Paying It Forward: Podcasts I Love part 3

For my contribution to Paying it Forward, which was motivated by @IndasCorner’s xojane article These 5 Podcasts Led by Black Women Keep Me Company... And Give Me Life, I have picked two podcasts that have brighten my commute. I am grateful to share these recommendations and show some of the love she showed us to these podcast I feel are worth more attention.

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Wayward Pines Review

On May 14, 2015, FOX gave us the television series Wayward Pines based on the book series by the same name written by Blake Crouch. The series starts with a brooding FBI agent Ethan Burke, sent on mission to find two missing agents. While en route, he and his partner are involved in a car crash. Ethan survives and awakens in the weird but seemingly idyllic town of Wayward Pines. The town even has it’s own motto: “Work Hard. Be happy. Enjoy your life in Wayward Pines.”

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No Really, Turn On Your Location: How Not Taking A Side Only Supports Rape Culture

On the latest episode of Nerdgasm Noire Network, we talked about the recent development in the Bill Cosby sexual assault case. In the leaked court documents Bill Cosby states he bought Quaaludes with the intent to give them to young women with whom he wanted sex -- or in truer words to rape. On the episode, JP explains why the latter word is most accurate. This news led to a variety of responses from celebrities. Some were apologetic regarding their initial defense of Bill Cosby, like Jill Scott. Others were insistent of Bill Cosby’s innocence, confusing, and somehow included black and white photos of Martin Luther King Jr, like Faizon Love. However, the most annoying response came from those who are still waiting to say anything. There are those -- Whoopi Goldberg and Raven Symone in particular -- who believe that not enough evidence has come out to have any real opinion and would like to leave it at that.

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M.F.K (Non Spoiler) Review

(photo from: mfkcomic.com)

MFK is an adventure webcomic focused on Abbie and her quest to scatter her mother's ashes. The first chapters set up the characters and the town where they help Abbie recuperate. Like most adventures, things get in the way of the quest and great times ensue. She meets Jamie  after suffering a setback in said quest. He along with his aunt, the practical Nifrain and his grandfather, Iman help Abbie get back on track. There are jokes, secrets, sad back stories and feelings of abandonment as well as duty. Yet, MFK is not a heavy read. I believe I read the first chapter in less than a week. At this time, there are three chapters completed and it is rated PG-13.

The author, Nilah Magruder, recently won The Dwayne McDuffie Award for Diversity, which is how I found this webcomic. This is a clear example of why I love the internet. I haven't been this enamored with a webcomic since Bayou by Jeremy Love. MFK is also what got me back into webcomics. It is hard to believe that something so great and creative is free to enjoy. The webcomic can be found on http://www.mfkcomic.com/ and updates every Monday. The author also has an online store at  http://nilaffle.storenvy.com/. The first two printed chapters are sold out but she has other artwork and jewelry available for sale.

Enjoy!

On Being a Reasonable Fangirl Or "Maybe this show doesn't suck"

There are times when you may write off a show before finishing the pilot (unless you are Kia). You watch just enough to snark about it on twitter and every time someone brings it up. It feels good, this self righteous fandom anger. Especially if you can say things like: “You should really read the book, though” or “But did you see the UK version?”

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Creepy Noir: A Fatale Review

Fangirl Disclosure: Due to Gotham Central, I am predisposed to loving anything Ed Brubaker writes. I also like the style of noir storytelling. Give me a rumpled suit, a woman with a good high spilt in her dress with a dangerous secret and I’m sold. That all being said, Fatale not only met my expectations (which I will admit were influenced by Frank Miller’s “A Dame to Kill”) but far exceeded them.

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Goodbye to You!

On Sunday September 29, 2013, we will be saying farewell to Breaking Bad. The tears started two episodes ago. Breaking Bad is a show centering around Walter White, a teacher recently diagnosed with lung cancer. He has a pregnant wife, Skyler and a teenage son Walter Jr who was born with cerebral palsy.

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Loving the Library

Every time I think about the concept of the library, I laugh. It’s a giddy childish laughter of disbelief. People, there is this place in which you can obtain free books. Yes, you have to return them and that sucks at times but then you just get more books. It’s like a never ending train of books. You can get old books, newish books, and those that came out when you weren’t looking. If the library doesn’t have your book then you can just ask the nice person behind the desk to order it. And now, for those who are suddenly turning against print books, some have adapted to the e-book system. So simple. So easy. So amazing.

You know what though? The library doesn’t even stop there. You can use the internet which is very important for those that don’t have it at home. That connection goes a long way into locating a job. They offer educational programs, computer classes, and youth reading campaigns. It can also be a quiet space to just be because librarians are serious about that noise level rule.

I would say that the library was my first love. I lived in walking distance from one growing up and it was magical. I knew that on a good day, I could just walk to the books I needed. I loved the smell, the women who were willingly to guide me to the right section but made me take it from there and the feeling of being productive while in it’s walls. During college, I did a great deal of my research and studying in the library despite having the internet in my dorm. I fell out with the books of the library at one point because due dates aren’t my friends. Now, I am trying a little harder. I still fall in that journey but I get back up. The library is worth it.

How can you support this amazing entity? Geekthelibrary.org has some great suggestions. My favorite way the Friends of The Library book sales. The Detroit Public Library holds them twice a year. My best friend and I make an event out of it. Cheap books followed by crepes is pretty much the ideal afternoon. Some libraries have these sales on a weekly basis which works out pretty well.

Lastly, remember these?? The best.

(source: http://flavorwire.com/124667/musicians-read-posters-a-visual-timeline)

Fictional Religion Real Talk #31WriteNow

My relationship with religion got sketchy about 10 years ago. I spent a lot of time looking for some other teachings to follow and trying to fit myself into someone’s church/temple/whatever. One of my favorite experiences about this time of searching was the jolt I’d get when confronted with a religion/spiritual text found in a fictional book. It was like finding a surprise prize in something I was already completely satisfied with in the first place. It has been quite some time since I’ve read any of the following books but the lessons stay with me.

The first one that drew me was The Gospel of Shug by Alice Walker from The Color Purple. It is the teaching of Shug “I’s married now” Avery. It is liberating, loving and filled with positive affirmations. I remember feeling giddy having read this and it’s turn of “Blessed” to “Helped.” It was like reading some black woman hippie’s bible passage and I loved every minute of it. I still turn to it every now and again when I need to feel better about the world.

The text that caught my spirit was Earthseed. This can be found in the Parable of the Sower and The Parable of the Talents by Octavia Butler. They are described throughout the book as it becomes a community movement. It is written in poetry form throughout the books. I found the passages at times to be simple and other passages to be more complicated. The idea that “God is Change” continues to stick with me. I think about it often in my field because we are HUGE on change.

Earthseed is actually my official religion status on Facebook. I don’t consider my that official religion because I don’t consider myself a religious person. I have my beliefs and they are open enough to incorporate systems from other beliefs. I think that is the most important lesson I learned from the religious/spiritual texts of Earthseed and The Gospel According to Shug. Therefore I will always be grateful for that.

Below are some passages from each:

The Gospel According Shug:

• HELPED are those who find something in Creation to admire each and every hour. Their days will overflow with beauty and the darkest dungeon will offer gifts.

• HELPED are those who receive only to give; always in their house will be the circular energy of generosity; and in their hearts a beginning of new age on Earth: when no keys will be needed to unlock the heart and no locks will be needed on the doors.

• HELPED are those who love the stranger; in this they reflect the heart of the Creator and that of the Mother.

• HELPED are those who are content to be themselves; they will never lack mystery in their lives and the joys of self-discovery will be constant.

Earthseed:

All that you touch

You Change.

All that you Change

Changes you.

The only lasting truth

Is Change.

God

Is Change.

And They Called Her Crazy Eyes #31WriteNow

Orange is the New Black is an original series from Netflix that launched on July 11, 2013. The creator is Jenji Kohan, who also created Weeds. It is based on the memoir of the same title by Piper Chapman. It is initially the story of a woman who goes to prison ten years after her crime. Apparently, during her reckless youth, she moved money for her drug trafficking girlfriend. It’s interesting because it appears that she’s done a 180 on life by the time she’s picked up and self surrenders. If that was the only thing interesting about this show, however, I probably would have stopped after episode 1.

The show also tells the stories of the women serving time alongside Piper. They weave these back stories into each episode in a way that feels seamless. In some cases, we are given their stories piece by piece throughout different episodes. There is diversity of problems, classes, race and a more than surface look on the fluidity of sexuality. There is a even the well balanced story of Sophia, an African American transwoman with a wife and son on the outside. The show has a real assemble cast feel which laid to rest my biggest fear about the show. I was afraid the secondary cast would be treated for kicks and stereotypes.

There are a  number of reasons I marathoned Orange Is The New Black show but one of the top of that list is Suzanne, popularly known as “Crazy Eyes.”  At first, it is tempting to write her off as “Crazy Inmate in Love with White Girl”, but she is more than that. She clearly has mental health issues and is not completely unaware. She has an affinity for theater and vulnerability that might make you cry.  The actress Uzo Aduba does a great job of portraying a clearly layered character. She plays the comedic scenes without hamming it. I find myself doing the ‘swirl’ song at random times...when I am alone. Suzanne also has some amazingly subtle but nevertheless heartbreaking dramatic scenes. We also get the smallest peek into her family life which just leaves you with a more questions. Luckily, we are getting a second season of Orange is The New Black.

“You ready to see some Shakespeare shit?”