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Dear Eric: We live on a lake and love hosting our great-nieces and nephews on school breaks and the entire family on vacations. My husband and I have no children. Our niece’s families are dear to us. Our 11-year-old great-nephew has been gaming now for about a year. When he comes to visit, instead of reading, playing cards or board games with us, like in the past, he wants to disappear with his video games. We feel vacated. How do we navigate this with his parents who think his being on a video gaming team at school is awesome and I think it is a bad omen? What is a fair place of compromise and balance? – Game Off Dear Game Off: Let his parents parent their child. The other night I re-watched the movie “Network” from 1977 (stay with me here; it relates). In it, a character in his 60s dismisses a character played by a young Faye Dunaway by saying “she’s the television generation. She learned life from Bugs Bunny. The only reality she knows is what comes to her over her TV set.” Every generation has anxieties about the ways that technology is changing social interactions or altering the minds of the generations below. While some of those concerns are valid, those of Faye Dunaway’s generation (now in their 70s and 80s) would argue that they’ve managed to stay quite well-rounded, despite (and often with the aid of) TV. In moderation, video games have been shown to improve a child’s cognitive function and working memory. While your great-nephew’s gaming might not be your choice, it’s important that you not seek to undermine the research and thinking that his parents have done about it. What you’re really yearning for is a sense of togetherness as a family, so try talking to your niece and her spouse about group activities you can plan to meet your great-nephew where he is. And don’t be afraid to pick up a controller and ask him to show you the ropes. Dear Eric: I eat at a local restaurant a couple times a week and tend to get one of three meals. This one waitress asks me what I want to eat, but then interrupts me to make guesses or tell me my choice. I just put my head down and nod yes or no to the guesses. It’s frustrating, but not life-threatening. She enjoys it. I hate it. However, if I were to say something, it would force her to make the choice of being herself, doing something she likes doing, or appeasing me so I can order the way I want to order. I don’t know if this is a big enough problem to have a “high road.” The answer will not change my life. She can easily change, and I can easily suffer. The question is who gets to be themselves? – Speaking Up Dear Speaking Up: I worked in the service industry for more than a decade. I loved it. I loved seeing regulars, meeting new people and carrying a lot of beverages in my hands at one time. The whole bit. I also loved knowing what people wanted, but I would always ask and confirm . That’s part of the job. She may think you’re a regular who likes to be known in this way. So, informing her that that’s not the case won’t be keeping her from being herself. It will be helping her to do her job better. You may not have the kind of temperament that easily or comfortably course-corrects in social situations. That’s just fine. But know you won’t be causing her suffering by saying something like “I’ve already decided on my meal. Let’s skip the guessing today and I’ll just tell you.” This also clears the path for the two of you to talk about something else, if you want. Ideally, it’s a conversation that you’ll both enjoy. Dear Eric: I’m not sure if the letter from “Invisible Dad” about his wife buying trinkets for their adult kids and having more close conversations with them is related to my better half and myself. I think it could be but I can’t be sure so don’t want to ask him. I never really thought about it all the time, but assumed kids knew that gifts were from both of us. If this question does relate to us, and even if it doesn’t, I will be mindful of what I haven’t been mindful of. My heart is melting if he does really care that much about the kids. Thank you for listening. – Daily Reader Dear Reader: Thanks for your thoughtful note and your openness. Please also reconsider talking to your husband about the ways you interact with your kids. It could be really healing and productive. (Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com .) ©2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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In every United States election cycle, nations around the world watch closely, speculating about what the outcome will mean for them — and Africa is no exception. The US has long influenced African countries in areas such as trade, security, health and development. But why are we still so focused on external powers to shape our future? Why are we waiting for American policies to dictate our destiny, rather than investing our energy in building a strong, independent Africa? And should we expect anything substantial to change based on who takes office in Washington? The answer is that Africa’s position in US foreign policy has been peripheral at best. Despite extensive political shifts over the years, US engagement with Africa has largely been inconsistent, dictated by sporadic interests rather than a steady commitment. This isn’t to ignore the positive effect of certain initiatives. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (Pepfar) have undeniably helped many African nations, particularly in terms of trade and health. But these programmes often lack the longevity and stability needed to foster deep, sustainable change. They remain vulnerable to shifting US political priorities and often end up as casualties in the churn of American politics. Even as African leaders attempt to forge stronger economic and diplomatic ties with the US, they find themselves largely sidelined in major foreign policy platforms. This should be a wake-up call for African nations: instead of waiting for recognition, it’s time to focus on building from within. For too long, Africa has operated with a dependency mindset, hoping for transformative foreign aid and external validation that rarely materialises in a sustainable way. This dependency weakens the continent’s bargaining power, rendering African nations susceptible to external influence and allowing other countries to impose their agendas. Foreign aid and support, though sometimes beneficial in the short term, often come with conditions that prioritise the donor’s interests. In essence, Africa’s reliance on external assistance has led to policies that might not align with its own long-term needs and priorities. Africa’s leaders must recognise that real, lasting change will not come from Washington, Brussels or Beijing. It will come from within Africa’s borders, through visionary leadership, robust governance and sustained investment in the continent’s resources and human capital. Africa possesses abundant resources, a young and growing population, and vast potential for economic growth and innovation. Yet, these assets remain underused or, worse, exploited by foreign interests. To move away from this cycle, Africa must focus on building strong institutions, promoting transparency, and strengthening governance structures. Only then can African nations begin to leverage their resources on their own terms. Africa’s limited influence on the world stage is partly caused by limited cohesion among its countries. Unlike the European Union, Africa’s approach is fragmented, with each nation pursuing its interests independently. This lack of unity weakens Africa’s influence on global policy issues that directly affect the continent, such as climate change, trade, security and migration. To remedy this, African nations need to prioritise intra-African diplomacy, fostering strong regional alliances and presenting a unified front on international issues. Initiatives such as the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) have made promising strides in this direction, but they need stronger backing and more strategic focus. Africa’s progress is further hindered by issues such as weak governance, corruption and inadequate infrastructure. These often make it difficult for African countries to maximise their resources and attract investment. According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, the continent loses billions of dollars each year to corruption and illicit financial flows. These losses could otherwise be directed toward building schools, hospitals, roads and other infrastructure that supports development. African leaders must prioritise the strengthening of governance systems and the establishment of transparent, accountable institutions. This means implementing policies that tackle corruption head on, reforming legal frameworks to encourage accountability, and investing in capacity-building programmes for government officials. Stronger governance would not only improve public trust but also attract foreign investors interested in stable, reliable partnerships. When Africa can demonstrate its commitment to good governance, it will be in a better position to enter into equal partnerships with other nations, moving away from dependency on foreign aid. Africa’s narrative on the global stage often emphasises poverty, instability, and conflict images that are reductive and harmful. This portrayal overlooks Africa’s many strengths and the diversity of its people, cultures and economies. To foster a more balanced and empowering global narrative, Africa must take control of how it is represented internationally. This involves building a robust public diplomacy strategy and investing in communication platforms that showcase Africa’s achievements, innovations and growth potential. By changing the narrative, Africa can assert its place as an influential player on the global stage, not just a recipient of aid. It’s important for African nations to highlight stories of innovation, economic growth, and cultural richness. Platforms such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063 aim to tell positive stories and position Africa as a strong, unified bloc. True progress requires African nations to focus on self-reliance, resilience and internal growth. This means investing in homegrown industries, prioritising education and healthcare and fostering an environment where African innovation can thrive. By taking control of its future, Africa can reduce its vulnerability to global shocks and better insulate itself from the political whims of foreign powers. Self-reliance doesn’t mean isolationism; rather, it means building a foundation that allows Africa to engage with the world on its own terms. Africa’s leaders should prioritise investments in infrastructure, agriculture, education and technology. These sectors are crucial for sustainable development and can provide a buffer against external pressures. Furthermore, by investing in these areas, Africa can create jobs, reduce poverty, and stimulate economic growth that benefits all Africans. Africa must take control of its narrative, build a strong foundation for economic independence and engage with the world from a position of strength and unity. Only by focusing inward and leveraging its abundant resources can Africa hope to achieve true prosperity and sovereignty. Sifiso Sonjica is an ANC member and f ormer member of the KwaZulu-Natal provincial legislature.After falling down 28 points in the first half Saturday against Hampton on Senior Day at Tom & Mary Casey Stadium, the Great Danes came alive in the second half, putting up 24 fourth-quarter points to rally for a season-ending 41-34 victory. The Great Danes (2-6 CAA, 4-8 overall) weathered a storm of four touchdown runs from Hampton’s Tymere Robinson in the game’s first 25 minutes, finally getting on the board late in the second quarter on a 12-yard Van Weber touchdown pass to Carter Moses. A 31-yard James Bozek field goal and a 38-yard Weber touchdown pass to Jackson Parker on a flea flicker got the Great Danes within 28-17 after three quarters, setting up a wild final 15 minutes. UAlbany’s flurry started with an interception returned for a touchdown by backup linebacker Nick Totten, followed by a 2-point conversion that made it 28-25. Hampton answered with a drive capped off by a 25-yard Malcolm Mays touchdown run, but the Great Danes blocked the ensuing extra point and Kevon Angry took it back the other way to keep it a one-score game. On UAlbany’s following possession, Alex Jreige — who carried the ball 21 times for 110 yards — broke loose for a 53-yard touchdown run to tie the game 34-34 with 7:45 to play. On Hampton’s first offensive play after UAlbany tied the game, Mays fumbled the ball and the Great Danes’ Jack Iuliano recovered, setting the stage for Jojo Uga’s go-ahead 2-yard touchdown run with 4:36 to play. A pair of late stops secured UAlbany’s win, snapping what had been a five-game losing streak. Hampton 14 14 0 6 — 34 UAlbany 0 7 10 24 — 41 H — Robinson 3 run (Csehoski kick) H — Robinson 3 run (Csehoski kick) H — Robinson 2 run (Csehoski kick) H — Robinson 16 run (Csehoski kick) UA — Moses 12 pass from Weber (Opalko kick) UA — Bozek 31 field goal UA — Parker 38 pass from Weber (Opalko kick) UA — Totten 38 interception return (McGee pass from Weber) H — Mays 25 run (kick blocked) UA — Angry blocked extra point return UA — Jreige 53 run (Opalko kick) UA — Uga 2 run (Opalko kick)
Fair Grounds Field demolition. Nov. 25, 2024. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save One thing I learned in my last job was that you feel your age when you start covering the children of athletes you covered years earlier, or when those athletes you covered years before become coaches on your beat. I learned a new lesson Monday, just weeks into this job with The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate, where sports isn't really my beat — I'm bringing you news of public safety and the courts — but I found myself standing in the parking lot of Fair Grounds Field as the monster slowly beat away at the stadium. It's being demolished at a cost of $334,000 by Lloyd D. Nabors Demolition , and one machine was on site Monday afternoon, pounding away at cement on one end of the stands. The lesson? Even the things you don't appreciate enough hurt a bit when they disappear. Fair Grounds Field was state of the art in the 1980s, when I first worked there, running the message center part of the scoreboard. I typed in each hitter's stats and designed graphics to run with each commercial as it played over the intercom or was read by John James Marshall over the public address system. No baseball expert, I worked the job for income, but for some unknown reason I've held on to my first Shreveport Captains polo shirt. It will outlive the stadium itself, though it's been in approximately the same condition for some time. Regardless of your interest in the game itself, there is something so very American about going to a baseball game. And there was something so very Shreveport about Fair Grounds Field. Now subject to the wrecking ball, the stadium opened in 1986, giving the Shreveport Captains Double A baseball team a place to play that didn't embarrass that operation or the city. SPAR Stadium, the team's previous home and just northwest of what is now the Interstate 20/Interstate 49 intersection, seemed to my young eyes to have been a place where cheap beer was its biggest attraction, not for me but for the few who attended games in its final years. Fair Grounds Field brought the city so much more. It was a 4,200-seat place for families to enjoy an evening's entertainment. Tickets could be cheap, even free; the Captains made their money from concessions. Those of us working in the press box got free meals every night, but sometimes you had that urge to bypass what was free to make the walk to the grill adjacent to left field. Those were good hamburgers. Fair Grounds Field demolition, Nov. 25, 2024. The first paycheck I could physically hold in my hands came from that Captains franchise. I saw my first baseball brawl there, and it was shown on national highlight shows. Dee Dixon, himself a fixture on the roster at the time, took his best tool — speed — and turned it into an inside the park grand slam one pitch before a dugout-clearing brawl recalled by Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate sports editor Roy Lang earlier this year. Two pitchers combined for a no-hitter, and it was only the first game of a doubleheader. I remember seeing the San Diego Chicken, as he was known before he lost the city part of his name, and, yes, I got to see him out of costume. I remember at least one Texas League All-Star game and, more significantly to me, a mid-season exhibition against the parent club, the San Francisco Giants. Will Clark was on that team, and I think the Captains won by a run, though the Giants' stars made only short appearances early in the game. For some reason, I remember Marshall's frustration with himself when he learned that Kirt Manwaring, elevated to the Giants, had been dubbed Kirt "What is that" Manwaring by ESPN's Chris Berman. Marshall, who liked to come up with his own monikers for Captains, hadn't thought of it. Royce Clayton, Rod Beck and Juan Gonzalez are among many other players I saw play before their Major League careers. Another memory of mine, being a college student living in Louisiana Tech's Neilson dorm at the time — the dorm where I twice had to climb out of an elevator is already demolished — is that I counted down the outs as the game neared the ninth inning. I had an hour's drive ahead of me and classes the next day, couldn't wait to leave. I thought of that Monday, too, as I watched the monster tear apart cement along the first-base line. As much as I couldn't wait to leave all those nights, now it stings to see it go.