Iserotope Extras - Issue #36

Hi there! What's the best way to mentor young people, reduce violence, and build a community? The first two articles this week offer two different approaches — both of which are working. Then, after a beautiful vista, enjoy a brilliant profile on Aretha Franklin and a piece about the hotel industry

Paying criminals not to kill

A few years ago, after suffering one of the highest murder rates in the country, Richmond began a controversial mentoring program for ex-criminals that included paying them up to $1,000 a month if they stayed out of trouble. Critics are vehement: Programs like this send the wrong message. Except it seems to be working: 84 out of 88 of the young men are still alive, with a lower recidivism rate, and my gut says this intervention is cheaper ($70,000 in stipends per year) than many alternatives.

Many gave up on Detroit and its youth — but not Coach Khali

There are a lot of good people out there doing a lot of good things. One is Coach Khali, who runs Downtown Youth Boxing in Detroit. This 8-minute video from Mic features Christal Berry, who you'll love. "With me being a big girl," she says, "I was always picked on. I always grew up as that tough girl, always ready to fight. But I know I had to lean out of that personality because it wasn't taking me nowhere." Her mom, impressed with her daughter's boxing skills, has this to say: "Now I had to tell the girl, don't get beside yourself. Your mama can still knock you down." Love it.

This is Inspiration Point in Berkeley. My running club and I did a sunrise run last Sunday.

Soul Survivor

This is a extremely well-written profile of Aretha Franklin by David Remnick, the editor of the New Yorker. Mr. Remnick quotes Tavis Smiley: “Aretha gets offended when she thinks you think you’re getting over on her,” ‘Respect’ is not just a song to Aretha. It’s the mantra for her life." If you haven't watched Ms. Franklin's recent performance of “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman," please do.

Spring break in Miami is the worst time to be a hotel maid.

We know that hotel housekeepers have a tough and thankless job. This article won't make you feel any better. The hospitality industry is abysmal. How about offering low wages, providing terrible working conditions, and exploiting short-term H-2B visas? Not good.

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