How to Be Happy: Happiness Becomes You by Tina Turner

 

                                                        Tina Turner, Courtesy of Wikipedia

Tina Turner (November 26, 1939-May 24, 2023) was a famous singer, actor, producer and writer. Her hero's journey began in a small rural town in Brownsville, Tennessee. Turner's childhood was difficult due to financial poverty and racial discrimination. However, she was destined for greatness. Turner became an international star and sold millions of records worldwide. While browsing books at a recent library visit, Happiness Becomes You by Tina Turner caught my attention.  Turner dedicated the book to her readers: "I dedicate this book to you....in honor of your unseen efforts to triumph over each problem life sends your way." Let's discuss...

Celebration Bowl 2025 - Prairie View A&M vs South Carolina State University- Lessons on Bouncing Back from Adversity

South Carolina State University overcomes a 21-point deficit at half-time to win the 2025 Celebration Bowl!

South Carolina State University Wins by 2 points!

At half-time South Carolina State University scored 0 points

I look forward to attending the Cricket Celebration Bowl every year. The bowl is a post-season game between the champions of the Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference (MEAC) and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), which are two prominent conferences of historical black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The competitive festive family friendly event is a fun time. Even though I did not attend a HBCU, I love supporting and sharing the experience with the community.  On December 13th, Prairie View A&M played against South Carolina State University. The game is inspirational and a metaphor about overcoming adversity.  Let's discuss....

Book Review: Men and Grief, by Mitch Cohen M. ED, Contributors: Jon Yaeger; Robert Rainey; Dom Caratzas; Derek Scott, RSW, and Stuart Smith, LPC

 

"Life is suffering," is one of the Four Noble Truths in the Buddhist religion. Even though I am not Buddhist, I agree. Suffering is universal because it is an integral part of the human experience. Grieving is one of the few experiences in life we all have in common. Show me one person who has never cried in life. Go ahead, I will wait. Everybody grieves. It is quite common for women to be vocal about grief. For an example, most talk shows are female topic focused. In contrast, it is not common for men to be vulnerable and openly share their grief.  In the book, Men and Grief by Mitch Cohen M. Ed. and Contributors: Jon Yaeger; Robert Rainey; Dom Caratzas; Derek Scott, RSW, and Stuart Smith, LPC, men share their stories of grief and how they found strength to overcome sorrow through family, therapy, community and love. Let's discuss.....

How to Get Away with Murder: In Defense of Michaela Pratt

                  Michaela Pratt from How to Get Away with Murder, portrayed by actress                                                                     Aja Naomi King

How To Get Away with Murder (HTGAWM), rated TV-14, is one of my favorite legal dramas. As of November 2025, it is streaming on Amazon Prime. Peter Nowalk is the creator and Shondra Rhimes is the executive producer. HTGAWM follows the lives of Analise Keating, a defense attorney and law professor, and five of her law students (K5), who are involved in a series of complex murder plots. However, the complicated relationship between the K5 is why I repeatedly watch it on streaming. My favorite character is Michaela Pratt, portrayed eloquently by actress Aja Naomi King, who on the surface is not very likeable until you get to know her. I know her. Let's discuss....Warning, this post contains spoilers.  

Book Review: 10th Anniversary Edition: Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes

 

Shonda Rhimes is a prolific television screenwriter, producer and founder of Shondaland, her production company. Highly rated Shondaland produced shows include How to Get Away with Murder, The Residence, Scandal, Bridgerton and others. When I heard that Rhimes was coming to my city to promote the 10th Anniversary of her Year of Yes memoir, I didn't think twice before buying a ticket. Let's discuss.....