View allAll Photos Tagged authenticity
It's artisanal! (A subversive word that barely conceals 'artist anal retention' disguised as authenticity).
The inner doll box, taken out of the outer box. The Certificate of Authenticity is under it, between the front and back covers.
I received my Disney Designer Collection Premiere Series Snow White Limited Edition Doll today. I had ordered her online at the release day, shortly after 12 AM in the morning of Saturday October 6, 2018. She is #1301 of 4100. She came in a shipper box that is approximately the same size as the LE 17 inch doll shippers. It original shipping label said GIRLS TOYS LE PR DSGN SNOW DOLL F18, and CART #: 01298. There was a small piece of masking tape stuck to the side of the box with the actual edition number (matching the CoA): 1301. Inside there was another corrugated cardboard box snugly fitting in the outer shipping box. Inside that was the actual doll box, which was covered with tissue paper, and fit snugly in the inner shipping box, with cardboard caps on the top and bottom of the doll box. The shipper box was undamaged in transit, as was the inner box and the doll box itself.
The doll box has folding panels in the front with magnetic closure, with a large design sketch of Snow White and the year 1937 in large numerals. In the background are photographers in silhouette snapping photos, and a red carpet. The back of the box has angled corners, making for a hexagonal shaped box. The sides and back of the box also has images of Snow White. The top of the box has a clear window with the title of the collection in gold lettering. Inside the front covers are replicas of the movie poster, invitation and tickets to the premiere of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Carthay Circle Theatre in Los Angeles, on December 21, 1937. The doll is behind a rectangular viewing window extending almost the full width and height of the box.
The inner box containing the doll and front viewing window can be slid out from the outer box. It is entirely enclosed, so can be displayed as is, without having to deal with the front covers either covering up the doll, or taking up space in front or to the sides of the inner box. The doll is on top a red carpet that has steps in front, and is flocked cardboard.
The doll herself is by far my favorite of the current Designer Premiere Series. I'm slightly biased because Snow White is my favorite Disney Princess, and am so happy that she turned out so well. I think her gown and accessories are very beautifully designed and produced. It also is very fitting for Snow White, and would be something she would wear to the premiere of her own movie.
I show her boxed, with the inner box removed from the outer box, and finally with the front viewing window removed from the inner box.
I will fully debox her tomorrow and post photos here when I do.
(for English scroll down)
Meine erste Foto-Einzelausstellung präsentiert im Café Berio, Berlin
Vernissage 31. Juli 2018 | Finissage 22. September 2018
In meiner ersten Foto-Einzelausstellung zeigte ich meine Berliner Portraits und einige meiner Vogel-Fotografien; daher der Titel der Ausstellung. In meinem Fotoprojekt wollte ich einmal weg von den sonst bewusst gewählten Orten, an denen man ein Fotoshooting durchführt. Ein Studio oder eine ausgewählte Location haben für die Menschen meist etwas sehr Unpersönliches. Ich wollte dorthin, wo es am authentischsten ist; an die Orte, an denen die Protagonisten (überwiegend Künstler) zu Hause und in ihrem Element sind: auf der Bühne, hinter der Bühne und vor, während und nach einem Auftritt bzw. Event. Ich möchte dem Betrachter Bilder zeigen, die er nicht unbedingt während einer Veranstaltung wahrnimmt und Außenstehende gefangen nehmen, als hätten sie es live miterlebt.
Über 70 Arbeiten präsentierte ich in der Ausstellung; darunter Portraits von Romy Haag, Henry de Winter, Hanna Schygulla, Georgette Dee, Dieter Rita Scholl, Gloria Viagra, Ades Zabel, Frank Wilde, Gaby Tupper und vielen anderen.
Vögel leben auf allen Kontinenten. Sie sind flüchtige, scheue Tiere. Auf meinen Fotografien lassen sie aber eine unwahrscheinliche Nähe zu. Das eigentlich Fremde und in der Natur nicht Sichtbare habe ich in meinen Vogel-Portraits festgehalten.
Mein Motto: "Authentizität ist das Schlüsselwort, das hinter meiner Fotografie steht. Ich ziehe es vor, mehr die menschliche Note zu zeigen und weniger die Retusche."
Die meisten der Exponate sind in der queeren Community entstanden.
berio-berlin.de/ausstellungen/berliner-und-andere-schraeg...
____________________________________________________
My first solo photo exhibition presented at Café Berio, Berlin
Opening July 31, 2018 | Closing September 22, 2018
In my first solo photo exhibition, I showed my Berlin portraits and some of my bird photographs; hence the title of the exhibition. In my photo project, I wanted to get away from the usual deliberately chosen locations for a photo shoot. There is usually something very impersonal about a studio or a selected location for people. I wanted to go where it is most authentic; to the places where the protagonists (mostly artists) are at home and in their element: on stage, backstage and before, during and after a performance or event. I want to show the viewer images that they don't necessarily see during an event and capture outsiders as if they had witnessed it live.
I presented over 70 works in the exhibition, including portraits of Romy Haag, Henry de Winter, Hanna Schygulla, Georgette Dee, Dieter Rita Scholl, Gloria Viagra, Ades Zabel, Frank Wilde, Gaby Tupper and many others.
Birds live on every continent. They are elusive, shy animals. In my photographs, however, they allow an improbable closeness. I have captured what is actually alien and invisible in nature in my bird portraits.
My motto: "Authenticity is the keyword that lies behind my photography. I prefer to show more the human touch and less the retouch."
Most of the exhibits were created in the queer community.
berio-berlin.de/ausstellungen/berliner-und-andere-schraeg...
1897 - 20-year old C.C. Hudson leaves Spring Hill Farm in Williamson County, Tennessee, seeking fortune in the emerging textile town of Greensboro, North Carolina. He finds work in an overall factory, sewing on buttons for 25 cents a day.
1904 - Hudson’s workplace closes. He and a few others buy several of the sewing machines. C.C. Hudson and his brother, Homer, form the Hudson Overall Company, operating from a loft above Coe Brothers Grocery on South Elm Street in Greensboro.
1919 - Sales of Hudson overalls are booming. The company moves to larger headquarters and changes its name to Blue Bell Overall Company.
1926 - Big Ben Manufacturing of Kentucky purchases Blue Bell for $585,000. The name of the merged companies remains Blue Bell; headquarters remain in Greensboro.
1936 - Blue Bell introduces Super Big Ben Overalls, featuring 100% Sanforized fabric that reduces shrinkage to less than 1%, setting a new standard for the industry.
1943 - Blue Bell acquires Casey Jones Company, a manufacturer of work-clothing, and, with it, the rights to Casey Jones’ rarely used brand name – Wrangler.
1947 - Wrangler authentic western jeans, designed by celebrity tailor Rodeo Ben, are introduced to the American consumer. Professional rodeo cowboys Jim Shoulders, Bill Linderman and Freckles Brown wear-test the 13MWZ and endorse the Wrangler name for durability, quality and authenticity.
1948 - Jim Shoulders, World Champion Cowboy, signs on as an official endorsee of Wrangler. He goes on to win a total of 16 world championships, including five All-Around, seven Bull Riding and four Bareback Riding World Titles.
1962 - Blue Bell opens a plant in Belgium and the Wrangler brand is successfully launched in Europe.
1963 - Newsweek magazine coins the word "teenager" and features a Wrangler–clad girl on the cover.
1974 - The Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association officially endorses Wrangler jeans.
1982 - Wrangler brand becomes the primary sponsor of professional driver Dale Earnhardt and the legendary blue-and-yellow "Wrangler Jean Machine." Wrangler becomes the first apparel company to have significant involvement in NASCAR as Dale wins the first three of his seven NASCAR championships this year.
1986 - Blue Bell mergers with VF Corporation of Pennsylvania, making VF one of the two largest jeans makers in the world, with 25% of the $6 billion market.
1992 - Wrangler supplies clothing for the cast of "Pure Country" starring George Strait in Wrangler jeans as Dusty Chandler, a super star in the country music world.
1994 - Wrangler moves into its new world headquarters on North Elm Street in downtown Greensboro.
1996 - One out of every five pairs of jeans sold in America features a Wrangler label.
1997 - The 13MWZ, the official jean of the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association, celebrates its 50th birthday. The Wrangler spirit celebrates its 100th year in business.
2003 - VF Jeanswear adds two new brands to the Wrangler family: RIGGS WORKWEAR® by Wrangler®, a line of premium work clothes, and Wrangler® ProGearTM, hunting apparel for the serious sportsman.
2004 - Wrangler® Jeans Company becomes the official jean of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and the No. 8 race team. It’s a new generation of Wrangler.
2005 - Aura from the Women at Wrangler® debuts, offering 120+ fits and revolutionizing the way women shop for jeans. Consumers are also treated to a new premium brand with the launch of Genuine Wrangler®.
2007 - Wrangler endorsee James A. "Jim" Shoulders, known as the Babe Ruth of Rodeo, passes away. His passing ends a 58-year partnership with the brand, the longest sports licensing endorsement in the history of professional sports.
2008 - Wrangler partners with AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) to develop The Ultimate Riding Jean™.
Our Daily Challenge - BUTTON/BUTTONS
All rights reserved ©
Are you never satisfied? Do you keep working at projects until everybody praises you, yet still feel inadequate and frustrated by the imperfection of your work? Does your restlessness rob your sleep? Does your pedantic obsession over small details piss off everybody around you? Worry not longer,...
Deboxing my LE 2500 Elsa 17'' Doll. First the front cardboard box lid is removed, revealing the doll behind a clear plastic cover. Next the bottom box lid is removed, then the plastic cover removed, leaving the doll in the open, but still attached to the cardboard backing. Now she can be photographed without the glare from the plastic cover. Between the plastic cover and the bottom of the cardboard backing is the Certificate of Authenticity. My doll is #102 of 2500.
Notes on the back of the LE Elsa's box:
From the Movie Disney Frozen
Disney Store proudly presents the worldwide Limited Edition Elsa doll. With its intricate details, this beautifully designed doll magically captures the beauty and spirit of Elsa, from Disney's newest feature film Frozen. Inspired by the movie, Elsa's side-swept braid is adorned with intricate snowflake jewels. Sheer organza sleeves lead to a sweetheart bodice and an elongated sheer dress overlay. Shimmery ice-blue snowflake embroidery and rhinestones embellish her gorgeous gown. Designed and carefully crafted by Disney Store artists, this limited edition doll is a must-have for Disney fans and collectors alike.
Certificate of Authenticity and Display Stand included.
First look at the Limited Edition Anna and Elsa 17'' Dolls, that I just brought home from the Disney Store. I camped out outside my local Disney Store at 6 am, waiting for them to open at 10 am. At about 7 am a group of three other adults and one child joined me in front of the store. I'm happy that the mall opens so early (for mall walkers), so I didn't have to wait outdoors. The leader of the group, a fellow collector, also got the Harrods LE 100 doll set. He and his daughter and granddaughter were also there with me at the same store for the release of TLM LE dolls. A CM was nice and let us have a closeup look at the dolls around 8:30 am (from behind the store's metal gate). We were surprised that no other people joined us in line before the store's opening at 10 am.
The dolls are LE 2500, and cost $99.95 each. They will be photographed boxed, during deboxing, and fully deboxed. They will also be posed with other comparable dolls, especially the Harrods LE 100 Anna and Elsa dolls.
Product information from the US Disney Store website:
Elsa Limited Edition Doll - 17'' - Frozen
Released online and in store on November 20, 2013
SOLD OUT online in about 15 minutes
$99.95
Item No. 6070040900950P
Ice dream
Elsa will provide chills of excitement with this spectacular limited edition doll. Designed and crafted by Disney Store artists, and inspired by Disney's Frozen, Elsa's side-swept blonde braid cascades over her finely detailed gown.
Magic in the details...
Please Note: Each Guest will be limited to ordering a maximum of one of this item per order.
• Limited Edition of 2500
• Includes Certificate of Authenticity
• Sheer organza sleeves
• Sweetheart bodice detailed with reflective ''icicles''
• Elongated sheer dress overlay
• Gown detailed with shimmery ice-blue snowflake embroidery, and rhinestones
• Braided blonde hair is adorned with intricate snowflake jewels
• Rooted eyelashes
• Fully poseable
• Display stand included
• Comes in elegant window display packaging
• Inspired by Disney's Frozen
The bare necessities
• Ages 6+
• Plastic /polyester
• 17'' H
• Imported
Deboxing the Alice and Queen of Hearts Doll Set. The slipcover and clear acrylic cover have been taken off. The dolls are still attached to the cardboard backing, the plastic supports, and the built in doll stands.
I bought the Alice and Queen of Hearts Doll Set at my local Disney Store on release day, October 4, 2016. It is numbered 0989 of 6000. I was called fifth out of ten persons who entered the raffle for 18 doll sets. They called names to determine the order in which we would go to the registers. The Designer doll display was moved from the floor to behind the counter. They still had Cinderella and Lady Tremaine doll sets available. I inspected the first set that was handed to me. Alice had slightly irregular eyelashes, but not enough to bother me. I didn't notice any other defects, so I took the set. I didn't bring my camera, so I didn't take any photos in the store.
Here are photos of the set boxed, and with all the covers off. I will debox the set at a later time, and post photos here.
I think Alice is a very beautiful doll, and I'm glad Disney finally made a Designer Alice. The most surprising thing I noticed about Alice are her shoes, which are very realistic looking. I like the Designer Queen of Hearts' crown, but it is nowhere as realistic looking as the crown on the LE 17'' Queen of Hearts.
Alice and The Queen of Hearts Doll Set - Alice in Wonderland - Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
$129.95
Item No. 6003040901410P
US Disney Store
Released in store 2016-10-04
Released online 2016-10-05
Purchased in store 2016-10-04
#0989 of 6000
Head turner
Disney's Fairytale Designer Collection pairs heroes and villains in lovely limited edition doll sets. You'll lose your head for the simply mad embroidered and bejeweled detailing in costumes for our classic Alice in Wonderland set.
Magic in the details...
Please Note: Purchase of this item is limited to 1 per Guest.
Our Disney Fairytale Designer Collection brings together beloved heroes and villains in a series inspired by your favorite animated film classics. Disney Store artists have captured the timeless struggle between good and evil in magnificent detail, conveying both the wonderful wickedness and bold, heroic spirit of these unforgettable characters. Rich, evocative and dramatic, the Disney Fairytale Designer Collection will be a treasured keepsake for collectors and the young at heart.
• Global Limited Edition of 6000
• Includes Certificate of Authenticity
• Set of two Disney Fairytale Designer Collection Dolls*
• Alice wears an exquisite floral patterned dress
• Satin apron features elegant floral embroidery with shimmering gems, plus delicate lace trim
• The Queen's knife-pleated collar boasts ornate golden lace
• Heart-shaped bodice features an ornate embroidered floral pattern with rhinestone accents
• Delicate embroidery and gems ornament the Queen's skirt
• Includes heart-shaped scepter
• Gem set crown
• Rooted, styled hair and eyelashes
• Displayed in a deluxe keepsake case with intricate details on the base, including a golden name plate
• Includes special Disney Fairytale Designer Collection Gift Bag
• Celebrating the 65th Anniversary of Walt Disney's animated classic Alice in Wonderland (1951)
• Part of the Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
* Please note: Intended for adult collectors. Not a child's toy.
The bare necessities
• Plastic / polyester
• Alice: 10'' H
• Queen of Hearts: 12'' H
• Case: 15'' H x 7'' W x 7 1/4'' D
• Imported
(for English scroll down)
Meine erste Foto-Einzelausstellung präsentiert im Café Berio, Berlin
Vernissage 31. Juli 2018 | Finissage 22. September 2018
In meiner ersten Foto-Einzelausstellung zeigte ich meine Berliner Portraits und einige meiner Vogel-Fotografien; daher der Titel der Ausstellung. In meinem Fotoprojekt wollte ich einmal weg von den sonst bewusst gewählten Orten, an denen man ein Fotoshooting durchführt. Ein Studio oder eine ausgewählte Location haben für die Menschen meist etwas sehr Unpersönliches. Ich wollte dorthin, wo es am authentischsten ist; an die Orte, an denen die Protagonisten (überwiegend Künstler) zu Hause und in ihrem Element sind: auf der Bühne, hinter der Bühne und vor, während und nach einem Auftritt bzw. Event. Ich möchte dem Betrachter Bilder zeigen, die er nicht unbedingt während einer Veranstaltung wahrnimmt und Außenstehende gefangen nehmen, als hätten sie es live miterlebt.
Über 70 Arbeiten präsentierte ich in der Ausstellung; darunter Portraits von Romy Haag, Henry de Winter, Hanna Schygulla, Georgette Dee, Dieter Rita Scholl, Gloria Viagra, Ades Zabel, Frank Wilde, Gaby Tupper und vielen anderen.
Vögel leben auf allen Kontinenten. Sie sind flüchtige, scheue Tiere. Auf meinen Fotografien lassen sie aber eine unwahrscheinliche Nähe zu. Das eigentlich Fremde und in der Natur nicht Sichtbare habe ich in meinen Vogel-Portraits festgehalten.
Mein Motto: "Authentizität ist das Schlüsselwort, das hinter meiner Fotografie steht. Ich ziehe es vor, mehr die menschliche Note zu zeigen und weniger die Retusche."
Die meisten der Exponate sind in der queeren Community entstanden.
berio-berlin.de/ausstellungen/berliner-und-andere-schraeg...
____________________________________________________
My first solo photo exhibition presented at Café Berio, Berlin
Opening July 31, 2018 | Closing September 22, 2018
In my first solo photo exhibition, I showed my Berlin portraits and some of my bird photographs; hence the title of the exhibition. In my photo project, I wanted to get away from the usual deliberately chosen locations for a photo shoot. There is usually something very impersonal about a studio or a selected location for people. I wanted to go where it is most authentic; to the places where the protagonists (mostly artists) are at home and in their element: on stage, backstage and before, during and after a performance or event. I want to show the viewer images that they don't necessarily see during an event and capture outsiders as if they had witnessed it live.
I presented over 70 works in the exhibition, including portraits of Romy Haag, Henry de Winter, Hanna Schygulla, Georgette Dee, Dieter Rita Scholl, Gloria Viagra, Ades Zabel, Frank Wilde, Gaby Tupper and many others.
Birds live on every continent. They are elusive, shy animals. In my photographs, however, they allow an improbable closeness. I have captured what is actually alien and invisible in nature in my bird portraits.
My motto: "Authenticity is the keyword that lies behind my photography. I prefer to show more the human touch and less the retouch."
Most of the exhibits were created in the queer community.
berio-berlin.de/ausstellungen/berliner-und-andere-schraeg...
Deboxing the Harrod Aurora dolls. After opening up the box, the plastic covers over the two dolls are removed, leaving the dolls in clear view. They are attached to the cardboard backing and plastic spacers. The Certificates of Authenticity are removed from under the inner boxes, and place in front of the dolls. They both say 32 of 100, as did the shipping carton.
Opening the box. First the front cover is opened, revealing the two dolls facing each other in their own inner boxes. The hinges are made from thin cardboard. Then the cover is folded flat against the side of the box. The two inner boxes are then unfolded, so we can get a clear view of the Pink and Blue Aurora dolls. They are angled towards each other. The box halves have clear plastic covers, bordered by white designs and are without any text. Then the front cover is unfolded from the side of the box, to show the text on the inside. Finally the sections are fully unfolded, so the dolls and inner cover are facing straight ahead.
I purchased the special Harrods Limited Edition Aurora Doll Gift Set directly from Harrods on Tuesday, October 21, 2014. It was sold only by Harrods of London, and limited to 100 sets. The regular releases was on October 7 and 8. I first heard about the Harrods dolls on October 13, and it took a week of sleepless nights and persistent calling to finally get the dolls. It was shipped last Friday, Oct 24, and delivered to my home today Monday Oct 27.
The Harrods Aurora Doll Set consists of 17'' Princess Aurora dolls in Pink and Blue variations of her gown. The dolls are by the Disney Store, but with special embellishments over the "regular" releases (that were LE 5000 for the Pink, and LE 4000 for the Blue). They are in a unique box which opens up like a book, with the dolls enclosed in separate inner boxes, and facing each other like mirror images. They are #32 of 100.
The Aurora Doll Set was packed expertly by Harrods, with the original DS shipper box wrapped in heavy duty bubble wrap, then fitted inside a Harrods shipper box with no wriggle room. The receipt was on the top of the box, which showed the original price, the VAT that was removed, then the shipping charge and handling charge added. The total was 505.58 British pounds, or $817.85, which is just slightly more than the retail price of 500 pounds. That is more than three times the cost of the regular LE Aurora dolls (which retailed for $119.95).
I will post detailed photos of the set boxed, during deboxing, and fully deboxed. I will also post comparison photos with the ''regular'' LE Aurora dolls.
The Rundāle Palace, Latvia.
What you're seeing here is a recreation of the original interior. The restoration cost over 8 million Euros, which, when you see the results, doesn't seem nearly enough to produce the splendors one encounters at every turn.
What's not clear to me is whether any of decoration is original and restored and how much is brand new. This always frustrates me because I'm hung up on the concept of authenticity. I'll just come right out and say I don't get the same satisfaction from replicas that I do from originals.
One way to resolve this conundrum is to say this is an authentic replica of an 18th century palace that was, as the text below explains, "demolished in 1812 during the Franco-Russian [Napoleonic] War," and then "demolished [again in 1919] by the men of the Bermondt-Avalov army," which was commanded by a Cossack warlord who decided to take over newly-independent Latvia instead of fighting the Bolsheviks.
Still, this begs the question of the meaning of such a place. A hot take is that it's an expression of Latvian nationalism. However, in the 18th century this region was ruled by Germans and then by Russians. Most ethnic Latvians were serfs. Perhaps the nationalist message is that the Latvians, once free from the rule of Baltic Germans, Czarist Russians, Nazis and the Soviets, had the wherewithal to recreate a palace once owned by an overlord and make it their own. To further make the point, the compound is now a major tourist attraction, so interiors once intended solely for the aristocracy, royalty and their hangers-on and servants are today filled to the brim with tourists like us.
Is is also a acknowledged center for the study of 18th-century interior design? The devil is in the details, and I haven't yet had time to delve into that.
If you're wondering why the point of view in these photos is from the top of the windows to the ceiling, it's because there were mobs of visitors that made it almost impossible to photograph whole walls, much less floors.
Here is the whole history of the construction of the palace from the palace's informative Web site. I recommend visiting it if for no other reason than to see the rooms devoid of visitors. Also, there's a section on the restoration.
The name of Rundāle comes from the German place-name Ruhenthal (Valley of Peace).
The Rundāle Palace built during the 16th century was located on the northern side of the pond. It can be seen in the design of F. B. Rastrelli as a small square field with towers in the corners.
Rundāle Manor was already created at the end of the 15th century. It belonged to the Grotthus family from 1505 to 1681 and the palace was mentioned in the list of Livonian castles in 1555.
Facade finishing components have been found in the territory of the palace – cast fragments and fragments of coats of arms carved in stone dating to the middle of the 17th century. In 1735 Ernst Johann von Biron bought the Rundāle property for 42 000 thalers.
The old palace was completely torn down, and the stones, bricks and even the mortar were used in the construction of the new palace.
Duke Ernst Johann died in 1772, and the palace was inherited by his widow Duchess Benigna Gottlieb; during her time orchards were formed around the palace. Duke Peter did not come to Rundāle often, he mostly resided in the smaller Vircava Palace near Jelgava.
In 1795 Duke Peter gave up his throne and the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia was added to the Russian Empire. Catherine II gave Rundāle Manor as a present to Count Valerian Zubov who died in 1804.
During the distribution of inheritance Rundāle became the property of his brother Prince Platon Zubov, the last favourite of Catherine II.
During the time of Zubov the palace was refurnished, however the building itself remained untouched, only entrance porticos were added to the central building and several fireplaces were built inside.
The palace was demolished in 1812 during the Franco-Russian War – mirrors were smashed, silk wallpaper was torn down, the library given as a present from Catherine II was destroyed.
Prince Platon Zubov died in Rundāle Palace on 7 April 1822. His widow married Count Andrey Shuvalov, and Rundāle Manor belonged to this family until the agrarian reform of the Republic of Latvia in 1920.
The Shuvalovs rarely stayed in the palace, excluding the time period from 1864 to 1866 when Count Pyotr Shuvalov was the governor-general of the Baltic region and used Rundāle Palace as his official summer residence.
During this time unsuccessful renovation of the palace rooms was carried out, however during the 1880’s careful renovation of the interior design was performed. At the end of the 19th century part of the palace’s furniture and works of art was taken to Saint Petersburg.
During the time from 1915 to 1918 a German army commandant’s office and an infirmary was established in the palace. In 1919 the palace was demolished by the men of the Bermondt-Avalov army.
The palace was renovated in 1923 and some of its rooms were used as the primary school of Rundāle Parish. In 1924 Rundāle Palace was handed over to the Latvian Union of Disabled Veterans, but in 1933 it was taken over by the Board of Monuments which started the renovation of the building and the restoration of some of the rooms, and the western building was constructed for the needs of the primary school.
In 1938 the palace was handed over to the State Historical Museum that was planning to create a church art and decorative art museum there. The palace was also open to the public during World War II.
In 1945 a grain storage was formed in the halls of the palace, and the palace was closed to the public after that.
In 1963 some of the palace’s rooms were given to the Museum of Regional Studies and Art of Bauska, but in 1972 a permanent Rundāle Palace Museum was created and its main aim was to renew the whole ensemble of the palace by mainly orientating towards the condition of the palace during the second part of the 18th century.
The first restored rooms in the eastern building of the palace were opened to the public in 1981, gradually being followed by new interiors. Restoration of the palace was finished in 2014.
Construction history
Count Ernst Johann von Biron bought the Rundāle manor complex on 26 June 1735. In August of the same year the court architect of Russia Francesco Rastrelli came to Courland. From September until December agreements were being concluded with carpenters, masons, brickmakers, construction material suppliers, potters – stove makers.
The construction project was ready in January of 1736. The eight pages of the project are located in the graphic art collection “Albertina” in Vienna. It consists of a situation plan, two floor plans, a sketch of four facades and the altar of the palace church.
The first construction period from 1736 to 1740.
On 24 May 1736 the foundation-stone of the palace was set. Construction of the foundation was completed on 6 July, whereas on 13 October the central building was built to the level of the windowsill of the second floor. The construction of 12 brick-kilns and 12 brick storages was finished in June. 268 masons were working in the palace, but Rastrelli requested 500 men.
Construction was stopped on 1 November due to cold.
The construction works were restarted on 12 April 1737. On 28 May the central building was finished, and on 18 June covering was started to be placed on the side buildings, whereas the construction of the central building roof was finished at the end of June.
When the works were stopped on 10 October, one side building was roofed over, and the other one was covered with a temporary roof. The foundations of the stables were also ready. The bricklaying works were finished on 1 October 1737.
After Biron was elected Duke, he ordered to simplify the building. The finishing materials were produced by the master carpenters and woodcarver A. Kamaev of the Imperial Construction Bureau of Saint Petersburg, master potter I. Ushakov of the Neva brick factory with his team and painters I. Mizinov, I. Pilugin and I. Yevdokimov. Austrian potters were working in Vircava. The finishing materials were also being produced in Saint Petersburg.
In 1738 the volume of work in Rundāle decreased, as construction works of Jelgava Palace began. Some of the produced components were also taken to Jelgava. However, the works were moving forward – chimneys and room arches were being built, roofs were being finished.
From 14 June, when the construction of the main residence in Jelgava began, the construction works in Rundāle were moving at a slower pace. Master carpenter Eger had finished oak-wood panels for 33 rooms, as well as 13 oak-wood parquet floors. Ceilings boards were put up in the rooms, so that the plastering works could be started. In September the carpenters started working on the outside staircases. The construction of the gate tower was also started.
Entwurf von Rastrelli: die Nordfassade des Schlosses Rundāle mit dem Torturm
Rastrelli’s design, nothern facade of the palace with the gate tower.
In 1739 the interior plastering works were supposed to be carried out, but the Duke ordered to decrease the amount of plasterers and to simplify the work. Stucco formations were made only for the main staircase rooms and halls, the other rooms were left with smooth ceilings. Only ten craftsmen were working in Rundāle.
On 1 February after the order of Empress of Russia Anna Ioannovna all of the Saint Petersburg Construction Office masons were sent to Courland.
The components made for Rundāle, including carved doors, panels, parquet, Austrian potter stoves, plafonds painted on canvas and cast-iron facade decorations made by Bartolomeo Tarsia that can be seen in the Jelagava Palace facade, were transported to the main residence in Jelgava.
N. Vasilyev assisted Rastrelli in managing the construction works. Russian chamberlain Ernst Johann von Buttlar was in charge of finances and organisation and he was sending reports to Saint Petersburg regarding the work process.
In 1740 the woodcut altar of the palace church was transported to Jelgava. Supposedly the room decoration in the palace had been finished, but not all of the wall panels had been mounted and some of the stoves were also not set up, as a lot of the materials were in storage.
Work was stopped after the palace revolution of 20 November in Russia and the arrest and exile of Duke Ernst Johann. The prepared finishing materials and construction components were sent to Saint Petersburg, and some of the built-in components, such as doors, wall panels and parquet, were broken.
Overall more than a thousand different profession craftsmen and workers were employed in the construction works of the palace.
The second construction period from 1764 to 1770.
In 1762 Ernst Johann von Biron was granted mercy and returned to Courland in January of 1763.
In January of 1764 Johann Gottfried Seidel was appointed the court architect of the Duke, but in August Francesco Rastrelli returned to work for the Duke and was appointed to the position of main administrator of the Duke’s buildings.
During this time he arranged his construction designs and carried out general supervision of the Duke’s construction works.
The unfinished gate tower was torn down and the stable building construction was started. Latvian carpenters and woodworkers were sent from the Duke’s domain manors to Rundāle up until 1768. In 1765 woodworker Blanks, sculptor Zībenbrods, locksmith Šreibfogels, gold plating master Johans Endress, potter Šēfers, locksmith Horstmanis and coppersmith Mēmels were working in the palace.
In 1766 Severin Jensen from Denmark started working as the court architect. His style can be seen in the gateposts and in the stable buildings, which obtained a semicircular shape in contrast to Rastrelli’s rectangular design. A dating – 16 May 1766 – has been made in the keystone of the northern facade window.
In 1768 the gate was built and the forgings were placed.
The palace interior planning was changed slightly. By merging five smaller rooms the grand dining-room – the Grand Gallery – was created, whereas a dance hall known as the White Hall was created in the place of the palace church. Both front staircases, the Small Gallery, the lobby and galleries of the first floor were preserved from the original interiors of the first construction period.
The stucco decorative finishing of the interiors was carried out by the Berlin sculptor and stucco marble master Johann Michael Graff together with his team – his brother Josef and assistants Bauman and Lanz – from 1765 to 1768.
Sculpturesque decorations were made in twenty-seven rooms, but in two rooms of the Duke’s apartments and in the hall – synthetic marble panels. Works were started in the central building first.
The Marble Hall and the marble panel of the Gold Hall in which the dating has been engraved on the door lining, were finished in 1767. In July of 1768 Graff received payment for his final works – the White Hall, Oval Cabinet, Duchess’ Boudoir and vases for the 22 stair banisters.
The ceilings were painted by the Italian painters Francesco Martini and Carlo Zucchi from Saint Petersburg. They started working in August of 1766, but only the name of Martini is mentioned in documents starting with March of 1768. Francesco Martini received his last payment in March of 1769.
Ceilings of eight rooms, as well as the walls of two rooms were painted. One of the ceiling paintings got destroyed. The repainted wall paintings were later uncovered in the Grand Gallery and in the second study of the Duke.
The Duke came to Rundāle Palace in April of 1767 and stayed there until December with interruptions, although the finishing works were still in progress. The palace was also inhabited in 1768. The final works were carried out in 1770 when a fellow of J. M. Graff placed mirrors in the White Hall.
20.04.2018
(for English scroll down)
Meine erste Foto-Einzelausstellung präsentiert im Café Berio, Berlin
Vernissage 31. Juli 2018 | Finissage 22. September 2018
In meiner ersten Foto-Einzelausstellung zeigte ich meine Berliner Portraits und einige meiner Vogel-Fotografien; daher der Titel der Ausstellung. In meinem Fotoprojekt wollte ich einmal weg von den sonst bewusst gewählten Orten, an denen man ein Fotoshooting durchführt. Ein Studio oder eine ausgewählte Location haben für die Menschen meist etwas sehr Unpersönliches. Ich wollte dorthin, wo es am authentischsten ist; an die Orte, an denen die Protagonisten (überwiegend Künstler) zu Hause und in ihrem Element sind: auf der Bühne, hinter der Bühne und vor, während und nach einem Auftritt bzw. Event. Ich möchte dem Betrachter Bilder zeigen, die er nicht unbedingt während einer Veranstaltung wahrnimmt und Außenstehende gefangen nehmen, als hätten sie es live miterlebt.
Über 70 Arbeiten präsentierte ich in der Ausstellung; darunter Portraits von Romy Haag, Henry de Winter, Hanna Schygulla, Georgette Dee, Dieter Rita Scholl, Gloria Viagra, Ades Zabel, Frank Wilde, Gaby Tupper und vielen anderen.
Vögel leben auf allen Kontinenten. Sie sind flüchtige, scheue Tiere. Auf meinen Fotografien lassen sie aber eine unwahrscheinliche Nähe zu. Das eigentlich Fremde und in der Natur nicht Sichtbare habe ich in meinen Vogel-Portraits festgehalten.
Mein Motto: "Authentizität ist das Schlüsselwort, das hinter meiner Fotografie steht. Ich ziehe es vor, mehr die menschliche Note zu zeigen und weniger die Retusche."
Die meisten der Exponate sind in der queeren Community entstanden.
berio-berlin.de/ausstellungen/berliner-und-andere-schraeg...
____________________________________________________
My first solo photo exhibition presented at Café Berio, Berlin
Opening July 31, 2018 | Closing September 22, 2018
In my first solo photo exhibition, I showed my Berlin portraits and some of my bird photographs; hence the title of the exhibition. In my photo project, I wanted to get away from the usual deliberately chosen locations for a photo shoot. There is usually something very impersonal about a studio or a selected location for people. I wanted to go where it is most authentic; to the places where the protagonists (mostly artists) are at home and in their element: on stage, backstage and before, during and after a performance or event. I want to show the viewer images that they don't necessarily see during an event and capture outsiders as if they had witnessed it live.
I presented over 70 works in the exhibition, including portraits of Romy Haag, Henry de Winter, Hanna Schygulla, Georgette Dee, Dieter Rita Scholl, Gloria Viagra, Ades Zabel, Frank Wilde, Gaby Tupper and many others.
Birds live on every continent. They are elusive, shy animals. In my photographs, however, they allow an improbable closeness. I have captured what is actually alien and invisible in nature in my bird portraits.
My motto: "Authenticity is the keyword that lies behind my photography. I prefer to show more the human touch and less the retouch."
Most of the exhibits were created in the queer community.
berio-berlin.de/ausstellungen/berliner-und-andere-schraeg...
The Limited Edition Ariel and Eric Doll Set, #12 of 6000, in their display case, with the clear acrylic cover removed. None of the factory restraints have been removed, but I have cleaned up Ariel's face a bit, and cut off a loose thread from her blouse. Photographed using built-in camera flash.
My pre-ordered Ariel and Eric Doll Set, from the Disney Fairytale Designer Collection. It arrived on October 15, 2013, and I was thrilled to see that they are numbered #012 of 6000! It matches the number of the other doll sets in the pre-order, except that Snow White and the Prince is #4508 of 6000. There are some slight scratches on the gold nameplate and on the acrylic cover of the display case, but they are very minor, and don't diminish the look of the set. Ariel's head is posed a bit awkwardly, but I'll see if I can adjust it a bit without undoing any of the shipping restraints. There is also a loose thread hanging from the left sleeve of Ariel's blouse. Otherwise, Ariel and Eric look very beautiful, and in perfect shape. I'm so happy that I have them after failing to get them in the in-store raffle earlier in the day.
I'm not going to debox the dolls in this set, but I am going to take photos of it boxed, with the cover sleeve off, and with the clear acrylic cover off, to show off the dolls as much as possible without actually removing them from their factory restraints.
Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
US Disney Store
Release In-Store: October 15, 2013
Release Online: October 16, 2013 (at 12 AM PDT)
Sold Out Online: October 16, 2013 (by 12:15 AM)
Pre-ordered at the D23 Expo, August 9, 2013
Received October 15, 2013.
#12 of 6000
Product information from the US Disney Store website:
Ariel and Prince Eric Doll Set - Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
$129.95
Item No. 6070040900891P
Above the sea
The red-headed Ariel gets her wish to be out of the sea and with her handsome prince, Eric, in this pair of limited-edition dolls. Part of the Disney Fairytale Designer Collection, they feature elegantly detailed costumes.
Magic in the details...
Please Note: Each Guest will be limited to ordering a maximum of one of this item per order.
As part of the Disney Fairytale Designer Collection this pair of Ariel and Prince Eric dolls were carefully crafted by artists inspired by Disney's 1989 movie The Little Mermaid. The Disney Princess and handsome Prince have been reimagined in exquisite detail with these limited edition dolls. Brought to life with thoughtful attention, they uniquely capture the essence of the fairytale couple, creating a one of a kind set that will be a treasured keepsake of collectors, Disney fans, and every princess at heart!
•Global Limited Editon of 6000
•Includes Certificate of Authenticity
•Ariel features her signature red curls tied back with a blue satin bow
•Rooted eyelashes
•Lacey off-shoulder neckline
•Satin and velvet bodice with embroidery and rhinestone accents
•Embroidered taffeta overlay with printed inset hemmed with lace trim at the bottom
•Prince Eric features billowy satin shirt with embroidered detailing
•Crimson sash, belt and matching boots
•Dolls sold in a special keepsake display case with intricate details on the base, including a golden plate with the name of Ariel and Eric
•Includes special Disney Fairytale Designer Collection Gift Bag
•Part of the Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
* Intended for adult collectors -- Not a child's toy.
The bare necessities
•Plastic / polyester
•Ariel: 11 1/2'' H
•Prince Eric: 12'' H
•Imported
The manufacture of real sculpture in Bali, the atmosphere is formidable and authenticity predominates
Deboxing my Designer Fawn doll. First the slipcover is slid off, revealing the doll inside a display case that has a clear acrylic cover. It is much easier to take the slipcover off than it was for the Designer Zarina doll from last year. Then the acrylic cover is taken off. Fawn and the rabbit are still attached to the cardboard backing. I can now take much clearer photos of the doll and the rabbit figure.
There were only two of us waiting for Designer Fawn when the store opened on release day, Tuesday February 17, 2015. They had 14 dolls available, so 12 remaining after we bought ours. The Fawn that they first gave to the other person in line had a rabbit that broke free from its restraint, and it was lying on its side in the other corner. Mine is #441 of 4000.
The Designer Fawn doll was released shortly after midnight, on the morning of February 18, 2015. However, at the same time there were continuing glitches in the US Disney Store website, so that it was nearly impossible to purchase the doll (and many other items) for at least an hour after it became visible on the site.
Fawn Disney Fairies Designer Collection Doll
US Disney Store
Released in stores 2015-02-17
Released online 2015-02-18 12 AM PST
$59.95
Item No. 6070040901174P
Fawn patrol
Pixie Hollow's animal fairy is joined here by her bunny friend Calista. Elegantly styled by Disney Store artists to capture her playful character, this detailed, limited edition Fawn doll is part of our Disney Fairies Designer Collection.
Magic in the details...
Please Note: Purchase of this item is limited to 1 per Guest.
Enter into an enchanted world of magic and adventure with our Disney Fairies Designer Collection. Carefully crafted by Disney Store artists to uniquely capture the essence of each character, this collection reimagines Disney Fairies with a touch of ethereal sophistication. Inspired by nature and lush organic textures, this doll is sure to be a treasured keepsake of collectors and Disney fans everywhere!
• Global Limited Edition of 4000
• Includes Certificate of Authenticity
• Fawn features elegantly twisted hair with detailed leaf accent
• Rooted eyelashes
• Gathered off-the-shoulder bodice of sheer organza embellished with gems
• Feather-style skirt with metallic print and gems layered over chiffon petals
• Glittering wings
• Fawn is accompanied by Calista, her adorable bunny friend
• Doll sold in a special keepsake display case with intricate details on the base, including a golden plate with the name of Fawn in ornate font
• Part of the Disney Fairies Designer Collection
* Intended for adult collectors -- Not a child's toy.
The bare necessities
• Plastic / polyester
• 11'' H
• Imported
"Consumers seek meaning and a brand they can trust. They are busy at work on Web 2.0 platforms creating ways to cut through the noise in search of products and services that resonate with integrity and transparency; in a word, authenticity. That quest for authenticity is a call to action for any company intending to be relevant in the 21st century." | Sohrab Vossoughi, Business Week
www.businessweek.com/innovate/content/may2008/id20080528_...
Peter Pan and Captain Hook Doll Set. Boxed doll set with slipcover and acrylic cover off. The dolls are now in clear view. They are attached to the cardboard backing and display stands by rubber bands, wires and plastic T-tabs. Tinker Bell was left attached to the acrylic cover, so she is not in these deboxing photos.
Detailed photos of the Peter Pan and Captain Hook Doll Set. It was released in US Disney Stores on Tuesday October 6, 2015. I got it at my local store through the raffle. My set is #3211 of 6000. There were 18 sets available, and 3 left after the raffle.
I have now fully deboxed the set (except for Tinker Bell). I show Peter and Hook separately and together. I also place Peter and Hook back on the display stand. Hook's hat won't stay on his head, so he is without his hat in all the deboxed photos. I found that Peter has hinge jointed elbows, not ball jointed as I had thought earlier, before I deboxed him. I haven't removed the clothing of either doll, but took a peek at their lower backs, and neither has edition stamps there. The outfits of both dolls are impressive, except for Hook's hat. Hook is 12 1/4 inches tall, Peter is 10 inches tall (about the same height as the Disney Store Flutter Wing Tinker Bell dolls).
Peter Pan and Captain Hook Doll Set - Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
US Disney Store
Release in Stores 2015-10-06
Released online 2015-10-07
Purchased in store 2015-10-06
#3211 of 6000
$129.95
Item No. 6003040901263P
Green friendly
Peter Pan comes face to face with his arch enemy Captain Hook in this limited edition set. With finely detailed costumes, the pair are part of the Disney Fairytale Designer Collection inspired by Disney's memorable heroes and villains.
Magic in the details...
Please Note: Purchase of this item is limited to 1 per Guest.
As part of the Disney Fairytale Designer Collection's heroes and villains series, Peter Pan and Captain Hook were carefully crafted by artists inspired by Disney's 1953 movie. Reimagined in exquisite detail, these limited edition dolls were brought to life with thoughtful attention, and uniquely capture the essence of the fairytale characters, creating a one-of-a-kind set that will be a treasured keepsake of collectors and Disney fans.
• Global Limited Edition of 6000
• Includes Certificate of Authenticity
• Includes small Tinker Bell figurine
• Peter Pan features a forest green tunic with printed leaf detail
• Detachable sword
• Detachable cap with feather
• Brown faux leather belt with gold buckle
• Leggings and boots with curled tops
• Captain Hook features dramatic suede coat with gold filigree detailing, and full lining
• Suit vest with buttons, and matching pants
• Stockings with boots featuring gold buckle
• White shirt with lace frill and cuffs
• Rooted hair
• Detachable hat with molded feather
• Detachable sword
• Dolls sold in a special keepsake display case with intricate details on the base, including a golden plate with the names of Peter Pan and Captain Hook
• Includes special Disney Fairytale Designer Collection Gift Bag
• Part of the Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
* Intended for adult collectors -- Not a child's toy.
The bare necessities
• Plastic / polyester
• Peter Pan: 10'' H
• Captain Hook: 12 1/2'' H
• Tinker Bell: 1 1/2''
• Imported
Deboxing the Tiana and Naveen doll set. First its protective cover sleeve taken off. Then the acrylic top cover of the display case is removed. It is loosened from the tabs on the bottom of the case, then slowly slid off the cardboard backing. The dolls are now in clear view. They are attached to the backing and various plastic spacers.
I purchased the Tiana and Naveen Disney Fairytale Designer Doll Set at my local Disney Store, on its release day, Tuesday September 23, 2014. There were only five persons entered in the drawing, and the store had 15 sets to sell. I got my set and opened it up at the register to make sure everything looked good. They looked perfect to me. I took a quick photo, with permission from the CM. In better lighting, the gold embroidery in her dress was much more impressive than I remembered it from looking at the display dolls. I also looked at the back, and it was #4872 of 6000. That was a nice number to me, so I declined the offer from the CM to look at another set to see if it had a lower number. I will photograph the set boxed, during deboxing, and fully deboxed. I will also show the set next to other comparable dolls.
Tiana and Prince Naveen Doll Set - Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
US Disney Store
Released in store 2014-09-23
Released online 2014-09-24
$129.95
Item No. 6070040901073P
New leaf
Possessing a love of cooking, Tiana has all the ingredients to become a perfect princess. Paired with her handsome Prince, this stunning set of finely detailed Disney Fairytale Designer Collection dolls will be cherished happily ever after.
Magic in the details...
Please Note: Purchase of this item is limited to 1 per Guest.
As part of the Disney Fairytale Designer Collection this pair of Tiana and Prince Naveen dolls were carefully crafted by artists inspired by Disney's 2009 movie, The Princess and the Frog. The Disney Princess and her Prince have been reimagined in exquisite detail with these limited edition dolls. Brought to life with thoughtful attention, they uniquely capture the essence of the fairytale couple, creating a one of a kind set that will be a treasured keepsake of collectors, Disney fans and every princess at heart.
* Global Limited Editon of 6000
* Includes Certificate of Authenticity
* Romantic swept-up hair with water lilly accent
* Elegant olive green bodice with pale yellow satin leaf inset
* Intricately sculpted gold floral belt with sparkling gems
* Multilayered organza leaf gown in rich olive green hues
* Embellished with gold embroidery and glittering crystals
* Dramatic make-up and rooted eyelashes
* Prince features light green twill tunic with gold leaf embroidery details
* Matching hazel-colored cape with a rich dark green satin lining
* Dolls sold in a special keepsake display case with intricate details on the base, including a golden plate with the names of Tiana and Naveen
* Includes special Disney Fairytale Designer Collection Gift Bag
* Part of the Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
* Intended for adult collectors -- Not a child's toy.
The bare necessities
* Plastic / polyester
* Tiana: 11 1/2'' H
* Prince Naveen: 12'' H
* Imported
Deboxing my Frozen Fever Elsa. First the front cover is removed. Under that there is a clear plastic lid that has white graphics that are similar to the full color graphics of the outer box cover. Then the clear plastic lid is removed, to show the doll in clear view. She is attached to the cardboard backing and plastic supports, and also to the included display stand. Finally the rear outer cardboard cover is removed, leaving her on the cardboard backing. The backing is free standing. Under the backing is the Certificate of Authenticity, which is inside a sealed clear plastic envelope. The CoA is placed in front of the doll.
Detailed photos of my Frozen Fever Elsa Limited Edition 17'' doll. I got her in store on release day, Tuesday November 3, 2015. She is #1559 of 5000. She is shown boxed, during deboxing and fully deboxed. I also show her with comparable dolls.
Her only accessory is a red string that was used to connect all the birthday presents for Anna. I decided to remove the string for the final photos of her fully deboxed. Her long braid was tacked to her outfit in two places with nylon thread. I cut the lower thread so her cape could be fully opened, but I decided to leave the upper one alone, so the braid would stay in place nicely draped over her shoulder. I show her ice heels from various angles. I has the same mold as the ice heels of the other two SQ LE 17'' Elsa dolls (LE 2500 and LE 100), but is transparent light blue green, with fine embedded glitter and a shiny iridescent surface. It was difficult to show the true beauty of the shoes in photographs.
Limited Edition Elsa Doll - Frozen Fever - 17''
$119.95
Item No. 6003040901307P
US Disney Store
Released in stores 2015-11-03
Released online 2015-11-04
Sold out online in less than 10 minutes
Purchased in store 2015-11-03
#1559 of 5000
Flowerful
Our latest Elsa Limited Edition doll is inspired by the short Frozen Fever. Elegant in aqua gown with sheer cape overlay, and adorned with shimmering floral details, fine embroidery and faceted gems, Elsa makes every day more perfect!
Magic in the details...
Please Note: Purchase of this item is limited to 1 per Guest.
• Limited Edition of 5000
• Includes Certificate of Authenticity
• Two-toned ombre print gown with green rhinestones and metallic embroidered detailing
• Mesh sleeve and décolletage with floral embroidery and gemstone trim
• Flowing, sheer organza cape with metallic floral embroidery, iridescent frosted glitter accents, and clear faceted gems
• Beautifully braided hair with shimmering golden highlights and floral fixtures
• Rooted eyelashes
• Glittering translucent shoes
• Satin cord accessory
• Fully poseable
• Display stand included
• Comes in elegant window display packaging
• Inspired by the Disney animated short Frozen Fever
The bare necessities
• Ages 6+
• Plastic /polyester
• 17'' H
• Imported
Safety
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small Parts. Not for children under 3 years.
K190 sits in Castlemaine with what could be counted as the most realistic interpretation of a branchline mixed train comprising both Goods and passenger vehicles to be seen for a good number of years. 5/5/2018
Disney Movie Club Joy VIP Pin. Joy is pinned to Certificate of Authenticity, which also serves as the backing card. Original price was $4.95, for Disney Movie Club members. Size is 1 1/2 inches high.
Hello and welcome si-fier to another Rab's Reviews. A friend 'lent' me an old Bush Black and White Console Cabinet Television Model TUG 12.
He said, "Why not enter into the mood of things, and watch the movie on this old Bush black and white console t.v. add some authenticity as you review the show, so as a little tribute to si-fiers long ago, this I did.
I must say this old Black and White Bush t.v. took a 'wee' while to warm up, just like the film, but well worth the effort, for there are many rewards to be gleaned from this movie, as only the committed si-fier will know.....
A young Amreican couple are cuddling each other in a convertible in a layby, to the sound of some great 'Do-Wap' music, some chilling orchestral music builds, a heart rendering scream is heard,the picture fades, and the titles roll.....
Welcome Si-Fier to another adventure in Black and White land, a compendium of emotions awaits you under the guise of.....
BEGINNING OF THE END 1957 si-fi Movie.
Just trying to comprehend, the comprehensibility of this incomprehensible title, has me writhing on the floor blowing bubbles from the side of my mouth.
Two Policemen in car 254 are patrolling the area, the scenery in the background is moving but car 254 is not, (this is an illusory ploy by the film makers which has fooled me again and again, look out for it throughout the movie) They pull over to where the young couple had been, and find their convertible a torn, tangled, wreckage, (no sign of the couple). One officier suspects foul play. The driver of the vehicle was a Mr William Summerfield, (Ludlow address). Investigators arrive and find a 'girls sweater'. Car 254 is sent to Ludlow to locate Mr Summerfields house, and reports back.."The whole town of Ludlow has been destroyed", "send help lots of help quick"....(screeching ghoulish music is played...oooeeerrr)
Cut to a new scene and a beautiful young woman driving along the countryside in her convertible (so real), approaches a road block, soldiers with automatic weapons draw near, she is told she can't pass and to follow the arrows. She pulls over gets out of the car, taking her camera, she tries to persuade one of the gaurds to let her through and is told, "the old man says no one is to get through, no one is what the old man said". So she drives away, stops gets out of her car, climbs some hills, and takes a picture, (you will love the sight of this old American flash camera, usually carried by people from the press), but a soldier quickly snatches the camera out of her hand saying "no pictures allowed mame". She goes to the Commanding officier, and sees Captain Bartlett. We find out that this is no other than Miss Audrey Aims, who covered the Korean war and has written a book, and she now works for the National Wire Service, and gives her word she won't publish anything, and is told "last night a town with a population of 150 people was completely destroyed, vanished, no bodies, no nothing." "150 people just don't vanish into thin air," says Audery. Captain Bartlett asks, "we're still trying to find out what happened, would you like to 'sit-in' Miss Aims.
A witness comes into the office and is questioned about the overnight events in Ludlow, and asked if he noticed anything strange about the town or people, anything unusal. He replies he heard something like thunder, and about midnight a plane went overhead. Thats all Dave has to offer, but a very 'Droll' telephone operator is questioned and is very helpfull. Audrey is introduced to Colonel Sturgeon he remarks, "I've read alot of your stuff and seen alot of your photographs". The Colonel is going to Ludlow, Audrey wants to go with him, but is not allowed, she also wants her camera back, and (just to keep us all in suspence) says "there has to be a logical explanation for all this, a town with 150 people doesn't just dissapear." Captain Bartlett says, "this one did."
(Good things come to those who wait...) At this point I thought there isn't much happening, but just when I was about to give up, one of the most imaginative, contrivances ever to be conceived by Man takes place...I refer to The in car telephone call, (Hands free it's not) I will say very little about the telephone call Audery makes from her convertable, a person to person call to Norman Taggart. What you will witness here you will tell your children about, and I have come to the conclusion that 'the great british telephone box', was invented after someone had watched this 'acting'. Note how Mr Taggart is a very fast writer as his pencil speeds across the paper. Audrey drives back to the road block outside Ludlow looking for her camera. Norman phones back and tells her, "the only people who have been playing around with radioactive materials are the U.S. dept of Agriculture, an experimental project in illinois Experimental Station. Audrey heads out to the Station in her 'American Convertible with white walled tyres', she goes into a greenhouse, there are some intresting yet suspicious looking potted plants.Wait till you see the size of these beauties, "you'll think you are watching Irwin Allen's Land Of The Giants." she tries to talk to a deaf mute, (Frank) a radition accident has left him in this condition. She meets the project director a Mr Wain Wright, explaining she's trying to find out what happened in Ludlow, and how she thinks radition might have something to do with it. Wain doesn't think so, as the radition isotopes he uses isn't explosive, "your answer isn't here," he says. So Audery checks out the giant strawberries, Wain comments, "this is the future for the American farmer, and all farmers everywhere," but there's a bit of a problem, you can't eat them. Audrey asks"how do they get so big," Wain explains "Radition causes photosynthesis which makes the growing process to continue night and day, acting like an artificial Sun that never sets."
So it's back into the 'non-movable-white-walled-convertible' and back to illinois national grand H.Q. Audrey meets the Colonel who will not let her go to Ludlow, but he soon gives-in to her questioning, and makes Bartlett drive her to Ludlow....adding, "I hope you have a strong Stomach." Eventually Audrey and the audience get to see Ludlow, and it looks like the 'Left-Overs' from a Tsunami, Audrey takes photographs as they drive through the town, (quite a large town for 150 people and the roads are uneffected) but the 'unmovable-convertible' can go anywhere. Audrey recalls the different wars she has covered as a photographer. Bartlett says, "you must be used to it by now," Audrey replies, "Captain some things you never get used to."
Audrey returns to Wain's giant fruit stall, and asks him to take her to the warehouse that was destroyed 3 months ago. So of they go all three, Audrey, Frank (the deaf mute), and Wain, (in the 'horizontal-convertible-telephone-box). I really love these 'Driving along the road scenes', and I do hope the si-fier is convinced that the convertible is actually moving. Audrey informs the occupants that she was born inquisitive and Inherited her 'photography' from her Father. Wain tells her he's always been a scientist, (everyone in this film has read one of Audrey's articles at some point in their lives including Wain!!!) They arrive at the warehouse, which is a mass of wreckage strewn everywhere, (Wain puts fourth a well scienced statement) "some force pushed these walls out from the inside." The deaf mute beckons them over and they discover that the ground is completely barron, they chat abit about jobs and work. Audrey wants to get some shots and goes for her camera.
A strange noise is heard......at last!!!! the audience get to see some 'state of the art' "Kinematography" and a strange creature appears from behind some corrugated-iron.
WOW !!!!....It's a Giant Locust...Yes ! Si-Fi enthusiasts this is a Giant Insect Movie, (I held out on you as not to spoil it for you), just look at the 'Kinematics' of this creature, this makes the movie very special indeed, in that they are not only giant grasshoppers, but they are the type that are 'sort-of-see-through', looking somewhat out of place, Im sure that the cinemas of yesteryear 'rang-out' with screams of terrified people. The Giant locust has taken Frank (deaf mute) by surprise, poor Frank tries to scream, but being a deaf mute he can't. Audrey sees what has happened and tells Wain, "Franks gone you can't save him," (a fine piece of acting Frank) Audrey and Wain get into the car and speed off.
Back at H.Q. Wain has an explanation for all the events thats happened he tells Tom, "locusts giant locusts," "Giant locusts are responsible for all this, 8 feet tall vicious merciless killers, some locusts must have gotten into the greenhouse, and ate some of the giant food, and became giant locusts, each one has the strength of ten men." So Tom takes Wain back, with a truck load of fully armed soldiers to see if the giant grasshoppers are still there. The soldiers dismount and 'fan-out' around the wreckage, and Wain shows Tom the 'spot'. No body is found so they go into the woods. (the orchestration is becoming very tense now, and the 'trenchant' si-fi observer will instinctively know something is about to happen, I wonder what it will be?) One of the soldiers says to his mate, "maybe we could train one of these giant 'what's-it's'to pull a plough." (more operatic music, strumming, thrumming, and vamping, danger must surely be nigh!) Sure enough some high pitched grasshopper noises are heard, and everyone is listening intently wondering what it is making all the noise, sure enough a Giant locust appears. (this is intoxication frame by frame, this is the stuff 'tantrums' are made of) the soldiers 'let-loose' with all the 'firepower' they have, and make a retreat. The hoppers are in hot persuit and one or two of the soldiers 'buy-it'. Hope is not lost, what looks like a Gatling Gun is mounted on the back of the truck, and a soldier 'lets-rip' at the Giant Insectile Creatures, but all this 'fire-power' has absolutely no effect on the Giant Cicada, so the soldiers make their escape in the Army truck. Every available man is needed, plus air-support to Bomb 'them' out of the forest, 3 infantry units deployed in 3 hours for 100 locusts, Wain says "It's not enough." Wain and Audrey deside to go to Washington to see some 'Top-Brass', Wain delivers the hard facts to Audrey, "we've got to convince them Audrey," "we may be witnessing the beginning of an era that'll mean the complete annihilation of man." Audrey says "Annihilation." Wain says "Annihilation......THE BEGINNING OF THE END.
We are in Washington now, and Wain is making a presentation, along with a film show to all the 'top-brass' and congress, saying "If a tiny locust can do all this damage, imagine what a locust as big as a man can do, and growing bigger," "we haven't much time." The Congress believe that the illionis national gaurd can handle the situation, but an unexpected telephone call from Ludlow changes everything, when the news that the grasshoppers have broken through the National Gaurd Line. The 'Top-Brass' make their appologies.
The General and Wain are sitting in an Aeroplane bound for Paxton Ludlow, they are discussing plans, the voice from the radio informs the General, they can't land in Paxton, and tell the General that the giant locusts have 'Over-Run' Paxton at 1400 Hrs. (look out for the antediluvian 'Bakelite' radio, they don't make them like that anymore) so next stop has to be Chicago. The General recieves a tele-message from General John Short to.....DEFEND CHICAGO AT ALL COSTS.....Refugees are pouring into Chicago now, food is running low, meanwhile thousands of troops are being deployed.
Back at the Lab Wain is studying locust behaviour, and has come up with the idea of shipping 2000 gallons of posion to the front-line, but a telephone call informs Wain, that the last batch of posion didn't even slow the locusts down, he tells his colleagues, "the stuffs no good forget it."
Many towns and cities have already been destroyed. Some 'Doom-watching' music is playing.....Ahhh the hopelessness of it all, with the probability of complete and utter destruction,....(this is the best black and white music I have ever heard) and to 'top' it all, there's a newspaper on the desk with the Headlines, 'CHICAGO NEXT.' Audrey arrivies and lighten things up a bit by telling Wain, "you're doing everything you can," but Wain has sunk to unimaginable depths and replies, "the time will come when the beasts shall inherit the Earth."
The scenario changes, we see a battlefield, hundreds of military tanks, foot soldiers, all manner of vehicles along with the best fire-power America can 'muster-up', rumbling across a plain somewhere in Chicago, looking for locusts. A background news report tells us that General Hanson is confident he can keep the 'meanace' at bay, the air force, and marines are moving in, back-up for the Army. (every man and his dog.) The viewer will witness this report on a wonderful television set that your Granny might have watched. (look out for this scene, check out the legs on the t.v. stand....best ever.) The reporter informs us, that before the locusts attack, they let out a high pitched 'screech' and when the 'screech' reaches it's maxium they attack. Back at H.Q. officies all is going to plan, suddenly the noise from 1000 locusts are heard. In the streets outside multitudes of people are running around like 'headless chickens' panic has taken grip of Chicago. Meanwhile the army has set up a 'front' with soldiers, tanks, and Artillery as the locusts appear, an officier shouts, "hold your fire men," as the locusts draw near. Suddenly all hell breaks loose, handguns, atomatics, tank shells, flame throwers, and (did I mention Bazookas) 'let-rip.' These are great Scenographical images, "this is what the cinema ticket holder long ago came to see." As I watch I think Realistically this could be happening anywhere in the World, especially when I see a sky filled with choppers, these are the best Helicopters I have ever saw in my life. Do you remember a television programme called "Whirlybirds" (if you haven't seen at least 1 episode, make it your business to do so) boy!!! this takes me back to my youth.
So the locusts breach all the might of the American front line. The reporter announces, "that the giant locusts have reached Chicago southside." There is total intimidation, along with a state of terror, stampedes, and palpitating pandemonium in the streets, all the major roads are blocked with cars full of fleeing Americans, while a voice from a 'tannoy' announcement is heard, "Do not Panic!," "Do not Panic!," The locusts have entered well into the city now, chasing people, and climbimg skyscrapers.
We focus on a beautiful young lady inside one of the skyscrapers, wearing nothing but a bath towel, she is gently brushing her hair, and in the window behind her, the terrifying head of a giant locust appears, the window is broken, and the lady turns around and screams. (Method acting takes over.....see as the woman turns, both her hands lift the table and overturn it for effect, it really can't get any better than this. I imagine long winter hours spent alone, in deep thought and mediation, treading back and fourth, chiselling away at her very soul and heart to manufacture and decipher for us this moment of 'ballet' and bring it to boards of theatreland......may I say thankyou, thankyou so much dear lady, I will never forget this piece of acting.)
At H.Q. officies Audrey and Wain enter and meet the General who informs them that the locusts have stopped their advance, Wain informs the General, "when the temperature drops to 68' the locusts just stop moving, and when the sun comes out they'll be active again." The General tells Wain "there's a B52 bomber ready with an Atom bomb aboard." Wain says, "you can't drop an Atomic bomb on Chicago," General speaks, "but Washington has given permission to do just that, so the city has to be evacuated, we drop at dawn." Audrey suggests that the 'Early Settlers' drove the locusts into the lake. This gives Wain an Idea, "we can't drive them, but we could attract them, if we could reproduce their call it might work General," Wain continues, "have you ever been duck hunting General," The General thinks for a minute, then says, "the duck call." Now the General is convinced, he asks Wain, "What do you need." Wain tells the General "I need an 'Osio ossicillator', 2 audio amplifiers, the most powerfull you can get, an ossicillope, and some high frequency radio equipment, and a boat." The General responds, "what ever you need we'll get," Wain suggests, "well there's one thing I have to get my-self, something that will tell me I've succeeded," "Whats that?" says the General. Wain tells him, "A live giant Grasshopper."
So the plan to lure the Grasshoppers, is put into action. Troops are employed "hither and thither." Wain and the General enter into an alleyway, (menacing music is playing, Wain accidently kicks and empty tin can, which makes me jump,) we hera some 'hopper' noises and a giant locust rises out of the basement in front of them. Wain and the General 'Don' gassmasks, and deploy some gass bombs at the 'see-through' locust. (great 'super-duper' effects) Wain runs out of the alley, blows a whistle and shouts, "come on men, we've got one in here," and lots of troops run into the alley.
Back at Washington H.Q. they have a giant locust captured and put in a glass case for observation, Wain and Audrey are experimenting on the locust, trying to find the right 'sound' that will lure the creatures, "the polygraph will record the reactions," says Wain. An assistant asks, "How does it work?" (Dear si-fier always pay attention to a question like this, they crop up quite often in these old movies, for the answer to these questions will enhance and enlighten your knowledge of the universe, it will also give you an insight in the 'Psyche' of the writer) Wain replies, "I just attach the wires of the polygraph, to the two copper strips at the base of the cage, the locusts like every other living thing has, galvanic reflexes or electrical charges in direct ratio to it's activity or emotional stimulation." Audery says, "I don't understand." (tut-tut) Wain explains again and Audrey says, "It's like a lie detector test isn't it." (best line in the movie) also listen out for the noise the lie detector makes, (I really enjoyed that), the Colonel walks in and tells Wain, "you've had your chance, it's the Air-force's turn," and calls General Wagner at the air base. Wain returns to his experimentation, but there may be no time left, the Bomb drops in 90 minutes. Audrey won't leave Wain, she wants to stay with him even though an A-Bomb is gonna drop soon. The Colonel tells Wain, "there's a get-a-way car waiting outside, and if he's sucessful to contact him right away so he can stop the bomb. The streets of Chicago are desolate now, evacuated, and back at the experimental lab Wain and Audrey are hard at work, (the clock on the wall reminds us there is not much time left).
Suddenly they 'hit' the right 'frequency' and the 'needles' on the polygraph machine 'run amok', just as this happens the locust breaks out of it's glass cage, and devours an assistant, Wain 'lets-loose' with a sub-machine gun, and the 'hopper' becomes 'hopper-stew'. They have found the right frequency now, and Colonel Hanson has to be informed, for it is only Colonel Hanson who can STOP the A-Bomb. (there are some great aerial shots of a B-52 bomber being diverted from it's flight path...Phew!!!) Colonel Hanson radios Wain and tells him, "the show is all yours Wain wright, get the equipment into the boat on the lake, and I'll be your 'Pied Piper'." (look out for this 'mind-boggling' scene a speed boat, speeding across a lake, there is something 'Pseudo' about it. In fact this is 'Pseudoblepsis' at it's very best, indeed this film is a film based on Pseudoblepsis, and untill one watches, the boat speeding across the lake the 'word' 'Pseudoblepsis' will mean nothing to you.) The temperature is rising and the locusts are starting to move, a helicopter is tracking their movements, meanwhile the General is on board the boat on the lake as the Grasshoppers invade the city.
A high pitched frequency is sounded from the top of a skyscraper over all the city to attract the grasshoppers. The emergency lab is now completely surrounded by locusts, a poor soldier on the roof doesn't see the giant locust behind him and 'buys-it'. There are some excellent scenes of the locusts climbing up the skyscrapers, (very unsettling), but if you look closely enough dear si-fier, you might detect that it is grasshoppers just walking across photographs of skyscrapers, (this is the stuff 'Pseudoblepsis' is made from). Wain has to hold-out a while longer because all the locusts have not reached the downtown area yet, the all clear is given, and Colonel Hanson, who is out on the lake, turns on his Amplifier to lure the locusts into the lake, meanwhile a 'running-battle' is taking place at H.Q. lab. (some good scenes as the grasshoppers are being shot of the skyscrapers) The locusts begin to retreat towards the noise from the boat, and as the locusts enter into the water they die.
Wain takes Audrey into his arms and hugs her, (romantic, loving music is playing in the background) they don't even kiss,.....Ahhh!!...the age of innocence....it's all over.
DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY.........JACK MARTA
MUSIC COMPOSED AND CONDUCTED BY.........ALBERT GLASSER
SPECIAL TECHNICAL EFFECTS........BERT I GORDON
SOUND EFFECTS MEN.....................DOUGLAS STEWART / GEORGE J EPPICH
SCREEN PLAY..................................FRED FREIBERGER / LESTER GORN
PRODUCED AND DIRECTED BY........BERT I GORDON.
To the people I have listed above and many others involved in the making of..
"THE BEGINNING OF THE END", I say this, From the infinite boundaries of the universe, there was a time allotted, where each individual would be brought together......the result,
A transcendant Movie. nay! nay!..Sovereignty reigns supreme in this supernormal production, to delight audiences for years to come.....a big Thank-you to all....
DLD*women (Digital-Life-Design) Conference is taking place for 2.th time in Munich, from 29 to 30th June 2011 "Innovation & Authenticity"
As you can tell, I won NaNoWrimo by meeting my word count goal of 5,000 words with a novel inspired by a LEGO minifig, believe it or not! Here's the novel that I wrote, if you're interested!
Space Police System Log (Sector Twelve)Stardate 10.29.2110 11:00 AM GMT
>System accessed from portable pad 100198
>Portable pad 100198 info: Pad no longer exists
>Query to portable pad 100198 pertaining to identity
>Portable pad 100198 reply: “I’ve got a new recruit, so I had to give the recruit Hime’s old pad”
>Portable pad 100198 authenticity: Security access level Green permitted
>Security system access by portable pad 100198: Security code “Admin” entered
>New security status of portable pad 100198: Security level Red all areas accessible
>Portable pad 100198 request access to level 9.
>Portable pad 100198 request granted
>Portable pad 100198 has went offline.
>Weapon discharge in Level 9.
>Establish lockdown.
>Lockdown established.
>Portable pad 100198 online.
>Portable pad 100198 requests removal of lockdown.
>Portable pad 100198 request granted.
>Portable pad 100198 requests shutdown of all security systems.
>Query portable pad 100198 authentication code.
>Portable pad 100198 authentication code Piccadilly.
>Portable pad 100198 request granted.
>All security systems disabled.
>Weapon discharge in Level 9
>Operator 195 vitals zero.
>Medical units dispatched.
>Portable pad 100198 request: Cancel medic dispatch and do not call medical again.
>Portable pad 100198 request granted.
>All medical response circuits disabled.
>Medical assistance call 009 canceled.
>Weapons discharge in Level 9.
>Operator 004 vitals zero.
>Weapon type established: Walther Silenced Disintegrator S/N 009.
>ERROR: Portable pad 100198’s owner has not been issued with such a weapon.
>Weapons discharge in Level 9.
>Operator 894 vitals zero.
>Weapon type established: Walther Silenced Disintegrator S/N 008.
>ERROR: Portable pad 100198’s owner has not been issued with such a weapon.
>ERROR: Discharge of two different weapons of the “Pistol” class, one in each hand, is a recognized violation of Marksmanship Statute 8976.
>GENERAL ERROR CONDITION
>Portable pad 100198 has been disabled.
>All changes revert to fifth-to-last save.
>Security teams dispatched to Level 9.
>Owner of portable pad 100198 has been disabled.
>Large explosion of the type “Fission Bomb” has been detected.
Investigator Saxon Fletcher’s Case Log (Incident 987) Stardate 10.31.2110
I couldn’t decipher much of the system log, as I am not that good with computer language. From what I can piece together, it happened like this:
It was a cold, dark, dry Martian night in the Sector 12 station. Sergeant-at-Arms Kelby had just begun checking his third-quarter timesheets, when an old, disused pad (100198) started to hack into the system form the disused back entrance. Eventually, it managed to hack the security codes so that it carried Captain Piccadilly’s code! The operator of the pad used this to get into Level 9, our chaotic call center. Then, he/she opened fire on the cavernous room, filled to the gills with vidphone operators. We lost three operators at that instant. They were Susan Adams, “Acid” Wund, and Jon Baker. They were all at the top of their game, and much too young to die. The security cameras caught a glimpse of a completely black-clad figure dual-wielding banned Walther Disentegrators. I ran a face-match on this picture, and had no luck. The perp suddenly teleported out of there. A small orange and red object dropped, and then KA-WHAM!, no more feed or system logging. I instantly recognized the explosion type. It was a 1-2 megaton fission bomb, with about the yield of the one that destroyed Hiroshima. Thankfully, the system’s last gasp included activating the rad shields and sealing off every section. The system and all the other electronic devices went kaput, because the Keptin designers forgot to add shielding to their design. We had no deaths from the blast, but about 50 got concussion wounds, and all of the evidence was destroyed. I might mention that the café’s food suddenly tasted like a mouthful of brick dust. I can only hope the radiation didn’t affect Sector Twelve’s food stores. The case is nowhere near closed, though.
Chapter 2
Investigator Saxon Fletcher’s Case Log (Incident 988) Stardate 11.2.2110
Today started out well enough. I had just figured out a new lead on Case 987. By looking at what was visible of the perp’s face through the mask, I was able to figure out that the perp was the same species as the infamous mugger Slizer. It is definitely not Slizer, though, because he is safe and sound in Planet Lisa’s max-security prison. Then, the worst happened. Reports started filtering in that the Skaalgan, a warrior race, had rebelled against the good rule of the Galactic Republic. First, le me give you a bit of background on the Skaalgan.
The Skaalgan are categorized as a Type 12 species. Normal Earth composition air is quite toxic to them, so they have to wear chlorine-filled pressure suits off their home planet, Schvinge. They are also a traditionally violent race, so these methane suits, if punctured, also serve as a deadly gas bomb to Type 3 (oxy-breathing mammals like the Humans) species. At last count, they have orchestrated a baker’s dozen rebellions against the Republic. (source: Hyperwikipedia)
They appeared to have no reason other than “it was Bob’s birthday, and that means we go rebel against somebody”. Their main forces for the initial assault consisted of the Mustard Juggernauts, the deadliest combination of armor, gas suits, and weapons the galaxy has ever seen. The Mustard Juggernauts are armed with the deadly GE Minigun and the Heckler&Koch MP5. While outdated, the Minigun puts out an astonishing 3,000 rounds per minute, and the MP5 is astonishingly accurate. Our forces were only ray-shielded, so these “outdated” mass throwers came as quite a surprise. Their main spearheads were on three planets: Planet Lisa, a then-deserted asteroid, and Space Station EM-3. It was a complete massacre. The Space Police peacekeepers, using the completely wrong type of shielding, dropped like flies. We had to call in the Space Marines.
I didn’t hear much from HNN on the issue. It soon went deep black. I had to go through the official channels to get any information on the rebellion. From what I heard, it has already been resolved. It’s not my department, anyways…..
Investigator Saxon Fletcher’s Case Log (Incident 987) Stardate 11.5.2110
I think I have a lead! The only place where Walther Disentegrators can be found is Jack Jeebs Pawn in Queens, New York. I have a void in my schedule tomorrow, so I think I’ll go to Queens to check this out. There’s also a few friends of mine up there that may have some information pertaining to the case. By the way, Sally has been acting up lately. I think she somehow got a copy of Windows Vista to run as a background emulator to relieve boredom, and it is bugging up the system like heck.
Investigator Saxon Fletcher’s Case Log (Incident 987) Stardate 11.6.2110
I am on the evening rocket back to HQ as I write this. The visit to Jeebs’ place was quite eventful. It’s fresh in my mind, so I’ll give you a play-by-play.
I walked into the pawn shop at high noon, with a spring in my step thanks to some spring-augmented stilts from a street vendor. I soon accidentally bumped my head on the chandelier. I asked Jeebs about the Walther disintegrators nicely, and then he unexpectedly tells me about these kids walking in and stealing every single bit of high-tech weaponry he has, including the Walther Disentegrators! Luckily, those kids frequented the shop, so Jeebs new exactly who they were. They were Derek Rodriguez and Alfred Lord, both 17. They lived in the Jamaica Estates apartments, room 131 and 342 respectively. I will have to file for a warrant to both interview and interrogate these kids about the robbery and where the disintegrators went.
Investigator Saxon Fletcher’s Case Log (Incident 987) Stardate 11.7.2110
Paperwork sucks eggplants. I had to go through a Trip Value Assessment, an after-action report, an incident report, a polygraph test, an appeal for a warrant, an overhead expense justification sheet for the spring-augmented stilts, and a part replacement chitty for Sally’s graphics chip (it had become infested with gremlins) just for those past two days! Arrghh!
Anyway, I pulled up the files on those kids. Nothing came up except for this odd code fragment from Sally.
>fuzzy wuzzies
That’s all. I think I need to replace the monitor again.
Chapter 3
Investigator Saxon Fletcher’s Case Log (Incident 987) Stardate 11.8.2110
I finally got the warrant for search of the Jamaica Estates apartments, rooms 131 and 342. I am right in front of the building right now, so I’ll go ahead and log it. The log may prove crucial.
Investigator Saxon Fletcher’s Case Log (Incident 987) Stardate 11.8.2110 Supplemental
2:00 I am at the lobby.
2:01 I ask the receptionist which way I should head to get to room 131.
2:02 Receptionist: “Here’s a map, you should know how to use it.”
2:03 Note to self: Do not ask directions from the receptionist. Ever.
2:04 I am knocking at the door of room 131.
2:09 Nobody has answered.
2:10 I am using the ancient elevator in lieu of a turbolift to get to room 342.
2:15 I am knocking at the door of room 342.
2:16 I apparently am knocking at the front door of the Odd Species Embassy in New York, New York.
2:17 Something has gone seriously wrong. I appear to have entered a spatial disturbance.
2:18 Starfleet Lieutenant Commander Data answers the door. I ask him about the disturbance.
Data: “I have no idea as to what just happened. However, I am on vacation and am able to assist.
2:19 Data pulls out his tricorder and scans me.
Data: “You appear to have come from the year 2110. Welcome to the twenty-fourth century.”
2:20 Make that temporal disturbance. I hate it when Carl Sagan forgets to carry a number.
Investigator Saxon Fletcher’s Case Log (Incident 987) Stardate 11.8.2410
I have entered a temporal disturbance while knocking at the door of room 342 at the Jamaica Estates apartments in Queens, New York. I have acquired a helper in the form of Starfleet Lieutenant Data. He is an android with a positronic brain. I have no leads on either Incident 987 or how I am supposed to get out of here. Yikes. Of course, the fuzzy wuzzies may have something to do with that.
Investigator Saxon Fletcher’s Case Log (Incident 987) Stardate 11.12.2410
I just searched “fuzzie wuzzies” about a minute ago and it came up with some interesting results. Fuzzie wuzzies appears to be an asteroid in the next sector over with an odd temporal anomaly on its surface. I’m in the middle of coordinating an attempt to figure out which time and system it goes to.
Investigator Saxon Fletcher’s Case Log (Incident 987) Stardate 11.16.2110
I am not allowed to divulge the methods by which I got back because of the Prime Directive, but here I am. Everything’s good now, but the Jamaica Estates apartments are going to have to have a thorough scientific scan for anomalies. I hope I can interrogate the two kids while they’re waiting for their rooms to finish the scan. Meanwhile, back to Sally’s defective monitor…
Transcript of interview of Derek Rodriguez and Alfred Lord by SPSI Saxon Fletcher
Stardate 11.16.2110 2:00 PM
Saxon Fletcher: Do you happen to know anything about the temporal anomaly in Alfred Lord’s room?
Alfred Lord: Woops, sorry about that. It’s a leftover from when my whole family lived in the apartment and I wanted to keep my little sister out of my room. I really must recalibrate that thing.
Saxon Fletcher: What do you know about the thief of Jack Jeebs’s whole weapons stock?
Derek Rodriguez: His weapons stock has never been stolen, ever. I should know. He lies to any overly curious people so they don’t go spreading rumors that Jeebs has some illegal weapons. He only sells those illegal weapons to people threatening him with a much bigger gun or a permit, though.
Alfred Lord: His whole stock is intact. I bought a target blaster off him just yesterday.
Saxon Fletcher: Do you happen to know anything about a pair of Walther Disentegrators that disappeared from Jeebs’s store about two weeks ago?
Derek Rodriguez: He sold them to a light-green colored alien that looked a lot like that Slizer dude you see on the “Most Wanted” posters.
Saxon Fletcher: That’s all. Good day.
Investigator Saxon Fletcher’s Case Log (Incident 987) Stardate 11.17.2110
I had to go through more paperwork than ever today! I think the paper I used was about the yield from an entire tree. I had to go to a debriefing run by the Physicists that Formerly said Theoretical, make an absence excuse sheet, negotiate with Sally’s defective gremlin-catching lawyer, file an After-Action Report from the interview of Rodriguez and Lord, explain the Prime Directive to about fifty of my coworkers, go through a full bio scan, and last but not least, a cost-risk assessment for some utterly unrelated thing that accidentally got wired to me. I plan to quantify Rodriguez’s statement about Jeebs’s sales with my old pals at MiB, test out those stilts, and try to catch up on my doctorate of investigation.
CHAPTER 3
Investigator Saxon Fletcher’s Case Log (Incident 987) Stardate 11.18.2110
I’m at the Queens MiB bureau as I write this. It appears that both the MiB have developed a lifespan-enhancing drug called “boosterspice” with no ill effects. This has Potential with a capital P. Sadly, I am not allowed to divulge any details about this breakthrough, or I would have to brain-wipe you. Anyways, I checked with K about Jeeb’s activities. Turns out the kids were right. Jeebs uses everything he can to keep the long arm of the law out of his shop. The MiB (or Mibbies as we call them in the amateur xenobiologist community) assigned me Agent J to help me out on the case, as they lost one of their own (“Acid” Wund, who was visiting). I’ve also been assigned an extremely potent version of the famed Noisy Cricket with a longer antenna to use if things get interesting. Here’s a play-by play log of our “visit” to Jeebs’s shop.
11:00 AM Agent J and I are exiting the Mibbie’s Queens Bureau through the west exit.
11:02 AM I see the street vendor that sold me those spring-loaded stilts. I thank him.
11:05 AM Agent J and I stop to talk to a pug. He quantifies the kid’s statement yet again.
11:15 AM J and I are waiting at the bus stop.
11:45 AM J and I are still waiting.
12:00 PM We get on the bus to MacDougal Street.
1:00 PM We get off the bus.
1:15 We are at the “Question of Time” jewelry shop, aka Jeebs’s shop.
1:16 Agent J: “Jeebs, let’s see the goods.”
1:17 Jeebs: “I don’t know nothing about any goods! I’m just a humble jewelry shop owner!”
1:18 Agent J: “Skip it. We know you have extraterrestrial weapons here.”
1:19 Jeebs pulls out a fearsome-looking shotgun and presses it to J’s head. It’s time for the Son of the Noisy Cricket.
1:20 I shoot the Noisy Cricket II at Jeeb’s head and simultaneously cause Jeeb’s head to disappear, the shotgun drops on the button that changes Jeebs’s shelves, and the recoil throws me back about 10 feet. “Noisy Cricket” my butt.
1:21 Jeebs: “You idiot! Do you know how much that stings?”
1:22 I ask Jeebs about the two Walther Disentegrators he sold a couple weeks ago.
1:23 Jeebs: “That guy said he was mafia. I can’t tell you anything”.
1:24 Agent J: “The mafia doesn’t have aliens.”
1:25 Jeebs: “Alright, fine. I don’t know his name, but I do know where he lives and what he is. He is a rouge Igor from Discworld, transported here by a temporal anomaly. He currently lives in the Jupiter sky colonies.
1:26 Me: “That pretty much seals it. All Igors call themselves Igor, so we know his name, location, and timeframe.”
1:27 Agent J and I are heading back to MiB HQ.
5:00 We are back at MiB HQ. I hate rush hour.
Investigator Saxon Fletcher’s Case Log (Incident 987) Stardate 11.19.2110
I am starting preparations for the trip to Jupiter to track down the Jovian Igor. I’ve collected a warrant, a small rocket-powered atmosphere skipper, and the pressure suits necessary so far. I’m in the process of figuring out a vehicle-mounted weapons system that won’t accidentally shoot through the gas envelopes of the colonies. My solution so far uses a combination of a railgun shooting small, thin-walled ampoules of hydrogen at an incredibly high speed. Theoretically, this design will have a darn-near unlimited ammo supply, given that the Jovian atmosphere is primarily made up of hydrogen. I just have to keep the whole atmosphere from going up in flames! Agent J has come through with some of the gadgets we are going to need, and my alma mater Clark County University has provided us with a prototype warp drive capable of going Warp 4. Now all we need is a vehicle to cram all this stuff in.
Investigator Saxon Fletcher’s Case Log (Incident 987) Stardate 11.20.2110
We’ve got a ship. It’s a robust cargo hauler called the Star Porter. I’ve got a configuration for everything. The railgun design has been fabbed and is in shipping, and I am trying to cram the CCU warp drive into Engineering. I’ve collected a crack crew. Now to get the muscle to operate the lifts right… Agent J is wrestling with installing the scanners and matter-energy reactor. I have also come up with another lead about the Jovian Igor. He lives in Sky Colony 4, near the equator.
Investigator Saxon Fletcher’s Case Log (Incident 987) Stardate 11.21.2110
Ha, all the keys I had to press were the two, the one, and the zero. Anyways, we’ve got everything ready and will be underway once the FAA gives us a clearance, which could be tomorrow or the next millennium, knowing how the FAA hates everyone. I’m trying to find more info on Sky Colony 4. Apparently, the fourth colony disappeared into the Big Red Spot about five years ago, yet its transponders are giving the “all clear” signal, and their locators are disabled. Rumors have been circulating that Four broke away from the Republic. This adds another SP team to my crew compliment, but they’re good people. Heading up SPSI Team TWO will be Special Operator Medvedev. He will have Agent K, Bob and a young upstart named Kirk under him.
Investigator Saxon Fletcher’s Case Log (Incident 987) Stardate 11.22.2110
We’ve got an FAA clearance at last. We launch tomorrow. All preparations are done.
Investigator Saxon Fletcher’s Case Log (Incident 987) Stardate 11.23.2110
We have launched. We are going to do a mid-trip refuel with a Ramses-class supertanker, net info dump near Asteroid AP Alpha, and finally detach the atmospheric hopper section, which contains the bridge, living quarters for the SP investigation units, and a gas envelope inflator. I also am riding the hopper down. When we hit the atmosphere, we will gather inflatable gasses for about a minute (sixty kilometers downwards), inflating the gas envelope as we go down. Once the gas envelope inflates, we will gain the designation Sky Rover One. We will make our way over to Five’s last known location, then deploy rocket hoppers in a spiral search pattern.
Investigator Saxon Fletcher’s Case Log (Incident 987) Stardate 11.24.2110
We have made it to the refuel point with the Ramses-class supertanker Star Provider.
No sight of her, yet, which is very weird. Meanwhile, the crew has been amusing themselves with the holodeck. They have been having as much fun with the constant power and picture tube repairs as with using it. Changing the picture tubes requires hooking into a safety line climbing rig and climbing a hundred-foot ladder of titanium-sheathed Net conduits to the projector. There, they have to input a thirty-two digit hexadecimal security code to gain access to the projector assembly. Once they replace it, they face a hundred-fifty foot rappel down to safety. It’s not for the queasy. The projector blows quite a lot, so they get a lot of chances. One of our engineers is testing a wing system to eliminate the rappel. He has went through five “Frequent Patient” cards at sickbay.
The power units are a whole different story. When they go down, all heck breaks lose. The subject has to suit up in full “battle rattle”, containing a deactivator pistol, a high-strength locator beacon, a holoresolver HUD, and a Scout power armor suit. Once down to the engineering levels, he has to literally do battle with the failing holoprojector computer. The computer generates random images, most used in battle training and therefore quite frightening. The subject uses his holoresolver HUD to check and see if the hologram can do any damage (the holodeck computer has been known to interface with the replicator at times) and takes the required action. If the hologram is innocuous, he adjusts his HUD to block it out and move on. If the hologram’s matter-energy settings are off and it looks to be malicious, the subject tries to access the shipwide network and shut that down. If not, he shoots it with the deactivator, which tells the computer to shut that image down. The computer has, on occasion, taken cues from early pre-warp two-dimensional “videogames” and have a life system, which causes the image to take multiple shots to shut down. To counter this, the arts department is working with the geeks to create higher-power weapons such as deactivator cannons. I think that, with the proper modifications, these weapons will be quite useful on Sky Colony Four. Once the subject has gotten to the central holodeck computer, he has to interface directly with it via his Net implant to reprogram it to accept the new power circuitry. This is incredibly tedious at the best of times, and utterly nauseating and terrifying when the computer is really on the fritz or in one of its moods. After he has reprogrammed it, he has to come back through the “stacks”, which contain, at total, fifteen thousand terabytes of data. He must not bump a single memory stack for fear of taking down life support or his locator beacon receiver software. The Adar designers, in their endless wisdom, made this a fun little labyrinth. Thankfully, we haven’t lost a man yet, but it took five hours until we heard from SP Investigation Team ONE Matrix Specialist Max “Job Title” Porkins.
Investigator Saxon Fletcher’s Case Log (Incident 987) Stardate 11.25.2110
We have finally sighted the Star Provider and refueled. The Bussard-Cherenkov balance refueling process is quite a spectacle, so I’ll relate the process to you.
First, the subject has to bleed off all its fuel. This is usually accomplished by having the refueling point when the subject is almost completely out of fuel, but the modified Star Porter is a bit different. Our modifications meant that the quad-blaster cannon gas reserves are in the previous main fuel tank, and the fuel is contained in MASSIVE external conformal fuel tanks (ECFTs). The ECFT designer forgot to add external dump valves. Additionally, our refuel point had to be when we were midway there, because that was the last refuel point until Jupiter. We could have lasted until we were three-quarters there, but then we would be dead in space with no refueling opportunity.
Our pilot accomplishes this by taking the Star Porter through VERY aggressive combat maneuvers. He first detaches the atmospheric hopper section so the crew doesn’t get nauseated, and then goes through about twenty barrel rolls. It worked, thankfully, and I didn’t have to ride shotgun on THAT stagecoach. Next, the atmospheric hopper pilot reattaches with the main section (taking up precious fuel, but the main section pilot made it within a kilometer). Next, the tanker takes down an umbilical and refuels each ECFT individually, a painstaking process. Finally, the tanker detaches. Anyways, we refueled well and are now going towards the Net dump.
Investigator Saxon Fletcher’s Case Log (Incident 987) Stardate 11.26.2110
We have made it to the Net dump but are having some problems. The conduits are overflowing and maxing out the processors. It’s definitely going to be interesting. The engineers have hacked up a solution, involving some duct tape and a welder. We’ll see how long that holds up. I’ve actually managed to dredge u some information regarding these rebel Igors. They actually have a secret society and are plotting to take over Jupiter. They have, so far, only been able to put one Igor in, our perp.
Investigator Saxon Fletcher’s Case Log (Incident 987) Stardate 11.27.2110
We are now separating the atmospheric section from the section with the warp drive.
T+1 The section has been successfully separated.
T+2 The section is in free fall.
T+3 The envelope has been inflated.
T+4 Redesignation: Sky Rover One.
T+5: Heading to the bearing of the last transmit from Five.
T+6: Preparing to offload rocket hoppers.
T+20: Last known position of Five reached. Initiating full sensor scan.
T+25: Faint signal heard spinwards. Deploying rocket hoppers one and two to investigate.
T+30: Rocket hoppers have reported that they have found Five. I’m heading in.
T+35: I have launched in Boarding One. I am really regretting not taking those drop sickness pills.
T+40: Boarding One has inflated its envelope and we are coming alongside Five.
T+41: Sending query.
T+42: Five has fired its railgun.
T+42: We are undertaking evasive maneuvers.
T+43: We are firing at Five’s weapons stations.
T+44: We have disabled Five’s weapons.
T+45: Coming alongside Five.
T+46: SPI teams ONE and TWO have boarded.
/end log
Investigator Saxon Fletcher’s Case Log (Incident 987) Stardate 11.28.2110
We have tracked down the Jovian Igor and he is in jail, but it’s no fun if you, dear reader, do not know how it happened, so here goes!
It was an all-too-stormy day on Jupiter. The time: high noon. We had boarded the rebel Sky Colony Five via the good ship Boarding One and swept the colony like the old Navy SEALs. Suddenly, our old friend the Jovian Igor fired at my first officer Sgt. Novak. Sadly, the perpetrator was a dead shot. I set my trusty Noisy Cricket to “stun” and went after the direction of the shot, with Men In Black Agent J trailing close behind. Little did we know, the Igor had professional training. Like any good blaster sniper, he never shot from the same spot twice. With holographic decoys that we had set out earlier dropping like flies, it looked like a miniature D-Day, except for two details: We were on a blimp and using blasters. Agent J suggested using jetpacks, which we did. Thankfully, they were the new repulsor units. Taking energy from the batteries of the dearly deceased hologram units, we took to the air like so many birds. Trouble is, our flight skills weren’t all that good (both of us having barely passed Basic Jetpack Skills in primary), so we barely made it over the courthouse roof . These comedic antics acted as excellent evasive maneuvers, so we were never hit once. I pulled out my binoculars and had a look around. Surprisingly enough, the Igor was smack-dab in my sights. I took my Noisy Cricket off safety and fired. The recoil knocked me back about 10 feet, thus throwing off my gyros. I barely had enough time to compensate before I hit the ground. My jetpack busted, I had to chase the perp on foot. He ran up a fire escape, firing wildly (and missing) all the time. When he got up, he had to change blaster gas cells. I took the opportunity and fired. The infamous Jovian Igor was down. I took out a Styrette from my supplies and injected the Igor with an anesthetic, which would keep him out for at least 5 hours. Then the worst happened. Blaster fire started pouring in from all directions. It turned out that our little friend was not alone. I left the perp to the paddy wagon and dove for cover. Fortunately, his henchmen were not as well trained, firing from the same spot all the time. Agent J was able to take most of them out, but had to leave the ones better fortified to the Noisy Cricket, which was in possession of me. I found the first one near the radio shack. He was pretty well dug in there, with Dura Crete walls and a heavy ML42. One shot with that weapon, and I would have been dead. I saw him before he saw me, though, and took him out. One shot, and KABOOM! No more bunker! I moved on to the next one, who was snug as a bug I the armory. “This is going to be hard,” I thought to myself. Completely the opposite, this guy was the dumbest of them all. He barely fired and stood way out in the open, where I shot him with the Noisy Cricket. He was, without a question, disintegrated. I took a weapon with less recoil from the armory, as well as a new repulsor pack. Again, I took to the air, but with a little more confidence this time. I spotted the third and plinked a grenade into his hideout near the commissary. It failed to go off. I plinked another, ditto. The grenades must have been affected by the harsh Jupiter atmosphere. I landed and fired my Noisy Cricket at him, and he then went down. That was the last of them. I then went back to our base and we packed up and headed for home with the Jovian Igor safe behind bars.
Investigator Saxon Fletcher’s Case Log (Incident 987) Stardate 11.29.2110
We are en route back home. We have successfully reconnected with our warp drive section, made our Net dump, refueled from the atmosphere, and solved the dual mysteries of the Jovian Igor and the missing Sky Colony Five. It turns out that the Igor society hopped onto Five disguised as normal passengers and then executed a military coup. The colony turned off its transponder and went completely self sufficient from the Republic. I can’t wait to be done with all this running around!
~~
Image credit goes to ywp.NaNoWriMo .org. Used with permission.
Here Designer Tinker Bell is boxed, with the slip cover and acrylic cover off. She is now in the clear. She is secured to the factory packaging by wires and rubber bands. Photographed in daylight.
First look at my Tinker Bell Limited Edition Designer Doll. My Tinker Bell is number 2710 of 4000. There were no designer bags, as there were in the previous Designer doll
collections.
My visit to my local Disney Store on Februay 18, 2014. I was there for the release of the Disney Fairies Designer Collection dolls. I also noticed that they had several items in the Frozen section that had been missing for several weeks, especially the mugs and Classic Anna dolls, but no Elsas.
They had eight of each Designer Fairy doll, Tinker Bell and Zarina. There were about that many people waiting in line before the store opened, waiting to buy them. I didn't do an actual count, but no one left the line when it was announced how many dolls there were, so there were probably seven or eight of them in the line. They had no designer bags, so they just put them in regular Disney Store bags.
I inspected my dolls, and they looked in perfect condition. I was surprised by their shiny pearly skin (similar in texture to LE Ursula and Harrods Elsa), but they looked very beautiful. The artwork on the boxes were also very beautiful, but the backgrounds behind the dolls were plain looking. The CM had to help me take off the slip cover of the Zarina doll, as it was very tight. She said all the Zarinas seemed to be that way.
Below is information from the UK Disney Store website, as the dolls are not yet available online in the US site.
Tinker Bell Limited Edition Designer Doll
UK Disney Store
Released Online and In Stores: 2014-02-18
£50.00
Item No. 411048313135P
Let the feisty star of Tinker Bell and the Pirate Fairy touch down in your home as this limited edition Tinker Bell doll, beautifully realised with embroidered fabrics and meticulous detailing.
Magic in the details...
•Limited edition doll
•Tinker Bell from Tinker Bell and the Pirate Fairy
•Part of the Disney Fairies Designer Collection
•Worldwide limited edition of 4000
•Includes a certificate of authenticity
•Exquisite attention to detail
•Realistic hair with leaf hairpin
•Full eyelashes
•Shimmering, iridescent wings
•Sheer organza bodice with metallic embroidery and gems
•Layered leaf skirt embellsihed with gems
•Comes in a tough plastic display case with a stand
•Doll measures H30cm approx
•Display case measures H38 x W17.5 x D18.5cm approx
•Suitable for children aged 6 years+
•Created for Disney Store
I received the Platinum Aurora and Phillip Doll Set today, March 11, 2019. I bought it from the Disney Store UK on its release date, February 26, 2019. It shipped on March 1, 2019. The cost was 500 GBP + 28 GBP shipping, through PayPal, which came out to be $724 US. This is about $100 less than buying it from the US Disney Store when it is released on March 16 ($750 + 9.5% tax = $821).
It came double boxed. The outer shipping box was rather flimsy, and one end of it was crushed. But the inner shipper was undamaged, being protected by a crumpled layer of heavy wrapping paper. It had Cart #69 of 300 written on the shipper, which equates to edition number 269 of 650, as apparently Europe gets numbers 201 through 500.
The doll box has a unique design. The front lid has two flaps that have a magnetic closure, and a large orange four leaf design attached to the left flap. The dolls are dimly seen through frosted plastic windows in cutouts of the lids. There are rose gold foil trim in the plastic window and cardboard lid. The full title of the set is 60th Anniversary Disney Sleeping Beauty: The Aurora and Prince Phillip Collector Doll Set. It is a limited edition of 650. It contains a Certificate of Authenticity and individual doll stands. The description of the set in the back of the box states that this is a wedding doll set.
Aurora is in a primarily rose gold colored wedding gown, with white satin bodice, rose gold two tiered veil with lace trim, rose gold crown and necklace with white gems. There is gems and gold and rose gold embroidery in the outer skirt, and embossed detail in the inner white skirt. I will describe further detail after I fully debox the dolls.
Prince Phillip is in a silver faux leather tunic, with puff upper sleeves in silver and red, and silver lower sleeves with embroidery on the cuffs. He is wearing black pants and boots. He has a full length red velvet cape with red satin lining. He has a black belt with a false buckle that slides along the belt (I had to center it on his waist after opening the box). He has dark brown rooted hair. His expression is rather bland.
Aurora is clearly the star of this set, and it's too bad that Phillip doesn't match her in elegance and detail.
The set is still available on the UK Disney Store site.
Disney Store Sleeping Beauty and Prince Philip Limited Edition Doll Set
UK Disney Store
Released 2019-02-26
Deboxing LE Elena. All covers are removed, leaving her on the cardboard backing, which is free standing. The Certificate of Authenticity is taken from under the backing, and placed in front of her.
I got the Elena of Avalor LE 17 inch Doll from my local Disney Store on the release day, Tuesday November 21, 2017. I went to my store at 11:30 am, instead of my usual line up before the store opens for LE doll releases. There were three of the doll behind the counter, but placed sideways and with no promo placard. So it wasn't obvious that there was a Limited Edition doll release today. The CM I bought the doll from didn't seem to know anything about the release, so I don't know how many dolls the store got in, how many they sold, or how many were remaining. I took the first doll that was handed to me, since the doll looked perfect to me. She is #1375 of 6000.
Elena of Avalor Designer Doll - Limited Edition
US Disney Store
Released online and in-store 2017-11-21
Purchased in-store 2017-11-21
#1375 of 6000
$119.95
Item No. 6003040900403P
Collectors and fans of Elena of Avalor alike will adore this highly detailed designer doll featuring the teenager in charge. Looking regal in her embroidered, rhinestone-studded dress, this limited edition doll will become a treasured favorite.
Safety
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small Parts. Not for children under 3 years.
Magic in the details
Please note: Purchase of this item is limited to 1 per Guest.
• Limited Edition of 6000
• Certificate of Authenticity
• Fully poseable
• Multi-layered dress features embroidered and rhinestone details
• Removable tiara, bracelet, and shoes (earrings are attached)
• Scepter features rhinestone accents
• Includes display stand
• Scenic display presentation box
• Inspired by Elena of Avalor on Disney Channel
The bare necessities
• Plastic
• 16'' H
• Imported
(for English scroll down)
Meine erste Foto-Einzelausstellung präsentiert im Café Berio, Berlin
Vernissage 31. Juli 2018 | Finissage 22. September 2018
In meiner ersten Foto-Einzelausstellung zeigte ich meine Berliner Portraits und einige meiner Vogel-Fotografien; daher der Titel der Ausstellung. In meinem Fotoprojekt wollte ich einmal weg von den sonst bewusst gewählten Orten, an denen man ein Fotoshooting durchführt. Ein Studio oder eine ausgewählte Location haben für die Menschen meist etwas sehr Unpersönliches. Ich wollte dorthin, wo es am authentischsten ist; an die Orte, an denen die Protagonisten (überwiegend Künstler) zu Hause und in ihrem Element sind: auf der Bühne, hinter der Bühne und vor, während und nach einem Auftritt bzw. Event. Ich möchte dem Betrachter Bilder zeigen, die er nicht unbedingt während einer Veranstaltung wahrnimmt und Außenstehende gefangen nehmen, als hätten sie es live miterlebt.
Über 70 Arbeiten präsentierte ich in der Ausstellung; darunter Portraits von Romy Haag, Henry de Winter, Hanna Schygulla, Georgette Dee, Dieter Rita Scholl, Gloria Viagra, Ades Zabel, Frank Wilde, Gaby Tupper und vielen anderen.
Vögel leben auf allen Kontinenten. Sie sind flüchtige, scheue Tiere. Auf meinen Fotografien lassen sie aber eine unwahrscheinliche Nähe zu. Das eigentlich Fremde und in der Natur nicht Sichtbare habe ich in meinen Vogel-Portraits festgehalten.
Mein Motto: "Authentizität ist das Schlüsselwort, das hinter meiner Fotografie steht. Ich ziehe es vor, mehr die menschliche Note zu zeigen und weniger die Retusche."
Die meisten der Exponate sind in der queeren Community entstanden.
berio-berlin.de/ausstellungen/berliner-und-andere-schraeg...
____________________________________________________
My first solo photo exhibition presented at Café Berio, Berlin
Opening July 31, 2018 | Closing September 22, 2018
In my first solo photo exhibition, I showed my Berlin portraits and some of my bird photographs; hence the title of the exhibition. In my photo project, I wanted to get away from the usual deliberately chosen locations for a photo shoot. There is usually something very impersonal about a studio or a selected location for people. I wanted to go where it is most authentic; to the places where the protagonists (mostly artists) are at home and in their element: on stage, backstage and before, during and after a performance or event. I want to show the viewer images that they don't necessarily see during an event and capture outsiders as if they had witnessed it live.
I presented over 70 works in the exhibition, including portraits of Romy Haag, Henry de Winter, Hanna Schygulla, Georgette Dee, Dieter Rita Scholl, Gloria Viagra, Ades Zabel, Frank Wilde, Gaby Tupper and many others.
Birds live on every continent. They are elusive, shy animals. In my photographs, however, they allow an improbable closeness. I have captured what is actually alien and invisible in nature in my bird portraits.
My motto: "Authenticity is the keyword that lies behind my photography. I prefer to show more the human touch and less the retouch."
Most of the exhibits were created in the queer community.
berio-berlin.de/ausstellungen/berliner-und-andere-schraeg...
Cette petite biche est prête à être adoptée !
RESERVEE en attente de paiement
Modèle : Nenya
Couleur : Light Tan
Ce fullset ooak comprend :
- la poupée avec makeup et blush
- une queue de biche
- la wig faite main
- des yeux en verre
- la robe
- un sac de transport
- le certificat d'authenticité
Avec évidemment possibilité de layaway !
Price : 450€
N'hésitez pas à me contacter si vous avez des questions...
Merci beaucoup ! <3
_______________________________
This little deer is up for adoption !
ON HOLD
Sculpt : Nenya
Color : Light Tan
This ooak fullset includes :
- the doll with faceup and blush
- deer tail
- handmade wig
- glass eyes
- the dress
- carrying pouch
- certificate of authenticity
Layaway is of course available !
Price : 450€
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions...
Thanks for watching ! <3
"Authenticity is the guiding principle in all of Lather Bee Rich’s creations. Ingredients are all natural, not synthesized or chemical. No newfangled soap experimentation is being performed in the soap’s manufacture.Instead the soap is made using authentic recipes from the 1920. For each of the six scents, names and photos of Lather Bee Rich’s actual ancestors were incorporated. Blazing Betty, Corky’s Cute Patoote, Dapper Dan, Dollface Darla, Lusty Lu-Lu and Papa Bob were authentic people with stories to tell and foibles to enjoy.
As the use of tin was prevalent in the early 20th century, tin soap tins were custom made to package the soap. Not only does the use of tin lend authentic credibility to the packaging design, tin is a strong environmental choice for the 21st century. It is endlessly re-usable and recyclable and at the end of its lifecycle it naturally biodegrades to its iron mineral components. Lather Bee Rich is a beautiful product carefully handmade and gorgeously packaged to capture the luxurious decadence of a former time."
Designed by Canada based El Designo.
Deboxing my LE 2500 Anna 17'' Doll. First the front cardboard box lid is removed, revealing the doll behind a clear plastic cover. Next the bottom box lid is removed, then the plastic cover removed, leaving the doll in the open, but still attached to the cardboard backing. Now she can be photographed without the glare from the plastic cover. Between the plastic cover and the bottom of the cardboard backing is the Certificate of Authenticity. My doll is #1202 of 2500.
Notes on the back of the LE Anna's box:
From the Movie Disney Frozen
Disney Store proudly presents the worldwide Limited Edition Anna doll. With its intricate details, this beautifully designed doll magically captures the beauty and spirit of Anna, from Disney's newest feature film Frozen. Inspired by the movie, Anna's dress features romantic off-shoulder draped sleeves, velvet sweetheart bodice, and a box-pleated floor-length skirt. The Norwegian rosemaling embroidery, sparkling rhinestones embellishments, and intricate lace details provide the final touches of a truly spectacular gown. Designed and carefully crafted by Disney Store artists, this limited edition doll is a must-have for Disney fans and collectors alike.
Certificate of Authenticity and Display Stand included.
First look at the Limited Edition Anna and Elsa 17'' Dolls, that I just brought home from the Disney Store. I camped out outside my local Disney Store at 6 am, waiting for them to open at 10 am. At about 7 am a group of three other adults and one child joined me in front of the store. I'm happy that the mall opens so early (for mall walkers), so I didn't have to wait outdoors. The leader of the group, a fellow collector, also got the Harrods LE 100 doll set. He and his daughter and granddaughter were also there with me at the same store for the release of TLM LE dolls. A CM was nice and let us have a closeup look at the dolls around 8:30 am (from behind the store's metal gate). We were surprised that no other people joined us in line before the store's opening at 10 am.
The dolls are LE 2500, and cost $99.95 each. They will be photographed boxed, during deboxing, and fully deboxed. They will also be posed with other comparable dolls, especially the Harrods LE 100 Anna and Elsa dolls.
Product information from the US Disney Store website:
Anna Limited Edition Doll - 17'' - Frozen
US Disney Store
Released online and in store on November 20, 2013
SOLD OUT online in about 15 minutes
$99.95
Item No. 6070040900951P
Winter wonder
Anna's stunning beauty will warm any occasion. Designed and crafted by Disney Store artists, and inspired by Disney's Frozen, this gorgeous limited edition Anna doll features her glamorous gown studded with colorful rhinestones.
Magic in the details...
Please Note: Each Guest will be limited to ordering a maximum of one of this item per order.
• Limited Edition of 2500
• Includes Certificate of Authenticity
• Satin dress features romantic off-shoulder draped sleeves, velvet sweetheart bodice, and a box-pleated floor-length skirt
• Norwegian rosemaling embroidery, rhinestone accents and lace detailing
• Red hair with blonde streak and satin ribbons
• Rooted eyelashes
• Necklace
• Fully poseable
• Display stand included
• Comes in elegant window display packaging
• Inspired by Disney's Frozen
The bare necessities
• Ages 6+
• Plastic /polyester
• 17'' H
• Imported
Boxed, with slip cover off. The dolls are inside a display case with an acrylic cover that is clear on three sides and the top.
I bought the Alice and Queen of Hearts Doll Set at my local Disney Store on release day, October 4, 2016. It is numbered 0989 of 6000. I was called fifth out of ten persons who entered the raffle for 18 doll sets. They called names to determine the order in which we would go to the registers. The Designer doll display was moved from the floor to behind the counter. They still had Cinderella and Lady Tremaine doll sets available. I inspected the first set that was handed to me. Alice had slightly irregular eyelashes, but not enough to bother me. I didn't notice any other defects, so I took the set. I didn't bring my camera, so I didn't take any photos in the store.
Here are photos of the set boxed, and with all the covers off. I will debox the set at a later time, and post photos here.
I think Alice is a very beautiful doll, and I'm glad Disney finally made a Designer Alice. The most surprising thing I noticed about Alice are her shoes, which are very realistic looking. I like the Designer Queen of Hearts' crown, but it is nowhere as realistic looking as the crown on the LE 17'' Queen of Hearts.
Alice and The Queen of Hearts Doll Set - Alice in Wonderland - Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
$129.95
Item No. 6003040901410P
US Disney Store
Released in store 2016-10-04
Released online 2016-10-05
Purchased in store 2016-10-04
#0989 of 6000
Head turner
Disney's Fairytale Designer Collection pairs heroes and villains in lovely limited edition doll sets. You'll lose your head for the simply mad embroidered and bejeweled detailing in costumes for our classic Alice in Wonderland set.
Magic in the details...
Please Note: Purchase of this item is limited to 1 per Guest.
Our Disney Fairytale Designer Collection brings together beloved heroes and villains in a series inspired by your favorite animated film classics. Disney Store artists have captured the timeless struggle between good and evil in magnificent detail, conveying both the wonderful wickedness and bold, heroic spirit of these unforgettable characters. Rich, evocative and dramatic, the Disney Fairytale Designer Collection will be a treasured keepsake for collectors and the young at heart.
• Global Limited Edition of 6000
• Includes Certificate of Authenticity
• Set of two Disney Fairytale Designer Collection Dolls*
• Alice wears an exquisite floral patterned dress
• Satin apron features elegant floral embroidery with shimmering gems, plus delicate lace trim
• The Queen's knife-pleated collar boasts ornate golden lace
• Heart-shaped bodice features an ornate embroidered floral pattern with rhinestone accents
• Delicate embroidery and gems ornament the Queen's skirt
• Includes heart-shaped scepter
• Gem set crown
• Rooted, styled hair and eyelashes
• Displayed in a deluxe keepsake case with intricate details on the base, including a golden name plate
• Includes special Disney Fairytale Designer Collection Gift Bag
• Celebrating the 65th Anniversary of Walt Disney's animated classic Alice in Wonderland (1951)
• Part of the Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
* Please note: Intended for adult collectors. Not a child's toy.
The bare necessities
• Plastic / polyester
• Alice: 10'' H
• Queen of Hearts: 12'' H
• Case: 15'' H x 7'' W x 7 1/4'' D
• Imported
Deboxing my LE 2500 Anna 17'' Doll. First the front cardboard box lid is removed, revealing the doll behind a clear plastic cover. Next the bottom box lid is removed, then the plastic cover removed, leaving the doll in the open, but still attached to the cardboard backing. Now she can be photographed without the glare from the plastic cover. Between the plastic cover and the bottom of the cardboard backing is the Certificate of Authenticity. My doll is #1202 of 2500.
Notes on the back of the LE Anna's box:
From the Movie Disney Frozen
Disney Store proudly presents the worldwide Limited Edition Anna doll. With its intricate details, this beautifully designed doll magically captures the beauty and spirit of Anna, from Disney's newest feature film Frozen. Inspired by the movie, Anna's dress features romantic off-shoulder draped sleeves, velvet sweetheart bodice, and a box-pleated floor-length skirt. The Norwegian rosemaling embroidery, sparkling rhinestones embellishments, and intricate lace details provide the final touches of a truly spectacular gown. Designed and carefully crafted by Disney Store artists, this limited edition doll is a must-have for Disney fans and collectors alike.
Certificate of Authenticity and Display Stand included.
First look at the Limited Edition Anna and Elsa 17'' Dolls, that I just brought home from the Disney Store. I camped out outside my local Disney Store at 6 am, waiting for them to open at 10 am. At about 7 am a group of three other adults and one child joined me in front of the store. I'm happy that the mall opens so early (for mall walkers), so I didn't have to wait outdoors. The leader of the group, a fellow collector, also got the Harrods LE 100 doll set. He and his daughter and granddaughter were also there with me at the same store for the release of TLM LE dolls. A CM was nice and let us have a closeup look at the dolls around 8:30 am (from behind the store's metal gate). We were surprised that no other people joined us in line before the store's opening at 10 am.
The dolls are LE 2500, and cost $99.95 each. They will be photographed boxed, during deboxing, and fully deboxed. They will also be posed with other comparable dolls, especially the Harrods LE 100 Anna and Elsa dolls.
Product information from the US Disney Store website:
Anna Limited Edition Doll - 17'' - Frozen
US Disney Store
Released online and in store on November 20, 2013
SOLD OUT online in about 15 minutes
$99.95
Item No. 6070040900951P
Winter wonder
Anna's stunning beauty will warm any occasion. Designed and crafted by Disney Store artists, and inspired by Disney's Frozen, this gorgeous limited edition Anna doll features her glamorous gown studded with colorful rhinestones.
Magic in the details...
Please Note: Each Guest will be limited to ordering a maximum of one of this item per order.
• Limited Edition of 2500
• Includes Certificate of Authenticity
• Satin dress features romantic off-shoulder draped sleeves, velvet sweetheart bodice, and a box-pleated floor-length skirt
• Norwegian rosemaling embroidery, rhinestone accents and lace detailing
• Red hair with blonde streak and satin ribbons
• Rooted eyelashes
• Necklace
• Fully poseable
• Display stand included
• Comes in elegant window display packaging
• Inspired by Disney's Frozen
The bare necessities
• Ages 6+
• Plastic /polyester
• 17'' H
• Imported
BACKGROUND
Sofrito is a sautéing and cooking condiment used in Spanish cooking where the primary ingredients or base is green peppers, onions and garlic. Sofrito is used in making Spanish rice and stewed and pot roasted meats and all combinations there of. Two key ingredients that make sofrito more that just a pepper and onion mix, are sweet chili peppers and the herbs cilantro and culantro.
When shopping for these ingredients it is best to look in Spanish markets. Sweet chili peppers are often sold in tubs or trays and are small bonnet shaped peppers often multi colored and sometimes just green They are identical in appearance to scotch bonnets but lack the heat and in it's stead a unique sweet taste found in NO OTHER peppr. They are referred to as “aji dulce” in Spanish. Cilantro is the more common herb and is the leaf of the coriander plant. It is often confused with parsley. Culantro (Eryngium foetidum L., Apiaceae) also referred to as recao is a broad-leafed herb very similar but much more aromatic and stronger tasting than cilantro. Try to locate both, culantro is preferable for maximum authenticity but, either will do. This is sold in bundles or bunches.
Sofrito was often made at the moment of use by placing small quantities of the ingredients in a mortar and pestle and grinding to a paste prior to cooking. It is still done this way in many homes in Latin America and the Caribean. The best method for the modern time-challenged cook is to process all the ingredients in a food processor or blender and freeze in small tubs.
RECIPE
The exact quantities used in the making of sofrito are subject to taste and the recipes vary from cook to cook. The one recommendation is to not skimp on the cilantro and or culantro and lacking culantro, bump up the quantity of cilantro. This along with the sweet pepper is the basis of the distinct flavor in Caribean/Spanish cooking.
Sweet bell peppers5 lbs.
Sweet chili peppers 1lbs.
Yellow onions6 lbs.
Garlic2-4 heads
Cilantro/culantro4-6 bunches
PREPARATION
Peel and cut onions into quarters or smaller if using a blender.
Cut and remove stems and seeds from all peppers.
Separate and peel garlic into cloves.
Cull cilantro/culantro of bad or yellow leaves and wash.
Divide ingredients into equal batches for processing.
Process into a chunky or slurry consistency according to taste. I prefer a slurry-like consistency.
USE
Quantity to be used in cooking varies from cook to cook but generally speaking a tablespoon per pound of food is a good amount to use. Heat a small amount of oil preferably olive oil and sauté the sofrito to release the flavors. When used to make pot roasts, stews or other meats, add the meats after sautéing and brown the meats before adding additional ingredients.
authenticity is presenting to the world that who you are on the inside
openly
proudly
honestly
uncompromisingly...
to get to that part of yourself, one must strip away habits, expectations, implementations of survival...
'this above all: to thine own self be true.' ~ shakespeare, hamlet ... piece of text preserved in resin, aged around the edges... words as old as time to be worn as crown jewels...
hematite is a grounding stone bestowing courage and and strength to the wearer...
Please check the time and watch (bottom right) if you can. It is a really excellent service for Palm Sunday.
I decided to be real with today's photo. I am rarely creative or smart. On any given day, if you stop by my house, this is what I will look like. As much as I want to be the girl who wears a lot of jewelry and knows how to curl her hair, I'm not. It is as simple as that, really. Part of me can pretend to be and enjoy it, but this photo is 100% me. I don't know how else to put it. I mowed the front yard dressed just like this, except I had two boots on, not one. I had to take one off for this photo because it gave me a blister. The mailman drove down our street and when he got to our mailbox, he nodded his head and laughed at me. And that's fine with me. It brought his day a little bit of joy. At the cost of me looking ridiculous. Which I do anyway, regardless of who's watching.
I'm Southern and I'm proud. I wear glasses some days and my hair is a mess. I am not very good at makeup and my clothes are pretty plain. I really don't know how to be a girly girl. But I will lie in the mud and dirt with you any day.
Minnie with the slipcover and plastic covers off. She is now in clear view from three sides and above. She is attached to the cardboard backing, plastic supports and the built in display stand.
Here are detailed photos of the 2018 Minnie Mouse Rock the Dots Limited Edition Signature Doll. I picked her up in person at my local Disney Store on release day, Monday January 22, 2018, which is also National Polka Dot Day in the US. She is also available online in the US and European Disney Store websites. She is the sixth Signature Minnie doll to be released by the Disney Store, but the first Signature Minnie doll that I have bought for my collection. She is #2405 of 6000.
She is 11 inches tall to the top of her head, or 12 inches to the top of her ears. She has rooted hair and eyelashes, and her ears are covered in her hair. She has a rocker style outfit, with black faux leather jacket, white shirt, red double layer tulle skirt with silver glitter dots, and a red satin underskirt. She is wearing black leggings, and faux suede boots. She had molded white plastic gloves, large red cloth bow, and red plastic rimmed sunglasses. She also has a black purse hanging from her left wrist. She comes in a designer style case, with black plastic base, clear acrylic cover, with a black and white polka dot background. She also comes with a cardboard slipcover.
Minnie Mouse Signature Doll - Limited Edition
US Disney Store
Released online and in-store 2018-01-22
$79.95
Item No. 6003040900451P
Minnie Mouse is a fashion sweetheart, and this limited edition collector's doll has her rocking her Signature style. Minnie's faux-leather jacket is complemented by her polka dot skirt, large red bow, and cool sunglasses.
Safety
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small Parts. Not for children under 3 years.
Magic in the details
Please note: Purchase of this item is limited to 1 per Guest.
• Limited Edition of 6000
• Certificate of Authenticity
• Disney Store Exclusive
• Fully poseable and free standing
• Features faux leather jacket, slouch boots, sparkling red metallic skirt, and envelope clutch purse
• Removable sunglasses
• Rooted hair styled in the form of Minnie's ears
• Rooted eyelashes
• Includes display stand
• Display presentation box
• Part of the Minnie Mouse Signature Collection
The bare necessities
• Plastic
• 13'' H (including bow)
• Imported
I got the Designer Ariel and King Triton set from my local Disney Store on its release day, Tuesday November 14, 2017. It is the fifth and last Designer set released this year. There were only about 10 people entered in the raffle, so they didn't bother to call out names, and we just lined up at the register. My set is #3274 of 6000.
Deboxing my Frozen Fever Elsa. First the front cover is removed. Under that there is a clear plastic lid that has white graphics that are similar to the full color graphics of the outer box cover. Then the clear plastic lid is removed, to show the doll in clear view. She is attached to the cardboard backing and plastic supports, and also to the included display stand. Finally the rear outer cardboard cover is removed, leaving her on the cardboard backing. The backing is free standing. Under the backing is the Certificate of Authenticity, which is inside a sealed clear plastic envelope. The CoA is placed in front of the doll.
Detailed photos of my Frozen Fever Elsa Limited Edition 17'' doll. I got her in store on release day, Tuesday November 3, 2015. She is #1559 of 5000. She is shown boxed, during deboxing and fully deboxed. I also show her with comparable dolls.
Her only accessory is a red string that was used to connect all the birthday presents for Anna. I decided to remove the string for the final photos of her fully deboxed. Her long braid was tacked to her outfit in two places with nylon thread. I cut the lower thread so her cape could be fully opened, but I decided to leave the upper one alone, so the braid would stay in place nicely draped over her shoulder. I show her ice heels from various angles. I has the same mold as the ice heels of the other two SQ LE 17'' Elsa dolls (LE 2500 and LE 100), but is transparent light blue green, with fine embedded glitter and a shiny iridescent surface. It was difficult to show the true beauty of the shoes in photographs.
Limited Edition Elsa Doll - Frozen Fever - 17''
$119.95
Item No. 6003040901307P
US Disney Store
Released in stores 2015-11-03
Released online 2015-11-04
Sold out online in less than 10 minutes
Purchased in store 2015-11-03
#1559 of 5000
Flowerful
Our latest Elsa Limited Edition doll is inspired by the short Frozen Fever. Elegant in aqua gown with sheer cape overlay, and adorned with shimmering floral details, fine embroidery and faceted gems, Elsa makes every day more perfect!
Magic in the details...
Please Note: Purchase of this item is limited to 1 per Guest.
• Limited Edition of 5000
• Includes Certificate of Authenticity
• Two-toned ombre print gown with green rhinestones and metallic embroidered detailing
• Mesh sleeve and décolletage with floral embroidery and gemstone trim
• Flowing, sheer organza cape with metallic floral embroidery, iridescent frosted glitter accents, and clear faceted gems
• Beautifully braided hair with shimmering golden highlights and floral fixtures
• Rooted eyelashes
• Glittering translucent shoes
• Satin cord accessory
• Fully poseable
• Display stand included
• Comes in elegant window display packaging
• Inspired by the Disney animated short Frozen Fever
The bare necessities
• Ages 6+
• Plastic /polyester
• 17'' H
• Imported
Safety
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small Parts. Not for children under 3 years.
I received the LA LE Jasmine and Aladdin set today, Friday June 14, 2019. I bought it from Disney Store UK when it was released on May 28, 2019, and saved over $300 versus getting if from the US site. It was shipped double boxed, and was delivered by USPS. The outer box was damaged, and the packing tape loose on top, but the inner box was in perfect shape, as was the doll box and the dolls themselves. The carton was #161 of 505, and the Certificate of Authenticity was #376 of 750. The set depicts Jasmine and Aladding in their wedding outfits from the movie. I am very impressed by the level of detail in the outfits and jewelry. Jasmine is very beautiful and looks good from any angle. Aladdin looks better in person than from the stock photos, but his hair is a little messy, and he looks better from the side than from the front.
After deboxing I discovered that neither doll has the edition number or size stamped on their backs. Aladdin has three layers of clothing: outer coat, inner coat, and shirt with pants. All are separate items, but I left the inner coat tacked to the outer coat. The lower part of his outer coat is in four panels. The two panels in the back are more than floor length, so form a coat tail. He can free stand, but isn't all that stable posed that way. So for all but one photo of him standing, I had him supported by the included display stand. Jasmine has three layers of clothing, too. Outer skirt, inner skirt and pants with top. Her skirts are longer in the back, and are more than floor length.
(for English scroll down)
Meine erste Foto-Einzelausstellung präsentiert im Café Berio, Berlin
Vernissage 31. Juli 2018 | Finissage 22. September 2018
In meiner ersten Foto-Einzelausstellung zeigte ich meine Berliner Portraits und einige meiner Vogel-Fotografien; daher der Titel der Ausstellung. In meinem Fotoprojekt wollte ich einmal weg von den sonst bewusst gewählten Orten, an denen man ein Fotoshooting durchführt. Ein Studio oder eine ausgewählte Location haben für die Menschen meist etwas sehr Unpersönliches. Ich wollte dorthin, wo es am authentischsten ist; an die Orte, an denen die Protagonisten (überwiegend Künstler) zu Hause und in ihrem Element sind: auf der Bühne, hinter der Bühne und vor, während und nach einem Auftritt bzw. Event. Ich möchte dem Betrachter Bilder zeigen, die er nicht unbedingt während einer Veranstaltung wahrnimmt und Außenstehende gefangen nehmen, als hätten sie es live miterlebt.
Über 70 Arbeiten präsentierte ich in der Ausstellung; darunter Portraits von Romy Haag, Henry de Winter, Hanna Schygulla, Georgette Dee, Dieter Rita Scholl, Gloria Viagra, Ades Zabel, Frank Wilde, Gaby Tupper und vielen anderen.
Vögel leben auf allen Kontinenten. Sie sind flüchtige, scheue Tiere. Auf meinen Fotografien lassen sie aber eine unwahrscheinliche Nähe zu. Das eigentlich Fremde und in der Natur nicht Sichtbare habe ich in meinen Vogel-Portraits festgehalten.
Mein Motto: "Authentizität ist das Schlüsselwort, das hinter meiner Fotografie steht. Ich ziehe es vor, mehr die menschliche Note zu zeigen und weniger die Retusche."
Die meisten der Exponate sind in der queeren Community entstanden.
berio-berlin.de/ausstellungen/berliner-und-andere-schraeg...
____________________________________________________
My first solo photo exhibition presented at Café Berio, Berlin
Opening July 31, 2018 | Closing September 22, 2018
In my first solo photo exhibition, I showed my Berlin portraits and some of my bird photographs; hence the title of the exhibition. In my photo project, I wanted to get away from the usual deliberately chosen locations for a photo shoot. There is usually something very impersonal about a studio or a selected location for people. I wanted to go where it is most authentic; to the places where the protagonists (mostly artists) are at home and in their element: on stage, backstage and before, during and after a performance or event. I want to show the viewer images that they don't necessarily see during an event and capture outsiders as if they had witnessed it live.
I presented over 70 works in the exhibition, including portraits of Romy Haag, Henry de Winter, Hanna Schygulla, Georgette Dee, Dieter Rita Scholl, Gloria Viagra, Ades Zabel, Frank Wilde, Gaby Tupper and many others.
Birds live on every continent. They are elusive, shy animals. In my photographs, however, they allow an improbable closeness. I have captured what is actually alien and invisible in nature in my bird portraits.
My motto: "Authenticity is the keyword that lies behind my photography. I prefer to show more the human touch and less the retouch."
Most of the exhibits were created in the queer community.
berio-berlin.de/ausstellungen/berliner-und-andere-schraeg...
LE Briar Rose with all the box covers removed. She is attached to the free standing backing cardboard.
I purchased the Aurora Limited Edition doll on her release day, Saturday March 16, 2019, from my local Disney Store. They had 16 dolls, and only about half sold at store opening. My doll's edition number is #1269 of 4500, exactly 1000 more than that of my Aurora and Phillip wedding doll set. She commemorates the 60th anniversary of Disney's Sleeping Beauty.
She is dressed as Briar Rose, and has a forest scene in the background art of the box. She has a little owl in one hand and a basket in the other. Her golden blonde hair has her signature curl in front of her front bangs, and waist length hair with curls at the ends. She has violet eyes glancing to her right and coral lips in a open mouthed smile. She has long curvy eyelashes. She has a pink shawl around her shoulders and arms. It has a brocade pattern on one side and gold embroidery on the other, and gold tassels at the ends. I untacked the ends from her skirt, but left them tacked to the sleeves of her blouse to prevent the shawl from falling off. She has a black satin bodice with fake laces in front of gold embroidery in the center panel. Her blouse is actually part of her bodice, and has sleeves down to her elbows, with flared ends tied with golden strings. Her skirt is made of dark magenta satin that is pleated in the front and is asymmetrical. Under that there are two layers of pink tulle and one layer of white tulle, and then a layer of light pink tulle with a lace border. These under skirts are sewn in the back to the outer skirt. Finally there is a half length stiff tulle petticoat. The lower lace underskirt is floor length in the back, but is higher and is slanted in the front, revealing her legs and feet. She has fixed angle feet with no ankle joints. She is wearing black flats with a small bow decoration in front, and a black satin bow around her ankles. She has dark magenta painted on panties, that match the color of her outer skirt.
Although her outfit's colors aren't film accurate, it is very pretty and well made. Her face is gorgeous, and although her lips are coral rather than red, at least they aren't the pink color of previous LE Aurora dolls. I like the doll very much. She is also a very good match for the Rags Snow White LE doll from 2017.
There are now a total of eight Aurora Limited Edition 17 inch dolls released by Disney. That includes the pink and blue Disney Store dolls (2014), the pink and blue Harrods dolls (2014), the blue and pink Disney Parks dolls (2015 and 2018), Disney Store Briar Rose (2019) and Disney Store Wedding Aurora (2019). That is two more than the number of Snow White, Elsa and Anna dolls. There is also speculation that there will be a Saks Aurora doll released late this year.
Aurora Limited Edition Doll - Sleeping Beauty 60th Anniversary - 17''
US Disney Store (Shop Disney)
Released Online and In Stores 2019-03-16
Sold out online 2019-03-16
The Aurora (Briar Rose) LE Doll initially sold out online at about 7 am PDT on release day (Saturday March 16, 2019), but still had the Add to Bag button. However people were still occasionally able to add to their bag and checkout the doll afterwards. By about 7:30 pm it showed the grey Sold Out label in place of the Add to Bag button. The doll might still be available in some stores in Canada and the United States.
$119.95
Item No. 6003040900721P
The Disney store proudly presents our Sleeping Beauty 60th Anniversary Limited Edition doll. Delicately costumed as ''Briar Rose,'' Princess Aurora is a romantic woodland vision found only Once Upon a Dream.
Safety
⚠ WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small Parts. Not for children under 3 years.
Magic in the details
Please Note: Purchase of this item is limited to 1 per Household.
• Worldwide Limited Edition of 4500
• Includes Certificate of Authenticity
• Aurora is costumed as ''Briar Rose'' while in hiding from Maleficent at the Woodcutter's Cottage, deep in the forest
• Satin skirt, corset with crossties, and headband
• Embroidered, golden floral filigree detailing
• Sparkling rhinestone studs
• Peasant blouse with ruffled collar and cuffs
• Brocade shawl with metallic gold tassels
• Fine mesh underskirts with floral lace detailing
• Molded shoes
• Berry basket accessory
• Bluebird friend
• Beautifully styled hair with shimmering golden highlights
• Rooted eyelashes
• Fully poseable
• Display stand included
• Comes in elegant window display packaging with rose gold foil filigree
• Celebrating the 60th Anniversary Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty (1959)
The bare necessities
• Ages 6+
• Plastic /polyester
• 17'' H
• Imported
I just received the #009 of 6000 DFDC Snow White and the Prince Doll Set (2013), from a Facebook group. It has the second lowest number of any of my LE dolls, next to my #0004 of 4000 Designer Fairy Zarina, which I got first hand when she was released. I wanted to get it not just because it was a very low number, but also as sort of a consolation for the fact that my pre-ordered DFDC set was all #12 of 6000, except for Snow White and the Prince, which was #4508.