View allAll Photos Tagged authenticity
There's an aching authenticity to some homes, every perfect square of siding and chinked crack in the stone foundation. Four panes per window, each shadow cast in a cross on the floor inside. Don't mind time, someone has to hold back to the beginning. Your last set of shingles are thinning, and I'm sure you're already taking on water – I hope someone knows you're not beyond repair. I grew up like a stranger to history, staring down homes that sat empty even longer than I've existed. Now, I slow up on the shoulder, lean over and greet them through the passenger window. I wonder if any will outlive me.
Deboxing my Snow White and the Hag Doll Set. The slipcover is removed, then the hard plastic cover, leaving the dolls in clear view. They are attached to the cardboard backing, plastic supports and dolls stand by wires, rubber bands and plastic ties.
Detailed photos of my Snow White and the Hag Doll Set, the first in store release of the 2015 Disney Fairytale Designer Collection. I got it today in my local Disney Store raffle. The set is #2595 of 6000.
Snow White's in box pose is stiff, with her face pointing up too much, and her curly hair messy, especially on the right. She has the 2012 Classic Princess style body, with hard plastic legs, external hinge knee joints, and ball jointed ankles. She has golden yellow flats, matching the color of her skirt. She has a full length velvet cape with satin lining.
The Hag (or Witch) has a unique body and limbs. Similar to the DFDC Beast doll, she has an awkward stance if free standing. In fact, my doll's right leg cannot be straightened completely and her fixed ankles are bent, so her natural standing pose is stooped, making her stand about 10 inches tall. In the box pose, her feet is raised by plastic forms, so if they are removed for deboxing, her feet dangle in the air if she is reboxed. She doesn't have ankle joints, so she cannot point her toes to reach the floor of the display stand.
They did a fabulous job making the Hag an accurate representation of the animated movie character. I also like Snow White's anxious expression, which is appropriate for being next to the evil Hag. I did the best I could to make Snow's hair neater, but it is still messier than I would like. Her curly hair is heavily stiffened with hair product, so it was not easy for me to rearrange her hair using my fingers.
Snow White and the Witch Doll Set - Disney Fairytale Designer Collection
US Disney Store
Released in store 2015-09-29
Released online 2015-09-30
Purchased in store 2015-09-29
#2595 of 6000
$129.95
Item No. 6003040901262P
Rotten to the core
The Evil Queen, in her guise as the Witch, tempts Snow White with a red apple in this limited edition doll set. With finely detailed costumes, the pair are part of the Disney Fairytale Designer Collection's heroes and villains series.
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, Snow White and the Witch were carefully crafted by artists inspired by Disney's classic 1937 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
• Snow White's red velvet cape features a satin lining
• Bodice features intricate gold embroidery with embroidered red rose, high white collar, and puff sleeves
• Golden skirt decorated with a delicate flower pattern, embroidered detailing, and jeweled accents
• Dramatic make-up
• Rooted hair and eyelashes, with red satin ribbon
• Witch's wine-colored shawl features subtle two-tone pattern, and fringed hem
• Black hooded outfit with lace overlay, and red satin lining
• Black ankle boots
• Rooted white hair
• Red apple in her hand
• Basket of green apples
• Dolls sold in a special keepsake display case with intricate details on the base, including a golden plate with the names of Snow White and the Witch
• 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
• Snow White: 11 1/2'' H
• Witch: 10''
• Imported
D23 Snow White LE Doll with front cover and rear covers off. The doll is still attached to the backing, which is free standing. The Certificate of Authenticity (CoA) is removed from underneath the backing, and placed in front of the doll.
Here are detailed photos of my D23 Exclusive Snow White Limited Edition Doll. She is 17 inches tall, comes in an ornately decorated double cardboard box, with a large plastic viewing window in the front, and smaller ones on the left and right sides and the top. My doll is #106 of 1023. I got her first hand from the Disney Store at the 2017 D23 Expo, on her release day, Saturday July 15, 2017. She costs $119.95 plus tax, the usual price for Disney Store LE 17'' inch dolls of animated movie characters. She is the third release by Disney of a Snow White LE 17 inch doll.
I will make a full review of this doll when I debox her. But for now, here are some observations. As with the first two LE Snow White dolls, she has a variation of her iconic Princess blue, yellow and red dress. She has a blue bodice with golden embroidery, puffy red sleeves with blue bands over them, and full length blue satin sleeves below that. Around her neck is a wide white satin collar with another golden lace collar over that. She has a red satin ribbon and bow in her hair, with the bow moved off center towards her right side. Her skirt is golden yellow satin, with embroidery and gemstone embellishment. Her shoes are glittery golden pumps with bow decorations, matching the color of her dress. She has a deep red velvet cape with red satin lining. She has petticoat with golden lace trim. Some of these details are very similar to those of the D23 Golden Designer Fairytale Snow White 12 inch doll from 2013.
Her face shares the same mold as the previous two LE Snow White 17 inch dolls. But two details make her face quite different from those two. One is that she has painted teeth, even though the face mold has a closed mouth. The other is that she has a 'normal' skin color, both in face and her body, that is close to that of the DS singing or classic Snow White dolls. The other LE Snow White dolls have very pale complexions, paler than any other LE dolls besides the Elsa dolls. That paleness fits in with her name and description as having skin as white as snow, and made the 2009 DS and 2015 Shanghai Snow White LE dolls unique among other Snow White dolls.
Deboxing the 2015 LE Elsa Doll. First the front cardboard lid is removed, revealing a clear plastic window underneath. Then the plastic window and rear cardboard lid are removed, leaving the doll attached to a free standing cardboard backing. The Certificate of Authenticity is removed from below the backing, and placed in front of the doll.
The Limited Edition Elsa Doll, released in stores in North America on March 3, 2015. My doll is #2942 of 5000. She is in jeweled purple felt (made from faux wool). This is the outfit she wore as an 18 year old when saying good bye to her parents before their overseas journey. She is wearing ice blue jeweled satin gloves, which help repress her ice powers. Her hands are clasped together. Her pose and look are that of a sternly repressed nature. She is standing in front a purple window of the Castle, which is closed, as she is closed to the outside world.
She is wearing black flats with floral decoration. Her jacket is pinned to her dress, which I left alone, as it helps to keep the jacket from opening up. There was a large amount of tissue paper stuffing under her skirt. I had to remove her from the doll stand before I could remove the tissue.
She has shiny pearlescent skin, and her skin tone is between that of Coronation Elsa and Snow Queen Elsa. Her hair is slicked down in the front and is in a bun in the back. There is gold tinsel in her hair, even in her side burns.
Limited Edition Elsa Doll - Frozen - 17''
Released in stores 2015-03-03
Purchased in store 2015-03-03
Released online 2015-03-04
Sold out in 10 minutes
$119.95
Item No. 6070040901176P
Wintry wonder
The Disney Store proudly presents the worldwide Limited Edition Elsa Doll. A regal vision, draped in sumptuous dark purple velvet from head to toe, Elsa is costumed as seen at the beginning of Disney's feature film Frozen.
Magic in the details...
Please Note: Purchase of this item is limited to 1 per Guest.
• Limited Edition of 5000
• Certificate of Authenticity
• Rich velvet costume with bejeweled and embroidered accents
• Jacket features iridescent appliquéd details and fine metallic gold trim
• Skirt features beautiful golden trim, dazzling gemstones, and richly embroidered satin appliqués
• Faux leather belt with shining metallic embroidery
• Satin mittens with jeweled accents
• Glittering rooted hair and eyelashes
• Fully poseable
• Display stand included
• Comes in elegant window display packaging
• Meticulously designed by Disney Store artists to ensure every detail was captured
• Look for our Limited Edition Anna Doll - Frozen - 17'', sold separately
The bare necessities
• Ages 6+
• Plastic / polyester
• 17'' H
• Imported
Safety
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small Parts. Not for children under 3 years.
Deboxing my Limited Edition Ursula 17'' Doll. First the front cardboard cover or lid is taken off, by sliding it off the box. There are no seals to break. Underneath is a clear plastic cover through which Ursula is clearly seen in an unobstructed view. Next the back lid is removed, then the clear plastic cover. Ursula is still attached the cardboard backing and doll stand. Under the cardboard backing is the Certificate of Authenticity. My doll is #303 of 2000.
First look at my Limited Edition Ursula 17'' Doll. I got her along with the Limited Edition Prince Eric, Ariel 17'' Dolls from my local Disney Store on the release day, October 1, 2013. They are all sold out online, and probably in stores, too. My store had 5 Eric dolls and only 4 Ursula dolls. Photographed boxed, during deboxing and fully deboxed.
Box notes:
Disney's The Little Mermaid
Disney Store proudly presents the worldwide Limited Edition Ursula Doll. With its elaborate details, this beautifully designed doll magically captures Ursula's stylish demeanor and villainous spirit. Her finely detailed sweetheart bodice features rich velvet with embellished black rhinestones, while her signature silver-streaked hair is swept up to reveal her intricately sculpted golden seashell earrings and necklace. Designed and crafted by Disney Store artists, this legendary, limited edition doll is a must-have for Disney fans and collectors alike.
Limited Edition Ursula Doll - 17''
US Disney Store
Released and SOLD OUT on 2013-10-01
Product Information:
Limited Edition Ursula Doll - 17''
$99.95
Item No. 6070040900909P
Fair trade
Dive to mysterious fathoms below to strike a bargain for our Limited Edition Ursula Doll. Poor, unfortunate souls will lose their voice upon viewing the sea witch's irresistable velour costume, sequined tentacles and sparkling faceted gems.
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 2000
• Certificate of Authenticity
• Sweetheart bodice in rich velvet with embellished black rhinestones
• Soft plush tentacles with sequined detailing
• Layered tulle underskirts
• Golden seashell earrings
• Fine golden chain necklace with seashell pendant
• Rooted, styled hair and eyelashes
• Fully poseable
• Display stand included
• Comes in elegant window display packaging
• Celebrating the return of Disney's classic The Little Mermaid to DVD and Blu-ray disc
The bare necessities
• Ages 6+
• Plastic / polyester
• 17'' H (on stand)
• Imported
Safety
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small Parts. Not for children under 3 years.
Deboxing the 2015 LE Anna 17'' doll. First the front cardboard lid is removed, revealing a clear plastic window underneath. Then the plastic window and rear cardboard lid are removed, leaving the doll attached to a free standing cardboard backing. The Certificate of Authenticity is removed from below the backing, and placed in front of the doll.
Detailed photos of the my Limited Edition Anna 17'' Doll. She was purchased at my local Disney Store on release day, March 3, 2015. She is #0962 of 5000.
She is in the green outfit she wears at the ending scenes of the movie. It is the same outfit as the skating outfit, except that there are ice skating blades added to her boots. Her outfit has a grayish green satin bodice that has has jewels in its border. Under that is a sheer blue organza blouse, which has heart shaped clasps in the collar. The most impressive part of her outfit is her olive green felt skirt, that is jeweled and has rosemaling on along the hemline. The green satin hem is also jeweled. The skirt has a pleated panel in the front and the back, that when expanded makes the skirt much wider. Underneath is a thin tulle petticoat, that isn't stiff enough to help keep the skirt full. She has no underwear except for the painted on panties. She has light olive green boots, with the same embossed pattern as the boots of the Snow Gear Anna dolls. The entrance to Arendelle Castle is the background image in the box.
She has shiny pearly skin, but otherwise has a normal skin tone. She has dual braids similar to the LE Snow Gear Anna doll, but the braids are thicker and they have the addition of tinsel to make them sparkle. The tinsel consists of copper foil coiled around a black thread. On my doll a considerable amount of the tinsel has separated from the top of her hairdo, and makes her hair look messy or frizzy.
This doll is by far my favorite of all the Frozen LE dolls in this release.
Limited Edition Anna Doll - Frozen - 17''
US Disney Store
Released in stores 2015-03-03
Purchased in store 2015-03-03
Released online 2015-03-04
Sold out in 10 minutes
$119.95
Item No. 6070040901177P
Forever friend
The Disney Store proudly presents the worldwide Limited Edition Anna Doll. This exquisitely designed doll captures Anna's free spirit and affinity for adventure, in her costume as seen at the end of Disney's feature film Frozen.
Magic in the details...
Please Note: Purchase of this item is limited to 1 per Guest.
• Limited Edition of 5000
• Certificate of Authenticity
• Finely textured and detailed
• Wool-like skirt adorned with sparkling gemstones and a richly embroidered rosemaling pattern around the hem
• Fitted satin bodice featuring metal stud details
• Satin blouse trimmed with an elegant gold stitch culminating at her royal brooch
• Glittering rooted braids and eyelashes
• Fully poseable
• Display stand included
• Comes in elegant window display packaging
• Meticulously designed by Disney Store artists to ensure every detail was captured
• Look for our Limited Edition Elsa Doll - Frozen - 17'', sold separately
The bare necessities
• Ages 6+
• Plastic / polyester
• 17'' H
• Imported
Safety
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small Parts. Not for children under 3 years.
Opening the box of the Harrods Anna and Elsa LE100 dolls, to get a better look at them. We can do this without damaging the packaging in any way, by sliding the multiple covers off the box until the dolls are in the open. We can also get a look at the Certificate of Authencity, which is below the bottom of the inner box. The set is #39 of 100.
First look at the Harrods special edition of the Disney Store's Limited Edition Anna and Elsa Doll Set. I purchased it through a reseller, as it was only sold at the Harrods London store. It was released on November 1, 2013, in an edition of 100. The retail cost is more than four times that of the separately sold LE Anna and Elsa dolls (which will be released worldwide on November 20, 2013, in an edition size of 2500). As might be expected, the dolls are considerably different in details than the ''regular'' limited edition dolls. In particular there is considerably more crystals on the outfits, and embroidered snowflakes completely cover the outer gown (cape) of Elsa. Also, Elsa's skin has a pearly shiny surface, very similar to the skin of LE Ursula, although it has a much paler purplish color.
They are 17'' fully articulated dolls, with doll stands and certificated of authenticity. Anna is in her coronation gown, Elsa is in her Snow Queen gown.
(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...
Closeup of the Certificate of Authenticity.
The Art of Jasmine Limited Edition Decorative Plate. I bought it at the D23 Expo 2015, from the popup Disney Store, on the second day of the Expo (Saturday August 15). It was also available on the third and last day of the Expo (Sunday August 16). It also comes with a display stand and a hand numbered Certificate of Authenticity. The plate is 14 inches in diameter and 1 1/2 inches deep. It was limited to 500 copies, and cost $69.95. My copy is #248 of 500. It was also available online after the expo, but sold out quickly.
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.
I finally caved and got the Disney Parks Ariel LE Doll from Disneyland today, the 4th of the July. I got her from Disneyana on Main Street. They only had one on display, but they got one for me from the back, in an unopened shipping carton. The shipping carton said 2073 of 3000, but there is no evidence of a Certificate of Authenticity for the doll itself. Although I haven't deboxed the doll yet, I did take the front plastic cover off.
She is $129.99, the same as last year's Disney Parks Pink Aurora 60th Anniversary LE Doll, which was the first doll in the Diamond Castle Collection. I got 20% off with my Annual Pass discount, so the cost was $103.99, or $112.05 with tax.
She is less detailed than LE 17 inch dolls by the Disney Store, and even previous Disney Parks LE dolls. In particular, she doesn't have rooted eyelashes. She doesn't have any rhinestones in the fabric of her dress (but there are stones in the brooch in the bodice). There is embroidery in the skirt near the hem, but none in the over-skirt. There is no decoration or jewelry in her hair. There is no display stand, and no CoA. But she is a very pretty doll.
She has a three layered skirt: light green sheer overskirt that is mostly covering the back and is open in the front, green organza main skirt that has glitter overlay and light green embroidery on the bottom. and light teal satin underskirt. The glitter appears to be well glued and sheds very little. There is also a single layer tulle petticoat. She has teal high heeled shoes that match the color of her jewelry. She has the same body as Disney Parks Pink Aurora and older Disney Store LE 17 inch dolls: fixed ankles angled for high heels, and a chest joint that permits limited side to side and front to back bending of her upper torso. As with Disney Parks Pink Aurora, she has no manufacturer's stampings of her edition number or size on her back.
She doesn't come with a display stand, and isn't very stable free standing. So I borrowed a saddle stand from one of my Disney Store LE dolls for the supporting Ariel after deboxing her.
I finally caved and got the Disney Parks Ariel LE Doll from Disneyland today, the 4th of the July. I got her from Disneyana on Main Street. They only had one on display, but they got one for me from the back, in an unopened shipping carton. The shipping carton said 2073 of 3000, but there is no evidence of a Certificate of Authenticity for the doll itself. Although I haven't deboxed the doll yet, I did take the front plastic cover off.
She is $129.99, the same as last year's Disney Parks Pink Aurora 60th Anniversary LE Doll, which was the first doll in the Diamond Castle Collection. I got 20% off with my Annual Pass discount, so the cost was $103.99, or $112.05 with tax.
She is less detailed than LE 17 inch dolls by the Disney Store, and even previous Disney Parks LE dolls. In particular, she doesn't have rooted eyelashes. She doesn't have any rhinestones in the fabric of her dress (but there are stones in the brooch in the bodice). There is embroidery in the skirt near the hem, but none in the over-skirt. There is no decoration or jewelry in her hair. There is no display stand, and no CoA. But she is a very pretty doll.
She has a three layered skirt: light green sheer overskirt that is mostly covering the back and is open in the front, green organza main skirt that has glitter overlay and light green embroidery on the bottom. and light teal satin underskirt. The glitter appears to be well glued and sheds very little. There is also a single layer tulle petticoat. She has teal high heeled shoes that match the color of her jewelry. She has the same body as Disney Parks Pink Aurora and older Disney Store LE 17 inch dolls: fixed ankles angled for high heels, and a chest joint that permits limited side to side and front to back bending of her upper torso. As with Disney Parks Pink Aurora, she has no manufacturer's stampings of her edition number or size on her back.
She doesn't come with a display stand, and isn't very stable free standing. So I borrowed a saddle stand from one of my Disney Store LE dolls for the supporting Ariel after deboxing her.
Deboxing the 2015 LE Elsa Doll. First the front cardboard lid is removed, revealing a clear plastic window underneath. Then the plastic window and rear cardboard lid are removed, leaving the doll attached to a free standing cardboard backing. The Certificate of Authenticity is removed from below the backing.
The Limited Edition Elsa Doll, released in stores in North America on March 3, 2015. My doll is #2942 of 5000. She is in jeweled purple felt (made from faux wool). This is the outfit she wore as an 18 year old when saying good bye to her parents before their overseas journey. She is wearing ice blue jeweled satin gloves, which help repress her ice powers. Her hands are clasped together. Her pose and look are that of a sternly repressed nature. She is standing in front a purple window of the Castle, which is closed, as she is closed to the outside world.
She is wearing black flats with floral decoration. Her jacket is pinned to her dress, which I left alone, as it helps to keep the jacket from opening up. There was a large amount of tissue paper stuffing under her skirt. I had to remove her from the doll stand before I could remove the tissue.
She has shiny pearlescent skin, and her skin tone is between that of Coronation Elsa and Snow Queen Elsa. Her hair is slicked down in the front and is in a bun in the back. There is gold tinsel in her hair, even in her side burns.
Limited Edition Elsa Doll - Frozen - 17''
Released in stores 2015-03-03
Purchased in store 2015-03-03
Released online 2015-03-04
Sold out in 10 minutes
$119.95
Item No. 6070040901176P
Wintry wonder
The Disney Store proudly presents the worldwide Limited Edition Elsa Doll. A regal vision, draped in sumptuous dark purple velvet from head to toe, Elsa is costumed as seen at the beginning of Disney's feature film Frozen.
Magic in the details...
Please Note: Purchase of this item is limited to 1 per Guest.
• Limited Edition of 5000
• Certificate of Authenticity
• Rich velvet costume with bejeweled and embroidered accents
• Jacket features iridescent appliquéd details and fine metallic gold trim
• Skirt features beautiful golden trim, dazzling gemstones, and richly embroidered satin appliqués
• Faux leather belt with shining metallic embroidery
• Satin mittens with jeweled accents
• Glittering rooted hair and eyelashes
• Fully poseable
• Display stand included
• Comes in elegant window display packaging
• Meticulously designed by Disney Store artists to ensure every detail was captured
• Look for our Limited Edition Anna Doll - Frozen - 17'', sold separately
The bare necessities
• Ages 6+
• Plastic / polyester
• 17'' H
• Imported
Safety
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small Parts. Not for children under 3 years.
(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 LE Alice. She was already freed from the backing, and most of the factory restraints removed. But I show her as if I was deboxing her from scratch. I also remove most of the remaining restraints. She is in her original box, with both front covers removed, so we can see Alice in the clear. She is standing, supported by the included doll stand. The Certificate of Authenticity (CoA) is removed from underneath the inner box, and shown in front of the doll. It is protected by clear plastic.
I purchased this beautiful Limited Edition Alice in Wonderland 17'' Doll from eBay. She was originally released in 2011 by the Disney Store. She is #241 of 500. She is photographed alone, and with LE Snow White.
She came already deboxed, but with several factory restraints still remaining on the doll. She came with the original box and CoA. The doll and box are in excellent condition. The base of the doll stand has some yellowing, and the rubber band securing the tea cup to Alice's hand is also yellowed. Some of the side curls near her head are slightly undone, due to the hair product becoming less stiff.
She is long golden yellow hair with gold tinsel highlights, that is mostly straight. She has a flat black bow on the top of her head. She has short curvy eyelashes sparsely rooted above her eyes, that match the painted lashes. She has the same head mold as the Limited Edition Snow White 17'' doll, so is smaller than the other dolls in the series. Her lips are a pale pink, her eyes are deep blue. Her dress is violet with alternated layers of satin and lace in the skirt. She has a double layer stiff white tulle petticoat. She has white stockings that go past her knees. She has her iconic black shoes with straps; they have high heels.
She is slightly shorter than Snow White, by about 1/4 inch, and matches Merida as the shortest Princess doll in the series, at 16 1/4'' tall on the doll stand. Snow White's doll stand is 1/4 inch thicker than Alice's, so that makes Snow White 1/2 inch taller on the doll stand. I think Alice and Snow are the two most beautiful dolls in the series, including their face, hair and outfits. Because Alice is only LE 500, compared to the LE 5000 Snow White, she is much more expensive than Snow in the secondary market. That is one reason why it has taken me so long to get her, but I am glad that I finally did.
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
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"Wait long enough and anything is back in fashion" they say.
Seems all my self-rejected blurred digital photographs are actually on-trend after all.
According to a BBC News article young people are taking photographs with digital cameras (as opposed to smartphones)
"I find it quite refreshing going back to something so simple. With older cameras you have to work with them a bit more, to get a good photo or to get the most out of them. Because with every smartphone you buy, you can't take a bad shot almost."
Paul Greenwood, head of research and insight at the creative agency We Are Social, said it was a "natural cycle" where when people hit their 20s "they become nostalgic for the cultural touchstones of their youth"
He added: "They want to feel comforted when in the real world they feel uncomfortable. And there's some reasons why people are feeling uncomfortable - like the existential dread you're seeing with Ukraine, the pandemic, wealth inequality.
"It's seen as more real and authentic. And that's why we're seeing this trend really play out, because the grainy kind of content you see is basically shorthand for authenticity and realness. That's what Gen Z are looking for."
Goodness! I therefore present a grainy photo taken today that is oozing authenticity and realness.
BBC News: Digital cameras back in fashion after online revival
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,...
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.
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
Qamea Resort & Spa, Qamea Island, Fiji
The Qamea Beach Club was built from the ground up in 1982 by the Frank and Jo Kloss, a California couple from the Silicon Valley, For the Kloss's, the road to Fiji was roundabout, beginning aboard a sailboat moored in Sausalito, followed by a search through the Pacific for the perfect island. In 1982 the Kloss's yacht ended up on Qamea, than a completely undeveloped island. They built Qamea from scratch in the early 80's importing everything by boat from the bigger island of Taveuni. The original 12 traditional thatched bures and the open-air burekalou (a temple turned dining room and bar) were built with the authenticity of an island hideaway (barefoot luxury) with the absence of television, telephones and room service. Jo Kloss was known as the Mother Qamea and is one of Fiji's flamboyant expatriates. In her bathing suit and sula -- Jo Kloss held court on many afternoons, spinning tales about Qamea Resort's eccentric celebrity guests. In 1989 room rates at Qamea Beach Club were US $155 per couple per night.
In 2002 the American Ron Eckstrom-French and the New Zealander Bryce Earwaker co-owned the Qamea Resort and Spa. Bryce Earwaker has been a realtor in New Zealand for 25 years owning 3 offices incorporating 45 agents/brokers. The Qamea Resort caters to a maximum of 34 adults (no children), with only 17 bures nestled among swaying coconut palms and gardens on Qamea Island which is the 12th largest island in Fiji. Qamea Resort sits on 100 acres of tropical landscaped gardens with jagged volcanic South Pacific mountains soaring behind the resort. Qamea Resort fronts a private white sand beach and is known as one of the most spectacular resorts in Fiji’s northern island group. There are no roads, street lights, honking horns...just the sounds from the bird songs, lapping waves and the gentle breezes. The 17 Fijian-inspired bures (rooms) sit some 20 feet off the powdery white sand beach. Inside the thatched-roof bures, with their 20-foot ceilings and unobstructed lagoon views, are man-made amenities such as king-size four-poster beds, hand-polished mahogany floors, outdoor showers and locally created artworks. Accessible only via boat the resort emphasizes privacy, gourmet dining, a spa, fresh water swimming pool and activities featuring diving, snorkeling and hiking. At Qamea an important guest activity is a lively pre-dinner happy hour. The resort does not have a dock or jetty. Guests arrive by motor boat from the island of Taveuni - and hop off the boat in to a foot or so of the warm Pacific Ocean.
In an interview from 2005 Bryce Earwaker said the main reason they bought Qamea - was because it had an untouched Fijian feeling, which was very indicative of the country with great beaches facing the sun. The more remote it is, the more real the experience. There are about 1000 people who live in villages on the island, leading a peaceful life of subsistence. Perhaps the fact one of the richest men in the world, Malcolm Forbes, owned the neighboring island until he died, says it all. When Bryce first arrived, the resort had a 12 per cent occupancy rate. They soon discovered why. Guests weren't particular enamored with the overwhelming tropical heat without the benefit of air conditioning.
Experience in the hospitality trade combined with his real estate background prepared Bryce for the expense of upgrading the resort to attract the discerning American clientele. So he went shopping in Suva and bought a "reasonably-priced air con system". The electrician arrived to install it and Bryce was told the existing generator couldn't cope with the new system, so he'd have to purchase a new one. It cost him $60,000 to triple its capacity. When the electrician returned, he brought more bad news. The whole place would have to be rewired for another $38,000. And so it went on. At this stage Bryce resigned himself to a total budget blowout. He has since completely rebuilt all 12 bures and added another five. "You name it, we did it. Everything was renovated, replaced, re-watered, re-powered, re-sewaged ...". Occupancy is now at 85 per cent, and hopefully when it comes to sell it will be worth the investment. According to Earwaker "We're in the fantasy business. We've got to find out their fantasy when they arrive and deliver it. We list all the activities in a newsletter each day. There are sporting, boating and snorkelling activities, the spa and private beaches. We take people on picnics and tailor activities to their dreams." "No children are allowed at the resort. We define ourselves as a luxury, romantic, dive, soft adventure-type resort in tune with the cultural/village experience." They have a consultant New Zealand chef who sets the menus, while the Guinot-licensed spa staff are French trained. In terms of sustainability, Qamea has eliminated plastic water bottles and all guests receive a personalised water bottle that they can then take home as a memento of their time in Fiji.
The resort's Jungle Spa was launched in 2008 and consists of five free standing treatment bures and a relaxation bure built into the side of a cliff under the jungle canopy. The spa is owned and managed by the resort and has five highly-trained local spa therapists. It features Guinot products.
Unlike most island resorts that depend upon expensive desalination or undependable rain water, the Qamea Resort is fortunate to have access to unlimited fresh spring water which is stored in a 100,000 litre storage facility, The water is pure and requires minimal filtration. Electrical power is supplied by four modern diesel generators, the most recent of which was installed in December 2016. They are controlled by computer switchgear, ensuring a backup supply at any time.
Since 2017 Lars Wahlquist and Krista Espelien are the resort General Managers. They are married and both are PADI scuba instructors. Krista is from Minnesota and a Hamline University graduate. Lars and Krista met in Thailand working at the same dive school in 2011.
As of 2018 the 100-acre Qamea Resort is for sale as a free-hold property. Only 9% of the land in Fiji is free-hold.
Compiled by Dick Johnson / January, 2019
(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 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
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
(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 Once Upon a Time Doll Set. The front plastic cover of Snow White and Evil Queen have been removed. They are in separate but connected boxes, back to back.
The Once Upon a Time Doll Set features Snow White in white and Regina, the Evil Queen, in black. It is a limited edition of 300, and cost $129.95. The dolls are 12'' fully posable dolls with very well made outfits accurately depicting costumes used in the TV show. They were only available at the D23 Expo 2015, and sold out on Friday August 14, before I got a chance to see them in person. I'm very happy to finally get the D23 Exclusive Once Upon a Time Doll Set, thanks to a fellow collector. It was signed at the D23 Expo by the actresses Ginnifer Goodwin and Lana Parrilla on the slipcover over their respective dolls.
There is a smoky plastic slipcover, with the Certificate of Authenticity loosely placed on the top, under the slipcover. My set is #216 of 300. The two dolls are in separate boxes, that are connected by a folding backboard. The set opens up to display Snow White on the left and Evil Queen on the right. The boxes have a similar size and construction to the Disney Film Collection doll boxes.
I will show them boxed, during deboxing, and fully deboxed.
Snow White with the inner box removed from the outer box.
Here are photos of Snow White's inner box taken out of the outer box. That way the doll can be displayed without the front flaps getting in the way or taking up display space. It slides out of the outer box smoothly, but it helps if two people do the job, especially if the inner box is a tight fit. One person holds the outer box steady while the other pulls the inner box out. The inner box is entirely enclosed, and is the same hexagonal shape as the outer box. There is even images of paparazzi on the sides and back of the inner box. The front of the inner box contains the clear plastic viewing window, and slides off easily off the back of the inner box. The Certificate of Authenticity in under the inner box, between the bottom of the inner front lid and the bottom of the back of the inner box. The display doll has a blank edition number on the CoA. There are packaging ties and tabs showing in the back of the inner box, but they are not too unsightly. With the viewing window taken off, the doll is in clear view. She is on a raised platform, with steps in front, covered in red velvet. Looking her accessory purse close up, I can finally see a large letter S in the middle of the ornate golden pattern. Also I noticed for the first time her upper lipstick pattern, which has U shaped indentation in the middle, with sharp corners, which I find a little strange.
I have measured the box for these dolls. It is 16.5'' H x 12'' W x 6'' D. That compares with the original Designer cases that were 15'' H x 7'' W x 7''D. The 2017 Designer cases were 15'' H x 9'' W x 9'' D. The regular 17'' LE Doll boxes are 19'' H x 11'' W x 6'' D. To put the box size in perspective, if you put the six dolls in this series in their boxes side by side, they take up six feet or 72 inches. If you put the 10 original Designer Princess dolls in their cases side by side, they take up 70 inches, or a couple of inches less than the six dolls of the Premiere Series.
If you wish to have the dolls visible, there is a problem because the front panels don't bend all the way back to the sides,so they either take up a lot of room to the sides and/or the front. If you want to remove the front panels, then they are attached to the outer box, so you have the find room to store the outer box, since it won't slide behind the inner box. So in effect there is a problem very similar to the slip cover problem that the original Designer dolls had.
The schedule of releases (for the US and Canada):
Snow White, 10/6/2018, LE 4100
Cinderella, 10/13/2018, LE 4400
Jasmine, 10/20/2018, LE 4000
Ariel, 10/27/2018, LE 4500
Tiana, 11/3/2018, LE 4000
Belle, 11/10/2018, LE 4500
They will cost $109.95 each.
The official announcement was made by the ShopDisney Facebook page the morning of Monday September 10, 2018 with a video of the dolls:
Disney Designer Collection: The Premiere Series
ShopDisney announcement
2018-09-10 9:32 am
Introducing, Disney Designer Collection: The Premiere Series. Inspired by the runways and red carpets during each beloved Disney heroine's theatrical debut, each doll's iconic fashion and accessories are carefully designed to capture a moment in fashion history.
Each doll releases every Saturday from October 6 to November 10 online at 12AM PT and through in-store lottery.
More photos and information at the ShopDisney website:
Disney Designer Collection: The Premiere Series
The UK Shop Disney Facebook page also announced the series the same day, with different release dates and procedures than the US/Canada stores.
Disney Designer Collection is proud to introduce The Premiere Series
The Disney Designer Collection is proud to introduce The Premiere Series, inspired by the runways and red carpets during each theatrical debut. Disney Designer Collection - Premiere Series – Snow White will be the first doll to be released from the series on 9th October and will be £95. There will be a global edition size of 4100, with 929 available to Europe. These will be available in selected stores* and online from 8am. Limited to 1 per Guest per household.
Release dates as follows:
Cinderella – 16/10
Ariel – 30/10
Belle – 13/11
Jasmine – 27/11
Tiana – 11/12
*Champs Elysees Paris, Lakeside West Thurrock, Oxford Street London, St Enoch Glasgow, Metro Centre Tyne & Wear, Bullring Birmingham, Grand Arcade Cardiff, Manchester Arndale, Westfield White City, Liverpool, Bluewater, Grafton Street Dublin, Puerta Del Angel Barcelona, La Vaguada Madrid, Juan De Austria, Parque Sur, Milan, Rome, Florence, Naples, Colombo, Munich, Stockholm.
For more info: Disney Designer Collection
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.
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 image above displays a collection of items featuring three autographs from famous classical musicians, the pianist Vladimir Horowitz, the legendary American jazz pianist and composer Dave Brubeck and the violinist and conductor Yehudi Menuhin. These autographs are popular items in music memorabilia collections.
Notable Autographs:
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Vladimir Horowitz: The left image shows a distinct signature from Horowitz (December 1980), the Russian-American pianist considered one of the greatest of the 20th century. Autographed items from him often appear for sale, with prices varying based on the item type and condition. The card itself is a standard type used for autograph collectors, featuring the pre-printed text "FOR AUTOGRAPH PURPOSES ONLY" with his name and date at the bottom.
Vladimir Horowitz - Vladimir Samoylovich Horowitz (1903 – November 5, 1989) was a Russian and American pianist. Considered one of the greatest pianists of all time, he was known for his virtuoso technique, timbre, and the public excitement engendered by his playing.
LINK to a video - Vladimir Horowitz: A Reminiscence (Documentary) - www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MUYHAgy3fg
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Bookplate featuring Quote from Don Quixote by Cervantes autographed by Dave Brubeck: The person featured in the middle photo with the signature is the legendary American jazz pianist and composer Dave Brubeck. Dave Brubeck (1920–2012) was a prominent figure in the "cool jazz" movement, widely known for his quartet's innovative use of unusual time signatures, most notably the hit "Take Five". Signed merchandise from Brubeck, such as autographed photos or album covers, are available through various memorabilia dealers and auction sites.
Dave Brubeck - David Warren Brubeck (December 6, 1920 – December 5, 2012) was an American jazz pianist and composer. Often regarded as a foremost exponent of cool jazz, Brubeck's work is characterized by unusual time signatures and superimposing contrasting rhythms, meters, tonalities, and combining different styles and genres, like classical, jazz, and blues.
LINK to a video - Day at Night: Dave Brubeck, jazz musician - www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkX0gPZHA6Y
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Yehudi Menuhin (1916–1999): The rightmost image above displays the signature of Menuhin, an American-born British violinist and conductor. He was a renowned child prodigy and one of the most celebrated violinists of his time. His signed items, particularly those with a certificate of authenticity, are available from various dealers.
Yehudi Menuhin was a renowned American-born British musician who was not only one of the greatest violinists of the 20th century but also an accomplished conductor. He devoted much of his later career to conducting, a pursuit he continued until shortly before his death in 1999.
Yehudi Menuhin was one of the greatest and most famous violinists of the 20th century. He began his career as an extraordinary child prodigy, captivating global audiences long before he became a renowned conductor later in his life.
The Prodigy Years - Early Start: Menuhin began learning the violin at the age of four.
Public Debut: He gave his first public solo performance at age seven with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra.
Carnegie Hall Sensation: At just eleven years old, he electrified a Carnegie Hall audience with a mature interpretation of the Beethoven Violin Concerto, prompting Albert Einstein to declare that such musicality proved "there is a God in heaven!".
World Tours: As a teenager, he toured extensively across the world and established his reputation as a great musician before the age of twenty.
Career and Legacy - Humanitarian Efforts: Menuhin used his music for humanitarian causes, performing for Allied soldiers during World War II and for the liberated survivors of concentration camps in 1945. In a gesture of post-war reconciliation, he became the first Jewish musician to perform with the Berlin Philharmonic in 1947.
Instrument: He was known for playing several famous violins, including the "Soil Stradivarius," considered one of the finest violins ever made.
Unique Style: While he faced some physical and artistic difficulties in his mid-career, he overcame these challenges with careful practice. His playing style was known for its deep feeling, energy, and an "aliveness" that some felt transcended technical perfection.
Notable Recordings: Menuhin's extensive discography includes landmark recordings of concertos by Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Elgar (with the composer conducting), and Sibelius.
Career as Conductor
Transition: Although he debuted as a conductor in Dallas in 1942, Menuhin began conducting regularly at the music festivals he founded in Gstaad, Switzerland, and Bath, England, in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Dedication: By the 1990s, partial hearing loss led him to stop playing the violin in public, focusing exclusively on his conducting career. He once described conducting as the "most complete form of exercise".
Associated Orchestras: Over his career, he led many of the world's major orchestras. He developed close relationships with several ensembles, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the New York Philharmonic, the English Chamber Orchestra, and the National Symphony Orchestra of Washington, D.C..
Leadership Roles: He became the principal guest conductor of the English Symphony Orchestra and was named the lifetime president of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 1982. He also co-founded the Sinfonia Varsovia orchestra in Poland.
Conducting Style: Menuhin was known for a modest, sensitive, and unpretentious approach to conducting, often inspiring musicians to play their best through the strength of his musicianship rather than a "virtuoso" baton technique.
Notable Work
Menuhin's curiosity extended beyond classical music, and as a conductor, he introduced new and rarely performed music to the public. He also famously collaborated on jazz recordings with violinist Stéphane Grappelli and Indian ragas with sitarist Ravi Shankar.
LINK to video - Who's Yehudi? - Yehudi Menuhin BBC documentary - www.youtube.com/watch?v=0h0GkOP7ZUs
"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_...
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...
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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
Deboxing my Limited Edition Prince Eric 18'' Doll. First the front cardboard cover or lid is taken off, by sliding it off the box. There are no seals to break. Underneath is a clear plastic cover through which the doll is clearly seen in an unobstructed view. Next the back lid is removed, then the clear plastic cover. Eric is still attached the cardboard backing and doll stand. Under the cardboard backing is the Certificate of Authenticity. My doll is #79 of 1500.
First look at my Limited Edition Prince Eric 18'' Doll. I got him along with the Limited Edition Ursula and Ariel 17'' Dolls from my local Disney Store on the release day, October 1, 2013. They are all sold out online, and probably in stores, too. My store had 5 Eric dolls and only 4 Ursula dolls. Photographed boxed, during deboxing and fully deboxed.
Box notes:
Disney's
The Little Mermaid
Disney Store proudly presents the worldwide Limited Edition Prince Eric Doll. Inspired by nautical fashion, this sea-loving, blue eyed mariner is bedecked in an ivory and navy blue uniform, embellished with gold embroidery, buttons, and trim. Golden epaulettes and shiny black boots complete his charming attire. Designed and crafted by Disney Store artists, this legendary, limited edition doll is a must-have for Disney fans and collectors alike.
Limited Edition Prince Eric Doll - 18''
US Disney Store
Released and SOLD OUT on 2013-10-01
Purchased in store on release day.
#79 of 1500
Product Information:
Limited Edition Prince Eric Doll - 18''
$99.95
Item No. 6070040900910P
See worthy
Voyage to a charming seaside kingdom for a breathtaking glimpse of our Limited Edition Prince Eric Doll. Handsome in his nautical dress uniform with intricate golden trims and detailing, you'll want to make him part of your world forevermore.
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 1500
• Certificate of Authenticity
• Ivory and navy blue twill uniform
• Golden filigree embroidery, buttons and trim
• Golden fringed epaulets
• Shining black boots
• Elegant sword with golden trims
• Rooted, styled hair
• Fully poseable
• Display stand included
• Comes in elegant window display packaging
• Celebrating the return of Disney's classic The Little Mermaid to DVD and Blu-ray disc
The bare necessities
• Ages 6+
• Plastic /polyester
• 18'' H
• Imported
Safety
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD - Small Parts. Not for children under 3 years.
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 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
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
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.