¡Feliz Cumpleaños, Kirsten Dunst!

AKA Kirsten Caroline Dunst.

Born April 30, 1982.

She is an American actress with German citizenship who is most famous for playing the character of Claudia in the 1994 horror film Interview with the Vampire as well as the character of Mary Jane Watson in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy. She also had a role in the 2011 art film Melancholia, but I do not think many people remember anything from that flick save the above scene.

Pensamientos Acerca de Televisión

Whitney: “Pilot”

I heard so many horror stories about this TV show that I was actually surprised to find myself actually enjoying it. I am not going to pretend it is perfect. The laugh track was more than a little overused in the first episode and apart from an Anglo character's metrosexual Indian-American boyfriend, most of the characters were way too familiar from other sitcoms.

But Whitney Cummings herself -- who, of course, plays the title character -- was pretty likeable and so was Chris D'Elia, the actor who played her live-in boyfriend. If nothing else, it was more enjoyable than Workaholics -- for what little that is worth.

And it says something amusing about how far America has come from the time when a man and a woman living together without being married were considered to be doing something that was only done by shameless hippies and wild-eyed bohemians that the pilot episode's emphasis on equal rights for unmarried heterosexual couples was actually treated by some critics as being old hat.

Oh, well. The more things change...

Pensamientos Acerca de Televisión

Workaholics: “P*ss & S**t”

A local librarian actually recommended the Workaholics show to me when I was checking out DVDs one day. And yet this series proved to be one of the most unfunny TV shows I have ever watched. And considering the wide variety of TV comedies that I have watched over the years, that is really saying something.

I guess that shows what I get for trusting the judgment of a stranger.

But seriously, folks...

The show in question is an alleged comedy about a bunch of telemarketers who share an apartment and take turns indulging in various antisocial activities. As you might guess, a lot of the comedy comes from their indulgence in various illicit drugs. And as you might also guess, the first episode involves their attempt to pass a drug test which they have no chance of passing on an honest basis.

I wish I could say that there were enough funny moments to offset the rude humor. But I don't remember any. And while I am well aware of the fact that I am not exactly in this show's target audience, it would have been nice to remember at least one thing in this episode worth smiling about. I realize that there is a lot worth satirizing in this country's approach to drugs but alas, that still does not make this episode worth watching. And the sexism displayed in this show's negative portrayal of the guys' female bosses only adds an icky icing to an already questionably flavored cake.

Oh, well. As I said above, they did not exactly make this show for guys like me. And I for one would like to think that's a good thing.

Not Another Book About the Baby Boom!

I used to look forward to the newest P. J. O'Rourke book and in a way, I still do -- if for no other reason that he appears to be one of the few conservative authors still working who can write a book that does not look like it needs to be printed in an all-caps format.

And yet I can hardly argue that we need yet another book about the Baby Boom -- even by a humorist as reliable as P. J. O'Rourke. Besides, he has gone over this topic before -- many times.

And while it is nice to see that he has mellowed somewhat with age, I can't help but wish that he picks a less picked over topic for his next book.

¡Feliz Cumpleaños, Jessica Alba!

AKA Jessica Marie Alba.

Born April 28, 1981.

She is a young actress born of a Mexican-American father and a mother of Danish and French Canadian ancestry. She is best known for her role as Max Guevara in the James Cameron TV series Dark Angel but she has also starred in such movies as The Fantastic Four, Sin City and Machete.

¡Feliz Cumpleaños, Penélope Cruz!

AKA Penélope Cruz Sánchez.

Born April 28, 1974.

She was the first Spanish actress tor receive the Academy Award -- in 2008 for Best Supporting Actress in the movie Vicky Cristina Barcelona -- and the first Spanish actress to get a gold star at the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

She is not my favorite Spanish actress in the world but then again she is not my least favorite either.

¡Feliz Cumpleaños, Carolyn Jones!

AKA Carolyn Sue Jones.

Born April 28, 1930. Died August 3, 1983.

The woman who brought to life Morticia Addams and Marsha, Queen of Diamonds, not to mention Wonder Woman's mother, was born today.

It would be nice for her to know that she was still remembered today.

Quote of the Week

It is not wrong to be a maid, or even a Latina maid, but there is something very wrong with an American entertainment industry that continually tells Latinas that this is all they are or can ever be.
--Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez, "The problem with “Devious Maids” goes far beyond Hollywood", NBCLatino.com, June 07, 2013.

My comment:

I know I should have commented on the Devious Maids controversy long before this, but unfortunately, I got caught up with other issues. I often put off commenting on controversial issues until I find the right words to do them justice, but unfortunately, the right words don't always come at a convenient time.

Anyway, as much as I admire Marc Cherry's and Eva Longoria's work on the TV series Desperate Housewives, I always have found that show's take on ethnic issues a bit embarrassing -- almost as if the hearts of the show's writers and cast were not really in it. In a way, I could understand. After all, Longoria's character Gabby Solis wasn't meant to be the ideal example of a Mexican-American woman any more than Ricky Ricardo was meant to be the ideal Cuban-American man. Indeed, part of what made her so entertaining on Desperate Housewives was that she was anything but an ideal person of any ethnic background and yet because she was less than ideal, she came across as being more human -- and thus, more believable and sympathetic -- than a more PC character would have been. (Then again I grew up with a father who always liked Donald Duck better than Mickey Mouse because he too was more "human" -- or at least more believable -- than the squeaky-voiced rodent. Not that a talking duck is all that comparable to Ms. Solis but still...)

As for the Devious Maids series, I have not seen it yet. And while I hesitate to comment on it for that reason, I have yet to read anything concerning it which would suggest it would be an improvement on Desperate Housewives. Indeed, as a person of Mexican descent who spent most of his life around relatives of Mexican-American descent -- and who has yet to meet any one who has ever worked as a maid or a domestic servant -- I can not help but be a little tired of seeing yet another TV series in which the main Mexican-American characters are maids. After all, it is not like such shows are rare. Indeed, I find it a bit ironic to note that most of my more prosperous relatives in Mexico are more likely to hire maids than be maids -- and yet one rarely sees such Mexicans portrayed on American TV shows.

But then most American TV shows are not made for either Mexican or Mexican-American viewers. And I doubt very much that the success of a Devious Maids is going to change that. Which is a shame -- for both Mexicans and non-Mexicans.

Reality Fanfic: Parte IV

It was late at night in the warehouse and the workers were all playing tapes and CDs to help them stay awake.

Victor played a tape of Pedro Infante songs that reminded him of the type of Mexican music his late father used to play when he was still alive. He had hoped that some of the other Mexican co-workers would enjoy it as well -- especially Monica, who was always kind to him and who seemed to share the same taste in music.

However, after he had played the tape, Monica came up to him and told him that her father used to play the same type of music every time he got drunk and beat Monica's mother.

Victor never played any tape of Mexican music after that.

The Seven Deadly Sins in Latin

1. superbia -- pride.
2. avaritia -- avarice.
3. luxuria -- lust.
4. invidia -- envy.
5. gula -- gluttony.
6. ira -- anger.
7. acedia -- sloth.

¡Feliz Cumpleaños, Mi Mejor Amiga!

My mejor amiga has been through a sea of troubles this past year but I would like to think that she has finally reached calm waters. Anyway, today is her birthday and I wish her well. She may not need my wishes but I'm making them all the same.

Here's hoping that all the good friends of all my readers are equally untroubled.

Pop Song of the Week: "Those Were the Days"

A song I used to listen to with my sister when we were way younger.

Movie Song of the Week: "Do You Want to Build a Snowman?"

I post this week's tune because I miss my sister. I could say more about the movie from which this song comes but that is enough for now.

Fantasy Quote of the Week

Leo was a half-breed: he had a magical father and a real mother, which meant he had a foot in both worlds and a home in neither.
--Simon R. Green, Drinking Midnight Wine

Science Fiction Quote of the Week

"Justice to you may not be justice to me," Absalom said, drawing designs on the tablecloth with his fingernail.
--Henry Kuttner, "Absalom"

Movie Poster of the Week

Believe it or not, this is not the official movie of this blog.

Overheard at My Mother's House at Easter Dinner

"Kennedy did more in the first three years of his presidency than Obama did in his whole Presidency."

Movie Quote of the Week

In a world where carpenters get resurrected, everything is possible.
--Katharine Hepburn, The Lion in Winter (1968)

TV Quote of the Week

Oh, okay. Dancing naked is okay, but Christian names are forbidden. Got it.
--David Boreanaz, Bones, "The Witch in the Wardrobe"

Comic Book Image of the Week

These two scenes from The Uncanny X-Men number 193 are among some of the few times Marvel Comics scribe Chris Claremont ever mentioned Latinos -- and naturally, he can't help getting it a little bit wrong. After all, few Latinos -- unless they're talking to a member of a different Spanish-surnamed ethnic group -- would use the phrase "us Latinos" when it would sound much more natural to say "us Cubans", "us Puerto Ricans", "us Mexicans" or even "us Americans."

Granted, this is a small quibble -- and even the Latin creators of the comic strip Baldo can't resist repeating the same trope -- as if their title character is suddenly going to become less popular if he turns out to be part of the "wrong" Latino ethnic group.

Then again it all depends on how literally you interpret the words "hermano" and "bro" in this scene. After all, it's not likely that Jaime Rodriguez would be using the words "us Latinos" to his own brother unless he really wanted to be very politically correct.

Of course, if you want more context for those two scenes, there is always this:

British English Words: Parte II

1. quid -- pound (100 new pence).
2. queue -- line of people.
3. reel of cotton -- spool of thread.
4. ring up -- phone.
5. road -- street.
6. roundabout -- traffic circle.
7. salt beef -- corned beef.
8. sweet -- dessert.
9. taps -- faucets.
10. telly -- TV.
11. tights -- panty hose.
12. tin -- can.
13. tobaccionist -- cigarette store.
14. trousers -- pants (men); slacks (women).
15. tube -- subway.
16. underground -- subway.
17. venue -- location.
18. vest -- man's undershirt.
19. waistcoat -- man's vest.
20. wardrobe -- closet.
21. W.C. -- toilet.
22. zed -- Z.

¡Feliz Cumpleaños, Bettie Page!

AKA Bettie Mae Page, the Queen of Curves, and the Dark Angel.

Born April 22, 1923. Died December 11, 2008.

She was one of America's most favorite pin-up models as well as one of Playboy Magazine's earliest Playmates of the Month.

She later converted to evangelical Christianity and spent most of the latter part of her life in less than happy circumstances. Then again, she was alleged to have begun the earliest part of her life in less than happy circumstances.

However, unlike so many members of her former profession, she is still remembered today for her iconic features and her enigmatic wink and smile. Indeed, she is one of the few female celebrities of the 1950s whose name can still be recognized by people under the age of 30, and despite her less than happy life, she still inspires women of a certain profession even today. Hopefully, this is a good thing, right?

British English Words: Parte I

1. banger -- sausage.
2. bed and breakfast -- room plus breakfast.
3. bent -- dishonest.
4. bespoke -- hand tailored.
5. bob -- former shilling; now 5 new pence.
6. bobby -- policeman.
7. bog -- toilet.
8. bonnet -- (car) hood.
9. boot -- (car) trunk.
10. caravan -- trailer.
11. chemist -- drugstore.
12. chips -- French fries.
13. cinema -- movie theater.
14. civvies -- civilian dress.
15. coach -- long distance bus.
16. crisps -- potato chips.
17. demo -- political demonstration.
18. detached house -- house that stands alone and does not share a wall with another house.
19. dogsbody--someone who does drudge work.
20. dustbin -- garbage can.
21. engaged -- (phone) busy.
22. fag -- cigarette.
23. football -- soccer; rugby.
24. fortnight -- two weeks.
25. frankfurter -- pork sausage.
26. full up -- no more room.
27. gateau -- cake.
28. have a go -- take a turn; try something.
29. hire -- rent.
30. holiday -- vacation.
31. interval -- intermission.
32. ironmonger -- hardware store.
33. kiosk -- booth.
34. knickers -- underpants (ladies).
35. lift -- elevator.
36. loo -- toilet.
37. lower grand floor -- basement.
38. mobile -- cell phone; cell number.
39. mobile phone -- cell phone.
40. nappies -- diapers.
41. newsstall -- newstand.
42. not to worry -- never mind.
43. off the peg -- readymade.
44. overtake -- pass.
45. pants -- underpants (men).
46. pardon? -- what did you say?
47. pavement -- sidewalk.
48. petrol -- gasoline.
49. pillar box -- mail box.
50. post -- mail.

¡Feliz Cumpleaños, Anthony Quinn!

AKA Antonio Rodolfo Quinn Oaxaca.

Born April 21, 1915. Died June 3, 2001.

He was a Mexican-born actor who disappeared into his roles so completely that it took me years to realize he was not Italian but Mexican. His most iconic role was the title role of the 1964 film Zorba the Greek but he also played key roles in such diverse films as Lawrence of Arabia, The Guns of Navarone, The Shoes of the Fisherman, and Jungle Fever. Moreover, Mr. Quinn won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 1952 for Viva Zapata! and again in 1956 for Lust for Life. As if that was not enough, he also played the god Zeus in the five made-for-TV movies that eventually led to the syndicated series Hercules: The Legendary Journeys.

My first memory of him was in the title role of the 1961 Biblical epic Barabbas but I have had the pleasure of seeing him in many movie roles after that.

Quote of the Week

A universe more complicated than one can imagine fits with a God who is greater than we can imagine.
--Bruce Bawer, Stealing Jesus: How Fundamentalism Betrays Christianity

¡Feliz Pascua de Resurrección!

Don't be mad. It's Easter!

Here's hoping all my readers have a wonderful holiday.

R.I.P. Gabriel García Márquez

Colombian-born writer, novelist and journalist Gabriel García Márquez -- best known for having been awarded the 1982 Nobel Prize for Literature and for having written such novels as One Hundred Years of Solitude and Love in the Time of Cholera -- finished the last chapter of his autobiography yesterday at age 87.

He will be missed.

Movie Quote of the Week

God made men. Men made slaves.
--John Derek, The Ten Commandments (1956)

TV Quote of the Week

I know why they have holidays. They have holidays so people can get together and have fun. So why am I alone?
--Todd Barbee, It's the Easter Beagle, Charlie Brown!

¡Feliz Cumpleaños, Selena!

AKA Selena Quintanilla-Pérez.

Born April 16, 1971. Died March 31, 1995.

It is difficult to use her name nowadays without confusing it with Disney star Selena Gomez whose fans also like to refer to her by only her first name.

Then again can Ms. Gomez claim to have a U.S. postage stamp issued in her honor?

On a more serious note, I would gladly see an end to such items if it meant the original Selena was still alive. But, alas, that is one wish that will never come true.

¡Feliz Cumpleaños, Dusty Springfield!

AKA Mary Isobel Catherine Bernadette O'Brien.

Born April 16, 1939. Died March 2, 1999.

She was one of my favorite English pop singers.

Envy

Envy is one of the most fashionable vices that exists nowadays and I suspect it has always been fashionable. As the movie Life of Brian once illustrated, even people in the midst of misery can't resist the temptation to envy other people.

Moreover, in an age when so many are suffering the effects of a bad economy and worse economists, it can be very hard to resist the siren call of such a vice. It is even harder to preach against such a vice since it may be argued that the right to envy those who have more is one of the few consolations that the poor can count on in this day and age.

But who are the poor?

Those who have little?

Or those who just envy those who have more?

And who are the rich?

The rich folk on the hill?

Or the not-so-rich folk who live down the block or across the street?

And what does it mean to "have more"? And how can you be that sure that the folk who have more are necessarily that rich just because they seem to have more than you?

After all, a neighbor of mine who lives on a fixed income is considered "rich" by many of her friends and neighbors because she owns her own property and has a steady supply of money due to a monthly disability allowance that she doesn't have to work for.

But just because she is richer than some of her neighbors does not mean she is richer than all of them. Nor do it mean that she is totally exempt from money troubles. After all, a fixed income is still a fixed income, no matter how large it may seem to those who don't have one. And unless you are around her 24/7, you have no idea what expenses she has or how much trouble she has paying them. Indeed, by the standards of many rich people I know, she might actually seem poor.

So what about the neighbor who owns his own car? Surely he is rich, right?

Well, he probably is not that rich or else he would not be living in a neighborhood with so many poor people in it. And even if you assume differently, you have no way of knowing for sure how hard he had to work to get that car unless he tells you. He might have had to work two jobs. Or maybe three. Or get into outrageous debt that he has to work night and day to repay. Or pay it off with a legacy he received from a deceased relative. (The type of legacy you don't exactly get every day.) You just don't know for sure unless he tells you and even then there is no guarantee that he might tell you the truth.

Anyway, the more you know about said neighbor, the less inclined you might be to envy him. So it might be better for your own peace of mind if you resist the urge to make assumptions about people until you have gotten to know more about them. And bear in mind that even the most open of people tend to be like icebergs in that they don't always show everything in their past to the people they encounter in their present.

Come to think of it, there are probably a great many secrets that you may have from the world at large. And for all you know, there may quite a few people out there who envy you -- though I doubt that such people would ever admit it. And it goes without saying that you would probably care as little about the assumptions such enviers make about you that the people you envy care about the assumptions you make about them. So perhaps it is best to resist the lure of envy altogether.

Literary Quote I Like

Yesterday's sin becomes tomorrow's virtue.
--Judith in H. A. Keller's Yesterday's Sin

¡Feliz Cumpleaños, Sarah Michelle Gellar Prinze!

Born April 14, 1977.

She is still everyone's favorite vampire slayer even if she seems to be currently retired and out of uniform.

Quote of the Week

I might have been an immaculate conception. You never know.
--Sarah Michelle Gellar

¡Feliz Cumpleaños, Jennifer Morrison!

AKA Jennifer Marie Morrison.

Born April 12, 1979.

She is an American actress who is best known for portraying Dr. Allison Cameron in House M.D. and Emma Swan in Once Upon a Time. She has also appeared in such movies as Urban Legend: Final Cut, Surviving Christmas and Mr. and Mrs. Smith. She also played James T. Kirk's mother in the recent Star Trek reboot -- which just seems so wrong for an actress her age.

Quote of the Week

I never could understand why thick-headed, drooling Protestants would accuse us of being prudes when they gave the world the Puritans and the Moral Majority and we gave the world Rodin's The Kiss.
--Robert J. Hutchinson, When in Rome: A Journal of Life in Vatican City

Spanish Words of Spanish History

1. afrancesados -- Spanish lovers of French culture; also used to describe Spanish supporters of the French Occupation of Spain.
2. Armada Invencible -- Invincible Armada; Spanish Armada.
3. Babieca -- El Cid's horse.
4. bichos raros -- name given to the Generation of '98.
5. bucanero -- buccaneer.
6. caballero andante -- knight errant; wandering knight.
7. castillo -- castle.
8. conversa -- female converso.
9. converso -- literally, convert; Jewish or Muslim convert to Christianity.
10. El Desastre -- literally, "The Disaster"; Spanish name for the loss of Cuba in 1898.
11. El Manco de Lepanto -- literally, "the one-handed man of Lepanto"; nickname of Miguel Cervantes.
12. generación del '98 -- literally, "generation of '98"; a group of writers and philosophers active in Spain during the Spanish-American War of 1898 who were known for their criticism of the Spanish literary and educational establishments.
13. hereje -- heretic.
14. Imperio Español -- Spanish Empire.
15. imperio global -- global empire.
16. infiel -- unbeliever; infidel.
17. Jimena -- El Cid's wife
18. La Ilustración -- The Enlightenment (historical period).
19. La Inquisición Española -- The Spanish Inquisition.
20. la movida -- literally, "the commotion"; a post-Franco backlash in Spain.
21. leyenda negra -- literally, black legend; the claim that Spain and the Spaniards were depicted as uniquely bloodthirsty, cruel, greedy and licentious, in excess of reality.
22. leyenda rosa -- literally, pink legend or white legend; the claim which promoted an ideal view of Spaniards.
23. limpieza de sangre -- purity of blood.
24. Los Reyes Católicos -- literally, The Catholic Monarchs; King Ferdinand II of Aragon and Queen Isabella I of Castile.
25. mestizaje -- miscegenation.
26. morisco -- Muslim who converted to Christianity after the Spanish reconquest.
27. moro -- Moor; North African.
28. mozárabe -- Christian who remained in Muslim territory during the Muslim occupation of Spain.
29. mudéjar -- Muslim who remained in the territory of Spanish Christians without converting to Christianity.
30. pagano -- pagan.
31. peregrino -- pilgrim.
32. pinturas negras -- literally, black paintings; Goya's most morbid portraits.
33. pirata -- pirate.
34. reconquista -- literally, reconquest; normally a historical term referring to the reconquest of Muslim-occupied Spain by Catholic armies.
35. romero -- pilgrim.
36. siglo de oro -- golden age.
37. siglo dorado -- golden age.

Movie Poster of the Week

Could this be the most subtle example of sexual symbolism to ever appear in a movie poster?

Nah!

But I would not be surprised to find out that the creator of this poster had to do some major penance afterward.

Fantasy Quote of the Week

Carol stood on Glaeken's rooftop in the bright morning sunlight and wished she had the nerve to remove her blouse. Jack and Bill had pulled off their shirts as soon as they'd stepped out the door. Carol envied the males their casual ability to expose so much surface area to the warm light poking through the cloudless sky.

Why not me? she thought, reaching for the top buttons on her blouse. After all we've been through together, what difference would it make?

But she stopped after two buttons. If it was just Bill, maybe. But not with Jack here.

I know I've been changed by all this -- but not that much. An uptight Catholic girl was still alive and well somewhere within her.
--F. Paul Wilson, Nightworld

Science Fiction Quote of the Week

Olava said her cult would never endorse killing. Semyonus said the same for his government.

"In previous times," said Lewus,"Olava's church has ordered people killed, and Semyonus' government now does it. You should know that. I am not the only person with a sin."

"You think I needed to be told these things, Lewus?" I said.
--Richard Ben Sapir, The Far Arena

Movie Quote of the Week

Isn’t it wonderful what you can find these days in drugstores?
--Mickey Rooney, Babes on Broadway (1941)

TV Quote of the Week

Can you please not apple-shame me right now? Seriously, I know I committed original sin but at least it's original, I think I deserve some credit for that.
--Lena Dunham, Saturday Night Live, March 8, 2014

Latin Words: Parte II

1. malus pudor -- false modesty.
2. Mare Ignotum -- the Unknown Sea.
3. Mare Tenebrosum -- the Dark Sea.
4. mirabile dictu -- wonderful to relate.
5. mirabile visu -- wonderful to behold.
6. mirabilia -- wonders.
7. Mons Veneris -- Mountain of Venus.
8. mutanda -- things to be altered.
9. nescio -- I don't know.
10. nescius -- ignorant.
11. nocticolor -- night-colored.
12. nuda veritas -- the naked truth.
13. nuditas -- nakedness; nudity.
14. nuditas criminalis -- criminal nudity; the nakedness of the sinner.
15. nuditas naturalis -- natural nudity; the human condition of animal nakedness.
16. nuditas temporalis -- temporary nudity; metaphor for the leaving behind of all wordly goods and riches, either voluntary or involuntary.
17. nuditas virtualis -- virtuous nudity; the nudity of sinless innocence or innocence through confession.
18. Pax Americana -- American Peace.
19. Pax Britannica -- British Peace.
20. Pax Hispanica -- Spanish Peace.
21. Pax Minoa -- Minoan peace.
22. Pax Minoica -- Minoan peace.
23. Pax Mongolica -- Mongolian Peace.
24. Pax Romana -- Roman Peace.
25. Pax Sinica -- Chinese Peace.
26. pictor -- painter.
27. pictor ignotus -- painter unknown.
28. placet -- it pleases.
29. pomum Adami -- Adam's apple.
30. renata -- feminine form of "born again."
31. renatus -- born again.
32. soror -- a sister.
33. tacenda -- things not to be mentioned or made public; things better left unsaid.
34. Terra Incognita -- an unexplored land.
35. ursus fabulans -- talking bear.
36. Venus Observa -- the missionary position.
37. Venus Pudica -- Modest Venus.
38. Venus Renata -- Venus reborn.
39. viator -- traveler.
40. volo -- I want.

Comic Book Image of the Week

From writer Frank Miller's Daredevil's "Born Again" story arc comes yet another reason to admire the good Captain.

Edited to Add:

Of course, if you prefer more context, there is always this group of scenes:

Latin Words: Parte I

1. Anima mundi -- the soul of the world.
2. ars amandi -- the art of loving.
3. ars moriendi -- the art of dying.
4. artes perditae -- lost arts.
5. auctor -- author.
6. auctor ignotus -- an unknown author; an author whose works has not gained the recognition it merits.
7. Brittunculi -- the little Brits; Roman nickname for the Britons.
8. Cingulum Veneris -- the girdle of Venus.
9. contra mundum -- against the world.
10. Cronius Mons -- the hill of Saturn; the hill of Cronus.
11. delenda -- things to be deleted.
12. desiderata -- things desired or needed; things the want of which is widely felt.
13. dictu mirabile -- wonderful to say.
14. disco -- I learn.
15. domina -- mistress; lady or mistress of the house.
16. furor -- madness.
17. furor hispanicus -- Hispanic fury.
18. furor loquendi -- a rage for speaking.
19. furor poeticus -- poetic frenzy.
20. furor scribendi -- a rage for writing.
21. Gaditana -- a woman of Gades; of Gades.
22. Gaditanus -- a man of Gades; of Gades.
23. grallator -- one that walks on stilts.
24. Hispani -- the Spaniards.
25. Hispania -- Spain.
26. Hispania Victrix -- Victorious Spain.
27. horrible dictu -- horrible to relate.
28. in puris naturalibus -- stark naked.
29. incognitum -- unknown thing.
30. lacuna -- gap; hole; missing part.
31. lector -- reader.
32. legenda -- things to be read.
33. Liber Monstrorum -- Book of Monsters.
34. libido dominandi -- the lust for power.
35. libido sciendi -- the lust to know; the desire for knowledge.
36. libido sentiendi -- the lust of the flesh.

R.I.P. Mickey Rooney

American actor Mickey Rooney -- also known by his birth name Joseph Yule, Jr., and most famous for playing the title role in the "Andy Hardy" movies and for starring with Judy Garland in the 1939 musical Babes in Arms -- took his last bow on April 6 at age 93.

He will be missed.

¡Feliz Cumpleaños, David Low!

Born April 7, 1891. Died September 19, 1963.

He was a New Zealand cartoonist who emigrated to England and became famous for such cartoons as the above item.

He also invented the Colonel Blimp character.

Spanish Clothing

1. abrigo -- coat.
2. bata de baño -- bathrobe.
3. blusa -- blouse.
4. boina -- beret.
5. bota -- boot.
6. bufanda -- scarf.
7. camisa -- shirt.
8. camiseta -- T-shirt.
9. camisola -- camisole.
10. camisón -- nightgown; nightshirt; long T-shirt.
11. capa -- cape.
12. capucha -- hood.
13. corsé -- corset; stays.
14. chaqueta -- jacket.
15. delantal -- apron.
16. falda -- skirt.
17. gola -- ruff.
18. guante -- glove.
19. lencería -- lingerie.
20. minifalda -- miniskirt.
21. pantufla -- slipper.
22. ropa interior -- underwear.
23. sandalia -- sandal.
24. sombrero -- hat.
25. suéter -- sweater.
26. tanga -- tanga; G-string.
27. taparrabos -- loincloth.
28. tontillo -- petticoat.
29. traje -- suit.
30. traje de baño -- swimsuit.
31. vestido -- dress.
32. vestido de noche -- cocktail dress; short evening dress.
33. zapato -- shoe.
34. zunga -- thong.

¡Feliz Cumpleaños, Robert Bloch!

AKA Robert Albert Bloch

Born April 5, 1917. Died September 23, 1994.

He was the author of so many scary stories, not to mention the novel Psycho. He was also a friend of the late H. P. Lovecraft and won a Hugo Award for his short story "That Hell-Bound Train". He wrote some novels and short stories in the science fiction genre but his most popular work was in horror.

Movie Poster of the Week

And worse yet... they eat meat on Friday.

¡Feliz Cumpleaños, Sally Rand!

AKA Hattie Helen Gould Beck.

Born April 3, 1904. Died August 31, 1979.

She was a legendary burlesque dancer turned actress who was best known in the 1930s for her bubble dance...

and her fan dance.

Not to mention her occasional appearance in a Tex Avery cartoon.

She also got interviewed for author Studs Terkel's book Hard Times, a collection of interviews with people who had lived through the Great Depression of the 1930s.

Nowadays she is best known for being the inspiration of contemporary burlesque dancer Dita Von Teese.

Movie Quote of the Week

Noah was a drunk. Look what he accomplished. And no one's even asking you to build an ark.
--Alan Rickman, Dogma (1999)

TV Quote of the Week

People who disrobe for the pleasure of others are fascinating.
--Emily Deschanel, Bones, "The Party in the Pants"

Spanish Girls and Women: Parte II

1. ménade -- maenad.
2. ménades -- maenads.
3. menina -- lady in waiting.
4. mestiza -- female half-breed; woman of mixed race.
5. mexicana -- Mexican woman.
6. modelo -- model.
7. modelo de desnudo -- nude model.
8. modelo de portada -- cover girl.
9. monja -- nun.
10. mora -- Moor woman; Muslim woman.
11. morena -- dark-skinned woman.
12. morocha -- dark-skinned one; brunette.
13. muchacha -- girl.
14. mujer -- woman.
15. mujer alta -- tall woman.
16. mujer fatal -- femme fatale.
17. mujer guerrera -- warrior woman.
18. mujeres -- women.
19. mujeres altas -- tall women.
20. mujeres guerreras -- warrior women.
21. musa -- muse.
22. nadadora -- female swimmer.
23. naturista -- female naturist.
24. niñera -- nanny.
25. ninfa -- nymph.
26. ninfeta -- nymphet.
27. norteña -- female northerner.
28. novia -- bride; serious girlfriend.
29. nudista -- female nudist.
30. pelirroja -- redhead.
31. pintora -- female painter.
32. poetisa -- poetess.
33. prima -- female cousin.
34. primera actriz -- leading lady.
35. puta -- whore.
36. querida -- dear; mistress; paramour.
37. reina -- queen.
38. rubia -- blonde.
39. rubia de bote -- peroxide blonde; fake blonde.
40. rubia platino -- platinum blonde.
41. rubia tonta -- dumb blonde.
42. rubicunda -- reddish-blonde; strawberry blonde.
43. señora -- married woman.
44. señorita -- young lady; unmarried woman.
45. simbolo sexual -- sex symbol.
46. sirena -- siren; mermaid.
47. soltera -- single woman.
48. solterona -- old maid.
49. sueca -- Swedish woman.
50. supermujer -- superwoman.
51. sureña -- female southerner.
52. tía -- aunt.
53. trabajadora sexual -- sex worker.
54. trabajadoras sexuales -- sex workers.
55. vampiresa -- vamp; femme fatale.
56. virgen -- virgin.
57. viuda -- widow.

Comic Book Image of the Week

This is the cover of one of the first comic books I ever owned.

It makes for such a nice springlike image.

Spanish Girls and Women: Parte I

1. actrices -- actresses.
2. actriz -- actress.
3. amazona -- Amazon.
4. amazonas -- Amazons.
5. americana -- American woman.
6. amiga -- female friend.
7. animadora -- cheerleader.
8. bailarina -- dancer.
9. bailarinas -- dancers.
10. bella damisela -- fair damsel.
11. bibliotecaria -- female librarian.
12. bloguera -- female blogger.
13. bohemia -- female bohemian.
14. canguro -- baby-sitter.
15. cazadora -- huntress.
16. cazafortunas -- gold-digger.
17. corista -- showgirl.
18. criada -- maid.
19. chica -- girl; chick.
20. chica de calendario -- calendar girl; pin-up girl.
21. chica de la noche -- lady of the night; prostitute.
22. chica de sus sueños -- girl of his dreams.
23. dama -- lady.
24. dama oscura -- dark lady.
25. damas -- ladies.
26. damisela -- damsel.
27. damisela en apuros -- damsel in distress.
28. damisela venenosa -- poison damsel.
29. desnudista -- stripper.
30. diosa -- goddess.
31. Diosa Madre -- Mother Goddess.
32. domadora -- tamer.
33. domadora de leones -- lion tamer.
34. dominadora -- dominatrix; sexually dominant woman.
35. doncella -- virgin; maid; maiden.
36. doncella cisne -- swan maiden.
37. doncella de hierro -- iron maiden.
38. enfermera -- nurse.
39. escritora -- female writer.
40. española -- Spanish woman.
41. francesa -- French woman.
42. Frida sufrida -- long-suffering Frida.
43. griega -- Greek woman.
44. güera -- fair-skinned woman; light-skinned woman; blonde.
45. hermana -- sister.
46. inglesa -- Englishwoman.
47. irlandesa -- Irishwoman.
48. isleña -- female islander.
49. latina -- Latin woman.
50. lectora -- female reader.
51. lesbiana -- lesbian.
52. literata -- woman of letters.

¡Feliz Cumpleaños, C. D. Batchelor!

AKA Clarence Daniel Batchelor.

Born April 1, 1888. Died September 5, 1977.

He was an American editorial cartoonist who won the Pulitzer Prize in 1937 for the above cartoon. The original caption for said cartoon said, "Come on in, I'll treat you right! I used to know your Daddy."

He was also noted for his sympathy to the women's suffrage movement.

¡Feliz Día de las Bromas de Abril!

Happy April's Day today!

Of course, if you had lived in Argentina or Mexico, you would have celebrated today on December 28 of last year. Then again, it's just as well you did not. December is cruel enough a month without remembering King Herod.