The National Association forthe Advancement of ColoredPeople National Board ofDirectors announces that itsChairman, the Hon. JulianBond, will be the 94th recipientof the Spingarn Medal, theNAACP’s highest honor. Bondwill receive the award duringthe NAACP NationalConvention in New York CityJuly 16 at the annual SpingarnDinner as the Associationcontinues celebrating the 100thanniversary of its founding.

The Spingarn Medal,instituted in 1914 by the lateJoel E. Spingarn, then NAACPChairman, is awarded for thehighest or noblest achievementby an American of Africandescent during the precedingyear or years.

“Chairman Bond’s record ofservice and leadership islegendary and inspiring,” saidNAACP President and CEOBenjamin Todd Jealous. “Hehas suffered and survived many

After a 17-year absence, a twister ofmusical proportion blew onto thestage of Washburn High School’sannual spring production. Withsupport from Life Touch andHennepin Theatre Trust’s SpotlightProgram, Washburn High Schoolunveiled a new beginning in theirFine Arts department by showcasingstudents’ undeniable talent andcreativity through a production ofThe Wiz.

Washburn High School, havingseen decades of both positive andchallenging circumstances, hasalways stood a tradition of offeringits culturally diverse student body ahigher standard of academics,athletics, and the arts. Known as oneof the leaders in the MinneapolisPublic School system, this “school ofchoice,” made a decision to take thenecessary measures to continuallyresonate the strength of their missionamidst the impact of statewidebudget cuts and changes indemographics.

After being granted a Fresh Startby Minneapolis Public Schools lastspring, Washburn High School wasable to take a steady turn in a positivedirection to ensure its students aregranted the same window of

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Young (Lion) and Tatum Smith (Addaperle).

Yo-Yo Ma and Silk RoadProject EnsembleSee story belowPhoto: Jennifer Taylor

www.wellesley.eduJulian Bond

6PAGE

Weekly previewsfor movies openingApril 10

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8BOND TURN TO

Wiz reprise launches Washburn theatre initiative

“Oh, I say and I say it again, ya beenhad! Ya been took! Ya beenhoodwinked! Bamboozled! Ledastray! Run amok! This is what Hedoes....”- Malcom X

In Harlem in the 1960sMalcolm meant “bamboozle” as “todeceive or get the better of(someone) by trickery, flattery, orthe like.” In today’s world it is theregular manufacture andmaintenance of false realities in theservice of the American empire. Thedeception El Haji Malik El-Shabazztalked about is a core functionamong America’s establishment and

its corporate news media. In thecase of being tricked into a war inAfrica, Malcolm might say “take aclose look behind the façade.”

Among the latest false realitiesbeing pushed are the simplisticpictures of Black vs. Arab genocidein Darfur, and the proposedsolution: a robust, U.S.-backed orU.S.-led military intervention inWestern Sudan. Before BlackAmericans buy into any concept ofEuropean troops invading Africa to“save Africans,” they should givemore scrutiny to what the “SaveDarfur” lobby and Save DarfurCoalition are all about. Malcolmmight say it is a PR scam to justifyU.S. intervention in Africa.

Save Darfur aims to “saveDarfur” by raising awareness, notby providing on-the-groundhumanitarian assistance. Thecampaign is a political mechanismthat has misled the public into thebelief that it is a humanitarian reliefoperation. The con has morphedfalse allegations of “slavery inSudan” in the 1990s into the anti-genocide advocacy model for the21st century: a hybrid ofpromotional branding, simplifiedforeign political coverage andinterventionist missionary ideology.Founded in 2004, the Save DarfurCoalition began at the Graduate

4DARFUR TURN TO

By William Reed

6WIZ TURN TO

Julian Bond getsNAACP top honor

Casting doubt about "Save Darfur"StudioTobechi

Sudan

After you’ve been greeted by Yo-YoMa with a hug instead of ahandshake, you gain someappreciation for how he has, as theArtistic Director, managed toconvince an ever-changing group ofalmost 60 artists (performers andcomposers) from different culturesand countries, who speak multiplelanguages, to become collaboratorsin the visionary Silk Road Project,Inc., founded in 1998.

Yo-Yo Ma exudes gentlenessand warmth. He looks at you directlyand smiles, and on stage he is not thecenter piece, but part of theensemble—just one of the crew,though his genius and vision areevident everywhere. On March 16,2009, an audience at the MinneapolisOrchestra Hall experienced what Yo-Yo Ma calls “passion driveneducation” when 16 of this eclecticlarge Silk Road Project Ensemble of

musicians took to the stage. There were more instruments

than musicians because theychanged and swapped dependingupon what the repertoire required.And what an amazing repertoire itwas: an opening improvisation(“Wandering Winds”) on “…theshakuhachi (Japanese bamboo flute)and the bawu ( a Chinese free-reedwood instrument);” a funkypercussion-centered piece (“SaidiSwing”) that included the tabla, twindrums (similar to bongos) that hasorigins in India, Pakinstan, andAfghanistan; the frame drum, whichis “…the oldest and most widelyused drum in the world;” “the riq, anEgyptian tambourine;” the“darbuka, a goblet-shaped drumused throughout the Middle East,”and the cajón, thought to have beendeveloped by African slaves alongthe coast of Peru, but used byAfrican-descended people in Cuba

Yo-Yo Mathe road to human kindnessthrough the art of music

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Page 2 • April 6 - April 12, 2009 • Insight News http://insightnews.com

and Brazil. In this one song, the SilkWorld ensemble has done more toconvey the possibilities of globalharmony through music than theUnited Nations or the United State’sdiplomatic core has been able toachieve.

The concert includedcompositions from composerswhose origins are in Hong Kong andLos Angeles; Uzbekistan, which isnorth of Afghanistan; Persia; China;and Japan. So listening to the SilkRoad Ensemble is to go on a musicalcultural geography tour, and beintroduced to unique sounds, words,rhythms, and instruments. TheEnsemble’s ability to blend all of thistogether into harmonic accord is atestimony to the talents of thoseplaying, but more importantly itspeaks to the powerful vision andleadership of Yo-Yo Ma.

According to Laura Fried, CEOand Executive Director of the SilkRoad Project, Yo-Yo Ma has oftenobserved that if he had not become amusician, he would have become ananthropologist. And the coreprinciples of anthropology areevident in his work: the valuing ofthe distinctiveness of cultures;understanding what we share ashumans, as well as our differences; aholistic approach to understandingcultures—so that music is not justsounds and rhythms, but alsoencompasses the storytellingtraditions that are used to convey aculture’s values and principles. Ifanthropology is indeed “the study ofhumanity,” then Yo-Yo Ma is ananthropologist par excellence, whostudies humanity through music. Onhis website, he writes, “I havealways been more interested in whatjoins people together than whatseparates them.”

Born in China, but raised inParis, Yo-Yo Ma was a musicalprodigy who began studying thecello when he was four. Shortlyafterwards his family migrated toNew York, where Yo-Yo Maattended the famous Julliard Schoolfor Music. According to hisbiography, he focused on acquiring a“traditional liberal arts education tobuild on his conservatory training

and graduated from HarvardUniversity in 1976.” His decision toseek breadth (liberal arts) tocompliment his specialization(conservatory), are the sameelements that characterize the bestanthropologists.

The Silk Road Project is morethan simply building a globalcommunity of musicians; theproject’s core mission is to connect“the world’s neighborhoods bybringing together artists andaudiences around the globe.”Motivated by their concern for worldissues, SRP has an action music andeducational agenda to “promoteinnovation and learning through the

arts.” Says Yo-Yo Ma, “Every time Iopen a newspaper, I am remindedthat we live in a world where we canno longer afford not to know ourneighbors.”

A few neighbors across theUnited States were fortunate to havethe opportunity to listen, watch, andlearn from the Silk Road Ensemble.Although the group normallyperforms only two concerts a year—one in Europe and one in the UnitedStates, in 2009, they embarked on asix-city tour to celebrate “ten yearsof connecting the world’sneighborhoods.” Minneapolis wasblessed to be one of the host cities,which also included Providence, RI;

Boston, MA; North Bethesda, MD;Ann Arbor, MI; and Toronto,Ontairo.

When not performing, the SilkRoad Ensemble practices Yo-YoMa’s concept of passion driveneducation in other venues by sharingtheir knowledge and expertise, andlearning in turn from their vastaudiences of teachers, musiciansfrom all over the world, colleges anduniversities, and school childrenthrough cross-cultural exchanges,residences, workshops andpartnerships that result in neweducational materials and programs.

One challenge of being a geniusand visionary is that you are always

thinking ahead. And so, the SilkRoad Project, named after the“historical Silk Road trading route”in China that spanned 7,000 milesand linked it to Central Asia,Northern India, and the Parthian andRoman Empires, has taken onanother challenge—academicsuccess for students in the sixth andseventh grades.

In 2009, with the support of theFord Foundation and the CarnegieFoundation of New York, and incollaboration with the New YorkCity Department of Education, theSilk Road Project has embarked onperhaps one of its most ambitiousefforts to date—a partnership with

the New York Campaign for MiddleSchool Success. During phase one ofthis project, 150 educators will havebeen trained in the Along the SilkRoad curriculum, and used it to teachtheir students about “geography,culture, belief systems, arts,languages and commerce” as a wayto motivate and improve academicperformance in middle school.Throughout the year, middle schoolstudents will be introduced not onlyto the history of the ancient SilkRoad, but will learn about the historyof Indigo as well, charting a path oflearning that takes them

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http://insightnews.com Insight News • April 6 - April 12, 2009 • Page 3

INSIGHT NEWS

www.insightnews.com

Insight News is publishedweekly, every Monday byMcFarlane Media Interests.

Editor-In-ChiefAl McFarlane

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MusicFrom 1

6MUSIC TURN TO

COMMENTARY

The American Reinvestment andRecovery Act signed into law byPresident Obama last month was

designed to fuel our nation’seconomy by getting people back towork. In Minnesota, we need thehelp. Last year, 55,000Minnesotans lost their jobs. Sincethe beginning of this year, another30,000 have lost their jobs.Compared to a normal year inwhich Minnesota typically gains40,000 jobs, those numbers areshocking. Our state economist tellsus things are likely to get worsebefore they get better. By the timethings turn around, we could lose asmany as 120,000 jobs - enoughpeople to fill up the Metrodome

twice.As you might imagine,

lawmakers at the State Capitol arepaying close attention to the bestways to maximize the job creatingpotential of federal recovery dollarscoming to Minnesota. One of thebiggest bangs for the buck will beto use those dollars to bring new,good-paying, green jobs to thestate.

Minnesota is poised to movequickly into the green job market.Over the past few years Minnesotahas led the nation in the passage ofenvironmental and energy laws,

including the country’s strongestRenewable Energy Standard, anation-leading energy efficiencyand conservation bill, acomprehensive carbon emissionsreduction goal, and the newlypassed Clean Water Legacy Act tomonitor, protect and restore ourwaters.

All of those moves sent a signalto the rest of the nation and theworld that Minnesota is open forbusiness in the new green economy.The next step is turning soundpolicy into real jobs. A Green JobsTask Force has created a statewideaction plan that if passed by theLegislature will move us evenfurther ahead in the green jobmarket.

Green jobs are quality, family-sustaining jobs that also help toimprove our environment. They arelargely domestic jobs that can’t beshipped overseas. They often paymore than other jobs – sometimesas much as 10 to 20 percent more.Workers come from all walks oflife, including young, entry-levelworkers with little experience intrades such as building or electricalwork, as well as older, moreexperienced workers already inthese fields but in need of skill

upgrades or additional job training. One reality we must address is

that green jobs are less likely to beheld by minorities or urbanresidents. Making progress on thatfront will be a significant, but notimpossible, challenge to resolve.Two bills I’ve authored would be agood start. The first would applyguidelines for how our state spendsfederal stimulus funds for energyprograms. It would set energyefficiency priorities in residentialand government buildings, whilemaximizing the creation andretention of living-wage jobs in anaccountable and transparentmanner. The second bill wouldfocus on shared prosperity -especially for those most oftenexcluded from economicopportunities. It would ensurewomen, people of color, and thosefrom low-income communitieshave a fair shot to get in on thisdynamic new job market bycreating guidelines ensuringadequate representation.

Cities like Los Angeles haveundertaken similar initiatives thattogether, could give Minnesota amodel of how to maximize thebenefits of “going green” forworking families. A comprehensive

strategy ensures that allredevelopment projects subsidizedby the city are built green, and thatthey serve as vehicles to move low-income residents into middle-classconstruction careers. That approachcould easily be adapted here inMinnesota and is at the heart of thebills I’ve sponsored.

Momentum is growing inMinnesota that could help us takethe lead in the fastest growinginvestment and job creatingprospects we’ve seen in decades.Momentum is also growing toensure these exciting opportunitiesare available to everyone. We needaggressive green job and greenproduction goals linked to a strongcommitment to fairness and equity.That’s a sure recipe for an inclusivegreen economy strong enough tolift people out of poverty and intoprosperity.

You may contact Rep. BobbyChampion by email atrep.bobby.champion@house.mn,by phone at (651) 296- 8659, or bymail at 329 State Office Building,St. Paul, Minnesota, 55155.

New green jobs could move many from poverty to prosperity

Page 4 • April 6 - April 12, 2009 • Insight News http://insightnews.com

Commentary

By Bobby Joe ChampionState Representative

(58B)

Center of City University of NewYork. The coalition is now analliance of 180 faith-based,advocacy and human rights groupswith over one million activists.Headquartered in Washington,D.C., it employs a staff of 30professional organizers, policyadvisors and communicationsspecialists.

Before people of color allowformer colonialists to invade Africaagain in the name of “saving them,”note should be taken of theassumptions used by Save Darfurthat are based on victimization andperpetuating stereotypes of Africansas helpless. The PR campaigndepicts the Darfur conflict as strictlya racial affair, in which Arabs areexterminating the Black population.But in fact, most of Sudan’s“Arabs”, even the Janjiweed, arealso Black. Note should be takenthat Save Darfur is top-heavy with

evangelical Christians who preachthe coming war for the end of theworld and with elements known foruncritical support of Israeliaggression in the Middle East. Thevery name Save Darfur is based ona premise of American moralsuperiority and dominance andpresupposes that: the Darfuris needsaving and the US has the capacityto save them.

For those willing to pull thewool from over their heads, there’sample evidence that leaders of theSave Darfur movement have littleinterest in political negotiations toend conflicts in Darfur, and aretotally oblivious to actual genocideoccurring in Gaza. Those activistsactually seeking peace instead ofmilitary aggression in Darfur shouldnote the selective and cynicalapplication of the term “genocide”to Sudan, rather than to the Congowhere ten to twenty times as manyAfricans lives have been lost.

The hypocrisy of the “SaveDarfur” movement is illustrated inSudan’s neighboring country, theDemocratic Republic of the Congo.

There local gangsters, mercenaries,warlords and invading armiesengage in slaughter, mass rape andregional depopulation on a scalethat dwarfs anything in Sudan, yetall players eagerly compete toguarantee extraction of naturalresources vital for Westerncomputers and cell phones, and theexport of uranium for Westernnuclear reactors, along withdiamonds, gold and otherCongolese resources continueundisturbed.

Its O.K. if you’ve “been had”with illusions sold you over pastyears. The problem is not re-thinking what the solution shouldbe. Most African Americans thathave been seeking to “Save Darfur”are well-intentioned. But, to reachtheir positive goals, it’s essentialthey rethink their approach toDarfur and try to empower, ratherthan dehumanize, people there.

(William Reed –www.BlackPressInternational.com)

DarfurFrom 1

Edgardo Rodriguez, BusinessConsultant at the MetropolitanEconomic DevelopmentAssociation (MEDA), has beennamed the Minnesota MinoritySmall Business Champion ofthe Year by the U.S. SmallBusiness Administration.

The Minority SmallBusiness Champion award ispresented annually in each stateto individuals who assist smallbusinesses through outstandingadvocacy efforts on behalf ofminority-owned smallbusinesses. Yvonne Cheung Ho,President and CEO of MEDA,nominated Rodriguez for thisaward.

After decades of working inthe corporate sector in seniorpositions, Rodriguez joinedMEDA in 2002 as a consultantand has utilized his wealth ofknowledge and resources tobenefit the small businesscommunity. His specialtiesinclude coaching, analyzingcomplex and challengingbusiness opportunities forgrowth, mergers and

acquisitions, negotiations,document review, certificationsand day-to-day businessmanagement issues.

George Jacobson, directorof MEDA’s BusinessConsulting Services and LoanProgram, said, “Edgardopossesses the talent andcapability to connect to clientsin a way that is very rare. Heintuitively knows what to doand how to approach even themost daunting businessproblems. He is a trueadvocate for small and minoritybusiness – anyone who knowshim will tell you that.”

Through Rodriguez’spersonal efforts, over 150 smallbusiness owners were served,many of whom were connectedto opportunities that resulted injob creation. Over the pastyear, he has coordinatedMEDA’s premier consultingeffort, the Pacesetter program,to help accelerate the growthand build capacity of a selectgroup of high potential clients.He has also been instrumentalin developing andimplementing the MEDALeadership Program foradvanced business owners withthe intent of fostering businessand civic leaders of color.

Bilingual in English andSpanish, Rodriguez is involvedin the community throughparticipation on the HispanicChamber of CommerceAdvisory Board and aCouncil member and treasurerof the Chicano Latino AffairsCouncil, where he was just

reappointed to his second four-year term. He trains andcoaches Latinos aspiring tobecome entrepreneurs onpreparing a Business Plan andopening a Small Business incooperation with the LatinoEconomic Development Center.He is also a 2007 Fellow withthe Saint Mary’s University of

Minnesota’s HendricksonInstitute for Ethical Leadershipas well as a professor ininternational economics at thesame university. He is a valuedadvisor, trainer and educator togovernment, governmentagencies, neighborhooddevelopment associations andthe community-at-large.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – USRep. Keith Ellison (D-MN)and Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced importantlegislation to combat mortgagelending abuses. TheHomeowner Fairness Act iscomprehensive housing reformlegislation that proposes toughnew national standards basedon the successes of theMinnesota Mortgage Lendinglaw passed in 2007. Ellison, amember of the HouseFinancial Services Committee,introduced similar legislationin the previous session ofCongress.

“My home state ofMinnesota has led the nationwith some of the toughest lawsto crack down on predatorymortgage lending,” Ellisonstated. “Protecting vulnerablehomeowners from predatorylenders is essential to bringingour economy out thisrecession,” Ellison said.

“As the nation struggles todeal with the fallout fromsubprime lending and thecredit crunch, it is critical thatfamilies have access to safe,fair and affordable

mortgages,” said Klobuchar.“Borrower protections – likethose we have in Minnesotashould be national policy tohelp safeguard families acrossthe nation.”

Over the past few years,state governments in Georgia,Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts,New Jersey, North Carolinaand Ohio, among many others,have enacted strong anti-predatory lending laws. TheHomeowner Fairness Actwould level the playing fieldby establishing national

standards for mortgagelending.

The bill would put in placea number of key reforms. Itwould require all mortgageoriginators to verify aborrower’s ability to repay amortgage before giving loanapproval. In addition, the billwould require mortgagebrokers to have a minimum networth of $500,000 while alsosubjecting them to fiduciaryduties obligating them to act inthe best interest of theirclients. It further bans pre-

payment penalties and limitsup-front fees to no more than5% of the initial principal ofthe loan. Importantly, the billprohibits “steering,” which isthe act of approving a loan at ahigher rate than that for whicha borrower qualifies. Finally,any loan sought by a borrowerto re-finance a low or no-interest loan (such as a loanthrough a non-profitcommunity organization orgovernmental entity like theVeteran’s Administration)would need to first bereviewed by an independent,HUD-certified loan counselor.

“We need to make sure thatabusive and exploitativemortgage practices come to anend,” said Klobuchar. “Forfar too long, subprime lendershave put the homes and homeequity of Americans atunnecessary risk. Theseprotections are essential torestoring our economy andpreventing a future crisis inthe housing market.”

“These reforms wouldaddress the predatorymortgage practices that areroot causes of our current

financial crisis. They wouldhelp to ensure that borrowersget fair loans that can actuallyhelp them finance theAmerican dream of home

ownership instead of ones thatinevitably set them up forfailure,” Ellison concluded.

BUSINESShttp://insightnews.com Insight News • April 6 - April 12, 2009 • Page 5

I have access to hundreds of foreclosed properties in Minneapolis-St.Paul and surrounding suburbs. Let me help you take advantage of this real estate market.

Ellison, Klobuchar introduce legislation to combat predatory lending

SBA names Minnesota Minority Small Business champion

Edgardo RodriguezEdgardo Rodriguez

US Rep. Keith Ellison (D-MN) Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)

“through history, linkingEgyptian mummies, pirates,Mahatma Gandhi and modern-day blue jeans.” Throughoutthis educational journey, theywill learn about theinterconnectedness of people’slives and history throughout theworld, absorbing one of thecore principles upon which theSilk Road Project was founded:“…the hope that we may betteraddress our differences if weappreciate our commonalities,”according to CEO andExecutive Director Laura Freid.

For their efforts in learningthrough this unique curriculum,participating students and theirfamilies, most of who hail fromnorthern Manhattan and thesouthern Bronx, home to someof New York’s mosteconomically challengedneighborhoods, will have theopportunity to hear Yo-Yo Maand the Silk Road Ensembleplay in June 2009, at theconclusion of phase one.

Similar to the vision of thehistorical Silk Road trade route,Yo-Yo Ma is building his ownroad, through the development

of his Silk Road Project thatencompasses the developmentof collaborative music andeducational resources. It is aroad of human kindness, as wellas a cultural legacy that affirmsYo-Yo Ma’s and the Silk RoadEnsemble’s desire to achievegreater understanding acrossdifferences and cultivateappreciation among all who willlisten for the humanity wecollectively share.

Irma McClaurin is ananthropologist/writer, and alsoAssociate Vice President forSystem AcademicAdministration, as well asExecutive Director of the UrbanResearch and Outreach Centerat the University ofMinneapolis. Her latest essay,“Walking in Zora’s Shoes or‘Seek[ing] Out de InsideMeanin’ of Words’: TheIntersections of Anthropology,Ethnography, Identity, andWriting,” was just published inAnthropology Off the Shelf:Anthropologists on Writing(Wiley 2009). The viewsexpressed are entirely her own.

©2009 McClaurin Solutions

opportunity towards success,promised to its students since itsinception in 1925. Over the past twoyears and under the direction ofprincipal Carol Markam-Cousins,Washburn High School’s students,faculty and a vast array ofdepartments have benefited from thechanges that have cemented theimportance of this journey.

Fine Arts initiatives atWashburn, occasionallyovershadowed by their academic andathletic departments, have nowreceived the major changes it neededto provide a higher platform for

students to explore their artisticpossibilities. After a collaborativeeffort by the Twin Cities theatrecommunity, Washburn’s fine artsteam, parents, students and under theartistic direction of Nancy Lee, theywere able to make headlines in thecommunity and reenter the Fine Artsscene in a big way.

The Wiz, a musical about a girlnamed Dorothy who’s on a journeyto find her way back home to Kansasfrom the magical land of Oz,

perfectly mirrors the schools FineArts theme of Building a Place WeBelong, as well as solidifying theirpersonal journey to bring musicalsback to their talented High School.

The influence of pop culturegave the re-creation of this 1975production a modern day twist ofappeal. Dorothy, played by vocalistMartina Guerra, still embodies thesame essence of our lost shining star,but she packs a much meaner punchwith a take no mess attitude, that

overshadows the innocent natureseen in the Dorothys of yesterday.The Scarecrow, once made famousby Michael Jackson, was newlyintroduced with a T-Pain-like flareby the smooth moves of buddingactor Lulu Champion. Getting agender facelift and sashaying intoour hearts with a foot on excellence,comes Ms. Tin, formally known asthe Tinman, played effortlessly byBri Salhus. Stealing the end of thefirst act comes a rhyme pushing, furcoat wearing, Air force Onestomping, Hip Hop protégé knownmostly as our “Mean Ole Lion,” andnewly redirected through the madskills of Thomas Young.

The set construction andcostumes helped bring to life thestory within this unique musicaljourney. Nowhere else but atWashburn High School will you seethe same inventiveness and creativityof transitioning your normal YellowBrick Road into a “Yellow BrickCostume” worn by a talentedensemble of students dancing acrossthe stage to symbolize Dorothy andher friends journey through Oz.Instead of Flying Monkeys, theyfeature a Hip Hop dancing FunkyMonkey played by the talented DrewMoore. Good Witch Addaperleplayed by Tatum Smith, could’vebrought her magical act to stages of

America’s Got Talent. The Wiz,played by Isaac Mutcherson,would’ve easily given Tom Jones arun for his money with his starpowered Vegas themedperformance. Evillene, “TheLiberated Woman” as she callsherself, hooked us in with a greatperformance by Jaslyne Sharif.Serihuh Papillon, who played bothAunt Em and Glenda the GoodWitch, had a voice like butter thatgave us an extra touch of finesse totop off the evening’s incredibleperformance.

The play was also accompaniedby a set of real Munchkins played bythe neighboring talents of studentsfrom Ramsey Fine Arts ElementarySchool, who were also given theopportunity to explore their growingartistic abilities. The Wiz atWashburn High School was morethan just a spring production butrather a reaffirmation of the highesteem its held in the hearts of thecommunity and its vast alumni. Itsmodel of the road they’re taking toprovide the community and itsstudents a new spotlight ofexcellence. It’s the pleasant echo oftheir timeless mission that remindsus all of a well known truth; whenyou’re at Washburn High School,“There’s no place like home.”

AESTHETICShttp://insightnews.com Insight News • April 6 - April 12, 2009 • Page 6

WizFrom 1

BIG BUDGET FILMS

Dragonball Evolution (PG forintense action and brief adultlanguage) Sci-fi martial artsadventure, based on the AkiraToriyama novel about a youngwarrior (Justin Chatwin) who,with a handful of friends, sets outon a quest to save the planet froman evil king (James Marsters) benton world domination. Castincludes Chow Yun-Fat, EmmyRossum, Texas Battle and ErnieHudson. (In English and Japanesewith subtitles)

Hannah Montana: The Movie (G)Musical adventure about ateenage pop star (Miley Cyrus)overwhelmed by sudden famewho follows her father’s (BillyRay Cyrus) advice by retreating toher tiny, Tennessee hometown inorder to get a fresh perspectiveabout what really matters most inlife. With Vanessa Williams, Barry

Bostwick and Emily Osment.

Observe and Report (R forgraphic nudity, pervasiveprofanity, sexuality, violence anddrug use) Raunchy comedy abouta bi-polar security guard (SethRogen) determined to win theheart of a cute cashier (AnnaFaris) and to catch the flasher(Randy Gambill) ruining theambiance of the mall where heworks. With Ray Liotta, MichaelPena and John and Matt Yuen.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGNFILMS

Anvil! The Story of Anvil(Unrated) Rockumentary recountsthe rise of Anvil, the legendary,Canadian heavy metal bandfounded by teenagers RobbReiner and Steve “Lips” Kudlowin 1974 and still cranking outpower chords after 35 yearstogether.

Forbidden Lie$ (Unrated)Investigative documentary

examines the curious case ofliterary fraud perpetrated on thepublic by Norma Khouri, theslippery character eventuallyexposed as having totallyfabricated her best-selling book“Forbidden Love” which sheclaimed was based on the honorkilling of her Muslim best friendfor dating a Christian.

Lymelife (R for profanity,sexuality, violence and drug use)Coming-of-age drama set duringan outbreak of Lyme disease inthe late Seventies in a Connecticuttown where an innocent 15-year-old’s (Rory Culkin) life is turnedupside-down when he falls in lovewith the girl next-door (EmmaRoberts) at the same time hisparents (Alec Baldwin and JillHennessy) separate and his soldierbrother (Kieran Culkin) receivesorders to ship out overseas. WithCynthia Nixon and TimothyHutton.

The Mysteries of Pittsburgh (R fornudity, profanity and graphicsexuality) Crime comedy, set in

Pittsburgh in the Eighties, about arecent college grad (Jon Foster)whose plans to begin working onWall Street are interrupted by achance encounter with hisfreshman roommate-turned-drugdealer (Omid Abtahi) leads to alustful but dangerous liaison witha femme fatale (Sienna Miller)already linked to a felon (PeterSarsgaard) with evil intentions.

Weekly previews for movies opening April 10

Suluki Fardan(L-R): LuLu Champion (Scarecrow), Martina Guerra (Dorothy)

and Bri Salhus (Ms. Tin).

Suluki FardanJaslyne Sharif (Evillene)

www.impawards.comSeth Rogen stars in Observe

and Report

By Kam Williamskam@insightnews.com

MusicFrom 3

A pack of smokes will cost moreunder state legislation expected tobe introduced today. The bill,authored by Rep. Erin Murphy,DFL-64A, would increase thestate cigarette tax $1 a pack. Shesays the revenue would pay forcrucial health-related programsfor the underinsured. And, sheadds, her plan would lowerhealth-care costs.

“This proposal will likelyprevent 44,000 kids in Minnesotafrom ever starting to smoke.Because of that, they will notcarry the disease burden related tosmoking - things like heartdisease, lung disease and stroke,”said Murphy.

Murphy, a registered nurse,expects strong opposition to thetax hike, but she says her job as alegislator is to find waysgovernment can best serve thepublic and to put her ideas on thetable.

The bill has the backing ofvarious health advocacy

organizations, including theAmerican Heart Association.Rachel Callanan, senior advocacydirector of the American HeartAssociation in Minnesota, saysthe bill’s passage would be a shotin the arm for efforts taking on theleading causes of death inMinnesota: cancer, heart diseaseand stroke.

“This bill is important becauseit really turns health care on its

head. We’re looking at investingmuch more in prevention andearly detection of these chronicdiseases, to control costs and tosave lives,” said Callanan.

Health experts say tobacco-related diseases kill 5,500Minnesotans a year and cause $2billion in health-related expenses.They expect 20,000 currentsmokers would quit rather thanpay the extra dollar.

The bone loss associated withosteoporosis usually beginsafter menopause, but the key topreventing osteoporosis is tobuild bone mass duringchildhood and teenage years.

Genes and sex hormones(estrogen and testosterone) arethe major determinants ofmaximum bone mass. Butexercise and daily intake ofcalcium and vitamin D helpyoung women build their bonemass to its full potential.

Strong bones are importantfor boys and girls, but womenare more vulnerable toosteoporosis because theirbones usually are smaller and

because of the drop in estrogenlevels at menopause.

Think of bone mass as abank account that needs to befilled with the help of calciumand exercise to ensure strongbones later. Twenty-five percentof bone mass is added duringthe growth spurt at puberty, and90 percent of bone densitydevelops by age 18. Bone masspeaks between the ages of 25 to30. After 30, women should tryto maintain their bone mass asclose to that peak as possible.

Adequate calcium, andvitamin D, which helps thebody absorb the calcium, arekey for girls’ full bonedevelopment. Youth tend todrink more soda pop and juiceand much less milk compared to20 years ago. As a result, most

girls won’t meet therecommended dailyrequirement of 1,000 mg ofcalcium equivalent to four-eightounce glasses of milk or threeto eight ounce containers of

yogurt, even though theserequirements can be met withlow- and non-fat dairy products,and other calcium-fortifiedfoods such as orange juice andcereals.

Sunlight on the skin isanother source of vitamin D. InMinnesota, we are at higher riskof low vitamin D levels because

we are too far away from thesun from October throughMarch. In summer, the use ofsun block also may prevent usfrom getting enough vitamin D.Ten minutes of sun exposure to

the arms and face duringsummer helps ensure that youngpeople have sufficient vitaminD levels. Those with darkerskin tones may need longer sunexposure.

Weight bearing exercisehelps to increase bone mass

during adolescence andmaintain bone later. Many typesof exercise provide the variedmovement and impact needed tomaintain bone health. A total of30 minutes of exercise at leastthree days per week isrecommended.

To help girls get the calciumthey need, work with them tofind high-calcium foods thatthey like. It is important forparents and girls to read foodlabels and track the amount ofcalcium they are consuming. Ifyour daughter does not likedairy products, try calcium-supplemented soy products andother calcium supplementedfoods. A multivitamin or avitamin D supplement is

recommended if girls are noteating well, although a balanceddiet is the best strategy forfilling up girls’ calcium bank.

Catherine Niewoehner, M.D. isprofessor of medicine at theUniversity of MinnesotaMedical School and also workswith the Women’s Health Centerof Excellence. This column is aneducational service of theUniversity of Minnesota. Advicepresented should not take theplace of an examination by ahealth-care professional. Formore health-relatedinformation, go tohttp://www.healthtalk.umn.edu.

HEALTHBuilding bones at young age key to preventing osteoporosis

Page 7 • April 6 - April 12, 2009 • Insight News http://insightnews.com

Bill would boost cigarette tax a buck

THINK OF BONE MASS AS A BANK ACCOUNT THATNEEDS TO BE FILLED WITH THE HELP OF CALCIUMAND EXERCISE TO ENSURE STRONG BONES LATER.

By Catherine Niewoehner, M.D.U of M News Wire

attacks from extremists, but hasalways stood strong. Hispassionate oratory, deepthinking, political savvy andsense of humor make him aunique scholar-statesman ofour time and an omnipresentsoldier in the struggle forequality on many fronts.”

Bond has served as

Chairman of the NationalBoard of the NAACP since1998, being re-elected mostrecently February 21.

Having been on the cuttingedge of social change since1960, Bond has faced jail forhis convictions and being anactive participant in themovements for civil rights andeconomic justice. In his studentdays as founder of the Atlantastudent sit-ins at MorehouseCollege, he directed three yearsof nonviolent anti-segregationprotests that won integration ofAtlanta’s movie theaters, lunchcounters and parks. He wasarrested for sitting-in at thethen-segregated cafeteria atAtlanta City Hall. He was alsoco-founder of the StudentNonviolent CoordinatingCommittee, becoming itsCommunications Director andlater working in voterregistration drives in ruralGeorgia, Alabama, Mississippiand Arkansas.

He was prevented fromtaking his seat in the GeorgiaHouse of Representatives in1965 by members who objectedto his opposition to the VietnamWar. He was re-elected to hisown vacant seat and un-seatedagain, and seated only after athird election and a unanimousdecision of the United StatesSupreme Court. He wouldbecome a veteran of bothchambers, putting in more than20 years of service in theGeorgia General Assembly.

Co-chair of a challengedelegation from Georgia to the1968 Democratic Convention,Bond was nominated for Vice-President of the U.S. but had todecline because he was tooyoung. He was the first AfricanAmerican to be nominated forvice president of the UnitedStates.

Last April Bond was nameda “Living Legend” by theLibrary of Congress and in2002 received the prestigiousNational Freedom Award fromthe U.S. Civil Rights Museum,which honors individuals whohave made significantcontributions in civil rights andwho have laid the foundationfor present and future leaders inthe battle for human rights.

With his bold,distinguishable voice he hasnarrated numerousdocumentaries, including theAcademy Award winning “ATime For Justice” and theprize-winning and criticallyacclaimed series, “Eyes On ThePrize,” that chronicles theAmerican civil rights era of the‘50s and ‘60s. He was acommentator on America’sBlack Forum, the oldest black-owned show in televisionsyndication, while his poetryand articles have appeared innumerous publications.

Affectionately known as

Once upon a time there was ahappy family of four who lived intheir dream home, and drove theirdream cars to their dream jobs.All seemed perfect, that is until astranger came to town. What the

family didn’t know about thestranger is that he was a thief.One night, while the entire familyslept, the thief came and beganstealing from this family. Beforelong the family’s dream home wasgone, along with their dreamvehicles (which was kind of OKbecause they lost the dream jobsthat they used to drive to). Theywere forced to take lower payingjobs and buy used economy cars.

Soon the family began arguingand fighting all the time. Feelingstress from every direction, thisonce happy family foundthemselves at a crossroads. Howcould they ever recover from their

losses and begin to rebuild theirlives? Suddenly the husband hada revelation. He realized that themost important thing that wasmissing from their lives waspeace. He gathered his wife andtwo children and together theycommitted to weathering thestorm as a family. They bowedand offered thanks for theblessings that they still enjoyed-the love and support of family.Are you wondering about the keysto strengthening family bondswhen times are tight? Spend time(not money) together with oneanother building memories,character, and learning importantlife lessons.

Memory Making:To remain in touch with yourfamily, beat boredom (anddepression) by organizing aweekly or monthly game night.Remember games like checkers,dominoes, Monopoly, Sorry, andLife? What about Cranium orUno? My all-time favorite gameis charades! The joking andlaughter you’ll enjoy is sure tohelp relieve stress and chase awayany blues you may have (at leastfor a while). Another way totickle your funny bone- watch afew cartoons with your kids, oreven by yourself. Finally, don’tforget to invite your extendedfamily in on the fun. A fewfamilies getting together forgames, relaxation, and

encouragement are often the bestway to relieve the inevitablestresses of life.

Developing Diligence:The funny thing about kids is thatthey are always watching grownfolks. They watch how werespond to adversity and basicallycopy us. When you find yourselfin transition, use this opportunityto teach your kids healthy copingskills like goal setting andperseverance, and anticipatingpitfalls. For instance, if you arejob-hunting, talk with your spouseand children about your strategyand how they can help. Maybeyour teenager can help you getmore comfortable with computerskills, or even help write letters.This way they will pick up onyour persistence and your childwill be less likely to give upeasily.

Life LessonsI bet you are wondering what everhappened to that once-happyfamily. Well, after facing about ayear of transition and challenges,the family is again on solidground. The lessons they alllearned during this tough time oftheir life made them moreappreciative of what truly makesone happy- sharing your life andspending your time with those youlove and who love you. Once theylearned that important lesson, theyall lived happily everafter….Enjoy!

Marcia Humphrey is an interiordecorator and home stager whospecializes in achieving high styleat a low cost. A native ofMichigan, she and her husband,Lonnie, have three children.

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http://insightnews.com Insight News • April 6 - April 12, 2009 • Page 8

BondFrom 1

“the dean of civil rights,” Bondis frequently interviewed onnews shows, hosted NBC’sSaturday Night Live in 1977and even had a smallappearance in the critically-acclaimed movie Ray in 2004.

Bond serves as Chairman ofthe Premier Auto Group PAG(Volvo, Land Rover, Aston-Martin, and Jaguar) DiversityCouncil and is on the boards ofPeople for the American Way,the Southern Poverty LawCenter and the Council for aLivable World, and theadvisory board of the HarvardBusiness School Initiative onSocial Enterprise, amongothers.

The holder of 25 honorarydegrees, he is a distinguishedprofessor at AmericanUniversity in Washington, DC,and a professor of history at theUniversity of Virginia.

The purpose of the SpingarnMedal is to call attention todistinguished merit andachievement among Americansof African descent, serve as areward for such achievementand stimulate the ambition ofyouth of African descent. Anine person committeemanages the Spingarn Medalselection process. Thecommittee’s decision is final inall matters affecting the award.

To date, 93 SpingarnMedals have been awarded,recognizing achievements in arange of fields. Medalistsinclude Dr. Benjamin S.Carson, U.S. Rep. JohnConyers (D-MI), former U.S.Secretary of State Colin L.Powell, media personalityOprah Winfrey, baseball hall offamer Henry “Hank” Aaron,Vernon Jordan, U.S. Rep. JohnLewis (D-GA), William H.Cosby, Jr., Maya Angelou,Virginia Governor L. DouglasWilder, Rev. Jesse Jackson,Percy E. Sutton, the lateGordon Parks, John HopeFranklin, the late Judge LeonHigginbotham Jr., the late CarlRowan, NAACP ChairEmeritus Myrlie Evers-Williams, businessman andpublisher Earl G. Graves, Sr.,Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,artist Jacob Lawrence, RosaParks, opera singer LeontynePrice, the late Judge ConstanceBaker Motley, Judge Robert L.Carter, the late Oliver W. Hill,Sr.

Founded in 1909, theNAACP is the nation’s oldestand largest civil rightsorganization. Its membersthroughout the United Statesand the world are the premieradvocates for civil rights intheir communities, conductingvoter mobilization andmonitoring equal opportunityin the public and privatesectors.

WE WIN Institute, Inc. isdedicated to the academic andsocial success of all children.This is the second year that WEWIN has conducted Rites ofPassage classes at OlsonMiddle School.

Rites of Passage useAfrican and African Americanhistory and culture as a vehicleto assist students instrengthening their reading andwriting, as well as social skills.Students have been studyingthe accomplishments of heroesin our community. One of theheroes is Congressman KeithEllison.

The following are excerptsfrom essays written by twostudents in Rites of Passage atOlson Middle School.

Congressman Keith EllisonBy Re'Shauna Flex-Twiet

Keith Ellison was born August4, 1963, in Detroit, Michigan.He received his law degreefrom the University ofMichigan. Mr. Ellison is amember of the DemocraticParty. He is married to KimEllison and they have fourchildren.

Mr. Ellison led efforts toprotect Minnesota childrenfrom dangerous pesticides andchemicals. He also worked toget voting rights for ex-offenders and to increase thestate’s minimum wage. Hemade history by becoming thefirst person of the Muslim faithin America to serve in the

United States.He promotes peace and

prosperity for working familiesand promotes civil and humanrights. Keith Ellison caresabout people and their

families. He cares about whathappens in the world.

Representative Ellison’saccomplishments are importantbecause he tries to make theworld a better place. He madehistory as the first AfricanAmerican from Minnesota toserve in the United StatesCongress.

Keith Ellison’s story hasinspired me. His words areinspiring. I am inspired how heworked to give back the vote toex-offenders. He is greatbecause he makes changes inour lives so that we can all livebetter.

Keith EllisonBy Ja'kista Smith

Keith Ellison is a great man.He is making a difference forMinnesotans everyday. Hehelps protects children fromdanger.

Congressmen Ellisonserves on the FinancialServices Committee whichoversees the nation’s housingand financial services sector.He is also on the JudiciaryCommittee which oversees thecountry’s legal system. Theywork on such issues as civiland human rights, immigrationand election laws.

Keith Ellison has lived inNorth Minneapolis for the last20 years. I live in NorthMinneapolis, too. He inspiresme to be the best student I canbe.

EDUCATIONStudents reflect on Fifth District Congressman

Benjamin Hunter

http://insightnews.com Insight News • April 6 - April 12, 2009 • Page 9

Re'Shauna Flex-Twiet Ja’kista Smith Karlona Gregory

Artwork by Ben HunterArtwork by Karlona Gregory

BondFrom 8

Page 10 • April 6 - April 12, 2009 • Insight News http://insightnews.com

The Internal Revenue Serviceseeks civic-minded volunteers toserve on the Taxpayer AdvocacyPanel (TAP), which listens totaxpayers, identifies key issuesand makes recommendations forimproving IRS service.

"TAP members are yourfriends and neighbors, walkingin the shoes of the average

taxpayer. A better understandingof how to serve the taxpayer wellis a key to sound taxadministration," said DougShulman, IRS Commissioner.

TAP members are beingsought for Minnesota, amongother states. TAP provides aforum for taxpayers from all 50states as well as the District of

Columbia and Puerto Rico. TAPis a federal advisory committeethat reports annually to theTreasury Department, the IRSand the National TaxpayerAdvocate, which is anindependent organization withinthe IRS. The National TaxpayerAdvocate provides oversight andfunding of TAP.

"As the IRS continues toexamine taxpayers' needs in thearea of service, the TaxpayerAdvocacy Panel has emerged asa vital source for gathering andproviding information from theperspective of taxpayers," saidNina E. Olson, NationalTaxpayer Advocate. "TAP's rolewill ultimately aid taxpayers byhelping the IRS to provide themwith the top quality service theydeserve."

To be a member of TAP youmust be a U.S. citizen, currentwith your tax obligations, able tocommit 300 to 500 hours duringthe year and pass an FBIcriminal background check.New TAP members will serve athree-year term starting inDecember 2009. Anyone chosenas an alternate would beconsidered to fill any vacanciesthat open during the next twoyears.

Applications to become amember of TAP will be accepteduntil April 30. Applications areavailable online atwww.improveirs.org or bycalling 1-888-912-1227.

Manager management advice: Stay calm

IRS seeks volunteers

“My boss is freaking out,” writesa reader. “He’s constantlychecking up on me, and everyweek, he changes my goals. Iknow he is worried about thebusiness, but I wish he’d just letme do my job.” When hard timeshit, managers know their own

jobs can be at risk, and theymight raise the expectations oftheir subordinates. My twowords of advice to this employeeare: Stay Calm.

Calm? You want me to staycalm?!? I can hear the protests.But the reality is that we allmirror the moods of those aroundus. To prove it, try this:throughout the day today, smileat ten people. Strangers, friends,store clerks, bus drivers. Makesure they see your pearly whites.How do they react? Confused?Maybe, for a moment. But mostof the time, people will respondto a smile by smiling back.Frown at ten people, and you’ll

get a similar response.Putting the mood mirror

lesson to work at work, trywearing a cheerful, competentattitude, even if you’re annoyed.Your calm can ease the tensionaround you. When your bossstops by your desk to tell you, forthe fourth time, how importantyour project is, resist the urge tothrow your stapler. Instead, lookup, smile, and say, “I know it is.”End of discussion.

Obviously, you don’t havethe same concerns that yourmanager has. Yes, you want tosucceed. You also want yourcompany to succeed, so that yourpaycheck continues to find its

way to your bank. But yourmanager has differentresponsibilities. Don’tcommiserate. Do share youraccomplishments. Keep yourmanager in the loop when youmake a sale, finish a project, ormeet someone who can help yourcompany in some way. Let himknow you’re meeting yourdeadlines and remind him of anypositives going on with thecompany.

If your metrics change fasterthan your socks, start trackingconversations in writing. Followup each meeting with an emailsummarizing your discussion. Ifnecessary, politely remind your

manager about the goals orpriorities laid out in pastmeetings. Find out if the newgoals are a change from or inaddition to previous targets. Lethim know you want tounderstand clearly what theexpectations are, and be up frontabout any conflicts. In panicmode, he might not evenremember setting the first goals.

Your manager wants to knowthat you are as passionate aboutsuccess as he is. He wants toknow you share his concerns,even if you aren’t entirely surewhat he is so worried about. Hewants to let off some steam. Atop quality manager would take

it out to the basketball court orthe golf course, but some justhaven’t learned that yet.Demonstrate calm. Avoidengaging in his excitement.Control what you can, and whenyour manager seemsunreasonable, take a couple deepbreaths and turn your eyes toyour work. When it’s clear youdon’t want to get involved, hewill find a new outlet, and youcan get back to your work.

Julie Desmond is Senior TalentConsultant with the Walstrom Group.Write to Julie@thewalstromgroup.com.

By Julie Desmondjulie@insightnews.com

Planyour

career

ATTENTION:MBE/WBE CONSTRUCTION

SUBCONTRACTORSWe are requesting quotations for the followingproject:

Blue Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant LiquidsImprovements Phase 1, Shakopee, MinnesotaOwner: Metropolitan Council EnvironmentalServices. Bids are due in our office no laterthan: April 22, 2009, 2:00 p.m. If you areinterested in bidding this project or needassistance in preparing your bids, pleasecontact our office: Madsen-JohnsonCorporation, General Contractors, PO Box486, Hudson, WI 54016

715-386-8201 / 715-386-5950 FaxAn EEO Employer

Assumed Name1. State the exact assumed name underwhich the business is or will be conducted:Jovonta Patton & Deliverance For Youth(DFY)

2. State the address of the principal place ofbusiness: 7102 48th Street North, Oakdale,MN 55128

3. List the name and complete street addressof all persons conducting business under theabove Assumed Name: Jovonta Patton 710248th Street North, Oakdale, MN 55128;Darell Tate 4625 West 110th StreetBloomington, MN 55437; JacquelineRobinson 7102 48th Street North, Oakdale,MN 55128

4. I certify that I am authorized to sign thiscertificate and I further certify that Iunderstand that by signing this certificate, Iam subject to the penalties of perjury as setforth in Minnesota Statues section 609.48 asif I had signed this certificate under oath.

Signed by: Jacqueline RobinsonDate Filed: 3/23/2009Contact Person: Jacqueline RobinsonDaytime Phone Number: (651) 503-2488

Insight News 4/6/2009, 4/13/2009

**MODELS / ACTORS** Males & females, ages 0-75+, all sizes, neededfor TV, Mag., etc. PT, flex. hrs. We pay $50 +/-p/hr. No exp. req. Jobs start May. Bringsnapshot to Country Inn, 155 Coon RapidsBlvd, Coon Rapids, MN Thurs., April 16thanytime 7pm-10pm. Under 18 bring parent.

It would be a shame if all ofour readers weren’t informedof the fact that the MinnesotaGolden Gophers recently wonthe 2009 Big Ten IndoorChampionship in Track andField. And when I say theywon, I mean the men and thewomen won! The last time ateam achieved the feat ofclaiming both titles was lastcentury (1997 University ofWisconsin).

Leading this feat for themen’s team was a young (whenI say young, I mean born in1989…people born in 1989 are20-years-old now…time issomething else) Somalian manby the name of Hassan Mead.If his name is not terriblyfamiliar, it should be. Mead’strack and field prowess wasgroomed at none other thanMinneapolis South HighSchool, where he graduated in2006. At the 2009 Big TenIndoor Championships, Meadbecame the first Gophers manto capture two eventchampionship titles since 1999.The fact that those two eventswere the 3,000m and 5,000mraces undoubtedly makes bothyou and I tired just thinkingabout it.

Through the leadership ofMead, the Men’s GophersTrack team blew away the BigTen Conference scoring 135points. The next closest teamwas the University of Michiganwith 93 points.

Another local high schoolstar adding to the Gophers

Men’s point total was IbrahimKabia. Kabia is a 2004graduate of Champlain ParkHigh School and holds thestate high school record of10.49 seconds in the 100m

dash. At the Big Ten IndoorChampionship, Kabia finishedsecond in the 60m dash, but ittook the second best time in theChampionships history forAdam Harris of Michigan to

beat him. Kabia also competedin the 200m dash, but painfullymissed the finals by.005seconds (that’s 5 one-thousandths of a second…I feelfor you young Bro.).

Nonetheless, both Kabia andMead are two of our local starswho are able to stand proud forthe rest of their lives in sayingthat they were a major part ofbringing historic championship

glory to the state’s mostcelebrated university.

As for the GophersWomen’s team, they won theconference championship meetin an exciting squeaker, butthat may have been expected inthat they were the reigningchampions for 2007 and 2008,and thus the other powerfulBig 10 teams were all aimingto knock them from theirperch. No dice! Three-Peatbaby!

The exciting competitioncame down to the final race,the 4x400m relay. Anybodywho loves track loves the

excitement of a long meetcoming down to this final relayevent. That is about asexciting as it gets in sports.Naturally, there was somehomegrown talent that helpedto bring home the title througha fourth place finish in thatfinal event. Chioma Omeoga,a graduate of Irondale HighSchool was that person.Omeoga was a 2004 statechampion in the 200meterdash.

Former GatoradeMinnesota Girls Track Athleteof the Year Kylie Peterson ofApple Valley High School also

added to the massive depth inscoring by the Gophers byplacing third in the 60meterdash.

Both the Men’s andWomen’s teams are well intotheir outdoor seasons now, socertainly check the GophersAthletics website to catch oneof their home meets. No betterway to enjoy a nice dayoutdoors in Minnesota than tosit, munch on some Twizzlersand a hot dog, and watchsomebody else run (Lol!).Take a few city kids with youwhile you’re at it. A littleinspiration never hurt anyone.

SPORTS

By Ryan T. Scottryan@insightnews.com

Mr T’sSportsReport

http://insightnews.com Insight News • April 6 - April 12, 2009 • Page 11

Gophers track teams are the best in the midwest

www.gophersports.comMinnesota Golden Gophers 2009 Track and Field teams.

A LITTLE INSPIRATION NEVER HURT ANYONE

Page 12 • April 6 - April 12, 2009 • Insight News http://insightnews.com

We reserve the right to limit quantities and correct all printed errors. Not all varieties available at all locations. Prices subject to state and local taxes, if applicable. No sales to dealers. Purchase requirements exclude discounts, coupons, gift cards, lottery tickets and bus passes. Check out our website at: www.rainbowfoods.com *Free promotion will be applied to item of least value.

Cook’s Ham is differentfrom any other ham

because...

99¢Cook's Semi-Boneless

Whole or Half Ham

lb.

Prices Effective Sunday, April 5 through Saturday, April 11, 2009.

LIMIT 1 PKG. WITH THIS COUPON AND SEPARATE $25 PURCHASE

#00000-HCACAfOne coupon per family. Must present coupon

at time of purchase to receive sale price.

No reproductions accepted. Available only

at Rainbow Foods Stores.

199Spiral Sliced Half HamHoney or Brown SugarSAVE UP TO $1.00 LB.

lb.

All Stores are closed Easter SundayReopen at 6 am Monday, April 13th, 2009

(The Lakeville store will reopen at 7:00 am)

SAVE UP TO$65.00

WHEN YOU PURCHASE THESE

ADVERTISED SPECIALS

199Boneless Whole or Half HamSAVE UP TO $1.50 LB.

lb.

SUNDAY

APRIL5

MONDAY

APRIL6

TUESDAY

APRIL7

WEDNESDAY

APRIL8

THURSDAY

APRIL9

FRIDAY

APRIL10

SATURDAY

APRIL11

PRICES EFFECTIVE: SUNDAY, APRIL 5 THROUGH SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2009

We accept these credit & debit cards

2/4Premium

Strawberries1 Lb. Cntr.

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Roundy'sGranulated, Brownor Powdered SugarSelected 2 Lb. or 4 Lb. Varieties

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