I would really like to curl up with a book, actually

[cleolinda]

So... the catfight that broke out on The Shelf last night was bad. Really, really bad. Ellowyne and "her sizeist assumptions" made the mistake of sassing Eowyn over the hypothetical--HYPOTHETICAL!--rights to Edward Dollen, they threw down, and then Eowyn pantsed her. See, this is why you don't ever pick a fight with someone who only comes up to your elbow. So Ellowyne and her gold lace capri pants take a dive and Eowyn immediately goes for the curls, which look way different from the ones in the picture--they're these tight, stiff sausage curls, a whole huge ponytail of them in the back, and Ellowyne is very proud of them. So Eowyn gets one good fistful and Ellowyne is immediately screaming bloody murder, not because it hurts but because she knows what every little girl finds out too late--once you fuck up doll hair, you never get it back the way it was. Yeah. So apparently Ellowyne talks a big talk, but her walk stops dead at weave-pulling.

I seriously don't know how I'm going to keep the peace over there now.

Meanwhile: Trying to get back to recapping True Blood, but for some reason I am just exhausted today. Well, maybe "some reason" is "I was up until three footnoting last night," I don't know. I didn't post any recaps this week just because I wanted to give my recap mojo a rest, and... now I'm just going to be even more behind. Ah, well. C'est la vie.

Today's Journal Birthmonth Flashback: "In times of old you stood beside us during the Day After Thanksgiving Sale," said TRISH soberly. "We will not let the Summit Carmike fall."

Also, in case you didn't read the last entry, I posted another minute-long snippet from the Poufwa podcast ("I think he did a lot of reading"). Yes, that is my crazy tropical bird laugh there at the beginning. (Man, I need to pull a couple of clips from the Made of Fail podcast just to keep things fair.)

Just a few links, since I've got them sitting around:

metaquotes: "Captain Credit! He's our hero! Gonna take stagnation down to zero!" Keep reading for the punchline, which is gold.

Wonderella has a book!

Headless Horseman costume for dogs: it just ain't right.

Sleeping Beauty May Be Safe, But Ariel Has Some Explaining To Do.

This is what the ring and the locket from Half-Blood Prince look like? Really?

Tweethearts: blogger proposes to nerd girlfriend over Twitter, she tweets back acceptance. My first reaction was, FUTURE HUSBAND I HAVEN'T MET, DON'T YOU DARE. And then I thought... Really, do you foresee this being a problem any time soon?

*woevolins*

Comments

[angelene.livejournal.com]

This is what the ring and the locket from Half-Blood Prince look like? Really?

OMG not only are they fugly, but they look really really lame both as pieces of jewellery and as precious, magic artifacts. If I were to stuff a fragment of my soul within an object I'd make sure it was a lot more glamorous than that. U(g)h.

[berseker.livejournal.com]

Because any woman who has power, lives alone, and is a threat to the king of the sea is probably an ugly old sea witch, yeah

You see, that´s the problem I see with these kind of thing. No, not every woman who has power is a witch. THIS one is. Ursula´s characterization is so strong (well, it is) that she can´t be considered any woman, just like the king is not every father and Ariel is not *every* teenager.

I know, I know. The anti-feminist message might still be there, but I rather watch this kind of thing then those hammer-fisting atempt at mother womans that are coming out nowadays. I think the only movie that actually suceeded with this was Shrek. All the others feel forced.

Hum, Shrek. I need to watch the second one again. The only sequel in the world that´s better than the first movie.

[cleolinda.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I wasn't really buying the bit about Ursula. The other thing is, I went back and read the Sleeping Beauty post (because I love the idea and the imagery of that fairy tale for some reason, even though it really doesn't hold up very well under a feminist critique, and I would love for someone to make me feel better about that), and... there wasn't a lot of there there, I don't know.

[rosefox8.livejournal.com]

CANDLEJACK!

*six hours later*

Crap, where was I?

Oh yeah, I said Candlejack's name, and then he app--

*twelve hours later*

DAMMIT.

[alliancesjr.livejournal.com]

That ring is...kinda gross. Totally not what I'd imagined.

[cleolinda.livejournal.com]

I was imagining something nice and snaky and gothic, not... that.

[robinmc.livejournal.com]

I saw that thing about The Little Mermaid yesterday and I kinda lost it (see my LJ if you're interested). I'm so sick of people trying to ruin that movie for me.

Also: If I ever need to hire a bodyguard, what is Eowyn's going rate?

[bleakwinters.livejournal.com]

While Disney might not promote all that is feminist, we should take those stories for what they are: great imagery, amazing songs and strong characters.

I read a while ago an article on a blog (I blog-hop at work when I am bored to tears) about how they nearly hit it with Belle and then BAM, she chose the prince. Um, well... she says in the very beginning that she wants adventure, which she gets. She is in a damn enchanted castle! Who's to say she settled down and popped a few kids once she got married?!

*sigh*

And that Harry Potter stuff is so ugly. Instead of spending money on that crap they could use it to make the films, oh, I dunno, more canon? >_>

[bri-chan.livejournal.com]

Um...ok, I had some problems with the Mermaid article. Sleeping beauty was "harmless." The general consensus among Disney people is that Aurora was one of the most useless princesses (which isn't to say that I don't love her, I love her so freaking much). But she did nothing in the film except fall in love with a guy after one dance, cried a lot, and then slept for half of the film. And as I've heard it said, she was totally setting herself up for forest-rape. How is that a good role model for kids?

Is it scary that we talk about these things all the time backstage at Disneyland?

And Ariel...I can't really agree with anything there. Like someone else said, it's a story between a father and daughter, and how we all have to let our children go at some point. Ariel wanted to be human before she met Eric. And also, you can argue it two different ways - either Ariel was a shallow girl who was willing to give up her life and family, OR she was a headstrong determined young woman who took matters into her own hands and didn't just sit around waiting for her true love to come around (Snow White anyone?). Ariel took action and did what she felt was right in her heart.

Anyway, my apologies for the rant in your journal here. Ariel has always been my favorite princess, and she's also gained my sympathy since she's being kicked out of her shell (http://bri-chan.deviantart.com/art/notice-of-eviction-99300129) here at Disneyland to make room for the Disney Fairies. Meh.

[phantomess05.livejournal.com]

I completely agree with you, not only that but people seem to be pointing at Disney as the root of all of this imaginary sexism, what about the original stories they're based on? If you are going to be so picky as to point your figure at someone shouldn't it be Hans Christian Anderson? Granted his version was different, the basics are still there.

I Digress.... 0_o

A lot of disney's princesses and female heroines are definitely lacking as strong feminist role models, but if that isn't who their character is then why push them into that role to satisfy women who are convinced any other portrayal of women will damage the youth forever? I mean, I know I grew up watching these movie over and over again, I still go to disneyworld and disneyland and get excited about Disney's new movies, but I don't feel like I'm less of an independent and strong woman because I looked up to Ariel and several other disney princesses as a girl.

I think I totally went off on a cold medicine induced tangent, sorry about that.

[rorqual.livejournal.com]

My first reaction was, FUTURE HUSBAND I HAVEN'T MET, DON'T YOU DARE.

Hey, a girl has to have standards...even if they're standards for a situation that's not exactly imminent. Be prepared!

[madeline-may.livejournal.com]

I have a love/hate relationship with The Little Mermaid. I think it's because, even at a young age, I found myself thinking... "Wait... she's being a stupid teenager, here." She was rash, rebellious, and made poor decisions... things that could've made for an interesting character, but instead made her into "the little angry woman." I didn't care for that at all.

However, in some of the comments for that article, people start bashing Belle, and that's where I need to put my foot down. She was rebellious and passionate and smart, all in a good way, and her "BITCH PLZ" attitude when dealing with the Beast always made me so proud. She's always been one of my favourite Disney gals.

[dragovianknight.livejournal.com]

And the Beast wasn't abusive, he was, well, still the spoiled brat who got cursed. Only Belle wasn't taking any of that bullshit, and she didn't fall for him until he learned some manners.

[kudzita.livejournal.com]

HELL YES I KNEW EOWYN WOULD SCHOOL HER.

Um. Not that I was, um, on tenterhooks waiting to find out, or anything.

Also, I don't know why, but Twitter just really bugs the shit out of me. Does the world really need updates on what someone is doing every thirty seconds? (Does the world really need a proposal acceptance with that many frickin' Zs?)

[lemonade8.livejournal.com]

That dog costume will last only twenty six seconds. You see him preparing to chomp on the leg? And any children of that size that he meets in the future will suffer the same fate.

And the necklace... was that supposed to be Slytherin's? Did they forget to read the books? I think it bears absolutely no resemblance to either pendant. And where are the symbols of the ring? It was flat and the stone had cracked. Man, these are HORCRUXES!! They need to show some respect... ;D

[yetra.livejournal.com]

My favorite internet proposal story was done through the Savage Love Podcast.

[artemis-archer.livejournal.com]

I've been considering writing the final paper for my junior year writing class on representations of female characters in Disney movies but I'm afraid I'll never be able to look at any of those girls the same way again. Ariel and her 80's hair may have made some shitty decisions but I hate the idea of seeing Belle or Mulan as anything but awesome.

[elvensapphire.livejournal.com]

I've never liked Ariel. As much as I love Disney and the princesses, Ariel has always been my least favorite. She's a spoiled brat, for one, and treats her father and her friends with disrespect at times when they're only trying to help her, and...I don't know. I just always find her whiny and ungrateful, and she does do a weird 180 as far as personality goes that I didn't even identify with as a child. I think I sort of understand and agree with that article more than I should. :D

The Horcruxes look odd. Hmmm. Noble's stuff is usually gorgeous, so maybe those are just early mock-ups?

Ellowyne should sleep with one eye open from now on. Hee!

[skellington7d.livejournal.com]

Okay, the Little Mermaid article is really twisting the movie to fit their own complaints. Ariel wanted to become human long before she met her prince. What else was that grotto and her entire "I Want" song was about? And once she does get legs, she's way more into cruising the town and jumping carriages over the ravine than True Love's Kiss, and Eric actually falls in love with her for this reason. She doesn't give up her dreams for Eric, she fulfills them with him by her side. Sebastian even calls her "completely hopeless" because she's too busy having fun that she doesn't even think about seducing him. She didn't give up everything for a man, she gained the world she wanted along with him.

[diddakoi.livejournal.com]

Seconded.

[elbales]

I just reread the Tiny Moist Hand threads and am now crying with laughter.

maura_mellon: "Hey, is that a Tiny Moist Hand? Wait, it's-- OH JESUS NO!"

Cleo: *cries*

It's not kind to laugh at others' distress, but I just--I just can't help it OH GOD HAHAHAHAH.

Also: AHHHHHHHHH

[hypocriticalme.livejournal.com]

This is really random, and I'm sorry, but I just wanted to let you know I bought a True Blood t-shirt online to wear for when I go see Twilight.

[cleolinda.livejournal.com]

Hee, playin' with fire.

NOT ON TOPIC, like, AT ALL.

[jharrison19.livejournal.com]

CLEO! i just saw some of the clips from the happening (theres no way im watching the whole thing, even for the lulz). I COULD NOT stop laughing. my favorite has to be the old woman saying she heard them plotting to kill her, and he gives the most hilarious "WHAT? No..." the pharmacist thing had me on the ground for twenty minutes

Re: NOT ON TOPIC, like, AT ALL.

[cleolinda.livejournal.com]

I'm SAYING, man. I so did not make any of that shit up.

[macbethchild.livejournal.com]

Since your Secret Life of Dolls entries are so hilarious, I took a closer look at your Cleoland wiki entries... and accidentally clicked on the Ellowyne Wilde webpage.

...I NEED THE CEMETERY WEDDING DRESSED DOLL. The one on page 21. THE ONE THAT'S $500, YEP, THAT WOULD BE HER, CLICK X CLICK X CLICK X QUICK!!

Seriously, I am like 1000% creeped out by dolls, ALL dolls, ALL the time, but that super-creepy doll is just too gorgeous. Very Corpse Bride.

[cleolinda.livejournal.com]

Oh, Evangeline, yeah. They actually said she was inspired in part by Corpse Bride, even. And she's as gorgeous as she is expensive, yeah. I love this one. (http://www.wildeimagination.com/p-106-gothic-vigil-almost-sold-out.aspx)

[r-a-black.livejournal.com]

Wow... so they'll be able to afford a wedding but not plane tickets to meet each other first, or what?

[agatha-mandrake.livejournal.com]

My dolls bitch at me because they don't have shoes. Pizazz especially is enraged that Jem has footwear and she does not. You'd think they'd just be grateful that they were resuced from Value Village, but no. Dance is the only one who doesn't care that she's barefoot, it fuels her Isadora Duncan fantasies.

Stephanie Meyer Interview

[eeowynluna.livejournal.com]

Hey, just a random lurker, but I actually created an entire livejournal account in order to inform you (cleo) slash all Twilight fans who read your site about the in depth Stephanie Meyer interview that took place on the Harry Potter podcast Mugglecast. The same podcast has a spin off called Imprint, all about Twilight on iTunes where they discuss the books/movie news, but this interview was really interesting so I figured, what the hell!

Here's the link to download the Mugglecast episodes, but the pertinent episode is #156.

http://www.mugglenet.com/mugglecast/index.php?page=episodes.php

Re: Stephanie Meyer Interview

[cleolinda.livejournal.com]

Hey, thanks.

[foresthouse.livejournal.com]

That is SO NOT what the ring and locket (should) look like! NUH-UHHH. What are they thinking? Where's the big honkin' black stone? Where's the emerald 'S'. Let's strike.

(Well, ok, maybe not strike. Maybe just cross our fingers that the movie props look different?)

[demonqueen666.livejournal.com]

That whole Captain Credit post is awesome. But I actually think I laughed the hardest at the part where the comments' first thread quickly veers off into a twenty-three (yes, I counted) sub-thread of abductions by Candle Jack.

...Oh, shi

[teslaroo.livejournal.com]

I don't know, but I think I'd take the HP locket and marvolo ring over the Bella engagement ring from Twilight...

http://blog.twilightteez.com/?cat=20

[cleolinda.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I was not terribly impressed with that. I had imagined something more Victorian/Edwardian (heh) looking. Like something from A La Vieille Russie (http://www.alvr.com/item.html?sku=3152272551238605) or The Three Graces. (http://www.georgianjewelry.com/jewelry/category/engagement_ring)