Women in America: Indicators of Social and Economic Well-Being

In honor of Women’s History Month, the White House in conjunction with the White House Council on Women and Girls released the new report entitled, Women in America: Indicators of Social and Economic Well-Being.

The report summarized how women of today are faring as oppose to how we were doing in the ’70’s, and decades after. The report focused on six topics, people; families and income, education; employment; health; crime and violence. It breaks down by age and demographics how we are faring in each topic.

I know what you’re saying, how can anyone possibly quantify or summarize the experiences of women around the country? Take this report as more of a referendum on the totality of the experience of being a woman in the United States of America in 2011. Take a look after the cut for my thoughts.

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Yesterday President Obama signed into law the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. First lady Michelle Obama came to the event, held at the Harriet Tubman Elementary School in Washington, D.C. The act will increase the number of children in school lunch programs by 115,000, (let’s hope that number grows), increase the reimbursement rate for school districts meal programs by six cents, and increase health guidelines for school vending machines.

Michelle Obama launched the Lets Move! campaign in February, 2010, hoping to combat the childhood obesity epidemic in the UnitedStates. The campaign aims to increase healthier food in schools, lobby for better nutrition labeling, and increase the physical activity for children. Congrats Mrs. O!

-Angel

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Despite controversy over his seeming capitulation to the GOP tax agenda, and a fed court ruling that part of his healthcare bill was unconstitutional, President Obama was all smiles when he honored the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday. The event was held at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington. Obama celebrated the Lakers second consecutive NBA championship.

The Lakers were the recipients of this presidential honor last year and in true Obama-unorthodoxy, he changed tradition by not holding it the East Room at the White House.

After giving remarks on the teams court prowess, Obama and the Lakers joined kids from the Boys and Girls Club of Washington, D.C.; where they wrapped Christmas care packages for injured soldiers at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The Lakers presented Mr. O with a signed ball and a replica of the championship banner, signed by the team.

(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Kobe looks like he’s awe-struck by Obama… You’d think he would be use to this by now since the Lakers can’t seem to lose. Oh yeah, you might as well get ready for the Lake Show slaughter tomorrow when Kobe and his basketball comrades face the Washington Wizards. *Sigh*

-Angel

REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

As Christmas swiftly approaches, the first family is once again swept up in a cacophony of Christmas tree lightings, holiday previews and do-gooding. They don’t mind of course, its all tradition. This Thursday President Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and their daughters will light the National Christmas Tree at the 88th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting.

They’ll join rapper Common, who is set to host the annual event on the Ellipse in President Park, Washington D.C. B.B. King, Maroon 5, Sara Bareilles and others will perform at the event that will broadcasted on public television stations December 10, and streaming live on TheNationalTree.Org on December 9.  And for all you folks that are young at heart, our very own Mrs. O will read, “Twas the Night Before Christmas.”

Ho, ho, ho

-Angel

President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama host a Hanukkah reception in the East Room of the White House / (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama hosted a Hanukkah reception in the East Room of the White House on Thursday, December 2. The menorah used in the celebration comes with a unique story. It was found caked in the dirt and mud after Hurricane Katrina, at the Orthodox Synagogue, Congregation Beth Israel.

Now let’s see what the first couple will do to commemorate Kwanzaa…ahem. Wondering where Mrs. O got that drool worthy blue sequined cardigan that she’s rockin’? For a recession friendly $1935, you can snag the L’Wren Scott sweater here.

-Angel

Looks like the Obama’s are ignoring all of the media fodder about them vacationing too much! They’ve been spotted out every night, enjoying that New England weather and their famous culinary delights.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama at Sweet Life Cafe / Jewel Samad / Getty Images

The first night we saw President and First Lady Michelle Obama, they were spotted leaving Sweet Life Cafe in Oaks Bluff where they dined that night. Mrs. O dawned a black and white Narciso Rodriguez dress, and Mr. O wore one of his famously tailored suits.

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama leaving State Road restaurant/ JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Image

The second night the Obama’s opted for a more casual dining experience and visited State Road restaurant; where Mrs. O wore a multi-print frock with leggings.

I’m sure paps will capture more images of the first couple, seeing as though the media is a bit obsessed with the personal life of this particular president. The Obamas will be vacationing in Martha’s Vineyard until August 29th.

President Obama at a seafood restaurant/ AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File

In an obvious show of faith, President Obama held a BBQ this past weekend at the White House specifically featuring seafood from the Gulf of Mexico. President Obama is launching a seafood safety initiative to help business owners in the area, and quell Americans fears that seafood from that area may be rotten.  NBA stars like Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul showed up at the barbecue as well.

According to Politico Click, guests to the BBQ included:

Denver Nuggets small forward Carmelo Anthony

Houston Rockets small forward Shane Battier 

Denver Nuggets point guard Chauncey Billups

Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (not playing)

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Derek Fisher

Los Angeles Lakers power forward Pau Gasol

Phoenix Suns swingman Grant Hill

Miami Heat small forward LeBron James

Los Angeles Lakers Hall-of-Fame point guard Earvin “Magic” Johnson

Connecticut Huskies forward Maya Moore

Retired Miami Heat center Alonzo Mourning

New Orleans Hornets point guard Chris Paul

Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose

Boston Celtics Hall-of-Fame center Bill Russell

Oklahoma City center Etan Thomas

Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade

-Angel

President Obama

To celebrate President Obama’s 49th birthday, NBA heavy weights like Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony and Dwayne Wadecame out Sunday to shoot some hoops with the prez. The game was held at a gym a Ft. Washington’s Fort McNair; and was played in front of wounded troops and White House Mentoring program participants. NBA Legends Magic Johnson and Bill Russell also participated in the pick-up game.

I know what you’re thinking, no it wasn’t for a photo opp. President O actually closed the festivities to press because he, “just wanted to play”; White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told the associated press.

This is one of my favorite parts of this administration, their inclusion of everyday people, and the fact that they don’t eschew pop culture, rather embrace it. Pretty cool to me.

-Angel

Madame Tussauds Celebrated President Obama's Birthday in 09

Today is President Barack Obama’s 49th birthday! *Singing* Happy Birthday to ya!

President Obama’s birthday falls three months shy of election primaries, so I’m sure turning 49 is the last thing on his mind. President O will be in D.C. today, addressing an AFL-CIO Executive Committee, then jet-setting to Chi-town where he’ll have dinner with friends and get a chance to relax at his Hyde Park home. The First Lady and the girls won’t be in attendance; Malia’s away at camp and Michelle and Sasha are traveling to Spain today.

That’s ok, here’s a cake from us, President O!

Obama Birthday Cake

-Angel

D.C. Don Juan

I know you’ve seen us report on this charismatic rapper in the past on AEAL. But we’re here to re-introduce you to D.C. Don Juan. We decided to go more in depth about his thoughts on the industry, why he looks up to President Obama, and what he has that the others don’t that will push him to the top.

Why have you chosen to focus on positive music when most of the content we hear in rap is focused on the proverbial money, cars and women?

I write what I believe in.We all love money cars and clothes but that’s not all that life is about. I like to talk about relationships alot, and the beautiful presence of a female. I’m not saying I’m a perfect saint but glorifying positivity puts me in a better place mentally. We all got our struggles and negativity, so I try and make my music an escape route.

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