paradiseweb.org

SCETV - Spike Lee's Television Adaptation of the Broadway Musical "Passing Strange"

Airs statewide on ETV on Jan. 13 at 9 p.m.

Columbia, SC...We are all a part of the human race; however, we are also a part of smaller groups. Whether it is a group that identifies a certain religion or a certain socioeconomic status, we always find ways to categorize ourselves. But what happens if the group of which you are a member does not fit? How do you go against your family and community values, to pursue a different path in life? On Tuesday, Jan. 13 at 9 p.m., ETV's airing of "Passing Strange," will answer those trying questions as an African American character who is simply called "Youth," leaves the country in search of his personal identity.

"Passing Strange," a coming of age story, was loosely based off of the life of co-writer, Stew Rodewald, the critically revered singer and songwriter. Both Stew and Heidi Rodewald wrote the play for Broadway. However, at the end of its run in July 2008, it was recorded for television by Spike Lee.

Texting while driving and otherwise being distracted behind the wheel can result in injury and death. Over the past several months, there have been several reported serious crashes caused by sending text messages while driving. A recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration showed that in 2008, 5,870 people lost their lives and an estimated 515,000 people were injured in police-reported crashes in which at least one form of driver distraction was reported. Other recent studies have shown that drivers have admitted texting while driving, that younger drivers are more likely to be distracted while driving, and that being distracted for even a few seconds can lead to a crash resulting in injury of death.

To help make consumers - particularly parents - more aware of the dangers of texting and being distracted when driving, the Federal Communications Commission has identified resources from a number of government agencies and private organizations, and has created a new Web site that provides links to more information on the dangers of texting while driving. The site also includes links to sites that encourage parents and kids to talk about the dangers of distracted driving and modifying risky behavior behind the wheel.