We often see "top lists" of baby names -- top ten names of 2005, the trendiest, the coolest, the most popular names of the decade -- and so on. Readers find these lists endlessly fascinating, often using such lists to help them choose the name for their own offspring. But now, in what is most likely the first appearance of this set of data, comes the mother of all names lists: The Top 100 Baby Names Of The 20th Century (USA). For parents who want to know what the really enduring names are, at least in the United States, this is the list to beat all lists.
This "best of the century" list, based on Social Security Card applications for births in the United States, determines and ranks the top 50 boys' names and the top 50 girls' names spanning the entire 20th century. It was compiled using the same methodology as used by the Social Security Administration in compiling their most popular names of the decade lists, i.e. by totaling the raw numbers. But in the analysis by Baby Names Garden, the time period studied is the entire 20th Century.

There are plenty of surprises: Donald in the # 13 all time spot; Dorothy in the # 9 spot for girls, followed by Betty at # 10, to name a few. It may surprise people to see Patricia at the # 2 all-time girl's spot. Plus, there are some fascinating trends revealed by the data, such as the top 10 boys' names accounting for nearly 35 million names over the century, while the top 10 girls' account for only about 15 million names, clearly demonstrating the huge variety of girls' names versus boys' names, going back to 1900.

Just as they do today, Biblical names make a strong showing on the list. On the boy's side, no fewer than six biblical names appear in the all-time top ten; on the girl's side, two names have biblical roots. This discrepancy between boys' and girls' biblical names, with boys' always being more popular, holds true today.

Given the greater volatility over time of girls' names, it is not surprising to see that some superstars of the 20th Century, such as Linda, which ranks # 3 in the century, has fallen precipitously -- all the way to # 416 by 2005. Poor Betty, # 10 in the 20th Century, has fared even worse -- the name has not ranked in the top 1000 since squeaking onto the list at # 918 in 1996.

What names are still hot? Amazingly, five boys' names from the top dozen of the 20th Century - Michael, Daniel, Christopher, Joseph and William - are still in the top twelve today. For girls, only Elizabeth (#12 in 2005) shows that kind of endurance. For more than 100 years, parents have been very traditional in picking boys' names but ready to take a chance on something new when it comes to girls' names.

So what were the Top Baby Names of 20th Century? Here are the top ten for each gender:

Boys:

1 James
2 John
3 Robert
4 Michael
5 William
6 David
7 Richard
8 Joseph
9 Charles
10 Thomas

Girls:

1 Mary
2 Patricia
3 Linda
4 Barbara
5 Jennifer
6 Elizabeth
7 Margaret
8 Susan
9 Dorothy
10 Betty

How are the superstars of the 20th Century, James and Mary, performing today? True to form, the boy's name, James, is still not far from the top. It ranked # 17 in 2005. Mary, while not slumping like some of her sister names, is not doing so well. In 2005, she was # 73. More ominous for Mary, she has been trending downward since she last held the # 1 spot back in 1961. But even if Mary falls out of the top 100, it may only be temporary. Consider the name Emily, the hottest girl's name for the last ten years. 45 years ago, when Mary was # 1, Emily was # 265. Names, like most fashions, ebb and flow with the tastes of the day.

An Issue of Mixed Messages

How can something as prevalent, accepted, and accessible in our society as drinking alcohol be so harmful, unhealthy, AND illegal when consumed at or slightly above moderate intake levels?  The simple asking of this question immediately uncovers a number of issues, one of which is the mixed messages that exist in our society about drinking alcohol.  

The Accessibility and Acceptability of Alcohol

On the one hand, consider the thousands upon thousands of bars and taverns in the United States.  Now add to this list the restaurants, night clubs, sporting events, festivals, state fairs, hotels, casinos, carnivals, etc. where alcoholic beverages are regularly served.  Moreover, add the grocery stores, liquor stores, beverage stores, the Convenient Food Marts, the 7/11 stores, and the state stores where an adult can legally purchase as many bottles, cans, and/or cases of alcoholic beverages as he or she desires.

Is Drinking Alcohol Cool?

Not only is alcohol extremely accessible in our society but there are also a number of factors that reinforce the idea that drinking alcohol is “cool.”  For instance, consider beer advertisements and commercials on TV.  Indeed, it can be argued that some of the most memorable, funniest, and “best” commercials and advertisements on TV have been those that were associated with drinking beer.  To push the point further, why would beer manufacturers spend millions of dollars for a commercial during the Super Bowl if this expenditure did not lead to more sales?  From a slightly different perspective, consider professional athletes and movie stars who, by their actions and advertisements, reinforce the idea that drinking alcohol is “cool.”

Religious Rituals and Cultural Traditions

When religious rituals that make use of alcohol, cultural traditions that encourage drinking alcohol, special events and holidays that are associated with drinking alcohol, and the increasing popularity of adding alcohol to food for enhanced flavor--when all of these are factored into the equation, it becomes obvious that alcohol is deeply ingrained in our society.  The point:  when people are surrounded with alcohol and bombarded by events, traditions, holidays, and advertisements that are alcohol-related, it becomes part of their socialization process that in turn makes it easier to simply accept that they should drink alcohol if they are to “fit in” and become members of our society.

Alcohol Abuse and Drinking While Driving

If the prevalence, acceptability, and accessibility of alcohol represent the one side of the coin regarding the mixed messages in our society, then the dangerousness, unhealthiness, and illegality represents the other.  Indeed, consider the numerous negative and harmful messages and statistics associated with alcohol abuse and drinking while driving that we have heard from the medical community, federal government, police, politicians, organizations such as MADD, and school and college administrators.

Mixed Messages and Their Consequences

When something like alcohol use is so intimately ingrained in the fabric of our society, it becomes extremely difficult to significantly alter its use and abuse in a comprehensive and beneficial manner.  I assert that one of the consequences of the mixed messages about alcohol use and abuse in our society it that it becomes extremely difficult for many individuals, especially our youth, to realistically see the destructive, unhealthy, and sometimes fatal aspects of alcohol abuse.

The Influence of the Judicial System

Unfortunately, the judicial system and the ways in which it has dealt with alcohol-related offenses is another example of the mixed messages in our society about alcohol.  For instance, until very recently, people who have received multiple DUIs have, in many instances, simply received a “slap on the wrist” for their alcohol-related behavior.  

Fortunately, some states are becoming more reality and accountability-based and are making it a felony when a person receives his or her 4th DUI within a ten-year period.  In Minnesota, for instance, this sentence includes three years in prison and a fine of not less than $14,000.00.

For many Americans, being a part of the military is the only way of life they’ve ever known. Generations of male family members, and now female as well, have been a member of the armed forces, living and moving around the globe from base to base. Others have joined for shorter terms; they’ve proudly enlisted to protect our country during a time of unrest, enrolled to obtain funding for education or simply wanted to gain experience to utilize in their futures. And although there was recent talk of reinstating the draft, we’ve avoided it so far. So currently, whatever the individual reason is, the choice to become a member of our prestigious military is a personal and optional one.

Today’s military is quite different than that of our fathers’, grandfathers’ and even those who went before them. It still entails a great deal of hard work, dedication and pride, however there are presently greater options for members of today’s armed forces. These include advancements in such areas as education, private-sector employment and of course, the decision to allow women to hold combat positions.

Housing has also advanced in leaps and bounds. The familiar barracks of the old days are quickly being replaced with full-featured ‘installations’ that include modern accommodations, sports arenas and other recreational opportunities on the grounds, as well as family support in the areas of counseling, education, medicine and more.

And although our military processes have come under quite a bit of scrutiny over the past few years, being a part of any of the five main sectors of the United States Armed Forces can provide a challenging and rewarding lifestyle. Whether it be the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force or Coast Guard, members can look forward to long or short-term careers with benefits that can last throughout their (and their family’s) lifetimes just for holding that veteran status.

Every opportunity has its pros and cons and life in the military is of course, no different. If you’re considering a new career direction or just want to learn more about it, there is an abundance of information available online to assist in making the best choice for you.

If you plan to walk down the aisle anytime soon, you should be aware that the flowers you carry might say more than you intended.

That's right; most flowers carry a meaning, or a special significance that has been passed down from generation to generation.

We can trace this "flower talk" back to the Victorian Era. It was improper in those days for a man to come out and tell a lady how he felt, so he would choose a flower with special meaning and send it her instead. Because the meaning of flowers was so well known, the woman receiving them understood the message as clearly as if it was written on a piece of paper.

Today, many people don't speak "flower talk," but on a day as important as your wedding, you should place a special emphasis on what the flowers that you carry mean.

Let's start by looking at a few of the most popular wedding flowers, and then examine their meanings.

Roses

There is a reason that roses are the most popular choice of flowers for brides. A white rose stands for innocence, beauty and charm-just the traits every bride wants to portray. A bride that chooses red roses for her wedding flowers is sending a message of passion and of fiery love. If dark pink roses are used for a wedding, the couple is expressing a thankfulness that they found each other. An ivy colored rose stands for fidelity in the marriage-something every new couple strives for.

Tulips

If you are having a spring wedding, there is simply no better way to express your love for your future spouse than by carrying a bouquet of tulips. They are not only beautiful, but speak of an undying love.

Daisies

Daisies are many people's favorite flower, but not a lot of brides use them in their wedding décor. They might if they understood their significance! Daisies stand for romance and an innocent spirit. Does that describe you?

Calla Lilies

These graceful flowers are reminders of our past generations when grace and beauty were the rule. Associated with elegance and charm, a calla lily would be the perfect flower if you wanted to create a sophisticated atmosphere for your wedding.

Now that we've looked at some of the most popular flowers, let's talk about how to use them to create just the right wedding event for you.

If you want a fairy tale type wedding, then you can't go wrong with roses-lots of them - Combine pinks-both dark and soft -and white and ivy colored ones. Be sure to wrap them in lots of sparkling tulle that matches the other colors in your wedding.

For a more sophisticated affair, use calla lilies. You can carry a single stem for a simple look, or a large bouquet for a stunning effect. Be sure to combine these flowers with elegance-both in the wedding party's attire and the surrounding decorations.

For a more casual event-such as a beach wedding-use daisies to make your guests feel cheery and at home. You can tie them with pretty ribbons that match the other colors in your wedding's décor, and then mix them with loads of baby's breath.

Finally, there simply is no better flower for a garden wedding than the tulip. Choose soft pastel colors to create a spring wedding, and then combine them with lots of feathery greenery, white linen and adoring looks!

As you can see, the flowers that you choose for your wedding will definitely set the mood. Knowing that, before you select your flowers, determine what type of wedding and reception event you want to have. Once you do that, choosing the flowers will be a breeze!

The Little Church of the West is probably one of the most historical wedding chapels in Las Vegas.  Around since 1942 this chapel, which is located on the South end of Las Vegas Strip, has married thousands of couples over the years including many celebrities.  It is listed on the National Registry of Historical Places and is the oldest existing structure on the Las Vegas Strip.

The charming chapel seats up to fifty and is made of California redwood on the exterior and cedar on it’s interior.  It offers four wedding packages which range from about $200 to around $500.  The beginning package, which goes for $200, includes a chapel wedding, photos, music, and flowers for the bride and groom.  The most expensive package, the luxury package, comes with a larger photography package, a video of the ceremony, and flowers for not only the bride and groom, but for the maid of honor and best man as well.  This package also comes with an organist instead of recorded music.  

Other services offered by the chapel include Spanish and German speaking ministers, vow renewals, and transportation including a limousine that seats six. The chapel also offers web cam broadcasting of your wedding ceremony.

As I mentioned earlier, many notable celebrities have chosen this wedding chapel to say their vows at.  Richard Gere and Cindy Crawford were married there in the early 1990s and Mickey Rooney said I do there eight times to eight different women.  Other celebrities who have said nuptials there include Red Foxx, Judy Garland, David Cassidy, Robert Goulet, and Dudley Moore.

The Little Church of the West is a beautiful chapel and it’s rich history makes it even more appealing to couples wanting to get married in Las Vegas.  In a city that is quick to implode anything and everything, the Little Church of the West has survived and is sure to be around to marry many more couples in the years to come.