In the game of love and happiness, there are plenty of successful tales to speak of. Many of them are posted right here on this website and featured in the documentaries filmed by Lamar and Ronnie Tyler. But success doesn't come without it's peaks and valleys.It's ebbs and it's flows. There are stretches when you are madly in love with the man or woman that you've chosen to … [Read more...]
DAD: As Easy As A, B, C! by Eric Payne: Now Available on Amazon
Eric Payne's 3rd book is no-nonsense common sense for DAD (and Mom too). It's a potent literary workout for any parent looking to step up their game with their kids and with themselves. It features a glowing foreword by Black And Married With Kids very own, Lamar Tyler! Black & Married: Why did you want to write a book on fatherhood? EP: For a long time I've wanted to … [Read more...]
Without DAD
by Eric Payne Excerpted from DAD: As Easy As A, B, C! The National Fatherhood Initiative is an organization charged with improving the lives of children by increasing the numbers of involved, dedicated and committed fathers. They have a vast amount of resources and statistics regarding fatherhood at their disposal. The following are just a few. According to 2009 U.S. … [Read more...]
Love Words And Love Warnings
by Eric Payne No matter how much the debate rages on as to the authenticity, interpretation and authorship of the Bible there is no denying that it is a book packed with advice and warnings about love and relationships. Here are just a few: It's better to live alone in the corner of an attic than with a quarrelsome wife in a lovely home. Proverbs 21:9 (NLT) Better to … [Read more...]
Using Our History To Propel Our Kids Forward
by Eric Payne Earlier this year I took the family to see the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. It was opening night/family night at the Fox Theatre here in Atlanta and the place was packed. A record 4,200 were in attendance not only to see the first performance of a 4-day run here, but also to witness history in the making --- 50 years of Revelations (the show's finale) … [Read more...]
Why Men Don’t Fear
by Eric Payne A few months ago I was sitting in church, not totally paying attention, when I softly spoke the following assertion out loud to no one in particular: "I'm no longer afraid." Now the interesting thing about this quiet self-confession was that I didn't know I was afraid of anything other than werewolves, Dracula, devil movies, hyenas, anyone with a gun pointed … [Read more...]
Chivalry Ain’t Dead
by Eric Payne from the series AP Manhood Anyone who reads me here and on my blog MakesMeWannaHoller.com knows I fight for the rights of the fellas, especially when discussing the "for better or worse" nuances of marriage. Why? Because I bring my A-game to the relationship table and expect to be met halfway. I did so as a single man and I do so now as a husband and a … [Read more...]
Book Review: Do The Work
by Eric Payne Is there a story you have to tell? Do you sometimes lay awake at night thinking about a business you know with certainty that you could run? Is there a script you want to write? Do you have a movie you feel the people need to see? Are you compelled by "destiny" to lose weight and create a "new you"? But then by morning it's all the stuff of dreams and delusions … [Read more...]
When He Steps Up
by Eric Payne Several months ago on this site there were a number of articles that discussed the nuances and the problems that arise in marriages/relationships when the woman leads and is the major decision-maker. However,what happens if and when the dynamic changes, whether it be by circumstance --- the loss of a job, the birth of a child, or something similar --- or … [Read more...]
[Movie Review] Hop
by Eric Payne If you are able to sit through your typical story arc of the good son turned loose cannon (in this case, bunny) who's ultimate fate is redemption, the son who never realized his potential until right now, and a talking live-action bunny that poops jelly beans then you've got the chops for Hop, the new movie from the producers who brought us Despicable Me. I … [Read more...]
Who Are You When You Argue?
by Eric Payne Arguments are an inevitable reality of the human experience. Even more once you start living the married life. In an argument with your spouse which person are you: The spouse that doesn't pay your spouse any mind because he or she is either 1) wrong; or 2) being emotional. The spouse that is always right. You dismiss/ignore whatever it is your spouse is … [Read more...]
Let’s Talk About Sex With The Kids
by Eric Payne Not long ago I had the opportunity to speak to a former coworker of mine named Andrew. He is a dynamic individual who in his spare time conducts workshops for young teens, ages 11-19, about financial literacy, male and female etiquette, leadership styles and skills, and HIV/AIDS Awareness. He's an individual who in his own words came from nothing, … [Read more...]
The Man God Would Have Me Be: My Testimony
by Eric Payne It's rare that I testify. I usually save spiritual matters for conversations with close friends and family. But I have a testimony that I am compelled to share. Every morning I wake up, no matter how tired, happy and blessed to be a father. There is no greater responsibility than to be in the position to care for and influence the ways of a couple of little … [Read more...]
Marriage Personified: My Weekend With The Tylers
by Eric Payne During my recent 4-day weekend at Disney World for Disney's Dreamers Academy with Steve Harvey and Essence magazine, I was blessed with an unexpected treat. I got to work alongside Lamar and Ronnie Tyler, the founders of this site. We and several other bloggers were members of the New Media press corps invited to cover the event. Prior to the weekend, Lamar … [Read more...]
National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day: Do You Know The Stats?
(Click here for full size) Check out this infographic from MakesMeWannaHoller.com (run by our very own Eric Payne) detailing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in New York City for 2009. To learn more about the National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, click here. … [Read more...]