Sports For Chicks: 90 yr. old woman makes hole in one

Okay so I just love it when something like this happens!  According to the BBC News Hour today on NPR, Mary Tattersall of West Yorkshire, made a hole in one on a 181 yard par three.  I know hole in ones do happen occasionally, but did I mention Mary is 90 years young, and has only been golfing for two years?

She took up golf at the age of 88 to meet new people and get some good exercise, and says it beats going to the gym.  The manager at the golf course says he's tempted to go and help Mary get out of her car when she arrives, but then thinks better of it when he sees her jump right out, swing her clubs onto her back, and head for the tee.

I don't know about you, but I sure am inspired to work out today.

Illegal Happy Meals! This is "What Got To Me Today"

Oh puh-leeeaasse give me a break.  I just watched a video from abcnews.com about a law in Santa Clara County, CA making happy meals/kids meals illegal because it should be unlawful to use advertising to lure children to unhealthy foods. 

Really?  Last time I checked it was the parent who decided what their kids should have for dinner.  So what then?  We implement a law so parents don't have to hear their kids whine and beg for Happy Meals?  How weak is that?  Now, before all of the health foodies out there go ballistic (as I consider myself a version of one), let me say the following disclaimer:

I know fast food restaurants do not make their biggest profits on their healthier menu items.  I know fast food is a major contributing factor to childhood obesity in this country.  I know that fast food is often much more affordable than healthier options, and that some families cannot afford to feed their entire families elsewhere.  I know all of these facts.

What I do not know, is how county officials are allowed into my kitchen, or my car, to decide what I  feed my kids for dinner.  We don't let government into our bedrooms, so why should we let them into any other rooms of our homes (unless of course there is a CRIME being committed)?  There are so many awesome programs out there, many provided by the government, that seek to educate versus boycott.  And this is coming from me, one of the all time pro- boycotters out there.  Show me the injustice of happy meals, and I will consider your argument.

You want to take soda (pop), candy and chips out of the lunch line at public schools?  Go for it.  But when it comes to how I spend my own money on my kids, hands off.  I guess this is similar to a "dry" county, where alcohol is not legally for sale within county lines.  But if you're going to boycott kids meals based on that argument, then you have to boycott ALL fast food, not just for kids.

This is strictly about advertising, and whether or not we, as parents, give into it.

This takes me back to my Cookie Monster debate, and how the "cookie opposition people" wanted to give Cookie Monster carrots and celery instead, because cookies contribute to childhood obesity.  My argument then was the same as it is now, it is up to the parents to moderate what their kids eat.

I, for one, occasionally look forward to treating my kids to a Happy Meal,  especially, if there was a particular toy they were really crazy about.  It doesn't mean they get the entire series with 12 visits to the restaurant inside of a month.  It means I get to treat my kids to a "TREAT". 

I get the childhood obesity numbers, but again, the kids within the age range of those who want happy meals, only eat what they are provided. You want to tax it?  Fine. But you shouldn't be able to tell me I'm not allowed to buy it.

And I haven't even touched the business side of this argument.  Shouldn't it be true, if fast food restaurants are forced not too offer toys with their food, then health food restaurants should be forced to offer toys along with their kid's menus?  Both arguments, of course, are ludicrous.

This isn't an argument for big business.  This isn't an argument on whether or not fast food causes obesity.  This is an argument about whether or not the government should be allowed to decide what advertising I decide to buy into.  What's next? No trendy flavors for my coffee at the corner coffee house?  Because even though some consumers buy them because they are fun, trendy and sophisticated, they are high in fat and calories?

We, as consumers, get to decide.




 

What Got To Me Today? 80 Afghani girls fall ill at school, poison suspected

What got to me today?  People who are afraid to give girls the power of knowlege.

According to the BBC, eighty female students in Afghanistan have fallen ill while at school over the past week, the latest of which was yesterday.  It is feared, militants who oppose girls attending school are to blame, as this is far from the first time something like this has happened.  All of the girls reported a distinct odor in their classrooms before becoming sick. Investigators believe the air at the school was poisoned by the opposition to girls' education, to make girls afraid of returning to school, or punish them for being there in the first place.  A nine year old girl reported feeling dizzy, then watching her two teachers fall unconscious right in front of her eyes. 

"The Taliban and other conservative extremist groups in Afghanistan who oppose female education have been known to target schoolgirls. Girls were not allowed to attend school when the Taliban controlled most of Afghanistan until they were ousted in the 2001 U.S.-led invasion."--BBC

Before the invasion, girls were educated in secret, and if caught faced the grimmest of circumstances.   Officials estimate that militants have blown up or burned 134 schools and colleges between 2008 and 2009 in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and over ninety of them were institutions for girls.  In 2002,  15 girls were left to die inside a burning school in Saudi Arabia because the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice (religious police) would not allow them out without their proper headscarves and robes.

I know this seems far away.  I know we have our own issues, mostly financial and some safety, within our own cities, states and country.  I know we are focused on our own children's schools, our PTA's, our teacher lay-offs, the nutrition of our kids' lunches.  But when I read reports like this one, and hear of the many other stories similar to this one, I can't help but be affected.  I am angered and heartbroken and don't really know what I can do about it.  So I do the thing I do best, and that is write about it.  Somehow, I figure if more people are aware of these kinds of problems, more will take action and raise awareness.

In the U.S., our biggest gender gap falls within speculating whether or not girls get a fair shake in math and science.  Can you imagine if your daughter wasn't allowed an education at all?  Look at the woman leaders we have in this country, take note that this year there were more young women than men enrolled in our finest medical schools. Though not perfect, we as a nation, are really starting to see some equality among genders.  And though we still have a ways to go (75% to be exact) before women share the same payscale and oportunity as men, we should be so thankful, so very, very thankful, that our girls are indeed allowed an education.  And if for some reason they aren't in school, it is not because of the mere fact that they are girls.

So this is what got to me today.  Girls being poisoned so they cannot be educated.  If they are educated, they learn to read and write and reason.  They learn of other women in other places with other opportunities. They realize the impact they can have, and the changes they can make in their own countries and the world.  Knowlege is power, and the Taliban, and other organizations like them, know it.

Please visit one of my other blogs www.successfulwomenweekly.com, under the Champions For Women tab, for ongoing information and  resources or organizations helping women and girls worldwide.  Thank you.

The above photo is from The Afghan Women's Mission, Danish School For Girls.  Please visit their website to learn more.
 

Sports For Chicks: Moms should consider Lions Kids Clubs

Okay, so this might be a reach for Sports For Chicks, but since a lot of our Chick Readers are moms, I thought it would fit.

There is SO much excitement taking place in the NFL with the Draft this week/weekend.  For those of you who read me, you know I am a die-hard Detroit Lions fan...no pausing for any negative commentary here, not on my blog...Anyway, the Lions first four round picks have been substantial.  Ndamukong Suh is the number one pick for Defensive Tackle, and we got him!  Jahvid Best from California, is yet another dynamic Running Back.  Building up the depth of the team Jason Fox of Miami and Amari Spievey from Iowa.  And there are still three rounds to go.  I am so excited for the new season!!  Woo hoo!

While spending time on the Lions website, keeping track of all this excitement, I came across the info on the Detroit Lions Kid's Club.  I'm not sure why I've never checked it out before, after all, we've been taking our kids to games for years.  It's so cool I wish I could join it...ummm, but I'm a little over the age limit.  (Shhh!)

For $20 bucks, your kid gets quite a bit if they are a Lions fan.  It's even more beneficial to the ones who often go to games, or if you're on a budget like us and try and catch a pre-season game.  Don't forget, Ford Field has a family section now too without cigarettes, alcohol or that colorful crazed-fan language.

Here's some of what you get:  A welcome letter from Roary, a Free 2010 pre-season ticket, video birthday greeting from a Lions player, tee shirt, membership card, Lions pencils and other goodies, a Lions Yearbook or Program, automatic entry into the Educational School Assembly Contest (a visit at school from Roary and the "Lions Leaders for Life" assembly), quarterly newsletters, an opportunity to watch a 20 minute warm-up from the sideline, a chance to form the Lions tunnel on the field and a pre-game Tailgate Party just for kids club members.  That's a LOT for $20 if your kid is into Lions Football.

Anyway, just wanted to share the Lions love with all the mom Chicks out there. Go Lions!

Women need to take a stand against Ben Roethlisberger: A Sports For Chicks and What Got To Me Today? Combo!

This is the first time ever my Sports For Chicks series also qualifies for my What Got To Me Today? series.  I can't believe what I am hearing today about the way the NFL is handling the Ben Rothlesberger scandal.

For those of you unfamiliar with this particular topic, here it is in a nutshell:  Ben Roethlisberger is the beloved quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He has been accused of sexually assaulting a 20 year old woman in a bathroom while two of his cronies guarded the door.  He did not rebut the charges.  This is not his first alleged sexual abuse.  He kind of has a habit of women accusing him of not knowing the meaning of "no means no". This is the second time he's had to say something like, " I'm sorry this makes my team look bad" but never sorry to the girl.

  I love football more than any other sport, and next to the Lions, have been a huge fan of the Steelers, but more back in the day when Cower was coach and Bettis battled though the defense as a monster fullback, even back when Cordell Stewart was the man in the pocket.  That being said, I can't convey enough, how the NFL let me down today.

All we're hearing in the media is what a great example NFL Commissioner Goodell is setting for players across the league because he suspended Roethlisberger for six games.  The district attorney on the case says there is not enough evidence to prove the crime beyond a reasonable doubt, so that is why he didn't indict.  I get that.  I'm totally for the "innocent until proven guilty" thing in a court of law.  But what do you say about a guy who has two sexual assault allegations over the past two years? Both with the same MO, and the rumor mill says there are more that date back to when he was in college.  For pete's sake he is being called  "a serial rapist that won't get busted because he's Big Ben".  At least, he should have steeper consequences on the field and in the eyes of his fans.

Which fans?  How about the hundreds of thousands of kids in this country who sport his jersey?  How about the hundreds of thousands of female fans who sport his jersey in pink?  Ben Roethlisberger is in the top ten most recognizable faces list for the league.  He is one of the NFL's mega-star quarterbacks.  If he was any other joe, without the money, resources, and fame, he'd be locked up already.

So, yay, Big Ben can't play six whole games. Awww...that is so sad.  He might even have to think of the consequences of his actions while he sits on the bench, for three hours before hopping into his fully loaded Cadillac Escalade and driving home to his life of luxury. Those two women aren't living a life of luxury.  They aren't even asking (in case you thought they might be law-suit happy).  They are sitting on a different bench, living with real consequences.  You know what?  Enough is enough.

An article in the Florida Sentinal today talked about the power of the NFL's female fans.  And there are a LOT of us...like 34%.  If the judicial system isn't going to take a stand against this kind of behavior, and the league is only going to give Roethlisberger a time-out, then I say female fans need to take matters into their own hands.  I think we need to take the boycott ball and run with it!  No more Steelers #7 jerseys, no more ticket sales, cutoff Steelers support and encourage their husbands, boyfriends and anyone else to do the same until Big Ben is out.

The NFL is my favorite place to be every Sunday between August and February.  I literally live and breathe football during the season...especially my LIONS.  So I want the NFL to live up to the adoration of its fans, and to appreciate the fact that a huge number of fans out there are wearing pink jerseys, and have influence over those wearing every other color of jersey.

So Mr. Goodell, show us, all of your female NFL fans, a little respect.  Many of us are the ones shopping in your NFL stores and signing the credit card statements. We are throwing the parties to rally around your games. We are worthy of more than you are giving. On the eve of the Draft, please, please, please, give us a reason to stand up and cheer for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the rest of the league, by standing up for what is right for women.

Sports For Chicks: Phil Mickelson deserves headline for winning Masters 2010

Augusta, Georgia.  The Masters 2010.  It was suspenseful, it was exciting, and Phil Mickelson played the game of his career.  Every story covering the Masters should start with Phil's win.  His 139 yard sinker, his eagle-eagle-birdie, his courageous "are you kidding me!" shot out from behind two pine trees in the rough.  For the human interest angle, the embrace of his cancer stricken wife, Amy,  that never seemed to end.  She, their children and Phil's mother had traveled to Augusta to be there.  Amy had been resting the entire trip, but made it to the 18th hole on Sunday to be there when he took the title. 

These are the stories that should be headlining Masters media coverage.  NPR was the only media outlet I heard this morning who stuck to Phil Mickelson's win, and left Tiger Woods as an afterthought. Kudos NPR.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing this morning on the networks.  For example, the TODAY show (of which I am a fan) started their coverage like this:  "Tiger Woods finished fourth at the Masters Sunday."  They went on to talk about the anticipation of Tiger beginning the week, how he took the loss and when we'd see him play again.  THEN, they mentioned that Phil Mickelson won. To top it off, they didn't mention any of the other players giving Phil a run for his money: Westwood, Choi, Kim or Couples.

PLEASE!  I like Tiger Woods too.  I think he's an excellent player and I'm glad he's returned to the game.  But I like Phil Mickelson just as much and he's the one who played stellar golf this past week, he's the one wearing the green jacket, he's the one who deserves the adoration, first mention on Masters coverage, and the headline.  Congratulations Phil Mickelson.

A Review of Sorts: The Way We Were 1974

I know, I know,  what the heck am I doing reviewing a movie that had it's 25th Anniversary Edition formatted in 1999?  On VHS!!  Well, truth be told, I was strolling around the Saline District Library and saw the title.  I had always heard about "The Way We Were", and of course I knew the theme song sung by Barbra Streisand.  I knew she and Robert Redford were the stars and I figured it was just a really good romance, chick flick.

Well, was I ever pleasantly surprised!  Yes it is a romance, but with a lot of substance!  For those of you readers who know me, you probably know at least two of my passions: writing (no-brainer there) and politics.  This movie has them both in spades.  As a matter of fact, he, Hubbell Gardiner (Redford) is a writer, and she, Katie Morosky (Streisand) is an activist/writer for radio. And kudos to selecting the name "Hubbell". What a cool name for a beefy and sensitive guy, and it rolls well off of Streisand's tongue whether she is crying it, laughing it or yelling it.

Hubbell and Katie are truly opposites, and have this incredible roller coaster relationship in the 1940's, amongst all that goes with that time, as quoted on the movie jacket, "foreign war, domestic prosperity and McCarthy-era paranoia in Hollywood."  For those who aren't into politics, no worries, it is not in-depth enough to be boring or a distraction.  The relationship itself is a classic one, that mirrors the relationships we all have had, and I'm sure some people still have in current day.

I love this movie, and Redford never looked better! (Seriously!)  Streisand is beautiful and the storyline just as attractive. I recommend it highly.  Not only is it a good movie, but it is a kind of motion picture history that I hope doesn't get lost among the archives. It is worth renting, I'll probably find a way to own it.  The best way to view it though is for free, from your District Library.  Enjoy!