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From Yahoo News
Sotomayor nominated to high court — first Hispanic

AP – Source: Obama picks Sotomayor for Supreme Court

AP – President Barack Obama announces federal appeals court judge Sonia Sotomayor, right, as his nominee for …

By BEN FELLER, Associated P
ress Writer Ben Feller, Associated Press Writer – 1 min ago

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama named federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor as the nation’s first Hispanic Supreme Court justice on Tuesday, praising her as “an inspiring woman” with both the intellect and compassion to interpret the Constitution wisely.

Obama said Sotomayor has more experience as a judge than any current member of the high court had when nominated, adding she has earned the “respect of colleagues on the bench,” the admiration of lawyers who appear in her court and “the adoration of her clerks.”

“My heart today is bursting with gratitude,” Sotomayor said from the White House podium moments after being introduced by Obama.

If confirmed by the Senate, she would join Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as the second woman on the current court, the third in history. She would succeed retiring Justice David Souter.

She would be unlikely to alter the ideological balance of the court, since Souter generally sides with the liberals on key 5-4 rulings. But at 54, she is a generation younger that Souter, and liberal outside groups hope she will provide a counterpoint to some of the sharply worded conservative rulings.

Obama and Sotomayor both noted the historic nature of the appointment. The president said a Hispanic on the court would mark another step toward the goal of “equal justice under law.”

Obama and Sotomayor stood with Vice President Joe Biden. It was a striking picture of diversity: a black president, a white vice president and a Hispanic nominee to the nation’s highest court.

Sotomayor said she grew up in poor surroundings and never dreamed she would one day be nominated for the highest court.

Obama has said he hopes she can take her place before the justices begin their new term in October.
Democrats hold a large majority in the Senate, and barring the unexpected, Sotomayor’s confirmation should be assured.

The Senate Republican leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, issued a statement that said: “Senate Republicans will treat Judge Sotomayor fairly. But we will thoroughly examine her record to ensure she understands that the role of a jurist in our democracy is to apply the law evenhandedly, despite their own feelings or personal or political preferences.”

In his remarks, Obama made no mention of his earlier statement that he wanted a justice with empathy, although his remark that compassion was needed came close.
Sotomayor’s nomination opens a new phase in the drive to replace Souter, as liberal and conservative groups alike scour the record she has compiled in 17 years on the federal bench.

In one of Sotomayor’s most notable decisions, as an appellate judge she sided last year with the city of New Haven, Conn., in a discrimination case brought by white firefighters. The city threw out results of a promotion exam because too few minorities scored high enough. Coincidentally, that case is now before the Supreme Court.

That ruling has already drawn criticism from conservatives, and is likely to play a role in her confirmation hearing.

In one of her most memorable rulings as federal district judge, in 1995, Sotomayor ruled with Major League Baseball players over owners in a labor strike that had led to the cancellation of the World Series.

Obama referred to that in his remarks, then joked he hoped her support for the Yankees would not unduly influence New Englanders to oppose her in the Senate.
Among them is Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, who said, “The American people will want the Senate to carry out its constitutional duty with conscientiousness and civility.”

Sotomayor grew up in New York after her parents moved from Puerto Rico. She has dealt with diabetes since age 8 and lost her father at age 9, growing up under the care of her mother in humble surroundings. As a girl, inspired by the Perry Mason television show, she knew she wanted to be a judge.

A graduate of Princeton University and Yale Law School, a former prosecutor and private attorney, Sotomayor became a federal judge for the Southern District of New York in 1992. She became an appeals judge in 1998 for the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers New York, Vermont and Connecticut.

She was first appointed by a Republican, President George H.W. Bush, and won Senate confirmation without dissent. She was named an appeals judge by President Bill Clinton in 1997.

At her Senate confirmation hearing more than a decade ago, she said, “I don’t believe we should bend the Constitution under any circumstance. It says what it says. We should do honor to it.”

Obama’s nomination is the first by a Democratic president in 15 years.

His announcement leaves the Senate four months — more than enough by traditional standards — to complete confirmation proceedings before the court begins its next term in the fall.
Republicans have issued conflicting signals about their intentions. While some have threatened filibusters if they deemed Obama’s pick too liberal, others have said that is unlikely.

Given Sotomayor’s selection, any decision to filibuster would presumably carry political risks — Hispanics are the fastest-growing segment of the population and an increasingly important one politically.

One conservative group did not wait for the formal announcement. Wendy Long of the Judicial Confirmation Network, issued a statement calling Sotomayor a “liberal judicial activist of the first order who thinks her own personal political agenda is more important that the law as written.”

Abortion rights have been a flashpoint in several recent Supreme Court confirmations, although Sotomayor has not written any controversial rulings on the subject.

As a federal appeals court judge in 2002, she ruled against an abortion rights group that had challenged a government policy prohibiting foreign organizations receiving U.S. funds from performing or supporting abortions.

In her opinion, Sotomayor wrote that the government was free to favor the anti-abortion position over a pro-choice position when public funds were involved.
Sotomayor’s elevation to the appeals court was delayed by Republicans, in part out of concerns she might someday be selected for the Supreme Court. She was ultimately confirmed for the appeals court in 1998 on a 68-28 vote, gathering some Republican support.

Among those voting against her was Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions, now the top Republican on the Judiciary Committee that will hold sway over her confirmation.
“I’d say the stakes are higher for the Supreme Court,” he said recently. “The Supreme Court sometimes seems to be acting as a continuing constitutional convention, so I am concerned about that.” He said Sotomayor would be entitled to a fair hearing if nominated.

Sotomayor possesses credentials Sessions said he wanted in a pick for the high court — years of experience on the bench. Obama had talked openly about the upside of choosing someone outside the judiciary — every current justice is a former federal appeals court judge — but passed over at least two serious candidates who had never been judges.

Sotomayor has spoken openly about her pride in her ethnic background and has said that personal experiences “affect the facts that judges choose to see.”
“I simply do not know exactly what the difference will be in my judging,” she said in a speech in 2002. “But I accept there will be some based on my gender and my Latina heritage.”

From the moment Souter announced his resignation, it was widely assumed Obama would select a woman to replace him, and perhaps a Hispanic as well.
Others known to have been considered included federal appeals judge Diane Wood, who was a colleague of the president’s at the University of Chicago Law School, as well as two members of his administration, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Solicitor General-nominee Elena Kagan.

Obama came to office at a time when several potential vacancies loomed on the high court. Justice John Paul Stevens at is 89, and Ginsburg recently underwent surgery for pancreatic cancer.

For more articles and information of interest to women in NH and MA visit us at www.applaudwomen.com

Summer beauty routines

Peachygirl

Posts: 515
Member Since: 12/6/06
Summer beauty routines
Posted: May 25, 2009 10:06 AM

Now that the hot weather has arrived, is anybody changing up their beauty/hair routines?

I have been practicing updos and will try to let my hair air dry sometimes and put my hair in a fancy updo. I’m going to start with the gradual self-tanner today. I guess this means I have to shave my legs more often, lol.

I like to use a gel bronzer on my face in the summer, too, for an extra glow.

vixen07

Posts: 759
Member Since: 8/21/06
Re: Summer beauty routines
Posted: May 25, 2009 10:26 AM
in response to: Peachygirl
in response to: Peachygirl

Oh yes, I def. use bronzer!! I used to love Bonne Bell’s gel bronzer…it was a great color, the only downfall was it didn’t last very long. I’m really liking Artisry’s bronzing powder but it’s pretty concentrated so I have to be careful not to overdo it! The container should last me about 6 years, LOL!

BJ introduced me to Jergens natural glow for face and I love it (come to think of it, I love BJ too…she always gives me good advice)! I’m a self tanner addict!!! I’m thinking about trying that Costa Rica one that Michelle sells…everyone seems to like it! BJ- you should try it first and let me let me know, LOL!

PhatGirlSlim

Posts: 9,243
Member Since: 4/6/07
Re: Summer beauty routines
Posted: May 25, 2009 10:31 AM
in response to: Peachygirl
in response to: Peachygirl

Ah, yes… summer time skin care! Here in NY/NJ, it seems we went right from winter to summer.

When the weather warms, I pretty much stop cream cleansers in favor of ones that foam/lather. Last year, I did more clay masques, this year it will be dead sea masques (I’m an extra oily gal in the hot weather). I also put a leave in with sunscreen in my hair before bedtime and then again in the morning: in the cooler months, I just use hair sunscreen in the morning. I also do less AHA peels, since my skin kind of “regenerates” more (for lack of a better word) in the warm weather AND since AHA make one more sensitive to the sun. This is the first summer that I have a sunscreen (Burn out) that doesn’t irritate me, so I am fairly excited to see how well it will perform!!!

Again, this is my first summer with my new skin (aka no more acne scars!!!!) so no face makeup for me. I haven’t worn any foundation or powder in months. In the summer, though, I use more oil blotting papers. I think I may even wean blush out of my makeup routine… we’ll see.

Peachygirl

Posts: 515
Member Since: 12/6/06
Re: Summer beauty routines
Posted: May 25, 2009 10:42 AM
in response to: PhatGirlSlim
in response to: PhatGirlSlim

Does that mean no slut red lipstick during the summer months?

I also bought a 1940s style bathing suit this past weekend. I got it at Target – it is so cute. The front and back are ruched – the ruching kind of starts at the outer part and meets in the middle. It looks like mini-dress that Paris Hilton would wear – the ruching just covers my butt. Now I just have to get my legs in shape – that is the other thing I am doing for summer -trying to do lots of squats to get my upper thighs in better shape.

email friend | report thread

Peachygirl
Posts: 515
Member Since: 12/6/06
Re: Summer beauty routines
Posted: May 25, 2009 6:31 PM
in response to: Peachygirl
in response to: Peachygirl

I am also channeling my inner Italian goddess and have bought a bunch of pretty scarfs to wear on my head like Sophia Loren!

PhatGirlSlim

Posts: 9,243
Member Since: 4/6/07
Re: Summer beauty routines
Posted: May 26, 2009 4:42 AM
in response to: Peachygirl
in response to: Peachygirl

Don’t be silly, Peachy! I would never give up slut red lipstick!

I forgot to add to the first post, I also switch from body creme/butter to lotion…AND I use salt foot scrub every day instead of every couple of days. I guess there ARE a lot of “little” tweaks to the rituals. I DO enjoy them so much! It’s fun being a girlie girl!!!!!

Message was edited by: PhatGirlSlim

For more information and articles of interest to women in NH and MA check out our website at www.applaudwomen.com.

Article published Dec 21, 2008 in Fosters Daily DemocratWomen rule!
N.H. Senate hits national milestone for gender
Granted, the words “all men are born equally” were penned June 2, 1784, and since then changes were made to the New Hampshire Constitution to prohibit discrimination, and the section on the Legislature describes the role of its “members.”

But maybe, lawmakers say, it’s time to update some of the wording nonetheless. After all, it’s women running the show now in Concord, marking the first time in United States history women make up the majority of a legislative body, in this case the 24-member Senate.

“I’ve been talking about that with a couple other folks so that it is gender neutral,” Sen. Kathleen Sgambati, D-Tilton, said of tweaking the document’s language. But “all of us have filed our bills this session so I think it may have to wait until next time around when we’re not so focused on the budget.”

Senate Majority Leader Maggie Hassan, D-Exeter, had a similar opinion.

For the full article visit our Inspirational Women page at www.applaudwomen.com. Find more articles and information of interest to women in NH and MA

From the New York Times website
Health Outcomes Driving New Hospital Design

By CAROL ANN CAMPBELL
Published: May 18, 2009

The curtain between two hospital beds does not stop noise from the television set, offer privacy during sensitive conversations with doctors or stop germs from spreading. Yet in most of America’s aging hospitals it is the only thing that separates strangers thrust together as roommates simply because both are ill.
HUSHED Rooms at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital in Michigan do not share walls or ceilings, cutting noise.

But in many new hospitals and pavilions, these semiprivate rooms have vanished. Single-patient rooms are now viewed as an important element of high-quality health care.

The benefits of the single room emerged through evidence-based hospital design, a new field that guides health care construction. More than 1,500 studies have examined ways that design can reduce medical errors, infections and falls — and relieve patient stress.

American hospitals started 53 million square feet of new construction and major additions in 2008, according to a report by McGraw-Hill Construction, a company that tracks industry trends. Promoters of evidence-based design say that a building exerts a powerful force on the delivery of health care, and that the best new health centers are light-filled, quiet and easy to navigate.

“Some hospitals are taking evidence-based design seriously,” said Roger Ulrich, director of the Center for Health Systems and Design at Texas A&M. “Other institutions use pretty traditional design that pays lip service to the evidence. There may be high style, but the hospital is still noisy. Or the windows are too small to let much light in. There are missed opportunities.”

Besides privacy, research shows that single rooms reduce infections and patient stress, and improve sleep. In 2006, the American Institute of Architects called for single rooms in all new hospital construction…………

For the balance of the article please go to www.applaudwomen.com to our Health page. For more articles and information of interest to women in NH and MA please visit us on this website.

From American Chronicle

Two Local Companies Partner to Spread Goodwill
Josee Archer
May 05, 2009

Umademyday.com and BeanTowne Coffee House of Cambridge, Massachusetts and Hampstead New Hampshire today announced a unique partnership with the intent of raising spirits and spreading goodwill in a time when both are severely lacking.

Umademyday.com, launched in October of 2008, is a website designed to motivate people to do something nice for one another without the expectation of something in return. Through the site, over 600 random acts of kindness have been performed. Unique to Umademyday.com is the ability of recipients of these acts to post thank you notes to the strangers that made a difference in their day.

“It’s amazing how even the smallest acts of kindness can make such a significant impact on both the person who did the good deed as well as the one receiving it. The happiness you experience when doing random acts of kindness is like no other feeling, and it can truly make someone’s day,” states Josee Archer, creator of UMadeMyDay.com, “and it doesn´t have to be much; the most common random act of kindness is purchasing a cup of coffee for the person in line behind you at the coffee shop.”

BeanTowne Coffee House of Cambridge and Hampstead are rooted in the concept of brightening people´s days and lives. Since 1993, employees have created an atmosphere in which customers are made to feel truly welcome. The company operates under the premise that if a way to forward the lives of others through their efforts exists, then it is their responsibility to do whatever is within their power to make it happen. To that end, the company donated 97% of their marketing budget over its´ first 24 months of operations in Hampstead to local charities and community groups.

“It´s a fantastic feeling to be able to make a difference in the lives of others through your work, ” said Goyette, “and to be able to take it to the next level is something that we are all very much looking forward to.”

“The perception is that it involves a lot of time and money to make a true difference in the world. The reality is that $2 left on the counter for the next customer´s order at a coffee shop could do more than you could ever imagine,” adds Mrs. Archer.

A recent thank you message posted to the site shows how a small gesture can make a great impact, “…This past year has been SOOOO stressful that I guess without even realizing it, I had let it get to me. I just want to say thank you to the women who not only gave my daughter and I a much needed treat, we got dessert, YUM, but more importantly a huge wake up call to take time to smell the roses, appreciate what we have and do a good deed…”

In addition, the two companies will combine efforts to educate, inspire and motivate others to make small but meaningful differences in people´s lives. The long-term goal of the partnership is initiating a cultural shift through a “Random Acts of Kindness Day” both locally and beyond.

“At this moment in our history, there is a great opportunity to have folks reconnect with what is truly important. What we are trying to do is help make that happen, one person at a time.”

Mr Goyette can be contacted via email at Goyette.ed@gmail.com or 603-275-6341

Mrs. Archer can be contacted via email at josee@umademyday.com or phone 603-234-1537

For more information and articles of interest to women in NH and MA visit us at www.applaudwomen.com

photo/Tom Gorman Valerie Sullivan of the Weymouth Health Dept.

From Weymouth News and Patriot Ledger
By Maureen Walsh
Valerie Sullivan has been caught working nights and weekends at Town Hall. She has been spotted in schools, senior housing, health centers and social halls at all times of day and night.
She has clearly exceeded the 35 hours a week she was hired to work as Weymouth’s Community Health Program Coordinator.
She may have thought no one would notice. She was wrong.
Today Sullivan is being honored at the State House as one of 100 Unsung Heroines recognized by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women for their outstanding contributions to their communities and organizations.
“Our Unsung Heroines are women who don’t make the news, but make the difference,” said Kira Dunn, MCSW Executive Director. “They are women who use their time and talent to show us the meaning of the saying ‘Be the change you want to see in the world.’”
Sullivan was nominated for the honor by Weymouth Councilor-at-Large Michael Molisse.
“She just does so much for the town of Weymouth that she isn’t noticed for,” he said. “If you go to Town Hall at eight at night, she’s still in her office researching grants, trying to promote a healthy Weymouth.”
“She’s out at different events trying to reach out to people. She puts so much of her own time in. She has been a huge asset to the health department.”
Sullivan has worked to promote wellness for all citizens, Molisse said, with programs on such issues as substance abuse, stroke awareness and weight loss, and free blood pressure and cholesterol checks.
“These days we’re engaged with so many health issues, we’re very fortunate to have Valerie and her programs in the town of Weymouth.”

‘A great team’
Sullivan said she was “shocked” to learn of her selection as an Unsung Heroine.
“I’m really am kind of a low-key person. I try just to do my work,” she said. “Sometimes it’s the nature of trying to get grant funding that you have to put in extra hours, but when you do receive it, it’s a wonderful thing.”
“Especially in this economic climate, you have to go for that type of funding, so you can keep your initiatives moving forward.”
Sullivan graduated from the UMass/Boston College of Public and Community Services with a degree in Human Services.
She took the position of community health programs Coordinator four years ago to help address the findings of Weymouth’s 2003 Health Needs Assessment.
A key part of Sullivan’s job is grant money to fund health programs, but she also helps to implement the programs and coordinate with town departments and community groups.
“I am passionate about what we’re trying to do, but I’m only one,” she said. “I do have a great team.”
That team, which completed nine months of training through the Massachusetts Forum for Creating Healthier Communities, includes members of the public health, parks and recreation, elder services and school departments, as well as mental health, hospital and community groups.
“We learned a lot of wonderful things to bring back to the town. We became a cohesive team,” she said. “Now we’re trying to keep the momentum going.”
On Thursday, Sullivan is coordinating the town’s first “Healthy Wey” Forum for professionals and community representatives involved in all aspects of health care, wellness and public safety.
“We’ll talk a little bit about what we’re trying to do to create a healthier Weymouth,” she said. “We’ll touch on some of the challenges and try to build on our assets to create opportunities for people to work together.”

Health tips
A firm believer in practicing what she preaches, Sullivan said she tries to eat healthier foods, take stairs instead of elevators and walk from the far end of parking lots.
“I do enjoy yoga, and it helps clear the mind,” she said.
And lest anyone label her a workaholic, Sullivan said she rarely makes work-related calls or goes online when she’s home. She enjoys leisure reading, watching “silly sitcoms” and spending time with her husband Gary and their three adult children.
“We’re all just constantly on the phone or the Blackberry or e-mail,” she said. “How much can you fit in one day? Are we taking enough time for ourselves to regroup and have a little fun?”
She has “the travel bug” and has enjoyed recent trips to Martha’s Vineyard, to New York City to visit her daughter, and to Europe for a cruise down the Rhine River.
“I think one of the most important things is you need to have good health. It affects all aspects of your life,” said Sullivan. “You have to take time for yourself.”
“Weymouth is a wonderful community with a lot of resources in town. The mayor is doing a wonderful job. A lot of the leadership in the town is wonderful.”
“Economically, it’s tough out there, but if we continue to work together, good things can happen.”
For more information on health and wellness programs, visit www.weymouth.ma.us/health. Sullivan is working on a new “Healthy Wey” website to connect people to programs and resources in Weymouth.
For more information on the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, including a list of all 100 Unsung Heroines, visit www.mass.gov/women.

For more articles and information of interest to women in New Hampshire and Massachusetts visit us at www.applaudwomen.com.

From the May. 2009 issue of Allure Magazine.

How to Dress For a Wedding
An Interview with Monique Lhuillier

A Los Angeles-based fashion designer, Lhuillier has made wedding gowns for Ashlee Simpson-Wentz and Jewel.

A wedding is a celebration, and your clothes should reflect that. The pictures of that day are going to be in the bride’s and groom’s lives forever, and beautifully dressed guests really help set the mood.

Dress Up. Being underdressed is the worst feeling, so I’d rather overdo it. Even if an invitation says “casual attired,” the furthest you should take that is a floaty cocktail dress or simple sheath. For a black-tie wedding, a long, formal dress is always appropriate, but if you’d rather go short, choose something knee-length in an opulent fabric. Silk charmeuse has a glamourous, ‘30s vibe and looks effortless but still fancy.

Take a hint. The location of the event is a big clue about what to wear. If the wedding is on a beach in Mexico, it’s pretty obvious that you should stay away from heavy beading. I love chiffon for a resort wedding. It’s romantic, dreamy, and elegant. If the party is in a more traditional setting, like a ballroom or a country club, chances are the dress code will be more conservative.

Embrace color. All black on a wedding guest is too severe. Jewel tones like a peacock blue and emerald green and omber patterns are sophisticated and vibrant. Stay away from white, not just at the reception but at any wedding event, from the rehearsal dinner to the day-after brunch. That’s the bride’s territory.

Stay focused. Choose one item to build your outfit around, whether it’s your shoes or an amazing piece of jewelry. You want to avoid looking as if you piled on every accessory you own. If you have a complicated dress with a lot of ruching or a bold print, keep the jewelry minimal. And those dyed-to-match shoes are a definite no-no—not everything needs to coordinate exactly.

Don’t go flat. Heels are tricky at an outdoor wedding, but flats don’t feel right with a formal dress. Wedges are great for lawn receptions. If a wedding is on sand, I wear embellished sandals, though I often take them off and go barefoot.

For more articles and information of interest to women in NH and MA visit our website at www.applaudwomen.com.

Provided by the Associated Press on Google.com

By MIKE STOBBE – 17 hours ago

ATLANTA (AP) — Pregnant women should take prescription flu medicines if they are diagnosed with the new swine flu, health officials said Tuesday. So far, the swine flu has not proven to be much more dangerous than seasonal influenza, and it’s not clear whether or not pregnant women catch swine flu more often than other people. But in general, flu poses added risks for pregnant women, said Dr. Anne Schuchat of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Pregnancy weakens a woman’s immune system, so that she’s more likely to suffer pneumonia when she catches the flu. In earlier flu pandemics, infection also raised the risk of a premature birth, said Schuchat.

Risks from the virus are greater than the unknown risks to the fetus from the drugs Tamiflu and Relenza, Schuchat said at a press conference Tuesday.

“We really want to get the word out about the likely benefits of prompt antiviral treatment” for pregnant women, she said.

Still, the flu medicines’ effectiveness is somewhat limited, studies have shown. They can relieve symptoms and shorten the disease by about a day. They only work if started within 48 hours of first symptoms, and little is known about whether they cut the chances of serious flu complications. Most people recover from the flu with no medical treatment.

But a pregnant Texas woman who had swine flu died last week, and at least 20 other pregnant women have swine flu, including some with severe complications.
In total, about 3,000 U.S. cases of swine flu have been confirmed through lab testing so far, most of them ages 18 and under. Officials think the actual number of infections is much higher, and that infections are still occurring.

CDC officials said the swine flu may seem to be mild now, but they worry the virus will mutate into something more dangerous. One concern is that it will combine with the more deadly but less easily spread bird flu virus that has been circulating in Asia and other parts of the world.

Another concern is that it will combine with the seasonal H1N1 virus that went around over the winter. That virus was not unusually virulent, but it was resistant to Tamiflu — the current first-line defense against the new swine flu. If the two virus strains combine, it’s possible the swine flu will become resistant to Tamiflu as well, health officials worry.

For more articles and information of interest to women in NH & MA visit our website at www.applaudwomen.com.

Per Boston.com
Bentley lacrosse player Alyssa Ritchie was named Northeast-10 Conference Player of the Year.

By John Vellante
May 10, 2009
The mailbag is overflowing with announcements of postseason honors, and Globe North athletes are reaping their share of the accolades. Among the winners is Bentley senior midfielder Alyssa Ritchie of North Andover, Northeast-10 Conference lacrosse Player of the Year. Ritchie finished her career tied as the all-time Northeast-10 scoring leader with 326 points and as Bentley’s all-time scorer in goals (198), assists (128), and points (326). Among others receiving accolades:

Jillian Bolduc of Atkinson, N.H., who played every minute of every game for the Franklin Pierce lacrosse team, named to the NE-10 all-rookie team.

Merrimack softball coach Elaine Schwager, NE-10 Coach of the Year. Schwager guided the team to a turnaround 26-17 season after going 9-27 a year ago. Along the way, she recorded her 200th career win. Two of her players – Jill Gagnon of Manchester, N.H., and Kelsey Ellis of Vancouver, British Columbia, earned all-conference honors.

We Applaud these women of Massachusetts and New Hampshire for their honors. For more articles and information of interest to women in NH & MA visit our website at www.applaudwomen.com

From Yahoo’s Shine.

Most moms are thrilled with any gift they receive: the necklaces made from pasta, the cards made at school, the flowerpot decorated with colored fingerprints, and the 14-carat gold charm that says “#1 Mom” (remember: corny but cute). These are all sentimental favorites.

But let’s face it, when it comes to shopping for Mother’s Day gifts, a lot can go wrong. So, we present the worst Mother’s Day gifts (along with some alternatives). And don’t say we didn’t warn you.

“Jillian Michaels – 30-Day Shred” DVD
You may have heard mom talking about wanting to become a “Shred Head,” but it’s probably not wise for you buy her the “Jillian Michaels – 30-Day Shred” DVD. Instead of viewing it as a way to kickstart a new fitness plan, she may see it as hint that you’re not happy with her body. Instead, get her a copy of her favorite movie that you’ll watch together. Better yet? Hire a babysitter (if she’s a mom of young kids) and take her to the movies, and let her pick the flick, natch.

A session (or ten) with a personal trainer
Ouch. That’s what mom will be thinking if you give her a session with a personal trainer––and not because of the post-workout pain. We repeat: Stay away from any gifts that implies that the mother in your life needs to exercise. Instead, why not fill in for her a few nights a week so she can have some time to herself.

A new apron
Does mom really need a reminder of how much time she spends cleaning the house? Instead, send her away to a spa for the morning while you do the cleaning up!

A Snuggie
Haven’t we all agreed that the Snuggie is not cool? If you want your mom or wife to feel warm and cozy, try finding a super comfortable quilt that she can share on a picnic, at a ball game, or watching the sunset on a date night with hubby.

Clothes in the wrong size
Even if you have a smooth sense of style, getting mom clothes in the wrong size has always been a huge gift-giving no-no. Just sneak a peek at the tags on her clothes for sizes and make sure to go to the same store as the tags you looked at!

Nothing
Dads, this message is for you. Just because, you know, she’s not your mom (she’s only helping you raise your beautiful kids), doesn’t mean you should forget her on this special day. Have a heart and show your lady how much you adore her and how you appreciate the amazing job she’s doing as a mom.

We at Applaud Women try to keep you up to date with both local and national information that is relevant to local women. For more articles or information visit us on-line at www.applaudwomen.com.