Mel Hopkins

O/T. Twin, this method seems to mirror the pattern of your career journey right after you obtain your degrees (maybe even before). Am I correct? I still giggle that we both worked at DEC, but in different capacities. The reason I ask is that I recently mapped out my Modus operandi, and it aligns with my life map.

You misunderstood me. I know it's inappropriate for others to ask personal information. BUT It happens to me so often that I just answer the question to set the record straight. This way, I feel that no one can claim I've misled them, or they can claim ignorance. But I agree with @aka Contrarian . I'll wait for someone to share their information with me. If they choose not to share, it is their right. I won't ask. For example, we've engaged in conversation on this board for the past 15 years, but have I ever asked you to share a photo, describe yourself, tell me where you live, what you do for a living, if you're poor, wealthy, married, single, white, Latino, First Nation, or Black? Nope, because I respect your position to remain anonymous. Hell, I don't even know your name! Stiil, I answered you because of who you are and how you present yourself. By the way, my ex and I used to wear a lot of plaid shirts for a while . His hair is now gray, but he's a straight, Nordic-type, blonde-haired, blue-eyed man, standing at 6 feet 2 inches.

That's the same thing that happened to me. The information comes from your DNA! You know what you know! I believe with all my heart that we have all the information, but we're afraid to know how we know, so we dismiss it. But try this -(don't believe everything you think. just let the thoughts flow.) For example, for the life of me, I couldn't figure out how my grandpups understood what I was saying. Or any other non-human species for that matter, but today, I watched my grandpup Scott nose wiggle while I was speaking to him -- and do you know that little furbaby sniffs to understand my message? He can smell me, tell what I mean, and actually acts on it. So, there is intelligence in "knowing." through all our senses! Most of the time, I feel the message or I put my finger on the answer. I'm not special! We can all do this! Trust what you're feeling and be fluid with iit. The last part means to let the information flow in and out - don't be wedded to it. Just use it as you would when reporting a story. Don't fear correcting yourself later - information is fluid. The more open you are open to letting the information flow, the more the answers you need will come, and as they come, you can build on them and build your knowledge in any discipline.

If I remember correctly, it had to do with how they repeatedly attempted to get the results. For example, if you try to measure my foot at the end of the day - it is always going to be bigger than in the morning. Once I come across the claim I'll follow up wiht a post.

I didn't think it was in poor taste! Thank you for checking me! I'm so accustomed to people inquiring about my actions that I forget that it is inappropriate. Thank you so much!

Yes! This is what I was thinking. I don't believe it is their fault. Still, when they combined esotericism and science into their study, the establishment (Catholicism) made the natural philosophers stay in their lane or face execution. Therefore, the scientists (natural philosophers) were unable to reference God or Spirituality in their work. It is impossible to leave God out of science - but they were forced to do so. 0/T (off-topic) In fact, they deliberately misinterpreted the Aether (the fifth element), as evidenced by the Michelson-Morley experiment; they were ridiculed and chastised if they ever mentioned the element again. The Ancient Africans knew the fifth element existed. They called it the "Net" (Consciousness - THE Omnipotent, Omnipresence, Omniscient, i.e., THE ALL in The All), and they also knew how to work within consciousness to guide their lives. Today, we've returned to the concept of consciousness, and many researchers are realizing that it isn't connected to the brain, but rather exists all around us.

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!

Thank you. And that's funny! But nope, the ex is French/German.

I share this sentiment, but could you please define 'delusional' and 'success'? I'm currently reading Don Quixote - and dude was financially successful, but it was not enough for him. He felt like a failure and then lost his mind, becoming Don Quixote. At the end of his journey as Don Quixote, he found success, but it had nothing to do with "things." He found success through his inner transformation.

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

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

I know I trust my visions, and they always play out in my timeline. The key is understanding the symbols in the vision. - Daniel had visions of a smaller star breaking off from a larger star and entering the solar system then, we would need to understand Daniel's story and what those symbols meant to him. Please don't take my words as disagreeing with the interpretation; however, if we don't examine Daniel's life and times, we may miss a broader message intended for us. Also, I'm not religious, so I don't fear a physical death, especially since I've been there and done that...Long story short, we don't die. But I do find cosmology fascinating, and it was the Dogon people who brought this line of study to civilization. Was Daniel from or ever connected with that lineage? If I were going to try to uncover the symbology, I'd dig for context through Daniel's journey. (It is how I can see the hidden) But sometimes I use Google as a shortcut. A funny thing about AI is that it is trained on a lot of information, but it can't help but offer connections if prompted. Now, take this with a grain of salt, because the following response isn't the gospel truth. I read and study too much, and I can fill in the gaps if I'm pushed to remember... But look what Google's AI mentioned There is no verifiable evidence of any direct connection between the biblical figure Daniel's lineage and the Dogon people of Mali. The idea is largely based on speculative theories that link the Israelite Tribe of Dan, rather than Daniel's specific lineage, with the Dogon through shared themes of migration, serpent symbolism, and advanced astronomical knowledge. Why a connection is unlikely No historical or archaeological proof. There is no textual, genetic, or archaeological evidence connecting the ancient Israelites to the Dogon. The Dogon's own migration stories point to an origin in the Nile Valley, not the Levant. Differing Dogon origins. While some Dogon oral traditions reference origins in the Mande kingdom, their languages, culture, and architecture reflect influences from diverse groups who settled in the Bandiagara escarpment in Mali between the 14th and 16th centuries. Contested astronomical knowledge. Much of the speculation linking the Dogon to other advanced civilizations relies on their knowledge of the star system Sirius, including the existence of Sirius B, which is invisible to the naked eye. However, scholars like Carl Sagan have argued this knowledge may have come from contact with European astronomers in the 20th century, not ancient, independent knowledge. Limited information on Daniel's lineage. The biblical book of Daniel does not provide the lineage of the prophet Daniel, only that he was of noble or royal descent from the tribe of Judah. Other figures named Daniel exist in the Bible, but none are linked to the Dogon. Confusing two biblical figures. Confusion may stem from esoteric theories that link the Tribe of Dan—one of the twelve tribes of Israel—to the Dogon, often based on interpreting Jacob's blessing of Dan as a celestial serpent. However, this theory is unfounded and lacks direct historical support. The speculative theories The claim of a link between the ancient Israelites and the Dogon people is confined to esoteric, or fringe, circles. The speculative argument often follows this pattern: Shared symbolism: Proponents point to similarities in serpent symbolism found in both cultures, such as the imagery used in Jacob's blessing of the Tribe of Dan and the serpentine Nommo figures of the Dogon. Advanced cosmology: They claim the Dogon's sophisticated astronomical knowledge, centered on the star system Sirius, was transmitted by the Tribe of Dan during an unrecorded migration to West Africa. Ambiguous fate: These theories play on the ambiguous fate of the ten lost tribes of Israel, which included the Tribe of Dan. These proposals are not supported by mainstream historical or anthropological evidence and are better explained by coincidental cultural similarities or the independent development of mythology. So, in conclusion, we must reject conclusions from Western Scholars

Did y'all see the big lightbulb, aka "The moon", early this morning? It lit up my entire backyard like someone forgot to turn off the lights!

I feel you, twin!

@Chevdove Thank you! How have you been? Let me share my secret! This look is one part personality and three parts @ruthdavisbeauty - you can find her on Instagram - she is a goddess! And goddess enchancer!

YES!!! I agree, and understand why, but I've yet to come up with the how? Most people who are wealthy have borrowed and stolen from the future of others.

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 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.

I tuned into this thread, and I feel a sense of sadness. I'll go back and read, and it just might be me, but from the few entries I've read, it feels as if each writer is in the phase of "slipping into nothingness" - that's not what is sad, though. It is as if the words written mean that no one wants to let go and venture into nothingness to see what lies on the other side. I know that feeling too, because for over three consecutive nights, I dreamed that I lost my identity and worked tirelessly to retrieve it to no avail. I kept asking everyone if they had it or had seen it. I think I was looking for certainty, for the people and signs to define me or my circumstances. In the dream, I didn't realize what I was looking for; I was actually manifesting. But that is the nature of this universe: "Seek ye shall find," or what you're seeking is seeking you." Still, I kept saying, "I lost my identity." ...Now, I'm on the other side of 'identity' loss, and I'm into the unknown, moving through with nothing but being present in the moment with "feeling." Before the dream, I think I was angry, feeling that it was rude for people to continue telling me, "Cheyenne is still with us." I was offended because I thought, "Let her be where she wants to be." It is selfish of us to believe that she'd want to spend eternity looking over us, while we are in this dimension living our lives... wtf. Then I reflected on that dream - and realized in that dream I wasn't here, I was with random people in some random place (s). Even now, I'm connecting with others spiritually, whether I know them or not. I'm also connecting and watching over all my daughters. Case in point, my oldest daughter left her phone in the car. A few weeks before, I kept feeling, "My daughter is going to lose her phone." She did, but it was in her friend's car. She was able to retrieve it. To see this, I had to be in the future —and in New York. The West has a term for this: déjà rêvé. I saw something similar with Cheyenne, but I got it confused with her actual life. I kept feeling that she was "under the gun." And I would check in on her, but I didn't mention it because she was an actual gun owner who went to the range for practice shooting. I rarely tell my daughters what I see in their lives, but Cheyenne always felt a physical presence of a spirit. Now I wonder if it was me hovering in her space. I say all this to share: "We exist everywhere and can step into any version of ourselves at any time." The only thing that keeps us anchored is "identity."

How beautiful that would have been! I guess you don't know how I long for a big family! @Cynique @aka Contrarian' has a big family that I could only envy! OMG, this is bringing me so much joy! I'm so thankful! This exchange feels like you all are celebrating with me! Not that you all are wedding crashers, but it reminds me - do you know we had actual wedding crashers at the celebration? I didn't think folks really did that Twin, that is me and my mom, BUT in reverse! My mom says what's on her mind, and I'm like, "OMG, please stop." I don't remember what we were chatting about, but I'm sure it was something that embarrassed me

Yes, that's Chicago; my daughter's new family is from old-school Chicago. In fact, her grandfather-in-law was a writer and journalist who was inducted into the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame. Frank London Brown - Wikipedia

Where" they" at? Where's the ring? Did any one of these men step up to court Miss Serena? See, it's the follow-through that is extremely important. And we don't want to take the one thing you men can offer us - An offer of marriage, family, and building a life together. That's what Mr. Ohanian did with Serena —that's what every man who truly wants to be with a woman offers her. No one can fault a woman for expecting a man to stand up. 32:00 Minutes in Eve says, "Why?"

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.

But here's one thing I have noticed... and I almost fell for it. The media has been casting and portraying Black and Jewish men as Prince Charming in many television shows and streaming flicks... I recently found myself craving Kevin Hart in his Netflix Film "Lift," Kevin-Elfin-Magic-Hart, and I was drooling! The media is programming us. I have a feeling this is going to be the decade of Black and Jewish men, and y'all will be in high demand. No one is saying that - keep up!