Earlier this month, the Electronic Village presented ‘The Arte y Pico Award‘ to this blog. I’m definitely honored because the Villager has one of the top black blogs out there and it is a testament to what online activism should entail. If you search my blog you will find a number of references to his site. He’s also one of the workshop presenters at the Blogging While Brown Conference in Atlanta this weekend.

Here are the rules of the Arte y Pico Award:

• You have to pick 5 blogs that deserve this award for their creativity, design, interesting material, and also for contributing to the blogging community, no matter what language.
• Each awardee has to have the name of the author and also a link to his or her blog to be visited by everyone.
• Each award winner has to show the award and put the name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award itself.
• Each award winner should provide a link to the Arte y Pico blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award

Here are five (5) blogs, in no particular order, that I think show Creativity, Fabulous Design, Interesting Material or Contribute to the blogging community:

1. Black In Business - JD is one of the first bloggers I’ve gotten to meet in person. His blog is full of good advice for business owners and he’s open and honest about his views regarding our society. I’m always interested in seeing what he’ll post next. A good guy and a good site.
2. Vanessa: Unplugged - Vanessa (I always want to call her V) has a blog that is very well written and designed. Her topics are right on point and most of the time we have the same views on things. I admire people who can write because it’s something I’ve been working on for a while. Another thing that got me hooked on her site was her commitment last year to blog every day for a year. That’s not easy to do!
3. Dallas South Blog - Shawn is a fellow Aggie, but that’s not why I selected his site. If you want to know what’s happening in South Dallas, this is the blog for you. This is another site that is well-written and he stays on top of the issues that black people need to be concerned about. Even if you don’t live in Dallas, his blog is one you should definitely check out. He will be an attendee at the Blogging While Brown Conference.
4. Black Web 2.0 - I like all things technology. This is one of the sites where I go to get my tech news fix when the need arises. Technology changes daily and there’s always something new to blog about. Angela and Markus are good at staying on top of the newest tech news and gadgets. When you visit the site you have to check out their podcast. They’ve gotten some really good interviews with some major players in the technology industry. They will also be presenting a workshop at the Blogging While Brown Conference.
5. Geeky Cyber Mom - Geeks are cool and so is this website. Anyone who carries a 4-port USB hub in their purse is alright with me. I “e-met” the Geeky Cyber Mom on Twitter. Her blog is fun to read and very informative. She also manages another blog and podcast called Tales of a Single Parent which is equally as good.

So this is my list of bloggers that deserve the award. I have more I’d like to add, but the award only calls for five. Visit their blog and let me know what you think. Thanks again to the Villager for choosing lil ol’ me.

The folks at MoveOn.org are giving away new Obama buttons for free, as part of a massive national visibility campaign. If you want one, click the button below:

It’s been a while since I’ve featured a post and after reading one at martyblogs.com, I knew I had to share this one with you all. In a post called Black Men and Cancer, Marty gets on us about knowing our family medical history and taking cancer exams more serious. I’ve blogged about my health before and how I get annual physicals because my family has a history of high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke. I agree with him 100% because we tend to have a thing with self-diagnosing and not getting the medical attention we need.

I also know a lot of people who don’t go to the doctor because they lack health insurance or don’t trust the doctor all together. But that’s something we need to get over soon because our health depends on it. There are many programs out there to participate in, but you have to do the research. If you search the blog, you’ll even see a couple posted here.

So brothas, it’s time to step up when it comes to our health. Sure there are plenty of things other than health than can take us out. But if taking care of myself keeps me here a little longer, I’m all for it. Check out the post and take heed to what Marty is telling us. Also check out this track from Nas’s new CD. He understands the health struggle as do I. Yes, there is profanity on this track.

This is a blurry photo (they won’t let you use a flash) of the United States Constitution. On my trip to Washington DC I made this visit a priority because the last time I’d seen it, I was about five years old. This document and is its amendments are what governs our country and as an American citizen, it’s up to us to make sure it’s properly followed. But how many of us have taken the time to read what it says?

Sure, when it was written, we (black people) weren’t included in “We the People”. We had no input on what it said and we had to fight so these same laws would also apply to us. But today, the wording in the Constitution does apply to us and it’s up to us to have at least a general understanding of what’s in it. So when you get a chance, browse through it. Those before us sacrificed a lot and we owe it to them to make sure we know our rights.

And yes, I will be reading through it also.

What is Photo Phenish?

Why Reverend Jesse why? So you really want to castrate the guy? Now that’s gangsta.

I respect the fact that Jackson has paved the way for Obama to be in the position he’s in, but this comment shows how fake people can be. But this isn’t this what American politics is all about? I’m sure Jesse’s not the only one who feels this way. He just got caught slippin’.

I’ve posted before how much I hate to see people say something they really believe and then apologize when the public questions their motives. If he disagrees with Obama on a certain issue, then he needs to stick by it. All he’s done is given the media another distraction to take away from the real issues. I’m glad to see they squashed it. Talk about an uncomfortable situation. Jesse you just lost your cabinet seat.

Here’s a link to a video on CNN showing Jesse trying to explain his comment. I didn’t buy it. The Youtube video below shows the actual comment.

When I say, Don’t Mess With Texas I mean it. Yesterday I read an article on the Dallas Morning News Website covering the increase in concealed handgun licenses in Texas. With the increase in crime and changes in laws regarding individual gun rights there was an almost 5 percent increase in first-time and renewed gun licenses over the first six months of 2007. The concern over personal protection is rising and over the past couple of months this is the most talk I’ve ever heard about gun ownership. I also want you to check out my post about the open carry debate and how it’s picked up steam with over 18,000 people signing an electronic petition to urge lawmakers to make this an option for gun owners.

I’m interested to see where this all goes. I personally think it will make the local authorities job harder, but at the same time as Americans we have the right to protect ourselves. Where do you draw the line when it comes to protection of yourself or personal property? If a group of black men or even a group of Middle Eastern people (all U.S. citizens) were walking around the mall open carrying legally acquired handguns would people view things differently? Only time will tell.

Guns may be allowed at Texas colleges

Sometimes life can get pretty busy. Between family, work, church and managing a business it’s important to take time off for yourself. You don’t need a fancy vacation (unless you can afford it). All you need is a place where you can be alone with your thoughts. Even if it’s for a couple of minutes, put yourself in time out. You’ll be glad you did.

What is Photo Phenish?

On the way to and from work, I listen to a lot of talk radio. I love my music stations, but sometimes I get tired of hearing the same songs over and over. In listening to talk radio hosts, some liberal and some conservative, I’ve noticed something as they talk on topics dealing with race. On the more liberal stations, you can tell they are trying to be PC, so they use the term African-American. While most of the conservative stations use a mix of black or African-American.

I’ve heard friends and family make comments about their preferred “race title”, so I wanted to ask you. Do like being called black or African-American? I ask because some people I know really have an issue with white people calling them black. Even on college and job applications, they put African-American/Black as a selection. For those reading this who aren’t black, which term do you use the most? Do you switch between the two based on who you’re talking with?

If you’re a regular reader of this blog, I try to remain politically correct while getting my point across. Sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn’t. And sometimes I just have to say what’s on my heart and forget those who might be offended. So, just so you know I prefer the term black over African-American. While my ancestors may be from Africa, I am not. I’m a black person born on the south side of America. I’m proud to be black because we are the builders of this country and our history is one of strength and overcoming obstacles. When it comes down to it, I’m just a human being who happens to be black. I love who I am and I use the history of my ancestors to inspire me to create my own page in American History.

Let’s stop getting upset up over terms and titles when it comes to race. I know a lot of people who cringe at Dave Chappelle’s comic relief, but I think it’s on the lighter side of pure genius. Sometimes we can be too uptight when it comes to discussing race in this country. Check out one of my favorite clips.

On November 19, 2004, Ben Wallace drove to the basket for an attempted layup and was fouled particularly hard by Ron Artest. This wasn’t a foul early in the game to establish defensive tone nor was it a foul to send Wallace to the free throw line to win the game. Both teams are heated on-court rivals and Ben Wallace returned the gesture with a shove to Artest sparking a brawl that would eventually spill over into the crowd. The fallout from the infamous brawl would mean 9 players would serve over 146 games of suspension, several arrests, and the effectual DEATH sentence for the National Basketball Association. Many media outlets had already cited the “thug element” of the NBA as a major reason why NBA ratings and ticket sales were on the decline and pointed towards the “The Brawl” as simply the materialization of what that element represents. You know…things like tattoos, cornrows, players wearing $80K+ diamond necklaces to postgame interviews and highly sought after throwback jerseys. In a league where no less than 73% of the players are African-American common perception was that the league had been forever lost to a subculture that the “average season ticket holder” can’t relate to. According to a longitudinal study by The Harris Poll, professional basketball has lost chunks of market share among those polled from 1985 - 2008 with the largest decrease occurring between the years of 2002 and 2004. All this amidst a global campaign that focuses on bringing a high number of foreign players to the NBA that further reinforces the disconnect between the majority US demographic and the league.

Then, there was 2008…

It all began during the summer of 2007 when Kevin Garnett left the Minnesota Timberwolves to join Ray Allen from Seattle in Boston with Paul Pierce. Then, as the NBA Western Conference began to heat up before the trade deadline, Pau Gasol left Memphis for Hollywood to play with Kobe. To counter, Shaq left D Wade in Miami to play with Steve Nash in Phoenix. Add to that Jason Kidd going back to Dallas from New Jersey, C-Web going back to Golden State from retirement, and Damon Stoudamire and Kurt Thomas adding to the perennial all-star team in the SA Spurs. And all that doesn’t even take into account the B-level trades. At any given point during the Playoff run, only 5 games seperated the #1 and #8 seeds in the Western Conference playoff bracket.

Additionally, 2008’s NBA frenzy has been fueled by the Western Conference playoff run. At one point only one game seperated the projected #1 and #5 seeds in the West. There were also 9 teams with 44 or more wins. To add to all that, the Houston Rockets achieved the 2nd longest winning streak in NBA history at 22 games.

By the time the dust settled, the NBA had it’s masturbatory dream matchup between the Boston Celtics nee The Boston Three Party vs. the LA Lakers featuring the league’s MVP in Kobe Bryant. The two rivals each sported their respective conferences’ best records, and more importantly, two of its best media markets in a contest to see who can put on the best show that will keep the Commish from having to respond to questions about Tim Donaghy. Then on June 17th the Boston Celtics were again crowned NBA Champions; a full 22 years since their previous title. That game drew the highest ratings for an NBA Finals game in 8 years.

Detractors will point to the league’s perpetual drama now manifest in the Donaghy scandal. Tim Donaghy is a former NBA referee currently being prosecuted by the FBI on illegal gambling charges. The shockwave sent throughout the sports world of a league official fixing games resounded much louder than a league image issue. This strikes right at the heart of the legitimacy of the game, and basically marks the line between major league sports and the WWE. Common consencus is that this could usurp any and all momentum gained by this season’s unusual resurgence sending the NBA back into its own recession. There’s no argument in that David Stern is a genius (crooked or otherwise) and is smart enough to manipulate any publicity into good publicity for a league dying to maintain or regain the #3 sports position. Stern also knows that most hardcore NBA fans will return next season at least in TV ratings. His goal MUST be to put and keep fannies in the seat and he hopes that will be influenced positively by this Summer’s Olympic Team USA performance.

All in all, for every free minute of advertisement the NBA can get during the Summer Olympics, the Donaghy trial, and the Disney Sports Network’s uncomfortable infatuation with all things related to Boston that could translate into more season tickets sold across all NBA cities. After a season like this it would be a crime not to.

For those who watched the Cosby Show, I’m sure you remember Bill getting excited over his favorite cowboy hero Colt Kirby. The Wild, Wild West was a time when you could walk around with your gun on your hip and challenge anyone who offended you to a duel at high noon. Times have changed, but the discussion around the right to carry a gun around in public has not.

I was listening to a local talk radio show and they were discussing the issue of allowing Texans to open carry in public places. This means people, other than police officers, would be able to walk around town with a gun on their hip in plain sight. Their argument was that it would be a deterrent of crime and would allow them to protect themselves if the need arose. One such proponent of open carry policy are the folks at opencarry.org. They are making a big push here in Texas (and around the country) to get the governor and legislature to allow open carry in public. I’m interested in seeing how it goes.

While I do believe every American citizen has the right to bear arms, I have some reservations about open carry. While it might make criminals think twice, it will in my opinion just force them to work a little harder in getting what they want. And imagine me and five of my boys walking around the Galleria (an upscale mall) open carrying our legally acquired handguns. If you think people are already on edge, this will just make things worse. Sure the local hoodlum will not think twice about harming you, but there are other things we can do to curb crime. I like the element of surprise. Concealed handguns allow you to keep that.

What do you think? If you live in a state where open carry is legal, how many people actually participate in their right to do so? Would we be making law enforcement’s job harder?