May 28, 2011

By Rhonda Reed-Slaughter

rhonda@thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com

Did you know there's a heroin epidemic right here in Will County?

Some of us would assume the heavy drug use only happens in the inner cities.  It's the poor, and uneducated that are more vulnerable to drug use.  "We don't have drug problems in the suburbs." 

But reality tells a completely different story.

According to Will County State's Attorney, James Glasgow; Will County Coroner, Pat O'Neil; the Will County Drug Court, and numerous outreach programs -  the heroin problem in Will County has now reached epidemic levels.

Several news outlets have reported the rise in overdose deaths (in Will County) in the past 10 years.   

 

As reported in the Chicago Tribune, Will County Coroner, Pat O'Neil states "overdoses are occurring in places like Mokena, Crest Hill, New Lenox, and Homer Glen." 

 

Our research also indicate overdose deaths in Lemont and Lockport.

 

The Will County Coroner's office reported 6 heroin overdose deaths in 1999.  Take a look at the significant jump in just 10 years (below).

 

*1999 = 6 deaths

*2009 = 29 deaths

*2010 = 26 deaths

*Jan. - April, 2011 = 12 deaths

 

 

This is terribly shocking.

 

The experts claim "Chicago's one of the nation's heroin capitals.  They believe the heroin sold to the collar counties are often pure, and more addictive."

 

 

This dreadful addiction effects not only teenagers, but adults as well.  Will County Coroner's Office report the age range for heroin related deaths- 18 to 58 years of age.  Some health experts claim they have seen heroin addicts as young as 15 years old.

 

According to a Chicago Tribune investigation, "the Will County Drug Court was set up in 2000 to help non-violent offenders kick their habits."  In 2000, only 20% of the cases were heroin-related.  Today (in 2011), they estimate at least 80% of the cases are heroin related.

 

Heroin addiction is known to be one of the most difficult addictions to treat,  and addicts have a very difficult time kicking the habit.

 

 

As a community, how best can we address this epidemic?  How can we protect our children?  Is there a distinct pattern we need to look out for?

 

Do you know of anyone suffering from heroin addiction? 

 

 

click to share your comments

 

 

 

 

Source:  Chicago Tribune, Will County Fights back as heroin makes deadly inroads with youth (9/2/09), Herald News, Heroin use a local epidemic (4/25/11), Will County State's Attorneys Office, Will County Coroner's Office, Chestnut Health Systems.

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June 3, 2011

By Rhonda Reed-Slaughter

rhonda@thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com

British-based Evolutionary Psychologist, Dr. Satoshi Kanazawa sparked massive criticism from fellow colleagues and blacks for his controversial report in Psychology Today explaining "Why black women are less physically attractive than other races."

According to Kanazawa, the test subjects were rated 3 different times over a 7 year period.  Consistently, black women were rated "significantly less physically attractive than women of other races."  Whereas, black men were not.

Even more shocking, Dr. Kanazawa states the 3 reasons why black women are less attractive.

 

1. Black women are heavier than non-black women.
2. Black people have more mutation in their genomes than other races.
3. Black women have more testosterone.
   
   

Shocking results, right? 

 

 

 

Worldwide backlash

Several prominent experts in the field of evolutionary psychology openly criticize Kanazawa "not for voicing an unpopular opinion, but because of his failure to offer any support for his claims." 

 

Dr. Kanazaw failed to provide any detail on the total number of test subjects, the demographic make up of the individuals taking the test or how many people participated in the study overall. 

 

Kanazawa's article hit the Psychology Today blog on May 15, 2011.  Soon thereafter, amidst a torrent of criticism, Psychology Today immediately pulled the article, and issued a formal apology.  In addition, Kanazawa may lose his position at the London School of Economics.

 

 

It's not that serious

When I first heard about this study, I really thought it was a joke.  After all, a well educated psychologist from London would never publish a story so outrageous.  Not because it singles out black women, but because the doctor is basically stating there's a single objective standard of what's attractive. 

 

Beauty and attractiveness overall is subjective. 

 

It's clear from Dr. Kanazawa's study that his "sample group" do not find black women attractive.  As a black woman, I say so what.  London has more than 7 million people, Dr.  Kanazawa doesn't speak for everyone. 

 

 

The United States (population 307 million) is approximately 78% white.  Most of the advertising is geared to reach the majority of the population, whites.  Therefore, most of the images we see will fit that demographic.  It's not personal to Madison Avenue, it's business.

 

The socialization of "beauty" is powerful, but definitely not the only ingredient when it comes to determining what's attractive.   Often times, the person you least expect can trigger a pheromone explosion that can knock your socks off.

 

 

 

My experience with the pheromone explosion

I've been truly blessed to experience deep love in my life.  My children's father will always have a special place in my heart.  But there's one other person that sparked a flame in me that took several years to burn out.

 

If Dr. Kanazawa was to put this beautiful man in a line-up against Denzel Washington, Antonio Banderas, and Brad Pitt, he'd most definitely lose.

 

But honestly, every time I saw this man, I couldn't keep my hands off of him. 

 

How could an over 50 year old, Greek man that stands barely 5 foot 6 trigger such a strong response from a young black woman 15 years his junior?

 

Pheromones, baby.  And it was one of the best experiences of my life.

 

 

 

Final words

The definition of "what's attractive" varies from person to person, and can change, evolve.  Just because a London doctor publishes a story claiming to know what the majority likes won't change that fact.

 

It's time we look beyond race, and stereotyping.  

 

Get out of your comfort zone.  Go out and meet people that are different.  If you happen to run across someone that doesn't like you because of your skin color, weight, height, religion, shoes, whatever; respect their preference, and move on.

 

Maybe Dr. Kanazawa need to take my advice.  Since London has a large Jamaican population, Kanazawa should reach out to them.  A weekend of great Reggae music, Jamaican shots, and good conversation might open up his world a bit.

 

Who knows, maybe the doctor will find that brown sugar don't taste that bad after all.

 

 

Click to share your experiences and comments

 

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Jon Stewart & Bill O'Reilly Square Off in a Heated Debate

 

Who won?

 

 

May 17, 2011

 

By Rhonda Reed-Slaughter

 

 

On Monday, Jon Stewart agreed to appear on Bill O'Reilly's show to publicly debate President Obama's decision to invite rap artist Common to speak at the White House poetry reading last Wednesday.

 

Conservatives spoke out against the President's invite and claim the rapper's lyrics promote violence and cop-killing.

 

Even Sarah Palin weighed in on the debate stating "It's just so lacking of class and decency."

 

"The Daily Show" funny man, Jon Stewart quickly defended the President's decision, and openly mocked the GOP's saying "(Common was) subject of Fox News Channel's latest exercise in fits of hissy."

 

At this point, Fireworks!!!

 

O'Reilly openly challenged Stewart to come on "The Factor" to debate the issue.

 

Never a man to back down, Jon Stewart accepted O'Reilly's invitation, and both "heavy hitters" locked horns in a heated debate that kept me mesmerized the entire time.

 

How fantastic to witness two intelligent people, passionately debating an issue. It was great T.V. 

 

Take a look at the "great debate" video, and share your comments.

 

 

Who do you think won?

 

Click to view video

 

Click to join the debate

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Mom Alert!

 

 

 

May 11,2011

 

By Rhonda Reed-Slaughter

rhonda@thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com

 

 

The controversial book "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother", a New York Times bestseller's got Americans across the country locked in a heated debate over how best to raise our children.

 

As detailed in Amy Chua's book, she embraces a very strict parenting style, and demands perfection from her children.  Her girls spend hours mastering the piano, and learning new math concepts. 

 

Click to read more of the story

 

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Wisconsin Public Employee Union Protest

 

Where do you stand in the debate?

 

February 22, 2011

By Rhonda Reed-Slaughter

rhonda@thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com

Plagued with a $3.6 million budget deficit, Wisconsin Governor, Scott Walker (R) presented a budget repair bill to the people of Wisconsin that sparked an angry protest by public unions, a counter-protest by tea partiers and a nationwide debate that will determine the future of public unions.

 

GOVERNOR'S BUDGET REPAIR BILL

Bill 4214 will require union members to contribute to their own pensions, and increase health insurance premiums.  To offset the increase, the bill gives government workers a right to "opt out" of paying union dues.

 

PUBLIC EMPLOYEE UNIONS

They are willing to have members contribute to their own pensions, and accept the increase in health insurance premiums, only if the Governor withdraws the portion that gives government workers the right to "opt out" of paying union dues.  They believe this option strips the unions of their collective bargaining agreement.

Click to read more

 

August 6, 2010

 

By Rhonda Reed-Slaughter

On Wednesday, August 4, 2010, San Franciso federal judge Vaughn Walker over turned Proposition 8 that barred same-sex marriage in the state of California.

 

According to Walker, Proposition 8 is unconstitutional, and denies homosexuals "equal protection under the laws", as guaranteed by the 14th Amendment to the Constitution.

 

14th Amendment, Section 1

All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside. No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

The decision is being appealed by opponents of same-sex marriage, and

Other issues effecting our country

Same-sex marriage is one of many important issues effecting our country. An important question to consider is - will this issue play a major part in helping you determine which candidate (or party) to support (or not)?

 

Before making any final decision, consider the other issues effecting americans.

 

 

UNEMPLOYMENT

* approximately 15.3 million americans are unemployed

 

* in June, the unemployment rate was 9.5%

 

 

THE AFGHANISTAN & IRAQ WARS

* approximately 1,100 soldiers have died in Afghanistan

 

* 4,440 soldiers lost their lives in Iraq

 

 

MAN MADE DISASTERS

* experts estimate appx. $22.7 billion in potential loss to the Gulf Coast travel economy over the next 3 years.

 

* 2,630 animals collected

 

*approximately 4.9 million barrels of oil spilled

 

* the White House is claiming that 74% of the oil has been removed from the Gulf. Do you believe them?

 

 

Some of the other issues effecting our country are, manufacturing jobs being shipped overseas, out of control health care cost, banks refusing to lend money to small businesses, illegal immigration and environmental issues.

 

In regards to the same-sex marriage debate, opinions vary.

 

Opponents consider the debate to be a moral issue. An issue against traditional marriage.

 

Supporters strongly believe this issue is more than a social issue. In fact, many call it a "civil rights" issue.

 

So what do Bolingbrook residents think of same-sex marriage? Where do you stand in the debate?

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Wisconsin's Budget Repair Bill

 

Is it possible we are locked in the wrong debate?

Locked Into The Wrong Debate We bite again by Myles Dannhausen Jr. February 25, 2011 PERSPECTIVE We are so easily played. For two weeks, we've gleefully sunk into a relatively petty debate about pension contribution percentages, health care benefits, and wages for middle class Americans. Often, this argument has devolved into simple jealousies, of one middle class worker upset that another has, thanks to a strong union, better wages and benefits than they have. It often sounds unsettlingly childish: "I don't have that so you shouldn't." There are certainly details in Gov. Scott Walker's budget repair bill worthy of discussion and argument, but his bill is not being proposed in a vacuum. That is where we fall into the trap that takes us to the wrong debate. Click to read more of the article

May 22,2011

By Rhonda Reed-Slaughter

Two years ago, I decided to pursue a passion of mine.  Investigate how local government spends our tax dollars.

I'd recently been laid-off, and thought the hobby would be an excellent way to keep current on my accounting skills, and meet other fiscal conservatives in the community.

That's how www.thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com  was born.  A community website that focus exclusively on the many ways our local leaders spend our tax dollars.

I expected some push back because of the nature of my work, but never would I have predicted the type of harassment I would receive from several local leaders and their supporters.

The type of abuse I'm experiencing have officially cross boundaries and now feels like cyber-bullying.

 

EXPLOSIVE STORY

Barely two weeks ago, I decided to expand my readership by publishing articles on the Bolingbrook Patch.

Brian Feldt, Editor of BB Patch approved my access to blog, and since then (less than 2 wks ago) I started publishing articles.  [I am grateful for the opportunity]

Earlier today, I noticed a disturbing comment posted immediately after mine that stated -

"I have a sudden craving for Aunt Jamima Pancakes." - by John Write

 

This racist and deeply ignorant comment was one of many abusive comments posted on the Patch (about me) in the past 3 days.

 

 

Here are more abusive comments -

 

"Hey Rhonda Reed are you same drug addicted mother who left her kids for a crack pipe not long ago???"   - by the truth

 

 

"hey rhonda why always portrying yourself as some righteous reformer???you are the same drug addicted alcoholic thats part of your history correct??? you are just like the bonnies out there always yapping with no factual information.  go away we dont need you here in the BROOK."  - by the truth 

 

Freedom of speech is one of the foundations of our country.  I respect and accept it thoroughly.  I can handle this kind of filth because I know it's not true. 

 

 

But what about my family, friends and supporters?

 

What about the brave individuals that volunteer their time to perform "watchdog" type activities like mine?

 

What about the individual that may have the same passion, and want to volunteer their time in "watchdog" activities?

 

What about the residents in the community that seek out the local news and community websites?

 

Why do we allow "cyber-bullies" the freedom to post vulgar, racist and derogatory comments without speaking out against it?

 

 

 

PERSONAL REQUEST

There are a handful of "watchdog" volunteers in Bolingbrook (including myself) that desperately need your help. 

 

Most of us have a passion for community activism, and courage to speak up and reach out.  Please consider giving us your support by practicing "zero-tolerance" when it comes to cyber-bullying.

 

The power is in your hands!  When you visit The Number Crunchers, The Bolingbrook Patch or any other website, and notice comments that are vulgar, racist or derogatory, OPENLY PUSH BACK AGAINST IT.  Simply add a comment speaking out against the abusive behavior, and if there's a "flag inappropriate" icon, click on that.

 

The only way to prevent cyber-bullying is to speak out against it.

 

We need your help.

 

 

Click to make comments

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