Today is one of my favorite directors’ birthday: David Cronenberg. This evening I will be sharing some fun facts about The Brood (1979):
The Brood stars Oliver Reed, Samantha Eggar, and Art Hindle. This is the first movie I have seen by David Cronenberg. I remember getting a Netflix-recommended view because I had just turned in Alejandro Jodorowsky’s The Holy Mountain (1973). Not sure how the two movies correlate but I took a chance and got it mailed out to me. I was not sure what to expect but the twist at the end and the fact that I had to watch it a couple of times to grasp the heaviness of this film.
David Cronenberg was inspired to write this movie because he was going through a divorce, and child-custody conflict with his wife at the time.
This is the first movie with an Howard Shore soundtrack.
During the production of the movie in Canada Oliver Reed was arrested for public nudity. He made a bet with the production crew that he could walk naked in the cold from bar to bar.
The production of the film started on November 14, 1978.
Roger Ebert called this movie “a bore.”
First film of Cindy Hinds who played Candice Hinds.
Do you have a favorite movie of David Cronenberg? Comment below!
I’m in my second semester of school and I am already halfway done. To say it’s been a new experience in learning is an understatement. But I am learning so much that I don’t mind less sleep and motivation to do little else. I will continue to write a blog or two weekly depending on if I find a subject that interests me. I have started a true crime audio book club and am excited to start on that journey. Right now I am looking forward to sleep and perhaps watching a movie or two this week. Does anyone have any recommendations?
There was a dark brown color that artists commonly used called Mummy brown. It was popular in the 16th and 17th centuries and was made from a mixture of myrrh, incense, and the remains of Egyptian and Gunache (from the Canary Islands) mummies and mummified cats. Painted these centuries preferred this brown because of its significant usage of shadows, flesh tones, and shading. Unfortunately, there was such a high demand for mummy brown that Egyptian and Gunache mummies would run out and use recently dead bodies of slaves and criminals.
The fascination with this color began to die around the 19th century when artists started to learn what this color was made from. Then by the 20th century, the production of this color almost became non-existent due to the low supply of mummies.
This painting by Martin Drolling called “Interior of the Kitchen” (1815) is one of many examples of the color mummy brown being used.
Fast forward to this century, the color mummy brown is still being used. However, it is made from various ingredients like quartz., and hematite and not from actual bodies.
Have you heard of any other colors made with weird ingredients? If so comment below!
For the past 8 years of having this blog. I wanted to create a cultural space where I share my feelings, and things that interested me and also interviewing others. However the interview portion recently have taken a bit of a toll for me. I am currently going to law school and between working 40 hours a week, school, and doing my own writing. The interview portion of my blog has lately been becoming a chore rather than an enjoyment. The demands from that section have ranged from constant emails or messages asking for constant edits to being extremely unhappy with not having a quick turnaround releasing the interview right when it is submitted to me.
Instead of getting rid of that portion of the blog. I decided to take a step back which includes a submission process. I will have up to two interviews posted on my blog per month.
If you are interested in wanting to be interviewed for the blog. You must email me at cnajera1@gmail.com
Write a short synopsis of who you are and why you want to be interviewed.
If you are chosen there will be a 50 dollar fee ( accept apple pay and PayPal only! )
And I’ll email you the questions along with any other information you will need.
Please feel free to comment below with any other questions regarding this change to my blog.
Recently, when I was looking at my social media, I kept seeing a weird trending article on my feed. Earlier this month a woman in Germany was arrested and charged with murder. She concocted this weird plan. She had faked her own death by finding her doppelganger and killing her.
What is a doppelganger? The actual word means “double walker” in German. It is someone who is not related to you but has striking physical characteristics. Basically, there could be someone walking this planet that has a striking resemblance to you. However, they are not you. They could have the same kind of nose or hair color or height. You could confused that person and call them by your name that is how similar they could be. I always wondered who my doppelganger could be. How much they look like me and what do they do for a living.
However, after learning about this experience I lessen my curiosity in wondering…..
Picture from Fox News (2023).
The woman who was arrested for murder named Sharaban K. is a 23-year-old living in Germany as a beautician. She made contact with her “doppelganger” through a social media outlet. Khadidja Q. who was a beauty blogger on Instagram was under the impression that Sharaban wanted to meet up with her in regards to receiving a cosmetics kit.
It was speculated (so far the details are not concrete since this is still an ongoing investigation) that Sharaban and her boyfriend went to go pick up Khadidja in the southern part of Germany. Somewhere between the car ride to their next destination, they stabbed Khadidja to death and then put her body in the back seat, They then drove to the city of Ingolstadt and abandoned the car with her in it. Sharaban parents were under the impression that she was meeting her ex-husband in Ingolstadt and when she did not turn up where she said she was going to be. They started searching for her in that city and found the abandoned car and what they thought to be Sharaban.
The parents had identified the body as Sharaben before the autopsy was performed however the autopsy confirmed that it was Khadidja.
Picture from The Cut (2023)
When the police got involved they found out that Sharaban had tried to contact various women who shared similar physical features through social media under fake names trying to get them to meet with her.
Sharaban and her boyfriend were held on remand last August 2022 and after a half year investigation they were finally arrested this February when arrest warrants were issued for the both of them in late January 2023. If they both are find guilty of this crime they will both be serving life sentences.
Picture from the Insider.
Learning stuff like this really breaks my heart. I hope that Khadidja’s family received justice for this horrible crime.
This week I had the pleasure of interviewing @2puzzlepeople !
1. How did you come up with your Instagram name?
I’m a competitive jigsaw puzzler, and with my partner (Dan) we’re British national pairs champs. So, we picked something that would be really clear and simple – we’re just two puzzle people.
2. How does competitive puzzling work?
Competitive puzzling can vary depending on the specific competition. But the core principles are usually: 1. everyone gathers together at a specific time/date/place (usually in person, but some competitions are virtual). 2. everyone has the same puzzle to put together at the same time. 3. the first person/pair/team to finish is the winner. There are some other elements – like if you lose a piece, you will have time added on, which may mean if you have someone close behind, they can leapfrog you. Most competitions are time-bound; so if you don’t finish within a given amount of time (usually 90-120 minutes) you must stop and count the number of completed pieces. This determines what place you get in the competition. In team competitions (where teams consist of four people), the format is usually a ‘marathon’ style. This consists of three or four jigsaw puzzles, generally between 1000-1500 pieces each. It takes hours for teams to complete their puzzles, but it really highlights the importance of having a well-rounded team (as there are different types of strengths within speed puzzling) and of having well-chosen puzzle artwork. (I’ve seen some very poor choices from time to time! I never know if the sponsoring puzzle companies or the competition organisers make the puzzle choices, but I suspect when it goes wrong it’s down to the sponsors.) The bottom line is whoever finishes first wins. It’s a surprisingly compelling sport (?) to watch – it sucks you right in. And most of the big ones are live-streamed on YouTube. It’s more fun to participate, though. And generally speaking, you don’t have to pre-qualify for competitions. You can just sign up.
3. What was your most recent favorite puzzle you worked on? What was the least favorite? Why was it your favorite and why was it not your favorite?
Oh, this is such a hard question. I recently did a Ravensburger black ‘Krypt’ puzzle with 736 pieces. It’s all black and has a confusing cut to it (on purpose), which makes it quite hard. I can normally complete a 500 piece puzzle in under an hour (depending on a few things). So, I didn’t expect a 736 piece puzzle to take a full six days. It’s hard to say whether that makes it my recent favourite or recent least favourite. But . . . it’s left its mark.
4. What is the hardest puzzle you work on? Why was it so hard?
Someone at work asked me this question recently and there’s no hesitation in my answer. I did a 550 piece Where’s Waldo puzzle when I was about 12 that damn near killed me. I kept it on one of those felt roll-up matts under my bed and would work on it every night before going to sleep. I can’t remember how long it took me in the end, but months and months. I don’t know why I didn’t give up, it was sheer torture. But I’ve done two more puzzles like that (Waldo) since then, both 1000 pieces, and didn’t have any trouble at all. But I know I’d run for the hills if I ever saw that 550 piece one again.
5. Do you have any exciting news or events that you would like to share?
World Puzzle Day is coming up on 29 January! And as part of that, I’m inaugurating a puzzling fundraiser called Puzzle for a Cause. Hopefully it’ll become a regular event. Beyond that, I’ll be training for the British championships in June and hoping to retain our pairs title!
Thank you so much SJ & Dan!!! If you would like more information. The following contact info is below:
It’s late and I just finished my work for school. My anxiety has me wound up that when I have tasks or goals they have to be completed right away. Because I can’t rest if I leave them to be done later.
Is anyone else feeling the winter blues? It feels this winter season is colder than previous ones because all I want to do is stay in bed and drink coffee.
There will be interesting things and topics for the blog in the upcoming months. But for now I just want to make a quick blog post.
This week I had the pleasure of interviewing @glowwormgoods !
How did you come up with your business name?
“My business was named after a Vashti Bunyan song. The track “Glow Worms” is from her first album “Just Another Diamond Day” and it is one of my favorite albums. The album was released in 1970 but has remained timeless- in my opinion. Vashti’s songs are a good blend of melancholy and whimsy and it just felt like the right move to name my business after one of her songs.”
2. What made you want to start a candle business?
“To be honest, I am a hobby addict. I love trying new things, expanding my skill set, and working with my hands. I also am an avid thrifter and every time I would thrift I would see all of this beautiful glass, and I just thought these pieces would make beautiful candles. It kind of just took off from there.”
3. What was the first candle you created for your business?
“I believe the first container candle I ever made was out of these beautiful vintage Otagiri Japanese rice bowls. And the first “molded” candle I made was my birthday cake candle.”
4. What is your most popular item in your store? Why do you think it is so popular?
“The most popular item in my store is definitely my vintage glassware candles. So many customers come to me saying, “Oh my grandma used to have this in her house!” etc. and I love that. I think people are drawn to the fantasy of other eras or may be nostalgic for things they remember from a different time in their life. I know that when I pick certain pieces I imagine how the previous owner used them and I kind of let my imagination take me away to that time. Plus they are just pretty! haha.”
6. Do you have any exciting news or events that you would like to share?
“I will be at Gift Horse in Nashville, TN for a Valentine’s day pop-up on February 11th from 10:30am-6pm. The rest of my upcoming events are pending, as I am waiting to hear back on some of my applications for spring and summer markets. However, I do have an events calendar on my website where I will keep all of my upcoming event info!.”
If you would like any more information about this store. The following contact information is below:
@pinupcanada: ” I would like to promote are these vintage inspired old school valentines cards! Just like the ones you used to get in school! They’re a great piece of nostalgia at an affordable price! $2.50 each, or 3 for $5! Shipping is only $5 on these, and we ship within North America.”- Jen owner of New World Designs which is based in Vancouver, Canada. Link for these super cute cards are here: https://pinupcanada.com/products/vintage-valentine-cards
@dynamoduo_: sell amazing jewelry but this particular ring is perfect for the upcoming holiday:
Gold and Pink Gemstone Ring
“This gold plated adjustable ring makes a perfect gift for giving this Valentine’s Day. Don’t know her ring size? No problem! The band is adjustable to accommodate any ring size 7+. The center of the ring is lovingly adorned with strawberry quartz and sparkly pyrite creating a unique combination that is both feminine and edgy.”
Tarot Clarity LLC : “My perfect valentines offer is my tarot lessons! It’s a great Valentine’s Day gift because it is a gift with long term value and could actually set someone up with a life long passion and hobby, maybe even a career!”
It is a service so there’s no tax and the lessons are sent via email.
@hausofdecadent : “Ur Hot Disco Print! Perfect to give as a gift or even a card. Screen printed on original digital print. If you’re not gifted this, dump them! Print is 5×7. Free shipping.”
“Handle With Love”. It is a 36 page zine filled with erotic paintings and sweet little poems. I think it would be perfect for valentine’s day because it is cheeky, classic, and romantic. It has a queer female-gaze, and is meant to inspire you to prioritize your pleasure.”
@bask_suncare: Bask Sunscreen is a new upcoming sunscreen line. “We are keeping everything retro and fun about sunscreen in the past decades but without the skin cancer and societal pressures of being bronze.”
Bask SPF 50 Reef Safe Sunscreen (retails for $22.00)”No matter your valentine’s skincare routine, it will always end in SPF. Give the gift of a high-quality sunscreen that will extend your loved ones time outdoors while making sure they stay protected.”
@ampersand.m.studio: “Our Make Me Kumquat card is part of our Dirty Garden collection, celebrating and embracing physical intimacy and sexual expression in all forms. The collection offers a series of playful vegetable cards with a sex- and kink-positive message. It’s a refreshing visual change in a market saturated with explicit images, and a perfect Valentine’s Day card!”
“Shipping cost for just one card is $2; we are also happy to extend your readers a special offer of free domestic shipping if they spend $25 or more with code LADYCULT”
“Iconic love bunny, Roger Rabbit, is featured on this ruby red sweater vest.
Whether paired with an oversized bow tie or with a more casual look, this sweater vest proves a committed companion for any cosy outfit.
Made of 100% wool (super soft merino lambswool, cashmere and Shetland wool) with acrylic trimmings. Made from materials that would otherwise be destined for landfill, you know this gift won’t cost the earth.
Why is it Valentines?
Who doesn’t want the love that Roger and Jessica have? Roger and Jessica Rabbit show us pure romance can bloom even in a place as toxic as Toontown.
Grab along with a pink swag bag for the perfect gift wrap that you can reuse to stash away your love letters and favourite trinkets.”
Here are some books that are on my reading list for this winter season. Some are on my wish list and others are on my massive book pile list. I am have personal goal of reading or listening to 100 books or audiobooks and I intend to meet my goal!
This is the 2nd book of the year that I started. Communion by Whitley Strieber is about the author true story about his 1985 experiences with alien encounters.
Grocery Shopping with my Mother by Kevin Powell: Author Kevin Powell turned his social media posts in to a collection of poems. When his mother was ill he would visit her weekly and help her with her errands that would include taking her grocery shopping.
Scorched Grace: A sister Holiday Mystery by Margot Douaihy (preorder date is February 20, 2023). Not your average nun: Sister Holiday smokes, has a bunch of tattoos and love women decides to solve mystery in her spare time.
Love, Pamela by Pamela Anderson: (preorder and will be available on January 31, 2023)- I first learn about this book last summer and instantly preordered it!
The Last Action Heroes: The Triumphs, Flops, and Feuds of Hollywood’s Kings of Carnage by Nick de Semlyen. The book cover art alone is amazing and am interested in learning more!
Best part is…free shipping & fast delivery because it’s digital!
ladycultblog 