Friday, April 13, 2012

RIP: Gil Noble, Journalist Who Told It "Like It Is"


February 22, 1932 - April 5, 2012

The content of Noble's groundbreaking show, "Like It Is", was developed for a Black audience to address Black issues and the plight of African people. However, the genius of Gil Noble was that he was able to show people from all walks of life that the struggles affecting Blacks and Africans are the struggles of us all. Thus, his documentaries and special reports took on a whole new dimension and allowed his audience to expand and include people of all races. How many in the history of journalism have been able to accomplish such a feat? I would say the number is in the single digits.   

From The G-Man will reserve "space" for the late WABC-TV icon and not publish any news or information until April 16. The next two and a half days of "non-coverage" will serve as a special tribute to a man that was the personification of excellence and integrity... and relentless in his pursuit of the truth and uplifting the Black race. 

Thank you, Mr. Noble, and may you forever rest in peace.

This commentary is from the heart and......from The G-Man.

Note: The Noble family is accepting donations for the preservation of the Gil Noble Archives. Donations can be mailed to the following: Gil Noble Archives, P.O. Box 43138, Upper Montclair, New Jersey 07043. Contributions can also be made online at www.gilnoblearchive.com.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Top Newsy Headlines: Zimmerman to Appear in Court

More headlines: Syria quiet at cease-fire deadline; five dead in Indonesian earthquakes; Axl Rose refuses Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction.

 

By Nathan Byrne
Anchor: Nathan Byrne
Link courtesy of Newsy.com

“Monkey Bill” in Tennessee Set to Become Law

Teachers in Tennessee will soon be able to challenge evolution the in classroom when the so called ‘monkey bill’ becomes law later this month.

 
 
By Erin Dismeier
Anchor: Lauren Zima
Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Allen West Claims 80 Communist Members in Democratic Party

Representative Allen West says he's heard over half the Democrats in the U.S. House are secretly communist.

 

By Logan Tittle
Anchor: Logan Tittle
Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Advocacy Group Wants Hospitals to Give McDonald's the Boot

Media weigh in on an advocacy group's push for hospitals to evict McDonald's from cafeterias.

 
 
By Emily Allen
Anchor: Megan Murphy
Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Woman Strips Down at Denver International

A request from airport authorties had one woman smoking mad Tuesday morning at Denver International Airport.

By Victoria Craig
Anchor: Megan Murphy
Link courtesy of Newsy.com 

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Oval Office Chat Session: Obama and Merkel


Leaders Discussed Iran, Syria and the G-8 Summit

The President and German Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke by phone today to discuss several foreign policy issues of mutual concern, including Iran and Syria.

Both leaders expressed the hope that Iran would take advantage of the upcoming P5+1 talks to address the international community’s concerns about the Iranian nuclear program. 

They also reiterated their common resolve to increase the pressure on the Iranian regime through sanctions and other measures if it remained unresponsive. 

On Syria, the President and Chancellor shared the concern that the Assad government was not complying with the terms of the agreement negotiated by Kofi Annan and continued to engage in unacceptable brutality against its own people. 
 
They agreed that this underscored the need for the UN Security Council to come together to take more resolute action. 

The President told the Chancellor that he looked forward to hosting her at Camp David for the G-8 Summit next month and to continuing their regular consultations on these and other important issues.

George Zimmerman to be Charged with Second-Degree Murder


Alleged Killer in Police Custody, Attorney Says Client Will Plead Not Guilty

Special prosecutor Angela Corey today announced that George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watchman that allegedly shot and killed 17-year old Trayvon Martin during an encounter, will be charged with second-degree murder.

The charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison. 

Footage from the press conference is available here: MSNBC video of press conference

From The G-Man and Newsy.com will provide more information on the prosecutor's decision as it becomes available.  

White House Briefs

President Obama on the Buffett Rule

The First Lady and Dr. Biden Speak on the Joining Forces Anniversary


First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden speak about their Joining Forces initiative to support military veterans and their families at an event marking its first anniversary.

Biden Meets with Vice President Sambo of Nigeria



Offers Condolences for the Lives Lost in the Boko Haram Attacks on Easter Weekend

Vice President Biden welcomed Federal Republic of Nigeria Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo to the White House yesterday as part of the United States’ commitment to peace and prosperity for Nigeria and for the entire West African region.

The Vice President offered his condolences and those of the American people to Vice President Sambo for the lives lost in the Boko Haram attacks on Easter weekend in Kaduna and Kano.

Vice President Biden reiterated our strong support for Nigeria and its efforts to improve socioeconomic and security conditions across the country, including in the north.

The Vice Presidents discussed opportunities to deepen cooperation on issues of mutual interest such as advancing trade and investment, promoting peace and security in West Africa, and countering terrorism.

Vice President Biden thanked Vice President Sambo for Nigeria’s important role on the continent, and its exemplary leadership during the unrest in Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, and elsewhere.  

Vice President Sambo reaffirmed to the Vice President his Government’s commitment to expanding services and access to electricity, enhancing infrastructure to aid development, and improving the quality of life for all of Nigeria’s citizens.

Annual Career Fairs in New York on April 12


Eight Simultaneous Fairs to Connect 
Job Seekers with Hundreds of Businesses

Eight career fairs are taking place throughout the state tomorrow, April 12, to help job seekers connect with hundreds of businesses offering thousands of jobs. This year, the state's annual career fair happens in eight locations: Albany, Binghamton, Buffalo, Hauppauge, New York City, Poughkeepsie, Syracuse, and Utica.

At each of the career fairs, New Yorkers will be able to meet with businesses about potential job opportunities and take advantage of employment workshops offered by the state Department of Labor.

Over 270 businesses will be participating in the career fairs, offering more than 5,400 jobs for New Yorkers.

"The financial future of our entire state gets stronger every time an unemployed New Yorker finds a job," said Governor Cuomo.

"Through these career fairs, the state is partnering with hundreds of businesses to provide greater employment opportunities for New Yorkers. By expanding our career fairs to communities all across the state, we will empower even more New Yorkers to put themselves on the path to prosperity."

All businesses participating in the career fairs list their job openings on Governor Cuomo's "Jobs Express" website, located at www.jobs.ny.gov.

A number of different fields will be represented at the events, including health care, manufacturing, government, higher education, and retail. Businesses participating in the career fairs include GLOBALFOUNDRIES, Albany Medical Center, Faxton St. Luke's Healthcare, Cablevision, Clear Channel Media and Entertainment, SUNY Upstate Medical University, The Raymond Corporation, Ingram Micro, Goodyear Dunlop, and Fidelis Care NY.

"GLOBALFOUNDRIES is proud to have a home in New York State. As we continue to grow, we will be creating thousands of jobs while contributing to a strong and diverse local workforce. This career fair is further proof that New York State is indeed open for business," said Pedro Gonzalez, staffing manager in Saratoga County for GLOBALFOUNDRIES.

Steve VanNostrand, vice president of human resources at The Raymond Corporation, a manufacturing company in Greene, NY, noted, "The Raymond Corporation is pleased to participate in the career fair in Binghamton. We have an active relationship with the Department of Labor; our employees participate in their training programs and our company works with DOL to find workers. I am confident that this event will be a successful one for The Raymond Corporation."

"We have a number of job openings we're hoping to fill with the right candidates and look forward to a great event in Buffalo," added Matthew Rogers, human resources coordinator for Ingram Micro an information technology company in Western New York.

The career fairs will be held at the following locations tomorrow, Thursday, April 12, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.: Albany: Empire State Plaza Convention Center; Binghamton: Binghamton State Office Building, 44 Hawley Street; Buffalo: Senator Walter J. Mahoney State Office Building, 65 Court Street; Hauppauge: Perry B. Duryea State Office Building, 250 Veteran's Memorial Highway; New York City: Shirley A. Chisholm State Office Building, 55 Hanson Place, Brooklyn; Poughkeepsie: Eleanor Roosevelt State Office Building, 4 Burnett Boulevard; Syracuse: Senator John J. Hughes State Office Building, 333 East Washington Street; and Utica: Utica State Office Building, 207 Genesee Street. 

New York State has hosted an annual career fair since 1999.

Call the state Department of Labor at 1-888-4-NYSDOL or visit  www.labor.ny.gov for more information.

Image courtesy of  http://www.clker.com ( Mohamed Ibrahim)

Top Newsy Headlines: Indonesia Quake Spurs Tsunami Warning

North Korea begins fueling rocket; Syrian government assures Annan it will respect cease-fire; announcement coming in Trayvon Martin



By Nathan Byrne
Anchor: Nathan Byrne
Link courtesy of Newsy.com 

WikiLeaks: 'Kony' Filmmakers Spied For Ugandan Government

A leaked U.S. diplomatic cable suggests the American NGO Invisible Children aided Ugandan intelligence officers.



By Scott MacDonald
Anchor: Zach Toombs
Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Sony Posts Biggest Loss Ever

On the heels of tax changes, Sony posts a record $6.4B loss in the first quarter.



By David Earl
Anchor: David Earl
Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Spain’s Debt Renews EU Recession Fears

Spain's debt to the European Central Bank increases, prompting media speculation over a potential EU recession relapse.



By Liam Keegan
Anchor: Ana Compain-Romero
Link courtesy of Newsy.com 

Santorum’s Out But Questions Remain

Former senator Rick Santorum announced the suspension of his campaign Tuesday but did not make an endorsement.



By Zach Toombs
Anchor: Zach Toombs
Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Miss Universe Ends Ban on Transgendered Women

After much controversy, the Miss Universe pageant will change its policy to allow transgender women to compete beginning in 2013.



By Jessica Sibert
Anchor: Ana Compain-Romero
Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Best Buy CEO Quits

Amid lackluster performance and increased competition from online retailers, Best Buy CEO Brian Dunn has resigned.



By David Earl
Anchor: David Earl
Link courtesy of Newsy.com

EU Backs U.S. Extradition of Terror Suspects

The EU courts approve of the extradition of five U.K. terrorist suspects to the U.S.



By Emoke Bebiak
Anchor: Lauren Gores
Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

State of Emergency Declared in Suffolk County


Cuomo Takes Action as Wildfires Rage in Long Island 

Governor Andrew Cuomo today declared a state of emergency for Suffolk County to allow New York State to better coordinate and respond with local governments to fight the ongoing wildfires on Long Island.

"With these wildfires causing serious damage on Long Island and other areas of the state, the state of emergency declaration will help us deploy vital resources to affected regions," Governor Cuomo said.

"The state continues to closely monitor the wildfires in Suffolk County, and we will continue to deploy whatever resources are necessary and do whatever is needed to protect New Yorkers and put out these fires."

Three fires continue to burn in southeastern New York State. The largest fire is in Suffolk County, covering territory in the municipalities of Ridge, Wading River, Manorville and Brookhaven.

A small number of residences have been evacuated as a precaution and shelter has been made available by the American Red Cross.

Smaller fires have been reported on Staten Island, New York City and in Rockland County. A Red Flag Warning was issued by the National Weather Service effective 10:00 AM this morning to 8:00 PM this evening for New York City and Long Island.

A state of emergency enables New York to mobilize state resources to assist local governments more effectively and quickly, and if necessary gives the Governor the authority to suspend statutes, rules and regulations that would impede response and recovery activities.

The declaration further gives the Governor the ability to direct state resources, such as firefighting equipment and personnel, to local governments in need. The declaration applies to Suffolk County.

Steps taken by New York State include the following:

The New York State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated to Level 2 (partial activation) in support of local governments responding to these fires. Representatives from the following state agencies and organizations are present in the EOC: State Police, Department of Health, Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Conservation, Office of Fire Prevention and Control, American Red Cross, and the Division of Military and Naval Affairs. 

Field staff from State Police, Forest Ranger crews from the Department of Environmental Conservation, Fire Protection Specialists, and Office of Emergency Management staff have all been deployed to assist local governments in Suffolk County

More than 245 personnel are on the ground assisting in the emergency response effort and an additional 150 firefighters from 27 local volunteer fire departments are on the scene participating in firefighting efforts, which will continue throughout the night.

One State Police helicopter has been deployed for more than 20 water dropping operations. The helicopter is equipped with a 'Bambi Bucket'- which can carry 250 gallons of water. The water is scooped up from a local pond or lake and dropped on the hottest parts of the fire.

One helicopter from the National Guard has been used for aerial surveys to determine fire perimeter and fire spread projections.

Santorum Suspends Campaign


Santorum: "We Are Not Done Fighting"

MSNBC and various news sources have confirmed that GOP presidential candidate Rick Santorum has suspended his White House bid.

Santorum, accompanied by members of his family and campaign staff, told reporters at an event in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, that he and his family spent last weekend thinking about the campaign, their young daughter, Bella, and her on-going battle with Trisomy 18. 

"Ladies and gentleman, we made the decision to get into this race at our kitchen table against all the odds. We made a decision over the weekend that while this presidential race for us is over, we will suspend our campaign effective today. We are not done fighting," said Santorum.

From The G-Man will provide more details on this story as they become available.  

White House Briefs

President Obama’s Bilateral Meeting with President Rousseff of Brazil

Opening the 2012 White House Easter Egg Roll


President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama welcome children and their families to the South Lawn of the White House for the 2012 White House Easter Egg Roll.

No Grand Jury in Trayvon Martin Case

Special Prosecutor Angela Corey announced she will not use a grand jury to bring up charges against George Zimmerman, but did not give a reason why.



By Jim Flink
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Is Homophobia Cause by Strict Parenting Styles?

A study published in April's issue of Journal of Personality and Psychology examines homophobia as a way to express repressed same-sex attraction.



By Jiselle Macalaguin
Anchor: Carissa Loethen
Link courtesy of Newsy.com  

Facebook Buys Instagram for $1 Billion

Companies insist Instagram will stay the same after Facebook's biggest acquisition ever.



By Niels Schack Norgaard
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Huckabee a 'Safer Alternative' to Limbaugh?

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee launched a new radio show Monday, airing at the same time as Rush Limbaugh.



By Christina Hartman
Anchor: Christina Hartman
Link courtesy of Newsy.com

Monday, April 9, 2012

A Special Request of President Obama, Black Leaders and Black Media


Join "From The G-Man" and Address the Nation Before the Verdict in Trayvon Martin Case

Editor's Note - 2:26 pm - The following commentary had been posted prior to the announcement that the Trayvon Martin case would not be going to a grand jury. Given the level of tension in the country over whether or not George Zimmerman will be charged, From The G-Man has decided not to remove the commentary. However, it has been edited so that any and all references to the grand jury are no longer present.

At some point, a decision will be announced on whether or not charges will be filed against Trayvon Martin's alleged killer, George Zimmerman. Without question, millions will be waiting with baited breath. If the event is televised, millions will surely have television sets on in homes and offices all across the country. Even O.J. Simpson will be watching. 

In homes all across the United States, people will huddle in prayer. They will ask God to guide and protect every city in America. In ares with a heavy Black and low-income population, churchgoers will be praying even harder. They will be praying for calm in the Black community, especially if no charges are brought against Zimmerman. 

If no charges are filed, many will be outraged. Many will also seek ways to release that rage, which could be to the detriment of communities and innocent people across the country and this great nation. It could be Watts all over again. It could be the Rodney King situation all over again. However, the tension and the level of bloodshed could be much worse because of the fact that people are already incensed over losing their jobs, homes and all sense of hope in the wake of the "the Great Recession". 

From The G-Man is urging President Barack Obama, all leading representatives of the Black community -- including clergy members, politicians and media -- to address the nation and plead for calm before any decision is announced. If there was ever a time for the United States to show unity, with regard to race in America, now is that time! 

Finally, a reminder to Black males and females "in the hood" and in gangs like the Bloods and Crips. If Zimmerman is cleared of any wrongdoing, this news and information site wants all of you -- as well as every young, Black teen and adolescent in poor areas of the U.S. -- to remember one crucial fact.

In the White House, a Black man, a Black woman, and two Black children sit as the symbols of the United States of America. DO NOT shame them or the nation they represent by "wilding out" or engaging in negative behavior. DO NOT give those that loathe the President and his family a reason to say, "You elected Obama! Is this the 'Hope and Change' you expected?" 

We've come too far, Black people, as the following video proves.

This request is from the heart and........from "The G-Man". 


Video uploaded to YouTube by  

'Central Florida is Absolutely a Part of the Old South!'

KKK photo was taken in a town called Osteen, which is just over Lake Monroe from Sanford. Sanford, Osteen, and Deltona all blend together, expect that Sanford is over the county line into Seminole.(Click photo to enlarge)

Former Resident and Teacher Says Sanford and Other Areas Are KKK Strongholds

A FROM THE G-MAN EXCLUSIVE

On March 24, From The G-Man published an article entitled "The Trayvon Martin Killing: Has Sanford's KKK Past Come Back to Haunt It?" According to a former Central Florida resident and teacher who posted a comment on the site after reading the story, "the Ku Klux Klan and racial problems have never left."
  
In effort to gain more clarity and detail on the comment, From The G-Man contacted the former resident, Patty Cunningham-Woolf. Woolf now resides in North Carolina and runs a successful real estate office with her husband, Ben.

Woolf did not mince words when describing the racial atmosphere and the tension that permeated the Central Florida region -- an atmosphere that she undoubtedly believes is still present....and is responsible for the killing of Trayvon Martin.

Initially, this news and information site intended to do an in-depth news story based on Woolf's experiences. However, an editorial decision had been made that it would be best to forgo the standard news presentation format and simply allow Woolf an opportunity to address the Martin family, Sanford and Central Florida residents, the mainstream media, the Department of Justice, and those within and outside the borders of the United States that are deeply concerned about the killing.

From The G-Man feared for the couple's safety and offered to conceal their identity. However, it was at the insistence of her husband that their names be published.

"Absolutely use my name; Ben agreed that anonymously it (the commentary) means very little," said Woolf. 

And now, Patty Cunningham-Woolf…in her own words.

It is difficult to make sense of the senseless death of a promising young person. The wanton death of teens in car accidents and natural disasters are painful and yet on some level we understand them to be a hazard of living…that death is at every turn. But, what about the murder of unarmed 17 year old honor student Trayvon Martin? How do his parents, how do we, make some sense of this loss? Maybe through the knowledge that the deep roots of racial hatred that exist in central Florida will be, are being, exposed. Though we don’t know if Zimmerman had racial motives killing Trayvon, it is difficult for anyone to argue that the handling of the case has no racial overtones; it would underscore a communal ignorance about the area’s history, and unfortunately, present.

I grew up in DeLand, Florida. As a crow flies, Sanford is about 22 miles south of DeLand, not really even a detour off I-4 on your way to Orlando. This area is the home of a very active Klan. Some scenes from my childhood are vivid memories and the Christmas Parade in DeLand when I was around seven or eight is one of those. The local Klan marched in the parade bearing the emblem “Peace on Earth Good Will Toward Men”-- in their robes no less! Years later when I taught at Pine Ridge High School in Deltona, a student was disciplined for inciting racial tensions by waving a rebel flag in minorities faces and using racial slurs. His friends rallied round and upped the confrontation over the next couple of days creating a very dangerous situation with a student body made up almost equally of black, Puerto Rican, and white kids. The Klan saw it differently and protested at the school because they said the student’s right to have a rebel flag on campus was violated. What a bizarre arrival to school that morning: a supposed adult man in a shiny purple gown and hood with a few hangers on, including the student, proclaiming himself as a grand wizard. Surreal for sure. Rednecks (a term that’s no longer offensive, darn it) regularly drove pickup trucks with ridiculously oversized tires and rebel flags waving from the truck bed and would honk at random people on the sidewalks with their overly loud “Dixie” playing horns. They were just expressing their southern heritage; no reason to curb this no matter how threatening to kids walking down the street, teen girls riding bikes, African-Americans just being.

Living in North Carolina now, I am often frustrated by people’s reaction when I tell them where I grew up. “Ahh, Disney World, Miami…” an assumption that the whole state of Florida is one long Disney-South Beach-Tampa world of golf courses, beaches, and boutique hotels and a population that is made up of snowbirds, northerners, people of diverse cultures, and the occasional native. That is NOT where I grew up. Central Florida is absolutely a part of the old south and I take offense to the Disney characterization, not because I’m a chest-thumping proponent of southern heritage ala rebel flag, but because people are so incredibly uninformed about the active legacy of this heritage and are content to literally white-wash the area with the broad stroke of a happy tourism paint brush. Sweeping this history out of view scares me to the core because its tradition remains alive and generally goes without notice.

This brings me back to the Trayvon Martin case. The 911 recordings reveal Zimmerman saying he plans to follow Martin and the dispatcher saying that wasn’t necessary. It makes logical sense that by pursuing Martin, Zimmerman cannot claim self-defense. Because of the strong Klan presence and a good ‘ol boy ethos that I witnessed from childhood into adulthood until at least 1999 when I moved from the area, I can’t help but conclude that Zimmerman has not been arrested so far because the victim was Black. I have spoken with many of my friends and contacts who are familiar with the area and they and I agree that had this been a white teenager killed, Zimmerman would have been arrested, especially if Zimmerman had been Black. I am not making any claim that Zimmerman himself was racially motivated. I am making a claim that it is a racially prejudiced reaction to the murder. In Sanford, shooting a Black kid to death just simply doesn’t warrant an arrest if it’s in “self-defense”.

Google “Zimmerman” or “Trayvon” or “Sanford, FL” and you’ll get thousands of results. Look at the international reaction. Watch the Million Hoodie March on Wednesday. All of these and more bring focus onto an area with simmering racial tensions and a past and present informed very strongly by the longest lived terrorist group in the United States. This exposure, if we choose to act on it, can be the sense that is made from Trayvon’s senseless death. And, if we choose not to act, then we allow a young man to fade from existence without the respect his memory is owed. The Martins deserve the former.

Photos courtesy of Patty Cunningham-Woolf