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Disclaimer:
For Education and discussion purposes. Please note no copyright infringement is intended, was recorded on BlkCosmo’s own equipment, and we do not own nor claim to own any of the original recordings used in this video and intend to use this as ‘fair use’.
Remy Ma Tells Eazy Da Block Captain She Loves Him During Rap Battle
Ways You Can Support Veterans Mental Health
Veterans Day is a day to remember and reflect on the sacrifices of our military veterans and also to thank them for their service.
Veterans in this country come from different walks of life and have fought in various battles, used different weaponry, and wore different uniforms. Still, they all share a common experience.
Because of that often our veterans experience mental health challenges such as PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or depression.
Below are five ways you can help support our veterans.
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Some military veterans develop anxiety following severe trauma or a life-threatening event. For others, stressful life events such as transitioning from military to civilian life can cause anxiety disorders. It can be hard for some to “turn off” some of the strategies and behaviors that were necessary for military situations.
Anxiety may manifest itself as a panic attack or an overall sense of unease and you could help by being available if/when a veteran is in crisis. This could involve letting them know you are there and offering assistance and support.
Understand Depression
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions. Symptoms include persistently sad or irritable mood, changes in sleep, appetite, and energy, problems with memory and concentration, lack of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, and recurrent thoughts of death or suicide. Sometimes, veterans struggling with depression can lead to suicide or substance abuse.
You can help someone with depression by helping them accomplish everyday tasks that are difficult such as cleaning or assisting with meals. Additionally, offering resources and help from a mental health professional especially if a veteran is severely depressed and suicidal, Get them help immediately
Understand Traumatic Brain Injury
Symptoms of TBI can include headaches, fatigue or drowsiness, memory problems, mood changes, and mood swings. Though a TBI may not be noticeable at first, don’t assume that all wounds are visible.
Memory problems or mood changes could be the result of depression or another mood disorder or it could be a traumatic brain injury. Even “mild” TBIs can cause significant impairment in different areas of someone’s life.
You can offer help through an organization that trains service dogs or assist with activities of daily living by volunteering at organizations that support veterans.
Understand PTSD
Traumatic events, such as military combat, assault, and disasters can have long-lasting negative effects such as trouble sleeping, anger, nightmares, being jumpy, and alcohol and drug abuse. When these troubles don’t go away, it could be PTSD.
Reach out to organizations that specialize in treating or providing referrals to veterans who suffer from PTSD. Inform yourself so you can help a veteran in your life.
Remember, everyday events can be triggers. For example, if you know of events where fireworks may be set off to celebrate an event, notify local veterans groups, the loud noise could trigger symptoms of PTSD in veterans and you can notify them in advance.
If you notice that someone in your life has symptoms, refer them to a professional for care. Don’t wait, don’t be afraid to ask.
Remember, PTSD is a risk factor for suicide.
Understanding and supporting the mental health needs of our veterans is a great way to reach out and thank them for their service. Also, remember they need help every day, not just on Veterans Day, so it’s okay to lend a helping hand.
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Jada Pinkett Smith Stuns in Grace Jones-Inspired 2025 Photos
Black Cosmopolitans, Jada Pinkett Smith is making waves with her stunning new photos for 2025! The dramatic black-and-white shots, reminiscent of Grace Jones’ iconic style, highlight Jada’s powerful presence and captivating grace.
Wearing a sleek hooded ensemble and minimalistic makeup that enhances her striking features, Jada proves once again why she remains an enduring force in both fashion and culture. The bold look has fans celebrating her evolution and undeniable ability to redefine elegance.
What do you think, Black Cosmopolitans? Do these photos give you Grace Jones vibes, or is Jada carving out a completely unique style of her own? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Yikes… Is it ok to go public if they are separated?…
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Fashion bites are snippets of news and Fashion collected from around the web gathered for our community. (7 Likes at 2025-01-08 00:00:18)
Polyworking, Is Becoming A Growing Job Trend
by Jeroslyn JoVonn
November 10, 2024
Polyworkers, individuals juggling multiple jobs simultaneously, are becoming a dominant force in the job market.
Amid an uncertain job market, more workers are choosing to work for multiple companies simultaneously instead of relying on a single employer.
Known as “polyworking,” this emerging trend is one of the top personal branding trends for 2024, where individuals take on a “portfolio career” by juggling multiple jobs at once, Forbes reports. Research shows the number of professionals embracing this work style is expected to rise in the coming years, with the rise of AI-enhanced efficiencies and a workforce seeking more fulfillment and purpose in their careers.
“Almost half (46%) of workers are polyworking with a side hustle or additional job, and a further 36% plan on starting one in the future,” as cited by Owl Labs.
Several key reasons explain the rise in polyworking: boosting job security and income, expanding skillsets, and fostering professional growth by exploring new industries. Other factors include personal fulfillment, inspiring creative thinking and problem-solving skills, reduced job burnout through variety, networking opportunities, and the autonomy and flexibility that come with working on your own terms.
Polyworking benefits not only employees but companies as well. Employers can gain from having polyworkers on their team, as they bring diverse skillsets and fresh ideas. Supporting employees’ flexibility to pursue multiple professional interests fosters stronger rapport, higher job satisfaction, and can lead to improved retention.
For those interested in joining the polywork community, there are six steps to follow:
- Practice introspection by evaluating your skills, interests, and passions. Identify areas where you can contribute across multiple roles or projects and consider what could be missing that could enhance your life.
- Assess your options and decide where to focus your efforts. Begin by adding just one new role or project to your work portfolio to not overwhelm or burden yourself.
- Develop a plan by outlining the steps needed to pursue your new role, and set clear milestones and a timeline to track your progress.
- Expand your network by connecting with individuals involved in the new industry or sector you’re adding to your work portfolio.
- Put your plan into action, track your progress, and adjust as needed until you’ve fully embraced polyworking.
- Update your personal brand to ensure your actions and communications reflect the new dimensions of your work. When revamping your brand, be sure to highlight how the diverse roles you take on make you a more unique and compelling professional.
RELATED CONTENT: Mastering the Art of the Side Hustle
Here’s Why You May Be Paying Trump’s Tariffs
Think this is a good plan?
U.S. retailers’ alliance to foreign suppliers may potentially lead to higher prices for a range of products, thanks to Donald Trump winning the White House and his proposed import tariffs, CBS News reports.
In a report released by the National Retail Federation (NRF) on Nov. 4, American consumers can expect to lose anywhere between $46 billion and $78 billion in spending power on products such as apparel, toys, furniture, household appliances, footwear and travel goods over the next few years because of the tariffs. NRF Vice President of Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold released a statement explaining what a tariff is and how it affects companies. “A tariff is a tax paid by the U.S. importer, not a foreign country or the exporter. This tax ultimately comes out of consumers’ pockets through higher prices,” Gold said.
“Retailers rely heavily on imported products and manufacturing components so that they can offer their customers a variety of products at affordable prices.”
Examples include a pair of sneakers for $50 increasing to prices ranging between $59 and $64 or a $2,000 mattress and box spring set going for $2,190.
The introduction of tariffs isn’t a first-time Trump proposal. During his first term, his administration set sights on tariffs up to 25% for over $360 billion in products from China. The Biden-Harris administration kept most of those tariffs and added additional ones onto Chinese electric cars and microchips.
Under a Trump-Vance reign, the team has plans to embed a 60% tax on China-produced goods and a 10% to 20% levy on the $3 trillion in foreign goods the U.S. imports per year. During the campaign trail, Trump vowed to reduce inflation but U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen issued a warning that since the tariffs would be paid mostly would only increase it. “A consistent theoretical and empirical finding in economics is that domestic consumers and domestic firms bear the burden of a tariff, not the foreign country,” the Budget Lab at Yale University said in a mid-October 2024 analysis.
However, Trump claims tariffs will benefit the U.S economy in numerous ways like encouraging countries to negotiate more successful trade deals and limiting other counties from “dumping” their products in the States at under-market prices, according to USA Today. Another reason is to motivate nations to decrease their tariffs on shipments into their countries from the U.S.
The four-time criminally indicted President-elect has accused other countries of pushing much higher tariffs on imports than the U.S. in addition to criticizing trade deals — like NAFTA — that have led to more foreign imports into the country than exports from the U.S. to other countries. In 2020, the Trump administration replaced NAFTA with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
For the time being, it is unclear on the timeline of when or if the incoming administration will begin to tighten tariffs as the process requires legislation to increase the levies, which could take up to a year.
U.S. Dollar Dropped As Voters Headed To The Polls
by Jeroslyn JoVonn
November 7, 2024
The dollar took a dip on Election Day.
The U.S. dollar took a dip on Nov. 5 as swarms of American voters took to the polls to cast their ballots.
The dollar declined even as betting markets like PredictIt and Polymarket indicated rising odds of Trump winning the presidency, Reuters reports. With Donald Trump returning to the White House with a Republican-led House and Senate, extreme currency moves are expected.
Trump’s policies on immigration and tariffs are expected to drive inflation, while tax cuts for the wealthy and deregulation could spur growth, pushing longer-dated Treasury yields and the dollar higher.
In contrast, a Democratic victory was anticipated to weaken the dollar as traders unwind bets on Trump, with investors concerned about the economic impact of higher taxes on the wealthy and stricter business regulations.
“It’s possible we’re seeing a bit of position-squaring…my sense is that people are cautious,” said Steve Englander, head of global G10 FX research and North America macro strategy at Standard Chartered Bank’s New York branch.
“Right now the mood seems to be going in favor of Trump,” Englander said. “On the other hand, for most of October and into the beginning of November, the Trump trades were stronger dollar and higher yields.”
Globally, Trump’s win could lead to weakness in the euro, Mexican peso, and Chinese yuan, as these regions may face new tariffs under his administration. Bitcoin rose 2.76% to $68,928, with Trump’s views seen as more favorable toward cryptocurrencies. Traders are closely watching the Federal Reserve’s two-day meeting, which concludes Thursday, with expectations that the U.S. central bank will lower rates by 25 basis points.
Elsewhere, data released on Tuesday revealed that the U.S. services sector reached its highest level in over two years in October, with a strong rebound in employment. This suggests that the near halt in job growth last month was an aberration.
RELATED CONTENT: Opinion: Trump Won Despite Running A Divisive Campaign–Here’s How