Month: December 2023

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Info Topic

Blog or Vlog and the Difference Between the Two

Blog or Vlog and the Difference Between the Two

What is a blog and a vlog? People use the two terms interchangeably. The most basic answer is that a blog is short for web log. It is a collection of writing on a website. Some blogs are specialized and have a theme. You will find blogs about travel, food, relationships, fashion, hobbies, etc. Other blogs have a variety of different topics.

A vlog is a collection of videos. Vlog stands for video log. Most content on vlogs are video shorts and can either be about one particular subject or a vast array of things, similar to blogs.

Now, there are some people who have both videos and writing on their sites. It is all a matter of personal preference. Some who are not comfortable being recorded or speaking on camera will opt for the blog. Also, the more apt and avid writers, usually go for blogging.

Individuals who are not camera shy will do more vlogging. They feel more comfortable and get their message across better to their audience, via videos. Attention spans have shortened these days, so people are more inclined to go for the shortened version of posts. Lately, it seems that some people do not want to read a long article post or watch a long video. Because of this, it is important to create informative, creative and interesting content to keep the reader/watcher engaged.

Things are so compact nowadays. An example of this is the newspaper. Newspaper: what is a newspaper?! Do they sell those anymore? Yes, they do. Just take a look at how thin a newspaper, magazine or circular are now. In the big scheme of things, it makes sense since a lot of information is digital.

How do you like to receive your information? Do you prefer to watch videos or read posts? There is no right or wrong answer, it is just a matter of preference.

Categories
Self Awareness Topic

Screw face- When and How to Use It.

Screw face- When and How to Use it

Image by prabha karan from Pixabay

What is a screw face? It is a very crafty tool when used correctly. The timing has to be right, and you have to know when to turn it off. Let me describe it first. It is when you tighten your face muscles and create a face that tells people to back off. It is a face that lets people know that you mean business and you are not playing games. Distortion of your face to look mean. Think Sticky Fingaz, Busta Rhymes, Ice Cube, Fredo Starr, etc…

A time to put on your mean/angry face is when you are out and about. Riding the subway or out walking on the street too. It lets people know not to try you, that you see them, and they better not approach you. Also, in your car put on your screw face. This way the “would be” carjackers will think very carefully before trying to take your whip.

Sometimes you can have on your screw face and not be aware of it. You are just so used to tightening your face it is second nature. Just say the phrase, “relax your face muscles”. You can also practice this in the mirror so that you can see the difference. We send messages without speaking a word and this includes our facial expression.

Useful times for a frown

Some people use a screw face to ward off other people at work. For example, if you never get a chance to do your work because people are always coming into your office with questions and/or requests. A screw face is useful at this time. Because; if people think that you are having a bad day or you are upset about something, a screw face buys you some uninterrupted time to complete your tasks. You will have less knocks on your office door.

If you are out alone and in unfamiliar surroundings, use your screw face. If you look mean and frown your face, it might help to prevent being robbed and/or assaulted. Screwing your face will definitely make someone think twice, especially when they have ill intentions.

Un-screw your face

When you feel like no one approaches you and you can’t figure out why. This is for the ladies; just keep this in mind. When you are out during a social event and men approach your friends but not you. If you have that face that is so uninviting, people are going to pass you by. You might say to yourself, “self, my outfit is nice, my shoes are matching, my hair is laid and my face is beat”. This is the moment to stop and tell yourself to fix your face. Just think, relax your face muscles.

This technique can be used throughout the day. In your car, at work, at home. When you feel like people are not receptive to your approach, it may be that you have a mean look on your face. Again, ladies if you want to interact with a man that you are interested in, fix your face. This is not the time to have on your screw face. You don’t want to be labeled as an angry woman with things on her mind or emotional baggage.

Summation

Whether or not you use a screw face, just know that it comes with benefits. You might wonder why anyone would want to frown or distort their face. If you have ever lived in the inner city or rough parts of town, then you can relate to this, and you will fully understand the necessity of it.

Remember to be aware of whether or not you have a screw face on in social situations. It can make or break your experience. I hope you got a laugh or smile while reading about a screw face. It has some humor in it but is also true. If you have ever had a screw face, you get the meaning and you will learn how to use it.

Categories
Topic

Can You Answer This? What is Your Favorite Article of Clothing?

Styles change so often. As quickly as a new fashion comes out a few months later it is obsolete. Who can keep up with all the new styles of clothing. We all like what we like and no matter if that specific style goes away, we will continue to love it and wear it

Some of us have a favorite pair of shoes. It may be the color of the shoe or the way they feel on your feet. Maybe it is a favorite coat. You know those warm bubble coats or leather jackets. A sweater that fits just right and the material is so soft. But it has that little hole under the arm that no one can see. That pair of jeans that give the right amount of lift, even if they are a little faded.

Even if it has a hole in it or is out of style; what is that one favorite thing you love to wear? Is it an old pair of slippers, jeans with holes (and I don’t mean the ones that are made that way), or an old denim jacket. It might be an old tie that has sentimental value. In the winter, that pair of long johns that have a bleach stain on them (Don’t act like you don’t know what I’m talking about).

I will confess, for many years my favorite thing to wear was a fleece pullover. It was very comfortable and warm. I didn’t have to iron it either (this was a plus 😊). I wear it on occasion, but it is not my go-to anymore.

Can you answer this? What is your favorite article of clothing?

Categories
Self Awareness Topic Words of Wisdom

The Season for Celebration

The Season for Celebration

**1/7/24 post updated: The Hannukah celebration by the Jewish community is not widely celebrated due to security reasons. The current state of affairs of the war, in no way is meant to imply that the Jewish community is the cause. My sincerest apologies to every and anyone who may have been offended. **

The time of year is here. The season of celebration, thankfulness, giving, family and reflection. We have all heard of Thanksgiving, Christmas and Kwanzaa. Among those, people also celebrate Diwali and Three Kings Day. I know there are other celebrations being had across the world. Hannukah is a celebration by the Jewish community. Unfortunately, due to the current state of war these may not be celebrated as widely, because of security reasons.

The point I am getting to, is that no matter what part of the country you live, we all have something to celebrate and be thankful for. The world is not perfect but we can all find at least one thing that is worthy of celebration.

Family

Family is a reason to be thankful. We do not always see eye-to-eye and agree on things, but family is a good reason to be thankful. Maybe, this time of year family can bury the hatchet and squash old beefs in the name of renewal for the new year. Release the weight and be free from the hold. You will feel so much better and be glad that you did.

Health

Celebrate health. If you are ambulatory and have full use of your limbs, celebrate that. You might be thinking, so what that’s nothing to celebrate. Just think if you couldn’t walk on your own. Having to depend on others to do for you. You will appreciate the use of those legs to drive a car, go to work, play with your small children. Taking a walk or even exercising.

Love

Love is a reason to celebrate. If you are coupled up, whether you are married or have a boo. Celebrate that love. Whatever that thing is that brought you together, reflect on it and celebrate in your own way.

The Season for Celebration

Every culture has their holiday rituals and traditions. If you are not in a celebratory mood, try to get out of that funk. It won’t be easy but find a reason to smile. If you haven’t been practicing your religion, go back to that. If you haven’t talked to your friends/family in a while, do that. The things that bring a smile to your face and make you feel good inside, revisit that.

Giving

Let me not forget the season for giving. It is not always about money. Give someone a smile or a compliment. If someone asks for your advice, give them true and sound advice. Hug yourself and say something nice. If you do participate in giving for the holiday season, give with a whole heart and not expect anything in return.

Categories
Topic

Are Institutes of Higher Learning a Racket?

Are Institutes of Higher Learning a Racket?

Getting an education is something that most people strive for. It helps us in life to advance our learning and get a degree in a specialized area of interest. Both short and long term programs are available. You can taylor it to fit your lifestyle. Obtaining a degree will definitely boost your income, give you bragging rights and open up professional opportunities.

The question remains about how to pay for this education. No matter if you choose to attend a community college or Ivy League school, they all cost something. Sure, you can apply for grants and obtain loans to help with funding.

Some people invest 4 or more years in these institutes of higher learning and spend twice that time repaying those loans. To only discover, after completing their studies, they cannot find jobs in their area of study. Tuition is only increasing. Who stands to gain from this: the colleges.

Image by Cari Dobbins from Pixabay

Worth it or not?

Are these schools ripping people off? The short answer is, yes.

Don’t get me wrong, discouraging people from furthering their education is not what I am suggesting. I’m just saying that some of these schools charge astronomical amounts of money and students end up paying off loans for years after their schooling is finished. What kind of reward is that.

What do you say to someone who wants to pursue a degree program or a trade? Do you encourage them to go for their dreams or do you caution them to pursue other avenues?

Career opportunities may be limited without a degree. On the other hand, there are people who do very well financially, and they have not gone to college. Are institutes of higher learning a racket? It is possible to be successful without attending college and make a good living.

How do you feel about it?