County - The Metro Herald
Transcription
County - The Metro Herald
IN THIS ISSUE . . . COVER: MICHELLE OBAMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1, 12 Africa Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Around the Region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4–5 Capital Comments/Insights & Viewpoints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6–7 Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8–9 Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Potpourri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Community News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Arts & Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16–19 Business News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21, 23 Bids & Proposals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22–23 Classified Ads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 VOLUME XVII, NUMBER 42 Imaging the Politics, Culture, and Events of Our Times Carroll County Howard County Baltimore Annapolis Montgomery County Loudoun County Fauquier County Fairfax County Prince William County Anne Arundel County D.C. Arlington County Prince George’s County Alexandria Spotsylvania County Stafford County Fredericksburg Charles County Westmoreland County Richmond October 17, 2008 Michelle Obama M ichelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama (born January 17, 1964) is an American lawyer and the wife of Illinois Senator Barack Obama, the 2008 Democratic nominee for President. She was born and grew up on the South Side of Chicago and graduated from Princeton University and Harvard Law School. After completing her formal education, she returned to Chicago and went to work for the law firm Sidley Austin, on the staff of the Mayor of Chicago Richard M. Daley, and for the University of Chicago and theUniversity of Chicago Hospitals. Michelle Obama is the sister of Craig Robinson, men’s basketball coach at Oregon State University. She met Barack when he went to work for Sidley Austin. The Obamas live on Chicago’s South Side, choosing to remain there rather than moving to Washington, D.C. Continued on page 12 Visit us on the web at www.metroherald.com October 17, 2008 THE METRO HERALD NEWSPAPER The Metro Herald, a resource of Davis Communications Group, Inc., is published weekly. The Metro Herald is a member of the National Newspaper Publishers Association, the Virginia Press Association, and the Newspaper Association of America. PUBLISHER/EXECUTIVE EDITOR/ MANAGING EDITOR Paris D. Davis ART DIRECTOR/WEBMASTER Glenda S. King EXECUTIVE MANAGER Gregory Roscoe, Jr. ASSISTANT TO THE EDITOR Daisy E. Cole SENIOR BUSINESS & SECURITY CORRESPONDENT Rodney S. Azama Regular subscription rate: $75/year for home delivery. Single issue price: $.75 For advertising information and rates, call (703) 548-8891, or visit www.MetroHerald.com. Copyright ©2008 by Davis Communications Group, Inc. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means without prior written consent from the publisher. All unsolicited manuscripts should be accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. The Metro Herald is certified by the Maryland Department of Transportation. Its corporate headquarters is located at 901 North Washington Street, Suite 603, Alexandria, VA 22314. Davis Communications Group, Inc., is certified as a small and minority business. For additional information, call (703) 548-8891. Circulation: 42,000 copies per week Certified by Dasai Group, CPA To obtain a one-year subscription, please send a check or money order for $75 to: The Metro Herald 901 North Washington Street, Suite 603 Alexandria, VA 22314 Name: _________________________________ Address: _______________________________ _______________________________________ _______________________________________ Phone (optional): ________________________ 2 Editorial E very man needs a woman who believes that being smart and intelligent works for both in a relationship that favors neither but supports both. A relationship that allows both to exhibit the power of conviction over the power of one . . . A place in time that allows a relationship to bloom into family of caring and love. One that garners trust as a cornerstone and children as their flowers to nurture and grow with and inside each other and a relationship that has a calm center being unto itself. It allows a family to extend itself through love and touch to grow itself by touching and demanding respect of each other to each other for each other that religion becomes central to the core being of the family unit and for most Americans. Michelle Obama through her family has made the Obama family such a family . . . her close ties to her family has allowed her marriage with Barack Obama to grow . . . In America you have to play the hand that you are dealt. In some countries skin color becomes the politics of choice and clouds sometimes trumps reason and qualifications . . . Michelle Obama has taught her children that they must reason on the basis of truth and not allow themselves to be drawn into the sociology of inversion . . . all people must accept and love the skin that they are in. All people must find filters of life to be a part of the riches of life. We are all part of the human race and most groups are tribal yet we come together collectively not as tribes but as a nation and when times are hazardous no politician has a lock on your vote but a balanced America will vote conscience which means people over party and truth trumps. Race and prejudice is not an option when America itself is at stake! PDD THE METRO HERALD AFRICA UPDATE October 17, 2008 ANC HEAVYWEIGHT JOINS REBELLION Mbhazima Shilowa said he would help organize a convention for ANC rebels T he ex-premier of South Africa’s Gauteng province has resigned from the ruling African National Congress (ANC) to join those calling for a new party. Mbhazima Shilowa said the rebels, led by ex-Defense Minister Mosiuoa Lekota, would hold a convention on 2 November. He resigned as premier in protest at the ousting last month of Thabo Mbeki as president. The ANC has been riven by splits between Mr. Mbeki’s supporters and those of ANC leader Jacob Zuma. Mr. Zuma won a bitter contest to replace Mr. Mbeki in December. Kgalema Motlanthe has been sworn in as the new president, but Mr. Zuma is favorite to take over after elections next year. Observers have said a split in the ANC has appeared increasingly likely, though a new party is unlikely to become a major power in South Africa un- less it attracts political heavyweights. The ANC suspended Mr. Lekota this week, saying it would take similar action against anyone else from the party who threatened to establish an opposition movement. Mr. Shilowa broke the news of his defection at a press conference in Pretoria. “I have decided to resign my membership from the ANC with immediate effect and to lend my support to the initiative by making myself available on a full-time basis as a convener and volunteer-in-chief together with comrade Mosiuoa,” he said. “I have taken this decision knowing fully well that I will be vilified,” he said. The new party would discuss constitutional reform and in particular whether, in the light of what happened to Mr. Mbeki, South Africa’s president should now be directly elected. Mr. Mbeki stood down after a judge suggested he had interfered in the prosecution of Mr. Zuma on corruption charges, something the former South African leader denies. Mr. Lekota had accused the ANC’s new leadership of arrogance, saying a split within the movement was “inevitable”. On Tuesday, Mr. Zuma described party dissidents as charlatans, and said the ANC would act “very decisively” to rid the movement of what he described as factionalism. “History has been extremely unkind to those who break away from the ANC,” he said. COLIN POWELL DIGS AFRICAN HIP-HOP is it still necessary to say that you are an African-American or that you are black, and I say, yes, so that we can remind our children. “It took a lot of people struggling to bring me to this point in history. I didn’t just drop out of the sky, people Colin Powell danced and sang to Olu Maintain’s hit Yahoozee came from my continent in chains.” x-US Secretary of State Colin A lot of wrongs had been done to Powell has joined a hip-hop Africa by Western powers faced with band on stage in London to “an iron curtain and a bamboo curdance and sing in a celebration of tain”, he said in an apparent reference African culture. America’s former top to the USSR and communist China. diplomat took center stage along with These barriers had fallen, he argued. Nigerian performer Olu Maintain, who “Asia is expanding, it created jobs for people, and Eastern Europeans are doing sang his hit Yahoozee. It is not clear if Mr. Powell was aware the same... it’s now Africa’s turn.” But the theme of the song he was that the song was about Nigeria’s notorious Internet fraudsters. The song tells of dancing to is quite different. The an easy-money lifestyle of women, cars Nigerian smash hit, sung in Yoruba and and alcohol. The scammers, known as pidgin by Olu Maintain—real name “yahoo yahoo boys” make money by ad- Olumide Edwards Adegbolu—is about vance fee fraud, known as “419” after people spending money they made from US fraud victims. the legal statute that outlaws it. The BBC’s Andrew Walker in Nduka Obaigbena, publisher of Nigeria’s This Day newspaper, which Abuja says the track is also accompasponsored the Africa Rising Festival in nied by a dance move popular in London, said it was a misunderstand- Nigerian clubs that involves hand ing. “Mr. Powell could not have been movements that represent stacking up aware of the lyrics of the song,” he told wads of dollar bills. “Some people came into the world to the BBC. The former general had been addressing the crowd at the Royal Al- work, some people came into the world bert Hall when the musicians came on to live large,” the song says. Mr. Adegstage. “It would have been rude for bolu says the song is a satire, deriding “yahoo-yahoo” culture, not glorifying it. him to have refused,” he said. “The message of the song is that if Mr. Powell told the audience his own black identity mattered as much you want the lifestyle of drink cars and as ever and that Africa, with hard work women you have to work hard, hustle and foreign investment, could prosper means work, not cheat,” he told the BBC. Colin Powell, a distinguished like Asia and Eastern Europe. “I stand before you tonight as an former military commander, served as US secretary of state during the first African-American,” Mr. Powell said. “Many people have said to me you term of the Bush administration, from became secretary of state of the USA, 2001 to 2005. E THE METRO HERALD PROBE URGES KENYA CLASHES COURT A n international tribunal should be set up in Kenya to try those implicated in clashes after December’s disputed poll, an inquiry into the violence says. The commission found that in some areas, the violence was planned and organized with the support of politicians and businessmen. It said if no tribunal was formed a sealed list of those responsible would go to the International Criminal Court. More than 1,500 people were killed and some 300,000 more fled their homes. The BBC’s Peter Greste in the capital, Nairobi, says the political split after December’s elections became an ethnic one, and Kenya neared a civil war. President Mwai Kibaki and thenopposition leader Mr. Raila Odinga signed a power-sharing deal in February, forming a coalition government. The commission of inquiry was appointed following recommendations by the international mediation team lead by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. Its report was presented to President Kibaki and Prime Minister Odinga and will be made public immediately. Mr. Annan is expected back in the country to receive the report on Friday. On Tuesday, the cabinet said it would implement the recommendations of another inquiry into electoral fraud which called for a radical overhaul of the electoral commission. Justice Phillip Waki, who headed the commission which probed the role of political parties and the state security forces in the violence, gave a summary of his recommendations. “The tribunal will have an international component in the form of the presence of non-Kenyans on the senior investigations and prosecutions staff,” Justice Waki said. What started as spontaneous violent reaction to the perceived rigging of elections, later evolved into well-organized and co-coordinated attacks on members of President Kibaki’s community and Party of National Unity (PNU), he said. “These were systematic attacks on Kenyans based on their ethnicity and their political leanings... Guilty by association was the guiding force behind the deadly revenge attacks,” he said. The commission would give Mr. Annan a sealed list of names of prominent politicians, businessmen and a section of the police force who were behind the violence and supporting evidence, Justice Waki said. If an international tribunal was not created, the list would be handed over to the ICC in The Hague. The commission found that the police force and other security organs were overwhelmed by the scale of violence and failed to act. “This free-for-all was made possible by lawlessness stemming from an apparent collapse of state institutions and security forces,” Justice Waki said. For the latest news on “AFRICA,” read The Metro Herald! UGANDANS BAN FEMALE CIRCUMCISION A Guilty by association was the guiding force behind the deadly revenge attacks— Justice Phillip Waki The report also noted that the security forces failed to act on actionable intelligence on the likelihood of violence and other early warning signs. A key part of the deal was the Waki Commission, set up partly to find out what was behind the orgy of violence, but also to make sure it never happens again. Human rights groups say that in the past, the government has tended to ignore the findings of similar inquiries. But they warn that the government cannot afford to do that this time round, if it wants to avoid another blood-bath. Hassan Omar, the vice-chairman of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, said the “big fish” had to be held accountable. “We need to end the culture of impunity in Kenya,” he told the BBC’s Focus on Africa program. “The country needs to come to terms with its past. They need to afford some level of justice to those who are the victims.” President Kibaki assured Kenyans that the government would study the report carefully and said it would be discussed at the next cabinet meeting. “This report provides us with an opportunity to learn from the past in order to avoid future pitfalls. It marks an important step forward,” President Kibaki said. community in eastern Uganda has banned the deeply rooted practice of female genital mutilation (FGM), an official has said. Kapchorwa district chairman Nelson Chelimo said it was “outmoded” and “not useful” for the community’s women. The Sabiny are the only group in Uganda that practices FGM, which involves cutting off a young girl’s clitoris. Mr. Chelimo said the council had submitted legislation to parliament for the ban to become law nationwide. “The community decided that it was not useful, that women were not getting anything out of it, so the district council decided to establish an ordinance banning it,” Mr. Chelimo told AFP news agency. He said there was a local belief that women who married without circumcision would be stricken by illness, but that this was “really outmoded”. FGM is seen in some countries as a way to ensure virginity and to make a woman marriageable. In Africa, about three million girls are at risk of FGM each year, according to the UN. UN agencies have called for a major reduction in the practice by 2015. They say it leads to bleeding, shock, infections and a higher rate of death for newborn babies. Visit us on the web at www.metroherald.com SOMALIS STORM PIRATE-HELD VESSEL S ecurity forces in northern Somalia have stormed a Panamanianregistered cargo ship that was seized by pirates last week, rescuing the crew unharmed. Officials in the semi-autonomous Puntland region said local forces boarded the vessel after a gunfight in which two soldiers were wounded. Ten gunmen on board surrendered after running out of ammunition. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian vessel carrying 33 tanks is still being held by pirates demanding a $20m (£11m) ransom. Earlier, the pirates said they would blow up the MV Faina unless the money was paid by Monday night. A pirate spokesman later said the deadline may be extended following requests from the ship’s owner and other officials. Risky Last Thursday, heavily armed pirates raided and seized control of the container ship, the Awail, carrying cement from Oman to Bossasso, the capital of Somalia’s semi-autonomous region of Puntland. Two days ago, Puntland security forces tried to board the ship. But they did not succeed and one of their men and one pirate were killed. On Tuesday they tried again. This time they managed to board the ship when the pirates ran out of ammuni- Pirates in small boats sail close to the MV Faina (photo by US Navy) tion. According to officials from Puntland, none of the crew - nine Syrians and two Somalis - were injured. The BBC’s Peter Greste in neighboring Kenya says retaking a hijacked ship is notoriously risky for both the vessel and the captive crew. But Puntland now urgently needs to regain control of piracy, which has boomed in the past few months, he says. Many pirate gangs are based in the Puntland town of Eyl. More than 30 ships have been seized this year in the busy shipping lanes near to Somalia’s coast and along the Gulf of Aden. Somalia has lacked a functioning central government since 1991 and has been afflicted by continual civil strife. Last week, Nato agreed to send seven frigates to combat piracy in the region. 3 AROUND THE REGION October 17, 2008 TIRE RACK STREET SURVIVAL RETURNS TO THE CAPITOL FOR NATIONAL TEEN DRIVER SAFETY WEEK C ar crashes are the number-one killer of teens in America. Each year more than 5,000 youths age 16 to 20 die in motor vehicle crashes, mainly because of driver error. To reduce that number in this area, the non-profit Tire Rack Street Survival® driver education program will be coming to Dulles (ADESA Washington—43375 Old Ox Road) on Saturday October 18th. The class runs from 8A.M. to 4P.M. and is open to permitted and licensed drivers ages 16–21. Registration forms can be found online at www.streetsurvival. org. The cost is $60 per student and some insurance companies offer premium discounts to graduates. Tire Rack Street Survival is a national driver education program aimed at teaching teens the skills they need to stay alive behind the wheel. Unlike traditional high school driver education programs based on classroom theory and simple maneuvers, the Tire Rack Street Survival program improves driver competence through hands-on experiences in real-world driving situations. Teenagers learn from knowledgeable enthusiasts driving coaches how their actions govern a car’s responses, what the limits of their vehicles are, and how to avoid accidents entirely. Unlike other advanced driving schools, students use their own vehicles so that the skills they learn can be directly translated to their own daily driving experiences. The program’s value has even caught the attention of veteran IndyCar driver Scott Goodyear. When it came time to prepare his teenage son to drive, Goodyear enrolled him in a Tire Rack Street Survival course near their hometown of Carmel, Indiana. “I firmly believe Tire Rack Street Survival is best in giving young drivers valuable experience behind the wheel,” he said. Shortly after completing the program Scott’s son avoided an accident using an accident avoidance maneuver he learned during the program. “Despite more teens dying in car crashes than by drugs or violence, driver’s ed is still a low priority among most schools and parents,” said Bill Wade, National Program Manager, Tire Rack Street Survival. “Handing the keys to an improperly trained driver endangers not only the teens but others on the road as well. Street Survival’s goal is to prepare young drivers for the hazards they will face on the road and how to deal with them in a safe, effective manner.” “As members of this community, many of us have teenagers who are just beginning what we hope will be a long life as a safe driver,” said Chuck Grafton, Springfield, VA resident and Tire Rack Street Survival regional organizer. “That’s why we’ve volunteered to bring this program to Dulles—in order to reduce the number of deaths that result from teenage driving fatalities.” MLK MEMORIAL FOUNDATION SUBMITS REQUEST FOR CONSTRUCTION PERMIT TO NATIONAL PARK SERVICE O n Friday, September 26, the leadership of the Washington, DC Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc. submitted a request to the National Park Service for a permit to move forward with the construction of the Memorial. The permit is required by the Commemorative Works Act and the Memorial Foundation expects to begin construction of the four-acre Memorial in November. “We are on the eve of our march to build a lasting Memorial to a man of peace, a Nobel Laureate, a global citi- zen, and someone who I was proud to call a friend,” said U.S. Representative John Lewis. “This nation owes a debt of gratitude to the Memorial Foundation for their committed work over the years. The King Memorial will change the face of the National Mall and inspire future generations to work towards the ideals of hope, democracy, justice and love for which Dr. King stood.” Both the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts gave final approval of the Memorial design earlier in September. BREAK THE SILENCE CONGO WEEK O ver 30 countries and 120 universities band together to raise awareness about the conflict in the Congo starting Sunday, October 19 to Saturday, October 25. Universities and community institutions participating in this one week event include: Howard University, American University, University of Maryland, Bowie State and a number of other campuses in the metro area, and also a number of other localities in the United States, Canada and elsewhere throughout the globe. Since 1996, it is estimated that nearly 6 million people have died in the Congo due to conflict and conflict related causes. Student leaders and community organizers have responded to the silence surrounding the lost lives in the Congo by organizing a global movement to Break the Silence and raise awareness about the violence especially against women, infants and children. The purpose is to mobilize people to participate in a global teach-in and other activities including a six-hour cell phone usage global boycott scheduled on Wednesday, October 22. The United Nations states that the Congo is the deadliest conflict in the world since World War II. Congo Week is a global initiative to raise awareness about the escalating violence against women and children in the Congo and provide support for people on the ground. The Friend of the Congo (FOTC) is a 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt advocacy organization based in Washington, DC. The FOTC was established at the behest of Congolese human rights and grassroots institutions in 2004, to work together to bring about peaceful and lasting change in the Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly Zaire. 4 “We have submitted our permit package to the National Park Service, which includes construction documents, specifications and funding information; we look forward to obtaining a building permit in order to move forward with this lasting memorial to Dr. King,” said Harry E. Johnson, President and CEO of the Memorial Foundation. Major donors include: General Motors, Tommy Hilfiger Corporate Foundation, NBA/WNBA, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., W.K. Kellogg Foundation, The Walt Disney Company Foundation, The Coca-Cola Foundation, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; The Ford Motor Fund, Toyota, AARP, AFLAC, Boeing, Inc. BP America, Inc., CIGNA, Credit Unions of the United States, DuPont, ExxonMobil Foundation, Fannie Mae Corporation, FedEx Corporation, GE, Ann and Joel Horowitz Family Foundation, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Sheila C. Johnson-Newman, Knight Foundation, Lehman Brothers, George Lucas, MacFarlane Partners, The J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation, McDonald’s Corporation, MetLife Foundation, National Association of Realtors (NAR), National Education Association (NEA), Nationwide Foundation, PepsiCo Foundation, The Pew Charitable Trusts, Pfizer Foundation, Prudential Financial, Inc., Shell Oil Company, State Farm Insurance, Verizon Foundation, Viacom, Wal-Mart, and Morehouse College among others. For more information or to make a donation, visit www.buildthedream. org. PRINCE GEORGE’S CLASSIC—BATTLE OF THE BANDS WRAP-UP From left to right: Mike Little, President, Prince George’s Classic; John Conwell, Comcast Regional VP of Government Affairs; Petey Green, President, Prince George’s Black Chamber of Commerce; and Walter Harley, band director for Oxon Hill High School. O n Friday Oct. 3, Comcast and the Prince George’s Classic hosted thousands of community members at the Comcast Center for the 5th annual Prince George’s Classic Battle of the Bands. With Comcast as the event’s presenting sponsor for the first year, the Battle featured top marching bands from across the Washington and Baltimore metro areas and included special appearances by the Bowie State and Lincoln University marching bands. The evening’s activities, emceed by DJ Rico, featured special remarks from Comcast’s Regional VP of Government Affairs, John Conwell; the President of the Classic Mike Little; and an appearance by Petey Green, President of Prince George’s Black Chamber of Commerce. 2ND ANNUAL PAWS IN THE PARK T he Old Town North Community Partnership and the City of Alexandria will host the Second Annual Paws in the Park from 11a.m. to 2p.m. at Montgomery Park (Montgomery and N. Royal Streets) on Saturday, October 18. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria and the Dog Run Improvement Project for Montgomery Park. The cost for entrance is $10 per family including pets. Paws in the Park is a fall festival with events and activities for dogs, their families and the community at-large. Activities include “Doga” classes (Yoga for Dogs), a Halloween Costume Parade, and a Blessing of the Animals. For additional information, visit www.oldtownnorth.org, e-mail info @oldtownnorth.org or call the Old Town North Community Partnership at 703-836-8066. ALEXANDRIA WALK TO FIGHT BREAST CANCER L ace up your tennis shoes, put your walking team together, raise pledges, and get ready to participate in the 15th Annual Walk to Fight Breast Cancer! The 2008 Walk will be held on Saturday, October 25 at 8:00am. The Walk, celebrating its 15th anniversary, is jointly sponsored each year by the City of Alexandria and the Inova Alexandria Hospital Foundation. Corporate sponsors include Women Mean Business and the Maury Lane Foundation. A full list of sponsors is available at www. alexcancerwalk.com. Walkers can choose from a 1.5K/ 3.5K/5K walk or run, and the Walk route is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Well-mannered dogs are welcome! This year’s Walk event will begin and end at the AMC Hoffman Center Theaters, located at Eisenhower Avenue and Swamp Fox Road. Please note this is a new route for the Walk this year. Registration costs $25 for adults and $10 for children, if pre-registered by October 22, and can be completed online using electronic check payment at www.alexcancerwalk.com. On-site registration is $35, so register early to save! All proceeds from the Walk support the Alexandria Breast Cancer Walk Fund, which has collected more than one million dollars and served nearly 5,000 Alexandria women since its inception in 1994. All information, including registration and location details, is available at www.alexcancerwalk. com or by calling 703-838-5030. BLACK FACT On October 17, 1888, the Capital Savings Bank of Washington, DC, the first bank organized for blacks, opened in Washington, DC. THE METRO HERALD AROUND THE REGION October 17, 2008 GIRLS IN WARDS 7 AND 8 POSE TOUGH QUESTIONS FOR DC COUNCIL CANDIDATES U.S.-AFRICA FAITH IN ACTION CAPACITY BUILDING CONFERENCE I n a new report released recently by the D.C. Women’s Agenda, ninth grade girls residing in Hillcrest, Naylor Gardens and Woodland Terrace challenged DC Council candidates for Wards 7 and 8 and At-Large positions to answer questions about daily hardships they must confront. The girls’ questions included issues related to lack of concentration in schools due to no walls; rats and mice in the school; the need for extra tutoring and teachers; unsanitary bathrooms in schools; security on metro buses; surveillance cameras at street intersections; neighborhood watch programs; curfews for youth; and, other questions relating to health insurance and affordable housing. All of the candidates offered numerous proposed solutions to the many problems raised by the girls. In response to the problems of rats in the F aith In Action Consortium will host a ground-breaking conference on national and international capacity building strategies to effectively partner with the government on October 22, 2008. Seating is limited to 300 attendees including some of Africa’s finest faith and community leaders who will come to meet their U.S. faith and community counterparts. “This conference will provide a forum for the African and African American faith leaders to meet and discuss unifying projects to increase their outreach and to increase measurable results. All cultures are welcomed. This conference will primarily discuss partnering on the state and federal (global) level. You will hear what it takes to meet measurable results and why transparency, sustainability and accountability will be necessary for longevity of projects. The other historic part of the conference will discuss the disunity between Africans and African Americans and how to bridge the divide. You will not want to miss being a part of this informative and unifying conference. Faith in Action (FIA) is a Christian Marketplace Consortium comprised of faith; business, non-profit and grassroots leaders whose purpose is to assist in building the capacity of underprivileged countries and U.S. based nonprofit organizations. FIA’s master plan is to share in the UN Millennium goals of a “human development agenda” (Health, Education, Housing, Gender Issues) and Environmental sustainability. Our primary focus for 2008-2010 will be to bring together groups whose interest are U.S. and Africa based to work together to expand sphere of resources and communication between the two countries. The event will be held October 22, 2008 from 10:00am to 2:00pm at The Jesus House D.C., 921 Philadelphia Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910. Registration begins at 8:30am. The event will include a panel pres- Archive issues are available at www.metroherald.com! THE METRO HERALD entation discussing tools necessary to partner with the U.S. government agencies and International agencies. Techniques to build capacity to organizations will also be discussed. The panel speakers will include Mr. Stanley Carlson-Theis-The Center for Public Justice (Systems and Transparency), Ms. Angela LagdemeoMaryland’s Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives (Partnering with Government), Mr. Curtis Huff (U.S. Department of State), Ms. Tiffany Lymon-Mind Over Money, LLC. (Communication Tools) USAID Representatives-USAID Partnerships, Pastor Cheryl Hill-Simply Truth International Ministries (Capacity Building). Attendees may attend mid day breakout sessions on: HIV/Malaria, Water Resources, Financial Literacy, Microenterprise, Education and Leadership Exchange Programs. The Conference is free. You must register online at www.maxserconsulting.com. For other questions contact Maxser Consulting Group at 443-797-7285. Continental Breakfast and lunch will be served. school, Ward 7 Councilmember Yvette Alexander planned to work with Allen Lew, head of the new Office of Public Education School Modernization to “ensure that our schools are rodent free.” She encouraged students to “email [her] every time a rodent is seen in a school.” Ward 8 Candidate Howard Brown offered a different solution: “I would recommend that the school include rodent and pest control in the curriculum. I would propose an educational program that teaches the science of why rodents dwell in our facilities, and how to eliminate the problem.” Ward 8 Candidate Charles Wilson said he, “will work with the District rodent task force to rid our schools of mice, rats and other rodents.” I spoke up and noted that while it is important to examine the candidates’ responses to these problems, it is essential for the D.C. community—in- cluding all elected officials—to take note of what these girls are experiencing. The D.C. Women’s Agenda believes that these questions go to the heart of the policy matters that must be addressed when the DC Council enacts legislation addressing problems of youth in our city. We will continue to bring these concerns to all of the newly elected and sitting officials in the Council this fall, I explained. The report, 2008 Election Guide/ Supplemental Questions and Candidates’ Responses from Girls in Wards 7 & 8, details candidates’ responses to questions that came directly from girls in Wards 7 and 8. The guide is designed to help voters understand candidates’ positions on girls issues related to schools and libraries, safety, health, and housing. The Election Guide is available online or by requesting a hard copy at [email protected]. COUNTY BREAKS GROUND FOR VETERANS PLAZA/CIVIC BUILDING PROJECT IN DOWNTOWN SILVER SPRING T he next step in the final stage of the revitalization of downtown Silver Spring was taken recently when ground was broken for construction of the Veterans Plaza/Civic Building project at the corner of Fenton St. and Ellsworth Dr. Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett and County Council member Valerie Ervin participated in the ceremony and were joined by Jon Lourie, chairman of the Urban District Advisory Committee, Darian Unger, chairman of the Citizens Advisory Board, and Jerry Miller, chairman of the Board of Directors, Greater Silver Spring Chamber of Commerce. Leggett said, “Because Silver Spring has become an arts and entertainment and commercial destination, it’s easy to lose sight of the fact that it also is a neighborhood where people live, work and raise families. Veterans Plaza and the Civic Building,” he said, “will provide educational and entertainment opportunities that will enhance all their lives.” FUN AND FUNDRAISING AT RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES—FAUX REAL BASH “Veterans Plaza and the Civic Building are much needed and long overdue resources for Silver Spring,” said Ervin, who represents District 5, which includes Silver Spring, Kensington, Takoma Park, and Wheaton. “This area will serve as a dynamic city center for Silver Spring residents, and I am looking forward to attending community-based performances that will be held here for years to come.” The 1.5 –acre site will contain the Civic Building and Veterans Plaza that will front the Civic Building and be located on about three-quarters of an acre. The Plaza will feature a brick surface, surrounded by open space and trees. It will be the site of a memorial that will honor the memory of veterans of all wars who served and sacrificed. The plaza will be designed to serve as a year-round public gathering place featuring benches that are tucked in and around the trees, and in season, there will be moveable tables and chairs. It will be the site of local annual events such as the Silver Spring Swings Summer Concert Series, the Silver Spring Jazz Festival and Magical Montgomery Cultural Fair. During the fall and winter months, the plaza will also host a Veterans Day R onald McDonald House Charities of Greater Washington DC is well aware that these are difficult economic times for all of us, and that the presidential campaigns are taking a big bite out of “giving”, especially in this area. Historically however, Americans are generous in helping others in their community. Ronald McDonald House Charities is counting on all those big hearted individuals and businesses who want to be part of the “common good” and make a difference in the life of a child to attend its first Faux Real Bash, October 25, 2008, at Madame Tussauds Washington DC. The Faux Real Bash is a night of celebrities, gourmet delights provided by fun DC “hot spots”, and an exclusive interactive, full-sensory experience at Madame Tussauds, the world’s premier wax museum. Julie Parker of ABC 7/WJLA is Honorary Chair. This is the chance to meet the real “Diamond Jim”, the English Springer Spaniel 2007 Best in Show as recognized at the Westminster Kennel Club. Guests will enjoy a jewelry scavenger hunt and if they crack the code, they keep the diamonds! The silent auction will have unique “celeb” items. Not a black-tie event, but dressy casual so guests can have fun while they sit with George Clooney, or swing a club with Tiger Woods. All this supports Ronald McDonald House Charities® whose mission is to directly improve the health and well being of children. • The real date is October 25, 2008. • The real time is 7:00pm until 9:00pm. • The real ticket price is $100.00 per person. This opportunity to attend a truly unique and fun event will sell out fast. There are only 300 tickets available. And this is not faux—when they are gone they are gone! For questions or reservations contact Lisa at [email protected] or 703-698-7080. Go to www.rmhc.greaterdc. org and click on Special Events for more information. ceremony and serve as the site of the reviewing stand for the County’s annual Thanksgiving Parade. Beginning each November, immediately following the parade, ice skating will begin on the rink under the Pavilion. The rink will be available for public skating as well as skating demonstrations and celebrations of cold-weather holidays. The rink will operate through March, then be removed to make way for spring and summer activities. The 42,000 square-foot Civic Building will host community events, as well as receptions, weddings and similar family celebrations. In keeping with the arts and entertainment character of Silver Spring, the building will house a gallery programmed by the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County that will feature rotating art shows. The Civic Building will also be the new home of the Silver Spring Regional Services Center and the Round House Theatre School and administrative offices. A dedication for Veterans Plaza, the first part of the $19.8 million project to be completed, is planned for November 2009. For more information about the project, call the Silver Spring Regional Services Center at 301-565-7300. GLEN ECHO PARK’S 4TH ANNUAL FALL FROLIC G len Echo Park’s 4th annual Fall Frolic will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2008. This family event with a festive Halloween theme is open to the public, and visitors of all ages are invited to the Park to explore the arts through hands-on crafts, live performances, and Halloween activities. Presented by the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture, Inc., this fun-filled day will have children and adults enjoying all that the Park has to offer. Come in the morning and stay all day! Activities start at 10a.m., when Discovery Creek Children’s Museum’s weekend family program begins, and continue through the evening with a Swing class and dance in the Spanish Ballroom beginning at 8p.m. Our special Halloween festivities take place from 1 to 4p.m. Children will love pumpkin painting, face painting, and Halloween-themed games. Adults will enjoy strolling through the Park’s open studios and galleries, including Glen Echo Pottery, the Art Glass Center, Photoworks, Yellow Barn Studio & Gallery, and more. Children may also decorate their own trick-or-treat-bag and go trick-or-treating through the galleries. The Halloween celebration will conclude with a costume parade through the park at 3:30p.m. Glen Echo Park is located at 7300 MacArthur Blvd. in Glen Echo, Maryland, six miles northwest of Georgetown along the scenic Potomac River palisades. This unique National Park and arts center offers year-round classes and activities for residents of the Washington metropolitan area and visitors from across the country. For information, call (301) 634-2222 or visit www.glenechopark.org. 5 CAPITAL COMMENTS/INSIGHTS & VIEWPOINTS October 17, 2008 OP-ED T acitus (ca 56 AD—ca 117) was a Roman Senator and historian who wrote that “Reason and judgment are the qualities of a leader.” Former Senator Phil Gramm, and a former co-chair of Senator John McCain’s presidential campaign, was the principal sponsor of the 1999 GrammLeach-Bliley Act which struck down the walls between commercial banks, investment banks and insurance companies. Senator Gramm was the chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs and said on November 12, 1999: “I am proud to be here because this in an important bill; it is a deregulatory bill. I believe that that is the wave of the future.” Then Senator Gramm was also a co-sponsor of the Commodity Futures Modernization Act of 2000. This legislation was never debated in the U.S. House of Representatives and the companion bill was never debated in the U.S. Senate. The CFMA exempted most over the counter energy trades and trading on electronic commodity markets. The CFMA has been the subject of criticism for what has been called the “Enron Loophole,” which was drafted by Enron Lobbyists working with Senator Gramm. These deregulation laws sponsored and or co-sponsored by Senator Phil Gramm are at the basis of what became the most severe economic crisis since the Great Depression of 1929. Following the deregulation that resulted, Credit Default Swaps and other forms of derivative products proliferated. Because the term insurance was replaced by the term “swaps” there was no regulation. Consequently, when sub-prime loans were made, often on inflated appraisals to individuals who could not service the out year debt, they were packaged, syndicated, discounted and purchased by FANNIE and FREDDIE, and repurchased by investment banks who sold bonds backed by Credit Default Swaps. The CDS market eventually represented $55 trillion. The value of the derivatives was questionable. Bonds were downgraded. Recourse could not be pro- S Carlos Cardozo Campbell Special to The Metro Herald vided from the Credit Default Swaps. The federal government intervened. Warren Buffet, an economic advisor to Senator Barack Obama, issued an ominous and prophetic warning about derivatives in the Berkshire Hathaway annual report of 2002. “The derivatives genie in now well out of the bottle, and these instruments will almost multiply in variety and number until some event makes their toxicity clear. Central banks and governments have so far found no effective way to control, or even monitor, the risks posed by these contracts. In my view, derivatives are financial weapons of mass destruction, carrying dangers that, while now latent, are potentially lethal.” While campaigning in Jacksonville, Florida, on September 15, 2008, which was called “Black Monday,” Senator McCain said: “The fundamentals of our economy are strong.” On September 24, 2008 Senator McCain announced that he was suspending his campaign in order to return to Washington DC and work on the pending “Bailout Bill.” He asked that the debate scheduled for Friday night. September 26, with Senator Obama at the University of Mississippi be postponed. Senator Obama would not capitulate. The debate was held as scheduled. On the morning of September 29, 2008, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney went on national television and prematurely credited Senator McCain will passage of the Bill. “[T]his bill would not have been agreed to had it not been for John McCain. . . . But, you know, this is a bipartisan accomplishment, a bipartisan success. And if people want to get something done in Washington, they just watch John McCain.” As it were, The Emergency Economic Stabilization Bill did not pass on September 29, 2008. Romney, McCain’s former adversary during the presidential campaign primary and subsequent ally, had exercised poor judgment. With revisions, President Bush did sign into law, The Emergency Eco- BLACK FACTS On October 17, 1720, Jupiter Hammon was born. He was a writer and self-educated Calvinist who was born a slave. Hammon is believed to be the first black poet published in the United States. On October 17, 1969, Dr. Clifton R. Wharton, Jr., is elected president of Michigan State University and became the first black to head a major, predominantly white university in the twentieth century. 6 KERRY SUPPORTS U.S.INDIA STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP LEADERSHIP MATTERS nomic Stabilization Act of 2008 on October 3, 2008. EESA will provide up to $700 billion to the financial services industry. During a Town Hall meeting at Belmont University in Nashville on October 7, 2008, with Senator Obama, and moderated by Tom Brokaw, Senator McCain was asked a question by a retired Navy Chief Petty Officer. He responded and said: “ I want to say, everything I ever learned about leadership I learned from a chief petty officer.” This response may have flattered the retired Chief Petty Officer but, in my view, his response raises questions about what he learned about leadership at the U.S. Naval Academy, from his father and grandfather, both of whom were Navy Admirals, as well as the U.S. Presidents and other elected officials that he has served with. As a Naval Officer, particularly as an Ensign, I learned a great deal about the culture and traditions of the Navy. Of course, this was a value leadership experience. By the time I reached the rank of Lieutenant Commander, I would credit my Commanding Officers and several of the Admirals and Generals that I worked for with teaching me about the judicious exercise of authority, communications, taking risks, attention to detail, motivating subordinates, and thriving on adversity. Memo to Senator McCain: “Context matters.” After military service I was privileged to serve in the Administrations of Presidents Nixon, Ford and Reagan. This experience greatly enhanced my leadership skills. Complacency is the mother of chaos. What is clear it that the economic crisis resulted from a myriad of reasons which can be placed under the umbrella of complacency. ESSA was necessary. There is a small statue outside of the fence which surrounds the south lawn of the White House which displays words attributed to President Andrew Jackson:: “The Nation must be preserved.” The substance of ESSA and the subsequent meetings with the world’s leading financial ministers, underscores the reality of globalization. Prudence suggests that all citizens change their behavior, as necessary, to live below their means, eliminate credit card debt and save, it at all possible, at least five percent of their income. Senator McCain has repeatedly spoke about bringing leadership to Washington DC. Leadership is not trash talking and grand standing. Memo to Senator McCain: “Being a leader is like being a lady, if you have to go around telling people you are one, you aren’t.”—Margaret Thatcher • • • Copyright © 2008, Carlos Cardozo Campbell, All Rights Reserved. en. John Kerry, Chairman of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs, recently supported Congress’s passage of legislation ending a thirty-year ban on civilian nuclear trade with India. The IndiaU.S. Nuclear Cooperation Approval and Non-Proliferation Enhancement Act (H.R. 7081) passed the House on Saturday by a vote of 298 to 117. “A strategic partnership between the United States and India will make us stronger as we create a safer, more prosperous future for our two democracies,” said Sen. Kerry. “This deal will allow India to meet its rising energy demands with cleaner energy, while imposing stronger international safeguards on its nuclear program. But the focus must remain on the larger picture—India’s regional influ- ence holds the potential to help us fix a dire situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan, increasing our overall global security.” Kerry backed the Hyde Act legislation in 2006 al- Sen. John Kerry lowing the Bush Administration to negotiate a civil nuclear deal with India in 2006 after resolving some significant non-proliferation concerns, because he saw it as a first step towards a stronger partnership between the world’s oldest and largest democracies that would improve our security and secure tangible gains. The bill now moves to the White House for the President’s signature. President Bush has said he hopes to finalize this agreement before the end of his administration. WARNER, WEBB, GOODLATTE, DAVIS APPLAUD PASSAGE OF PRESIDENTIAL HISTORICAL RECORDS BILL O n Sept. 26, 2008, the U.S. Senate passed S. 3477, the Presidential Historical Records Preservation Act, sponsored by Sen. John Warner (R-Va.) and Sen. Jim Webb (D-Va.), to ensure that grant funding is available to preserve the documents of presidents who served before President Herbert Hoover. The House of Representatives approved its version of the bill, sponsored by U.S. Reps. Robert Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Tom Davis (R-Va.), on Sept. 27, 2008. It now goes to the President to be signed into law. Through the Presidential Library Act of 1955, the National Archives and Records Administration manages and maintains 12 presidential libraries, from presidents Hoover to Clinton. These facilities are privately constructed and deeded to the federal government, and house official records and papers of those former presidents. But the documents of pre-Hoover presidents, who have no libraries of their own, also deserve careful historical preservation. Due to the geographic distribution of those papers, it is unlikely that a single library dedicated to such conservation will ever be built. This legislation provides modest grants on a competitive, discretionary basis to worthwhile nonprofits and state or local governments willing to engage in such preservation efforts, and will ensure public access to preserved records. Grant recipients must provide a 100 percent match to all federal government monies, and the archivist of the United States— charged with safeguarding historical documents—will decide which records are appropriate for preservation. “Our founding fathers understood the need to preserve important documents for future generations,” said Warner. “Thomas Jefferson once said that ‘a morsel of genuine history is a thing so rare as to be always valuable.’ It is my hope that current and future generations will look upon the examples of those who came before and learn from their accomplishments, as well as their mistakes.” “This bill will help the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library Foundation, and other non-profit entities like it, preserve and make available to the public the historical records and documents of American Presidents,” said Webb. “Our country will be better off for having an improved, more complete understanding of American Presidents and their legacies. I was pleased to work with Senator Warner, the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, and the National Archives to successfully create this competitive grant program.” “I am extremely pleased that the U.S. Congress unanimously passed the Presidential Historical Records Preservation Act which will help organizations, like the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, preserve our nation’s history,” said Goodlatte. “The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library has been a national leader in document preservation and restoration. They, along with other historical organizations, will benefit from the grants that will be made available through this legislation. We will ensure that future generations have access to the records that tell the story of our nation’s most important leaders and their dedication to our country.” “Like many of our nation’s presidents, this bill has its roots in Virginia, said Davis. “The important mission of the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library in Staunton, Va., and the determination the individuals there, combined to move this legislation forward. In these trying times, we do ourselves a tremendous service to preserve history and to seek to understand the lessons it teaches.” THE METRO HERALD CAPITAL COMMENTS/INSIGHTS & VIEWPOINTS October 17, 2008 MORAN TO BE NAMED “STAR OF THE SOUTH” H ouse Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran, a candidate for Governor, will receive Irish American magazine’s “Star of the South” award on October 18 in Atlanta, Georgia. The “Star of the South” award is given annually to southerners of Irish and Scotch Irish heritage who exemplify the values of hard work, responsibility and community service that have made Irish Americans prosperous members of the American family. Moran will speak at the award ceremony at the Commerce Club in Atlanta, Ga. “I am honored to receive this award from Irish- and Scotch-Irish-American leaders across our region,” Delegate Moran said. “My grandparents came to America from Ireland with nothing more than a single suitcase - only to face signs that said ‘Irish Need Not Apply.’ They broke down barriers to ensure a better life for the next generation and generations after that. They taught me the importance of our shared commitment to opportunity for all.” Moran was particularly recognized for championing Alicia’s Law, which cracks down on Internet child sexual predators. Alicia’s Law is named after Alicia Kozakiewicz, who was abducted by an online predator and held in his Herndon basement until rescued by the Brian Moran Northern Virginia Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. This initiative doubles the capacity of these officers to arrest and prosecute child sexual predators. Thanks to the work of U.S. Senator Jim Webb, Virginians are increasingly aware of the significant contributions Irish- and Scotch-Irish-Americans. Delegate Moran is proud to share a heritage with Senator Webb. Brian Moran is Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus and a Delegate representing Alexandria City and Fairfax County. He is a former Arlington County prosecutor. Delegate Moran was recently named “Child Advocate of the Year” by the Virginia PTA and received a 100 percent rating from the League of Conservation Voters in 2008. UNITED WE STAND THE METRO HERALD NO SMALL MATTER BY CARLOS J. CORREA BERNIER, MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE T wo significant things have changed drastically regarding global warming. First, we have more than sufficient evidence that global warming is real and that it is happening faster than many experts expected. Second, is in the identification of those being affected disproportionately by this human created phenomenon. They are the poor on the mainlands and the islands. When you stop to think about areas on the planet that have been greatly affected: i.e. coastlines, agricultural lands, rain forests, etc. you will notice that the poor are paying the largest price for the “mess” created by industrial countries. Many wonder, what is the best way to approach our climate challenge today? Should we be more proactive regarding education or adaptation? For some, coping with climate change, rather than stopping, is a much wiser approach. This approach could end up providing financial benefits for many communities, cities and countries. Rich countries could become even richer by putting adaptive efforts in place. They could impose new taxes; penalties to be paid by those who violate, etc. In those countries that have signed the Kyoto Agreement1, companies can finance their reduc- tions in emissions. Company-to-company “transactions” produce “carbon credits” which have value and can be traded. Under the agreement, some of the values of these credits go into an adaptation fund. What is wrong with that idea, you ask? First, there are three countries who are dominating the conversation, while they conduct most of the business and make most of the decisions. These countries are China, India and Brazil, and they are big polluters. Their national objectives and interests are different from the small island nations and poor countries. It is ironic that the countries most vulnerable to climate change are the least able to participate effectively in climate-change conversations. According to the Kyoto Agreement when industrial polluters in emerging markets cut emissions, they are rewarded. Yet when will the poorest countries be rewarded for the major contributions they have made through their lifestyle choices which promote the well-being of our planet and reduction of emissions? Many discrepancies exist in relation to adaptation and global warming. Those discrepancies suggest that the island nations and poor countries will end up bearing most of the burden of global warming. A sad and painful reality is that few people in poor countries have a clear understanding about climate change. As climate change affects their health and how they cope with it, their demand for a voice in this conversation should grow. They should insist that solvent countries like the USA, help them cope with the immediate affects of global warming. Their taking this type of lead toward changing their reality would not be a small matter. • • • The United Church of Christ has more than 5,700 churches throughout the United States. Rooted in the Christian traditions of congregational governance and covenantal relationships, each UCC setting speaks only for itself and not on behalf of every UCC congregation. UCC members and churches are free to differ on important social issues, even as the UCC remains principally committed to unity in the midst of our diversity. 1The Kyoto Agreement is a legally binding agreement between signedup countries to meet emissions reduction targets of all greenhouse gases by 2012 relative to 1990 levels w w w. c l i m a t e - c o n c e r n . c o m / Kyoto%20Agreement.htm 7 HEALTH October 17, 2008 DR. MIRACLE’S LAUNCHES “A FACE LIKE YOURS” HBCU COLLEGE TOUR D r. Miracle’s, the fastest growing ethnic beauty brand in the US, will be launching its first ever “A Face Like Yours” tour to celebrate the unveiling of My Goodbye Acne System, the first preventative acne regimen designed especially for AfricanAmerican and ethnic skin types. This 7-stop national Historically Black College and University (HBCU) tour kicks off on Saturday, October 18th at Howard University’s Homecoming. Maintaining that the one-size-fitsall approach to skin care is quickly diminishing, Dr. Miracle’s ‘A Face Like Yours’ campaign aims to answer the needs of the African- American community. Dealing with rigorous courses, an unfamiliar environment, and new people places stress on young scholars, 8 which is the leading cause of acne. Focusing on the largest and fastest-growing body of acne- sufferers, according to the American Dermatology Association, the 4-year-old beauty brand will target its efforts towards college-aged youths. As the ‘A Face Like Yours’ tour visits the campus, 1,500 participating Bisons and Bears will receive a FREE 2-month supply of Dr. Miracle’s My Goodbye Acne System (retail value per unit: $19.99), along with healthy tips on how to manage and prevent acne. Students will also have the opportunity to spoof the popular “Dr. Miracle’s Scream” commercial to win additional product and prizes. Regardless of age, gender, or race, approximately 60 million Americans have acne. My Goodbye Acne System features the brand’s revolutionary Thermalceutical™ Complex designed specifically to calm and cool acne lesions found in African-American and ethnic skin types. The signature ‘Feel It’ Formula tingles as it penetrates deep into pores, creating a sensation that users can feel working. “Ethnic skin has different needs, and finally there is an acne solution system designed for men and women of color, specifically for a face like their own,” says Kathleen Johnson, Dr. Miracle’s Brand Educator. For more information, visit www. DrMiracles.com. COMCAST COMBATS BREAST CANCER WITH 2ND ANNUAL PINK RIBBON CAMPAIGN C omcast has announced the launch of its second annual “Pink Ribbon” campaign designed to raise awareness and provide information about breast cancer. Comcast has created a dedicated, multiplatform video-on-demand (VOD) and online initiative that provides informational, inspirational and entertaining programs about breast cancer that can be watched right at home—with the click of a remote or a mouse. Throughout Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Comcast customers with On Demand service will have access to programs that will encourage and inspire women who are fighting or have survived breast cancer. Viewers will also have access to dozens of programs about prevention, living with and surviving cancer, along with health and treatment advice. In addition, Comcast will feature most of the Pink Ribbon programs available On Demand on its Web sites at Comcast.net at www. comcast.net/pinkribbon, and on Fancast.com via a click on the Pink Ribbon logo. Comcast Digital Cable customers can access Pink Ribbon programming On Demand at no additional cost by tuning to Channel 1 on their Digital Cable lineup or pressing the ON DEMAND button on their remote control, clicking on “Pink Ribbon” in the “Life & Home” section and choosing from a variety of categories and selections including: PINK ORIGINALS Original, exclusive programming created specifically for the Pink Ribbon campaign by Lifetime and Parents TV. Topics include how to talk to family and friends about cancer including children, and what to expect from diagnosis, treatment and recovery. MEET THE DOCTORS New and original content produced by Comcast, in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania Abramson Cancer Center, provides an overview of risk factors, importance of knowing family history and tips on how to detect and defeat cancer. PREVENTION-HEALING Programs from Discovery Health and ExerciseTV provide in-depth information about prevention, including how to perform a breast self-exam. TV & MOVIES Special segments from TLC, The Style Network and Lifetime provide advice for patients and survivors, from demonstrations on how to wear a scarf, to tips on boosting confidence and selfesteem. Below are two examples of Comcast’s community outreach to support Breast Cancer Awareness. • Comcast of Northern Virginia is sponsoring the 15th annual Walk to Fight Breast Cancer on October 25, 2008. Along with airtime to run PSAs, Comcast is also hosting an organization member on Comcast Newsmakers, Comcast’s fiveminute interview segment which airs on CNN Headline News at :25 and :55 after the hour. • CN8, the Comcast Network, is the media sponsor of the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, a non-competitive walk in Wilmington, De.; Baltimore, Md.; Washington, DC; and Richmond, Va. Comcast’s commitment includes running campaign PSAs, appearances on CN8’s “Your Morning” and online promotions. FAIRFAX COUNTY RESIDENTS URGED TO GET FLU SHOTS NOW T he Fairfax County Health Department recommends all individuals over 6 months old get the flu shot now for best protection. To limit exposure and protect others from getting sick, wash hands thoroughly for 20 seconds frequently throughout the day and cover all coughs and sneezes. The county offers flu shots for $30 at its five Health Department district offices. October is the start of flu season and the Fairfax County Health Department reminds residents that the most effective method for preventing the flu is to get the influenza vaccination. “Influenza is readily spread by respiratory droplets and continues to be a major cause of illness in our community,” said Health Director Gloria Addo-Ayensu, M.D., M.P.H. “The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year.” Since flu season typically runs from October to May, getting vaccinated early will offer the best protection against the virus and its potentially severe complications. The Health Department recommends that individuals who want to reduce their chances of getting or spreading the flu get vaccinated. However, certain people are highly encouraged to get vaccinated each year because they are either at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for such people. People who should get vaccinated each year include: • Children ages 6 months to 18 years. • Adults age 50 years or older. • Pregnant women. • People of any age with underlying chronic health conditions. • Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. • Health care workers who provide direct patient care. • Household contacts and caregivers of high-risk individuals or children too young to be vaccinated (less than 6 months of age). Although vaccination remains the cornerstone of prevention, the Health Department also recommends washing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm water frequently throughout the day. Since the flu is spread to others through respiratory droplets, coughing into your upper sleeve and covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing will help prevent others from catching the flu. Other recommendations include avoiding touching eyes, nose or mouth; staying home from work or school when ill; and avoiding close contact with those who are sick. Flu vaccines are available by appointment and walk-in basis at the Health Department’s five district offices located throughout Fairfax County. The cost is $30. County residents are encouraged to contact their nearest district office below. District office locations and phone numbers: • Falls Church: 6245 Leesburg Pike, Suite 500—703-534-8343. • Herndon-Reston: 1850 Cameron Glen Drive, Suite 100, Reston— 703-481-4242. • City of Fairfax (Joseph Willard): 3750 Old Lee Highway—703-2467100. • Mount Vernon: 8350 Richmond Highway, Suite 233, Alexandria— 703-704-6100. • Springfield: 8136 Old Keene Mill Road—703-569-1031. • TTY for all phone numbers is 703591-6435 For more information, visit www. fairfaxcounty.gov/hd/flu/flu2007.htm or call 703-246-2411, TTY 703-5916435. SMOKING RISKIER TO WOMEN’S HEARTS THAN MEN’S W omen typically get heart disease much later than men, but not if they smoke, researchers said. In fact, women who smoke have heart attacks nearly 14 years earlier than women who don’t smoke, Norwegian doctors reported in a study presented to the European Society of Cardiology. For men, the gap is not so dramatic; male smokers have heart attacks about six years earlier than men who don’t smoke. Dr. Morten Grundtvig and colleagues from the Innlandet Hospital Trust in Lillehammer, Norway, based their study on data from 1,784 patients admitted for a first heart attack at a hospital in Lillehammer. Their study found that the men on average had their first heart attack at age 72 if they didn’t smoke, and at 64 if they did. Women in the study had their first heart attack at age 81 if they didn’t smoke, and at age 66 if they did. After adjusting for other heart risk factors like blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, researchers found that the difference for women was about 14 years and for men, about six years. Pre- vious studies looking at a possible gender difference have been inconclusive. Doctors have long suspected that female hormones protect women against heart disease. Estrogen is thought to raise the levels of good cholesterol as well as enabling blood vessel walls to relax more easily, thus lowering the chances of a blockage. Grundtvig said that smoking might make women go through menopause earlier, leaving them less protected against a heart attack. With rising rates of smoking in women—compared with falling rates in men—Grundtvig said that doctors expect to see increased heart disease in women. “Smoking might erase the natural advantage that women have,” said Dr. Robert Harrington, a professor of medicine at Duke University and spokesman for the American College of Cardiology. Doctors aren’t yet sure if other cardiac risk factors like cholesterol and obesity also affect women differently. “The difference in how smoking affects women and men is profound,” Harrington said. “Unless women don’t smoke or quit, they risk ending up with the same terrible diseases as men, only at a much earlier age.” THE METRO HERALD HEALTH October 17, 2008 HARRIS TEETER OFFERS FLU SHOTS GOVERNOR KAINE HIGHLIGHTS OCTOBER AS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH G F lu shots will be available at Harris Teeter pharmacy stores from through November 19th. Providing convenient flu shot clinics allows Harris Teeter to show customers and associates how important they are to the company and help protect them from one of the winter’s nastiest illnesses. Harris Teeter will be working in cooperation with Preventa Health, a division of Virginia Health Screenings, to offer flu shots in our Pharmacy stores for at least one four-hour period during the month. Flu shots will be available to all Harris Teeter customers for just $25 each with their VIC card, or at no charge if you are a Medicare Part B, non-HMO recipient (just present your card before receiving your shot). FluMist vaccine is also available for $30 and pneumonia shots are available for $45. Shoppers should note that you must be a minimum of 8 years old to receive the flu shot and a minimum of 2 years old to receive the FluMist vaccine. Registered nurses with Preventa will administer the shots in a temporary clinic set up within the Harris Teeter pharmacy stores. Clinic information will be posted at the Pharmacy in all stores and at www.harristeeter. com on the pharmacy page or just ask an associate for the schedule. At Harris Teeter, we want to make it easy for our customers to stay healthy and well this flu season. And unlike flu shots given several years ago, the flu shot vaccine immunization of today is made with an inactive virus, so rest assured, the shot will not cause the flu when given. To find out if you are a good candidate for the flu shot log onto the Center for Disease Control’s website at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/ diseases/flu/fluvirus.htm. “TARA AND THE PLACE OF IRISH KINGS” BY GAIL JOSEPH OWEN, AN INSPIRING STORY I t has been said that sometimes even in death there is life. This rings true in the life of Tara Owen who was born with cystic fibrosis, yet she lived twenty-eight blessed and fulfilled years, living life to its fullest. Tara and The Place of Irish Kings chronicles the twentyeight years journey of Tara and her courageous battle with this debilitating illness, as told by her mother, Gail Joseph Owen. Gail Owen writes the book Tara always dreamed of writing by pulling nuggets of wisdom from Tara’s personal journals, diaries, and short stories. Tara and The Place of Irish Kings will fill you with hope, love, faith, a sense of purpose in life, and will give you a reason to live your life to its fullest realizing that no one knows when their life will end. You will learn how to triumph through adversity, no matter what. Smart, beautiful, and so much to live for yet with such a short time, Tara had this to say: “Dealing with Cystic Fibrosis, I’ve learned not only to be ready for THE METRO HERALD death, but not to fear it.” Having bravely battled this illness, Tara went on to say, “I would not trade my life for anything.” Tara and The Place of Irish Kings is a beautiful story of how to overcome difficult situations and how to face death with courage and grace. While this book will tug at your heartstrings, it is not just another tear jerker. It is poignant, but not maudlin. This book contains many of the elements that make good books great. First among these is courage without neglecting laughter, humor, and a zest for life. Gail Joseph Owen lives in Alabama. She graduated from Auburn University in Alabama. Gail owns a local real estate agency. She is the mother of two daughters. Tara and The Place of Irish Kings is the author’s first published book and is the life story of her daughter, Tara who lost her battle to cystic fibrosis (CF) in 2001. After Tara’s death, Gail unlocked Tara’s world as she read her daughter’s diaries, journals, and short stories. The book is not about Tara’s death; it’s about her life. It’s an account of a life filled with perseverance, hope, love, and the desire to live life to its fullest-offering encouragement to triumph through adversity. Many thanks to Vanessa Davis Griggs for her help with the book. For more information about Tara and The Place of Irish Kings, visit: www.GailJosephOwen.com or www. AuthorsDen.com/gailjowen. Tara and The Place of Irish Kings is available at— www.SunshinePublishingInc.com www.Amazon.com www.BarnesandNoble.com www.Books-A-Million.com, and www.BlackCBC.com overnor Kaine recently proclaimed October to be Domestic Violence Awareness Month in the Commonwealth. Domestic Violence agencies in Virginia responded to nearly 50,000 crises in 2007, averaging more than 100 each day, pointing to the need for greater public awareness of support services for victims and the importance of efforts to reduce incidents of sexual and domestic violence throughout the Commonwealth. “There is a critical need to increase public awareness about the psychological, physical and economic costs of domestic violence and to increase support for victims and prevention programs.” Governor Kaine said. “That’s why I pushed for reforms in the law and additional support for victims during the 2008 legislative session. I urge all citizens of the Commonwealth to support domestic violence survivors and their families, to promote programs and organizations that serve them and to participate in community efforts to prevent violence in the home.” During the 2008 Legislative Session of the Virginia General Assembly, lawmakers at the urging of Governor Kaine passed laws that ensured reimbursement for healthcare providers performing physical evidence recovery kits (PERK), banned the use of polygraph tests on victims of sexual violence, required faster reporting of protective orders, and repealed the law that allowed a man to marry a child (14 years of age or older) in order to avoid prosecution for rape of the child. According to the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance (Action Alliance), more than 6,000 adults and children were housed in shelters this past year due to sexual and domestic violence incidents. Another 1,800 families were not able to be immediately accommodated in shelters due to a lack of space and were helped by emergency safety arrangements. Local programs provide a broad range of assistance to those who are affected by domestic violence, including counseling, access to medical and mental health services, education, housing and financial and legal support. Virginia’s Secretary for Health and Human Resources, Marilyn Tavenner, noted that the state’s Department of Health works in collaboration with Action Alliance on a wide range of prevention programs, on initiatives to teach children and adults about healthy relationships, and on efforts to high- Tim Kaine (D) Governor of Virginia light the community-wide implications of sexual and domestic violence. “It is important for people at risk to not hesitate to call the Family Violence and Sexual Assault Hotline, 800-8388238 (v/tty), for referral to a program in their area,” Secretary Tavenner said. A t Narconon Arrowhead, we understand that drug and alcohol addiction can be overwhelming. We are here to help stop the downward spiral that is affecting so many Americans today. Narconon Arrowhead offers free addiction counseling, assessments and referrals to centers nationwide and in your local area by calling 1-800-468-6933 or logging onto www.stopaddiction.com. Call today to get a free video and information packet on the Narconon Arrowhead Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation and Education Services Program. 9 October 17, 2008 10 THE METRO HERALD EDUCATION October 17, 2008 VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY AND POTOMAC COLLEGE SIGN ARTICULATION AGREEMENT marketing and recruiting efforts.” The articulation agreement between the two schools enables students to transfer credits and enroll in new programs of study with ease. Potomac College President Florence Tate explains that the articulation agreement fits well with Potomac College’s vision of bePresident Florence Tate of Potomac College signs an coming a much more articulation agreement with Virginia International University diverse institution. (VIU) while VIU President Isa Sarac looks on. Says President Tate, irginia International Univer- “Becoming a partner with an institusity (VIU) and Potomac Col- tion that has an international base such lege signed the papers on Oc- as Virginia International University entober 6 to facilitate student transfers ables us to work together to achieve between the two metropolitan Wash- great results around the world.” ington, D.C. institutions of higher Virginia International University learning. According to Hasan Burk, President Isa Sarac, Ph.D said that he VIU’s Executive Vice President of was delighted to sign the articulation University Affairs, the new articulation agreement with Potomac College and agreement offers several additional ad- that he looks forward to working colvantages. Says Burk, “This win-win laboratively with the institution. Says partnership works well for us because President Sarac, “We have so enjoyed each institution has something unique the opportunity to meet with President to offer the other. Potomac College’s Tate, Joyce Laing [Potomac College’s history with domestic students and Director of Curriculum DevelopVIU’s history with international stu- ment/Scheduling] and other members dents positions us perfectly for many of the Potomac College team and to great collaborations, particularly in take this first important step toward a V THE METRO HERALD collaboration between our schools.” Virginia International University is located near Route 66 and Fair Oaks Mall. VIU offers undergraduate and graduate degrees and diploma and certificate programs in business administration and computer science (including a new Oracle database certification training that will begin in January 2009), a four-level English as a Second Language program with TOEFL preparation, and continuing professional education. For more information about any of the programs of study offered, please visit the Virginia International University website at www.viu.edu. Or, for additional information about the VIU’s programs, admissions requirements, and scholarships, call 703591-7042. Potomac College is located on Herndon Parkway in Herndon, Virginia and on Chesapeake Street N.W. in Washington, D.C. The school offers associates and bachelor’s degree programs in several business and IT fields (including accounting, information systems, security management, and international business) to a diverse community of working adults and students. For more information about the programs of study offered, visit www. potomac.edu. Or, for additional information about Potomac College’s programs, admissions, and financial aid, call 202-686-0876 or 703-709-5875. POTOMAC HIGH SCHOOL HOSTS MEDIEVAL FAIRE O n Saturday October 25, Potomac High School, located at 3401 Panther Pride Drive, Dumfries, will host a Medieval Faire from 10 a.m. to 6p.m. The event, presented by the Medieval Fantasies Company, will benefit Potomac High School and feature themed entertainment. A variety of games and activities are scheduled, including a knighting ceremony, fencing, youth Highland games, and a Maypole. “I feel this event could provide some educational reinforcement countywide to History or English Literature classes that are studying or have recently studied medieval times or the Renaissance Period [of England],” said Rick Stewart, physical education and health teacher at Potomac High School. “In addition, through demonstrations and re-enactments, our guests will get a glimpse of how life was during these periods.” Admission is discounted $2 for any person in costume, or for parents escorting children in costume. Regular admission is $9 for adults, and $7 for children aged 5 to 18. Children under 5 are free. Volunteer and staff opportunities are available. For more details visit www.medievalfantasiesco.com/ Potomac.htm. NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT SEMIFINALISTS E ighteen MCPS seniors from 14 high schools have been named semifinalists in the 45th annual National Achievement Scholarship Program for outstanding African American students. They are among about 16,000 semifinalists— including 75 from Maryland—who were selected nationwide for their high scores on the PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The high schools and number of semifinalists from each are: Bethesda-Chevy Chase: 1; Montgomery Blair: 3; James Hubert Blake: 3; Winston Churchill: 1; Clarksburg: 1; Albert Einstein: 1; Walter Johnson: 1; John F. Kennedy: 1; Richard Montgomery: 1; Northwood: 1; Northwest: 1; Springbrook: 1; Watkins Mill: 1; T.S. Wootton: 1. The National Achievement Scholarship Program was initiated in 1964 to honor high achieving African American students. The semifinalists now will be considered for scholarships based on their abilities, accomplishments and potential for success in rigorous college studies. Winners will be announced in early April. More information is on the National Achievement Scholarship Program website at www. nationalmerit.org/nasp.php 11 MICHELLE OBAMA October 17, 2008 Family and Education M ichelle Robinson was born on January 17, 1964, in Chicago, Illinois to Frasier Robinson (who died in 1991), a city water plant employee and Democratic precinct captain, and Marian Robinson, a secretary at Spiegel’s catalog store. She grew up in the South Shore community area of Chicago, and was raised in a conventional two-parent home. She and her brother, Craig (who is 16 months older), skipped the second grade. Michelle mostly traces her roots to preRevolutionary War African Americans in the American South; much of her family still resides in the state of South Carolina.[6][7][8] Michelle attended Whitney Young High School, where she was on the honor roll four years, took advanced placement classes, was a member of the National Honor Society and served as student council treasurer. She graduated from High School in 1981, and went on to major in sociology and minor in African American studies at Princeton University, where she graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in 1985.[3][10] At Princeton, she challenged the teaching methodology for French because she felt that it should be more conversational.[11] As part of her requirements for graduation, she wrote a thesis entitled, “Princeton-Educated Blacks and the Black Community.”[12] She obtained her Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Harvard Law School in 1988.[13] While at Harvard, she participated in political demonstrations advocating the hiring of professors who are members of minorities. She met Barack Obama when they were the only two African Americans at their law firm and she was assigned to mentor him while he was a summer associate. Their relationship started with a business lunch and then a community organization meeting where he first impressed her. The couple’s first date was to the Spike Lee movie Do the Right Thing. The couple married in October 1992, and they have two daughters, Malia Ann (born 1998) and Natasha (known as Sasha) (born 2001). Throughout her husband’s 2008 campaign for President of the United States, she has made a “commitment to be away overnight only once a week— to campaign only two days a week and be home by the end of the second day” for their two children. She once requested that Barack, who was then her fiancé, meet her prospective boss, Valerie Jarrett, when considering her first career move. Now, Jarrett is one of her husband’s closest advisors. Early in the presidential race, Michelle Obama did not portray herself as an advisor to her husband. In fact, she was quoted in interviews saying “My job is not a senior adviser.” Obama’s first cousin once removed (the son of her paternal grandfather’s sister) is Rabbi Capers C. Funnye Jr., leader of Beth Shalom B’nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation in Chicago and a prominent member of the Chicago Jewish community. Career Following law school, she was an associate at the Chicago office of the law firm Sidley Austin, where she first met her husband. At the firm, she 12 worked on marketing and intellectual property. Subsequently, she held public sector positions in the Chicago city government as an Assistant to the Mayor, and as Assistant Commissioner of Planning and Development. In 1993, she became Executive Director for the Chicago office of Public Allies, a nonprofit organization encouraging young people to work on social issues in nonprofit groups and government agencies. In 1996, Obama served as the Associate Dean of Student Services at the University of Chicago, where she developed the University’s Community Service Center. In 2002, she began working for the University of Chicago Hospitals, first as executive director for community affairs and, beginning May 2005, as Vice President for Community and External Affairs. She still holds the position, though she is working part time in order to devote more time to being a mother. With the ascent of her husband as a prominent national politician, she has become a part of pop culture. In May 2006, Essence magazine listed her among “25 of the World’s Most Inspiring Women.” In July 2007, Vanity Fair magazine listed her among “10 of the World’s Best Dressed People.” In September 2007, 02138 magazine listed her 58th of “The Harvard 100,” a list of the prior year’s most influential Harvard alumni. Her husband was ranked fourth. She served as a salaried board member of TreeHouse Foods, Inc. (NYSE: THS), a major Wal-Mart supplier with whom she cut ties immediately after her husband made comments critical of Wal-Mart at an AFL-CIO forum in Trenton, New Jersey, on May 14, 2007. She serves on the board of directors of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. According to the couple’s 2006 income tax return, Michelle’s salary was $273,618 from the University of Chicago Hospitals, while he had a salary of $157,082 from the United States Senate. The total Obama income, however, was $991,296 including $51,200 she earned as a member of the board of directors of TreeHouse Foods, plus investments and royalties from his books. Obama has accepted the invitation of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated to become an honorary member. Political Activities Obama has made at least two campaign appearances with Oprah Winfrey In 2007, Michelle gave political stump speeches for her husband’s presidential campaign at various locations in the United States. Jennifer Hunter of the Chicago Sun-Times wrote about one speech of hers in Iowa, “Michelle was a firebrand, expressing a determined passion for her husband’s campaign, talking straight from the heart with eloquence and intelligence.” She employs an all-female staff of aides for her political role. She says that she negotiated an agreement in which her husband gave up smoking in exchange for her support as a Presidential aspirant About her role in her husband’s presidential campaign she has said: “My job is not a senior adviser.” During the campaign, she has discussed race and education by using motherhood as a framework. This is her first election year on the national political scene and even before the field of Democratic candidates was narrowed to two she was considered the least famous of the candidates’ spouses. Early in the campaign, she exhibited her ironic humor and told anecdotes about the Obama family life. However, as the press began to emphasize her sarcasm, which did not translate well in the print media, she has toned it down.[38][32] In a press account of her sarcasm, The New York Times op-ed columnist Maureen Dowd said: “I wince a bit when Michelle Obama chides her husband as a mere mortal—comic routine that rests on the presumption that we see him as a god . . . But it may not be smart politics to mock him in a way that turns him from the glam JFK into the mundane Gerald Ford, toasting his own English muffin. If all Senator Obama is peddling is the Camelot mystique, why debunk this mystique?” Asked in February 2008 whether she could see herself “working to support” Hillary Clinton if she got the nomination, Michelle said “I’d have to think about that. I’d have to think about policies, her approach, her tone.” When questioned about this by the interviewer, however, she stated “You know, everyone in this party is going to work hard for whoever the nominee is.” Despite her criticisms of Clinton during the 2008 campaign, when asked in 2004 which political spouse she admired, Obama cited Hillary Clinton, stating, “She is smart and gracious and everything she appears to be in public— someone who’s managed to raise what appears to be a solid, grounded child.” 2008 DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION SPEECH CRITICISM FOR “FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE” COMMENTS Michelle Obama spoke on the first night of the 2008 Democratic National Convention on August 25, during which she sought to portray herself and her family as the embodiment of the American Dream.[54] She described Barack as a family man and herself as no different from many women; she also spoke about the backgrounds that she and her husband came from. Obama said both she and her husband believed “that you work hard for what you want in life, that your word is your bond, and you do what you say you’re going to do, that you treat people with dignity and respect, even if you don’t know them, and even if you don’t agree with them.” She also emphasized her love of country, in response to criticism for her previous statements about feeling proud of her country for the first time.[56] Her daughters joined her on the stage after the speech and greeted their father, who appeared on the overhead video screen. The speech was largely well received and drew mostly positive reviews. Political commentator Andrew Sullivan described it as “one of the best, most moving, intimate, rousing, humble, and beautiful speeches I’ve heard from a convention platform.” Ezra Klein of The American Prospect, described it as a “beautifully delivered, and smartly crafted, speech”[60] and described Obama as “coming off as wholesome and, frankly, familiar.”[60] Katherine Marsh of The New Republic, however, said she missed “the old Michelle . . . not the Stepford wife fistbumping Elisabeth Hasselbeck, but the sassy better half who reminded us that while Barack was the answer, he was also stinky in the morning and forgot to put the butter away. She both affirmed his promise and humanized him.” Jason Zengerle, also of The New Republic, said Obama should have emphasized her professional and educational achievements as well as her mother, daughter and sister qualities; Zengerle wrote, “It almost makes you long for the days when politicians’ wives were seen but not heard. After all, if they’re not permitted to really say anything, what’s the point of having them speak.” On February 18, 2008, Obama commented in Milwaukee, Wisconsin that “For the first time in my adult life, I am proud of my country because it feels like hope is finally making a comeback.” Later that evening she reworded her stump speech in Madison, Wisconsin, saying “For the first time in my adult lifetime, I’m really proud of my country, and not just because Barack has done well, but because I think people are hungry for change.” Several commentators criticized her for her remarks, and the campaign issued a statement that “anyone who heard her remarks . . . would understand that she was commenting on our politics”. In June 2008 Laura Bush indicated she thought Michelle Obama’s words had been misrepresented in the media “I think she probably meant I’m ‘more proud,’ you know, is what she really meant,” adding, “I mean, I know that, and that’s one of the things you learn and that’s one of the really difficult parts both of running for president and for being the spouse of the president, and that is, everything you say is looked at and in many cases misconstrued.” Throughout the campaign, the media have often labeled Obama as an “angry black woman, causing her to respond: “Barack and I have been in the public eye for many years now, and we’ve developed a thick skin along the way. When you’re out campaigning, there will always be criticism. I just take it in stride, and at the end of the day, I know that it comes with the territory.” By the time of the 2008 Democratic National Convention in August, media outlets observed Obama’s presence on the campaign trailer had grown softer than at the start of the race, focusing on soliciting concerns and empathizing with audience rather than throwing down challenges to them, and giving interviews to shows like The View and publications like Ladies’ Home Journal rather than appearing on news programs. The change was even reflected in her fashion choices, with Obama wearing more and more sundresses in place of her previous designer pieces. CAMPAIGNING FOR BARACK OBAMA Although Michelle Obama has campaigned on her husband’s behalf since early in his political career by handshaking and fund-raising, she did not relish in the activity at first. While campaigning during Barack Obama’s 2000 run for U.S. House of Representatives, her boss at the University of Chicago asked if there was any single thing about campaigning that she enjoyed; after some thought, she replied visiting so many living rooms had given her some new decorating ideas. In May 2007, three months after her husband declared his presidential candidacy, she reduced her professional responsibilities by eighty percent to support his presidential campaign. Early in the campaign, she had limited involvement in which she traveled to political events only two days a week and stayed away from home nights only if their daughters could come along. In early February 2008, she attended thirty-three events in eight days. THE METRO HERALD October 17, 2008 THE METRO HERALD 13 POTPOURRI October 17, 2008 $190 MILLION INVESTMENT IN CHESAPEAKE BAY CLEAN-UP BY VIRGINIA RESOURCES AUTHORITY G overnor Timothy M. Kaine recently applauded the Virginia Resources Authority’s issuance of Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund Bonds to finance $187,566,687 in wastewater treatment upgrades statewide. The Series 2008 bonds will finance 10 projects in nine localities across Virginia. The majority of the projects will provide system upgrades to reduce nutrient pollution being discharged into tributaries that feed the Chesapeake Bay. This will have a positive impact on marine life and the overall health of the Chesapeake Bay. “These below-market loans come on top of the $660 million my Administration has dedicated to cleaning up point-source pollution of the Bay,” Governor Kaine said. “It is vitally important that we continue our efforts to reduce these pollution sources that affect the Bay and its tributaries.” Virginia, along with Maryland, Pennsylvania, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, are all signatories to the Chesapeake 2000 Agreement. CALLING ALL CREATIVE MINDS— REZHUB.COM LAUNCHES A TRAVEL AD VIDEO CONTEST O nline travel agency, RezHub. com is turning to the public to help create their next video advertisement. The company is searching for creative minds from aspiring film makers to students to stay at home moms, to submit short videos that the company will use in its upcoming advertising campaigns. All entries will earn recognition and spotlights throughout the RezHub. com family of websites (including RezHub.com, GreenTravelHub.com, VolunteerTravelHub.com, CompareAirlines.com, and their social networking sites). The winning video will be featured in RezHub’s upcoming advertising campaigns, on the website’s homepage, and the winner will receive a free 5 night stay for 2 at the luxurious Gaylord Palms Resort and Spa in Orlando, FL valued at over $1000. The contest, which runs through December 15 asks entrants to create a thirty to sixty second video spot and submit it to [email protected]. Content suggestions are available which outline the website’s main focus points: providing the guaranteed lowest prices, green and eco travel options, volunteer travel options, the donation that the company makes on every booking, and their tagline “feel good about travel.” More information about the contest, the RezHub brand, ideas for videos, and company logos interested parties may visit www. RezHub.com/VideoContest. 14 “Governor Kaine continues to place great emphasis on Bay clean-up, and he works especially closely with Maryland, EPA, and other Bay partners,” said Virginia Secretary of Natural Resources L. Preston Bryant, Jr. “We have always counted VRA’s work to finance localities’ wastewater treatment plant upgrades as integral to Virginia’s overall pollution-reduction funding strategies. Without VRA’s work, we would not be as far along as we are toward our Bay goals.” In June, Virginia encouraged other Bay watershed states and the EPA to move up from 2011 to 2010 the EPAled plan to establish for the Bay a “total maximum daily load” (a cap) on the amount of nutrient pollution that can flow into the Bay. Governor Kaine, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, DC Mayor Adrian Fenty, and EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson will discuss the advanced date for the TMDL when the group meets this fall. “Given Virginia’s leadership in moving more quickly on Bay clean-up plans, VRA expects to play an increasingly important role,” said VRA Executive Director Sheryl Bailey. “We want to be there for local governments to help them meet their financing needs in the most cost-effective way possible.” Virginia Resources Authority partners with the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality to provide below-market rate loans for eligible local government projects. “DEQ is very pleased to be a part of this team effort in providing a large amount of innovative and attractive financing to local governments for these important projects,” said David K. Paylor, Director of DEQ. “They will go a long way toward the restoration of the Chesapeake Bay and other state waters. We look forward to continuing this valued relationship with VRA in addressing the challenging water qual- ity improvement objectives of the Commonwealth.” These bonds will support improvements to wastewater treatment plants and associated infrastructure owned and operated by Arlington County, the Alexandria Sanitation Authority, the Fauquier County Water and Sanitation Authority/Marshall, the Fauquier County Water and Sanitation Authority/Remington, the Hampton Roads Sanitation District, the HarrisonburgRockingham Regional Sewer Authority, the City of Newport News, the Prince William County Service Authority, Stafford County, and the Western Virginia Water Authority. The largest project investment— $50 million—will go to Arlington County for continued upgrades to its Water Pollution Control Plant. Larry Slattery, chief of the County’s Water Pollution Control Bureau, said this is a clear example of the good things that can happen when many sectors of government work together to address longterm challenges. “The upgrades will continue to reduce our nitrogen output which will directly impact the health of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay in a positive manner. And that’s good news for the environment, for fish and wildlife, and for all those who enjoy the Commonwealth’s abundant natural resources. This is a result of many years of visionary and cooperative efforts by the Arlington County Board, the VRA, and DEQ.” VRA is also a sound financial investment. The Clean Water Bonds maintain a Moody’s Aaa bond rating, a Standard and Poor’s AAA rating, and a Fitch AAA rating. For more information on the Virginia Resources Authority, visit its website at www.virginiaresources. org. TOYS FOR TOTS AND SAM—STORE AND MOVE NEED YOUR HELP FOR THE UPCOMING HOLIDAY TOY DRIVE T he holiday season is right around the corner, and local SAM—Store and Move dealer, Security Storage Company, is partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve to kick off its Toys for Tots holiday campaign in the Washington, D.C., area. To help the Marines spread more holiday cheer this season, Security Storage Company donated seven SAM containers to store 1,000 bicycles donated to the Washington, D.C., Toys for Tots program this year. The donation of the SAM containers helps launch the Marine’s toy drive by adding storage capacity for gifts. The gifts will be hand-delivered by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in December to more than 80,000 children of all ages in Washington, D.C. As part of the “SAM Lends a Hand” initiative, SAM, an emerging leader in portable moving and storage solutions, is donating its services and containers to the Toys for Tots program throughout the United States. Beginning now through January 2008, the public is encouraged to drop off new, unwrapped gifts to the Toys for Tots holiday campaign at local participating businesses throughout the United States and at local fire departments in the Washington, D.C., area. “We are proud to support our community by offering our self-storage services to such a worthy organization,” said Charles Lawrence, president, Security Storage Company of Washington, D.C. “As you begin your holiday shopping, please keep the Toys for Tots program in mind. It’s heartwarming to see the tremendous impact your contribution makes to the life of a child.” “Thanks to the amazing support of the community, we never have enough storage to accommodate the massive amount of donations that we receive,” said Master Sgt. Timothy Butler, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve of Washington, D.C. “That’s why we are grateful to Security Storage for donating the SAM containers to the Toys for Tots program. They work perfectly to store the donations, and it makes the donation drop-off process so much easier.” For more information about the Toys for Tots program, contact your local Toys for Tots coordinator, who can be found at www.toysfortots.org. NEW CHILDREN’S BOOK DESCRIBES DUCK FAMILY’S JOURNEY THROUGH BALTIMORE T his week, author Christine Wojciechowski of Crownsville, Maryland, releases a children’s book about a mother and her ducklings’ journey back to the pond, titled “Duck, Duck, Dive.” Published by Tate Publishing and Enterprises, Wojciechowski’s book tells the story of a mother duck and her twelve little ducklings that must travel through the traffic and busyness of Baltimore’s city life. They promenade to the grand expanse of water that awaits them. The question is whether or not their dedicated mother will be able to teach them the fundamentals of “Duck, Duck, Dive.” The book is available at any bookstore nationwide or can be ordered through the publisher at www. tatepublishing. com/bookstore, or by visiting barnesandnoble.com, amazon.com or target.com. “Duck, Duck, Dive” is also an eLIVE title, meaning each copy contains a code redeemable for a free audio download of the book from the publisher’s website. eLIVE—Listen, Imagine, View, and Experience! Wojciechowski studied business and finance, receiving an MBA from Loyola College in Baltimore, Maryland. She has earned the Chartered Financial Analyst accreditation and has worked over 20 years as an analyst in the investment management industry. She currently resides in Crownsville, Maryland. TEENS “HOLLA” ABOUT SMART DRIVING WITH KATE VOEGELE I nstead of “Deck the Halls,” teens this holiday season may be singing “Deck the Streets.” Keep the Drive—a teen-to-teen smart driving movement funded by The Allstate Foundation—invites teens from across the country to participate in “Holiday Holla,” an online caroling contest. By challenging teens to rewrite and perform (or “holla”) traditional holiday carols with new, catchy lyrics about smart driving, the contest empowers teens to help address the No. 1 killer of teens—car crashes. The top five teams will perform in front of recording artist Kate Voegele, widely known for her guest star role on One Tree Hill, and thousands of people at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn., on Dec. 6, 2008, for the chance to win $10,000. “The holidays are deadly for teen drivers, which is hard to talk about during such a happy time of the year,” said Voegele, who will help select this year’s winners. “Through music, humor and the Internet, ‘Holiday Holla’ gives teens the chance to take on this difficult issue in a fun way.” The 2007 grand-prize winners, Danny Luebke and Carl Turner of Minneapolis, Minn., won the adoration of the crowd and celebrity judge, Taylor Swift, with their song “Make a Difference,” an upbeat acoustic version of the holiday carol “Good King Wenceslaus.” Go to www.KeeptheDrive.com for last year’s finalist videos. To enter, teens create their own video carols using smart driving lyrics and well-known, public domain holiday songs such as “Deck the Halls,” “Oh Chanuka, Oh Chanuka,” “Jingle Bells” and other classics listed on www. KeeptheDrive.com. Teens must videotape themselves performing their songs and submit their videos to www. KeeptheDrive.com from through Nov. 2, Teens can enter as individuals or in teams of up to three teens. On Nov. 7, fifteen semi-finalists will be announced. Each semi-finalist team will receive a $1,000 award from The Allstate Foundation. The public will help select the top five finalist videos through online voting from Nov. 7 through Nov. 21 at www. KeeptheDrive.com. Members from the five teams whose videos get the most votes will win an expenses-paid trip to the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. On Saturday, Dec. 6, the finalists will perform their songs onstage for a panel of judges, including Kate Voegele. Voegele will award the grand-prize, second place and third place winners with $10,000, $5,000 and $3,000, respectively. THE METRO HERALD COMMUNITY NEWS October 17, 2008 ANNANDALE ALS RESORUCE SUPPORT GROUP MEETING T he ALS Resource Support Group will meet on Sunday October 19, 2008 from 2 to 4pm at the Mason District Government Center, Main Community Room, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale. This educational support group for ALS patients, family members and friends is sponsored by the ALS Association. For more information, call 301-978-9855 or visit www.ALSinfo. org. (ALS is also referred to as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.) FAIRFAX COUNTY BISHOP IRETON FALL CONCERT P lease join us on Friday, October 24 at 7:30pm for the Fall Concert in the auditorium of Bishop Ireton school featuring the BI Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, and Choir. Our student performers celebrate fall with a concert for you! Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students and senior citizens. Please join us! If you need additional information, please contact the Bishop Ireton Music Department at 703-212-5162. FAIRFAX COUNTY’S VOLUNTEER SOLUTIONS OPEN HOUSES V olunteer Solutions, the Fairfax County program that recruits volunteers to provide services to older people and adults with disabilities, invites the community to drop by one of its upcoming open houses to learn about its volunteer opportunities. According to Volunteer Solutions Director Ruth Reagan, the program provides convenient volunteer opportunities close to where volunteers live and work. Volunteer Solutions is a program of the county’s Department of Family Services’ Fairfax Area Agency on Aging. The open houses will take place from 1 to 3p.m. at each of the regional offices on the following dates: Tuesday, October 21—South County Office, Room 220, 8350 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA; Wednesday, October 22—Fairfax Office, Room 403, 12011 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA; Tuesday, October 28—Falls Church Office, Room 330, 6245 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA; Wednesday, October 29—Lake Anne Office, Room 320, 11484 Washington Plaza, Reston, VA. No registration or RSVP is necessary. More information can be found at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/olderadults. REMARKABLE TREES TOUR O n Oct. 21 and 22, see fall foliage and the best “treescape” in Fairfax County as part of a free self-guided tour. Five remarkable trees across the county will be showcased, as part of an event sponsored by the Fairfax County Tree Commission. Some of the trees are showcased in “Remarkable Trees of Virginia,” which features 120 great trees from across the state. For more information visit www. fairfaxcounty.gov/news/2008/229.htm OFTC SEEKS PARTICIPANTS FOR OPEN MIC NIGHT T he Old Firehouse Teen Center (OFTC) is looking for middleschool students who can sing, dance, act, perform comedy or otherwise entertain an audience for its Semi-Annual Open Mic Night. The THE METRO HERALD event will be held at 7p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17. Participants and audience members are being asked to donate gift cards in lieu of a participation or admission fee, with proceeds benefiting a local women’s shelter. OFTC, a satellite program of the McLean Community Center, is located at 1440 Chain Bridge Road. The center held its first Open Mic Night earlier this year on Sunday, May 4; thanks to the efforts of student volunteer Zack Sanders, who came up with the idea. Sanders, an eight-grade student at Longfellow Middle School, worked to promote the event with Center staff and also ran the sound and light consoles the night of the show. Craig McKenzie, an eight-grader at Cooper Middle School also was a part of the first Open Mic Night. He served as master of ceremonies for it and is excited about serving in that role again on Oct. 17. Students who are interested in performing must submit a registration form with a gift card ($5 for individuals, $10 for groups), which will be donated to a women’s shelter. Registration forms are available at OFTC or can be downloaded from the Center’s Web site: www.mcleancenter.org, click on the “Kids & Teens” tab. Acts that require background music must submit a CD with the song or songs they will use along with their registration forms. For more information, call OFTC at 703-448-8336 (TEEN), TTY: 711. HANOVER, MD FIRST ANNUAL BOURBON, BEER & BEEF FESTIVAL about Chinese language and culture. Non-Chinese speakers can use the program to help them learn Chinese in a fun way. The program will help Chinese speakers connect with their Chinese heritage. The free programs are designed for the entire family, and no registration is required. To receive more information about the bilingual programs, contact the White Oak Library at 240-773-9555. NEW ADVANCE REMINDER FOR BOOK RENEWALS M ontgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) customers who renew books online will now receive a reminder three days in advance of the renewal date in addition to the one-day notice that they have received in the past. “We instituted this policy in response to customer suggestions. It will help our users to manage their accounts and result in fewer overdue materials” said Parker Hamilton, MCPL director. “We encourage all our customers who have online access to register. Then, renewing your books is as easy as turning on your computer.” To sign up for the online renewal service, go to www. montgomerycoiuntymd.gov/library, and click on Email Notification. MONTGOMERY COUNTY BOARD VACANCIES C ounty Executive Isiah Leggett is seeking applicants to fill one vacancy on the Board of Registration for Building Contractors. The vacancy is for a builder represen- tative who must be active in the residential construction field. The five-member board provides for the licensing of residential building contractors. The Board holds hearings and can revoke, suspend or deny licenses. Members serve three-year terms without compensation. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 8:30a.m. in Rockville. Members are required to file a confidential financial statement within 15 days of council confirmation and each annual period thereafter. Applicants of diverse backgrounds, professions, gender, geography, disability and ethnicity are encouraged to apply and should write by October 24 to County Executive Isiah Leggett at the Executive Office Building, 101 Monroe Street, Rockville, MD 20850 or send an e-mail to countyexecutive. [email protected]. A brief resume with work and home telephone numbers should be included. Members of County boards, committees and commissions may not serve on more than one such group at a time. Leggett’s appointments are subject to confirmation by the County Council. Applications of those selected for appointment are made public as a part of the confirmation process. PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY LITERACY VOLUNTEERS OF AMERICA D o you enjoy reading a good book? There are many adults in our county who would love to do the same but cannot. They struggle with illiteracy every day and it impairs their abilities to hold down a job. You can help! Literacy Volunteers of America—Prince William is a nonprofit that offers free tutoring to adults in our county who seek to improve their literacy skills. We are looking for volunteers who wish to teach another adult how to read and write. Prior experience not needed. We will train you! Our next training is November 15 & 22 (both sessions must be atteneded). Visit our website for further details www.lvapw.org or give us a call at 703-670-5702. WASHINGTON, DC THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF WOMEN IN THE ARTS T his year’s Fall Benefit will feature Ms. Lynda Carter’s sensational cabaret. Ms. Carter, captivating as Wonder Woman, will perform classic cabaret hits while guests wine, dine, and dance in the enchanting Great Hall on Friday, November 7, 2008 at 6:30p.m. The Museum will host over 300 luminaries from the diplomatic, private, and social circles of the District at this benefit. Proceeds will support the Museum’s Shenson Chamber Music Concerts, one of the most popular programs in the Museum’s annual calendar. Ticket prices are: Preferred Seating for ten, $5000l Preferred Seating for Concert and Dinner, $500; and Concert and Dinner, $350. T he First Annual Bourbon, Beer & Beef Festival is to be held at Arundel Mills located at 7000 Arundel Mills Circle, Hanover, MD on Saturday, October 18, 2008 from 12:00pm to 6:00pm. Event is sponsored by Jim Beam and will benefit Operation Homefront. Attendees will be sipping the finest bourbons including Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Knob Creek, Booker’s Baker’s and Basil Hayden, as well as tasting the best beers, and eating the best barbeque from around the area. Over forty different bourbons and sixty craft beers will be on hand for sampling. All proceeds from the event will benefit Operation Homefront, an organization dedicated to providing emergency assistance and morale to our troops, to the families they leave behind and to wounded warriors when they return home. Guests can delight in great live music and also very informative seminars. The diverse sounds of local bands Freddie Long Band and the Kelly Bell Band will be performing live on the Main Stage. In the Tasting Theater, guests can test their knowledge and improve their palate. Classes involving Bourbon, Beer, Tequila, and even fine Cognacs will be part of the day’s agenda. For more information visit www.JimBeamFest. com. MONTGOMERY COUNTY BILINGUAL STORYTIME IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH TO BE HELD AT WHITE OAK LIBRARY S tories, songs, fingerplays, and crafts in Chinese and English will highlight the Bilingual Storytimes to be held at the White Oak Library on November 15 from 10 to 11a.m. The library is located at 11701 New Hampshire Ave., Silver Spring. Activities will teach participants 15 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT October 17, 2008 BALLET THEATRE OF MARYLAND ANNOUNCES ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON T he 30th Anniversary Season celebration begins when Ballet Theatre of Maryland (BTM) presents a sparkling new production of the classic fairytale Cinderella, October 25th and 26th. From storybook to stage, experience the magic, as Cinderella and her fairy godmother dance into your lives and make your childhood dreams and fantasies come true. On October 30th, following the performance, attend our Fairytale Princess Party. Come dressed as your favorite fairytale character or bring your favorite fairytale doll. December 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st—Share the wonder of our 30th holiday season by becoming a part of our tradition as we present Maryland’s favorite holiday treat: The Nutcracker. Pick any one of our Sunday matinees and attend one of our enormously popular Sugar Plum Party FREE with a Sunday performance ticket stub. Meet Santa and the Sugar Plum Fairy, sample our Christmas treats, Adopt-ADancer, and shop for Christmas at our Dancers’ Boutique. December 20th—The Case of the Missing Nutcracker on Saturday, December 20th. Our Mystery Nutcracker returns for a second season with a new surprise ending. Solve the case ahead of time and win tickets to our 30th Anniversary gala and performance. February 21st and 22nd, 2009— 30th Anniversary Director’s Choice brings back the intensely powerful award-winning dramatic ballet, Excalibur, set to the music of local and nationally acclaimed artist, Maggie Sansone. Magic, sword fights, warrior knights, princesses, romance and betrayal weave together as part of the Excalibur tapestry to transport you back in time when Camelot was built and destroyed. April 25th and 26th—The season culminates with our 30th anniversary birthday bash at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, when BTM presents Songs of Life. Join us as we honor our past with a tribute to Founding Director Edward Stewart and our other founding members, celebrate our present in collaboration with local artist/musician Rob Levit and speak to our future through a language more powerful than words with new works by Artistic Director, Dianna Cuatto and new Ballet Master, Rob Royce. April 2009—Attend the Dancers Anniversary Gala and help us get a jump start on the fun and help us LEVINE PRESENTS INAUGURAL FAMILY SERIES CONCERT “IT’S ALL HAPPENING AT THE ZOO” A s part a generous grant provided by the Sprint Foundation, Levine Presents opens its inaugural Sprint Foundation Family Series with It’s All happening at the Zoo, a concert featuring Levine faculty-artist Krysta Hawkley and Levine alumna Mimi Kim, on Sunday, October 26, 2008 at 2:00pm at Levine School of Music’s Northwest DC Campus at 2801 Upton St. NW, Washington, DC 20008. The event is free and open to the public, but reservations are required by calling 202-686-8000, ext. 0 or by reserving online at www.levineschool.org. Further information is available through Levine’s website www.levineschool.org. Pianists Krysta Hawkley and Mimi Kim bring to life the musical suite Carnival of the Animals by the great French Romantic composer Camille Saint-Saëns. This delightful musical portrait of animals is a favorite among children and adults alike. In addition, they will showcase the enchanting piano duets of Maurice Ravel’s Ma mère l’oye (Mother Goose), with its poignant evocations of childhood, based on French fairy tales such as Tom Thumb and Beauty and the Beast. Levine’s Sprint Foundation Family Series concerts are designed to provide a family friendly educational environment to introduce children and parents to the joys of concert-going. The series is designed to provide an enriching experience for children and their parents to enjoy together as they listen to these family focused concert programs. Future programs include a book signing and sing along with Dr. Ysaye Barnwell of Sweet Honey in the Rock at she reads from her recently released book “We Are One” (February 16, 2009, 2:00pm, Levine’s Northwest DC Campus) and “East Listening”: Favorite Masterpieces for Flute and Piano with pianist Darya Gabay and flutist Visnja Kosanovic (March 1, 2:00pm, Levine at Strathmore). 16 fundraise our way into the future. More information coming soon. March 21st marks the date for BTM’s world premier, Pirates of the Chesapeake for the Chesapeake Arts Center in north Anne Arundel County. Based on true stories of pirates and picaroons from the 1700’s. “Pirates” is BTM’s first official Chesapeake Arts Center sponsored event. Come dressed as yourself or like a pirate and enjoy the adventure. For information, call BTM at 410-2638289. For ticket information, contact the Chesapeake Arts Center at 410636-6597. All performances are at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts unless otherwise noted. SIMONE LIVE IN DC AT BLUES ALLEY S imone (Nina Simone’s daughter) arrives in Washington, DC to perform at Blues Alley, and to promote the 5/13 release of her debut solo CD Simone On Simone (High Priestess/Koch), a tribute to her mother. Blessed with a rich vocal range, an innate skill for lyrical interpretation and a soul-deep understanding of her music, Simone is very much her mother’s daughter, but she is most assuredly a multi-talented artist in her own right. People Magazine may have said it best when they posed the question, “Does Simone (born Lisa Celeste Stroud) really have the chops to survive comparison?” Their answer, “Yes.” Simone will perform on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at 8:00PM and 10:00PM at Blues Alley located at 1073 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. Simone “MENDING FENCES” AT THE ART LEAGUE GALLERY ESPECIALLY FOR KIDS Looking for something affordable, fun and educational? Attend one of our “kid-friendly” interactive performances and parties at the Boys and Girls Club of Annapolis. October 29th—Our annual Safe Halloween makes its debut at 7:00 PM and includes a 45-minute Spooktacular performance, followed by a costume parade and contest for the kids with prizes, tricks and treats. On April 1, 2009, you and your family can attend our first ever Easter Eggstravaganza where the little ones can visit the Easter Bunny, experience a performance of Easter tales, followed by our Easter Egg Hunt and other activities. For ticket information for Boys and Girls Club performances, contact BTM’s office at 410-263-8289. Ballet Theatre of Maryland, located in Annapolis, Md., is the premier professional ballet company in Maryland. BTM employs a full-time company of professional dancers, as well as providing opportunities for dance students in its professional productions. For more information about the BTM’s school or the company, please call 410-263-8289 or visit www.balletmaryland.org. Near Parallel II by Michele Hoben F ences have been primarily used as dividers of land, conveying both safety and fear. Some menacing, some beautiful, materials both humble and exquisite, their purpose is both necessary and silly. The symbolic parallels between fences and what’s occurring in our country are timely. Hoben’s mixed media series, “Mending Fences,” has come to create a subtle commentary on our current political and economic environment. Hoben’s great-great-grandfather, J. Wallace Page, invented a woven-wire fence in 1883. “Fences are in my blood,” she states. This series began with a simple sketch of a bamboo fence, and Hoben then realized there was so much to explore artistically with this subject matter. Her works are made expressive by her powerful and aggressive use of line and mark making. “Line is the foundation of my fence series. The play of transparency and opacity, negative space and patterns of light and dark created by the different fence structures and materials are also interesting to explore and are an important part of my work.” “There are many political and cultural references and associations with fences.” White picket fences are seen to some as a symbol of Americana, suburbia—representative of an idealistic society. As many homes across the country face foreclosure, perhaps what the white picket fence symbolizes is changing. The fence under construction across our southern boarder to curtail illegal immigration, approved by Congress, has encountered strong opposition from local jurisdictions. In addition to working as a practicing artist, Hoben is also a curator, an architect, a faculty member of the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, and a Torpedo Factory Associate Artist. She studied painting at the University of Michigan, The Art League and participated in workshops throughout the United States and Europe. “Mending Fences,” through November 3, 2008 “Revealed Histories,” the October All-Media Show at The Art League Gallery, through November 3, 2008 “Revealed Histories” encourages Art League artists to visually explore our histories, both personal and shared. Artists may explore their own ancestral or societal history, or select to visually explore the experience of a group, society, or culture other than their own. Work may visually represent a historical movement important to a culture or facet or society. This show will be juried by Daniel Finch, Associate Professor of Visual Art at Messiah College. This show will feature work of all media by Art League gallery members. THE METRO HERALD ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT October 17, 2008 DEFINITION: THE ART AND DESIGN OF HIPHOP BY CEY ADAMS, WITH BILL ADLER C omplaining about rap music is like complaining about the weather: everyone has beef, but no one does anything about it. Cey Adams is the rare exception. Tired of watching from behind the scenes as rap hogged all of hiphop’s limelight, the legendary graphic designer figured out a way to create some shine for his part of the culture, namely, the visual arts. Adams has just made his debut as the author of “DEFinition: the Art and Design of HipHop.” A beautiful art book published by Collins Design, “DEFinition” is the first book to celebrate the accomplishments of the generation of visual artists who have come of age under the banner of hiphop. Its seven chapters track hiphop’s profound impact on street art and fine art, album covers, advertising, movies and television, cars, sneakers, and fashion. In Adams’s opinion, “The world is a more THE METRO HERALD colorful place, thanks to hiphop. It’s been at least as big an influence on how things look as on how things sound.” Of course, it’s not as if Adams, now 46, is really anti-rap. His first job, after all, and his longest professional affiliation, was with Def Jam Recordings. After teaming up with Def Jam’s Russell Simmons in 1984, Adams devoted the next 15 years to designing—or overseeing the design of—dozens and dozens of now-classic rap albums. These include titles by LL Cool J, Public Enemy, EPMD, and Redman and Method Man, as well as by such major non-Def Jam artists as the Notorious B.I.G., Mary J. Blige, and the Beastie Boys. In a token of his appreciation, Simmons wrote the foreword to “DEFinition.” (Adams’s co-author, Bill Adler, is also a Def Jam veteran.) A generous soul, and a great student of the artists who came before him and those who have come after him, Adams conceived of “DEFinition” as a showcase not only for his own work but for a whole pantheon of fellow artists. This roster begins with such brand names as Zephyr, Revolt, Haring, and Basquiat, but quickly moves on to such present-day figures as the painters Kehinde Wiley, Shepard Fairey, and Fahamu Pecou, the fashion designers Claw Money and Bathing Ape, the car customizers at Galpin Auto Sports, the film directors Charles Stone III, Hype Williams, and Steve Carr, the album cover designers Kenny Gravilis and Brent Rollins, and the sneaker designers Jor One and Carlton Lester. An African-American from Queens, New York, Adams marvels at the diversity of the artists in “DEFinition.” “Hip-hop was invented by people of color here in the city,” he notes. “But it has inspired people from all over the world.” The rapper Busta Rhymes, a car customizer whose vehicles appear in “DEFinition,” sees a common thread uniting the work done in the name of hiphop. “The creativity that goes into customizing cars is like the creative genius that we put into making these records,” he says. “From clothing to vehicles to films to television, it’s all art.” But what makes all this art hiphop? According to Adams, today’s hiphop visual artists, for all of their diversity, share an affection for graffiti and for the rap records of their youth. They also identify with pioneering deejay Afrika Bambaataa’s vision of the hiphop ideal. HipHop, says Bam, is the culture that comes together in the name of peace, love, unity, and having fun. And now Cey Adams, with “Definition,” has redefined the culture for hiphoppers and non-hiphoppers alike. “The weird thing is that the average hiphopper knows more than most of today’s so-called art experts about all of the artists in our book,” he says. “One day, years from now, the Museum of Modern Art is going to put together a great exhibition of hiphop art. But I just couldn’t wait that long.” NATIONAL DVD RELEASE OF JAKE’S CLOSET A FEATURE FILM ABOUT CHILDREN AND HIGH CONFLICT DIVORCE J AKE’S CLOSET which will release on October 28, 2008 to DVD delivers an elegant and unforgettably powerful, suspenseful film, seen through the eyes of a little boy coping with his family’s breakup. With a remarkable performance by seven-year-old Anthony DeMarco, as “Jake”, the film takes you on deeply moving journey, as Jake navigates the landscape of his parents’ escalating divorce and finds himself haunted by something ominous lurking in his bedroom closet. When Jake finally confronts the presence that lurks in his closet, it leads him to a chilling revelation in a climax you’ll never forget! Hidden inside the heart of this edge-of-your-seat haunting tale is a profound and long overdue film that explores the loss of innocence that comes with divorce. The film features breakout performances from Sean Bridgers (HBO’s Deadwood), Brooke Bloom (CSI: Miami), and introduces Anthony DeMarco as “Jake”. The idea of JAKE’S CLOSET came from a series of events including Shelli’s own personal trauma of losing her mother to suicide when she was a child, and a strong connection she had with a young boy who was experiencing the effects of his parents’ high conflict divorce. Shelli was struck by the idea of how little the boy understood his parent’s behavior and what was going on around him, yet how deeply he was affected by all of it. Shelli says of JAKE’S CLOSET, “With so many marriages ending in divorce, there needs to be a national discussion about the effects of divorce on children, along with the appropriate behaviors from parents and everyone involved in family courts. Often in a divorce, the children get lost in the battle that everyone claims is being fought on their behalf.” The script of JAKE’S CLOSET won the Panasonic Digital Filmmakers Grant, which provided the camera equipment for the shoot. Shelli attended the prestigious American Film Institute where she studied acting and screenwriting. The film will be available from Netflix, Itunes, Amazon, Movie Gallery and others. See the trailer online: at www. JakesClosetMovie.com 17 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT October 17, 2008 GMU PRESENTS SHAKESPEARE IN HOLLYWOOD L ights, Camera, Shakespeare! Directed by Mary Lechter, the GMU Players present Ken Ludwig’s “Shakespeare in Hollywood” – an entertaining fusion of Hollywood glitz, classic comedy and Shakespeare’s poetry. The play will be performed at TheaterSpace on George Mason University’s Fairfax campus on October 23, 24, 25, 30, 31 and November 1 at 8p.m. and October 25 BLACK FACT On October 17, 1871, President Grant suspended the writ of habeas corpus and declared martial law in nine South Carolina counties affected by Klan disturbances. 18 and November 1 and 2 at 2p.m. Set in 1934, “Shakespeare in Hollywood” features Shakespeare’s most famous fairies, Oberon and Puck, who have magically appeared on the Warner Brothers Hollywood set of Max Reinhardt’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. Dazzled by the world of show biz, the two fairies are ushered onto the silver screen to play (who else?) themselves. “‘Shakespeare in Hollywood’ is so deliciously inventive, you’d swear Ludwig and the Bard were in cahoots. At once poignant and funny, literary and farcical, sophisticated and silly, political and fanciful, high-brow and low-brow … a delight!” the Baltimore Sun said of this deliciously witty show. Ken Ludwig’s work has been performed on Broadway, in London and in more than 30 countries throughout the world in at least 20 languages. He has received numerous accolades, including London’s highest theater honor, the prestigious Laurence Olivier Award; as well as two Tony nominations and two Helen Hayes Award. His proudest accomplishment was being commissioned by England’s Royal Shakespeare Company, for which he wrote “Shakespeare in Hollywood”, which received the Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding New Play in 2004. Ludwig is an associate artist of the Alley Theatre in Houston, Texas. The GMU Players is a dynamic faculty-directed student organization within the Theater Department. The Mainstage Series provides students the opportunity to work directly with Mason theater faculty and guest artists, while the Studio Series is selected, directed, and designed by students. The GMU Players produce eight productions each season. Director Mary Lechter is a member of Mason’s adjunct faculty in the theater and music departments. She is founder, president and director of A Class Act – Acting for Young People & Adults, Inc., and is artistic director of its sister organization, AFYP Stages, which produces new, thought-provoking works for young and family audiences. A graduate of the University of Maryland, she works professionally as an actor in the Washington, D.C. area, New York and Los Angeles. Tickets are $12. ($8 For students, seniors and GMU faculty/staff). Limited free tickets available for GMU students. All performances are in the TheaterSpace. Free parking available in adjacent surface lots. Tickets may be purchased at the door one hour prior to the performance. To purchase tickets by phone, or for directions, contact the Center for the Arts Box Office at (703) 993-8888. For information on group sales, call Kimberly Schall at (703) 993-8600. For Information on the GMU Theater Department or the GMU Players, call (703)-993-1120. MASTER SINGERS OF VIRGINIA ANNOUNCE THEIR 14TH SEASON T he MASTER SINGERS of VIRGINIA, Northern Virginia’s premiere a cappella choral ensemble, announces its 14th Season. Tickets are on sale now for all December, Winter, and Spring concerts. Season tickets are $38 for adults and $30 for seniors or students; individual ticket prices are $15 for adults and $12 for seniors or students in advance ($2 more at the door). Performance locations include: Our Savior’s Way Lutheran Church in Ashburn, The Franklin Park Center for the Performing and Visual Arts in Purcellville, Saint Luke Catholic Church, Christ Church of the Redeemer in McLean, and St. James Episcopal Church in Leesburg. For a complete schedule and to order tickets, call (703) 655-7809, or visit www.msva.org. On December 5, 7, 13 and 14, 2008 the Master Singers present Benjamin Britten’s A Boy Was Born, a chamber work of great depth and difficulty. The performance also includes works by Paulus, including Jesu Carols, accompanied by harp. On February 21 and 28 and March 1, 2009 the Master Singers perform three of Poulenc’s best works, Mass in G, Prayers of St. Francis of Assisi, and Petites Voix. The concert also includes folk songs from England by Holst, Finzi, and others. On April 18, 19, and 25, 2009 the Master Singers celebrate the life and times of Queen Elizabeth I with Britten’s Choral Dances from “Gloriana”, Byrd’s Mass for Five Voices, and also performing numerous sets of songs of Shakespeare texts, including music by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Frank Martin, and Jaakko Mäntyjärvi. In addition to their regularly scheduled venues, the Master Singers will perform at First Night Leesburg on New Year’s Eve (see bluemont.org/ Events for information). The MASTER SINGERS will be holding its annual Autumn Gala with a special performance and a silent auction on October 18 in Ashburn. Call 703-655-7809 or visit www.msva.org for more details. THE METRO HERALD ARTS & RECREATION October 17, 2008 ATLANTA’S UNK TO RELEASE SOPHOMORE ALBUM, SECOND SEASON KIROV ORCHESTRA AT GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY’S CENTER B C “ onductor Valery Gergiev and the Kirov Orchestra are remarkable.” (Guardian) Founded in the 18th century during the reign of Peter the Great, the Kirov Orchestra of the Mariinsky Theater enjoys a distinguished history as one of the oldest musical traditions in Russia. Under the remarkable leadership of Valery Gergiev, the Kirov Orchestra appears at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts on Friday, November 14 at 8p.m. The program includes Prokofiev’s Cinderella Suite No. 3, op. 109, and Act III from Romeo and Juliet, as well as a Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 4, featuring Alexei Volodin as piano soloist. This marvelous orchestra is credited with premiering the operas and ballets of a cavalcade of classical composers including Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev, Stravinsky and Verdi. After the Russian Revolution, numerous internationally famed musicians conducted the orchestra, including Wagner, Mahler and Schoenberg. Renamed the Kirov Orchestra during the Soviet era, the orchestra continued maintaining its high artistic standards through the leadership of several artistic directors, with the last 20 years under Valery Gergiev. “Valery Gergiev, the Kirov’s brilliant conductor and artistic director, led his forces in a reading that sounded the depths of this powerful work,” the New York Post commented a Kirov performance. The success of the Kirov Orchestra’s frequent worldwide tours have earned it the reputation of what one journalist referred to as “the world’s first global orchestra.” “The Kirov Orchestra is a perfectly balanced, impeccably blended virtuoso instrument, and Gergiev plays it with masterly élan.” (Los Angeles Times) Maestro Gergiev has brought the orchestra to 45 countries, including extensive tours throughout North and South America, Europe, China, Japan, Australia, Turkey, Jordan and Israel. When the orchestra made its debut tour of China in 1998, it was a momentous occasion, as it was the first time in 40 years that a Russian orchestra had performed in China. Under Maestro Gergiev, the orchestra has forged important relationships with the world’s greatest opera houses, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, the San Francisco Opera, the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, and La Scala in Milan. In 2003, Maestro Gergiev and the Kirov Orchestra opened Carnegie Hall’s season— Gergiev was the first Russian to do so since Tchaikovsky conducted the firstever concert in Carnegie Hall. In addition to conducting the Kirov Orchestra, Maestro Gergiev is currently principal conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra, principal guest conductor of the Metropolitan Opera, and principal conductor of the THE METRO HERALD Rotterdam Philharmonic. Alexei Volodin is a concert pianist from St. Petersburg, who began studying piano there at age nine, before moving to Moscow to study at the Gnessin Music School and the Moscow Conservatoire, and later at the Theo Lieven International Piano Foundation in Como. Volodin gave his debut recital at the ChampsElysées Theatre in Paris, where he achieved extraordinary praise from the public and critics alike, and was immediately invited back. He has toured across Europe, Asia and Australia, and performed with celebrated orchestras worldwide. Volodin is a Steinway Artist. The Center for the Arts is pleased to recognize the generous support of PNC and the PNC Foundation as sponsor of the 2008-2009 Great Performances at Mason Season. Tickets for KIROV ORCHESTRA are $60, $52, $30. Charge by phone at 888-945-2468 or visit www.tickets. com. The Center for the Arts complex is located on the Fairfax campus of George Mason University at the intersection of Braddock Road and Route 123. Paid parking is located in the deck adjacent to the mainstage Concert Hall and FREE parking is located in university lot K. Visit www.gmu.edu/cfa ig Oomp Records/KOCH Records is set to release UNK’s highly anticipated sophomore album, Second Season. Second Season is the follow up to 2006’s Beat’n Down Yo Block, which contained the platinum smash hits, “Walk It Out,”and “2 Step,” both approaching a whopping 6 million combined digital/mobile units. “Show Out,” the first single from Second Season was produced by DJ Montay, who also produced “Get Low,” the record breaking single from Flo-Rida featuring T-Pain. Montay also produced multi-platinum digital singles “Walk It Out” and “2 Step” for UNK, as well as Three 6 Mafia’s “I’d Rather.” “Show Out” just went for Radio Ads this week with 50 stations coming on board, and was the #1 most added at urban and rhythmic. You can listen to it at http://kochent.edgeboss.net/ download/kochent/radiohits/unk_ showout.mp3 A video for “Show Out” was shot in Atlanta and directed by Raging Nation Films director Dale “Rage” Resteghini (Jim Jones, The Game, Three 6 Mafia). The video will be serviced everywhere shortly. KOCH Record’s President Bob Frank states, “UNK has delivered another great album filled with hits! We are thrilled to be partners with Big Oomp and UNK and look forward to working this project throughout 2009.” UNK adds, “Second Season highlights the best beat makers in the country: Top Quality Productions, home of Big Oomp Records. We brought you the first album Beat’n Down Yo Block and its hits “Walk It Out” and “2 Step.” I’m back with my sophomore album Second Season. This album represents the world tour I’ve just come back from. I’ve been inspired by my fans and this record is for my fans.” Since the October 2006 release of his debut album Beat’n Down Yo Block , UNK catapulted into the spotlight as one of Atlanta ‘s brightest new talents. With his inescapable hit “Walk It Out” (a #1 song at Urban radio nationwide, and a Platinum-certified single and ringtone), UNK quickly became a forced to be Hanging on the set of UNK's new video “2 Step” are Dee Sonaram reckoned with. of Koch, DJ Montay, co-director Will Horton, UNK, rappers Big Beat’n Down Korey and Baby D, and co-director Dale “Rage” Resteghini. Yo Block went on to spend 74 came a huge hit everywhere proving consecutive weeks on the Billboard that UNK was no one hit wonder. The New Artist chart. two singles sold 3 million ringtones With Pro athletes and high profile and 2.6 million digital units combined. hip-hop stars alike (OutKast and Jim UNK was Billboard’s #1 top new hipJones both appeared on the remix to hop artist of 2007 “Walk It Out”) latching on to the AtFor more on UNK, visit www. lanta phenom’s dance craze, a second myspace.com/djunkoompcamp or single, “2 Step,” followed and also be- www.kochrecords.com 19 October 17, 2008 20 THE METRO HERALD BUSINESS NEWS/BIDS AND PROPOSALS October 17, 2008 OP-ED W hether he wins or loses, Barack Obama’s quest for the U.S. Presidency hurt African-American causes and enabled entrenched racial divisions to continue and White Americans to claim that racial parity exists. The gains that Malcolm and Martin made in their movements are being reversed on our watch under the guise that such was MLK’s “dream”. The presidential campaign of Barack Obama has set race relations back 20 years and cost blacks billions of dollars. The “dream” of a black being President of the US has caused black Americans to throw good sense to the wind. When Obama became the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, many African-Americans cried saying they never thought they would live to see such a day. Obamamaina among African Americans evolved into a taunt that—“If you are black you must vote for Obama, it’s your duty.” Black media and political commentators that warned Obama’s candidacy suppressed the push for racial equality were met with outrage. Obama’s candidacy didn’t represent as much change for black Americans as much as it represented Americans an opportunity for atonement of our racial past. The “change” Barack Obama represents is costing black descendents of slaves as much as $8 trillion. Obama opposes reparations, auguring that government can combat the legacy of slavery by improving schools, health care and the economy WHEN WILL WE PLAY THE RACE CARD? William Reed Special to The Metro Herald for all. “I have said in the past - and I’ll repeat again—that the best reparations we can provide are good schools in the inner city and jobs for people who are unemployed,” said Obama. Although a 2006 BET poll showed 75 percent of African Americans favoring some form of compensation for slavery and the Jim Crow Era, not wanting to appear pandering to black voters Obama avoids supporting reparations saying it “could be a distraction”. Blacks whose business is playing the race card have totally opposite positions on the issue. Two-thirds of black members of Congress are cosponsors of legislation to create a commission that would study programs and payments to make up for the damage done by slavery. The NAACP supports the legislation and councils in cities with majority-black populations have endorsed reparations programs. At the root of the nation’s racial disparity is economics. For all our existence in American, blacks have been last and least on the misery index. American capitalism starts each child where its parents left off. For descendents of slaves, that capitalistic paradigm has been blatantly unfair. Maybe Barack does, but the majority of blacks has never had, and still don’t have, equity in America. For two and a half centuries American slaves had their labor taken from them, and then Post-Civil War Reconstruction programs to them went unfilled. These “oversights” represent hundreds of billions of dollars in today’s dollars. Whether the monetary obliga- tion is legally enforceable or not, a large debt is owed by America to the descendants of America’s slaves. Until age 27, Barack Obama lived outside of anything related to the African American experience. Barack never experienced segregation in Hawaii, or Indonesia and did not enter the black community until after his graduation from law school. Due to his timidity on the issue of race, mainstream media has unabashedly put forth the decline of black politics. The New York Times postulates that instead of continuing to agitate for an equal piece of the American pie, black politics will fade into “mainstream” politics. Instead of black progress, Obama’s candidacy represents another phase of white supremacy and conquest. Obama represents a black face, hand-picked by the white establishment, who willingly puts down symbols and voices of black struggle while supporting old-line US international imperialism. Judging from what we have seen and heard, even if there is a President Obama in the White House in 2009 Black Americans’ struggle for equity will hardly have been met. Unless Obama breaks with the controlling political-economicsocial system in charge, blacks shouldn’t expect any meaningful movement regarding income disparities or toward equal opportunities in employment, housing, and matters of justice. Remember, representatives for reparations and black parity are not regulars on mainstream television • • • William Reed www.BlackPressInternational.com PART-TIME REPRESENTATIVE Great opportunity for a part-time payment collection representative. Job pays monthly plus benefits and takes only a little of your time. Send e-mail to Onlinebreedersltd1@ yahoo.com or [email protected]. THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION (M-NCPPC) hereby invites sealed proposals from interested parties for Proposal No. P29-118, “Collection of Global Positioning System (GPS) Arterial Travel Time and Speed Data for Montgomery County Planning Department” in accordance with scope of services to be furnished by the Purchasing Division, 6611 Kenilworth Ave., Suite 300, Riverdale, MD 20737. There will be no charge for the proposal. Each proposal must be submitted to the Purchasing Office at the above address. Proposals must be received before 11:00 AM, Thursday, October 30, 2008. A Pre-Proposal Conference is scheduled for 1:30 PM, Monday, October 20, 2008, at the Montgomery County Regional Office, Auditorium, located at 8787 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910. Representatives of the Commission will be present for the purpose of providing responses to questions regarding this procurement. Although not mandatory, it is strongly recommended that all parties who intend to submit a proposal carefully review the Request for Proposals and attend the Pre-Proposal Conference. Questions regarding this proposal may be directed to Tina J. Baham at (301) 454-1602, TTY (301) 454-1493. All proposals and associated documents will become the property of the M-NCPPC and will be considered public information. The Commission is an E.O.E. with special procurement rules for Minorities, Females, and the Disabled. THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION (M-NCPPC) hereby invites sealed Proposals from interested Lobbying Firms to provide professional lobbying services under the direction of the Commission’s Prince George’s County Planning Board and supervised by its General counsel or his/her designee in accordance with RFP 29-132, all in accordance with specifications to be furnished by the Purchasing Division, 6611 Kenilworth Ave., Suite 300 Riverdale, MD 20737. Proposals are due no later than 11:00a.m. on November 17, 2008. Questions regarding this RFP may be directed to Jana M. Harris, Principal Procurement Specialist at (301) 454-1603, TTY (301) 454-1493, or Jana.Harris@MNCPPC. ORG. All proposals and associated documents will become the property of the M-NCPPC and will be considered public information. The Commission is an E.O.E. with special procurement rules for Minorities, Females, and the Disabled. THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL PARK AND PLANNING COMMISSION (M-NCPPC) hereby invites sealed proposals from interested parties for Proposal No. P29-116 Infrastructure Inventory and Assessment of Park Components in accordance with specifications to be furnished by the Purchasing Division, 6611 Kenilworth Ave., Suite 300 Riverdale, MD 20737. A pre-proposal meeting is being held Monday, October 13, 2008 at 1:00PM at the Meeting Room, Maintenance and Development, Randall Farm, 4200 Ritchie-Marlboro Road, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774. Each proposal must be submitted to the Purchasing Office at the above address. Proposals must be received before 11:00AM, Tuesday, October 28, 2008. Questions regarding this proposal may be directed to Mechelle T. Myers, CPPB at (301) 454-1604, TTY (301) 454-1493 or Mechelle.Myers@ mncppc.org. All proposals and associated documents will become the property of the M-NCPPC and will be considered public information. The Commission is an E.O.E. with special procurement rules for Minorities, Females, and the Disabled. THE METRO HERALD 21 CLASSIFIED ADS/BIDS & PROPOSALS October 17, 2008 Only $250 buys a 25-word classified ad in 98 newspapers across Virginia. Call: The Metro Herald at 703-548-8891 OR Virginia Press Services at 804-521-7571 to place your ad in the AD NETWORK CLASSIFIEDS ANNOUNCEMENTS/NOTICES DIVORCE without Children $95.00, DIVORCE with Children $95.00. With FREE name change documents (wife only) and marital settlement agreement. Fast, easy and professional. Call 1-888789-0198. APARTMENTS FOR RENT Affordable HUD Homes! 4 bd. 2 ba. Home buy for only $380/mo! 3 bd. 1 ba. Home only $230/mo! 4% dn 30 yrs @ 8%. For Listings 800-628-5983 ext. T391. AUCTIONS ABSOLUTE AUCTION. Oct. 30, 10 AM. Assets of Commonwealth Sign Company, Roanoke, VA. Trucks & truck cranes, trailers, sign-making & fabricating equipment, power tools, sign materials & office furnishings. Sale includes hundreds of items. Inspections: Oct. 16, 23 & 29 from 3–5 PM & Sale Day from 8–10 AM. A 10% buyer’s premium will be added to high bid. Contact Jonna McGraw (VA #2434) or Boyd Temple (VA#1850), Woltz & Associates, Inc. (VA #381), Real Estate Brokers & Auctioneers, 800-551-3588, or visit www.woltz. com for directions, inventory & photos. Major Land Auctions—27,212+/Acres in Indiana & Kentucky. Managed hardwoods—70,000,000+/- BD Ft. Sawtimber—World-class hunting—Over 4 miles of Ohio River frontage—Pasture & tillable land. Sold in 191 Tracts—3 Day Event: November 6, 7, 8. Woltz & Schrader Real Estate Auctions. For more information, call 800-551-3588 or on the web at www.woltz.com. James Woltz IN#AU10600094, KY#RP 2042. 3,500sf Home, Guest Cottage on 2.11 acres on Stoney Creek in Apple Valley (Bedford, VA) Waterfall, wooded. Auction: Saturday, October 25, 10am. 800780-2991. www.countsauction.com (VAAF93). PUBLIC AUCTION • COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA • SATURDAY • OCTOBER 18, 2008 • 9:00 AM • STATE SURPLUS PROPERTY WAREHOUSE,1910 DARBYTOWN ROAD, RICHMOND, VIRGINIA • 3 VEHICLES, VARIOUS MAKES & MODELS • COMPUTER EQUIPMENT • OFFICE & HOUSEHOLD ITEMS & MORE. http:// surplus.dgs.virginia.gov. AUTOMOBILE DONATIONS DONATE YOUR CAR! TOP-RATED CHARITY. FEATURED ON 60 MINUTES. 1-888-909-SONG (7664). Free Towing, Any Condition, 24hr. Pick-up. Tax Deductible. Personalized Songs for Seriously Ill Children. www. songsoflove.org. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY ALL CASH CANDY ROUTE. Do you earn $800 in a day? Your own local candy route. Includes 30 Machines and Candy. All for $9,995. 1-888-745-3354. 22 COMPUTERS HOMES FOR RENT A NEW COMPUTER NOW!!! Brand Name laptops & desktops. Bad or No Credit—No Problem. Smallest weekly payments available. It’s yours NOW— Call 800-816-2643. Affordable HUD Homes! 4 bd. 2 ba. Home buy for only $380/mo! 3 bd. 1 ba. Home only $230/mo! 4% dn, 30 yrs @ 8%. For Listings 800-628-5983 ext. T294. EMPLOYMENT LISTINGS $600 WEEKLY POTENTIAL $$$ Helping the government, PT. No Experience. No Selling. Call 1-888-213-5225 Ad Code: T. Cost. EQUIPMENT FOR SALE SAWMILLS FROM ONLY $2,990.00— Convert your LOGS TO VALUABLE LUMBER with your own Norwood portable band sawmill. Log skidders also available. www.norwoodsawmills. com/300—FREE information: 1-800578-1363-Ext:300-N. HELP WANTED GENERAL Part-Time, home-based internet business. Earn $500-$1000/month or more. Flexible hours. Training provided. No selling required. FREE details. www.K738.com. TRUCK DRIVERS DRIVER CDL TRAINING—CLASS “A” or CLASS “B.” Local or O-T-R Job Placement Assistance. Guaranteed Financing Available. $38-45K 1st Year. CDS Tractor Trailer Training 1-800-6462374. Flatbed Drivers—2007 Model Freightliners are Here! Per Diem Pay, Excellent Benefits. Class A-CDL, 22 Years Old, Good Record. Call Western Express Today! 866-863-4116. Drivers: Want Great Miles and Still Be Home Every Weekend? Martini is Hiring Co. Drivers & O/Os with CDL-A & 1 yr. OTR EXP. 866-460-8464 www. gomartini.com. LOCAL CDL A DRIVER needed in the Yorktown, VA area. Van and flatbed experience required. Must have Hazmat. Call 1-800-835-9471. Drivers: ACT NOW. Sign-On Bonus. 35-41 cpm. Earn over $1000 weekly. Excellent Benefits. Need CDL-A & 3 months recent OTR. 877-258-8782. DRIVER—CDL-A drivers up to 42 cpm with 1 year T/T experience. Home Weekly, O/O 90 cpm + FSC. 98% No Touch Freight. www.epestransport. com 888-850-0058. C&C Trucking Earn More—Be Home More. Great Pay, Medical, Dental, Home Weekends, New Equipment, Family Atmosphere. Class A Drivers Call Today Toll Free 800-420-1510. Driver—COMPANY DRIVERS CDL-A Earn up to 46cpm. Excellent training for students w/CDL. No forced Northeast. Average 2,500 to 2,800 miles/week. 877-740-6262. www.ptl.inc.com. WANT HOME MOST WEEKENDS WITH MORE PAY? Heartland’s GREEN MILE$ program! $.54/mile company drivers and $1.45 for operators! 12 months OTR required. HEARTLAND EXPRESS 1-800-441-4953 www. heartlandexpress.com. 75 DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED! NO CDL? NO PROBLEM! LEARN TO DRIVE A TRUCK WITH US. FT/PT CLASSES. GREAT PAY. BENEFITS! 1-800-874-7131. Driver—$5K SIGN-ON BONUS for Experienced Teams. Dry Van & Temp Control. Solo Lanes also available. O/Os & CDL-A Grads welcome. Call Covenant: (866) 684-2519. EOE. 3 bd. 2 ba. Only $235/mo! Stop Renting & Own! Foreclosure! (5% dn, 20 yrs @ 8.5% APR). For Listings 800-5088176 ext. 1225. HOMES FOR SALE 5 bd. 2 ba. Foreclosure! Only $45,000! Bank Owned! For Listings 800-5088176 ext. 1270. Buy 3 Bed 2 Bath Foreclosure! Only $23,000! Bank Owned Home! For Listings 800-508-8176 ext. 1910. LAND FOR SALE VIRGINIA MOUNTAINS—2 acres on mountain top near New River State Park, great fishing, view, private, $29,500 must sell, call owner 866-7898535. LAKE LOT 3+ acres only $39,900. Wooded & private. Convenient Northern Neck location. EZ terms. Buy now, build later. Hurry, limited supply. 888-7745765. LOTS AND ACREAGE 5 Acres—$79,900. Secluded, wooded acreage w/ private access to James River. Great bank terms. Call now 866764-5238, x 1919. MISCELLANEOUS ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. • Medical • Business • Paralegal • Criminal Justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV certified. Call 866858-2121. www.CenturaOnline.com. AIRLINES ARE HIRING—Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified—Job placement assistance. SCHEV Certified. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance (888) 349-5387. MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE HOMEOWNERS WANTED! Kayak Pools looking for Demo homesites to display new maintenance free Kayak pools. Save thousands of $$. Unique opportunity! 100% financing available. 1-877-377-7665. ACCOUNT & PAYMENT REPRESENTATIVE NEEDED As part of its expansion program, Alexander’s Bead Bazaar Ltd. is looking for an account & payment representative. Job pays $3,000 a month plus benefits and takes only a little of your time. Please contact us for more details. Requirements—Must be over 21 years of age Must be computer literate Must be able to access internet 2-3 hours weekly Must be efficient and dedicated If you are interested and need more information, contact james at: [email protected]. STEEL BUILDINGS FOR SALE POLE BUILDINGS: 24x24x10 $8,802, 24x40x10 $10,435, 30x40x10 $11,731, 40x60x12 $22,882, 60x120x16 $61,500. Other sizes available. Painted Steel, Fully Erected. www.fettervillesales. com 540-476-1720 Licensed in Virginia. WATERFRONT HOMES FOR SALE Beautiful New 2-bedroom condominium with 20’ private boat slip on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Must sell now at $264,000. Call Brent 843-4469144. WORK FROM HOME OPPORTUNITIES $300-$1000 A WEEK POTENTIAL WORKING FROM HOME. $5.00 FOR EVERY LEAD PROCESSED WITH OUR SALES INFOMATION. GUARANTEED! FOR FREE INFOMATION CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-240-0644 OR VISIT www.csgprogram.com. MYSTERY SHOPPERS WANTED Cole Consulting Firm wants some Mystery Shoppers from anywhere in the United States. All applicants would be given a Guide to read with all the needed explanations. No application fee. Requirements—Must be 18 years of age and above Must be able to check email 2-3 times a day Must be honest For more details: [email protected] SALES REPRESENTATIVES NEEDED ASAP Are you seeking an extra income? Would you like to set your own work schedule? Work the hours you choose. We have the answer. This job is suitable for diligent and trustworthy applicants. if you are interested, contact us via email at: employmentdepatment@ gmail.com. THE METRO HERALD BUSINESS NEWS/BIDS & PROPOSALS October 17, 2008 ENTREPRENEUR PROGRAM DEFIES ECONOMIC DOWNTURN D espite the economic downturn, small businesses in Virginia are continuing to form and seek growth opportunities, as measured by client volume at the Virginia Department of Business Assistance (VDBA). To help maintain that level of activity, business owners and potential entrepreneurs from Caroline County are invited to attend Entrepreneur Express: Moving Your Business Forward, a workshop designed to deliver practical, hands-on training and provide information on available business resources. Entrepreneur Express, coordinated by VDBA, is being sponsored by the Caroline County Department of Economic Development, the Town of Bowling Green, and the Caroline County Chamber of Commerce. It will be held Wednesday, October 29th, from 6:30PM to 9:30PM at the Caroline County Community Building, 17202 Richmond Turnpike, in Bowl- ing Green. Admission is free with pre-registration requested. Attendees with specific interests or resource needs will receive follow-up attention from the workshop’s sponsoring and participating organizations. Over 4500 Virginians have already attended Entrepreneur Express workshops around the state. The workshops are now the signature small business development program in the Commonwealth of Virginia, complementing the Virginia Business Information Center and the recently introduced online Business One Stop. Workshop segments will feature strategies to build sales, including information on how to start and operate a business, grow an existing business, develop a marketing strategy, obtain financing and find available resources. A special segment on tourism-related business topics will be offered. “Caroline County is a rising star in attracting start-ups and small business,” according to Dave Fuller, Business Services Manager for the Virginia Department of Business Assistance and Program Leader for the event. “Entrepreneur Express provides ideas and information in a user-friendly, networking format.” Numerous organizations are partnering to make this event possible and ensure that prospective and existing business owners become aware of the many programs and services available. Partners include the Virginia Department of Business Assistance, the Virginia Tourism Corporation, Virginia Cooperative Extension, and the Rappahannock Region Small Business Development Center. For more information, or to register online, entrepreneurs can visit www. vastartup.org. To register by phone, call (804) 371-8131. EVANGEL CATHEDRAL ANNOUNCES SEMI-ANNUAL JOB FAIR T he Employment Ministry of Evangel Cathedral, pastored by Bishop Don Meares, will host its 2008 semi-annual job fair Saturday, October 18, 2008, from 12p.m. to 4p.m. The event will be held at Evangel Cathedral church located at 13901 Central Avenue directly across from Six Flags recreational park. Evangel Cathedral’s Employment Ministry is in its first year of service. With the nation’s current unemployment rate at its highest in five years, the Employment Ministry’s vision is to see every willing person gainfully employed. The Employment Ministry also offers workshops and classes throughout the year. Its online services provide tools to prepare job seekers to compete in today’s marketplace. One of the classes titled, “Successful Job Search Strategies for the Zealous Job Seeker” is held Saturdays from now until November 7, 2008, at 10a.m. to 12:00p.m. at Evangel Cathedral. New EASTERN MONTGOMERY JOB FAIR M ore than 50 local businesses and employers are expected to participate in the job fair hosted by the Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center on Thursday, November 6, from 3 to 7p.m. The fair will take place at the East County Community Center, 3310 Gateshead Manor Way, Silver Spring. Participating businesses will provide information on current job openings, take applications and resumes, and conduct on-site interviews. Job seekers will have an opportunity to talk to representatives from numerous fields, including local and federal government, biotech, retail, transportation, hospitality, health care and human resources. The Eastern Montgomery Regional Services Center is also offering a resume writing workshop on Thursday, October 16 at 10a.m. at the center located at 3300 Briggs Chaney Road, Silver Spring. To pre-register, call 240777-8400. THE METRO HERALD students are welcome to attend. During the job fair, the Employment Ministry plan to host a miniworkshop, “From Handshake to Hire: Tips for Making the Best Impression at a Job Fair.” Participants will receive a complimentary employment guidebook filled with information on unique job search strategies, resume design, interviewing, salary negotiations and other key employment information. The Job Fair is open to employers and job seekers from a wide variety of skills, degrees and disciplines, with emphasis in the following areas: IT, Accounting, Marketing, Customer Service, Human Resources, Administra- tive Support, Social Workers and more. The event is sponsored by The Washington Times. Evangel Cathedral’s Job Fair is FREE and OPEN to the public. To register and for more information on the job fair, classes or services provided by the Employment Ministry, call Evangel Cathedral at 301.249.9400 or visit the Job Fair website at http:// ecemjobfair08.googlepages.com. The Employment Ministry is a ministry division of Evangel Cathedral. Its mission is to equip and empower people for successful employment with companies from around the DC Metropolitan area. PART-TIME JOB OFFER ACCOUNTANT/ SALES REPRESENTATIVE H & S Trading Store: As part of my expansion, my company is looking for part-time/full-time, work-from-home account managers and sales representatives. Job pays $3,500 a month plus benefits and takes only a little of your time. Please contact us for more details. Requirements—should be computer literate, etc. Please send e-mail to: [email protected]. PART-TIME JOB OFFER Our company is looking for part-time workers for the post of ACCOUNT MANAGERS/SALES REPS. It pays a good salary plus benefits. Please contact us for more details. Requirements—Must be comuter literate Must have 2-3 hours access to internet weekly Must be over 29 years of age Must be efficient and dedicated If you are interested and need more information, contact Jenny Andrea, email: [email protected] DOGS FOR SALE English Bulldog, French Bulldog, English Mastiff, Bull Mastiff, American Eskimo, Papilon, Boxer, Yorkshire Terrier, Chihuahua —AKC-registered, along with 1-year health certificate. Price: $580: [email protected]. ACCOUNTING CLERK WANTED Account receivable/payable clerk wanted, for more information contact: [email protected] or call 206-339-7637 ENGLISH BULLDOGS FOR SALE CUTE ENGLISH BULLDOGS, PURE BREED, MALE AND FEMALES AVAILABLE WITH PICTURES, 10 WEEKS. PRICE $600. FOR MORE DETAILS, SEND EMAIL TO ADRIAN COLE. AT [email protected]. MYSTERY SHOPPERS WANTED Cole Consulting Firm wants some Mystery Shoppers from anywhere in the United States. All applicants would be given a guide to read. All the needed explanations would be done. No application fee, Requirements—Must be 18 years of age or above Must be able to access internet to check email 2-3 times a day Must honest For more details: [email protected]. ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVES NEEDED Expansion program of Starpoint Trading Store, a small company, is looking for Account Representatives. Requirements—Must be able to access internet 4-6 hours weekly PAYROLL CLERK NEEDED We are currently looking for a payroll clerk. Job comes with great benefits. Applicants should email resumes to Johninc002 @yahoo.com. Please contact us for more details—Mr Douglas Willis at [email protected] DISPATCH RIDER NEEDED PAYMENT REPRESENTATIVES NEEDED As part of our expansion program, our company is looking for Payment Representatives. Job pays $10,000 a month plus benefits and takes only a little of your time. Please contact us for more details. Requirements—Should be computer literate Have 2-3 hours’ access to the internet weekly Must be over 19 years of age Must be efficient and dedicated. If you are interested and need more information, email: stanbed88 @gmail.com. Accurate customer service and computer experienced dispatch rider needed. Earn $3,500-$5,000 per month. Experience not necessary. Email me for details. [email protected]. PETS FOR SALE Nice looking Teacup Yorkshire Terrier puppies for sale. 9 weeks, male and female available, picture are also available. The two are full breed, AKC reg. Price: $650 (shipping included). They are ready to go with all their papers. For more details, contact me at: [email protected]. 23 October 17, 2008 24 THE METRO HERALD