When I first heard this song on the radio, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. The Internet hit “It’s So Cold In the D” by T-Baby was being played on the Rickey Smiley Morning Show and they were digging it (actually laughing at it). Of course when you’re on the radio you have to bleep out every cuss word so it sounded like someone was checking out groceries at the store. I have to admit I laughed hard that day and every other time they played it, but there’s a real story behind the song.

This morning Rickey and the Nutz were talking with T-Baby on the phone. She wrote the song after her friend was killed and it was her way of expressing how cold-hearted people the world can be. When a love one dies, people tend to have different ways of expressing their grief/frustration. T-Baby chose to make a video about life in the hood of Detroit and I can respect that. This is what hip hop is about. It’s all about expression and this song gives us some insight to what’s going on in her life.

Here is the video. If you are offended by cussin’, you might not want to watch this. The flow could be a lot better and the video is poorly done, but it is what it is. And be careful, it’s very catchy so if you listen to it too much you’ll be singing it all day. Enjoy.

I’ve talked about Ward Connerly in episode 38 of my podcast, so it was not surprise when I received this email message. When I was reading this, I could hear Bone Thugs For the Love of Money playing in the background. Connerly has quite a niche and seems to be benefiting from his cause to make things fair for all!

Thought you might be interested in posting about this. Ward Connerly has made over $7 million peddling affirmative action rollbacks. Check out the new website and TV ad exposing the hypocrisy: www.bigmoneyconnerly.com. The TV ad is posted on the site.

NEW TV AD AND WEBSITE EXPOSE WARD CONNERLY
Profits big off divisive campaign to outlaw equal opportunity programs

Washington, DC ­ A new TV ad was launched Wednesday in Colorado and Nebraska that exposes Ward Connerly and his divisive campaign to outlaw equal opportunity programs.

The Ballot Initiative Strategy Center’s (BISC) new ad highlights how Connerly has personally profited off his efforts to re-write state constitutions with his misleadingly named “civil rights” ballot initiative.

“Ward Connerly has used voter fraud and deception to place his initiatives on the ballot and profited off a campaign to outlaw equal opportunity,” said Kristina Wilfore, Executive Director of the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, “Today we are revealing the truth and exposing Connerly and his campaign as a fraud.”

Based on available information from the 990 forms filed by Connerly with the IRS, between 1997 and 2006, Connerly has lined his own pockets with over $7.6 million from his two tax exempt, non-profit organizations; American Civil Rights Institute (ACRI), 501(c)3, and American Civil Rights Coalition (ACRC), 501(c)4.

This includes over $500,000 in salary from 2004 to mid-2006 and $2.2 million in payments that Connerly paid himself for “speaking fees and interviews.”
Connerly’s excessive compensation levels from his tax-exempt, non-profit organizations have raised questions in Congress about their propriety and in 2006 the IRS was asked to investigate.

The most recent issue of The American Conservative recently revealed that, “In 1998, 22 percent of his nonprofits’ revenue was paid to Connerly in salary or to his firm. By 2001, Connerly’s salary and the fees charged by Connerly and Associates ate up 49 percent of the nonprofits’ combined revenue. Most of the money paid to the firm was listed on tax forms as “speaking fees.” In 2006, when Connerly took up a concrete goal in political activism‹ending Michigan’s affirmative-action policies‹the cut of nonprofit revenue paid to him and his firm rose to 66 percent of total receipts, nearly $1.6 million.”

The American Conservative also reported, “An IRS spokesman said that he could not comment on a case under investigation.”

The TV ad also exposes the hypocrisy of Connerly’s campaign to outlaw equal opportunity programs. From 1989 to 1994 Connerly used his own race to land no bid contracts worth over a million dollars. Connerly repeatedly enlisted as a minority contractor with the California Energy Commission — securing contracts for his Sacramento lobbying firm without having competitive
bidding. By certifying with the commission’s special race-based program, Connerly helped guarantee his firm three separate contracts — one for $1.1 million in 1989, a second for $105,227 in 1992, and another for $35,000 in 1994, according to the records. The contracts were filed under the name of California Building Officials, an association that lists Connerly as its sole agent.

Connerly, a long time California lobbyist, targeted five states this year with his misleadingly named “civil rights” ballot initiative - Arizona, Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma. His campaign has faced charges of fraud and deception in every state and as a result he failed to qualify for the ballot in Arizona, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Connerly has spent over $2.8 in out- of-state funding to re-write state constitutions with his ballot initiative.

TheDad and TheMom over at blackandmarriedwithkids.com will be having a Black Bloggers Debate Live Chat tonight at 8:30pm EST. The topic will be the Presidential Debates which will air tonight at 9:00pm EST.

To join the discussion go to http://blackandmarriedwithkids.com/debatechat.html

The other bloggers who will be participating are:

The Black Snob
AverageBro.com
ClutchMagazine
Blackness Defined

I know! I’ve haven’t been good at posting this every month, but I have a good reason. The purpose for this post is to inform you of the new laws and acts enacted by President Bush. It’s good to know what’s going on because some of them may benefit us as a people. It’s important for us to watch every step our government takes. We elect them, so we need to make sure they are doing their job. The laws I list are posted at whitehouse.gov. For a more unbiased version, I’d recommend doing additional research at govtrack.us. As always feel free to leave any additional comments.

I fell off from doing this the past couple of months, so I grouped July and August together.

On Tuesday, July 1, 2008, the President signed the following bills into law:
H.R. 5690, which authorizes the Departments of State and Homeland Security to determine that provisions in the Immigration and Nationality Act that render aliens inadmissible due to terrorist or criminal activities would not apply with respect to activities undertaken in association with the African National Congress in opposition to apartheid rule in South Africa.
S. 188, the “Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006,” which further honors the service of Cesar E. Chavez, Barbara C. Jordan, William C. Velasquez, and Dr. Hector P. Garcia.
S. 254, which authorizes the award of a congressional gold medal to Constantino Brumidi.
S. 682, which authorizes the award of a congressional gold medal to Edward William Brooke III.

On Friday, July 10, 2008, the President signed the following bills into law:
H.R. 6304, FISA Amendments Act of 2008 allows our intelligence professionals to quickly and effectively monitor the communications of terrorists abroad while respecting the liberties of Americans here at home.

On Tuesday, July 15, 2008, the President signed into law:
H.R. 430, which designates the United States bankruptcy courthouse located in Brooklyn, New York, as the Conrad B. Duberstein United States Bankruptcy Courthouse;
H.R. 781, which redesignates Lock and Dam No. 5 of the McClellan-Kerr Arkansas River Navigation System near Redfield, Arkansas, as the “Colonel Charles D. Maynard Lock and Dam;”
H.R. 1019, which designates the United States customhouse building located in Mayaguez, Puerto, Rico, as the Rafael Martinez Nadal United States Customhouse Building;
H.R. 2728, which designates the station of the United States Border Patrol located in Murrieta, California, as the Theodore L. Newton, Jr. and George F. Azrak Border Patrol Station;
H.R. 3721, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located in Lorena, Texas, as the Marine Gunnery Sgt. John D. Fry Post Office Building;
H.R. 4140, which designates the Port Angeles Federal Building in Port Angeles, Washington, as the Richard B. Anderson Federal Building;
H.R. 4185, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located in El Monte, California, as the Marisol Heredia Post Office Building;
H.R. 5168, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located in Brooksville, Florida, as the Cody Grater Post Office Building;
H.R. 5395, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located in St. Louis, Missouri, as the William “Bill” Clay Post Office Building;
H.R. 5479, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located in Ionia, Michigan, as the Alonzo Woodruff Post Office Building;
H.R. 5517, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located in Humble, Texas, as the Texas Military Veterans Post Office;
H.R. 5528, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located in Brockton, Massachusetts, as the Rocky Marciano Post Office Building;
H.R. 5778, which provides the Board of Directors of the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (WASA) exclusive authority for establishing the financial management, personnel, and procurement functions and responsibilities of WASA; and repeals hiring preferences for District residents for WASA positions; and
H.R. 6040, which amends the requirement relating to travel expenses reimbursement incurred by members of the Committee on Levee Safety.

On Monday, July 21, 2008, the President signed into law:
H.R. 802, the “Maritime Pollution Prevention Act of 2008,” which implements Annex Vi on the prevention of air pollution from ships of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships ; and
H.R. 3891, the “National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Establishment Act Amendment of 2008,” which increases the number of Directors on the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Board.

On Wednesday, July 23, 2008 the President signed into law:
H.R. 3403, the “New and Emerging Technologies 911 Improvement Act of 2008,” which requires Voice over Internet Protocol service providers to: provide 911 service and Enhanced 911 service to their subscribers; interconnect with public safety answering points (PSAPs); and provide call location information to PSAP’s; and
H.R. 3712, which designates the United States courthouse located in Toledo, Ohio, as the James M. Ashley and Thomas W.L. Ashley United States Courthouse.

On Tuesday, July 29, 2008 the President signed:
President Bush Signs H.J.Res. 93, the Renewal of Import Restrictions on Burma, and H.R.3890, the Tom Lantos Block Burmese JADE (Junta’s Anti-Democratic Efforts) Act of 2008

On Tuesday, July 29, 2008, the President signed into law:
The Clean Boating Act of 2008, which exempts certain discharges incidental to the normal operation of a recreational vessel from regulation under the Clean Water Act.

On Wednesday, July 30, 2008, the President signed into law:
The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, which authorizes the Department of the Treasury to purchase obligations of housing Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs); reforms the regulatory supervision of the housing GSEs; provides reform of the Federal Housing Administration; provides homeownership assistance and reforms to mitigate recent increases in foreclosures; and contains housing-related tax incentives and other tax provisions.

On Wednesday, July 30, 2008, the President signed:
H.R. 5501, the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Reauthorization Act of 2008

On Thursday, July 31, 2008, the President signed into law:
H.R. 4841, the “Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians Settlement Act,” which approves and ratifies a water settlement among the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians, the Federal Government, and three specified California water districts;
S. 2565, the “Law Enforcement Congressional Badge of Bravery Act of 2008,” which establishes a Congressional Badge of Bravery award to honor Federal, State, and local law enforcement officers for performing acts of bravery in the line of duty;
S. 3298, which provides a two year moratorium from National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit requirement for specified vessels and directs EPA to study the impacts of discharges incidental to the normal operation of vessels; and
S. 3352, which extends programs authorized under the Higher Education Act of 1965 for 15 days, through August 15, 2008.

On Monday, August 4, 2008, the President signed into law:
S. 3370, the “Libyan Claims Resolution Act,” which facilitates the resolution of pending claims against Libya by United States nationals.

On Thursday, August 14, 2008, the President signed:
H.R. 4040, the “Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008,” which reauthorizes the Consumer Product Safety Commission for FYs 2010-2014 and expands the Commission’s role in ensuring the safety of consumer products, especially those designed for children;
H.R. 4137, the “Higher Education Opportunity Act,” which reauthorizes and makes changes to higher education programs; and
H.R. 6432, the which reauthorizes through FY 2013 the Animal Drug User Fee Act and authorizes a new user fee program for animal generic drugs.

I heard about this group in an email I received a couple of days ago. There are many people in need of help and this is just one of the government sponsored programs out there. Also be careful of the scammers out there because this is a free service. Don’t give out any personal information if you haven’t signed up to hear from them. Please spread the word and for more information call 1-888-766-3258.

source

AUSTIN, Texas — Federal help is available for eligible homeowners whose residences suffered roof damage as a result of Hurricane Ike.

Operation Blue Roof, funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.   Under the program authorized for the disaster recovery, Corps contractors install plastic sheeting as a temporary solution that allows individuals to remain in their residence until they can make more permanent repairs.

The property must be a primary residence or a permanently occupied rental property.  Vacation rental properties are not eligible.

“This program is helping some East Texans remain in their homes while they explore permanent repair options,” said State Coordinating Officer Joan Haun.

The number to call is 1-888-ROOF-BLU, 1-888-766-3258. To date, more than 700 Blue Roofs have been installed.

“There is no cost to the homeowner for this program and approved contractors will all have proper identification and paperwork,” said FEMA Federal Coordinating Officer Sandy Coachman.  “Unfortunately, we have heard reports that there may be unscrupulous people trying to take advantage.”

Tips for Texans about Operation Blue Roof:

Beware of solicitations. Homeowners need to visit a Right of Entry collection location to sign up. People going door-to-door to damaged homes or phoning victims and claiming they are with Operation Blue Roof could be frauds.  Blue Roof representatives never solicit participation, nor will they ask for Social Security or bank account numbers.

Look for identification. Corps employees who do assessments for Operation Blue Roof carry U.S. government ID cards. If you don’t see it, ask for it. Contractors who install the Blue Roofs will have a copy of signed Right of Entry form.  No additional form is necessary.

If you get a call.  Representatives from Operation Blue Roof may call to clarify information or location, but they will not ask for sensitive information.  You will be expected to post the Right of Entry form and restrain animals so that contractors can access your property.

Don’t pay.  Operation Blue Roof is free to residents.  FEMA never charges applicants for disaster assistance, inspections, or help in filling out applications.  The Corps does not charge, either.

If in doubt. Do not give out information.  Report people claiming to be government workers to local law-enforcement agencies or to the Texas Attorney General Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-621-0508. The FEMA Disaster Fraud Hotline is 1-866-720-5721.

More information about the Hurricane Ike disaster in Texas is available online at www.fema.gov or www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem. Operation Blue Roof information is available at www.swf.usace.army.mil.

FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

If you were affected by Hurricane Ike, take note of the information below. I know some of those affected may not have access to the Internet, so spread the word if you can.

source

TO: Voter Registrars, County Clerks, and Elections Administrators
FROM: Ann McGeehan, Director of Elections
DATE: September 22, 2008
RE: Election Procedures and Information Following Hurricane Ike

The Secretary of State and her staff would like to extend their sympathy to all Texans affected by Hurricane Ike. As emergency relief efforts continue, we would also like to provide basic information with regards to the upcoming November 4, 2008 election. As we learn more about the situation in all affected areas, we will provide updated information. In the meantime, the following general information may be helpful to you.

Voter Information
We realize that evacuation is a difficult experience and that voters may not be certain of their future living arrangements, neither short nor long term. Voters who have been displaced have several options for voting in the November election.

* Voter Registration and Residence. Regarding residence, our advice to people displaced by the storm is the same as to any other person—the voter is the one who decides what the voter considers to be home. If a voter relocated to another county before the storm and has decided to stay in their new county, they may register to vote in their new county. Voters in this situation must submit a new voter registration application in their new county of residence no later than October 6, 2008 in order to vote in the November election. However, if a person has been relocated due to the storm and is unsure when they can return to their home county, but intends to return, then that person can maintain their voter registration in their home county (or apply to register if not already registered).

* If a voter is able to return to their home, they will likely vote as usual in their county. The counties hardest hit by the storm are still evaluating the state of their polling places, and there will likely be changes in voting locations, but it appears that all counties will be able to conduct voting during early voting and election day. Adversely impacted counties are still trying to restore power and assess damage, so it may be a few more weeks before final polling places will be ascertained.

* A voter away from their county of residence may apply for a ballot by mail from their home county. Voters wishing to vote by mail must submit an application for ballot by mail to their county election office; the application must be received no later than Tuesday, October 28, 2008. On the application, the voter must indicate that they will be out of their home county during early voting and on election day. Voters need to provide a mailing address for the ballot which is outside of their home county.

Our office will continue to work with local election officials to ensure that all Texas voters are able to participate in a fair, credible, and efficient election. Voters with specific questions may contact the Elections Division, toll-free at (800) 252-VOTE (8683) or visit our website for updated information.

If you live in Ohio, you can register and vote on the same day. You can do this between September 30th and October 6th. That’s pretty cool. I’ll be early voting in Texas when the time comes on October 20th-30th. No sense in waiting. I don’t don’t want to get caught up in the long lines of last minute voters. Let’s get it done.

If you live in Texas here are some important voter election dates.

Excuses are tools of incompetence and those who specialize in them will never be good at anything. The failure of the bailout plan in the House is the fault of everyone. It bothers me to see the Republicans blaming the Democrats, the Democrats are blaming the Republicans and the White House blaming the media for the failure. There’s a lot of blame to spread around and it’s going to take some compromising to get things done. I don’t want to give the fat cat CEO’s who benefited a break, but I guess something has to be done to slow the bleeding. It’s a blood bath out there and the Dow dropped 777 points today.

We need a change in our financial thinking. It’s hard, but it can be done. In older posts I’ve mentioned feedthepig.org and I’ve talked about the importance of saving for the future. It’s time to do our part and I’m going to do my best to get some good personal finance posts on the blog for you.

The video below is why I like Obama. He’s calm in the storm and can explain what’s going on to the American people. Unlike Bush, I think he’d have a better chance of convincing Congress to get things done. Sadly, I had a feeling that the plan wouldn’t get passed today. Oil did slide below $100 though. Got to find that silver lining somewhere.

You can get a draft copy of the bill for your reading pleasure here. I don’t think I’ll be reading it, but if I can’t sleep tonight I might check it out. Also check out this video from Obama speaking about the economic crisis.

On Tuesday, September 30, 2008 from 6:00am-9:00pm Radio One stations in conjunction with the Respect my Vote Campaign will be hosting a nationwide “One Vote” registration drive. If you aren’t sure if you can vote or you want to register online you can do so at voteforchange.com. Let’s spread the word and get as many people out as possible.

The deadline to register is Monday, October 6, 2008.

Who: Radio One-DC Stations

What: One Vote Day – Voter Registration Drive

Where: Baltimore, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Richmond, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Raleigh/Durham, Houston, Dallas, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Columbus, Detroit, Cleveland and Charlotte

When: September 30th, 2008, 6AM – 9PM

Why: To help the community realize the American Dream Baltimore, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Richmond, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Raleigh/Durham, Houston, Dallas, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Columbus, Detroit, Cleveland and Charlotte

Radio One Press Release

On Saturday, September 27th at 9pm Eastern, I will be watching Chris Rock’s HBO Comedy event Kill The Messenger. As most of you may know, when it comes to political humor, he along with D.L. Hughley are in my opinion the best out there. They say what’s on their mind and don’t care about what anyone things. And most of the time they are right on the money. One of my favorite movies, Head of the State, showed what could happen if a black man ran for president. Who would have thought it would actually happen a couple of years later.

The comedy series is unique in that it will be one show based on his performances in South Africa, London and New York. It looks like we’ll be in for a good time. For more information check out the HBO website.