baton
THURSDAY, June 27, 2013
rouge,
louisiana
Vol. 37 • No. 51 • FREE
a people’s publication
Mayor Holden Returns from Economic Trip in Taiwan
SU Ag Center Conclude Fruitful Youth and Family Exposition
By: Rannah Gray, Manager for Mayor Holden Exclusive to The Weekly Press Shortly after his first meeting on an eight-day economic development trip to Taiwan, Mayor Kip Holden’s Facebook page lit up with new friends and messages, some written in Mandarin Chinese, proving how connected we are with the world through technology. “We have seen many Senators and Congressmen come to Taiwan and talk,” wrote Nicholas Chen, who met the Mayor at a reception in Taipei. “Today we see someone doing something. Kip Holden is different. Everyone is impressed with his serve-thepeople approach, and the people of Taiwan look forward to teaming with this man to deliver more to the community at large.” A few hours after meeting with Holden at the Neihu Technology Park in Taiwan last week, Sean Chung, with the HighTech Promotion Center for the City of Taipei, reached out to the Executive Director of the Louisiana Technology Park in Baton Rouge, seeking cooperation between the two research facilities. The Neihu Technology Park houses 3,700 companies, employs 120,000 people and turns over $100 billion in U.S. dollars annually. During an eight-day visit at the invitation of the government of Taiwan, Holden met with officials at several national science parks; Kingwhale Textile IndusSee holden, on page 2
Pictured from left to right: Marshall, Alante’ Jackson (EBR Parish, 1st place winner in Public Speaking Contest), Chancellor Williams
Mayor Holden visits with students interested in educational exchanges with Louisiana at the National Science Museum.
ExxonMobil Breaks Ground On New Port Allen Aviation Facility ExxonMobil Port Allen Lubricants Plant recently broke ground on a new blending center for synthetic aviation oil, which will manufacture products for world-
Baton Rouge, LA The 2013 SU Ag Center youth expo, which attracted more than 250 students across the state, concluded successfully on June 15. Highlights of the event included the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office demonstration of their Bomb/Haz Mat Unit to middle and high school students, showcasing the robot, suit, and other tools for the first time at the event; keynote speaker, Kwame I. Asante, a practicing attorney; youth competitions in public speaking and illustrated talk; talent show and dance; chemistry demonstrations; science education by LIGO Science Educational Center; and the culminating quiz bowl. Winners of the quiz bowl competition in the senior category were from Bossier Parish, 1st place, Calcasieu Parish, 2nd place, and 100 Black Men of Metro Baton Rouge, 3rd place. In the junior category the 1st place went to Calcasieu Parish; 2nd place, Southwest Center for Rural Initiatives in St. Landry Parish; and 3rd place, West Carroll Parish.
Grant Henry, 11th grader from Bossier Parish and member of the 1st place winning team in the senior category said, “This is my third year attending the expo, I’m always excited about the quiz bowl, and I look forward to next year’s contest.” The Public Speaking and Illustrated Talk contests were organized in three age categories: 9-12, 13-15 and 16-18 years old. In the Public Speaking first category, Miracle Styles from Madison Parish took 1st place, Breanna Scott, Bossier Parish, 2nd, and Olivia Viltz, St. Landry Parish, 3rd. The 1st place went to Kanessia Crothers, Madison Parish in category two; 2nd place, Sandreca Citizen, St. Landry; and 3rd place, D’Anthony Butler, Calcasieu Parish. In the 16-18 year-old category, Alante’ Jackson, EBR Parish took 1st place, Crystal Jackon, Madison Parish, 2nd, and James Zachary, Caddo Parish, 3rd. Illustrated Talk Content Category one had Jordan Page See family, on page 2
Amerigroup Foundation Donate $11,700 to the ExxonMobil YMCA
wide distribution in aircraft engines. The new facility will be constructed to include several sustainSee facility, on page 3
Local officials and ExxonMobil managers celebrate the construction of the new Port Allen Aviation Lubricats Plant. Pictured from left to right are West Baton Rouge Parish President Riley Bertholot, Frans Horjus, Baton Rouge Area Chamber President Adam Knapp, West Baton Rouge Chamber President Kathy Stuart, Eddie James of Louisisna Economic Development, Julius Bed, Terry Neal. and Mike Purcell
the 8th Annual Flag Day Celebration
Amerigroup representatives present a donation to the ExxonMobil YMCA Boot Camp participants, Y staff and Y employees. See Story On Page 3
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/btrbb-renaissance-baton-rouge-hotel/
Local & State News
Business News
sports News
Religion News On the first Tuesday of every month will be the meeting of Man-to-Man meeting at 9700 Scenic Highway at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church starting at 7:00pm..See Page 6
INDEX
K-9 Teams at the Top of the Class State Representative Regina Barrow, D-Baton Rouge hosted her 8th annual Flag Day Celebration last week. The event, entitled “Celebrating the Red, White, & Blue,” was held last Friday at noon, at the Pentagon Barracks, adjacent to the Louisiana State Capitol..See Page 2
The East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office K-9 Division received numerous awards and national certifications in narcotics detection at the United State Police Canine Association National Detector Dog Certification Trials in Hammond. ...See Page 3
Serena Williams SBDC Ribbon Cutting Ceremony At Wimbledon The Louisiana Small Business Development Center at Southern University held its grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony at the new location on Southern’s campus...See Page 5
Back in her comfort zone on Wimbledon’s Centre Court, Serena Williams delivered a statement that no one can argue with: When her powerful serve is clicking, she’s still the woman to beat at the All England Club...See Page 8
Local & State............................2 Commentary.............................4 Business....................................5 Religion....................................6 Health.......................................7 Sports.......................................8
Classified Buying or selling a service, looking for for a good job? Check out the classifeds .
THEWEEKLYPRESS.COM Celebrating 37 Years Of Service To The Baton Rouge Community 225.775.2002
Page 2 • The
Weekly Press • Thursday, June 27, 2013
The Weekly Press Newspaper is a published weekly in Baton Rouge and distributed every Thursday with a circulation of 7,500. Subscription rates are $65.00 per year for Louisiana residents; $72.00 for one year for out-of-state residents; half price for six months subscription: and $1.00 per single copy.
state & Local
Representative Barrow Celebrate the 8th Annual Flag Day Celebration
The Wiz to be Performed at BREC Independence Park
Baton Rouge, LA - New Venture Theatre continues its 2013 season with The Wiz. This musical is directed by Greg Williams, Jr. and will be performed at the Independence Park Theatre on July 18-28, 2013. While similar in plot to “The Wizard of Oz”, The Wiz transforms the show into a more fun, funky modern version. Dorothy is blown by a tornado into Munchkinland in the Land of Oz. While there, she meets the Scarecrow, the Tinman & the Cowardly Lion on the Yellow Brick Road. She defeats the evil witch and goes to see the powerful Wizard who turns out to be a phony. However, he is able to convince Dorothy that she can
All money orders or checks should be made payable to The Weekly Press, P.O. Box 74485, Baton Rouge, La. 70874
1283 Rosenwald Road Baton Rouge, La. 70807-41 Phone: (225) 775-2002 Fax: (225) 775-4216 E-Mail theweeklypress@yahoo.com thewpres@bellsouth.net Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Closed Saturday, Sunday and all Major Holidays
READER INFORMATION How to Reach Us General Information225-775-2002 Fax . . . . . . . . . . . 225-775-4216 Email Address . . theweeklypress@yahoo.com . . . . . . thewpres@bellsouth.net The office is open 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday and located at 1283 Rosenwald Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Correction Policy The Baton Rouge Weekly Press strives to be fair and accurate. The newspaper corrects any significant errors of fact brought to the attention of the editor. If you think an error has been made, call 225-775-2002
thewpres@bellsouth.net
Email your News Articles to
Holden BATON ROUGE, LA – State Representative Regina Barrow, D-Baton Rouge hosted her 8th annual Flag Day Celebration last week. The event, entitled “Celebrating the Red, White, & Blue,” was held last Friday at noon, at the Pentagon Barracks, adjacent to the Louisiana State Capitol. Barrow reached out to constituents and friends to join her to honor the service men and women of the Louisiana’s Armed Forces and the elected officials who have also served in the military for their courage and sacrifice. General Sheridan, the first female general in the National Guard spoke at the event, and the Veteran’s Mobile Unit was on display. Barrow, pleased with the success of the event said, “I am happy to see another successful Flag Day take place. It is important to me to show the service
from page 1
Left to Right: Steve Lee, who heads the Louisiana Asia Trade Office; Mayor Holden; Taichung Mayor Jason Hu; Jared Smith, Baton Rouge Area Chamber.
General Sheridan, the first female general in the National Guard spoke at the event, and the Veteran’s Mobile Unit was on display. men and women in our community just how important they are to the citizens of this state, and to celebrate the importance of our flag. I appreciate the support I’ve received in this event.”
For additional information, please contact The Office of State Representative Regina Barrow at (225) 359-9400 or Lauren Russell at (225) 3429795.
4 LSU Hospitals Turned Over To Private Managers BATON ROUGE, LA -Four LSU hospitals are under new private management, and the shift in New Orleans has caused delays in non-emergency services. As part of Gov. Bobby Jindal’s push to privatize the university-run hospitals and clinics, operations of LSU facili-
do anything she wants if she just believes in herself. Dorothy also realizes the importance of home and her family. Tickets: $20.00. Book by William F. Brown, the musical by Charlie Smalls, choreography by Renee Chatelain, and the musical direction by Loneka Wilkinson Battiste. Call the box office at 225-588-7576, or visit www. newventuretheatre.com for ticket information.
ties in New Orleans, Lafayette, Houma and Lake Charles were turned over to private managers Monday. About 4,000 employees were laid off. It wasn’t clear how many workers were rehired. In New Orleans, more than 1,900 of the 2,200 employees stayed with the hospital, accord-
ing to Brian Landry, spokesman for the Louisiana Children’s Medical Center, the new manager. Because of the transition and staffing shakeup, the New Orleans hospital delayed 20 percent of its elective surgeries. The Lake Charles hospital was closed, with its inpatient and emergency services transferred to a private hospital.
Family
from page 1
& Keonia Freeman of West Carroll Parish in 1st place, and Alaina Schaffer & Jeremiah Schaffer, St. Landry Parish in 2nd place. In Category two, Grant Henry, Bossier Parish, took 1st place, Seth Poirier, St. Martin, 2nd place and Taylor Threads, West Carroll Parish, 3rd place. The 1st place and lone winner in Category three was the Juwan Nimer & Jaylen Nimer team.
Divine Favor II
tries Corp., a global manufacturer of high-performance fabrics used for active wear; and Formosa Plastics, with a recently expanded Baton Rouge plant location. Holden’s goal was to help connect businesses with investment opportunities in Louisiana, and the trip proved the Taiwanese were eager to learn more. The trip also included a meeting in Baton Rouge’s Sister City with Taichung Mayor Jason Hu and receptions sponsored by the Louisiana Asia Trade Office and the Louisiana Friendship Association to help connect companies interested in business and cultural ties with Louisiana. “The research facilities and global companies located in Taiwan have a sincere interest in doing business with us,” explained Mayor Holden.
The parade of parishes on Friday afternoon assembled all participating extension agents and volunteers who chaperoned students to the Expo. Representing Orleans Parish was Krystal Sugulleh; East and West Carroll, Carolyn Robinson and Thomas Legiandeny; Bossier, Katherine Ervin; Morehouse and Union, Odis Hill; St. Landry - Southwest Center for Rural Initiatives, Au-
“We visited with companies who have tremendous assets in Baton Rouge and other U.S. cities, and at every stop, we heard that because we came to ask them to invest in our city, they were eager to hear more. Baton Rouge’s strategic location makes it imperative that we build our global presence to keep our local economy growing. There is no question this trip will lead to greater investment interest in Louisiana by the organizations we met.” Jared Smith with the Baton Rouge Area Chamber who serves as Director of Business Development for East Baton Rouge Parish accompanied Holden on the trip. The government of Taiwan paid for the trip with no cost to the taxpayers of East Baton Rouge Parish. brey Williams; DeSoto and Caddo, Patricia Lee; East Baton Rouge, Terrence Marshall; St. Martin and Iberia, Chris Robichaux; Calcasieu and Jefferson, Carol Sensley; Madison, Sarah Sims; and Rapides, Terry Washington. “This was an exciting year. Thanks to all who made the event successful,” said Dr. Wanda Burke, Youth Development Specialist and event organizer. For additional information, contact Wanda Burke, at 225771-5184.
INJURED IN A CAR WRECK? If this happens to you call Attorney McManus
T-Shirts • Custom Printed
Fast Service – Low Prices
CALL (225) 278-7773 REUNIONS • SCHOOLS CHURCH’S • BUSINESSES 1047 Rosenwald Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70807 E-mail Address: ernestjenkins1973@yahoo.com
not a real accident
Call the McManus law office and get all you deserve
Charles C. McManus A T T O R N E Y
A T
L A W
8520 Scotland Ave, Suite C • Baton Rouge, La. 225-774-5771
charlesmcmanus@ mcmanuslawoffice.brcoxmail.com www.charlesmcmanus.com
page 6
ue to hold ay before be that the you may ality time d some of
Thursday, June 27, 2013 • The Weekly Press • Page 3
Fifty Louisiana High School East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office K-9 Seniors Receive the Horatio Teams at the Top of the Class Again Alger Louisiana Scholarship
Thursday, March 6, 2008 • The Weekly Press • Page 7
therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hands of God, that he may exalt you in due time, WASHINGTON, D.C.him, - The “casting all your cares upon Horatio Alger Association of Disfor he cares for you,”(1st Peter tinguished Americans is honored 5:6-7). toAfter announce the winners the you finished having of your HoratioYou Alger Louisiana Scholefore God tantrum. may have a stopped arship. scholarships are u are feel- up nose These and swollen eyes and made possible generous the words mucus runningwith down your suplip portdried fromtears Association Member ly as you and on your face, but William Doré.after Horatio Alger e a good you’ll feelJ.better emptying scholarship recipients have been ng falling, yourself of those things which all those had beenbased heavy on on their your heart. chosen demonSometimes we go for strated commitment to weeks educaying, you ortion, months trying tototake matters dedication community he things into our hands and try to our service, and strength ofsolve character od knows own problems. We are not super in overcoming personal obstacles ough. he humans; weacademic can’t handle everyto achieve excellence. ich flows thing alone. need God’stohelp. “It isWe a privilege play en though We haveintothese let goyoung of those situa part people’s bling you, ations let God handle them. collegeand education,” said Tony Nohim about there some and things weExecucan’t velly, are President Chief lems and humanly do anything about.Alger tive Officer of the Horatio Association. “They have already shown perseverance and courage in the face of adversity, and with opportunities made available through higher education and our page 4 free-enterprise system, there is no limit to the things they may the citizens of the nation must achieve.” ncil, build- demand that our leaders our Each scholar willfree receive s in states children false $10,500from thatthe will goideological toward his ut children and political of war among or her collegetugs tuition, fees, books reaucratic those who put excess profits and on-campus room and ahead board. d SChiP, ofInchildren’s addition lives. to the scholarship, s to enact how well didhave Congress the students accessprotect to the dren Act, children in 2007? Not well enough: following opportunities: ntroduced 276 Members ofaid Congress had • Financial and scholarbby Scott good Action Council Conship CDF counseling d Senator gressional Scorecard scores of 80 • College readiness tools and n the Sen- percent or higher, and 198 of those assessments d provide had stellar of 100 • 24/7scores Support andpercent. Referral including But 231 members scored 60 percent h, simpli- or lower—a failing grade from our a national school days. ilies up to Whether Members of Congress al poverty are liberal, conservative or modhouse co- erate; Democrat, republican or ort. how- independent, children need all of er a single them to vote, lobby, speak for and any other protectMARLBOROUGH, them. Adults need to listen MASS. o push for carefully what candidates sayDe– SADDto(Students Against n. they will doDecisions), for children the and national famistructive cil strongly lies and, once they are in office, school-based, peer-to-peer preealth cov- we need to education hold them accountable. vention, and activism merica as Please thank your Members of Con-that organization, today announced se children gress with Springs scores ofHigh 80 percent or of Denham School, comes up above and let those with scores ofhas Denham Springs, Louisiana, n in early 60 percent or below know you are been named the SADD National Member of dissatisfied their performance. Chapter with of the Year. Denham covering And pleasewas convey that same Springs chosen frommesa pool nt mother sage to each presidential candidate.for of highly-qualified applicants dequately We must demand that our leadersand their dedication, innovation, of the All commit to children a condition commitment to theas SADD mission. of our“Denham vote. Springs High School we could JADD exemplifies our idea of a 70 billion Marian Wright Edelman is Presisuccessful SADD chapter and incover all dent of the Children’s Defense deed, of the power of youngFund people at amount and its Action Council whose Leave to make a difference in their comor tax cuts No Child Behind® to munity,” remarkedmission PennyisWells, of richest ensure every child“We a Healthy Start, SADD CEO. believe your n months achapter Head Start, a FairtoStart, has much offer aasSafe an exo not have Start andtoa Moral in life across and ample SADDStart chapters merica: We successful passage to adulthood the country.” litical will with the of caring families Thehelp SADD chapter, which l adults to and communities. goes by JADD (Jackets Against r children. Destructive Decisions) completed over 100 events over the past year, rom page 4 including a Prom Fashion show; a Homecoming after-party; a breakfast with Santa; and tradiappropri- we forget o’reilly’s tional events, such asless-thanRed Ribbon lynching informed comments regarding a Week which promotes a drug-free e obama,’’ dinner he and shared year with lifestyle, the last Great American echless.’’ Sharpton at Sylvia’s inalso harlem? Smoke-Out. JADD is hosting ointed out o’reilly expressed overstua summer camp forsurprise elementary he Black how similarSylvia’s was to other dents to talk about underage drinkthe noose restaurants in New York restauing. The chapter has found unique a tool of rants. and innovative ways to approach midation’’ ‘’thereissues wasn’twith one which personteens in various an-Ameri- Sylvia’s struggle.who was screaming, bbed some ‘M-Fer, i want more icedtotea,’’’ “JADD deserves be the y of their he said. National Chapter of the SADD As the Washington Post’s robYear because we make sure every we must inson sadlyofobserved on MSNBC segment our school population displays inisFebruary, youclub can go included‘’All in our andbyour re deeply isactivities,” his words and his SADD actions.advisor And stated ong. And he keeps saying these Elise LeBlanc. “Wethings focus that on reAmerica sound pretty darn racist to me.’’sure cruiting members and making has talk feels radiowelcome learned anything everyone as soon as ingraham from imus’ decline and of school starts, and we putfall? members y their re- course not,asbecause didn’t takeWe to work soon asitpossible. en though imus tooaterribly longoftoactivities, get a provide wide variety y did offer new gig. campaigns, and other opportuniour media ties to nation’s serve. We do anoutlets excellent dn’t drop should provide student a platform for job ofnot matching abilities estion that racialhostility andprograms, hateful speech and interests to but also esidential now or in theour future. What kind of as make sure members grow member of messageare we sending to our chilthey work on our projects.” ommunity dren, our nation and Springs our world? The Denham JADD hief reeks in suchwas an historic election Chapter honored for its year, dedicagative ste- we cannot stand aside and allow Americans individuals to use the airwaves cular. as an outlet for insensitive and acility fromifpage st time ei- misguidedcommentary. you 1 estionable hear something that offends you, how can speak up. able features like natural lighting panels to minimize interior lights during sunny days, water usage minimization and a comprehenge 4 sive recycling program. ExxonMobil Aviation Lubrichanges concerned with the conditions cants have been a part of the turbine n being is at Jetson. it is happening there. engine oil industry for decades, m the core What i do know is that most of working enable the next geno reaffirm these youthtocan be changed, from eration of in engines and aircrafts. . he will contrition a prepatory schoolAs a global manufacturer of Mobil the will to for Angola to rehabilitation forJet products, this site will manufacture ers. a positive life that may lead to a products that willglory. be distributed e to cover life of meritorious That is around world y people the Way the I See It! for use in aircraft engines.
Services including crisis response and counseling resources • Free housing opportunities provided by Campus Crest at 44 campuses across the nation • Graduate school funding (NAPSM)-A commissioned • Access to asurvey network of their by two organizations peers andleading alumnihealth through the Asfound that although out of three sociation’s website,two Facebook African Americans (61 percent) exand LinkedIn pressed concern about developing Its Members, friends of the heart diseaseand and other two out of five (40 organization, foundapercent) expressed concern about tions fund the Horatio Alger Asdeveloping Alzheimer’s, only about sociation’s scholarship programs. one in 20 are aware that heart health Since 1990, the Association has is linked to brain health. provided $7,677,290 in scholarthe Alzheimer’s Association is ships to high school seniors from joining forces with the American Louisiana. heart Association to educate African Contact: Rollins,their Americans thatHolly by managing 10-x Group, 864.420.1127 andalso cardiovascular risk, they may at strengthen hrollins@10-xgroup.com for their cognitive health. additional information. “What’s good for your heart is Founded 1947, says the Horagood for yourin brain,” Jennifer tioManly, AlgerPh.D., Association of DistinAlzheimer’s Associaguished Americans “every celebrates tion spokesperson. healthy those individuals our one-fifth society of heartbeat pumps in about whose determination and your blood to your brain to hard carry on work haveprocesses enabled them to overthe daily of thinking, probcome obstacles to achieve lem life’s solving and remembering.” “By the 2030, success. Asyear a 501 (c)the (3)number non- of African ageprovides 65 or older is profit, theAmericans Association expected to more than to 6.9 college scholarships anddouble mentormillion,” emilstudents Matarese, M.D., ship to lowsaid income who American heart Association spokesdemonstrate courage in the face “Although Alzheimer’s ofperson. adversity and dedication to is not part higher of normal aging, age is the pursuing education. The greatestAlger risk factor for Alzheimer’s Horatio Association has disease. almost So it is important that Afawarded $100 million rican Americans take steps now to to nearly 20,000 Scholars since decrease their risk of heart disease, the inception of its scholarship which research programs in 1984.has shown could also decrease the risk of cognitive decline.”
health
What’s Good For Your Heart Is Good For Your Brain Did You Know? • Compared to the general public, African Americans have a higher risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and vascular dementia. • More than 40 percent of African Americans have high blood pressure (hBP) and are at risk for stroke, which can lead to greater risk for developing Alzheimer’s or other vascular cognitive dementias. • every year, more than 100,000 African Americans have a stroke. • having high cholesterol increases the risk for stroke and may increase the risk for Alzheimer’s.
From left to right- Cpl. Jesse Hale and Cpl. Shannon Graham. The East Baton Rouge Sher- MYLO • 1st Place Overall iff’s Office K-9 Division received • 1st Place Department Team numerous awards and national cer• 1st Place Indoor Search tifications in narcotics detection • 4th Place Vehicle Search this month at the United State Po• Cpl. Jesse Hale / K-9 lice Canine Association (USPCA) National Detector Dog Certification Trials in Hammond. Out of JUMMA • 2nd Place Overall 35 Narcotics Detector Dog Teams • 1st Place Department Team from across the nation, EBRSO’s • 2nd Place Indoor Search Cpl. Shannon Graham and his K-9 • 3rd Place Vehicle Search partner Mylo and Cpl. Jesse Hale and his K-9 partner Jumma finApril of this means year, EBRSO’s ished 1stshows and 2nd overall onheart the and brainInhealth, Research a link between which impaired K-9 division also dominated in the National Level. heart function could lead to impaired brain function. The following is a list of USPCA Region 10 field trials held awards the East Baton Rouge in Covington. In Patrol Dog competition, EBRSO Capt. James BrousSheriff’s K-9 teams won: • Cpl. Shannon Graham / K-9 sard and K-9 partner Indo finished
Sadd Selects Denham Springs High School As National Chapter Of TheYou Year Be At Risk? Could
Baton Rouge Green is Uprooting!
tion and received their award alert worth ness of diabetes, particularly when at (NAPSi)-here’s the 2013 SADDanNational paying attention to:Banquet According Conference Awards at to it is left undiagnosed and untreated. the American Diabetes Association the day is held on the fourth tuesday the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena TheMarch. members of the Baton (ADA), learning your risk for type 2 of every Vista in Orlando, Florida before Rouge Green areare in the prodiabetes couldofsave your life. on that day,team people encouran audience more than 450 cess of moving into our new office Diabetes a serious aged to take the Diabetes risk test, students andisadult field disease leaders.that from location at 448 North strikes nearly 21 million children either our withold paper and pencil or online. The Awards Banquet is the high11th Street across the street to our and adults in the U.S. it is named the risk test requires users to answer light of this four-day convention new office. As of July 1, our the “silent killer”from because one-third seven simple questions about new age, where students 27 states address will be:and family history-of those with the disease--more than 6 weight, lifestyle gathered to gain new life skills, Baton risk Rouge Green million--do not know they have it. all potential factors for diabetes. learn the latest in prevention 439 North1011th Street For many, diagnosis may come People scoring points or more are strategies, share best practices, Baton 70802 and seven to 10 years the onset of at a high riskRouge for typeLa. 2 diabetes and network withafter others. Please bear with us in the next type “JADD 2 diabetes. earlyknow diagnosis members our is are encouraged to talk with a health critical for successful treatment and care professional. voices need to be heard,” added can delay or prevent some of the An estimated 54 million AmeriAustin Rogers, JADD chapter complications such as heart diseases, cans have pre-diabetes. those with member. “We are determined to blindness, kidney disease, stroke and pre-diabetes have blood glucose levfind fun, creative ways to spread amputation. els higher than normal but not high our message to our peers and that’s one reason the ADA holds enough to be diagnosed with type to younger children. The only the American Diabetes Alert® Day, 2 diabetes. BATON ROUGE, LA - The thing that limits our enthusiasa one-day wake-up call to inform the Capital early intervention via System lifestyle Area Transit tic dedication is the number of American public about the serious- (CATS) changes such as weight loss and is adding two new bus hours in a day.” routes to help get people to and SADD, the nation’s leadfrom Baton Rouge hospitals. ing peer-to-peer youth educaCATS will start busing pastion, prevention, and activism sengers Wednesday from Woman’s organization, is committed to Hospital, Our Lady of the Lake, empowering young people to Baton Rouge General Bluebonnet lead initiatives in their schools and Ochsner on Bluebonnet. and communities. Founded in Riders will be taken to the 1981, today SADD has thouMall of Louisiana, where they sands of chapters in middle Land Line (225)schools, 356-0703and schools, high Cell Phone (225) 235-6955 colleges across the country. GSRASAC E-mail:highlights Goodshepherdbapt@bellsouth. SADD prevention ofnet many destructive behaviors Hours: Mon-Thurs 8am – 8 pm and attitudes that are harmful to Call The young people, including underGood Shepherd Substance Abuse CenterPress Weekly age drinking, substance Intensive abuse, Outpatient / Inpatient Therapy risky and impaired driving, and to place your For suicide. Drugs, Alcohol, Anger Management teen violence and To become a Friend of SADD or advertisment. 2873 Mission Drive for more information, visit Rev. Donald Britton, MA, LAC Baton Rouge, LA 70805 sadd.org or follow SADD on Clinical Director (225) 315-0740 Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Bishop Harris Hayes, Overseer or YouTube.
increased physical activity can help delay or prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. few weeksthe as we settle into new Among primary riskour factors office space. Our phone number for type 2 diabetes are being overwill notsedentary, change atover the new locaweight, the age of tion and we can still be reached at 45 and having a family history of (225)-381-0037. diabetes. African Americans, Latinos, Americans, However, Asians due toand thePacific hecNative tic natureareofatthe move, the best islanders an increased risk, as way to getwho in touch withweighing us is by are women have babies emailing Diane at diane@ more than either 9 pounds at birth. batonrougegreen.com orisRobert the Diabetes risk test availat robert@batonrougegreen.com.
Manage Your Risks • Watch the numbers. remember that desirable blood pressure is less than 120/80 mmhg. Keep your body weight in the recommended range 1st place in Patrol, 1st place and make sure that 1st theplace total cholesRookie Dog team, Eviterol less than 200mg/dL. denceisSearch, 2nd place Agility • healthy lifestyle choices include and 3rd place Obedience. They staying mentally and physically acalso received the Tom Larson tive, staying socially involved, reducaward the “Top Dog” ing yourfor intake of fatPatrol and cholesterol in Region 10 trials. This was and not smoking. theVisit firstwww.alz.org/heartbrain time ever anyone from or the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s call the American Stroke AssociaOffice received the Tom Lartion, a division of the American heart son award in Region 10 trials. Association, at (888) 478-7653 or EBRSO Dy. Diana Walesatand the Alzheimer’s Association (800) K-9 partner 272-3900 andEnzo you’llfinished receive 1st a broplace with in Obedience, EBRSO chure heart and brain health Lt. Steven Whitstine K-9 information and a free and pedometer, partner Kodolast. finished 3rd while supplies place in Agility and EBRSO Cpl. Shannon Graham and K-9 partner Mylo finished 1st place in Indoor search in the Narcotics Division, and received the “Top Narcotics Dog” award in Regionin 10english trials. EBRSO Cpl. Jesse able and Spanish by callHale K-9 Jumma ing theand ADA at partner 1-800-DiABeteS (1-800-342-2383) online at www. finished 1st placeorin Outdoor diabetes.org/alert. search of vehicles. though the Alert is a one-day call to action, awareness about type 2 diabetes is important anytime of the year, so free Diabetes risk tests are available online and by calling ADA all year long. A free Diabetes risk test is available all year long to determine the risk for developing type 2 diabetes.
Amerigroup Foundation Donate $11,700 to the ExxonMobil YMCA BATON ROUGE, LA – The Amerigroup Foundation is a proud sponsor of ExxonMobil YMCA’s Summer Youth Camp in Baton Rouge. The “Amerigroup Kid Boot Camp”, which kicked-off earlier this month, provides an outlet for 100 at-risk youth to learn and play in a safe environment. Amerigroup Louisiana Chief Executive Officer, George Bucher, presented a check for $11,700 to the ExxonMobil YMCA on behalf of the Amerigroup Foundation on Friday, June 21, 2013. The summer camp focuses on immediate and long-term goals ranging from teaching children lifesaving skills by offering swim and basic CPR lessons, to providing daily structured fitness activities and instruction on nutrition and healthy lifestyles.
Mirror of Grace Outreach Free Computer Classes Our Computers Program classes target individuals with little to no computer exposure. We provide basic computer training classes to assist each individual in obtaining and developing the understanding and skills to meet the needs of employer’s today. Please inform your clients, friends and family. We also provide free public access to computers and the Internet. • Monday-July 1 -Intro to Computers • Wednesday–July 10 -Microsoft Word • Wednesday–July 17 -Power Point For additional information contact our office: 225.300.4528
Have You CATS Adds Hospital Routes Been Screened?
Visit Us Online @ www.theweeklypress.com
225-775-2002
WooDDALe
ChiroPrACtiC CLiNiC Health Care For The Entire Family
F
Dr Paul Matthews
Indications For Treatment: • Low Back Pain • Pinched Nerves • Pain in Legs • Numbness • Burning Sensation • Muscle Spasms • Nervousness • Arthritis Pains • Scoliosis • Sleepiness • Disc Syndrome
office hours: 9:00 a.m. — 12:00 noon 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday – Friday 6233 harry Drive, Suite C • Baton rouge, Louisiana 70806
(225) 201-0210
can catch the regular buses. Hospital patients, visitors and workers can ride. The buses will run seven days a week.No appointment required for most screenings.
Free Cancer Screenings
If you do not have a doctor and have not been screened in the last 12 months, these cancer screenings are available to you for free. Presented as part of the comprehensive Cancer Program of Our Lady of the Lake and Mary Bird Perkins. Screenings made possible by donor gifts.
(225) 215-1234
Breast Cancer Screening Tuesday, March 11 10am – 12pm & 1pm – 4pm LSUHSC Mid City Clinic 1401 N. Foster Drive Baton Rouge
Colorectal Cancer Screening Thursday, March 13 10am –2pm Wal-Mart 2171 O’Neal Lane Baton Rouge
Breast Cancer Screening Friday, March 14 10am – 12pm & 1pm – 4pm Leo S. Butler Community Center 950 E. Washington Street Baton Rouge
Breast Cancer Screening Tuesday, March 18 5pm – 7pm (Appt required) Woman’s Hospital 9050 Airline Highway Baton Rouge
(888) 616-4687
Colorectal Cancer Screening Monday, March 17 10am –2pm
Brusly Town Hall 601 S. Vaughan Street Brusly
Prostate and Colorectal Cancer Screenings Wednesday, March 26 10am –2pm
www.kisworkout.com Ed Price Building Materials 7835 Airline Highway Baton Rouge
Break Through! Break Through! Break Through! This Is What We Have Been Waiting On. You Don’t Have To Go Anywhere In Partnership With:
Our Lady of the Lake Woman’s Hospital YWCA Encore Plus LSU Hospitals Health Care Services Division
You Don’t Have To Buy Anything
This Exercise Program Is Designed For You, Right Where You Are.
Commentary Thursday, June 27, 2013 • The Weekly Press • Page 4
What Black Parents Must Do This Summer By: Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu There is a 3-year gap between Black and White students. Many people love to believe it’s due to income, fatherlessness, educational attainment of the parent and lack of parental involvement. I believe a major reason for the gap is we continue to close schools for the summer as if we are an agrarian economy. Very few Black youth will be farming this summer. If you multiply 3 months by 12 years you will see the 3-year gap. There is nothing wrong with Black youth if their schools remained open during the summer and/or their parents kept them academically engaged. Middle-income parents who value education enroll their children in some type of academic experience during the summer. They also visit libraries, museums, zoos and colleges. Other parents allow their children to sleep longer, play more video games, watch more television and play basketball until they can’t see the hoop. These students will have to review the same work they had mastered in May in September. Black parents cannot allow their child to lose 3 months every year. Black parents cannot say they cannot afford the library. It’s free! Most museums have discounted
days. A male friend of mine shared his experience with me when he took his family to the museum. He wondered why so many people were staring at him. His wife and children had to tell him he was the only Black man in the building! I am appealing to every father to take his children this summer to the library, museum, and the zoo. I am appealing to every mother if he won’t, you will. We need every parent to make sure his or her child reads at least one book per week and to write a book report. I am reminded of the formula Sonya Carson used to develop Ben Carson to become the best pediatric neurosurgeon. This low-income single parent, with a third grade education, had enough sense to tell her sons to turn off the television, read a book and write a report that her sister would grade! I have a theory that I can go into your house and within 5 minutes tell you the type of student who lives there and predict their future. I believe that engineers, doctors, lawyers, accountants etc. need different items in their house than ballplayers, rappers, and and criminals. I am very concerned See summer, on page 5
Stop Spending and Start Producing By James Clingman NNPA Columnist “Stop that! I’m not going to tell you again.” I am sure many of you have heard your parents say those words more than once. Why? Because you always repeated what they told you not to do, right? Now that we are adults ourselves, some of us who are consciously aware of the state of the Black economy in this nation are saying the same thing to our people. “Stop that!” Stop spending so much and start producing more. Stop creating wealth for every other group and virtually none for ourselves. Stop capitulating to the whimsical and dangerous malaise of “instant gratification.” Stop! The information that made me scream at our people when I read it was a well-written article, by Jeneba Ghatt, and featured in the online magazine, Politics 365. The title itself, “Black Spending Power to Hit $1Trillion by 2015, But Black Wealth is Dropping,” conjures up an immediate sense of, “Say what?” and “What the…?” The inference I drew from the title comprised a conundrum, an enigma, a paradox, an oxymoron, an irony, an inconsistency, a contradiction, and just plain out of order. My penchant for yelling, “Stop it!” has come from two decades of writing essentially what Sister
Ghatt delineated in her article. And let me commend Claud Anderson, Tony Brown, and others who have been yelling a lot longer than I have about the foolishness of Black folks bragging about, or buying into others who brag about, so-called Black spending (purchasing, consumption, or buying) power.” It may be power, but only for those with whom we spend our trillion dollars; it’s definitely a weakness for us. Can you see the untenable and downright ridiculous economic position Black people are in visà-vis having a $1 trillion annual income versus not having built a commensurate level of wealth with such a great deal of money? What sense does it make to even discuss Black spending power if we are not willing to leverage that $1trillion into wealth for ourselves and our children? It’s similar to how we brag about how “powerful” our votes are, but we get very little in return for them. Jeneba Ghatt wrote: “Although Blacks make up 13% of the US population, they own merely 5% of all US firms and only 1.8% of companies that employ more than one person… More than half of Black-owned businesses had less than $10,000 in business receipts in 2002, compared with one-third See spending, on page 7
Letter To The Editor Some sins are worse than others, and the sin of homosexuality is one of the vilest. It is the only sin that has occasioned the destruction of entire cities, and we speak of Sodom and Gomorrah, and done so instantly, and done by God. The United States, and especially this country, because of the great Gospel Light it has been given, will ultimately face the Judgment of God in its sanctioning of homosexual marriages, so-called. The sin itself is bad enough; however, to legitimize it, which this nation is doing, will ultimately bring upon our heads the Wrath of God, and rightly so.” The Expositor’s Study Bible; 2005. Jesus said, “And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verify I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the Day of Judgment, than for that city for person.” Matthew 10:1415. Fools (those with reprobated
minds, devoid of wise judgment and good common sense) detest turning from evil. Proverbs 13:19 NIV. “Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure (steady, immovable), having this seal of Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let everyone that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity (wickedness). I Timothy 2:19. “[Satan] will completely fool those who are on their way to hell because they have said ‘no’ to the Truth; they have refused to believe it and love it, and let it save them, so God will allow them to believe lies with all their hearts, and all of them will be justly judged for believing falsehood, refusing the Truth, and enjoying their sins” II Thessalonians 2:10-12 LB. Our President, Barak Obama, supports: (1) Open homosexuals in the military. What is wrong with “don’t ask don’t tell?” (2) Civil Unions; See letter, on page 7
Affirmative Action Polls Show Deep Racial Gulf By George E. Curry NNPA Columnist In the months leading up to this week’s Supreme Court decision on affirmative action, a public opinion poll by ABC News and the Washington Post showed that 76 percent of Americans oppose affirmative action in college admissions. However, a poll conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute showed that 68 percent of Americans favor the principles behind affirmative action. How do Americans really feel about affirmative action? The short answer is that it depends on how the question is asked. The ABC/Washington Post question, asked June 5-9, was posed this way: “Overall, do you support or oppose allowing universities to consider applicants’ race as a factor in deciding which students to admit?” Of those responding, 76 percent opposed, 22 percent voiced support and 2 percent were undecided. Public Religion Research Institute, which conducted a poll May 15-19, phrased its question differently: “In order to make up for past discrimination, do you favor or oppose programs which make special efforts to help blacks and other minorities get ahead?” More than two-thirds of the respondents – 68 percent – favored such efforts, 24 percent opposed, 6 percent were unsure and 2 percent provided other replies. Note the wording of the questions. The ABC/Washington Post question provided no
context for evaluating affirmative action admissions, only whether respondents support or oppose using race as a factor. On the other hand, the Public Religion Research Institute approach placed the issue within the context of “past discrimination” and using “special efforts” to help people of color get ahead. An NBC/Wall Street Journal poll, conducted May 30-June 2, showed Americans evenly divided on the issue. Respondents were asked to choose between two statements: A) Affirmative action programs are still needed to counteract the effects of discrimination against minorities, and are a good idea as long as there are no rigid quotas and B) Affirmative action programs have gone too far in favoring minorities, and should be ended because they unfairly discriminate against whites. In that poll, 45 percent of the respondents said affirmative action programs are still needed to counteract the effects of discrimination against people of color. But the same margin – 45 percent – said they feel the programs have gone too far and should be ended because they unfairly discriminate against Whites. A closer examination of the numbers show a deep racial divide. For example, 71 percent of African Americans strongly believe affirmative action programs are still needed, compared to only 20 percent of Whites and 39 percent of Hispanics. Another 11 percent of Blacks feel affirmative action should continue, but did not feel as strongly about it.
Among Hispanics, 29 percent were in that category and 14 percent of Whites. When supporters – strong and not as strong – are added together, 82 percent of African Americans want to retain affirmative action, compared to 68 percent of Hispanics and 34 percent of Whites. When you add the two categories of those wanting to abolish affirmative action, a majority of Whites – 56 percent – support such a move, compared to 7 percent of African Americans and 24 percent of Hispanics. A CNN/ORC poll, conducted June 11-13, asked the question: Do you approve or disapprove of affirmative action programs at college and law schools that give racial preferences to minority applicants? The reference to “racial preferences” is a loaded term unlikely to elicit a favorable response. In this case, 68 percent of respondents said they disapprove of affirmative action as it was defined, 29 percent approved and 3 percent expressed no opinion. Affirmative action should be viewed in light of overall racial attitudes in America. As we approach the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, people of color and Whites have closely aligned views on whether Dr. King’s dream of equality has been fulfilled. In the CNN/ORC poll conducted Jan. 14-15, respondents were asked: “Martin Luther King gave his famous ‘I Have a Dream Speech’ at a civil rights march in
Washington in 1963. In your view, do you think the U.S. has fulfilled the vision King outlined in that speech, or don’t you think so?” According to the poll, 51 percent of Whites in the U.S. believe Dr. King’s vision has been fulfilled; 49 percent of non-Whites subscribe to that view. Unfortunately, the poll does not separate the Black responses. In an Aug. 4-7, 2011 USA/ Gallup Poll, 55 percent of Black respondents said they believe relations between Blacks and Whites will always be a problem, compared to 44 percent for Whites, with 2 percent unsure. That same poll showed how differently Blacks and Whites view the proper role of government. When asked about the role government should play in trying to improve the social and economic position of Blacks and other people of color, 59 percent of Blacks said the government should play a major role, 32 percent said a minor role, 8 percent said no role and 1 percent was unsure. Among Whites, only 19 percent said the government should play a major role, 50 percent said a minor role, 30 percent said no role and 1 percent was unsure. George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA.) He is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach. Curry can be reached through his Web site, www.georgecurry.com.
Domestic Spying is Nothing New By Bill Fletcher, Jr. NNPA Columnist Forgive me if I come across as cynical, but why is anyone surprised by our domestic spying? I am not talking about the ridiculous situation with the IRS. That is a tempest in a teapot, and everyone knows that. No, I am speaking about the NSA spying. Think about it for a second, and really this comes down to how far back in history you want to go. For those of us who lived through the 1960s and 1970s, there was the case of the FBI’s notorious Counter-Intelligence Program (COINTELPRO) that was used to disrupt and suppress social justice movements and organizations, including but not limited to the Black freedom movement. Think of how many organizations were destroyed, activists imprisoned, killed or, literally, driven insane. Jump forward to 2001 and the immediate aftermath of the 9/11 Al Qaeda terrorist attacks. In a rush that would make an Olympic sprint appear to be a
snail’s race, the Patriot Act was passed by Congress without most legislators stopping to read it. We have been living with the Patriot Act ever since and this administration has never taken the slightest step to move to overturn it. Thus, we continue to have Guantanamo cages and targeted assassinations. And, of course, we have wiretapping. The Obama administration counters its critics by suggesting that this domestic surveillance has successfully thwarted numerous terrorist conspiracies. I do not doubt for a moment that that is at least partially true. But that avoids a larger question. After all, a broken clock is right twice a day. The issue that the people of the U.S.A. have to address is the implication of living in a constant state of fear and never getting to the root of the larger problem of terrorism. Let’s be clear that in most discussions of terrorism, there is very little concern about domestic, right-wing terrorism. The proliferation of right-wing militias and other para-military
formations is all but ignored by the mainstream media (and much of law enforcement) despite the fact that these forces constitute a greater threat to us in the U.S. than many Islamic jihadists. Let us also be clear that the policies of the USA frequently catalyze the actions of fanatics. Do we need to be reminded of how U.S. support for Muslim fundamentalists in their war with the then-Soviet Union in Afghanistan (in the 1980s), only to abandon Afghanistan, contributed to the 9/11 blowback? Do we need to be reminded that the NATO intervention in Libya unleashed weapons caches that have spread AK-47s throughout North Africa? Do we need to think for more than a second about the implications of intervening in the Syrian civil war as allies of the jihadists and their Saudi/ Qatari sponsors? Instead of asking the big questions, too many of us have decided to live in a permanent state of fear of the next terrorist attack. That fear has translated, for more than 12 years, into a
willingness to close our eyes to the erosion of civil liberties; the unapologetic enthusiasm of the U.S.A. to engage in torture and targeted assassinations; and the audacity of initiating aggression in violation of international law and precedent, all in the name of opposing terrorism. Just so that I am not misunderstood, this problem did not start with the Obama administration, and, unless we do something, will not end with the Obama administration. There should be no surprises here about domestic surveillance. Instead the time has come to draw a line. Authoritarianism never suggests an end to freedom; rather, it promises safety and security against the threat of the moment. Bill Fletcher, Jr. is a Senior Scholar with the Institute for Policy Studies. He is the immediate past president of TransAfrica Forum and the author of “They’re Bankrupting Us” – And Twenty Other Myths about Unions. Follow him on Facebook and www.billfletcherjr.com.
The views expressed in the editiorial columns are not necessarily the veiws of The Weekly Press or its staff. Address all opinions and comments to: Letters to the Editior, P.O. Box 74485 Baton Rouge, La. 70874 or E-mail them to: theweeklypress@yahoo.com
Thursday, June 27, 2013 • The Weekly Press • Page 5
IRS Offers Information, Support and Services for Small Businesses Do you own or operate a small business? Or do you plan to start a business someday soon? If you answered yes to either question, the IRS has online information, support and services that may be helpful to you. Small Business Week Webinars. During National Small Business Week 2013, the IRS is hosting two free, live small business webinars. Go online to learn about the many tax benefits available to businesses. You will also learn how to avoid common mistakes made by small businesses. IRS staff will answer questions during each webinar. Register for the events at IRS Webinars for Small Businesses. Although tax professionals will not get continuing education credits, they will receive lots of useful information. If you’re unable to attend the live events, you can view the archived versions on the IRS Video Portal. They’ll be available about three weeks after the broadcasts. Online Support Anytime. The IRS offers many online products and services for small businesses. They’re available any day of the week throughout the year on IRS.gov. Here are just a few examples of the business resources the IRS offers: The Online Learning and Educational Products page features useful small business tools.
Summer
The Online Tax Calendar helps you keep track of important tax deadlines. You can subscribe to e-News for Small Businesses to help you stay on top of the latest tax news affecting small businesses. The Self-Employed Individuals Tax Center is for sole proprietors, independent contractors, members of partnerships, and others who are in business for themselves. Check it out for self-employed tax information and more tools. The Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center is for small businesses with assets under $10 million. Visit this page for resources like Small Business Taxes: the Virtual Workshop. This popular class helps you learn the basics of federal taxes. It offers nine lessons to help you navigate tax issues so your small business can thrive. Visit IRS.gov for more information and federal tax news for small businesses. You can also get small business forms and publications on the IRS website or by calling 800-TAXFORM (800-829-3676). To automatically receive IRS tax tips, visit IRS.gov, click on “News” and select “e-News Subscriptions.” For additional information, please contact Dee Harris Stepter with the IRS Media Relations for LA and MS at 504-558-3081 or by e-mail at deirdre.h.stepter@irs.gov.
from page 4
when I visit a house that has more CD’s and downloads than books. My company African American Images has designed a special collection of books for boys. Research shows one of the major reasons boys dislike reading is because of the content. The set is titled Best Books for Boys. We also have one for girls, parents and teachers. Enjoy your summer. Let’s
close the gap. I look forward to your child’s teacher asking your child what did you do for the summer? And your child answering we went to the library, museum, zoo, colleges and other great educational places. Author of “There is Nothing Wrong With Black Students, Changing School Culture For Black Males And Raising Black Boys”
business Louisiana Small Business Development Center At SU Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana Small Business Development Center at Southern University held its grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony at the new location on Southern’s campus. The center is located at 616 Harding Blvd. U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu’s Chief of Staff Donald Cravins Jr., was the guest speaker for the celebration that included university leaders and the community. Among those who attended were Southern University-Baton Rouge Chancellor James L. Llorens; Pat Witty of Louisiana Economic Development; Councilwoman Ronnie Edwards, Baton Rouge Metro Council District #5; and Adam Knapp from Baton Rouge Area Chamber of Commerce. Cravins greeted the crowd by saying “On behalf of Sen. Mary Landrieu and myself, we have made the right decision to work with Campbell and Southern University.” “What this center will represent is not a promise to make any business successful…it is going to make our students, constitutes, our folks, our small business, our large businesses more competitive in Baton Rouge and in the region,” said Cravins of what the center at SU. SUBR Chancellor James L. Llorens said the center “will make “SU a viable partner” in the small business community. The new center will continue to provide business solutions to the Southern students and the community at no cost in efforts to help small business start and grow in the Capitol Region. Cravins said, “Businesses will get top-notch counseling, top-
Will Campbell notch advice from the top-notch advisors and that is what will make them competitive.” The owner of Ty-Ty’s Royal Ice: Italian Ice, Tim Turner has been attending classes with the LSBDC at Southern for two years. “It helped me from being illiterate of finance and how to manage a dollar. And with Will and this building we would not be here today,” said Turner about Campbell and the center. Guests toured the center after the ribbon-cutting event. Independent research shows that business whose owners utilize the LSBDC services grow faster and have a greater probability of success. Every business day LSBDC clients; create nine new jobs, save seven jobs, open one new business, obtain $190,058 in capital and
increase sales by $374,423. The LSBDC has helped thousands of entrepreneurs realize their dreams of building businesses and generating jobs for their
communities. For more information on the center contact Will Campbell at 225.774.9213 or wcampbell@ lsbdc.org.
CNA Training School
“Get Certified in ONLY
3 Weeks!”
Hair Replacement Weaving Infusions Braiding Spa Packages Insurance & Medicare Accepted
225-692-7028/or 225-636-8294 24035 Railroad Ave. Plaquemine, La 70764 GROW YOUR HAIR 1 INCH IN 2- 4 WEEKS
Ask about our Rapid Growth Hair System CELEBRITY LACE EXTENSION HAIR EXTENSIONS
(225)924-7007 927-7007 (225)
Days, Evenings, or Saturday classes available Courses: CNA, CPR, DSW and Phlebotomy Classes
visit us at www.uniquecreationsinc.com spa: www.uniquecrationsspa.com 9444 FLORIDA BLVD
Buying or Selling a service? Place Your Ad Before Thousands of Readers! Seeking Wittness Anyone that wittness the auto accident on June 10th 2013 at 9:00 AM on Highway 19, by the CVS Pharmacy. Please contact Jerry at 225-978-7828
Buying or Selling a service? Call the Weekly Press to place your advertisment. Call one of our sales reps and find out how you can reach your target group TODAY! 225-775-2002
Air Quality Engineer
HELP WANTED - DRIVERS
Assist with multiple air quality permitting and compliance projects within scope/budget/schedule expectations. Assist in the construction, operation and maintenance of stationary continuous emissions monitoring systems and mobile ambient air monitoring stations. Conduct facility inspections/audits/sampling. Masters Degree req’d. Mail resume: Providence Engineering and Environment Group LLC, 1201 Main Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802.
Quality Carriers O/O’s Needed Immediately. Great Pay, Excellent Home Time, Benefits Available. Tank Exp. Required, L/P Available in Some Locations. Contact Athena: 888-432-6441 www.Work4QC.com
Software Developer Create and maintain database driven applications in ASP, PHP, VB, Java, AJAX and .NET Framework, use and enhance functionality of .NET 4.5/4.0, Windows and Windows Mobile applications in VB, C++, and C#, create MS Word and MS Excel format reports using Crystal Reports 2008, Tortoise SVN. Masters Degree & 1 yrs exp. req’d. Mail resume: Providence Engineering and Environment Group LLC, 1201 Main Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802.
HELP WANTED Drivers: Busy Chemical & LPG Operation Needs Company Drivers! Good Pay and Benefits CDL w/X End. and 1 Year T/T Exp. MARTIN TRANSPORT
HELP WANTED Epidemiologist: Will serve in Chronic Disease Department of state agency. In this regard, will analyze, interpret & evaluate data using statistical programs; manage data for chronic diseases; prepare reports based on data; plan meetings relating to epidemiological activities; assist in development & measurement of health indicators; assist in preparation of grant proposals; provide technical assistance to governmental & private entities; assemble & maintain multiple databases, utilizing SAS, SAS-EG, SPSS, CDEMS, Map Info, GIS, Access, Publisher, MS Office. Master’s Public Health; in depth knowledge of BRFSS, Vital statistics, Hospital Discharge data, Mortality data & software programs including SAS; expertise in public health, including research, data management and analysis. Job location: Baton Rouge, LA. To apply mail resume & credentials to Kathi Richardson, Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, 628 N. 4th St., P.O. Box 4818, Bin 28, Baton Rouge, LA 70821. Must apply w/in 30 days and refer to job # 13222 to be considered.
Drivers: New Business! Great Paying Regional Runs! Health Ins. from day 1. Class A-CDL, 2yrs exp, Clean MVR, Tank, Hazmat & TWIC Card Req. Quest Liner: 1-800-251-9569, x2695
Woolfolk Accounting Services Quickbooks Accounting services offered. Specializing in expenditure reporting, performance of Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable functions, paying and remitting bills and execution of various payroll functions. Small contractors encouraged. Fees negotiable. 225-268-4505.
Call the Weekly Press to place your advertisment.
225-775-2002
Page 6 • The
Weekly Press • Thursday, June 27, 2013
God Must Strip Us Of Illusions That We’re The Ones In Control By Donald Lee Just the other day, I watched the movie “Instinct,” starring Anthony Hopkins and Cuba Gooding Jr. For those who haven’t yet seen it, the film’s about an anthropologist placed in an institution for the criminally insane. Hopkins’ character, Ethan Powell, is the anthropologist. Goodings’ character, young psychiatrist Theo Caulder, spends time trying to understand Powell’s behavior. This film is an excellent example of what happens to us when we get caught up in the “illusion” that we, not God, are running things. There’s this awesome scene in the movie in which Caulder interviews Powell. Caulder speaks as if he has all power in his hands. Mind you, there isn’t anybody else in this room but the interviewer and the interviewee. The interviewee, Powell, is increasingly vexed by the young interviewer’s arrogance. Hence, this scene: “I’m not ‘the one’ to say if you’re competent for a hearing, a chance of getting out of here?” an arrogant Caulder asks Powell. “I’m ‘the one,’ “ the young, visibly perturbed Caulder continues. “I’m the one, Ethan ...” A much, much older, wiser, and calm Ethan Powell responds: “The one in control, huh?” An overly confident Caulder answers: “Yes.” At that point, Powell grabs Caulder with resounding force and slams him to the table, holding all power in his hands. With an obviously helpless Caulder pinned down, Powell asks authoritatively: “Who’s in control?!” Then Powell grabs some nearby duct tape and tapes Caulder’s mouth shut. He then puts Caulder in a choke hold and tells him that he (Caulder) has three chances to write down (with a crayon on a sheet of paper) what it was that Powell stripped from him. Powell, still applying unbearable pressure to Caulder’s neck, says that if he (Caulder) doesn’t get it right, he’d snap
his neck (with no hesitation or remorse). “Who is in control?” Powell asks the scared, defenseless Caulder. “Are you? Am I? The guards outside? The warden in his office? Who is in control?” Powell tells Caulder: “This will be a very simple test. Pass or fail. Life or death.” Powell continues: “Now, you write on this paper what I have taken from you. What have you lost? Write it! Write it!” Caulder writes: “Control.” Quickly balling up Caulder’s written response, Powell says: “Wrong! You never had control. You only thought you had it --- an illusion.” Powell asks again: “What have you lost. What did I take? Write it! Write it!” Caulder writes in response: “My freedom.” Powell balls that up, adding: “You think you were free? … In the middle of the night when you wake up sweating, with your heart pounding ---- what is it that has you all tied up as you are? Tied up in little knots. Is it ambition? You’re no mister to me, boy.” With his arms still locked around Caulder’s neck, Powell tells the crying Caulder: “O.K. One last chance. You think I won’t do it? There’s one psychiatrist less in the world.” Powell, much calmer at this point, adds: “Last try. Get it right. What have you lost? What did I take from you? Write it.” Caulder picks up the crayon and writes: “My ILLUSION.” A satisfied Powell responds: “Yeah, congratulations.” Then Powell lets go of Caulder’s neck, kisses him on the cheek, and then snatches the duct tape off of his mouth. Powell, teaching Caulder a lesson, walks around the room and says to him: “You’re still a student, afterall. And you’ve lost nothing but your illusions and a little bit of skin.” The scene ends with Powell winking at Caulder, an indication that their interviewer-interSee control, on page 7
Religion
The Little Rock Baptist Church Will Be Celebrating Their 150th Year Anniversary
Left to Right - Bruce Thornton Committee President; Vivian Green, Sherie Collins, Earline Righteous, Patricia Moore and David Coats. Not shown: Betty Taylor, Rutie Coates Cleveland Thornton and Doris Alexander. The Little Rock Baptist church committee members are planning for their 150-year Anniversary on August 25, 2013. The celebration will be held at the church located at 401 East Avenue Slaughter, Louisiana. Doris Alexander, Historian
and Public Relations Co-Chair stated that the church is looking for ex-choir members, ushers, deacons, deaconess, and ex-members to come back for this celebration. There are certain activities that are designed to honor old members. Especially, all the
ministers who came ministered at Little Rock Baptist Church are encouraged to attend the anniversary. Please contact Sister Doris Alexander at 225-778-0141 or Sister Betty Taylor at 225-654589 for additional information.
Living for God Every Day By Dr. Cheryl Major Brandon God provides multiple joys daily but sometimes He engineers our circumstances that might include belittling and demeaning rejections and comments from those who you have no power to correct! How do you handle these situations? You must always remember that when you believe that Jesus is your Lord and savior you are not greater than Jesus, your master. Here are a few examples of demeaning insults Jesus suffered: They spat on his face, Matthew 26:67; they called him
a ‘drunk’, Luke 7:33-34; They called him a devil -Matthew 12:24 and many other belittling words were spoken by those who had the platform to wield any words they wanted to say. In today’s culture, many even demean His virtue and holiness as some may do the same to you. So, how do we handle this? Ask and trust God for a spirit of meekness as Jesus had. Meekness is the feeling of patient, submissive humbleness. G o d is our peace and no devil, arrogant religious (Pharisee or Sadducee) person can steal that from
us but we must allow the Holy Spirit to do His perfect work in us to forgive the perpetrator(s) and enjoy the blessings of God in our lives. Remember, never allow yourself to be imprisoned by someone else who has no authority over your eternity. Always remember: No one can take you out of God’s hand. . John 10:28. Take time to re-align your thoughts from the past hurts and frustrations of people who do you intentional harm to the true and just God who will take care of everything bye and bye!!!
Man-to-Man Meeting at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church
BATON ROUGE, LA – On the first Tuesday of every month will be the meeting of Man-to-Man meeting at 9700 Scenic Highway at Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church starting at 7:00pm. All men, their spouses and friends are invited to come and learn more about major problems facing men, especially black men, and what we can do to combat them. Meeting dates are as follows: July 2nd, August 6th, September 3rd, October 1st, November 5th, and December 3rd at the Education Center. For additional information, please contact Dr. Shirley De’Vard at (225) 774-9100 or by e-mail at sdevard@mtpilgrim.org.
The Greater Mt. Canaan Baptist Church to Hold Vacation Bible Classes By Carolyn Gee BATON ROUGE, LA – The Greater Mt. Canaan Baptist Church located at 5820 Evangeline Street, which is pastored by Rev. Levie “Ash” Wright, will host its Vacation Bible School on June 24 thru 28, 2013 starting at 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. every evening. Everyone is invited to attend and the culmination will be on Saturday June 29, 2013 with a picnic for all who attended faithfully. For more information, please contact 225-229-0762
Call The Weekly Press to place your advertisment.
225-775-2002
Church Directory
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. - Hebrews 10:25
NEW Hope Baptist Church 5856 Greenwell Springs Road • Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70806 Telephone: (225) 926-0246 • Facsimille: (225) 925-8022 Toll Free: 888-700-6174 Websites: www.newhopebr.com Rev. Leo Cyrus Sr., Pastor
Order Of Services Seeking New Members for the Hope Christian Center 5013 Windfall Court Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70812 Reverend Henry Martin, Pastor Service Hour: 12:00 noon Wednesday Telephone: 225-355-8194
Sunday Worship...................................................... 11:00 A.M. Holy Communion.................................. 3rd Sunday 6:00 P.M. Sunday School..........................................................9:00 A.M. Bible Study................................................Thrusday 7:00 P.M.
Thursday, June 27, 2013 • The Weekly Press • Page 7
Spending
of White-owned firms and 28.8 percent of Asian-owned firms.” Two questions: Where have you heard or read that before? And, what does that say about our willingness to support Black businesses with Black dollars? “Stop it! I’m not going to tell you again.” That is, until the next time I tell you the same thing, and the times after that, just as any good parent does out of love for their children. But in addition to my continuing to rave about our economic condition, and offer ways to ameliorate our situation, I will continue to encourage folks like Ghatt to enlighten us. It’s the same message with a different messenger, but all in the line of Booker T., Garvey, Bethune, DuBois, Elijah Muhammad, Luke Edwards, Robert Wallace, and Brooke Stephens. In his own inimitable style (If you know him you will understand), Claud Anderson, author of Powernomics and president of the Harvest Institute in Washington, D.C., responded to the article by saying, “Bragging about how much Blacks consume is like a crack addict bragging about how much money he spends to consume crack. It’s the producers and sellers of crack that have the power, not the consuming addict. All the crack addict has is a bad habit that consumes brain tissue and wealth. Like the crack addict, we as a race, simply consume what others produce. We enrich those from whom we purchase… we have enriched every racial,
Letter
Health
from page 4 religious, and ethnic group on this earth except ourselves.” I am sure Claud’s parents told him a hard head makes a soft behind, and he is constantly telling us the same thing, calling for us to wake up and have our dollars start making some sense by putting them to work for us rather than for everybody else. Ghatt ended her piece by also offering some wise words: “[The Nielsen Report] should be…a call to arms to better educate ourselves on saving and growing money so that it lasts longer than one pay period.” I continue to say, “Stop the madness, folks.” It’s way past time that we grow up, despite what was done to us in the early years of this country; it’s time we take charge of our own economic empowerment by holding on to more of that $1 trillion a lot longer than we do at present. This reminds me of a song I heard growing up: “The eagle flies on Friday, and Saturday I go out to play; Sunday I go to church and kneel down on my knees and pray.” Yes, they call it “Stormy Monday.” I wonder why. Jim Clingman, founder of the Greater Cincinnati African American Chamber of Commerce, is the nation’s most prolific writer on economic empowerment for Black people. He is an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati and can be reached through his Web site, blackonomics.com.
NEW ORLEANS, LA – Signed by Governor Jindal over the weekend, a new state law now requires a simple and inexpensive test for all Louisiana newborns that can easily identify previously undiagnosed heart defects. Pulse oximetry screenings will provide a vital tool for Louisiana physicians to diagnose potentially life threatening heart conditions in newborns. “Congenital heart defects are the number one killer of infants with birth defects,” says Dr. Jason Turner, pediatric cardiologist at Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. “This law creates a procedure that all hospitals must follow. We are giving little hearts across the state the opportunity for early detection and treatment.” Many Louisiana hospitals are already performing this preventative screening but soon no matter where a baby is born in the state they will receive the same screening, pulse oximetry. Physicians and hospitals have recognized the benefits of pulse oximetry and many hospitals have independently implemented the test as a routine newborn screening. Requiring that all newborns babies in the state of Louisiana receive a pulse oximetry screening
Control
from page 4
(3) Homosexuals leading the Boy Scouts; (4) Homosexual Marriages. The Bible says, “Like Priest, like People.” God says homosexuality is a sin, Roman 1st chapter. They President say, homosexuality is all right. God’s word says, homosexuality is allwrong. Roman 3:4 says, “Let
Requiring Blood Oxygen Screenings Using Pulse Oximetry for all Louisiana Newborns will Help to Save Lives
God be true, but every man a liar. Hear the conclusion of the matter Proverbs 14:12, “There is a way that seems right to a man (woman, boy or girl), but the end thereof are the ways of death” (destruction). Elwin Bobby Burns Retired Library Technician I
prior to going home from the hospital is the goal of a bill recently passed in the currently legislative session, sponsored by Rep. Ledricka Thierry-D-Opelousas and backed by the American Heart Association. By placing a noninvasive monitor on a baby’s right hand and either foot, the reading can provide doctors with early warning signs of low oxygen levels in the baby’s blood stream, which could mean possible heart defects. By detecting heart disease early, health professionals can ensure that treatment can begin immediately and often times before symptoms can become life threatening. The pulse oximetry test can be done in combination with the routine newborn screening tests. A common misconception is that ultrasounds detect all defects. The detection rate varies on several factors but is somewhere around 23 to 60 percent, averaging at about 40 percent, according to Children’s National Hospital Staff. A diagnostic gap exists that allows 25 percent of babies to go home undetected. Pulse oximetry screening closes that gap to four percent. The state average for the cost of the pulse oximetry test is $2.00. The newborn exam is and will
always remain a valuable tool in detecting newborn heart issues, but some defects are undetectable via the exam. Studies have found that as many as 1 in 3 babies with a life-threatening defect leave the hospital undetected. The routine exam is not enough. But, now with the pulse oximetry test as a part of the newborn screening, the hearts of Louisiana newborns will be more thoroughly checked before leaving the hospital. Congenital Heart Disease is No. 1 Killer of Infants with Birth Defects 1 Congenital heart defects are structural abnormalities of the heart that are present at birth. These defects range in severity from simple holes or murmurs to severe malformations, such as the complete absence of one or more chambers or valves. Some critical congenital heart defects can cause severe and life-threatening symptoms, which require intervention within the first 24 to 72 hours of life. Pulse Oximetry Screening Effective at determining life-threatening Heart Defects2 Pulse Oximetry Screening is a non-invasive test that estimates the percentage of hemoglobin in blood that is saturated with oxygen.
When performed on newborns in the delivery center it is effective at detecting life-threatening defects, which otherwise go undetected by current screening methods. The test takes 2 minutes or less and can be done by a technician; a Nurse or Doctor is not required for the test. Current methods for detecting congenital heart defects generally include prenatal ultrasound screening and repeated clinical examinations can identify many affected newborns. However, these screenings alone, identify less than half of all cases, and critical heart defect cases are often missed during routine clinical exams performed prior to a newborns discharge from a birthing facility. Founded in 1924, we’re the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke. To help prevent, treat and defeat these diseases — America’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers — we fund cuttingedge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart.org.
ther deals with us. In order for us to truly have a relationship with Him, through Christ, we must first be stripped of our “illusions.” We must realize that we’re not in control. We only think we are. We’re not free. We have personal issues that keep us in bondage. And we’ll stay in bondage until we’re locked in a room
with God. When he strips us of our illusions, then, and only then, will we be free. Also, please rent the following movies: “Bedazzled” (parental discretion advised); “Tribulation”; and “Left Behind”. All of these movies talk about what happens when we don’t conscientiously walk with Christ. Pastor Donald J. Lee can be reached for prayer or comment at
pastordonjlee@yahoo.com. Join him for prayer from 9 p.m. to10 p.m., CST, Mondays through Fridays by calling [218] 862-4590 [conference code 279498#]. You can also call the line for the Sunday morning Sowing of the Word from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and for Bible study from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursdays. Pastor Lee, founder of Kingdom Living Christian Center in Dallas, can also be contacted at [225] 773-248.
from page 6
viewee relationship can resume as long as there is an understanding between the two of them. And so the Holy Spirit led me to use this movie scene as a way of showing a correlation between art mirroring life. The way Ethan Powell deals with Caulder, to a degree, resembles how our heavenly Fa-
Page 8 • The
Weekly Press • Thursday, June 27, 2013
Serena Williams Cruises to 2nd Round At Wimbledon
sports
Southern-Houston Opener Set For August 30 SWAC Reveals New Logos For 2013 Football And Basketball Championships
Courtesy SWAC.org
Serena Williams LONDON -- Back in her comfort zone on Wimbledon’s Centre Court, Serena Williams delivered a statement that no one can argue with: When her powerful serve is clicking, she’s still the woman to beat at the All England Club. Putting aside her recent comments that led to apologies and a brief spat with Maria Sharapova, Williams looked every bit the fivetime champion as she began her Wimbledon title defense with a routine 6-1, 6-3 victory over Mandy Minella of Luxembourg. Williams put the focus firmly back on tennis following the recent verbal jousting with Sharapova about their private lives and comments about a high-profile rape case. As usual on grass, the topranked Williams dominated with her hard serve, winning the first set without dropping a single point on her service game. Her serve let her down only at the start of the second set, when Minella was able to take a 2-0 lead when Williams doublefaulted on break point. She was one point from trailing 3-0 but won 15 of the next 18 points to take a 4-2 lead, and broke again to wrap up the win. ‘’For me, it’s the greatest moment for a tennis player, to walk out on Centre Court,’’ Williams said after her first match at Wimbledon since winning Olympic gold here last year. ‘’That was such a great moment, too. So many great memories on this court.’’ Williams improved her career record to 68-8 at the All England Club and extended her career-best winning streak to 32 matches, which included her second French Open title. ‘’I don’t think about it,’’ Williams said about her streak. ‘’Every single time I step out on the court it’s a new match.’’ Also Tuesday, 42-year-old Japanese veteran Kimiko DateKrumm cruised past German teenager Carina Witthoeft - who is less than half her age - 6-0, 6-2 in just 44 minutes. Date-Krumm is the second oldest player to have won a match at Wimbledon after Martina Navratilova, who was 47 when she reached the second round in 2004. The 18-year-old Witthoeft was making her Grand Slam debut. Sixth-seeded Li Na of China reached the second round, routing Michaella Krajicek of the Netherlands 6-1, 6-1.
thewpres@bellsouth.net
Email your News Articles to
Southern U. Athletic Media Relations The American Athletic Conference announced the Aug. 30 season opener between Houston and Southern will be a 7:30 p.m. kickoff at Reliant Stadium in Houston. The conference, which is comprised of the remaining institutions of the Big East, also announced the game will air live
on ESPN3.com Fans will also be able to watch the game via the Watch ESPN Mobile App. Southern’s season-opener marks the second time in the series history the two programs will meet. Under former Houston head coach and current Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin, the Cougars handed Southern and head coach Pete
Richardson a 55-3 loss in Robertson Stadium on Aug. 30, 2008. Head football coach Dawson Odums will open his inaugural fall camp July 31 at Southern University when players are scheduled to report to the A.W. Mumford Fieldhouse. The Jaguars will conduct its first practice of fall camp Aug. 1 at 4:30 p.m.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), the first HBCU Conference to host two championships in professional venues in the same city, released their 2013 football and basketball championship logos today. The release of the logos comes after the conference made the announcement that championships for both sports will be moving to Houston, Texas. The football championship game will be held at Reliant Stadium, 2013-15, while the basketball tournament will be hosted at the Toyota Center 2014-16. The 2013 Toyota SWAC Football Championship is scheduled for Saturday, December 7, with the basketball tournament set for
March 11-15, 2014. “We are excited to reveal the new SWAC Football and Basketball Championship logos. As the SWAC continues to honor our heritage, we look forward to advancing and growing the conference,” said SWAC Commissioner Duer Sharp. “These efforts have started by moving the championships to Houston and providing a visual that reflects our move and advancements.” The SWAC Football Championship will also include the Battle of the Bands competition with all of the conference’s member institutions. The contest will begin immediately following the football championship game at Reliant Stadium and admission is included with purchase of a game ticket.
College baseball World Series: UCLA Johnson Determined to Tops Mississippi St. for Championship Become Saints Latest Find
UCLA players celebrate deafeating Mississippi State 8-0 to win the championship in Game 2 of the NCAA College World Series baseball finals, Tuesday, June 25, 2013, in Omaha, Neb. Omaha, Neb. • UCLA’s offense showed up this time, which meant Mississippi State never had a chance. Eric Filia drove in a careerhigh five runs, Nick Vander Tuig limited Mississippi State to five hits in eight innings, and UCLA won its first national championship in baseball with an 8-0 victory Tuesday night. The Bruins (49-17) completed a two-game sweep in the College World Series finals and ended the season with 11 straight wins. The national title is UCLA’s NCAArecord 109th in team sports. “They had a great year,”
UCLA coach John Savage said, “and it was one of those situations where it was our time.” Adam Plutko, the Bruins’ No. 1 starter, was named the CWS’ Most Outstanding Player. He beat LSU in the Bruins’ first game and was the winner in Game 1 of the finals. He allowed two runs in 13 innings. Vander Tuig held off the Bulldogs (51-20) when they threatened in the fourth, fifth and eighth innings and recorded his fourth win in the tournament. Vander Tuig (14-4) struck out six and walked one. David Berg pitched the ninth.
Filia produced runs with a sacrifice fly, squeeze bunt and two base hits as the Bruins collected 12 hits and scored their most runs in 18 games. “I thrive on this, absolutely,” Filia said. “We just stayed with our approach. We stayed small and barreled balls up.” Bulldogs starter Luis Pollorena (6-4) lasted one inning. Jonathan Holder came on with one out in the fourth inning and went the rest of the way. UCLA allowed four runs in five games to set a CWS record for fewest in the metal-bat era that started in 1974.
Vikings Sign Former Packers LB Desmond Bishop There seems to be a pipeline that’s currently running from Green Bay to Minnesota. On Monday, three months after the Vikings signed former Packers No. 1 receiver Greg Jennings, they signed one of the Packers’ most recent castoffs, linebacker Desmond Bishop, to a one-year deal, according to numerous reports. The Packers released Bishop last week, and it made sense considering he missed all of last season with a ruptured hamstring. Bishop realized it as well, noting the solid 2012 season had by Brad Jones in his place. “It was just the timing of [the injury] and the emergence
Desmond Bishop is headed to one of Green Bay’s biggest rivals.
of Brad,” Bishop said. “From a business standpoint, how could you get rid of a healthy player like Brad or A.J. [Hawk] and you’re putting your faith in a player who is coming off of an injury? So you can understand. It’s understandable. That’s just how it goes.” But you have to wonder if Green Bay will soon realize its mistake. After all, Bishop is only 28 years old and, in 2011, he accumulated 115 tackles and five sacks. Bishop will now have a good chance at winning the starting middle linebacker job in Minnesota, though 1500 ESPN explains that Bishop also will work at weakside linebacker.
METAIRIE, LA (AP) Rookie linebacker Rufus Johnson hopes his journey from Division II to the NFL in New Orleans is boosting his ailing father’s morale. Indeed, while many Saints were preparing to enjoy a weekend off following the final practice on minicamp on Thursday, Johnson planned a short flight home to Dallas and some quality time in the hospital room of his father, Rufus Sr. “When I do get to talk to my dad, I got a feeling I keep my father strong,” said Johnson, who declined to go into detail about his father’s illness beyond saying it related to diabetes. “I’m the reason my father is still here.” The 6-foot-5, 272-pound Johnson, drafted in the sixth round out of Tarleton State, is only the latest example of the Saints hoping to mine small college programs for big-league talent. Since coach Sean Payton took over in 2006, they’ve found one of the NFL’s best offensive guards, Jahri Evans, at Division II Bloomsburg, and one of the franchise’s all-time great receivers, Marques Colston, at Hofstra, which was Division I-AA (since renamed FCS) before the program was dropped altogether. Former starting left tackle Jermon Bushrod, who left in free agency this offseason, was drafted out of Towson, also of the FCS. New Orleans’ director of college scouting, Rick Reiprish, said his scouts visited Tarleton, in Texas, a couple times to get a look at Johnson, who played defensive end in college. He had 17.5 tackles for losses last season, 10 of them sacks, and was named the Lone Star Conference defensive lineman of the year. Scouts also watched him play, and met him for the first time, at the Texas vs. The Nation college all-star game, where Johnson lined up against players from some of the country’s elite Division I programs. “This kid really stood out,” Reiprish said. “We had a chance to visit with him some and we really started liking him, just watching his athletic ability down there.” Having met with the Saints’ coaching staff about new defensive coordinator Rob Ryan’s 3-4 scheme, in which outside linebackers play roles similar to passrushing defensive ends, scouts deemed Johnson a good fit. “It was one of those deals that, this guy does have a chance in our system,” Reiprish said. “What he does the best is rush up the field and get quarterbacks. If he can learn to play back in coverage, the little he’s going to have to do it, he’ll be fine.”
Johnson grew up playing football, taught by his father, who played at Texas Tech. The younger Johnson was recruited by some major college programs, including Mississippi State and Baylor, but did not qualify academically. Still, he knew he had the build - and suspected he had the ability - to one day get his chance in the NFL. On April 27, the day he was drafted, he broke down as he thought about all he had overcome. “Growing up, I’ve seen quite a few bad things and I just thank the Lord I have my mom and my dad who don’t let me go astray,” Johnson said. “I’ve seen a lot of bad stuff happening to people and I’ve seen people come and go, so having this opportunity to be here ... I’m just grateful, super grateful.” Johnson said he intends to be a role model for those where he grew up and a source of strength for his father, whom he credited with teaching him about responsibility and accountability. A lesson Johnson remembered most came when he complained to his father about his teammates after his Pop Warner football team had lost a game. “My dad says, `When you point the finger, three fingers are pointing back at you,”’ Johnson recalled. “So you really got to just take responsibility for your own actions. You really just can’t say, `Those guys,’ when you were out there with the guys at the same time.” When Johnson was drafted, his father hugged him and kissed him on his forehead, and told simply told him it was “time to go to work.” Johnson said he believes he can make it as a pro because of his refusal to quit and his eagerness to learn, and because of the motivation he has to make his father and the rest of family proud, and make their lives better, if he can. “I’m going to keep on pushing,” Johnson said, “because I’m afraid I’m going to let some of my family down.” Notes: Saints coach Sean Payton says he expects the Saints to remain at their headquarters for training camp rather than heading to a college campus as they have in some years past. Payton said he also does not foresee the Saints traveling to practice with another team for several days, as they did when they visited New England last year. Payton said he briefly discussed practicing with Oakland, coached by his former assistant, Dennis Allen, but added, “Right now the plan is to be here and not traveling.”