Chicago, IL — Floating World Gallery (FWG) presents “Creating What Has Never Been”, an exhibition of Japanese post-war paintings and contemporary ceramics, at the gallery’s Lincoln Park location, 1925 N. Halsted St., Sept. 24 to Nov. 19, 2010. The exhibition will showcase internationally renowned painters and contemporary ceramic artists known for the revolutionary quality of their artwork.

The painting portion of the exhibition will feature masterpieces in Japanese post-war paintings by leading Gutai artist Imai Toshimitsu, along with his peers Sadamasa Motonaga, Soichiro Tomioka, Toko Shinoda and Genichiro Inokuma. Highlights include Motonaga’s “Untitled” work from 1963, previously exhibited at MOMA’s 1965 watershed exhibition of Japanese post-war painting, as well as Toshimitsu’s “Soleil Fondu” from 1963, previously exhibited in the 1965 Sao Paulo Biennial. 

The Gutai movement sought to break through the boundaries imposed by the international art establishment and to “create what has never been”. The work from this movement has often been compared to that of American post-war abstract expressionist artists such as Jackson Pollock, Sam Francis, De Kooning and Franz Kline, some of whom worked side by side with their Japanese counterparts. For Gutai school artists, the artistic process was chance collaboration between physical action and material, leading into undiscovered worlds. Utilizing standard artistic mediums as well as unconventional materials, these post-war painters charted new ground in both the manner in which they produced art as well as the aesthetic of the finished work.

The ceramic portion of the exhibition will include works by acclaimed ceramic artist Fukami Sueharu and fellow contemporary artists Takagaki Atsushi, Maeta Akihiro, Sakurai Yasuko and Kako Katsumi, among others. In their drive to push beyond current artistic boundaries, these artists use traditional media but sculpt and shape them into forms completely untraditional in Japanese ceramic culture. They are on the cutting edge of contemporary Japanese ceramics and are some of the most sought after artists in the ceramic art world today. 

Floating World Gallery, located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, takes its name from the English translation of “ukiyo-e”, referring to images of an evanescent, impermanent world of fleeting beauty. The gallery has been one of the world’s leading dealers in Japanese art for more than 20 years, offering clients, private collectors and institutions the highest quality works of art. Floating World Gallery opened its new 8,200 square-foot gallery space in October 2009 and is now actively engaged in helping to educate the public and increase awareness of the rich world of modern Japanese art. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 1 to 5 p.m. and by appointment. For more information call 312-587-7800, fax 312-575-3565 or email artwork@floatingworld.com.

The Cook County Democratic Party has launched a new website, www.cookcountydems.com, designed to spread the ideals of the Democratic Party by promoting candidates, organizing and promoting events, providing information, and by assisting voters.

 The website includes information on the organization, news, photos, videos, information for volunteers, and online donation processing.

The website is  a useful tool for the November 2010 elections as the Cook County Democratic Party move to elect “outstanding Democratic candidates” who are dedicated to the democratic values which provide strength to communities, the state and nation, and who are committed to public service.

 Northbrook, IL. – The Kirk for Senate campaign today released a statement regarding last week’s decision by Moody’s Investors Service to downgrade Illinois ’ credit rating to a negative outlook.

“From Springfield to Washington , we need to elect fiscal conservatives who will cut spending, get our debt under control and turn our economy around,” Kirk spokesperson Kirsten Kukowski said.  “Last week’s credit warning by Moody’s Investors Service should be a major wake-up call to the citizens of Illinois that we need to change direction in November.  As our state’s treasurer, Alexi Giannoulias is akin to the first mate on the Titanic.  The last thing he deserves now is a promotion.”

Last week, Moody’s downgraded Illinois bonds from A1 with a stable outlook to A1 with a negative outlook.  In June, Moody’s lowered the state’s rating to A1 from Aa3 with a negative outlook.

Chicago, IL – Illinois Republican Party Chairman Pat Brady announced that the Party will host a fundraiser for Patrick John Ryan, the “Republican” candidate challenging House Speaker Michael Madigan in the race for State Representative in the 22nd House district.

“We applaud Mr. Ryan for taking on such an enormous challenge of trying to unseat Speaker Madigan, and we want to show our support,” said Chairman Brady. “He’s definitely got the intestinal fortitude we look for in our Republican challengers. I’d just like to meet him.”

We believe that Ryan is a 30-year old resident of Chicago’s 13th Ward who voted in Democratic primaries until this year. “That shouldn’t be held against him,” said Chairman Brady. “The fact that he now believes in smaller, more effective government, lower taxes and the need to end Speaker Madigan’s reign of power in Springfield is absolutely wonderful.”

Madigan has held his House seat since 1971. He has been Speaker for 25 of the last 27 years.

Ryan has yet to form a registered political committee and has not reported raising any campaign donations. “That’s why we’re hoping to help,” explained Chairman Brady. “How could anyone expect to take on Mike Madigan without at least a few yard signs?”

The fundraiser for Ryan is planned for Thursday, September 30, at English, 444 N. LaSalle Boulevard in Chicago. The event will run from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. A copy of the invitation for the event can be found at PatrickJohnRyan.com.

Challenges Congressman Kirk to tell voters the truth

Chicago, IL - Standing with leaders from Chicago’s Latino community, U.S. Senate nominee Alexi Giannoulias vowed to fight for passage of the DREAM Act and other meaningful immigration reforms while challenging his opponent to take a stand on critical issues.

“We need common-sense and comprehensive immigration reform- and we need it now,” Giannoulias said during a press conference in Pilsen with community, business and elected leaders, including U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and Congressman Luis Gutiérrez. “Unfortunately, Congressman Kirk puts politics over meaningful solutions on issues important to Latino families and refuses to embrace meaningful immigration reform or take a position on the DREAM Act.  This is a slap in the face to students who are counting on this legislation to become productive members of society.  I know Congressman Kirk has a difficult time sticking with his positions on the most important issues, but I urge him to fully support this legislation.”

Congressman Luis Gutiérrez told the crowd Giannoulias is the only candidate in the race to support comprehensive immigration reform and that he has consistently fought for middle-class values over special interests.  As State Treasurer, Giannoulias worked with Gutiérrez  to negotiate a settlement with Bank of America, ensuring that workers at Republic Windows and Doors received the wages and benefits they were due after the factory shut down with three days notice.

“More than ever, we need leaders like Alexi in Washington, D.C. who are not afraid to stand up for what’s right and who will move our country forward,” said Gutiérrez.  “Congressman Kirk thinks that immigration reform means sending condoms to Mexico to lower population growth.  That’s not an answer and it’s not productive.

“I had hoped Mark Kirk would be a moderate, common-sense voice in Congress and someone I could reach across the aisle and work with in a bipartisan manner,” Gutiérrez added. “Unfortunately, Mark Kirk has been far from moderate, and his views on immigration are simply unfair and unworkable.”

Giannoulias expressed his dismay after Republicans blocked a vote on the DREAM Act last week. The bill would provide young immigrants the opportunity to attend college and achieve permanent residency. Currently, many qualified students who have earned high school diplomas are prohibited from going to college because of their immigration status.

“We should not punish individuals who were brought here as children and are trying their hardest to realize the American Dream,” Giannoulias said. “As Senator, I will fight for the passage of the DREAM Act so that these young people can be fully integrated into society and become productive, tax-paying citizens.

UnitedHealthcare is offering free health screenings, wellness activities at Tom Joyner’s “Take A Loved One to the Doctor Day” health fairs

Online health and wellness tools can help identify risks and improve African Americans’ health

Minnetonka, MN (BlackNews.com) — UnitedHealthcare will provide complimentary health screenings and wellness activities to the general public at radio host Tom Joyner’s “Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day®” health fairs Sept. 28 in cities across the United States.

Take a Loved One to the Doctor Day is a health-awareness campaign founded by Joyner in 2002 for African Americans that aims to address major health disparities that affect the African-American community. Now in its ninth year, this national on-air campaign urges radio listeners to better educate themselves, loved ones, family members and friends to take a stand for their health by communicating the importance of regular visits to the doctor.

The health and wellness fairs will be held Tuesday at the following times and locations:

Lithonia, Ga.
The Mall at Stonecrest
2929 Turner Hill Road
6 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST

Detroit, Mich.
Northwest Activities Center
18100 Meyers
6 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST

Durham, N.C.
Durham Regional Hospital
3643 N Roxboro St.
6 a.m. to 2 p.m. EST

Dallas, Texas
Martin Luther King Jr. Center
2901 Pennsylvania Street
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST

Kansas City, Mo.
The Shops at Blue Parkway Center Atrium
4309 E. 50th Terrace
5 a.m. to 2 p.m. CST

Washington, D.C.
Providence Hospital
1150 Varnum St., NE
6 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST

Philadelphia, Pa.
New Covenant Church of Philadelphia
7500 Germantown Avenue
6 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST
UnitedHealthcare will offer complimentary health screenings ranging from bone density to glaucoma, and/or wellness activities such as fitness demonstrations and chair massages at many locations. UnitedHealthcare will also provide a variety of handouts regarding exercise, nutrition and wellness for the entire family, plus giveaways, including a health digest.

“We are pleased to have UnitedHealthcare join us as a sponsor of Take A Loved One to the Doctor Day. Through their commitment, our community will have access to important screenings and wellness resources that can assist in earlier detection of diseases and conditions that plague us most,” Joyner said. “UnitedHealthcare is also a long-time supporter of The Tom Joyner Foundation, which provides scholarships to college students who will one day become health care professionals such as doctors and nurses, who are important in improving the health outcomes of communities of color.”

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health, African Americans are more likely to suffer from a number of health conditions – including heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes – than people of other racial and ethnic groups. Despite this disparity, health experts say individuals can take control of their health and live a long, healthy and productive life by adopting healthy habits and staying current on important checkups and tests.

“Although the African-American community is disproportionately affected by a number of serious medical conditions, there are several things people can do to create and maintain a healthy lifestyle for themselves and their families,” said Jacqueline Stiff, M.D., MSPH, UnitedHealthcare vice president of health care strategies. “Smoking, physical inactivity and unhealthy eating habits are some behaviors that we can control to help live longer, healthier lives.”

One way to become more engaged and educated about one’s health is to create a “Family Health History Tree.” Available online at www.uhcgenerationstree.com, UnitedHealthcare’s Family Health History Tree walks users through simple steps to create a family health history. The online tool then draws up a detailed maternal and fraternal family tree, creating a visual record that can be printed or e-mailed to share with family as well as a doctor to learn how to reduce health risks such as stroke.

There are also other online health and wellness resources at UnitedHealthcare’s Generations of Wellness® website (www.uhcgenerations.com) including a Virtual Family Reunion tool that features an interactive wellness checklist; a dance/calorie estimator; answers to frequently asked questions about health issues and disparities affecting African Americans; and healthy family-favorite recipes.

“Everyone inherits certain health risks, but we can decrease our risks of many conditions by living healthier and scheduling annual checkups with a family physician,” Dr. Stiff said. “The key to good health is prevention, education and early diagnosis, so that a small problem today doesn’t become a chronic or disabling condition tomorrow.”
 

About UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare (www.unitedhealthcare.com) provides a full spectrum of consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services to individuals, public sector employers and businesses of all sizes, including more than half of the Fortune 100 companies. The company organizes access to quality, affordable health care services on behalf of approximately 25 million individual consumers, contracting directly with more than 600,000 physicians and care professionals and 5,000 hospitals to offer them broad, convenient access to services nationwide. UnitedHealthcare is one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified Fortune 50 health and well-being company.

Attorney Carlos Moore, managing member of
Natiional Law Group and BlackLawyers.NET

Jackson, MS (BlackNews.com) — The National Law Group, the nation’s largest African-American owned legal services company and the owners of BlackLawyers.NET are urging caution in the Court of Public Opinion concerning the recent allegations of sexual impropriety by Bishop Eddie Long.

They assert: “The three young men who have filed lawsuits against Bishop Long have simply made allegations that have yet to be proven in a Court of Law. The allegations could be true and they could be false. Regardless, the plaintiffs will have a very high burden to meet to prove their cases because these types of acts are usually done privately with no witnesses.”

Attorney Carlos Moore, managing member of the National Law Group and BlackLawyers.NET, recently represented two young African-American males in Mississippi who also accused a Baptist pastor of sexual impropriety and child molestation while they were teens. One of the boys dropped his lawsuit and the other entered into a confidential settlement with the church and the pastor with no fault ever being admitted.

Having personally sued a pastor of behalf of teen boys allegedly molested and currently being the General Counsel for a church his father-in-law pastors in Mississippi, Attorney Carlos Moore, is keenly aware of the issues on both sides of the equation. He suggests that the public not make any rush to judgment and give both sides the benefit of the doubt until the evidence is presented in a court of law, not the court of public opinion. The young men may have ulterior motives for their allegations and they may not.

“It is much too early to tell,” says Attorney Moore. “However, what is quite clear, is that unless there is more, no crimes have been committed by Bishop Long, since the boys were the age of consent at the time of the alleged acts.”
About The National Law Group (NLG)
The National Law Group is a nationwide coalition of law firms committed to providing quality legal representation and compassionate advocacy on behalf of plaintiffs. Their mission is to assist individuals who have been harmed and hold those who are at fault accountable. For more details, visit www.NLGattorneys.com

About BlackLawyers.NET
A property of National Law Group, BlackLawyers.NET represents the first-ever nationwide legal services company made up entirely of talented Black lawyers located all over the United States. Collectively, they have won over $50 million in verdicts and settlements, and have over 100 years of combined experience. Located in multiple cities across the United States, their attorneys offer representation to more than 70% of all African Americans that live in this country. For a free consultation, call (866) 654-2727 or visit www.BlackLawyers.NET