Women Rock for the Cure seeks to heighten awareness by A. David Dahmer The diagnosis of breast cancer is not a death sentence; not by a long shot. The numbers of people both surviving and thriving after that diagnosis are large and becoming larger every day. But early detection is the key. And the first step in early detection is awareness. That is the goal of the Madison Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation: to raise the level of awareness about breast cancer. To accentuate this point, the second annual Light the Town Passionat... MORE >>

Black America 'gets pneumonia' in cold economic climate by Natalie A. Thompson and Hazel Trice Edney WASHINGTON (NNPA) — As the Black unemployment rate leaped another eight percentage points last month — from 10.6 to 11.4 percent — the White unemployment rate actually remained the same, 5.4 percent, less than half the rate for Blacks. In addition, in every other economic category — from the poverty rate to housing loss — African Americans remain historically and consistently at rock bottom. This condition is exacerbated by the national housing and Wall S... MORE >>

Safe Communities 2008 BeSafe Awards Luncheon ... MORE >>

Preschool Child and Family Education Program by A. David Dahmer ... MORE >>

Collaborative effort provided High Ground for cancer patients this summer MILWAUKEE — An unprecedented response to the needs of cancer patients touched by the flooding this summer has concluded with a great success record, organizers said Oct. 1. This summer's severe weather put many obstacles in the way of cancer patients who were trying to access lifesaving care. Cancer patients have unique needs and faced such difficulties as interruption intreatment schedules due to temporary closing of medical facilities or, even worse, discontinued treatment due ... MORE >>

Obama solidifies lead amid Washington turmoil by Jim Lobe WASHINGTON — As of Oct. 1, Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama had built a strong lead that his rival, Republican Sen. John McCain, could find difficult to reverse. Obama's campaign has been aided by the financial crisis that has dominated the news for the past two weeks, a better-than-expected performance Sept. 26 in the first of three nationally televised presidential debates, and growing doubts that McCain's vice presidential pick, Gov. Sarah Palin, is up to the job. ... MORE >>

Black Press series aims to decrease cancer rates WASHINGTON (NNPA) — The News Service of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the Black Press of America, has launched a new op-ed series in partnership with the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to address the issue of health disparities, including the disparate cancer rate, that has long plagued the Black community — and to educate Black newspaper readers on the best possible cancer-prevention and treatment measures. "Health disparities in the U.S. are ... MORE >>

Malaysia's anti-terror law protests increase by Baradan Kuppusamy KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (IPS/GIN) — Public opposition is mounting against Malaysia's Internal Security Act (ISA), a colonial relic that gives police unchallenged discretion to arrest and detain anyone indefinitely without trial. Multiethnic Malaysia is one of the few countries that have such a law, and the reason given for its continuance is maintenance of interethnic peace — an argument that has lately become untenable. Many Malaysians support the ISA, but last month's arre... MORE >>

N.Y. governmor brings refreshing change by George E. Curry Al Sharpton likes to say from time to time that Democrats treat Black voters as if we are their mistresses. Party officials don't mind seeing us at night, but they shy away from stepping out with us during daylight. The same can be said for some Black politicians, who shy away from associating with Sharpton. No one can say that about New York Gov. David Patterson. I heard him speak last week in New York at ... MORE >>

Judge the candidates on their records by Marian Wright Edelman During nearly two years of presidential campaigning, the candidates have made claims and promises on how they would perform if they are elected to the White House. Some of the criteria we might use to judge a candidate's fitness and temperament for leadership are difficult to quantify. But one concrete and objective way to assess how candidates measure up on crucial issues is by examining their voting r... MORE >>

2008 election historic, whether Obama wins or loses by Ron Walters We may be about to witness what political scientists call a "critical election," in which there is a realignment of American politics, in this case from Republican to Democrat. But, more important than that, this election may signal a realignment, from the conservative politics that has gripped this country for the past 30 years to a more liberal version going forward. For the racially disadvantaged and the economically needy, who need government the most, this election may signal a... MORE >>

The greedy trample on the needy by James Clingman  "Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income." — Ecclesiastes 5:10 In recent history, there has been no better time than now for us to see the chasm between the so-called haves and the have-nots. We are witnesses to the biggest rip-off since the Great Train Robbery. As if Halliburton and all the rest of the Iraq war crooks were not enough, the bar has been raised even higher now with the housing/mortgage/ban... MORE >>

And the 2008 Anna Mae Mitchell Senior Idol is..... by Jeanne Erickson ... MORE >>

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Gov. Doyle announces $39 million to stabilize neighborhoods MADISON — Gov. Jim Doyle has announced that $39 million will be allocated to help redevelop foreclosed properties throughout Wisconsin in order to stabilize neighborhoods and stem the decline of home values.  The effort is part of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program within the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). “Foreclosures have a devastating impact on neighborhoods and the state’s economy, and we must do all we can to not only prevent foreclo... MORE >>

Freedom of Information Council's anniversary marked at UW-Madison by Dennis Chaptman MADISON — The Wisconsin Freedom of Information Council, a statewide nonprofit group devoted to protecting access to public meetings and records, will mark its 30th anniversary with a program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on Monday, Oct. 13. The program, hosted by the UW-Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communication, will include an address by Shirley Abrahamson, chief justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, on the importance of open government in Wisconsin. ... MORE >>

Wall Street deserves no bailout, protestors say by Haider Rizvi NEW YORK, (IPS/GIN) — The George W. Bush administration's plan to spend hundreds of billions of dollars to rescue giant Wall Street firms from their financial meltdown has unleashed a spontaneous wave of protests across the United States. "Cash for trash," shouted activists who gathered near Wall Street to express their outrage at Bush's proposal to buy bad debts of financial institutions at the cost of $700 billion in taxpayer money. Protesters said they want Co... MORE >>

Taxes and Iraq top topics in first Presidential Debate  (NNPA) — The University of Mississippi was the venue for the first of three scheduled debates with less than six weeks remaining until Election Day when people  will choose either Obama or McCain to be their next president. For the inaugural debate, the candidates’ main arguments surrounded the war in Iraq and taxes. McCain accused Obama of “voting to cut off funds for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan,” a reference to legislation that cleared the Senate... MORE >>

Hurricanes destroy crops, leave people jittery by Patricia Grogg HAVANA, (IPS/GIN) — In Cuba the shockwaves left by hurricanes Gustav and Ike will prevent any peace of mind for people in the most affected areas and in the whole country for a long time to come. Cubans are asking themselves if the worst is really over. "The hurricane season lasts through November,” said Georgina Fernández anxiously. “If another one strikes, what will become of us?" she asked. Fernández lives in Havana but has relatives ... MORE >>

Many southern senators won't let go of their racist past by Gail Moore I must admit that with all of the mud slinging in this presidential election, it takes a punch in the gut to make me stop and say, "How dare you?" Such was the case in April, when Republican Rep. Geoff Davis of Kentucky said of Barack Obama, "That boy's finger does not need to be on the [nuclear] button." How insulting. This statement proves once again that many in the Re... MORE >>

Taxpayers subsidize America's corporate welfare queens by George E. Curry There is growing evidence that the Wall Street bailout will definitely help Wall Street, provide some token assistance to Main Street, and totally bypass Dr. Martin Luther King Drive. For example, Clinton administration Secretary of Labor Robert B. Reich, now professor of public policy at the University of California-Berkeley, thinks the best way to improve the economy is by extending unemployment insur... MORE >>

Obama hits triple at the debate, a home run at the CBC by Ron Walters By all accounts Barack Obama won the first of the presidential debates on Sept. 26 over John McCain, who was widely considered to have more experience in foreign affairs. He won by exceeding expectations, exhibiting that he had a substantial grasp of issues, and showing that he was presidential. Meanwhile, McCain talked in generalities and showed his disdain for Obama — he failed to accord him proper acknowledgment by refusing to look at him.  But whatever advantage... MORE >>

Mea culpea? Veterans share their stories at the Midwest Winter Soldier Hearing by Lea Zeldin How do you seek redemption when you have left pieces of yourself in a foreign land?  Can you ever be a whole person again? Veterans posed these questions at the Midwest Winter Soldier hearing held Saturday, Sept. 27 at the Wisconsin Memorial Union Theatre. It could have been the 1960s again.  The Revolutionary Communist Party, the militants, the International Socialist Party, and so... MORE >>

Literacy Network Position Openings ... MORE >>

HVAC/Refrigeration Specialist - Advanced ... MORE >>

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Mural Unveiling Celebration Wisconsin Youth and Family Center, by A. David Dahmer ... MORE >>

Middlespread October 2 ... MORE >>

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African American Ethnic Academic orientation set for Oct. 4 by A. David Dahmer As the African American Ethnic Academy (AAEA) continues to grow after a decade and a half of its existence, it is still staying true to its mission — making sure that children, especially our African American children, are coming to school ready to learn with full knowledge of the importance of education.  "We really believe that it takes two generations to develop literacy and academics," says Dr. Virginia Henderson, a founding member of AAEA and the president of ... MORE >>

Madison says goodbye to Freddie Clark by A. David Dahmer (Pictures by Tom Duter) Madisonians came out in large numbers to pay respect to the tremendous impact that Freddie Clark has left on Madison as he prepares to return to his native Louisiana. "A Testimonial Evening for Freddie Clark" took place Sept. 25 at the Boys and Girls Club on Jenewein Dr. “It was very humbling to see so many people there,” Clark said. “It was very heartfelt and very emotional. I guess I didn't really grasp any of this un... MORE >>

Letting go of the concept of racial identity Rebecca Walker, by Maria Bibbs Insisting that our world is a burning building with only one exit, Rebecca Walker delivered a provocative lecture at the Wisconsin Union Theater Sept. 29.  She stressed the importance of freeing ourselves from our wounds related to racial conflict if we are to survive the devastation already underway. Although Walker has written two memoirs, edited an anthology of feminist writing, and contributed to magazines such as Vibe, the New York Times Magazine, and Salon, she is perhaps b... MORE >>

Setting lofty goals for recruiting UW-Madison's Adin Palau, by A. David Dahmer Adin Palau is the perfect candidate to do what he does — recruit people from near and far to come to the University of Wisconsin-Madison — because he himself was recruited not so long ago. Eight years ago, Palau won what was essentially the Cuban lottery, which found him a place in Madison; and now he's trying to get others to come here like he did. His newly created position —campus-wide recruitment manager — was created to address issues of recruitment for the... MORE >>

Michelle Obama stops in Madison Addresses women, youth voters at rally for change, by Maria Bibbs (Photos: Scott burkhardt) Women and young people will play a decisive role in shaping the outcome of this year's presidential election, Michelle Obama said at a campaign rally outside Camp Randall Stadium. With fewer than 50 days left until the presidential election, a crowd of roughly 1,800 filled GAR Memorial Park on Sept. 22 to hear would-be first lady Michelle Obama speak and inspire support for her husband, Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama. The rally was sponsored... MORE >>

"Critical Condition": A look at the U.S. health care "system" by Pamela Gates Wisconsin Public Television (WPT), with major funding from Alliant Energy and support from other sponsors, has for several years conducted a series of Community Forums on Race and Diversity. Each evening begins with a thought-provoking film on an important social issue, followed by discussion with people knowledgeable in the field. Dr. Tess Arenas of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who has been working with the series for about three years, leads the discussions. ... MORE >>

For Rissel Sanderson, community is a party by Lisa Nunez "If it has to do with community, family, children — especially children — I'm in," says Rissel Sanderson. This is no idle statement. From the time Sanderson, her parents, sister, and brother arrived in Madison 22 years ago, she has devoted her career and free time to kids and to her adopted hometown. "I was born in La Paz, Bolivia," says the vivacious Sanderson. "I lived in Minnesota, Alabama, and Illinois after I was married, but Madison is my home... MORE >>

Violence harms kids by Mel Frykberg RAMALLAH, West Bank (IPS/GIN) — Palestinian children continue to be victims of indiscriminate violence, due to the Israeli occupation and Palestinian infighting in the occupied territories. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs expressed concern in its August report for the inadequate protection afforded Palestinian children. "In July, a 10-year-old Palestinian boy … was shot in the head with live ammunition and killed by the Israeli border poli... MORE >>

Prejudices rise in EU by Jim Lobe WASHINGTON (IPS/GIN) — Both anti-Semitism and Islamophobia have become more prevalent in Europe in the last four years, according to a survey just released by the Pew Research Center. Attitudes toward Muslims are substantially more negative than those against Jews, but anti-Jewish sentiment has grown steadily in five of the six countries surveyed last spring. The increase in anti-Jewish sentiment was greatest in Spain. In 2005, 21 percent of respondents said they had unfavorable ... MORE >>

U.S. meddling in Bolivia? by Haider Rizvi NEW YORK (IPS/GIN) — Who in Bolivia is receiving millions in U.S. taxpayer dollars? Mark Weisbrot, co-director of the independent think tank Center for Economic and Policy Research, and other critics of U.S. foreign policy toward Latin America and the Andean region have voiced deep concern over the George W. Bush administration's reluctance to disclose details of U.S. funding to Bolivia and who gets it. "The U.S. Agency for International Development [USAID] is &hellip... MORE >>

UW-Madison alumna to appear on "Survivor: Gabon" MADISON — Among the 18 competitors on the new "Survivor: Gabon" will be 26-year-old University of Wisconsin-Madison alumna Jacquie Berg, a native of Woodbury, Minn. In 2005 she received a bachelor's degree in business administration with an emphasis on marketing from the Wisconsin School of Business. She also earned a certificate in health care management and was involved in the Health Education Club on campus. Berg was a novice on the Badger women's crew ... MORE >>

"This is Your Nation": On White privilege by Tim Wise For those who still can't grasp the concept of White privilege or who are looking for some easy-to-understand examples, perhaps this list will help. • White privilege is when you can get pregnant at 17, like Bristol Palin, and everyone is quick to insist that your life and that of your family is a personal matter and that no one has a right to judge you or your parents because "every family has challenges" — while Black and Latino families with similar "challe... MORE >>

Economic crisis lifts Obama campaign by Ron Walters The deregulation of financial institutions is essentially the cause of the current economic crisis. Letting the market regulate itself has been a stock-in-trade of Republican politics: letting financial institutions make money any way they can, even at the expense of consumers. It is this ideology that must be changed, and it is this possibility that Barack Obama represents. Although the economic crisis, which seized Wall Street and suddenly put the bank accounts and investments of mi... MORE >>

Middlespread September 25 ... MORE >>

DNC Chair pushing for "enormous...huge" Black voter turnout Nov. 4 by Hazel Trice Edney  WASHINGTON (NNPA) – Now less than two weeks before Oct. 6, the deadline for voter registration in most states, and Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean says he is confident that both African-Americans and many Whites will vote in record numbers for the Democratic ticket because of the high stakes issues and historicity of the election. “People get what this is about — at least those people in my generation. I was a college graduate when Dr. King a... MORE >>

Invest in children, not prisons: Stop Proposition 6 by Marian Wright Edelman Every election year, politicians talk about getting tough on crime. One easy and politically popular strategy is to show voters you are tough on crime by spending billions of dollars to send people to prison. This requires more prisons built to keep the ever-expanding incarcerated population behind bars and reduces the money available for health care, education, workforce development, and early child... MORE >>

with Peter Munoz by Nathan J. Comp By Nathan J. Comp Many nonprofits have become adept at doing more with less as the purse strings have tightened due to the increasingly bleak economic outlook. Centro Hispano of Dane County is no exception. Yet with a skeleton staff and light wallet, the agency, located on West Badger Road, has managed to increase its programming despite no significant increases in its annual operating budget. This, says executive director Peter Munoz, is just par for the course. Operating a n... MORE >>

New poll reveals depth of White racism by George E. Curry Despite their professed love for Oprah and Bill Cosby, more than half of Whites harbor Archie Bunker-like attitudes toward African Americans. And that has tremendous implications not only for the presidential candidacy of Barack Obama, but also for how African Americans are viewed in the United States. Much of the coverage of a recent joint poll by the Associated Press and Yahoo News has centered... MORE >>

Former State Supreme Court Justice to teach at UW Law School MADISON — Louis Butler Jr., a former Wisconsin Supreme Court justice and the first African American to sit on the state's highest court, will teach at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School. "Justice Butler's work as a lawyer, a teacher and a jurist make him a significant addition to the law school and a remarkable role model and resource for our students," says Law School Dean Kenneth B. Davis Jr. "I am truly delighted that we were able to persuade Justice... MORE >>

3rd Annual NeighborH.O.O.D. Awards by A. David Dahmer ... MORE >>

What's Up September 25 ... MORE >>

Center for New Community works for food justice National speaker comes to Madison, by Lisa Nunez As national field director for the Center for New Community (CNC), Eric Ward works with congregations and activists across the United States. They spread the message of "food justice" — fair wages and safe working conditions. From its home base in Chicago, CNC fights racist "immigration reform" and organizes rural immigrant workers. Ward and CNC Executive Director the Rev. David Ostendorf spoke recently at the First Unitarian Society. "Not one of us eats ... MORE >>

Engaging students in discussion on the achievement gap Madison Hosts MSAN Student Conference, by A. David Dahmer Two hundred students from 23 school districts across the country will convene in Madison for the annual Minority Student Achievement Network (MSAN) Student Conference Sept. 24-27.  This year’s theme will be "Futura De La Juventud: Laying Foundation, Affirming Our Identity, Building Relationships." "One of the things that the conference is really focused on is engaging the kids in discussion about the achievement gap and what barriers that students of ... MORE >>

African American Freedom From Smoking Day Confronting an Epidemic Head-On, by A. David Dahmer More than 45,000 African Americans die each year from smoking-related illnesses. Worse, African Americans have high levels of nicotine dependence, which makes quitting very difficult — even for light smokers. Nobody knows that better than Emanuel Scarbrough of the Exodus Program and of the Wisconsin African American Tobacco Prevention Network, both of which have declared Thursday, Sept. 25, the first African American Freedom From Smoking Day. ... MORE >>

RNC: The most White delegates since pre-1968 by Ali Gharib WASHINGTON (IPS/GIN) — Despite the increase in the United States' minority population, the presence of people of color at the Republican National Convention (RNC) early this month dwindled. Of the 2,380 delegates, only 36 were Black, according to a report from the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies: a sharp decline from the 2004 convention, which boasted a record 167 Black delegates. This year's RNC was the “Whitest” in the 40 years since the Joint Center began ... MORE >>

Governor's Worksite Wellness Award by Carla Vigue, Office of the Governor MADISON — Gov. Doyle has announced a Worksite Wellness Award, designed by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Health. The award will recognize employers who promote a work environment that encourages and enables employees to improve their health and well-being. “Health care costs are constantly increasing, affecting employers and employees alike,” Doyle said.  “Employers who work with their employees to improve their health deserve to be re... MORE >>

We must all register and vote in this historic election by Marian Wright Edelman People who don't vote don't count, and they let our children and our country down. As our nation's most historic election approaches, we must think of the youngest and most vulnerable among us and make sure we vote this November. An increasing number of children in our nation are denied a fair and healthy start in life. Too many working families come up short at the end of each month, because of sagging wages and soaring food and gas prices. There are 13.3 million poor childre... MORE >>

Letters to the Editor Shame on Palin Dear Editor: Shame on Sarah Palin for admonishing community organizers. At the convention in St. Paul and in Cedarburg, she preached about service, yet demonstrated ignorance about the efforts of volunteers and low-wage community and human services workers to improve the lives of fellow citizens. As a high school student in Evanston, Ill., I volunteered through a community organization to tutor low-income students in a church basement on Chicago's west side... MORE >>

Focus on Education ... MORE >>

Parents showered with gifts, info at Community Baby Shower by Jeanne Erickson (Photos by Geraldine Simmons and Gaddi Dan) Q: What do gifts, displays, blankets, prizes, smiles, and babies all have in common? A: The ninth annual Community Baby Shower, which was held Saturday, Sept. 13, at the Catholic Multicultural Center, 1862 Beld St. Sponsored by Project Babies/Today Not Tomorrow Inc., this year's shower was attended by 30 moms, representing the diversi... MORE >>

UW Campus Diversity Forum to focus on First Nations, Plan 2008 by From UW Communications ... MORE >>

The Translator: A Tribesman's Memoir of Darfur Review by Pamela Gates By Daoud Hari Random House: 2008 204 pages Last spring, Random House published "The Translator: A Tribesman's Memoir of Darfur" by Daoud Hari, as told to Dennis Michael Burke and Megan M. McKenna. Hari was on tour in the Midwest in April, speaking about his book, but unfortunately didn't make it to Madison. It would have been marvelous to meet this young man, whose pictu... MORE >>

Obama not funding Black community turnout by Ron Walters WASHINGTON (NNPA) —Saying, "We'll never have this opportunity again," the Rev. Al Sharpton took to the streets on what appeared to be an emergency cross-country tour this week, hoping to rejuvenate the Obama excitement that appeared to have waned significantly after the Democratic National Convention last month. "What we've got to tell people is what's at stake; that we're dealing now with the new unemployment. Unemployment is higher than it's been in four ... MORE >>

"We will never have this opportunity gain, " Sharpton says by Hazel Trice Edney WASHINGTON (NNPA) —Saying, "We'll never have this opportunity again," the Rev. Al Sharpton took to the streets on what appeared to be an emergency cross-country tour this week, hoping to rejuvenate the Obama excitement that appeared to have waned significantly after the Democratic National Convention last month. "What we've got to tell people is what's at stake; that we're dealing now with the new unemployment. Unemployment is higher than it's been in four ... MORE >>

Middlespread September 18 ... MORE >>

HealthMatters September ... MORE >>

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Poetry at Penn Park by Fabu ... MORE >>

Youth express ideas and dreams through art Mural Unveiling Celebration Sept. 26th, by A. David Dahmer Art and working with young minds are two of Sheba McCants' passions in life. Through mural making, she has been able to combine those two passions to make a difference in the lives of some Madison-area girls.  McCants has teamed up with Madison SOS (Speak Out Sister) to create a community mural that reflects and celebrates local teen girls' vision for the future of their city. The Mural Unveiling Celebration — the culmination of six weeks of hard work on a 32-foot w... MORE >>

Heart and Soul/Let's go to Church turning three years old Radio for the People, by A. David Dahmer "Heart and Soul" and "Let's Go To Church" — radio programs that provide a valuable voice and communication tool for the community — will soon be turning three years old and celebrating in style. "We are going to be giving away rewards to people who have been on our show whom we've felt have really contributed to our community," says Richard Brown, the executive producer of both programs, in reference to the Heart and Soul/Let's Go To Church Thi... MORE >>

Doug's Soul Food Cafe Story and Photos by Rose Johnson-Brown, by Rojo Designs Photography  Doug Davis and Janie Wimberly reached their longtime dream of becoming entrepreneurs when they opened Doug's Soul Food Café at 1325 Greenway Cross — in the Greenway Plaza off Fish Hatchery Road — on Aug. 29. Davis established the concept of "Soul Food Thursdays" while working at Madison Area Technical College (MATC) as a Food Service associate at the Downtown Campus and now at the Truax Campus. He got the college to sponsor a special menu every Thursd... MORE >>

National leader to speak of need for unity of Black and Latino communities by Leila Pine        MADISON — Eric Ward, a nationally renowned expert on White supremacists and hate groups and the National Field Organizer for the Center for New Community, will speak in Madison  Sunday, Sept. 14, 2-4 p.m., about the need to build unity between Black and Latino communities in the face of growing racism and anti-immigrant hysteria over the past several years.        The event, to be held in the West Living Room... MORE >>

Mumia Abu Jamal prepares new appeal to Supreme Court by Adrianne Appel BOSTON (IPS/GIN) — Via a recorded message, Mumia Abu-Jamal rallied thousands of protesters who had gathered outside the Democratic National Convention in Denver last month to demand the release of U.S. political prisoners. The crowds listened as journalist Abu-Jamal attacked U.S. foreign policy, the protection of "foreign despots," and war for "foreign pipelines." Abu-Jamal made the recording from his death row prison cell. Abu-Jamal's 26-year battle for free... MORE >>

Pakistan's Taliban tweaks media coverage by Ashfaq Yusufzai PESHAWAR, Pakistan (IPS/GIN) — The Pakistani government has frozen the bank accounts of Taliban factions in the North-West Frontier Province but has been unable to diminish the factions' presence in the media. Taliban representatives regularly call up the mainly Urdu-language media for free publicity. After the freeze was ordered Aug. 25, Tehrik-i-Taliban of Pakistan spokesman Mohammad Omar telephoned journalists to say the government's decision would not harm their interests, but rathe... MORE >>

Dissident Cuban groups form integration committee by Patricia Grogg, Tieramerica HAVANA (IPS/GIN) — Dissident groups in Cuba are attempting to spark a debate on racism to promote "full integration" of all Cuban citizens. To eradicate discrimination on the grounds of ethnicity or skin color, a committee "without ideological affiliation or political goals" has just been formed to promote actions and initiatives to guarantee "a voice and a forum" for Cubans of African descent, "with the responsible support" of all Cubans who are ... MORE >>

Congress must pass legislation to help children in foster care by Marian Wright Edelman Congress has a unique opportunity, before it leaves Washington at the end of September, to help children in foster care.  The Fostering Connections to Success Act (H.R. 6307), already passed by the House, and its counterpart proposal, being considered in the Senate, will help ensure better outcomes for hundreds of thousands of vulnerable children. Together, the proposals will promote im... MORE >>

Corporate media a sidekick by George E. Curry Pennsylvania Gov. Robert Casey, noting that Sen. John McCain had supported George W. Bush 90 percent of the time in the last session of Congress, got it right when he told delegates to the Democratic National Convention in Denver: "That's not a maverick; that's a sidekick." Unfortunately, the corporate media — White-owned media — has decided to become an unabashed sidekick ... MORE >>

Focus on Education ... MORE >>

Middlespread September 11 The Madison Times salutes Hispanic Heritage Month ... MORE >>

with Brenda Gonzalez by Nathan J. Comp Immigrants in America face a variety of challenges with regard to their health and well-being. Aside from the language, social, and cultural barriers they must deal with, their stories and struggles often go unreported in the media, which helps foster an even greater sense of alienation from the mainstream and from other immigrant populations. But the creators of New Routes to Community Health, a local Web site with a national scope, hope to change that. The site, launched in early 20... MORE >>

What's Up September 11 ... MORE >>

AIA India Day Celebration Story and Photos by Rose Johnson-Brown, by Rojo Designs Photography (Additional photos provided by Bob Van Handel) It was a day of celebration for the Association of India in America (AIA) with music, song, dance, and food on the University of Wisconsin-Madison Library Mall Saturday, Sept. 6. In cooperation with the University of Wisconsin Center for South East Asia, the AIA sponsors this event to reinforce its mission "to foster and promote cultural and social interactions among the members and all those interested in Indian culture and h... MORE >>

NAACP chooses Benjamin T. Jealous as president-elect by from the NAACP On Aug. 30, the NAACP National Board of Directors announced the selection of Benjamin T. Jealous as national president-elect. He is the 17th person chosen to lead the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization in its 99-year history. Jealous, 35, comes to the NAACP from the San Francisco-based Rosenberg Foundation, where he's served as president since 2005. "Ben Jealous has spent his professional life working for and raising money for the very social justice conc... MORE >>

Big Brothers Big Sisters Appreciation Picnic by A. David Dahmer Big Brothers Big Sisters of Dane County held its annual Appreciation Picnic on Sunday, Aug. 17.  The picnic was open to Bigs, Littles, and their families to say thank you for being a part of Big Brothers Big Sisters. The event featured mini-karate lessons, Dance Dance Revolution, Tai Chi lessons, tug of war, and Hip-hop dance lessons along with other activities.  Organizers chose... MORE >>

Obama appeals to America: 'We cannot turn back' Convention Time in America, by Hazel Trice Edney DENVER (NNPA) — U.S. Sen. Barack Obama has officially accepted the Democratic nomination for president of the United States before an audience of at least 75,000 adoring supporters, who also cheered the possibility of his becoming America's first Black president. The euphoric moment was played out before millions who watched via television and the Internet around the world. The moment transcended politics as it shattered doubts that Americans of all races and backgrounds can uni... MORE >>

Republican Convention gets turbulent start due to Hurricane Gustav Convention Time in America, by Hazel Trice Edney  WASHINGTON (NNPA) — The Republican National Convention — set to make the second nomination of a woman for vice president of the United States this week — was back on schedule Tuesday, Sept. 2, after an earlier lull due to Hurricane Gustav on the Gulf Coast. President Bush was set to speak Sept. 2 after presidential nominee John McCain had called for a temporarily scaled-back convention while waiting to determine the damages of Hurricane Gustav. McCain was set to... MORE >>

Multicultural Student Center to hold orientation reception by UW-Madison News MADISON — The Multicultural Student Center (MSC) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison will sponsor the 27th annual Multicultural Orientation Reception (MCOR) celebration from 6:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 5, at the Wisconsin Union Theater and Great Hall of Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St. The event, which typically attracts more than 1,000 new and returning students, is free and open to the campus community. It gives students an opportunity to meet and make friends and b... MORE >>

Upcoming U.S. election sparks debate among Iraqi immigrants by Zainab Mineeia WASHINGTON (IPS/GIN) — Iraqis in the United States appear divided over their preferences for the next U.S. president, according to a series of interviews carried out by IPS (Inter Press Service). Some see the election of Sen. John McCain as a guarantee against the return of chaos and instability in Iraq. The presumptive Republican candidate has opposed a specific timeline for the withdrawal of the 144,000 U.S. combat troops deployed in Iraq. Others support Sen. Barack Oba... MORE >>

Martchers protest killings of young Black men by Special to the NNPA from the Seattle Medium SEATTLE (NNPA) — A group of everyday people from the community have taken to the streets to protest the shootings that have taken the lives of so many of their young men. No politicians were making speeches, no community leaders were trying to make a name for themselves, and there were no empty promises from the people in the community, who needed to get involved to preserve the lives of young Black men and women — as well as future generations of African Americans. The gro... MORE >>

Two Argentine generals face life for murder by Marcela Valente BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (IPS/GIN) — Retired Argentine Gen. Antonio Domingo Bussi, 82, has been sentenced to life in prison for a crime against humanity. A federal court in Tucumán province, where Bussi was stationed during the 1976-1983 dictatorship, found him guilty of torturing and killing provincial Sen. Guillermo Vargas Aignasse, who was abducted from his home on March 24, 1976. The prosecution called for Bussi to serve his sentence in prison, and the victim's widow an... MORE >>

What the VP picks tell us by Semmi Pasha Recently, the Obama campaign expertly generated excitement with the lead up to their announcement of Sen. Joe Biden (D-Del.) as the Democratic nominee for vice president.  Shortly afterward, the McCain campaign generated some of its own buzz by naming Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as the Republican nominee for vice president.  Even though approximately one in five vice presidents has assumed the presidency, VP picks are very rarely net positives for a presidential campaign. The most that ... MORE >>

Obama's speech made me feel " little less invisible" by Regina Rhyne As I watched Sen. Hillary Clinton speak at last week's Democratic Convention, on the anniversary of the day in America when women were granted the right to vote, I couldn't help asking myself, "Am I one of the 'invisible' people?"  Her words struck several chords as she commented on situations she had been presented with during her recent campaign run for the White House. She spoke of citiz... MORE >>

Welcome to a new school year: Let's work to make our students world ready Focus on Education, by Elizabeth Burmaster The excitement of a new school year brings so many opportunities: a new teacher, a different school, the chance to connect with friends, and the joy of learning. Our teachers, principals, and other school staff members are ready to make the 2008-09 school year the best ever. Wisconsin has a long and proud tradition of supporting public education and preparing students to be productive contributors to our society. Education may have changed from the one-room schoolhouses of yesteryear, ... MORE >>

Begin the right way: The Absolute Best Things to Give Your Child Focus on Education, by Linda Strean Your grandparents might have brought an apple to the teacher on the first day of school. Jane Ann Robertson, Arizona's 2004 Teacher of the Year, has an alternative, more timely suggestion: "If you really want to make a good impression on the first day of school, add a packet of stickers or a ream of colored copy paper for your child's new teacher." Nikki Salvatico, Pennsylvania's 2005 Teacher of the Year, adds that the key to helping your child succeed is not somethi... MORE >>

Changing the Numbers; Changing the Community: An Introduction to Madison's own Charles Hamilton Houston Institute Focus on Education THE MISSION Founded in 2001, the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute serves the Black community—and strengthens the entire community—through a variety of social, educational and economic outreach programs. Its Madison home is the first of what will one day be a nationwide network of Black Investment Boards, centers for community change where Black business leaders work... MORE >>

Middlespread September 4 ... MORE >>

Obama's convention performance suppressed by press by Ron Walters The Democrats went into their convention plagued by press questions about how Hillary and her female supporters would behave, whether Bill Clinton would behave and support the ticket, and whether Barack Obama could define change in policy terms and fire up the Democratic Party. By all accounts, the political questions were resolved in the Clintons’ strong embrace of the ticket, in the lack of conflict, and in the stupendously historic scene in Invesco Field, where Obama did his thing. D... MORE >>

What's Up September 4 ... MORE >>

Battle of the Frats Story and Photos by Rose Johnson-Brown, by Rojo Designs Photography ... MORE >>

Labor Day by Ray Allen As we approach the Labor Day holiday, there is much to be concerned about: high gas prices, projected 20-percent increases in heating costs, a war that seems to have no end, and a declining economy. Our challenging times test both our resolve and our ability to remain competitive in a world economy. No institution has provided a better anchor for our standard of living and our international economic strength than the labor movement. Because of organized labor, many Americans enjoy wage... MORE >>

Working to improve the community, world Kenneth Black, by A. David Dahmer We'll start with an understatement: Kenneth Black keeps busy. He serves as both deputy secretary and acting secretary of Wisconsin's Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), overseeing all of the state's veterans' benefits. He's president of Madison's 100 Black Men, a national organization composed of Black men across the country who live their lives as role models: they are educated, community-minded, and focused on making their community a better place to live. He's part of a coalition... MORE >>

Michelle Obama 'hits a home run' Will it resonate with Hillry supporters?, by Hazel Trice Edney DENVER (NNPA) — Some delegates and visitors who left Denver's Pepsi Center on Aug. 25 had a look of euphoria on their faces, as if they had seen something totally mystifying. "Michelle hit a homerun- plus," said Elsie Burkwalter, a superdelegate from a city she calls "Katrinaville, Louisiana," obviously New Orleans. "When she did a comparison of the way that she and Barack were raised and the values that her family taught her and that his taught him, it ... MORE >>

Back to School Bash Jose Daniel, Janelle Vreugdenhil, and Jackie Hunt — pictured at right (l-r) — hosted a back to school bash at Westside Elementary School on Wednesday, Aug. 20. Hunt, an AODA prevention specialist for Genesis Development Corp. and chemical abuse specialist with the Mental Health Center of Dane County; Vreugdenhil, a Dane County community social worker; and Daniel of Children S... MORE >>

McCain seeks to privatize veterans' health care MADISON —Twenty-five years after it was established in 1983, the School of Veterinary Medicine is still the youngest school on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. And it is the second-youngest veterinary medical school in the nation. From groundbreaking research discoveries to innovative methods of teaching to state-of-the-art treatments and caring services for hospital clientele, its faculty has excelled. And they continue to break new ground, despite the challenges of l... MORE >>

As gold medals pile up, China dreams of outdoing U.S. by Antoaneta Bezlova   BEIJING, (IPS/GIN) — Chinese onlookers had hoped that the nation's athletes would shine on their home turf, but the scope of China's medal bonanza has far surpassed expectations and left many viewers amazed.  China pushed its sporting boundaries to the limit, bagging 45 golds by the end of Aug. 20 and closing up on its closest rival, the U.S., in the overall race, 83-81. With every gold taken home and with each raising of the Chinese flag at the award ceremonies, the euphori... MORE >>

Mideast joins race for renewable power by Meena Janardhan DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, (IPS/GIN) — As the world scrambles to develop renewable energy resources, the oil-rich Gulf countries that benefit from high prices on fossil fuels are making sure they don't get left behind. According to the "Renewables Global Status Report 2007," the share of fossil fuels in the global final energy consumption in 2006 stood at 79 percent as the share of renewable energy resources climbed to 18 percent. A report by the Dubai-based Gulf Rese... MORE >>

Civil rights leaders not competing against Obama by George Curry  DENVER — As Barack Obama officially becomes his party's presidential nominee, one great disservice to him — and to national civil rights leaders — is the notion that Obama is somehow in competition with the likes of Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. In most instances, this notion is couched in the statement that young Barack Obama has surpassed the outdated race-based politics of the... MORE >>

Bus route schedules now online Parents and guardians of Madison School District students who ride yellow school buses can now see their children's school bus routes online.  The listing is easy to find at www.mmsd.org , then go to Back to School, then go to Bus Route Schedules.  The routes are listed by school, to make it easier for parents to find their students' routes. If parents or guardians do not have access to the MMSD website, they can pick up their childre... MORE >>

Sun Prairie holds Creekside Elementary ribbon cutting and dedication Focus on Education  The Sun Prairie Area School District will dedicate its new elementary school, Creekside Elementary, on Tuesday, August 26, at 5:30 p.m. The event is open to the public. Creekside Elementary will be dedicated in honor of Mr. John P. Bogle, Jr., a long-time Sun Prairie resident and community leader who passed away last October. The ceremony will include music by the Sound of Sun Prairie. Mr.... MORE >>

LaFollette High School students explore trades careers by building house Focus on Education A cooperative effort at LaFollette High School is introducing students to promising careers in union building trades jobs through hands-on experience in home construction. With the help of union volunteers, an 18-member crew of LaFollette High students recently completed work on a three bedroom ranch-style home build over the course of the fall semester. The students along with their teachers, union volunteers and local dignitaries held an "open house", to celebrate completio... MORE >>

UW plans Diversity Forum for campus and community Sept. 23 Pre-event trip to Indian Summer Festival in Milwaukee Sept 6, by Pamela Gates The University of Wisconsin-Madison is bringing Plan 2008 — a plan for diversifying the student body, the staff, and the faculty  — to a close, but its imperative for creating a more diverse, equitable, and welcoming environment continues. In that spirit, the UW's ninth annual Plan 2008 Diversity Forum will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 23, in the UW Memorial Union, 800 Langdon St., for all interested people of the campus and the broader community. The co... MORE >>

Middlespread August 28 100 Black Men Back to School Picnic ... MORE >>

Chess Grandmaster divulges secrets to success Eighth Annual Money Conference, by Anita Martin Part II: Chess symbolizes life; repairing credit The daylong Money Conference™ at Wright Middle School Aug. 16 examined such issues as how chess is a metaphor for life; how to repair your credit and stay out of bankruptcy; and how to build wealth versus debt. Hundreds gathered for this eighth annual event on a beautiful August Saturday. Asset Builders of America Inc., a nonprofit organization which provides financial education and wealth building strategies to low-wealth youth, ... MORE >>

Rocket scientist aims for political office by Mathew K. Jallow Madison is a long way from Laos in Southeast Asia, the place where he was born and called home and from where he immigrated to the U.S as a young boy. But that has not prevented Mr. Peng Her from entertaining big dreams as a politician here in these United States. Mr. Her believes strongly that everything he has done since coming to Wisconsin has prepared him for the political aspirations he is now embarking on. In 1976, when he was 5 years old, his family moved half way across the gl... MORE >>

Hillary Clinton nails Bush, pushes for Obama in rousing DNC speech by Hazel Trice Edney DENVER (NNPA) — Former Democratic presidential contender Hillary Rodham Clinton — standing before thousands of cheering fans and supporting delegates at the Democratic National Convention — hammered home the need for all Democrats to back Democratic nominee Barack Obama in order to protect “all those people left out and left behind” by the Bush Administration. &ldq... MORE >>

Olympic Gold swimming by Marc Morial One of the most thrilling moments of the 2008 Summer Olympic games in Beijing was the Gold Medal performance by swimming phenom Michael Phelps and his teammates, Jason Lezak, Garrett Weber-Gale, and Cullen Jones in the 4 x 100 freestyle relay.  Cullen and his teammates, Michael Phelps, Jason Lezak, and Garrett Weber-Gale won the Gold Medal in 4 x 100 freestyle relay at the 2008 Summer Olympic g... MORE >>

Apprenticeships - Earn while you learn In 1911, the Wisconsin Legislature established the state's vocational school system (Wisconsin Technical College System) in response to the Wisconsin's United Brotherhood of Carpenters asking the state to provide the related classroom instruction for their apprentices. Apprenticeships aren't new; they have been around since the Middle Ages.  In the master and apprentice system, the apprentice was indentured to the master for a specified period of years, and the apprentice usually ... MORE >>

What's Up August 28 ... MORE >>

New vice provost for diversity and climate has big goals for UW by A. David Dahmer A recent report from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that in the next 40 years, minorities, including Asian Americans, Latinos, and African Americans, will become the majority of the United States population. You might not be aware of this, living in Wisconsin, but Damon Williams, who on Aug. 1 started his new job as vice provost for diversity and climate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, knows full well that the nation is changing demographically and that businesses need employees who und... MORE >>

100 Black Men of Madison Back-to-School Picnic The 100 Black Men of Madison will once again hand out backpacks stuffed with school supplies at the 12th annual picnic and backpack giveaway Saturday, Aug. 23, 9 a.m. until supplies run out. The event will be held at Demetral Field, 601 N. Sixth St. Free hamburgers, hot dogs, and beverages will also be served. For more information, please contact Wayne Canty at 285-6753 or wcanty@kraft.com., or visit www... MORE >>

Verona High School's new AP moves in by Lisa Nunez New Verona Area High School (VAHS) Associate Principal Otistine Tracey Williams approaches her students with a strong attitude.  "I will listen to you," she says. "I have high expectations, and I want you to reach them. I will be your biggest cheerleader. But, I will hold you accountable." As one of three associate principals at VAHS, Williams supports approximately 450 students, their families, and their teachers through grades 10, 11, and 12. "The associ... MORE >>

Urban League's Project Reach Project REACH Coordinator Jamie Ramirez, Laura Tembei, and Urban League of Greater Madison President Scott Gray pose at the Project REACH 2008 Celebration Picnic at Olin Park Aug. 15. Laura was an intern for The Madison Times this summer. Project REACH Career Awareness Interns — who learned valuable career tools at a variety of Dane County businesses and agencies this summer — pose for a group photo below at the picnic.      —A. David Dahmer... MORE >>

Xinjiang insurgents learn new tactics in Pakistan by Antoaneta Bezlova BEIJING (IPS/GIN) — China's elimination of insurgencies in its Western province of Xinjiang may have pushed a possible separatist movement across the border into Pakistan and Afghanistan, exposing it to greater influences by terrorist groups in those countries. With the Olympics well under way in Beijing, the province of Xinjiang has endured a spate of deadly attacks on government establishments and security personnel. Three violent incidents over the last 10 days have been inter... MORE >>

Iran's leaders dismiss U.S. claims about Shiite militias by Omid Memarian UNITED NATIONS (IPS/GIN) — U.S. officials have once again failed to provide solid evidence of Iran allegedly providing lethal weapons to Shiite militias, raising questions about the actual level of Iran's meddling in Iraq. On Aug. 6, Alejandro Daniel Wolff, deputy permanent U.S. representative to the U.N., accused Tehran of funneling lethal weapons into Iraq. Iran called the allegations "absurd" and said making false claims had become "routine practice" by the U.S.... MORE >>

Over 56,000 U.S. residents contract HIV in 2006 by Sam Cassanos NEW YORK (IPS/GIN) — The annual number of HIV infections in the United States is greater than was previously believed, a new study says. This revelation has raised concerns about the country's lack of a national HIV/AIDS program, as well as about the adequacy of the presidential candidates' plans to fight the epidemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released the new data, reporting that 56,300 U.S. residents were infected with HIV in 2006. Previous annual in... MORE >>

Gov. Doyle MADISON — Governor Jim Doyle today announced that he will address delegates at the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday evening, Aug. 26, in Denver.  Governor Doyle will discuss ways to help grow the country’s economy and create jobs.  “While the national economy falters, we have worked very hard here in Wisconsin to keep moving forward and to create jobs,” Governor Doyle said.  “Our basic promise in this country has to be that we can ... MORE >>

Second look at biracial 'Black leaders' by George E. Curry "If you had a choice of color, Which one would you choose, my brothers? If there was no day or night, Which would you prefer to be right?" —Curtis Mayfield, "Choice of Colors" While Barack Obama was pondering whether to seek his party's nomination for president, another development was already taking place in the Black community. More than at any oth... MORE >>

Letter to the Editor by Deborah L. Green Dear Editor, I am writing in response to the article by Ron Walters printed in the July 18-24 issue of The Madison Times under the title "Both personal & collective responsibility." As I understand it, the issue relates to Sen. Obama and his call for more responsibility from Black fathers. Walters goes on to say that after serving on a commission, he became more sensitive to the fact that Black families fall apart before they are "consummated." Walters th... MORE >>

Wisconsin's ACT composite score holds steady Focus on Education, by Elizabeth Burmaster - State Superintendant National Composite score drops to 21.1 MADISON — Wisconsin's 2008 graduates out performed their peers nationally, posting a composite score of 22.3 on the ACT college admissions test. The score maintains last year's increase and is well above the national composite score of 21.1, which dropped one-tenth of a point from the previous year. "We can be proud of our 2008 graduates," said State Superintendent Elizabeth Burmaster. "Our college-bound students perfo... MORE >>

Governor Doyle Column Wisconsin Covenant - a Path to Higher Education, by Jim Doyle As eighth graders across the state are busily preparing for the end of the school year, I hope each of you will take some time to stop and think about your future.  Before you begin your summer job or your summer ball league, I encourage you to discuss with your families the upcoming school year and your plans for education after high school.  I don’t want any young person thinking that college isn’t for them, that it’s only for rich people, or that because... MORE >>

Back to School Safety tips for children, parents and drivers ... MORE >>

Back to (financial) school Focus on Education, by Michael G. Shinn August is the month when most parents are preparing to send their children back to school. The lazy days of summer are nearly over, and it's time to get back and "hit the books." One of the key reasons for America's success as a nation is the mandatory education of its citizens. However, this country, with the highest per capita wealth, suffers from a financial education gap. Less than 25 percent of U.S high schools and colleges have money management courses in their... MORE >>

Kipling Block Association hosts first annual Back to School Block Party by A. David Dahmer The Kipling Block Association will host its first annual Back to School Block Party on Monday, Sept. 1. The Block Party will take place on the 36t and 37th hundred blocks of Kipling Drive. According to event organizer Christine Lashore, the Kipling neighborhood area - located on Madison's north side - has recently been unfavorably compared to the Allied Drive Community and the ongoing issues of that area. ... MORE >>

Middlespread August 21 ... MORE >>

Eighth Annual Money Conference Part I: Steering clear of predatory lenders, by Anita Martin Maurice Ashley, the first and only African American chess Grandmaster, says his secret to wealth is passion Part I: Steering clear of predatory lenders How can you make the most of your money in hard times? How can you build wealth, not debt? How can you avoid predatory lenders and "swimming with the sharks"? These are just some of the many questions answered at the ... MORE >>

Health Matters August 21 ... MORE >>

What's Up August 21 ... MORE >>

Felicia Alima and Rob Dz on the Terrace ... MORE >>

10th annual Latino Health Fair by A. David Dahmer ... MORE >>

National Poetry Slam hits town by Lisa Nunez "Spoken word" is the proper term to describe the poetry which is written specifically to be heard and performed live. Competitions among spoken-word poets are called poetry slams. For two hours last Saturday, Aug. 9, four teams of spoken-word poets competed to win the National Poetry Slam at Madison's Overture Center. The audience calls out, stands, snaps, and cheers. The panel of judges, five sets of two judges each, are randomly selected from the audience and asked to grad... MORE >>

Eighth annual Madison Money Conference Information that positively impact lives, by A. David Dahmer "Being somewhat financially knowledgeable and savvy is important for all adults and youths growing into adulthood, regardless of what their profession or career might be," says Robert Wynn, director of Asset Builders of America Inc., which is once again hosting the Money Conference. "We've heard the old saying: 'It's not how much you make, but it's what you do with what you make.' There are so many demands and choices for our money these days that we really need to understand w... MORE >>

Faced with power outages, Iraqis turn to Iran by Ahmed Ali and Dahr Jamail BAQUBA, Iraq (IPS/GIN) — The electricity crisis drags on in Baquba, as summer temperatures climb to 55 degrees Celsius and a drought continues. The average house in Baquba, the capital of Diyala province north of Baghdad, has less than 12 hours of electricity a day. Lack of fans and air coolers can put people's health and businesses at risk. "Generators are not dependable," said Salman Taha, who owns a mechanics workshop. Bad as it is, the situation has been improving o... MORE >>

German court ruling renews push for smoking ban by Julio Godoy BERLIN (IPS/GIN) — A German constitutional court's ruling against a partial ban on smoking has led to calls for a new nationwide ban. The court recently ruled that the present ban violates the rights of small bar owners, who cannot build separate rooms for smokers, and ordered lawmakers to amend the ban by the end of next year. In the meantime, the court ruled that it will not apply to bars with less than 75 square meters of space. The present ban was passed last year by the fede... MORE >>

U.S. forsakes talk of "democratization" by Jim Lobe WASHINGTON (IPS/GIN) — Over five years after invading Iraq as a first step to "transforming" the Middle East, the George W. Bush administration seems to have lost its footing in the region. Talk of "democratizing" the Middle East has almost entirely disappeared from the rhetoric. Washington has had to sacrifice whatever pressure it had been willing to exert on "friendly authoritarians" before to bolster its rule against popular sentiment, which has become c... MORE >>

Madison students' ACT scores remain high by Ken Syke - MMSD Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) students received an average composite score on the American College Test (ACT) of 24.4 — down two-tenths of a point from last year, when 24.6 was the highest composite in the 22 years of record keeping. The 24.4 composite is the second-highest score in the last 10 years for Madison students. As in previous years, MMSD students outperformed their peers across the state and the nation on the 2008 ACT. MMSD students outscored their state ... MORE >>

Saving Knoxville College and other HBCUs by George E. Curry Do we still need historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs)? Even some Blacks are asking this question. Interestingly, those same people never ask whether Catholics still need Notre Dame or whether women still need Wellesley College. The answer is: We need all of those colleges. According to the National Center for Education and the Economy, by 2020 the United States will need 14 million ... MORE >>

"The Death of Black Politics:? Hardly! by Ron Walters When I read Matt Bai's above-titled piece in the New York Times, I thought he was fooling; but it was a serious article that put forth much of the thinking of this "post-Black power" and even "post-civil rights" generation. On second thought, however, I am not so sure that this has much to do with generational change, except for the fact that some of the successes of the previous generation have ushered in a new class of more affluent Blacks who eschew the ... MORE >>

Don't Let Your Teen's Future Go Up In Smoke ... MORE >>

MMSD Back to School Information Focus on Education ... MORE >>

A letter from the Superintendent Focus on Education Dear Parents and Guardians:    The start of each school year is always an exciting time for families and our school district. The upcoming school year is no exception. Whether you are sending your first child to kindergarten or have a graduating senior, we hope you feel the same way, too!    Several years ago, the district adopted the following mission statement:         "We assure that every student has the ... MORE >>

$2.6 million drives unique Boys & Girls Club - MMSD partnership Focus on Education The Boys & Girls Club (BGC) and Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) have announced a new joint initiative that intends to double the number of minority and low-income students who plan to pursue four-year college and technical college degrees after high school. The launch of the initiative is made possible through private commitments of $2.6 million to the Boys & Girls Club covering 50 percent of the first five years of the program’s cost. "We are so excited ... MORE >>

National Night Out (Photo by Gaddi Ben Dan), by Jeanne Erickson The echo of the drums called the neighborhood to Penn Park to come and celebrate South Side Pride and join other communities across the country to celebrate National Night Out Aug. 5. The evening was sponsored by the South Madison Anti-Drug Coalition, the Bram's Addition Neighborhood Association, the Peace Partners, Penn Park Partners, St. Mary's Hospital, the Madison Police Department, and Club TNT. ... MORE >>

More on registering and voting In the Aug. 1-7 Madison Times on page 10, Ms Speckmann gave some important information on registereing to vote and voting. Below is additional information on registration and voting, by Deborah Ann Speckmann During the voter registration process, if you have a Wisconsin driver's license or ID, you must use it when completing the voter registration form. You have no choice. To knowingly not use it when someone at the polling place knows that you have one will ultimately prevent you from voting. The situation is called a challenge and is administered by the chief inspector, based upon a sworn statement by a witness.  If you refuse to admit you have a Wisconsin driver's license or ID, you will ... MORE >>

Africana Restaurant and Lounge breathes new life into Atwood neighborhood by Mathew K. Jallow Yul Ouattara (center) at his Africana Restaurant and Lounge When Yul Ouattara moved to Madison from Stevens Point back in 2004, he realized that the African population here was ballooning — and he saw opportunity. He took employment with TomoTherapy on Madison's west side and began developing and solidifying his thoughts around the idea of an African restaurant. "I re... MORE >>

Middlespread August 14 ... MORE >>

The Three Doctors' pact that pulled them through - and keeps pulling others by Marian Wright Edelman It all started with a trip to the dentist when George Jenkins was 13. He was at the dentist's office getting braces when a pair of pliers caught his attention. When he asked what they were for, the dentist took the time to show George how his different tools worked and taught him a few facts about his teeth. George was fascinated. He went hom