The Re-Invention of Michael Vick

Philadelphia Eagles QB Michael Vick (#7)  in September 2009.
Photo Credit: Ed Yourdon/WikiCommons

I understand the contempt many people, especially dog lovers, still hold for Michael Vick. I, too, am a dog lover and was shocked and dismayed by Vick’s crime. Vick was convicted, served time, has come out of prison and done volunteer work- beyond what the court ordered- to educate young people about his mistakes so they could avoid them. In my book, he has– and is– paying his debt.

Vick has successfully rebuilt his professional football career.  He is enjoying-- what many analysts call-- a MVP level season as starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles. There are many people who felt he should never be allowed to play again.  So, I am not surprised that many people feel that he should never be allowed near a dog again, let alone, own one.

In a recent interview with NBC News correspondent Mara Schiavocampo, Vick-- when asked-- admitted that he would like to one day own a dog again.  He told Schiavocampo that he felt it would be good for his rehabilitation. (Watch the interview.)

His response appeared spontaneous and sincere.  Despite that, many people--including popular commentator Roland Martin-- feel Vick should keep those thoughts to himself.  "This is NOT the time for @MikeVick to talk about wanting a dog," Martin wrote to me on Twitter.  "When you're walking a fine line, don't open a door for your critics. Keep it moving forward."

Authors to discuss "The Makings of a Man" on WFMV radio program

Jabari Price, Michael Holoman and Gerard Droze, authors of the recently released book "The Makings of a Man," will be guests on the next edition of "I-95 with Dawn Mills Campbell."  The public affairs radio program airs on Gospel 95.3 (WFMV-FM) this Sunday evening at 6:00 pm.  The program also will stream live on the WFMV website.

In “The Makings of a Man,” Price, Holoman and Droze explore manhood and offer their perspectives on how to achieve it from three distinct points of view.

For more information on the book or to purchase a copy, visit The Makings of a Man website.  Order by December 24th and receive free shipping.

COMMENTARY: The Polarizing "Palin Effect" in Politics

Former Alaska Governor and 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin will visit Columbia tomorrow as she continues to promote her latest book, America By Heart: Reflections on Family, Faith and Flag.  Books-A-Million is hosting a book signing for Palin at its Village at Sandhill store.  The event starts at 6:00 pm.

I'm no Palin fan so I was not among the people standing in line last night to get one of the 500 wristbands Books-A-Million distributed for Friday's event.  As I posted on my personal Facebook and Twitter pages, I drove past the book store on my way to a nearby Starbucks Coffee store and was amazed to see the ticket line stretching halfway around the store at 4:45 pm.  I'm not sure what time Books-A-Million started passing out the wristbands, but The State newspaper reported that by 5:30 pm, most of them had been distributed. I was SMH (Shaking My Head in Twitter language).   Even crazier, in my mind, was the fact that the newspaper r article also included this little tidbit:

"Sarah Palin fans began lining up Tuesday night about 10 p.m. at the Books-A-Million in Northeast Richland for the chance to meet the Republican star." Read the entire article.

I went from SMH to LMBO (Laughing My Butt Off)!!! Those folks need help and if they don't get it at Charter, I hope they get it somewhere. I would not spend a warm night-- let alone a cold one-- outside anyplace trying to get anything.

The discussion on my Facebook page was fairly quiet with all but one person choosing to comment agreeing with me.  The one dissenting comment came from Sonny Young-- who I do not know personally but, in the world of Facebook, is a "friend."

"A lot of you are still upset that you got your butts beat in the last election, wrote Young. "Wait until 2012."

Former Richland One Schools leader to be honored at fundraising dinner

Dr. John R. Stevenson

Dr. John R. Stevenson, former superintendent of Richland School District One, will be the honoree at the 2010 Elder of the Year Dinner staged by Africa’s Future-Umbuntu.  The event takes place on Friday, December 3rd.

Dr. Stevenson was the first African-American superintendent in Richland School District One history.  He served in that capacity from 1986 until his retirement in 1994.  He was later named superintendent emeritus in honor of his many years of outstanding service and distinguished leadership to the district.  The Richland Street administration building bears his name.

Africa’s Future-Umbuntu is a non-profit organization founded in 2001 by Dr. Jerome Hanley of Columbia.  The mission of the organization is to improve secondary educational opportunities in Zambia, Cameroon and Ghana by providing school fees to children.

“American children have access to a free education,” said Hanley.  “That is not the case in many African nations.”  According to Hanley, who has visited West Africa several times, tuition for one child is often more than a family earns in a year.  Families with more than one child face difficult choices.  “Africa’s Future works to make education more affordable for the children who desperately want it,” Hanley said.

The Elder of the Year Dinner will be held at the Margarette H. Miller Center on Fontaine Road in Columbia.  Tickets are $30 and tax deductible.  For purchase information, call 803-216-0083.
The money raised at the Elder of the Year dinner will be used to further the organization’s mission.

Who: Africa’s Future-Umbuntu
What: Elder of the Year Dinner honoring Dr. John R. Stevenson
When: December 3, 2010
Where: Margarette H. Hiller Center
1509 Fontaine Road
Columbia, South Carolina
Time: 7:00 PM
Tickets: $30 (Tax Deductible)

World AIDS Day 2010

World AIDS Day events will be observed throughout South Carolina today, according to the state Department of Health and Environmental Control.

"Free or low-cost rapid tests for HIV will be offered in many of DHEC's county public health departments and community-based agencies to mark World AIDS Day," said Janet Tapp, division director of DHEC's STD/HIV Division. "Community-based groups will offer events and candlelight vigils to raise awareness of HIV issues and remember those who have died from AIDS."

Tapp said the World AIDS Day theme for 2010, "Act aware: Stop AIDS – keep the promise," stresses the importance of learning the facts about HIV and taking personal actions to help prevent it and the stigma that comes from misinformation.

"In South Carolina, more than 14,000 people are known to be living with HIV/AIDS and we estimate that one new HIV infection occurs in the state every nine hours," Tapp said. "Every county in the state has residents living with HIV, but many South Carolinians remain unaware of their HIV status because they have not received an HIV test."

Karen Jenkins to host financial workshop and book signing event at Richland County Adult Activity Center

Author and financial empowerment coach Karen R. Jenkins will conduct a free workshop on Thursday, December 2nd at the Richland County Adult Activity Center on Parklane Road.  The session will begin at 6:00 pm.

Author Karen R. Jenkins

Jenkins, who recently released her book "Nobody Told Me! The Path to Financial Empowerment," is an experienced banker, financial coach and the mother of two teenagers.  Her tips are smart, savvy and super timely as people everywhere work to weather the down economy.  "Everyone needs to know how to navigate the money maze to reach financial freedom," said Jenkins.  "My mission is to make the rules well known and easy to understand."

With the holiday season now in progress, this opportunity to learn the best ways to avoid pitfalls that often leave people financially fatigued heading into the new year is invaluable.

Participants will have the opportunity to purchase the book and have it autographed following the workshop session.

For more information about Karen R. Jenkins and her book, "Nobody Told Me! The Path to Financial Freedom," please visit www.NobodyToldMeOnline.com.

Who:     Karen R. Jenkins, Author and Financial Empowerment Coach
What:    Financial Empowerment Workshop and Book Signing Event
When:   Thursday, December 2, 2010
Where:  Richland County Adult Activity Center
             7494 Parklane Road
             Columbia, South Carolina
Time:     6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

The Makings of a Great Stocking Stuffer

UPDATE-- For the developing young man on your holiday shopping list, consider a copy of "The Makings of a Man" by Jabari Price, Michael Holoman and Gerard Droze to put under the Christmas tree or in their stocking.  This morning, the authors announced a special holiday offer:  If you order the book between November 26 and December 24, you will receive free shipping.  If you order four (4) copies of the book, you will receive a free fifth copy!

Great holiday gift idea!

In “The Makings of a Man”-- released in early November through New Dawning Publications-- Price, Holoman and Droze set out to deconstruct society’s image of a man and explore the reasons why planning, communication, checks and balances, leadership and the ability to face challenges are so vitally important to the fully developed man.  “We hope the book makes the intangible qualities of manhood tangible for every young man who reads it,” said Droze.

"The Makings of a Man" costs $15.00 including tax.  To order your copy, click here.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Woolfolk Group hopes everyone enjoys a safe and happy Thanksgiving Day holiday weekend!

Great gift idea from TWG client Karen R. Jenkins

Do you have a teenager who thinks money grows on trees?  Do you know a newlywed couple trying to figure out how to go from renting an apartment to owning their first house?  Do you have friends who are trying to figure out how to make ends meet in a down economy and still put money away for retirement?  Are you looking for the perfect holiday gift for all of the above?  Of course you are!  you can pave their path to financial empowerment with the perfect holiday stocking stuffer-- "Nobody Told Me! The Path to Financial Empowerment" by Karen R. Jenkins.

"Nobody Told Me!" is
the perfect stocking stuffer!

“I made a lot of financial mistakes in my early adult life simply because “nobody told me” and I didn’t know the rules of the financial game,” said Jenkins.  “Managing money effectively is much easier to navigate when everyone has a winning strategy.” 

In “Nobody Told Me,” readers learn how to side step financial pitfalls and how to recover from any missteps they may have already made.  “I’m sharing with readers what I learned, through years of trial and error so they can avoid making the same mistakes, ” said Jenkins, a certified mortgage banker and housing counselor.

Jenkins draws upon her more than 25 years of experience in banking and other financial services to lay out a road map in clear, concise and easily understandable language to help readers reach the ultimate destination-- harmonious and holistic financial empowerment.

Visit www.NobodyToldMeOnline.com to order copies for all of the important people on your holiday gift list. 

Great gift idea from TWG friend and client Good Enough Mother!

The holidays are right around the corner and you must have a new mom or mom-to-be on your shopping list. Hmm… what to get them? How about a copy of Good Enough Mother, The Perfectly Imperfect Book of Parenting? I hear it’s pretty darn terrific!

Order your signed copy
of Good Enough Mother

Yes, if you’re a fan of the site and haven’t yet read my book – what are you waiting for? Good Enough Mother is my unvarnished take on motherhood and life – and the pressures we all put ourselves under to live up to ridiculous ideals imposed by the media – and each other!

You’ll read how I’ve coped with Casey and Cole over the years (wine, wine and more wine!), my secrets to a successful marriage and how I bounced back after being fired from CBS and my double mastectomy. It’s all in there – with lots of take home information that will hopefully help you all in your daily lives too.

And we have a special offer for all our readers here on the site. If you order the book via the site I’ll personally SIGN the book for you – with a special message of your request. Do I hear ‘perfect Christmas present?’ I think I do…

The cost is $12 + $3 shipping and handling (USA only). What a bargain!
For more information just email us at admin@goodenoughmother.com and please mark your emails SPECIAL OFFER. My team will take care of the rest!

It’s a perfect gift for the imperfect woman in your life! So what are you waiting for…?

EDITOR'S NOTE:  To take advantage of this offer, you must order directly from Good Enough Mother using the email address listed above. 

All-Male Reading Blitz at Carver-Lyon Elementary School

Mike Woolfolk speaks to Ms. Squirewell's fifth-grade class at
Carver-Lyon Elementary School in Columbia.

TWG President and CEO Mike Woolfolk was among several local civic and business leaders to participate in the All-Male Reading Blitz at Carver-Lyon Elementary School in Columbia.  The goal of the event was to impress upon students the importance that reading plays in their lives.

"This was a great chance to spend time with young students at a very impressionable point in their lives," Woolfolk said. "Reading is so important to their overall success."

Woolfolk visited Jessica Squirewell's fifth grade class where he read the book "You Can Do It" by Tony Dungy, the former head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.  Dungy coached the Colts to victory over the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI.

In the book, Tony's little brother, Linden, is a third grader who is having a bad day at school.  Linden is the youngest of the Dungy family and the least motivated because he hasn't found "it." In a family where everyone seems to have found their special talent, all Linden knows is that he wants to make people happy.

With encouragement from his parents, a helping hand from his older brother Tony, and inspiration from God, Linden learns that if he dreams big and has faith, he can do anything!

Virginia College to host Karen Jenkins financial empowerment seminars

Author and financial empowerment coach Karen R. Jenkins will conduct free workshops on Thursday, November 18th hosted by Virginia College of Columbia.  Jenkins will conduct two sessions, one for students and one for the general public.

Click on picture for larger view.

Jenkins, who recently released her book "Nobody Told Me! The Path to Financial Empowerment," is an experienced banker, financial coach and the mother of two teenagers.  Her tips are smart, savvy and super timely as people everywhere work to weather the down economy.  "Everyone needs to know how to navigate the money maze to reach financial freedom," said Jenkins.  "My mission is to make the rules well known and easy to understand."

With the holidays approaching, this opportunity to learn the best ways to avoid pitfalls that often leave people financially fatigued after the season is invaluable.

For more information about Karen R. Jenkins and her book, "Nobody Told Me! The Path to Financial Freedom," visit www.NobodyToldMeOnline.com.

Reading Blitz: Mike Woolfolk to participate in special program

TWG President and CEO Mike Woolfolk will participate in the upcoming Reading Blitz at Carver-Lyon Elementary School.  The program will take place on Tuesday, November 16th from 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM.

Woolfolk, a former television news anchor, will read to students in Marisa Kornblut's 4th grade class, then hold a "Rap Session" with students in the Special Education class.

"Reading is fundemental to every person's success in life," said Woolfolk, the son of a retired educator. "I look forward to spending time with the Carver-Lyon students to impress upon them the importance of reading and doing well in school."

Reading Blitz is a literacy initiative during American Education Week.

Karen Jenkins discusses financial empowerment book on this week's "OnPoint with Cynthia Hardy"

Karen R. Jenkins (right) speaks with "OnPoint!" host Cynthia Hardy.
Photo Credit: KRJ Consulting

TWG client Karen R. Jenkins will be a guest on Sunday's editions of "OnPoint! with Cynthia Hardy" on television and radio.  Jenkins will discuss her new book, "Nobody Told Me!: The Path to Financial Empowerment" and how people can navigate the holiday season during the current difficult economic times.

In “Nobody Told Me!,” released in September, readers learn how to side step financial pitfalls and how to recover from any missteps they may have already made.  “I’m sharing with readers what I learned, through years of trial and error so they can avoid making the same mistakes, ” said Jenkins.

Jenkins, a certified mortgage banker and housing counselor with more than 25 years of experience in banking and other financial services, lays out a road map in clear, concise and easily understandable language designed to help readers reach the ultimate destination—harmonious and holistic financial empowerment.

The television version of "OnPoint" airs at 9:30 AM on WACH-TV (Channel 57.1).  The radio version airs at 6:00 PM on WWDM (101.3 FM).

For more information about "Nobody Told Me!: The Path to Financial Empowerment," click here.

Price, Holoman and Droze discuss new book on "Awareness"

Gerard Droze, Jabari Price and Michael Holoman speak with
"Awareness" host Brandi Cummings.
Photo Credit: Mike Woolfolk/The Woolfolk Group

Columbia authors Jabari Price, Michael Holoman and Gerard Droze will be featured guests on the public affairs program "Awareness" on WIS-TV.  The trio will discuss their new book, "The Makings of a Man," with host Brandi Cummings.

In “The Makings of a Man,” Price, Holoman and Droze set out to deconstruct society’s image of a man and explore the reasons behind why planning, communication, checks and balances, leadership and the ability to face challenges are so vitally important to the fully developed man.

The interview airs on Sunday, November 14th at 10:00 AM.

For more information about "The Makings of a Man" or to order a copy of the book, click here.

POTUS 43: George W. Bush speaks with Matt Lauer on eve of memoir release

Former President George W. Bush has broken his relative silence since leaving office, granting his first sit down interview to NBC News and Matt Lauer.  The interview coincides with the release of President Bush's memoir, "Decision Points," and aired tonight.

Lauer, always a good interviewer, did not hold back on the questions and President Bush appeared to be quite candid with his answers.  They talked about his relationship with his parents, his drinking days, the 9/11 attacks, and the response to Hurricane Katrina, among many other things.  I was impressed and look forward to reading the book.

President Bush begins his book tour with a live appearance on "Today" where he will continue his conversation with Lauer and answer questions submitted by viewers.  He will also appear on tomorrow's edition of "Oprah."  Check local listings for stations and times.

For more information on "Decision Points" by George W. Bush, click here.

Inconsistent Ethics: MSNBC suspends Keith Olbermann

MSNBC's Keith Olbermann-- host of "Countdown with Keith Olbermann," the network's highest rated show-- is temporarily without a paycheck after the network suspended him indefinitely for making contributions to three political candidates. Traditional ethics prohibit news employees from giving money to political candidates. It compromises objectivity. But, let's be real-- these aren't traditional times in the news business.

At first glance, Olbermann's suspension is a no-brainer to people who understand the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity and objectivity. But many news operations have decided that objectivity-- or, at least, the appearance of objectivity-- doesn't matter much anymore. Though, they give lip service like it does.

"Anyone working for NBC News who takes part in civic or other outside activities may find that these activities jeopardize his or her standing as an impartial journalist because they may create the appearance of a conflict of interest,” NBC News policy reads. Really?!?! What about professional, inside activities? Nobody in their right mind would think Olbermann is impartial after he spent years railing on then-President George W. Bush on a nightly basis.

Release date announced for "The Makings of a Man"

Columbia, SC-- Excitement is building daily for local authors Jabari Price, Michael Holoman and Gerard Droze as they prepare for the official release of their first book. According to Dawn Mills Campbell, president and chief executive officer of New Dawning Publications, "The Makings of a Man" has arrived from the printer and will be available on November 19th.

Authors (L - R) Michael Holoman,
Gerard Droze and Jabari Price

"It's wonderful to finally have a release date," said co-author Gerard Droze.  "We are so excited to see this project continue to progress from dream to reality."

Those who pre-ordered advance copies of "The Makings of a Man" could begin receiving their books within the next 7-10 days.

The book examines two important questions:  1. What does it take to truly be considered a man?  2.  How do young males learn it?  "The Makings of a Man" gives readers food for thought from three distinct perspectives.

Do Your Duty!

Like the Nike slogan says: Just Do It!

Wow! Political advertising that makes you think still exists

In the midst of all the "noise" going back and forth on airwaves in the homestretch days of the campaign season, this is a refreshing political spot, regardless of your political leanings. No personal attacks. No stretched truths. No outright lies. (Though, I'm sure there are those who would disagree.) Just a message designed to make you think. I saw it for the first time on Saturday. By this morning, they were talking about it on network television shows, including CNBC's Squawk on the Street program.

The political watchdog group Citizens Against Government Waste is responsible for the ad. According to its mission statement, CAGW claims to be "a private, non-partisan, non-profit organization representing more than one million members and supporters nationwide." However, that same mission statement lists no Democrats among those who sing the organization's praises. It does mention several historically prominent Republicans including former President Ronald Reagan, former Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole and former House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Christopher Cox. Cox is quoted as saying, "CAGW has fought side-by-side with us for welfare reform and massive cuts in wasteful spending to shrink the size of government and the deficit," and he called CAGW "the premier waste-fighting organization in America."

POLITICAL NEWS: SC House candidate Mia Butler earns endorsement of popular Midlands educator

Mia Butler

With six days remaining in the 2010 campaign season, Mia Butler, the Democratic nominee for the South Carolina House of Representatives District 79 seat, has received the endorsement of Dr. Stephen Hefner, former superintendent of Richland Two Schools.  The Butler campaign announced the endorsement in an email message sent out on Wednesday morning.

“Mia understands that when we keep public funds in our public schools, every child will have an opportunity to excel," said Hefner in the statement.  "I strongly support Mia Butler for House District 79 because I’ve worked with her on issues that are critical to our district. She’s always been a fierce advocate for public education and I know she’ll continue to help strengthen our public education system to ensure that our schools remain among the best in the state.”

Dr. Stephen Hefner

Hefner spent 35 years in the Richland Two school district including 16 years as superintendent.  He retired from the district in June and later agreed to become interim superintendent of Lexington-Richland 5 schools beginning on January 1, 2011.

"Mia Butler is proud to have the endorsement of one of our state’s strongest champions for public education," said campaign spokesman Zach Croft.

Butler faces Republican nominee Sheri Few in the general election next Tuesday.  The winner will take the seat vacated by former Rep. Anton Gunn when he accepted appointment by President Barack Obama to the position of regional director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Remembering the Orangeburg Massacre: "Taking a Stand" gets national exposure

"Taking a Stand" performed at the University of South Carolina.
Photo Credit: Mary Ann Chastain for The New York Times

One of the final stories that I produced and reported at WACH FOX News was about the production of "Taking a Stand: The Orangeburg Massacre" at South Carolina State University.  Written and directed by Calhoun Cornwell, the play debuted at SCSU last February featuring a cast of students, alumni and community members including then-South Carolina State senior Zachary Delano Middleton, the great nephew of slain Orangeburg Massacre victim Delano Middleton.

In February, Cornwell told me his goal was tour the country with "Taking a Stand."  That dream is coming true with the first stop in Columbia a week ago and The New York Times published a story about the play, giving it national exposure.

Congratulations to Calhoun Cornwell, Zachary Middleton and the entire cast & crew of "Taking a Stand." The Woolfolk Group hopes this is the beginning of great things to come in the ongoing effort to make sure America never forgets the Orangeburg Massacre.

The firing of Juan Williams: Right or Wrong?

National Public Radio's decision to fire Juan Williams earlier this week has sparked just as much debate as his actual comments on FOX News Channel that started the controversy.  Some people feel NPR was wrong to dismiss Williams. Others think the move is justified and, in some cases, overdue.

I make no bones about it-- I am not a fan of FOX News Channel's prime time programming.  I don't care for the bombastic, one-sided slant of the hosts.  By the same token, I don't watch MSNBC's prime time lineup often, either.  That said, I think focusing on Juan Williams' single comment about Muslims is unfair without considering the full context of the conversation he was involved in with host Bill O'Reilly and fellow guest Mary Katharine Ham.

If you ask me, Juan Williams made a clear and concerted attempt to make sure everyone understood that what he was about to say was not rooted in bigotry, but in typical fashion, everyone seems to be focused only on the one sentence. That's not fair to Williams.

Now, don't get me wrong.  I think the fact that Williams admits getting nervous because he sees someone who identifies himself "first and foremost as a Muslim" by the way they dress is a bit ignorant.  But, the real issue deals with Williams' objectivity moving forward. His bosses at NPR felt Williams had compromised that important quality.

One big problem I see in discussion of this issue is the use of the term "journalist." Just about anyone can be a journalist by simply documenting events. If you write in a daily diary, you are-- in effect-- a journalist because you are documenting your daily activities or thoughts.

Juan Williams

Juan Williams has been a journalist for many years, writing several books on the civil rights movement and politics. But, the issues at play here-- in my mind-- are the differences between reporters, commentators and pundits which can all fall under the journalist umbrella.

If Juan Williams is considered a reporter-- someone who covers daily news assignments-- he was in the wrong to reveal a biased opinion on a prominent news issue. Objectivity is imperative in reporting if the public is to believe that an issue is being presented for them to interpret, not the reporter.

If Juan Williams is considered a commentator-- someone who offers perspective based on expert knowledge-- I would still think he was wrong for what he said. Think back to the 1980's when Howard Cosell and Jimmy the Greek each created controversy with on-air comments about African American athletes.   Cosell did not return to ABC's Monday Night Football the following season (1984) and CBS fired Jimmy the Greek (1988) almost immediately.

If Juan Williams is considered a pundit-- someone who offers his/her opinion on issues-- I believe he did nothing wrong. As previously stated, I don't agree with what he said, but-- if considered a pundit-- he was not wrong to express his opinion. Being "politically incorrect" does not necessarily make someone or something wrong.

The bottom line is this-- It has become very difficult for readers, viewers and listeners to keep things straight when one person splits his/her professional allegiance between so many outlets.  I understand and embrace the fact that a person should be able to own and market his/her own thoughts.  But, when expressing those thoughts through the open media, I don't think it's too much to ask for some consistency.  Don't pass your self off as an objective reporter on television, then write a pointed opinion piece in a publication, followed by a point-counter-point debate on radio. (Just a hypothetical example.) Be one thing or the other. Then everyone, including employers, know exactly where you stand and can make decisions accordingly.

What do you think?  Chime-In!

A new Starbucks "Brew-ha-ha"

Starbucks logos through the years.

I woke up this morning to find that a friend had posted something interesting on my Facebook page.  Something in the news that I had missed yesterday-- Starbucks to test serving beer and wine at select stores in Seattle.

Then, I went to my favorite business news site-- CNBC.com-- and saw that thePower Lunch crew had done a segment on this during yesterday's show.

Hmmm. At times, I love a beer or two, even the occasional glass of wine. But I don't go to a coffee house for either.  I agree with Laura Reis on this one.  Starbucks should stick to what it does best-- COFFEE.  I do understand the business mentality of "how can we grown and bring in new money," and it's no secret that Starbucks has been looking for ways to increase revenue after 2pm-- don't you love the invitation to return with your morning receipt to get any drink you want for $2 bucks?-- but serving alcohol is not the way for Starbucks!

TWG client goes national with the help of Good Enough Mother!

Mothers across the country are paying attention to what Columbia author Karen R. Jenkins has to say!  Rene Syler, national television personality and owner of the website "Good Enough Mother," invited Karen to be a guest blogger and offer her Top 10 Financial Tips to Teach Kids.  Karen jumped at the opportunity.

Karen R. Jenkins

Jenkins, who just released her new book "Nobody Told Me! The Path to Financial Empowerment," is an experienced banker, financial coach and the mother of two teenagers.  Her tips are smart, savvy and super timely as people everywhere work to weather the down economy.  "Everyone needs to know how to navigate the money maze to reach financial freedom," said Jenkins.  "My mission is to make the rules well known and easy to understand."

The overall theme of the guest post on GoodEnoughMother.com is to start teaching children about money matters at an early age and progressively increase their knowledge, understanding and responsibility as they grow to adulthood.

Rene Syler

"We were so happy to learn about Karen and what she could offer our readers on this subject," said Syler who is based in New York City.

Jenkins qualifies as a Good Enough Mother herself, balancing her family life-- which includes her husband; a daughter playing high school basketball and volleyball; and a son playing middle school basketball and serving on student council-- with her busy schedule speaking, writing and promoting her book.  

"We are always looking for other Good Enough Mothers who can help us help others understand that perfection isn't necessary to take care of your family," said Syler.  "It's all about responsible practicality."

For more information about Karen R. Jenkins and her book, "Nobody Told Me! The Path to Financial Freedom," visit www.NobodyToldMeOnline.com.

For more information about Rene Syler and her website, visit www.GoodEnoughMother.com.  

Moving On: Courage or Cowardice?

Meredith Vieira interviews former President Bill Clinton in 2006.
Photo Credit: NBC News

I saw a headline on the Huffington Post website about NBC Today co-anchor Meredith Vieira that caught my attention-- Meredith Vieira: "I'm Not Afraid To Go" From The "Today" Show.

Photo Credit: NBC News

Vieira's contract with NBC expires next year and there is already speculation that she will leave the top-rated morning news program.  That speculation seems to come from an interview she granted Ladies' Home Journal last November in which she said, "I'll know when it's time to go, and I'm not afraid to go."

While many people might think that once a television journalist or personality reaches a pinnacle position, like the one Vieira has, they want to hold on to it for as long as possible, no matter what. That is not always the case.

The story reminds me of a scene in Star Wars: Episode III where Chancellor Palpatine shares with a vulnerable and conflicted Anakin Skywalker that "all who gain power are afraid to lose it."  There is a certain amount of power and prestige, not to mention fame and fortune, that come from anchoring a news program, especially a top-rated program like Today.  Clearly, all of those things don't intoxicate Vieira.

Two SC State Representatives named to TIME Magazine's "40 Under 40" list

The Woolfolk Group congratulates State Representatives Bakari Sellers (D-Orangeburg/Bamberg) and Nikki Haley (R-Lexington) on their selection to TIME Magazine's "40 Under 40 Rising Stars of U. S. Politics" list,  published in the latest issue of TIME which hit newsstands today.  The list is also available online.

Rep. Bakari Sellers
(D) Bamberg

"This truly is an awesome honor and it would not have been possible without my family, friends, and the great people of District 90," said Sellers.  "Here in South Carolina, we've had more than our fair share of negative attention lately.  Being recognized for something positive is a nice change of pace."

Sellers, 26, is the second youngest member of the South Carolina General Assembly,  First elected in 2006 at the age of 22, Sellers also serves as First Vice Chairman of the South Carolina Democratic Party.  A graduate of Morehouse College in Atlanta, Sellers is the son of civil rights activist Dr. Cleveland Sellers, who serves as president of Voorhees College.

Rep. Nikki Haley
(R) Lexington

Haley, 38, is the 2010 Republican nominee for South Carolina governor.   She is a fiscal conservative who was first elected to the General Assembly in 2004. In TIME Magazine, Haley cited former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as her political inspiration.

Haley faces Sen. Vincent Sheheen (D-Kershaw) in the November election for governor.

Reebok loses NFL apparel rights to Nike

The National Football League has announced a new sports apparel rights deal and like most things associated with the NFL, it's big news.  Staring in April 2012, current exclusive rights holder Reebok is out, punted away in favor of a better deal from rival Nike.

NFL owners, meeting in Chicago, voted Tuesday to award the Swoosh a five-year contract to produce on-field team uniforms, sideline personnel apparel and fan gear. Numbers aren't circulating, but in 2001, Reebok agreed to pay $300 million over ten years and, according to a Citigroup analyst,  generates about $350 million in annual revenue for the company.  I'm not very good with business math but that appears to be an 1166% return on investment.  The marketing power of the NFL.

Think about it.  The NFL makes the major networks sweat bullets when it comes time to renew television rights.  And, the NFL is the most valuable exclusive offering DirecTV has for customers.  Of all the professional sports subscription packages, NFL Sunday Ticket is the only one that can only be purchased through the satellite service provider.  DirecTV paid $700 million a year to maintain the exclusive contract through the 2014-15 season.  The marketing power of the NFL.  Kind of makes you wonder why Reebok let their deal slip away.