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)

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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

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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

Adding to My Collection for Tolkien Enthusiasts

One of my hobbies is collecting tidbits about Tolkien.  My first JDV blog post. "Bio Sketch of J. R. R. Tolkien, Author of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy", shared a link from a page I had published almost 10 years ago, along with some other links of interest.

Found an absolutely fabulous blog post to add to my collection, titled "Tolkien’s Angels: A question of belief".  This is from a blog published by Carolee Croft and it is a guest post written by epic fantasy author R K Lander.  

“If you are not a Tolkien geek, haven’t read the Silmarillion, Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, or just haven’t read about elves in mythology, your impression of an elf is probably ... tall angels with long hair and flighty voices who dance to the lyre and cry woeful tears as epic poems are recited. They float angelically around majestic gardens of blooming flowers …” 

NOTE: Had to reshare this post not because it's a great addition to my collection for Tolkien enthusiasts but also because the images are simply irresistible and also I like angels and elves. Some are creatures of fantasy and some are very real. Do you know which is which?* You may disagree with me but let's not. Let's just enjoy these lovely images.  Shared the one above via Pinterest.  Here's another one from the post.  It's spectacular!  You must visit this lady's blog.  The whole blog is spectacular!

Via Joie de Vivre Magazine on Pinterest

~ Shared via Pinterest: http://ift.tt/2AN2CMg

Related articles about Tolkien and angels

• 'Lord of the Rings' TV Series Planned for Amazon(slashfilm.com)

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• Society and Culture : Do You Believe in Angels?(forumcoin.com)*

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• How Shadow of War Breaks Tolkien's Middle-Earth Lore(screenrant.com)

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• The Angels of Mons: A Perfect Hoax from World War One(wizzley.com)

5 Books to Add to Your Reading List

Watched a short video showing that former POTUS Barack Obama (44th president, served 2 terms, inaugurated January 20, 2009, and served through January 20, 2017, is continuing his tradition of sharing his favorite music, movies, and books for the year. He published his list somewhere online.

In case you’re interested. Obama’s lists for 2016, 2017, and 2018.

That got me thinking. Movies and music you usually get around to watching or listening to. Whereas sometimes with books, unless they are audiobooks, you don’t find the time or make the time to read them. What was on your reading list for one year might end up being on the reading list for the next year and the next and the next.

Do you have any books that were on your reading list last year that are still on your reading list this year?

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Here are 5 leftover books to read from my list:

(1)  Hoff, Benjamin. TheTao of Pooh. E. P. Dutton, Inc., 1982. “For Han Hsiang-tse.”

(2)  Foner, Eric. A Short History of Reconstruction, 1863–1877. Harper Perrenial Modern Classics, 2015

(3)  Lewis, James R., and Evelyn Dorothy. Oliver. Angels A to Z. Visible Ink Press, 2008.

(4)  Cunliffe, Barry W. Rome and Her Empire. Edited by David Baker, McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1978.

(5)  Swindoll, Charles R. Fascinating Stories of Forgotten Lives. Thomas Nelson Inc, 2005.

#ReadTheWorld with FREE Kindle books in translation for #WorldBookDay https://t.co/hQkqreH4L1 via @AmazonPub #quarantine #reading #quarantinereading #readinglist #books #booklovers

— My Fox Nooze (aka Joie de Vivre Magazine) (@FoxMarks_ATX) April 18, 2020

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.

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Questions and Answers About Classic Literature

I have a Tumblr blog. (I have several in fact.) But I don't get much feedback and interaction from my followers other than reblogs and likes, for which I am grateful. I'm not complaining.  However, every once in awhile I come across a really cool Q & A post and have to pluck it from the Tumblr stream to share with the general public. I love questions and answers and I love literature.  This post was reblogged from another blog so I have to mention both blogs to give proper credit. 

• 'tis the fairy (aka somberlily)  reblogged a post from Quelle Surprise(aka chandlers-scrunchie) 

Post title: Classic Novel Themed Asks
The blogger (a teenager named Kate) asks a series of questions (bold print) and my responses follow. I'll give her the link to this post so that she can have my answers. She may be working on a school assignment. IDK.  The post seems to have been reblogged many times.

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Of Mice and Men - What drives/motivates you?

• The title of the book makes me think that men can be such rats!  I am motivated to rise above the silly rat race.

The Phantom of the Opera - What song currently defines your life?

• The theme song. But only if Sarah Brightman sings it.  What can I say?  I'm a huge fan of the lady and listening to her sing defines my life.

1984 - Spill a secret about yourself.

• The secret is I got no secrets.  I would have to make one up but I don't have the energy to do it.

Pride and Prejudice - Got a crush?

• No. But I like the way the story ended and I liked the Bollywood version/remake, "Bride and Prejudice".

The Scarlet Letter - What’s your favorite word and what does that word mean?

• Scarlet. It means red.  Red is my favorite color and you must admit that if you mark somebody with it you can't help but see them!

To Kill a Mockingbird - What’s the last text message you sent and the last song you listened to?

• I don't get text messages.  I don't have a mobile phone and I don't text people.  Whatever!  I'm an old lady.  I won't apologize because part of the tech world left me behind.  The last song I listened to was a love song in a Korean drama. I don't know the name of the song. The series was “Arang and the Magistrate”.  I love the South Korean actor Lee Joon-gi. I like his eyes. They're piercing. 

Wuthering Heights - Define your personal aesthetic.

• Those gloomy moors.

"The Moors - Moors play an important part in establishing the mood of the novel. ..." (REF: Wuthering Heights Symbolism: An Analysis of Symbolism in Wuthering Heights | brighthubeducation.com)

Fahrenheit 451 - What’s your favorite book?

• "Shannah". It's a historical romance by the late Kathleen Woodiwiss.

Moby Dick - What’s your most important goal in life?

• Die and go to heaven. “For what does it profit a man if he gain the whole world and lose his own soul.”

Jane Eyre - What’s a fictional character that you believe you are most like/you relate to most?

• Annette Funicello (1942 - 2013). All the goodie two shoes girly characters she played in those beach movies with Frankie Avalon. LOL. Plus she was the most memorable Mouseketeer from the original Mickey Mouse Club. I imagined myself being in that club.
• Shirley Temple (1928 - 2014).  Especially for her role as "The Little Princess".  I totally related.

(NOTE:  A little entertainment trivia.  Even though I admired Ms. Temple as an actress very much, I am glad she did NOT get the role as Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz".  Nobody could sing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" like Judy Garland sang that song.)

The Catcher in the Rye - What does your name (first and/or middle) mean?

• I don't know the meaning of my first or middle name. Tried to research but can't find them anywhere. My names are not in any language!

The Lord of the Flies - What’s your friend group like?

• They're saints. No. For real. They're saints.

The Picture of Dorian Grey - Post a photo of yourself posing like your icon.

• You don't want to see me, like an icon or otherwise. I won't even take a picture for the church directory. 

Les Miserables - What do you do when you’re sad?

• Official oppression makes me sad. Evil people in the government are far worse than gangsters. They have a get out of jail free card and they're always playing it.  They believe they will never be punished for their sins; so they do whatever they want to do to anybody.  What do I do?  I PRAY.  "Deliver us from evil."

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - What is one place that you’ve always wanted to go?

• A beautiful tropical island like Polynesia. Inspired by watching the movie South Pacific.

Emma - What was your first kiss like?

• It was disappointing. I thought I liked the guy but I didn't. His kiss was sloppy and I was inexperienced. It took me a long time to decide to kiss another guy. When I finally did, the second kiss was much better.

The Great Gatsby - Describe the most recent dream you can remember having.

In my most recent dream, 3 of my sons called me and said they needed me to come and pick them up right away. They were in trouble.  I set out to go and get them. Like an idiot, I realized that I was walking. I turned around to go back and get the car. My husband says he's going with me because he doesn't trust me. He thinks I just want to get out of the house.  Meaning that he doesn't believe that I'm going to get my sons … uuhh … HIS sons which are also my sons. He says he's coming with me. I'm like “I don't care! Let's go get them.” 

We get to the place, at the back of a building, and some other people try to get in our car. We drive away quickly to the front of the building and we see our sons. We look behind and see some people. Chasing us? Chasing them (our sons)? We don't know. We yell to our sons: “GET IN THE CAR!” One of my sons managed to jump in but the other two are still trying to catch us in a moving vehicle so they can jump in too. I say to my husband “We can't leave them!” My son, who is already in the car says “But what about me?”  (It's something he used to always say when he was ca hild.)  I'm like (my blood boiling at this point): “You're already in the car!”  

We stop the car for a moment. There is some other guy with his face to the wall, he turns around, slumps to the ground and starts crying. My husband says “What about him?” I'm like “HE AIN'T MY SON! His momma need to come and get him!” I turn and yell to my two boys who finally caught up to us, “GET IN THE CAR!” They jump in! They're in sideways like laying on top of the back seat. I don't care. I got all of them! I drive off and then … I wake up! I'm out of breath. I'm annoyed. I feel like I haven't any sleep at all!! I hate dreams like that. LOL.

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Classic Rock Music Lovers: Mark Knopfler : Tracker : Broken Bones

British singer, songwriter and genius guitarist extraordinaire Mark Knopfler released his 8th solo album "Tracker"  in 2015, and one of the tracks, the song "Broken Bones" proves that if folks start saying he's "over the hill", loyal fans will respond back:  Hey Mark! Are you going over the hill??!!  We're coming with you!!

Image by giampieropilia from Pixabay

Some Mondays you start the week with enthusiasm and energy, ready to overcome the world. Then there are those kinds of Mondays aptly described in lyrics sung by the late Karen Carpenter – they “always get you down”. If you’re lucky, a radio station will play exactly the right song to suit your mood. One morning I heard an awesome song on a radio station. It immediately took me back to the days of Bob Dylan, et al.  So I knew the person singing it must have come from that generation. Recognized the voice but could not remember the name of the artist. Googled it!

The name of the song is “Broken Bones” performed by none other than Mark Knopfler. Turns out it’s a track on his album “Tracker”. It was a perfect pick to begin my Moody Monday. This album is available for your listening pleasure in a variety of formats – MP3, audio CD and (believe it or not!) … vinyl!

Mark Knopfler is alive and well, not quite over the hill and still going places!  Check his schedule.

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Mark Knopfler – Tracker – A Track by Track

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Original source:  Classic Rock Music Lovers: Mark Knopfler : Tracker : Broken Bones - Virily

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8th solo record from former lead singer of Dire Straits, Mark Knopfler. "Tracker" [Deluxe Edition] https://t.co/4TumgMQCPH #music #musiclovers Sample the album. Pick Track 6: "Broken Bones". Available in 10 different formats. From #Streaming to #Vinyl.

— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) October 11, 2018

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The Titan (2018) : Sci-Fi Movie Lovers Beware!

It's not often my husband picks a Friday night movie for us that's in the sci-fi genre. A science fiction film is not on either of our lists for favorite movie genres. But if we watch the trailer and it looks like it might be exciting entertainment, then we'll get comfortable, dim the lights in the room to enhance the mood and the visuals, and give the flick our undivided attention.

"Titan's atmosphere makes Saturn's largest moon look like a fuzzy orange ball in this natural color view from the Cassini spacecraft. ..."  Image credit: By NASA - http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA14602, Public Domain, Link



◆ Our Friday night sci-fi movie pick was “The Titan”. It's a 2018 Netflix original.

Staff writer Dan Jackson published his review in the Entertainment section of Thrillist and he made a comparison between this movie and an old science fiction movie “The Fly”. As a child, I saw the 1958 film with Vincent Price; and as an adult, I watched the 1986 remake with Jeff Goldblum. These films were so popular there was a 1959 sequel, “Return of the Fly” and a 1989 sequel, “The Fly II”.

Don't even know why Mr. Jackson made the comparison, but he described “The Titan” as an “Unsexy Version of 'The Fly'”.


Unsexy? Oh? Were they trying to be sexy? I didn't even think they were trying to be believable! I didn't buy any of it!


Even though I disagree with Mr. Jackson's comparison, I wholly agree with the concluding statement in his review.

“The movie ... doesn't want to seduce you.

It wants to put you to sleep.”

The movie was awful! It couldn't even help with insomnia.


How bad was it? I am seldom moved to give a film or TV series a rating. It was so disappointing I asked my husband to Rate It and give it one star. (He was the one holding the remote/controller.) My husband expressed his disappointment by saying he had already wasted an hour and a half of his life and he wouldn't waste a minute more by taking the time to give the film a rating.


This Netflix original thriller was a waste of time and money. (IMHO.)  If you like sci-fi and you are especially interested in films where they explore the possibilities of life on another planet … DON'T WATCH THIS MOVIE!!


The Titan (2018) : Sci-Fi Movie Lovers Beware!


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◆ References:

Jackson, Dan. “The Titan Netflix Review: Sam Worthington's Sci-Fi Movie Needed Sex – Thrillist” Thrillist, Thrillist, 30 Mar. 2018, www.thrillist.com/entertainment/nation/the-titan-netflix-review.

The Titan - Official Trailer - 2018 Sci-Fi Movie HD

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.

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(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

Ancient History : People and Places : Mark Antony and Antonia Fortress

When you hear the name Mark Antony, do your Cleopatra antennas go up? Mine do. It's because of that old classic movie which starred Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.

It was quite spectacular!

Image credit:  Found at Buzzfeed : 15 Things You Might Not Know About The Movie “Cleopatra”

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So! Do you wonder? If Mark Antony slept with Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, then … he hung out in the right circles. Yes? No?

Eh! Let's just say his circle of friends were "interesting".

• Did you know the Antonia Fortress was named for Mark Antony?

Historical records indicate that it was Mark Antony who persuaded the Roman Senate to make Herod the King of Judea (king of the Jews). To show his appreciation and return the favor, Herod the Great, aka Herod the Builder, built a fortress where Roman soldiers lived and could keep an eye on the Jewish people and sort of “keep the peace”. He named this military stronghold “Antonia Fortress” after his friend, Mark Antony.

Can't show you a picture of the real structure because the fortress was destroyed along with everything else in Jerusalem in A.D. 70.  (Image credit: Jerusalem Model, Antonia Fortress – Wikimedia Commons)

As for Marcus Antonius, he was long gone before that event. He committed suicide, circa 30 B.C.

Some speculate that the Antonia Fortress might have been the place where Pontius Pilate tried Jesus.

Archaeologists Believe They've Found Site of Jesus' Trial 

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Related Links of Interest:

Learn more about: Marcus Antonius

Liz Taylor & Richard Burton on the Set of ‘Cleopatra': Rare Classic Photos- TIME Magazine

 

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Tragic Love Stories of the Sunflower (A Sophia Loren Film That is Underrated)

Did you know that sunflowers turn to follow the sun? In Greek mythology, a young nymph fell in love with the sun god Apollo. What do you think the gods did to her?  It's a tragic love story.



But the sunflower has more than one love story.

Do you enjoy old movies? Are you also a fan of Sophia Loren? If so, you may have already seen this film, but if you haven't, it comes highly recommended. (That means my husband liked it! ☺) It's a very moving love story about a newly wedded couple. The woman's husband went to war and did not return home. Even though others tell her he is probably dead, she believes her husband is alive and sets out to prove it.  "In the Soviet Union, Giovanna visits the sunflower fields, where there is supposedly one flower for each fallen Italian soldier, and where the Germans forced the Italians to dig their own mass graves."  (Quote Source) 

That's it! No spoilers. That's all you'll get out of me, except to say that, this movie would make a great addition to your personal video library. Ms. Loren has starred in many movies that just didn't enough publicity or airtime. This is one of them.  Where to Watch.

Sunflower (English Subtitled) 

"#SophiaLoren, 36, from her #movie #Sunflower" #history #pics #photography pic.twitter.com/XPwzo99Tmw

— Rebecca Rocki (@RebeccaRocki) February 20, 2017