Summer Dinner Discussion Group

Through Thursday, August 6
Presented by Metro Hope Church

Join us on Thursday evenings @ 6:30PM, as we support  local businesses and discuss over dinner the intersection of faith with music, justice and film. Place: The Kiosk 116th Street between Madison & Park Avenue. Contact us at info@metrohopenyc.org

Working Families Party Backs Thompson, Despite Mayor’s Pressure [NYT]

Frank Mickens, Who Brought Success to a Tough Brooklyn High School, Dies at 63 [NYT]

In About-Face, Wolfson Now Works for Bloomberg [NYT]

Data Helps Descendants of Slaves Reclaim History [NYT]

TajmaHarlem [NYP]

Job Losses Show Wider Racial Gap in New York [NYT]

Four schools in bottom 10 in state tests were newly opened [DN]

NYPD wastes millions on relics [NYP]

Makeup Work Allows Students to Slide by, Critics Say [NYT]

Editor’s Note:  The following post has been sitting around for a number of months. I finally decided to publish it because it is something others can relate to and maybe it will inspire you to continue with your own commitment to being fit in 2009.

On the Last Episode…

I had completed my third week of bootcamp and was headed to ATL for work. The events that followed were truly unexpected and actually managed to mentally put me in a dark place which is why I’ve been completely absent for the last couple months. So, let’s begin at the beginning.

The week I was in ATL I returned to NYC on a Thursday night.  The following day I was supposed to have a follow up appointment with my doctor. He wanted to go over my EKG/ECG results. I was told that my shortness of breath was a result of putting too much stress on my heart to the point that it was not recovering to rest mode in time. I was told that I should suspend the high impact workout regimen and instead do weight training combined with a controlled eating regimen. Needless to say I felt like the air had been sucked out of me (this time without the running around). Two thoughts went through my head. First, “Great! Another project in my long list of Unfinished Life Items. Christ! I couldn’t even stick it out past 3 weeks!” The other thought was, “Christ! How much damage did I do to myself that I can’t even put up with a bootcamp program! What am I, 80 years old!” Neither thought was particularly inspiring. I simply felt like a failure.

I emailed the group and retreated into a hole without telling anyone what happened. I kept it to myself and just walked around sulking and feeling pitiful. In the weeks that followed I caught a cold that gripped me for 2-3 weeks. I was in hell. One thing I noticed about myself was that my mental well-being was inextricably woven into how I felt about myself physically. This doesn’t mean that I have to look fit in order to be happy. Yet, I have to feel as though I am at least doing something to keep physically active — whether it’s going for a brisk walk a couple of times a week or the occasional weight lifting on my bench at home. That would distinguish me from the garden variety couch potato. However, during the two months that followed I did no such thing. I pretty much faded to black.

That brings us to last week when I finally came to. It was no “Ah ha!”epiphany moment or anything like that. My brother signed up at Planet Fitness on Lenox Avenue. He asked me if I wanted to join him since he liked the layout of the gym and the customer service. I went because I saw that he really wanted me to support him. When I got there we did some walking on the treadmill and then we went into some upper body weight exercises. With each exercise I felt a bit better about myself. By the end of the workout I felt as though I had shed some old skin. I felt re- energized and happy about myself. It’s then that I had realized that the whole bootcamp setback was just that – a setback. I had been here before (cue the Wayne’s World time machine). The first time I started working out in high school it was because I had hay fever and shortness of breath. I had been prescribed an Albuterol inhaler. I found that when I dieted and exercised I had no use for the inhaler. So, here I was again. The road felt familiar except this time I was grown-up with a social life (though still a nerd).

I have to retread a slightly new road this time, but first a couple of pieces of good news. During my time at bootcamp I did lose 10 pounds which is pretty remarkable considering that I wasn’t really implementing any strict eating habits. Second, I’ve miraculously managed to keep it off. This time around I’m going to employ the gym and my old diet toolbox. This means circuit weight training 4 days a week with interval cardio on the days in between. And on the eating front this means cutting down on refined carbohydrates and sugars  by consuming a lot more protein and vegetables. Some people call it “low-carb” eating. I’m an old graduate of low-carb eating done right, However, I’ve met folks who did nothing but stuffed themselves with burgers and bacon throughout the entire process. That’s not true low-carb eating! Amping up veggie and protein intake and eliminating starchy carbohydrates temporarily eventually reintroducing healthy carbohydrates as you reach your goal weight is the proper way to go. Just to clarify, this is not meant to be a low-carb blog posting per sé.  But I will go over some of the fundamentals and some of the pitfalls of low-carb dieting. I promise the subsequent blogs will not be this long.

1. Define which low carbohydrate approach you’re taking to eating: There are a couple different incarnations of low/controlled carb eating. You have the South Beach approach, Zone, Atkins, etc. I was introduced to Atkins towards the latter years of my high school experience. I was 17 and weighed 240. A friend of mine had come back from the summer term 40 pounds lighter and I asked him how he did it. He told me to buy Dr. Atkins Diet Revolution book. I am grateful I did this because most people who claim to do Atkins have NEVER read the book and then simply piece together what they think the diet entails from reading web articles. You MUST read the book. Your health depends on it. The Atkins diet actually involves four phases, though most people only know of the most restrictive phase called “Induction”. This is actually the first phase. It is the “detox phase” for lack of a better term. You basically consume no more than 20 grams of carbohydrates daily. Your carbohydrates basically come from non starchy vegetable also known as salad vegetables even though you have eggplant, cauliflower, and broccoli also as part of low-carb vegetables. During this period you basically forgo any type of bread, pasta, anything with flour or sugar in it. You will getting your proteins and fats from meats, fish, protein, eggs, and just about any type of cheese.

The way your body uses up energy is that it uses sugar for energy stored as glycogen. When your body needs energy insulin is released from your pancreas and it signals the cells to accept sugar through the lover or fat cells. The idea behind low-carb eating is that if you restrict carbohydrates from the body it depletes the stored sugar reserves the body usually turns to and instead turn to fat as the source of energy. In fact, this actually happens to some extent in any diet you start whether it’s low-cal, low-fat, or low-carb. In the beginning phase of the Atkins Diet you are purposely limiting your carbohydrate intake so that your body can switch gears into burning fat as its primary source of energy.

2. You must set up a workout plan: One of the issues most people had when doing low-carb dieting is that in losing weight they were also losing muscle mass. You don’t want to lose muscle mass because the greater amount of muscle the more efficient your body is overall as burning calories. So you have immediately begin weight training and you must also get a hold of multivitamins . Of course, before you do any kind of drastic changes to your eating or exercise, make sure you’ve discussed it with a medical professional.

So that’s the basic intro. Eating low-carb is about planning your meals and always keeping your meals varied, otherwise you’ll get bored with the foods. One of the drawbacks about low-carb eating is that you will be doing your own cooking for the most part. I personally prefer this in the short term as it saves money.

With a new road to fitness being forged, these are my goals. Right now I weigh 282. My goal weight is 190. So I  have about a 100 lbs to lose. This means I will remain in the stricter phase of the diet for a longer period until I am within 30-40 lbs of my goal. At that point I will begin to introduce other foods and good carbs. That means the last 30-40 lbs will go down at about 1-2 lbs a week as I get closer to 190. Once there I will be eating more complex carbs, fruits, dairy, and even starchy foods (in moderation) but my body will be better at processing these foods. That’s the last long term strategy.

Keeping it Real

You might be asking, “If you knew this all along, why didn’t you just do this from the beginning?” That is a fair question. The answer is that New York is a tough town to do low-carb. In this city we glamorize going out to different restaurants and trying different foods. I wouldn’t have been able to review any new spots in Harlem or in the city for that matter. By the same token had I simply watched myself more carefully I wouldn’t have had to choose between one or the other. But at this point due to my health I have to pick stricter eating options until I can get within throwing distance of my goals. I particularly enjoy the challenge. I’ve scanned through “low-carb” sites, blogs, and forums. The once thing you’ll notice is that most people writing about it are in the suburbs or in cities less robust than New York. So, I think it’ll be refreshing to offer an East Coast POV to it all. What I will try to do here on UF is just give a report of what my main challenges are and my progress. I apologize to all that I left hanging. I hope it’s not too late continue this journey together.

Revolution In Our Lifetime:
A Black Panther Party Film Series for 2009
July 13th-18th

The Maysles Cinema is proud to announce the launch of “Revolution In Our Lifetime: A Black Panther Party Film Series for 2009,” all this week. This festival is in honor of Emory Douglas. Douglas worked as the Minister of Culture for the Black Panther Party from 1967 until the Party disbanded in the 1980s. His graphic art was featured in most issues of the newspaper The Black Panther (which had a peak circulation of 139,000 per week in 1970) and has become an iconic representation of the struggles of the Party during the 1960s and 70s. The San Francisco Chronicle reported that Douglas “branded the militant-chic Panther image decades before the concept became commonplace. He used the newspaper’s popularity to incite the disenfranchised to action, portraying the poor with genuine empathy, not as victims but as outraged, unapologetic and ready for a fight.”

- The Maysles Cinema: The Best Spot for Film Geeks
“For a $7 suggested donation per screening, you can catch rarely seen documentaries, often followed by discussions and/or appearances by the filmmakers.What it lacks in stadium seating and surround sound, it makes up in sheer character and inventive programming.”
- New York Magazine (2009 Best of New York)

See the schedule after the jump

Black Panther Film Series Schedule

Monday, July 13th-Saturday, July 18th

Revolution In Our Lifetime: A Black Panther Party Film Series for 2009
Guest of Honor: Emory Douglas, Minister of Culture, The Black Panther Party

Monday, July 13th, 6:30pm
F.R.E.E. presents:
Black & Blue: Legends of the Hip Hop Cop
Dir. Peter Spirer, (2005) 86 min.
Proof COINTELPRO tactics are alive and well, this film is on NYPD’s “rap unit,” a secret group within the police force that keeps a “rap binder” and targets some of the genre’s biggest superstars, including Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, the Game, Nas, Ja-Rule, and Lil’ Kim.

Followed by discussion with Kym Clarke (Director of F.R.E.E) &
King Downing (ACLU, Campaign against Racial Profiling).

Tuesday, July 14th, 7:00pm
Legacy of Torture: The War Against the Black Liberation Movement
Dir. Andres Alegría, Claude Marks & The Freedom Archives (2005) 28 min.
This film tells the grave story of 8 Panthers who are being re-tried for a crime alleged to have occurred over 30 years ago based on testimony illicited through torture at the hands of the New Orleans PD.

7:30pm Attorney Soffiyah Elijah & defendant Francisco Torres will provide updates on their case.

Thursday, July 16th, 7:00pm
Merritt College: Home of the Black Panthers
Peralta TV (2009) 60 min.
The story of the start of Black Studies programs and the BPP at Merritt College. While focusing on West Oakland in the late sixties, the film addresses the broad roots of the movement and the impact the party had on social justice throughout the world.

8:00pm
Slide Show with Emory Douglas,
Minister of Culture
Emory Douglas’s graphics presented the vision of the Panther Party to the world with force and soul. Emory will show and discuss his work along with a deep Panther knowledge bearer, Billy X.

Friday, July 17th, 7:00pm
Self Respect, Self Defense and Self Determination: Mabel Williams in conversation with Kathleen Cleaver
(2006) 72 min.
In this historic conversation, two inspiring women of the 60s Black liberation struggle share their personal experiences and how their history relates to the struggle today. Moderated by Rachel Herzing of Critical Resistance and introduced by Angela Davis.

Rank and File Sister
Dir. Ethel Paris, 18 min.
This intimate conversation between 5 Panther women offers a glimpse of day to day sacrifices and contributions rank and file women made to realize the Black Panther Party’s program.

8:30pm Panel: TBA

Saturday, July 18th, 7:30pm
Tupac: Resurrection
Dir. Lauren Lazin (2003) 112 min.
This film literally resurrects the life story of Tupac Shakur through his own voice and archival materials. As Tupac describes his life growing up as the son of a Panther, Afeni Shakur, it becomes clear how the political work of the 60’s is carried on in new and unexpected ways.

9:30 Discussion with Dream Hampton (writer, filmmaker) and King Downing

www.mayslesinstitute.org

Bridges and Tunnels — Effective July 12, 2009

In this chart, major crossings are the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge, Bronx-Whitestone Bridge, Throgs Neck Bridge, Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel, and Queens Midtown Tunnel.  Minor crossings are the Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge and the Cross Bay Veterans’ Memorial Bridge.

In addition:

• E‑Z Pass rates apply to New York E-Z Pass Customer Service Center accounts only. Non-NYCSC Customers will pay the cash rates.

For more information about Bridges and Tunnels crossing charges, click here

Harlem Meer by D. Bell

Good Day Uptownflavor Readers:

I know it has been a while since I have written a message to you, but life has a way of stealing time and energy from the best of us.   With that said, I must inform you that we are reducing our posting schedule a little earlier than usual this summer. We usually wait until August, but this year the site is very short staffed and I need to be able to get out and enjoy the sun and fun before I dive  headfirst into a busy fall schedule.

What does a reduced posting schedule mean? Long time readers know that it means we will continue to post events and important breaking new.  Other than that things might seem relatively quiet around here. If time allows there might be news Scoops of stories concerning Harlem, photos of local events, and possibly even a Friday Freestyle.

You can sign up for the e-blast which gives you a daily rundown of site posts or you can subscribe to a rss newsfeeder to keep track of our posts.

In closing, I look forward to seeing the readers who have already let us know that they will be joining us for the First Annual Reader Meet Up in the Park next Saturday. If you can join us then be sure to RSVP on our Facebook Event Page.

Thank you for your continued support over the past three years and be sure to show our sponsors some love by clicking over to their sites or visting their businesses.

If you would like to intern with UF or join our staff of writers this fall, please send an email to uptownflavor[at]gmail[dot]com with a letter of interest embedded in the email and a selection of links to your writing samples. If you are interested in being featured on the site as an Uptown Insider, please send an email to uptowninsider[at]gmail[dot]com.  If you want to donate to the site click our paypal link in the sidebar or buy a tee shirt from our online store. If you have a submission of any kind, please send it to us at the uptownflavor-gmail email address.

Have a great summer!

-D

National Black Theatre of Harlem 2nd Floor
2031-33 5th Avenue (BET 125 & 126th Street)

When:Sunday, July 19, 1:00PM

Email: info@metrohopenyc.org

Website: Metrohopenyc.org

Join Metro Hope Church’s  Family Day celebration! Come and
celebrate the summer with food, games, prizes and music!

Photo of N in the former Purple Reign via an Uptown Insider

Remember a couple of months ago when there was some speculation about where N boutique was moving? Well, this firms it up. Lenox Avenue welcomes a new business!  It’s a good look for both N and the grand avenue.