Thoughts on the Michael Vick Case

I have given a great deal of thought to the Michael Vick case and have decided that I need to write about it in this blog. It seems to me that that the legal system is determined to make an example of this man -- we're going to show you a thing or two Mr. Black superstar. Yes, Mr. Vick has made some terrible mistakes, but I am not entirely sure that his punishment and subsequent torture is warranted. Among all the crimes that this young man could have committed -- running a dog fighting ring seems to be kind of trivial. With all due respect to PETA and animal lovers everywhere, Michael Vick played a minor role in the dogfighting operation (bankrolled) according to media reports. No, I am not taking his side, he did break the law; but he didn't kill a person, he wasn't selling drugs, he was not involved in selling child pornography, or involved child molestation, nor was he accused of beating up on his fiancee or anyone else. All of these crimes are worth everything and more that the law imposes on perpetrators. He is trying to put his life back together and the legal system is determined that that they are going to make it as difficult as possible for him to accomplish that task. I say a little prayer for Mr. Vick and his family all the time. Madoff bilked millions of dollars from investors with phony investment ventures. He's going to prison for the rest of his life (which is probably a short time). I just threw that note in to remind us all that we have BIGGER problems in this country. Mr. Vick may have blown his entire life and fortune away. I admire the fact that he continues to demonstrate the fortitude, strength and determination of a man that intends to do the right thing.

National Start! Walking Day Success

As you know, yesterday was National Start! Walking Day. The event at NSU was attended by more than 800 students, faculty and staff. It was a great event! DJ Vince was spinning tunes, the American Heart Association representative was on hand, NSU President Carolyn W. Meyers gave words of encouragement, the football team, and the NSU fitness center guys were all on hand to lend a support. It is my sincerest hope that yesterday's participants will get the real message -- and add walking to their lifestyles.

National Start! Walking Day

Today is National Start! Walking Day. Sponsored by the American Heart Association and scores of local organizations including Norfolk State University, the event is designed to get people moving and active so that they can prevent the complications of heart disease. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer in the U.S. and physical inactivity doubles the risk of heart disease. Walking is a great activity and almost anyone can do it and get great results! Start walking at work and start reducing your risk. Make this your first move toward adopting a heart-healthy work style and lifestyle. You could gain about two hours of life expectancy for every one hour of regular, vigorous exercise. So, lace up your sneakers and make a pledge to live a longer, healthier life. Join the NSU team today at William "Dick" Price Stadium at noon. Start walking and get fit for life.

NSU Students Win Olympiad - Again

Attending college offers students an array of opportunities for self-discovery, to learn how to think critically, networking, problem solving and reflection. Too bad so many potential students don't take getting a college degree seriously. Did you see the statistics on the number of high school dropouts in the Hampton Roads region last week. That's another blog. Last month, 14 NSU students attended the ARTSI Student Research Conference and the Spelman College Computer Science Olympiad held at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA. Talking about a networking opportunity! This year, 20 teams from 12 different universities and colleges competed: Florida A&M University, Hampton University, Howard University, Jackson State University, Morehouse College, North Carolina A&T State University, Norfolk State University, Spelman College, University of Arkansas Pine Bluff, University of D.C., Voorhees College, and Winston-Salem State University. The NSU teams were: Team Sparta - Benjamin Bond, David Oluwatimi, Amanda Webb, Kwame Martin and Team NSU - William Shellington, Michael Chase, Jasmine Berry, Tremaine Rawls.
With a 1st place win in Robotics, a 2nd place win in Hardware Design, a 3rd place win in Google Gadgets, and a higher overall score than any other team, Team NSU became the GRAND CHAMPIONS! College affords those who take advantage of the opportunity a chance to experience the world.

Social Workers in the News

Social workers have one of the toughest jobs in the world. They have to try and pick up the messed up pieces of people's lives and try to put them back together. In last week's news, there was a story about three social workers who had been charged with abuse and neglect of an incapacitated adult. Can you believe that? And, while you're chewing on that, did you know that a person can get a Ph.D. in social work at Norfolk Stat University? That's right -- one of the few universities in the state that offers the Ph.D. in social work is right in Norfolk.