The White House

Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
October 01, 2010
Presidential Proclamation--National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

 While considerable progress has been made in the fight against breast cancer, it remains the most frequently diagnosed type of non skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in our country.  This year alone, over 200,000 Americans will be diagnosed and nearly 40,000 lives will be claimed.  During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting breast cancer research, and to educating all Americans about its risk factors, detection, and treatment.  As we display pink ribbons on our lapels, offices, and storefronts, we also support those courageously fighting breast cancer and honor the lives lost to this devastating disease.

 Thanks to earlier detection and better treatments, mortality rates for breast cancer have steadily decreased in the last decade.  To advance the life saving research that has breathed promise into countless lives, the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Department of Defense are investing hundreds of millions of dollars annually in breast cancer research and related programs.  Through funding from the Recovery Act, the National Cancer Institute is also conducting and supporting research and training projects, as well as distributing health information, to help Americans with breast cancer and health care providers face this disease.

 Knowing what may contribute to breast cancer is an important part of its prevention.  Risk factors for breast cancer include family and personal history, radiation therapy to the chest for previous cancers, obesity, and certain genetic changes.  Being cognizant of these possible risk factors, as well as maintaining a healthy body weight and balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting regular screenings, may help lower the chances of developing breast cancer.  I encourage all women and men to talk with their health care provider about their risks and what they can do to mitigate them, and to visit Cancer.gov to learn about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of breast and other cancers.

 Screenings and early detection are also essential components in the fight against breast cancer.  For women ages 40 and over, regular mammograms and clinical breast exams by health care providers every one to two years are the most effective ways to find breast cancer early, when it may be easier to treat.  Women at higher risk of breast cancer should discuss with their health care providers whether they need mammograms before age 40, as well as how often to have them.  Regular mammograms, followed by timely treatment when breast cancer is diagnosed, can help improve the chances of surviving this disease.

 In order to detect breast cancer early, we must ensure all women can access these important screenings.  The Affordable Care Act, which I was proud to sign into law earlier this year, requires all new health insurance policies to cover recommended preventive services without any additional cost, including annual mammography screenings for women over age 40.  The Affordable Care Act will also ensure that people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer cannot be excluded from coverage for a pre-existing condition or charged higher premiums.

 During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we stand with our mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends, and we recognize all who have joined their loved ones in fighting their battle, as well as the advocates, researchers, and health care providers whose care and hard work gives hope to those living with breast cancer.  By educating ourselves and supporting innovative research, we will improve the quality of life for all Americans affected by breast cancer and, one day, defeat this terrible disease.

 NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim October 2010 as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  I encourage citizens, Government agencies, private businesses, nonprofit organizations, and all other interested groups to join in activities that will increase awareness of what Americans can do to prevent and control breast cancer.

 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of October, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
BARACK OBAMA

New York City is a magical place during the summertime: free concerts abound; street fairs and festivals seem to await at every bend; and even the most indoor of activities—movie watching—takes to the outdoors. Top that off with Independence Day celebrations (American and  French) and ongoing cultural festivals where guests don’t just watch but can learn to dance or meet Broadway stars, and there should be no doubt that NYC is the place to be when the weather is warm. With so many options, it can be tough to figure out where to start. This slideshow of things to do in July should help.

The event planning industry is coming into its own. What has been seen for decades as an elite service for the wealthy and/or corporate America is slowly transforming into a service that eliminates the hassle and headaches of planning events for American families and communities. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, employment of event planners is expected to grow 20 percent from 2006 to 2016. Apart from this raw growth of numbers, however, a significant shift in the make-up of event planning services is taking place across the United States.

Corporate vs. Private Event Planning
Much of the anticipated growth in the event planning industry still derives from the corporate world in the form of business meetings, conferences, conventions, etc. Yet, there are also indications that private individuals are availing themselves of these services more and more, especially as the industry becomes more trusted, widely recognized, and cost-effective. Indeed, as the economy has taken its downward turn, event planners have been able to insulate themselves from hardship, or at least keep their business afloat, by marketing their services to individuals and various niches within the larger marketplace. While many failed corporations are no longer spending lavish amounts of money on corporate events, the Joneses, Smiths, and Browns are still here, and they're still getting married, having birthdays, and celebrating rites of passage. As such, capitalism, in its purest form, is not dead: As more and more event planners materialize in the marketplace, the number of options is increasing, and the cost of event planning is decreasing.

How to Find an Event Planner
In truth, it's probably a lot easier to find an event planner than you imagine. There are 50,000-60,000 event planners operating in the United States, and if you live in a major metropolitan area, you're likely to find dozens, if not hundreds, of planners who are willing to bid for your event. What you need to find is the right planner for your event. While the flexibility of the profession helps make it "recession-proof," the wise consumer will still look for a planner with the experience, resources, and fees that match their needs. The planner a Fortune 500 company hires for their annual conference is not going to be the same planner you hire for your daughter's sweet sixteen birthday bash.

Event Planning Checklist
Naturally, you should look for an event planner with a good deal of experience with your specific event. Someone who has meticulously planned a dozen Bar Mitzvahs or large family reunions will bring an impressive catalogue of event options and problem-solving skills. To this end, it's important to realize that just because you can plan your own event doesn't mean you should. By hiring an event planner, you can often create a better event and one that's more enjoyable for you. Along with the specific rituals and etiquette of your event, here are a handful of universal components you should discuss with prospective planners:

    * Budget: Almost all events involve making some tough decisions and/or trade-offs, but these decisions can't be effectively made without setting a budget for the event. Often, you'll discuss the event budget and the event planning fee at the same time, especially with planners who base their charges as a percentage of the event cost, rather than a flat fee.

    * Event Site/Venue: Sometimes people already know where they want to host an event before they even talk to a planner. Other times, finding the right site is the biggest chore on the event planning list. Either way, you'll need to discuss the details, demands, and capacity of the venue/possible venues with your planner.

    * Scheduling and Dates: Setting a date and, if necessary, alternate dates for the event is the obvious priority, but you should also discuss a general meeting schedule for you and your planner as you plan and coordinate the event. On a similar note, event planners are capable professionals, but they're not mind-readers, and you should maintain active lines of communication with your planner.

    * Supplies, Props, Equipment: You and/or your event planner should sit down and make a comprehensive list of supplies and equipment that will be needed for the event. Common items include: portable toilets, tables and chairs, speakers, microphones, signs, electricity capabilities, etc.

    * General Logistics: You might think this is about it for event planning, but there are almost always another handful (it will seem like hundreds) of logistic items that need a planner's touch. Parking and "guest management" are just a few of the stickier items. Permits and security requirements are also too often overlooked with disastrous results: You don't want one of the best nights of your life ruined by a lawsuit the following week.

Marcus Pickett is a professional freelance writer for the home remodeling industry. He has published more than 600 articles on both regional and national topics within the home improvement industry.

According to History.com, one legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men -- his crop of potential soldiers. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret.

When Valentine's actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honor St. Valentine. Through the centuries, the Christian holiday became a time to exchange love messages and St. Valentine became a patron saint of lovers.

Gift Suggestions for Him:   Guy Gear Collection has a great selection of "boy toys" for workshops, dens, offices, and more. From the latest electronics, to home repair tools, he's sure to find something here that's just right for him.  (click on link to view gift selection)

photo courtesy of: http://www.thegioiwallpaper.com/wallpaper/Happy-Valentines-Day-Rose/

SuperBowl XLIV
Super Bowl XLIV has finally arrived and after an exciting season it all comes down to this. The Indianapolis Colts will face off against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, February 7 at 6 PM ET on CBS.

The Gathering
According to Hallmark Cards, Inc., Super Bowl parties are one of the top at-home party events of the year. Super Bowl parties have become much more than a gathering of football lovers. In fact, many people attending these parties don't love football as much as they love the excuse to get together with friends.

The Invitation
Create crazy, football-inspired invitations to invite friends and family. Decorate the house with football paraphernalia.

Super Bowl Party Food
The game comes in first and is the strongest focus of the party, but food comes in a close second. Plan a super bowl party menu that anyone would love.  Think man-food when establishing a menu. Buffalo wings are always a big hit with guys and gals who love sports. Pizza, hot dogs and hamburgers also makes a great offering at a super bowl party.  Set bowls of potato chips and sour cream and chive dips, nachos with creamy cheese, cheese crackers, salted nuts, and corn chips on every stand and coffee table for nibbling.  Have lots of paper towels, napkins and rug cleaner handy for messes created during exciting plays.

Super Bowl Party Decorations
Decorating for a super bowl party is quick and easy. When planning the party, be sure to move furniture in order to give everyone a clear view of the television during the game.  Use balloons, team pennants, footballs, jerseys, helmets and all things football to decorate the house.

Super Bowl Party Games
Start the party with a football pool. As each guest arrives, ask him or her to join in a betting pool. Have a basket ready to toss in a dollar or two, along with a signed note stating which team will win and what the point spread will be. The pool adds another dimension of interest and fun to the game.

Super bowl commercials have become as much a fun tradition as the game itself. Who will have the funniest commercial?  Create categories, such as funniest or most boring, and have participants rate the commercials.

Do a quick “Super Bowl Challenge” – give out small prizes to the winners Example of challenge - who won the coin toss – who will score first? Be creative!

Suggestion for Super Bowl Challenge Winners:  The Ribbon Variety Gift Collection offers dozens of current, popular gift items, with something for everyone. 
 
Play Super Bowl Trivia
You will need paper and pens.

Drink Responsibly
If serving beverages that contain alcohol during your Super Bowl party, remember that you can be held legally responsible for your guests after they leave your home. Make sure no one drives while under the influence. Making sure your guests have a great time also includes making sure they arrive home safely after the Super Bowl.

The Fun
A super bowl party with good food, good friends, and good times begins with a simple plan. Make the day fun by using super bowl party ideas that require a minimal amount of effort and time to prepare. The key is to enjoy the party and join in the fun instead of being stuck in the kitchen on game day.

Last year President Obama incorporated a day of service into his inaugural festivities - In 2010 this call to action is answered by millions of Americans.

Things you can do to Make A Difference:

1. Give your community a landscaping makeover.

Grab a group of friends and some garden tools and go to work. Check with your local parks and recreation department for information on which community parks might need your assistance. Or        contact your Keep America Beautiful affiliate to find a way to volunteer in your area.

2. Volunteer at your local food bank.

The effects of the economic recession - high unemployment rates, rampant home foreclosures - have forced one in five Americans to rely on food assistance programs for basic food needs. Use your Day to help support families in need by giving your time at a local food bank.

3. Spend the day with kids.

Investing your time with a child leaves can have a positive impact on their future. Take a few hours to volunteer with a local children's organization or use MLK Service Day as a starting point to become a mentor.

4. Use Your tech skills.

Serve.gov is calling on all web pros to be part of their 2010 MLK Day Technology Challenge. The plan is to connect schools with technology gurus who are willing to volunteer their time and talent to give back to schools that need it. If technology is your calling, this is the project for you. You can check out the full list of service ideas at Serve.gov: MLK Day Technology Challenge.

5. Join an existing project.

If the pressure of planning something on your own or making more than a one-day commitment is worrying you, no need to fret! There are thousands of existing projects already scheduled to take place across the country. You can easily hop on board with what someone else is already doing.

6. Don't stop with MLK Day.

Make community service part of your routine. Whether you have a few minutes, a few hours, or an entire day, you can use your free time to make a difference around you. Plus, it's never too early to start planning big for next year's MLK Day of Service. Begin brainstorming now on ways you can build your own Service Project for 2011. Serve.gov has some great ideas on how to get started and what you will need to pull off a successful and impacting service event.

This article was originally posted on Causecast.org
photo:  images.google.com