More About Ultimate Blog Party 2010

OK, I really did try to be a part of the Ultimate Blog Party 2010, but there were so many mommy blogs to visit and too many tweets to follow on Twitter. I'm afraid I got lost in the shuffle.

This happened before - in 2003. We shared our experience in 'Technology Run Amok,' a newsletter you can read in the Library on our website, www.HerMentorCenter.com. Long story short, we got caught up in the great technological abyss and the frustration we felt then was much the same as today.

So here it is, seven years later. Although I'm still intrigued and want to embrace all that the Internet has to offer, I find that I have no choice but to put it in perspective. And even if the aging experts tell us that multi-tasking stimulates our brain cells, in reality, keeping up with it all can be overwhelming.

Does that sound familiar? When does your time spent online with emails, researching ideas, branding yourself, social networking, etc. get in the way of everyday life. Just what is your tipping point?

In gratitude for listening to my rant, this may interest you: www.SandwichInk.com – A site dedicated to the Sandwich Generation that focuses on some of the same issues we do. Click on the April 13th post. You'll find a Blog Carnival and informative articles about a variety of topics - survival tools for caregivers, symptoms of dementia, grandparenting tips, fitness and aging.
And if you want to explore other blogs and what they have to offer, click on the banner above. Then scroll down the page and you'll have plenty to keep you busy for the rest of the week!

A Woman's Nation

Yesterday First Lady of California, Maria Shriver, spoke about 'A Woman's Nation' on Meet the Press. According to this new report, close to 50% of women - compared to less than 30% in 1950 - are in the work force and 2/3 of mothers are breadwinners or co-breadwinners. With this growing dynamic in our society, the question at round tables and kitchen tables becomes: how do we relieve the stress on families?

This is the quintessential Sandwich Generation issue. As you well know, women have been struggling for years, trying to balance the needs of children growing up and parents growing older with the demands of the job.

The Shriver report, supported by the Center for American Progress, sheds light on this subject and puts the challenges that families face front and center. Apparently the battle of the sexes may be officially over. It's time to renegotiate the rules of the household with regards to childcare and eldercare. And a lot of men are already onboard.

As a Sandwiched Boomer, what do you think women need in order to be successful in the workplace and at home? Let us know your thoughts - just click on 'Comments' at the bottom of this post and follow the prompts - you can even sign in as Anonymous.

This conversation will be going on all week, on NBC, Facebook and Twitter and we'll be following it. Tune in tomorrow to stay informed.

Sarah Palin: Star Power or Quitter?

Sarah Palin's star power was evident as the governor of Alaska stepped down yesterday. She left her long-term political plans unclear and refused to address speculation that she would seek a 2012 presidential bid. Is this mystique part of what makes her so appealing?



For sure she's created quite a buzz. Palin did say she's taking her political battles to a larger if unspecified stage and avoiding an unproductive, lame duck status. "With this decision, now, I will be able to fight even harder for you, for what is right, and for truth. And I have never felt that you need a title to do that."

Palin said she wants to campaign for political candidates and continue to speak her mind on the social networking site Twitter, one of her favorite venues to reach out to supporters. Free speech was a theme of her farewell speech, as the outgoing governor scolded those "hell bent on tearing down our nation" - she warned Americans to "be wary of accepting government largess. It doesn't come free." She also took aim at the media, saying her replacement "has a very nice family too, so leave his kids alone." Apparently she was frustrated with media focus on her family and felt unfairly treated by reporters and bloggers.

But the truth is she did step down before her term was over. Her quitting rescinds the mandate of the people, and quitting anything stirs up a whole lot of feelings.

Sarah Palin continues to be controversial and evoke passion from pundits and the public. Why not put on your Palintologist hat, too? Weigh in on this issue and share your thoughts. And we'll discuss your comments on the blog tomorrow.