KENNETH LAREMORE's blog

Jewel in the Night

In Episode 54 “Happy Holidays” of the Vlog, Adele quips to Rochester that the first song recorded in space was “Jewel in the Night” , sung by Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield. Her mention of the song was rather appropriate for the Christmas holiday as it was recorded on December 23, 2012 and uploaded onto YouTube on December 24th. It was the first song ever to be recorded in outer space. Chris’ brother Dave wrote the song, which is rife with Christmas-like themes and speaks to the beauty of planet Earth.

Gryla, Leppaludi, and the Yule Lads

In episode 54 of the Vlog, Adele challenges Rochester’s knowledge and asks him if he knows the story in Icelandic folklore of the 13 centaurs and two trolls who went around at Christmastime and devoured bad or misbehaving children. I was amazed to find this this folk tale does exist although Adele got some of the facts confused.

Post-Partum Depression

In the Vlog, The Autobiography of Jane Eyre, Rochester attributes Bertha's mental illness to post-partum depression when he is speaking to Jane after she finds out about the existence of Bertha. This is a believable diagnosis and represents an accurate modernization of the story in this area. Postpartum depression is very different than what's called "baby blues". The signs and symptoms are more intense and last longer, and may eventually interfere with the woman's ability to care for your baby and handle other daily tasks.

Linoleum

On page 436 of Gemma Hardy, Gemma relates to Hallie how she remembered the red-brown kitchen linoleum in her childhood home. I also grew up with linoleum floors and discovered that the product was invented in England and had a very strong Scottish connection.

Charades

Autobiography of Jane Eyre Episode 22 “Charades”

This video episode established the timelessness of the parlor game “charades” and displayed some differences in the hypertextuality of the game played in both media types.

Charades was essentially a “riddle” game popularized in France in the 18th century. In its earliest form, players solicited syllables for player response, rather than whole words. It gradually became accompanied by dramatic performances by the players. It was brought over to Britain by the English aristocracy.

St. Magnus Cathedral Clock

Gemma Hardy p. 297

Gemma refers to this clock when she is waiting for Mr. White at the jewelry shop in Kirkwall, wanting to pawn her watch for much needed funds. She glances at a wall in the shop and sees a variety of clocks on the wall, spurring her memory of the one at St. Magnus cathedral.

The St. Magnus cathedral clock in Kirkwall was built during the First World War in Edinburgh by James Ritchie and Son, makers of the famous Floral Clock in Princes Street Gardens. It was eventually transported to Orkney and installed in 1919, just as the conflict ended.

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