Leaderboard

Got this one last night! I forgot. The photographer owns this copyright. I removed it from my YouTube channel.

Hey Fam! I shared my heartbreak with all of you; now here is my joy! Mom, my twin daughters' father, my oldest daughter, Cheyenne's (my daughter who passed away) childhood bestie, is in the family photo with us. I love her so much, and me sitting next to my oldest twin daughter! My daughter married the love of her life in August, and we all got to share in their transformative weekend celebration. Here's me getting ready for the wedding and checking my rearview . Yes, this is a very current photo!! And that's my gorgeous mom!!! Yep, she's in her 80s!!!

Thank you! That is one of the most classic and fabulous wedding celebrations that I have ever seen! Oh My Gosh! I don't know how many times I have watched this. @Mel Hopkins I can't imagine how happy you must feel! Your daughter and her husband are so incredibly beautiful. Again, you look amazing. LOL! Okay... @Pioneer1 Come on! But you are right on one count, that wedding look like a movie; As if it was straight out of Hollywood.

"He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool."

Yes. I voted. Dystopian executioner. For me, it's not about skin color, I just appreciate beautiful men, spiritually and physically, no matter what color or culture. However, as a Black women, I cannot help but to be drawn to beautiful men of African descent especially.

Computed by whom? NASA? Or the aliens who launched it and subsequently turned it green for "GO"!

Man, what's the world coming to....... He allegedly died from Pancreatic Cancer, which is said to be very painful. I hope our brother is resting in peace and is free from his suffering. I remember Brown Sugar. And when I hear, for some reason I also think of Domino's "Sweet Potato Pie"....lol. Most of the ladies remember D'Angelo's "How Does It Feel" video when he came on nearly naked grinning and licking his lips and shit, lol.

Michael Archer aka D'Angelo was the pioneer of Neo-Soul music. His Brown Sugar record turned R&B upside-down back in 1995. His live performances were straight fire. D'Angelo was extremely gifted and talented. He leaves behind a body of musical work that will stand the tests of time. Thanks for the musicianship and music. RIP Mr. Michael Archer aka D'Angelo.

@aka Contrarian yeah I've been swamped the last few weeks. I even spent a day on Captial Hill working with lobbyists to reduce credit card swipe fees -- fascinating exercise. I missed an opportunity to connect with my man @ProfD but we will catch up. @Delano I know I owe you a response. To make matter worse all my passwords were deleted from my password manger software --twice so I could not log into anything. It is a pain to login into many systems with a password... I can't even login to the admin console here it has been at least a month since I have approved a new account. I also have 2,200 unread emails in my inbox. I there is a better than even money chance that I will delete everything without reading it and change my email address.

Yeah, I've heard of your in-law: https://aalbc.com/authors/Frank+London+Brown. A collection of his short stories was published a couple of years ago (I see I need to add a couple more of his books). Lives are complex individually and collectively. Thanks for sharing your joy with us @Mel Hopkins. You are truly blessed to have the life you have had and to see your daughter celebrate her nuptials on such a grand scale! Being perhaps the only person on Earth who has had the pleasure of meeting both @aka Contrarian and Mel's mom in the flesh. I think the two would get on quite well @Mel Hopkins. What do you think? Peace & Love.

I am finding words and numbers allow me to access the unconscious mind of the Querent and for myself i use omens and clock time Yes just be open and don't have set beliefs or feelings. Just allow the information to speak to you. One of the ways is to just doodle or write down the words that pop into your mind.

This is all so fascinating! So, you say that this was deliberate!? They deliberately misinterpreted the Fifth element!? I have never heard of 'the Fifth Element' but although a lot of what was explained was complex for me, I now am happy to say that I could follow some of the idea of what was addressed. I found it very interesting to hear how electricity and gravity, light, etc. was measured and how all of this relates to space! This topic seems to go along with the science about comets and how they travel through space and how scientist are able to know exactly when comets come their closest to the sun and earth, etc. This is mind blowing for me. Even though, I think that the Harvard expert is a little far fetched on his beliefs about this interstellar comet, I respect his brilliance nonetheless. More importantly, I find it amazing in how the ancient Egyptians defined the Fifth Element. I don't know why, but when I was watching the video about this, I for some strange reason, thought about the ancient American Indians and their 'Dream Catchers' and also, I thought about 'dot matrix'. Even though Space Science is intimidating for me, I am still intrigued and love a little bit that I can understand. Thank you for posting this! I think that you are extremely intelligent! When I think about you addressing these topics, it makes me want to go get that movie about the brilliant woman of Color that had something to do with NASA! I haven't seen that movie yet, but I have been trying to slow down so that I can watch it! Girl, you are too smart! @Mel Hopkins And so is your twin! @Delano He is way over my head and I just don't know how to comment on his threads, but I love to read him though.

That harvest moon which recently loomed on the horizon, appearing like clock work every year in October, is as wonderous as our resident bee hive. Here it is overlooking the mall parking lot near me. Who's running this show???

Thank you! The happy couple is so creative! My son-in-law even came up with the idea for a hotel flag - They designed it, got it made, and the hotel staff even put it up in front of the hotel!

Where is our fearless leader? Still waiting for Troy to show up?

There is a certain amount of freedom in not having to make plans and/or set goals. Taking care of life responsibilities usually requires it. You're in a good position if your needs and wants are being met sufficiently.

I haven't seen it but reads like the Super Moon dropped down and got its eagle on over your backyard.

@Delano: Read Mel's "essay" that proceeded pioneer's comments. She had some interesting things to say!

Well, pioneer (who can't beget a family) has checked in and done his thing. The same ol, same ol. The usual comments with sexual innuendo and, of course, the stock photos of people who have nothing to do with who he's talking about. Sorry, but I only give his attempt one star.* He voided the scenario he came up with in his first attempt at being funny. @Mel be sure to check out Chevdov's comments that were posted at the same time I posted this.

I knew the Black Panthers were a powerful movement when I learned they took care of the community in ways that embarrassed the government. Today, we need more of that ingenuity. Protesting in the age of smartphones and surveillance will only work against the protestors and aid those who control surveillance equipment. We have to create programs like the Black Panthers did and follow through with them. One of the many ways ICE could enter these dwellings is because the residents are renters, and impoverished renters at that. The first thing we need to do is develop cooperative housing where residents have ownership, even if it's in small shares that come with affordable payments.

Thank you for sharing. Lovely photos, I really like the last one. You have a really naughty elf look, and your Moms has that no you didn't look.

Every group of people on the planet seems to have folks who do whatever it takes to blend into the dominant society here in the US. European white folks put their ethnicity aside in order to reinforce the white population here in the US. White folks no longer identify themselves as [insert ethnicity here]-Americans. They are just Americans. Black folks from Africa and the Caribbean also lighten themselves with make-up. If they're too dark to hide it...they'll just conform to whiteness. Begs the question is it considered self-hatred when folks deny their ethnicity.

Nobody's saying it's in our blood not to marry. Just pointing out that neither Common nor Drake put a ring on Serena's finger. As we're pointing out...neither of them married her for whatever reason. The white dude came along and did it. Janet Jackson dated Jermaine Leprechaun Dupri for years. No wedding bells. The rich sand n8gglet married and gave her a child. Penny, er, Janet was walking around in the Middle East for a few years wearing a burka before they divorced and she came back to America richer than before she left. False equivalence bro. Regardless of color, humans belong to the same species. That's why they can procreate. If/when a Black woman runs to the jungle looking for a real ape and not a n8gglet who looks like one...that's a problem.

@Mel HopkinsGlad to get your input on this subject. I wish Chevdov would also contribute her opinions. Of course arguing with pioneer is an exercise in futility. Meglo-maniac that he is, he wants to make the world over in his image, and he views things through a warped lens. Tsk-tsk.

@Mel HopkinsI apologize for not being more verbal in my response to your latest post. It really is gratifying to see you happy again and I wish you and the newyweds all the best! Everybody looks great!

....yes, nice pictures. Your 80-something year old mother isn't bad looking either! Hey Mel, I have an idea If she's not seeing anybody..... Why don't you, me, ProfD, and Mama-Mel Hopkins....all meet up and go on a double date! I'm sure Mama Mel would find ProfD interesting! I'm sure he's a GREAT conversationalist.....LOL. PS....tell your White ex to take his hand off of her shoulder! We don't play that around here.

NO!

Now we know what kind of person "begrudges Serena her happiness". The usual opinionated blather and imagined scenarios, and obsessive, insecure attacks on white males and condescending assumptions about women. Put a sock in it! @Serena: kudos to you for getting your life in order. You go, Girl! Serena and her handsome 6'5" millionaire husband.

I know @aka Contrarian is not 100 yet, but this video made me think of her. Older people especially the ones with all their marbles really fascinate me. I met a woman, a sister, last week who is 96. She still drives and looks great! She graduated from Hampton in the early 50s. I think longevity like anything else is a combination of genes, environment, and good or bad luck. Out living all your friends is bittersweet.

Apparently, after a series of failed relationships, Serena Willians has finally found happiness. What does it say about a person who begrudges her this, and tries to steal her joy? Venus Williams just recently got engaged to the successful millionaire she is pictured with below.

'Just finished watching the local news to get the latest on the ICE demonstration rockin my town. Things have really escalated. Police from all the surrounding towns on the scene as well as state troopers. iCE agents clubbing and dragging demonstrators who are growing in numbers. Traffic tied up and being re-directed, the Mayor fumimg and saying she wants these goons gone! It's unclear why and how they just showed up and opened a facility and started arresting people! The latest casuality is a fast food Tamale place that has been raided and closed down, its owners taken into custody. UNBELIEVABLE! Oh, well. At least Illinois beat USC in a close game. 24 to 21 Let's go BEARS.

Yep. That's her dude. If it is any consolation to the brothas, Serena's husband was already rich before she married him. Made his bread in the tech industry. Serena is not being fleeced out of her fortune. My question is when is he going to hit the gym with her.

@Troy I found the video interesting and pretty much typical of what 100-year-old- people have to say. As far as age is concerned, I adhere to the old cliche about it being just a number. 92 - 29, whatever. Let's hear it for your 96- year-old acquaintence who's still driving! On August 18th, 1951, at the age of 18, I celebrated my "golden" birthday! And golden I was. Just graduated from high school and was poised to enter my first year at the University of Illinois where a whole new world awaited me. The most enduring lessons I learned there, however, were not in the books. I learned who I was, and basicsally I'm still that same person. I've never stopped being that 18-year-old who viewed the world through skeptical eyes, and preferred to do this from a place of comfort in a situation where I didn't have to exert myself too much. Hence, my 30-year job as a "flexible" clerk at the Post Office, - where I completed my lessons in life, penning a weekly newspaper column along the way. I married a guy who understood me, and who made me laugh. We shared a love of jazz and movie trivia and - each other. One month after our 50th wedding anniversary, he passed. I miss him every day. Every time I smell a particular cologne I think of him. Certain songs tug at my heart. A widow's pension is part of my monthly income. In addition to giving birth to 5 kids, after retiring from my job, I self-published 5 books - which obviously were not best-sellers. I am neither religious nor nurturing. No baking brownies for me, but Nana is still referred to as being "cool". I do miss my siblings and all my krazy friends who've passed on. They contributed so much to what was fun and unique about my life. I do not consider myself an inspiration, and I have no advice to offer any one, nor have I yet discovered what my purpose for being here is. I agree that longevity does have a lot to do with luck. I've never watched my diet, never given up sugar, red meat and have a heavy hand with the salt shaker. 'Smoked and drank up into my 70s. But here I am, - until I'm not...

@TroyOK. I forgot that things changed when FaceBook became META - and Zuckerburg dispensed with fact checkers after the last election. And, presumably "Facebook Jail" no longer exists My post was mostly in response to your saying you doubted if the average person would say bad things using their real name. Right now FaceBook posters in great numbers are saying bad things about Charlie Kirk - and each other and they are not doing it anonymously. The same goes for a lot of well known people. Kirk's death has sparked a great outcry btw, i'm not responsible for what I post here after midnight

Of course, our perspectives are shaped by a number of factors. The biggest factor is time. The people who are thriving would claim the world is a great place and these are the best of times. I'm non-religious but I believe what people consider heaven and h8ll are co-located right here on the planet. Again, just a matter of one's existence and experiences resulting in their perspective. @aka Contrarian, hang in there. Depending on your beliefs, there's really no other choice. Gotta ride it out.

I love this performance. Maxwell was supposed to battle D'Angelo in Verzus, but he didn't show up. D'Angelo went on and did that damn thing anyway. Then H.E.R. showed up to do this duet - and it was heaven. Thank you, D'Angelo, for sharing your beautiful talent! May beautiful music follow you as you continue your journey. D’Angelo, Grammy-winning R&B singer, dies at 51 | AP News

You don’t need the with bald heads part. lol! The worst are those brothers rockin the dread locks with the George Jefferson hairline, I was always on the lazy side when it came to my hair so cutting it off works for me. I can’t be bothered to shave every day though. Once or twice a week generally is enough and about all I can muster.

The lobbyists wanted "real people" to tell their stories. There were a bunch of booksellers from across the country who participated. I rolled with folks lobbying for Racetrac and Wawa. Did you know credit card sipe fees was their second largest expense behind salaries? The margins for their operations are less 3 to 4%. MasterCard and Visa have margins of 50% enjoying an effective monopoly and a much larger war chest to keep politicians in their pockets. I used to complain about the government about allowing Google and Meta to run rough shod over the internet and our people. But they get away with it because they have greedy politicians in their pocket. Trump has exploited this to the hilt. This system is broken. I'm not even sure if it is repairable. You need legislators who are unbought and unbossed. We are grasping for straws in desperation first Obama, then Trump. Now the 33-year-old Muslim socialist in NYC has won the democratic nomination for mayor.

@TroyGlad you finally showed up! You been MIA. Leave it to you to smooth things over. I never thought about Mel's mom and me bonding, but that makes sense. (We come from a generation when people were more discreet, - and didn't make fools of themselves when trying to defend their indiscretion.) But, in pioneer's case, we to have to consider the source.

Sista @Mel Hopkins, thanks for sharing the video. Beautiful couple and ceremony and display of Black excellence.

I will "go right ahead", using MY scenarios, not YOURS. Blah, Blah, BooHoo. Wipe your tears and stop blubbering because The "Kept" black woman and her white "Sugar Daddy" were not a dynamic of slavery times, Dummy! These mutually consenting liaisons, usually between a well-off older white man and "fancy" black female, ( the original side piece) came about in the years after slavery. Get your shit straight. Broaden your knowledge of black culture which you think you're such an expert on. The point is, we cannot assume, as you do, that all black women always hated all white men. It just depended on the circumstances then - as it does now, something your obstinate psyche is unable to process because you are in the throes of cognitive dissonance. Inasmuch as nobody appointed you arbitrator of how black people are supposed to look, unlike you, I will let people decide for themsleves who they find appealing and direct the women to check out "Beyond the Gates", the black soap opera on CBS, that daily serves up a smorgesborg of fine black men! I think movie star Michael B. Jordan is who a lot of young black women currently go for. Sterling K. Brown, Morris Chesnut, Tyrese, and LaKeith Stanfield are also "hot". You're welcome, Ladies.

thank you @Chevdove

I also believe luck is the biggest factor when it comes to longevity. I've seen relatively healthy younger folks leave the planet suddenly and older folks who engaged in decades of what they consider *destructive behavior*, @aka Contrarian, despite those days of being in a holding pattern, I think it's great that you've had a long fruitful life. Especially those years spent as a wife. Reads like you and your husband had a blast together. Music and laughter...it doesn't get much better.

I've heard that false equivalence. George Floyd didn't stir up the weight of a movement backed by the federal government. The unalived white nationalist is having the equivalent of a state funeral at a football stadium with the highest level of security. POTUS OJ, VP and other high-level government officials are keynote speakers. This sh8t is on a completely different level from protests and riots and t-shirts.

Lol....is this ProfD or Professor Black Truth?

There's an old saying that some people don't appreciate heaven unless they've been through hell.

Happy Birthday!

In a thick German accent: Verrry interesting…..

Pioneer even a cursory knowledge of American history tells you that race in America was about ancestry. This is a country where white men would rape their enslaved women then enslave their own children. It didn’t matter what they looked like. They were all treated as black. The whole notion of passing wouldn’t even be necessary, but in this country passing as a thing because again it being black is not about what you look like You heard of the man, Walter White he ran the NAACP for years. he is what you would call a White man but he was accepted in the black community as Black. He did have African ancestry. I think it was a grandmother or something. The way you choose to group people is at odds with the way they were grouped in this country for most of its existence. The concept of race needs to be put in the dust bin of history. The reality racism really is on its way out despite the media fixation on a relative handful of wing nuts