#christmas countdown 2017

[dasturdlydangerousduck]

A Very Merry Duckberg Christmas Countdown

#11: Launchpad McQuack

"Why exactly is it called a Silent night? Everyone here is so cheerful and loud! So why not call it a Loud night? I don't get it..."

#DuckbergChristmasCountdown

[smash-64]

2024 Game of the Year Countdown #11: Super Mario Odyssey Nintendo Switch, 2017

I got this game for Christmas in 2018, and I’m not quite sure why it kept falling down my backlog list, but I never actually put it in and gave it a try. 

While I have a lot of nostalgia for Super Mario 64 and still think it’s the best 3D Mario game, I have always felt that Mario games work best as 2D side-scrollers. Perhaps that’s got something to do with growing up in an era when gaming = platformers, I’m not sure. The Galaxy games were only okay, and I had no taste for Sunshine. 3D World was decent, but it felt phoned in, at times. Odyssey feels like a return to form, despite a few issues I have with it.

One of my favorite things about Mario games is that if you’ve played one, you can come back and play another years later and the controls feel familiar. Odyssey feels great and all the movements and jumps Mario had in 64 are still there and generally work the same. Tutorials feel unobtrusive (for once!), despite the fact that they are so frequent. The camera does still fight you though, which is annoying. 

Theming in most worlds is well done, especially in colors and design. However, I found the music to be generally lacking. We do get a few fun songs for scripted events, but I didn’t think any world tracks were special or memorable, which was a bit disappointing. 

As for the worlds themselves, I found myself returning to certain ones much more often than others, such as the one that gave us Mexican Mario. Some only saw me as long as I needed to be there, and I never returned. It’s not too different from any other Mario game in that respect.

I used to hate when games gave us dozens of costume changes, thinking it was “empty” additional content. And while it’s fun to put Mario in a sombrero or a wedding dress, I do miss the power-ups we once had, and the corresponding costume changes that went along with them. I fully understand that you can’t just make every Mario game with only mushrooms and fire flowers, that’d get stale after 40 years of Mario games. Additionally, Mario games have kind of tried to draw a line between 3D and 2D by generally keeping the traditional power-ups in the 2D games. Instead, the 3D games will embrace a new gimmick like Cappy, FLUDD, or, most regrettably, motion controls. But, it was still a little strange that we didn’t get any mushrooms or super stars, two of the most iconic things in gaming. (I know some stars show up, but they aren’t the invincibility super stars I’m talking about) Most of the power-ups we do get in Odyssey feel restrictive, if I’m honest, since they limit our movement. I doubt people were clamoring for Manhole Cover Mario or Sunglasses Moai Mario, even if I do appreciate the throwback to Super Mario Land with that one.

My biggest gripe with the game is more of a mixed feeling than a straight up gripe: there are too many moons. After just a few days of play, I had 100 moons and had only been to two worlds. The game has so many to encourage exploration and to get us to try new things; but moons are so easy to get, it almost feels trivial to get them. Stars in Mario 64 felt much more…special? They weren’t necessarily difficult to get, but most required more work or thought, and therefore felt like more of a reward at the end. Moons are literally everywhere.

However, I like that each world has so many moons because when I really enjoy a world, I can spend more time there. You can buy hints to find new moons from Toad, and I have yet to run out of hints in any world. So by that measure, I like how many moons there are. Like I said, it’s a bit of a mixed feeling. 

When I really think about it, they might have put so many moons in to appeal to people with short attention spans or little free time. Play for 10 minutes. Get three moons. Feel accomplished. It still doesn’t change the mixed feelings I have, but this sort of style is a change from some of the 100 hour JRPGs I’ve been playing, so I kind of welcome the change of pace. Additionally, really frustrating moons can be passed over because there’s always an easier one somewhere nearby. It gives players a choice of how they want to play, and I have to appreciate that.

As I made my way through the game, I found new worlds less and less interesting. I can’t quite grasp why this was happening, short of just wanting to see the ending, but while I spent a whole week exploring Mexico, I was trying to get out of Soup World as fast as possible. By the time I got to the very end, I was ready for the final fight. It’s weird to feel this way with Mario games because it feels like I’ve left a part of my childhood behind by not enjoying Mario games as much. I still had a good time with Odyssey, but I doubt I’ll be returning to it very often.

[klaineccfanficlibrary]

I’m in the mood for some holiday stories, so any Christmas klaine recommendations? Preferably where they are already together. Maybe even with kids?

Well, you are certainly early in your countdown to Christmas!! This is an easy ask to find fics for - as we have so many different 'bangs' over the years with Christmas fics written for it. Check out our Christmas tag for a large number of fics. Also these in our library:

Klaine Advent 2015

Klaine Advent 2016

Klaine Advent 2017

Klaine Advent 2018

And also these on A03:

Klaine Secret Santa Gift Exchange 2022 | Archive of Our Own

Klaine Secret Santa Gift Exchange 2023 | Archive of Our Own

They are not all Christmas fics, but many are.

Here are some:

A very hallmark Christmas by @coffeegleek

Semi-famous actor!Kurt and semi-famous actor!Blaine work the Hallmark Christmas Movie circuit in true B-actor form. Though they’ve worked on the same movies before, this time they land roles that could change their lives forever. Mostly happy fluff, but has some angst. This is Hallmark, so of course it has a happy ending. Many of my favorite tropes have been included: badboy!Kurt who really has a heart of gold and sweetness, famous!Kurt, famous!Blaine, actor!Kurt, actor!Blaine, soulmates, soulmarks, AU Glee, angst with a happy ending, and fluff. There’s also a heavy dose of cheesy Hallmark Christmas Movie writing in both the script and commercials. In true AU form, canon characters abound in various non-canon roles.

~~~~~

A Boyfriend for Christmas By @caramelcoffeeaddict CoffeeAddict80

When Kurt takes his 6-year-old nephew, Caleb, to see Santa, he's mortified when Caleb asks Santa to give his Uncle Kurt a new boyfriend for Christmas; Blaine - who is working as one of Santa's helpers - however, is eager to help Caleb get his Christmas wish.

~~~~~

The Christmas Guest by @lilyvandersteen

Kurt goes home for the holidays and finds out a fellow passenger will have no-one to celebrate with, so he invites him to spend Christmas with the Hummel-Hudsons. Somehow, Kurt's family thinks the guy he brought home is his boyfriend. As the days go by, and his Christmas guest proves enchanting in every way, Kurt finds himself wishing they truly were dating. Could his wish come true

~~~~~

[ecreau]

Throwback Tuesday!

Here are some of my favorite watercolor paintings I did way back in 2017 or 2018.

The first painting is of a Caterpie. I wish I could replicate this in digital painting because I really like the combination of watercolor and colored pencils, which I used in this piece.

The second and third paintings are from my Delibird Christmas countdown watercolor series. I did 25 paintings plus six more for New Year’s Eve. These two are my favorites. I had a lot of fun doing this countdown. Maybe I could do it this year or next year. I kinda miss doing a 365-day drawing challenge. It is hard, but it was also fun to practice drawing every day. :)

-

Please do not repost my artwork/design. Ask me first.

Thank you!⁠

-

“Beautiful Things Blossom”

[shark-myths]

countdown to the holidays

the elves at shark-myths enterprises are hard at work putting together a 2023 holiday peterick fic for you all to enjoy... in the meantime, here are my winter holiday stories from past years for you to enjoy!

the friction in your jeans (2016)

Patrick shouldn't even have Grindr installed on his phone. He knows this. But sometimes touring gets so lonely...

The Opposite of Amnesia (2017)

A decorating accident lands the boys in the E.R. a few days before Christmas.

Think of All The Fellas I Haven't Kissed (2018)

Like so many of Pete’s bad sexual decisions, the Mrs. Claus costume starts as a joke.

merry christmas, i could care less (2020)

All Pat wants for Christmas is to celebrate with her girlfriend. All Pete wants is not to let her down.

Promise You Anything (2021)

Normal people have resolutions about normal things. Pete has resolutions about Patrick.

[9w1ft]

Re: Kar's 2017 VS outfit. Is that a clock necklace?

man, just when you think you’ve scoured through EVERYTHING that these shows had to offer.

does anyone know? my one thought was the clocks could be a nod to new year’s eve countdowns.

i tried looking up concept descriptions for the segment and stuff pertaining to clocks or theming that would work well with incorporating clocks wasn’t mentioned anywhere. the segment name is Punk Angels.

but it sort of works with the seasonal aspect of the VSFS shows, that while filmed in november were made for broadcast in december as a sort of christmas/holiday tv special. with this context, the clocks could be a nod to new year’s eve countdowns. indeed, karlie’s necklace does look like a clock set to right before midnight

i thought it was worth pointing out that i found several models with the same necklace. the other half of the models for this segment seem to be wearing spike collars, as per the punk theming.

anyways, always a fun excuse to go pore through the victoria’s secret fandom wiki!

[blogger360ncislarules]

Earlier this month, Brant Daugherty and Tammin Sursok had a Pretty Little Liars reunion in Hallmark Channel’s Countdown to Christmas movie Trivia at St. Nick’s. PLL alum Ian Harding has become a Hallmark mainstay, too, currently starring in Hallmark+’s Holidazed — and he tells PEOPLE his own Pretty Little Liars reunion moment on the network is “bound to happen.”

“I love a good overlap,” Harding says. “I’d love to work with Troian [Bellisario] or Shay [Mitchell] again, and obviously Lucy [Hale]. There's so much of a fan base there. I think it's got to be very specific, but a holiday rom-com with Lucy Hale? That'd be amazing!”

Since Pretty Little Liars wrapped in 2017, Harding shared the screen again with Torrey DeVitto — who played Spencer’s (Bellisario) big sister Melissa — in seasons 4 and 5 of Chicago Med. “She's become such a good friend of mine,” Harding says. “I was just at her wedding.”

Harding says fans never forget his PLL past, though, as he still gets recognized as high school teacher Ezra Fitz, who has a romance with student Aria Montgomery (Hale).

“I'm grateful that the rabid fan base has grown up a little bit,” he says. “A lot of times it's just the casual glance where somebody recognizes me, or they'll just come up and say like, ‘Hey, I was a big fan of that show.’ And they shake your hand and then you keep walking.”

Thanks to streaming, Pretty Little Liars has found new fans, too.

“It's still out there,” Harding says of the show. “You get new fans, but they're 12 years old and you're like, ‘We wrapped when you were five, how does that work?’”

Sometimes passersby can’t quite place how they know Harding. “That happens once out of, I'd say, every three times,’” he says. “Somebody will say, ‘Hey, you're that local news anchor,’ or something. Sometimes I roll with it, and sometimes I don't.”

Later this month, Harding will star opposite Lindsay Lohan in Netflix’s Our Little Secret, a holiday film in which two siblings discover their significant others dated when they all spend Christmas together. Harding feels that both Netflix and Hallmark’s holiday programming has “a lot of heart.”

“They're two sides to the same coin and I've been so lucky because I've been able to play in both,” the father of one says. “They both try and stick to the heart of what Christmas movies are, which is about connection and family. There's a romance to it, while also acknowledging there's a certain amount of anxiety that comes from dealing with family, and the only way to really address that is with humor and, in some cases, wine.”

For Harding, getting to work on both Hallmark and Netflix holiday projects feels like the ultimate Christmas present.

“I feel truly beyond grateful that this is my job, that I am paid to pretend to have Christmas surrounded by beautiful and funny people,” he says. “I hope that I get to keep doing it.”

[thelostexperiment]

DT timeline from fowl (theory/headcanon)

In the early 60's Bradford was still young with a full head of hair, met and teamed up with black heron, making f.o.w.l…

Some time a little later in the mid 60's Heron tried to get the formula for gummi-berry juice, meanwhile Scrooge just joined s.h.u.s.h. as a new philanthropist, he and Beakley beat Heron, and Bradford must have just found out his partner in crime just got defeated by those two.

Scrooge's big Christmas party probably happened in the late 70's that would be a whole new decade later for him to age into the state we see him at the Christmas party where he and Scrooge apparently first met face to face.

Ludwig Van Drake got kidnapped by f.o.w.l. sometime after the 70's or at least some time after the Christmas party. If they had the stone of what was at the time and didn't lose it yet. It would be very easy to fake someone's death by just leaving a lifeless clone of that person to be found. Before being kidnapped, he still trusted Bradford enough at the time for Bradford to easily lure him somewhere to capture him.

 Later in the early 90's is when Donald and Della come to stay with Scrooge and "The First Adventure". After which Bradford becomes Scrooge's new CFO, and starts his 30 year plan to get the papyrus of binding back. 

 Then either that year or some other year after that Dewy time travels back to meet his mom and uncle as kids for Christmas.

Around 2006, Scrooge built the Spear of Selene and Bradford told Della about it, basically instigating the Spear of Selene fiasco.

Beakley attempted to shut down f.o.w.l. once and for all but finds a baby duckling who she named Webby and goes into hiding at McDuck manner. This is possibly also when f.o.w.l. lost the Stone of what was. 

Possibly after that, Bradford causes Duckworth's death, either directly or indirectly.

August 12, 2017, the triplets meet their uncle Scrooge for the first time.(DuckTales 2017 officially started)

September 23, 2017, "The great dime chance!" 

April 2018, "The Beast in the Board Room!"

July 7, 2018, Black Heron made a second attempt at recreating gummi-berry juice but was stopped by Webby. 

August 11, 2018 "the last crash of the sunchaser!" 

August 18, 2018, Magical DeSpell was released, The Shadow war happened. Then Magica lost her magic. 

September 2018, "Countdown to Termination!"

December 24, 2018, "Last Christmas!" takes place. 

 May 13, 2019, Della returned to earth and reunited with (most) of her family. 

September 9, 2019, Timephoon.

September 11, 2019, Louie became the richest duck in the world. Bradford tricked him into releasing the zombie bombie, where Louie ended up cutting the funding to McDuck's satellites before giving the wealth back to scrooge.

September 12, 2019, The Moonvasion happened. And after that ended f.o.w.l. came back "from the shadows". 

April 4, 2020, the ducks found the lost journal of Isabella Finch. And f.o.w.l. was watching them.

April 4, 2020, "Quack Pack!" the ducks found the lamp of Alli Babah.

April 11, 2020, "Double-O-Duck in you only crash twice" the Intelli-ray was invented using the Third Eye Diamond.

April 18, 2020, The lost Harp of Mervana was found.

 September 21, 2020, "The Phantom and the Sorceress", Magica got her magic back.

 October 12, 2020, The Forbidden Fountain of the Foreverglades was found by the ducks.

October 19, 2020, "Let's Get Dangerous!" Bradford got outed as the leader of f.o.w.l.

October 26, 2020, Bradford distracts the Ducks as f.o.w.l. steals all the missing mysteries that were found.

November 2, 2020, the split sword of Swanstantine was recovered by the ducks from f.o.w.l.

November 23, 2020, the blessed bagpipes of clan McDuck was recovered by the Ducks.

March 1, 2021, The Ducks recovered the stone of what was, but f.o.w.l. was able to get back a piece of it.

 March 15, 2021, the events of "The Last Adventure" Happened happened. f.o.w.l. was defeated and Bradford got turned into a feral vulture by Magica.

[queensharottoart]

Countdown to December: Kimberly

Originally uploaded on: November 2nd, 2017

Christmas gift for @strikerwott12

[dasturdlydangerousduck]

A Very Merry Duckberg Christmas Countdown

#10: Drake Mallard

"People always ask how can a duck like myself wear this style of clothing in the freezing cold? The answer is simple. I'm a stunt double. I'm more than prepared for the coldest of weathers! You gotta stay dangerous for your fans!!

#DuckbergChristmasCountdown

[hallmark-movie-fanatics]

New in July - Hallmark Movies Now

Caribbean Summer (2022)  Starring  Heather Hemmens and Ser’Darius Blain   Hallmark Channel / Summer Nights 

The Last Bridesmaid (2019)  Starring Rachel Boston and Paul Campbell   Hallmark Channel / June Weddings 

Paris, Wine & Romance (2019)  Starring Jen Lilley and Dn Jeannotte   Hallmark Channel / Countdown to Summer 

Destination Wedding (2017)  Starring Alexa PenaVega, Jeremy Guilbaut, and Andrea Brooks Hallmark Channel / June Weddings 

One Starry Christmas (2014)  Starring Sarah Carter and Damon Runyan   Hallmark Channel / Countdown to Christmas 

It's Christmas, Carol! (2012)  Starring Emmanuelle Vaguer and Carrie Fisher   Hallmark Channel / Countdown to Christmas 

Christmas Song (2012)  Starring Natasha Henstridge and Gabriel Hogan   Hallmark Channel / Countdown to Christmas 

June 1 

Campfire Christmas (2022)  Starring Tori Anderson, Corbin Bleu, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman, Catlin Stryker, and Matt Hamilton   Hallmark Channel / Christmas in July  

Christmas in Rome (2019)  Starring Lacey Cabaret and Sam Page   Hallmark Channel / Countdown to Christmas 

In the Key of Love (2019)  Starring Laura Ones, Scott Michael, Andrea Brooks, and Shannon Chan-Kent   Hallmark Movies Now 

With Love, Christmas (2017)  Starring Emilie Ullerup and Aaron O’Connell   Hallmark Channel / Countdown to Christmas 

July 6 

The Journey Ahead (2022)  Starring Holly Robinson Peete and Kaylee Bryant   Hallmark Movies & Mysteries 

My Grown-Up Christmas List (2022)  Starring Kevin McGarry and Kayla Wallace  Hallmark Channel / Christmas in July 

The Christmas Ring (2020)  Starring Nareen Contractor and David Alpay  Hallmark Movies & Mysteries / Miracles of Christmas 

Once Upon a Holiday (2015)  Starring Briana Evigan and Paul Campbell   Hallmark Channel / Countdown to Christmas 

Sun, Sand & Romance (2017)  Starring Tricia Helfer and Paul Campbell  Hallmark Channel / Summer Nights 

July 13 

A Tail of Love (2022)  Starring Brittany Bristow and Chris McNally  Hallmark Channel / Spring Into Love 

July 20 

Big Sky River (2022)  Starring Emmanuelle Vaguer and Kavan Smith  Hallmark Movies & Mysteries 

July 27 

Romance to the Rescue (2022)  Starring Andrea Brooks and Marcus Rosner  Hallmark Channel 

All Saints Christmas (2022)  Starring Ledisi and Roger Cross  Hallmark Channel / Countdown to Christmas 

The Holiday Stocking (2022)  Starring Nadine Ellis, Tamala Jones, and B.J. Britt  Hallmark Movies & Mysteries / Mahogany / Miracles of Christmas 

Sense, Sensibility & Snowman (2019)  Starring Erin Krakow, Luke Macfarlane, and Kimberly Sustad  Hallmark Movies & Mysteries / Miracles of Christmas 

Christmas in Toyland (2022) Starring Vanessa Lengies abd Jesse Hutch Hallmark Channel / Christmas in July

And more new movies every Thursday. 

[kokiafans]

KOKIA in flashback - 2017

In the year of 2017, KOKIA begins a new project: Ton ton ton, a project that initially starts with 1 CD (Doubutsu no ongakukai, 'animal concert'), but with a twist: the CD comes in a tin with 6 different designs, all done by KOKIA herself. All songs are about animals, and for every song, KOKIA makes a separate leaflet with the lyrics and the animal design. The project is aimed explicitly at kids as well as adults, with merchandise and more CDs planned for later.

KOKIA returns to China not once, but twice this year, in January and in December, opening en ending the year with her visits. The year also ends with a Christmas concert as per usual, but this time, it's an orchestra concert.

She also starts counting down to her 20th anniversary next year, launching a special website like she did for her 15th anniversary. This is also when she starts her own Facebook page. The countdown has begun!

◆ Lives and events  ◆

January 6 Hollywood Festival Orchestra (Yokohama Minato Mirai Hall) (Promotion: Hollywood festival orchestra 2017)

January 14 UTA-Live 2017 Shanghai concert vol.1 (Shanghai Majestic Theatre) (Promotion: Shanghai 2017)

January 28 Hollywood Festival Orchestra (Tokyo Bunkamura Orchard Hall)

February 25-February 26 KOKIA Live in Naeba Prince white notes Vol.5 (Naeba Prince Hotel Chatelaine) (Promotion: white notes 2017)

April 4 KOKIA 2017 Concert with Orchestra Sinfonica della RAI Roma Mangiare Cantare Amore (Promotion: mangiare cantare amore 2017)

May 13 KOKIA 2017 Hoshi no ongakkai to mori no ongakkai ('star symphony & forest symphony') (Karuizawa Ohga Hall) (Promotion: Karuizawa 2017)

May 13 KOKIA Salon in Karuizawa (Karuizawa Ohga Hall) ※ Event exclusively for members of the KOKIA fanclub, club ancoro

July 16 Combined memorial services on the 10th anniversary of the Niigata-Chûetsu offshore earthquake (Kashiwasaki cultural hall, Art Foret) ※ Dedicated a song at the ceremony. Sang Watashi ni dekiru koto with the children of the Kashiwasaki primary school who were born in the year of the earthquake. (Relevant post)

July 22 KOKIA 2017 Birthday Live in Nagoya ~since 1976~ (NAGOYA Blue Note) ※ 2 performances in 1 day (Promotion: birthday live 2017)

August 11 KOKIA Concert 2017 The Soloist (Tokyo Bunkamura Orchard Hall) (Promotion: soloist 2017)

October 8 Animal Kingdom ~animal album release celebration live~ (Tokyo, Haremame (haretara sora ni mame maite) ※ 2 performances in 1 day (Promotion: Animal Kingdom)

December 2 KOKIA 2017 Concert 琴有独钟 vol.2 (Fall in Love with Music) (Guangzhou grand theatre)

December 3 KOKIA 2017 Concert 琴有独钟 vol.2 (Fall in Love with Music) (Shanghai Shangcheng Theater) (Promotion: China 2017)

December 10 KOKIA 2017 The Christmas Season with The Orchestra (Tokyo Bunka Kaikan grand hall) (Promotion: Christmas 2017)

◆ Releases ◆

January Release of the concert DVD KOKIA 2016 Concert LAYERS~lights and shadows~ (anco&co.) (Promotion: Layers concert)

October 8 Release of album Doubutsu no ongakukai ('animal concert') (anco&co.) ※ first album in the ton ton ton project (tontonton)

◆ Other releases ◆

August 2 Release of the Ayahi Takagaki single Futurism (MusicRay'n) ※ Composed the B-side song Sekai to watashi wa tsunagatte iru no dakara ('because the world and I are connected') (Relevant post)

October 11 Release of the single Nostalgia (TEAM Entertainment) ※Opening theme for Yuukyuu no Tier Blade -Fragments of Memory- (’Tier blade of eternity’), the PlayStation Vita game released in the adult dating simulation game brand Otomate. Also performed the end theme, Kimi ga iru kara tsuyoku nareru yo ('Because you're here, I can become strong') (Tier blade)

December 20 Release of the animated TV series Mahou Tsukai no Yome original soundtrack ('The Ancient Magus' Bride') (FlyingDog) ※ Wrote, composed and performed the insert song Seirei no mai ~Dance of the Spirit (the ancient magus bride)

◆ Videos with links to watch ◆

PlayStation Vita game Yuukyuu no Tier Blade -Fragments of Memory- (’Tier blade of eternity’), opening theme Nostalgia: PS Vita Yuukyuu no Tier Blade -Fragments of Memory- opening movie

[iankarlo]

Christmas Journal

Image Source

Are you always excited during Christmas countdowns? A time of the year you've been looking forward to. Since 2017 I have dedicated so much time and effort to writing Christmas Journal. I look forward to writing daily and sharing my thoughts on the upcoming Christmas. It wasn't always a good story but whenever I reread it. It made me happy, I enjoyed reading about how I feel every day and, how I remain enthusiastic. Surely, this is one of my weirdest hobbies but I know that doing Christmas journal sets me apart and that there are just a few people in the world who like to do this.

So here we go again for another yearly Christmas journal. I don't know where to start although I have done this yearly. I wanted to write stories or prose daily related to Christmas but it will be difficult for me to write a daily Christmas prose. So, this year it will be a mix of journals, poetry, and prose.

I hope I have enough time and inspiration so, I can write a lot of stories to share with you. I don't know if they will be interested in reading whatever I'm writing but I enjoyed writing and encouraging people to write what they feel. It has been my advocacy to avoid hurting people. I think writing holiday stories can uplift someone's mood or motivate them to keep going.

I'm planning to make a themed podcast too maybe weeks before December. I will start recording and share it with the people I love. I like sharing stories with people but sometimes I feel hesitant because I feel like they are not interested in the stories I am sharing.

Also, whoever reads this journal will be blessed and have their wishes come true. I truly believe that Christmas is a day of fulfilled wishes.

So come on and write your stories too. You can use the #ChristmasJournal so I can easily read your entries. I would love to read them and share it to the world.

I can't wait to see your entries. I hope you will not get tired of writing until Christmas!!!

Merry and bright,

Ian Karlo

[jules-has-notes]

collaboration spotlight — The Phantom Showman mashup by Fernando Varela

When classical singer Fernando Varela first saw The Greatest Showman, the visual spectacle and soaring music reminded him of one of the shows that had originally inspired him to pursue singing as a career, Phantom of the Opera. After some noodling, he found that the songs from both shows could be combined rather nicely.

Details:

title: The Phantom Showman

performers: Fernando Varela (Raoul), Leah Lowman (Christine), & Tony Wakim (Phantom)

original songs / performers: "Never Enough" by Loren Allred as Jenny Lind (vocals) in The Greatest Showman (2017); "All I Ask of You" & "Think of Me" by Sarah Brightman as Christine Daaé & Steve Barton as Raoul de Chagny in The Phantom of the Opera (1986)

written by: "Never Enough" by Benj Pasek & Justin Paul; "All I Ask of You" & "Think of Me" by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Charles Hart, & Richard Stilgoe

arranged by: Fernando Varela

release date: 9 April 2018

My favorite bits:

the tinkling music box version of the instrumentation

Fernando's lovely clear voice, with just a touch of vibratto

Leah's hopeful princess-y tone

the echo on the Phantom's call

the little flip up into head voice on the second ♫ "never be enough" ♫

the way the songs from both shows weave together

gotta love a dramatic key change

the big harmonized belting moment with a sudden cut-off

pulling back to just tentative vocals and the music box to end

Trivia:

Being a tenor, Fernando cast himself in the role of steadfast Raoul, who falls in love with his childhood friend Christine when they meet as adults. Which is fitting, in a way. After all, Fernando has admitted that the reason he initially pursued opera as a teenager was to spend time with a girl he liked.

This video was filmed at The Ballroom on Church Street, the same location PattyCake used as their castle interior for "Beauty and the Bieber" a year earlier. With brighter lighting, it made for a decent opera house.

Leah and Tony's costumes were both originally created for VoicePlay's "Phantom of the Opera" music video in 2015.

A few months before this recording, Fernando had been a part of the Royal Christmas Gala tour across Europe, which was headlined by Sarah Brightman, who originated the role of Christine in Phantom.

In the lead-up to the release date, Fernando posted a series of coundtdown images on social media.

This is Tony's third filmed iteration of the Phantom. Before VoicePlay's full version of the show's title song, he sang an excerpt in their "Aca Top 10 — Broadway" countdown, which they also performed on the 2015 Sing-Off tour.

PattyCake had released their own Greatest Showman medley in the form of "The Disney Showman" celebrating the life and legacy of the illustrious Walt a month earlier.

Layne later arranged a portion of "Never Enough" for VoicePlay as part of their "Showman Medley" video with Rachel Potter at the end of 2021.

[parksaversnews]

Neil Patrick Harris: A Lifelong Love of Disney

Neil Patrick Harris has had a lifelong love affair with all things Disney. From an early age, he was enchanted by the magic of Disney movies and characters. As he grew into a successful actor and entertainer, his connection to Disney only deepened through opportunities to be involved with Disney productions and events. Early Love of Disney Like many children, Neil was entranced by Disney films from a very young age. Classics like Peter Pan, Mary Poppins, and Bedknobs and Broomsticks captured his imagination. He had Disney storybook records that he would listen to over and over. During family trips to Disneyland as a child, Neil was in awe of seeing his favorite characters come to life before his eyes. This early exposure to Disney magic sparked a lifelong passion. Acting Career Intersects with Disney As Neil pursued acting, his path intersected with Disney in a few notable ways early on. He landed a guest role in a 1989 Mickey Mouse Club serial called "Good Morning, Miss Bliss." A couple of years later, at age 15, Neil was cast in the Disney Channel original movie My Two Dads. When the opportunity came along to voice the lead character in Disney's animated film A Christmas Carol in 2009, it was a dream role for Neil. He later said, "it combined two of my favorite things, animation and the holidays." Hosting Disney Events Neil's charisma, energy, and showmanship made him a natural choice to host various high-profile Disney events over the years. This started in 2010 when Neil was selected to host the World Premiere of Tron: Legacy at Disney's California Adventure. The next year, Disney tapped him to host a medley of Disney songs as part of the 2011 Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade television special. In 2015, Neil had the honor of hosting the World Premiere of World of Color - Celebrate! During the Disneyland Resort Diamond Celebration. He enthusiastically led the crowd in a countdown before the first-ever performance of the new World of Color show, highlighting classic Disney milestones. Most recently, Neil hosted the Disney Family Singalong in April 2020. This ABC television special, filmed during quarantine, featured celebrities performing classic Disney songs from their homes. Neil's infectious enthusiasm - even remotely - brought some Disney magic into households during a difficult time. Disney Attractions Voice Talent Neil has lent his iconic voice to several Disney attractions over the years. In 2010, Neil recorded custom ride audio for California Screamin', the rollercoaster at Disney's California Adventure. His cheeky comments add fun flavor to the ride. In 2017, Neil voiced several roles for Pandora - The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom. His multiple roles include bioluminescent plant life and the role of guide for the Na'vi River Journey attraction. Most recently, in 2022, Neil recorded custom narration for the new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind rollercoaster at Epcot. His narration guides riders on their journey into the Galaxarium planetarium before taking off on an intergalactic chase through space and time. Narrating Candlelight Processional One of Neil's most cherished Disney traditions is narrating the Candlelight Processional at Epcot during the holidays. Since 2013, Neil has returned to Epcot almost every December to retell the Christmas story as the celebrity narrator. The Candlelight Processional features a mass choir and live orchestra performing traditional holiday music alongside the biblical narrative. In 2022, Neil marked his 10th year narrating the Candlelight Processional. He noted during one show, "it's been a huge tradition in our lives" to perform this heartwarming holiday event. Neil brings his dramatic flair and showmanship to the Processional each year, entertaining crowds during his stretch of performances. Frequent Disney Park Visits with Family Beyond special hosting duties and voice acting gigs, Neil and his family visit Walt Disney World and Disneyland frequently as devoted Disney fans. Neil has said, "I'm a huge Disney nerd. I go there so often with my kids." His Instagram feed features regular Disney trip photos with his husband, David Burtka, and their twins Harper and Gideon riding attractions, meeting characters, enjoying treats, and taking in shows. The family particularly loves visiting during Halloween and Christmas seasons to enjoy the holiday festivities. Neil and his family always go all-out with creative, coordinated costumes during the Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween events. Their color-coordinated group costumes make them Disney fan favorites each year. Lifelong Disney Enthusiast From early childhood viewings of Disney films to hosting major Disney events and narrating beloved attractions, Neil Patrick Harris has demonstrated lifelong devotion to Disney. His charisma and showmanship lend themselves perfectly to Disney productions and events over the years. As an enthusiastic Disney park guest, Neil relishes opportunities to create magical memories with his family. It's clear Disney holds a special place in Neil's heart - and will continue to do so for years to come. Key Disney Events Hosted by Neil Patrick Harris Here are some of the major Disney events Neil Patrick Harris has hosted over his career: - World Premiere of Tron: Legacy at Disney California Adventure (2010) - Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade Disney Song Medley (2011) - World Premiere of World of Color - Celebrate! at Disneyland (2015) - Disney Family Singalong ABC Television Special (2020) - 10 years narrating Candlelight Processional at Epcot (2013-2022) Disney Attractions Voiced by Neil Patrick Harris Neil Patrick Harris has lent his voice talent to the following Disney attractions: - California Screamin' ride audio at Disney California Adventure (2010) - Pandora - The World of Avatar attraction voices at Disney's Animal Kingdom (2017) - Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind narration at Epcot (2022) Favorite Neil Patrick Harris Disney Moments Here are some standout Disney memories from Neil Patrick Harris over the years: - First Disneyland visit at age 5 in 1979, meeting Mickey Mouse - Starring in 1989 Mickey Mouse Club serial "Good Morning Miss Bliss" - Seeing New Fantasyland for the first time in 1983 with Pinocchio's Daring Journey dark ride - Riding Splash Mountain for the first time in 1989 and getting soaked - Attending several early D23 Expo events in Anaheim as a Disney fan - Hosting World Premiere of World of Color - Celebrate! at Disneyland in 2015 - Annual family Halloween costumes at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party - Narrating first Candlelight Processional performance at Epcot in 2013 - Celebrating Haunted Mansion 50th anniversary with family at Disneyland in 2019 - Experiencing new TRON Lightcycle Run coaster at Magic Kingdom in 2023 Audiobooks Neil Patrick Harris has narrated several children's audiobooks, including his own "Magic Misfits" fantasy series. In the author's note for Book 2 of the series, "The Second Story," Harris shares fond memories of visiting Disneyland as a child and being transported into fantasy worlds. He hopes his books similarly spark children's imaginations. The magic of Disney has touched Neil's life from early childhood through today. He continues to create special Disney memories year after year, especially with his family. Neil's lifelong love of all things Disney is sure to continue for years to come. Read the full article