Insight News ::: 6.15.09

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

Watershed by Seitu Ken Jones Watershed is a space for quiet meditation on dynamic natural forces. The installation rests on a pontoon platform in the Arboretum’s iris pond, allowing one to feel the movement of water. A map at your feet and interpretive elements describe water’s journey.

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Courtesy of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

June 15 - June 21, 2009 • MN Metro Vol. 35 No. 24 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

Church Olympics celebrate positive competition, health awareness On Monday, June 22 through Saturday, June 27, 2009 the Stairstep Foundation/His Works United will present the 6th Annual Church Olympics and Family Day. Themed “Moving

by Faith,” the series of athletic and family fun events include roller skating for all ages 7 pm – 9 pm, Monday, June 22 at Roller Garden in St. Louis Park; 3-on-3 basketball tournament preliminary games Tuesday, June 23 at North High School Gymnasium in North Minneapolis, with finals and awards on Friday, June 26 from 6:45 pm until 10 pm; track and field events beginning at 9 am, Saturday, June 27 at North High School Field (17th and Girard Avenue), featuring a softball toss, 50/100/200-meter dashes, 3-legged races, senior power walk, pastors’ race and more.

First, second, and third place trophies will be awarded to the churches with the best overall team performances. One highly anticipated event is the pastors’ race in which preachers shed their robes, don their track shoes, and race to the finish line. The community gathering promises to be a festive occasion that promotes positive competition for family members of all ages, but also shares important information on good health outcomes. Health

STAIRSTEP TURN TO 3

Capri Theater Grand re-opening

Kumbayah The Juneteenth Story

Aretta-Rie Johnson

L - R: Melvin Miller, Pastor Earl Miller (2nd place winners - Progressive Baptist), Pastor Billy Russell (1st place - Greater Friendship Baptist), Renee Ochs and Maya Barslou (3rd place - Wayman AME).

a summer facelift

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Julie Desmond: Networking sites great way to land a job

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Louis King

Pat Carney

injustice to proceed with a profound sense of impatience to claim what has been denied them for so long. In this instance the economic losses caused by the

MNDOT TURN TO

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function within every area of the company,” said Barbara Arnwine, executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee, a nonpartisan, non-profit organization that strives to obtain equal opportunity for racial and ethnic minorities.

Arnwine added, “They are also being honored for their stellar commitment to pro bono legal work.”

One such pro bono project recognized by the Lawyers’ Committee includes the “pay for performance” approach, which was launched by Microsoft to enhance diversity in the legal profession.

The Higginbotham award is named in memory of Chief Judge A.

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Pat Carney

Jonah I. Ogiamien, management consultant, Al McFarlane, editor, Insight News, MMMC, Congressman Keith Ellison, Nghi Huynh, editor of Asian American Press, Adolfo Cardona, publisher of Latino Midwest.

Ellison: Be at the table, or on the menu Congressman Keith Ellison visited with members of the Minnesota Multicultural Media Consortium last week at North

Regional Library on Lowry Avenue in Minneapolis, following his Congressional Town Hall Meeting on

transportation policy and spending. The Congressman

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Microsoft gets Judge Leon Higginbotham Corporate Leadership Award

On the 45th anniversary of the historic Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law has honored Microsoft Corporation for excellence in diversity at its 10th Annual A. Leon Higginbotham Award Dinner in New York. The event took place June 3.

“Microsoft is receiving the Higginbotham award for its commitment to diversity and inclusion as part of the daily business

Give your place PAGE

By Al McFarlane Editor-In-Chief

By Brittany Hutson NNPA Special Correspondent

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King rebukes MNDOT for “moving too fast” comment MnDOT officials drew ire and rebuke from one of the principal advocates for economic justice, equity and inclusion when they reported that contractors feel Blacks and other people of color who are asking for a fare share of jobs and contracts from the Federal Stimulus Initiative, “are moving too fast.”

“Your comment that the contractors were complaining that “you were moving too fast” are the same racist and segregationist sentiments that African Americans heard in their quest for freedom from slavery and later in their fight for the right to vote and other civil rights,” said Louis King, president of Summit Academy Opportunity Industrialization Center (SAOIC). “It is the nature of the oppressor to always feel that things are moving too fast, even as he denies others their God given rights. He will always do and say whatever is necessary to maintain his comfort level at the cost of others. That is what oppressors do.”

But, King said, “it is the daily mission of the people fighting

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Leon Higginbotham, Jr., a civil rights advocate, author and federal appeals court judge. The award recognizes exemplary corporate leadership with respect to advancing equal opportunity, particularly leadership in recruiting, retaining and promoting minorities.

Past honorees include Earl Graves Sr., founder and publisher of Black Enterprise magazine; The New York Times Company and its CEO Arthur Aulzberger, Jr.; and Ronald A. Williams, chairman and CEO of Aetna Inc. According to Arnwine, Microsoft is distinguished from past

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Rep. Jeff Hayden: Progress made in 2009 session, but much more work ahead

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Mauer, Gomez Courtesy of Microsoft

Microsoft Corporate Vice President and Deputy General Counsel Nancy Anderson (right) with Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights under Law Executive Director Barbara R. Arnwine.

Twins are better than ever.

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Page 2 • June 15 - June 21, 2009 • Insight News

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Insight News • June 15 - June 21, 2009 • Page 3

Stairstep From 1 screenings will be available during Church Olympics and Family Day events.

Organizers say the Church Olympics and Family Day event has grown each year.

Approximately 2,000 people participated last year.) Over 40 churches are signed up to participate this year. Stairstep Foundation sponsors this event in collaboration with over 40 Minneapolis and St. Paul African American churches.

Support is provided in part by the American Heart Association, Fairview Health Services, and the Minnesota Department of Health.

Aretta-Rie Johnson

Andrae Rainey (Living Word Church)

Aretta-Rie Johnson

Greater Friendship Baptist Church - 1st place winner first row center - Pastor Billy Russell. First row far left - Ora Hokes, Health Coordinator.

Standing l-r: Jonah I. Ogiamien, Al McFarlane, Louis King, Adolfo Cardona and Nghi Huynh seated: Minnesota State Representative Frank Hornstein (DFL-60B) and State Senator Scott Dibble (DFL-60).

Ellison From 1 said the millions of dollars being slated for transportation and infrastructure improvement

MNDOT From 1 discriminatory practices of the contractors cannot be recovered, just as the labor of slaves could not be compensated after emancipation and lives of hate crime victims could not be restored after lynchings.”

“Our only justice lies in the promise of immediate action and swift justice. This is, as Dr. Martin Luther King said over 40 years ago, ‘why we can’t wait’.”

The sentiment that Blacks and other people of color are moving too fast “reeks of victimization, denial and a total abandonment responsibility” by officials at MnDOT, King charged. He said people at MnDOT are just as comfortable with the status quo as the contractors, and have turned a blind eye to injustice for so long that justice seems unreasonable.

King said MnDOT personnel have built personal relationships with the contractors but have no relationships with communities of color beyond antagonistic discussions that only began after community members began demanding justice. He said MnDOT is “responsible for the loss of millions of dollars to communities of color” because MnDOT did not uphold the law.

Further, King said, MnDOT has never been held accountable for its failure to uphold the law.

King’s challenge to MnDOT policy and practices focused on the agency’s consideration of modifying terms of On The Job Training subsidies for contractors and reporting requirements associated with OJT programs.

Under the current program, King said, the OJT program costs about $5,000 per student. It was developed by a major contractorVeit. These people are trained and ready for hire after 20 weeks.

Now, MnDOT is proposing a 4,000 hour OJT program at a $10.00 to $15.00 per hour subsidy to the contractor, with no guarantee of hire and no track record to demonstrate effectiveness of previous practices.

Conceivably, the public could pay up to $60,000 in subsidies for one trainee (12 times our costs) with no guarantee of employment.

“This is like extending the playing life of the college athlete,” King said.

“The program benefits while the kid gets no degree. This is not fair to the individual seeking employment and it is definitely not the best solution for the tax payer,” he said.

“In my world people get fired when they don’t meet the standards. They are not allowed to engage in transformative

Pat Carney

Pat Carney

North Minneapolis residents last Saturday turned out in large numbers at North Regional Library for Rep. Ellison’s Transportation Policy Town Hall Meeting.

will bring significant benefit to Minnesota’s 5th District, which he serves, and especially to North Minneapolis. Ellison was joined by state legislators, State Senator Scott Dibble (DFL-60) and Rep. Frank Hornstein, (DFL 60B), and by Hennepin

County board members, First District Commissioner and board chair, Mike Opat, and 4th District Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, and transportation experts who encouraged residents to be aggressive in expressing their concerns and

priorities to their elected officials. Jonah Ogiamien, of the MMMC group asked about transparency and accountability, noting that in previous years, despite pronounced good intentions, federal funds often did not filter

down to small businesses and businesses owned by people of color.

Ellison said while remembering the past, the focus should be on the future. “If you are not a the table, you are on the menu.”

processes. They are held accountable,” King said, asking MnDOT who is getting fired for not following the rules and for not achieving performance goals

and standards.

In his rebuke to MnDOT King said, “My people are used to struggle. We are also used to victory. We have overcome

slavery and Jim Crow. We will not be discriminated against or allow you to permit it to happen.

We will not accept talk for action. The time for talk has run

out. The time for action is now.

We recognize injustice. We accept our responsibility to take it on and we assure you that we will prevail.”

INSIGHT NEWS www.insightnews.com

Insight News is published weekly, every Monday by McFarlane Media Interests.

Benny S. Cannon 1957 - 2009

Editor-In-Chief Al McFarlane

A Celebration of Life at Penumbra Theatre June 22, 2009, 6:00pm Colleagues, Family and Friends are invited to honor and celebrate the life and memory of beloved Penumbra Company member Benny S. Cannon.

The evening will include words, music and memories of a dear friend and artist.

CFO Adrianne Hamilton-Butler Publisher Batala-Ra McFarlane Associate Editor & Associate Publisher B.P. Ford Vice President of Sales & Marketing Selene White 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 Brenda Colston Julie Desmond Marcia Humphrey Mehgaan Jones Alaina L. Lewis Rashida McKenzie Ryan T. Scott

Benny S. Cannon as "Corbierre Johnson" in Penumbra's 2007 production of Get Ready

by Jaye T. Stewart and Joe Plummer.

Photo by Ann Marsden

Benny's acting credits at Penumbra include: Get Ready, Rollin' on the T.O.B.A., Someplace Soft to Fall, On the Open Road, Pill Hill, Riffs, A Love Song for Miss Lydia, Ceremonies in Dark Old Men, Two Trains Running, and Joe Turner's Come and Gone. He also performed in Oedipus at the Guthrie Theater, The Wild Party at the Fitzgerald, The Meeting at the Great American History Theatre, Jus' for a While at the Illusion Theater and many others. Regional Theater credits include, I am a Man at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, Homebound at The Milwaukee Rep, The Piano Lesson at the Portland Rep and Boseman and Lena at the Saint Louis Black Repertory Company. Television and film credits include Suddenly Susan, The Wayan Brothers, Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, Crossing the Bridge and many others.

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.

Page 4 • June 15 - June 21, 2009 • Insight News

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Capri Theater completes re-opening celebrations with Legends concert The Re-opening of the Capri Theater promises to be a grand and memorable finale to its “Legends” concert series with “A Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne and Joe Williams” at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 20, and 3 p.m. Sunday, June 21 at 2027 West Broadway, Minneapolis.

Featured vocalists Debbie Duncan, Charmin Michelle, Dennis Spears backed by Rick Carlson and the Wolverines Classic Jazz Trio will close this “Legends” series tribute.

With a mix of the steamy and sultry Lena’s Stormy

Weather, Ella’s feisty and unforgettable rendition of Mack the Knife and Joe Williams’ bluesy licks on Count Basie’s arrangement of Deed I Do, you will find yourself transported back in time to hot Harlem nights at the Cotton Club.

It’s fitting that Debbie Duncan, Charmin Michelle, Dennis Spears, and the Wolverines are the featured performers for this special occasion. Their June 2007 performance at the Capri launched the first “Legends” concert, which has expanded to

an annual series presented by Plymouth Christian Youth Center.

The red carpet will be rolled out at the Capri for the Saturday night Grand Re-Opening, and the evening will feature fun surprises and an elegant postconcert reception. A second show on Sunday will also include refreshments following the show.

Concertgoers will be among the first to experience the theater’s recent renovations, including enhanced sound and stage lighting, curtains and

fresh paint and new house lighting in the auditorium. The lobby is being expanded and remodeled with a stunning new color palette and carpeting. A retrofitted marquee with new reader boards and LED lighting now shines over West Broadway.

Tickets for Saturday’s concert are $25 & $20 for groups of 10 or more. Tickets for Sunday’s matinee are $15.

To order call Uptown Tix at (651) 209-6799 or thecapritheater.org.

Microsoft

partnering with several organizations including the National Urban League, the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, the Minority Business Development Agency, the National Society of Black Engineers and the National Black MBAAssociation.

“We invest hundreds of millions of dollars in dedicated outreach to attract minorities and women to high-tech careers,” said Houston.

She explained that this includes grants, scholarships, event sponsorships and partnerships with universities, such as Howard and Xavier, and organizations that serve minorities and women, such as the United Negro College Fund.

Besides attracting diverse talent to careers in technology, Microsoft focuses on distributing investments into underserved communities through the minority investment program, which was launched in

2000.

The company conducted research with the Urban League that revealed minority-owned businesses have a lack of resources to adopt and implement information technologies for business functions. Therefore, the diversity investment program focuses on increasing funding options for businesses historically limited by lack of capital.

According to Microsoft’s website, the corporation has $50 million of unsecured deposits in minority-owned banks and directs more than $1 billion of investment business volume to minority-owned brokers and asset managers.

“This award just confirms that [anyone] can benefit from Judge Higginbotham’s vision of a more fair and just legal system,” said Prof.

Charles J. Olgetree, Jr., of Harvard Law School. “I think he would be smiling down with great joy to see that a corporate giant is seeing the importance of delivering racial equality.”

Higginbotham dedicated his life’s work to racial and social justice, all while breaking racial barriers on a national and international scale. His work in the legal profession centered on voting rights, civil rights and employee discrimination.

He was the first African American appointed in 1962 to serve on the federal trade commission. In 1964, at the age of 36, Higginbotham was appointed to the United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, making him the youngest person ever appointed to the federal bench. He was appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals in 1979, where he remained until his

retirement in 1993.

His commitment for equal opportunity led him to advocate for democratic elections in South Africa post- apartheid.

Higginbotham was awarded with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1995 by President Clinton, and received more than sixty honorary degrees by the time of

From 1 honorees because of their internationally-renowned corporate diversity mission and for inspiring law firms to demonstrate the same commitment. They were also the first and largest technology company honored.

“This award is particularly important as Microsoft strives to be the global leader in attracting diverse talent to careers in technology,” said Gwen Houston, director of global diversity and inclusion for Microsoft. “We hope to provide an inclusive work environment where they can succeed.”

Microsoft’s aspiration to attract a diverse and talented company network among under-represented groups, youth and women involves

Aretta-Rie Johnson

Photo caption correction: At MUL Annual Awards Program: Celebrating a legacy of leadership and service Standing: Cara McBrayer, Tracy Moore, David Oguamanan; Seated: Hallie Williams, Marcus Owens, Laverne Knighton, Chelsea Jennings, Tylitha Stewart, Raichel Brown, Vanjelis Ngwa

Capri Theater

(L-R) Charmin Michelle, Dennis Spears, and Debbie Duncan

his death at the age of 70 in December 1998. Higginbotham was renowned for his 1991 “Open Letter to Clarence Thomas,” in which he criticized Thomas and his role in reversing “racial progress…”

Higginbotham was also as a mentor for many up-and-coming lawyers, including Olgetree, who has worked with Higginbotham’s wife to

continue his legacy.

Said Olgetree: “The fact that a major corporate entity has time to pause and recognize Judge Higginbotham is not only a tribute to him but more so a tribute to the lasting impact of his legacy more than a decade after his death.”

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Insight News • June 15 - June 21, 2009 • Page 5

AESTHETICS Kumbayah … The Juneteenth Story Columnist

By Alaina L. Lewis For too many Black Americans, the real meaning of Juneteenth gets lost between the satisfying of ones appetite for good food and company, followed by the pouring of Spirits to top off the annual commemoration. Every June, we’re ready for the celebration, but do all of us know why we’ve come together and do we know the real history behind its significance? No. So quite like the hour before our captivity, even now we’re still eclipsed by the same blindfolded journey: they had no knowledge of the road they were going, and many of us know not of the road we’ve been.

Kumbayah …

The Juneteenth Story, a play written and directed by playwright Rose McGee, tells the story of the journey for African American’s on the heels of freedom during the years surrounding the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863. The play, which is playing at St. Paul’s Landmark Center in the Weyerhaeuser Auditorium, isn’t merely a history lesson for its audience but rather a celebration of pride and spirit.

The play, which is in its 11th year of production with Arts Us, is continuing its mission of providing a sound understanding to the truth behind why we observe June 19th. “Often we think of Juneteenth as a celebration of the end of slavery. Actually, Juneteenth is two years after the Emancipation Proclamation when Black people all around the country were finally informed that we had been freed

www.pajamadeen.com

two years and several months earlier,” said Raymond Jackson who plays Deacon Jay and Ole Earl in the play. “One of the last states to actually grant that affirmation to the slaves is Texas. The Union army had to send troops to Texas, because the state’s land and people owners were adamant about not letting the slaves know that this Emancipation Proclamation thing had taken place.”

Throughout the years, the production has been touched by the community and an outpour of youth performers who have been fortunate enough to grow up with its rich message. The cast of more than 25 is made up of a diverse group of actors who come from a multitude of cultural backgrounds. “We’re very excited to bring these young children into the performing arts with Kumbayah. There really isn’t a lot for our children as it pertains to theatre in the community,” staid McGee. “Not only have many of these children grown

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Rose McGee, writer and director of Kumbayah...The Juneteenth Story.

Suluki Fardan

Page 6 • June 15 - June 21, 2009 • Insight News

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LIFESTYLE Give your place a summer facelift Style on a dime

By Marcia Humphrey My girlfriend recently moved into a new home and found out that her nearly new guest bed no longer fit into her spare bedroom which also doubles as her home office.

That’s where I come in. For a while I had been thinking of replacing my youngest daughter’s twin bed with a full-sized one, but was in no real hurry. When my friend offered it at a price I couldn’t refuse, I jumped on it.

My nine-year-old daughter was thrilled to have a new white fourposter bed (it sits so high off the ground that she has to take a running start and leap onto it!) and needless to say I was delighted by the price. After I dressed the bed with pretty purple and yellow

bedding that I already had (it was queen-sized, but once on the bed, no one can tell), I realized that she needed a small side table to go beside it. I started looking throughout my house for possible options. Out in the garage I found the perfect little table (one of my $2 garage-sale-deals), and the only thing it needed was a couple coats of white paint to match the bed.

Inspired by the transformation of my daughter’s room, I decided to tour the rest of our home and give a few more rooms a summertime-facelift.

The Best Place to Start is at the Beginning As strange as it may sound, the first room in your home is outside…on your front porch. I began there and purchased two cans of high gloss black paint (around $6 for both) and repainted the dull, slightly rusty wroughtiron bench. It looked as good as new! Next I found an $8 seat cushion for the bench at Salvation Army, 900 N. 4th Street in Minneapolis (Their lower-level is all new Target overstocks,

scratch-and-dents, and samples).

The finishing touch to room #1 was adding three fairly large pots of red, white, and purple flowers that I caught on sale at Sam’s Club for only $13.50!

They were reduced from their regular price of around $20 because they were wilting and appeared to have seen better days.

Like most living things, my flowers only needed a little bit of TLC (and H2O) and they were back in business the next day!

Let’s Get Cookin!

The kitchen/great room was room #2 and it didn’t take long to redo.

I started by changing out my red curtains on the patio door and replaced them with light-weight cream and brown ones that I purchased on clearance from Target (around $25 for all four panels).

Instantly the room changed. It went from the formalChristmas-dinner feel to a casualsummer-barbeque vibe. On the great room sofa, the pillows were changed to a vibrant green which made the tan sofa pop! I even found a replacement fabric-

actually a curtain panel-to recover my aging ottoman (using a heavy duty staple gun) which sits in front of the sofa. Again, it was a Salvation Army score at only $4and way cheaper than buying fabric by the yard at the fabric store!

Thinking of a Master Plan The final room in need of attention was our master bedroom. And although I love my Asian-influenced brick red and brown bedding, I knew it was time for a change. Down in the basement I found a summery cream and tan spread and it made the space seem light, bright and airy. Finally, I pulled a simple floral arrangement from another room and my look was complete.

The room is now fit for a king (and queen)!

Here’s the bottom line: at some point we all need a change of scenery-inside and outside of our homes. It can be easier and less costly than you may think to update the look of your home.

The key is to think outside of the box. Consider how you can give

http://styledstagedsold.blogs.realtor.org/files/2009/01/welcome_forblog.jpg

an item you already have a new purpose. Decide which piece of furniture could be fabulous in a new color, and paint it. Also, always start your shopping trip at home first and then head out to your favorite spots. In other words, go through the rooms and closets in your home (don’t forget the basement and garage) and see how you can use what you already have-in a different way than before.

One final thought: When I realized that my daughter’s bedroom makeover left me with an extra pair of twin mattresses

and a set of bunk beds, I found two families who had use for what I no longer needed. I gladly gave them the furniture. There is a built-in blessing in giving freely and regularly sharing with others.

It provides the best type of makeover of all-Gratitude and Generosity. Enjoy!

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.

‘Waterosity’ exhibit features Seitu Jones installation What’s bubbling up at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum this summer? Fresh thinking about people, plants and water! Waterosity: Go Green with a Splash, the 2009 summer exhibition, is running now and continues through October 4.

Bringing together the voices of artists, scientists and horticulturalists, “Waterosity” will celebrate this most precious, life-giving resource in thought-provoking and playful

installations and exhibits for all ages. Here’s a quick look at what’s “on tap”: ‘Harvest Your Rain’ This new permanent display will demonstrate ways to re-use rainwater or help it filter into the earth, lessening harmful runoff into street drains and eventually our rivers, streams and lakes. The highlight is a permanent green roof constructed on an Arboretum picnic shelter and planted with sedum and prairie grasses.

Harvest Your Rain also will feature exhibits on rain barrels and rain gardens. The former, when linked to a gutter system, can provide a reservoir of water to use for watering plants, filling birdbaths and other outdoor uses.

‘The Cutting Edge’ on Lawns This display, located on the island directly in front of the Oswald Visitor Center, will feature demonstration plots of new, water-efficient lawn grasses of the future, including University of Minnesota research grasses. A Gardener’s Idea Shed will contain interactive displays about drip irrigation, rain sensors and other ways to “stretch your

water” for a beautiful green yard using less blue.

Intriguing Art in the Garden Ten winning art installations will be erected outdoors in Arboretum gardens and natural areas, including human-size frog puppets, dancing water fountains, a jumbo disposable water bottle (with a message) and much more. They are meant to entertain, enlighten and engage visitors with their powerful messages on the value of water. It’s a great excuse for a walk in the gardens!

Go Green with a Splash Free Walking Tours Learn how to “go green with a splash” in a free, one-hour walking tour of the Waterosity

Courtesy of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

Jones’ installation rests on a pontoon platform in the Arboretum’s iris pond, allowing one to feel the movement of water. exhibition, including stops at the Harvest Your Rain and Cutting Edge on Lawns displays, and portions of Intriguing Art in the Garden.

See what’s bubbling up on green roofs, rain gardens and barrels, porous paving, waterlean lawns and more. Led by trained Arboretum volunteer guides every Saturday at 10:30 am.

The Green & Blue Express and Heart of the Beast Puppet Theatre A new kid-friendly, narrated tram tour will be offered on Thursday evenings now through August 27. Led by Arboretum staff, the Green & Blue Express will blend Waterosity messages and a few activity-based stops into the lively narration. The Express will depart at 5:30 and 6:45 p.m. and tickets will be $2.50 each. Throughout the summer, the renowned Heart of the Beast Puppet and Mask Theatre will perform on the following dates: July 11 and 12

(at 11 am and 1 pm) and August 8 (12:30 pm). Free with gate admission ($9 adults; free for members and ages 15 and younger).

Free Family Weekend Activities Families are invited to participate in free family activities at the Water Works Plant Lab every Saturday and Sunday, from Noon to 4 pm at the Marion Andrus Learning Center.

‘Go Green with a Splash Party’ Weekend This special weekend – July 11 and 12 – features an information fair and water-wise demonstrations, art activities, live music and a Heart of the Beast Puppet Theatre performance.

10 winning designs and designers – culled from nearly 100 entries – will comprise the Intriguing Art in the Gardens component of the 2009 summer exhibition, Waterosity: Go Green with a Splash.

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Insight News • June 15 - June 21, 2009 • Page 7

BUSINESS Improve your prospects through better use of online networking sites Plan your career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com A quick phone conversation with candidate Leon this morning made me realize that not everyone is taking advantage of the fabulous online resources available right now for free. Leon and I looked

Junteenth From 5 up in the production, but their parents have too and it’s great to bring them all together with the new people who have come into the play.”

Some of the new faces making their debut in Kumbayah this year include Tashawn Moore and Rajel Johnson. Returning in the role of Frederick Douglas is actor Bobby Hickman, who has been reprising the historical figure since the plays inception some ten years ago.

From the tiniest voices to loudest, the cast comes together perfectly to disclose the secret road surrounding our journey to freedom. Many of players who have stepped on board were unaware of our story until they began rehearsing it to share it with the world. “I finally learned what Juneteenth was, because I used to think it was just a time to hang out in the park and have fun,” said Jonalyn Fair, one of Kumbayah’s youngest performers who plays the characters Brenda and Abby.

at his computer presence together, and talked about a few points that might be the difference between Hired and Still Looking for this talented IT candidate. LinkedIn is a one good resource people are using effectively to find work, so let’s look at that for some specifics.

Where are you from? Most web networking sites c o m p a r t m e n t a l i z e geographically. If, like many job seekers, you have moved around a few times in your career, check your LinkedIn profile to be sure you are part of the right network. Leon was living in Sioux Falls when he initiated his profile, which put

him in a South Dakota area network. As a recruiter, if I am looking for candidates for a job in MN, I want to make the most of my time and my clients’ relocation funds and will pass over out-of-state candidates, at least initially. By updating his address (click edit profile), he was automatically moved to the right network. An important first step.

Who do you know? The point of networking is not finding a job. It is connecting to other professionals, which will lead to a job if you need one, better sales if that matters to you, professional discourse if that is what you are after.

Working or not, keep building your network. Leon had a handful of contacts, but needs to build that number if he is going to get hired. Starting with friends and former coworkers, and then moving on to former classmates, he should make an effort to invite others to join his network.

This is not an intrusion.

Most people who are on LinkedIn want to connect to others for the variety of reasons already mentioned. He should compose a very short note, one line or two, or use the template provided on LinkedIn (it pops up – you can’t miss it). When someone accepts, he should

then follow up to say thank you, and to let them know he is currently available for full time work or projects.

Avoid longwinded emails on networking sites. People who want your life story will ask for it.

What do you know? Joining groups on sites such as LinkedIn gives professionals the dual benefits of increased network capability and professional conversation. Stay in touch through professional organizations online, and through the Groups section of LinkedIn. Further, it helps others to know at a glance what your areas of interest are.

Who knows you? Referrals are an invaluable asset to networking sites. Get over your pride or shy side and ask people who know you to refer your work. Hint: You will have more luck soliciting referrals if you start out by referring others.

Hiring Managers look at LinkedIn. And Facebook. And they will Google your name for additional insights into who you are and how you will fit into their organization. Keep your computer presence up to date, active and clean and use it to move forward in your career.

“Being in this play makes me feel more educated. [After it’s done] I am going to continue to learn and develop, but I am also going to continue to teach and spread the word.”

Kumbayah… The Juneteenth Story, is a play that will bring you through a fountain of joyous emotions. You will laugh and you will cry, but you will be

enriched by its sincerity. As you go along on this reverse journey through the past, you will be blessed with an abundance of priceless information. Art is the perfect chaser for swallowing any cultural history lesson, especially if it’s trimmed with a profound heart and an unmatchable creativity.

The play is in production

from now through June 20th with only 12 performances.

Tickets range between $5 and $10. Kumbayah is in need of volunteers from the community to help with some of the tasks surrounding the production like ushering, ticket taking and backstage help. It’s a play for the community that needs the open arms of its residents to

lend a hand to tell our story as well as offer an ear for it to be heard. Get ready for an incredible journey.

For more information on how to volunteer contact Rose McGee at (612) 872-3637

For more information, visit www.arts-us.org or call (651)528-6871

The Landmark Center is located in Downtown St. Paul at 75 West 5th Street.

Page 8 • June 15 - June 21, 2009 • Insight News

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HEALTH Gluten: Hidden, toxic wheat protein allergen found in many products Health & Wellness

By Brandi Patterson-Phillips There is an allergen in many of our household items that is negatively affecting the immune and digestive systems of children and adults. This allergen is called gluten, which is a wheat protein found in products ranging from food to cosmetics. The allergic reactions and symptoms from gluten vary from person to person- with symptoms either being mild (allergic reaction) or more severe, such as a toxic

autoimmune disease called Celiac (Cee-lee-ack) Disease.

Celiac Disease is an autoimmune digestive disease that attacks the small intestine, leaving this organ unable to absorb nutrients from food or supplements. The Celiac Disease Foundation, which was established in 1990 to raise awareness about the disease, states that people with Celiac Disease cannot ingest or come in contact with any substance that contains gluten including oats, barley, rye or triticale.

Gluten is usually found in food, but can also be found in toothpaste, vitamins, make-up and medicines, just to name a few.

When these foods and products are consumed or used, a person's immune system destroys the tiny fingerlike villi in the small intestine.

According to the National

Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC), symptoms vary from person to person causing many adverse reactions. Some of the toxic reactions in infants are: abdominal bloating and pain, chronic diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, weight loss or pale, foul-smelling stool.

In adults, the NDDIC lists as possible symptoms: fatigue, bone or joint pain, arthritis, bone loss or osteoporosis, depression or anxiety, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, seizures, missed menstrual periods, infertility and recurrent miscarriage, canker sores inside the mouth, or an itchy skin rash called dermatitis herpetiformis.

Although people with Celiac Disease may never develop symptoms, there are some longterm effects of the disease including anemia, osteoporosis,

intestinal cancer, liver diseases and reproductive concerns. A person can go undiagnosed for many years.

The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse claims 1 in every 133 people have Celiac Disease or suffer from wheat allergy.

It is suggested that if you have any of these symptoms on a regular basis after eating or coming in contact with certain products, contact your health care provider immediately. Be aware that some products contain wheat, but do not explicitly state this fact on the product labels. Gluten can be hidden in many preservatives such as caramel color for instance.

When diagnosing Celiac Disease, health care providers, will administer blood tests. If the blood test suggests Celiac Disease, a small intestinal biopsy will be performed to confirm the disease.

There is no medicinal cure for Celiac Disease or wheat allergy.

The only treatment and cure is to totally abstain from products containing wheat.

Wheat products can be substituted with corn, rice or other non-wheat grains.

Whenever gluten is reintroduced to the digestive system, symptoms will reoccur.

This lifestyle change must be monitored very carefully for the rest of your life. All product labels should be read before purchase and consumption.

According to the Celiac Foundation, small amounts of wheat can irritate the bowel system even with no symptoms present.

If you seek more information about wheat allergy or Celiac Disease, contact your health care provider, your local library, the Celiac Foundation or the National

Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.

Brandi Patterson Phillips is a freelance health and wellness reporter with an extensive background in mental and physical health training and education. She is also a Life Skills Coach, fitness trainer and professional dancer.

She is currently studying for her M.B.A. at St. Mary's University in Minneapolis. Brandi currently teaches @ Creative Arts High School in St. Paul, MN, Summit Early Learning Center in Minneapolis, and is president of the Minnesota Fit Club for Women. Please direct all health and wellness questions to bodybybrandiva@gmail.com.

Answers will be chosen to appear in subsequent Insight News editions.

Healthy summer recipe good for the soul and heart American Heart Association provides healthy recipes and tools for family reunions this summer.

African Americans are twice as likely to suffer a stroke as white Americans. Stroke is the number three killer and leading cause of long-term disability in the United States. But knowing your family health history, your risk factors and making healthy lifestyle choices such as exercising most days of the week, not smoking, eating a diet rich in vegetables and low in fat and salt, and monitoring your risk for high blood pressure and diabetes can significantly reduce your risk for suffering a stroke.

In time for family reunions and summer cook-outs, the American Heart and Stroke Association is offering a FREE Family Reunion Tool-kit that includes a FamilyHealth Tree that can be downloaded

at www.PowerToEndStroke.org as well as a few heart-healthy recipes.

You can get more delicious recipes with soul by purchasing online the “Power To End Stroke 2009 Soul Food Cookbook” at www.ShopPower.org.

Pot Luck Black-Eyed Peas Serves 16; 1/2 cup per serving 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, sorted for stones and shriveled peas and rinsed • • • • • • • •

4 ounces Canadian bacon 2 medium onions, chopped 2 medium ribs of celery, chopped 1 6-ounce can no-salt-added tomato paste 1 medium garlic clove, chopped 1 small bay leaf 1/4 teaspoon cayenne Pepper to taste

• Put the peas in a large saucepan.

Cover with water and let soak for 45 minutes. Pour into a colander and drain.

• Meanwhile, in a medium skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Canadian bacon until crisp. Drain well on paper towels. Chop the Canadian bacon.

• Return the peas to the saucepan.

Add just enough fresh water to cover. Stir in the Canadian bacon and remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 3 hours, or until tender.

Nutrients per Serving Calories 115 Total Fat 0.5 g Saturated 0.5 g Trans 0.0 g Polyunsaturated 0.0 g

Monounsaturated Cholesterol Sodium Carbohydrates Fiber Sugars Protein

0.0 g 4 mg 114 mg 20 g 6g 5g 8g

Dietary Exchanges 1 starch 1 vegetable 1/2 very lean meat This recipe is reprinted with permission from Healthy Soul Food, Copyright © 2009 by the American Heart Association. Published by Publications International, Ltd. Look for Healthy Soul Food at grocery-store checkouts nationwide throughout the month of May, or while supplies last, and online at ShopPower.org.

American Heart Association

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Insight News • June 15 - June 21, 2009 • Page 9

Progress made in 2009 session, but much more work ahead Guest Commentary

By State Rep. Jeff Hayden (61B) With too many Minnesotans losing their jobs, health care, and homes, I set out in my first year in the Legislature to fight for the people in our community so that our voices and priorities could be part of our state budget solution.

We were able to pass progressive reforms to combat the home foreclosure crisis and broaden

health care coverage to more children, but in other important areas, the Governor used his veto power to block the forward thinking reforms we need to emerge stronger from these difficult economic times.

With a record $6.4 billion budget shortfall, I learned early that it would be difficult to pass legislation that would cost the state additional money. Instead, I spent more efforts working to reform existing government services to prevent catastrophic cuts to schools, to improve health care, and to protect jobs. I was pleased to pass bills I authored, including a bill to combat the home foreclosure crisis that will prevent destruction of foreclosed

homes.

The balanced budget the Legislature passed included targeted spending cuts to minimize job losses. We also targeted federal recovery dollars from President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to prevent the loss of health care for families, to bolster our education system, and create thousands of new jobs.

In order to preserve basic services, jobs, and the safety net that is so critical in these tough times, the Legislature passed a bill to increase income taxes on the wealthiest Minnesotans. For a joint filer earning $300,000 per year, their taxes would only increase $109 per year – or $9 per

month. Considering the deep cuts we were facing, it was more than fair to ask the wealthiest Minnesotan to contribute to the budget solution.

The Governor chose to veto our balanced budget by rejecting the income tax increase on the wealthiest Minnesotans. He will instead pursue additional cuts by himself through a process called unallotment.

The Governor’s strategy to protect the wealthiest Minnesotans at the expense of the poorest is both morally reprehensible and economically unsound. His cuts will harm some of Minnesota’s most vulnerable citizens, lead to greater job losses, increase property taxes, and

weaken our long term economic recovery. He has already cut more than $380 million from General Assistance Medical Care, which will kick over 30,000 lowincome, mentally ill, or homeless Minnesotans off of health care in 2010. It will result in a loss of over $100 million for Hennepin County Medical Center, $15.5 million at Abbott Northwestern Hospital and $340,000 at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics.

We are already seeing job losses at these hospitals as a result of his actions.

The 2009 session may be over, but our work is not. In the coming weeks I will share with you the impact the Governor’s unallotments will have on our

community and work with community and legislative leaders to build the support needed to present a new vision for the future of our state. That means reversing the Governor’s veto of General Assistance Medical Care, reforming our broken health care system, and pursuing proactive solutions to address the home foreclosure crisis.

It’s an honor to serve our community in the Legislature and I encourage you to continue contacting me with your valuable input and ideas. We can and must succeed in our fight for a better way forward, and I hope you will all join me in working together to make the changes Minnesota needs.

Obama reaches out to make a difference for Muslims worldwide

By Akbar Muhammad President Barack Hussein Obama delivered a 54-minute speech from Cairo, Egypt to the Muslim world. One analyst described this speech as being more powerful than his speech delivered in Philadelphia regarding race in America after the Rev. Jeremiah Wright incident. Due to his diverse heritage no combination of US presidents could, in my opinion, do what this speech did so quickly. He is an African American man with a Muslim father, he lived in a Muslim country with the largest Muslim population in the world. During the long grueling campaign he made a commitment that within the first 100 days he would deliver a speech from a major Muslim capital to reach out to the Muslim populations of the world. It may have taken him a little over 100 days, but he kept his commitment.

These are the characteristics that

produce a level of respect from the Muslim world towards the new American president and the direction his administration is forging.

The selection of the words he chose to deliver in this speech struck a chord in the Muslim world as he received congratulations and thanks from Muslims throughout the world. He struck a chord into their suffering and implied that he understood the past eight years produced indemnity between our nations.

Not only have they suffered from the Islamophobia, religious and racial profiling, they have also suffered torture, and false imprisonment.

The speech was translated into 13 languages and immediately after the speech; it was put on youtube.com, facebook, myspace and twitter. The words that the president spoke when he said that Americans cannot always presume what is best for the rest of the world has proven to take the

sting of how the Islamic world and other non-Muslims view America after the tragic eight years of the Bush/Cheney madness. Most Muslims were in awe and never thought that in their lifetime, they would hear a President of the United States quoting the Holy Quran. He quoted the Holy Quran three times in his speech.

The setting that the President chose to deliver this speech, Egypt, is a country with a population of nearly 80 million people. It lies in the northeast corner of Africa and has the largest standing army in the Arab world.

Egypt also has a population of nearly 8 million Coptic Christians.

No doubt that the nearly 10 million Muslims in America agreed when President Barack stated: "Let there be no doubt, Islam is a part of America. And I believe that America holds within her the truth that regardless of

race, religion, or station in life, all of us share common aspirations to live in peace and security, to get an education and to work with dignity, to love our families, our communities, and our God. These things we share. This is the hope of all humanity."

As I listened to the President, I could not help but think about the challenges we have in the African American community as well as Africans in the Diaspora. We all do a lot of talking in analyzing our problems and challenges. This became clear to me when the President said: "Words alone cannot meet the needs of our people. These needs will be met only if we act boldly in the years ahead; and if we understand that the challenges we face are shared and our failure to meet them will hurt us all."

The President showed the necessity of our problems being dealt with in partnership. In this way we share in the progress that is accomplished. He repeated to

his Cairo audience and the world, the statement that he made in his first visit to a Muslim country, Turkey. "America is not at war with Islam and America will never be at war with Islam."

As much as he could, President Barack Obama took great care to bring some balance to the number one problem of the Middle East which is the Palestine/Israeli conflict. He discussed the Holocaust and persecution of the Jewish people.

He cited that 6 million Jews were killed during the reign of the Third Reich. He also acknowledged the daily suffering of the Palestinian people --Muslims and Christians- for more than 60 years. He acknowledged that this suffering has been endured for over 60 years.

"They (Palestinians) endure the daily humiliations large and small - that come with occupation. So let there be no doubt: the situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable.

America will not turn our backs

on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity, and a state of their own."

He added: "The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements. " These statements are different from any other statement made by America's presidents in the 60 year history of their struggle.

The President closed his talk with something that is an ultimate concern for the world, ie, economic growth and development. He announced that he would partner with the Organization of Islamic Conference. He would work to eliminate fear and mistrust by talking to each other and not behind each others back by what is said in private would also be said in public. He closed out his speech with a quote from the Holy Quran, Talmud and the Holy Bible. This is a speech that should be viewed, read and discussed.

Page 10 • June 15 - June 21, 2009 • Insight News

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Metropolitan Council approves more projects for stimulus funding The Metropolitan Council approved more metro area transportation projects for federal stimulus funding. The Council action marks the final allocation of about $250 million in stimulus funding for transportation projects in the metro area. An additional $70.6 million has been targeted for transit.

Today’s allocation includes $59 million for 32 city and county road projects throughout the region. Some of the larger projects include: • Replace Lowry Avenue bridge over the Mississippi River • Reconstruct pedestrian bridge over TH65 in Columbia Heights • Realign and widen county highways 10 and 101 in Maple Grove • Reconstruct Akron Avenue in

Rosemount • Construct bridge and retaining walls for the CR83 overpass of I-35 in Washington County • Reconstruct pedestrian bridge and staircase tower near Wabasha Street in St. Paul.

The allocation includes nearly $8 million for 10 transportation enhancement projects, including bike and pedestrian projects. Among them are improvements on trails in St. Paul, Arden Hills, Carver County, Coon Rapids and Maplewood, and rehabilitation of the Bryant Avenue Bridge over Minnehaha Creek in Minneapolis.

The allocation also includes $38 million for state projects in the metro area, including

improvements to I-94 from the Crow River in Rogers to I-494 in Maple Grove, and I-35W between Arden Hills and Blaine.

In April, the Metropolitan Council approved the first round of transportation projects for federal stimulus funding, including the $86 million extension of Highway 610 in northern Hennepin County. The April allocation amounted to about $145 million of state and regional stimulus funds.

“We are working to allocate these funds as quickly as possible,” said Council Chair Peter Bell. “Fortunately, we have a good process and a long history of allocating federal funds, which helped us identify and review projects.

Our objectives for stimulus funds

were to preserve and create jobs, while also addressing regional needs.

“We will continue to be vigilant about making sure these projects proceed in a timely manner, and we’ll look for other stimulus funds that might become available to benefit the Twin Cities,” Bell said.

Of the $250 million the region is receiving from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for transportation projects, $168 million goes to state projects in the metro area. More than $80 million goes to city and county highway projects in the metro area, including transportation enhancements such as bike and pedestrian projects.

All transportation projects in

the region that receive federal funding must be reviewed and recommended by both the Transportation Advisory Board and Metropolitan Council.

In addition to funds for road and enhancement projects, the Council will receive $70.6 million in ARRA funds through the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for metro area transit projects. Thus far, the Council has obligated $52.8 million to purchase: • 31 standard, 30 hybrid and 29 articulated bus replacements for the Metro Transit fleet ($49.6 million) • 15 hybrid and 1 standard bus replacements for the Metro Mobility fleet ($1.8 million) • 27 standard small buses for dial-a-ride services ($1.4 million)

The Council intends to use the remaining $17.8 million for eligible preventive maintenance costs included in the transit operating budget. This will help reduce the $62.4 million shortfall in the operating budget that is projected for FY 2010-11.

The Metropolitan Council is the regional planning organization for the seven-county Twin Cities area. The Council runs the regional bus and light rail system, collects and treats wastewater, coordinates regional water resources, plans regional parks and administers funds that provide housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. The Council board is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the governor.

Walmart U.S. to create more than 22,000 jobs in 2009 including store management, pharmacists, human resource managers, customer service associates, cashiers and sales associates among others.

"During this difficult economic time, we're proud to be able to create Assumed Name quality jobs for thousands 1. State the exact assumed name under of Americans this year," which the business is or will be conducted: said Eduardo CastroLongest Yard Lawn Care Wright, vice chairman of 2. State the address of the principal place of business: 3201 Humboldt Ave. N, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. "At Walmart, we offer Minneapolis, MN 55412 competitive pay and 3. List the name and complete street address and real of all persons conducting business under the benefits for our above Assumed Name: Raymond Traylor, opportunities 3201 Humboldt Ave. N, Minneapolis, MN associates to advance and 55412 build careers. Job creation 4. I certify that I am authorized to sign this is just one way in which certificate and I further certify that I we're working hard every understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set day to help people across forth in Minnesota Statues section 609.48 as this country live better." if I had signed this certificate under oath.

Last October, Walmart announced plans Signed by: Raymond Traylor to open 142 to 157 new or Date Filed: 5/04/2009 expanded stores during

Walmart U.S. announced that it will create more than 22,000 jobs in 2009 to staff new or expanded stores in the United States. The company is hiring for a number of positions

Insight News 6/15/2009, 6/22/2009

the 2010 fiscal year in the United States.

The company will create more than 1,000 jobs in several individual states. For example, the company will create approximately 1,300 jobs in Arizona; 1,000 jobs in California; 1,300 jobs in Florida; 1,500 jobs in Michigan; 1,200 jobs in New Jersey; 1,000 jobs in South Carolina; 1,200 jobs in Utah and 1,100 in Virginia.

"We are excited that during these economically challenging times Walmart is investing in Michigan by creating good paying jobs and offering benefits to their employees," said Richard Studley, president and chief executive officer of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. "The positive impact that these jobs will have on the families of the new employees and their

communities cannot be overstated."

Benefits, including affordable health plans that offer customized health coverage options, are available to fulland part-time associates. More than 94 percent of store and club associates in the United States have some type of health care coverage.

Other benefits include profit sharing and 401(k) contributions, a stock purchase plan and a discount on store merchandise. Last year, the company put 4 percent of the income of every full-time and part-time U.S. associate with more than a year of service into a profit sharing and 401 (k) plan, even if the associate did not contribute to the plan.

In 2008, more than 150,000 hourly associates received promotions to new positions

within the company.

Earlier this year, the company shared more than $2 billion in financial incentives

with hourly store and club associates through bonuses, 401(k) and profit sharing plans.

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Requirements: High school diploma or equivalent, good verbal communication skills; ability to lift 50 pounds and climb 75 feet; ability to work in confined spaces and wear self-contained breathing apparatus; ability to work with hand tools; including a 10 inch valve wrench; ability to work rotating shifts; participate in emergency response and work in all types of weather.

Preferred Requirements: Two years experience with mechanical or technical processing in an industrial setting and the ability to quickly learn industrial processes and equipment. Ability to follow written plans and procedures.

Personal computer skills.

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Insight News • June 15 - June 21, 2009 • Page 11

SPORTS TWINS Quarter (or more like One-Third) Season Report Mr T’s Sports Report

By Ryan T. Scott ryan@insightnews.com The other thing I have figured out about baseball is that it is the cheapest ticket in town.

Considering that the season lasts 162 games, it’s easy to see how $20 tickets can turn into $250 million dollar contracts for a baseball player. Baseball is clearly a moneymaker, but I suppose that $20 for a three- to four-hour live show ain’t a bad deal.

As usual, the Twins are turning in their consistently ‘almost great’ performance to this point in the season. I’ve heard it said that you are only as good as your record says that you are. Winning 50% of your games in Major League Baseball is actually a pretty good performance. Currently the Los Angeles Dodgers are the best team in the entire league by a long shot with a .667 winning average.

Everyone else can be found in the .500 category or the “uh-oh” category.

Considering how long the season is, what usually seems to happen is that one of those teams jumbled in the .500 middle gets hot towards the end of the year and the team that plays like the L.A. Dodgers is playing now tends to simultaneously run out of steam. So, I guess that is my roundabout way of saying that the Twins are in a good situation so far.

As usual, the players are

worth the price of admission because you always get the sense that they play hard. The Twins seem to do a good job of developing players with good character, and thus that also likely lends to their consistency in performance.

More specifically, players like Outfielder Carlos Gomez seem to be coming along nicely as they settle into the major league experience. In Gomez’s case, his high-flying act can often be seen on national sports news. In time, I think, he will be able to fill the shoes of Twins former All-Star Torii Hunter, who now plays for the Los Angeles Angels. Gomez’s speed is that of future legend, and his sideline smiles and good nature put a pleasant face on the team.

Pitcher Francisco Liriano is another major young star for the Twins, but his growth this season has not been what we all would have hoped. Everyone hopes that someone coming off of major injury is somehow able to bring themselves back to their previous high level of performance, but the truth is that is doesn’t always happen neat and tidy like that. Still, Liriano would likely be doing much better if the team scored more runs on the nights when he pitches.

The Twins either score a little, or they score a lot. For pitchers that can be very difficult, because even if they only allow three runs for the

Joe Mauer gives a darn how the pitchers pitching.

And though there have been excellent flashes from the off-

“The Twins are about due” other team, that good effort goes for nothing if your team only scores one. On the flip side, if a pitchers’ team comes out and scores 20 runs, who

season pick-up third baseman Joe Crede, obviously the Twins Story is the story of their “AllAmerican” dynamic duo Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau.

ullcountpitch.com

The big fellas are up to their usual tricks and have the commentators and journalists on the national level singing the praises of their present level of play, and projecting Hall of Fame greatness for their future.

No doubt when a player comes off of an injury and slaps a big homerun on the first ball that is thrown to him (compliments of Mr. Joe Mauer), it certainly backs up

Carlos Gomez the reasons for all the talk. The folks at Mauers alma mater, Cretin Durham Hall High School, must be pretty proud of the representation. You can also pretty much count the Twins in the playoff mix as long as he and Morneau keep doing their thing.

As usual, the Twins are in the mix, and were one game from the playoffs last year, which in baseball says a lot

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considering that very few get into the playoffs. I call baseball the “cliffhanger sport” because there are so many subtle nuances that have major effects, and thus a whole lot is always possible. Keep your fingers crossed, the Twins are about due (that’s the first thing I figured out, in case anyone was paying attention)…not quite like the Lakers, but at least there’s history to lean upon.

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