Breaking Away from The Comparison Demon: 3 Tips from Blogger Bria Danielle

Baltimore Blogger Bria Danielle shares in a YouTube video three ways we subscribe to self-sabotage by falling for our “comparison demon” when scrolling our social media timelines. It’s a word worth sharing with readers this season for mental health awareness month. It’s also a reminder to snap out of it while we’ve spent an entire year glued to our phones watching other people live their best lives.

Bria Danielle is a fellow friend and Baltimore Lifestyle Blogger of The Reverie Blog. She’s recognized as one of Baltimore’s talented roller skaters. She is absolutely thriving living and sharing some of her most precious moments on social media. Some of her latest ventures include her acceptance into graduate school and marriage to the man of her dreams during the craziest year in history; 2020. Bria is most definitely an example of someone who’s enjoying life.

http://www.instagram.com/p/CA2n1rLpr6b/?igshid=10ekam8vodfzv

Everyone has a niche. Everyone has a hobby or talent they share online. We watch highlight reels of the best actions from these people that we love. We follow people’s accomplishments and praise the work of others daily. I believe we do it so much that we may gloss over how this could have the potential to tarnish any belief of what we have for ourselves being the best. It’s an entire battle that us navigating social media do not talk about. We rarely acknowledge the struggles of unconscious comparisons.

[Read Protecting Your Mental Health During Covid with Ashlee Banks and Brandon Johnson on Doc’s Castle Media.]

It’s important to have some level of media literacy when navigating online social spaces because it’s better to understand why something happens, rather than fall into a slippery depressive state of “should haves” and “could haves.”

Bria Danielle’s video explains her hiatus from blogging and I completely get it, girl! I shared my experience in a hair diary video, and I can say it could have been the comparison demon that took me out during those dark years of Doc’s Castle Media. Nonetheless, she shares some important points worth reiterating.

Watch Where Have I Been by Bria Danielle

Three Tips for Fighting Your Comparison Demon from Bria Danielle

How to Deal with Comparison

Why must we torture ourselves only watching the accomplishments of others 24/7 when we should be taking time to improve ourselves?

Everyone has a story. Everyone has good and bad moments. We all go through the trials of life. Seeing people share online their accomplishments, along with their faults, gives us a more realistic view of that person. But it’s still from the perspective of a protagonist. Even while we hear so many angles of a story, both good and bad, we are seeing what the protagonist allows us to see. Remember that. Those you follow could also experience bad moments. They’re their own person and won’t walk the same path as you. So it’s a waste of time to fret. The only comparison you should make is between the new version of you and the old one.

You Have Unrealistic Expectations

You need to be real with yourself about what you can do and how you plan to do it. So set goals to make them easily measurable and obtainable.

Here’s an example we all hear: People who make goals to lose weight face challenges sticking to them because they set them too high and are labeled too specific. “I want to lose 100 pounds within a month” already sounds like a lot of straining and too much pressure. Setting this goal could potentially be setting yourself up for failure. Understand what you can or cannot do.

Have Faith in Yourself

Believe in yourself. Affirm what you want for yourself by truly believing in it.

Your tongue has the power to lift or degrade anyone’s spirit, including your own. Be cautious of your words so you’ll attract what you’ll love and can stand behind. It’s having faith that you can achieve and speaking highly on it with conviction that surges energy through you pushing you towards conquering it. The more you say it, the more it sounds like it’ll happen. You’re affirming it. You live in the essence of it happening each day, especially if you start crossing off habits and take steps completing tasks.

Bria Danielle’s Tips about the comparison demon will help you recognize you’re not alone dealing with mental fatigue from fighting your mental demon. Read the full blog post about the comparison demon via The Reverie Blog.

Busy Doing Nothing Podcast Season Five Returns with Mixed Drinks

I’m opening up another year with the Busy Doing Nothing Podcast crew ready to discuss current events for those lovely listeners who like to do nothing right along with us. We’re here with season five and more readily available for others to find us to stream their favorite podcast platforms.

If you aren’t the one to listen to podcasts but you’re looking for something light to start you off, the Busy Doing Nothing crew is back with more content for easy listening. I’m lucky enough to say I’m still apart of the Busy Doing Nothing crew since 2017. It’s been four years of bliss and sharing interesting topics while drinking with cool friends.

Watch Season 5 Part One: Episode One of the Busy Doing Nothing Podcast

In Season 5, the crew returns to discuss more social topics that make us ponder the normalities and common sense of the world around us. Expect ear cringy content to sharing a bit of light-hearted material, the crew talks to you while drunk about it all. They share a traditional shot of the Drink of the Day at the beginning and end of each episode, and sometimes individually throughout the episode all in good fun to close off each week.

The Busy Doing Nothing Podcast is originally filmed on a 360-degree camera to provide virtual reality interaction with viewers who get right in the middle of the conversation. So listeners can view from a perspective as if they’re sitting directly at the table with the Busy Doing Nothing hosts. The Busy Doing Nothing Podcast also prides itself on highlighting local talent and business owners by either having them as a guest on the show or promoting their cause during the episodes. Some guests to grace the BDN microphone are producer Jony B, rapper 7uca, journalist Ryan Chance, photographers Sofia Vidal and Shae McCoy, videographer A Ross Films, and multiple other talented and business-savvy people from Baltimore.

I’ve truly missed meeting up with my friends every weekend to talk and make light of what’s happening throughout the week during 2020. Before season four was cut short due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Busy Doing Nothing crew introduced a new segment for viewers. In addition to the podcast, there now is a portion of the show where hosts test out and judge each other’s mixology skills.

Busy Making Drinks is a series of short videos brought to you by the four BDN hosts. Each host takes turns in choosing a wine or spirit to use as the main ingredient in a mixed drink prior to the recording of each episode. Hosts record, taste, name, and rate on a scale of 1 through 5 their mixology dexterity. The same mixed drink concocted in Busy Making Drinks is sipped throughout the podcast and viewers are left to infer how good the drink is by watching the cues of the hosts throughout the show.

Watch Haus make her mixed drink on Busy Making Drinks: Haus’ Quarantine Punch.

New episodes of the Busy Doing Nothing Podcast are posted every Wednesday via Anchor Podcast and YouTube. Watch all previous content at the Busy Doing Nothing Website www.bdnpodcast.com.

Stream Busy Doing Nothing Podcast on your favorite platform:

What’s your favorite drink to have while hanging with friends? Leave your comments below.

TJ Da DJ’s Top 3 Baltimore Black-Owned Restaurant Reviews

Four years ago, I participated in the Baltimore Black Restaurant Challenge, meant to encourage people to patronize more locally Black-Owned restaurants. During that time, I began hearing and seeing articles geared to highlighting black eateries in the city. I participated in the challenge to discover more options of places to eat. But now hearing about black-owned restaurants in Baltimore is easier to come by with advances in social media. I still like to share black-owned spaces to eat. This year we’re doing it with the help of Baltimore Food Blogger TJ Da DJ.

I contacted TJ Da DJ for his expertise in “Quick Bite Food Reviews” for which Black-owned restaurants he’d recommend this year for Doc’s Castle Media readers to explore.

Since 2016, TJ Da DJ has shared numerous food reviews of restaurants on his YouTube Channel TJ Da DJ TV. Now he has over 1.49k subscribers to his channel tuning in weekly for reviews. He’s given insight on popular food rivalries between chicken sandwiches at our favorite fast food spots, and whether the KFC’s Donut Sandwich is even worth our purchase. But what intrigues me the most about his channel is his quick bite food reviews at local restaurants in Baltimore City. TJ lists some goldmines to consider.

I couldn’t decide on one review from TJ Da DJ TV that’s the best. It wouldn’t be fair to rate either of these restaurants if I didn’t try any of them myself. So I’m sharing my top 3 favorite TJ Da DJ food reviews for you to decide on your own to patronize in Baltimore.

Top 3 TJ Da DJ Food Reviews

Miss Carter’s Kitchen

Mt. Vernon Steaks and Shakes

Cloudy Donuts

What are some of your favorite black-owned restaurants in Baltimore? Leave your answers in the comments below.

Protect Your Mental Health During Covid with Ashlee Banks and Brandon Johnson

This week new restrictions were placed on Maryland to promote a “stay-at-home for the holidays’ theme” as we’re near entering the 10th month of living through a global pandemic. Marylanders, along with many other Americans, are still grunting over the idea of needing to quarantine to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

While we deal with living in a state of constant uncertainty, like not knowing when the next time we’ll be able to visit the neighborhood grocery store, we’re also finding it necessary to seek ways of coping with living our newly socially distanced lifestyles. Protecting our mental health during the era of coronavirus is what many of us have had on our minds since early March 2020. But how do we know where to begin to handle this?

Former RT America news anchor and Baltimore Native Ashlee Banks sits down with Medical and Health Expert Brandon Johnson of Black Mental Wellness Lounge via her personal YouTube channel. The two discuss how to handle mental health during the coronavirus pandemic. They share tips on the best ways to handle isolation, depression, unplugging from social media and so much more. I’m sharing this as a YouTube Video Alert for Doc’s Castle Media because it’s my concern that everyone is doing their best to remain sane during these unprecedented times. So I listed a few important takeaways from Ashlee and Brandon’s interview to pay attention to while you watch it.

4 Best Takeaways: Mental Health Help, Tips During Covid-19

Prioritize resting and take a break.

Free yourself from burnout. Understand that everyone is going through changes during this time and it is okay to not have everything in order. So take your time. Drink some tea and exhale the doubt that you mustn’t keep up. You’ll be fine if the train stops for an oil and engine break.

Take a social media break for mental health.

Unplug from social media to avoid depression. It can fool you into thinking you’re at your worse compared to everyone you’re following. People put their best foot forward online and rarely publish their mistakes. No one should compare themselves to anyone because we’re not meant to be the same. So save yourself the stress of mentally attempting to make yourself a carbon copy of your online friend.

Remember you are not alone dealing with the trials of a Pandemic.

We’re all grieving a special kind of depression that has a grip on everyone in this world. There’s solace in knowing that you aren’t alone dealing with the effects of a global pandemic. Be patient with yourselves and give yourself the grace to process what’s happening. As you’re being considerate and kind to others about what’s happening, also show yourself that same kindness.

Practice positive affirmations, self-care exercises, and mindful meditation.

Spend time getting to know yourself and the things that you enjoy. This goes back to unplugging from social media. When you unplug, you free yourself from feeling like you’re missing things that other people that you’re following online may be getting into. We’re in a pandemic. Free your time and mind for what truly matters to you and the things that you place value. Do this and you’ll walk away better fulfilled.

Watch the full interview How to Protect Your Mental Health with Ashlee Banks and Brandon Johnson:

http://youtu.be/D39jVtdu9XQ

If you’re in need of speaking to a specialist via a mental health crisis hotline, please call the National Suicide Prevention at 1-800-273-8255.

#YTubeVidAlert: WAP…Is it even art? (Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion Video Premiere)

Cardi B and Megan the Stallion team up to make another banging single titled WAP, referring to a sexual preference for a women’s vaginae. & I like to just say…Of course, it’s art! But Black Twitter, Facebook, and even daily news site like the Daily Beast would like its part in providing commentary as millions of tweets were published since it’s early August release with pro and con opinions.

After Megan making headlines for being involved in domestic assault with hip-hop artist Tory Lanez, I assume most people had expectations for other topics for the female rap artist. Even hip-hop artist and producer Cee-Lo Greene chimed in with opinions about the video’s impact amongst younger generations. Maybe people were waiting for her to rap about domestic abuse? But honestly, what did people really expect from Megan or Cardi? With any prior songs that are released from both these rap queens, it seems like WAP is exactly what I was expecting from them. When I’m searching for a song from either of their discography, I’m looking for something that’s going to make me feel like the shit. There’s even an entire playlist on Spotify named “Feeling Myself” dedicated to the genre of hip-hop both Megan and Cardi represents.

Why is women empowerment the subject again?

To me, women’s empowerment is simply people uplifting and helping women live the best versions of their lives. That could be women speaking influence into other women. It could be someone providing support for women financially, physically, or spiritually. In the simplest way I can put it, it’s making women feel good about themselves.

Whether the message presented in this video is worthy of being shared with other women is based on the person receiving the message. Why are people expecting these women to be a spokesman for issues dealt amongst women? I don’t know anyone who turns Cardi B’s music on to hear about social injustices or domestic abuse.

Megan and Cardi are playing “make-believe” and throwing emphasis on tiny truths about their life. It’s like applying for a job and sprinkling a little extra in during your interview to make yourself look good. In this case, it’s not an interview. But it’s appealing to someone mature enough to understand its content.

This video doesn’t “inspire” me to do anything but shake my ass. But as a woman, it does make me feel proud of my lady parts. I don’t see anything wrong with having a good lady part. Haha. The language in the song may be quite vulgar but nonetheless, it is a form of expression and art. Good art challenges thought and provoke reflection. This video has everyone on Black Twitter at an uproar. It’s good art because it did what it was supposed.

Doctors are even firing back in the two rapper’s defense arguing it is completely fine to have lubricated genitalia. But I say it’s gone too far when medical professionals feel the need to step in to verify such things. Come on, who cares other than the person we’re getting in bed with? In the words of Megan, “Talk yo shit!” & let’s move on shall we?

The responsibility of who a child chooses to be a role model is ultimately in the hands of the kid. We aren’t aware of who someone chooses as their inspiration. Kids don’t realize it. But it is their parent’s responsibility to guide them. Censorship is a biggie that we struggle within the age of the Internet. But these women didn’t ask to be speakers on serious issues. From the beginning of their careers, they came with a vulgar bang. So either listen to it or just turn it off.

Did you like the song? Bump or Pass? Leave your answers in the comments below.

Doc Finally Joins A Podcast Series as a Regular (Watch Episode 4 of Busy Doing Nothing Podcast)

It was a long time coming for Doc to join a team of podcasters. Being interviewed and making guest appearances have become a regular thing. It should be expected for Doc to be added to a line-up of great host for the Busy Doing Nothing Podcast, a web series/podcast series hosted on YouTube.

Busy Doing Nothing was started by Free Minds Clothing Co. creator and main Chris “Mills” Morton and also features three regular co-hosts Christian “Pastor” Dewitt, Jill AKA J Heavy and Doc’s Castle Media’s own Taylor “Doc” Walker. The podcasts focus on various topics starting from celebrity gossip, music video reviews, “adulting,’ current events, and previously mentioned on Doc’s Castle Media Loafer’s Sports Bar and Grill closures and controversy.

In episode 4 of the Busy Doing Nothing Podcast, the four host interview their first local Baltimore guests; music producer Jonny B and hip-hop artist 7ucus (pronounced Loo-cus). Music guests join in on the conversation sharing their views on polygamous relationships, Beyonce’s beyhive, and generational differences. Watch the full episode below.

At the start and end of each episode, hosts make a toast opening and closing the show. Accompanied with each episode’s salute is an alcoholic drink that hosts rate the taste weekly on the podcast’s Instagram page. In this episode, the drink highlighted was Afrohead Rum. There wasn’t a group rating for this rum but it was the preferred drink during this episode.

Other drinks featured on Busy Doing Nothing are Ciroc Summer Colada Vodka, Christian Brothers Brandy, Barefoot Moscato, and Doc’s favorite drink to sing about, Jose Cuervo.

What drink do you think the Busy Doing Nothing crew should try for the next podcast? Leave your comments below.

YTubeVidAlert: Baltimore Vlogger Kane Carter (@HotDamnIRock) Explains His Year Long Hiatus

Popular Baltimore Vlogger Kane Carter has returned from his year long hiatus just to tell us why he’s been slacking on giving us those awesome skits fans tuned in to watch weekly on YouTube.

Turns out Kane’s absence is caused by a year full of many losses. Similar to what many people are experiencing in Baltimore lately, Kane speaks about a wave of many unfortunate events that did a number on his mental and physical health over the year. From losing his cousin and best friend to being diagnosed with a serious illness, Mr. HotDamnIRock was living his life driving continuously on a bumpy road for 2016. I honestly hope he gets back on his feet soon.

Watch this full HotDamnIRock video below.

We’ll be waiting Kane. In the meantime, check out some of Kane Carter’s videos on YouTube and subscribe at HotDamnIRock.

Have you seen the World’s Hottest Pepper Challenge? Watch #YtubeVidAlert: The World’s Hottest Pepper Challenge Gone Wrong on Doc’s Castle Media.

YTubeVidAlert! The World’s Hottest Pepper Challenge Gone Wrong (Full Video)

Today’s YTube Alert is a viral video that most of you might have already viewed on Facebook. This is the full video of Elizabeth and Sabrina from the Lizzy Wurst YouTube Channel eating the world’s hottest pepper.

Lizzy Wurst Hottest Pepper Challange — Photo Cred: http://67.media.tumblr.com/0280385e6c1227f463f9a179bf2dae43/tumblr_ocq1177mKA1s2md07_og_1280.jpg

I don’t know where this phase of completing challenges to post for people to watch online came from. But as far as I can remember, it’s been the craze since 2014. Even I have taken the time to complete a challenge to bring awareness towards a deserving issue. Associate editor of Doc’s Castle Media and author of Hide and I’ll Seek Blog Series Kendyl Walker challenged me to the Ice Bucket Challenge in respects of those who are battling for a cure for ALS.

[Watch Full Ice Bucket Challenge, here.]

These challenges are very fun to do and it’s a great way to get a message across for important topics. But some challenges can go too far and could cause serious harm if people aren’t careful with what they’re doing. I’ll never forget when the fire challenge suddenly became the craze on the Internet.

This week I spotted a video going viral of two young girls completing a challenge to try the world’s hottest pepper. The world’s hottest pepper is the Carolina Reaper Pepper. It originated in Rock hill, South Carolina and was named the world’s hottest pepper August 7, 2013 by Guinness World Record.

In the video, Elizabeth and Sabrina each take a bite of the raw pepper and immediately catch the shock of a lifetime. It may be a shock that they surely regretted.

If you haven’t checked out this funny channel, you’re missing out. These girls spend their days completing many challenges. I think their challenge to take on the Carolina Reaper is their funniest video, yet.

What was the crazy challenge you watched on YouTube? Comment them below.

Did you read the last YTube Alert? Read “#YTubeVidAlert! Delegation of Authority: What Did KorrynGaines Mean?” on Doc’s Castle Media.

#YTubeVideoAlert! Delegation of Authority: What did #KorrynGaines Mean?

Everything that happens has a reason and a cause. That’s why I won’t knock the knowledge I’ve learned since the death of Korrynn Gaines, the 23-year black woman who was gunned down by police officers earlier this August in front of her 5-year-old son and the comfort of her own home.

Since Korrynn’s death, there’s are numerous questions about what truly happened during her 6-hour standoff with the Baltimore County Police Department. For several days, the general public was left in the dark about whether the police kicked her apartment door in while entering her apartment or if they obtained a key, and questions on whether she fired her shotgun at police first or if the police did.

Hearing so many questions regarding this shooting can make someone question if the people we put our trust in to protect and serve us are really honest in their dealings. It caused me to do a little more research about policy.

Previous to Korrynn’s most recent encounter with the Baltimore County Police Department, there was another incident with county police in March. The police interrogated the Korryn for 20 minutes for driving around with cardboard tags instead of Maryland state tags on her car. When asked to provide documentation for her vehicle, she repeatedly refused to present her driver’s license, tags, and registration. Some articles on the Internet state Korryn was pulled over while practicing sovereign law. Take a look at this footage as she refused to provide identification for police officers in March while she was pulled over for a traffic violation.

Delegation of Authority: What does it mean?

Like many of us that have a growing curiosity for something we desperately want an answer to, I went to YouTube for a quick definition. I came across a lot of videos that gave good definitions. But there was one particular journalist named Andrew Westmoreland who gave me the best explanation to what delegation of authority meant in the sense of its use in law enforcement. I also found websites that further explained how it is used to delegate orders to people of the law. Though I can’t say what Westmoreland is saying is the fact, he does make a few valid points that I cannot look past, like people not being aware of their laws and policies as it relates to current events with cases about police brutality.

With Korryn Gaines, lots of people may have jumped to conclusions too quickly about her character by saying she’s crazy or mental. There is obviously something more. According to what is observed in her encounter with the addition to learning more about delegation of authority, Korryn had a genuine concern about how she dealt with law enforcers. She was a smart and strong-willed woman. She truly stuck to what she believed was her due to rights. To her, there is a correct way of doing things. She literally died for what she believed.

Would you believe Korryn’s notion to ask the police for delegation of authority was justified after watching journalists explain what it means? Leave your comments below.

Did you read about the Korryn Gaines Pop Up Art Show in Honor of her message? Read Protecting A Legacy: Korryn Gaines Pop-Up Art Show on Doc’s Castle Media.

YTube Vid of the Week: Young Moose “No Sunshine” Feat. Martina Lynch

Baltimore’s turmoil due to riots and protests for Freddie Gray have blossomed a hefty amount of creative masterpieces from independent artist of all sort. The Internet is buzzing of colorful opinions, many pale and others vibrant, depicting artists’ perception of peace and violence; justice and injustice; and moral or immoral.

I even had the opportunity to vent: Read “#OpinionEssay: The “Real Revolution Will Not Be Televised”

This week’s YTube Vid of the Week Is from Baltimore Rapper Young Moose.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggU4t0ZFVbA]

Many of Baltimore’s youth look up to local independent rappers Young Moose and Lor Scoota, who recently reconciled musical differences in February over disputes of competition at a local rap summit.

Encouraging words from these rappers are expected since so many young people support these artist. We need them to inspire our kids to do better; to seek success and progression instead of lawlessness and turbulence, as the world watched Baltimore Youth as they rioted and looted as a result of police brutality towards Freddie Gray.

“Dumb Dumb” artist scratched the surface of reaching the you by releasing “No SunShine” in honor of Freddie Gray. Unfortunately, I do not believe he took this opportunity by storm. So much more could be done. So much more could be said.

“No SunShine” doesn’t get much praise from me because there’s more to be said than what these children who live in these neighborhoods already know. There are ways to get a message across without stating the obvious of what’s happening in our city’s black communities. We know of what our state’s governmental policies enable and forbid us from doing. We know about the “slums” that blacks have systematically become accustomed to. My concern was for artists like Young Moose to do a bit more, maybe lead more as an example.

I guess, I’m expecting too much in such a short amount of time. Huh?

Where are the programs they’re continuously supporting. As I look at each artists background and choice of brand for their music, I’m a little concerned about outsiders not understanding what’s needed to be said for our city. It could easily be misinterpreted if someone would listen to more of Young Mouse’s discography as his music is majority about drugs and trap life.

We need more “substance.” We need more positive messages young people will enjoy and support.

What do you think? Did you like Young Moose’s “No Sunshine?” Leave your comments below.

Do you think that some children’s toys are too inappropriate for kids to be playing with? Watch “YTube Vid of the Week: Tree Change Dolls” on Doc’s Castle Media.