Are you a member?

From the 'Damn, I'm old file'

Members Only jackets, known for their distinctive epaulettes, collar strap, and sleek design, were created in 1975 by entrepreneur Herb Goldsmith but first introduced to the U.S. market in 1980 by Europe Craft Imports. They quickly became a cultural staple of 1980s fashion, symbolizing exclusivity and yuppie style, with peak popularity throughout the decade. Some accounts mention a possible 1979-1980 launch window tied to broader cultural shifts like the Sony Walkman and Reagan's election, but 1980 is the confirmed debut year. 

People bought Members Only jackets in the 1980s for a mix of style, status, and cultural appeal. Here’s why:

Fashion and Trendiness: The jackets had a sleek, minimalist design with distinctive features like epaulettes, a collar strap, and a slim fit, which aligned with the 1980s trend toward bold, preppy, and urban styles. They were versatile, pairing well with casual and semi-formal outfits.

Status Symbol: The brand name "Members Only" implied exclusivity, appealing to the era’s yuppie culture and aspirational middle class. Wearing one signaled you were part of a cool, in-the-know crowd, much like owning a Sony Walkman or designer jeans.

Pop Culture Influence: Celebrities and media amplified their popularity. Icons like Eddie Murphy and characters in films like The Breakfast Club wore them, embedding the jackets in 80s pop culture. Their visibility in music videos and TV shows made them a must-have.

Affordable Luxury: Priced lower than high-end designer outerwear, Members Only jackets offered a sense of prestige without breaking the bank, making them accessible to a wide audience, from teens to young professionals.

Marketing and Branding: Europe Craft Imports, under Herb Goldsmith, marketed the jackets as a lifestyle choice, emphasizing individuality and belonging. Campaigns leaned into the era’s obsession with status and identity, resonating with consumers.

Cultural Context: The jackets hit during a time of economic optimism and consumerism in the U.S., tied to Reagan’s era and the rise of materialism. They became a uniform for those chasing the "American Dream" aesthetic.

I just turned 65. I had a Members Only jacket in High School. And in college. I drove a Red Corvette Convertible in the 80s and the insurance was insane. I probably was Sharper Images 'Customer of the Month' several times (if there was such a thing). I could not afford the things that I was purchasing. That never stopped me. Now at 65 I think about all the money that I spent being a material boy. 

What if I invested that money in the S&P 500? What would I have in the bank today, at 65? Historically money invested in the S&P 500 doubles around every 7 to 8 years. Damn. 

Madonna's "Material Girl": The Iconic '80s Anthem refers to one of the most enduring hits from the Queen of Pop herself—"Material Girl", the second single from her breakthrough 1984 album Like a Virgin. Released on January 23, 1985, by Sire Records, the song became a global smash, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and charting in the top 5 in countries like the UK, Australia, and Canada. 

The Song's Story and Lyrics

Madonna has described the track as ironic and provocative, reflecting her life at the time but poking fun at materialism. In a 2009 Rolling Stone interview, she said: "I am not a materialistic person."

Don't blame the kids. It's not the Internet. It's not TikTok. 

Hey, JoinNYDLA.org - it's only $25

I have some things to tell you...

They paid how much???

 

I remember it like it was yesterday: LinkedIn announced its agreement to acquire online learning company Lynda.com on April 9, 2015, with the deal officially closing on May 14, 2015. The acquisition was valued at approximately $1.5 billion and involved a combination of cash and stock.  

It also feels like it was yesterday that Microsoft acquired LinkedIn in December 2016 after announcing the $26.2 billion deal in June 2016. The acquisition brought together Microsoft's professional cloud services and the world's leading professional social network, with LinkedIn operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary.  

If you are reading this Sunday Blog, there is a very good chance that you are active on LinkedIn. I am not sure that we should classify LinkedIn as Social Media. I was one of the first 100,000 users on LinkedIn way back in the day. Somewhere in my office is a letter from Reid Hoffman when they hit their first 100K+ users thanking me (and the other 99,999 of us) for our support. I remember back then I thought that LinkedIn would be valuable if (and only if) I was looking for a job. Ok, this concept is cool, a professional network in the clouds. I am not sure if I will ever use it, because I (was) self-employed. Hey, it's free, might as well keep the account active. 

When LinkedIn acquired Lynda.com for $1B+ I thought that was crazy money. When Microsoft acquired LinkedIn for $26B+ I thought that was crazy money. Turns out that really smart people knew exactly what they were doing. The vision and mission of Microsoft was pure. The LinkedIn acquisition is now viewed as one of the best business deals of the past ten years. Maybe the past hundred years. 

For me, I still use the (free) version of LinkedIn. And every day (every single day) I connect with at least 10 new people. Some days 20, some days over 30. But there has not been a day in the past year that I have not met at least 10 amazing professionals thanks to LinkedIn. 

Or is it thanks to Microsoft? 

TomCapone.com goes to my personal LinkedIn account. Let's connect and THRIVE in the GLOBAL Cloud COMMUNITY. Yours and mine. 

https://news.linkedin.com/2015/linkedin-to-acquire-lyndacom

I'm a Math Major

For the first time, more people are paying tuition for an online education than for a traditional campus education. 

There are 775K+ alumni of Penn State World Campus. There are 600K+ alumni of Purdue University Online. There are 600K+ alumni of RUTGERS with 300K+ living in New Jersey (like me).

The technology of today has enabled a quality education from ANYWHERE in the world. 

Hey Grok - what is 'Education'

Education is the process of acquiring knowledge, skills, values, and habits through various methods like teaching, training, or self-directed learning. It can happen in formal settings (schools, universities), informal environments (home, community), or through experiences. Broadly, it’s about personal and intellectual growth, preparing individuals to navigate life, contribute to society, and adapt to change. Different cultures and systems emphasize various aspects, like critical thinking, vocational skills, or moral development, but at its core, education shapes how we understand and interact with the world.

There it is: education shapes how we understand and interact with the world.

On this Sunday I am thinking about life. Quality of Life. And how we have been told all of our lives "Gotta get a good education." 

I saw an interesting poll on social media this week: Would you advise your child to attend a trade school vs. going to college? 

Hey Grok - what is a trade school?

A trade school, also known as a vocational school or technical school, is an educational institution that focuses on teaching specific skills and knowledge needed for particular trades or careers. Unlike traditional colleges that emphasize broad academic education, trade schools provide hands-on training and practical instruction tailored to industries like carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, welding, automotive repair, cosmetology, or healthcare (e.g., nursing or medical assisting). Programs are typically shorter, lasting from a few months to two years, and lead to certifications, diplomas, or associate degrees. They aim to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce with job-ready skills.

Trade schools are becoming more popular, with enrollment surging in recent years and projections indicating continued strong growth through at least 2030. This trend contrasts with stagnant or declining enrollment at traditional four-year universities, driven by factors like rising college costs, demand for skilled trades amid labor shortages, and a shift in preferences among Gen Z toward hands-on, job-ready training.

In 2025 there are 174K+ K-20 schools serviced by the NADLA.org (North American Distance Learning Association). It is K-20 as this includes law schools, medical schools, grad schools. And each of those individual schools have alumni. Just like PENN STATE or PURDUE or RUTGERS. 

In the late 70s / early 80s I drove 732 miles each way to PURDUE from New Jersey. I made that trip many times. I lived in an apartment in West Lafayette, Indiana. Paid rent, utilities. And drove back and forth. That is what you did when you went away to college. 

Key Trends and Data for Trade Schools

Post-Pandemic Recovery and Growth: Enrollment at vocational-focused public two-year institutions (a major segment of trade schools) has rebounded sharply, increasing nearly 20% since spring 2020 to 871,000 students by spring 2025. Overall trade school enrollment grew 4.9% from 2020 to 2023, outpacing a 0.6% decline at universities during the same period.

Recent Acceleration: In fall 2024, enrollment at high-vocational-focus public two-year schools rose 13.6%, marking the second year of double-digit growth (following a 16% increase in 2023). Vocational programs overall saw a 16% enrollment jump from 2022 to 2023, a trend continuing into 2025.

Projections: Fall enrollment is forecasted to grow 6.6% annually through 2030, with market revenue expanding at 6.0% per year—far exceeding broader higher education growth of 0.8%. Much of this is expected to be driven by Gen Z interest.

Rising Interest: Search traffic for trade schools increased 27% in 2024 alone, and interest among teens and adults has nearly doubled since 2017. A 2025 survey found 33% of U.S. adults recommend trade schools over four-year colleges for high school graduates (vs. 28% for college).

OK, that is all I have for you on this crisp Sunday morning from BOONTON USA. I have to run - I'm actually teaching a LIVE class at noon for TheCloudUniversity.com and we're PoweredByZoom.com. 

Gotta get ready for class. From my home. 

Did you shoot my code?

Shoot my code!

A QR code (Quick Response code) is a type of matrix barcode (or two-dimensional barcode) that consists of black squares arranged on a white background. It can be scanned using a smartphone or QR code reader to quickly access information, such as a website URL, contact details, or other data. QR codes are widely used for their fast readability and ability to store more information than traditional barcodes. They were first developed in 1994 by the Japanese company Denso Wave for tracking automotive parts and have since become popular for marketing, payments, and sharing information.

There is a 99% chance that you already knew this, or even use QR codes today. Or DO YOU???

This past week at MetLife Stadium I was a witness to QR codes - Expert Level. The Verizon Business Tri-State (New York Metro) event was host to 'everyone' in the NY/NJ/CT region. All the folks from the Public Sector (Government, Schools, etc.) to experience what is possible in a Verizon 5G connected world.

Every booth had the ability to simply scan your badge into an iPad and you were 'in' the club. Rest assured that a Verizon subject matter expert in Cyber Security, or Retail, or Healthcare, or Logistics, or....or.... would be in touch! 

Since everyone was pre-registered for the Verizon event, all badges already had a personalized QR code right on the badge. And if you met someone while networking the event, you too could just shoot their code, or they could shoot yours.  

Do you still pass out paper business cards? I find it interesting that the world did not convert 100% to electronic business cards. Today in 2025 you can just 'bump' your smartphones and your contact information will pass from one phone to the other. Yeah, I never do that.  

I look at the evolution of my business cards. 

My first business card in 1983 was very spartan. Just a phone number. No website. There were none at that time. And a PO Box. No fax number either. There were none at that time. And no email. Again, no email yet. It was phone or nothing. Unless you want to mail me a letter. Ah yes, who remembers affordable postage? 

So we went from just a phone number, to a phone + fax to phone + fax + website + email. And then to phone + maybe fax + definitely website + definitely email + maybe QR code on the back. 

And now in 2025 you really (really) should have a QR code on the back of your business card.

For the last many years, my 'new' business card was simple. JoinNYDLA.org on the back (that is the money shot) and some simple contact information on the front. And TomCapone.com forwards to my personal LinkedIn. That was simple and served me well for a very long time. 

And for a time, I would pass out 'NYDLA Golden Tickets' at events, along with my business cards. If I was presenting or speaking, I would have TomCapone.com | NYDLA.org/GoldenTicket 'up on the big screen' behind me. Or I would leave a pile of NYDLA Golden Tickets in the back of the room, next to a pile of my business cards. 

But nothing changed the game as much as QR Codes. Or better put, properly deployed QR Codes. Everyone (anyone) who has a LinkedIn Account has a QR code that connects to their personal LinkedIn account. So, that is millions of QR Codes that may or may not be properly used. Did you know this? Do you use this feature of LinkedIn? 

But this Sunday Blog is less about technology and more about USING the technology. 

While at MetLife Stadium this past week, Verizon put a QR code up on the Jumbotron with a very (VERY) compelling reason to SHOOT THAT CODE! I watched 99% of the people on the field level of the stadium raise their smartphone to eye-level to SHOOT THAT CODE. I certainly did. I wanted that swag bag!!! 

I now see QR codes on most TV ads, and on billboards, and even on flyers that I get in the mail. Yeah, people still send me things to my PO Box in good 'ol BOONTON USA. 

AND SO....  I am due for new Business Cards. My last box of 500 cards have lasted way longer than I expected. And now I can see why. My new cards will still have JoinNYDLA.org the back - PLUS a QR code. The front of the card will have CEO@NYDLA.org as my 'catch all' email, and Call/Text to our company phone number. I may or many not put my cell number on the card, not sure yet. My prediction is that SMS/TXT will be the future, along with a solid QR code processing strategy. I might put TomCapone.com | ThomasCapone.com | TommyCapone.com on the bottom of the card, to capture the curious. Like you. 

I know you want to see where they go, right? In fact, you are typing those vanity URLs into your browser right now right? 

Or just click here: TomCapone.com 

My Tom Capone?

Cablevision was an American telecommunications company, founded in 1973 by Charles F. Dolan, that provided cable television, internet, and phone services, primarily in the New York metropolitan area. In 2016, the company was acquired by Altice USA, and the Cablevision brand has since been replaced by the Optimum brand for its services.  

Key Aspects of Cablevision | Founding and Purpose: Dolan founded Cablevision in 1973 with a focus on providing cable television services, and the company grew to be a major provider in the New York area. 

Services: Beyond cable TV, Cablevision offered a range of services, including high-speed data (internet), voice over IP (phone), and telecommunications for businesses through its subsidiary Optimum Lightpath. 

Media and News: Cablevision also owned various media assets, such as the News 12 network of local news channels and a portion of the Long Island daily newspaper, Newsday. 

Acquisition by Altice: In 2016, the multinational company Altice acquired Cablevision. 

Brand Transition: After the acquisition, Altice began phasing out the Cablevision brand, rebranding its services under the Optimum name. Altice USA continued to offer the same services in the former Cablevision service territories. 

Tom?

Cablevision | 200 Jericho Quadrangle | 2nd Floor,  West Wing | Jericho, NY 11753

It was EXACTLY 60.0 miles from my home in BOONTON USA to Cablevision. I know this because I made that trip dozens of times, starting in 2008. Back in the day I was still using MapQuest to print out paper driving instructions. Sure, I had a car phone - but it was a CAR phone, no smartphones (yet). 

What happened was Charles Francis Dolan learned that we (my company) were servicing the schools of NY/NJ/CT for DSL, converting their video conferencing from ISDN over to DSL. So, the first time I made the trip from BOONTON USA to Jericho Quadrangle it was by limo. They sent a car for me. 

Backstory: Charles Francis Dolan was an American billionaire businessman, best known as founder of Cablevision and HBO. Today, the Dolan family controls Madison Square Garden Sports, MSG Networks, Madison Square Garden Entertainment, Madison Square Garden, the Sphere, Radio City Music Hall, BBC America, and AMC Networks. 

The Dolan Family made my company MTP - MyTeachingPartners.com an 'agent' of Cablevision, so that I could sell all things cable television, internet, and phone services in the New York metropolitan area. We had 'the brand' that was valuable for BOCES of New York, and the American Federation of Teachers. 

Dolan wanted a piece of that business. Sell Cablevision, not DSL. Thanks to Charles Dolan, MTP became a brand that was well known to all the schools, colleges, universities in NY/NJ/CT. Dolan said "Tom, your brand is better than OUR brand. For education. You have reach." 

Just this past week, I did a CoffeeInTheClouds.us interview with someone that I met on LinkedIn. Their story caught my eye: they were the last passenger to exit the plane - Miracle on the Hudson. 

Dave Sanderson is one of those people that was transformed by an event. I immediately 'clicked' with Dave on our first phone call, and I'll meet with him later this month, live in New York. Dave is all about... moments. And Dave told me this week "Tom, what you have is....reach." 

MTP - MyTeachingPartners.com was born in Jericho, NY thanks to Charles Dolan. Moments. 

Just this past week, I reconnected with Tim Sanders, who I met during his book signing for DEALSTORMING in 2016. We reconnected on LinkedIn (just yesterday) and we are going to be doing some big things together in 2025 and beyond. During our phone call, Tim mentioned that I interviewed Tom Peters. 

"Tom Peters was my mentor" said Tim.

It prompted me to make a post online, acknowledging that my video podcast interview with Tom Peters changed everything for me. It gave me credibility. I remember the minute that interview ended, I said to myself: "I just interviewed Tom 'freakin' Peters..... 

I did not know Tim Sanders very well in 2016, but here we are in 2025, and it feels like we never stopped the connection. I just met Dave Sanderson, last month. A random connection on LinkedIn. I can tell, it's going to be an amazing journey with Dave. Just this week, we launched a major partnership with a very (VERY) large telecom company. Maybe my biggest project of my career. Let's put it this way: they rented out MetLife Stadium for the day, for a launch event. I'd say that is large, right? 

My point of contact at this very large telecom company just emailed me re: the Tuesday event at MetLife stadium. Tom Capone?  MY Tom Capone??? My new point of contact at this very large telecom company is the first person that I shook hands with in 2008 at Cablevision in Jericho, NY. 

Yes indeed. It's all about the moments. 

Life is all about showing up to meet the moments. 

Looks like TomPeters.com  just retweeted my tweet...

now THAT is a moment!

Happy Laborious Day

Laborious is an adjective that means requiring a lot of time, effort, or hard work. It describes tasks, processes, or activities that are demanding, tedious, or strenuous. For example, manually harvesting crops or writing a detailed research paper can be considered laborious. It can also refer to something overly detailed or lacking fluency, like a laborious writing style.

So of course the opposite of laborious would be something that is easy, effortless, simple, or undemanding. Depending on the context, other antonyms could include quick, light, or straightforward. For example, a task that is not laborious might be one that is done with minimal effort or feels natural and fluent, like a simple conversation compared to a laborious writing process.

Since 'Grok' wrote those two paragraphs above, so far, this Sunday Blog is not very laborious at all.

OK, it's all me from here on. Promise. But how would you know?

Tomorrow is Labor Day here in BOONTON USA. Labor Day is a federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the contributions of workers to the country's development and economy. It typically marks the unofficial end of summer and is often associated with parades, barbecues, and a long weekend for many workers. The holiday originated in the late 19th century, driven by labor unions advocating for better working conditions, with the first Labor Day parade held in New York City in 1882. It was made a federal holiday in 1894.

There is only one BOONTON USA in the USA, and I live there. Yesterday was the BOONTON Fireman's Parade down Main Street. The Fireman's Carnival kicks off the Labor Day Weekend celebration. When you hear the fireworks on Monday night from the Boonton High School field, THAT is when you know (officially) that Summer is over. That's the signal. 

Location: Boonton is located at approximately 40.904019 latitude and -74.4087405 longitude, in the Eastern Standard Time zone (UTC-5). It sits at an elevation of 397 meters in the Rockaway Valley, with the Rockaway River running through it, featuring notable whitewater rapids and a 25-foot waterfall known as Boonton Falls.

Population: As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Boonton had a population of 8,815, an increase from 8,347 in 2010.

History: Originally called "Boone-Towne" in 1761 after Colonial Governor Thomas Boone, Boonton was established around 1829 due to the Morris Canal and the New Jersey Iron Company. It became a separate municipality in 1867. The town played a significant role in the iron industry and later in the radio and electronics industries, with companies like Boonton Radio Co. contributing to its prosperity. It was also a stop on the Underground Railroad.

Culture and Attractions: Boonton is known for its vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and charming Main Street, which hosts art galleries, unique shops, and diverse eateries. The Boonton Historical Society and Museum showcases the town’s history, while Grace Lord Park offers scenic trails and views of Boonton Falls. Events like the Boonton Farmers' Market (Saturdays, May to November) and the annual Fireman’s Carnival add to its community spirit. {that's what I was talking about above}

Economy and Modern Significance: Once an industrial hub, Boonton is now home to high-tech companies, restaurants, and antique stores. Boonton Electronics, a leader in RF and microwave test equipment, is based here. The town is also near Interstate 287 and served by the Montclair-Boonton New Jersey Transit line.

Still me writing. I own BoontonWorks.com  Born in the 'spirit' of the old Boonton Iron Works, BoontonWorks is a virtual company that works - on Boonton Main Street. Basically, it's people with laptops. People who work from home (people who work from ANYWHERE) but who can 'meet up' with clients, customers, and with each other (once a month, once a week, once a day) on good ol' BOONTON MAIN STREET. 

AND SO, via BoontonWorks.com I can work from home, work from MAIN STREET BOONTON or jump on the bus (or the train) and I can be in THE BIG APPLE in less than an hour. Or, I can have clients/customers from anywhere in Morris County come to BOONTON USA for lunch, for dinner, or for drinks. 

And so, {with a little help from Grok} on this (not very) Laborious Day Weekend 2025 I'll be working from home, or (working?) from the dog park or working from MAIN STREET BOONTON USA. My wife and I may jump on the bus or the train to NYC for a lunch or a brunch, not sure. Maybe just Hoboken or Jersey City.  

I think I told you that there is ONLY ONE Boonton in the entire USA, right? 

BOONTON USA

Cow you doing?

 

I run the Distance Learning Association. Born in the 5 boroughs of New York City (1983) NYDLA.org expanded to all of North America (NADLA.org) and now we're global (GlobalDLA.org) 

Because of this, we partner with all of the vendors (sponsors) that 'enable' all things REMOTE. AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Logitech, Lenovo, Zoom, Adobe, GoTo, etc. The list of TBLS vendors and sponsors is LONG. 

When Rocware (Rocware.com) wanted to break into the North America market, we got the call. (GetRocware.com). This has been our 'deal' since 1983. Distance Learning > DIGITALlearning > DIGITALLIVING. TBLS: Technology Based Learning Systems. Helping the world to live, learn, work, play, teach, train, coach, mentor in the GLOBAL Cloud COMMUNITY. 

OK, MOOOOOving on.....

One of our vendors (sponsors) is Horion.com. As you can see they are similar to Rocware, and they had a need and interest to 'break into' the North America market. So last year GetHorion.com went LIVE. We started to offer all of the members of the (now) GlobalDLA.org all things Horion. 

And then, I started getting the calls. Tom, you guys now sell............. milk? 

What are you talking about? 

Typos are a funny thing. We (our family) have been buying Horizon Organic milk from our local Kings grocery store for years. My wife runs a tight ship: ORGANIC is a big word in the Capone household. So, I have been seeing Horizon Organic in my refrigerator since my oldest son was born in the 90s. 

Horion.com makes interactive flat panel displays, also known as smart boards, and related accessories for business and education. These all-in-one systems are designed to replace traditional whiteboards, projectors, and video conferencing equipment with a single touch-screen device. 

Horizon.com makes healthy kids. Horizon Organic offers a range of organic dairy products, including milk, cheese, and butter.

This 'typo' led to my meeting the leadership of Danone North America, the parent company. 

Danone North America is the North American division of Danone, a global food and beverage company headquartered in France. It focuses on producing and distributing dairy, plant-based, and specialized nutrition products, emphasizing health, sustainability, and organic standards. In the U.S., Danone North America operates as a Public Benefit Corporation, balancing profit with social and environmental goals. 

Key brands under Danone North America include:

Horizon Organic: Organic dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt.

Silk: Plant-based milk and dairy alternatives.

So Delicious: Dairy-free products, including coconut and almond milk.

Oikos, Activia, Danimals: Popular yogurt brands.

International Delight: Coffee creamers and beverages.

The company is committed to sustainable practices, such as reducing carbon emissions and supporting regenerative agriculture. Its U.S. headquarters is in Broomfield, Colorado, with additional operations in New York and other locations. The CEO of Danone North America is Antoine de Saint-Affrique, who also serves as the global CEO of Danone. Turns out that my friend Marc de Swaan Arons from Harvard is friends with Antoine. Who is friends with Hubert Joly from Harvard and of 'Best Buy' fame - one of my first 'big' CoffeeInTheClouds.us interviews. And my friend Bill George and Hubert Joly are very close friends and colleagues. I think Hubert is taking over teaching all of Bill's courses at Harvard Business School. 

AND NOW..... there is a chance that all Danone people around the world shall GetZiik.us (our newest sponsor). Because we are telling the world to become PoweredByZiik.com - because we have Ziik on page 1 | slide 1 of our website, that was the first thing that everyone saw when this typo mystery unfolded. So, they clicked on it. 

Got people? Well then, GetZiik.us  

Oh, and get milk, too. Horizon Organic. 

Organic Milk is good for you. And so are organic typos. 

www.TomCapone.com