New PG Post 08.18.05 Vol.73#33
Transcription
New PG Post 08.18.05 Vol.73#33
May 12 — May 18, 2011 — The Prince George’s Post —a5 Business by William Reed Not Just Another Empty Suit Seems that all America’s Black Ladies’ Clubs have banned together to "boycott Donald Trump until he admits that President Obama was born in the U.S." Trump’s “Celebrity Apprentice” television show, his casinos, office buildings, and hotels, have been put in economic peril by little gray-haired Black ladies. The Little Ladies’ boycott may be “on hold” since President Obama put out his long-form Birth Certificate. Basically Trump is blowing smoke to inflate his television and presidential poll ratings; but the theory that Obama is not a naturallyborn citizen and consequently ineligible to serve as President continues to built in size and strength. Birthers’ doubts about Obama go to the core of his signature appeal: his life as an example of “a multicultural ideal”. The “Obama legitimacy question” and the Black Ladies’ Clubs’ “Hate on Trump” campaign is headed for overtime. Record say that Barack Sr. and Ann Dunham married in Wailuku, Maui, on February 2, 1961; but many wonder whether it was a marriage in anything but name or whether there was a marriage at all. Trump’s legitimacy to be President of the United States is in question too. Trump talks more game than he’s got. It’s said in business circles that “The Donald” begged Forbes to list him as a billionaire, but – to no avail. Trump’s claim to fame is more that of a celebrity than businessman. Father Fred Trump built the real estate empire, the rest is a play were the 65-year-old Donald John Trump portrays the role of a prominent American business magnate, author, and television personality. He is the Chairman and CEO of the Trump Organization, a US-based real estate development company. Trump is also the founder of Trump Entertainment Resorts, which operates numerous casino and hotel properties across the world. Trump's extravagant lifestyle and outspoken manner have made him a celebrity for years most recently with his NBC reality show, The Apprentice (where he serves as host and executive producer). Most African-Americans ultimately don't take Donald Trump’s presidential candidacy seriously. But, they should understand and accept the “he’s not one of us” position and culture. Bottom-line, the Little Ladies have a tiger by the tail. The “birther” issue is part of a definite and dedicated movement to make Barack Obama a one-term President. Trump’s candidacy message may fall on deaf ears among African Americans, but Herman Cain represents the kind of “American success” bona fides the Little Ladies might like to hire in Obama’s place. There is no question that Cain’s “one of us. A 66 year-old successful businessman and radio talk show host, Cain is an “equal opportunity poster child”. He a former and CEO of chairman Godfather's Pizza, former deputy chairman (1992–94) and chairman (1995–96) of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. A “Morehouse Man,” Cain joined Pillsbury in 1977 and rose to vice president level. A successful company man, Cain took poor performing units and made them Pillsbury then profitable. appointed him President and CEO of Godfather's Pizza- in 14 months Cain returned the company to profitability. In 1988, Cain and a group of investors bought Godfather's where Cain continued as CEO until 1996 when he resigned to become CEO of the National Restaurant Association where he had previously been chairman concurrently with his role at Godfather's. A 2012 election campaign with Cain on the ticket would be the type of “hope and change” Americans thought they were getting in 2008. If Cain couples his candidacy with a focus on race issues, the tactic could put many Blacks on the Republicans’ rolls in 2012. Cain’s conservative credentials could enhance his taking a principled approach to the race issue; and could jeopardize Obama’s and Democrats’ ability to continue getting 95 percent Black voter support. Only such a candidacy as Cain can mount could get the millions of Little Ladies to see how issues of Black economic development and chronic unemployment are being overlooked at the expense of the symbolism of keeping Obama in office. Herman Cain may be “the truth” in these matters. (William Reed is available for speaking/seminar projects via BaileyGroup.org) SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Call 310-627-0900 By Press OFFiCer Office of the Governor The Maryland Energy Administration’s ‘Generating Clean Horizons’ initiative to compete for the Kennedy School of Government’s ‘Innovations in American Government’ Award ANNAPOLIS, MD (May 4, 2011) – Governor O’Malley today announced that Maryland has been recognized by the Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University for developing one of the most innovative public sector programs in the nation. The announcement comes as the Kennedy School names the top twenty-five innovations in government, representing the best in creative problem solving of local, state, and federal municipalities around the country, as part of the competition for the prestigious in American Innovations Government Award. “In times when governments must do more with less, Maryland is leading by example: using its Layne from A1 prosecuted, court records show. His mother said Layne had not been using marijuana since a stint last fall in drug rehab. No arrests have been made in his murder case, but Ellis said police have stayed in touch with her weekly. And although police can't give Ellis the jacket her son wore the day he was killed, she said, she does have a closet full of his clothes and shoes -- and notebooks that her son must have written in daily. It's not a lot of consolation for a life cut so short. Layne had "started making some good decisions and deciding what he really wanted to do," Ellis said. "I think that's the part that really bothers me. He was taken away when our family was seeing ... him developing into a man." *** Annette Nichols, a neighbor, said she had known Layne since fifth grade. She remembers him playing outside as a child, tossing a football around or riding his bike with other neighborhood kids. Nichols said her son, 21year-old Anthony Nichols, was one of the children Layne often played with. "We basically watched him (Layne) grow up," Nichols said. "He wasn't a troublesome kid at all; he was well-mannered. He would say 'Hi, Miss Annette.' You'd see Mike, he'd always speak. He didn't cause no problems." Nichols said Layne would frequently go to the Marlow Heights Community Center to play basketball, a fact Ellis recalled as well. Layne cared about his physique just as he did the clothes he wore. "He was in excellent condition," Ellis said. "He played basketball every single day at the rec center." Nichols said Layne was in "the wrong place at the wrong time." She worries about her own increasingly limited resources to make the right choices and investments in the future,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “By investing in smart, creative solutions like Generating Clean Horizons, Maryland is creating jobs through innovation and making real progress towards our goal of generating twenty-percent of our state’s energy needs from renewable sources by 2022.” The Generating Clean Horizons initiative was launched in 2008 in an effort to ‘kick-start’ utility-scale clean power generation in Maryland. The initiative, which is administered by the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) in partnership with the Department of General Services (DGS) and the University of Maryland Systems (UMDS), was designed to leverage the State of Maryland’s purchasing power by offering twenty-year power purchase agreements (PPAs) to developers of new, renewable energy facilities. The state solicited proposals from developers of renewable energy technologies (biomass, solar and wind), ultimately signing agreements with two commercial scale onshore wind farms and one of the nation’s largest solar farms. As a result, the Generating Clean Horizons program has spurred the creation of 78 MW of new renewable energy generation – enough to power nearly 20,000 average Maryland homes per year – while also creating new 'green' jobs and saving Maryland millions of dollars each year in energy costs. The Harvard Kennedy School of Government’s Innovations in American Government Award was created in 1985 by the Ford Foundation in response to widespread pessimism and distrust in government’s effectiveness. In the time since, Maryland governments have been honored with the award four times, most recently in 2004 for the City of Baltimore’s CitiStat program: a data-driven management tool developed by then-Mayor Martin O’Malley to encourage personal accountability and focus attention on results. son, given the circumstances of Layne's death, but knows there's not much she can do. "I just pray on it," Nichols said. "My son, he's 21, and he hangs out ... but I just keep praying to God that nothing ever happens to him. "It's not good to be out on the streets during the night time." *** Ellis said she always knew when Layne wanted something new. "When he was getting ready to ask me for something, he would come lay on my bed, and say, 'Hey mom, what you looking at'" I'd say, 'What do you want now, Michael,'" she recalled. Layne's fashion-consciousness extended beyond his own appearance. Ellis said when Layne was out shopping, he'd always keep his 3-year-old brother, Gregory, in mind. "He would say, 'Mom, you need to get this for Gregory, that for Gregory.' It was unreal," Ellis said. A single mother, Ellis said her eldest son played a big role in helping raise his little brother. "He helped me with everything," she said. "He occupied his (Gregory's) time, like while I was either getting rest, or just playing with him, being that big brother, showing him different things. Especially with getting potty trained." Layne was generous with friends, too. Ellis said one of her son's friends didn't have many clothes, so Layne would give that friend what he could spare. "I would buy him T-shirts and underwear and stuff like that, and he'd say, 'Mom, I need another pack,'" Ellis said. "He helped out. (His friend) didn't really have anything." After Layne died, Ellis said she gave away many of his clothes. Most of them ended up with that friend. Tiera Cutler, 18, a close a friend of Layne's, said his kindness extended to her, too. Pregnant at age 16, Cutler said she was considering abortion after doctors told her the child had a chance of developing Down syndrome. Distraught, Cutler sought Layne's advice. He told her to have the baby. She did, and the 1-year-old boy is healthy, she said. "He was such a good friend to me. He was always there. I would call Michael for anything, and he would listen," Cutler said. "I can honestly say Michael is the reason why my son is here." *** Though he used marijuana for a time, Ellis said she could see her son starting to grow up. He finished home schooling last May and earned his high school degree. Layne landed a summer job at the National Institutes of Health in the radiology department. Ellis works at NIH as a supervisory program specialist. Ellis said Layne was supposed to start working in February at the Government Printing Office in the bindery department. He planned to buy a car once he made enough money -- he told his mother he wanted a Monte Carlo, not realizing the old Chevrolet wasn't going to be particularly fuel-efficient. "He just wanted to be different," Ellis said. "He wanted to have a different kind of car. I had actually planned to give him my other car once he got a job." Layne was still trying to decide what he wanted to do in his career, but Ellis said her son's favorite subject in school was English. Layne apparently wrote a lot, Ellis said, which she only learned after going through his closet after he died. It was lined with stacks of spiral notebooks. "When I was going through his room, I found a journal, I never knew he wrote in it," Ellis said. "I haven't had the courage to go and read everything in it. He has a lot of stuff in it. He wrote maybe every day. "I used to wonder where all the spiral notebooks were going." Layne was apparently interested in taking pictures and video, too. For Christmas, he picked out and received a camcorder, his mother said. The camcorder is still in its box in Layne's bedroom. "He never even got the chance to use it," Ellis said. *** Faced with using leave time or losing it at the end of December, Ellis took the last three weeks of the month off and spent most of that time around the house with Layne. She said she normally wouldn't have taken the time in such a large chunk, but was glad she did this time. She returned to work Monday, Jan. 3. Layne was killed the next day. Ellis has not yet given up hope that police will find her son's killer, but she admits there are few good days for her emotionally. She said she tries to visit her son's grave at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home in Brentwood, Md., on Fridays. In March, Ellis and her sister organized an event for friends and family to pass out Crime Solvers reward fliers in parking lots. Ellis said everything reminds her of Layne; a camera he used frequently hasn't been used since he died, and the CDs he used to listen to in the car haven't been removed. She's stopped cooking -Layne's favorite meals were fried chicken with corn and cubed steak with sauteed onions, gravy and rice -- but going out to eat isn't any easier. Ellis said she knows she needs therapy, but hasn't signed up. She said doctors have given her medication to help keep her calm. It's difficult, she said, but she tries to remember the things she is grateful for: Her son graduated from high school and was becoming a man. "He was a wonderful kid," she said. "All kids have their problems, but he was, like, the joy of our family." PHOTO BY CaPiTal News serviCe Governor Martin O'Malley Celebrates Earth Day By Announcing Installation of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations At BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport Do The Dead Speak? Author & Psychic Medium John Edward LIVE! He has captivated audiences worldwide on his internationally acclaimed talk shows, “Crossing Over” & “Cross Country”. Don’t miss this intimate evening with John Edward. G et T ic ke ts ! . . . who will be there for you? Baltimore, MD Aug 20th - 2pm Ocean City, MD Aug 21st - 2pm Baltimore Convention Center Roland Powell Convention Center Get Tickets at: www.JohnEdward.net or call: 800-233-3123 Reading not guaranteed Business Exchange Maryland Recognized by the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University A6 — May 12 — May 18, 2011 — The Prince George’s Post TOWN OUT ON THE ERIC D. SNIDER'S IN THE DARK Calendar of Events Movie Review “Fast Five” "FAST FIVE" C+ Rated PG-13 for moderate profanity, a lot of action violence. 2 hrs., 10 min. "Fast Five" is a movie about two guys who steal expensive cars for a living and are forced to do this in Brazil because of America's draconian anti-stealing policies. It is like when people moved to Canada to avoid the draft. These two guys are conscientious objectors to the notion of having jobs. One of them used to be an FBI agent, but he quit that job in order to steal expensive cars, which was always his true calling. This is the fifth movie in the "Fast and the Furious" franchise. I believe street racing was a significant part of the story at some point. When did it start focusing on theft? Or was theft always a component? The only way to answer these questions would be to read my reviews of the previous four movies, and that seems like a lot of work, and I am a conscientious objector. The two guys are Vin Diesel and Paul Walker. No doubt their characters have other names, but let's not pretend that matters. The movie begins with Paul Walker and his buddies ambushing a prison bus in order to liberate the newly incarcerated Vin Diesel. This scene typifies the rest of the movie: it involves an elaborate plan that could not possibly work yet does anyway, it is moderately exciting to watch, it demonstrates a brazen disrespect for the laws of physics, and it miraculously fails to kill anyone. Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, and their associates are responsible for millions of dollars of property damage over the course of the movie, but not once do they take anyone's life, even accidentally. That's because they are the good guys, i.e., the car thieves. The bad guys (whose cars are sometimes stolen by the good guys) kill wantonly. That's how you know they're bad. Anyway, everybody goes to Brazil, and in the process of very innocently stealing some expensive cars gets tangled in the web of Rio de Janeiro's leading crime boss, Reyes (Joaquim de Almeida), who rules the favelas. Paul Walker and Vin Diesel decide to do One Last Job and steal all of Reyes' illgotten money. They will use cars to do this, somehow. This "Ocean's Eleven"-style heist requires a dream team of drivers, hackers, con artists, and rappers, and so suddenly it's "Fast and/or Furious" franchise reunion time! Why, there's Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, and people with names like Jordana Brewster, Matt Schulze, Sung Kang, Gal Gadot, and Tego Calderon. The movie implies that we should know these characters because they were in previous chapters of the saga, but I'll be honest, you could give me a list of a hundred people, fifty of whom had been in the "Fast and/or Furious" movies and fifty of whom had not, and I wouldn't be able to tell you which was which. New to the series, however, is Dwayne Johnson, the artist formerly known as The Rock, May 12 - May 18, 2011 GATEWAY ARTS CENTER @ BRENTWOOD May 2011 3901 rhode island avenue Brentwood, MD PHOTO COUrTesY rOTTeNTOMaTOes Vin Diesel and Paul Walker lead a reunion of returning allstars from every chapter of the explosive franchise built on speed in Fast Five. playing an American federal agent trying to arrest Vin Diesel and Paul Walker. I was intrigued to learn of The Rock's participation in the movie, as I curious to see what kind of technology would be involved in making it look like he and Vin Diesel are two different people. The Rock has facial hair, which helps us tell them apart, and is a Tommy Lee Jones-style blowhard who barks orders at subordinates and will not rest until the criminals are apprehended. The screenplay, by Chris Morgan (who also wrote parts 3 and 4, as well as "Cellular" and "Wanted"), is brimming with the usual idiotic macho dialogue and many opportunities for the actors to swagger, puff out their chests, and flare their nostrils. At one point Tyrese Gibson declares, "This job just went from 'Mission: Impossible' to 'Mission: In-freakin'-sanity'!"; that is one of the movie's better lines. But the action scenes are marvelously energetic and wellchoreographed, and -- even on an IMAX screen -- not so chaotic as to become incomprehensible. (Yes, we're at the point where action scenes must be praised merely for being coherent.) We could sit here all day and discuss the plausibility of the things that Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, and co. do with their automobiles and bodies, but that would be a waste of our time. As far as I can recall, "Fast Five" is one of the better entries in the series. That's not to say it isn't big and dumb, only that its big dumbness is executed with some degree of competence -one might even say flair -- by director Justin Lin. We used to wish that Lin would return to the kind of savvy, stylish filmmaking that marked his first feature, the Sundance hit "Better Luck Tomorrow," but now we have resigned ourselves to the idea that he will make "Fast and/or Furious" movies forever, and it's OK. There are worse things a person could do than that, and worse movies a person could watch than this. Arena Stage Offers Ticket Savings Progam By Michael Weiss Associate Director, Event PR (Washington, D.C.) Beginning with the revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma! this summer, Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater will offer tickets for patrons ages 5 to 30 in the new Pay Your Age savings program. This program was developed to foster relationships with younger generations and allow them to experience theater at Arena Stage that might otherwise be cost-prohibitive. 10,500 tickets have been designated for this program throughout the 2011/12 season. Pay Your Age tickets for Oklahoma! will become available by phone and at the Arena Stage Sales Office starting Monday, May 9, 2011. Pay Your Age tickets go on sale two months prior to the first public performance of a production. Patrons may purchase tickets by phone or in person, limit of four Pay Your Age tickets per household. Proof of age for each member of the party will be required at time of purchase and/or pickup from the box office. A limited number of Pay Your Age tickets will be guaranteed available per performance on a first come, first serve basis. The Pay Your Age program replaces the $15 tickets for 30-and-under patrons program that was in effect for the past several seasons concluding with the 2010/11 season. SPECIAL SAVINGS FOR OKLAHOMA! Family Fun Packs Special for the production of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!, Arena Stage is offering families the opportunity to purchase tickets in a Family Fun Pack for $153, all fees included. Four tickets are included per Family Fun Pack, with a limit of two packs per household. For each Family Fun Pack there must be at least two children ages 5 to 17, and proof of age is required at the time of purchase or pick up from the box office. A limited number of fun packs are available per performance. ONGOING SAVINGS PROGRAMS Student Discounts Fulltime students (one student ticket per valid ID) may receive 35% off regular ticket prices. This discount is offered by phone or in person for every performance and is subject to availability. Metro Mondays Bring your SmarTrip or Metro card to the Arena Stage Sales Office after noon on Mondays and get halfprice tickets to that week's performances. Limit two tickets while supplies last. Subject to availability. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Not to be combined with any other offer. HOTTIX Arena Stage is committed to making theater accessible to persons for whom the regular cost of tickets would be prohibitive. For these members of the community, a limited number of half-price tickets are sold for most performances of Arena Stage productions, subject to availability. HOTTIX go on sale 30 minutes before curtain and are sold until all available HOTTIX sell out. HOTTIX must be purchased in person at the Sales Office. Limit of two per person. (May not be available for selected dates and/or special productions.) Southwest Nights A special invitation is extended to our Southwest D.C. neighbors to buy $25 tickets for one specially designated performance of each production. Proof of Southwest D.C. residency or employment for each member of the party must be presented at the time of purchase. Tickets are limited to four per person and are based on availability. *Discounts cannot be combined or applied to previously purchased tickets. Per-ticket handling fees apply for telephone and Internet sales. A $4 facility fee applies to all tickets. Arena Stage at the Mead Center for American Theater is a national center dedicated to the production, presentation, development and study of American theater. University of Maryland Celebrates 13th Annual Maryland Day By: arlette Philogene COlleGe ParK--This past saturday, the University of Maryland hosted Maryland Day, its annual open house. with more than 400 events and activities, officials estimated that the university attracted more than 97,000 visitors, breaking previous attendance records. as one of the top free annual events in the state of Maryland, the university welcomed the entire washington, D.C. region to explore and discover what the campus had to offer and what it meant to be a Terp. The 1,250 acre campus was broken up into six areas of exploration, learning and fun: science and Tech way, ag Day avenue, arts alley, sports and rec row, Biz and society Hill and Terp Town Center. Children, parents, alumni and other community members experienced the Maryland campus with a day full of fun, educational activities. Children got their pictures painted by caricature artists, went on archaeological digs and climbed a 60 foot high climbing wall. Prospective students learned about university programs, financial aid and met with deans from several departments. visitors also learned about healthy eating, campus jobs and watched performances by some of the most talented dance teams. One of the day’s most popular events featured the Today show’s nutrition and health expert, Joy Bauer 7th Annual Gateway Open Studio Tour saturday, May 14, 12:00-5:00pm Get up close and personal with legions of local artists in their studios and see the work of this intensely creative community. Free shuttle bus transportation is available along the route 1 / rhode island avenue corridor to help get you to all the venues on the tour Or ... drive, walk, bike your way along this self guided tour. Maps and more information available at www.gatewaycdc.org and www.gatewayopenstudios.com in advance of the tour, or at the Gateway arts Center on the day of the tour. The Gateway Open studio Tour is is generously supported by: Maryland National Capitol Park and Planning Commission, and sponsored by Bank of america and the anacostia Trails Heritage association. BODY: Ashley Lyon, May Wilson, Lu Zhang, Jenny Cullinan curated by Ledelle Moe Opening reception, saturday, May 14, 5:30-8:00pm Jenny Cullinan from south africa (living and working in south africa) embroiders small internal organs onto delicate surfaces, lu Zhang from China (living and working in the Usa) works with the notion of body extensions through finely articulated pen drawings. May wilson from the United states (living and working in the Usa) focuses on the discarded and precious qualities of life through the representation of animal forms . ashley lyon, american (living and working in the Usa) creates works that investigate the idea of the human body in relation to the idea of sculpted and psychological realism. Through the manipulation of various materials, these artists speak to the fragility of the body and reveal the way in which we locate the interior and exterior and extensions of the body to ideas of the scared and the secular. 39th Street Gallery and Project Space entrance on 39th Street Gallery Hours: Thursdays and Fridays: 7pm - 9pm saturdays: 12pm - 4pm 4 FROM N.Y.: Manhee Bak ,Stephn Honicki, Elisabeth Jacobsen and Sheila Manion-Artz Opening reception, saturday, May 14, 5:30-8:00pm The group exhibit will feature mixed media and photography by four artists living and working in N.Y. 39th Street Gallery Corridor Space entrance on 39th Street Gallery Hours: Thursdays and Fridays: 7pm - 9pm saturdays: 12pm - 4pm HIKING THE HORIZONTAL: A book reading with Liz Lerman Thursday, May 19, 7:00-9:00pm On May 19, choreographer liz lerman will present excerpts from her new book, Hiking the Horizontal. Published by wesleyan University Press, this collection of personal stories and insightful essays reflects on the 35-year career that has taken this 2002 Macarthur "Genius Grant" recipient from theater stages to shipyards, from synagogues to science labs. Through readings and conversation this event will explore liz's 35-year career as a maverick dance-maker, expansive educator, and advocate for the role of art in public policy and community life. 39th Street Gallery Corridor Space entrance on 39th Street ARTIST TALK: Curator/Sculptor Ledelle Moe, and artists Ashley Lyon, May Wilson and Lu Zhang from the "BODY" Exhibit saturday, May 28, 2:00-4:00pm 39th Street Gallery Corridor Space entrance on 39th Street Programs and exhibitions at the 39th Street Gallery are generously supported by the M-NCPPC Department of Parks & Recreation, Arts and Cultural Heritage Division. ’86 who hosted the Health and wellness cooking stage on Hornbake Plaza. she presented signed copies of her book Four steps to Thin Forever and gave advice on healthy eating habits. Bauer advised that women keep their waist line below 35 inches and that men kept theirs below 40 and recommended that audience members know their cholesterol levels. University dining chefs held live cooking demonstrations on preparing healthy, flavorful meals. Oatmeal cookies and frozen hot chocolate Maryland Day had an event or activity that sparked the interest of anyone who stepped foot on the cam- pus. it was the final celebration of the university’s recently inaugurated President wallace loh who was honored with a limited time vanil- loh mango ice cream, a mixture of vanilla and mango flavors. “Maryland Day has become a model for other schools and one of the premier annual events in the state," said University President wallace loh. The university plans on making next year’s Maryland Day, saturday, april 28, more fun and family friendly than ever before. For more information on this year’s Maryland Day, and to plan your next Maryland Day please visit Marylandday.umd.edu. May 12 — May 18, 2011 — The Prince George’s Post —a7 The Edge of Sports by DAVE ZIRIN Shut Up and Play? Patriotism, Jock Culture and Limits of Free Speech In the aftermath of Osama bin Laden’s assassination, the sports world embraced the public eruption of patriotism. From the spontaneous cheers of 40,000 fans in Philly, to amped "Military Appreciation Night" celebrations at stadiums around the country; from the chest-thumping tweets of athletes and sports writers, to entire blocks on sports radio exalting in the rush of bin Laden’s dramatic demise. Yet some athletes dared to buck the trend, and in the process have learned a tough lesson about the limits of free speech in the jockocracy. Chris Douglas-Roberts, former Memphis basketball All-American and current Milwaukee Buck, responded to bin Laden’s death by listing a litany of reasons for why he wasn’t playing the Toby Keith on repeat, tweeting among other things, “It took 919,967 deaths to kill that one guy. It took 10 years & 2 Wars to kill that...guy. It cost us (USA) roughly $1,188,263,000,000 to kill that...........guy. But we winning though. Haaaa. (Sarcasm).” Profanity, threats, and the general belief that he was "stupid," a "moron" and that he should shut his "dumb [expletive] mouth" because he is "not intelligent" came rolling in. CDR tried to hit back, tweeting, “What I'm sayin has nothing to do with 9/11 or that guy (Bin Laden). I still feel bad for the 9/11 families but I feel EQUALLY bad for the war families. ... People are telling me to get out of America now b/c I'm against MORE INNOCENT people dying everyday? B/c I'm against a 10 year WAR? Whatever happened to our freedom of speech?..What I've learned tonight, athletes shouldn't have perspectives. But I don't care. We feel certain ways about things TOO.” Rashard Mendenhall, the pro-bowl running back for the Pittsburgh Steelers, raised eyebrows even higher with his comments, writing, [“For] those of you who said you want to see Bin Laden burn in hell and piss on his ashes, I ask how would God feel about your heart?... What kind of person celebrates death? It’s amazing how people can HATE a man they have never even heard speak. We’ve only heard one side…” Mendenhall then took it somewhere Douglas-Roberts did not, raising the exhaustively debunked conspiratorial doubts about the events of 9/11, tweeting, “I just have a hard time believing a plane could take a skyscraper down demolition.” This caused Sports illustrated's senior football writer Don Banks to write a piece titled, Mendenhall just the latest NFL player to spout utter nonsense. The outrage intensified to the point where Steelers President Art Rooney II, a big money bundler for President Obama stated, “I have not spoken with Rashard so it is hard to explain or even comprehend what he meant with his recent Twitter comments. The entire Steelers’ organization is very proud of the job our military personnel have done and we can only hope this leads to our troops coming home soon.” Whether or not you supported some or all the wars of the last decade (I think they’ve been a hellacious, unconscionable waste of human life that has serve to make the world a more dangerous place), there is a bigger lesson that the guardians of Jock Culture seem to be trying to teach: by being an athlete you have signed away your right to have an opinion beyond your choice of sneaker or sports drink. This is something that runs very deep in the marrow of our sports culture: that athletes, particularly black athletes should just “shut up and play.” They should feel fortunate to just to have the good fortune to get paid and they have no right to say anything that might make anyone even a bit uncomfortable. If you look historically at athletes who today are admired for their courageous honesty—people like Muhammad Ali, Billie Jean King, Jim Brown, and Bill Russell—they were all told by the sports columnists of their day that they should button their lips and just play. When Tommie Smith and John Carlos raised their black gloved fists, a young sportswriter for the Chicago American by the name of Brent Musberger wrote, “One gets a little tired of having the United States run down by athletes who are enjoying themselves at the expense of their country,” going on to call them, “a pair of black-skinned storm-troopers.” In other words, to be a political athlete in any way that doesn’t involve wrapping yourself in the flag has always been apostasy in the eyes of the guardians of Jock Culture. I would argue this is a deeply destructive line of thought that damages our society beyond the confine of sports. Athletes are role models whether we want to admit it or not. Do we really want them modeling that a lack of political thought is a virtue? Or that having the biggest contract makes you the best possible human being? Or do we want them modeling the simple idea that having something to say about the world is something to be emulated? If you disagree with what an athlete says, say so. I don’t agree with Tim Tebow that women shouldn’t be able to have abortions because the star quarterback disapproves. I don’t agree with Rashard Mendenhall that 9/11 was any kind of inside job. But let’s argue out these issues on the merits. Let’s stop perpetuating the idea that athletes have forfeited their right to say whatever they damn-well please. To Chris Douglas-Roberts: yes, athletes DO have a right to have perspectives, and I hope we can continue to hear what's on your mind. But your silence only will embolden those who believe otherwise, and make it that much harder for the next athlete with something to say. [Dave Zirin is the author of “Bad Sports: How Owners are Ruining the Games we Love” (Scribner) and just made the new documentary “Not Just a Game.” Contact him at [email protected].] EARTH TALK - "Timber thefts.” Dear EarthTalk: I heard that timber thefts are increasing across the country. Why would people steal timber and is it a particular kind for a particular use? -- Rosie Ng, Stanwood, WA People are stealing timber for the same reasons they steal anything: to profit from someone else’s hard work. What makes timber thefts that much harder to stop is the fact that, most of the time, they occur in remote forested areas and loggers typically don’t have to document their sales as meticulously as other kinds of natural resource extraction. With the economy still in the doldrums, it’s not surprising that timber thefts appear to be on the rise, at least based on anecdotal evidence from around the country. “Timber theft can range from a landowner cutting down a neighbor’s tree to loggers stealing hundreds or thousands of trees from private or public lands,” reports Lori Compas in the September/October 2010 issue of E Magazine. “Investigators say it’s difficult to calculate the exact number of trees lost to theft, but losses are estimated at $3 million over the last five years in Mississippi alone.” She cites one example there whereby a logger was arrested on three counts of timber theft after clearing some $375,000 worth of trees from land set aside to benefit local schools. In some cases, thieves are targeting specific types of rare or expensive wood, such as the Justice from A1 al-Qaeda and salute the public servants who have supported this effort over the last ten years. “The fight against al-Qaeda is far from over and we must remain vigilant, but yesterday the terrorist network lost its founder and leader. It was a good day for America and for all those throughout the world who work for freedom, justice, and peace.” Congresswoman Edwards’ Statement on President Obama Announcing the Death of Osama bin Laden Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (D-MD) issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s announcement that Osama bin Laden was killed. “Tonight, nearly a decade after the horrific events of Funds from A3 robust war chest, he could face a significant challenge to reelection if his district is redrawn. The Democratic-controlled Maryland General Assembly will convene for a special session to address redistricting and they may try to draw the lines of the 1st District to give Democrats a better chance, Eberly said. The competitive district could mean an increased need for cash by all candidates in the race. "Harris will be wellfinanced, and whoever runs against him will also be wellfinanced," he said. Kratovil's campaign committee continues to file with the Federal Election Commission, but did not report any contributions this quarter. Harris is not alone in continuing to build his coffers. In the 3rd District, Rep. John Sarbanes, D-Towson, raised $233,000 this cycle, bringing his total cash on hand to more than double his total in 2009. Five of Maryland's eight House members have less cash on hand at present than they did at this stage of the last race. "Safe" Democratic candidates in Maryland may not need distinctively patterned birdseye maple used in some highend musical instruments. Since there’s no way to tell if the wood inside a maple tree will show the birds-eye pattern without cutting into it, thieves aren’t scared to damage or potentially kill a tree to find out. “We can see where they’ve notched trees [on state-owned forest land] to see if they have that desirable pattern,” says Larry Raedel, chief law enforcement officer for the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. “When they find one that does, they cut down the entire tree and pack out a five- or six-foot section. They might make $300-$400 for a slab of birdseye.” Of course, on the other end of the spectrum, more complex schemes involve unreported or falsified mill receipts. “For instance, a logger might have a legitimate contract to cut timber on a parcel of land, with the understanding that he will cut certain trees, take them to a sawmill, receive payment and pay the landowner a portion of the receipts,” reports Compas. “The trick is that he might take the logs to several different mills and only report the sales from one mill, pocketing the proceeds from the others.” In response to these more sophisticated tactics law enforcement is starting to step up efforts to catch timber thieves red-handed by the use of tracking paint, surveillance and hidden cameras. Oftentimes other loggers will even tip off local authori- PHOTO BY WASHiNGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES, COURTESY FLiCKR Timber thefts appear to be on the rise and losses in Mississippi alone were estimated to be $3 million over the last five years. Pictured: the aftermath of a timber theft (in this case, maple) in Washington State. ties about a rogue member of their industry perpetrating such crimes. According to Tree Farmer magazine, legislatures and courts in various states are also starting to assign stiffer penalties for timber thefts. “Not only will actual or compensatory damages be awarded, but also, in the proper situations, swift and severe penalty awards and punitive damages will be handed down by the courts,” Tree Farmer reports. Unlike in the past, timber thieves today often must answer to civil trespassing charges along with larceny of natural resources—and may be expected to pay back not only the value of the stolen timber but also the cost of reforesting the site(s) in question. Timber thieves who haul their take out of state might also face federal charges for transporting stolen timber across state lines. CONTACTS: E Magazine, www.emagazine.com/archive/5 294; Washington State Department of Natural Resources, www.dnr.wa.gov; Tree Farmer, www.treefarmsystem.org/cms/pages/25_14.html. EarthTalk® is written and edited by Roddy Scheer and Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of E - The Magazine Environmental (www.emagazine.com). Send questions to: [email protected]. Subscribe: www.emagazine.com/subscribe. Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial. “This closes a sad and tragic chapter in our country and our world’s history. Commend the men and women of our Armed Forces and the dedicated public servants of our nation’s security agencies. This should be a day of reflection and prayer for a more peaceful future.” Statement from Governor Martin O’Malley on the killing ofOsama ben Lauden ANNAPOLIS, MD (May, 2011) – Governor Martin O’Malley issued this statement today following President Obama’s announcement to the nation last night that Osama bin Laden has been killed: Senator Barbara Mikulski’s Statement on the death of Osams bin Lauden WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Barbara A. Mikulski (D-Md), member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, today issued the following statement on the news that Osama bin Laden has been killed by American forces: “This is a historic day for our country. A lot of heroic effort went into making this happen. Due to a lot of bravery from the men and women of our military and intelligence community, Osama bin Laden is dead. “Osama bin Laden was responsible for the deaths of thousands of Americans and many Marylanders – on 9/11 and other terrorist attacks. “Today, I think of that morning of 9/11. Of how we all ran out of the Capitol. Of how we saw smoke coming from the Pentagon. And of how we all felt as we saw the World Trade Center fall. “The next day, I spoke at a prayer service at the Capitol. I said that America would not rest until we had justice. I never thought it would take 10 years. “While bin Laden is dead, the hateful ideology he espouses will persist. Al Qaeda is a resilient operation. We must remain vigilant and prepared. Terrorists will continue to harbor predatory intent toward the United States. “But tonight, justice has been done.” as much money to fund their races in 2012 because the presidential election will bring their party members to the polls to re-elect Obama, Epperly said. "You're gonna ride that wave to some extent, regardless of how much money you spend." Of the three members with less money at this point in the cycle than they did in 2009, Rep. Dutch Ruppersberger, DCockeysville, has the most notable difference of $455,000. "The reason that he doesn't have to be hustling right now is that he's probably not going to get any significant opposition in the Democratic primary," Crenson said. "He's in a pretty good position. He doesn't need to scramble." For Ruppersberger, it may be too soon to know whether he will need to spend a lot to maintain his seat. "It would be too early to try to make a determination as to whether the field of candidates this election would be as competitive as last time around," said Ruppersberger's press secretary, Jaime Lennon. In 2010, the average cost for House victors was $1,376,254, according to an analysis by the Campaign Finance Institute, a research organization that studies election funding. The amount of money spent by House winners has steadily increased in the last decade, said Brendan Glavin, the Institute's data manager. Overall totals for Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Kensington, are down 31 percent from last cycle -- understandable considering his change in position in the party and lack of registered opposition in the 2012 race.Van Hollen is the only member of the delegation with more than $1 million cash on hand now. He leads the delegation this cycle, as he did in the last campaign. This quarter, Van Hollen's campaign committee reported more than $1.75 million cash on hand -- almost $800,000 less than he had in April 2009. Even though his total exceeds that of the next-closest member, Rep. Elijah Cummings, D-Baltimore, by more than $900,000, Van Hollen has significantly less money than in 2009 when he headed the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, an organization that helps elect Democrats to the House. Campaign finance laws permit candidates to give unlimited amounts to the organization, which can then spend the money in tight races, and party leaders traditionally give large sums to the group. House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer, DMechanicsville, is a major contributor. Hoyer led the delegation in fundraising this quarter, posting more than $500,000 in receipts. More than two-thirds of that money came from other political committees, like PACs. Other delegation members have considerably less to work with. Cummings' receipts of about $60,000 this quarter nearly matched his receipts of $66,675 from the first quarter of 2009. His overall cash on hand is up 38 percent from the same time in the last race. Rep. Donna Edwards, DFort Washington, trailed the rest of the delegation this cycle and last cycle. According to the latest report, her campaign has about $41,000 cash on hand. In April of the previous cycle, her committee reported $64,000 cash on hand. Longtime congressman Roscoe Bartlett, R-Frederick, raised the least money this quarter, bringing in $44,400. The 84-year-old announced that he will run for his 11th term in Congress in 2012. The next FEC reporting deadline for candidates is July 15. September 11, 2001, President Barack Obama announced that the mastermind of that horror, Osama bin Laden, has been killed. President Obama made a commitment to the American people to bring Bin Laden to justice -- that day has come at last. American servicemembers and our intelligence and counterintelligence forces have done everything we have asked of them; they have served justice and they have served the cause of freedom. Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the families who lost loved ones on September 11.” a8 — May 12 — May 18, 2011 — The Prince George’s Post County ChurCh DireCtory UNITED METHODIST BAPTIST BAPTIST WESTPHALIA FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF HIGHLAND PARK First Baptist Church of College Park United Methodist Church ‘A Bible Based, Christ Centered welcomes You where Jesus Christ is lord and King stephen l. wright, sr., Pastor “A CHURCH ON THE REACH FOR GOD” 8511 westphalia rd. Upper Marlboro, MD Two Worship Services: 8 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday School: 9:30 (301)735-9373 Fax: (301) 735-1844 & Spirit Led Congregation’ 6801 sheriff road landover, MD 20785 (301) 773-6655 sunday Biblical institute: 9:45 a.m. sunday worship: 7:30 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 6:00 p.m. ‘wONDerFUl weDNesDaYs wiTH JesUs’: Rev. Dr. Timothy West, Pastor 12 noon (The Power Hour) and 6:45 pm ALL ARE WELCOME Worship, & The Word” Web Site: www.westphaliaum.org Dr. Henry P. Davis III, Pastor BAPTIST BAPTIST “A Time of Prayer, Praise, www.fbhp.org Forest Heights Baptist Churh we exist to strengthen your relationship with God. 6371 Oxon Hill road Oxon Hill, Maryland 20745 sunday school (adults & Children) - 9:30 a.M. worship service - 11:00 a.M. wed. Prayer service & Bible study - 7:00 P.M. Office (301) 839-1166 Fax (301) 839-1721 e-mail: Office [email protected] Pastor: rev. waymond B. Duke UNITED METHODIST Union United Methodist Church COMMUNITY CHURCH wOrD OF GOD COMMUNiTY CHUrCH 5018 lakeland road College Park, MD 20740 THE PRINCE GEORGE’S POST EMAIL: [email protected] CALL 301-627-0900 301-474-3995 www.fbc-cp.org Sunday School 9:30a.m. Sunday Worship 11a.m. Holy Communion 1st Sunday Wednesday Bible Study 7-8p.m. Wednesday Prayer Service 8p.m. Church Directory Advertisements are paid ads. Please call the Prince George’s Post today and have your Church information published in our Directory. Call Today! 301-627-0900 FAX 301-627-6260 Editorials & Calendar EMAIL: [email protected] Have a Safe Weekend Remember, Don’t Drink Alcohol and Drive! “The Church Where Everybody is Somebody and 14418 Old Marlboro Pike, Upper Marlboro, MD ClassifieDs Jesus is Lord 4109 edmonston road Bladensburg, MD (301) 864-3437 Church (301) 627-5088 Sunday School: (Children/adults) - 8:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 10:00 a.m. Intercessory Prayer:Sundays - 8:30 a.m. Church School: - 9:15 a.m. Morning Worship Celebration- 10:30 a.m. Wed. Night Bible Study - 7:45 p.m. Rev. Kendrick D. Weaver, Pastor AUCTIONS ABSOLUTE AUCTION Valuable personal property from the Historical Greenbrier Resort. Vehicles, restaurant and kitchen equipment, glassware & dishware, building materials, furniture and apparel! A general list is available at woltz.com. Select items will be available for online bidding. 10% Buyer’s Premium, 13% Buyer’s Premium for online bidders. Sale held May 21, 9am at the West Virginia Building of the State Fair Event Center, Lewisburg, WV. Preview: May 20 from 12-8pm. Contact Woltz & Associates, Inc. Real Estate Brokers & Auctioneers. 800-5513588. Roanoke, Virginia. Jim Woltz (WV#1000) Elder Willie W. Duvall, Pastor BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY ing for! Visit our websitewww.mddcpress.com. Place your ad today ALL CASH VENDING ROUTE! Be Your Own Boss! Start up investment as low as $9995. Candy Included! Call Now! 1877-915-8222 All Major Credit Card Accepted. CAMPGROUNDS Lake Somerset Camp Ground, Maryland Eastern Shore. Leave your RV on site all year. $1500 includes water, electric & sewage. 3 trailers on site for sale. Call 410-957-1866 or email [email protected]. Visit our website www.lakesomerset.com. AUTOMOBILE DONATIONS DONATIONS DONATE YOUR VEHICLE RECEIVE FREE VACATION VOUCHER. UNITED BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION Free Mammograms, Breast Cancer Info www.ubcf.info FREE Towing, Tax Deductible, NonRunners Accepted, 1-888-4685964 DONATE VEHICLE: Receive $1000 GROCERY COUPONS. Your Choice. NOAH’S ARC, NO KILL Animal Shelters. Advanced Veterinary Treatments. Free Towing, IRS TAX DEDUCTION. Non-runners 1-866-912-GIVE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY With One phone call, one bill, one ad placement - Reach 4.1 million readers in 83 daily and weekly newspapers for just $1450.00 per ad. Get regional and local exposure at one time in Maryland, Delaware and DC. Call today! Get results with regional and local exposure. Call 410-721-4000x19. For just $17.47 per newspaper get the advertising results you are look- AAAA** Donation DONATE YOUR CAR, Free Pick-up/Tow, Any Model or Condition, IRS Tax Deductible. Help Underprivileged Children. Outreach Center 1-800-601-7171 FURNITURE Cherry Bedroom Set. Solid Wood, never used, brand new in factory boxes. English Dovetail. Original cost $4500. Sell for $895. Can deliver. Call Tom 240482-8721 LEATHER LIVING ROOM SET. In original plastic, never used. Orig price $3000, Sacrifice $975. Can deliver. Call Bill 301-8417565 HEALTH/FITNESS/BEAUTY Taking Viagra? Save over $500! 40x (100mg) Pills for Only $99.00. Call now 1-888-782- HEALTH/FITNESS/BEAUTY MOUNTAIN PROPERTY WATERFRONT PROPERTY MISCELLANEOUS 5120. No Prescription Needed!!! Other Meds Available Credit or Debit Required. www.newhealtyman.com Satisfaction Guaranteed.!!! BEST Recreational Land Bargains in America! 60-500+ ACRES from $1000 to $2000/AC. Timber Co. liquidating 1,000’s of acres of prime recreational tracts in WV. Enjoy 4 season recreation on our own mtn paradise! Woods, meadows, trails, streams, wildlife, more. Ideal for outdoor lovers! Excellent financing. Must see. Call now 877-5263764 wvtimberland.com can find the vacation property of your dreams at Corbin Hall or Olde Mill Pointe. Choose from a stunning variety of home sites from water frontage with magnificent views to serene pond settings, from lush forest to rolling meadow land. Spend time sailing, swimming, fishing, exploring or just relaxing at the community center pool. those undergoing treatment for all types of cancer, including breast cancer. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy can kill red blood cells and platelets, and these patients rely on blood transfusions throughout their treatment to remain strong and recover. According to the American Cancer Society, over 1.5 million people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2010 in the United States. Many of those patients will require transfusions of blood and platelets. “This is a wonderful opportunity to give life to local patients in need with a blood donation and show your support of the fight against Breast Cancer” said Gary J. Ouellette, Chief Executive Officer for the GC&P Region. “Many of us know someone who has been touched by this disease, or by another form of cancer, and this give our donors the opportunity to share their experience with others while giving hope to patients who may currently by fighting the battle.” The “Wall of Hope” will be available at all American Red Cross Donor Centers and participating blood drives throughout October. In addition, all participants will receive a commemorative “I Gave Hope” lapel pin (while supplies last). Blood donations are needed to treat patients throughout the Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Region undergoing treatment for cancer, premature babies, trauma victims, transplant surgeries, those with chronic blood disorders, and many others. Over 1000 units of blood are needed daily to meet the needs of local patients. HELP WANTED Drivers - CDL-A DRIVERS NEEDED! OTR, Regional & Dedicated Runs Up to 50¢ per mile Class A CDL & Hazmat Req’d 800-942-2104 Ext. 238 or 243 www.totalms.com TRUCK DRIVERS WANTED! 2011 PAY RAISE! UP TO $.52 PER MILE! HOME WEEKENDS! EXCELLENT BENEFITS! NEW EQUIPMENT! HEARTLAND EXPRESS 1-800-441-4953 www.heartlandexpress.com MISCELLANEOUS AIRLINE MECHANIC – Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified - Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (866) 823-6729. Warbirds Over the Beach Airshow - May 22 and 23 at the Virginia Beach Airport, hosted by the Military Aviation Museum. For more information visit www.VBairshow.com call (757) 721-PROP (7767) MISCELLANEOUS TRAINING MASSAGE THERAPY – Learn fast, earn fast. Financial aid if qualified. A new career is at your fingertips. Call Centura College 877-206-3353 MOUNTAIN PROPERTY REAL ESTATE Retirement and future move? Discover Delaware and our gated community. Manufactured homes from the mid 40’s. Brochures available 1-866-629-0770 or search www.coolbranch.com SERVICES - MISC 2.8 Million Eyes will read your ad - 5 days per week - Monday thru Friday in the DAILY CLASSIFIED CONNECTION for just $199 per day. Join the exclusive members of this network today! Place your ad in 14 MAJOR DAILY NEWSPAPERS in Maryland, Delaware and DC. Call 410-721-4000x19 or visit our website: www.mddcpress.com VACATION RENTALS OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full/ partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Real Estate. 1-800-6382102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com WATERFRONT PROPERTY Spectacular Waterfront Properties: Once in a lifetime opportunity awaits at 2 of the finest waterfrontcommunities on Virginia’s Eastern Shore. Now under new ownership, you Properties are 1 to 3 acres, and offer ocean access, mild climate, spectacular natural views and unique site amenities. Lots available at 1/3 the original price. NEW STARTING PRICES: Waterfront $75,000, Interior $30,000. Call (757) 824-0808, email [email protected], or web visitcorbinhall.com, visitOMP.com “GIVE HOPE, GIVE BLOOD” Red Cross Blood Donors Can Honor the Fight Against Breast Cancer The American Red Cross, Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Region is honoring those who have struggled with this disease with “Walls of Hope” at all blood drives and donor centers throughout the month of October. Participants may write a small card in honor of a cancer patient to post on the Wall Of Hope. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-7332767) to schedule a life-saving donation appointment. Platelet donors can call 1-800-272-2123 to schedule an appointment. Blood is often used to treat