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Showing posts from 2009

Book Review: "Push" by Sapphire

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I received the book "Push" by Sapphire earlier today as a Christmas gift...and finished it in one sitting. It was excellent. This was a pleasant surprise, after a traumatic viewing of the movie "Precious" (based on the novel) last week. [Read my review of "Precious" here.] Having now read the book, I understand why the story would inspire a motion picture. I understand why the filmmaker Lee Daniels was eager to allow us to visualize the character of Claireece Precious Jones and her peers through his screenplay. I stand by my previous opinion and still am not a fan of the movie but I must say, I feel redeemed having read the original text. The book was more about the journey of Precious striving towards literacy, and was written in her broken English and limited vocabulary that expanded and strenghtened as the book progressed. You really got a feel for her growth with language. While the movie placed too much emphasis on her evil mother, the verbal abuse,

Review: "Precious" (the feel-bad movie of the year)

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I saw this movie last night, and I'm concerned. I fell for the media hype back in September. I went downtown for the Toronto International Film Festival red carpet to celebrate the screening of "Precious" and catch a glimpse of my favourites: Oprah Winfrey, Tyler Perry, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Sherri Shepard, Paula Patton, and the accompanying fanfare. I believed in the power of this movie, the strength of this story (based on reviews of the novel "Push") and I was ready to be impressed. But sadly, you really just can't take Oprah's word on everything ... This movie was disappointing. Disturbing. It got under my skin, and failed at becoming the wonderful film I wished it to be. For those who have suffered experiences of abuse, my sympathy is genuine, and my heart really goes out to the pain and difficulties that must be endured in an attempt to overcome that. I also understand that Ms. Winfrey and Mr. Perry, as victims of molestation, really felt th

Book Review: Hill Harper's "The Conversation"

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Hill Harper's new book "The Conversation" should be the last book written about black relationships. It covers all of the topics, the discussions, and the tools needed for readers to move forward in this area, no longer held back by historical, social, and cultural restrictions, perceived or actual. Released in September of 2009, Harper's third book focuses on "How Black Men and Women can Build Loving, Trusting Relationships" and has the potential to be the definitive word on black love. Using personal experiences, candid interviews and discussions with his friends and associates, and modern references like the Obamas, the dangers of 'technological' communication, and even Steve Harvey's recent relationship book, Harper presents a relevant and timely discussion on "the breakdown of African-American relationships." His purpose: to encourage conversation, to present various perspectives, and to encourage black men and women to work

Comedians on Twitter

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Some people don't even know what Twitter is, how it works, what the point of it is, or why people even bother to log in...but for those of you who are locked in, you know where I'm coming from... Twitter got jokes! Over the past few weeks, I have literally laughed out loud at some of the commentary, punchlines, and Trending Topics (the most popularly discussed Twitter topics of the day) that I've viewed online. Yeah, sometimes I've felt like a stalker, constantly reading what the celebrity comedians are Tweeting about, but there has consistently been such a plethora of ridiculousness going on that I have even started to let people know about my secret pasttime. It's just been too funny to keep to myself. This is such a unique moment in comedy history. Never before have fans had immediate and real-time access to their favourite funnymen. It's one thing to go to the theatre or tune into the television to watch a staged performance...it's another miraculous eff

The Legendary Sanchez Performs in Toronto

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On Saturday, November 21, 2009 at the Sound Academy in Toronto, Humble Penny, 2 Lined Music Hut, and Keep it Moven Ent. brought Jamaican reggae artists Sanchez and Pinchers to Toronto, with home grown opening acts Kim Davis and Steele. The night was hosted by Jahmin, and featuring early musical vibes by the Riddim Track Master Spex, and Radication sound. There is nothing like a good show and a grown crowd. People who love the music, love the energy...and can appreciate being around mature patrons who share the same passion for a solid live performance. It's nice to see couples stepping out dressed to impress, bubbling the night away and lifting their hands in recognition of the classic songs they have been listening to for nearly two decades--songs that have provided the soundtrack to many events and day to day experiences. To show support for an artist like Sanchez is a courtesy, a way of saying thank you for being a consistently inspirational artist. For contributing numerous son

Sample of "Video Light" the novel

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My novel "Video Light" is an urban romance story, based in Toronto, featuring a couple who are learning about themselves, about life, and about love. Delia Chinn is a 29-year-old Jamaican-Canadian dancehall princess who raised herself in the city’s west end; Ryan Wright is a humble school teacher, also 29, who grew up in a Christian household with strict Trinidadian parents. They meet at a party on Caribana Sunday and end up in a whirlwind romance, challenged by their sceptical friends and family who think they are too different to fall in love... [EXCERPT FROM CHAPTER 3] Unfortunately, Tuesday morning had to finally arrive. After a breakfast of omelets and orange juice, I drove Delia across the street to the Town Centre so she could begin work. Returning to my condo didn’t even feel the same, when I re-entered the space we had occupied together. “ I’m sprung…dawg she got me… ” Mike sang T-Pain’s song into the phone when I called him at noon. I knew he was on his lunch break

Review: Jay-Z Blueprint 3 tour (Toronto)

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Ok, so I am officially "jockin' Jay-Z". I admit, before last Saturday I really didn't have an opinion either way of the HOV. I was a fan of his hits back in the late 90s and early 2000s, but really haven't followed his albums, performances, or activities otherwise. Back in 2004 Jay-Z did an MTV collaboration with Linkin Park...but I believe that album purchase was more about Linkin Park than Jay. But I digress. After his performance in Toronto on Saturday, October 31, 2009 for the Blueprint 3 tour, I walked away with a newfound respect and appreciation of this man. He was great! The energy in the Air Canada Centre was crazy . I have seen most of my favourites perform live, and can still safely say that next to Janet Jackson (2001), this show had the most vibes, the crowd showed the most love, and actually had me on my feet from beginning to end. Even from the depths of the 300 section. The opening acts Wale, N.E.R.D. with wonderful Pharell, even got a good respons

Review: Chris Rock's "Good Hair"

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I went to check out Chris Rock's "Good Hair" this weekend, slightly disappointed that in the entire city of Toronto and it's surrounding areas, there were only 2 theatres playing this film. Nonethless, I went to one of the locations and had a good time. I love Chris Rock, and think he's a hilarious comedian who always has brilliant social commentary...BUT, I must admit that I was expecting him to get deeper on the subject of "black" hair and the mental and social affect it has had on black women in particular. Don't get me wrong, he did cover all the basics. He went from LA, to Atlanta, to India to engage in honest discussion with a variety of people. The subject was touched on, however the element of humour and the vast ground to cover made it difficult to discuss each area in any great detail. He took viewers to the men in the barbershop where we heard them talk about the difficulties in not being able to touch their black woman's head/hair, or

Book Review: "Basketball Jones" by E. Lynn Harris

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A true love story always reminds me that no matter what the circumstances are financially, geographically, racially, logically or otherwise...that when you're in love, you're in love. The obstacles may vary, but the feeling never changes. With fictional NBA star Drayton Jones and his undercover lover, Aldridge James (AJ) Richardson, their relationship is a complicated web of money, deceit, fame, and a deep-rooted bond that began when the two men were university students. While AJ has always been comfortable with his sexuality and devoted to Dray, Dray was always hesitant to make their situation public knowledge. AJ supported Dray consistently throughout his college athletic career, all the way up to the NBA, and as a result Dray made sure to take care of him...from a distance. Given the finest homes, clothing, opportunity, and money, AJ was happy being a "kept" man, living his life as a part-time interior decorator, and full-time companion to Dray. While it seems that

"Video Light" references on Twitter

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You can follow me on Twitter by clicking the logo. Now, I am admittedly new to Twitter (kind of) and still don't really get how to make the most of it. The trending topics (TT) the re-tweets (RT) and the dozens of other acronyms and routines that I have yet to understand... But what I did find was some humour when typing in "video light" the phrase, in a search, and seeing--out of curiousity--what type of comments/conversation that it came up in. VIDEO LIGHT is the name of my debut novel (available by visiting http://www.staceymarierobinson.com/ ), and is about a dancehall princess in Toronto named Delia Chinn who is always in the spotlight. This is what others on Twitter have been saying about females they know or see in the "video light"... prettygirlnicky : #thoughtsindaclub y dah gyal deh inna di video light like she cute.. Go sit ur turtle lookin ass down NickyBling : U have some #dumbjamaicans that feel it is ok 2 go to a dance 8 mths preggo & in t

Top 100 Jamaican Names

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I'm sorry, this may be irrelevant, but I think it's hilarious. I've compiled this list from a variety of random online sources, and can not take credit for any of it! Please enjoy the Top 100 Jamaican Names. Traditional names, common names, old-fashioned names. If you are Jamaican I bet you can find the name of at least 20 relatives on this list! 01. Ainsley 02. Alethia 03. Alton 04. Anne-as a prefix for females 05. Antionette 06. Audry 07. Barrington 08. Beres 09. Bernice 10. Beryl 11. Brenton 12. Bunny 13. Carmen 14. Cecil 15. Charmaine 16. Cherry 17. Claudette 18. Cletus 19. Clifton 20. Dawn 21. Delores 22. Delroy 23. Desmond 24. Donavan 25. Dwayne 26. Earl 27. Eggbert 28. Ernestine 29. Errol 30. Euda 31. Eunice 32. Fabian 33. Ferdinand 34. Fitzann 35. Fitzroy 36. Ford-as a suffix for males 37. Garfield 38. Garnette 39. Glenroy 40. Glenville 41. Hopeton 42. Horace 43. Hortense 44. Hubert 45. Hyacinth 46. Icilda 4

Are you a great Friend...or a mediocre "Frienemie"?

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Before I begin, I want to credit the images used in this post. They're from an outstanding artist named Cidne Wallace. Her artwork, stationary and other products can be purchased online at MBSgifts , It's A Black Thang , or Afrocentric Gifts . Do you ever wonder kind of friend you are? This is a question I often ask myself, and I take a moment to reevaluate my choices, words, actions, and surroundings probably more often than I should. For a lot of us, our girlfriends are our family. We love them, look forward to their company, depend on their compassion...and they are an important part of our daily routine. We we get older, friendships inevitably change. Some attachments grow stronger...others grow apart. Some resentments develop and animosity grows...some appreciations increase and respect grows. The people we spend our time with at different stages represent our lifestyles, our standards, social preferences, and even our mental state. There are friends you party with, and

Why I'm Not Mad at Black Men for Dating Outside Their Race

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To each his own! This week I've read a few random Facebook discussions, a feature in Essence Magazine's online newsletter , and listened to a friend praise her own current interracial dating experience, so the topic is on my mind. Is it even "issue" enough to discuss anymore? " Single black women outnumber single black men "..." Most black men are babydaddys or incarcerated "..." Black women are too difficult "..." That's it! I'm only dating white men from now on! "..." A brother shouldn't bring any woman home that can't use his mama's comb "...if you've heard one comment, you've heard them all. So what kind of hypocrite would I be to say that interracial dating bothers me, when I have very close female friends of ALL races. ALL who have dated black men at one point in time, if not currently. I'm sure a lot of you fall into the same category. If you can spend countless hours having numer