---Losing insurance can happen to anybody---In the his weekly address,  President Obama discusses a staggering new report from the Treasury Department indicating that under the status quo, around half of all Americans under 65 will lose their health coverage at some point over the next ten years. President Obama pledges not to allow this future to unfold: "In the United States of America, no one should have to worry that they'll go without health care – not for one year, not for one month, not for one day. And once I sign my health reform plan into law – they won't."

Michelle Obama

Johnnetta Cole

Colbert L. King

Michael Jordan

Business World Index

---First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden focus on military families---First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden appear in a new Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) public service announcement that praises the contributions of military servicemen and women while asking Americans to assist veterans and military families who need help. The PSA is will air on major broadcast networks starting this fall. The PSA featuring the First Lady and Dr. Biden is the first in a series created by EIF as part of its newly launched "I Participate" initiative designed to inspire a new era of volunteerism and community work in America. "I've made it a personal priority to ask all Americans to join me in the cause of supporting our military families," said Mrs. Obama. "We must all remember that when our troops are deployed, their families are left behind with a completely different set of duties. Let us make a pledge to honor their service and their sacrifice by doing more to serve them in our own communities. Whether it's just being a good neighbor or it's volunteering at a local organization that supports military families, please join us in taking the time to honor those who sacrifice for all of us."

---Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum celebrates with Johnnetta Cole ---Johnnetta Betsch Cole, director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art, is the featured keynote speaker for “Jubilee,” the 42nd anniversary luncheon of the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum. The luncheon, a fundraiser for the museum, will take place Tuesday, Sept. 15, at noon at the National Press Club Ballroom. Colbert I. King, a Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist at the Washington Post, will be awarded the John R. Kinard Leadership in Community Service Award during the event. Kinard was founding director of the Anacostia Community Museum from its inception until his death in 1989. Dorothy I. Height, chair and president emerita of the National Council of Negro Women, is honorary chairperson for the benefit. For more information, call (202) 633-4875.

---Celebrating Hispanic Heritage---
Walmart is celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 - November 1, by launching the "La Mejor Herencia es una Buena Educacion," ("the best heritage is a good education") national campaign, a continued commitment to serving the Hispanic community through education-focused initiatives. While the number of Hispanics earning degrees is on the rise, the campaign is designed to ensure that those still underserved receive the vital information and assistance necessary to gain access to a higher education. Hispanics are the fastest growing demographic group in America. According to the United States Census Bureau, the latest statistics show that Hispanics have the highest high school dropout rate, at 21.4 percent. However, Simmons Data 2009 found that the number of Hispanics earning a college degree is up 33%. While only 9 percent of Latinos earned a college or higher degree in 2005, that number has improved to 12% in 2008. "Walmart can play a vital role in supporting the communities we serve beyond the products in our stores and career opportunities for associates," said Gisel Ruiz, senior vice president, People, Walmart U.S. "Walmart remains committed to meeting the educational needs of Hispanics throughout the year by offering scholarship opportunities and initiatives that support Hispanics and higher education. We believe this is the road that leads to helping people live better lives."

---Basketball auction in Chicago---
Hunt Auctions, an 18-year veteran of the sports memorabilia auction industry, in conjunction with Upper Deck Authenticated, will offer Michael Jordan's personal collection of golf clubs, bags, and other related accessories as part of a 300-plus lot basketball auction to be held on September 17, 2009 at the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame in Chicago. The items in Michael Jordan's 50+ lot collection represent his substantial time on the golf course. While not every piece of equipment was employed by the basketball legend, some golf clubs and bags show substantial use. Expected to fetch $30,000-$40,000, the group is being sold to benefit the James Jordan Foundation. "An iconic athlete's personal ephemera is always a huge draw for bidders," said David Hunt, president of Hunt Auctions. "We're thrilled to be offering such a unique collection for both Michael Jordan and golf enthusiasts alike." Also up for auction is a private collection of Michael Jordan memorabilia that includes several significant pieces, including a selection of items from the famed 1992 USA Olympic Basketball "Dream Team". Of particular interest is Jordan's warm up jacket from the 1992 games in Barcelona estimated at $4,000-$5,000. The 125-lot collection is offered for the first time publicly with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the James Jordan Foundation.

---National Equality March 2009---
The weekend of October 10th will see thousands of fair-minded Americans congregating in our nation's capital for Equality Across America's "National Equality March 2009." The March serves as a call to action for a new generation of activists, gay and straight, to join the movement for LGBT equality. The event's goal is to reinvigorate the LGBT movement on a national level so participants can take their experiences home to their communities across America and convey the urgency behind their quest for demanding equal rights.

---Changing retirement landscape---
Scott Hanson, CFP, Principal of Hanson McClain, says that the recent economic crisis has caused a shift in the way people are approaching retirement: "Many consumers are overextended, and some may still be at risk of losing their homes. But even those who are on solid financial ground feel the emotional impact of the financial crisis, and some who are nearing retirement are rethinking both their timing and their values. Many people are looking carefully at what's important to them. They may be more focused on remaining fit and healthy, spending time with those they love, and participating in volunteer activities. Some are intentionally choosing to simplify - to live in smaller homes, collect less stuff and drive smaller, more fuel-efficient cars. As a financial advisor, I'm pleased to see this trend." Hanson and partner Pat McClain, ChFC and Principal of Hanson McClain have worked extensively, for over 20 years, with employees of large telecommunications and utilities companies, many of whom are union members. "Our approach is to encourage clients to eliminate as much debt as possible, especially as they approach their retirement years," said Hanson, author of Money Matters - Essential Tips and Tools for Building Financial Peace of Mind. These two nationally-known, top advisors say that the entire concept of retirement has changed.