OPINION
Tri-State Defender
30 percent of retired AfricanAmericans avoid poverty via Social Security
A l though m a n y Americans are living longer, a new public policy analysis reveals that a disproportionate Charlene number of Crowell older people are also living in poverty – particularly if they are a person of color. According to the AARP Public Policy Institute, Social Security keeps about 30 percent of older African Americans and Hispanics from retirement poverty. Yet another 20 percent of these two ethnicities at ages 65 or older, live in poverty at a rate that is double that for whites. The reasons for these disparities are tied to multiple economic impacts incurred over lifetimes spent in the workplace. Years of working at lower incomes and wages do not easily allow for aggressive savings or investment portfolios. Additionally, many people of color have or held jobs that did not provide for pensions or retirement accounts. For other workers whose employers provided some kind of retirement plan, often the benefits are smaller. Among all people of color, AARP found that higher-income Asian-Americans were the most likely to receive diversified incomes in retirement years that included interest, dividends and rental income from assets. For African-American and Latino retirees, more than a quarter eventually rely on Social Security for 90 percent of their family income, says AARP. According to the report, “The median annual Social Security family income of older minorities is roughly 26 percent lower than that of older whites.” The worst disparities in Social Security benefits were found in comparing women by race and marital status. Nevermarried African-American women usually receive benefits at much lower rates than married women of color. By contrast, older white women regardless of marital status received benefits at much similar rates to white men. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration provides options to increase the amount of monthly benefits by determining the best time to retire. For example, most consumers can receive Social Security benefits as early as age 62. The trade-off is that the monthly payments will be lower than those choosing to wait for full benefits. People born before 1938 are eligible for full benefits at 65. For people born in 1960 or later, 67 is the age to receive full retirement. If retirement can be delayed until age 70, those extra years of working will earn higher benefits than those available at an earlier age. Regardless of when people choose to retire, Social Security recipients are eligible for cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs). After no COLAs were offered in 2010 or 2011, this year retirees will receive a 3.6 percent adjustment. The Social Security Administration advises that a worker with average earnings can expect a retirement benefit equivalent to 40 percent of his/her lifetime earnings. Each worker’s average index includes the 35 years in which the most earnings occurred. Anyone planning to retire is advised to contact Social Security three months before the date desired for benefits to begin. When applying for benefits, documents such as birth and/or marriage certificates and the most recent W-2 form must be submitted to determine eligibility. According to AARP, “Social Security is and will continue to be the main source of income for low-and moderate-wage retirees; but improvements in other programs would alleviate poverty and income insecurity among older Americans.”
(Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at: charlene. crowell@ responsiblelending.org.)
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Opinion 18 - 24, 2012
Presidential debates ignore big ticket items New America Media
When the presidential debate dust finally settles, President Obama and GOP Presidential foe Mitt Romney will have spent a grand total of four and one half hours battering each other on who can do the best or worst job on tax reform, job creation, deficit reduction, staunching Iran’s nukes, and getting a grip on Middle East affairs. These are the same issues that the two have talked to near life support for months on end. The pundits, a big chunk of the media, and millions of Americans can virtually recite by rote the punch lines of both candidates on these issues. They are that familiar and worked over. The same can’t be said of the other equally big ticket items that affect tens of millions of American’s lives, pocketbooks and well-being. The most ignored of these ignored issues is poverty. The figures from every recent study and survey on poverty and income inequality are increasingly well-known and appalling. More Americans in recent years have sunk below the poverty line. Their income gap has widened to the greatest spread in decades. And more Americans have slid from
what once was considered the middle-class into the ranks of the poor. Romney has uttered the word Earl Ofari Hutchinson “poverty” a couple of times on the campaign trail, and Obama has referenced that people are hurting economically. But that’s about it. Education is a close second of the ignored issues. Obama and Romney could do a whole debate on this one. They can tell what’s right or wrong about charter schools versus public schools, and what they’d do to make both either more widespread in the case of charters, or more effective in the case of public schools. The United States has long had the dubious distinction of incarcerating more of its citizens than many nations combined. The number jailed has topped 2 million for several years. State legislators have pulled their hair out trying to figure out some way, any way, to get a handle on the surging incarceration num-
bers. They’ve farmed out inmates, wrestled with court orders to reduce the jail numbers, slashed budgets, and have come up with every kind of innovative alternative nonincarceration measure they can to end overcrowding. The close kin to that ignored issue is the drug war. It has wreaked havoc and mayhem on families, swamped prisons, and the courts, and ballooned state and federal prison budgets. Romney has been mute on the issue. Obama has taken quiet action to end the disparities in crack cocaine sentencing, and has hinted that drug reform will be a possible priority of his during his second term. But that’s where the talk on the issue has ended. Then there’s the housing crisis. The runaway number one reason for the financial tumble that shook the financial world and nearly collapsed the economy was the foreclosure debacle and the banks and financial industry’s well-documented abuses of it. Tens of thousands of homebuyers were victimized by the housing crisis and they still are still with their homes underwater financially, facing foreclosure, and the free-fall drop in their personal wealth from plunged home equity.
Romney and Obama have talked about the crisis, and Obama has tried mightily to put reforms in place to help thousands save their homes. But it’s been missing from the campaign debate. Civil rights have been ignored in presidential debates for two decades. The issue is now even more compelling with the Supreme Court’s pending affirmative action decision. Yet the virtual unwritten rule is the subject is out of bounds for debate. Race is simply too prickly, too charged, and too much of minefield that candidate fear to tread through. This is a natural segue to the debates that ignore what kind of Supreme Court Obama and Romney want to see. The Court will have a profound impact on law and public policy for years to come. There is an ocean wide gulf between Obama and Romney’s views of what kind of justices they like, and what their view of the role of the court should be in deciding law, and public policy issues. The jousts that Obama and Romney will engage in and the barbs they toss at each other in their debates tell much about which candidate is the niftiest and nimblest on their feet with a pointed re-
sponse or rebuttal to an attack. Americans want presidents to be able to think on their feet and respond thoughtfully and swiftly to a crisis. They regard this as firm leadership. This instantly tags an administration as a resounding success or a dismal failure. But most Americans also want and demand some substance to go along with the style points that presidential debaters try to snag at the expense of the their opponent. This means above all talking about the issues, all the issues that impact on the lives of Americans. But when a handful of issues are cherry picked, and encoded as templates, that the candidates endlessly rehash, then the debates become thoroughly formula and predictable. This hasn’t changed during the past decade of presidential debates, and the Obama and Romney tiffs haven’t changed that either. (Earl Ofari Hutchinson is an author, political analyst and host of the weekly Hutchinson Report on KPFKRadio and the Pacifica Network. Follow Earl Ofari Hutchinson on Twitter: h t t p : / / t w i t t e r. c o m / e a r l hutchinson.)
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October 18 - 24, 2012
Tri-State Defender
Tri-State Defender
October 18 - 24, 2012
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October 18 - 24, 2012
Tri-State Defender
Tri-State Defender
NEWS
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October 18 - 24, 2012
County Land Bank to market surplus city, county properties
Sshh!!!...
“Secret Tennessee” author Beverly A. Morris (left) signed copies of her new romantic novel for Marla Holt and other fans who turned out for a book signing at the Mardi Gras Banquet Hall at 4275 Winchester Rd. last Saturday (Oct. 13). The work of fiction is about several women and one man from different walks of life who are all connected in some shape, form or fashion to “secrets” in Tennessee. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)
Real estate agents, land developers and prospective buyers will now find it easier to invest in surplus properties that belong to Shelby County and/or the City of Memphis. The Shelby County Commission and Memphis City Council gave approval last week to allow the Shelby County Land Bank to coordinate the sale or donation of thousands of properties owned by Shelby County and/or the City of Memphis, which are scattered throughout Memphis and Shelby County. “Assembling multiple properties for sale will increase revenue and broaden our tax base. This will bring more efficiency to our daily operations,” said Shelby County Mayor Mark H. Luttrell, Jr. Shelby County owns more
than 4,000 properties. Most were acquired after owners failed to pay property taxes. The City of Memphis also has more than 1,000 properties it its inventory, which were either acquired through municipal tax sales or acquired for City use but now are no longer needed by the City of Memphis. “Under current state law, there are several challenges to get vacant, city-owned properties back in use and on the tax rolls,” said Memphis Mayor A C Wharton Jr. “We hope to leverage this partnership with the Shelby County Land Bank to create a situation in which city-owned land is both more attractive and affordable for prospective buyers.” During the past fiscal year, from July 2011 to June 2012, the Shelby County Land
Bank generated $1.4 million in sales of county-owned properties. Those sales saved tax payers an additional $70,000 of yearly maintenance costs on the properties. “Having both county and city-owned properties marketed together will increase efficiency and promote overall community development,” said Dawn Kinard, administrator of the Shelby County Land Bank. “In some areas, we were marketing a countyowned property without realizing the City of Memphis had property for sale in the same neighborhood.” To see all the properties for sale, go to www.shelbycountytn.gov and look under the “land bank” listing in the top left corner of the page. More information available at 901222-2575.
NEWS
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October 18 - 24, 2012
Tri-State Defender
Dr. George Jenkins answers questions at press conference following the Freedom Award Public Forum. Tradition held true, leading to the singing of “We Shall Overcome” as the 2012 Freedom Awards gala came to a close at the Cannon Center downtown. (Photos by Warren Roseborough)
John Faraci, chairman and CEO of International Paper, presented the 2012 Keeper of the Dream Awards to Battle Boyd (8th grade, St. Lukeʼs Episcopal School), Camille Johnson (6th grade, Schilling Farms Middle School), and Kymberly Dyson (11th grade, Memphis Academy of Health Sciences).
Actress and singer Holly Robinson Peete, the mistress of ceremonies, for the National Freedom Awards gets prepared to go on stage.
FREEDOM
CONTINUED FROM FRONT
Poverty eradication
Dr. King’s vision is also internationalized through Yunus, who discovered that very small loans could make a disproportionate difference to a poor person in Bangladesh. He began by making personal loans to women making bamboo furniture. His mission began with poverty reduction, but it’s now poverty eradication, through micro credit. “The problem was so big I could not solve it all at once, so it led me to do tiny little things to make me feel good,” he said. “We work with poor women, because the impact in the family is better by dealing with women. We worked to make them self-sustainable through micro-loans of $27.” No collateral is involved, said Yunus. “Our loans are built on trust. We learned from conventional banks. We learned what and how they did it and we did the opposite,” he said earlier in the day at the annual Freedom Award Public Forum held downtown at Temple of Deliverance Church of God in Christ. In his acceptance speech Tuesday night, Yunus said, “Poverty is not created by the poor people. Poverty is created by the system. We have to work with the system and find out how the system went wrong.” Yunus and his team now work with 160 million people all over the world.
‘Research is about hope’
“Memphis is my second home,” declared Thomas, whose father, Danny Thomas, founded Memphis’ world renowned, pediatric research hospital. “My father devoted his life to building a place where all children, regardless of race, religion or the ability to pay could receive equality health care,” said Thomas. “The greatest health insurance to have is research….Research is about hope.” Results help build on hope.
Thomas said in 1962 only four percent of children treated for cancer were surviving. Today, St. Jude is curing 94 percent of children with cancer, she said. “My father was a dreamer. He dreamed and he thought big. Now our children and our doctors come from all over the world.” Why did Danny Thomas build St. Jude in Memphis? “Other places were being considered. It was because there are forces in our lives that lead us to our destiny,” said Marlo Thomas. “For years my father kept a crumpled up newspaper article in his wallet of an eightyear-old black child hit by a car and died because no one would treat him. It was then that he decided he’d make sure all children had access to quality health care,” Thomas said. “I’m a changed woman because of St. Jude. I had no intentions of being the one responsible for my father’s dream. It’s changed me as a human being. It’s added to my life…. “Memphis is a city of dreams, of very big dreams.”
‘Thank you for dreaming big’
In November 2011, at the 21st celebration of the National Civil Rights Museum, its president, Beverly Robertson, said, “Thank you for the past twenty years and for the twenty years to some! As they say in the world of competitive sports, ‘Dream big or go
Patti Labelle performing her hit song “A New Attitude.”
home!’” The museum, said Robertson, continues, “to fulfill the dreams and goals of people searching for a lasting monument and testimony to the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement.” Now a multi-million dollar renovation is underway. “This renovation will ensure content updates, more interactive exhibitions, increased use of historic artifacts and provide for a more cohesive interpretive campus experience,” said Robertson. “Thank you for dreaming BIG!” NOTE: Dr. George Jenkins represented his fellow Legacy Award winners – Drs. Sampson Davis and Rameck Hunt – at the Freedom Award Public Form, but was unable to attend the Tuesday night gala.
(Dorothy Bracy Alston is a journalist, author, freelance writer and adjunct English professor. Visit Dorothy’s blog at http://www.CisbaAssociates.blogspot.com; join her on Facebook at www.facebook. com/dorothybracyalston, email her at DBAlston@hotmail.com or call 901-570-3923.)
BUSINESS
Tri-State Defender
October 18 - 24, 2012
Page 11
Women in Business:
ON OUR WAY TO WEALTHY
‘Plan C’ mindset works for home-based business champion Thousands of businesses nationwide operate in a silo from their homes. But one Memphian, Beverly Anderson, had the great idea to create the Home Based Business Chamber of Commerce to serve as a support system to those operating a business from home. I am sure that many of you are thinking, “Why didn’t I think of that?” Carlee McCullough: Please tell me about yourself and your business. Beverly Anderson: I have a bookkeeping business and currently I serve as a small business mentor with SCORE.
CM: How did you become interested in business? BA: Growing up, my grandfather told me, “Baby, if you can’t find a job, make you one.” I have taken that as a mantra of sorts. I believe in having a plan C. CM: Tell me about the Home Based Business Chamber? BA: The Chamber was established in 2008 as a result of researching support, training, and organizations for home-based businesses. I didn’t see any. I wanted an organization that catered to the home-based business
Carlee McCullough
Beverly Anderson
owners by providing networking opportunities, training and other resources that supported this type of unique business owner. I also wanted it to be an organization that would provide credibility to these businesses making them able to attract customers as any other business. CM: Tell us about your business. BA: I began my home-based business around 1995, part-time. It was a typing service that began to evolve. My business is now primarily a bookkeeping service that provides general bookkeeping, payroll and tax services to micro businesses, nonprofits and churches. CM: How can people become in-
volved? BA: People can become involved in any of our six (and growing) chapters by visiting our website at www.homebasedbusinesschamber.co m, email at info@homebased businesschamber.com, or by calling 901-205-7262. We currently have chapters in Memphis, Desoto County, DelMarVa (Del.), Metro Atlanta, South Florida (FL) and Southern New Jersey. CM: What type of services does the chamber offer? BA: The Chamber offers a variety of services and benefits, in addition to networking and training. We offer limited group medical insurance, discount purchasing cards from Office Depot, and discount cell phone services. CM: What has been your greatest triumph as an owner? BA: Being able to grow the Chamber into a national organization. People across the country are taking interest and establishing other chapters to support home-based business owners. CM: What are some of the biggest risks for those in your in-
dustry today? BA: With any business, there are risks. I’m not sure of particular risks relating to the industry itself, but a challenge is changing the mindset of people who think that all home-based businesses are scams. We work as hard as any other business. CM: Is now the best time (in this economy) to become an entrepreneur? BA: This is actually a good time to start a business. Home-based businesses are virtually recession-proof. It cost little or no money to start up.
CM: Do you notice any new trends in the marketplace? If so, what are they? BA: More people are exploring home-based business ownership, even if they already have jobs. Home-based and small businesses are the backbone of the community. As people retire, for those people that are unemployable, and the millennial generation – entrepreneurship is the way to provide income for themselves and their families. It allows unlimited earning potential and freedom to grow and create. Larger businesses are seeing the need to outsource a lot of
their services and we are here to take advantage of those opportunities.
CM: What have been the “Keys to Success” in your business? BA: KNOW YOUR BUSINESS. By this, I mean a business owner should make intentional efforts to stay on top of their business. They should keep up with industry trends, trainings, certifications, join relevant associations. Become an expert.
CM: If you had one piece of advice to give to someone just starting out, what would it be? BA: Be realistic. Know yourself. Entrepreneurship is not for everybody. Get with like-minded people, and do it.
CM: How can our readers contact you? BA: Visit www.homebased businesschamber.com, email at info@homebasedbusinesschamber. com, or by calling 901-205-7262. (Contact Carlee McCullough, Esq., at 5308 Cottonwood Road, Suite 1A, Memphis, TN 38118, or email her at jstce4all@aol.com
MONEY MATTERS
College savings plans – some options
When it comes to college savings plans – as it does with any financial planning decision – the choice that’s best for you will depend on your unique situation, including your risk tolerance and the number of years until your child begins college. Another consideration is your child’s plans. Does he or she even plan on attending college? If so, has he or she chosen a school? Talk with your child about college, then make an appointment with your financial advisor to find the plan that best suits your needs.
Section 529
If business is anything like it was for the grand opening, Rick Ross will be well served to go forward with plans for a third Memphis-area franchise. (Photos by Milton Howery III)
Second ‘Wing’ has Rick Ross flying high about Memphis Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Milton Howery III
Memphis now has two Wingstop locations owned by Rick Ross, Maybach Music Group CEO and platinum recording artist. Excited Memphians and even a few out-of-towners lined up outside the new restaurant for a special meet and great last Saturday (Oct. 13). His second local Wingston franchise is located in East Memphis near the Oak Court Mall at 4697 Poplar Avenue. Ross now has three Wingstop fran-
chises, one in Miami and a Southeast Memphis location on Winchester Rd. Last year, he was on his way to Memphis for the grand opening of his first Memphis franchise and a performance at Memphis Madness when a seizure suffered on the plane derailed his plans. On Friday (Oct. 12), Ross made it to the FedExForum, where he performed during this year’s version of the event that introduces the University of Memphis mens and womens basketball team to fans during a funfilled evening. Entrepreneurship, Ross told The New Tri-State Defender, inspired
him just as much as music did when he was younger. “Seeing Luke Records at a young age, seeing Eazy-E, and Russell Simons – that inspired me just as much as being on stage,” he said. “I wanted to make sure that was something that I brought to my team and something I can show all the artists that are on Maybach Music as well.” He plans to open more Wingstop locations and possibly more in Memphis. “This is where my family is,” said Ross. “I want to be here a lot more, so I felt it was right to start here.”
If business is anything like it was for the grand opening, Rick Ross will be well served to go forward with plans for a third Memphis-area franchise.
Section 529 plans – named after the IRS code that created them – are state-sponsored college savings plans that allow flexibility in choosing a school and the opportunity for late starters to make sizable investments while reaping tax breaks. The plans allow individuals to invest in a predetermined pool of stock and bond investments. Most plans will require you to divide your investment according to a given asset allocation, which may be based on your risk tolerance or determined by your child’s age. In general, when asset allocation is based on age, it will be more aggressive for younger children and less aggressive for children nearing college age. Lifetime contribution limits to Section 529 plans vary from state to state, but often exceed $200,000, and offer some flexibility on when you can contribute. All earnings in the account grow tax deferred. If you live in the state where the plan is administered, you also may be eligible for state tax deductions. Once your child reaches college age, the account owner may withdraw money from the account to pay for qualified higher education expenses. Withdrawals are tax free if used to pay for qualified education expenses. Nonqualified withdrawals will be subject to a 10 percent penalty in addition to ordinary income taxes. If there is money left over in the account, the beneficiary designation can be changed to a sibling, first cousin or other family member (as defined by the Internal Revenue Code) of the original beneficiary without triggering gift taxes. There are no income thresholds and typically no annual contribution limits, although annual contributions of more than $13,000 ($26,000 when made jointly with a spouse) may require filing a federal gift tax form. You may contribute five years’ worth of gifts all at once, or $65,000 per beneficiary, without triggering the federal gift tax. Even though these plans are state-sponsored, you do not need to be a resident of the state to participate, although you may lose out on state tax benefits by participating in an out-of-state plan. Apart from tax savings, the plans offer the advantage of professional asset management. Each state contracts with a single asset management firm to oversee the plan, so by comparing various state plans, you’ll be able to choose from several professional management companies. For more information
on each state’s plan, visit www.savingfor college.com. The primary drawback to Section 529 plans is investment risk. Unlike state-sponsored prepaid tuition plans, Charles returns from Sims Jr. CFP Section 529 plans are not guaranteed. This means that your investment could lose value, perhaps just as your child is beginning college. Although the firms that manage Section 529 plans use lessrisky asset allocations to reduce risk as your child nears college, risk cannot be eliminated altogether. You’ll also want to have a thorough understanding of contribution and withdrawal rules before investing in a plan, since rules vary depending on the state. Pay particular attention to rules regarding transfers, early withdrawals, or withdrawals for things other than college expenses. Penalties are imposed if withdrawals are not used for qualified higher education expenses.
Other options
Section 529 plans are just one of the options you have for college savings. If you’re starting early on saving for college, you might consider a prepaid tuition plan that allows you to lock in today’s tuition rate, which can mean a savings of thousands of dollars in college costs. Prepaid tuition plans guarantee payment of a semester’s tuition for each unit that you buy, and payments may be spread out over several years. Almost all prepaid tuition plans are more restrictive when it comes to choosing a college, and they may also be more restrictive in terms of withdrawals. Applicants will typically receive a list of participating colleges that a child can attend. If the child wishes to go to a school outside the plan, the value of the investment may be reduced. Coverdell Education Savings Accounts (formerly called Education IRAs) allow you to set aside money each year toward a child’s education. The contribution limit is $2,000. Withdrawals for qualified higher education expenses are tax free, and account balances can be transferred to siblings without any tax consequences, so long as it is done prior to the previous beneficiary’s 30th birthday and the new beneficiary is under the age of 30. While tax benefits make these accounts attractive, the low contribution limit may not provide enough money to pay for college. Unlike state-sponsored plans, income limits apply for eligibility. Only single filers with incomes of less than $110,000 and joint filers with incomes of less than $220,000 are eligible. (Charles Sims Jr. is president/ CEO of The Sims Financial Group. Contact him at 901-682-2410 or visit www. SimsFinancialGroup.com.)
RELIGION
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Tri-State Defender
October 18 - 24, 2012
RELIGION BRIEFS Prayer brunch set for Monumental Baptist
The men of Monumental Baptist Church will kick off their month-long annual celebration on Saturday, Oct. 20 with a prayer brunch at 10 a.m. The focus of this year’s activities is on getting through life’s situations victoriously and joyously. Tyrone Glass, chairman of Men’s Month activities for this year said, “The intent, as our theme indicates, is to stress how Christians maintain the joy of God’s love and His blessings as they encounter events that seem to be devastating, physically, emotionally and spiritually. The guest speaker for the brunch is the Rev. Larry Eddings of New Zion Baptist Church. This event is open to the public. Tickets are $10.
BRIEFLY: Golden Leaf Cathedral, at 1439 North Hollywood Blvd., is gearing up for celebrations of the church’s 100th year anniversary and the 25th pastoral anniversary of Bishop Dandridge Wilborn. Here’s the calendar of invents: Oct. 26 – banquet celebrating the two anniversaries at the Hilton Hotel; Oct. 28 – church anniversary worship celebration. BRIEFLY: Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 905 Ayers, will host its 76th Church Anniversary Banquet in the church’s fellowship hall on Saturday (Oct. 20) at 6 p.m. The Rev. J.W. Shaw of St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Stanton will be the featured speaker. The host pastor is the Rev. Cory D. Johnson. Donations are $10 for adults, and $5 for children 12 and under. BRIEFLY: The Church Health Center’s 2012 Faith & Health: Making the Connection Conference for Clergy and Lay Leaders will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 1 at Church Health Center Wellness, 1115 Union Avenue. The 2012 conference will explore practical ways congregations and families can discuss end-of-life issues. For more information, call 901-2618833 or visit www.churchhealthcenter.org.
LIVING THE LIFE I LOVE
Don’t let your ego block a gift from your soul
Dear Lucy: There is this creepy guy at work who is always trying to give me advice. If I go into the lunchroom he sits beside me; if there is a meeting, he sits beside me. He is always telling me things that I need to do to be more successful or get ahead at work. The problem is that he is not liked by anyone and frankly he needs to take his own advice. He’s not making passes, just getting on my nerves! I don’t want to blow up on him. How do I get him to go away? PH
Dear PH: So why don’t you tell him to go away???? There is no rule that says you have to sit with him or listen to him. If he won’t move, you can move. You can also tell him you don’t appreciate his conversation. Why can’t you just be honest? He must be saying something that resonates down in your soul. Or perhaps you are simply a very polite person....I don’t know. Could it be that his advice makes sense to you? I recall at least two instances in the Bible where advice comes from unsuspected places. In one instance, a donkey spoke. In another, angels spoke. Could you be entertaining an angel without recognizing it? Could
this man who seems creepy to you be the donkey sitting in the road trying to give you a lesson and a warning? You didn’t say that there was something wrong with his advice. Can you open out Lucy a place in your Shaw mind and heart for the possibility that he may speak with wisdom? Maybe he does not expect the things that he is telling you to work for him but feels that they can for you. Maybe he has found you to be the person that he can safely speak his truth to. Sometimes when we give advice we really are speaking to ourselves and just need to hear it out loud. Have you ever found that the very advice you so willingly give to others is the advice you need yourself? It happens all the time. Have you tried any of the things he has said? Really? Don’t throw the baby out with the wash. My mother would use this euphemism when we got stuck on how things appeared and in our haste to reject them we threw
Sometimes when we give advice we really are speaking to ourselves and just need to hear it out loud. Have you ever found that the very advice you so willingly give to others is the advice you need yourself? It happens all the time.
away the good part with the bad. I once knew an older Jewish man, who was very humble, quiet and always wore the same old shiny black suit. He was exceedingly wealthy and wise. When he spoke, I listened to every word. He had long ago retired from his life’s work and simply spent time being a quiet blessing to people who had to get past his appearance to be willing to take his sterling advice. Perhaps it would be a good idea to try some of this “creepy” guy’s advice. Just test what you feel safe testing. It could be that he sees possibilities in you that you are not able to see in yourself. We can usually tell when someone has our best interest at heart. As long as he is not giving advice that goes against your values or sense of honesty what do you have to lose? At least three times in my life I re-
Deborah Manning Thomas and Stefani Bolton team up in ‘Mahalia’ – a gospel explosion that celebrates the life and music of Mahalia Jackson, widely viewed as the world’s greatest gospel singer. The musical production staged by Hattiloo Theatre will have a one-day run at the Germantown Performing Arts Center at 1801 Exeter Rd. on Oct. 27. Featured songs include “Move On Up A Little Higher” and “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho.” The choir will be directed by Claudette Lehew, with choreography by Tamara Parrish. Hattiloo’s Ekundayo Bandele is the director. Show times are 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25. The sponsors are Dorothy O. Kirsch and Soul Classics 103.5. For more information, call 901-5023486, email Kimberly Hayes at Kimberly@hattilootheatre.org.
A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. —John 13:34
A special production of ʻMahaliaʼ will bring together Deborah Manning Thomas and Stefani Bolton. (Courtesy photo)
PRAISE CONNECT
METROPOLITAN BAPTIST CHURCH
767 Walker Avenue Memphis, TN 38126
ASSOCIATE MINISTERS
ST. ANDREW A.M.E. CHURCH 867 SOUTH PARKWAY EAST Memphis, TN 38106
Dr. Reginald L. Porter Sr., Pastor
901-946-4095 fax 948-8311
(901) 948-3441
Early Morning..........7:45 AM Church School..........9:45 AM Morning Worship......11:00 AM
Rev. Davena Young Porter Rev. Linda A Paige Rev. Luecretia Matthews
Bible Study For Youth and Adults Tuesday - 7:00 PM “Spirit, Soul, and Body!” AM 1070 WDIA Sundays, 10:00-10:30 AM
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
SUNDAY Sunday School .....................8:30 am Morning Worship Service ....10:00am WEDNESDAY Bible Study .........................10:30 am Mid-Day Prayer Meeting .....12 noon Evening Prayer Meeting........7:00pm FRIDAY Cable Channel 17 ............... 8:00pm
TV Cable Access Broadcast Tuesdays, 7:30 PM, Channel 17 Website:www.saintandrewamec.org
Dr. & Rev. Mrs. Reginald Porter
THE BLVD Ea s t 6745 Wol f Ri v e r B oule v a r d @ Ki r by Pa r k wa y ( i n t he Cl a rk Ope r a Me mphi s Ce nte r ) Me mp h i s T N 3 8 1 2 0
Dr. Frank A. Thomas Senior Servant
I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all. —Ecclesiastes 9:11
672 So. Lauderdale 38126 P.O. Box 314 Memphis, Tn 38101 Phone (General) 774-1572 Pastor: 775-0740 Secretary: 775-1909
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
WEEKLY SERVICES
Sunday Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Morning Worship 10:30 a.m. Night YPWW 5:00 p.m. Night Service 6:00 p.m. Tuesday Night Prayer 6:00 p.m. Bible Study 7:15 p.m. Wednesday Choir Rehearsal 7:00 p.m. Friday Morning Prayer 9:00 a.m. Night Service 7:30 p.m. BROADCASTS 9:30 a.m. Sunday WDIA - 1070 AM
No Telecast Service
— Proverbs 1:7
Dr. David Allen Hall Pastor
“The Founder’s Church”
First Pastor: Senior Bishop C.H. Mason
Greenwood Christian Methodist Episcopal Church 3311 Kimball Ave. Memphis, TN 38111 (901) 744-7531 (901) 744-7664
Worship Services Sunday Sunday School Worship Service
Clarence Kelby Heath Wednesday Pastor
Noon - 1 p.m. 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Child Care Center (901) 948-6441 Monday-Friday 6 AM- 5:30 PM Emergency Food Pantry Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, Pastor & Clothes Closet Rev. Marilynn S. Robinson, Co-Pastor Wednesday 6 PM-8 PM
“Ministering to Memphis-Spirit, Soul and Body”
TEMPLE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST
—Ecclesiastes 3:1
(Check out Lucy Shaw’s website at http://www.heartworks4u.com. You may send your questions to her by U.S. mail to: Heartworks4U, LLC; 4646 Poplar Ave. Ste 201, Memphis, TN 38117 or by e-mail to lucy@heartworks4u.comThis email address is being protected from spambots.) (For help with the feelings that get in the way of prayer and peace of mind, get Lucy’s new book, “BE NOT ANXIOUS.” Order it directly from her at 901-907-0260 or go to her web site www.heartworks4u.com.)
‘Mahalia’ – one day only
-A WEEKLY DIRECTORY OF MINISTERS & CHURCHES-
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
ceived advice from very, very unlikely sources that changed the course of my life. Every time it was advice that I did not ask for! It just showed up when I desperately needed to be told directly what to do. “O taste and see that the Lord he is good.” The Greek word used in the Bible for taste means “to perceive, to discern.” Sometimes we say that something “just left a bad taste in my mouth.” Is this gentleman’s advice leaving a bad taste in your mouth or is it just his looks, status and demeanor turning you off? Use your gift of discernment and don’t let your ego block a gift from your soul. Blessings, Lucy
9 a.m. 10:30 a.m.
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. —Revelation 1:8
Tri-State Defender
RELIGION
October 18 - 24, 2012
From Hollywood to hell to HEAVEN
Former Vanity star to share journey
Evangelist Denise Matthews, former lead singer for the group Vanity 6, will headline an evening of testimonies, ministering and musical performance at Gethsemane Garden Church of God in Christ on Saturday (Oct. 20). The doors of Gethsemane will open at 4:30 p.m. for the event, which is set to get started at 5:30 p.m. Matthews, who was mentored by Prince, gave up her stage name, “Vanity” and became a born-again Christian in 1994, the year she almost died from the effects of drugs. After being rushed to the hospital, doctors said she had three days to live while on life support. Jesus, said Matthews, spoke to her at the time, saying if she promised to give up her Vanity persona, he would save her. “When I came to the Lord Jesus Christ, I threw out about 1,000 tapes of mine – every interview, every tape, every video. Everything, she said. Matthews has said she has chosen not to receive any further revenue from her work as Vanity, and has cut off all ties with Hollywood and her former life in the music business. In 1997, she decided to devote
Evangelist Denise Matthews
her life to evangelism, speaking at churches across the United States and overseas. In 2010, she released her autobiography, “Blame it on Vanity: Hollywood, hell & Heaven.”
The program on Saturday also will feature performances by the ADT Rapture Ready Choir, Minister Damien Peck and G-Child – The Street Preacher.
Sisters to sisters...
“A New Journey Through the Good Book for African-American Women” helps describe the “Sisters in Faith Bible,” which hits stores and goes online Jan. 1. Executive editors Michele Clark Jenkins and Stephanie Perry Moore involved 12 women with varied backgrounds in the literary project set to be published by Thomas Nelson.
DEADLINE
Deadline for all religion articles is Monday, 5 p.m. Send items to Tri-State Defender, 203 Beale St., Suite 200; Memphis, TN 38103, Email items to editorial@tristatedefender.com. Call (901) 523-1818 for details.
Still golden…
Apostle Perry Maples and First Lady Luphelia Maples of Apostolic Deliverance Temple Church of Jesus Christ celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last Saturday (Oct. 13), and the setting included a visual reminder from whence they have come. (Photo by Tyrone P. Easley)
Men’s Day set for Castalia Baptist Castalia Baptist Church, 1540 Castalia St., will observe Annual Men’s Day on Sunday, Oct. 21. The guest speaker for the 8 a.m. service will be the Rev. Anthony Sledge of St. Mark Baptist Church. Dr. Ran-
dolph Meade Walker, the host pastor, will speak during the 11 a.m. service. Brothers David Burton, Meka Egwuekwe and LeKendris Chavers are the Men’s Day chairmen.
Page 13
ENTERTAINMENT Tri-State Defender, Thursday, October 18 - 24, 2012, Page 14
TELEVISION
You matter, now more than ever!
We’re getting down to the wire in this year’s race for the White House. In our digital world of sometimes dizzying 24/7 information overload, both political camps are relying heavily on media in its plethora of forms to reach you and influence your Cheryl vote. As we draw Pearsoncloser to Election Day, McNeil you are correct if you think the intensity of the political ads has increased. According to Nielsen data, this is especially true if you live in any of this election’s nine key “swing” or “battleground” states – Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia or Wisconsin. Nielsen’s summarized Designated Market Areas (DMAs) within each state show that (year-to-date through the beginning of September) President Obama’s reelection campaign has saturated those states with almost 230,000 ads. That’s more than twice the ads from the campaign of his opponent, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney (87,000). The lone exception here is Wisconsin, where Gov. Romney’s campaign leads by 561 ads. How much influence do these ads actually have? Data shows that an effective advertising campaign in a swing state can mean the difference between victory and defeat on Election Day. It might be most interesting to watch which way Ohio goes, as no Republican presidential candidate has ever won the race without the assistance of this critical state’s electoral votes. Thus far in Ohio, the margin of the number of ads is the greatest, with the Romney campaign running just over 17,000 ad units; and the Obama camp running nearly three times that amount – 51,000 ads. Then there are the Presidential debates. At this writing, Nielsen ratings show that an estimated 67.2 million people watched the first debate between President Obama and Gov. Romney. That was up 28 percent over the first presidential debate in 2008 between then-Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. John McCain. Eleven networks broadcast live coverage from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., while Telemundo aired coverage on tape delay. To put our viewership of this year’s first presidential debate in a different perspective, 111.3 million people watched the New York Giants beat the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl this year, making it the highest rated TV broadcast in U.S. history. As for the 2012 political conventions, according to Nielsen’s analysis of both the Republican and Democratic gatherings, nearly as many people (57 percent of all U.S. Households or 65.4 million homes) tuned into at least one of those political events as watched the first presidential debate. That, however, is down from 64.5 percent (or 73.2 million homes) in 2008. Taking a look at the viewership of each of the speeches by each candidate (given on the final night of each convention), President Obama had a slight edge, with 13.7 percent of viewers to Gov. Romney’s 12.5 percent. Breaking it down even further, both candidates were pretty much neck-inneck with people over age 55. Almost 26 percent of this demographic tuned in to watch Gov. Romney, and 25 percent of the same demo watched President Obama’s speech. Each party, of course, selected high-profile speakers to address their respective conventions,with the Republicans choosing veteran actor Clint Eastwood and the Democrats engaging former President Bill Clinton. The ratings results there: Clinton drew slightly more viewers across all demographics. However, viewership among males was closest, with 9.7 percent watching Eastwood’s speech and 9.8 percent tuning into Clinton. Are you seeing again how much your choice of what you watch matters? It is as though you are “voting” with your remote (only in terms of TV though, not the voting booth. There, you have to show up in person). In every column, I show you all the many ways in which You Matter with every consumer choice you make. But, you matter more now than ever, and it does not matter whether you are blue or red. According to the recent AfricanAmerican Consumers: Still Vital, Still Growing report, approximately 71 percent or 28 million of us are of voting age. So, whatever the color of your state, you’ve got the power. Make sure you use it on November 6.
(Cheryl Pearson-McNeil is senior vice president of Public Affairs and Government Relations for Nielsen. For more information, visit www.nielsenwire.com.)
WHAT’S HAPPENING MYRON?
You gotta catch Denzel in ‘Flight’
Images from political ads paid for by the super PAC Restore Our Future supporting the Republican Mitt Romney for President.
Next weekend, “Flight” starring Denzel Washington hits theatres and it will more than likely be another box office hit to add to his resume. Washington plays a pilot who becomes a hero after he Myron crash-lands his Mays plane and saves nearly everyone on board only to see his life take a down turn after it was discovered that he had alcohol in his system. There’s already Oscar buzz in the Best Actor arena prior to the film being released. This film seems to be quite different from a lot of what we’re used to seeing. I have to applaud director Robert Zemeckis for at least giving the public a movie that doesn’t seem to be so cookie cutter and predictable as most films are today. But then, he has always been one of the more creative directors and producers out there. He was responsible for “Castaway” starring Tom Hanks, as well as the “Back to the Future” series. After seeing “Flight,” I might have to forgive him for “The Last Holiday” with Queen Latifah, lol. I think “Flight” is really gonna be worth getting out to see. This will be Denzel’s 51st feature film. Flight opens in theaters on Nov. 2nd. We’re coming up on the last few days to check out “Hurt Village” at the Hattiloo Theatre. The play Hurt tells the story of a 13-year-old aspiring rapper named Cookie and her family, residents of the Hurt Village housing project. This production ends on Sunday (Oct. 21). There are lots of great productions happening at Hattiloo, and that is thanks to those who support local arts. You can support Hatiloo by making a tax-deductible gift at any level you can afford. For more information about this plays or any of the productions, visit HattilooTheatre.org or by call 901-525-0009.
‘Hurt Village’ & Hattiloo
E. Massey presents Smooth Fridays each and every Friday at A Game Restaurant & Bar located at 6642 Winchester Rd. The after-work set caters to the 30 & up crowd, however, 21 and up are allowed. A special invited DJ will be rocking the best old school and R&B. Happy hour starts at 5 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m., with 2 for 1 drinks and other $5 drink specials. Admission is free.
Smooth Fridays
The Reel People presents the After Work Set at the Ice Bar, 4202 Hacks Cross Road, each and every Friday night from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. With the goal of giving you the look of Atlanta and the feel of Miami, there will be food and drink specials the whole time. Music will be courtesy of Video DJ Whitehouse. No cover charge. For table or booth reservations, call 214-1617.
The After Work Set
It’s time for the What’s Happening Myron Book Club! Join us this Saturday (Oct. 20) as we discuss “Snapped” by Tracy Brown. We’re meeting at Fresh Slices at 1585 Overton Park at 4 p.m. Come on by and hang out with us.
Let’s read, together
The Unique Singles Mixer’s PreHalloween Bash is Oct. 23 at Memphis Sounds Lounge, 22 North Third St., from 6:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. Mix and mingle with other professional singles while enjoying great music and good vibes. There will be a cash prize for the best costume. So be creative, come out and have a great time.
Unique Singles Mixer
This weekend, I will be working overtime helping my good friend, comedian Stephon Smith, celebrate his birthday at Soul’lucions Restaurant and Lounge, 2926 Lamar Avenue, Suite 101. Join us Friday night (Oct. 19) for FlashBacks and on Saturday night at 9 for the Libra/Scorpio Birthday Bash. Doors open at 7 both nights. I’ll be your host. See you there. Until then, that’s what’s happening!
Parting shot
Images from political ads paid for by the super PAC Priorities USA Action supporting Barack Obama for re-election.
(Got an event you’d like for me to cover or attend? Email me at Myron@whatshappeningmyron.com)
ENTERTAINMENT
Tri-State Defender
Page 13
October 18 - 24, 2012
OPENING THIS WEEK
Kam’s Kapsules:
Weekly Previews That Make Choosing a Film Fun
darin with subtitles)
“My Worst Nightmare” (Unrated) Romantic romp revolving around the love which blossoms between a well-to-do socialite (Isabelle Huppert) and a homeless ex-con (Benoit Poelvoorde) after they meet through their children. Supporting cast includes Andre Dussollier, Virginia Efira and Corentin Devroey. (In French, English, Flemish, German and Japanese with subtitles)
Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Kam Williams
For movies opening Oct. 19, 2012
BIG BUDGET FILMS
“Alex Cross” (PG-13 for violence, nudity, sexuality, drug references and disturbing images) Tyler Perry plays the title character in this cat-and-mouse thriller based on the James Patterson best seller about a revenge-minded police psychologist hell-bent on apprehending a sadistic serial killer (Matthew Fox). Ensemble cast includes Edward Burns, Carmen Ejogo, Cicely Tyson, Jean Reno and Giancarlo Esposito.
“Nobody Walks” (R for sexuality, profanity and drug use) Love triangle drama about a happily-married father of two (John Krasinski) who risks his marriage by cheating on his wife (Rosemarie DeWitt) with the aspiring writer (Olivia Thirlby) living in their pool house. With Dylan McDermott, India Ennenga and Justin Kirk.
“Paranormal Activity 4” (R for profanity, violence and terror) Latest installment in the horror franchise observes the odd goings-on that start occurring inside the home of a suburban family right after a murderer (Katie Featherston) moves in next-door. With Kathryn Newton, Matt Shively and Brady Allen.
“Question One” (Unrated) Gay rights documentary about the topsy-turvy battle over same-sex marriage in Maine, where it was legalized by the state legislature, only to be repealed seven months later.
“The Sessions” (R for graphic sexuality, frontal nudity and frank dialogue) Fact-based drama recounting the plight of a paralyzed polio victim (John Hawkes) who seeks his parish priest (William H. Macy) approval before hiring a sex surrogate (Helen Hunt) to lose his virginity. With Moon Bloodgood, Adam Arkin and Rhea Perlman.
INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS
“All Together” (Unrated) Golden Years comedy about five elderly friends (Jane Fonda, Geraldine Chaplin, Pierre Richard, Claude Rich and Guy Bedos) who decide to live together rather than move to a retirement community. With Daniel Bruhl, Bernard Malaka and Camino Texeira. (In French and German with subtitles) “Big Foot: The Lost Coast Tapes” (Unrated) Found-footage horror flick featuring a skeptical journalist (Drew Rauch) who gets the surprise of his life when he travels to Northern California to expose a supposed Sasquatch sighting as a hoax. Featuring Frank Ashmore, Noah Weisberg and Ashley Wood.
“Brooklyn Castle” (Unrated) Against-theodds documentary chronicling the improbable triumphs of the nation’s #1, junior high chess team, a motley crew comprised of students from New York City’s I.S. 318, a cashstrapped school located in a poverty-stricken neighborhood. “The First Time” (PG-13 for profanity, partying, sexuality and mature themes) Coming-of-age romantic comedy revolving around two teenagers (Dylan O’Brien and Britt Robertson) who embark on a wild weekend after falling in love at first sight at a house party. With Craig Roberts, Christine Taylor and Maggie Elizabeth Jones.
“The Flat” (Unrated) Never Again documentary examining the shocking truths uncovered by the grandson of a couple of recently-
“Tai Chi Zero” (Unrated) Martial arts showdown about a two-fisted drifter (Yuan Xiaochao) who saves the day when a squadron of soldiers descend on a village with plans to build a railroad there. Cast includes Qi Shu, Tony Leung, Eddie Peng and Angelbaby. (In Mandarin with subtitles) Tyler Perry stars in the movie “Alex Cross.” The character Alex Cross is based on a series of detective novels by James Patterson. Previously Morgan Freeman has played Alex Cross in the movies “Kiss the Girls” and “Along Came a Spider.”
deceased Holocaust survivors while sifting through the treasure trove of personal effects left behind in the Tel Aviv apartment they’d shared since escaping Nazi Germany. “Holy Motors” (Unrated) Dawn to dusk drama telescoping in on a day in the parallel lives of a shadowy character (Denis Lavant) capable of shape-shifting from assassin to family man to monster to captain of industry to beggar and back. With Eva Mendes, Edith Scob and Kylie Minogue. (In French, English and Man-
“That’s What She Said” (R for sexuality and profanity) Female-bonding flick about the romantic misadventures of three friends (Anne Heche, Marcia DeBonis and Alia Shawkat) with relationship woes. With Miriam Shor, Nick Gregory and Kellie Overbey. “Unmasked Judeophobia” (Unrated) Peripatetic documentary examines the recent resurfacing of anti-Semitism in Europe, North America and the Middle East. With commentary by attorney Alan Dershowitz, Senator Joe Lieberman, and former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton.
“We Are Legion” (Unrated) Anarchist documentary about the work of an anonymous group of computer hackers discontent with the Digital Age, and especially the FBI, Scientology and GoDaddy.com. “Yogawoman” (Unrated) Pretzel logic documentary explaining why the face of yoga has changed from male to female.
HOROSCOPES
Oct. 18–24, 2012
ARIES Your money instincts are itchy! Go ahead and scratch, because you’ve got the golden touch this week. Promise yourself that you’ll take at least one small step toward your dreams each day this week. You go! TAURUS A loved one may feel a bit neglected as you pursue your material dreams with vigor this week. Time set aside for this person after you’ve made some gains will prove to be extra sweet. Try not to push a mate’s understanding nature too far, though. GEMINI Stay open-minded this week and you’ll actually feel the good vibrations! Co-workers will wonder at the smile on your face, but let it be your secret for now. Your smile itself will make others smile about their own lives! CANCER Big appetites this week! Indulge at least one of your passions and then get back to work. You are making incredible strides toward your dream by just reminding yourself of it. Drive carefully and pay attention to brake lights. LEO Relax a bit and review your “things to do” list”. Move methodically, and check off each item as you complete them. You’ll be surprised by the progress you are making. Spend the afternoon with family, and friends. VIRGO Your best self is on parade this week, and wow! You look good! Co-workers will beat a path to your cubicle, so be prepared to turn chatterboxes away gently. Give your honey a phone call or send a loving email. LIBRA This week’s a good week to approach that person you’ve been wondering about. While you’ve been working very hard, you need to play, too. Good playmates make work seem more rewarding to you. SCORPIO Can you take a week off from work? It’s a perfect week to relax with a loved one in one of your favorite ways. Even if you can only spend a few hours decompressing you’ll be surprised at how little it takes to feel bliss this week. SAGITTARIUS Vibrations this week make everyone feel as if the universe has given them another chance. Your fresh start may come in a romantic area. Buy a bouquet of flowers for your partner on your way home from work. See what happens. CAPRICORN A short trip for business reasons gives you a little personal space to make some notes to yourself. Remember your best self, and keep a positive outlook. Buy a lottery ticket this week at your destination, or watch for some other type of “found” money. AQUARIUS Your home may need some of your attention. This is a fine week to check the fire alarm battery, put away gardening equipment, or redecorate your dining area. The results of a shopping trip for new bed linens will please you very much. PISCES Spend some time in the company of friends early in the week, then spend your afternoon relaxing. Your ability to tune out and mediate on the goodness that surrounds is comes easy. Let the good vibrations massage you with bliss. NNPA News Service
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HEALTH
Tri-State Defender
October 18 - 24, 2012
CHEF TIMOTHY
Beware of GMOs! Genetically modified food can cause health problems Special to The New Tri-State Defender
by Chef Timothy Moore Leslie is a normal 16-year-old teenager. She is full of energy and life, but her effervescent personality tends to subside at times because she is always walking around with puffy eyes and a runny noise. When I asked her about this problem, she explained that it was par for the course, a condition she has accepted. Curious and wanting to know more, I asked Leslie about her diet and how she feels after eating certain foods. She confirmed my suspicion – that her puffy eyes and runny nose manifest after eating common foods that we tend to enjoy every day. I suggested to Leslie that she should stop eating a few common foods that I’d suspected as culprits. They had become part of her daily diet. She followed my advice and was amazed to see her eyes and sinuses clear up in a matter of days. Leslie’s problem is not uncommon. Tens of thousands of people, just like you and me, are allergic to certain foods that cause the body to react in a certain way. So what is in food that invades the body and causes it to react, even violently sometimes? The answer is GMOs – genetically modified organisms. GMOs are animals or plants created through the process of gene splicing or genetic engineering. This experimental technology merges DNA from different species creating unstable combinations of animal, plant bacterial and viral genes that cannot occur in nature or in traditional crossbreeding. On May 23, 2003, Present Bush proposed an initiative to end hunger in Africa using genetically modified foods. He blamed Europe for having unfounded, unscientific fears of genetically modified foods, thereby
hindering the efforts to end hunger. It wasn’t that Europe did not want to end hunger in Africa, it was because government-level officials knew the dangers of GMO foods. According to the Food and Agriculture OrDr. Timothy ganization of Moore the United States, world hunger has rapidly increased since 1995. It had reached 925 million individuals in 2010. So why is there so much hunger when there’s more than enough agricultural land to feed everyone on the planet? Maybe it’s incorrect to assume that all the current land is in production or being used efficiently. GMOs are now proposed as the farmer’s solution. This idea is being sold to government, industry and the public as the silver bullet to solve the world’s food shortage. The premise is that world hunger can be solved by inventing new crops called super foods. The problem is that these so-called super foods have been known to cause all types of health problems such as allergies, organ defects and childhood diseases. I would venture to say that most people wouldn’t be able to remember what they’ve eaten in the past 24 hours let alone know what ingredients were in those foods. In many countries, including the United States, GMO foods are not labeled. As a result, neither consumers nor the manufacturers know how much genetically-modified content is really in the food that we eat daily. More and more doctors are prescribing GMO free diets. Amy
Dean, D.O., a Michigan internal medicine specialist and board member of American African Academy of AAEM, said, “I strongly recommend patients eat strictly non-genetically modified foods.” Biologist David Schubert, PhD, of the Salk Institute warns that children are most likely to be adversely effected by toxins and other dietary problems related to GM foods. “Without adequate studies,” said Schubert, “our children will become the experimental animals.” Diabetes, cancer, birth defects, low birth weight babies, infertility and infant mortality are all escalating out of control because of GM foods. Corn and cotton, for example, are two crops engineered to produce their own built-in pesticide in every cell. When bugs eat from these crops, the poison additive now inherent in the plant splits open their stomach and kills them. If it can kill a bug, what affect is it having on your short- and long-term health? If you were told that the food you’re eating was crossbred in a laboratory, would you stop eating it? There are many problems with GMO foods. The only solution is more regulation of the food industry and the requirement for specific identification and labeling on all GMO products. If GMO foods are scaled back or banned altogether, then maybe Leslie wouldn’t have to walk around with puffy eyes and a runny noise.
(Dr. Timothy Moore teaches nutrition, heart disease and diabetes reversal through a plant-based lifestyle. He is an author, professional speaker, wellness coach and personal plant-based chef. He can be reached at cheftimothy@ cheftimothymoore.com. Visit www.cheftimothymoore.com. Follow him at www.twitter.com/ cheftimmoore.)
The soul-food tradition and its relevance to African-American cultural identity was the focus during this discussion at the TCA Summer Press Tour in Los Angeles. The participants included comedian and social activist Dick Gregory (left), Mary LouiseParker, host of PBSʼ ʻIndependent Lensʼ look at “Soul Food Junkies,” the new film by Byron Hurt (right). (Photo by Rahoul Ghose/PBS)
Film probes world of ‘Soul Food Junkies’ Filmmaker Byron Hurt did not have to journey far to find the inspiration for his newest project – “Soul Food Junkies” – which premieres on PBS Jan. 14. Inspired by his own family’s complex relationship with “soul food” – fried chicken, ribs, macaroni and cheese, peach cobbler and the whole panoply of down-home foods made with grease, sugar and love – Hurt asks whether this diet is nurturing or destroying the African-American community. With humor and heart, Hurt questions the effects of “soul food” on the health of not only African-Americans but all who guiltily consume this most comforting of American comfort foods. The film will debut on the PBS series Independent Lens (produced by Lois Vossen) on Monday, Jan. 14. 2013. Actress Mary Louise-Parker, who know is a vegan, is the series
host. She has said her East Tennessee roots give her some understanding of the mentality that draws Southerners to “soul food.” Hurt, known by many for the success of one of his earlier films, “Hip Hop: Beyond Beats & Rhymes,” has made it known that the film has very personal side for him. Cancer claimed the life of Hurt’s father. Why his family and his community ate the way they did is something he learned later. Now he has a strong conviction that his father’s soul food eating habits made way for the cancer that killed him. New York Daily News columnist Stanley Crouch got a glimpse of Hurt’s latest effort while Hurt still was raising money to complete it. “It is humorous, soulful and well aware of how hard it is to change when what one is addicted to is not only certain kinds of food but food made to taste truly delicious,” wrote Crouch.