A quick note to readers of this blog:

You are invited to drop by my newest blog, The Retirement Monologues at http://retirementmonologues.com/ where I am focusing on the latest retirement issues that face many of us, as we march on through life. Not financial planning (everyone else worries about that), but fun stuff like what are you going to be doing as you retire. Travel? Go fishing? Write blogs that matter?

It would be particularly interesting to comments that relate to diversity and retirement... Any ideas??

I will be interviewing lots of people, commenting on related social and political issues, and trying to pass on some of the more unique and interesting aspects of retiring and staying engaged. If you know of someone who would make a good interviewee, please let me know.

Meanwhile, please drop by and say hello. I would love to have your comments on posts and I am always looking for contributed articles to post on this topic. I have targeted this blog  to women's issues, but hey, everyone is invited to drop by and share their thoughts.

Just finished a post, by the way, on women who are leaving the workforce to start up their own businesses because they are sick and tired of the discrimination wars. Any thoughts?

Thanks, Susan Klopfer

The Retirement Monologues

Come join me in this new venture with Mary Kay Inc.

Hello,
 Hello,

I am so excited to invite you along on my business venture as a new independent Beauty Consultant selling Mary Kay, Inc. cosmetics. When I first decided to do this as an extra source of income, I also knew it would be even better if you join with me as I begin this journey.


After doing my own investigation, I learned that Mary Kay, Inc. promotes positivity, integrity and most of all, DIVERSITY, in their catalogs. On my soon to appear website, you will be able to find products for every skin type and complexion. Also, you will find fragrances and great gift ideas. I am very proud to report that Mary Kay, Inc. does not test on animals and proudly signed the PETA pledge.


You will soon be able to help me as I begin this journey. Here are 5 simple ways:


1. I'll let you know when my website is up and running. You can go there and register to receive emails about new products and spread offers and create your own signature look.


2. Ask me to share the Mary Kay opportunity with you.


3. Ask me about the benefits you can receive when you schedule a skin care class, collection preview or host your own web show.


4. Ask me how you can become a preferred customer.


5. Forward this blogpost to your friends and family. Word of mouth is very helpful.


So -- I am really looking forward to sharing my journey with you. Please be a part of it! Yes, it will be hard, but setting goals will pay off. It always does.


I have more to share with you --


Susan Klopfer

Welcome to my new blog. I am so excited to invite you along on my  business venture as a NEW Independent Beauty Consultant selling Mary Kay, Inc. cosmetics. I first decided to sell Mary Kay, Inc. as an extra source of income, where I can set my own hours and be my own boss. Now, I am very happy I made this decision and what will make this even better is if you join me as I embark on the adventure.

Mary Kay, Inc. is a wonderful company that promotes positivity, integrity and diversity. In their catalogs and on my soon to appear website you can find products for every skin type and complexion. In addition to makeup, you can also find fragrances and wonderful gift ideas. I am also proud to report that Mary Kay, Inc. does not test on animals and proudly signed the PETA pledge.

Here are 5 simple ways you will soon be able to help me as I begin my journey.

1.) Go to my website and register to receive e-mails about new products and special offers and create your own signature look --
2.) Ask me to share the Mary Kay opportunity with you --
3.) Ask me about the benefits you can receive when you schedule a skin care class, collection preview or host your own web show --
4.) Ask me how you can become a preferred customer --
5.) Forward this e-mail to your friends and family- Word of mouth is the best form of advertisemen.t.

I am looking forward to sharing my journey with you. Yes, it will be hard, but setting goals will pay off. (It always does.)

Susan Klopfer
Hello,

Welcome to my new blog. I am so excited to invite you along on my  business venture as a NEW Independent Beauty Consultant selling Mary Kay, Inc. cosmetics. I first decided to sell Mary Kay, Inc. as an extra source of income, where I can set my own hours and be my own boss. Now, I am very happy I made this decision and what will make this even better is if you join me as I embark on the adventure.

Mary Kay, Inc. is a wonderful company that promotes positivity, integrity and diversity. In their catalogs and on my soon to appear website you can find products for every skin type and complexion. In addition to makeup, you can also find fragrances and wonderful gift ideas. I am also proud to report that Mary Kay, Inc. does not test on animals and proudly signed the PETA pledge.

Here are 5 simple ways you will soon be able to help me as I begin my journey.

1.) Go to my website and register to receive e-mails about new products and special offers and create your own signature look --
2.) Ask me to share the Mary Kay opportunity with you --
3.) Ask me about the benefits you can receive when you schedule a skin care class, collection preview or host your own web show --
4.) Ask me how you can become a preferred customer --
5.) Forward this e-mail to your friends and family- Word of mouth is the best form of advertisemen.t.

I am looking forward to sharing my journey with you. Yes, it will be hard, but setting goals will pay off. (It always does.)

Susan Klopfer

Minorities disproportionately discharged for 'don't ask, don't tell' violations, reports Washington Post

U.S. military officials threw out hundreds of service members in 2009 for violating its "don't ask, don't tell" policy, including a disproportionate number of women and minorities and dozens of service members in "mission critical" positions, according to a new analysis of military data.

According to a report just filed by Ed O'Keefe of the Washington Post, the Pentagon honorably discharged 428 service members for violating the gay ban in 2009, according to statistics reviewed by the Palm Center, a nonpartisan University of California think tank studying the impact of gays in the military. O'Keefe reports this figure is down from 619 discharged for violating the policy in 2008:

"Women account for 14 percent of Army soldiers but made up 48 percent of the Army's "don't ask" discharges in 2009, the study said. Six percent of the Marine Corp is female, but women accounted for 23 percent of its discharges. Among officers, the Navy discharged only two for violating the policy in 2009, and both were Asian. The Army discharged five officers -- two were African American, one was Asian and two were white, the Palm Center said."

O'Keefe's story continues --