My thoughts on the Shooting in Tuscon, AZ.

First off - RIP to all those lost in this violent and cowardly act. My thoughts have returned more than once to the 9 year old girl who was killed - but only because I have a particular disdain for violence against innocent children. That does not diminish the loss of the other victims by any means though. May their souls rest in peace and for those injured - my prayers for a speedy and FULL recovery.

This commentary is about the blame game that reared its ugly head just about as fast as it took for this coward to bring our countries conscience to a collective halt. Very soon after the events - the local county sheriff made remarks indicating that the nations current political climate and the irresponsible tone of rhetoric could be to blame. Then at an even faster rate came the rebuttals that it was "not the time to lay blame" or to "politicize" this tragic event.

Politicians began setting an Olympic pace to get away from any tie-in's to past statements or actions that could be associated with the rhetoric. And the began media doing a two-faced two-step that would win Dancing with the Stars. Both dodging any responsibility for "fanning the flames" and at the same time bringing up every kind of example of it in their coverage - Asking "is this really true?". That's like asking someone if they are innocent (of course they say yes) then asking them if they have skeletons in their closet -and watching that painfully predictable moment of pause while they consider whether or not to lie to your face.

Here's what I think -summed up in two cliche statements.

Its all fun and games until someone gets hurt (or shot)- and - The truth hurts.

Do I think one person is to blame. Yes. This cowardly shooter. (I really don't have any concern about his mental state).

However, I do NOT think that absolves the rest of us from any responsibility for our actions and behavior. Things have been said and done to stoke the fears and hate that is out there for political gain. That is the truth and there is FAR too much evidence to deny that. Its kind of like a person that lets a firecracker off in a room full of gangsters with loaded guns. Is he responsible for pulling the trigger? No. But maybe he should take a few minutes in a catholic confessional you know what I saying?

With regard to the truth hurts. There have been plenty of times through history where a violent incident has given light to the state of a nation or the world for that matter. Causing us to pause and reflect -and if there was any good that came of this incident -its that. That we need to stop and say "hold up" -I need to watch what I say because I don't know where the ripple effect of this is going to end up. See the big picture. Think before you speak, and so on and so on. There is a reason these cliche statements have lived on for years. THEY ARE TRUE.

For us to take notice of what led to this event is a very small price to pay - considering all that was lost. Don't be cheap - let's face it - learn from it and move on. Or else these people really did die for nothing.

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.

[ Download ]

[ Download ]

[ Download ]

[ Download ]

[ Download ]

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.