LAWT 12-06-2012

W E E K E N D E R SEE PAGES 6-7

Vol. XXX, No. 1313

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Thursday, December 6, 2012

L.A. Watts Times

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Thursday, December 6, 2012

HOROSCOPES A

RIES ~ You have more of a flair for communication this week than usual.

Keep your words diplomatic but effective if your opinion is called for. A relative seeking advice will be glad they asked you. Soul Affirmation: I make the first step and the universe will come to my aid.

AURUS ~ Don’t sweat the small stuff this week. You have a keen eye for the big picture, and you’ll be most productive if you ignore the petty this week. Your home is very happy this week! Count your blessings!

Soul Affirmation: Cheerfully handling what comes at me is the test of who I am.

EMINI ~ Your energy level remains high; be careful not to overdo it but enjoy the wonderful feeling of your physical self as much as possible. A phone call from a friend who lives far away will brighten your week and inspire you with travel plans.

Soul Affirmation: Slow and easy is the best way for me to travel this week.

ANCER ~ You can fly through the week if you keep your level of cooperation high. By this week’s end, you’ll have many plans, romantic and otherwise for the time period. Be patient at the workplace and things will go fine. Soul Affirmation: I take it easy on myself this week.

EO ~ You may feel as if you’ll never get everything done that’s asked of you, but stay steady and on course, take things one step at time, and you’ll be amazed at what you accomplish. Celebrate with a special friend. Soul Affirmation: This week is a gift that I deserve.

IRGO ~ It’s a great week for catching up on chores and leftover tasks from last week. You’ll also have the opportunity to spend some time thinking about the direction you want your life to flow toward.

Soul Affirmation: I face each day with a smile and the day smiles back at me.

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Dec. 6 - 12 L

IBRA ~ Communication vibes are highlighted, and you are in your element. Many ideas will be presented, and everyone will be very receptive and agreeable to what you say. Romantic interests are easily pursued this week. Smile on! Soul Affirmation: The slowness of my pace gives me time to refresh my energy.

CORPIO ~ Love and romance vibes are all around you this week! They will soothe your spirit and uncoil your tensions resulting from having too much work to do. Delegate some of the minor tasks so that you can do your best at the big stuff. Have a loving, lovely week. Soul Affirmation: New intuitions create new plans and a new cast of characters.

AGITTARIUS ~ Financial matters are highlighted during working hours.

Everything to do with your money, or money under your care, goes smoothly.

Another party invitation arrives. . . say YES! Soul Affirmation: I admit what I really want out of life this week.

APRICORN ~ Happiness with partners remains the order of the week.

Relations between partners are exceptionally harmonious right now. You are in sync with loved ones. Much is being accomplished by your attitude. Don’t overdo your physical workout. Soul Affirmation: I master fear by knowing that all is well.

QUARIUS ~ The time has come to forgive and forget. Take the first step in reconciling a friendship. You thought no one knew, but you may be romantically attracted to an old pal. Soul Affirmation: Friendships are treasures I cherish.

ISCES~If you are finding it hard to concentrate on a project at work, begin imagining it successfully completed. Work steady and stay calm this week. This week is a good time for personal inventory. SoulAffirmation: I will take time to enjoy the simple things in life.

Inside This Edition

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Groundbreaking lawmaker first elected foreign-born member of Congress, represented California’s 31st district from 1981-1993

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Family members, former colleagues, and staff of the late Mervyn M. Dymally will celebrate the life of the groundbreaking lawmaker in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, December 12, at the United States Capitol Visitors Center. Among those scheduled to attend and give remarks are Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Charles Rangel, Rep. Maxine Waters, Rep. Janice Hahn, and Rep. Karen Bass, who is introducing a House Resolution in honor of Dymally. H.E. Dr. Neil Parson, ambassador to the U.S. from Rep. Mervyn Dymally with Rep. Edward Trinidad & Tobago and Lynn Roybal Dymally, daughter of Mr. Dymally will also be in attenService Committee. He served on dance. Congressional Black Caucus that panel, Foreign Affairs, and the Chairman Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver, II District of Columbia until he retired will head a delegation of current and in 1993. For a single term in the 99th former members in attendance.

Congress (1985–1987), Dymally also Dymally passed away on Sunday, served on the Education and Labor October 7 in Los Angeles from Committee. In the 100th Congress declining health. He was 86 and is (1987–1989), he chaired the survived by his wife of 44 years Alice Congressional Black Caucus (CBC).

Gueno Dymally, daughter Lynn and “I have an obligation as a Third son Mark, as well as three sisters and World person. I make no excuses. I a host of other relatives and friends. do have a very keen interest in the Affectionately referred to as the Third World,” Dymally told the Los “Godfather of African-American poli- Angeles Times in 1988. tics” in California, Dymally represent“We do not live in just 50 states. ed California’s 31st congressional dis- We contribute significant sums of trict in the House of Representatives taxpayer money in the Third World.” from 1981 until 1993. He was born in As chairman of the Foreign Trinidad and was the first foreign- Affairs Subcommittee on Interborn member of Congress to serve in national Operations, Dymally became the United States. a leading spokesperson on human While in Congress, Dymally won rights and economic development, assignments on the Foreign Affairs, particularly in Africa, the Middle District of Columbia, and Science East, and the Caribbean. He was an and Technology committees. In the outspoken critic of apartheid in South 99th Congress (1983–1985), he left Africa and advocated imposing sanchis post on Science and Technology tions against the minority-white for a seat on the Post Office and Civil See DYMALLY HONORED, page 4

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Memorial Service to be held for the late Mervyn Dymally in Washington

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BlackHistoryDaily.com December 9, 1976 Tony Dorsett is awarded the Heisman Trophy.

December 9, 1971 Bill Picket became the fist Black elected to the National Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame.

December 10, 1971 William H. Rehnquist confirmed as Supreme Court justice despite opposition of civil rights organizations.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

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Jackie Lacey District Attorney County of Los Angeles

BY YUSSUF J. SIMMONDS, CO – MANAGING EDITOR; BRANDON I. BROOKS, CO – MANAGING EDITOR; JENNIFER BIHM, ASSISTANT EDITOR The swearing-in of Jackie Lacey, as Los Angeles County’s first African

The Honorable Jackie Lacey, the 42nd district attorney, County of Los Angeles.

American and first woman district attorney, was a historic occasion. The ceremony started off with musical selections by the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles, followed by master of ceremonies, U.S. Attorney for the Central District Andre Birotte, who led the presentation of colors, the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem and the Invocation. Birotte spoke briefly about Lacey from his official and personal perspective as a law enforcement colleague and a friend, before introducing former District Attorney Steve Cooley, Lacey’s former boss.

“I want to thank my husband, David, and my kids, Kareem and April, for all they’ve done to help me realize this dream. Also my nephew Laydell,” said Lacey who took the oath of office and her official badge from Cooley.

During an interview, just after she had won the election, she said that it wasn’t until she took a trip to the post office to mail ‘thank you’ cards that she finally began to realize the enormity of what she had done.

“I was just going to pop in there and mail my stuff and I was sort of

Taking the oath of office from D.A. Steve Cooley, surrounded by (L to R) April (daughter), Kareem (son), and David (husband) surprised that people said, ‘I know who you are. You’re the district attorney of L.A. County.’ I still haven’t really watched television and I’m barely picking up things and reading the papers. And so, something tells me it was a bigger deal than I realized at the time.”

But she has no intention or desire to bask. She’s been ready to get to work even before her candidacy. Now, she said, her top priorities would be public safety, alternative sentencing and prison realignment.

“There are a lot of business things that have to be taken care of in the

office,” said Lacey.

“The legislature will be in session in January. So, I want to talk to our legislative lobby as to find out what are we going to do. What’s our agenda? Right now [for instance] with prison overcrowding, the legislature is reluctant to pass enhancements that would add even a day to someone’s prison sentence. I want them to understand that there are some bad actors out there that they may not want in their community. So, we’ll be talking about that.

“We’ll also be talking about expanding alternative sentencing

courts, which are courts that are alternatives to jail. Right now there are pilot programs in place for drug and mental illness. We can probably expand those.

“I’m most concerned about people in need of mental health services, particularly African Americans. There are a lot of us who are suffering from undiagnosed, untreated mental illness.

Some of us are out on the streets right now. There is hope, I know a lot of people who are suffering from mental illness who are working because they’ve got it managed. They’ve got See JACKIE LACEY, page 5

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Thursday, December 6, 2012

Councilwoman Perry celebrates opening of 28th Street Apartments Project provides homes for low income individuals and job skills center for youth

utive director Jim Bonar told an audience of dignitaries at the recent opening of the 28th Street Apartments.

“With this milestone, we are witnessing the culmination of our shared dream to celebrate our rich history, develop quality housing for our young people and create a space in which they can grow and thrive,” said Councilwoman Jan Perry (9th District) who worked closely with the developers to ensure the historic landmark was brought back to life and would continue to serve the community.

“By reinventing this iconic Paul Williams building in the VernonCentral community, we are moving our community forward, and I thank both CRCD and Clifford Beers Housing for investing in our youth and their future.”

Referring to the project, CBH’s Bonar said, “This building is far more than just an early design by the legendary Paul Williams. It was an integral part of life in the robust African American community, which dominated Central Avenue from the 1920s to 1960s. Our plans for the renovation of the existing building and the new

business card bulletin board

A distinguished landmark in South Los Angeles — the 28th Street YMCA designed by African-American architect Paul Williams — has been restored to serve low-income adults and youth transitioning from homelessness to independent living. Codeveloped by Clifford Beers Housing (CBH) and Coalition for Responsible Community Development (CRCD), the $21 million, 49-unit community also will serve homeless and lowincome individuals, including those living with mental illness, CBH exec-

wing were guided by two imperatives: to honor the history of the building and revive its service to the community in the 21st century.”

In its new incarnation, the original YMCA accommodations have been transformed into 24 units including kitchenettes and private bathrooms--a far cry from its former configuration with 50 rooms, shared bathrooms and a common cafeteria. The new wing, comprised of 25 studio apartments, will accommodate low-income and formerly homeless individuals. Eight units are set-aside for 18-24 year-olds.

Recreation amenities include a restored gym and a rooftop garden.

On the ground floor of the historic building CRCD will operate the new VCN City of Los Angeles YouthSource Center, which will provide educational and job training opportunities for young adults.

“The project and partnership with Clifford Beers Housing demonstrates our commitment to affordable housing and supportive services for our city’s most vulnerable populations and further affirms the mission and vision of See PERRY, page 11

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Congresswoman Waters elected ranking member of the Financial Services Committee

Congresswoman Maxine Waters

BY LAWT NEWS SERVICE “I am deeply humbled to be elected as Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee by my Democratic colleagues,” said Congresswoman Maxine Waters recently after being unanimously elected Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee by the House Democratic Caucus.

“I want to foremost extend my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Congressman Barney Frank for both his friendship and outstanding service to the committee, particularly for his steadfast leadership during the 2008 financial crisis – the most perilous moment our economy has faced since the Great Depression. The last few years have been very turbulent for our financial system, and Congressman Frank should be commended for leading us out of the crisis, and assuring the passage of the Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, which rightfully bears his name…”

“I look forward to working with

DYMALLY HONORED

Social Security Disability Appeals Representative

Continued from page 2

WILSON MILL LEGAL OVERLOAD, LLC

government. He also emphasized the necessity of economic development.

As a member of the Subcommittee on Africa, Dymally made numerous trips to Africa and pushed the committee to focus on a wider spectrum of issues from “human relations to trade.”

“Most African countries are moving toward democracy and there is an absence of trade between Africa and African Americans, in particular, and America, in general,” Dymally told the L.A. Sentinel in an interview.

“We’ve been building up a network and trying to convince Africans about the importance of trade. It is proper to want to get Africans out of

(323) 756-3755

my colleagues to protect, defend and implement the important provisions of Dodd-Frank, which will continue to strengthen our financial system,” Waters continued.

“I understand that regulatory certainty is an important aspect of growing our economy, and remain committed to ensuring clear and transparent regulation which creates the space for innovation, safety and soundness.

“I am grateful for the opportunity over the next Congress to work on the key issues facing our financial system. Housing finance reform, in particular, will be crucial to ensuring the long-term success and stability of our economy. I believe we need a financial system that facilitates economic opportunity and wealth creation for all, and I stand ready to work with my colleagues towards that goal.

“We have a number of challenges ahead of us on the Committee, and I welcome the chance to work with Chairman Hensarling to reconcile our visions for the future.”

jail. But, I want to get them out of poverty, too.”

In addition to his career in Congress, Dymally served in the California State Assembly, California State Senate, and as the 41st Lieutenant Governor of California.

The service will be held in the House Visitors Center Room 215 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Those interested in attending can call (202) 256-0499 or email tkarim@ teclawgroup.com. Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi will serve as hosts. The event is supported by the Mamadi Diané, liaison to the president of the Ivory Coast, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, and Dymally’s staff members.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

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Christmas comes early for community youth

L.A. Black Porsche Club to host 17th Annual Toy Run

2nd Annual Holiday Kids Tennis Day at Jackie Tatum/Harvard Recreation Park in Los Angeles

Shields for Families Center in Compton to receive hundreds of gifts for homeless and at-risk families

Members of the L.A. Black Porsche Club participate in the 2011 annual Toy Run in Compton, Calif.

The Los Angeles Black Porsche Club will host its 17th Annual Toy Run to benefit underprivileged and homeless children in the city of Compton.

Hundreds of members of Los Angeles’ oldest African-American Porsche driver’s club will gather Sunday, December 9, at 10 A.M. at the Chester Washington Golf Course located at

Kids with Santa The 2nd Annual Holiday Kids Tennis Day, benefiting the Pete Brown Scholarship Fund and the Harvard Tennis Club, recently provided a free tennis clinic, tennis racquets, shoes and clothes, lunch and Christmas gifts for over 100 community youth and their families at the Jackie Tatum/Harvard Recreation Park’s tennis courts in South Central Los Angeles. The clinic was for junior players between the ages of 4 and 18 years old, who could not afford tennis lessons, tennis racquets, tennis outfits and shoes. Not only was it was a great day for the kids, the organizers and volunteers’ hearts were filled with joy because they had an opportunity to give back in a meaningful way, said an event spokesperson.

After the success of the 2011 event, The Pete Brown Scholarship Fund in partnership with Coach Mary Pat-Faley ( “Winning in Tennis and Life”, 2010 CA Pro of the Year) and Todd, Anne and Jonathan Star, of the Calabasas Tennis & Swim Center, again, co-hosted the junior tennis clinic and celebration.

The day began with the children receiving tennis giveaways. After the welcome introductions and photos, the children went into groups where 26 volunteer coaches ran tennis drills to enhance their skills and love of tennis. The day ended with each child competing for Christmas gift bags filled with toys and holiday goodies.

Santa Claus made a guest appearance (courtesy of Coach Al Erby).

Two upcoming events at Harvard Park include the Inner-city Junior Tennis Camp from December 17 – January 4, 2013. Those interested can contact Coach Al Erby at (323) 8190433. On New Year’s Day, January 1, 2013 Delores Simmons (323-8190433) will host the 40th Annual Frank Simmons #1Doubles Shoot Out, in honor of her late husband.

The Pete Brown Scholarship Fund provides on-going support for junior players who need help paying for tennis lessons and tournament fees. Donations are always appreciated and are accepted year round.

For more information, visit the Pete Brown Scholarship Fund website www.PBSF2009.com.

JACKIE LACEY Continued from page 3 healthcare. Their doctors have found the right drugs to bring them out of depression, etc…”

Lacey told the Galen Center audience that she would also focus on cultivating healthy relationships.

“I will lead by example,” she directed at the office staff.

“I will treat you the way I would want to be treated if our roles were reversed. I will support you as you do your job; you are my heroes. To

my counterparts in the justice system, I will work with you, listen to you, and respect what you do and your opinions.

“I will make decisions that are in the best interest of justice. I look forward to working with my fellow law enforcement executives: U.S. Attorney Andre Birotte; California Attorney General Kamala Harris and local police chiefs – so many of whom are here with us today.”

1930 West 120th Street in Los Angeles where they will continue to collect donations and toys. At 11 A.M., the club will receive a motorcycle escort from the Los Angeles Rare Breed Motorcycle Club to Compton’s Shields for Families Center located at 1315 North Bullis Road, where they will handout the toys and gifts. On

Saturday, the Club will join the Los Angeles Urban League Headstart program for a free backpack holiday giveaway for preschool aged students. The event will take place at 11 A.M. at 7812 South Broadway in South Los Angeles.

For more information, please call club president, Russell Wright (562) 217-7641.

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Thursday, December 6, 2012

COVER PHOTO: AP Photo/Rob Holt

By Kenneth Miller | LAWT Staff Writer The finalists for the Heisman Trophy were released this week and one name, the one of a sure fire candidate since he decided to return for his senior year at Oregon, was suspiciously missing.

Just as recent as a month ago Riverside native Kenjon Barner was considered between the top two favorites and since the Ducks concluded their season with a victory over rival Oregon State, Barner had done nothing to dispute his candidacy.

After all, Barner led the Oregon Ducks to a top four BCS ranking; his team averaged more points than any other team in college football with 50 and fourth in total offense with 6,601 yards from scrimmage.

Barner is the best player on that team and among the best to ever lace up a pair of cleats for Oregon.

His statistics are staggering. He is 7th in the nation in rushing with 1,624 yards, 6th in the nation in scoring with 22 touchdowns and 132 points, all the while leading the Ducks to an 11-1 record and arguably to being one of the top two teams in America.

When Barner leaves Eugene after this, his senior and final season he will do so as the first player in school history since 1965 to have scored a rushing, receiving, punt return and kick-off return touchdown.

So, regardless if the kid who was born in Lynwood is not invited to New

F E AT U R E

York for the Heisman and even if he doesn’t win the Doak Walker Award as the nation’s best running back, he is off to a future that is much brighter than the one he had.

It was a future that began as a point guard in basketball as a youth.

“When I was in the 6th or 7th grade, my dad woke me up for practice and I told him that I didn’t want to play basketball anymore that I was going to the NFL,” Barner explained in an exclusive interview with LAWT. That was after the family had relocated to the Inland Empire city of Riverside.

Thus a love affair began with one of America’s most violent sports, but through his youth as a Pop Warner sensation and in high school at Notre Dame ---Kejon Barner was as graceful a runner on the gridiron as he’s been a person in life.

He finished second in the nation in 2007, scoring 22.8 points per game, fourth in rushing with 3,124 and finished his career scoring 46 touchdowns at Notre Dame. Barner is only one of three Riverside players to rush for over 3,000 yards in a season.

However after his prep career was over there never was a thought of attending one of the local schools such as USC or UCLA.

L.A. Watts Times WEEKENDER

“ F o r some reason I told my dad that I wanted to go to school back east. I wasn’t recruited by USC, but UCLA was interested after I signed with Oregon,” said Barner.

He made USC pay dearly for not recruiting him, setting a school-record with 321 rushing yards on a career-high 38 attempts, tied for a career-high five touchdowns and also caught two passes for 26 yards in the win over the Trojans. It was the most any rusher had ever gained against a USC defense.

“The entire week felt like a great week before the USC game. It meant a lot to me to be playing in front of my family and friends,” he explained.

As soon as he arrived at Oregon his position was changed from running back to defensive back, but that was the least of his concerns since adjusting to being away from home proved difficult at first.

At 5’11, 195 he fit the mold of a lock down defensive back, but running back coach Gary Campbell saw that his blazing speed could become a greater asset on the team as a running back.

It was Campbell who was instrumental in helping Barner adjust to being away from home during that redshirt freshman year.

“He provided me with the stability that I needed. He was more like a father away from home and was always there for me when I need someone to talk to,” Barner added.

It helped pave the way for Barner to grow up not just as a

LEFT: Oregon State Ducks Kenjon Barner (24) in action during a game against Washington State on September 29, 2012 at Century Link Field in Seattle, WA. Oregon State beat Washington State 51-26.

ABOVE: Kenjon Barner, third from left, walks onto the field with family and friends before their NCAA college football game against Stanford in Eugene, Ore., Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012.

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football player, but more importantly as a man who will be the first of his family to graduate from college.

Ultimately, he gives all of his credit to God and his two doting parents Gary and Wilhelmenia Barner who raised him along with his six other siblings.

“Having two parents has been a major plus for me. They have always made a way and sacrificed to help me become the person that I am today. My dad has been to every game I’ve played and while my mother doesn’t fly she has been to many of my games in support of me as well,” continued Barner.

Wilhelmenia will not have to take a plane to see her son when his Ducks take on the Kansas State Wildcats (11-1) in Tempe, AZ at the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl on Jan. 3rd.

If the Ducks had not lost to Stanford in overtime they could be playing for the BCS National Championship.

“I would like to have that game back,” Barner stated. “I feel in my mind that we are the best team in the country.”

Barner has managed to keep his focus on what’s ahead and not look back.

“It was rough at first. First time being away from my family,” he reflected on that freshman year.“I thought maybe I needed to go home, but just knowing I was going home to nothing was enough for me to stay.”

He speaks regularly to his best friend LaMichael James, whose role he inherited when James left for the NFL after his junior season. James was drafted in the second round by the San Francisco 49ers, Barner’s favorite team.

He is also looking forward to being drafted into the NFL, but he has prepared for his life beyond football.

Barner suffered a career threatening concussion while at Oregon, but survived to become a star.

In March 2011 he rededicated his life to Jesus

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Christ, explaining that he now knows just how much faith and religion means to him.

“When I decided to come back for my senior year, I did so to improve my draft status, but also to finished school and graduate,” Barner said.

N o w , he says he can match w i t s with h i s sis-

ter Maisha who inspired him to become a better student.

Having already achieved prestigious All America status as a collegian, Barner regained his relationship with God, is on course to graduate on time with his college class, and now all that is left for him is one big Fiesta.

The NFL is next…

LEFT: Kenjon Barner (24) runs off the field with Oregon running backs coach Gary Campbell, right, after Oregon beat Washington State 51-26.

Barner had 195 rushing yards and four touchdowns in the game.

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New documentary gets to know Bo Jackson

BY RACHEL COHEN ASSOCIATED PRESS Bo Jackson enjoys going to the supermarket much more these days.

Back when he was a twosport pro athlete and pop culture star more than two decades ago, the family cook couldn’t do his grocery shopping without being mobbed by fans. Perhaps surprising for a guy who was once everywhere on TV in a classic ad campaign, not everyone knows Bo anymore.

“It really doesn’t bother me that people don’t know who I am,” said Jackson, who turned 50 on Friday. “It’s kind of nice in a way.”

An admittedly private person who long struggled with stuttering, Jackson has taken on a more public perAP Photo/G. Paul Burnett sona recently. In the spring, Auburn University’s Bo Jackson poses with he biked across his native the Heisman Trophy at New York’s Hilton Alabama, recruiting other Hotel, Thursday evening, Dec. 12, 1985. celebrities to raise money for victims of the 2011 tornados Jackson is named outstanding college footthat ravaged the state. Jackson ball player of the year by the Downtown was part of the four-man Athletic Club of New York. search committee as his alma mater, Auburn, hired Gus Malzahn as saw it as, ‘Hey, I’m transcending an era here and I’m a pop icon or whatits new football coach December 4.

And he agreed to participate in a ever or I’m this person.’ I’m not documentary about the only man to blowing smoke here: I saw what I be selected for both the NFL’s Pro was doing —it was my job. ... It was my source of employment. It was my Bowl and baseball's All-Star game.

“You Don't Know Bo,” about the way of keeping a roof over my fami1985 Heisman Trophy winner, will ly’s head, putting food on the table premiere Saturday December 8 on for my family.”

Bonfiglio said the film would ESPN after this year’s Heisman ceremony. The title, a play on Nike’s have gone on even had Jackson famous “Bo Knows” commercials, declined to participate — and at first was partly inspired by a conversation it wasn’t clear if he would. But director Mike Bonfiglio had with his Jackson said he was happy to help as two teenage cousins, both big sports long as it didn’t take too much time from his business commitments. fans. They didn’t know Bo. “What surprised me the most “That was a very interesting thing to me, that this guy who was so about Bo is what a good story teller incredibly famous for a brief period he is,” Bonfiglio said. “He’s just realof time — he was one of the most ly, really eloquent and just spins a recognizable names and faces in the good yarn, and he’s fun to listen to.”

Those Nike commercials celecountry,” Bonfiglio said on a recent brated Jackson’s versatility as other conference call with Jackson.

But even older fans who vividly stars from Michael Jordan to Wayne remember Jackson’s outrageous ath- Gretzky list all the sports Bo knows. letic feats might not really feel as if As clever as the ads were, Jackson doesn’t consider his fame a marthey know Bo. “I think he’s still an enigma,” keter's creation.

“You have to perform to get that Bonfiglio said.

Jackson thinks everyone makes notoriety,” he said. “You just can’t go his legacy more complicated that it and put your name on a shoe and was. Teammates called him a freak become an overnight sensation. You of nature, he recalled, but “I’m just have to prove it.”

And as normal as Jackson’s feats being me.” As a kid, he played multiple sports and played them well; the felt to him, they were extraordinary way he sees it, he simply kept doing to the fans following them.

“When people watched the that as an adult.

“As far as doing the dual sports things that he did on the field, it thing, that was just a way to keep me expanded their imaginations,” out of trouble,” he said. “Idle time Bonfiglio said. “When you see somewith me is the devil’s workshop, and thing that you don’t think is humanly if my mother was still alive, she possible, it makes you dream differently, and that’s what Bo did. When would tell you.”

He played running back for the people saw him, it completely capLos Angeles Raiders and outfield for tured their imaginations and expandthe Kansas City Royals until injuring ed their consciousness in a way, and his hip in a 1991 NFL playoff game. that I think is the main reason why he He briefly returned to baseball after was such a phenomenon that transcended athletics.” hip replacement surgery.

Jackson laughed and interjected: “Back when I was playing, that was my job,” Jackson said. “I never “You could say that.”

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Belcher’s mom says she loves son, slain girlfriend

AP Photo/Ed Zurga

A coffin with the body of Kansas City Chiefs’ Jovan Belcher is placed in a hearse after a service at the Landmark International Deliverance and Worship Center, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012, in Kansas City, Mo. Belcher shot his girlfriend, Kasandra Perkins, at their home Saturday morning before driving to Arrowhead Stadium and turning the gun on himself.

BY MARIA SUDEKUM ASSOCIATED PRESS The days since Jovan Belcher killed his girlfriend then shot himself in the head have been very difficult for his mother, who said Wednesday that the slayings have not diminished her love for the couple.

Belcher’s mother, Cheryl Shepherd, had been living with the Kansas City Chiefs linebacker and 22year-old Kasandra Perkins to help care for their 3-month-old daughter, Zoe, and was at the couple’s home Saturday morning when Perkins was shot.

“That’s my son, and I love him,” Shepherd said in a brief telephone conversation Wednesday. “She’s my daughter-in-law, just like my daughter.”

Shepherd declined to say anything more about her son.

Belcher shot Perkins at their Kansas City home then drove with a handgun to Arrowhead Stadium, where he thanked Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli and coach Romeo Crennel for all they had done for him. The men tried to persuade Belcher to put the gun down, but when police arrived, Belcher moved behind a vehicle in the practice facility's parking lot, knelt down and shot himself in the head, police said.

Shepherd, 54, said she was not happy about the release of recordings of the emergency phone call she made Saturday after Perkins was shot.

“I just got a phone call that they did that, and I don’t appreciate it,” she said.

“Right now I don’t want to talk about it.”

In the emergency call, Shepherd begs Perkins to “stay with me” while frantically asking for an ambulance.

She tells the dispatcher that Perkins is “still breathing but please hurry. ...

They were arguing, please hurry.”

Shepherd also told dispatchers that Perkins was bleeding, “just barely” awake and that it looked as though she was wounded in the back. She said Perkins moved when she spoke to her.

When a police dispatcher asked about Belcher, Shepherd says only: “He left.”

Police arrived at the home about 7:50 a.m. They said in an incident report that they found Perkins’ body on the floor of the master bathroom. She

had been shot multiple times.

Shepherd, who has temporary custody of the couple’s baby, said she and Perkins were very close.

“She was a lovely, beautiful young woman. And we had a beautiful relationship,” Shepherd said.

The estate or guardian of Belcher’s 3-month-old daughter will receive more than $1 million under terms of the NFL’s collective-bargaining agreement.

The child stands to receive $108,000 annually over the next four years, $48,000 in the fifth year and then $52,000 each year until age 18. She'll continue to receive that amount until age 23 if she attends college.

The beneficiary of Belcher, who was in his fourth season, also will receive $600,000 in life insurance, plus $200,000 for each credited season.

There is also $100,000 in a retirement

account that will go to his beneficiary or estate.

Players’ beneficiaries are kept confidential.

Shepherd said family members have been helping her a great deal since the shootings, but that she had trouble eating and sleeping while working on her son’s funeral arrangements.

Mourners, including several Chiefs players, attended an hour-long private memorial service for Belcher December 5 in Kansas City. Retired Chiefs Hall of Famer Bobby Bell said afterward that Pioli and Belcher’s uncle spoke during the service. He said it was “rough” on Pioli.

“This is a sad situation,” Bell said.

“You never want to be put under those situations. Never. It’s not good. You don’t want to see things like that. I don’t know how they got through it.”

Bryant becomes youngest to reach 30,000 points

BY BRETT MARTEL ASSOCIATED PRESS Kobe Bryant has become the youngest player in NBA history to eclipse 30,000 career points and only the fifth overall to hit that mark.

Bryant entered the elite scoring club during the first half of the Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the New Orleans Hornets. He arrived in New Orleans 13 points short, and scored his 13th and 14th points on a short jumper with 1:16 to go in AP Photo/Gerald Herbert the first half.

Because the basket Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant came in the flow of play, is greeted by point guard Chris Duhon at the there was hardly any end of the first half of an NBA basketball game reaction on the court as against the New Orleans Hornets in New Bryant and his teammates Orleans, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012. Bryant ran back on defense. became the youngest player in NBA history to Bryant is 34. Wilt break 30,000 points during the half.

Chamberlain was 35 when he hit the mark, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone were each 36 and Michael Jordan was 38.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

9

Rihanna will executive produce ‘Styled to Rock’

Michael Strahan makes Broadway debut in ‘Elf’

AP Photo/Disney-ABC, Lorenzo Bevilaqua

This image released by ABC shows former NFL player Michael Strahan, center, bowing during a curtain call for the matinee show of the musical “Elf,” Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2012 in New York. Strahan, a co-host on the morning show “Live! with Kelly and Michael,” made his Broadway debut Wednesday playing three roles in the Christmas-themed musical.

BY MARK KENNEDY ASSOCIATED PRESS Michael Strahan has tackled something few football stars have attempted — Broadway.

The gap-toothed co-host of “Live with Kelly and Michael” made three short appearances at Wednesday's matinee of “Elf” and said he has new respect for Broadway performers.

“I was surprised at how nervous you get and the adrenaline and that feedback from the audience — it really was an amazing thing,” the former football player said after the show. “To see these performers who do it every day — eight or nine times a week — is really amazing. I take my hat off to them.”

Fans can see a behind-the-scenes recap on Thursday’s TV show.

The musical is adapted from the Will Ferrell film from 2003 about Buddy, a human raised in the North Pole who travels to New York in search of his parents.

Strahan thought making his Broadway debut would be fun and represented a new experience for a guy who holds the single season sack record. He found himself more nervous than he has been for high-stakes football games or live TV. “It’s a little nerve-wracking because so many people depend on you, you want to get your line across and you have to play to the crowd.

It’s a lot more intricate with everyone hitting their marks. You don’t want to be the guy that messes everyone up,” he said.

Strahan, 41, played both a police officer and a Salvation Army Santa in the first act and later came on as himself in a scene with the real Santa in the second act. As he waited in the wings of the Al Hirschfeld Theatre, he saw the toll the musical takes on its dancers.

“Some of these performers are

breathing as if they just went into a football game and played a 12-play drive,” he joked. “I was tired walking up and down from my dressing room.”

Strahan rehearsed for an hour in the morning with stage managers and associate director Casey Hushion. At 1 p.m., some in the cast came in early to work with him, including Jordan Gelber, who plays Buddy, and Beth Leavel, who plays Buddy’s stepmother.

The audience was quiet when Strahan first appeared as an officer with another cop after Buddy gets kicked out of Macy’s. But the seventime Pro-Bowler and Super Bowl winner flashed his trademark smile and they went wild. More applause greeted him after he played a Salvation Army Santa as he and Buddy wrestled over the kettle bells.

In the second act, he waited to ask Santa for a present. Santa asked him his name, the newly minted actor said “Michael Strahan” and he then asked for a red Schwinn bicycle with a bell shaped like Miss Piggy. The crowd cheered when Strahan identified himself and he got another wide round of applause at the curtain call, where the cast gave him flowers.

Strahan was named in September as Kelly Ripa’s permanent co-host aboard the morning show “Live with Kelly and Michael.” A former defensive star who spent 15 years in the NFL, he is also a host of “Fox NFL Sunday.”

He follows in the footsteps of Joe Namath, a quarterback nicknamed “Broadway Joe” who made an appearance on Broadway in 1983 as a replacement in a revival of “The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial.”

Strahan would not rule out a return to the stage. “I will take it off my bucket list, but if the opportunity came across again, I might just take it up and do it again,” he said. “I had a great time.”

Rihanna

ASSOCIATED PRESS Pop star Rihanna is getting into the TV business.

The 24-year-old singer will executive produce and star in the new series, “Styled to Rock,” for the Style network. Style Media made the announcement on December 5.

The 10-episode series, to air next year, will give 12 aspiring designers, chosen by Rihanna, an opportunity to style A-list stars. The weekly celeb guest will decide which designer did the best job. One contestant will be sent home, and those remaining will advance to the next week's challenge.

At the end, one aspiring designer will be named the winner. Prizes are still being determined.

A casting search is under way on Style’s website.

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Thursday, December 6, 2012

12 / 2012

e v e n t LISTINGS

L.A. Watts Times Calendar, Compiled by Brandon I. Brooks, Co-Managing Editor 12/8 MORE

HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS: Please join Congresswoman Maxine Waters and West Angeles CDC as they host an "Independent Foreclosure Review." You may be eligible for a CASH payment for your loss plus equity. This is a tremendous opportunity but act now because this is for a very limited Maxine Waters time. Discover how some homeowners who were foreclosed on are now eligible for up to $125,000 in cash plus equity. WHEN: Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Event takes place between 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. WHERE: West Angeles Community Development Corporation 6028 Crenshaw Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90043. RSVP a must! Seating is limited to 50. Reserve you space by calling (323) 7513440 or visit www.westangelescdc.org to register. FREE EVENT!

2012 LEADERSHIP AWARDS: Foundation for Second Chances will celebrate its annual

Leadership Awards with an intimate brunch.

WHEN: Premier Supper Club in Los Angeles.

WHERE: 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

The theme for 2012 — “Being a Beacon of Faith Evans Light” recognizes a group of people who through their work are vital to the communities that FFSC serves. 2012 honorees include: Faith Evans: famed singer, songwriter and television producer, Alejandro Menchaca, Esq.: lawyer and founder of the Latino Professional Network, Fernando Pullum: musician, conductor, and founder of the Fernando Pullum Community Arts Center, Brad Johnson: owner of Post & Beam, creator and operator of Roxbury, Memphis & more trendsetting venues, Govind Armstrong owner of Post & Beam, executive chef and owner of 8 Oz Burger Bars and Su-Yin Kok FFSC’s Reading Wheels volunteer leader.

For more information on sponsorship or ticket sales contact Genelle Broooks at info@genellebrooks.com or call (917) 609-2139.

ALBERT MCNEIL JUBILEE SINGERS: The Albert McNeil Jubilee Singers will perform with the Southern California Mormon Choir.

WHEN: 6:00 p.m. for the Seventh Annual Gospel Musical Jubilee. “We look forward to having this internationally acclaimed African American choral group join with our 100-voice choir in our historical Los Angeles chapel,” said Alma Bailey, an African American member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

“This is a an inspiring opportunity to share our common ground and celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, in music and song.”

WHERE 1209 So. Manhattan Place, Los Angeles, 90019. For more information on the Albert McNeil Jubilee Singers visit www.amjsla.org (www.FFSCInc.org).

12/9 WINTER DANCE OFFERINGS: You are cordially invited to attend Winter Dance Offerings.

Join us for amazing excerpts from our very talented dancers! There will be raffles, a silent auction, food, fun and friends! WHEN: 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. WHERE: CSULA, King Hall - 5th Floor Dance Studios. $10 Adults / $5 Students & Seniors. All proceeds raised will support the LACHSA Dance Department Spring Concert.

Tickets sold at the door. First-come firstserved basis.

city parks performing. This is an opportunity for everyone to enjoy Carson's young talent. There is a $3.00 admission fee at the door, or attendees may bring an unwrapped toy in place of the admission fee. One unwrapped toy admits one adult and one child only. For more information on the event, please contact the Human Services Division at (310) 847-3570.

FREE FORECLOSURE INVESTING WORKSHOP: California Foreclosure Institute presents a free two-hour workshop for investors and realtors on how to get started finding and buying foreclosure properties. Featured speaker will be Lloyd Segal, author of “Foreclosure Investing.” WHEN: 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. WHERE: Pasadena City Library, Donald Wright Auditorium, 285 E. Walnut Street, Pasadena, CA 91101. The workshop is complimentary, but reservations are required.

To register, please call 888-285-0101, or visit www.ForeclosureWorkshop.net.

NOW – 1/6/13 GLIDING

THROUGH THE HILLS: Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau and the City of Beverly Hills celebrate the holidays with the city’s first ever full-scale, public

12/10 CG YOGA STUDIO WANTS TO ADOPT-A-FAMILY: ‘Tis always the season to give, but this holiday season CG Yoga Studio wants to give a little more. We are currently seeking submissions to adopt a family in need living in the Los Angeles area. CG Yoga Studio will supply the selected families entire Christmas: Tree, Meal, & Gifts. WHEN: Deadline for submissions is Monday December 10, 2012. WHERE: 223 S. LaBrea Ave Inglewood, CA 90301. For more information please call (310) 673-9643. Please email submissions to: info@cleargardensyoga.com.

Donations are welcomed.

12/12 CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY AND WINTER SHOWCASE TOY DRIVE: The City of Carson Recreation and Human Services Division will be hosting its Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and Winter Showcase Toy Drive. WHERE: Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald Community Center located at 801 E. Carson St. in Carson. WHEN: There will be Carolers singing holiday favorites to launch the ceremony at 5:00 p.m. in the Atrium with Santa and his sleigh. The Tree Lighting will take place promptly at 5:30 p.m.

The doors for Halls A, B, and C will open immediately following with the Winter Showcase starting at 6:00 p.m. The Winter Showcase is a collection of performances put on by Carson children.

There will be one group from each of the 12

ice rink located in the Golden Triangle.

WHERE: Positioned in front of the iconic Beverly Hills City Hall building on Crescent Drive between North and South Santa Monica Boulevards. WHEN: The ice skating rink (made of real ice) is open December 1, 2012 - January 6, 2013, providing entertainment throughout the season for visitors and locals alike. The ice skating rink will operate seven days a week, Sunday through Thursday 1 2 p.m. – 9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 12 p.m. – 10 p.m. Skate admission and rental is $15 (adult) and $11 (children under 12) per hour session (session times vary, visit lovebeverlyhills.com for schedule). Bottled water, gloves and socks will be available for purchase and the rink will include viewing areas for those who wish to watch the skaters and lockers for personal belongings.

TO MAKE A CALENDAR SUBMISSION: Include event name, date(s), time, location, contact/RSVP information and admission price, if any.

Use BRIEF paragraph format (no lists, line breaks, or all caps). All calendar submissions are space-permitting and may be edited for brevity. Send submissions, along with any images, to brandon@lasentinel.net with the subject heading “LAWT Community Events.” Please include text in the body of your email, not in an attachment.

opinion

Thursday, December 6, 2012

The right-wing witch hunt against Susan Rice

Times, 11/27/12] MYTH: Rice Prematurely Gave A Definitive Assessment Of The Attack.

FACT: During Sunday Shows, Rice Repeatedly Emphasized Ongoing Investigations And Cautioned Against Jumping To Conclusions.

RICE: …. first of all, it’s important to know that there’s an FBI investigation that has begun and will take some time to be completed. That will tell us with certainty what transpired.

“But our current best assessment, based on the information that we have at present, is that, in fact, what this began as, it was a spontaneous – not a premeditated – response to what had transpired in Cairo. In Cairo, as you know, a few hours earlier, there was a violent protest that was undertaken in reaction to this very offensive video that was disseminated.

“We believe that folks in Benghazi, a small number of people came to the embassy to – or to the consulate, rather, to replicate the sort of challenge that was posed in Cairo.

And then as that unfolded, it seems to have been hijacked, let us say, by some individual clusters of extremists who came with heavier weapons, weapons that as you know in – in the wake of the revolution in Libya are – are quite common and accessible. And it then evolved from there.

“We’ll wait to see exactly what the investigation finally confirms, but that’s the best information we have at

present.” [ABC News, This Week with George Stephanopoulos, 9/16/12] MYTH: Rice Should Have Called The Attack Terrorism Because She Saw Classified Intelligence Suggesting Possible Al Qaeda Involvement.

FACT: References To Al Qaeda Were Removed To Protect National Security …

The New York Times reported on Nov. 16: “David H. Petraeus, the former director of the Central Intelligence Agency, told lawmakers that classified intelligence reports revealed that the deadly assault on the American diplomatic mission in Libya was a terrorist attack, but that the administration refrained from saying it suspected that the perpetrators of the attack were Al Qaeda affiliates and sympathizers to avoid tipping off the groups.

“Mr. Petraeus, who resigned after admitting to an extramarital affair, said the names of groups suspected in the attack – including Al Qaeda’s franchise in North Africa and a local Libyan group, Ansar al-Shariah – were removed from the public explanation of the attack immediately after the assault to avoid alerting the militants that American intelligence and law enforcement agencies were tracking them, lawmakers said.”

Media Matters observed, “The article also noted that Petraeus reportedly said that after the references to the specific terrorist groups were removed and replaced with the less specific word ‘extremists,’ ‘the final document was put in front of all the senior agency leaders, including Mr. Petraeus, and everyone signed off on it.’”

There are legitimate questions that should be asked of Susan Rice such as her service on the National Security Council at the time of the Rwandan genocide and her role as Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs.

But her confirmation should rest on her answers to legitimate questions, not an illegitimate political witch hunt.

George E. Curry, former editorin-chief of Emerge magazine, is editor-in-chief of the National Newspaper Publishers Association News Service (NNPA.) He is a keynote speaker, moderator, and media coach.

Curry can be reached through his Web site, www.georgecurry.com. You can also follow him at www.twitter.com/ currygeorge.

the project was built to LEED Gold criteria.

“The design goal was to clarify the original 1926 work by Williams while also defining a complimentary addition that strengthened the overall development,” said architect Brian Lane.

New units are housed in a separate five-story wing behind the original building. The south facade is shaded by vertical photovoltaic panels and wrapped to the north with a perforated metal screen that reveals a pattern abstracted from the building’s historic ornament. An elevated roof garden provides outdoor social space that

links old and new.

Funding sources for the project came from the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles; Corporation of Supportive Housing; Wells Fargo Bank; Los Angeles County Community Development Commission; Mental Health Services Act/Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health; California Housing Finance Agency; Los Angeles Housing Department; Community Development Block Grant (through the City of Los Angeles Community Development Department); California Tax Credit Allocation Committee.

BY GEORGE E. CURRY NNPA COLUMNIST Media Matters, the media monitoring group, has published a report titled, “Myths And Facts About The Right-Wing Witch Hunt Against Susan Rice.” It is a point-by-point rebuttal of some of the most flagrant lies being told about United Nations Ambassador Susan E. Rice, President Obama’s leading candidate to succeed Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State.

Below are some of the highlights: MYTH: Rice Fabricated Her Statements As Part of An Obama Administration Cover-Up. FACT: A Washington Post editorial [11/22/12] noted: “Ms. Rice’s Comments” On Sunday shows “Were Based On Talking Points Drawn Up

By The Intelligence Community.” It explained: “[A]s congressional testimony has established, Ms. Rice’s comments on several Sunday television talk shows on Sept. 16 were based on talking points drawn up by the intelligence community. She was acting as an administration spokeswoman; there was nothing either incompetent or deliberately misleading about the way she presented the information she was given. “… Nor was her account of what happened as far off the mark as Republicans claim. Though investigations are not complete, what has emerged so far suggests that the attack was staged by local jihadists, not ordered by the al-Qaeda leadership in Pakistan. Officials believe that it was inspired in part by demonstrations that took place that day in Cairo. That is not so far from Ms. Rice’s explanation that ‘this began as a spontaneous response to what transpired in Cairo.’”

MYTH: Rice Had No Reason To Connect Benghazi Attack To AntiIslam Video.

FACT: Rice Said Benghazi Attack Was A Response To Violent Protest At U.S. Embassy In Cairo …

“On-the-ground accounts indicate that Ms. Rice’s description of the attack, though wrong in some respects, was accurate in others.

Witnesses to the assault said it was carried out by members of the Ansar al-Shariah militant group, without any warning or protest, in retaliation for an American-made video mocking the Prophet Muhammad.” [The New York

George E. Curry

PERRY Continued from page 4 CRCD and its work in this neighborhood,” said Mark Wilson, CRCD executive director.

Also playing a major role will be Kedren Community Health Center, a provider of mental health services.

“We can’t over-emphasize the importance and need for affordable supportive housing for the community, noted Dr. John Griffith, president and CEO. “Kedren is excited to partner in this endeavor. The services provided to the residents will make the important difference in helping to transform lives of the persons in recovery.”

Designed by Koning Eizenberg,

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We’re more connected everyday

BY CHERYL PEARSON-MCNEIL I love this time of the year. Oh yes – the holidays, too – but, I am referring to the release of the newest Nielsen Cross-Platform Report. The latest edition is called A New Connected Community, analyzing the constant shifting in how and where consumers watch our content. I love the idea that through the marvels and growth of technology, “the community” of consumers is all of us, one people – multiple generations, all ethnicities and races, breaking down socioeconomic boundaries. We are connected. To each other and to our content. And, boy do we consumers love our visual and informational content.

Big time. 24/7. Let’s break it down.

Cheryl Pearson-McNeil Keeping it Old-School According to the report, Americans spent more than 34 hours a week in front of a TV set in the second quarter of 2012. Being sophisticated consumers (and regular readers of this column, right?), we know that being in front of a TV can mean watching traditional TV, timeshifted TV, DVDs or game playing. And, as we all know and have discussed here, TV isn’t what it used to be when many of us were growing up. Instead of three or four channels and rabbit-ears, there are hundreds of channels from which to choose and several sources of content distribution which require no antennae: broadcast, cable, satellite, telco or internet connection. For AfricanAmericans, those numbers skew higher. We know from the AfricanAmerican Consumers: Still Vital, Still Growing 2012 Report, that on average we spend nearly six and a half hours a day of television viewing in all of its forms. In studying the entire US population, the cross-platform report gives an even closer and later analysis of weekly TV watching in hours and minutes among African-Americans over age two: • Traditional TV 44:25 (hours:minutes) • Watching Timeshifted TV 1:56 • Using a DVD/Blu-ray Device 1:26 • Using a Game Console 1:41 • Using the Internet on a computer 4:16 • Watching Video on the Internet :52 • Mobile Subscribers Watching Video :15 on a Mobile Phone The New and Not-So-New Kids on the Block Then there are those near-ubiquitous extensions of us – our smartphones and tablets. Smartphones now claim more than 50% of the market.

Penetration of these devices is, however, highest among ethnic groups.

Sixty-two percent of African-Americans, 60% of Hispanics and 70% of Asian-Americans in the U.S. own smartphones. The conclusion is that smartphones provide an opportunity for American consumers who might not have regular access to a computer to get on the Internet. As for tablets – they seem to be everywhere with new models offered by any number of providers at a dizzying rate. Just two years ago, tablets were a novelty. In that short period, this device has found its way into nearly 20% of American homes. Tablet ownership among African-Americans, however, remains low at about 11%. You know what the really cool thing is about tablet ownership? The data shows that young folks don’t corner the market on trying the newest or the latest in this instance. Tablet owners tend to be older and more affluent.

Multitasking Masters All of us are becoming more adept at doing it all, engaging our smartphones or tablets while watching TV. The latest cross-platform report calls it “Simultaneous Usage” and some of it looks like this: • Eighty-five percent of tablet and smartphone owners use their devices at least once a month while watching TV. • Those age 25-34 and 55-64 are most likely to use their tablets several times a day while watching TV. • Smartphone multitaskers are a bit younger. Nearly half of 18-24 year olds use their smartphones while watching TV at least once a day.

• Forty-one percent of tablet owners use their device at least once a day while watching TV. Thirty-nine percent of smartphone owners do this daily.

• 55-64 year olds are the heaviest tablet web surfers and email checkers during commercial breaks and programs.

• Nearly 1/3 of all tablet users age 25-64 check sports scores on their tablets while watching TV. • Emailing is the heaviest simultaneous smartphone activity across the board, with 50% of users checking email during TV shows and commercials.

Do you know what this means for all of us as consumers? It means advertisers, marketers and media companies have new ways and ever-growing opportunities to woo us and reach out to us with their messages. So even more . . . you matter.

Cheryl Pearson-McNeil is senior vice president of Public Affairs and Government Relations for Nielsen. For more information and studies go to www.nielsenwire.com.

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Thursday, December 6, 2012