Movie Time- Guess the Line, Pt. 1 – Image by Jan Alexander on Pixabay
Movie Time- Guess the Line- Pt. 1
I’m going to describe a scene from a movie and give a few hints. Can you guess the movie title and/or who the actors are? I will update the post with the answer next week. Put your movie skills to the test. Have fun!
A cute, little lady gets off the train. She turns around and says to a man, “If you are a real prince, I’ll marry you”.
Movie came out in the late 80s/early 90s
Romantic Comedy
The sequel came out in 2021
—Answer—
Coming To America is the answer. The movie starred Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, Shari Headley and a host of other actors and actresses. The cute, little lady who gets off the train is Birdie M. Hale.
Thank you for guessing and I’ll be back with another movie.
Can You Answer This? Name one of your favorite cartoon characters and tell us why.
Back in the day cartoons were something that most kids looked forward to watching on Saturday mornings. After school was a popular time to watch too.
One of my favorite cartoon characters is Wile E. Coyote. He was a villain, but I admire his tenacity. No matter how many times he was run over, smashed with a boulder, hit in the head and blown up with dynamite; he never gave up!! He had some determination in his quest to catch Road Runner.
Even though Road Runner outsmarted him, Wile E. would plot out his attempts and see them through, no matter what. He didn’t let any obstacle stand in his way! I can’t count how many times he has fallen from a cliff and still came back. He is resilient! Gotta love that. 🙂
Transform your life by taking up a very different job or adapting a new way of life. Re-create is a verb which means that we have to take action. We can’t just sit on our ideas. We have to take action toward our goals. I know you heard the saying, “don’t talk about it, be about it”. It is not easy to start something new. Sometimes we need a little push or some motivation. The good news is that once we act on our vision and ideas, it gets easier every day.
Speaking from experience, it is hard for me to start something new, or just keep up with something that I know I should do. But once I get started it makes it a lot easier to keep going. After I force myself to do something I feel a lot better afterwards. Yes, I said force. Meaning that I went against what my mental was saying at the time and did the physical work.
Re-creating ourselves can come in several forms. We can take on a new hobby, start a business, adapt a new lifestyle, exercise more, eat a healthier diet, and we can elevate ourselves mentally also. Thinking in a different way can change our whole outlook on life.
Start by writing or typing some things that you have been wanting to do but never had a chance to start. Use regular pen and paper, use a note app on your cell phone (tread carefully with this one), use a whiteboard or your computer. Whatever is best and most convenient. The goal is to make it as visible as possible.
Next, think about the things you are good at. Think about your strengths and the things that just come naturally. After that think about the things that you are not so good at and would like to improve. Write it down.
Ask your closest friends and/or relatives to name at least 2 things about you that they think you are good at. By doing this, it may give you some insight as to what direction you want to go.
Re-create by taking on a new hobby
If you are a creative person who likes to make things, a new hobby may be just the thing for you. You might think about making clothes for yourself or other people. If you can draw you might become a tattoo artist. You might even think about painting portraits for people. If photography is your thing, start with that.
This newfound hobby may lead to you starting your own business. The possibilities are endless when you start receiving good feedback about your side hobby and people are liking what you do. Who knows where it might lead! Therefore, don’t wait. Start now.
Photography
Dare to adapt a new lifestyle
Adapting a new lifestyle will take some time but begin slowly. If you want to start exercising more, for example. Start off by walking or using a treadmill or stationary bike. Don’t try to do too much in the beginning. You have to work your way up and increase your activity over time. If you try too much in the beginning, it can cause injury. Also, you might feel frustrated that things are not progressing like you expected. This might lead to you quitting altogether before you even get started. We don’t want that.
Exercise keeps us healthy and helps us live longer. It keeps us out of the doctor’s office, and we are less prone to certain types of illnesses and/or injuries. Along with exercise we can also try to eat better. This is my struggle! I am a junk food junkie!!
Changing our way of thinking
Any action starts with a thought. So, as you can see, how we think dictates what we do. If we just try to see things in a different way and explore things from another angle, we discover so much that we have been missing.
Remember to re-create, if we want a healthier lifestyle. We have to stop saying it and then keep doing the same things. When we fall back into our old habits of not exercising, just remind yourself that this does not lead to the ultimate goal of living a healthy lifestyle. If you come home and sit on the couch or in front of a video game, stop yourself and re-direct. Get off the couch and start moving, doing anything other than sitting on the couch. Alternatively, if you pick up the video game controller, put it back and do something more productive. We have to re-direct our old way of thinking to form new and healthy habits.
In order to improve our diet, we have to do just that. When grocery shopping; don’t load the cart with a bunch of junk food. Try some healthier choices. Even though you might not like fruit, just think how much your body will love it and how much of an improved quality of life you will have. Indulging in a sugary or salty treat is ok, only on occasion. That is of course, if you have the goal to improve your diet.
Sum It Up
Think about it. Write it down. Research your ideas and any equipment you may need to get started. Take Action. Reap the benefits. You get the idea! It all starts with how we think. Making a change is not easy but we can do it! Do not expect immediate results, it takes time. Slow steady progress is better than no progress at all. So, start where you are and be consistent. You will not regret it.
Ever wonder why we do some of the strange things we do? I can’t speak for everyone else, but I wonder about some weird things I see these days. Check out these examples.
People standing at the drive through window at the fast-food restaurant. It’s a drive through for a reason. Then they get mad when the employees don’t open the window for them.
What about when people put on a jacket, but they have on open toed shoes and shorts??? If it’s that cold, put on some long pants and cover your feet!
You answer the phone at your place of business and clearly say your name. The person on the other end says, “Is this Jackie?”. First of all, my name has more syllables in it. Secondly, my name does not sound like Jackie or start with the letter J?!?! People don’t pay attention.Are you listening?
You be like…
Ok, this one I see men doing a lot. Why do men drive faster when the road is wet? So, the ground is wet, which means it is slippery. Why drive faster on wet ground?? Please explain this to me.
We have turn signals/blinkers in the car for a reason. They are supposed to be used to let other cars know your intention to turn left, right or when you are changing lanes. I love this one… How about when people use their blinkers when they are making an illegal U-turn?!?! You are making an illegal U-turn and then you have the nerve to put on your blinker. Just ask the cops to give you a ticket!!
What about this one; the light in the turn lane is green and the car in front of you just sits there. Sits there until, either someone beeps at them or they wait until the arrow turns red again.?!?! Why? Are they thinking about it? I don’t know…Maybe they are on the cell phone…
Car horn beeping
Don’t send your plate back to the kitchen at a restaurant if your order is not right. You never know what they are doing to your plate of food in the kitchen on the second go-around. They are already mad that you are not satisfied with your meal. You are messing with your stomach when you do this. Then you wonder what that extra “crunchiness” is in your food???Hmmm?!?!
People who have an attitude at the drive through when ordering their food. Don’t ever talk BS to the people at the drive through. You know that they are underpaid and overworked, the last thing they need is someone putting some extra “stank” on it. You might see something “unidentifiable” in your food. Think back to how you treated the person on the other end of the speaker. Just sayin’
Now, think about which one of these that you have done. You just have to laugh. Enjoy your day!
It’s August or Ya es Agosto! Can you believe how fast the year is going by? Check out some things happening this month.
First week of August-August 1-August 7 is National Simplify Your Life Week
National Simplify Your Life week means to make things easier for yourself. If you feel stressed or feel like your load is too much, cut some things out. Limit the number of tasks that you sign on to do. You are only one person and as such, you have to take care of you first. If you are no good, you can’t be good for anyone else. Simplifying can mean that you clean out your garage or closet(s). You might also consider simplifying your life mentally by saying no to new projects until you can complete what you already have on your plate. Cutting lose toxic or negative people from your life is another way to simplify things. If someone in your life brings you more strife and drama than happiness and good times, you have a choice to make for your own wellbeing.
August 3-National Watermelon Day
Watermelon is both a fruit and vegetable. You can eat the whole fruit, including the rind. It comes in seedless and seeded varieties. Eat it plain or try one of the many recipes online for watermelon treats. This melon not only tastes good but has health benefits. The high content of water makes it a great choice of fruit to help with lowering high blood pressure. It also has antioxidants which helps with the heart and eye health.
August 12- International Youth Day
This day brings awareness to the challenges that some children all over the world face. Education and poverty being among the top issues. Celebrating the achievements of the youth is also the purpose. Get involved by having conversations with both younger people and older adults. Mentor or tutor a child who may struggle with education and/or social issues.
August 14-National Financial Awareness Day
Financial awareness day is a day to assess where you are money-wise. Being financially secure means different things for everyone. Look at what you can do to improve your financial situation and make the steps necessary to attain that goal. Research finances. Compare your income to what your monthly bills are and make the changes to have more coming in than going out. Maybe, start a budget and keep track of spending habits to see what changes are needed. Around 50% of Americans are living check to check. That is a staggering number. It’s a good idea to have some kind of “money cushion” for emergencies.
August 16-National Rum Day
On National Rum Day, August 16th; celebrate by having a rum daiquiri, spiced rum drink or any number of rum cocktails. Rum is a distilled alcohol drink derived from sugar cane and molasses. It is one of the top 3 alcoholic beverages. You can enjoy clear Rum or dark Rum. It can be mixed to make Pina Coladas, Mojitos, and Daiquiri’s too. You can also add it to your baking recipes. Think Rum cake. Drink responsibly.
August 21-Poet’s Day
Poet’s Day is a day of recognition for poets and the art of poetry. There are different forms of poetry. You don’t have to be an expert to write poems. Even if writing poems is not your thing, you may enjoy reading them. Rapping is also a form of poetry, not often embraced by the masses.
José Martí was a poet and journalist born in Havana, Cuba. During the time he lived in New York City, he wrote in Spanish and English newspapers. Mostly about the difficult relations between Latin America and the United States. There is a statue of José Martí in Central Park South. It depicts him on a horse during his last times in battle.
August 27- National Just Because Day
National Just Because day is just that; just because. On this day, you might want to do something out of the ordinary. Do something just because you feel like it or just for no reason at all. Think of something that breaks up the monotony. Maybe go for a walk at a park you normally don’t visit. Gift someone something special for no apparent reason. When they ask, “what is this for?” You can say, “just because”. You get the idea. Run with it!
By now, most of us are feeling the pinch with the high gas prices. At least the people who do not have electric cars. Unfortunately for people with gas cars, they have to buy fuel in order to get where they need to go, to do what they need to do. Drivers of electric cars are the lucky ones right now. Even though gas prices are going down, there are things we can do to make the most of the gas we buy. The tips below are some ways to save on gas.
Lighten the load
Lighten the load in the car. When the car is weighed down with a lot of stuff in the trunk, back seat, etc this causes the gas to burn faster. The lighter the car the less gas you use. Take this time to empty out the trunk of things you don’t need. This might be a good time to give away that stuff to your local donation center.
Drive slower
Reducing your speed helps save gas. The faster you drive the more gas you use. Driving in an aggressive manner or driving too fast, is a sure way to drain the tank. Hard braking and switching lanes often can also waste gas.
Plan your trips
When you do get gas, try to fill up to avoid making multiple trips for gas. Run errands for things that are on your way to or from your usual places. If something can wait and is not on your route, plan that for a day when you can do multiple things in that area. If you can, walk to the store or anywhere you need to go. Leave the car parked.
The earlier the better
Try to gas up your car early in the morning, before stations raise the price. Also, you might want to get gas earlier in the week, like on a Tuesday or Wednesday. Some gas stations raise the prices starting on Thursday in anticipation for weekend travel.
Pay with cash
Consider paying for your gas with cash. Some stations charge less when you pay with cash. This helps them avoid fees when customers use credit/debit cards. I know the plastic is more convenient, and in some cases safer than carrying cash.
Use reward cards
You may want to use discount, loyalty/rewards cards at your local gas stations. You can save anywhere between 3-25 cents or more per gallon of gas. This does make a difference.
Hope you find these tips useful. I’m sure you have heard some of these suggestions before, and if you have pass them along to someone else. The link below helps you find the cheapest gas prices in your area.
You might be one of those people who are contemplating leaving the United States. Why? Because there is a lot going on right now. I know that the US is not the only place with its set of problems. Any place you choose to live will come with its own unique challenges.
Let’s say you are one of those people who had to leave the US, where would you go? Would you go to Canada, Mexico, Africa, Australia, India, Italy, Japan, Jamaica, or the United Kingdom? And why did you choose that place? Maybe it’s another location not on this list, tell us about it.
Correct me if I’m wrong but, we are in the year 2022? And this is the United States? This is not a country that discourages women to educate themselves, right? Is anyone listening?!
So, why is there this controversy about a woman’s right to have an abortion? There should be no question about a woman having the right and freedom to choose what she does with her body. Abortion rights should not be in the hands of government. How did we get here as a country?
Past and Present
Well, let’s see… Women have not always had the same freedoms and privileges as their male counterparts. The 19th amendment gave women the right to vote. Playing sports for women came around the year 1920. Women were finally made a part of the military in the year 1948. Some countries still try to block women from getting an education. Also, women make less money than men and are just as, or more qualified for the same job. Why is that?
Why are women’s rights being rationed and then stripped away? It is not fair that we are regulated in this way. Where is the gender equality? We have brains just like men and are capable of thinking for ourselves. No, we don’t have the brute physical strength of men, but we have made a lot of strides and impactful progress in the world!
A woman should have the basic human right to decide what she does with her body. If she becomes pregnant, she should not have to resort to unsafe, unhealthy and dangerous solutions in an attempt to abort the pregnancy: if she so chooses. The choice to either carry a pregnancy to term or abort it, no matter the reason, should be that woman’s choice.
Not some government!
Everyone has their opinion as to whether abortion is right or wrong. Whether it is right or wrong as it relates to religion. Whether it is the right economical choice. Is it right morally? Whether it is right or wrong physically. Whether it is right or wrong mentally. Such a decision when it relates to abortion is a deeply personal one. It is between that woman and her maker.
Not some government!
No matter what the law is in your state, the Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act (EMTALA) can override the local state law for emergency purposes. It is a protection for any provider who may perform an abortion. The original premise of the EMTALA was to provide treatment to everyone regardless of their ability to pay. This enabled people to receive care and not be turned away.
Why Now?
The Roe vs Wade decision has been overturned. Why now after so many years has this happened? It makes no sense. This decision is going to impact a lot of people all over the world. We are dealing with so many other issues and now this is another concern.
Women are valuable human beings but are being treated like we are incapable of making our own decisions. The overturning of Roe vs Wade complicates so many things for so many people. This world will face overpopulation and poverty levels are going to rise. Sadly, some women will lose their lives because they are carrying a pregnancy that might be medically dangerous. Other women will die trying to have a procedure done in unsafe ways.
Some women may not be able to seek emergency abortion care under the protection of EMTALA. The decision to overturn Roe vs Wade was not made with the well-being or best interest of women in mind. “The powers that be”, aka “the government”, sit around and make decisions for an entire group of people. Making decisions without any thought of how it will affect not only their family, but families all over the world.
Currently, families are struggling financially to put food on the table, and clothes on their backs. Struggling to gas up their cars. Stressing about the cost of housing and wondering if they will make next month’s rent or mortgage. Now, add to it the number of women who are stripped of a fundamental human right to choose what to do with their own bodies. Now, you tell me what is wrong with this picture!!
We have a lot of work to do in this country. Gender equality should not be up for debate. Yes, we are women. No, we are not trying to assume the roles of men but just want to be treated fairly. We want our voice to be heard. Not forced into something that “some government” told us we have to do under the law. It just begs the question, what right do you have to be a woman?
What is reggaeton? You can call it Spanish rap, reggae en Español, dancehall or Caribbean music. No matter what you call it, this music gets your body moving. If you hear a reggaeton song and you are not out of your seat or nodding your head; something is wrong. Reggaeton combines different styles of music for songs with a unique sound. Lyrics to reggaeton are in rapping format or in singing format.
Daddy Yankee, “Gasolina”
Tego Calderon, “Pa Que Retozen”
Where Did Reggaeton Come From?
Debate about the true origin of reggaeton is still open. Some say reggaeton originated in Panama. Others will say Puerto Rico, Jamaica or Dominican Republic. The music genre called Reggaeton was born from a song by Shabba Ranks called, ‘Dem Bow”. This song helped mold what Reggaeton has evolved into today. No matter where it came from it definitely has a distinct sound. There is no denying the rhythm and how this music will make you move.
Some people regard reggaeton with a negative connotation. Reggaeton has been banned in some countries. People feel that it contributes to delinquency, that it is too sexual and portrays violence. Many of the videos show women half-dressed and dancing provocatively. It is the same as other music videos of similar genres.
Ivy Queen, “Yo Quiero Bailar”
Try listening to some of the reggaeton artists. You may be surprised to learn that you like the music. All of the songs are not the same with the same message. Some reggaeton music has a little bit of a softer sound. Check it out and you may discover a new love for Reggaeton.
Wisin & Yandel, “Prende ft. Franco el Gorilo, O’Neill
Reggaeton artists that you might have heard of are Tego Calderon, Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, Pitbull and Wisin & Yandel. Let’s not forget the female reggaeton artists Karol G, Ivy Queen, Becky G, Farina, Anitta, Rauw Alejandro.
Reggaeton is the type of music that you either love or hate. You decide.
For anyone who missed the show, Da Hip Hop Barbershop Presents on iHeart Radio- WDRB Media- The Voice of the Community. You can check it out here. Thank you all for listening!
The host, Ock the Barber will be interviewing me to promote my blog, Inspire By O’Nika. Topic discussion will include my posts on Hip Hop Music Culture of the 80s and 90s, Gun Violence- We Can Do Without It, Self Esteem and Why It’s Important and a host of other things.
A little about the show, Da Hip Hop Barbershop Presents. The host is Ock the Barber and he is also the owner of a mobile barber shop. As the name of the show indicates, the show is related to Hip Hop. You will hear Ock along with Louis Hicks, Jr. tackle some subjects like stress, ghostwriting and a tribute to DJs. Even if you do not listen to Hip Hop, you will hear about other things happening in the community. The show will not disappoint. If you want to hear some grown up, clean discussions and music which also includes other things going on take a listen to this radio station.
Da Hip Hop Barbershop Presents airs on Sundays at 12:00 am on iHeart Radio-WDRB Media- The Voice of the Community.
I want to give a big thank you to Ock the Barber and Louis Hicks, Jr for making this opportunity possible!
Big ups to Queen Latifah and Shaquille O’Neal for their efforts with affordable housing in Newark, New Jersey. This is much needed in the Newark and surrounding areas. I know families who live there are grateful to have housing that is not breaking their pocket.
People who love their community should not feel pressured to leave because it costs too much to live in the area. A lack of resources can put a strain on the pockets of many. Newark has definitely changed over the years. You can see some revitalization happening in different parts of the city. It is nice to see.
Queen Latifah’s Project
Affordable units called Rita Gardens will be available and are located at 650 Springfield Avenue, Newark, NJ. Springfield Avenue is one of the major streets that continues into neighboring cities like Irvington, Maplewood, Union, Springfield, Vaux Hall and towards Jersey City going in the opposite direction. An electric car charging station, business center and fitness center are some of the amenities you will find. There will be market priced units in addition to the affordable units made available.
Shaquille O’Neal’s Project
777 McCarter Highway is a project underway, close to Newark Penn Station. This will be a mixed residential property with 20% of the units affordably priced. This high-rise property will feature an indoor pool, roof top lounge, a gym and concierge service. Space for retail businesses will also be available at this location.
What a great effort by Queen Latifah and Shaquille O’Neal! It goes to show what is possible by teaming up with others who are passionate about the communities they grew up in. Newark is steadily changing, and it seems to be moving in the right direction. Thank you to Queen Latifah, Shaquille O’Neal and all the partners and investors who are making this possible for the community in Newark, New Jersey!
Losing a pet feels just like losing family. As I see it, pets are family too. They have their own personalities, they bring us joy and happiness, they chew or scratch on things that they shouldn’t, but we still love them anyway.
Tomorrow marks the one-year anniversary of my dog’s death. His name was Max and on June 14, 2021; he crossed the Rainbow Bridge. He was a short-haired, Red, Dachshund. It is hard to believe that he is gone, and it still hurts. Max was a senior dog and he developed health problems as he got older.
People say that he was just an animal. Well, anyone who has lost a dog, cat or other pet knows different. He was more than just an animal he was family. Max brought me many years of happiness and companionship. He made me smile and laugh. At times, he was messy and I would get upset, but I would take care of him all over again!
Where’s my food?
Max loved to ride in the car
Snuggled in his blanket
I dare you to come on this porch
Do you mind… I’m trying to nap
This blanket is so comfy
Outside in the snow
Max and Frosty
Max used to dance with me. When he was younger, he would lay on his back and wait for his belly to be rubbed. That was one of his favorite things. He also liked to “kill” the squeaker out of his toys. It would take him under 10 minutes to get the squeaker out of his toys. He loved that and I enjoyed watching him. He was so intense. Max also loved to snuggle under his blankets.
Dachshunds are small dogs but they are brave. Max was never afraid of dogs that were 2-3 times his size. He was a great protector too. He protected his people and his home. Also, if you know about his breed of dog, they are very vocal. Dachshunds will make themselves known and if anyone walked up to the door, they knew he was there. His bark sounded like he was a big dog and people would be surprised to see that he was so little.
Max and His Extended Family
Max also had neighbors, Mister and Celie; they were Dachshunds too. The three of them would talk to each other by the fence in the backyard. Max would go over to the fence looking for either Mister or Celie. Sadly, they have crossed the Rainbow Bridge too. I understand what their family is feeling during this time of loss. Listen to them during one of their “talks” at the fence.
Saying Goodbye
It is very hard to say goodbye to the fur babies in our lives. They enrich our lives in so many ways. We also help them and make their lives better too. Max is definitely missed but I know that he is no longer in pain. I focus on all the good times we had together to get over him not being here.
