The Do-It-Yourself Dame 
Easy as 1-2-3 Slip Stitch By Darnita L. Howard
I remember way back in the day taking Home Economics in middle school. Some today may know it as Family and Consumer Science. There I learned how to use a sewing machine and make various hand stitches. Some of my proud moments include the creations of very first pillow, “scrunchee” and potholder. Now, do I consider myself to be a master of the craft? By no means at all am I a seamstress, tailor, or a “super stitcher.” However, I am able to use one basic stitch from time to time in my clothing emergencies—the Slip Stitch. When there is a need to secure your hem on a skirt or creased pant, you can rely on the slip stitch. With a few materials, you will be finished with this task in no time and have relief in your wallet as well.
Materials
All-purpose thread
Hand needle
Shears or scissors
Item to be stitched
Step 1: Cut the thread to desired length suitable for the item. Thread the needle and secure end.
Step 2: Once thread is secured, slip the needle into the fold of the hem and gather a few fibers of the fabric.
Step 3: Bring the needle up through the fabric in front of your previous stitch. Continue stitching until hem is complete and secure final thread end.
Breaking Glass in the Face of the 20th and 21st Centuries: Women’s Suffrage and Today’s Link By Darnita L. Howard
For many people from years past, the discussion of politics was rarely mentioned at dinner parties or at dinner for the most part. Politics was fo
r the strong-willed, the deep intellect, for prospective city, state, federal officials; and not merely for the faint of heart. And most noteworthy, politics was a man thing or so one may think.
There have always been two players in the shaping of our nation–the man and the woman. The historical movement that first began to shatter the “glass ceiling” was women’s suffrage. Starting in the mid 1800s women's suffrage became an economic and political reform to extend the right to vote to women. Spearheading the movement were Susan B. Anthony, Sojourner Truth, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Lucy Stone, and many more notable figures. Through numerous parades, arrests and establishment of conventions, single states soon created suffrage rights for their female constituents.
Wyoming became the first state to grant women's suffrage in 1869 but it wasn’t until August 24, 1920 when the governor of Tennessee ratified the Anthony Amendment (named after Susan B. Anthony). Two days later, August 26, 1920, the U.S. Secretary of State signed the Anthony Amendment into law. Today the Anthony Amendment is known as the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and it reads:
The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.
Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
As evident in our history, women continue to play major roles in the way the world operates. We are visible in the political arena and our voices are growing louder. Female political figures bring a different reality –a different way of life. After Sen. Hillary Clinton shattered the glass ceiling and attained 18 million votes for the Democratic Presidential ticket, the world shook and took notice. Now with Republican Vice-presidential candidate Gov. Sarah Palin, the power, endurance and actions of women are unstoppable. In this soon-to-be historical election, take some time out of your busy day and honor the women that paved the path for you to vote. I’m not telling you who to vote for, just vote.