TheBaronOfFratton
5980 replies · 108067 views
^Thank you all! 
Truth be told I've kind of lost my mojo for models. My interest in Behati has dipped massively of late (most of it due to her relationship and the exposure that's engendered :yuckky: ), and it's probably resurfaced more in Japanese models and actresses that I've latterly been exposed to - and those "tastes" aren't catered for on here. Magda's still my thing though, and my predilections for Elsa, Bregje and (suddenly) Lais Ribeiro have grown...
These personal threads are still where it's at, and I enjoy the discussions I've seen scattered about and I hope to get around to joining in once I've gotten through all my own correspondence. I suppose they're extracurricular to BZ's remit, but - lawd - have you read the vacant nonsense that constitutes "conversation" on the main model threads?!!
Oh well, maybe I'm just becoming one of those old fart I didn't like when I first joined?! 
I was going to leave this here for the next time you swung by, was wondering if you'd heard it. Given your recent travels, the title seems rather appropriate too!
^Yes, it's getting a lot of airplay on 6music. To be honest I think each new Wild Beasts album is lesser than that last - just as the critics spout the opposite! 
They're certainly more polished and whimsical - but I liked the (what I consider) knockabout style of Limbo, Panto. I'm sure I'll still buy it though; in fact I'm likely to be the very picture of the '£30 HMV Man' in a couple of weeks when this, the new Beck, and (finally) Temples' album all come out!
Baron!
You were supposed to wait for me, forever!!!
^Ah, my sweet Red, you know Baronesses come and go. You are - and remain - my saucy little bit on the side... 
Your Abelard.
Would you reject Natasha Barnard's citizenship? :-p
If Baron does not want her, I will gladly sponsor her citizenship over here!
^I believe she is Médecin Sans Frontières...
Um...Would you reject Natasha Barnard's citizenship? :-p
No.
Posing with the flag in a bikini is actually the official citizenship test
^Yes, and god bless you! In Argentina our variation seems to be to pose provocatively in a not-altogether-practical version of the national football strip - same sort of idea.
Nice to have you back 
I do however, have some reservations. I find that the key to enjoying this forum is to lower expectations. There's this rudeness, shallowness, and lack of consideration that's integral to internet interactions on BZ and I find that by forgiving & not reading the posting personalities that breed contempt, then much that is irritating is avoided. Enjoyment of BZ is fulfilled.
What do you think of that? BZ could be 100% pleasant again if the chaff is ignored, and that which is worthy of attention is given its due. Overall, adhering to this old principle (after falling off of it for a short period of time) worked wonders for me. My morale is back. .
BTW, you are in luck.
I did a Lais full review (3 galleries) here: http://www.bellazon.com/main/topic/44606-cult-icons-junkyard/page-21
and I just started Magda full review. It's going to be huge one.
^Thank you all!
Truth be told I've kind of lost my mojo for models. My interest in Behati has dipped massively of late (most of it due to her relationship and the exposure that's engendered :yuckky: ), and it's probably resurfaced more in Japanese models and actresses that I've latterly been exposed to - and those "tastes" aren't catered for on here. Magda's still my thing though, and my predilections for Elsa, Bregje and (suddenly) Lais Ribeiro have grown...
These personal threads are still where it's at, and I enjoy the discussions I've seen scattered about and I hope to get around to joining in once I've gotten through all my own correspondence. I suppose they're extracurricular to BZ's remit, but - lawd - have you read the vacant nonsense that constitutes "conversation" on the main model threads?!!
Oh well, maybe I'm just becoming one of those old fart I didn't like when I first joined?!
Hey Baron could you drop your social life and all activities to keep me and others company on BZ?
I would gladly appreciate it 
On 06/02/2014 at 2:07 PM, TheBaronOfFratton said:Yes, it's getting a lot of airplay on 6music. To be honest I think each new Wild Beasts album is lesser than that last - just as the critics spout the opposite!
I'm awaiting that Beck album with great excitement! How on earth can it be six years since 'Modern Guilt'? 
With you on Wild Beasts too, actually. I love all three albums and have no reason to think I won't enjoy the fourth, but the debut remains my favourite. It seemed to exist in its own little world, and although they've since developed a more focused, sophisticated sound, they never quite managed to fully recreate that. Out of curiosity Baron, do you consider yourself more of an MP3, CD or vinyl man?
Oh, and before I forget, here's another recent discovery for your perusal. Love child of Lush, Ride and My Bloody Valentine via Dresden, San Diego, Alberta and, erm, Leicester. 
^You're back? It's a Christmas miracle - my wishes came true!
Ha! You're too kind! 
Like yourself Ive been a busy boy. Social activities and responsibilities appear to be getting in the way of the superficial fun that is BZ (how rude! 
) Nice to hear your absence has been spent well with your lovely one. I myself have just come back from another adventure to Asia once again. However I feel it will now be a while until you see me back there again. Done it, got the t-shirt and plenty of other places to see. So i am currently in the depths of depression as I try to re adjust to my life back home 
Anyway, nice to be back in your company once more 
Baron, what do you think about: Anastasia Ivanova? She seems to fit your type
This was something I wanted to ask you, but with Japanese media & culture...have you ever noticed that they sometimes exhibit a peculiar and complex emotion in their films & manga.
Here's Arnie and the lead from the Russian film 'Come & See' to illustrate. What happens is this: The character smiles with all their teeth showing or experiences intense inner turmoil.
'I wept, I wept like some Grandmother...I wanted to tear my teeth out, I didn't know what I wanted to do'
This is an entirely valid emotion, but I've noticed that it never appears in american or british films. (...at least what I've seen...). The core of this distress is a sense of being controlled by circumstances beyond the person's control, and there is no one and nothing to shift blame for one's fate. I have seen the Japanese depict this as a feeling of 'grey helplessness' yet the silver lining behind it is that the person is determined to see it through. Often the person's face shifts to this when they have their backs turned or are alone.
^Whenever I see that Arnie grimace I equate it with his inability to act in his early films (if indeed he has gotten any better over the years?! ). It seemed to be a "catch all" emotional face, mind you it's only one below Bruce Willis' range (which is 'Shooting People Face' and 'Wisecrack Face')... That said, I take your point with the comparison - it's incredibly prevalent in Manga, and doesn't seem to have a Western alternative. Often, I've noticed, it's accompanied by flush cheeks and a single tear/bead of sweat like here:
...Although that's more common when the distress is relationship-based (e.g. you've been dumped, or you've just fallen over in front of a potential conquest). In direct contrast, happiness seems to result in tightly closed eyes.
I've noticed South Korean girls do this face a lot when posing:
It appears to be provocative, but I've no idea what it should represent? 
It appears to be provocative, but I've no idea what it should represent?
^ Hot Soup?
^ 
I suppose that could explain it, although I've never seen cooling off soup as being overtly sexual...
...Technically I guess it's still a blow-job?!
^
Still giving me the heebies...
I read that when Sadako 3D came out a couple of years ago they made the Japanese premiere 4D and had Sadako pop up in the cinema in front of people and grab them. I honestly think that might have frightened me to death!
I agree comedies are definitely something special to each person and its different. I for one like the grosser, type of comedies, things like the 40 year old virgin, and knocked up. I know some people who think that is just stuuuupppid. So I definitely agree with ya on that
Oh and also The DiCaprio wishes you a happy holiday
^I actually quite like those Apatow comedies, so you're in good company. 
But it's a broad church, I mean I love Woody Allen and South Park equally... Oh, and all greetings of the season to you, yours, and Leo too - if mid-March isn't too late?
OK, Happy St. Patrick's then:
Have you heard Lily Aldridge when she said lately that Behati is her woman crush ?
She said the truth I think.
^It certainly conjures up an image anyways... 
How about you, Mahi? I think I've mentioned before how I got a little swoony with Thor!!! 
How were the holidays amigo and most importantly what did you feast on?
^Again, apologies for the rather *ahem* late reply... If you're still interested, well, this year I didn't cook - after having done so for about the last 4 or 5. Was it up to my exacting standards? 
Naturally not! But, actually, it was nice to not have to think about it. It was more "trad" than I'd have done - and I missed out on red cabbage (a staple of the Baron's holiday fayre) - but it was Turkey and chestnut stuffing, with roast potatoes and honeyed parsnips, sprouts with lardons, and carrots. we had salmon and creme fraiche blinis for starters, with the Christmas pudding (and brandy butter 
) after. There was also, of course, a lot of beer and wine and spirits... And for you (if you can remember that far back)?
Seen this video before?
Have to say I don't really like this song
but the video... from 1:18 to 1:35, I guess I would do the same as this attractive brunette...
^Yeah, these scenarios are never played out in anything resembling "real life" by and large - at least this is a quasi-realistic response (and I do like the song, btw!).
It amazes me how this sort of "romantic" shit is promoted in film, television, and (especially) advertising, when you know the adjectives that would come to mind if you actually tried this approach are "stalky" and "rapey". It's a cute fallacy, but a fallacy nonetheless. 
Baron: Also, something I wanted to ask you once you come back. Among the many things, I have thought about my public speaking ability of late in front of audiences and in meetings. I am experienced in talking to large groups and am lucky enough to have a good speaking voice. Thankfully, I am not plagued by certain flaws in pronunciation and pacing.
But unfortunately, I have a noticeable problem with intonation: My natural tendency during deep thought is to move towards talking in a monotone and truncated/condensed style. I have reason to believe that it softens the impact of my speech or presentation and draws attention away from it as it makes me look confident to the point of being blase'. I want to have a more dynamic impact, so I've been experimenting with video recordings and microphones in my spare time.
In one to one conversations, I am more naturally animated but when talking in large groups- which requires more mental effort (away from accustomed habits) I revert to monotone after a period of time. I also revert to monotone if I'm tired or have to quickly improvise the content of my communication. It is clear to me that I need to practice more in order to improve my speaking Charisma.
To compound this, there is usually no sense of humor in my talks. The light sense of humor- developed from watching TV, special interest, and small talk- just doesn't come natural to me, As you remember my nature sense of humor is more intense, dark, and rare. Speeches and presentations punctuated with brief glimpses of humor is essential for inserting myself into my audiences' memory but I haven't figured out where to start yet.
So I'd like to ask:
How do you develop and maintain your talent for humor and what do you see your inspirations for it? If this is interfering with your trade secrets, then we can talk elsewhere..but in my experience, I've noted how humor tends to transfer externally more than internally for myself and others. So if you parents or the most influential people in one's life have a certain type of humor, then this type of humor tends to 'stick' early on in life and be carried far into adulthood. Of course, people are constantly changing, and what they found funny at one point would be 'lame' at another.
^Of course I find it far easier to be funny in writing than I do in speaking - but then I guess my work is in writing so that makes sense... Whilst I don't mind public-speaking at all, I find I can rush and slur if I don't check myself. I'm colloquial in my style, and that doesn't necessarily work well in that sort of environment (at least in print a reference or quip can be digested far easier for the reader). In less formal surroundings I'm much the same as my writing style: I find humour in the absurd and the juxtaposition of things, and with friends I know the (lack of) boundaries in terms of my own lapses into that "dark and rare" you speak of! :evil: I well remember making an ill-judged comment a couple of years ago whilst working on a residential course and forgetting that these weren't my friends but my colleagues as I'd just become too familiar with them, I guess, over an intensive couple of weeks. I realised we were not on the same wavelength at all, and only one person present (thankfully) laughed - alerting the others to the fact that I was joking... I mean, we've been here before on BZ have we not? Which is why I was lobbying for that 'sarcasm alert' ( 
) as it's easy to forget some of the flatscan members aren't as enlightened on the general threads... 
As for just "being" funny - well I thank you for thinking I am to start with 
- but I can't really say where it may come from? My father's sense of humour is radically different from mine in the main - although we do share a fondness for the "silly" along the lines of Peter Sellers or Fawlty Towers. My mother is British, so I suppose she has a head-start(!) but I tend to think latterly I've informed her tastes more than the other way around - in as much as introducing her to, say, Steve Coogan. As I said to katchitup before I went away, what we find funny is hard to quantify and share. There's a British sitcom called Red Dwarf that I know several members here are fond of (Jennka and Michael* spring to mind) and is loved by very good friends of mine here, but it's never made me laugh - and I can't really say why that should be??? :notsure:
For me, honestly, I'd rather a person giving a speech just did it in the way they do it best. You know how cringe-inducing it can be when politicians try to capture a zeitgeist or attempt a joke when it just simply doesn't suit them. If what you're saying is interesting, well thought out, and researched (which, knowing you on here, is without a doubt (Y) ) then the audience will be there with you. Extraneous gesturing or comic-asides don't always add to a presentation at all...
I hope the link still works but here is something I think you'd like....:
http://avaxnews.net/wow/Asian_Beauty_Hot_Promotional_Models_in_Taipei_Taiwan.html
-----------
Also, I wanted to ask- What is the significance of the Spanish 'Blue Division' of WW2 in Spanish political culture?
And in particular- General and future vice president of Spain..Grandes?
^Indeed that link still did. :brows:
As for the 'Blue Division', I suspect you'd already know far more than I... Where I stay in Spain it was(is) the Republican stronghold and Franco is hardly mentioned at all, let alone Grandes. The volunteers predominantly came from the north and it's cities, not rural Andalucia. In fact I find the Spanish largely reticent to talk about history at all, I don't readily recall any conversations regarding WWII or the Civil War especially. They just want to talk about football and current affairs (and in that order). I mean despite living there 20 years, my father is still just referred to as "the Argentine".
^
I suppose that could explain it, although I've never seen cooling off soup as being overtly sexual...
...Technically I guess it's still a blow-job?!
^ You should see how they try to sell Pepsi in those Latin American commercial here...soup is the least of your worries!
^Again, apologies for the rather *ahem* late reply... If you're still interested, well, this year I didn't cook - after having done so for about the last 4 or 5. Was it up to my exacting standards?How were the holidays amigo and most importantly what did you feast on?
Naturally not! But, actually, it was nice to not have to think about it. It was more "trad" than I'd have done - and I missed out on red cabbage (a staple of the Baron's holiday fayre) - but it was Turkey and chestnut stuffing, with roast potatoes and honeyed parsnips, sprouts with lardons, and carrots. we had salmon and creme fraiche blinis for starters, with the Christmas pudding (and brandy butter
) after. There was also, of course, a lot of beer and wine and spirits... And for you (if you can remember that far back)?
Jeezes, was that the last super sir? I'm especially fond of the chestnut stuffing, that raised my eyebrow right away! 
Oh, I wonder, is there a favorite spirit for the holiday meal sir?
And as for me, we had the usual turkey and ham with all the trimmings, desserts a plenty and a good amount of alcohol as well I believe I broke the gluttony sin that day too
Well that's just nasty^
Still giving me the heebies...
I read that when Sadako 3D came out a couple of years ago they made the Japanese premiere 4D and had Sadako pop up in the cinema in front of people and grab them. I honestly think that might have frightened me to death!
I'm so out of touch.. I didn't even know they made that. Probably just as well though.. 3.8 on IMDb 
Have you seen it?
Seen this video before?
Have to say I don't really like this song
^Yeah, these scenarios are never played out in anything resembling "real life" by and large - at least this is a quasi-realistic response (and I do like the song, btw!).
It amazes me how this sort of "romantic" shit is promoted in film, television, and (especially) advertising, when you know the adjectives that would come to mind if you actually tried this approach are "stalky" and "rapey". It's a cute fallacy, but a fallacy nonetheless.
I was also thinking about that. Not that I feel that one is free of the temptation of little stalking but some of these approaches are strange. I read about this case of a celebrity who started dating some basketball player after he followed her on Twitter and tweeted her a few times with compliments and that he would love to meet her etc. and then they went on a date. The comment section to this story was divided between those who thought it's sweet and the ones who found it weird.
Here's a one that fits my exact description: This weird, tooth bearing smile....I've seen it in both manga and tv shows as a kid.
^Whenever I see that Arnie grimace I equate it with his inability to act in his early films (if indeed he has gotten any better over the years?!
...Although that's more common when the distress is relationship-based (e.g. you've been dumped, or you've just fallen over in front of a potential conquest). In direct contrast, happiness seems to result in tightly closed eyes.
I've noticed South Korean girls do this face a lot when posing:
It appears to be provocative, but I've no idea what it should represent?
Hah, beats me, it is beyond my imagination...
There's also the infamous hand gestures that japanese girls make when they get their pictures taken:
Nice to have you back
I do however, have some reservations. I find that the key to enjoying this forum is to lower expectations. There's this rudeness, shallowness, and lack of consideration that's integral to internet interactions on BZ and I find that by forgiving & not reading the posting personalities that breed contempt, then much that is irritating is avoided. Enjoyment of BZ is fulfilled.
What do you think of that? BZ could be 100% pleasant again if the chaff is ignored, and that which is worthy of attention is given its due. Overall, adhering to this old principle (after falling off of it for a short period of time) worked wonders for me. My morale is back.
.
BTW, you are in luck.
I did a Lais full review (3 galleries) here: http://www.bellazon.com/main/topic/44606-cult-icons-junkyard/page-21
and I just started Magda full review. It's going to be huge one.
^I'll be honest and say I doubt you'll have anything of Magda's that I haven't already furtively tucked away! I have been perusing your Lais selection though, she sure is lissome... (Y)
Actually, the 'rudeness, shallowness, and lack of consideration' is something I can work with - I have no worries in calling people up and pointing that sort of thing out! I've never shied from an argument on here, and those situations can be like catnip to me. Plus, I like the righteous indignation I can feel off the back of certain posters, I could never bear to use the "ignore" function as I'd feel I was missing out on something.
No, rather it's the banal and inane that has been putting me off. There are, as I'm sure you're aware, a glut of trite commentators here spouting the vanilla and patting each other on the back for it. :yuckky: It's that mundanity that kills...
Hey Baron could you drop your social life and all activities to keep me and others company on BZ?
I would gladly appreciate it
^Well you make it sound much more glamorous than it is, but I shall go along with that pretence - and try to assuage you. 
I'm awaiting that Beck album with great excitement! How on earth can it be six years since 'Modern Guilt'?
With you on Wild Beasts too, actually. I love all three albums and have no reason to think I won't enjoy the fourth, but the debut remains my favourite. It seemed to exist in its own little world, and although they've since developed a more focused, sophisticated sound, they never quite managed to fully recreate that. Out of curiosity Baron, do you consider yourself more of an MP3, CD or vinyl man?
Oh, and before I forget, here's another recent discovery for your perusal. Love child of Lush, Ride and My Bloody Valentine via Dresden, San Diego, Alberta and, erm, Leicester.
^SIX YEARS?!?! That is, I suppose, if you don't count the Song Reader sheet music album - which I don't... <_<
As for formats, I suppose I use all three. Although like an old dinosaur I still like the physical object to hold onto. Plus I've had plenty of Mac-based mishaps over the years to never trust the integrity of my iTunes. I collected vinyl for many years, and most of the music I got into in my teens was from the late 60s/early 70s. I did, eventually, invest in a CD player and that format and that's what I now tend to buy but I admit I've bought the odd song on MP3 (usually a long forgotten nugget from my youth). I still like the 'ceremony' of putting on an album though, and the scattering of sleeves across the floor with wine bottles and ashtray... *SIGH* 
You can kind of do that with CDs, it's impossible with just audio files.
That Cheatahs description was pretty apt! (Y) By the way, I went to see Bombay Bicycle Club last week - it wasn't really for me to be honest. What say you?
Ha! You're too kind!
^How's that working out for you? 
If you have the wanderlust it can be hard to shake off, I've suffered since I was a kid and am never happier than when there's a clear horizon to head towards...
As for the t-shirt, it wasn't this one was it?
Baron, what do you think about: Anastasia Ivanova? She seems to fit your type
^Ooh, I have a "type" now?!
Actually I think she's cute - she reminds me of Natalie Dormer who I quite fancy too.
^ You should see how they try to sell Pepsi in those Latin American commercial here...soup is the least of your worries!
^Don't forget you're talking to an Argentino here, if women's clothes fall off when opening soft-drink beverage cans then what are we to do? That is if they are wearing many to begin with. I've noted that what constitutes 'scandalous' or 'obscene' outfits on British and US television is considered pretty conservative by comparison in S.America...
Jeezes, was that the last super sir?
And as for me, we had the usual turkey and ham with all the trimmings, desserts a plenty and a good amount of alcohol as well
^It's the most important meal of the year, no? 'Christmas' as a celebration is intrinsically about gluttony, feasting in the middle of the austerity and gloom of the midwinter. You were doing nothing wrong but tapping into the tradition of our forefathers! 
As for the spirit, well, all of them: it's about mulled wine, hot cider, brandy, whisky and a'wassailing...
Well that's just nasty
I'm so out of touch.. I didn't even know they made that. Probably just as well though.. 3.8 on IMDb
Have you seen it?
^Yes, principally for the fact that it starred (one of my Top 10 Celebrity Spouses on Mr. Icon's thread) Satomi Ishihara. 
What they managed to do was take one of the seminal horror movies of all time and turn it into a teen-friendly 'jumpfest', completely exorcising any of the creeping dread that made the original trilogy so scary. It's more akin to one of the Final Destination films (of which I'm actually quite fond of, but they're not "scary") and it's intended audience is clearly the same. It would make a good Friday night cinema popcorn experience, but it doesn't last. Sadako is jumping out of computer screens, billboard advertising, and there's even weird imperfect facsimiles of her jerking about. But Satomi looks great, and it did well enough to garner a sequel (which I haven't seen).
Can't fault the marketing though, it's quite brilliant:
I was also thinking about that. Not that I feel that one is free of the temptation of little stalking
^There was a case in the UK some years ago where a very famous British soap star married a guy who had been stalking her - this is pre-twitter/Facebook, he just used to follow her about and sat in a tree outside her house! 
She was a pretty weird person all round though...
There's also the infamous hand gestures that japanese girls make when they get their pictures taken:
^I think Japanese girls find it pathologically impossible not to make some sort of hand-gesture/face-pull when confronted by a camera. They are consummate professionals at doing so though (and achingly cute); they put the VSFS to shame...
I was also thinking about that. Not that I feel that one is free of the temptation of little stalking
^There was a case in the UK some years ago where a very famous British soap star married a guy who had been stalking her - this is pre-twitter/Facebook, he just used to follow her about and sat in a tree outside her house!
She was a pretty weird person all round though...
Wowo :| bet it turned out great for her
Happens all too often as franchises wear thin. You see it in video games too. Some sort of Sadako display team is certainly one way to dilute the scariness..^Yes, principally for the fact that it starred (one of my Top 10 Celebrity Spouses on Mr. Icon's thread) Satomi Ishihara.
Can't fault the marketing though, it's quite brilliant:
The giant one on the truck is quite the sight though 
Speaking of horror movie marketing, did you see this one?