presents
|
News From
The Coalition, Inc. |
Friday 11 December 2009 |
Volume 4, Number 19 |
The Coalition, Inc. Board of
Directors Gary R. Adams (President/CEO),
John E. Churchville (Treasurer),
Yvonne Haughton (Exec.
Secretary), Members: Josephine Blow, Stanley Daniels,
Edwin Desamour, Nijah Famous,
Kendall Hayes-Fullard, Tom
'Bunny' Henry, Abdul Malik
Raheem Table of content For Our Children … This Week … Employment and Training
Opportunities … Health Matters … Green Piece … Grants, Scholarships &
Instruction… SpotLight … Arts for Awareness … Coming Up … Computers and Technology … A Hand Up … On The Airways … Page 02 If this publication is being
forwarded to you, and you wish to
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an email to
subscribe2newsfromtci@gmail.com with “subscribe” in the subject. If you are receiving this publication
without consent, send an email with
“unsubscribe” in the subject to be
removed from our database. If you would like to report on a
recent community event, feel free
to send us a brief account of what
happened in document format, and
we will share it with our readers. Send your information to: News
From The Coalition, Inc. All entries for submission should be
received by noon, the Monday prior
to publish date in document form. Page 03 We are proud to announce that
News From The Coalition, Inc. is
featured on the internationally
acclaimed site Eight Cities Map
which is read in more than 0ne
hundred fifty-five countries! Click here: EightCitiesMAP Choose
“Philadelphia's Online Community “Newsletter” from the menu. JOIN THE COALITION, INC! To join The Coalition go
to:TheCoalitionInc.netand download a
copy of the Pledge of Commitment and
return it to
usthe.pa.coalition@gmail.com Page 04 Every conquering of
temptation represents a
new fund of moral energy.
Every trial endured and
weathered in the right spirit
makes a soul nobler and
stronger than it was
before. Page 05 As the lawyer woke up
after surgery, he said"
"Why are all the blinds
drawn?" The doctor
answered: "There's a big
fire across the street, and
we didn't want you to think
the operation was a
failure."
JOIN THE COALITION, INC! To join The Coalition go to:
TheCoalitionInc.net and
download a copy of the
Pledge of Commitment and
return it to us
the.pa.coalition@gmail.com Page 06 When you exercise your freedom to
express yourself at the lowest level,
you ultimately condemn yourself to
live at that level. - Zig Ziglar JOIN THE COALITION, INC! To join The Coalition go to:
TheCoalitionInc.net and
download a copy of the
Pledge of Commitment and
return it to us
the.pa.coalition@gmail.com Page 07 A leader, once convinced that a
particular course of action is the
right one, must be undaunted when
the going gets tough. - Ronald
Reagan JOIN THE COALITION, INC! To join The Coalition go
to:TheCoalitionInc.netand download a
copy of the Pledge of Commitment and
return it to
usthe.pa.coalition@gmail.com Page 08 Most of us have a bad
habit we are constantly
trying to break. For me, it's
biting my fingernails. One
day I told my husband
about my latest solution:
press-on nails. Page 09 For the Lexophiliacs When she saw her first
strands of gray hair, she
thought she'd dye. (We are ignoring the many
requests that this feature
be discontinued. Please
stop writing in.) Page 10 One night, a lady stumbled into
the police station with a black eye.
She claimed she heard a noise in
her back yard and went to
investigate. The next thing she
knew, she was hit in the eye and
knocked out cold.
An officer was sent to her house to
investigate, and he returned 1-1/2
hours later with a black eye. "Did you get hit by the same
person?" his captain asked. "No," he replied. "I stepped on the
same rake." (Thanks Robert Heyward for this
submission) Submit your own humor, and let our
readers know how funny you can be.
We obviously need the help. ; )(Family
appropriate) JOIN THE COALITION, INC! To join The Coalition go
to:TheCoalitionInc.netand download a
copy of the Pledge of Commitment and
return it to
usthe.pa.coalition@gmail.com Page 11 The green revolution has an entirely
different meaning to most people in
the affluent nations of the privileged
world than to those in the
developing nations of the forgotten
world. - Norman Borlaug Coalition members! Get 'Your'web
linkon The Coalition, Inc. web site Page 12 The prejudices of
ignorance are more easily
removed than the
prejudices of interest; the
first are all blindly adopted,
the second willfully
preferred. The Raw Family Newsletter JOIN THE COALITION, INC! To join The Coalition go
to:TheCoalitionInc.netand download a
copy of the Pledge of Commitment and
return it to
usthe.pa.coalition@gmail.com Page 13 If you have a favorite
relevant quote, why not
share it with our readers.
send to
The.Pa.Coalition@gmail.com We will credit you with thesubmission. Page 14 "The worst thing one can
do is not to try, to be aware of
what one wants and not
give in to it, to spend years in silent hurt wondering if something could have materialized – never knowing." Jim Rohn Page 15 JOIN THE COALITION, INC! To join The Coalition go
to:TheCoalitionInc.netand download a
copy of the Pledge of Commitment and
return it to
usthe.pa.coalition@gmail.com Page 16 A customer was continually
bothering the waiter in a
restaurant; first, he'd asked that the
air conditioning be turned up
because he was too hot, then he
asked it be turned down because he
was too cold, and so on for about
half an hour.
|
Greetings Coalition Family! Here in the northern states winter is tightening its grip. Here are a few things you should do if you haven't already. Have your heater cleaned and serviced. Oil-fired systems should be cleaned every year for older models; gas-fired heaters should be cleaned every 2-3 years depending on condition. Chimneys should be visually inspected at the start of every season. Draw a couple of gallons of water from the bottom outlet of your hot water tank to remove collected sediment. Caution: It is not safe to use your gas oven for temporary heat in unventilated areas. Most municipalities have mandated CO (carbon monoxide) detectors; don't wait until it becomes law. Install yours today! Even if your equipment is in optimum condition, if you live in a row or semi-detached home, your neighbor's problem can become yours! We are looking forward to meeting with more of you this year, please email or call to have a member of The Coalition at your meeting or event. “The multitude which is not brought to act as a unit, is confusion. That unity which
has not its origin in the multitude is tyranny.”…Blaise Pascal FOR OUR CHILDREN
“It is easier to build children than it is to repair men.”…Frederick Douglass ----- Coalition members! Activate 'Your'web link on The Coalition, Inc. web site ----- Help For Parents With School-Age Children Are you a parent, relative, or health care professional with any of the following scenarios? * Not too sure how to register child for Kindergarten or Head Start. * Trying to decide on what type of school best fits a child's needs. Public or Charter or Magnet or Catholic? * Want to get a child motivate and focused on college. * Want to get child back in school after taking a leave, but don't know what options there are for out-of-school youth. * Child being bullied in school and don't know what to do. * Child not doing well in school and may have a learning difference. On the www.cap4kids.org/philadelphia website, under the Education parent handout http://www.cap4kids.org/philadelphia/parent_handouts/education.html and the Resource tab http://www.cap4kids.org/philadelphia/resources.html there are resources in the community to help advocates for children find help for their child's educational needs. Please become familiar with the listed resources and continue to bridge the gap between families in need and the agencies and resources that serve them. ----- Coalition members! Activate 'Your'web link on The Coalition, Inc. web site ----- The Food stamp program under the new stimulus package is now called the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition
Assistance Program). Did you know? Eligibility for SNAP benefits changed so many more families in food insecure households are now eligible. On the www.cap4kids.org/philadelphia website, under the Food and Nutrition parent handout, you will find several organizations who can help families find out if they are eligible. Also, on the COMPASS website they can apply for these benefits and many others. For more info you can also go to http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/ServicesPrograms/FoodStamps/ Please continue to link families in need with the appropriate social services agencies that serve them through Cap4Kids. Thanks. ----- Coalition members! Activate 'Your'web link on The Coalition, Inc. web site ----- Online resources for parents: www.chestercountymoms.com,
www.germantownavenueparents.com, www.norristownmom.com. THIS WEEK College Prep Workshop On Saturday December 12th, a college counselor will be at the Parkway Central Library to help juniors and seniors with the college application process. As part of the College Prep Initiative, Claudia Gard will assist students on selecting colleges, filling out applications, as well as provide financial aid and scholarship information. To register for this workshop, please emailCollegeprep@freelibrary.org. ----- Coalition members! Activate 'Your'web link on The Coalition, Inc. web site ----- EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES Green Jobs Training Program I am pleased to share with you a new program at Foundations, Inc. It is called the Green Jobs Training Program for 17-24 year olds who have not graduated and are not in school. Glenna M. Deekle, Associate Director Community Education Initiatives Foundations, Inc. 7157 Ogontz Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19138 215-424-5810 x205 ph 215-424-4121 fax Please consider the environment before printing my email. Every child deserves a first-rate education. Give today and help foundations strengthen the educational opportunities for our nation's children. For details or to make a secure donation online, click here: http://www.foundationsinc.org/support-our-work HEALTH MATTERS 10 Good Reasons To Laugh For No Reason Laughter Is FUNdamental! 1. Laughter is a stress buster · It reduces the levels of stress hormones epinephrine and cortisol. 2. Laughter strengthens the immune system The immune system is important in maintaining good health by keeping infections, allergies and cancers at bay: · Recent research into the effects of laughter by Dr. Lee S. Berk, Professor at Loma Linda University, California,
USA, demonstrates that laughter will increase the count of natural killer cells (NK cells - a type of white cell) and
antibody levels. · Laughter therapy helps to increase antibodies (Immunoglobulin A) in the mucous of the nose and respiratory
passages. 3. Laughter is anti-ageing · It tones facial muscles and expressions. · Laughter causes an increase in blood supply to the face, which is why some people look flushed. This nourishes
the skin and makes it glow. · People look younger and more fun when they laugh! 4. Laughter is aerobic exercise Laughter stimulates heart and blood circulation and is equivalent to any other standard aerobic exercise. · Dr. William Fry, Standford University, USA claims one minute of laughter is equal to 10 minutes on the rowing
machine. · The singular benefit almost everybody derives is a sense of well-being because more oxygen is taken in during
laughter. · It is an exercise regime suitable for all, including people confined to a bed or a wheelchair. 5. Laughter is internal jogging Laughter massages internal organs by enhancing the blood supply and increasing their efficiency. This is especially good
for proper bowel movement. · Laughter exercises the abdominal muscles and helps to improve muscle tone. 6. Laughter is a Natural Pain Killer Laughter increases the levels of endorphins – the body's natural pain killers. Norman Cousins, an American journalist
who was suffering from an incurable disease of the spine, benefited from laughter therapy in a situation when all painkillers
were ineffective. · Endorphins released as a result of laughter may help in reducing the intensity of pain in those suffering from
arthritis, spondylitis and muscular spasms of the body. 7. Laughter can control high blood pressure Laughter helps to control blood pressure by reducing the release of stress-related hormones. · Experiments have demonstrated that a 10-minute laughter session leads to a reduction of 10-20 mm in blood
pressure. This however does not mean that patients taking 2-3 tablets for blood pressure every day will be completely
cured. 8. Laughter can help dump depression and anxiety The stress and strain of modern life takes a heavy toll on the human mind and body. · Better sleep Reduced depression. Some people claim they can manage without prescribed anti-depressant pills
and tranquillizers. 9. Laughter Alleviates Bronchitis and Asthma Laughter improves lung capacity and oxygen levels in the blood. · Laughter Club members report a marked reduction in the frequency of asthma attacks. 10. Laughter just makes you feel good Laugh and the world laughs with you. How you react to life is up to you. Live life laughing! Source: Melanie Galioto @ 215-570-4644 Email: laugh@laughyourselfphilly.com Visit: www.laughyourselfphilly.com ----- Coalition members! Activate 'Your'web link on The Coalition, Inc. web site ----- Get Fresh! Volunteer with Philabundance Fresh for All You recycle out the wazoo and consider yourself consigliore of the enviro-sack mafia. Hence, a cause you can believe in: Philabundance wants to fill those ubiquitous bags with produce through its new Fresh for All program. And you can help by volunteering. The nonprofit hands out perishables at six sites in the Delaware Valley — where nutritious diet staples are hard to come by, especially in tough times. With a minimum three-hour commitment, you'll keep busy. Help with admin, approve clients, or do community outreach (posting mailings, making phone calls). Looking for something physical? Take food to sites, divide apples, and dole out the goods. You'll be doing a major part to help people get the fruits and veggies they need. And that's a green movement to be proud of. To participate in Fresh for All, contact Tunisia Garnett (215-339-0900 ext. 238 or
For more information, go to www.philabundance.org ----- Coalition members! Activate 'Your'web link on The Coalition, Inc. web site ----- Tips for making oatmeal appealing to kids http://advision.webevents.yahoo.com/mompowergroup/ ----- Coalition members! Activate 'Your'web link on The Coalition, Inc. web site ----- GREEN PIECE How do we bring up ALL people through the movement to build a more Sustainable City? There are some starter ideas FYI (For Your Inspiration) below.
Environmental Justice Videos 1. Van Jones at GreenFest 2007 in Chicago: http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid901003925?bclid=900600164&bctid=895238457 2. Majora Carter – “Greening the Ghetto” : http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/53
Free E-Newsletters 1. Public Education Network e-newsletter (Nice resources.): http://www.publiceducation.org/newsblast_current.asp 2. Next Great City e-Newsletter (Lots of events): www.nextgreatcity.org 3. Philadelphia Higher Education Network for Neighborhood Development (PHENND) e-newsletter (Just awesome!): http://phennd.communishare.org
Philadelphia Initiatives 1. City of Philadelphia Going Green: http://www.phila.gov/green/index.html 2. East Coast Greenway Pennsylvania: http://www.greenway.org/gw-pa.htm 3. Greater Philadelphia Environmental Network: http://www.gpen.org/ 4. Next Great City Initiative: http://www.nextgreatcity.com/ 5. Urban Green Partnership: http://urbangreenpartnership.org/what-is-green/ 6. Urban Sustainability Forum: http://www.sustainablephiladelphia.com/index.html SustainLane City Rankings: http://www.sustainlane.com/us-city-rankings/overview.jsp
Other The National Religious 1. Partnership for the Environment http://www.nrpe.org/ 2. PennFuture: http://www.pennfuture.org/ 3. PennEnvironment: http://www.pennenvironment.org/ 4. The Pennsylvania Environmental Council www.pecpa.org ----- Coalition members! Activate 'Your'web link on The Coalition, Inc. web site ----- ?Weavers Way #5 plastics recycling resumes Fellow Recyclers, Weavers Way collection of #5 plastics, which are not included in the City's recycling
program, will be on the 3rd Saturday of each month: December 19. The program will
skip January and resume in February. The collections take place at the co-op's garage, at 542 Carpenter Lane, which is across the street and a bit further down the block from the Big Blue Marble
bookstore. Please note that we need volunteers to keep this project going. (Weavers Way
members can get work credit for helping us; work shifts are available on co-op's the
online calendar.) The #5 category includes yogurt cups, sour cream containers, hummus tubs, some
medicine bottles, and more. Your recyclables must be clean and dry to be accepted.
Check to make sure there are no other materials (paper, screws, other number
plastics) on the items you bring in. Impurities of any kind compromise the recycling
process and usually lead to the discarding of an entire batch. Exclude any lids
unless they are clearly marked #5. (Most lids from #5 containers are #4 plastic, but
this is not always the case.) We ask recyclers for a small donation to cover postage costs of mailing the
recyclables to the Gimme 5 processing facility in New York. Before bringing your #5s to the collection, be sure that they meet the requirements
for Gimme 5: All items must be CLEAN and DRY. If they contained food or any oily or dirty
product, make sure they have been washed, not just rinsed. Items stacked when wet
tend to stay wet, so allow washed items to dry fully before stacking or packing. The #5 stamp needs to be visible on each item. Lids are separate items. Don't
assume lids are the same number plastic as the container; sometimes they are but
usually they are not. Check to make sure there are no other materials (labels, paper,
other number plastics, metal) on the items you bring in. Brita filters are also welcome! Let them air dry for several days to make sure they are
completely dry. We'll see you soon! Carolyn, Helen, Priscilla and Stevik of the Weavers Way Environment Committee ----- Coalition members! Activate 'Your'web link on The Coalition, Inc. web site ----- Recycling Services Inc. in Pottstown takes styrofoam on Saturday and Tuesday mornings. http://www.recyclingservices.org/ ----- Coalition members! Activate 'Your'web link on The Coalition, Inc. web site ----- For sustainable enterprise go to Green Jobs Phillyhttp://www.greenjobsphilly.org/news GRANTS, SCHOLARSHIPS & INSTRUCTION HIV/AIDS Prevention Workshop Workshop Summary
developing cost-effective and culturally-relevant communication strategies; and then
show session attendees how to apply these learnings to their own HIV/AIDS testing
programs, prevention services and outreach efforts.
providers develop innovative and effective messages and services targeted to
minority audiences.
The environmental context, peer group dynamics and social interactions that
influence sexual behaviors; How service providers can be more culturally aware, and increase the effectiveness
of their outreach, media and materials; and Strategies for attracting the hardest-to-reach audiences to HIV-prevention, testing
and treatment programs. For more information on other workshops and schedules visit their website To inquire about a MEE Workshop at Your Organization call 215.829.4920 or Email here ----- Coalition members! Activate 'Your'web link on The Coalition, Inc. web site ----- At- Risk Youth
Annie E. Casey Foundation A private charitable organization dedicated to helping build better futures for disadvantaged children in the United States. The foundation offers community-focused grants. The site also has several publications. Provides funding to both 501(c)(3) and local/state government. Organizations wishing to send a proposal to the Foundation should submit a letter of no more than three pages explaining the organization and its project and how the money will be used. Send the letters to: The AEC Foundation; Attn: Office of the President; 701 Saint Paul St.; Baltimore, MD 21202. Phone: 410-547-6600 ----- Coalition members! Activate 'Your'web link on The Coalition, Inc. web site ----- AOL Time Warner Foundation
http://aoltimewarnerfoundation.org The AOL Time Warner Foundation is dedicated to using the power of media, communications and information technology to serve the public interest and strengthen society. However, rather than simply providing grant monies or funding unsolicited requests, the foundation prefers to enter into sustainable strategic partnerships with organizations that have a demonstrated commitment to pioneering innovative ways of meeting four priorities: Equipping kids for the 21st century; Extending Internet benefits to all; Engaging communities in the arts; and Empowering citizens and civic participation. ----- Coalition members! Activate 'Your'web link on The Coalition, Inc. web site ----- AT&T Foundation
The AT&T Foundation seeks to educate, enrich, engage, and empower the communities served by AT&T. The Foundation's funding areas are education, civic and community service, and arts and culture. ----- Coalition members! Activate 'Your'web link on The Coalition, Inc. web site ----- Beaumont Foundation
http://www.bmtfoundation.com/grants/ The Beaumont Foundation of America (BFA), a non-profit philanthropic organization, is dedicated to the enriching the lives of individuals by providing technology to historically underserved schools and communities. The foundation believes technologies are essential tools for progress in the 21st century, and that given access to digital information, people will have an equal opportunity to advance socially, economically and intellectually. ----- Coalition members! Activate 'Your'web link on The Coalition, Inc. web site ----- The Student Achievement Grants program provides grants of $5,000 each to improve the academic achievement of students by engaging in critical thinking and problem solving that deepen knowledge of standards-based subject matter. The work should also improve students'habits of inquiry, self-directed learning, and critical reflection. Proposals for work resulting in low-income and minority student success with honors, advanced placement, and other challenging curricula are particularly encouraged. Grant funds may be used for resource materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, software, and scholars-in-residence. Applicants must be practicing U.S. public school teachers in grades K-12, public school education support professionals, or faculty and staff at public higher education institutions. Visit the NEA Foundation Web site for complete grant program information. RFP Link: http://fconline.foundationcenter.org/pnd/15016125/neafdn For additional RFPs in Education, visit: http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/cat_education.jhtml ----- Coalition members! Activate 'Your'web link on The Coalition, Inc. web site ----- NIH Summer Institute on Community-Based Participatory Research The National Institutes of Health has announced the 2nd summer institute. We are thrilled to see that the organizers have
responded to Community-Campus Partnerships for Health's (CCPH) comments on last year's summer institute. When the 1st NIH institute on CBPR was announced, CCPH expressed concern about its exclusive focus on academic
researchers. In CBPR, the community is involved at the very start of the research, so it was incongruent that the institute did not include the community partners or acknowledge the possibility of a
community partner as a principal investigator or co-PI. This summer's institute has been designed for community-academic partner teams (see below for details). CCPH has successfully implemented community-academic partner team-based model of CBPR training: http://depts.washington.edu/ccph/pdf_files/2005CBPRInstituteApp3-25.pdf and http://depts.washington.edu/ccph/pdf_files/2005%20Summer%20Institute%20Agenda.pdf The training curriculum, "Developing and Sustaining CBPR Partnerships" is available online at www.cbprcurriculum.info. If you're interested in bringing a CBPR training workshop or institute to your location, contact CCPH senior consultant Rachel Vaughn at sliccph@mcw.edu for more information. ----- Coalition members! Activate 'Your'web link on The Coalition, Inc. web site ----- Banta Company Foundation
The Banta Company Foundation provides funding for at-risk youth and delinquency prevention initiatives. The funds can be used for equipment, general/operating expenses, seed money, program development, as well as other areas. For more information please contact: Banta Company Foundation; 225 Main Street; PO Box 8003; Menasha,WI 54952-8003. ----- Coalition members! Activate 'Your'web link on The Coalition, Inc. web site ----- Best Buy Children's Foundation
http://communications.bestbuy.com/communityrelations/ The mission of the Best Buy Children's Foundation is to improve the lives of youth aged 5 - 18 in communities where Best Buy maintains a business presence. The Foundation awards grants to nonprofit organizations with innovative approaches to developing life skills in young people through education, mentoring, and leadership development. Funds can be used for: program development; direct project support; specific curriculum development; and scholarship aid for participants in life skills or mentoring programs. The Foundation typically awards grants ranging from $2000 - $10,000 to nonprofits. ----- Coalition members! Activate 'Your'web link on The Coalition, Inc. web site ----- Healthy Community Outreach Program
will be granted to nonprofit organizations to support grassroots efforts which increase awareness on critical health initiatives through health walks, health fairs and health education outreach. Grants up to $25,000 will be considered. Please provide all levels of event sponsorships on your application. Nonprofit organizations with evidence of IRS 501(c)(3) designation or de facto tax-exempt status may apply for a grant, with the following exceptions: advertising; capital campaigns; grants or scholarships to individuals; multiyear requests; political causes and events; or religious organizations in support of their sacramental or theological functions. http://www.aetna.com/foundation/grants_reg/guidelines.html>Awards Ongoing Deadline ----- Coalition members! Activate 'Your'web link on The Coalition, Inc. web site ----- Ben and Jerry's Foundation
Ben and Jerry's Foundation has no specific program areas. The Foundation seeks projects that lead to societal change or address the root causes of problems. The Foundation awards grants ranging in amount from $1,000 to $15,000. Applicants must submit a letter of interest at any time during the year. http://www.benjerry.com/foundation/index.html ----- Coalition members! Activate 'Your'web link on The Coalition, Inc. web site ----- AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDENTS ARE NOT APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS Even if you do not have a college-aged child at home, please share this with someone who does, pass this scholarship information on to anyone and everyone that comes to mind. Though there are a number of companies and organizations that have donated moneys for scholarship use to African Americans, a great deal of the money is being returned because of a lack of interest. No one is going to knock on our doors and ask if we can use a scholarship. Take the initiative to get your children involved. There is no need for money to be returned to donating companies because we fail to apply for it. Please pass this information on to family members, nieces, nephews, and friends with children etc. We must get the word out that money is available. If you are a college student or getting ready to become one, you probably already know how useful additional money can be. Our youth really could use these scholarships. Thanks!! For a list of scholarships please visit our group 'The Coalition, Inc.' http://groups.google.com/group/coalition-the ----- Coalition members! Activate 'Your'web link on The Coalition, Inc. web site ----- SpotLight On Our Efforts
ARTS FOR AWARENESS The Evolution of Graffiti Just what do you make of images or lettering painted in any manner on property? That is the official description of an
age-old phenomenon now known as graffiti. The term “Graffiti” has either a negative or positive charge depending on what side of the spray can your finger is
pointing. Technically, it's been around since pre-historic times as a marker of man's existence found inside cave walls,
for who could say if the property they wrote on was real estate purchased or stolen for a moment of expression? Only humans have been guilty of scribbling on the walls, and (depending on the century and area around the world)
regarded as either criminal or artist. In the 16th century, wall art was considered a must have as artists such as
Michelangelo and daVinci were rivals in the country of Italy. Frescos and murals were in high demand. Now, in the 21st
century it is regarded as vandalism when property is painted on without the property owner's consent. But let's try to
look beyond the criminal aspect of graffiti to the expression as an art form. This form of art began in the late 1960's when youngsters used permanent markers to tag, or write their names on
subway cars. Usually the name was followed by the street number on which they lived. The most popular name then
came from a young Greek American boy named Demetrius who posted “Taki 183” just about everywhere in NY.
This form of graffiti was known as “Tagging” and the intent was to gain fame by appearing on subways and walls
throughout the city. Many New Yorkers would claim that modern graffiti art originated in New York City, but tagging
was not originally a NY phenomenon. It began in Philadelphia, PA. where names such as “Monikers”,
“Cornbread” and “Top Cat” gained their claim to fame. Later, to be seen by a larger audience, markers were discarded and replaced by spray paint and as a result buildings,
cars, and anything that remained stationery were targeted. By the late 1970's subway art had moved to subway
exteriors then freight trains where the need to be recognized as king or queen of graffiti meant creating an opportunity
for an artist's name to travel...even across the country to places they've never been. This artistic freedom allowed a
vicarious expression that addressed the urban youth's need to move beyond the boundaries of a financial condition,
one that was so great it risked being jailed for the offense. By then taggers were being separated from a new form of artists that were now calling themselves “graffitists”. As a
result of this art traveling across the country and eventually the world in planes and ships, graffiti became a hit in the
Eastern hemisphere. In addition, the hip-hop generation embraced the freedom and artistic expression of graffiti,
identifying themselves with the message of largess and bold creativity in the face of danger. The spray-can became a weapon as well as a plea to form an up and coming new culture that was enraged by the
standards and conventions of the generation that preceded it. So it is not surprising that this phenomenon is no longer
limited to the urban poor. Now, half of the graffiti art comes from Caucasian middle-class families and the European
population. The financial range now is as varied as ultra poor to uber-rich, as is the age range. A graffitist can be as
young as 12 and as old as 75! In addition, both genders are welcomed as the only thing that promotes you is your
artistic ability. What I find fascinating about graffiti is its ability to combine and necessitate the art of writing with the visual art form.
Unlike traditional art, particularly contemporary or abstract, graffiti forces you to read it. It always has a literal
message, and carries with it a universal message as well. One particular message is the artists' deliberate resistance to become “established” and recognized by some gallery
snob or curator, though much planning and sketching is incorporated in modern graffiti, particularly with mural sized
artwork. All graffitists agree to the fact that though their work may be unsolicited, it does not disqualify it as art. They
also accept the risk that though their art may take dozens of cans and hours of work, it can be gone within a matter of
minutes because of its vandalism categorization, for graffiti falls under the unwritten law of “temporary art” even though
considered by many as modern-day masterpieces. In many ways it puts them in the same category as sand and ice
sculptors who make art for art's sake. Government insists that graffitists have no right to complain about their work being removed because the work was forced upon the public. A graffitist's counter argument is that billboards, ads and campaign signs are also forced on the public in a similar manner, so much so that we are subliminally motivated (AKA brain-washed) to purchase the product. What do you think! Nancy-Ellen ----- Coalition members! Activate 'Your'web link on The Coalition, Inc. web site ----- Jus' Words at Dowlings Place
1310 No. Broad St. Phila Every Thurs. 9pm to 1am · Poets · Rappers · Singers · Spoken Word Artists COMING UP Cocktails and Conversations American Pub, Centre Square Friday, Dec. 11, 2009 Wanted: Mature Adults seeking to combine business and social networking with happy hour specials, good music and delicious food. You must be serious about meeting new people, exploring new venues and establishing collaborations. Qualifications: · Be able to communicate and interact with mature adults. · Display appropriate and professional appearance. · Exhibit mental and emotional attitude. · Open to new ideas and opportunities You will be invited to join the most dynamic urban networkers in the Delaware Valley at The New American Pub, 15th and Market, Centre Square, Behind the Clothespin, down the escalator on Friday, December 11, 2009 from 5:30 – 8 pm (Happy hour drinks specials from 5:30 – 7:30pm) Admission by rsvp. Contact Professional Networking Associates at 267-303-0653 or online at www.theconnectornetwork.com/americanpub ----- Coalition members! Activate 'Your'web link on The Coalition, Inc. web site ----- * * * Outside PA * * * WHAT: The Healer's Sweat WHY: Healers Need Healing Too ~ Be Energized Be Renewed All Wholistic Health Practitioners are Invited! WHEN: Every Third Friday, 8:30pm - 11:30pm December 16th WHERE: Lake Claire Community Land Trust 317 Nelms Avenue; S.E. Atlanta,GA 30307 Facilitated by: Robert Pue, Sun Glazer & Reflexogist DETAILS Both men and women practitioners are invited to attend. Please wear loose fitting clothing (men may wear shorts and ladies may wear long sarong style dresses). Please also bring with you a bottle of water and at least two towels. To get the most out of the sweat, it's good to eliminate or reduce your intake of the following foods at least three days before the sweat and increase your water consumption. This will allow you to withstand more heat and detoxify at a higher level. Meat Starchy foods Bread Cheese Pasta Rice Potatoes $10 Love Offering ABOUT Lake Claire Sweat Lodge it's a green urban oasis in the heart of the city, now home to The Healer's Sweat. DIRECTIONS I-20 exit Moreland Avenue North - R- Mc Clendon Avenue go thru four traffic lights - R – Nelm Avenue, parking is available on the street. If you are a hands-on practitioner and would like to provide services at the Sweat, let us know. Reservations are strongly suggested but not required, call 404. 890 6564 or 770.621 5056 or email us here at bvsga@yahoo.com, see you there! SPONSORED BY Candles Created & The Black Vegetarian Society of Georgia ----- Coalition members! Activate 'Your'web link on The Coalition, Inc. web site ----- COMPUTERS AND TECHNOLOGY Group offers low-cost web access to nonprofits Mobile Citizen, a provider of mobile broadband for education and nonprofits, will offer a Technology Assistance Grant program beginning in January to provide non-profit organizations with affordable access to the Internet. Available only in Portland, Oregon, Las Vegas, and Philadelphia, the grant includes reduced-price service from Mobile Citizen, with unlimited usage for only $10/month or $120/year per account. It bundles Mobile Citizen's wireless broadband, powered by WiMAX, a fourth generation (4G) technology from Clearwire Corporation with a variety of benefits available only to grantees, including: -- 12 months of service from Mobile Citizen extended to 15 months at no additional charge. With this, nonprofits receive three free months of service per account. -- Dedicated Mobile Citizen Customer Care customized for non-profit organizations. -- A free one-year membership to NTEN, a nonprofit technology network, ongoing information and news as well as access to a support community. -- A choice of additional benefits including an educational webinar series. For more information, email Kecia Carroll. A HAND UP! IT'S HERE!! Our group A HAND UP! Is now open, please go to: In response to the needs of many grassroots organizations for the basic tools to implement and sustain their ideas and projects, The Coalition, Inc. members have come together to establish a network to facilitate the distribution/re-distribution of unwanted, unneeded, surplus and even repairable items for recycling. To join: A Hand Up! ----- Coalition members! Activate 'Your'web link on The Coalition, Inc. web site ----- Remember to support The Coalition, Inc.'s on-air personalities… Straight Up WORD with Dr. John Elliott Churchville, Senior Pastor of The Liberation Fellowship Church of Jesus, on
WNWR 1540 AM, Sundays at 9:30am. Dr. Churchville will explore the Holy Scriptures verse by verse for your spiritual
and practical edification, and “...liberation of the oppressed, and social justice for the poor.” Civil Alert World with Brother Sabir Bey Saturdays 5:30pm to 6:30pm on WNJC 1360 AM. Also listen in on
WKDU 91.7 AM Friday, 12am to 3am Sister Phile Chionesu, organizer of the Million Woman March, “Nu Day Resurrection and Liberation" Show LIVE each Saturday evening 10:30 PM--12:00 midnight EST. "NU Day" is heard in Philly and, worldwide, through the internet at: www.blogtalkradio.com/empresschi Or you can tune in via podcast at 646-652-2232 Call in and give your thoughts, comments, opinions at 1-646-652-2232 or send an instant message tomwmsistahood@aol.comto chat on line. |
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