Dr. Blackwell's BLOG

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Obama Relying Heavily on Nurses for Healthcare Reform

Filed under: Nursing Science — Dr. Christopher Blackwell @ 16:02

Go to fullsize imageIn an amazingly positive sign, President Barack Obama is working very closely with the nursing profession as he attempts to reform the nation’s healthcare system. Today, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN), the accrediting body for Schools and Colleges of Nursing within the United States, announced their participation in tonight’s forum on healthcare reform at the White House:

“AACN is pleased to be invited to this high-profile event to continue our work to advance the importance of nurses and nursing education in conversations about healthcare reform,” said AACN President Dr. Fay Raines. “We hope to use this platform to underscore the strategic role schools of nursing play in preparing a highly qualified nursing workforce able to meet the demands of tomorrow’s healthcare system.”

Registered nurses makeup the largest portion of healthcare workers in America and nursing’s input is unbelievably important as our President begins to restructure a system that is currently sailing as strong as the Titanic in-terms of the uninsured, negative reimbursement, and lack of primary care and community-based health. While input from physicians is also paramount, it is refreshing to see President Obama working closely with nursing leaders, who perhaps have a greater understanding of our nation’s healthcare problems, issues, and needs, than any other group of medical professionals.

Academy Awards Extend to 10 Contenders

Filed under: Movie and Entertainment — Dr. Christopher Blackwell @ 15:49

OscarThe American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today the expansion of the “Best Picture” category. Currently at 5 films, the category will expand to 10 for the 2010 awards. Some are praising the move, citing the tendency of the Oscars to focus on dramatic films and independent-oriented movies instead of musicals and comedies. Others think expanding the pool to 10 will devalue a Best Picture nomination and result in a long and convoluted broadcast, already rushed for time. Personally, I think it’s a good move but would prefer the Academy take the Golden Globes approach and separate the films to include a “Best Picture” for drama and another “Best Picture” for musical or comedy.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

21 Guns

Filed under: Popular Music — Dr. Christopher Blackwell @ 03:19

greenday21stcenturybreakdown.jpgGreen Day has released their second single from their absolutely spectacular album 21st Century Breakdown. “21 Guns” will be released as a single on Tuesday and will be available at retailers nationwide and for digital download through iTunes from Reprise Records. I cannot give this album enough praise–it is by-far the best album to be released thus far this year and even eclipses the band’s previous high-quality album American Idiot. Green Day will be making a stop in Orlando on August 5th for a performance of their Green Day Tour 2009 at Amway Arena. Here’s a look at the new video “21 Guns” which had its premiere on MySpace and MTV on Sunday:
Green Day – "21 Guns" – HD

Outrage Hits Home

Filed under: American Life and Society,Film and Entertainment — Dr. Christopher Blackwell @ 03:08

The Girlfriend ExperienceI finally had the opportunity to see the documentary Outrage (directed by Academy Award nominee Kirby Dick) tonight at the Enzian Theater in Maitland. The movie highlights closeted gay politicians (which are 90% Republican according to the most prominently featured advocate in the film) who actively legislate against progressive laws which promote equality among gay and lesbian Americans. Mountains of evidence are brought to the surface against the common culprits (Florida Governor Charlie Crist, Idaho Senator Larry Craig, and shamed former Representative Mark Foley); but in addition, a large number of other politicians are outed in the film. In addition to the outing of the lawmakers’ sexual orientations is their voting records on gay rights issues–all of which are absolutely abysmal. Perhaps this film couldn’t have been released at a better time.

GLBT rights organizations are up-in-arms against the Obama Administration for its slow response to addressing GLBT issues, particularly elimination of the federal Defense of Marriage Act and the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policies. While I agree Obama needs to put some “pedal to the metal,” I am also willing to give him a little time given the massive amount of “mess” he inherited from our nation’s worst President ever. Still, action speaks louder than words and it’s time to start making some strides here.

In the end, Outrage highlights something research has long supported as evidence–Being OUT brings equality. Even my own doctoral dissertation research showed just how powerful being out can be. The Registered Nurses in my study who personally knew an openly gay or lesbian person as a friend or family member were MUCH less likely to harbor homophobic attitudes, perceptions, and discrimination. In this day and time, there’s simply no acceptable excuse for remaining in the closet. Outrage is an excellent film but hurry! It closes Thursday night at Enzian. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.enzian.org or visit the movie’s official Site @ http://www.outragethemovie.com/

Thursday, June 11, 2009

DC’s Ragtime Coming to Broadway

Filed under: Performing Arts — Dr. Christopher Blackwell @ 17:27

View ImageThe fantastic Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts production of Ragtime is heading to Broadway! The scaled-back production, with an amazingly large and talented cast, while definitely not as technically superior to the original production which opened at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts (in 1998), was critically-acclaimed and absolutely incredible! I had the privilege of seeing the Kennedy production in Washington, DC a little over a month ago and knew that a production of such high lavish quality would definitely be making it to the Great White Way. Here’s the story, which is currently the front-page headline from Playbill:

According to an Actors’ Equity casting notice, the Stephen Flaherty-Lynn Ahrens-Terrence McNally musical will be produced on Broadway by The Kennedy Center, Kevin McCollum, Emanuel Azenberg, Max Cooper, Maberry Theatricals, Jeffrey Sine, Scott Delman, Roy Furman and Roger Berlind.  Marcia Milgrom Dodge, who directed and choreographed the D.C. production, will repeat her duties for Broadway as will music director James Moore. Rehearsal dates, preview date and opening date are to be announced, according to the casting notice.

No casting has been announced; in fact, the casting notice reads, “Casting Director states that all roles are currently available.” Based on E.L. Doctorow’s novel, Ragtime features a book by Terrence McNally, music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens. Ragtime originally opened on Broadway at the Ford Center for the Performing Arts Jan. 18, 1998, playing 834 performances before closing Jan. 16, 2000. The original company featured Brian Stokes Mitchell, Audra McDonald and Marin Mazzie.

“At the start of the 20th century,” Ragtime press notes state, “New York City was for many the land of opportunity. Through a poor Jewish immigrant selling wares on the street, a wealthy Victorian couple offering aid to a runaway, and a Harlem jazz pianist out for justice, that unique brand of American hope runs strong. Together, their stories celebrate the

Horror at United States Holocaust Museum

Filed under: American Life and Society — Dr. Christopher Blackwell @ 01:30

View ImageAn 88 year-old white supremacist entered the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum Wednesday in Washington, DC and engaged in gunfire which resulted in the death of 39 year-old security guard Stephen Tyrone Johns. The suspect, identified by law enforcement sources as James W. von Brunn, of Annapolis, was said to be a longtime, “hard-core” supremacist whose Internet writings contain extensive, poisonous ravings against Jews and African Americans. The slain guard worked for the Wackenhut security company and had been employed at the museum for six years, the museum said. Funding for the building of The United States Holocaust Museum began under President Jimmy Carter in 1978 and was finally dedicated in 1993 by President William Jefferson Clinton.

Just a little over a month ago, my best friend and I spent about 5 hours visiting this museum. The experience is definitely a somber one; the feeling you get walking through this museum can’t really be described in words. It is an experience that leaves a mark on your spirit and touches your soul. This is a sad and absolutely tragic occurrence. For something like this to ever happen in the first place is certainly alarming; but for it to occur in a place of peace and remembrance for one of the worst events to ever occur in world history, which cost millions of innocent lives, is unfathomable. My prayers go out to this man’s family and friends. May he rest in peace knowing he was protecting one of our nation’s most beloved and important treasures. Below, Holocaust scholar Dr. Deborah Lipstadt, who is currently in a visiting research position with the museum, discusses the horrific incident with the Washington Post:

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Pandemonium Coming to Orlando

Filed under: Popular Music — Dr. Christopher Blackwell @ 03:19

YesCoupled with the release of their hot-selling new album Yes (which has sold more copies in North America since their 1993 album Very), the Pet Shop Boys are launching a North American tour (entitiled Pandemonium: On Tour), which will make a stop at the House of Blues in Orlando on September 11, 2009. Tickets can be purchased either as General Admission or as a VIP Package, which includes a meet and greet with the Pet Shop Boys before the concert. To purchase presale tickets, visit ConcertMaps official Site @ http://tix.concertmaps.com/petshopboys/. I’ll be there for sure! This concert’s sure to sell-out and sure to be a ton of fun!

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

UCF Knights Land 2 Amazing Recruits!

Filed under: UCF Sports — Dr. Christopher Blackwell @ 02:56

central_florida.gifThe UCF Knights football team have made two amazing additions to their 2010 football commits.  Impressive offensive linemen Jordan and Justin McCray committed to UCF Monday morning. The twins’ older brother Cliff McCray is already a member of the Knights’ squad. The linemen’s Miami Southridge High School coach, Patrick Burrows, said Cliff McCray didn’t try to steer his younger brothers, but his decision to play for the UCF football program played a major role in their decision.”To be honest that’s that one thing that kept hearing from them the most whenever they talked about UCF,” Burrows said. “Their big brother plays there and their big brother is happy there. That seemed like the most important thing. They also like facilities  and they like the coaches.” Jordan and Justin McCray are identical twins who are 6-foot-4, 290-pound offensive guards. They drew interest from FAU, Miami, Ole Miss, Purdue, Rutgers, USF and Tennessee, but their only offer so far was from UCF. The brothers made it clear early in the recruiting process they wanted to stick together in college. With the two commitments, UCF’s 2010 recruiting class continue to fill up at a rapid pace. The Knights now have seven commitments for 2010.

Burrows heaped on high praise for the McCray twins. “They’re great leaders on the team, great leaders in the classroom,” he said. “One of the brothers had  1040 on the SAT and the other had a 1050. They both have at least a 3.5 GPA or better. They’re really committed and work hard on and off the field. They were raised by great parents and very receptive to coaching. They are willing to do whatever it takes to get better.” While they are strong students off the field, Burrows said the McCray brothers are equally impressive on the football field. “They look like they’re ready for the next level right now,” he said. “They ffinish blocks, they’ve got quick feet, they run down the field well. Really, the quick feet is all that matters. That’s what you really need to be a great offensive lineman and you can’t really fake it.”

When asked if the McCray brothers were among the leaders on the Miami Southridge team, Burrows made it clear Justin and Jordan are the leaders on his team. They’re focused on and off the field,” he said. “They’re role models at the school and in the community. They get it, they just get it. They understand everything that it takes to be successful. They’re the first ones in weight room and last to leave. They’re just great guys.” (Editor’s Note: Orlando Sentinel contributed to this article).

Magic Return to Orlando for Playoffs

Filed under: Sports and Athletics — Dr. Christopher Blackwell @ 02:46

Go to fullsize imageNBA East Division Champions the Orlando Magic are returning to O-Town tonight to take on the LA Lakers in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. The Magic were crushed in Game 1 and brought Game 2 into OT only to lose in an absolute heartbreaker. Tipoff is @ 9pm at Amway Arena. BLUE AND WHITE IGNITE!!! GO MAGIC!!! See-you there!

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

A Sad DADT Discharge Example

Filed under: American Life and Society,GLBT Social Issues and Civil Rights — Dr. Christopher Blackwell @ 20:52

While movement from President Barack Obama on his promise to end the United State’s military ban on openly gay service personnel has been slow, discharges under the policy have not been. Here is a heartbreaking interview with Lt. Colonel Victor Feherenbach who, despite having numerous accolades for his over 18 years of experience in the United States Air Force, is being discharged under the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and Don’t Pursue Policy. Let’s hope President Obama can begin work to reverse this dangerous and discriminatory policy very soon.

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