tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8840911766862246012024-03-13T23:14:55.465-07:00A Constantly Racing Mind...Movie, Book, and Music reviews or at least my thoughts on those subjects...robb1138http://www.blogger.com/profile/13245501911798534123noreply@blogger.comBlogger390125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884091176686224601.post-78145040716040292322024-03-12T21:42:00.005-07:002024-03-13T16:29:38.566-07:00Denis Villeneuve's Dune Crysknife | Parts 1 & 2<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-Ia5-CTWuYg?si=61q666XRxY3maZv-" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><p face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" span=""></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">I was born on the west coast, by the sea. Green trees and morning mist surrounded my home, giving way to the warm, temperate sun that beat down upon my beautiful childhood. Spending hours on the sand and playing in the waves. I went hiking in the mountains with my friends to explore the forest that surrounded me. Walking the palm-lined streets as I strolled through the town's Old Spanish architecture, with red-tiled roofs, white stucco buildings, and intricate wrought-iron details. I hung out with my friends at school, visited various museums, and enjoyed life. The people were cool.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceee63iDxy4V2549fGFxc1iw6NUIBN83Ue4iTyULJ3d288hBdsjtwuuZgEgN_eWBWMss8b5I0yPpJ1C1yBXqAkzCuUtB0tYo8mIqShtZmV96NI4DS4QDMJZ1CocEiAm8CUPS-goemLufPYLxnOs1VoDjYOnexrutngYwpVA2_grk8gYpr0YzP1vMnm54/s1920/Ocean.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjceee63iDxy4V2549fGFxc1iw6NUIBN83Ue4iTyULJ3d288hBdsjtwuuZgEgN_eWBWMss8b5I0yPpJ1C1yBXqAkzCuUtB0tYo8mIqShtZmV96NI4DS4QDMJZ1CocEiAm8CUPS-goemLufPYLxnOs1VoDjYOnexrutngYwpVA2_grk8gYpr0YzP1vMnm54/w400-h225/Ocean.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>It was a simpler time</i></b>.</p><p>That was until I was 15 years old when my father changed jobs. When he broke the news to me, I was devastated. As an adolescent, I didn't really understand the necessities of life and survival. We pulled up stakes from the land of my birth and moved to the desert in the middle of summer. During the last few days before the move, my best friend handed me Dune. He thought reading it would help in the transition.</p><p>The move, while tiresome, was also exciting. The long trek into the desert was a shock. I had never seen such desolation before other than in old Western movies and TV shows.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwXQDL1JqtuHq-YOa3Na2nTMZvGYORbcyIUAG5-gZLJuJdvJdO7MKYlKKm3YhyphenhyphenQLaBl6pKgU0J2wPvZvFm3-WhMT_tEV-Hn-SUdP1qey4smqgaZINn0r3U0oU7b_92cXb3Z_0z0Iqq-PECem6UuNAV-mm2tA9442_KsvTjCutf7cMg_jI5pY-dkegz4U/s1920/Looking%20for%20a%20sock.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwXQDL1JqtuHq-YOa3Na2nTMZvGYORbcyIUAG5-gZLJuJdvJdO7MKYlKKm3YhyphenhyphenQLaBl6pKgU0J2wPvZvFm3-WhMT_tEV-Hn-SUdP1qey4smqgaZINn0r3U0oU7b_92cXb3Z_0z0Iqq-PECem6UuNAV-mm2tA9442_KsvTjCutf7cMg_jI5pY-dkegz4U/s320/Looking%20for%20a%20sock.png" width="320" /></a></div>It was late after our arrival and unloading of the truck and cars, so we slept. The next day, my brother and I woke early; we wanted to explore. My older cousin, hung over from the night before, enlisted my brother and me to help him retrace our vehicle's path to our new house and find a sock he somehow lost on the way in the night before.<p></p><p>The thing we all noticed was that the sun was way too bright. The air was dry, with</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsO5Z4LHVV9AwGZwUzYvQP8VP8zbfDBChpYM4QJbduvmYoUag9GbC8lvUrqMJdrbEq-zdfHAYuauHzleSwmjFNFhonIjO5I93apfbqNqBYqDmSoi7hT1kNEeFINICaYYf2KUNmCplA2P6Egw_s5WApteWR8Nf5pTf5gK-SlfRdtlhKbS212nt13diQKuc/s1920/sun.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsO5Z4LHVV9AwGZwUzYvQP8VP8zbfDBChpYM4QJbduvmYoUag9GbC8lvUrqMJdrbEq-zdfHAYuauHzleSwmjFNFhonIjO5I93apfbqNqBYqDmSoi7hT1kNEeFINICaYYf2KUNmCplA2P6Egw_s5WApteWR8Nf5pTf5gK-SlfRdtlhKbS212nt13diQKuc/s320/sun.png" width="320" /></a></div>no moisture at all. The air at 7 in the morning was dry and hot. We didn't have to walk far before we noticed the houses give away to empty fields of dirt and tumbleweeds. The wind did blow, but all it did was blast dust into our faces. We turned our heads to cough and spit out the dirt from our mouths.<p></p><p>I didn't read the book right away. It took me several weeks before I found it. After arranging my library, I looked at the book and decided to give it a chance. I didn't get far. I found the book to be slow and tedious. I called my friend and asked why he gave me this boring book. My friend told me to get past the first 100 pages.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QbvLJzZl9F1T-P91eN30UlQihdmJlyDTsaSNemIuSO8hQAhnLiwn_pOdI_KkkiMxux6yQvYp6ja6B9U1CVA1eLShEK_ElwJlyosZyKzJ3V5b974N4nuCAuP3UaotWLZy-YSO9ObjGpJi5EZPqRvt0yF4WvtBEjm1X-zu93CrNKqNn6cFd0XVjw-nwlY/s1920/Dune%20Books.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4QbvLJzZl9F1T-P91eN30UlQihdmJlyDTsaSNemIuSO8hQAhnLiwn_pOdI_KkkiMxux6yQvYp6ja6B9U1CVA1eLShEK_ElwJlyosZyKzJ3V5b974N4nuCAuP3UaotWLZy-YSO9ObjGpJi5EZPqRvt0yF4WvtBEjm1X-zu93CrNKqNn6cFd0XVjw-nwlY/s320/Dune%20Books.png" width="320" /></a></div>I did and found myself identifying closely with Paul Atreides, the protagonist of Dune. I cannot explain how profound that experience was and how Frank Herbert's philosophy affected me. Since that time, I have read Dune and all six of Herbert's original Dune series books once a year for 35 years. <span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span> know the book very well. I also read some of Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson's expanded Dune universe. <span style="text-align: center;">I also incorporated many of Dune's principles into my life and how I raised my children.</span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With a new Dune movie out, we could celebrate by looking into Crysknife from Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of Frank Herbert's classic novel, Dune.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqROxZ1WL1i0v9yKa0sHQ-AmcnZjIMrCLb3YPBIJL2tqTNjMF1yUNcGWxKxlvr-mXAU6D0MWvlleu1pRJPO6AA6-3LegLCMRILXUeXISlPQRJR-bDtS0UDUBEUsNHJaTnQ2rcJXI1ZVnUgnC2buumCGv8kO860tfMWQAjiG0Uwn5IOsIHbe0n_2XKrEI/s1920/Dune%202021%20-%202024.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqqROxZ1WL1i0v9yKa0sHQ-AmcnZjIMrCLb3YPBIJL2tqTNjMF1yUNcGWxKxlvr-mXAU6D0MWvlleu1pRJPO6AA6-3LegLCMRILXUeXISlPQRJR-bDtS0UDUBEUsNHJaTnQ2rcJXI1ZVnUgnC2buumCGv8kO860tfMWQAjiG0Uwn5IOsIHbe0n_2XKrEI/w640-h360/Dune%202021%20-%202024.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Now, I have done a couple of videos concerning Dune. </div></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/SMs6RScXx-E?si=oUfdGGDodzc_2mr1" rel="nofollow" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="1114" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sVkhUk3c_fvsb1J05rAHfkQLoTwiAkgbTThr_peqb7DjPCYQotn94uLU3KFF9ui3mbQjJLkJSXmo-Z-L8XW-EyyWUDiMaswkoxP2BSbIxFW7B-PjS-UrAxLJ4ZUm2EedGn9eCCsY3g-UA3Bw1_S12iTob4YxFgZ24WvOYctLyMs5CypDqjdSu0gzii8/s320/Dune%20Orange%20Catholic%20Bible%20Unboxing%20Amazon%20YT.png" width="320" /></a></div>One video features the central religious text of the Imperium, The Orange Catholic Bible. It's a fascinating book if you are into comparative religions. I'll leave a link in the description.<p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/0JiGWtzMFbo?si=-tKQvFxII8IZHqmh" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="1133" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8OXiKkJq3M7qjYOxIFl6hrfANPna9rEw-oTuqZY3nNBvD-hNZuJIIgSCVfREH0y_KT0b-ENNjYRDiVofX0z_3QHeXSxbW2_SpX_RkOrBWft7nr6ujirlY4KanUvIHqiSOhTJ1qlQgxPyo9A3K9_Fr8x0ZHsgZWbzGRXVr7LdM0wxMtDCqOFvmOXXoGdM/s320/Dune%20Crysknife%20Unboxing%20thumb.png" width="320" /></a></div>The other video focused on the two versions of Crysknifes from David Lynch's 1984 version and the 2000 and 2003 Sy Fy mini-series of Dune and Children of Dune.<p></p><p>Here are the links to those videos:</p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/SMs6RScXx-E?si=oUfdGGDodzc_2mr1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Orange Catholic Bible </a></p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/0JiGWtzMFbo?si=-tKQvFxII8IZHqmh" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Dune Crysknifes from 1984 and 2000 - 2003</a></p><p>A Crysknife is the sacred weapon of the Fremen on Arrakis. It is made from the teeth taken from dead sandworms, and to understand the importance of the crysknife, we must look at its origins. And therefore, we must briefly talk about sandworms, </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtKDjcN3jCuQvDtPXKZFkHOhp2NnMnRq4qEcJH-Z880R3Eyp0SsNyyRBVwpgc6E55BP6M1PBkNf0YdpqSN-ybP9ujAaQUuWwIgwYrbo2HZct-suXoQhW_GTQt4RA3nly3s4_fUYABfsz9RL7it9AZWmllcTdiv2Zrq77N1vU69f3CvyuIczWZOBRgDm8/s1920/Yueh%20Paul%20filmbook.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtKDjcN3jCuQvDtPXKZFkHOhp2NnMnRq4qEcJH-Z880R3Eyp0SsNyyRBVwpgc6E55BP6M1PBkNf0YdpqSN-ybP9ujAaQUuWwIgwYrbo2HZct-suXoQhW_GTQt4RA3nly3s4_fUYABfsz9RL7it9AZWmllcTdiv2Zrq77N1vU69f3CvyuIczWZOBRgDm8/s320/Yueh%20Paul%20filmbook.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>Before moving to Arrakis, Paul talked with Yueh (A million deaths for Yueh). He provided the young man with a filmbook on a small specimen that was only 110 meters long.</p><p>Better known on the planet Arrakis as Shai-Hulud. The Old Man of the Desert, Old Father Eternity, and Grandfather of the Desert, the Fremen, had a few names for this entity. The name Shai-Hulud, when referred to in a specific tone or written with capital letters, designates the earth deity of Fremen hearth superstitions. </p><p>Sandworms grow to enormous size (specimens longer than 400 meters have been seen in the deep desert) and live to great age unless slain by one of their fellows or drowned in water, which is poisonous. </p><p>Most of the sand on Arrakis is credited to sandworm action. Arrakis was a moist planet, and upon the arrival of the sandtrout, they encysted all the water to transform into the sandworm. This aligned with the tangible proof discovered on Arrakis, which consisted of salt beds that seemed to have been vast oceans in the past.</p><p>Large bodies of water may be encased by Sandtrout, converting a whole terraformed planet into a desert and enabling the survival of Sandworms, which cannot exist in a wet environment. In Dune, the sandworms evoke a fascinating aura of mystery, awe, and power.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGb3ONGmMG-4Mt-xvOC64uZkAqNc8dDT8xkFt-OcYdGmMF86mb-nl1rss1VHKWw4G_gOp2BAgLVVan6mczcnuOSi4tBceVorClIJeos5bKj9hpc3XBIrwZY7RzpDc_a5YSOdUIRWaup3PmcYcZECfF2J94IGvnfn_Ky0aYgT07O8KFpFS6bl32yuV_Bk/s493/StupendousProps%20Xparent.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="411" data-original-width="493" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTGb3ONGmMG-4Mt-xvOC64uZkAqNc8dDT8xkFt-OcYdGmMF86mb-nl1rss1VHKWw4G_gOp2BAgLVVan6mczcnuOSi4tBceVorClIJeos5bKj9hpc3XBIrwZY7RzpDc_a5YSOdUIRWaup3PmcYcZECfF2J94IGvnfn_Ky0aYgT07O8KFpFS6bl32yuV_Bk/s320/StupendousProps%20Xparent.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know there are various Dune Crysknife replicas on the market today. However, instead, I once again went with a creator on Etsy. The crysknife was produced by Stupendous Props. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0uO7WMvg4BDoV_OTGAfuHHK6GS2VJgxhMFYYE2QjsVxDauqUqyUYyU6X7DRhK6dzc2d6P0AQueML-hM07edb4zbVduACZEyb6bgiHzVFkBixe9ZXGE_SVvP3mmwIXL7N8mp9zQhUirhT8DVLdMO0-c3FBqpXFtNq81B3MA7AHgLKfKltcW9ncY9PUHY/s1920/Shadout%20Mapes%202.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0uO7WMvg4BDoV_OTGAfuHHK6GS2VJgxhMFYYE2QjsVxDauqUqyUYyU6X7DRhK6dzc2d6P0AQueML-hM07edb4zbVduACZEyb6bgiHzVFkBixe9ZXGE_SVvP3mmwIXL7N8mp9zQhUirhT8DVLdMO0-c3FBqpXFtNq81B3MA7AHgLKfKltcW9ncY9PUHY/s320/Shadout%20Mapes%202.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>Villeneuve gives us a first peek at the Crysknife in the new Dune remake we now call Part 1, when, like in the David Lynch version, the Shadout Mapes presents Jessica with the Crysknife as a gift. </p><p><br /></p><p>Later, near the end of Part 1, Paul and Jessica are captured by the Fremen after escaping with Kyne's help from the Ecological base when it is overrun by</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPg8DgbLGpGQrF15b72EwqQYreVcLc54ZTIROrjZSnRYLg6lu8P_Jb38vmrF7GcS-SppIKXJQG2IW8A9fH6D-Sa_YoqLnnZzcTYidM1V65ZxIp44445AdVJ722-hhWMJeZwF-u_jEC1eusWbz0BHIRYvJoFEIemsWJL4hXQEzfw2OfFWm8AWJvc7S6xc/s245/Stilgar.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="245" data-original-width="206" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDPg8DgbLGpGQrF15b72EwqQYreVcLc54ZTIROrjZSnRYLg6lu8P_Jb38vmrF7GcS-SppIKXJQG2IW8A9fH6D-Sa_YoqLnnZzcTYidM1V65ZxIp44445AdVJ722-hhWMJeZwF-u_jEC1eusWbz0BHIRYvJoFEIemsWJL4hXQEzfw2OfFWm8AWJvc7S6xc/w168-h200/Stilgar.png" width="168" /></a></div>Sardaukar. Paul is forced to fight Jamis. Jamis is that guy. The typical dissenter is always complaining and challenging Stilgar's authority.<p></p><p>We see the crysknife as the chosen weapon of the Fremen.</p><p>Apparently, the Crysknife can break. As Jamis calls out, May Thy Knife Chip and Shatter.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQZ1sNnKsAPBXlIz8oicfN3OCySGbsxnZX5DqcuDs4EKrenr-55NNBuDroo8U-lS-sfCwhCiYfqo6GZwQL4Q8CfUouwvrk7bEh0b88mE0oHfYwFzwdeKR2B4ChcJQaIAGIQR5H3XxEUlshp7Eb_6Y3e4CeUyVuyDLm1K5ZnXtUF10ClpcNC8H6k8WQFo/s1920/Crysknife%20shot%204.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQZ1sNnKsAPBXlIz8oicfN3OCySGbsxnZX5DqcuDs4EKrenr-55NNBuDroo8U-lS-sfCwhCiYfqo6GZwQL4Q8CfUouwvrk7bEh0b88mE0oHfYwFzwdeKR2B4ChcJQaIAGIQR5H3XxEUlshp7Eb_6Y3e4CeUyVuyDLm1K5ZnXtUF10ClpcNC8H6k8WQFo/w400-h225/Crysknife%20shot%204.png" width="400" /></a></p><p>During Part 2, there are various scenes where the knife is flashed but not necessarily featured.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2AyQQlv6GL3gYSDBqZSDwTVlpdLsO8yWQ6OwdZ1QAmEyYmMeonbgfOSzJvZ8ARupV7KdwLUVhgytnZaNbJFxLjowDrlj7NuU7wcqTPVSqikcz_JO0lJ0ai-76xDYnEC5qOpjXiVK3jgQIsK68eawl7NbPVM-VwjO1nq6gY40gy_IDoev0slEYkKCDw8/s1920/Entourage.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="752" data-original-width="1920" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR2AyQQlv6GL3gYSDBqZSDwTVlpdLsO8yWQ6OwdZ1QAmEyYmMeonbgfOSzJvZ8ARupV7KdwLUVhgytnZaNbJFxLjowDrlj7NuU7wcqTPVSqikcz_JO0lJ0ai-76xDYnEC5qOpjXiVK3jgQIsK68eawl7NbPVM-VwjO1nq6gY40gy_IDoev0slEYkKCDw8/w640-h250/Entourage.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>That is, until near the end, Paul captures the Emperor and his entourage. Paul kills the Baron with his crysknife, and then a short bit later, he fights a duel with Feyd-Rautha to the death. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnD6M0IcCtF6HaO_iUsjWiz08Lnqdgn-XjgtdO1l6iQDLeJWgEwFvogWOZOfMgv9wTCXUXZCE1WNEVMDJOkPVHRk-REN7O4T-zQGc6R8rHZyxyduaHJdJnRECGHGXCI_Z6sHWO4NM8yOZJYC25VlDFyMJjye5iK-0L_17Kn9GKaZwlxJ08_ldOkiU7jE/s1920/Paul%20fights%20Feyd%201.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOnD6M0IcCtF6HaO_iUsjWiz08Lnqdgn-XjgtdO1l6iQDLeJWgEwFvogWOZOfMgv9wTCXUXZCE1WNEVMDJOkPVHRk-REN7O4T-zQGc6R8rHZyxyduaHJdJnRECGHGXCI_Z6sHWO4NM8yOZJYC25VlDFyMJjye5iK-0L_17Kn9GKaZwlxJ08_ldOkiU7jE/w640-h360/Paul%20fights%20Feyd%201.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>The battle looks realistic and looks like any modern close-quarter hand-to-hand knife battle. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Kudos to the actors for pulling it off.</i></b></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzjLk_sHLAgSpdLwpBc05A9bZmWx_kDrzrmkfDbjtvavncyXzzbU8InAh98Fxe9Z_AY_YF1EsTFnLbJr_F11_GPOq3RK5wTodcGaU4hY3CTtfknSSBw8TwPebdQDJ-CbZ3ARbiIyfZQw-dOTbiqaywokh8hqFfDGjlMuoFsS-s_XdytQuQHeeeImbAvA/s1920/Opening.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuzjLk_sHLAgSpdLwpBc05A9bZmWx_kDrzrmkfDbjtvavncyXzzbU8InAh98Fxe9Z_AY_YF1EsTFnLbJr_F11_GPOq3RK5wTodcGaU4hY3CTtfknSSBw8TwPebdQDJ-CbZ3ARbiIyfZQw-dOTbiqaywokh8hqFfDGjlMuoFsS-s_XdytQuQHeeeImbAvA/w400-h225/Opening.png" width="400" /></a>The knife is delivered in a cardboard poster tube. It is well-sealed with packing tape.</p><p>As you can see, the replica is wrapped well with bubble wrap. Very well wrapped.</p><p>The blade is silver-looking, directly contrasting with the colored blades of the two previous films.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVEeYbALLBxwUnj-N7l9l4fPoC25NXFvmq6ryTMP2AOBz57rL22iPrD7TgyXGkh0xUgy1DsutkKFGcIMR8va89Rep_FAVFzwgqf2fC821hBnc-QTAvxpeMmlhK-Mt41jZiA-tZ30hCsa3YFw2Ay-zZSZPf5w4zUDqC9wEBHskqOQWipMDeMaf-fkkex4/s1920/Dune%20Crysknife%20Thumper.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVEeYbALLBxwUnj-N7l9l4fPoC25NXFvmq6ryTMP2AOBz57rL22iPrD7TgyXGkh0xUgy1DsutkKFGcIMR8va89Rep_FAVFzwgqf2fC821hBnc-QTAvxpeMmlhK-Mt41jZiA-tZ30hCsa3YFw2Ay-zZSZPf5w4zUDqC9wEBHskqOQWipMDeMaf-fkkex4/w640-h360/Dune%20Crysknife%20Thumper.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>The blade is 3d printed in PLA. The sword and hilt are glued together instead of printed in one piece. The hilt is painted silver and brown, giving it a leathery look. Near the hilt, there is some decorative scrolling.</p><p>Now, according to the book Dune, the Freman manufactures the crysknife in two forms: The two forms are "fixed" and "unfixed." An unfixed knife requires proximity to a human body's electrical field to prevent disintegration. </p><p>Fixed knives are treated for storage. </p><p>All are about 20 centimeters. As mentioned, the 2021 and 2024 Crysknife versions are a bit longer.</p><p>The Stupendous Props Crysknife is<b> 20.5</b> <b>inches </b>or <b>50.7</b> <b>centimeters </b>long. The blade itself is <b>14.5 inches</b>, which is <b>36.83 centimeters</b>.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The blade comes in 4 VERSIONS</b></div>*DIY kit for you to make (blade and sheath)<br />*Painted blade only<br />*Painted blade and sheath.<br />*Painted blade and sheath with a leather strap attached to the sheath.</div><p>The knife is very lightweight. No more than a few ounces.</p><p>I am sure many of you have seen either or both of Deni Villenue's adaptations of Frank Herbert's book. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vUl2x7NkuI5wD2W1m3aCpxBF5gq7FxnomivSV3oZ4agrf9kd6bDW7_16djQmOAqqVkNMOZ8G0jtMKhQN-Xcv__1pB5wt3TkjUryBbkKr0t_-Ovu9kcXOvpYrf7fUILjmPooGd98Ww5uyh20f9d5DBfIYxg0tx_Hn4VFK019gL8Pg_wSwG_CELcRFCk8/s1920/Quote%20King.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="1920" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_vUl2x7NkuI5wD2W1m3aCpxBF5gq7FxnomivSV3oZ4agrf9kd6bDW7_16djQmOAqqVkNMOZ8G0jtMKhQN-Xcv__1pB5wt3TkjUryBbkKr0t_-Ovu9kcXOvpYrf7fUILjmPooGd98Ww5uyh20f9d5DBfIYxg0tx_Hn4VFK019gL8Pg_wSwG_CELcRFCk8/w640-h168/Quote%20King.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have learned to separate the two mediums after being so engrossed and deeply affected by the novels. Stephan King taught me that lesson. People like stories, and this is just another rendition of that story.</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0g2NFxQ-2jLJMEiOs5ykOFjj3ea5iKRRu-DmqMHh5IXeRmjmyV35ivT88_VeNZN3ru__RVkwDIpDR_LmfbTJhwUo-YIL70lt4FLzW-sXL9ycIu3gil9bGARC1vK16xxplnUa8FI21AiJRBV4QK_VCz9g0O5qb8cWK6VI7qbjxhiISdhWg2zNcirJlXA/s1920/Greek%20Tragedy.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0g2NFxQ-2jLJMEiOs5ykOFjj3ea5iKRRu-DmqMHh5IXeRmjmyV35ivT88_VeNZN3ru__RVkwDIpDR_LmfbTJhwUo-YIL70lt4FLzW-sXL9ycIu3gil9bGARC1vK16xxplnUa8FI21AiJRBV4QK_VCz9g0O5qb8cWK6VI7qbjxhiISdhWg2zNcirJlXA/w200-h113/Greek%20Tragedy.png" width="200" /></a></div><p>Villeneuve does an excellent job with both of his films, keeping the central theme in place: Dune, in essence, is a Greek tragedy on the scale of Homer. The hubris is on full display by almost all characters, especially Paul Muad'Dib, the Lisan al Gaib, the voice from the outer world. </p><p></p><p>Deni Villanueva, for whatever reasons he had, I will not question him on that, decided either for time constraints, budget, or resources, to eliminate many scenes and characters that show the underlying motivations of the great houses, the nuances of the culture of the Imperium, and of the Freman.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglYo3FfGP6srzFeGNc51Fl1Z7_3GCoo8YKXCnt8wmCo2NtfCC8X4f9pdcoFqZS3LJckJPq-gf042qnmoAeJjuyVeReALNhqerfJZ3dGjkTsLudfzERN4k_-crsQAhyphenhyphenYleO0GFAlZpvd-pcpf5N9CkkNRx3Bl2ptiyT1GDCd2QDhCz_ndXrPL7-21rDpA/s392/Dune_Messiah-Frank_Herbert_(1969)_First_edition.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="258" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjglYo3FfGP6srzFeGNc51Fl1Z7_3GCoo8YKXCnt8wmCo2NtfCC8X4f9pdcoFqZS3LJckJPq-gf042qnmoAeJjuyVeReALNhqerfJZ3dGjkTsLudfzERN4k_-crsQAhyphenhyphenYleO0GFAlZpvd-pcpf5N9CkkNRx3Bl2ptiyT1GDCd2QDhCz_ndXrPL7-21rDpA/s320/Dune_Messiah-Frank_Herbert_(1969)_First_edition.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>As I said, Villeneuve hit the major plot points while streamlining the story and changed a few of those plot points to tell a somewhat different story. In doing so, he wants to take us in a different direction, but I am sure he will ultimately end up in the same place by the end of the next sequel. Dune Messiah.<p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The political statement, while decidedly different than the subtle and gradual understanding that emerges in the books, is more explicit in the film.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3TCLGNNLDQNxeA0WJzXIIG4-5pe_XnKqApTEkhXVCIKZheQcC4kjbepAvFJOx-9Onkw7OFblpJe0U93o4SY7YgDIeRoLi40C4f1jvikxJo5c_ZQulUi84TuYI2BGdnYk5sIPhAaB5qMXRuITxTA7KE80toQijInnkTuypINL1AkNZhnxw_6a83eG1pE/s1920/Bene%20Gesserit%20Reverend%20Mothers%20Dune.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh3TCLGNNLDQNxeA0WJzXIIG4-5pe_XnKqApTEkhXVCIKZheQcC4kjbepAvFJOx-9Onkw7OFblpJe0U93o4SY7YgDIeRoLi40C4f1jvikxJo5c_ZQulUi84TuYI2BGdnYk5sIPhAaB5qMXRuITxTA7KE80toQijInnkTuypINL1AkNZhnxw_6a83eG1pE/w640-h360/Bene%20Gesserit%20Reverend%20Mothers%20Dune.png" width="640" /></a></div><p>For example, the southern fundamentalist freemen who have a presupposition of their dogmatic beliefs are willing to run headlong into the acceptance of a prophecy that is not divine but ultimately manmade, or in this case, Woman-made.</p><p>Is this a direct statement of our times politically? I leave that to the dear viewer.</p><p>The film is an amazing cinematic event. Everything about the production of Dune is fantastic and draws the viewer into experience.</p><p>Overall, the new Dune films are excellent as long as you let go of the novels to enjoy the visuals, the special effects, the grandeur, and the scale of this epic tale.</p><p>For me, the best Dune films are the ones I create in my mind as I read or think back about scenes in the novel and picture them as I imagine them to be.</p><p>So, after high school, I returned from the desert and enjoyed the ocean, the cool breeze, and moderate temperatures. Once again, the desert beckoned me to return. And I heeded its call and have remained in the desert for over half my life.</p><p>The desert is my home.</p><p><br /></p></span></div>robb1138http://www.blogger.com/profile/13245501911798534123noreply@blogger.com0Phoenix, AZ, USA33.4483771 -112.07403735.1381432638211564 -147.2302873 61.758610936178847 -76.9177873tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884091176686224601.post-88415004650536569512021-08-30T14:00:00.000-07:002021-08-30T14:00:00.236-07:00Battlestar Galactica Viper Mark l<p><span style="font-family: arial;">1977 was a big year for me. Two great films came out that year. Roger Moore in A Spy Who Loved Me with that crazy Lotus Esprit that turned into a submarine. And, of course, Star Wars. With the Death Star, Tie Fighters and Y wings, and the iconic X Wing fighter. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Now, most Star Wars aficionados know that John Dykstra was in charge of the special effects and worked to develop the computer motion-controlled cameras that could repeat the same movements multiple times so the camera could make multiple passes with various mattes attached, allowing to replace the blue screen in the background and add multiple effects onto the screen.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This revolutionized the film industry. However, 1977 came and went, and back on Earth, TV executives were looking for something that could capitalize on the Science Fiction frenzy that happened the year before, and they turned to Glen Larson for something that would bring back that excitement. </span><span style="font-family: arial;"><b>That would be Battlestar Galactica.</b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFqZMiXTSMmC1VMzBcokVXD7XTex8UtxDJmIjbLLAXhVQv9sMEhio1tXqZLnpc6XYO1gcBeAmSNPWtZFu0A-6peJqZNtY0SWJe3pmYpYuiEtV1ilO44wLGmfhszL7jKrJfxDpLHhN-jE/s1920/Battlestar+Galactical+Viper+Mark+1+Unboxing+and+Review+-+Eaglemoss+%2528Amazon%2529.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFqZMiXTSMmC1VMzBcokVXD7XTex8UtxDJmIjbLLAXhVQv9sMEhio1tXqZLnpc6XYO1gcBeAmSNPWtZFu0A-6peJqZNtY0SWJe3pmYpYuiEtV1ilO44wLGmfhszL7jKrJfxDpLHhN-jE/w400-h225/Battlestar+Galactical+Viper+Mark+1+Unboxing+and+Review+-+Eaglemoss+%2528Amazon%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In 1978, the original Battlestar Galactica series introduced us to the Viper Mark I, commonly known as the Starhound Class. As the battle between the twelve Colonies and the Cylon Empire progressed, it was constructed somewhere in the 7th Millennium to replace the now obsolete 6th Millennium fighter known as the Scorpion Mark I.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">These small, quick, single-pilot ships were stationed on Colonial Battlestars, each with a squadron of 75 ships, and were built for both atmospheric and space flight. It was first used in the military as a defensive counterattack against the Cylon Fleet not long before the First Cylon War.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Another version, the Recon Viper, sometimes known as the Starchaser, is seen during a mission with Starbuck and is used for recon.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">If you are new here, we cover the film genres of sci-fi, horror, action/adventure, prop culture, and all things geek. So if you want more videos like this, don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell to be aware of my new content.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQvOEgAx7jl2gz0i2cWDjohE6LV6UsRSqKtgJFNLSdtDu4NkI6UJuj84c7UdEzv3dZp6s3vP9A1ZghFQ30kaIx2tmtCn7MDgSAF9kHgWJuOQrT83RusQ2mpuJz_XHMmeUtvYMzGGJb8E/s640/Viper+on+Caprica.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglQvOEgAx7jl2gz0i2cWDjohE6LV6UsRSqKtgJFNLSdtDu4NkI6UJuj84c7UdEzv3dZp6s3vP9A1ZghFQ30kaIx2tmtCn7MDgSAF9kHgWJuOQrT83RusQ2mpuJz_XHMmeUtvYMzGGJb8E/w320-h320/Viper+on+Caprica.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">So, the Viper is typically a one-person fighter. However, there must have been a two-person version. In the pilot, there is a scene after the attack on the colonies. Adama is rummaging through the burnt wreckage of his home and the remains of his wife, Apollo, Athena, and Zak's mother. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Apollo is stationed by the Viper as crowds began to descend on the ship, and Apollo urges Adama to hurry. Here, Adama issues the proclamation that people need to find transport, get off the colonies, and follow Galactica to Earth. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Now the Viper design. Like the X Wing, Ralph McQuarrie also contributed designs for Larson's production company. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Today we are taking a look at the Eaglemoss Hero Collection. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Viper squadrons were now stationed in launching bays onboard the Battlestars and launched into space on rails designed to keep the ships centered in port and starboard launching tubes.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The emphasis on mobility, which was critical to the Viper's success as a fighter, was similar to WW2 aircraft. However, the ship was now piloted with the pilot's right hand holding a joystick (you probably thought that was a gaming phrase).</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVFYh2gvtXm73qrNkVjZYxpmtJlNoH4O_BiGaBTjk8zuRK_44QdpN8oAlwP7cgpBAK9b3emaNqjY9w_ETHpJn4p81W7LRje7n-wYexUVzUei5-_uEnrmkzGbmCgSIqA31HpylOmJwHhk/s480/JoyStick.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpVFYh2gvtXm73qrNkVjZYxpmtJlNoH4O_BiGaBTjk8zuRK_44QdpN8oAlwP7cgpBAK9b3emaNqjY9w_ETHpJn4p81W7LRje7n-wYexUVzUei5-_uEnrmkzGbmCgSIqA31HpylOmJwHhk/s320/JoyStick.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;">The joystick now has a three-button fan-shaped handle. On the right, a green "IM" button, in the center, a "Turbo" button, and on the left, a "fire" button. Which is a natural position for your thumb to be in.<br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">IM stood for reversing thruster, and the turbo provided that extra surge of power.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The three separate engines may now be easily enabled or deactivated. These controls allowed the pilot to take immediate evasive action if necessary.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The cockpit was, of course, hinged, and the pilots climbed in the same way rebel pilots got into their X-Wings as pilots do today in their jet fighters.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">If you recall, the Viper pilot's helmet is trapezoid in shape and lacks a faceplate from the front, and resembles an Egyptian Pharaoh's headdress. I've always believed the lights on the helmet's rim were some kind of force field designed to keep the vacuum of space out if their cockpit's canopy was ever breached.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11E7FBoabzZuSiiKdkGc2Fi9j4Vevwh_SsSaEGjB4pvqqFmmGl7XaYoMKal2yYokmsvD3rPdbXnbsQqJaZLmK_WdODlkpexbfZ0LyYyQKbOWjA28jIW9xBadsJxywfvTErQLLPjU9ZVc/s480/Viper+Helmet.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="480" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11E7FBoabzZuSiiKdkGc2Fi9j4Vevwh_SsSaEGjB4pvqqFmmGl7XaYoMKal2yYokmsvD3rPdbXnbsQqJaZLmK_WdODlkpexbfZ0LyYyQKbOWjA28jIW9xBadsJxywfvTErQLLPjU9ZVc/s320/Viper+Helmet.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Now, unfortunately, the cockpit of this Eaglemoss Viper is devoid of any detail or a Viper Pilot figure.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Now looking at this model, I find the detail quite fantastic and not getting paid for that. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Now, lengthwise it is exactly the same as the Viper Mark 2. Which is 10.75" or 27.3 cm and has a 6" or 15.24 cm Wingspan. The tail raises to about 5" or 12.7 cm in height. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Now, to scale, that would put the Viper to about 28 and 1/2 feet or 8.7 meters.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I'll leave a link in the description.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As a teenager, I loved to make plastic models from kits that you could buy from the store. Star Trek, Space 1999, 2001 A Space Odyssey, Star Wars X Wings and Tie Fighters, The Battlestar Galactica original version, and of course, the Viper. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I would even make models from scratch, and sometimes I would kit-bash kits like crazy. In one case, I took the front end of a Viper and the backend of an X-Wing with the wings modified. Unfortunately, the only picture I have from the time is pretty degraded. But hey.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YGig7HIiFO8" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">However, as an adult, you find that time is the most important commodity you can have, and building plastic models takes up quite a bit of time. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So model kits like this from Eaglemoss are great for collectors like me who live busy lives and want something from our favorite Science Fiction films and TV shows to enjoy daily as part of our home displays. I am delighted so far with the hero collection from Eaglemoss. I like the detail, except for the lack of cockpit detail, I like the size, and I like that this Viper is ready to display in seconds. And I like the price.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Thanks for the view. And, watch this video right here for more Cosplay and Film prop fun.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Take care.</span></p><div><br /></div>robb1138http://www.blogger.com/profile/13245501911798534123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884091176686224601.post-72661705835406364892021-08-23T10:49:00.000-07:002021-08-23T10:49:24.987-07:00The Black Death and the Plague Doctor mask<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>he Great Mortality or as it is better known to as the Black Death, was a time in<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVjsw4P26UlQQ-TOpYGl6uie7jk3rNB3Ct5Dkalp7v38KzMRngmXUYo2_GutvdvHWIx-O-83otGscjC6hgJZSm7Sy6wuUMM8j7OPbHZV98wkmWWNdaeISR1Sa2eWqBFqE9P-N8vL28wY/s1114/Plague+Doctor+thumb.png" style="clear: left; display: inline; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="1114" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJVjsw4P26UlQQ-TOpYGl6uie7jk3rNB3Ct5Dkalp7v38KzMRngmXUYo2_GutvdvHWIx-O-83otGscjC6hgJZSm7Sy6wuUMM8j7OPbHZV98wkmWWNdaeISR1Sa2eWqBFqE9P-N8vL28wY/w640-h360/Plague+Doctor+thumb.png" width="640" /></a></span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">the medieval history that saw the population of the world practically drop by half.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It was a turning point in history that left us with a new world rising from the ashes.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Join me as we travel back in time to Medieval Europe and take a look at a time and the headgear of the plague doctor</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The year is 1347, and it's been almost 800 years since a plague ravages the Roman Empire The bacterium Yersinia pestis ravaged the Mediterranean Basin, Europe, and the Near East, and Constantinople. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Instead of focusing on the horrors of the Plague, I want to briefly discuss what good, if any came from these 300 years.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Before the Great Pestilence, Europe experienced a remarkable expansion period during the High Middle Ages (1050-1300 CE). This period was called the Medieval Climate Optimum.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">However, by 1301 the weather was changing again. As we enter 1347, many events took place to put the Great Pestilence on the map.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">If you are new here, we cover the film genres of sci-fi, horror, action/adventure, prop culture, and all things geek. So if you want more videos on this subject, don't forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell to be aware of my uploads.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The Black Death is the single most significant disease in Western civilization to date, an actual and literal plague. The word Plague derives from an ancient Greek medical term plêgê meaning "stroke"—it's a reference to the speed with which the disease brings down its victims—and this Plague was a real death-blow to medieval Europe. The Black Death, or simply "The Plague," came on its victims quickly and powerfully. It was such a debilitating disruption of facilities. It seemed to on-lookers in the day as if the person had been "struck" by some invisible force.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The "black" in Black Death more likely derives from the Latin word atra, meaning "black, dreadful." Death usually follows soon afterward, most often from septicemia (blood poisoning), due to massive internal hemorrhaging as the bloodstream grows congested with bacteria.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Before the outbreak in 1347, feudal Europe was divided socially by the three estates. While the system was made up of clergy (The First Estate), nobles (The Second Estate), and the peasants (The Third Estate).</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It's probably safe to say that something on the order of a quarter to a third of the population of Europe died during the Great Pestilence, thus creating a tremendous upheaval of the three estate system</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The Plague respected neither noble, cleric, or peasant.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">With so much death, the peasants who were bound to the lord of the manor found that they could just go to the next manor and hire their labor out for more than a meager existence. Even then, the nobles tried to regulate the pay a lord could offer. And how much a worker could demand. This really didn't work, and the feudal system started to crack.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Priests were not immune. In many cases, but not all, the priest would or could do little for their flock.</span></span><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mvGlvIgccHU" width="560"></iframe>
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<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Perhaps hasty last rites and then get the heck out of Plague-infested house.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Seeing that the church was of no real help, perhaps the survivors needed to rethink their relationship with the church. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Scholars feel that this, like many other factors, was the slow brewing resentment that brought on the Protestant Reformation 200 years later.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The merchant class was proliferating. Cash strapped nobles were quick to marry their children off to merchants who were more wealthy than the manor's lords. The merchants were eager to join the nobility.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Another positive result of the bubonic Plague was the development of medicine as a science in the West. Whereas in the late Middle Ages, Islamic doctors had, for centuries, been advocating sensible measures like general cleanliness and the value of studying anatomy. Western healers before 1347 were still burdened by the Medieval scorn of the body and ancient medical fallacies like the theory of "humors".</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">But when Plague wiped out nearly all the doctors in Europe, just as it had the clergy—physicians, like priests, attend to the dying and because of this was exposed at a higher rate to the more virulent pneumonic form of Plague—it precipitated a change in both personnel and precept.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Ironically, modern Western medicine owes much to the bacterium Yersinia pestis, one of its most horrifying failures.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It is here where we discuss the hazmat suit of the 14th century. While the oldest drawings are from the 17th century, scholars have descriptions from much earlier of the suits that look like beaked birds.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Why the beak, you ask?</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoR5H4ZNmz8mLhI817l6auPByH0RLxOSsewMpg1rJ9TcUi9lIqrgTdd3RfdTgFOC-XN0UL7wnqiFKR7T35ZOcwhyphenhyphenHt1HO3sfcMyjLf5w62Ok3OBBEB_HRN2hLYNln1W6KLktfycPA8nCk/s1920/Plague+thmb+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoR5H4ZNmz8mLhI817l6auPByH0RLxOSsewMpg1rJ9TcUi9lIqrgTdd3RfdTgFOC-XN0UL7wnqiFKR7T35ZOcwhyphenhyphenHt1HO3sfcMyjLf5w62Ok3OBBEB_HRN2hLYNln1W6KLktfycPA8nCk/w400-h225/Plague+thmb+1.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Well, the doctors of the time believed that epidemics were caused by miasma, or bad air, emanating from rotting organic matter. To counter the rotting stench, many times, people would carry flowers in their sleeves to smell them when the buboes' odor was overwhelming.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Doctors came up with long robes, gloves, and mask to keep from touching the diseased.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">And the beak was there to hold the posies and other sweet-smelling items.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">To filter out the miasma, so to say.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Well, as Halloween approaches, I thought it would be great to have a costume that represents this year.</span></span></div>robb1138http://www.blogger.com/profile/13245501911798534123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884091176686224601.post-27826009284019665002021-08-09T21:52:00.001-07:002021-08-09T21:52:00.240-07:00The Cross of King Arthur | Reel Art <p><span style="font-family: arial;"> <span style="font-size: xx-large;">A</span>rcheology is the search for facts, not truth, </span><span style="font-family: arial;">So, </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnikeuErYZv8NoPAAjILfQL9qRagmgFXEgVNbz7IddfPdFu83l_Js-DVpWT52i-MkK3s413Bedkh2US0vJPKRGReTOZc5ErF-YrYULZB4EjlYG-h_7xcYX2Oi7lnGQNIETjK4eHL0y1QQ/s950/Indiana+Jones+Fact+not+Truth.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="404" data-original-width="950" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnikeuErYZv8NoPAAjILfQL9qRagmgFXEgVNbz7IddfPdFu83l_Js-DVpWT52i-MkK3s413Bedkh2US0vJPKRGReTOZc5ErF-YrYULZB4EjlYG-h_7xcYX2Oi7lnGQNIETjK4eHL0y1QQ/s640/Indiana+Jones+Fact+not+Truth.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">When looking at the historical King Arthur, we, unfortunately, must put aside all the romantic characters and imagery that we have been exposed to throughout our lives. We forget the tales of knights in </span><span style="font-family: arial;">shining armor and start from scratch with the story of Arthur.</span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Kmh4Hk6tPRxRYAnwjM00RvYYcxTY8Gmt4arM1Ida_mBv4hfsV5eiHYePxOdM8bSOvA0i9Iq8_nWBQ2ph1JJx4KlDO4GvnyJwC2eDMYHWrt-HYHvGvqU4kVlvbtBmDMARAFIDksRT3xg/s1020/King+Arthur+-+Camden+Cross+Unboxing+thmb.png" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; font-family: arial; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1020" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Kmh4Hk6tPRxRYAnwjM00RvYYcxTY8Gmt4arM1Ida_mBv4hfsV5eiHYePxOdM8bSOvA0i9Iq8_nWBQ2ph1JJx4KlDO4GvnyJwC2eDMYHWrt-HYHvGvqU4kVlvbtBmDMARAFIDksRT3xg/w640-h428/King+Arthur+-+Camden+Cross+Unboxing+thmb.png" width="640" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I am not even sure if there was a King Arthur. However, many Arthurian scholars do believe that there was someone who historically could fit the description. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">A beginning is a time for taking the most delicate care that the balances are correct. We must first place Arthur in his time, born in the late 5th or early 6th century CE. And take the most special care that you locate Arthur in his place. The Isle of Brittania is forever his place.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Knowing this --- we must forget the following details:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSo5pin8ntbaDJEYqxUMJmNqyhQVsU6Vz9sPOESe9o1v82b9crsougyda2Qpi1XyYLvmf5ydRWk3slSlvp8NCueERLcNrEpnEiWMVxk5NJfnIoS1-ezcBkKt_k7B0mt9bPNWYZe4voiak/s2048/Castile.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1367" data-original-width="2048" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSo5pin8ntbaDJEYqxUMJmNqyhQVsU6Vz9sPOESe9o1v82b9crsougyda2Qpi1XyYLvmf5ydRWk3slSlvp8NCueERLcNrEpnEiWMVxk5NJfnIoS1-ezcBkKt_k7B0mt9bPNWYZe4voiak/w410-h274/Castile.jpg" width="410" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">That Camelot was not a majestic stone castle but perhaps a defensive wooden fortress on a hill.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Merlin, The story of this character comes much later. There is a Welsh bard named Myrrdren. If you know French, you may be shocked by this name. Perhaps it was Latinized to Merlinus.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The round table is not even mentioned until the second millennium CE</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Sir Lancelot, Nope a 12th-century French addition to the stories</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Guenevere - again, a 12th-century addition. However, we still use this name to some degree in its modern form --- Jennifer.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">the Holy Grail - definitely a French addition which was not formerly sacred or even holy </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKF4RAJbHEk7r59nwkFbOekwLYOYADr-owPqs7FotjwF5b6fjDXdYTirhJwN42ANa2gd2zODAKvAU_URfNfq4gI-zSya_FL9qbk4qW4hC8VdRE5R-ZUtTN6gitvpb4Qo6biYph0DCUqA/s2048/The+Holy+Chalice.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1963" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjKF4RAJbHEk7r59nwkFbOekwLYOYADr-owPqs7FotjwF5b6fjDXdYTirhJwN42ANa2gd2zODAKvAU_URfNfq4gI-zSya_FL9qbk4qW4hC8VdRE5R-ZUtTN6gitvpb4Qo6biYph0DCUqA/w251-h262/The+Holy+Chalice.jpg" width="251" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The chivalric code is once again, a later addition to set an example for a time that needed it.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Mordred - a later addition who could be either a villain or a hero depending on a particular point of view.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">And the Isle of Avalon not mentioned until the 12th century either, but this where we have some possibilities.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The late 5th century was a tumultuous time in the Roman Empire.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In 410, the Goths sacked Rome, and the legions were recalled home to defend the Eternal city.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Thus gives rise to oral tales of a hero that turned back to the Irish's tide from the west and the Angles and Saxons from the east. At least for another 300 years.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Romano-Britons defended themselves against the invaders.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">These are the times of tales of Ambrosius Aurelianus and others but not one named Authur.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">However, in the 600s CE, the name Arthur started showing up in the birth records of noble families in the post roman Britain.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So let's begin.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Somewhere between 500 to 550 CE, the Britons appear to have held back the invading Angle-Saxon advance. However, in the following years, they were pushed back into Cornwall and Wales. The territory held by the Saxons eventually became known as England, and the people in Wales were called 'Welsh' from the Saxon word 'weala,' meaning 'foreigners' or worse slaves. The Welsh call themselves 'Cymry' indicating 'fellow countrymen' and their country 'Cymru.') </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZutKV-XC6sNqXn2OvnLtWSJX9X4hLPV5HAs-dPCJCJ0f8alEixhw7UidOS_wFXabUwZMeHLOs6CFr8uIGHh4lDw70o4BhKBIMyio3ATQFpkqZ1NBlf_F5iThulH3loResxvwLBNLOO0/s300/nennius-and-arthurs-12-battles-300x178.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="178" data-original-width="300" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZutKV-XC6sNqXn2OvnLtWSJX9X4hLPV5HAs-dPCJCJ0f8alEixhw7UidOS_wFXabUwZMeHLOs6CFr8uIGHh4lDw70o4BhKBIMyio3ATQFpkqZ1NBlf_F5iThulH3loResxvwLBNLOO0/w375-h223/nennius-and-arthurs-12-battles-300x178.jpg" width="375" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">The first reliable reference to Arthur is in the 'Historia Brittonum' written by the Welsh monk Nennius around the year 830 AD. He refers to Arthur as a warrior - not a king. He lists twelve battles fought by Arthur, including Mount Badon and the City Of The Legion. Most likely, his title was Dux Bellorum rather than Rex or King.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It was the Welsh cleric Geoffrey of Monmouth, wrote down in Books Five and Six of the Histories, he establishes the basis of the Arthurian legends that we know today. His work, 'Historia Regum Britaniae' or in English known as The History of the Kings of Britain, also known initially as De gestis Britonum (On the Deeds of the Britons), was written in the year 1133 AD. He claimed to have based the work on an ancient Celtic document in his possession. It became a 'best-seller' of its time, and two hundred manuscripts still survive. It was later foreign writers have expanded his themes and added new strands to the story. By the way, Geoffrey's History is the first to mention King Lear's story that Shakespear would later retell and expand on this story.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Norman chronicler Wace was the first to mention the Round Table, in his Roman de Brut of 1155. He simply says that Arthur devised the idea of a round table to prevent quarrels between his barons over the question of precedence. Now, Wace's version is more of a loose and expanded translation of almost 15,000 lines of Norman-French verse of Geoffrey of Monmouth's Latin History of the Kings of Britain.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15wMpgPasGuTyLeTzD2WIFKDiNLeUzh579SP0t3sVMlsMxHa9g9NIXwgEPJWQ9TyGRd2sFzuUKB4tmYCF38QNSdrZu2RsuHdxF6SQ5h8kRSwjDvmiES9NUDdefMLFjo7OP4-4IU00kjU/s270/Lancelot+du+Lac.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj15wMpgPasGuTyLeTzD2WIFKDiNLeUzh579SP0t3sVMlsMxHa9g9NIXwgEPJWQ9TyGRd2sFzuUKB4tmYCF38QNSdrZu2RsuHdxF6SQ5h8kRSwjDvmiES9NUDdefMLFjo7OP4-4IU00kjU/s0/Lancelot+du+Lac.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">Around 1177, Chrétien de Troyes adds Lancelot du Lac (meaning Lancelot of the Lake, also know as the knight of the cart. It Chrétien's that is one of the first stories of the Arthurian legend to feature Lancelot as a prominent character.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Robert de Boron from Burgundy was a French poet of the late 12th and early 13th centuries who wrote several poems within the Arthurian cycle. Joseph d'Arimathie [fr] and Merlin. The Poem Joseph of Arimathea gives the grail its Holiness and sacredness. Remember, it is at this point in 1187 that the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem was surrendered to Saladin in the Holy Land. Robert wrote Joseph after 1191, which lines up with when the monks at Glastonbury claimed to have discovered the coffins of King Arthur and Guinevere. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The first English version was written by a priest known as Layamon in around 1200 CE. He pretty much follows Wace's 1155 release of the Histories. However, in Layamon's version, Arthur did not die from his wounds, he remained on the Isle of Avalon - to return in the future.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Almost 300 years later, in 1485 and around 40 years after Gutenburg invented the printing press, William Caxton published 'Le Morte d'Azur' - one of the first printed books. Written by Sir Thomas Malory, this was a collection of eight stories that brilliantly drew together the whole saga and gave us the account we know today.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The legendary King Arthur and History Britain are tightly intertwined. There is too much information to include here, so this is where I am going to mention the Great Courses Plus, where you can take a course with a University Professor who teaches the Arthurian Legends. Professor Dorsey Armstrong explains in 24 Lectures the history of Britain, and the Celtic, Latin, French, and English legends from the Low to High Middle Ages. She with take you on tour through the historical sites attached to the title of King Arthur. I highly recommend the Great Courses Plus for this and many other subjects available. Oh, I am not sponsored by the great course, but because I enjoy the classes so much, I am sharing my affiliate link so you can also take part in this learning opportunity.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">
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</span></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Rex quondam, Rexque Futurus</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This Latin phrase was supposedly carved upon Arthur's tomb at Glastonbury, according to Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur 21:7:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Yet some men say in many parts of England that King Arthur is not dead, but had by the will of our Lord Jesu into another place... many men say that there is written upon his tomb this verse: Hic jacet Arthurus, Rex quondam, Rexque futurus.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Translated in full, the phrase is "Here lies Arthur, King Once, and King in the Future"--or as T.H. White so succinctly translates it, "The Once and Future King."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Of course, the Glastonbury Cross has a different inscription, usually given as: "HIC IACET SEPULTUS INCLITUS REX ARTURIUS IN INSULA AVALONIA": Here Lies the Tomb of the famous King Arthur on the Isle of Avalon.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">As for King Arthur's return, the messianic element of the Arthurian mythos is not to be overlooked. While a common theme in medieval literature--Charlemagne is also said to sleep under a mountain--the reason for its attachment to King Arthur should be examined.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It is not uncommon for an oppressed people--in this case, the Britons, soon to be Welsh--to have a type of messianic figure in King Arthur, the last great British king, who waits on Avalon and will return in the time of greatest peril. Jesus will have a second coming, and this element of Christianity is most emphasized during times of crisis. Elijah is said to return; a son of Zoroaster will come; Baldr will be resurrected at Ragnarok; Charlemagne is under Chateau Montsegur2, Francis Drake and Drake's Drum; Holger Danske will rise from his repose (either below Kronborg Castle at Elsinore, or Nonnebakken at Odense) and fight to preserve Denmark in her hour of need1; and so on. The idea that a hero/savior will appear one day and drive out the oppressors is a popular one, and understandably so.</span></p>robb1138http://www.blogger.com/profile/13245501911798534123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884091176686224601.post-14556860768967096972021-06-07T09:25:00.001-07:002021-06-07T09:25:00.292-07:00<p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><b style="font-size: xx-large; text-align: left;">T</b><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">oday we are taking a look at an ancient alien race that has visited Earth over 5000 years ago, and during this time, they have been the guardians of this world. In their own Divine language, the word guardian can be translated as Mondoshawan. Yes, that's right, we are going back to visit the world of the Fifth Element and explore these ancient creatures.</span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbP7bJyefS1vP1o-EhS-M5CtZKPMjJZP9NcahUQQ9K9CFg1EBZpUXHVbRCzCri5qb70arkpMx7-FZj47CT5VbxYZ6MhB7bLHQKxsjn74tszV52qk9CpW7jN22TbU6CPwUbgCHV-Awd-s8/s1920/Mondoshawan+Blog+-+3.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbP7bJyefS1vP1o-EhS-M5CtZKPMjJZP9NcahUQQ9K9CFg1EBZpUXHVbRCzCri5qb70arkpMx7-FZj47CT5VbxYZ6MhB7bLHQKxsjn74tszV52qk9CpW7jN22TbU6CPwUbgCHV-Awd-s8/w400-h225/Mondoshawan+Blog+-+3.png" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">I tend to support the artists on Etsy. While looking around, I found a couple of items that would go very nicely with my Fifth Element shrine/display. I found one item from 3DMirrorArt,</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Now Austris, the same artist that created my Five Element stones, created something special. And another who created a replica key to the secret chamber in the Egyptian temple of the Fifth Element.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In the Fifth Element, the Mondoshawan are a race of aliens that are friendly to humans. They are a bit taller than humans, roughly 7 to 8 ft tall. The Mondoshawan are semi-biblical beings that serve as the caretakers of both the Four Elemental Stones (Water, Earth, Fire, Air) and the Fifth Element guardians. Although little is known of their homeworld or race, it can be assumed that it is some distance from Earth, remaining relatively secluded from the other races. We don't know much of what the Mondoshawan actually look like, as they are only seen wearing impenetrable golden armor. But we believe that they are a peaceful and ancient sapient race that appears to be similar in anatomical structure to grounded avians.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">At some point in Ancient History, the Mondoshawan visited the Humans "before time was time."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5gN_j2oBuDg" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>
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</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">And established a priestly order to protect the Fifth Element and the Chamber in Egypt.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">A Dark Force or Evil attempted to destroy the world 5 millennia before 1914, the first time we are introduced to Mondoshawan in pre-World War 1 Egypt. Some say that dark forces attacked Earth, possibly causing the Moon to form around Earth.</span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoaBhFUCq4MpFgT4t2_wtaUQY0Ho3pAUQhFuulu8SWgzOw5uIAKhpWz9wNjZZDqafIRg8x40SAakGZn9zNqwINmpZwCpbNYf96BfXEPrjwReO9IpsztD_hvHcNYpnJfUaaQwVdtHyB7nY/s1920/Mondoshawan+Blog+-+6.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoaBhFUCq4MpFgT4t2_wtaUQY0Ho3pAUQhFuulu8SWgzOw5uIAKhpWz9wNjZZDqafIRg8x40SAakGZn9zNqwINmpZwCpbNYf96BfXEPrjwReO9IpsztD_hvHcNYpnJfUaaQwVdtHyB7nY/w400-h225/Mondoshawan+Blog+-+6.png" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"></span>Evil is an apparently sentient and sapient living planetoid supposedly indestructible, which seeks to destroy all life, starting with Earth's. To this end -- the Mondoshawans seek to destroy this evil, stating that "time is not important, only life is important."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Near the Fifth Element, a Mondoshawan ship visits Earth, specifically the Chamber in Egypt. Upon arriving, the ship's crew were greeted by the current Priest who ensured them that the stones and Fifth Element were safe, despite an archaeologist and his apprentice investigating the chamber.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20kRkdo6LdjoiHjFPz9cA4tu9IASYZly2jksMAS6iHS2Ckfk2zm0IMRnpLWlIQs3OH69ttCxwnygkDef3kcAweG8SMU8XHuxHGuGgQeaknU0Wc0q5Oiysm1guQc4qjD9pXCf6FcbAlbo/s1920/Mondoshawan+Blog+-+8.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20kRkdo6LdjoiHjFPz9cA4tu9IASYZly2jksMAS6iHS2Ckfk2zm0IMRnpLWlIQs3OH69ttCxwnygkDef3kcAweG8SMU8XHuxHGuGgQeaknU0Wc0q5Oiysm1guQc4qjD9pXCf6FcbAlbo/s320/Mondoshawan+Blog+-+8.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The Mondoshawans render the archaeologist unconscious and then extract the stones and Fifth Element inside the secret chamber.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">When the priest asked why the Mondoshawan were taking Earth's only defense against Evil, the Leader, distinguished by the large spikes on his armor, replied, "War is coming, stones not safe on Earth anymore." Unfortunately, he was shot at by the bewildered apprentice played by Jason Priestly and was sealed in the chamber, but not before passing the Key to the Priest with the command "Pass the knowledge to the next priest as it was passed on to you." The Mondoshawan then left Earth, returning 300 years later.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gN_j2oBuDg</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">
</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">In the year 2214 the Mondoshawan returned with the Fifth Element as promised, they made their way back to Earth as the Great Evil returned. Unfortunately, Mangalores hired by Zorg shot down the Mondoshawan's ship as it passed Jupiter in a vicious attack that left only one survivor, the Fifth Element who was later retrieved by Human Scouts and reanimated back in the modern city of New York, Earth.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_U_LdnPAjUEgFdi-qI7SNkZ0jvMcaDjJdnWNf7WxxtEOmcF5pWYDp1gxJwSBSe4TPzu1MuiefXMUjS7SXGuRdKsJSWZ9YbEZgvl8757dROlBUtaFtUVgDjBmpehyphenhyphencAFwxrPObHjw0JI/s1920/Mondoshawan+Blog+-+14.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_U_LdnPAjUEgFdi-qI7SNkZ0jvMcaDjJdnWNf7WxxtEOmcF5pWYDp1gxJwSBSe4TPzu1MuiefXMUjS7SXGuRdKsJSWZ9YbEZgvl8757dROlBUtaFtUVgDjBmpehyphenhyphencAFwxrPObHjw0JI/s320/Mondoshawan+Blog+-+14.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Although only the Mondoshawan accompanying the Fifth Element and Elemental Stones were seen, it is assumed there are other Mondoshawan. The Mondoshawan are also excellent strategists and back-up planners.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Although they failed to safely deliver the Fifth Element to Earth themselves, they did separate the Fifth Element from the Elemental Stones, preventing the loss of them all.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQnxHqaN4Qxi_Yi7FHVXgW8OyC263Fy5DmvlNPSMyqqmjmshP1ewamBTVRYYiFWCKdl2mIjUl-m4P1CrJo3eVymT55SORtG8iWBcaKXdVgHAYaB-hHon_lORl5PTnbfOMivIQZGmzBQ4/s1920/Mondoshawan+Blog+-+15.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOQnxHqaN4Qxi_Yi7FHVXgW8OyC263Fy5DmvlNPSMyqqmjmshP1ewamBTVRYYiFWCKdl2mIjUl-m4P1CrJo3eVymT55SORtG8iWBcaKXdVgHAYaB-hHon_lORl5PTnbfOMivIQZGmzBQ4/w640-h360/Mondoshawan+Blog+-+15.png" width="640" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So, to start off with we have from Rbreplicas Store on Etsy. Russel Brown crafted this replica prop out of brass for the key and aluminum for the stand. It was and is part machined and laser cut from solid brass,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The key is 5 and three-quarters inches long which is 14.6 cm. AND is one and a half inches wide which is 3.81 cm</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Rbreplicas has many machined parts from Star Wars, Andromeda Strain, Batman, James Bond, The Avengers, and other films. I enjoyed this piece and I will leave a link in the description</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Now, this big box contains my Ancient Alien.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopoT6Hee2VO3iyXrrbIJJZar7JhRod3ZKn36w2pSdwbPvqo0vsB28GBjmc1HCBKtfEDQTdAK6bqUcav8UsyZco1MYz-T9KoKRla1b4aMVPurRwncoqQdRrbxziz9S_Nge9kKb6U0gM9Q/s1920/Mondoshawan+Blog+-+7.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgopoT6Hee2VO3iyXrrbIJJZar7JhRod3ZKn36w2pSdwbPvqo0vsB28GBjmc1HCBKtfEDQTdAK6bqUcav8UsyZco1MYz-T9KoKRla1b4aMVPurRwncoqQdRrbxziz9S_Nge9kKb6U0gM9Q/w640-h360/Mondoshawan+Blog+-+7.png" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div>I felt as a science fiction film lover, and The Fifth Element being one of my favorite films I thought the character of the Mondoshawan is easily recognized by anyone who has seen the film. As I mentioned, this is the second item that I purchased from Austris and his prop store on Etsy 3DMirrorArt in Latvia. Now as his shop is in Europe, it does take about a month to arrive.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Now, the Mondoshawan is made out of PLA plastic, finished with acrylic paint with a coat of varnish</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">It stands just under 9 inches which is 20 cm tall and is 5 and a quarter wide which is 13.4 cm and a tad under 4 inches thick which is 10 centimeters.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDkDuOPjV4I7dZVzJ7sY54EVOvTkI31bE4DRiCtgpfZGyZKLAlRHU5YnZVA556Uo4b32iIEOfAFpNnXZs_pmgF47TNlCf_6n5vf9j7DTSJNZnIgEylJXZ6S3uubTuRZxVFzNsdZ1zorU/s1920/Mondoshawan+Blog+-+13.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDkDuOPjV4I7dZVzJ7sY54EVOvTkI31bE4DRiCtgpfZGyZKLAlRHU5YnZVA556Uo4b32iIEOfAFpNnXZs_pmgF47TNlCf_6n5vf9j7DTSJNZnIgEylJXZ6S3uubTuRZxVFzNsdZ1zorU/s320/Mondoshawan+Blog+-+13.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">So here they are. What do YOU think of my little fella and the key to the secret chamber? I feel that having something like this to adorn my shelf in front of the element stones would make a great display. Or should I have a separate shelf for these two movie items?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">let me know in the comments. Also, make sure you share your thoughts about these two prop pieces</span></p>robb1138http://www.blogger.com/profile/13245501911798534123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884091176686224601.post-41574019718400877722020-08-11T13:30:00.003-07:002021-04-23T14:42:12.647-07:00Indiana Jones and the Grail Tablet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7_xRh6wLbCTseR5vd6vEGk44z8fVcWsRT5RwaZkqgif5TV1yjNBYzCuUvyoo-2Gt6PAjoI_919uCBkzedV5nvOebo9K8kdkfiANvhqoFp5RF8rTnuqemOEhpXOERALbJtjkounGddCc/s1600/Indiana+Jones+Grail+Tablet+Thumbnail.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="1114" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV7_xRh6wLbCTseR5vd6vEGk44z8fVcWsRT5RwaZkqgif5TV1yjNBYzCuUvyoo-2Gt6PAjoI_919uCBkzedV5nvOebo9K8kdkfiANvhqoFp5RF8rTnuqemOEhpXOERALbJtjkounGddCc/s400/Indiana+Jones+Grail+Tablet+Thumbnail.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>T</b></span>he grail tablet was one of two markers left by three brother knights of the first crusade. The third night who was dying of extreme old age tells his story to a Franciscan friar, that he, along with his two brothers, Richard and the Grail Knight had set out to find and protect the Holy Grail of Jesus Christ. Which they did in the temple of the sun in the canyon of the Cresent moon in Halay. 150 years after finding the grail two brothers started their journey back to France leaving the grail knight to guard the relic. The grail tablet was one of the markers left by one of the two returning brothers. The other was Sir Richards's shield buried with him in the catacombs of Venice. Both markers were there to describe the location of the Holy Grail. The tablet was made of sandstone, made in the Middle East, and was found by Walter Donovan's people who digging out there for copper in the mountains north of Ankara, I believe.x</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">According to Indiana Jones, It used an early Latin text. Which was probably from the mid 12th century that was during the second major crusade during the fall of the county of Edessa. I got this piece from Propland </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcsnAYMEGiDmAitPjVTlDc7VB1IWmp4nBk0LvhCAdudEybBCgzeuXkey9aMWMpYMfee4o78I-60qI1dtKxI4Ma2e9LUiQgs7AKXTrub7NEZmTdGq-qQKKXV5N050cGb1QUOy5FZjOLWY/s1600/P1000214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkcsnAYMEGiDmAitPjVTlDc7VB1IWmp4nBk0LvhCAdudEybBCgzeuXkey9aMWMpYMfee4o78I-60qI1dtKxI4Ma2e9LUiQgs7AKXTrub7NEZmTdGq-qQKKXV5N050cGb1QUOy5FZjOLWY/s320/P1000214.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">2000 which has a store on Etsy and they are based out of Spain. Link in the description. Ordered during the peak of the pandemic, it took about 3 weeks to arrive due to the new quarantine rules going into place. My question is how well did this item stand up to international travel and then storage until it eventually arrived. Wow, I'm impressed, there is a lot of paper and this resin cast is wrapped in some very sticky bubble wrap. This box looks a bit beaten up, however, my tablet looks like it is in good shape. Jesus over at Propland2000 kept in contact with me to let me know how my prop was progressing and then over the course of shipping the product until it finally arrived.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">In the movie, the Last Crusade, without the top half, Indy still tries to translate it. As shown at the beginning of the film, Indy knows several languages by the time he was 14 such as Greek. He pours a bit of water on top of the tablet to clean it and still tries to translate it. Now it translates something like this. .whoever, or who drinks the water I shall give him, says the Lord, will have a spring inside him welling up for eternal life. Let them bring me to your holy mountain in the place where you dwell. Across the desert and through the mountains to the Canyon of the Crescent Moon, to the temple where the cup that holds the blood of Jesus Christ resides forever."―</span></span><br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8k_1GzJgAFY" width="560"></iframe></div>
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<br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Now, this piece is a resin and fiberglass casting. It was painted and weathered. and has a hollow back which helps with shipping costs. This prop measures 20,07” x 18,50” x 1,18” width Centimetres 51 cms x 47 cms x 3 cms width</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Okay, there is something weird wrapped up in bubble wrap and taped to the back. Okay this is a fertility idol, Thank you very much</span></span>robb1138http://www.blogger.com/profile/13245501911798534123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884091176686224601.post-32468400813037690722020-08-06T01:30:00.000-07:002020-08-06T01:30:06.002-07:00Dune, Arrakis, Desert Planet - Unboxing the Crysknives of the Film and Mini-series<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_K7u5ynnb1AZZrMcV5jlILKgGTtbWOeoc_mPio9U7462kPxNqpjqSCd1dtzXGaKkjpCXEDy3HHBkJoLBnJiuVk2QYMnD0Frs-TN6tYUqY0Ap3YCpVQLkNMVd74eBABUb9k5_2dqvqs74/s1600/Dune+Crysknife+Unboxing+thumb.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="637" data-original-width="1133" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_K7u5ynnb1AZZrMcV5jlILKgGTtbWOeoc_mPio9U7462kPxNqpjqSCd1dtzXGaKkjpCXEDy3HHBkJoLBnJiuVk2QYMnD0Frs-TN6tYUqY0Ap3YCpVQLkNMVd74eBABUb9k5_2dqvqs74/s320/Dune+Crysknife+Unboxing+thumb.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">I</span></b>t's 2020 and a new adaptation of Frank Herbert's classic is scheduled to come out at the end of the year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Right now Denis Villeneuve director of <b><i>"Sicario," "Arrival,"</i></b> and <b><i>"Blade Runner 2049"</i></b> takes a crack at this epic story which is expected out on December 18, 2020.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is a great way for people who missed out so far on the Dune experience to check out the material, either on the big screen or taking a look at the older materials or even reading the books. c</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Before I get into the two previous screen adaptations I want to talk about what Dune means to me personally.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the time I was 15 years old, I lived on the South Coast of California. Beautiful beaches, nice weather year-round. I had Friends, Family, a paper route, there were girls and I was getting ready for High School --- then all of a sudden. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, it seems like it was all of a sudden to me...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My dad moved my family out to the California Mojave Desert. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I was devastated.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My best friend gave me a book to help in through this terrible time. The book was Dune.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I remember telling him that I thought it was boring and I could barely get through the first 25 pages. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He told me to read the first 100 pages then tell him what I thought. I did and I told him and then for the 30 years, I read that book at least once a year. Along with that, I read Dune Messiah and Children of Dune as well.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsa2Ya5DiQpo49abnPCJSc1KRNz6vfuzt5ESgJvL1dYSd-iXl0AUOJu5DDMiXpbRMKels-YrfvDPYpOF31H17J6bEFhtBQz8qpIFPky5nS5O9Rj4lKeRkoQZGWfK6FId17laXBpvtWIQU/s1600/Dune+Noteboook.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsa2Ya5DiQpo49abnPCJSc1KRNz6vfuzt5ESgJvL1dYSd-iXl0AUOJu5DDMiXpbRMKels-YrfvDPYpOF31H17J6bEFhtBQz8qpIFPky5nS5O9Rj4lKeRkoQZGWfK6FId17laXBpvtWIQU/s640/Dune+Noteboook.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">zzOf course, I read all of Frank Herbert's books. <b> <i>"God Emperor of Dune,"</i></b> and <b><i>"Chapterhouse of Dune."</i></b> I went on to read Destination Void and that whole series. I sought out the <i style="font-weight: bold;">"Encyclopedia of Dune,"</i>. <b><i>"Eye,"</i></b> and <i><b>"Heretics of Dune."</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then David Lynch directed the DeLaurentis Production of my favorite book. While I thought that Lynch's version had some good ideas and some not very good concepts I certainly hated the pronunciations of the names in his film</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I could go on</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then there was Sci-Fi's mini-series <b><i>"Frank Herbert's Dune"</i></b> in 2000 and 3 years later saw <b><i>"Frank Herbert's Children of Dune"</i></b> with James McAvoy as Leto the second</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This too had some good ideas and some not so good. I could do a whole video on both of either of these. story renderings.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>hile some of the characters may change genders in the upcoming film, however, one of the "main character" and the largest is <b>SHAI-HULUD</b> or the great sandworms of Dune.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xcqkA05oh0qJuwIVzdxtCxKf1kifW8RpnY_n1b-VQoCq77TqwC7WpScORKlktUzD0P_r7BR6Li-Bbf3QPQkjkI04RdW5OCWpVqhrYfjR60rd3V2-UvUrOOpLnCKlNXPJodnBCUsX7Ro/s1600/Dune+Knives.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xcqkA05oh0qJuwIVzdxtCxKf1kifW8RpnY_n1b-VQoCq77TqwC7WpScORKlktUzD0P_r7BR6Li-Bbf3QPQkjkI04RdW5OCWpVqhrYfjR60rd3V2-UvUrOOpLnCKlNXPJodnBCUsX7Ro/s400/Dune+Knives.png" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These leviathans of the desert had segmented rings that essentially had a life of their own,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They had rings of teeth at the eating end of their bodies</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The somewhat indigenous desert people known as the Fremen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">These Fremen, akin to the bedouin of the Arabian Penninsula controlled the desert and the planet is 80 percent desert. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Therefore they controlled the planet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As a Fremen, they had a consecrated knife, made from the teeth of the sandworms.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So we are going to take a look at two different knives, both made of worm teeth.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well not really.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The funny thing about this box is that I actually bought this off of Etsy and not eBay. The seller, James Arnold of ReelArt out of Florida does sell these on eBay as well. Each of these knives is sold separately but I figured that I would just get one from the film and one from the mini-series. Why just one of each? Why would I get two?</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Etsy Reel Art</b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dune Mini-Series Crysknife: </span><a href="https://etsy.me/3fKv4iv" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">https://etsy.me/3fKv4iv</a><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dune 1984 Film: </span><a href="https://etsy.me/3eqloJN" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">https://etsy.me/3eqloJN</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, personally, I am excited that Villeneuve is directing Dune. I was tripped out by Arrival, Sicario was all too real considering I used to live somewhat near the border. And Blade Runner 2049 pretty much was food for thought when it comes to Artificial Intelligence. You know Cylons and all.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I plan on seeing this film with an open mind. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now although neither of the two previous versions had everything that I was hoping for, I do understand how hard a story like Dune is to bring to the big screen. The fact that he is planning to break the story into two films will hopefully allow him to tell a complete story, or at least he will get the chance to tell that story.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This makes me think that the studios are going to have to rethink how they track the profit of a film and how they make decisions on what films get a sequel or not. The world is changing and HAS been changing and unfortunately, the way we used to do things may not evolve as <b>"THEY </b>would like</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now looking at some of the photos I can see that there are some of David Lynch's design elements peeking through in this film. Look at the stillsuits. Very similar to the 1984 film They just need the Jubba cloak, IMHO</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am thinking that the choice of actors is interesting. I mentioned that there is a couple of characters whose gender and ethnicity were altered. In the case of Liet Kynes --- Sharon Duncan Brewster of Rogue 1 will be taking over for the recently passed Max Von Sydow. and Zendaya will play Chani. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Considering how well I think that worked with Battlestar Galactica, I am hopeful.</span><br />
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robb1138http://www.blogger.com/profile/13245501911798534123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884091176686224601.post-2382881661892144872020-08-05T17:33:00.000-07:002020-08-05T17:33:08.530-07:00Dark News Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WvP7XizCv2qLHUzlavO8I2y_F8ECKFfllTWPLhyphenhyphenD9LxOPMMZYdTaoo9ghkwXPbg9besLrnKioorNpry2sVwYxJV0kvoLsASgsqudTkgDHsiHqjPeraZbHcyTqThuyiGTEwPb4SidPZI/s1600/Dark+Thumb.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="626" data-original-width="1114" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9WvP7XizCv2qLHUzlavO8I2y_F8ECKFfllTWPLhyphenhyphenD9LxOPMMZYdTaoo9ghkwXPbg9besLrnKioorNpry2sVwYxJV0kvoLsASgsqudTkgDHsiHqjPeraZbHcyTqThuyiGTEwPb4SidPZI/s400/Dark+Thumb.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></b>oday, I want to talk about some movie release updates and what you can watch in the meantime.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, last week I let you know of the Summer Blockbuster Release schedule</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">And I asked the question, <b><span style="font-size: large;">ARE YOU READY TO RETURN TO THE MOVIE THEATERS IN SPITE OF THE PANDEMIC?</span> </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Those who did answer did so with a resounding <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">NO!</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I think the Studios heard me because they pushed back the release dates to August. I probably should have put up a disclaimer, and Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all dates are tenative</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So what are we to do NOW!\</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I tell you in a moment, but I want to address something very quickly,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">People ask me, Rob, why do you claim to have a constantly racing mind?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, because I do, and do you wanna know why?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">xxxBecause of films like <b><i>"Memento,"</i></b> where Leonard, a guy with short term amnesia, tries to avenge the murder of his wife. Or was he? He is helped by Cypher from the <b><i>"Matrix,"</i></b> or is he? The movie flows backward and forwards, and while it tells a fascinating character study and of human nature, it confounds the brain, leading to many sleepless nights contemplating the film structure and humanity itself</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then there is <b><i>"Donnie Darko."</i></b> Jake Gyllenhaal's Donnie faces a rabbit from the future, family issues, his issues with sleepwalking, adolescence, the impending end of the world. You know, crap like that</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWIxIL3zy_n-Q_dlc6GgYNyebH5DmnDjNypm9ulxZujFnalwQ7ktDMxQdGasNJbAZ4Oxa6VvEJba8v27F8R9lrXWACIbfY6PNbcBO3ENDxA5DmtAYb_laXbpFwTjTriOZ4NHlB1PWmTk/s1600/Inception.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWIxIL3zy_n-Q_dlc6GgYNyebH5DmnDjNypm9ulxZujFnalwQ7ktDMxQdGasNJbAZ4Oxa6VvEJba8v27F8R9lrXWACIbfY6PNbcBO3ENDxA5DmtAYb_laXbpFwTjTriOZ4NHlB1PWmTk/s320/Inception.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Then there is <b><i>"Inception,"</i></b> the dream traveling, time-bending and questionable narration by a possibly unreliable narrator who travels through people's dreams to plant an idea that the sleeping individual believes is his own. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All of these films I watched many times just trying wrapping my head around the many currents that time may flow, does flow, and where it ends</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, the film, <b><i>"Tenet,"</i></b> the word itself is a palindrome, as of our last discussion was set for June 30th, that got pushed back until August 12th, and I'm guessing that will change as well</span><br />
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<br /><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Again, all dates are tentative due to the COVID-19 Pandemic</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Tenet another Christopher Nolan film deals with time inversion, I'm not sure what that means, but this sci-fi film sure does look interesting</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Damn you, Christopher Nolan. <b>DAMN YOU</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>ARE YOU READY TO GO BACK TO THE THEATERS?</b> If so, what precautions should they take to ensure your safety, or is that YOUR responsibility?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So what do we do <b>NOW</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, lucky for us, or those of us who have Netflix, <b><i>"Dark:"</i></b> Season 3 just dropped on Saturday, June 27th</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What is <b><i>"Dark,"</i></b> you ask?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well, it's a German-produced web series that follow four families in the small yet fictitious town of Widin Germany. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First, there are the Kahnwalds whom the main character is Jonas Kahnwald, an older teen still in high school whose father hangs himself at the beginning of the film, which is on June 21st, 2019 </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbsyMFJNILOywPgqxCMMydME5-1I8kIp4Qlw6-DhCihtlXZfVPwPT3JO84DEP10xtkk54oPe1sr5U-f_PGiUwIfVdvxy_uxjgtlJ7eZzTycA5DU9Cncdg1PBwTrcYHyusX-ntb8F8l0E/s1600/Dark+Jonas+clean.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="812" data-original-width="1264" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbsyMFJNILOywPgqxCMMydME5-1I8kIp4Qlw6-DhCihtlXZfVPwPT3JO84DEP10xtkk54oPe1sr5U-f_PGiUwIfVdvxy_uxjgtlJ7eZzTycA5DU9Cncdg1PBwTrcYHyusX-ntb8F8l0E/s640/Dark+Jonas+clean.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jonas goes away to a psychiatric institute for the summer. In the meantime, his mother, Hanna, a woman in her 40s, starts having an affair with Ulrich Nielson, a man she's had a crush on since she was in High School</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While he is gone for the summer, Jonas' girl-friend Martha Nielson takes up with Jonas's best friend Bartosz Tiedemann.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLH0UbqhyphenhyphenIFP12BXjCPSoy0Yndt6fO-EZWCAONQAE9NV_70TsZ6gKffyJOkFN7gtqzKyEYgew_B1BreGDZpwegtKeTYIMxcWN36mYW1zZST_xA9u_uEUM5t6qA0IIGil6uLwRYsLIwlM/s1600/Dark+Cave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="1200" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsLH0UbqhyphenhyphenIFP12BXjCPSoy0Yndt6fO-EZWCAONQAE9NV_70TsZ6gKffyJOkFN7gtqzKyEYgew_B1BreGDZpwegtKeTYIMxcWN36mYW1zZST_xA9u_uEUM5t6qA0IIGil6uLwRYsLIwlM/s400/Dark+Cave.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Oh, by the way, Martha's dad is Ulrich, (the one having an affair with Jonas's mom, Hanna. Ulrich is also a police officer who is investigating the disappearance of the High School drug pusher, supplier, party favor guy Erik Obendorf</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jonas, Bartosz, Martha, her older brother Magnus, and her younger brother Mikkel along with Franziska Doppler, whose mother is the police chief and Ulrich's boss decide to go to a cave in the woods near the towns nuclear plant, where else kids go to get high to see if they can find Erik's stash.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzL8b_UoUMS1Eo6nvCYcTs6JaEKsFudF6JcfUIP0AkfG72uV0KCWzfjXm6qQJBEJfJvmZ-P8MgoZ9YqIWW0X2RV7LzNuGO0j5YJdmhWdOKLMsmnQTqAwlS6IuD1rmfZuQ_7E53Ew47DnI/s1600/Dark+Mads.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="616" data-original-width="449" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzL8b_UoUMS1Eo6nvCYcTs6JaEKsFudF6JcfUIP0AkfG72uV0KCWzfjXm6qQJBEJfJvmZ-P8MgoZ9YqIWW0X2RV7LzNuGO0j5YJdmhWdOKLMsmnQTqAwlS6IuD1rmfZuQ_7E53Ew47DnI/s320/Dark+Mads.png" width="233" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As the kids get closer to the cave, weird sounds start emanating from the cave, and their flashlights start flickering, of course. Chaos ensues, and they scatter, Jonas realizes that young Mikkel was left behind, goes back calling for him but can't find him</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Later, Ulrich and Katherina, his wife, the kid's mother, and the principle of the High School are devastated, and Ulrich now has two kids to find, and one is his son</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Worse yet, when Ulrich was a rebellious teenager, his younger brother went missing in 1986, which is a 33-year time difference. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Family drama ensues. Mikkel is the talk of the town, Ulrich breaks up with Hanna, oh beware of a woman scorned, and things get weirder for the town of Widin</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Mikkel woke up in 1986. Not sure what to think, he ends up at the hospital where Ines Kahnwald, the attending nurse, helps the kid and eventually decides to adopt him</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Oh, oh, you know means. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Soon after that, "the Stranger" delivers a package to Jonas that contains Michael's suicide note and instructions on how to access the wormhole in the caves</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There's a wormhole in the caves?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The nuclear reactor went live in 1953 oh yeah, 33 years</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Jonas tries to go back to 1986 and bring Mikkel back, but the stranger tells him that he would form a paradox and erase himself</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJINa4flkqfH0B_-smr5oDlqC9EjJuhWCFUll_3RAgWtQUVExQI-lN_B8T2RQ6U1HJGlaOfD-rntfXdyzwnQltkTU5RzcvPqi-jFPAqpKFxOBahK0VQB1XiExsrTNcYY4fR1cNcvctqLs/s1600/Back_to_the_Future.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="257" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJINa4flkqfH0B_-smr5oDlqC9EjJuhWCFUll_3RAgWtQUVExQI-lN_B8T2RQ6U1HJGlaOfD-rntfXdyzwnQltkTU5RzcvPqi-jFPAqpKFxOBahK0VQB1XiExsrTNcYY4fR1cNcvctqLs/s320/Back_to_the_Future.jpg" width="205" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Did I forget to mention back to the future?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Turns out that the stranger is Jonas from guess when?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">33 years in the future. 2052</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Ulrich, while searching for his son Mikkel, find a fresh body in the woods. The boy cannot be identified, but Ulrich knows who it is? It's his brother Mads who disappeared in... wait for it, 1986</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It turns out that the is a man who dresses like a pastor, who is kidnapping the kids and is trying to do time-traveling experiments with. Either sending kids back to from 1986 to 2019 or from 2019 to 1953. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Confused, don't be. That was only season 1</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Season 2 is just a strange, yet still pulls you into the story and where the hell is this thing going?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyVdmA9EYmqKETJQ8OVW8GewYgB05vbfwxPSiNzu1J4WI6LVQIKtR1NAGqU-Tpb2fBNl5kufOi4VOJF5pV52G7UHKHR95fNBvatlCzywVBWz3yXfpxa-zgaiQjtte9KZVKaVGpzvLkxc/s1600/1080+Green+Instagram+Dark.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgyVdmA9EYmqKETJQ8OVW8GewYgB05vbfwxPSiNzu1J4WI6LVQIKtR1NAGqU-Tpb2fBNl5kufOi4VOJF5pV52G7UHKHR95fNBvatlCzywVBWz3yXfpxa-zgaiQjtte9KZVKaVGpzvLkxc/s200/1080+Green+Instagram+Dark.png" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All of this has happened before, and all of this will happen again?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Don't worry about this film being produced in Germany with a German cast, The audio is in English dubbed very well by American actors </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My intention was not to give a complete rundown of this series but to get you to at least take a look at Dark as they will do a full recap at the beginning of this new and final season</span><br />
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</span>robb1138http://www.blogger.com/profile/13245501911798534123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884091176686224601.post-11302300037978219582020-07-17T11:08:00.000-07:002020-07-17T11:08:38.510-07:00Indiana Jones and the Cross of Coronado<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">In this article, we are looking at The Cross of Coronado from Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">If you're new here, I cover film, sci-fi, horror, action-adventure, and the historical genres as well as props and cosplay.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The Cross of Coronado is an artifact that only appears in the first scenes of the 1989 George Lucas produced, and Steven Spielberg directed blockbuster.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Far more importantly, the cross helps to establish the mindsets of Father and Son in the early days and how their stories or motivations have changed over the next 30 years.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Indiana, an altruistic teen, looking out for the public good who believes that historical artifacts should be shared with the world and not in the hands of the private collectors. Indy later turns somewhat mercenary. So, by 1935, we find Jones willing to sell the ashes of Emperor Nurhaci to crime boss Lao Che for diamonds to eventually moving closer to wanting more than material objects to something somewhat spiritual as he does in Raiders of the Lost Ark. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It also shows how Jones's succumb to their obsessions and tend to lose themselves to them. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The Cross of Coronado does all this within the first half of the first act of the film.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The year is 1912, Somewhere in the southwest desert, Indiana Jones is a teenaged boy scout. His troop is out for some cave exploring. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5fIXLiqJEnjh3X07ObFeJZ6ffGJ_EhNDcTaUZAg6NDJYuvaZxJ32m11CG_kkH_pfrJ4f356IBX7nL4_02yCBTp2XCwKiHbyMqoywo1dLYExWhYejQxIno5vFq2WKa_OS2dsm7jVWg4M/s1600/Boy+Scout+Troop.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="272" data-original-width="640" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5fIXLiqJEnjh3X07ObFeJZ6ffGJ_EhNDcTaUZAg6NDJYuvaZxJ32m11CG_kkH_pfrJ4f356IBX7nL4_02yCBTp2XCwKiHbyMqoywo1dLYExWhYejQxIno5vFq2WKa_OS2dsm7jVWg4M/s640/Boy+Scout+Troop.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, Indy and his friend have left the scouts behind to go exploring on their own.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0atAKkWfHPNlgfsrACFuI2gAqKzi4fEgoyMJh7ER4u1jKm88NBZGk4KyKeBOvCN3w5zTxr2MjMoYB-L-HWn9kcvMb6BRc-e0vvE7wft4sTJCakW8sPpZor8ew9y8ZfNE-hxpmqvsttU8/s1600/Indy+on+his+own.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="272" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0atAKkWfHPNlgfsrACFuI2gAqKzi4fEgoyMJh7ER4u1jKm88NBZGk4KyKeBOvCN3w5zTxr2MjMoYB-L-HWn9kcvMb6BRc-e0vvE7wft4sTJCakW8sPpZor8ew9y8ZfNE-hxpmqvsttU8/s1600/Indy+on+his+own.png" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They enter a cave only to find that there are treasure hunters already in the cave. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYYNm1H6l_U6xFPK8_eeI9SQHcl0HjX45RHuv6WjWJGNWnyq4py3bYNWoI56RN1aFGeDX77UMDJutKKPm-JUt6xUZIFSjvh5coOgkW3mdkhlb7_1mEJf8nhcMm_mhzGot2eFKS3WuPRg/s1600/Fedora+man+with+Cross.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYYNm1H6l_U6xFPK8_eeI9SQHcl0HjX45RHuv6WjWJGNWnyq4py3bYNWoI56RN1aFGeDX77UMDJutKKPm-JUt6xUZIFSjvh5coOgkW3mdkhlb7_1mEJf8nhcMm_mhzGot2eFKS3WuPRg/s400/Fedora+man+with+Cross.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One man dressed in a leather jacket and a brown fedora. He could pass for Indiana Jones from a distance. He and his gang have just come across a 400-year-old artifact -- The Cross of Coronado. Indy tells his friend that this is the cross that Cortez, the conqueror of Mexico gave to Coronado in 1512/ And it belongs in a museum.\</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">He sends his friend back to get the sheriff to do what ... I don't know after a long-drawn-out chase on a train that is transporting a circus to their next town. The gang, lead by the man in the leather jacket and the fedora chase him towards the back of the train where he finally gets off and escapes the railroad and runs back to the house where he and his widower father live.\</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is revealed that Jones Sr. was intent on his passion project as he writes in his diary. The Grail Diary. Moments later, his friend from the boy scouts whom he sent to get the sheriff arrives blowing his trumpet to announce his arrival. The sheriff walks in with the treasure hunting gang behind him. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Do you still have it? The sheriff asks Indy. Indy gives it to the sheriff, who tells him that it was reported stolen earlier that day. Roscoe, the bowery kid, runs out to give the cross to a man in a white Panama hat. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1tFR4y7qlpjplOcOAboJmhbfmrh0s5Dg9U3yUjK7M4-ztN0UNQ9vDJaWJFHuGWnkypqkbfyVOc0obZbQ15AZgV0DqgYjf44xn3tTI5-aDNFnL7In_o_hiS5Zaw4KeX-7mRY13cnh3Dfo/s1600/Indy+Fedora.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1tFR4y7qlpjplOcOAboJmhbfmrh0s5Dg9U3yUjK7M4-ztN0UNQ9vDJaWJFHuGWnkypqkbfyVOc0obZbQ15AZgV0DqgYjf44xn3tTI5-aDNFnL7In_o_hiS5Zaw4KeX-7mRY13cnh3Dfo/s320/Indy+Fedora.png" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The man in the leather jacket and brown fedora takes off his hat and places it on the young Indiana Jone's head and tells him. "You lost today, but you don't have to like it. Next thing you know, we are out in the middle ocean in the midst of a storm. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Indy looks up just in time to get a punch in the face. We can see the man with the white Panama hat come down from the bridge area to the main deck to reclaim his cross. Indy tells him that the cross belongs in a museum ---- again. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The sailors go to throw Indy into the raging sea and leave him to drown. But of course, he escapes their clutches as the boat is thrown from side to side. Indy goes after the man in the Panama hat as he climbs a set of stairs. Indy grabs him, and the Panama hat man loses the cross, and as it is about to slide off the deck, Indy grabs it. Indy still has a fight on his hands. As he is fighting, cargo is starting to break free. Once again, Indy breaks away and climbs to the top of some crates and grabs a cargo line and swings out over the ocean and into the sea. In the meantime, knocking over several large oil drums that catch on fire and crash onto the deck. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Indy lands in the water as the cargo ship, the Coronado sinks into the deep.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjJzDZfKAawdF47HOes5hHFCkcjjCezryXfsD_hTo3NDeCHKik9zTl5oInUrSiMslZJsXS14nEyCxI_9PNbw1PUV3DztiHHLuyJAoC1OQSQAEFte_qAGq7GxptobOiBNGSWxZM3LDk3c/s1600/Marcus+Indy+Cross.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjJzDZfKAawdF47HOes5hHFCkcjjCezryXfsD_hTo3NDeCHKik9zTl5oInUrSiMslZJsXS14nEyCxI_9PNbw1PUV3DztiHHLuyJAoC1OQSQAEFte_qAGq7GxptobOiBNGSWxZM3LDk3c/s320/Marcus+Indy+Cross.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Back at the college where he teaches, professor Jones is finishing a class when Marcus Brody arrives. Indy concludes the sale of the cross to the National Museum, where Marcus is the curator. And that is the last we hear or see of the Cross of Coronado.\</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The <b>Amazon </b>seller where I got this piece is the <b><i><a href="https://amzn.to/2D0J5ul">Costumebase</a></i></b>,</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now, this piece of art is made of a metal alloy, plated, and comes with a 3 feet long gold chain which is attached with a gold plated jump ring. Now this Cross measures 8"x 6" (21cm x 15.5cm) and is 3/4" (2 cm) thick and has 12 artificial pearls & 4 artificial aqua gems. Now, the makers used a sketch from "Lost Journal of Indiana Jones" for the back inscription.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cross</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> of Coronado was a jewel-encrusted golden crucifix with a chain. It was believed to contain a piece of the real </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">cross</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> upon which Jesus Christ was crucified.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Francisco Vázquez de Coronado y Luján was born in 1510 and died in 1554. He served as the Spanish Governor of the Kingdom of Nueva Galicia. He was also an explorer and conquistador who, in 1540, based on an overly embellished report by Friar Marcos de Niza, who was the first European in what is now the State of Arizona.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fray Marcos de Niza at the age of 44 in 1439 traveled north from Mexico to Arizona and up to Hopi and Navajo area and over through the present-day New Mexico over to the Zuni peoples saw the city of Cibola one of the Seven Cities of Gold.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In 1540, reports brought back from explorations made by the shipwrecked explorers Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca and confirmed by missionary de Niza convinced Viceroy Mendoza of the presence of vast riches to the north, located in the so-called Seven Golden Cities of Cíbola.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Reaching the area in question, Vasquez de Coronado found simple pueblos but no gold. Not wanting to call the expedition a failure -- the conquistador pushed on to Kansas, and the Texas panhandle in search of another fool's errand based on the rumor passed on to him by a native they called the Turk to a wealthy civilization called Quivira.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">During his expedition from time to time, he would get into fights with the native American peoples and would slaughter many. Upon ending the voyage and returning to Nueva Galicia, he was eventually brought up on charges of war crimes but was absolved.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Many on the internet ask the question, is the </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Cross</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> of Coronado real. The answer is no. Coronado did not go to Utah but bypassed it into New Mexico, According to Indy fandom the </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">cross</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> was given to him by Hernan Cortez have the </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">cross</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> to him in 1521. However, Vasques do Coronado was only </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">11 at the time and still in Spain.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfTNGTqZ60O2CCuQgPyfhFWM7EfeTgZ8m2ZSrKHrIWmWM0qMgQkdrGoHUCuBQ64ogdTuhgBYSCdkaUQ4J1IqcoWvj4nZR4nq3DSJhfJps5k40OwrAPGoBWhXl6F309CrMEl8EVfRaG5g/s1600/Justin_II.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="242" data-original-width="247" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZfTNGTqZ60O2CCuQgPyfhFWM7EfeTgZ8m2ZSrKHrIWmWM0qMgQkdrGoHUCuBQ64ogdTuhgBYSCdkaUQ4J1IqcoWvj4nZR4nq3DSJhfJps5k40OwrAPGoBWhXl6F309CrMEl8EVfRaG5g/s320/Justin_II.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That being said, the </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">cross</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> may have been based on the </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">cross</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> of Emperor Justin, the second, Eastern Emperor of Rome. The </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">cross</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, called "Crux Vaticana," or the Vatican </span><span class="il" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">cross</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> was given to the people of Rome by the Emperor sometime around 568 or 569 AD.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajsLAwpOTotHhtY0eBieCaSbvoq-yUE1kyy_rA3It8P_FZhyphenhyphenWejkvS0MhzJumh034OF1VGrSluwlabBosZE-TOW8p4dFCRzhA9Vj8fXBO6oTzoR2sIQFsmylQA6sASBwxQuebLnp42sU/s1600/The_Cross_of_Justin_II.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1064" data-original-width="839" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjajsLAwpOTotHhtY0eBieCaSbvoq-yUE1kyy_rA3It8P_FZhyphenhyphenWejkvS0MhzJumh034OF1VGrSluwlabBosZE-TOW8p4dFCRzhA9Vj8fXBO6oTzoR2sIQFsmylQA6sASBwxQuebLnp42sU/s320/The_Cross_of_Justin_II.png" width="252" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Costume Base <a href="https://amzn.to/2D0J5ul">https://amzn.to/2D0J5ul</a></span>robb1138http://www.blogger.com/profile/13245501911798534123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884091176686224601.post-5692172087871302372020-06-01T12:56:00.000-07:002020-06-26T12:31:03.639-07:00The Nine Gates of the Kingdom of Shadows<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiquLU4Bx5ADkEZVWzPn_ZkClDtLrD8RDW_Ab79p1QmHAkyRo2zaQLMXaF1j5e63M53H0uTUHgkcglh81AUo3WYW7rJ9hHEmGK_mBGFt_pL6bA3Um_Hod3uSsg5Mvz_RXtXLVfOy3pLuBM/s1600/A+thumb.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="1056" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiquLU4Bx5ADkEZVWzPn_ZkClDtLrD8RDW_Ab79p1QmHAkyRo2zaQLMXaF1j5e63M53H0uTUHgkcglh81AUo3WYW7rJ9hHEmGK_mBGFt_pL6bA3Um_Hod3uSsg5Mvz_RXtXLVfOy3pLuBM/s400/A+thumb.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">E</span>very time I watch Roman Polanski's "<i>The Ninth Gat</i>e," I find myself more and more fascinated by the lore behind the main plot device in the film. That device is "De Umbrarum Regni Novem Portis" or better known as "The Nine Gates of the Kingdom of Shadows.." Like other fictional grimoires, I find this one especially intriguing. Woodcuts within are devious and yet tend to hold one's attention. I decided that I had to have this book in my collection.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I looked around the internet and prices range from $40 to $400 depending on the quality that you may be looking for. I looked both on Etsy and on eBay. After doing a general Google search, I found one result that caught my eye. That result was from an online, on-demand bookseller. Lulu.com. Weighing the options, I decided to purchase it there. Here is a link in case you wish to check it out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/aristide-torchia/the-nine-gates-of-the-kingdom-of-shadows-boris-balkan-version/hardcover/product-1jw8ygg.html">https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/aristide-torchia/the-nine-gates-of-the-kingdom-of-shadows-boris-balkan-version/hardcover/product-1jw8ygg.html</a> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Get The Ninth Gate BlueRay (Affiliate Link)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2NuWCfK">https://amzn.to/2NuWCfK</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While no means a faithful weathered copy of the film prop. I decided that this would still be a nice addition.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Unboxing the devilish book.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What makes this book so notorious? Throughout the film, "T<i>he Ninth Gate</i>," Roman Polanski, sets the film up by introducing us to the main character Dean Corso. Played by Johnny Depp, one might say that he is the protagonist, however, I leave that title for his character is reserved as the jury is still out. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dean Corso is a book buyer, seller, and authenticator. He is summoned by Boris Balkan who is fiendishly played by actor Frank Langella (<i>"Dracula," "Lolita"</i>). He wants Corso, to "authenticate" his copy of the </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"The Nine Gates of the Kingdom of Shadows.." It is at this point that Corso reveals his knowledge of this book which is a surprise to Balkin. Corso, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Sure. Venice, 1623. The author and printer was Aristide </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Torchia, burned by the Holy Inquisition, together with all his </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">works. Only three copies survived." Thus signaling that the book must be evil as it's author must be evil.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, Balkin believes that only one copy is real. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJr7H8M4IB50r99IZS3e_CL3nKfb4yVZhNhkmyPnLHdXOdg-BOdkyr2-c8uOTcFQfKk6Gqo0460GqYBPymbw2cCmnv1l36-OHAcFzqnr1gqjaQHHz2wt1t5gBN-UDlvaGNgxkrxNUtUyU/s1600/Telfer.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJr7H8M4IB50r99IZS3e_CL3nKfb4yVZhNhkmyPnLHdXOdg-BOdkyr2-c8uOTcFQfKk6Gqo0460GqYBPymbw2cCmnv1l36-OHAcFzqnr1gqjaQHHz2wt1t5gBN-UDlvaGNgxkrxNUtUyU/s400/Telfer.png" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thus. Dean Corso sets out on his quest. The first person on his list to interview is the widow of the former owner. Liana Telfer, a young woman in her mid 30's oozing sexuality,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">in comparison to her husband Andrew Telfer who must have been at least twice her age. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Who quietly wrote a letter and hung himself on in his study a few weeks before, which takes place at the beginning of the film. She seems to be a bit surprised that her husband has sold the book. After some pleasantries, they get down to business. Of course, she wants to know who owns the book currently. She mentioned that her husband bought the book in Spain while they were on vacation. While Depp's character didn't get all the information he was looking for, he did realize that there was something that Telfer was hiding. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This would not be the last time the two meet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Conducting the next part of his research takes place at the library, which is where Corso gets a glimpse of the mysterious Green Eyed Girl. Like a subtle case of Deja Vu, she is there, and then she is not. Unnerving he continues consulting the arcane tomes until it is late at night. Arriving home only to find it ransacked, he decides that something evil is afoot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Death will soon follow. At this point, Corso is sure that the book means trouble and it needs to be kept safe. He decides to hide it with his book broker (fence?). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once again Corso encounters Telfer, she shows up at his place and promptly seduces him. She wants the book. This scene alone is hilarious and one of the few times that humor is injected into this serious dark film. Certainly, a scene to look for when watching this film.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Bernie is killed apparently for the book, but it was well hidden. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This film plays out much like a detective novel. Corso is the sleuth, yet he already seems sets up to fail. Much of this film takes place in Europe as Polanski is unable to come to the United States due to his statutory rape conviction. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>"</i></span></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Books of this type </span>often contain little puzzles."</i></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">The Book</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In Toledo. Spain, Corso meets the Ceniza twin brothers, who clue him on the mysteries of the book and more importantly, the woodcuts in the book. As Pablo, one of the brothers, says, "</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Books of this type </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">often contain little puzzles."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Like the woodcut reproductions in the </span><a href="https://www.lulu.com/en/us/shop/aristide-torchia/the-nine-gates-of-the-kingdom-of-shadows-boris-balkan-version/hardcover/product-1jw8ygg.html" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Lulu.com</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> version, the books are signed either by the original author and printer, Aristide Torchia, or by his supposed co-author Lucifer. This was notated by the initial "LCF."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Corso also finds out, contrary to Liana Telfer's insistence that it was her husband's favorite book, that it was actually she who wanted it. Now he understands the fierceness in her eyes when she attacked him after the seduction back in his apartment.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The book that this film is based on "The Club Dumas," written in 1993 by Spanish novelist Arturo Pérez-Reverte. His book is very detailed and has a lot to do with the French writer Alexandre Dumas (of the "Three Musketeers," "The Corsican Brothers," and "The Count of Monte Cristo Cristo" fame). Corso's search for De Umbrarum Regni Novem Portis ("Of the Nine Doors of the Kingdom of Shadows").takes him to Madrid (Spain), Sintra (Portugal), Paris (France) and Toledo (Spain).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Let me know what you think of the film, the Lulu book and, or my video on the subject.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">Movie Data</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Genre: </strong>Thriller, Drama, Horror</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Year: </strong> 1999</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Starring:</strong> Johnny Depp, Lena Olin, Frank Langella, Emmanuelle Seigner</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Director:</strong> Roman Polanski</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Producer(s)</strong> Roman Polanski</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Writer(s):</strong> Arturo Pérez-Reverte, John Brownjohn, Enrique Urbizu, and Roman Polanski</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Rating:</strong> R</span></div>
<br />robb1138http://www.blogger.com/profile/13245501911798534123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884091176686224601.post-38733544741812578132020-05-25T11:10:00.000-07:002020-05-25T11:18:57.476-07:00Mandalorian Beskar Steel <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdftWCqo88tHyu4NPQ9e02M8p1ur8ZiLnxUXh-bBFbiEP41QMmJx8QPPOItg8j0xcMs3pv87qa-Fj3irehWMi5kNwUY2TLGz8cyCXht_ZT-Z6fCiVpUTiWrgE0NDXrslRhjBCI-RHTG0Y/s1600/Beskar+Steel+outube+Thumb.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdftWCqo88tHyu4NPQ9e02M8p1ur8ZiLnxUXh-bBFbiEP41QMmJx8QPPOItg8j0xcMs3pv87qa-Fj3irehWMi5kNwUY2TLGz8cyCXht_ZT-Z6fCiVpUTiWrgE0NDXrslRhjBCI-RHTG0Y/s320/Beskar+Steel+outube+Thumb.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">B</span>ack in the 1980s, no one, not even George Lucas, would have imagined that the character of Boba Fett, let alone the Mandalorians whose armor he wore, would become as popular as he is now 40 years later. Actor and direct Jon Favreau have produced for Disney, whom George Lucas sold his company to has developed a new popular series that only can be seen on Disney's streaming channel. That series is "The Mandalorian." Consider the lone gunman traveling from town to town in the United State's old west, and you have the basis for the show. Think of Clint Eastwood in any of Sergio Leone's Italian westerns where Eastwood's character has no name and neither addressed nor introduce. Only speaking when necessary and who is intelligent and quick with his revolver.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">eLike the "Man with no name," "The Mandalorian" is a reluctant hero. He doesn't go looking for people to help. No, he is just looking for the next bounty. As he like other Mandalorians, he is a bounty hunter. Not necessarily the most honorable of professions, but it's a living. Not to spoil the show if you have not seen it yet, I will just say that Favreau creates a </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">mysterious </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">character, but it is also a character that one can actually get to know and understand.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Now on to the "Beskar" or Mandalorian Steel. Supposedly Beskar has a high tolerance to extreme forms of damage. Like the Man of Steel, Bskar can withstand a direct blaster shot and can deflect a lightsaber hit, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">or in other words, it</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> is the most durable material that exists. It was so strong, that it is used to make their </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">recognizable armor.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jtPLs4mU1lhtwj-p8W2ntG3nPnuQWHTLvWvpzjBUrT9bKGeVPHCCkZXcqVe-5eGWrykwZ7bC-dl9UrTv7YNdnr91eGa1W-Ls0vbMAA83TCphOX5bAlNtFT6w1LiEpdu9dHTFjrmaiyI/s1600/Beskar+Ingot.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1jtPLs4mU1lhtwj-p8W2ntG3nPnuQWHTLvWvpzjBUrT9bKGeVPHCCkZXcqVe-5eGWrykwZ7bC-dl9UrTv7YNdnr91eGa1W-Ls0vbMAA83TCphOX5bAlNtFT6w1LiEpdu9dHTFjrmaiyI/s320/Beskar+Ingot.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When I decided that I wanted something from "The Mandalorian" series, I tend to start small and work my way up to more elaborate and more expensive props or costumes. My search for Beskar Steel gave me over 135,000 results. I initially purchased a resin Beskar ingot, which is an excellent looking prop. But after that, I also decided that I wanted something a bit more substantive.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I found prices for ingots ranging from $12 to 110 dollars. I eventually found an artisan on Etsy that had ingots that seem to be around the correct size and thickness. Now in comparison to the resin ingot that I had purchased, I did notice that there was a difference in on the back. Whereas the resin version has two cutouts on the back top portion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As far as the Mandalorian Disney Plus series goes: I thoroughly enjoyed it. Not a superhero character in the least, he is the character that we can relate with. Although his character arc is not new. A mercenary loner who decides to fight for what is right. I'm thinking Pale Rider, and The Good the Bad and the Ugly motif. I am looking forward to the second season.</span>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thanks for taking a look at this article and please subscribe to my YouTube channels and most importantly, please take care of yourself.</span>robb1138http://www.blogger.com/profile/13245501911798534123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884091176686224601.post-3013153093030646672020-05-18T15:19:00.003-07:002020-05-18T15:22:42.439-07:00Indiana Jones Satchel Bag Unboxing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCE9GIQVIZ4x-TWv3Upo9M-dS-EKZBPirwPGoMQ7LWtDVOfkUnwpum60u3hXIdIVXFUVCggS0qFAoFJDJ6_pHcESdwEzVGIoRgDdx2ull2qJjcI-ojHxcCYsoSotGj-buGJ6B3YrXvGFg/s1600/Indiybagunboxingthumb.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCE9GIQVIZ4x-TWv3Upo9M-dS-EKZBPirwPGoMQ7LWtDVOfkUnwpum60u3hXIdIVXFUVCggS0qFAoFJDJ6_pHcESdwEzVGIoRgDdx2ull2qJjcI-ojHxcCYsoSotGj-buGJ6B3YrXvGFg/s400/Indiybagunboxingthumb.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I am starting my Indiana Jones collection. The collection will comprise of both costuming, gear, and props. As a young adult in the 1980s, I found the intrepid archeologist not only intriguing but with a look that was inspiring. To start off the collection I decided to start small. Although present in all of the films, it is usually obscured by the jacket or the whip. I am talking about Indiana Jones' satchel bag.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qYgJXwhavnN9yP9eK07e9-iE4HpRCE_bEirDK5vZ0wDjZHHh4AVS9F4S-1k2yZmssg87ME8leCT3K5PZSge7tw_58G2ddIyfQAKIBTGQpxhMj4-rJqMB-HTVTVrejmVdORiB1VnWfaU/s1600/satchel-m9a1-kit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="1000" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qYgJXwhavnN9yP9eK07e9-iE4HpRCE_bEirDK5vZ0wDjZHHh4AVS9F4S-1k2yZmssg87ME8leCT3K5PZSge7tw_58G2ddIyfQAKIBTGQpxhMj4-rJqMB-HTVTVrejmVdORiB1VnWfaU/s320/satchel-m9a1-kit.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While the first three Indiana Jones films take place in the 1930s, the bag that he carries and uses to carry his treasures was actually a WWII surplus gas mak bag. More specifically it was the British MKVII bag. There were actually a few manufacturers of the bag usually in green canvas but sometimes in white or yellow. During the war, both the infantry and the police wore this mask. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Most of what one sees when looking at Indiana Jones is the leather strap over his shirt but the bag in many shots the bag is under the jacket. However, in the Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls, Professor Jones wears it over the jacket.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPEmXvsRgm45_w6rB2VubQGcrc5lLW-U32xxk3mYFyAiphxpymFvZA1hFT_UIrr4P3_bIE-guprjcgxMF4OV2CmwiOaRagD7kXivO_NLiUNrwOd0XW8gxXiuWyWmKgVe4US48nFvn_xw/s1600/bagstrap-KotCS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="275" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPEmXvsRgm45_w6rB2VubQGcrc5lLW-U32xxk3mYFyAiphxpymFvZA1hFT_UIrr4P3_bIE-guprjcgxMF4OV2CmwiOaRagD7kXivO_NLiUNrwOd0XW8gxXiuWyWmKgVe4US48nFvn_xw/s320/bagstrap-KotCS.jpg" width="220" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The bag comes with a canvas strap, which is usually the same color as the bag, however, in the film, it was replaced with a leather rifle strap. You can order the bag with or without the strap. Mine cost me an extra $12. Once the package is opened, you will need to cut off the canvas strap and replace it with the leather one. There is a slight trick to getting the right look to it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">After removing the Chicago screw on the end that has the loop, run that part through the left side of the metal ring, and then through the strap buckle. Give yourself some room for adjustment (about 18 inches depending on how tall you are) and then with the secure the strap loop onto the other metal ring by replacing the screws. Once you have it on, you can make further adjustments to the strap. Just make sure that the strap goes from right to left and the buckle should be right about your sternum.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Here is a demo on how to do this in the video below.</span></span><br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bLzG1yfhXTw" width="560"></iframe> </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">While I buy my own products with my own funds, here is a link to What Price Glory's website and to the actual bag that I bought. I ordered this right as the pandemic was realized and this still came in about a week.</span></span>
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://onlinemilitaria.net/products/1914-The-MK-VII-MARK-SEVEN-Indiana-Jones-Bag-ORIGINAL/&source=gmail&ust=1589922533017000&usg=AFQjCNFXhq7iHPBnaVg_y-UwpBZU6dNjrw" href="http://onlinemilitaria.net/products/1914-The-MK-VII-MARK-SEVEN-Indiana-Jones-Bag-ORIGINAL/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" target="_blank">http://onlinemilitaria.net/<wbr></wbr>products/1914-The-MK-VII-MARK-<wbr></wbr>SEVEN-Indiana-Jones-Bag-<wbr></wbr>ORIGINAL/</a><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thank you for looking and please subscribe to my YouTube channel.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Rob</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Much later in life, I decided I wanted to revisit my youth and my passion for film. I wrote reviews of movies that I saw, and as always, life happens. The Star Wars Costumes that I desired were usually quite bulky and hot. I live in the desert, and when we do have comic cons or film fests, I decided I did not want to sweat for hours and not really enjoy the convention. So I decided I want to wear something a bit more comfortable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So recently, I decided it was time to start creating or assembly costumes that are more comfortable but yet very recognizable to everyone attending.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have chosen the Han Solo "look," and I was able to get a sharp-looking vest (shirt is on its way). I looked around the internet and was looking at the cheap Halloween costumes that are usually made very cheaply and fall apart after time.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Instead, I decided to go with Todd's Costumes. I was lucky, as, at the time, the vest and shirt were available as a set. At this time, you can preorder if you so desire. The cost was $199.00 without tax and shipping.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdTusxI96laT0FEavA-QFh647nPhAoy9Z_1u4VOeBure8fNzWtq2YKdYveUAMF2xA91ZrECCK4XGAuYKTFDTueyr28LghTVY6aArG0VaRRMGhWy66i0ZLFqepTi5msx8_gi5ACKjptqg/s1600/Han+Solo+Vest+Back.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdTusxI96laT0FEavA-QFh647nPhAoy9Z_1u4VOeBure8fNzWtq2YKdYveUAMF2xA91ZrECCK4XGAuYKTFDTueyr28LghTVY6aArG0VaRRMGhWy66i0ZLFqepTi5msx8_gi5ACKjptqg/s640/Han+Solo+Vest+Back.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One thing to note about the vest is that there many pockets and loops on the screen vest. Both on the back (above) and on the front below</span>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrogjZMaADR6bc5IqNBe7YQdAAEnxvBPzyOZrlDbdY7GJoScK7HCq_ynRxNQqk_1lJ3In0AH5heWk_kzWfvPDnBKLO0j4ALwfMq5fsFM5OrQ3lEZPtv0p9HeSbAutVFWSqGBrhjJTS4M/s1600/Han+Vest+Front.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQrogjZMaADR6bc5IqNBe7YQdAAEnxvBPzyOZrlDbdY7GJoScK7HCq_ynRxNQqk_1lJ3In0AH5heWk_kzWfvPDnBKLO0j4ALwfMq5fsFM5OrQ3lEZPtv0p9HeSbAutVFWSqGBrhjJTS4M/s640/Han+Vest+Front.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The vest I purchased (shirt coming in a future video and blog post has the requisite pockets based on 1977's "A New Hope."</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPyi8zNkh1bB8HGvbUja_ByaFn-ipHkkic8YZX0adsiK2QslKfhtrNItvWja8pO480eXqxbgT4oCWlUmCkPq-raNuPpTYk3JBjP42G2yomjYtNJdQR16L_oWcdPhThRCUFCkom7iWU4c/s1600/Robs+Vest+Back.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmPyi8zNkh1bB8HGvbUja_ByaFn-ipHkkic8YZX0adsiK2QslKfhtrNItvWja8pO480eXqxbgT4oCWlUmCkPq-raNuPpTYk3JBjP42G2yomjYtNJdQR16L_oWcdPhThRCUFCkom7iWU4c/s640/Robs+Vest+Back.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On the front right side of the vest, the configuration of the pocket shows the upper right pocket with an angular side pocket</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJEcZX_7mVpKBIe2z4l6_Tc5LKojF3BSUUWs-kgZyWEcRRpl0tNh4K3N1IOj5H2EjlhhLyFX6TQA2uZbaAE46MwJLYd5Wfp9vBBaFtglk5lrmWnBKSK4kdQvsaEl1LhkDtsssj6ce1lI/s1600/Rob+Vest+Front+Right.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTJEcZX_7mVpKBIe2z4l6_Tc5LKojF3BSUUWs-kgZyWEcRRpl0tNh4K3N1IOj5H2EjlhhLyFX6TQA2uZbaAE46MwJLYd5Wfp9vBBaFtglk5lrmWnBKSK4kdQvsaEl1LhkDtsssj6ce1lI/s640/Rob+Vest+Front+Right.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The vest has a nice silky inside material that a quality vest should have. And the outside is the thickness of a coat.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YGJe-G1anmA8hGiOK9oN2ldtr-Aqozh1Uj421YIaYKE9kSJUKzUbh6zoK9G9rdZu0F_HICesmn6tZYz6WbxO0lNB5yp-76lN_s7T4WgIZ-trkebz3DcHvaN0fJWPK-diBSf2nmXI0D8/s1600/Vest+Left.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YGJe-G1anmA8hGiOK9oN2ldtr-Aqozh1Uj421YIaYKE9kSJUKzUbh6zoK9G9rdZu0F_HICesmn6tZYz6WbxO0lNB5yp-76lN_s7T4WgIZ-trkebz3DcHvaN0fJWPK-diBSf2nmXI0D8/s640/Vest+Left.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While the pockets are real they do have that stitch that doesn't allow for the to open unless you cut the thread.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcy7WwyEi2BQX-QhnsN2Y3YQg9Ddsg_WchBEUKbVg1F7y9A7EaTEGGUSKWrKB0k1TCz25GTg-P8xbvBbYVa1df1m1A6uDWWlO8O8TI9D_Vbo-p5Q_ZSPxDx2nhf_0nQHFesPITdjRZY6Y/s1600/Han+Solo+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcy7WwyEi2BQX-QhnsN2Y3YQg9Ddsg_WchBEUKbVg1F7y9A7EaTEGGUSKWrKB0k1TCz25GTg-P8xbvBbYVa1df1m1A6uDWWlO8O8TI9D_Vbo-p5Q_ZSPxDx2nhf_0nQHFesPITdjRZY6Y/s640/Han+Solo+2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I ordered the vest and shirt in 2XL and I think it fits just fine.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am not an affiliate of Todd's, however, I am supplying a link to the shirt vest combo</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.toddscostumes.com/costumes/han-solo-costume/han-solo-vest-shirt-combo/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">https://www.toddscostumes.com/costumes/han-solo-costume/han-solo-vest-shirt-combo/</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let me know what you think. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And thanks for taking a view.</span>robb1138http://www.blogger.com/profile/13245501911798534123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884091176686224601.post-64430572465654180062020-05-04T14:12:00.002-07:002020-05-04T14:41:07.621-07:00Welcome - A Constantly Racing Mind Youtube ChannelLately, I have been deep in contemplation. you know, the usual things. Life, Death, Immortality. I haven't posted a review in quite a while yet my mind is constantly thinking about films, books, movies, and TV props, and costumes. I have been watching a lot of Great Courses. As I was watching I starting thinking about some of the props from historical movies. Or movies somewhat based on historical films.<br />
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Talking it over with my wonderful wife, we decided that I would start a Youtube channel. A Constantly Racing Mind explores the history and philosophy behind films. We explore props, the storylines, the costumes, and how they relate to us with an eye on history, literature, the media, and current events.<br />
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<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/P6EaDjmmdjE/default_live.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P6EaDjmmdjE?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
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I will still post to this platform as I really want to go more in-depth in many of the subjects covered<br />
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And... As this is May the Fourth, Here is a link to the video.<br />
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Take care,<br />
Stay safe,<br />
and Happy May the 4th!robb1138http://www.blogger.com/profile/13245501911798534123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884091176686224601.post-17167066864790319652019-10-08T19:56:00.001-07:002019-10-08T19:59:41.803-07:00The Aeronauts ~ Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones Trailer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJ8eClr-23wiAdg7hp70voUxegsXiq57CISr_T0U-szRJ7ufQz5cYCE8RPzFdigg-k7QfgHzvJ7lLupsx_hjJ1ndK5S-IX8kuomczltMN4UX77HZIDsdLavOIlzeh267ZKjhyphenhyphenT85AxI0/s1600/Aeronauts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Aeronauts" border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDJ8eClr-23wiAdg7hp70voUxegsXiq57CISr_T0U-szRJ7ufQz5cYCE8RPzFdigg-k7QfgHzvJ7lLupsx_hjJ1ndK5S-IX8kuomczltMN4UX77HZIDsdLavOIlzeh267ZKjhyphenhyphenT85AxI0/s320/Aeronauts.jpg" title="Aeronauts" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It's about time that Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones have joined forces once again. This time to bring us a tale about a semi-true life story of English meteorologist, aeronaut, and astronomer, James Glaisher. As you recall, both of them told the story of astrophysicist Stephen and Jane Hawking in "<i>The Theory of Everything.</i>" As they have both gone off and became stars in both the Sci-Fi or Fantasy genres. Jones in "<i>Rogue One: A Star Wars Story</i>" as rebel Jyn Erso. Redmayne as the bumbling Newt in "<i>Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them</i>" and then again in "<i>Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald</i>." </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">Glaisher was known as both a pioneering balloonist and a founding member of the Royal Meteorological Society. On September 5th, 1862, he broke the world record for altitude at 8,800 meters. He did pass out around that point. Glaisher's co-pilot Henry Tracey Coxwell is not in the film but is replaced by Felicity Jone's character Amelia Wren (like the bird... get it).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What I am hoping for is an epic adventure fictionalized, if necessary, that takes Redmayne and Jones to breathtaking and vertigo-inducing heights.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"<i>The Aeronauts</i>" is directed by Tom Harper ("<i>The Woman in Black 2: Angel of Death</i>") based on a story by Tom Harper and Jack Thorne with a written by credit. Music is composed of Steven Price, whose credits include "<a href="http://www.aconstantlyracingmind.com/2013/10/gravity-review-of-sandra-bullocks.html" target="_blank"><i>Gravit</i>y</a>," "<i>Baby Driver</i>," and "<i><a href="http://www.aconstantlyracingmind.com/search?q=Fury" target="_blank">Fury</a></i>." The film opens on December 6th, 2019.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.7273px; line-height: 18.9915px;"><strong>Genre: </strong></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18.9844px;">Action, Adventure, Biography</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Year: </strong> 2019</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.7273px; line-height: 18.9915px;"><strong>Starring:</strong> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18.9844px;">Eddie Redmayne, Felicity Jones, Himesh Patel</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.7273px; line-height: 18.9915px;"><strong>Director: </strong></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18.9915px;">Tom Harper</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.7273px; line-height: 18.9915px;"><b>Running Time: </b>200 minutes</span></div>
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robb1138http://www.blogger.com/profile/13245501911798534123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884091176686224601.post-17358551999485142472019-10-07T16:14:00.000-07:002019-10-07T18:21:55.553-07:00Joker ~ Why Is There Evil<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">hy is there evil? Ah yes, the age-old question rears its ugly head once again. Todd Phillips promises to answer that question, at least in the case of Batman's arch-nemesis in "<i>Joker</i>." As I walked in for my screening, I quickly noticed an armed police officer standing near the entrance. I tend to not listen to what others have been saying, but with all the hub-bub about mass shootings, I understood why he was there. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The film opens on a busy Gotham street looking eerily like the 1980's New York. Joaquin Phoenix ("<i>Inherent Vice</i>," "<i>Walk the Line</i>" ) is playing the hapless Arthur Fleck all decked out with white paint on his face, a rubber skull cap with green bozo hair and silly small bowler hat and the red rubber nose. He is twirling a sign in a gaudy clown suit. This is not the iconic image we all have come to know from images past. He is in front of a store that is going out of business. I didn't realize that they had sign twirlers in the '80s, but hey. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A group of kids come running by and grabbing his sign, and they take off. Arthur, in his giant clumsy clown shoes, gives chase. They lead him into an alley, and Arthur follows. As he sees his quarry in sight, he is blindsided by a kid with the sign slams him in the face, and Arthur goes down. The kids viciously begin kicking him. They kick him in the back, the side, the ribs, and in the groin. You immediately feel bad for Arthur. But that is what writer and direct Phillips wants you to explore. He wants you to feel sorry for Arthur. Don't fall for it. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As origin stories go, "<i>Joker</i>" is superb. The scene is set. A cold, cruel world where the common man is marginalized. Arthur lives in a run-down apartment with his mother, Penny. Frances Conroy () plays his mother throughout the film as one would expect a loving mother with a disability would be. "Put on a happy face," Arthur intones as he tells people he meets is what his mother always told him. Fleck also tells them that his mother says that he was put on this Earth to make people smile. In the run-down apartment building that he lives in, we meet Sophie (Zazie Beetz - "<i>Deadpool</i>," "<i>Atlanta</i>"), and her daughter in an elevator. Luckily for Fleck, that suddenly stops giving them a moment to make eye contact and give Arthur the moment to focus on a possibility.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As the film moves steadily towards his transformation into "<i>Joker</i>," we find Arthur and ourselves in a cold dark world of class upheaval. A world fraught with rudeness, cruelty, and where the truth is turned upside down. Sound familiar? It should.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When "<i>Jaws</i>" came out in 1975, and "<i>Alien</i>" in 1979, we had monsters that evil was their nature. They killed the innocent because that is what they do. In John Carpenter's original "<i>Halloween</i>," Michael Myers was just evil. He wasn't, as in Rob Zombie's version, a neglected and bullied child whose mother is not only single, but a stripper ignores the signs that her son is spiraling down into madness. We already knew the Joker was criminally insane. Did we really need to know why? We knew that Dracula was not only a vampire but evil as well. In both Bram Stoker's novel and in the 1931 Bela Lugosi classic, we are not told why he is a vampire or of any wrongs that God may have inflicted on the Count. It doesn't matter, he is evil. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The picture that director Todd Phillips paints is one of man, used and abused just trying to fulfill his dreams. What dreams are these? First, he wants to be like his hero late-night host, Murray Franklin. Enter Robert DeNiro ("<a href="http://www.aconstantlyracingmind.com/2013/09/the-family-fine-fast-and-funny-film.html" target="_blank"><i>Family</i></a>," "<i>Godfather</i>") plays the Carson like talk show host in a manner, not unlike Jerry Lewis in the 1982 film DeNiro starred in with the late comedian, "<i>The King of Comedy</i>." The talk show host is aloof and to some degree, cruel. Joaquin Phoenix's performance is excellent, the story is both brilliant and direct. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">DC fans will both love and hate this adaptation, and I think in this political and conscious gun divide will both adore and deride the film with a good reason for both points of view. Movies are a reflection of our society, and this is precisely what this film is. I always said that a hero is only as good as his enemy or the villain of the story. When it comes to the Joker, Heath Ledger and Jack Nicholson did it for me. That being said, go see this film, you might find yourself something within you that finds "<i>Joker</i>" appealing. "<i>Joker</i>" runs 2 hours and is rated "R" for restricted.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.7273px; line-height: 18.9915px;"><strong>Genre: </strong></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18.9844px;">Crime, Drama, Thriller</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Year: </strong> 2019</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.7273px; line-height: 18.9915px;"><strong>Starring:</strong> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18.9844px;"> </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18.9844px;">Joaquin Phoenix, Robert De Niro, Zazie Beetz, Frances Conroy</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.7273px; line-height: 18.9915px;"><strong>Director: </strong></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18.9915px;">Todd Phillips</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.7273px; line-height: 18.9915px;"><strong>Producer(s): </strong></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18.9915px;">Bradley Cooper, Joseph Garner, Aaron L. Gilbert, Walter Hamada, Todd Phillips</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.7273px; line-height: 18.9915px;"><strong>Writer:</strong> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18.9844px;">Todd Phillips, Scott Silver</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.7273px; line-height: 18.9915px;"><strong>Rating:</strong> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18.9915px;">R</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 18.9915px;"><span style="font-size: 12.7273px; font-weight: bold;">Running Time: </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">122 minutes</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: 12.7273px; line-height: 18.9915px;">Release Date:</b><span style="font-size: 12.7273px; line-height: 18.9915px;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18.9915px;">10/4/2019</span></span></span></div>
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robb1138http://www.blogger.com/profile/13245501911798534123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884091176686224601.post-11716473547609994202018-06-14T19:55:00.000-07:002018-06-15T18:07:21.170-07:00The Ice is Melting in the Antarctic and That Is A Good Thing!<pre class="_2NjRIVFzoradtWm0gxV2hU allowTextSelection" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; color: #333333; cursor: auto; user-select: text; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span><span style="font-size: 14px;">hile the scientist may find it alarming that ice shelves are melting at the bottom of the world, I find it refreshing. Sure, many coastal cities will be lost in this process, however, we all knew this was coming.
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Don't look at me with that deer in the headlights gaze. You saw this a more than a decade ago.
Climate deniers say that climate change is happening but at such a slow rate that it couldn't possibly be caused by humans and our vast industrial way of life. It must be the volcanos or other stuff that they (the climate deniers) refuse to mention. Nevermind the hole in the ozone layer right above Antartica. But that's okay, we deserve what we are getting. Hell, we clamoured for it, we begged for it.
Me, I live in Arizona. I hear it is going to be 110 degrees today. But at least, it's a dry heat. However, what people don't mention (if you aren't talking to a full-time resident of Arizona - not those Snow Birds who flee the heat in March) is that there is a thing in the Arizona desert called "monsoons." Torrential rains that come in the late afternoons with thunder and lightning and maybe some sheets in little pockets around the state. Welcome for an hour or two, but like your in-laws, sometimes they overstay their welcome. It gets hot and humid and you might just get washed away while trying to cross the street. Or, if you live in Tucson your house might just flood. Good luck with that.
I am looking forward to a nice trip down to the bottom of the world where the temperature might be a bit chilly but at least it will be dry. No ice sheets, no frozen tundra like up in Canada. Oh yeah, I hear that there is a crap load of methane ready to be released into our atmosphere when the tundra thaws. Good job humans!
What I want to see for myself is the ancient ruins of early civilizations that lived before the world tilted to it's current 23 and something degree axis. I want to explore the ruined temples of the Elder gods, see the cyclopean structures that confound the mind, look into the vast emptiness of the abyss that has been covered for many a millennium and see who stares back. I want to go where the Hollow Earthers say Hitler and his like have been hiding out since WWII.
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<span style="font-size: 14px;">While I mourn for my hometown on the West Coast and the whole California coastline, they knew they were on shaky ground. Too busy looking in the mirror deciding where they want to dine tonight or worry about who is going to offend them next. The same goes for the East coast. Goodbye Washington DC, Atlanta, Boston, Charleston and Long Island. I can picture a tour boat just outside the flooded Manhattan skyline showing tourists the tops of the skyscrapers and be rounding the tip of Liberty's torch as if it was the tip of an iceberg.
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGevymneTpYkpWlotyk6haPiwCvrpIeAG1IxxPKB9SJQCx74-2hcgDiJGB8wxv3sgQEVz2PQ3uDDK5FkzRL0l5AKow5tVcA_Y9s-DOlVRMOjYYGKszA6dEnRfkWnAFGgMPu1tXZ_SDyE/s1600/AI-450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="450" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGevymneTpYkpWlotyk6haPiwCvrpIeAG1IxxPKB9SJQCx74-2hcgDiJGB8wxv3sgQEVz2PQ3uDDK5FkzRL0l5AKow5tVcA_Y9s-DOlVRMOjYYGKszA6dEnRfkWnAFGgMPu1tXZ_SDyE/s320/AI-450.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 14px;">Don't think I will mourn for those who refused to evacuate, I will. However, when dealing with human beings there will always be a percentage of them who just do stupid. It is programmed into our DNA. Just like this climate change thing. We know from science (the thing we use to explain nature without invoking a higher being when we just can't figure something out) says that without the ozone layer, all life on Earth would not exist. On the other hand, too much of a good thing is never a good thing. Just think of alcohol, ice cream, or even cheese.
Of course, there are plenty of those people -- you know who I am talking about -- who stick to their old fashion almost radical (in today's way of thinking) that things were better back then. I remember the past, it was old and dark and a pretty depressing place without my cell phone
Women knew their place in society, people </span><b style="font-size: 14px;">not</b><span style="font-size: 14px;"> like us were not quite as good as we were (or so we thought), and who needed safety regulations - damn the government for interfering in my right to have my body hurled out through my car's windshield and into the closest tree. Who needs regulations? Why keep industrial plants from dumping their chemical waste into our rivers and lakes? Poor Iron Eyes Cody. I am sure he is turning in his grave. </span></span></pre>
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As the great Old Ones awake from their slumber down below as their sheets of ice melt away, plagues quarantined from mankind below the ice's surface will also awake and be let out of their frozen environment like Pandora's box of old. Don't worry, climate change is just a theory!</span></span></pre>
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robb1138http://www.blogger.com/profile/13245501911798534123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884091176686224601.post-73301378308343864862017-02-09T15:17:00.000-07:002017-02-10T12:16:22.333-07:00Film Makers Handbook: Create a Feature Film on a Limited Budget<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #d4d4c7; float: left; font-family: "times" , serif , "georgia"; font-size: 44px; line-height: 35px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; text-align: justify;">I</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">always wanted to be a film director, However, in <a href="http://adbl.co/2lvYq9d">"Film Makers Handbook"</a> author and filmmaker Walter Werner, puts the basics down in simple terms for the beginning director, producer, or anybody who wants to make a film on a limited budget.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #d4d4c7; font-family: "times" , serif , "georgia"; font-size: 44px; text-align: justify;">T</span></span>he Film Makers Handbook is about making your very first feature film from scratch. It covers topics such as pre-production, as well as getting set up and creating your movie on a limited budget.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Also covered is the production process and everything that goes along with that massive project. The production section really helps the listener to get a grasp on how to efficiently and affordably produce his or her own feature film.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Lastly, the book goes over postproduction and how to finalize your project to turn it into a full-blown feature film.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xFzhMmQUcMQb8QgbJ0NlT6h2m2PPR8YJ7xIH9RmqnF2BJXD6tO1IFfakxKdtRwqe6PP28a9E3qQG4602hw_8Q8qOL81ajjJxIYl78k5n_fZ_9Jn1fSrnMfq5joMW3t-h0nAHnVC30xw/s1600/mymoviepass_tool6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-xFzhMmQUcMQb8QgbJ0NlT6h2m2PPR8YJ7xIH9RmqnF2BJXD6tO1IFfakxKdtRwqe6PP28a9E3qQG4602hw_8Q8qOL81ajjJxIYl78k5n_fZ_9Jn1fSrnMfq5joMW3t-h0nAHnVC30xw/s1600/mymoviepass_tool6.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://be58cq-6enavil76uglq2kbp8z.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_top">Click Here!</a> </div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The book closes with a brief synopsis of starting distribution of your independently created film and where to start getting the word out. Overall this is a book about how to create a feature film and do so on a budget, which would be ideal for students or first-time filmmakers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">While not the only book that I have read on this subject. Lord knows when I was younger, I had piles upon piles of books ranging from visual style, cinematography technique, to acting, sound effects, visual effects (I was infatuated with Star Wars and how Lucas and Dykstra changed filmmaking). This book is a great beginning for today's new filmmakers.</span><br />
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<iframe frameborder="no" height="150" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/298940683&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="50%"></iframe><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="goog-text-highlight"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="goog-text-highlight">Here are the obligatory purchase links, the book goes for less than <b>$6.95 USD</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="" style="font-size: small;"><span class="">To purchase from Amazon </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://bit.ly/vampstory"><span class="">http://amzn.to/2kYID4J</span></a></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="" style="font-size: medium;"><span class=""></span><a href="http://bit.ly/vampstory"><span class=""></span></a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="" style="font-size: large;">To purchase from Audible <a href="http://bit.ly/vmpstory">http://adbl.co/2lvYq9d</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">To purchase from ITunes: <a href="http://bit.ly/AnVampStory">http://apple.co/2kYwywF</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://bit.ly/robertbarbere"><span class="">Robert Barbere Audible Page</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>robb1138http://www.blogger.com/profile/13245501911798534123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884091176686224601.post-49195386020800574752017-01-15T09:07:00.000-07:002017-01-15T09:07:27.342-07:00Frankengiraffewolf by Jeffrey Jeschke<iframe frameborder="no" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/285406623&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Frankengiraffewolf was an entirely new kind of monster. It had the fangs of a vicious wolf. It partially had the head of Frankenstein. It also had the body of a very huge giraffe. This 2700-word short story introduces a whole new kind of monster. It terrorized Africa with a ruthlessness that was unheard of.</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYunWoQvZ4PqX0gZrjTE-d0tHWfCPtdvWbcymCo4nM1l0J7rAacfkt576_K-PRhOPUFiBm8iuhfZja5_AlKRNqzDwd09J_1BOxfBM3KritF5Cm2cCrKh18cDgMrDbud67IWWROLPWIo4/s1600/TheCreature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYunWoQvZ4PqX0gZrjTE-d0tHWfCPtdvWbcymCo4nM1l0J7rAacfkt576_K-PRhOPUFiBm8iuhfZja5_AlKRNqzDwd09J_1BOxfBM3KritF5Cm2cCrKh18cDgMrDbud67IWWROLPWIo4/s400/TheCreature.jpg" width="299" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Once upon a time a mad doctor roamed the heart of Africa searching for the perfect experiment. He was truly insane, but he was also an absolute medical genius. His name was Doctor Von Giraffenstein. He absolutely loved to experiment on cadavers and electricity. He was absolutely infatuated with the local wildlife of Africa. He especially loved giraffes. He liked how tall they were and how big they were. He also loved wolves, but he also liked human cadavers. He loved how sharp the fangs were inside of a wolf’s mouth. One night the mad genius had a very strange and mysterious dream. In that dream the mad man dream't that he created a vicious beast that was part, giraffe, and part man, along with some wolf in it. After that strange dream he was absolutely infatuated with creating such a beast. He was so infatuated he could never sleep, until he figured out a way to make his dream come true. Some say he took insanity to a whole new level."</span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This was and is a crazy book and fun to read. The premise is silly, but, like the author told me once, "Nothing like creating a new kind of a monster."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b><span style="background-color: #fefdfa; color: #d52a33; font-size: 22px;">AudioBook Data</span><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Written by:</b> Jeffrey Jeschke</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Narrated by:</b> Robert Barbere</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Length: </b>16 mins </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Unabridged Audiobook</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Release Date</b>:09-30-16</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Publisher:</b> Jeffrey Dale Jeschke</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here are the obligatory purchase links, the book goes for less than $4.00 USD</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To purchase from Amazon <a href="http://amzn.to/2jMItJT">http://amzn.to/2jMItJT</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">To purchase from Audible <a href="http://adbl.co/2jMJn9e">http://adbl.co/2jMJn9e</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="" style="font-size: large; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://bit.ly/robertbarbere" style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">Robert Barbere Audible Page</a></span></span></div>
<br />robb1138http://www.blogger.com/profile/13245501911798534123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884091176686224601.post-42851208114457117902017-01-09T23:48:00.000-07:002017-02-09T13:15:37.190-07:00Another Vampire Story: A New Audio Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://bit.ly/vampstory" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LVJec9_jvGP_okK80RJy2iv2vMspFWxVl07C7ASNF0lOsNdrGT-Up5PHSpSDzDt2LYGpasO8tbHXoJX8Byrsnq7EK-Hn6JdDhTt1vPlXRP_agD_THaPRXOV7nLV96UfwyfZOMs_1NhU/s320/AnotherVampireStory-new.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #d4d4c7; float: left; font-family: "times" , serif , "georgia"; font-size: 44px; line-height: 35px; padding-right: 3px; padding-top: 3px; text-align: justify;">I</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class=""><span class="">In film and television there is an overabundance of vampire stories. Many have degenerated into films about a virus or a plague where the victims show symptoms of vampirism. A few, like <b><i><a href="http://bit.ly/untolddrac">"Dracula Untold,"</a></i></b> keep the supernatural flair going. However, <a href="http://bit.ly/vmpstory">"Another Vampire Story,"</a> is a short story (<b>34 minutes</b>) by a writer by the name of <b>Patrick Finerd</b>. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class=""><span class=""><span class=""><span style="color: #d4d4c7; font-family: "times" , serif , "georgia"; font-size: 44px; text-align: justify;">H</span>owever, the story is short and simple but, shows another view of the life of a vampire. I liked the story enough to want to narrate it. Here is a short clip to let you know about the story.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class=""><span class=""><span class="" style="font-size: x-large;">"</span></span></span></span><b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class=""><span class="">The sky grew darker than normal as </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class=""><span class="">I made my way home from school. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class=""><span class="">The wind was whipping and </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class=""><span class="">howling; scattering dead leaves in all </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class=""><span class="">directions. The branches on the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class=""><span class="">naked trees waving as the brisk cool </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class=""><span class="">air swirled around me. A loud boom </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span class=""><span class="">of thunder can be heard in the near </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class=""><span class=""><span style="font-size: large;">distant, followed by a steady mist of </span></span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class=""><b><span class=""><span style="font-size: large;">rain bouncing off all surfaces.</span></span></b></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class=""><span class="" style="font-size: x-large;">"</span></span></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="">Although set in present day, the mood is set quickly with a sense of <b>Gothic</b> sensibility. </span></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <iframe frameborder="no" height="250" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/299227539&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="goog-text-highlight">Here are the obligatory purchase links, the book goes for less than <b>$4.00 USD</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="">To purchase from Amazon </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="" style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://bit.ly/vampstory"><span class="">http://bit.ly/vampstory</span></a></span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="goog-text-highlight"><br /></span></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="" style="font-size: medium;"><span class=""></span><a href="http://bit.ly/vampstory"><span class=""></span></a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="" style="font-size: large;">To purchase from Audible <a href="http://bit.ly/vmpstory">http://bit.ly/vmpstory</a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">To purchase from ITunes: <a href="http://bit.ly/AnVampStory">http://bit.ly/AnVampStory</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://bit.ly/robertbarbere"><span class="">Robert Barbere Audible Page</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>robb1138http://www.blogger.com/profile/13245501911798534123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884091176686224601.post-66413614646577367962017-01-09T19:39:00.000-07:002017-01-09T19:41:31.321-07:00Beauty and the Beast Trailer: Golden Globe Awards Preview<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUOwzRvOlmeEW6Psze9OCQTJmejFXOqd2NjOHvkzyJi_DkncfSbshYk7Nel6z1Ycb_yAoriW71qiXVhPywbYNc6j_kX6rJ-X_rgsMiXDIzfCm0scJD8PInw0SBNOmQI3l197RiHMiMLM/s1600/belle-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUOwzRvOlmeEW6Psze9OCQTJmejFXOqd2NjOHvkzyJi_DkncfSbshYk7Nel6z1Ycb_yAoriW71qiXVhPywbYNc6j_kX6rJ-X_rgsMiXDIzfCm0scJD8PInw0SBNOmQI3l197RiHMiMLM/s400/belle-2.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="">2017 is already looking up. Emma Watson stars a Belle in Disney's live version of "Beauty and the Beast."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The original story, based on the original French tale <i>"</i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 16px;"><i>La Belle et la Bête." </i>It was a 1740 story written by </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve. She was in turn influenced by Fairytale writer, Charles Perrault whose tales include Le Petit Chaperon Rouge (Little Red Riding Hood), Cendrillon (Cinderella), Le Chat Botté (Puss in Boots), and La Belle the wood Dormant (The Sleeping Beauty). If you recall, the Brothers Grimm, retold Perrault's stories years later in their collection of folktales. One must be cautious, however, as the lyrics state</span><span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span class="" style="font-size: x-large;">"Tale as old as time</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span class="" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="">True as it can be..."</span></span></span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span class=""><span class="">The r</span></span></span><a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-35358487" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span class=""><span class="">esearchers at universities in Durham and Lisbon, the story originated around 4,000 years ago</span></span></a><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span class=""><span class="">.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><span class=""><span class="">Like the 1991 animated Disney version, certain plot details stray from the original telling in that the main character's name is Belle and not Beauty, and like a 1946 film version, there is also a suitor included in the story. The best part is that Disney will retain </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;">The best part is that Disney will retain the best part of its animated version...Music!!! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="">Harry Potter alum takes over as Belle, the thoughtful and well-read daughter of a merchant who must trade places with him as a prisoner of the dreadful Beast. </span><i><span class="">"Downton Abbey"</span></i><span class=""> and the upcoming </span><i><span class="">"Legion"</span></i><span class=""> TV series takes over from Robbie Benson as the Beast. The light of the Force comes to the film as </span><span class=""><span class="">Obi Wan</span></span></span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="">Kenobi actor Ewan McGregor takes over for Jerry Orbach as Lumiere the candle. Mrs. Potts will be voiced by Emma Thompson replaces Angela Lansbury. Luke Evans of </span><i><span class=""><a href="http://aconstantlyracingmind.blogspot.com/2015/02/dracula-untold-story-that-should-have.html">"Dracula Untold,"</a></span></i><span class=""> and the </span><i><span class="">"Hobbit" </span></i><span class="">films fame voices Gaston, the self-centered creep who wants Belle for his own.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uPAHwXqc_XU" width="560"></iframe></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">As a father of two children who spent their pre-teen years in the 90s, Disney's <i>"Beauty and the Beast</i>" and <i>"Alladin"</i> are two Disney films that played a lot in my household. I guess nowadays that film is <i>"Frozen." </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Alan Menken returns to score this live-action adaptation, which includes new recordings of the original songs in addition to new songs written by Menken and Tim Rice.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Opens in the United States and the</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">United Kingdom</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> on March 17, </span>2017. <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.7273px; line-height: 18.9915px;"><strong>Genre: </strong></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18.9844px;">Action, Family, Fantasy, Musical, Romance</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Year: </strong> 2017</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.7273px; line-height: 18.9915px;"><strong>Starring:</strong> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18.9844px;">Emma Watson, Ewan McGregor, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Emma Thompson</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.7273px; line-height: 18.9915px;"><strong>Director: </strong></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18.9915px;">Bill Condon</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.7273px; line-height: 18.9915px;"><strong>Producer(s): </strong></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.7273px; line-height: 18.9915px;">Don Hahn, David Hoberman, Todd Lieberman, Thomas Schumacher, Jeffrey Silver</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.7273px; line-height: 18.9915px;"><strong><span class="">Writer:</span></strong> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18.9844px;"><span class="">Evan Spiliotopoulos, Stephen Chbosky, Bill Condon</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.7273px; line-height: 18.9915px;"><strong><span class="">Rating:</span></strong> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18.9915px;"><span class="">PG</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.7273px; line-height: 18.9915px;"><b>Running Time: </b>Unknown</span></div>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="font-size: 12.7273px; line-height: 18.9915px;"><span class="">Release Date:</span></b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18.9915px;"><span class="">3/17/2016</span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12.7273px; line-height: 18.9915px;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 18.9915px;"></span></span></span></div>
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robb1138http://www.blogger.com/profile/13245501911798534123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884091176686224601.post-10979999440008003422015-12-12T22:39:00.000-07:002017-02-10T13:04:23.739-07:00Star Wars: The Force Awakens - The Circle Is Now Complete<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <a href="http://news.doddleme.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/A-New-Hope-Opening-Scene-Star-Destroyer-and-Tantive-IV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://news.doddleme.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/A-New-Hope-Opening-Scene-Star-Destroyer-and-Tantive-IV.jpg" height="272" style="-webkit-user-select: none;" width="640" /></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The summer of 1977</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> holds a very special place in my memories. I was 13 years old and delivered the </span><b style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Santa Barbara News Press</b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> after school, life was good. My best friend Mike was convinced that we could make movies together. We were saving up our paper route money to buy a </span><b style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Super 8</b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> movie camera so we could film our epic adventure. We did not realize the wonder we were about to experience. What the both of us witnessed that summer still has a hold on me to this day. If you ask my children, they will tell you it was the year their daddy saw </span><i style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">"Star Wars."</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>"Star Wars"</i> has been a part of my life in subtle and not so subtle ways. On that summer day, Mike and I walked into the theater not sure of what to expect, and we left with our heads full of a new worlds of wonder and excitement. We wanted to be Luke Skywalker or Han Solo, of course, because they were the heroes. On the other hand, Darth Vader was a symbol of the evil tyranny that our parents represented. All summer long my friends and I talked about <i>"Star Wars;"</i> about Luke, about Han Solo and of course about Princess Leia. When you are a thirteen year old boy Carrie Fisher looked pretty darn good! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">During that summer we saw </span><i style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">"Star Wars"</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> at least ten times at the theater. Now, I suppose you are thinking that this was just a phase I was going through and by fall when school started I was cured. Actually Mike and I just redoubled our efforts to learn everything about how George Lucas made </span><i style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">"Star Wars;"</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> from the lighting, sound, visual effects, and directing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The next school year we both signed up in <b>Drama </b>class so we could learn how to act in our film production. By the way, I haven’t mentioned “the movie” since the beginning of this essay so I am</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> thinking that you may have thought that I had forgotten about it; not so. In fact the whole purpose behind learning film production was so we could produce a film that was better than Star Wars. We tried very hard to learn everything about making movies that our little minds could hold. However, little did we know that the end was near!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://007e4huai0cxan9-shx7zi1k8z.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_top">Want To Finally Master Your Camera?</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As the summer of ‘78 quickly approached Mike and I had scripts prepared and we started to cast our movie. We even built up enough courage to ask a couple of girls at school to take the female lead characters in our movie. Our thoughts of a perfect summer were of the beach, the babes and making our movie. Life couldn’t get much better. Unfortunately, my dad announced that he had accepted a job at a community college in the not so booming town of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on"><b>Ridgecrest </b>CA.</st1:city> Looking</st1:city> back to that day so many years ago, I can still remember the sinking feeling in my stomach as I had to tell Mike that I was going to be moving. All of our hopes and dreams of making a movie were washed away. The following weeks my brother and I kept our minds </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">busy packing for our trip to the dry and dusty </span><st1:place style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;" w:st="on">Mojave Desert</st1:place><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Upon arriving in the desert, my dad went through some extra effort to borrow from the college a ¾” video tape machine, and a bootlegged copy of </span><i style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">"Star Wars"</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> for my own private use. However, when whoever made the copy, they didn't use the </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">anamorphic lens and the characters were squished a bit. That didn't matter, I watched the tape over and over. I was too old for the toys, but not too old to build the models. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I wore the tape out that summer and I learned every line of every character in the film.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The new decade came pretty quickly and I read every different Science Fiction book I could get my hands on. My love for <i>"Star Wars"</i> was renewed in 1980 when <i>"The Empire Strikes Back"</i> was released and its creator, George Lucas had revealed some important clues about Darth Vader; and the mystery deepened. I spent many hours writing and talking with my friends speculating what Darth Vader meant when he says <i>“I am your father!”</i> Was he a clone? Is it true? Who was Luke’s mom? Is Han dead? I thought Luke and Leia was an item, how was I to know that they were brother and sister? And life goes on.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I graduated from high school in the summer of 1981 and promptly moved myself back to the coast. By May of 1983 I was nineteen years old , ready, willing and able to stand in line at the theater for eight hours prior to the midni</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ght opening of </span><i style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">“Star Wars – Return of the Jedi”</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> My friends and I were older but not wiser.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As the years pass, I worked, I had fun, and I got married. My wife and I moved to <st1:state w:st="on">Arizona</st1:state> in the fall of 1994 a year after my daughter was born. Times change, people change, kids grow up and I get older everyday. However, the impression that the film made upon me those many years ago has remained. When my daughter was four going on five, Lucas re-released </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Star Wars once more. Now the title of the film is "Star Wars: Episode Four - A New Hope." </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I took my five year old daughter Debbie to witness one of the greatest events of my life. Watching the movie on the big screen as an adult was a totally different experience for me. I am not sure I actually watched the whole movie that day but I know spent more time watching my daughter’s reaction to the images. I think I cried in the theater that day watching the same awestruck look in my daughter’s eyes and wondered if I had that same look in my eyes twenty years ago.</span></div>
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" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for phantom menace" border="0" class="rg_i" data-sz="f" jsaction="load:str.tbn" name="lhwtkGWJoCN_JM:" 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" style="height: 224px; margin-top: 0px; width: 149px;" /></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My son was born later that year in 1997, and two years later my wife and I decided to go our separate ways. That same year <i>"Star Wars – The Phantom Menace"</i> was released. I promised myself that I was not going to learn every line each character said. I was wrong, my kids</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> watched the </span><b style="font-family: 'helvetica neue', arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">DVD </b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">day in and day out. I would fall asleep on the couch with the movie playing. I was having nightmares of Darth Mall coming after me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>"Attack of the Clones"</i> was released in 2002, and to my excitement my kids were old enough to watch this new episode at the theater. Once again my eyes would wander over to their little faces just to see the twinkle in their eyes.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbO_GZjHFXKUwtvL-wjqivWsAAvcAZWZqER8PkMteym4ZOO-ZKzvhrw-oMsFs9QMD19URRI4QOh0jeAmUiNALsIYnlAZYDuoLCt8DL60CLrUQHwsY7LvSlwtC7zXZwdyAqzNmAFJSw-28/s1600/Deb+Tony+-+Leia+R2D2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbO_GZjHFXKUwtvL-wjqivWsAAvcAZWZqER8PkMteym4ZOO-ZKzvhrw-oMsFs9QMD19URRI4QOh0jeAmUiNALsIYnlAZYDuoLCt8DL60CLrUQHwsY7LvSlwtC7zXZwdyAqzNmAFJSw-28/s320/Deb+Tony+-+Leia+R2D2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Debbie, my daughter started wanting to be <i>"Star Wars"</i> characters for Halloween. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As that year's Halloween approached, I would wait till my children were asleep and I would go out and work on my costume. I worked many nights in the garage in complete secrecy. Who did I dress up as? I made a complete Darth Vader costume; Light Saber and all. When the time came for me to take the kids on their Trick or Treat quest, I came home from work and donned my costume in the garage. I made an entrance into the house and watched the eyes of my seven year old son pop right out of his head. Tony backed himself into a corner and I could tell that he was a little frightened and very confused. I reached out to him with my gloved fist and said to him </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Anthony, I am your father!” </i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My daughter </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">dressed up as Princess Leia and for my son Tony, I built a custom made R2- D2 costume out of a plastic trash can, many plumbing parts and lots of paint. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So as Halloween 2004 was approaching I made my mind up to do something I have never done before as an adult. I decided to go in costume </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">to take my kids </span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Trick or Treating</b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">My new bride handed out candy dressed as Master Yoda.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I watched in total admiration as Tony pretends to either Obi-Wan, Anakin or just as I wanted to be Luke Skywalker. For many years I have held the original excitement and wonder of these movies in my heart. As I see my children enjoying so much of the <i>"Star Wars"</i> universe that has kept me young these many years, I pray that they will be able to share that same experience with their children and look into their eyes and regain the childhood that this world forces them to leave behind so soon.</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span> <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>The circle is now complete.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>"Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens"</i> soon. People ask me, did you buy your tickets yet? Tickets went on sale after the showing of a preview of the film during the Superbowl. No, I did not buy tickets. Am I going to go see the film? Of course I am. Silly question. Am I excited, of course I am, but now after thirty some years later, I know that I will watch the film in the theater several times. I will buy the Blu-ray, watch it many times and I will discuss the film and do many comparisons to the original. Because, that is what I do. Will I be dissapointed if J.J. Abrams fails to reinvigorate the franchise? I highly doubt it. </span></div>
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robb1138http://www.blogger.com/profile/13245501911798534123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884091176686224601.post-44775985698763716972015-05-25T00:17:00.000-07:002015-05-25T00:17:05.376-07:00Top Ten War Films for Memorial Day 2010: Which Ones Will You Be Watching?<br />
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I was a kid, every year on Memorial Day, my dad and I would watch war pictures on TV. We normally would see a John Wayne WWII film, or a Civil War picture. This year, I am choosing from my DVD collection of my favorite war films in remembrance for those who gave their lives to defend my right to share my opinion. First off, I am leaving off a couple of films that I think everyone would agree are appropriate Memorial Day film classics -- "Saving Private Ryan," and of course "Band of Brothers." The networks are still airing these films every six months, often enough to warrant a search for something ageless and nostalgic. So, here are my top ten war films for Memorial Day.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>The American Revolutionary War</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjPkb4p_oYMhe66yY1Vxud2f8dCHvRGlL6WemcFZGoWE9nZR76EGGWnc8S_Wl4yw8eYwlz521TeThBQ12jEgntMtuMkPTxgMmPEhLede90h_KRH1YTKiIfP_z4c4vV40B5AYVqddDnnI/s1600/The-Patriot-Heath-Ledger-Mel-Gibson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Patriot: Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger | A Constantly Racing Mind" border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjPkb4p_oYMhe66yY1Vxud2f8dCHvRGlL6WemcFZGoWE9nZR76EGGWnc8S_Wl4yw8eYwlz521TeThBQ12jEgntMtuMkPTxgMmPEhLede90h_KRH1YTKiIfP_z4c4vV40B5AYVqddDnnI/s320/The-Patriot-Heath-Ledger-Mel-Gibson.jpg" title="The Patriot: Mel Gibson and Heath Ledger | A Constantly Racing Mind" width="320" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Patriot (2000) </b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">-- Starring Mel Gibson, Heath Ledger, Jason Isaacs, and Chris Cooper</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A Rolland Emmerich epic of the American Revolutionary war, depicting through fictional characters, some slightly more historic battles in the southern colonies of the Carolina's during America's fight for independence of British rule. This film brings the atrocities of the war home during the scenes of the British Invasion. Told from the point of view of a veteran of the French Indian Wars, (George Washington started that one, by the way.) renouncing violence, a widower, and turning to running his plantation, Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson), just wants to raise his family of four boys and three girls. Martin receives an invitation to join a meeting in Charlotte to discuss a decision to rebel against King George of England. Benjamin Martin is against it, <i>"Why should I trade a tyrant 3000 miles away for 3000 tyrants one mile a way."</i> A good point, if you honestly think about it. However, his oldest son Gabriel (</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Heath Ledger</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">), enlists against his will, and serves for two years before reuniting with his family. The reunion is only because he is traveling through his father's plantation, as the war has come to his home. The villainous lead in <i>"The Patriot"</i> is played with realism, and cruelty by Jason Isaacs (<i>"Event Horizon"</i>) as Col. William Tavington, in charge of the British Light Dragoons (cavalry). He is Martin's nemesis throughout the film; a sure bet that there will be blood spilt between those two by the end of the story. High in drama, quick with the action, light on the romance, and a mush of history, you have almost three hours of epic fun to watch on Monday.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>The American Civil War</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ZDf2IJJBMcboVyXEYNrYvIpeloMX3EFJiAGeYIBMra_EYq9ojpNeCYko32n0-ZXiGej_rKZ0Owq5MgdklVGtO0rh12XK07s0bgafzbIArxPC4EjCYeJ7zATdyWEcbXNQXMoyl6sCNDA/s1600/Gettysburg_1993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Gettysburg | A Constantly Racing Mind" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ZDf2IJJBMcboVyXEYNrYvIpeloMX3EFJiAGeYIBMra_EYq9ojpNeCYko32n0-ZXiGej_rKZ0Owq5MgdklVGtO0rh12XK07s0bgafzbIArxPC4EjCYeJ7zATdyWEcbXNQXMoyl6sCNDA/s320/Gettysburg_1993.jpg" title="Gettysburg | A Constantly Racing Mind" width="222" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Gettysburg (1993) </b>-- Starring Jeff Daniels, Tom Berenger, Martin Sheen, and Stephen Lang</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Based on <i>"The Killer Angels"</i> by Michael Shaara, Gettysburg is a long and loving look at the men behind the military campaign that turned the tide of the Civil War for the North. Told from the points of view of Colonel Chamberlain (Jeff Daniels), General James Longstreet (Tom Berenger) and Robert E. Lee (Martin Sheen) of the Confederate Army, the film explores both sides of the three-day battle, and the victories and mistakes that the leaders made. A long movie to be sure, but well worth the time it takes to understand the details of the battles that comprise the campaign. Like war itself, sometimes boring and endless, till battle starts, and the bullets fly, the man next to you goes down and before you know it the battle is over and you thank God that you are left standing. Gettysburg may be one of those films that you start on Friday and finish on Monday.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cold Mountain (2003)</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> -- Starring Jude Law, Nicole Kidman, Renée Zellweger</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have two films from the Civil War era on my list. <i>"Cold Mountain"</i> is a people drama set against the backdrop of the Civil War but tells the story from the perspective of the people of the south. Although I like the film for war scenes at the beginning, I like the film more of how it humanizes the people of the south rather than totally vilify them. I liked Jude Law's performance as the deserting soldier, Natalie Portman's as the young wife of a dead soldier, trying to keep her baby, and herself alive. Both Kidman and Zellweger turn in some very powerful performances as they try to keep their world's from falling apart at home while the war rages. I like the fact that it portrayed both the men of the North and the South as capable of doing evil. Look for a pre-Jax Teller as Charlie Hunnam (<i>"Sons of Anarchy," <a href="http://aconstantlyracingmind.blogspot.com/2013/07/pacific-rim-apocalypse-canceled.html">"Pacific Rim"</a></i>) plays Bosie, one of Teague's (Ray Winstone) henchmen. Overall <i>"Cold Mountain"</i> is a drama at heart, significant others are welcome to enjoy this film too.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>World War II</i></b></span><br />
<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Midway (1976)</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> -- Starring Charlton Heston, </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhErNFyJclAHQRkDlS5bf1CB0rPJ1kaz_I-g8haMb0o0B11hsJyKegLejxTV1Xvhm6h2DoI17ukL-exlufeKoDOA_wDMWDutyeJ2KBuRz_s84wzuKIUO2MpWiDSdjT7XrkeMs-M89QvJCM/s1600/Midway+1976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Midway 1976 | A Constantly Racing Mind" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhErNFyJclAHQRkDlS5bf1CB0rPJ1kaz_I-g8haMb0o0B11hsJyKegLejxTV1Xvhm6h2DoI17ukL-exlufeKoDOA_wDMWDutyeJ2KBuRz_s84wzuKIUO2MpWiDSdjT7XrkeMs-M89QvJCM/s320/Midway+1976.jpg" title="Midway 1976 | A Constantly Racing Mind" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Henry Fonda, James Coburn, Hal Holbrook, Toshirô Mifune, and an all-star cast.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the U.S. defeat at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the President of the United States requested and received from Congress, a declaration of war upon the Imperial Nation of Japan. Less than a year later, in June 1942, while the Japanese continued to push an offensive in the Pacific, the United States prepared for the battle that turned the tides of victory from the Japanese. By intercepting coded Japanese signals, the U.S. Navy intelligence, trick the Japanese into naming their next target, the Midway Atoll, a third of the way between the islands of Hawaii and Tokyo, Japan. The small island would make an excellent jumping off point in a campaign to capture Hawaii. The battle is primarily seen through the character of Captain Matt Garth (Heston). The film shows the various points of view from each of the different ship's commanders, making the film, quasi-documentary in style. Leading the Japanese armada towards the island is Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto (Toshiro Mifune) and his convoy of four carriers, five battleships, heavy and light cruisers and as the advertising world says and much, much more. Up against great odds the U.S. Navy rallies together three carriers, 25 support ships and about 360 air and land attack based aircraft. The battle is epic; the drama is intense; and the archive footage lends a sense of realism to the film. As a kid, I used to keep track of all the archive footage used in TV shows that came from the film, <i>"Midway."</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>A Bridge Too Far (1977)</b> -- Starring Sean Connery, James Caan, Robert Redford, Gene Hackman, Anthony Hopkins and Laurence Olivier</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After Operation Overlord, the landing on the Normandy beaches on June 6, 1946, a few months later, the Allied Command implemented Operation Market Garden to take several strategic targets in the Netherlands. Like the operation itself, <i>"A Bridge Too Far"</i> stars an international cast, including Maximilian Schell as Lt. Gen. Wilhelm Bittrich and Hardy Krüger as Maj. Gen. Ludwig. Adapted from Cornelius Ryan's book by the same name, the film recounts the disastrous account of the attempt to take northern positions to the Siegfried Line and outflank it. As the situation slowly unravels, British and American forces do their best to overcome the obstacles and put forth their best efforts. <i>"A Bridge Too Far"</i> features intense action and suspense, vivid but not gory violence, and a hit musical score by composer and conductor, John Addison.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Battle of the Bulge (1965)</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> – Starring Henry Fonda, Robert Shaw, Robert Ryan, and Charles Bronson, with Telly Savalas</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Near the end of World War II, in the Ardennes forest, the German's pushed out for one last offensive during the winter of 1944 - 1945. Seen from both the German point of view as well as the Allied's, the two forces battle it out -- turning the French snow, blood red. Lt. Col. Kiley (Henry Fonda) leads the American defense, while Col. Hessler’s (Robert Shaw), Panzer division leads the offensive. Kiley is an intelligence officer who spends the first part of the film trying to convince his commanders that the Germans are pushing an offensive during the middle of winter. Allied generals have a hard time accepting that the German's are crazy enough to attack in the middle of winter, at a time when the roads and the weather are not conducive to waging war. The battles and tactics are inspiring, and for a 40 + year-old film, it still holds it's own, in character building, pacing, story development and a memorable patriotic musical score.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Patton (1970) </b>-- Starring George C. Scott and Karl Malden</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2GqMNFgD9ytIp5oPxSKcHEPzdSkhJyAvH437VDAIPVtZdh4BXzGjnoVEkF2CbzLVui0hM9r5VxcJmQqzqmyiPZVQglyHKudpK-zDGNAhnn38KTsmp-1g0AEpsY_7_0WWlX3Ivk5FBAo/s1600/Patton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Patton | A Constantly Racing Mind" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA2GqMNFgD9ytIp5oPxSKcHEPzdSkhJyAvH437VDAIPVtZdh4BXzGjnoVEkF2CbzLVui0hM9r5VxcJmQqzqmyiPZVQglyHKudpK-zDGNAhnn38KTsmp-1g0AEpsY_7_0WWlX3Ivk5FBAo/s320/Patton.jpg" title="Patton | A Constantly Racing Mind" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Patton is the story of one of America's best and worst general. A brilliant tactician, a leader in tank innovations, and a man who didn't know how to keep his mouth shut. Based on the book <i>"A Soldier's Story"</i> by Omar N. Bradley and introduction by A.J. Liebling, we get Bradley's perspective of the man who was once his superior officer, and how he raced across Europe, defying orders along the way, and who struck fear in the hearts of the German officers and soldiers. Reprimanded by Ike for slapping a soldier, Patton's apology scene deserves attention in that it shows a man showing how to make an apology. In this day and age, I think saying I am sorry is an almost forgotten art. Patton shows the man’s greatness and his flaws. Patton is inspiring film for all ages. However, AMC runs Patton every six months, and as much as I like this film, the acting, the charisma that George C. Scott imbues Patton with, I need another year's rest before I can watch this film and enjoy it as much as the film deserves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Vietnam</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>We Were Soldiers (2002)</b> -- Starring Mel Gibson, Sam Elliott, and Madeleine Stowe</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Director Randall Wallace's adaptation of the book <i>"We Were Soldiers Once...and Young: Ia Drang - the Battle That Changed the War in Vietnam,"</i> written by Lt. Gen. Harold G. Moore and Joseph L. Galloway. Like any historical war fiction, this one, although not historically accurate, does allow the viewer a snapshot in time of the mid-sixties escalation of force in Vietnam. The film shows Lt. Col. Hal Moore (Mel Gibson), and trusty Sgt. Major Plumley (Sam Elliott), standing side-by-side training troops that will fight in the first significant battles on Vietnamese soil. Like "<i>The Green Berets,"</i> <i>"We Were Soldiers"</i> tells the story from essentially three points of view, by Hal Moore's -- as he sees the battle, correspondent Joe Galloway's (Barry Pepper) perspective, and by Hal's wife, Julie. Madeline Stowe, as the Colonel's faithful wife and partner, shows the audience what life was like for the Army wives, as they received notices from a cab driver that their husbands fell in battle. The film's production values exceed expectations for war films, with realistic special effects, and a haunting musical score. Look for <i>"Mad Men's"</i> John Hamm as Capt. Matt Dillon, a minor part, but a glimpse at the actor before his success as ad executive Don Draper.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The Green Berets (1968)</b> -- Starring John Wayne, Jim Hutton, and David Janssen</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Co-directed by Ray Kellogg and John Wayne, <i>"The Green Berets"</i> bring to life Robin Moore's book <i>"The Green Berets: The Amazing Story of the U.S. Army's Elite Special Forces Unit,"</i> written by Robin Moore in the sixties, after going through Special Forces training himself. Always the patriot, <b>The Duke</b>, and friends stride into the war and kick some enemy butt. Col. Kirby (John Wayne), leads his Green Beret forces to a base camp in the jungle and takes command. One of the soldiers that Wayne brings along is Sergeant Petersen (Timothy Hutton), the lovable scrounger of the group. (Every troop seems to have one), and journalist George Beckworth (David Janssen), who comes along for the ride to report on the waste of time and resources by the U.S. government in Vietnam. What the soldiers do see are the atrocities committed by the Viet Cong upon their own people. Also, starring as the South Vietnamese Captain, Nim, is <i>"Star Trek's"</i> helmsman, Mr. Sulu -- George Takei. Filmed in Georgia, doubling for Vietnam, <i>"The Green Berets"</i> shows the heroic acts of the elite military force. Look for Jack Soo from TV's <i>"Barney Miller."</i> Included in the cast is Wayne's long-time friend and colleague, Bruce Cabot as Colonel Morgan. After watching "The Green Berets," one usually comes away from the film with an extreme sense of patriotism, along with a catchy tune, <i>"Ballad of the Green Berets."</i> another Robin Moore contribution to the film and sung by Staff Sgt. Barry Sadler.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Apocalypse Now (1979)</b> -- Staring: Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, Frederic Forrest, Laurence Fishburne, and Robert Duvall</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Francis Ford Coppola's Vietnam era, psychedelic take on Joseph Conrad's <i>"Heart of Darkness"</i> that leads Army Cpt. Benjamin L. Willard (Martin Sheen) up the Nung river in on a classified mission in pursuit of one Col. Walter Kurtz (Marlon Brando), a Green Beret officer, who apparently went MIA at best, and at worst is psychotic. <i>"Apocalypse Now"</i> features many notable performances in this film, almost too many to count. For example, Robert Duval as the gung-ho surfer, Lt. Col. Bill Kilgore, leading his Wagner screaming Air Cavalry into enemy territory. Along with his navy guides, Willard, a deeply troubled man himself, studies the career of the man whose command he was ordered to <i>"terminate, with extreme prejudice."</i> Included in the over-the-top cast of characters is Dennis Hopper who plays a crazy photojournalist, who worships Kurtz as a god. Look for a young Laurence Fishburne (<i>"Matrix," "The Signal"</i>) as Clean, and Sam Bottom's as the <b>LSD</b> dropping front gunner are amazing. Look for a cameo of Coppola himself as the TV news director filming on the beach. In addition, look for a cameo from Harrison Ford as he has makes a brief appearance that took place during breaks between <i>"Star Wars"</i> films. A clearly disturbing film, it does give one the sense of surrealism of that era.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This list is not in any order of preference; however, I did arrange the films chronologically historically. I don’t have any movies in this list that represents the War of 1812, Spanish American War, and World War I. One of my favorite films depicting the First World War are "Gallipoli," "All Quiet On the Western Front" staring Lew Ayers. Nor do I have any films representing the Gulf Wars, but that is not to say films like "Jarhead," "The Hurt Locker," or "In the Valley of Elah" shouldn't be overlooked. Most of the films, selected are based on books by authors whose passion was to make history come alive. I am sure you may have your own favorite films that have a meaning for you as you start your summer, while that you will be watching while you are barbecuing those tasty ribs or steaks. Don’t be afraid to comment and post your list for Memorial Day</span><br />
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robb1138http://www.blogger.com/profile/13245501911798534123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884091176686224601.post-56480635204311726442015-02-02T17:18:00.000-07:002015-02-03T11:39:27.311-07:00Dracula Untold: A Story That Should Have Remained Untold<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVE4ItBJHfZY1XjfKJuB0SN-kCuRn0exjab0rjV8wxz3MdTLSDTcXflU1SEa4N4Kx1mmxlMZFgUmsRz20yGQN1XoHdWUv7raaf4f9e76I2QOfYfPH-q_YDH5wF79mJ0AdrdEt8QcA05M/s1600/dracula+untold+poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Dracula Untold - Poster | A Constantly Racing Mind" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWVE4ItBJHfZY1XjfKJuB0SN-kCuRn0exjab0rjV8wxz3MdTLSDTcXflU1SEa4N4Kx1mmxlMZFgUmsRz20yGQN1XoHdWUv7raaf4f9e76I2QOfYfPH-q_YDH5wF79mJ0AdrdEt8QcA05M/s1600/dracula+untold+poster.jpg" height="400" title="Dracula Untold - Poster | A Constantly Racing Mind" width="251" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
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or the uninitiated, <i>"Dracula,"</i> for many is a vampire who wears a black tuxedo and sometimes turns into a bat after he seduces women with his hypnotic stare. He speaks with a Romanian accent and says silly things like, <i>"I want to drink your blood,"</i> He is a monster that preys on women, and in a venereal sense, is a creature of lust. However, <i>"Dracula Untold"</i> attempts to tell the story behind the legend and bring to light the historical figure that <b>Bram Stoker</b> hinted at in his 1897 <b>Gothic Horror</b> novel. Luke Evans (<i>"The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug," "Immortals"</i>) plays the semi-historical Prince Vlad of Transylvania. Sarah Gadon (<i>"The Amazing Spider-Man 2"</i>) plays his wife Mirena, and Art Parkinson, little <b>Rickon Stark</b> from the HBO series <i>"Game of Thrones"</i> is Ingeras his son. Although freshmen director Gary Shore and writers Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless attempt to fill in the details behind the mystery of who Dracula is, they fall short in the history department while trying to make up for it in effort, special effects and action. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is the second origins blockbuster film for 2014. The first, <i><a href="http://aconstantlyracingmind.blogspot.com/2014/08/hercules-cliched-flawed-but-entertaining.html">"Hercules"</a></i> staring Dwayne Johnson did a decent job bringing a version of the demigod to the big screen that is a more human and perhaps a more honest view at how we see ancient legends. Bram Stoker gave only a few hints in his novel of who he was basing his dark count on. For instance during one of Jonathon Harker's conversations with the Count, Dracula mentions that his family comes from the proud Székelys, and Boyars who fought Ottoman Turks in defense of his people and their lands. This narrows the field down to Prince Vlad III of Walachia, situated next to the region of Transylvania. Although Stoker displaces Vlad III to the Transylvanian Carpathian Mountains, there was no person other than the reviled Vlad Țepeș, the Impaler. Even more specific is the name Dracula, as Vlad III was a Christian Knight in the <b>Order of the Dragon</b>, or Dracul, or Dragkwlya. As the reputation as the bloodthirsty Prince spread, 400 years later, Irish playwright and theater manager, Bram Stoker, created a vampire story around that legend. Others say that Stoker had his story pretty much outlined when he was looking for a name for his vampire and came upon the bloody prince.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Dracula Untold"</i> attempts to bring back Stoker's Count by providing the audience with a few morsels of truth about the infamous man behind the legend, as well as plenty of Hollywood myth making tossed in for good measure. In this version, a narrator recounts how Vlad and his brother Radu <i>“The Handsome”</i> were given as political hostages as a children and were educated by the Turks. He learned the Quran, Turkish, literature, logic, and the Art of War. Instead, Sharpless and Sazama turn the atrocious Vlad into a sympathetic anti-hero. Yes, Vlad the Impaler was a Christian Crusader who took up the cross during <b>Pope Pius II</b>'s Crusade against the Ottomans, but he did so with such gusto that both friend and foe alike reviled him. <i>"Untold"</i> presents us with a man born into a cruel world and tries to soften the edges and humanize him. As the narrator tells us, after leaving the captivity of the Turks, and returning to his own lands to reign, he renounces violence, and like Rock’s character in “Hercules,” intends to settle down and become a stay at home prince to his wife and a good and loving father to his son. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg068Plz1qxbo77QQ4aP62WkwHo4x_3A3-d84Jxy5EX4oqLId33jZNfUpo6saJiu2rzUBwEkkL64mexwZvXET021JD2b1b5ChWOGpaSsJA5vyNsF193o6oDdOs8zwe_nqRb-vvU6NNwsXQ/s1600/Dracula+untold+Master+Vampire+Charles+Dance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dracula Untold: Charles Dance - Master Vampire | A Constantly Racing Mind" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg068Plz1qxbo77QQ4aP62WkwHo4x_3A3-d84Jxy5EX4oqLId33jZNfUpo6saJiu2rzUBwEkkL64mexwZvXET021JD2b1b5ChWOGpaSsJA5vyNsF193o6oDdOs8zwe_nqRb-vvU6NNwsXQ/s1600/Dracula+untold+Master+Vampire+Charles+Dance.jpg" height="320" title="Dracula Untold: Charles Dance - Master Vampire | A Constantly Racing Mind" width="281" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After encountering evidence that the Ottoman Turks are on his lands, he and a small band of his men track the Turks to a bat infested mountain cave. Within the cave, they find the bones of humans who have lain there for centuries, along with the recently dispatched Turkish scouts. So many so, that Vlad realizes that something darker abides there. In a decent scene of horror (for a PG-13 movie), Vlad finds a creature who is so strong, but also so monstrous that he files that information for later. Returning to his home, we find that he has a beautiful wife (Gadon) and a well-bred, and unspoiled son (Parkinson) waiting for him to return. Shore allows us to see for ourselves perhaps the reason why Vlad hates the Turks so much as he removes his shirt to reveal horrible scars on his back from the whippings he endured when he was their prisoner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While he and his family are in the midst of celebrating Easter in his grand hall with both servants and people of his court, Shore depicts Vlad as a noble and generous prince. The Turks march in and interrupt the feast demanding their tax and levies for their Janissary corps. Janissarys are male children between the ages of 8 and 15 that serve in an elite corps of the Turkish Army. This sets the stage for rest of the film. Vlad is a good person only trying to save his family and his people. He has almost no army, and as he begs Mehmed II to leave his son out this deal, his hate returns with the memories of abuse at Mehmed's father's hands. Dominic Cooper (<i>"Need for Speed," "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter")</i> plays the Sultan Mehmed II who serves not only as the villain, but also as the catalyst that forces Vlad's hand in deciding to turn to the dark side. Returning to the bat cave mentioned earlier, he encounters a very old and ancient evil that may supply him with an answer to his dark prayers. <i>"Game of Thrones"</i> Charles Dance plays the very old Master Vampire. A dark Yoda of sorts, he cautions the young prince on the pitfalls of immortality and the need to feed. Yes, he will become a hero, but many will hate him. Unlike Louis and Lestat in "An Interview with a Vampire," Prince Vlad is given time to decide if he has buyer's remorse. He has three days to defeat the Sultan, however, the need to feed on human blood will become unbearable, but he cannot drink blood in that time. If he does, his change will become permanent. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What would you do? Would you accept the dark side in order to save your loved ones? Or, would you stay the course and give in to the Sultan and wait until you have built your army? What the film does mention that is more or less historically accurate is that Radu, Vlad's brother, sided with Mehmed during the upcoming battles. From here on out, the <i>"Dracula Untold"</i> becomes a formula action film with somewhat melodramatic bitter sweet doomed romance, and plenty of CGI shenanigans which include Vlad morphing into not just one bat, but into an entire colony of them. The blood and gore is kept to a 21-century minimum, and the horror and thrill are more at an action level rather than going for the paranormal suspense and fear. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmt5XSuAZ1hK5fP1KpPkV5CcH_d70HNuOFRWtYKJ8Hog_3GkBsZ9T4MV4QywCqgx70Hsll86yinP0o-ezWtuEo1iO2vO9wZFma6L1JP18OC6f_SKtkQWgZdLchzosXcc9SeQoDfGXewSA/s1600/Dracula+Untold+Battle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dracula Untold: Aftermath of Battle | A Constantly Racing Mind" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmt5XSuAZ1hK5fP1KpPkV5CcH_d70HNuOFRWtYKJ8Hog_3GkBsZ9T4MV4QywCqgx70Hsll86yinP0o-ezWtuEo1iO2vO9wZFma6L1JP18OC6f_SKtkQWgZdLchzosXcc9SeQoDfGXewSA/s1600/Dracula+Untold+Battle.jpg" height="270" title="Dracula Untold: Aftermath of Battle | A Constantly Racing Mind" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The battle scenes are shot close up in the <i>"Jason Bourne"</i> style of dizzy and frenetic camera work, more of a blur if you will. Luke Evans' acting is stiff at times but conveys the charm of a prince and the brooding weight of responsibility for others. Dominic Cooper's Mehmet isn't around enough to like or dislike the character nor is Cooper's acting is of anything to note. Charles Dance as the creepy and demonic Master Vampire is probably the only real scary part in the whole film. Vlad's son Igneras is just another kid whom the audience are supposed to feel concern over his fate. Unfortunately I didn't. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If anything i felt the film was lacking in passion (except for Luke Evans) for the whole film seems to me to be on the same level as </span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Johnathon Harker</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> played by </span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Keanu Reeves</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, in </span><b style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Francis Ford Coppola’s</b><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Bram Stoker’s Dracula.”</i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> The special effects in </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">“Untold,”</i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> in some ways overshadow the story, and not in a good way. Watch if you are looking for an average action film with just a tad bit of history, stay away if you are looking for that special film that you will remember as an important part of the Dracula cannon. If anything I give the director and writer some points for effort. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Dracula Untold"</i> opened in theaters on October 10, 2014 and on DVD and Blu-ray on February 3, 2015.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"><b><a href="http://aconstantlyracingmind.blogspot.com/2014/10/the-literary-and-cinematic-origins-of.html">The Literary and Cinematic Origins of Dracula</a></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><strong style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">Genre: </strong><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Action, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, War </span></span><br /><strong style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">Year: </strong><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">2014</span></span><br /><strong style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">Staring:</strong><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"> Luke Evans, Sarah Gadon, Dominic Cooper, Art Parkinson, Charles Dance</span></span><br /><strong style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">Director:</strong><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"> Gary Shore</span></span><br /><strong style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">Producer(s) </strong><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 19px;">Michael De Luca</span></span><br /><strong style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">Writer:</strong><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"> Matt Sazama, Burk Sharpless, Bram Stoker (characters)</span></span><br /><strong style="color: #333333; line-height: 19px;">Rating:</strong><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="line-height: 19px;"> PG-13</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Running Time:</b> 92 minutes</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Release Date: </b>10/10/2012</span></div>
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robb1138http://www.blogger.com/profile/13245501911798534123noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-884091176686224601.post-15372838219062963072015-01-14T14:59:00.000-07:002019-10-08T20:46:19.471-07:00Chappie: New Trailer - Cogito Ergo Sum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQT-Ih5ggodDuELK9_0ot5NvW8tnOUoU5P7OD5Ok6tAaB4duf9Us-qa2ql0YlgtGabaPmYYR1-ymLTvWBwj0XPEWpTj12TMjMig5pqDkz2r5HQg8chtoaAfeU4NIZviIqtIwM8IP6-YSY/s1600/Chappie+-Alone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQT-Ih5ggodDuELK9_0ot5NvW8tnOUoU5P7OD5Ok6tAaB4duf9Us-qa2ql0YlgtGabaPmYYR1-ymLTvWBwj0XPEWpTj12TMjMig5pqDkz2r5HQg8chtoaAfeU4NIZviIqtIwM8IP6-YSY/s1600/Chappie+-Alone.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">D</span>irector of <i>"District 9" and "Elysium,"</i> Neill Blomkamp, has a new trailer out for his latest film<i> "Chappie." </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Chappie is the artificial being created by Deon Wilson, played by </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Dev Patel (<i>"Slumdog Millionaire," "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel"</i>)</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> is like a child becoming aware gradually. CNN's Anderson Cooper introduces the world to these robots meant to act in conjunction with police forces. As stated in the above trailer, they will go into force in 2016. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Vincent Moore played by </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hugh Jackman (</span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://aconstantlyracingmind.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-wolverine-existentialism-marvel-way.html">"Wolverine,"</a> <a href="http://aconstantlyracingmind.blogspot.com/2013/09/prisoners-how-far-will-you-go-for-your.html">"Prisoners"</a></i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">) </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> is a former soldier who is on a crusade against artificial machines taking over the duties of police and soldiers claiming that </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"they are way too unpredictable."</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> While professor Wilson is intrigued by a machine that can actually think and feel, Moore is concerned about world domination by sentient machine overlords.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This trailer shows a different side of </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Blomkamp's new film. The title cards declare that Vincent Moore is "a man corrupted by power," and that Wilson is "a man inspired by change." While the story seems to have </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sigourney Weaver playing in her usual role of the woman out to save mankind (<i>"Paul," "The Cabin In the Woods," "Avatar," "Alien," "Aliens,"</i> etc.) She tells Moore that, "a thinking Robot could be the end of mankind." She also goes on to command Moore to <i>"destroy that robot," </i>and <i>"burn it to ashes." </i> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It seems like Patel's Wilson character has gone ahead and done the unthinkable. and gave one of the police <b>scouts</b> the ability to think. Thus creating the conundrum, of creating what could be taken for a sentient being on the same level of humans. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Cogito ergo sum</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>I Think Therefore, I am. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The questions unfold about artificial intelligence as the technology to create something akin to what we call consciousness looms on the horizon. Chappie declares, <i>"I am alive. I am Chappie."</i></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> as </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Chris Clark's haunting, but triumphant melody plays in the background. The real question that Blomkamp is asking, of course, <i>"Is it a child, or the next step in evolution."</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Sharlto Copley, the star of "<i>District Nine,</i>" and co-star of <i>"Elysium,"</i> in a motion capture suit plays Chappie the robot. Also along from the Blomkamp retinue of talent is Trent Opaloch as director of photography. </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Opaloch's credits include </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>"District, </i><i>"9" </i></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">and </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> "Elysium,"</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> for Blomkamp and </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Captain America: The Winter Soldier"</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> for directors Anthony and Joe Russo. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Look for<i> "Chappie"</i> hits theaters </span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">March 6, 2013</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://aconstantlyracingmind.blogspot.com/2014/11/chappie-first-look-at-neill-blomkamps.html">Chappie: First Look At Neill Blomkamp's New Sci-Fi Film</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Genre:</b> Sci-Fi, Thriller</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Year:</b> 2015</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Starring:</b> Hugh Jackman, Sigourney Weaver, Sharlto Copley, Dev Patel, Yo-Landi Visser</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Director:</b> Neill Blomkamp</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Producer(s):</b> Simon Kinberg</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Writer:</b> Neill Blomkamp, Terri Tatchell</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Rating</b>: R</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Running Time:</b> Unkown</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Release Date</b>: 3/8/2015</span></div>
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robb1138http://www.blogger.com/profile/13245501911798534123noreply@blogger.com0