#Belle Bilton

[head-post]

Russia nationalises UK property company Raven

Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office filed a lawsuit to nationalise the Russian assets of UK-based Raven Russia, according to Russian media.

This will mark the first time that the exit of a major foreign company has been cancelled, as Raven previously withdrew from Russia through an MBO (management buyout). The mechanism has been an exit strategy for large Western companies since the outbreak of war in Ukraine in February 2022.

Raven Russia is the country’s largest owner of warehouse real estate with a portfolio of 1.9 million square metres. The company owns 17 logistics parks, of which 10 are in the Moscow region and the rest in major cities with a million inhabitants. According to The Bell, analysts estimate the market value of the company’s Russian business at RUB 75-100 billion ($1-1.3 billion).

The founders of Raven Russia are British investors Anton Bilton and Glyn Hirsch. However, after the outbreak of war, the company was delisted from the London Stock Exchange’s Alternative Investment Market (AIM). The company was subsequently sold to its Russian executives Igor Bogorodov and Yaroslav Shuvalov and renamed Phoenix Property Group.

Now, the Prosecutor General’s Office has filed a lawsuit demanding that Raven Russia’s business be transferred in favour of the state. The office has put forward two claims: the purchase of such “strategic assets” as logistics terminals in Russia without special government authorisation, and the illegal re-registration of the company from Cyprus to the UAE after the MBO exit.

Previously, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decree paved the way for the nationalisation of foreign assets. The authorities have already taken measures against Finnish and German energy companies Fortum and Uniper, as well as brewing and dairy companies Carlsberg and Danone.

Read more HERE

[themovieblogonline]

Foundation Season 3: What to Expect from Apple TV's Sci-Fi Epic

Hold on to your spacesuits, folks, because "Foundation" Season 3 is set to launch on Apple TV+, and it's looking like an adventure you won't want to miss. If you're into grand narratives, intense drama, and a sprinkle of sci-fi magic, then this is your golden ticket. Let's dive into the stellar updates, cast additions, and what we can expect from this highly anticipated season. The Lowdown on Foundation Season 3 "Foundation" Season 3 has reportedly wrapped up filming in Prague, after an epic journey that took the crew through various production halts and location changes, including a pit stop in Poland. The production resumed in March this year after a tumultuous break caused by the actor's strike and budget issues. But hey, what’s a sci-fi saga without a few plot twists? Despite the budget cuts, Apple TV+ assures us there will be no reduction in the number of episodes. The post-production phase is expected to take about 8 months, so mark your calendars for a spring or summer 2025 release. Patience, young padawan. New Faces in the Galaxy Season 3 is bringing in a stellar lineup of new cast members. We've got Alexander Siddig as Dr. Ebling Mis, a self-taught psychohistorian. Troy Kotsur joins as Preem Palver, the leader of a planet of psychics, and Pilou Asbæk steps in as the Warlord aka The Mule, replacing Mikael Persbrandt from Season 2. The new faces don't stop there. We also have Cherry Jones as Foundation Ambassador Quent, Synnøve Karlsen as Bayta Mallow, Cody Fern as Toran Mallow, Brandon P. Bell as Han Pritcher, Tómas Lemarquis as Magnifico Giganticus, Yootha Wong-Loi-Sing as Song, and Leo Bill as Mayor Indbur. It's a galaxy full of talent, ready to bring the epic story of "Foundation" to life. Returning Stars and Their Galactic Arcs Fear not, fans of the original cast. Jared Harris, Lee Pace, Lou Llobell, Leah Harvey, Laura Birn, Cassian Bilton, and Terrence Mann are all set to return. The end of Season 2 left us with many cliffhangers and burning questions. With the Cleons getting taken out and the galaxy in turmoil, the stakes have never been higher. Season 3 promises to pick up right where we left off, with Hari, Gaal, and the foundation navigating a colony of Mentalics with psychic abilities. The tension between the Foundation and the Empire is reaching a boiling point, and the upcoming season will explore these dynamics in greater depth. What Happened in Season 2? Season 2 was a rollercoaster of emotions and revelations. We saw the galaxy in chaos, with Hari, Gaal, and Salvor facing off against formidable foes. The Foundation reached its religious phase, spreading the Church of Seldon across the Outer Reach, and igniting a war with the Empire. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsD5qP1WqKt5jCcpP9whXaXQ_c9S8KhJU The finale left us on the edge of our seats with Demerzel activating the Prime Radiant duplicate Seldon gave her and Hari's vault pulling Constant's pod inside. The dramatic conclusion, with Salvor’s heroic sacrifice, sets the stage for an unpredictable future. The Mule, now aware of Gaal’s presence, adds another layer of intrigue. As we gear up for "Foundation" Season 3, the anticipation is palpable. With an impressive cast, intriguing new characters, and a storyline that promises to push the boundaries of sci-fi, this season is set to be a game-changer. So, buckle up and get ready for a journey through the stars that’s bound to be out of this world.

[countess--olenska]

Belle Bilton (1867–1906) music hall entertainer; wife of 5th Earl of Clancarty.

Born Isabel Maud Penrice Bilton, the daughter of sergeant in the Royal Engineers, she performed as an actress and vocalist under the professional name Belle Bilton.

In 1889 she secretly married Viscount Dunlo, heir to the Earl of Clancarty. Disapproving of his son's actions, the Earl forced his son to leave Belle and travel abroad. Belle was left pregnant and destitute, having ended her career after the wedding. Encouraged by his father, the Viscount filed for divorce in a case that was widely followed by the press. After losing the case he returned to live with Belle. Cut off from his allowance, the pair lived off Belle's earnings from her theatrical work. 

In 1901 the Viscount succeeded to his father's title as Earl of Clancarty and Belle became Countess of Clancarty.

[carolathhabsburg]

Belle Bilton, neé Isabel Maude Penrice, Countess of Clancarty. 1890s

[seventh-victim]

Music hall entertainer, Belle Bilton c.1889 (photo: Alexander Bassano)

[tarynisbunhead]

Belle Bilton (1867-1906) Music Hall entertainer

https://www.redbubble.com/people/princessbunhead/works/21967429-belle-bilton

[silent--era]

Stage actress Belle Bilton (later Countess of Clancarty) photographed by Alexander Bassano, 1889

[safetyphoto]

The Countess of Clancarty: Beautiful Photos of Belle Bilton in the Late 19th Century https://ift.tt/3tREP6E

[skgway]

1820 Oct., Sat. 21

8 ¾

12

No kiss. Miss V[allance] came to call, staid a minute. Got into bed again and I went to her and staid with her about half hour, tho we durst not try for a kiss and I was tolerably quiet with her. She is beginning to seem anxious to shew me she repents of having let things go so far between us – 

Took a turn or 2 round the house with Miss V[allance] immediately after breakfast. Mr. and Miss Strickland of Newton called and staid an hour but I did not go down. Wrote the copy of  a letter to Mr. Bilton for my uncle. 

Miss V[allance] brought me into her room to write by the fire. Charlotte came in, interrupted me. Sadly talking about each others dispositions, coldness, etc. and by no means agreeing, perpetually disturbed. Obliged to hurry at last with my letter, but got it copied out and done pretty well to my satisfaction by a little after three - 

Wrote 3 pages to my uncle (Shibden) which I[sabella] N[orcliffe] – took to the P.O. - Letter from Miss Marsh this morning (from Mr. Fairfan’s Newton Kyme near Tadcaster, continuing nothing particular - 

V [Miss Vallance] came in and we talked till the half hour bell at four and a half – She said I loved many as well as I loved her. Was not sure whether I did now, or should afterwards, esteem her. She had many feelings she could not explain. If she had not loved me as she did, she should have despised me. I said she would not have seen me as she did see me, but for my liking her, and for circumstances which led me to –

I professed esteem and all to satisfy her, tho owned that I had certainly been attached to others; tho differently, insinuating less flatteringly. ‘Ah,’ said she ‘I am not sure you would not say this to half a dozen’ – 

One thing led to another. If I was my father’s son she said I should not marry her. I answered she did not know what I should or would do, but the fact was I could not do it. She said she knew this. I replied we mutually knew each others situation. I never deceived anyone –

As for being really in love, our situations were similar. For I had never been in love but once, and never could feel the same again. She thought of π [Mariana] but I fought off, insisting that this was a different thing, that π [Mariana] was my friend. But I fancy V [Miss Vallance] has her suspicions.

She said she could not make me happy. I denied this and hinted that If I were at liberty, perhaps I could teach her to be happy with me and forget to wish for others. She did not deny this but said ‘I see I am not to be happy, my lot is cast otherwise’ etc. etc. – 

In the evening read from page 21. to 211. volume 2. Ferguson’s Rome - Tib and V [Miss Vallance] had a long talk about Charlotte and me. Charlotte fancies I do not like her, and in fact we do not get on very cordially – 

Not long tête-à-tête with V [Miss Vallance], but after being in bed above half hour got up and went to her, meaning to have a kiss. But tho she let me get into bed, yet she so begged me to leave, that I did in a few minutes without gaining my object - 

Tib behaved very well about my leaving her, I pretending to inquire after V [Miss Vallance] on account of her not being so well – No kiss of Tib tonight - Fine day –

[internetreputationcost-blog]

Online reputation management Strategies

Online reputation management refers to the influencing and also controlling of an individual's or team's online reputation. Initially a public relationships term, the development of the internet and also social networks, together with reputation administration firms, have made search engine result a core component of an individual's or group's online reputation. Online reputation management, in some cases abbreviated as ORM, concentrates on the management of product as well as service search website outcomes.

online reputation management focuses on the monitoring of product and solution search engine result within the digital space. A range of digital markets and also on the internet areas like e-Bay, Amazon and also Alibaba have ORM systems constructed in, as well as making use of reliable control nodes these can minimize the danger as well as shield systems from possible misuses and also misuses by destructive nodes in decentralized overlay networks.

The most popular controls for off-line credibility administration consist of social duty, media exposure, news release in print media as well as sponsorship among relevant devices. Track record is a social construct based upon the point of view other individuals hold about an individual or point. Before the internet was established, consumers wishing to find out about a business had few choices.

A firm's online reputation relied on personal experience. [] A business expanded and broadened based on the market's assumption of the brand. Public connections was created to manage the picture and build the credibility of a company or person. [] The concept was initially produced to broaden public connections beyond media connections.

Originally, public relations included published media, events and also networking campaigns. In 1998, Google was started. The appeal of the net presented brand-new advertising and marketing and also branding chances. Where when reporters were the main resource of media web content, blog sites, review sites as well as social networks offered a voice to customers despite credentials.

ORM consists of standard reputation techniques of public relations however likewise concentrates on developing a lasting credibility technique that corresponds across all web-based channels and systems. ORM includes search engine reputation management which is developed to counter adverse search results and also boost positive material. Some services have actually adopted dishonest ways to wrongly boost their track records.

Online Reputation Management - Sayles ...

Reputation administration (sometimes referred to as rep administration or ORM) is the practice of trying to shape public assumption of a person or organization by influencing info concerning that entity, primarily online. What demands this shaping of understandings being the role of consumers in any organisation as well as the cognisance of just how much if disregarded these assumptions may damage a company's performance any time of the year, a threat no entrepreneur or business exec can manage.

A significant part of reputation administration entails reducing unfavorable search outcomes, while highlighting positive ones. For organisations, online reputation monitoring usually includes an attempt to bridge the space in between just how a firm regards itself and also just how others watch it. A fast-growing self-control and corporate need, credibility administration is extensively recognized as an important intangible possession which can be among one of the most essential resources of one-upmanship in a fiercely competitive market, and with firms continuously under boosted examination from business neighborhood, regulatory authorities, and also company governance guard dogs great reputation monitoring methods remain to aid companies deal with this scrutiny.

Excellent track record management practices are likewise vital in assisting any type of entity manage personnel confidence as a control device on public understandings which if weakened and also overlooked can be costly, which in the future may cripple employee confidence, a threat no company would certainly attempt check out as staff morale is one of one of the most crucial motorists of firm efficiency.

Online Reputation Management Company ...

A class activity lawsuit was submitted by the law office Beasley Allen against Taco Bell. The suit was willingly withdrawn with Beasley Allen mentioning that "From the beginning of this situation, we specified that if Taco Bell would make sure adjustments pertaining to disclosure as well as marketing of its 'seasoned beef' item, the instance could be dismissed." Taco Bell reacted to the instance being taken out by releasing a track record administration project entitled "Would certainly it eliminate you to claim you're sorry?" that ran ads in different information outlets in print and online, which tried to accentuate the volunteer withdrawal of the instance.

Some of the methods used by track record administration companies consist of: Improving the tagging and also seo of company-published products, such as white papers and favorable consumer endorsements in order to push down adverse content. Publishing original, positive sites and also social media accounts, with the objective of exceeding negative results in a search.

Submitting lawful take-down demands if someone believes they have been reviled. Obtaining states of business or person on third-party sites that rate highly on Google. Creating fake, positive reviews of the private or service to counteract negative ones. Using spambots and denial-of-service strikes to compel websites with damaging web content off the internet totally. [] Astroturfing third-party websites by creating confidential accounts that produce positive evaluations or lash out versus negative ones.

Eliminating on the internet cup shots. Proactively reacting to public criticism originating from current modifications. Eliminating or subduing images that are embarrassing or break copyright. Speaking to Wikipedia editors to get rid of supposedly wrong information from the Wikipedia pages of companies they stand for. The technique of track record monitoring increases numerous moral concerns. It is widely disagreed upon where the line for disclosure, astroturfing, and also censorship ought to be attracted.

The direct exposure of underhanded online reputation monitoring can itself be risky to the credibility of a firm that tries it. Some companies technique moral kinds of track record monitoring. Google considers there to be nothing naturally wrong with reputation management, and also also introduced a toolset in 2011 for users to check their on-line identification and request the removal of undesirable content.

For instance, they might avoid individuals that dedicated violent criminal offenses who are wanting to push information regarding their criminal offenses lower on search engine result. In 2010 a research study showed that Naymz, one of the first Internet 2.0 solutions to provide energies for Online Reputation Management (ORM), had actually created a method to examine the online track record of its participants (RepScore) that was instead very easy to deceive.

Since December 2017, Naymz was closed down. In 2015, the online merchant Amazon.com taken legal action against 1,114 people who were paid to publish fake luxury testimonials for products. These reviews were created utilizing an internet site for Macrotasking, Fiverr. com. Several various other business use phony Yelp and also Facebook evaluations, and one journalist collected first-class testimonials for an organisation that does not exist, from social media sites accounts that have likewise provided extremely positive testimonials to "a chiropractor in Arizona, a beauty parlor in London, a limousine firm in North Carolina, a real estate agent in Texas, as well as a locksmith professional in Florida, among other distant organisations".

The lawsuit had comparable language and also the defendant accepted the injunction by the plaintiff, which enabled the reputation monitoring firm to issue takedown notices to Google, Yelp, Leagle, Ripoff Report, different news sites, and other internet sites. " 9 Online Reputation Management Services Business owners can Attain on their own". Fetched 11 May 2016.

Singh, Munindar (2000 ). " A social mechanism of credibility administration in digital neighborhoods" (PDF). Cooperative Details Representatives IV-The Future of Info Brokers in Cyberspace. Lecture Notes in Computer Scientific Research. 1860. Springer. pp. 154165. CiteSeerX. doi:10.1007/ 978-3-540-45012-2_15. ISBN 978-3-540-67703-1. Mudhakar Srivatsa; Li Xiong; Ling Liu (2005 ). (PDF). WWW '05 Proceedings of the 14th global seminar on Web.

Hall, R. 1992. The Strategic Evaluation of Intangible Resources. Strateg. Handle. J. 13( 2) 135 (What's in a Name? Track Record Structure and also Business Approach, Fombrun, Charles; Shanley, Mark, Academy of Management Journal; Jun 1990; 33, 2; ABI/INFORM Worldwide, pp239 240.) S. Jai, Shankar (June 1, 1999). "Credibility is everything". New Straits Times (Malaysia).

( 2001 ). "Online reputation administration: the brand-new face of company public relations?". Public Relations Evaluation. 27 (3 ): 247261. doi:10.1016/ S0363-8111( 01 )00085-6. John Tozzi (April 30, 2008). " Do Reputation Management Services Work?". Bloomberg L.P. Retrieved August 3, 2012. Bilton, Nick (April 4, 2011). " The Expanding Company of Online Reputation Management". The New York City Times. Gotten June 12, 2012.

" Study: ebay.com vendors pc gaming the track record system?". CNET. Recovered July 14, 2012. " What is credibility administration? - Interpretation from WhatIs.com". WhatIs.com. Gotten 2015-12-01. Sepandar D. Kamvar; Mario T. Schlosser; Hector Garcia-Molina. (PDF). WWW '03 Proceedings of the 12th global meeting on Internet. doi:10.1145/ 775152.775242. Milo, Moryt (2013-05-17). " Terrific Companies Lean Onward, Respond Rapid".

Fetched 2013-09-05. Lieb, Rebecca (July 10, 2012). " Just How Your Content Method Is Essential For Track Record Management". MarketingLand. Obtained June 12, 2012. "MT Masterclass - Online reputation monitoring". Monitoring Today. May 1, 2007. Weigelt, K., as well as C. Camerer (1988 ). "Online reputation and also company method: An evaluation of recent concept and applications." Strategic Management Journal 9: 443-454.

( 2003 ). 'How to be an excellent director?', Wall Road Journal, 241, pp. R1R4). Cravens, Karen S.; Oliver, Elizabeth Goad (1 July 2006). "Workers: The key web link to corporate reputation management". Organisation Horizons. 49 (4 ): 293302. doi:10.1016/ j.bushor. 2005.10.006. " Alabama's Beasley Allen law practice drops match versus Taco Bell over 'seasoned beef' cases".

Retrieved 2016-06-13. " With Legal action Over, Taco Bell's Mystery Meat Is An Enigma No More". NPR.org. Retrieved 2016-06-13. Macedo, Diane (2011-04-26). " Taco Bell Still Has Beef With Company That Went Down Legal Action Fox Information". Fox Information. Retrieved 2016-06-13. Resnick, Paul; Zeckhause, Richard (May 2, 2001). "Count on among complete strangers in internet deals: Empirical evaluation of ebay.com's credibility system".

CiteSeerX. Spencer, Stephan (September 12, 2007). " DIY reputation management". CBS Interactive. Recovered August 3, 2012. Thomas Hoffman (February 12, 2008). " Online reputation management is warm-- however is it honest?". John Amato. Fetched August 3, 2012. Kinzie, Susan; Ellen Nakashima (July 2, 2007). " Employing Pros to Fine-tune Your Google Picture".

Fetched July 12, 2012. Krazit, Tom (January 11, 2011). " A guide on online reputation management". CNET. Obtained July 13, 2012. Thompson, Nicholas (June 23, 2003). " More Companies Pay Noted to Their 'Word of Mouse' Reputation". The New York City Times. Recovered July 13, 2012. " Published mug shots: A constant tip of one man's past".

Obtained 27 September 2015. Giovinco, Steven W. " Photo Online Reputation Administration: What It Is, And Why You Must Treatment". Medium.com. Medium. Gotten 9 May 2015. Holiday, Ryan (August 28, 2012). " Just how to fix your Wikipedia issue". Lot of money. Recovered November 30, 2015. Farmer, Yanick (2018-01-02). " Honest Decision Making and also Track Record Monitoring in Public Relations" (PDF).

Online reputation Management ...

33 (1 ): 213. doi:10.1080/ 23736992.2017.1401931. ISSN 2373-6992. " Online reputation management: Glitzkrieg". Economic expert Group. March 10, 2011. Retrieved August 3, 2012. Kessler, Sarah (June 16, 2011). " Google Launches Tool for Online Reputation Management". Mashable. Obtained July 13, 2012. Lazzari, Marco (2010 ). IADIS International Seminar e-Society 2010. Porto. pp. 519522. ISBN 978-972-8939-07-6. " Don't Be Tricked by Fake Online Reviews Part II Krebs on Protection".

Tuttle, Brad. " Amazon Info Claim Against Writers of Phony Online Reviews". MONEY.com. Gani, Aisha. " Amazon.com files a claim against 1,000 'fake reviewers'". the Guardian. " I produced a fake business and also purchased it a remarkable online track record". Combination. Volokh, Eugene; Paul Alan Levy (10 October 2016). " Lots of questionable litigation, with missing offenders, focus on obtaining web pages taken down or deindexed".

Online Reputation Management (ORM ...

There are a great deal of misunderstandings regarding online reputation management. Some people assume it's just social networks surveillance, while others believe it has something to do with public connections, and also still others essentially have no suggestion just how it can impact company and sales. In this overview, I'm mosting likely to describe the role of online reputation management in today's business and media landscape.

Simply a couple of years earlier, the web was very various. Business were not appealing customers but just marketing to a passive target market; people can not reveal their voice in a powerful means, and the total interaction landscape was really "leading down." The situation has significantly altered. Today, web sites are no more fixed brochures.

And regular communications on socials media are vital to any kind of company success. Regardless of the size of your company, they (prospects, clients, clientsanyone as well as, possibly, everyone) are speaking about you. They are tweeting regarding your most recent item, leaving a discuss your blog site, publishing a Facebook update concerning their client experience, as well as a lot more.

[18war12peace]

Belle Bilton

[carminav]

Becoming Belle by Nuala O'Connor | Belle, Isabel Bilton was an actress in the late 19th century. Acting, was a profession that wasn't viewed with good eyes by Victorian society, but actresses did enjoy certain freedoms that other women of the era did not have. In fact, some believe these freedoms are equivalent to those of women in the late 20th century, for example they can sign their own acting contracts and represented themselves, they manage their own money etc. Belle wasn't an exception and she was a successful young actress with a good income. Nonetheless, Belle is not portrayed as a strong woman, she is more or less a damsel in distress, she prefers the company of men and her only woman friend was her sister Flo, with whom she performed. Keep in mind that this book is based in true events and people, therefore you’ll see in Belle a woman of the era with all her qualities and faults that in a matter of four years raised from being a middle class actress to become the Countess of Clancarty. ˝Oh, Isabel is not for literary pursuits, Mr. Weston. She prefers to live her story˝ I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Many Thanks to Little, Brown Book Group, Nuala O'Connor and Netgalley for the opportunity. . . . #becomingbelle #nualaoconnor #books #bookreview #netgalley #littlebrownbooks #amreading #bookgram #bookstagram #madewithover #reseñas #instabooks #bibliophile #bibliofilia #yoleo https://www.instagram.com/p/BnX0DTfg9uA/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1skqbv7czl1ya

[themovieblogonline]

Foundation Season 3: What to Expect from Apple TV's Sci-Fi Epic

Hold on to your spacesuits, folks, because "Foundation" Season 3 is set to launch on Apple TV+, and it's looking like an adventure you won't want to miss. If you're into grand narratives, intense drama, and a sprinkle of sci-fi magic, then this is your golden ticket. Let's dive into the stellar updates, cast additions, and what we can expect from this highly anticipated season. The Lowdown on Foundation Season 3 "Foundation" Season 3 has reportedly wrapped up filming in Prague, after an epic journey that took the crew through various production halts and location changes, including a pit stop in Poland. The production resumed in March this year after a tumultuous break caused by the actor's strike and budget issues. But hey, what’s a sci-fi saga without a few plot twists? Despite the budget cuts, Apple TV+ assures us there will be no reduction in the number of episodes. The post-production phase is expected to take about 8 months, so mark your calendars for a spring or summer 2025 release. Patience, young padawan. New Faces in the Galaxy Season 3 is bringing in a stellar lineup of new cast members. We've got Alexander Siddig as Dr. Ebling Mis, a self-taught psychohistorian. Troy Kotsur joins as Preem Palver, the leader of a planet of psychics, and Pilou Asbæk steps in as the Warlord aka The Mule, replacing Mikael Persbrandt from Season 2. The new faces don't stop there. We also have Cherry Jones as Foundation Ambassador Quent, Synnøve Karlsen as Bayta Mallow, Cody Fern as Toran Mallow, Brandon P. Bell as Han Pritcher, Tómas Lemarquis as Magnifico Giganticus, Yootha Wong-Loi-Sing as Song, and Leo Bill as Mayor Indbur. It's a galaxy full of talent, ready to bring the epic story of "Foundation" to life. Returning Stars and Their Galactic Arcs Fear not, fans of the original cast. Jared Harris, Lee Pace, Lou Llobell, Leah Harvey, Laura Birn, Cassian Bilton, and Terrence Mann are all set to return. The end of Season 2 left us with many cliffhangers and burning questions. With the Cleons getting taken out and the galaxy in turmoil, the stakes have never been higher. Season 3 promises to pick up right where we left off, with Hari, Gaal, and the foundation navigating a colony of Mentalics with psychic abilities. The tension between the Foundation and the Empire is reaching a boiling point, and the upcoming season will explore these dynamics in greater depth. What Happened in Season 2? Season 2 was a rollercoaster of emotions and revelations. We saw the galaxy in chaos, with Hari, Gaal, and Salvor facing off against formidable foes. The Foundation reached its religious phase, spreading the Church of Seldon across the Outer Reach, and igniting a war with the Empire. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLsD5qP1WqKt5jCcpP9whXaXQ_c9S8KhJU The finale left us on the edge of our seats with Demerzel activating the Prime Radiant duplicate Seldon gave her and Hari's vault pulling Constant's pod inside. The dramatic conclusion, with Salvor’s heroic sacrifice, sets the stage for an unpredictable future. The Mule, now aware of Gaal’s presence, adds another layer of intrigue. As we gear up for "Foundation" Season 3, the anticipation is palpable. With an impressive cast, intriguing new characters, and a storyline that promises to push the boundaries of sci-fi, this season is set to be a game-changer. So, buckle up and get ready for a journey through the stars that’s bound to be out of this world.

[irregular-reader]

Book Review: Becoming Belle by Nuala O'Connor

Book Review: Becoming Belle by Nuala O’Connor

Becoming Belle by Nuala O’Connor

Isabel Bilton is the oldest daughter of a military family in the late 1800s. Even as a young girl, Isabel dreams of moving beyond her family’s bland, middle-class roots and becoming someone glamorous, someone important. A gifted singer and dancer, Isabel moves to London where she restyles herself as Belle Bilton and proceeds to take London by storm. Catching the…

[carolathhabsburg]

Belle Bilton, Lady Dunlo. Early 1890s

[pioneergender-blog]

By: Rachel Maldonado

Cole Albert Porter (1891-1954) was an American songwriter and composer that was involved with musicals that made it to Broadway at the time. After spending years at both Yale and Harvard to become a lawyer by his grandfather's wishes, Porter dropped out to pursue his career in music (Bell, 2007). He wasn't an open man about his sexuality but records and writings of his own do document his encounters. His songs also hint at his homosexuality through the use of symbolism that would have only been picked up by queer men at the time. For this I chose his song "I'm a Gigolo" from 1929. 

Just to summarize, the lyrics describe his relation with women but would have been taken in a joking manner by the mainstream audience. He says that he really only goes along with older women that offer him money and gifts. The term "gigolo" refers to a man who lives off the things an older woman gifts them. Porter also describes himself as "slightly undersexed" which is really because he's not that interested in women. Porter had married a woman named Linda Lee Thomas, who was thought to be bisexual/lesbian, in what seems like a strategic marriage to not out either one of them. It was a sexless marriage and served to hide their sexualities.

Symbolism is when an object or a certain thing is there to represent or mean something else. For example, water can be a symbol of purity or calmness while fire can be a symbol of power and chaos. Since queer people weren't as accepted as they are today, it was common to use certain phrases or objects to signify that someone was queer. A common example of this is lavender or violet flowers were used by queer people—more commonly used by lesbians. Violets had links to the Ancient Greek poet Sappho, an infamous historic figure for wlw, while lavender was more attached to mlm. It's thought that lavender is used to signify mlm because of its delicate, feminine aesthetics that contrasted the manly Industrial Revolution in the nineteenth century (Scupham-Bilton, 2012). 

In "I'm a Gigolo", one of the first lines is "And of lavender, my nature's got just a dash in it." There's no doubt that Porter is expressing and hinting at his sexuality in this line. Saying his name has a dash of lavender on it is meant to symbolize his homosexuality that's been hidden from the public. At most, mainstream audiences would simply see this as just a dab at his tendency to be more feminine than others. It still wasn't that safe to be an openly queer man in the 20's, so Porter resorts to symbolism in his songs to appeal to both the mainstream and queer audiences. The song can easily just be seen as a joke, making it easier for Porter to express his identity safely. 

Works Cited:

Bell, J. (2007, July 3). Cole Wide Web - Cole Porter Biography. Retrieved from http://www.coleporter.org/bio.html

Porter, Cole Albert. (1929). I'm a Gigolo [Lyrics]. Retrieved from https://genius.com/Cole-porter-im-a-gigolo-lyrics

Scupham-Bilton, T. (2012, November 23). Flower Power - Lavender. Retrieved from http://queerstoryfiles.blogspot.com/2012/11/flower-power-lavender.html