If Baby Boomers have so much money as it keeps being reported by various media sources, why is it that so many of our children and grandchildren are living below poverty?
New Poverty Data released today by the U.S. Census Bureau indicates the number of children under 18 living BELOW poverty continues to climb---with 37 states showing an increase from 2000 to 2006.
I guess it should come as no surprise that the southern states lead the way when it comes to rural children not having enough. Even less of a surprise are the number one and two states which have the highest rates: Mississippi and Louisiana. In Mississippi, there are nearly 150,000 children living below the poverty line with an overall under 18 population of a little more than 421,000. In Louisiana, there are more than 101,000 children living below poverty. That number jumped significantly from 2006 when the total was 92,000. Could Katrina have something to do with that?
In North Carolina, where I live, the number increased from 128,000 in 2006 to more than 157,000 in 2006. In Ohio, where I used to live, the number of children living below poverty in 2006 was 128,000---up from 73,000 in 2000.
On the other side of the spectrum, Connecticut has the lowest poverty level among children under 18 with 5,993 but even that is significantly higher than the 2000 reported number of 2336.
These are startling statistics! How can this be? Who is responsible for this? Haven’t we figured out YET that the child poverty rate is widely used as an indicator of a child well-being since growing up in poverty often compromises the future health status and educational attainment of these young people? Changes in child poverty signal important changes in a child’s quality of life and future outcomes.
What are we baby boomers---especially the really rich ones--- spending our money on if we’re not spending it on our kids and grandkids? Oh, maybe we’re spending it on vacations, RV’s and other frivolous things so we can get away from them? How sad.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Friday, August 24, 2007
Say It Loud---I'm a Baby Boomer Diva and Proud!
Who would’ve ever thought a few months ago that something called the Baby Boomer Diva Web of Fame would turn into what it is today?
I had the idea back in March after meeting Singer Natalie Cole at a Women’s Empowerment Convention. I told her she would be one of my DIVAS on my website. Then I started thinking of other women I’ve come in contact with, on and offline….women I have come to admire and respect. Women in my age group who were on the move and doing what they could to make a difference personally and/or professionally.
That was the birth of the Baby Boomer Diva Web of Fame. I started out with a half dozen women. It’s now turned into 47 with 12 celebrities. Song-writer Carol Bayer Sager, Actresses Rene Russo and Linda Hamilton, Country Singer Trisha Yearwood and Sharon Osbourne are the latest to be included among the exclusive list of women who make up the Diva Web of Fame. I anticipate 100 women before the end of the year.
Wow! I have truly been blessed!!! Just last year I got fired from my good-paying television news job for writing Whatever! A Baby Boomer’s Journey Into Middle Age. I’m still struggling financially but oh, I am so much happier because I am truly pursuing my PASSION! Menopause isn't going to slow me down from enjoying what's left of my life.
And for those of you who can appreciate this: God told me all I needed was the faith of a mustard seed.
I had the idea back in March after meeting Singer Natalie Cole at a Women’s Empowerment Convention. I told her she would be one of my DIVAS on my website. Then I started thinking of other women I’ve come in contact with, on and offline….women I have come to admire and respect. Women in my age group who were on the move and doing what they could to make a difference personally and/or professionally.
That was the birth of the Baby Boomer Diva Web of Fame. I started out with a half dozen women. It’s now turned into 47 with 12 celebrities. Song-writer Carol Bayer Sager, Actresses Rene Russo and Linda Hamilton, Country Singer Trisha Yearwood and Sharon Osbourne are the latest to be included among the exclusive list of women who make up the Diva Web of Fame. I anticipate 100 women before the end of the year.
Wow! I have truly been blessed!!! Just last year I got fired from my good-paying television news job for writing Whatever! A Baby Boomer’s Journey Into Middle Age. I’m still struggling financially but oh, I am so much happier because I am truly pursuing my PASSION! Menopause isn't going to slow me down from enjoying what's left of my life.
And for those of you who can appreciate this: God told me all I needed was the faith of a mustard seed.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
From the Baby Boomers to the Babies: Passing the Torch
After my 11-month-old, I-can-walk-now grandson and I returned from the gym, we sat on the sofa while I flipped through the television channels trying to find something entertaining to hold his attention.
Lo and behold, on one of the cartoon networks there was a cartoon from MY PAST. If you're a baby boomer, you must remember Magilla Gorilla. I used to love that cartoon! When I was a little girl, it used to come on TV on a Wednesday evening (I believe) around 7:30pm. That's when prime time television was truly devoted to the kids.
I think I was more into the show than my grandson---although he did watch it. But what really caught his attention was The Secret Squirrel. Remember that one? It came on right after Magilla Gorilla. And then there was another favorite: Top Cat
After a strenuous workout in the gym, I found myself in 7th Heaven as I sat laughing at the cartoons. What a joy to be able to share a part of my childhood with my precious grandson! Now that's what you call PRICELESS!
Lo and behold, on one of the cartoon networks there was a cartoon from MY PAST. If you're a baby boomer, you must remember Magilla Gorilla. I used to love that cartoon! When I was a little girl, it used to come on TV on a Wednesday evening (I believe) around 7:30pm. That's when prime time television was truly devoted to the kids.
I think I was more into the show than my grandson---although he did watch it. But what really caught his attention was The Secret Squirrel. Remember that one? It came on right after Magilla Gorilla. And then there was another favorite: Top Cat
After a strenuous workout in the gym, I found myself in 7th Heaven as I sat laughing at the cartoons. What a joy to be able to share a part of my childhood with my precious grandson! Now that's what you call PRICELESS!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Life Begins at 40 on TV Land
Even though I recently turned the big 5-0, I can truly say my life started turning around for the better when I turned 40. Even though I was headed to divorce court and was dealing with some life-threatening medical issues, that was the TURNING POINT of my life and now it just keeps getting better and better. New Husband...New Attitude...New Passion.
Anyway, I wanted to let you that TV Land is looking for baby boomer couples who put their dreams on hold while taking care of everyone else. I'm sure some of you know how that is.
Contact Associate Producer Amber Mike at Phone: 646-747-7940 or email: amber.mike@rdfnewyork.com
Maybe I'll be seeing YOU on TV!
Anyway, I wanted to let you that TV Land is looking for baby boomer couples who put their dreams on hold while taking care of everyone else. I'm sure some of you know how that is.
Contact Associate Producer Amber Mike at Phone: 646-747-7940 or email: amber.mike@rdfnewyork.com
Maybe I'll be seeing YOU on TV!
Friday, August 03, 2007
Can Baby Boomers Find Love More than Once?
Chapter Two of my Book Whatever! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age deals with the subject of dating at middle age. I was single when I wrote it but am happy to report that I have since re-married. And guess what? We met online! So I say YES, baby boomers can find love and happiness with a new soul mate.
Here's my excerpt:
"My guy also had to be able to carry on an intelligent conversation about any subject, rock my world in the bedroom, enjoy working out (and have the physique to prove it), and appreciate my knowledge of sports. Because my job required me to make numerous public appearances, I had to insist on being in the company of a man who would make me look even better.
When I discovered none of those eligible bachelors were ready to settle down and I was, I had to switch gears and change strategies for finding a husband. I compare my experience to a shopping trip. I started out in the bargain basement. The men I met were either so cheap or broke that they wouldn’t even meet me halfway on a dutch-treat date.
As I became a more sophisticated shopper, I moved up to what I thought was a better chain. These were the men who would shower me with nice things but always, and I mean ALWAYS, expected something in return. And they didn’t believe in the layaway plan.
Then, bingo! I thought I hit the jackpot when I went upscale.
I thought I had found a true gem, only to discover years later that it was a cubic zirconia—an imitation of the real thing. I was convinced I was in the right department, but I picked out the wrong merchandise.
That was then."
I'm going to be in Baltimore, MD for a book signing and workshop on Saturday, August 18. Hope to see you there!
Here's my excerpt:
"My guy also had to be able to carry on an intelligent conversation about any subject, rock my world in the bedroom, enjoy working out (and have the physique to prove it), and appreciate my knowledge of sports. Because my job required me to make numerous public appearances, I had to insist on being in the company of a man who would make me look even better.
When I discovered none of those eligible bachelors were ready to settle down and I was, I had to switch gears and change strategies for finding a husband. I compare my experience to a shopping trip. I started out in the bargain basement. The men I met were either so cheap or broke that they wouldn’t even meet me halfway on a dutch-treat date.
As I became a more sophisticated shopper, I moved up to what I thought was a better chain. These were the men who would shower me with nice things but always, and I mean ALWAYS, expected something in return. And they didn’t believe in the layaway plan.
Then, bingo! I thought I hit the jackpot when I went upscale.
I thought I had found a true gem, only to discover years later that it was a cubic zirconia—an imitation of the real thing. I was convinced I was in the right department, but I picked out the wrong merchandise.
That was then."
I'm going to be in Baltimore, MD for a book signing and workshop on Saturday, August 18. Hope to see you there!
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Menopause is NOT the End of the World
For those of you who have not yet read Whatever! A Baby Boomer's Journey Into Middle Age, I thought now would be a great time to share with you what you're missing. The book deals with serious issues from a humorous point of view.
Chapter One deals with the symtoms associated with menopause. I'm here to tell you that menopause isn't the end of your world. It should be regarded as the beginning of a new chapter in your life.
"Have the seven dwarfs of menopause come knocking at your door yet? If you’re not sure, please allow me to make the introductions. There’s Sweaty, Bloated, Forgetful, Bitchy, Itchy, Sleepy, and All Dried Up. They don’t all show up at once, but you can rest assured they will come in, sometimes unannounced, and definitely uninvited, and, yes, they will wear out their welcome! These little menaces to society bring night sweats, headaches, fatigue, forgetfulness, muscle and joint pain, urinary incontinence, heart palpitations, anxiety, depression, yeast infections, and vaginal dryness into our lives.
According to my gynecologist, over time we may even start to lose our desire for sex. I don’t know how you feel about that, but I surely hope it doesn’t happen to me—because I’d hate to think I wasted the best years of my sex life on my ex!"
OK, there's a little snippet for you. The book is available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.
Chapter One deals with the symtoms associated with menopause. I'm here to tell you that menopause isn't the end of your world. It should be regarded as the beginning of a new chapter in your life.
"Have the seven dwarfs of menopause come knocking at your door yet? If you’re not sure, please allow me to make the introductions. There’s Sweaty, Bloated, Forgetful, Bitchy, Itchy, Sleepy, and All Dried Up. They don’t all show up at once, but you can rest assured they will come in, sometimes unannounced, and definitely uninvited, and, yes, they will wear out their welcome! These little menaces to society bring night sweats, headaches, fatigue, forgetfulness, muscle and joint pain, urinary incontinence, heart palpitations, anxiety, depression, yeast infections, and vaginal dryness into our lives.
According to my gynecologist, over time we may even start to lose our desire for sex. I don’t know how you feel about that, but I surely hope it doesn’t happen to me—because I’d hate to think I wasted the best years of my sex life on my ex!"
OK, there's a little snippet for you. The book is available on Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Tips for Keeping Your Cool this Summer
Exercise is what keeps a baby boomer diva looking like a DIVA. Working out regularly plays a key role in maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.
Even if you don’t have a membership to a health club, you can still get a good workout in by doing it outdoors. Here are some tips to help my fellow baby boomer divas keep it cool while exercising:
1) Workout either first thing in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is starting to do down.
2) Stop and rest as needed if exercising in the heat makes breathing difficult. Some people like to carry bottled water. You should drink plenty of water before and after you exercise. STAY AWAY from drinks with caffeine because they can cause you to lose fluids.
3) Pay attention to your body. Be on the lookout for signs of a heat-related illness such as dizziness, nausea, severe headache or light-headedness.
4) Wear loose fitting, light-colored clothing. You may want to look cute but look good and comfortable instead of wearing something too tight and feeling miserable.
5) If rain catches you by surprise, alter your game plan by walking in the mall or exercise along with a fitness video at home.
Finally, enjoy the company of a fellow diva while you exercise. Here’s to your good health!
Even if you don’t have a membership to a health club, you can still get a good workout in by doing it outdoors. Here are some tips to help my fellow baby boomer divas keep it cool while exercising:
1) Workout either first thing in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is starting to do down.
2) Stop and rest as needed if exercising in the heat makes breathing difficult. Some people like to carry bottled water. You should drink plenty of water before and after you exercise. STAY AWAY from drinks with caffeine because they can cause you to lose fluids.
3) Pay attention to your body. Be on the lookout for signs of a heat-related illness such as dizziness, nausea, severe headache or light-headedness.
4) Wear loose fitting, light-colored clothing. You may want to look cute but look good and comfortable instead of wearing something too tight and feeling miserable.
5) If rain catches you by surprise, alter your game plan by walking in the mall or exercise along with a fitness video at home.
Finally, enjoy the company of a fellow diva while you exercise. Here’s to your good health!
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