Hang Outs" In New York City

Places In Other Areas

Gifts, Services and Goodies

Books, Books, Books

Music and Artists

Movies and Actors

TV Shows

"Hang Outs" In New York City

dear gawd, all of my fav places have closed, either via overpriced rents or gentrification. oh well... time to find some new favs in NYC.

Places In Other Areas

The House of Blues - New Orleans
Just about everything in the 16th arrondissement - Paris, France
Ome and Shinjuku, Japan
Woodstock and Bethel, NY
Santa Cruz, California
Sono Sushi - Mountain View, CA (My weekly lunch and dinner place) voted best sushi place in the south bay

Gifts, Services and Goodies

Continuing the legacy of the world's greatest comedian, Richard Pryor, and his love and rescue efforts for animals worldwide.

Southern Candy Makers - NOLA hometown fav, pralines, fudge and other holiday treats.

Books, Books, Books

The Shaping of Black America by Lerone Bennett. Everyone of every race should read this book. Racism as we know it today would not exist. Apparently, slavery was not the intention of the original founding settlers, as evident by my own ancestors. Blacks and whites lived and worked side-by-side, with each being self sufficient. Birth and marriage records for blacks were allowed, and blacks were equal paid citizens. Both Irish and Africans came to America as indentured servants, receiving income for their services. Then, some "genius" decided more labor was needed to build up their dream of America, and free labor was best, which became America's long-standing nightmare. There is a reason why blacks were chosen as the "free" labor, but read the book and find out! There are even interesting government documents copied in the book.

The Heart of a Woman by Maya Angelou. What can I say about Maya that hasn't already been said. But this is a wonderful autobiography. And the people she has met and befriended in her lifetime, one can only dream about.

Ain't I A Woman edited by Illona Linthwaite. This book was a gift and has become a permanent part of my heart. It demonstrates the beauty and power of women on so many levels.

Angel of Darkness by Dennis McDougal. HOLY *&#@!! Now this is a classic example of "unless you live 24/7 with a person, you really don't know anything about them." Randy Kraft was a model employee while committing horrific murders along California freeways and across the country, even on business trips. (Thank goodness Wall of Shame Inductee California Judge Joseph Garcia wasn't the presiding judge or else Randy Kraft would be a free man now!)

Racial Matters by Kenneth O'Reilly. Several years ago, I bought this at an interesting used book store in Santa Barbara near UCSB. It sat on my shelf for 4 years, but when I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. Reading this book gives a great deal of insight about our government, the FBI, and why certain attitudes of intolerance exist today. The most unforgettable incident was a SHERIFF'S OFFICER knocking down and kicking a visible 6-7 months pregnant woman, with a 1 year old in her arm, a 3-yr old being held by the hand and a third child standing by. She was visiting her husband who was jailed for participating in civil rights activities. She suffered a stillbirth. Her name was Marion King, wife of Slater King. The sad part is this incident is only one of hundreds of heinous incidents involving all levels of government during the same 1950s/1960s civil rights movement. No doubt the officer went on to retire from law enforcement, probably receiving a memorable outgoing party, and paid for by his local government. The south needs to correct a lot of wrongs! Like Carolyn Bryant wanting to live out her remaining days in peace and quiet. Carolyn Bryant is the wife of Roy Bryant, the degenerate who killed Emmett Till. Peace was never given to Emmett. She's very lucky I am not near her! I'd be a Jehovah's Witness from hell, on her door night and day, and I'm not even a Jehovah's Witness!! She'd never have a moment of peace.

Music and Artists

Pretty much everything except that "I'll cut your heart out and feed it to your mother" crap. But favorites and what I play regularly:

And some of my favorite things to do with music:
Hmmmm, Snoop Dogg or Led Zepp and knitting? I guess it is possible. Well...lemme knock these Kashmir shizocks out! And, for those who keep asking: "Sorry, I only make special items as gifts for family and friends."
• Spades with friends.
• Cleaning up and laundry! Hey, it ain't a favorite thing to do, but the music sure helps!
• Rollerblading / roller skating - still have my 4-wheelers too!

Movies and Actors

The Blackening - SMART! Hilarious! Brilliant! But fell out at Negro National Anthem (second verse), 🤣 😂 and "no, I'm from Oakland..." "that just makes you more black." But the end was brilliant and funny AF!!

The United States vs. Billie Holiday - WOW. Andra Day! amazing performance. and loved, "your grandkids will be playing Strange Fruit." we should have an annual (or daily) clap-back to Harry Anslinger, where thousands show up to his grave and play "Strange Fruit". what a vicious, racist creep Anslinger was.

Harriet - what she did was amazing enough, and movie captured her endurance, intelligence and strength.

The Good Lord Bird (Showtime docu-series) - Ethan Hawke did an amazing job as abolitionist John Brown, who was not f'g around.

America (Lifetime) - sistah gurlll Rosie, you did the dayum thang! and so did Philip "America" Johnson. A movie that must be seen by all, esp. conservative christians against abortion, who wouldn't even know where a foster care home is located, yet claim to be so concerned about the life of every child!!!

Lackawanna Blues - since it's premiere night on HBO (2005), I have loved this movie! there are a lot of Nanny Rachel's who kept communities together when things could have fallen apart. talk about an outstanding cast, with not one bad performance.

Undercover Brother - OK, if you didn't laff once during this one, something is wrong! "I didn't see her in none of my secret agent classes...I'm still payin' off the loans...I sleep on a pissy mattress...I borrow money for my weed". Sooo many funny parts. And finally, a movie that insults everybody!

Independence Day - no, NOT the Will Smith one, which was entertaining, but the one with Diane Wiest, Kathleen Quinlan and David Keith.

The Color Purple - "Out of Africa" won over this one?! Huh? Now I know why I don't watch the Oscars.

12 Years A Slave - just as good as the book, just as shocking but shows how savages confederates are and their worshipers will always be.

Gladiator — I finally saw this movie, for the first time, on March 2, 2024. WOW. And even more "wow", seeing who all starred in the movie. But talk about a dictator from hell, and how it starts - never knowing love, true love, including love for self.

Imitation of Life (Lana Turner, Juanita Moore) - an educational and very heartbreaking story of love and family. even the original version is worth watching

El Cantante - wow! forget the dumb reviews. see this movie. excellent AND Oscar worthy performance by Jennifer Lopez. and buy the soundtrack as well. both movie and soundtrack are worth every penny.

Buck and The Preacher - an all-time favorite.

42 - GREAT job by Chadwick Boseman who I also love in "Message From The King".

American History X - I can never tire of watching this movie (well I cover my eyes for one violent part). Even the cinematography was perfect (black and white when hard and cold, color when relating to others). If you don't see or understand this movie, especially if you're a 6th or more generation U.S. citizen, you're probably part of the problem, or too busy fighting it. Edward Norton and Avery Brooks deserved Oscars for their roles.

The Ten Commandments - gotta check out the gold shoes one of the male servants was wearing during the first born plague. LOL But...ummm...what happened to the sign where Moses places his hand on his chest and it turns white? Oh my bad...edited for Hollywood, a brown man married to an Ethiopian woman coming to say "let my people go" probably wouldn't have done well in theaters. Oh wait..."Prince of Egypt".

Casino - out of control, out of control. All of the acting was outstanding.

Platoon - I still don't know the purpose of the war, but no purpose will justify the amount of lives lost and how they were lost.

Jackie Brown - "Is it this aisle, Louissssss?" And dang, Pam Grier still looks great!

Jungle Fever - From the opening picture (Yusef Hawkins), to the soundtrack, to the last credit on the screen, I love this movie! Favorite parts: when the sistas were sitting around talking ("the war counsel"), and when Flipper brought his new girl to dinner with Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee. "but you knew she was coming." LOL but Ossie wasn't playing. Even Queen Latifah was serious! and all that talent in one movie (Halle Berry, Samuel L. Jackson, Tim Robbins, Michael Imperioli, John Turturro, Frank Vincent, Tyra Ferrell, Annabella Sciorra, Anthony Quinn, and more... yet, once again, overlooked by the Oscar voting panel! oh well!

Love Stinks - French Stewart, Bridgette Wilson, Tyra Banks, Bill Bellamy. OMG! Fun-nee. So many favorite parts, including, "you two should be wearing ski masks and holding a gun" and "can't I just kill her and get off, this is L.A.?

What's Love Got To Do With It - "You tryin' to help Ike?!"

Training Day - DANG!

Malcolm X - Sorry, this wasn't on the list before, but for those who know me, THIS IS a given! But Denzel did da dayum thang! very well acted!

The Players Club - with Bernie Mac, Ice Cube, John Amos, Jamie Foxx, Lisa Raye, Monica Calhoun, Alex Thomas, Charlie Murphy (my crush since Jungle Fever), Faizon Love (my other crush since Friday), Terrence Howard, the late Anthony Johnson, Adele Givens and my favorite - "Ronnie" played by Chrystale Wilson. but Dollar Bill! O.M.G.

Jason's Lyric - "they don't have none of that on the menu.. anybody else that can serve this fool, I'm on my break!"

Set It Off - entertaining with a lot of action, and four of my favorite actresses.

Heat - that shootout after the last robbery was intense, and Robert DeNiro AND Al Pacino in the same movie.

Baby Boy - "want some breakfast?" Two Snaps Up, John Singleton!

The Long Kiss Goodnight - "it'll be just a minute." (ok, people, it's entertainment, mindless entertainment! tired of hearing movies are supposed to be the answer to all ideals and beliefs!) But Geena Davis DID THAT!!!

Disappearing Acts (HBO) - an excellent and realistic love story.

Never Been Kissed - too funny and loved the ending.

So I Married An Axe Murderer - I don't care how bad of a mood you're in, you will laugh! You also can't say you're a Mike Myers fan if you haven't seen this one. I saw it opening weekend and everyone was walking out the theater still laughing from so many funny parts. "He'll be kryin himself to sleep tonite on his huge pilla".

The Associate - with Whoopi Goldberg and Diane Wiest. Smart, inspiring and very funny.

Fun With Dick and Jane (2005) - with Jim Carrey and Téa Leoni. Hilarious!

Legally Blonde - a timeless classic "I go here." "You go where?"

Sleeping with the Enemy - "It never started." ooooh, cold, but understandable, along with the ending!

A Bronx Tale - driving backwards? wow, that's power.

Diary Of A Mad Black Woman - man, I need me a Madea in my life! and always good to see Cicely Tyson.

Soul Plane - yes I am the one who liked it, actually love it and can watch it often. It was the comedy it was intended to be. "I wouldn't have even wrote no sh*t like that down." "Take one piece of chicken and pass it back. Don't be greedy."

Daddy's Little Girls — "and if I see another brother in a throwback jersey, imma scream... SCREAM!!!"

Copycat - a great "who dun it" thriller, and make me regret not going into law enforcement right out of high school.

Ted - "you got a lot of problems, don't you?"

Get Out - never saw that one coming! WOW. but ya girl, sittin' there eating Apple Jacks and drinking milk, to the sound of "I'm Having The Time Of My Life", while selecting next victim. Becky at its finest!

Trading Places - "one dollar".

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button - will watch whenever it's aired, and cry at the end, every single time.

TV Shows

P-Valley (Starz) — Uncle Cliff: "look here Summer's Eve." 🤣 But love me some Uncle Cliff (Nicco Annan)! But Uncle Cliff has officially surpassed "The Haves and Have Nots"'s Veronica, with an outfit for Every. Single. Occasion. 😂 Now, hurry up and release Season 2 Season 3!!!

Why Women Kill — OMG FUNNY!!! And I was sold at Lucy Liu. That kitchen scene with "Simone" (Liu) and "Karl" (Jack Davenport) - "you know women" literally made me spit drink out. They owe me a blanket!! But Season 2, the cast, the wardrobe, and dialog was on point, especially "Dee" (B.K. Cannon)! She did that ish! Emmy's really slept on this show, especially the writing.

Found — Go, Vee, GOOOOO!! 😉 And a cameo by Joy Reid too! Congrats on a great new show, that also highlights child safety around the world.

Abbott Elementary — too funny, great cast, great writing.

Snowfall (FX) — WOW! So much better than Power (Starz). And rest in peace to Mr. John Singleton.

The Chi — watched since DAY ONE. Good acting, direction and scripting.

POSE on FX!!! Truth tellers! But nothing topped two dinner scenes: the restaurant in Long Island (reading Miss Thang), and Jamal's graduation dinner at home with Blanca, Elektra, Angel, Papi, LuLu, Pray, where all got revealed. 😂

Atlanta — great job all around by Donald Glover and cast!

How To Die Alone — Natasha Rothwell did that! And great cast, and writing. Good seeing Ellen Cleghorne in a good role too, and with another fav, Valarie Pettiford. Fav episodes are S1E5 and S1E8.

Cherish The Day on OWN!!! YES Indeed!!

The Haves and Have Nots on OWN. My weekly escape, and it is what it is!

True Detective — ALL seasons! Brilliant. And great casting and performances. And loving current season with Jodie Foster.

Shameless on Showtime!!!

Being Mary Jane on BET — Yes, indeed! 'bout time for a show like this!

Devious Maids on Lifetime — My weekly entertaining escape. I miss All My Children, but Susan Lucci has done-dun it again!! 😊 It's gone, no new episodes. It was fun though.

Dexter (missing it! but what a great show!) — OH SNAP! IT'S COMING BACK THIS YEAR (2021)!

Claws (TNT) — a good entertaining escape!

Insecure (HBO) — YES!!!! LOVE THIS SHOW AND CAST!!

RuPaul's Drag Race — my fierce sistas!! and I'd kill for RuPaul's stylist and makeup team! DIVAS!!!

American Crime (ABC) — WOW! just wow, and always worth watching.

Animal Planet — I channel surf and surf, and always end up here!

Living Single on Oxygen, TVOne, Logo, wherever it's aired, will watch.

The Daily Show (Comedy Central)

Family Guy (FOX and whatever channel airs its reruns) — addicted to it!

How To Get Away With Murder — the title turned me off, but because of Viola Davis had. 👏 to. 👏 watch. 👏 and it's worth it!!

Ken Jeong — ANYTHING that features him, he's too funny! Except "The Masked Singer" after FoxTV decided to feature insurrectionist and The Big Lie promoter Rudy Giuliani. Done is done w/ Masked Singer! FAFO!

The Bachelor and The Bachelorette — 🤣 because they're comedies, especially, the last 15-minutes of each episode, rose ceremonies included.

American Horror Story — still can't decide which season is a favorite as all were/are good. But Angela Bassett as a NOLA witch/voodoo priestess and Kathy Bates as her sworn enemy was priceless!

The Boondocks (Cartoon Network and AdultSwim.com) — always a must see. fav episodes are Fund-Raiser, The Itis, Miss House of Cheeks and Katrina.

Dave Chappelle — the old Dave Chappelle show and other specials.

Blackish — good writing!

Everybody Hates Chris — still watch it as it's a good family show

Six Feet Under — (Missing it! I loved David!) (HBO)

Three Women — WOW! Great cast and acting, well written, and well directed. And great scenery. (Hulu)

Grotesquerie on FX — Niecy Nash-Betts is slaying that detective role. Cannot wait to see how it wraps up, because the writing is good.

Say Nothing (FX) — FX is not f'g around! But the IRA is continually reminding the world of who and what the common enemy is, what everyone should be focused on, instead of bigotry against each other. You cannot replace lives, but you can replace policy within, to better the world for all. IRA fought, and still fights for civil and voting rights, equality and basic human decency.