This month of February is Black History Month, also known as African Heritage Month. Schools and organizations nationwide will make an effort to publicize events of historical significance by African-Americans.
Although this "set-aside" acknowledgement of African-American culture is greatly needed for those who refuse to search history out for themselves, it would be much better if African-American History was taught everyday along with "American" History. (full editorial)
Once again I was posed that infamous question, "Why did you choose to attend Florida State instead of FAMU?" Personally, don't think it's anybody's business and we shouldn't have to justify ourselves. People do things for different reasons. I received letters from every type of school imaginable, but FAMU never sent me a postcard, so why would I go to a school who obviously didn't want me? (full essay)
Remembering Martin Luther King, Jr.-a short story dedication in his memory
Three hours later. Three hours later and her family was still going down memory lane. Talking about Queenie had led to talking about her grandfather, which led to talking about Uncle Peanut and so on and so on. Sharmaye massaged her forehead, she was getting a headache. But how did she get up from the table without offending anyone? At that moment, Auntie Bessie Mae and Sharmaye's cousin Buttermilk entered the kitchen. (full story)
Editorial Continued from top
American History is African-American History. There is no American without it. How can one teach one without the other. Setting it aside for ONE month out of 12 months makes a mockery out of the accomplishments significant persons of history have made. All accomplishments to further or attempt to better "our" condition in this society are equally as important as those of Caucasian descent.
Americans use their inbred race hatred towards "blacks" as a signifier of who they are. The South's whole economy and social culture/mores were dependent on this. So how can one teach about the beginnings of American civilization without teaching ALL aspects? African-Americans did not just accomplish things in one month and should not be limited to just one month to showcase the brilliance and courage that pervade the culture.
Teach and study African-American History everyday just as you would History in general. If you are into community service, start an afterschool program to teach children the WHOLE history of the United States, and not just the partial, selective one that is forced upon us to leave us blinded to the truth.
Peace and God Bless
(Feb 3, 2002)
Academy Award-winning actor, Denzel Washington stars in his latest movie role John Q., about a factory worker whose family is his life. When his son falls ill and needs an emergency heart transplant, he takes the emergency room hostage -- he has no money and his medical insurance won't cover the surgery. This action drama also stars Robert Duvall, Kimberly Elise, Eddie Griffin, Anne Heche, James Woods, and Ray Liotta.
This New Line Cinema release will open on February 15, 2002 (rated PG-13).
Official movie Website: www.iamjohnq.com/
Set for February 27 at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, performances at the Grammys will include: Alicia Keys. Presenters will include four-time Grammy winner, Janet Jackson. It will telecast on CBS Network from 8 to 11 p.m. eastern time.
Jarrett Fulton attends Alabama State University. The following short story, Dribbling in the Mist, is a fictional account about his senior year in high school and the troubles endured trying to pay for college. Previously unpublished until his debut feature in DrumBeats Magazine, Jarrett is known in his hometown for his urban / hip-hop writing style. Enjoy his debut and let us know what you think about his story!
"Biggins, pass the ball!"
"Get open and shut up!"
"Hey, this isn't the time nor place to put my foot up yours!"
The game was up to 5. We were on defense winning, 4-2. Drew takes a jump shot and scores, 4-3. Biggins, our team captain, inbounds the ball. He tosses it to Michael who brings the ball up and passes it back to Biggins. I was open underneath the basket, but Biggins passed it to Jack in the corner; he shot it?-an air ball.
Drew grabs the rebound, dribbles up the court, and scores again, tied at 4. This time, I receive ball up court and accidentally pass it to Biggins. Knowing that I made a mistake, I cut to the asket-being open as usual-yet not getting the ball. Our beloved captain takes it upon himself and dribbles the ball to the free throw line. The idiot shot it and missed. That causes Drew to snatch another rebound, run down court; dishes it to an open teammate and scores, game over.
"What's the problem? Your country behind can't see!" I scream.
Biggins stands on the sideline waiting for next game. "You are not the star on the team!" (click here to continue Volume 1 of Dribbling in the Mist by Jarrett Fulton).
The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences have announced the nominees for the 44th Annual Grammy Awards.
Official Web Site : www.grammy.com/
1. Anthrax organisms can cause infection in the skin, gastrointestinal system, or the lungs. To do, so the organism must be rubbed into abraded skin, swallowed, or inhaled as a fine, aerosolized mist. Disease can be prevented after exposure to the anthrax spores by early treatment with the appropriate antibiotics. Anthrax is not spread from one person to another person.
2. For anthrax to be effective as a covert agent, it must be aerosolized into very small particles. This is difficult to do, and requires a great deal of technical skill and special equipment. If these small particles are inhaled, life-threatening lung infection can occur, but prompt recognition and treatment are effective.
1. Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious envelope or package.
2. PLACE the envelope or package in a plastic bag or some other type of container to prevent leakage of contents.
3. If you do not have any container, then COVER the envelope or package with anything (e.g., clothing, paper, trash can, etc.) and do not remove this cover.
4. Then LEAVE the room and CLOSE the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering (i.e., keep others away).
5. WASH your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any powder to your face.
6. What to do nextÉ ¥If you are at HOME, then report the incident to local police. ¥If you are at WORK, then report the incident to local police, and notify your building security official or an available supervisor.
7. LIST all people who were in the room or area when this suspicious letter or package was recognized. Give this list to both the local public health authorities and law enforcement officials for follow-up investigations and advice.
1. DO NOT try to CLEAN UP the powder. COVER the spilled contents immediately with anything (e.g., clothing, paper, trash can, etc.) and do not remove this cover!
2. Then LEAVE the room and CLOSE the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering (i.e., keep others away).
3. WASH your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any powder to your face.
4. What to do nextÉ ¥If you are at HOME, then report the incident to local police. ¥If you are at WORK, then report the incident to local police, and notify your building security official or an available supervisor.
5. REMOVE heavily contaminated clothing as soon as possible and place in a plastic bag, or some other container that can be sealed. This clothing bag should be given to the emergency responders for proper handling.
6. SHOWER with soap and water as soon as possible. Do Not Use Bleach Or Other Disinfectant On Your Skin.
7. If possible, list all people who were in the room or area, especially those who had actual contact with the powder. Give this list to both the local public health authorities so that proper instructions can be given for medical follow-up, and to law enforcement officials for further investigation.
For example: small device triggered, warning that air handling system is contaminated, or warning that a biological agent released in a public space.
1. Turn off local fans or ventilation units in the area.
2. LEAVE area immediately.
3. CLOSE the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering (i.e., keep others away).
4. What to do nextÉ - If you are at HOME, then dial Ò911Ó to report the incident to local police and the local FBI field office. - If you are at WORK, then dial Ò911Ó to report the incident to local police and the local FBI field office, and notify your building security official or an available supervisor.
5. SHUT down air handling system in the building, if possible.
6. If possible, list all people who were in the room or area. Give this list to both the local public health authorities so that proper instructions can be given for medical follow-up, and to law enforcement officials for further investigation.
Some characteristics of suspicious packages and letters include the followingÉ
¥Excessive postage
¥Handwritten or poorly typed addresses
¥Incorrect titles
¥Title, but no name
¥Misspellings of common words
¥Oily stains, discolorations or odor
¥No return address
¥Excessive weight
¥Lopsided or uneven envelope
¥Protruding wires or aluminum foil
¥Excessive security material such as masking tape, string, etc.
¥Visual distractions
¥Ticking sound
¥Marked with restrictive endorsements, such as ÒPersonalÓ or ÒConfidentialÓ
¥Shows a city or state in the postmark that does not match the return address
Anthrax is an acute infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax most commonly occurs in hoofed mammals and can also infect humans. Symptoms of disease vary depending on how the disease was contracted, but usually occur within 7 days after exposure. The serious forms of human anthrax are inhalation anthrax, cutaneous anthrax, and intestinal anthrax. Initial symptoms of inhalation anthrax infection may resemble a common cold. After several days, the symptoms may progress to severe breathing problems and shock. Inhalation anthrax is often fatal. The intestinal disease form of anthrax may follow the consumption of contaminated food and is characterized by an acute inflammation of the intestinal tract. Initial signs of nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, and fever are followed by abdominal pain, vomiting of blood, and severe diarrhea. Direct person-to-person spread of anthrax is extremely unlikely, if it occurs at all. Therefore, there is no need to immunize or treat contacts of persons ill with anthrax, such as household contacts, friends, or coworkers, unless they also were also exposed to the same source of infection. In persons exposed to anthrax, infection can be prevented with antibiotic treatment. Early antibiotic treatment of anthrax is essentialÐdelay lessens chances for survival. Anthrax usually is susceptible to penicillin, doxycycline, and fluoroquinolones. An anthrax vaccine also can prevent infection. Vaccination against anthrax is not recommended for the general public to prevent disease and is not available.
Botulism is a muscle-paralyzing disease caused by a toxin made by a bacterium called Clostridium botulinum. There are three main kinds of botulism: á Foodborne botulism occurs when a person ingests pre-formed toxin that leads to illness within a few hours to days. Foodborne botulism is a public health emergency because the contaminated food may still be available to other persons besides the patient. á Infant botulism occurs in a small number of susceptible infants each year who harbor C. botulinum in their intestinal tract. á Wound botulism occurs when wounds are infected with C. botulinum that secretes the toxin. With foodborne botulism, symptoms begin within 6 hours to 2 weeks (most commonly between 12 and 36 hours) after eating toxin-containing food. Symptoms of botulism include double vision, blurred vision, drooping eyelids, slurred speech, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, muscle weakness that always descends through the body: first shoulders are affected, then upper arms, lower arms, thighs, calves, etc. Paralysis of breathing muscles can cause a person to stop breathing and die, unless assistance with breathing (mechanical ventilation) is provided. Botulism is not spread from one person to another. Foodborne botulism can occur in all age groups. A supply of antitoxin against botulism is maintained by CDC. The antitoxin is effective in reducing the severity of symptoms if administered early in the course of the disease. Most patients eventually recover after weeks to months of supportive care.
Plague is an infectious disease of animals and humans caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. Y. pestis, is found in rodents and their fleas in many areas around the world. Pneumonic plague occurs when Y. pestis infects the lungs. The first signs of illness in pneumonic plague are fever, headache, weakness, and cough productive of bloody or watery sputum. The pneumonia progresses over 2 to 4 days and may cause septic shock and, without early treatment, death. Person-to-person transmission of pneumonic plague occurs through respiratory droplets, which can only infect those who have face-to-face contact with the ill patient. Early treatment of pneumonic plague is essential. Several antibiotics are effective, including streptomycin, tetracycline, and chloramphenicol. There is no vaccine against plague. Prophylactic antibiotic treatment for 7 days will protect persons who have had face-to-face contact with infected patients.
Smallpox infection was eliminated from the world in 1977. Smallpox is caused by variola virus. The incubation period is about 12 days (range: 7 to 17 days) following exposure. Initial symptoms include high fever, fatigue, and head and back aches. A characteristic rash, most prominent on the face, arms, and legs, follows in 2-3 days. The rash starts with flat red lesions that evolve at the same rate. Lesions become pus-filled and begin to crust early in the second week. Scabs develop and then separate and fall off after about 3-4 weeks. The majority of patients with smallpox recover, but death occurs in up to 30% of cases. Smallpox is spread from one person to another by infected saliva droplets that expose a susceptible person having face-to-face contact with the ill person. Persons with smallpox are most infectious during the first week of illness, because that is when the largest amount of virus is present in saliva. However, some risk of transmission lasts until all scabs have fallen off. Routine vaccination against smallpox ended in 1972. The level of immunity, if any, among persons who were vaccinated before 1972 is uncertain; therefore, these persons are assumed to be susceptible. Vaccination against smallpox is not recommended to prevent the disease in the general public and therefore is not available. In people exposed to smallpox, the vaccine can lessen the severity of or even prevent illness if given within 4 days after exposure. Vaccine against smallpox contains another live virus called vaccinia. The vaccine does not contain smallpox virus. The United States currently has an emergency supply of smallpox vaccine. There is no proven treatment for smallpox but research to evaluate new antiviral agents is ongoing. Patients with smallpox can benefit from supportive therapy (intravenous fluids, medicine to control fever or pain, etc.) and antibiotics for any secondary bacterial infections that occur.
Due to the Anthrax cases in Florida and concerns regarding potential biological or chemical threats, awareness among the public and law enforcement is heightened. Law enforcement agencies and fire departments statewide have received numerous requests for information and for assistance in picking up suspicious packages or letters. The information below includes data regarding the Anthrax substance, characteristics of suspicious packages and what to do if you receive a suspicious package.
Anthrax is an infectious disease caused by the spore-forming bacterium Bacillus anthracis. Anthrax is very rare in humans and cannot be transmitted from person to person. It can appear as a crystalline or powdery substance that may or may not be seen. Bacillus anthracis is an age-old bacterium that has caused disease for centuries in the world. Infection comes from contact with anthrax-infected animals or infected animal products. The spores are found widely in soil; therefore, animals that feed on the ground tend to be those most likely infected. These animals usually include cows, sheep and goats. Humans can contract one of three forms of Bacillus anthracis: cutaneous (skin), intestinal and respiratory. Most commonly, infected people have been exposed through their work such as farmers, butchers and veterinarians, and those who sort raw wool and tan hides. Symptoms vary depending on exposure but can include cold and flu-type symptoms. Doctors can prescribe antibiotics for treatment of the disease. To be effective, treatment should be initiated early. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal.
The likelihood of receiving a package or letter containing suspicious substances is remote. However, it is important for citizens to be aware of characteristics that are common to suspicious packages. Some indicators include, but are not limited to, the following (click here for diagram):
Ç Mailed from a Foreign Country
Ç Excessive Postage
Ç Misspelled Words
ÇAddressed to Title Only
Ç Wrong Title with Name
Ç Rigid or Bulky
Ç Badly Typed or Hand Written
Ç Restrictive Markings
Ç No Return Address
Ç Strange Odor
Ç Lopsided/Protruding item
Ç Stains on Wrapping
Ç Leave the letter or package alone. Do not move the item.
Ç The individual in contact with the letter should leave the vicinity immediately.
Ç Other individuals within the vicinity of the letter should also leave immediately.
Ç Contact your local law enforcement agency and explain what has occurred.
Ç Your local law enforcement agency will notify the county health department and the Department of Health to conduct appropriate testing.
Ç Results of the test will be available in time to determine what, if any, treatment should be implemented.
Ç Individuals who open or have contact with the letter or package containing an unknown substance should thoroughly wash their hands with soap and water.
Ç There is no need to start antibiotics prior to the analysis of the letter or package.
Ç Contact information of all individuals that may have been exposed should be collected immediately. These individuals should be reassured that they will be contacted as soon as results are known. Sources: Center for Disease Control, U.S. Postal Service, Florida Department of Health, Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/anthrax_g.htm
http://www.usps.com/news/2001/press/pr01_1010tips.htm