Insight News ::: 9.21.09

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Back: Sanford Moore Front (l to r): Yolande Bruce, Connie Evingson, Dennis Spears, Ginger Commodore

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Photo: Travis Anderson

Moore By Four returns to Ruby’s @ The Lab Theater October 8-11, 15-18, Special Monday Performance: October 12, 700 North 1st St, Mpls.

Box Office: 612.333.7977 • www.thelabtheater.org

September 21 - September 27, 2009 • MN Metro Vol. 35 No. 38 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

Ranked Choice gets trial run Minneapolis DFLers practiced Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) last Tuesday night, in lieu of the traditional Primary Election Day. “We had a good turnout citywide and fun events at three locations,” said Roann Cramer, Associate Chair, Minneapolis DFL, in a note thanking party members for their work in making this Ranked Choice Voting education night run smoothly. The RCV training sessions, which focused on the 2010 governor’s race, were held at North Commons Park, 1701 Golden Valley Rd.; Tiger Sushi, 2841 Lyndale Ave. S.; and Communication Workers of America Local 7200 headquarters, 3521 E. Lake St. DFLers cast straw ballots at each location, then rushed results to Common Roots Café at 26th and Lyndale, next door to the Tiger Sushi event, to be tallied for city-wide results. The straw ballot produced a victory for State Rep. Margaret Anderson Kelliher, who garnered 55% of ballots cast.

Keilliher’s nearest competitor in the RCV straw poll was Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak.

Kelliher won after several rounds. State Sen. John Marty and State Rep. Paul Thissen came in third and fourth respectively.

Cramer said “this was another important education

Book Signing Event Nigerian-born author Bukola Oriola, 32, an award-winning journalist and victim of international human trafficking will share her own personal story and then take part in a signing event for her book, Imprisoned: The Trevails of a Trafficked Victim on Thursday, Sept. 24 at Carondelet Center, 1890 Randolph Avenue, St. Paul.

To preview the book: www.lulu.com Info regarding event: Civil Society - (651)-291-0713 or office@civilsocietyhelps.org

Helen Williams and Kevin Shannon (standing) discuss Ranked Choice Voting event to help voters get ready for using RCV at the polls in November. The citywide straw vote results are posted online at: http://www.majorityrulesmpls.org

In North Minneapolis senate district 58 volunteers assembled an hour before the evening’s training session to get instruction and orientation on

Ranked Choice Voting.

FairVote Minnesota, a voter mobilization organization partnered with the senate district to teach people about

Jeff Strand

the new balloting process, including how to fill out a ballot and how counting works.

POLITICS TURN TO

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Richard Jenkins named Chaplin of war veterans’ Purple Heart organization Richard Jenkins, Sr. of St. Paul, MN has been appointed by The Military Order of the Purple Heart the new National Chaplain. This appointment was made during the recent annual convention for the Military Order of the Purple Heart in Rogers, AK. Unlike his National Chaplain predecessors who had all served as active duty military chaplains, Jenkins was drafted into the US Army in 1964 and was soon serving as an infantryman with the 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division in Phouc Vinh, Vietnam. With only seven months remaining before his discharge, Jenkins witnessed the death of 29 of his

Tyler Perry back in drag for a music-driven morality play

PAGE President Barack Obama preparing to bring his game-changing health care message to a Joint Session of Congress on September 9.

Military Order of the Purple Heart

Richard Jenkins Sr.

friends and fellow soldiers. For him, this was a traumatic event and a turning point in his life.

To help cope with the emotional

JENKINS TURN TO

2

Not on college days’ activism

Focus on Jones’ vision for creating green economy “Glenn Beck needs to stop the personal attacks, and get back to the issues. In a time when national unemployment is approaching 10 percent, it is decadent to fixate on what long-since disavowed clubs a civil servant belonged to in college. The question should not be what ideas Van Jones ultimately rejected in the past, but which is he actually promoting today.

“The only vanguard Mr. Jones is at the front of is the one to strengthen American industry and get American workers working again. The only cadre he is leading is a multi-racial group of Americans who believe it is possible for us to end our dependence on foreign oil and create good paying jobs at home.

“The era for political witchhunts is over. Our nation

5

Pharoh Martin\

Van Jones

Tim Porter

needs to focus on creating jobs and Mr. Jones has brought a lot of compelling ideas for doing just that.”

Hilary O. Shelton, Director of the NAACP Washington Bureau

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Health Care Reform a top priority for African Americans nationwide

By Pharoh Martin and Hazel Trice Edney NNPA National Correspondent and Editor-in-Chief The line is drawn. The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) has pledged to kill any House health care bill that doesn’t include a robust public option and organizational members of the Black Leadership Forum are rolling out an array of grassroots campaigns in support of passing health care reform overall.

“All of us combined, the organizations who make up the Black Leadership Forum, are going to begin a series of efforts across the nation - in our neighborhoods, in our churches, in our communities to pass comprehensive health care reform,” said National Urban League President Marc Morial, also chair of the 34-member BLF. “This effort is going to be far ranging. It’s not the kind of effort where we have a big sack of money to buy television commercials. But it is an effort that is going to appeal to people’s hearts and minds. “ CBC and BLF members

New uses for paint; making the old look new

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Pharoh Martin

NAACP President Benjamin Todd Jealous and Marc Morial, BLF Chair and National Urban League president, have launched a grassroots campaign to push for health care. CBC Chair Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), at far left, says the bill will likely fail without the public option. spoke out in a joint press conference September 9. The conference marked the first time that Black elected officials and Black activists have held a joint gathering to help push through the reform that has become an appendage of the

Obama Administration and could become his legacy.

Later that evening, President Obama appeared to have gotten his groove back as he gave a dynamic speech

OBAMA TURN TO

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Serena Williams melts down during US Open match, shows she’s beautifully human

PAGE 11

Page 2 • September 21 - September 27, 2009 • Insight News

Obama From 1 before a joint session of Congress with the level of charisma that was reminiscent of his campaign days. It also made a strong moral appeal to the nation that pundits had said was missing in his earlier advocacy for the health care bill.

“I am not the first President to take up this cause, but I am determined to be the last,” he told the members of the House and Senate who repeatedly applauded the points of the speech. “Our collective failure to meet this challenge – year after year, decade after decade – has led us to a breaking point.

Everyone understands the extraordinary hardships that are placed on the uninsured, who live every day just one accident or illness away from bankruptcy.“ White House Domestic Policy Advisor Melody Barnes said in an interview with the NNPA News Service that perceptions that Obama was not moving swiftly enough on clarifying the issues were

Jones From 1 and Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Policy “The tactics being deployed by right wing extremist

Jenkins From 1 pain, he sought the counsel of a chaplain without success, for none was assigned to his unit.

For the next few months, he lived day-to-day with a constant fear of imminent death and had no one with whom he could share his thoughts and prayers.

Then, while on a Search and Destroy mission, Jenkins was given the mission of clearing a tunnel that had been booby trapped by the Viet Cong, resulting in the detonation of a claymore mine that seriously

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increasing pressure on Congress to pass a public option, a lowercost alternative to private health care that would be funded by the U. S. government. The public option is viewed by Black advocates as crucial given the disparate rate of unemployment and poverty in the Black community as well is what often amounts to poor quality health care.

“The NAACP has amassed a presence in 1,200 towns and cities across this country,” said Jealous. “Let me be very clear, we are in the district of each Blue Dog [conservative Democrat] in this congress. And we intend to roll out a campaign called “880” because 880,000 Black people would be alive in this decade if we would’ve had real health care reform at the beginning of the last decade.”

Jealous said the NAACP is rolling out a very aggressive campaign in Blue Dog districts, particularly more than a dozen that have Black voting strength of more than 20 percent.

He warned, “We are there, we are watching you and we expect you to do right.”

still contemplating sanctioning him for violating the dignity or decorum of Congress.

Though Black leaders have united to help push the bill through, they may split with Obama on the public option issue, which the President implies is optional as long as there is another affordable plan.

“The public option is only a means to that end – and we should remain open to other

going to be able to address the cost issue. And the public option is an excellent tool. The President has never waivered from saying that he believes it is an outstanding option to try and achieve those goals.”

Still CBC Chairwoman Barbara Lee (D-CA) is adamant about the public option “We support health care reform that includes a robust public option like Medicare, a

component of health care in which we are unwavering in our support,” she told reporters.

“The Speaker [Pelosi] said that she doesn’t think the bill would pass without some form of a public option in the bill,” Lee contended. “We are going to continue to fight and work very hard to make sure that that is included and is in all three of the House bills.”

Rep. Donna Christensen (DVI), a medical doctor, argued that without a robust public plan there are no guarantees of reform, of lower rates or of inclusion for the uninsured.

“And I might add that there is no need for a trigger,” said Christensen, co-chair of the CBC Health and Wellness Task Force.

The public option “trigger” is a compromise measure introduced by Sen. Olympia Snowe (R- ME) that would phase in a government-backed health care insurer if private insurance companies fail to meet certain qualitative and cost-related benchmarks set by legislators by a certain time.

NAACP President Benjamin Jealous, also a BLF member, said his organization is

commentators to divert the American people’s attention away from very important issues of our nation such as sustainable energy, lack of dependence on foreign fuel sources, and the creation of living wage jobs are not only unethical but dangerous to the future of our country. Most

recently, television commentator Glenn Beck of FOX News attempted to besmirch the character and integrity of President Obama’s administration officials such as White House Special Advisor for Green Jobs Van Jones. This feeble, mean spirited attack is little more than a

desperate attempt to derail the administration’s priority of clean sustainable energy while working to end our nation’s dependency on foreign energy sources.

“In an economy where unemployment is leaning toward 10 percent, and African American unemployment lies at over 15

percent, the creation of employment opportunities for all Americans, including African American and low-income communities, is a critical necessity. It is our experience that Mr. Jones’ plan to reinvigorate urban areas through the creation of green jobs not only

demonstrates a constructive vision to invest in our communities, but also recognizes that climate change is indeed a civil rights issue. That is why we support his implementation of this very thoughtful plan.”

injured his leg. For his wounds, Jenkins was awarded the Purple Heart medal.

For the next nine years, Jenkins suffered from the anger and rage of his memories until he finally decided to turn his life over to the service of God. Jenkins was ordained as a Baptist minister in 1982 and with the support of a loving wife, he took up the ministry of his fellow man and has never looked back. For the next 34 years, Jenkins served as a volunteer Chaplain in a maximum security prison in Minnesota. In that role, he was able to counsel hundreds of Vietnam veterans who were

able to benefit from his personal experiences and compassionate ministry. At the same time, he has served as a

children and nine grandchildren. The Jenkins continue to dedicate themselves to the service of those veterans

proud and honored to be able to serve as the National Chaplain to all 45,000 of its members, each of whom has been wounded in combat and has suffered the trauma of war.

The organization now known as the Military Order of the Purple Heart of the U.S.A. Inc. (MOPH) was formed in 1932 for the protection and mutual interest of all who have received the decoration.

Chartered by Congress, The MOPH is unique among Veteran Service Organizations in that all its members were wounded in combat. For this sacrifice, they were awarded the Purple Heart Medal. With grants from the

MOPH Service Foundation, the MOPH and its Ladies Auxiliary promote patriotism, fraternalism, and the preservation of America’s military history.

Most importantly, they provide comfort and assistance to all Veterans and their families, especially those requiring claims assistance with the VA, those who are homeless, and those requiring employment assistance. Through the VAVS program, MOPH volunteers provide assistance to hospitalized veterans at VA sites and State Veterans Homes.

wrong. She said he was listening to the people at town halls and other gatherings during the month of August.

“I think consistently he has believed that when he can talk to people and talk directly to them that he’s able to explain and convey the level of importance around a particular issue,” she said. “While there was a lot of media attention focused on a few of the town halls, there was a lot of hyperbole and controversy.

There were also a number of other town halls where there was reasonable and considerate debate.”

Once Congress was back in session, the status quo was not acceptable to Americans but it was also clear that because of the amount of information flying around out there … a lot of misinformation around death panels and immigration issues that it was also time for the President to explain to the American people and be very clear about what he does believe in and what he doesn’t believe in, to in some ways provide a summary of what he thinks is an important health care plan and to cut through a

lot of the noise that had existed and some of the confusion that had been mounted in the months prior.”

Still, Republicans were often cold and vicious even during the speech. U. S. Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) drew a firestorm of criticism from both Democrats and Republicans for shouting “You lie!” to the President when he said no illegal immigrants will benefit from the bill. Democrats are

ideas that accomplish our ultimate goal,” she said.

Barnes pointed out that there is a diversity of opinion about the public option even within the CBC. “I think that there is a range of opinion even within the African American leadership in Congress. But, I think that leadership and the president are united around a single goal. If we don’t have adequate choice in competition; then we aren’t

"I am not the first President to take up this cause, but I am determined to be the last..."

-President Barack Obama

For the next 34 years, Jenkins served as a volunteer Chaplain in a maximum security prison in Minnesota. chemical dependency counselor to many doctors, lawyers, and other professionals at one of St. Paul’s major hospitals.

After 45 years of marriage, Jenkins and his wife Cecelia now reside in St. Paul, MN and have been blessed with five

who might feel that their lives are without worth.

Jenkins has been a member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart since 2000, and has served in a number of leadership positions in Minnesota. He says he is

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Insight News • September 21 - September 27, 2009 • Page 3

COMMENTARY Health plan considers needs of the average person and the big corporations

By Judge Greg Mathis In his recent address to Congress, President Obama made what many consider his most passionate speech, urging law makers to put aside the ‘bickering’, to think about the American people and make a push for real health care reform.

Despite the disrespect shown by South Carolina Rep. Joe Wilson, a Republican, during the speech, the President was able to maintain his composure and his focus. He’s serious about changing the way health care is provided in this country. So much so that he’s been willing to listen to and address the concerns of insurance companies worried about their bottom line.

The time for arguing whether or not reform will work has past.

Congress needs to heed the President’s advice and begin the difficult task of building and

passing a plan that serves the needs of the people. Action is indeed needed.

The number of Americans without health insurance rose to 46.3 million last year as the economy forced people out of jobs and away from employer sponsored health benefits. Among those fortunate enough to work, nearly 1 in 5 are uninsured. 20 percent of those who go without insurance are children and nearly half are below the age of 30. The majority are people of color.

The President’s health care plan, which he detailed in his speech, would change the way health insurance is offered in this country. Private companies would no longer be able to deny coverage because pre-existing conditions, limits on the amount of coverage individuals can receive in a given year or over their lifetime life time would be eliminated and insurers would be

required to cover routine checkups, such as mammograms and colonoscopies. The President also supports a public health care option, where individuals can choose a health plan outside of the one their employer offers, and mandatory coverage for everyone.

The President estimates it will cost $900 million to put the plan into effect. But we should not focus on cost here. The U.S. health care system is already the world’s most expensive and is considered by many one of the most wasteful. With all that we spend now, so many go without coverage or are covered by policies that don’t take care of all of their health needs.

Hospitalization or a serious illness can mean financial ruin for some under the current system.

Is this plan perfect? That remains to be seen. What is clear is that is the most thought out and comprehensive option that has

been presented. It takes into consideration the needs of the average person and the big corporations. It balances public and private. It is what we need at this moment in time.

Take action: call your legislators and urge that they support the President’s plan. Call them, no matter what party they represent; they need to know that their constituents want health care reform. Go online to find your legislative contact info at www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.sht ml.

Judge Greg Mathis became the youngest judge in Michigan’s history and was elected a Superior Court Judge for Michigan’s 36th District. He has been called upon as a regular contributor to national television programs, including “Larry King Live,” “Politically Incorrect,” CNN’s “Talk Back Live,”

blogs.nashvillescene.com

“Showbiz Tonight” and “Extra” to discuss his opinions on complex issues of the day, such as national security, unique sentencing,

affirmative action and celebrity scandals. He also offers his take on high-profile legal cases.

President Obama takes off the gloves in health reform campaign

By Dr. Ron Walters NNPA Columnist President Barack Obama took off the gloves in his speech to Congress on health care reform, seeming to hear those who said that he was not leading, that he had not been specific enough; they did not know where he stood on some of the critical issues. Of course, many of these charges are a mystery to me, perhaps because I paid attention to the speeches that previewed the aims of his initial White House Summit on health care, the bipartisan meetings in the White House on health care, the many speeches he has given on town halls all over the country, the Saturday messages on health care, and the many other places where he has given his views on this subject.

Where have they been? Wellregarded TV hosts, guests,

distinguished newspaper opinion writers and others appear to want to create conflict to boost ratings, because they are really not that separated from the normal goings on in the governing process. I heard the same thing during the campaign about Obama; his critics claimed “lack of specificity” when he had laid out 328 specific policy proposals.

No matter. Obama tried to allay their concerns by citing improvements that would occur for those who wanted to keep their health care. Nothing would change except that: Insurance companies would be prevented from denying coverage for pre-existing conditions, dropping people from coverage, placing caps on benefits, caps would be placed on out-ofpocket expenses, and companies would be required to cover routine screening.

For those who did not have

health care and worked, they would be covered by employers, but if they left their jobs, they would be able to take their coverage with them. They would also have access to an exchange of companies and a Public (Option) program that would be available at an affordable cost, and have a tax credit to subsidize their purchase of health care.

The President stressed the personal responsibility for people to seek to obtain health care under the options available and collective responsibility for companies to provide affordable coverage to their employees. If not there would be fines, but a hardship waiver would be available that would cover 95% of businesses.

Then he turned his attention to rejecting the myth-making of Republicans. They had, for example, conjured up the notion that “death-panels” would be set up by the government to determine end

of life choices for many, that Republican Sen. Grassley and others called “pulling the plug on grandma.” He said there were specific provisions in the bill that would outlaw immigrants from receiving federal subsidy for health care, and denied that federal funds could be used for abortions as against existing law.

He addressed the Public Option as one part of the exchange that would be set up, most of which would be private insurance companies. The aim would be to bring insurance costs down and keep quality up by having a government option, not having the government run the whole system.

And although he said he would not sign a bill that was not revenue neutral, not adding costs to the deficit, he did not make the same pledge for the public option that is highly popular with the American people – not just the Left. It seems

to have been left in a negotiating posture.

Perhaps growing tired with the games being played by Republicans who appeared to want a bi-partisan bill, but would then go and criticize the measures in the bill that had come out of the House, he sounded tough in saying that he still wanted bi-partisanship, but the time for game-playing was over, that he would “call them out” if they were not serious. In fact, this was generous in light of the fact that Republicans visibly rejected much of what he was saying and one, Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina, even shouted that the president was a liar on his statement about not covering immigrants. The Wilson saga was out of character because never in the history of modern America has any sitting president been called vile names from the floor in the middle of a speech to Congress. Is this because the man behind the

podium was Black and the person who shouted at him was from the slave-holding south? I think so.

Wilson should apologize on the floor of the House, or be censured by the House for his statement. The Democratic Party should expect the same kind of accountability that Republicans would have if the situation had been reversed.

Otherwise, it was a very good and timely speech that addressed the issues. At the end of that week, conservative radicals had a “march on Washington” and the media said tens of thousands had come. But who cares, they lost.

Dr. Ron Walters is Professor Emeritus of Government and Politics at the University of Maryland College Park. His latest book is: The Price of Racial Reconciliation (University of Michigan Press)

Page 4 • September 21 - September 27, 2009 • Insight News

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A dreamer not deferred + a devoted charter school = a good pair What do a visionary and a bound and determined south Minneapolis charter school have in common?

They are joined at the hips.

Chrystal Deramus, a 21-year-old mother of three, said before her five-year-old daughter and two younger sons graduate from high school, she will be a pediatrician.

The Minnesota Internship Center (MNIC - pronounced “min-nic”) is steadfastly fixed on helping Deramus’ dream come true.

Deramus is a single mother, and must manage a synchronized routine that will allow her time to care for her children as well as find time alone to solve algebra problems and explore Black history. With few exceptions, she’s up before six in the morning, orchestrating a process to wash, dress, and feed her children and

board a bus to the baby sitter. She catches another bus to get to her school which is located at the Sabathani Center, 310 38th Street before 9 am. She’s usually the first to arrive.

“I have to leave home with plenty of time to spare in case of heavy traffic,” said Janet White, who’s been employed with MNIC for five years. “I usually get here ahead of Chrystal, but there were a couple of times when she was standing at the door waiting to get in. I can literally set my watch by her.”

Determined and driven, it’s not surprising that Deramus, who grew up on the south side Chicago - in one of nation’s most troubled neighborhoods - had a panoramic view of the crippling effects of crime, violence, and poverty. As

she played on the front porch of her grandmother’s south side Chicago home, the world marched by. She easily admits that she was heavily influenced by her environment. And conventional wisdom would conclude given the circumstances, her chances of becoming a pediatrician are very unlikely.

However, Deramus argues that what happened in her past will not be the sum total of her destiny.

“I know I am too young to be a mother; having three kids at my age is not what I intended. But my kids are not mistakes —they are the joy of my life, and who knows.

I will be a doctor, maybe I’ll even be their doctor,” laughed Deramus, but meaning every word.

No doubt, when Deramus

looks back over her life, she wonders where she would have been if things had been different.

Arguably, America has two prevalent societies: privileged and under privileged, and many layers in between. Privileged youths are more likely to grow up with both parents present, and are afforded greater opportunities to attend financially-secured schools with smaller classrooms, better paid teachers, well-supplied science and computer labs, and the ardent participation of parents and volunteers.

For under privileged children, African Americans specifically, the social divide is even more pervasive: the unemployment rate for African Americans is twice that of the national unemployment rate; nearly 60 percent of all

African American students will drop out of school before reaching the tenth grade; 60 percent of all African American children grow up in single parent homes; at any given time, as many as one in four of young African American men are in the criminal justice system, prison, jail or on probation or parole; roughly 70 percent of all African American babies are born each year to single mothers; nearly 80 percent of single African American mothers will never marry.

“I can get mad, stop caring and do nothing, but I choose to raise my three babies, graduate, go to college and become a doctor,” said Deramus. With her teacher’s assistance, she is seeking a scholarship to attend the University of Minnesota after she graduates this January. She needs three credits to graduate, must complete two classes this summer and one this fall in order to graduate.

Deramus’ school, founded in 2003, is known for working with hundreds of students like her…students who have trouble prevailing in traditional school settings. The first paragraph of the school’s mission statement explains: MNIC’s target age group is 16 through 20. By building learning plans within the context of their own personal/career interests our students have renewed hope for the future. An ever-increasing number of MNIC graduates are moving on to post secondary opportunities.

Sponsored by Pillsbury, MNIC has five sites, located in south and north Minneapolis.

The enrollment is usually around 400.

Last May, the school observed its largest graduation, as 120 students received diplomas. Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Alan Page, who personally awarded 12 scholarships, was the commencement speaker.

“We recruit students from their couches, the streets, and from shelters. We go where they are and we respect their needs,” said Kevin Byrne, the school’s founder and executive director, who insists that the MNIC staff remain alert to internship possibilities.

“Many of our students need to understand what it means to be productively employed.”

One 2008 graduate who was

Chrystal Deramus offered a full time job at a bakery frequents the school, each time bearing several boxes of huge chocolate chip cookies that he always shares with teachers and students. It’s his first job, and he’s earning $15.00 an hour, not too shabby for an i8-year-old.

MNIC like many public and private schools across Minnesota, urban, suburban, and rural alike was forced to make major budget adjustments because of deep slashes in state funding for education.

“We are not without our share of problems,” lamented Don Link, a MNIC administrator. When state legislators were unable to reach a budget agreement last summer, Gov. Tim Pawlenty imposed a 27 per cent holdback on public school funding. This has led to a scurry of charter school closings. Other schools were forced to wait months for funding. “We had to lay off staff and reduce salaries by 10 percent, and ask several of our major vendors for a 27 percent deferment,” explained Link, crossing his fingers.

Nevertheless, the enthusiasm to make a difference in young adult lives has not diminished.

“Students not only need to feel good about who they are and what they can accomplish, but they also need to understand that they occupy an important place in the world,” explained White. “Once I get this over to them, they’re more ready to learn as opposed to entertaining each other.”

Students who haven’t graduated before reaching the age of 21, are also offered Adult Basic Education (ABE) at the school’s Sabathani site, located in south Minneapolis, 310 38th Street.

Applications for enrollment are now being received. For more information on Minnesota Internship Center, (612) 238-0905.

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Insight News • September 21 - September 27, 2009 • Page 5

Tyler Perry back in drag for a music-driven morality play

By Kam Williams kam@insightnews.com I Can Do Bad All by Myself is the sixth Tyler Perry play to be adapted to the big screen. Much like his previous productions, this faith-based message movie was crafted with an African American audience in mind, between all the down-home humor and earnest moralizing around universal themes particularly of relevance to the Black community.

What’s new is that the familiar formula has been enhanced by some stellar singing performances courtesy of support characters, all capably played by Gladys Knight, Mary J. Blige and Marvin Winans.

As soulful a diversion as these pop icons periodically provide, there’s still no mistaking the fact that the picture remains more of a melodrama than a musical. For its most memorable moments are reserved for Perry who’s back in drag, camping it up as Madea, the

playmerchandise.com

wisecracking, pistol-packing granny who is at her best when talking trash and taking the law into her own hands.

At the point of departure, she catches three kids in the act of burglarizing her home, 16-yearold Jennifer (Hope Olaide Wilson) and her two younger brothers. But when she interrogates the

“chirrun,” she soon realizes that she’s not dealing with juvenile delinquents but with desperate, destitute orphans whose crackhead mother is dead and who have now ostensibly been abandoned by their grandmother (Gretas Glenn). So, instead of calling the cops, Madea decides to turn the trio over to their only other living relative.

But estranged Aunt April (Taraji P. Henson) is very unsympathetic and only reluctantly takes her sister’s offspring in. After all, she’s an alcoholic stuck in denial in an abusive relationship with a domineering married man (Brian J. White). So, it’s no surprise when she proves to be inept as a surrogate parent, misbehaving by chain-smoking in the same room as asthmatic Manny (Kwesi Boakye), by teasing chubby Byron (Frederick Siglar) about his weight and by failing to protect Jennifer from a sexual predator.

Fortunately, there are a few

legit role models in April’s life, and her repeated failings give each an ample opportunity to come to the rescue. Fellow saloon singer Tanya (Blige), Pastor Brian (Winans) and his God-fearing, wife Wilma (Knight) belt out meaningful ballads while April’s handsome Colombian tenant (Adam Rodriguez) comes in handy with the child-rearing and when it’s time to belt her creepy boyfriend around. Of course, there’s Madea waiting in the wings to ensure that she finally wises up and makes the most of her last shot at redemption.

Although the pat plot doesn’t offer much in the way of surprises, who wouldn’t laugh at sassy Madea’s over-the-top antics afresh? And whose soul wouldn’t be stirred by an inspirational Gospel duet by Gladys Knight and Marvin Winans? And what concerned parent wouldn’t appreciate seeing some sensible Sunday school lessons designed for impressionable young minds?

Weekly previews for movies opening September 25

By Kam Williams kam@insightnews.com BIG BUDGET FILMS Fame (PG for mature themes, teen drinking, sexuality and mild epithets) Remake of the 1980 classic revolving around the aspirations of students at NYC’s School for the Performing Arts as they prepare for professional careers in dance, music and acting. Ensemble cast includes Naturi Naughton, Kay Panabaker, Debbie Allen, Kelsey Grammer, Bebe Neuwirth and Charles S.

Dutton.

I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell (R for nudity, profanity, sexuality, crude humor and graphic dialogue) Debauchery comedy about a hedonist (Matt Czuchry) who throws a raunchy bachelor party for a pal (Geoff Stults) only to have the groom-to-be land in hot water with his furious fiancée (Keri Lynn Pratt) and to have his own invitation to the wedding revoked. With Traci Lords, Jesse Bradford and Meagen Fay. Pandorum (R for profanity and graphic horror violence) Sci-fi

horror flick about a couple of stranded astronauts (Dennis Quaid and Ben Foster) with amnesia who gradually realize they’re no longer alone on their spaceship and that the survival of mankind is dependent upon them. With Cam Gigandet, Cung Le and Eddie Rouse.

The Pool Boys (R for nudity, profanity, sexuality and drug use) Titillating teensploit about an enterprising Harvard dropout (Matthew Lillard) who enlists the help of his Harvard-bound cousin (Brett Davern), a recent high school valedictorian, to turn an empty L.A. mansion into an upscale house of ill repute. With George Takei, Tom Arnold and Jay Thomas.

Surrogates (PG-13 for profanity, disturbing images, sexuality, drug use and intense violence) Bruce Willis stars in this futuristic, sci-fi crime thriller as an FBI agent forced to investigate the first murder in what was presumed to be a crimefree, utopian society filled with robotic clones. Supporting cast includes Radha Mitchell, Boris Kodjoe, Ving Rhames and James Cromwell.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS Blind Date (Unrated) Stanley Tucci directs and co-stars opposite Patricia Clarkson in this remake of the late Dutch director Theo van Gogh’s bittersweet drama about an estranged couple’s attempt to reconcile by going on a series of blind dates as strangers following the death of their daughter.

The Blue Tooth Virgin (R for profanity and brief drug use) Buddy comedy about a magazine editor (Bryce Johnson) whose friendship with an aspiring scriptwriter (Austin Peck) becomes strained after he offers frank feedback about his pal’s latest screenplay. With Karen Black, Amber Benson and Tom Gilroy.

The Boys Are Back (PG-13 for mature themes and sexual dialogue) Clive Owen stars in this adaptation of Simon Carr’s moving memoir

about a sportswriter who suddenly finds himself overwhelmed by the responsibility of raising two sons (Nicholas McAnulty and George MacKay) alone after his wife (Laura Fraser) succumbs to cancer.

Brief Interviews with Hideous Men (Unrated) John Krasinski wrote, directed and co-stars in this relationship drama about a justdumped doctoral student (Julianne Nicholson) working on her dissertation in anthropology who decides to conduct a series of tete-atetes with strangers in order to understand what makes men tick.

Cast includes Timothy Hutton, Ben Shenkman, Will Arnett, Will Forte, Frankie Faison and Bobby Cannavale.

A pleasant, if predictable, morality play offering a litany of teachable moments certain to resonate with the Born Again demographic.

Very Good (3 stars) Rated PG-13 for violence, drug use, smoking and the sexual

assault of a minor.

Running time: 113 minutes Studio: Lionsgate Films To see a trailer for I Can Do Bad All by Myself, visit: http://www.apple.com/trailers/lio ns_gate/icandobadallbymyself/lar ge.html

Page 6 • September 21 - September 27, 2009 • Insight News

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LIFESTYLE Use paint to make the old look new again Style on a dime

By Marcia Humphrey A few weeks ago I had to have my hardwood floor replaced because hairline cracks began appearing and then progressed to what looked like blisters. Thankfully,

the floor was still under the manufacturer’s warranty and they were replaced with no problems.

The only thing I had to do was remove all the furniture and wall hangings in that area, so that the flooring guys could easily take up the damaged flooring and then reinstall the new product. Once I had removed everything- from the kitchen, entryway, and bathroom, my walls began to call out to me.

They said, “Girl you know that it’s wrong for you to leave us like this! We feel so naked wearing nothing but this beige paint! This is not even like you!”

Now when walls talk to you, you must listen. I promptly went out to my garage, where I had stored some discount paint, and decided which color I’d use to properly “dress” my walls. As you know, one project leads to another. I got to thinking about all the things that can be done with paint that make a big impact, even if the budget is small. Here are a few ideas just in case your wallsor furniture- start talking to you!

Wood Furniture - Are you tired of your old bedroom set or has your child’s dresser seen better days? Prepare to paint it by cleaning it with a household cleaner (don’t forget to rinse), sand it lightly, and then wipe away the dust. Next you will want to apply a primer and allow it to dry well before rolling on two coats of your favorite paint color.

Fabric - If you want to breathe life into your old decorative pillows, just grab fabric paint which can be found almost everywhere. Buy or make a plain pillow cover and give it your own signature style!

Metal - Is your outdoor furniture looking a little sunburned? Get it ready for a second life by wiping it down and letting it dry. If you want to make it a super quick job, like I just did on my rocker, pick up spray paint containing rust inhibitors. You’ll save the extra step of priming. Do it now and your almost new outdoor furniture will be ready to make its debut…again next spring.

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Rugs - Let’s say you have a boring sisal rug and you want to give it some pizzazz. Consider using a stencil and a few thin coats of paint to make a decorative pattern.

Another option is to use masking tape, a

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ruler, and your favorite paint color to create a striped pattern on your rug.

Don’t let a tiny budget keep your walls (furniture, fabric, metal accessories, or rugs) looking naked. Paint is one of the cheapest things you can buy to make a real impact and mistakes are easily corrected. Find $5 paint by browsing the paint sections at Lowe’s and Home Depot, where they sell “oops” paint (a color that didn’t turn out as planned). For more on painting tips and

techniques visit www.ehow.com.

Spread a cheerful vibe throughout your room by grabbing a paintbrush and spreading some paint! 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.

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Insight News • September 21 - September 27, 2009 • Page 7

Too many options: Focus on the familiar to improve job prospects Plan your career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com “I can do that,” T repeats to himself every time he reads an

ad for a job opening. And he is right. Job seekers with a wide range of skills and a deep experience base are blessed with a strong sense of what is possible. They learn quickly and readily apply old knowledge to new tasks. And no one wants to hire them.

The problem is simple: supply and demand. When job seekers outnumber open positions, hiring companies want – and get – the perfect worker every time. Often that

person is someone who requires no training, has previous industry experience and is willing to work for a very fair wage.

The solution is simple, too.

Focus. Getting a foot in the door is easier if the door you’re going through is familiar to you. Look for opportunities which closely align with your most recent or strongest experience.

Maybe you hated your years in sales and want to transition

Tools to help you decide when to retire

By Rhonda Whitenack and Jim Czechowicz Social Security Public Affairs Office in Mpls and St Paul MN These days, everyone is taking a new look at their finances — and no one is looking more closely than the millions of baby boomers who are nearing retirement age. While some boomers expected to retire at one of the traditional milestones, such as age 62, the current economy is forcing many of them to re-evaluate their plans.

Many are wondering if they should work longer, or how their Social Security benefit – or their spouse’s benefit – would be affected if they continued working.

To help them find answers, Social Security has published a fact sheet called When To Start Receiving Retirement Benefits.

You can read it online at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10 147.html.

As most workers know, your choice of a retirement age — from 62 to 70 — can dramatically affect your monthly Social Security benefit amount.

If you choose to start receiving benefits early, the monthly payments will be reduced based on the number of months you receive benefits before you reach your full retirement age. The rate of reduction will depend on the year you were born. The maximum reduction at age 62 will be: 25 percent for people born between 1947 and 1958.

30 percent for people born after 1959.

If you wait until your full retirement age, your benefits will not be reduced. And if you should choose to delay retirement, your benefit will increase up to eight percent a year from your full retirement age until age 70. However, there is no additional benefit increase after you reach age 70, even if you continue to delay taking benefits.

Social Security also has created several retirement planners to help you make an informed decision.

Social

Security has an online calculator that can provide immediate retirement benefit estimates to help you plan for your retirement.

The online Retirement Estimator uses information from your own earnings record, and lets you create “what if” scenarios. You can, for example, change your “stop work” date or expected future earnings to create and compare different retirement options.

To use the Retirement Estimator, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/estimator.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS GENERAL Question: I lost my Social Security card and am afraid someone else could be using my number.

Should I report it to Social Security?

Answer: If you think someone is using your number to work, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). But reporting a lost or stolen card to Social Security will not prevent its misuse. That is why you should take further action. If you think someone is using your number, there are several other actions you will want to take: • Contact the Federal Trade Commission online at www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites /idtheft or call 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); • File an online complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov • Contact the IRS Identity Theft Hotline by calling 1-800908-4490 Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and • Monitor your credit report.

RETIREMENT Question: How much can I earn and still get Social Security retirement benefits?

Answer: Starting with the month you reach your full retirement age, you will get your full benefits with no limit on your earnings.

Social Security uses the formulas below, based on your age, to

determine how much your benefit may be reduced: If you are under your full retirement age: when you start getting your Social Security payments, $1 in benefits will be deducted for each $2 you earn above the annual limit. For 2009, that limit is $14,160. The earliest age you can receive Social Security retirement benefits remains 62, even though the full retirement age is rising.

In the year you reach your full retirement age: $1 in benefits will be deducted for each $3 you earn above a different limit, but only counting earnings before the month you reach full retirement age. For 2009, this limit is $37,680.

Keep in mind that although your benefits may be reduced due to earnings, you may receive a higher benefit later. After you reach full retirement age, we will recalculate your benefit amount to give you credit for any months in which you did not receive a benefit because of your earnings.

In addition, as long as you continue to work and receive benefits, we will check your record every year to see whether the additional earnings will increase your monthly benefit.

Find out your full retirement age at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/ag eincrease.htm. Learn more by reading our publication, How Work Affects Your Benefits, at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10 069.html.

into marketing. As a hiring manager, why would I hire you to do marketing? So I could pay someone to train you, let you make mistakes at my expense and possibly cost me a lot of money I don’t have right now? You are able to do marketing. You learned a thing or two from the marketing department at your last company; you never really did marketing, but you’re sure you could pick it up quickly. Okay, I believe you. But I’ve already

laid off anyone who could train you, and the next guy in line has ten years of marketing experience with our top competitor. Guess who gets the job?

When the possibilities seem endless, focus on desired results. Focus on positions similar to those you’ve had before. Focus on companies who compete against those you’ve worked for. Focus on networking with people who know you and your talents. Get

in through the sales door, and then give 100 percent to that position. When business picks up in the future (presumably soon, because you’re an awesome salesperson), look for ways to ease over to marketing.

You don’t have to give up your dreams; you just have to strategize to reach them.

Please send career planning questions to Julie@insightnews.com.

Page 8 • September 21 - September 27, 2009 • Insight News

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HEALTH A healthy lifestyle protects from Alzheimer’s

By Larry Lucas NNPA Columnist My wife has dozens of magazines largely devoted to the myriad ways in which you can dress, style your hair and put on make-up to look younger than your years. But the real secret to growing old gracefully is taking care of both your mind and body so you can stay healthy and active longer. When it comes to Alzheimer’s disease, living a healthy lifestyle is one of the most important things you

can do to help protect yourself from developing it.

Every 70 seconds, someone develops Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive, fatal brain disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are not the same thing. Dementia is not a specific disease, but rather a generalized term to describe a group of symptoms that usually includes memory loss and Alzheimer’s is the most common form. Also, occasional forgetfulness does not necessarily mean you have

Alzheimer’s—we all misplace our car keys from time to time!

It’s important to recognize when symptoms like memory loss and confusion become serious and major interferences in your daily life. Early diagnosis of the disease is important for treatment and planning.

Many people think genetics play the biggest role in determining who develops Alzheimer’s and while science has found a genetic link to Alzheimer’s disease, true familial Alzheimer’s accounts for less than 5 percent of cases.

In fact, new research has shown that people with other types of health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s later in life. A recent Kaiser Permanente study found even having slightly high cholesterol levels in your early 40s puts you at significantly – 66 percent – greater risk for developing

Alzheimer’s decades later.

Because African Americans have high incidences of diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, we are particularly at risk for developing Alzheimer’s.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the number of African Americans entering the at-risk age group is estimated to double to 6.9 million by 2030. Making lifestyle changes and taking the appropriate prescriptions for chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol could reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s.

Preventing or slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s isn’t just about taking care of your body; it’s also about taking care of your mind. Remaining mentally and socially active have been found to reduce the chances of developing the disease. Just like your body,

your mind can get weak if it doesn’t get regular exercise.

Simple activities like reading and doing crossword puzzles, as well as traveling and volunteering, can help your mind stay young and healthy.

While there is no cure or no single diagnostic test for Alzheimer’s, there are now more treatments than ever to enhance patients’ quality of life.

And, there are 91 new medicines currently in development for the disease, including one that aims to prevent or reverse progression of the disease, according to a report from the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.

However, these medicines are useless if patients cannot access them.

That’s why America’s pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies sponsor the Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA).

Since its launch in April 2005,

2009-H1N1 (Swine Flu) National Preparedness and Response Overview The health and safety of the American people is the first priority of President Barack Obama.

Since the novel 2009-H1N1 flu virus emerged in the United States during the third week of April, the President has received regular briefings and asked his Cabinet to spare no effort in addressing this national security challenge.

The Secretary of Health and Human Services is leading the way on public health preparedness and response efforts, the Principal Federal Official for domestic incidents, the Secretary of Homeland Security, is coordinating the supporting activities of Federal

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departments and agencies and facilitating response actions with State, local and territorial governments and tribal and private sector partners, while other Cabinet officials are leading complementary initiatives in their area of responsibility. It is a wellcoordinated, all hands on deck approach. All Federal efforts are aimed at reducing the impact of 2009-H1N1 on the health and well-being of Americans and on the economy and functioning of society. Key elements of our preparedness and response efforts include: Preparing for a fall wave of H1N1 flu with great team work across the Nation • Implementing a National Framework for 2009-H1N1 preparedness and response, including the four pillars of surveillance, mitigation, vaccine, and communications • Partnering with Congress, governors, mayors, territorial and tribal officials, state and local health departments and emergency managers, the

medical community, privatesector entities, and community-based groups for an effective response • Issuing medical, sciencederived public guidance for K12 schools, institutions of higher education, businesses and employers, and families across the country available 24/7 on www.flu.gov • Making steady progress on developing a safe, effective, and voluntary H1N1 flu vaccine • Preparing for a voluntary, but strongly recommended, H1N1 flu shot program to be available to all Americans that wish to participate over a period of time • Encouraging Americans to act on a shared responsibility to reduce the impact of H1N1 flu • Calling on individuals and families to plan for the fall flu season and to take steps to prevent the spread of the H1N1 flu To learn more about this virus, please go to www.flu.gov or talk to your doctor.

PPA has helped connect more than 5.8 million patients in need to programs that provide either free or nearly free medicines.

For more information, patients can call 1-888-4PPA-NOW or visit www.pparx.org.

Larry Lucas is a vice president for Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).

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 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 Brandi D. Phillips Ryan T. Scott Photography Suluki Fardan Tobechi Tobechukwu Contact Us: Insight News, Inc. Marcus Garvey House 1815 Bryant Ave. N. MinneAPOlis., 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.

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Insight News • September 21 - September 27, 2009 • Page 9

Politics From 1 After a round of questions and answers the 48 people in attendance at the North Commons Park meeting voted with ballots that allowed them to rank their favorite to least favorite among candidates for governor.

The ballot distributed had eight columns and voters were instructed to choose their preference for each of the columns. Each column represented a round of voting and voters learned that candidates vote totals would grow in successive rounds as candidates with the least number of votes dropped off with their second, third, or fourth choice being assigned to a candidate depending on the round, until one candidate emerged a clear winner with 50% of ballots cast plus one for a majority.

Don Samuels

Roger Smithrud

Lennie Chism

Natalie Johnson Lee

Kenya McKnight

Complicated? To say the least.

But people at North Commons said they left the evening’s training with more knowledge and more comfort with the RCV than when they arrived. And, they said more training in weeks ahead will go a long way to getting Minneapolis ready for a successful RCV election in November.

Organizers were pleased with the turnout and noted that

the turnout at Tiger Sushi was almost triple that in North Minneapolis.

Senate districts 58, 60 and 62 of the DFL organized the events to educate DFLers and their neighbors about Ranked Choice Voting, which will be used in the Minneapolis city election on November 3. The date of September 15 was chosen for the training because that’s the day that would have been the primary election, the need for which has been

eliminated by using RCV. Event organizers hope that each DFL senate district will take on organizing an event.

The City DFL will provide ballots, event planning advice, and publicity support. FairVote Minnesota will provide RCV experts for ballot tallying, introducing IRV, and handling Q&A., organizers said.

While holding multiple events on a single night featuring a gubernatorial straw vote was meant to attract

positive media coverage for the DFL, organizers said educating people about how to use RCV will make them more confident at the polls, will support stronger wins for DFL candidates in November.

The Minneapolis City Council races that may be most greatly impacted by the shift to Ranked Choice Voting likely will be the North Minneapolis

5th Ward and 4th Ward contests.

Kenya McKnight, Natalie Johnson Lee, Lennie Chism and Roger Smithrud are challenging incumbent Don Samuels in the 5th Ward, and Troy Parker, Grant Cermak and Marcus Harcucs are challenging Barb Johnson in the 4th Ward.

Barbara A. Johnson

Marcus Harcus

Grant Cermak

Troy Parker

Tally sheet

Jeff Strand

Page 10 • September 21 - September 27, 2009 • Insight News

CLASSIFIEDS EMPLOYMENT/ DRIVERS

Assumed Name

D R I V E R S : Local/Regional. Great P a y / H o m e Time/Benefits.

No touch, Pd Vac. CDL-A 2yrs OTR Exp. Koch: 888-242-3675.

1. State the exact assumed name under which the business is or will be conducted: 3 Season's Maintenance and Landscape Proffessionals 2. State the address of the principal place of business: 1907 Glenwood Ave. North, Mpls., MN 55405 3. List the name and complete street address of all persons conducting business under the above Assumed Name: Richard J. Hill, 1907 Glenwood Ave. North, Mpls., MN 55405

ADVERTISE WITH US: 612.588.1313

4. I certify that I am authorized to sign this certificate and I further certify that I understand that by signing this certificate, I am subject to the penalties of perjury as set forth in Minnesota Statues section 609.48 as if I had signed this certificate under oath.

Signed by: Richard J. Hill Date Filed: 9/04/2009 Insight News 9/14/2009, 9/21/2009

CHILDREN’S THEATRE CO. AUDITIONS for MULAN Directed by David Mann Rehearsals: March 23-April 26, 2010 Performances: April 27-June13, 2010 EOE/AA

YOUTH WHO: Boys and girls 15-18 years old, but not older than a senior in high school. We will cast 16 kids for this production, 12 boys & 4 girls.

AUDITIONS: Sun 9/27 @ Noon-9:30 pm CALLBACKS: Sat 10/3 @ 3-7 pm PREPARE: No preparation necessary: we’ll teach a song and dance combination and do improv exercises. Dress for movement. *We are especially interested in kids who are Asian or other non-Caucasian ethnicities.* Call 612-872-5395 to schedule your audition appointment.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Send Community Calendar information to us by: email, ben@insightnews.com, by fax: 612588-2031, by phone: (612) 588-1313 or by mail: 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411, Attn: Ben Williams. Free or low cost events preferred.

Events Looking Ahead and Embracing the Possibilities!! – Sept. 21 - 23 Monday through Wednesday, 7 p.m. nightly at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, 3355 4th St. North, Minneapolis, 612/588-4709. Have your spirits lifted with the anointed Word from Rev. Sedgwick Easley, Union Baptist Church, Hempstead, New York.

Knocking Down Hunger: Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser – Sept. 22 Tuesday, September 22, 2009, Dinner served from 5:30-6:30 pm and 6:30-7:30 pm Elsie’s Restaurant and Bowling Center, 729 Marshall Street NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413. Adults: $10 12 and under: $5.

Reserved seating available. To purchase tickets or get more information, call the Greater Lake Country Food Bank at (612) 34309694.

Soul of a People: Writing America’s Story – Sept. 24

MULAN TITLE ROLE WHO: Non-Caucasian Women 15-25 years old.

AUDITIONS: Mon 9/28 @ 6-10 pm CALLBACKS: Sat 10/3 @ 9 am-1pm REQUIREMENTS: Must be ethnicity other than Caucasian; particularly encourage Asian women to audition. Must be strong singer and dancer.

PREPARE: 2 contrasting songs of only 16 measures each; bring music for accompanist. A memorized 1-min contemporary monologue (not from film); must not exceed time limit. We’ll teach a dance combination; dress for movement. Call Nancy at 612-872-5141 to discuss setting up an audition.

ADULTS WHO: Non-AEA men & women, college-aged and older.

AUDITIONS: Tue, 9/29 @ 6-10 pm CALLBACKS: Sat 10/3 @ 9 am-1pm REQUIREMENTS: Must be ethnicity other than Caucasian.

PREPARE: One contemporary song of only 16 measures; bring music for accompanist. A memorized 1-min contemporary monologue (not from film); must not exceed time limit. Call 612-872-5397 to schedule your audition appointment.

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Minnesota Blizzards Basketball We are looking for college students majoring in Sports Management, Business, Public Relations, Marketing Sales, Broadcasting, Event Planning etc. to become Interns for The Minnesota Blizzards ABA Basketball Team.

Interns will gain valuable experience, and in most cases college credits.

Interested Parties please send resume to: Minnesota Blizzards Attn: Internship Program 1161 Vierling Drive, Ste 161 Shakopee, MN 55379 Ph: 612-242-1909 Fax: 480-302-5813 ben@minnesotaBlizzards.com http://www.minnesotablizzards.com

Thursday, September 24, 7 p.m., at the Rondo Community Outreach Library, 461 N. Dale St., Saint Paul.

Professor Peter Rachleff, of Macalester College, leads a discussion on the film and the broader aspects of the New Deal’s WPA programs following the film.

For more information, please call The Friends at 651/222-3242 or go online at www.thefriends.org.

The Law and Mental Health Series - Ongoing A Free Training Series for Parents and Caregivers, Advocates, and Support Group Leaders. 9:30 am Registration & light breakfast. 10:00 am – 1:00 pm – Session. Maple Grove Community Center, 12951 Weaver Lake Road. Presented by: Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health • MACMH www.macmh.org • 651-644-7333.

There is no charge but space is limited; you must call to register.

Thursday, September 24 Rights and Remedies in Juvenile Justice Tuesday, September 29 Special Education: Know Your Rights The Hawthorne Neighborhood Council – Sept. 24 Thursday, from 6 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. at Farview Park. Elections for seats on

Hawthorne’s Board of Directors will be held at this event. For more information about the event or to learn more about serving on HNC’s Board of Directors, please call Alexandra at (612) 529-6033.

Black Storytellers’ Alliance: Nothando Zulu – Sept. 26 Sat. 2 p.m. at the Rondo Community Outreach Library, Nothando Zulu, of the Black Storytellers’ Alliance, will share selections from the FWP Slave Narratives and excerpts of work by Zora Neale Hurston. For more information, please call The Friends at 651/222-3242 or go online at www.thefriends.org.

7th Annual Dog Daze - Sept. 26 Sat., 11 am - 3 pm. Folwell Park, 1615 Dowling Avenue N., Mpls. Free Admission.

More info: info@folwell.org, 612.521.2100.

Macy’s Shop For A Cause Event Since 2006, Macy’s Shop For A Cause Event has partnered with non-profit organizations nationwide to raise more than $28 million for their ongoing charitable efforts. This is your opportunity to be a part of this monumental event. Macy’s will be holding its 3rd Annual Shop for a Cause event on Saturday, October 17, 2009.

It’s simple, any non-profit organization with 501c3 status is eligible to sign up to receive a book of $5 Shopping Passes. The non-profit can sell the passes and keep 100% of the proceeds. The person who purchases a pass from them will receive exclusive all day savings at any Macy’s on October 17th.

To sign up your group, go to macys.com/shopforacause.

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Insight News • September 21 - September 27, 2009 • Page 11

The result for Blount is branding for life, and the loss of multiple millions of dollars

By Ryan T. Scott ryan@insightnews.com Loose lips sink ships; I’ll never forget my older brother telling me that one. The altercation which took place following the recent University of Oregon versus Boise State University football game was a useful example of the Loose Lips Theory, and much more.

Following the incident involving Oregon star running-back LeGarratte Blount his coach referred to the young man as a good kid, and that this unforgettable event would result in a “teachable moment.” I couldn’t agree more, but think attention needs to be paid to the larger scene, in order to absorb some greater lessons.

To explain the event from start to finish begins with a prideful statement made by Blount the week before the game. Bible

wisdom says the pride cometh before the fall, so here we go.

Blount suggested that Oregon owed Boise State a (butt) whoopin’ on the football field, because Boise State, which is a smaller school than Oregon, beat Oregon in a football game last year. Obviously, Blount felt that the potato farmers (Idaho stereotype) of Boise State, had no business beating the University of Oregon which can boast to be the birthplace of the Nike athletic shoe. If the Nike motto is “just do it,” then the potato farmers motto must be “just do it again” because they sure helped Oregon chalk up another loss again this year.

Naturally, Blount’s puffy talk leading up to the game reached the ears in the Boise State lockerroom. So, immediately after the game, Boise State player Byron Hout couldn’t resist completing the cycle of excessive pride, and made sure to tap Blount on the

shoulder and bark out some vicious funnies like a hyena. Ha, ha, ha, oooh! Hey dude, you got knocked out. I guess the reward for making fun of people who are angry and embarrassed is a knuckle sandwich, followed by a graceful, weightless drop to the soil below.

I must admit that in my life, I reacted the same in a similar situation, but thankfully the 3rd grader excuse works fairly well.

Unfortunately for Blount it wasn’t just the P.E. teacher watching, but rather the whole world and all of the hyperbolic, hyper-judgmental people with easy access to technological mediums to express their immediate thoughts on the shocking scene. Uh-oh.

If the story stopped there then the teachable moment would be much more standard and simple: shut-up and play because loose lips sink ships. But after the knockout and subsequent

restraining session, Blount managed to blow-up on a teammate, and then became rabidly belligerent when the fans near the player exit began shouting a bunch of who knows what; but we can all cringe to guess what was being said. Reviews of the video thereafter report that Blount was somehow struck by a fan, which set off the final Tasmanian swirls through the security and coaching staff surrounding him.

It was this final exit scene that provided the greatest moment to ponder a few additional angles of the entire episode. Unfortunately, the crowd surrounding the exit was monochromatic in racial appearance. Plain and simple: an entirely Caucasian crowd exploding with vehement expression at their victim, a young black man, is not a good looking scene. This scene conjures too many thoughts that some can’t expel from their spirits, and some

others can’t bare to think about in depth. The other unique element to the crowd reaction was the intermittent laughter that mixed in with the gyrations of protest.

As for Blount, it seemed that his swirling about was choreographed in unison with the pulling and pushing movements of the crowd; and so the image of puppet strings came to mind.

At a recent book signing, professor/author/scholar Mahmoud El-Kati made a statement to the effect that: any conscious, intelligent Black man in America is angry, or carries anger in him. If I am the sample by which that statement is judged, then the response is “damn right.”

LeGarrate Blount did not lead with honor by bumping his gums in the first place, and in doing so, he created an opportunity for the perfect storm to sweep in, sweep up his emotion, and allow puppeteers to take advantage of

i2.cdn.turner.com

LeGarrette Blount

his loss in intelligent consciousness. The result for Blount is branding for life, and the loss of multiple millions of dollars, as he was a coveted NFL prospect.

One of the most amazing things recognized by the African American community, in our President Barack Obama, is his poise.

Serena Williams melts down during US Open match, shows she’s beautifully human

By Julianne Malveaux NNPA columnist Commentary Days after Serena Williams melted down during her US Open match with her long-time friend and fellow tennis champion Kim Clijsters, the controversy continues to swirl.

As of this writing there is talk of a possible suspension, further fines, and other action against the phenomenal tennis diva who let her intensity and passion run away with her when she reacted inappropriately to what may have been a faulty foot fault call on the part of an overzealous line judge.

Several of the commentators noted that the foot fault call was untimely and perhaps inappropriate. Nothing, however, excuses Serena’s behavior.

Microphones picked up her use of profanity, her threatening manner toward the line judge, and her obfuscating conversation with the umpire. Her comments have generated so much controversy that you would think she had, say, hollered at the President of the United States as he was giving a major policy address. While Serena critics call for everything but her head

Serena Williams

i.a.cnn.net

on a platter, Congressman Joe Wilson, the South Carolinian who called President Barack Obama a liar, has drawn a line in the sand and says he will apologize no more.

While the stages are different, there is an interesting parallel.

White men can apologize once, say they won’t again apologize, and get a relative pass on their behavior.

Indeed, after a tepid apology, Wilson has gone one to put a defiantly insolent video on the Internet essentially excusing his behavior. You can bet that Serena Williams won’t get away as easily.

Both Serena Williams and Joe Wilson need to reflect on their behavior. The difference

between the two is that we have evidence that Serena can reflect; Wilson’s case is far more murky.

In her new autobiography, Queen of the Court, Serena Williams writes about the game of tennis as a metaphor for the game of life. One of the things she talks about is the need to shake off the mistakes of the last point, set, game or match as a way of moving ahead. The pace of tennis is such that if you dwell on the last point you can’t move to the next one, and that’s often the case with life. We have to take enough time to learn from our mistakes, but we surely can’t dwell on them to the point that they become crippling or paralyzing.

If you are down 5-6, 15-30, you can’t really worry about the last serve, you have to worry about the next one. Serena’s book is a great reflection on her life and her challenges, and as she struggles with the aftermath of last Saturday’s loss, I hope her own words will give her comfort and peace.

Many of us were quite disturbed at the manner and method of Serena’s Saturday loss. Yet as I watched her walk up to the net and shake Kim Clijster’s hand, I also saw her, in the words of songstress Jill Scott, as beautifully human. I

saw her as both a young woman, and a seasoned one. I saw her as an intense young woman who let the heat of the moment push her into a zone that she clearly regrets, and as a woman who did not allow her intensity to prevent her from being gracious toward her opponent.

I saw her as so strong and yet flawed, a player who acknowledged her mistake in reacting so intensely. And, yes, I saw her as a tennis icon whose love for and contributions to the game of tennis carry much more weight than her Saturday mistake. Most of all, I saw her as someone who has had to shoulder the many ways that race and gender shape her experiences in tennis, a woman who has all too often been treated unfairly, even harshly, by those who make great profit from her amazing athletic prowess.

Serena Williams is beautiful, beautifully human, resplendent in spite of, and because of her flaws.

Congressman Joe Wilson is getting a pass for his ignorant and intemperate behavior when President Obama spoke. Indeed, he has given himself a pass. I hope that the beautifully human Serena Williams will get the same kind of pass from herself and the world as she embraces

and learns from her meltdown.

Julianne Malveaux is president

of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Page 12 • September 21 - September 27, 2009 • Insight News

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