Insight News ::: 3.9.09

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID MINNEAPOLIS MN PERMIT NO. 32468

The Silk Road Ensemble with Yo-Yo Ma March 16th and 17th 7:30PM at Orchestra Hall

March 9 - March 15, 2009 • MN Metro Vol. 34 No. 10 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

Minneapolis in retreat on civil rights

By Al McFarlane & B.P. Ford, the Editors editors@insightnews.com Mayor R.T. Rybak addressed Minneapolis Tuesday morning on "Conversations with Al McFarlane" which broadcast live from the Minneapolis Urban League at Plymouth and Penn Avenues in North Minneapolis.

"I wanted to clarify issues around my budget recommendations for the Civil Rights Department," Rybak told a crowd assembled for the live radio broadcast on KFAI 90.3FM and online at www.kfai.org.

But the Rev. Randolph Staten, co-chair of the Coalition of Black Churches/African American Leadership Summit, and Tyrone Terrill, former director of St. Paul's Human Rights Department, warned

Cosby Kid chats about her successful comeback

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CIVIL TURN TO 2

Jones recomended for US Attorney

US Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) just this past year.

“The wave of Minnesota homes foreclosed on these past two years has devastated our families and our communities.

However, an untold consequence of this crisis is what happens to families who rent properties foreclosed on,” Ellison said.

Sadly, since state and local laws often don’t provide basic

ELLISON TURN TO 2

Liberians face deportation Dorsey & Whitney, LLP and The Advocates for Human Rights last month released a paper highlighting the reasons the United States government should extend Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) for Liberians, which is set to expire on March 31, 2009. The report, Liberia Is Not Ready 2009: A Report of Country Conditions in Liberia and Reasons the United States Should Extend Deferred Enforced Departure for Liberians, recommends that the U.S. government take immediate action to ensure Liberians are not deported.

Deferred Enforced Departure allows certain immigrant populations to remain in the United States. When civil war erupted in Liberia in 1989, thousands fled to the U.S., seeking peace and safety. An estimated 3,600 Liberians currently are enrolled in the Deferred Enforced Departure program, allowing them to remain and work in the United States. Unless they are granted an extension, these Liberians will be uprooted and vulnerable to deportation as of March 31, 2009.

Although the war ended in 2003 and Liberians elected a new government in 2005, Liberia's economy, infrastructure, and social services remain devastated. "We need to be concerned about helping

Suluki Fardan

Rev. Randolph Staten, Mayor R. T. Rybak and Al McFarlane

Bill offers protection to renters hit by foreclosure Rep. Keith Ellison (DMinneapolis) last week introduced renter protection legislation called the Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act of 2009.

A recent report by researchers at Credit Suisse, an international investment bank, estimates that 16 percent of all mortgages will enter into foreclosure within the next four years. In Hennepin County, foreclosures increased by 32%

7

solve the problems in Liberia, not adding to Liberia's challenges and putting people's lives and health at risk by sending people back," said Robin Phillips, Executive Director of The Advocates for Human Rights.

The majority of the population still lives without clean drinking water, access to health care, or electricity.

The adult mortality rate in Liberia averages 537 per 1,000 people and life expectancy is 42 years. Of particular concern is the high infant mortality rate in Liberia, which today stands at 157 per 1000 live births, compared to 7 per 1000 live births in the U.S. In addition to serious humanitarian concerns, Liberians who are forced to return will face a devastated school system that does not have the capacity to teach all Liberian children and a rising crime rate exacerbated by an unemployment rate of 85 percent.

The 2009 paper updates Dorsey's earlier report released in August, 2007 on Liberian country conditions. The report examines the most recent accounts of the conditions in Liberia. The findings in the report underscore the vital need for the U.S. to extend DED and to enact legislation allowing Liberians to apply for permanent immigration status in the United States.

Calling him "a dedicated public servant who will uphold the law and do what's right for Minnesota," U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar announced that she is recommending B. Todd Jones as the next United States Attorney for the District of Minnesota.

Jones served as the U.S. Attorney for Minnesota from May 1998 to January 2001.

"Minnesota has a long tradition of outstanding U.S. Attorneys," Klobuchar said. "Todd Jones is a part of that tradition, as is the current Acting U.S. Attorney Frank Magill, who has guided the office through a difficult time."

The U.S. Attorney is the chief federal law enforcement official in the state, responsible for the prosecution of criminal cases brought by the federal government as well as the prosecution and defense of civil cases involving the federal government.

Jones will need to be formally nominated by the president and confirmed by the full Senate. By tradition, a president typically honors the recommendation of the state's U.S. Senator who is a member of the same party. Jones would replace the current acting

“green cities” movement

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Quincy De’Shawn Celebration of life Saturday, April 4th

B. Todd Jones U.S. Attorney, Frank Magill.

"There's certainly no question that Todd Jones has the right experience for the job," said Klobuchar, who serves on the

Senate Judiciary Committee.

"Even more, he has all of the qualities that I was looking for.

He's a seasoned, highly-

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Black Press Week celebrates Obamas, civil rights and political leadership WE WIN

By Hazel Trice Edney NNPA Editor-in-Chief

Students mentoring students

WASHINGTON (NNPA) – Black Press Week, the annual celebration of the birth of the Black Press of America, March 16, 1827, will salute America’s first family, celebrate civil rights champions and honor a political pioneer during its annual Newsmaker of the Year Award Dinner.

“Black Press Week promises to be the most exciting ever,” said Dorothy R. Leavell, chair of the NNPA Foundation, unveiling this year’s honorees, selected by member publishers. “The pride of our profession gladdens our hearts as we acknowledge the first African American president and replay the role of the Black Press over these 182 years.”

The top honoree is the Newsmaker of the year, which will go to the entire first family of President Barack Obama, in

CELEBRATE TURN TO 2

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Tiger Woods is back Photos: NNPA

President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle, Sasha and Malia

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Page 2 • March 9 - March 15, 2009 • Insight News

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More than 70,000 Minnesotas at risk of losing their jobs Commentary

By Rep. Jeff Hayden (61B) rep.jeff.hayden@house.mn The February forecast, which we received this past week, is an important part of the process we go through at the Legislature to arrive at a balanced budget. It gives us a snapshot of how our economy is performing as well as

Celebrate From 1 celebration of their historic impact on America as a family and as public servants. They include the president, First Lady Michelle Obama, and their daughters, Sasha and Malia.

The year’s glitzy awards reception and dinner will be held March 19 at The Fairfax at Embassy Row, a Luxury Collection Hotel.

The Lifetime Achievement Award will go to civil rights icon the Rev. Joseph Lowery, cofounder and former president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, who recently rendered the benedictory prayer at the presidential inauguration.

Two Outstanding Community Service Awards will go to Xernona Clayton, president and CEO of

Civil From 1 the mayor and the public that dismantling, disabling, or derailing the department in any way would have dire consequences for Black people and other people of color in Minneapolis.

"We feel Minneapolis and Minnesota governments are in retreat in protecting the civil and human rights of citizens," Staten said. "But this is the land of Hubert Humphrey and Walter

provides the Legislature with the size of our surplus or deficit for the upcoming budget cycle. As you might expect, the forecast delivered sobering news about the trajectory of our economy and a growing state budget deficit.

Our last economic forecast in December projected a $4.8 billion budget deficit for the coming budget cycle. However, since then our economy has continued to weaken and the result is that our budget deficit has grown to $6.4 billion. In about the only good news in the forecast, President Obama’s federal recovery package will help diminish the size of our growing deficit through the infusion of one-time The Trumpet Foundation, and the Rev. Al Sharpton, president and CEO of the National Action Network, and radio talk show host.

A special Political Leadership Award will be given to U. S. Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.), who, as House majority whip, is an example of the “wisdom and influence that has been so closely intertwined with the Black Press over centuries of activism and accomplishment,’’ said Leavell.

America’s first Black newspaper, Freedom’s Journal, was founded

by Samuel Cornish and John B. Russwurm in 1827 in New York City.

During the Black Press Week celebration, held this year March 18-20, publishers from around the nation also visit with congressional leaders - Democrats and Republicans - in the spirit of the first editorial printed on the front page of the journal. It stated,

Mondale. Minnesotans have fought hard and long to keep civil and human rights at the top of the agenda. Rather than transfer complaint investigations to the state Human Rights Department, which is also facing dire budget problems and which has lost the trust of the people, Minneapolis should maintain and strengthen its commitment and capacity to enforce and protect civil and human rights."

Staten said Rybak should not act as though Minneapolis has no problems in the civil rights area.

He said African American policemen in Minneapolis have

federal dollars to increase the federal government’s share of the cost for Medicaid and health care programs. For Minnesota to qualify for these federal dollars, the Governor must adjust his budget to eliminate some of his proposed cuts to health and human services. This means thousands of Minnesotans will likely be able to keep their health insurance who otherwise may have joined the ranks of the uninsured in the Governor’s first budget proposal.

Perhaps the most troubling news in the forecast was the projection on job losses. Our state economists said they expect 70,000 more Minnesotans to lose

their jobs through 2010 in addition to the 50,000 Minnesotans who have already lost their jobs since the recession began. Keep in mind in an average year we usually gain about 40,000 new jobs. So in other words, this recession may cost Minnesota three years worth of job growth.

Without the federal recovery act, which will create about 50,000 jobs, our jobs outlook would have been even worse. This troubling news on employment is a call to the Legislature to put job protection and creation at or near the top of our list of priorities in solving the deficit.

With a clearer idea about the size of the deficit and the

challenges in solving it, it’s time for the Legislature to really get down to business. For months, we have been preparing, meticulously going through the budget to look for ways to save money while not reducing or cutting valuable programs or services. In addition, we have held town hall meetings throughout the state to hear the ideas and input from Minnesotans. I had the privilege of co-chairing the hearing we held in Minneapolis a week ago and I thank everyone who came out to be heard.

The common themes that have emerged from the town hall meetings I have attended and from the constituents who have

contacted me is a desire for fairness in the budget. Many of them said the Governor’s budget disproportionately asks Minnesota’s most vulnerable to sacrifice in order to balance the budget. I agree. Now is the time to put every option on the table to solve this deficit so that we can all share in the sacrifice.

By working together, we can get through these troubling times.

I welcome your input and ideas. Please call me at (651) 2965369 or e-mail me at rep.jeff.hayden@house.mn.

U. S. Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.)

Xernona Clayton, president CEO, Trumpet Foundation

The Rev. Joseph Lowery

The Rev. Al Sharpton

“We wish to plead our own cause.

Too long have others spoken for us.” It continues, “Too long has the public been deceived by misrepresentations in things which concern us dearly….”

The publishers will also participate in an annual ceremony

in the Browsing Room at Howard University, which houses Black Press archives and a shrine honoring deceased heroes and heroines of the Black Press, said Leavell.

“We are looking forward to our celebration of our founding in

1827 by Samuel Cornish and John Russwurm and other distinguished Publishers of note such as Frederick Douglass, Ida B. Wells, The Murphys of Baltimore, Robert S Abbott and John H. Sengstacke of Chicago, The Jervays of North Carolina, The Vanns of Pittsburgh,

The Youngs of Virginia, Dr. Carlton Goodlett of California and many, many more that understood the importance of the Black Press and sacrificed personal fortune to give a voice to the voiceless,” she said.

filed lawsuits against their employer, the city, alleging discrimination based on race. He said the city still remains under a court order regarding police civilian review required by a Justice Department ordered mediation.

He said contract compliance for construction projects that require hiring of minority workers and use of minority contractors go unchallenged and unenforced, meaning that companies that discriminated against minorities in cityawarded contracts of $2 million, get rewarded with more contracts

worth $10 million or more.

Staten cited formal reports by University of Minnesota researchers who concluded "excessive noncompliance, failure to implement consequences, lack or clarity and resources to operate a capacity" convey a lack of sincerity and absence of a commitment by the city of Minneapolis to fulfill the mandate prescribed in the Minneapolis Civil Rights ordinance.

Staten called on the mayor to abandoned recommendations to restructure the department by shifting some of its functions to the State Human Rights Department, an agency that is beleaguered, underfunded and burdened by historic inability to adequately serve the residents of Minnesota.

"To burden the State Human Rights Department with the caseload of the Minneapolis Civil Rights Department would sink the state agency further in a spiral of dysfunction precipitated by doubling caseloads if Minneapolis ceases to protect the civil rights of Minneapolis residents," Terrill said.

Rybak called the Civil Rights Department an important part of the City that works to ensure fair treatment for all the residents and visitors of Minneapolis. He said Minneapolis has a strong history of providing justice and equality and he said Minneapolis "will not abdicate that role for as long as I am Mayor."

However, Rybak said, every city department will be undergoing a significant reduction in order to maintain a balanced budget.

Cutting everything in the Civil Rights Department equally would mean that everything would be underfunded and all

Ellison From 1 protections, many tenants in foreclosed properties can be evicted without notice. In fact, according to a recent report by the National Law Center on Homelessness and Poverty, only 17 states require that renters receive notice in such circumstances, while only 12 require that tenants be named as parties to foreclosure proceedings before their lease is terminated.

In Minnesota, a two month notice period is required.

“It is simply wrong when hardworking families who have played by the rules are being kicked out of their homes without

Jones From 1 respected attorney who is fairminded and has impeccable integrity. He has a strong record of working productively with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Above all, he's committed to seeing that justice is done under the law and for the people of Minnesota."

Tyrone Terrill parts of the department would be ineffective, he said.

The Civil Rights Department's three programs are the Civilian Review Authority, Contract Compliance and Complaint Investigation.

Complaint investigation is also done by the State. Rybak said if forced to choose which services to continue, it should be those not provided by the state.

But critics called that analysis classic double talk often used by politicians to derail and dismantle programs and protections affecting Black people.

"The the State has an accounting department," Staten said. "Why not transfer all accounting and administrative services to the State Department of Administration to save money and avoid duplication of services.

"What about the Minneapolis Health Department? What about Public Safety functions provided by the City and by the State?"

Staten said Black people and people of conscience must demand that protecting the civil and human rights of the residents gain higher priority, particularly

Suluki Fardan

Suluki Fardan

Mayor R. T. Rybak

in the unsettling economic environment that is creating challenges for city and state budgets.

"Gov. Pawlenty has proposed that the State Human Right Department could take over complaint investigation and we should actively explore that transfer option, which is why I made that proposal," Rybak said.

any warning. Although they were not the ones who caused the current crisis, they are suffering the consequences by being treated as collateral damage. This is unacceptable,” the 5th District Congressman stated.

Ellison’s bill would address this problem by creating a uniform federal standard to protect tenants in foreclosed properties. Specifically, it would provide tenants with a 90-day notice prior to eviction. This coverage would also extend to tenants who receive Section 8 public housing assistance.

Importantly, the bill would not preempt more expansive protections provided under state or local laws.

The 90-day notice requirement gives tenants much-

needed time to find alternative housing. Moreover, it also gives them the opportunity to consult with legal aid groups to find out what additional rights they may have under state and local laws.

“For many families, the protections provided in this legislation could be the difference between finding a place to live and becoming homeless,” Ellison concluded.

Original co-sponsors of the Ellison legislation include: U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA), Chair of the Subcommittee on Housing and Community Opportunity of the Financial Services Committee, as well as U.S. Reps Michael Capuano (DMA) and Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY).

Klobuchar added: "When I was Hennepin County Attorney and he was the U.S. Attorney, we had a very strong, positive working relationship on law enforcement matters, which is not true in every state. He is a real class act who's not in this for his ego, but to see that justice is done."

"I'm honored by this recommendation," said Jones.

"The U.S. Attorney position is important to serve justice and

protect the interests of the American people, as well as to help ensure the safety and wellbeing of Minnesotans. I look forward to working again with Attorney General Eric Holder, who I know well from the late 1990s when he was Deputy Attorney General and I was U.S. Attorney for Minnesota."

In January, Klobuchar created a bipartisan advisory JONES TURN TO 4

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COMMENTARY Saying no to stimulus money makes no sense To be Equal

By Marc H. Morial President and CEO National Urban League When President Obama signed into law the $787 billion stimulus package designed to bring needed relief to struggling economies and families, citizens in almost every state breathed a sigh of relief.

But, due to the misguided

stubbornness of a handful of Republican governors who are threatening to refuse stimulus funds for their states, some citizens are still waiting to exhale.

While passage of the stimulus package was accomplished without much Republican support in either the Congress or among GOP governors, most federal and local elected officials now realize it is their duty to avail themselves of the essential help the stimulus package will deliver to their state budgets and constituents. But, in an effort to score political points with their conservative base, the Governors of some of the hardest hit states, including South Carolina, Louisiana,

Mississippi, Texas and Alaska, have threatened to refuse some or all of the stimulus money targeted to their states.

They claim the money comes with too many strings attached or that the expansion of certain benefits is unsustainable. At best, their ideological objections, which were thoroughly debated and defeated in Congress, are weak; at worst, they are a flimsy smokescreen for a deliberate and unconscionable dereliction of duty.

In my view, refusing stimulus funds at this point would be the political equivalent of cruel and unusual punishment for millions of people who have lost jobs, life-

savings and homes because of the current economic meltdown.

How, for example, in good conscience could Governors Haley Barbour of Mississippi and Bobby Jindal of Louisiana, states with billion dollar budget shortfalls and the highest poverty rates in the nation, even think about refusing stimulus funds for their constituents?

Do they not think their citizens, a large portion of whom are poor and Black, deserve the expanded unemployment benefits, Medicaid relief, education funds and infrastructure jobs that will flow to every other state?

While no one, including the President, is absolutely certain the

new stimulus strategy will solve all our problems, millions of Americans went to the polls in November and voted to give change a chance.

Would these governors deny their people that chance? Would they let their stubborn devotion to the failed policies of the past keep federal help from reaching their people? Would they rather lose jobs than take the money? It simply makes no sense.

Fortunately, South Carolina Congressman and House Majority Whip, James Clyburn, foresaw this troubling possibility and insisted on language in the bill that would give state legislatures the power to override the dictates of governors: ‘’If

funds provided to any state in any division of this act are not accepted for use by the governor, then acceptance by the state legislature, by means of an adoption of a concurrent resolution, shall be sufficient to provide funding to such state.’’

This means that the people, not their governors have the last word.

We agree. As Congressman Clyburn has said: ‘’No community or constituent should be denied recovery assistance due to their governor’s political ideology or political aspirations.’’

Marc Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League.

I rejected new liberalism and became a conservative

By Joseph C. Phillips My son is studying ancient Chinese philosophies in his sixth grade history class. The other day he rushed home to tell me that his teacher had compared modern day conservatism to the ancient totalitarian philosophy of Chinese Legalism.

I had only had a cursory knowledge of Legalism.

However, given what I know of the political leanings of many public school teachers and the brutality of life during the fourth century BC – the era ruled by Legalists — I was certain the comparison was not meant as a compliment.

Briefly, Legalism holds that order is the highest of all virtues and should be pursued above all other human concerns. They believed that men are basically evil and that if left to their own devices there would be confusion

Jones From 2 committee to review candidates and assist her in making a recommendation for the U.S. Attorney position.

"Todd Jones was the choice of the advisory committee and he's my choice, too," said Klobuchar.

"The committee members interviewed a number of excellent

and disorder. The solution was the heavy, brutal hand of government.

The idea of the individual was subordinate to the state characterized by large bureaucracies overseeing every aspect of Chinese life. The philosophy was also characterized by the rule of law enforced equally and cruelly for even the smallest offenses, a strong military and an eschewing of tradition and piety. Some of this sounds awfully familiar, but it doesn’t sound like conservatism.

The idea that men are evil is not unique to legalism nor is it distinctive of conservatism. One of the main tenets of Christianity is that men are fallen and only saved through the grace of God and His blood shed on the cross.

More importantly, our American republic was founded upon some very similar notions of the human nature. It was James Madison who wrote, “If men were angels, no government would be

necessary.”

Of course he continued that, “if angels were to govern men, no internal or external controls would be necessary.” The point, of course, is that the purpose of government is to protect the God given rights of men from the natural inclination of other men to usurp those rights.

And that a government of flawed men must be held in check by those it governs lest it also seize those same rights. One of those external checks is the second amendment, another little thing legalists were opposed to. The idea of a powerful government made up of bureaucrats is more akin to the administrative state preached by progressives as are restrictions on the individual right to bear arms.

The first principles of the declaration proudly proclaim a doctrine of equality before the law that stood and continues to stand as a central theme of the struggle

for civil rights. The difference is that while Legalists believed in harsh penalties for even minor offenses – such as reading or having a different opinion – conservatives adhere to the scriptural idea of punishment fitting the crime and also believe in what Jefferson called the marketplace of ideas. I am hard pressed to think of any conservative advocating for the penalizing of those that disagree with them. I am admittedly partisan, but several examples of progressives either advocating for the silencing of conservatives (and/or Christians) or the punishing of unpopular speech come to mind: the fairness doctrine, free speech zones, liberal celebrity rants like those of Jeanine Garafolo (who proclaimed that conservatism was a mental disease and wondered that they should be allowed to participate in the political conversation) and the defacing of

houses of worship following passage of California’s Prop 8 just to name a few.

The disdain of tradition and history is also a trait much more likely to be found among progressives.

Conservatives believe in a transcendent human nature. In other words there are ideas, traditions, mores and behaviors that are objectively true for all men and transcend time and culture. The relativist ideas of living constitutions and multiculturalism are grounded in the historicism of the left and necessarily eschew history and tradition in favor of current social science and sophistication.

Conservatives do favor a strong military but not for the purposes of conquest. The Legalist had their eyes on consolidating the fragmented regional kingdoms on China and indeed did. The conservative advocacy of a strong military is based in a belief that the ideals

that make this nation great are worth protecting. Indeed, that our ideas – those principles articulated in our keystone document – are objectively true for all men and for all time; they are worth preserving, worth defending and most importantly worth sharing with the rest of the world.

My son confided to me that following his teacher’s comparison none of his classmates wanted to be Republicans. And who can blame them? I am a grown man and I don’t want to be associated with a philosophy that seeks to enforce order by stifling individualism and usurping God given rights at the point of a gun. That’s why years ago I rejected new liberalism and became a conservative.

candidates and made their final decision with care. Todd Jones was the perfect it."

"Todd Jones is a true professional," said Tom Heffelfinger, who served as U.S. Attorney under both President George H.W. Bush and President George W. Bush. "Minnesotans can trust that he will be a fair, independent and effective U.S. Attorney."

"Law enforcement professionals statewide respect

Todd Jones as a positive leader and a team player," said Tim O'Malley, the Superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. "He understands the essential importance of good cooperation among local, state and federal law enforcement agencies."

Klobuchar's advisory committee was chaired by Lucinda Jesson, a Hamline University law professor and former Minnesota Deputy

Attorney General. The committee members included former U.S. Attorney Tom Heffelfinger; Tim O'Malley, the Superintendent of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension; former Hennepin County Attorney Tom Johnson; the Honorable Edward Toussaint, Jr., Chief Judge of the Minnesota Court of Appeals; and Craig Nelson, the Freeborn County Attorney and former President of the Minnesota County Attorneys Association.

Jones has substantial legal experience in both the public and private sectors.

For more than a year preceding his appointment as U.S. Attorney in May 1998, Jones served as the First Assistant U.S. Attorney, a position that is responsible for much of the dayto-day functioning of the office.

In 2000, he was chair of the Attorney General Advisory Committee, a group of 18 U.S. Attorneys who provide advice on

U.S. Department of Justice policy issues.

Since 2001, Jones has been a partner with the law firm of Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi.

From 1994 to 1997, he was a partner with the Greene Espel law firm. From 1983 to 1989, Jones served on active duty as a U.S. Marine Corps officer. He is a 1979 graduate of Macalester College and a 1983 graduate of the University of Minnesota Law School.

Joseph C. Phillips is the author of “He Talk Like A White Boy” available wherever books are sold.

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Insight News • March 9 - March 15, 2009 • Page 5

BUSINESS Here are some tips to avoid costly penalties for late tax filing

By Jason Alderman Be forewarned: Income tax season is upon us.

Procrastination is probably never a good thing, but when it comes to the IRS, it can be downright expensive. To help keep you on track, I’ve compiled a few suggestions that can save you last-minute grief – and money: Meet IRS deadlines. Make sure you postmark or electronically file your 2008 tax return by no later than April 15; otherwise, you may incur a late-filing penalty that’s generally 5 percent of taxes owed, per partial or full month, plus interest.

As long as you meet the filing deadline – even if only to

request an extension – the monthly penalty drops to 0.5 percent, plus interest. Contact the IRS ahead of time if you won’t be able to pay your taxes on time; they may even waive the penalties, depending on your circumstances. Call 800-8291040 or visit www.irs.gov for more information.

Quarterly tax filers. If you file quarterly estimated taxes (as many retirees and self-employed people do), April 15 is also the deadline to make your first quarter 2009 estimated tax payment, even if you don’t file a 2008 return until later in the year.

Know tax code changes. As usual, there are numerous changes to the tax code for 2008.

Visit the “1040 Central” section

on the IRS Website (www.irs.gov/individuals) to learn more.

A few highlights of the changes for 2008: People who don’t itemize deductions can now add up to $500 ($1,000 for couples filing jointly) in property taxes paid to their standard deduction amount.

For 2008 and 2009, people over 70 ½ can donate up to $100,000 from their IRAs to charity without first having to declare the distribution as taxable income. This is particularly advantageous for those who don’t itemize deductions.

Several other taxpayer benefits that had expired have been reinstated for 2008 and

2009, including: the option to deduct state sales tax instead of deducting state and local income taxes; the educator’s above-theline deduction for up to $250 in expenses; and the above-the-line deduction for up to $4,000 in qualified college tuition and fees.

Ask for help. If calculating your own taxes is too confusing or time-consuming, consider hiring a professional. A sharp preparer could save you a bundle by finding hidden credits or deductions. If cost is an issue, several free options available to seniors, military and low- and middle-income taxpayers: • The IRS sponsors the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly

(TCE). Search “Free Tax Preparation” on the IRS website for information.

• AARP volunteers provide free tax preparation to low- and middle-income taxpayers, particularly those over age 60 (www.aarp.org/money/taxaide.)

• Military personnel and their families worldwide can get free assistance through a program overseen by the Armed Forces Tax Council and offered through VITA. Check with your base for details.

Avoid common mistakes.

People in a rush often fill in incorrect, illegible or incomplete identification information, forget to sign and date the return, don’t attach needed documentation and supplemental forms or make math errors. Double-check

everything.

And finally, do yourself a favor and start organizing your 2009 paperwork now so you won’t have to scramble next spring. Visa’s free personal financial management site, Practical Money Skills for Life, features an interactive, downloadable tool called My Budget Planner to help you categorize and track income and e x p e n s e s (www.practicalmoneyskills.com/ mybudget).

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs.

Sign up for his free monthly eNewsletter at www.practicalmoneyskills.com/n ewsletter.

If you are divorced, there are several things you should know about Social Security

By Rhonda Whitenack and Jim Czechowicz Social Security Public Affairs Office in Mpls If you are divorced, there are several things you should know about Social Security.

A divorced spouse may be eligible for benefits on more than one work record — such as one’s own record and an ex-

spouse’s record.

This applies to both divorced men and women. If you have never asked Social Security about receiving benefits based on your exspouse’s work, you should consider it.

Some divorced people may get a higher benefit based on their ex’s work. If your exspouse is living, you can receive benefits based on his or her work if —

• Your marriage lasted 10 years or longer; • You are unmarried; • You are age 62 or older; • The benefit you are entitled to receive based on your own work is less than the benefits you would receive on your ex’s work; and Your ex is entitled to Social Security retirement or disability benefits.

If your ex-spouse is deceased,

you can receive benefits — • At age 60, or age 50 if you are disabled, if your marriage lasted at least 10 years, and you are not entitled to a higher benefit on your own record; or • At any age if you are caring for your ex-spouse’s child who also is your natural or legally adopted child and younger than 16 or disabled and entitled to benefits. Your benefits will continue until the child reaches age 16 or is no longer disabled.

In this case, you can receive this benefit even though you were not married to your ex-spouse for 10 years.

When you apply, you will need to give your ex’s Social Security number. If you do not know his or her number, you will need to provide your ex’s date and place of birth, and parents’ names. When you apply for benefits, Social Security will be happy to figure out if you are due a higher

amount based on your exspouse’s record.

Once again, these same rules apply for both ex-husbands and ex-wives.

For more information, visit our website at www.socialsecurity.gov. You may want to take a look at our online Retirement Planner at www.socialsecurity.gov/retire2.

Liberty Bank to participate in Treasury Department’s Capital Purchase Program

By Special to the NNPA from the Louisiana Weekly NEW ORLEANS (NNPA) Liberty Bank customers are about to reap the benefits of a

INSIGHT NEWS www.insightnews.com Insight News is published weekly, every Monday by McFarlane Media Interests.

Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane CFO Adrianne Hamilton-Butler Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Elliot Stewart-Franzen Web Design & Content Associate Ben Williams Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Contributing Writers Paul Edward Hamilton Ryan T. Scott Julie Desmond Rashida McKenzie Marcia Humphrey Photography Suluki Fardan Tobechi Tobechukwu Contact Us: Insight News, Inc. Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Mpls., MN 55411 Ph.: (612)588-1313 Fax: (612)588-2031 Member: Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium (MMMC) Midwest Black Publishers Coalition, Inc. (MBPCI) National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) Postmaster: Send address changes to McFarlane Media Interests, Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Avenue North Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55411.

new federally sponsored capital funds program. Liberty Bank, the third-largest African American-owned bank in United States, recently announced that it has received approval to participate in the U.S. Treasury Department’s TARP Capital Purchase Program.

The voluntary program is designed to increase the flow of capital into the economy by offering financial institutions more funds to lend to businesses and consumers.

The announcement is music to the ears of Liberty Bank customers, many of whom are still working toward recovery

from Hurricane Katrina more than three years later. Liberty is only one of three banks in the New Orleans area chosen to participate, and the only minority bank. Only banks with healthy financial portfolios are selected.

“We are very pleased to be selected for inclusion in the Capital Purchase Program,” said Alden McDonald, president and Chief Executive Officer of Liberty Bank. “The preliminary approval is an important statement by the U.S. Treasury about its confidence in the strength and financial health of our institution.”

Once the program is

Gary Ingle promoted to assistant vice president Gary D. Ingle has been promoted to Assistant Vice President – Commercial Loans, at Northeast State Bank, Minneapolis.. Ingle started at the bank’s Minneapolis office as a Personal Banker II in late 1998. After about six months, he transitioned to the Finance and Planning Administrator position.

After working in that area for about a year and a half, he became a Credit Analyst and started working his way up the ranks in the credit department. He became the Credit Officer in 2004, followed by a Commercial Lending Officer later that year, at which time he relocated to the Coon Rapids office. In 2008 he returned to Minneapolis where he currently offices.

Gary Ingle

adopted, Liberty will immediately make the increased funds available to businesses and consumers who meet standard good credit criteria.

“This additional capital will benefit all communities that Liberty serves, and enhance our capacity to support the revitalization of the area we cover that has been struck by four destructive hurricanes in the last three years,” McDonald

said.

McDonald said that Liberty carefully considered all factors in making the decision to participate, including talking with customers, public officials, senior management and their Board of Directors.

Liberty Bank is a holding company headquartered in New Orleans, with total assets of $380 million. Liberty offers complete banking services to

commercial, retail and mortgage customers in the five states and six cities it serves.

Locations include, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, Kansas and Missouri.

A model of community banking, Liberty focuses on offering commercial, consumer and mortgage loans and deposit services to individuals, institutions and small- and middle-market businesses.

Page 6 • March 9 - March 15, 2009 • Insight News

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FULL CIRCLE

State of the Black Union:

Tavis assembles Black luminaries in L.A. for 10th Annual gathering

By Kam Williams kam@insightnews.com The 10th Annual State of the Black Union, hosted by Tavis Smiley, convened in Los Angeles on Saturday, Feb. 28, again bringing many of the best and brightest African American thinkers together to air their concerns for the community during an all-day affair aired live on the C-Span Network. The event was divided into two different panels consisting of leading luminaries from all walks of life.

The morning session was moderated by N.J. Attorney Raymond Brown, Jr., and

featured the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, Harvard Law Professors Charles Ogletree and Stephanie Robinson, motivational speaker Les Brown, Brown University Professor Tricia Rose, former talk show host Iyanla Vanzant, former N.J. Attorney General Peter Harvey, Washington Post finance journalist Michelle Singletary, Georgetown Professor Michael Eric Dyson, and Urban League President Marc Morial.

Highlights from the first half of the program included Dyson’s spirited indictment of America as perhaps “post-racial” but not yet “post-racist,” Brown’s assertion that “Any lawyer who is not a

social engineer is a parasite,” Waters’ criticizing the event’s sponsor Wells Fargo for being among the corporate vultures taking advantage of the poor via predatory lending, and Jackson’s suggestion that college students ought to have access to TARP loans at the same 0% interest rate available to banks.

By far, the most compelling person sitting in the overstuffed beige armchairs on the stage had to be Vanzant, who shared the intimate details of how she recently came to lose her home.

The fall from grace was understandably humiliating for the attorney-turned-talk show host and author of 13 books, five of which have landed on the New

York Times best-seller list.

Her host of woes include the death of a daughter, having to take custody of her granddaughter and an inability to get health insurance due to a preexisting condition. “I can’t get sick,” she told the shocked audience,” after admitting to feeling ashamed and guilty about her plight.

The standout of the afternoon session, hosted by Tavis himself, was newly-named Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele, if only because his right-wing agenda and subdued speaking style sharply contrasted with the passion and progressive ideas of public intellectuals Cornel West and Julianne Malveaux, L.A. Sentinel publisher Danny Bakewell, Sr., Psychologist Na’im Akbar, Environmentalist Van Jones, California State Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, Obama youth organizer Erica

Williams, African-American Images founder Jawanza Kunjufu and L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

Steele seems to have served himself well by attending, despite the cool reception he received. For not only did he get a chance to make his Republican Party recruitment sales pitch, but he even seemed to be taking mental notes, such as when he nodded in agreement with Dr. West’s assessment that President Obama won the election because the “Southern Strategy” of demonizing Blacks no longer worked.

Kudos to Tavis Smiley for successfully juggling so many celebrity egos to produce another very worthwhile day’s worth of informative and thoughtprovoking conversation designed to inspire impressionable young minds to aspire to be the very best.

Tavis Smiley To see an excerpt from the State of the Black Union featuring Tavis Smiley and Michael Steele, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=BTDEXvj56XQ

Don’t worry, be happy!

Instant Inspiration

By Rashida McKenzie "Don't worry, Be Happy" isn't just a classic song by the great Bobby McFerrin; they are words to live by.

I understand that nowadays those may be some hard lyrics to swallow.

With the stock market hitting an alltime low and unemployment rates

hitting an all-time high, I know that it is hard not to worry; about your future, your children's future, and the future of the economy.

However, instead of focusing on not worrying, I encourage you to focus on being happy.

The Dictionary definition of happiness is: a state of mind or a feeling of being content, satisfaction, pleasure or joy.

According to experts there are several ways you can achieve it, spiritually, psychologically, philosophically, and biologically, but none of them include physically.

Why, because the physical, again is a temporary state -and today we are talking long-lasting and true

happiness.

The first step to finding your happiness is defining what happiness is to you. Some people define happiness as wealth and riches, but hopefully if you didn't know before, you know now how easily things come and go. If this is the case for you I would ask you to reexamine your definition. When you are defining happiness, think of it in things that are intangible. For example, doing something for someone else, spending time with people who are close to you, smiling at or complimenting someone who is seemingly having a bad day, or praying, or a hug from your child.

Once you define what happiness is for, increase it. Spend more time with you family and friends. Take more time out of your day to get spiritually reconnected, help someone in need.

If you haven't figured it out by now, true happiness has little to do with self. Having a close relationship with someone or some being forms a support system and creates a sense of belonging. If you are involved in meaningful relationships you are more likely to take part in helping others and are more likely to seek help with your own issues. Think about all the people that you are close to in your life, and I'm sure you will realize the happiness you receive from having meaningful relationships with them.

Once you define what happiness means to you and then you learn how to increase it, the last step is the biggest and most important. Once you grasp true happiness, don't allow anyone or anything to change your disposition; things happen and people come go. So if there is someone or something trying to threaten that happiness, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and repeat to yourself the words of gospelsinger Shirley Caesar, "This joy I have, the world didn't give it and the world can't take it away."

Rashida McKenzie is an Inspirational Speaker, based in Maryland. To find out her latest tips for helping you transform your life and find your purpose go to www.rashidamckenzie.com.

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Insight News • March 9 - March 15, 2009 • Page 7

AESTHETICS Cosby kid chats about successful comeback Book Review

By Kam Williams, Columnist kam@insightnews.com Born in Newark, NJ on April 9, 1979, Keshia Knight Pulliam entered showbiz at an early age, making TV commercials as a toddler and already landing a recurring role on Sesame Street by the age of three. But it was on The Cosby Show that she wormed herself into America's hearts as adorable Rudy Huxtable, the baby of the much-beloved television family.

In 1984, she earned an NAACP Image Award for her work on that celebrated series, and a couple of years after that she became the youngest actress ever to be nominated for an Emmy. When The Cosby Show eight-year run ended, Pulliam turned her attention to academics eventually attending prestigious Spelman College in Atlanta where she majored in Sociology.

Soon after graduating, she returned to the limelight as a contestant on a couple of game shows, emerging victorious on celebrity versions of both Fear Factor and The Weakest Link. In an effort ostensibly-designed to shed her little girl image, Pulliam next posed for a swimsuit/lingerie layout in Black Men's Magazine in 2005.

Since then, she's successfully made the transition back to acting, appearing in such movies as The Gospel, Beauty Shop and Death Toll, before returning to TV to join the cast of House of Payne. Just last month, she won another NAACP Image Award for her performance on that Tyler Perry hit sitcom. Here, she talks about co-starring as Candace, a college student-turned-prostitute, in Perry's Madea Goes to Jail, the #1 film at the box-office two weeks running.

KW: Thanks so much for the time, Keshia.

KKP: You're welcome.

KW: Are you in touch with anybody from The Cosby Show?

KKP: Yes, Felicia Rashad actually came to the premiere of Madea Goes to Jail in New York, and Tempestt [Bledsoe] just sent me a text message a couple days ago congratulating me and letting me know I'd done a great job.

KW: What interested you in being a part of this movie?

KKP: I'd already worked with Tyler on House of Payne, so…

KW: [Cuts her off] That's right.

Congratulations on your Image Award.

KKP: Thank you very much.

KW: You might not happen to know this, but I happen to be a voter with the Image Awards.

KKP: I did know that.

KW: And you got my vote.

KKP: Thanks, I really appreciate that. I worked very hard on the show and on Madea Goes to Jail, so it's a pleasure and honor to still be recognized as an actress almost 30 years after I entered the business.

KW: Wait, you're not even 30 yet, are you?

KKP: I'll be 30 in about a month.

KW: Then how could you be recognized 30 years later, if you're not even 30?

KKP: I said almost 30 years later, and I've been in the business since I was nine- months-old.

KW: Oh really? I thought you got your start on The Cosby Show.

KKP: No, before that, I had already done Sesame Street, a feature film, print ads and national TV commercials. So, I've been at this a long, long time.

KW: What commercials were you in?

KKP: It was such a long time ago.

Let me think… Del Monte corn…

There were so many… Sorry, I can't remember them all.

KW: So many child actors' lives end up such a mess. How did you avoid that?

KKP: Of course, you learn from the mistakes made by those who came before you, and even when I was on Cosby, I went to school and had lots of interaction with my peers. I think it's funny how society so often focuses on the negative stories when there are so many positive ones about child actors who have made that transition and continued to be successful. From the Ron Howards and the Drew Barrymores to the

Jodie Fosters, there are so many who have made that transition and transcended the whole child actor thing. Still, the press prefers to harp on the tragic stories.

KW: You are originally from Newark. Do you remain in contact with any folks there?

KKP: Yeah, I still have a whole lot of relatives who live up in the Newark, Irvington, South Orange area.

KW: "Realtor to the Stars" Jimmy Bayan question: Where in L.A. do you live?

KKP: I don't live in L.A. I actually live in Atlanta, GA. After I graduated from Spelman, I just stayed and never left. And I love it.

KW: I forgot that Tyler Perry shoots his TV shows and his movies down there. Right?

KKP: He sure does. I've lucked out twice.

KW: How did you enjoy Spelman?

KKP: I loved it. I really enjoyed school, and I'm happy that I did decide to take that break away from the industry.

KW: Was it hard being such a big celebrity on campus?

KKP: No, it's a part of life.

Everyone has their own different life experiences which make them who they are. No two people's life experiences are the same. And mine are just unique to me.

KW: Did you ever meet anyone in real life like your character, Candace, in Madea Goes to Jail, a college student who becomes a drug addict and a prostitute?

KKP: I think everyone has a family member who may have had a drug addiction problem. That's not foreign to anyone, no matter what your economic background, race or religion. I think it touches everybody's lives. No one's immune to it. But do I have a personal friend who shares the trajectory of Candace's whole personal story? No. KW: I sort of cut you off earlier while you were answering my very first question: What interested you in Madea Goes to Jail?

KKP: I really fought for this role, because I wanted to do something that was very different and a challenge for me as an actress. That's what this role represented to me, and I'm very proud and excited about how it turned out. I think people will definitely leave the theaters seeing me for the actress that I am.

KW: Is the reason why you did the layout in Black Men's Magazine, to try to break away from your cute kid image?

KKP: No, I think you're misunderstanding me. It's not about breaking away from an image. I think your body of work speaks for itself. It's your job as an actor to take on new challenges, and building upon that body of work. That's what defines who you are as an actor. For

me, as an adult and as a female, I think that women are beautiful, and that there's nothing wrong with celebrating their femininity, their sensuality, their sexuality, as well as their intelligence. We're very wellrounded beings, and I represent all of that.

KW: How do you feel about being ranked #19 on VH1's list of 100 Greatest Child Stars and #11 on E! Television's 50 Cutest Child Stars, all grown up.

KKP: Of course, it's wonderful to still have people enjoy you and enjoy your work. So, I love that.

KW: I was very impressed that you not only went on but won on the celebrity version of a couple of game shows: The Weakest Link and Fear Factor.

KKP: Yeah, those were a lot of fun to do. What I like is that they challenge you in different ways, one intellectually, one physically.

KW: What did you do on Fear Factor?

www.exposay.com

Keshia Knight Pulliam

KKP: I got run over by a Monster Truck, I had to swim with snakes, and I got dropped on a bungee cord out of a Plexiglas box over a canyon.

KW: Oh my God! Did you regret doing any of those stunts?

KKP: Not at all!

KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish

PULLIAM TURN TO 9

Page 8 • March 9 - March 15, 2009 • Insight News

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HEALTH

Astrodyum, courtesy Wikipedia

Urban areas all over the world are striving to lessen their environmental impacts by reducing waste, expanding recycling, lowering pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and expanding open space.

Pictured: Curitiba, Brazil, considered by many urban planners as the archetypal green city, as seen from Barigui Park.

The “green cities” movement focuses on sustainability

By EarthTalkTM From the Editors of E/The Environmental Magazine

Dear EarthTalk: What is the "green cities" movement?

-- John Moulton, Greenwich, CT Best described as a loose

association of cities focused on sustainability, the emerging "green cities movement" encompasses thousands of urban areas around the world all striving to lessen their

environmental impacts by reducing waste, expanding recycling, lowering emissions, increasing housing density while expanding open space, and encouraging the development of sustainable local businesses.

Perhaps the archetypal green city is Curitiba, Brazil.

When architect and urban planner Jamie Lerner became mayor in 1972, he quickly closed six blocks of the city's central business district to cars, delighting residents and business owners alike. Today the pedestrian-free zone is three times larger and serves as the heart of the bustling metropolis. Lerner also put in place a high-tech bus system, greatly reducing traffic, energy usage and pollution; the move also encouraged density around transit hubs and thus preserved open space in other areas that would have likely turned into suburbia. Today the bus system still goes strong, and three-quarters of the city's 2.2 million residents rely on it every day.

Another green cities leader is Rekyjavik, Iceland, where hydrogen-powered buses ply the streets and renewable energy sources-geothermal and hydropower-provide the city's heat and electricity.

London, Copenhagen, Sydney, Barcelona, Bogota and Bangkok, not to mention Sweden's Malmo, Ecuador's

Bahía de Caráquez and Uganda's Kampala, also score high for their green attributes and attitudes.

Green cities abound in North America, too. In 2005, Portland, OR became the first U.S. city to meet carbon dioxide reduction goals set forth in the landmark (if illfated) Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement forged to mitigate the threat of global warming. Seattle, WA also committed to meeting Kyoto's goals and has persuaded 590 other U.S. cities to do the same under the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement. And Vancouver, British Columbia draws 90 percent of its power from renewable sources while its metro area boasts some 200 parks and more than 18 miles of accessible waterfront.

San Francisco is a leader in green building, energy efficiency and alternative energy, and has been on the forefront of the battle to reduce plastic usage. Austin, TX is fast becoming a world leader in solar equipment production and has made great strides in preserving open space. Chicago has invested hundreds of millions of dollars revitalizing its parks and neighborhoods, and has built some of America's most ecofriendly downtown buildings.

It is also working to provide affordable clean power to lowincome families. Of course,

many would argue that New York City-with its densely packed housing, reliance on mass transit and walking, and recent green policy moves by Mayor Bloomberg-may be the greenest of all.

While there is no formal green cities organization, per se, many groups have sprung up to help urban areas achieve their sustainability goals.

GreenCities Events, for one, hosts conferences around the U.S. at which local experts, policymakers and business leaders share ideas for greening their region. And International Sustainable Solutions takes urban planners, developers and elected officials on tours so they can check out some of the world's greenest cities to glean first-hand what works and what can be applied back home.

CONTACTS: Mayors Climate Protection Center, www.usmayors.org/climatepro tection; GreenCities Events, w w w. g r e e n c i t i e s . c o m ; International Sustainable Solutions, www.i-sustain.com.

Send environmental questions to: EarthTalk, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; earthtalk@emagazine.com.

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Insight News • March 9 - March 15, 2009 • Page 9

LIFESTYLE Great tools to assist you in serving healthy and fresh meals to your family Style on a dime

By Marcia Humphrey In case you haven’t noticed, we are smack dab in the middle of devastating economic conditions.

No sector of business is unaffected. Almost all companies are downsizing (some by tens of thousands), closing locations, or going completely out of business.

Many Americans are holding their breath each work day, hoping they will survive the latest round of pink slips. Times are extremely uncertain and scary for so many Americans.

Surprisingly, there are a few companies that are still holding their own.

One of the companies, a restaurant chain, on that very short list of thriving businesses has me baffled. Can you guess which one is seeing stronger sales and increased stock prices, not to mention providing bonuses to employees? I’ll give you a hint.

Alright, I’ll just tell you, since you appear to be in no mood for games. It’s McDonald’s. Does that surprise you as much as it did me?? What I’m told by two experts (my good friends, one a current employee, and one a former employee,) is that during times of recession, people are working more to keep their already shaky positions, and since the kids still have to eat, it is the fastest, cheapest solution for families with even less time than before.

But hold up and wait a minute! If you are among those helping to drive up McDonald’s quarterly profits, please allow

Pulliam From 7 someone would?

KKP: Umm… Nothing I can think of. People have it pretty covered.

[Chuckles] KW: The Tasha Smith question: Are you ever afraid?

KKP: Working in this business, sometimes you get a nervous energy, but you have to sort of work through it. You can't really live in a spirit of fear. You just have to kind of go for it.

KW: The Columbus Short question: Are you happy?

KKP: Oh, that's a good one. I actually am happy.

KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read?

KKP: A positive thought book called The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle.

KW: The music maven Heather Covington question: What music are you listening to nowadays?

KKP: I listen to everything. Let me think… What has been my song recently? "Paper Planes" by M.I.A. is very catchy. I like that, but I listen to everything from rap to Lenny Kravitz to Coldplay, depending on my mood. And my favorite song of all time is "Always and Forever" by Heatwave.

KW: What was the biggest obstacle you've had to overcome in life?

KKP: Mastering being comfortable in my own skin.

KW: The Rudy Lewis question: Who's at the top of your hero list?

KKP: My mom, Denise.

KW: Teri Emerson would like to know when was the last time you had a big belly laugh?

KKP: [Laughs] Okay, this is probably a really silly answer, but I was in the mall the other day, in the middle of the tie section of Macy's with a friend when this guy came over and asked me my name. I said, "Keshia. How are you?" Then, the friend I was with said, "Oh, you just tell strangers your name," even though he knew why the person had asked. [Laughs some more] I'm really silly and I just love to have fun.

So, I then started joking, grabbing my crotch and going, "No, my name is Harold" in a deep voice. It was the funniest thing ever because we had our own private laugh, while this person looked at us like, "You're both

me to offer a word of caution.

Unless you are grubbing on the grilled wraps and the salads, your body and the bodies of your family, may just be telling you that it deserves a break todayfrom McDonalds. In fact, your body may be asking you to explore new ways of providing quick, nutritious, and low-cost meals.

I won’t pretend that opting for a fast food drive through lane isn’t a fast and easy meal solution. Truthfully, there is nothing wrong with a good burger and fries from time to time. The issue is when it becomes too frequent your health could be at risk. Here are three great tools to assist you in serving healthy and fresh meals to your family.

Rice Cooker (programmable preferred) Rice is one staple that you will always find in our refrigerator.

We switch between brown (more nutritious) and fragrant jasmine rice (For protein, I also love to pair rice with different types of beans.) My children eat rice for breakfast as well as dinner. It’s the perfect start to so many great dishes-turkey casseroles, chicken or bean burritos, broccoli casseroles, etc. Our rice cooker, although not programmable, is great because it also has a steaming basket that I use to prepare healthy steamed veggies and fish. You can pick up a programmable rice cooker for about $50, and a nonprogrammable one starting at around $15. The main benefit of the programmable unit, the rice is ready when you tell it to be.

Slow Cookers and Crock pots When you come home from a hard day’s work, wouldn’t it be great to smell the aroma of a yummy stew or chicken dinner.

Well, with a slow cooker, put in your ingredients- along with the

chicken, beef, or pork-before you leave for work, and when you come home it’s all ready. If you are like me, you’ve had a slow cooker tucked in the back of your cupboard for a long time. Well I recently started using mine again, making chili that’s slow-cooked to perfection as well as mouth-watering homemade pasta sauce (Of course it only takes about ten minutes to cook the noodles that go along with the sauce). You can find all kinds of recipes at www.slowandsimple.com.

Insulated Containers Today’s insulated containers keep food cold (or warm) for hours, come in all kinds of cool colors, and are budget-friendly.

At Target, I spotted some that started at about $7 and went up to $20. This gives you a great option for packing a warm, tasty lunch for work or school. When you realize how much money you save by bringing food from home, you’ll be less tempted to approach the Golden Arches.

Contrary to popular opinion, healthy meals do not have to involve slaving over the stove for hours.

During busy weekdays, opt for a few meals that require little to no cookingthink salads with a variety of ingredients, tuna or chicken salad sandwiches, and various easy-to-make soups ( w w w. q u i c k e a t s p l u s . c o m ) .

Resist the urge to hit that drivethru more than once per week.

Feed yourself and your family quick nutritious meals with the help of the tools mentioned and you are sure to Enjoy the results!

Marcia Humphrey is an interior decorator and home stager who specializes in achieving high style at a low cost. A native of Michigan, she and her husband, Lonnie, have three children. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v609/PAgent/MrBento.jpg

insane."

KW: The Laz Alonso question: How can your fans help you?

KKP: Just by enjoying my work and by giving positive feedback.

KW: How do you want to be remembered?

KKP: Wow! I would love to be remembered as a wonderfullydynamic and multi-talented actress who left a legacy through her work and through her life of helping people and of being a positive force in the world. And I'd also like to be remembered for doing my best at everything that I set my mind to do, while helping to inspire others along the way.

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A Celebration of Life honoring

Quincy De'Shawn When:

Saturday, April 4, 2009 12 noon to 6 p.m.

Where:

Seed Academy & Harvest Preparatory School 1300 Olson Memorial Highway in North Mpls

A Celebration of Life honoring "Q-the Blacksmith", Quincy De'Shawn Smith, Sr., and celebratin his birthday and exceptional life is scheduled for Saturday, April 4, 2009 from 12 noon to 6 p.m., a Seed Academy & Harvest Preparatory School located at 1300 Olson Memorial Highway in N Minneapolis. Smith died tragically on December 9, 2008. He would have been 25 on his birthday 2nd.

Event managers say they are seeking sponsors for this and future events and announced variou sorship levels for donors who contribute between $100 and $2,000 to underwrite the event. Indiv tickets are $10.00 each. Children age 12 and under $1.00 at the door (accompanied by an ind ticket holder).

A special children's hour 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., hosted by Candice Gray KMOJ, featuring "Chik N' Wing the Clown". Spoken word by Jaime Wynne Hosts include Quincy's brother Terrance Smith, Walter "Q-Bear" Banks, and other KMOJ on-air personalities, special guest appearances, and sp guest D.J. "Shalema" playing the best in gospel, jazz, blues, hip-hop, r&b, the very best in old school and stepphers music.

Proceeds will support the Q-the Blacksmith Justice Fund and a special trust fund for his infant son Please designate in memo "Q-the Blacksmith Justice Fund" or "Trust Fund for QJ", and send you tax deductible donations payable to: Bettie Smith, P.O. Box 11081, Minneapolis, MN 55411.

For further information: justice4quincy@yahoo.com

Page 10 • March 9 - March 15, 2009 • Insight News

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COMMUNITY Minnesota FoodShare announces record-breaking donation An adminMinnesota FoodShare last week announced a recordbreaking cash donation of $450,000 from the Medtronic Foundation's employee drive to help provide food and restock more than 260 food shelves across Minnesota. The donation will help address the growing demand for food which already is up 13 percent over last year.

"In light of the tremendous need in our community, the employees of Medtronic and the Medtronic Foundation are excited to come together and contribute a gift that we know will have a real impact in the community," said David Etzwiler, executive director of the Medtronic Foundation.

"Thanks to our employees, this unprecedented gift means 1.8 million more meals for hungry Minnesota families this year."

With the tremendous buying power of Minnesota FoodShare and food shelves all across Minnesota, the Medtronic contribution provides enough meals to feed more than 4,000 families of four for more than one month.

In February, the Medtronic Foundation announced to its employees it would match and double every donation they made to the food shelf. For example, a $50 donation from a Medtronic employee would result in a $150 gift to Minnesota FoodShare.

"This gift from Medtronic employees, with matching contributions from the Medtronic Foundation is the largest employee cash donation in the history of Minnesota FoodShare," said Barbara Thell, director, Minnesota FoodShare. "It is our hope that this gift will help inspire additional individuals and organizations to contribute to Minnesota FoodShare's March Campaign to help meet the overwhelming demand of families who need assistance putting food on the table."

Each March, Minnesota FoodShare kicks off the largest food drive in the state restocking more than 260 food shelves across

Minnesota. Right now nearly one million Minnesotans live in households that are struggling to put food on the table. Increasing unemployment and declining economic conditions are forcing many more to turn to food shelves for the first time. The March Campaign recruits thousands of congregations, corporations, schools and civic groups to run local food and fund drives to help support the effort. Half of all the groceries distributed at Minnesota food shelves each year are generated by the March Campaign.

To get involved, consider making a cash donation to Minnesota FoodShare's March

Campaign. Visit their website to find a food shelf near you: http://www.gmcc.org/foodshare.

All of the money raised goes directly towards purchasing food for Minnesota Food shelves.

About Medtronic and the Medtronic Foundation Medtronic, Inc. ( w w w. m e d t r o n i c . c o m ) , headquartered in Minneapolis, is the global leader in medical technology - alleviating pain, restoring health, and extending life for millions of people around the world.

The Medtronic Foundation is committed to improving the health of people and communities.

Its grant

making is focused in three areas: health, education and community.

About Minnesota FoodShare Minnesota FoodShare is a program of the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches.

It is an interfaith collaboration that raises food and funds annually for food shelves in the state of Minnesota and advocates for hungry Minnesotans yearround. For more information about Minnesota FoodShare visit: www.gmcc.org/foodshare.

Administrative judge rejects conditions that would aid wind power An administrative law judge has recommended that three new power lines be built in Minnesota, but rejected conditions suggested by environmental and renewable energy groups to ensure the lines would carry wind energy.

The recommendation by Beverly Jones Heydinger now goes to the Public Utilities Commission. A number of utilities, led by Xcel Energy and Great River Energy, are seeking approval for the CapX 2020

proposal to build three 345 kilovolt power lines by 2020.

Those lines, which terminate in the Twin Cities, would stretch to Lacrosse, Fargo and Brookings.

Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, which

also represented Fresh Energy, the Izaak Walton League of AmericaMidwest Office and Wind on the Wires, agreed with the utilities that there is a need for the new lines to help provide the Twin Cities with thousands of

megawatts more renewable electricity by 2020 Because the Fargo and especially the Brookings lines go through some of the most productive wind farms in the region, MCEA argued that

conditions should be placed on the certificate of need to make sure renewable electricity, such as wind, would be at the head of the line for these wires.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Send community events to us by: email, ben@insightnews.com, by fax: 612-588-2031, by phone: 612588-1313 or by mail: 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411, Attn: Ben Williams. Free or low cost events preferred. Visit www.insightnews.com for more events.

Events Changing School Options: Creating an effective, sustainable system for the future - Mar. 9 through Mar. 12 Mar. 9 through Mar. 12, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Talks about changes being considered for magnet and community school locations, attendance areas and bus routes for Minneapolis Public Schools in 2010 - 2011. Locations and more i n f o r m a t i o n : www.mpls.k12.mn.us. Call 612668-0230 for childcare info.

Industry Analysis workshop Mar. 9, 26 Mon., March 9, 6:45 - 8:45 p.m. at Rondo Community Library, 461 Dale Street, St. Paul and Thurs., Mar. 26, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at N Regional Library, 1315 Lowry Ave N Mpls. FREE. "Discover research tools for analyzing your industry's trends, obstacles, net worth and

future outlook." For workshop info/registration please call Bonita at Neighborhood Development Center, 651-379-8429.

HIRE MN Town Hall Meeting Mar. 10 Tues. March 10th, 6:30-8 PM at Sabathani Community Center, 310 East 38th St. Mpls. HIRE Minnesota seeks to secure major commitments for business development and job training for emerging green-collar jobs. Info: 612-278-5259, www.hiremn.org.

Healing The Effects of Violence Mar. 10 Tues., Mar. 10, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Lutheran Social Service, 2400 Park Ave.. Topics will include child development, understanding family violence from a child's perspective, how children are affected and ways to stop the cycle of family and domestic violence. For more info or to register, mothers please call Sandra Lester at 612-879-5211 and Grandparents or caregivers please call Linda Hammersten at 612-2875328. Free childcare is provided.

Public visioning sessions art on Light Rail Transit stations Mar. 11-26 Held between March 11 and March 26 for the public to advise the

artists who will design art to be incorporated into the 15 Central Corridor LRT stations. Meetings will be held at various times at the stations themselves. Contact the Central Corridor LRT's community outreach staff at Centralcorridor@metc.state.mn.us or call 651-602-1645 for more information.

Minnesota Pipeline event on Early Childhood Education Funding & Desegregated Schools - Mar. 11 Weds., Mar. 11, 6-8 pm at the Minneapolis Urban League Building, 2100 Plymouth Ave. N. Mpls. Learn more about how you can join the movement to support efforts to secure Early Childhood Education Funding for all children in Minnesota! Learn more about the growing movement to desegregate Minnesota schools.

Info: 612-302-3100.

Family Night at Anderson School Mar. 12 Family Night is Thursday, March 12 from 6 - 7:30 pm at Anderson School. 1098 Andersen Lane, Mpls. For more information or to volunteer please contact Jeanette Raymond at jraymond@fcsmn.org.

"Survive & Thrive in Tough Times" workshop - Mar. 12

Thurs., Mar. 12, 6 - 8 pm at North Regional Library, 1315 Lowry Ave N Mpls. FREE. "Receive guidance on how to manage and invest money with a limited income." For workshop info/registration please call Bonita at Neighborhood Development Center, 651-3798429.

Benefit Screening: "Common Threads: Stories of Life After Trauma" - Mar. 12 Thurs., March 12th, 7 pm. The Parkway Theater. 4814 Chicago Avenue South Tickets: www.theparkwaytheater.com. (All proceeds will be donated to Free Arts Minnesota and Minnesota Women in Psychology).

Benefit Screening at The Parkway Theater - "Common Threads: Stories of Life After Trauma" - March 12 Mar. 12 7 pm at the Parkway Theater in Minneapolis (4814 Chicago Ave). Pre-sale tickets can be purchased for $20 from the http://theparkwaytheater.com in the "Common Threads" page. $25 at the door. All proceeds will be donated to MWP and Free Arts Minnesota, who will also have a donation box at the screening. Info: shadowlaneproductions.com, 603966-8250.

The Multiple Mind Workshop Mar. 13 Fri. Mar. 13, 9 am at Southdale Hennepin Resource Library, 7001 York Ave. S Mpls. (Quotes from "Withoutabox " and "Things to do: Saint Paul Guide").

18th Annual Greater Midway Home & Garden Show - Mar. 14 Sat., Mar. 14 at Crossroads Elementary School, 543 Front Ave.,

(Front & Dale), St. Paul.

Workshops - 9 am - 2:30 pm, Exhibit Hall - 10 am - 3 pm. Free admission and parking. 651-4881039 www.sparcweb.org.

Will an Obama prophetic presidency lead to history repeating itself? - Mar. 14 Jim Douglass, theologian, nonviolence leader, and author of JFK and the Unspeakable: Why He Died and Why It Matters, will speak at St. Luke Presbyterian Church in Wayzata on Saturday.

Mar. 14. The event , 9 am to 2:30 pm, features a lecture by Douglass and concludes with interactive conversation with Douglass. The event is free and open to the public; however RSVPs to 952-473-7378 are appreciated.

N Regional Library, 1315 Lowry Ave N Mpls. FREE. "Learn how to give your business a boost by using superior customer service techniques."

For workshop info/registration please call Bonita at Neighborhood Development Center, 651-379-8429.

Choosing a Career or Business that's Right for You" workshop Mar. 17 Tues., Mar. 17, 6:00 - 7:30.m. at Rondo Community Library, 461 Dale Street, St. Paul, FREE. "This workshop will help you launch a decision on choosing a career or business that is right for you." For workshop info/registration please call Bonita at Neighborhood Development Center, 651-3798429.

Circus Juventas hosts community open house on to kick off 15th anniversary season - Mar. 14 Circus Juventas, the world's largest performing arts circus school, will host a free community open house from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, to celebrate its 15th anniversary season.

Info: www.circusjuventas.org.

Business Training Orientation workshop- Mar. 17 Mon., Mar. 23, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Rondo Community Library, 461 Dale Street, St. Paul. FREE. "Learn what it takes to start and finance a business before you invest your time and money." For workshop info/registration please call Bonita at Neighborhood Development Center, 651-379-8429.

Roller Gardens 80s Throw Back Roller Skate - Mar. 14 Sat., Mar. 14, 4:30 - 6:30. DJ playing hits from the 80s, Dress-Up Contest and more.

Info: w w w. a l l a b o u t f a m . o rg , kelley01@visi.com, 612-824-4900.

Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board regular meetings - Mar. 18 6:30 p.m. Weds., Mar. 18, in the board room at MPRB headquarters, 2117 West River Road, Mpls. All Board Meetings are broadcast live from 5-9 p.m. on Channel 14 on the Minneapolis Comcast cable network and on the web at www.ci.minneapolis.mn.us/webcas ts.

"Altars" - Mar. 14 - Apr. 13 "Altars" runs from March 14 - April 13, 2009. Opening Night Reception on March 14, 2009 from 7 - 10 pm at Stevens Square Center for the Arts (SSCA),1905 Third Avenue S., directly above the Third Avenue Market. www.stevensarts.org Shared Community Kitchen on West Broadway Survey - Now thru Mar. 15 Shared Community Kitchen on West Broadway is conducting a 5 10 minute survey to learn more about your interest in using the kitchen. Everyone who completes a survey will be eligible to win a $100 gift card to Cub Foods, a $100 gas card, and a $50 gift card to Bean Scene. Surveys will be taken from February 9, 2009 until March 15, 2009.

Go to www.pohladfamilygiving.org and click on the Shared Kitchen Survey icon on the home page. Paper copies of surveys are available in north Minneapolis at Cub Foods, Cookie Cart, Bean Scene II, Minneapolis Urban League, Sumner Library and North Regional Library and other participating churches and businesses.

2009 Lake Street Council Annual Meeting - Mar. 17 Tues. Mar. 17. Doors open 7:30 a.m. for breakfast and conversation.

Program begins at 8:00. Held at La Vina, 3010 4th Avenue South, just south of Lake Street. Guest speaker: Senator Patricia Torres Ray. Tickets: http://www.lakestreetcouncil.org/e ve-members.htm or call 612-8220232.

Customer Service workshopMar. 17 Weds., Mar. 17, 5:30 - 7:15 p.m. at

Jawaahir Dance Company & Cassandra, Enchanted Evening Mar. 20 Fri., Mar. 20 at 8 p.m., doors open 7:30pm at The Jawaahir Studio Theater, 1940 Hennepin Ave. Mpls.

Tickets: $15, on-line at www.jawaahir.org or at the door FFI: Call 612-872-6050 or E-mail booking@jawaahir.org.

African Violet Society of Minnesota Spring judged Show and Sale - Mar. 20, 21 March 20-21 at Harmar Mall, Snelling & County Road B, Roseville, MN. Free to the public.

Cassandra's Cabaret - Mar. 21 Saturday, March 21 at 8 p.m. at Jawaahir Studio Theater, 1940 Hennepin Ave. Minneapolis.

Tickets: $25*, on-line at www.jawaahir.org FFI: Call 612872-6050 or E-mail booking@jawaahir.org.

2009 North Housing and Home Improvement Fair - Mar. 21 Sat., Mar. 21, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at North Community High School, 1500 James Avenue North in Minneapolis. Enter through the southwest corner of the school (14th Avenue at Knox Avenue) through doors 1, 28 or 29. For vendor information about exhibit requirements and applications, please contact John Helgeland at vendor@northhousingfair.com or at 612-730-0943. Sponsors, vendors and volunteers are still welcome to join, please contact John Helgeland at 612-730-0943.

Website: www.northhousingfair.com.

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Insight News • March 9 - March 15, 2009 • Page 11

EDUCATION Students mentoring students For the last six months WE WIN Institute has been executing a mentoring program at Cooper High School in Robbinsdale. Principal Michael Favor was looking for ways to address the needs of freshmen students at his school. With a school that is almost 50 percent students of African descent, Favor is fixated on the success of all students. His vision is to support freshmen from day one, to assure they are on the right track to be the best and the brightest.

The mentoring program is called, "Rites of Passage, Sisters of the Ankh … Women of Distinction."

Junior and seniors mentor freshmen girls. The gender specific program has mentors assisting mentees with their academics. They work together to learn about African and African

American history and culture. The mentors listen to mentees concerns as well as their triumphs. Mentors talk with classroom teachers to discover where mentees need the greatest support. They communicate with the freshmen's parents to inform them on their child's progress, listen to suggestions they may have for them to assist in their child's success.

"Women of Distinction" have been studying the contributions of the tremendous educator, leader and visionary, Mary McLeod Bethune.

Together, mentors and mentees read and discussed the works of Bethune.

Amber Arrington and her mentor, Latrea Martin, who is a junior, wrote a poem that reflects their view of the greatness of Mary McLeod Bethune.

Mary McLeod Bethune

By Amber Arrington & Latrea Martin Born January 10, 1875 Best known teacher Of her kind Fought for freedom And justice Mary McLeod Bethune Was her name Education was her game Mary McLeod Bethune Started a school in Daytona Beach, Florida Began with six students was all She helped them Stand tall When Mary Bethune's School first started

She was the Everything woman She cleaned toilets and Baked pies She kept the school alive To teach students and Make them feel good Bethune's school Merged with Cookman Institute Renamed Bethune Cookman College She served as president She never bent Until excellence happened For all her students Mary McLeod Bethune Worked with President Franklin Roosevelt For 8 years Special Advisor for

WE WIN Institute

Latrea Martin (mentor) and Amber Arrington (Mentee) Minority Affairs No one dared Question her competence Mary McLeod Bethune

Is my she-roe She was smart & together Her commitment to her people And the results of her works Will last forever

The growing problem of over-policing our schools Children’s Defense Fund

By Marian Wright Edelman Imagine being four-years-old and put into handcuffs because you and your friend wouldn’t take a nap in your pre-K class.

Or being five-years-old, handcuffed, and taken away from your school by ambulance to a hospital psychiatric ward after throwing a tantrum in the kindergarten room.

These scenarios might sound far-fetched, but both are true stories that captured the local media’s attention after they happened to children at their New York City public schools. The over-policing of public schools—not just in New York, but around the country—is one more threat to our nation’s children at risk of entering the pipeline to prison.

In New York, the expanded police presence started becoming especially obvious

about ten years ago when the New York Police Department (NYPD) took control over school safety from the Board of Education. By the start of the 2005-06 school year, the NYPD employed 4,625 School Safety Agents in New York City schools—more personnel than there are officers in the police forces of Washington, DC, Detroit, Boston or Las Vegas, according to the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) report, Criminalizing the Classroom: The Over-Policing of New York City Schools. In addition to increasing the numbers of these school safety agents, who are unarmed but can make arrests, the city also launched the Impact Schools Initiative, in which armed police officers have been deployed in the city’s “most dangerous” schools. Modeled after the NYPD’s Operation Impact program for fighting street crime, the initiative is designed to flood those schools with armed officers and surveillance cameras. Over the last five years, a total of 28 schools have been designated as “impact schools.”

A June 2005 report by the

Drum Major Institute found that impact schools were among the most overcrowded and underfunded in the city and serve a student body that is disproportionately poor, Black and over-age for their grade.

Another report by Fordham University found that targeting a school as an impact school led to a significant decline in attendance there. This is exactly the opposite of what schools serving poor, at-risk youths should want to happen.

But since the NYPD-takeover of school security, many students and teachers have said that their schools feel more like prisons than places of learning.

One English teacher described the scene this way in the NYCLU report: “On this random Wednesday morning, scanners were set up in the cafeteria of the public high school in the South Bronx where I work. Students’ bags were placed on a scanner, they were forced to walk through metal detectors, and any item deemed inappropriate for school—including food, keys and spare change—were taken away.

Many students were patted down, some even with their

Coloring and essay contest honors of World Water Day Dow Water Solutions, a business unit of The Dow Chemical Company (Dow), and a global leader in water purification, seawater desalination, contamination removal and water reuse solutions, will sponsor a variety of water awareness contests in conjunction with World Water Day March 22, 2009, an international day to celebrate freshwater.

“World Water Day, and every day, is a time to act to protect one of our most precious resources – water,” said Harry Engelhardt, Jr., site leader for Dow Water Solutions’ Edina Operations.

“We hope these contests will help raise the level of awareness and educate the next generation of community leaders about how they can start preserving one of the most valuable resources today.”

In honor of this special day designated by the United Nations, Dow Water Solutions is inviting children grades one through six in all Twin Cities’ area public, private and home schools to participate in a coloring contest on how they are saving water.

In addition, all Twin Cities’ area students in grades seven through 12 are invited to participate in an essay contest.

The topic of the essay is, “What I am doing to save water?”

Essays will be limited to 100 words.

Entry forms for both contests are available exclusively on Dow Water Solutions’ website, www.dowwatersolutions.com.

The deadline to enter is March 19, 2009.

A panel of judges will review all submissions and select a winner for each grade level. The winners will be notified and announced on Monday, March 23. Each gradelevel winner receives a waterrelated prize package and all

winning posters and essays will be displayed on the Dow Water Solutions website.

For further information, please contact Karen Jayne Leinberger, The Dow Chemical Company, at (952) 897-4364 or kleinberger@dow.com.

About World Water Day World Water Day is held annually on March 22, to focus

attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. It was established as an international day to celebrate freshwater at the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). The first World Water Day was March 22, 1993.

hands on a police car. An overwhelming ratio of adults to students made the cafeteria seem a lot like a police station... [C]an we please not treat already-struggling, inner city teenagers who have gotten themselves to school like they’ve committed a crime?”

In some ways, the sense that too many schools are turning into prisons is very real.

Students are learning that many school disciplinary incidents, including the kind that used to end with a trip to the principal’s office, can now lead to an arrest. The NYCLU recently filed a Freedom of Information Act request in order to obtain police arrest data, and learned that the NYPD has illegally arrested over 300 students under age 16 for non-criminal violations such as loitering and disorderly conduct.

Under state law, children younger than 16 can only be taken into custody without a warrant if they have committed a crime, not a violation. But the

incidents mentioned earlier about the four-year-olds at a Bronx public school and the five-year-old Queens kindergartener only highlight how soon children can be at risk of over-policing in schools.

In response to the excesses of school policing in New York City, the NYCLU has convened a Student Safety Coalition to address the school-to-prison pipeline in that city and promote solutions. Children’s Defense Fund New York is an active member of this coalition and is working with others to promote positive approaches to school safety and discipline.

We are also collaborating with the NYCLU and a group of other organizations on the School to Prison Pipeline Mapping for Action Project, whose goal is to map out current policies that push children out of school and into the juvenile justice and adult criminal justice system, so that changes can be made to stop them. It’s an important step,

and the problem certainly doesn’t begin or end with New York City. At-risk schools in New York and across the country deserve to be flooded with resources and support instead of police. And students at those schools need to be applauded and encouraged for being at school and wanting to learn, not made to feel as if they are criminals just for trying to go to class. It is time to treat children as children and not as criminals—especially at very early ages.

Marian Wright Edelman, whose latest book is The Sea Is So Wide And My Boat Is So Small: Charting a Course for the Next Generation, is president of the Children’s Defense Fund. For more information about the Children’s Defense Fund, go to www.childrensdefense.org.

Page 12 • March 9 - March 15, 2009 • Insight News

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SPORTS

He's Baaaack: Woods resurrect the world of golf Mr T’s Sports Report

By Ryan T. Scott ryan@insightnews.com Mardi Gras is over, and Tiger Woods is back.

A new commercial shows professional golfers embracing the flash of cameras, increased winnings, and a general jocular good time.

In the middle of one of their locker room joke sessions, Tiger Woods suddenly walks in the locker room and immediately all of the good times stop rolling (Lassiez Les Bons Temps Rouler…no mas).

That just may be the most precise commercial ever, at capturing the essence of a moment. Seeing Tiger Woods come back from injury must have been similar to dropping an ice cream cone on the playground for the other professional golfers; they're still going to eat it, but it just ain't

going to be the same.

Tiger Woods has been on hiatus since June 2008 due to surgery on his left knee and a stress fracture in his left tibia.

One of Tiger's major competitive advantages is that he is (it seems) the first person to approach golf as a true athlete. In golf you see skinny guys and fat guys, but until Tiger Woods came along you never seemed to see any muscles. Golf takes skill indeed, but Tiger is the only one that looks like he could play another

don't see too many knee injuries in golf, so the fact that he injured his knee is a testament to the athleticism that Tiger Woods applies to the sport of golf.

Recently, Tiger played his first comeback event in the WGC Match Play Tournament. The bad news for the other golfers is that Tiger's level of play has not dropped off from the blazing pace that he set prior to his surgery. Tiger won the last tournament before his surgery, and it was one of those fairytale

For a brief moment the players on the PGA Tour had a blast from the past, of a golf world without the weekly specter of Tiger Woods making them look like somewhat average golf hackers. more physical type of sport as well. The other golfers look like their other sporting options are bowling, equestrian (a lot of golfers are tiny fellows like jockeys), cricket, or that nasty competitive eating thing. You

performances involving wincing, grimacing, folding over in pain, and simultaneously winning the most difficult golf tournament known to man, the U.S. Open.

So now Tiger is back. He says that he feels better than ever

(I would expect him to say that to scare the fat and skinny guys).

During his break Tiger also had his second child, a boy named Charlie. And the aspect that I think may be most profound is that Tiger simply had the time off to be able to reflect on how he could get better.

It is really interesting to watch how Tiger Woods affects the other players on the PGA (Professional Golfers Association) Tour. Golf was much more of a "good ole boys club" before Tiger came on the scene in 1996. There was much more of a feeling of cigars, scotch liquor, and inappropriate flirting with cocktail waitresses before Tiger. There were a handful of great players such as Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, and Tom Watson, and everyone else was happy just to hang out, clean up the scraps, and take a nice check home…while thoroughly enjoying cigars, wine and women. Then this young whipper-snapper steps on the scene whoopin' their butts and looking like he wants to actually workout and stuff. The wealth of camera flashes, winning paychecks, sponsorship dollars, and world adoration all of a

Tiger Woods sudden was focused on one buff and relatively handsome black kid (with a mix of Asian, Indian,

www.gemzies.com

and Caucasian).

Tiger Woods transformed a sport like no other player in any other sport ever has in my opinion, and probably many others. For a brief moment the players on the PGA Tour had a blast from the past, of a golf world without the weekly specter of Tiger Woods making them look like somewhat average golf hackers.

While the other golfers might be disappointed, the television producers are doing the moonwalk. I, like many, had not watched a stitch of golf until Tiger came back. So now that the golf recession is over, perhaps we can hope that the Tiger Woods of politics can stimulate a similar comeback on Wall Street. I'm not one to doubt those Tiger Wood's types.

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Insight News • March 9 - March 15 • Page 13

Kick the can't: Confidence for career minded professionals Plan your career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com Walking down Nicollet Mall, it seems easy to spot the most successful among us: shined shoes, straight backs, massive

smiles, blue tooth hooked up and arms swinging: confidence practically pours out of some people. Or does it? Confidence is not something we are born with. It has to be cultivated and constantly recharged. So what do these mall walkers have that everyone else is missing? Nothing, really, except an upbeat attitude and an inner voice that constantly says, "You can."

A lack of confidence is sometimes the only obstacle standing between people and their goals. But even the most self-

assured have moments of uncertainty and an irrational lack of faith in their own talents. It is at these times that winners change gears and recognize that confidence does not come from outside; it comes from within, from each person's belief in their own aptitude and potential.

Successful people are fiercely competitive, often competing most intensely against themselves. Knowing logically that he is qualified and capable, a highly competitive person will detect the chinks in his own armor, the possible falling off points.

Rather than be defeated by this fear of failure, he will work to eliminate his vulnerabilities. He

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NOTICE TO TARGETED GROUP BUSINESSES

may need to gather additional information, improve his presentation or bring in additional team members. In a way, he's covering his backside. By realizing he isn't perfect, he allows himself to engage the resources he needs. Who isn't more confident when his backside's well-covered?

Successful people make tough choices. They are keenly aware of the sacrifices they need to make to reach a goal, and they are willing to focus their energy and resources in the right direction to drive results. Confidence comes from knowing where the finish line is, and being willing to take the actions necessary to get there.

Successful people put themselves first. Not selfishly, but rather, carefully. Taking the time

to care for herself physically, emotionally and spiritually, a person sends the message to others that she has value. A strong sense of self-worth translates into poise and visible self-assurance.

Successful people acknowledge their accomplishments. Many careeroriented professionals get the message that, "You're only as good as your next success." But if you don't stop to celebrate a closed deal, a goal reached, a benchmark achieved, who will?

Pat yourself on the back (briefly) before moving forward. This success is a building block toward your next goal. Enjoy it.

Successful people share the spotlight. You didn't get to where you are (wherever that is) without some assistance. What goes

around inevitably comes back around: by pointing out the success of others, you develop a culture of appreciation around you that you may need to fall back on when your own self-confidence wavers.

Can we talk ourselves into success? The messages we hear every day have a profound impact on our lives; ensure your own success by being your own best advocate. Make a capable and confident impression by telling yourself, constantly and with conviction that, yes, you can.

Julie Desmond is Senior Talent Consultant for The Walstrom Group.

Write to Julie@Insightnews.com.

Special state emergency unemployment compensation made available Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Commissioner Dan McElroy announced the availability of state emergency unemployment benefits beginning February 1, 2009. Gov. Tim Pawlenty signed the bill providing Special State Emergency Unemployment Compensation for unemployed Minnesotans who have exhausted regular state unemployment benefits but do not qualify for a federal extension.

This Special State Emergency Unemployment Compensation program is similar to the current federal extension program. Eligible applicants may receive up to 33 weeks of additional unemployment benefits.

"This extension of benefits comes at the right time for unemployed Minnesotans who are seeking work and did not qualify for the federal benefits," said McElroy.

DEED will identify and mail

information to the 6,000 potentially eligible individuals within a week.

Unemployed workers may apply for these benefits beginning February 1. This is the first week benefits are payable.

Individuals may apply for the special emergency unemployment benefits online at www.uimn.org or by phone at 651-2963644: toll free 1-877-898-9090; TTY for the hearing impaired 1-866-814-1252.

TARLTON CORPORATION, 5500 West Park Ave., St. Louis MO 63110, is seeking qualified Targeted Group businesses for the 2009 Parking Structure Rehabilitation project at the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport for the Metropolitan Airports Commission for subcontracting opportunities in all work areas as defined by the contract drawings and specifications. The work includes misc. repairs and maintenance to the parking structure facilities at the Lindbergh Terminal, the Humphrey Terminal and the Maroon Ramp. The work includes misc. structural repairs, expansion joint replacement, construction joint rehabilitation, deck sealant, floor drain replacement and miscellaneous electrical work.

All interested and qualified Targeted Group Businesses should contact Jason Bretz at 314633-3339 to discuss the subcontracting opportunities. All negotiations must be completed prior to 3 p.m. on March 16, 2009.

Please note that the goal of the MAC for the utilization of Targeted Group Businesses on this project is TGB = 1%.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

I have access to hundreds of foreclosed properties in Minneapolis-St.Paul and surrounding suburbs. Let me help you take advantage of this real estate market.

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