Stories for August 2017The Baltimore Times Online Newspaper | Positive stories about positive people

The average American dad is getting older, study finds

Today's American dad is slightly older -- roughly 3½ years -- than his counterpart from four decades ago, according to a study published Wednesday in the journal Human Reproduction. The average age of a father of a newborn in the United States increased from 27.4 years old to 30.9 years old between 1972 and 2015, found Stanford University School of Medicine researchers led by Dr. Michael Eisenberg.

Apple teases the future of augmented reality apps

For years, augmented reality has been the stuff of science fiction.

Escape rooms: Why people flock to these 'tourist traps'

Escape rooms are having a moment. They're the No. 1 local activity for a number of cities around the world on TripAdvisor, and they've been featured on reality shows such as "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills." But don't worry if you've never heard of them; this is your explainer.

Maryland taxpayers advised to beware of new phishing scheme that impersonates IRS and FBI

Don’t download links to fake FBI questionnaire!

Motorcycle Ride Raises Money for Little Boy’s Medical Treatments

Some motorcycles took to the open roads to raise money for a boy in Wayne County.

Stranded hurricane survivors use Zello app to get help

"Elderly couple trapped on roof at this address."

Here's how you can help the victims of Hurricane Harvey

Rescuers continue to pull people from rising floodwaters. The traumatized and weary evacuees often have nothing but the soaked clothes on their backs. Aid groups are scrambling to provide shelter, emergency services and hope.

Beyond the Rhetoric

Harvey, Katrina’s Big Brother has Arrived

It has been a good span of fair weather in the Gulf Coast of the United States. However, that lull has ended.

UNCF Raises $300,000 Toward Higher Education

Building Stronger Communities at the Sixth Annual Hamptons Summer Benefit

$300,000 was raised at the recent UNCF “A Mind Is . . .” Hamptons Summer Benefit benefiting deserving New York area students. More than 400 guests attended the Aug. 5-6 benefit weekend events, which were held at the private residences of Nancy Silberkleit, co-CEO of Archie Comics, and Lyn and E.T. Williams Jr., Frank Baker, co-founder and managing partner of Siris Capital Group, LLC and Dr. Ronald A. Johnson, president of Clark Atlanta University, were honored with the Keepers of the Flame award for being champions of diversity and education.

NFTE (Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship) Announces Winner of DC-Baltimore Metro BizCamp Held This Summer

Young entrepreneurs earned seed capital for their future during this summer program sponsored by Citi Foundation

From June through August, in 10 cities across the United States, including DC-Baltimore Metro, NFTE (Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship) hosted BizCamps® to students, ages 13 to 18, from under-resourced communities. Students created a business idea and then worked to complete a business plan, all the while activating their entrepreneurial mindset. At the end of camp, young entrepreneurs presented their business plans to a panel of judges in a competition to win seed capital.

The life-saving message in Logic's hit song

"I've been on the low / I been taking my time / I feel like I'm out of my mind / It feel like my life ain't mine / Who can relate?"

Are energy bars healthy?

Energy bars are a convenient source of nutrition and come in a wide variety of flavors to satisfy different palates. They are often fortified with vitamins and minerals, which can help fill nutritional gaps.

Google is offering a test for depression

Google has a new feature designed to help people suffering from depression.

Facebook quietly added new diverse family emoji

Facebook's emoji offerings have become a little bit more diverse, but the changes may leave some families wanting.

How artificial intelligence and robots can change your living spaces

Dutch designer Joris Laarman has built his career through emerging technologies like 3D printing and robotics.

Four million low-income Americans connected to high speed Internet

In the summer of 2011, Comcast Corporation unveiled the Internet Essentials program for low-income families.

‘Time 2 Grind’ Boxing Club offers safe haven to Baltimore youth

On the Northeast side of Baltimore, a youth boxing club is steadily earning a reputation as one of the city’s premier recreation locations for developing young boxers, while serving as a "safe haven" for at-risk youth.

Rambling Rose: Baltimore’s Premiere Celebration of Veganism and Culture

Hello everyone! Hope you have enjoyed your summer so far as much as I have, but it is not over yet.

Young artist paints her way to college

When Chavela Bell (also known as VelaRae) isn’t painting, she is active at her Bay Ridge Christian Church where she teaches Sunday School, singing and leading youth group programs.

Embrace racial healing to change hearts and minds

Prior to the displays of hatred and the tragic loss of Heather Heyer, a young woman who seemingly embraced the virtues of healing, a transformation was taking place in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Should I go to that Neo-Nazi rally to fight back?

When we hear that the Neo-Nazi movement is coming to our town, most of us naturally feel called or pushed to some kind of action.

New associate rector joins St. Anne’s of Annapolis

The Reverend M. Dion Thompson has joined St. Anne’s of Annapolis as the Associate Priest for Pastoral Care.

JA kicks off partnership with Living Classrooms with Snowball City at UA House at Fayette

Junior Achievement of Central Maryland Inc. (JA), a non-profit organization dedicated to educating young people to succeed in a rapidly changing economy, kicked off its partnership with Living Classrooms Foundation by hosting Snowball City, a classic Baltimore snowball stand run by middle school students from the UA House at Fayette summer camp entrepreneurship program.

Jeremy Zuttah back with the Ravens and pushing to be starting center

The Baltimore Ravens traded center Jeremy Zuttah to the San Francisco 49ers in March of 2016.

Baltimore native partners with City of Gary, Hill Harper to kick off BrownGirl Village Tour

Gary, Indiana was the site for the 2017 inaugural BrownGirl Village tour. Over 200 girls participated in this highly-anticipated summit hosted by Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson and the City of Gary.

Far out: VW plans an electric hippie bus

Volkswagen will revisit its Microbus history, but with a twist.

The problem with the lack of female leaders

"You have to see it to be it" isn't just a catchy slogan for empowerment campaigns and girl power T-shirts.

Amazon eyes yet another industry: education

Amazon has already disrupted traditional retail and its recent acquisition of Whole Foods suggests it could change the way we grocery shop, too.

Missed the eclipse? America's next one is in 2024

So you missed it. Maybe you're stuck in the office, traveling, at an ill-timed appointment, the victim of bad weather, unable to procure eclipse glasses, driving or simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. It happens.

High doses of vitamin B tied to lung cancer risk, study says

Men who took high doses of vitamin B6 and B12 supplements had a higher risk of lung cancer, and the association was highest among current smokers, according to a study published Tuesday.

Why you shouldn't schedule anything important for 2 p.m.

Energy drinks are a $2.8 billion-a-year business in the United States alone, built on the promise of helping you push past that "2:30 feeling."

Dick Gregory Dies at 84

Legendary civil rights activist and comedian Dick Gregory died on Saturday. He was 84.

New York Life Reaches $50 Billion Empowerment Goal in the Black Community

The New York Life insurance company recently hosted a panel discussion on bridging the racial wealth gap in Washington, D.C.

Better hearing, less constipation and other surprising benefits of exercise

Periodically, we see reports that scientists are closer to developing a pill that would mimic the benefits of exercise.

Marlon Wayans' new TV show hits close to home

Marlon Wayans doesn't wait for acting opportunities -- he creates them.

Baltimorean Wins Film Competition at NAACP Convention

A Baltimore resident is basking in the spotlight after winning the NAACP “ShortsTV” Champions for Justice Short Film Competition during the recently completed convention held in the city by the famed civil rights organization.

Viewing the solar eclipse requires safety measures

With good weather, the sun is visible anywhere which means Baltimore residents should get a decent glimpse of the Great American Solar Eclipse of 2017.

An evening of celebration of poetry and music

A celebration of poetry and music titled “Dancing on the Fragile Edge of the World”

The desire to inspire

Inspiration is everywhere— from daily scriptures to street art that you pass on your way to work. A lot of times you see, hear or feel something that will trigger passion and motivate you to keep going.

It’s time for blacks to stand up and fight Trump

Donald Trump once famously asked the African American community: “What do you have to lose?” We now have the answer. Everything!

It’s time to show middle neighborhoods love, before it’s too late

What do Countries, states and neighborhoods have in common? People— they all compete for people.

BCCC introduces cost-free textbook classes for fall 2017 semester

Baltimore City Community College (BCCC) students can now reduce their textbook costs to near zero with the introduction of Open Educational Resources (OER) courses.

Morgan State and Towson renew Baltimore football rivalry

Representatives from Towson University and Morgan State University announced the “Battle for Greater Baltimore,” a renewal of the sports rivalry between the Baltimore area’s only two local universities with a college football program at a joint press conference recently atop the Greene Turtle in Towson, Md.

11th Annual African Diaspora International Film Festival

The Washington DC African Diaspora International Film Festival (ADIFF) will celebrate its 11th Anniversary from August 18 to 20, 2017 at the George Washington University (GWU) in the Marvin Center located at 800 21st Street NW in the District of Columbia. The weekend will feature fourteen films, including: 11 DC premieres taking audiences in and out of the United States.

Girls on the Run Promotes Positive Youth Development

Students are heading back to school and in many cases, parents will be seeking after-school activities that promote positive youth development and increase physical activity.

Ravens WR Michael Campanaro’s sights set on contributing role this season

Local product Michael Campanaro has faced his share of injuries throughout his NFL career, which have kept him from having an impact as a receiver and return man for the Baltimore Ravens.

Andrew Bertamini retires from Wells Fargo

If there were one sentence, a single statement, that underscores the quality, care and true love for his community and colleagues, it would only make sense that the words came from Andrew Bertamini himself.

New film about Ferguson unrest opens in Baltimore

A new film, which tackles the unrest in Ferguson, Missouri after the shooting of unarmed 18-year-old Michael Brown from two emerging directors opens Friday, August 18, 2017.

Renovated Western District Police Station helps community and police find common ground

When the Western District Police Station re-opened its doors on July 12, 2017, the newly renovated precinct located at 1034 North Mount Street in Baltimore now represents a renewed and fresh outlook for police and the community, in more ways than one.

Baltimore's Mayor Catherine Pugh decisively removes four confederate statues overnight

Following a vote by the Baltimore City Council, Mayor Catherine Pugh had four confederate statues removed from landscape overnight.

The remarkable history in your cereal bowl

This morning, more than 350 million people devoured a bowl of Kellogg's Corn Flakes.

BALTIMORE SUPER MODEL LIRIS CROSSE CONTESTANT ON UPCOMING SEASON OF PROJECT RUNWAY

Super and plus-size model, Liris Crosse is part of Project Runway history once again.

New York Post: Trump 'badly missed the mark' on Charlottesville

One of President Trump's favorite news sources is calling him out for failing to condemn white supremacists.

Shonda Rhimes is leaving ABC for Netflix

Shonda Rhimes, one of the best-known producers in television, is making the leap from ABC to Netflix. And the timing could not be more significant.

133% leap in children admitted to ER for marijuana, study finds

As attitudes about marijuana shift around the world, researchers are warning parents that it's risky to keep it around children, especially those who are too young to know what it is.

‘For Better or Worse’ Dinner Theater returns for encore performances

Romantic Comedy Performances are scheduled for Saturday, August 26 and Sunday August 27, 2017 at OGOT

Retired major leaguer still enjoying 'game' as Astros scout

Hank Allen is also known as a skilled horse trainer in Maryland’s thoroughbred racing arena.

Vital Records is warning consumers about phone scam targeting misdialers

Double-check number when dialing, report fraud if you have been a victim

The Department’s Division of Vital Records, which provides birth certificates and death certificates to Marylanders and tabulates helpful categories of public health data, is warning residents of a phone scam that preys on callers who think they have called the division to obtain vital records.

Ravens RB Buck Allen looks to rebound after frustrating season

Baltimore Ravens third-year running back Buck Allen has experienced a roller coaster during his first two years in the NFL. He entered the league as a third round draft pick with high hopes.

What we blacks need to do:

Parents’ Back to School Responsibilities

Problems: Some parents never meet their children’s teachers, attend PTA meetings, monitor homework assignments, discuss report cards or monitor what their children wear to school.

Get to the root of the problem

Organizers and participants of the Cease Fire movement to stop the killings in Baltimore earned my respect. Although their energies were misplaced, I am sorry to say.

President Obama’s Policies Still Drive Economic Growth

In May of 2017, the black unemployment rate hit its lowest level in 17 years: 7.5 percent.

Upward Bound: Preparing high school students for college

After six-weeks of intensive sessions and college level coursework, 49 Baltimore County high school students graduated from the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) Upward Bound program on July 26, 2017 in hopes of matriculating into college.

Film Review: Detroit

“Detroit” tells a story of racial injustice and police brutality, based on fact, which is easy enough to believe and has parallels with today's problems with police criminality and impunity.

All African American 231st Transportation Truck Battalion Celebrates 67th Anniversary

The Veterans of the 231st Transportation Truck Battalion will celebrate their 67th Anniversary of being ordered to active duty by the Maryland National Guard on August 18, 1950 to support the Korean War, by attending church service at the Open Bible House of Prayers Baptist Church located at 3814 Gwynn Oak Avenue in Baltimore on Sunday, August 20, 2017. The Pastor is Rev. Seawall Smith.

Life in Baltimore: A look at the crisis in black education, Part II

This is Part II of a three part series about the current crisis in black education

Rambling Rose: Concerts and Shows in Baltimore

Concert and Shows in Baltimore

Hello fans and friends! So far the summer has been exciting and fun but it’s not over yet!

Facebook steps up fake news fight with 'Related Articles'

Facebook is continuing its quest to crack down on fake news.

The world's most popular locations on Instagram Stories

The world's most tagged cities are New York, London -- and Jakarta?

This restaurant requires a $293 ticket

Sweet and creamy green-garlic panna cotta with salty and grainy sea urchin on top. Tender spot prawns complemented by flecks of melon and cucumber that curls like a snake. Fresh oysters so pickled they make you squint and pucker, served with freshly grated wasabi.

Tips to protect your health in extreme heat

Following any heat advisory issued by the National Weather Service, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) wants to remind local residents about steps they should take to protect their health during extreme heat.

Inspired by daughter, dad builds water park for people with disabilities

At Morgan's Inspiration Island water park in San Antonio, visitors don't have to face any wheelchair ramps at one of the park's main attractions: The riverboat adventure.

Paper delivery driver alerts Vancouver couple to house fire

A Columbian newspaper delivery driver is being hailed a hero after he spotted a home on fire in Vancouver and alerted the homeowners.

Mentoring program expands, to add female volunteers

The steadily growing Community-Based Mentoring Program in Gwinnett County Public Schools is expanding in more ways than one this school year. In January, it will begin serving girls.

McDonough officer earns extra points with youth football team

Officer Childres of the McDonough Police Department made quite an impression on a group of young boys Friday when he passed by their backyard football game...

Mint Con 17 Promises to be the Conference for Creatives of Color and Diversity

BGWAC is headed to Washington D.C the weekend of September 15-16, 2017 for their first conference MINT. MINT is a two-day conference filled with panels, workshops, vendors, an exhibition, stylized shoots, delicious food, cocktails, entertainment and much more. The focus of the conference is to celebrate, inform, collaborate and bring together women and men photographers and videographers of color to learn about key topics surrounding photography, videography and entrepreneurship from successful creatives and entrepreneurs across diverse platforms.

Sculptural designs so sweet you can eat them

Artist-cum-confectioner Maayan Zilberman has long used sugar and sugar-like alternatives as materials. Her latest series, a group of iridescent, crystalline towers made of sugar, are now on display at Los Angeles' Furth Yashar & gallery.

Refugee Olympic Team: Where are they now?

They came, they saw, their stories inspired the world.

Ledisi challenging the fellas to "Add To Me" with new single

Gearing up for the release of her ninth project, Let Love Rule, multi-Grammy nominated vocalist Ledisi drops her second single "ADD TO ME."

Why you say yes, even when you don't want to

A few years ago, Robert Cialdini found himself at a large appliance store, standing in front of a big-screen TV that he didn't particularly want and certainly didn't need. That said, it was a great deal on a model that had received high marks from a consumer group.

'Game of Thrones' characters collide in latest battle royal

The following contains major spoilers from the August 6 episode of "Game of Thrones."

Facebook may have to delete your embarrassing posts

Should social media users have the right to erase embarrassing posts from their teenage years?

Social Media Contest for Tax-Free Week in Maryland

Comptroller Peter Franchot joined the Maryland Retailers Association in announcing a new contest coinciding with Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week that will see two winners receive $1,500 and $500 scholarships, respectively, to any Maryland university, college or trade school.

New York Life’s African American Market Agents Welcomed to D.C.

$50.5 billion of life insurance face amount is now in-force by the African American Market Agents, driven by their focused $50 Billion Empowerment Plan efforts over the last six and a half years; this achievement is made in the 60th anniversary of Cirilo McSween becoming the first African American Agent to cross the color barrier, honoring his legacy.

Howard University student uses journalism to give back

Born on a warm July day during the summer of 1997, Noni Marshall entered the world destined to create, lead, and inspire. Marshall grew up in Nashville, Tennessee. It was there that she stepped into her greatness and accepted her calling as a storyteller.

Steps to manage and prevent chronic disease

Sixty percent of Maryland residents had a chronic disease in 2015, costing the state $21.6 million in healthcare spending, and more importantly, resulted in 18,500 deaths, according to the most recent health data available.

Alodia Hair Care Focuses on Natural Products

A personal hair journey, which began several years ago for Dr. Isfahan Chambers-Harris led her to start the latest and one of the most innovative healthy hair solution systems for natural hair growth.

STEP Opens in Theaters

Documentary Showcases Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women

STEP, an inspirational documentary about a high school step team’s dual quest to become the first in the school’s history to win a step championship, and the first in their families to attend college, opened in theaters on Aug. 4, 2017. With Baltimore as its backdrop, the film chronicles the real-life journey of a group of students at the Baltimore Leadership School For Young Women (BLSYW).

Annapolis Clothiers Styling for Weddings, NBA Players

When the Philadelphia 76ers selected Maryland native Markelle Fultz as the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s NBA draft, there is little doubt that many noticed the custom-made gray pinstriped suit, he sported.

Grapefruit juice and some drugs don’t mix

Grapefruit juice and the actual grapefruit can be part of a healthy diet but it isn’t good for you when it affects the way your medicines work, especially if you have high blood pressure or arrhythmia.

Think, see and listen for ourselves

Malcolm X said: “One of the first things, I think, young people, especially nowadays, should learn how to do is: see for yourself and listen for yourself and think for yourself.

Trump's White House Circus Continues

In only six months in the White House, the Trump Administration has delivered the shortest tenure of any White House Chief of Staff in United States history (189 days) and the shortest tenure for a White House Communications Director (10 days). President Trump's former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, holds the record for the shortest tenure of any National Security Advisor in U.S. history (24 days).

Jamboree Travesty!

I don’t blame the Boy Scouts for President Donald Trump’s bizarre speech at the National Jamboree in West Virginia on Monday, July 24, 2017.

Crisis Response Team launching in Baltimore City

Behavioral Health System Baltimore (BHSB) and the Baltimore City Police Department are launching a specialized Crisis Response Team (CRT) to improve police responses to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis.