As gardeners well know, there are plenty of challenges our landscapes will face throughout the growing season. Heat, drought, pests and disease can all take their toll on our plants, causing wilting, brown leaves, damaged plants and even plant death.  Fortunately, gardeners now have an exciting new organic tool for growing healthy, productive, and beautiful landscapes all season long.

Over the last several days there have been many deep, soul-searching dialogues and conversations concerning President Obama’s statement that “he” has evolved to assuming the position of recognizing same-sex marriage.  He announced that after prayerful meditations, meaningful conversations with numerous friends and colleagues who are homosexuals; and thoughtful, inspiring discussions within his family “he” has come to realize the value and importance of all human beings (i.e. American citizens) whom he took an oath to serve as their president.

Get out the shovel and trowels – its Memorial Day weekend and that means gardening for many.  Spend a bit more time getting your garden off to a good start and reap the benefits all season long.  Proper planting and post planting care means less maintenance, fewer pests and more produce and beautiful flowers in your landscape.

Start by selecting healthy plants free of insect and disease problems.  There’s no need to spend money on problems.  And keep in mind that bigger is not always better.  Instead look for compact plants with sturdy stems.  The leaves should be deep green or the proper color for that variety.  Avoid plants that show signs of stress such as spots, brown leaf edges, and holes.  And when all things are equal, purchase the perennials with multiple stems.

WASHINGTON (NNPA) – Nearly all African-Americans polled – 97 percent – say they are unhappy with the Black TV programs currently on air. Seventy-five percent say they want more documentaries, 71 percent prefer more history, 68 percent desire to see more independent films and 59 percent would like to see more news, according to a new study conducted by Target Market News, a Chicago-based organization that tracks Black consumer market trends.
But what Blacks say they want and what they’re watching are two different things.

On Feb. 12, 1993 three lives changed forever.

One life, Laramiun Byrd’s, just 20-years-old at the time, ended abruptly with four gun shots – three to the chest and one to the head. The shots were fired from a then 16-year-old Marlon Green, who later changed his name to Oshea Israel. Israel’s life was the second to be forever altered by the ill-fated encounter.

It’s getting to be the time of year when many Minneapolis residents enjoy a small outdoor recreational fire. Residents who like to have a fire in their yards should keep these City ordinances in mind to keep Minneapolis safe and livable: