Happy Halloween! Of all classic movie monsters, my favorite is Boris Karloff’s portrayal of Frankenstein’s monster in the 1931 film, Frankenstein and repeated in Bride of Frankenstein (1935), and Son of Frankenstein (1939). The bulky costume with four-inch platform boots made it an arduous role but the costume and extensive makeup produced the classic image. The costume was a job in itself for Karloff with … Continue reading Boris Karloff’s Frankenstein
The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door. “‘Tis some visiter,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door— Only this and nothing more.” Ah, distinctly … Continue reading “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe
On October 29, 1863, representatives of eighteen countries met in Geneva, Switzerland, and agreed to form what became the International Red Cross. The International Committee for Relief to the Wounded met from October 26–29, 1863, to develop possible measures to improve medical services on the battlefield. The conference was attended by 36 individuals: eighteen official delegates from national governments, six delegates from other non-governmental organizations, … Continue reading The International Red Cross
Back to “regular” programming… On this day — October 28 — in 1886, U.S. President Grover Cleveland dedicated the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. During the dedication, office workers in Manhattan sponteneously threw ticker tape out of their windows, which is recognized New York City’s first ticker-tape parade. Liberty Enlightening the World (La Liberté éclairant le monde). It is a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island … Continue reading The Statue of Liberty
With the Royal Cremation of His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (Rama IX) of Thailand in lavish ceremonies and processions starting early yesterday morning and continuing until late last night, Thursday, October 13, 2017 (only the second day of the five-day funeral), all eyes will begin to focus on his successor, King Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun (Rama X). The only son of King … Continue reading The New King, Maha Vajiralongkorn — Thailand #628 (1972)
Today. October 26, 2017, is the second of five days of funeral ceremonies for His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej the Great (Rama IX) of Thailand. The procession of the Royal Urn and Coffin begins at 9:00 this morning from the Dusit Maha Phasat Throne Hall to the Royal Crematorium at Sanam Luang Royal Plaza where the actual cremation will take place at 10:00 … Continue reading The Royal Cremation of King Bhumibol — Thailand Post #1135 (2017)
At the time of his death on October 13, 2016, His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Aduyladej (Rama IX) had ruled Thailand for 70 years, 4 months and eight days — by far, the longest ruling monarch in the world. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth of England will not surpass this length of time until late June 2022, should she live that long. To mark this … Continue reading 70 Years of King Bhumibol’s Reign – Thailand Post #1115 (2017)
On April 2, 1955, His Majesty the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) and Her Majesty Queen Sirikit gave birth to their third child (and second daughter) at Amphorn Sathan Residential Hall in Bangkok’s Dusit Palace. Born Princess Sirindhorn Debaratanasuda Kitivadhanadulsobhak (สิรินธรเทพรัตนสุดา กิติวัฒนาดุลโสภาคย์), her full ceremonial title is Somdech Phra Debaratanarajasuda Chao Fa Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Rathasimagunakornpiyajat Sayamboromrajakumari (สมเด็จพระเทพรัตนราชสุดา เจ้าฟ้ามหาจักรีสิรินธร รัฐสีมาคุณากรปิยชาติ สยามบรมราชกุมารี ), which was … Continue reading King Bhumibol’s Stamp-Collecting Daughter — Thailand #3272 (2015)
A Stamp A Day 