First thing I thought: Marvel and Columbia Pictures. I’m sold on both.

I also heard this movie was not good. You know I had to judge it for myself.

I saw the library copy.

Look, baby. This is Marvel. I’ve never seen a bad movie from them.

Dakota Johnson plays a Manhattan paramedic, Cassie Webb, who develops clairvoyant abilities and forms a relationship with and has to protect 3 powerful girls who need training in how to use their powers. Her mother years earlier tried to look for and harness the healing power of a rare spider in the Amazon. Ezekiel Sims, the man who killed her mother and became a billionaire because of the attibutes of the spider venom.

And, there is a spiritual aspect concerning the spider people who protect the secret which was revealed to Cassie Web, who becomes Madame Web when she re-visited her mother’s site after she grew up. So, the rest of the movie is the fight between Ezekiel and her and the three girls.

According to Wikipedia, “Cassandra Webb first appeared in Marvel’s American comic books, The Amazing Spider-man #210 (November 1980).

“Humor, comedy, explosions, connections in the future”. I don’t discourage easily. I expect the next installment to get better reviews. We each have a right to our opinion.

Director: S..J. Clarkson.

Rosa Griffin

10/15/24

92 minutes

“If death is a disease then, there’s a cure…and I’m going to find it.”

Story is one of a kind..a different take on Mary Shelly’s “Frankenstein” monster.

Fresh take that centers around a brilliant Black teen named Vicaria who tries to reanimate her brother who was killed in the drug trade. How she got that smart I will never know–supposedly, she is smart enough to do so. Her plan backfires because the reanimation experiment took so long that her brother revived as a terrorizing, murdering and noncommunicating monster instead. He can only communicate with her little niece. This experiment prepares her for the next one.

Wonderful imagination.

Written and directed by Bomani J. Story. Filmed in Charlotte, N.C. with mostly local actors.

Great actors in this film:

Laya De Leon Hayes as Vicaria.

Denzel Whitaker as head drug dealer, Kango.

Keith Holliday as Jamaal, opposing drug dealer.

Chad Coleman as their father, Donald.

Robin Michele Lee as mother Evy.

These are among the great actors in the movie. I forrowed the movie from the library.

Written by Rosa Griffin, 10/17/24.

Comedy/Romance

Dracula, his vampire girlfriend, and his servant, Renfield, travel from Transylvania to Scotland. The elderly Renfield, Dracula’s family servant, confidante, and friend was allowed to frolic, drink, cook, and party with his “employer”.

At first, the vampires walked around town using umbrellas until they got used to being exposed to the sun gradually.

Dracula and his girlfriend became accustomed to eating “regular” food in the form of blood sausage and gruel (some type of cooked cereal) which took some getting used to. Renfield is the one who found blood sausages to substitute for biting people during this Scottish vacation. [They would have to eat a ton of blood sausages to substitute for real blood.] I found out that you have to be licensed to sell blood sausages (see source below).

They also discovered a female vampire living next door who was married to an undertaker. Dracula’s biggest worry was whether his ex-wife would find himself and his new vampire girlfriend.

There was a song in the movie that they and their neighbors were dancing and singing to that I swear had the same tune as the song in the musical comedy The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) starring a young, sexy Tim Curry, Richard O’Brien, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, Charles Gray, Meatloaf, etc., in a Frankenstein musical comedy.

Spoiler alert— A clean vampire movie, confusing at first because, of course, I was expecting someone to be bitten. No one was bitten or even murdered.

Dracula–“We have to get over our fears of sunlight, crosses, Bibles, running water, garlic, food and drink.” Ed Ward played Dracula, a handsome, pale but otherwise healthy-looking guy. Suzanne Kendall played Dracula’s vampire girlfriend Lucy, also healthy looking. Chris Bearne played Renfield, Dracula’s elderly confidante, butler, and friend.

I knew from the beginning that it was going to be interesting. It was relaxing and peaceful and the beautiful Scottish countryside was a character in the movie. The Scottish fair was a lot of fun!

The movie was directed by Robbie Moffatt, Palm Tree Worldwide.

Source:
Erict.Culinarylore, November 21, 2014, Culinarylore.com, “Can I Buy Legal Blood Boudin (Red Boudin or Boudin Rouge)? Or is it Outlawed?”, well-loved in Louisiana, illegal to make and sell commercially by USDA that make using blood illegal. France and Louisiana were mentioned.

Written by Rosa Griffin

Self-care is something you do for yourself to get through a challenge.   The challenge could be taking care of a loved one.  Whether you are taking care of a loved one, which could be a child, a mother, a father, another relative, or a friend.

One way I self-care is to read books.   And, to add icing to that cake…discuss the books with a group afterward.   Some groups, like the one I’m in, have older and younger members.   We only meet once a month at the Baltimore County Woodlawn Library from 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday nights.  We are called the Page Turners and I’ve been in the group for over 3 years.

It can be so exhilarating to share your opinion with others on a book you’ve read in addition to giving you time away from whatever challenge you may face.  Although Covid caused us to resort to Zoom for the monthly meetings, as of last year we are resuming meeting in-person again.  Also, the librarians on occasion introduce us to new books.

Caregivers, our book club just finished reading the book, Black Cake, by Charmaine Wilkerson.  It is a wonderful adventure as well as a murder mystery.   The main character, Covey, a black champion surfer, is nearly forced to marry an island gangster much older than her to pay off her father’s debt.  She escapes only to be accused of murdering her husband-to-be.  The author takes you from the Caribbean to England to Canada and back. The action and the surfing never stop.  “Black Cake” is a Caribbean delicacy which actually is black.  In the story, people actually freeze the cake for years and often break off a piece for special occasions.

Another book I started on my own was a gift from another caregiver.  Marita Golden’s novel, The Wide Circumference of Love, is wonderful.   I started reading it a week ago.   It has a theme of a wife who confronts her husband’s Alzheimer’s when it should be a time when they can both retire and be traveling.   I learned a lot from the book so far.  It is both a romance and a mystery of Alzheimer’s disease—the onset and how it progresses, but it is not depressing.  It is upbeat considering the subject.  If you are going through this or a similar situation, it might be helpful to read the book.

Written by Rosa Griffin  

[You are never too young to learn about people trying to steal your money “by any means necessary”.]

They may start with:

“Oops, wrong number!”  Delete or block.  Don’t talk or text with.

“Fake barcodes on gift cards.”  Barcode shouldn’t be on an attached sticker, or package ripped, wrinkled, bent, or looks tampered with.  Once scanned at a cash register, the code sends your money into the scammer’s account.

“Crypto refund swindles.”  If you have lost money in a cryptocurrency scam (the investments are not insured anyway), you may receive contact from phony ‘refund and recovery’ companies by phone, email or social media asking for your personal ID information.  You get nothing, warns the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

“Making testimonial videos in exchange for the money crooks on social media have taken from you.”  You are “hired” to make a video saying that you made money.  This is a ploy to trap others. You don’t even get paid for it and who knows how many other people will be duped by the video you participated in.

“Fake high school streaming sites are set up for you to send them money.”  Legit streaming from school games was popularized during the pandemic.  The fake scammers hit the Internet before the legit ones.  You re-send thinking they are legit.  They steal your money and info.

“Bank impersonator racket.”  Low-tech way around two-factor authentication.  In the process, you hand your bank passcode over to the scammers.  [ Just like Social Security, IRS, etc., banks don’t call you on the phone–rlg] Report the fraud to the bank’s fraud department.

“LinkedIn relationship fakes”.  You get a message on LinkedIn, the popular workplace social media site.  Eventually you are asked to move your chat to a personal device, luring you into a scam.

“I’ve got your package, where is your house? Hoax”.  Didn’t order anything?   They may try to trick you into thinking it’s a gift from someone.  Or you may receive an email about rescheduling a drop-off or a fake “package delivery attempt” sticker on your door to get you to provide personal information which will download malware to your computer or dial a number with high per-minute fees.  Contact the legitimate company directly.

“Out-of-Stock Item Scam” Research businesses online before you buy, and only shop on secure websites with a lock symbol in the browser bar and an internet address that begins with ‘https’.

[I’ve had many similar emails and texts either telling me I’ve won something or I owe a huge bill to an account I may already have or don’t have.  I delete, block, or report spam.  Someone texted me today that they haven’t talked to me in a long time but the message had no name.  I asked for a name and they gave me a name as well as the product they were selling.  I blocked that person.

On Facebook, while I was texting with legitimate relatives, at least 3 “men” have greeted me in the midst of texted conversation with my relatives.   I don’t think of Facebook when I think of online dating.  They texted me with “how are you doing?”, “hello there”,etc.   One person “a doctor”, sent family pictures and facts about “himself” to Messenger that were believable.  But I discontinued the message.  There was no way to prove these people were legitimate.

Even if you don’t have access to AARP Bulletin or Magazine, there are many magazines, newspapers and other online outlets that address fraud and scammers.]

Source:

Sari Harrar, “Your 2023 Fraud Survival Guide:  Protect Your Money from Scam Calls, Texts and Emails (And Learn How the Pros are Fighting)”, AARP Bulletin, April 2023, v.64, n.3, pp.7-10 (of whole article pp. 7-14 containing parts 2 & 3).  AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) The newspaper of 50 plus America.  Membership dues $16 annually (also includes AARP Magazine).  The magazine and bulletin are worth far more.

Excerpts written by Rosa L. Griffin

This is a thin book about Ms. Angelou’s musings about herself, her life, and her interactions with other people throughout her life.

She was not a gentle woman but a courageous woman who did not let anyone treat her badly from what she writes in this book.  Some of the sections are Faith, Taking Time for Yourself, Death and Grieving, Style, etc.

One section that stood out for me is how she lost a white “friend” just by asking him to repeat something he said to her a few times until he understood what he said in the section “Our Boys”:  “You know the black soldiers are having a horrific time over there, and our boys are having a tough time, too”.   The man was president of the National Council of Christians and Jews at that time and had been in Germany trying to “ameliorate the conditions for the American soldiers”.  He never returned her calls after that.

Ms. Angelou: “The incident saddened and burdened me.   The man, his family and friends were lessened by not getting to know me and my family and friends.   And it also meant that I, my family, and friends were lessened by not getting to know him.   Because we never had a chance to talk, to teach each other, and learn from each other.   Racism had diminished all the lives it had touched.  Diversity makes for a rich tapestry.”

Maya Angelou (/ˈændʒəloʊ/ (listen);^[1][2] born Marguerite Annie Johnson; April 4, 1928 – May 28, 2014) was an American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years. She received dozens of awards and more than 50 honorary degrees.^[3] Angelou is best known for her series of seven autobiographies, which focus on her childhood and early adult experiences. The first, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), tells of her life up to the age of 17 and brought her international recognition and acclaim. In 1993, Angelou recited her poem “On the Pulse of Morning” (1993) at the first inauguration of Bill Clinton, making her the first poet to make an inaugural recitation since Robert Frost at the inauguration of John F. Kennedy in 1961. (Wikipedia)

It reminds me about some things Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. said:

“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

“There comes a time when silence is betrayal.”

“I have heard numerous religious leaders of the South call upon their worshippers to comply with a segregation decision because it is the law, but I have longed to hear white ministers say, ‘follow this decree because integration is morally right and the Negro is your brother’”.   Excerpt from “Letter from a Birmingham Jail”, April 16, 1963.  BRC-News:  Black Radical Congress-General News/Alerts/Announcements   (Full letter https://stanford.edu/group/docs/Birmingham.html)

I liked Maya Angelou’s book, “Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey Now”.   It gave me some insight into her personality and life.  My favorite poem of hers is “Phenomenal Woman”.

Written by Rosa L. Griffin

For the mature out there, you and your babe or you alone can get some distraction at these sites:

Dixie De La Tour’s website   https://bawdystorytelling.com, @bawdystorytelling on Instagram, @DixieDLT on Twitter

Esquire’s article “10 Best Sex Podcasts No Matter Your Taste” (rated for your convenience) by Breena Kerr, May 3, 2017,
https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/sex/a46389/best-sex-podcasts/

Literotica’s free erotic fiction website https://www.literotica.com/c/mature-sex  as mentioned at https://en.wikipedia.org/Literotica   [I never heard of until a friend told me about it]

On Saturday, December 2, 2017, from 1-3 p.m., the Black Writers’ Guild of Maryland, Inc., (www.blackwritersguild.org) hosted the panel discussion “Lights, Camera, Action:  Journey from Book to the Big Screen.”  The event was held at the Enoch Pratt Free Library, 4330 Edmondson Avenue, Baltimore, MD  21229.

The panelists were:

• Odessa Rose, author of Water in a Broken Glass, and In the Mirror
• Jamelle Williams-Thomas, filmmaker of the movie Water
• Devin J. Ricks, filmmaker and mogul
• Teresa Davis, author and filmmaker
• Leonard Coleman, filmmaker

The facilitator was Wilma Brockington-Parker, BWG Communications Officer and the author of books:  Cinnamon Girl Blues, Office Politics, and Been There, Done That.    The presentation concluded with a 3-minute pitch from individual BWG author/members, a question-and-answer period, and networking.

Author Odessa Rose uses Baltimore City as the backdrop for her fiction.  She was influenced by her mother, who is an avid reader of horror authors, especially Stephen King.   Odessa received her B.A. in English from Coppin State University and her M.A. in Literature from the University of Maryland at College Park.  She is nearly finished her film, “Water”, being produced by Jamelle Williams-Thomas.  On her website, http://odessarose.com/, tickets can be purchased for the March 1, 2018 premiere of her movie, “Water”.   See also http://www.amazon.com/Odessa-Rose/e/B001KC6HBS,  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5038298.Odessa_Rose, and https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/water-a-dc-love-story#/.

Jamelle Williams-Thomas is a D.C. filmmaker and Digital Engagement Specialist.  She specializes in developing winning social engagement and marketing strategies through channels like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube.   As a child, she would create characters and make stories from anything.  Jamelle studied Film Production at Chapman University in Orange, CA where she met screenwriters Mildred Lewis and Jeff McCracken.  They challenged her to rise above the adversity of being one of the only Black female film students at a predominately white institution.  Right out of college she founded her production company, Lodge Street Films.   As a filmmaker, she manages full-scale film production services for Lodge Street Films and strongly advocates for the representation of all facets of the Black diaspora in film and media.  Lodge Street also strives to give those stories a place in the light.  Jamelle has served in several positions in all aspects of film and video projects including production management, location scouting, writing, editing, and directing.   She has experience in fictional shorts, features, and corporate videos.   Her previous work includes Transplant and trailers for Odessa Rose’s critically acclaimed novel, In the Mirror.   George Bernard Shaw is the person from whom Jamelle gets her favorite quote, “Life isn’t about finding yourself.  Life’s about creating yourself.”   https: //www.indiegogo.com/projects/water-a-dc-love-story#/, http://m.imdb.com/name/nm2059616/bio?ref_=m_mn_ov_bio and https://www.lodgestreetfilms.com.

Devin J. Ricks, a filmmaker, is also a videographer, director, editor, producer, and radio/media personality.  He creates music videos, commercials, weddings, tutorials, and stage plays as well.   Devin graduated from Morgan State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Broadcasting and Integrated Media/Video Production.  He has released over 70 episodes of his online reality show called “Dev TV”, has 3 films under his belt and is working on more to add to his Love Cycle Saga.  Devin also has a clothing line titled “No More Apologies” under his brand The DJR Experience.  The young mogul is on the rise and ready to inspire, motivate, and further our humanities.  He can be contacted at Devydev092@gmail.com.  His website is https://www.TheOfficialDJRP.com.

Teresa Davis, author and filmmaker is a Baltimore native with five self-published novels to her credit:  Ghetto Misery Uncut, Ghetto Misery Uncut: Street Land Lords Part 2, and co-authored Pistol Whipped, Hysterectomy of the Hood and Dope Dick.  As a filmmaker, Teresa’s work has earned her the 2014 Titan Arts Awards Best Film Director.  She is also the Titan Arts Awards 2015 two-time nominee for Best Film Director of the DMV and Best Film of the Year.  Her films include Laced, which stars Love and Hip Hop’s Momma (Nancy) Jones, The Last Laugh, and the anticipated movie Perkaset.  Teresa also directed and co-filmed the documentary No Hands King, Lor Dev Story, which won first place at the 2017 Born in Baltimore Film Festival Audience Choice and is also up for Best Film of the Year 2017 Titan Arts Awards.  Teresa was also featured in the magazine, Courbe’e Revolucio’n.  https://m.facebook.com/Author-Teresa-Davis-657395994352053/

Leonard Coleman, videographer, rapper, and actor partnered with Teresa Davis five years ago and has worked on such projects as Laced, a film starring Momma Jones of Love and Hip Hop, The Last Laugh, and Teresa Davis’ anticipated film, Perkaset, which was inspired by Leonard.  Teresa wrote the film after Leonard developed cellulitis of the skin, which left him wheelchair-bound for a year.  In an effort to lift Leonard’s spirits, Teresa created the character “Little Head” for Leonard, who did a lot of the scenes from his  wheelchair.  He also filmed from that very same wheelchair.  Since regaining his ability to walk, Leonard has worked on other great projects, such as Ghetto Misery Uncut and the documentary No Hands King, Lor Dev Story, which was the Born in Baltimore Film Festival Audience Choice Best Film of the Year 2017.

Rosa L. Griffin