Friday, June 25, 2010

Mansfield Park: Staircase


Mrs Peacock and Lady Mary Ann stand under the spiral staircase undergoing a heated conversation.

I beg to differ, Mrs Peacock. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies is one of her greatest works and continues to gain popularity each day. Granted I have not yet read Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters. I cannot give opinion yet for that, but I am sure that I will not be let down knowing that it is a Jane Austen work.

Mrs Peacock stands down and is resigned to accept Lady Mary Ann's comments. She pulls out the book from the shelf that she had pointed out earlier.

In any case, Lady Mary Ann, I entreat you to read this, In The Manor Of the Ghost by Tina Pinson. What say you of ghostly stories?

And how about you, dear guest, do you like ghost stories?

*** Blogosphere ebook and kindle giveaway ***

In The Manor Of the Ghost
by Tina Pinson
ebook & kindle giveaway details
- ends June 30

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* image source library spiral staircase

~ Mansfield Park schedule ~


Mansfield Park: Library


Lady Mary Ann of Kitteridge Cliffs looks at the shelves and shelves of books. She has spotted some works by Jane Austen! She pulls one out and flips through it. Mrs Peacock makes a remark and points to another book that Lady Mary Ann should consider.

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My dear, who is this Mr Boddy that was found? Lady Vee asks Julia Bertram who is lighting some candles around the room.

My lady, I am sorry I do not know. Mr Reginald Boddy lives in a stately home, Boddy Mansion. I do not recall the town. He and his entourage (whom Mrs Peacock is a part) are on holiday and are staying at the village inn. Mr Yates is newly acquainted with them and invited them to watch our production. This is the first time we have met them.

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Holmes wonders...
Mrs. Peacock is a widow who is dressed in blue. Her latest dead husband’s estate is almost all gone because she must maintain an extravagant lifestyle. She’s proper and has excellent manners, but is this just a disguise for her past? All four of her husbands have either disappeared or have died mysteriously. Is Mr. Boddy her fifth victim? -Mrs Peacock bio

Things to know about Sherlock Holmes:
--> Holmes's primary intellectual detection method is deductive reasoning of the solution to a crime.

--> Holmes displays a strong aptitude for acting and disguise.

--> Plays the violin well.

--> Is an expert singlestick player, boxer and swordsman.

After Holmes has spoken with Mrs Peacock, his attention is drawn to Lady Titania and Lady Sabrina who are speaking animatedly about a book on a nearby table. He wanders over to them. Lady Titania tells him that they found the book open upon their arrival in the library. She points out that someone had marked some of the passages.

* The word “mummy” is derived from the Persian word “mūm” and the Arabic word “mumiya” which means bitumen. This is a sticky, black organic substance that was assumed to be used in the Eqyptian mummification process because of the mummies’ blackened skin.

* Mummification was used in Ancient Egypt because of the belief that the body should be preserved and kept together so that eternal life can be assured.

* Animals were also mummified because they were house pets or because of their connection to Ancient Egyptian gods and goddesses.

* The Book of the Dead isn’t actually a book, but a compilation of all the spells that were written on the sarcophagi of mummies. Some of these were recited when placing amulets of protection during the wrapping process. You can read it translated into English here.

* If you live in Southern California and want to learn more about mummies, you can go to California Science Center starting July 1 to see the exhibit, Mummies of the World.

* I randomly found instructions on how to make your own mummified servant here

* A modern form of preservation of the dead is called plastination which was invented by Gunther von Hagen. You can see these preserved bodies in the exhibit Body Worlds that is shown around the world. I have seen the exhibit when it came to the California Science Center and it was one of the most fascinating exhibits I had ever seen.

A-ha! much for Holmes to ponder...

*** Holmes Comic Book Giveaway ***

Sherlock Holmes
Comic Book #4
Writer: Leah Moore, John Reppion
Covers: John Cassaday (with Laura Martin - colors)
Penciller/Inker: AARON CAMPBELL
Colorist: Tony Avina

Open to all.

Offer ends: July 31, 2010

TO DO:

Comment below with your email and tell me...

What are a couple comic books you have read in the past?
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Contest has ended - winner is here

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* guest post of mummy facts from Titania of Fishmuffins of Doom

* image source Sherlock Holmes

~ Mansfield Park schedule ~


Mansfield Park: Corner


In the corner of the lounge, Misté la Marquessa of France and Miss Freda are in tête-à-tête.

Misté la Marquessa of France tells a a horrid tale of another incident that occurred at Mansfield Park not too long ago.

Miss Freda is wide-eyed and astounded at what she hears.

Oui, tis true, Mademoiselle. Misté la Marquessa of France nods and fans herself in confidence.

Dear guests, you will have to judge for yourselves.

*** Blogosphere giveaway ***

Misté la Marquessa of France has offered the following book to giveaway...

Murder at Mansfield Park
by Lynn Shepherd
details here


~ Mansfield Park schedule ~


Mansfield Park: Lounge


The lounge atmosphere is relaxed and Mary Crawford takes up the harp for some entertainment.

Lady Marjorie stands near the fireplace as Colonel Mustard begins to tell her a tale of one of his Far East adventures. She is enraptured by his words as he punctuates the story with exclamations and grand gestures.

Edmund and Fanny stand at the window for some stargazing. They speak to each other in hushed tones.

Meanwhile, Miss Marple sits in the corner with her knitting. Miss Kallie admires the scarf that is taking shape and asks a few questions about knits and purls.

Miss Marple finds that...
Colonel Mustard is your typical adventurer with a rich military background. Colonel Mustard (his first name in the British version is Michael) continues to practice archery and shooting by going hunting. He’s a dashing and handsome man with a proud demeanor. He loves to challenge people to a duel if they cross him and he isn’t afraid to speak his mind. A bachelor, Colonel Mustard has been smitten by Mrs. Peacock and Miss Scarlet. He is a tough man to accuse, so you had better be right. -Colonel Mustard bio

Out of the corner of your eye you spy: a wrench under the chaise

Things to know about Miss Marple:
--> Miss Jane Marple is an elderly lady who lives in the little English village St. Mary Mead. Superficially stereotypical, she is dressed neatly in tweed and is frequently seen knitting or pulling weeds in her garden.

--> Miss Marple sometimes comes across as confused or "fluffy", but when it comes to solving mysteries, she has a sharp logical mind, and an almost unmatched understanding of human nature with all its weaknesses, strengths, quirks and foibles.

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Get your dose of Miss Marple on TV or online:
on the Masterpiece Mystery! - details here
(if you missed it, you can still watch it online)

May 23, 2010 - The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side
June 6, 2010 - A Pocket Full of Rye
June 13, 2010 - Murder is Easy
June 20, 2010 - The Secret of Chimneys
June 27, 2010 - The Blue Geranium

*** Marple Book Giveaway ***


Miss Marple: The Complete Short Stories
by Agatha Christie


note: this is a used copy that is in good condition that i picked up from a used bookstore

Open to all.

Offer ends: July 31, 2010

TO DO:

Comment below with your email and tell me...

What would your character be doing while waiting in the lounge?
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Contest has ended - winner is here

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* image source Miss Marple

~ Mansfield Park schedule ~


Mansfield Park: Conservatory


Hercule Poirot is in the Conservatory and has taken each person aside for questioning. At present he speaks with Mr Green.

Lady Giada sits nervously on a bench while fanning herself.

Sullivan McPig starts sniffing all the flowers in the conservatory - at least the ones he can reach.

And you, you inspect the variegated roses as you await your turn with M. Poirot.

Out of the corner of your eye you spy: a knife sticking out of the dirt in one of the planter boxes

Things to note about Poirot:
--> Poirot operates as a fairly conventional, clue-based detective, depending on logic, which is represented in his vocabulary by two common phrases: his use of "the little grey cells" and "order and method".

--> Poirot's methods focus on getting people to talk.

--> Poirot is also willing to appear more foreign or vain than he really is in an effort to make people underestimate him.

M. Poirot quits Mr Green and beckons the next person.

Poirot discovered that...
Mr. Green's family is made up of shysters. His dad is a low down thief and his mom tells fortunes wherever and whenever she can. Guess what: she’s not a psychic. Mr. Green found a calling in spirituality. This means he sets up traveling tents and asks people to give him money, which is for the less fortunate people and that means the money is for him. During his travels, “Reverend” Green met and had certain dealings with Mr. Boddy. Did Mr. Boddy have something on the Reverend? -Mr Green bio

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Coming Soon on TV or online:
Hercule Poirot
on the Masterpiece Mystery!
Three all-new episodes - details here
July 11, 2010 - Murder on the Orient Express
July 18, 2010 - Third Girl
July 25, 2010 - Appointment with Death


*** Poirot Book Giveaway ***

Murder on the Orient Express
by Agatha Christie

Open to all.

Offer ends: July 31, 2010

TO DO: during dinner event
Spread the word - refer a friend, blog, tweet, facebook, etc about the Mansfield Park dinner event. Tell me in comments what you did along with your email.

-->now that the dinner is done, i shall require something different for post-dinner entries

TO DO: post-dinner event
Comment below with your email and tell me a MYSTERY book (title and author) you've read recently.
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Contest has ended - winner is here

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* image source Poirot

~ Mansfield Park schedule ~


 
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