Cons with Cannons

Don't let the title of this post throw you off. Its just a reference to a creative title I was tinkering with (as in Nikons with Canons). My new hobby of the last year and half or so has just had a HUGE growth spurt. In the form of my new Canon 60D.

Its been a while since I posted and I guess that had more to do with just focus on other things in my life and a lack of passion for the written word. I realized that my passion for blogging was more about creating a stream of thoughts to be viewed and commented on. In retrospect that a very limited scope (not because its written just because on these days a person net attention span is about 5 minutes tops). Politics was getting boring (how much can I rail against Obama haters and ultra-conservatives and am I really changing them? Probably not). I reserve the right from time to time to comment on that here (its my blog and I'll cry if I want to). But since this is my outlet to the world I thought I just introduce you to my new passion - VIDEO!.

So here is everything that I've shot and or edited in the last 2 weeks since I got the camera. Let me know what you think. Gotta get some better editing software and another laptop but until then Practice Practice Practice. As always Feedback is well appreciated.

I put them in order top to bottom (most recent one on the bottom). Hopefully there's some progress that can be noted. (excuse the language of the live Rap Performances)

Black and White Practice with Canon 60D from SYGU Group on Vimeo.

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More Video from Teese

SYGU PRESENTS: TEESE 2010 from Corey Black on Vimeo.

Job Well Done

I haven't posted in a minute (I know - I am sorry). But I've been really busy lately. But last night? Last night - it all came together. Although I hesitate to ever call anything a perfect storm - last night was a really good one. You all know I throw events with my crew SYGU. We've had a notable event called Teese (as in graphic t-shirts) since 2007. This is our 5th time doing it in 4 years - and to say its grown successfully is an understatement. Its one thing to build a brand - but to continue to grow it -that's something else.

Lately, I spent a lot of time wondering why we don't get the accolades we deserve all the time - awards, sponsorships, media coverage. But then I began to understand that what makes us so good at what we do is that we don't wait for those accolades to come along and propel us or define us. We do what we do - and people appreciate it. I think about all the people that stop me in my party to say that are having a great time - or celebrating another success with my SYGU brethren -and really - that's all the thanks I need. I remember now - to quote a Drake lyric - we are "into making history, not into making friends". We may have spent a tad too much time on the latter. Guess what's not going to happen anymore. Ahem.

But - anyway. I wanted to show you what is was like to be there last night in this great moment. We packing out concert venues now...no time to turn back.. time to get bigger and better.

And a little yard work too..

Added a walkway and cleaned up those bricks in the back. Flowers on the way. Our place is really coming together.

Mothers Day Brunch @ The Holmans

I love getting chances to host our family in our home. Now if I could just get my Dad to visit for more than 48 hours..lol. I figure I'd throw him a cuisine hint.

But this time the Mrs. Outdid herself. And I really appreciate it! Shrimp and grits..that's all I'm saying people. My wife does her thing in the kitchen!

Random Thoughts

I gotta admit lately I've been feeling like its the last days. All these earthquakes, a volcano eruption. I mean I can't recall a time in my life (30+ years) that there has been this much geo-activity. I'm just saying.

It befuddles me that people STILL haven't noticed that Republicans only agenda is to block/stop/delay anything that the Obama administration is trying to get done. Like ANYTHING. The White House can be like -" we've found the cure for cancer" - and some of these GOP /Tea Party idiots would be like "give me my cancer or give me death!" - "Cancer vaccines?!!? Its Socialism!" - "Cure Cancer? Its too much change too fast" (I never really understood why you have to move slowly to fix a problem. I know that's how I want my problems taken care of - fast.).

The only place they really have me morally divided is on immigration. I kinda feel them on that one. Its pretty black and white to me (or brown and white to them). If you are here and you aren't supposed to be--you gotta go. I don't really like these retro-active laws because they are a slippery slope to discrimination and profiling on a level not seen since colonial-era witch hunts. But I do believe something has to be done. Personally I would have focused my attention and resources to preventing people from crossing the border and documenting everybody going in or out of the country. I just think that is more of a fair process. The current process is like "indian giving" (excuse the ignorant term but I'm trying to make a point) - to give people something (false peace of mind and time to develop roots here -because its cheaper not to enforce the law) - and then snatch it back when you feel the time is right. Fix the problem on the front end.

My wife and I are nearing the completion of our first year of marriage (April 25th - gifts welcome- thanks)- man that went by fast. But at the same time the wedding seems like such a long time ago for me. Its weird. Buts its been a good year. Some forward progress made. So that's always good. What made me think of that is I saw that on ABC News Tonight - they are supposed to have some forum on "why successful black women can't find a man (particularly a successful black male one)". You'll have to excuse me but I think this topic is getting a bit worn. I would have thought by now with all the research, panel discussions, books, and Tyler Perry movies it would be evident that this is not TRULY a problem. Its an obstacle. Not a mission impossible. What frustrates me is that I see a whole industry designed around fostering this belief. I watched shows like "What Chili Want's" and "NBA Wives" and just about anything else on TV - and when it comes to the sisters - its about fighting over, competing for, settling for, or hopelessly searching for a man (and whack ones at that). I would shrug it off as entertainment-but then I start seeing these wannabes in the street and it makes me even MORE happy that I'm married (love ya baby). Its time to tune out the TV and turn up the conversation. Really get to knowing each other as people and letting that be your guide. Because I can assure you Tiny and Toya are not gonna get you down the aisle.

My online fam. I've had a few discussions as of late about Twitter and Facebook and their place in the world. Especially with respect to family business and personal information or whereabouts. I kinda have two thoughts about this. Yes you should protect your privacy -as much as you feel comfortable with. If you don't feel comfortable twit-pic-ing your tour around Egypt. Do you. But this is a very different world we live in. If your taking a week long vacation - you can't just set the timer on the lights anymore. Once you tell anybody that you are going out of town -its not just whether or not YOU post something but you gotta worry about whomever else has access to your page, wall, etc...So look if you don't want somebody to know something. Don't say a word about it. Don't blame it on Facebook or twitter. I'm closer to an open book. I'm not stupid -but I just don't feel I should have to live in fear at home or abroad or on my facebook page. You only have a certain amount of control of anything in this world. Everything else you buy insurance for. Stop worrying so much - if you don't the terrorist win (I just felt like saying that there).

With that being said...

RIP M.L.

Enough is Enough Republicans or whatever your calling yourselves these days

I posted the response below on CNN.com to an article about White House Social Secretary Desiree Rogers stepping down. The comments section on the article had a number of darts being thrown at the President himself and it just sparked a flame in me. I'm tired of these people

I am so sick of all these Right-Wing, Conservative-Crazy, GOP, Tea-bagger or whatever other name this month you can come up with -HATING on the President and his agenda. WHERE IS YOUR PLAN!?.. I'm not calling you racist. I'm asking you WHERE IS YOUR PLAN? Should there be a LOYAL OPPOSITION? YES - BUT WHERE IS YOUR PLAN!!!?????!?!

You jump off a cliff with "Oh he said unemployment wouldn't go above 8% now its at 10%". Of course it went up - you all been throwing acid in the mix since day one - slowing down EVERYTHING He's trying to do to help!

But where is your plan? Everything is typical "PARTY OF NO" or "PARTY OF SLOW". I haven't seen any one plan on the part of the Republicans or Conservatives in general to fix any of the problems the country is facing. 90% of anything coming out there mouths is about what's wrong with what the Pres. Obama is doing - not about the GREAT ALTERNATIVE PLAN that they have. Because they don't have one. Never have - and probably won't ever have one. Because they don't spend ANY time on it. They would rather go on a witch hunt for every Democrat, White House Staffer, etc. , etc. etc. (like this poor lady) in an attempt to embarrass this President and his administration. Or go on TV and twist the specifics or flat out LIE about legislation like Health Care Reform.

Sponsoring a bill and then voting against it? Since when does that make sense. Maybe Republicans are more like Toyota staffer -"uh I'll build the car - but there's no way you'll get me to drive it". That's sounds like a A+ plan (not).

You all just need face the truth - your true desire and efforts are for this administration and this President to fail -and that doesn't make you PATRIOTS it makes you cowardly Sabotage artist afraid of change.

My Solution for Broken Government...

First off - let me apologize for not posting more often. I've been really busy in general and some things came up here and there that demanded my attention. Moving right along.

So I've been giving some side-eye attention to the latest CNN news series on "Broken Government". The stories basically are trying to dig into why the political process takes so long in most cases and is completely stagnant in a lot of others. It also explores the lack of trust we as citizens have in our political leaders (something that actually not a new trend by any means).

On both questions I'd have to say that I fit exactly what they are describing. It is beyond me how people who profess to be leaders can't seem to compromise on ANYTHING in order to get SOMETHING done. Officials are so busy focusing how to keep their job they've forgotten to DO their job (which really isn't a "job" its an honor and privilege something I think they've forgotten). Its not all their fault - we are just as much to blame. How? I'm glad you asked because I've been dying to say this - BECAUSE WE ELECT THE SAME LAME BRAIN, PLAIN JANE, INSANE IN THE MEMBRANE, -whack jobs into office over and over again.

These people are more interested in the sound of their voice, and position in the party than the promises that we expect them to keep. When they don't get anything done -we listen to some 20 second ad saying how they "stood up to big government" and "fought to lower your taxes" sponsored by "Thisisntreallyfromourelectioncampaignfundseventhoughitis.com". And its all BS but we believe it anyway...or even worse we don't believe it and then we DON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT (i.e. - putting them right back on the bench come next election). It is my sincere belief that if the standard for staying in Washington D.C. was actually GETTING SOMETHING DONE (that can be verified without question) then we'd have leaders more focused on spending time on task and less time on TV.

As citizens we have the most important weapon for control of government - our vote. But its power has been skillfully reduced by adding RIDICULOUS amounts of inefficiency to the political process. So much in fact that most citizens have lost their faith that their vote has any effect at all. This is sad. To make matters worse - we only exercise our political strength at times when a certain level of vanity is involved. I love President Obama but I am not a fool. I know that a lot of people voted for him AND the HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE of a first black President. I could tell because of how proud we were as a country that this "threshold" of sorts had been cost. "Look at us world -we are now a "post-racial society! - and if you believe that we'll sell add on a super safe TOYOTA too!". Don't get me wrong - I think we as a country made the right decision for the right reasons. I just think that we started feeling ourselves a little too much for the wrong reasons. Too many people adopted this "the battle is over -we HAVE overcome" attitude. Hogwash I say. The good thing is that I hope people remember how good it felt in that moment. To win one - by a couple of touchdowns too. With a team of all kinds of people. But I fear its more like the Boston Red Sox winning the World Series and then all the major players being traded immediately after (how you gon' break up the Temptations people!??!!??). You get the win and then everyone loses the spirit and spend the next four years in a "rebuilding" phase. Wackness.

Look I see this whole process as a cancer that we are trying to fix with Chemotherapy. And its only making us more sick. I say remove the tumor as a whole and give us the power back to choose for ourselves!

Here is what I propose. Instead of wasting time putting trying to pass bills through Congressional votes - put them back regular quarterly ballots for a popular vote (enough with this electoral college BS). Its too much to have the bills come up at random all the time -that would be hard to organize. But we would have a major popular vote every 3 months. The only thing that Congress would do is to serve as a filter of sorts to keep the legislation effective overall and helping craft the laws. During the vote the people could vote to accept a bill as law with a yes vote or reject it with a no vote. If they agree only partially with the bill then they can vote on any proposed amendments that have been presented on the legislation. Majority wins.

Look if American Idol can do this - we should be able to as well. I refuse to even entertain any notion that it can't be done (as a matter of fact that's the same reason I'm proposing this at all). Its a simple solution to a huge problem. But isn't that what we all want? A less complicated process. Something that works? That we have a fair, loud, and effective say in? I think this can work I really do.

But then again what do I know? I'm just a citizen.

Personal Survey -Am I an open book?

I tried out this site called www.formspring.me that actually host a survey for you. People can ask you questions (anonymously if they want) and you get to respond. Its kinda cool to see what people what to know about you. Although I honestly have to say I'm not "surprised" at

some of the questions I got. Anyway -since I'm suffering from my latest case of writers block - I figured I'd share -until I can come up with something more juicy. Enjoy.

Do you love your job? if you didn't what would you do instead?

Can't say that I do. I used to want to be an astronaut when I was a kid. But now maybe run for office? What u think?

What office? local, state, national? is there something in your closet that would cause you to change your mind? something that happened while you were in college?

I don't know actually. Haven't given it THAT much thought. I'm sure there plenty stupid stuff from that era of my life that would tick off a conservative or two (hundred). Yeah now that I think about it that would concern me - people being all up in the business like that.

Was your relationship always sunshine and rainbows? was there a time when you wanted to call it quits? what made you stay?

Relationships are NEVER ALWAYS sunshines and rainbows. There are always times when you "think" you want to call it quits. Its really nothing more than average frustration. As with anything in life worth having it takes work. My motivation to stay? Knowing what life was like without her.. Reflection is a gift from God we don't use enough.

Do you have regrets? If so care to share?

Nothing more than the usual. Paying more attention in school. An investment here or there. But aside from that.. I think I am where I am supposed to be. No regrets.

When did you know that your wife was "The One"?

She took the time to throw me a surprise birthday party once - and it was great - filled with people that mattered. I really saw that she understood me - It was during that party I decided I was going to marry her. I went to the jewelry store the next day.

Was your decision to settle down more about the right person or the right time? Which do you think comes first?

Its not a factor of "more" or "less" - although I will say that you need to be in the right space mentally in order to meet and accept the right person. I would say that means it has to be the right time first--but I can't because I've always believed that the right person can inspire you to be ready for that transition. So again its not what came first the chicken or the egg..its more like a perfect storm of variables.

What's the most important tip/key/advice you could give to a single woman in today's society?

Be patient. If you think there is someONE for you. Then that means there are a lot more that ARE NOT. Being single is just the time wading through those people. Spend time on self - making life better for you so that when you do meet that right person. Its more about bringing them along for the ride - and joining them on theirs.

What is the best gift someone's ever given you?

My life...then my wife.

If you were made program director at a radio station, what would be the first song you would play?

Damn that's a good one. Probably this one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AY5U6vPusEM


What's the most important lesson you learned in life?

There is no problem in life that requires drastic responses. Remain calm. As long as you are (inhale) and (exhale) - then you are going to be okay.. If you are not (inhale) and (exhale) - THEN you have a problem. Because you are dead.

How old is your middle brother?

Well I have six brothers-- you you might want to be more specific as to whom you are referring?

What is the biggest mistake you've made in life?

Wasting time. For all my wisdom - I can mos def recall times when I should have been more proactive or on point.

Next question!

If you could rid the world of one thing, what would it be?

Poverty. Its what divides us more than anything else.

Do you believe in God?

Without a doubt.

What was the best job you've ever had?

The one paying my bills.

Doing My Part..

I was involved with this including this video documenting what we did. I'm proud of what we achieved. Keep people in need in your hearts and minds.

Some people hate

After being asked to remove this person from our list. They took time to insult our charitable effort last night. Here is the quote they sent as part of their message and my response.
________________________

Don't bring your need to the marketplace, bring your skill. If you don't feel well, tell your doctor, but not the marketplace. If you need money, go to the bank, but not the marketplace. -Jim Rohn
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(From me to person)

You will be removed. Just to make sure though -we find complete removal is most effective when you click on the "unsubscribe" link that comes into each message we send out.

For the record. We don't "need" money. We raised it for charity and we went to the bank to add to what we raised. We didn't come to the marketplace for money. We came for help to help people.

Thank you for your time.

SYGU

Thoughts on MLK Day...

I saw an news flash that said there is now less people than a year ago - who believe that our President represents a large shift in racial relations. However, a majority still feel that his election DOES signify some progress.

I'd agree with that assessment. What pains me is that nobody really seems to care about it. I mean that people are still debating the same kinds of problems in the same way - getting us the same results. Those "results" could often be accurately described as "very little progress if any" (that's my own quote - ahem). Political parties are content to attempt push one agenda (their own) while pummeling their oppositions - for the sake of the win - not the sake of the people. My complaint with the whole process is when people make COMPLAINTS about options given as solutions but have no credible options of their own. Race fits into that category.

If I hear one more person talk about a double standard, or why they are scared to comment for fear of being viewed as racist I am going to scream. The truth is THERE ARE DOUBLE STANDARDS and there are PEOPLE WHO ARE RACIST. We don't need to tip-toe around it or hide it. We know these things. Where the problem comes in - is when people say in private what they won't say in public (Insert Sen. Harry Reid or Rev. Jesse Jackson joke here). Then there is this cloud of secrecy like you are hiding something from me. If that is the case - why should I trust you? You obviously don't trust me right? Right - blah blah blah.. Old news.

This problem is like a cancer. Like drug or alcohol abuse. America and the world's addiction to it runs deep - centuries deep. So why do people expect this to be fixed in a year (the historical equivalent to the blink of an eye)? Just like addicts we need some self help groups. Some face time with each other. Yeah there may be some screaming at the top of our lungs. But make sure thats screaming OUT about what you feel and not AT the other side. We are far too advanced a species to be beyond control of tone and AT LEAST the exploration of context. Of course there is "reaction" to random commentary- it catches you off guard and you have a knee jerk reaction. But in the proper forum you get time to explain your concern, the other person gets tim explain what they mean in what they say - and vice versa.

But how do we act these days? - we pounce on every "he/she mis-spoke" or every joke made in "poor taste". But then pay comedians to do it right out in the open? No wonder we can't figure it out! That makes an oxymoron of "Free Speech" if you ask me.

Is that how we move forward? Is that really honoring the "Dream"? I don't think so. Faith without works is death (James 2:17). ARE WE REALLY WAITING FOR THIS PROBLEM TO FIX ITSELF? Are we that's stupid?

The election of our President WAS the indication of what can be accomplished when people speak out in the even the smallest way (a vote). But now we are silenced again? Ok to return to years of complaining and blaming "the man" or the government. The time for that is past. We've had and HAVE big problems. Its time for us to stop being so quiet. Stop being so ineffective and start working on our problems. Start speaking so that our opponents and neighbors can hear us -but more importantly we make sure to take the time to hear them.

Off to be productive today. You all be safe.

Broken Silence - US (the U.S.) versus the Terrorist...Its Chess not Checkers

I hate that something like this inspired me to post again. But I guess I am just following suit. It takes blood to be shed for us to get the point - or does it. The terrorist attack on the Detroit Delta Flight and on the CIA base in Afghanistan. Shootings at Ft. Hood, the Holocaust Museum, and the Federal courthouse in Las Vegas. Even people crashing the Presidential State Dinner not once but 3 times - in the same night?!? - This has been beyond ridiculous for awhile but now its public and embarrassing. Didn't that used to be enough - where is our pride - or even better our common sense?

The current security measures used by the Dept. of Homeland Security, TSA and other government agencies is a FARCE - comparable to the shenanigans on "Jersey Shore" or other comical "reality shows" (anyone remember that "Homeland Security" reality show?). The equipment out there that is supposed to keep us safe from terrorism and violence? Complete BS! Those x-ray machines detecting weapons or explosive chemicals -is like trying to cook Thanksgiving Dinner with an "Easy Bake Oven".





And to top it off - the PROFILING.... HOW DUMB CAN YOU GET!!!

Aside from being completely racist its completely ineffective. Why? Because you have to disclose what the profile is in order to justify it. Even if you didn't - it would take about 48 hours for the whole world to know what the profile is. (We just don't live in a "Top Secret" world anymore - lets be honest). Once they know what the profile is? - they change what/who they send at us IDIOTS. The only way to be fair, consistent and effective is to NOT profile and to check EVERYONE the same way. EACH TIME EVERY TIME. I don't care that it will take 3 hours longer to be at the Airport - that's what magazines and ipods are for. I don't care if you FEEL inconvenienced you - you can't FEEL anything if you dead. Or better yet I am not trying to FEEL the burning of my flesh from the flames of a bomb or it pierced by some nuts vengeful bullets. If I can live - I can wait. And so can you. If you can't - do us all a favor and drive - we don't want you bitching in line anyway.

Now I ripped on the technology we do have...(because it sucks).. But there is stuff out there that could do better. But we can't use it because people are whining about not wanting somebody to see them naked. Get over it. I'd rather they see people like this:



Than like this:



Sorry to be so graphic - but I think thats the problem. People aren't visualizing whats the alternative to really beefing up security.

We have people hired and trained to gather intelligence. I need them to get on top of their game and REALLY start connecting the dots - in ADDITION (vs. instead of) to adding real 100% screening methods by our security personnel. If you can tell me who a guy was communicating with via email within hours of them committing a violent act -that means you knew it advance. I really believe that. Stop stockpiling information and use it proactively for something. Its not intel if its after the fact - its history. History never saved anybody until they learned from it. You get a lead FOLLOW-UP ON IT- and find out if ANYBODY else knows anything about it. This inter-department secrecy is a #fail - and its making people looking bad - in the deadly sense of the word.

I'm feeling better now that I've vented. But I don't feel safe. Think about it.