Although this blog is devoted mainly to non-fiction, every once in a while I am compelled to point out something of interest from the fiction side as well. Today, I direct your attention to this fine article by Richard Woodman – Nathaniel Drinkwater and the British Maritime Article. Most informative on many levels. (BTW, I possess all the Drinkwater novels, most in their first English editions. And I have read them all as well!)
Hitler and the German Navy
Fuehrer conferences on matters dealing with the German Navy, 1939-[1945] are translations of documents found in the German Naval Archives. These and other compilations form the basis for the monograph Hitler and his admirals
The Surrender of the CSS Shenandoah
Today marks the end of the American Civil War; however, lags in communication and the attendant breakdown of communications infrastructure greatly delayed the relaying of this event. While Confederate land forces surrendered by the end of the summer of 1865, the Shenandoah did so toward the end of the year. The CSS Shenandoah surrendered in Liverpool, England on November 6, 1865 ((“The Cruise of the Shenandoah,” Southern Historical Society Papers, 35(1900): 235-258; Hunt’s The Shenandoah; or, The last Confederate cruiser (1910); articles from The Liverpool Mercury, November 1865)). This was the last Confederate surrender.
Other relevant reads include: The Diplomats Who Sank a Fleet: The Confederacy’s Undelivered European Fleet and the Union Consular Service; Civil War at Sea;Confederate Ships Afloat (from DANFS); Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies, 30 vols.; Officers in the Confederate States navy, 1861-65 [A register]; History of the Confederate…
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New Books! 4/14/15
Review: Marvel’s Daredevil
Today is a brand new-day in the Marvel Universe with the debut of Netflix’ Daredevil TV series; the first of four brand-new television shows set in the “Marvel Cinematic Universe” (MCU). The characters that will be having their own shows on Netflix are Marvel’s “street level” characters; Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and Iron Fist. And just as with the Marvel big-screen counterparts, all four shows will culminate in a crossover TV series, The Defenders!
While this is not Marvel Studios’ first foray into the small-screen, as we’ve seen with Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Agent Carter, Daredevil brings Marvel Studios into new territory. Daredevil has a darker tone than the any film or show in thus far in the MCU. And it isn’t just because they say “shit” a few times every episode, or the fact that they showed a *gasp* side-boob! Daredevil displays the dark underbelly…
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Daredevil Debuts On Netflix!
Daredevil debuts on Netflix today!
While Daredevil may be the new hotness for TV fans, he’s long been a hot topic here at Longbox Graveyard. Here’s a whole pack of Daredevil-related articles from the Longbox Graveyard, to get you in the mood for his multi-hour television epic!
Earlier this month, I looked at Daredevil’s origins with a review of Daredevil #1 …
Daredevil figured prominently in my Top Ten lists of great Marvel characters, and “manliest” superheroes …
I offered a brief review of Daredevil’s Silver Age adventures in this Longbox Shortbox …
I’m still conflicted about Brian Michael Bendis’ Daredevil run …
How about this provocative comics creator quote that Daredevil was Marvel’s only “true” crime fighter?
Chasing Amazing’s Mark Ginocchio provided insight on two of the key characters in Daredevil’s life — reporter Ben Urich, and the Kingpin, an enemy so arch that he’s in…
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WonderCon 2015: Warner Bros. shows off ‘San Andreas,’ ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’
‘Star Wars’ saga jumps through digital HD hyperspace to tablets, phones
Cosplay Correctness Is Not Cool
We are just days away from the 10th anniversary launch of the Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo and although it’s sure to be awesome, “cosplay correctness” threatens to spoil the fun.
In recent weeks, several comic conventions all over the world have asked female cosplayers to tone down the allure of their costumes “for decency.” Women wearing allegedly sexually suggestive costumes, like Power Girl’s cleavage-baring outfit, or pixies or Orion Slave Girls, aren’t welcome.
Here’s a recent link about the issue:
http://www.reaxxion.com/6150/booth-babes-and-sexy-cosplayers-are-in-danger-of-being-completely-banned-from-events
And now Calgary’s exhibition has joined the movement. The show runners have refused a booth to the Fanchix, a cosplay-themed burlesque group. The troupe has been denied a booth to all of the Expo shows throughout Canada.
I’ve met the Fanchix and enjoyed their costumes immensely – they are tasteful and fun.
Here are some photos I took of them at recent Expos:
The ladies are adult-themed but that aspect is never on display at the Expo. That is reserved for special events off-site. The group’s members vow they’ll still participate in other ways. For my money, I don’t find them offensive at all. And it’s a shame their booth isn’t allowed at an event that celebrates fandom.
Here is an excerpt from the Expo’s own website costume policy:
“Should at any time a complaint be received regarding any cosplayer’s attire, an assessment will be made by Event staff.. Should that assessment find that the costume is lewd or in poor taste, the attendee must immediately depart the venue and/or change clothing before being allowed back into the event.”
Of course I agree show runners have the right to screen costumes, but I do believe some common-sense is in order.
Here are some more pictures of cosplayers from other Expos:
aThese shows are supposed to be fun, and I believe we can trust the adults who go to the trouble of creating their costumes to be discreet. There has never been full-frontal nudity at these shows, and all of the costumes I’ve seen are stylish.
Let’s look at more examples:
As Stan Lee says, ”Nuff said!”
Bookman 