So, my boy, Fonzo decided that instead of releasing the interview of two ACTUAL witnesses of Manuel Young's shooting incident on my blog (the guy shot by police who allegedly had a .38 pistol and had turned to fire), maybe it would be better to place it in the May edition of Lehigh Valley Flavor (www.lehighvalleyflavor.piczo.com). I had to agree because he has readership that "don't stop!"
Anyway, what you will see on the interview will not only be an example of the anger and frustration many are feeling in the inner city of A-town, but also possible solutions and ideas that could assist this city with its goal of improving itself.
It, also, was the birthplace of a new grassroots community group called PROTECT THE HOOD. We had our first meeting this evening. A call was put out to everyone who is tired of the madness occurring in Center City. We had 15 people show up and it consisted of several young adults, gang members, single parents, students, residents and concerned citizens who are ready to make it happen. Many attended in support of Manuel Young. Mr. Young's girlfriend, of seven years, even attended and spoke of her inability to speak to him or to have someone give her a straight answer about his health status. Her frustration was heart breaking....
This is a very eclectic group, to say the least, but at each meeting we are giving information about city and organizational programs, stressing the need for community involvement, creating events and projects that will allow voices to be heard throughout the Valley, discussing the real possibility of entrepreneurship and self sufficiency, and basically changing Allentown from the "inside out."
There are no politics, status symbols, agendas, or judging allowed. We all are important and are allowed to speak, vent, and get our thoughts into the open, in regards to changing this city for the better. It's for our children and our children's children.
It's time to stop allowing people to speak FOR and ABOUT us. We need to speak for ourselves. UPWARD BOUND, ALLENTOWN !
- J. Black
Monday, April 27, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
THERE ARE TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY......
I'm sorry I have been away for a minute, but things have been hectic around here. Shooting a demo dance video for my pet project THE COMEBACK OF J. BLACK...", helping promote events (THE MOTHER'S AND CHILDRENS APPRECIATION DINNER on May 2, 2009, www.lifestylesofthegss.piczo.com) and helping Alfonso obtain interviewees for his video segment "5 Minutes of Flavor" (www.lehighvalleyflavor.piczo.com) can be a full time job! But no matter, it's good to be back in the blogosphere.
So, the "word on the street" seems to be differing with the words from City officials when it comes to gang activity in the neighborhoods. WFMZ Channel 69 actually interviewed people who live in the "hood" while I believe the City may be getting their information from studies and speculation. Either way, I received word yesterday, from a reliable source, that about 100 gang members met at Jordan Park earlier this week. No one really knows what is being planned or is about to happen, but we definitely need to be on alert!
Alfonso's partner, Ben Nicholson, was contacted by the best friends of Manuel Young (the man shot by police outside of the bar Medinas last week) and they state that the story presented by the press is totally false! They wanted their story heard and came to us for an exclusive interview. I plan on showing their contrasting point of view very soon. It is raw and unedited, but will give you, my readers, some insight on how many feel and what life is like living in the inner city of Allentown. Parental guidance may be suggested....
Lastly, with all the violence, craziness, and confusion going "hardbody" in A-town (and it's not even summer yet) I had to ask if there is any solution? My boy, Alfonso, said this:
"It is disheartening to learn that we have such an abundance of programs in Allentown and yet there seems to be a growing problem when it comes to gangs, youth violence, and complacency. There is no simple answer, but from what I have experienced in my dealings with ACTUAL people in the community, on a daily basis, this is how they feel:
The City government doesn't care about them or their families
The community outreach programs don't "REALLY" reach out to those who need the assistance
Information about the programs isn't dispersed into the neighborhoods that need them the most
The people running and involved in the programs can't relate to the residents and the problems in the neighborhood
There is no consistency with the programs - "When the money and funding runs out, so do the people"
If people would stop thinking about politics, grants/funding, and status, perhaps a real change could be made in A-town...."
Truer words have never been spoken,
Peace and 1,
-J. Black
So, the "word on the street" seems to be differing with the words from City officials when it comes to gang activity in the neighborhoods. WFMZ Channel 69 actually interviewed people who live in the "hood" while I believe the City may be getting their information from studies and speculation. Either way, I received word yesterday, from a reliable source, that about 100 gang members met at Jordan Park earlier this week. No one really knows what is being planned or is about to happen, but we definitely need to be on alert!
Alfonso's partner, Ben Nicholson, was contacted by the best friends of Manuel Young (the man shot by police outside of the bar Medinas last week) and they state that the story presented by the press is totally false! They wanted their story heard and came to us for an exclusive interview. I plan on showing their contrasting point of view very soon. It is raw and unedited, but will give you, my readers, some insight on how many feel and what life is like living in the inner city of Allentown. Parental guidance may be suggested....
Lastly, with all the violence, craziness, and confusion going "hardbody" in A-town (and it's not even summer yet) I had to ask if there is any solution? My boy, Alfonso, said this:
"It is disheartening to learn that we have such an abundance of programs in Allentown and yet there seems to be a growing problem when it comes to gangs, youth violence, and complacency. There is no simple answer, but from what I have experienced in my dealings with ACTUAL people in the community, on a daily basis, this is how they feel:
The City government doesn't care about them or their families
The community outreach programs don't "REALLY" reach out to those who need the assistance
Information about the programs isn't dispersed into the neighborhoods that need them the most
The people running and involved in the programs can't relate to the residents and the problems in the neighborhood
There is no consistency with the programs - "When the money and funding runs out, so do the people"
If people would stop thinking about politics, grants/funding, and status, perhaps a real change could be made in A-town...."
Truer words have never been spoken,
Peace and 1,
-J. Black
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
SLIPPIN' IN THE DARKNESS........
You know it would almost be laughable if it weren't for the fact that the joke seems to be on US !
The latest "comedy of errors" in regards to Allentown, PA has to do with Daro's Fitness Center. They had a prominent location in downtown A-town and seemed to be trying to take the place of XERTEK, a gym that had been in the same location, previously, for nine years.
Now, to take it back, I run on a daily basis from Hamilton to Cedar Crest Park and I used to pass the new gym and see people doing their early morning work out. One day, a friend of mine, Stacy, caught me running past and came out yelling. She explained how the gym had just opened and she was helping put it together, and how she wanted me to get Alfonso to come and do a video interview with the owner for the e-newsletter, Lehigh Valley Flavor, www.lehighvalleyflavor.piczo.com . She invited me in and introduced me to the owner. He seemed okay. The equipment looked decent. I took a flier and told them I'd let Alfonso know and he'd be in touch. I was happy for Stacy and I made it a point to wave to her as I passed the establishment during my early morning treks.
Let's fast forward two weeks, where I bumped into Stacy at a local clothing store. I asked how she was doing. Her view of Daro's had changed. Apparently, she worked there for weeks and was told when the revenue started to come in, she would reap the rewards. Instead, she was let go and never paid for her past work.
I tend to judge businesses by how they treat their employess and this was not a good look. I told Alfonso and he decided not to give them an interview.
I figured, maybe, this was a case of bad management or a misunderstanding between Stacy and the owner. Who would've thought this would be a sign of things to come....
Well, it seems the City caught wind of Daro's, soon after, and gave them a ceremonial ribbon cutting and endorsements. They even advertised a $99.00/year membership. What do they say about things sounding too good to be true ?
Last weekend, Daro's Fitness Center eased out of town and while calls were made to the police, it didn't stop people from getting scammed royally.
Does it make anyone else nervous when a business, endorsed by the City, can do a "ghetto move" and slip away in the middle of the night (or over the weekend) ?
The latest "comedy of errors" in regards to Allentown, PA has to do with Daro's Fitness Center. They had a prominent location in downtown A-town and seemed to be trying to take the place of XERTEK, a gym that had been in the same location, previously, for nine years.
Now, to take it back, I run on a daily basis from Hamilton to Cedar Crest Park and I used to pass the new gym and see people doing their early morning work out. One day, a friend of mine, Stacy, caught me running past and came out yelling. She explained how the gym had just opened and she was helping put it together, and how she wanted me to get Alfonso to come and do a video interview with the owner for the e-newsletter, Lehigh Valley Flavor, www.lehighvalleyflavor.piczo.com . She invited me in and introduced me to the owner. He seemed okay. The equipment looked decent. I took a flier and told them I'd let Alfonso know and he'd be in touch. I was happy for Stacy and I made it a point to wave to her as I passed the establishment during my early morning treks.
Let's fast forward two weeks, where I bumped into Stacy at a local clothing store. I asked how she was doing. Her view of Daro's had changed. Apparently, she worked there for weeks and was told when the revenue started to come in, she would reap the rewards. Instead, she was let go and never paid for her past work.
I tend to judge businesses by how they treat their employess and this was not a good look. I told Alfonso and he decided not to give them an interview.
I figured, maybe, this was a case of bad management or a misunderstanding between Stacy and the owner. Who would've thought this would be a sign of things to come....
Well, it seems the City caught wind of Daro's, soon after, and gave them a ceremonial ribbon cutting and endorsements. They even advertised a $99.00/year membership. What do they say about things sounding too good to be true ?
Last weekend, Daro's Fitness Center eased out of town and while calls were made to the police, it didn't stop people from getting scammed royally.
Does it make anyone else nervous when a business, endorsed by the City, can do a "ghetto move" and slip away in the middle of the night (or over the weekend) ?
Friday, April 10, 2009
Jump Up To Get Beat Down....
Locally, the buzz in the street is about how City Councilman Michael Donovan got "rocked" in Bucky Boyle Park, in Allentown, PA, where the Weed and Seed Program headquarters is located. Now according to the press, he was leaving a youth meeting at the organization and saw 3 young people, aged 16 to 20, playing with a go-cart on the park's baseball diamond. The go-carts are illegal in A-town. So, after getting in his car to leave, he stopped near the guys and told them they shouldn't have the vehicle in the park. Apparently, some words were exchanged and then Donovan was sucker-punched in the face. On FACEBOOK he wrote that he had a possible broken jaw but was okay...
My people, my people...look, there are many different ways to look at this incident but only one right way to judge it. I've heard some say, he should've let the police handle it; minded his own business and kept it moving; etc but there still is no rational reason for him to get "clocked" as he did.
I don't know how he approached the fella's or what he said to them and in what manner, but, my boy, Alfonso Todd a.k.a Fonzo, told me that Michael Donovan, from his experience, wasn't the kind of man that would "come out of his neck" or say anything rude to anyone in this situation. I do know that some A-town youth do have a problem with authority and discipline. This younger generation is not impressed by age, status, or persona. There is definitely an "us versus them" mentality, on both sides of the spectrum in the community, which has only been widened with this occurence.
But, in all reality, incidents like this, happen everyday. It's an assault which became widespread news because it happened to a publicly known city official. While many are shaking their heads in disbelief and contempt for A-town youth, I hope the "leaders" will now see how important and vital it is to do more than dismiss the urban young people and create "feel good" programs. It's a testament to our society when a man of wisdom (he's a college professor) who was attempting to prevent the kids from getting in trouble, ends up getting knocked down for offering them advice.....
-J. Black
My people, my people...look, there are many different ways to look at this incident but only one right way to judge it. I've heard some say, he should've let the police handle it; minded his own business and kept it moving; etc but there still is no rational reason for him to get "clocked" as he did.
I don't know how he approached the fella's or what he said to them and in what manner, but, my boy, Alfonso Todd a.k.a Fonzo, told me that Michael Donovan, from his experience, wasn't the kind of man that would "come out of his neck" or say anything rude to anyone in this situation. I do know that some A-town youth do have a problem with authority and discipline. This younger generation is not impressed by age, status, or persona. There is definitely an "us versus them" mentality, on both sides of the spectrum in the community, which has only been widened with this occurence.
But, in all reality, incidents like this, happen everyday. It's an assault which became widespread news because it happened to a publicly known city official. While many are shaking their heads in disbelief and contempt for A-town youth, I hope the "leaders" will now see how important and vital it is to do more than dismiss the urban young people and create "feel good" programs. It's a testament to our society when a man of wisdom (he's a college professor) who was attempting to prevent the kids from getting in trouble, ends up getting knocked down for offering them advice.....
-J. Black
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Getting Tough On Protestors and Graffiti Artists
4/13 – “Should medical marijuana be legal?”
- Alfonso Todd, Blurb Media
- David Evans, Drug Free Schools Coalition
- Chris Goldstein, Coalition for Medical Marijuana of New Jersey
- Terry Farley, Former Prosecutor
PRODUCER’S NOTE: For a show about a substance that is supposed to mellow people out, this show was ANYTHING but calm. It also featured one of the first times in show history that Tony actually had to tell guests to stop talking over each other, because the arguments were that strenuous! We also had the guests arguing with each other during breaks and before the show. It made for an outstanding program, and not just because of the arguments, but because the guests’ passion was VERY apparent, as was their extensive knowledge of the topic.
-The Tony Ianelli Show on Channel 69 WFMZ
THIS is for those who didn't believe me yesterday about Fonzo being on TV. See, this is the proof! Well, kind of, anyway.
I see, once again, the Lehigh Valley will be on the world stage, and Allentown, PA, once again, will be on the outside looking in. Apparently, there will be nationwide demonstrations by conservative activists called Tax Day Tea Party Protests. Individuals will be demonstrating all over the Lehigh Valley and some organizers say there are 500 rallies scheduled in all 50 states on tax day.
These will be peaceful protests with guest speakers and discussions. Unfortunately, Allentown won't be participating because of the need for the demonstrators to obtain insurance, fees, etc, Say what ? I see protests every other week on Hamilton Street in downtown Allentown across from City Hall and the post office. Fonzo even had one a year ago, albeit a small one. (see www.projectreal.piczo.com) Either way, I am wondering if it would have been a good idea to waive the administrative cost. Why ? Well, it would have been great to see parts of the community come together and express/demonstrate another point of view for the public's view and, as was mentioned previously by the organizers, there are 500 rallies scheduled in all 50 states on the same day. Could this have not been a way to show the nation that Allentown, PA is here to stay, open for business, and a place where new ideas and policies can be presented for all to see ? It's not exactly a utopia, but like Fonzo explained, we will never know what type of media coverage we may have received from this event...
BUT this is what we have received so far: "Local organizer Kim Schmidtner tells QCD that the Queen City was too difficult to work with what with all its demands for $1 million in liability insurance and the cost of paying for police coverage. The other two Lehigh Valley cities: Much easier, she said.
So the protestors, who were looking at Cedar Beach, decided to just skip Allentown, Schmidtner said."
It's unfortunate, but there are other more important entities than organized protesters who have the same exact attitude regarding A-town...
And from my, "Is it THAT serious?" file, I saw that a 23 year old fellow named Daniel LaTorre has been captured and is supposedly the NERD tagger. If you live here in Allentown, PA, you have seen his work in one way or another. He was very indiscriminate in what he did and where he did it. He tagged buildings, newspaper machines, and tons of other locations. So, he was caught and admitted he belonged to the WSK-Wild Style Krew and stated he was an artist and was trying to gain fame and fortune. I love his ambition and drive but he, definitely, was headed in the wrong direction. The police estimated he did thousands of tags and did over $40,000.00 in damage. Believe this: They are going to make an example out of him. No doubt. So much so, he is getting hit with a charge of a felony to the third degree !
I don't believe this is the fame Daniel desired and it seems to be costing the City a small fortune to clean up. My only question is with so much energy and focus, where were the parents, community organizations, and even the arts associations to assist this young man and, yes, (there are others), to give them a more positive outlet ? It's crazy, but while resources and time are used to vilify this individual, I believe it could have been prevented if the same energy and gusto was used to reach into the community and truly see what is really going on...
-J. Black
- Alfonso Todd, Blurb Media
- David Evans, Drug Free Schools Coalition
- Chris Goldstein, Coalition for Medical Marijuana of New Jersey
- Terry Farley, Former Prosecutor
PRODUCER’S NOTE: For a show about a substance that is supposed to mellow people out, this show was ANYTHING but calm. It also featured one of the first times in show history that Tony actually had to tell guests to stop talking over each other, because the arguments were that strenuous! We also had the guests arguing with each other during breaks and before the show. It made for an outstanding program, and not just because of the arguments, but because the guests’ passion was VERY apparent, as was their extensive knowledge of the topic.
-The Tony Ianelli Show on Channel 69 WFMZ
THIS is for those who didn't believe me yesterday about Fonzo being on TV. See, this is the proof! Well, kind of, anyway.
I see, once again, the Lehigh Valley will be on the world stage, and Allentown, PA, once again, will be on the outside looking in. Apparently, there will be nationwide demonstrations by conservative activists called Tax Day Tea Party Protests. Individuals will be demonstrating all over the Lehigh Valley and some organizers say there are 500 rallies scheduled in all 50 states on tax day.
These will be peaceful protests with guest speakers and discussions. Unfortunately, Allentown won't be participating because of the need for the demonstrators to obtain insurance, fees, etc, Say what ? I see protests every other week on Hamilton Street in downtown Allentown across from City Hall and the post office. Fonzo even had one a year ago, albeit a small one. (see www.projectreal.piczo.com) Either way, I am wondering if it would have been a good idea to waive the administrative cost. Why ? Well, it would have been great to see parts of the community come together and express/demonstrate another point of view for the public's view and, as was mentioned previously by the organizers, there are 500 rallies scheduled in all 50 states on the same day. Could this have not been a way to show the nation that Allentown, PA is here to stay, open for business, and a place where new ideas and policies can be presented for all to see ? It's not exactly a utopia, but like Fonzo explained, we will never know what type of media coverage we may have received from this event...
BUT this is what we have received so far: "Local organizer Kim Schmidtner tells QCD that the Queen City was too difficult to work with what with all its demands for $1 million in liability insurance and the cost of paying for police coverage. The other two Lehigh Valley cities: Much easier, she said.
So the protestors, who were looking at Cedar Beach, decided to just skip Allentown, Schmidtner said."
It's unfortunate, but there are other more important entities than organized protesters who have the same exact attitude regarding A-town...
And from my, "Is it THAT serious?" file, I saw that a 23 year old fellow named Daniel LaTorre has been captured and is supposedly the NERD tagger. If you live here in Allentown, PA, you have seen his work in one way or another. He was very indiscriminate in what he did and where he did it. He tagged buildings, newspaper machines, and tons of other locations. So, he was caught and admitted he belonged to the WSK-Wild Style Krew and stated he was an artist and was trying to gain fame and fortune. I love his ambition and drive but he, definitely, was headed in the wrong direction. The police estimated he did thousands of tags and did over $40,000.00 in damage. Believe this: They are going to make an example out of him. No doubt. So much so, he is getting hit with a charge of a felony to the third degree !
I don't believe this is the fame Daniel desired and it seems to be costing the City a small fortune to clean up. My only question is with so much energy and focus, where were the parents, community organizations, and even the arts associations to assist this young man and, yes, (there are others), to give them a more positive outlet ? It's crazy, but while resources and time are used to vilify this individual, I believe it could have been prevented if the same energy and gusto was used to reach into the community and truly see what is really going on...
-J. Black
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Can't We ALL Just Get Along ?
So, my boy, Alfonso, well, Fonzo for short, was on WFMZ Channel 69 the other day. He was on the Tony Ianelli show, Business Matters. It was crazy because the topic was about the legalization of medical marijuana and he doesn't even smoke ! He has NEVER smoked ! He barely knows what weed even looks like ! LOL! But he did his best and did some online research so he could at least "conversate" intelligently.
But, yo, my pet peeve is this: Why was he not called to do a topic like "Non-profits and how they are affecting the people in Allentown" or "Young entrepreneurs and community leaders in the Lehigh Valley ?" No, he gets asked to be on a show with a topic NO ONE wanted to be associated with. Well, Fonzo said all exposure is good exposure, (unless you're that man in the alley in the long trenchcoat on a sunny day) but I think he is wrong and I've told him so many, many times.
Anyway, I wanted to see the footage and found it hadn't even aired yet, but while looking on the internet I ran across a Morning Call article talking about WFMZ Channel 69 and you KNOW I had to go to their comments page to see what was said and it was DISTURBING !
For those unfamiliar with the Morning Call's articles/blogs comments section, I'll say this: If you like to read some of the rudest, vilest, disrespectful and ignorant rantings, opinions, and beliefs, this might be your schtick....
Apparently, there are some very lonely guys through out the Valley because many were very harsh with their judgments of the news women; the weather guy was ridiculed to no end and poor Jaciel, the lone reporting "person of color", was called a token. Are we still that backwards in the Lehigh Valley ?
The next day, I read about an Obama look-alike who lives in Whitehall, PA and is making his "appearance" work for him by being an impersonator. He is traveling all over the world and doing commercials and events. Again, I went to the the Morning Call comments and found more bitterness and anger. Incredible !
So today, I saw President Obama had eased into the war zone and made a visit with the troops. Awesome! This is what America is all about! Support our soldiers !
U-S-A ! U-S-A! Why did I have to go look ? Did I really expect anything different ? I guess some people will ALWAYS have something bad to say.
My point is this, I don't believe the people who make the mean-spirited comments are a representation of the majority of the Valley, but just to know there are people like this, who still exist, makes me wonder am I wrong when I defend the LV to my friends in Baltimore, NYC, or Philly ?
When will the closed minds open ? When will "diversity" and "multi-culturalism" stop being scary words ? When will people realize that America is and has always been a melting pot and it is overflowing with different colors, cultures, and beliefs in our society ? And, in my opinion, THIS is what makes our country great !
- J. Black
But, yo, my pet peeve is this: Why was he not called to do a topic like "Non-profits and how they are affecting the people in Allentown" or "Young entrepreneurs and community leaders in the Lehigh Valley ?" No, he gets asked to be on a show with a topic NO ONE wanted to be associated with. Well, Fonzo said all exposure is good exposure, (unless you're that man in the alley in the long trenchcoat on a sunny day) but I think he is wrong and I've told him so many, many times.
Anyway, I wanted to see the footage and found it hadn't even aired yet, but while looking on the internet I ran across a Morning Call article talking about WFMZ Channel 69 and you KNOW I had to go to their comments page to see what was said and it was DISTURBING !
For those unfamiliar with the Morning Call's articles/blogs comments section, I'll say this: If you like to read some of the rudest, vilest, disrespectful and ignorant rantings, opinions, and beliefs, this might be your schtick....
Apparently, there are some very lonely guys through out the Valley because many were very harsh with their judgments of the news women; the weather guy was ridiculed to no end and poor Jaciel, the lone reporting "person of color", was called a token. Are we still that backwards in the Lehigh Valley ?
The next day, I read about an Obama look-alike who lives in Whitehall, PA and is making his "appearance" work for him by being an impersonator. He is traveling all over the world and doing commercials and events. Again, I went to the the Morning Call comments and found more bitterness and anger. Incredible !
So today, I saw President Obama had eased into the war zone and made a visit with the troops. Awesome! This is what America is all about! Support our soldiers !
U-S-A ! U-S-A! Why did I have to go look ? Did I really expect anything different ? I guess some people will ALWAYS have something bad to say.
My point is this, I don't believe the people who make the mean-spirited comments are a representation of the majority of the Valley, but just to know there are people like this, who still exist, makes me wonder am I wrong when I defend the LV to my friends in Baltimore, NYC, or Philly ?
When will the closed minds open ? When will "diversity" and "multi-culturalism" stop being scary words ? When will people realize that America is and has always been a melting pot and it is overflowing with different colors, cultures, and beliefs in our society ? And, in my opinion, THIS is what makes our country great !
- J. Black
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Can organic food become an endangered species ???
The word on the street is that the the federal government is lowering health standards for the American public by possibly agreeing to pass a bill that would force organic farmers to use fertilizers and insect sprays to 'protect' the food supply.
I scoped out the following article and thought you all might see the craziness in it too. Read it, follow the links, and write to your congressman and senators asking them to vote NO !
A fellow blogger wrote, "As a country, we need to encourage healthy habits which include stopping putting chemicals in our bodies... So much for supporting a naturally healthy America and decreasing long term medical costs." I am feeling those words immensely....
Bill to Outlaw Organic Gardening
Subject: Monsanto: A bill to outlaw organic farming next week?
US House and Senate are about (in a week and a half) to vote on bill that will OUTLAW ORGANIC FARMING (bill HR 875). There is an enormous rush to get this into law within the next 2 weeks before people realize what is happening.
Main backer and lobbyist is (guess who) Monsanto (aspartame maker) - chemical and genetic engineering giant corporation. This bill will require organic farms to use specific fertilizers and poisonous insect sprays dictated by the newly formed agency to "make sure there is no danger to the public food supply". This will include backyard gardens that grow food only for a family and not for sales.
If this passes then NO more heirloom clean seeds but only Monsanto genetically altered seeds that are now showing up with unexpected diseases in humans.
The name on this outrageous food plan is Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009 (bill HR 875).
THIS IS REAL, FOLKS! PASS THIS ALONG TO ALL CONCERNED ON YOUR MAILING LISTS & CALL YOUR SENATE REPRESENTETIVES TODAY! Get on that phone and burn up the wires. Get anyone else you can to do the same thing. The House and Senate WILL pass this if they are not massively threatened with loss of their position.... They only fear your voice and your vote.
The best thing to do is go to http://www.house.gov/writerep all you have to do is put in your zip and it will give you your congressperson and how to get in touch with them. When you call their office someone will answer the phone, just tell them (politely) that you are calling to express your views on HR 875. Tell them your views, they'll take your name and address and pass your comments along to the congressperson. Congress bill 875
Write to your representative !
DON'T JUST TALK ABOUT IT, BE ABOUT IT !!!
- J.
I scoped out the following article and thought you all might see the craziness in it too. Read it, follow the links, and write to your congressman and senators asking them to vote NO !
A fellow blogger wrote, "As a country, we need to encourage healthy habits which include stopping putting chemicals in our bodies... So much for supporting a naturally healthy America and decreasing long term medical costs." I am feeling those words immensely....
Bill to Outlaw Organic Gardening
Subject: Monsanto: A bill to outlaw organic farming next week?
US House and Senate are about (in a week and a half) to vote on bill that will OUTLAW ORGANIC FARMING (bill HR 875). There is an enormous rush to get this into law within the next 2 weeks before people realize what is happening.
Main backer and lobbyist is (guess who) Monsanto (aspartame maker) - chemical and genetic engineering giant corporation. This bill will require organic farms to use specific fertilizers and poisonous insect sprays dictated by the newly formed agency to "make sure there is no danger to the public food supply". This will include backyard gardens that grow food only for a family and not for sales.
If this passes then NO more heirloom clean seeds but only Monsanto genetically altered seeds that are now showing up with unexpected diseases in humans.
The name on this outrageous food plan is Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009 (bill HR 875).
THIS IS REAL, FOLKS! PASS THIS ALONG TO ALL CONCERNED ON YOUR MAILING LISTS & CALL YOUR SENATE REPRESENTETIVES TODAY! Get on that phone and burn up the wires. Get anyone else you can to do the same thing. The House and Senate WILL pass this if they are not massively threatened with loss of their position.... They only fear your voice and your vote.
The best thing to do is go to http://www.house.gov/writerep all you have to do is put in your zip and it will give you your congressperson and how to get in touch with them. When you call their office someone will answer the phone, just tell them (politely) that you are calling to express your views on HR 875. Tell them your views, they'll take your name and address and pass your comments along to the congressperson. Congress bill 875
Write to your representative !
DON'T JUST TALK ABOUT IT, BE ABOUT IT !!!
- J.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Keeping It Real For the Masses
So, locally, in Allentown, PA, the word on the street is that we are broke. I mean, not broke as in pockets that are turned inside out, but broke as in, not having the money we were TOLD we were going to have; broke to the point where the Mayor has said EVERYTHING is on the table and no one is safe; broke to the point where people in City Hall are afraid of losing THEIR jobs; and broke to the point where private meetings are being held because they don't want us to know exactly how broke the City REALLY is. It looks like Allentown may need a "hustle" of its' own to get by...
And to add insult to injury, we may not be receiving any of the millions of dollars in stimulus money available for "shovel ready" projects because, frankly, we don't have anything that is "shovel ready". So much for the Allentown leaders being organized, prepared, and poised for the future. If we ran our jobs like this city is being managed, we would've been FIRED like yesterday!
Now, all we can do is hope that there are some crumbs left over and maybe something will trickle down to us. Please, bow your heads and let us pray..(that none of our bridges collapse while waiting for these funds).
Internationally, there was a big deal made of Michelle Obama "touching" Queen Elizabeth during the royal ceremony. Apparently, this is a big no-no. But what's worse, is that the Queen touched her affectionately, first. (Oh the horror!)
I believe the Queen was finally happy that some REAL people in a leadership role came to her spot, hooked her up with an I-pod, and didn't kiss her "pomp and circumstance." Again, much ado about nothing. People are starving, being killed, losing homes, and being crippled by debt, and all the news can focus on are two women sharing a warm and genuine moment.
Lastly, for those who hunger for some raw and uncensored spoken word, also known as rap, there is a new site available known as Five Minutes of Fame, (www.fiveminutesoffame.piczo.com) that is "off the chain!" Every month 9-10 local entertainers will be showcasing their talent, whether dancing, singing, spitting i.e. rapping, etc and YOU can vote on who YOU believe is the best! Go take a look. I will say Parental Guidance may be advised due to language and subject matter, but if you allow your kids to look at the movie "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle", does it really matter?
- J. Black
And to add insult to injury, we may not be receiving any of the millions of dollars in stimulus money available for "shovel ready" projects because, frankly, we don't have anything that is "shovel ready". So much for the Allentown leaders being organized, prepared, and poised for the future. If we ran our jobs like this city is being managed, we would've been FIRED like yesterday!
Now, all we can do is hope that there are some crumbs left over and maybe something will trickle down to us. Please, bow your heads and let us pray..(that none of our bridges collapse while waiting for these funds).
Internationally, there was a big deal made of Michelle Obama "touching" Queen Elizabeth during the royal ceremony. Apparently, this is a big no-no. But what's worse, is that the Queen touched her affectionately, first. (Oh the horror!)
I believe the Queen was finally happy that some REAL people in a leadership role came to her spot, hooked her up with an I-pod, and didn't kiss her "pomp and circumstance." Again, much ado about nothing. People are starving, being killed, losing homes, and being crippled by debt, and all the news can focus on are two women sharing a warm and genuine moment.
Lastly, for those who hunger for some raw and uncensored spoken word, also known as rap, there is a new site available known as Five Minutes of Fame, (www.fiveminutesoffame.piczo.com) that is "off the chain!" Every month 9-10 local entertainers will be showcasing their talent, whether dancing, singing, spitting i.e. rapping, etc and YOU can vote on who YOU believe is the best! Go take a look. I will say Parental Guidance may be advised due to language and subject matter, but if you allow your kids to look at the movie "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle", does it really matter?
- J. Black
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
THE GENESIS
So, here I am. Thinking, writing, wondering, and creating.....When Alfonso asked me to do this blog, I was like, "What the hell?!" Don't I do ENOUGH for him when it comes to his e-newsletter, Lehigh Valley Flavor (www.lehighvalleyflavor.piczo.com) ? Plus, he has me dancing this summer and doing "performance art" of ALL things. I don't know. If he keeps this up, I may have to REALLY come thru and show him how it's really done. Well, just so everyone knows, I am J. Black. You may have heard of me. I had a little company called J. Black Productions and Promotions and was well known in Allentown when it came to photography and such a couple of years ago. Unfortunately, due to some 'messed up" incidents, it all went down the drain. I won't bore you with the details, but let's just say, there are many people in this world who say they want it, but in reality, are not willing to do what it takes to GET it ! I am going full steam with this blog , though, and am going to make sure that my voice is NEVER muffled again because THIS time I'm not depending on ANYONE but ME, MYSELF, and I. I am assisting Alfonso and his new partner, Ben Nicholson, (www.lifestylesofthegss.piczo.com) with some new up-coming projects, but I mainly will be the one out there causing a ruckus and making you take a double take. The reason being, is because like my profile picture, "I am tired of people looking at me sideways..." So be prepared! I am going to say what I want, how I want, and when I want on ANY issue whether local, regional, or international because like my man, Cedric the Entertainer said, " I'm a grown-ass man!" Lehigh Valley may not be ready for this, but HERE I AM and I ain't going NOWHERE! So, let's keep it real and keep it funky!!!! - J
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