully he'll do better than I did.
For the first time since June they had to be in bed tonight at 9PM. That just doesn't seem right.
Back to school.
Back to getting up super early.
Back to making sure everyone has eaten breakfast, brushed teeth, changed underwear, have a million notes signed, is ready for the bus.
Back to getting them off the bus.
Back to being the Homework Nazi.
Back to checking back packs & lunch bags.
Back to taking them to karate, scouts, swimming, hangouts, doctors, lessons, (a million different kinds of lessons) basketball, blah blah blah.....
Back to making sure they ate everything on the plate.
Back to making sure they brushed their teeth & showered.
Back to throwing them into bed by 9PM.
Back to PTA meetings, scout meetings, teacher conferences, principal meetings, (that is if you have a son like mine) school events, blah blah blah.....
Back to wishing it was June again.
I know I am focusing on the negatives but right now I can't help it. Even though I yell at my kids all the time, I really do enjoy having them home without the worry of who has to be where at what time.

What do you guys think?
Am I part of a minority that likes having their kids home?
Are you looking forward to the peace & the structure?

On the bright side.... I'll have free time during the day. Time to stalk.... I mean.... visit with Boyle.......

LABOR DAY TRIVIA

While most Americans likely consider Labor Day a uniquely American experience, but in all reality, Labor Day has its origins in Canada. Stemming from 1870’s labor disputes in Toronto, in 1872 a parade was held in support of a strike against the 58 hour workweek. As a result, 24 union leaders who were responsible for organizing the event were arrested under anti-union laws.

First Labor Day festivities included "speeches, a picnic, an abundance of cigars and, Lager beer kegs... mounted in every conceivable place." (quote from a NY daily newspaper).

Labor Day in many countries is celebrated as May Day or International Workers Day (May 1), which was originally spawned by Europe's proletariat movement, largely inspired by Communism. In 1958, President Eisenhower designated May 1 as both Law Day and Loyalty Day. Each of these were specifically aimed at replacing the communist holiday with a religious or patriotic one.

The orm that the observance and celebration of Labor Day should take were outlined in the first proposal of the holiday — a street parade to exhibit to the public "the strength and esprit de corps of the trade and labor organizations" of the community, followed by a festival for the recreation and amusement of the workers and their families.

The first Labor Day celebration in the United States can be traced to New York City's Union Square on Sept. 5, 1882. It was designed as a way to appease city workers after numerous strikes and in some cases even violence.

Oregon was the first, then Colorado, New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey followed as the first states to declare Labor Day a state holiday.

Labor Day has been celebrated on the first Monday of September every year since President Grover Cleveland declared that day Labor Day in 1894. The extended weekend helps Americans who choose to travel.

Originating as a celebration for the working class, Labor Day has also evolved into the unofficial end of the summer season and for many school districts the beginning of the academic year again.

Sources: Labor Day trivia sites

HAPPY LABOR DAY! Who are we celebrating???

We are celebrating; 149.1 million people

That's the number of people age 16 or older in the nation's labor force. Among the nation's workers are 80.0 million men and 69.1 million women. These men and women represent 66 percent of the civilian adult population.

More than 100 hours is the amount of time the average American spends commuting to work each year.

24.3 minutes is the average time it takes to commute to work.

Of the 233 counties with populations of 250,000 or more, Queens (41.7 minutes), Richmond (41.3 minutes), Bronx (40.8 minutes) and Kings (39.7 minutes) -– four of the five counties that comprise New York City - experienced the longest average commute-to-work times

$40,668 and $30,724, the annual median earnings, respectively, for male and female full-time, year-round workers in 2003.

Americans work in a wide variety of occupations. Here is a sampling of occupations and the number of employees:

Gaming services workers

  85,000

Hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmetologists

718,000

Chefs and head cooks

281,000

Firefighters

258,000

Musicians, singers and related workers

179,000

Bakers

183,000

Taxi drivers and chauffeurs

286,000

Service station attendants

  96,000

Farmers and ranchers

825,000

Pharmacists

232,000

Teachers

6.5 million  

7.3 million
Number of workers who hold down more than one job. "Moonlighters" comprise 5 percent of the working population. Of these, 3.8 million work full time at their primary job and part time at their other job, and about 293,000 work full time at both jobs.

10.3 million
Number of self-employed workers. 

20.3 million
Number of female workers in educational, health and social services industries. More women work in this industry group than in any other. Manufacturing was the most popular industry among men, with 11.3 million workers.

15.8 million

Number of labor union members nationwide. About 13 percent of wage and salary workers belong to unions, with New York having among the highest rates of any state - 25 percent. North Carolina has one of the lowest rates, 3 percent.

4.5 million
The number of people who work at home.