A Star's Return
Modern Satire
The lead choir singer Gladys Day sing Lord I am trying I am trying I am trying to make a hundred and ninety-nine and half won't do. Lord I am trying Lord I am trying to make a hundred and ninety-nine won't do. And the choir joined won't do O Lord won't do Lord won't do. And that's when the whole church stood up even the pastors. And my mentor Pastor Jessie, Pastor Jessie of the Living Love Church of God has always inspired me since my return to Saint Vincent. Saint Vincent was and is my beloved home. And there have been years that passed by many years almost two decades. And Shalia and I had two children, Jr. and Anglea. Jr. was turning fifteen this year while Anglea was turning 12 years old. Yes it's true that a star football player in his retirement could build a family. I started over again and did the things that I dream of. I felt almost complete as I climbed the Mayor's staff as Chief of Staff. And the city was slowly progressing. We made much progress. People were treating people better. It was a safe neighborhood again. And then I was representative of the Mayor's Office, I went to the local Kings 103 Station to announce new initiatives. And I was in the midst of talking about progress when the radio host of Kings 103 said Do you understand Miguel Jacobs that you are in line to be the next Mayor? Yeah Mayor Don Evers is retiring because it is his last term. And I said plainly no comment. And when I got home my family was cheering and hoping for me to run for Mayor. And I played happy but I was nervous as heck. How could I become Mayor? And why did not Mayor Don Evers tell me this? And I privately talked to my wife Shalia. And I told her I am very nervous. And that I did not expect this. And I am afraid of doing this. And Shalia hold my hand and kiss my forehead and said Look at all the progress we've done together. All the good things, all the hope, all the building, don't just think of yourself. Think of your family, your mother, your children and me. We have done a lot. I said I got to talk to Pastor Jessie. So in the morning I called Pastor Jessie to met with him at the local coffee shop. And we met and I tried to explain my side of the story but he interrupted and said When will people take credit for the things that they have done. When will people learn to accept achievement. When will progress be made by brothers and sisters treating each other like brothers and sisters. That time has not come yet but with faith, works and love we can do this. Brother I think you are passing off something that we need. You can make a difference if you try. Remember that song, Reach out and Touch. Reach out of your issue and see from someone's else perspective. And I said Pastor I will see. And he said Don't see ask God. Then Pastor Jessie left and I drink the rest of my coffee slowly. And as soon as I got out of the shop, my wife Shalia called she said it is urgent. And so I hurry home and rush in. She said Jr. has a game. And so I did not change and hurry with my wife and daughter to his game. And Jr. was good and everybody was cheering him even the cheerleaders and coach calling him MJ. Jr. scored many times. And I tried to congratulate him after the game. And this gang rushed in before me and they were talking to the players. They were making bets. And they wanted my son to enter the NFL and they wanted to be managers. After listening in the hallway, I rushed in and they ran out. And I said I would like to speak to my son alone. And we were alone. Jr. said Dad don't sweat them. They are just playing. Yeah the NFL wants me even the Olympics because you gave me those all around sports genes. I said Son it's up to you. Don't let those fool make the decisions for you. Why were they calling you MJ? It's Jr. He said Dad it's just a nickname besides I like it. Mom, Anglea and you and friends can call me Jr. but my sports' name is MJ. I was just about to leave when Jr. said And what about you? Dad I heard your promotion. Why won't you run for Mayor of Saint Vincent. You know Mayor Don Evers will support you. Don't be so close-minded. Show me how to be a man not just in sports but doing the right thing. And I said you will be the first to know I am running. And my son and I did a secret handshake like frat brothers. So when we went out for dinner I told the family that I am running. And I went back to Kings 103 radio station to announce it. I was the last person in the race but my wife was campaigning so were my children. And so were my friends and we were getting notice and we won the primary. We were too sure but we had a community behind us and we lost the election. But all was not lost, Mayor Betters who won asked me to serve as Deputy Mayor and I prayed about it. And Pastor Jessie told me to negotiate being Deputy Mayor by asking for equal say and equal representation. And Mayor Ursula Betters agreed and that's how I return as a local hero.
About the Creator
Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous
Known as a Significant Voice in Modern Literature, a Poet of the Year, 2020 Black Author Matters Winner, 2025 Black Authors Matter Children Book Awards Nominee for his books, and International Impact Awards' Author of the Year Nominee
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More stories from Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous and writers in Longevity and other communities.
Plasticity of the Brain
Brain plasticity never ends, it only begins. It starts with childhood with proper nutrition and training. A child can become a genius by learning multiple languages and understanding stress-free skills such as music. We must never be afraid of tests because whether we pass or fail our brains expand on tests and trials. We know that our brains are growing because their memory increases seen through gray matter. Memory is the lifeblood of the brain. It shows that the brain is creating more cells and enhancing its presence within the body. All the parts of the brain connect through hormones within the blood. Our brain is not only a massive neuron control system but also the healer of the body. All diseases can be traced back to the brain, the brain creates the protein to empower the immune system. The brain is the genetic control system telling each organ how to react. The brain feeds on chemicals and repairs and detaches based on chemical compounds. It is our job to maintain a healthy brain by reducing stress and preparing ourselves for survival. Did you know illegal drugs only increased the chemicals already in our body? Yeah, they do and these drugs blocked off receptors, which makes them dangerous as they increased a chemical in our bodies, and begin breaking down the body. Our body has a system in place where the brain directs the potion of chemical compounds needed to operate effectively. We can't see the brain react only through X-Rays but when the brain is working, the part of the brain that is operating is highlighted by chemical reaction. The very smallest part of our brain has the greatest impact, our reproductive part of the brain controls so much of us because of its massive production of hormones. According to scientists, language learning comes from the left side of the brain and our motor skills learning comes from the right side of the brain. Our brain must learn how to coordinate itself and this takes time. Time is the answer for our brain to heal and expand. We have to be willing to test our limits and learn new things. We need potion control and necessary vitamins to provide the chemical compounds for growth. When we eat too many vitamins and minerals and sugars and salts, we create more fats. Fats are not necessarily evil because they give the body energy to burn. Too much fat can cause a delay in chemical action. Our brain is meant to heal the body and manage its affairs. To create success, we must remember how we achieved that success. And the only way to remember is to remind ourselves of it such as talking to ourselves and using our learning habits. This will place that memory in long term. When we create long-term memory, we make our brains stronger. There is another dimension in our brain, we must never believe our hype. We have three elements of the psyche and they helped us achieve rational and reasonable reactions within our lives. We must keep them in balance and know ourselves. Flattery and compliments must be taken with a grain of salt. If we stay realistic then we will be better prepared for the future. If we stop at one success and never strive for others then we are wasting our time. We ought to strive until we cannot strive any longer. Our brains love challenges and they grow continually. They do not stop at a young age. They do not stop when we fail. They persist and continue involuntary and voluntary because we are living orgasms. If the brain stops then we are dead. We must be lifelong learners to have a healthy life knowing when to calm the body through stress-free practices such as mediation. Learning and only learning expands and grows the brain with healthy living.
By Distinguished Honorary Alumni Dr. Matthew Primous5 years ago in Longevity
Day 4 of Quitting
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By sleepy drafts10 days ago in Longevity
SpaceX Rocket Launch
Every SpaceX rocket launch carries more than just payloads into orbit—it carries ambition, experimentation, and a vision of a future where space is no longer unreachable. Founded by Elon Musk in 2002, SpaceX has steadily transformed from a bold startup into one of the most influential aerospace companies in history. Each launch represents another step toward redefining how humanity explores space, communicates across the globe, and imagines life beyond Earth. The Meaning Behind a SpaceX Launch A SpaceX rocket launch is not simply a technical event. It is the result of years of engineering, testing, and problem-solving. From the early Falcon 1 attempts to the now-reliable Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy missions, SpaceX has focused on one core principle: reusability. This approach has fundamentally changed the economics of spaceflight. Traditional rockets were designed to be used once, making every launch extremely expensive. SpaceX challenged that model by developing rockets that can return to Earth, land vertically, and be flown again. When a Falcon 9 booster touches down on a droneship or landing pad, it marks not just a successful mission, but a proof of concept that spaceflight can be sustainable and repeatable. Falcon 9: The Workhorse of Modern Spaceflight Most SpaceX rocket launches today involve the Falcon 9, a two-stage rocket designed for reliability and efficiency. It has become the backbone of commercial satellite launches, government missions, and cargo resupply trips to the International Space Station (ISS). A typical Falcon 9 launch follows a carefully choreographed sequence. After liftoff, the first stage separates and begins its journey back to Earth, while the second stage continues carrying the payload into orbit. Watching the booster descend through the atmosphere and land upright has become iconic, but it is still a remarkable engineering achievement. These launches often deploy Starlink satellites, part of SpaceX’s effort to provide global internet coverage. For many viewers, a SpaceX rocket launch is their first glimpse into how space technology directly impacts daily life on Earth. Human Spaceflight and the Crew Dragon Era One of the most significant milestones in SpaceX history came with the successful launch of astronauts aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft. This achievement restored the United States’ ability to launch humans into space from its own soil, ending years of reliance on foreign launch systems. Human-rated SpaceX rocket launches carry a different emotional weight. Every detail—from life support systems to escape mechanisms—is scrutinized to ensure astronaut safety. When a Crew Dragon lifts off, it symbolizes trust: trust in engineering, trust in innovation, and trust in a private company to handle missions once reserved exclusively for national space agencies. These launches have opened new possibilities for international collaboration and long-term space habitation. Starship: The Next Giant Leap While Falcon 9 dominates current missions, Starship represents SpaceX’s most ambitious project yet. Designed as a fully reusable super heavy-lift rocket, Starship is intended to carry humans and cargo to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. A Starship launch is experimental by nature. Test flights focus on learning through iteration—sometimes succeeding, sometimes failing, but always collecting valuable data. Unlike traditional programs that avoid public failure, SpaceX embraces transparency, broadcasting launches and setbacks alike. This approach has reshaped public perception of rocket development. Instead of polished perfection, audiences witness real engineering in progress, complete with challenges and breakthroughs. Why SpaceX Launches Capture Global Attention SpaceX rocket launches attract millions of viewers worldwide, not just because of the technology, but because of what they represent. They remind people that exploration is still alive in the modern world. In an era dominated by digital experiences, watching a rocket break free from Earth’s gravity feels profoundly physical and inspiring. Social media, live streams, and public access have made these launches shared global events. Students, engineers, and casual observers alike tune in, learning about orbital mechanics and rocket science along the way. SpaceX has also changed how people think about careers in science and engineering. For many young viewers, a SpaceX launch is the moment that sparks curiosity and ambition. The Broader Impact on the Space Industry Beyond individual missions, SpaceX rocket launches have forced the aerospace industry to evolve. Lower launch costs and faster turnaround times have encouraged innovation across the sector. Competitors and national agencies alike have begun adopting reusable technology and more agile development methods. This shift benefits scientific research, Earth observation, and communication networks. It also lays the groundwork for future exploration missions that were once considered financially unrealistic. Looking Ahead As SpaceX continues launching rockets at an unprecedented pace, the question is no longer whether spaceflight can be routine, but how far it can take us. Future launches will likely support lunar bases, Mars missions, and expanded satellite networks that connect even the most remote parts of the planet. Each SpaceX rocket launch builds on the last, forming a continuous story of progress. It is a story still being written—one that blends risk, innovation, and a deeply human desire to explore the unknown. In watching these rockets rise into the sky, we are reminded that the boundaries of possibility are not fixed. They are meant to be challenged, tested, and ultimately surpassed.
By Saboor Brohi about 2 hours ago in Longevity
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