#elisha fox

[chicayn22]

Sexiest Actress Tournament

Round 2

[pixelsunshine]

S U M M O N

[letterboxd-loggd]

Visions of Ecstasy (1989) Nigel Wingrove

January 13th 2023

[happyparadisereview]

[sicksadlit]

An author stole my book idea

What do you do when someone else publishes your book?

I was scrolling on my phone, browsing a selection of soon-to-be-released books when one in particular caught my eye.

I read the blurb and let out an audible gasp. 

The author stole my book idea. 

This man who I’ve never met, somehow managed to reach inside my brain, pluck out my story idea, write the book I am writing right now, and turn it into a fully fledged novel. He beat me to print, and now the novel I’ve been working on for the last few months is headed for the trash because how can I continue to write a story that has already been written?

It feels like my “life's work” has been stolen, cruelly whipped away from me overnight. The story that has been building and percolating inside me for years, preparing itself to arrive in my brain and out onto the page.

An accurate depiction of me discovering someone else is publishing the book I’m writing

Although, it’s possible that he didn’t actually steal my idea. It’s probable even because he couldn’t have. I don’t even know the guy. The far more likely scenario is that it is just an astonishing coincidence. He happened to have the exact same book idea at the same time as me, but the difference is: he’s a well known, successful, professional crime writer who actually managed to finish the story (and probably did a fantastic job), and I am an unpublished novice writer, who punches out a few hundred words here and there when inspiration strikes.

The best theory as to what has happened is that I have become the victim of a phenomena known as “simultaneous invention”.

Simultaneous invention is the concept that inventions and ideas are conceived independently by different creators, but at the same time.

“Rather than being the products of the individual mind, multiples (aka - simultaneous discoveries) are said to prove that creative ideas are the effects of the zeitgeist, or spirit of the times. At a specific instant in the history of a domain, the time becomes ripe for a given idea. The idea is “in the air” for anyone to pick, making its inception inevitable.” - Dean Keith Simonton, creativity researcher

There are mind-boggling cases of simultaneous invention documented throughout history. Here are some of the most famous instances:

1600s: Isaac Newton and Gottfried Leibniz both discover calculus.

1770s: Carl Wilhelm Scheele and Joseph Priestley discover oxygen.

1800s: Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace both describe natural selection.

1839: Louis Daguerre and Henry Fox Talbot invent the first photographic methods.

1869: Louis Ducos du Hauron and Charles Cros present the earliest workable methods of colour photography on the same day.

1876: Elisha Gray and Alexander Graham Bell independently, on the same day, filed patents for invention of the telephone.

1879: British physicist-chemist Joseph Swan independently developed an incandescent light bulb at the same time as American inventor Thomas Edison was independently working on his incandescent light bulb.

1950s: Jonas Salk and Albert Bruce Sabin invent the polio vaccine.

2015: Takaaki Kajita and Arthur B. McDonald are jointly awarded the Nobel prize for finding that neutrinos have mass.

It sounds like something from a Blake Crouch novel. The idea that two complete strangers, anywhere in the world could come up with the exact idea at the same time. It would be written off as pure science fiction if it weren’t so thoroughly documented. 

It came for Charles Darwin, it came for Alexander Bell, and now, it has come for me.

Since I’ve had a solid 48 hours to walk around the house moaning in despair, I figure it’s probably time to put my big girl pants on and think about what to do next.

What does one do when someone else publishes the book you were going to write?

If there’s one thing this sad experience has taught me, it’s this: Do not sleep on that creative idea.

I thought I had all the time in the world to write my story. Donna Tartt took 9 years to write The Secret History, after all. Maybe I could take 9 years to write my debut novel too. But modern life and our shared experience may lead to someone else coming to the same conclusions – or ideas – as you have, somewhere in the world. 

This doesn’t just apply to writing. It can happen in any field where creativity and imagination are at play. 

Where does this leave me and my manuscript? I think I’ll hold onto it a little longer before sending it to my computer’s trash bin forever. Even though the original premise and core of the story is no longer viable, perhaps there’s something there worth saving. Maybe a shift in perspective or narrative voice. Could it be a white collar crime thriller instead of a murder? Could I set it in a different era? Could I change the genre? Who knows. Maybe this whole saga is a good thing and will force me to pivot. Now, I’m compelled to look at how I can better improve upon what the story was set to become. 

One of the people in my writer's group said that this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. If his book sells well, publishers will be frothing to produce more of the same. That said, I’m not sure how I feel about being the runner-up for the prize of cool and interesting story ideas. 

So what’s the solution to this confounding mystery of the human mind? How can you ensure your work remains true and original to you when at any point in time, some random person out in the world might be working on the exact same thing? 

Maybe the answer is to simply try and be the first to launch, and to do your best not to let perfectionism hold you back from getting started. Maybe done is better than perfect. Or, if you instead find yourself in the same boat as me, is there room to move and change your approach? Could you see it as an opportunity to pivot and find a fresh, unexpected angle?

The truth is, I was stuck in a bit of a rut anyway. I fell out of love with the story idea a few weeks back. When I started writing months ago, I kicked off with a hiss and a roar, smashing my daily word count goal and picking up steam until I hit a wall. I didn’t like the characters and writing became a slog. Instead of feeling inspired and excited by the story, I felt bored and disillusioned. It became something I thought I simply had to finish to avoid the “sunk cost fallacy”.

This uncanny coincidence has forced me to open doors to new possibilities with the story that I hadn’t allowed myself to consider before. Now that the original plan has gone out the window, the idea of returning to the old draft feels strangely exciting again. Like anything is possible and the book could go in any direction. 

But I guess you’ll just have to wait and see… Maybe I’ve already said too much.

[rainbowmagicfairyfight]

Rainbow Magic Fairy Fight

Round 1

Round 1: Abigail the Breeze Fairy, Addison the April Fool's Day Fairy, Adele the Singing Coach Fairy, Aisha the Astronaut Fairy, Aisha the Princess and the Pea Fairy, Alexa the Fashion Reporter Fairy, Alexandra the Royal Baby Fairy, Alice the Tennis Fairy, Alison the Art Fairy, Ally the Dolphin Fairy (August 16)

Round 2: Alyssa the Snow Queen Fairy, Amber the Orange Fairy, Amelia the Singing Fairy, Amelie the Seal Fairy, Amy the Amethyst Fairy, Angelica the Angel Fairy, Anna the Arctic Fox Fairy, Annabelle the Drawing Fairy, Annie the Detective Fairy, Anya the Cuddly Creatures Fairy (August 17)

Round 3: Aria the Synchro Fairy, Ariana the Firefighter Fairy, Ashley the Dragon Fairy, Autumn the Falling Leaves Fairy, Ava the Sunset Fairy, Bea the Buddha Day Fairy, Becky the Best Friend Fairy, Bella the Bunny Fairy, Belle the Birthday Fairy, Bethany the Ballet Fairy (August 18)

Round 4: Billie the Baby Goat Fairy, Blossom the Flower Girl Fairy, Bobbi the Bouncy Castle Fairy, Bonnie the Bike-Riding Fairy, Brianna the Bee Fairy, Brooke the Photographer Fairy, Caitlin the Ice Bear Fairy, Callie the Climbing Fairy, Camilla the Christmas Present Fairy, Cara the Camp Fairy (August 19)

Round 5: Cara the Coding Fairy, Carly the Schoolfriend Fairy, Carmen the Cheerleading Fairy, Carrie the Snow Cap Fairy, Catherine the Fashion Princess Fairy, Charles the Coronation Fairy, Charlie the Sunflower Fairy, Charlotte the Baby Princess Fairy, Chelsea the Chimpanzee Fairy, Chelsea the Congratulations Fairy (August 20)

Round 6: Cherry the Cake Fairy, Cheryl the Christmas Tree Fairy, Chloe the Topaz Fairy, Chrissie the Wish Fairy, Clare the Caring Fairy, Claudia the Accessories Fairy, Coco the Cupcake Fairy, Coral the Reef Fairy, Courtney the Clownfish Fairy, Crystal the Snow Fairy (August 21)

Round 7: Daisy the Festival Fairy, Danielle the Daisy Fairy, Danni the Drum Fairy, Darcey the Dance Diva Fairy, Debbie the Duckling Fairy, Deena the Diwali Fairy, Demi the Dressing-Up Fairy, Destiny the Pop Star Fairy, Edie the Garden Fairy, Eleanor the Snow White Fairy (August 22)

Round 8: Elisa the Adventure Fairy, Elisha the Eid Fairy, Elizabeth the Jubilee Fairy, Ella the Rose Fairy, Elle the Thumbelina Fairy, Ellen the Explorer Fairy, Ellie the Guitar Fairy, Elodie the Lamb Fairy, Elsa the Mistletoe Fairy, Elsie the Engineer Fairy (August 23)

Round 9: Emily the Emerald Fairy, Emma the Easter Fairy, Erin the Firebird Fairy, Esme the Ice Cream Fairy, Esther the Kindness Fairy, Etta the Elephant Fairy, Eva the Enchanted Ball Fairy, Evelyn the Mermicorn Fairy, Evie the Mist Fairy, Faith the Cinderella Fairy (August 24)

Round 10: Fatima the Face-Painting Fairy, Felicia the Fidget Toy Fairy, Fern the Green Fairy, Fiona the Flute Fairy, Fizz the Fireworks Fairy, Flora the Fancy Dress Fairy, Florence the Friendship Fairy, Frances the Royal Family Fairy, Francesca the Football Fairy, Frankie the Make-up Fairy (August 25)

Round 11: Frenchie the Bulldog Fairy, Freya the Friday Fairy, Gabby the Bubble Gum Fairy, Gemma the Gymnastics Fairy, Georgia the Guinea Pig Fairy, Giselle the Christmas Ballet Fairy, Goldie the Sunshine Fairy, Grace the Glitter Fairy, Greta the Earth Fairy, Gwen the Beauty and the Beast Fairy (August 26)

Round 12: Hana the Hanukkah Fairy, Hannah the Happy Ever After Fairy, Harper the Confidence Fairy, Harriet the Hamster Fairy, Hayley the Rain Fairy, Heather the Violet Fairy, Heidi the Vet Fairy, Helen the Sailing Fairy, Helena the Horseriding Fairy, Holly the Christmas Fairy (August 27)

Round 13: Honey the Sweet Fairy, Hope the Welcome Fairy, Imogen the Ice Dance Fairy, India the Moonstone Fairy, Isabella the Air Fairy, Isla the Ice Star Fairy, Ivy the Worry Fairy, Izzy the Indigo fairy, Jacinda the Peace Fairy, Jade the Disco Fairy (August 28)

Round 14: Jae the Boy Band Fairy, Jasmine the Present Fairy, Jayda the Snowboarding Fairy, Jessica the Jazz Fairy, Jessie the Lyrics Fairy, Josie the Jewellery-Making Fairy, Jude the Librarian Fairy, Julia the Sleeping Beauty Fairy, Juliet the Valentine Fairy, Kat the Jungle Fairy (August 29)

Round 15: Kate the Royal Wedding Fairy, Kathryn the PE Fairy, Katie the Kitten Fairy, Kayla the Pottery Fairy, Keiko the Diving Fairy, Keira the Film Star Fairy, Kimberley the Koala Fairy, Kimi the Bubble Tea Fairy, Kitty the Tiger Fairy, Konnie the Christmas Cracker Fairy (August 30)

Round 16: Kylie the Carnival Fairy, Lacey the Little Mermaid Fairy, Lara the Black Cat Fairy, Lauren the Puppy Fairy, Layla the Candyfloss Fairy, Layne the Surfing Fairy, Leah the Theatre Fairy, Leahann the Birthday Present Fairy, Leona the Unicorn Fairy, Lexi the Firefly Fairy (August 31)

Round 17: Li the Labrador Fairy, Libby the Story-Writing Fairy, Lila and Myla the Twins Fairies, Lily the Rainforest Fairy, Lindsay the Luck Fairy, Lisa the Jelly Bean Fairy, Lizzie the Sweet Treats Fairy, Lois the Balloon Fairy, Lola the Fashion Show Fairy, Lottie the Lollipop Fairy (September 1)

Round 18: Louise the Lily Fairy, Lucy the Diamond Fairy, Lulu the Lifeguard Fairy, Luna the Loom Band Fairy, Lydia the Reading Fairy, Maddie the Playtime Fairy, Madeleine the Cookie Fairy, Madison the Magic Show Fairy, Maisie the Moonbeam Fairy, Mara the Meerkat Fairy (September 2)

Round 19: Mariana the Goldilocks Fairy, Marissa the Science Fairy, Martha the Doctor Fairy, Mary the Sharing Fairy, Maryam the Nurse Fairy, Maya the Harp Fairy, Megan the Monday Fairy, Meghan the Wedding Sparkle Fairy, Melissa the Sports Fairy, Melodie the Music Fairy (September 3)

Round 20: Mia the Bridesmaid Fairy, Michelle the Winter Wonderland Fairy, Miley the Stylist Fairy, Milly the River Fairy, Mimi the Laughter Fairy, Molly the Goldfish Fairy, Monica the Marshmallow Fairy, Morgan the Midnight Fairy, Naomi the Netball Fairy, Natalie the Christmas Stocking Fairy (September 4)

Round 21: Niamh the Invitation Fairy, Nicki the Holiday Camp Fairy, Nina the Birthday Cake Fairy, Nur the Vlogger Fairy, Olivia the Orchid Fairy, Orla the Inventor Fairy, Padma the Pirate Fairy, Paige the Pantomime Fairy, Paloma the Dodgems Fairy, Pandora the Poodle Fairy (September 5)

Round 22: Paula the Pumpkin Fairy, Pearl the Cloud Fairy, Penelope the Foal Fairy, Penny the Pony Fairy, Perrie the Paramedic Fairy, Phoebe the Fashion Fairy, Pia the Penguin Fairy, Pippa the Poppy Fairy, Polly the Party Fun Fairy, Poppy the Piano Fairy (September 6)

Round 23: Priya the Polar Bear Fairy, Rae the Rollercoaster Fairy, Rebecca the Rock 'n' Roll Fairy, Rihanna the Seahorse Fairy, Riley the Skateboarding Fairy, Rita the Frog Princess Fairy, Rita the Rollerskating Fairy, Robyn the Christmas Party Fairy, Rochelle the Star Spotter Fairy, Rosalie the Rapunzel Fairy (September 7)

Round 24: Rosie the Honey Bear Fairy, Roxie the Baking Fairy, Ruby the Red Fairy, Ruth the Red Riding Hood Fairy, Sabrina the Sweet Dreams Fairy, Sadie the Saxophone Fairy, Samantha the Swimming Fairy, Samira the Superhero Fairy, Sara the Party Games Fairy, Sarah the Sunday Fairy (September 8)

Round 25: Sasha the Slime Fairy, Saskia the Salsa Fairy, Savannah the Zebra Fairy, Scarlett the Garnet Fairy, Selena the Sleepover Fairy, Selma the Snow Leopard Fairy, Seren the Sausage Dog Fairy, Shannon the Ocean Fairy, Shelley the Sherbet Fairy, Sianne the Butterfly Fairy (September 9)

Round 26: Sienna the Saturday Fairy, Sky the Blue Fairy, Skyler the Fireworks Fairy, Sophia the Snow Swan Fairy, Sophie the Sapphire Fairy, Soraya the Skiing Fairy, Stella the Star Fairy, Storm the Lightning Fairy, Summer the Holiday Fairy, Sunny the Yellow Fairy (September 10)

Round 27: Susie the Sister Fairy, Tallulah the Tuesday Fairy, Tamara the Tooth Fairy, Taylor the Talent Show Fairy, Teri the Trampolining Fairy, Thea the Thursday Fairy, Tia the Tulip Fairy, Tiana the Toy Fairy, Tilly the Teacher Fairy, Trixie the Halloween Fairy (September 11)

Round 28: Tyra the Dress Designer Fairy, Una the Concert Fairy, Vanessa the Dance Steps Fairy, Victoria the Violin Fairy, Violet the Painting Fairy, Whitney the Whale Fairy, Willow the Wednesday Fairy, Yasmeen the Canoeing Fairy, Yasmin the Night Owl Fairy, Zadie the Sewing Fairy (September 12)

Round 29: Zainab the Squishy Toy Fairy, Zara the Starlight Fairy, Zoe the Skating Fairy (September 13)

[okinawa-division]

Ace's Thoughts on Arakawa Division

Alexis Ward

"Hmm... I think I recall seeing her a few times back when I was staying in the White House. Of course, I can't be sure if that was her or not. No offense, but all guards start to blend together when they're all wearing the same uniform and have the same stern look on their face. Not that I don't appreciate them for their work or anything, but sometimes having them follow me and my family around can be very annoying, especially when I just wanted some time for myself. When my father assigned me this role, I was kinda glad he didn't assign any guards with me. ...Though I wonder if that was due to the fact that he was planning on sending Kyler after me."

"But anyway, from reading up on her, she seems to have a disliking for my father, like I do. Plus, I heard she managed to save that Kyler on a mission. Ha. I've not met her, and I already like her."

Hoàng Diệu

"Hmm... her skin and name sounds Vietnamese, but almost nothing about this woman is concrete. I do know she works in jewelry design. Evelyn is a big fan of her jewelry. Me, it's alright, but it seems a little too girly for me. But besides that, she seems very... sultry. Almost like a fox. I guess considering the team's symbol is a fox, this should be obvious."

Ivelisse Martinez

"A yoga instructor? Interesting. My mom and oldest sister, Elisha, often practice that stuff together along with the other women in the park or gymnasium. Me, I never had the patience to learn, though I did give it a shot once. I was a little embarrassed being the only male in the group, so I left cause... well, cause it was awkward, okay? Let's just leave it at that. I'm not saying men can't do it, but maybe it'd be better if more men tried it. Then I'd be willing to give it a shot again."

"Besides that, I'm a bit... confused about how to feel about this woman, exactly. The reason being is because of Rashaad. If the fact that both he and her are Puerto Rican wasn't a hint, ever since he received a picture of her, he's been completely... quiet about her. For those who know him, this isn't exactly out of character for the guy. Ever since I met him, Rashaad has always been a bit closed off when it comes to his past or origins. Even though Evelyn and I have known him for years, he still doesn't tell us all about himself. So, my best guess is this woman is someone from his past. Either a family member, or a former love. I can't claim to know anything about that, but I hope he knows that he doesn't have to deal with whatever he's going through by himself..."

Sounds of Silence

"'Sounds of Silence...' Hmm. The team name is certainly original. I'd wager it may be due to the fact that these women aren't all that they appear to be. I mean, I don't know about the other two, but I know for a fact that Alexis isn't just a photographer. But... I should probably keep quiet about that in case she's undercover or something. Last thing I want is to be the reason an agent failed in her mission, whatever that it is."

"But I have to wonder what these women's roles in this tournament is. They don't seem... hostile, but I'm not sure about their reasoning for being here. What's more, I'm really worried about Rashaad and that yoga instructor. If we are to face this team, I hope he doesn't let whatever is bothering him about her deter him. We need everyone focused in this tournament. Anything from our past that ruins that focus doesn't need to be let in our heads. I hope he knows that."

[dweemeister]

Don’t Bother to Knock (1952)

On social media, there are certain actors from Golden Age Hollywood whose imagery, on occasion, seeps through the Internet’s algorithmic modern biases. Too often, those posts are from individuals who have never seen such actor’s movies. Chief among those actors are James Dean, Marlon Brando, Audrey Hepburn, and Marilyn Monroe. Against the grain, I hold that James Dean’s posthumous legacy has overshadowed three performances I am no fan of and Brando’s airbrushed reputation leaves him overvalued in the popular written histories of American cinema. By contrast, Audrey Hepburn’s standing in modern times feels just about correct (although more people should seek out her films beyond 1953’s Roman Holiday and 1961’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s). For Marilyn Monroe, a recent film like Andrew Dominik’s Blonde (2022) follows decades of works that have exploited her image – oftentimes simplifying her to a tragic sex symbol. Monroe, of the four aforementioned Old Hollywood actors who show up from posts from non-film buffs, is the only one whose talents I consider underrated.

There is no better showcase of her early-career dramatic abilities than in Roy Ward Baker’s film noir Don’t Bother to Knock, released by 20th Century Fox. Up to this point, Monroe had starred in more than a dozen films in supporting roles. In a time when actors and film crewmembers were contracted to a studio, Fox loaned Monroe early in her career to Columbia, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), and most recently to RKO. Fox executive Darryl F. Zanuck was still not entirely sure what to make of her, despite a strong performance in RKO’s Clash by Night (1952). Offering Monroe the lead role in Don’t Bother to Knock, Zanuck gave her the opportunity to prove herself (in addition to ascertaining British director Roy Ward Baker’s skills for his first Hollywood picture). Wary of the risks of pushing an actress to her first lead role as well as working with an unfamiliar director, Zanuck allowed a budget that, by Fox’s standards in the early ‘50s, was a trifle. Yet, because of these limitations, Don’t Bother to Knock is a decent noir and a solid Marilyn Monroe vehicle.

One night in a New York City hotel, airline pilot Jed Towers (Richard Widmark, one of Fox’s brightest stars at this time) approaches his ex-girlfriend Lyn Lesley (Anne Bancroft in her film debut), the hotel club’s singer. Lyn broke up with Jed recently by letter, and explains to her ex that her reasoning is due to his attitude. Jed, flustered, heads back to his room. On the same floor Jed is on but across the air shaft, elevator operator Eddie Forbes (noir mainstay Elisha Cook Jr.) introduces his niece Nell (Marilyn Monroe) to guests Peter (Jim Backus) and Ruth Jones (Lurene Tuttle). Nell will serve as babysitter to the Jones’ daughter, Bunny (Donna Corcoran), while the couple attend a reception downstairs. All is set in motion when Jed first sees Nell across the way.

Also in the cast is Don Beddoe as Mr. Ballew. And Disney fans might recognize Verna Felton – the Elephant Matriarch in Dumbo (1941) and the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella (1950), among others – playing Mr. Ballew’s meddling wife, Emma.

Don’t Bother to Knock’s categorization as a film noir comes from its storyline, rather than its visuals. Bar one scene involving Jed believing someone on the other side of the room to be asleep, the film lacks the shadowy aesthetic one comes to expect from noir. Shot and lit conventionally, Don’t Bother to Knock never quite escapes the fact it is obviously soundstage-bound. The small number of different locations for the film’s various scenes also does not help matters. From a perspective of style, this is a disappointing effort from cinematographer Lucien Ballard, who had ample experience in film noir by this point – see The Lodger (1944) and The House on Telegraph Hill (1951) in this collaboration with Baker.

Yet it is the two central performances that elevate the material. The audience is witnessing Marilyn Monroe before sporting her platinum blonde locks. The natural brunette keeps her natural hair color for this film; not truly transforming into the Marilyn that most casual film audiences know about until Niagara (1953). Unlike the typecast dumb blonde roles that she received later in her career, her role in Don’t Bother to Knock is neurotic, restless, and wide-eyed not in a sexual way. Monroe brings a level of internal strife strewn across her face, a measured gait, and a nervous avoidance of eye contact with Richard Widmark and other actors opposite her. To yours truly, having seen Monroe in so many other roles, it was difficult for me to connect her speaking voice – high-pitched, like a streetwise Snow White living in urban America – to this character’s neuroses. She does not attempt much modification in her delivery or register, whether in this role or others. But given that this is early in her career, this can slide. It is otherwise a solid turn that justifies Zanuck’s supposed gamble on her as a lead actress.

After his debut in Henry Hathaway’s Kiss of Death (1947) for 20th Century Fox, Richard Widmark became one of the studio’s prize actors. His role as the sneering, misogynistic, and psychopathic Tommy Udo brought instant notoriety, as well as spawning fan clubs in American colleges and universities known for their sexism. Early in his Fox career, he would largely play villains, but cinephiles knowledgeable of classic Hollywood know that Widmark was equally capable in more honorable roles. In Don’t Bother to Knock, his Jed sits somewhere squarely in the middle – deeply unlikeable, abrasive, yet with glimmers of compassion and helpfulness. That Tommy Udo sneer finds its way onto Widmark’s face, if only for a few passing moments, due to the pain of his recent separation from Anne Bancroft’s Lyn. Despite Jed’s less-than-virtuous qualities, the viewer – because of the situation that transpires between him and Nell – will find themselves rooting for that elusive happy ending in a film noir. Widmark’s performance in Don’t Bother to Knock is not as remarkable as that in Kiss of Death or No Way Out (1950), but he complements Monroe’s performance wonderfully.

Adapted from the little-read and slender book Mischief by Charlotte Armstrong, Don’t Bother to Knock received its adapted screenplay treatment from Daniel Taradash (1953’s From Here to Eternity, 1955’s Picnic). The pulpy screenplay takes place over a few evening hours, refusing to show its entire hand until a little more than halfway through. Eventually, discussion and a depiction mental illness – as it was understood in the 1950s – becomes prominent in the film. By today’s standards, the script’s understanding of mental illness is deficient. It is used more as a plot device rather than something to inspire dialogue about how the individual in question is coping or how the mental health professional have utterly failed them. Some might argue this might detract from the narrative at-large (and noir is very much a narrative-driven subgenre), but I contend that noir with a social conscience only adds depth to the noir tradition.

Director Roy Ward Baker and co-star Richard Widmark, initially frustrated with Monroe’s habits – requiring acting coach, Natasha Lytess, to be on set constantly; frequently asking to take breaks between takes; and constant tardiness – changed their minds when viewing the film’s rushes (the raw unedited footage played back for the director and editor after the film’s shoot is completed for the day). Monroe brought a rawness appropriate for her role in Don’t Bother to Knock, and her inexperience contributed to her believability in the role. As Don’t Bother to Knock made its theatrical premiere in July 1952, some of the nation’s leading movie critics only added to Darryl F. Zanuck’s unease about framing Marilyn Monroe as a lead actress. Ignoring the plaudits from the audiences, Baker, Widmark, and less-prominent critics, Zanuck instead fixated on the likes of The New York Times’ Bosley Crowther claiming that, “Monroe is being groomed by Twentieth Century-Fox for razzle-dazzle stardom… if they also expect her to act, they’re going to have to give her a lot of lessons under an able and patient coach.”

These reviews (that Zanuck spent too much time thinking about) from Crowther and his fellow contemporaries drip with condescension, misogyny, and language more appropriate for a gossip column. For Monroe – only in her mid-twenties and whose shyness and insecurity followed her through all of her life – one can only imagine how hurtful these words and Zanuck’s perceptions must have been. The crafting of the culturally dominant image of Monroe – as a voluptuous and ditzy blonde plaything with no interiority – was beginning to take shape. In the final year that any American could reasonably not have known the name of Marilyn Monroe, Don’t Bother to Knock represents the end of her status as a Hollywood afterthought.

My rating: 7/10

^ Based on my personal imdb rating. My interpretation of that ratings system can be found in the “Ratings system” page on my blog (as of July 1, 2020, tumblr is not permitting certain posts with links to appear on tag pages, so I cannot provide the URL).

For more of my reviews tagged “My Movie Odyssey”, check out the tag of the same name on my blog.

[nodramapossible]

Saturday, November 30 — SWYNRP Character Wishlist

First I'm going to list some characters that I'd like to play.

Joy Hepburn (FC: Lana Condor)

I still have a lot of love for Joy as a character and hopefully one day I might get to tell her story again.

2. Roxanne Martin (FC: Sadie Stanley)

Another character that I would love to tell her story again.

3. Professor Milo Thatch (FC: Jonathan Bailey)

I always have ideas for him and never feel like I can get the story right. Maybe one day.

4. Romeo "Roo" DeRosa (FC: Froy Gutierrez)

I have an idea for him but nothing concrete yet. I just feel like he would be a great addition to Pride University and bring some drama to the dorms.

5. Grace Tilly (FC: Nicola Coughlan)

Another character I would jump at the chance of telling her story once I figure out what I want to do with her story. She's just an interesting character and the fact that she is "immune" to magic intrigues me even more.

6. Terrence Sparrowman (FC: Chase Stokes)

I find him interesting as a fairy because he probably does deep down care about the Magick and Fairy politics in Swynlake but he is too busy enjoying himself to actually show he cares. He just wants to have a good time and not get judged for it. Plus, he likes showing off his magic to anyone who will watch.

7. Sylvia Marpole (FC: Quinta Brunson)

I find her interesting and the fact she has a magical artifact and that's the Pagemaster Bookmark. I used to watch that film when I was younger and I just love the idea of a character having that kind of power especially a librarian.

8. Prince Naveen Charles of Maldonia (FC: Anirudh Pisharody)

He is a character I would love to tell the story of one day. He is someone that would definitely cause drama in the Pride U circle and he would live for the attention.

Now, some characters I'd want to be brought in for connections.

Ron Stoppable (FC suggestions: Aidan Gallagher, Alex Wolff or anyone you think would fit)

Kim needs her partner in solving crime and who doesn't love a dynamic duo. Please someone apply for him!

2. Bonnie Rockwaller (FC suggestions: Camila Mendes, Alisha Boe & Isabela Merced or anyone you think could fit)

Kim needs a good nemesis that isn't Dr Drakken and someone who knows her history from Middleton. Plus, they have the same abilities which would be a very interesting dynamic for the both of them. Also who doesn't love a strong female. Please someone apply for her!

3. Monique Fox (FC suggestions include: China Anne McClain, Precious Mustapha & Lexi Underwood or anyone you think could fit)

Another strong female from the Kim Possible universe. I could see her and Kim becoming fast friends and gossiping about the hotties in Swynlake plus all the other drama that happens there. Please someone apply for her!

Next, characters I'd like to see in the RP.

Mindy Di Stefano (FC suggestions: Mimi Keene, Vanessa Morgan & Hannah van der Westhuyse)

2. Maximillian Goof (FC suggestions: Charlie Gillespie, Jonathan Daviss & Xolo Maridueña)

3. Ashlé Boulet (FC suggestions: Sarah Jeffrey, Elisha Applebaum & Savannah Lee Smith)

Finally, some FCs I'd like to see on the dash.

Victoria Justice

2. Arden Cho

3. Ncuti Gatwa

4. Zoe Colletti

[nijjhar]

Why did Christ Jesus walk on water but not the once-born Peter? Of the 1... Why did Christ Jesus walk on water but not the once-born Peter? Of the 12, Peter was Hylic, Juda Iscariot Psychic in Mammon, and the rest Pneumatic sealed to serve God only. https://youtu.be/2cW8c1hnXwY Full description:- http://www.gnosticgospel.co.uk/JesusWater.htm Holy Gospel of our SUPERNATURAL FATHER of our supernatural “souls” Elohim, Allah, ParBrahm, etc., delivered by the first Anointed Christ, which in my native language Punjabi, we call Satguru Jesus of the highest living God Elohim, Allah, Parbrahm, etc. that dwells within His most beautiful living Temple of God created by the greatest artist demiurge Potter, the lord of the visible Nature Yahweh, Brahma, Khudah, etc. and it is called Harmandir or “Emmanuel” if you are not “greedy” according to Christ Rajinder:- WHY JESUS WALKED ON WATER WHILST ONCE-BORN PETER SANK? We have two fathers; natural of flesh, the creator of Pots Yahweh, Brahma, Khudah, etc. called Demiurge for creating the lifeless physical body, and Supernatural of our supernatural “souls”, the invisible supernatural that puts life into the Pots created by Yahweh. So, our visible flesh is related to the Potter Yahweh and the invisible “soul” to our Supernatural Father Elohim, Allah, Parbrahm, etc. Yahweh created the whole world out of the water and Mary was sired by “Yahweh” to give birth to the “Son” of Yahweh called Yahshua; made up of two words; Yah = Yahweh and Weh = sired of Him and Shua = Shiva, the First Primordial Adam. So, Jesus was the Second Adam, Mary his Surrogate Mother, and Joseph of the Judah tribe his Foster father. Thus, Jesus being the Second Adam, had no secular rights on this planet earth of the First Adam. So, he came Floating leaving no mark on this Planet earth. That is why He Said, “Foxes have holes to rest their heads, but the Son of Man has none”. So, all the natural once-born people were created by Yahweh of different colours and races. As the planet Earth belongs to the tribal people, so Moses gave them the law and promoted “Eros”, the love of your own people that lifted the “Rift” among them called the “Lifting of the snake”. So, Moses gave them the “Law” and gave it to a Priestly tribe of “Levi” from whom the Cohens were chosen. Such Cohens kept law and order that created the kingdom of heaven and people lived “Peacefully” through “Works”, and Karma, which earned them reincarnation into the next birth. The crook Rabbis who cheated people in the name of God got leprosy in the next birth which the Prophets cannot forgive but Christ Jesus only. That is why Prophet Elisha did not cure a Leper from Israel but Nama from Syria only. Thus, in the First Adam, people performed works called “Karma” whilst in the Second Adam, people were introduced to the Royal Kingdom of God for the Sons, Saints, of Elohim, Allah, Parbrahm, etc. Saints are called “Christ” who Preach the Gospel from their own hearts in honour of our Bridegroom Christ Jesus to glorify our Supernatural Father Elohim, Allah, Parbrahm, etc. So, John, the Baptist baptised the Jewish people of age who had realised that by becoming a Jew outwardly, you cannot build your covenant with Abraham and become unfaithful to Abraham and Yahweh, a liar, murderer super fatherless “Saltless” people. Here, Jesus used a word that is not considered civilised and called them fanatic devils to which the Jewish people retorted that we are born of the legitimate parents – John 8v44 - You belong to your fathers, the eleven Patriarchs who wanted to kill Joseph, a truthful person Salt of Abraham and Yahweh, they were devils, and you want to carry out your forefather’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies as displayed amply today in the news. So, they behaved well under the Priests of Moses, the Prodigal son Isaac brought back to the Promised Land faithful to Abraham and Yahweh, the Salt of Abraham. with time, Moses’ Priests become greedy and start corrupting the Holy Books, the written Torah or Scriptures to suit their whims – Gen17 on circumcision, the Tribal Mark of Abraham to Isaac and his “seed” only but they were circumcising slaves, Aryans and Negros for the sake of money. They also became the cruel Masters. Then our Supernatural Father Elohim, Allah, Parbrahm, etc. Rest on my website. For the unlisted videos:- www.gnosticgospel.co.uk/Unlisted.htm My ebook by Kindle. ASIN: B01AVLC9WO Private Bitter Gospel Truth videos:- www.gnosticgospel.co.uk/JAntisem.htm www.gnosticgospel.co.uk/JOHN 8V44.htm www.gnosticgospel.co.uk/Rest.htm Any helper to finish my Books:- ONE GOD ONE FAITH:- www.gnosticgospel.co.uk/bookfin.pdf and in Punjabi KAKHH OHLAE LAKHH:-  www.gnosticgospel.co.uk/pdbook.pdf Very informative Channel:- Punjab Siyan. John's baptism:- www.gnosticgospel.co.uk/johnsig.pdf Trinity:- www.gnosticgospel.co.uk/trinity.pdf

[dubljarnasims]

Belle Maamtrasna

Part of the 4th generation of my legacy, Belle was the result of one of her father's many affairs. Although raised by her mom, she was very close to her father's side of the family. A very hot-headed sim, she fittingly met her end at the hands (talons? wings? beak?) of a killer chicken.

No CC included in download - please see the list and links below.

Parents: Gareth Maamtrasna, Veronica Pratt Sibling(s): Desdemona Maamtrasna, Forrest Maamtrasna Partner(s): Shadow Stevens Children: Andromeda Stevens, Orion Stevens

✨ DOWNLOAD HERE (Google Drive)

Clothing/Accessories:

Pants - Sentate | Fox pants

Piercing - Pralinesims | Blasphemy right double

Shoes - BackTrack | Platform sneakers

Top - Margeh75 | Elisha sweater

Hair/Makeup/Skin Details:

Eyebags - Tamo | Basic eye bags

Eyebrows - Pralinesims | N154 middelo

Eyelashes - Kijiko | 3D lashes version 2 uncurled

Eyeshadow - Soloriya | Tuva

Hair - Simandy | Bellucci

Lips - Northern Siberia Winds | Lips N36

Defaults:

Skin - Luumia | Vanilla default skin

Eyes - Pralinesims | Oasis v2 default

Sliders & Presets:

Body - Obscurus | Female body preset n1

Butt - CmarNYC | Enhanced butt slider

Chin - Magic Bot | Default chin slider

Eyebrows - Magic Bot | Default eyebrow slider

Eyebrows - Miiko | Eyebrow slider

Eyebrows - Miiko | Eyebrow slider 02

Eyebrows - Obscurus | Eyebrow sliders

Eyes - marsosims | Eye size slider

Face - Luumia | Face asymmetry slider

Hips - Luumia | Hip shape slider

Lower Legs - CmarNYC | Enhanced lower legs slider

Mouth - Magic Bot | Default mouth slider

Mouth - Teanmoon | Mouth scale slider

Nose - Icecream for Breakfast | Nose tip slider

Nose - Magic Bot | Default nose slider

Nose - Obscurus | Nose slider N6 septum

Shoulders - Dumbaby | Shoulder height slider female

Thighs - DaniParadise | Thigh slider

🐌 Many thanks to the CC creators! 🐌

@backtrackcc @ice-creamforbreakfast @kijiko-sims @luumia @magic-bot

@margeh75 @marsosims @miikocc @northernsiberiawinds @obscurus-sims

@pralinesims @sentate @simandy @soloriya @tamo-sim

@teanmoon

[ancestorsofjudah]

2 Kings 10: 18-24. "The Eighty Men."

King Jehu, a former military commander and Official in the Temple is anointed by Elisha, the prophet to become a king and destroy lock, stock, and barrell all threats to the people of Israel in their vicinity. The former kings, Ahab, his wife Jezebel, and neighbors Joram and Ahaziah, violent and corrupt, idolators and whoremongers to the last moments of their lives wrecked everything, and God decided there was a price to pay for this.

He tells Jehu to kill everyone involved- shepherds, priests, army men, all of them to the last man, and this he does. We have an Ahab and Jezebel of our own- Donald Trump and that dozy cow, Paula White Cain, and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are their corrupt shepherds, and certainly Hamas needs no honorable mentions.

The War in Gaza must not end till every last man, woman, child, all of the persons that organized what was meant to be a lethal strike against the people of Israel from Gaza to the West Bank are held accountable.

In America, our government must also be told it has no choice but to respond to the crimes and filth of the Trump era that are lingering to pollute our lives must be dealt with using lethal force. The same sentiment needs to apply in Syria, Afghanistan and Ukraine. You don't watch mechanized terror show up on someone's doorstep one day blow their houses, streets, families, and roads apart and do nothing. That is wrong.

As for things here in DC, how is it the DC City Council and Mayor couldn't find the time to go and close the Family Research Council down after all the evil they have done to the people of this world? The number of their violations of the City Charter would decorate both of one's sleeves. What about all the Pro-Life terrorism and election fraud you have allowed?

What the hell is going on?

The good and gracious people on this world are depending on fierce demonstrations of Justice and their needs must be met, all threats to their happiness must be executed as the Melachim states.

Before we go on, we need to define what Ba'al is. Ba'al is not a tiki god like they show on the Simpsons.

Ba'al means "god on the ground." Anyone can become a Ba'al. Our Ba'als are Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, those giant nacho chili cheese beer farts on Fox News, etc. who you better believe knew Donald Trump cheated in that 2016 election and schcrews little kids for kix.

Ba'als are persons that claim to be in the know but know nothing, are in power because they snuck in and have been chased out again, and exhibit clear contrasts to behaviors prescribed by leaders named in secular and sacred laws.

They must never, ever be allowed to live:

Servants of Baal Killed

18 Then Jehu brought all the people together and said to them, “Ahab served Baal a little; Jehu will serve him much. 

19 Now summon all the prophets of Baal, all his servants and all his priests. See that no one is missing, because I am going to hold a great sacrifice for Baal. Anyone who fails to come will no longer live.” But Jehu was acting deceptively in order to destroy the servants of Baal.

20 Jehu said, “Call an assembly in honor of Baal.” So they proclaimed it.

 21 Then he sent word throughout Israel, and all the servants of Baal came; not one stayed away. They crowded into the temple of Baal until it was full from one end to the other. 

22 And Jehu said to the keeper of the wardrobe, “Bring robes for all the servants of Baal.” So he brought out robes for them.

23 Then Jehu and Jehonadab son of Rekab went into the temple of Baal. Jehu said to the servants of Baal, “Look around and see that no one who serves the Lord is here with you—only servants of Baal.” 

24 So they went in to make sacrifices and burnt offerings. Now Jehu had posted eighty men outside with this warning: “If one of you lets any of the men I am placing in your hands escape, it will be your life for his life.”

Jehu and his Beau, the chariot driver, Jehonadab of Rekab assign 80 men to kill the priests of Baal, whom he orders to get ready to meet their maker. Why did he do this? Let us find out.

v. 18: the Value in Gematria is 6669, וווט, wot, "a small array of inquisitive particles."

There are four separate roots אוה ('wh), two of which produce words that are spelled אי ('i). One of these roots yields the word או ('aw), meaning desire, which is spelled the same as an unrelated conjunction או ('o), which conveys an alternative or exception. The identical particle אי ('i) describes negation, and so does the possibly related substantive אין ('ayin).

Then there are two more words that are identical to the two previously mentioned: אי ('i). Then there is the similarly spelled interrogative adverb אי ('ay), which spawns a small array of inquisitive particles.

v. 19: the Value in Gematria is 9245, טבדה, tabeda, "to sink into the testimony".

v. 20-21: the Value in Gematria is 11222, יאב‎‎ב‎ב‎, "I love you".

v. 22: the Value in Gematria is 5978, הט‎זח‎ , the tzah, "the Command."

"The two roots צוה (swh) and ציה (syh) are similar in form but their meanings (either to command or to be dry) don't come close. Still, for some reason, the Bible's symbolic structure appears to insist on a relation between the two: One of the two names of the mountain upon which Moses received the Law from God, is Horeb, which means Dry Place. Also note that the word Torah comes from a verb that also yields a word for rain.

Perhaps the notion of a dry place taps into the creation account, and specifically the third day, or into the account of Noah's flood. A dry place is not a place where people die of thirst, but rather a place where the sea is no more, after it has given all her treasures (REVELATION 21:1)."

v. 23: the Value in Gematria is 12878, יבחז‎ח‎, yabzahk, "God's lightning."

The unused Hebrew verb בזק (bazaq) probably meant to scatter (it does so in Aramaic). Noun בזק (bazaq) probably describes a lightning bolt — but this in reference to its zig-zag nature rather than its heat, illumination or thunderous noise.

v. 24: the Value in Gematria is 13264, יגבוד‎‎, "I will be honored."

We are charged by God He and His Torah are to be the only sources of Truth on this world. A government that defies these Orders, that kills, lies, commits adultery, rapes little kids, defies God and cannot be permitted to operate. It must be dressed up in all of its criminal charges and dispatched forthwith without mercy.

[pixelsunshine]

🌟 HELP ME FUND MY ART STUDIO 🌟

Hi everyone, my name is Elisha and I run Spring Fox Studios (aka PixelSunshine as I’ve been using on the internet for a decade now!)

I moved into an art studio in November and in an effort to keep a sustainable art practice, I’m trying to reach a certain number of Patreon subscribers to keep bills paid there. I have a $6 tier currently labeled as my “Critter Club”- perks include

-SNAIL MAIL (art shipped to you each month!)

-monthly request line

-fun behind the scenes looks at my sketchbook

Once my Patreon hits 25 Critter Club subscribers, it means my studio and all associated costs will be fully covered! 🥳

That also means that my $6 Critter Club will officially transform into the Garden Club, which comes with an inaugural button, sticker, and mini notebook! Also this will free me up to be able to produce quarterly zines- mailed free to all $6 members every 3 months.

🌷Want to help me reach this goal this year? You can either subscribe here OR reblog this post!

Thank you! ❤️

[amilst]

Hordeum vulgare, Barley. Here’s a strange one. Growing in the patio garden are four stalks of barley. I had to use my plant finder app to figure out what this beautiful flowering grass was. I can’t imagine where the nearest barley field is that would allow a bird or the wind to spread its seed to our modest home.

The flower really is striking, particularly when it catches the rays of the early morning sun like in the bottom photo. A sparsely leafed stalk rises first, then the flowers appear with each kernel sending high in the air a thin wiry strand to wave in the wind with its companions. I might grow some every year.

Barley was one of the first crops domesticated by humans about 10,000 years ago when farming first began. The name comes from the Scottish “bere” which dates from the Latin for “grain.” The word itself is the source for the word “barn” which meant barley shed.

Barley was the grain of the common folk who used it make not just bread but beer, a word that comes from the German word for “barley.” You can discern its commoner roots from the numerous references to barley in the Bible such as this verse from Kings:

“A man came from Baal Shalishah, bringing the man of God twenty loaves of barley bread baked from the first ripe grain, along with some heads of new grain. “Give it to the people to eat,” Elisha said.  “How can I set this before a hundred men?” his servant asked. But Elisha answered, “Give it to the people to eat. For this is what the LORD says: ‘They will eat and have some left over.’ ”

Barley was so essential to ancient daily life that it was used to measure size and weight. A “barleycorn” or one grain of barley was equal to 1/3 of an inch; 36 barleycorns made a foot. And a carat, used to measure the weight of stones and gems, was the equivalent of three barleycorns.

The old Scottish song, adapted by Steve Winwood, personifies the growing and harvesting of Barley. I played the song repeatedly my freshman year of college.

https://www.google.com/search?q=john+barleycornmust+die&client=safari&rls=en&ei=IkOPZO_aCYme5NoPtZK4wA4&ved=0ahUKEwjv8_-QsM3_AhUJD1kFHTUJDugQ4dUDCBA&uact=5&oq=john+barleycornmust+die&gs_lcp=Cgxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAQAzIKCC4QDRDUAhCABDIHCAAQDRCABDIHCAAQDRCABDIHCAAQDRCABDIHCAAQDRCABDIKCC4QDRDUAhCABDIHCAAQDRCABDIHCC4QDRCABDIHCAAQDRCABDIHCAAQDRCABDIYCC4QDRDUAhCABBCXBRDcBBDeBBDgBBgBOgoIABBHENYEELADOhYILhANEIAEELEDEIMBELEDEIMBENQCOhAILhANEIMBENQCELEDEIAEOg0ILhANEIAEEMcBEK8BSgQIQRgASgUIQBIBMVDUBFjZEGDAFWgBcAB4AIABaYgB_QWSAQM4LjGYAQCgAQHAAQHIAQjaAQYIARABGBQ&sclient=gws-wiz-serp#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:2e2b79a2,vid:t8878chOvfI

Here are the lyrics to the old folksong:

There were three men come from the West Their fortunes for to try, And these three made a solemn vow: "John Barleycorn must die."

They plowed, they sowed, they harrowed him in, Threw clods upon his head, 'Til these three men were satisfied John Barleycorn was dead.

They let him lie for a very long time, 'Til the rains from heaven did fall, When little Sir John raised up his head And so amazed them all.

They let him stand 'til Mid-Summer's Day When he looked both pale and wan; Then little Sir John grew a long, long beard And so became a man.

They hired men with their scythes so sharp To cut him off at the knee; They rolled him and tied him around the waist, And served him barbarously.

They hired men with their sharp pitchforks To pierce him to the heart, But the loader did serve him worse than that, For he bound him to the cart.

They wheeled him 'round and around the field 'Til they came unto a barn, And there they took a solemn oath On poor John Barleycorn.

They hired men with their crab-tree sticks To split him skin from bone, But the miller did serve him worse than that, For he ground him between two stones.

There's little Sir John in the nut-brown bowl, And there's brandy in the glass, And little Sir John in the nut-brown bowl Proved the strongest man at last.

The huntsman cannot hunt the fox Nor loudly blow his horn And the tinker cannot mend his pots Without John Barleycorn.

[letoatreides]

#stop giving Buck random female love interests and let him date Eddie challenge

[devilishdewitt]

“Ladies of Burlesque”, March 2019.

~The Eternal Disclaimer~

It is hereby declared that this little nook of the world wide web shall be devoted to the praise & critique of the art of burlesque, specifically in Russia.

Let it also be known that I am first and foremost a benevolent force, and every single criticism is documented solely for the purpose of evolution, growth and inspiration, darling.

Never forget - it is fantastic that the burlesque scene in Russia has grown so much in the last few years. Brava, ladies! As a fact and a statement, it is absolutely fabulous.

However, I volunteer to wear the heavy crown of expertise, having seen many a show in many a place, and having a keen eye for detail and a heart hungry for that wow factor. I always come with an open heart, am quite easily entertained, and know how hard the craft is - I can overlook many a fault when there’s stage presence, charisma and that fire of passion. Oh, and self-irony.

 All is sickly without self-irony.

Without further ado, onto our beautiful first show!

“Ladies of Burlesque” is the creation of Anja Pavlova, a shining star on the Berlin scene who descends into Moscow in attempt to elevate the world of Russian Burlesque.

The Venue

Quite splendid. Conveniently located minutes away from Taganskaya metro station, Dorfman karaoke drowns in luxury (it is painfully evident in the ludicrous lavatories). An atmosphere of glamour is immediately created - the view is good from all seats, the stage is well-located, the lights are a bit mad, but tolerable.

It is absurd for a Muscovite to complain about the price of anything, but the money demanded for the simplest things is aggressively silly.

The Wait

The producer of the show, who chose the somewhat childish moniker Konfetki, was at the door, checking the lists and being wonderful. She is delightful, but good God, please dress her better. The ensemble she chose did not fit the venue nor the atmosphere. She is gorgeous - let her outfit be gorgeous, too!

The magnificent lady selling pasties was exactly that - magnificent.

 I wish there was a lady like that everywhere I went.

The Performers

Anja Pavlova is undoubtedly a ray of jazzy 20’s sunshine. “This is the show of my dreams”, she announces, and you can tell it’s true - she is simply glowing. She clearly knows what she’s doing and she loves it completely. However, at times her beaming adoration for the performers seemed over the top - especially when her words were far from the truth.

When one thinks of a chorus line, the mind is immediately alight with synchronised wonders, radiant smiles & fascinating costumes. That is how Anja introduced the Ladies of Burlesque Chorus Line.

But oh boy, it was a spectacle for all the wrong reasons. The costumes do not flatter the ladies at all and look quite sloppy. They were saved by the gorgeous headpieces and smiles, but the moves…seemed incredibly random. Rare moments of synced movements provided some sense of relief, but over all, for chorus line dancers, they have an abominable sense of rhythm and don’t dance that well. The girls seem very nice, but don’t have the oomph & electricity to really capture the audience. Also, they left in what seemed to be an embarrassed hurry. Never!

Also, you’re doing a burlesque show & you’re not cinched? Girl, bye.

As a wise professor used to say, “It’s not about the size, it’s about the line”. Take care of that silhouette, mademoiselle!

Then came the singer, Marie Weinberg. If only she was as good as our charming host promised…remarkably, her stage presence was close to nil. Both of the dresses were gorgeous, but she should’ve worn the green one first - the black & diamanté ensemble should’ve been saved for dessert.

The choice of songs was excellent, but she did nothing with them. Her version of “Oops I Did It Again” was surprisingly charmless. One mustn’t even do much to make it a hit, it’s all there - the dramaturgy, the humour, the irony, but somehow she managed to make it gloriously bland.

I was bored! At a Burlesque show! Nonsense.

Does she have a good voice? Yes.  

Does she sing well? Yes.

Is she entertaining? No.

Does she know what do with an audience? No.

Do I want to see her again? No.

On to the deshabillants!

In general, I want to say that most of the acts were extremely similar. I know, I know, this is Burlesque, the main mechanism is quite predictable - but it seemed like 90% had a version of a wrap-around dress with pretty much the final look underneath. It is so fun to play with expectation in this genre, and somehow most of the performers completely overlooked this opportunity. However, this is only the beginning. Everyone started somewhere!

Ellisha Fox, I salute you. I can’t even imagine the amount of raised eyebrows and hurt pseudo-masculine egos you had to encounter on your path. His style is reminiscent of glorious anime characters, his moves are impressive, and those heels!! Those heels!!!! Good Lord, he’s a superhero!!

However, a pinch of self-irony would not ago astray. Perhaps, for a future act. I’d recommend taking a leaf out of Jett Adore’s book - specifically the Zorro act with which he travelled all over the world as part of Dita’s show.

Still, Ellisha had one of the best acts of the evening, Bravo!

If we were to speak about lack of self-irony, Tamasina Beansun is the queen of it. Her acts have excellent ideas - the Eve one she showed at last years’ Moscow Burlesque Festival, or the Little Red Riding Hood she presented this time - but her performances are so self-absorbed, at times one feels like he’s the third wheel. Like a party for one that you somehow found yourself in. And sure, it can be a style choice, but it’s not working. Sometimes it simply becomes vulgar. And it’s not a question of confidence, for it is always felt.

This is not the case. Simply put, she does not need the audience. Her self-indulgence feeds every appetite that she herself has.

Her Siberian Prime ally, Katerina Sahara, is an exact opposite. She loves the audience and it shows. Her acts range from witty & ironic (The Bunny), to majestic & mesmerising (the newest addition, The Dragon). Her moves are hypnotising, she always looks impeccable. She knows her worth and yet is the first one to laugh at herself. I must admit, her Dragon act amazed me. It was so well thought through, so gorgeous, utterly hypnotising. I often use her Bunny act as an example of brilliant Russian Burlesque. Can’t wait to see what she does next.

The Stage Kitten, our charming engineer, was quite good. I do wish she had a bigger moment though, you know, the moment. Also, perhaps it would be wiser to opt for a pair of more comfortable heels - the chance of a fall loomed over her in a quite a terrifying way.

Jeva Noir. I was particularly excited to see her, as I remember how sad she was at last years’ Moscow Burlesque Festival, sharing that they didn’t include her in the programme. Well, I must admit I can see why.

Does the act have an idea? Oh yes.

Is she gorgeous? Absolutely.

Is the costume marvelous? Quite.

The music? Good.

But something just didn’t click. Nerves? Perhaps. Some of her moves seemed forced & mechanical. In Burlesque, every move has a meaning, a purpose, a storyline to unveil. Also, a better wig is strongly advised.

If it is not a wig, better hair care is strongly advised.

Radmila Rocky Zombie got somewhat lost amongst the midst of performers. I was looking forward to this voluptuous beauty, but didn’t really get much. Caravan is a fantastic song, and she definitely has the skills, but something just didn’t work. There was no “wow” moment. I have a strong desire to see her other acts, this one seemed quite bland.

Well, Anja Pavlova is a treasure and a wonder. Not many leading ladies can shift between MC & performer with such ease & elegance. Her performances are a time machine, she exudes excitement. It is a treat to watch her.

However, when she gushed over the “kinky Burlesque” of Blanche De Moscou as something wildly original, I couldn’t help but wonder if she was convincing herself. In an industry where Dark Burlesque & Fetish Burlesque are huge, kinky Burlesque isn’t novel at all. Not even a little bit. Also, what was kinky about her number? A small demonstration of a few rather tame objects? The mask in the end? The spilling of the milk on her dainty bosom?

Blanche is a true enthusiast and her entrance look for this act is jaw-dropping. But the transformation that takes place in this performance can be made bigger, better, bolder.

THE FINALE

The show has a signature atmosphere of luscious elegance. It may not be thoroughly consistent, but it’s very clear that Pavlova knows what she wants and is working to fully fulfil her dreamy fantasy.

Perhaps if she were more strict and demanding, the results would be even more fabulous.

✶✶✶✶