Queens of Drag

It's no secret that I'm a fan of RuPaul's Drag race ever since it graced my television...however many seasons ago. The current season, for those who don't religiously watch, is their second All-Star Season, which means there's some quality queens competing to snatch that crown. The last episode may as well have said 'To Heather, Love, Ru' because the queens were all assigned to be 'queens from herstory', with the legend, Detox, impersonating Marie Antoinette and Southern belle extraordinaire, Ginger Minj, getting assigned with Catherine the Great.

I had to collect myself after that announcement.

Both queens turned it out. Minj's Catherine gown was surprisingly accurate - I love how she included the order star.

Detox went for what judge, Jeremy Scott termed, 'Neontoinette' which was kitschy fun (just like Marie Antoinette in pop culture, so why not?). I also appreciated the fact that she powdered her whole upper half in preparation and had a nearly perfect diamond necklace affair around her neck.

Ironically, both queens performed to songs concerning the great myths that are attached to them: Marie Antoinette saying 'Let them eat cake' and Catherine the Great's erm...great love for horses. But it's all in good fun, and that's exactly what this episode was FUN. 

You can watch the latest episode on Logo.

What Would Marie Antoinette Eat?

Thanks to the direction of Heidenkind, I have spent the whole morning watching The Supersize Eaters; a show I know of....but always forget the name of.  I have a feeling many are familiar with the show and maybe even familiar with the episode that centers on Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI's meals.  If not, you are in for a treat! 

The first part of the video can be seen here and then the rest linked to.  I just can't decide what is more interesting: the crazy (and amount of!) food the royals ate or the humorous banter of the hosts (Sue and Giles) who genuinely look like they enjoy making the show.  Here they are playing billiards, an 18th century means of aiding digestions:

Wait, that looks familiar....hmmm.

Elegance & Decadence & A Fat Regent

The BBC keeps serving up so many good historical programs lately it is making me give The History Channel a very intentional side-eye for their lack new material that doesn't have something to do with pawning or whathaveyou.  Take for example Elegance & Decadence, a small series Lucy Worsley put together to explore the regency era.  Sound awesome? Why of course it is!  Evangeline from Edwardian Promenade was kind enough to put the first episode up here so you can watch it in its entirety.  It mostly explores our good friend the Prince of Wales and even goes on to mention a bit about his girth which we were just gossiping about. How timely!

Those lucky enough to have a TV in the UK can watch the next segment of the series this coming Monday.

Insurance for your Sedan...Chair

I got a nice email from reader, Florence who directed me to an eighteenth-century themed commercial that those like myself in the Colonies may have missed.  Its operatic theme reminds me of those awful JG Wentworth commercials!  If only those had more wigs and sedan chairs.

Horrible Fan Histories

While participating in the fan giveaway, Rebecca pointed out not one, but two Horrible History videos that have escaped under my radar.  Both regard fan language in the delightful way we expect to be educated by Horrible Histories.  Check them out!

Captain Knows Best

After all the buildup to the wedding, blogging life (or life?) just seems so...so...ho-hum.  Well luckily two certain sister blogs have a blogiversary coming up at the end of the week so there will be something to celebrate, although I fear it will not be as grand.  But for our Monday, post-wedding hangover we could all use some comedy.  I'll leave it to the same geniuses who gave us this.

Royal Wedding Twitter Party

Are you up? Are you ready? Are you prepared with your witty comments and fan to whisper them behind? More importantly, do you have your mimosa?  It's time for those young royals to be wed and we're going to talk throughout the whole ceremony without having to deal with any nasty looks from the people in front of us. Join in the gossip!


Follow me on twitter @GeorgianaGossip. I'm on the east coast and planning on arriving at the ceremony (virtually) at the same time as the queen: 10:40 GMT.  Don't have a twitter account? Leave comments, I'll certainly be up...unless my alarm clock fails me!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A la Turque

For those of you lucky enough to be in the UK, there is a program on tonight called Secrets of Arabian Nights.  BBC News has a video snippet of the show regarding the book's arrival in Europe in the early 18th century.  Check it out here.  The video goes on to credit The Arabian Night's Entertainments (aka 1,001 Arabian Nights) with bringing the Turkish trend into vogue.  Let's check out some of the results of this new interest. 

Jean Baptiste Vanmour, Lady Mary Wortley Montagu with her son and Attendent , 1717

George Knapton, Portrait of Lady (Possibly Mary Wortley Monatgu)

Jean-Étienne Liotard, Richard Pococke, 1738-9

Jean-Étienne Liotard, Woman in Turkish costume in a hamam intructing her servant, 1742-3

Jean-Étienne Liotard, Marie Adelaïde de France en robe turque, 1753

Sir David Wilkie, Lady Hester Stanhope

The Lady-Love of the Blacksmith's Son

Considering my mysterious love of Dodge muscle cars I am convinced that I may have pitched the idea of this commercial myself...I just don't remember doing it.  This could just be the best commercial yet.

Dodge and its fabulous sports cars have a history of 18th century themed commercials of awesomeness.  Remember the Challenger one?

At Home With the Georgians

I haven't posted on Amanda Vickery's latest project, a three part television series based on her book, Behind Closed Doors, for selfish reasons- it isn't being shown in the States; and I really, really want to see it!  As luck would have it, I got my hands on the first part of the series, Thank goodness!

At Home with the Georgians puts a visual to the 2009 book which I absolutely loved.  Those who have also enjoyed the book will have a familiarity with the path in which the program takes.  But it isn't annoyingly repetitive, no, it's more of a review with lots of fabulous footnotes!  The stories and documents of Georgian living are now re-enacted in costumed splendor in between personal tours of houses by the charismatic Ms Vickery.  Austenites will relish the many references to the beloved author (who was a great feature in the book) and will also delight in Vickery's exploration of the Collins house from the 1996 Pride and Prejudice.

When I reviewed the book last December I especially enjoyed my personal connection with one Miss Mary Martin who could share my boast of once living in Wivenhoe Park.  I was delighted that her amusing story was covered in the series, complete with beautiful shots of her home and its grounds (Wivenhoe House) which I once used to take my constitutionals around with Lauren. 

North Americans can watch the first part of the series here.  Just be aware the video will stop automatically, 54 minutes into it, cutting out the last part which is luckily the conclusion so you won't miss much.  Those with BBC 2 are lucky enough to catch the second part tonight.  I can't wait until I get to see it!

His Highness Continues his Reign

Disciples, this is truly the best one yet!!  His highness has truly outdone himself and gone Dutch for his latest performance.  If you aren't a fan after this than you just simply cannot be entertained for words cannot express how glorious that was!

Now, if you are like me and simply cannot get enough, I found that you can vote here for Prince Poppycock at the designated times.  Remember more votes means more Poppycock!

His Highness Prevails

Once again, I'm not up to date on America's Got Talent, so it was all too late when I realized I missed my favourite fop's performance.  But luckily we live in an age where if you miss something on television, you can always catch it tomorrow.

Last night Prince Poppycock drew his inspiration from the Commedia Dell'Arte as he whisked in as a very grand Arlecchino. Brava brava!

The Redcoats' Last Stand

With all the crappy American Revolution-themed commercials I keep seeing on my television (cough cough Citizens Bank) I was leery when this commercial came on.

But as you can see, it is a worthy 18th century-themed commercial. Enjoy!

Mitchell and Webb Meet Pride and Prejudice

...And this is the result:

I LOVE That Mitchell and Webb Look which you can luckily catch in the colonies, Wednesday nights on BBC America. Excuse me while I conga.

Bon Jovi on the High Seas

Our scout in Finland, CenturyLydia, just notified me of another sudo-18th century commercial. Not only does it have tri-corn hats, it has pirates and Bon Jovi! Or at least, Bon Jovi songs. Enjoy!

Squee! Emma Twitter Party!

Don't forget, North American Austen-fans; part one of Emma premieres tonight at 9:00 on PBS!

Also, don't forget to join us for the Twitter party happening at the same time. Mr. Collins would want you to know only the most illustrious people will be there. Here are some that I know are attending:

Yours Truly, @GeorgianaGossip
Lauren of Marie Antoinette's Gossip Guide, @MarieGossip
Vic of Jane Austen's World, @JaneAustenWorld
Laural Ann of Austenprose, @Austenprose
Masterpiece on PBS, the grand MC of the party @masterpiecepbs

What a witty crowd! Don't forget to label your party tweets with #emma_pbs.

For other hilarious Austen giggles I have to include Under the Mad Hat's Pride and Twitterverse.

Will you be joining us? Let me know with your twitter user name. See you at the party!

Emma on PBS this Sunday

The wait is over! This Sunday, 24 January, the first episode of Jane Austen's tale of a rich-girl matchmaker, Emma will grace North American televisions. This new version has a delightful cast which includes Romola Gari, Michael Gambon, and the ever-delicious Johnny Lee Miller.

Be sure to tune in this coming Sunday at 9:00 (check your local listings!) to see part one. To make things a little more fun, PBS has invited everyone to partake in a twitter party where you can dish about the movie. It's like a giant, gossipy tea party! You Know Who can't miss that! Will you be there?

Masterpiece's Official Emma Site
Twitter Party Invitation

Have You Seen this Yet?

Clothing? Deoderant? Cotton? What could this seemingly fabulous commercial be for?

Family Guy does Amadeus

I caught this clip of family guy and had to share. For any fans of Amadeus you'll recognize this famous scene. A poor quality video of the whole clip can be found here.

It's Always Sunny in the British Empire

The other day I caught this episode of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and it made me question why I don't watch this show regularly. I know those who do watch it will tell me this episode is old news but I still have to post this for latecomers like myself because there's some gems in it. I particularly cracked up when they talk about what a British noble looks like compared to a colonist. Enjoy!

[When you press the play button an ad will come up in a new window, just close it and press play again]