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<title>Movie Review; Shirley.</title>
<link>https://www.akiit.com/2024/03/26/movie-review-shirley/</link>
<comments>https://www.akiit.com/2024/03/26/movie-review-shirley/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 26 Mar 2024 02:12:56 +0000</pubDate>
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<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
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<description><![CDATA[This is a history lesson worth learning. A political shero worth knowing. Some viewers will wish Chisolm’s legacy was kept alive in a more unique and distinguished way. While some will be grateful for any introduction to her groundbreaking achievements.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[

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(Akiit.com) (**1/2)
She was a pioneer. A <a href="https://www.Akiit.com">political warrior</a>. A woman who’s earned an esteemed place in herstory.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-14672" src="https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Movie-Review-Shirley-scaled.jpg" alt="Movie Review; Shirley." width="537" height="302" srcset="https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Movie-Review-Shirley-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Movie-Review-Shirley-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Movie-Review-Shirley-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Movie-Review-Shirley-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Movie-Review-Shirley-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Movie-Review-Shirley-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Movie-Review-Shirley-1200x675.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 537px) 100vw, 537px" />
After Frederick Douglas (1848), Edwin Taylor (1904) and Channing E Phillips (1968). Before Jesse Jackson (1984), Alan Keyes (1992) and Barack Obama (2008). There was Shirley Chisolm (1972). All vied to be president of the United States. She was the only Black woman who dared to enter the ring. First black candidate vying for a major-party nomination. First woman to run for the Democratic Party’s presidential nomination. Distinctions that deserve more than just an honorable mention.
Giving Shirley Chisolm her due has been a passion project for actress/producer Regina King (If Beale Street Could Talk) and her producing partner and sister Reina King. Their love and respect for Shirley is in every frame of their bio/dra/history film. Respectively the movie chronicles Chisolm’s first days in Congress as a U.S. representative from New York City’s 12th district, which includes Brooklyn’s Bedford Stuyvesant. Then recounts her decision to run for president and all the roadblocks that ensued.
What it doesn’t do is give the audience her backstory. Early events that would help viewers understand how she got her drive, ambition and keen ability to stand up to bullies. Many biofilms just show a section of their subject’s life. A segment or period that’s usually the most profound. E.g., Bob Marley: One Love concentrated largely on the making of his classic album Exodus. But he’s a world-famous figure. Chisolm is not. Viewers will yearn to know more about her childhood, academic accomplishments (Columbia University graduate) and early career.
On the first day of Congress in 1969, on the steps of the Capitol Building in Washington D.C., a new class of freshmen poses for a photo. One member stands out. Shirley Chisolm (King). She’s Black. She’s a woman. The rest are white men. Fighting for her place in the U.S. House of Representative starts immediately, when she’s assigned to the Agriculture Committee. Conventional wisdom says take your first assignment and be grateful. Not knowing anything about a farmer’s life, Shirley fights her way off that committee and onto another. And so, it begins. Conventions thrown out the window. Chisolm finding her own path.
In the paint-by-numbers script, as written by writer/director John Ridley, historical characters are assembled, and Chisolm’s journey is charted. The depth of the characters is never more than surface. The rivalries, jealousies, saviors, detractors, supporters and backstabbers too. Don’t fault the actors, they give solid-to-excellent performances. But none are better than the words on the page. Except King.
When Shirley expresses her intentions to run, her campaign advisor, Wesley McDonald “Mac” Holder (Lance Reddick, The Wire), is blunt: “Shirley if you run you can’t win.” Shirley chides him: “Well not with that attitude!” And so, she builds her inner circle: Arthur Hardwick Jr., (Terrence Howard), who’d served with Shirley in the New York State Legislature helps with strategy. Stanley Townsend (Brian Stokes Mitchell) campaign manager. Robert Gottlieb (Lucas Hedges, Manchester by the Sea), a white Cornel law student becomes her student organizer. While Barbara Lee (Christina Jackson, Devotion), Chisolm’s young protégée, acts as her liaison to the Black community and a link to the influential Black Panthers.
Treachery is sprinkled along the way. Some of the sneaky trickery comes from Black politicians, like Walter Fauntroy (André Holland, Moonlight) and Ron Dellums (Dorian Missick). Add in noted figures George Wallace (W. Earl Brown) and Huey P. Newton (Brad James), and this film becomes a fairly intriguing who’s who in Black politics and American history.
The direction seems perfunctory. No great artistry exhibited. No huge mistakes made. Ramsey Nickell’s (American Crime) camerawork captures the at-home and tense confrontations between Shirley and her overly understanding husband and head of security Conrad (Michael Cherrie). An awkward outdoor meeting between Shirley and Huey at the home of Diahann Carroll (Amirah Vann, Underground) is displayed, too. Shirley “I’m going to force all the politicians to earn our votes!” Huey: “You gonna to do all that? Schoolteacher from Brooklyn?” Shirley: “Yes I am just a schoolteacher from Brooklyn, and Harriet was just a slave.” In general, the dialogue is thoughtful. But it’s likely these conversations are not verbatim, and at times seem too manufactured.
All production elements are adequate for a TV movie: production design Dina Goldman; costumes Megan Coates; set decoration Jon L. Bush and Imogen Lee and art direction Danny Brown. That’s minus some parts of the soundtrack that seem like place holder music, and not a score. A theatrical release would expose flaws. A Netflix release on the little screen is just right. Plot pieces, peaks and valleys are pulled together decently. Slowly it all starts to gel, build momentum and become educational and fascinating. But there isn’t a real climax. No satiating crescendo.
Through it all, Regina King releases a fire that retrieves the spirit of Shirley Chisolm from the less-read pages of history books. The accent, courage and determination are all in King’s bravura performance. She was right to champion this production. For Chisolm’s sake, and as a showcase for her supreme talent. Another acting kudo goes to Terence Howard who shows great restraint as Arthur Hardwick, Jr., the voice of reason. His performance is nuanced. Magnetic in the most subtle way.
This is a history lesson worth learning. A political shero worth knowing. Some viewers will wish Chisolm’s legacy was kept alive in a more unique and distinguished way. While some will be grateful for any introduction to her groundbreaking achievements.
Trailer: 
<iframe loading="lazy" title="SHIRLEY | Official Trailer | Netflix" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hjBeKNHIdMY?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Columnist; Dwight Brown
Visit NNPA News Wire Film Critic Dwight Brown at <a href="http://dwightbrownink.com/">DwightBrownInk.com</a>.
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<title>Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s Hypocrisy.</title>
<link>https://www.akiit.com/2023/10/10/senate-majority-leader-chuck-schumers-hypocrisy/</link>
<comments>https://www.akiit.com/2023/10/10/senate-majority-leader-chuck-schumers-hypocrisy/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Tue, 10 Oct 2023 23:00:23 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Weekly Columns]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.akiit.com/?p=14597</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The bottom line is he doesn’t really care about any specific vaping product or kids, he’s just using this argument to push regulators into taking a hard line on the product and expand the federal government’s power into somewhere new. And if he really cared about health, he wouldn’t be going after the most successful stop-smoking aid out there while advocating for filter-less smoke from pot. As a former smoker who quit with the help of vaping (who then quit that, by the way), the idea that Chuck Schumer has made the health care of kids a priority is laughable when you look at his actions to promote marijuana.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[

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(Akiit.com) Hypocrisy is always in abundance with politicians in the D.C. swamp, yet Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (D-NY) battle to ban e-cigarette takes hypocrisy to a new level. In the name of protecting children, he has targeted a vaping product called Elf Bar for a possible government ban. There’s nothing hypocritical with that on its own, Schumer is someone who sees government power as his to wield. The hypocrisy comes in when you consider he is a leader in the movement to legalize marijuana nationwide. How does he think most people use marijuana? Vaping is much safer than unfiltered pot smoke.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-14598" src="https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Chuck-Schumer.jpg" alt=" Chuck Schumer" width="410" height="273" srcset="https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Chuck-Schumer.jpg 612w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Chuck-Schumer-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 410px) 100vw, 410px" />
Let’s be honest. A vaping product is not more attractive to people under 18 than marijuana is. There aren’t a bunch of popular songs about vaping the way there are about weed and being stoned. We can expect teenagers to huddle outside of cannabis dispensaries, much like they do liquor stores, hoping to find an adult to buy it for them. There are no corresponding crowds outside vape shops waiting for some adult to buy them anything.
This battle erupted at a press conference back in March of this year. <a href="https://nypost.com/2023/03/19/schumer-calls-on-fda-to-investigate-elf-bar-hot-new-e-cig/">The New York Post</a> reported on March 19, 2023, “Schumer is calling on the US Food and Drug Administration to investigate a hot, new Chinese-made e-cigarette that he believes is skirting American advertising laws by appealing directly to kids and teenager via social media.” The product is called Elf Bar and he has compared it to a product rolled out a few years ago Juul. Schumer complained that these vaping products were available at New York City bodegas, which of course they are because that’s where smokers buy their products. You don’t sell tires at a McDonald’s; you sell hamburgers because that’s where people go to get them.
It’s just odd why Schumer would seem to have such a vendetta against various vaping products while being a leader in the legalization movement. Just to be clear, I couldn’t care less about marijuana legalization. I did what I did when I was younger and am rather libertarian about what adults do with their bodies. That being said, I’m not sure legalization is such a net-positive for society. It’s a great cash cow for governments, but the societal ramifications of making it easy to use without consequence have yet to be fully measured. Time will tell.
That being said, Schumer is an outspoken supporter of the SAFE Banking Act that “<a href="https://www.marijuanamoment.net/schumer-applauds-marijuana-banking-bill-but-says-adding-justice-provisions-is-a-moral-responsibility/">would ensure cannabis businesses that operate in states with legal cannabis have equal access to critical banking infrastructure</a>,” which means it would allow them to accept credit cards (they’re all cash now) and free banks from the fear of federal wrath should they do business with them. He mentioned how “<a href="https://www.marijuanamoment.net/schumer-applauds-marijuana-banking-bill-but-says-adding-justice-provisions-is-a-moral-responsibility/">this bill has provisions particularly aimed at helping minority business owners</a>,” yet no reference to how this bill would impact the communities where registered dispensaries are located. (HINT: They tend not to be located in wealthy neighborhoods.)
A more egregious example of his hypocrisy is his support of legalizing marijuana at the federal level. <a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2022/07/21/schumer-legal-weed-bill-00047058">Politico</a> reported on July 21, 2022, “Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act would decriminalize weed on the federal level and allow states to set their own marijuana laws without fear of punishment from Washington.” All fine and great, but how does Schumer’s bill consider the impact on kids? It doesn’t. A <a href="https://www.politico.com/f/?id=0000017a-a490-dc3c-a57e-b4d8e25b0000">discussion draft</a> of this legislation, in the findings, makes zero mention of children. Weird, considering vaping and kids occupies an awful lot of his mind.
This is personal for me, having quit a 20-year smoking habit/addiction with the help of vaping. I’m not opposed to it, nor do I recommend it. My point is that Schumer’s selective invocation of the health of kids on vaping is disingenuous. It’s the hypocrisy that drives me nuts.
The bottom line is he doesn’t really care about any specific vaping product or kids, he’s just using this argument to push regulators into taking a hard line on the product and expand the federal government’s power into somewhere new. And if he really cared about health, he wouldn’t be going after the most successful stop-smoking aid out there while advocating for filter-less smoke from pot. As a former smoker who quit with the help of vaping (who then quit that, by the way), the idea that Chuck Schumer has made the health care of kids a priority is laughable when you look at his actions to promote marijuana.
Columnist; Derek Hunter
Official website; <a href="http://twitter.com/derekahunter" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://twitter.com/derekahunter</a>
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</item>
<item>
<title>Why Donald Trump May Win Again—Despite All the Odds.</title>
<link>https://www.akiit.com/2023/10/05/why-donald-trump-may-win-again-despite-all-the-odds/</link>
<comments>https://www.akiit.com/2023/10/05/why-donald-trump-may-win-again-despite-all-the-odds/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 05 Oct 2023 23:22:45 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Weekly Columns]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.akiit.com/?p=14592</guid>
<description><![CDATA[The man who Trump more than once has been not unfavorably compared too in style and approach to whipping up a wide swath of the masses had this to say about how to rev up a multitude, “For the great majority of a nation thought and conduct are ruled by sentiment rather than sober reasoning.”]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[

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(Akiit.com) It was infuriating, insulting, ludicrous, laughable, and clownish, and horrifically scary but it’s maddeningly effective. The “it” was Trump’s line in a talk to a bunch of striking <a href="https://www.Akiit.com">UAW</a> workers in Ohio, “The damn things don’t go far enough and they’re too expensive.” He was talking about EVs.
Now here’s Trump’s “genius” and “secret” if one can call it that. He has ground into his delivery what every dictator, demagogue, and autocrat throughout history has known. To borrow former President Hery Truman’s famed characterization of speaking to the masses –“plain speaking.”
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-13137" src="https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/donaldtrump-SPIEDON.jpg" alt="donald trump-" width="413" height="275" srcset="https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/donaldtrump-SPIEDON.jpg 2500w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/donaldtrump-SPIEDON-300x200.jpg 300w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/donaldtrump-SPIEDON-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/donaldtrump-SPIEDON-768x512.jpg 768w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/donaldtrump-SPIEDON-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/donaldtrump-SPIEDON-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 413px) 100vw, 413px" />
Talk to them as if you’re talking to a third grader. No facts, no logic, no reason, and God forbid no thought. Give them a simple pablum. Take his statement about EVs. It’s textbook. EVs do work. They are mechanically sound and efficient. The batteries and charging have vastly improved their performance. As more models come on the market, prices have invariably slid down. Many are cost effective.
But facts be damned with autocrat Trump. Keep it simple, simplistic, and downright dumb, but this taps a nerve, fear, dislike, popular belief, or more likely bias and the yokels will eat it up.
The man who Trump more than once has been not unfavorably compared too in style and approach to whipping up a wide swath of the masses had this to say about how to rev up a multitude, “For the great majority of a nation thought and conduct are ruled by sentiment rather than sober reasoning.” Trump did not read this admonition by Hitler in his Mein Kampf. Here Hitler recognized a fatal truism about what moves millions. But then again, Trump didn’t have too. He instinctively practices it with every sentence to a swooning crowd. The proof again was his astoundingly pithy line to the autoworkers about EVs. They cheered wildly. This is why again despite all odds he may win.
Columnist; Earl Ofari Hutchinson
One can visit this brother online over at; <a href="http://thehutchinsonreport.net/">TheHutchinson Report</a>.
]]></content:encoded>
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</item>
<item>
<title>Film Review: Blue Beetle.</title>
<link>https://www.akiit.com/2023/10/05/film-review-blue-beetle/</link>
<comments>https://www.akiit.com/2023/10/05/film-review-blue-beetle/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 05 Oct 2023 23:15:04 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Weekly Columns]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.akiit.com/?p=14586</guid>
<description><![CDATA[https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Blue-Beetle-2023.png]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[

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(Akiit.com) (***)
It’s a start. One day Latino superheroes will be everyday marvels. Not a rarity. This is the beginning.
Blue Beetle first appeared in a <a href="https://www.Akiit.com">comic book</a> back in 1939, in a story about an archaeologist who found a magical blue scarab in Egypt that gave him superpowers. It would eventually become part of DC comics. Ninety years later the blue scarab is still formidable, and it chooses a new host.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-14590" src="https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Blue-Beetle-2023.png" alt="Blue Beetle" width="460" height="272" srcset="https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Blue-Beetle-2023.png 1444w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Blue-Beetle-2023-300x177.png 300w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Blue-Beetle-2023-1024x606.png 1024w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Blue-Beetle-2023-768x454.png 768w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Blue-Beetle-2023-1200x710.png 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px" />
Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña), a recent college graduate, returns home to his loving family in Palmera City. He’s dismayed when he discovers that his dad has lost his business and they may lose their home.
Jaime and his sister Milagro (Belissa Escobedo) get a job as pool attendants and housecleaners at the estate of the very wealthy, snooty and sociopathic Victoria Kord (Susan Sarandon), CEO of Kord Industries. Under Victoria’s guidance, the company is developing weapons that can be used for good or evil. Mostly evil. She runs a company that was once co-led by her late brother Ted Kord. The two siblings were diametrically opposed. Ted’s daughter Jenny (Bruna Marquezine) is all that’s left of the good side of the Kord dynasty.
After haphazardly meeting Jaime, Jenny entrusts him with a blue scarab beetle, and he has no idea what it is. It is in fact, an ancient artifact with amazing powers. It enters Jaime’s body, giving him the ability to fly, fight and create new weapons. The former pre-law college student is not sure how to handle his new skills. His evolution as a crime fighter fuels this story’s momentum.
Normally in a superhero movie the protagonist’s powers are the lynchpin. However, as written by Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer, directed by Ángel Manuel Soto and with visual effects by Kelvin McIlwain (The Suicide Squad), none of Jaime’s new abilities are astoundingly unique. They’re generic. In fact, some of his superpower effects look cheesy, like a low-budget Robert Rodriguez film (Spy Kids). Also, the look of fight scenes, bomb blasts and rescues are ho-hum at best. The reason action scenes seem dire is because Jaime is so innocent and the family is so loving you don’t want anything bad to happen to them. So, it is a great relief when the Reyes family finds the will to battle Victoria and her henchmen.
Soto doesn’t establish a directing style that makes his footage distinctive. But fortunately, he has the presence of mind to let the grandmother Nana (Adriana Barraza, Rambo: Last Blood), mother (Elpidia Carrillo), father (Damían Alcázar, Narcos), sister Milagro and wacky Uncle Rudy (George Lopez) showboat. Once the relatives enter the picture and put their fate back in their hands the film takes off. Equally exhilarating is Jamie’s ascension from innocent befuddled victim to superhero in charge of his destiny. Uncle Rudy: “The universe has sent you a gift, and you have to figure out what you are going to do with it.” Jaime’s new attitude as Blue Beetle comes in handy as he fights Victoria’s killing machine, Carapax (Raoul Max Trujillo, Sicario). In fact, Maridueña may be the wide-eyed, photogenic lead, but Barraza and Trujillo are the ones who leave a lasting impression
Production designer John Billington (Bad Boys for Life) authentically creates Palmera City and the Reyes’ home. The surroundings are typical of places in Florida, Texas or California and the homes and interiors look very working class and lived in. Cinematographer Pawel Pogorzelski (Midsommar) deftly captures the action scenes and the simple times when the Reyes congregate around their dinner table. While Craig Albert’s editing keeps everything crisp as it builds to the finale. Hints of reggaeton on the soundtrack (composer The Axon Cloak) make what’s on view feel current.
There is a crucial scene when Jaime looks like he won’t make it. Stranded in a netherworld, he meets someone who helps him finds his bearings. It’s a very heady and mystical scene. Quite touching. More of these moments would have made this film stronger.
Now that the premise and characters have been established, Blue Beetle has room to grow. Certainly, if it upgrades its visual effects (VFX) it could compete with the best superhero movies. The kind kids, tweens and young teens like.
This is a nice start. The beginning of a Latino franchise that can only get better. Especially if it learns from its imperfections and builds on its strengths. A very charming superhero movie.
Trailer: <a>Trailer: </a>
<iframe loading="lazy" title="Blue Beetle – Official Trailer" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vS3_72Gb-bI?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Columnist; Dwight Brown
Visit NNPA News Wire Film Critic Dwight Brown at <a href="http://dwightbrownink.com/">DwightBrownInk.com</a>.
]]></content:encoded>
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<title>Politician Dianne Feinstein: Grit And Grace.</title>
<link>https://www.akiit.com/2023/10/05/politician-dianne-feinstein-grit-and-grace/</link>
<comments>https://www.akiit.com/2023/10/05/politician-dianne-feinstein-grit-and-grace/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 05 Oct 2023 23:06:04 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Weekly Columns]]></category>
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<description><![CDATA[Many of us who stand with Barbara Lee chafe at Governor Gavin Newsome’s failure to appoint Congresswoman Lee. Still, we all have high hopes and wish much success for Laphonza Butler and his selection. Governor Newsome’s appointment checks his box to appoint a Black woman to the next open seat in the Senate. His refusal to hear the many who asked him to appoint Congresswoman Lee will have ramifications in the long run. What might Dianne Feinstein have done had she been governor? Food for thought.]]></description>
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(Akiit.com) The late Senator Dianne Feinstein was my Mayor. I’m a native San Franciscan who cut her political chops in my home city. I often spent time with our Mayor and appreciate her grace and kindness. We didn’t see the world the same way and occasionally crossed swords around race matters. Still, I always respected her and how she managed policy and politics. And I also appreciated the hurdles she had to clear as the first woman mayor of San Francisco. Her life is a litany of firsts.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-14588" src="https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Dianne-Feinstein-2023.jpg" alt="dianne feinstein" width="416" height="286" srcset="https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Dianne-Feinstein-2023.jpg 1486w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Dianne-Feinstein-2023-300x207.jpg 300w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Dianne-Feinstein-2023-1024x705.jpg 1024w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Dianne-Feinstein-2023-768x529.jpg 768w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Dianne-Feinstein-2023-1200x826.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 416px) 100vw, 416px" />
She rose to the mayoralty amid the crisis sparked by the assassination of her predecessor, George Moscone, and a colleague, Harvey Milk. She led a city that mourned our only openly gay member of the Board of Supervisors and a beloved mayor. She comported herself with a restrained brilliance, saying the right thing every time and flashing her somber smile as she spoke. I will never forget a meeting in her office where my cold had me hacking through it. I don’t remember the issue we disagreed on, but I remember having one of her aides bring me a cup of tea with honey to help my throat.
As Mayor, she revived our tourist-attracting cable cars and (with Nancy Pelosi) brought the 1984 <a href="https://www.Akiit.com">Democratic</a> convention to San Francisco. That was quite a convention where Rev. Jesse Jackson threw down with a policy speech that included lines like, “I’d rather have Roosevelt in a wheelchair than Reagan on a horse,” and the critical self-revealing, “God ain’t finished with me yet.” Jackson wasn’t nominated, but he launched hundreds of political careers. Feinstein and Pelosi were responsible for providing a backdrop to his message.
Dianne Feinstein was part of the 1992 “Year of the Woman,” the year after Anita Hill endured grueling treatment by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Many knew that there was not a single woman on that committee, and, indeed, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) said she was inspired to run for the Senate as a “mom in tennis shoes” after that hearing. In November 1992, four new women were elected to the United States Senate, a record number that included Senator Feinstein, Carol Mosley Braun (IL), Barbara Boxer (CA), and Patty Murray. Because this critical mass of women was elected, the Senate had to create a women’s restroom, and it took some struggle for women to wear pants on the Senate floor.
Feinstein’s contributions to this Senate were innumerable, with one of the most important being her 1994 legislation to ban assault weapons. That legislation expired in 2014, and the results of its expiration scream from daily headlines. Dianne Feinstein saved lives. With her Senate career forged out of tragedy, she was profoundly aware of the impact that assault (and other) weapons could have on people’s lives, especially the lives of children.
Feinstein’s Senate career partly happened because many women chafed at how the Senate Judiciary Committee treated Anita Hill. Thus, it was poetic justice that Feinstein became the ranking Democrat in the Senate Judiciary Committee. She was the first woman to have that role. She worked on several things, including immigration, civil rights, national security, and the courts. Her Senate career is a pastiche of first, with roles in intelligence and appropriations, among others. She was chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development. A staff memo on her transition reminds us that she “secured billions of dollars for California communities, including critical transportation, water supply, and federal building projects.” She ensured that federal wildland firefighters earned higher salaries and worked to improve California’s water infrastructure.
Dozens of published bios and obituaries will highlight Feinstein’s many legislative accomplishments. Many will describe her as an “icon” or “role model” and an inspirational woman who shattered the glass ceiling with grit and grace. She was persistent, resilient, visionary, collaborative, brilliant, and awe-inspiring. In her later years, she was physically diminished, but that did not lessen her impact. I will miss Dianne Feinstein, the gentle warrior whose passionate love for her home state of California was a blessing to us all.
Many of us who stand with Barbara Lee chafe at Governor Gavin Newsome’s failure to appoint Congresswoman Lee. Still, we all have high hopes and wish much success for Laphonza Butler and his selection. Governor Newsome’s appointment checks his box to appoint a Black woman to the next open seat in the Senate. His refusal to hear the many who asked him to appoint Congresswoman Lee will have ramifications in the long run. What might Dianne Feinstein have done had she been governor? Food for thought.
Columnist; Julianne Malveaux
FB Page; <a href="https://facebook.com/julianne.malveaux">http://facebook.com/julianne.malveaux</a>
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<title>Movie Review: The Last Voyage of the Demeter.</title>
<link>https://www.akiit.com/2023/09/29/movie-review-the-last-voyage-of-the-demeter/</link>
<comments>https://www.akiit.com/2023/09/29/movie-review-the-last-voyage-of-the-demeter/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Fri, 29 Sep 2023 19:01:38 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Money/Business]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Weekly Columns]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.akiit.com/?p=14581</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Dr. Elisha Hall, African American Engagement Director of C&C, and Ms. Brandi Alexander Chief Engagement Officer of C&C; Shawn Perry, Executive Producer and Host of The Senior Zone; Dr. Beverly M. Morgan, of the Black Nurses Association and Ricardo Thomas offered valuable economic information. I wish I could name everybody who participated, but I’m limited with words!]]></description>
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(Akiit.com) (**)
If a horror film goes for the jugular it has to have fangs. Right?
Taking a chapter from Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula and adapting it into a fright <a href="https://www.Akiit.com">film</a> is a good start. Great source, good premise, legendary story and characters. The right casting, astute direction, reams of dread, lots of thrills and plenty of astoundingly gory scenes are crucial. Yet, as this interpretation of a captain’s log outlines the fated transporting of Dracula from Transylvania to London, those vital elements are in place, but not glorious. Not at all.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-14583" src="https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Movie-Review-The-Last-Voyage-of-the-Demeter-1.png" alt="Movie Review: The Last Voyage of the Demeter." width="520" height="264" srcset="https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Movie-Review-The-Last-Voyage-of-the-Demeter-1.png 1050w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Movie-Review-The-Last-Voyage-of-the-Demeter-1-300x152.png 300w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Movie-Review-The-Last-Voyage-of-the-Demeter-1-1024x520.png 1024w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Movie-Review-The-Last-Voyage-of-the-Demeter-1-768x390.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 520px) 100vw, 520px" />
In the late 1800s, a Captain Eliot (Liam Cunningham, Game of Thrones) has his first mate Wojcek (David Dastmalchian, Dune) add new crew members to his merchant ship, the Demeter. They will haul 50 wooden crates from Carpathia, which is near Transylvania, to London. They need the help. Some potential workers are spooked by the cargo, saying evilness is onboard. That frees up a position for Clemens (Corey Hawkins, The Tragedy of MacBeth), a doctor, academic and astronomer, a job hunter who had been turned down previously. Also, saving the captain’s grandson Toby (Woody Norman, C’mon C’mon) from a falling crate puts him in favor.
Something bothers the livestock in the cargo area. Formerly brazen rats hide and disappear. A ship without rodents is abnormal, so says the galley cook Joseph (Jon Jon Briones). Tension rises between the workers. The erudite Black man is envied by the jealous white crew. Friction intensifies further once a female stowaway, Anna (Aisling Franciosi, Game of Thrones), is found. To the brutes, a woman onboard brings bad luck. Bad luck will follow them, but in the guise of a neck biting, blood-sucking being that will bleed them dry. One by one. It is said: “Evil feeds on the blood of the innocent. And this one wears the skin of a man.” It’s Dracula.
Considering the director André Øvredal’s filmography (Trollhunter) and screenwriters Bragi F. Schut, Jr. (Escape Room) and Zak Olkewicz (Bullet Train), a horror/thriller fan might expect the action and gore to jump off the screen or at least provide giddy depravity. But nothing stands out. Nothing that matters. Not even the demon, who looks like he’s wearing a very scaly bodysuit and in need of a trip to the dentist for veneers. Yawn! Horror lore has it that if the villain’s look isn’t mind-numbingly scary, the film won’t be frightful either.
The period, place and culture are well established by production designer Edward Thomas (Resident Evil: The Final Chapter) and costume designer Carlo Poggioli (The New Pope). Streets, buildings and ship interiors look authentic enough and the clothes are suitably filthy and worn. Cinematographer Tom Stern (American Sniper) captures the verdant countryside, deep blue ocean and grisly murders well, while editor Patrick Larsgaard (The Trip) cuts scenes to their core.
Even with those attributes, the production elements don’t enhance what’s on view enough, and the musical score by Bear McCreary (Outlander) sounds generic, at best. It’s nearly 40 minutes before there’s a good scare—and that’s way too long. As the footage progresses, genre fans may hope for a visually arresting (The Hunger), campy (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), sexy (Bram Stocker’s Dracula), sleazy (The Addiction) or classic (Nosferatu) approach to the horror filmmaking. None shows up.
Øvredal, as a director, is not an auteur or a mischievous filmmaker. Plow ahead, choregraph the scenes, make characters die, count the bodies and build to a feeble ending. That’s it. Any hopes that writer Zak Olkewicz’s wild Bullet Train instincts might kick in and cause indescribable mayhem or lead to an unfathomable climax are dashed.
However, this flat unambitious showcase provides an opportunity for an instinctive, inventive actor to leave an impressive performance, regardless. A Jeffrey Wright, Christian Bale or Daniel Day Lewis would rise above the mire in the most raw or theatrical ways. Hawkins, a fine actor, choses a more subtle approach, which feels sufficient but not extraordinary.
When a crew member calls Clemens “Darkie,” and he responds, “If you call me that again I will…” It’s a weak line and lost moment. A savvy scribe would have him beat the antagonist’s ass or die trying. Like punching the bully in prison on the first day just to gain the respect of others. Briones, as the religious zealot chef, gets it right. He makes more of his character than what is on the page.
The whole production seems lost at sea. Much like the mysterious shipwreck Demeter, it crashes ashore empty.
Trailer:
<iframe loading="lazy" title="The Last Voyage of the Demeter | Official Trailer" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6FgUUO9Ztd0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Columnist; Dwight Brown
Visit NNPA News Wire Film Critic Dwight Brown at <a href="http://dwightbrownink.com/">DwightBrownInk.com</a>.
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<title>What Happens If You Hit A Jaywalker In California?</title>
<link>https://www.akiit.com/2023/09/14/what-happens-if-you-hit-a-jaywalker-in-california/</link>
<comments>https://www.akiit.com/2023/09/14/what-happens-if-you-hit-a-jaywalker-in-california/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Thu, 14 Sep 2023 17:28:54 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Money/Business]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Weekly Columns]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.akiit.com/?p=14566</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Accidents involving jaywalkers in California encompass a complex interplay of legal, safety, and behavioral factors that require careful consideration. Understanding the potential legal consequences, insurance coverage, and claims process is essential for all parties involved.
Regardless if you are a driver or you are a jaywalker, it is best to seek legal representation to get compensation and hold the person responsible.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[

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(Akiit.com) As a driver, you have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care and caution while operating your vehicle. This includes being vigilant for pedestrians and obeying traffic laws. But, no matter how careful you are as a driver, sometimes accidents just happen. While collisions are common, you can also find yourself hitting someone.
In California, the legal implications of hitting a jaywalker while driving can vary based on several factors. A jaywalker refers to a pedestrian who crosses a street illegally, not adhering to designated crosswalks or traffic signals. 
According to <a href="https://www.eastonlawoffices.com/">Easton & Easton, LLP</a>, if you hit a jaywalker in California, the outcome will depend on whether you were found to be driving negligently or recklessly. If you were driving within the speed limit and taking appropriate precautions, you might not be held fully liable for the accident. 
However, if it’s determined that you were speeding, distracted, or otherwise not driving responsibly, you could face legal consequences, including potential civil liability for the pedestrian’s injuries and criminal charges if your behavior is deemed particularly egregious.
Let’s take a look at jaywalking laws in California:
<h2>Understanding Jaywalking Laws in California</h2>
In California, pedestrians generally have the right of way, but they are also required to follow traffic signals and use designated crosswalks when available. Jaywalking, or crossing a street illegally outside of designated areas, can result in fines and citations. 
However, the enforcement of these laws can vary depending on local jurisdictions and specific circumstances. Drivers should be vigilant and prepared to yield to pedestrians, especially near crosswalks, while pedestrians should prioritize their safety by using crosswalks and following traffic rules to avoid potential accidents and legal consequences.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-14567" src="https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/What-Happens-If-You-Hit-A-Jaywalker-In-California2023.jpg" alt="What Happens If You Hit A Jaywalker In California?" width="512" height="288" srcset="https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/What-Happens-If-You-Hit-A-Jaywalker-In-California2023.jpg 1200w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/What-Happens-If-You-Hit-A-Jaywalker-In-California2023-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/What-Happens-If-You-Hit-A-Jaywalker-In-California2023-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/What-Happens-If-You-Hit-A-Jaywalker-In-California2023-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" />
<h2>Responsibilities of Pedestrians and Drivers in California</h2>
In California, both pedestrians and drivers share the responsibility of ensuring road safety. Pedestrians are obligated to use designated crosswalks and follow traffic signals when crossing streets, while also exercising caution to prevent unexpected movements that could endanger themselves or drivers. 
Drivers are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians within crosswalks and at intersections, maintaining a vigilant watch for individuals on foot. 
Both parties must adhere to traffic laws to minimize accidents, with drivers maintaining a safe speed and avoiding distractions, and pedestrians refraining from jaywalking and staying attentive while crossing roads. 
Understanding and respecting each other’s roles on the road is essential to fostering a secure and harmonious traffic environment in California.
<h2>Potential Legal Consequences for Hitting a Jaywalker</h2>
As mentioned, if it’s determined that the driver was not at fault or was driving responsibly, they might not face significant legal repercussions. However, if the driver was found to be negligent or reckless, such as speeding or not paying attention, they could face civil liability for the pedestrian’s injuries and potential criminal charges. 
California’s comparative negligence system also comes into play, where the fault could be shared between the driver and the jaywalker based on their actions. It’s crucial for drivers to remain at the scene, provide assistance, report the incident, and cooperate with law enforcement. 
Seeking legal counsel and promptly informing their insurance company will help drivers navigate the potential legal complexities following an accident involving a jaywalker.
<h2>Reporting an Accident Involving a Jaywalker</h2>
Reporting an accident involving a jaywalker in California is a crucial step to ensure legal compliance and proper documentation of the incident. Following the collision, drivers should immediately stop at the scene, check on the condition of the jaywalker, and offer any necessary assistance or medical aid. 
Contacting local law enforcement to report the accident is essential, especially if there are injuries or property damage exceeding $1,000, as required by law. Providing an accurate account of the incident, detailing the location, time, and circumstances, will contribute to a comprehensive accident report. 
Additionally, drivers should exchange contact information with any witnesses present and gather information from the jaywalker, if possible. Adhering to these reporting procedures will help establish a clear record of the event and ensure that the appropriate legal and insurance processes can take place.
<h2>Insurance Coverage and Claims Process</h2>
For drivers, their auto insurance policy’s liability coverage typically comes into play, covering bodily injuries and property damage to others in case they are found at fault. 
Drivers should promptly inform their insurance provider about the accident, provide all relevant details, and cooperate fully throughout the claims process. Pedestrians who are injured as a result of being hit by a vehicle should also consider filing a claim with the driver’s insurance, seeking compensation for medical expenses and other damages. 
However, the process might become more complex if shared fault is determined or if the jaywalker’s actions significantly contributed to the accident.
<h2>Seeking Legal Assistance and Representation</h2>
Seeking legal assistance and representation can be crucial for all parties involved in an accident with a jaywalker in California. An attorney can provide guidance on navigating the legal complexities, assessing liability, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing their clients’ best interests in negotiations or court proceedings. 
Legal professionals can also help ensure that all necessary evidence is collected and presented effectively to establish the facts of the case. With their expertise, individuals can make informed decisions and pursue the most favorable outcomes in what can often be intricate legal scenarios resulting from accidents involving jaywalkers.
<h2>Factors Considered in Determining Fault</h2>
Determining fault in accidents involving jaywalkers in California involves considering a range of factors that contribute to the overall situation. The behavior of both the driver and the jaywalker is analyzed, with attention to whether the pedestrian was crossing at a designated crosswalk, adhering to traffic signals, or engaging in reckless behavior. 
Similarly, the driver’s actions, such as their speed, attentiveness, and adherence to traffic laws, are scrutinized. The comparative negligence system in California acknowledges that both parties can share responsibility to varying degrees based on their actions leading up to the accident. 
Witness statements, available surveillance footage, and expert opinions may also be considered in determining the allocation of fault. This complex interplay of factors helps authorities and insurance companies establish a clear understanding of the circumstances and assign fault proportionately in accidents involving jaywalkers.
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
Accidents involving jaywalkers in California encompass a complex interplay of legal, safety, and behavioral factors that require careful consideration. Understanding the potential legal consequences, insurance coverage, and claims process is essential for all parties involved.
Regardless if you are a driver or you are a jaywalker, it is best to seek legal representation to get compensation and hold the person responsible.
Staff Writer; Paul Shaw
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<item>
<title>Camp Lejeune Compensation Eligibility: Do You Qualify?</title>
<link>https://www.akiit.com/2023/08/19/camp-lejeune-compensation-eligibility-do-you-qualify/</link>
<comments>https://www.akiit.com/2023/08/19/camp-lejeune-compensation-eligibility-do-you-qualify/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Sat, 19 Aug 2023 12:04:04 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Money/Business]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Weekly Columns]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.akiit.com/?p=14550</guid>
<description><![CDATA[Camp Lejeune's contamination legacy is a stark reminder of environmental disasters' profound effects on individuals and communities.
The Camp Lejeune compensation program is a steadfast inspiration, offering vital support and relief. The programs provide hope for those impacted by toxic exposure, aiming to restore health and well-being. It marks a journey toward acknowledgment, relief, and closure for those affected.]]></description>
<content:encoded><![CDATA[

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(Akiit.com) In North Carolina, Camp Lejeune is a historic military base renowned for training marines. Its sprawling grounds have shaped the journey of innumerable servicemen, a testament to its significance.
However, beneath its storied past and service, a haunting legacy emerges, i.e., water contamination’s enduring health impact on residents. A shadow cast by polluted water has left an indelible mark on lives within the base.
To address grievances, the U.S. government created compensation programs aiming to aid those impacted. However, navigating complex eligibility criteria poses a challenge.
This article explores Camp Lejeune’s compensation complexities, revealing who qualifies, the criteria, and the steps for seeking recognition and support. It sheds light on the eligibility intricacies, guiding individuals and families toward rightful assistance.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-14551" src="https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Camp-Lejeune.jpg" alt="Camp Lejeune " width="494" height="329" srcset="https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Camp-Lejeune.jpg 612w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Camp-Lejeune-300x200.jpg 300w" sizes="(max-width: 494px) 100vw, 494px" />
<h2>Overview of Camp Lejeune Contamination</h2>
Once a mainstay of military training excellence, Camp Lejeune became the epicenter of a grave environmental crisis. From 1953 to 1987, a series of toxic chemicals seeped into the base’s drinking water supply, including trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE). It exposed thousands of service members, their families, and civilian employees to significant health risks.
The contamination caused health problems like cancers, birth defects, and severe illnesses, impacting countless lives. Its effects linger, casting a profound shadow on those affected.
Bloomberg Law published the estimates provided by the Department of Veteran Affairs. According to the source, from 1953-1987, Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water, linked to nearby sources, including a dry cleaner, potentially affected <a href="https://news.bloomberglaw.com/us-law-week/veterans-on-borrowed-time-fume-over-delays-on-toxic-water-claims">1 million individuals</a>.
The exposure’s health consequences are significant, seen in heightened cancer rates and chronic conditions. Those residing or working during contamination faced these risks tragically. This data underscores the urgency and importance of addressing compensation eligibility for those impacted by the Camp Lejeune water crisis.
<h2>Criteria for Camp Lejeune Compensation Eligibility</h2>
The Camp Lejeune water contamination’s health impact led to the creation of compensation programs. They aim to aid those affected by this environmental crisis, offering crucial support to disrupted lives. To ensure fair and equitable distribution of compensation, specific eligibility criteria have been outlined to determine who qualifies for assistance.
<a href="https://www.torhoermanlaw.com/camp-lejeune-water-contamination-lawsuit/when-will-camp-lejeune-compensation-be-determined/">Camp Lejeune compensation</a> eligibility considers factors like time on base during contamination, specific health issues, and military relationships. Various criteria are involved in the evaluation process. Showing links between health issues and water exposure can make individuals eligible for compensation. The focus is on cancers, birth defects, and chronic ailments connected to toxic water chemicals.
Navigating Camp Lejeune’s compensation criteria is complex but crucial for securing vital assistance for affected individuals. Comprehensive health records, military service details, and relevant data enhance claims, boosting chances for deserved support. Strengthening documentation reinforces individuals’ and families’ cases, increasing access to rightful assistance.
<h2>Qualifying Health Conditions</h2>
Eligibility for Camp Lejeune’s compensation hinges on proving the connection between health issues and water supply toxins. Certain health conditions have been recognized as qualifying for compensation due to their correlation with the contaminants.
According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, you may be eligible if you possess any health conditions, like scleroderma or renal toxicity. These conditions include non-hodgkin’s lymphoma, neurobehavioral effects, kidney cancer, hepatic steatosis, female infertility, esophageal cancer, and myelodysplastic syndromes. Covered ailments range from multiple myeloma, breast and bladder cancer, and miscarriage to lung cancer and leukemia, entitling individuals to compensation.
The source also states that eligibility requires 30-day exposure to Camp Lejeune’s contaminated water between August 1, 1953, and December 31, 1987. A qualified medical diagnosis of the qualifying health condition is also necessary for compensation eligibility.
<h2>Affected Individuals and Groups</h2>
Camp Lejeune’s compensation eligibility covers service members, families, and civilian employees exposed to toxic chemicals during their tenure. Various categories can seek support for their exposure-related challenges.
<ul>
<li>Service members: Those stationed at Camp Lejeune in the 1950s-1980s and exposed to contaminated water benefit most from the compensation program. Their dedication to duty subjected them to health risks that have had lasting consequences on their lives.</li>
<li>Family members: The ripple effects of the contamination extended to the families of service members. Eligibility extends to spouses, children, and dependents residing on the base during the designated period. They qualify if they develop health issues due to exposure.</li>
<li>Civilian employees: Civilian workers employed at Camp Lejeune during the contamination period were unwittingly exposed to the same hazardous conditions. Their inclusion in the compensation eligibility highlights the broad scope of the environmental crisis.</li>
</ul>
Acknowledging varied affected groups emphasizes contamination’s profound impact, highlighting the necessity for broad-ranging support and recognition.
<h2>Applying for Compensation</h2>
A systematic approach is crucial in navigating Camp Lejeune’s compensation, ensuring rightful support for eligible individuals and groups. The application process includes crucial steps to establish links between water exposure and qualifying health conditions.
If you believe you may be eligible for compensation for Camp Lejeune water contamination, there are two ways to apply for it:
<ul>
<li>File a claim with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA has a special program for veterans exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune. To file a claim, you can use the VA’s online portal or contact the VA regional office in your area.</li>
<li>File a lawsuit in federal court. The Camp Lejeune Justice Act also allows people to file lawsuits in federal court for compensation for their injuries. If you choose to file a lawsuit, you should speak to an attorney specializing in this law area.</li>
</ul>
As TorHoerman Law states, applicants must assemble thorough documentation, like military records, detailed medical reports, and proof of Camp Lejeune association. This comprehensive evidence substantiates claims for compensation eligibility and health condition correlation. The substantiation of this link is crucial, as it forms the bedrock of the compensation claim.
<h2>Challenges and Considerations</h2>
These factors can significantly impact the application process and the outcome of compensation claims.
<ul>
<li>Documentation burden: Gathering the necessary documentation to establish a clear link between exposure and health conditions can be arduous.</li>
<li>Time constraints: The passage of time can erode memories and make it harder to recall specific details, potentially affecting the accuracy of applications.</li>
</ul>
Overcoming these challenges demands thoughtful effort, determination, and, often, seeking professional guidance. Compensation accessibility for Camp Lejeune impact survivors is paramount.
<h2>Seeking Legal Assistance</h2>
Experienced legal professionals well-versed in veterans’ affairs and environmental contamination issues can provide valuable guidance throughout the application journey.
According to Nolo, legal representation significantly impacted settlement payouts, with lawyer-hired applicants <a href="https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/how-much-can-i-get-for-my-personal-injury-case-and-how-long-will-it-take-new.html">averaging $77,600</a> compared to $17,600 for self-handled claims. Combining survey data on compensation and attorney fees reveals substantial advantages for those who hired lawyers. Applicants who enlisted legal help emerged as clear beneficiaries.
Specialized legal experts ease paperwork and research, offering vital insights into eligibility criteria intricacies for Camp Lejeune compensation. Partnering with legal experts enhances navigation, boosting rightful compensation chances for challenges from water contamination’s aftermath. Their guidance aids individuals and groups in effectively pursuing deserved relief.
<h2>Forging a Path Towards Justice</h2>
Camp Lejeune’s contamination legacy is a stark reminder of environmental disasters’ profound effects on individuals and communities.
The Camp Lejeune compensation program is a steadfast inspiration, offering vital support and relief. The programs provide hope for those impacted by toxic exposure, aiming to restore health and well-being. It marks a journey toward acknowledgment, relief, and closure for those affected.
Staff Writer; Fred Poole
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<item>
<title>Film Review; Fast X.</title>
<link>https://www.akiit.com/2023/05/31/film-review-fast-x/</link>
<comments>https://www.akiit.com/2023/05/31/film-review-fast-x/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 31 May 2023 17:48:48 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Weekly Columns]]></category>
<guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.akiit.com/?p=14522</guid>
<description><![CDATA[It’s a formula that’s worked for 22 years, ever since The Fast and Furious premiered in 2001. Team up a crew of multicultural drivers and motorcyclists—aka street racers. Give em’ fast cars and bikes and an enemy to fight, then sit back and watch. This new edition follows that successful blueprint, reassembles the base cast and adds a few new characters. ]]></description>
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(Akiit.com) (***)
“I don’t know what I just saw. But I liked it!” That’s what movie fans will say collectively when they stagger out of the theater after being assaulted with adrenalin-pumping action scenes for 2h 21m.
It’s a formula that’s worked for 22 years, ever since The Fast and Furious premiered in 2001. Team up a crew of multicultural drivers and motorcyclists—aka street racers. Give em’ fast cars and bikes and an enemy to fight, then sit back and watch. This new edition follows that successful blueprint, reassembles the base cast and adds a few new characters.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-14523" src="https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/FastX-Movie.jpg" alt="FastX-Movie" width="432" height="297" srcset="https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/FastX-Movie.jpg 1486w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/FastX-Movie-300x206.jpg 300w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/FastX-Movie-1024x704.jpg 1024w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/FastX-Movie-768x528.jpg 768w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/FastX-Movie-1200x824.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 432px) 100vw, 432px" />
Sitting in the director’s chair and manipulating all the incredible stunts, explosions, chases and elaborate fights takes guts, creatively and ambition. In that way, Louis Leterrier, who cut his teeth on Jason Statham films (The Transporter), is all business. Measure out mindboggling, over-the-top attacks, rescues and escapes throughout. Squeeze in a plot (co-writers Dan Mazeau, Justin Lin) about the leader Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his extended family being stalked and menaced by Dante (Jason Momoa), the son of a crimelord they once killed. Then let the bodies fall where they may. And they do. Ready, set, rob, smuggle and kill.
The gang is back together again. They look older. Muscles aren’t as defined as they used to be. Wrinkles are creeping in. But true fans won’t care. As the group sits at a picnic table in Los Angeles, eating, drinking and socializing, audiences know that these scenes of bliss will be few: Dom, his sister Mia (Jordana Brewster), lover Letty (Michelle Rodriguez). The always squabbling Roman (Tyrese Gibson) and Tej (Ludacris). Ramsey (Nathalie Emmanuel) the tech wizard and Han (Sung Kang) the fierce driver. The new edition is Dom’s young son Brian (Leo Abelo Perry) and Queenie (Rita Moreno) is the matriarch.
Dante draws the group into traps, ambushes, shootouts and combat. You’d think he was trying to murder them all because they killed his dad: “My father was a horrible man. A bad daddy. You took him from me!” But he’s more intent on terrorizing his adversaries and making ‘em suffer, especially Dom: “You’re going to die knowing you couldn’t save your son!” Momoa is fun to watch and gets all the best lines. His interpretation of the villain is an over-affected combinations of Liberace and Prince. Campy flamboyant. Bright-colored nail polish, lavender shirts and purple trousers. He acts silly and effete but kills like a demonic sociopath.
Too much of Dom and the main characters’ dialogue is filled with action-film clichés and over-used metaphors. Sometimes it’s laughable. And Dom’s overuse of his “it’s all about family” mantra is turning him into a mockable caricature. The generic talk makes the characters seem cartoonish. That’s a pity because back in the day, these guys were laconic and real badasses.
The cast is wonderful to watch. Piling into the players box are Charlize Theron, Brie Larson, Scott Eastwood, Daniela Melchior, Jason Statham, Helen Mirren and John Cena. The ensemble is bigger than a football team, but it’s easy to track who’s who and what they do. So much of their wow factor comes from elaborate stunts in elaborately choreographed fight scenes. A high point is when Michele Rodriguez does a pinpoint, one-wheel 360 on a motorbike when an obstacle is thrown in her path. Acrobatic feats like that make the actors and their stunt doubles magicians. And though they are as fine as they can be, the tech team should be crowned MVPs.
Stephen F Windon’s nimble camera follows the fights, chases and comradery from California, to Rome, Portugal, Brazil and wherever the story leads. Dazzling overhead shots, aerial views and combat closeups. Brian Tyler’s toe-tapping, musical score and bass-heavy playlist add a relentless verve. Yes, some of the bricks in crashed-into walls look like foam rubber. But in general, the dank caves, high-tech rooms and lived-in houses look first-rate (production designer Jan Roelfs, Gattaca; set decorator Kimberley Fahey, Spider-Man: Far from Home). Costumes (Sanja Milkovic Hays, Captain Marvel), from puffy Antarctic coats and to skimpy Rio de Janeiro bikinis, are worn well. And film editors Dylan Highsmith and Kelly Matsumoto gut the footage down to the essentials.
Fast X’s break-neck energy is at a level that exceeds other Fast and Furious episodes. Maybe because this time out, realty is just an inconvenience that the director Leterrier, cast and tech crew chose to ignore.
If action/adventure fans are willing to throw logic out the window, they’ll like what they see. They’ll like this road trip.
In theaters on May 19th.
Trailer:
<iframe loading="lazy" title="FAST X Official Final Trailer (2023)" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0wyhc3ADSYo?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Columnist; Dwight Brown
Visit NNPA News Wire Film Critic Dwight Brown at <a href="http://dwightbrownink.com/">DwightBrownInk.com</a>.
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<title>A Climate In Crisis.</title>
<link>https://www.akiit.com/2023/05/31/a-climate-in-crisis/</link>
<comments>https://www.akiit.com/2023/05/31/a-climate-in-crisis/#respond</comments>
<dc:creator><![CDATA[Staff]]></dc:creator>
<pubDate>Wed, 31 May 2023 17:30:36 +0000</pubDate>
<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Politics]]></category>
<category><![CDATA[Weekly Columns]]></category>
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<description><![CDATA[The National Urban League wants to see black businesses and workers participate in the economic opportunity that renewable energy investments are creating. As the eminent threats of climate change continues to loom, we can no longer afford to ignore it. We have an opportunity to realize the clean energy transition in a way that creates a more inclusive and equitable economy, but we need to implement bold and innovative ideas to be part of it.]]></description>
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(Akiit.com) “There’s one issue that will define the contours of this century more dramatically than any other, and that is the urgent threat of a changing climate.” – Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States
When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, the city’s black neighborhoods bore the brunt of the storm. Twelve years later, the black districts of Houston were devastated by the full force of Hurricane Harvey. In both cases, these natural disasters exacerbated issues in neighborhoods that were already struggling. For years, communities of color have had to struggle through the everlasting effects of structural racism, the legacy of enslavement and socioeconomic factors like redlining, segregation, and poverty, without considering that climate change is likely to exacerbate these existing racial disparities.
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="aligncenter wp-image-14520" src="https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Climate-Crisis.jpg" alt="Climate-Crisis" width="528" height="297" srcset="https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Climate-Crisis.jpg 1275w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Climate-Crisis-300x169.jpg 300w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Climate-Crisis-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Climate-Crisis-768x432.jpg 768w, https://www.akiit.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Climate-Crisis-1200x675.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 528px) 100vw, 528px" />
The most severe harms from climate change fall disproportionately upon underserved communities who are least able to prepare for, and recover from, heat waves, poor air quality, flooding, and other impacts. As a result, they are at higher risk of climate-related health issues including respiratory and cardiovascular disease, heat stroke, cancer.
Climate change and racism are arguably two of the biggest challenges of the 21st Century, which proves that this problem is systemic. When racism is systemic, it can operate without obvious intent. So, how does one address systemic problems?
With systemic and equitable solutions.
In April, the National Urban League released its 47th State of Black America report titled, Democracy in Peril: Confronting the Threat Within, where ACORE, our nation’s foremost experts on environmental justice, energy policy, renewable energy, and civil rights, examine the past and present impacts of fossil fuel and other pollution on Black, Brown, and underserved communities, and illustrate a realistic path forward toward realizing a truly just and equitable clean energy future.
This future is defined by American-made renewable energy.
With the billions of dollars American companies plan to invest in new wind, solar and battery storage projects, this will greatly improve air and water quality, lower electrical bills, and create new career opportunities – all factors that will greatly improve the quality of life of the nation’s most underserved communities.
The National Urban League has taken its own steps to prepare Black communities for a renewable future. Our Chicago Urban League affiliate created a Solar Energy Jobs Training Program where they utilize classroom trainings and hands-on lab activities to prepare students for work in the solar industry. They also conduct a Solar Sales and Finance course that covers the most critical concepts in evaluating a renewable energy project.
The National Urban League wants to see black businesses and workers participate in the economic opportunity that renewable energy investments are creating. As the eminent threats of climate change continues to loom, we can no longer afford to ignore it. We have an opportunity to realize the clean energy transition in a way that creates a more inclusive and equitable economy, but we need to implement bold and innovative ideas to be part of it.
Columnist; Marc Morial
Official website; <a href="http://twitter.com/MARCMORIAL">http://twitter.com/MARCMORIAL</a>
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