Political conventions used to make history

This week Democrats held their national convention in Denver with Senator Barack Obama accepting on Thursday. He became the first African American in history to be the nominee of a major American party. Today, Senator McCain fired back by offering the possibility of history himself by choosing Governor Sarah Pallin of Alaska to be his Vice Presidential nominee. So whether a Democrat or a Republican wins in November history in America will be made.

Independents and women voters will be critical voters in November and they will be courted heavily by both parties. Now that the party presidential tickets have been chosen it will be interesting to see how this plays out in state races across the country.

Thank goodness Football is back!

That’s right I said it. I’m a woman who loves the NFL. To be more specific I am woman who grew up in Redskins territory but loves the Pittsburgh Steelers. Yes, everybody get your terrible towels out! I am so excited. The Olympics was anticlimactic for me. My favorite sports to watch are swimming, diving, and track and field. We did ok but our track and field athletes did not live up to the dominance we are capable of in the sport. So I turn my attention to football.

I’m not even asking for much from my Steelers this year. I’m not hoping for a SuperBowl ring but ya’ll better be in the playoffs fighting for the chance. For beginners or those that want to at least know what they are looking at when they watch a game go to NFL.com and read the rulebook. Knowing the basics will make the game more enjoyable. And if you can, do some tailgating. Football is supposed to be fun so enjoy. The official season starts September 4 as the Washington redskins take on last year’s SuperBowl champions, the New York Giants. Are you ready for some football!!!

Does a 4-day work week really work?

Many companies in the US and Canada have or are considering implementing a four day work week. The reason is to save on energy costs and be environmentally friendly by reducing the greenhouse gases given off by commuters in cars. The benefit to workers is more time to relax and spend time with their families or enjoying their lives outside the office. The challenge is to implement the shorter work week without shortening the pay. Most employers just have workers working longer hours.

Some employers are worried about worker productivity dropping with a shorter work week but studies are finding that workers are much in favor of the shortened week. However, workers like the idea of a voluntarily versus mandatory four day work week. They seem to like the four day work week to be one of many options offered in a company’s flexible work plans. Flexible work plans go a long way to show a company’s support of an employee right to work/life balance.

Stay-at-home wives is a growing constituency

Many women leave their jobs and careers to become stay-at-home moms. But there is a growing segment of women who leave their careers to focus on homemaking and having a better relationship with their husbands. These women do not have children. Some say these women are a status symbol that tells the world that this couple has enough money coming into the household that both people are not needed to work. But stay-at-home wives say it’s not about being a status symbol but making a lifestyle choice. They say they are less stressed and more able to focus on home and other desires like volunteer work and creative outlets. If a woman has a choice and chooses to stay home, why shouldn’t she? There are a lot of working women who would love to have this option available even if they never make the choice to stay home. I know I would.

China doing all she can to change image for the Olympics

China wants the world to love her. That means she does not want detractors to have their say while she is hosting the biggest sporting event in the world. The Chinese government will block many web sites during the Olympics. There is a continuous crackdown on human rights activists, with many being jailed without a trial. There is also a huge push to clean up the air pollution. Factories have been temporarily shut down, cars on the roads have been limited, and workers are temporarily able to work from home. All of this is an effort by the Chinese government to show China as a country of harmony and stability. But does the government think we are buying what they’re selling?

A few weeks of clean air and blocking web sites is not going to disguise China’s flaws. You have poor air quality and horrible labor practices. Your treatment of Tibet is atrocious and you have more people languishing in your jails for bogus charges. While we will watch the Olympics and cheer for our athletes don’t let our applause fool you. You have a long way to go China in changing your world image.

Don’t live in the dark

Over the years Americans have adopted an escapist attitude. We want to be entertained and take a break from whatever our reality may be, if only for a little while. Even after 9/11 happened, we are less informed about what our future may hold. Other countries around the world know more than we do because so goes America, so goes the world. We have such reactionary culture. We wait until things happen to make a change instead of being progressive and avoiding things we can control.

We can control our health. We can control our level of success and wealth. We can control how much living we get in before we die. But we choose to walk around powerless, allowing life to happen to us. Now we are facing a recession. Instead of complaining or waiting for our government to give us relief, we should decide what we are going to do to improve our lives and the lives of others. The more proactive we are, the more change can happen. So be proactive and change your life.

It’s time for the good reverend to retire

In the 2008 State of the Black Union, hosted by Tavis Smiley, a panelist made a statement urging people to be sure they knew the difference between “black leaders” and “leading Blacks”. The implication being that a black leader is given the title while a person “leading blacks” has placed the title of leader upon himself.

For many years, Reverend Jesse Jackson has been on the front lines of civil rights issues and issues facing Black Americans. He has also been seen as a moral compass for many Americans. In the past, we would have called him a leader. Since news of his extramarital affair that led to a child and now his remarks about Senator Obama, as well as his alleged use of the “N” word, the Reverend is showing signs of a leader on his way out who is trying to hold on to his past influence. His recent remarks show that he is no better than Reverend Jeremiah Wright when it comes to Black Americans lifting each other up one minute and in the next moment tearing each other down. At least the Reverend tried to make private comments, even though how private he thought he could be while still on mic is anyone’s guess.

I’m curious. If he was so troubled by Senator Obama and his conversation with the parishioners of a Black church why didn’t he contact Senator Obama with his concerns? I think it’s time for Reverend Jackson to retire from public life so that he can say what he wants without having people scramble for damage control.

Recession is changing the way we live

In a slow economy we tighten our budgets and open our wallets only when necessary. Even the wealthy are reconsidering their purchases and expenses. We are changing the way we shop, the way we have fun, and the strategies we employ to be successful employees and business people. But is this the right thing to do?

People spending keeps the economy going. The problem is we have overextended ourselves and now our incomes are not able to keep up with our cash outflows every month. As the economy slows, salaries remain static, and business owners are laying off workers, finding the money to give us relief is nowhere to be found. Another problem is our distrust of our government.

Our government is just as bad, if not worse than we are at overspending in a daily basis. And the bills just keep adding up. If our government can’t fix her own debt problems, why should we believe she can find solutions for us? The decisions they’ve made or failed to make have placed us in our current position. While it may be true that some sort of recession comes along every five to ten years, the solutions used to correct the economy in the past will not work this time. New solutions are needed at the government level. At our level, we need to be more proactive politically and financially. Our financial futures are in our own hands. Maybe as we citizens become more fiscally responsible, the government will see us as examples and follow our lead.

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Fourth of July! As we honor the people that fought and worked tirelessly for our independence, let us not forget the people, especially our armed forces, that continue to fight to maintain our freedom. Enjoy the holiday with friends and family as you watch fireworks but take a moment to remember those whose family is not home today.

The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat…It’s time for the Olympics!

The 2008 is fast approaching. On August 8, 2008 in Beijing, China 205 countries will have over 10,000 athletes competing in over 30 events. For many athletes this is their moment and they’ve been waiting for four long years. Lat weekend, the U.S. Olympic trials in diving and gymnastics took place. In diving, the athlete with the highest score was guaranteed a spot on the Olympic team. In gymnastics the top two athletes were guaranteed spots. Then the top 6 in diving and the top 12 in gymnastics will go to selection camps where the rest of the teams will be decided. The men’s gymnastics team has already been named.

Starting today, the Olympic trials continue with swimming and diving. Live television coverage will take place on NBC and USA so check your local listings. You can also go to NBCOlympics.com. The site has information about our athletes and their sports. During the Olympics, you can watch live streaming video of the events so you don’t miss any of the action. Other web sites you can check out are Olympic.org and the official web site of this year’s Olympics, beijing2008.com.

Not everyone is happy about this year’s Olympics. Protesters against China’s treatment of Tibet are protesting the Olympics and the fact that President Bush may be in attendance at the opening ceremonies. U. S. are urging the President not to attend but he’s said that he wants to support our athletes as they pursue their Olympic dreams. He doesn’t feel that the Olympics should be made political. Since China has taken over almost 50% of our current debt, I doubt the President is going to turn down an invitation to attend the world’s greatest sports event.

Happy Juneteeth!

In communities around the country, annual Juneteenth celebrations are taking place. Also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, Juneteenth is recognized as an annual holiday or holiday observance in 29 states. The holiday originated in Galveston, Texas and commemorates the abolition of slavery in Texas. On June 19, 1865, two and a half years after Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation became law, Union General Gordon Granger marched into Galveston, Texas with his federal troops to take possession of Texas and enforce the emancipation of her slaves. When the slaves learned of their freedom they celebrated in the streets. A year later the first Juneteeth celebration took place. Today many people celebrate Juneteeth in addition to celebrating the Fourth of July. To find out more about Juneteenth and what celebration are taking place near you go to Juneteenth World Wide Celebration.

Oh Yes, I think They Can Dance!

Fox is back with season four of its summer hit, So You Think You Can Dance. In Round One, the dancers delivered big time. While not every performance was flawless, the bar has definitely been raised from last year. Not only has the talent level increased but the level of difficulty and creativity in choreography has also increased.

Mia Michaels choreographed a masterful routine, centered on the idea, “What would Tim Burton’s wedding be like?” Mark and Chelsie rose to the occasion and brought the concept to life. I was definitely a believer. If this is what Ms. Michaels is bringing to the stage in round one, I eagerly look forward to what she’ll create for the rest of the competition. I am also looking forward to seeing Wader Robson’s choreography for tonight’s group dance. He and Mia are truly dance visionaries. When you watch their work you know that not only will you be entertained but you have just witnessed greatness. We are blessed to be able to experience their work from the comfort of our living rooms. Wade and Mia are not the only choreographers to watch.

Even though she is no longer a judge I hope Debbie Allen will choreograph a number for the show. Hip Hop couple choreographers Tabitha and Napoleon brought some exciting work to the stage. Joshua and Katee danced to R& B Hit, No Air, by American Idol winner Jordan Sparks and Chris Brown. It was my other favorite performance of the night. It expressed the emotion involved as soldiers leave their loved ones to go to war. It was such a special and memorable piece and hit home for many, including myself, who have or had loved one serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. So many performances were really good but I don’t think a favorite dancer has emerged just yet.

Last year first runner up, Danny, was my favorite dancer from day one. He didn’t win the competition but I have no doubt he’s gainfully employed. He is definitely a choreographer’s dream. Danny made such an impression on me I wasn’t sure if this year’s talent would be at his level. While I don’t see a “Danny” the talent level is definitely high enough. I know I’m in for another great season. I don’t have a favorite yet but I hope that Twitch and Comfort stick around for another show, they bring such a positive attitude and talent to their performances and when they face critiques from the judges. So please don’t forget to vote in order to keep your favorite dancer in the competition.