text:
Tag: MGM Studios
My Bonus Double Feature Has Arrived!
On September 6, 2019 By 18cinemalane1 Comment
Welcome to my Bonus Double Feature! Just to let you know, there will be spoilers within this post. If you want to read the introduction, here's the link:
An Introduction to My Bonus Double Feature
The Secret Garden poster created by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Loew's Inc. Image found at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_Secret_Garden_FilmPoster.jpeg
In what way is the adaptation like the book?
1949: There were several similarities to the book in the 1949 adaptation of The Secret Garden. One of them was the incorporation of the wind. In the book, the sounds of Colin's cries blend with the sounds of the wind. Mary quickly picks out the cries from the wind and notices that something isn't right. In the movie, this aspect sounded just like how it was described in the book. If one wasn't paying attention, they would assume that the cries were a part of the wind. The other element was the path to Colin's room. Mary, in the book, enters different rooms and passageways in order to find the source of the crying. In the movie, when Mary attempts to find out where the crying comes from, she travels through various rooms and hallways, which take her to Colin's bedroom door. While this trip takes place in a shorter amount of time, the visuals of the different places in the house shows just how intertwined Misselthwaite Manor really is.
1987: More similarities were found in this adaptation than in the 1949 version. The one that I was pleasantly surprised by was Mary's characteristics. Despite Gennie James' inability to carry a British accent, she made up for this by embodying the spirit and persona of her character. Through her emotions, actions, and behavior, Gennie brought the likability and unlikability that Mary Lennox is known for. Two examples are when Mary was more upset about losing her doll over her parents and when she became friends with the robin. While we're on the subject of this friendship, Mary forms a relationship with a robin that is also very fond of Ben Weatherstaff. By befriending the robin, in both the book and movie, Mary's transformation from self-centered child to selfless individual begins. As for the character transformations, they were developed very well in the source material and the adaptation. Even though the movie was drawn out, it showed that the transformations of characters like Mary, Colin, and Mr. Craven happened over the course of several months. It also showed that these transformations take time and patience.
1993: Similar to the 1987 film, the characteristics of Mary are pretty close to how the character was written in the book. But in this adaptation, the characteristics of almost all the characters seemed like it reflected the book very well. In the 1993 movie, Kate Maberly's performance was the best portrayal of Mary Lennox! Not only was she able to carry a British accent throughout the entire film, but she also did a really good job at bringing a balance of emotions to her role. During the scene where Martha accidently offends Mary, the angry emotions that Kate brought to her character reminded me of how the character would have behaved in the book. Another good example is when Dickon and Mary are in the secret garden, while they are singing "Mistress Mary Quite Contrary". Even though she's happy to be spending time with Dickon, she's reminded of the painful memories when she arrived in England. Speaking of Dickon, Andrew Knott's portrayal of this character was the best out of all three adaptations I've seen! He did a fantastic job pulling off a Yorkshire accent and brought a sense of likability to his role. The scene where Dickon and Mary meet for the first time is a good example of this.
As I just mentioned, Dickon and Mary sing "Mistress Mary Quite Contrary" in the 1993 movie. This song plays a small role in the book. At the beginning of the story, the song is sung to Mary in a manner of teasing. When the story goes on, she reflects on the song's meaning and questions her outlook on life. Another aspect of the movie that reflected the book was the interior designs of Misselthwaite Manor. Mary's and Colin's room are a great example, as tapestry can be seen on the walls. This is an important detail to mention because tapestry was described in the novel.
Was there anything in the adaptation that was different from the book?
1949: In the 1949 adaptation, there were just as many differences from the book as there were similarities. One notable difference is how emotional Mary Lennox is. In the film, Mary bursts into tears when she finds out that her parents have died. This is not the reaction that Mary has in the book, as she wouldn't care what happens to her parents because of her poor relationship with them. Speaking of relationships, Mary's relationship with Ben Weatherstaff is quite different in the film. Mary, as well as Colin and Dickon, don't like Ben. They not only keep their distance from him, but they also don't allow him to enter their garden. In the book, however, Ben becomes the children's ally. He provides them with plenty of information about the secret garden, such as why it's closed off from the rest of the gardens. The children even invite him into the garden on a few occasions. Finally, how Mary and Dickon meet is also different in the movie. Mary meets Dickon before she's even aware that a secret garden exists. In the book, Mary meets Dickon after she's entered the secret garden. She meets him because he's purchased some flower seeds for her.
1987: While watching this adaptation of The Secret Garden, I noticed fewer differences compared to the 1949 version. Like the 1949 film, the initial meeting of Mary and Dickon happens at a different part of the story. In this movie, Mary meets Dickon before she's found the secret garden, yet she is aware that it exists. At the beginning and end of the movie, the audience sees that the story is told through the reflections of a grown-up Mary Lennox. Since the book only focused on Mary's story from when she was a child, this was a creative choice that Hallmark Hall of Fame made. Unlike the book, Mary and Colin are not cousins. I'm not going to reveal the reason for this creative decision because I don't want to spoil the movie for anyone who hasn't seen this version. But this choice wasn't as much of an issue as I thought it could be. Plus, it works within this particular story!
1993: Toward the beginning of the film, Mary loses her parents to an earthquake. This is different from the book, as she loses her parents to sickness. The location of the secret garden's key is also different from the source material. In the movie, Mary finds this key in her aunt's jewelry box instead of in the dirt. Another difference I noticed was the characteristics of Mrs. Medlock. This character, in the book, was stern but caring. Mrs. Medlock, in the movie, was much stricter. She's not only against the idea of Mary and Colin spending time together, but she's also mean to the other members of the staff. I'm not sure if this creative decision was made to include a conflict or to highlight the acting strengths of Maggie Smith.
Did you find anything in the movie that you felt improved upon the material more than the book?
1949: While the majority of the film is presented in black-and-white, the only scenes that were featured in color were those that took place in the garden. Frances Hodgson Burnett was very descriptive when writing about the garden. But you can only describe so much without giving someone a visual. The way the garden is presented in this adaptation helps bring the text to life.
1987: In a few parts of the film, the element of suspense was incorporated. One good example was when Mary meets Colin for the first time. The build-up to that moment was staged really well, using as little lighting as possible and featuring things like lightening and scary looking statues. Because of these elements coming together, it was better executed in the movie than in the book.
1993: During the 1993 adaptation, a transition happens between winter and spring/summer. This transition isn't just seen through the exterior background. The cinematography and color of wardrobe are other visuals that indicate the changing seasons. An explanation of how Mary and Colin are related is included in this script. According to this adaptation, Mary's mother was the twin sister of Colin's mother. No explanations to how Mary and Colin are related were given in the book. All that's known is that they're cousins and Mr. Craven is Mary's uncle.
This is yet another Hallmark Hall of Fame movie that I purchased. However, I bought it because I wanted to give an honest opinion for this double feature. Screenshot taken by me, Sally Silverscreen.
Is there anything from the book that improved upon the material more than the movie?
1949: In the book, the garden itself is written as if it were its own character. Because of this, the garden creates a ripple effect on the characters and their lives. In the movie, however, the garden is treated like a Macguffin. It's not featured in the film for very long and the progression of the characters happens pretty quickly. We also don't see the process of the garden's revival.
1987: When I was thinking about this Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation, I found it difficult to find anything that the book did better than the movie. This is because the adaptation was pretty close to the source material. It gives people who have read the book, like myself, a reason to find it satisfying.
1993: Even though she plays a really small role in the book, Susan Sowerby, Martha and Dickon's mom, shares her wisdom and advice throughout the story. These things have a small, but significant influence over the events of the plot. Because Susan was nowhere to be found in this film, this part of the story was eliminated from the script.
Because each adaptation was released in a different decade, do you feel that the movie itself was affected by the time period in which it was released? If so, how?
1949: MGM's The Wizard of Oz was one of the first movies to experiment with color imaging. Since the movie was a success for the studio, they were more than willing to incorporate color imaging into their future films. The Secret Garden was released ten years after The Wizard of Oz, so it makes sense that they reserved the color imaging for the titular secret garden. What's interesting is how little color imaging is included in the movie. It's only seen on three occasions, after the garden has been fully revived.
1987: There's three key things that I think had an influence on this version of The Secret Garden. The first is the 1949 movie. Because this particular film had an equal amount of similarities and differences, it encouraged the creative team behind the Hallmark Hall of Fame project to make a more faithful adaptation. The second key ingredient was the trend where content in '80s children's/family-friendly entertainment was darker and "creepier". Since Hallmark Hall of Fame's The Secret Garden was released in 1987, it provided an alternative for those who wanted to move away from the aforementioned trend. The last thing is the concept of home entertainment and video rental stores. One of the most well-known video rental businesses, Blockbuster, opened its doors in 1985, just two years before Hallmark Hall of Fame's adaptation was released. Since then, the idea of renting or purchasing films has played a huge role in the world of cinema. I'm not sure when Hallmark starting allowing their movies to be sold for home entertainment. But their version of The Secret Garden has been available on VHS and DVD.
1993: Two important aspects affected the creation of this specific adaptation. The first one is the previous adaptations of The Secret Garden. This particular version of the story was the first theatrical adaptation since the 1949 film. The Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation was close enough to the source material where readers would be satisfied. Taking these films into consideration, the creative team behind the 1993 movie tried to make a movie that felt cinematic and respected the source material. The second thing is the climate that existed in children's/family-friendly entertainment in the early '90s. During this time, the Disney Renaissance was in the early stages. The box office was also receiving films with Don Bluth's signature animation style. In the live-action department, films like My Girl and Beethoven were released from their respective studios. The early '90s provided variety to children's/family-friendly entertainment. Since this version of The Secret Garden was released in 1993, the film contributed to the aforementioned climate.
If an adaptation of The Secret Garden were made today, how would it be different from the other adaptations?
I think that if The Secret Garden received another adaptation, that film's creative team would probably try to have the story take place in "modern" times. If this decision were made, the simplistic nature that comes from a historical fiction narrative would be taken away. Another possible change would be the incorporation of an environmental message. This would be unnecessary because the purpose of the secret garden has nothing to do the environment. The garden is included in the story to present the idea of becoming a better person when putting the needs of others before one's own.
What aspect from the movie or book do you think has stood the test of time?
The messages and themes within this story have been relatable and cherished for many years. As I already mentioned, one idea that can be found in both the source material and any adaptation is how putting the needs of others before one's own can help someone become a better person. Because the protagonist of this story is a child, the narrative evokes reflection on a time when a person's life could be care-free. It also reminds the audience of how anything is possible when we set our minds on something.
While I have seen this version of The Secret Garden before, this was my first time watching it as an adaptation. Screenshot taken by me, Sally Silverscreen.
On September 4, 2019 By 18cinemalane2 Comments
Back in May, my post called "A Bucky Fan's Response to one of Looper's Avengers: Endgame related videos" became my 200th published post! Whenever I publish a hundred posts, I coordinate a double feature where I try to answer a thought-provoking question through the viewing of two similar films. But, around the time when I published my aforementioned post, I discovered that I would soon reach the milestone of 100 published reviews. So, I postponed my Double Feature until that milestone was reached. It was achieved in July when I published my review of Christmas Camp! However, that post was published just before I embarked on an out-of-town trip. So, I postponed my Double Feature until after the trip. But August became my busiest month, as I participated in four blogathons. Because of that, the Double Feature had to be pushed back again. Now that I have set aside some time to coordinate my Double Feature, I can finally announce that it will be published this week! Since I'm celebrating two milestones, I will be writing about three films.
I am fully aware of the irony that comes with reading The Secret Garden from the Hallmark Gift Books collection before watching the Hallmark Hall of Fame adaptation. Screenshot taken by me, Sally Silverscreen.
If you ask anyone what the best adaptation of The Secret Garden is, most of them will tell you that it's the Hallmark Hall of Fame version from 1987. For years, I have heard this statement from many people on the internet. In fact, when I asked a search engine which adaptation of The Secret Garden was the best one, the Hallmark Hall of Fame version was the film that came up as the answer. But is this movie really the best adaptation? That's what I wanted to find out for myself! The most well-known versions of The Secret Garden that I will be watching are the 1949 release, the Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation, and the 1993 project. I read The Secret Garden prior to watching these films, so I could gain a better understanding of how similar or different each adaptation is from the source material. Because I'm going to talk about three versions of the same story, I will ask myself fewer questions than I did for my Halloween Double Feature. I will also not be giving these films any score ratings because I'm judging them as adaptations. There will be no pre-movie thoughts, questions, or predictions this time because I know what the movies are about before I've seen them.
Take 3: Little Nellie Kelly Review
On June 1, 2019 By 18cinemalane14 Comments
I know that it's been two weeks since I last wrote a movie review. Because I was out of town around that time, I chose to reschedule several of my planned blog posts to later dates. But, when it comes to posts relating to blogathons, I always try my best to be a blogger of my word and publish my lists, reviews, or editorials within the blogathon time-frame. When I signed up for the 2nd Annual Broadway Bound Blogathon, I knew, right away, that I would be reviewing the film, Little Nellie Kelly. Before this review, I had never seen or heard of this movie. Plus, the synopsis on Turner Classic Movies' (TCM's) website said that this film is about "the daughter of Irish immigrants patches up differences between her father and grandfather and rises to the top on Broadway". Because I knew that Judy Garland was the star of this production, I figured that I would, at least, find some enjoyment in this movie. Was my prediction correct? Was there enjoyment to be found in Little Nellie Kelly? Please keep reading if you want to find the answer!
Little Nellie Kelly poster created by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Image found at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Poster_-_Little_Nellie_Kelly_03.jpg
The acting: Something I've noticed about Judy's films (specifically the ones that I've seen) is that she surrounds herself with a talented cast. This is no different for Little Nellie Kelly. Charles Winninger's portrayal of Michael Noonan was such a pleasant surprise! He brought so much emotion to his performance that it ended up being effective. Judy's performance was also great to watch! Her emotions and musicality helped her portrayal of Nellie Kelly be as strong as it was. I also liked George Murphy's performance as Jerry Kelly! His acting talents helped carry this film alongside his co-stars.
The comedy: In Little Nellie Kelly, there were comedic moments that I truly found to be hilarious. One scene has Nellie telling her father that she's going to get married to Jerry. As soon as her father hears this, he unexpectedly spits out his coffee and makes a big mess. This moment made me laugh out loud! As I watched the film, I noticed that the majority of these comedic moments were caused by Charles' character, Michael. Because of this particular actor's quality of talent, it made the film's comedy stick the landing.
Some of the montages: There were two montages in Little Nellie Kelly that I really liked. The first one was when Jerry, Nellie, and Michael go through the process of becoming citizens of the United States. When it comes to cinematic stories about people immigrating to the United States, this aspect of the narrative is rarely explored. The second montage I liked showed the process of Jerry becoming a police officer. In film, when a character chooses to be a police officer, they are usually shown either before or after they accept the job. Like the first montage, this process is not always featured in cinematic narratives. Even though these montages didn't last very long, I'm glad they were included in this story.
The 2nd Annual Broadway Bound Blogathon banner created by Rebecca from Taking Up Room. Image found at https://takinguproom.wordpress.com/2019/03/07/announcing-the-second-annual-broadway-bound-blogathon/.
An inability to hold an accent: Because some of the characters are from Ireland, hearing accents from them is to be expected. While Charles Winninger did a good job when it came to carrying the accent, I felt that Judy and George's ability to carry an Irish accent wasn't as strong. When I watched Little Nellie Kelly, I never heard Jerry talk with an Irish accent. Meanwhile, the only time Nellie spoke with an Irish accent was when she sang "A Pretty Girl Milking Her Cow". Because of Judy and George's inability to carry an accent, this prevented a sense of continuity to exist amongst the characters.
A limited amount of musical numbers and comedy: Even though I liked the comedy in this film, there were very few comedic moments to be found. Throughout this one hour and thirty-eight minute picture, there were more dramatic moments than comedic ones. In this movie, there were a total of about four to five musical numbers. That's a lot less than I was expecting. The film's opening credits said that Little Nellie Kelly was based on a "musical comedy". But, if anything, this project felt more like a "dramedy" (a combination of comedy and drama), with an emphasis on drama.
Judy Garland portraying Nellie Kelly Sr. and Jr.: In the movie, Judy portrays two characters; Nellie Kelly and her daughter. While different hairstyles helped, a little bit, to differentiate between the two characters, this creative decision still baffled me. I understand that MGM wanted to utilize Judy's talent as much as possible. However, I still think that Judy should have portrayed only one character. Because this movie is called Little Nellie Kelly, Judy could have portrayed the daughter, while another, slightly older actress could have portrayed Nellie Kelly Sr. That way, Judy could have still been the leading star of the movie, while the other actress could also receive a significant amount of recognition.
St. Patrick's Day image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href='https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/st-patrick-s-day-background_1640464.htm'>Designed by Freepik</a>. <a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/background">Background vector created by Freepik</a>. Image found at freepik.com.
I like Little Nellie Kelly for what it is. There are elements to the film that make it enjoyable, such as the musical numbers and the acting. However, I found this movie to be somewhat misleading. As I said in the introduction, this synopsis said that the protagonist "rises to the top on Broadway". Not only was this location never mentioned in the film, but Nellie never aspired to be an entertainer. What makes this even more frustrating is how few musical numbers there were and how little comedy there was in the film despite it being called a "musical comedy" in the opening credits. From what I've heard, this movie is based on a pre-existing Broadway musical. Because I have never seen the stage version of this story, it's difficult for me to say if the movie was anything like the play. This kind of reminds me of how I felt about Edward, My Son. Both of these films were based on plays and made me felt like I was misled. I can't fault the creative teams behind these movies too much, since their job was to adapt their respective plays to the screen. However, a good amount of honesty should have been included into each film's synopsis.
Have you seen any of Judy Garland's movies? If so, which one is your favorite? Let me know in the comment section!
Take 3: Meet Me in St. Louis Review + 75 Follower Thank You
On March 9, 2019 By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment
Last week, 18 Cinema Lane received 75 followers! Before I start this review, I'd like to take a moment to thank all of my followers for making this achievement possible. Without you, my blog would never have received this milestone (especially in this short amount of time). So, like I've done in the past, I will now review a film that was released 75 years ago (in 1944). Because I've only seen bits and pieces of Meet Me in St. Louis, I've chosen this movie to celebrate this accomplishment! When I picked this movie to review, I realized that the only films of Judy Garland's that I had ever seen were The Wizard of Oz and A Child is Waiting. This gave me a good excuse to not only watch a movie that I had never seen in its entirety, but to also explore Judy's filmography! Now, let's finally start this review for Meet Me in St. Louis!
Meet Me in St. Louis poster created by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Loew's, Inc. Image found at https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Meet_Me_in_St._Louis_poster.jpg
The acting: The cast was very talented in Meet Me in St. Louis! To me, the two strongest performers in this film were Judy Garland and Margaret O'Brien! Like in The Wizard of Oz and A Child is Waiting, Judy has both the musical and acting talents to carry a significant weight of the film. Judy also has good on-screen chemistry with Tom Drake, who portrays John Truett in the film. Margaret O'Brien's portrayal of "Tootie" Smith was one of the strongest elements of this film! During the scene where "Tootie" is so upset about moving to New York that she destroys the snowpeople outside, Margaret's performance was so emotionally powerful. In fact, her performance was so emotionally powerful, that it was an affective way to make the audience feel sorry for the character. Both Judy's and Margaret's performance complimented the performances of the other actors as well.
The music: I really liked the music in this film! The collection of songs was a good balance of light-hearted and emotional material. Judy's musical performances were a treat to see, as they were all delightful and enjoyable! My favorite musical number in this movie was when Judy and Margaret performed "Under the Bamboo Tree". This performance was so joyful and added to the light-hearted nature of the film. When it comes to more emotional performances, I really liked Judy's rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas". Her version of the song was emotional enough to affectively reflect the mood of what's going on in the film. It's sad, as it addresses reflecting on times gone by, and it's hopeful, as it talks about appreciating the things you have in your life. This assortment of songs made seeing this movie an enjoyable experience!
The sets: All of the sets in Meet Me in St. Louis were impressive! I'm not sure if the Smith family home is a real-life house or a house built on a studio lot. However, the facility itself was absolutely gorgeous! Everything in this house looked and felt like a home from the early 1900s. I also liked how the ballroom looked in the scene where Esther, Rose, Lon, and Grandpa attend the annual Christmas ball. The way the Christmas tree was placed in the greenroom was so pretty. The Christmas tree's placement was also a good way to effectively pull off a surprise within the story!
St. Louis, Missouri sticker image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/label">Label vector created by freepik – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.
A weak first segment: From a story-telling perspective, I thought the story during the "Summer 1903" segment was the weakest element of the movie. Within the first twenty minutes, the primary story focused on whether Rose would become engaged via a long-distance telephone call. Because the first few minutes of a film is, usually, reserved for providing exposition, I don't think Rose's story was an effective way to start this movie. It is as if the screenwriters expected their audience to automatically care about a character whom they just met. For me, the overall narrative wasn't interesting until the "Fall 1903" segment began.
Too many characters: Even though Meet Me in St. Louis had a talented cast, I feel there were too many characters associated with this story. In this movie, the overall narrative seemed to serve only a few of the characters. The individuals that benefited the most from this narrative were Esther, Rose, "Tootie", John Truett, and Mr. & Mrs. Smith. The rest of the characters either feel like they're there for the sake of being there or like they weren't given enough screen-time.
The limited presence of the World's Fair: Throughout this movie, the World's Fair is referenced by several characters on several different occasions. It's even mentioned in the opening song, "Meet Me in St. Louis, Louis". However, the World's Fair itself was only featured within the last twenty minutes. Even in those few moments, the World's Fair isn't incorporated into the story enough to make me, as an audience member, feel satisfied. If anything, the World's Fair in Meet Me in St. Louis was just a glorified extra.
Meet Me in St. Louis is a good film! The music is entertaining and the story is interesting enough to keep the audience invested. As I mentioned in my review, the acting is what helped keep this movie going. While Judy and Margaret were the two strongest performers in this movie, the rest of the cast was also talented. Yes, this film did have its flaws. However, there was a good amount of content that made the experience of watching this movie enjoyable. I'm glad I chose this movie to review for my 75 follower dedication post because it allows me to explore the filmography of both Judy Garland and Margaret O'Brien! It also gave me a good excuse to watch a film that I had never seen in its entirety.
Overall score: 7.5-7.6 out of 10
What are your thoughts on my review? Are you looking forward to seeing which movies I review in future blog follower dedication posts? Leave your thoughts in the comment section!
Take 3: Edward, My Son Review + 70 Follower Thank You
On February 26, 2019 February 25, 2019 By 18cinemalane2 Comments
Two weeks ago, 18 Cinema Lane received 70 followers! The reason why I waited this long to publish my 70 follower dedication post is to decide whether I should review Edward, My Son or The Secret Garden. I ended up choosing Edward, My Son because I haven't heard many people talk about the film. In fact, I had never heard of this movie until this month. When I chose to review Edward, My Son, I discovered that it was based on a play. I also learned that it was about a father who wanted to protect the well-being and assets of his son. Curious about how this father was going to complete his mission, I became very intrigued by this story. With that, it's now time for me to review my 14th movie in this series, Edward, My Son!
Edward, My Son poster created by MGM-British and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Image found at http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/73917/Edward-My-Son/#.
The acting: I thought Edward, My Son had a good cast! Spencer Tracy's and Deborah Kerr's performance was one of the most memorable parts of this film! Both of them brought the emotional intensity and versatility that helped their portrayals of Arnold and Evelyn Boult be as strong as they were. All of their emotions appeared very natural, providing depth to their characters and to any given scene. Mervyn Johns' performance in Edward, My Son was such a pleasant surprise! He convincingly portrayed the terrified nature of his character, Harry Simpkin. Even though this character was not on-screen very often, Mervyn found a way to make this character as memorable as possible.
The evolution of Arnold and Evelyn Boult: Throughout the film, Arnold and Evelyn Boult evolve as individuals. This process started because of the actions and choices of Arnold. As time goes on, Evelyn changes as a person, being negatively affected by Arnold's decisions. The way that Arnold and Evelyn evolve over the course of the film was very effective. This was because of how well-written and well-acted these characters were. Arnold and Evelyn's evolution also effectively showed how time was passing in the story.
The staging of the sets: Before watching Edward, My Son, I found out this movie was based on a play. When I saw the film, all of the sets reminded me of scenes that could be found within a play. In Edward, My Son, there is no action and very few transitions between locations. The story itself doesn't seem too complex. These factors helped this play make a smooth transition to the screen. The only thing about this movie that felt cinematic was any time Arnold spoke directly to the audience.
Birthday party set-up image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/food">Food photo created by freepik – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.
An Absence of Edward: Even though this movie is titled Edward, My Son, Edward never makes an on-screen appearance. In fact, Edward is only incorporated into the film through the dialogue of other characters. Because of this creative choice, it treats Edward and his story like an afterthought. Instead, the primary plot focuses on Edward's father's rise to power and fortune. The creative team behind this film did not show and tell their audience about Edward. They never give them the opportunity to get to know and connect with him as a character. Since the audience was not given this chance, the things that happen in Edward's personal life don't feel emotionally effective.
A longer run-time: Edward, My Son is almost two hours. This caused the story to feel a bit drawn out. It also made the film end about 10 to 20 minutes too late. Personally, I think Edward, My Son should have been at least an hour and ten minutes. If this were the case, then the story could have been a bit more condensed.
An uncompelling story: As I've already said, the primary plot of Edward, My Son is about Arnold's, Edward's father's, rise to power and fortune. Since I was more interested in learning about Edward, I didn't really think Arnold's story was compelling. Watching Arnold progress from a caring father and husband with good intentions to a self-centered, power hungry man was a little bit interesting. However, it wasn't interesting enough to make me, as an audience member, satisfied. Had the movie showed the points of view of both Arnold and Edward, I think it would have added intrigue to the overall narrative.
Fancy jewelry image created by Freepic.diller at freepik.com. <a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/wedding">Wedding photo created by freepic.diller – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.
Edward, My Son was an ok film. It definitely had the pieces to be a good, quality project. However, the biggest issue I had with Edward, My Son was the lack of Edward. Even though Edward is not an on-stage character in the play, I didn't like how Edward did not appear in the movie. The film focused more on Arnold and the changes he experiences over the course of twenty-three years. Therefore, the title should have been more reflective of the overall narrative. In my opinion, I think that Edward should have been an on-screen character. We not only could have gotten to know him, we also could have seen how his father's choices affected him. It also would have been a great opportunity for an actor to either start their career or help their career grow. I'm guessing there were several actors, at the time, who would have wanted to accept a role in a movie like this. If Edward was an on-screen character, it could have helped an actor achieve a "standing ovation" that they had probably worked very hard to earn. Sadly, this opportunity was not available because of the creative choices that were made for this film. That is the one thing I will take away after watching Edward, My Son. Thank you so much to all my 70 followers! Your support of this blog really means a lot to me!
What did you think of my review? Is there a movie from 1949 that is your favorite? Please tell me in the comment section!
Take 3: All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 Review
I'm not going to lie, I don't have a movie in my life that I would consider "so bad it's good". But, because of my involvement in the So Bad It's Good Blogathon from Taking Up Room, I wanted to find that film that I could finally call "so bad it's good". For this review, I could have chosen a film that has a reputation for being "so bad it's good". However, just because other people say that a movie is "so bad it's good" doesn't necessarily mean I would feel the same way about that movie. So, I approached the topic with this mindset: find a movie that might be less-than-stellar but has qualities about it that are redeemable. When I thought about a film that could fit these criteria, my first thought was a Don Bluth film that hasn't been well remembered. One of my favorite movies is Anastasia from 1997. Don Bluth's animation style is one of the things that make that movie so memorable. But I know that not all of Don Bluth's films were created equally. With that said, I have chosen All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 as my pick for this blogathon! Since I've only seen half of the first film and bit and pieces of its sequel, I coordinated a double feature so I could figure out if All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 is "so bad it's good". Even though it had some flaws, I thought that All Dogs Go to Heaven was a good film. It also gave me some perspective as to what I could or could not expect from All Dogs Go to Heaven's successor. Now that I have revealed which movie I'm reviewing, it's time to see if All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 is truly "so bad it's good"!
All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 poster created by MGM/UA Family Entertainment, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Animation, and MGM/UA Distribution Co. Image found at https://mgm.com/#/our-titles/47/All-Dogs-Go-To-Heaven-2.
The animation: Even though Don Bluth was not involved in the production of All Dogs Go to Heaven 2, I still liked the animation within the film. Like in the first movie, there was a good balance between dark and bright colors. A good example of this is during the movie's climax, when the darkness of the prison is balanced out with the bright red of the villain and the bright pink that came from Heaven. I also thought that the quality of the animation was sharper than in the first film. Even though the animation was good in All Dogs Go to Heaven, it was softer in terms of the lines and shape of characters, buildings, and landscapes. In the sequel, this softer style of animation was just reserved for landscapes.
Revisiting the characters of Charlie and Itchy: When it comes to sequels, one of the best parts is seeing familiar faces from the previous film. A highlight of All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 was having Charlie and Itchy return from the first movie! Their involvement in the sequel's story helped provide some continuity between the two films. It was also nice to see both of these characters receive more character development. While in San Francisco, Charlie shares a memory of his youth with a new character named David. Not only did David learn more about his friend, the audience got to learn more about Charlie. Moments like this help characters like Charlie and Itchy gain more likability.
The villain: As I was watching All Dogs Go to Heaven, I noticed that one of the flaws of the film was Carface. While he was a good villain, Carface wasn't as strong of a villain as the movie wanted him to be. He seemed to show up in the film only for plot convenience, which made him not as big of a threat to the protagonists as he could have been. In All Dogs Go to Heaven 2, the villain was a cat named Red. To me, this villain was scarier than Carface, even upstaging Carface's villainy. No matter if Red was on or off-screen, the sense of dread and doom was always there. Even his transformations in the film were pretty terrifying. This helped make Red an even bigger threat to Charlie, Itchy, and their friends.
Dog collection image created by Freepik at freepik.com. <a href="https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/dog">Dog vector created by freepik – http://www.freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.
No references to the first movie: Something that I look for in a sequel is how the story connects to its predecessor. Unfortunately, All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 didn't really make an effort to address the events of the first film. One example of this is the absence of Anne-Marie. In the previous movie, Anne-Marie played a significant role within the overall story. Her friendship with Charlie and Itchy was depicted as being very meaningful. But in the sequel, when Itchy joins Charlie in Heaven, Charlie does not ask about Anne-Marie's whereabouts. Because these important details were ignored, it almost seemed like everything that happened in the first movie meant nothing.
A rehashed story: The overall narrative of All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 felt like it copied some of the key plot points from the first film. David's involvement in the sequel is a good example of this. Similar to Anne-Marie, David spends the majority of the film by himself. Charlie not only befriends the child protagonist in both films, he also helps them find their family. At one point in their respective films, Anne-Marie and David get taken by Carface. These coincidences made this story feel like it wasn't as creative as it could have been.
The main plot being an afterthought: In All Dogs Go to Heaven 2, the primary plot was about Charlie and Itchy going back to Earth in order to retrieve Gabriel's Horn. But as I watched the film, it seemed like the story focused more on the whereabouts of David than returning Gabriel's Horn back to Heaven. The audience doesn't see the consequences of not having Gabriel's Horn until the climax of the film. After the initial loss of Gabriel's Horn, it doesn't show up in the film again until the half-way point. While this part of the story was an interesting way to continue the overall narrative, it felt like more emphasis was placed on recapturing the magic of the first film.
The So Bad It's Good Blogathon banner created by Rebecca from Taking Up Room. Image found at https://takinguproom.wordpress.com/2018/11/15/announcing-the-so-bad-its-good-blogathon/
As a movie, I thought All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 was just ok. As a sequel, this movie felt very unnecessary. Instead of complimenting or adding to the previous chapter, All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 almost rejected everything that came before it. All Dogs Go to Heaven ended on such a good, definitive note. This made for a memorable and enjoyable stand-alone film. As I mentioned earlier, the sequel made the events in the first movie feel like they meant nothing. However, I do think that the creative team behind All Dogs Go to Heaven 2 had their hearts in the right place. We did get to see Charlie and Itchy again, as well as being introduced to new characters. The animation was good and so were the songs. While I wouldn't call the sequel "so bad it's good", I don't think it's as enjoyable as the previous film.
What are your thoughts on my review? Which movie do you think is "so bad it's good"? Share your thoughts in the comment section!


text:
Six ways to purchase Chief Jay Strongbow or Timothy Gager's books (other prices vary)
How do you get me?
You can get Chief Jay Strongbow is Real, Grand Slams, The Thursday Appointments of Bill Sloan or any of my books
1. Through me, Paypal, (ctgager37@yahoo.com) $14 plus $2.63 shipping or on my website (paypal)
You make out with no shipping, I don't charge any.
Author makes out from you buying direct.
Paypal takes some of the money, unless you use the gift button.
2. Though me, Credit Card, $14
Paypal takes some of the money, because this option is through them
Contact me with your credit card numbers (sounds a little sketchy, I know. Sorry).
3. Though me, Check, $14
Author 's best option.
Contact me for my mailing address. ctgager37@yahoo.com
4. Through your favorite Indy Bookstore $14 + waiting
You make out by getting the book. Ask store to order with
Author makes out by very small royalty.
5. At Amazon $14 + shipping
soon available as a Kindle version, various prices
You make out by getting the book.
Author makes out by sales number increase on site and the very small royalty.
6. Though Barnes and Noble, $14 + shipping
You make out by getting the book. Ask store to order by ISBN number ISBN-13: 978-0996988742
Posted by ctgager37 at 1:51 PM 1 comment:
Bent Country/Enclave has high praise for my new book.
Here's the most excellent review,
found in the Bent Country, and Enclave also reprinted below. I love that it says I can go too unnoticed for my poetry, as often I am the novelist whom write poetry, when I'm not being the poet who also writes novels.
Bent Country?
I'm absolutely blown away by the praise and superlatives written here.
But as it says, don't get bent out of shape, (or relax) it's Sheldon Lee Compton's blog. So who is he?
Sheldon has a lot of fine credits himself. His fiction and poetry has been published in more than 200 journals both online and in print In 2012, he was a finalist for both the Gertrude Stein Fiction Award and the Still Fiction Award. The Same Terrible Storm was nominated for the Thomas and Lillie D. Chaffin Award for Excellence in Appalachian Writing, while his short stories have been nominated four times for the Pushcart Prize, as well as Best of the Net, storySouth's Million Writers Award, and cited in Best Small Fictions 2015 and Best Small Fictions 2016, guest edited by Robert Olen Butler and Stuart Dybek, respectively.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Appreciation of Timothy Gager's CHIEF JAY STRONGBOW IS REAL
Chief Jay Strongbow is Real
by Timothy Gager
Big Table Publishing (July 18, 2017)
$14 paperback (Amazon)
Timothy Gager is a fantastic poet. I'd like to say this up front. And I say that for everyone. To my mind, and I could be off base in mentioning this, but I seem to think he may go unnoticed too often for his poetry. Reading his most recent collection, Chief Jay Strongbow is Real, I've become convinced he could be one of our most natural poets. His poems have this feel to them, as if they appeared to him in visions. In truth, I realize this only means he worked on them extraordinarily hard. But still, not everyone can bring across this natural feel in their work.
Take this from Act I, the first of eight sections of poems from the collection, a piece titled "Repatriation":
It's still happening, now, as
science, debunked their tall tale
that I wasn't really a native American,
not a cultural item of lineal descendants
see what they dug up, check the DNA
which shows, I still long to be in the ground.
Timothy spends a good deal of time at the beginning of this collection dealing with justice and injustice, especially in regard to the native American. In his preface, he explains that his perspective on the treatment of the native American was changed following a failed grade school assignment. He spends time on the subject in the title poem, as well, Chief Jay Strongbow, a former pro wrestler who used a racist gimmick, a popular show technique for those guys in the 1980s. But he doesn't stay on the subject, instead moving on to topics ranging from the complexities of love to the hardships of addiction.
In the poem "Sobriety" with stripped down language and minimal space, Gager absolutely sums up one of many aspects of what staying clean is like, the hourly grind of it and how beautiful recovery can be when managed successfully. The poem begins with a familiar image, the addict or alcoholic in recovery with coffee. In this instance, sitting alone in thought, viewing oil paintings.
view the oil paintings
hung boats and fields
thousands of brush strokes
But more than what he can do with a ripe subject matter, and returning to this natural rhythm his style develops on the tongue, it is his use of syntax that can astound in this collection. Of the many poems on display, none show this more clearly for me than "Nursery Rhythms." Have a look at the final stanza and consider while reading how Timothy must have labored over each syllable working in perfect concert with the other.
off my crooked clavicle
sapiens discern vertebrae
unbreakable, resilient
missiled. And shatterproof
glass in pitched little houses
is how we wind up a catapult.
Big Table Publishing just released this title. I suggest you get to Amazon and get a copy as soon as possible. BTP will have it available at their site soon, I'm sure. In the meantime, know that Timothy is writing poetry that is not only pleasing on a poetic level but is also important on a social level, aware of long-standing debts and the newly-wronged alike and poetry that offers wisdom shared beautifully, not something found easily or often. And he shares this asking nothing in return but your attention.
Publishing Day!! This calls for the blurbs and how to purchase.
1) Or order it from your favorite bookstore
2) Or contact me ctgager37@yahoo.com, if amazon is not your thing.
3) Deal if you buy from me. Any other of my books can be added for half their price.
Good friend Rusty pictured with Heather Sullivan
Timothy Gager's latest book, Chief Strongbow is Real, is evidence of a new stage for the veteran poet and novelist. Before this book, Gager safely relied on his poetic insight into the struggle we all face, and his powerful phraseology; in this one, he stretches out into the worlds of politics and personality. His eye for the telling detail remains, but his work has become more expansive, more timely, and less hard-bitten. This is a mature poet showing us exactly what he's got: and it's good.
-Rusty Barnes Author of On Broad Sound and I Am Not Ariel.
Shaindel Beers- a very kind soul
The poems in Chief Jay Strongbow Is Real exist in liminal spaces. Timothy Gager realizes that like the actor who portrayed Strongbow, we are all "fake…actor[s] within/the theater of our absurdity." These poems aren't afraid to rail against the world we find ourselves in, where if "the cash is too good/right in our backyard, [we] sign the contracts/then set the tap water on fire." These are poems that fight for truth and justice and love – whether we're ready for them yet, or not.
–Shaindel Beers, author of A Brief History of Time and The Children's War and Other Poems
Pictured with Harlym 1TWO5 at poetry workshop
Timothy's work is the cool that doesn't know it's fire. And his poetry, dry ice, cold to a flame. And all that cool, fire, ice, vocabulary and metaphor make volcanoes out of sandboxes of life and experience.
-Harlym 1TWO5, poetic force to be reckoned with
Creative and talented Vi Khi Nao
These Timothy Gager's poems are diurnal animals prowling the midnight streets of his heart, searching for suburban morality, conscience, beauty, rawness, hope, and simplicity of time and being. When you read his work, you will be fetching him a bowl of milk made of love and fatigue and sobriety. The poems in this collection will drill quotidian sadness and nostalgia and hope into your left torso and make you dream of fabric softener and leggings and fertilizer.
–Vi Khi Nao author of Fish in Exile and The Old Philosopher
First review of Chief Jay Strongbow is Real, by Laura Cherry Boston Small Press and Poetry Scene
Doug Holder, poet, editor, publisher Laura Cherry, poet, reviewer
Doug, Laura
and me, with a galley of Jay Strongbow, "we hold these truths..."
Put them together
Tim, Laura, Doug
Review published in Boston Small Press and Poetry Scene
Chief Jay Strongbow is Real: Timothy Gager Hungers for Truth
Taking its title and prevailing metaphor from a faux-native wrestler who was "arguably the biggest racist gimmick in history," Timothy Gager's new collection, Chief Jay Strongbow is Real, sets out to debunk our tidy, comfortable myths and cut through romantic and cultural illusions. The book is set in eight "Acts" that take on loaded topics like politics, addiction and sobriety, love and its demise, family, and poetry itself.
The collection's introduction and opening poems indict the actions of those currently in power ("sign the contracts / then set the tap water on fire"), but he's equally allergic to simplistic or idealistic solutions from the other side:
The most radical revolutions
Become conservative
The day after the revolution
("Me Thinks we Protest")
Gager's poems are disruptive and clever, full of his characteristic wordplay: "What doesn't kill you makes you thinner," "as a fly crows," and, most light-heartedly:
You know you slay me
I have dragon breath
("Loose Flowers")
Gager is also bold and funny in his skewering of consumer culture (seventies style):
Take Sominex tonight and sleep
after Coke and a smile
is how you spell relief
("I'm Feeling Good About Amerika")
The collection punctures the balloon of romance and easy intimacy ("this / dating is either gaga or nothing") but still allows for the hope of deep connection "like a worn t-shirt / is a perfect imperfection." Silly posturing is off the table here, but love remains a comfort.
In a world of counterfeits, compromise, disappointment and disgust (which extends even to the self: "today at the beach, my patience / vanished like waves taking turns"), the clearest story to tell may be of the adolescent hollowness that cannot be assuaged. Hunger, at least, is true, and memory doesn't soften it.
At age sixteen, a hundred and forty pounds
An empty pit, my ribs stuck out like a step ladder
My toothpick arms with bulbous hinges
I think it impossible to fill my stomach
("When I Think of my Childhood")
With its distrust of smug certainties and empty nostalgia, Chief Jay Strongbow is Real might help us sharpen our own gaze, see more clearly, and act simply and boldly: "Cook a meal. / Plant a garden." If there's a message here, it is to look for truth and to persist. "By no means stop."
--Laura Cherry
We have Front. We have Back. Chief Jay Strongbow is Real is close to being real.
FRONT (click on image to enlarge)
BACK (click on image to enlarge)
and read the PREFACE
and Table of Contents
Six ways to purchase Chief Jay Strongbow or Timoth...
Publishing Day!! This calls for the blurbs and how...
First review of Chief Jay Strongbow is Real, by La...
We have Front. We have Back. Chief Jay Strongbow i...

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


A part of the technology system upgrade was a Lynx Ultra television distribution system from Lynx Broadband.
MINNEAPOLIS, MN, February 08, 2018 /24-7PressRelease/ — Built in 1905, the Minnesota State Capitol in Saint Paul had reached a critical deterioration point. Over the past three years, the Capitol was renovated at a cost of $309.674 million dollars. That work included modernization of antiquated technology, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. A part of the technology system upgrade was a Lynx Ultra television distribution system from Lynx Broadband.
It delivers high-definition (HD) community antenna television (CATV) programming as well as audio, graphics and live broadcast content from committee rooms and house floor sessions over category 6A (cat 6A) cable to more than 430 televisions throughout the capitol complex.
The building was designed and constructed before the development of communication technology as we know it today. Therefore, coaxial cable was installed later to deliver television programming. As needs grew, unmanaged, the quality of the signal deteriorated over time, in some instances not delivering any viable signal to new and existing TVs. It also made troubleshooting and repair challenging and time consuming.
Constructed with plaster walls, the capitol building had inefficient, cumbersome spaces and lacked wiring closets. It was important that the wiring was concealed. Of lighter weight and less expensive, the cat 6A cable was much easier and faster to install than coax cable. The new infrastructure incorporated 18 intermediate distribution frame (IDF) wiring closets where the Lynx system is installed. The cable runs from the wiring closets to 430 televisions were up to 200 feet (61 meters) long. The Gephart Low Voltage Systems team installed and tested the Lynx Ultra television distribution system quickly and efficiently.
More affordable than coax cable and competitive products in most applications, Lynx Ultra HDTV distribution system delivers HDTV from cable providers, CATV headend, satellite headend and local over-the-air broadcasts over cat 5 or 6. It is a passive design and ideal for most standard installations with the hub assembly located in wiring closets (MDF/IDF). Lynx Ultra converters are located at the point of use. The system is capable of simultaneously delivering up to 804 digital channels or 268 high-definition digital radio frequency (RF) channels on cat 5 or 6 cable. It distributes frequencies up to 860 MHz, ideal for 8K ultra-high-definition (UHD), 4K UHD, HD or standard-definition (SD) resolution signals over cable runs up to 328 feet (100 meters) long. Extremely reliable, Lynx Ultra is scalable with 8, 16 and 24 port hub configurations, allowing for maximum flexibility for any number of televisions. Each system is designed by Lynx Broadband for plug-and-play installation.


In May 2017, Wilson Parking embarked on a mission to provide customers with a better experience when parking in their car parks.
As well as aesthetic improvements such as new lighting and freshening up of paint work at each site, Wilson Parking wanted to make it easier for their customers to both navigate the car park and efficiently find available bays to park in using a smart car park system that included digital signage.
After a private tender process, Wilson Parking NZ selected Smart Parking as their preferred technology partner.
Depending on the individual requirements of each WilsonParking off street parking site, Smart Parking deployed a range of sensing hardware such as in-ground sensors, overhead indicators and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras.
Once installed, these sensors collect information which in turn is displayed in real time on displays such as overhead guidance lighting and intuitive occupancy directional digital signage.
All of this information is communicated via our SmartCloud platform to the SmartPark dashboard, which was also integrated in with Wilson Parking's third party applications.
This means that Wilson not only have an overview of site activity, but also insights at a granular, bay-by-bay level. Using the reports and analytics function, they have effective site management in a proactive and timely manner.
After a well-received install at SAP Tower in Auckland, Smart Parking became a Wilson Parking preferred supplier, and we soon installed the SmartPark system in another five of Wilson's car parks.
Three more projects are currently under way and due for completion shortly, with another five installs scheduled for 2018.
Customers visiting Wilson car parks can now enjoy not only a brighter, cleaner site, but thanks to our signage and guidance a safer, more streamlined journey to find a bay.


Today's business owners face a lot of competition, and it is crucial for them to be up-to-date on the latest trends, resources, and tools to avoid being left out.
But even more challenging for companies are the important questions that arise regarding their security, marketing, and brand efforts. This is the reason why it is essential to have a reliable online resource to help provide informational support when critical issues emerge. WHOIS databases containing valuable domain data is one such source.
On the Internet, one cannot purchase a domain right away but must first confirm whether or not a certain name can still be obtained. A WHOIS database will allow you to check the status of the domain you're interested in, and dozens of close variations at once.
If it is all available, well and good. But what if it is not?
Let's say that the domain names you want are already taken, you can use databases to see if they are going to expire soon. If one or more of these domains are close to expiration date, you will not have to wait for it too long to have the opportunity to buy or bid for it. What's more, you can check the current registrant's contact information and perhaps even reach out and negotiate a purchase.
Phishing, the malicious act of using emails or websites to get sensitive details from a person or a company, has been around for a long time. Examining WHOIS data allows you to investigate whether a website or email is genuine and prevent giving out confidential information to hackers. This can be done, for example, by comparing website details with WHOIS data and spotting suspicious inconsistencies between names, addresses, dates, etc.
Furthermore, you can gather data provided by a WHOIS Database Download service and work with law enforcement agents to put a stop to the illegal activities.
Good marketers are always on the lookout for insights that they can use to help take their business to the next level. Gathering data from a WHOIS database allows you to conduct domain searches to learn and analyze, for example, the most common words and syllables used by businesses in specific countries and variations across industries and product categories.
The ability to review WHOIS records can let you assess just how credible are the third parties looking to partner with your company. To ensure their trustworthiness, you can into WHOIS records which include their contact details, registration, and expiration dates — verifying their domain history and seeing if they have been flagged for malicious activity in the past.
Virtual payments are sensitive transactions that require utmost security. Access to a WHOIS database will allow you to verify the credibility and validity of a website that you wish to transact with. You can, for example, check if a domain is registered in the expected country, as many of these malicious sites written in your own language are using domains powered by infrastructure located elsewhere.
WHOIS data lets you keep an eye on your competition. Users can monitor recently-registered domains and understand what products or services competitors might be launching soon. Such raw data will let them know where other players in their market are planning to expand and how they can respond.
WHOIS Database Download has plenty of practical uses for businesses and companies. Having in-house access to reliable WHOIS records can provide the information necessary to navigate the risks and opportunities of the digital marketplace safely.
Jonathan Zhang is the founder and CEO of Threat Intelligence Platform (TIP) — a data, tool, and API provider that specializes in automated threat detection, security analysis and threat intelligence solutions for Fortune 1000 and cyber-security companies. TIP is part of the Whois API Inc family which is a trusted intelligence vendor by over 50,000 clients.


Are your kids enjoying summer camp?
Many Phoenix children have been off to camp in June and are now home for the 4th of July break when most camps are gearing up for July camps.
As you might know, I am all about scorpion prevention and getting scorpions BEFORE they get you. So what does this have to do with summer camps? Is The Scorpion Equalizer going to go to kids camps and hunt for scorpions? Great question. The answer is no, and that's not why I'm writing this. And, no, this is not about a scorpion hitchhiking it's way into your house as your child returns home from camp.
If your youngster has been at camp, it usually means that nobody has been anywhere near their bedroom. Parent's have a lot to do during the summer and we generally all struggle with the question, "Should I clean my child's room for them, or let them learn to clean it themselves?"
Cluttered, messy rooms are great places for scorpions to hide. Scorpions freak out when there is a lot of activity near by, so a vacant cluttered room for a week while your child is at camp, would be a great place for a mommy scorpion to get out of the 118 degree Phoenix heat and set up a maternity ward in your child's bedroom. So, if you have ever had any scorpions in your house, now is the most likely time that 3 dozen tiny scorpions could be sitting on the back of their mother on the wall of your child's bedroom.
Hunting scorpions in April when the temperatures are in the 60's can be fun and exciting as you occasionally find a scorpion or two. However, in July, when the 11pm temperatures are 105 and you are watching Netflix and don't feel like scorpion hunting outside, who is going to protect your family from scorpions?
Spending several hours in a hospital emergency ward is not fun or cheap and more and more parents are needing to take their kids to ER due to scorpion stings. Be proactive! Get scorpions BEFORE they get you. Get off your butts and deal with the hot weather for a few minutes once in a while to control scorpion population before you end up spending several hours and several thousands of dollars at the hospital.
Or, have The Scorpion Equalizer help you reduce the chances that your family will encounter scorpions inside your home.
I am not an exterminator.
If you have scorpions and don't want them, I am the guy you've been looking for.


The Indigo Hotel's architecture was designed by master builder, Sebastián Irarrázaval using wood and lots of natural light to create a relaxing, eco-friendly experience where hammocks hang lazily on the landings. The restaurant, Mama Rosa, serves fresh crab straight from the Eberhard Fjord and sumptuous local beef. The excursions on offer take advantage of the splendid surroundings where you can spend up to 10 days trekking through the majestic peaks of the Andes. Cruise alongside sheer cliffs of ice watching rare seals swim through turquoise water and if you are feeling more adventurous, how about a spot of Glacier-walking? Rare breeds of birds call and dive in their natural habitat as you kayak along tiny mountain canals into the famous Patagonia ice-fields. For centuries, horsemanship has been essential to survival in this remote region. Now it's time to experience the local culture on horseback. Trek through rich forests, stopping for lunch before galloping home over the vast planes and prairies. The eco philosophy of the Indigo is not just skin deep. Sustainability is deigned into it. An advanced insulation system requires no central heating throughout spring and summer. Friendly solar lighting designs reduce the need for light-bulbs and inside the hotel, there's extensive recycling.


text:
LÍNIES D'ACTUACIÓ
L'IEMed
Política i cooperació
Sostenibilitat, energia i clima
Joventut, societat, mitjans de comunicació i cultura
Migració i mobilitat
Governança i reforma política
Economia i finances
Anuari IEMed de la Mediterrània
Enquesta Euromed
Fundació de Dones Euromediterrànies
Xarxa espanyola de la Fundació Anna Lindh
Xarxa Euromediterrània de Garantia
Educar en la diversitat
Prevenció de la polarització i l'extremisme violent
Mitjans de comunicació, democràcia i diversitat
Un mar de paraules. La veu dels joves
Desenvolupament humà i integració regional
Mediterrània Creativa
Mediterranean Traineeship Programme
Tots els projectes
Visió/Missió
Informes anuals
Introduction Josep Ferré
The State of Europe (PDF)
Engaging with Europe (PDF)
Reinventing Euro-Mediterranean Relations (PDF)
The Political Crisis in Europe is Bad News for Southern Mediterranean and Euro-Mediterranean Relations Emma Bonino
The Maghreb's Disengagement from Europe Youssef Cherif
What Moroccans Expect from the European Union Intissar Fakir
Algeria and the European Union: Uncertainties of a Dense Relationship Abdennour Benantar
Is Europe Exporting Instability to the Southern Mediterranean? Libya as a Case Study Mohamed Eljarh
When the "Stability" Europeans Are Proud of, Fuels Insecurity in the Mediterranean Jean-Pierre Filiu
The Ins and Outs of the EU's Shortcomings in Syria Dimitris Bouris,Anis Nacrour
The Securitisation of the EU's Migration Policies: What Consequences for Southern Mediterranean Countries and their Relations with the EU? Tasnim Abderrahim
Consequences of the Securitization of EU's Approach towards the Mediterranean for Southern and Eastern Mediterranean Countries Chloe Teevan
Promoting Democracy in the Southern Mediterranean: Perceptions and Expectations Assem Dandashly
The Maghreb's Disengagement from Europe
Youssef Cherif
Deputy Director. Columbia Global Centers, Tunis
Taula de continguts
The Maghreb countries adapted an anti-European discourse for most of their postcolonial history. Half a century after independence, diatribes against France remain frequent in Algeria's official rhetoric. Anti-Italian sentiments are strong in Libya, partly as a result of Gaddafi's propaganda. Even the Westernised Habib Bourguiba in Tunisia and the Europhile Hassan II of Morocco engaged occasionally in strong campaigns against their former colonial masters.
"Europe continues to be the Maghreb's top trading partner and it ranks very high in Maghreb's foreign policy-making considerations."
However, Europe continues to be the Maghreb's top trading partner and it ranks very high in Maghreb's foreign policy-making considerations (see Graph 1).
Graph 1: The EU as a foreign policy priority (mean 0-very low extent, 10-very high extent)
Source: Compiled by the IEMed based on the results of the 9th Euromed Survey
The five North African countries therefore align largely on Europe's security and migration policies. Gaddafi's Libya for instance kept Italy as its main economic partner and positioned itself as a strong European ally on migration and counter-terrorism. Algeria, although very strict about its independence, accepts stopping migrants from crossing to Europe and being, perhaps unwillingly, a guardian of Europe's south. Moreover, France is Algeria's first economic partner, where most of its expatriates live and the place where the Algerian leadership goes for medical treatment, etc.
North Africa's postcolonial autocrats therefore acted in a Joker mask: anti-colonial heroes for their populations and docile partners for their European neighbours. For Europe, the Maghreb countries were reliable allies that kept the southern borders safe (apart from the years when Gaddafi went rogue, i.e. 1970-1998). The "deal" was simple: as long as the regimes kept migration on leash and security stable, Europe would limit its criticisms and avoid imposing its human rights-based norms.
"North Africa's postcolonial autocrats acted in a Joker mask: anti-colonial heroes for their populations and docile partners for their European neighbours."
This "deal", however, has not stopped these countries from looking for new partners over the years. Gaddafi's Libya and Algeria, for instance, looked at the Soviet Union – then Russia – to arm their troops. Gaddafi even tried to build an anti-European African Union, and Morocco is building a strong pan-African network. Algeria invited the Chinese to invest and work in big numbers in its territory, and Asian cars started invading the markets of Tunisia and Morocco from the 1990s, etc.
The Trend Has Accelerated After 2011
Then came 2011. In fact, the events of 2011 should have encouraged more rapprochement with the European Union (EU). The popular movement was quickly dubbed the "Arab Spring" by European journalists, intellectuals and politicians. It reminded Europeans of the 1848 Spring of Nations and the 1968 Prague Spring. There was a European appropriation of the movement and a wave of enthusiasm was felt across Europe. The European intelligentsia imagined that the Arab world would soon join the club of Western democracies.
"Some would argue that the neo-colonial umbilical cord is being cut, while others contend that a new neo-colonialism is emerging."
What happened later is well known. Civil wars in Syria, Libya and Yemen, international interventions of all kinds, coup and restoration in Egypt, political stagnation in Jordan and Morocco, economic crisis in Tunisia, diplomatic watershed in the Gulf, etc. Hope and enthusiasm ended in fear and despair.
And while the Middle East in the last century was the theatre of countless wars and political upheavals, North Africa was rarely so. But, after 2011, the region, which is historically and geographically closer to Europe than the central Middle East, started to shake. Europeans, moreover, were not the only ones who felt emboldened by the regional change. Qatar and Turkey were quick to jump on the opportunity offered by the Arab Spring. They pushed their allies to the front row by means of financial, diplomatic or media support. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), on the other hand, saw the Arab Spring as a threat to their national interests and went on a quest to save the falling regimes or restore authoritarian rule. Russia, while militarily overstretched between Ukraine and Syria, has also increased its economic exchanges with Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco (and to a certain extent Mauritania), and started getting vocal on Libya. China, still politically absent, became Tunisia's third export partner and has signed important contracts with Algeria and Morocco. Furthermore, Mauritania, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt announced their enrolment in China's Belt and Road Initiative.
"Southern and Eastern Mediterranean populations see conditionality as a form of unwanted interference and a prelude to conspiratorial designs."
These ties did not start in 2011. However, apart from a few exceptions, their post-2011 intensity is unprecedented. Europe's leverage on North African governments is, conversely, diminishing. Some would argue that the neo-colonial umbilical cord is being cut, while others contend that a new neo-colonialism is emerging.
Values of democracy, peace and human rights, in theory, guide Europe. But the Old Continent remains the echo chamber of former colonial powers. Its approach is therefore easily perceived as paternalist and neo-colonial. Moreover, the EU takes a defensive attitude regarding its borders through fear of terrorism and mass migration. This in turn makes North Africans feel that they are in the dock, not on the allies' list. Furthermore, the conditionality that comes with European aid and partnership is often cumbersome. EU values translate into complex legal procedures and political pressures that make partners uncomfortable. Because of the strong anti-European rhetoric that spread during the postcolonial period, the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean populations see conditionality as a form of unwanted interference and a prelude to conspiratorial designs.
"The non-European newcomers do not have democracy promotion projects and find in the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries good candidates to maximise their power and resources."
The non-European newcomers, on the other hand, make a different offer. They are led by autocratic regimes and do not have democracy promotion projects. They frequently resort to corruption to ease things or make them work, be it in their own countries or in their foreign deals. Their focus on good governance and the rule of law is accordingly limited. Most of these countries have themselves suffered from Western imperialism in the past, which opens common ground between them and the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean nations. Also, because they are new global or regional powers, they are interested in undermining Western supremacy. Their growing economies, on the other hand, push them towards looking for new markets. Hence, they find in the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries good candidates to maximise their power and resources. The Southern and Eastern Mediterranean governments are consequently interested in their offer, which looks more appealing and less burdensome. However, and as benevolent as these countries may look, they all have political agendas, if not now then in the future.
"For the UAE and Saudi Arabia, North Africa is a theatre of their conflict with Qatar and Turkey and a place where they can challenge their enemies' interests."
Arab and Muslim countries (Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Turkey) play the Arab-Islamic brotherhood and fraternity card when interacting with their North African counterparts. But their politics is driven by classical realist goals and they are using North Africa to maximise their political and economic power. For the UAE, Qatar and Turkey, for instance, the region is an economic bonanza because of its natural resources (oil, gas, phosphate, etc.), agriculture, proximity to Europe and port facilities. And for the UAE and Saudi Arabia, North Africa is a theatre of their conflict with Qatar and Turkey and a place where they can challenge their enemies' interests, etc. This has precipitated the 2013 coup in Egypt, complicated the civil war in Libya and deepened Tunisia's political crisis. It is telling that the 9th Euromed Survey respondents see the Gulf countries as the second highest threat to Southern and Eastern Mediterranean stability, and actually the highest threat according to the Tunisian participants (they ranked Turkey third, see Graph 2).
Russia has considerable economic interests in North Africa (Libya, Algeria) and important geopolitical gains to make there, such as pressuring Europe from the south. North Africa might therefore find itself entangled in the cold war game that already opposes Russia to the West in Europe and the Middle East. There is already a Russian military presence in Egypt and news of Russian political or military involvement in Libya continues to pop up. Russian intelligence activities were uncovered in Tunisia, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov used Tunis as a platform to defend his country's Ukraine policy in March 2014. The relatively positive image of the country among the 9th Euromed Survey respondents from Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries is possibly due to the massive Russian propaganda disseminated across the Arab world (see Graph 2).
"North Africa might therefore find itself entangled in the cold war game that already opposes Russia to the West in Europe and the Middle East."
Graph 2: Which of the following actors are more likely to have a negative effect on the stability of the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean region? (respondents were asked to choose 2 options out of 7)
China's hard politics is currently limited to its Asian hinterland, which may explain why very few people see it as a threat to stability in the 9th Euromed Survey. In sub-Saharan Africa, for instance, Beijing relies mainly on soft power. Yet Beijing is now gradually putting pressures on the indebted African countries to follow its political line, as witnessed recently in Kenya or Burkina Faso. Chinese activity has recently been increasing in North Africa. Algeria, for instance, is slowly becoming dependent on Chinese goods and services, and Beijing is becoming an important economic partner of Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt. For China, North Africa is a link between sub-Saharan Africa and Europe and an important energy reserve. So while neutral at this point, China may start putting political pressures on the North African countries in the future if its interests are threatened or if its national interest requires it.
"For Beijing, North Africa is a link between sub- Saharan Africa and Europe and an important energy reserve."
Hence, it is not surprising to see Egypt under President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi completely ignoring Europe's pressures on issues related to human rights and democracy. In contrast to former President Hosni Mubarak, who was largely dependent on Western aid, Sisi has diversified his country's relationships. Bailed out by the Saudis and the Emiratis, politically backed by the Russians and courted by the Chinese, Sisi can calmly look beyond Europe.
"In the case of Libya, militias hold significant power and influence; they are completely out of Europe's reach."
In Libya, which is divided in two, the United Nations (UN) backed – but weak and inefficient – Western government is considered close to Europe. But, even so, Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj can say "no" to Europe when he wishes. The Eastern warlord Khalifa Haftar frequently speaks out against Europe and follows Sisi's example. He enjoys Saudi and Emirati backing and shows little interest in adopting European values. Haftar has even asked Russia to establish a military presence in Libya. He can therefore brave European threats and condemnations and continue his war. Europe ended up looking for a compromise with him. In the case of Libya, militias can also hold significant power and influence; they are completely out of Europe's reach.
The Algerian position has not changed, but there are new patterns emerging in Tunisia and Morocco. Rabat, for instance, has severed ties with European institutions after the EU criticised its Western Sahara policies. Moreover, and although many European voices criticised what is described as setbacks for democracy and human rights, Morocco did not alter its course. Morocco, which established itself as a gate to Africa, and where China – along with Japan – is an important investor, can now take bold positions against Europe without facing retributions.
"As Tunisia's ties with non-European countries continue to increase, the government of Tunis may start changing its stance."
Tunisia remains relatively in Europe's orbit, especially because its democratic institutions allow for political flexibility. Foreigners can criticise Tunisia without fearing immediate sanctions by the regime in Tunis and Tunisian decision-makers can blame any flaws in the relationship on the imperfection of democracy. Yet as Tunisia's ties with non-European countries continue to increase, the government of Tunis may start changing its stance. Tunisia has for instance been continuously postponing the negotiations for a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement, disregarding European pressures, etc.
The Maghreb, a European zone of influence for more than two centuries, is slowly moving away. That is due more to Europe's decline and the emergence of new forces than to an innate emancipation movement. How Europe will deal with this new reality and how the Maghreb will use it remain to be seen.
Llegir següent article
Informa't
Registra't per rebre la nostra Newsletter i tindràs accés a l'últim en recerca, notícies i activitats sobre temes que siguin del teu interès.
Implica't
Si ets un / a apassionat / a de les relacions euromediterrànies, ens agradaria conèixer-te.
Treballs i pràctiques
L'IEMed és un consorci participat per:


Still my newly acquired knife skills were given a workout as we went though some training on chopping fruit and we also made some absolutely fantastic scones, of course there was more to it than simply the practical aspect. We also covered knife skills, general handling procedures, the uniform and why it is what it is and also hygiene practices, amongst a host of other things that I won't bore you with.
All in all it's been one of the busiest, most exciting, scary, thrilling and rewarding weeks of my professional life while simultaneously making me feel like a teenager and an old fogey all at the same time. It means I now have commitments to a path that I'm hoping will lead me into Culinary Arts in 2011 year as well as other commitments outside of college and I can see a very full and busy schedule ahead of me for the foreseeable future.
Unfortunately, I don't see how I can fit everything I have to do into the time that is available. So something has to give. No this is not the bit where I say I'm giving up on this blog, but it is the bit where I say that I may not be posting as regularly in future due to other commitments.
Elly has already said that she intends to post more and I can see there being some crossover between what I'm studying and this blog so hopefully I will be able to adapt some of my college work where suitable to the blog format.
Thank you to Kieran and Thea from Murphy's Ice-cream. Thanks for not giving me a job (it truly was the best thing you could have done for me ;)) and reminding me of what confidence and a bit of neck can do for you when you really want something.
Thank you Ciaran in Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud for giving me a try in a kitchen I had no place being in (with my lack of skills) and giving me the chance to see what life in a fine dining kitchen is all about.
A huge thanks to John in CPLN Area Local Employment Service for being the only person I encountered in "the system" who seemed genuinely to care about the people he worked with, doing everything he could to reduce the live register by one, being so hell bent on getting me started in a new career and for helping me find and investigate all the options that were open to me. Our country needs more people like him.
My family and friends, you have all given so much of yourselves to help me over the last year I just don't know where to begin in thanking you all, just know that I love and appreciate all of you for it and I will be looking for ways that I can return the favour.
And finally I want to thank Elly, my wife, my lover, my best friend, my reason to get up in the morning and my reason to go to bed at night, without your help and support I would never have had the belief in myself to even attempt this and I know that with you, I'm a better person than I ever could be without.
Wow, that sounds like the sycophantic ramblings of some overrated starlet receiving an Oscar but you know I've won a bigger prize than an Oscar… Opportunity, it doesn't come knocking too often and when it does, it take hard work and determination to maximise it. A lot of people have helped me to get to where I am right now and I will do everything in my power to honour their efforts by giving this my all.


The sentiment is from the new set called "Sunday Stroll". I used Kraft cardstock and TAC's Brown Cardstock. The faux stitching is with Tombow White Gel Pen! Sure adds a fun little touch!
And one more bit of news for all my customers! We no longer have "GWP's" (Gift With Purchase), we have "PWP's" (Purchase With Purchase)! These new stamps are larger in size and can be purchased for $2.95 with every $30 purchase! Here is an example of one of the new stamps! I am loving it!!
Wanted to share one more picture with you! Here are me and some of my favorite people! Left to Right, my WOSFF, Barb Foster, Sarah Gilreath, Amy Kolling and me! This was one picture out of LOTS that actually came out. My camera did not work so well in the dark! I traveled to seminar with Jen Carter and am still trying to "fix" some of the pictures of her and I!
Anyway, let me know if you are interested in a new catalog! They are $4.95. Email me or call and I can save one for you!
Stay tuned this week for more fun projects using the new stamps!
Ok! Last day of our TAC Inspiration Blook Blog Hop!
It has been fun to share just a few of the new sets that will be featured in the new catalog! The first card uses another of the Angels in the set from yesterday! (I will edit as soon as I get the catalog!) I just love all three angels that come in this set, along with all the senitments!
This card is definitly different than my usual. But I really like this "tree" stamp that I turned into a flourish! This set is called Flourish Trees of Hope! There are serveral trees in this set along with several words....Pray, Love, Hope, Discover, Imagine, Explore and Dream!
Check out Barb's blog and Melisa's blog too, for more projects using the new stamps!
We are home with our new Inspiration Books today! Call or email me to reserve your copy! Thanks for checking out our blogs and we hope that you are as excited as we are about the new catalog!
Welcome to day 2 of our fun little blog hop! Today I have 2 more cards for you, using new stamps from The Angel Company Inspiration Book!
This first card uses 2 sets, Happy Thoughts and Sunday Stroll.
This card shows another new set. (Again, I am going to have to come back and edit when I get the name!) I used my Scor-Pal for the background and added small cirlces made with a hole punch! I just love it!
Don't foget to hop over to Barb and Melisa's Blogs too!
Here we are the first full day of The Angel Company Seminar! I just wanted to hop on here and share my swap with you! It is nothing fancy but it does use 2 of the new sets. In fact they are SO new that I can't even find the names to one of the sets. SO, when I do, I will get back on here and edit this post! The postage stamp set is called Friendship stamps! It includes 3 other images that are really cute!
I used TAC's Olive Cardstock, White Ultrasmooth and Lily Anna White Grosgrain ribbon. I also added a few touches with my Scor-Pal and Scor-Bug! I had to mark the occasion by using our Seminar set as well!
Here is my "roomie gift"! I just made simple mini-pizza boxes and then stamped one of the new images on the top! Nice and simple since I am running out of time! I added a little bag of cookies inside!
Barb, Melisa and I are going to be sharing some sets with you over the next few days! Stay tuned for more new Angel Company sets!!
Don't forget to check out their blogs too!
Added a little Scor-Pal, a little Scor-Bug, a little Scrapper's Floss and there you have it!
Won't be posting tomorrow! Leaving for TAC SEMINAR!! I am so excited! I will be bringing back the new catalogs so call or email me to reserve your copy!!
This just uses TAC's Ordinary Greetings and an old GWP stamp! It made the cutest background!
That's all for today! Thanks for looking!
Recently, my super WOSFF (Web-O-Sphere Friend Foever) Barb and I exchanged some stamped images! She sent me some adorable new robots! So I had to make a card for her. I have to say I really like these guys!
I totally "borrowed" the wire idea from Barb! You can see her adorable card HERE!
Thanks for stopping by today! Hope you have a great weekend!
I am the host for the Color Combo over on Paper Wings. Many of you have asked where these challenges take place, so I thought I would post them here as well, so you can play along!
This is the card I made using TAC's Scarlet cardstock, Bazzill Brown and TAC's White Ultrasmooth Cardstock.
I got the inspiration from this card here. I just love the colors! If you are inspired by these colors, whip something up and post a link in a comment or email me so I can see!
Just a quick reminder that The Angel Company's June Promotional Sets are only available for a little while longer! You can see those sets HERE.
Also, you can still order from this current catalog until June 25th! HERE is the discontinued list! All stamps on the list are 25% off!!
Here is a quick sample using 2 of the June sets! I used the cloud in Punk Princess to make the tree and the adorable little bird is from "whooo"! The birds in this set are so cute!!
This is a gate fold card I made using the simple guides on the scor-pal. I love the colors! Bright and summery!
Father's Day is pretty close here so if you are needing some last minute gift or card ideas, this is the place to be! Some Angel friends and I are having a Father's Day Blog Hop!
I used TAC's Script Background on the Aspen cardstock. The paper I used is the Willoughby Collection from The Angel Company. I was so happy to see that one of the tags that comes with the set, fit perfectly as a "tie"! How cute is that? And then a sentiment from Tag Tidbits!
I made this shirt using my Scor-Pal. So fun and easy! I got the directions from my Scor-Pal group. Go HERE to learn how to make your own "shirt" card!
Click on these links below to see some other Father's Day creations!
Just a quick post today using Heather's Sketch!
This would make a good "love you" card or just about anything! Without the sentiment, it makes it kinda universal!
June 3rd was my 9 year Anniversary! My husband gave me a fantastic gift card to Hobby Lobby, as well as a night away from the kids, with dinner and shopping! So, I had to make him a card! I realized that in all my stamps, I don't have any anniversary sentiments. So, I picked TAC's You Are. I think it fits pretty well!
I think I did an ok job of making this "somewhat" masculine card! He liked it!
The background is TAC's Script Background stamp. I just love that stamp!
Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #8!
Time for another fun color challenge! I love the colors Dawn picked out this time! That chair looks super comfy doesn't it?
Can you see the embossing? I used Versamark to stamp the image and then clear embossing powder so I could stick with the "brown" in the color challenge! I was really happy with how it turned out!
Here is the second card! Same exact stamps and paper, different layout! This time I had to use my ruffle I came up with for the Scor-Pal Blog Hop! I think it adds alot to a card!
Just a quick post today! I want to share a card I made with the June Promo! To see the June Promotional stamp sets for TAC click HERE.
Here is a quick and simple one! I love these little birds! And for another card my friend Jen made, click HERE.
Anyway, to grap one of these sets, email me at llwillison@hotmail.com and I can get a June order in for you!
I am sure somebody has made a flower like this before but I just figured out! Ok, maybe I am a little slow! If not and this is new to you, come join in my excitement! I do have a Cricut and I can cut out many styles of flowers that way, but I always want to stay true to my Marvy's! So with a little inspiration from my "leaf" how to and from Julie's "Dahlia" flower, I came up with this.
Basically do just the same thing for the flower as the leaf from the other day! I punched out 5 circles and the punched each into 2 leaf or petal shapes.
Here, I just took ink and a sponge to give color to the edges of each petal.
I skipped a step in pictures but all I did was punch out a small pink circle and attached all of the petals to the back. Once they were glued down I took a bamboo skewer and curled the petals under. This is just a picture of how I did that. You can see the finished flower off to the right.
And here complete with leaves! I used the pink Mega Marvy Circle punch for the leaves on this one. The petals are made from the blue Jumbo Marvy.
I also attached another small circle with a pop dot. I ran that circle through the CB using the Swiss Dot Embossing Folder for some added dimension.
For the tag on the card I cut out a white scalloped square and stamped the sentiment on the bottom.
I used my Scor-Pal to fold the tag in half!


Fresh Clipart Man – Through the thousands of photographs online with regards to clipart man, selects the very best libraries having greatest image resolution simply for you all, and this images is actually one of pictures libraries within our greatest photographs gallery with regards to Fresh Clipart Man. I'm hoping you'll want it.
That image (Clipart Man Fresh Free Vector Clipart Fresh Best Car Clipart top View Red 0d Best) earlier mentioned is classed together with: all for you.
Submitted by means of headbox at 2018-10-26 13:08:19. To find out many photos in Fresh Clipart Man pictures gallery you should comply with this specific hyperlink.