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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!!!

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"!

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

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.

One comment struck Troy as being on the money. I'm still waiting for more feedback. Yes I i have neen diving deeper into my understanding the quality of time. My energy is shifting. I have caught people's eye. Sometimes we smile at each other, say hello or have a chat. I also seem to he running onto more people and having conversations. Even in brief interactions a few people told me i was wise. My goal this year is to expand my social circle. Two people that were a major part of my life have returned. By the end of the month. I will have gone to three birthday parties. However I am finding it challenging to find deep thinkers. I have noticed that some people seem to not be able to focus or have a balanced conversation. My deeper dive into Astrology has resulted in more detail and crisp timely predictions. In one I was able to tell a Querent the date they had a doctor's appointment within a week. I have also fone back an found a chart within a month of when i met two significant partners. The planet in those charts had a relationship to my chart. In addition that planet described both partners fairly accurately . I have also been turning the lens inwards. I spent several hours looking at possible charts to forecast the next 8 years. If I'm correct the next the next year amd a half will be something of a rebirth. The other thing is that i shouldn't live with my next partner. The next paerner should be arriving in the next six months. However around the same time two attractive magnetic difficult women will be showing up around the same time. I have said it before you are an unconscious Magician. I feel that your hesitancy to reach into your magic bag is more due feat if your own power rayhe than something going awry. I practice Magic because it brings Wonder into my life. Which levens the banality of existence. Or I'm also doing aa magical Spell on the Solar Eclipse to march6the one i did on the Lunar Eclipse.

Many folks are born gifted and/or talented. White folks have the hardest time understanding or believing it. They want to associate hours or practice time and/or study to people being proficient. It works sometimes. That whole train of thought falls apart when a 7-year old prodigy sits down and plays a piano effortlessly by ear or a savant solves complex math problems without years or decades of education. Many Black folks regardless of the circumstances into which they were born seem to be *blessed* with talent and/or intelligence beyond their environment. Art is the best display of gifted and talented individuals.

Yep. Charlie Kirk said “I think it’s worth to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights. That is a prudent deal. It is rational.” Kirk lived and died by his very own words. POTUS OJ has d8mn near hailed him a MAGA hero. Flags lowered to half staff. White folks won't be any more outraged about this killing as they are when it comes to mass shootings and conflicts where they kill each other. Thankfully, the shooter wasn't a Black man. This country would be on the brink of a race war. Let's see how long this situation keeps the news cycle busy before they go back to ICE chasing immigrants and the national guard occupying urban cities.

HAIR THEN HAIR NOW (What old ladies do when they have too much time on their hands.) ************* No National Guard troops have shown up in Chicago yet. Latest news reports a confrontation between 2 women in a black neighborhood ends with one shooting the other in the face, killing her. Three-year-old playing with gun, accidently shoots and kills himself. And Life goes on... Or does it??

You are a very kind and sweet person @Mel Hopkins with the ability to find the beauty in everyone. Thank YOU!

This is a powerful suggestion! Especially one that any of us can do and be successful! Thank you! That is, instead of, for example, getting off scot-free after your small business steals millions of dollars from Medicaid/Medicare. And then, of course, freeing you up to run for governor and U.S. Senate and winning in the state of Florida. But I digress

Serena is charming and it seems to me that her husband dotes over her and gives her the respect that she deserves. When Kendrick Lamar ask her to support his efforts, she came running--literally! She has shown her support for her people. Leave her alone!

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 use it for that exact reason. I just prompted a chat on how to provide clean water for a community that only has sewage backups, and the government has just taken away their grant because of "DEI". ChatGPT provided me with actionable solutions, including how to address laws that prevent ordinary citizens from tackling the problem when the government puts up roadblocks. *** Chat GPT said: Treat the problem like a high-stakes community project: minimize legal risk, build legitimacy, and move fast with pilots that are lawful, visible, and persuasive. Below is a practical, lawful playbook you can use to get clean water in your community while protecting yourself and your volunteers. 1) Immediate refusal of the illegal route Don’t undertake actions that: violate health/safety codes, tamper with sewage infrastructure, perform unpermitted construction in waterways, or create public hazards. Those acts expose you to criminal and civil liability and endanger people. 2) High-level strategy (mindset) Think like a scrappy micro-operator who: designs small, replicable pilots that prove solutions work, reduces legal/financial exposure up front, documents everything (photos, water tests, receipts, volunteer logs), partners with credible institutions (health dept, university, nonprofit), uses visibility to generate political pressure for system-level change. 3) Practical step-by-step plan Assess & document the problem (2–4 weeks) Collect photos, time/date stamps, testimonies from residents. Get simple water tests (bacterial and basic chemistry) — local health department or university extension can often help or direct you to accredited labs. SMART example: “Collect 30 household water samples and 20 resident testimonies by Nov 1.” Map stakeholders & legal landscape (1–2 weeks) Who owns the sewer systems, utilities, or storm drains? City, county, private utility? Which agency enforces water quality? (Health department, EPA/state agency.) Identify allies: neighborhood association, churches, school, local university, watershed groups, community health clinics. Design a low-risk pilot (4–8 weeks) Options (lawful, immediate relief + demonstration value): Community water station (bottled or filtered) in a public, permitted space. Point-of-use home filtration voucher program (buy certified filters and distribute with instructions). Temporary rainwater harvesting for non-potable uses (with proper signage and permits). Each pilot should have measurable outcomes (e.g., “Provide safe drinking water to 200 people/week; show lab-confirmed reduction in E. coli in 90% of distributed samples”). Legal protections & structure before operating Form an entity (a nonprofit or an LLC) to separate personal liability from project assets. Purchase insurance: general liability (covers bodily injury/property damage), product liability (if you distribute hardware/filters), and directors/officers (if you run a nonprofit). If you have volunteers, confirm Volunteer Liability coverage or use waivers where lawful. Get permits when needed (temporary events, signage, modifications to public right-of-way). Consult a local attorney for project-specific counsel — many law schools offer pro bono clinics. Launch pilot with partners & document impact (8–12 weeks) Partner with a trusted local org (church, school, clinic) to host the pilot. Publicize: press release, neighborhood socials, local reporters. Collect data: usage numbers, lab results, testimonials, cost per household. Scale, fund, and pressure for systemic change Use documented pilot results to apply for grants, municipal funding, or crowdsource donations. Present findings to the city/county with a clear ask (repair schedule, budget, policy change). If government inaction continues, use civic tools: public records requests, city council hearings, petitions, and coalition building. Legal enforcement routes (e.g., citizen complaints to regulatory agencies) can be powerful — consult counsel. 4) Risk mitigation specifics Insurance: shop for general liability and product liability; nonprofits often get discounted policies. Ask about volunteer liability and event insurance. Waivers & signage: have clear, plain-language signage and intake forms; do not rely solely on waivers to avoid negligence claims — they help but don’t eliminate risk. Permits: always check local codes before modifying streets, storm drains, or public infrastructure. Even “helpful” repairs done without permission can trigger fines and removal. Recordkeeping: keep receipts, vendor contracts, volunteer logs, and test results. This builds credibility and legal defense. 5) Technical quick wins you can pursue lawfully Distribute NSF/ANSI-certified point-of-use filters and train households on maintenance. Repair or replace household plumbing fixtures that cause contamination (privately funded). Deploy green infrastructure pilot(s): bioswales, rain gardens, permeable pavement demonstrations (with permits). These reduce sewage runoff into drinking sources. Launch community education on septic maintenance, proper disposal, and pollution prevention. 6) Power moves that shift the system Get credible third-party testing and publish results. Nothing shames a municipality more than independent lab data showing contamination. Mobilize a broad coalition (schools, faith groups, parents). When the issue affects children, public pressure accelerates policy response. File targeted public-records requests and use them in media and council hearings. Offer the municipality an “easy win” — propose a funded pilot they can co-brand and adopt. 7) When civil disobedience becomes relevant Civil disobedience has a long role in social change, but it’s risky and requires willingness to accept legal consequences. If you’re considering that route, consult experienced organizers and legal counsel first and plan for bail funds and legal defense. Quick checklist you can use now Take 20 photos of the runoff/contamination with timestamps. Contact local health dept to ask about water testing. Identify 3 community partners (church, school, neighborhood assoc.). Draft a 1-page pilot plan with measurable goals and budget. Look into entity formation and call one insurance broker for a quote. I ended the prompt here because it was a hypothetical situation. So many people think advocacy is doing something but I wanted to show a movement requires actionable goals and measurable results.

I know you're right because I've MADE friends that started off as alliances with mutual interests! I've also had a few sexual relationships that began the same way. The bottom line is HONESTY All parties involved being honest about what they want and expect without ulterior motives.

Thank you! The wedding party was so lovely! Both Chels and hubby have lifelong friends from college and before -and these youngins' were just so beautiful! It's funny that you wrote "mama mel," for my mom, because that's exactly what they call me. And yes, the groom's family has run several businesses, so running a business is a family tradition. However, he did step away to work in the West Wing of President Obama's Administration. My new in-laws are down-to-earth and successful. And I can tell they adore my daughter. But let me stop telling their business

I was singing in "Stephanie Mills," but you are correct, I also like Faith Evans! Happy Birthday @aka Contrarian Thank you! I'm much better. I'm glad they went ahead with the wedding; it had a way of allowing us a weekend filled with Joy! Of course, I'm missing my Cheyenne. So, when fall arrived, I planted wildflowers.

The sentence doesn't have to be reduced. Diddy will get credit for time served. That's why his lawyers were trying to get his sentence in the range of 14 months. Then, he would have been released on Friday for time served because he's been locked up for more than 80% of 14 months. The courtroom sketch artist doesn't embellish the picture. Diddy is sitting in the detention center looking like this guy. They're not going to let him dye his hair in the penalty box. Best thing for him to do now is cut his hair and beard low. The old man look didn't work at sentencing. He's gonna sit down for a minute. Might as well groom himself and chillax.

Ahhhh man..... Lol.... Mel why did you have to go ahead and post those lovely pictures???? You know how jealous "you know who" is, around here! You know how "you know who" likes to be the center of my/male attention around here! Now you're going to sit up there with a smile on your face and post some pictures of yourself??? ....with some silky soft shoulders???? Shiiiiiit, you MIGHT have just made yourself an enemy....lol. Mel those were truly beautiful pictures. I'm not just talking about you and your family but seeing all of those attractive well groomed Black folks dressed up and acting in concert for your daughter's wedding is phenomenal. It's something that you don't see much in the AfroAmerican community now a days and it's very much welcomed. I really mean that. I'm also glad that your mixed daughter chose a handsome intelligent looking Black man. Judging by how he's standing and looking....I'd say he either has his own business or WILL have one soon. He has that determined look in his eyes.

Brotha @ProfD Thank you! I finally got a son! And they're magical! I felt like singing "I never knew love like this before" because it is inspiring to see them together. They lift each other up!

@ChevdoveDid you see our girl Sha'carri Richardson lead the U.S. Womens' 4x100 relay team to the gold at The World Track&Field Meet in Tokyo again? She ran the anchor leg and won by a - false eyelash

I voted! Dystopian executioner

Birth defects, cancer and other illnesses, diseases and conditions have been around for thousands of years. Long before science progressed. Modern medicine has made health-care more manageable. The powerful and greedy folks figured out a long time ago there is no money in a cure. Research, maintenance (medication), hospitalization and funerals, etc., are the money-makers when it comes to diseases, conditions and illnesses.

Every member of the current administration and their supporters benefitted from being vaccinated too. Those people are selfish and ignorant. Agreed. I don't believe limited or different development has anything to do with acetaminophen. I'm curious to see how many doctors will line up to champion this BS. It would be crazy for RFK Jr. to walk away with a Noel Prize. If so, I would hope that he allows AI to give his acceptance speech.

First the DA BEARS, now my other home team, the Fightin Illini, are blown out, losing to Indiana 63 to 10!! Maybe these teams should change their colors from orange and blue!

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.

I should have put that phrase in quotes to give PBT his due.

Looks like they're grooming another one............. Brilyn Hollyhand: The teenager hailed as Charlie Kirk’s heir apparent This dude is supposedly a "teenager" and already looking and dressing like a 40 year old man with a fucking part in his hair. Where are they finding these people from??? They MUST be generating them artificially in a lab somewhere.

ProfD Free will is the phrase people use to let the Supreme Being off the hook when it comes to allowing evil. One of many things that don't square with agnostics and atheists Well Prof..... You're too smart and streetwise for me to carry you down some rabbit hole or come up with reasons and justifications for why there is so much evil in the world. However keep in mind that just because it doesn't square with you or your understanding: - This doesn't mean that it's not logical and doesn't make sense. It simply means that YOU (or others) don't understand it. It may not make sense to YOU. And it stops right there...lol. -Evil in the world doesn't equate to there NOT being a SUPREME BEING Who is in total control of Everything any more than a child not getting a present for their birthday equates to them not having parents at all. One doesn't necessarily mean the other. It may give some outside of the family that impression....but that's all it would be...an impression. FACTS ARE FACTS....speculation is speculation

Regardless of man's prophecies, the rhetorical question remains why a Supreme Being or sky fairy would allows these things to happen anyway...especially the most evil.

In a thick German accent: Verrry interesting…..

@DelanoWell, you seem to be gettimg the most out of your life,as everything starts to come together and you follow your path. Have you ever wondered if the strangers you make eye contact with are kindred souls from another time, or even fellow aliens from the same place as you who are all part of a common mission? Lol I've always suspected I'm an alien and that I'm being monitored. My computerized devices seem to have a mind of their own, sometimes spontaneously deleting what I key. With me, it's my grandson's dog who got pushed off on us. He's a pit-mix and is ambivalent in nature, docile at times, aggressive on other occasions. People say don't make eye contact with pIt bulls but this dog devotes a couple of hours a day to sitting in front of me, staring at me. I think he has a pack mentality and he regards me as a matriarch. Through my voice and demeanor, I can invoke fear in him, causing him to cower and skulk away with his tail between his legs if he does something to annoy me. He only acts this way with me. Then there's this feeling that I can only describe as a gravitational pull.i feel like I weigh a ton and the earth is drawing me down to it. Like there's some kind of metal in my body and the ground is a magnet;an eery feeling... And, of course, I'm still trying to find my purpose in life as I dangle in limbo. Every time I fall asleep it's like I go to a movie. My dreams are like films. For me, time is flying. It's like it has really sped up as one sun rise chases another. My clock is very fickle. To be honest, I'm tired of the world. It's really a terrible, crazy place. Mankind has ruined it. Thanks for sharing. Thanks for reading. zzzzzzzzzz,

@richardmurrayi picked the Cosmic Entity Awakenings choice, when you first posted this and nothing ever happened.

Just look at all that good white meat. And they're rich and powerful to boot. Leo lions!

This is why comprehension is so important. Mel is learning more about herself talking to (notice I didn't say with), hence it isn't a waste of her time.