Bum me out - I thought I'd been demoted to the Nerds, but thankfully they've taken me back. I must have gotten a bit too technical. Sorry 'bout that.

This post acknowledges Memorial Day, an American Holiday originally set to honor those returning from war. It was founded down the road in Waterloo, New York, after the Civil War and continues to provide the annual announcement that Summer is Here!!

There's a new book called On the Shoulders of Giants by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, (of L.A. Lakers and UCLA Skyhook fame) where he acknowledges the great efforts and huge impact the people who preceded him in basketball; the members of the original Harlem Rens basketball team. More importantly, those who led the intellectual development in the Harlem Renaissance, in the first part of the 20^th Century .

Even though I'd be categorized a boomer and life-member of the Me-Generation, I often think of the many, sometimes unheralded, 'shoulder-people' in my own life and work. My brother-in-law has been researching our family history. I went with him to some of the cemeteries where our ancestors' lie. Zimri was of particular interest to me. He lived a long, productive life in North Jay in the Adirondacks.

I'm also working at the George Eastman House this Summer as a gallery gofer for the Ansel Adams Exibition. This exhibition features 150 prints from one of the giants of photography including many that are seldom seen. It provides a visual celebration of his genius.

So this Memorial Day, have a picnic, go to a parade, enjoy the day; but also give some thought to the giants and 'shoulder-people' in your life.

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