Mountain View News Saturday, February 7, 2026 


CHRISTOPHER Nyerges

[Nyerges is an educator and author. His many books canbe seen at www.SchoolofSelf-Reliance.com.] 

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: FEBRUARY 

Black History month is February, and Monday is the commemoration of Martin 

Luther King Jr. If, as scientists have affirmed, we are all “from Africa,” should we 
not relish and cherish this history that we all share? 

Much has been said and written about Martin Luther King Jr., and so today I want to focus upon 
Malcolm X, one of the most acute thinkers and focused individuals of the Civil Rights movement. 
I think he was widely misunderstood, perhaps for obvious reasons. 

Since it is impossible to do a complete biography of Malcolm X in a short article, I suggest you 
read the entry about him in “Black American History for Dummies” book. Also, I always feel that 
you learn more about a person by listening to what that person says, and does, vs. what others say 
about him or her. Much of what people “believe” about Malcolm X was from newspaper articles 
where he was described as a militant, a radical, a racist. Though we could objectively agree that 
that is partly true, keep in mind that Malcolm Little underwent a profound transformation, and 
began to change his more radical views as well. It would be very instructive to watch any of the 
number of interviews that Malcolm X gave to the media, which can be found on YouTube. 

He was born Malcolm Little on May 19, 1925 in Nebraska, and was gunned down on February21, 1965 at age 39. 

When Malcolm was six, his father died in a streetcar accident, with rumors circulating that Earl 
Little had actually been murdered. After his father’s death, and his mother’s hospitalization, 
Malcolm spent his adolescence years in a series of foster homes, or living with relatives. He got 
involved in criminal activities, and in 1946 was sentenced to 10 years in prison in 1946 for larceny, 
and breaking and entering. While he was in prison, he was exposed to the teaching of the 
Nation of Islam through fellow convict John Bembry, who Malcolm X later described as "the first 
man I had ever seen command total respect ... with words". Under Bembry's tutelage, Malcolm 
developed a voracious appetite for reading. 

After he joined the NOI, he adopted the name Malcolm X, X symbolizing the fact that his “real” 
African ancestral surname was lost. After his parole in 1952, he quickly became one of the organization's 
most influential leaders. As an articulate well-spoken man, he became the public face 
of NOI for over a decade, advocating for black empowerment and separation of black and white 
Americans. He was, beginning in 1950, kept under surveillance by the FBI, as he rose through 
the NOI ranks, establishing a few NOI Temples, and eventually became the leader of Temple 7 in 
Harlem. 

Besides his skill as a speaker, Malcolm X had an impressive physical presence. One writer described 
him as "powerfully built", and another as "mesmerizingly handsome ... and always spotlessly 
well-groomed". 

Hinton Johnson incident 

The American public first became aware of Malcolm X in 1957, after Hinton Johnson, a Nation 
of Islam member, was beaten by two New York City police officers. Alerted by a witness as to 
what had taken place, Malcolm X and a small group of Muslims went to the police station and 
demanded to see Johnson. When a crowd grew to about five hundred, the police allowed Malcolm 
X to speak with Johnson. Afterward, Malcolm X insisted on arranging for an ambulance to 
take Johnson to Harlem Hospital. Malcolm later asked the crowd of hundreds to go home, and 
they did. One police officer told the New York Amsterdam News: "No one man should have that 
much power." Within a month the New York City Police Department arranged to keep Malcolm 
X under surveillance; soon the police department assigned undercover officers to infiltrate the 
Nation of Islam. 

Malcolm X was the quintessential NOI spokesman for pro-Black themes, and even separation of 
the races, themes that were largely based upon the teachings of NOI leader, Elijah Muhammad. 
After he took a journey to Mecca, he began to grow disillusioned with the Nation of Islam, as 
well as with its leader Elijah Muhammad, who had impregnated several young girls in the NOI. 
Malcolm X subsequently embraced Sunni Islam After a brief period of travel across Africa, he 
publicly renounced the Nation of Islam and founded the Islamic Muslim Mosque, Inc. Needless 
to say, Malcolm’s popularity had eclipsed that of Elijah Muhammad, and tensions increased 
between Malcolm X and NOI. His home was firebombed on February 14,1965, and on February21, 1965, while giving a speech at the Audubon Ballroom, Malcolm X was shot dead. Three men 
were convicted who were members of the NOI, though that point has long been debated as well. 

Many of the accusations of Malcolm X being racist and anti-white were from his early days, with 
his slogans such as “by any means necessary.” Malcolm was not a pacifist, and he believed that 
any man attacked should have the right to defend himself. 

Most of Malcolm X’s controversial views were severely modified after he became a Sunni Muslim, 
and realized that Islam in the world was quite pan-racial, and not at all like the U.S.-based NOI.
During Black History Month, it would be worthwhile to study some of the details of the lives of 
black leaders, and to attempt to understand these events from a black point of view. To those who 
believe that slavery in the Americas and the aftermath was not really all that bad, I encourage you 
to read “American Holocaust” by David Stannard. It was bad – and it was far worse than you ever 

imagined. 

TIPS FOR TEACHING AN OLD DOG NEW TRICKS 

When it comes to dog training, 
the old adage “You can’t teach 
an old dog new tricks” can often 
feel discouraging. However, the 
truth is that age doesn’t have to 
be a barrier to learning. In fact, 
many senior dogs are not only 
capable of learning new commands 
but can also thrive with 
a little patience and the right 
approach. Here are some effective 
tips to get you started on 
teaching your older furry friend 
some new tricks! 

Understanding Your Old Dog’s 
Needs 

Before you dive into training 
sessions, it’s essential to understand 
your dog’s physical 
and emotional needs. Older 
dogs may have different energylevels, cognitive abilities, and 
health conditions compared to 
their younger counterparts.

1. Physical Limitations: 
Be sensitive to any mobility issues 
your dog may have. Short 
training sessions with frequent 
breaks can help keep them engaged 
without overexerting 
them. 
2. Mental Stimulation: Just 
like humans, dogs can benefit 
from mental exercises. Engaging 
their minds can help keep 
cognitive decline at bay.

3. Emotional Support: An 
older dog might also have different 
emotional needs. They 
may require more reassurance 
and a calm environment to feel 
secure while learning.
Ensure your dog has a comfortable 
space to learn and relax, especially 
if they have joint issues 
or arthritis. 
Setting the Stage for Success

The right environment can significantly 
impact your dog’s 
ability to learn. Set up your 
training area to be free from 
distractions. A quiet room or 
a backyard with minimal noise 
can help your dog focus on the 
task at hand. 

1. Choose the Right Time: 
Pick a time when your dog is 
alert and not too tired or hungry. 
A well-rested dog is more 
likely to engage positively.
2. Gather Supplies: Have 
treats, toys, or any other rewards 
handy. Using positive reinforcement 
can significantly enhance 
your dog’s willingness to learn.
3. Be Patient: Remember 
that older dogs may take longer 
to grasp new concepts. Stay 
calm and encouraging, and celebrate 
even the small victories. 
Positive reinforcement, such as 
treats or praise, is more effective 
than negative punishment when 
training dogs of any age. 

Start with the Basics 

When teaching an old dog new 
tricks, it’s often best to start with 
basic commands that they might 
already know. Commands like 
“sit,” “stay,” and “come” are not 
only essential for good behavior 
but also serve as a foundation 
for more advanced tricks. 

1. Use Clear Commands: 
Use one-word commands that 
are distinct and easy to understand. 
Consistency is key!
2. Visual Cues: Older dogsmight appreciate visual cues, 
such as hand signals, in addition 
to verbal commands. This 
can make it easier for them to 
understand what you want.
3. Practice Regularly: 
Short, frequent training sessions 
(about 5-10 minutes) are 
often more effective than longer 
sessions. Make it a regular 
part of your routine for the best 
results. 
MEET DARLING DOTTIE 

Valentine’s Day is just 
around the corner, and 
here’s a little sweetheart 
for you! 

Dottie is a small, affectionate, 
and playful 
female. She loves to 
snuggle with her sib


lings, and she likes to hide under a skirt. Dottie is 
known for her distinguishing eyebrows, which is 
definitely a "girl thing!" She loves to be brushed, and 
will quietly call you over to brush her on her favorite 
scratch mat, which will go with her when she's 
adopted, of course. 


Dottie 
needs to 
be adopted with one of her siblings that you’ve 
already met here: Ollie, Rocky, or Sammy. 
Dottie always greets you with a meow when you 
reach for her, and will purr quietly when petted. 
She also loves to eat, and will run from her eating 
spot to you meowing for you to hurry with the 
food. It's adorable. Apply at https://www.lifelineforpets.
org/mindys-kittens.html or scan the 
qr code. Choose one or two of these purr-fect,
loving hearts for Valentine’s Day and fur-ever! 


Pet of the Week 

Arlo is a calm, loving pup with a soft heart and an easygoingspirit. He may get a little stressed in new situations (car ridesand rainy days aren’t his favorite!), but he handles it all withquiet patience and a gentle outlook. Once he settles in, Arloloves to relax, explore, and soak up the peaceful moments. 
In his foster home, Arlo is a total sweetheart — respectful,
well-mannered, and happy to simply be near his people.
He enjoys sniffing around new spaces, naps on soft carpets,
and meeting new friends with a calm, steady confidence.
He’s also a great student: he’s started practicing crate time,
learning loose-leash walking, and adjusting beautifully 
to new routines.Arlo is the kind of dog who just wants to 
feel safe, warm, and loved. If you’re looking for a mellow,
affectionate companion who will quietly brighten your days,
Arlo might be the perfect match. And, he is available for a10-day adoption trial!The adoption fee for dogs is $150. Alldog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-
appropriate vaccines.

 
Walk-in adoptions are available every day from 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. View photos ofadoptable pets at pasadenahumane.org.

 New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA AnimalHospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet.

 Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone 

calls or email. 


Engaging Tricks to Teach

Once your dog has mastered 
the basics, you can move on to 
more engaging tricks that can 
provide both mental and physical 
stimulation. 

1. Shake Hands: This simple 
trick is both fun and easy for 
most dogs. Start by having your 
dog sit, and gently lift one of 
their paws while saying “shake.” 
Reward them with a treat when 
they comply.
2. Roll Over: For those 
dogs who are a bit more agile, 
rolling over can be a fun challenge. 
Start with your dog lyingdown, then use a treat to guide 
their head to the side until they 
are in a rolling position.
3. Play Dead: This classic 
trick can be amusing for both 
you and your audience. Once 
your dog is comfortable lyingdown, gently roll them onto 
their side while saying “bang” 
or “play dead.” Reward them for 
staying in that position. 
Training should always be a fun 
and positive experience for both 
you and your dog. If your dog 
seems frustrated, take a break 
and try again later. 

Overcoming Challenges

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, 
you may encounter challenges 
during training. Here 
are some strategies to help you 
navigate these obstacles.

1. Health Check: If your 
dog seems uninterested or is 
having trouble learning, it maybe wise to consult your veterinarian 
to rule out any underlying 
health issues.
2. Mix It Up: If your dogisn’t responding well to a particular 
command, try switchingit up with a different trick or 
method. Variety can keep thingsfresh and exciting.
3. Stay Positive: Dogs can 
pick up on our emotions. Maintaining 
a positive attitude can 
help encourage your dog. Celebrate 
their efforts, no matter 
how small. 
Building a Strong Bond

Training isn’t just about teaching 
commands; it’s also an opportunity 
to strengthen the bond between 
you and your dog. Spend 
quality time together, whether 
through training sessions, play, 
or just cuddling on the couch.

1. Make It a Game: Turn 
training into a fun game. Use 
toys or interactive puzzles that 
challenge your dog mentally 
while rewarding them with 
treats. 

2. Regular Playtime: Engage 
in regular play sessions to 
build trust and familiarity. This 
will make training easier and 
more enjoyable for both of you.
3. Stay Consistent: Consistency 
in commands and rewards 
will help your dog understand 
what you expect from 
them, making learning much 
smoother. 
Incorporating play into traininghelps keep your dog motivated 
and excited to learn. 
Conclusion: Never Stop Learning 
TogetherNo matter your dog’s age, the 
journey of learning should be 
a joyful one. Teaching your old 
dog new tricks not only enhances 
their quality of life but also 
promotes a deeper connection 
between you and your beloved 
companion. Remember that 
patience, positivity, and persistence 
are your best friends in 
this endeavor. With these tips, 
you’re well on your way to unlocking 
a world of new experiences, 
not just for your dog but 
for yourself as well.

From: petspiration.com 

Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com