Monday, October 30, 2017

"Boos"


Not everyone can come up with a great costume idea. Sometime we go for the ol' reliable. Sometimes it's a paper bag; maybe a sheet with holes, a la Charlie Brown. And sometimes it's a full table spread.

Here's Narnia's Boo Club, in Mutt & Jeff tandem order. Some with a "we don't know what in the heck he is, but we support him!!" lol.  Narnia's Boo Roll Call now!!!   


Jake (Friday 13th? Idk) and Austin (bonus buddy Dan Keyes) -









 Adam "fab genie" Lambert & Kris "Mad Hatter" Allen -



 




































Louis (with bonus Zayn!) and Harry [I just am not sure who Zayn and Louis are channeling here, I'm sorry guys! But we salute you!!] -




Mr. Niall "Top Gun" Horan -
























Jared the Viking and Jensen "Wayne Campbell" -






Liam "I'm Batman" and "Jack Sparrow" Zayn -




































Adam (interpretation needed!) and Skeletor Blake - 







And winning the prize for Top Costume.......drum roll.....

Dylan O'Brien and perfect bonus of Tyler Hoechlin PLUS Colton Haynes!!  It's a triple feature and they are all a pretty darn cute knee slapper here. 





That is juuuuust perfect.   No translation needed!


Happy Halloween, everyone!! Listen to some Ghostbusters and Thriller.  Pop some Sprees and Sweet Tarts, slowly nibble on some Mr. Goodbars and Almond Joys.  

And don't look now, but the month of November is breathing down our necks. 




our pic sources:  NY Daily News, pinterest, J-14, Just Jared, Daily
                           Fail,  Female First, American Idol Net, BBC
our playlist:  Ghostbusters! - Ray Parker, Jr.
                     Thriller - the King of Pop Michael Jackson
                     Monster Mash - Bobby Boris Pickett
                     Bad Moon Rising - Creedence Clearwater Revival 

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Behold the Emasculation Proclamation! Part 4 - Revelations


Sometimes the garden of ideas and revelations continues to sprout despite oncoming, chilling autumn temperatures.  When something hits, it just hits.  

The whole 3-part series on what Management does to OTP leaders, the outspoken ones, did not touch on a tactic which we at Narnia believe is part of the emasculation process.  This tactic concerns "the uniform" - i.e. clothing, hairstyles, perhaps particular mannerisms.  Let's look at how Management can use clothing to subliminally manipulate fans' thinking and perceptions.

Jared Padalecki:

The beanie.  I know that there have been voices who say Jared feels "insecure" without the now ever-present beanie or that he might be self-conscious of his hairline (of which I really don't see any reducing signs of, btw).  And yes, Jared has at times worn a beanie cap for years, off and on, even dating back to 2006. But not nearly as frequently as he has in recent years, since around 2014:
















And then, around 2014, began wearing more and more....





























Today, at the New Orleans Convention, a short video appeared on Twitter showing both Jared and Jensen closing their Gold Panel and leaving stage.  Watch what Jared's first instinctive action is as he exits, turned away from the crowd:


 

I don't think it can be emphasized enough. What is the first thing many of us do as soon as we arrive home from work, from a formal party, from wherever we've been that we want to take off or get out of:  a constricting tie and/or suit, our shoes, hosiery, the bra, a tuxedo, whatever piece of clothing it is that makes us uncomfortable or we do not like once we're in the comfort of our home.

I don't know that many fans who are thrilled with the beanie, but because it's Jared and we want him to be "comfortable", no one has pondered for too long why.  Now he wears this beanie in 90 degree weather, near the lake (I mean, does that make sense? On a boat dock?) And when I first came to the fandom, Jared was still known for his locks.  The "Padahair".  Now?  No one talks about the Padahair anymore.  It just seems like this beanie is now used to take away something away from Jared that was "signature".  His hair is frequently hidden and I ask why? It seems to be more than just about aesthetics.  It would be about control and persona.

Without going into too much detail, let's look at a few other examples of Management's heavy handedness when controlling or re-branding the image of some of our OTP men:



Even though the 'can't miss visibility' of The Payne Chain has garnered reactions like the following tweet, the adornment continues to be embraced. In fact, it appears to be growing in stature despite the criticism. LOL!:


 

Then we have Jake Gyllenhaal. In stark contrast to earlier years of more self-aware grooming,  Jake has added a new human meaning to "free range" since his image was taken over by Endeavor (Formerly WMA-IMG):


In fact, the promotion for Nocturnal Animals contained many high-profile stories like the one above, with Tom Ford's frank (i.e., Too Much Information) quotes.  "Just Jared" has become a highly visible, go-to source with post titles telling readers what to focus upon.

Then we have the "E" tattoo which is supposed to be a "cute tribute" to "girlfriend" Eleanor Caldor. No one knows, of course, where that gesture came from, considering Louis had been publicly "with her" for three years prior to their awkward reunion in January of this year, but Simon Cowell must be working under some strict deadlines. So we can't miss the attempt to marginalize all the other tattoos Louis has chosen over the years. Many of them believed to be couple tattoos with a certain curly-headed boybander.



An interesting parallel moment between Louis and Liam provides some deeper insight to the emasculation process. According to The Sun, Liam was so bored after jetting back to London from Los Angeles that he "fancied" getting his initials tattooed on his hands. A bizarre reaction to boredom, don't you think? The message is clear. The image unmistakable. "Liam is just an apathetic, careless guy." Hey, I'm sure that's a perception any ambitious, industrious young performer would want to have before releasing their first solo album. *snark*



Then we also have the scuffed up version of Liam Payne being "hooded" up, with slits in his eyebrow in case anyone had any question about his urban toughness.



In hindsight, it's easy to think that maybe these images are being cultivated by the performers themselves, but that would underestimate what is going on here. These changes are not just about individuals growing older and wanting to appeal to a more mature demographic. Growing a fanbase is normal. But, who would want to alienate an existing fandom for the promise of one that might not never come? Either these management teams are complete incompetents or something more nefarious is taking place. I don't think anyone has to ponder too hard over this one. Not when the closet is involved. 



Collaborated:  Methodical Muser & Prairie Girl
pic  sources:  Getty, Just Jared, promiflash, Zimbio, pinterest
our playlist:  Change - Tears for Fears
                     Change Your Mind - Sister Hazel
                      Everything Changes - Kathy Triccoli

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Let The Games Begin


And, the storytelling began yesterday with this jacked-up headline from the cesspit of all tabloids and Simon Cowell's go-to mouthpiece, The Sun "exclusive":



'MY 999 TERROR'

Shaken Simon Cowell tells how he was rushed to hospital on a stretcher for a brain scan after ‘terrifying’ fall at home — and he’s set to MISS first X Factor live shows



Our exclusive snap shows the X Factor mogul, 58, being stretchered from his London pad   —   tied to a spinal board after fainting and plunging down stairs

Followed by these dramatic real time tabloid photos at the ready:

 "ambulance medics help carry the music mogul out of his plush London house"



"Picture shows Simon Cowell leaving his house on a stretcher after falling down his steep staircase"

Sounds serious, except later that day....

 "Simon Cowell pictured returning back to his London home after hospital dash"

The Sun headlines continue to wonder if he's set to miss the first X-Factor Live Show. A YouTube video has now been created to enlighten everyone that he will be back on Sunday. But, not before this headline appeared and then was taken down:


Liam Payne prepares for 1st live performance on X Factor – as rumours run rife Cheryl will replace Simon Cowell following horror injury

LIAM Payne has recorded himself preparing to perform live on Saturday night’s X Factor – as rumours run wild that girlfriend Cheryl could be heading on the show herself.

By Nicole Douglas
Saturday, October 28, 2017 
Liam Payne is performing on The X Factor

The One Direction singer is preparing to perform his new single in front of the nation for the first time, as the first of the live shows launches on Saturday.

The singer posted to Instagram to let fans know he was preparing for the big event, giving fans a tour of the new X Factor studio as he warmed up ready for his sure to be show-stopping performance.

And while many are excited about the boyband star’s singing, others are wondering if he’ll be joined on the ITV programme by girlfriend Cheryl.

So much drama for a show that is tanking in the rantings, don't you think? And, our layperson's suspicion here at Narnia is not reserved to just us. One of the paps who used to provide her "talents" in similar ways with One Direction stunts, posted this reaction to Simon's "fall". I guess she should know how it works.





And that's not the only strange headline that has appeared in the last 48 hours. After nearly two years of statements about One Direction getting back together, this revelation suddenly appears...wait for it...in The SUN today:




DONE DIRECTION





Liam Payne rules out One Direction getting back together


The hunky singer can't see a reunion on the cards in the future

Now, I wonder why Cowell might want to alienate One Direction fans right before Liam is going to appear on the X-Factor? And why does the article go on to talk about how loved up he is with his beard, Cheryl? Someone fans are none too fond of? And, who by the way just happens to be returning to the X-Factor after three years... conveniently. Almost as if the whole thing might be scripted. In fact, could it be possible that Simon is setting up another "engagement" like he did with Zayn and Perrie Edwards? He seems to like to work in twos. Yes, I'm looking at you, Freddie Reign and Bear Payne.

There's little doubt that with Liam's album about to be released in January, this kind of storyline might negatively impact record sales just enough to prevent Lima Bean from achieving the same level of success as his fellow bandmates; something Uncle Si might love to see given his consistently malevolent use of One Direction's hiatus to devalue their brand; although, thus far, apparently, failing miserably at. And, with Zayn, Harry and Niall all hitting #1 in the U.S. with their debut solo albums, I'm sure Cowell would love to use his obvious control of Liam's career to derail his success as much as possible. The "fatherhood" role hasn't seemed to do the trick quite yet. But maybe a pending engagement to the widely unpopular Cheryl Tweedy Fernandez-Versini Cole, whatever her name is now, might turn the tide. Using whatever contractual rights Cowell still has over Liam to plunge the knife in, anything's possible in the world of NDA's and despicable image rights servitude. Weinstein's dirty laundry is not the only kind of harassment that goes on behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. 

Harry, what do you have to say about all of this Simon Cowell nonsense?:














How about you, Louis?

 Well said, Tommo


 What say you, Zayn?





 Nialler?




 Huh?

 

Ahh, I see. Very well-spoken, Niall. Message loud and clear!


pic sources: The Sun, Fan Photos
our playlist: Bedroom Floor - Liam Payne
                    From Dusk Till Dawn - Zayn ft. Sia
                    Only Angel - Harry Styles  
                    On the Loose - Niall Horan
                    Just Like You - Louis Tomlinson

Friday, October 27, 2017

The French "Connection"






It looks like our fave pair Jake and Austin are both quite noisily in Europe "now".  Quite a bit of bell clanging and whistle blowing going on:

Giving George Costanza's wallet a run for its money, from the ever-stretching I Heart Jake "Fan Photos" album:









And now from yesterday, Oct. 27, Austin is in his first day's appearance at the Paris Comic Con - a Festival of Pop Culture. Pretty odd, don't you think to fly 5,092 miles to attend a fan convention in Paris for the TWD? Especially, since the big Walkers Stalkers Convention - 2017, is actually taking place right now in Atlanta, Georgia this weekend. You know, the high profile fan gathering with all the big stars from the show. Norman Reedus, Andrew Lincoln, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, et al., By the way, the Atlanta convention is only 921 miles from Austin, TX. Seems like Mr. Nichols may need an abacus before he uses up all of his frequent flyer miles.

And what's even more hilarious, is that Austin is the lone representative of TWD in Paris. A person who was killed off  in December of last year. Of course, anemic attempts are being made to provide cover.  His CW enabler Paul Wesley is being placed in Europe too, and one of his apparently macaroon loving female costars (at least per her Instagram account) from his recent cinematic effort, "The Iron Orchard". But those lame attempts to cover his European whereabouts is so flimsy one could drive a Mack truck through them.



 


 


 

Hitting the souvenir stand...




A post shared by Austin Nichols (@austinnichols) on
 

Aaaah, but then we knew already that Austin loves France.  And this isn't his first Paris Comic Con.  Remember that time in 2012 when Austin attended the Paris Comic Con around the 4th of July holiday (5-8)?  He attended as a cast member of One Tree Hill back then. A little *sniff* memory of Buckin here:




And who got spotted over in Paris as well during that same time?  From a twitter account now deleted, thanks to M&M and one of her "notorious" Timeline Word Documents, we still have this old tweet on file. The Tour de France was taking place at the end of June, early July 2012. Remember those were the days when Jake was deep into the cycling world. Now, he doesn't know a Lance Armstrong. I wonder why? *smirk*:



Aaah yes, good times!  Now in 2017 in opportunistic timing, we have Jake in Italy because he's participating in an interview as well as a screening for Stronger at the Rome Film Festival.  Here's Jake today in Rome (you can see a glimpse of Jeff Bauman):


A post shared by Chicca (@francesca.via) on

So, Austin in Paris....and Maggie was in Paris for the "Miu Miu" Paris Fashion Show in earlier October.



While around the same time if you remember, Jake was in Germany for the Zurich Film Festival.


 

Kind of beginning to take the form of a Gyllynicholsgaard European Mapquest, isn't it?  Throw in unconvincing stories about an Edible Schoolyard event in NYC, hammock swingin' and Austin City Limits in Big Texas, and Narnia is thinking the traveling commune has been skipping a good part of Autumn in New York this year.  ;-)

Oh, and then there was this little interesting post/deletion.  A week ago, I happened to check out Austin's Instagram and noticed a pretty cool pic he had put up.  I backed out of the screen for some now regrettable reason, went back to it almost immediately and the Instagram post was gone.  Deleted. Which was why I tweeted this:



Looking at the calendar, I noticed how early it may have been to post that particular picture about Paris because Austin wasn't really due to appear at the convention until the 27th.  Folks might wonder why he was talking about Paris already, hmm?



When Austin finally did Instagram about being in Paris, he posted the T shirt picture instead of the picture I had seen.  What a shame! The picture had kind of made me think of Jim Carrey in Mask; it was a shame to not see it again.  But wait.  Someone did have the picture and they tweeted it to Huzzah! the upcoming arrival of Austin at the convention - the "source" just wasn't Austin this time. 



Kind of a nifty thing, isn't it, how that deleted picture from Austin's Instagram managed to maneuver over to a "civilian fan" social media account?

Yeah, I thought so, too.

via GIPHY 

But let's not get too distracted by distractions.  After all, just think of what all of the sideshow was really covering up.  Sisters and a nanny or two can also indeed come in handy when a couple might want to take in the lights of France on a date night, particularly when you've all been domesticating across the pond for weeks on end.





pic sources:  David Edward Byrd, Penelope Pussycat deviantart
our playlist: Give Paris One More Chance - Jonathan Richman &
                                             The Modern Lovers
                     French Instrumental - Henry Mancini
                     Sous le Ciel De Paris - Yves Montand