The Black Informant

Saturday morning TV (blackinformant-style)

What is really scary is that someone still had this commercial recorded!

Making the jump

Since day one of my computer experience, the PC has always been my weapon of choice for my everyday computer needs. I’ll say for the past year or so I always managed to find myself ending up at the Apple store. I have always liked and respected Apple computers because of its great ability to handle video, graphics and audio mixing, but was never able to afford it at the time. Well, this past week my wife decided to surprise me on my birthday by buying me something that I had my eyes on for a long time: The Apple MacBook Pro. All I kept hearing in my mind when she showed me the bag was that song from Charlie Brown’s Christmas “Christmastime is Here”. She REALLY got me this year.

Anyway, I wasted no time taking my new computer out of the box. After all the initial set up steps, I was ready to start my Apple experience. The one feature that immediately caught my attention was that it immediately found my in-house network without any special configurations. Everything else was just as I had experienced in the Apple store–Great.

Among the pre-installed software, this computer comes with video editing software, DVD creation software (giving you the ability to add the same type of menus you find on professional DVDs), and audio creation software. The great thing is that all three of these programs have the ability to share your video project seamlessly.

I wanted to see just how easy it was to work with video with my MacBook Pro, so I jumped right into my first video project: Cleaning up my wedding video. With all the other large expenses associated with our wedding, we simply did not have enough left over to hire a videographer, so we had one of yo’ cuzzins do it for us.

Bless his heart :).

Earlier, I had already converted our video from VHS to DVD. From there I was able to extract the video straight from the DVD to the MacBook Pro. Now, I could add music, transitions, titles, etc. The result? Simply AWESOME! Now I have a professional-grade recording of our history that I can pass on to our kids. Eventually I will move up to Final Cut Pro (an industry-standard software package for those who work with video), but for now I am having fun with iDVD, iMovie, and GarageBand (the three programs I have been refering to). My next “fun” project will be to record my son’s soccer games, interview some of his teammates, throwing it all together and sell it to the parents (yeah, its fun, but a brotha’s gotz to get paid).

These capabilities will also prove invaluable to our home-based business as we can now incorporate training videos for our customers.

I’m glad I made the jump.
If you are a Apple user, please feel free to drop me some pointers or weblinks that are helpful for someone like me who is just starting out.

Forest Whitaker takes on Idi Amin in new film

(blacktalentnews.com) In the “must see” movie of the year, FOX Searchlight’s powerful thriller, “The Last King of Scotland,” stars Forest Whitaker as Ugandan President Idi Amin. Whitaker’s tour de force performance captures the rag, paranoia and charm of Amin, the Ugandan dictator that terrorized his nation during his reign in the 1970’s.

“The Last King of Scotland” takes audiences on a heart-stopping journey inside the world of one of the most fascinating and frightening leaders of all time: Idi Amin, famed for his electrifying magnetism, yet whose brutal rule left as many as a half million of his countrymen dead. Whitaker’s chilling portrayal of the charismatic but psychopathic former dictator is already garnering Oscar buzz.

In an incredible twist of fate, a Scottish doctor (James McAvoy) on a Ugandan medical mission becomes irreversibly entangled with one of the world’s most barbaric figures: Idi Amin (Forest Whitaker). Impressed by Dr. Garrigan’s brazen attitude in a moment of crisis, the newly self-appointed Ugandan President Amin hand picks him as his personal physician and closest confidante. Though Garrigan is at first flattered and fascinated by his new position, he soon awakens to Amin’s savagery - and his own complicity in it. Horror and betrayal ensue as Garrigan tries to right his wrongs and escape Uganda alive. (more…)Related website:

The Last King of Scotland Official Site 

Need a tutor for your child? Try looking to India.

(news.monstersandcritics.com) BOSTON - Private tutors are a luxury many American families cannot afford, costing anywhere between $25 to $100 an hour. But California mother Denise Robison found one online for $2.50 an hour — in India.

‘It’s made the biggest difference. My daughter is literally at the top of every single one of her classes and she has never done that before,’ said Robison, a single mother from Modesto.

Her 13-year-old daughter, Taylor, is one of 1,100 Americans enrolled in Bangalore-based TutorVista, which launched U.S. services last November with a staff of 150 ‘e-tutors’ mostly in India with a fee of $100 a month for unlimited hours.

Taylor took two-hour sessions each day for five days a week in math and English — a cost that tallies to $2.50 an hour, a fraction of the $40 an hour charged by U.S.-based online tutors such as market leader Tutor.com that draw on North American teachers, or the usual $100 an hour for face-to-face sessions.

‘I like to tell people I did private tutoring every day for the cost of a fast-food meal or a Starbucks’ coffee,’ Robison said. ‘We did our own form of summer school all summer.’ (more…)

I heard about this yesterday. This might be something worth looking into. The only thing that concerns me would be dealing with their accents.
It this proves to be legit WITH postive results, then this is certainly good news for parents who normally could not afford a tutor.

Dispelling the myths regarding Blacks and estate taxes

Estate Tax Helps Fund The American Dream - Darius Ross

(newtownbee.com) A cynical few are saying the estate tax hurts African Americans in some disproportionate way. But they’re overlooking common-sense wealth planning. Here’s the deceptive reasoning behind their statement: it’s harder for African Americans to become millionaires (true), so the estate tax hits black entrepreneurs especially hard, forcing them to sell family businesses to pay the tax. Untrue.
The US Small Business Administration states that the main reasons family businesses fail are lack of business viability, lack of planning, little desire by the owner to transfer the firm, and reluctance of offspring to join the firm. Note that paying the estate tax isn’t one of them.

It’s great that there are more African American millionaires. I count myself fortunate to be among them. Between 1983 and 2001, the number of black households with net worth of a million or more dollars increased from 61,000 to 109,000. Many get their wealth from family businesses (funeral homes, medical practices, and real estate, construction, and service businesses).

If there are challenges in passing on the family business, let’s not kid ourselves that it’s somehow due to the estate tax. If anything, it’s due to a lack of legacy thinking and estate planning. There’s an “I’m gonna live forever” attitude that prevails among my wealthier African American friends (not all of them, but many). Patriarchs and matriarchs are not training heirs in business succession. (more…)

Ross could have stopped right when he says: “… lack of legacy thinking and estate planning”. No matter how many times we want to blame the legacy of slavery, racism, or “The System”, this is by far the central issue that must be addressed. Another point worth mentioning here is that financial planning must begin B-E-F-O-R-E one becomes wealthy. Let me give you a very simple example: A few years ago when my Mother-in-law passed, my wife, her brother and myself had the huge task of cleaning out the entire house. One of the things we kept finding were jars and jars of pocket change. Long story short, when my wife took these jars to the bank, it equated to AT LEAST $500 (I am sure it was much more than that). The point here is that their generation had a mindset that always told them to save up for a rainy day. This is exactly why I often challenge folks who are quick to blame “the system” as to why they find themselves living from paycheck to paycheck by asking them questions regarding their spending habits. The sad thing here is that if you preach this message (a message rooted in personal responsibility)  too many times (as if their is a limit), they you will be accused of “beating up on Black folks.”

A discussion on the dangers of Excitotoxins

From: Newstarget.com

“Excitotoxins have been found to dramatically promote cancer growth and metastasis. In fact, one aspartame researcher noticed that, when cancer cells were exposed to aspartame, they became more mobile, and you see the same effect with MSG. It also causes a cancer cell to become more mobile, and that enhances metastasis, or spread. These MSG-exposed cancer cells developed all of these pseudopodians and started moving through tissues, which is one of the earlier observations from cancer.

When you increase the glutamate level, cancer just grows like wildfire, and then when you block glutamate, it dramatically slows the growth of the cancer. Researchers have done some experiments in which they looked at using glutamate blockers in combination with conventional drugs, like chemotherapy, and it worked very well. It significantly enhanced the effectiveness of these cancer drugs.” (more…)

Want to rid your body of excitotoxins like Aspartame? Check out the Aspartame detox program by Dr. Janet Hull.

A quote worth quoting

“What African Americans who seek political office must understand is that the days of getting 100 black pastors to endorse you will not win elections. That’s old school. What is critical is taking a scientific and methodical approach to politics, and then creating the kind of groundswell of support necessary to be effective. Yes, you have to have the ability to fire up voters, but if you don’t know where they are, how they voted last, what impresses them and what will get them to the polls, then the race is over before you even put up one yard sign.” (From “‘Jesse Boy’ thinking bigger and bolder than Dad” by Roland S. Martin…)

Jackson State drops out of SWAC Tournament

(BlackCollegeWire.org) Jackson State University has decided to withdraw its baseball team from the Southwestern Athletic Conference Baseball Tournament set for May 18-21 after discovering that a second and third ineligible player competed during the 2006 season.

Head baseball coach Mark Salter has been relieved of his duties with pay pending the outcome of an internal investigation. Omar Johnson, assistant baseball coach, is to serve in the interim, university officials announced May 10. (more…)

Black investment group seeks to invest millions in Connecticut

Representatives of an investment group led by former NBA star Earvin “Magic” Johnson visited Bridgeport on Wednesday, met with developers and expressed interest in several large ventures.

(connpost.com) Bob Turner, a partner in Canyon-Johnson Urban Funds, said he would like to invest $40 million to $200 million in the state’s largest city.

“We recognize that urban revitalization is crucial for the state. We would not be here if we were not interested,” said Turner, a fast-talking former Wall Street trader now based in Beverly Hills, Calif.

He expressed interest in an ongoing project to transform downtown into an enclave of apartments aimed at commuters and young professionals, and an emerging plan to convert the former Remington shaver plant near Seaside Park into housing, retail stores and possibly a high-speed ferry terminal. (more…)

Robert L. Johnson opens up bank for minority customers

Black Entertainment Television founder Robert L. Johnson opened his first bank in the Washington area yesterday, adopting the business plan of a community bank designed largely for minority customers.

The bank will focus on home buyers, small businesses and student-loan applicants who might be denied loans by larger institutions, he said.

“We’re going to know our customers better,” Mr. Johnson said after an opening ceremony in front of the bank at 1350 I St. NW in Washington’s central business district. “We see there’s a unique opportunity there.” (more…)

HBCUs getting the point about online newspapers

First the news…

More HCBUs Increase Frequency (BlackCollegeWire.com)

The Student Voice at Albany State University -– previously published every two weeks — began circulating every week this semester. Tennessee State University’s the Meter is producing a Thursday online edition. Florida A&M University’s the Famuan and the News Argus of Winston-Salem State University also plan to increase their publication frequency.

For these papers at historically black colleges and universities, the benefits of increased publication, in print and online, are clear.

In most cases, it means more advertising revenue and increased relevancy on campus. Putting out a higher volume of stories makes the student journalists more attractive candidates for summer internships at daily newspapers.  [emphasis added] (more…)

Have I not been making this same point on this site in regards to Black newspapers (non-collegiate)? Having a weekly operation that tends to stay more current in print that it is online just will not work in today’s media climate. Apparently these kids are getting the point and are doing something about it instead of crying racism or economic terrorism. I hope these online papers meet much success and I will do all I can from this site to send them traffic.

Related postings:

Barking up the wrong tree

Didn’t they pull this with T.D. Jakes?

Congrats!! (Chicago Defender includes a more robust Internet presense that includes podcasting. The results?? Read more…)

Jackson State University offers “Kids Kollege”

I have been wanting to highlight some of the good things that are happening within our HCBUs for quite some time. I’ll try to include this kind of information throughout the week.

The goal for the Kids Kollege Children of Alumni Institute Program is to prepare students for the important transition from high school to college. Students will be exposed to learning how to balance academic and social commitments, living with a roommate, and being part of a collegiate environment that is vital to a successful college career.

All students are expected to complete all homework assignments in a timely manner. All students will be given a multiple intelligence test to determine their individual learning style. An Instructional Curriculum will be designed to meet the needs of all student based on his or her MCT scores. Each student is expected to increase his or her MCT scores in the areas of language arts, reading and math. (more…)

American firm seeks to invest $50 million in Nigerian aviation sector

(The Day–Lagos [AllAfrica.com]) A United States-based firm, West Coast Airlines Inc. (WCA), said yesterday in Abuja, that it was finalising arrangements with necessary regulatory agencies in the Nigerian aviation sector, to fly a direct non-stop flight between Nigeria and the United States before the end of this year.

The airline, which said it would meet with President Olusegun Obasanjo “very soon on the proposal,” said it has secured the approval of the American aviation authority to that effect, and was ready to pump in about $50 million into the company, which will have its base in Nigeria.

Briefing newsmen, Chief Executive Officer, West Coast Airlines Inc, Mr Chris Nnamdi Agu, said the company, which has been on the projects for about three years, planned to create an aviation hub in Nigeria for flight to other African countries.

According to him, “West Coast Airlines will operate as a long haul, international airline that provides transportation services for customers that are seeking a direct flight between the United States and Nigeria. Initially, WCA will be the only airline in the world that offers a direct, non-stop route between the United States and any location in Africa. (more…)

Keeping Islam on the DL

Yesterday on this site, I was part of conversation regarding my post entitled: “Islam is a religion of peace…in the west.” (click on this link read the post and comments). Because religion can encompass so much, I decided to hover around the issue of domestic abuse within the Muslim community and why is it not being addressed publicly. As you will see in our conversation, every time this issue was brought up, it was met with comparisons to “crimes” committed by Christians over 100 years ago ( a common reaction that I have received from all Muslims I have talked with over the years. Is Islam able to stand on its own feet without leaning on the “faults” of other religions?). While the Christian church has a history of sanctioned slavery and racism, these beliefs have long been denounced and abandoned. While the Christian church may not be perfect, as Christians we are free to voice our opinions about Church culture–even if the majority does not agree.
Folks like More »

Black American art exibit…in Warsaw?

(www.wbj.pl) Black Alphabet is the first major showing of contemporary African-American art in Europe.

Polish culture looks homogeneous when contrasted with the cultural patchwork of America. A new exhibition at the Zachęta National Gallery of Art in Warsaw presents the African-American face of the US.

Black Alphabet, which organizers say is the first such exhibition not only in Poland but in the whole of Europe, provides the ABCs of contemporary African-American art. It presents the art’s diversity, explores its main trends, contexts and concepts, and gives voice to many distinct African-American perspectives. (more…)

More and more black families choose the homeschool option

First the news,

(sfgate.com) Suisun City parents Benjamin and Tanya Marshall are part of a new homeschooling movement led by African American families fed up with the public school system.

Nine years ago, the couple put their oldest son, Trevaughn, in kindergarten after discussing teaching him at home. When he had a substitute teacher several times in his first six weeks, they pulled him out.

“We felt like it wasn’t the right environment, especially for an African American boy,” said Tanya Marshall, 36. “The teachers were young and nervous. Black males were not being challenged and ending up in special ed.”

Trevaughn, now 14, has been taught at home ever since. The couple also homeschools their two younger sons, 11 and 9, and their daughter, 12.

“We wanted to be the main and driving influence in our children’s lives,” said Benjamin Marshall, 37. “We didn’t want them socialized with marijuana smokers and pregnant teens.”  (more…)

As for my family, our kids are part of a program where two days out of the week they go to an actual school. The remaing days are spent being education by dear ol’ Dad.

If I have the time later today, I will return to this post to add some useful links for folks interested in homeschooling. In the meantime, feel free to add your links.

Even more Black men are stepping up to the plate

(pasadenastarnews.com) PASADENA - About 300 African-American teenagers and young men attended the third annual Young African American Male’s Conference at Pasadena City College on Saturday.

“We want to expose our young men to a different way of life,” said the Rev. Tyronne Skinner of the Metropolitan Baptist Church, who founded the event. “The conference evolved from a vision to transform our community from one of mediocrity to one where we all want to live and work.”

The event’s series of speaker presentations and workshops focused on education, openness, and exposure to new cultures intended to provide avenues for participants to achieve “Success by Choice,” the conference’s theme. (more…)

This may seem like another run-of-the-mill story about another “conference”, to me this story has special meaning. As a former resident of Pasadena, it is great to hear that folks in this city are trying to do something to change the climate in that city.

Related: “Further proof that Black men do step up to the plate” 

Investment team has Liberia in its sights

Johnson, 59, will lead a group of African-American leaders to Liberia to facilitate at least $30 million of direct investments in the country’s infrastructure, health, education and agriculture, according to a statement from the Charlotte Bobcats.

The statement said the delegation, which will include U.S. leaders in education, health, law and business, also will seek to establish a permanent interest group of African-Americans to reignite the historical ties between African-Americans and Liberians and advocate on behalf of Liberia for greater support from the United States government and the U.S. business community. (more…)

What happens when the consumer speaks

First the news,

(ashlandcitytimes.com) School accountability and community involvement are key to ensuring that all children, regardless of their race, economic background or physical condition, are getting a fair shot at a good education, a panel of educators told NAACP members Friday…

To help them catch up, Elliott-Johnson and other panelists advocated methods such as modifying curriculums for special-needs students, evaluating teachers and principals more frequently and adjusting class time for students who don’t learn well in traditional lecture settings.

“Some of the brightest children learn in non-traditional ways,” said panel member Gwendolyn Watson, urban education specialist with the state Department of Education.

Watson encouraged NAACP members to push for the organization to build awareness of educational issues in communities, help schools set and meet goals and foster discussions about improvements with school officials. (more…)

Parents from all ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds have been demanding public schools to do make these kind of moves for years. These are the main core reasons why many parents have been wanting to send their kids to charter schools (something that teacher unions tend to frown on primarily because of the increased accountability). This article also proves just how much the NAACP is in lock-step with teacher unions–not the many black families that have been calling for them to push for these types of demands for years.

Clueless hate

When it was announced that former Exxon CEO would receive well over $150 million for his total retirement package during a time when oil prices were on the rise, folks went nuts. To many, this was further proof that capitalism was evil. Activists groups raised enough hell on Capital Hill to convince camera-addicted politicians to “investigate” the oil industry for price gouging. Nothing was ever found. But don’t tell that to some people. For some, the American oil industry is just More »