claire.she.goes

Author: Claire

  • Let him cook: Jesse Eisenberg

    So. Mr. Social Network has been cast as Lex Luthor, and folks aren’t having it.

    Whether in real life or virtually, I know that some people have been disgusted. Meanwhile, me?

    I’m gonna be here in the corner…

    Here’s why:

    1. The Social Network showed me that Jesse is insanely talented. As actors go, he strikes me as someone who has a solid range. I’m not willing to judge him based on something that hasn’t been released.

    Also, just as I was wrapping up this post, I found an article on NPR’s site written by someone who agrees with me. As Linda Holmes said…

    Lex Luthor, after all, is a smart, diabolical, ice-cold, inhuman, troubled, brilliant, conniving, hateful, maladjusted megalomaniac.

    In playing Mr. Luthor, it’s not exactly as though Eisenberg will be visiting new territory.

    2. Usually I’m not wrong about these things. Every now and then news of a film concept or casting decision comes my way. If I have the feeling that something’s gonna suck, it hits me pretty hard. And this Lex Luthor announcement? No WTFs in sight.

    Just a big, fat ‘ol pile of WAIT. AND. SEE.

  • Ain’t a damn thing changed.

    Sorta.

    I’m halfway through TV school. Remember last year when I posted my intentions?

    This term our instructors have started giving us exercises to get us focused on our future.

    I don’t mind writing. However, my main area of interest remains–I want to be in a position of power. I need to ensure that people’s stories are told authentically. Especially women of colour. It’s one of my passions.

    Hence, I’m still interested in producing. Yet a new interest has emerged. Development.

    Never mind making a show. You know those people in charge of determining which shows make it to air? Those who shepherd a show from its inception until it hits your screen? I want to join them. I figure if I can prevent bad TV from happening to good people, I’ll be happy.

  • Slow Jam Sorcery: Earth, Wind & Fire

    Sometime last week I started listening to this:

    From the moment I found it, the melody left me imagining intimacy. Quiet moments. Slow dancing. Words whispered. Or left unsaid.

    And of course, I started to take in the lyrics.

    Check the hook and chorus:

    Don’t fly, we’ve flown
    Don’t reach, we’re grown
    Life’s not your own,
    We’re not alone.

    If you’re looking for the life, it’s in you,
    (Whatchu do?) then you try to figure how you gon do,
    Let the Guiding Lights take ya…!

    Source

    Music that’s both substantial and sexy. What could be better?

  • Nice list.

    I can’t help wondering if I could make a better one. Subtle sexiness is definitely a thing.

  • “Multiculturalism FTW!”

    That’s where my mind went the other night. Not only did Saturday Night Live have a black host–heyyyy, Drake! The show’s cast now features their first black female performer since 2007. Plus, there’s their latest addition behind the scenes–a pair of black writers. Someone on Twitter asked why the show was actually funny, and I couldn’t help making a joke.

    The thing is, I was only partially kidding. The broadcast wasn’t perfect. Yet I can’t deny that I felt more connected to the show due to its diversity.

    sasheerzamata
    Source

    It means something to me when a comedic production features a real, live, black woman, instead of a male actor in drag. The latter type of performance makes a statement that leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. On one hand, there’s an element of comic relief. Hahaha, look at that dude pretending to be a woman…On the other, it’s as though the powers that be are telling black female talent that they don’t deserve to be seen.

    Nothing could be further than the truth. I hope that Ms. Zamata is around for years to come.

  • Stop making excuses.

    ifyourewaitingsign

    Tried ‘n true advice–via The Bedford Academy

  • Hello Again: Soma

    Earlier this month I went to Kensington Market. As I was leaving, on my way back to Spadina, a familiar face poked her head out of a doorway.

    Remember the first time I mentioned Soma?

    Well, the store has moved. Its new location is larger. And it offers the same eclectic clothes and great company.

    Indera

    Indera and I chatted and laughed for what seemed like forever.

    bellydancingtops

    bobmarleytop

    somablackandyellowdresses

    somalongview

    She even had a blue version of the dress from my last visit.

    bluefromreddress

    Although I bought nothing, I coveted everything. The next time you’re in Kensigton, check it out!

  • B. Free

    This isn’t one of those #BeyoncéThinkPieces. But I’m going to point you in the right direction. I love Beyoncé, and my appreciation of her work extends beyond the superficial.

    Not only is her music fun to dance to. When I listen to Bey’s latest record, I feel inspired. As one author at xojane said, “…free black girls are not as much of a thing as we should be.” Or more recently, read “...why it matters when black women sing about sexuality.” If we don’t set ourselves free, who else will?

    Beyonce’s work is not perfect, nor do I expect it to be. Yet I can’t deny its power to address themes that resonate with various women–including me. None of us should have to wonder about whether or not she deserves to own every aspect of herself. It’s nice to hear a reminder–regardless of the medium.

  • Here’s to 2014.

    2014

    Source

    I look back and think of what was, know in my heart what is, and look ahead…Knowing what I want my future to look like.

    I won’t share many of my resolutions with you. However, I know that in order to achieve my goals, I need to embrace discipline and self-care. And fear has never been my friend.

    At the very least, I need to let go of procrastination. Right now I’m working on a project that’s due on Monday. I started a couple of days ago, and although I’ve dragged my feet a bit…I’m determined! I had a knot in my stomach when I realized I could have started sooner. I don’t want it to rise up again in the form of a knot on Sunday night, fuelled by my having done next-to-nothing.

    A part of me also knows that I need to temper my hunger for information. It’s easy to waste hours using Google or social media to quench this part of me. Both outlets fascinate me, but I need to remember the difference between satisfying curiosity and mindless binging.

    Furthermore, a month or so ago, a friend sent me an important message. In the aftermath of her words, I let their meaning sink in. Sometimes when quiet moments come, I don’t appreciate them.

    Now…I haven’t spent much time trying to understand the buzz around leaning in. But I know that leaning out–extending myself to be constantly in touch with others or technology–can leave me empty. This year I want to spend more time appreciating quiet moments. In chasing them away, I risk losing an opportunity.

    Henceforth, when chances to learn more about myself come, I plan to embrace them and not run away.

    We’ll see how everything unfolds…

    Happy New Year!

  • Next summer.