Village Blog Safari #35

Have you ever joined with our villagers on a blog safari? If not, perhaps now is the time. Our rhino-guide (she still needs a name!) wants to take you through the cyber-jungle to see some talented bloggers and creative blog posts. Enjoy the flow!!

• A Blog Around the Clock - ScienceOnline2009 - An Interview with Danielle Lee


• Change.org - Department of Labor Releases List of Slave-made Goods


• Happy Go Lucky Bachelor - The Dangers of Democracy


• SocialWayne.com - TrendingTweets: Does a Race Have a Brand?


• This Week in Blackness - Why You So Black?

Let us know if you come across any remarkable posts that should be shared in our next Blog Safari!

Blogging Star Award

UPDATE: AAW from Musings About a Muddled World honored us with this award on 10/13/2008 "for being a source of info especially to black bloggers." It is nice to be recognized by your peers in the blogosphere. Below you will see who I shared the award with a few weeks ago.

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Asante sana to Pop Culture Dish, Presented by Malcolm for taking time to award the Electronic Village with the Blogging Star Award. This award was originated by Barb at Skittles' Place. This award is for bloggers who shine their light throughout the Blogoshere. Some do it with humor, others with creativity, and others with their kind and thoughtful natures. We all know more than a few of them so why not give them some recognition?"

It is my pleasure to spread the love to others for the second year in the row. I am giving the Blogging Star award to the following bloggers:

• Funky Brown Chick - I follow over a hundred people on Twitter. My favorite by far is Twanna. She is a sex, dating and relationships writer in New York City. Her blog is highly personal and shares insights on her daily life. I never watched much of Sex & The City when it was on television ... but, my take is that Twanna's blog is our nubian version of that show!
  
• Sojourner's Place - This blog is designed from the perspective of the professional African American woman ... however, I think that nubian brothers benefit from the wisdom of Sojourner as well. Sojourner created the Helping Hand Award and Sunday Inspirations. All villagers need to check this blog out. I'm pleased to be able to present Sojourner's Place with this award.
• The Happy Go Lucky Bachelor - Mike is usually one of the first villagers to share his village voice on our 2-3 posts per day. Mike's blog is excellent. He provides quotes, videos and commentary on cultural and social events of the day. I appreciate Mike's support and encourage villagers to check out his blog!
• UltravioletUnderground - Purple Zoe is the subcultural alternative soul behind this blog. She doesn't follow the way of the masses. She embrace quality art and conscious activity. I am proud to partner with PZ and others on the Roots of Humanity blog. This sista proves that the power is in the minds and hearts of 'the global people'. I am glad to provide her blog with this recognition.
• Young Black Professional Guide - This blog continues to innovate. Fredrick and the others that create and maintain this blog provided us with RSSPect.org last year. This blog inspired the recent 'Day of Blogging for Justice: Community Organizers' with their initial post in reaction to Sarah Palin speech at the Republican National Convention.

All honorees are asked to do the following: (a) Proudly display it on your blog along with a link to who gave it to you; (b) mention that it originated at Skittles' Place so Barb can follow it's journey; and (c) Pass it on to any blogger(s) you think should have it.

Villagers, do you have any thoughts on these five blogs that you care to share with us?

Premio Brillante Award

Lady Deborah (My Brown Eyed View) presented our blog with the 2008 Premio Brillante Weblog Award. She wrote, "This blog keeps me inspired and focused on the important matters of the day. Villager is actively working within the blogosphere and in real time to bring about change."

My mom would call me "brilliant" when I was a young villager. I guess all parents pump up their children with such praise. Anyhow, the word "brilliant" retains a special place in my heart. As such, I'm very proud to earn this blogger award!


The rules for the 2008 Premio Brillante Award are simple enough:

• Add the logo of the award to your blog
• Link to the blogger who awarded it to you
• Give it to at least 7 other blogs
• Link to those blogs
• Leave a comment for your nominees on their blogs

There are a number of remarkable blogs out in the world. Here are seven blogs that are not widely known. They bring it hard and strong on a regular basis. I hope you take a moment to visit each of these award winners.

1. BlackCynic America - This young brotha is laugh-out-loud funny and insightful in his comments on the presidential election, Beijing Olympics and the entertainment world. Methinks he will be a new member of The AfroSpear in the very near future.


2. Black On Campus - I love blogs that have a unique niche. One such blog is run by Dr. Ajuan Mance. She is an associate professor of English and Mills College in Oakland, CA and the creator of Twilight and Reason: Higher Education and the African American Experience. For her, literature, history, and higher education are passions bordering, at times, on obsessions. I encourage all villagers to take a moment to enjoy the uplifting and educational posts on this blog.


3. Black Threads - I was inspired by the story of Michelle Obama and her older brother. As such, I want all villagers to visit this blog owned & operated by my younger sister. She is an internationally-recognized expert on African American quilts and quilters. She is an inspiration for me and others in our family.


4. Mrs. Grapevine - I have never met this sister. I'm not a big fan of gossip blogs. However, it is clear that Mrs. Grapevine has musical taste and a soul that is very similiar to my own. As such, I find myself enjoying her blog posts and her comments. I encourage all villagers to check out her self-titled blog!


5. The Black Tech Report - This blog provides a daily dose of technology. The stated mission for this blog is to be a voice where there has not been one. To bring real information to individuals, and businesses where there has not been great information. To encourage, empower, and advise people on past, present, and the future of technology.


6. The 'D' Spot - The “D” Spot is all about Detroit as seen through the ever-watchful eyes of two Detroiters - husband and wife - who have experienced their city in very different ways. I have been following Keith's insights on a city that I called home for 8 years. Detroit is going through challenging times. I invite all villagers to look at it from an insider's perspective. It helps that Keith's writing style is outstanding!


7. The Happy Go Lucky Bachelor - I don't have one of those widgets that tracks the villagers who leave the most comments. If I did than Mike would be at the top of the list. Mike has been very supportive of my blog. In return, I share this blog award with him for the creative nature of his eclectic blog. His blog requires you to use critical thinking skills and to have a very big sense of humor!

What do you think about our seven choices for this Premio Brillante Award?