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Archive for September, 2009

Is the MBA Dead?

September 30, 2009 Leave a comment

 

by Fenorris Pearson, CEO Global Consumer Innovation, Inc.

Once upon a time your MBA was the gold standard; a guarantee for eventual and all-but inevitable success in your chosen profession. Today the starting line has moved; an MBA is still crucial for the well-rounded, would-be consummate executive, but no longer the gold standard by which success is currently measured.

Even those reliable old yardsticks by which past business success was calculated – hard work, seniority and massive overtime – no longer ensure you the success you desire today. Many men and women have built their fortunes on these skills alone in the past, but times are changing at a critical pace, and it is important that you keep up. There are thousands of MBAs awarded every year, and the cookie-cutter approach to business success has evolved. How are you going to be different from every other MBA in the country when it comes to finding your path to success?

Here are some things you can do to rise above your MBA, make yourself relevant and prepare for the real world:

1) Never forget that the world is changing: With the increased used of technology, business models are adapting, corporations are changing their strategies, industries are rising and others are dying. Make sure you know where you fit in this bold, new world and don’t assume that you are living the same life you would have lived in 1989. The textbooks used in your MBA courses might have worked for business models in the 1990s, but they may become obsolete in the new millennium.

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YouTube’s Greatest Hits

September 30, 2009 Leave a comment

Watch this video of YouTube’s Greatest Hits!
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Dr Boyce Watkins and Al Sharpton Discuss Ebony Magazine and Black Politics

September 30, 2009 Leave a comment

Dr Boyce Watkins and Rev. Al Sharpton wonder if Ebony Magazine can survive with new ownership.
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Black News from theroot – 9/29/09

September 30, 2009 Leave a comment
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The Senate Finance Committee Rejects the Public Option

September 30, 2009 1 comment

 

Liberal Democrats failed Tuesday to inject a government-run insurance option into sweeping health care legislation taking shape in the Senate Finance Committee, despite widespread accusations that private insurers routinely deny coverage in pursuit of higher profits.

The 15-8 rejection marked a victory for Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., the committee chairman, who is hoping to push his middle-of-the-road measure through the panel by week’s end. It also kept alive the possibility that at least one Republican may yet swing behind the bill, a key goal of both Baucus and the White House.

"My job is to put together a bill that gets to 60 votes" in the full Senate, the Montana Democratsaid shortly before he joined a majority on the committee in opposing the provision. "No one shows me how to get to 60 votes with a public option," the term used to describe a new government role in health care. It takes 60 votes to overcome delaying actions thatRepublicans may attempt on the Senate floor.

 

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somalis Surprised by Ambulance Service

September 30, 2009 Leave a comment

Chaos and death on the streets of Mogadishu: unfortunately, it’s nothing new in the Somali capital.

Casualties are taken into Mogadishu's hospital on stretchers.

 

 

Government forces are fighting against insurgents on this day in September in a bloody battle that leaves 30 dead. Dozens of wounded Somalis are taken out of the danger zone, some of them in the back of insurgents’ pick-up trucks.

One of the trucks races through the streets, zig-zagging to the echoing booms of the ongoing shelling. The truck comes to an abrupt halt, stopping at a rare sight in the Somali capital — an ambulance, waiting at the heart of the chaos to ferry the dead and the injured to the hospital.

The wounded are transferred onto the ambulance. People shout and run as the mortar attacks continue. One woman screams over and over for her son.

The ambulance is one of seven medical vehicles paid for with donated funds from local and expatriate Somalis. Residents can simply call for the ambulances without charge, and the vehicles will be dispatched to the scene.

"It is amazing," said Rufai Salad, one of the founders of the ambulance service in the Somali capital. "We have this toll-free number, 777, that you dial. Someone is giving you a free call and then coming and giving you free help.

"People here find it hard to believe it is real."

 

Click to read.

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What? Sippin Syrup is now being sold in stores?

September 29, 2009 Leave a comment

by Dr Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University 

AOL Black Voices, Your Black World 

You’ve probably heard the phrase "sippin syrup," used in reference to the act of mixing cough syrup, codeine, and soda together to create a relaxed feeling within the person who consumes the beverage. The "drank" has become quite popular, particularly in the south, as rappers have done their jobs of giving free promotion to an illegal product that has managed to make teenagers even less productive than many of them already are.
It was only a matter of time before corporate America stepped in to make money off the trend. Meet the new drink on store shelves: Sippin Syrup. The drink doesn’t use any illegal products, but produces the same "lean" effect that many young people seek from the cough syrup product on the street. Harmless enough, right? Not so fast.
Officers in the Houston area are concerned that the product sold on store shelves is nothing more than a gateway to an incredibly dangerous and addictive drug. The snazzy ad campaign fully leverages the power of the brand of "purple stuff" being sold on the streets already. Teenagers who can’t get the real stuff would likely be enticed by the substitute until the door is open for the actual product.

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Black News: Black Scholar Comments on pending sale of Ebony Magazine

September 29, 2009 Leave a comment

Dr. Deborah Stroman, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

 

Business knows one only color – green. Whether one has a history of success or newfound fame, businesses must continue to make a profit. Unfortunately, the announcement recently made by Johnson Publishing Company, Inc. the world’s largest African-American-owned and-operated publishing company, reflects the simple fact that long-term financial projections reveal that there is more month left than money. A painful pill to swallow for many in the black community due to the legacy of this family and its mission; however, there are important 21st century business lessons to highlight from this sad prospect. First, know and stay in tune with your audience. The graying demographic that historically supported Ebony can’t be relied upon for financial stability in recessionary times. New money is found in collaborative and results-based (not old school relationship) marketing.  Sadly, time is really, really money in today’s new economy. Second, embrace technology or get left behind. Experts have clearly articulated the dying of print media over the past decade. Those who chose to sleep in and ignore the warnings are now locking the doors and turning in keys. Americans want and deserve information fast and accurate. The Internet provides that medium. And lastly, in times of struggle God always provides an opportunity. The leaders at Johnson Publishing have a tremendous asset in their people. They are creative and passionate about their community and they should be given the chance to provide direction. This moment is not the time for consultants and clairvoyants with crystal balls to steer the way. Truly listen to the heart and soul of the company – the journalists and staff – and make the necessary decisions to be a viable institution for another 63 years.  Hey! No pressure but the Black community, avid readers or not, depends on it.

Dr. Deborah Stroman is a Professor at The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and an expert on Leadership.  To contact Dr. Stroman for speaking engagements or media requests, please click here.

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Mayor of East Cleveland In Some “Interesting” Political Mess

September 29, 2009 Leave a comment


clevelandmayorbrewer2

Mayor Eric Brewer has to regret the day that he came out of the closet so to speak, lambasting a local television station for airing out his sequin-laced dirty laundry.

Coming less than a week before he faces poll goers via a voting booth, the mayor of East Cleveland has been sited in rare form; looking fabulous in an amber wig and Jimmy Choo‘s.

In a move lambasted by Brewer, WKYC’s Channel 3 was the first media outlet to shed light on the startling revelation, sending the picture and subsequent mayoral race into the stratosphere.

Reading a statement outside his campaign headquarters, the incumbent mayor vented his frustration with the event via a statement that left more questions than answers.

“I had not seen any of the pictures until WKYC’s broadcast yesterday evening.” To date, he has refused to say or deny whether the person pictured is him.

Members of Brewer’s campaign have named his opponent, City Council President Gary Norton, as their chief suspect into their search to find whomever leaked and circulated the photos.

Mayor Brewer is also looking into whether police involvement may have played a part in the affair due mainly to the firing of multiple officers during his freshman term.

Former Mayor of East Cleveland, Saratha Googins, says that she knew of the picture for years.

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Dr. Wilmer Leon: Michael is not “The Man of Steele”

September 29, 2009 Leave a comment

Dr. Wilmer J. Leon III, Your Black World 

Not to be outdone, in response to America electing its first African-American President, on January 30, 2009, the Republican National Committee (RNC) elected Michael Steele, the former lieutenant governor of Maryland, as its chairman. It was a long and painful process, but on the sixth and final ballot, for the first time in its history, the Republican Party elected an African-American to manage its affairs.

    During his acceptance speech, Chairman Steele said, "To Americans who believe in the future of this country. To those who stand in difference with us, it’s time for something completely different, and we’re gonna bring it to them. We’re gonna bring this party to every corner, every boardroom, every neighborhood, every community and we’re gonna say to friend and foe alike: We want you to be a part of this, we want you to work with us, and for those of you who wish to obstruct, get ready to get knocked over."

    These were very powerful and encouraging words, especially coming from an intelligent African-American man who was speaking to a political party dominated by white men who are not used to African-Americans speaking to them so forcefully and directly. To bring forth "something completely different"; to take the party to "friend and foe alike," to "knock over" decades of neoconservative ideology and racism would take a Superman. Unfortunately, these encouraging and powerful words ring hollow when compared to the reality of Chairman Steele’s actions. Michael is no Superman. He’s not "The Man of Steele."

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Company accused of selling a gateway drug for black teenagers

September 29, 2009 1 comment

from TheGrio.com 

You see it all over television, celebrities endorsing "syrup," which is a combination of cough syrup with codeine and soda, two ingredients that can make for a lethal recipe.

Stores in Southeast Texas are now carrying the products that bear the names "drank" and "syrup", but with a different twist.

Drank and Sippin Syrup are two examples of a new anti-energy drink that is supposed to provide "extreme relaxation." There is nothing harmful in these products, in fact one of the main ingredients is Melatonin, a natural substance that helps you sleep.

18-year-old Jackie Robinson says he just started drinking this anti-energy drink because of the slogan, "sippin syrup."

"I ain’t gonna lie it really do," said Robinson Wednesday afternoon as he sipped his drink outside a Beaumont convenient store. "It probably attracts a lot of people from the name too."

 

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Facebook Poll Asks Users If they Think Obama Should be Killed

September 28, 2009 1 comment

The Secret Service is investigating a Facebook Poll asking people if they would like to kill President Obama.

"We are aware of it and we will take the appropriate investigative steps," said Darrin Blackford, a Secret Service spokesman. "We take of these things seriously."

The poll asked Facebook Users "Should Obama be killed?" The choices: No, Maybe, Yes, and Yes if he cuts my health care.

Facebook has made it clear that they did not create the poll, and that it was created in an application used by a third party.

"The third-party application that enabled an individual user to create the offensive poll was brought to our attention this morning," said Barry Schnitt, Facebook’s spokesman for policy.

"We’re working with the U.S. Secret Service, but they’ll need to provide any details of their investigation," Schnitt said.

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Your Black Commentary from TheGrio – 9/26/09

September 28, 2009 Leave a comment

From TheGrio.com, Your Black World 

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Dr. Boyce: Ebony and Jet May be Sold Soon

September 28, 2009 2 comments

Can Ebony Magazine survive in the digital age?

 

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University, MSNBC’s TheGrio.com, Your Black World, AOL Black Voices 

 

The black journalism students here at Syracuse often come to me to find out how the industry works. They sometimes instinctively wonder if their professors’ stories about being in a CBS newsroom in 1982 are going to help them survive in a world run by Twitter, Myspace and Facebook. The answer is a resounding "probably not."

While respecting the journalism professors teaching their classes, I simply use examples like Ebony Magazine to help them realize that black media is changing, and sites like theGrio.com, BlackVoices.com, and TheRoot.com, are examples of how black media has evolved. In fact, a journalist who doesn’t understand technology and business models is in danger of starting his/her career as a dinosaur.

When it comes to recent reports about Ebony Magazine being offered for sale, I admit that I was saddened, but not surprised. The Ebony Fashion Fair has become one of the most celebrated events in black America, and the magazine has been nothing less than a tremendous source of national pride since its creation in 1945. But in the age of the web, oversized bureaucracies can be crushed under the weight of their own arrogance. Bloated payrolls, pompous corporate functions and a sense of entitlement make them easy prey for quick, hungry and rapidly evolving competition.

In spite of the tremendous love we have for Ebony/Jet, the truth must be confronted when realizing that it is what radio was to TV or what the train was to the airplane. Like radios and trains, there is still a place for print media, but that role is no longer dominant. The current economic climate only accelerated the inevitable, since advertisers were eventually going to stop spending $50,000 for magazine ads when they can buy the same number of eyeballs for $5,000 or less.

I present the following 5 questions I’d like to ask out loud about both Ebony Magazine and the state of African American media:

Click to read.

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Your Black News: Author Writes a Book for Ex-Cons to Start Businesses

September 27, 2009 Leave a comment

from AOL Black Voices, Your Black World 

In the first book published by her New York-based Resilience Multimedia, Sheila Rule delivers much-needed information to a segment of society that has long been ignored: the incarcerated and formerly incarcerated. In ‘Think Outside The Cell: An Entrepreneur’s Guide for the Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated’ by Joseph Robinson, readers learn vital information, including how to overcome obstacles that convicted felons face while trying to reenter society and find work.
Rule, who worked at The New York Times for 30 years before her recent retirement, was spurred to start her publishing company after writing to the incarcerated as a volunteer for the Riverside Church Prison Ministry. With funding from the Ford Foundation, she plans to publish next year the ‘Think Outside the Cell’ book series featuring real-life stories by the incarcerated, formerly incarcerated and their families. Rule takes time to talk about the book with AOL Black Voices.
AOL Black Voices: How did you come up with the idea for the book?
Sheila Rule: Joe’s book has been published amid renewed efforts to help the formerly incarcerated-who are disproportionately black and Latino-successfully reenter society. But Joe believes that the reentry programs being developed, while commendable, too often focus on finding jobs in a nation where, according to a Princeton University study, it is easier for a white person with a felony conviction to get a job than for a black person who has never been arrested. Joe believes that "Think Outside the Cell" presents a largely unexplored option-entrepreneurship-that can help give men and women leaving prison a realistic second chance

 

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Dr Boyce Money: Big Money and Big Power at the G20 Summit

September 27, 2009 Leave a comment

A whole bunch of G-20 racket, but is anybody listening?

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University

From MSNBC’s TheGrio.com

Uncle Ben from Spiderman made the most prophetic statement of the entire film series in his dying days (I almost cried, but don’t tell anybody): “With great power comes great responsibility.” Most of us understood what Uncle Ben was trying to say, and that includes Barack Obama.

Uncle Ben should have been the keynote speaker at the latest G-20 Summit, taking place this week in Pittsburgh,PA. The G-20 Summit is a gathering of the Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of the world’s 19 wealthiest countries, plus the European Union. These countries encompass 85 percent of the world’s gross domestic product, so they would probably meet Uncle Ben’s qualification for “great power,” at least when it comes to money.

The G-20 Summit’s primary objective is to achieve broad cooperation on the preservation of international financial stability. The motivations of the group, created in 1999, are seemingly noble and make perfect sense in light of the fact that the global economy has reached an unprecedented level of integration. If large nations do not work together, the world’s financial system will be subject to alarming amounts of volatility.

Not everyone can see the vision behind G-20 ambitions. Usually, the gatherings of the G-20 are as out of control as a frat party, as protesters have made a game out of disrupting the meetings as much as they possibly can. To prepare for this year’s economic fiesta, the city of Pittsburgh has brought in 4,000 police, 2,000 National Guard troops and 11 Coast Guard vessels.

Police, in an overwhelming show of force, declared Thursday’s march illegal almost as soon as it began, firing rubber bullets and canisters of pepper spray and smoke after small bands of anarchists responded to calls to disperse by rolling huge metal trash bins, throwing rocks and breaking windows. As of Friday morning, reports said nearly 70 people had been arrested and police were bracing for scattered protests around downtown.

President Obama, being the conflicted capitalist/black man/ex-community organizer that he is, made some telling comments about the demonstrators.

Click to read more on MSNBC’s TheGrio.com.

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Dr Elaina George on How to Stay Healthy – Quick Tips

September 27, 2009 Leave a comment

by Dr Elaina George, Your Black World Medical Correspondent

Instead of waiting for the outcome of the healthcare debate to decide your fate, use some simple common sense strategies to take back the power to control your own health.

  1. Start exercising

An increase in activity of as little as 20 minutes 3 times a week can make a difference in your risk of heart disease,

diabetes and obesity. You don’t have to get fancy with a gym membership. Try taking the stairs at work instead of the

elevator, or park further from the entrance when you go to the market or mall.

2. Eat Smaller portions

You may not want to give up your junk food or fried food, but try to limit your portions. Instead of buying a six pack

of soda, buy a two liter bottle. You can better control the portions along with your intake of calories.

Click to read.

Read more at Your Black World, the top black news website in America

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Black News: Why Michael Vick Has Been Good for Animal Rights

September 27, 2009 Leave a comment

Maybe it was one of the times John Goodwin found a more receptive audience while lobbying politicians for stricter sentencing against dogfighting.

Maybe it was one of the times a law enforcement training session was packed with police.

Maybe it was while he was riding along on what is an increasing number of raids on dogfighting operations.

Whenever it was, there was a moment over the past two years that Goodwin, the anti-dog fighting expert at the Humane Society of the United States, realized that of all the unexpected things, a silver lining had formed in the ugly clouds of the Michael Vick(notes) scandal.

“People campaigned against dogfighting ever since the first dogfight ever happened,” Goodwin said. “But never had there been a spotlight put on this issue like when Michael Vick was involved in it.

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Your Black World

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Gospel Singer Jumps out of the closet

September 27, 2009 1 comment

from AOL Black Voices 

Earlier this month, clips of a taped television interview that gospel music sensation Tonex conducted for ‘The Lexi Show‘ (on the Gospel network) surfaced on the Internet and caused a heated frenzy within the black religious industry. During the revealing conversation, the internationally renowned music superstar (nee Anthony Williams III) talked candidly about his homosexuality, his failed marriage and his thoughts on the black church. As expected, when someone touches upon such a taboo subject, it strikes a chord among others. But as the multiple Stellar Award-winning virtuoso tells it, in his very own words, it was a lot more than he ever bargained for. Below is Tonex’s exclusive testimony to BlackVoices.com:


Okay, so now since it’s really gone mainstream, there is really no backpedaling is there?

Click to read.

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Your Black Love: What if He’s Cheating on you?

September 27, 2009 Leave a comment

from AOL Black Voices 

I just found out after 28 years of marriage that my husband had a seven-month affair with a co-worker. He would drink with her at a bar and then they would have sex. After a few months, she became pregnant, and my husband did not tell me. He didn’t have anything to do with her or the child. I am really confused and don’t know what to do. The child is now 9 years old.

Sandra
This is a very difficult and fearful situation, and it is exacerbated by the length of time that has passed since the affair took place. Over the years, partners grow and change, and you have to learn to love the new incarnations of themselves in the present. Your best choice is to take stock of who your husband is now based on the choices he has made in his life and who you are now, and ask yourself if he is still the man you want to be with. As for the child, your husband chose to relinquish his role as father so that you would never find out about the affair. This was not a choice he made to protect you, but rather to protect his position in your marriage. If he had wanted to protect you, he would not have had the affair. You have to ask him if he has changed and if he is remorseful for the decisions he made in his past. Then you have to ask yourself if his actions have proven that he has truly changed.

 

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Dr Boyce: Obama’s Falling Poll Numbers and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation

September 26, 2009 Leave a comment

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, AOL Black Voices, Syracuse University

In an appropriate show of respect, President Barack Obama addressed theCongressional Black Caucus Foundation Conference this weekend. His speech focused primarily on healthcare, which has become the latest battleground for our challenged new leader. In the eyes of the public, Obama is no longer the cool, hip politician he was a few months ago. He is now the guy considered to be too moderate to be liberal, too socialist to be conservative, too black to be white and too white to be “down.” Obama can’t quite be anything to anyone, which is the price he must now pay for trying to be everything to everyone.
Michelle Obama, as lovely as she is, arrived to the event with the president by her side. The couple, when appearing together, present an inspiring portrait of successful black love. Every black woman in America looks at Michelle and dreams of having her own political Mandingo accompanying her and her children to important social events.

Click to read more at AOL Black Voices

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Black News from thegrio- 9/26/09

September 26, 2009 Leave a comment
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Did BET Go Too Far with Skank Robbers?

September 25, 2009 Leave a comment

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Your Black World, Syracuse University, AOL Black Voices 

During the BET Awards, Martin Lawrence and Jamie Foxx did a skit called "Skank Robbers," which you can watch below. Some have argued that the video goes over the top, producing stereotypical images of black women to the point of being offensive. Referring to them as "skanks" was enough to draw the ire of many African Americans, but there was also a point in the video in which the narrator says, "From the producers of ‘Planet of the Apes’."

This video leads to the following questions as it pertains to BET:1) Who’s making the decisions? I’d love to see what thought process goes into deciding to make R. Kelly your keynote performer right after he is accused of creating child pornography, or having Lil Wayne sing about wanting to have sex with every girl in the world while underage girls are dancing on stage. I don’t hate BET, and I’ve done a great deal of work with them in the past, but I would like very much for them to explain to the public exactly how they operate.

 

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Your Black Money: No Property Insurance Can Bankrupt You

September 24, 2009 Leave a comment

Christopher Chestnut (pictured above)

Your Black World, AOL Black Voices 

by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University 

Most of us know very little about the ins and outs of property insurance. Christopher Chestnut is not in that category. As a prominent attorney out of Florida, Mr. Chestnut has taken on multi-million dollar cases and handled some of the most complex lawsuits imaginable. As one of the leading young black attorneys in America, Chestnut has been recognized by President Obama for his outstanding accomplishments.

I spoke to Chris this week about Property Insurance and what it can do to make your life a little simpler. Here is what he had to say:

1) If you rent, make sure you have renter’s insurance. Also, make sure your landlord has homeowner’s insurance, since renter’s insurance only includes the contents that are INSIDE the house

2) Check your landlord’s insurance regarding injuries on your rented property. Most people are unaware of the fact that the homeowner is liable in the event that someone is injured on their property. Even if the children across the street climb the fence to get into your yard, you are liable if one of them gets hurt. Find out how your landlord’s homeowner’s insurance would cover you if someone has an accident.

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Black News: ACORN mounts legal challenge

September 24, 2009 Leave a comment

Marshell Warren, 13, uses a computer in the youth center run by Millicent Hill in Hill?s home in the Watts section of Los Angeles. ACORN helped Hill avoid being kicked out of her home. 

LOS ANGELES — Millicent Hill says God put her in her stucco home on East 92nd Street, but she believes she would have lost the house without ACORN.

Hill’s home is a center of after-school activity for kids in the Watts neighborhood in gritty South-Central Los Angeles. Children in her church-supported program can avoid the street, get a snack, work on a computer or get a hug.

LAST WEEK: House votes to defund ACORN

When "Mama" Hill, as she’s known, faced foreclosure, ACORN members showed up at a public auction to protest, prompting the lender to cancel the sale. ACORN then found a buyer who rents it back to Hill. "I wouldn’t be here without ACORN, and all of the kids would have to go somewhere else," says Hill, 69. "And they’ve got nowhere else to go."

Here and in other states, ACORN focuses on helping people with housing issues, supporting changes to health care and immigration policies, and registering voters.

ACORN — which has received about $53 million in federal funds since 1994 — has long been a target of conservatives because of its ties to Democrats. Attacks increased after its aggressive voter-registration and get-out-the-vote efforts for President Obama last year. Now, videos showing ACORN workers giving advice to conservative activists posing as a pimp and a prostitute are raising questions about its tactics and finances — and whether it can survive.

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News: Census Worker Lynched in Kentucky

September 24, 2009 Leave a comment

image

A U.S. Census worker found hanged from a tree near a Kentucky cemetery had the word "fed" scrawled on his chest, a law enforcement official said Wednesday, and the FBI is investigating whether he was a victim of anti-government sentiment.

The law enforcement official, who was not authorized to discuss the case and requested anonymity, did not say what type of instrument was used to write the word on the chest of Bill Sparkman, a 51-year-old part-time Census field worker and teacher. He was found Sept. 12 in a remote patch of the Daniel Boone National Forest in rural southeast Kentucky.

The Census Bureau has suspended door-to-door interviews in rural Clay County, where the body was found, pending the outcome of the investigation. An autopsy report is pending.

 

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The Real Deal on College: Is it Worth It?

September 23, 2009 Leave a comment

image

Daily Orange – Syracuse University

No Easy Decision: Higher Education Requires High Contemplation
With the economy just now taking steps to recover from a recession that caused millions of jobs to be lost, the four words, "was it worth it?" have likely been uttered by thousands of debt-ridden college graduates.

According to collegeboard.com, the average yearly cost of tuition and fees at a four-year public college for the 2008-09 year was $6,585, while private schools cost an average of $25,143. The Syracuse University Web site lists its tuition for 2009-10 as $33,630, with its total cost of attendance reaching an estimated $50,100.

Four years later, does this $200,000 expense, whether the financial resources come from family, 40-hour workweeks or loans, guarantee a high-paying job?
As a student with hopes of getting a job whose success I can parlay into a long and happy career, I find college to be extremely important and value the opportunities it has given me. However, I strongly disagree with the notion that college is right for everyone.

 

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Why You Might Not Want to Take the Swine Flu Vaccine

September 23, 2009 Leave a comment

 

by Dr. Elaina George, Your Black World Medical Correspondent

Although the Swine flu virus has been identified in over 70 countries, it has not been as deadly as expected

  • The world wide number of swine flu cases currently is 209,500 with 2,185 deaths

The common flu is more deadly

  • In the US there have been 40,000 cases identified with 1,876 deaths. This is quite low when you compare the death rate to the typical flu virus which kills over 30,000 people per year.

Most cases of Swine flu have been mild

  • Most people have had mild self-limited symptoms that resolve without any medical intervention.

Vaccines often contain additives that can be dangerous

  • Vaccines contain ingredients that boost the immune response. They can be made from toxins like anti-freeze (ethylene glycol), formaldehyde, or chemicals like mercury (thimerasol) and squalene, a type of fat found in olive oil that is also present throughout the nervous system and the brain. These ingredients can be harmful to the body.
  • Studies have shown that Mercury (thimerasol) may lead to autism. Specifically, a study in autistic children found elevated levels of mercury in their urine compared to children without autism.

  • Soldiers who served in the gulf war were given anthrax vaccine which contained squalene. When squalene is injected it stimulates an aggressive immune response that causes an auto-immune reaction that can attack all cells that contain squalene. e.g., the nervous system. Studies found that soldiers who were diagnosed with gulf war syndrome received anthrax vaccinations that contained Squalene

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Dr Boyce on AOL – 9/23/09

September 23, 2009 1 comment

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Money Blast: What You Should Know about Credit Scores

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Black Spin News Blast: Why Can’t Barack Obama Talk About Race?

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ACORN Responds to Allegations from FOX News

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Dr. Boyce Money: Don’t Throw Tavis Smiley Under the Wells Fargo Bus

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Yale Student Murder Symptomatic of Growing Workplace Violence

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Wendy Williams and Dr. Boyce Talk Hip Hop and Money

Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers

Magic Johnson, Cornel West Appear with IMPACT organization at the Congressional Black Caucus event

September 23, 2009 2 comments

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Preview ’09 A Red Carpet Affair

Washington, DC – On September 24th, 2009, IMPACT will bring together the most influential young politicos and professionals of color to honor emerging leaders during Preview ’09—a Red Carpet Affair.  This exclusive reception, held just blocks away from the White House at the St. Regis Hotel, will celebrate the contributions young professionals make to their communities and nation.

Each month IMPACT highlights young leaders excelling professionally while transforming their community.  The “IMPACT Leader of the Year” will be honored at Preview ’09 during the Annual Legislative Conference (ALC).  As these young African American professionals come to honor IMPACT leaders, new relationships will be forged and connections made to ensure that the pathway to excellence is available for every young African American to make an IMPACT.  More details below:

When: Thursday, September 24, 2009

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

To RSVP your attendance, please visit: www.impact-dc.com

Where:             St. Regis Hotel

16th and K Street NW

Washington, DC

Who: Hosted by BET’s Jeff Johnson

Young African American Politicos

Honorary co-chairs include:

Senator Roland Burris

Congressman Gregory Meeks

Congressman Andre Carson

Congresswoman Yvette Clarke

Congressman Keith Ellison

 

Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Dr. Cornell West and African American Leaders to Examine the Role Emerging Leaders Play in Affecting Change

Evolution of Politics & Empowerment

As thousands of young African American professionals flock to Washington, D.C. for the Annual Legislative Conference (ALC), the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation will host a Town Hall discussion on the evolution of politics and empowerment. Today’s emerging leaders will join elected officials, community activists, and professionals to dispel the myth of “young versus old” and advance the agenda to improve African American communities.

Join Congressman Bennie Thompson and leaders like Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Dr. Cornel West, Deputy White House Counsel, Cassandra Butts and others as they discuss the role emerging leaders play in advocating and affecting change. Panelists will also discuss strategies young professionals can use to navigate through politics, excel in corporate America, and influence public policy. More details below:

What: Evolution of Politics & Empowerment

Emerging Leaders Town Hall

To RSVP your attendance, please visit: www.impact-dc.com

When:            Friday, September 25, 2009

                        10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. EST

Where:           Washington Convention Center

                        Conference Room 202AB

Who:              Hosted by: Congressman Bennie G. Thompson

Moderated by: CNN’s Roland Martin

Panelists include:

      • Earvin Magic Johnson
      • Dr. Cornell West
      • Deputy White House Counsel, Cassandra Butts
      • NAACP’s, Stefanie Brown   
      • Political Strategist, Sophia Nelson
      • Fox News Contributor, Dr. Marc Lamont Hill,
      • Music Executive, Aaron Arnold

 

A Discussion with Top Obama Administration Officials, Policy Professionals and Young Elected Officials

Washington, DC – Join us on September 23, 2009 as young professionals pack the Washington Convention Center to discuss the best ways to sustain careers in public policy. African American leaders from the Obama Administration, young elected officials and policy professionals will come together for a roundtable discussion on how to communicate with the White House, monitor and guide use of stimulus funds and promote civic engagement. More details below:

When: Saturday, September 26, 2009

                        11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

To RSVP your attendance, please visit: www.impact-dc.com

Where:           Washington Convention Center

801 Mount Vernon Pl NW

Washington, DC 20001-3614

Who: Panelist Include:

      • Rick Wade, Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor
      • Michael Strautmanis, Special Assistant to the President & Chief of Staff
      • Ron Kirk, US Trade Representative
      • Myesha Ward, Deputy Assistant, US Trade Representative
      • Addisu Demissie, National Political Director, Organization for America
      • Melanie Roussell, Press Secretary for Housing and Urban Development
      • Andrew Gillum, Tallahassee County Commissioner
      • Isador Hall, California State Assemblyman
      • Gina Calder, New Haven Alderwoman
      • Alan Williams, Representative, Florida House of Representatives
      • Angela Sailor, Republican National Committee, Director of Coalitions
Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers Tags: ,

Your Black News off the Grio – 9/22/09

September 22, 2009 Leave a comment
  • Actor Hill Harper talks relationships in his new book
    Actor Hill Harper talks relationships in his new book

    By Jessica Shim

    1:07 PM on 09/22/2009

    Best known for his work on CSI: NY, Hill Harper is a New York Times bestselling author with two books under his belt with a third released this month…

    > more

  • Extreme flooding across the southeast
    Extreme flooding across the southeast

    By theGrio

    1:00 PM on 09/22/2009

    VIDEO- Driving rains continue to fall across the south. Storms over the last several days have created dangerous, and deadly conditions.

    > more

  • Husband of slain wife and five children had history of domestic abuse
    Husband of slain wife and five children had history of domestic abuse

    By theGrio via AP

    11:30 AM on 09/22/2009

    TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — A Florida woman slain along with her five children endured regular abuse from her husband but seemed overwhelmed by trying to raise the kids herself and wanted him around as a father figure…

    > more

  • NAACP supports Gov. Paterson
    NAACP supports Gov. Paterson

    By theGrio via AP

    1:15 PM on 09/21/2009

    Beleaguered Gov. David Paterson is getting some support from a home town NAACP…

    > more

    • Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers

    Black News from TheGrio –9/21/09

    September 22, 2009 Leave a comment
    Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers

    President Obama’s Racial Catch – 22

    September 21, 2009 18 comments

    Race is Obama's Catch-22

    A few years ago, Dr. Cornel West wrote an outstanding book called "Race Matters." In the book, he explains why a post-racial America is not yet a reality. Race certainly matters in our nation, and we don’t need to look any further than the anti-Obama lynch mobs to find evidence of this fact.

    What is most interesting is that the people who hate Obama for being black don’t even realize that this is the reason they hate him. That’s how the social sickness called "racism" sneaks into the very fabric of the social infrastructure on which our country operates.

    President Obama’s recent experience is yet another reminder that the disease of racism has its greatest impact on those who think they’ve been cured. In spite of his continuous efforts to "just get along" with those on the right wing, they have insisted upon engaging in some of the most pathetic, thug-like behavior imaginable, creating a climate unlike anything our country has seen in the last 30 years.

    If you think this has nothing to do with Obama being black, you need to open a history book. Lynch mobs rarely attacked a black man just for being black. They attacked him for being black and doing something that white people found to be unacceptable.

    Click to read on MSNBC’s TheGrio.com.

    Categories: Uncategorized Tags: , ,

    Your Black World: Did this man Kill His Young Children?

    September 21, 2009 Leave a comment

    Florida authorities were searching Sunday for a 33-year-old man after his wife and five children were found dead in their Naples home.

    Mesac Damas pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor battery against Guerline Damas in June.

     CNN

    The bodies of Guerline Damas, 32; Michzach, 9; Marven, 6; Maven, 5; Megan, 3; and Morgan, 11 months, were discovered Saturday, Rambosk said.

    Authorities have been unable to locate Mesac Damas, who possibly left the country Friday morning and may be in Haiti, Capt. Chris Roberts of the Collier County sheriff’s department said Sunday at a news conference.

    "We don’t see at this point any indication of an individual out in the neighborhoods committing additional crimes or homicides, but certainly we will look at every opportunity," Collier County Sheriff Kevin Rambosk said at an earlier news conference.

    There had been a "handful" of domestic disturbance calls to police since 2000 involving the Damas couple, with the latest resulting in the arrest of Mesac Damas in January, Roberts said. Mesac Damas pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor battery against Guerline Damas in June, and Roberts said he does not think Mesac Damas served any jail time for the crime.

    Click to read.

    Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers Tags: ,

    Black News: Haitian Family Found Dead in Miami

    September 20, 2009 Leave a comment

    A Collier County Crime Scene Investigator removes bags of evidence from a home where authorities say Guerline Damas and her five children were found dead Saturday evening.

    USA Today

    NAPLES, Fla. — Five young children and their mother were found dead in a Florida apartment, and authorities were searching Sunday for the woman’s husband, who had left the country.

    Mesac Damas, 33, boarded a flight to Haiti from Miami International Airport on Friday, said Collier County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Michelle Batten. Damas has family from Haiti, she said. Sheriff’s officials said they want to talk to Damas, who is a person of interest.

    The victims were identified as Guerline Damas, 32, and her children: Michzach, 9; Marven, 6; Maven, 5; Megan, 3; and 11-month-old Morgan. Batten would not say how they died, but according to the Fort Myers News-Press, Guerline Damas’ brother, Foren Dieu, said police told relatives that the victims’ throats were cut.

    Family members contacted authorities Thursday saying they hadn’t heard from the mother. A missing person report was filed the next day, and on Saturday, the sheriff’s office entered the home in a gated community in Naples and found the bodies, Batten said.

    Click to read.

    Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers

    President Hits a Sunday Media Tour

    September 20, 2009 Leave a comment

    Obama: Large job growth not until 2010

    from CNN, Your Black World 

    President Obama says that despite signs of economic recovery, the country will not see large-scale job growth until next year. In a wide-ranging interview broadcast today on CNN’s "State of the Union," Obama said reversing job losses from the recession will come at the end of the recovery period, not the start. full story

    Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers

    Black News from AOL Black Voices – 9/20/09

    September 20, 2009 Leave a comment

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    Yale Student Murder Symptomatic of Growing Workplace Violence

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    Wendy Williams and Dr. Boyce Talk Hip Hop and Money

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    Going Natural Sucks?

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    The Week That Was: Mo’Nique Moves on, Roxanne Shante Rings Alarm

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    Hot or Not: Amber Rose

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    VIDEO: Jennifer Hudson and Stevie Wonder Do ‘VH1 Divas’

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    When Stars Had Daytime Jobs: Ruby Dee, Nia Long, Taye Diggs

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    Shemar Moore: Malcolm Winters Set to Return to ‘Young and the Restless’

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    Did Tavis Smiley Push Bad Loans to Blacks?

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    Semenya Gender Debacle Deepens

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    King Memorial Foundation Discovers Red Tape

    • There is nothing more annoying than reading the word "urgent" in the subject line of an e-mail … Read More
    • Posted by Carmen Dixon in BV Black Spin | Comments (3)

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    45,000 U.S. Deaths Caused By Lack of Insurance? We Need to Do Something Now

    Categories: african american bloggers, african american news, black bloggers

    Dr. Marc Lamont Hill Debates Ann Coulter over Obama

    September 20, 2009 Leave a comment

    Dr. Marc Lamont Hill debates Ann Coulter on Fox News about Obama’s appearances in national media.  Click here to watch!

    Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers Tags:

    Errol Louis: ACORN Fiasco Not Over Yet

    September 20, 2009 Leave a comment

    Employees from ACORN allegedly advised people posing as prostitutes and pimps how to cheat on taxes.

    Employees from ACORN allegedly advised people posing as prostitutes and pimps how to cheat on taxes.

     

    The videos shot and distributed by a pair of right-wing pranksters to discredit ACORNhad all the elements of a good political hit job: sleaze, sensationalism, sleight-of-hand.

    James O’Keefe and Hannah Giles went from one ACORN community office to another posing as a pimp and his whore, pretending to seek help securing low-income housing and/or tax help to set up a brothel using underage illegal immigrants.

    Not one ACORN outlet actually completed or filed illegal paperwork, but the video stunt worked like a charm anyway.

    A few ACORN workers – out of a staff of 600 – gave the undercover filmmakers advice about ways to further their lurid prostitution scheme.

    That is all it took. A full-scale witch hunt is underway against ACORN – and that means normal standards of proof, evidence and rationality get tossed out the window.

    Biased and/or naive news producers and editors rushed one-minute excerpts of O’Keefe and Giles’ heavily edited videos onto national television without a thought, even when the pair refused to release the full tapes or answer questions on the air about how they were created.

    Click to read.

    Categories: african american bloggers, african american politics, black bloggers, Black Politics

    Floyd Mayweather: He’s Still the Man

    September 20, 2009 Leave a comment

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    Money came back with a guarantee. Floyd Mayweather Jr. told the world he was still its best boxer despite taking 21 months off, and he backed up every boast with every jab in an impressive victory.

    Although next time out, hopefully he’ll pick on somebody his own size.

    Mayweather overpowered the smaller, lighter Juan Manuel Marquez for an unanimous decision Saturday night, maintaining his perfect record in his comeback from retirement.

    Mayweather knocked down Marquez in the second round and then peppered him with countless damaging shots to remain unbeaten (40-0, 25 KOs). Still, his impressive effort couldn’t be viewed without weighing the obvious disadvantages in height and strength faced by the talented Marquez, a 130-pounder just 18 months ago who moved up two weight classes for this once-in-a-career payday at the MGM Grand Garden.

     

    Click to read.

    Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers, black celebrity gossip

    Black News: Well-Known Publicist Gives PR Advice to Kanye West and Serena Williams

    September 20, 2009 Leave a comment

    image 

    from Your Black World 

    Karen Taylor-Bass, a well-known publicist, decided to go out of her way to give some PR advice on how Serena and Kanye can save their damaged public images.  Read what she had to say:

    Kanye West Latest Ego Trip

    “Last night, I was watching the VMA with my 9 year old son, as he was packing his books for school.  As I was explaining to him the significance of the MTV Awards, as a former Music Publicist, the mood shifted from this is cool to … this is crazy.

    Click to read more.

    Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers, black celebrities, black celebrity couples

    Your Black News: The Politics of Healthcare Reform

    September 20, 2009 Leave a comment

    Your Black World 

    Listen up as Dr. Wilmer Leon speaks with Dr. Pearl Ford about President Obama’s Healthcare Reform Plan.  Click here to listen to the latest exciting episode!

    Both are graduates of Howard University’s Political Science Program

    Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers, Black Politics Tags: , ,

    Dr. Boyce Watkins: The Big Money of the NCAA

    September 19, 2009 Leave a comment

    U of Michigan's

    by Dr. Boyce Watkins , Syracuse University 

    MSNBC’s TheGrio.com 

    The University of Michigan football team has a storied tradition when it comes to winning. The program is equally storied when it comes to making money by putting athletes on the field no matter what. This football factory rivals the other bastion of athletic exploitation down the road: my alma mater, The Ohio State University.

    It was recently unearthed that The University of Michigan has been using "optional" practices as a way to push athletes against their will. Players and their families have reported that any athlete who doesn’t attend the "optional" practices has a strong likelihood of being punished by the team.

    I have just one question: why is anyone surprised? The only thing surprising to me about the University of Michigan case is that someone is actually willing to testify against the university. I am simply stunned that the players are bold enough to stand up for their rights in light of the fact that there are extreme penalties for athletes who have the audacity to think for themselves.

    For college athletes, loyalty to the NCAA is not a choice. The officials who run college sports serve as the judge, jury and executioner in all cases related to athletic conduct. Like Michael Vick’s pit bulls, athletes within the NCAAsystem are domesticated, indoctrinated and brainwashed from the minute they set foot on a college campus.

    The same way that many major retailers look the other way when five year olds are employed in third-world factories, the NCAA doesn’t do a very good job of enforcing the standards within its very own rulebooks. The only standards that seem to be applied strictly are those that keep the athletes and their families away from the multi-billion dollar revenue-generating machine that pays for the massive salaries of college football coaches. This is nothing less than a slap in the face to the players and their families, who give so much on the field.

     

    Click to read.

    Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers Tags: ,

    Tavis Smiley Accused of Helping Wells Fargo Milk Black People

    September 19, 2009 2 comments

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    from AOL Black Voices

    Did Tavis Smiley help Wells Fargo herd black people into subprime loans? Yes, according to information contained in a lawsuit filed recently by Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan. The suit alleges that Smiley was the hook used to draw in potential customers for subprime mortgages.
    You might be familiar with the "Wealth Building" seminars that Wells Fargo conducted beginning in the year 2000. Smiley was the headline speaker at these events, held in Baltimore; Chicago; Richmond, Va.; and San Francisco. The seminars were advertised aggressively in black media and aimed directly at black communities. They were a huge success. Often, standing room only audiences would hear Smiley speak about how he mostly disliked banks while strongly urging attendees to invest in real estate as a sound strategy to build wealth. …

    Click to read.

    Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers Tags: , ,

    Caster Semenya’s Story Gets More Interesting

    September 19, 2009 Leave a comment

    Caster SemenyaCaster Semenya‘s gender fiasco manages to get worse. E-mail correspondence found by the South African newspaper Mail & Guardian shows that her team doctor Harold Adams and athletics boss Leonard Chuene did indeed know that Semenya was tested in South Africa before the World Championships in Berlin but kept Semenya in the race even after they found out that her test results were "not good."
    Semenya crossed the 800-meter finish line a full minute before her competitors. Her time, coupled with her supposed virile looks, prompted championship officials to order a gender test.

    Click to read.

    Categories: african american bloggers, Black Athletes, black bloggers

    Shock Jock Michael Baisden gets with Dr. Elaina George to Ask Obama Hard Questions

    September 18, 2009 Leave a comment

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    from AOL Black Voices, Your Black World

    Although many Americans have seen and heard the insane debate over healthcare, almost no one understands what’s going on. This is doubly true for the African American community, who is affected greatly by this debate and its outcomes. Most black bloggers aren’t talking about it and black doctors are too busy to inform the community.
    Michael Baisden got with Dr. Elaina George, a prominent black physician in the Atlanta area, to break down the public option, healthcare and all related issues in the interview below.During the interview, Dr. George and Baisden answer some important questions:

    Click to read.

    Categories: african american bloggers, african american news, black bloggers Tags: ,

    Black Health News: Flu Vaccine Dos and Don’ts

    September 18, 2009 Leave a comment

    by Dr. Elaina George, Medical Correspondent, Your Black World 

    Although the Swine flu virus has been identified in over 70 countries, it has not been as deadly as expected

    • The world wide number of swine flu cases currently is 209,500 with 2,185 deaths

    The common flu is more deadly

    • In the US there have been 40,000 cases identified with 1,876 deaths. This is quite low when you compare the death rate to the typical flu virus which kills over 30,000 people per year.

    Most cases of Swine flu have been mild

    • Most people have had mild self-limited symptoms that resolve without any medical intervention.

    Click to Read.

    Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers, Black Health Tags: ,

    Black News from The Grio –9/17/09

    September 18, 2009 Leave a comment
    Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers, black news

    Dr. Wilmer Leon: The Hypocrisy of the Republicans in the Joe Wilson Case

    September 18, 2009 Leave a comment

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    By

    Dr. Wilmer J. Leon III, Your Black World 

    Howard University

    On Saturday September 12th, at the U.S. Open semifinals, Serena Williams was caught in a “human moment” that she wishes she could change. After being called for a foot fault by a line judge Ms. Williams launched into an “f-bomb” laden tirade saying in part, “If I could, I would take this @#$#ing ball and shove it down your @#$#ing throat…" The resulting unsportsmanlike conduct penalty cost Ms. Williams the match.

    On Monday September 14th Ms. Williams offered a written apology. In it she said, "I want to sincerely apologize first to the lineswoman, Kim Clijsters, the US Tennis Association and mostly tennis fans everywhere for my inappropriate outburst … I really wanted to apologize sincerely…I think the lady was doing the best she could. She was just trying to do her job.”

    Some have questioned Serena’s sincerity and others have questioned the timing of her apology. These questions may be valid but at the end of the day Ms. Williams did the right thing. She took responsibility for her behavior and apologized directly to all of those whom she attacked and offended.

    On Wednesday September 9th, Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) had his own “human moment.” During President Obama’s speech to a joint session of Congress on health care, Wilson shouted at the President “you lie”. Shortly after his outburst Congressman Wilson called the White House to offer his apology to the President. President Obama did not take his call. It was accepted on his behalf by Chief of Staff Rhom Emanuel.

    Congressman Wilson has been asked by members of his own party as well as Democrats to formally apologize on the House floor. He has refused to apologize on the floor of the House saying, "I’ve apologized one time. The apology was accepted by the president, the vice president. … I am not apologizing again … I believe that is sufficient."

    As a result of Congressman Wilson’s failure to apologize on the floor, the House passed a “resolution of disapproval” by a 240-179 vote. Congressman Wilson has now been duly punished for his outrageous and childish behavior.

    Even though polls show a strong majority of American’s oppose Congressman Wilson’s actions, Republican Party leadership stands behind him. Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele said the House Democrats are guilty of “stunning…. Hypocrisy.” GOP leader John Boehner (R-OH) said that the action initiated by Wilson’s fellow South Carolina colleague, Democratic Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC) — is "patently partisan." Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) circulated a letter of support for Wilson.

    Click to read.

    Categories: african american bloggers, african american politics, black bloggers, Black Politics Tags: , ,

    Kanye, Serena and Race: Dr Boyce Watkins and Rev. Al Sharpton Talk America

    September 18, 2009 Leave a comment

    by Dr Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University, Your Black World 

    From AOL Black Voices

    Were there any racial implications to the recent outbursts by Serena Williams and Kanye West? Yes, there were. In my latest conversation with Rev. Al Sharpton, we break down these interesting events, all of which occurred during the past week. We can agree, however, that there are certainly things more important than worrying about Serena Williams and Kanye West. But these situations, in light of the backdrop of Obama’s comments about Kanye, might provide true teachable moments regarding America’s tattered racial history.As I’ve written before, Serena and Kanye have a lot in common, but nothing in common, all at the same time. Serena’s actions were justifiable, given the intensity of the situation and the fact that the line judge made the wrong call. At the same time, most of us can agree that Serena went over the line by threatening to "shove the ball down the f**ing throat" of the line judge because of her mistake. Yes, Serena, you are from the hood. But you don’t need to take it back to the hood to make your point to a U.S. Open line judge.

    Click to read.

    Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers Tags: , , ,

    A Strong Case for Healthcare Reform: Divorcing to Stay Alive

    September 17, 2009 Leave a comment

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    News from The Huffington Post

    For Mary McCurnin and husband Ron Bednar, money trouble has followed health trouble. In 2003, the couple declared bankruptcy after their insurance covered only 10 percent of treatment costs for her breast cancer and his intestinal bleeding. In 2004, McCurnin’s breast cancer returned, and Bednar underwent open heart surgery.

    Now, after repeatedly refinancing their house to pay medical bills and living expenses, they’re broke. To improve their chances of growing old together, they’ve filed for divorce.

    "It occurred to me that I could get my first husband’s Social Security," said McCurnin. Her first husband, to whom she’d been married 20 years, died in 1989. When she turns 60 in November, McCurnin said she will be eligible for $1,200 in monthly survivor’s benefits from the previous marriage. As the Social Security Administration told her, she can’t have the survivor benefit if she’s married to someone else.

    Read more at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/09/16/loving-couple-divorces-to_n_287094.html

    Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers

    Is the Obama Presidency in Trouble?

    September 16, 2009 Leave a comment
    metzler

    By Christopher Metzler

    President Obama’s presidency is in peril for two primary reasons. The first, his inability to be a transformational leader to an American public hungry for it is of his own making. The second, the thinly veiled demonstration of racism unskillfully disguised as “concern for country” is both to be expected and not of his own making. 

    First, President Obama came into to office promising “change that we can believe in.” However, on the signature issue of change, health care reform, he has not led; choosing instead to send a litany of mixed messages as to whether  he would turn the Byzantine labyrinth that is the American health care system on its head. A transformational leader takes bold, decisive, innovative action if he or she believes that it is right for the country. Thus far, on health care, the President has not demonstrated transformational leadership; he has pledged fidelity to the status quo.

    Click to read more.

    Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers Tags: , ,

    Medicine on Call: What’s Wrong with the System?

    September 16, 2009 Leave a comment

     

    image

    In this episode of Medicine on Call, Dr. Elaina George interviews Jason Rosenbaum from The Seminal, a healthcare publication.  What is wrong with healthcare?  What is the state of healthcare reform?  What are the goals for healthcare?

     

    Click here to listen!

    Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers, Black Health

    Jimmy Carter Says Racism is driving attacks on Obama

    September 16, 2009 1 comment

    Carter is traveling the mideast, meeting with political and religious leaders like Lebabon's top Shiite cleric pictured here, in an attempt to push peace.

    Former President Jimmy Carter said in an interview Tuesday that Congressman Joe Wilson‘s "you lie" outburst to President Obama was "based on racism" and that many of the critiques leveled against the president have been made because of his black heritage.

    "I think an overwhelming portion of the intensely demonstrated animosity toward President Barack Obama is based on the fact that he is a black man," Carter said in an sit-down with NBC‘s Brian Williams.

    Carter specifically said that Wilson’s comment was "dastardly" and part of an "inherent feeling" held by many Americans — particularly Southerners — that African-Americans "are not qualified to lead this great country."

    "It’s an abominable circumstances and grieves me and concerns me very deeply," Carter said.

    Click to read.

    Categories: Africa, african american news, black bloggers

    Black News: Howard University Responds to Student Demands

    September 15, 2009 Leave a comment

    In an effort to address the student demands raised during the Sept. 4 protest , President Sidney A. Ribeau and Interim Provost and Chief Academic Officer Alvin Thornton sat down  with The Hilltop to go through each presented demand.

    Howard University President Sidney A. Ribeau

    Demand:  Hours of the  Financial Aid office should be immediately extended until 7 p.m. until the set purge date with staff (i.e. certified financial aid officers and managers) in place to render quality customer service and to serve the unusually large number of students who have yet to be validated.

    Response: “That’s something that I agree with and will, in fact, do,” Ribeau said.

    Thornton said even before students raised the concern, this issue was a priority. He said that the office will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 7 p.m. until the set purge date. He said additional staff people will be needed, but they have agreed to move a substantial part of the operation back to the Amour J. Blackburn Center. Ribeau said this move will be completed by Friday. “It’s not easy, but that’s what we’re going to do.”

    Demand: 24-hour, 7-day a week access to the Undergraduate Library and Founders Library, as well as significant capital improvements and renovations to Founders Library and Undergraduate Library.

    Click to read more.

    Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers

    Dr Boyce: Serena Williams, Caster Semenya and Black Women

    September 15, 2009 Leave a comment

    Stop hating on black female athletes

    by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University

    MSNBC’s TheGrio.com 

    Black women are too aggressive. They are vicious, nasty, neck-swinging, over-sexed, amazons who utilize every available opportunity to tell off anyone in their path. They hate black men and they even manage to find creative ways to hate one another. We’ve now come up with a one-dimensional way of describing an incredibly diverse group around the world. That is what the world does to black women, and it is the same thing they do with black men. Personally, I’m getting sick of it.

    In our natural aversion to such blatantly biased characterizations like the one presented in the first paragraph, we then go to the other extreme: Black women are all perfect, beautiful, loving, enlightened creatures who can do no wrong. All the problems of the black family belong solely to those "trifling brothers who just can’t get it together," and even when black women appear to be wrong, it’s just because the rest of us "are too weak to handle strong and intelligent sistuhs." Sorry my friends, stereotyping is wrong, even when it works in your favor.

    Serena Williams’ tirade during the US Open on Saturday was offensive and sad to watch. She embarrassed herself and her family by threatening to "shove the ball down the f***ing throat" of a line judge during an internationally televised event. At the same time, Serena was in an extremely tense situation, the judge made a horrible call, and this was one of the biggest matches of her career. The judge had no business making that kind of call at that time, especially one that was ultimately incorrect. Serena simply said exactly what I certainly would have been thinking myself.

    Click to read.

    Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers Tags: , ,

    Black News from TheGrio – 9/15/09

    September 15, 2009 Leave a comment
  • Craigslist prostitution bust caught on tape
    Craigslist prostitution bust caught on tape

    By theGrio

    12:40 PM on 09/15/2009

    VIDEO – Dozens of women have been busted by Florida authorities in a prostitution sting centered on Craigslist postings. The arrests were part of Operation Hot Date…

    > more

  • City workers suspended for hanging nooses

    By theGrio via AP

    12:15 PM on 09/15/2009

    Three city employees in Springfield have been suspended for 60 days without pay for separate incidents in which nooses were hung at their workplaces.

    > more

  • Condoleezza Rice joins exclusive, formerly white-only golf club
    Condoleezza Rice joins exclusive, formerly white-only golf club

    By theGrio via AP

    11:00 AM on 09/15/2009

    Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has joined two exclusive golf clubs in Alabama…

    > more

  • Dr. King's children fight in court over parents' estates
    Dr. King’s children fight in court over parents’ estates

    By theGrio via AP

    5:30 PM on 09/14/2009

    ATLANTA (AP) — Two children of slain civil rights leader Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. were back in court Monday in a wrangle with their brother over their parents’ estates…

    > more

  • Obama calls for recovery and reform of financial sector
    Obama calls for recovery and reform of financial sector

    By theGrio

    2:38 PM on 09/14/2009

    VIDEO – A year after Lehman Brothers collapsed, starting the tsunami that crashed over the U.S. economy, President Obama is pushing for tougher financial regulation — and he’s doing it from Wall Street…

    > more

  • Caught on tape: Customer pummels clerk over $20
    Caught on tape: Customer pummels clerk over $20

    By theGrio

    12:30 PM on 09/14/2009

    A Pennsylvania woman is asking for forgiveness after violently attacking a gas station clerk during an argument over a $20 bill.

    > more

  • Oprah is still the queen of daytime, despite waning viewership
    Oprah is still the queen of daytime, despite waning viewership

    By theGrio via AP

    11:23 AM on 09/14/2009

    Winfrey is still the queen of daytime television, but the aura of invincibility is gone…

    > more

  • Obama kickstarts his drive for regulatory reform on Wall Street
    Obama kickstarts his drive for regulatory reform on Wall Street

    By theGrio

    11:15 AM on 09/14/2009

    VIDEO – Not a single new law has been enacted to prevent a repeat, but the president will say the economy’s better off.

    > more

    • Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers

    Dr Boyce Money: President Obama’s Slam to Wall Street

    September 15, 2009 Leave a comment

    by Dr. Boyce Watkins, Syracuse University 

    The president recently gave an interesting address to Wall Street on the anniversary of the start of the financial crisis which began last year (and also got him elected). One year ago, the fall of Lehman Brothers left the nation scrambling to find ways to secure critical liquidity to a financial market that was on the brink of devastation.
    In his speech, the president wasn’t nice. He received applause from the audience only one time, so they don’t like him as much as black people do. What’s also clear is that he’s not President Bush: Wall Street doesn’t want Barack Obama to be president, but he is exactly what they need right now.Our banking system is ranked 108th in the world in terms of stability, behind Tanzania. What’s even more frightening is that while being incredibly reckless, our banking system is the most powerful in the world, driving the strongest economy on earth. We can’t afford to be silly or irresponsible.
    The president focused his conversation around three key adjustments:

    Click to read more.

    Categories: african american bloggers

    Wow: Barack Obama Calls Kanye West a Jackass

    September 15, 2009 18 comments

    Are you serious?  Newsweek and other media outlets are reporting that during an off the record remark to an ABC reporter, Obama called Kanye West a Jackass for his attacks on Taylor Swift.

    Well, was he lying?  Perhaps the world is getting tired of Kanye West.

    “Pres. Obama just called Kanye West a ‘jackass’ for his outburst at VMAs when Taylor Swift won. Now THAT’S presidential,” “Nightline” co-anchor Terry Moran leaked Monday evening to his more than 1 million followers.

    ABC News issued this apology for the remarks:

    “In the process of reporting on remarks by President Obama that were made during a CNBC interview, ABC News employees prematurely tweeted a portion of those remarks that turned out to be from an off-the-record portion of the interview,” Politico reported. “This was done before our editorial process had been completed. That was wrong. We apologize to the White House and CNBC and are taking steps to ensure that it will not happen again.”

    Categories: african american bloggers, black bloggers Tags: , ,

    Medicine On Call with Dr. Elaina George: 9/15/09

    September 15, 2009 Leave a comment

     

     

    Dr. Elaina George provides healthcare advice for the Black community.  Click here to listen!

    Categories: Uncategorized
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