STARS: How To Really Portray a Toxic Love Story

*DISCLAIMER*: the following post contains spoilers and sensitive information. Proceed with caution before reading.  

I have received a lot of flack simply because I didn't share the same emotion and thoughts from the dramatic Netflix film "Malcolm and Marie". Not once did I say it was a bad film nor it wasn't displaying a toxic relationship. 

My main deal was based off of my personal experience and being a writer, I saw more effective ways to really bring home what the couple was feeling.  It came off like a overly dramatic back and forth when it could have been much more. 

I would have shown the awards show scene and the moment Malcolm admitted Marie's name. I wanted the audience to really see what Marie was feeling when she was omitted and any internal feelings that had been building up. I get the format but I feel the audience deserves a little more depth regarding how the couple got here. 

I would have had a little more face to face contact rather than the yelling across the room. I also realize this was filmed during a pandemic. There are workarounds to simulate the true drama.

I would have sent further shockwaves by showing some violence and not necessarily towards the characters. The point was to show verbal and emotional abuse.  Maria made the mac n cheese for Malcolm and he ate it while he continued to go in on her. Maria could have came up to Malcolm, taken the bowl and smashed it on the ground. She would have challenged his manhood and sent the message that if you don't appreciate what I do, I'll destroy it.

Also the love/makeup scene was too soft and middle school like. When two people are in love but are feeling butthurt emotionally, that emotion should be shown sexually. We got a passionate kiss and some hugging.

I feel this would have made for more of a 3D experience of a potential classic or a 4K versus a standard resolution.  

STARS: Promoting Your Event/Place With Stiff Competition

We have seen, especially just over the past week, how the little guy can beat the big guy in a financial war. Point is, things happen all the time for good that shouldn't in the eyes of some. 

Think about in the case of Borderlands having a huge sale during Super Bowl weekend. Now many haven't heard of Borderlands first off. Secondly, this is one of the hardest weekends to get folks to your store and not just due to COVID. Bath and Body Works has made their sales work for many years due to a number of factors: timing, zoning in on their key market and starting early and often. Trust me, they're planning already for their next big sale and how to promote it. 

I would definitely buy a small TV spot, as well as social media time. I would do this at the beginning of January. I know a month out is a decent time frame for allowing the masses to know. 

I would have a campaign to add and recruit as many people to my store and possible. Visibility is also important. I would have characters like the squiggly creature seen at car lots and Lady Liberty at tax preparation centers.  People don't know you exist if they can't see you. 

I would offer plenty of online deals as well and would extend the in-store sale to an online venue that lasts throughout February (peak tax season). One is first or last in this scenario. 

I would go to investors and brokers (speaking of that topic) and gain partnership and sponsorship. Everyone in the big city will not know what goes on in small towns and vice versa and I would want to bridge that gap. Modern stores such as Borderlands are finding themselves on the chopping blocks due to the online retail giants. 

I take my lessons learned from Belk and BiLo: adapt or cease to exist. I ensure my events and market are well informed before any huge event and beyond.

STARS: How To Properly Notify Someone of a Death

This is definitely one of those: "I don't know who needs to hear this but"

We have had several deaths in the past week alone. Informing the masses seems easy due to social media but you want to make sure all family and close friends know in a timely manner. 

Travel arrangements need to be looked into and made with COVID and time off in mind (for those that don't receive bereavement). Therefore, people should be informed no later than 48 hours after the death. 

I have experienced this way too many times. I realize it's a challenge if it's someone closer to you and/or a shock death. 

I would designate someone to contact all via call, text, group chat, etc. It should be that strong, rock of a family member or friend that does this. 

I would then ensure that it can be posted on social media. To me, no family member nor close friend should learn about a death on social media. Making that contact is paramount. 

I would then get the arrangements together and communicate in a similar fashion. Social media is more appropriate here. 

I would find a good bereavement counselor/professional. Many morticians are equipped for this. Utilize this service, especially since you are paying them. 

I then proceed to make arrangements with others accompaning me, set COVID guidelines and proceed with the planning.

I then see who was left out and why. I then encourage for better methods of communication from that point forward. 

STARS: How I have honored MLK Day over the years

MLK Day is growing more and more in significance, even during a pandemic. I now have the day off with pay for the first time in over 20 years. 

I've seen many honor his memory with community service, public events, candlelight vigils and prayer breakfasts. 

I do the #1 thing I feel I can do to honor him: I go to work if allowed. Now it's easier to do since I get paid double time. However, let's not forget what Dr. King fought for and that was equalty. Without him, I likely would not have the opportunity to be in a leadership role in a company not owned by a Black person. That has happened and I feel the least I can do is show up to work. 

I also post pictures, quotes and videos and really reflect on his legacy. This includes moments of silence, talking with others about his impact and how we plan to keep his dream alive. We are in a great time to do this since many still do not realize his dream is unfulfilled. There is work still yet to be completed.  

I have also did the vigils, community service and prayer breakfasts. Since we have COVID now and mass gatherings are unsafe, you can do these things virtual and in small numbers. Continue to give to deserving minority and advancement clauses.  I want to do stuff by showcasing what the Black race, as well as the human race, has accomplished due to Dr. King. We can't forget the Black experience as it effects the American experience. 

I have already seen a greater appreciation for his day just from my company making it a paid holiday. Also from BLM, Jane Elliott, John Lewis and Stacey Abrams to name a few. We have had a black president and will have a black female vice president.  Dr. King is very pleased and we definitely can't stop. 

STARS: How To Have a Successful Adult Event, COVID style

Yes COVID is not getting better and people still want to have social indoor events such as all black parties.  I get that you still have to make bank and do so with limited capacity. Here's what I've seen work in the past with the CDC guidelines added. 

I would definitely use a medium such as Eventbrite for tickets. Secure and it's contactless. 

Far as ticket prices go, I would do a limited supply of low prices for early bird. I would offer 3 options: general admission, $20 more for VIP and a drink card, $120 per table for VIP and bottle service. These prices would increase a week after the events is announced to $10 more for everything except the tables ($20 more). I would also ensure everything and everyone is spaced out

Masks would be required, as well as a current negative COVID exam. You would receive a partial refund if you have a positive COVID exam a week prior  (due to quarantine) and a full refund 2 days or less before the event. Notice how all of this already reduces the crowd while allowing you to still bank.

I wouldn't charge for parking but would have valet. Open bar would of course be available with general admission and if I chose a hotel, I would offer a discounted rate for a room. It is an adult event and I want everyone to really stay safe. 

I would also offer paid professional pictures, a package for multiple VIP tickets and for future events. I would also have a raffle for tables to encourage more money into the pot. 

I would primarily advertise on social media and word of mouth. I would limit any paid advertisements to one or two.

I would plan on an event that gets people out, allows them to feel safe and is still profitable. It can happen and one must be creative..

STARS: Lowering your BP without medicine

I have had a couple of faint spells with my blood pressure. I have literally had maybe 5 in my lifetime. I keep myself healthy and my BP normal at worst. I donate blood and somehow my BP mysteriously was so elevated I couldn't do one of my favorite activities: donate blood. This left me hurt and embarrassed. 

I am ensuring that I drink my organic apple cider vinegar with the mother regularly.  I recommend Bragg's. 

I am also regulating my caffeine and sugar intake, as well as increasing my capcasin consumption. I'm consuming more hot foods and even peppers. I spoke to a friend last year that suffers from HBP. He says that when he feels his pressure getting too high, he eats wings or really hot sauce.  And it works! 

I am also drinking a gallon of water/daily, even on my off days. I am sticking to my strict regimen of fruits and vegetables. I was going to so intermittent fasting until Thanksgiving but I will pause this until I get my BP where it needs to be. 

Many public machines have closed due to COVID. Therefore, I purchased my own monitor so I can see for myself. I do plan on visiting the doctor more and I refuse to take any sort of medication with adverse side effects that I can prevent. 

I will beat this as I always have. I am also getting even more rest.  It is causing my to-do list to grow but I will be more healthy first. 

STARS: How I Shop For and During Christmas

I thought this would be a nice topic to explore since we are in that season, we're still in a pandemic and it's nice to get it out of the way if possible. 

I have always did as much shopping as possible online. I utilize Amazon, Target and even Home Depot. I do a lot of gift cards and cash unless it's my mother or someone close to me. 

I don't do a lot of in-person shopping after Thanksgiving. People are typically extra tense and stressed (and crowding will already be an issue) and I like to mitigate that whenever possible.  

I don't have a true deadline. I simply try to have it all complete the week before Christmas at the latest. If I cannot, I don't stress. At the same time, I'm not the type to be out on Christmas Eve. If I haven't gotten it by then, I'm not stressing it. 

I have been able to shop for friends, family, Secret Santas, children and the like for 25 years utilizing this strategy