Insight News ::: 10.26.09

2 simple ways to avoid the flu

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID MINNEAPOLIS MN PERMIT NO. 32468

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Minnesotans with flu symptoms can call toll-free Minnesota FluLine (MN FluLine) at 1-866-259-4655 for information and treatment options. Professionals available 24 hrs/day, 7 days/week.

TURN TO

6

October 26 - November 1, 2009 • MN Metro Vol. 35 No. 43 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com

Partnerships create resiliency, growth Chris Romano is executive director of Riverview Economic Development Association (REDA) the only community development corporation (CDC) doing development work on Saint Paul’s Westside.

Romano hosted business and civic leaders at the October 13th taping of the Conversations with Al McFarlane public policy broadcast. The broadcast airs 11am Tuesday, October 27, on KFAI FM 90.2 in Minneapolis and 106.3 in St. Paul. The program originated at the historic Centennial Showboat at Harriet Island and featured networking and live music by Wain McFarlane & Jahz. The program promoted engagement, opportunity, awareness and support for minority, women and small business development.

Romano said REDA serves two functions for the Westside community. REDA is a business association, a mini chamber of commerce with over 100 members. “We hold training and networking sessions. We provide loans. Secondly we have a community development corporation function.

Our responsibility is to ensure Westside revitalizes in the best way possible, from a business and community perspective, he said.

“This is a difficult time, but also the time of great opportunity.

District Del Sol has more vacancies than ever before, more than at any time in the last eight years that I’ve been here,” he said.

“But on the other hand, it is a time of opportunity. For small business owners that want to expand or get into business, today is a very good time to do that. “ “REDA and the City of St. Paul are bringing many tools to those businesses to help them succeed. Our tools included loan and grant programs. You typically hear in the media that there are no loans available right now. You hear that businesses are suffering because they don’t have the capital to expand or to cover their cash flow needs. But that couldn’t be further from the truth in our community.” Romano said, “One of my goals is to make sure that that message gets across. There are community bankers here today and there are folks at City Hall here. And we have resources.”

“If you own a small business on the Westside and if you need money to expand your business to buy additional machinery and to be successful we can provide those funds. We do that In connection with community banks and the city of St. Paul,” he said.

Romano said REDA also provides small business grants.

“One of the nice things about a

Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Comcast and KIPP: Stand Academy partner to help kids succeed

PAGE 4 Tom Sanchez, Department of Planning and Economic Development (PED)

Activist scholar Cornel West lives and loves out loud Readus Fletcher, deputy director, Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity (HREEO) grant is that you don’t have to pay it back.” He said the grants are for façade improvements, like signage, windows, and entryways, things that improve the look of the business. The grants require a 1 to 1 match with a limit of $5,000 from the grant. So a project could cost up to $10,000 with the business providing half of the project cost.

Romano said this is a particularly exciting time because of the federal stimulus programs.

“We are still trying to figure out how old gold funds work together and how we can get the money down to our neighborhood businesses. But I think we will be able to figure out how to do that in conjunction with city and state government.”

Romano praised St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman’s leadership in support of the neighborhood business associations. “To have the mayor of our city come here and spend time with us shows the commitment he has to our community and to ensuring that continued success of Westside businesses,” Romano said.

Tomas Sanchez, executive director of Invest St. Paul, said he has worked in Saint Paul’s

Photos:Suluki Fardan

Tom Gitaa, publisher, Mshale Newspaper

increased for

suspect on

kids, crowds, means increased flu/colds risk

PAGE

William Leon Lane address was Plymouth and he may be in the northwest suburbs.

Lane is accused of second degree murder. The victim had been shot and was found dead inside a vehicle on August

SUSPECT TURN TO

2

6

L-R David Glass, president, American Indian Economic Development Fund; Nghi Huynh, publisher, Asian American Press and President of MN Multicultural Media Consortium; Aldolpho Cardona, publisher, Latino Midwest; and St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman.

Planning and Economic Development (PED) for over 35 years. He said invest St. Paul coordinates planning, zoning, and traffic transit environments to support small business development.

“We look at what regulatory

By Hazel Trice Edney NNPA Editor-in-Chief

“Most Wanted” list

PAGE 5

Working with

things we need to create an environment for economic development that will attract large businesses and small businesses to St. Paul. We encourage the development of business corridors. We also encourage employment. We used to do a lot

in that area but not as much today.

But we do provide financing that creates jobs,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez said his department is responsible for historic preservation, and leverages city resources to support housing

7

COLEMAN TURN TO

Senate Finance health reform bill prods House toward cooperation

Reward The reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of murder suspect William Leon Lane has been increased to $1500. The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office is urging people to call with tips concerning the whereabouts of the 23-yearold. Last week, the Sheriff’s Office added Lane to Hennepin County’s Most Wanted List. It was believed that Lane left Minnesota for a time, but now investigators believe that he recently returned to the Twin Cities. Lane’s last known

Christopher Romano, executive director, Riverview Economic Development Association (REDA)

WASHINGTON (NNPA) Health Care. The issue has been on the front burner of Washington politics and even civil rights advocacy for the nearly 10 months that President Barack Obama has been in the White House.

Finally, a break through came when the Senate Finance Committee passed a $829 billion bill, giving hope that a national health care program may indeed become a reality.

But, there are still monumental tasks on the horizon – including convincing House Democrats to agree.

“I do think it will pass,” says U. S. Rep. Jim Clyburn (DS.C.) in an interview with the NNPA News Service.

As House Majority Whip and the highest ranking African American in Congress, it is Clyburn’s responsibility to help pull together a Democratic majority that is largely stratified on this issue.

For example, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has advocated for a so-called “public option” that could be used by the unemployed or those unable to purchase health insurance on their own while Democratic conservatives, known as Blue Dogs, have largely opposed the option. Also, while the Congressional Black Caucus

NNPA

House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.)

has been staunch supporters of the public option, President Obama has said there could be “another means to that end,”

HEALTH TURN TO

7

As interviewing revs up, candidate concerns get back to the basics

PAGE

9

The Twin Cities produce megastars, but need to provide more urban recognition

PAGE 11

Page 2 • October 26 - November 1, 2009 • Insight News

http://insightnews.com

Suspect From 1 31, 2009 in Minneapolis.

Minneapolis Police investigated this case that is believed to be gang-related.

Lane is an African American male Height: 5’09” Weight: 138 He has black hair and brown eyes Age: 23 The Minnesota Fugitive Task Force, which includes the

members from the FBI, is searching for Lane. To be eligible for the reward, tipsters may call Crime Stoppers at 1800-222-TIPS or tipsters may text information or complete an online form via their website (www.crimestoppersmn.org).

All tips are anonymous.

The public is urged to provide information about any of the people on Hennepin County’s Top Ten Most Wanted List. The entire list may be viewed on the Sheriff’s Office website at www.hennepinsheriff.org.

For further information, contact Communications Director/PIO Lisa Kiava at 612-919-5918 or lisa.kiava@co.hennepin.mn

http://insightnews.com

Insight News • October 26 - November 1, 2009 • Page 3

Breast cancer awareness is more than just a pink ribbon

By Julianne Malveaux NNPA Columnist (NNPA) - October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. If you flew Delta Airlines this month, you saw flight attendants with pink t-shirts, pink uniforms, as well as the ever-present pink ribbons.

A number of department stores have breast cancer awareness “sales” or passes, with dollars raised being donated to breast cancer research.

In Washington, DC, women walked a whopping 60 miles over a threeday period to raise money for breast cancer awareness. There are billboards and public service announcements about breast cancer awareness.

Why? Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, after lung cancer.

African American women are more likely than White women to die from breast cancer at every age. Although Black women are less likely to have breast cancer after 40, we are more likely to have breast cancer before 40. Since many health

plans don’t suggest or even allow a mammogram before 40, many young Black women go undiagnosed with breast cancer too long, which increases their likelihood of dying from breast cancer.

One of my personal sheroes is a woman named Zora Brown.

She started a group, Rise, Sister, Rise, to educate African American women about breast cancer. A 20-year survivor of breast cancer, Zora has authored books, produced television programs, and been a valuable resource around breast cancer awareness and education.

She lived in Washington, DC decades before she relocated to Oklahoma City where she continues to work on health care issues. There are far too few Zora Browns in our world, agitators in the African American community around health care issues.

While I appreciate the people wearing pink ribbons to raise awareness about breast cancer, we need to do a lot more than just wear ribbons. We need to ensure that women, especially young Black women, are doing

everything they can to take care of their bodies. Most doctors will show women how to check their breasts for lumps, which is an important way to detect cancer possibilities early.

Mammograms aren’t painless, and some of us avoid them, but they are an important way to detect cancers and to ensure breast health.

Concern about breast cancer ought also be concern about health care. Indeed, while breast cancer is a leading cause of death among women, more women die from heart attacks than breast cancer. An amazing number of Americans do not get annual checkups, often because they simply cannot afford them. How many of the people wearing pink ribbons are also opposing health care reform, as proposed by President Obama?

How many who say they oppose a public role in health care want to keep their Medicare benefits? There is a lot of hypocrisy in this health care reform debate. It makes no sense to wear a pink ribbon without acknowledging health care as a basic human right.

Letters to the editor Front page headline an underhanded Coleman endorsement Response to article (October 12 October 18, 2009) entitled “Mayor Coleman: Doing the right thing”: I picked up Insight News yesterday and was extremely surprised you would run a head

line of “Mayor Coleman: Doing the right thing” just several weeks before the election, with nothing listed about Eva Ng, the challenger in the upcoming election. First of all, the headline didn’t reflect the story very well, and I couldn’t immediately tell

what it was about. It seemed like a underhanded endorsement of Mayor Coleman, which is in poor taste of the newspaper.

Leslie Rosedahl St. Paul, MN

Reeves interpretations of Samuels comments out of context Response to guest commentary by Mel Reeves (October 12 - October 18, 2009) entitled “Don Samuels can’t lead 5th Ward Black residents”: Your campaign article is pure fiction because your interpretation of Don Samuels’s comments are completely out of context. Next time do your homework and deal with the truth.

There are challenges on the

North Side and the last thing we need are candidates and commentaries that divide our community. Don promotes values built on mutual respect and responsibility. He expects the same from others. Don is truthful about his past and works 24/7 on building a bright future for the residents of the North Side.

Change isn’t always easy to accept but the results make “all” of us stronger. Don’s first term

made the North Side strong and his second term will make our North Side even stronger. The power of change is alive on the North Side.

Let’s get aboard Mr. Reeves and be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

Jim Hingeley Resident of North Side for over 60 years

We in these United States are experts at awareness. December 1 is World AIDS Day, and attention then will be focused on HIV and AIDS. Easter Seals campaigns have us focusing on people with disabilities. We raise awareness about polio, diabetes, and any number of other illnesses, and perhaps that is a good thing.

But awareness does not equal treatment. Awareness does not equal access to health care. I wish we had ribbons to wear for health care reform.

Maybe they should be green ribbons since some of the interests opposing health care reform are moneyed interests. Or maybe they should be black ribbons for the number of folk who die because they don’t have access to health care.

Maybe there shouldn’t be ribbons at all, maybe armbands. Mostly, there should be action, not just awareness.

The pink ribbons are better than nothing. They recognize the need for women to be more health-aware, and the challenges

that young African American women face around breast health and the early diagnosis of breast cancer.

But it would be interesting to ask some of the pink ribbon wearers where they stand on health care reform. On that question, we need people to do a lot more than just wear ribbons.

Julianne Malveaux is President of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, N.C.

Page 4 • October 26 - November 1, 2009 • Insight News

http://insightnews.com

EDUCATION Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Comcast and KIPP: Stand Academy partner to help kids succeed Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities and Comcast have launched an innovative partnership that promises to improve the odds for participating Twin Cities fifth- and sixth-graders in order for them to achieve

academically and succeed as adults.

Comcast has partnered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities and KIPP: Stand Academy in Minneapolis to launch Beyond School Wallssm, a

program where fifth- and sixth-graders are matched with company employees for one-to-one mentoring.

Recently, students visited Comcast, where Comcast Big Brothers/Sisters met their Little Brothers/Sisters and walked the Red Carpet, stopping for photos and interviews.

The Littles Brothers and Sisters will spend time with their Big Brothers and Sisters at the Comcast facility at least twice a month.

“We are committed to making a positive impact in the lives of the children we serve and are extremely grateful to Comcast for this powerful partnership,” said Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities’ President and Chief Executive Officer Gloria C. Lewis.

“Partnering with schools with support from public and private partners, as well as individuals, is critical to our success with helping children grow into confident, competent and caring adults.”

Beyond School Walls is a unique workplace mentoring program in which companies give back to their communities by hosting children from area schools at their offices.

Comcast launched its Beyond School Walls program last year in Philadelphia as part of a $10 million national commitment to support Big Brothers Big Sisters, which includes airtime for public service

announcements, program sponsorships, national and local board member support, and Comcast leadership development and training opportunities for the organization’s staff leaders. It also includes the sponsorship of the Beyond School Walls program in multiple cities.

“We couldn’t be happier about this new partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters and KIPP: Stand Academy, which allows us to make a significant, direct impact in the lives of many more children,” said Mary Beth Schubert Vice President of External Affairs at Comcast.

“This effort is consistent with our commitment to developing tomorrow’s leaders by promoting community service and working with young people in their pursuit of better lives and opportunities.”

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) (www.comcast.com) is one of the nation’s leading providers of entertainment, information and communication products and services. With 23.9 million cable customers, 15.3 million high-speed Internet customers, and 7.0 million Comcast Digital Voice customers, Comcast is principally involved in the development, management and operation of cable systems and in the delivery of programming content.

BIG Comcast employee James Randle of Brooklyn Park and his LITTLE Malik S

BIG Comcast employee Brad Randall of Isanti, Minn. and his LITTLE Antoine B.

Savage named National Achievement Scholarship semi-finalist Christian J. Savage, of Southwest High School, was recently named one of ten high school seniors in Minnesota named semifinalists in the 2010 National Achievement Scholarship program.

The National Achievement Scholarship Program, conducted

by National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), is a privately financed academic competition that operates without government assistance. It was initiated in 1964 to recognize academically promising Black students throughout the nation and to provide scholarships to a substantial number of the most outstanding program participants.

To date, over 29,500 young men and women have received Achievement Scholarship awards worth $94 million.

More than 1,600 Black American high school seniors who have been designated semifinalists in the 46th annual National Achievement Scholarship Program. These scholastically talented young men and women now have an opportunity to continue in the competition for approximately 800 Achievement Scholarship awards, worth $2.6 million, to be offered next spring.

Approximately 1,300 semifinalists are expected to fulfill additional requirements and advance to the finalist level in the 2010 program.

All Achievement Scholar awardees will be selected from the finalist group on the basis of their

Christian J. Savage

MPS

abilities, accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies.

More than 160,000 high school juniors from all parts of the United States requested consideration in the 2010 National Achievement Scholarship Program when they took the 2008 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®). Semifinalists were designated within geographic regions and are the highest-scoring program entrants in the states that make up each region.

To advance to the finalist level in the competition, semifinalists must present a

record of high academic performance throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by the high school principal, write an essay and earn SAT scores that confirm the PSAT/NMSQT performance.

Also, the semifinalist and a high school official must complete a detailed scholarship application in which they provide information about the student’s participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, and educational goals. The substantial amount of information collected about each finalist will be used in the selection of scholarship winners.

National Achievement Scholarships provided in 2010 will be supported by corporations, professional organizations, foundations and NMSC’s own funds. Two types of scholarships will be offered.

Every finalist will compete for one of the 700 one-time National Achievement $2500 Scholarships, which will be awarded on a regional representation basis. In addition, corporate and business sponsors will underwrite about 100 Achievement Scholarship awards for finalists who meet criteria set

by the grantor. Although some corporate-sponsored awards provide a single payment, most are renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study.

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,

http://insightnews.com

Insight News • October 26 - November 1, 2009 • Page 5

AESTHETICS Activist scholar Cornel West lives and loves out loud

By Kam Williams Book review kam@insightnews.com Brother West: Living and Loving Out Loud A Memoir by Cornel West with David Ritz Smiley Books Hardcover, $25.95 288 pages, illustrated ISBN: 9781-4019-2189-7 “My foundation consisted of three powerful elements: family; the Socratic spirituality of seeking the truth; and the Christian spirituality of bearing witness to love and justice... I also got the benefit of living in a Black community filled with love and care. Today they call it a ‘hood. But back then, it was a sure-enough neighborhood, with ties of empathy and deep bonds of sympathy… Even at this early age, the question kicked in: is it possible to love oppressed people and not be a fanatic for fairness?”

Excerpted from Chapter 3 (pages 22-23) Everybody knows Cornel West, the public intellectual, the popular Princeton University Professor and best-selling author who has

southerneccentrik.files.wordpress.com

Cornel West remained dedicated to the plight of the poor and underprivileged over the course of his illustrious career. Yet few know anything about his private life, or about what has inspired him to remain on such a righteous path and in touch with his roots over the years.

Now at 56, West has decided to share his life story in a moving

memoir co-authored by David Ritz. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m suspicious of any autobiography with a ghostwriter, because I’ve been bored to tears by many an inauthentic mess, such as the infuriating insult to the intelligence by Johnny Cochran, which read like a 300-page long sales pitch for the late attorney’s law firm and didn’t even sound

like it was written by a Black person, let alone a legal crusader who had championed the cause of the underprivileged.

Fortunately, Ritz has an impressive resume’, having previously collaborated with such African American icons as Tavis Smiley, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, B.B. King, Ray Charles, Sinbad, Etta James, and most recently, convicted killerturned actress Felicia Snoop Pearson on a riveting, relentlessly-graphic, warts-and-all bio which this critic reviewed. In the case of Cornel West, Ritz has crafted a remarkably intimate opus which somehow manages to preserve the colorful cadence of his subject’s distinctly-melodic vocal phrasings, so the words virtually leap of the pages as if in Technicolor.

More importantly, the tales recounted here, reveal mostly experiences apt to resonate with the average African American, West’s ivory-towered, academic credentials notwithstanding. For example, this is how he recounts the day he was arrested after being profile-stopped by a cop while passing through upstate New York.

“Get out of the car, boy.”

Policeman looked over my driver’s license, looked me in the face, and then nodded his head.

“Yup,” he said. “You’re the guy.”

“What guy?”

“Nigger we been looking for.”

“For doing what?”

“Selling cocaine.”

“I don’t sell cocaine.”

“What do you do?”

“Teach philosophy and religion.

I’m a professor.”

“And I’m the Flying Nun… We got you down as a major dealer.”

“Impossible.”

“That’s what they all say.”

Then, the officer proceeded to handcuff his “perp” and to drive him down to the police station for booking. The same thing has happened to me and to hundreds of thousands, if not millions of other innocent Black males. So, to hear of West’s nightmare is not so much shocking, but rather an opportunity to feel gratitude for the indictment of a national disgrace by a brother with access to the mass media. It’s frank vignettes like that arrest incident which help explain exactly what shaped Cornel West’s world view, and why he refuses to rest so long as there still remains any suffering among the least of his brethren.

The candid reflections of an

thedailyvoice.com

Brother West: Living and Loving Out Loud

uncompromising, compassionate Christian with a functioning conscience and an open heart.

To order a copy of Living and Loving Out Loud, visit: http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ ct/1401921892?ie=UTF8&tag=t hslfofire20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789 &creative=390957&creativeASI N=1401921892

David Grier’s unfocused ramblings don’t deserve book status

By Kam Williams Book review kam@insightnews.com Barack Like Me: The Chocolate-Covered Truth

by David Alan Grier with Alan Eisenstock Hardcover, $24.99 254 pages, illustrated ISBN: 978-1-4391-5492-2 “Ray Charles said the secret to life is timing. He was right on, especially when it comes to writing a book. When I handed in this book back in April 2009, Barack Obama was riding high and I was a happily married man.

Now, it’s more than six months later. Barack’s approval ratings have fallen and so have mine.

Sadly, my wife and I are in the process of divorcing. Everything I wrote in Barack Like Me happened. Everything I said and felt was the truth… at the time.“

powdered wig and a patriot’s uniform from the Revolutionary War Era. Based on the title’s play on words, I supposed the picture is supposed to suggest that he’s as patriotic as our new president.

Regardless, the content inside makes it clear that Grier had every intention of riding the wave of Obamania until it broke, given his gushing on page one about how “We won!” and how the first thing he does everyday (after kissing his wife) is to pinch himself to prove that it isn’t just a dream that a Black man won the historic election. In chapter two, he’s still making an “hourly reality check” asking, “Barack Obama is still

Excerpted from the Preface (page xi) It’s not a good sign when the author of a book is already making apologies in the preface for what you’re about to read.

That’s what we have in the case of Barack Like Me by David Alan Grier, a disjointed rise of Obama memoir which might have sounded like a good idea a year ago, but which amounts to little more than the unfocused ramblings by a guy who probably didn’t have any reason to sound so giddy about Barack Obama or even about his own life.

This ill-conceived tome’s problems start with the front cover photo, on which we find the author posed giving an “OK” hand signal while wearing a

innthebasement.com

Barack Like Me: The Chocolate-Covered Truth

president, right?”

Despite the fact that Grier has an impressive pedigree including a degree from Yale and a Tony Award nomination, the sophomoric level of the political analysis here gets no deeper than, “Barack is president. Black is in.

Black is cool. Everybody wants to be Black now. But Obama Black.

Tiger Woods Black. Halle Berry Black. Not Samuel L. Jackson Black. Or OJ Black. Or Mike Tyson Black.” Yet, in the very next chapter, he talks abut attending the inauguration and how Samuel L. Jackson was invited to the White House for

breakfast.

Granted, he’s ostensibly attempting to be funny, and who knows to what extent his ghostwriter Alan Eisenstock deserves the blame for this fiasco.

Sorry, I simply can’t in good conscience recommend such

stream of consciousness drivel especially when the author’s idyllic marriage has just fallen apart and the utopian Age of Obama he envisions hasn’t materialized.

A transparent take-the-moneyand-run rip-off of no substance

designed simply to cash-in on the new president’s popularity. The most out of touch offering since Shelby Steele’s pre-election opus explaining why Obama couldn’t win.

Page 6 • October 26 - November 1, 2009 • Insight News

http://insightnews.com

HEALTH Working with kids, crowds, means increased flu/colds risk

By Brandi D. Phillips Contributing Writer This year, the seasonal flu and H1N1 seem to be on everyone’s mind. If you work with kids or in a heavily populated area, you are at a higher risk of catching some form of the flu or common cold.

Last year during the week of 10/5/08, there were 30 cases of the flu reported nationwide. The week of 10/5/09, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), reported 215 cases of the flu nationwide in elementary schools.

As a teacher and therapist, I am constantly surrounded by children with running noses, who are coughing, sniffling, and sneezing.

This year, I have also been stricken

with a common cold that does not want to go away. Below, are a few ideas for taking care of you during the cold and flu season.

contaminants. When your immune system is healthy, bodily organs and processes are able to work efficiently.

Care for the flu or common cold

• Eat properly – By eating staples out of the food pyramid as site by the USDA, you are giving your body the proper nutrients, to fight disease and provide energy and body warmth.

• Wash your hands after all contact with someone sick. When you don’t wash your hands, you spread germs to others. Most flu and cold germs are airborne and can survive in the atmosphere for long periods of time, so it is very important to disinfect and sanitize you hands and other objects such as door handles and exercise equipment.

• Get plenty of exercise- Getting exercise, can build up your immune system and your ability to fight free radicals and other airborne

• Get proper sleep – By getting enough sleep, you are giving your body enough time to recuperate from the previous day’s events.

Getting at least six hours of sleep per day is ideal, but getting eight hours is preferred, thus giving your body more resting time.

• Drink plenty of fluids – Before you are sick and once you become

ill, it is very important to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water, as well as natural teas and juices, will help your body digest and move toxins out of your blood stream. The body is made up of 70% water, so it is very important to stay hydrated.

• Contact a qualified health professional – If you have cold or flu symptoms that persist, you will want to consult a health professional, which can treat you in a multitude of ways including practice of traditional Chinese medicine such as acupuncture or Chinese herbs.

• BONUS TIP- A natural remedy to deal with a persistent cough: Eat a pear or Asian pear, these fruits are

graphics8.nytimes.com

very beneficial in counteract a cough.

helping

Brandi Phillips is a life coach therapist, personal trainer and

professional dancer, who is interested in cultivating healthy children and sustaining healthy seniors.

http://insightnews.com

Insight News • October 26 - November 1, 2009 • Page 7

Coleman From 1 development.

Adolfo Cardona, publisher of Latino Midwest, joined fellow publishers, Nghi Huynh, of Asian American Press, and Tom Gitaa, of Mshale, and David Glass, executive director of the American Indian Economic Development Fund, in raising Meet-the-Press style questions of forum presenters.

Cardona, whose newspaper is a member of REDA, asked, “How do REDA and the City help entrepreneurs not only ‘seize if the opportunity at hand’ but also help in finding, identifying the right opportunity?”

Romano said sometimes the best advice business counselors can give to the micro entrepreneur who says he wants to start a business is “Don’t do it!”

Health From 1 implying possible compromise.

All of the political jargon has appeared to indicate regressive disunity within the Democratic Party on which Blacks largely depend to advance their interests.

Pertaining to the health care legislation, Clyburn still assures, “We’re going to get there.” But, how?

“Like we always do,” he said. “This Caucus of ours, I try to tell people that it ought not be looked upon with any comparison with the Republican Caucus.”

Clyburn described the Republican Caucus as appearing so cohesive because they do not reflect “the broad experiences of our country” because the Republicans have no African-Americans in Congress. “And so, if you’ve got a conference or a group of people that doesn’t have a single African-American in it, where does that perspective get discussed?”

On the other hand the Democrats are so diverse in their views because they are a reflection America, he explains.

“I hope people will look at us like a microcosm of the country ... We’re going to get

Robert Kessler, director, Department of Safety and Inspection (DSI)

Larry Zang, project facilitator, Department of Safety and Inspection (DSI)

He said, “We joke about that from time to time, but in truth, it is better to convince someone that their idea is not a good investment in today’s economy. So we may advise them against sinking the $20,000 that they have scrimped

and saved over the past 10 years into a business that won’t work.”

On the other hand he said, “We have a support division that helps folks put together cash flow analyses. We help folks look at financial statements and create

business plans. That is an important part of our work. It is the reason we have such strong relationships with the local banks.

They know if REDA is involved, there is somebody on the ground floor doing a lot of

there because we’re going to honor those experiences and we’re going to put together a piece of legislation that’s going to take all of that into account,” Clyburn said.

Americans have made it clear that health care reform is needed and wanted.

A recent CBS news poll reports that more than eight in 10 people believe the health care system needs to undergo fundamental changes. The poll also states that 62 percent of Americans support the public option in the health insurance reform legislation.

The Senate Finance Committee last week was the fifth and final congressional committee to report out a health insurance reform bill. Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME), was the only Republican to break ranks with her party to vote for the bill. She noted the urgency of history as her reason for doing so. “When history calls, history calls,” she said.

Clyburn said instead of calling it “public option”; they may need to simply change the name.

“What is beginning to happen now is ‘public option’ is sounding like a new government program to so many people. Maybe we ought to find another title for Medicare,” he said. “We may need to rebrand it because

people understand Medicare.”

Regardless of the strategy, it will be daunting. President Obama has acknowledged that as well.

“This is not the time to pat ourselves on the back. This is not the time to grow complacent. There are still significant details and disagreements to be worked out in the coming weeks,” Obama said as he hailed the Senate Finance Committee’s passage of the bill. “And there are still those who would try to kill reform at any cost. The history is clear. For decades rising health care costs have unleashed havoc on families,

businesses, and the economy.

And for decades, whenever we have tried to reform the system, the insurance companies have done everything in their considerable power to stop us.”

Clyburn agreed that the weeks ahead will be difficult.

But he is optimistic.

“Is it easy? No it’s not easy,” Clyburn said. He cited the Blue Dogs, the CBC, the Progressive Caucus, the AsianPacific Islander Caucus, all Democrats with stratified views. “But, we’re going to get there,” he assured. “We’re going to have a public option.”

outreach and connecting with the business.”

Romano said there are a number of organizations and agencies across the city that provide counseling and training services to small businesses.

“You participate in the training programs you are often eligible for reduced rates on other business services including accounting legal and marketing services,” he said.

David Glass said typically minority and American Indian communities are “communities of poverty.”

“We come forward and try to obtain business loans, but we’re already saddled with bad credit.

People from communities of poverty come to the table with bad credit. We find it somewhat challenging to work with lenders, even community lenders and banks, in obtaining loans. It is even difficult working with the SBA (Small Business Administration).” Glass asked, “How does your organization help us if that navigate through these problems?”

“In the Latino community we

COLEMAN TURN TO

9

Page 8 • October 26 - November 1, 2009 • Insight News

http://insightnews.com

LIFESTYLE Waste not, want not: Squeeze out the savings Style on a dime

By Marcia Humphrey I want to know if your mama is anything like my mama. See my sixty-something-year-old mama (who would ’whup me if I gave her actual age), doesn’t believe in being wasteful.

This means when she buys toothpaste, she is able to squeeze out every last drop from the tube. Her bathroom is always filled with upside-

down lotion and shampoo bottles lining the sink.

I recall needing facial moisturizer and asking mama if she had some.

“Oh sure,” she called to me. “Just look in the Clinique bottle on the left. The only problem was that the bottle she directed me to was empty.

“No it’s not,” she persisted, as she came into the bathroom and took the jar off the shelf.

I couldn’t believe it, but after mama got finished with that jar, I had moisturizer to spare.

Mama has always been this way. As a kid, I found it irritating to have emptylooking bottles throughout the house just waiting to be scraped, rubbed and rinsed.

Well it turns out that all of

Presenting...

Marvelous Mondays at BROOKSIDE BARBERSHOP

Starring

“Barber Extraordinaire”

DARIUS KNIGHT CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT (APPOINTMENT ONLY)

SHOP: (952) 929-3998 CELL: (612) 414 - 9696

6102 Excelsior Boulevard, St. Louis Park, MN 55416

Check out travellingbarber.com for deals and updates

the extra scraping and squeezing has saved mama big money. Do you want to get the most out of the products you buy, here are a few suggestions that Mama Bobbie would give you.

If you want to use all the toothpaste that comes in the tube, simply pick up a toothpaste squeezer.

The Dollar Tree sells them for only a buck! Or you could just cut the tube in half and dig it out.

(Always keep scissors handy to use on any soft plastic container.)

Soap and detergent containers can be emptied fully by adding a bit of water and/or poking a small hole in the container’s bottom corner.

Allow the remaining soap to drain into a bowl.

Peanut butter and mayo can be easily retrieved using rubber spatulas of various sizes.

If you love honey, and want to get the last of it, simply place the jar into hot water. It will melt and glide out easily.

Rather than abandon the last little bit of olive oil, make a healthy salad dressing right in the bottle by adding ingredients like vinegar and herbs. Give it a shake to mix it up, and then pour right onto your salad.

Is your lipstick nearly gone? Use chopsticks to scoop out the remaining amount.

While emptying peanut butter jars won’t necessarily make you a millionaire, the use-it-all-up strategy will save you money over time. Think about it; you would never leave 10-20% of your paycheck at work because it fell behind your desk. When you throw away your food and other household products when they are only 80-90% empty, it amounts to the same thing.

Ouch!

Be like the millionairenext-door (you know, those seemingly regular people who

http://i.ehow.com/images

stan.uio.no/blog/isne

live just like us, but are loaded!)-she buys used cars, picks up pennies off the sidewalk, and uses every drop of her toothpaste. My prayer for you is that you will be inspired with ideas of your

own ideas on how to use-it-allup.

Consider applying this same principle as it relates to your natural talents and abilities. You were placed on the earth by God to make a significant contribution to those around you. Don’t allow fear (or laziness) prevent you from using all of your talents and abilities to their fullest.

Pour out every ounce of potential that is inside of you and you will surely experience

the joy and satisfaction of having emptied yourself for a greater good. Enjoy!

Marcia Humphrey is an interior decorator and home stager who specializes in achieving high style at low costs. A native of Michigan, she and her husband, Lonnie, have three children.

http://insightnews.com

Insight News • October 26 - November 1, 2009 • Page 9

BUSINESS Glasses or contacts? As interviewing revs up, candidate concerns get back to the basics Plan your career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com Wendy has an interview Thursday, and can’t stop obsessing over details. It was there on her resume, detail-oriented, but who knew how accurate that could be?

As the economy brightens and companies gear up to hire, more candidates are finding themselves in a quandary about interviewing.

Coleman From 7 have the same issues. We struggle with that all that time,” Romano said. “We can’t sit here and say we have the answer to the folks in our community to get them the credit we would like to see them get.”

“We also deal with immigration issues. That ends up being a huge roadblock for many of our financial partners. I have nothing against the large banks that we work with, but I have found that some of the community banks are going more willing to look outside the box when it comes to some of these issues whether its credit score or business financials or what have you,” Romano said.

“Often times we say we will help with the loan servicing, the training, and with one and one meetings with the entrepreneur every month. That takes a huge burden off the lender. But it helps ensure that their loans are going to get paid back.”

Romano said the grants available, from the STAR (Sales Tax Area Revitalization) Program.

It’s been so long, they say. And everything has changed since the last time I looked, they say.

The most important factor in an interview is comfort level.

Stay in your professional comfort zone or you will bomb the interview the minute you walk in the door. Candidates should keep this in mind, along with a few other basics: Do I need to bring a copy of my resume? Yes, on good paper labeled as resume weight (usually 28 lb). Ask the interviewer if he or she would like a copy of your resume. If you see they already have a printed copy, don’t bring it up.

Should I bring a list of references? Yes, printed on the

same good paper. But do not offer the references.

Giving the interviewer too many pieces of paper creates noise and takes time that you would rather spend discussing the job. Provide references only if asked to do so.

I don’t know how many other people are interviewing. One, you, is all that matters. Would you interview differently if no one else were competing for the position?

Of course not.

Competition is noise, too. Ignore it.

Pants or skirt? Tie or no tie?

Heels or flats? Are tennis shoes okay? Pants are fine, ties are still a good idea, low heels of about an inch or two look good women, and no, never wear tennis shoes to

an interview.

If you are interviewing for a job as a coach or fitness trainer, bring a gym bag along in case you need to make a quick change.

Piercings okay? Ears only, for men and women. Err on the conservative side for everything else. If your interviewer is bejeweled, you can comment that you have the same nose ring at home, but were not sure if it would be allowed at work. This way, you fit in without standing out.

Should I write down questions to ask in the interview? Yes, but don’t read them word for word unless you are completely nervous and cannot think without them.

Should I take notes in the

interview? Always. But keep eye contact with your interviewer as much as possible.

Should I follow up with a hand-written thank you note, or is email okay? Email is okay and faster, as long as you do it the same day, and professionally.

Finally, glasses or contacts?

Wendy swears her glasses make her look smarter. Then, she should wear them. But no one wears glasses anymore. Then go with contacts. Stay confident by staying within your professional comfort zone. Sometimes the only right answer is the one that felt right all along.

St. Paul takes an extra ½% sales tax to fund and the STAR Program. “It allows us to make grants of up to us $5,000 specifically for business facade projects,” he said.

Asked how the city CDC’s work together, Sanchez said, “We recognize that we don’t always have to lead. So we look two the community development corporations to provide input and to tell us what is they need. What are the things we can do to support their mission? Sometimes it is a matter of getting the city of the way and letting them do what they do.”

“If its money they needed, we can try to provide funds so loan amounts needed are smaller and involve less risk,” Sanchez said.

In a second panel, Readus Fletcher, Deputy Director, Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity (HREEO,) who heads St. Paul’s Minority Business Development and Retention initiative, said “the city of St. Paul generates business opportunities to the tune of several hundred million dollars a year. The department seeks to ensure business and employment opportunities are equally available to all communities.”

“We do human rights complaint investigations. That’s important because most investigations are employmentrelated and that means the individual’s economic opportunity.

But the bigger initiative is procurement. We do all the contract bidding and contract compliance. We manage contracts that go out for purchasing for housing and other business services purchased by the City of St. Paul. We set expectations for minority and women employment and for business participation. We do capacity building to enable small and minority businesses to participate. We work with community development corporations like REDA and Selby CDC. We provide working capital, loans, and grants. A primary function is to get funds to the community,” Fletcher said.

Bob Kessler is director, department of safety inspections (DSI). He said his department and the newly created each are Iooe represent the biggest reorganization of city government since the seventies. “We believe we can provide good information and efficient services. That is what we want to do.”

Larry Zang, the DSI project facilitator, said the Department of Safety and Inspections is a regulatory department “but that is not the whole story or the biggest part.”

“We are proactive in supporting business. We outline for owners what requirements they must meet and how they can shape their business plan to help them succeed. We tried to work

Julie Desmond is Director of Career Planning Resources for

www.talksuccess.info

Help Wanted! Workshop in Minneapolis. Send your career planning questions to julie@insightnews.com.

with businesses to make them more successful and guide them through business processes,” he said.

Page 10 • October 26 - November 1, 2009 • Insight News

http://insightnews.com

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Send Community Calendar information to us by: email, ben@insightnews.com, by fax: 612-588-2031, 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

7 to 9 p.m. on five consecutive Mondays from Oct. 19 to Nov. 16. Locations are: Oct. 19, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church; Oct. 26, Islamic Center of Minnesota; Nov. 2, Klas Center, Hamline University; Nov. 9, Temple of Aaron; Nov. 16, Central Baptist Church. For addresses and directions go to the SPIN Website at: http://www.spacc.org/spin.

‘Family Feuds: How We Deal With Difference’ - Ongoing

Old & New School Steppers Jams - Oct. 24 “Come out ready to step it Applications Available for out” at a fundraiser for the Affordable Rental Kenya McKnight for city Townhomes in Lakeville council campaign Meadowlark Townhomes is located 30 minutes Saturday, Oct. 24 at south of St. Paul in Lakeville on Holiday Avenue and 210th Street West. Forty townhomes includ6:00pm - Oct. 25 at ing six one-bedrooms, 24 two BR (two accessible) 2:00am at the Favor Cafe, and 10 three BR units will be available by summer 913 W Lake Street 2010. A/C, DW, one car attached garage and washer/dryer hook-ups. Current program rents are $555/mo. for a 1 BR, $605-$625/mo. for a 2 BR and $655-$675/mo. for a 3 BR. Min. income of $14,856/yr. req. for a 1 BR, $16,704/yr. for 2 BR and $18,408/yr. for 3 BR. Max. income limits are 60% of area median income adjusted for family size. Good rental and criminal history required.

Credit references also required.

Applications are available at the Dakota County CDA’s office (1228 Town Centre Drive in Eagan) weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Driving directions call (651) 675-4440 or visit www.dakotacda.org.

Applications received by 10/30/09 will be included in a random drawing for placement on the waiting list.

Questions?

Call 651-675-4504 or visit www.dakotacda.org

(between Bryant & Colfax Avenue So). Dinner, Salad & desert from 6:30- 7:30pm Sharp. Fundraiser Speaker at 7pm. Networking from 7:308:30pm.

Registration for Stepping contest 8:30-10pm.

Stepping Party 9pm until close.

Cash Prize contest 11pm. $25 ADMISSION. Breaking Free’s 7th Annual Candle Light Vigil – Oct. 27 Tues., October 27, 6:00 PM at 770 University Ave, St. Paul. http://breakingfree.net/

It’s That Easy: The Caring Adult’s Guide to Raising Sexually Healthy Children – Oct. 27, 28 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Minneapolis Urban League, 2100 Plymouth Ave Grants and Appeals Coordinator

Summit Academy OIC is seeking a highly skilled and experienced grant and appeals writer to coordinate and develop long-term, expanded constituency for grants, and gifts for support of vocational education programs of the Summit Academy OIC. The ideal candidates must have a four-year college degree and at least four years proven grant writing experience and development work in the non-profit sector.

Candidates must also possess expert level skills in word processing, spreadsheets and database management programs. Salary is commensurate with education and experience. Valid Driver's license required.

EEO/AA Employer. Position open until filled.

Women and minorities encouraged to apply.

Submit all resumes to cbennett@saoic.org.

No phone inquiries, please.

Information Services Specialist The U.S. District Court of Minnesota is seeking a customer service oriented professional for its Information Services Department in the Clerk's Office in Minneapolis. This position requires excellent customer service skills. Position duties include help desk support by answering, tracking and responding to requests regarding hardware and software problems. Conducts help desk analysis and reporting relative to the timeliness and quality of performance. The ability to assist advanced users with application questions and problems is also critical. A thorough working knowledge of the Windows XP operating system and the ability to assess and troubleshoot system and hardware errors is preferred. Additional skills should include a working knowledge of LAN/WAN network interfaces and the ability to troubleshoot basic network access issues. A strong working literacy should include the Windows XP operating system, MS Office, Internet Explorer, Firefox, Lotus Notes email, basic systems security, and other desktop utilities as required. Preference will be given to candidates with an Associate's degree in communications and/or computer-related program, or Bachelor's degree. Starting salary range is $47,701 to $59,134.

Position range to $77,526. We offer a comprehensive benefits package. All employees are subject to a background check. For a complete job description please visit our web site, www.mnd.uscourts.gov To apply please forward cover letter, resume, and salary requirements by Monday, November 2, 2009 to HR Manager, U.S. Courthouse, 300 S. 4th St., Suite 202, Minneapolis, MN 55415.

E-mail: hr-usdc@mnd.uscourts.gov. An Equal Opportunity Employer.

AUDITIONS St e p p i n g St o n e Theatre is seeking student actors, ages 13-19, for our production of Henry's Freedom Box. Auditions Monday, 11/2 & Tuesday, 11/3.

Call 651-225-9265 for more info or to set up an audition appt.

POLITICAL WRITER FREELANCE Insight News is looking for an enthusiastic and experienced political writer for a beat that includes covering high profile elected officials and the community events they sponsor — or a not so-well attended neighborhood or block club meeting. This is a freelance position.

The perfect candidate is someone who is a self-starter who can work in a fast-paced environment as well as produce news features, and jump on breaking stories when needed.

Strong writing skills are a must, as well as a proven track record connecting local/neighborhood issues to national/federal policy.

Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume and three to five writing samples to: Patricia Weaver, Director of Content, Insight News, PO BOX 581367, Minneapolis, MN 55411 or email patricia@insightnews.

Please note "POLITICAL WRITER" in the subject line.

No phone calls or walk-ins, please.

North, Minneapolis. For more information contact Jocelyn Broyles at 651-644-1447 x19, jocelyn@moappp.org.

Scholarships are available.

African Film Director Twin Cities Premiere – Oct. 29 Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 7:30pm at Oak Street Cinema, 309 Oak St. SE. ,Minneapolis. 612-3313134 Oak Street Cinema: 309 Oak Street SE, Minneapolis, 55414. This Screening is Free to the Public.

16th Annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast - Oct. 29 Mayor Steve Lampi will be the Master of Ceremonies at this event hosted by the Brooklyn Park Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast Committee on Thursday, October 29, at the Northland Inn, 7025 Northland Drive in Brooklyn Park. The Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast will be held

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

Receptionist/Clerical Support The Capitol Region Watershed District is seeking a is seeking a part time (12-20 hrs/wk) Receptionist/Clerical Support staff.

Ideal candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented and reliable. Must effectively communicate and interact with the public.

This position will provide main receptionist and clerical support duties for the office. Must have the ability to balance multiple projects and be self-motivated while working in a small office environment. Must be proficient in a variety of software including Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint. Compensation $12.12$18.17 DOQ and experience. Interested candidates must send a cover letter and resume (no faxes or emails) by November 13, 2009 to: Dawn Nelson, Administrative Assistant, Capitol Region Watershed District, 1410 Energy Park Drive, Suite 4, St. Paul, MN 55108, (651) 644-8888. For a full description contact our office or visit our website at www.capitolregionwd.org.

from 7:00-9:00 a.m. Tickets can be ordered by calling 763-5618769.

Irish Ceili Dance - Oct. 31 Saturday. October 31, 7:30 - 11 pm. Admission: $9 ($7 members/students). 3748 Minnehaha Avenue, Mpls. www.tapestryfolkdance.org. www.lomamor.org.

5th Ward Candidates Fair and Issues Platform – Nov. 1 Sunday, Nov. 1, 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm at the Minneapolis Urban League, 2100 Plymouth Avenue North in Minneapolis.

For more information call 612302-3100.

Moon Walk at Lake Nokomis – Nov. 3 Tuesday, Nov. 3, 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. Evening tour of the Park.

To register, go to minneapolisparks.org or call 612-313-7725. Meet at the Lake Nokomis Beach parking lot. $5 fee.

Art fundraiser for Conflict Resolution Center – Nov. 6 Friday, Nov., 6, from 3-8 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 7, from 9:30 a.m.- 1 p.m., the Conflict Resolution Center will host a fundraiser entitled Art Affair, selling a variety of art for $5 and up. The Art Affair will take place at Colonial Church in Edina, 6200 Colonial Way. Contact 612- 822-9883 for information.

Breaking The Siege of Gaza with Cynthia McKinney Nov. 6 Fri., November 6, 7:00pm at Walker Methodist Church, 3104 16th Ave. S, Minneapolis. Free and open to the public.

Donations accepted. Sponsored by the Middle East Committee of WAMM. 612.827.5364 http://mec.worldwidewamm.or g / http://www.worldwidewamm.or g

5th Ward Candidates Fair

and Issues Platform

On Sunday, November 1, 2009, The Minneapolis Urban League, The Council on Black Minnesotans and the African American Leadership Summit & the Black Church Coalition will sponsor a 5th Ward Candidates Fair and Issues Platform. This event will be held from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm at the Minneapolis Urban League. The Minneapolis Urban League is located at 2100 Plymouth Avenue North in Minneapolis. The purpose of this event is to provide 5th Ward Voters with an opportunity to meet each of the candidates, learn why they are running for this office, and how they plan to serve the needs of the 5th Ward if they are elected to the Minneapolis City Council. For more information call 612-302-3100.

Election Day is November 3, 2009!!!!

Remember to Vote on November 3, 2009!!!!

http://insightnews.com

Insight News • October 26 - November 1, 2009 • Page 11

SPORTS The Twin Cities produce megastars, but need to provide more urban recognition Mr T’s Sports Report

By Ryan T. Scott ryan@insightnews.com When the Baltimore Ravens came to town to play the Vikings, they brought a big piece of the Twin Cities back with them. Terrell Suggs is a megastar linebacker for the Ravens, and is widely becoming known as the best defensive player in the NFL. Many may not be aware of this fact, but if you trace back through the path of Suggs rise to greatness, you will find a birth certificate generated right here in our Minnesota backyard. That’s right, the best defensive player in today’s NFL began his childhood in the Twin Cities before later shuffling off to Arizona for high school. Suggs is now in his seventh year in the NFL and the training that he has received from Hall of Fame, Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis may give him the inside track towards an eventual Hall of Fame bid for himself. Hall of Fame talent is right here in

Minnesota, and more acutely for my message, here in the Twin Cities.

When I first came to Minnesota from California in the mid 90s, my impression was much different from what it is now of Minnesota sports. Now I think Minnesota talent is a hidden jewel, then wished I had attended high school in Minnesota so I could have stuck out a lot more than I did in talent-rich Southern California.

I was wrong to think that because even my little scrappy high school in California did a better job of promoting its talent than what can be seen in the Twin Cities. My high school team featured some big prospects, one of which (Juan Roque) went on to star at the same college Suggs did, Arizona State.

Roque was drafted as first round talent by the Detroit Lions.

I mention my background, which also included some youth football in Texas, and boy does that experience teach you about a system of producing young athletic talent, because I don’t feel the same broad concern for promoting young athletes; at least in the city setting. There are parents who care, fewer coaches who care and understand how to promote their players, and an utter disrespect for Minnesota’s urban performers on the part of larger state athletic organizations. It just

Terrell Suggs

www.everyjoe.com

Downtown Minneapolis simply feels like the urban athletic talent in the Twin Cities doesn’t get enough support outside of a certain few privileged schools who consistently produce; another case of “have’s and have nots.” On a more positive note, it seems that there is a huge opportunity to fix that problem, available right now.

Larry Fitzgerald, Jr. is considered by most to be one of the best offensive players in the NFL. So, the Twin Cities has produced Suggs, perhaps the best defensive player in the NFL, and Fitzgerald, perhaps the best offensive player in the NFL (I’m sort of sticking to the NFL because it’s football season and it simplifies the message).

Fitzgerald took his abilities to one of the upper echelon private schools, Academy of Holy Angels, where he was likely to have received better training, and better recognition, and thus a better future. Suggs simply took his show on the road to Arizona. And though there may have been for numerous reasons for his move, I can say with fair certainty that his opportunities increased by playing high school football in Arizona.

Though those players moved away to get recognized, they are

also the leadership examples of the talent that is available should the many components of parents, coaches, schools, and organizations work in greater cohesion to promote those talented players. Parents should support the coaches; coaches should recognize that it ain’t supposed to be easy, and it is wise to seek as much outside assistance as you can find. Schools just need to pipe-up and say: “look at my kids.”

There are many more names to mention on the marquee of Minnesota football, and sports success overall, but the names are attached to the usual suspects as far as schools go: Cretin Durham Hall, Holy Angels, and De La Salle, the current urban sports grooming experts. If more of the common urban schools and leagues worked together, and made greater use of resources (mostly human, because money is tight all around) that are available, a new day in Minnesota sports recognition awaits. With all that is going on, sports-wise, in Minnesota these days, the light in the kitchen is on: Sing, and don’t scatter, when the light is on.

api.ning.com

Page 12 • October 26 - November 1, 2009 • Insight News

http://insightnews.com

BOOOGO SALE Buy one get one FREE

Halloween Specials!

See Store

SAVE UP TO

$67.00 WHEN YOU PURCHASE THESE FRONT PAGE

ADVERTISED SPECIALS SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

We accept these credit &

OCTOBER OCTOBER OCTOBER OCTOBER OCTOBER OCTOBER OCTOBER

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

Proud Grocer of the Minnesota

PRICES EFFECTIVE: SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25 THROUGH SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2009

Boneless Beef Chuck Roast

$1.99

lb.

SAVE UP TO $1.00 LB.

Boneless Center Cut Pork Loin Roast, Chops or Rib Eye Chops

$1.99

lb.

SAVE UP TO $2.00 LB. Edy's Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt or Sherbet Selected 48 Oz. Varieties

2/$6

SAVE UP TO $5.78 LIMIT 2

Fresh 75% Lean Ground Beef in 3 Lb. or More Pkgs.

$1.79

Gorton's Value Pak Fish Fillets

lb.

Selected 14-24.5 Oz. Varieties Frozen

SAVE UP TO 70¢ LB.

Chef’s Grill Fresh 75% Lean Ground Beef Patties 16 Oz.

SAVE UP TO $1.10

$2.49

SAVE UP TO $2.00

Roundy's Fresh Whole Chickens

Washington Gala, Braeburn or Fuji Apples

89¢

$4.99

98¢

lb.

lb.

SAVE UP TO 71¢ LB.

SAVE UP TO 60¢ LB.

Progresso Traditional, Rich & Hearty, Low Sodium or Microwavable Soup

Pepsi, Diet Pepsi or Mountain Dew And Other Selected 12 Pack 12 Oz. Can Varieties

Selected 15.25-19 Oz. Varieties

4/$11

8/$10

SAVE UP TO $8.16 ON 4 LIMIT 4

SAVE UP TO $11.20 ON 8 LIMIT 8

Yoplait Light or Thick & Creamy Yogurt Selected 6 Oz. Varieties

10/$5

SAVE UP TO $2.50 ON 10

Mars Fun Size Candy

Quilted Northern Bath Tissue or Brawny Paper Towels

Selected 9.34-11.4 Oz. Varieties

$1.78

Selected 6-24 Roll Varieties

$5.99

SAVE UP TO $1.81 LIMIT 2 THEREAFTER $2.19

SAVE UP TO $3.56 LIMIT 2

BUY ANY FOUR (4) Kellogg's Frosted Mini-Wheats Selected 14.5-18 Oz. Varieties

for $10 AND GET A Coupon for a Gallon of Milk

free*

(UP TO $3.00 TO BE USED ON A FUTURE VISIT)

We reserve the right to limit quantities and correct all printed errors. Not all varieties available at all locations. Prices subject to state and local taxes, if applicable. No sales to dealers.

Purchase requirements exclude discounts, coupons, gift cards, lottery tickets and bus passes. Check out our website at: www.rainbowfoods.com *Free promotion will be applied to item of least value.