Game Of Thrones Season 3: Anatomy Of A Scene – Daenerys Meets The Unsullied – Video


Game Of Thrones Season 3: Anatomy Of A Scene - Daenerys Meets The Unsullied
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Game Of Thrones Season 3: Anatomy Of A Scene - Daenerys Meets The Unsullied - Video

Doctor Who Review: Trapped Like Flies in The World Wide Web

"The Bells of St. John" are ringing in Cumbria 1207, and Clara is phoning The Doctor to discover where the Internet might be. The Doctor didn't recognize her voice, after all of is divine thinking, but her password was "RYCBAR...", or run you clever boy and remember. How do they come up with this stuff?

There is something about Matt Smith as The Doctor with Clara that is just different. When he was getting excited over hearing her say "Doctor Who" he looked downright giddy. I got a smile bigger on my face than he had on his. Can anyone not laugh at his declaration that monks are not cool, while jumping into his signature outfit complete with bow tie? Cool indeed!

The bottom line is The Doctor is back, Clara is wonderful and that he is enamored with her is perfect. I am one happy fan girl.

Doctor and Clara

The premiere episode was full of action and adventure, covering the distant past and the near future with a vision of The Doctor as a monk as well as a half robotic mind claiming machine that harvests souls for its master. Really, a little something for everyone.

But, the one thing I did notice was we were put through, yet again, another beginning for Clara and The Doctor. That makes three. Not that I'm complaining too much, because Jenna Louise Coleman is an absolute doll and her chemistry with Matt Smith is incredible. I have no doubt they will make a wonderful team. I would just like to get through the "let's meet again" phase and onto the more daring adventures where Clara has a bit of an understanding of what she's in for.

The Doctor's continued intrigue with Clara will be interesting. He has no idea why she has been recurring through so many timelines, and he wants to find out. As long as the messages come in ways of hints such as the leaf not being in her book but being the first page of it, making him marvel at her mystery all the more, I'm in. I did have a thought after the first two encounters that we might be in for a relationship wherein every meeting met with her dying. I can't express enough how wrong I was with that.

Clara sees herself as a girl who got stuck after her mother died caring for children when their own mother passed, hardly the least bit interesting, but The Doctor has so much more knowledge about her history that he sees someone inside her that she never knew existed. They will each benefit from the partnership in ways the other wouldn't imagine, and if their exploits are anything like what we witnessed tonight, we're in for a hell of a ride.

It's always fun to see someone's first glimpse into the Tardis, and what I found even more engaging was how throughout the encounter into the airplane as The Doctor tried to keep it from crashing into her neighborhood, Clara held on tightly to her coffee cup, only letting it go after they landed the plane, were once again safely in the Tardis and she had finished her drink. Little things like that must be so difficult to do while filming such a rushed and chaotic scene.

The idea of our lives being overrun by the Internet, and our souls being harvested for food,

The Doctor: Human souls. Trapped like flies in the World Wide Web. Stuck forever. Crying out for help.
Clara: Isn't that basically Twitter? | permalink

is especially timely as social media permeates the world we live in and shows like Doctor Who premiere in the United States and the United Kingdom on the same nights. We're growing ever closer and ever farther apart through the power of the Internet. I was shocked more than once at the turns the story took because I get so wrapped up in what's happening that I'm not over-analyzing the storyline. In other words, I'm enjoying it for enjoyments sake.

Examples: Even though The Doctor was surrounded by the wireless souls in the cafe while Clara tried to find a way to stop the UNIT, I never for an instant realized it would be his own image that would be the one to capture her soul a second time. Until he was out on the balcony, behind himself, I somehow thought they had him trapped. I am such a sucker! Additionally, I had no idea he sent his soul-sucking self to take out the UNIT and was still sitting beside Clara's soulless body protecting her. But, where else would he be?

Finally, I kept thinking to myself this story would be so much more interesting if I knew who was doing this. Really? Granted, it's been three months (and about a hundred and fifty years) since "The Snowmen" but I couldn't pluck out THE GREAT INTELLIGENCE was behind it all? Seriously. On the plus side, it actually made me feel sorry for the people working for the UNIT and for Miss Kizlet in general. She had probably been plucked as a child and grown up under his control, having no idea what it as like to live a life. What on earth would she do now?

I'm super stoked for the remainder of the season, short as it may be. What did you think of the spring premiere and the third introduction of Clara and The Doctor?

Source:
http://www.tvfanatic.com/2013/03/doctor-who-review-the-bells-of-st-john/

Grimm Review: Curiosity

"Nameless" is filled with plenty of interesting side stories and plot development, but Grimm’s procedural story is better left forgotten.

A Wesen Killer

Juliette’s curiosity, and her slowly reemerging memories, is beginning to break her from her boring, season long shell. It’s a welcome change to witness the character I came to enjoy as Grimm Season 1 went towards its finale begin to come back. At this point, aside from Wu, everyone knows of Nick and his extracurricular activities, so Grimm isn’t the least bit afraid of Nick’s family secret getting out to immediate friends.

In terms of shocking reveals, the news that Nick comes from a long line of fairy tale ass kickers will probably be a little shocking to Juliette, but Juliette’s experience with the Wesen world is considerably deeper now; any more delays would just feel fraudulent, so she might as well join the pack.

Speaking of the pack, Juliette’s recruitment of Monroe and Rosalee into her recovery process brought up a detail that I never really thought about: Rosalee has never heard of (or been to) Nick’s trailer. It’s usually part of the welcoming committee, when one finds out Nick’s a Grimm and they join the team one of the perks of joining is getting to see the trailer.

It’s disappointing Rosalee missed out on this initiation process.

Renard’s conversations with his spy really began to shed some light on what is going on in the Royal Wesen world. The Royals are secretly trying to dissolve of the union and attempting to put themselves back in power, and, while Renard wants to continue on the resistances’ side his spy is growing increasingly wary of Meisner – a man who is only looking after himself.

Renard seems to be stuck in the middle of two sides that shouldn’t want power at all, and it begins to paint of picture of how Nick could be of such value to him. The Grimm are the enforcers of the Wesen world, making sure they do not prey on humans or other Wesen, and if Renard can bring about an alliance with Nick for all the Wesen world to see – after the Grimm basically cut ties with the Verrat and the Royals – could send a very powerful message to the Wesen world.

As for the case, it couldn’t hold my interest. The mixing of the Grimm world and the video game world sounds entertaining on paper, but the villain is mostly boring and the victims were mostly one note characters riddled with clichés. The only positive to come out of the case is Wu, who finally gets some screen time beyond calling for backup or making a quick one-liner.

A Few More Thoughts:

  • Is the episode number going to be on every apartment door from now on? I would be okay with that.
  • I like to imagine Wu heard Nick using the Grimm terminology on top of the roof.
  • Renard’s flash drive of names is reminding me of Arrow’s list.

Source:
http://www.tvfanatic.com/2013/03/grimm-review-curiosity/

Scandal Episode Preview: Twisty! Crazy! Good!

The question of who is a hero and who is a villain was raised on the latest intense episode of Scandal, "Snake in the Garden."

Next Thursday, meanwhile, the issue at stake will be what happens when Olivia and her team realize that details from an old case do not add up... especially when said details have the potential to place them in major peril.

Elsewhere, look for Olivia and Jake's relationship start really to heat up on "Molly, You In Danger, Girl," Fitz and Mellie head the opposite way.

Watch the official ABC promo now:

Source:
http://www.tvfanatic.com/2013/03/scandal-episode-preview-twisty-crazy-good/

Nikita Review: Return From Slippery Slope’s Edge

Division with Ryan at its helm has headed to the edge of the slippery slope of becoming the Old Division again. The original decision to apprehend the Dirty Thirty and shut down Division was easily expanded when the President called upon him to use Division's resources to help out the nation with sticky situations. And, again when Amanda starting causing problems.

In "Inevitability," Nikita and Alex disagreed over Division's mission and future. It was fortunate for both of them, the battle was fought with words and not fists. Ever since Alex returned from her three days with Amanda, she thrived on her independence and used every opportunity to go against Nikita, Ryan and Division. 

The Secrets of Division

The cause of Alex's angry demeanor is unknown and at least this time the conflict was worked out without Division or American lives being lost. Nikita went on the mission to assassinate the president of Chad with Sean and Owen covering her. While they were completing this off-the-book assassination, Alex and Birkhoff investigated Danforth.

The philosophical debate about what missions Division should and shouldn't be doing finally came to a head. It's been an ongoing issue over the last few missions with Ryan edging closer and closer to full-on Percy territory. It's been intriguing to see just how far he would go. Nikita has been by his side to temper some of his actions, but this time she was the one that was all for killing the leader of another country.

President Batouala was a bad guy. I don't think anyone doubted that, but where is the line drawn? One life for 300? Nikita also said she was free to choose this mission, but that really wasn't true. It just turned out in this case that she agreed with it. What would she have done if she didn't? Would she have risked the extermination of everyone at Division by challenging the American President?

Nikita had the right intentions in completing the mission. And, they all had the right motives for keeping the President's contingency plans secret. They were acting in the best interest of all involved in Division with the goal of getting everyone their freedom. The pressure of the President wasn't something that they all needed to contend with on a daily basis.

Alex broke rank by taking her plan of killing Danforth to the rest of Division, while revealing his plan to kill them all. It wasn't her place to do that. She undermined Ryan and Nikita by going around them. Nikita made the best decision that she could given Alex's betrayal. She remained calm and provided a better option: Get the list back, blame it on Zoe and get Division off the hit list. Then, go after Danforth and use him to secure their original plans to close down Division properly.

The situation at Division was closer to history repeating itself than any of them imagined with Danforth using the operatives to achieve his own goals rather than those of the President. His duplicitous behavior was uncovered before any real harm was done and ended up working in Division's favor by giving them the ammunition necessary to blackmail him into giving them their freedom.

Danforth went to the President and sought Division a reprieve. They can now go back to their original plan to bring in the Dirty Thirty and close down Division. Though, they will still have to contend with Amanda. She did something to Alex. And, Owen still wants to get his memories that she erased back. The Dirty Thirty episodes were on the boring side, so I hope that if Nikita goes back to that format the writers find a way to spice it up.

"Inevitability" was a tense hour of television. It all ended up working out, but at any moment so many different things could have gone wrong. Ryan used a Percy method to blackmail Danforth, will that be the end of the Old Division ways? Will they really be able to right the course to get rid of Division? Or, was their play on Danforth just another step towards a dark path? I'm excited to find out!

Odds and Ends

  • The list. Please don't ever have a plot about a stolen list of US operative names being stolen. It's been done and done and done again. It's boring. The writers have to be able to come up with a better reason to go after someone. 
  • Is there anyone Amanda isn't monitoring? It was convenient that she bugged Danforth's car. Like the list, that plot point was unrealistic, especially with no basis provided for why she would be listening in on him. It would have made more sense if she was monitoring Division's actions. Or, if she planted a bug on Alex during captivity.
  • Good for Owen that he expressed his shock at Nikita's Kill Order. Even better that he said he'd back her up on the mission.
  • Sean siding with Nikita over Alex? What?
  • Sean's elbow punch in the ambulance was the best moment of the episode. Kick-ass move!
  • Alex and Birkhoff should work together more often. Love those two together! New romance on the horizon? 
  • Birkhoff: Ever since you've been back, you've been "I am Alex. Hear me roar." | permalink
  • Birkhoff falling. Hilarious!
  • Nikita and Alex in their club clothes and hair was awesome.
  • Is Alex the Old Nikita? Is that a hint that Amanda programmed both of them? Nikita under the old Division? And, Alex more recently?

 

 

Source:
http://www.tvfanatic.com/2013/03/nikita-review-inevitability/

Happy Endings Review: Power

It's been a hot minute since Happy Endings has graced our television screens. "In the Heat of Noche" marked the return from its extended hiatus and all I have to say is "save Happy Endings!" 

I don't know about you guys, but I need to see Max and Penny tripping on Mexican sleeping medication every week!

Saving Chuckles & Huggs

That's right, it's all about the "Noche-Tussin." If there was really a drug that prevented people from over texting or drunk dialing a guy or girl in their lives, people would be selling kidneys on the black market to get their hands on it. That's just what happened in this technology addicted generation!

Max and Penny are always at their best when they play off of each other. They're best friends as well as a perfect comedic match. So what do you buy about the power struggle? Do you abide by the not texting or calling rule? How far would you go to regain the edge in that power struggle? 

Meanwhile, the rest of the gang was busy following Whoopi Goldberg's lead in Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit. Brad took his wifey Jane's advice in order to save Chuckles and Hugs. He put his business knowledge to work and hired his friends to help spice things up. Dave was the singing act, Alex did semi-illegal arts and crafts, and Jane...well Jane just tried to fit in with the kids.

Jane: You use your special skill to save the gym!

Brad: Wait how am I supposed to give fourteen consecutive orgasms to a brick building? | permalink

By the end of the episode everyone realized they had gone a little overboard. Max and Penny were hot messes who were hooked on illegal sleeping meds and Alex was running a child labor ring to make popular bracelets. Not the smartest idea.

Another thing I worry wasn't the smartest idea was ABC's decision to move this show to Fridays. I can only hope that people still tuned in after over a month without Happy Endings. Hit the comments and let us know what you thought of the comedy's return!

 

Source:
http://www.tvfanatic.com/2013/03/happy-endings-review-power/

Grimm Exclusive: Reggie Lee Teases "Rumpelstiltskin" Episode, A Puzzling Case

Violence in video games normally happens within the world of the game, but when you bring gaming into NBC’s Grimm, you kinda know things are going to get more involved than that.

In tonight’s “Nameless," a killer plays a deadly game and it’s a pleasant surprise that Sergeant Wu (Reggie Lee) is the one who ends up playing a vital role in solving the case.

Lee jumped on the phone with me yesterday to tease the episode, as well as what he knows about when Wu might find out about the beastly goings-on happening right under his nose, along with who in the cast he spends time with on the tennis court.

Reggie Lee Photo

TVF: Let’s talk “Nameless.” How would you describe the episode?
RL: This is their take on Rumpelstiltskin. The crime happens at a video gaming company and [the crime] happened in such a way that [the killer] is involved in one of the games that you play online. So we have to try to figure it out and he spurts out all these puzzles at us and I actually am the one to say, ‘Hey I love puzzles’ because what else does Wu do? [laughs] Nothing but puzzles in his life, apparently. And so I end up really kind of spearheading this investigation into solving the crime. And eventually you’ll see how it turns out and how we kind of solve it. But it’s kind of like the game within the game.

TVF: So we find out Sergeant Wu is into gaming and he hear about his cat.
RL: Last year I mentioned my cat, Samson, and we were only introduced in my apartment to this kitty condo. That’s all you saw. You never say Samson but now they reference him quite a bit. And, yeah, Wu is a gamer. This character is one of those characters that’s kind of the wild card of the show. You can kind of take him in any direction and put him in any direction. But in one respect that excites me but in another respect it scares the crap out of me because they can do anything with me.

TVF: Wu still doesn’t quite know what’s going on around him with the Grimm stuff and Renard but any chance is he going to clue into any of that before this season is over?
RL: You might see a little bit of it. I just got the last script, so I haven’t read that yet. He gets a little bit of a hint but I’m hoping. I mean, me as Reggie, I’m hoping. But for the writers I know that with these particular characters, as you can see even with Renard, it was a slow burn. But we’ve got great some great fan support and we’re hoping to go another season. It looks good. So, you know, I think for them to burn it off, I wouldn’t be surprised if they did not do it in this last episode only because I feel like they’re saving it.

A lot of the tweets that I have gotten have been ‘When is Wu going to find out because we really want to see that!’ They want to see his reaction. I think NBC is privy to that and I think they know that it will be a pretty big story point and they’re so focused on the mythology right now.

TVF: After all this time, have they still never said what Wu’s first name is?
RL: We did not pick a name at all. It’s interesting because I was like ‘Wu? I should be Lou.’

TVF: Lou Wu. [laughs]
RL: There was a rumor that NBC wanted to do a contest to try to figure out what Wu’s first name would be. And I don’t know if that’s going to happen. I’ve heard through the rumor mill that it’s going to be an upcoming story point. But, no, you have not missed a thing.

TVF: You’ve done so many things in your career along with Grimm. What would fans be surprised to know about you?
RL: I started on Broadway doing musical theater but before that, I actually was aspiring to be a professional tennis player. In fact, I still play tennis with Silas and with Sasha when we’ve got the little off time that we have. That was actually what I wanted to do. But, Jim, I did not grow beyond five eight and a half so that would never have worked in this day and age. Although Michael Chang did it quite well, but right now it wouldn’t work. But, yeah, tennis is a big passion. That and food and dessert but you probably already know about that. That’s all I tweet about is food and dessert.

Source:
http://www.tvfanatic.com/2013/03/grimm-exclusive-reggie-lee-teases-rumpelstiltskin-episode-a-puzz/

Premiere Dates Set for True Blood Season 6, The Killing Season 3

Set your summer vacations accordingly, TV Fanatics: a pair of cable dramas have released premiere dates.

True Blood Season 6 will kick off on June 16 at 9 p.m. This season will be comprised of 10 episodes, as opposed to the typical 12, and will revolve in at least some way around the world of politics, as Arliss Howard is on board the Governor of Louisiana.

The New BillKilling Phone Call

The Killing Season 3, meanwhile, will debut with a two-hour episode on June 2.

AMC has made it clear that the new season will center on a case wholly separate from the Rosie Larson murder.

“We learned so much from the first two seasons of The Killing,“ AMC prez Charlie Collier said in a statement. "And are thrilled to be bringing it back with the elements that the fans loved.”

Source:
http://www.tvfanatic.com/2013/03/premiere-dates-set-for-true-blood-season-6-the-killing-season-3/

American Idol Sings The Songs of Motor City: Download Now!

The songbook of Smokey Robinson, among other of Detroit's famous artists, was laid open for the American Idol Top 8 this week. 

Some contestants chose their tracks wisely. Others tried to show a different side of themselves. Nicki Minaj praised and panned with equal fervor.

Scroll down for a look at who sang what and then download your favorite songs from Motown Week now...

American Idol Final 8

SongArtist
I Heard It Through The GrapevineI Heard It Through The GrapevineCandice GloverBuy on iTunes
For Once In My LifeFor Once In My LifeLazaro ArbosBuy on iTunes
You Keep Me Hanging OnYou Keep Me Hanging OnJanelle ArthurBuy on iTunes
Tracks of my TearsTracks of my TearsDevin VelezBuy on iTunes
My Cherie AmourMy Cherie AmourBurnell TaylorBuy on iTunes
Shop AroundShop AroundAngie MillerBuy on iTunes
LatelyLatelyAmber HolcombBuy on iTunes
Don't Play That Song (You Lied)Don't Play That Song (You Lied)Kree HarrisonBuy on iTunes

Source:
http://www.tvfanatic.com/2013/03/american-idol-sings-the-songs-of-motor-city-download-now/

NCIS Round Table: "Squall"

Our NCIS review broke down "Squall," this week's episode, in detail.

Now, TV Fanatic staff members Steve Marsi, Douglas Wolfe and Christine Orlando have assembled for our weekly Round Table Q&A discussion of various events and topics from this installment.

Join in as we analyze another entertaining hour of TV's #1 show!

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1. Describe this episode in one word (or two, or three, or four).

Doug: Father issues.

Christine: Daddy Dearest.

Steve: Complex and emotional.

NCIS Round Table Logo NEW!

2. What was your favorite scene from "Squall?"

Doug: Jamey Sheridan did such a great job in making Admiral McGee an objectionable jerk whose son could do nothing right that I enjoyed watching Gibbs getting all paternal and taking him down a peg or two.   There was a visceral satisfaction with that.

Christine: I liked that Tony took the time to talk to Tim about his daddy issues and pointed out that he's not alone. That Tony and Ziva have had to deal with difficult father's too. The scene was a good reminder that no matter how much ribbing Tony dishes out to McGee, he still cares very much for him.

Steve: Had to be Gibbs laughing at McGee's plans. How many times have we seen that? Just one of many terrific Gibbs-McGee moments, as Doug touched upon, in what was a great episode for both.

3. What was your favorite quote (or Tony one-liner)?

Doug: Tony: "Well you’ve got a long list of juvie priors, a history of possessions and frankly a blood workout that makes Sid Vicious look clean." Wyath: "Sid who?" I laughed out loud at that one.

Christine: Tony's "There's no way that shaky the clown could have stabbed the Commander with that kind of precision."

Steve: Because I went with Gibbs in my previous answer, I'll take Tony on the basketball court, deploying his usual wit while also stepping in and taking command of the situation.

4. Biggest problem with the episode, if any?

Doug: Once again I had to laugh when Tony and Burley told Wyath to stop, and we saw Wyath’s wheels turning. He was going to make a run for it. But, to where, exactly? The ship was on lockdown. Did the writers intend to make him look that stupid? If so, they did a good job.

Christine: I agree with Doug. When Wyeth took off I kept thinking, "Where is he going? He's on a ship."

Steve: Only that the Admiral would think he could conceal Stage 4 cancer, or that his aide would resort to such drastic measures to meet his own agenda. The episode was very well-written overall, and I know it's TV, but how could either envision that they could get away with it?

5. How much do you love Tim?

Doug: I’ve got a lot of bro-love for the guy. He’s decent through and through and, despite his father’s reservations, the guy is a man, fully able to stand up for himself and read the riot act when required.

Christine: I always love McGee but I wanted to slap him when he talked about bailing on his "Little Brother."  He'd gotten so wrapped up in his own issues that he couldn't see how devastating that type of abandonment could be to that kid.

Steve: Always have, but even more so after this week. Good guy, McGee.

6. Tony-Ziva jealousy: Entertaining or overplayed?

Doug: Still entertaining, I think. They need to ramp it up though: these minor teasers can get irritating if they go on too long.

Christine: I'm honestly kind of annoyed by it because it seems to go no where.  They've teased this relationship for far too long. Either give us a Tony/Ziva payoff or let it go.

Steve: I go back and forth on this often. I understand that it's become a central facet of the show to keep us guessing, and to keep that tension going. That's fine, but when specific instances start to repeat themselves - as Tony even acknowledged with Stan the Man - it can start to feel a little stale.

7. It's been teased that The Admiral may play a role in the stretch run of NCIS Season 10. Do you want to see him again? How might he tie in?

Doug: Actually yes. Despite his horrible character I’d like to see him again. I’m not convinced he’s completely changed into the guy who should have had his son’s back all these years, and didn’t. He might prove to be the one guy who takes Bodnar down, at the cost of his own life, perhaps in defense of his son. He’s dying anyway so he might see it as a way to make up for old wrongs.

Christine: I wouldn't mind. I like that he brings out a more serious side to Tim and a viscerally paternal side of Gibbs.

Steve: They certainly left you wondering, didn't they? His walk with Tim at the end signified that part of him, deep down, wants to make it right, even if he doesn't know how. Despite his Stage 4 cancer, I get the sense there is still time for him to find redemption with both his son and the Navy.

8. Which NCIS team member would you want as your Big Brother or Sister?

Doug: Definitely Gibbs.

Christine: I'm a movie buff so I've got to go with Tony.

Steve: While a strong argument could be made for any of them, I'll go with Abby or Jimmy. Both are eccentric and different people, yet also warm and successful. They'd relate well and lead by example.

What's your take on these issues of the week on NCIS? Discuss below!

Source:
http://www.tvfanatic.com/2013/03/ncis-round-table-squall/

TV Fanatic Round Table: Spinoff Showdown!

Some combination of Christmas, Hanukah and July 4 came early for fans of Pretty Little Liars and The Vampire Diaries this year, as BOTH shows are in line for spinoffs in the fall:

Ravenswood has been confirmed by ABC Family as premiering in October, while a backdoor pilot for The Originals airs on April 25.

Which series has the TV Fanatic staff most excited? We answer that question below and then turn it over to our readers...

TV Fanatic Staff Round Table Logo

Miranda Wicker: The Originals. Elijah. Hopefully shirtless Klaus having hot hybrid sex with Hayley. Enough said.

Steve Marsi: PLL, because who Among us tv fAnAtics isn't enthrAlled with the concept of rAvenswood. Am I right y'All?

Carissa Pavlica: I'm looking forward to finally being able to enjoy The Vampire Diaries without The Originals, so that's a big NO for that series. As crAzy as Pretty Little Liars gets, they've never crossed me enough to tune out, so I'll be tuning into Ravenswood. Guaranteed.

Leigh Raines: Hmmm both shows are definitely guilty pleasures but I'm going with Ravenswood. The originals get a little too "brooding" for me at times.

Nick McHatton: I've never cared about Klaus or the other originals (aside from Elijah), so Ravenswood is my favorite new spinoff. Plus, can you imagine all the pretty people they'll pack into Ravenswood?

Matt Richenthal: Claire Holt will be on The Originals, right? And Phoebe Tonkin? So how is this a question?!?

YOUR turn, TV Fanatics: For which spinoff are you most excited?

Source:
http://www.tvfanatic.com/2013/03/tv-fanatic-round-table-a-spinoff-showdown/

Day of the Dead Sugar Skull Wallpaper Release


Photography by Nathan Pask

Medical illustrator Emily Evans has released a range of exciting Mexican Day of the Dead Sugar Skull wallpaper adding to her range of homewares. This includes a series of histology dessert plates which sold out within hours of going on sale at our Street Anatomy Gallery Store.

The elegant design of the Sugar Skull is representative of the Mexican ‘Day of the Dead’ celebrations, the folkloric skull an iconic symbol of life and death. The intricately illustrated skull has been given a sophisticated twist by replicating it in gold on a rich matt dark charcoal, making it a luxurious addition to any interior.

 

Available at the Street Anatomy Gallery Store!

 

Disclaimer:

Although we have tried our best to give the most accurate photographic representation of the wallpaper, we urge you to buy a sample to ensure you know what you are purchasing as returns will not be accepted unless the wallpaper is faulty. We are not liable for any damage or problems caused by faulty hanging. Hanging instructions are included with each purchase.
It is the responsibility of the customer to have correctly measured the amount of wallpaper needed, this is not a service we offer.

 

 

Source:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/streetanatomy/OQuC/~3/KcJrrNTVPyg/

Candace Couse – Waste

Candace Couse Waste (3)

Candace Couse Waste (4)

Candace Couse Waste (1)

Candace Couse Waste (2)

Candace Couse Waste (5)

We’ve featured the incredible embroidery of visual artist Candace Couse before, and she recently took some time to tell Street Anatomy about her new installation piece, titled Waste.  Installed in the Basement Gallery in Basel, Switzerland, Candace explains that Waste,

…explores ideas of malady, the body, relationships and loss through the internal, and deeply private realms of the body. Resembling something in between soft and tempting medical charts that beg to be touched, and the cross slices of anatomical studies, these organs form relationships that connect, disconnect and leave wounds in a montage typically reserved for the world beyond the skin.

It’s  a beautiful visually interactive piece. Candace succeeds at disjointing yet connecting the body at the same time.

View more of Candace Couse’s detailed anatomical embroidery at candacecouse.net!

 

 

 

Source:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/streetanatomy/OQuC/~3/6MK5oub7Udk/

Gary Farlow’s Heart of Glass

Gary Farlow Glass Anatomy heart

Gary Farlow Glass Anatomy circulation

Gary Farlow Glass Anatomy brain

Gary Farlow Glass Anatomy body

Anatomical glass blowing seems to be sweeping the globe. This next contribution, by Gary Farlow and his team at Farlow’s Scientific Glassblowing Inc., does more than please the SA reading eye. These beautiful anatomical glass models are designed to educate: simulating blood flow and teaching medical procedures and tests, such as correct placement of catheters and angioplasty devices.

All of Farlow’s products can be purchased from the company website, Farlowsci.com.
A full body set up is possible, but it’ll cost ya an arm and a leg.

 

 

Source:
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/streetanatomy/OQuC/~3/T-swCNdwC_E/

"Lover’s Eyes" Lecture and Show and Tell! Taxidermy, Hair Art and Bat Skeleton in Dome Workshops! Bartitsu Victorian Self Defense System Demonstration! Rest in Pieces Book Party! This Week and Beyond at Morbid Anatomy Presents

"Lover's Eye" (see above) illustrated lecture and show and tell! Taxidermy, hair art, anthropomorphic insect shadow box and bat skeleton dome workshops! Bartitsu Victorian self-defense system demonstration! Rest in Pieces book party! This Week and Beyond at Morbid Anatomy Presents at Observatory.
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Classic (Naturalistic) Mouse Taxidermy Class with Divya Anantharaman: Offsite at Acme Studio
Date: Saturday, March 30
Time: 1-5 PM
Admission: $110
***Please note: This class will be held offsite at Acme Studio : 63 N. 3rd Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Advance Tickets Required; Click here to purchase.
Class limit: 10
This class is part of the Morbid Anatomy Art Academy
The natural world has long captivated human kind, and taxidermy has played a large role in our understanding and study of animals; the painstaking creation of life-like mounts take much attention and research, and requires and builds a deep appreciation of nature.
In this class, Divya Anantharaman--who learned her craft under the tutelage of famed Observatory instructor Sue Jeiven--will lead students in an investigation into the humble mouse. Students will create a fully finished classic mount of a mouse, on a base and in the natural setting of their choice. Students will learn everything involved in producing a finished mount, from initial preparation, hygiene and sanitary measures, fleshing, tail stripping, and dry preservation. The use of anatomical study, reference photos, and detailed observation will also be reviewed as important tools in recreating the nuanced poses and expressions that magically reanimate a specimen. Students are welcome to bring their own bases and accessories if something specific is desired. All other supplies will be provided for use in class.
Each student will leave class with a fully finished piece, and the knowledge to create their own pieces in the future.
Divya Anantharaman is a Brooklyn based artist whose taxidermy practice was sparked by a lifelong fascination with natural mythology and everyday oddities. After a journey filled with trial and error, numerous books, and an inspiring class (Sue Jeiven's popular Anthropomorphic Mouse Taxidermy Class at Observatory!), she has found her calling in creating sickly sweet and sparkly critters. Beginning with mice and sparrows, her menagerie grew to include domestic cats, woodchucks, and deer. Recently profiled on Vice Fringes, the New York Observer, and other publications, she will also be appearing in the upcoming season of Oddities-and is definitely up to no good shenanigans. You can find out more at http://www.d-i-v-y-a.com
Also, some technical notes:
  • We use NO harsh or dangerous chemicals.
  • Everyone will be provided with gloves.
  • All animals are disease free.
  • Although there will not be a lot of blood or gore, a strong constitution is necessary; taxidermy is not for everyone
  • All animals were already dead, nothing was killed for this class.
  • Please do not bring any dead animals with you to the class.
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Anthropomorphic Mouse Taxidermy Class with Divya AnantharamanDate: Saturday, April 6
Time: 1-5 PM
Admission: $110
***Please note: This class will be held offsite at Acme Studio : 63 N. 3rd Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Advance Tickets Required; Click here to purchase
Email divya.does.taxidermy at gmail dot com with questions or to be put on wait list
Class limit: 10
This class is part of the Morbid Anatomy Art Academy
Anthropomorphic taxidermy--in which taxidermied animals are posed into human attitudes and poses--was an artform made famous by Victorian taxidermist and museologist Walter Potter. In this class, students will learn to create--from start to finish--anthropomorphic mice inspired by the charming and imaginative work of Mr. Potter and his ilk. With the creative use of props and some artful styling, you will find that your mouse can take nearly whatever form you desire, from a bespectacled, whiskey swilling, top hat tipping mouse to a rodent mermaid queen of the burlesque world.
In this class, Divya Anantharaman--who learned her craft under the tutelage of famed Observatory instructor Sue Jeiven--will teach students everything involved in the production of a fully finished mount, including initial preparation, hygiene and sanitary measures, fleshing, tail stripping, and dry preservation. Once properly preserved, the mice will be posed and outfitted as the student desires. Although a broad selection of props and accessories will be provided by the instructor, students are also strongly encouraged to bring their own accessories and bases; all other materials will supplied. Each student will leave class with a fully finished piece, and the knowledge to create their own pieces in the future.
Divya Anantharaman is a Brooklyn based artist whose taxidermy practice was sparked by a lifelong fascination with natural mythology and everyday oddities. After a journey filled with trial and error, numerous books, and an inspiring class (Sue Jeiven's popular Anthropomorphic Mouse Taxidermy Class at Observatory!), she has found her calling in creating sickly sweet and sparkly critters. Beginning with mice and sparrows, her menagerie grew to include domestic cats, woodchucks, and deer. Recently profiled on
Vice Fringes, the New York Observer, and other publications, she will also be appearing in the upcoming season of Oddities-and is definitely up to no good shenanigans. You can find out more at http://www.d-i-v-y-a.com
Also, some technical notes:
  • We use NO harsh or dangerous chemicals.
  • Everyone will be provided with gloves.
  • All animals are disease free.
  • Although there will not be a lot of blood or gore, a strong constitution is necessary; taxidermy is not for everyone
  • All animals were already dead, nothing was killed for this class.
  • Please do not bring any dead animals with you to the class.
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Class: The Victorian Art of Hair Jewelry with Art Historian and Master Jeweler Karen Bachmann
Date: Sunday, April 7
Time: 1-5 PM
Admission: $75
***Must RSVP to Laetitia [at] atlasobscura.com to be added to class list; 15 person limit
This class is part of The Morbid Anatomy Art Academy
Hair jewelry was an enormously popular form of commemorative art that began in the late 17th century and reached its zenith during the Victorian Era. Hair, either of someone living or deceased, was encased in metal lockets or woven to enshrine the human relic of a loved one. This class will explore a modern take on the genre.
The technique of "palette working" or arranging hair in artful swoops and curls will be explored and a variety of ribbons, beads, wire and imagery of mourning iconography will be supplied for potential inclusion. A living or deceased person or pet may be commemorated in this manner.
Students are requested to bring with them to class their own hair, fur, or feathers; all other necessary materials will be supplied. Hair can be self-cut, sourced from barber shops or hair salons (who are usually happy to provide you with swept up hair), from beauty supply shops (hair is sold as extensions), or from wig suppliers. Students will leave class with their own piece of hair jewelry and the knowledge to create future projects.
Karen Bachmann is a fine jeweler with over 25 years experience, including several years on staff as a master jeweler at Tiffany and Co. She is a Professor in the Jewelry Design Dept at Fashion Institute of Technology as well as the School of Art and Design at Pratt Institute. She has recently completed her MA in Art History at SUNY Purchase with a thesis entitled Hairy Secrets:... In her downtime she enjoys collecting biological specimens, amateur taxidermy and punk rock.
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Bartitsu-The Victorian Self Defense System: A lecture and Demonstration by The Bartitsu Club of New York and Ghoul A Go Go’s Vlad Tsepis
Date: Sunday April 7th
Time: 8.00
Admission: $10
Bartitsu was a Victorian system of self defense. Taught in the late 1890s, it is regarded by some as the first mixed martial arts system. Originally learned by gentlemen, and gentle women, as a way to fend off footpads and other thugs of the day, Bartitsu is now seeing a revival.
The Bartitsu Club of New York is gearing up for a Spring seminar and invites you to Observatory for a preview. Introduced by Vlad Tsepis of Ghoul A Go-Go, the Bartitsu Club will present a basic introduction to Bartitsu and its founder, as well as the historical background of self defense in Victorian England. Some techniques will be demonstrated as a prelude to what you can learn more in depth. You will leave knowing "an excellent method of forcing an undesirable person out of your room."
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Love’s Unknowable Eye: The Curious History and Mysterious Allure of 18th century “Lovers Eyes” Illustrated lecture and Genuine "Lover's Eye" Show and Tell with Artist Lauren Levato
Date: Thursday, April 11th
Time: 8.00
Admission: $8
Presented by Morbid Anatomy
Tonight at Observatory, we invite you to join us for a highly illustrated talk on what were historically called "eye miniatures," now called “lover’s eyes.” These beautiful portrait miniatures, featuring only the eye of the sitter, enjoyed a brief stint of outrageous popularity in the 18th century after a scandal involving the Prince of Wales, an illicit love affair, and a dramatic suicide attempt over the rejected love of a forbidden woman. Often created as tokens of memory for unsanctioned love, these gorgeous paintings—intensely intimate yet mysteriously anonymous—were lushly rendered on such media as ivory or copper. More than just treasures or statements of wealth, they were symbols of devotion, marriage, death, infidelity, memory, and promise. Nearly all of these enigmatic eyes are from lovers unknown, fictions that lure us with a fixed gaze, unyielding in its mystery and desire. Although the feverish mania for these objects ended nearly as quickly as it began, they continue to inspire, serving as muse to contemporary artists, photographers, painters and tattooists who explore the concept in thoroughly contemporary manners.
Tonight, Chicago based artist Lauren Levato--who curates a private collection containing thousands of objects of erotic affection, including several lover’s eyes set in brooches, rings, pill boxes, and bracelets--will trace the history and phenomenon of Lover’s Eyes, of which only an estimated 1,000 are known to still exist.
Lauren will also bring some authentic 18th century Lover’s Eyes for your delectation.
Lauren Levato is a visual artist and writer.  She is working on her exhibition for the International Museum of Surgical Science, opening in December, and has begun her own collection of lover’s eyes in tattoo form, as a type of signature of some of today’s best working tattooers.
Image: Unknown "Lover's Eye" on braided hair bracelet, Georgian period; Private collection
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Raccoon Head Taxidermy Class with Rogue Taxidermist Katie Innamorato
Date: Sunday, April 14
Time: 12 – 6 PM
Admission: $350
***Class Limited to 5; Must RSVP to katie.innamorato [at] gmail.com
This class is part of The Morbid Anatomy Art Academy
This course will introduce students to basic and fundamental taxidermy techniques and procedures. Students will be working with donated raccoon skins and will be going through the steps to do a head mount. The class is only available to 5 students, allowing for more one on one interaction and assistance. Students will be working with tanned and lightly prepped skin; there will be no skinning of the animals in class. This is a great opportunity to learn the basic steps to small and large mammal taxidermy. All materials will be supplied by the instructor, and you will leave class with your own raccoon head mount.
Rogue taxidermist Katie Innamorato has a BFA in sculpture from SUNY New Paltz, has been featured on the hit TV show "Oddities," and has had her work featured at La Luz de Jesus gallery in Los Angeles, California. She is self and professionally taught, and has won multiple first place ribbons and awards at the Garden State Taxidermy Association Competition. Her work is focussed on displaying the cyclical connection between life and death and growth and decomposition. Katie is a member of the Minnesota Association of Rogue Taxidermists, and with all M.A.R.T. members she adheres to strict ethical guidelines when acquiring specimens and uses roadkill, scrap, and donated skins to create mounts.
Her website and blogs-
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Bat in Glass Dome Workshop
Part of DIY Wunderkammer Series: With Wilder Duncan (formerly of Evolution Shop, Soho) and Laetitia Barbier, head librarian at The Morbid Anatomy Library
With Wilder Duncan (formerly of Evolution Store, Soho) and Laetitia Barbier, head librarian at The Morbid Anatomy Library
Date: Sunday, April 21
Time: 1 – 6 PM
Admission: $200
*** MUST RSVP to Laetitia [at] atlasobscura.com 
In this class, students will learn how to create an osteological preparation of a bat in the fashion of 19th century zoological displays. A bat skeleton, a glass dome, branches, glue, tools, and all necessary materials will be provided for each student, but one should feel welcome to bring small feathers, stones, dried flowers, dead insects, natural elements, or any other materials s/he might wish to include in his/her composition. Students will leave the class with a visually striking, fully articulated, “lifelike” bat skeleton posed in a 10” tall glass dome. This piece can, in conjunction with the other creations in the DIY Wunderkammer workshop series, act as the beginning of a genuine collection of curiosities!
This class is part of the DIY Wunderkammer workshop series, curated by Laetitia Barbier and Wilder Duncan for Morbid Anatomy as a creative and pluridisciplinary exploration of the Curiosity Cabinet. The classes will focus on teaching ancient methods of specimen preparation that link science with art: students will create compositions involving natural elements and, according to their taste, will compose a traditional Victorian environment or a modern display. More on the series can be found here.
Wilder Duncan is an artist whose work puts a modern-day spin on the genre of Vanitas still life. Although formally trained as a realist painter at Wesleyan University, he has had a lifelong passion for, and interest in, natural history. Self-taught rogue taxidermist and professional specimen preparator, Wilder worked for several years at The Evolution Store creating, repairing, and restoring objects of natural historical interest such as taxidermy, fossils, seashells, minerals, insects, tribal sculptures, and articulated skeletons both animal and human. Wilder continues to do work for private collectors, giving a new life to old mounts, and new smiles to toothless skulls.
Laetitia Barbier is the head librarian at The Morbid Anatomy Library. She is working on a master's thesis for the Paris Sorbonne on painter Joe Coleman. She writes for Atlas Obscura and Morbid Anatomy.
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A Fate Worse Than Death: The Perils of Being a Famous Corpse with Bess Lovejoy, Author of Rest in Pieces
With Bess Lovejoy, author of Rest in Pieces
Date: Friday, April 26th
Time: 8pm
Admission: $10
Most of us know what our afterlives are going to be like: eternity in the ground, or resting in an urn on some relative’s mantelpiece. If we’re lucky, our children might occasionally bring us flowers or a potted plant, and that’s about as interesting as things are going to get.
Not so the famous deceased. For millennia, they’ve been bought and sold, worshipped and reviled, studied, collected, stolen, and dissected. They’ve been the star attractions at museums and churches, and used to found cemeteries, cities, even empires. Pieces of them have languished in libraries and universities, in coolers inside closets, and in suitcases underneath beds. For them, eternity has been anything but easy.
The more notable or notorious the body, the more likely it is that someone’s tried to disturb it. Consider the near-snatching of Abraham Lincoln, or the attempt on Elvis’s tomb. Then there’s Descartes, who is missing his head, and Galileo, who is spending eternity without his middle finger. Napoleon’s missing something a bit lower, as is the Russian mystic Rasputin, at least if the rumors are true. Meanwhile, Jesse James has had three graves, and may not have been in any of them, while it took a court case and an exhumation to prove that Lee Harvey Oswald was in his.
In this illustrated lecture, Bess Lovejoy will draw on her new book, Rest in Pieces, to discuss the many threats faced by famous corpses--from furta sacra ("holy theft" of saintly relics), to skull-stealing phrenologists, "Resurrection Men" digging up cadavers for medical schools, modern organ harvesters, the depredations of crazed fans, and much more.
Rest in Pieces will also be available for sale, and wine will be served in celebration of its release.

Bess Lovejoy
is a writer, researcher, and editor based in Seattle. She writes about dead people, forgotten history, and sometimes art, literature, and science. Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, The Believer, The Boston Globe, The Stranger, and other publications. She worked on the Schott’s Almanac series for five years. Visit her at BessLovejoy.com.

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Anthropomorphic Insect Shadowbox Workshop with Former AMNH Senior Insect Preparator Daisy TaintonWith Daisy Tainton, Senior Insect Preparator at the American Museum of Natural History
Date: Saturday, May 11th
Time: 1 – 4 PM
Admission: $75
***Tickets MUST be pre-ordered by clicking here
You can also pre-pay in person at the Observatory during open hours.
This class is part of The Morbid Anatomy Art Academy

Today, join former AMNH Senior Insect Preparator Daisy Tainton for Observatory’s popular Anthropomorphic Insect Shadowbox Workshop. In this class, students will work with Rhinoceros beetles: nature’s tiny giants. Each student will learn to make–and leave with their own!–shadowbox dioramas featuring carefully positioned beetles doing nearly anything you can imagine. Beetles and shadowboxes are provided, and an assortment of miniature furniture, foods, and other props will be available to decorate your habitat. Students need bring nothing, though are encouraged to bring along dollhouse props if they have a particular vision for their final piece; 1:12 scale work best.

BEETLES WILL BE PROVIDED. Each student receives one beetle approximately 2-3 inches tall when posed vertically.

Daisy Tainton was formerly Senior Insect Preparator at the American Museum of Natural History, and has been working with insects professionally for several years. Eventually her fascination with insects and  love of Japanese miniature food items naturally came together, resulting in cute and ridiculous museum-inspired yet utterly unrealistic dioramas. Beetles at the dentist? Beetles eating pie and knitting sweaters? Even beetles on the toilet? Why not?


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Date: Sunday, June 2
Time: 12-4 PM
Admission: $75
***Must pre-order tickets here: http://victorianmourningjewelry.bpt.me
This class is part of The Morbid Anatomy Art Academy
Hair jewelry was an enormously popular form of commemorative art that began in the late 17th century and reached its zenith during the Victorian Era. Hair, either of someone living or deceased, was encased in metal lockets or woven to enshrine the human relic of a loved one. This class will explore a modern take on the genre.
The technique of "palette working" or arranging hair in artful swoops and curls will be explored and a variety of ribbons, beads, wire and imagery of mourning iconography will be supplied for potential inclusion. A living or deceased person or pet may be commemorated in this manner.
Students are requested to bring with them to class their own hair, fur, or feathers; all other necessary materials will be supplied. Hair can be self-cut, sourced from barber shops or hair salons (who are usually happy to provide you with swept up hair), from beauty supply shops (hair is sold as extensions), or from wig suppliers. Students will leave class with their own piece of hair jewelry and the knowledge to create future projects.

Karen Bachmann
 is a fine jeweler with over 25 years experience, including several years on staff as a master jeweler at Tiffany and Co. She is a Professor in the Jewelry Design Dept at Fashion Institute of Technology as well as the School of Art and Design at Pratt Institute. She has recently completed her MA in Art History at SUNY Purchase with a thesis entitled Hairy Secrets:... In her downtime she enjoys collecting biological specimens, amateur taxidermy and punk rock. 
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You can find out more on all events here

Source:
http://morbidanatomy.blogspot.com/2013/03/lovers-eyes-lecture-and-show-and-tell.html

"Spirt Photography" A New Midnight Archive by Ronni Thomas Featuring the Incomparable Shannon Taggart

I am so exited about the newest episode of The Midnight Archive, Ronni Thomas' fantastic documentary series centered around Brooklyn's Observatory and filmed in conjunction with Morbid Anatomy. This episode, entitled "Spirit Photography," features the incomparable Shannon Taggart--über talent, good friend, Observatory colleague--on the curiously entwined history of spiritualism and photography.

To watch the episode, simply press play in the viewer above, or click here. More on the episode, in the words of director/creator Ronni Thomas:

The Midnight Archive - Episode 16: Spirit Photography
Photographer Shannon Taggart explores the Victorian born art of ‘spirit photography’, a practice in which the spirit of a loved one or guide would appear in one’s photograph. Shannon takes a heartfelt and unconventional look at a topic that had been plagued with scandal. For more of her work, please visit her website shannontaggart.com.

For more on the series, to see any of the episodes, or to sign up for the mailing list and thus be alerted to future uploads, visit The Midnight Archive website by clicking here. You can also "like" it on Facebook--and be alerted in this way--by clicking here.Source:
http://morbidanatomy.blogspot.com/2013/03/spirt-photography-new-midnight-archive.html