This has to be the best swimming relay I’ve ever seen and I’m glad they chose Cullen Jones to be on the team. I first read about Cullen in an article at Black Gives Back. I was just reading through her blog and happened upon the article, which was good timing because I had just started my three year-old in swim lessons a couple of weeks before. My wife and I thought it would be a good idea because we wanted him to be comfortable around the water. Being a Pieces, I love the water and I want to be able to take my kids to the pool without having to worry about them being fearful of it.

According to an article in the LA Times (and Black Give Back), nearly 60% of African American children don’t know how to swim and the rate of accidental drowning deaths is nearly three times higher for minorities ages 5 to 14 than it is for whites. I’m hoping as more people learn about Cullen and his accomplishments these numbers will decrease. There are a number of organizations who specialize in helping kids learn to swim. You can find more information on the YMCA website.

There’s been a lot of debate over Sarah Palin and whether she can “do it all” as a Vice Presidential mom. It’s become a hot topic over the last couple of days, but it’s nothing we haven’t heard before. My wife works and she has had this same discussion with other moms many times. Being the soft-spoken, politically-correct Democrat that I am, I tend to keep my mouth shut regarding the subject. But I do have my own opinion and after seeing Sarah’s speech I was inspired to write this little post.

Being raised in a Christian household, I was taught the Bible has the answer to any situation you can face. While it may not always give you the exact answer, through prayer and studying there’s enough to get you on the right path.

Here’s a post from gotquestions.org regarding women in the workplace. I heard a similar response in a family ministry Bible study my wife and I attended a couple of years ago:

(more…)

Henry Louis Gates Jr., was interviewed on the Public Schools Insight blog regarding his new idea behind helping African-American students in the classroom. Gates’ goal is to use genealogy and DNA research to revolutionize the way history and science is taught to inner-city African-American Students. He want to give students the chance to examine their own DNA and family histories with hopes they’ll become more engaged in their history and science classes.

I read a book a while back called “How to Win Friends and Influence People”, that states people are inherently interested in themselves and are likely to befriend someone who focuses on their needs. If given the opportunity, I think these kids will be able to see how science and history can be used in real life situations. Since they are able to research their own family history, the lesson becomes more personal and gets the entire family involved in the child’s learning experience. How many times have you sat in a classroom wondering whether you’d use any of the stuff you learned outside of school? This is one way to bring that information to life.

The fact that it is a six week course is good because it’s long enough to get the kids interested in learning. The question is what happens after the course is complete? Do the students return to studying for state exams (remember we can’t leave any child behind) or will the teacher build off of what they’ve just learned? I’d also like to see the trial program initiated in a school in the south. There’s a rich history of Black America here and it would be interesting to see that information shared with the public.

I’m curious to see how well this idea will take off. According to the interview Gates has had a positive response, but as we all know anytime something new is presented to help kids learn it’ll be scrutinized by some. My opinion is if it can spark excitement in the minds of young kids in regards to learning, I’m all for giving it a try. I’ll be keeping an eye on this to see what happens.

I want to hear from the teachers and parents out there. What do you think of this?

Here’s the full interview with Gates.

I heard about this on the radio and wanted to post it, but I couldn’t remember the details. Just so happens a friend of mine works with AIDS Foundation Houston and sent me the link. The testing started yesterday, but there are other days and places you can go to get tested and a ticket. I’ve posted before about AIDS in the black community and it’s a problem that can be controlled.

For more information visit this link

The City Of Dallas, 979 The Beat, MLK Jr. Family Clinic, Dwaine Caraway and Rickey Smiley are teaming up to Fight the spread of the HIV Virus in the Dallas Metroplex. Over the Next five weeks we will get information out to the public on Free HIV Testing sites across the Dallas Metroplex and it’s our collective goal to get 3000 people tested. On September 14, 2008 at Dallas City Hall a “HIP HOP for HIV” Concert will be held at Dallas City Hall and all of the people that took the test during the testing drive will receive a free ticket to attend. THIS WILL BE A TICKET THAT MONEY CANNOT BUY!

To get a free ticket just take a “free - confidential” Hiv Test Monday through Friday at any of our testing sites listed below or at our four jumbo sites. After completing the test you will get one free ticket to the concert while supplies last. You can test this week at following locations. It’s the Hip Hop for Hiv Awareness concert brought to you by 97.9 the Beat, Your interactive Hip Hop Station!

HIP HOP for HIV Concert Artist Line Up
September 14, 2008

Bun B
Mike Jones
David Banner
Pleasure P
Young Berg
Day 26
Trap Squad Cartel
Prime Time Click

The 1st Annual Hip Hop for Hiv Awareness Concert…..
Dallas has the highest percentage of HIV positive
people in the state..So Stop playin’…
It’s time to get serious and get tested!

Know Your Status!
This is the ticket money can’t buy!

For all my Dallas folks, I received this in an email from Kane Lee.

DALLAS’ DEFINITION DJ’S TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY WITH BACK-TO-SCHOOL GIVEAWAY

With school near its starting date, parents may feel more financial worries than the usual bills and groceries, but how they will pay for new school clothes and supplies for their children. However, Dallas-Fort Worth’s own Definition DJ’s will assist and give back to the Fort Worth community in their first official Definition DJ School Supply/Clothes Giveaway. The event will take place from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Da Spot Urban Wear located at 6442 Brentwood Stair in Fort Worth, TX on Saturday August 23.

Definition DJ Dre initially began an unofficial back-to-school giveaway each year until the group decided to take the event to the next level in 2008. In turn, the first annual official Definition DJ School Supply/Clothes Giveaway will continue to accomplish what DJ Dre started. The event focuses on the importance of school in the lives of youths, and it will extend donations of supplies and clothes to students throughout Ft. Worth.

Various independent record labels throughout the area donated money, clothes, and supplies for the students, including Madd Dawg Records and Major Money Entertainment. The supplies include pencils, notebooks, folders, and many more necessities to accommodate the students for a successful and hard-working new school year.

In addition to the DJ’s, 97.9 The Beat; 104.5; Casa 106; numerous major and local artists, Ozone Magazine; Unsigned Magazine; Block 2 Block Magazine; The Dallas Morning News; Dallas Observer; Fort Worth Weekly; Fort Worth Star Telegram; Fox 4 and KTVT 11; and local celebrities are set to make appearances in order to inspire the students on the significance of a good education. The invites and the confirmed include Trap Squad Cartel, S. Poe, Monty Wayne, UAN, Big Chief, Bossaliny, Gator Mane, Big Tuck, Fat Bastard, TBG’s, Lil’ Spain, Lil Will, J.P., Rhino Records, Stampede Records, She Ent., CNBC, Baby C, Jin Ent., and many more. They will also remain for autographs and photos. Stampede Records, Inc.artist include: Bloc Bleeda, DK..Mike Mike, Big Boy B.. Da Team, IBR headed by Ms. P, Julia and Tray..Free BoLeg…

Fun-filled activities will also be available throughout the entire event. A tent that includes a DJ and a dance area and an air bounce for the younger children will be set up, and free food and refreshments will be served while the supplies last.

The Definition DJs hope that this event will shed a new light on the kids on the importance of a good education, and that it will ultimately encourage them to remain in school.

### FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT THE FOLLOWING:
S DOT ENTERTAINMENT
PUBLICIST-ALMOND SEALS
(254) 371-0783
S DOT ENTERTAINMENT
CEO- S. POE
(469) 272-7080
DEFINITION DJ JACK FRAUST (972) 891-5352)
DEFINITION DJ INQUIRIES CONTACT SWAY (214) 392-1876

The Democratic National Convention will be held in Denver, Colorado August 25-28, 2008. Over the past couple of years blogging has taken off as a newer form of news media. The beauty of blogging is that you get all types of opinions from people with varying life experiences and point of views. You’re able to get something beyond the corporation-sponsored news articles and at times you get the story the big boys overlook.

This year over 100 bloggers were invited to be credentialed bloggers of the DNC. Of that number I believe seven are black bloggers. When I attended the the Blogging While Brown Conference in Atlanta, I had the opportunity to meet three of the seven in person (I already knew Shawn). In talking with Shawn, there are costs for the trip and they have to cover all expenses. If they worked for a major news company it would be all good, but this is coming straight out the pocket.

History is being made at this convention and I want someone who can relate to the black experience covering it. If you visit their blogs which I’ve listed below, you’ll see they are definitely qualified. So check them out and if you like what you see, send a couple of bucks their way. I haven’t done it yet cause I’m waitin’ on my check, but (in my best pastoral voice) I am putting my ??? dollars into the collection plate. Not the kind that jingles, but the one that folds. Holla.

Shawn Williams
Dallas South Blog
Donate

Gina McCauley
What About Our Daughters
Michelle Obama Watch
Donate

Pam Spaulding
Pam’s House Blend
Donate

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.

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.

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

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?