Healthy Hip-Hop: Volunteer Uses Rap To Promote Health [VIDEO]

 

Watch this story: Volunteer Uses Hip-Hop To Promote Health

 Is there such a thing as hip-hop healthy? James Christos says, “Yes.”

 The local hip-hop artist told KMBC’s Maria Antonia that he uses his psychology degree to promote better health in the community. He counsels people with mental health issues and volunteers at a couple of health facilities.  

Christos said, “I’m a rap artist, but I’m here promoting urban health relief programs.”

 At the Samuel U Rodgers Health Center, Christos brings his message to young African-American men to live a healthier life. His songs are meant to show his listeners how to keep themselves healthy mentally, and how to look at themselves in a positive light.

 The 33-year-old rap artist said he’s “trying to make sure we’re taking care of ourselves.”

 He talks to people at health centers and also privately counsels patients who have mental health issues. Christos said he wants his music to address more mental health concerns, such as depression.

Christos said he knows that rapping about eating celery and lettuce would not be entertaining. His primary goal is to reach his audience and present his message in a way that’s fun.

 He will be taking his message on a multi-city tour in June. 

Students use “Wall of Shame” to fight discrimination [Video]

I love the idea these students had and the story that came from it.

When it comes to negative stereotype students at the University of Memphis have a visual reminder this week. Monday, members of the Students Activities Council put up a wall in the student plaza to expose the discrimination that still exists.

The wall made of cinder blocks is covered with dozens of words of hate still used to stereotype different races, groups and individuals.

“I think it will really open people’s eyes to what people really think. A lot of things are just kept inside,” said Sean Fernandez.

Students spent weeks filling in these cinder blocksand say the words comes from real life experiences.

They say labels like generic, pretty boy or drama queen may not seem offensive, but if used over over in a negative way they can hurt . “What is kind of bothersome might be not be bothersome to you, but we still have the same feeling when something bothers us,” said Jenn Armstrong, President of the Student Activities Council.

The wall has only been up a day, but is already having an impact on students even employees on campus.

“I”ve never seen anything like it,” said Shamika Wright.

The wall will be torn down with ropes and chains and students are hoping along with they’ll tear down discrimination on campus.

“I just really want people to start talking,” said Armstrong.

Read more, watch this story and see the wall: Students Use Wall Of Shame To Fight Discrimination

College wrestler with only one leg makes it to championship finals

Behind the flailing arms, twisted torsos and puffy ears of the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships, Arizona State sophomore Anthony Robles was the most noticeable wrestler in the building.

Robles was born without his right leg. “The doctors didn’t know why,” he said. “Everything else is fine. I just didn’t have another leg.”

Early in his youth, his mother obtained a prosthetic for him. Robles used the artificial limb for less than a year before discarding it.

“I was about 5 years old,” he said. “but it really just slowed me down. I remember my mom made me wear it for about 30 minutes and she made me walk around the house with it, to get used to it. And whenever I could, I’d just try to take it off.”

“So she really left it up to me to decide what I wanted to do and she supported me all the way through, along with my dad. And I owe everything I’m doing now to them. They treated me just like a normal kid growing up. I really didn’t even know I only had one leg.”

Robles credits his use of crutches throughout his life for building his upper body strength and a vice-like grip, which helps him bench press 300 pounds. In high school, he tried other sports, including football, where he was a 90-pound freshman defensive end. Then he discovered wrestling, a mat-oriented competition, an arena in which he competes physically on a more equal basis and benefits from his remarkable spirit and work ethic.

“On one side, I don’t have the balance that these other wrestlers have, so I have to kind of accommodate that and find different positions that work best for me,” said Robles, who won back-to-back state high school championships at Mesa (Ariz.) High. “On the other hand, my strength is my advantage and they really just kind of equal out. I just have to get into positions they’re not comfortable in and stick with my strategy.”

Read more about this amazing athlete: One wrestler stands apart from the rest

Cops and cards: Program changes how youth view police [Video]

This is a good idea that more police departments should look into.

Some Baltimore City Police officers hung up their handcuffs Thursday and honed their game-playing skills.

A city police officer could be seen teaching card shuffling skills to a student at Guilford Elementary Thursday, while others helped with homework.

For the last three weeks on Thursdays, the officers have taken their lunch at the school. It’s part of the Big Brother, Big Sister program.

Students who seem to have formed a perception of officers from television find they are really not much different than other adults.

“It was fun for her to know I go home and cook dinner, go over homework with the kids, and she was like, ‘Really? I never knew a police officer did that,’” said Detective Sharon Talley.

But the stories about special assignments when big stars come to town are interesting.

“I think it’s kind of cool ’cause she’s been with superstars like people in Hollywood,” said Skyligah Hite.

Of course this helps the kids, but the police officers say it also helps the department by breaking down stereotypes and letting children know police officers are ordinary people.

“And some of them open up and talk, so you get a chance to interact with them. It’s just a great opportunity, person-to-person versus cop-to-kid,” said Deputy Commissioner Debbie Owens.

Read more and watch that story: Program Changes Perception Of Police Among Youths

Battle of the bots: Teens shoot for the moon [Video]

Some bright young inventors will be at the Memorial Coliseum this weekend to show off their creations. 

Check out America’s newest generation of inventors!

Some of the teens, in the past, have ended up working for NASA.

Watch this story about these inventive teenagers: It’s the battle of the bots at the Memorial Coliseum… and it’s free!

Unable to shovel? Just Rent-A-Kid [Video]

Program Teams Young, Old To Get Through Winter

Milford residents worried about shoveling themselves out after a storm need not worry, thanks to the Rent-A-Kid program.

Resident Teresa Ruffo, 75, said she doesn’t worry about who’s going to shovel anymore. She said that when wintry weatehr takes its toll, 12-year-old David Foster is there to handle the job.

“Every time it snows, I call Teresa,” Foster said. “I look forward to it because I feel it’s helping her and it’s making it easier to be here. It snows a lot here, so I can’t imagine her doing this herself.”

The end result is some cash in kids’ pockets and a happy neighbor like Ruffo.

“I’m very happy with David, and I’m very happy with the program,” Ruffo said. “I think it’s a wonderful program because we will use him also in the summer if he’s available.”

Read more and watch this story: Unable To Shovel? Just Rent-A-Kid

Photo: Flickr user wenjomatic

They’re 0-17 but new fans give team something to “shoot” for [Video]

I got this one as a tip from a reader. It’s a simple story that is oddly touching.

If you’ve ever felt like the unappreciated underdog — this one is for you!

The Roosevelt Lady Roughriders were 0-17 heading into Tuesday night’s game against Madison. Their coach, Craig Woods, said a typical night will draw a sparse crowd of about 30 people.

But on this night, 1,600 packed the gym at Roosevelt to watch the girls basketball team’s final home game of the year.

With his team holding a winless record, Woods never expected to see the stands packed. But a recent column by Steve Duin in The Oregonian newspaper sparked a storm of support for his winless team.

“Usually this kind of support comes to winning teams, so for this to happen to a team that’s not winning, it’s really, really something,” Woods said.

the players’ own parents were unable to attend games, many of them because they couldn’t afford a car, the $6 tickets or were forced to stay home to watch their children.

On senior night, however, hundreds of people from across the metro area packed the stands. The crowd included a group of about 900 from Southlake Church in West Linn.

“We just wanted to come out and give the girls a reason to get excited,” said Kelly Mooney, who attended the game.

Read more and watch this story: Fans Pack Stands For 0-17 Roosevelt

Photo: Flickr user  ~*cheri*~

Anything but child’s play [Video]

At just 18-years-old, Daniel Henry is a typical high school senior: Studying for math tests, writing English papers, and balancing the Lonsdale budget.

“I don’t think all the people in Lonsdale even know we have a town council,” Henry said. 

But the Garland County town of 118 does have a town council, and sitting right in the middle of Thursday night’s meeting is Dan–sworn in as an alderman on January 8th, after an appointment by Mayor Steven Snellback.

Dan, a senior at Benton High School, is the youngest person ever to serve on the Lonsdale council. He’s also one of the youngest to serve in America.

Dan says he’s learning the budget–nearly $60,000 for roads and city services–and he’s developing at least one vision for the town where he’s lived most of his life.

“A lot of people see me and say, ‘Hey Alderman Dan.’ Stuff like that. My math teacher, Coach Davis, calls me ‘Alder-Dan,’ he said.

Dan gets two years to enjoy the attention, because just like every politician, he has to run for re-election.

Read more and watch that story: Arkansan of the Week: Daniel Henry [KATV]

Photo: Flickr user Robert Pollack