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goldstone-financial-group · 10 months

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The Importance Of Financial Literacy: Empowering Your Financial Journey

For anyone looking to safeguard their financial future in today's complex financial environment, financial literacy is crucial. Understanding ideas like risk management, retirement planning, investing, and budgeting equips people to make wise financial decisions. Financial gurus Anthony Pellegrino and Brian Korienek of Goldstone Financial Group understand the value of financial knowledge. We discuss the value of financial literacy in this blog post, as well as how Goldstone Financial Group can assist you in managing your money.

Understanding Financial Literacy

The ability to make wise financial decisions is referred to as financial literacy. It covers a range of topics, such as making a budget, saving money, investing, paying off debt, and getting insurance. Having financial literacy enables people to manage their money wisely, reach their financial objectives, and deal with the difficulties presented by a constantly shifting financial environment.

• Making Informed Financial Decisions

Financial literacy is the capacity to make prudent financial decisions. A variety of issues are covered, including setting up a budget, saving money, making investments, paying off debt, and obtaining insurance. People who are financially literate are better equipped to handle their money sensibly, accomplish their financial goals, and overcome the challenges brought on by a continuously changing financial environment.

• Budgeting And Saving

Understanding income and expenses allows people to make practical budgets, allocate money wisely, and accumulate emergency funds. This makes it possible for people to manage unforeseen costs, lessen financial stress, and progress toward their financial goals.

• Investing And Wealth Accumulation

A key component of financial literacy is understanding investment principles and strategies. Individuals can learn about different investment options, asset allocation, risk management, and the power of compound interest. With this knowledge, individuals can make informed investment decisions to grow their wealth over time.

• Retirement Planning

When it comes to retirement planning, financial literacy is essential. People who are knowledgeable about retirement vehicles, such as 401(k)s, IRAs, and pensions, may choose their investments, contribution levels, and withdrawal methods with confidence. This guarantees a comfortable retirement and the freedom to continue living the way one wants. The Role Of Goldstone Financial Group In Promoting Financial Literacy

• Comprehensive Financial Education

Given the significance of financial literacy, Goldstone Financial Group provides its clients with thorough financial education. They give people the information and skills necessary to make wise financial decisions through workshops, seminars, and one-on-one consultations. According to the specific requirements of each customer, Anthony Pellegrino, Brian Korienek, and their team of professionals offer advice on risk management, investment, retirement planning, and budgeting.

• Personalized Financial Strategies

Financial planning is approached on an individualized basis by Goldstone Financial Group. They are aware that everyone has different financial objectives, risk tolerances, and life situations. By taking into account these variables, they create tailored financial strategies that support each client's goals and enable them to take control of their financial future.

• Long-Term Partnership

The Goldstone Financial Group values establishing enduring connections with its clients. They offer constant assistance, direction, and education all along the financial journey. Clients are certain that they stay on track and modify their tactics when their circumstances change through frequent check-ins, portfolio evaluations, and modifications.

• Staying Current with Industry Trends

The financial landscape is continuously changing as new market trends, tax laws, and investment opportunities arise. In order to give clients the most recent advice, Goldstone Financial Group regularly updates its methods and knowledge to stay current of these changes. As a result, its clients are given the tools necessary to successfully manage the constantly shifting financial landscape.

The Final Thoughts

Individuals can take charge of their financial well-being by using the effective instrument of financial literacy. Making wise decisions and comprehending fundamental financial principles can lead to financial success. The Anthony Pellegrino and Brian Korienek-led Goldstone Financial Group understands the value of financial literacy and offers its clients thorough financial education as well as individualized plans. Individuals can acquire the information and abilities required to confidently navigate the financial world by working with Goldstone Financial Group.

#anthony pellegrino #goldstone financial group #goldstone financial #finance services #finance and investments #finance tips #brian korienek #anthony pellegrino nashville tn #How old is Anthony Pellegrino #michael pellegrino

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anthony-pellegrino · 1 month

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Navigating Retirement Dreams with Anthony Pellegrino

Explore how Anthony Pellegrino from Goldstone Financial Group can help you achieve your retirement dreams. Discover expert advice on managing finances, optimizing income sources like Social Security, and building a sustainable investment portfolio tailored to your needs. Transition into retirement confidently with a trusted financial advisor by your side.

#anthony pellegrino #brian korienek #goldstone financial #goldstone financial group #michael pellegrino #anthony pellegrino nashville tn

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plitnick · 2 years

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Pressure builds on Biden to investigate Israel over Abu Akleh killing

Last week, 57 Democrats sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and FBI Director Christopher Wray demanding a joint State Department-FBI investigation into Israel’s killing of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. That’s over a quarter of the House Democratic caucus. The list of signatories included some surprising names, not the least of which was Lou Correa (D-CA), who,…

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cobragardens · 7 months

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My Favorite Good Omens Moment:

An Essay on Why It Is Cool and Rad (Part 1)

There's this moment in Good Omens that makes me cackle every time I see it and leaves me full of warmth, so here's an essay on its context and meaning, because explication and analysis are how I show love. I will try to keep my thoughts as tight as possible, but they do have a tendency to spiral outwards, and I am very stoned. Come, sistren, and get nerdy with me.

My favorite moment in the series so far occurs in 1601. To approach it we will first need an assload of context. There's a TL;DR in bold at the end of the Context if you don't fancy reading the whole assload. Key arguments are in italics and bold throughout.

David Tennant gives Crowley a very consistent facial expression every time Aziraphale says something so outlandish Crowley can't quite believe he's hearing it. It's this one:

Chronologically, we see the Eyebrows of Disbelief twice before my fave moment in 1601: once (above left) in that scene on the Garden Wall that familiarizes the audience with Crowley's face before adding the dark glasses, when Aziraphale admits he's given away his sword; once when Aziraphale tells Bildad the Shuhite that he, Aziraphale, has Fallen because he lied to the angels to save Job's children.

The Eyebows of Disbelief always signal surprise and amusement with something Aziraphale has said or done. This amusement is sometimes at Aziraphale's expense and sometimes not.

In the gifs above, Crowley is laughing because what Aziraphale has just admitted to doing is fantastic and unexpected and frankly pretty gd punk rock. He's not laughing at Aziraphale, he's laughing because he is delighted with him. The only record we have thus far of Crowley laughing at Aziraphale is this one:

Crowley laughs when Aziraphale informs him--him, a demon who has personally been through the process of Falling--that Aziraphale is Fallen and must be a demon now. As though of the two of them Aziraphale is the expert on how and under what circumstances this occurs.

And yet when Crowley sees Aziraphale's distress--not his fear of being taken to Hell, but his heartbreak and lostness over the fact that his conscience has diverged from God's stated will--Crowley stops laughing, and instead he acts very kindly towards Aziraphale. He validates the gravity of what Aziraphale has done and assures him he won't turn him in. He sits with him so Aziraphale isn't totally alone (like Crowley probably was) as he goes through the loneliest moments of his existence to that point and picks himself up newly weighted with the secret he must now bear.

And after this scene (in canon as it stands thus far), we don't see Crowley laugh at anything Aziraphale says or does again.

And he really has to work for it sometimes. We talk a lot about the things Michael Sheen is able to convey with his face in Good Omens, and absolutely rightly so; David Tennant earns a chunk of his paycheck in this regard as well. If you haven't given yourself the treat yet, rewatch the scene in Will Goldstone's magic shop in 1941 and focus on Crowley's reactions:

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Tennant takes great care to show, with precision, that Crowley is expending effort not to react to Aziraphale's nervous chaos Muppetry and lack of self-awareness. Crowley is self- and socially and contextually aware enough that he knows (better than Aziraphale, at least, which is not a high bar to clear) what's cringe, what's funny, what's ridiculous, how to behave. But whenever Aziraphale crosses a boundary of normalcy, or even sanity, and there is opportunity to laugh at him, Crowley very carefully doesn't react. He doesn't interrupt him, he doesn't try to correct him, he doesn't make fun of him, he doesn't even smirk; he just watches him, as stone-faced as he can manage, no matter how bizarre Aziraphale becomes.

We should be reading this lack of reaction to Aziraphale's social and rational transgressions as powerful positive action. Go watch the Doctor Who episode "Human Nature," or literally any episode of The Inbetweeners, or read or watch Regeneration, and reflect on what it shows you about English masculinity; then consider again the depth of significance in how English- and male-coded character Crowley treats English- and male-coded character Aziraphale in an England created by an English and male-codedpresenting author based off a book written by himself and another male-presenting author. Within its context of English masculinity, Crowley's lack of reaction is not a neutral stance; it is a very fucking loud show of support.

This is not even an inference; it's stated outright in the show. Crowley himself puts it into words 422 years after my favorite moment:

You know how Crowley calls Aziraphale "angel" because the factuality of the descriptor offers him plausible deniability to any Heavenly or Infernal agents who might be listening? Remember how Crowley is a great equivocator? Crowley is equivocating here, too: he's using the cover of what Maggie and Nina will take as a disparaging joke at Aziraphale's expense in order to make a perfectly sincere statement. This is his genuine perception of one of the relationship dynamics he has with Aziraphale and how he feels about that dynamic. Crowley thinks he himself is quite witty (an accurate assessment), Crowley thinks Aziraphale isn't sufficiently self- or contextually aware to hide how strange he is and therefore frequently says and does mad things (also an accurate assessment), and Crowley is Into. That. Shit.

Okay. Now let's look at 1601.

Chronologically it's been almost 1,000 years since we last saw Aziraphale and Crowley. In 537, Aziraphale isn't willing even to consider a labor-saving working arrangement with Crowley of fucking off home out of the damp of Arthurian Wessex; but by 1601, he's worked (and met, and Arranged) with Crowley "dozens of times now," Crowley says, and Azirapahle does not correct him.

In that millienium, Aziraphale has grown to care deeply about Crowley:

In fact he may be somewhat smitten with him:

Seriously, go back and watch Aziraphale here as Crowley approaches and starts speaking to him: he doesn't start smiling until he recognizes that the person speaking to him is Crowley (but he only smiles at Crowley while Crowley's not looking at him).

And Crowley is definitely become smitten with Aziraphale:

Our man(-shaped entity) is so allergic to work he sets up a meeting to weasel, cajole, or (as it happens) cheat a coin toss to get Aziraphale to do an easy temptation for him in Edinburgh, and then in the same conversation agrees to miracle a play into success because Aziraphale gives him a single hopeful look. Crowley's got it bad.

TL;DR: The Eyebrows of Disbelief happen when Crowley is surprised and amused by something Aziraphale has said or done. Sometimes that amusement is delight with Aziraphale; sometimes it is at Aziraphale's expense. Crowley is aware of this distinction, and when his amusement is at Aziraphale's expense, he suppresses it, even when it takes some effort on his own part, and remains stocially composed. This is equivocation on his part: to Celestial/Infernal operatives lacking knowledge of the intricacies of human behavior, this non-reaction would seem like neutrality; to Aziraphale, who shares with Crowley and the audience the contextual knowledge of English masculinity's utter viciousness, this non-reaction is a profound show of support; and in the safety of support from Crowley, Aziraphale lets his weirdness blossom.

As another meta points out [link if I find it again], we also see in Aziraphale's wordless request about Hamlet and Crowley's immediate understanding of it that by 1601 Aziraphale and Crowley have developed an unspoken, coded method of communication with each other.

Now that we have all of that in mind, here's my favorite moment in Good Omens:

Ixi of Fuck Yeah Good Omens has even kindly archived a closeup of the aftermath, for Crowley, of "Buck up!" In gif 4, above, you can see that the tiny smile is an involuntary reaction that happens as Crowley's eyes widen: for a fraction of a second, he's caught off-guard. In the closeup it's easier to see that he suppresses the smile and gives a tiny shake of his head, Eyebrows of Disbelief heading for his hairline.

There are a number of things Crowley's reaction could mean and what messages it could communicate (we'll get to that in a sec), but regardless, his reaction is, unquestionably, one of surprise and suppressed amusement. This is an aspect of Crowley and Aziraphale's relationship and characters that I like very much, viz., that one of the reasons Crowley likes Aziraphale (though Aziraphale is judgy and occasionally, unintentionally, horrifyingly cruel) is that in addition to being one of the kindest and most courageous beings in existence, Aziraphale is mad as a bag of frogs. Crowley does not know what is going to come out of Aziraphale's lovely mouth next, but Crowley does know there's a good chance he will struggle to believe he's hearing it, and Crowley likes that.

That's what makes this my favorite moment. What makes this moment so cool and rad, though, is its ineffability. We know from the Eyebrows of Disbelief that Crowley is surprised and amused, but any of several things could be read in that almost imperceptible headshake. Like:

What are you doing? or

Why are you like this? or

How can you be aware that you say these things out loud and yet still say them out loud? or

How has my existence come to this? this moment of listening to such insanity?

each of which is a fair and just feeling to have/message to communicate to a man(-shaped entity) who is yelling "Buck up!" at Hamlet.

But that's only if we read Crowley's amusement as being at Aziraphale's expense. And I don't think we should. Because watch Aziraphale here:

He's doing it on purpose. He is shouting a hilariously inappropriate, 100% authentic Aziraphale-brand thing over arguably the gloomiest passage of Shakespeare's famously gloomy play--right after Crowley complains about its gloominess--and he is watching Crowley as he does it. Look at his smile! He knows he's being Deeply Uncool, and he is doing it literally right into Crowley's face.

Remember that we just talked about how by this point in the chronology Crowley and Aziraphale have learned to communicate with each other nonverbally through facial expression? So what does it mean when Aziraphale responds to Crowley's grumbling about Hamlet's gloominess by smiling his minxious Mona Lisa Aziraphale smile, looking right into Crowley's face, and yelling at Hamlet to buck up? Aziraphale, in a carefully coded, carefully Aziraphale way, is joking with Crowley. His silliness in this moment is for Crowley.

So with aaaaaaallllll of this essay in mind, what does it mean that Crowley's reaction to "Come on, Hamlet! Buck up!" is widening eyes, an involuntary twitch of his mouth toward a smile, and then, his eyebrows still showing surprise and amusement, a tiny shake of his head?

Once more, with inferences:

I do propose, y'all, on the basis of this web of evidence I submit for consideration, that what we are seeing here in my favorite moment of Good Omens is the ineffable equivalent of Aziraphale and Crowley sharing a laugh.

Crowley's amusement here isn't at Aziraphale, because Aziraphale is eliciting that amusement consciously and deliberately. Aziraphale, in good spirits and happy to see Crowley, uses his Aziraphaleness to offers Crowley not only an opportunity for amusement, but the opportunity to be in agreement with him about what in this situation is funny. They're on the same side of this joke.

And his humor lands just as he wants it to: Crowley, just for a moment, is caught off-guard, and tickled--

But remember, Crowley is worried in this scene about being surveilled ("I thought you said we'd be inconspicuous here"), and he worries about audio surveillance a lot ("Walls have ears"; "Don't say that. If my lot hear [etc.]," etc.), so he's very limited in what reactions he can show or voice. Aziraphale knows Crowley must be perceived by anyone watching or listening to disapprove of his, Aziraphale's, behavior (just as he must be perceived to disapprove vociferously of Crowley's). Both of them know this.

--so Crowley suppresses the smile almost successfully, and shakes his head at Aziraphale, minutely, to say Stop. What you're doing is working, you're close to making me laugh, and if I show how much you have just delighted me, it will blow our cover of "just an Arrangement."

I offer three final data points in advancing my argument that what we see in my favorite Good Omens moment is Aziraphale successfully attempting to joke with Crowley and Crowley recognizing that overture from Aziraphale and being momentarily surprised into a reaction of genuine delight before pulling his face back under control and indicating to Aziraphale that he must stop:

Datum 1. Nothing going on with Crowley's face in this moment is accidental. We know for sure we're not seeing David Tennant react to Michael Sheen here not only because of literally every other point of Tennant's and Sheen's performances in the show, but because Tennant is wearing opaque contacts and sunglasses under film lighting and therefore cannot be reacting to anything more compelling than a level-10-lift blur because Tennant cannot see shit. Crowley's reaction is a deliberate and careful performance choice on Tennant's part, and it's underscored by director Douglas Mackinnon's choice to film Tennant in 1/2 profile to keep Crowley's eyes visible and face readable to the audience. This reaction is supposed to be there and supposed to be meaningful.

Datum 2. The husbands in 1601 is not the only moment in Good Omens when we may be seeing an angel and a demon communicate the message Stop doing that, it makes us look too familiar between themselves with a little headshake:

Datum 3: There is another moment in Good Omens when Aziraphale offers Crowley the opportunity to enjoy a joke with him. There, too, his humor lands just as he intends, so we can use this other moment as a comparison to our 1601 moment. I don't have gifs for it, but go back and watch it, S1E6 49:27-42. Snips below.

Aziraphale says something that surprises and amuses Crowley (he asked Hell for a rubber duck while he was sloshing around in the holy water)--

--but what Aziraphale says makes Crowley smile long before it makes him laugh.

In fact, his laugh, though a genuine cackle, is quite delayed, and he laughs only after Aziraphale starts laughing too.

In other words, Crowley's reaction to Aziraphale offering him amusement they're both on the same side of is exactly the same as his reaction to "Come on, Hamlet! Buck up!" right up until he laughs instead of shaking his head. Here, after Armageddidn't, Crowley doesn't have to suppress his reaction, so he can let the smile bloom; he doesn't have to control his response, so, although it takes him a few extra seconds, he lets the smile turn into a laugh.

But in 1601, it's not safe to laugh at Aziraphale's humor. It's not safe even to smile at him. A single piece of evidence or eye/earwitness testimony that he and Crowley have anything more friendly than the most passing and acrimonious of professional relationships could mean death to either or both of them, and depending on what Falling is like, maybe something worse than death for Aziraphale.

But Aziraphale is so funny, so effervescent for Crowley, at Crowley, that it catches Crowley just for a moment. Crowley's eyes widen and the corner of his mouth twitches toward a smile.

And that's dangerous. If Aziraphale keeps acting so charmingly mad, Crowley is going to laugh, and they can't afford that risk, so he shakes his head at Aziraphale. Stop, or I won't be able to keep a straight face around you.

And Aziraphale apparently receives that message, because he immediately eases off. Less than 60 seconds later we learn that he's deeply concerned for Crowley's safety--and that it's not so much that Aziraphale has Crowley wrapped around his little finger as it is that Crowley has wrapped himself around Aziraphale's little finger like a snake arranging itself on the tree branch it calls home.

UPDATE 14/10/23: HOLY SHIT Y'ALL IT GETS EVEN BETTER! THERE IS A SEQUEL!

#good omens #good omens meta #good omens 1601 #good omens microexpressions #good omens headshake #angelfish #aziracrow #ineffable husbands #good omens fanalysis

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somehow-a-human · 16 days

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Whose POV is it Anyway?

The Ball

DO NOT ASK NEIL ABOUT FAN THEORY

The ball, ah the romantic sweet ball. Episode 5 gives us the build up to the Jane Austen style Whickber Street Shopkeepers Association Monthly Meeting. We then see the event itself, before it is rudely interrupted by some bottom-of-the-barrel-practically-the-damned demons.

For reference & context, I recommend reading these posts:

Whose POV is it Anyway? - Introduction

Lens Filters

POV "Your 'Something's Wrong' Voice"

POV a Trip to Hell and a 25 Lazarii Miracle

POV a Companion to Owls

POV The Dirty Donkey & I think I Found a *Clue*!

POV Bodysnatchers & Cosplaying a bookseller

POV 1941

Read this meta with me? While we dance?!

Episode 5 opens with Crowley pulling up to Whickber street and getting out of the Bentley. He meets Aziraphale in the street and after confirming he's really going through with hosting the meeting begins his demonic guard dog duties which basically just consist of following Aziraphale around all day.

His sideburns are short, he's being short and snarky with Aziraphale in regards to the hosting the meeting; we're not seeing Crowley obstructed by anyone else's lens, we open with Crowley's POV.

When we enter Arnolds Music Shop and the lighting is significantly warmer, the camera shot is centered on Aziraphale and Crowley's sideburns are long. We've switched to Aziraphale's POV. He gives away a book, we see an alarmed look from Crowley but no reaction.

Once they leave the music shop, Crowley's sideburns are short again, the lighting is toned cooler, and he immediately grills Aziraphale about giving away a book. We've switched back to Crowley's POV.

The next stop on Whickber Street is the Will Goldstone's Magic Shop. The lighting is warm and glowy here, and I would easily say this is the Bronze Glimmerglass filter that I typically also associate with Aziraphale's POV. Crowley's sideburns here though are short. This is one of the only times, if not the only time they are incongruent with the assumed filter (if I am to be trusted in my analysis). I think it is also worth noting that this was the first scene David and Michael filmed together for season 2. So, if this whole series of posts I've been writing is a complete waste and Davids sideburns simply grew out as filming went on and they didn't trim them at all, well then this would support that theory lol.

When they talk with Ms Cheng in the street we are back to cool toned lighting, and short sideburns, indicative of Crowley's POV. They talk to Justine, same thing.

Crowley realizes "Oh I'm in human love with Aziraphale", still his POV.

"Smited, smote, smitten" is still Crowley's POV. The lighting seems warmer because they are sitting under a yellow awning and surrounded by fairy lights but the shot is missing the warm haze and glow.

When Crowley goes to confront Gabriel, the lighting is indiscernible but Crowley's sideburns are long.

By the time Crowley makes it down to tell Maggie & Nina to come to the meeting, the filter being used on Whickber Street appears to be Hell's filter, Black Pro Mist (BPM). Crowley's sideburns are long. He confronts the demons and then the ball is in full swing.

The entire ball is shot through a heavy dose of the Bronze Glimmer Glass filter. Each of the filters has different strengths that can be used, and this must be a fairly high one used for the ball scenes. I think everyone will agree we're likely seeing Aziraphale's POV for the ball scenes. Everything is heavily golden, sparkling, hazy, and Crowley's sideburns are long. Not even to mention that the ball is simply his dream come to life anyway.

the street outside is green and foggy, and using the BPM filter still.

When Crowley gets in the elevator to heaven his sideburns remain long.

Welp. Thats episode 5, all we've left to do is episode 6 and I then I will be writing a conclusion piece to these! See you there!

NEXT POV The End?

#good omens #good omens 2 #michael sheen #aziraphale #good omens meta #david tennant #crowley #crowley x aziraphale #good omens theories #good omens clues #ineffable mystery #ineffable husbands #ineffable idiots #ineffable spouses #ineffable fandom #ineffable divorce

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fellthemarvelous · 4 months

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Surrender the angle

Let's about a talk about "SURRENDER THE ANGLE", okay?!? Do I enjoy writing meta that comes across as bonkers? Yes. Yes, I do!

I can't help but wonder about this (and we all know Neil Gaiman is a fan of double meanings).

It doesn't say "Surrender Gabriel", and it makes me think of this scene from The Wizard of Oz in which the Wicked Witch of the West is making it perfectly clear what she wants from the merry old Land of Oz (which is strikingly similar in sound of the Land of Uz, which I don't think is an accident, but that's not for this post).

There are two angels in the bookshop, Jimbriel and Aziraphale, and a third angel standing outside just taking notes while the demons hassle Aziraphale, Crowley, Gabriel and all the humans.

Aziraphale actually helps Gabriel and Beelzebub escape, which goes against what Heaven and Hell both wanted to do to them.

And then Aziraphale goes back to Heaven after a chinwag with The Metatron.

And I'm sure many people would like to disagree with me because Aziraphale is easy to scapegoat as the bad guy by many people in this fandom, but we did not see the entire conversation between Aziraphale and the Metatron.

"Surrender the angle" assuming that angle is simply a misspelling of "angel".

Again, Aziraphale plainly stated that he did not want to go back to Heaven. I don't think he agreed to go back because he thought it was a good idea.

I think he fucking surrendered himself to Heaven. I've touched on this briefly in this post about Aziraphale's conversation with The Metatron and this semi-crack post about the portal to Heaven in the bookshop.

But there is also another angle (see what I did there?) to consider!!

Because looky-looky here!!

Not only is angle used in the Bible, but takes us back to A Companion to Owls!

Lo and behold, this verse from Job is about the Leviathan!!

The Second Coming has already been set in motion (remember the zombies Furfur unleashed on Earth and "the dead shall leave their graves and walk the Earth once more").

Remember Shax looking for demons who are doing good deeds?

Remember that Crowley was pulled into Hell in Edinburgh after doing a good deed in the presence of Gabriel's statue, which furthers the idea that Aziraphale and Crowley are never not being watched (see my post about Goldstone's)?

Remember when Michael found evidence of Aziraphale and Crowley working together in season one and presented it to Gabriel?

Am I making sense to y'all? Do you understand what I'm putting down here?

Which leads me to wonder...

Are Aziraphale and Crowley "not talking" because of the fact that they've been caught and have to play it safe? They have to communicate through other means? Which is what has lead me to my thoughts about Saraqael and why I can see Crowley becoming a Duke of Hell.

What's the angle of it all???

#good omens #good omens meta #good omens analysis #aziraphale #crowley #furfur good omens #good omens gabriel #shax good omens #muriel good omens #supreme archangel aziraphale #duke of hell crowley #the metatron #bible verses are important in good omens 2 #aziraphale defense squad

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medium-observation · 5 months

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DECEMBER RELEASE

Boop! The Musical - Chicago Tryout

December 3, 2023 - Medium Observation

Video | Matinée

Cast:

Jasmine Rogers (Betty Boop), Faith Prince (Valentina), Ainsley Anthony Melham (Dwayne), Erich Bergen (Raymond), Stephen DeRosa (Grampy), Angelica Hale (Trisha), Phillip Huber (Pudgy), Anastacia McCleskey (Carol), Lawrence Alexander (Ensemble), Colin Bradbury (Ensemble), Tristen Buettel (Ensemble), Joshua Michael Burrage (Ensemble), Gabi Campo (Ensemble), Daniel Castiglione (Ensemble), Rebecca Corrigan (Ensemble), Josh Drake (Ensemble), RJ Higton (Ensemble), Nina Lafarga (Ensemble), Morgan McGhee (Ensemble), Aubie Merrylees (Ensemble), Ryah Nixon (Ensemble), Christian Probst (Ensemble), Ricky Schroeder (Ensemble), Gabriella Sorrentino (Ensemble), Brooke Taylor (Ensemble)

Notes: Nice video from the second week of previews and Version 3.0. Some scenes are majorly wideshot due to the nature of the show, along with usher activity. Some washout can be seen at times but it's not too bad.

NFT DATE: June 6th, 2024

Screenshots: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjB5Cro

Video is $20

Six - Second US National Tour (Boleyn)

November 19, 2023 - Medium Observation

Video | Matinée

Cast:

Cassie Silva (s/b Catherine of Aragon), Zan Berube (Anne Boleyn), Aryn Bohannon (s/b Jane Seymour), Terica Marie (Anna of Cleves), Taylor Pearlstein (s/b Katherine Howard), Courtney Mack (t/r Catherine Parr)

Notes:

Excellent video of a fantastic group of alternates and Courtney's unexpected final performance as Parr!

NFT DATE: December 1st, 2024

Screenshots: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjB3Ye3

Video is $20

Mrs. Doubtfire - First US National Tour

November 16, 2023 - Medium Observation

Video

Cast:

Rob McClure (Daniel Hillard), Maggie Lakis (Miranda Hillard), Giselle Gutierrez (Lydia Hillard), Cody Braverman (Christoher Hillard), Emerson Mae Chan (Natalie Hillard), Aaron Kaburick (Frank Hillard), Nik Alexander (Andre Mayem), Romelda Teron Benjamin (Wanda Sellner), Leo Roberts (Stuart Dunmire), David Hibbard (Mr. Jolly/Ensemble), Jodi Kimura (Janet Lundy/Ensemble), Alex Branton (Ensemble), Jonathan Hoover (Ensemble), Sheila Jones (Ensemble), Julia Kavanagh (Ensemble), Marquez Linder (Ensemble), Alex Ringler (Ensemble), Lannie Rubio (Ensemble), Ian Liberto (s/w Ensemble), Lauryn Withnell (Ensemble), Julia Yameen (Ensemble)

Notes:

Near perfect capture of the tour! Some washout is seen in wideshots due to primary robs doubtfire outfit being so Bright.

NFT DATE: June 6th, 2024

Screenshots: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjB3Z7Y

Video is $20

Frozen - First US National Tour

November 29, 2023 - Medium Observation

Video

Cast:

Caroline Bowman (Elsa), Lauren Nicole Chapman (Anna), Erin Choi (Young Elsa), Annie Piper Braverman (Young Anna), Jeremy Davis (Olaf), Dominic Dorset (Kristoff), Collin Baja (Sven), Preston Perez (Hans), Jack Brewer (Oaken), Evan Duff (Weselton), Tyler Jimenez (Pabbie), Renée Reid (Bulda), Kyle Lamar Mitchell (King Agnarr), Katie Mariko Murray (Queen Iduna), Natalie Wisdom (s/w Head Handmaiden), Jack Brewer (Bishop), Kate Bailey (Ensemble), Kristen Smith Davis (Ensemble), Jason Goldston (Ensemble), Natalie Goodin (Ensemble), Zach Hess (Ensemble), Adrianna Rose Lyons (Ensemble), Alexander Mendoza (Ensemble), Nick Silverio (Ensemble), Daniel Switzer (Ensemble), Peli Naomi Woods (Ensemble), Michael Allan Haggerty (s/w Ensemble), Jessie Peltier (s/w Ensemble)

Notes:

Absolutely gorgeous video of this tour! Lots of wideshots and close ups.

NFT DATE: June 6th, 2024

Screenshots: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjB5mqB

Video is $20

Videos can be purchased through me at [email protected]

#mediumobservation #frozen #six musical #betty boop #mrs. doubtfire #rob mcclure #boop #boopmusical #taylor pearlstein

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bibliophileiz · 1 year

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Ranking the Books I read in 2022

I feel really good about my bottom two and top four, but some of the middle ones may be more smushed. Also if my Goodreads stars don't always seem to line up with my rankings, it's because I reserve the right to change my mind at any time.

26. The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay. Date reviewed: Jan. 25, 2022 Goodreads stars I gave it: 3 (apparently i averaged it bc i thought the writing was good, though now i can't remember why) 1-sentence review: Every time I read a thriller, I'm like Jason Bateman pulling the bag labelled dead dove out the freezer, looking at it, and going, "I don't know what I expected."

25. Royal Diaries: Isabel: Jewel of Castilla by Carolyn Meyer Date reviewed: Jan. 11, 2022 Goodreads stars I gave it: 3, but 2.5 were for Beatriz de Bombadilla 1-sentence reivew: Isabel is insufferable and I want a biography about Beatriz de Bombadilla.

24. Love, Hate, and Clickbait by Liz Bowery Date reviewed: Nov. 9, 2022 Goodreads stars I gave it: 3 1-sentence review: The characters are terrible but it's still a good way to pass election night.

23. A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske Date reviewed: June 2, 2022 Goodreads stars I gave it: 3 1-sentence review: Main couple great, sex scnes are steamy, plot reasonably creative, but overall moves slowly and most of the side characters are terrible.

22. Beyond the Wand: The Magic and Mayhem of Growing Up a Wizard by Tom Felton Date reviewed: Nov. 8, 2022 Goodreads stars I gave it: 3 1-sentence review: Hollywood is TOXIC and I hope Tom's living his best life in England with his brothers and his dog.

21: The Woman Who Would Be King by Kara Cooney Date reviewed: March 1, 2022 Goodreads stars I gave it: 3 1-sentence review: Hatshepsut was a boss, but Cooney's writing style could be livelier.

20. Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero by Michael Hingson Date reviewed: Sept. 27, 2022 Goodreads stars I gave it: 4 (was probably generous) 1-sentence review: Super interesting memoir that taught me way more about blindness and guide dogs than about 9/11 (which is fine).

19. Husband Material by Alexis Hall Date reviewed: Aug. 16, 2022 Goodreads stars I gave it: 3 1-sentence review: Same hilarity, more emotional maturity, but Luc and Oliver didn't seem happy with each other's friends and somewhat traitorously (because I know this is the exact OPPOSITE of the point of the book) I kind of wish they'd gotten married.

18. Hook, Line, and Sinker by Tessa Bailey Date reviewed: April 20, 2022 Goodreads stars I gave it: 3 1-sentence review: We stan one leading lady. (Dude was ... fine I guess.)

17. Graphic Classics Romeo and Julie by Gareth Hinds Date reviewed: Oct. 25, 2022 Goodread stars I gave it: 4 1-sentence review: Turns out graphic novels are a good way to read Shakespeare plays.

16: Four Queens: The Provencal Sisters Who Ruled Europe by Nancy Goldstone Date reviewed: March 15, 2022 Goodreads stars I gave it: 3 1-sentence review: Goldstone's historical writing is great as always, but she should have written about French queen Blanche of Castile instead.

15. Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall Date reviewed: April 25, 2022 Goodreads stars I gave it: 4 1-sentence review: Here's to the book that made me silent-laugh so hard in a restaurant that I had to put my mask back on to keep the other customers from staring at me.

14. If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy Date reviewed: April 22, 2022 Goodreads stars I gave it: 4 1-sentence review: Adored everything except the love interest, who seemed to have misplaced his personality.

13. To Marry and to Meddle by Martha Waters (audio book) Date reviewed: May 5, 2022 Goodreads stars I gave it: 4 1-sentence review: My favorite so far of the Regency Vows series and I didn't even get embarassed listening to an actor read the sex scenes aloud. (admittedly i was alone in my car, but still)

12. Delilah Green Doesn't Care by Ashley Herring Blake Date reviewed: June 21, 2022 Goodreads stars I gave it: 4 1-sentence review: A lovely little w/w romance with great supporting characters and a fantastic sister-subplot that was arguably as engaging as the love story.

11. Lore Olympus Volume 1 by Rachel Smythe Date reviewed: Jan. 24, 2022 Goodreads stars I gave it: 3 1-sentence review: Greek mythology and breathtaking artwork -- what's not to love?

10. The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden Date reviewed: Aug. 10, 2022 Goodreads stars I gave it: 4 1-sentence reivew: If you're like me and you love dark, eerie fairy tales, then this is the book for you.

9. The Bodyguard by Katherine Center Date reviewed: July 27, 2022 Goodreads stars I gave it: 3 1-sentence reivew: I liked Wilbur and corgi-breeding stalker better than I liked Robby, which I think is what God and Katherine Center intended.

8. I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston Date reviewed: Sept. 16, 2022 Goodreads stars I gave it: 4 1-sentence review: What starts out as a seeming scathing take-down of certain John Green novels with shades of gay Mean Girls thrown in turns into something completely unexpected and wonderful and warm and welcoming.

7. Royal Diaries: Cleopatra: Daughter of the Nile by Kristiana Gregory Date reviewed: Jan. 19, 2022 Goodreads stars I gave it: 4 1-sentence review: Yes, I am being indulgent ranking this so high, but she has a pet leopard and insults Roman officials in their own language.

6. Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell Date reviewed: Sept. 23, 2022 Goodreads stars I gave it: 4 1-sentence review: A thoughtful and engaging take on how language shapes cultures within communities, with sometimes insidious intent.

5. Book Lovers by Emily Henry Date reviewed: July 23, 2022 Goodreads stars I gave it: 4 1-sentence review: Hallmark villains in love with NYC to the point of delusion make the best protagonists.

4. The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna Date reviewed: Sept. 23, 2022 Goodreads stars I gave it: 4 1-sentence review: Reading this is like walking into a sunlit room on a Sunday morning. (Note: I actually switched this to rank above Book Lovers, which is a VERY big deal for me because I love Emily Henry.)

3. Signal Moon by Kate Quinn Date reviewed: Aug. 20, 2022 Goodreads stars I gave it: 4 1-sentence review: Combining World War II AND time travel (sort of) is like hitting all my tragic romance buttons at once.

2. The Diamond Eye by Kate Quinn Date reviewed: June 16, 2022 (I don't think GR has this right -- I got an advanced copy and reviewed it not long after reading it. I posted a review on Facebook on Feb. 28, 2022) Goodreads stars I gave it: 5 1-sentence review: Amazing writing, a bombshell of a heroine, and a story that makes me see, smell and hear the Eastern front -- I'm not kidding when I say this is Quinn's best book so far. (Note: I wrote that line when I hadn't read No. 1 on the list yet.)

and finally....

The Rose Code by Kate Quinn Date reviewed: July 4, 2022 Goodreads stars I gave it: 5 Entire review because I have no self-control:

Earlier this year, I said I thought The Diamond Eye may be Kate Quinn's best book. I am revising my opinion. THIS may be Kate Quinn's best book. I read it in one day, basically didn't put it down except to do work. I think the last time I did something like that, I was reading Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince the day it came out. And I was 13.

The Rose Code has all the usual Kate Quinn Hallmarks -- great heroines, wartime stakes, swoonworthy love interests, engaging side characters, and cameos from real life historical figures (in this case folks like Alan Turing and Winston Churchill, plus a snide reference about Ian Fleming's womanizing) -- while also having a tighter story (unlike in, say, The Huntress, Quinn isn't having to juggle multiple flashbacks in this book) and what I felt was a slightly less over-the-top climax though ... it was still pretty over-the-top. I think by the time I got to it I was just in a jubilant state.

Anyway, just read this book.

Also, for a spoiler that will make you happy (but is a spoiler nonetheless) ... yes, Beth reunites with the dog.

#iz blogs about books #kate quinn #the very secret society of irregular witches #book lovers #the diamond eye #the rose code #signal moon #sangu mandanna #emily henry #i'm only tagging the top 5 books and their authors to keep these tags from being out of control #those are the ones you need to read anyway #although all but the bottom two are at least servicable #2022 was a pretty good year for books i thought

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goldstone-financial-group · 1 month

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#brian korienek #goldstone financial #michael pellegrino

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anthony-pellegrino · 3 months

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Anthony Pellegrino Unveils 2024 Market Outlook at Goldstone Financial Groups

Explore the exclusive insights shared by Anthony Pellegrino in the 2024 Market Outlook presentation at Goldstone Financial Groups. Gain valuable perspectives on financial trends, investment strategies, and expert analysis for the upcoming year. Stay ahead in the ever-evolving financial landscape with this must-see presentation.

#anthony pellegrino #brian korienek #goldstone financial #goldstone financial group #michael pellegrino #anthony pellegrino nashville tn

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brian-korienek · 2 months

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Get Market Insights by Brian Korienek at Goldstone Financial Group

Explore Brian Korienek expert investment strategies and Goldstone Financial Group's outlook for 2024. Gain valuable insights into financial planning and market trends from industry leaders.

#anthony pellegrino #brian korienek #goldstone financial #goldstone financial group #michael pellegrino #How old is Anthony Pellegrino #anthony pellegrino nashville tn

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lucillebarker · 1 year

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I asked for chaos today…

And ChatGPT said:

Here's a potential cast for the actors in Better Call Saul in a musical production of Gypsy:

Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman - Bob Odenkirk as Herbie

Kim Wexler - Rhea Seehorn as Rose

Mike Ehrmantraut - Jonathan Banks as Pop

Chuck McGill - Michael McKean as Uncle Jocko

Howard Hamlin - Patrick Fabian as Tulsa

Nacho Varga - Michael Mando as Yonkers

Lalo Salamanca - Tony Dalton as Jocko Jr.

Gus Fring - Giancarlo Esposito as Mr. Goldstone

Kim's former boss, Rich Schweikart - Dennis Boutsikaris as Cigar

Jimmy's former cellmate, Huell Babineaux - Lavell Crawford as Tessie Tura

Kim's Mesa Verde colleague, Paige Novick - Cara Pifko as Mazeppa

Jimmy's former assistant, Francesca Liddy - Tina Parker as Electra

Jimmy's former law school classmate, Kim's friend, and fellow attorney, Rebecca Bois - Ann Cusack as Miss Cratchitt

In this cast, we see Bob Odenkirk as Herbie, the long-suffering agent and love interest of Rose, who is played by Rhea Seehorn. Jonathan Banks, who plays Mike Ehrmantraut, takes on the role of Pop, one of the three burlesque strippers who teach Rose's daughter to dance. Michael McKean, who plays Chuck McGill, is cast as Uncle Jocko, the owner of the Kiddie Troupe. Patrick Fabian, who plays Howard Hamlin, takes on the role of Tulsa, a dancer who falls for Louise, Rose's daughter.

Michael Mando, who plays Nacho Varga, is cast as Yonkers, another of the burlesque strippers. Tony Dalton, who plays Lalo Salamanca, takes on the role of Jocko Jr., Uncle Jocko's nephew. Giancarlo Esposito, who plays Gus Fring, is cast as Mr. Goldstone, the agent who books the burlesque show. Dennis Boutsikaris, who plays Kim's former boss Rich Schweikart, is cast as Cigar, a producer who hires the strippers.

Lavell Crawford, who plays Jimmy's former cellmate Huell Babineaux, is cast as Tessie Tura, one of the burlesque strippers. Cara Pifko, who plays Kim's Mesa Verde colleague Paige Novick, takes on the role of Mazeppa, another of the strippers. Tina Parker, who plays Jimmy's former assistant Francesca Liddy, is cast as Electra, the third stripper. Finally, Ann Cusack, who plays Jimmy's former law school classmate Rebecca Bois, is cast as Miss Cratchitt, a dance instructor.

Overall, this cast would bring a unique and diverse range of talents to a production of Gypsy, infusing the classic musical with a fresh energy and perspective.

Me: 😐😐😐😐

#better call sondheim #still casting notices for Louise/Gypsy Rose Lee and Baby June I guess…#it’s very clear ChatGPT is not very schooled in classic theatre

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pop-sesivo · 1 year

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El primer zombi suelto en Hollywood

Por Gonzalo Jiménez

Los zombis, tal como los conocemos, son una creación de George A. Romero. Ese es el canon que, de alguna manera, ha imperado en Hollywood desde que Romero dirigiera en 1968 La noche de los muertos vivientes. Los zombis en Romero no guardan relación con el mito haitiano, salvo en el detalle de que son muertos reanimados; pero su origen es la radiación de un satélite que cayó del espacio.

El zombi ya posee entidad como uno de los monstruos clásicos del cine; hasta puede hablarse de un género de películas. Los muchos fanáticos de los filmes y series de TV sobre zombis ignoran cuál fue el primer gran éxito que el tema tuvo en Hollywood: un largometraje que había sido olvidado durante décadas hasta que la TV lo rescató en los años 60 y volvió a ser apreciado por una nueva generación. Esta es la historia de ese filme, White Zombie (La legión de los hombres sin alma, 1932).

Parte de la razón para que White Zombie no tuviera el estatus de otros clásicos del cine de horror como Drácula o Frankenstein (ambas de 1931) es que White Zombie es un filme independiente, financiado por un pequeño estudio de cine, Halperin Productions, que formaba parte de la llamada Poverty Row, que era como se designaba a los estudios menores que operaban independientemente en Hollywood, como Monogram, Majestic, Mascot y Puritan, entre muchos otros, que ya no existen y pocos recuerdan ya.

Según indica el libro Forgotten Horrors (Midnight Marquee Press. Baltimore, 1999), de George Turner y Michael Price, la palabra “zombie” fue introducida ante grandes audiencias en Estados Unidos con el libro sobre vudú haitiano The Magic Island, de William Seabrook. El concepto luego llegó al teatro, con la obra Zombie, que produjo Kenneth Webb en Nueva York y se estrenó en febrero de 1931. Sólo se ofrecieron 21 funciones de esa pieza. Curiosamente, Webb amenazó con demandar en marzo de ese año a los productores Edward y Víctor Halperin cuando estos anunciaron que iniciarían el rodaje de una película llamada White Zombie.

La historia de los hermanos Halperin es singular. Ambos arribaron a Hollywood a comienzos de la década de 1920. Tenían formación universitaria e inclinaciones por el teatro. Juntos produjeron una docena de películas mudas para los estudios First National, United Artists y Vitagraph; casi todas melodramas. Nada presagiaba que les interesaría incursionar en el género del cine de terror.

Los hermanos tenían una obsesión: encontrar una aproximación científica a la forma de hacer cine. En pocas palabras, teorizaban sobre hallar una fórmula que garantizara en 100% el éxito de una película. Sus análisis de filmes exitosos los condujo a preguntarse por qué funcionaban en la taquilla Drácula (Universal) o Dr. Jekyll y Mr. Hyde (Paramount). Los Halperin (Víctor siempre dirigió y Edward era el productor) concluyeron que los diálogos debían limitarse al 15% del filme y que el resto debía ser pura acción.

Esta aproximación a la trama también se reflejó en su manera de hacer cine. White Zombie se completó en apenas 11 días de rodaje. Víctor Halperin y Garnett Weston escribieron el guión, con la asesoría del sargento Faustin Wirkus, otrora administrador de la isla de La Gonave, frente a Haití. El presupuesto fue de 65.000 dólares, aportados por la empresa Amusement Securities Corp. y por el productor independiente Phil Goldstone. Y como estrellas del filme se contrataron a Madge Bellamy (actriz del cine mudo que anhelaba un regreso triunfal) y Bela Lugosi, fresco del éxito de taquilla obtenido en Drácula y Murders of the Rue Morgue. En algunos libros se indica que Bela Lugosi sólo recibió 800 dólares como pago por White Zombie (en el libro Forgotten Horrors se indica que fueron 500 dólares por una semana de trabajo), pero cuesta creer que, si bien era una producción independiente, el actor húngaro se tranzara por esa cifra. Madge Bellamy, por ejemplo, comentó que le pagaron 5.000 dólares por su papel, que es estrictamente secundario frente al de Lugosi.

Lo cierto es que White Zombie en absoluto luce como una película barata. Sin duda, los diálogos y ciertos aspectos de la trama han envejecido mal. Pero todavía sorprende la dirección de fotografía de Arthur Martinelli (de lejos, lo mejor de la película). El filme se rodó en los escenarios de los estudios Universal, por lo que los hermanos Halperin le sacaron provecho a los decorados de primer nivel de la empresa; el director de arte fue Ralph Berger, quien comisionó a la empresa Howard Anderson Co. para hacer los efectos especiales y los trucos de cámara, que simulaban escenarios inmensos. Por ejemplo, el interior del castillo de Murder Legendre (Lugosi) fue usado en Drácula y en El jorobado de Nuestra Señora de París.

Jack Pierce, creador del legendario maquillaje de la criatura de Frankenstein, hizo el maquillaje de los zombis en la película, así como del personaje de Bela Lugosi, Murder Legendre. Lugosi creó con Legendre uno de sus villanos más memorables. No sólo era una cuestión de maquillaje; ayudó también los acercamientos que la cámara hacía de su rostro. Legendre crea zombis a través de la magia negra para valerse de mano de obra que trabaje sin parar en su molino de caña. Pero los zombis a los que hace alusión el título del filme son seis hombres blancos, que fueron enemigos de Legendre y éste los transformó en muertos vivientes: Latour, el brujo antiguo mentor de Legendre; Von Gelder, un terrateniente adinerado; Víctor Trischer, ministro del Interior; Scarpia, oficial del ejército; Marquis, capitán de la policía; y Chauvin, el verdugo de la isla.

White Zombie, pese a sus limitaciones, probó ser un éxito en la taquilla y eventualmente, con el paso del tiempo, encontró defensores en los espacios menos esperados, como en el del músico (y ahora cineasta) Rob Zombie, quien bautizó a su primera banda con el título del filme. En YouTube es posible ver la película completa. Una curiosidad, para quienes son fanáticos del género de horror.

(Publicado originalmente el 11 de diciembre de 2012 en el blog de los Hermanos Chang).

#White Zombie #Zombies #Bela Lugosi #Edward Halperin #Victor Halperin #poverty row

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