Clothes with a Cause

Euro-African fashion design firm Malikohenny Designs is focused on social responsibility and building awareness through fashion. Malikohenny's Overachievers collection is created to "encourage togetherness above race, age, sexuality, religious, or political beliefs.

Proceeds from the Overachievers collection supports the many religious, health epidemic, and political troubles across the world. One cause in particular is the Fight Against Child Soldiers.

Millions of children serve as soldiers in government forces, rebel, and militia groups across the globe. Over the last 10 years alone, millions of children ( some as young as 7 years old) have fought and died for causes beyond their comprehension.

When an Overachievers t-shirt is purchased, a portion of the proceeds is given to the following organizations in support of protecting children soldiers.

The Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers http://www.child-soldiers.org/home

InvisibleChildren http://www.invisiblechildren.com/

Unicef http://www.unicef.org/

Check out the women's and men's Spring 2009 t-shirt collection below.

Click on the picture for purchasing info.

Also look out for the Overachievers Magazine! Coming Soon !

Check the Overachievers blog for more info : http://www.iamoverachiever.com/blogarea/

Politic'n - Desiree Rogers

With an MBA from Harvard University and years of experience as a top Communications executive Desiree Rogers is no stranger to high profile jobs. Now as Social Secretary to President Obama’s administration, Desiree has jumped feet first into her role of coordinating the first family’s social calendar. In an interview with Newsweek, Desiree describes her job as “one cornerstone of building the Obama presidency brand”.

As a close friend of the first lady, Desiree understand the priorities of the Obama’s and is focused on delivering that message to the country. For example, it was Desiree Rogers who prompted the Obama’s to “open up” the White House with more family friendly activities for staff and local families.

Less than three months into her Presidential appointment Desiree Rogers has already impressed DC with her refreshing style and sharp wit. We are sure Desiree Rogers has plenty of good things in store for the Obama Administration and we'll be watching proudly !

What does President Obama’s Stimulus Package mean for you?

The 2009 Economic Stimulus Package proposes approximately $825 billion to resuscitate the US economy. Of that amount, $275 billion is planned for tax relief and $550 billion in spending on new projects and infrastructure.

The idea behind an economic stimulus plan is that the government can boost the economy through both short-term and long-term strategy. President Obama’s short-term plan is to encourage consumers or businesses to spend on goods; the long term plan is to encourage businesses to grow through the creation of jobs and investments in infrastructure and research.

Tax cuts for individuals typically promote short-term spending, while tax cuts for businesses promote both spending and investment which results in job creation. Also, big spending on public works such as transportation fills the immediate need for jobs, and helps to build better cities. Just this week the NY Times reported that states such as Colorado, Maryland, and Kansas have already gotten the ball rolling on transportation projects that are funded by money from the stimulus package. These types of projects are estimated to create and save thousands of jobs over the next two years.

The biggest question about the 2009 stimulus package is, “Does this mean tax payers will receive checks like we did during the Bush administration?” Unfortunately not. There will be no standard checks issued to tax payers as we received in 2008. However, individuals will receive the benefit of a tax break which allows for a few extra dollars in the bank. In this plan, individuals with a maximum income of $75k will gain a $500 tax break. Additionally, couples with a household income below $150k will gain a $1000 tax break.

Here are some good news facts about the stimulus package from Cnn.com:
-Economic Advisors forecast an estimated 3.3 million jobs to be created over the two years as a result of the stimulus package

-Large expenditures from the package will go directly to states to fund needed areas such as:
$32 billion transportation projects, $41billion for grants to local school districts, $79 billion for state relief to prevent cuts in state aid, $39 billion toward subsidies to health care for the unemployed, $90 billion to assist states with Medicaid, $20 billion for renewable energy tax cuts/credit for research and development on energy related work , etc.

-Tax Cuts for Individuals:

$500 per worker, $1000 per couple for two years costing about $140 billion

Expansion of the earned-income tax credit to include families with three children
$2500 college tuition tax credit

Repeal of a requirement that a $7500 first time homebuyer tax be paid back

-Tax Cuts for Businesses:

An infusion of cash into money-losing companies by allowing them to claim tax credits on past profits dating back five years instead of two

Bonus depreciation for businesses investing in new plants and equipment

Doubling of the amount small businesses can write off for capital investments and new equipment purchases

Allowing businesses to claim a tax credit for hiring disconnected youth and veterans