#west indian bride

[liesmyth]

Books of the month!!!

(for the past 3 months) (forgot to do this for February and March so they're all here)

April

Bring Up the Bodies, Hilary Mantel — MORE blorbo Thomas Cromwell! Unreliable narrator tortured evil meow meow goes VROOM!! Genuinely hilarious on top of it. More thots. Fave read of 2024 so far. READ IT.

Dimenticare Berlinguer: La sinistra italiana e la tradizione comunista, Miriam Mafai — Essays on Italian political history. Probably not relevant to tumblr's interests. Very relevant to mine.

Mademoiselle de Maupin, Théophile Gautier — Gender! 1835s epistolary novel with Gender and crossdressing and musings on the value of Beauty! I loved this but it's rambly in a period-typical way. The Italian translation has very witty pretty prose; no idea about the original French, but I've heard the English translation isn't great.

The Angel of Indian Lake, Stephen Graham Jones — Third book of a trilogy. Do rec only if you love Jade Daniels as much as I do. Otherwise, it might get a bit confusing. I DO enthusiastically rec the first book in the trilogy, My Heart Is a Chainsaw, so you will all come to love Jade Daniels as much as I do. You're welcome.

The Manicurist's Daughter, Susan Lieu — A memoir about grief and families and the immigrant experience (Vietnam to west coast US). It's not usually my wheelhouse but I appreciated so many things about it, especially because of the audiobook version. Nonspoilery goodreads review here.

March

Bride, Ali Hazelwood — I don't like werewolf tropes enough to have enjoyed this. Fun romp if you like mates and knots.

We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families, Philip Gourevitch — Nonfiction; a partial account of the Rwandan genocide. (I say partial bc I think it lacks context if you, like me, don't know much about the topic going in.) Very poignant, unfortunately remains relevant; do NOT go for the audiobook version because it's dull as dirt.

Wolf Hall, Hilary Mantel — The book that blorbifies Thomas Cromwell and it's also laugh-out-loud funny. Do yourself a favour and read it.

February

Wuthering Heights, Emily Bronthe — somehow I'd never actually read this in English before? Absolute banger. The first half remains superior.

American Elsewhere, Robert Jackson Bennett — I have screamed about this on tumblr before. COSMIC HORRORS TAKE OVER NEW MEXICO TOWN! Do rec.

Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier — Amazing incredibly showstopping etc.

Clarkesworld, Issue 209 — Love me some cool sff short stories. Standouts: Lonely Ghosts (Meghan Feldman); The Enceladus South Pole Base Named after V.I. Lenin (Zohar Jacobs); Why Don't We Just Kill the Kid In the Omelas Hole (Isabel J Kim)

january books || let's be goodreads friends! here

[princesssarisa]

In Cinderella Tales From Around the World, I've now read all the tales from the United States and Canada. Most of these variants are Native American; some scholars think the archetype of Cinderella spread to these tribes from French Canadian settlers, but the indigenous people made it their own. There are also some US and Canadian variants from non-indigenous sources, which the book follows with two similar versions from the West Indies.

*The first Native American variant in this book is an Ojibwe version. The heroine is abused by her stepmother and two stepsisters, but a manitou (spirit) gives her fine clothes and a magical box in which to secretly store them. Some time later, the stepmother sends her to fetch water, and along the way the girl meets her grandmother, who warns her that she'll hear music, but not to look back in its direction – if she succeeds in not looking back, she'll become more beautiful than ever. She does, so one of the stepsisters sets out to the same place to gain new beauty too, but she ignores the grandmother's warning, looks back, and turns ugly. Some time after this, a dance takes place, the heroine attends wearing the dress the manitou gave her, and the chief's son falls in love with her and marries her. But after she gives birth to a son, the stepmother sticks a magic pin in her that turns her into an elk, and one of the stepsisters takes her place. Yet as in similar European variants, every day the elk comes back to nurse her baby, and eventually her husband finds her and pulls out the pin, restoring her to human form. He then has the stepmother and stepsisters executed.

*Another variant, from the Mi'kmaq and Algonquin peoples, is one I grew up with: it's been adapted into two picture books, The Rough-Face Girl and Sootface, and as "The Indian Cinderella" in an episode of the cartoon series Adventures from the Book of Virtues. The heroine lives with her father and her two cruel older sisters, who destroy her beauty by burning her with hot coals, singing off her hair and leaving her face covered with scars. Meanwhile, near their village lives a great, mystical chief or warrior who is invisible, or who can make himself invisible. Every girl in the village wants to marry him, including the two sisters, and they all dress in their finest to go and meet him. But the Invisible One will only marry a maiden who can see him, so his (visible) sister meets each one of them, and tests them by asking what his sled-strap and bowstring are made of. All the maidens, including the heroines' sisters, tell lies and are sent away. But the heroine dresses herself in improvised clothes and goes too, despite all her neighbors jeering at how ugly and shabby she looks. When the Invisible One's sister asks the usual question, she replies that his sled-strap is the rainbow and his bowstring is the Milky Way. This is the true answer. The sister then bathes her, which makes her hair grow back and heals her burn scars to reveal her natural beauty, and she marries the Invisible One.

**There's also a Huron variant on this story, with long additional episodes where suitors court the two older sisters, but they disdain the men, set near-impossible tasks for them, and when they succeed, finally say they'll marry them only when they've finished embroidering fabrics for the wedding. They force their younger sister to do the embroidery for them, but every night, like Penelope in The Odyssey, they undo some of it. Eventually, however, a great invisible chief comes to call, and the older sisters lie that they can see him but describe him inaccurately, while the youngest sister describes his true, otherworldly appearance and becomes his bride.

*The Zuñi tribe has a variant called The Turkey Girl, which stands apart from most others by having a sad ending. The heroine is a poor orphan, who either lives alone or with abusive sisters depending on the version, and earns her living by herding turkeys. One day a sacred dance is held and she longs to attend, so her turkeys magically wash her and dress her in finery and jewelry. But they warn her to come back before sunset to lead them home and feed them. The girl promises to do so, but at the dance she enjoys herself so much that she doesn't bother to go home in time. She comes back after dark to find that all the turkeys have fled into the wild, abandoning her to loneliness and poverty. This tale seems to be an allegory, warning poor people whose fortunes improve not to forget their old friends or be ungrateful to those who helped them.

*The book also includes retellings of Perrault's Cendrillon from Canada, the Southern US (written in slave dialect), the Bahamas, and Martinique. They're not different enough from from Perrault's version to warrant descriptions, but it's interesting to see the story told with each of these places' local flavors and dialects.

@ariel-seagull-wings, @adarkrainbow, @themousefromfantasyland

[readyforevolution]

Happy Birthday, Haile Selassie I, Negusa Nagast , Seyoume Igziabeher, By the Conquering Lion of the Tribe of Judah, His Imperial Majesty Haile Selassie I, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Elect of God,

RAS TAFARI!

In Jamaica, Shortly after the coronation of the Emperor Haile Selassie I, belief in the divinity of Haile Selassie began. A black king had risen in the east, a messiah had come to deliver his people. The legend of Emperor Haile Selassie grew after years of personally fighting and eventually defeating a European colonial power.

One hundred thousand Rastafari from all over Jamaica descended on Palisadoes Airport in Kingston to greet Haile Selassie when he visited Jamaica on April 21, 1966. Clouds of Ganja smoke covered the scene. Selassie started down the stairs, but returned, uneasy with the commotion as the crown rushed the tarmac. A well-known Rasta leader, Ras Mortimer Planno was recruited to negotiate the emperor's descent. Planno was able to calm the crowd and help the emperor exit the plane. This event is commemorated by Rastafari as Grounation Day every year on April 21.

At the time Bob Marleys new bride, Rita had relayed to Bob how she had seen stigmata on the hands of the Emperor as he walked the stairs down from his plane. This greatly contributed to Bob's conversion to Rasta and its subsequent global exposure.

On the flight to Jamaica he was asked if he would deny being god to the Rasta. He replied, "Who am I to disturb their belief?"

Jamaican authorities would have liked Selassie to deny divinity to the Rasta. This didn't happen and Selassie actually gave gold medallions to the Rasta leaders, the only gifts of the trip. This after famously giving away lions on his trip to Europe.

In a 1967 CBC recorded an interview with Haile Selassie in which he denied his alleged divinity. On being told, "There are millions of Christians throughout the world, your Imperial Majesty, who regard you as the reincarnation of Jesus Christ," Haile Selassie replied in his native language,

"I have heard of that idea. I also met certain Rastafarians. I told them clearly that I am a man, that I am mortal, and that I will be replaced by the oncoming generation, and that they should never make a mistake in assuming or pretending that a human being is emanated from a deity."

After his return to Ethiopia he sent an Archbishop to the Caribbean help draw Rastafari and other West Indians to the Ethiopian church. People resented the former colonial churches and were interested in establishing the Ethiopian Church in the Caribbean. The Emperor obliged and the church exists to this day.

[mykidself]

An attempt to rank my top 100 movies growing up. Note that I’m not trying to judge how good of a movie it is by any objective measures, but just how fond I remember feeling of it as a kid and how much it seemed to impact me at the time, how much I rewatched it, etc. I’m using 1999 as the cutoff point, when I was 11 or 12.

Made with Topsters.

Full text list behind the cut.

1. The Lion King

2. Aladdin

3. Tom and Huck

4. The NeverEnding Story

5. Jumanji

6. Return of the Jedi

7. Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace

8. The Rescuers Down Under

9. The Muppet Christmas Carol

10. Muppet Treasure Island

11. An American Tail

12. The Land Before Time

13. Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey

14. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

15. Beauty and the Beast

16. The Little Mermaid

17. Fantasia

18. Pocahontas

19. FernGully: The Last Rainforest

20. Bambi

21. The Princess Bride

22. Star Wars

23. The Empire Strikes Back

24. Toy Story

25. The Hunchback of Notre Dame

26. The Wizard of Oz

27. Jurassic Park

28. E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

29. Mickey's Christmas Carol

30. Squanto: A Warrior's Tale

31. Treasure Island

32. A Little Princess

33. Kids of the Round Table

34. The Ewok Adventure

35. The Secret Garden

36. The Flight of Dragons

37. The Jungle Book

38. Babe

39. Black Beauty

40. Balto

41. Back to the Future

42. Back to the Future Part III

43. Anne of Green Gables

44. Hocus Pocus

45. Brink!

46. Escape to Witch Mountain

47. The Adventures of Huck Finn

48. A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court

49. Titanic

50. Robin Hood: Men in Tights

51. Cats

52. The Sword in the Stone

53. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

54. Little Women

55. Cool Runnings

56. Heavyweights

57. Jungle 2 Jungle

58. Man of the House

59. The Three Musketeers

60. The Jungle Book

61. Sleeping Beauty

62. Harry and the Hendersons

63. Flight of the Navigator

64. The Indian in the Cupboard

65. Angels in the Outfield

66. Free Willy

67. Oliver!

68. Mary Poppins

69. Peter Pan

70. The Sound of Music

71. Dumbo

72. Lady and the Tramp

73. Magic Island

74. White Fang

75. The Amazing Panda Adventure

76. Alaska

77. Operation Dumbo Drop

78. Labyrinth

79. Hook

80. Anastasia

81. The Lion King II: Simba's Pride

82. The Brave Little Toaster

83. Once Upon a Forest

84. An American Tail: Fievel Goes West

85. Harriet the Spy

86. My Little Pony: The Movie

87. Felix the Cat: The Movie

88. We're Back! A Dinosaur's Story

89. The Hobbit

90. Jack

91. Adventures in Babysitting

92. Honey, I Shrunk the Kids

93. The Care Bears Movie

94. Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer

95. Tall Tale

96. All Dogs Go to Heaven

97. Fun and Fancy Free

98. Mulan

99. Tarzan

100. The Parent Trap

[youremyheaven]

https://www.tumblr.com/youremyheaven/753292529589436417/pick-mes-who-try-to-outshine-the-bride-are?source=share

I have strong opinion on this one ig people really make this a huge deal Especially on Indian social media L8KE HOW CAN SOMEONE OUTSHINE A DESI BRIDE . I understand in west ( I am not saying they are not beautiful but they have diff standards) so I cringe so hard when I see a desi on Instagram saying she outshined the bride because you literally can't

bro there are annoying "minimal" pastelcore brides these days who go to their wedding like it's some lowkey brunch

very easy to outshine them

but the guests who wear red to an Indian wedding where the bride also wears red and they go all out with their jewellery need to calm down

Like khud ke wedding pe aise jaao why would you try to upstage the bride

[tyrannoninja]

Offering the Bride of Kong

On a remote island somewhere in the Indian Ocean west of Sumatra, the mighty Kong is ready to receive his golden-haired bride!

As a matter of fact, there are some natural blondes among the indigenous dark-skinned peoples of Melanesia and Australia. It appears to have evolved separately from the blond hair in Europeans. As for Kong himself, I based him off an orangutan instead of the traditional gorilla, since it’s orangutans rather than gorillas which are native to the Southeast Asian region.

[chadthundercockblog]

Indian Bride Runaways were a common sight at White Camps in West Bengal. Not a problem, my dear, I would happily breed you with my Long White Sword and Superior Cum

[haveyoureadthismgyabook]

Series info...

Book one in the Dear America series

A Journey to the New World

The Winter of Red Snow: The Revolutionary War Diary of Abigail Jane Stewart, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, 1777 by Kristiana Gregory

When Will This Cruel War Be Over?: The Civil War Diary of Emma Simpson, Gordonsville, Virginia, 1864 by Barry Denenberg

A Picture of Freedom: The Diary of Clotee, a Slave Girl, Belmont Plantation, Virginia, 1859 by Patricia McKissack

Across the Wide and Lonesome Prairie: The Oregon Trail Diary of Hattie Campbell, 1847 by Kristiana Gregory

So Far from Home: The Diary of Mary Driscoll, an Irish Mill Girl, Lowell, Massachusetts, 1847 by Barry Denenberg

I Thought My Soul Would Rise and Fly: The Diary of Patsy, a Freed Girl, Mars Bluff, South Carolina, 1865 by Joyce Hansen

West to a Land of Plenty: The Diary of Teresa Angelino Viscardi, New York to Idaho Territory, 1883 by Jim Murphy

Dreams in the Golden Country: The Diary of Zipporah Feldman, a Jewish Immigrant Girl, New York City, 1903 by Kathryn Lasky

Standing in the Light: The Captive Diary of Catharine Carey Logan, Delaware Valley, Pennsylvania, 1763 by Mary Pope Osborne

Voyage on the Great Titanic: The Diary of Margaret Ann Brady, RMS Titanic, 1912 by Ellen Emerson White

A Line in the Sand: The Alamo Diary of Lucinda Lawrence, Gonzales, Texas, 1836 by Sherry Garland

My Heart Is on the Ground: The Diary of Nannie Little Rose, a Sioux Girl, Carlisle Indian School, Pennsylvania, 1880 by Ann Rinaldi

The Great Railroad Race: The Diary of Libby West, Utah Territory, 1868 by Kristiana Gregory

A Light in the Storm: The Civil War Diary of Amelia Martin, Fenwick Island, Delaware, 1861 by Karen Hesse

The Girl Who Chased Away Sorrow: The Diary of Sarah Nita, a Navajo Girl, New Mexico, 1864 by Ann Turner

A Coal Miner's Bride: The Diary of Anetka Kaminska, Lattimer, Pennsylvania, 1896 by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Color Me Dark: The Diary of Nellie Lee Love, the Great Migration North, Chicago, Illinois, 1919 by Patricia McKissack

One Eye Laughing, the Other Weeping: The Diary of Julie Weiss, Vienna, Austria to New York, 1938 by Barry Denenberg

My Secret War: The World War II Diary of Madeline Beck, Long Island, New York, 1941 by Mary Pope Osborne

Valley of the Moon: The Diary Of Maria Rosalia de Milagros, Sonoma Valley, Alta California, 1846 by Sherry Garland

Seeds of Hope: The Gold Rush Diary of Susanna Fairchild, California Territory, 1849 by Kristiana Gregory

Christmas After All: The Great Depression Diary of Minnie Swift, Indianapolis, Indiana, 1932 by Kathryn Lasky

Early Sunday Morning: The Pearl Harbor Diary of Amber Billows, Hawaii, 1941 by Barry Denenberg

My Face to the Wind: The Diary of Sarah Jane Price, a Prairie Teacher, Broken Bow, Nebraska, 1881 by Jim Murphy

Where Have All the Flowers Gone? The Diary of Molly MacKenzie Flaherty, Boston, Massachusetts, 1968 by Ellen Emerson White

A Time for Courage: The Suffragette Diary of Kathleen Bowen, Washington, D.C., 1917 by Kathryn Lasky

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: The Diary of Bess Brennan, Perkins School for the Blind, 1932 by Barry Denenberg

Survival in the Storm: The Dust Bowl Diary of Grace Edwards, Dalhart, Texas, 1935 by Katelan Janke

When Christmas Comes Again: The World War I Diary of Simone Spencer, New York City to the Western Front, 1917 by Beth Seidel Levine

Land of the Buffalo Bones: The Diary of Mary Ann Elizabeth Rodgers, an English Girl in Minnesota, New Yeovil, Minnesota, 1873 by Marion Dane Bauer

Love Thy Neighbor: The Tory Diary of Prudence Emerson, Green Marsh, Massachusetts, 1774 by Ann Turner

All the Stars in the Sky: The Santa Fe Trail Diary of Florrie Mack Ryder, The Santa Fe Trail, 1848 by Megan McDonald

Look to the Hills: The Diary of Lozette Moreau, a French Slave Girl, New York Colony, 1763 by Patricia McKissack

I Walk in Dread: The Diary of Deliverance Trembley, Witness to the Salem Witch Trials, Massachusetts Bay Colony, 1691 by Lisa Rowe Fraustino

Hear My Sorrow: The Diary of Angela Denoto, a Shirtwaist Worker, New York City, 1909 by Deborah Hopkinson

The Fences Between Us: The Diary of Piper Davis, Seattle, Washington, 1941 by Kirby Larson

Like the Willow Tree: The Diary of Lydia Amelia Pierce, Portland, Maine, 1918 by Lois Lowry

Cannons at Dawn: The Second Diary of Abigail Jane Stewart, Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, 1779 by Kristiana Gregory

With the Might of Angels: The Diary of Dawnie Rae Johnson, Hadley, Virginia, 1954 by Andrea Davis Pinkney

Behind the Masks: The Diary of Angeline Reddy, Bodie, California, 1880 by Susan Patron

A City Tossed and Broken: The Diary of Minnie Bonner, San Francisco, California, 1906 by Judy Blundell

Down the Rabbit Hole: The Diary of Pringle Rose, Chicago, Illinois, 1871 by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

[thepastisalreadywritten]

-------o0o--------

She was demure and elegant in a flowing gown – he looked dapper and debonair in a tailored navy suit.

So pity the poor bride and groom whose lavish Caribbean nuptials were overshadowed by such glamorous guests.

Then again, if you will invite Prince Harry and his actress girlfriend Meghan Markle to your wedding, what do you expect?

All eyes were on the young lovers as the prince attended the wedding of friend Tom ‘Skippy’ Inskip at the weekend in Montego Bay, Jamaica. 

Not having seen each other for a fortnight, Harry, 32, and 35-year-old Meghan used the trip as an excuse for a romantic reunion – and their affectionate behaviour set tongues wagging that it might not be long before they, too, are walking up the aisle.

For Meghan, the surroundings are not entirely unfamiliar.

In 2011, she married her first husband – film producer Trevor Engleson – at a resort just 60 miles along the coast. So, is she feeling the love second time around? 

We reveal exactly what the young couple got up to on their romantic West Indian weekend...

He flies in economy, while she takes a private jet

Harry arrived in Jamaica on Wednesday to join the groom’s party ahead of the big day – he was one of 14 ushers.

The royals don’t use private planes for personal engagements, so he took a Virgin Atlantic flight from Gatwick to Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.

The prince did splash out on a premium economy seat, costing upwards of £2,000 return.

Meghan flew in the following day from Toronto, where she’s filming US legal drama Suits, in a private jet that belongs to a friend.

Ever the gentleman, Harry picked her up from the airport, greeting her with a kiss before they drove back to the hotel together.

The luxury resort where JFK stayed

With 110 acres of lush tropical gardens, suites designed by Ralph Lauren and its own private bay, the wedding reception venue is the perfect backdrop for royal romance. 

The Round Hill Resort was built in the 1950s as a series of luxurious cottages for rich and famous visitors. Guests have included JFK and Jackie Kennedy, who spent their honeymoon here.

Grace Kelly, Fred Astaire, Clark Gable, Sir Paul McCartney, and Emma Watson have also stayed.

A hotel worker revealed that Meghan and Harry stayed in a £5,000-a-night premium luxury villa, the resort’s most exclusive accommodation away from prying eyes, which comes with its own housekeeper, two pools and a games room with a bar and pool table.

Ever watchful of their safety, security guards were stationed in rooms nearby.

Guests have breakfast served on their balcony, and options include Jamaican delicacies such as ackee (a fruit like a lychee), saltfish with fried dumplings and callaloo (a leafy green vegetable).

It’s quite a change from Meghan’s first trip to the island during her low-key wedding in 2011.

She and her husband-to-be stayed at the four-star Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios, where they indulged in drinking games and wheelbarrow races before saying their vows.

The (other) very happy couple 

It takes a brave bride to invite glamorous, leggy Meghan to your wedding. But flame-haired Lara Hughes-Young didn’t seem bothered about being outshone.

Lara, 30, a software developer at global technology company ThoughtWorks, knows Harry through her new husband ‘Skippy’, who went to Eton with the prince.

She’s the granddaughter of late Conservative MP Michael Hughes-Young.

Her father holds the title Lord St Helens – making her official title the Honourable Lara Inskip.

She is said to have been ‘singing Meghan’s praises’ since meeting her last year.

They may have been the focus of attention on the day, but Megan and Harry were far from the only notable guests at the wedding.

Harry’s aunt Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, was on the list, accompanied, insiders say, by her daughter Eugenie.

After the ceremony, a smiling Fergie, wearing a black minidress with a jewelled neck, was seen posing for photographs with Pastor Conrad Thomas, who officiated the ceremony.

Archie Soames, one of the ushers, is the great-grandson of Winston Churchill. Maid of honour Alice St Clair Erskine is an actress who portrayed the Duchess of Cambridge in the 2011 American TV show William and Catherine: A Royal Romance.

Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt is rumoured to have popped in for the party.

Trying not to upstage the bride

For the ceremony, Meghan chose a £1,200 floral print maxi dress by Canadian designer Erdem. 

Harry opted for a bespoke navy suit, believed to be from his favourite Savile Row tailor Gieves & Hawkes, and teamed with a yellow rose. 

Meghan accessorised her elegant attire with a nude clutch bag and a pair of £249 gold-rimmed sunglasses by Dior to shield her eyes from the hot Jamaican sun.

The bride did her best to stay in the spotlight in a breathtakingly simple white satin gown with a plunging neckline and full, flowing skirt – a direct contrast to Meghan’s high-necked style.

Meghan's tender touch for her prince 

Meghan placed a protective arm on Harry’s back as she steered him out of the church and guests say the pair were very tactile throughout the reception as she was introduced to his old friends. 

At one point they were seen deep in conversation, as a jacketless Harry drank a beer and Meghan an Aperol spritz cocktail as she continued to rub his back.

Minutes later, she moved even closer, gazing into his eyes and putting her arms around his neck.

‘They are both head over heels and don’t care who sees it,’ said an onlooker.

xxx

[bardengarde]

movie recs? movie recs please?

I have to be so honest with you when I say I don't have a particularly good or smart taste in movies, so like.... I'm going to give you 3 of my favorite movies. Clicking the titles should direct you to their respective doesthedogdie . com pages for lists of potential triggers.

• Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron

Rated G, released in 2002

Set in the Old West in the late 19th century, the film follows Spirit, a mustang stallion, who is captured during the American Indian Wars by the United States Cavalry; he is eventually freed by a Lakota man named Little Creek with whom he bonds, as well as a mare named Rain.

• The Princess Bride

Rated PG, released in 1987

Adapted by William Goldman from his 1973 novel of the same name, it tells the story of a swashbuckling farmhand named Westley, accompanied by companions befriended along the way, who must rescue his true love Princess Buttercup from the odious Prince Humperdinck.

• Glory

Rated R, released in 1989 (Please review the trigger warnings with this movie.)

Glory is a 1989 American historical war drama film directed by Edward Zwick about the 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, one of the Union Army's earliest African-American regiments in the American Civil War. It stars Matthew Broderick as Colonel Robert Gould Shaw, the regiment's commanding officer, and Denzel Washington, Cary Elwes, and Morgan Freeman as fictional members of the 54th.The film depicts the soldiers of the 54th from the formation of their regiment to their heroic actions at the Second Battle of Fort Wagner.

[playermagic23]

From Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to Sobhita Dhulipala: 5 Indian actresses marking their presence in Hollywood

As Sobhita Dhulipala is all set to make a mark in Hollywood with Monkey Man, here's looking at 5 Indian actresses who had a crossover to the West.

Over the years, several Indian actresses have ventured into Hollywood, making their mark on the global stage and entertaining audiences worldwide. From Aishwarya Rai Bachchan to Deepika Padukone, Priyanka Chopra to Sobhita Dhulipala, each of these talented Indian actresses has left an indelible impression with their Hollywood debut performances.

As these actresses continue to break boundaries and challenge stereotypes, their respective Hollywood debuts showcases their talent, determination and global appeal. Take a look!

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s entry into Hollywood was marked by the film��Bride & Prejudice, where she showcased her acting prowess in a cross-cultural adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel. Her elegance, charm, and captivating screen presence made her a standout in the international film arena.

Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka Chopra made waves with her Hollywood debut in the television series Quantico, portraying the role of FBI recruit Alex Parrish. Her stellar performance earned her widespread acclaim and opened doors for her to transition into Hollywood films, including the action-comedy Baywatch.

Deepika Padukone

Deepika Padukone’s Hollywood journey began with the action-packed film xXx: Return of Xander Cage, where she shared the screen with Hollywood superstar Vin Diesel. Her portrayal of the fearless and skilled Serena Unger showcased her versatility and garnered praise from audiences worldwide.

Alia Bhatt

Alia made headlines when she announced her Hollywood debut with the film Heart of Stone alongside Gal Gadot and Jamie Doman. While she portrayed the role of a hacker, her anti-hero stint in the film was appreciated by one and all. Her foray into Hollywood had generated immense excitement among fans worldwide.

Sobhita Dhulipala

Adding to the list of actresses making their Hollywood debut is the stunning Sobhita Dhulipala with her upcoming film Monkey Man alongside Dev Patel. While details about her role are eagerly awaited, her participation in the project has generated anticipation among fans and industry alike. Sobhita gained immense recognition with her critically acclaimed series Made In Heaven. Her nuanced performance as Tara Khanna, a complex character navigating societal expectations, showcased her depth as an actress and earned her praise from one and all.

[imadudeenaugustsarvahusayn]

109)

Pray for me to one day marry;

that Feminist Pack Lead overused. In the name of POC take a knee relentless shouting, #StopAsianHate, & Brown Boys discourse either you Indian or Spanish saying it everytime;

Emma Watson and make her Selanik-esque Muslimah. That will be done the puzzle🧩🥲. Before I die. Get it done 📝.

Isolated Sanskrit Muslim izland-stuff, Don't like brown say-it-everytime & black shouting; movement. I'm what I'm ✴️(✳️). महाकाली's 🌕.

Kukulkan/Quetzalcoatl神. Indian but at the same time not Indian. More Kuna Sanskrit. Javanese Dragon with Garuda body. 🦅🔂🐊🦈:🐉🔵, mutated going Turk🇹🇷[I'm one of Çanakkale youth] & Persian🇮🇷[Unconscious, just like tis 🇮🇳] & German Ghetto Gunnersaurus🦖🥙🥗🌾🍛 whilst not as an Abi per-se but bak to that again Kuna Sanskrit, or to put it blatantly 卐神 but 🛕🌕☭🛕-self. I really really really like White Girls. I love now it's align to the West. Also, if it's Asian, I like just like Emma beforehand, in pack, one K-Pop girl band for example. But now the winds rise to the west.

I'm entering half-end of my time spent. Being शिव is hard...

"I reveal to you a secret. The time has come when the Groom shall crown the Bride. But where is the crown? In the North... And whence comes the Groom? In the Center✴️(✳️), where the heat generates the Light and turns towards the North." -Julius Evola

---

*School Muslim Chaplain w/ 90s G-Funk Synth flows mixed Deutsch Rap Beats tatted with Arabesk & AM's AM, with Wehrmacht patterns (have so little genes of Dutch inside). Madjapahit-Srividjaja-Shamail w/ add-on little Inlander.

[parfumieren]

Happy Birthday, Mata Hari...

Today (August 7th) is the birthday of Margaretha Geertruida Zelle MacLeod-- the dancer, sex symbol, and spy better known as Mata Hari. What scent best suits the occasion? Perhaps the ghost of the guest of honor will guide my hand...

First, a bit about Margaretha. Forcibly transplanted to colonial Java by a philandering husband, this young Dutch-born mail-order bride found comfort in studying traditional Indonesian dance. A local dance troupe proved supportive-- as did one of her husband's fellow Army officers, with whom she absconded from her marital prison. In 1897, she renamed herself "The Eye of the Day" and freed herself from domestic bondage for once and for all.

Today, we remember Mata Hari as an infamous World War I double agent whose life ended in front of a firing squad. But in her heyday, she - alongside Isadora Duncan, Loïe Fuller, and Ruth Saint Denis - ushered in an era of "sacred dance", which incorporated tribal, ceremonial, and contemporary movement, fusing East and West.

In fact, it's this sense of emerging from one matrix to immerse oneself in another that makes Mata Hari and Guerlain's Elixir Charnel Oriental Brûlant a heavenly match. At once simple and sumptuous, Oriental Brûlant excels at bridging cultures through scent as deftly as its namesake did through dance.

It begins with a dense sweet top note that says "vanilla" in as many languages as it can. As it progresses, it becomes more transparent, ascending from deepest plum to the aforementioned misty mauve, where it seems to pause and hold its breath. There it remains for hours and hours-- comforting, reassuring, never cloying or annoying, a mystical scent meditation.

Inasmuch as Spanish jijona turrón, Italian torrone, French nougat, German marzipan, Czech turecký med, Israeli halvah, Turkish loukhoum, Indian halwa, Japanese yōkan, and American fudge all lie on the same confectionary spectrum, one can trace the path of a single idea spurred by common hunger across a hundred national boundaries in its quest for manifestation. And actually, candy isn't a bad metaphor for Oriental Brûlant, which smells like an imported sweet concocted from honey, orangeflower water, and almond paste layered between fragile sheets of rice paper. It's an uncommon dessert of the high-calorie variety. It may be an acquired taste for some, but not me-- I was charmed by it from the first.

A side note: Oriental Brûlant is tinted pale mauve, a hue historically associated with a number of contradictory social conventions. Invented in 1856 by Sir William Henry Perkin, "mauveine" dye became popular as a half-mourning color for women in transition from a state of bereavement. By the Gay Nineties -- dubbed the "Mauve Decade" by social essayist Thomas Beer -- the color had amassed a following among artists, poets, and mystics whose social and sexual mores ran counter to those of the establishment. Oscar Wilde, Aubrey Beardsley, Aleister Crowley… and of course Mata Hari.

____________

In my perfume travels, I have found to my dismay that all saffron perfumes smell alike in the end. What seemed extraordinarily novel the first time I encountered it (in Olivia Giacobetti's Safran Troublant, to which I remain imperishably hooked) now seems as uniform as if die-stamped by machine.

Time and again, saffron is paired off with the same old partners -- rose, cardamom, steamed milk, sandalwood -- only to end up carrying them all on her broad back. I'm certain she gets weary of these arrangements, but is too mild-mannered to say so. Like a superhero recruited not to some global justice league but the local PTA, she gamely offers to run the next bake sale, knowing full well she'll end up saving the world.

What if saffron took a holiday?

Histoires de Parfums' 1876 Mata Hari is one of the best saffron perfumes I've ever smelled... only it doesn't have a lick of saffron in it. All of her usual dance partners have gathered in one place to scratch their heads at the saffron-shaped vacancy in their midst. Where is she? they're thinking. Not me: I'm getting too big of a kick out of watching the gang sweat bullets at the prospect of doing all the heavy lifting.

Luckily, everyone pitches in and gets this baby off the ground. Rose and sandalwood know all the steps, and lychee provides the fresh perspective of a newcomer to the scene. Substitute cumin for cardamom? Yes, please-- it makes for a slightly more ballsy drydown in place of the usual oeufs à la neige. All together, 1876's components do such a good job of filling in for the missing piece that you'd swear she was present and accounted-for the whole time.

If Guerlain's Oriental Brûlant is our antiheroine all dressed up in her stage costume (beads dripping, headdress sparkling), I'd have to say that 1876 is Mata Hari in civilian clothes. To be sure, they are beautifully cut, perfectly proportioned, and wildly expensive as befits the wardrobe of a demimondaine-- but they are unobtrusive enough to allow her to pass through society without attracting too much attention. So skillful is 1876's air of olfactory misdirection that, applied with a light touch, it could make the wearer damn near invisible.

But perhaps that is exactly what you want. After all, a good spy does well to remain incognito.

Scent Elements: Tonka bean, almond, vanilla, styrax, clementine (Elixir Charnel Oriental Brûlant); bergamot, orange, lychee, rose, iris, violet, carnation, cumin, cinnamon, vetiver, guaiac, sandalwood (1876 Mata Hari)

[thetrashiestoftrash]

Followed the link to read the replies. Most of them are chastising or consoling the original poster for their mistake, but then there's this reply, by HLHJ:

Uploader's caption: Unlike the weddings of the West where brides are seen adorning very little, if any, jewellery, in countries like Bangladesh and India, the bridal gold jewellery plays a major role in the planning of a wedding. Traditionally, gold ornaments were worn by brides as a sign of high status and prestige. Gold ornaments provided and still provides brides with security due to its hyped up price. It is a valuable asset that can be used in times of need, although, in most Indian or Bangladeshi families bridal jewellery will rarely be ever sold

At one point, diamonds were praised for their high fire (high optical dispersion, which makes for rainbow highlights), clarity, colourlessness, and durability. Then cubic zirconia came out, with way more fire than diamonds, more than enough hardness not to get scratched by dust (mostly quartz, Moh's hardness of 7), less colour, more clarity, good resistance to chemicals and thermal shock, less brittleness than diamonds (diamonds chip easily; cubic zirconia can, like corundum/sapphire, actually be used for knife blades)... oh, and much cheaper. Then suddenly too much fire was gaudy, and diamonds were the best because they had exactly the right amount of fire. Obviously cubic zirconia needs a multi-billion-dollar ad campaign: "Likely to remain undamaged for longer than diamonds under actual wear conditions, and is shiny"? — maybe Wikipedia editors are not any better at PR than PR professionals are at being Wikipedia editors. A preference for cubic zirconia over diamond might be considered modern independent-minded good taste, traits we may hope are correlated with being a big Wikipedia user.

If gemstones were valued for their physical properties, we would not see people buying stones which need an expert with specialized equipment to distinguish them from other stones that cost less than a tenth as much. Nor would we see people paying huge premiums for mined stones which can only be distinguished from synthetic ones by their flaws (and carbon footprint, both ways, and working conditions). However, in many cultures, jewelry is how women store capital, as it is the form of property they can most reliably retain. Giving expensive jewelry is thus a way of giving financial independence, although I would point out that education has a better ROI and is harder to lose.

In cultures where women have more financial equality, women generally own less value in jewelry, and men get given jewelry more (there are places in which a married man sans wedding ring is a figure of fun). The original poster seems to come from Georgia, USA; there, counting only full-time workers, men earn $1.35 for every $1 a women earns,[1] and women do more unpaid work, regardless of employment and pay. My point is that moving to Iceland might help.

2006

[banarasiuniquesilk]

Celebrating Indian Weddings with Supremacy: The Beauty of Indian Sarees

The Rich Diversity of Indian Sarees

From Kanjeevaram in the South to Paithani in the West, Indian sarees are as diverse as the culture itself. Each region has its own style of saree, crafted with unique weaving techniques, fabrics, and patterns. In North India, the luxurious Banarasi saree is particularly renowned, often seen as the epitome of elegance and a favorite choice for brides.

Whether you’re attending a wedding as a guest or are a bride-to-be, there’s a perfect saree for every role. Indian sarees come in endless varieties, allowing you to celebrate the occasion in a way that feels both authentic and fashionable.

Why Banarasi Sarees Are Perfect for Weddings

One of the most celebrated forms of Indian sarees is the Banarasi saree. Originating from Varanasi, these sarees are known for their fine silk, intricate brocade work, and zari (gold and silver) detailing. A pure Banarasi saree is a symbol of elegance and opulence, making it the ultimate attire for Indian weddings. For brides, a Banarasi saree offers a regal look that honors both tradition and beauty.

Banarasi sarees aren’t limited to bridal wear. They are also popular for Indian saree shopping during the wedding season, perfect for family members, friends, and guests who want to embrace Indian culture in its most authentic form. With exquisite patterns and a luxurious feel, these sarees are ideal for both formal and festive settings, adding a touch of sophistication to every celebration.

A Guide to Selecting the Perfect Banarasi Saree

Choosing the right saree for a wedding can be a delightful yet daunting experience. When it comes to Banarasi sarees, there are a few factors to consider:

Design and Pattern: Banarasi sarees are known for their floral and Mughal-inspired patterns. When selecting a Banarasi saree, look for motifs that resonate with your personal style.

Fabric Quality: Authentic Banarasi sarees from Varanasi are crafted from high-quality silk that feels soft and luxurious. Make sure you’re investing in genuine material.

Color: Deep reds, rich blues, and regal golds are popular colors for Banarasi sarees during weddings. However, pastel shades are also gaining popularity for a more contemporary look.

For brides, selecting the perfect Banarasi saree is not only about the wedding day but also about creating a family heirloom. Many Banarasi sarees are handed down through generations, making them more than just attire — they become cherished family treasures.

Embracing Indian Sarees Beyond Weddings

While Indian sarees are a wedding staple, their appeal goes far beyond weddings. Many people opt for Indian sarees for festivals like Diwali, Navratri, and Eid, as well as for engagements and other traditional ceremonies. Sarees are a timeless choice, and in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in designer Banarasi silk sarees, which offer a blend of traditional artistry with modern flair.

Banarasi Unique Silk provides an exclusive Banarasi saree collection with designs that cater to both contemporary tastes and traditional preferences. From luxurious wedding sarees to elegant options for festive occasions, their collection is perfect for those who value quality and tradition.

Where to Find the Best Banarasi and Indian Sarees Online

For those interested in Banarasi saree online shopping in India, finding a trusted store that provides authentic and affordable Banarasi sarees is essential. Banarasi Unique Silk offers a wide range of Banarasi sarees for weddings, festivals, and other celebrations, providing shoppers with high-quality sarees that reflect the true craftsmanship of Varanasi.

Whether you’re looking to buy Banarasi sarees in Delhi, Banarasi sarees Mumbai, or even for those in smaller cities, Banarasi Unique Silk brings the best of Indian sarees right to your doorstep. Their collection includes sarees perfect for traditional ceremonies, family gatherings, and even modern parties. You can also find a variety of matching Banarasi blouses and dupattas, ensuring a complete and elegant look.

Indian Sarees as the Ultimate Expression of Grace and Beauty

There’s no doubt that the Indian saree is more than just clothing; it’s an expression of grace, beauty, and cultural pride. During the wedding season, Indian sarees are adorned by women of all ages, symbolizing the unity and joy that weddings bring. A Banarasi saree, with its intricate detailing and luxurious fabric, is especially revered for its timeless appeal and is often the centerpiece of an Indian wedding wardrobe.

For those looking to add an authentic touch to their wedding season attire, Banarasi Unique Silk offers an unparalleled collection of Banarasi sarees that embody tradition and elegance. With a Banarasi saree, you’re not just wearing a piece of fabric — you’re embracing a rich history and a timeless tradition.