LANSING, MI- The internet has enriched our lives but it also has become fertile ground for illegal activity.  Whether at home, the public library or at school children have access to the internet and are sometimes more computer savvy than their parents.  Unfortunately,     children aren't aware that posting too much online is becoming a popular way that child predators reach potential victims.  Internet crimes can also lead to kidnapping, sexual molestation, torture and death when the online predator is looking for
victims among the naive and unwary. 

_{Daniel Allen Everett, above, capture number 198 was arrested in a to “Catch a Predator” type sting in Michigan. Courtesy Photo}

EAST LANSING, MI --Over 20 Michigan State University students will transform into models during MSU's Homecoming Weekend in the second annual ICONZ Fashion Show. Hosted by PS Magazine and Purpose Student Organization, the show features clothing from local and national retail stores in the East Lansing area along with pieces from up and coming designers. The style driven production is different from the norm and the producers plan to tell a story to their audience on October, 5.

Cyrus McNeal, creator of the fashion show said last year  that the crowd was enthusiastic and very pleased with the end result of the fashion show.  Courtesy photos

The childhood photos of former Boys & Girls Clubs of America" members Denzel Washington, Shaquille O'Neal, Jackie Joyner-Kersee and others are featured in a new ad campaign for the organization, titled "BE GREAT."

RESPONDING TO  INJUSTICE
  featuring Prosecutor
  Stuart Dunnings
 
Sunday, September 28, 2008 (1-3pm)
 
Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing, 855 Grove St. East Lansing, MI 48823
 
In May 2008, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing and Edgewood United Church of Christ hosted an event to welcome Claude McCollum back to our community.  Thank you for showing your support and sharing in the vision that our community will not tolerate injustice.
 

LANSING, MI -- At the end of September one lucky family will be surprised when ABC's “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” crew knocks on their door.   One of five families that live close to or in Lansing were nominated for the TV show.  This will be the third home built in the state.

 
Since the advent of the Reagan years, fiscal conservatives have constantly railed against any government assistance whatsoever for the middle-class, labeling the practice “wealth redistribution.”  But the national financial crises over the past three decades, including the current proposal by the U.S. government to bail out high-level Wall Street conglomerates, reveal the hypocrisy of their argument.  Conservatives are only against wealth redistribution when the funds are directed from them to the middle-class and poor. But they wholeheartedly support wealth that is transferred from the poor and middle-class to their coffers.

Off to school again for the 1st and 2nd grade children in the Risper household.  I think that summer dragged on this year and I was starting to feel it in my bones.  Labor Day marks less labor for me. It seems like I work harder in the summer.  I think that children get lazy and restless.  They stay up late and if you have the leisure, you don't have to worry about them getting up to do anything.  Early morning cartoons and late night features become a major part of their lives and then Labor Day hits.

We would love to hear your thoughts about our articles.  Letters, e-mail and photos should include your name, address, and daytime and evening phone numbers.  Letters may be edited for length and clarity; photographs can only be returned with a self-addressed stamped envelope.  Address : The New Citizens Press, Opinions, PO Box 19006, Lansing, MI 48901; or e-mail us at tncp@comcast.net.

New Resolution #39: VOTE!

I love my life. God has blessed me. One of the greatest gifts that I have is the ability to be positive most of the time; however, this isn't one of those times. The reason why is, I'm sick and tired of people who could care less about the feelings of others around them. I believe that when given the opportunity to be a positive and motivating force in the life of someone who trusts and looks to you that you should as much as you can be responsible.

Studio:  Overture Films
Plot:  A pair of veteran New York City police detectives are on the trail of a vigilante serial killer.
Cast:   Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, John Leguizamo and Donnie Wahlberg
Rating:     R
Bottom Line: **

Junie B. Jones Has a Peep in Her Pocket
By Barbara Park
ISBN:  978-0-375-80040-5
Publisher:  Random House
Available:  Bookstores everywhere
 

Some young men and women currently going as soldiers into the Bush Iraqi war were born during the first Iraqi war and now old enough to vote.  Iraq had marched its army into Kuwait stealing a huge oil field.  George Bush, Sr., an experienced diplomat, rallied support though the United Nations for a swift and decisive counter-attack driving the Iraqi army back into Iraq.

Winning the Obesity War - Part 3 of 3                                                              

 “Beverages & Calories at a Glance”

LANSING, MI -- To many who attended The State of Our Health: Through the Voices of Our People symposium, the day was filled with informative and engaging speakers and vendor tables.

Q: I've been encouraged to write a business plan for my new business idea and have no clue what to do.  Does the library have any books that can help me?

LANSING, MI -- With a lot of pressing issues facing us in today's world, health has always been at the top of the list, especially for African Americans and low-income people.

Left :Christine Johnson, speaker; Rina Risper, coordinator of the SOOH event; Monica Jahner from the NorthWest Initiative’s ARRO program and Jolinda Wade, speaker.
Photo by Michael Jennings

Left: Jerry Cullen, owner of Salem Medical provided foot exams for attendees.  Dr. Peter B. Wollschlaeger and Dr. Maher Al-Sheikh discuss their talking points for the diabetes panel.  Photo by Michael Jennings

 Will Smith has his sights set on the lead role in "The Last Pharoah," a Columbia drama to be penned by "Braveheart" writer Randall Wallace and produced by Smith's Overbrook Entertainment.

Census release shows more are without health insurance
 
Michigan’s families continued to struggle with falling wages and rising poverty in 2007 as income fell sharply below the national median income and the poverty rate jumped, according to Census Bureau data released today.
 

LANSING, MI -- Capital City Community Action Network (CCCAN) and The New Citizens Press joined forces with Everybody Reads Bookstore located at 2019 E. Michigan Avenue (Next to Gone Wired) and just completed a month long book drive for prisoners. 

Alanah Durfee gives books to Everybody Reads Proprietor Scott Harris for the prison book drive.  Harris’ bookstore is located at 2019 E. Michigan Avenue.   TNCP photo

There are so many types of relationships. I thought about trying to list examples. However the variety seemed almost infinite. Of course I could categorize them simply by saying there are family, friends, romantic, and professional relationships. When I look at the words it seems pretty black and white but when I think about how many different ways they can overlap it seems almost daunting to sort it all out. I did not even mention those relations that are developed through the World Wide Web. Technology sure has changed things extraordinarily hasn't it? I am beginning to wonder if that is for our benefit.

Q: I am working on starting a business and I understand that I need to choose a structure for my business.  I'm not sure what would be most appropriate for my situation.  Where can I get some more information on this topic?

We featured a two part story about Melik in our August 17, 2008 - August 30, 2008 edition and our August 31, 2008 - September 13, 2008 edition.  He received this response from a woman whose husband had a stroke.  To read “One Man’s Stroke” log on to www.tncp.net.

Maybe God has blessed you with children to care for or maybe you're a leader of thousands of people.  Maybe you're the president of a great country like the United States. Many of you can relate to having children depending on you for everything, so let's all move to the larger picture.

“Will an assault rifle make your child a big shot?”

The Pursuit of Happyness
By Chris Gardner
ISBN:  0-06-074487-1
Publisher:  Amistad
Available:  Bookstores everywhere
 

Our Journeys/Our Stories: Portraits of Latino Achievement will be at the Michigan State University Museum located on West Circle Drive, East Lansing from September 16, 2008 to January 4, 2009.

Inventor Armando Rositas of Lansing holds the ”Swimming Buddy”.  He believes that it will help lower water accident casualties.

Ice Cube is a Hip Hop icon, no doubt about it. Yet with more than ten albums under his belt - including new release “Raw Footage” - he has gained notoriety for doing more than just rapping. Cube made the transition from Hip Hop star to actor and film celebrity in 1991, first appearing as Darin “Doughboy” Baker in director John Singleton's urban neighborhood drama “Boyz N The Hood”. Ice Cube has since starred in twenty-three movies, his twenty-third being current release “The Longshots”.

The State of Our Health :  Through the Voice of Our People’s vendors will be available to provide information on health issues, life insurance, nutrition in an  Exhibit Area located in the gymnasium.

Traveling abroad is an extremely rewarding experience.  It could be one of the most meaningful things that you do.  As a student travels abroad is one of the most transformative experiences of their lives.  

Tariq Brown has been chosen to go to Japan.  Courtesy photo

Many young people have started college on campuses across the country.  Can you imagine having a wife, 5 children and a full-time job and going to college, as well?  Imagine adding being an active soldier in a war. 

LANSING, MI --  The Open Door Ministry of Downtown Lansing has received two grants from the Capital Region Community Foundation to further its services to needy individuals and families.

Central United Methodist Church located across the street from the Capitol has become a haven for many of Lansing’s homeless. TNCP photo

Nu Resolution #37: Hi. Can I get a twenty piece "crack chicken"?

We would love to hear your thoughts about our articles.  Letters, e-mail and photos should include your name, address, and daytime and evening phone numbers.  Letters may be edited for length and clarity; photographs can only be returned with a self-addressed stamped envelope.  Address : The New Citizens Press, Opinions, PO Box 19006, Lansing, MI 48901; or e-mail us at tncp@comcast.net.
**Please note that you will need to provide your full address, first and last name and signature.  If you send you message by e-mail please include your phone number.

I had a conversation not too long ago with an acquaintance about computers and the internet. She told me that she didn't own a computer.   Our conversation made me think about how many people didn't have a computer or the internet.  In this day and age, both seem to be invaluable to everyday living.  More people work from their homes for a living.  They sometimes have two internet accounts because of the demand from work and home.

We’re having a symposium and we would love to see you there. Bethlehem Temple is a beautiful church and has welcomed many people from all walks of life.  It’s close to the highway and the CATA bus line so it will be easy for people to get there.

Water for Elephants
By Sara Gruen
ISBN:  13-978-1-56512-560-5
Publisher:  Algonquin Books
Available:  Bookstores everywhere

Black Diaspora By Ruby Richardson

When Melik was 38 years old he had a stroke.  He will be a presenter at The State of Our Health: Through the Voices of Our People on September 6, 2008 at Bethlehem Temple.

World War III - Part 2  “Winning the Fight against the Battle of the Bulge”

LANSING, MI -- Helping people hold on to hope: Death does not sever a person’s connection with their family. Death is regarded as a transition where one proceeds from the present life to another world. Collaboration between the Safe Miles for Jasmine Committee, a conceptual artist, quilt shop owner and quilting group raise the awareness of pedestrian safety concerns of children in Lansing.

Left: Artist, educator and activist, Judith F. Baca is featured in the exhibit Our Journeys/Our Stories: Portraits of Latino Achievement

Smithsonian traveling exhibit: Our Journeys/Our Stories: Portraits of Latino Achievement will be at the Michigan State University Museum located on West Circle Drive, East Lansing from September 16, 2008 to January 4, 2009. 

The week of July 14, 2008, I had the honor of attending the Civitan sponsored Youth Leadership and Diversity Conference at Hillsdale College in southern Michigan.

Left:  Barack Obama gives a
passionate speech

Bottom: A police car on fire the morning Senator Obama came to Lansing

Remarks of Senator Barack Obama
New Energy for America
Michigan State University
Monday, August 4th, 2008
Lansing, Michigan
 

LANSING, MI -- Jolinda Wade, mother of Miami Heat's Dwayne Wade and Christine Johnson, mother of Earvin “Magic” Johnson will speak about health issues affecting the family on September 6, 2008 at Bethlehem Temple located at 1518 S. Washington Avenue.  Several Issues will be covered (subject to change):

The world is going to be quieter without actor/comedian Bernie Mac and soul legend Isaac Hayes. 

Both men died a day apart.  They are both featured in the movie Soul Men that is scheduled to be released in November 2008.

Kenneth “Cookie” Frazier, Jr. tragically drowned at a Mid-Michigan state park.   It happened at Tawas Point State Park in East Tawas on Friday, July 25, 2008.  He drowned in Lake Huron while on a weeklong camp trip with other students from the Lansing area.

We would love to hear your thoughts about our articles.  Letters, e-mail and photos should include your name, address, and daytime and evening phone numbers.  Letters may be edited for length and clarity; photographs can only be returned with a self-addressed stamped envelope.  Address : The New Citizens Press, Opinions, PO Box 19006, Lansing, MI 48901; or e-mail us at tncp@comcast.net.
**Please note that you will need to provide your full address, first and last name and signature.  If you send you message by e-mail please include your phone number.

I felt very special covering my first Presidential rally.  Barack Obama spoke on August 4th (Obama's birthday) at the Lansing Center.  I was up early and excited about the opportunity.  I was so comfortable and nervous at the same time.

As a child growing up with eight siblings, one word that I can't remember ever hearing was the word “allergy”. No one in my family had a problem with allergies. In fact, I don't think I knew anyone with allergies when I was growing up.

“Should I hate you because you're arrogant instead?”

Studio: Universal  Pictures
Plot: The mummy of an ancient Chinese Emperor cursed by a witch 2,000 years ago is brought back to life.
Cast:   Brendan Fraser, Jet Li, Maria Bello, John Hannah, Michelle Yeoh, Luke Ford, Isabella Leong
Rating:     PG-13
Bottom Line:     *1/2

Our Black Fathers:  Brave, Bold and Beautiful
By Various Authors
ISBN: 978-0-9817784-0-2
Publisher: Sisters Publishing
Available:  Bookstores everywhere

One of the poems written by Joslyn Gaines Vanderpool in her collection.

TURKISH  FESTIVAL SET FOR AUGUST 23, EVE RECEIVES GRANT FOR GIRLS, FUND RAISER FOR PIONEER CIVITAN CLUB, Lansing family represents in this month's "Ebony Magazine",

One Man’s Stroke

Part I of II
When Melik was 38 years old he had a stroke.  He will be a presenter at The State of Our Health: Through the Voices of Our People on September 6, 2008 at Bethlehem Temple. 

The week of July 14, 2008, I had the honor of attending the Civitan sponsored Youth Leadership and Diversity Conference at Hillsdale College in southern Michigan.

Q:    Are there any resources at the library that can help me get more traffic to my business website?

As a young boy, Quassan Castro, started receiving messages for the people around him.   His visions first came to him in dreams and he didn't quite understand the depth of the messages.   Not sure how people would respond he kept the messages to himself. Even more interesting, he didn't want to invade in others personal spaces by offering them a message without asking.

Top: Eastern student Karalyn Grimes performed haikus.
Left:  Featured poet, Logic, writes while
waiting to read his poetry.  Logic is also a host on the late night show “TextMe TV”.  He
performs with the Ann Arbor Slam team and hosts a poetry reading at the Green River Cafe at 307 Mac Ave. in East Lansing in the Fall.

'Your happiness is the air that I breathe, and I’d do anything just  to take one last breath' - from “Crushed” a poem written by Logic

Left: Jolinda Wade, mother of Miami Heat’s Dwayne Wade and Right: Christine Johnson, mother of Magic Johnson to speak about health issue affecting  the family on September 6, 2008 at
Bethlehem Temple.

Renowned financial advisor  and television personatility slated to begin “Woman and Money” column

Two other syndicated columnists, Cheryl Lavin and Phillip J. Milano join too

Vintage movie posters highlighting various facets of the African-American cultural experience as represented in early film return on postage when the U.S. Postal Service issues the Vintage Black Cinema stamps.

On November 26, 2006 at a press conference in Los Angeles guess who said this: "We will challenge and urge all artists and comics to stop using this (n) word. What other group is subjected to such a degrading terminology?"

I hope that your summer is  going well.  I’ve finally calmed down after my son Gianni’s graduation.  I don’t remember a time when I was more joyful.

New Resolution #35: Buy a GPS unit. Stop driving each other crazy.

The Dark Knight

Studio:     Warner Bros. (2 hrs. 35 mins.)
Plot:     The Caped Crusader returns, protecting Gotham City from the mad criminal mastermind, The Joker.
Cast:     Christian Bale, Heath Ledger, Morgan Freeman, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Michael Caine
Rating:     R
Bottom Line:    ****

Live What You Love
By Bob and Melinda Blanchard
ISBN:  1-4027-2842-5
Publisher:  Sterling Publishing Company, Inc.
Available:  Bookstores everywhere

Escape from State Terrorism by Aung Way

World War III…“A Global Battle of the Bulge”

CNN devoted two nights of coverage July 23-24 to being Black in America. The news coverage was the subject of discussion and writing done by young participants in Youth Speak South Shore, a Chicago-based media
literacy and writing
program.

Q:    My biggest challenge is marketing my small business.  Are there any books at the library that can help me with this?

Grand Marshall Mrs. Dorothy Kennedy surrounded by children at the Letts Community Center during a press
conference about the parade and
festivities.

Photo by Michael Jennings

LANSING, MI – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today signed legislation that offers a Michigan income tax credit to individuals who make in-kind food donations to food banks, food pantries, and homeless shelters as part of a matching program with a participating food retailer.

 Presidential hopeful turns down request to sponsor car in Sprint Cup series

                    _{Obama seen with Governer Granholm}

AFRICAN AMERICANS ARE MORE OFTEN TARGETED BY PHONE FRAUD - Learn the steps to recognize and report a scam. Many types of fraud start with a phone call.  Do you know who's calling you?

It feels good when someone shows appreciation for something that you have done. A simple gesture of gratitude can promptly put a positive spin on an otherwise mediocre day. I have always felt that positive reinforcement goes a lot further than any negative feedback. I do understand sometimes someone might have to just break it down to brass tacks. That may be necessary but uncomfortable, however if done skillfully it can still be a favorable transaction. I believe that you would agree that being positive is good. Am I wrong?  

Democrats Rush to Dump Felon Voting Bans

If you could be granted one wish, what would it be? Think about that question for a minute.   You would have to know what's important to you. Would your one wish be about you and only you?  Would you ask for riches enough to last you a hundred lifetimes so that you could eat, drink and be merry?

I carried an article around with me in 1996 when JonBenet Patricia Ramsey was murdered the day after Christmas.  My birthday is December 27, so to hear about such a heinous crime on a day that was supposed to be so joyful for me stuck to the hairs on the back of my neck like a yoke.

In our July 6, 2008 - July 19, 2008 edition our feature story was “ Local Woman Teaches Lessons of Dignity”.  It was about Marilouise Smith-Mays , an educator and librarian . She owns Private All Ages Language School (PAALS), which assists those who need tutoring or reading assistance.

Studio:     Sony Pictures (90 min.)
Plot:     A misunderstood superhero turns to the help of a PR agent to improve his image.
Cast:    Will Smith, Jason Bateman, Charlize Theron
Rating:     PG-13
Bottom Line:     **1/2

Celebrate Through Heartsongs
By Mattie J. T. Stephanek
ISBN:  0-7868-6945-3
Publisher:  Hyperion Books
Available:  Bookstores everywhere

Q:    I'd like to better understand mutual funds.  I have money going into my 401(k) and I don't really know what I'm getting for my money.

SUPPORT EQUALS MENTAL HEALTH

In my three years in high school, I have found that there are a lot of things that need to be changed, but the ones I want to discuss is diversity and student motivation.

Reading is Fundamental:  Tim Wong, who's a former student of Marilouise Smith-Mays visited her recently.  Mays specializes in teaching adults how to read or improve their reading skills. Photo by Quincy Allan Hodges

MICHIGAN -- Michigan has had more than its share of economic hardships in recent years, but when Michigan voters were asked the biggest economic problem facing their family, the cost of fuel trumped everything. Gas prices have risen to $4.15 across the nation. 

Is Eddie Murphy getting tired of the Hollywood grind? While plugging his upcoming film "Meet Dave," due in theaters July 11, the actor told "Extra's" Tanika Ray that he may leave movies for good and return to his roots on stage.      

LANSING, MI - Ken Wyniemko was convicted of a rape he didn't commit in 1994. Wyniemko was freed from prison in 2004, after spending 9 years locked up.   The results of DNA test of a cigarette butt and semen stained nylons showed that it didn't match his DNA.  Although, Wyniemko professed his innocence, he was convicted of rape and burglary.   A court appointed attorney assigned to Wyniemko's case had less than a week to prepare for his defense.  The jury also heard from a jailhouse informant who was spared a life sentence for his testimony that Wyniemko confessed.  Even though the victim was blindfolded and the attacker wore a ski mask, she said she was certain that it was Wyniemko.  A judge exceeded the sentencing guidelines because Wyniemko didn't show remorse and sentenced him to 40 - 60 years in prison.

Dr. Judi Brown Clarke, Silver Medalist in the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, California

Before you sign on the dotted line, check it out before you check in:
 
Would-be travelers are spending  thousands of dollars to take advantage of travel deals that didn’t exist.

One company was also ordered to pay $70,000 in restitution to the Michigan Attorney General’s Office.

When I was eight I remember my mother walking into the kitchen where I was sitting and announcing, “This is my week to be mean.” Nothing else. I was utterly confused. I understood the parent child relationship that every week, no everyday, had the potential of mom being mean. What made this week any different than any other? Being at that age I did not get the connection when she made that announcement about once a month. I would just politely get up from where I was hearing that announcement and send myself to my room. If mom was going to be mean I was not going to be the one to bring her there.

New Resolution #34: Lifeguards should be driven to pay attention at all times while on duty. And tell your friends to take a swim.

Friends how many of us have them?  Most of us would say that they have close friends in their lives.  My questions to you is has the friendship been tested and held up?  Are you sure?  Do you know if it came down to it that they would save your life without hesitating? Would your friend be willing to part with a kidney if you needed one?

As we prepare ourselves to go through the next growing phase at The New Citizens Press, we’re beginning to experience growing pains.

In our March 30 - April 12, 2008 edition our feature story was “Sentencing Children to Die in Michigan?”.  It was about Efren Paredes, a Latino and former high school honor student from Berrien County, was  arrested at the age of 15.

Studio:   Universal Pictures
Plot: A mild-mannered office worker becomes a mystical assassin.
Cast:  James McAvoy, Angelina Jolie, Morgan Freeman, Common, Terence Stamp
Rating:  R
Bottom Line: ***1/2

The Secret Life of Bees
By Sue Monk
ISBN:  0-14-200174-0
Publisher:  Penguin
Available:  Bookstores everywhere

Heart Disease… (America's #1 Killer is still on the Loose)

     Many people would think my experience as a female African-American swimmer would be challenging or difficult, but it really isn't the struggle it's thought to be. I think that's because I've learned to focus on doing my best and not being concerned with other people's perceptions of me. Yes, I've had some challenges, but isn't life full of them?

Q:    What is a credit score?  And can I get one for free when I obtain my annual free credit report?

Jamil B. Scott, Ph.D., A Researcher at the Center for Community-Based Research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a Harvard Medical School affiliated cancer center

Robert “Bob”Allen Hoffman, Wharton Center for Performing Arts Manager of Public Relations

Dr. LaKeeya  Kilee Dotson Tucker, Alliance Obstetrician/ Gynecologist

Bunmi Akinyemiju, Vice-President and Director of Artemis Solutions Group

Nicolas Valadez Sanchez, Fine Artist

Abby Schmid, Senior Scientist at Kraft Foods

Artwork from Nicholas Valadez Sanchez

LANSING, MI  -- Michigan Department of Agriculture (MDA) Director Don Koivisto has announced that Michigan-grown tomatoes are not associated with the current Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak and have been declared safe to eat by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).  Michigan has been added to the FDA’s “safe to consume” list available online.

Today, the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) is the largest program that state government operates directly, accounting for nearly 20 percent ($2 billion) of the current discretionary General Fund budget and employing nearly one-third of the classified workforce.  Corrections programs growth is a direct result of the dramatic i