The Morgan Magazine Issue#10 by The Morgan Magazine

Issue#10

Editor-in-Chief Amanda Nicole Fatiah Rebbekkah Managing Editor Denise E. Abrams Creative Director Fatiah Rebbekkah

WRITERS MUSIC

Chelsea Cherry

Editor Red Spyda

Lifestyle Charity Barksdale News Charlie O. Relationships Lisa J.

FASHION Jace Yzaguirre

CONTENTS MARCHAPRIL 2016 ISSUE 10

BE D E R PI S IN 16

13 Artist Spotlight ? ? 6 14

Cover Story

Hair

Ms. Morgan Said What?!

Morgan 411 @Style ?

Wellness

All Things Morgan

32 5

Behind The Bar

BC B

The images presented in this print are copyrighted to their rightful owners. The Morgan Magazine only has rights to materials produced by The Morgan Magazine. The images are only being used for informational purposes. Its inclusion in any article adds significantly to the articles because it shows the subject of the article and how the images depicted is familiar to the general public. The images readily available on the internet.

I Just Want To Say Thank You Dear Facebook,

Before you I would have to call and visit my friends and family to keep in touch and find out what was happening with them. Before you I had a few friends and now I have hundreds of friends that wish me happy birthday and share their opinions about what I think or believe. Before you people would think I was shy, but now they know I’m fun and outgoing with the pictures and videos I share. Basically before you I actually had to make an effort. Make an effort to show my family and friends that I care, care enough to remember their birthday, because with you I get a reminder. I had to make an effort to show that I am a good friend by sitting and listening to my friends talk about there troubles, but now with you I can just click the like button, but now that button has options and that’s enough. With you Facebook, I wouldn’t know my family and friends were having babies and getting married, or break up and getting together, or know who they thought was hot this week. There is just so much that has changed since you came into my life Facebook. I guess I should be saying Thank You. Thank you for being the middle app I didn’t know I needed until you came into my life. Thank you for showing me that its so easy for people to stop making an effort towards people they say they care about. Its funny because I found out my cousin was having babies because you were there. I found out another cousin got married because you were there. I found out my friend had a baby shower, because you were there, I wasn’t even invited. My best friend had an amazing time for her birthday and I found out because you were there. If it wasn’t for you I would miss out on so much, so Thank you Facebook. Oh I don’t want to forget how easy you make it for my ex’s to stalk me and keep up with how Im doing. Anyone can check me in to a location and know what I’m doing. Thank you Facebook, because I can change my number and my email address, but you will still be there to keep them posted.

Sincerely,

Amanda Nicole

S E A S O N A L

U P D A T E

H E A LT H Y D E C O R

THE GEL INSIDE OF THE ALEO VERA HEALS CUTS.

SPRING FOR INDOOR PLANTS! Have you noticed that the air inside can be a bit more hazardous than the air outside. There are truly days when we need to go outside to get some fresh air. So what can we do about it. Get a plant. Its so true. According to MNN.com In the late 80â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s NASA and

SPIDER PLANT

the Associated Landscape Contractors of America studied house plants as a way to purify the air. They found several plants that filter out common volatile organic compounds. Since indoor air is so poor lets do something to help improve the air we breath

GOLDEN POTHOS

inside. And it looks good too. There are so many to choose from, here are a few. The Aleo (Aleo Vera) - Is easy to grow sun loving succulent helps clear for maldehyde and benzene good for a sunny kitchen.

GERBERA DAISY

Spider plant (chlorophytum comosum) If you neglect houseplants, it’s hard to kill this resilient plant. It’s foliage is rich and tiny white flowers will brighten your apartment. The Spider plant battles benzene, carbon monoxide and xylene. This is a safe house plant. If you have pets. This plant does well in cool to average home temperatures and prefer dry soil. Indirect sunlight works well for this plant.

ANOTHER WAY TO GROW SPIDER PLANT

Golden pothos (Scindapsus aures) aka Devils Ivy - This powerful plant tackles formaldehyde, It’s fast growing vine is great for hanging. It stays green even when kept in the dark. This plant needs bright indirect light. Don’t over water you’ll end up with root rot. Keep away from small children and pets.

LOOKS GREAT HANGING

OR MAYBE STANDING

Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) - A Ficus in your living room can help filter out pollutants that typically accompany carpeting and furniture such as formaldehyde benzene and trichloroethylene, The ficus can last a long time once you learn how to water and get the light condition right. Bright direct light. Keep in a consistent temperature.

Gerbera daisy (Gerbera jamesonii) - A bright flowering plant is good at removing trichloroethylene, you might bring this home with your dry cleaning. It also filters out the benzene that comes with ink. Good in laundry rooms or bedrooms if there is lots of light. Keep soil well drained, mist leaves a couple of times week direct sunlight .

FASHION

INSPIRED Be

BROOKLYN MAMI

OCEAN SIDE

9021 OH!

SOHO READY

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Who is Josh Jacobs? The Puerto Rican, East New York born and bred rapper, making waves in the industry has overcome a difficult upbringing, cultivated an appreciation of artists from each era of Hip-Hop spanning the golden era through the millennium, made peace with his demons, and possess a drive and hustle that is short of remarkable for someone his age. After an epiphany a few years ago, Josh decided to switch up his punchline and metaphor-centric style. Realizing he doesn’t live the street life, he prefers to put out music with captivating beats and insightful lyrics. “Don’t talk about it if you aren’t living it. I’m a White Puerto Rican from East New York. If I’m going to do this, why not do this being me. You know, tell people my story”, said Jacobs. With an ear for quality production, it’s no surprise he lists Dr. Dre as his dream collaboration. With an iPod that has an extremely eclectic range of artists, it’s clear his style is influenced by the broad range of Pac to Florence and the machine. Stay tuned Josh Jacobs is up next!

Invoked by vengeance, happiness, purpose and

worked to support him. Due to the separation of

inspiration, Josh Jacobs delivers driving melodies

his parents (before his birth), Josh never knew

with harmony and creative rhyming with wordplay

what it was like to live a "normal life"; visiting 3 to

to get his sound and message across. With his

4 different households throughout the week until

own ferocious performance style and savvy lyrics

his grandparents moved back to Puerto Rico and

of redemption, Josh is also inspired by Eminem’s

he was forced to move in with his mother.

delivery, Kanye’s diversity, Kendrick Lamar’s

Diagnosed with depression at age 10 and the

storytelling and Florence and the Machine’s

presence of a new step father he resented,

instrumentation. The self proclaimed "Son of

Jacobs was in search of an escape. He found that

None", uses a pen, pad, and a microphone as

escape in sports, movies, and music.

tools for the reconstruction of his life. Josh Jacobs harnesses those demons from within, using them

Josh Jacobs spent most of his teenage years

as fuel to entertain with high energy and

writing, recording, performing, and developing his

emotional performances. Combining his

skill sets from freestyle rap, to battle rap, to

influences, inspirations and experiences, Josh

songwriting. From writing rhymes in the basement

Jacobs is an introspective son of hip hop.

of his step father's house to performing live, Josh Jacobs continues on his quest for enlightenment

Raised in East New York, Brooklyn, (deeply drug

while using his story as an example in helping

infested and poverty stricken) , Jacobs lived with

others to better their lives.

his grandparents while his mother and father

FOODIES CORNER

Foodie Corner INGREDIENTS:

EGGPLANT FRIES with confectioners sugar

4 large eggplants 4 cups of Canola oil 1/2 cup of flour 1 cup of buttermilk 3 eggs 2 cups bread crumbs 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Confectioners sugar

NOTE: THOUGHT Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;D SHARE THIS FOUND IT WHILE FLIPPING THROUGH MY RECIPES

Shopping List:

Step by step: I found this in my recipe box, thought I should share it. A change from french fries or sweet potato fries. Cut eggplants into 2 inch fries, skin on. Reserve. Mix eggs and buttermilk then combine bread crumbs and Parmesan. Heat oil to 340 degrees. Dredge fries in flour. Place fries in egg wash and then transfer to bread crumb mixture, coat. Fry until golden in 340 degree oil, transfer onto a paper towel. Separate onto 4 plates and sprinkle generously with Confectioners sugar. Enjoy!

Try New Things... Open Yourself Up TO Somthing Different

April In Paris In a Champagne flute: 1oz Orange Liqueur Fill with Champagne Garnish with Orange Slice

Green Apple Mimosa In a Champagne flute: 1 heaping tablespoon of fresh Green Apple (mashed) 1/2oz of Sour Apple Schnapps Fill with Champagne

BEHIND THE BAR

TIP #121

Cover

#spring

HAIR FOR spring IT’S SPRING, AND OUR HAIR IS READY TO BE FREE. THE WINTER WAS HARSH, NOW IT IS THE TIME TO LET OUR HAIR DOWN AND ENJOY THE NEW TRENDS AND OLD FAVORITES OF STYLES THE EXPERTS SAY WILL HAVE YOU LOOKING IN THE KNOW.

EASY TO BE YOU HAIR. WHERE YOUR HAIR FREE FLOWING AND NATURAL.

BE THE NATURAL YOU. GET INTOUCH WITH YOUR “HIPPIE CHICK” FUN AND FREE JUST LET IT BE.

COMBS AND CLIPS ADORN THE HAIR SHOW YOUR FUN AND WHIMSY SIDE

FIND YOUR INNER GODDESS,ACCESSORIES

TIE IT UP LADIES. BRING SOPHISTICATION TO A CASUAL LOOK .

HAIR FOR THE SPRING

BANG IT OUT WITH COLOR AND BANGS. EVEN IF YOU DON’T COMMIT USE FAKE BANGS TO BOOST YOUR LOOK FOR THE DAY.

SHE BANGS WITH COLOR

TWIST AND BRAIDS - WILL NOT DISAPPEAR TIGHTEN THEM UP THIS SPRING

TWIST IT UP THE BUN’S NOT DONE! - EASY TO DO, A GO TO STYLE FOR DRESSING UP OR DOWN.

Spring

Ms. Morgan Said What!

1 Change things around give your space a lift with a few decorating tricks that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t cost you a dime.

Who else do we look to when we decide to not only spring clean but revamp our space but Ms. Martha Steward herself. So according to her this is some of what we need to have and do to get our life. Create a Checklist: 1. Wipe walls and ceiling - In the kitchen use a degreaser. 2. Vacum and Shampoo rugs - High End Rugs get them professionally cleaned. 3. Dust Books and Bookshelves. 4. Polish metal doors and window hardware use liquid polishes. Wash windows as well. 5. Wax wooden Furniture - using cloth dampened with water and mild dishwashing liquid. Follow directions on Furniture wax product. 6. Ensure Fire Safety - Change batteries in smoke detectors make sure units are free of dust.

TIME TO SPRING

CLEAN Here is small check list to help you clean up and rethink your space.

NOW THAT THE CLEANING IS DONE There are a few decorating trick that can be used to give your space a new feel. The rebirth of Spring can be seen in your home. Bright and new and Fresh. According to Better Homes and Gardens, there are solutions for each problem. In the image above the problem of low ceilings is solved by faking high ceilings. Place window treatments above the window frame. Draperies should graze the bottom of the window sill or the floor.

The room doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel inviting Nothing is more cozy than a pile of pillows.

Accessories - Put colorful fruit on display in a Glass Jar or Footed glass bowls. Choose long lasting fruits Oranges, Lemons, Limes. Bring Spring In.

Remember if it can be afforded, pain old furniture and make it new with color. Show your personality and brighten up your space. Check out www.bhg.com for more great ideas.

Furniture line the Walls - Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be a wall flower. Move furniture away from the wall. Create a conversation area and make the room look larger.

@Style

INFLUENCERS THROUGH TIME Can you really say you have style or know

fashion if you do not know those who have truly influenced style and fashion through out time. Here is a small group of style influencers that we at the Morgan wanted to talk about. They influence some of our style.

Written by Denise Abrams, Managing Editor

Madame de Pompadour Versailles became the center for French Fashion. According to the fashionencycolopedia.com King Louis XV (1638-1715) surrounded himself with a huge court of officers and advisers and held numerous lavish balls. wealthy nobles competed to wear the most tasteful and elegant clothes. French cities led the production of silk, lace and brocade. this expanded their influence. France exported fashion publications. Louis believed that he could best lead his country by setting an example of style and taste. The one that influenced him the most and was a great part of what style in Paris was then and is now, Madame de Pompadour. She was his mistress, friend and adviser. She remained with the king till her death in 1764. The “Pompadour Style”. She loved wearing the style that trended during the Rococo Age. “The Rococo Style is from the French word rocaille, for rock and shell garden ornamentation. Painters turned from grandiloquence to the sensual surface delights of color and light”. www.nga.gov TheCollection National Gallery of Art.

The style was light simple pastel colors. She is known to be a fashion Icon. She influenced many new colors that were invented like “Rose Pompadour, Bleu du Roi” we still use today. Madame Pompadour was glamour and elegance and the most famous woman of the Rococo style. “She lastly, use to put on some paintings about herself showing her glamour and her style with all the elegant gowns she used to wear to illustrate, remind and impress King Louis XV with her beauty and her elegance by highlighting her exquisite characteristics. 23

Born October 28, 1897 She earned a Master of Arts degree in Romance Languages in 1920. She became Chief Designer at Paramount Pictures in 1933 and later Universal Studios. Ms. Head won 8 Academy Awards for her work in All about Eve 1950 and Roman Holiday in 1953. She was the designer on the Ten Commandments. Edith Head received her Oscar nomination for her work on Bob Fosseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 1969 musical Sweet Charity. She died at 83 on October 24, 1981.

Grace Kelly in Rear Window

Edith Head

Shirley McClaine, Sweet Charity

Ann Baxter, The Ten Commandments

Grace Kelly, Rear Window

William Travilla

William Travilla was born on Catalina Island, on March 22, 1920. He studied at the Chouinard School of Art in LA. Travilla made money designing costumes for showgirls. In 1941 he signed with Columbia. After two years he left. Travilla became a personal designer to Ann Sheridan at Warner Brothers. He won the Academy Award for Adventures of Don Juan in 1948. He then went on to 20th Century Fox. At the same time he opened Travilla Inc. Creating several award winning designs. He dressed stars like Marlene Dietrich, Joan Crawford and Loretta Young. Travilla is most known for designing gowns for Marilyn Monroe in eight of her most popular films. The White Dress in The Seven Year Itch in 1955 may be the most famous. He won an Emmy award for Outstanding Design for Dallas in 1978. He died November 2, 1990.

Linda Gray, and others, Dallas

Marilyn Monroe, The Seven Year Itch.

Halston Born on April 23, 1932, in Des Moines, Roy Halston Frowick, he dressed the disco style in the 1970â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. What made him a household name, minimal, sophisticated design. The Jersey Halter Dress, The Ultra-suede Shirtwaist Dress and sleek Jumpsuits. He made clothes for his mother and sister at an early age. Halston studied art at the Art Institute of Chicago and also attended Indiana University. Halston moved to New York in 1958 and worked for milliner Lilly Dache. Halston designed hats for Jacqueline Kennedy including her pillbox hat. Halston opened his own Salon in 1968 and in 1972 he created the shirtwaist dress made in the new faber Ultra-suede in 1974. Halston debuted his trademark silk Jersey dresses with halter neckline. In 1975, Halston debuted his popular eponymous fragrance. His clients include Liza Minnelli, Elizabeth Taylor, Bianca Jagger and Jerry Hall. His trademark included the One Shoulder evening gowns, jumpsuits,pajama sets, draped dresses, slim trouser suits, jersey sheaths, wide cut pants and the jersey caftans. Halston was the first designer to license himself a brand. Sadly he was also fired from his own company and was unable to design under his own name. He died on March 26, 1990 from complications of AIDS.

The Trademark One Shoulder Dress

Halston with best friend Liza Minnelli 26

Wellness

“New year, New me.”, “This year I will redeem my hot body.”, “Now that the holidays are over , , ,”, by Chelsea Cherry The list goes on. Around the first of every year, many people feel it’s a great time for a reset on life. They write down resolutions, pledge to make better choices and more strategic decisions. But somewhere along the way, they lose focus, and their goals are not realized. I know because I’ve been there. I am a huge foodie. I love the way food tastes, smells, looks - you name it. Not once did it ever cross my mind that I of all people would have disciplined myself to live a healthy lifestyle and write about it. But one day the reality of being overweight, and continuing to live unhealthy set in. I was TIRED. Tired of going up a flight of stairs and being winded. Tired of struggling to bend down for long periods of time to tie a shoe, or to pick something up. Tired of bad food choices leading to bad acne. I didn't feel comfortable and confident in my own skin. I thought long and hard on my goals and where I saw myself wanting to be in the future. I made a list of things that I enjoyed and creatively pulled ideas from that to assist me in this lifestyle change. These things included my love for cooking (finding healthy, tasteful ways to switch it up), and my passion for dance and music (Zumba and RPM Cycling). I took baby steps in the right direction with my food choices and exercise until discipline came naturally.

Wellness It is my hope that after reading this, you will receive some helpful insight on what it means to BUILD a healthy lifestyle,

form habits through repetition. The difference between a diet and a healthy lifestyle is balance and the time endured. In a

gain an understanding of how this can be a path to a healthier, happier way of living, and leave you with suggestions that may

diet, there is zero balance. It’s more of an all-or-nothing commitment for a short period of time, giving you quick

inspire a jumpstart of the better forever. If you’ve already

results. This would be ideal for someone trying to drop weight

chosen a healthy lifestyle, congratulations. But don't stop reading just yet. There are ideas presented here that can serve

for a one-time special occasion. The danger though is that you may revert back afterwards.

as reassurance, or even offer something new to spice up your routine.

A healthy lifestyle however is one that must be built. This requires time, balance, and conscious decisions for a strong

There are so many reasons we create health and fitness goals.

foundation. The key is for the results to last, FOREVER.

But the two most important questions I ask you are these; “Do you actually stick with it?”, and “Are you doing it for the right

Are you always drained and feel a need for some extra energy in the tank? When you go shopping, do you feel the need to

reasons?”. It’s easy to research or hear of a new diet that will give you results. The hard part is the consistency. That’s where

avoid the jean section? So stressed, but have no outlet to cope? Well it’s your time to put a stop to the unpleasant feelings, and

self-discipline comes in. Many people set health goals and

start a journey to happiness.

never achieve them. Studies prove that when working out there is a chemical release Why? The reasons people choose to stick with health choices varies. I gave a large group of randomly selected people a

in the brain of both serotonin and dopamine. Serotonin is affiliated with one's

survey that asked why they make healthy decisions. (Please

mood, sexual desire, appetite,

note that this didn't specify their consistency or the ways they chose to go about their goals -healthy eating and/or exercise.)

sleep, memory, and temperature regulation. If you have a low level of serotonin, this could lead to depression. Dopamine

The top four most common answers given were; (1) to look good (2) family health risks (diabetes, high blood pressure,

deals with emotional response, movement, and your ability to feel pleasure. It makes sense why someone who doesn't release

high cholesterol, eating disorders, obesity, etc.) (3) wanting to

these chemicals can be so off balance. When dopamine and

live to see their children and grandchildren grow up (4) makes me feel better. When evaluating these reasons for choosing a

serotonin are released throughout the body, happiness occurs. Not only do you feel better with the way you look physically,

healthy lifestyle, I would say all of the answers make sense. It is so important that we become healthier because of something

but your emotions are recharged, your intellectual focus is cleared, and your breathing fitness is increased.

that truly matters to us. We are the start and finishing point of our motivation. Too many people look for someone to “motivate them,” when though you can have someone INSPIRE you, but the motivation must come from within. If you are setting a goal for the wrong reasons, that motivation will be quick to fade. Let’s be honest, everyone that lives a healthy lifestyle doesn’t always feel like making the better choice to eat a salad over fries or to push hard in the workout rather than being a couch potato that day. So when you come across days like these, the reason you chose this lifestyle will serve as your motivation. According to Aristotle, “we are what we repeatedly do.” In other words, as humans, we

Even if you love the way your body looks, the organs that are inside you must be taken care of or they wither away. What many people don’t realize is the pain that you feel when getting into shape, and the tough self-discipline it takes to go with a healthier food option, gets easier as it becomes a part of your routine. Your body will grow to be stronger the longer you endure. When your fitness level increases, the pain in your breathing and muscles, along with that feel-like-you’re-goingto-die ache and exhaustion goes away. You then reach a point where you begin to enjoy having the ability to control your respiratory level and can free your mind to a pleasant place, anywhere that you choose. You’re building your lungs and heart to a healthier you.

Wellness MIND OVER MATTER. You have the mental strength to conquer the unhealthy habits you’ve been following and start embracing what your body and mind truly need. Here are a list of tips to help you claim a healthy and happy life: ● -Post motivating pictures of your ideal healthy lifestyle around your bed area to remind yourself daily ● -Add a daily reminder on your phone. ● -Tell your trusted uplifting family and friends your goal(s) so that they hold you accountable. ● -Buddy up with someone who is already dedicated and disciplined. ● -Factor in cheat/slack days (BALANCE IS KEY TO MAINTAINING). ● -Buy an article of clothing that you REALLY would love to wear in a size smaller than your current size (that is if weight loss is your goal). ● -Avoid dieting. ● -Eat what you want in moderation/small serving sizes. ● -Transfer calories from one meal to another (i.e. if you know you are going to a dinner party and want a calorie-heavy meal, be sure to eat lighter meals earlier on.) ● -When eating out, ask for a to-go box at the beginning of the meal so that you can portion out only what you will eat to avoid overeating. ● -Eat healthy snacks so you aren’t binge eating at meal time. ● -When you think you may be hungry, drink a 8 oz glass of water to be sure you aren’t dehydrated rather than hungry (these two body functions can be tricky). ● -Start reasonably with your workouts, yet challenge yourself. ● Switch up your exercise activity so you don’t get bored (i.e. zumba, kick boxing, basket ball, soccer, cycling, hiking, spend time in the gym, workout outdoors when weather is nice, etc.). ● -Only have 30 mins on a specific day to workout?- Watch Youtube videos, utilize social media resources, and search engines (i.e. google) for brief yet hard-core workouts. ● -Meal Prep (use social media, books, magazines, and google to help with meal ideas to switch up so that you aren’t burnt out).

YOU THINK YOU KNOW...

Wellness

BUT YOU DON’T KNOW

By Amanda Nicole

Before you get pregnant, for the first time,

everything you think about are so shallow. I say shallow because pregnancy is much deeper than the things we initially think about. Every time I go to a baby shower, I always think about what I would do and all the things they did that I would not do because it was ghetto or just too much for a baby shower. Think about it, yeah you are happy for the girl and guy that are having the baby shower, we all think about what our baby shower would be like compared to theirs. Or what about when you pass by the baby section in a department store, we all take a glance at the clothes and think of how adorable our nonexistent baby would look the clothes that catch our attention. Not to mention when you see people with their kids and think to yourself “my child wouldn’t act like that”. We all talk a good one when we are not in the situation, I know I do.

! “OMG” was my first feeling and first words that come out of my mouth when I found out I was pregnant. I took three different test and they all came out the same, I don’t know why I thought the result would be different. I told the my boyfriend and he thought I was playing, once I convinced him I was telling the truth he was excited and shocked, I was just shocked. I was shocked for a long time, hell months later and I’m still shocked. It was hours before I saw my boyfriend and the first thing he asked me was how do I feel. How did I feel? I wasn’t throwing up thats what I expected being pregnant, throwing up all morning or all afternoon like Pheobe on Friends, but I didnt throw up, the only symptoms I had were being tired all day every single day. At times I go headaches, I had no appetite and when I did eat because I have to, I could never finish my food.

#Tribute

Actress, Debbie Morgan Debbie Morgan was born on September 20, 1956, in Dunn North Carolina

She earned four Daytime Emmy Award nominations and one win. Mozelle Batiste Belacroix in Eveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bayou (1997). The role earned her a Chicago Film Critics Association Award and an Independent Sprit Award. Ms. Morgan can be seen as a reoccurring character on the television show Power.

Her most Memorable role was on the series, All My Children as Angie Baxter. 31

SO WHAT ARE YOUR RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS?

! By: Charlie O.

My Baby Daddy

Your having his baby

If your not married, have you rea!y thought it a! through?

I was talking to someone recently about family and marriage and having children, and I was so surprised to learn how she really feels about it all. Educated woman, grown from another generation. She feels that if a woman is having a child and is not married to the father, she should be looking for a

proposal so that she would know that she is special. She said that this is the only way he would be obligated to her or the child. I was blown away. Could she be right? Perish the thought.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE INSTITUTION OF MARRIAGE? According to Robert Rector’s article published November 17, 2014, How Welfare Undermines Marriage “It is no accident that the collapse of marriage in America largely began with the War on Poverty and the proliferation of means-tested Welfare programs that it fostered.” It continues, “Since the beginning of the War on Poverty, less-educated mothers have

increasingly become married to the welfare state...rather than the fathers of their children.” The reason for this comes about with unexpected and unplanned pregnancies. Weather you are an under educated woman or a well educated one who choose to be single parent there are issues you all need to consider.

SO WHAT ARE YOUR RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS?

THIS IS NOT A SUBJECT TO BE TAKEN LIGHTLY Lets begin with the rights of the mother which is the one that is automatic. legalstreet.com tells us that mothers rights include the ability to dictate who can spend time with their children as well as make medial decisions on the behalf of the child. “Custody does not just refer to which parent the child lives with but the parents legal rights to make important decisions for the child. When an unwed mother most states acknowledge the mother as the only legal parent. A man cannot obtain visitation or custody rights simply by asking for them. He may get visitation rights if he can prove he has been an active participant in raising the child. With a lawyer a mother can present her side of the story to explain why it is in her child's best interest to not have the child's father involved in the upbringing of her child. “An unmarried father can take action to be awarded custody of a child.” (legalmatch.com)

A CHILD'S WELL BEING IS AT STAKE! baby is born and help to fill out the birth certificate form, complete a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity form in your state. If the mother protest your paternity, contact a government agency like Child Support Enforcement Division in your state. Or go to court to What should an unwed father establish your paternity. know? Fathers need to establish Men who are fathers, paternity. Without establishing regardless of their custody status, paternity an unmarried father has have financial responsibility to a no legal standing. Make sure your child. Terminate your paternity name is on the birth certificate. rights to avoid child support. It is If you cannot be there with the complicated when parents are mother at the hospital when the

unwed, when it comes to establishing and enforcing obligations. It is not a matter to be taken lightly when a child’s well being is at stake. In most states, if the father’s name is on the child's birth certificate, he will automatically be recognized as the child’s legal father and have an equal amount of standing in court as the mother. Lets be more than responsible, think beyond ourselves and remember our choices will impact others.

40% OF ALL CHILDREN BORN ARE BORN TO UNWED PARENTS If you decide to live together but not marry. Think about these issues. Proving paternity status, such as through birth certificate. Choosing a name that both parents can agree on. Making sure the child can qualify for government benefits, insurance and other policies. Child custody and visitation in the event of a break-up.

ADVICE

FRENEMY FRENEMY

BY CHARITY BARKSDALE

Greetings from the east coast lords and ladies of the realm. Today's lovely segment is going back in time to discuss something that has been around since the

wherefore art thou frenemy

dawn of a new era, betrayal and or haters.We have all experienced it

I'm sure one way or another it is the vicious circle of life.If you have yet to experience it then that is marvelous news kudos to you and around of applause.If your like me then you've seen betrayal rare it's ugly head in more ways than one.How many women have had a best friend that you would entrust you inner most secrets your dreams and even your lies to, and at the drop of a dime they would spill your secrets out as if they were possessed by Brutus himself.I've encountered many frenemies and if you are confused exactly what a frenemy is allow me to explain.A frenemy is a person with whom one is friendly despite a fundamental dislike or rivalry, Like your co workers for example.These are the people that would smile in your face and give you advice and justly turn around at the next to gossip tear your reputation down all the while trying to sleep with your man.Well I say to my Queens out there my warrior princesses No more.These foul turncoats will allow social media to be there weapon of choice there venomous words there art of seduction will be the seed that grows to betrayal.You ask what can be done.I have steps to deal with serpent like friends. 34

1. Clean house before you can deal with a frenemy you have to check and see if your friends with one for example frenemies are the master of backhand compliments those are the compliments your receive that has a insult to follow for example."Your shoes are nice to bad you don't the toes to show them off properly.Note a real friend will just tell you if something doesn't compliment you there not going to build your confidence up and then tear you down that ladies is a hater a frenemy 2. Watch out, Frenemies are never able to enjoy your good fortune. If something good happens to you, their bottom lip curls into a sneer and they just have to say something derogatory, undermine and barbed. 3. Ladies trust your instincts we always ignore them until it comes back and bites us in the butt and then we look dumbfounded . We have them for a reason if it walks like a duck quacks like a duck then it's a duck. 4. If your unsure of a friend intentions or motives speak to someone whom you do trust and get there opinion .I normally consult my mom she's always been honest with me. 5.Last but not least confront your frenemy. Instead of skulking around and carrying this burden on your shoulders, come out and express your concerns to this person. Avoid acting distressed; simply stick to the facts and express how certain things that have happened make you feel If this person is defensive and can not see where your coming from or your side of things ask yourself is it worth it.Do you really need someone in your life that isn't going to be happy for you through your moments of triumph or be supportive when your upset or sad. The answer is no Jealousy is a sickness and I suggest you tell your frenemies to get well soon, nothing or no one should stand in your way of you truly being happy. Surround yourself with people that share the same sediments. "Et Tu Brute?" Julius Caesar

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