Page »...The Portland Observer...September 11,1991 I Portland Observer CLASSIFIEDS •H-l-S • O-P-l-N-l-O-N b y U y s s e s T u c k e J r r My Column, It’s A Mood Thing People often wonder where the ideas, motivation, will, and perspec­ tives come from to consistently pro­ duce a column of this nature. To be most frank and honest, it’s really a “ mood thing. ” Life is full of complex­ e s , unexpected realities, sick people, goodness, pain, love, and joy. No one knows when either will enrich or rock their life to the point of enlightenment, intense self-pity, or revelation of some sort. Life, or elements that will help or hurt a person, lurk behind dark comers like Mike Tyson’s straight jab. You never know when to expect it or how hard it will hurt your face. The key? Learning to take life’s punches, adversity, and pain, and last­ ing through the round. Sometimes, the bell or a reality check can be the best thing to happen because most people need to be reminded of how they are living right, doing wrong, or poten­ tially hurting others. Unfortunately, people need a swift kick in the “ butt” to get them on the right track; and a little humility. People have the ten­ dency to take others, their life, and life itself for granted. No person, lifestyle, happiness, success, or darkness and pain will last forever. Into each life or per­ sonal space of all humans some good­ ness and pain shall fall, so, just be prepared to handle come what may. Though perceived to be a difficult task, writing a weekly column is not hard at all. Actually, anyone who has the capacity to document what is seen by their eyes can produce a column. A column is the sum total of the everyday realities experienced and witnessed each living day. It also helps when research and information supporting a position or argument offered to the public is le­ gitimate. Many people shape their world view or opinions on what someone tells them or what they read, regard­ less of whether it’s accurate or not. So, how easy is it to write a col­ umn? Two weeks ago, a very nice “ sister” approached me in the video store between selecting "Being There,” “ Mandingo,” and “ Slaughter Big Rip O ff," (Jim Brown) with a question. She knew of HIS OPINION and wanted to know how topics were selected weekly. As suggested earlier, it’s a mood thing and totally unpredictable. We laughed/talked about past columns and what should/will be covered in the future, shook hands, and headed out into the uncertainty just beyond the video store door. While driving home, my thoughts flashed back to the “ sis­ ter,” who had children with her, and then wondered if she was a single par- tent? Why wonder? Well, 44 percent of black families are headed by fe­ males compared to only 22 percent in 1960. More than half live in poverty and only 32 percent of black, single- parent households do not live in pov­ erty. The never married black woman in her 20’s accounts for the bulk ol these single parent households. Ninety percent of the unmarried teen moms live at home with parents. It is the wish of this columnist that the “ sis­ ter’ ’ is married and very happy. Again, it’s easy to write a column wishing happiness for the “ sister” is one thing, Banking U.S. Bank has several openings available in our Access Card Department for individuals to serve as revealing statistics and hard facts is another. Consider the fact that blacks now comprise 50 percent of the na­ tion’s minority population (12 percent of the U.S. total), yet blacks are 25 percent less likely to be married and 48 percent likely to be divorced (De­ loitte & Touchc/Impacl Resources). Did the “ sister” live in poverty? Blacks in poverty continue to increase slightly, as does the black middle class. The black population can be roughly divided into income groups by thirds, one third in poverty, one third lower to middle class, one third middle class (Census Bureau) and above. What third did she fall in? Why is it that black women have divorce rates twice that of any other group and why do black women wait nine years to re­ marry, compared to two years for white women (Marketing to Women)? If you consider that 43 percent of the male prison population is black and that 19,000 black males (between 16-23 years old) die on the streets as a result of violent crimes, it’s easy to conclude that there are not many mates on the market. Is this the reason why “ sisters” get upset when they see “ brothers” with white women? It’s easy to come up with ideas for a column. It’s easy to write a column because it looks you in the face when poverty, crime, despair, hopelessness, pain, love, success, and hurt exists around/throughout your world/family. All one has to do is open up their eyes and document what is seen or felt in the heart. It’s a mood thing... Clerks In the first position, you will bal­ ance and reconcile accounts relating to retail ATMs. This will include maintaining audit tapes and assisting with telephone inquiries. You’ll need good 10- key and verbal communication skills, legible handwriting, and prior telephone and balancing experience. For the second position, you will research incoming electronic fund transactions and assist with tele­ phone inquiries from customers and branches. Requires a strong attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines. You’ll also need good verbal communica­ tion, organizational and research skills as well as previous tele­ phone experience. Legible hand­ writing is a must. The third position requires the on­ line input and maintenance of U- Bank, Check Guarantee, and Visa debit applications using a CRT. You'll need good typing and 10- key skills and previous CRT experience. Accuracy and an attention to detail are essential. U.S. Bank offers competitive sala­ ries, generous benefits and a friendly, supportive environment in which to work. For immediate consideration, stop by our Em­ ployment Office, Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm, or send your resume to: U.S. Bank, Employment, 555 SW Oak Street, Portland, OR 97204. Drug screen required. We are an equal opportunity employer. Give. Director of Annual Giving Lewis & Clark College Portland, Oregon The Director of Annual Giving is responsible for fund raising ac­ tivities involving alumni, parents and students. The Director is a senior member of the develop­ ment staff and coordinates, mo­ tivates and supports the work of all Annual Giving Volunteers. Requires a bachelor’s degree plus three to five years of annual giv­ ing fund raising experience, pref­ erably in higher education. The successful candidate will have a proven track record for success­ ful annual giving and fund rais­ ing, strong organizational skills, ability to work closely with volun­ teers, and an understanding of liberal arts and sciences educa­ tion. Computerized records ex­ perience is helpful. Salary will be commensurate with experience. To apply, send letter of application including salary expectations, resume and three references to: Personnel Services, Lewis & Clark College, LC Box 72, Port­ land, OR 97219. For certain consideration, applications must be received by September 18, 1991. EOE V Multnomah Athletic Club has a current part time position avail able in our child care area. Position does require previous experience, good communication skills, and a fondness for small children. Call 223-8748 for an appt. News Editor Entry level position - Immediate opening. Send resume to: P.O. Box 14957, Portland, OR 97214 IIC A C V ______________________________ i Pictured above, from left to right, are the owners of Karla s Krab