Women You Should Know: Desirée Rogers

Desirée Rogers has what I consider to be one of the best jobs in the world as the White House Social Secretary. For those of us not as familiar with the position, the White House Social Secretary is responsible for the planning, coordination and execution of official social events at the White House, the official residence and principal workplace of the President of the United States. She is the official event planner for President and Mrs. Barack Obama.

Dressing the Part At Work

Sage advice in the workplace has always been to “dress for the job you want.” However, with an increasingly business casual culture, the line between business appropriate and a hot mess have been forever blurred. I’ve had to catch myself a few times in the mirror trying to determine if tall black boots with a particular skirt passes the business appropriate test. Unfortunately, it is not until you get to the office, and get the once over from a colleague that you figure out you’ve made the wrong call. And of course, that is the same day your boss calls you in to join an important meeting.

Understanding Organic Food

I’m not embarrassed to say that I have no idea what “organic food” really is. I understand it from an abstract level, but if I had to define it, its attributes, and benefits, I’d be pretty hard pressed. Fortunately for us, Savvy Health Girl breaks it down.

Don’t Hate on Your 401(k)

You would think that tax-free contributions to your 401(k) would mean nothing but love. Unfortunately, we avoid opening 401(k) statements like a crazy ex. Kiplinger suggests we show a little tender loving care to our “not once what it was” 401(k) accounts.

Change We Can Believe In: Black History Month

This was a pleasant surprise stumbling into my inbox. Not to suggest this wasn’t done in past Administrations, but it was particularly pleasing to see what looks to be a brand new government web site dedicated to Black History Month.

Black Youths, Depression, and Suicide

I never thought suicide was something that happened in our community. I had never known anyone who had committed suicide. Everyone died the old fashioned ways: natural, accidental, or violent. And depression wasn’t something my family ever talked about either. “Life is hard. Deal with it,” was the advice we took from our elders. After all, therapy was for the rich and weak, who did not look like us. I wasn’t ready or eager to be wrong. Chicago Sun-Times columnist, Mary Mitchell, shatters the myths of black youths, depression, and suicide – and implores us to teach our children its okay to seek help.

This Week in Washington: February 9, 2009

This week, President Obama will hold his first formal news conference and make visits to Elkhart, Indiana and Fort Myers, Florida to discuss the economic stimulus package. The Senate convenes on Monday to continue consideration of the economic stimulus package, and may consider voting on four nominees for top positions at the Department of Defense. The House convenes on Monday to begin preparing for a conference (resolution of differences) between the House passed and soon-to-be Senate passed versions.

Decline in Breast Cancer Analyzed

The Wall Street Journal writes on the decline in breast cancer based on a recent study. The study suggests the decline was due to the 2002 warning on hormone-replacement drugs: Breast cancer’s sudden decrease in several countries can be credited to a 2002 federal warning against overuse of hormone-replacement drugs after menopause, a new study argued.

Unemployed?: Tips for Tax Time

Doing your taxes is difficult enough. But if you’re dealing with a layoff, it can be even more difficult to navigate what is required for tax filing purposes. CNNMoney.com offers answers for filing as the April 15 deadline approaches.

Nickled and Dimed? Fight Bill Creep

Karen Blumenthal writes in the Wall Street Journal on ways to combat extra fees that mysteriously show up on your bills: The bane of my budget isn’t a trip to the mall or dining out, but an insidious creature who takes more than his share when I’m not looking. I call him “Bill Creep.” You almost certainly know him if you have two of the most wonderful conveniences of modern life: a cellphone and cable or satellite TV. But you may also recognize his wily nature if you have stuff stashed in a storage unit, belong to a health club or subscribe to a video-rental service.

« Previous Page — Next Page »