Messages

121

The Windsors / Buckingham Palace Gardens

« on: June 05, 2012, 01:50:51 PM »

Can someone who is familiar with Buckingham Palace please tell me - are there any private gardens around BP where the Queen can walk in solitude?  When I view the grounds around BP on Google Earth, it appears as though all the surrounding grounds are open to the public.  The only somewhat private area seems to be the courtyard in the center of the palace which you could hardly call a garden.   Where, for instance, does she walk her corgis while at BP?  Could it be that some of the surrounding gardens are only open to the public on certain days?   I made the assumption that all the surrounding gardens were open to the public because of all the private pictures that have been posted on Google Earth.   Can someone enlighten me.  I'm beginning to feel sorry for the poor Queen living in such a fishbowl.

122

Films and TV shows about the Romanovs and Imperial Russia / Re: New Nicholas & Alexandra Video - Mini Series?

« on: April 03, 2012, 08:37:14 AM »

There have been all types of emotional platitudes such as "Please don't let this dream die."  "I'm a cheerleader, etc." 

Please, accept my apologies for my "emotional platitudes".   Actually, the cheerleader comment was intended to be a self-effacing remark directed at my own lack of talent in this area, but obviously that was not recognized or appreciated  by Alexandr.   gain - my apologies for being so "trite".

Best regards  -Gloria

123

Films and TV shows about the Romanovs and Imperial Russia / Re: New Nicholas & Alexandra Video - Mini Series?

« on: April 01, 2012, 10:03:19 PM »

Thanks Eric.  Just want to point out that I don't think the main focus should be of the forensic angle, just as an opener to grab people with realism.  Also, I hope no one was turned off by my suggestion.  My vision was not one of gorey forensic details but in hopes that it could be portrayed in an interesting, respectful way.

As far as this miniseries just being a dream - well, all great things grow from tiny seeds.   Keep the faith.

124

Films and TV shows about the Romanovs and Imperial Russia / Re: New Nicholas & Alexandra Video - Mini Series?

« on: April 01, 2012, 09:25:58 PM »

Another aspect I'd like to weigh in on is the portrayal of OTMA.   Again, my views here are that of an observer rather than of a writer.   All the girls had diaries and there are enough poignant stories from teachers/nurses/etc. that we have an idea of what each of their young hopes and dreams for the future might be.   Look at the impact Anne Frank had on an entire generation of young girls.  I can't believe a good writer couldn't do the same with OTMA without embellishing the truth.   I am very optimistic about this project you all are thinking of undertaking.   Please don't let this dream die.   The only help I can offer is moral support from the sidelines, so here I am being the cheerleader.   

125

Films and TV shows about the Romanovs and Imperial Russia / Re: New Nicholas & Alexandra Video - Mini Series?

« on: April 01, 2012, 09:08:03 PM »

I'm coming into this discussion of a miniseries a little late, but I've just read through this thread with great interest.   I'm not an academic and certainly no writer,  but I am wondering if anyone here gave any thought to somehow incorporating the forensic findings of the IF remains as a way of pulling in a larger audience.   Seeing as how CSI is so popular with American audiences, I would think that this angle might be employed to, at the very least, draw in those who still may think there just might be survivors of that terrible night.   From what I've read on this thread so far, you all seem to agree that the focus should be on NAOTMAA and the history leading up to their murders rather than the entire Romanov clan.  I got this idea when reading your comments about beginning and ending with the basement room in Ipatiev house.   What grabs my heartstrings when thinking of the tragedy is a vision of a sun-filled meadow surrounded by those beautiful tall birch trees towering over the newly dug pit that finally revealed the awful truth.  As others have said, the true story of the Romanovs is interesting in itself without embellishment.   But many people who are not as knowledgeable of the true facts look upon this era as fairytale and don't realize it all occurred not so long ago.   Perhaps by starting out with the most recent events (the exhumation of the Imperial remains and subsequent DNA identification) with the rest of the story as a flashback, more people would identify with and want to explore more of the story.   Just my humble opinion.   

126

Films and TV shows about the Romanovs and Imperial Russia / Re: Odd Places To Find Romanovs - TV Series - Comedy Shows - Movies

« on: March 29, 2012, 10:31:44 AM »

eDubs - I know this is off topic - (sorry FA) -  but I wanted to let you know I got your PM - thanks!    I can't send out pm's for some reason yet I can receive them.   Didn't want you to think I was ignoring you.   -Gloria

127

Having Fun! / Re: You know you're obsessed with the Romanovs when... Part 2

« on: March 16, 2012, 10:33:54 PM »

Talya, I love the idea of your slapping Yurovsky - maked me laugh     

 If I went back in time, I'd have to assume I did so in an H.G. Wells type of vehicle.   That means I'd have to drag that thing into the Church of the Blood so that when I set it for July 1918 it would end up being right inside the Ipatiev house when it "arrives".   This phenomenon would surely throw Yurovsky and all the guards into a panic which would give me the opportunity to pile the IF into the Time Machine (they'd have to sit on laps - remember in the movie it only held two people).  I'd then set the time for maybe 1991 or so.  This way they'd end up still in their beloved Russia after the fall of the Soviet Union.   From there I'd employ of assistance of everyone here on the AP Forum to take over and bring the family up to speed on what had transpired in the past 80 years and let the IF decide what they want to do and where they want to go.

I know, this is quite far fetched, but it's 11:30 p.m. on a Friday night where I am.  I'm tired and should be in bed.   I just let my imagination run wild.  I imagine the IF is up in heaven reading these posts and having a good laugh.    As much as we all wish we could go back and change history, we have to remember that they are all now with their Savior and wouldn't want to come back, right?  Have a good evening all.   

Gloria  (Maria the Beautiful)

128

Having Fun! / Re: You know you're obsessed with the Romanovs when... Part 2

« on: March 15, 2012, 12:16:59 PM »

Talya, you have the best idea though - go to them instead of them coming to you.  So much less confusing.  We have the advantage of knowing past history and can adapt ourselves.   See, now you have me dayidreaming about meeting them too!   Wouldn't that be wonderful to have such a gift!

129

Having Fun! / Re: You know you're obsessed with the Romanovs when... Part 2

« on: March 15, 2012, 12:07:27 PM »

edubs31 - You have the right idea - ease them into it.   But it seems like more of the lifetime project than just several months, don't you think?   You're right about the updates on history.   That would have to be the priority since it affects every aspect of our lives every day.   I nominate you for the job - GOOD LUCK!   

130

Having Fun! / Re: You know you're obsessed with the Romanovs when... Part 2

« on: March 15, 2012, 10:35:56 AM »

Talya and BlessOTM - I had to chuckle when I read the last few posts.   You think you would faint?  Imagine the effect on NAOTMAA if they were suddenly dropped into 2012!!!   From the protected, pristine environment they lived in to the permissive "anything goes" environment of today, I'd love to know what their reaction would be.   Think about them flipping through tv channels today - just the titles of shows alone would be enough to send Alexandra straight to confession.    It would be fun to make a list of current tv shows and movies that you would want them to see without embarrassment.   I think the list would be pretty short.   

131

Their World and Culture / Prayers (grace) before meals in Orthodox culture

« on: March 12, 2012, 09:35:30 PM »

In all that I've read about the Romanovs and how much prayer was a part of their daily lives, I've never come across any mention of them offering a prayer of thanksgiving before meals, even during the holidays.   Is this not common in the Orthodox faith?   

132

The Alexander Palace / Re: Imperial Rubble from AP

« on: March 06, 2012, 07:50:03 PM »

BlessOTMA, I'm envious that you have such a treasure.   Thank you for sharing it.   And don't worry, if the Russian Gov't comes after you I'm sure the entire AP Forum will stand strong in unison to protect you     

133

Tsarskoe Selo Palaces / Re: Ropsha Palace

« on: March 05, 2012, 12:30:15 PM »

When Ii first saw photos of Robsha in the horrible condition it is in today, I thought this was the result of the German occupation during WWII.   Then I saw the photo posted by Joanna a while back  that she said dated from the 1970's  and the palace was still relatively intact.   Did all this damage really occur in the the last 40 years?   I't almost unbelieveable.

134

The Alexander Palace / Re: Floorplans of the Alexander Palace

« on: February 27, 2012, 09:45:37 PM »

I have found reference to my question of the balcony.   Please disregard my last post.   

135

The Alexander Palace / Re: Floorplans of the Alexander Palace

« on: February 27, 2012, 09:39:12 PM »

Wow!  I just spent the entire afternoon re-reading this entire thread from when I first joined this forum in 2009.   Since that time, after learning so much more about AP and it's story, these plans and legends mean so much more to me.   You folks are truly incredible!  I can't wait to print out all these plans tomorrow.

I have a question - hope this is the correct thread to post this.   What is the story of Alexandra's balcony.   At what point did it cease to exist?   Was it also one of the "victims" of the Nazi occupation?  I know it wasn't original to the palace, but since it was so much a part of the IF's daily lives, are there plans to restore it?    I apologize if this was answered somewhere else on the forum.