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Black Nativity: A Season for Change December 3 - December 27, 2009 St. Paul, MN: Penumbra Theatre Company. Tickets & Times: Penumbra Theatre Box Office at 651-224-3180 or penumbratheatre.org
November 16 - November 22, 2009 • MN Metro Vol. 35 No. 46 • The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • www.insightnews.com
Fort Hood massacre draws increased scrutiny of Islam By Kristin Gray Special to the NNPA from the Afro-American Newspapers (NNPA) - With the War on Terror well into its sixth year, America’s campaign against terrorism and weapons of mass destruction has, for some, also become an attack on Islam. For many American-born Muslims and followers of Islam serving in the U.S. armed forces, the experience has been doubly burdensome and may have played a role in Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan’s November 5 mass shooting at Fort Hood in Texas.
require enlisted persons to disclose their religious affiliation. Among the small community of Muslims serving in the United States military, there are several chaplains who teach and follow Islam. But as more Americans become skeptical of Islam’s claim to be “the religion of peace,” Muslim military chaplains face a unique conflict – defending their faith without drawing the ire of others who question their loyalty to the American cause. According to the Council of American-Islamic Relations, there were at least 6 million Muslims living in America in 2001. After the September 11 terrorist attacks,
Being a follower of Islam and an American soldier is a dual, but not necessarily irreconcilable, identity. Of the 1.4 million U.S. servicemen and women, approximately 3,572 are Muslims, according to the Department of Defense’s most recent figures. However, this number may be larger, as the military does not
prejudice and discrimination against Muslims and Islam reached record numbers and led to widespread social backlash against alleged Islamic extremists. Being a follower of Islam and an American soldier is a dual, but
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Suspected shooter Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan
not necessarily irreconcilable, identity. Similar to African American scholar W.E.B Du Bois’ concept of double consciousness –the idea that Black Americans must live with a sense of being “an American, a Negro…two warring ideals in one dark body”—Muslim military chaplains must adhere to the tenets of the religion while serving in wars that kill other Islamic followers. Maj. Khalid Shabazz, the former Muslim chaplain for the 1-
Flags and flowers are shown in front of the apartment, upper right, where Army psychiatrist Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan lived outside of Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, Monday. Hasan is suspected of opening fire on fellow soldiers during a rampage that left 13 people dead. 227 Aviation Attack Battalion at Fort Hood and an associate of Hasan, told National Public Radio that practicing Islam and being a soldier is at times difficult. “All [of a] sudden, it was almost like I switched sides to them,” Shabazz, who is AfricanAmerican, said of his decision to convert to Islam while on active duty. “[My fellow soldiers] were
hurt because I converted. They thought maybe I was joining on to the enemy.” Shabazz said Hasan and several of the other 48 Muslim soldiers on base at Fort Hood had complained “about being taunted and harassed,” but he said the respected, high-ranking psychiatrist did not appear “depressed at all.”
WASHINGTON (NNPA) - When the Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, banged the gavel and declared, “The bill is passed,” health care reform that President Obama and Democratic leaders have pushed for so fervently over the past year came one step closer to reality on Saturday, November 7. The Senate is next. Black lawmakers, their Democratic colleagues in the House of Representatives and civil rights leaders celebrated the passage of H.R. 3962 the Affordable Health Care for America Act, a landmark bill that aims to reform the health care system in America. The Democratic-controlled House narrowly passed the hotlydebated measure on Saturday night with a 220-215 vote. Only one Republican supported the bill. President Obama called the passage of health care reform in the House “historic.” “Thanks to the hard work of
the House, we are just two steps away from achieving health insurance reform in America,” Obama said in a statement. “Now the United States Senate must follow suit and pass its version of the legislation. I am absolutely confident it will, and I look forward to signing comprehensive health insurance reform into law by the end of the year.” The legislation aims to provide stability and security for Americans who have insurance; quality affordable options for those who don’t; and bring down the cost of health care for families, businesses, and the government while strengthening the financial health of Medicare. And it is legislation that is fully paid for and will reduce our long-term federal deficit, the president said. The Congressional Black Caucus held a press conference the day before the historic vote to reinforce their support for the public option and tout their push for inclusion of specific provisions that are pertinent to African-Americans and other racial minorities.
HEALTH TURN TO
Thank You November 11, 2009 By Lue Bratton Lampley
Our veterans on duty By day and by night 24/7 they fight A brave fight They endure the snow and rain They see the death and pain They sacrifice everything For our country It is the respect We give of them all
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Upstream Arts initiative transcends disability boundaries
Obama: America just two steps away from health insurance reform By Pharoh Martin NNPA National Correspondent
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The Associated Press
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Gabby Sidibe Interview
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Nidal means jihad By Ahmed Tharwat Host, BelAhdan TV The question that is lingering in the minds of millions of Americans and is played out over and over on the evening news is: “What was the real motive behind the outburst of shooting by Major Nidal Malik Hasan’s, the 39-year-old US-born Muslim and army psychiatrist, at the Fort Hood base last Thursday, killing 13 and wounding at least 30 people?” Everyone is looking for the truth about Mr. Nidal’s Hasan’s motive. This American Muslim, who spent most of his life training to analyze and understand people’s deeper motives, now has his motive thrust into the spotlight of the American collective judgment and hyper media to be questioned and scrutinized. “He didn’t like what we are doing in Iraq and Afghanistan.” explained
the make shift TV expert. Well, most Americans share Major Nidal’s view of those wars; however, because he is a Muslim, Major Nidal Hasan’s disapproval of the wars must be suspicious and be part of the motive. Everyone is demanding a real answer. ‘What do you think about his motive?” a national newspaper reporter casually asked me in a telephone interview, as if Muslim Americans should have a different insight about the motives of other Muslims that is not available to the rest of the world, call it the “Muslim man burden” Muslims, I had to admit in fact, have special psychic skill not available to other humans, and, therefore, can explain the misbehaving Muslims all over the world? That we really do all know what motivates the 1.5 billon of our brothers and sisters, those apparently chronically angry Muslims who are committing suicide and burning
Koficore Studios: A hoilstic approach to fitness
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Ahmed Tharwat the American flag on the streets of Kabul, Baghdad, Karachi, Gaza, Cairo and, of course, Major Nidal Hasan? In spite of the fact that he is an American, born here, educated here and that he committed a crime that is, tragically, not all that uncommon in America—even worthy of its own slang term “going postal”— somehow, when it comes to American Muslims, “going postal” becomes “going Islamic.”
MUSLIM TURN TO
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Brandon Jennings From High School, to Europe, to the NBA
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BUSINESS It still makes me smile: Bring your personality to phone interviews Plan your career
By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com Rynn is about to graduate. She is excited about her future and passionate about life. She wears her heart right there on her sleeve, but is that the best place for a heart during an
interview? Yes, definitely. Rynn had a phone interview for a position she wanted more than anything. She had prepared for days, thinking about the organization and the job, trying to anticipate the questions she would have to answer. She was ready for anything, but when she heard that most common interview question, “What was your greatest accomplishment?” she surprised herself with her response. “It still makes me smile when I think about it,” she said. Then she followed up with an
explanation of what was so great and why. Phone interviews are tough. Without visual clues, it is hard to read whether someone likes what you’ve said or is completely turned off. In person, you get credit for good looks, good posture, a timely laugh or smile. Over the phone, both interviewer and interviewee are dependent on word choice and inflection to get their messages across. Even email interviews might be easier because then, at least, you can toss in an emoticon here or there. (No, don’t).
Be appropriate, but generous, with your personality during a job interview. Don’t ramble or get off track with your answers, but do stand out by being yourself. Bringing something beyond a planned, pat answer - bringing your own personality to the phone interview - will help you become more memorable to the person who might have asked the same questions to a dozen candidates that day. What makes your Greatest Accomplishment any better than the next guy’s? I’ll tell you. It’s all in how you tell the
story. “It still makes me smile,” is a perfect way to secure the interest of the interviewer. It says, sit up, listen, because this might make you smile, too. And these days, who can’t use a smile? Sometimes the best way to calm your nerves is to let a little air out of the balloon. If you are thrilled just to get the phone interview with this organization, it’s okay to say so. If you feel nervous, just put it out there. Let them know you are professional, but human, too. Pro interviewers
and good managers will respond by helping you feel more comfortable. And if it makes you smile, say so. Does it sound like I was sucking up? she asked. Were you? Not at all; it just came out that way. Then you’re good. Julie Desmond is Director of Career Planning Resources for Help Wanted! Workshop in Minneapolis. Send your comments to julie@insightnews.com.
IRS seeks to return $1.3 million in refunds to Minnesotans The Internal Revenue Service is looking for Minnesota taxpayers who are due to receive a combined $1.3 million in the form of 1,290 federal refund checks that were returned to the IRS by
the U.S. Postal Service with mailing address errors. “We want to get this money into taxpayers’ hands as quickly as possible,” said Carrie Resch, IRS spokesperson. “If you
discover you’re missing a refund, update your address with the IRS. The sooner you do, the quicker you can get your money.” Some taxpayers are due more than one check. However, a taxpayer only needs to update his or her address once. The IRS will then send out all checks due. Undeliverable refund checks for Minnesotans average $1,009 this year, compared to $778 last year. Nationally, 107,831 taxpayers are due to receive a combined $124 million in returned refund checks. Those average $1,148 this year, compared to $990 last year. Average undeliverable refund amounts rose by 16 percent this year, which is in line with the 16 percent rise in average refunds for all tax returns in the latest filing
season. Several changes in tax law likely played a role in boosting refunds, including the First-Time Homebuyer’s Credit and the Recovery Rebate Credit, among others. The vast majority of checks mailed by the IRS each year reach
addresses with the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov. The tool enables taxpayers to check the status of their refunds and, in some cases, provides instructions on how to resolve delivery problems. To use “Where’s My Refund?” a taxpayer needs his or
Taxpayers can update their addresses with the “Where’s My Refund?” tool on IRS.gov their rightful owner. Only a very small percent are returned by the U.S. Postal Service as undeliverable. Taxpayers can update their
her Social Security number, filing status and amount of refund shown on their 2008 return. Taxpayers can access a telephone version of “Where’s My
Refund?” by calling 1-800-8291954. The IRS encourages taxpayers to choose direct deposit when they file their returns because it puts an end to lost, stolen or undeliverable checks. Taxpayers can receive refunds directly into personal checking or savings accounts. Direct deposit is available for filers of both paper and electronic returns. The IRS also encourages taxpayers to file their tax returns electronically because e-file eliminates the risk of lost paper returns. E-file also reduces errors on tax returns and speeds up refunds. E-file coupled with direct deposit is the best option; it’s easy, fast and secure.
Tax Credits help homeowners winterize their homes WASHINGTON — People can now weatherize their homes and be rewarded for their efforts. According to the Internal Revenue Service, homeowners making energy-saving improvements this fall can cut their winter heating bills and
lower their 2009 tax bill as well. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act), enacted earlier this year, expanded two home energy tax credits: the nonbusiness energy property credit and the residential energy efficient property credit. Nonbusiness Energy Property Credit This credit equals 30 percent of what a homeowner spends on eligible energy-saving improvements, up to a maximum tax credit of $1,500 for the combined 2009 and 2010 tax years. The cost of certain highefficiency heating and air conditioning systems, water heaters and stoves that burn biomass all qualify, along with labor costs for installing these items. In addition, the cost of energy-efficient windows and skylights, energy-efficient doors, qualifying insulation and certain roofs also qualify for the credit, though the cost of installing these
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items does not count. By spending as little as $5,000 before the end of the year on eligible energy-saving improvements, a homeowner can save as much as $1,500 on his or her 2009 federal income tax return. Due to limits based on tax
liability, other credits claimed by a particular taxpayer and other factors, actual tax savings will vary. These tax savings are on top of any energy savings that may result. Residential Energy Efficient Property Credit Homeowners going green should also check out a second tax credit designed to spur investment in alternative energy equipment. The residential energy efficient property credit, equals 30 percent of what a homeowner spends on qualifying property such as solar electric systems, solar hot water heaters, geothermal heat pumps, wind turbines, and fuel cell property. Generally, labor costs are included when calculating this credit. Also, no cap exists on the amount of credit available except in the case of fuel cell property. Not all energy-efficient improvements qualify for these tax credits. For that reason, homeowners should check the manufacturer’s tax credit certification statement before purchasing or installing any of these improvements. The certification statement can usually be found on the manufacturer’s website or with the product packaging. Normally, a homeowner can rely on this certification. The IRS cautions that the manufacturer’s certification is different from the Department of Energy’s Energy Star label, and not all Energy Star labeled products qualify for the tax credits. Eligible homeowners can claim both of these credits when they file their 2009 federal income tax return. Because these are credits, not deductions, they increase a taxpayer’s refund or reduce the tax he or she owes. An eligible taxpayer can claim these credits, regardless of whether he or she itemizes deductions on Schedule A. Use Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits, to figure and claim these credits. A draft version of this form is available now on IRS.gov.
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Health From 1 “In August, we saw the public option appear to be going no where,” said Barbara Lee, (D-CA) Chairwoman, Congressional Black Caucus. “We were able to work with caucuses to make sure that we have in this bill a strong public option. When nobody else was speaking about racial and ethnic disparities, the Congressional Black Caucus and our Tri-Caucus put those issues with our Health Equity and Accountability Act on the table,” she said. After the vote Lee applauded the efforts of her colleagues and the Democratic leadership for passing a bill with a strong public option, but urged that there is still much work to do. “When others were pronouncing health reform dying — and the public option dead and buried —we kept on fighting! And we will keep fighting until a final health care bill is on the president’s desk; one that includes not only a strong public option, but provisions to achieve health equity, eliminate health disparities and to limit the rate of increase for those with private plans,” Lee said. Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) called the bill far from perfect. But, he said that he supported the legislation because the bill, with the public option included, will expand coverage to 96 percent of the population and end discrimination based on preexisting conditions. “I voted for this bill because the cost of inaction is too high,” the Michigan congressman said. “Each year, 44,000 people die because they do not have access to insurance. Without reform, this number would rise. Americans would be at greater risk of losing their coverage, and our business community would continue to fall
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.
Insight News • November 16 - November 22, 2009 • Page 3 behind international competitors as their future profits are drained by burdensome health care costs.” Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) called the bill’s passage “one of the most important moments in our history.” He said, “It has been a long tough struggle, but we took significant steps this evening toward making a powerful difference in the lives of every American … This is not a perfect bill, but it is the beginning we must make to transform health care in America and make sure that health care is a right and not a privilege.” The NAACP, National Urban
League and The Black Leadership Forum commended Congress for the bill’s passage. “Tonight, our Congress people made a decision to stop letting so many of our neighbors die for lack of affordable health care coverage,” said NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Jealous. “We applaud them for including the public option. The public option means more choice, more competition, lower costs, more families covered, and few forced into bankruptcy.” Executive Director and CEO of the Black Leadership Forum Gary L. Flowers said that the
bill’s passage represents a victory for all of America not just Black America. “The urgent need for health care reform brought together over 50 civil rights organizations to relay our concerns, and together we were able to ensure that Congress indeed heard our voices,” Flowers said. Republicans remained vehemently opposed. Michael Steele, the chairman of the Republican National Committee, also released a statement. “Nancy Pelosi and her liberal lieutenants made a lot of promises today to get the votes they
desperately needed,” he said. “Make no mistake - the Democrat leadership’s assurances were based on political expediency, not principle. Anyone receiving a promise from Pelosi is guaranteed to be disappointed in the end when their votes are no longer needed.” The president will be able to sign an amalgamated bill comprised from components from both chambers of Congress. But the Senate still has to pass a bill, and that is less certain. The health care bill in the Senate faces not only stiff opposition from Republicans, but also from
Democratic moderates. Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) is threatening to back a Republican filibuster if the bill contains a public option. Without Lieberman’s crucial support, Senate Democrats will not be able to block a filibuster, a stalling strategy to indefinitely hold up a vote on the bill. If the bill passes the Senate, the final step will be to hold a conference of representatives from the House in order to reconcile the two bills into one, after which both Houses will revote on the reconciled bill.
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EDUCATION
Photos: Matt Guidry
Lake Harriet Community School students Devin Masanz (on the left) and John Eiler (on the right) act out a scene about how to treat others who are upset.
Upstream Arts’ Teaching Artist Dylan Fresco (on the left) and Lake Harriet Community School student Storm Beaudreau (on the right) play the Handshake Game.
Upstream Arts initiative transcends disability boundaries Upstream Arts initiative transcends disability boundaries Backed by the VSA arts and MetLife Foundation’s “Arts Connect All” grants funding, Minneapolis based Upstream Arts has embarked on a new partnership with Minneapolis Public Schools, bringing its innovative approach of teaching social and communication skills to students with and without
disabilities into eight MPS Special Education classrooms. Upstream Arts is one of only ten organizations in the nation to receive the “Arts Connect All” grant, which cultivates and recognizes arts education programs that create learning environments where students with and without disabilities learn side-by-side, creating art together. The grant rewards
programs that use the arts to develop students’ social, cognitive, and artistic skills. Upstream Arts integrates individuals of all abilities, including those with cognitive, developmental, and physical disabilities. Its multi-disciplinary arts education programs are designed to develop social and communication skills while providing positive and creative
experiences that promote self confidence. Once a week, teams of local professional artists— including actors, musicians, visual artists, poets and dancers—lead arts activities that nurture self-expression, conversation skills, and group participation. Through its unique partnership with MPS, 120 students with and without disabilities, ranging in age from
kindergarten to 12th grade, will have the opportunity to work and create alongside some of the Twin Cities finest professional artists, while learning valuable life skills. Though 16% of Minneapolis Public School students receive Special Education services, there are few opportunities in the school environment for students with and without disabilities to interact and get to know each other. Upstream Arts’ program provides a place where students can gain understanding and respect for one another and learn how to interact with students of all abilities. Having a venue to interact with peers is especially important for students with disabilities. As Ann Fox, MPS Special Education Director stated, “Its not the standard
academic areas like math and science where we see the greatest need. The area of greatest need for all of our Special Education students is social and communication skills. This is the area where we need to focus and that is central to their success.” Now in its fourth year of operations, Upstream Arts is experiencing exponential growth. In its first year, only two schools and under 100 people were served. Last year, Upstream Arts served over 1100 people and this year is on pace to serve nearly twice that number of youth and adults with and without disabilities around the Twin Cities metro area. For more information go to: www.upstreamarts.org.
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Insight News • November 16 - November 22, 2009 • Page 5
AESTHETICS
Gabourey Sidibe: New film star rising Interview
By Kam Williams GABOUREY “Gabby” SIDIBE was born in the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn in 1983 to R&B/Gospel singer Alice Tan Ridley, and Ibnou Sidibe, a cab driver from Senegal. After her parents separated, Gabby was raised in Harlem by her mother who supported the family by teaching Special Ed and by singing in the subway. A graduate of Washington Irving High School, Gabby was pursuing a degree in psychology at Mercy College and working as a telephone company customer service representative when she decided to try out for the title role in the movie Precious. Her audition so wowed director Lee Daniels that he had no hesitation about picking her over the 400 other actresses answering the casting call. Here, Gabby talks about the film and her critically-acclaimed performance, both of which have Hollywood humming with early Oscar buzz. Kam Williams: Hi Gabby, I loved the film and was blown away by your performance. . Gabby Sidibe: Thank you! KW: Tell me a little about your background. GS: My dad’s from Senegal, and my mom’s from Georgia. But oddly, her roots trace back to Senegal, too. I was born in BedStuy, and I lived there until right before I turned 8. That’s when we moved to Harlem. KW: Do you know where Medgar Evers College is in Bed-Stuy?
GS: Yeah. My mom went to Medgar Evers. KW: What a coincidence! That’s where I went to high school before it was turned into a college. Where did you go to high school? GS: I attended Washington Irving High School. KW: Another coincidence, that’s where my mother went. GS: Really? KW: Yep. What interested you in auditioning for the role of Precious? GS: I’m not sure I had a serious interest. To be honest, my mom had told me to go audition for the part. In a weird way, I think I just kind of ended up there. Just the thought that I could be in the film was really, really interesting. I guess that’s part of the reason why I auditioned. But I auditioned with the absolute belief that I wasn’t going to get it. KW: Lee told me that he had to audition over 400 actresses before he found you, and that the role of Precious was the most challenging one to fill. What do you think sold him on you? GS: He said that he saw a lot of girls who were just like Precious, and that the difference with me was that I wasn’t anything like her, and that I was obviously acting. He didn’t want to be seen as possibly exploiting a girl similar to Precious, so I think that played a part in his decision, along with my giving a really good audition. KW: What was it like acting opposite big stars like Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz? GS: It was amazing! I felt very fortunate to get to work around people that I idolized. KW: Did they live up to your expectations? GS: As it turned out, every one of them was so much more awesome than I expected. KW: And how’d you like being directed by Lee? GS: Lee is just adorable, cute and so much fun! He’s a disarming genius with a very creative mind.
KW: Is there any question no one ever asks you, that you wish someone would? GS: No one’s ever asked if I like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. KW: Okay, do you like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches? GS: Yep. KW: The Tasha Smith question: Are you ever afraid? GS: [Chuckles] Yeah, I’m afraid of a lot of stuff, although I’m not really the nervous type. Like, I want to see the movie Paranormal Activity, but I’m afraid to go because I’ll believe it’s real. [Laughs] KW: The Teri Emerson question: When was the last time you had a good laugh? GS: Earlier today, after reading to grammar school students with Paula Patton and Mariah. As we were leaving, a little girl yelled at me from across the schoolyard, “Gabby, I saw you on Ellen. You’re a really good dancer.” I thought it was just the cutest thing how she was so excited. That made me laugh pretty hard, and I’ve been doing impressions of her all day.” KW: The bookworm Troy Johnson question: What was the last book you read? GS: “Addicted” by Zane. http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ ct/0743442849?ie=UTF8&tag=th slfofire20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789& creative=390957&creativeASIN= 0743442849 KW: I met Zane on a party aboard a boat recently. She’s really nice. GS: Oh, I bet she is. KW: The music maven Heather Covington question: What music are you listening to nowadays? GS: At the moment, I’m listening
to a lot of R&B. I really like Trey Songz. I also like Lady GaGa a lot. She certainly helps on car rides when I’m on my way to an interview or a photo shoot. I listen to a lot of what’s on the radio. I’m afraid I don’t stray away from the popular. KW: When you look in the mirror, what do you see? GS: Ooh! I see myself! Usually, I’m really happy with what I see when I look at myself. I look into the mirror and I give myself pep talks, and coach myself to make it through the day, which isn’t hard to do. I congratulate myself for making it this far in life and for being the person I want to be. KW: What is your favorite dish to cook? GS: There’s this weird thing that I’ve been doing lately. I live with roommates who are all boys, and if I ever do cook, it’s usually Top Ramen. Isn’t that terrible? [Laughs] I’ll add an egg to it, or maybe hamburger meat, and peas, or corn, or broccoli to go with it. But Top Ramen is pretty much always the starch dish. I like to tell people I’m a good cook, but I’m probably not. Sometimes, I make breakfast for everyone, and my roommates say they like it, but I’m not sure. KW: The Flex Alexander question: How do you get through the tough times? GS: By counting my blessings. KW: The Mike Pittman question: Who was your best friend in childhood? GS: My best friend still is Crystal Hawthorne. She and I met in the 5th grade, and we’ve been best friends ever since. I have an endless amount of memories with her, and I know for sure that she’ll always be there for me.
KW: Lester Chisholm asks, why did you agree to portray this role? GS: The short answer is to get out of college. [Giggles] KW: Laz Lyles asks, when did all of this become real for you? When did it hit you that Precious was really taking off? GS: I try to not let it become real to me. Because whatever state I’m in right now, is the best feeling ever. It doesn’t feel real to me. What does feel real is when people who’ve seen the film, like at the premiere the other day, come up to me and thank me. I don’t feel like I’ve done a service, but I appreciate that they think I’ve given them something. And then I’ll see Will Smith walk by and it becomes unreal again. KW: Laz also asks, was there a kind of kinship among all the actors? GS: Yes, we absolutely loved each other. I certainly had the best time of my life making some great relationships while filming this movie. KW: Carmela Reimers asks: where does your happiness come from? GS: From naps, sushi and watching “Oz.” KW: Carmela has a follow-up. How do you think this sudden success will influence your future? GS: I don’t know. I hope positively. I hope I can continue to act. I hope that I’ve shown Hollywood that even though I’m not blonde or a size 2, I’m still worthy of carrying a film. KW: Do you consider yourself an intellectual? GS: Intelligent? Yes, thank you. But an intellectual? Probably not. I’m way too goofy to be an intellectual. KW: Carmela’s final question is,
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Gabourey Sidibe
do you intend to pass on your good fortune? And by that she doesn’t mean money. GS: That’s cool, because I have no money. I absolutely do intend to. First of all, I have younger sisters. It’s amazing for me to be able to show them that someone from our neighborhood can achieve anything. KW: Children’s book author Irene Smalls was curious about what kind of internal emotional resources came into play when you created the character of Precious? GS: Compassion. I had a lot of compassion for the character. KW: Attorney Bernadette was wondering whether you read the book before reading the script. GS: Yes, I read it about 4 years prior, and it split me open, emotionally. KW: Bernadette asks if you SIDIBE TURN TO 7
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HEALTH Koficore Studios: A holistic approach to fitness By Brandi Phillips Brandi@insightnews.com Koficore Studios in Minneapolis is like no other gym that I have ever visited. The space is so beautiful and so comfortable. Dark cherry wood covers the entire studio floor. Koficore Studios is extremely clean and loaded with all the equipment a person will need for a complete workout. The studio also includes a first class acupuncture room, message therapy room, shower and waiting room. I was promptly greeted by the
retained 90% of his clientele since the move to this new location. One of Robinson’s clients drives from suburban Orono to South Minneapolis, just to receive his expertise and services. Koficore Studios provides clients with personal training and individual class options including yoga and Tai Chi. A client also has the opportunity to buy monthly memberships to his gym, giving access to unlimited classes and weekly personal training classes. Most of his clientele, he claims, come to him to get a “real workout”. Robinson says, “Most people go to the bigger and better known gyms to socialize. My
Kofi Robinson owner Kofi Robinson, a man who is in very good physical shape and seems to take his fitness very seriously. After our initial greeting Robinson walked me into his office to begin our interview. Robinson has been working as a fitness coach and trainer for the last 12 years. He has had his studio on Franklin and Pillsbury Ave. So., for the last 5 years. He proudly reveals that he has
studio provides clients with the opportunity to get in a workout in a space where accountability is important. Once you enter the studio, there is no chilling out. My programs are well planned and well thought out.” Robinson prides himself on “Giving his clients the tools to fish and then letting them go fish for the rest of their lives.”
“If you have a hap-hazard lifestyle that includes poor eating, poor sleeping and poor thoughts, exercise alone will not improve your overall health,” he says. He admits that he gets a lot of excuses from people regarding their ability to fit exercise into their lifestyles. Robinson likes to take a holistic approach to fitness. “That means eating well, 8 hours of sleep per night to let your body rejuvenate, positive thought and exercise that includes cardio and strength training to improve your overall health,” he says. Robinson acknowledges his difference from most other
Photo courtesy of Kofi Core Studios
trainers in the city, describing himself as one of only six holistic trainers in Twin Cities. Like most businesses, Robinson says Koficore Studios has suffered some due to the current economy, but he is thankful for his returning clientele and the blessings he has received from this business in our community. “I am very blessed to
be doing what I am doing and to have the clientele that I have,” he says. Fitness tips from Kofi Robinson: • Find an educated fitness professional to work with. • Make sure they assess you. If they are not assessing, they are guessing. • Everyone is different and needs a different program to reach their goals. • Use exercise as a supplement to your program. • If you are not in good health, classes can help you sustain and improve health. • Breakfast is the most important meal and should be the “biggest” meal of the day.
• The “what not to eat” list is shorter than the “what to eat” list. His advice to people who want to get into the fitness profession: • Go to college, and study the body. Be strong in anatomy, physiology and kinesiology. • Intern at a small fitness facility to see how they do it. I plan to go take my first yoga class at his studio in the next week. I know I am going to enjoy it because the studio alone is an experience. I would strongly encourage anyone who can get over to his studio to take the opportunity to have proper fitness training. While you are there, make sure that you actually take the
time to meet Kofi. He will help you look at health in a different, more positive way, no matter what your fitness level! You will discover that Kofi Robinson takes his work very seriously by walking the walk and talking the talk. Koficore Studio is located at104 West Franklin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55404. He can be reached at 612-871-4831 or by email: kofi@koficore.com and website: koficore.com.
Brandi Phillips is a personal trainer, life skills coach and professional dancer. She is interested in cultivating health in children and sustaining the health of seniors.
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Insight News • November 16 - November 22, 2009 • Page 7 premature. I’ve never been here before, so I don’t really know what it’s like to be in an Oscar-worthy film. It’s unnerving, but I’m also so grateful that anyone would consider associating our film with an Oscar or any other award. KW: Well, best of luck with Precious, and I hope to speak with you again during awards season. GS: Thank you so much. To see Gabby’s mother performing “I Will Survive” on the subway, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =LLlg4Zk-If4&feature=related
Gabourey Sidibe as “Precious”
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Sidibe From 5 think your studying psychology impacted your performance. GS: I hope so. I hope I got something out of those 4 years I spent in college. I had read some books about the anatomy of a victim, and I certainly tried to carry that knowledge into Precious. KW: Reverend Florine Thompson asks, how did you prepare spiritually to do this role? GS: We prayed every day on the set. And I even prayed alone by myself during every moment of downtime on the set. I was actually on the worship team at my church, but had to take a leave of absence while making the film. KW: Reverend Thopson asks whether you could see yourself as a spokeswoman on the issue of domestic violence. GS: I don’t really have any experience as a spokesperson, but I’m willing to help out that cause in any way I can. I’m very fortunate not to have any experience in that area, but I do
have experience in learning how to love myself and knowing what makes me happy. KW: What is your long-term career goal? GS: [Laughs] My goal is just to have a career. I hope to be able to do a lot of different types of films. To do a comedy, to play a romantic lead, and to do a lot of other different things. KW: The good Reverend’s last
question is: what is your source of i n s p i r a t i o n ? GS: A lot of times it’s music. It’s also life in general: my friends, my roommates, my mom, my family. KW: Marcia Evans asks: how have you matured from making this film? GS: [Giggles] I’m pretty much about as mature as I was before. I operate on the level of about a 19 year-old. So, I probably haven’t matured much at all, which I think helps. KW: Marcia also asks whether you were emotionally affected by the role. GS: No, what I felt most was a responsibility to tell this girl’s story the best way I could. The fact that Lee Daniels chose me spoke
volumes, and I wanted to measure up to what he thought I could be. KW: Marcia concludes by saying that Precious will help to heal many young women who have been abused. She asks, if you realize that you are now a voice for
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the unspoken? GS: Oh, “thank you” is all I can say to that. KW: How do you feel about all the Oscar buzz Precious has been getting? GS: It’s scary, and a tad
To order a copy of “Push,” the novel on which Precious is based, visit: http://www.amazon.com/gp/produ ct/0307474844?ie=UTF8&tag=th slfofire20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789 &creative=390957&creativeASIN =0307474844 To see a trailer for Precious, visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =b5FYahzVU44
Page 8 • November 16 - November 22, 2009 • Insight News
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LIFESTYLE Clean, orderly pantry supports holiday success Style on a dime
By Marcia Humphrey For most folks, November marks the beginning of the festive feasting season, which usually lasts until January. Most households have already started stocking their pantries with their favorite herbs and spices, fresh bottles of pure vanilla and lemon extract, sugar, cornmeal, and cans of cranberry sauce, chicken broth, and evaporated milk. All of these items are purchased in anticipation of upcoming
gatherings, where family and friends come together to thank God for the year’s blessing. Before I get too misty-eyed, I want to rewind just a little. I need to ask a rather personal question. “Are your pantries clean??” If the answer is no, stop right now and step away from the pantry. Let’s talk about simple and budgetfriendly ways to bring order to your cabinets and pantries so that you can successfully host the holiday dinner that you that have been seeing in your mind’s eye. 1. Clear It All Out Whether you have a shelved walkin pantry or cabinets, the first step to creating order is to remove all of the contents. This way you can take inventory of what you have and make a list of what you still need to purchase. This is also a great opportunity to combine the
two half-used boxes of salt into one. (Remember to toss the empty box.) In addition, throw out items having expired “use by” dates. (At least, don’t serve the expired food to guests-food poisoning has a funny way of ruining an otherwise happy Thanksgiving feast!) As you are pulling the food out of the pantry, group similar items together. You don’t have to be a neat freak for this to work. It really is easy to gather the spices, the soup cans and the pastas into groups so they can be stored together. 2. Make Food Visible One great way to take advantage of the vertical space in your pantry is by using tiered storage racks. For around $10, you can find a three-shelf spice rack, which not only gives you more space, it gives your garlic powder a permanent home. In addition there are three-tiered systems for cans, with prices starting at around $15. This way, you can see at a glance what you have and also what you need. You can also find under-shelf-racks, which are made to slide onto existing shelving to
Muslim From 1 “What first came to your mind when you heard the news of the shooting in Texas?” came the interviewer’s sympathetic voice over the phone. To be honest with you, the question of Major Nidal Hasan’s real motive has been going through my mind millions of times ever since. I thought to myself perhaps Major Nidal Hasan ‘s hidden motive arrived at birth and was carried as a burden all his life, the call for “Jihad” that started nagging him once he was given the name Nidal—which means ‘jihad’ or struggle in Arabic. Which summaries very much Major Nidal Hasan life, struggling for “jihad” This name was given as it is customary in the Arab world to him by his Palestinian parents as inspirational wishful thinking
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create storage underneath the shelf. They are inexpensive and typically require no tools. 3. Use Baskets and Air-Tight Containers Another helpful strategy for keeping that pantry user-friendly is to place open items, such as various pastas, in a tall air-tight container. Simply keep items in their original packaging and place them all in one large container. Baskets make efficient storage solutions as well. Use one basket to store various types of muffin mixes and other small boxed quick meals, and use a second basket for chips, crackers, and popcorn. Using a box or basket system also helps make rearranging food very simple. To encourage the entire family to participate, label the baskets and shelves, and give the family a brief overview of the new storage system. Is your ketchup hiding behind the can of coffee? Have you been searching for the nutmeg that you bought last month? Don’t allow a messy pantry to slow you down during meal preparation. for a his future life, his parents who had been under the Israeli occupation for years before moving to the U.S. The name itself was a heavy burden that Major Jihad Hasan had struggled all his ordinary life , one that was apparently devoid of real love, family or friends, a lonesome life for a lonely man because of his ethnicity and religion, teased frequently by his peers and friends whose trust he never gained. His name never allowed him to brush his past aside and forget. ‘Nidal”, Nidal’, Nidal”, people keep calling for Nidal everywhere he goes. Did he think that his parents didn’t name him “Nidal’ just to sit down and listen to other people struggle and forget his own? Major Nidal Hasan who never risked anything in his life, made all the right decision easy decisions to become a doctor, his parents given name always reminding
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Especially since the holiday season is around the corner, commit to rethinking your current food storage plan. Make it more efficient with a few simple strategies and items. Not only will you save time, you’ll also save money by not making so many duplicate purchases. And ultimately, those two savings-time and money- will produce another
huge benefit; less stress! Enjoy!
him of their suffering in Palestine through occupation and humiliation, always reminding him through their his parents bed stories about the Palestinian suffering and the Muslim victims milieu. The pictures hanging on his bedroom wall a reminder of that and whispered to him at night to never forget, on his bedroom growing up there wasn’t any picture of duck or loon or even a naked woman to comfort him at night when no one is looking. It must have been hard for him to hear all those terrible tragic stories happening to his Muslim brothers all over the world. Verses of the Quran framed on his living room asked this of him? To fight those who are trying to kill you where you face them. Was that the real struggle, the real Nidal? As American people were treated like children and were protected from seeing the horrible of wagging their own wars, Nidal seeing it all and heard it all first hand; The heavy burden of an American Muslim psychiatrist who on a daily basis listened to the harrowing stories of his American countrymen and comrades describing horrible
events, most likely committed against his Muslim brothers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Every time he hears his name “Nidal” he always thinks about the real “Nidal”, the real struggle. All his life he has helped Americans with their tortured souls, but he never really came to term and helped his own. The suffering of the unfulfilled, unremarkable man, who never before had had the courage or had taken such a great risk, who with one outrageous action, could turn his ordinary life into an extraordinary and infamous one, a lonely life was scarified to be part of a bigger than his own mundane one, and don’t forget as a bonus the 73 virgins are waiting for the man whom himself was a 39 year old virgin.
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.
Ahmed Tharwat is Host of Arab American TV show BelAhdan which airs on MN public TV Saturdays at 10:30pm. w w w. a h m e d i a . c o m /www.belahdan.com
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Insight News • November 16 - November 22, 2009 • Page 9
COMMENTARY
One in four in the church pew out of work By Julianne Malveaux NNPA Columnist (NNPA) - Pretend you are on a church pew. Worshipping, eight of you. If you are sitting up in the Black church, two of you eight do not have a job. Multiply that by the whole church. The two in eight number gets even worse. Someone sitting jobless is connected to a family with a job, a family who feels connection and responsibility, a need to help. The family member with the job is more frightened than frightened can be. Lance needs a loan, and she can offer it today, but what will happen tomorrow to Lance and the family. The entire extended family is traumatized by Lance’s job loss. Lance, of course, is a Black man. Unemployment has hit Lance and Tanya harder than it has hit the entire population, but it has hit all of us hard. The double-digit unemployment rate which was released on Friday, 10.2 percent, is a lovely fiction, a glossing over, of the church pew reality. The fact is that one in six
Americans, and more than four African Americans are out of work. The unemployment rate is one we have not seen in over 25 years, when (ugh) Ronald Reagan was President. Then, the spin-doctors tried to alter unemployment rates by excluding the military and manipulating the number so that the more than 10 percent rate was less that it might have been. At the same time the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 10 percent could be higher if discouraged workers, those who worked part time but wanted to work full time and those otherwise underemployed were counted. Here we go again. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has been reporting alternative measures of unemployment for a long time. The media has not often picked them up. I was delighted to hear that, finally, the media is getting it, noting that 10.2 is a beautiful fiction. According to BLS the unemployment rate is as high as 17.5 percent. If the same proportions apply to the African American community as to the
overall community, the Black unemployment rate is 26 percent. That means look around you at the church pew. One in four people are not working. Maybe one in three because the data doesn’t capture Black folks like it does the rest of the world. The church is teeming with unemployment. So where do these spin doctors get off talking mess about an economic recovery. They say unemployment is a lagging indicator, which means that unemployment rates trend down only after economic recovery occurs. Tell that to the woman standing outside the toy store, trying to buy a holiday present. Calling somebody a lagging indicator is like calling them out. How does it feel to be a lagging indicator in an economy that is shedding jobs so fast that it is frightening? How does it feel to be a lagging indicator when some say there is economic recovery? Do I repeat myself when I say that it is time for a federal jobs program? Health care has gotten narrow Congressional approval, but health care without employment is like romance without finance, and the choir
should now all holler, “a nuisance.” In other words, much of the health care passed is employer connected health care. When people don’t have jobs, they don’t have opportunities. We have examples from the 1930s, the 1950s, the 1970s, and the 1980s of ways the federal government has been involved in creating jobs. It is time to create jobs now, to deal with a Works Progress Administration type program to put our nation back to work. Too many people have been hit too hard, too long – with nearly 16 million out of work, with more than a third of those having been out of work for half a year. We know the numbers, and they are daunting numbers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one in ten of us is out of work. That statistic is an amazing fiction; the reality is nearly seventy percent worse – 17.5 percent of us are jobless. In the African American community the numbers are more daunting – more than 26 percent, more than one in four, are not working. Look up and down the pew in your church. One in four of you is praying for survival. One in
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four is not working. We who are working are connected to those who are not working, and we too are scarred by the weight we will carry because of their unemployment. We are waiting, wanting a federal jobs program. Up and down the pew, the pain palpitates. Let us create jobs.
Let the church say “Amen”. Dr. Julianne Malveaux is an economist and author. She is also President of Bennett College for women in Greensboro, North Carolina. She may be reached at presbennett@bennett.edu.
Proposed $50 billion fund can mean more small business loans By Judge Greg Mathis Earlier this year, major corporations like General Motors, Bank of America and Citigroup received federal dollars – taxpayer money – to keep their operations afloat. Despite public outcries of corporate excess and financial mismanagement leading the entities to the mess they were in, the government followed through with these bailouts because it was the right thing to do for the nation’s
economy. In the midst of all this, we’ve heard very little about small businesses, which are the backbone of the American economy. This recession has affected them, too. And it’s time we turn our attention in their direction. Small businesses keep America strong, financially. During good economic times, these businesses are responsible for more than 70 percent of all new jobs created. Additionally, a larger percentage of Americans work for small or mid-size businesses than major
corporations. Yet, during tough financial times, such as the one we are currently in, these businesses can be hit so hard that they are forced to shut down. For decades, Democrats and Republicans have sung the praises of small businesses. After all, what says “American Values” more than an entrepreneur working and saving so that they can open their own company? Singing the praises of these businesses and valuing them enough to make sure they are supported are two very different things. Finally, our elected
officials are stepping up and working to assist and protect small businesses. President Obama would like to increase the amount of Small Business Administration loans. Sen. Mark Warner, a Democrat from –Virginia, wants to create a $50 billion loan fund for small businesses. Both men are working within their party to build support for the initiatives and to create a strategy for bringing them to life. This is a start. Other elected officials must take an active role and support both plans. But they
must also create support networks for those small businesses just starting out. And they should encourage, even in these economic times, more Americans to pursue entrepreneurship. From providing financial assistance to funding classes that help business owners learn all they need to make their venture a success, the government should support small business. After all, it has a vested interest in making sure they succeed. 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,” “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.
Page 10 • November 16 - November 22, 2009 • Insight News
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL On November 16, 2009 Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health Department will issue a Request for Proposal. HSPHD is seeking private and public organizations with experience in the implementation and operation of In-Home Parenting Services. Services will be for families at risk of, or having an active case with the Child Protection Service Area. The vast majority of these services will be provided in the client's home, but may be provided in the community, depending on the type of services offered. The RFP can be located online at: www.hennepin.us/soirfp If you have difficulties accessing the web site, please call (612) 596-7236.
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 selfstarter 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.
Generalist Clerk-Fergus Falls The U.S. District Court of Minnesota is seeking a Generalist Clerk for the Clerk's Office in Fergus Falls, which is a one-person office. Candidates should have a combination of education and experience that demonstrates the qualities required for the position, including exceptional customer service skills, attention to detail, ability to take direction from others, initiative, familiarity with legal terms, excellent organizational and communication skills, and experience with various computer software. Starting salary is $37,279 to $46,235. Position range to $60,643. Employees are eligible for complete employee benefit package. For a detailed job description please visit our web site at www.mnd.uscourts.gov. Submit cover letter and resume by Monday, November 23, 2009 at 5 PM, to HR Manager, U.S. District Court, 202 U.S. Courthouse, 300 S. 4th St., Minneapolis, MN 55415. E-mail: hr-usdc@mnd.uscourts.gov U.S. or allied country citizenship required. All employees are subject to a background check. An Equal Opportunity Employer
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 fouryear college degree and at least four years proven grant writing experience and development work in the nonprofit 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.
ABA Minnesota Blizzards Basketball The Minnesota Blizzards ABA Basketball Team is announcing a program for college Internships for the fall and winter. The program will consist of five teams of 5 interns each in the following areas: (1) Sales, (2) Basketball Operations. (3) Marketing (4) Public Relations (5) Business administration. Each team will have a leader and be given challenging assignments. We are looking for college students majoring in Sports Management, Business, Public Relations, Marketing Sales, Broadcasting and Event Planning. We need 20 or 25 interns working with us for a (minimum of 8 hours a week) on a part-time basis. 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
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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 Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund listening sessions – Nov. 16, 17, 18 Nov. 16, 5-7 p.m., Rochester Community and Technical College, Heinz Center, 851 30th Ave. S.E., Rochester. Nov. 17, 57 p.m., East Side Neighborhood Services, 1700 2nd St. N.E., Minneapolis. Nov. 18, 5-7 p.m., Southwest Minnesota State University, Charter Hall, 1501 State St. S., Marshall. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and offer input. An online survey is available at www.ACHFMinnesota.org. Free film showing: “Trouble the Water” – Nov. 16 Monday, Nov. 16th at 6:30 PM at Parish Center, St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church, 4537 Third Avenue South, Mpls. Winner 2008 Sundance Film. 24-year old rap artist and her husband document the stories of the victims of hurricane Katrina. Camden Music School Winter Registration – Nov. 16 Winter term: January 11 – March 20 (10 weeks). Scholarship applications due: 5pm Monday, January 4. Family discounts available. All ages welcome. Locations: Northeast Community Lutheran Church, 697 13th Avenue Northeast, Minneapolis. Luther Memorial Lutheran Church, 3751 Sheridan Avenue North, Minneapolis. To register, or for more information visit www.camdenmusicschool.com or call 612-618-0219.
‘Family Feuds: How We Deal With Difference’ - Ongoing 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. Salvation, Who Is It Really For? - Nov. 17 Tues., Nov. 17 at the Sumner Library, 611 Van White Memorial Blvd., Mpls from 3:00 - 5:30 pm. Members of the Israelite Church of God In Jesus Christ, Minneapolis Division, will be hosting a free spiritual seminar to discuss a very sensitive and often taboo topic. For more info or seat reservations, call (612) 3029836. A Tribute to Federico Garcia Lorca – Nov. 18 Weds., 7:00 p.m. at Hillcrest Auditorium, adjacent to the Highland Park Library, 1974 Ford Parkway, St. Paul, 651695-3700. A Night of Poetry, Music and Flamenco featuring Flamenco guitar master Michael Hauser, actress Mim Solberg, dancer Deborah Elias Morse and saxophonist Chuck Armstrong. A Public Meeting for the Lowry Ave. Strategic Plan – Nov. 19 Thursday, Nov. 19, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at North Regional Library, 315 Lowry Avenue North Minneapolis. More information: http://www.ci.minneapolis.mn.u s/cped/lowry_strategic_plan.asp Minneapolis Urban League Guild’s 2nd Annual Arts and Crafts Fair – Nov. 21 Sat., Nov. 21, 10 am- 5 pm at
Minneapolis Urban League, Glover-Sudduth Center, 2100 Plymouth Ave. N., Mpls. Space and tables are limited and are on a first-come, first serve basis. To reserve your table or space, or for more information, contact Lucretia Sudduth Wood at (612) 730-1904, or via e-mail at lsudduthwood@mul.org Remembering Pablo Casals: a Concert for Peace – Nov. 21, 22 Sat., Nov. 21, 7:00 p.m. and Sun., Nov. 22, 4:00 p.m. at Plymouth Congregational Church, 1900 Nicollet Ave. S., Mpls. Suggested Donation: $10 to $25. Reservations can be made up until Nov. 16, or donate at the door. Sponsored by: WAMM. FFI and reservations: Call 612-827-5364. Ramsey County National Adoption Day - Nov. 21 Saturday, Nov. 21, 9:30 a.m. 2:30 p.m., Morning/Afternoon Programs, Breakfast/Lunch provided. Held at Juvenile and Family Justice Center, 25 West Seventh Street, St. Paul. www.nationaladoptionday.org, http://www.co.ramsey.mn.us Singers in Accord with Guest Conductor, Jerry Rubino present their Inaugural Concert: “A Grateful Gathering” - Nov. 21, 22 Minnesota’s newest adult choral ensemble, Singers in Accord, announces the first concert series of its inaugural season with guest conductor, Jerry Rubino, as they present “A Grateful Gathering,” 7:30 p.m. on Saturday November 21, 2009 at MacPhail Center for Music in downtown Minneapolis and at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 22, 2009 at Faith Life Center in Forest Lake, MN. For more info, visit www.singersinaccord.org. Two Bowls of Cereal and Some Bacon – Now thru Nov. 21 November 12 – 21 at Dreamland Arts, 77 Hamline Ave. N., St. Paul For ticket information and purchase, call 651-645-5506 or online at www.dreamlandarts.com. NETROOTS Minnesota Nov. 20, 21 Location: St. Paul Hilton Garden Inn. Date & Time: 11/20/2009 at 1:00 PM Address: 411 Minnesota Street, St. Paul, MN 55101. http://netrootsminnesota.org MPRB Come Out and Play Family Nature Club - Nov. 21 Saturday, Nov. 21, 10:30 a.m.noon – Lake Hiawatha Park, 2701 44th St. E., Mpls. Street parking is adjacent to the recreation center on 28th Ave. S and directly in front of the recreation center at the intersection of 27th Ave. and 44th St. www.minneapolisparks.org. Minneapolis Urban League Guild Craft Fair – Nov. 21 Saturday, November 21, 2009 from 10am – 5pm, Minneapolis Urban League, 2100 Plymouth Avenue N. The Guild is looking for vendors who are interested in
taking the opportunity to sale their goods at the 2nd Annual Crafts Fair for a small fee. If interested please contact Lucretia by phone at (612)7301904 or via e-mail at lsudduthwood@mul.org. Chorale’s 2009 Bridges Concert – Nov. 21 Minneapolis Youth Chorus (MYC) and adult singers in the Chorale. This upbeat, family friendly event will begin at 7 p.m. on Sat., Nov. 21, at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 215 South 8th Street, in downtown Minneapolis. 2009 IBEW Holiday Lights in the Park – Nov. 24 through Dec. 31 Daily Nov. 24 through Dec. 31. Hours of Operation: 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm each day. Phalen Park in Saint Paul at 1615 Phalen Drive East. Snowshoeing at Loring Park - Nov. 25 Wednesdays, November 25th, December 2nd and 9th 5:30 to 6:30p.m. Must have snow. If there is no snow for the first session please check in for sessions later in the season. Join the naturalist staff for a series of snowshoeing walks through Loring Park and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Snowshoes provided. Meet at the Loring Park recreation center. Register online at minneapolisparks.org $10 Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World – Nov. 27 through Jul 4 Minnesota History Center, 345 Kellogg Blvd W., St. Paul. Nov. 27, 2009 through July 4, 2010. http://events.mnhs.org Bird Watching at the Robert’s Bird Sanctuary – Nov. 28 Sat., Nov. 28, 10:00am to 11:30am. Take a guided walk through the park and discover birding in the city. Please bring binoculars if you have them. Meet at the western gate near the Lake Harriet Bandshell. Register at minneapolisparks.org or call 612313-7725. $5 Gingerbread House Contest and Decorated Trees Create Wild Winter Wonderland Nov. 28 Sat., Nov. 28, 6 pm at Rice Park, St. Paul. Rice Park will be transformed into a wintry wonderland this holiday season as figurines of classic nutcrackers, gingerbread men and a giant 75-foot decorated tree dazzle visitors. There will also be a visit from Santa and musical entertainment. KFAI’s Speakers Series presents Amy Goodman host of “Democracy NOW! – Nov. 29 Sun., Nov. 29, Noon to 2pm, Cowles Auditorium, U of MN, 301 19th Avenue S., West Bank, Minneapolis $10 advance / $12 at the door.
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Insight News • November 16 - November 22, 2009 • Page 11
SPORTS From High School, to Europe, to the NBA: Ballin’! Mr T’s Sports Report
By Ryan T. Scott ryan@insightnews.com A while back I spoke about the interesting case of Brandon Jennings, whom decided to skip the mandatory one year collegiate requirement for graduating high school seniors mandated by the NBA, and instead went straight to the European League for a $1.65 million dollar contract. Well here it is one year later, Jennings is in the NBA playing for the Milwaukee Bucks, and he is what? Ballin! Not only is Brandon Jennings ballin’, but he is ballin’ out of control, and may be ballin’ like a civil right leader due to his leadership on this issue. If a young fella wants to come out of school early and go make a million
Brandon Jennings dollars working for Microsoft immediately after graduating from high school, that is all good. If a young lady wants to go make millions of dollars working for a World-class modeling agency
doublethepost.files.wordpress.com
Brandon Jennings playing in Italy
immediately after graduating from high school, it is all good. But for Brandon Jennings, and the handful of exceptional young men whom are able to display irrefutably remarkable athletic talent on the basketball court, they must wait to cash in on their professional future due to the NBA “Prep to Pro” rule. And so many players like Minnesota Timberwolves own Kevin Love, and big ugly (he knows he’s ugly, but the dude is terribly charismatic) Greg Oden of the Portland Trailblazers, have gone to college for one year to fulfill their requirement, and immediately left after that one year for the NBA. This is the way in which ALL of these uniquely talented men have dealt with the “Prep to Pro” rule…except for Brandon Jennings; and in my book, I call that leadership. I call that biiiiiig leadership. Now oddly enough, I think it is doggone great, wonderful, and necessary, that these young men go to college for even one year,
but we are already hearing the expected fallout in the wake of this new rule, where cheating on tests and such was done to keep a players NBA dream on track (see: Chicago Bulls Derrick Rose). Obviously this type of cheating activity was happening in high school for many of these players anyway, but now the game of “test evasion” has been taken to the S.A.T.-level rather than the previous Mrs. Parker’s-Home Economics-level (wait, they don’t teach home economics anymore). It is better that these young men at least experience college, than not, and at least they are forced to consider higher education rather than completely slouch their way through high school as many of them do, waiting on their fragile NBA dream. And then there was Brandon Jennings. Jennings is a composed, intelligent young man who was certainly mature enough to handle the intellectual and athletic rigors of stepping directly into the NBA. And so he was also intellectual enough, and Worldly enough, to see that the whole opportunity of basketball is bigger than the NBA and their system of providing that opportunity. As I stated before, one of the most attractive elements to this whole situation is that Jennings has set the example which will cause those coming after him to more sternly consider taking a trip overseas; and so now the World becomes a bigger place to play in. The long history in the development of the “hood” is something to truly marvel over for both good and bad reasons. One of the bad reasons is the lack of understanding (I believe they also call it education) of the larger World around the hood; and I mean World. Brandon Jennings saw the World; was unafraid of the World; learned about the World; and made himself a nice sum of money, including endorsements, being a part and player in the World. And now
those that follow him will be less afraid. And oh that makes me wanna dance. Now what happened in
Championships in basketball), but that’s another story. Our basketball skills are falling apart just the way our schools and roads
“It’s bigger than the hood, and it’s bigger than the NBA” Europe is that Jennings sat his butt on the bench because they have the nerve to play real TEAM basketball overseas (See: U.S. not so-Dream-Team loses in the Olympics and World
are. Everybody ought to take a look at the World in order to further an education; it’s bigger than the hood, and it’s bigger than the NBA.
Page 12 • November 16 - November 22, 2009 • Insight News
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