ON THE BEAUTY OF QUEEN SUGAR: AN ANALYSIS OF THE BIRTHDAY SCENE

Queen Sugar is a television show on OWN created by director and writer Ava DuVernay.

The story centers on the Bordelon family, three adult siblings, Charlie, Nova, and Ralph Angel played by Dawn-Lyen Gardner, Rutina Wesley, and Kofi Siriboe respectively. Charlie, Nova, and Ralph Angel inherent their family farm, and despite their lack of farming-experience, they eventually decide to take on the challenge of rejuvenating and managing the land.

While the initial hook is intriguing in its own right, this represents the tip of the iceberg's tip when it comes to the complexities of Queen Sugar's characters, and the way their lives intersect.

THREE QUESTIONS FOR DENZEL WASHINGTON

The best podcast currently available for download is Denzel Washington Is The Greatest Actor of All Time Period. Hosts W.Kamau Bell & Kevin Avery take listeners on a thought-provoking, laughter-inspiring Denzel-adventure every single week, using their conceit as a gateway into a larger discussion about diversity in Hollywood, institutionalized racism, and what defines greatness in art. Their show has evolved beyond the original intent of reviewing Denzel's filmography in alphabetical order as Denzel-conversations aren't limited to his films and the show would have ended far too soon had it remained beholden to that original format. The show continues to grow as the guests become even more varied and even more famous, as Denzel fans (or Denzealots) are drawn to the show like moths to the flame, and as Kevin and Kamau's creative efforts continue to expand outside of the podcast.

DON'T BE A NICE GUY

“Be honest,” Brian said, with that dumb, affected grin of his. “You’re a little excited.”

“I guess,” Summer replied, glaring out the Long Island Expressway, a long stretch of curvy darkness interrupted by flickering red and white car lights. Brian turned the speaker volume up and they nodded in time to the heavy beat of generic house music.

Brian was the driver, recently twenty-one and unable to focus on much other than the nameless female bodies that crossed his line of sight. He lacked the knowledge or, more accurately, the courage to speak to any of them. But when it came to noticing them, he was an expert.

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