Entertainment Recommendations: TV Series: Drama: Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries

Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (2012 to 2015) is an Australian TV series. It was on Netflix and I binge-watched it. Fantastic! I like murder mysteries. However, I had only ever watched BBC or British television shows because that's what was available on American TV. But then we subscribed to Netflix, and that streaming service has Australian, Canadian, Turkish, etc. … a wide variety of international movies and TV shows; with lots of mysteries.

This series is no longer on Netflix (at least not in the USA); but it is being aired on PBS, our Public Broadcasting Station, free local TV. On Wednesday nights, they show several episodes. So I'm re-watching them. They're still terrific!

I love Miss Fisher, private investigator. Wait! Let me properly introduce her. She is The Honorable Miss Phryne Fisher (played by Essie Davis). She is a strong-willed, independently wealthy single woman with a very clever mind, excellent taste in fashion, and a golden gun. The setting is 1920s Melbourne, Australia. Each episode keeps your interest from start to finish.

AcornMediaUS. “Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Series 1 Trailer.” YouTube, 18 Mar. 2013, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aEqGHISwqk.

• According to Wikipedia, there was a movie also made titled “Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears”, released in 2020. 

Acorn TV. “Acorn TV Exclusive.” YouTube, 10 Feb. 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFgo5VWYmEA.

• In 2019, they made a spin-off series titled “Ms Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries”. I watched the previews and quite frankly … it looked super boring! I couldn't get excited about it, so it's NOT on My Watch List.  But don't let that stop you.

Blackbox, TV. “Ms Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries Starts Feb 21 on 7.” YouTube, 11 Feb. 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbCthSyl13Y.

 

RELATED LINKS:

Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries (TV Series 2012–2015) – IMDb

Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries - ABC TV

How Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries conquered America | US television | The Guardian

Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries are perfect for binge-watching. Just add popcorn.🍿🍿

Original source

Would you be interested in more entertainment recommendations?

Enjoying Some Quality ME Time With Movies, Music and Books

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Entertainment : Review of TV Drama Series : "Small Island" (2009) [Old But Gold Masterpiece Theater Gem]

"Small Island" is a two-part drama adapted for television, included in the BBC Masterpiece Classic Collection, based on a novel by the same title written by Andrea Levy.

*

“Small Island” is a BBC Masterpiece Theater presentation.  The name of the main character is Hortense, an idealistic “proper” young Jamaican woman who dreams of living in England and she will fulfill her dream! It may take a little bit of conniving but … she will make it happen!

The setting is the 1940s; during and after the World War II - Jamaica and London.

* Naomie Harris plays Hortense.  She is something else!!

If the name Naomie Harris sounds familiar, it should. She starred in the James Bond movie, “Skyfall”. At the end of the movie, she finally formally introduced to Mr. Bond as “Miss Moneypenny”.

Here's the plot in a nutshell.

Hortense has a friend who has a fiancé and that fiancé is in the military and intends to take the friend, who will be his wife, with him when he goes to England. Uh huh. That was the original plan. But Hortense figured out a way to get the guy to ditch the friend and take her to England instead.   Like I said:  She is something else!  :)

* David Oyelowo plays Gilbert, the fiancé, scratch that ex-fiancé … dot dot dash … husband of “convenience”.

David Oyelowo. That name sound familiar? It should. He was “Danny” in the popular BBC spook TV show, “MI-5”. Also chosen for the role of “Dr. Martin Luther King”, in the Oscar-nominated film “Selma” about the Civil Rights Movement in America.

“Small Island” is a love story and you will love all of the characters; the ones in the starring roles and the supporting roles. They are very realistic and you will feel like you're a part of their lives.

Authentic costumes, great scenery, believable dialogue, stellar performances, quality entertainment!

My one word to describe this masterpiece? Delightful!

Most memorable line? “Gilbert! I'm perishin' in this bed!” :)

Hortense dreams of England - Small Island - BBC

AZPM. “Masterpiece Classic: Small Island PREVEW.” YouTube, 23 Jan. 2013, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqQ2fijnNGA.

NOTE:  This content was first published at Daily Two Cents; however that site shut down.  

Andrea Levy’s “Small Island” is a gem of a novel that brings #history to life in a way that feels deeply personal. Set between Jamaica & post-war Britain, it explores race, belonging, & the courage it takes to start over. : amzn.to/4uzvfUK 💙📚 #booksky #afflink #Kindle Adapted by #BBCMasterpiece

— [ᴛʀᴇᴀᴛʜʏʟ ꜰᴏx ᴀᴋᴀ ᴄᴍᴏɴᴇʏꜱᴘɪɴɴᴇʀ] 💖 (@cmoneyspinner.bsky.social) 2026-05-25T16:42:51.410Z

Music Quotes That Move Me ( and Probably Move You Too!)

Once upon a time, there was a community on Google+ for music lovers, and it had a category for “Music Quotes”. It was fun!  You share lyrics or quotes from a song that moves or touches you. Doesn't matter whether you're a fan of the artist's singing or even if you don't really like the song; sometimes certain words strike you. 

Sadly, the community no longer exists and also Google plans to shut down the G+ social network during 2019.

I love the idea of sharing music quotes that move me.  Here's an example. In this example, I also have great respect and admiration for the artist performing. Loyal Tina Turner fan. This is a throwback song from the soundtrack for Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome (1985).  This music video turned Tina Turner into a Post Apocalyptic Rock Goddess.

LYRICS / QUOTES: “There's just one thing you've got to know ... You're one of the living.”

“One of the Living” has a surprisingly rich backstory. It wasn’t just a soundtrack cut; it was a deliberate artistic pivot for Tina Turner, a collaboration with some unexpected rock heavyweights, and a music video that pushed her image into full-blown post-apocalyptic glam.

• “We Don’t Need Another Hero” became the emotional anthem of the film, “One of the Living” was the aggressive, rock-driven opener — and it earned Turner a Grammy for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance. (A Grammy win for Best Female Rock Vocal Performance (1986), but often cited as one of Turner’s most underrated rock performances. Weird (O.o).

• “We Don’t Need Another Hero” is about longing for peace and a future beyond violence; “One of the Living” is about survival in a brutal world.

Who actually played on it?

• Holly Knight (of “Love Is a Battlefield” fame) wrote the song.

• Mike Chapman (Blondie, The Knack) produced it.

• The Fixx’s guitarist, Jamie West-Oram, played the signature guitar parts.

• Tim Cappello, Turner’s famously ripped saxophonist, contributed as well.

The result was a track that blended Turner’s raw power with a distinctly mid 80s rock edge — perfect for the Mad Max universe. This video helped cement Turner’s mid 80s reinvention — not just a comeback pop star, but a cinematic, larger-than-life icon.

song of the day - "One Of The Living" | TINA TURNER | 1985.

On June 15, 2014, Casey Kasem, host of the longtime countdown program, AMERICAN TOP 40, passed away at the age of 82. ...

song of the day - "One Of The Living" | TINA TURNER | 1985.

On June 15, 2014, Casey Kasem, host of the longtime countdown program, AMERICAN TOP 40, passed away at the age of 82. From my first blog post (and probably some more in between then and now), I explained how, in 1979, I was a geeky, lanky, and somewhat lost 12-year-old living in Central Maine, had a...

First published at MyLot, SEPTEMBER 26, 2015

Music is What Feelings Sound Like Quote on a Vinyl Record Album Wall Art | Vinyl Revamped

Do You Know Which Rock Stars Are Classical Music Composers?

Most everybody likes all kinds of music.

Most musicians in the entertainment business know that all kinds of music don’t always all kinds of record sales and a whole lot of cash!

Most successful rock musicians know that if they had started their career playing classical music, they would very likely not have a career.



Sharing this really cool link about rock stars who also write classical music. You probably already knew about Paul McCartney. Right?

Here is the complete list.

1. Paul McCartney
2. Roger Waters
3. Frank Zappa
4. Jonny Greenwood
5. Bryce Dessner
6. Glenn Danzig
7. John Paul Jones (???)

(???)  No doubt the former bassist for Led Zepellin has the skills but he has been writing an opera for several years.  (John Paul Jones Is Writing an Opera, UCR article dated June 2013).  Loyal fans who believe are wondering and waiting.  

♦ Reference:

DeGroot, Joey. “7 Rock Stars Who Also Write Classical Music: Paul McCartney, Frank Zappa, And More.” Music Times, February 03, 2018 / 12:05 AM, 17 June 2014, www.musictimes.com/articles/6855/20140617/7-rock-stars-who-also-write-classical-music-paul-mccartney-frank-zappa-and-more.htm.

Paul McCartney

• Rock: Paul McCartney rose to global fame as the bassist, singer, and co‑songwriter of The Beatles, later continuing with Wings and a long solo career. 
• Classical: He has composed major classical works, including Liverpool Oratorio, Standing Stone, and Ecce Cor Meum, establishing a parallel career in orchestral and choral music.  

Roger Waters

• Rock: Roger Waters co‑founded Pink Floyd and became the band’s principal lyricist and conceptual leader during its most influential years. 
• Classical: Waters has engaged deeply with classical music throughout his life, drawing on it as a major creative influence even beyond his rock compositions.  

Frank Zappa

• Rock: Frank Zappa led The Mothers of Invention and built a prolific solo career defined by experimental rock, satire, and genre‑blending innovation.  
• Classical: He composed orchestral, chamber, and musique concrète works from his teens onward, with pieces performed by ensembles such as the London Symphony Orchestra and Ensemble Modern.  

Jonny Greenwood

• Rock: Jonny Greenwood is best known as the lead guitarist and multi‑instrumentalist of Radiohead. 
• Classical: He has written numerous contemporary classical works—including Horror vacui, Water, and Smear—and is widely recognized for his orchestral and film‑score compositions. 

Bryce Dessner

• Rock: Bryce Dessner is the guitarist for The National, contributing to the band’s distinctive indie‑rock sound. 
• Classical: He is an award‑winning classical composer whose works are commissioned by major orchestras worldwide and who has built a significant career in modern classical and film music. 

Glenn Danzig

• Rock: Glenn Danzig founded the Misfits, Samhain, and Danzig, becoming a defining figure in punk, horror‑punk, and heavy metal.  
• Classical: He wrote and performed the modern classical album Black Aria, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s classical chart.  

John Paul Jones

• Rock: John Paul Jones was the bassist and keyboardist for Led Zeppelin and is regarded as one of rock’s most versatile multi‑instrumentalists.  
• Classical: He has composed contemporary classical works, including a newly premiered song cycle performed at London’s Wigmore Hall.  

Here is a clean, MLA‑formatted source list for the information about rock stars who also write classical music, based on the material surfaced in the search results you requested. Each citation corresponds to a source that discusses at least one of the musicians on your list and their classical‑music work.

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 ✔️ MLA 9 Citations for Sources Used

Music Times. “7 Rock Stars Who Also Write Classical Music: Paul McCartney, Frank Zappa, And More.” Music Times, 17 June 2014. Music Times

“Paul McCartney’s Obsession with Classical Music and His Symphonic Works.” The Beatles – Today in Beatles History, 10 Aug. 2025. The Beatles - Today in Beatles History

“Paul McCartney’s Classical Works: Where to Start.” Classic FM, 18 June 2013. Classic FM

“Paul McCartney’s Remarkable Classical Works.” Steve Hoffman Music Forums, 16 Jan. 2021. Steve Hoffman Music Forums

The Paul McCartney Project. “Paul McCartney • Classical Albums.” The Paul McCartney Project, www.the-paulmccartney-project.com. The Paul McCartney Project

The Vintage Guide to Classical Music: An Indispensable Guide for Understanding and Enjoying Classical Music

Where To Find Fascinating Facts About Classic Fairy Tales

Did you know that many of the classic fairy tales that we read today were not originally written that way? 

Do you believe that wonderful and interesting people and places exist all around the world? So do I. Based on my virtual travels, Slovenians seem to be my kind of people! Why do I say that? 

By Léon Carré (Livre des 1001 nuits) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Mainly because of Tolovaj.com (aka “Tolovaj Wordsmith“), a small publishing house in Ljubljana, Slovenia, that specializes in publishing literature for children as its primary line of business. As a secondary business project, they delve into the under-reported history behind many of the classic fairy tales and share the fascinating results of their research.

• Did you know the first edition of Grimm’s original story, “The Frog Prince”, was not even intended for a child audience?
• Do you know the true symbolism and history behind the fairy tales, “Sleeping Beauty” and “Little Red Riding Hood”?
• Sure most of us know about Aesop’s fables. But do we know Aesop?

Many of the Tolovaj articles are on display at their blogs or at online writing communities like Zujava, HUBPages, and Wizzley. On display? Yes. Take a look and you will agree that the research findings are presented to the reader in such a way that not only is it very enjoyable reading but the accompanying artwork turn the pages into visually stunning masterpieces.

Aren’t you a little curious about the real story behind all those stories collectively known today as “1001 Arabian Nights”?

AI-generated using DreamUp art tool 

**

5 fascinating facts about classic fairy tales (that many people don’t realize):

1. Many fairy tales were originally very dark
   Early versions of stories like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Snow White included violence, punishment, and grim endings meant to warn rather than entertain.

2. Fairy tales were first told for adults, not children
   These stories were shared orally among adults as lessons about survival, social rules, and human behavior—long before they became children’s bedtime stories.

3. The Brothers Grimm didn’t “invent” most of their stories
   Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm collected folk tales from storytellers across Europe, often editing them multiple times to make them more suitable for families.

4. Fairy godmothers are a relatively modern addition
   In early versions of Cinderella, magical helpers were often animals or spirits, not the wand-waving fairy godmother we know today.

5. Disney significantly softened the originals
   Many famous fairy-tale endings—like true love’s kiss or happily-ever-after—were emphasized or invented in modern adaptations to make the stories more optimistic and family-friendly.

🧚‍♂️✨

Disney Princess: 5-Minute #Princess #Stories (5-Minute Stories): Disney #Books #NewYear #readinglist ~ https://t.co/QY7MeiiG5E
This treasury stars all 12 Disney princesses, from Snow White to Moana, and features a durable, padded cover and beautiful full-page illustrations. pic.twitter.com/UXBCMAg5Ca

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) December 31, 2025

'Contemporary crime novels have the monopoly on moral ambiguity - but fairy tales take no prisoners and often offer no redemption.' @CrimeReads looks at the connection between #fairytales and classic crime stories. https://t.co/bKWSmvA5Lm

— The Folio Society (@foliosociety) June 4, 2019

First Books in Every Child's Library Should Be Fairy Taleshttps://t.co/WV5fIQk5Mb

For the first tender years of my life (ages birth to 7 years), I grew up in the James E. Scott Community Housing Projects. Folks who lived there just called it “the projects”. My older siblings … pic.twitter.com/Pr1831Uud3

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) April 10, 2020

What happened AFTER happily ever after?✨

📘 Fairy Tales, the Sequel: The Fantasy Continues
Reenter enchanted worlds. Old Stories take bold new turns, secrets unravel, and beloved characters face new adventures. https://t.co/RZPw83UjUD#Books #FairyTales #FantasyReads pic.twitter.com/R3rF1R7QIA

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) December 31, 2025

For Music Lovers: Yanni Live at the Acropolis

Are there any Yanni fans in the house? There must be! 

This Grammy-nominated artist enjoys international fame and has held live concerts all around the world (30 countries on 5 continents). His music career spans almost 5 decades. One of my favorite performances was when he appeared at the Acropolis (recorded Sep 1993; album released Mar 1994). The show was spectacular! I have the album in my CD collection. 

Actually, I own several Yanni albums. But if you don't have any CDs, no worries. You can listen to many of his musical performances on YouTube. Lots of concert clips have been uploaded by his adoring fans. However, after listening, you just might be tempted to purchase some Yanni albums to have in your personal music library. You never know when you might lose access to the Internet and won't be able to view and listen to online videos.

♫ Yanni Live at the Acropolis, Greece - Santorini

♫ Yanni KEYS TO IMAGINATION

♫ YANNI - Within Attratcion - Live At Royal Albert Hall (Armen Anassian & Karen Briggs)

♫ ♫ ♫

Yanni - Live at the Acropolis  

10 facts about Yanni’s biography and career:

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🌟 Yanni – Bio & Career Highlights

• Birth and Early Life: Born Yiannis Chryssomallis on November 14, 1954, in Kalamata, Greece.
• Musical Roots: Began playing piano at age six, self-taught and refused formal lessons Yanni.
• Education: Studied psychology at the University of Minnesota before pursuing music full-time.
• Musical Style: Known for blending jazz, classical, soft rock, and world music into instrumental compositions.
• Career Start: Active since 1977, initially with the rock group Chameleon before launching his solo career.
• Grammy Recognition: Nominated twice for Best New Age Album at the GRAMMY Awards, including In My Time GRAMMY.com.
• Global Concerts: Famous for performing at iconic venues like the Acropolis, Taj Mahal, and Forbidden City.
• Album Success: Has sold over 25 million albums worldwide, earning more than 40 platinum and gold records.
• Personal Life: Once romantically linked to actress Linda Evans; has a daughter, Krystal Ann.
• Legacy: A leading figure in New Age music, celebrated for bringing instrumental compositions to mainstream audiences.

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📌 Quick Takeaway

Yanni is a Greek-born, self-taught composer and pianist whose career spans nearly five decades. With global concerts at historic landmarks, two Grammy nominations, and millions of albums sold, he remains one of the most influential figures in New Age and instrumental music.

REFERENCE:

Ayuba, Haruna. “Yanni Biography: Age, Net Worth, Albums, Concerts, Daughter, Linda Evans, Music.” TheCityCeleb, 23 Aug. 2025, https://www.thecityceleb.com/biography/celebrity/musician/record-producer/yanni-biography-age-net-worth-albums-concerts-daughter-linda-evans-music/.

Dash. “Yanni- Wiki, Age, Height, Wife, Net Worth (Updated on March 2024).” Vox Hour, 18 May 2022, https://voxhour.com/yanni/.

Why Do We Love Soap Operas? (This is My Continuing Story That Does Not Continue. LOL.)

Dear housewives (or househusbands): Please don't take this offensively but … soap operas are a waste of time. Aren't they? You know they are. So can you explain to me why we allow ourselves to become addicted? I don't watch soap operas anymore. It was a brief affair but then we parted ways.  This is my story.

Back in the day, when television had just been invented, those who could afford a TV set and had the opportunity to stay at home or work from home could watch the soaps. One summer, it happened. My sister and I got hooked! Starting at about one o'clock in the afternoon until about four o'clock, we would both be glued to the boob tube. Man! You can really get involved in the lives of the characters. Some of them you love. Some of them you hate. Funny thing! 

Despite its amazing popularity we never got hooked on General Hospital, which is probably the blueprint for all the other daytime soaps.

All My Children? AMC enjoys tremendous popularity, however, that series was a Johnny come lately and by that time we had lost interest. 

My mom worked from home. Her favorite soap shows used to be The Edge of Night, Guiding Light and As the World Turns. 

The two shows that we (my sister and I) really connected with were: Love is a Many Splendored Thing and One Life to Live. What made Love is a Many Splendored Thing a fave? We thought they had the most talented actors. You know it because the cast members moved on and accepted better acting roles in the entertainment industry.  In particular, we got attached to the loving couple, husband and wife, played by David Birney and Donna Mills. Of course, their relationship was not all peaches and cream. They had their difficulties, but we were always there to support them. We wanted them to stay together! Silly huh?

One Life to Live, of a truth, this was my favorite of the two. Why?  Well for all the sisters around the country who were also following ABC's OLTL back in the day, like my sister and me, there was really only one reason worth tuning in each and every day.  Doctor Price Trainor.  Pure eye candy!!  :)

 

Image credits: OLTL cast photo image found at welovesoaps.net; other images at Pixabay.com

* * *

P.S.  Hope you're not too terribly upset with me for dissing soap operas.  Trust me, it was all in fun :) Just humor.  Please don't slap me!

Soap Opera History

Artists I Fancy: Classic Movie Lovers Will Love This Spotlight on Gordon Bruce Art

The 1942 film "Casablanca" which starred Hollywood legends Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, did not make my list of memorable war movies, even though it was set during a war. If I was maintaining an official list, it would for sure be on my Top 10 favorite romantic love stories.

Using that introduction and background to shine the spotlight on one of the most incredible artists in the 21st century, Gordon Bruce.  Take a look at his painting.  Is it cool or what?!!  

Nobody will ever forget the line:  "Here's looking at you, kid."  

Everybody who sees this piece of artwork might be tempted to say:  "WOW!  Look at this, kid!!!"

Gordon Bruce : Casablanca "Here's looking at you kid" (oil on canvas) | ArtFinder

~ Do You Remember Humphrey Bogart?
~ Do you have a #favorite #Bogie movie?
~ Would you #bingewatch old #Bogart flicks?
https://t.co/rRIMlKtlM6 @cmoneyspinner #oldmovies #Hollywood #Hollywoodlegends #entertainment @ClassicMovieHub pic.twitter.com/lucy1kzNAc

— My Fox Nooze (aka Joie de Vivre Magazine) (@FoxMarks_ATX) March 5, 2020

JAHQAAUFO (Just Another Humorous Quip About Aliens and UFOs)

Aliens and UFOs, now called UAPs, are a very hot topic among "We the People".  It's so serious, the US military and key officials in the government are still concocting bogus stories about them.

• UFOs: Are They That Serious?. By Helen McCaw and David Broadwell  | Medium

Sharing a link above to an interesting and information article above, with my humorous opinionated comments shared below.

• UPDATE: Author decided to unpublish the article.  My remarks are stand alone though.  Please continue reading.  Thank you.

LOL. People need to realize that “governments” of almost all of the countries LIKE TO PLAY GAMES! They work on Top Secret projects that they can't openly talk about it. WHY? Usually it's because they don't want The Enemy to know. Sometimes, it's because they don't want the citizens to know. It might cause OUTRAGE!! Because sometimes citizens are like parents. They just don't understand.

However, seeing that we all live on the same planet, there is always a possibility someone might accidentally, unintentionally, stumble upon a TSP (Top Secret project). If and when they do, there has to be a “story” that must be FED by the Government to the GP (general public).

UFO … UAP … mentions or sightings equal BOGUS STORIES that sound kind of believable. Those stories serve a purpose. The purpose being to take your mind off of the real top secret project and get you talking and speculating about something that does not exist. Why do you think nobody has ever presented concrete evidence or proof of aliens? Because there is none!

Here's the reality. The people who work on those projects sign a Confidentiality Agreement. That means they're sworn to secrecy. If they try to break the agreement and tell somebody? The Government has “ways of dealing with people like that”. What? Will they kill you? Oh no! They'll just make you look like a blithering idiot and an individual who lacks credibility. We know NOW that Galileo was not crazy! I'm sure they knew it back then during his time. But they still put him away!

Am I saying the UFOs or UAPs are not real? Not at all. I'm saying they are real. And … if they don't belong to US, then they belong to The Enemy. If they belong to US, we have our reasons for not wanting the public to know. If they belong to The Enemy, we obviously don't want them to know that we know!!

Admit it. My logic is flawless. LOL. ☺

** For the record, "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (the original with Michael Rennie (1951); not the remake with Keanu Reeves (2008)), will always be my favorite movie about aliens and UFOs.

source

Book Review : The Appointment by Herta Müller

The alternate title for this post is :  "What a Way to Spend Christmas Day".

Today Romania is a Republic and enjoys a good relationship with many countries, the United States being one of them. But this was not always the case.

There was a time when Romania was ruled by a ruthless and oppressive dictator, Nicolae Ceaușescu. He is no longer with us.

One can imagine all the Romanians were likely dancing in the streets the day of his execution. It was also Christmas Day so they would have been celebrating anyway.

Image Credit: "Bloody Christmas": Christmas in Romania, 1989: romaniadacia.wordpress.com

● Herta Müller received a Nobel Prize for Literature.

● Born in Romania, she lived during the Ceaușescu regime. She escaped. Her novel “The Appointment” incorporates some of her own personal experiences.   The story is about a young Romanian woman who has an appointment that she must keep.

The story begins :

“I’ve been summoned. Thursday, at ten sharp.”

The story ends :

“The trick is not to go mad.”

● The lines in between paint a clear picture of what life was like in Communist Romania.

It's a quick read.  About 200 pages.

* * *

Historical Period Viki Original K-drama Series: The Red Sleeve (2021-2022); 17 episodes

The Red Sleeve Cuff (2021-2022); 17 episodes

This historical K-drama is a Viki Original series based on a novel of the same name. It's a fictionalized account of the love story of King Jeongjo and his royal consort Ui-bin Seong, but they are real historical figures. King Jeongjo is the 22nd monarch of the Joseon dynasty, and Ui-bin Seong (real name Seong Deok-im) was his royal consort. There were several pregnancies that resulted in miscarriages, one son lived, Crown Prince Munhyo.

This series focuses on the life of Seong Deok-im. She entered the palace at the age of ten (10) as a maid servant. Whereas all of the court ladies probably dreamed of being bedded by the king, Seong Deok-im rejected his advances. She did not want to become a concubine because she said she would no longer be able to have her own life. In other words, she would lose herself and only live for him.

Nevertheless, she fell in love with the king and became his favorite concubine, known as Royal Consort Sung Ui Bin. The series showed that she did give up her own life. When she was an ordinary court lady she could go out with friends, visit family, and enjoy the freedoms commoners enjoy. Once she became the king's concubine, her life was restricted to the palace. She spent the entire day just waiting for him to come to her chambers and rest his head in her lap. It was a life choice she made. Although she did not regret loving the king, she always knew she made a great sacrifice to live as the king's woman. She died in her early 30s and the king wrote on her epitaph about how much he had loved her.

P.S.  If you love Korean dramas, please visit my entertainment blog.  It has lots of K-Drama love.  Original source.

The Red Sleeve no.1, Korean Novel

Entertainment : Classic Movies: Malèna (2000) : Best Monica Belluci Film Ever!

Malèna is the best Monica Belluci film ever!

Are you a Monica Belluci fan?  Or do you just remember that hot lady in one of the Matrix movies that Keanu Reeves pretended he didn't really want to kiss (cause he was in front of his girlfriend)?

I'm not really a Monica Belluci fan.  What?  It's Monica Bellucci!  Belluci!  Bellucci!  Her name has the word "bell or belle" written all over and it means she's beautiful!  Yeah, I admit it.  I'm not a fan.  I hate her cause she's knock-down drop-dead gorgeous!

Found the photo on Pinterest.  The source led me to a cool Tumblr blog called Vintage.  This is a scene from a movie where Monica Belluci played an integral role.  Don't know how to class this flick.  War movie? Or Love story? Or You just hate me cause I'm beautiful!! Ever wonder what a real marriage partner who takes their vows seriously would do in a desperate situation? Don't believe that love conquers all? Watch this movie. It will make a believer out of you about the unbreakable bonds forged in love and marriage. 

NOTE:  Even though this film is not that old (20+ years), apparently it's already being considered a collectible.  This movie and Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe, were both released in 2000.  Gladiator was a winner at the 2001 Academy Awards:  best picture, best actor, best movie.  Malèna was only nominated for the Academy Award.  Folks aren't referring to Gladiator as a collectible movie.   Just sayin'.

This is the best Monica Bellucci film ever made!!  

Malèna (2000) Directed by Giuseppe Tornatore

Like one of those gems in cinematic history that you discover and keep on your video library shelf for private quiet moments.  You watch it alone or with your significant other.     

https://my-diary-of-desires.tumblr.com/post/172718391288/monica-bellucci-in-malèna-2000

Entertainment: 6 Old But Gold Bollywood Movies With an Awesome Soundtrack

These days video rental stores are practically nonexistent because of online video streaming. But three (3) decades ago, video rental stores changed my life. How so? The stores introduced me to foreign films and in particular, to Bollywood films. What’s so great about these Indian movies? The music! Yes, the dancing is awesome too. But you can’t have dancing without music. Right? 

Many of these films have an awesome soundtrack. In fact, it’s fun to search YouTube just looking for the songs. There are lots and lots of films but these are my Top 6. Yes, 5 out of 6 are Priyanka Chopra-Jonas movies. I’m a huge PCJ fan.

♦

(1)  *Karam (2005 ‧ Drama)

A young married couple should be able to lead a fairy tale “happily ever after” lifestyle. If only the husband wasn’t a paid contract killer; a bad guy who made some other bad guys really angry. It made their lives really complicated.  Music video: Tinka Tinka performed by Priyanka Chopra-Jonas.

(2)  *What’s Your Raashee? (2009 ‧ Bollywood/Comedy)

A guy needs to find a wife or lose his inheritance. He decides to choose his bride according to her “raashee” (her astrological sign).

(3)  *Fashion (2008 ‧ Bollywood/Drama)

A young woman pursues her dream of being a top fashion model, making sacrifices and bad decisions, along the way to get to the top.

(4)  *Yuvvraaj (2008 ‧ Drama)

There were light-hearted moments. But there was nothing funny about the plot. There are 3 brothers. One brother is mentally challenged and when the father dies, he leaves all the money to this son. The other 2 brothers, who feel that have been cheated, scheme to try to get the inheritance.

(5)  *7 Khoon Maaf (2011 ‧ Thriller/Drama)

The film is called “7” because the woman has seven husbands. Each time she marries, she is certain the man she chose will be her soulmate for life. It doesn’t work out and she conveniently becomes a widow, albeit she is never charged with any crime. In the end, she does find her soulmate. To be fair, the other six had it coming.

(6)  *Dostana (2008 ‧ Comedy/Drama)

Two guys need to rent an apartment at a complex in Miami, Florida USA with one catch. They have to be gay. They pretend to be gay, sign the lease, and their roommate is hot young heterosexual female that both of them fall for; only she doesn’t know it because she thinks they’re gay. The movie is cute and funny!

Content previously published at Virily.com

Watching after years 7 Khoon Maaf on Netflix.
An underrated film, and an utterly underrated performance by the splendid Priyanaka Chopra.

A woman in six relationships that all end in quite an unfortunate manner, 7 Khoon Maaf is a little-appreciated gem by Vishal Bhardwaj. pic.twitter.com/CsEghUKKu1

— Mehr Tarar (@MehrTarar) August 10, 2018

#Dostana completes 10 years after its release. #10YearsOfDostana pic.twitter.com/00UJky0DT1

— Filmfare (@filmfare) November 14, 2018

? Hindi or Indian Entertainment ~ Yuvvraaj (2008) ~ Hurray for Bollywood Music!! https://t.co/Zcp5m1IYLR

— My Fox Nooze (aka Joie de Vivre Magazine) (@FoxMarks_ATX) March 21, 2020

Search for #Bollywood movies on #AmazonPrimeVideo ~ https://t.co/A47IuCwJGZ @amazon @PrimeVideo #Entertainment #watchlists #watchparty #bingewatch pic.twitter.com/g1duxbV649

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) September 7, 2021

POPULAR BOLLYWOOD MOVIES ON NETFLIX
~ https://t.co/hvzqekN1H3 #watchlists #watchparty #Entertainment #horror #suspense #romance #comedies #truestories pic.twitter.com/or4YCpouBi

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) September 7, 2021