Movie Pick: BlackkKlansman

First off, this is one of the best movies I've seen in a while.

And second, it may even be the best of Spike Lee's many joints.

I'm not sure I can even describe how clever this film is. It takes a subject, that sounds incredibly unbelievable, and manages to play it with a lot of heart and, amazingly, humor. Paying homage to Blaxploitation cinema of the 1970's and a low-key but on-point soundtrack (Brandy, You're a Fine Girl!) this film really takes hold of the moment that was 1971.

Then it smacks you in the face big-time by pulling you straight into present-time with current political figures, watershed moments and even catchphrases. I don't want to spoil the end, but I'm telling you, stay seated until it's over. You will be moved.

This film made me think of two of Spike Lee's previous films in particular: Malcolm X and Do the Right Thing. There's a journey in all of these movies, and at times it almost seems light-hearted. Until you get that cold hard punch of reality. Spike Lee has always been a master of that art.

And of course, we have to say something about the lead actor, John David Washington, son of the legendary Denzel Washington. Seeing Spike Lee work with the son of the actor he collaborated with so frequently and warmly is a vision not lost on fans. And of course, it makes you look forward to the career of younger Washington.

My husband and I kept talking afterward about who we think should see this film, as in, who would benefit most? The answer is easy. Everyone.

Reclaiming Your Childhood: Priceless

This story might take a minute to tell. Bear with me. When my sister and I were little girls, my mother took us to a large baptist church in town. Even as a child, I never remember feeling welcome there. But I do remember the lovely older couple that kept my Sunday School class. They gave us saltines and kool-aid, and I remember thinking they would be nice grandparents to have. At Christmastime, the Sunday School class was set to have a random gift exchange. Every child was supposed to bring a gift that could be exchanged with any other child.....no specific gift designations. I received the gift of an Avon 7 bead necklace which was very popular at the time. I loved it so much and was thrilled to have it! I was somewhere between 5 and 7 at the time. (Back in the 1970's and 80's, Avon was a cosmetic company that was also known for it's inexpensive jewelry. I couldn't find a price on what this necklace would have cost back then, but apparently there is ...

My Week with Rumor

My dog Rumor was an experiment. A trial offer. And all parties knew that going in. Except for maybe Rumor. Rumor was an outdoor country dog. His given name was Ruger (named after a firearm if you don't know, I didn't) which made sense for a dog raised in hunting country. He was a stray that came to live with a loving family at about the age of 1. He lived outdoors, slept in a garage crate at night, frolicked with an older dog pack and had a lovely life. We think he was about 4 years old. He had been neutered, had vet care and was by no means a "rescue". His dad offered Ruger to me on a give-it-a-try basis. He knew I wanted a dog. He told me Ruger would be sweet to me and also be my protector. He was right on both counts. He told me if it didn't work out, I could bring Ruger back to him and his wife. I could tell they were a little sad when they dropped him off. It made me glad to see that Ruger came from such ...

NYE for $200, Alex

Can we all just agree that New Year's Eve is the worst of the string of winter holidays? I would even go so far as saying it's THE WORST of all the holidays. I loved when Stanford Blatch defined a party as feeling very "forced festive". To me, most NYE parties feel that way. The idea that this is a big year-end blow-out and we'd all damn well better make it awesome! The reason I hate NYE is because it combines two of things I most hate about celebrations: cold weather and crowds. Plus it's during a time of year when everyone has already spent all their money. AND you usually have to the leave the house. ADDITIONALLY, you have to stay up late. It's a big F.U. from me on all this. I would dare say that some of my happiest New Year's memories have been spent at home in my pajamas with either my child, an S.O. or happily alone. I remember one unforgettable year of moving into a 3rd floor apartment on NYE. I rememb...

Becky's Greatest Hits Vol. II

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