 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Lewis "Scooter" Libby
By K.B. McDavid
This is an old poll. However, it is very relevant with the recent actions of my dude G Dubs my pet name for President Bush . Just proving my point that he is the Scarface of modern day American politics. It also highlights the importance
of Black public opinion  showing how right on point we are. If only America would listen to us, it would save the nation a tremendous amount of trouble.
Blackballot.com focuses on gathering African American opinions on various topics. Our research specialists develop surveys that help measure customer satisfaction and loyalty, brand equity, PR efforts, and public opinions. Whether you want a complete strategytoanalysis plan or a dozen questions answered quickly, we ve got the expertise you need to get the job done.
For further information on research and polling solutions, please contact Vice President of Sales, Chris Langley, at chris blackballot.com.
|
|
 |
N Word  It Starts With Us
By Cedric Perry
Sorry, Black America. We have to stop first. As frustrated as we may be with Don Imus and, well, White America in general, it doesnt change things. Imus is not the only one calling Black women  nappy headed hos. Its unfortunate, yes, and very disappointing that people have feelings like that for our beautiful Black queens, but... get over it. We do get over it when one of our own calls another a nappy headed ho or the bword
lets not mention the nword this early in the conversation. Many times we say it as a form of embracing one another.
So why are Imus remarks so damaging Why pick him out and rake him over the coals for three words that are used so often in our OWN HOMES Well, because he said it so people could hear it, and blacks were forced to respond. Just like in the schoolyard when someone talked about your sister, you couldnt take that lying down. Too many people heard it, and if you did nothing about it, you were a punk. So our leaders spoke out told everybody that we aint having it. They said you are not allowed to call our women racist and
degrading names. If anybody is gonna a Black woman a nappy headed ho, its going to be a rapper. nobody really said that, but isnt it true
Rapper, Radio Personality, random person, it sounds bad from anyones mouth. And the sooner that fact is realized by those who are upset only when Imus and those who look like him says it, the sooner we can make progress. In principal, all people who live on this earth are equal. Therefore, with the exception of very few instances, everyone should be held accountable in the same manner for their words and actions. Had my girlfriend been called a nappy headed ho by Don Imus, Don Corleone, or Don Cheadle, the consequence, a boxing exhibition, doesnt differ. Well maybe for The Godfather.
To the AfricanAmerican, primarily 50 years of age and under, there is no conscience when it comes to certain words like ho, b*tch, and nigga. These words were embedded into our culture. Many times we try to claim these words and use them in a positive manner. But trying to sell these words  as cool and empowering is like calling
College Hill inspirational its not happening. Never is it cool to call a woman of any race a ho, unless shes really on the street hoing. Brother and sister, it starts with us. Mr. Sharpton, Mr. Jackson, and any others calling foul, youre getting bumped by your own man.
But Black leaders, I appreciate you sticking up for Black woman and more specifically, the Rutgers University womens basketball team
coached by Vivian C. Stringer, who coached my alma mater, Cheyney University, to the National Championship in 1982. But
its...semi important to understand that right now, the majority of AfricanAmericans dont feel strongly enough to stop using those terms. Once we chill out, then lets go holla at The Man.
|
|
|
 |
Shape Up For Summer
By Afrika Brown
The season for tank tops, bikinis, and shorts is here. Memorial Day, the unofficial start of the summer has passed and the official start of summer is here. Beaches will soon be full of people hoping to look their best and show off their summer bodies. There is still time to get the perfect abs or that tight waistline, but the question for most people who are beginning an exercise and diet regimen is, How do I begin to incorporate a diet and exercise plan into my daily routine
When beginning a diet, it is best to consult a nutrionist to structure a diet plan that is tailored to your needs. Eating five small meals a day helps to boost the metabolism. Your system does not have to work as hard to break down the food. The meals should be spaced three to four hours apart. Try to have the biggest meal earlier. The last meal should be smallest and consist mainly of protein. The last meal should also be eaten before 8 p.m. After the 8 p.m. the metabolism begins to slow down. When preparing meals it is best to steam or grill your food instead of frying. Also limit the intake of starches.
The target areas women should focus on when achieving a great summer body is
- The Adductor Muscle the inner and outer area of the thigh stopping the thighs from rubbing together.
- The Gluteus Maximus the buttocks firming the muscle.
- The Gluteus Medius the top curve of the lower back.
- Triceps and Biceps to make the muscle balanced and to avoid the flap away arms.
- The Rectus Abdominis and External Oblique the abs to slim the stomach region and provide definition.
For men the target areas are
- The Anterior Deltoid the shoulder region.
- Triceps to achieve a muscular arm.
- Legs building up the calve muscle.
- Abs same as with women.
Exercises that can help a woman concentrate on the target areas are the Triceps dumbbell kick back. The triceps dips on a flat bench with the feet on the floor and the buttocks close to the side of the bench. Sumo squats will assist in toning the inner thigh, quads, and buttocks. If you are a member of a gym use the Hip Abductor and Hip Adductor machine. Ab planks to begin trimming the abdomen and crunches. Do 15 to 20 reps and 4 to 5 sets of each exercise. Men should focus on weight training and calisthenics. Also incorporate cardio into your workout routine to burn and build stamina.
Most of us have too much to do and too little hours in the day to do it in. When trying to begin a new routine it is best to figure out if you prefer to work out in the morning or evening. Bring lunch from home to avoid deviation from your eating program. Summer is the time when we want to look our best. The weather is hot, daylight savings time is full effect, and the urge to show skin is at its highest. Our need to look our best should not just begin and end with one season. Fitness is something that should be incorporated all year long.
Source Anthony S Ward Trainer Push Fitness Club
|
|
|
 |
Ethics in the Red Zone
By Omar Youssef
One of the more popular truths for Americans is that the ends justify the meansthat principle and integrity should be preserved even at great individual risk. One often forgets that every action can create a multitude of reactions, the consequences of which might be more damaging than initially intended.
It is a virtual truth in both the public and private sphere that African Americans are second class citizens. As a matter of course, Black men and women have had to learn how to deal with living in the proverbial shadows of their white counter parts. This unfortunate fact of life has infiltrated what modern civilization has always admired as being honorable and puresport.
One need only to look at the actions of three major American sports over the last several years to bear witness.
In 2005, The National Basketball Association adopted a dress code. Players are required to wear business casual attire whenever they are engaged in team or league business. Violations for failing to follow this policy can include fines and suspensions. What this policy appears to create is an approach towards the game that showcases players in a dignified and tactful manner. This may appear well and good, but, lets face it, such a policy is clearly aimed at annihilating the sub culture of basketball which is rooted in hiphop and urban selfexpression. The baggy clothing, gaudy jewelry, and blatant yet wholesome disregard for authority are essentially part of this, and nearly one to one with playing basketball in the modern era. However, NBA Commisioner Davis Stern seems to
think hiphop culture has no place in the NBA.
The National Football Leagues previous commissioner Paul Tagliabue stepped down this past year to make way for the younger and seemingly vigilant Roger Goodell. Commissioner Goodell has promised reform as he announced that the code of conduct would be tighter after several instances of players acting in an illegal or reckless manner. Goodell has already dropped the axe on several players, issuing unprecedented suspensions for erratic and embarrassing behavior.
At the heart of this matter is a baffling crackdown against black athletes, showcasing them as thugs and criminals. Were made to believe that Pacman Jones is a vile man as he is now serving a one year suspension when in fact his only immediate crime was visiting a strip club and acting out of turn. The same is true for one Tank Johnson who was suspended for half a season after already serving time in prison for weapons charges. Presumably, is it not true that having paid those dues grants exoneration from wrong doing. Michael Vick is now at the heart of a witch hunt that alleges he is at the source of a dog fighting conspiracy in spite of a lack of concrete evidence and the fact that the allegation is supported only by anonymous informants.
Major League Baseball has been part of unprecedented reforms as in the past few years there have been Congressional hearings to call to light the abuse of performance enhancing drugs. In addition, lifetime bans have been introduced into the game for repeat steroid violations. Some say this is too harsh and others claim this to be a necessary step towards cleaning up the game. But all it really seems to do is create targets for retribution.
Its no secret that the premier target in this matter is none other than Barry Bonds, who, by the liberal media, is labeled as perhaps the biggest cheater in all of baseball history. Never mind that steroids can at no point make any minor player hit 700+ homeruns or sustain a career for nearly 2 decades.
Lets not kid ourselves. Not more then 10 years ago Mark Maguire was chasing the single season homerun record and was viewed by many to be a living legend. The steroid cloud over Maguire was perhaps not as heavy few, if any, would dare directly associate Marks feats with performance enhancing drugs. However baseball seems oddly unwilling to acknowledge Bonds in the same respect. Despite no hard evidence in either mans case, the general public seems profoundly interested in vilifying Bonds and merely slapping Maguire on the wrist.
At its core, sport is about order and, in a sense, aims at rigidity consequently, those in control will justify targeting black athletes in order to protect values. It seems that in their furor, they have forgotten that the act of sportsmanship intends to embody what it is to be a model citizen unbiased, exhibition of good character, and a willingness to help those around you attain their goals. Not a single person living within this nation can ignore the very pragmatic and insensitive way in which things are ordained and devised by policy makers, corporate gurus, CEOs, and elites like commissioners of professional sport.
So long as the bottom line is maintaining the values which preserve these sports industries that generate billions upon billions of dollars, many people are willing to accept or ignore the alienation of individuals who, whether they know it or not, represent a consistently trodden people. It would appear to be a necessary evil, but ultimately it weakens the potential for the playing field to be a testament to equality.
|
|
|
 |
iPhone Keeping in Touch With the Joneses
By Maurice Downes
When the Apple iPhone was released on June 29, we as technoaddicts finally made a reality of whats been the worst kept secret in the consumer electronics game. Blackballot looks back on all the developments that have lead up to the iPhones release to get at what you should know if
youre planning to get one for your very own.
In The Beginning
Apple CEO Steve Jobs issued a command to his loyal engineers one day some years ago research touchscreens. Apparently the original talk around the tech watercooler at this time because nothing truly remains hidden in the computing world, even given Apples notorious secrecy was that Apple was looking to have their OSX operating system run on tablet PCs. At a keynote in 2003, he justifiably squashed this notion; to note, tablet PCs havent taken off the way that it was imagined they would back in the early days of the 21st century.
The result of that that research would rear its head in the upcoming release of the Apple iPhone a sleek, stylish smartphone device that famously sports no actual keyboard, relying solely on its multitouch interface more on this later with onscreen virtual keyboard and buttons to access most of the functions. Its being trumpeted as the device to completely revolutionize the cell phone market,
one in which the United States has frankly lagged behind the rest of the world since it began in earnest from the early 90s. In addition to its buttonless interface, it will sport a fullfeatured web browser in Safari, MP3 player with iTunes,
a 2megapixel camera, onscreen checking and organizing of voicemail visual voicemail, and a full suite of PDA functions like calendar and contacts. This last point is key since this gives the fashioncentric device some possible usage in the workaday world, even considering its styling and multimedia features features that not too long ago used to be frowned upon in business technology.
The idea that businessready smartphones could have a bit of style and flair perhaps first changed, or was at least furthered along, in American markets with the introduction of the Motorola Q back in 2005. Before then, smartphones were mainly workhorses that concerned themselves only with business the original Blackberry, for example. Even the Treo that we know of today had it roots in a phone with very limited multimedia capabilities and was quite bulky even in comparison to other businesscentric phones. The Motorola Q was designed to act as a sort of offspring of a Windows Mobile phone and the companys flagship RAZR phone, famous for being the
first popular ultrathin cell phone on the market in the United States.
Apple appears to have taken the lessons of the past 10 yes, 10 years of smartphone history along with some of its own for example, the Apple/Motorola ROKR, a failed attempt to mix a cell phone with iTunes capabilities into the making of the iPhone. The iPhone will be slim and attractive, loaded with powerful features previously thought of as being too advanced for a cell phone. In this way, even if the iPhone was deemed to not be a success in some way almost impossible Apple would at least be given credit down the line for pushing the wireless game irrevocably forward.
The feat alone of getting an entire operating system OSX onto a cell phone has been
impressed upon the more techsavvy followers, and for the rest it has that awardwinning design and innovation that has made Apple a household name for accessible computing. The main innovation, multitouch, or the ability for the screen to register more than one touch onscreen at a time, is at the head of the iPhones revolutions. Multitouch isnt exactly a new technology, but the way
its being implemented requiring human skin for operation,
sensing when the phone is next to ones ear especially on a consumer product intended for the masses is quite new and exciting. In fact, its safe to say that the iPhone is without a doubt the most anticipated electronic release this year, from Apple or any company.
Before You Buy
Q Are there any real competitors to the iPhone on the horizon
A Lets look past the fact that similar devices touch screencentered smartphones may have existed before in one capacity or another. For some reason, be it price or usability or interest, theyve failed to make a major impact on the market in America. But even more specifically, in the months around the iPhones inevitable release, two upcoming cell phones have come into the public eye that sport similar features the HTC Elf and the upcoming LG Prada.
These are both keyboardless touch screen phones that push the envelope on the way we will interact with our cell phones in the years to come, and both are due in 2007 right along with the iPhone. The HTC Elf or Touch, depending on which tech blog you read is a Windows Mobile phone being developed for the world market that will be both incredibly tiny and controlled solely by a touch screen featuring an interface that uses sweeps of the finger. More controversial is the upcoming release of the LG Prada. LG, a Korean electronics company, claims that their concept for a multitouch
phone with PDA and media features was pushed forward at least months before Apples iPhone announcement in January of 2007.
So, what truly makes the iPhone unique and interesting is a combination of things the multitouch, the fullfeatured applications, and most telling of all the Apple name. The company that made the iPod the worlds first truly usable MP3 player and OSX the most friendly, yet modern, operating system will have fans just off of reputation and what could be possible from an Apple smartphone.
Q So, if phones similar to the iPhone are already in the hands of the public, how are they being received
A Initial reviews of the HTC Elf and the LG Prada seem to all point to the same thing the easeofuse of the touch screen keyboard. This is absolutely vital in the future adoption of the iPhone in the United States. Phone Scoop, a popular Internet site devoted to upcoming cell phone releases, had a devil of a time with the HTC Elfs tiny onscreen keyboard. And a skimming of reviews on the LG Prada, available overseas for some time now, seem to all point to the same thing the touch screen takes a LOT of practice and concentration; it was very easy to mistype words.
Most telling is a June 8th article on the Engadget Mobile blog entitled Will the iPhone be undone by its keyboard. In it, the author alludes to rumors that there could be a drove of returns of the iPhone if the vaunted onscreen keyboard doesnt cut the mustard. Indeed the publics comfort with the iPhones interface will determine initial consensus on the device.
Q Are there distinct disadvantages to the iPhone
A Besides the newness of such a technology, there are other considerations. No cell phone, especially a smart one, comes completely out of the gate without one or two problems. But whats a bit uneasy about the iPhone are the glaring omissions that will meet early adopters upon launch. For one, while the iPhone will feature a full web browser in Safari and connection to iTunes, the network itself is only EDGE. To put it in nontechie terms its a little slow when downloading over the Internet. Other phones of this caliber commonly have some form of fast Internet access.
The iPhone does have WiFi, so if youre near a wireless router you can get fast download speeds, but otherwise, no. Disappointing for such a highprofile phone... as is the nonremovable battery a la iPod.
Another sticking point, the iPhone does not have a slot for more memory, making the introduction of a 4gigabyte model somewhat puzzling. Seeing as this phone is to be a repository for your digital pictures, MP3s, and videos, not to mention your email and text messages, it makes no real sense to purchase the lowerend model with half the memory for only  100 less.
Final Verdict
However, even if all of these points dont deter you from that initial purchase, rest assured that you will be in good hands all the same. As a smartphone, it most definitely is ahead, technologicallyspeaking, of anything that will be in stores in the United States on its June 29 launch date. Along with being breathlessly innovative, if not completely groundbreaking, it features that beautiful design acumen that has always been a staple of Apples product line going back to the 1984 release of the Mac. Just approach the iPhone with caution, perhaps.
Business types who are looking for a more streamlined, eyecatching device to take with them into meetings may want to learn more about that keyboardless interface and whether or not its conducive to getting business done on a daily basis. Also note that, at least at launch, there will be no Blackberry Connect support. For these people, it would definitely be more prudent to stay with the Windows Mobile, Palm, and Blackberry devices until its established what place an iPhone even has in the office.
And for the normal consumer, definitely take the time to consider the somewhat steep cost again 499 for a lowend iPhone, the lack of fast Internet, and what you will use the phone for. Would you be better served by a Sidekick or some other Internet phone Do you need a device that attempts to converge your iPod, cell, and digital camera Might you want to wait for some of the inevitable kinks to
be worked out Remember, it was a bit of time before the iPod really hit its stride, and it may be that both sides, consumer and technology, may need to iron out some growing pains before this type of device is truly a must buy.
|
|
|
 |
|
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
|
[an error occurred while processing this directive]