Indian Movies: Celebrities: Spotlight on Amy Jackson

Do you heart Amy Jackson?  Do you even know who Amy Jackson is? She’s an actress. OK. Yeah. She’s a hottie! I discovered her by accident, because of two music videos on YouTube.

• The first music video attracted my attention because it looked like an Indian version of Beauty and the Beast.

• In the other music video, Ms. Jackson was a female photographer who was being taken on a tour in India.

Watching the music videos piqued my interest. Had to seek and find what movies these videos were associated with. I was extremely pleased with the results of my treasure hunt!

Image Credit: Amy Jackson (Supergirl) signed 8x10 photo

♥ But first, let me share a little background info about Amy Jackson.

Her nationality is British; born on the Isle of Man and grew up in Liverpool. She was the winner of several beauty pageants including Miss Teen Liverpool and Miss Teen World. At the age of 16, her modeling career began.

Her acting career blossomed almost instantly when she caught the eye of director A. L. Vijay who thought she looked like a perfect fit to play the part of the leading lady in a Tamil language historical period drama. (He was right! IMHO.)

She has appeared in several Indian films and is currently included in the ranks with other female Bollywood superstars. She is also included alongside female superheroes. She is Imra Ardeen / Saturn Girl in the popular American TV series “Supergirl”.

Follow her on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter.

♥ And now the moment you’ve been waiting for.

The two South Indian (Tamil) films discovered after watching the related music videos, that made me join the Amy Jackson fan club are Madrasapattinam (2010), a historical period drama.  I (2015), a drama sci-fi thriller.

What hooked me about these movies? I’m a sucker for romance. Both were love stories.

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Links of Interest:

• Gannon, Louise. “Meet Liverpool-Born Bollywood Superstar Amy Jackson.”DailyMail Online, Associated Newspapers, 27 Jan. 2018, www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-5303413/Meet-Liverpool-born-Bollywood-superstar-Amy-Jackson.html.

• Petski, Denise. “’Supergirl’: Bollywood Actress Amy Jackson To Recur As Saturn Girl.”Deadline, Penske Business Media, LLC, 26 Sept. 2017, deadline.com/2017/09/supergirl-bollywood-actress-amy-jackson-recur-saturn-girl-1202176567/.

Image credit: Amy Jackson Top Live Wallpaper by Solution

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POPULAR BOLLYWOOD MOVIES ON NETFLIX
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— My Shopping Channel (@goshoppingbees) September 7, 2021

Movie: Murder Mystery: “Big Bad Wolves” (2013)

Horror films and scary psycho-thrillers about murderers on the loose are not really my idea of fun entertainment. They are not my favorite type of film because of my weak stomach which cannot easily digest blood and gore – fake or real; and bad dreams or nightmares are almost always inevitably a byproduct of watching those movies. 

But every once in awhile, particularly if it’s a Friday or Saturday night, a relative or friend might be able to persuade me to watch that kind of movie. But even if I agree to watch the movie, certain allowances must be made.

Allowance Number 1: I am not to be left alone at any time while the movie is showing, except that I can go to the bathroom by myself. LOL.

Allowance Number 2: It is perfectly OK if I “watch” the film all the way through with my eyes closed and just listen to the dialogue. That way there won’t be any gory scenes in my memory for me to fall asleep and dream about.

Allowance Number 3: If I watch the movie trailer and it scares the bejeebers out of me, all bets are off! That’s it! I’m not watching the movie! If watching a movie preview upsets me, there is no way I can watch the movie.

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Here is a movie recommendation. The movie is “Big Bad Wolves”. It’s Israeli-produced and it’s a scary murder mystery suspense thriller! This movie is also described as a black or dark comedy, but I have a problem with movies labeled as such. It’s just one of my pet peeves. Does this plot sound something to make you laugh? It’s a murder mystery wrapped around a horror. The victims are innocent little girls, a killer or killers are on the loose, and you have just got to know if the Big Bad Wolves get caught!

The Saturn Awards are presented by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Films, an American organization. “Big Bad Wolves” received the award for Best International Film at the 40th annual ceremony. If that accolade isn’t enough to impress you, then it might interest you to know that Quentin Tarantino called it the ‘Best Film of 2013’.

Anyway! After reading a review that piqued my interest, this movie went on my watch list. The Number 3 allowance has been eliminated since watching the trailer did not overwhelm me with fear and dread. However, because of Number 1 and Number 2, I have to wait for my husband or other relative or friend to be in the mood to watch this mystery with me. I am NOT watching this movie all by myself! LOL.

Original source: Virily.com

♦ MovieTrailer:

Big Bad Wolves (English Subtitled) by Lior Ashkenazi for $2.99 ~ https://amzn.to/2FfbBIJ

'Big Bad Wolves' Is Designed to Scare the Parents, Instead of the Children ~ “... full of wicked surprises ..” ( https://t.co/TjzJbtFDuI ) #moviereviews #entertainment #moviesmusicandbooks #MurderMystery @popmatters pic.twitter.com/Am1NrgGFjB

— Treathyl Fox (aka cmoneyspinner) ~ #Freelancer (@cmoneyspinner) January 8, 2019

Books and Movies: The Beginnings of Science Fiction

Science fiction is a very popular book genre.

But sci-fi wasn’t always accepted as “real writing”.

Sharing an interesting fact about the beginning of science fiction; how it developed into a recognized and respected form of 20th-century literature. 

Though science fiction enjoys a wide audience of readers today, it’s not the type of story that suits my reading preferences. Would much rather watch a well-done film adaptation of a sci-fi novel. Why? Because a lot of the language in sci-fi books is too complicated for me. (Everybody’s brain works differently.) But to see an apocalyptic catastrophe on the big screen? I totally get it! Additionally, extreme relief washes over me to know that the event is just a product of a writer’s detailed research and his or her overactive imagination. Whew! So it’s great that science fiction book writers have a loyal fan base because, later on, their novels might be made into fantastic movies!

If you are a sci-fi book fan, this information likely comes as no revelation, but it was news to me! According to Kingsley Amis, there are three literary works thought of as precursors of OR that in some way created an opening for the Sci-Fi genre to find its way into the hearts of book lovers:

1. Voltaire’s Micromégas;
2. Shakespeare’sThe Tempest; and
3. Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels.

Jonathan Swift’s Lilliputians? OK. I think a land of little people sounds like science fiction. But François-Marie Arouet, aka Voltaire, and William Shakespeare? Writers of sci-fi? Not so sure that I agree. At any rate, Amis published his survey of science fiction in 1960.

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REF: Amis, Kingsley W. New Maps of Hell. New York: Ballantine, 1960.

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Other Links of Interest:

• Jonathan Swift (1667 – 1745)
• François-Marie Arouet aka Voltaire (1694 – 1778)
• William Shakespeare (1564 – 1616)
• Sir Kingsley William Amis, CBE (1922 – 1995)

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Book or Film Adaptation: Classic Thriller: Night of the Fox by Jack Higgins

This post is a recommendation of three (3) books written by British author Jack Higgins (1929 - ), who is aptly described as "...one of the best-selling authors of popular thrillers and espionage novels."  I thought the excerpt from one of those books was a great way to pique your interest. 

“Rommel.” Hitler smiled a ghastly smile that was almost one of triumph.

“So, the Desert Fox wishes to play games.”

“I’m almost certain of it.”

“The people’s hero,” Hitler said. “We must handle him carefully, wouldn’t you say?”

“Or outfox him, my Fuhrer,” Himmler said softly.

“Outfox him. Outfox the Desert Fox.” Hitler smiled delightfully.“Yes, I like that, Reichsfuhrer. I like that very much indeed.”

♦ The dialogue above is extracted from “Night of the Fox”, a novel by Jack Higgins.


Almost everybody knows Harry Patterson better known as Jack Higgins. He is an international bestselling suspense thrilling author who is among the world’s most popular writers. He is remembered by many for his novel, “The Eagle Has Landed” (1975); but his book “Night of the Fox” (1986) is equally as impressive. Though his books are a work of fiction, the writer’s efforts to research the historical events on which the plots are based were painstakingly real. For example, part of his research involved actually meeting with and reviewing the diaries of a woman who was trapped in Jersey during World War II.

The book, “The Eagle Has Landed”, was adapted to film (1976) which also starred a few of my favorite actors: Michael Caine, Robert Duvall, and Donald Sutherland disguised as Polish airmen. It was a plot to kidnap Sir Winston Churchill.  Intense!

“Night of the Fox”, was also made into a movie (1990) which starred two of my favorite actors, George Peppard (as American officer, Col. Harry Martineau) and Michael York (as high-ranking German officer, Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, the “Desert Fox”).

The book “The Eagle Has Flown” is a sequel to “The Eagle Has Landed”. Fans of novels by Higgins consider it worthy as a classic thriller, however, it was not adapted to film.

Nevertheless, if you are compiling a private library of WWII suspense thrillers, this 3-in-1 would be a great addition!

Jack Higgins: Three Complete Novels: The Eagle Has Landed (1975); The Eagle Has Flown (1991); Night of the Fox (1986)

• More books by Jack Higgins

Image credits: Photos found at Wikipedia. General Field Marshall Erwin Rommel in December 1943; and Bundesarchiv Bild 146-1977-119-08, Erwin Rommel with Adolf Hitler. Book cover at Amazon.



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GOOD READS: Charles Dickens Wrote More Than One Ghost Story

 “Charles John Huffam Dickens was an English writer and social critic. He created some of the world’s best-known fictional characters and is regarded by many as the greatest novelist of the Victorian era.” (Wikipedia)

Since readers seemed to appreciate my post about William Shakespeare, I decided to share a short post about another famous British writer, Charles Dickens (1812 – 1870). Unlike Shakespeare, hardly anybody challenges or questions whether Dickens is the true author of any of his works.  He is known by almost everyone as the man who wrote “A Christmas Carol“.  This novel is a literary masterpiece that has been adapted to film numerous times and has become part of the holiday tradition.  Every Christmas people want to see those ghosts! The popularity of this original work has overshadowed the fact that it wasn’t the ONLY ghost story Charles Dickens ever wrote.  Dickens had a fascination with supernatural phenomena and the existence of spirits or ghosts.  Because of his avid interest, he wrote several ghost stories. Enough to have them compiled into one volume for your reading pleasure.  That’s if you like a good ghost story!

Wordsworth Classics: “Complete Ghost Stories” by Charles Dickens

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THE 16 GREATEST CHARLES DICKENS NOVELS

Celebrities We All Admire: Do You Heart Bruce Lee?

I heart libraries. One time I checked out a book from the library about the incomparable Bruce Lee. That was when I realized that several people in my house heart Bruce Lee. That book got passed around. My sons loved that book! Had to pry it loose from their fingers so I could return it to the public library. Must admit. It was a great book! But then, everything about Bruce Lee is spectacularly awesome!! Don’t you agree?

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Image credit: BruceLee – The Evolution of a Master Art Legend by Advance Martial Arts, on Flickr

* * * In Memory Of Asian-American Legend ~ Bruce Lee (Nov 27, 1940 – July 20, 1973)

Favorite Music Videos: Stevie Nicks, Fleetwood Mac – Landslide & Gypsy

Not much needs to be said about this American singer; one of the female song singers from my generation who left a mark on my musical psyche. Her voice is timeless. The songs that she sang were timeless. The group that she was the lead singer for, they are also timeless. Who am I talking about? I’m talking about Stevie Nicks, lead singer for Fleetwood Mac. She’s one of a kind.  Timeless! 

Stevie Nicks ROCKS!

Stevie Nicks | Official Website

Original Source:  Virily.com

Fleetwood Mac - Landslide (Official Music Video)

Fleetwood Mac - Gypsy (Official Music Video)

Music: Renaissance is Progressive Rock

Do you like the study of the Renaissance period? If you do, you are not the only one. I’m with you! Not only is that period in history very interesting, but the meaning of the word also gives you a license to apply it to so many other things. Renaissance means “rebirth”. From there it’s a short walk to the road of “rediscovery”. Well, my logic dictates that if you were reborn then you also have to rediscover. Agree?

OK. At this point, my logic may come across a tad bit illogical. But not much.

It’s nice to rediscover jewels from your youth. Although this group is not a rediscovery for me. They’re brand new! Although they’ve been around since 1969 (i.e. my youth), I never heard of them. However, I do like their style.  The group is called Renaissance, and they experiment between rock, folk, and classical music forms. According to Wikipedia, the appropriate genre with regard to how to classify their music style is “progressive rock”.

How would I describe their sound? Are you familiar with the Irish singer Enya? The vocals for this group have that charming soothing Celtic kind of tone in their voices just like this fabulous lady. The instrumentalists sound like classically trained musicians who could have played to entertain the kings and queens of the Middle Ages; so it’s no surprise that they were invited to perform at Carnegie Hall (Manhattan, New York USA) and Royal Albert Hall (South Kensington, London, England).

To date, they have released 89 albums. Listed below are just a few.

• Renaissance | Live At Carnegie Hall (Remastered)
• Turn of the Cards (Image credit)
• Song of Scheherezade

● Check out music albums by Renaissance 


Related or Similar Links:

• Introduction to Classical Music
• Build Your Renaissance Library

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Movie Review: Bollywood: Mission Kashmir (2000)

Although Mission Kashmir was released more than 20 years ago, it's still a good movie.  If you have not watched it you should add it to your watch list.  

Mission Kashmir - Where to Watch and Stream - TV Guide

This is a quick movie review/recommendation of an Indian film starring some of Bollywood’s finest: Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta, and others. The name of this film is "Mission Kashmir".  My alternate title for this movie is “Crayons and a Pink House”.

When Divyansh Pandey picked this topic to write about, he probably did not realize it but he picked a part of the world to write about that is of interest to me. His description of this wonderland is both charming and sad. In one instance, he calls Kashmir the “Switzerland of India” but in the title of his post, he calls this place “The Bleeding Heaven”. Extracted some profound and thought-provoking statements from the short article written by Mr. Pandey:

“Kids are picked up from school by militants and brainwashed to fight against India. For them, Its like ‘Born in Heaven brought up in hell’.”

(NOTE: The site where the article was published was shut down and I have been unable to find an online copy of the content republished elsewhere on the web.)

My interest in Kashmir developed after watching a film that was released in 2000 called “Mission Kashmir”. It was very sobering and there were two sentences or phrases that played over and over in my mind long after the movie had ended.

Movie Quote 1: “Were you dreaming of a pink house?”

Movie Quote 2: “… placing carbines instead of crayons in the hands of innocent children …”

Please bear in mind that my nationality is American, so my perspectives are that of an outsider. For me, the fragile thread of humanity extends all around the world and can so easily be snapped at any point. Kashmir, in my humble opinion, is one of those points.

A great movie! If you have not seen it, you should add it to your watch list.

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References:

Pandey, D. (2015, June 15). Kashmir: The bleeding Heaven – Bubblews. Retrieved from: bubblews.com/posts/kashmir-the-bleeding-heaven (Article unpublished.)

Shaikh, Mohammed Uzair. (2016, July 17). Tale of Kashmir: Who is entitled to the ‘bleeding heaven’ –India or Pakistan? – India. Retrieved from http://www.india.com/news/india/tale-of-kashmir-who-is-entitled-to-the-bleeding-heaven-india-or-pakistan-1337197/

Original source:  Virily.com

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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

Adventures of Merlin: Quote From This TV Show That Upset Me

 Do you ever latch on to a quote from a movie or TV show and think to yourself:  ‘That is so wrong!’

Sometimes you hear a line a character spoke and you don’t just disagree,  but you even worry that others may have heard those same words and believed them.  You start thinking about all of those poor ignorant misguided souls persuaded to believe something so erroneous, so false.

OK. Maybe you don’t get that carried away.

One of my favorite TV series is “The Adventures of Merlin”.  Merlin was a wizard with extraordinary powers and he was King Arthur’s friend and counselor.  Uther was King Arthur’s father.  He had passed away but Arthur went to visit him in the world of the dead, to seek his counsel.  Arthur unintentionally left an opening between the world of the dead and the world of the living. Uther walked through the opening,  He was a tad bit upset that his son had married a commoner and the only reason his son gave for marrying her was … because he loved her.

“There are some things that are more important than love.”

These were the words spoken by King Uther’s spirit to his son.

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I’m like:  Uuhh… WHAT??!!!

Those words really upset me.  I fervently believe in the power of love and found the king’s words very disconcerting.  Surely, nobody agrees with Uther.  Thank goodness he’s a fictional character and that was just a line in a TV show.  Whew!

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Can you recall a line or a quote from a fiction or nonfiction writing that you passionately disagreed with?

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Favorite Music Video: Steve Winwood and Chaka Khan - Higher Love

I just can’t thank the British enough for invading America with their hugely talented singers and musicians. Singers like Steve Winwood.  I just love this skinny British soul brother. He did several songs I like. But I narrowed it down to two videos (below). One of them was a collaborative effort with Chaka Khan. By the way, Chaka’s real name is Yvette Marie Stevens. I’m glad that one of her friends thought the name Chaka Khan suited her better. Cause to me she looks like a Chaka Khan. That name sounds so cool. 

Poor Chaka. She underwent an operation on her vocal cords and feared she may never sing again. But she recovered and she still has the pipes!

As for Steve Winwood, he is still mellow. Even though he has not released any new music for years, it doesn’t matter. His old school music is timeless.

Original source:  Virily.com
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Steve Winwood & Chaka Khan - Higher Love (Official Video)

Steve Winwood - While You See A Chance

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