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Showing posts from October, 2014

Old School meets New School Relationship By Mel

  Today I had the pleasure to discuss current relationships with my long-time friend Sarah to gain insight as to how her marriage continues to have a strong bond and what advice she may provide to our current generation.     According to Dr. Alan E. Kazdin, PhD he mentions” 40 to 50 percent of married couples in the United States divorce.   The divorce rate for subsequent marriages is even higher.”   If people understand the concept of relationships hopefully in the coming years these figures will hopefully turn around, enjoy.     Mel:   How long have you and your husband been marry? What kept your bond strong? Sarah:   We’ve been marry for 33 years and counting.   One important aspect is that he is my best friend and we always put each other first.   If there were any negative influences pertaining to our relationship we would leave well enough alone. Mel:   That’s amazing; most marriages I know of don’t last for 2 years.   I feel some people are quick to jump right

Is Ebola Equivalent to the Walking Dead? By Mel

Media Frenzy This is not the Walking Dead but it sure feels like it.   This controversial subject pertaining to this disease provides high ratings for AMC juggernaut show but in reality it is terrifying.   Emerging networks are reminding the public to make sure you have your hand sanitizers and gloves available.   The media is constantly informing the public to mind their surroundings.   In the Walking Dead graphic novels created by Robert Kirkman the seed was planted yet unexplained to this outbreak.   No one was quarantined; in addition the government reacted slowly to contain this virus which had dire consequences for the rest of society.   All were infected which resulted in no computer or government structure.   People who came in direct contact with a carrier or a mindless “Walker” flesh eating zombies had to use caution because if bitten the same result will occur.   It was a combination of “Y2K” with today’s environmental threat “Ebola.”   Parallel to our world thi

This Generation needs to Generate Real Hip-Hop By Mel

  Is Hip-Hop the new Disco? Yes this was me, part of me would like to relive these moments because Hip-Hop in the beginning was so inspirational.  It was quality over quantity, passion over money and lord so many diverse styles you can choose from. For example, if you were into politics you more than likely would connect to Public Enemy who is known for their politically charged lyrics.   Groups such as X-Clan who affiliated their tone of style to Afrocentric themes or the Great KRS One who was very educational in his rhymes.  If you were more into street life your primary icons would include: Rakim, Kool G. Rap and Big Daddy Kane.   These were cassette tapes waiting for your Walkman or boom box to insert them in to.   There were no publicity stunts, just hard work combine with determination just to be heard.  Those who wanted to make it in the industry had to provide at least 4 elements to gather attention which is highly lacking in today’s Hip-Hop industry. Passion- Let’s

Entertainment Can be Educational By Mel

    Read Between the Lines Truth is in Science-Fiction I am a geek at heart because I express my exciting thoughts after watching Star Wars because there is so much political undertone that the average person would not be able to see.   It is more than just a fictional story, more than a light saber duel but more so about democracy over dictatorship.   Some people would view Star Wars, X-Men, Superman, Captain America, etc. as mindless entertainment whereas their stories can be used as educational tools for the masses.   Young people and adults identify with cultural and political issues for example Marvel’s Civil War series which was the introduction of a Superhuman Registration Act in the United States.   Although the series can be read as allegorical commentary in the wake of 9/11 and the Patriot Act, Mark Millar has noted, "The political metaphor is only for those that are politically aware. Kids are going to read it and just see a big superhero fight."   Mark

Natural Medicine is the Way to Go By Mel

  Before I started working for ConnectiCare, I was the type of person who never took care of myself and didn’t give a damn about my body.   Most people relied on CVS, Rite Aid, etc., but my natural pharmacist I’d mostly relied on was my grandmother because she was very knowledgeable with herbal remedies and would use them to her advantage to substitute prescription drugs.   She was very helpful knowing that I have a combination of Asthma and allergies so you can imagine what I had to go through over the years while growing up.   I’d rarely visit the doctor; barley had enough time to relax, always stress out and when my daughter came into this world, more pressure was applied for me to remain healthy.   I recalled when I had nasal congestion and my grandmother provided me with hot peppermint tea which acts as a decongestant.   This contains mild anti-bacterial constituents.   Now she may be old fashion, but these natural remedies are ancient.   These days, Herbal Medicine is marke

Discipline Your Child before they get out of Control By Mel

Why should Good Parents be Discipline to Discipline their Kids? I can recall during my rebellious teenage years that I side talk my mother with no respect, no communication.   The argument was based on not wanting to clean my room which would have a profound impact on my life later on.   My mother did what I call the 5 step process. Look at me Left the room Came back with the belt Whoop my tail Left the room It’s human nature for children to challenge authority even if rules are strictly applied.    Think about laws, federal regulations and policies to keep our society in order.   You cannot maintain order if you allow chaos to take over.   My chaotic attempts to disobey my mother had dire consequences which planted a seed in my head to follow her guidelines.   From her perspective as a Single mother, she was protecting me from the harsh inner-city environment.   Not only my mother but my late grandmother style of whooping was much more creative.   She would t

More Minority Superheros are needed By Mel

I have to admit that Batman is my favorite comic book superhero of all time.   The man is intelligent and unlike other heroes does not have any superpowers constantly outsmarting his foes.  But imagine if he was a minority.  Will American Society view him as a legend or a role model?  I bring this topic up because a few years ago a  controversial issue occurred when creator Brian Michael Bendis who created a Black/Hispanic teenager name Miles Morales who donned the Spiderman suit came under attack.  Brian was inspired by President Barack Obama and actor Danny Glover to have a non-white superhero that minorities can look up to.   One where we can relate to.  However this character gained mix reaction from the mainstream media.  Lou Dobbs a conservative pundit was outraged that a biracial kid replace the original Spiderman.  Little does he know that this character can be a role model for little Trey and his peoples who can provide a positive message.  One where every Halloween the

People Need a Reality Check By Mel

  Here’s a few on the list that I’m sure you heard of; “Love and Hip-Hop Atlanta”, “Love and Hip-Hop NY”, “Big Brother” and “The Real World” are just a few reality shows that have a strong impact on this generation today.   These are mostly negative images on how the media portray how people should behave towards each other in relationships and other forms of communications.   Part of the reason why these shows from the mid-90s till now are hugely popular is because celebrities understand no publicity equals any reputation equals not famous equals no money.   Another reason why the media invest so much into reality shows is because they are low budget.    Not enough substance along with a positive message are not display on TV and without parental guidance Little Trey will think it is okay to verbally abuse his woman.   On the opposite side of the spectrum girls will be influence and attracted to these types of boys.   For example reality shows such as “For the Love of Ray J” whi

The 3 Stooges By Mel

   There are 3 different types of men that women are attracted to. There's the nice guy, the one that every so-call women wants but end up leaving or cheating on him, then there's the bad guy in which women don't want but gravitate towards and the nice guy with a backbone the combination between the 2.  Let's analyze each one shall we. The nice guy, you know...the one who brings flowers everyday, the one who constantly splurge on his woman, the one who puts his woman on a pedestal. To simply put it this typical man is average and WEAK. Edgy, strong-minded women like a challenge and a man who respectfully puts them in their place. Sadly, the nice guy has the fear of losing this woman that it makes him become clingy, insecure and therefore tolerate any drama from his woman. His woman is aware of this behavior knowing that she can use, abuse and cheat on him with no consequences involve. She KNOWS that he will do everything in his power not to lose her and since he