Helping To Put Things In Context: Something You Should Know About D.C.

Everyone knows Washington, D.C. for being the nation's capital where decisions are made that affect the country itself and impacts the world at large. But between the time that politicians and special interest groups like to use the city as the reason for all that ails America, it has a more intimate side. This is the side that one could think of as the "local" aspect of the city. I think if people understood what really exists within the boundaries of this diamond shaped (minus a complete side) metropolis, their perspectives may be altered considerably. As AWashingtonWoman will continue to focus on some of the wonderful women who make up the fabric of the DMV (a term used for the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and includes: the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia), we will also strive to give you a little of the backstory, as objectively as we can. So it's been a year since this all began and without really trying, this blog has exceeded what our expectations were. So we are thinking that with a little love and a lot of integrity, we can share some real true insight which can be entertaining as well as informative. Who knows?.... Maybe it will even be ..... helpful.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Replacement For Dominique Strauss-Kahn, Christine Legarde Lived Her Adolesent Years In The Washington Metropolitan Area


She was once the French Finance Minister and yet she actually has local ties to the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. It appears that she spent some of her high school experience at Bethesda's Holton Arms. Now that may have been some time ago for the 55 year old divorced mother of two but clearly her time stateside influenced her perspectives significantly.

Her countrymen have been known to refer to her as "the American" as she embraces an American Puritan workaholic approach as opposed to one which is more similar to the French work ethic/culture. Other aspects of her experience that makes her not so typically French includes her friendship with once Chicago Mayor Richard Daley or her being the first female chairman of the U.S. law firm Baker & McKenzie. Recently she even was on "The Daily Show" with Jon Stewart and it turns out she has quite a sense of humor as she was also on the show back in 2009.

Christine Lagarde replaces former Managing Director, IMF, Dominique Strauss-Kahn. She was appointed to French President Nicolas Sarkozy's Cabinet in 2007 and her unique female perspective is not something she shys away from. "I think we inject less libido" is one of her comments that she shared when reflecting on the role of women in finance, "And less testosterone into the equation.... it helps in the sense that we don't necessarily project our ego into cutting a deal" Ms. Lagarde once told Chistiane Amanpour during an interview.

Malia Obama Gets The Special Joy Of Having Your Father Share His Views On the Perfect First Car


It is hard to believe that we are watching the president's daughters grow up before our very eyes. The first born of the President and First Lady is Malia, who so appropriately celebrated her 13th birthday this past 4th of July. Well, as she inches ever so closely to that magic age when learner's permit and driver's license is the topic at the family table, her dad is already ahead of the game.

Recently while addressing the auto industry, President Obama expressed that he already has the prototype for the perfect car for his daughter all thought out. Seems that part of improving standards to suit his needs for his girls it would include topping out at speeds of 15mph and have an ejector seat for any time boys are in the car. Hmmm.... Got that car industry?

July Brought A Continued Wave of Support To Military Families From Both the First Lady and Dr. Biden




Back in April First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden came together to launch the "Joining Forces" campaign. It's overall mission is designer to garner support and to honor the sacrifices being made by military families. It will spotlight their stories and experiences as it gives a voice to veterans, spouses and their children. The hope is that it will build bridges between the community at large and our military community.

Dr. Biden referred to them as "Gold Star" families. And that they are as many were gathered at the indoor cookout that was hosted at the National Guard Headquarters here in Washington, D.C. "My son, Beau, is a Captain in the Delaware Army National Guard and recently spent a year in Iraq, so I know well the challenges that Guard families face when their soldiers are away".

The bottom line here is that these ladies are using their star power to generate and encourage extra consideration for these families when it comes to employment, wellness and education. Everyday the odds are not necessarily in their favor. So it's clear that it is just the right thing for us as a country to be open to doing.

First Lady Gave Thumbs Up This Month To McDonald's Healthier Happy Meals

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Tim Gunn Offers Constructive Critism For AWW Secretary of State Hillary Clinton




Style guru Tim Gunn, Project Runway, appeared on "Lopez Tonight" Tuesday night and was in rare form. I absolutely love his humor and he served it up like on a fashionista can. During his interview George Lopez asked what Gunn's opinion was when it came to several politicians and celebrities. The responses were hysterical but biting and though he had nothing but praise when it came to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, she was spared no expense. Apparently he isn't at all a fan of her pantsuits. But I think that the Secretary of State will probably take it in good humor because Gunn isn't the first one to give her a hard time about her outfits.

Just last month German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who also loves herself a "good pantsuit" poked fun at the two leaders attire inclinations by presenting the Secretary of State with a framed Associated Press photo from the Frankfurter Allemeine newspaper (pictured above) which was taken during a visit last April. When presenting it the Chancellor suggested that it "you may take it in a playful mode".

Most importantly, Tim Gunn was clear and pointed in his praise for the Secretary's political accomplishments and activity. In that arena he had nothing but good things to say. And that's what really matters and I think he knows we all know this.

And yet a style expert has to be true to his mission so..... AWashingtonWoman is making a predicition. Here goes "pantsuits just took their official exit off the walkways of Fashion Week by next year".

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Washington D.C. Is Becoming a Real Tennis Town



D.C. Has It's Very Own Royalty






Ashley Boalch (pictured left and center) won the title of Miss District of Columbia 2011 this summer. She is a 23year old student from University of Maryland. Also crowned was Lauren Seely (right)as Miss D.C.'s Outstanding Teen 2011. AWashingtonWoman is looking forward to following your upcoming reign and we are certain that you will continue to make your community proud.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

World Cup Soccer Became Personal Thanks To D.C. United's Women's Soccer Team!




Women's D.C. United Soccer woke up a sleepy, hot Washington summer when they turned up in the quarterfinals with a win against Brazil. The women gave fans throughout the city and the country something to shout about, and shout they did. By now everyone knows that ulitmately the team succumbed to the deserving victors from the Japanese team. Yes the loss was painful, but the effort was great. D.C. United gave it their best and represented like on AWashingtonWoman can. No regrets and still basking in the accomplishment and joy that their efforts brought to Washington, D.C.