Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a famous rope bridge near Ballintoy in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The bridge links the mainland to the tiny island of Carrickarede. It spans 20 metres (66 ft) and is 30 metres (98 ft) above the rocks below. The bridge is mainly a tourist attraction and is owned and maintained by the National Trust.

The bridge is open all year round (subject to weather) and people may cross it for a fee.

It is thought salmon fishermen have been building bridges to the island for over 350 years. It has taken many forms over the years. In the 1970s it had only one handrail and large gaps between the slats. A new bridge, tested up to ten tonnes, was built with the help of local climbers and abseilers in 2000. Another was built in 2004 and offered visitors and fishermen alike a much safer passage to the island. The current wire rope and Douglas fir bridge was raised early in 2008 at a cost of over £16,000.

Although no one has fallen off the bridge, there have been many instances where visitors, unable to face the walk back across the bridge, have had to be taken off the island by boat!!!!!!!!!!!

It is not for the faint-hearted!!!!

A lone figure is waving

From the thin line of a bridge

Of ropes and slats, slung

Dangerously out between

The cliff-top and the pillar rock.

A nineteenth-century wind.

Dulse-pickers. Sea campions.

A postcard for you, Sean,

And that's you swinging alone,

Antic, half-afraid,

In your gallowglass's beard

And swallow-tail of serge:

The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge

Ghost-written on sepia.

Or should it be your houseboat

Ethnically furnished,

Redolent of grass?

Should we discover you

Beside those warm-planked, democratic wharves

Among the twilights and guitars

Of Sausalito?

Drop-out on a come-back,

Prince of no-man's land

With your head in clouds or sand,

You were the clown

Social worker of the town

Until your candid forehead stopped

A pointblank teatime bullet.

Get up from your blood on the floor.

Here's another boat

In grass by the lough shore,

Turf smoke, a wired hen-run -

Your local, hoped for, unfound commune.

Now recite me William Bloat,

Sing of the Calabar.

Or of Henry Joy McCracken

Who kissed his Mary Anne

On the gallows at Corrnmarket.

Or Ballycastle Fair.

"Give us the raw bar!"

"Sing it by brute force

If you forget the air."

Yet something in your voice

Stayed nearly shut.

Your voice was a harassed pulpit

Leading the melody

It kept at bay,

It was independent, rattling, non-transcendent

Ulster - old decency

And Old Bushmills,

Soda farls, strong tea,

New rope, rock salt, kale plants,

Potato-bread and Woodbine.

Wind through the concrete vents

Of a border check-point.

Cold zinc nailed for a peace line.

Fifteen years ago, come this October,

Crowded on your floor,

I got my arm round Marie's shoulder

For the first time.

"Oh, Sir Jasper, do not touch me!"

You roared across at me,

Chorus-leading, splashing out the wine.

- Seamus Heaney

This skirt is a lot better for sitting down in than some of my others (Well from a certain point of view) although some of you may disagree 😝 Anyhoo two days in a row, two posts and barely even a knee in sight, just a view of my ever so sexy shins. Well it can't all be legs up to your armpits and thighs aplenty can it? A girl has to show some sense of decorum and decency at some point in her life, and as I get another year closer to an age milestone (yup 25 again) in just over week it seems I should cover up and become more respectable. Present a more modest and upstanding appearance, to fit in with my advancing dotage. Or maybe I'll just end up dropping my knickers instead 😉 Only time will tell...

I am not a pro-independence, but I believe in the freedom and the right of peoples and people to choose their destiny. Montesquieu said that the worst tyranny is that which is done in the name of the law. Complicating ideas and politicians represent them a violence that has not existed is an attack on democracy and decency. Catalonia today represents democracy and the rights of the peoples of Europe,

Texto en español en proceso...

Reflections after my eighth yearly event

After spending a week as Cristy, having waited almost a year to wear a dress, I’d like to share my thoughts, and not the experiences, about why an event such as the VC Soiree in DC, means so much to me. I know that many girls out there live vicariously through the narratives of those of us who are fortunate to attend these types of gatherings and conferences and I hope that after reading this, they will feel motivated to find the means to attend a conference at least once in their lives.

This was the eighth time in ten years that I have sacrificed family time and budget to indulge in a pleasure that is meaningful to me alone. Each time, I have missed my wife and children and have felt somehow guilty about having to do something that I can’t share with everyone around me in my daily life. Having to lie to friends, some family members and my partners about the real purpose of my trip is something that I am not comfortable doing but must do, given the circumstances. However, what I get to experience as an individual and as a part of a group of kindred friends is worth every sacrifice and white lie. I spend a whole year, that seems like an eternity, patiently waiting for this week to happen and it all goes so fast that it appears as if it was just a brief dream. I have to go back to the photos and read the other girls postings to fully recall all the details of wonderful times shared.

Besides work and family, many of us have a few personal interests that we tend to share with other people without reserve. However, for a heterosexual CD like me, playing the role of a girl is something that I can only share with those who also need to practice and enjoy this particular treat of our beings. We all start doing this on our own and with shame. As we learn more about it and begin to understand and accept ourselves, the shame tends to go away but we still need to share this feminine persona with other people. In this time and age, the Internet has provided the means to (at least virtually) exchange ideas, advice, tips, feelings and images to give our feminine persona some kind of existence and validation. I recall how afraid I was to come out to some family members to seek acceptance and validation for Cristy in the real world. Since having an Internet presence, I was able to relate to other girls like me and several years later, when presented with the opportunity to meet with some of them in person, I informed my wife and made arrangements for a trip that I was not sure how it would turn out. Would there be people seeking other things besides socializing or tranny chasers? My questions were answered as soon as Cristy emerged that first morning in Atlanta. Birds of a feather flock together and those friends I had come to meet in person but knew well online, were just like me. Our interests were the same and if there were other activities going on among other attendees, they took place behind closed doors. Ten years later I can say that not once have I received an improper comment, advance or any kind of harassment or uncomfortable situation.

Meeting with “the girls” for that first time and then almost every year since, is the most gratifying sensation that I have experienced in my life, excluding only those that are related to my family. That first time, I had planned to make sure I would have plenty of outings on my own so that I could put my passing to the test. After spending two minutes with my friends, I knew that I did not want to spend any time on my own. Passing was not important; what mattered was to be in the company of honest, loving and caring people who had a very unusual treat in common with me. They had been awesome as online friends and they were even more exceptional in person. Why would I want to part from them to venture out on my own? With them I had all I was looking for. Cristy existed and was the person they had come to know and love and that was all I needed. Cristy was validated as the woman I intended her to be and who cared if we were clocked at restaurants or any other place we visited. I will admit that still after that first trip, passing was very important for me when I was on my own. However, after the second trip, I was the one letting people know that I was not what I appeared to be and to my surprise, they could not care less and were very happy for me. At the same time, they would ask valid and interesting questions that I would gladly respond in an attempt to educate people and expand their knowledge about our community.

Over these years, I have identified two main components that combine to make the experience unparalleled by any other personal interest that I might have. One is at the personal level and the other at the group level. Both are equally rewarding and can be enjoyed individually or simultaneously.

At the personal level I savor every little detail of my individual experience; from the moment I start applying makeup to the feel of the breeze gently flowing through my legs causing the fabric of my dress to caress my smooth skin! Yes, even though we can share the feeling with others and even agree on the effect it produces on us, these are sensations that are unique to us and that many genetic women take for granted since they are common occurrences for them. Even though we can enjoy this experiences within the confines of our private dressing cloister, they are enhanced and made more memorable and enticing when you are out there in the outside world while being just another of many individuals around.

At the group level, I get to interact in a role that I don’t get to play on a daily basis. Most of the time I do it with other TGirls and other times with the general public. In both cases I get to be Cristy and people treat me like Cristy, the woman they perceive in front of them. I get to exchange opinions on life and other personal interests with my friends while we see each other as a person who, depending on the status, presents permanently or sporadically as a woman but who also has other interests and goals in life. I have seen friends transition while others remain like me, a crossdresser and the essence of the person has not changed. I have witnessed how the divide that used to separate transsexuals from occasional crossdressers no longer exists, as our community and cause becomes one of seeking acceptance. Long gone are the days of being ashamed of who we are and more and more we become ambassadors of a group of individuals who show the rest of the world, by example, that we have goals and ambitions in life like everyone else and that we are above all, human beings with the same needs and rights.

In both cases, as an individual or as part of a group, I used to put a lot of effort in making the character believable but with each passing year the line that divided Cristy from my male and dominant persona has blurred. By this I don’t mean to say that I have become careless about my feminine presentation but rather that I no longer mind if the guy takes over under certain circumstances. As a matter of fact, more than passing for a woman I seek praise and acceptance for a job well done as a man presenting as a woman. In this regard, I do my best to present as any woman would do depending on the setting and situation. I put a lot of effort in showing proper mannerisms and behave according to the expectations of any person regardless of gender. I do prefer to use the women’s bathroom because that is who I am presenting as at the moment, knowing that if I do not cross the boundaries of decency, nobody will have the right to oppose to that.

Through all these years I have come across many people who have approached me individually or as part of a group in a friendly manner to inquire about why we need to present as women. Their questions are always valid and in good will and they are responded in the same manner. Every time they have left the conversation with a better understanding and more respect for us. It is our responsibility to show the positive side of being TG because there are other groups who are doing just the opposite and they are usually more visible.

This year in Washington DC I had a few opportunities to interact with people under different circumstances ranging from other tourists around The Capitol to patrons at an upscale bar. Every time I was shown deep respect and understanding and was treated as I would have been treated if I had been in boy mode. The difference being that perhaps the conversation would have not lasted as long and would have been more superficial. People will like and accept you if you are likable and acceptable like any other person regardless of gender identity. That has not come easy for us so let’s do our best to keep it that way.

Excuse me if I have rambled or digressed but I needed to get this out of my system. I will try to expand and explain in more detail in future postings, as time permits, but let me finish by saying that these are situations that every TG person needs to experience first hand and not through other people’s narratives. There are many conferences or groups meeting near you- get out there, loose the shame and enjoy being who you are. If you find it difficult for financial or any other reason to attend an event, try to meet with girls you know near where you live and in friendly environments. Girls with more experience than you will be happy to guide you through your first steps out there. These days there are many establishments that are TG friendly and love our business.

Don’t be afraid or ashamed and just be you!

Cristy

Catching up on some back shots from the beginning of the year

On a walk around the Addington Cemetery with a wonderful Flickr friend. February 13, 2016 Christchurch New Zealand.

There is so much damaged in the cemetery because of the earthquake we have had. It is such a pity as I don' think it will ever be fully repaired.

The Addington Cemetery was established in 1858 when the Scottish Presbyterians of St Andrew’s Church purchased land for a cemetery in Selwyn Street. Although not the first cemetery in Christchurch, Addington was in fact the first “public” cemetery, “being open to all persons of any religious community” and allowing the performance of any religious service “not contrary to public decency”.

The first burial took place on the 10th of November 1858. The cemetery has several persons of note buried within its grounds including activist Kate Sheppard, Christchurch Mayor Tommy Taylor and members of the pioneer family, the Deans.

For More Info:http://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/addington-cemetery/

„This is Corellia Local Holo Net News. Today armed terrorists attacked a prisoners transport at Corellia central space port. The attackers claimed to be part of the Rebel Alliance and managed to momentarily free five of the prisoners. According to witnesses, they called our beloved Emperor a liar and a criminal. Other insults uttered by the terrorists will not be cited at this point, for reasons of decency. Imperial forces responded quickly to the attack and locked down the space port before the dissidents could flee. The incident caused casualties on both sides. Two of the attackers surrendered, the remaining four, as well as the prisoners, were eliminated by Imperial forces. Three Imperial operatives were injured, but could be treated on site by Imperial forces medical personnel. They are now being transferred to the Imperial Med Center. Governor Solem thanked the soldiers for their bravery. Shocked by the incident, he promised to reinforce space port security to end this ongoing series of terrorist attacks. Next week he will present a list of actions to be taken. This was Jenna Mizu for Corellia Local Holonet News.“

_________________________

A detail shot from my recent Star Wars vignette.

This photo has found a sadly appropriate point in time for posting.

The Paris attacks have left us all sickened, bewildered, incensed,

and in a state of disbelief. I find myself questioning the unanswerable and in a futile attempt to clarify the unimaginable. The hypocrisy of ISIS, its hollow claims pertaining to faith, and the psychopathic toxin that flows within its veins must somehow be STOPPED.

As a person who tries to embody decency and tolerance, I plan to practice - along the lines of a favorite bumper sticker - senseless and random acts of kindness and mercy. It won't stop ISIS, but it'll make my world and that of those I touch just a little bit better.

I'm off my soapbox now. Thanks to all of you for hearing me out! Love and peace.

Shamelessly Shirtless

"It is legal for women to walk bare-breasted through Toronto city streets and the Toronto Beaches cater to nude sun bathers; now some people may be offended by all the public nudity, but if we never encounter anything that may offends us in our community..

..then that could be the first indicator that we may not be living in a free society.

As far as the equal rights bill C-38 allowing same-sex marriage here in Toronto, for better or worse, it is simply the right thing to do."

Copyright © 2009-2016 Tomitheos Photography - All Rights Reserved

Sex ☆ Love

November 2nd, 2008 - Chicago, United States

I always thought one of the things that made Grant Wood's "American Gothic" the masterpiece it undoubtedly is was the way the couple portrayed look not straight out at us, but slightly to one side, their expression wary, distrustful, suspicious. The object of their distrust is not specific, but general - they are suspicious of everything they do not know.

America's greatness has been built on the coexistence of conservative and progressive spirits, and the often creative tensions between the two. Somehow, in the really big moments, the right one of these two tendencies has more often than not prevailed. I hope with all my heart that tomorrow, the progressive ideal will win out.

Update (Nov 21st 2008) : This photograph is referenced in an eloquent and witty blog post here, which reveals, amongst other things, that Barack Obama actually refers to this painting in his book Dreams From My Father. I quote from the blogpost :

"[Obama] writes that American Gothic effectively evoked the world in which his grandparents grew up: “…a place where decency and endurance and the pioneer spirit were joined at the hip with conformity and suspicion and the potential for unblinking cruelty.” [...] He’s talking about the people who accepted their daughter’s marriage to a Kenyan man (in 1960); they loved and later helped raise the grandchild born from that marriage. And [he] credits them for instilling many of his most admirable traits."

An interesting alternative twist is put on the possible interpretation of this photograph in a post on Obama's conservativism on the blog Asymptotic Life. Is this not a painting, but a mirror ?

Please click here to view on black.

Guild headquarters, London 1927:

‘I wonder what’s taking them so long?’ Faust said, flipping his pocket watch open in frustration. His eyes darted back and forth from his watch to the ornate grandfather clock nearby.

‘Patience is a virtue Hector’ Harriet said, slowly turning a page in her book ‘This meeting was organised within short notice, we can’t expect everyone to arrive on time’.

‘Indeed we can’t’ Rathbone chimed, his gazed focused on the city skyline outside. Bloated grey clouds began to move lazily above the collection of spires, towers and archways.

‘Well, it’s common decency to be punctual’ Faust retorted, still focused on his pocket watch.

‘Remind me, am I talking to Faust or the demon?’ Harriet said closing her book swiftly.

‘I, er. Apologies, he’s been getting restless of late’ Faust sighed heavily.

‘Well, there will be time to explore soon enough’ Rathbone said reassuringly.

‘Besides, we have a new recruit to the guild arriving tonight’ Harriet smiled, pulling out a small file and flipping through its pages.

‘So the B.I. were able to convince him then?’ Faust asked, adjusting his moustache.

‘Indeed they were’ Rathbone said ‘A curious character, but given time I believe he could be a great asset’.

The doors suddenly creaked open, a tall young man with a neatened beard stepped into the room.

‘Speak of the devil!’ Rathbone exclaimed, extending his arm to the young man ‘Welcome Mr. Gunn, I hope your journey wasn’t too hasty’.

‘Oh, not at all Professor’ the young man said, awkwardly shaking Professor Rathbone’s hand.

‘Please Arthur, don’t be nervous. We’ve all been looking forward to meeting you’ Harriet said, extending her hand.

‘Thank you, Miss Nightingale’ Arthur said, smiling slightly and shaking her hand.

‘So you’re the new recruit then?’ Faust piped up stepping forward with anticipation ‘We read your file, you used to travel with that daughter of the science Pirate didn’t you?’

‘Were it not for ‘N’ I would not be here today’ Arthur said fondly, shaking hands firmly with Faust.

‘We all have our pasts don’t we?’ Faust laughed.

‘Some more thrilling than others Doctor.’ A grated electronic voice exclaimed from the doorway.

The guild members turned to see a large figure enter the room, a tall late middle aged man with a powerful build, the lower portion of his face encased in a large metallic faceplate with a grated vent where the mouth should be. His right arm was entirely mechanical, reinforced with darkened armour plating. His right leg was also entirely mechanical. He dressed in a black formal suit with a long burgundy cape billowing behind him.

‘Baron Ravencroft, how lovely to see you’ Rathbone said extending his hand.

‘Save the pleasantries professor, I’m only interested in the hunt’ Ravencroft said, moving towards the table.

As he approached the table his eyes focused on Arthur, his eyes studying him intently.

‘Tell me, Professor’ The Baron said turning to Rathbone ‘Since when did the guild hire children?’

He turned his gaze towards Arthur, whose face had turned more stern.

‘Mr Gunn was recruited by the B.I. Baron’ Harriet retorted ‘He’s more than capable of joining our ranks’.

The Baron stepped over to Arthur, staring down at him ‘Maybe from your perspective woman, but I think differently’.

Arthur glared back at the Baron, the mechanical clicking of the Baron’s prosthesis echoing in the room.

‘Shall we focus on the meeting Baron? I believe the hunt is waiting’ Rathbone announced, gesturing to him to take a seat.

‘Is this all of us then?’ The Baron piqued ‘Where is Dr Grant? Or should I say Dr Thunder as he’s been called in the recent papers’.

‘Sadly he couldn’t make it’ Harriet said taking a seat ‘Mr. Carter needed his expertise on a tomb in Egypt’.

‘So he says’ Ravencroft snapped, placing his mechanical hand on the table.

Rathbone paced towards the head of the table.

‘All of us who could make it are here, we have a new task at hand. So let us begin…’

(Excerpted from Peter Wehner's article in The Atlantic)

"Beyond that, and more fundamental than that, we have to remind ourselves that we are not powerless to shape the future; that much of what has been broken can be repaired; that though we are many, we can be one; and that fatalism and cynicism are unwarranted and corrosive.

There’s a lovely line in William Wordsworth’s poem “The Prelude”: “What we have loved, Others will love, and we will teach them how.”

There are still things worthy of our love. Honor, decency, courage, beauty, and truth. Tenderness, human empathy, and a sense of duty. A good society. And a commitment to human dignity. We need to teach others—in our individual relationships, in our classrooms and communities, in our book clubs and Bible studies, and in innumerable other settings—why those things are worthy of their attention, their loyalty, their love. One person doing it won’t make much of a difference; a lot of people doing it will create a culture.

Maybe we understand better than we did five years ago why these things are essential to our lives, and why when we neglect them or elect leaders who ridicule and subvert them, life becomes nasty, brutish, and generally unpleasant.

Just after noon on January 20, a new and necessary chapter will begin in the American story. Joe Biden will certainly play a role in shaping how that story turns out—but so will you and I. Ours is a good and estimable republic, if we can keep it."

Strange Stormy Situation Surrounds Stunning Saturday Seaside Serenity Sunset Scene (SOOC) - IMRAN™

What a strange time it is. It feels as if 2020, like a mean, dangerous, psychotic, fatal attraction addicted ex-girlfriend, just won't let go of us to move into a better future. But, as I captured this SOOC (straight out of camera) unedited Nikon D300 photo of tonight's sunset at my blessed home on Tampa Bay, Florida, I thought to myself what a strange situation surrounds this stunning Saturday seaside serenity sunset scene.

Despite a red-hot sunset, a cold wind, seemingly coming from all sides in strong bursts but without notable gusts, invisibly symbolizes the national and global threats buffeting us in this new year, and new decade.

A global Coronavirus pandemic, now with a dangerous mutation, is still wreaking havoc, ... but vaccines are offering some hope. A cancer of wilful ignorance and cult-like embrace of fascist forces continues to threaten our democracy, ... but even a few (until-recently fascism-embracing tyrant-loving) politicians acting like they are finding their consciences is giving hope to a return to normalcy.

An actual insurrection against the government of the United States, incited by none other than the actual current occupant of the Oval Office, leading to Confederate & Nazi flags and symbols being proudly displayed inside the US Capitol for the first time in history shook the patriotic majority of the nation, ... but there is hope that it may have woken up enough sell-out members of his own party to realize they have to stand up to Drumpf. An actual agent of an enemy state and criminal President is talking about pardoning himself, his family, and others whom he clearly directed to commit crimes... but even Republicans are now asking for his removal from office, and wanting a return to the rule of law, from the streets to the highest office in the land.

All these cures are better late than never, ... but what a tragic waste of so much. Lives, jobs, civility, decency, stability, and unity, ... all losses caused by the acts foisted on us by corrupt, incompetent, undemocratic forces of a traitor in power in 2020.

The truth is simple. Facts are facts, no matter what conspiracy theory undereducated cultists embrace or what white-lies purely opportunistic sleazy politicians spread. Science is science, no matter how much some idiots believe the earth is flat, or that they would get injected with a microchip in an anti-viral vaccine.

It is time to make 2021 the start of the best years of our lives, as people, as nations, and as humankind. Join me as I bow my head in prayer at this sunset time for us all to be healed and at peace again.

© 2021 IMRAN™

#ApolloBeach, #CloudPorn, #cloudscape, #clouds, #cold, #commentary, #Coronavirus, #D300, #DonaldTrump, #fascism, #Florida, #humankind, #IMHO, #IMRAN, #ImranAnwar, #InMyHumbleOpinion, #insurrection, #Lifestyle, #Maghreb, #Nature, #Nikon, #NoEdit, #NoFilter, #pandemic, #politics, #prose, #Republicans, #Saturday, #science, #seaside, #SOOC, #Sunset, #Tampa, #TampaBay, #traitors, #tranquility, #treason, #vaccines, #weekend, #winter, #writing

I'm so f*cking tired of my hubby Editorial Clarity's Exes publishing poems or songs in their blogs and flickrs about him trying to get his attention. You have caused so much problems for us and that is why you are no longer part of our lives.

Don't want to be mean but have some dignity. Get over it and Move on.

Since I married Edi more than a year ago, I have dealt with people who have no decency and tried to break us apart every chance they get. They would spread lies everywhere and tried to poison our minds against each other. It was so damn hard but Edi and I managed to stay together. Honestly, If Edi wants to be with any of you, he will because no one can control him. And I have enough pride and dignity to not stay with someone who doesn't love me or want to be with me.

WE ARE STILL TOGETHER AND STRONG, SL and RL. We will be living together in RL summer 2013.

I don't care who the f*ck do you think you are but I will seriously kick your ass if you don't stop with your damn obsession. Leave us alone. Take your damn poems and songs and shove it where the sun don't shine.

Niccolò Ciatti is an Italian 20-year-old boy on vacation in Barcelona.

Already a worker, he has his salary and his holidays. He goes to the disco, like all the guys. An offense for a push with another boy and start beating. In the middle of the disco, kick and punch at the head of three boys against poor Niccolo who dies. There are videos that for decency have not shown in full and I could not even look at it. Why do I want to write about this? ...... In the partial video they are all in circle to look at, NO ONE INTERVENES?, nor other guys, or the disco bouncer ..... and some movie with the phone ?????

I have a son of this age, to think that you go dancing and for a diversion you are massacred, it makes me shudder .....

Are not we a country of peace, What's in the head of these guys? Drugs? There have always been, but so much brutality I have never seen. And those who look? And those filming? ..... I think these guys are too much in a video game and they no longer recognize the reality.

Bring yours children out in the parks, play balls, ride bicycles, stop using the phone while you are with them, and above all, before answering a banal nonsense of wath's up, answer them.

My sincere condolences to the family

Radiohead - Man Of War

This image is copyright, all rights reserved, and not part of the public domain. Any use, linking to, or posting of this image is prohibited without my consent. If you want to use this image in any fashion, please have the common courtesy and decency to ask.

Bridal Veil Overlook, Columbia Gorge, Oregon

I went to one of my favorite places to catch a sunset in the gorge, and I'm glad I did. With it raining the majority of the time, the light and atmosphere was spectacular. There wasn't much wind so it wasn't a problem holding my big umbrella over my camera the whole time. I'm really loving the detail and range I'm able to pull out of the 6D. This is a blend of 2 exposures. The majority of the scene is of the sunset, but the car and train light trails is from a second (30 second) exposure taken 40 minutes later and blended into this scene using Photoshop CS6.

Another first state.

Some traders have no decency, some of our deputy applauding in our National assemby for less of teachers in france have no decency..I'm sorry I just wanted to talk about simple pleasure. But it's always decency for the others..

On Black and large

As always when I get a new camera or lens, the cats become test subjects. Skinny did not care about the new camera and did not even have the decency to look at it!

...a patriotic American.

…the descendent of immigrants.

...lucky that I was born and raised in this nation, and aware that I did nothing in the womb to be that lucky.

...a person with a moral compass, based on the values my Christian parents taught me and further tempered by my life experiences.

...proud of the many good things America does for us here at home and for the rest of the world in need.

...not afraid to criticize American policies that do harm to Americans and the rest of the world.

...a former Republican, driven away from the party by their abandonment of fiscal conservatism in favor of social conservatism.

…a proponent of listening to people who disagree with you and trying to reach a reasonable, rational agreement.

...hesitantly willing to accept the use of force if all other options have been exhausted.

...sickened by the fact that we let our fellow Americans die from treatable diseases because they don't have enough money to afford decent healthcare.

…worried that if we don’t start acting on it as a country, future generations will be dealing with the environmental problems we allowed to happen (or caused directly).

…concerned that our dependence on foreign sources of energy are a threat to our national security.

...appalled that working-class Americans are being squeezed by higher fuel prices (and higher food and utility prices as a result) while oil companies are swimming in record profits.

…not too proud to ask for help when I can’t do something alone.

…in favor of a woman’s right to choose, but want to make sure that comprehensive sex education, access to birth control, and other programs are in place to make sure as few women as possible have to make such a heartbreaking decision.

…fiscally conservative, and in favor of accountability and responsibility when it comes to government spending.

…angry that my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren are inheriting a huge national debt as a result of this war in Iraq.

…angry that over 4,000 of my fellow countrymen will never see their children or grandchildren as a result of the same war.

…not afraid of electing a president with a skin color that is different than mine, or with a name that sounds foreign to me.

…not going to let my fear of terrorism override my sense of reason, decency, and morality any longer.

…in favor of letting two consenting adults who are in love with each other get married, despite their genders.

…confused why people think that creationism should be taught as science when it is a religious explanation for life and not a scientific theory.

…in favor of strengthening our border security, but dealing with people who are already here illegally with the compassion and dignity they deserve as human beings.

…upset that the current administration’s attitude towards business (i.e. that the government should not interfere with business, and that the free market will cause companies to operate ethically) has lead to things like the Enron scandal, the mortgage crisis, and job losses for hundreds of thousands of Americans.

…concerned that our educational system is broken, kids aren’t getting enough one-on-one attention, and teachers are underpaid.

…outraged at how our military veterans are treated when they get home (and how many of them are sent back to war again after they’ve done their duty).

…aware that no candidate is going to agree with my views 100% of the time.

…also aware that no president can singlehandedly accomplish everything they say they want to, and that the checks and balances of our government are there to ensure this.

…not going to stay quiet about my opinions because I’m afraid of offending people I like.

…totally supportive of your right to disagree with anything I’ve said here.

…voting for Barack Obama.

„This is Corellia Local Holo Net News. Today armed terrorists attacked a prisoners transport at Corellia central space port. The attackers claimed to be part of the Rebel Alliance and managed to momentarily free five of the prisoners. According to witnesses, they called our beloved Emperor a liar and a criminal. Other insults uttered by the terrorists will not be cited at this point, for reasons of decency. Imperial forces responded quickly to the attack and locked down the space port before the dissidents could flee. The incident caused casualties on both sides. Two of the attackers surrendered, the remaining four, as well as the prisoners, were eliminated by Imperial forces. Three Imperial operatives were injured, but could be treated on site by Imperial forces medical personnel. They are now being transferred to the Imperial Med Center. Governor Solem thanked the soldiers for their bravery. Shocked by the incident, he promised to reinforce space port security to end this ongoing series of terrorist attacks. Next week he will present a list of actions to be taken. This was Jenna Mizu for Corellia Local Holonet News.“

_________________________

A detail shot from my recent Star Wars vignette.

Trying for a degree of decency; the camera angle not affording much.

Sex sells

Nudity is the state of wearing no clothing.[1] The wearing of clothing is exclusively a human characteristic. The amount of clothing worn depends on functional considerations (such as a need for warmth or protection from the elements) and social considerations. In some situations the minimum amount of clothing (i.e. covering of a person's genitals) may be socially acceptable, while in others much more clothing is expected.

People, as individuals and in groups, have varying attitudes towards their own nudity. Some people are relaxed about appearing less than fully clothed in front of others, while others are uncomfortable or inhibited in that regard. People are nude in a variety of situations, and whether they are prepared to disrobe in front of others depends on the social context in which the issue arises. For example, people need to bathe without clothing, some people also sleep in the nude, some prefer to sunbathe in the nude or at least topless. Many people are prepared to disrobe for a medical examination, while others are nude in other situations. Some people adopt nudism as a lifestyle.

Though the wearing of clothes is the social norm in most cultures, some cultures, groups and individuals are more relaxed about nudity, though attitudes often depend on context. On the other hand, some people feel uncomfortable in the presence of any nudity, and the presence of a nude person in a public place can give rise to controversy, irrespective of the attitude of the person who is nude. Besides meeting social disapproval, in some places public nudity may constitute a crime of indecent exposure. Many people have strong views on nudity, which to them can involve issues and standards of modesty, decency and morality. Some people have a psychological aversion to nudity, called gymnophobia. Many people regard nudity to be inherently sexual and erotic.

Nudity (sex-related or not) is also to be found in visual arts (see also art nude, nude photography, nudity in film), also on the Internet, and in performing arts. It is a factor in adult entertainment of various types.

– comedian W.C. Fields

This is a photo of a whiskey shelf, an expensive one, in an executive's office in the South.

US politics have caught me in the spin of their intrigue and incredulity these last couple of weeks -thank heavens decency and a sense of normalcy may return very soon!

Catching up on some back shots from the beginning of the year

On a walk around the Addington Cemetery with a wonderful Flickr friend. February 13, 2016 Christchurch New Zealand.

There is so much damaged in the cemetery because of the earthquake we have had. It is such a pity as I don' think it will ever be fully repaired.

The Addington Cemetery was established in 1858 when the Scottish Presbyterians of St Andrew’s Church purchased land for a cemetery in Selwyn Street. Although not the first cemetery in Christchurch, Addington was in fact the first “public” cemetery, “being open to all persons of any religious community” and allowing the performance of any religious service “not contrary to public decency”.

The first burial took place on the 10th of November 1858. The cemetery has several persons of note buried within its grounds including activist Kate Sheppard, Christchurch Mayor Tommy Taylor and members of the pioneer family, the Deans.

For More Info:http://my.christchurchcitylibraries.com/addington-cemetery/

At noon today in Washington, DC, Joe Biden takes the oath of office and the USA moves past the horrors of the past four years. Hopefully we will see a return to decency and a commitment to freedom and justice for all with extremism, violence and conflict extinguished as we set about the business of recovering from Covid and building a healthy society with good employment opportunities for all.

Took this photo in 2003 while demonstrating against the Bush war in Iraq.

“I must say a word about fear. It is life's only true opponent. Only fear can defeat life. It is a clever, treacherous adversary, how well I know. It has no decency, respects no law or convention, shows no mercy. It goes for your weakest spot, which it finds with unnerving ease. It begins in your mind, always ... so you must fight hard to express it. You must fight hard to shine the light of words upon it. Because if you don't, if your fear becomes a wordless darkness that you avoid, perhaps even manage to forget, you open yourself to further attacks of fear because you never truly fought the opponent who defeated you.”

― Yann Martel, Life of Pi

This image is copyright, all rights reserved, and not part of the public domain. Any use, linking to, or posting of this image is prohibited without my consent. If you want to use this image in any fashion, please have the common courtesy and decency to ask.

Face Rock Wayside, Bandon, Oregon

My brother and I went to Face Rock Wayside for sunset. I've been in Bandon this past week on vacation, visiting my Mom and brother as well as some cousins. This is the 1st night of my vacation where we went down to the beach for sunset and didn't have to deal with the foggy Marine Layer. It's been a much needed relaxing and enjoyable vacation. I captured quite a few different views and angles of a pretty spectacular sunset. Afterwards my wet feet were making those sloshy sounds.

I have no idea what the inspiration for this staircase was but it must have been something awesome. And guessing from the name of the building - Porthania at the Helsinki University - they have no lack of creativity by may be lacking decency. Search for the Greek meaning of the word Parthania (with an "a") and then use your imagination... Just saying...

Heros are not always what you'd expect them to be.

Can I just say this is not in any way an indication of my support for this kind of behaviour? These were just some Lego folks I happened upon during a clean up, which of course was much less interesting than playing with the toys themselves and taking pictures.

This Blonde hero (she-ro) is coming to the rescue of her friend against the forces of evil. I suppose it is a metaphor for things happening in the world today at the hands of forces of evil who claim to be acting on behalf of a deity. No thanks. I'll take human decency over that any day.

Queen "Save Me"

www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUyPyTn-IS4

Sony ILCE A7r : Sony FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS

A few weeks ago, while clearing out the attic, we came across a box of old newspaper clippings, probably the work of a long-departed aunt who was renowned for her hoarding habits. Among the yellowed pages was a dossier on the Lunar Landing in 1969, which provoked the usual "What were you doing when..." sort of discussion. Among other things, I recalled I'd just become the owner of a new-fangled Pentax Spotmatic, not new but a source of some pride. As it turns out, I still have the camera, and this is it, somewhat faded and worn but still functional; it was commandeered by one of my sons and disappeared for a decade or so, but he eventually fell in love with an EOS and had the decency to return the Spotmatic to his old man. I occasionally borrow it's lens to use on digital cameras, but it spends it's retirement on a shelf with several Pentax cousins.

Name: James Dawson

Arrested for: Indecent Exposure

Arrested at: North Shields Police Station

Arrested on; 9th June 1902

Tyne and Wear Archives ref: DX1388-1-3-James Dawson

These images are a selection from an album of photographs of prisoners brought before the North Shields Police Court between 1902 and 1916 in the collection of Tyne & Wear Archives (TWA ref DX1388/1).

Copyright) We're happy for you to share this digital image within the spirit of The Commons. Please cite 'Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums' when reusing. Certain restrictions on high quality reproductions and commercial use of the original physical version apply though; if you're unsure please email archives@twmuseums.org.uk.

Return to decency!

It seemed to take me most of 2009 to track this down and get a half decent picture of it! By the time this was taken, the lower deck windows towards the rear had been replaced, leaving the figures bereft of their decency.

Wish you were here. Lab coat (and turquoise decency strip) essential.

What an amazing place this is. It used to be a thermal bath house. It was built in the 19th century and what beautifully decorated. It will soon be converted into a posh hotel.

When we entered early morning we were the first explorers setting up our gear. Within an hour the place was crowded with explorers from all over Europe and it was hard to take a decent picture.

Apparently it is hard for other people to wait until others who were there earlier are done. I gave them a hard time by just standing in 'their' way while taking a shot. Have some decency people and be patient!

Please visit www.preciousdecay.com for more pictures and follow me on Facebook on www.facebook.com/Preciousdecay.urbex

A return to decency (but no morals!)

One of the most popular pictures in my photostream, by far, is a mosaic that I created from 'S-Shields' from my collection of Superman action figures.

The picture has garnered lots of comments and faves (especially from the Middle East where the shield appears to be a powerful fashion icon) and I was very taken with the kind words people left form me.

But it always bugged me that a couple of the images were repeated. So I decided to recreate the pic and add in a few more toys that have joined the collection since.

I've tried to add as many different versions of the shield as possible, to represent not only the different versions of the character throughout the years and continuities but also high-light some folk who wore it who were not Superman himself.

I'd like to think that these aren't too obscure to the well-versed super-fan, but a few casual observers might be intrigued to ask more, please go ahead, I'll try to fill you in on the background of a particular 'S'.

Why Superman, you might ask?

As I said before, he may not be the coolest, but he was the first and I always loved what his character has stood for; decency, honour, honesty and kindness.

We could all do with sharing a bit more of that around...

Created with fd's Flickr Toys.

"For a real bargain, while you're making a living, you should make also a life." —Aaron Bronson

In 1920, in small-town America, the ubiquitous dry goods store—suits and coats, shoes and hats, work clothes and school clothes, yard goods and notions—was usually owned by Jews and often referred to as "the Jew store." That's how Stella Suberman's father's store, Bronson's Low-Priced Store, in Concordia, Tennessee, was known locally. The Bronsons were the first Jews to ever live in that tiny town (1920 population: 5,318) of one main street, one bank, one drugstore, one picture show, one feed and seed, one hardware, one barber shop, one beauty parlor, one blacksmith, and many Christian churches. Aaron Bronson moved his family all the way from New York City to that remote corner of northwest Tennessee to prove himself a born salesman—and much more. Told by Aaron's youngest child, The Jew Store is that rare thing—an intimate family story that sheds new light on a piece of American history. Here is One Man's Family with a twist—a Jew, born into poverty in prerevolutionary Russia and orphaned from birth, finds his way to America, finds a trade, finds a wife, and sets out to find his fortune in a place where Jews are unwelcome. With a novelist's sense of scene, suspense, and above all, characterization, Stella Suberman turns the clock back to a time when rural America was more peaceful but no less prejudiced, when educated liberals were suspect, and when the Klan was threatening to outsiders. In that setting, she brings her remarkable father to life, a man whose own brand of success proves that intelligence, empathy, liberality, and decency can build a home anywhere. The Jew Store is a heartwarming—even inspiring—story.

P.S. When I started middle school in 1995, I was one of the few students from the former Soviet Union in the 90s who spoke Russian. Saying my school was unwelcome is an understatement. To American students, I (and a few other students) were “The Russians"... They never got in trouble for that and bullying was completely ignored! I always thought that after being “A Jew” in Ukraine, I would be more accepted here. I was wrong. Maybe that’s what led to my dislike of the American public school system. And to be clear my dislike of the system is not a dislike of the teachers. I've had some amazing teachers who believed in me and inspired me greatly—inspired me in a way no teacher in Ukraine did (I came from a stringent school system). To say I love them and they made my teenager years much brighter is not to say anything! It’s always a choice what kind of person you choose to be!

[EXPLORE FRONT PAGE: 10-28-2009]

Okay...let me honestly admit that this was a rather gloomy decision on my part to go to a Sonu Niigaam concert instead of the one of Artcell. And I had to, partly because my parents wanted and partly cause I didn't want to waste the Premium ticket after being successfully unable to sell them! So I went. And HE came onto the stage: and thereby the story started for me!

You all know him better than me, I guess! Memorize all his songs by heart, read all his interviews and know all about his personal life...if I ain't wrong! But I started from the very scratch! Then I saw him standing there on the stage, moving the crowd by his eternal music, electrifying them by his decency, modesty and kindness when he accepted every request from the audience, talking with them, clapping for them and bowing for them. And I thought how can someone so big, can be so sober standing up there, ruling the crowd??? The answer was, he himself: Sonu Niigaam!

Okay, there were some technical (!) limitations of shooting in this particular concert!

1. None had any DSLR in the front seats except for 2 from the organizers side. They weren't allowing anyone to shoot even with mobile (though ppl did, yeah!). So I had to take all the shots sitting in my seat in the second row, which is the reason behind the same frames in each photo!

2. My only gear was 400D with the 18-55mm had to bear all my torture throughout!!

So here it goes.....

Today I thought it was time to again don the white Spandex Jumpsuit and frolic on the front lawn with the first bug I could find. After all, it’s only the first Saturday in Spring once a year. I just hope this was a girl bug and not a boy bug or the neighbours might start talking……

He may not be pretty, but portly balding chaps in Spandex can't be too picky!

Frolic performed to the refrains of the famous JPY Classic, (that’s John Paul Young to the ignorant), Love is in the Air. I thought it was apt.

“Love is in the air

Everywhere I look around

Love is in the air

Every sight and every sound

And I don't know if I'm being foolish

Don't know if I'm being wise

But it's something that I must believe in

And it's there when I look in your eyes…”

----JPY

Thanks to the local Constabulary for being so understanding and letting me off with a stern lecture about public decency…..

And yeah, I know the nail needs a clean!

Collage postcard with re-used solar etching print, rescued canary bird guide, rubber stamped letters.

How our standards of decency keep dropping....how LOW can they GO?

The final photograph I took during my recent trip. We arrived at Logan Airport just as the sun was setting. Had a little time to spare so I took a shot or two looking across in the direction of Boston. The tripod was packed so this was hand held.

This might well be the last time I take a photograph in the USA. We do unfortunately need to reduce the amount we spend on travel and three-week road trips are pretty expensive. I have enjoyed immensely the opportunity to tour parts of the USA over the past twenty years and driving over 30,000 miles in your incredibly beautiful country. The vast majority of the Americans I have met during these visits were so very warm and welcoming.

Thanks for following the route of my recent holiday. Obviously I have many other photographs to post from this last trip well over well over a hundred. They will appear randomly over the coming months or years, I still have shots in the archives from our trips to the US in 2014 and 2016 so lots more American images to come.

Sadly must end on a negative note. It’s almost beyond belief when a leader of another democratic country endorses the views of a criminal and extreme right wing group in my country. I do not use the word criminal hyperbolically; some of its members are in jail for racialist attacks. The deputy leader of this group “Britain First” Jayda Fransen is currently on bail charged with inciting racial hatred and other public order offences. She will appear at Belfast Magistrates' Court on Thursday 14 December. Imagine how furious Americans would feel if a British politician showed their support for the Ku Klux Klan

In case you feel I am being extreme in my reaction let me quote the British prime Minister Teresa May not someone on the whole I tend to agree with on any issue .10 Downing Street said and I quote

"British people overwhelmingly reject the prejudiced rhetoric of the far right which is the antithesis of the values that this country represents - decency, tolerance and respect. It is wrong for the president to have done this."

THANKS FOR YOUR VISIT AND FOR TAKING THE TIME TO WRITE A COMMENT IT’S MUCH APPRECIATED AND SO MUCH MORE INTRESTING THAN JUST GIVING A FAVE

Below I found at

www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/w/william_faulkner.html

William Faulkner, American Novelist Quotes

Birth Day: Sept. 25, 1897; Death Day: July 6, 1962

A gentleman can live through anything.

A man's moral conscience is the curse he had to accept from the gods in order to gain from them the right to dream.

A mule will labor ten years willingly and patiently for you, for the privilege of kicking you once.

A writer must teach himself that the basest of all things is to be afraid.

William Faulkner

All of us failed to match our dreams of perfection. So I rate us on the basis of our splendid failure to do the impossible.

Always dream and shoot higher than you know you can do. Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.

An artist is a creature driven by demons. He doesn't know why they choose him and he's usually too busy to wonder why.

Clocks slay time... time is dead as long as it is being clicked off by little wheels; only when the clock stops does time come to life.

Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself.

Everything goes by the board: honor, pride, decency to get the book written.

__________________________

Friday, August 15, 2008

The Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Jesus' Mother

Today is a Holyday of Obligation

For more information, please click here

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab

Psalm 45:10, 11, 12, 16

1 Corinthians 15:20-27

Luke 1:39-56

A priest friend of mine, now deceased, once remarked in a homily for this solemn feast that "The dogma of the Assumption was defined in 1950 at the beginning of a decade that saw the intensifying of the Cold War and the spread of nuclear threat, a time when many questioned how much of a future our world had." Thinking back to that period, there was a new prosperity emerging in America, yet military involvement continued in Europe and there was the Korean War. During that time and now, the dogma of "Mary's Assumption has a message of serenity in facing the future." *

A follower of Christ will learn from the fulfillment of Mary's faith through the Assumption, that the words of scripture spoken by Elizabeth are true: "Blessed is she who trusted that the Lord's words to her would be fulfilled." A follower of Christ will learn to receive God's Word, its message, the Spirit's gifts, and in the fashion given to the baptized, the Body of Christ.

On earth, Mary manifested trust. It was irrepressible. The Magnificat sings of God's mercy, blessing and justice. Her patient endurance through the passion and death of Jesus gives witness to a love that would not fail.

And God did not fail her. The first act of new creation has begun for the woman who was the instrument of the Word of Life coming to dwell among us.

Do you find any evidence of wistful thinking on the part of Mary? I do not. Keep Mary in mind as you experience anxiety about the future. As much as we would like to control the future we cannot. We can, nevertheless, adopt the spirit of the chosen one and have confidence and joy based on the promises of faith and the evidence of God with us.

- Rev. Stephen H. Gratto | email: smartins@frontiernet.net

*(with thoughts from the late Rev. Edward J. Wright)

______________

EXPLORE 2008 # 179, # 225 on 08-16; # 439 on 08-15; # 245 on 08-18; # 258 on 08-19; # 335 on 08-21; # 427 on 08-28; # 446 on 08-31; # 498 on 09-15

As Nottingham's shops continue to close at an alarming rate, the face of the streets is changing dramatically, not always for the better. At least, on Bridlesmith Gate, they are trying to brighten things up a bit. Snapped with the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G phone cam and pushed, pulled and twisted about, way beyond the realms of common decency!

Italian postcard by Bromostampa, Milano, no. 380.

Voluptuous American actress Mamie Van Doren (1931) was a sex symbol of the 1950s and 1960s. Van Doren starred in several exploitation films such as Untamed Youth (1957), loaded with rock 'n' roll and juvenile delinquency. Her onscreen wardrobe usually consisted of tight sweaters, low-cut blouses, form-fitting dresses, and daring swimsuits. Mamie and her colleague blonde bombshells Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield were known as 'The Three M's.'

Mamie Van Doren was born Joan Lucille Olander in Rowena, South Dakota, in 1931. She was the daughter of Warner Carl Olander and Lucille Harriet Bennett. In 1942 the family moved to Los Angeles. In early 1946, Van Doren began working as an usher at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. The following year, she had a bit part on an early television show. She also sang with Ted Fio Rito's band and entered several beauty contests. She was married for a brief time at seventeen when Van Doren and her first husband, Jack Newman, eloped to Santa Barbara. The marriage was dissolved quickly, upon her discovery of his abusive nature. In the summer of 1949, at age 18, she won the titles Miss Eight Ball and Miss Palm Springs. Van Doren was discovered by producer Howard Hughes the night she was crowned Miss Palm Springs. The pair dated for five years. Hughes provided her with a bit role in Jet Pilot at RKO Radio Pictures. Her line of dialogue inconsisted of one word, "Look!". The following year, 1951, she posed for famous pin-up girl artist Alberto Vargas, the painter of the glamorous Vargas Girls. His painting of Van Doren was on the July 1951 cover of Esquire magazine. Van Doren did a few more bit parts in RKO films, including His Kind of Woman (John Farrow, 1951) starring Robert Mitchum and Jane Russell. Van Doren then began working on the stage. She was a showgirl in New York in Monte Proser's nightclub version of Billion Dollar Baby. Songwriter Jimmy McHugh discovered her for his musicals, then decided she was too good for the chorus line and should have dramatic training. She studied with Ben Bard and Bliss-Hayden. While appearing in the role of Marie in a showcase production of Come Back, Little Sheba, Van Doren was seen by Phil Benjamin, a casting director at Universal International. In 1953, Van Doren signed a contract with Universal Studios. They had big plans for her, hoping she would bring the same kind of success that 20th Century Fox had with Marilyn Monroe. Van Doren, whose signing day coincided with the inauguration of President Eisenhower, was given the first name Mamie for Ike's wife, Mamie Eisenhower. Universal first cast Van Doren in a minor role as a singer in Forbidden (Rudolph Maté, 1953), starring Tony Curtis. Interested in Van Doren's allure, Universal then cast her again opposite Curtis in The All American (Jesse Hibbs, 1953), playing her first major role as Susie Ward, a wayward girl who is the man-trap at a campus beer joint. In Yankee Pasha (Joseph Pevney, 1954), starring Jeff Chandler and Rhonda Fleming, she played a slave girl, Lilith. In 1955, she had a supporting role in the musical Ain't Misbehavin' (Edward Buzzell, 1955) and starred in the crime-drama Running Wild (Abner Biberman, 1955). Soon thereafter, Van Doren turned down a Broadway role in the play Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?, and was replaced by newcomer Jayne Mansfield. In 1956, Van Doren appeared in the Western Star in the Dust (Charles F. Haas, 1956). Though Van Doren garnered prominent billing alongside John Agar and Richard Boone, she appears rather briefly, as the daughter of a ranch owner. By this time, Van Doren had grown tired of Universal, which was only casting her in non-breakthrough roles. Therefore, Van Doren began accepting bigger roles in better movies from other studios, such as Teacher's Pet (George Seaton, 1958) with Doris Day and Clark Gable. She appeared in some of the first films to feature rock 'n' roll music, such as Untamed Youth (Howard W. Koch, 1957). The film was originally condemned by the Catholic Legion of Decency, but that only served to enhance the curiosity factor, resulting in it being a big moneymaker for the studio. Van Doren became identified with this rebellious style, and made some rock records. She went to star in several bad girl movies that later became cult films. These include Born Reckless (Howard W. Koch, 1958), High School Confidential (Jack Arnold, 1958), and The Beat Generation (Charles F. Haas, 1959). After Universal Studios chose not to renew her contract in 1959, Van Doren was now a free agent and had to struggle to find work.

Mamie Van Doren became known for her provocative roles. She was in prison for Girls Town (Charles F. Haas, 1959), which provoked censors with a shower scene where audiences could see Van Doren's naked back. As Eve in The Private Lives of Adam and Eve (Mickey Rooney, Albert Zugsmith, 1960) she wore only fig leaves, and in other films, like Vice Raid (Edward L. Cahn, 1960) audiences were clued in as to the nature of the films from the titles. Many of these productions were low-budget B-movies which sometimes gained a cult following for their high camp value. An example is Sex Kittens Go to College (Albert Zugsmith, 1960), which co-starred Tuesday Weld and Mijanou Bardot - Brigitte's sister. Mamie also appeared in foreign productions, such as the Italian crime comedy Le bellissime gambe di Sabrina/The Beautiful Legs of Sabrina (Camillo Mastrocinque, 1959) with Antonio Cifariello, and the Argentine film Una americana en Buenos Aires/The Blonde from Buenos Aires (George Cahan, 1961) with Jean-Pierre Aumont. Van Doren took some time off from her career and came back to the screen in 1964. That year she played in the German Western musical Freddy und das Lied der Prärie/In the Wild West (Sobey Martin, 1964), starring Freddy Quinn and Rik Battaglia. Tommy Noonan convinced Van Doren to appear in 3 Nuts in Search of a Bolt (Tommy Noonan, 1964). Van Doren had turned down Noonan's previous offer to star in Promises! Promises!, in which she would have to do nude scenes. She was replaced by Jayne Mansfield. In 3 Nuts in Search of a Bolt, Mamie did a beer-bath scene, but is not seen nude. She posed for Playboy to promote the film. Van Doren next appeared in The Las Vegas Hillbillys (Arthur C. Pierce, 1966) which co-starred Jayne Mansfield. It was the only time two of 'The Three M's' appeared together in a film. A sequel was titled Hillbillys in a Haunted House, but Van Doren turned this role down, and was replaced by Joi Lansing. She appeared in You've Got to Be Smart (Ellis Kadison, 1967), and the Sci-Fi film, Voyage to the Planet of Prehistoric Women (1968), directed by the young Peter Bogdanovich (as Derek Thomas). In this film astronauts land on Venus and encounter dangerous creatures and meet sexy Venusian women who like to sun-bathe in hip-hugging skin-tight pants and seashell brassieres. In 1968, she was offered the role of a murder victim in the independent horror film The Ice House as a replacement for Mansfield, who died the previous year. She turned the offer down, however, and was replaced by Sabrina. During the Vietnam War, she did tours for U.S. troops in Vietnam for three months in 1968, and again in 1970. Van Doren also developed a nightclub act and did live theatre. She performed in stage productions of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and Dames at Sea at the Drury Lane Theater, Chicago, and appeared in Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? and The Tender Trap at the Arlington Park Theater. In the 1970s, Van Doren performed a nightclub act in Las Vegas as well. Van Doren had a supporting role in the Western The Arizona Kid (Luciano B. Carlos, 1970). Since then, Van Doren has appeared only in cameo appearances in low-budgeted films. To this date Van Doren's last film appearance was a cameo role in the comedy Slackers (Dewey Nicks, 2002). Van Doren's guest appearances on television include Jukebox Jury, What's My Line, The Bob Cummings Show, The Jack Benny Show, Fantasy Island, Burke's Law, Vega$, and L.A. Law. She released her autobiography, Playing the Field, in 1987 which brought much new attention and proved to be her biggest media splash in over 25 years. Since the book's publication she has often been interviewed and profiled and has occasionally returned to acting. Van Doren has been married five times. Her first marriage was to sportswear manufacturer Jack Newman whom she married and divorced in 1950. Her second marriage was to bandleader, composer and actor Ray Anthony whom she married in 1955. They had one son, Perry Ray Anthony (1956). The couple later divorced in 1961. When Van Doren's early 1960s, highly publicized, on-again off-again engagement to baseball player Bo Belinsky ended in 1964, she married baseball player Lee Meyers in 1966. They were divorced in 1967. Her fourth marriage was to businessman Ross McClintock in 1972. They met while working on President Nixon's reelection campaign; the marriage was annulled in 1973. Since 1979 she has been married to Thomas Dixon, an actor and dentist.

Sources: Wikipedia and IMDb.