#Henry Darragh

[more-of-lesser]

Vampyre Man

I was going to start with the 1978 Mill on the Floss as my first Anton Lesser entry, but I've been poking around BBC Sounds because I have a lot of Christmas presents to make

SO

here is a Drama currently available via Sounds called Vampyre Man by Joseph O'Conner, with Darragh Kelly as Bram Stoker, and Anton Lesser as Henry Irving.

Vampyre Man tells (a slightly fictionalised) story of the relationship between Stoker (yeah, the Dracula guy) and Irving (Victorian era actor-manager, and first actor ever to be awarded a knighthood)

Stoker was Irving's business manager and personal assistant at the Lyceum theatre, and while in this role, he began writing Dracula. Stoker's relationship with Irving has been described as "the most important love relationship of his adult life", and most people reckon that the character of Dracula is strongly based on Irving himself.

Obviously if you are casting one of your closest friends as a compelling, hypnotising, manipulative and terrifying supernatural creature that sucks the life from others in your novel, you may have some things you are working through at the time...

Anyway, I fucking loved this. I knew nothing about Irving or Ellen Terry, or even Stoker's work for the theatre before listening, and now I want to go and read a few biographies on all of them. The drama itself doesn't claim to be completely accurate, and there's a few liberties taken (I don't think Stoker was with Irving when he died*, for example), but everything in this feels like it should have happened, and its a damn good story.

Most importantly, Anton Lesser seems to be having the time of his life playing Irving: I think his radio work is some of his best, and this is great part for him- malicious, vulnerable, earnest, passionate: it's all there, plus a pretty good Irish accent now and again.

Should I listen to it: I mean, I'm not ur mum, but I really really liked this, it's funny, it's touching, it's got a little bit of history in it, and it's about Dracula a bit too, and we all know how much we like getting letters from our friend Jonathan.

(*Spoilers, I guess, that everybody in this story is now dead, what with it being set in the 1800s)

[queermtl]

QUEER MTL THINGS TO DO: DECEMBER 2022

Every month, Montréal’s queer calendar is stuffed full of exciting events, parties and performances. Here’s some of our picks for the best LGBTQ+ things to do in the city this December. For further announcements, follow QueerMTL on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr! Got an event coming up? DM it our way!

EVENT OF THE MONTH:

🎤 Marking their first concert presentation in Montréal, lesbian-event organizers Ellelui present Constellations: A Benefit Concert for Black Healing Fund at Théâtre Fairmount on Friday, December 16, 2022. Featuring performances by Naïka Champaïgne, OK Naledi and Fraud Perry (with bonus afterparty sounds from KidCrayola), proceeds will assist the volunteer-run Black Healing Fund in providing funding for mental health and wellness services to low-income members of the community. Tickets are available at Universe.

EVENTS

🕯 In recognition of World AIDS Day, Montréal’s Parc de l’Espoir (founded by ACT UP Montréal in 1991) hosts a Vigil for those lost to HIV/AIDS. Free and open to all at 5:00 PM. 🎤 Ria Mae comes to Le Studio TD on December 1, 2022, with Virginia to Vegas and Noelle. Tickets at Evenko.

🎥 Co-presented by Séro.Syndicat // Blood.Union - BUSS, AIDS Community Care Montreal (ACCM) and Queer Film Club, Day Without Art: Being & Belonging features works by HIV-positive artists and a Q&A with artist activists Camila Arce and Mikiki. At Cinéma de Sève on the Concordia University campus at 6:30 PM. Tickets available at the link above.

🎥 All the Beauty and the Bloodshed, documenting both photographer Nan Goldin’s luminous career as well as her fight against big pharma, comes to Cinema du Parc from December 2, 2022. 

🎤 The Rufus et Martha Wainwright Ensemble + Famille host Étoiles et Toi, their annual holiday spectacle at Église Saint-Jean-Baptiste on December 3, 2022. Pop Montréal has tickets here. 

🎭 GW Brazier’s Brother 12: A Cult Rock Opera, based on a true story, receives its world premiere on December 3, 2022 at O Patro Vys. Tickets at thepointofsale.

💪 Diablos Boylesque: Holidays Edition is coming to Bar Le Cocktail on December 4, 2022 to answer the question as to just who’s been naughty or nice this year. Tickets at Eventbrite.

🎤 Ellelui’s Sapphic Open Mic Night welcomes one and all on December 6, 2022 at The Diving Bell Social Club. PWYC, with nobody turned away for lack of funds.

✏️ Drink & Draw returns to Bar Le Cocktail on December 7, 2022 (and again the week following on December 14, 2022), featuring live models to sketch. Presented by Hommehomo.

🐶 Montréal’s puppy community gathers at Bar Le Stud on December 8, 2022 for Puppy Noël.

📚 The Violet Hour Book Club will read and discuss Cantoras by Carolina De Robertis and gather to discuss on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at the Archives gaies du Québec. (They’ll also be reading The End of Eddy by Édouard Louis for their next meeting on Saturday, January 3 2023).

🎤 The Backstreet Boys Burlesque takes over Café Cléopatra on December 10, 2022. Tickets at Eventbrite. 

🎤 Sing your heart out with Boney M at the stately L’Olympia on December 14, 2022. Tickets here.

🎤 The Tales of Gender Affirmation Open Mic Fundraiser featuring comedy, music, poetry and more alongside special appearances from Raquel Maestre, Binya Koatz, Alo Azimov and a Respectful Roast Battle with Gowtham Kasy will take place at The Diving Bell Social Club on December 15, 2022.

🐻 The bears will be out in force at Bar Le Stud on December 16, 2022, to celebrate Bear Noël.

🌱 Root to Branch brings the Queer Solstice Swap to Frigo Vert on Saturday, December 17, 2022, an opportunity to buy or trade with local QTBIPOC artisans and makers.

🤣 Queer Comedy All Stars is back at the Diving Bell Social Club on December 29, 2022 with host Lucy Gervais, All Azimov, Maka, Darragh Mondoux, Ash Davis and headliner Dan James. Tickets, which usually go quick, are available here.

🤣 Stand-Up St. Henri Open Mic runs every Tuesday throughout the month of December at Montréal Improv. With a focus on giving stage time to women, non-binary, queer comedians and allies, it’s the perfect fit for comedy fans. Tickets at Eventbrite.

PARTIES

🥳 Celebrate 27 years of Bar Le Stud on December 3, 2022! 

🥳 Techno Haute Couture: Oil Edition brings a night of electronic sounds to KIN Experience on Saturday, December 3, 2022. Tickets available here. 

🥳 The Dark Eighties: Cult 80s Hits Party returns to Bar Le Ritz PDB on Friday, December 9, 2022 with a night full of your goth faves. Don’t forget the eyeliner, and purchase tickets at Eventbrite.

🥳 Queen & Queer celebrates their seventh event and first anniversary with a birthday party at La Sala Rossa on Saturday, December 10, 2022, featuring sets from resident DJ Sam and special guest DJ BlackGold. Tickets here.

🥳 Les Divas d’Hochelaga take over Blockhaus on December 10, 2022 with All I Want pour Noël dance party, featuring all your favourite pop divas’ seasonal hits.

🥳 The F4gtory Collective brings their Industrial dance party MANUF4GTURED to Bar Le Ritz PDB on December 10, 2022. 

🥳 Tension Shibari school and lifestyle space in Montréal’s gay village is hosting a Queer Dance Party on Saturday, December 10, 2022.

🥳 Homopop’s popular tribute nights continue with a Beyoncé Dance Party (featuring local queen royalty Kiara and Lady Boom Boom) on December 16th at Cabaret Berlin. 

🥳 District Events’ Frosty guarantees to heat up Club Soda on Saturday, December 17, 2022 with sets from DJ Ashley Gauthier and DJ Isaac Escalante. Grab tickets here. 

🥳 Super Taste MTL want you to dance the night away at VOULEZ-VOUS 2023 to all your favourite new-wave and disco hits at Bar Le Ritz PDB. Tickets available here.

🥳 Say goodbye to 2022 in style at Cirque De Boudoir’s Carnavalesque 2023 Snow Ball New Year’s Even Party at Bain Mathieu on December 31, 2022, hosted by the legendary Plastik Patrik. Tickets at Eventbrite.

🥳 Bar Le Stud rings in the new year with Party du Nouvel An on December 31, 2022, featuring free entry. We’d suggest arriving early!

🥳 Celebrate New Year’s Eve at the epic L’Olympia in the heart of the Gay Village with music from Domeno, TIZI and Michael Louis. Get your tickets here.

DRAG

👑 In collaboration with Montréal’s gay rugby team Armada Montréal (who trade in their jerseys for drag), Gisele Lullaby hosts Armado – Edition Noel at Cabaret Mado on December 1, 2022. Tickets here.

👑 Self-professed “tiny shapeshifting glamour demon” Yikes Macaroni brings Chum Dump #6—Joyeux Noel Open Stage to Bar Le Cocktail on December 3, 2022. 

👑 The incredible drag chameleon Jimmy Moore brings Merry Christmas: Jimmy Moore Does Mariah Carey to Cabaret Mado on December 3, 2022. Tickets available here.

👑 Montréal drag kings Rock Bière and RV Metal host Bière et Métal featuring the city’s finest fellow talents on December 8, 2022 at Cabaret Mado. Tickets here.

👑 Lulu Shade presents Garden of Shade – Winter Edition at Bar Le Cocktail with Sarah Winters, Misty Waterfalls, Sally D and Niko Lubie on December 13, 2022.

👑 Underkingstruction: Werking in the Snow Edition, hosted by Ad’Horrible, Niko Lucie and Mike Oxlong promises to be the most unique holiday drag open stage show in Montréal on December 15, 2022 at Notre-Dame-Des-Quilles. Sign up here to perform. PWYC!

👑 Miami Minx brings Les Folies Draglesque to Cabaret Mado on December 15, 2022, a night open to all genders and bodies in the spirit of burlesque, drag and all things in between. Tickets available here.

👑 Uma Gahd and Selma Gahd bring their spooky COVEN back for its December edition featuring Bijuriya to The Diving Bell Social Club on December 16, 2022.

👑 Lady Boom Boom hosts La Revue Drag 2022 at Cabaret Mado on December 18, 2022, featuring Clay Thorris, Démone LaStrange, Jessie Précieuse, Miss Mira Belle, Pétula Claque, Walter Ego and surprise guests. 

👑 Celebrate the holidays in drag with Deux folles à Noël at Bar Le Cocktail on December 22, 2022, hosted by Miss Butterfly and Michel Dorion. Tickets here.

👑 Wow! A special finale screening of Canada's Drag Race: Canada vs. The World is coming to the Olympia de Montréal on December 23, 2022! And the line-up is incredible, featuring Anita Wigl'it, Gisele Lullaby, Kendall Gender, Kiara, Kitana Sweett, Kiara, Rajah Ohara, Rita Baga, Silky Nutmeg Ganache, Stephanie Prince, Vanity Milan and Victoria Scone, hosted by Uma Gahd! Grab tickets at the link. 👠

👑 Rainbow hosts Bingo Disco on December 28, 2022. And what’s better than drag bingo? Not much! Tickets here. 

👑 Jimmy Moore keeps the hits coming with Jimmy Moore personnifie Lady Gaga at Cabaret Mado at both 7:30 and 10:00 pm on December 29, 2022. Tickets for both shows available here.

👑 Crystal Starz hosts Starz Night at Bar Le Cocktail with special guests Sasha bags and Lana Dalida on December 29, 2022. Pre-show tickets are available at lepointdevente.

👑 Ring in the New Year at Bar Le Cocktail’s Bonne Année 2023 on December 31, 2022 with queens Ciatha Night, Crystal Starz, Chouchoune, Chibouki and Sally-D. Tickets available now.

👑 Every Tuesday, Canada’s Drag Race season 3 winner Gisèle Lullaby hosts Full Gisèle at Cabaret Mado. Tickets and schedule at Cabaret Mado’s website.

👑 On Friday nights, the legendary Mado Lamotte hosts Mado Reçoit at her namesake club, Cabaret Mado. Each week, she shares the stage with a hand-picked roster of queens. Tickets and lineup info here. 

👑 Bar Le Cocktail’s regular weekly events include Butterfly de Nuit with Miss Butterfly on Thursdays, Vendredi Fou with Michel Dorion on Fridays and Samedi Drôles de Drags with a rotating cast of queens. Check listings for specific details, and pick up tickets here.

[ravenspeakrp]

Welcome to Raven's Peak, Poe, we're excited to have you! Henry Ashford (Burn Gorman, human), Darragh Belmonte (Daniel Bruhl, human), Adrian Ravenlock (Mads Mikkelsen, witch), and Vera Watkins (T'nia Miller, witch) have been accepted. Please be sure to stop by the CHECKLIST for the follow list, tags to track, and other reminders.

OUT OF CHARACTER 

NAME: Poe PRONOUNS: she/they AGE: 30 TIMEZONE: WET

IN CHARACTER 

FULL NAME: Vera Watkins SPECIES: Witch AGE: 38 years old DATE OF BIRTH: 12 March GENDER IDENTITY: Cis Woman  NEIGHBORHOOD: Downtown OCCUPATION: Jeweler WORKPLACE: Freelance, works from her Studio. POSITIVE TRAITS: Understanding, Creative, Caring. NEGATIVE TRAITS: Perfectionist, Hesitant, Dreamy. LENGTH OF TIME IN RAVEN’S PEAK: 4 years FACE CLAIM: T'nia Miller 

BIOGRAPHY

TRIGGER WARNING: none

All things concerned Vera had a happy childhood, being adopted at the young age of five to the Watkins family was the best that could have happened to her. The youngest of three siblings, Vera had always found herself to be curious of the world around her, soon showing her powers as a witch,  her strength falling into metal manipulation which she would find useful in her future. In her 20’s Vera took the leap and travelled outside of town she had found herself for most of her life to study to be a fashion designer, a path that would lead her to what she truly wanted, making jewelry, part do to the small memento she carried with her from her past life, a small pedant left by her mother, round and silver with a rose quartz in the middle. She treasures it deeply and often uses it as inspiration for her designs. Due to her business, she travels more often than she would like and it was during one of her travels that she came across Ravens Peak and decided that the quaint town would be the prefect place for her to settle. Her dream is to hopefully open her own shop to sell her designs.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IN CHARACTER 

FULL NAME: Henry Ashford SPECIES: Human AGE: 48 years old DATE OF BIRTH: 20 July GENDER IDENTITY: Cis Man NEIGHBORHOOD: Cherry Heights OCCUPATION: Art History Professor WORKPLACE: Ravenlock University  POSITIVE TRAITS: Organized, Determined, Rational. NEGATIVE TRAITS: Short-Tempered, Grumpy, Stubborn. LENGTH OF TIME IN RAVEN’S PEAK: 3 Months FACE CLAIM: Burn Gorman 

BIOGRAPHY

TRIGGER WARNING: None Henry Ashford is the middle child of the Ashford family, somewhere along fading into the background as both his siblings took center change. It really didn’t matter to him, he enjoyed not being noticed, it meant that he could avoid being social only talking when needed. Henry had been a somewhat a peculiar child, a bit unfriendly at times, it helped that his younger sibling made it their mission to call him out whenever necessary and somewhere along the way he had mastered enough fake interest to pretend pleasantries, even if at times he couldn’t help himself coming off as rude. His life was uneventful or so that was how he liked to portray it, during his 20’s Henry had grown to be quite skillful at taking things without being notice, usually jewelry that he wanted for himself, a hobby that grew into a freelance job on the side whenever he found convenient. Henry liked the beauty that came with the fine things in life, bracelets and necklaces being his favorite, growing quite the collection as he got older. Perhaps he had grown far too ambitious and confident in his work because now he was hiding, the reason why he was in Ravens Peak, what better place to lay low then a small town where no one would look for him there. He considers himself lucky, for now at least.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

IN CHARACTER 

FULL NAME: Adrian Ravenlock SPECIES: Witch AGE: 58 years old DATE OF BIRTH: 30 October GENDER IDENTITY: Genderqueer NEIGHBORHOOD: Hidden Hills OCCUPATION: Lead Singer of the band ‘Midnight Spell’ WORKPLACE: None POSITIVE TRAITS: Charismatic, Enthusiastic, Out-going. NEGATIVE TRAITS: Impulsive, Careless, Over-Confident.  LENGTH OF TIME IN RAVEN’S PEAK: Most of his life. FACE CLAIM: Mads Mikkelsen

BIOGRAPHY

TRIGGER WARNING: None Adrian Ravenlock, knew that there wasn’t a life for him in Ravens Peak, maybe due to the family name that carried weight with it wherever he went or the fact that he had big dreams  for himself that one small town couldn’t contain. Sure he could be responsible he just choose not to, leaving as soon as he could to pursue a career in music. Things didn’t work out all that well at first, it was good magic was on his side and it helped that his ego was ever going to the point that it wouldn’t flatter, never really showing signs of stopping. One thing lead to another and finally Adrian got his big break, his band got some recognition and they were able to tour around the country, he would never admit to it but maybe there had been a bit of an enchantment here and there in the lyrics, just enough to call attention. He does come home every so often, even if he does try to avoid it but now at the age of 58 Adrian feels like he needs to give Ravens Peak a chance, who knows what might happen.

------------------------------------------------------------------------

IN CHARACTER 

FULL NAME: Darragh Belmonte SPECIES: Human AGE: 46 years old DATE OF BIRTH: 23 April GENDER IDENTITY: Agender NEIGHBORHOOD: Deadman Acres OCCUPATION: Archivist / Ex-Hunter WORKPLACE: Ravenlock University  POSITIVE TRAITS: Observant, Determined, Resourceful. NEGATIVE TRAITS: Sarcastic, Stubborn, Calculative. LENGTH OF TIME IN RAVEN’S PEAK: 9 Months FACE CLAIM: Daniel Brühl

BIOGRAPHY

TRIGGER WARNING: death mention tw, gun tw, murder tw. Darragh was born into a family of Hunters. They were taught from a young age what their place would be in the world, to take pride in what their family did and in the mist of all the stories of grandeur that they had been told it was easy to see why Darra wanted to prove themselves amongst their family, sure they might not understand it all but being an only child it meant that they had to go above to show that they were worthy and for a time it seemed to work. They grew to be a fine hunter, joining a small group of others like them, a sort of second family of their own. Of course things such as this never last forever and eventually Darragh saw more of the world, their perspective slowly changing, it was in this time that they met a woman named Olivia, falling in love for the first, she taught them new things and was a bright light in their world that seemed to be occupied by death. They were ready to walk away from what they knew, no longer the young foolish child they had been, why was it that they were considered the ‘good’ ones, slaughtering whatever supernatural came about, surely they too had families just like them, friends and lovers. Their ideals started to crumble and maybe that is the reason their family started to take notice, far too much questioning on their own part. On a cold night Darragh and their group had been assigned a job, the last one for them, no longer wanting stain their hands with ever lasting blood. It was easy enough, a pack of werewolves, nothing that they hadn’t done before. Darra doesn’t remember much from that night but what they do is, as they approached the pack there was a growl, turning with their gun Darragh had come face to face with one of the wolves but there was something… familiar about their eyes, as if it knew them. Darragh should have seen it then but it had been too late, there was a gunshot noise, the snow red with crimson and then it dawned on them of who lay in it, Olivia. They didn’t take the shot but to them it was as if they had killed her themselves. They reached for her, calling her name as they held her close desperately trying to stop the bleeding, asking for help as the other hunter stood by watching with disgust. What ever devotion they held for their cause fell apart then, they had murdered her when she had done nothing but protect her own, what wrong had they even done? It was then that Darragh made their resolve.  They were disowned by their family, not that they cared much, taking their time to devote to other matters, never sticking to one place for far too long. Of course its only a coincidence that one or two hunters disappear where they visit, nothing to think about. Now they found themselves in Ravens Peak, the rumors of the town far too interesting to stay away.

[manhattanindulgedrp]

The following characters have been accepted and so we ask that you follow the checklist on the server within 24 hours:

Henry Darragh Carney

Alessandro Bendetti

Name: Henry Darragh Carney FC: Aaron Taylor Johnson Age: 31 Gender & Pronouns: cisgender male 4 Personality traits: Flirtatious, Sensual, Adventurous, Ruthless Occupation: Recently unemployed but will be returning as Elizabeth Carney's right hand man. Affiliation: Carney Filling any connections: Carney Heir 2 Facts about your character:

Approximately a year ago, he left New York to travel in his refurbished van. He wanted to see something real and experience it before he stepped into his role as the heir. He was called back by his mothers, given the changes they are seeing among the Families.

He is a true heir to the Family, capable of the kind of ruthlessness that his mother is much admired for and if you betray him, may heaven help you because not even the demons would intervene on your behalf.

(Ames)

Name: Alessandro Bendetti FC: Peter Dinklage Age: 55 Gender & Pronouns: cisgender male 4 personality traits: Brilliant, Self-Deprecating, Loyal and Witty Occupation: Accountant Affiliation: Giannetto Filling any connections: n/a 2 Facts about your character:

The Giannetto family saved him as a small child after his mother died in childbirth and no one wanted to care for him and his high medical needs at the time. They found him a home and made certain he grew up loved and supported. As such, he is extremely loyal but not above taking them down a peg or two if they should try anything with him.

As the Head of the Giannetto's accounting department, he is the only one who knows where all the money is and where it goes. However, he is relatively unnoticed and rarely even bothers with security.

(Ames)

[immature-mel]

Is it just me or does my old Darragh design look like Horrid Henry?

[365days365movies]

March 7, 2021: Wolfwalkers (Review)

Well, it’s not a 98%. Close enough, though...

Because this film is...fantastic. It’s amazing! Come on, it’s such a good movie, what else were you expecting? This one was a corker, it was just a good time. And I’m definitely watching this one again, I promise you that.

But here’s the real question: is it my favorite Cartoon Saloon film? Well...

Yeah, sorry, Song of the Sea still takes that role for me. And to be honest, The Breadwinner gives it a run for its money, too. Definitely better than The Secret of Kells, although...not that much better. I’ll elaborate, I promise. But this is still a great movie! ALL of Cartoon Saloon’s films are great movies, come on!

But, since it’s not a straight-up 100%, I’ll break it down, as well as my very unimportant issues with it. So, let’s get into it. Check out Part One and Part Two of the Recap for more, if you’d like!

Review

Cast and Acting: 10/10

Yeah, if this movie has one thing over the Ghibli films, it’s the voice acting. And yeah, I realize that I’m judging this English-language film vs. the dubbed Ghibli films, and that’s unfair. But even without the Ghibli films factored in...this movie’s got some fantastic voice acting. I can say quite honestly that there isn’t a weak performance in the bunch. Worst ones are probably the two farmers, and they’re completely fine. Climbing on up, we’ve first got Tommy Tiernan (as Sean, and he’s pretty great) and Simon McBurney (as Oliver Cromwell, and he does a fantastic job). Then, Sean Bean and Maria Doyle Kennedy as the concerned parents, and hot damn, they’re great. Kennedy barely gets time to shine, but is great when she does. And Bean? Holy shit, Sean Bean is fucking AMAZING in here!

But no...no, they’re all outright bad compared to the stars of the film, and some of the best young voice actors I’ve ever heard. Don’t know what it is about Cartoon Saloon, but they always get great kids for their films, and Honor Kneafsey and Eva Whittaker might be their best! These two are powerhouses of the film, and their voices inhabited those characters perfectly. I mean it when I say that these two were perfect. Bravo!

Plot and Writing: 8/10

Here’s where the film is a touch weaker than the other Cartoon Saloon films for me, because while this was a good story by Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart, with great writing by Will Collins, it wasn’t their most impactful for me. It’s also, to be honest, quite predictable. Which, no, isn’t a bad thing for a kids’ movie, but it was noticeable. Here’s the thing: Song of the Sea wasn’t super predictable. I was touched and surprised by the ending, and it’s still my favorite of the Saloon films. The Breadwinner...oof, yeah, I had no idea how that one would end. And Kells wasn’t as unpredictable, but it also had some major surprises in store that kept me on my toes. But Wolfwalkers? Didn’t feel it. Knew that Moll would be OK at the end, and that was the main crux of the tension of the story. Now, that said...there were still definitely things that surprised me, like Bill getting bitten, and the two retaining their status as Wolfwalkers in the end. That did surprise me, and it definitely isn’t like the story was bad, even a little bit. Just was basically what I expected.

...Except for Cromwell dying. WHAT THE FUCK. The Cartoon Saloon universe has a REALLY interesting alternate history, I tell you what! Goddamn, I hope they do one that takes place in the USA with some of our folklore and mythology. Like...OOH, I GOT ONE. Paul Bunyan story! Do something with Bunyan and the Ox. Or OOH, EVEN BETTER, Pecos Bill! Actually, maybe not Pecos Bill. John Henry? Eeeeeh, that might be complicated. I dunno, but there’s something there, Cartoon Saloon! There is something there.

Directing and Cinematography: 10/10

I mean...it’s Cartoon Saloon. It’s amazing. Tomm Moore is great again, joined this time by writing partner Ross Stewart. Looks like Nora Twomey is working on another film called My Father’s Dragon, and I am READY for that shit. But yeah, I mean...come on. It’s funny, because this movie’s production and release were heavily affected by COVID-19, and it doesn’t show. There is a single criticism that I can give to it, but it doesn’t belong in this section. Because the directing and cinematography are typically amazing. Goddamn beautiful. As for the one potential flaw...

Production and Art Design: 9/10

Understand: this is a nitpick. Bu if I had to pick on anything here, it’s simply the animation cells showing the sketches lying underneath. Now, Disney ended up doing this with an era of films in the 1960s and ‘70s (The Many Adventures of Winne-the-Pooh, Robin Hood, The Jungle Book, the Aristocats all did this), but it’s still a little distracting here. And that’s it. Character design is goddamn amazing, and actually made me want to start drawing a bit. The artistry of the backgrounds and set-pieces is stellar, and the stylized designs of Cartoon Saloon somehow never get old to me! It’s just...amazing. Like I said: the underlying sketch thing really is a nitpick, and I don’t even mind it, personally. It’s honestly good to see the work behind a 2-D animated movie, you know? So, yeah, just the one point.

Music and Editing: 10/10

Bruno Coulais and Kila knock this music out of the park all-around, and I have nothing negative to say about it. I’m not sure which track is going in my playlist, but one of them is. Maybe “Running with the Wolves”, and I’m only a little ashamed to admit that. OK, what about the editing by Richie Cody, Darren Holmes, and Darragh Byrne? I mean...yeah, it’s amazing, WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME? Animated films rarely have poor visual editing (unless they’re REALLY bad), and the sound editing usually takes the hit. However, no such problem here. Again, sound editing is fantastic in this movie, from voice mixing to sound effects to overall balance. It’s all pretty goddamn great. No complaints here.

Yeah, 94%. I mean, of course, right?

Sure, it’s not Ghibli-levels of profound, but it is fantastic all the same. Who cares about profundity, anyway? It’s just a good goddamn movie! And like I said in the beginning, I’ll be watching this again very soon. Beautiful.

But I think it’s time to start wrapping up the animated portion of this month with something closer to home. Now, I’d love to do Disney, and I was actually going to see Raya and the Last Dragon in theaters this week (yeah, really, not kidding), but other stuff got in the way. And I’ve seen all Disney films other than that. So, what’s another fully American studio who’s produced a movie that I somehow haven’t seen? And, that movie has to be fantasy? Well...

March 7, 2021: Onward (2020)

[noxtms]

dear cherry & rachel; we are pleased to inform you that your applications for COLM O’DONNELL & MAUREEN O’DONNELL have been accepted to 𝐧𝐨𝐱 ! idris elba & jessica chastain are now taken. you have twenty four hours to submit your accounts, or else your roles will be reopened !

⧼   idris elba, cis male, he/him   /   home by edward sharpe & the magnetic zeroes + your mother says you were born with a smile and a bright bubble of laughter in your throat, glee an infectious disease that you cannot help but spread / your mother was right, darling boy of the bright eyes / gentle man with the sun-warm smile / they say true kindness is hard to come across, but yours is spread like birdseed, scattered across the pavement and tucked into nooks and crannies, for those that need it most. joy: like the sunrise, broad and golden. joy: like the way the brook babbles, mirthful laughter and comfort in its coursing pattern. joy: an ethos, a motto, something to syncopate the beating of your heart with.  (  a good man, hard to find and harder to hold but you make yourself available. what a rarity it is, to give yourself away and smile like sunlight as you do it ! clarice lispector writes, ‘ hope was my greatest sin ’ --- - everything looks rose-coloured when you watch the world through optimism and helpless reverie. will you remake the world in your image, calloused and kind hands and something of the eternal lover ?  )  your mother, she says you were born with the world in your palms and a preternatural altruism / of a bleeding heart, all charity and an arm extended so far for others you damn near dislocate your own shoulder. a proud mother’s son, an adoring husband, a doting father, a good man: what an honour it is, to bear these titles. what pride there is to be taken in love, in hope, in joy.   ⧽   ━━   hey, isn’t that COLM DARRAGH O’DONNELL? i read a daily prophet article on them, once ; the FORTY SIX year old pureblood WIZARD is a GRYFFINDOR alumnus who has gone on to be a SELF-EMPLOYED LEGAL COUNSEL. i’ve heard they can be quite INDUBITABLE & ROSEATE, but i don’t know… they came off very SPECULATIVE & GAUCHE in that interview. it really is hard to know what to believe these days though, isn’t it?   [   cherry, twenty2, aest, she/they. ]

⧼   jessica chastain, cis female, she & her   /   little talks by of monsters and men + your father says that you were born in grim faced silence, and he says it with a smile. he turns it into a joke. your father ( a pint of guinness clutched between two calloused hands, his cheeks a splotchy red ) told anyone who would listen that you were born with that worried little dip already pressed between your brows. your eyes were wide open to the world from the moment that you took your life affirming first breath, and with a laugh, he'll deliver the punch line : "and she was so disappointed with what she saw!"   /   relentless raindrops racing their way down a windowpane, the brown tinge infecting a floral arrangement that has been left to turn, the first grey hair to be plucked from that head of brilliant red. you are built of : ruin, freshly frayed edges, carefully bandaged wounds, and yes, that worried little dip between your brows. sombre : so shaded as to be dark and gloomy. of a serious mien. of a dismal or depressing character. grief was the slow killing disease that nestled itself deep within your heart, and your mother, dead before her time, never did have much to say on you. your father, among other things, among the little jokes of your born nature that grow less funny by the year, tells you that you look an awful lot like her. you will never escape the curse of your existence, but you can find small joys to make it all worthwhile : a tiny cottage, a soft bed, a warm embrace, a daughters love. richard siken writes, this is where the evening splits in half, henry. love or death. grab an end, pull hard, and make a wish. please, darling. choose love.   ⧽   ━━   hey, isn’t that MAUREEN THERESE O’DONNELL? i read a daily prophet article on them, once ; the FORTY FOUR year old MUGGLE is a GENERAL PRACTICIONER. i’ve heard they can be quite ALTRUISTIC & PERSPICACIOUS, but i don’t know… they came off very ENIGMATIC & INTRANSIGENT in that interview. it really is hard to know what to believe these days though, isn’t it?   [   rachel, 22, gmt, she / they   ]

[taraross-1787]

This Day in History: George Washington’s army at the Battle of Whitemarsh

On this day in 1777, George Washington’s army engages in the Battle of Whitemarsh. Fortunately, Washington knew that the British were coming. He’d been informed of Howe’s intent through the efforts of Lydia Darragh, a Quaker spy. (See Sunday's history post.)

Of course, “battle” might be a grand name for what occurred. It was more like a series of skirmishes. For several days, British General William Howe kept trying to pull the American army into a full-scale battle, but he kept failing.

Howe’s failures played to the Americans’ benefit.

The battle came just before Washington’s army began its notoriously bad winter at Valley Forge. During those weeks, the Americans were encamped at Whitemarsh, about 13 miles from Philadelphia.

But the British were in Philadelphia! Should Washington attack?

The General deliberated the possibility with his officers, but the answer came back a resounding “No!” The American army was in too sad a state to attempt an attack on Howe. Soldiers lacked basic necessities—even shoes. Moreover, as Henry Knox later wrote, it would be extremely difficult to surprise “10.000 veteran troops in a well fortified city” under such circumstances. Washington was contemplating a move to winter quarters when he received a “variety of intelligence” (including Darragh’s report), convincing him that “Genl Howe was preparing to give us a general Action.”

How did Washington prepare? The story concludes at the link in the comments. 

[citizendoug]

(via Citizen Doug Shoots and Edits “25 Lighters” Music Video for Doc Loc and the Swangers)

"25 Lighters" is the third video shot and edited by Citizen Doug for Doc Loc and the Swangers eponymous first album. I am so thrilled to have been able to work with Henry Darragh on this project. Available for download at Apple Music and Google Play

[xtruss]

Full List of “Patriot Representatives” Who Voted Against the Funding, American Tax Payers Money to the Illegal and Terrorist Regime of God’s Fucked-up People Zionist Cunts, Israel's Iron Dome

— By Darragh Rochie | 9/24/21

The House of Representatives approved funding for Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system on Thursday, following a fraught vote that exposed divisions among Democrats.

Just nine members of the House voted "nay" to the $1 billion in funding—eight Democrats and one Republican—and the measure was approved by 420 votes to 9, with two members voting "present."

Though the final result was decisive and bipartisan, the debate on the House floor proved contentious as Representative Rashida Tlaib accused Israel of being an "apartheid state," earning a strong rebuke from fellow Democratic Representative Ted Deutch.

Cori Bush, Ilhan Omar and Ayanna Pressley

Thomas Massie and the Nightmare for Boak Bollocks Politicians in Washington, D.C. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

The Democrats who voted against the funding were: Cori Bush of Missouri; André Carson of Indiana; Jesús García of Illinois; Raúl Grijalva of Arizona; Marie Newman of Illinois; Ilhan Omar of Minnesota; Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts; and Rashida Tlaib of Michigan.

They were joined by Republican Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky. He appeared to explain his vote on Twitter by pointing to his position opposing foreign aid.

Two members voted "present"—Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York and Henry Johnson of Georgia, both Democrats, while Republican Debbie Lesko of Arizona did not vote. Lesko missed the vote because she is at home on the advice of her doctor and will undergo surgery to remove her gallbladder.

Ocasio-Cortez changed her vote from "nay" to "present" in the minutes before the vote closed and was in tears on the House floor, huddled with colleagues. She had been criticized by pro-Israel groups for her opposition to funding the Iron Dome.

Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) speaks during a press conference, to address remarks made by US President Donald Trump earlier in the day, at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. on July 15, 2019. Tlaib was one of nine members of the House of Representatives to vote against funding for Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system. Brenden Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images

Tlaib, the only Palestinian American member of Congress, strongly opposed the measure and her remarks led to accusations of anti-Semitism from another Democratic lawmaker.

"I will not support an effort to enable and support war crimes, human rights abuses and violence," Tlaib said. "The Israeli government is an apartheid regime."

Tlaib was criticized for her remarks by Republican Representative Chuck Fleischmann of Tennessee, who said she opposed the measure because of anti-Semitism in the Democratic Party.

Representative Ted Deutch of Florida, a Democrat, also took aim at Tlaib.

"I cannot allow one of my colleagues to stand on the floor of the House of Representatives and label the Jewish democratic state of Israel an apartheid state," Deutch said.

"To falsely characterize the state of Israel is consistent with those who, let's be clear, it's consistent with those who advocate for the dismantling of the one Jewish state in the world," he said.

"When there is no place on the map for one Jewish state, that's anti-Semitism and I reject that," Deutch added.

[craftfurnish-blog]

Alleppey Coir

COMFORTABLY COIR

Coir mattresses are the best. They give you an extremely comfortable, relaxed and a good night’s sleep. We all must have heard these words at some point or the other in our lives while shopping for mattresses. But what exactly is coir?

Coir is a natural fibre extracted from the outer husk of a coconut. It is the fibrous material found between the internal hard shell and the external coating of coconut. The word ‘coir’ comes from a Malayalam word ‘kayar’. Some historians believe that coir was first used to make the rope of ships by the Indian navigators, travelling to South East Asia and Gulf countries in around 11th century. The first coir factory ‘Darragh Smail & Company’ was jointly set up by James Darragh and Henry Smail in Alleppey, Kerala in 1859 which majorly produced coir mats and other floor coverings. Impressed by the versatility and strength of coir, the Britishers during their rule in India further promoted and expanded the coir sector. Soon Alleppey became a hub of Kerala’s coir industry.  

The coir fibre is extracted from the hard outer husks of coconut. These husks are then carefully bundled and dipped in water for almost a period of 8 to 10 months. This is known as the Retting process. After taking out from the water, these husks are thrashed with a wooden mallet to extract the fibre and separate it from the decomposed husk. The fibre extracted is then spun to make the yarn. The yarn is then woven to make ropes, baskets, mats, rugs and other coir products.

Owing to the availability of economical labour and abundance of coconut as the raw material, the Coir Industry is the largest Cottage Industry in Kerala. Giving direct employment to millions of people, both men and women are actively involved in the production of Coir handicrafts. The women are mainly involved in the yarn spinning sector while men are engaged in the product-weaving sector of the industry.

With the growing awareness of using the eco-friendly products made from natural fibres, beautiful and affordable handicrafts made from coir like ropes, baskets, mattresses, floor coverings, rugs, doormats, lamps, scrubbers, etc are gaining momentum among the youngsters of our country.  

The Kerala State Coir Corporation Ltd. has been successfully exporting coir products to several countries like the U.S.A., U.K., France, Russia, Poland and Brazil. The major exported products include coir pith, tufted mats, coir Geo-textiles, rugs and carpets, ropes and power-loom mats along with hand-loom mats, coir yarn and rubberized coir.

According to a government survey, the export of coir and coir products from India worth Rs. 2757.90 crore for the year 2019-20 was registered making it one of the topmost export item in India.  It is estimated that 9, 88,996 MT of coir and coir products were exported during the year 2019-20 as against 9, 64,046 MT that was exported during the year 2018-19.

The Department of Coir Development, Government of Kerala has recently organized an international event on Kerala coir and natural fibre products, ‘Coir Kerala 2021’, in the month of February 2021 on Virtual platform. With an aim of exploring and expanding the international market for coir products from Kerala and with the vision to support women empowerment by making the coir products easily available to all, the eighth edition of the annual Coir Kerala fair encourages the use of the latest machinery and technology in the coir production sector.

Furthermore, to bring a new wave of development in the coir industry of the state by enabling the villagers, especially the rural women of Allepey, the geographical indication status was granted to Alleppey coir in 2007.

Indian handicrafts online

[phgq]

Bernaldez to fight Argentinian in Miami Oct. 17

#PHnews: Bernaldez to fight Argentinian in Miami Oct. 17

DAVAO CITY – Orthodox Mark “Machete” Bernaldez of General Santos City will fight Ezequiel Alberto “Beto” Tevez of Argentina on Oct. 17 at the Manual Artime Community Center Theater in Miami. The 24-year-old Bernaldez (20W-4L-0D, 14KO) lost to undefeated Albert Bell of the United States by a unanimous decision on July 2 in his first outing at The Bubble in MGM Grand, Las Vegas. Tevez (13W-6L-0D, 4KO), on the other hand, lost by a knockout to undefeated Henry Lebron of Puerto Rico in the 3rd round on Nov. 9 last year. Meanwhile, welterweight Jameson Bacon of Mandaue will face Gonzalo Carlos Dallera of Argentina in the undercard. Bacon (23W-4L-OD, 15KO) last saw action against Darragh Foley of Australia on Nov. 16. The 30-year old Bacon knocked down Foley in the first round but still lost the 8-round fight. Dallera (6W-8L-0D, 4KO), on the other hand, recently lost to Branden Pizzaro of the US by a knockout in the third round on Feb. 8 in Florida. The boxing match is being promoted by M & R Boxing Promotions headed by Laura Ching with Melvin Rivas as the matchmaker. (PNA)

***

References:

* Philippine News Agency. "Bernaldez to fight Argentinian in Miami Oct. 17." Philippine News Agency. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1117628 (accessed October 07, 2020 at 02:29AM UTC+14).

* Philippine News Agency. "Bernaldez to fight Argentinian in Miami Oct. 17." Archive Today. https://archive.ph/?run=1&url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1117628 (archived).

[countyclosed]

FINALS DAY 2019

Six for Sam as Max retains

The 2019 Champions were crowned on Sunday with many familiar and some new faces claiming the titles. 

Sam Ward made it six women’s titles with a win over Emma Gregson while Max Forster fended off David Barnett’s attempt to regain the men’s title as he won for the second year in a row.

Jon Evans again won two titles, retaining his M55 crown and adding the M60 as he beat first Glenn Ward and then defending champion Ronnie Freeman on a typically busy day for the Welsh wizard. Peter McLeod, who lost out to Jon in last year’s M45 final, took the top prize this year and along with Simon Cliff retained the Doubles title.

Gill Millington took the Women ‘s O40 title in an all-Tynemouth final against title-holder Louise Robertson, who nevertheless went on the claim the E Grade crown.   Angus Forster made it a family double as he won the B Grade while Sam Sweeney and Neil Roberts were the C and D champions.

COUNTY CLOSED 2019 : FINALS

W40:   Gill Millington  3-1 Louise Robertson       8-11, 13-11, 11-8, 11-7 M60:  [1] Jon Evans 3-1 [2] Ronnie Freeman   11-4, 11-6, 11-13, 11-8 M55:  [1] Jon Evans 3-0 [2] Glenn Ward                     11-7, 17-15, 11-5 M45:  [1] Peter McLeod 3-0 [3/4] Charlie Ponente       11-9, 11-6, 11-4 B:  Angus Forster 3-1 Nathan Dobson            8-11, 11-5, 11-4, 13-11 C: Sam Sweeney 3-0 Lewis Cruz                             11-7, 11-9, 11-8 D: Neil Roberts 3-2 Shaun Hood         13-15, 11-5, 9-11, 11-9, 13-11 E: Louise Robertson 3-1 Neale Pattinson       11-8, 8-11, 11-8, 11-5 DBLS:  McLeod & Cliff 2-0 Garner & Doran                      11-4, 11-8 R/B:  Simon Long 3-0 John Thompson                     11-9, 11-6, 11-8             LADIES:  [1] Sam Ward 3-0 [2] Emma Gregson                11-5, 11-5, 11-5 MEN:      [2] Max Forster 3-1 [3/4] Dave Barnett     11-8, 12-14, 11-5, 11-7

PHOTO GALLERY (now complete, 300+)

Plate Champions: A: Dave Jackson, B: George Frewing, C: Steven Rutherford, D: Henry Darragh, M45: John Armstrong, M55: Tim Shield, M60: Mike Cherryman, Ladies: Amy Rowell, R/B: John Armstrong 

DRAWS & RESULTS  |  TWITTER FEED  | LIVE & REPLAYS

PHOTO GALLERY (now complete, 300+)

[wknc881]

Lost and Refound Folk Albums of the 1970s

So much music is made in the world, it can be overwhelming. Great albums are bound to be lost to time, especially in the days of physical copies. Thankfully, prolonged dedication has allowed for some lost albums and artists to be refound and given a second chance. Here are some of the greats:

Linda Perhacs: By day a dental hygienist in Beverly Hills in the 1960s, by night a folk-psychedelic singer-songwriter. Leonard Rosenman, a prominent film-composer, was one of her clients and was impressed by a demo tape of recordings she gave him; he then produced her masterpiece 1970 album Parallelograms, the title track inspired by synesthesia on Ventura Freeway and “seeing music”. The album didn’t chart well commercially and she returned to her dental career. In the 2000s, Perhacs was tracked down and Parallelograms was rereleased before she given the chance to record two new albums: The Soul of All Natural Things in 2014 and I’m A Harmony in 2017, both evidence that pure talent never fades.

Listen to: Hey Who Really Cares, Paper Mountain Man

Bill Fay: A college student in Wales in the 1960’s, Bill Fay was less interested in his electronics classes than the music he was making in his spare time. His demos scored him a recording spot at Decca Records, and he released two progressive-folk albums: his gentle self titled debut in 1970 and the more charged Time of the Last Persecution in 1971, the latter of which grapples with moral issues such as the Vietnam War and segregation through a religious lens. After the albums failed to gain attention, he was dropped from Decca and “deleted” from the music industry. He worked as a fish packer and groundskeeper until the late 90s, when he was tracked down by producers Jim O’Rourke and Joshua Henry with help from Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy. He has since been able to release three new albums: Life is People (2012), Who is the Sender? (2015), and his latest release, Countless Branches (2020). 

Listen to: I Hear You Calling, Tell It Like It Is

Rodriguez: Folk songwriter Sixto Rodriguez released two albums with Sussex Records in 1970 and 1971, both with poetic lyrics often discussing life in inner city Detroit. Neither album was an immediate success, leading him to quit music in the 70s and buying a house in a government auction for $50 (which he still lived in as of 2013). Meanwhile, and mainly unbeknownst to him, his records gained massive success in Australia, Botswana, New Zealand, and Zimbabwe, and stood as anti-Apartheid anthems in South Africa. He become the subject of a documentary, Searching for Sugar Man, which chronicled two Cape Town fans searching for him and went on to win a Sundance prize in 2012. Since his rediscovery, his albums Cold Fact and Coming from Reality have been reissued and he has been in talks with producer Steve Rowland about releasing new music. 

Listen to: I Think of You, Jane S. Piddy

Sibylle Baier: Young German actress and singer-songwriter, Sibylle Baier, recorded her songs for her only album Colour Green on reel-to-reel tapes sometime between 1970 and 1973. She never released them, and gave up hopes of a career in artistry in favor of raising her family. Thirty years later, her son Robby compiled a CD of the songs to give to family members and it found its way to the Orange Twin label, who released it in 2006. These fourteen hauntingly beautiful folk songs have since become well loved, which has left Baier “really quite perplexed” but “smitten” according to her son Robby (she prefers to stay off the Internet, it makes her “dizzy”). 

Listen to: Forget About, Tonight

One of the most magnetic qualities about folk music is its everlasting relevance; no matter how much time has passed, a good song will always strike a chord. These lost and refound albums and artists exemplify this trait, as they not only inspired dedicated searches in their name but still make a lasting impression on old and new listeners today.

 -DJ Big Hoss 

(camryn darragh)

i got really into this and it got kind of long

[outofthepack]

1911-12 Imperial Tobacco C55 - Checklist

Voici le checklist de la série de 1911-12 d’Imperial Tobacco C55. Vous pourrez en imprimer une version en allant dans le menu caché en haut à gauche de cette page (Petite boite carré avec 2 flèches).

□1 Paddy Moran RECTO - VERSO

□2 Joe Hall RC  R - V

□3 Barney Holden R - V

□4 Joe Malone RC R - V

□5 Ed Oatman RC  R - V

□6 Tom Dunderdale  R - V

□7 Ken Mallen  RC  R - V

□8 Jack Macdonald  RC  R - V

□9 Fred Lake  R - V

□10 Albert Kerr RC  R - V

□11 Marty Walsh  R - V

□12 Hamby Shore RC  R - V

□13 Alex Currie  RC  R - V

□14 Bruce Ridpath  R - V

□15 Bruce Stuart  R - V

□16 Percy Lesueur  R - V

□17 Jack Darragh  RC  R - V

□18 Steve Vair  RC  R - V

□19 Don Smith  RC  R - V

□20 Cyclone Taylor  R - V

□21 Bert Lindsay  RC  R - V

□22 Larry Gilmour  RC  R - V

□23 Bobby Rowe  RC  R - V

□24 Sprague Cleghorn  RC  R  - V

□25 Odie Cleghorn  RC  R  - V

□26 Skein Ronan  RC  R - V

□27 Walter Smaill  RC VAR  R - V  (Hand On Stick / Hand On Hip)

□28 Ernie Johnson  R - V

□29 Jack Marshall  R - V

□30 Harry Hyland  R - V

□31 Arthur Ross  R - V

□32 Riley Hern  R - V

□33 Gordon Roberts  R - V

□34 F. Glass  R - V

□35 Ernest Russell  R - V

□36 James Gardiner  RC   R - V

□37 Arthur Bernier  R - V

□38 Georges Vezina  RC   R - V

□39 G. (Henri) Dallaire  RC   R - V

□40 R. (Rocket) Power RC   R - V

□41 Didier Pitre  R - V

□42 E.D. "Newsy" Lalonde  R - V

□43 E. Payan RC  R - V

□44 Georges Poulin RC  R - V

□45 Jack Laviolette R - V