Insight News ::: 02.18.13

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February 18 - February 24, 2013

Vol. 40 No. 8• The Journal For Community News, Business & The Arts • insightnews.com

Prescription for ending AIDS in Black America

By Freddie Allen NNPA Washington Correspondent WASHINGTON (NNPA) – A new study by the Black AIDS Institute says that the end of the AIDS epidemic is within reach, but to get there it will cost the federal government roughly $300 million, a tough sell at a

time when a fractured Congress stumbles toward the next fiscal deal.

The report, titled “The Light at the End of the Tunnel: Ending AIDS in Black America,” showed that infection rates have slowed nationally, but the Black community still has an HIV infection that is eight times higher than the rate for Whites.

AIDS TURN TO 9

Obama challenges Congress to complete unfinished tasks

By George E. Curry NNPA Editor-in-Chief

Wikimedia Commons

Richard Trumka

Labor leaders mobilize national immigration reform movement Washington, DC – Comprehensive immigration reform with a road map to citizenship is essential to all of America’s workers, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka said in a telephone press conference Thursday, February 7, as he an Maria Elena Durazo, chair of the AFL-CIO’s immigration Committee announced the labor movement’s campaign for a common-sense immigration

process.

“We’re here today because we believe in a nation that values people’s work, their communities and their families,” Trumka said. “We believe that in order to create shared prosperity and a voice for all, we must address our immigration process. This is a top priority for America’s

WASHINGTON (NNPA) – After laying out a progressive agenda for his second term in his inaugural address, President Obama followed up Tuesday night with a series of specific proposals in his State of the Union address that include increasing and indexing the minimum wage, repairing deteriorated infrastructure, and investing in education and clean energy.

“It is our unfinished task to restore the basic bargain that built this country – the idea that if you work hard and meet your responsibilities, you can get ahead, no matter where you come from, what you look like, or who you love,” Obama said in his first address to a joint session of Congress since his re-election to a second term. “It is our unfinished task to make sure that this government works on behalf of the many, and not just the few; that it encourages free enterprise, rewards individual initiative, and opens the doors

President Barack Obama of opportunity to every child across this great nation.”

Obama also announced that another 34,000 American troops will be withdrawn from Afghanistan by next February, down from 66,000. He said by the end of 2014, the war will be over.

The president began his speech by noting some major accomplishments of his first term.

“Tonight, thanks to the grit and determination of the American people, there is much progress to report.

After a decade of grinding

Malik Rucker, 17, a senior at Robbinsdale Cooper High School, last week announced he will accept a football scholarship to University of Iowa in Iowa City, IA. Rucker was among some 18 athletes locking down college choices at the National Signing Day event at Robbinsdale Cooper. The scene was being enacted in high schools nationwide as standout athletes met the college deadline for accepting scholarships.

Rucker’s mom, Chanda Smith Baker, said her son is excited about Iowa. “He wanted a Big Ten school and he grew up following Iowa.

Malik, a star defensive and offensive player for Robbinsdale Cooper, will be a defensive back for Iowa.

their ability to purchase another weapon.”

At a news conference Thursday morning, (Jan. 31) Sen. Latz and Rep. Lesch said the package of proposals developed

by Freeman and supported by Minnesota County Attorneys Association will be effective in cutting gun violence. Among other changes, the legislation will keep guns away from convicted felony domestic violence offenders by defining it as a “crime of violence” and making

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Business

Senator Champion introduces children to State Capitol

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Big Ten Bound

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Prosecutors: Keep guns from hands of people with history of violence Senator Ron Latz (DFL-St. Louis Park), Representative John Lesch (DFL-St. Paul) and Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman announced the introduction of legislation to allow prosecutors to crack down on those dangerous people who already have committed serious crimes and still possess a gun.

“We need to focus on legislation that helps our prosecutors keep guns out of the hands of people known to have a violent past,” said Sen. Latz.

“These proposals will have a large impact on known offenders and

war, our brave men and women in uniform are coming home. After years of grueling recession, our businesses have created over 6 million new jobs. We buy more American cars than we have in five years, and less foreign oil than we have in 20. Our housing market is healing, our stock market is rebounding, and consumers, patients, and homeowners enjoy stronger protections than ever before.

Together, we have cleared

Aesthetics

The Seven, a hip hop retelling of Aeschylus’ The Seven Against The Thebes

PAGE 5

Full Circle

4 tips to divorceproof your relationship

PAGE 6

Health

Sweet ‘tea’ is not a better choice

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Page 2 • February 18 - February 24, 2013 • Insight News

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Black History goes like this

By Shanell McCoy Youthprise Intern Ask most youth about black history and it will go something like this: black people were slaves and then Abe Lincoln set them free. After that, Martin Luther King Jr. marched and Rosa Parks said no to a white man on a bus so that black people could sit in the front even though most of the time they still sit in the back. Then, Obama became president and the struggle was over.

The extent of our knowledge of black history is based simply on what the textbooks and movies say about it. Textbooks in our classrooms often include one to two paragraphs about slavery and the civil rights movement, simplifying our history to a couple of events. In more ways than not, our generation is repeating the past without even knowing it.

Shanell McCoy

Dr. Joseph White, Godfather of Black Psychology

The black man that chooses not to go to school puts himself in the same position as the black man that could not go to school. The great grandson that chooses not to get a job puts himself in the same position as his great grandfather that could not get a job. The granddaughter that chooses not to vote puts herself in the same position as her grandmother that could not vote.

With all of the opportunities and open doors that were essentially handed to our generation, the question becomes: Why are we repeating history?

Why aren’t we graduating? Why are we not succeeding? Why are we joining gangs and killing each other? It’s simple. If we don’t know where we came from, we’ll never know where we’re going.

Students from PYC Arts & Technology High School Discovery Crew

Spoken Word Artist Brittany Delaney

determination, resilience, and ingenuity one can overcome any obstacle in the face of any form of adversity or oppression.

Compared to the circumstances present in most of our history, this generation has unspeakable, tremendous opportunity to do and be anything. However, as stated before, if we don’t know where we came from, we’ll never know where we’re going. Considering

School systems have provided little insight on black history. An increase in quality out of school programming that incorporates history to promote leadership and academic success will help to bridge this gap.

Teaching positive messages pertaining to culture and history play a very important role in the foundation of future success.

History teaches that through

the magnitude of the advances made throughout our history, how could we not use what we know to further transform our society and engage and empower youth at the same time? Leveraging culture and history as tools to develop leadership among youth will help build better futures. Furthermore,

HISTORY TURN TO 3

Hospitality Alliance salutes Black executives The Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance (MFHA) recognizes Black/African American, Asian Pacific American and Hispanic/Latino leaders every year through its popular Multicultural Advertising Tribute Series.

Receiving a growing volume of participation from the industry’s senior leaders each year, the full-page advertising

Obama From 1 away the rubble of crisis, and can say with renewed confidence that the state of our union is stronger.�

But not strong enough, the president acknowledged. â€œâ€Ś We gather here knowing that there are millions of Americans whose hard work and dedication have not yet been rewarded,â€? he said. “Our economy is adding jobs – but too many people still can’t find fulltime employment. Corporate profits have rocketed to alltime highs – but for more than a decade, wages and incomes have barely budged. It is our generation’s task, then, to reignite the true engine of America’s economic growth – a rising, thriving middle class.â€?

Referring to the poor, Obama called for building “new ladders of opportunity into the middle class for all who are willing to climb them.�

One of those ladders would be raising the minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $9 an hour by the end of 2015, a move White House officials said would be part of an effort to lift as many as 15 million people out of poverty. “Tonight, let’s declare that in the wealthiest nation on Earth, no one who works full-time should have to live in poverty, and raise the federal minimum wage to $9 an hour,� he said. “This single step would raise the incomes of millions of working families.

It could mean the difference between groceries or the food bank; rent or eviction; scraping by or finally getting ahead. For businesses across the country, it would mean customers with more money in their pockets.

In fact, working folks shouldn’t have to wait year after year for the minimum wage to go up while CEO pay has never been higher. So here’s an idea that Gov. Romney and I actually agreed on last year: let’s tie the minimum wage to the cost of living, so that it finally becomes a wage you can live on.

Also addressing the jobs issue, Obama said: “A year and a half ago, I put forward an American Jobs Act that independent economists said would create more than 1 million new jobs.

I thank the last Congress for passing some of that agenda, and I urge this Congress to pass the rest.�

The president did not call for cap on carbon emissions, as some environmentalists had hoped, but promised to increase fuel efficiency of vehicles and double renewable energy.

Obama also proposed a “FixIt-First� program that would put people to work on infrastructure projects, such as repairing bridges and roads across the country.

Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) said in his Republican response, “Presidents in both parties ‌ have known that our free-enterprise economy is the source of our middle-class prosperity. But President Obama?

He believes it’s the cause of our

features are a great way to showcase these outstanding individuals, to communicate the industry’s commitment to supporting and advancing multicultural talent as while motivating young talented individuals to follow in their footsteps.

The 5th Annual Tribute to Black Leadership in Hospitality, released in

February as the first tribute of the 2013 Series, generated great media interest with record participation numbers

by MFHA member companies.

The Tribute featured nine Black/African American women executives. Among the thirty Black/African American leaders, the tribute included as many as eleven chief executive officers: Don Thompson of

McDonald’s Corporation, Clarence Otis of Darden, Steve Davis of Bob Evans Farms, Phillip Holloman of Cintas Corporation, Harvey Brownlee of Bob Evans Restaurants, Walter Charles of Kellogg Company, Phyllis James of MGM Resorts International, Jerrell Moore of Burger King Corporation, Rick Frazier of The Coca-Cola Company,

Shannon Johnson and Roger McClendon of Yum! Brands, Inc. Following this Tribute, MFHA will release the Asian Pacific American Tribute in May and the Hispanic/ Latino Tribute in September.

The second edition of the Multicultural Allies Tribute, which features White senior leaders who have displayed

exceptional support and made accomplishments toward multicultural initiatives in the industry, will also be showcased.

The Tribute to Black Leadership in Hospitality can be found at: http://www.mfha. net/files/ads/MFHA_Black_ Leadership_2013_Long_FSH.pdf

problems.�

President Obama announced that he is appointing a nonpartisan commission to improve voting in the U.S. “We must all do our part to make sure our God-given rights are protected here at home. That includes our most fundamental right as citizens: the right to vote. When any Americans – no matter where they live or what their party – are denied that right simply because they can’t wait for five, six, seven hours just to cast their ballot, we are betraying our ideals.�

It is unclear whether Obama can get his domestic proposals passed in the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.

In a speech that focused primarily on reinvigorating the economy, President Obama expressed a willingness to make some changes to key social programs, but none that would destroy them. â€œâ€Ś We can’t ask senior citizens and working families to shoulder the entire burden of deficit reduction while asking nothing more from the wealthiest and most powerful. We won’t grow the middle class simply by shifting the cost of health care or college onto families that are already struggling, or by forcing communities to lay off more teachers, cops, and firefighters.

Most Americans – Democrats, Republicans, and Independents – understand that we can’t just cut our way to prosperity. They know that broad-based economic growth requires a balanced approach to deficit reduction, with spending cuts and revenue, and with everybody doing their fair share.

And that’s the approach I offer tonight,�

President Obama said. “On Medicare, I’m prepared to enact reforms that will achieve the same amount of health care savings by the beginning of the next decade as the reforms proposed by the bipartisan Simpson-Bowles commission.

Already, the Affordable Care Act is helping to slow the growth of health care costs. The reforms I’m proposing go even further.

We’ll reduce taxpayer subsidies to prescription drug companies and ask more from the wealthiest seniors.

We’ll bring down costs by changing the way our government pays for Medicare, because our medical bills shouldn’t be based on the number of tests ordered or days spent in the hospital – they should be based on the quality of care that our seniors receive. And I am open to additional reforms from both parties, so long as they don’t violate the guarantee of a secure retirement.�

With families touched by gun violence looking on, the president urged Congress to enact new gun legislation. “Each of these proposals deserves a vote in Congress,� he said. “If you want to vote no, that’s your choice. But these proposals deserve a vote.

Because in the two months since Newtown, more than a thousand birthdays, graduations, and anniversaries have been stolen

from our lives by a bullet from a gun.�

One of those bullets struck close to home – literally. “One of those we lost was a young girl named Hadiya Pendleton. She was 15 years old.

She loved Fig Newtons and lip gloss. She was a majorette. She was so good to her friends, they all thought they were her best friend. Just three weeks ago, she was here, in Washington, with her classmates, performing for her country at my inauguration.

And a week later, she was shot and killed in a Chicago park after school, just a mile away from

my house,� he said. “Hadiya’s parents, Nate and Cleo, are in this chamber tonight, along with more than two dozen Americans whose lives have been torn apart by gun violence. They deserve a vote. “Gabby Giffords deserves a vote. “The families of Newtown deserve a vote. “The families of Aurora deserve a vote. “The families of Oak Creek, and Tucson, and Blacksburg, and the countless other communities ripped open by gun violence – they deserve a simple vote.�

And, the president said, children deserve a quality education. “Tonight, I propose working with states to make high-quality preschool available to every child in America,� Obama said. “Every dollar we invest in highquality early education can save more than seven dollars later on – by boosting graduation rates, reducing teen pregnancy, even reducing violent crime.�

President Obama called on Congress to pass immigration reform. “Real reform means establishing a responsible

pathway to earned citizenship – a path that includes passing a background check, paying taxes and a meaningful penalty, learning English, and going to the back of the line behind the folks trying to come here legally,� President Obama said. “And real reform means fixing the legal immigration system to cut waiting periods, reduce bureaucracy, and attract the highly-skilled entrepreneurs and engineers that will help create jobs and grow our economy.�

2013 Tribute to African-American/Black Leadership in Foodservice & Hospitality

CULTURAL INTELLIGENCE

Don Thompson President & &KLHI 2SHUDWLQJ 2IÀFHU McDonald’s Corporation

Phyllis James &KLHI 'LYHUVLW\ 2IĂ€FHU Executive Vice President, Special Counsel-Litigation MGM Resorts International

Stephen J. Dunmore President School Services Sodexo Education Market

Ron Johnson Divisional Vice President Operations Wendy’s

Clarence Otis Chairman & &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2IĂ€FHU Darden

Jerrell Moore &KLHI 'LYHUVLW\ 2IĂ€FHU Vice President Burger King Corporation

James Taylor Division President HealthCare Services Sodexo

Steve Davis Chairman & &KLHI ([HFXWLYH 2IĂ€FHU Bob Evans Farms, Inc.

J. Phillip Holloman President & &KLHI 2SHUDWLQJ 2IĂ€FHU Cintas Corporation

Rick Frazier Shannon Johnson Chief Supply and &KLHI )RRG ,QQRYDWLRQ 2IĂ€FHU 6HUYLFH 2IĂ€FHU Yum! Brands, Inc. Coca-Cola Refreshments The Coca-Cola Company

Teresa Sebastian Senior Vice President General Counsel & Secretary Darden

Kim K.W. Rucker EVP, Corporate & Legal Affairs General Counsel Corporate Secretary Kraft Foods Group, Inc.

Roy C. Jackson W. Elliott Stephenson, Ph.D. Central Zone Vice President Vice President Coca-Cola Foodservice & Human Resources On-Premise Ben E. Keith Foods The Coca-Cola Company

William L. Lumpkin, CPA Regional Vice President Hotel Accounting Hyatt Hotels & Resorts

Harvey Brownlee &KLHI 2SHUDWLRQV 2IĂ€FHU Bob Evans Restaurants

Walter Charles &KLHI 3URFXUHPHQW 2IĂ€FHU Kellogg Company

Roger McClendon Chief Sustainability 2IĂ€FHU Yum! Brands, Inc.

Calvin Johnson President HealthCare Systems Sodexo

Pamela Culpepper Senior Vice President Global Diversity & ,QFOXVLRQ 2IĂ€FHU PepsiCo

Brad Cashaw Senior Vice President U.S. Snacks Supply Chain Kellogg Company

Thomas Pate VP, Training & Management Development Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores

Tiffanie Boyd Vice President Human Resources General Mills Bakeries and Foodservice

Jerilan Greene Vice President Global System Communications Yum! Brands, Inc.

Lori Robinson VP, Corporate Communications Corporate Branding & Culinary Marketing McCormick & Company, Inc.

Danielle A. Willis Vice President Human Resources Red Roof Inns, Inc.

Rodney Bullard Executive Director Community Affairs &KLFN ÀO $ ,QF

Dee Dee Gray-Weaver Senior Director Customer Care Choice Hotels International

James Fripp Senior Director of Global Diversity & Inclusion Yum! Brands, Inc.

Max Langenkamp Senior Director Human Resources Cintas Corporation

Valerie Heard Senior Director Product Marketing & Marketing Services AdvancePierre Foods

Timothy Thompson Director Reagan National Airport OTG Management

Laura Shorter Director Human Resources AdvancePierre Foods

The Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance | www.mfha.net

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Insight News • February 18 - February 24, 2013 • Page 3

EDUCATION Senator Champion introduces children to State Capitol Recently at the Capitol, Senator Bobby Joe Champion (DFL – Minneapolis) gave students from Banaadir Academy a tour of the building.

The Banaadir Academy is a charter school in Minneapolis that promotes “a safe, caring environment for diverse students.” When Sen. Champion showed the kids the basement in the Capitol, one of them asked, “Can you drive cars through the tunnel?”

“I love the enthusiasm kids have about being at the Capitol,” said Senator Champion. “It fills the office with energy and makes the day that much brighter.”

History From 2 the advancement of youth in the present based on the knowledge of the past will lead to the prosperity of Minnesota in the future.

Youthprise, an intermediary and funder founded by the McKnight Foundation, seeks to examine the connection between history and the future success of Minnesota youth through three events designed to reposition Black culture as a strength toward building and supporting the academic success and leadership capacity of youth. The series, Renewing Hope in the Promise of Minnesota’s Youth in partnership with Cultural Wellness Center will promote practices and approaches from history that can be effective in closing today’s opportunity

gap and improving outcomes for youth.

The first event on Tuesday, February 26, 8:30 am is the Philanthropy Breakfast cosponsored by the African American Leadership Forum and Minnesota Blacks in Philanthropy.

Open to public and private funders and other stakeholders, this event will engage in dialogue about how to support efforts toward building leadership and learning opportunities for young people.

The second event on Wednesday, February 27, 8:30 am is the Parent Forum co-sponsored

by St. Paul Public Schools. Open to the public, this event will accentuate strengths in African American culture and offer practical strategies parents can apply as they seek to develop their children’s leadership skills and support their academic success.

The third event is the

Community Forum on February 27, 5:30 pm. Open to the public, this event will include a range of presentations and performances by local youth involved in outof-school time programs. Local sheroes and heroes will be honored for their work in building the capacity of young people.

The program will close with an intergenerational choir comprised of the Grammy Award Winning Sounds of Blackness and Coon Rapids High School Gospel Choir.

The keynote speaker will be the “Godfather of Black Psychology,” Dr. Joseph L. White, PH.D., a pioneer of promoting culturally relevant practices in the field of psychology, education, and youth development.

Research shows that the engagement of young people in pursuits that affirm racial pride and promote positive connections to their culture lead

to positive impacts on academic performance. Knowing more than just simple events in history will lead to significant change among our young people.

An oversimplified history dependent on simple textbooks and paragraphs take our culture absolutely nowhere.

History teaches that there is nothing too big or too difficult to overcome.

Let us create a culture of more successful young leaders, going beyond the classroom, creating communities rich in history and culture so that when it comes time to ask a young person about their history, their response will be more than simplified events with little significance.

For more information, contact the Cultural Wellness Center at 612-721-5745 or visit www. youthprise.org.

Immigration From 1 unions because a roadmap to citizenship for those who are American in every way except on paper is critical for all working people. Workers without the protections of citizenship are subject to enormous abuse by employers. That’s why the labor movement has been working with day laborers and domestic workers for years. We understand that solidarity means standing together with predominantly immigrant workforces to improve wages and workplace safety.”

Trumka and Durazo said the AFL-CIO will deploy the labor movement’s political and grassroots infrastructure and the same system that has been used to

elect and re-elect Barack Obama to engage working families nationwide to pass immigration reform.

“Remember how labor helped pass health care reform?

How we helped elect and reelect President Obama? That’s how we will help pass sensible, humane immigration reform with citizenship for the 11 million,” said Durazo.

The Labor Movement’s blueprint for immigration reform consists of five major interconnected pieces: • An independent commission to assess and manage future flows, based on labor market shortages that are determined on the basis of actual need; • A secure and effective worker authorization mechanism;

IMMIGRATION 4 TURN TO

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PRESIDENTS’ DAY SALE PRICES IN EFFECT 2/12-2/18/2013. “Of the season” refers to Macy’s spring season from February 1 to April 30, 2013. Prices may be lowered as part of a clearance. ‡HOW IT WORKS: For any denim purchase you make in misses’, petites’, women’s, men’s, young men’s, juniors’ and kids’ denim departments, we’ll give you a $10 Savings Card at the register. Just bring your receipts from 2/12/13-2/18/13 to any Macy’s before end of day 2/18/13. You’ll get a $10 savings card on the spot. Then redeem each card from 2/12-2/26/13 on your next sale or clearance purchase in all apparel depts, including shoes & accessories. EXCLUDES: fine and fashion jewelry, watches, home items, Everyday Values (EDV), gift cards, previous purchases, super buys, specials, special purchases, special orders, selected licensed departments, services, macys.com, payment on credit accounts. Cannot be combined with any savings pass/coupon, extra discount or credit offer, except opening a Macy’s account. Dollar savings are allocated as discounts off each eligible item, as shown on receipt. When you return an item, you forfeit the savings allocated to that item. Coupon has no cash value and may not be redeemed for cash, used to purchase gift cards or applied as payment or credit to your account. Purchase must be $10 or more, exclusive of tax and delivery fees.

OPEN A MACY’S ACCOUNT FOR EXTRA 20% SAVINGS THE FIRST 2 DAYS, UP TO $100, WITH MORE REWARDS TO COME. Macy’s credit card is available subject to credit approval; new account savings valid the day your account is opened and the next day; excludes services, selected licensed departments, gift cards, restaurants, gourmet food & wine. The new account savings are limited to a total of $100; application must qualify for immediate approval to receive extra savings; employees not eligible.

Page 4 • February 18 - February 24, 2013 • Insight News

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BUSINESS Keyboard shortcuts provide multiple solutions Plan Your Career

By Julie Desmond julie@insightnews.com An irrational fear of mice can send even the bravest among us up onto a kitchen chair, squealing. Most people are

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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 Culture and Education Editor Irma McClaurin Director of Content & Production Patricia Weaver Sr. Content & Production Coordinator Ben Williams Production Intern Miki Noland Distribution/Facilities Manager Jamal Mohamed Facilities Support / Assistant Producer, Conversations with Al McFarlane Bobby Rankin Receptionist Lue B. Lampley Staff Writer Ivan B. Phifer Insight Intern Abeni Hill Contributing Writers Cordie Aziz Harry Colbert, Jr. Julie Desmond Fred Easter Oshana Himot Timothy Houston Alaina L. Lewis Lydia Schwartz 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.

far less afraid of the breed of rodent known as a computer mouse, but that one, too, can cause problems.

Clicking and selecting and deleting all day every day can lead to discomfort and even outright pain in shoulders and arms. Too much of anything is dangerous, and mousing, it seems, is no exception.

Fortunately, every problem has a solution. A co-worker told me she tried putting the mouse on the other side of the keyboard, essentially driving on the opposite side of the road. This is one way to solve the problem, but not a very good way.

A righthanded person who is accustomed to

having the mouse on the right quickly realizes that operating the mouse wrong-handedly is only part of the picture. The other aspect involves asking the other hand to behave differently as well. Learning new tricks takes time and practice and that means time away from the work at hand: clicking and selecting and deleting.

Fortunately, most problems have multiple solutions. In this case, the better resolution is also a shortcut. Microsoft calls them that: Shortcuts. My co-worker calls them Magic. These are keystroke combinations that take you around the screen and help you operate without reaching to your right every

time you need to do something new. Work can be done in less time, and arms and shoulders are better off than ever. Sorry, mouse.

We all know a few shortcuts and tend to use the handful we’re familiar with. What people don’t realize is that commonly used Office programs contain literally hundreds of built-in commands. A person resolving to learn one a day could keep busy through next summer adding shortcuts to his memory and improving his effectiveness at the computer. Cheat sheets available online list all the available keyboard shortcuts for many programs. An easy way to learn them is to take it slow.

Write one or two on sticky notes and place them in front the computer. When those become habit, add a couple more.

Here are some shortcuts to try: Checking email in Outlook?

To get to the mailbox, hold down the CTRL key and press 1. Maybe you’ve been invited to a party. To reply to an email, hold down CTRL again and press R. R for Reply. Tell your friend you’ll be there, can’t wait. To schedule the party in your calendar, hold down CTRL and press 2 to get to the calendar, and then CTRL + N to start a New appointment.

Someone who spends time in MS Word can use

the control key to do almost anything. CTRL + O will Open a file. CTRL + N creates a New document. CTRL + S, of course, will Save it. And CTRL + W will Wrap it up, closing the file.

Switching occasionally between keyboard and mouse a good idea. Keyboarding alone can be as harmful as overdoing it with the mouse. The key is in striking a good balance, and keyboard shortcuts can help.

Julie Desmond is IT Recruiting Manager with George Konik Associates, Inc. Send your career planning and job search questions to Julie at jdesmond@ georgekonik.com.

Scams, schemes and frauds: Six reasons we fall for them

By Jim Murphy The saying goes: “There’s a sucker born every minute.” Whether it’s a religious sighting, the latest diet or gadget that promises fast weight loss, the newest real estate get rich approach, a charity fundraising effort, or a sweepstakes prize, it’s not surprising that so many of us fall for scams, schemes and frauds. It’s only human nature.

The fact is that we’re wired to be believers. Here are six reasons why we fall for scams, schemes and frauds: 1. We want to be believers.

A philosopher once said, “Man prefers to believe what he prefers to be true.” We want to believe in things that confirm our beliefs -- and presented with the opportunity, we often leap to do so. We often hold onto our confidence in something even when there are signs that suggest we do otherwise.

2. We hate to miss out on something.

We hear these pitches all the time: “This is a once-in-a-

lifetime opportunity,” or “For a limited time only.” When we leap on these offers, we enjoy the adrenalin quick action creates in us. Sometimes, we may even feel it’s worth the gamble to take advantage of such an offer with the hope that it proves to be legitimate.

3. We want to have good luck.

After all, who doesn’t deserve some now and then? Good things happen to good people, the saying goes. Certainly we are good people and we should finally be recognized as such.

4. It feels good to trust others.

When people feel trusting, researchers have noted changes in brain chemistry that generate a sense of well-being. The bottom line is that it simply feels better to be a believer than a skeptic. We also hate the notion of accusing someone of lying or of not being the authority they claim to be.

We hate to hurt people’s feeling by suggesting that they are liars.

What if we are wrong?

5. We love the idea of getting big results from modest effort.

For most of us, it’s hard to lose

weight; it feels complicated to invest; it takes time to get fit. We work hard for so many things in our lives, if someone can promise us something fast and easy, how can that not be appealing?

Certainly, we deserve a break every now and then.

6. We crave being connected to something larger than ourselves.

By and large, humans are naturally compassionate and empathetic and scammers know how to play on the heartstrings.

That’s true whether it’s a charity created in response to a calamitous event or a person stranded penniless in a faraway city. Instinctively, we not only want to help, but we want to feel like we are part of a larger effort to fight for a cause or respond in a catastrophe.

The tendency of humans to want to trust others is certainly a commendable trait. But there have always been people who will take advantage of this -- and there always will be. The saying “There’s a sucker born every minute” is an old one. Often attributed to P.T. Barnum, it was really uttered by one of the owners of the Cardiff Giant, one of the strangest hoaxes this country has ever experienced. Long before

Charles Ponzi (after whom the Ponzi Scheme was named), and Bernie Madoff who was able to con experts, institutions, and lay investors to the tune of billions of dollars, people were ready, willing and eager to be fooled. Back in 1869, the people of Cardiff, New York, and later the entire country, were conned into thinking that a 10-foot statue of a naked man that had been unearthed, was in fact, the fossilized remains of giant who had lived in biblical times. People flocked from near and far, and its long chain of owners became rich beyond their imagining.

There will always be schemers and scammers who will try to stay a step ahead of us. And they will increasingly find ways to invade our lives by using technology to make the opportunities they offer look, smell, and feel like the real thing. However, there are ways to be less vulnerable.

It’s essential that you take the time to vet promises and people before you act. Do the research and don’t think that because you are an expert, familiar with arena in which this opportunity is being offered, you don’t need to do your homework. After all, at least as many ‘experts’ as ‘lay’ people fell for Madoff.

Never let someone to pressure you into making too quickly.

Rarely is there an opportunity that requires immediate action.

And, if you find yourself racing forward without wanting to take time, be suspect. In all likelihood, you’re acting out of emotion, not common sense.

It’s important that you never forget that scammers are skillful salesmen, well practiced in the art of sounding like they know what they are taking about. They take advantage of the gambling instinct buried to a greater or lesser degree inside all of us. It’s okay to be skeptical, to need persuading.

Anyone who is legitimate will respect your wariness and provide you with the time and information that you need.

This old adage still holds true: “If it is too good to be true, it generally is.” And, while there is no such thing as “your lucky day,” you will be much happier if you can avoid being scammed.

Guns

piece of a larger discussion at the Capitol for ways to reduce gun violence. Gun violence has been a hot topic of discussion and legislators will continue to look for common sense solutions to this growing problem.

“This package of practical laws will allow prosecutors throughout the state to get guns out of the hands of people who already have been convicted of crimes of violence,” Freeman said. “It will provide additional tools to put felons back in prison if they are found with a gun or ammunition.”

The five key provisions in the bill include: • Keeping guns away from convicted felony domestic violence offenders by defining it as a crime of violence. If the convict possesses a gun again, he would face up to five years in prison.

• Keeping guns away from juvenile offenders by allowing

them to be tried in adult court the second time they are caught with a gun. Currently, they are tried in juvenile court no matter how many times authorities arrest them with a gun illegally.

• Keeping ammunition away from criminals by prohibiting felons from possessing ammunition just as they are prohibited from possessing guns.

• Limiting access to guns by people with mental illness by prohibiting those who have been found to be mentally ill from possessing guns, even if their commitment order is put on hold. Currently, only those ordered to a state facility are prohibited from having firearms.

• Stopping the knowing transfer of guns to criminals by making it a crime for another person to intentionally help a felon obtain a gun.

From 1 it an automatic prison term if they later possess a firearm.

For example, George Gant, 31, was convicted in June of breaking into his ex-girlfriend’s Bloomington home, twisting her neck so violently she thought it would snap, then hit her hard, causing her to black out. When he gets out of prison, under the current law, he could immediately own a gun without restrictions.

This bill would prohibit him from owning a firearm.

“This bill is a collaborative effort to keep guns away from convicted criminals, children and those whom a court has ordered civilly committed,” said Rep. Lesch. “It is a common-sense approach by law enforcement to keep our neighborhoods safe.”

The legislation will be one

Jim Murphy is the author of “The Giant and How He Humbugged America” (Clarion/ Houghton Mifflin Books.) Visit him online at www.jimmurphybooks.com.

The common-sense changes contained in the bill will provide county attorneys with more tools to address gun violence and keep our children and communities safe without affecting responsible gun-owners.

Immigration From 3 • Rational operational control of the border; • Adjustment of status for current undocumented population; and • Improvement, not expansion of temporary worker programs, limited to temporary seasonal not permanent jobs.

Launch Campaign Events scheduled for the following cities: • Seattle, WA – 2/18 • Portland, OR – 2/19 • Anaheim, CA – 2/20 • San Francisco, CA – 2/25 • Miami, FL – 2/28 • Houston, TX – 2/28 • St. Paul, MN – 3/6, 3/12 or 3/13 • Phoenix, AZ – 3/11 No date set yet but there will be events: Chicago & New York City For the latest updates, follow @AFLCIO and @ RichardTrumka on Twitter.

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Insight News • February 18 - February 24, 2013 • Page 5

AESTHETICS The Seven, Will Power’s hip hop retelling of Aeschylus’ The Seven Against Thebes

In rehearsal for The Seven, Bruce A. Young (standing); H. Adam Harris (sitting).

Paula Keller

Ten Thousand Things (TTT) brings Will Power’s The Seven, a hip hop retelling of Aeschylus’ The Seven Against Thebes. The story of two brothers who try to rule their kingdom peacefully despite their father’s curse with four weekends of public performances at Open Book in Minneapolis February 15– March 10, 2013.

Sarah Rasmussen makes her TTT debut as guest director for the show. The cast features Katie Bradley, Aimee K. Bryant, H. Adam Harris, Kinaundrae Lee, Brian Sostek, Ricardo Vazquez, Joetta Wright, and Bruce A. Young.

Additional composition is provided by Justin Ellington, with Peter Vitale as music director, and Kahlil Queen and Aimee Bryant as cochoreographers. Sets are by Stephen Mohring and costumes

by Annie Cady. Lindsey Cacich serves as assistant director.

Rasmussen worked with Power on the development of The Seven at the La Jolla Playhouse when she was a graduate student at the University of CaliforniaSan Diego. Says TTT Artistic Director Michelle Hensley, “When Sarah approached me with the idea of doing this

play, I immediately knew it would be such a powerful and relevant story for our audiences with its central question: How do you throw off the curse of a bad parent and find a way to stop fighting with yourself and your brothers and sisters? And I was excited at the prospect of challenging our traditional audiences to step onto the language turf of many of our non-traditional audiences!”

Rasmussen says, “Will has an incredible way of telling a story that invites in audiences of all ages and results in a truly immersive and theatrical experience. This play crackles with a spontaneous, informal and contemporary vernacular.”

The Seven enjoyed a successful Off-Broadway run at the New York Theater Workshop, with the Village Voice labeling it “brilliant” and Time Out New York proclaiming it “a spectacular offering to the theater Gods.”

Tickets for the public performances of The Seven are $25 ($15 for students on Sundays) and are available at www.tenthousandthings.org or 800-838-3006. Open Book is located at 1011 Washington Ave S.

Minnesota Cuban Film Festival opens at St. Anthony Main Theatre Presented by the Minnesota Cuba Committee, in partnership with the Film Society of Minneapolis/St. Paul, the Fourth Minnesota Cuban Film Festival opens at St. Anthony Main Theatre, 115 SE Main St in Minneapolis on Thursday, February 21. The festival includes a mix of new feature films and documentaries, along with two vintage classics. The films will all be accompanied by short features from Cuba’s International Film School and other sources.

The festival will continue each Thursday evening at 7:00 pm through March 28. The star of one of the documentaries, Cuban-American musician Victor Alvarez, will be a special guest on March 14. As in previous years, there will be a closing night party at Pracna on Main, this year with Tr3O Cubanía featuring Viviana

on race and class divisions and corruption.

Pintado, Gloria “la Niña” Rivera and Shai Hayo. For the other five nights of the festival, a lively conversation about the films and all things Cuban will follow the films at Pracna on Main.

All films are in Spanish with English subtitles.

February 21 Marina

by Enrique Alvarez (2011, Cuba, 80 min.). One of Cuba’s entries in fiction for the 2011 International Film Festival in Havana, a story of love and loss refracted through the coastal background of the small town of Gibara.

February 28 El Brigadista “The Teacher,” by Octavio Cortazar (1977, Cuba, 111 min.).

1978 Berlin film festival prize winner. The fictionalized story of a high school student from

March 14: One Among Thousands Havana who is part of the early ‘60s Literacy Brigades.

March 7 Irremediablemente Juntos “Hopelessly Together,” by Jorge

Luis Sánchez (2012, Cuba, 104 min.). One of Cuba’s entries in fiction for the 2012 International Film Festival in Havana. A musical drama from the director of El Benny, with a frank take

March 14 One Among Thousands

by Carlos G. Meier (2009, U.S., 77 min.).

A bittersweet documentary about Santa Fe, New Mexico musician Victor Alvarez, one of the “Peter Pan” children, who revisits his Cuban homeland for the first time in 43 years. Special guest appearance by Victor Alvarez.

The film will be accompanied

by Omara, (1983, Cuba, 25 min.) a lush documentary about singer Omara Portuondo whom we came to know through the Buena Vista Social Club. The film was a prizewinner at the 1986 Cannes Film Festival.

March 21 Fabula “A Fable,” by Léster Hamlet (2011, Cuba/Canada, 92 min.).

Winner of the third “Coral” in fiction for the 2011 International Film Festival in Havana. A story of the contradictions of evolving Cuban society; a romance between a prostitute from a dysfunctional environment and a young man from a privileged background.

March 28 Los 100 Sones Cubanos “100 Cuban ‘Sones,’” by Edesio Alejandro, Rubén Consuegra, (2010, Cuba/ Dominican Republic, 81 min.).

In search of authentic Cuban son, the filmmakers travel the island for the best examples of the music and its artists. The results were five Grammynominated CDs that became the film.

Further information on the films are available at www. minnesotacubacommittee.org

Safe Haven film review/interview

By Alaina L. Lewis Contributing Writer Valentine’s Day just got a little bit sweeter this year with the introduction of the latest Nicholas Sparks film, a love story entitled “Safe Haven” starring heart throb Josh Duhamel, and Dancing With the Star’s alumni Julianne Hough.

The film, directed by Lasse Hallstrom, opened on February 14, 2013; the international love holiday for couples the world round.

“Safe Haven” follows the story of spousal abuse victim “Katie,” (Hough) who flees her city home after a battle to the death with her alcoholic husband; blood is shed, a knife is pulled— moments of sheer uncertainty unfold before the eyes of the viewer, before “Katie” takes off to seek shelter and a new name in a small town far away from the mayhem.

Hoping to lay low and start anew in the seaside town of Southport, North Carolina Katie tries to stick to her lonesome, but finds herself succumbing to the undeniable attraction she has towards widower Alex Wheatley and his two children.

Unfortunately with love, comes honesty and vulnerability, and Katie doesn’t trust that she can tell Alex where she came from or even find safety in a world with his family.

We’ve all seen our share of silver lining love stories built from the clouds of one of the characters abusive pasts, however, Nicholas Sparks “Safe Haven” provides a new take on the venture by keeping it interesting and unpredictable.

This is one of the first Sparks films that kicks the suspense up a notch, and makes room for intriguing plot twists and a refreshing new angle on film romance.

“What we really wanted to do with this movie was, ok— there’s

a Nicholas Sparks audience that we know is going to want to see this movie, but we don’t want to just be compared to or lumped in with the other movies, we want this to be our own independent movie from the rest of them and different in its own way. At the core of this is about a connection between two people, and that’s it, and we didn’t want to force it. Fortunately Lasse (Hallstrom) was all about making this thing have sentiment without being overly sentimental. Just sort of letting things happen— he is a very patient man, and this movie is kind of a reflection of him.”

Duhamel states.

“I think they’re going to get caught up in the story.” Sparks shares. “There’s a place for this

film if you want to go in and settle into a small sleepy town with great performances and a story that you can get caught up in that twists off into directions that you maybe didn’t expect.

That’s why people go to films, because it hits their mood and their mood to see something like this.”

Neither Duhamel or Hough have ever played characters like Alex and Katie in their film catalog before, so although these characters aren’t extreme departures from what could be considered the norm to some individuals, these two talented actors bring a sincerity to their roles that make this fictitious world both believable and engaging.

“My character has a huge responsibility to give the audience, especially people who have gone through something my character has gone through, a realness about it,” Hough shares with Insight News, “Although this story is not necessarily just about abuse— it is about romance too, you still want to give people a strength in knowing they can overcome something like that if they’ve gone through it.”

“Safe Haven” is a perfect film for couples as well as individuals looking for a new take on the romantic film. You definitely won’t be disappointed with this flick. Take a moment this weekend, to celebrate love or creativity in “Safe Haven.”

TEN THOUSAND THINGS presents Will Power’s hip hop retelling of Aeschylus’ The Seven Against Thebes, the story of two brothers who try to rule their kingdom peacefully despite their father’s curse.

FEATURING Katie Bradley, Aimee K. Bryant, H. Adam Harris, Kinaundrae Lee, Brian Sostek, Ricardo Vazquez, Joetta Wright, AND Bruce A. Young

FEBRUARY 15 – MARCH 10, 2013 OPEN BOOK $25 (Students $15 on Sundays with valid ID)

www.tenthousandthings.org 1-800-838-3006

Page 6 • February 18 - February 24, 2013 • Insight News

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FULL CIRCLE

4 ways to divorce-proof your relationship Man Talk

By Timothy Houston Divorce is an ugly word and an ugly topic. It is also a reality in the world that we live in.

Although every marriage has the potential to end in divorce, not every marriage is subject to it. There are those who put principles in place that serve as a foundation to a healthy, long-lasting relationship.

Whether you are married or in a committed relationship, here are four things that are needed to build a successful one.

1. Honesty. As I have said before in previous writing, honesty is the desire and ability to tell the truth without any intentions to deceive. This does not mean that a person has to tell everything that they know.

Telling everything is a sign of immaturity. Children tattle tale, but mature adults only tell those things, good or bad, that are for the growth and development of the relationship. Honesty requires discretion. A husband telling his wife about an affair that took place during the marriage would be something that could work for the growth

PhotoXpress

and development of the relationship, while telling her about all of his sexual escapades before marriage would not. In all cases, words that come out of a person’s mouth must be the truth.

2. Trust. Trust is what we do. Trust is established through, fidelity, loyalty, and respect. It is

reinforced by the positive action a person takes for the good of the relationship. When actions are taken that violate trust, the relationship becomes unstable.

Trust has to be earned. If trust has been broken, you can rebuild it by doing what you say. Your actions must line up with your words. We all have in us the

ability to be trustworthy, but we have to value the relationship enough to allow it to come forth.

3. Affection. Affection tells the person in the relationship that they are loved. It has to be expressed in a positive way for it to be effective. Positive affection is established through positive touches. Touch is one of the

most powerful of all the senses.

The human body has over 30 thousand touch receptors located from the head to toe. These sensors are connected to nerves that are able to detect even the slightest touch. Positive touches include hand holding, hugging, and cuddling. These healthy interactions prevent a person

from feeling like an object and more like a respected member of the relationships.

4. Effective communication.

Effective communication is more than just talking to each other. It involves sharing goals and ambitions, hopes and aspirations, success and failures, and likes and dislikes.

It is the opposite of arguing.

Effective communication cannot be measured in the volume of words or by the length of the conversation.

It exists when the words, thoughts, and ideas of both parties are respectfully received. It is the key element that holds all relationships together.

Continue to work on your personal development and seek out positive information about relationships. It is possible to divorce proof your marriage or relationship, but it does require work and the knowledge that you are the principle factor in your relationship equations.

When you improve yourself, you make the potential for a long-lasting healthy relationship possible.

Timothy Houston is an author, minister, and motivational speaker who is committed to guiding positive life changes in families and communities.

For questions, comments or more information, go to www. tlhouston.com.

Celi Marie Dean: Recommitted

By Alaina L. Lewis Contributing Writer Having your ideas encapsulated in print is new for international wunderkind, Celi Marie Dean, who recently launched a new tier to her incomparable resume as a book author.

Dean, who is well known for her reign as Miss Black USA 2005-2006 and for publicaly speaking to women and children about self-love and the pursuit of their dreams,

is thrilled to see what was once an idea now a reality after the release her first novel Recommitted: It’s Never Too Late.

“As a former Miss Black USA, model, and public figure, I was meeting several women who would open up to me and share their stories about hurt, disappointments, insecurities and struggles with sex and relationships. As these women would share their stories, I also would begin to share my experiences and many of them

would be shocked because there was this idea that because I was a Miss Black USA and had accomplished some great things, then I must have had a perfect life or at least had no trouble when it came to confidence or relationships,” Dean shares.

“So, one day in 2008, during my prayer time, the title Recommited: It’s Not Too Late and the idea to write a book came to me. From there I continued to encounter women who would share their stories with me and so I decided to just tackle writing this book in hopes of my testimony being used to give God glory and encourage other women,” said Dean.

The book chronicles Dean’s personal transition from being entrapped by feelings of unworthiness, former hurts, sexual desires, relationship woes, and low self esteem, to her transformation into a strong, independent, god fearing woman.

Dean, who has an array of prominent titles and accomplishments under her belt --inclusive of her role as the Goodwill Ambassador of the Republic of the Gambia and a board member of the non-profit Community Aid Liberia-- is

using her experience, and her compassion for serving the

public to reach her audience on a different medium through

the use of transparency in an effort to get women and men to recommit themselves to making life changes. In essence, the book is merely a reflection of her day-to-day practice teaching individuals to love themselves and strive for more.

Dean also works with the production company End Time Harvest Entertainment, where together they produce faith-based feature films geared towards illustrating the taxing road between struggle and redemption. Their latest film, Boys Cry, currently in production, highlights the no bullying movement, and seeks to be a visual solution to overcoming the continued problem children face. For More info on Boy Cry or to donate to the production visit: www.boyscrymovie.com Recommitted: It’s Not Too Late is available at online retailers. Already receiving rave reviews for its enriching and timely messages, Recommitted stands a great chance at being earmarked as one of this year’s most distinguished necessities.

For more information on Dean and her book visit: www. celimariedean.com

insightnews.com

Insight News • February 18 - February 24, 2013 • Page 7

Third Avenue South bridge to honor Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton A special project announced by Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak to honor former Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton is underway. The City of Minneapolis will renovate the landmark, Frank Lloyd Wrightinspired bridge on Third Avenue South over Interstate 94 and rededicate it as the “Sharon Sayles Belton Bridge.” The plaza at the foot of the north side of the bridge will feature a new public artwork that will honor Mayor Sayles Belton’s historic accomplishments.

A formal rededication of the bridge, along with the unveiling of the public artwork in Mayor Sayles Belton’s honor, will take place in the fall.

Mayor Rybak also announced that the RFP for the public artwork has been released, with proposals due

by February 28, 2013. The RFP is available at http://www. minneapolismn.gov/finance/ procurement/procurement_ professional-services.

Thomson Reuters

Sharon Sayles Belton

“Rededicating this iconic Minneapolis landmark the Sharon Sayles Belton Bridge is a fitting tribute to our former mayor, who was, and continues to be, a bridge builder on so many levels,” Mayor Rybak said.

Mayor Rybak continued, “I proposed this project not only because this beautiful bridge was

first built under her leadership, but because the Sharon Sayles Belton Bridge connects sites of great importance both to her and our city. On one side of the bridge is the Minneapolis Convention Center, which was also build under her leadership and which is one of Minneapolis’ most important assets, and on the other side is the Minnesota African American Museum.

“I hope the renovated and rededicated Sharon Sayles Belton Bridge, along with the public art in her honor, will inspire the community to become even more engaged in the vision of this important museum.”

Former Mayor Sayles Belton said, “Public art is a wonderful way to tell a story about the values and aspirations of a community. The goal of the vision behind Avenue of the Arts was to share the culture and heritage of the people of Minneapolis through public art, beginning at the Mississippi

River and stretching north along Central Avenue and south on Third Avenue. Connecting people and the diversity of our neighborhoods, and leveraging our common bond, hopes and aspirations, is the power of the arts. I am delighted that the City is committed to the power of public art to connect us.”

“As Mayor, Sharon Sayles Belton believed deeply in the power of art, especially public art, to transform Minneapolis.

This project will stand as a tribute both to her many historic accomplishments and to that conviction,” Mayor Rybak concluded.

Bridge renovation The Third Avenue South bridge over Interstate 94 is scheduled for renovation in 2013. This scheduled renovation will include rehabilitation of the unique pedestrian-style lighting, repainting of the railing and restoration of the colored sidewalk.

The City of Minneapolis first built the now-iconic bridge in 2000, under Mayor Sayles Belton’s leadership. It is designed to reflect the prairieinspired design principles of Frank Lloyd Wright.

New public artwork Mayor Rybak personally proposed to the Minneapolis Public Art Advisory Panel that the City dedicate a new public artwork to Mayor Sayles Belton.

In November 2012, the panel selected Mayor Rybak’s proposal to be part of the City’s regular 2013 public-art program.

The City of Minneapolis has released an RFP for the public artwork, to be installed on the plaza at the north side of the bridge. Proposals are due on February 28, 2013. From among those proposals, three artists will be invited to submit full designs, with the winning design selected during the week of April 8, 2013.

Each year, the City of Minneapolis dedicates two

percent of its total net-debt bond program to creating and installing original public art.

Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton Sharon Sayles Belton served as Mayor of Minneapolis from 1994–2001, and was the first woman and first African American to hold the post. Before serving as mayor, she represented the residents of Ward 8 on the City Council for 10 years, the last three as City Council President.

Among her many accomplishments, Mayor Sayles Belton was a champion of the arts and urban vitality. During her tenure, the City renovated the historic theaters on Hennepin Avenue, creating a regional venue for national theatrical and musical productions. She also spearheaded efforts to reconnect the city to the Mississippi River by revitalizing the blighted central riverfront and transforming it into a thriving area for housing, entertainment, recreation and culture.

What we can do to reclaim Black children

By Susan L. Taylor NNPA Special Contributor Six years after I first heard them, the statistics still haunt me: Eighty-six percent of Black children in the fourth grade read and do math below their grade level. Black girls between the ages of 15 and 24 represent the greatest number of new HIV infections. Homicide is the leading cause of death for our boys. The village is on fire! And our love is the saving, healing water that legions of our children are literally dying for. When we listen we hear their cries rising above the flames. Their voices carry the incendiary pain and humiliation of intergenerational poverty that turns dreams to ashes: days of missed meals, uncertain safety and poorly resourced schools that plenish the pipeline to prison. These are among the many grievous thefts of potential impoverishing the lives of Black children in the land of plenty, a land made rich and powerful on the backs of our ancestors. And it’s happening on our watch.

Attorney General Eric Holder charged a national task force

Susan L. Taylor with investigating how exposure to violence impacts children.

I attended his December 14 meeting at which the culminating findings in the Defending Childhood report were delivered.

The violence that children of this nation are subjected to in their homes and communities and glamorized in the media is relentless and chilling. Expert after expert cautioned that exposure to violence traumatizes children and that, unresolved,

those traumas easily lead to deep depression and dysfunctional behaviors.

These socially disruptive behaviors—our young people’s cries for help—lead the nightly news from coast to coast, rousing shame and anxiety.

We hold our collective breath and pray, Lord, don’t let the crazed one be one of us. But the question that is never asked and answered is why are these young people acting out? What I have come to know in my personal

and professional life is this: Understanding the cause of our pain and taking action to address it are crucial to our healing.

With understanding and action, we heal, grow and thrive in profound ways. Held up proudly, nurtured and supported, we have in past generations succeeded despite the often dire economic circumstances, troubled families and traumas that many of us endured coming of age. Who among us isn’t carrying some hurt or depression or self-sabotaging habit we yet need to break?

We are a remarkable species, living at an extraordinary time in history, a marvel of creation, human and divine. Love is the divine aspect of our being. It is restorative and healing and elevates everything it touches.

That’s the promise. Love, God, Jehovah, Yahweh, Allah—call It what you will. Originating Spirit gave birth to all existence. It’s the energy that governs and balances all in creation, every cell in every living thing. It is the unchanging, unfailing, eternal aspect of our being. Spiritual awareness inspires the love, walk-on-water faith, courage and creativity needed to heal everything within us and around us, including the

damage done to our people over the seas and centuries. With love and caring we can create the beautiful future we want.

Among my baby-boomer peers are real-world exemplars of the good that is possible when a generation cares and acts out of love: We build schools and cultural institutions, develop businesses, write great books, compose great music and create dances that elevate the spirit.

The generation that inspired me––that inspired the creation of Essence and the building of other Black institutions––stopped a war, moved young people out of gangs and into breakfast programs that often gave school children the only nutritious meal they had each day. We didn’t pull a trigger to settle a beef or join gangs to make family. Even if our own family was broken, our community was whole and stood in the gap. Grownups did not fear or neglect the young. They loved, protected and corrected us. Today, under-resourced Black children have been all but discarded.

While there are no people on earth more kind, caring and creative than us Black folks, a certain world-weariness has crept into our days. As a group, we able African Americans have half-stepped around our moral responsibility to care for “the least of these.” We cannot minimize the external threats to Black advancement, but our greatest challenges are endemic. Ours is a spiritual crisis. Our spirit is fed by faith and nourished in community. But the social bonds that once tied us to one another are frayed. We have forgotten who we are and what we’re supposed to be doing here; forgotten that “we are each other’s keeper…each other’s magnitude and bond,” as the late, great Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Gwendolyn Brooks reminded us.

Like our foreparents, who made possible the privileges we now take for granted, we must live for a purpose greater than the

acquisition and accumulation of more stuff to stumble over, clutter our path and obstruct our vision. The terrain we traverse today is not even the rough side of the mountain; the rough side is behind us, cleared for us by those who came before us. We are uniquely positioned among people of African descent to make that final assault on the summit of our aspirations, if we will commit to doing what has become most difficult for us as a people: link arms and aims, make a plan and get along with one another to see it through.

We say that God is love.

But love is a verb. It requires us to do something, to actively care for ourselves and serve one another from the overflow. In the image and likeness of that Love and caring that gives Itself away to the world, we can move strategically, creatively toward economic and social justice. No obstructions strewn in our path will deter or impede us when we stand for the high purpose and move forward—together. But we’ve got to move. We’ve got to push Black leaders to humble themselves, allow love, not ego, to lead. And if they won’t lead, then they must follow and bring their constituents and congregants along. Our children cannot continue to die outside the temple doors while we “praise His holy name” within.

We are all here on assignment.

We honor God when caring for our vulnerable young. Hands that serve are holier than lips that pray.

In January we celebrated the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation.

Just six years before that hard-won acknowledgment of our humanity on the long march toward freedom, the U.S. Supreme Court decided in Dred Scott v. Sandford (1857) that African Americans were “so

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Page 8 • February 18 - February 24, 2013 • Insight News

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LIFESTYLE

The greening of…McDonald’s?

EarthTalk® E - The Environmental Magazine Dear EarthTalk: Has the McDonald’s restaurant chain made significant improvements in recent years with regard to the environment?

-- Max Andria, Laval University, Quebec Long a poster child of environmental ills and health concerns, McDonald’s has worked steadily over the last two decades to clean up its act. The company will never win over vegetarians, who eschew meat for health, animal welfare and even world hunger concerns (we’d feed more people by using the land used to grow animal feed to grow food for people instead), but it has otherwise made some significant strides.

harry_nl, courtesy Flickr

Though McDonald’s will never please vegetarians, most of whom consider the meat industry a serious affront to the environment, the restaurant chain has made some significant strides in reducing waste, saving energy and protecting forests by developing a zero deforestation plan for all the products it sources.

PUZZLES

Taylor From 7 far inferior that they had no rights which the white man was bound to respect.” But Frederick

Douglass, even in the face of the Dred Scott decision, envisioned an end to slavery just down the road. If during the most despicable time in this nation’s history, a man who was born into slavery could lead abolitionists and a president to take a stand

The company first came under fire from greens in the 1980s for sourcing beef for its hamburgers from ranches on newly cleared, former rainforest tracts throughout the Amazon basin. In response, the company committed in 1989 to refuse beef sourced from recently deforested rainforest areas.

Environmentalists were also on the company’s case about the waste it generates. So in 1990 McDonald’s partnered with the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and began phasing out its polystyrene “clamshell” food containers and increasing the recycled content of the other food containers and boxes it uses. EDF and the fast food giant developed a waste reduction plan that eliminated 300 million pounds of packaging, recycled a million tons of corrugated boxes and reduced waste by 30 percent in the decade that followed.

More recently, Greenpeace exposed the fact that expanded

soy farming in Brazil— which feeds chickens used by McDonald’s and other large food companies—had become a threat to the Amazon rainforest.

In response, McDonald’s partnered with Greenpeace to develop a zero deforestation plan for all its products.

Likewise, McDonald’s beef purchasing executives have gotten in on things: In November 2010 the company was lead sponsor of the World Wildlife Fund’s first Global Conference on Sustainable Beef, an international meeting of stakeholders in the global beef system convened to discuss how to approach sustainable beef production in socially, environmentally and economically viable ways.

Another green highlight for McDonald’s is its commitment to matching 30 percent of the electricity used at its companyowned stores with renewable energy credits from American wind power providers. And

several Japanese McDonald’s are participating in an energysaving campaign employing 13 different green technologies with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by more than 20 percent overall.

While McDonald’s is moving in the right direction, it is still widely criticized for the waste it generates and its contribution to health woes such as obesity. For its part, the company has limited control over the 80 percent of its stores that are run by independent franchisees, so change under the golden arches is slow.

This past spring, McD’s released its Global Best of Green report highlighting advances made in energy efficiency, sustainable packaging, antilittering and greening the workplace at hundreds of its restaurants around the world, underscoring it’s commitment

EARTH TURN TO 10

Oscars ACROSS 1. *The knight on the Oscar statuette holds one 6. *Possible best director 9. Sound of passing bullet?

13. Taekwondo country 14. ___ of Good Feelings 15. Twofold 16. Relating to Quechuan people 17. Energy unit 18. To set someone free 19. Bruce Wayne’s Batman, e.g.

21. *Historical drama and Oscar nominee 23. Feline cry 24. Secretary, e.g.

25. a.k.a. American Gas Association 28. Cleanse 30. Gather, as in courage, e.g.

35. Make fun of 37. Lord’s worker 39. *Controversial speech-making director (2003) 40. Aware of 41. They itch 43. *Singing nominee 44. Apartments, e.g.

46. Bank claim 47. “____ in full” 48. Petered out 50. Put in the hold 52. Grazing land 53. *Vanity Fair holds a big one on Oscar night 55. ___ sheet 57. *Western director nominee 61. *”Cloud _____,” snubbed by the Academy 63. Justin Timberlake’s “_____ the End of Time” 64. Under the weather 66. 1.75 pints 69. “Time is money,” e.g.

70. Adam and Eve used its leaves for covering 71. Silly and insignificant 72. Comedy Central’s “____.O” 73. Drug approver

ANSWERS TURN TO 10

on the right side of history, let us not retreat from making the only moral choice before us in our time. We have everything we need: creativity, connectivity, education, resources, access, a history of triumph and a pantheon of way-showers. We can learn to work together better; choose healthier, life-sustaining behaviors; fill our hearts with love and gratitude and do this work that is ours to do. We can reclaim and secure the young lives we abandoned and rebuild the village. And we can do it well by mentoring.

Mentoring—a low-cost, high-returns solution—works miracles. In the tradition of our ancestors, whether we are rich or poor, formally educated or

not, and though none of our lives is perfect, we can provide a protective shield for the children.

Done well and consistently, mentoring changes even the most challenged young lives.

But when the call goes out for mentors, White women and men are the first respondents.

Black women and men too often are not in the mix, while the wait lists at youth-serving organizations continue to swell with Black children, the vast majority of them our beautiful boys, waiting….

The National CARES Mentoring Movement, founded as Essence CARES in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, is

TAYLORTURN TO 10

74. Throat infection DOWN 1. Often used with “bum” 2. *Got an Oscar 3. Shamu, e.g.

4. King’s domain 5. *President portrayer 6. *Ang and Spike, e.g.

7. Get it wrong 8. Bald symbol 9. Dietary mineral 10. Division word 11. Nervous biter’s victim 12. Hidden valley 15. Hogwash 20. Flooded 22. Any doctrine 24. Ascetic Muslim monk 25. *Love 26. Going to 27. *Cooper and Lawrence ___ __ “Silver Linings Playbook” 29. Wedding cover 31. Daytime TV offering 32. Relating to tone 33. Bert’s roommate 34. High-pitched 36. Japanese string instrument 38. Three of these in a yard 42. Horse or pig sound 45. Difficult to detect by the mind 49. ___ chi 51. *Youngest ever nominee 54. Sense an odor 56. Colorful spread 57. African tea 58. Backward arrow command 59. Greek H’s 60. Not far distant in time, space or degree 61. Aquatic plant 62. *Like most in attendance at the Oscars 65. Manhole cover 67. WSW opposite 68. One in a set

insightnews.com

Insight News • February 18 - February 24, 2013 • Page 9

COMMENTARY America stands at a crossroads STATE OF EQUALITY AND JUSTICE IN AMERICA

Conference; U. S. Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.); and 14 additional thought leaders and national advocates for equal justice.

Here’s the fourth op-ed of the series: America stands at a crossroads. We can take the high road toward equal access to high quality public education, reaffirm our commitment to democratically elected public officials, end the failed war on drugs, recommit to the right of workers to bargain for better

conditions, lower our dreadful rate of hyper-incarceration and implement the affordable care act. Or we can travel in the opposite direction and move the nation away from equal opportunity and justice.

One reason our political bodies are so sharply divided is over this question of justice.

Some Americans seem to believe that we have done enough to achieve justice.

Others understand that the struggle for justice and equality is a continuing American project that requires patience and perseverance.

There are some disturbing trends. A decade ago there were 40 million uninsured people.

Today the number is closer to 50 million. There is greater income inequality and more poverty.

Average Americans have lost trillions of dollars in family wealth - largely the result of unregulated real estate markets.

We have not yet regulated exotic

Wall Street investments like derivatives. Our incarceration rate continues to grow; we imprison more people than any other developed nation in the world, per capita, while drugs are more plentiful and lower priced than they were a decade ago.

Fewer boys are finishing college and the rate at which we produce engineers is dropping. We rank lower in health outcomes than much poorer nations. These trends must be addressed and reversed if we are to continue to prosper and lead the world.

We seem fatigued with questions of racial and ethnic justice. Affirmative action is under attack, again. Racial profiling, abuse of prosecutorial discretion, excessive use of police force, runaway juries, disparate sentencing and selective prosecution are generally accepted as normal, not exceptional. While we celebrate the promise of the Lillie Ledbetter Act, too much

race discrimination lurks in our work places. Instead of looking at our immigrant population as a strength to be cultivated, we ignore, or pander to them.

Our civil rights apparatus is fraying. There is a trend away from joining and supporting organizations churches, unions, and civil rights organizations. Rugged individualism is no substitute for institutional voices for justice and equality. Noah built an ark to withstand the flood.

Those who could swim died outside the ark. Those who could not swim survived inside the ark. Good swimmers can’t swim 40 days and 40 nights.

We need strong institutional bulwarks to protect us from exclusion and prejudice.

Perhaps the most disturbing trend is away from the universal franchise. The right to vote secures every other right. We are encountering stiff headwinds that threaten to undermine

democracy itself.

Despite “Citizens United”, money is not speech. Our elections should not be bought and sold like vacation homes and yachts. Latter day, politically driven obstacles - voter suppression - is un-American.

There is no political goal that justifies dishonest schemes to disenfranchise American citizens. America is not a race, or a religion, color or language.

America is built on a set of noble, but fragile premises: All men are created equal; one person-one vote; majority rule.

It is these principles that make the American experiment work - undoing them could unravel the fabric of the nation.

Yet, I remain optimistic. Our union has been in the process of perfecting itself throughout its entire existence. America has been a laboratory experiment in justice and equality. The

HIV; • Invest in strategic HIV-related research to accelerate the end of AIDS in Black America and • Build the capacity needed in Black communities to accelerate the end of AIDS. Reaching the five strategic goals will ultimately lead to 80 percent viral suppression among the 515,000 Blacks living with HIV by 2017, according to the report Viral suppression is crucial in stemming the flow of the AIDS epidemic, because it not only extends the life of the HIVpositive person but it also reduces the chances that they will spread the virus.

Still, the price tag estimated at just south of $300 million for the ambitious plan on top of the $14.8 billion the U.S. is projected to spend treating people living with HIV in 2013 (if last year’s

spending numbers hold).

“With every new case of HIV infection representing lifetime treatment costs that exceed $600,000, it is a no-brainer that programs that prevent new infections before they occur represent a sound investment for American taxpayers,” the report states.

Recognizing the current political climate, the Black AIDS Institute suggested a parallel plan of action to be implemented under current fiscal constraints. The plan includes pushing for better HIV treatment, educating grassroots organizations on the benefits of biomedical and behavioral interventions and pushing for the full implementation of the Affordable Care Act. The report called the Affordable Care Act “one of the most important pieces of

legislation ever enacted for people living with HIV,” especially Blacks living with HIV. Blacks who continue to struggle with unemployment rates that often double the rate that Whites face have a harder time accessing traditional health insurance plans through work.

“More than one in five Black Americans have no health coverage, a rate that is almost twice as high as for whites,” stated the report.

Although the report says that the ACA has the potential to close gaps in the care of people living with HIV, it also may usher in the decline of smaller Black AIDS organizations across the nation that depended largely on government subsidies to serve their communities.

According to the report the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention (CDC) also plans to decrease funding to Black groups that focused solely on HIV prevention, education and outreach.

The Black AIDS Institute said that it will assist those organizations in navigating the new health care landscape dominated by ACA regulations in some cases connecting them with local clinical providers in an effort to expand their original missions.

The Ending AIDS report showcased Harlem United, an AIDS nonprofit based in New York City. Harlem United grew from a small grassroots organization to a $40 million dollar expansive health services organization that provides adult health care programs, housing services for at risk clients. Last year, Harlem United managed 586 units and reduced the number

of emergency room visits for their clients by 8 percent.

According to the report: “Harlem United was among the first AIDS service organizations to venture into the delivery of adult day health care services, and the agency took early steps to diversify its funding by creating Medicaid-reimbursable services.”

Harlem United CEO Steven Bussey said that the risks for smaller AIDS organizations are real but avenues exist for them to remain relevant even as state and federal governments are pressured to reduced costs.

“This is going to force people to explore strategic alliances, joint ventures, and consolidation,” said Bussey. “It’s going to be harder and harder for agencies to survive when they are providing only one service.”

By Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. Editor’s Note: “The State of Equality and Justice in America” is a 20-part series of columns written by an all-star list of contributors to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. The contributors include: U. S. Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) LCCRUL 50th Anniversary Grand Marshal; Ms. Barbara Arnwine, President and Executive Director, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (LCCRUL); Mr. Charles Ogletree, Professor, Harvard University Law School/ Director, Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race and Justice; the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr., President/CEO, Rainbow/PUSH Coalition; the Rev. Joseph Lowery, Co-founder, Southern Christian Leadership

AIDS From 1 The report states: “Black women are 15 times more likely to be living with HIV than white women. And new infections among young Black gay and bisexual men rose 48% from 2006 to 2009.”

The Black AIDS study outlines five key strategic goals: • Ensure that at least 95 percent of Black Americans living with HIV know their HIV status; • Eliminate gaps in the HIV treatment cascade for Black Americans living with HIV; • Deliver high impact prevention services to all Black Americans at risk of

Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr.

JACKSON TURN TO 10

PLANS THAT FIT YOUR LIFE. Wherever you are in life, we have a health plan that fits your needs. Learn more at medica.com.

Page 10 • February 18 - February 24, 2013 • Insight News

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COMMUNITY Neighborhood Organizations Calendar Cleveland • The Cleveland Neighborhood Association will host their monthly board meeting Monday 7-9pm March 18th at Lucy Craft Laney 3330 Penn Ave N. For more information, Ariah Fine, Director of CNA 612-588-1155.

help put on Live on the Drive, Spring Cleaning and Greening Day and other activities.

Meetings are held every second Thursday of the month. The next meeting will be held Thursday March 14th from 6:30-8pm.

For more information, 612-5881155.

• The Cleveland Neighborhood Association engages youth in decision making through the Youth Committee. Meetings are held every first Thursday of the month. The next Youth Committee meeting will be held March 20th 6:30-7:30pm at Lucey Craft Laney 3333 Penn Ave N.

Networking Happy Hour • Join WBC for Happy Hours Tuesday, February 26th from 4:30-6pm Good Sports Bar and Grill, 200 West Broadway. Join other members of the Northside business community for some informal conversation and networking.

• The Events Committee is made up of Cleveland Residents who

• Northside Resident Redevelopment Council are

working to engage adolescent youth through Teen Job Assistance @ North Regional Library 1315 Lowry Ave N. for teens in grade 8 and up.

Get the help you need to land your next job! Minneapolis WorkForce Center staff will present tips and information on job search, then provide oneon-one assistance with your job search, applications, résumés and interview preparation.

Register online at http://www. hclib.org/pub/events/Register. cfm?SessionNo=12566, or call 952-847-8450.

STEP-UP Internships • Minneapolis youth ages 1421 can apply for a summer internship with STEP-UP. All

Calendar • Classifieds Young, who led the National Urban League, at 7pm on Mon., Feb. 4. At Truth Be Told workshops for teens, spoken word artist Tish Jones will use spoken word to help participants tell their stories and craft new poetic works. Workshops take place at 4pm, Tue., Feb. 5 at Rondo Library (461 N Dale St, EVENTS 651-266-7400) and at 11am, Saint Paul Public Library Sat., Feb. 9 at Highland Park Commemorates Black Library (1974 Ford Pkwy, 651History Month February 695-3700). Another workshop Saint Paul Public Library host for teens, Tell Your Story with several free events for all ages in Hip Hop, presented by hip hop February to commemorate Black artist Toki Wright, will be held at History Month. Merriam Park 4pm on Wed., Feb. 5, at the Rice Library (1831 Marshall Ave, Street Teen Zone (1022 Marion 651-642-0385) will screen the St, near Rice Street Library, film “The Powerbrokers,” about 651-558-2223). The headliner Civil Rights activist, Whitney event for Black History Month is a free performance by the acclaimed local jazz Northside Funders Group Manager group, Moore by Four, at The Minneapolis Foundation is seeking a candidate to fill the posi6:30pm, Wed., Feb. 20, tion for a Northside Funders Group Manager. This is a part-time (20 at the Landmark Center hours) position that reports directly to The Director of Impact Strategy (75 W 5th St, 651-292of Economic Vitality at The Minneapolis Foundation and receives overall direction from the NFG Advisory Committee. For a full copy of 3233.) For kids, Central the announcement, please visit Library (90 W 4th St,

Send Community Calendar information to us by email: info@insightnews.com, by fax: 612.588.2031, by phone: 612.588-1313 or by mail: 1815 Bryant Ave. N. Minneapolis, MN 55411. Free or low cost events preferred.

http://www.minneapolisfoundation.org/AboutUs/Employment.aspx.

Submit a resume and cover letter along with salary history and references to jstately@mplsfoundation.org.

Applications accepted via e-mail until 4:30 p.m. on February 28, 2013. No phone inquiries will be accepted.

The Minneapolis Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KFAI, a 35-year old community radio station seeks experienced Executive Director. Responsibilities include staff development, fundraising, community outreach, strategic partnerships and alliances. ED reports to 15-member board. The ability to attract, nurture and retain an effective staff team is essential. The successful candidate will be able to effectively delegate and employ a participatory leadership approach and have the maturity, experience and skill to instill confidence and build a shared vision with stakeholders.

The ideal candidate must possess exceptional written and verbal skills, excellent strategic planning abilities, solid management skills, and the capacity to translate vision into results. Require at least 5 years progressive leadership experience, BA or equivalent experience. Excellent benefits, salary commensurate with experience, to apply email resume, cover letter and salary history to search@dendros.com by February 22. No phone calls. EOE.

Earth From 8 to sustainability moving forward. The company hopes

Taylor From 8 committed to changing this in the now time! Before we began our work, there was no national infrastructure in place to engage desperately needed Black men and women volunteers.

Operating in nearly 60 U.S. cities under the leadership of devoted volunteer community leaders, CARES is determined to ensure that all Black children needing guidance and role models are surrounded by a circle of caring, supportive adults who are committed to volunteering just one hour a week of their time as

Jackson From 9 enslaved never adjusted to being considered less than human. Women never adjusted to second-class citizenship.

Workers refused to acquiesce to

West African Dance & Drum Classes African Dance w/ Whitney $12 - All classes Drop-In. Every Saturday 1:00pm 2:30pm; Every Tuesday 7:00pm - 8:30pm. at Patrick’s Cabaret, 3010 Minnehaha Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55406.

Let’s Talk Theatre: The Harlem Renaissance Feb. 18 Join host Sarah Bellamy on Monday, Feb. 18, 5:30 - 7:30pm at Penumbra Theatre for the next Let’s Talk Theatre! Revisit the wellspring of art, ideas, and advocacy in the 1920’s and 1930’s - a dazzling period in American history. Wine and light bites paired with an inspired look at the Harlem Renaissance-what a great way to Head of Schools celebrate black Bright Water Schools, Public Charter Elementary and Montessori, history!

Presented seeks Head of Schools to start July 1, 2013. Founded in 2003 as an

by RBC Wealth authentic, inner city Montessori school on Minneapolis’ North Side, we serve 100+ students 18 months - 12 years (grade 6). Our ideal Management. administrator has a BA/BS (MA Ed preferred), 5+ years elementary Tickets are $15. classroom practice (preferred), or AMI/AMS diploma + administrator Reserve online or credential. Proven budget management, staff supervision; strong intercall the box office personal communication skills; grant-writing and institutional development skills; effective leadership record and commitment to Montessori at 651-224-3180. methods. Email application materials and three recommendations to Penumbra Theatre hossearch@brightwatermontessori.org by 2/28/13. For detailed deis located at 270 scription see http://www.brightwatermontessori.org/employment.php North Kent Street, Saint Paul, MN 55102.

Casual Laborer

Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association • Women Venture will offer its “Plan to Succeed” course at the PPNA office. “Plan to Succeed”

Phone: 612.588.1313

651-266-7000) will host African Drumming and Dance presented

by Duniya Drum & Dance at 11am, Sat., Feb. 23. For more information, please call 651266-7000 or visit www.sppl.org/ blackhistory.

Hennepin County Transportation is seeking candidates to assist with road maintenance, traffic control and other traffic maintenance related laborer tasks. The positions are seasonal from April – October and typically work four 10 hour days. Candidates must be able to work the entire season, work in various weather conditions, have a satisfactory driving record and pass a medical exam and drug test. Complete posting can be found on line at www.hennepin.jobs until 5:00 pm February 26, 2013.

Strong careers. Strong communities. eeo employer

applications must be completed online. If you need assistance with your application, call 612673-5041 or visit the STEP-UP page for agencies that offer staff and/or computer assistance. As part of the process of getting a STEP-UP internship, youth must complete a competitive application process and work readiness training through the program. Internships are paid, and youth are matched up with a wide range of local businesses for summer jobs. The deadline is March 4th, 2013.

Breast cancer screening for women 40 & older Feb. 19 Open Cities Health Center (OCHC) is holding a breast cancer screening event on Tuesday, February 19, from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the clinic’s Midway location

Victory • The Victory Neighborhood Association will hold a neighborhood meeting

Fax: 612.588.2031

at 409 North Dunlap Street in St. Paul. The goal of screening exams for early breast cancer detection is to find cancers before they start to cause symptoms. Screening refers to the tests and exams used to find a disease. Light refreshments will be served throughout the day and each participant will receive a small gift. Sponsors of the event are OCHC, the American Cancer Society, CDI Breast Care, and the Minnesota Department of Health Sage program. The event is open to all women 40 years and older. Call Vang at (651) 2909214 for more information and to make an appointment to reserve your screening.

Space is limited so call early!

“A Question of Color” Feb. 20 A Question of Color is the first documentary to confront a painful and long taboo subject: the disturbing feelings many African Americans harbor about themselves and their appearance.

Showing on Wednesday, February 20 at 6 p.m. Anderson Center Room 111, 774 Snelling Ave. N. This film digs into the often subconscious world of “color consciousness,” what it calls a caste system based on how closely skin color, hair texture, and facial features conform to a European ideal. This film can help viewers examine the complex interplay between racial identity, culture, and self-image in society and within themselves.

Come join in an important discussion about colorism in the Black community. Pizza and refreshments provided.

Tech Fest family event Feb. 23 The Works, the hands-on engineering museum for kids in Bloomington, will host its annual Tech Fest family event on Saturday, February 23, from 9am to 5pm. at The Works. 9740 Grand Ave S. The museum will explode with activity as The Works and science and engineering partners

Environmental Magazine (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: earthtalk@ emagazine.com.

Subscribe: w w w. e m a g a z i n e . c o m / subscribe. Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial.

the new report will serve as a catalyst for franchisees to make similar improvements in their businesses.

CONTACTS: EDF, www. edf.org; Greenpeace, www. greenpeace.org; McDonald’s

Best Practices, bestpractices. mcdonalds.com.

mentors. Because our program evaluators have determined that the stress of competing pressures is a major factor distracting many African Americans and diverting our energies away from critically needed engagement in mentoring today, CARES is building single-gender Wellness Mentoring Circles––safe spaces, where mentors share their challenges and triumphs, support one another, build community among themselves and learn to manage stress. When we are healthy and whole we’re better equipped to support our children.

This year, in more than a dozen cities, we are piloting programs with our partners that undergird our children academically,

emotionally and socially.

To date, CARES has recruited more than 125,000 mentors for upwards of 135,000 children.

But it’s not enough. So I’m asking that you stand in the gap and volunteer an hour a week to help guide our young who need more caring adults in their lives.

Our children losing ground need your congregation, your block association, your friends and family, they need our fraternities and sororities to take action. We need all hands on deck, and the best way to get others to step up is to get engaged ourselves and express the joy we feel and the healing that occurs when doing God’s work.

You can email me at taylor@

caresmentoring.org or visit our website, www.caresmentoring. org, to get connected with a local CARES Affiliate. You can also start a mentor-recruitment movement in your area. Linking arms and aims, we can ensure the village that now burns will be reborn, phoenix-like, from the ashes, and that our children will soar, dreams first, into a new day.

exploitation. Seniors refused to accept the indignity of poverty after a life of industry. Young people refused to be seen and not heard. That is the genius of the American experiment - we become a better, stronger nation when we insist that the nation live with its conscience.

Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. is President/CEO of the Chicagobased Rainbow/PUSH Coalition.

This article - the fourth of a 20-part series - is written in commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. The Lawyers’ Committee is a nonpartisan, nonprofit

organization, formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to enlist the private bar’s leadership and resources in combating racial discrimination and the resulting inequality of opportunity - work that continues to be vital today. For more information, please visit www. lawyerscommittee.org.

EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E - The

is a free 5-week training course for qualified participants and offers vital sessions that will provide the skills and tools needed to grow a business that is feasible, viable and desirable.

In addition, participants will receive three 1-hour sessions with one of Women Venture’s seasoned Business Consultants.

The course is limited to only 10 participants so register early.

The next meeting takes place 6:00 – 9:00 pm February 25 Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association Office 821 E. 35th Street Minneapolis, MN 55407.

Susan L. Taylor is the founder and CEO of National CARES Mentoring Movement. For 27 years she served as the chief editor of Essence magazine.

Learn more about the programs of National CARES at www. caresmentoring.org.

Wednesday February 27th from 7-9pm at St Johns Missionary Baptist Church 4301 Thomas Ave N. For more information, Diane Spector 612-529-9558.

Graffiti Removal Program • Hennepin County Sentence to Service has a work crew available to abate graffiti in our area! The WBC is here to help you get connected to this great resource. To request this service, you must fill out a form that gives Sentence to Service permission to clean up the graffiti that is present on your business, garage or home. If you have any questions, please contact the WBC at 612-3535178.

Email: info@insightnews.com

from all over the Twin Cities host live demos and activities for curious kids and their families!

It’s the museum’s gooiest, messiest, most electrifying event of the year! Families can explore interactive exhibits, do amazing projects and challenges, learn about cool science and engineering from experts, and much more. Event fee: $6 per person. Kids under 3 are free.

Member price is $5 per person.

Memberships do not apply to this special event. No passes or coupons accepted. Buy tickets at the door or online at www. theworks.org.

create the state’s third capitol building. Learn how the building elements, decorations and furnishings come together to create a harmonious blend of architecture and art in Minnesota’s most important public building at the Minnesota State Capitol 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul.

Fri. Mar. 1. Phone: 651-2962881. Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Fee: $9 adults, $8 seniors and college students, $6 children ages 6-17; $2 discount for MHS members.

Reservations: required; register online: http://tickets.mnhs.org/ default.asp?cgcode=41

Black Jeopardy XV Feb. 27 Faculty, staff, and students participate in a lively, competitive test of their knowledge of Black history and culture on Wednesday, February 27 at 6:30 p.m.

Anderson Center Room 112, 774 Snelling Ave. N. Have fun and test your knowledge. Prizes for all, including audience members.

Ramsey Time Capsule: 1849 Mar. 2 Experience the sights and sounds of 1849 in this one-hour, familyfriendly program at Alexander Ramsey House 265 S. Exchange St., St. Paul. Children (ages 6 and up) and their parents will use a timeline map to explore the Ramsey House and discover the events that made 1849 so special. Along the way, guests will sample popular foods of the era, learn about the new inventions and technology of the day and play a 1800s parlor game. Before and after the event, children will be able to create their own time capsule to take home. Phone: 651-296-8760.

Time: Tours at Noon, 1, and 2 p.m. Fee: $10 adults, $9 seniors and college students, $7 children ages 6-17; free for children age 5 and under and MHS members.

Reservations: recommended; call 651-296-8760.

Capitol Construction Tour Mar. 1 From 1896-1905, hundreds of skilled workers came together to create one of the most beautiful Capitol buildings in the United States. Iron beams were riveted together to create the building’s framework and derricks lifted cut stone into place inside and outside the state’s third capitol building. A 90-minute guided tour features the construction methods used, the planners and the workers who helped

Answers From 8

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Insight News • February 18 - February 24, 2013 • Page 11

HEALTH Sweet ‘tea’ is not a better choice been given the impression through marketing and packaging that these drinks represent a healthful alternative to soda. They are not. Many of these (sweetened tea beverages) are little more than sugar water.

They contain small amounts of tea and lots of added sweeteners.

One 20 oz bottle of sweetened tea often contains more than 200 calories. If you drink an average of one bottle of tea daily, that is 20 pounds of calories a year just from tea. These beverages retain little to none of the health benefits of brewed tea. They provide excess calories that are likely to contribute to weight gain and increase your risk of developing diabetes and other chronic health conditions. Sugar free bottled teas may have few to no calories but artificial sweeteners may actually encourage your body to eat more due to their overly sweet flavor which has been shown to stimulate your appetite.

Our Health

By Nicole Winbush MD When discussing food choices, one of the first questions I often ask is “What do you drink?”.

One of the more common answers that I have been getting lately is that people are drinking a lot of ‘tea’. Often the tea that is being referred to is a sweetened (or sometimes sugar-free) bottled beverage. Many people will often drink several cups or bottles of ‘tea’ per day. Often, they tell me that they are drinking tea because they see it as a healthier alternative to soda. This week we talk about tea, and some of the beverages out there that pass for tea and provide some information about what is known about tea and its health benefits.

What is tea?

Tea refers to a beverage made from the dried leaves of a plant (camelia sinensis) that is native to Asia. It is the major beverage of many people around the world.

There are several types of tea (e.g. green, black, white, oolong) these are made by different methods of drying and preparing the tea leaves. In the US, green and black tea are the most common types. There are also herbal teas

Michael Lorenzo

Many sweetened tea beverages are little more than sugar water that are not made from tea leaves and often contain a mixture of dry herbs.

What is not tea?

Many people are now drinking bottled tea beverages and have

What are the health benefits of tea?

Brewed tea contains chemical compounds called anti-oxidants and are especially rich in one form of anti-oxidant called catechins.

These catechins are highest in green tea but are also present in black tea and to a lesser extent in decaffeinated tea.

Bottled tea beverages contain almost none of these anti-oxidants.

Catechins are thought to promote beneficial health effects by helping the blood vessels in the body to function better. When people

drink green tea, their blood vessels have been observed to dilate more, aiding in blood flow. This may explain some of the observed health associations with regular tea consumption.

For instance, drinking 3 cups of black tea daily has been shown to have modest effects on lowering blood pressure. Studies have also suggested potential benefits of regular green tea consumption on lowering stroke and heart disease risk. However, the results are not consistent or fully proven. Green tea (and more specifically chemical extracts from green tea) has been reported to aid in weight loss, weight loss maintenance and cancer prevention. However, studies have not consistently proven this.

Should you start drinking tea?

If you currently are not a regular brewed tea drinker, you could consider adding a cup or two of brewed tea to your diet everyday.

It should be noted that tea (unless decaf) contains caffeine.

Caffeine is a stimulant and can help people feel more alert and focused, especially in the morning. However, if you drink too much or are very sensitive to caffeine, it can make you feel anxious or jittery or if taken late in the day it can sometimes impair sleep. If you are a sweet tea drinker, consider switching to fresh brewed tea. It is cheaper and has some potential health benefits. If you need to add a little sweetener, consider adding a small amount of honey or

sugar. This will still have many fewer calories than the bottled variety. You can also add some milk to your tea, however, be aware that this may reduce the benefits of tea on blood vessel function.

Evaluate how you hydrate Our body needs fluids to function properly. When I am asked by patients, ‘What should I drink?’, my first answer is always water. However, as we have discussed brewed tea can also can be a healthful addition and can provide some variety in terms of taste.

Dr. Winbush is a family physician practicing at NorthPoint Health and Wellness Center. She has a strong interest in wellness and patient education to help individuals feel empowered to optimize their health and functioning. She wants to hear from you: To request topics for future articles and for additional resources visit www. functionwellmedicine.com or LIKE Function Well Medicine on Facebook.

The information contained herein should not be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provider. The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only. In no way should it be considered as offering medical advice. Please check with a healthcare provider if you suspect you are ill.

Kidney Foundation recognizes African American History Month The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is recognizing African American History Month this February by spreading awareness about the increased risk of diabetes and kidney disease in African Americans, and the importance of health management to prevent these chronic health conditions.

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure, causing more than 40 percent of all cases.

For African American adults with diabetes, it’s important to control your disease and take care of your health to prevent future health complications, such as kidney failure.

An estimated 4.9 million — 18.7 percent — of all nonHispanic blacks age 20 and older have diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes. Diabetes is four times more likely to cause kidney failure in African Americans than in Caucasians.

In addition to kidney failure, unmanaged diabetes can lead to other serious complications such as blindness, limb amputation, heart attack and stroke.

Luckily, people with diabetes can lower the occurrence of these complications by controlling blood glucose, blood pressure, and blood lipids.

Learn About Diabetes.

Diabetes means that your blood glucose (sugar) is too high.

Diabetes is serious because it can damage your heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

Know Your Numbers. Ask your doctor what diabetes target numbers are best for you. Learn about your A1C, blood pressure and cholesterol numbers (known as the ABCs of diabetes).

Manage Your Diabetes. Keep track of your diabetes numbers, be active on most days of the week, eat healthy, and don’t smoke.

Get Regular Care. Contact your health care team if you

A network of care, all around you.

If you live in Hennepin County, chances are good there’s an HCMC clinic nearby. These multi-specialty clinics accept most health plans, allow you to manage your care with 24-hour online access to MyChart and are ready to provide expert health care for you and your family.

Find out more, and a clinic near you at hcmc.org/clinics.

Downtown Primary and Specialty Care Clinics Brooklyn Center Clinic • Brooklyn Park Clinic • East Lake Clinic Richfield Clinic • Whittier Clinic • St. Anthony Village Clinic

have any questions or problems as you manage your diabetes, medicines or supplies.

Despite the increased risk of kidney disease and diabetes in African Americans, type

2 diabetes can be prevented, delayed and managed, which can reduce the chance of having other health issues down the road.

Visit www.kidney.org for

more information about diabetes and kidney disease care and prevention, or for information on upcoming diabetes classes and workshops. You can also call the NKF at (800) 596-7943.

Page 12 • February 18 - February 24, 2013 • Insight News

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