Thursday, September 30, 2010

Follow Friday: Jane Austen Em Português

Gentle Readers,

Raquel Sallaberry has been contributing posts to this blog for a number of months. Her contributions have been numerous and most welcome. Have you visited her site, Jane Austen em Português? Yes, it has a translation device! Here are two typical contributions that Raquel found for this blog. Don't you just love them?


"I do love in Sense and Sensibility

This is one of my favourite scenes from Sense and Sensibility 1995: Edward delicacy of the sentiments and the coldness of his sister, Fanny."


My humble homage to Elizabeth Gaskell; a photo from my little Cranford.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Regency Fashion, A Video

This video is ten minutes long, but worth watching. Enjoy the sight of uncommonly beautiful clothes and the sound of music: from the Soundtracks of "Coco Avant Chanel" by Alexandre Desplat., "Clair De Lune" by Debussy, "Avril 14th" by Aphex Twin, "Opus 36" by Dustin O' Halloran.


Perfect Braid Hairstyle by Penelope Cruz’s

Hairstyles 2010, Long Hairstyles
Perfect Braid Hairstyle by Penelope Cruz’s

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Happy 200th Birthday, Elizabeth Gaskel

Laurel Ann from Austenprose is hosting a birthday party for Elizabeth Gaskell on her 200th birthday!. The following bloggers are posting information about her on the same day. If you leave a comment on any of these blogs (including this one), you will be eligible to win a Naxos Audio book of North and South (value: $90). Listed are the participating blogs, including Jane Austen's World and Tony's blog, London Calling.

Spread the word!

Biography

Novels/Biography
Novellas
Resources
  • 14.) Your Gaskell Library – Links to MP3′s, ebooks, audio books, other downloads and reading resources available online: Janite Deb -Jane Austen in Vermont
  • 15) Plymouth Grove - A Visit to Elizabeth Gaskell’s home in Manchester: Tony Grant –London Calling 

Wuthering Heights Stars Tom Hardy and Charlotte Riley Are Engaged

Kathy and Heathcliff (Charlotte Riley and Tom Hardy)
Tom and Charlotte hit if off from the moment they met on the set of Wuthering Heights, and now they are engaged. Considering his appearance as Heathcliff, I'd say that Tom cleans up well. Very well.
Charlotte and Tom shortly after their engagement
Tom and Charlotte at the Inception premiere, July 2010
Read more about the couple in the article from People magazine.

Beautiful Braid Hairstyle for Homecoming Moment

Hairstyles 2010, Long Hairstyles
Beautiful Braid Hairstyle for Homecoming Moment

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Review: The Bedside, Bathtub & Armchair Companion to Jane Austen, by Carol Adams, Douglas Buchanan, and Kelly Gesch

“No one who had ever seen Catherine Morland in her infancy would have supposed her born to be an heroine.” -Northanger Abbey
No one who had ever seen a vegan feminist, a composer, and a graduate student would have supposed them to write a book about Jane Austen. However, in a bold move as unassuming as Catherine Morland, these three have strayed from their usual career paths and done exactly what we thought they’d never do: written a clever and engaging partner book for Jane Austen lovers everywhere.

Touting itself as a something-for-everyone work, The Bedside, Bathtub & Armchair Companion to Jane Austen weaves non-spoiler plot summaries of each of the novels with interesting tidbits of information: interviews with Jane scholars and artists, framework for the “ideal Jane Austen tour”, a description of fashionable Regency Era dress, and answers the age-old question we all must ask of Mr. Bingley, “What the heck is ‘white soup’?” There is a Jane Aptitude test (challenging even for the most dedicated addict), analyses of film adaptations and gift ideas for your best Janeite friends, an original song entitled “On Reading Jane Austen” and a delightful section about why young women look upon walking so favorably. Witty comments abound, and the reader finds themselves engrossed almost immediately in this amusing little adventure!

Among the most interesting aspects of the 218-page paperback is the summary of Northanger Abbey and the breakdown of Gothic clichés so readily parodied within. Catherine Morland’s mind runs away from her upon arriving at the abbey—looking around every corner for danger, assuming the worst about the mysterious General Tilney, and expressing dissent at the furniture being “in all the profusion and elegance of modern taste.” Upon investigating a strange Japanese cabinet during a predictable “dark and stormy night,” Catherine finds—horror of horrors!—a laundry list! A stack of bills for services rendered! SAY IT AIN’T SO! The Companion seems to chuckle along with the reader during these positively ridiculous happenings, describing Northanger Abbey as “the education of a naïve reader—both the reader in the book, Catherine Morland, and the reader holding the book, you.” (What? Did you expect something else in that cabinet? Me too.)

The Companion does what it claims, which is, in basic terms, to awaken interest in Jane Austen. I found my imagination buzzing with possibilities about the characteristics of Jane’s life during my short visit to The Companion, my mental imagery growing more intricate with every passing article about carriages, dresses, and ruminations about dinners that require a change of clothes. However, I was keenly aware that my imaginings were most-assuredly inaccurate, a usual side effect of a “brain candy” book. Those who value a scholarly approach to Jane Austen may find the work to be a bit trite, overly concerned with contemporary details that mattered little in Jane’s world. A reader who expects a significant contribution to Austen research will be disappointed, and may trip over some less-than-perfect areas of writing and a sloppy table of contents, penned by seemingly unqualified authors. But for those who wish to simply lean back and enjoy need look no further—The Bedside, Bathtub & Armchair Companion to Jane Austen is victorious, inciting more curiosity and unapologetic musings than many Austen addicts have felt in a long while.

Gentle readers, please welcome reviewer Shelley De Wees, who will be contributing her book reviews to Jane Austen Today and Jane Austen's World in the future. Check out her website, The Uprising, at this link.

Eva Longoria's hair style looks elegant with full curls that hang over the shoulder

Long Hairstyles, Hairstyles 2010
Eva Longoria's hair style looks elegant with full curls that hang over the shoulder

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Jane Austen Rip Off Throwdown

I finally read Colleen McCullough's The Independence of Miss Mary Bennet, which came out several years ago. Here's my review, which is based on the one I placed on Goodreads:

Imagine an author, Colleen McCullough, whose bestsellers like The Thornbirds, have made her rich and famous. Imagine another author, Jane Austen, whose novels did not make her rich and who became famous only decades after her death. The second author inspires a booming industry 200 years later that makes a profit for publishers who have been busily spinning off sequels and prequels and mashups, and for producers of films, plays and musicals.


The impulse that made Colleen McCullough jump on the Jane Austen bandwagon should have remained inside of her. This novel purports to be about Mary Bennet, the least pretty or interesting of the Bennet sisters. McCullough's book places Darcy's and Elizabeth's marriage in jeopardy, turns Jane Bingley into a breeding sow and Elizabeth into a boring person. Lydia is a whorish wife who sleeps around, Kitty is insufferable, and Darcy's son and heir is unable to stand up to his harsh father.  All traces of Mary's pedantic personality have disappeared, and she has actually become quite pretty (how this was accomplished I can't remember, but it had something to do with an operation on her pocky skin). After Mrs. Bennet's death, Mary throws off the mantle of wimpish responsibility and becomes an independent spirit desired by men.


Darcy, who in Pride and Prejudice doted on his sister Georgianna, is hugely disappointed with Elizabeth's performance as a breed cow, for she had the bad grace to deliver three daughters before his son and heir was born. McCullough's Darcy lacks any resemblance to the caring, responsible  man worshiped by his doting housekeeper, Mrs. Reynolds, and beloved by Elizabeth Bennet and his good friend Charles Bingley.


Devoid of Jane Austen's colorful characters or wit, the plot of this odd novel plods along  a tired, predictable and formulaic road. I hated wasting my precious life on this book, but had to see if it would get better. It did not. 


Look, had this book been another Colleen McCullough original, without the association to Pride and Prejudice, it would have stood on its own merit. But, with its pretend relationship to Jane Austen's characters, it is a colossal rip off, monetarily speaking. Potential readers who purchase this book will assume that the characters continue where Jane's left off, and that they will have retained a smidgen of their original personalities. Nope. McCullough totally ignores the future Jane had mapped out for the Darcys, Bingleys, and Bennets, and took them into her own brooding Thornbirdy territory. 

I don't need happily ever afters in my books. Still, the cynicism that went behind this production is breathtaking - the publisher and McCullough must have raked in a great deal of cash before the public realized that this product was meant to be a cash rip off, not an homage to Jane.


Today's question is this: If you have read the book do you agree with my assessment? If you have not read the book, are you inspired to read it (just to see what I'm fussing about?) or will you keep on ignoring it?


For those who are now anxious to read The Independence of Miss Mary Bennet, Alibris offers a hardback copy for $.99. I know that's a steep price, but I couldn't find a free copy.

The Independence of Mary Bennet
I read it and hated it
I read it and didn't finish it
I read it and ... gee, I forgot the plot
I read it and liked it
I loved it. Get over yourself.
I didn't read it, but want to read it now.
I didn't read it, but $.99 is too much to spend
I didn't read it and never will. Thanks for saving me the trouble.


  
pollcode.com free polls

Eva Longoria looks beautiful and attractive with long hair styles

Hairstyles 2010, Long Hairstyled
Eva Longoria looks beautiful and attractive with long hair styles

Friday, September 24, 2010

Neo Regency Men's Hairstyles

Roger wrote a post on Neo Regency Men's Hairstyles for the Hairstyler.com. Below are his descriptions of the Prince Regent's hairstyle and the modern version of it.


The Real Deal: King George IV had cool Regency hair. Check it out: it's typical of the period in so far as it's cropped quite short and has a distict wind-blown look about it... his hair's all combed forward onto the forehead and kind of tousled. I guess the bangs are the central element and they're cut at brow length with plenty of texture.

The Neo Regency Look: Chace Crawford's hair is an example of Neo Regency today. It's short on the back and sides with a longer textured fringe, swept forward and piecey, making his hair a bit like an updated Caesar cut too. Some hair product is essential for creating the texture and making the bangs a little wispy, but don't use too much or you'll risk looking greasy.

To read the rest of the article, go to this link.

Keira Knightley? A Double Take

When I saw this image taken at the Toronto International Film Festival, I did a double take and wondered if Keira Knightley had "work" done on her face. Then I read the caption: Rachel Weisz, who has slimmed down considerably. Am I the only one to notice the resemblance? The two women could play sisters.

Keira Knightley? No, it's Rachel Weitz

Keira Knightley

Follow Friday: Dancing With Mr Darcy and the Jane Austen Festival in Bath

Dancing in the ballroom at Chawton House
Two recent events may spark your interest. One is "Dancing With Mr. Darcy" at Chawton House. Click here to see over 80 images of the event. 
Refreshments during the ball
The Jane Austen Festival in Bath is ongoing and fabulous, from Friday 17th to Saturday 25th September. Click on the Jane Austen Centre in Bath to see Owen Benson's Flickr photo stream. Click here for an online visit to the venues in Bath.
Jane Austen Festival, Bath

Cute Short Curly Hairstyle by Eva Longoria

2010 Hairstyles, Short Hairstyles
Cute Short Curly Hairstyle by Eva Longoria

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Don't Mess With My Jane Austen!

Jessica Crispin from Bookslut.com gives her opinion on must-read books - books that are currently on the hot lists or on the list of classics that make up our literary heritage. Jessica is not into lists. Neither am I. In fact, I go out of my way to avoid books on the Oprah book list until they are so passé that they become a matter of choice again. I, and apparently Jessica, refuse to read the next literary Flavor of the Month simply because someone else has deemed it to be so.

As I continued to read the article I clucked in contented agreement, until I ran across this passage:
Of course there is no such thing as a must-read book. Maybe you should read some Tolstoy, but then again maybe not, if overly long descriptions of fields don’t really do anything for you, or if you have some problems with the whole woman-has-a-desire-and-so-must-die thing. Maybe you should check out some Jane Austen, but then again, Jane Austen is pretty boring and the whole marriage-as-life thing, I mean who really cares...
Boring? BORING?!! Don't mess with my Jane, Jessica. That's all I have to say.

Jane Austen Streaming Videos on Netflix

I've become addicted to watching streaming videos from Netflix on my TV or computer. Films that I like take turns in the "Watch Instantly" categories. The following Jane Austen film adaptations can be streamed at present:
Emma, 1972
Pride and Prejudice 1980
Sense and Sensibility 1981
Mansfield Park 1983
Sense and Sensibility 1995
Lost in Austen 2009
Keep checking! The movies take turns, as I found to my utter delight.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Jane Austen Today, Indeed!

Dear Vic,

It's a pleasure find out these little things about Jane! Jane Austen Today, the book!


Joel Weinsheimer, editor of the book, is from University of Minnesota. He specializes in late 18th century literature, Samuel Johnson and Jane Austen.

You can bid for the book on ebay.

Posted by Raquel Sallaberry, Jane Austen em Português

Monday, September 20, 2010

More Matthew Macfadyen Images from The Three Musketeers

Click on image for a larger version
More and more images from the set of The Three Musketeers are becoming available. These two of Matthew Macfadyen and his costars come from Accidental Sexiness, which showcases 8 in total.

Matthew Macfadyen with fellow musketeers

Darcylicious.com posted the cast members and their roles:

Matthew Macfadyen Role: Athos, one of the three musketeers

Other Cast Members:

Porthos: Ray Stevenson
Aramis: Luke Evans
D'Artagnan: Logan Lerman
Cardinal Richelieu: Christoph Waltz
Rochefort: Mads Mikkelsen
Milady de Winter: Milla Jovovich (former lover of Athos and a 17th century "Bond girl")
Duke of Buckingham: Orlando Bloom

Milla Jovovich during costume fittings

For images of Milla Jovovich, click on these costume pics.Also, more images available at Enchanted Serenity of Period Films.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

The King's Speech Wins Fan Favorite at Toronto Film Festival

"The King's Speech" won the Cadillac People's Choice Award at the Toronto International Film Festival on Sunday. The film, starring Colin Firth and Helena Bonham Carter, is a period drama about King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.
Colin Firth at a press conference in Toronto for the King's Speech
The Toronto International Film Festival is noncompetitive event, and thus this prize represents the fan favorite.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Jane Austen Throwdown

Earlier this month, Colin Firth (Mr. Darcy) and Hugh Grant (Edward Ferrars) turned 50 within one day of each other. Can you believe it? Give me some of the pickling juices these men are drinking! In celebration of this happy occasion, we ask you to vote for your favorite films in which these men played leading roles. You may only choose one film per actor. After you have voted for Hugh Grant scroll down to vote for your favorite Colin Firth film.
Hugh Grant as Edward Ferrars

Hugh Grant

Happy Birthday, Hugh! My favorite movie is...
Love Actually
Two Weeks Notice
About a Boy
Bridget Jones's Diary
Mickey Blue Eyes
Notting Hill
Sense and Sensibility
Four Weddings and a Funeral
Impromptu



  
pollcode.com free polls

Colin Firth as Mr.Darcy
Colin Firth

Happy Birthday, Colin! My favorite movie is...
A Single Man
Mamma Mia!
Bridget Jones's Diary
Love Actually
Girl With a Pearl Earring
The Importance of Being Earnest
Shakespeare in Love
Pride and Prejudice
Valmont



  
pollcode.com free polls

Talk Like Jane Austen Day: October 30th

Talk Like Jane Austen Day is in celebration of the 199th anniversary of the publishing of Sense and Sensibility. I stumbled across this site and have been advertising it far and wide on Facebook, Twitter, and this site. So, please spread the word!


On that day, you will be encouraged to "Go for a long walk, visit friends, and Talk Like Jane Austen."

Helpful hints from the site, Talk Like Jane Austen Day, include:

"Always refer to your close family members as "my" mother, father, sister, brother even when speaking to one of them. For example, Elizabeth might speak to Jane saying, "My mother has been nervous the whole day." (Whereas we contemporary English speakers would most likely say "our" mother. (Note the use of "the whole day" rather than all day long or a more contemporary phrase).

No Contractions- "Don't you think this an agreeable morning for a walk?" Would be "Do not you think this an agreeable morning for a walk?"

More helpful hints will be published as the event day nears!

Homecoming Hairstyle by Isla Fisher

2010 Hairstyles, Long Hairstyles
Homecoming Hairstyle by Isla Fisher

Friday, September 17, 2010

Virtual Visit to Henrietta Street, Where Jane Austen Stayed

Jane Austen's brother, Henry, lived in Henrietta Street in London, where he lived with his wife Eliza. Jane Austen would often stay at his home to work on her manuscripts and get them ready for publication.

Click here for a virtual visit of this street.

Henrietta Street as it is today in London

Read Tony Grant's article about Henry Austen's banking crisis in this article. View Tony's blog, London Calling.

Friday Follow

The Jane Austen Online Magazine features a variety of articles of interest to people who love to read about Jane Austen and her world. This month's feature is The Family Library, a detailed post about the importance of the library to a Regency family. Click here to read the article. In this month's feature, information from Jane Austen's World was included!
 The Story of a Country Houseby John Strickland Goodal

Kim Kardashian Homecoming Hairstyles

2010 Hairstyles, Long Hairstyles
Kim Kardashian Homecoming Hairstyles

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Look Alike Preference

Both these gents have a connection to Keira Knightley, who played Elizabeth Bennet. Both look so amazingly alike, that at times I mistake one for the other. Rupert Friend played Mr. Wickham in Pride and Prejudice, and in real life is Keira's significant other.

Rupert Friend as Prince Albert in The Young Victoria
Orlando Bloom played Will Turner in Pirates of the Caribbean, the love interest of Elizabeth Swann (Keira).
Orlando Bloom as the Duke of Buckingham in The Three Musketeers
Which actor do you prefer? I usually don't run a poll in the middle of the week, but I am too curious. Read more about The Three Musketeers in this link from the Daily Mail.

While these actors look alike, I prefer
Rupert Friend
Orlando Bloom



  
pollcode.com free polls

A Jane Austen Sequel: Misconceptions: Pride and Prejudice: A Conclusion

Love and marriage abound as the delightful world of Pride and Prejudice is revisited by author Doris Nieves. Become enchanted once again by familiar, beloved characters brought back to life through this lighthearted version of a classic tale. Experience an amusing read in Misconceptions: Pride and Prejudice: A Conclusion as it engages you in a fresh sequel to Jane Austen’s original novel. Fall back into the splendor and elegance of eighteenth century society as the inhabitants engross themselves in the business of securing a comfortable, stable future.

Misconceptions begins where Jane Austen left off, with the undaunted Mrs. Bennet continuing her search to find rich and refined husbands for her unmarried daughters, Kitty and Mary. Meanwhile, Lady Catherine renews her duty to find a husband for Miss Anne de Bourgh.

Will the girls cooperate with their mother’s plans or will their hearts lead them elsewhere? The book can be purchased at www.barnesandnoble.com , www.xlibris.com/bookstore , or your local bookstore.

Celebrity hair style-Michelle Williams, Mariska Hagerty and Jessica Simpson

Celebrity hair style