CNY workers train to button up cleaner, greener homes

New York is receiving the most of the federal stimulus money to weatherize more than 45,000 low-income homes by blowing in insulation, sealing air leaks and installing energy-efficient lightning and appliances for free, according to The Post Standard.

The money will be given to local community groups and government agencies that hire local residents, most of whom are trained in the field through their community training centers.  Many nonprofit community groups such as Onondaga County’s People’s Equal Action and Community Effort Inc., (P.E.A.C.E), are witnessing growing number of participants in their training programs, including those with construction backgrounds as well as recent college graduates. While the new funding is creating local jobs for many, it is only temporary. “We’re all a little concerned about post-stimulus. But as long as fuel costs stay high, we are hoping there’s going to be a groundswell for the green economy,” Andy Stone, executive director of The State Weatherization Directors Association, said.

My Take: While many are facing difficulties to find jobs during the depressed economy, weatherization jobs are among the most popular seeked positions as it only requires short-term training and prepares individuals for the approaching green economy. The Onondaga County itself has number of programs that train residents in green construction work. The new stimulus package will open up more jobs for these trained workers as well as prepare low-income homes for the winter season.

Latinos may be “future” of U.S. Catholic Church

Catholic Churches throughout the U.S. are witnessing overwhelming number of Hispanics in their congregation, CNN reported. One-third of all Catholics in the U.S. are now Latinos thanks to immigration and higher fertility rates, according to the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life.  While the large Hispanic congregation is slowly driving the Latinos away from being labeled the minority, it is also severing racial prejudice and discrimination. Some churches like St. Ann in Missouri hold separate Sunday morning Masses in English and in Spanish, creating division among the devout. Pedro Moreno Garcia of St. Cecilia in Missouri hopes that the church-goers will soon look pass the cultural and languages differences grow as one congregation.

My Take: The dominant presence of Hispanics in America calls for re-examination of the U.S immigration policy. It must clarify that not all Hispanics are from Mexico, or are here illegally. It is important to recognize that they share common values as any U.S. citizen, such as their devotion to Christianity, and suppress prejudicial and discrimating policies and practices.

“Dance” judge Murphy says she was abused wife

Mary Murphy, judge on Fox TV’s “So you think you can dance,” spoke about having been abused by her ex-husband during their nine-year marriage on CNN’s Larry King. According to CNN, Murphy was triggered to publicly speak about her experience after seeing singer Rihanna’s bruised face, taken soon after Chris Brown’s admitted attack last February. "Abuse, it just survives and thrives in silence," Murphy said. Her former husband denied the accusation to Larry King off the air. Murphy tells the more detailed story in US Weekly magazine’s current issue.

My Take: It appears to be a growing trend for celebrities to publicly speak out about their personal and domestic issues. By speaking out, Mary Murphy has established that Brown-Rihanna case, especially the issue of abuse, still remains as a big concern for many and one that should not be forgotten so quickly.