One and done...but at what price?

Left to right: O.J. Mayo, former guard for the USC Trojans, and
Tim Floyd, former head coach of the USC Trojans

It has come to my attention recently that, when it comes to college basketball, the players that make the most appearances on ESPN’s Sportscenter highlight reels, or have gotten the most hype before an NBA draft (i.e. Derrick Rose, O.J. Mayo, Kevin Love) are the players that have utilized the infamous “One and Done Rule.”

The rule states that men’s college basketball players may attend college and play basketball for one full year and then declare themselves eligible for the NBA. As long as they don’t sign with an agent, these players are given the option to return to college if they are not satisfied with their draft status, or even if they have doubts of getting drafted at all.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not knocking any of these players or their abilities. Some of them are already off to a great start in their young professional careers, and there are other players who either left college after one year (Carmelo Anthony), or went to the NBA right out of high school (Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Garnett), and have enjoyed a tremendous professional career. However, no one can predict how long an athlete’s career will be. All it takes is one ACL tear or one herniated disk, and an athlete’s career is already in jeopardy. Better yet, give a professional scout a chance to find a player who is younger than and just as skilled as the current star player of a professional team, and that star player’s days are already numbered.

Therefore, I present this million-dollar question to potential future NBA players who are contemplating the “One and Done” rule, and also to young, current NBA players on the rise: Do you have a backup plan? If the bright lights of your young professional career suddenly go off and you’re no longer able to play basketball, do you have that degree in education or economics that you can turn to?

If I’ve learned anything in my young life thus far, it’s that education is something that should never be taken for granted, especially since that degree in education or economics can take you far in life, both mentally and financially—the same way that basketball can. For some athletes, a college degree turns out to be the saving grace that keeps them from falling into financial ruin.

I also ask, in light of the recent scandals that have come to light in the world of college basketball, just how much does the success outweigh the risks?

For Tim Floyd, former head coach of the USC Trojans college basketball team, was all the success and fame with star player O.J. Mayo, which included a trip to the NCAA Tournament during the 2007-2008 college basketball season, worth it? Recently, Floyd resigned as head coach after allegations of having paid up to $1,000 to Mayo’s “handler” two years ago before Mayo started attending USC.

Along with that, for University of Memphis and former Tigers’ basketball star (and newly crowned NBA rookie of the year) Derrick Rose, was all of his fame and success truly worth it? If allegations against Rose are true—that he did not take the SATs and instead had someone take them for him—Memphis will be in danger of having their 38 wins and trip to the 2007-2008 Final Four and National Championship game all taken away from them by the NCAA.

Should something be done about the “One and Done” rule? If so, what? Are the players and families who follow this rule making the right decision? Would you ever support the rule if your child was, or is, a potential professional basketball player?


Ricky Howard
Institutional Advancement Intern

Super Why! Camp

As an intern just young enough to remember PBS shows like Wishbone and Arthur, and just old enough to have missed the recent surge of educational TV shows for pre-school aged children, I was astounded by MPT’s recent Super Why! Camp.

Super Why! is a PBS Raising Readers program designed to give preschoolers the skills they need to read successfully. MPT’s Super Why! Camp uses the program and its characters to engage prospective Baltimore City Public School kindergarteners in learning activities designed to reinforce and enrich their reading skills during two separate weeklong camps, one in June and the other in July.

The recent June camp was held at the John Eager Howard Elementary School in West Baltimore. I arrived last Monday morning just as the campers began to watch the week’s episode, “Super Why! and the Three Little Pigs.” To my surprise, I was greeted by a classroom of students who were actively engaged in the story on the screen.

My generation tends to view television as a passive activity, something to while away the hours between classes or work that doesn’t require too much, if any, thought or participation beyond flipping the channel during commercials. But the campers responded eagerly to the Super Readers’ prompting, singing and reading along with the characters or sounding out letters and words in order to find the Big Bad Wolf.

Each day after watching the “Three Pigs” episode, the campers worked on a different skill set linked to the Super Readers: Alpha Pig, Wonder Red, Princess Presto, and Super Why! himself. The campers practiced letter identification, letter sounds, ALL-family word recognition (i.e. words like tall, call, ball, wall), and reading.

Although the campers responded readily to the activities designed to help them practice each skill set, I couldn’t help but think that spending extra time on more difficult skills, such as letter sounds or word family recognition, would be extremely beneficial for all of the campers regardless of their skill level. For those campers who were already close to becoming fluent readers, perhaps the extra time would facilitate pattern recognition associated with certain letter combinations and words within words, while the campers who still required prompting might learn how to blend letter sounds together in order to read words aloud.

Regardless, Super Why! Camp was unarguably beneficial for each of the campers, whether it reinforced what they already knew or helped them develop a new skill set or two. As for me, I will certainly never view television in quite the same manner again. I’ve heard arguments against television and its influence on children, but having seen first-hand the results that interactive television can produce, I believe that the technology is both applicable and beneficial, both in and out of the classroom.


Kathryn Tracey
Education Intern

How safe is the Washington, D.C. Metro?

Yesterday, Monday, June 22, 2009, at 4:30 p.m. there was a fatal Metrorail train crash on the Red Line track near the Fort Totten station. There are nine dead and 76 injured, making it the worst crash in Metro history. Survivors will be scarred by both physical injuries and emotional trauma from the terrible things they saw during and after the accident.

My dad was on the Red Line at 4 p.m. going towards Fort Totten, but 30 minutes before the accident, realized he was going the wrong way, got off the train and switched to a Red Line train going the opposite direction (towards Shady Grove). He is one of the lucky ones who escaped a fatal accident that, according to news sources, could have been prevented if proper safety precautions were taken.

Metro General Manager John Catoe that a fatal mass transit accident like this is “very rare.” This kind of collision is supposed to be impossible since are equipped with both manual and computer-operated systems.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) says the reason this crash happened was because the train was an older 1000 series—and not up to date per NTSB safety recommendations. The 1000 series was recommended to be updated by federal regulators three years ago, but since the Metrorail system does not have to take the advice of the NTSB, no action was taken. Metro simply decided it would be too expensive to strengthen their rail cars.

For over 25 years, NTSB has been a harsh critic of Metrorail safety, especially after three previous accidents: one in 1982 that killed three passengers in a tunnel near the Smithsonian Institution; one in 1996 that killed a transit administration operator at the Shady Grove station; and a runaway train in 2004 that injured 20 passengers at the Woodley Park Zoo station.

Even after three collisions and countless recommendations from NTSB, Metro refused to take into consideration ways to better improve the safety of their transportation system, which has now left 12 people dead, 96 injured and a countless number of people left to deal with these incidences in the past 27 years.

Should Metro start listening to NTSB? Or is Metro right to disregard the agency’s recommendations, which are ultimately costly but could potentially save lives?


Frederique Duverger
Institutional Advancement Intern

Ask Not

INDEPENDENT LENS ASK NOT Trailer PBS @ Yahoo! Video

The Pentagon’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy has been polarizing since it was implemented in 1993 the Clinton Administration. But today the law, which prohibits gay and lesbian service members from revealing their sexual orientation, is increasingly drawing criticism.

In 2008, over 100 retired generals and admirals signed a statement calling for an end to the policy, putting to rest a widely held misconception that it was unanimously supported by top military officials. While on the campaign trail in 2008, Barack Obama pledged to repeal the controversial policy. Since taking office, however, the president has made it clear he will approach the issue tactfully by working with military leaders before making a legislative push in Congress.

Proponents of the legislation point to the original language of the law, which states that, “The presence in the armed forces of persons who demonstrate a propensity or intent to engage in homosexual acts would create an unacceptable risk to the high standards of morale, good order and discipline, and unit cohesion that are the essence of military capability.”

The most recent event in the life of this controversial law occurred on June 8, when the Supreme Court decided against reevaluating the constitutionality of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” The court rejected an appeal from former Army Capt. James Pietrangelo II, who was dismissed under the rules of the policy and subsequently filed a lawsuit against the government.

That’s part of the history of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell”—it’s the part that’s sterile and abstract, existing mostly in legal documents and politicians’ mouths. Now, Independent Lens will explore the impact this keep-it-quiet strategy is having on lives of individual service members in the new documentary “Ask Not,” airing on MPT Tuesday, June 16 at 10 p.m. and MPT2 Wednesday, June 17 at 10 p.m.

What do you think the military’s attitude toward gay and lesbian service members should be?


Duncan Russell
Communications Intern

A little slice of heaven: Chestertown, Maryland

Over the Bay Bridge from Annapolis, up highway 213, nestled on the bank of the Chester River sits a little slice of heaven on the Eastern Shore known as Chestertown, Maryland. At least that’s how the locals describe it. After a half-dozen visits to the picturesque community of about 4,500 people, I’m beginning to see their point.

Chestertown was founded during early colonial America and still retains the feel and look of a quaint Mid-Atlantic hamlet. The Chester River is not only the town’s name-sake, it’s also the town’s identity. Chestertown’s most famous resident, the Schooner Sultana, is a reproduction of a colonial British sailing ship and spends its days cruising up and down the Chester River. The Sultana is prominently featured in Chestertown’s biggest event of the year, the Chestertown Tea Party. The Tea Party, held every Memorial Day, attracts thousands of visitors to Chestertown for colonial music and dance, food, crafts, and the joyous overboard heaving of several colonial tax collectors during a re-enactment of the original “tea party.”

Chestertown also has a rich history of community. It’s a close-knit town of life-long residents and new arrivals coexisting to create peaceful, prosperous lives for themselves and their families. The town famously fought against Walmart—and won—to keep their unique businesses and small-town feel. It’s also home to Washington College and its 1,200+ students from all over the world. It’s a destination town that draws visitors and émigrés in, and makes it difficult for them to want to leave.

And it’s also the perfect setting for the first program in MPT's “Our Town” series and our exploration into what makes a community.

Please stay tuned to The Buzz in upcoming weeks to meet some of the proud Chestertown residents that have decided to grab a camcorder and help MPT create “Our Town: Chestertown.”


Peter Shea
Associate Producer for On-Air Fundraising

Exclusive extras! 'Senator Barb'

Did you catch MPT's revealing, one-on-one interview with Sen. Barbara Mikulski last night?

Impressions of Barbara Mikulski with Rhea Feikin introduced viewers to the “Senator Barb” that longtime friend Rhea Feikin has come to know and love: the lifetime Baltimorean who still commutes to Washington every day, (“Though I work in Washington, I’m not of the culture of Washington,” she says) and keeps in touch with her childhood friends from Highlandtown.

If you're itching for some extra footage that didn't make it in, check out the clips below!

Humor in 9/11?

There’s a time and a place for everything. This is a phrase that we all are familiar with. But what determines that time and place? Is there a little fairy that tells you, “Don’t say that!” In a society that’s becoming more and more receptive to freedom of speech, where do we draw the line?

The White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner was held on Saturday and one of the featured speakers was comedian Wanda Sykes. Some of Sykes’ comments sparked controversy, especially one concerning 9/11, “I think Rush Limbaugh was the 20th hijacker but he was just so strung out on Oxycontin he missed his flight,” joked Sykes.

There are arguments that Sykes was insensitive to the terrorist attacks of 9/11. White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs stated, “I don't know how guests get booked…but my guess is there are a lot of topics that are better left for serious reflection, rather than comedy—I think there's no doubt that 9/11 is part of that.”

Many argue that Sykes’ comment, “I hope his [Limbaugh’s] kidneys fail,” was plain cruel. “This woman comes up and says, 'I hope Rush Limbaugh dies,' and everybody giggles,” said Tim Graham, director of media analysis with the Media Research Center. Some complain that liberals get away with more than conservatives and that if a conservative made such comments, there would be a public outcry.

Was Sykes out of line? Are there certain things we just cannot joke about? Does Rush Limbaugh’s typical harsh commentary make it easier to accept Sykes’ lashing out against him?


Renèe N. Gibson
Institutional Advancement Intern

Live for Today

We've received our first Global Love "Thoughts on Love" blog entry from Sheri Lynn Gleason of Beverly, Massachusetts. She's titled it "Live for Today." Thank you, Sheri!

Live for Today

My best friend is fighting colon cancer. If I have learned anything from helping her in her fight, it is that love is about living in the moment. I have always treasured our friendship. I am closer to her than I am to my own sisters. However, since she got sick, every moment has become even more precious. We are planning a trip to Ireland in December, but we are not thinking much further than that right now. We have faith that she will beat this, but until then we are celebrating each day as it comes.

It sounds cliche, but the saying is true: "Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That is why it is called 'the present.' "

Sheri Lynn Gleason
Beverly, Massachusetts

(Send us your thoughts on love: outreach@mpt.org)

Swine flu breakout

You’ve heard it all over the news. The virus, swine flu (or the H1N1 virus) has become a worldwide pandemic. People in countries such as Britain are wearing protective masks in public areas as the media provides constant coverage on infected people and death tolls.

President Obama has issued a national concern for protecting the country against this virus but says not to be alarmed. Customs agents have been checking those entering the U.S. by land and air. Obama says he is getting regular updates from agencies and the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control are keeping Americans informed.

However, controversy has formed over remarks made by Vice President Joe Biden. During an interview today on NBC’s The Today Show, Biden commented, “I would tell members of my family—and I have—I wouldn't go anywhere in confined places now,” and specifically mentioned American subway systems.

These suggestions are nearly impossible for many workers in the nation who rely on public transportation to take them to and from work each day. The travel industry, particularly, is displeased with Biden’s comments and advises travelers to listen to medical experts.

Are Biden’s comments over-the-top or is he being more honest than other government and health officials by telling us this is bigger than we think? How does this breakout and its media coverage make you feel about the safety of you and your family’s health? Do you think the media is sensationalizing the swine flu or do you think this type of coverage is necessary?


Renèe N. Gibson
Institutional Advancement Intern

Send us your love notes!

In recognition of Global Love Day May 1st and as part of MPT’s Campaign for Love & Forgiveness, we invite our blog readers and MPT viewers to share their own stories of love!

Send us (outreach@mpt.org) your thoughts on love (around 200 words), and we’ll post it here on The Buzz to join in this international celebration of peace and love. Or, post your video story about love onto YouTube and send us your link. We’ll post it here with the other “love notes” on our blog!

Here’s our own first Global Love Day blog:

LOVE. Four letters that make up the most meaningful word in the world. I am only 21, so I would not say I am an expert (yet), but I do know a thing or two about love. When I was younger, I was told that love should be selfless and unconditional. I just thought it was something you say back to your mom and dad. But now that I’m an adult, I can now fully understand the meaning of love.

Selfless love is shown by way of sacrifice. This kind of love I am still working on, but have had much practice in my four-year relationship with my boyfriend. We go to separate schools now, so I feel that much of our relationship is based on sacrifice. Having to make time with both of our busy schedules. Having to sacrifice travel time (and split it equally) when we want to see each other. There is much that I am still learning about selfless love, but as of now, I feel that it is the most rewarding.

Unconditional love is something I get from my family; Mom, Dad, brother, aunts, uncles…This kind of love I put to the test with my parents when I was younger because my brother and I were always getting into trouble. I used to think, “Mom’s going to hate us after she finds out what we did!” But then I came to see that my family loves me no matter what, and that is truly a gift.


Krissy Leventis
Communications and Outreach Intern