Another Big Step for Women

Rosa Parks, 1955

Manal al-Sharif, 1955

Since that day in December 1955 when one black woman refuse to give up her bus seat to accommodate the white passengers, many women have followed suit in defying convention. That lady was Rosa Parks, and her decision to say NO when the bus driver commanded her to give up her seat to white passengers, has given so many people - women and men alike - the courage to fight back for what they believe is their right.

We have inspirational women all around us - women who dare say no when needed, knowing well how much trouble it would eventually get them into.

Today, The Success Chronicles says Kudos to Manal al-Sharif, for saying no to the traditional Saudi belief that women cannot drive an automobile without consulting her male guardian. This belief, which also bans women from listening to music has been practised in Saudi Arabia for generations.

CNN.com showcased the story of Al-Sharif, who was trained to belief that listening to music was a sin. One day, she decided to, without a male guardian's permission, listen to her brother's cassette, and the Backstreet Boys song "Show Me The Meaning Of Being Lonely" playing at that time sounded like a message she had always needed to hear. No more isolating herself in a lonely world - get out there and do something.

That one song, that one instance, gave her the courage she needed to go one step further in defying convention. She drove a car. And just to rub it in, she posted her endeavor on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT-3I5jg1xg)

I think it is a big step for women all over the world. We are a nation of our own. Women all over, of all nations have their own stories, no matter where they were born, how rich or poor they are, their choice of careers or their decision to start families. And together, we must know how to find strength from each other's stories.

Today, Manal al-Sharif is the strength many of us need. She is not merely a woman who dared to stray from the norm - she is a message to all us ladies out there, to be brave, be bold and to defy convention - because we can, and because sometimes, we must. Fight for what you believe is true. Fight for what is your right.

Thanks Manal - you have taken another big step for us women all over the world.
Thanks for being an inspiration.

Spain, in need of Savoiurs

Barcelona FB, Spain

Rafael Nadal, Spain

Lots of news enveloping the European nation of Spain today. CNN.com reported that the 100 billion Euro bailout of Spain's financial institution. This monetary aid could not have come at a better time, as this move could be the one that saves the Euro from diminishing from existence. The Euro, which has been in trouble since a few months ago, no thanks to the economic plunge which hit the European nations, could be in even more danger with the Greece elections just a week away, which could spell out the country's exit from the eurozone.

As we speak, Rolland Garros is currently a very heated up arena, now with Serbia's Novak Djokovic and Spain's Raphael Nadal currently at each other to win the French Open title. The world tennis numbers 1 and 2 respectively are going at it with all they have, with Nadal currently in the lead. If Nadal wins, it would be his 7th win on the clay court. Though Djokovic is not to be taken as a light competitor, Nadal is always somewhat extra motivated when playing the French Open. Well, if Nadal clinches the title, it's a much needed win for Spain, so despite my deep belief and support in Djokovic...I have to say Vamos, Nadal!

In about two hours, Spain will meet Italy to face off in the Euro Cup 2012. With Spain's super striker David Villa out of the picture, the fans are left wondering if Fernando Torres can carry the former champions to another win. It is always exciting to see players from arguably two of the best teams in the world - Barcelona and Real Madrid - work together to bring fame to their nation. With Iker Casillas as the goalkeeper, it's good luck all the way for Italy. Barcelona's own, Gerard Pique, Xavi Hernandez, Cesc Fabregas and Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa will have to work together to provide Spain that much needed win - more as a motivation for the country than anything else.

Well, looks like it is an important day for Spain and Spaniards alike.

With all that negative financial news, one can use with a win or two.

Vamos Spain!