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Beauty & the Beast Belle Topper Petite Cake
Sale Price: $3.50
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Create Disney Belle Petite cake with this Signature Cake Topper fits into a trimmed 4" layer cake, a small bundt cake. Printed decorating instructions included.
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The Lion King (Two-Disc Diamond Edition Blu-ray / DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging)
List Price: $39.99
Sale Price: $14.97
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The wait is over. For the first time ever, experience the majesty of Disney’s epic animated masterpiece as it roars off the screen and into your living room on Blu-ray and Blu-ray 3D. With a spectacular digital picture, spine-tingling high definition sound and immersive bonus features—you will feel the love for this critically acclaimed and universally beloved classic like never before.Embark on an extraordinary coming-of-age adventure as Simba, a lion cub who cannot wait to be king, searches for his destiny in the great “Circle of Life.” You will be thrilled by the breathtaking animation, unforgettable Academy Award®–winning music (1994: Best Original Score; Best Song, “Can You Feel The Love Tonight”) and timeless story. The king of all animated films reigns on Disney Blu-ray 3D—magic in a new dimension.Features include: •MPAA Rating: G•Format: Blu-Ray
Not an ideal choice for younger kids, this hip and violent animated feature from Disney was nevertheless a huge smash in theaters and on video, and it continues to enjoy life in an acclaimed Broadway production. The story finds a lion cub, son of a king, sent into exile after his father is sabotaged by a rivalrous uncle. The little hero finds his way into the "circle of life" with some new friends and eventually comes back to reclaim his proper place. Characters are very strong, vocal performances by the likes of Jeremy Irons, Nathan Lane, and Whoopi Goldberg are terrific, the jokes are aimed as much (if not more) at adults than kids, the animation is sometimes breathtaking, and the music is more palatable than in many Disney features. But be cautious: this is too intense for the Rugrat crowd. --Tom Keogh Related Products Amazon's Disney Store More Lion King Lion King Toys Versions of The Lion King on Blu-ray and DVD The Lion King (Two-Disc Diamond Edition Blu-ray / DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging) The Lion King (Two-Disc Diamond Edition Blu-ray / DVD Combo in DVD Packaging) The Lion King (Four-Disc Diamond Edition Blu-ray 3D / Blu-ray / DVD / Digital Copy) The Lion King Trilogy (Eight-Disc Combo: Blu-ray 3D / Blu-ray / DVD / Digital Copy) Release Date October 4, 2011 October 4, 2011 October 4, 2011 October 4, 2011 Format/Disc # Blu-ray, DVD DVD, Blu-ray Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, DVD, Digital Copy The Lion King includes: Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, DVD, Digital Copy The Lion King 1 ½ includes: DVD, Blu-ray The Lion King 2 includes: DVD, Blu-ray Blu-ray 3D No No Yes Yes (The Lion King Only) Blu-ray Yes Yes Yes Yes DVD Yes Yes Yes Yes Digital Copy No No Yes Yes (The Lion King Only) Bonus Features 4 Never-Before-Seen Deleted Scenes;Deleted Song;The Morning Report: Extended scene;Never-Before-Seen Bloopers;Disney Second Screen*;Pride of The Lion King; The Lion King: A Memoir- Don Hahn; Disney Sing Along Mode; Interactive Gallery; Audio Commentary; Disney’s Virtual Vault: Classic DVD Features Powered by BD-Live* *Not Available in all territories. Features subject to change. Same as The Lion King (Two-Disc Diamond Edition Blu-ray / DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging Same as The Lion King (Two-Disc Diamond Edition Blu-ray / DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging) The Lion King: Same as The Lion King (Two-Disc Diamond Edition Blu-ray / DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging) The Lion King 1 ½: Timon and Pumbaa’s Vacation Safari; Deleted Scenes; Timon: Behind the Legend; Before the Beginning: The Making of The Lion King 1 ½; Music Video The Lion King 2: Timon and Pumbaa’s Insectapedia; “One by One”- Animated Short; Proud of Simba’s Pride; Timon and Pumbaa: Find Out Why; Music Video
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Beauty and the Beast (Three-Disc Diamond Edition Blu-ray/DVD Combo in Blu-ray Packaging)
List Price: $39.99
Sale Price: $23.99
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Set in and around a quaint French village during the late 18th century, Beauty and the Beast follows the fantastic adventures of Belle, a brightand beautiful young woman who finds escape from her ordinary life, and the advances of a boorish suitor, Gaston, by reading books. Meanwhile, off in a castle in the distance, a cruel young prince is cast under the spell of an enchantress who turns him into a tormented beast, while transforming his servants into animated household objects. In order to remove the curse, the Beast must discover a true love who will return his affection before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose. When Belle's inventor father stumbles upon the Beast's castle and is taken prisoner, Belle comes to the rescue and agrees to take her father's place. With the help of the castle's enchanted staff, she sees beneath the Beast's exterior and discovers the heart and soul of a human prince.Features include: •MPAA Rating: G•Format: Blu-Ray•Runtime: 85 minutes
The film that officially signaled Disney's animation renaissance (following The Little Mermaid) and the only animated feature to receive a Best Picture Oscar nomination, Beauty and the Beast remains the yardstick by which all other animated films should be measured. It relates the story of Belle, a bookworm with a dotty inventor for a father; when he inadvertently offends the Beast (a prince whose heart is too hard to love anyone besides himself), Belle boldly takes her father's place, imprisoned in the Beast's gloomy mansion. Naturally, Belle teaches the Beast to love. What makes this such a dazzler, besides the amazingly accomplished animation and the winning coterie of supporting characters (the Beast's mansion is overrun by quipping, dancing household items) is the array of beautiful and hilarious songs by composer Alan Menken and the late, lamented lyricist Howard Ashman. (The title song won the 1991 Best Song Oscar, and Menken's score scored a trophy as well.) The downright funniest song is "Gaston," a lout's paean to himself (including the immortal line, "I use antlers in all of my de-co-ra-ting"). "Be Our Guest" is transformed into an inspired Busby Berkeley homage. Since Ashman's passing, animated musicals haven't quite reached the same exhilarating level of wit, sophistication, and pure joy. --David Kronke --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Tangled (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo)
List Price: $39.99
Sale Price: $18.98
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Disney presents a new twist on one of the most hilarious and hair-raising tales ever told. Your whole family will get tangled up in the fun, excitement and adventure of this magical motion picture.When the kingdom's most wanted - and most charming - bandit Flynn Rider hides in a mysterious tower, the last thing he expects to find is Rapunzel, a spirited teen with an unlikely superpower - 70 feet of magical golden hair! Together, the unlikely duo sets off on a fantastic journey filled with surprising heroes, laughter and suspense.Let your hair down and get ready to cheer for "Tangled." Bursting with never-before-seen bonus features, it's even more enchanting on Blu-ray Hi-Def.Features include: •MPAA Rating: PG•Format: Blu-Ray•Runtime: 100 minutes
Disney's 50th full-length animated feature film, Tangled is a visually appealing, music-filled adventure full of romance and humor. The movie focuses on Rapunzel, a girl with long magical hair who's lived her entire life imprisoned in a tower by her greedy mother. Naturally optimistic and acquiescent, Rapunzel (Mandy Moore) rarely complains about her circumstances, but for her 18th birthday she longs to leave the tower to see the floating lights that appear every year on her birthday. Her mother (Donna Murphy) refuses her request, but when thief Flynn Ryder (Zachary Levi) climbs the tower to escape his pursuers, Rapunzel (once she's conked him on the head with a skillet multiple times) impulsively decides to trust the young man and convinces him to help her escape to see the floating lights. Thus begins a journey that alternates quite schizophrenically between optimistic excitement and guilty remorse that will ultimately change Rapunzel's and Flynn's lives forever. Tangled is a masterful blend of humor, adventure, passion, and drama combined with a great musical score and top-notch animation. The Real 3-D effects add to the experience but probably won't really be missed in other formats. Best of all, Disney presents a princess who matures from a meek and compliant girl into a spunky young woman who's not afraid to pursue her dreams and risk it all for love--now that's a Disney princess worth emulating. (Ages 6 and older) --Tami Horiuchi
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ROOMMATES RMK1464GM Belle Peel & Stick Giant Wall Decal with Gems
List Price: $24.99
Sale Price: $19.23
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Bring all the warmth of Belle home and into a little girl's room with this giant wall decal. Belle is perfect for little girls who see the best in people, while parents will appreciate how easily RoomMates apply and remove without ever leaving behind any sticky residue or damaging the surface. Comes with 21 beautiful peel & stick gems perfect for adding to Belle's crown, jewelry, dress, and more. para;Includes (1) 18" x 40" sheet and (1) 9" x 40" sheet (14 decals).¶¶Fully Assembled Dimensions: 29" wide x 38" high.¶¶Assembled:para;Please note this product can only be shipped to the United States and Mexico.
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Genuine Disney Princess Light Coach Carriage Lamp pink
List Price: $29.99
Sale Price: $15.99
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This is for the Disney Princess Carriage Lamp. This is a very cool eva lamp in the shape of Cinderella's Carriage! The lamp measures 8" long x 7" high x 4" wide. Produces a very good amount of light. Due to the texture of the lamp, it makes a design with the light. Just an overall cool lamp. Uses a standard 110V Electric outlet for power. Perfect for the little Princess in your life! has On/off switch on the wire.
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Beauty And The Beast Rose - Cartoon Decal Vinyl Car Wall Laptop Sticker
List Price: $22.99
Sale Price: $5.99
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This cool vinyl decal could be applied in your house, such as wall, washroom mirror, and table surface. This unique vinyl decal could be applied on your car either interior or exterior. This high quality vinyl decal could be applied on your laptop or cellphone as a skin. This personal style decal could be applied on many other places, such as motorcycle, bike, helmet, appliance, suitcase, cup, and etc. Vinyl decal works better when you apply it on a smooth surface. The lifespan of the vinyl decal is 3-6 years if you apply it exterior and can late very long time if you apply it interior. This item has 13 different colors. They are White, Black, Yellow, Orange, Red, Green, Dark Green, Blue, Dark Blue, Pink, Purple, Silver, and Gold. This item has 3 sizes. They are 15cm, 12cm, and 10cm. You can choose one of these 13 colors and one of these 3 sizes for this price. Please email us your choice of color and size in 24 hours. If we do not receive your choice of color and size, we will send you the vinyl decal in black and 15cm. You can check out our website to view larger pictures, video tutorials, and custom orders.
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The Little Mermaid (Two-Disc Platinum Edition)
List Price: $29.99
Sale Price: $24.98
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2 button-type batteries included for light up scepter. Clam-Shell Styled Display Box measures 16 x 13 x 5.
From the moment that Prince Eric's ship emerged from the fog in the opening credits it was apparent that Disney had somehow, suddenly recaptured that "magic" that had been dormant for thirty years. In the tale of a headstrong young mermaid who yearns to "spend a day, warm on the sand," Ariel trades her voice to Ursula, the Sea Witch (classically voiced by Pat Carroll), for a pair of legs. Ariel can only succeed if she receives true love's kiss in a few day's time and she needs all the help she can from a singing crab named Sebastian, a loudmouth seagull, and a flounder. The lyrics and music by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken are top form: witty and relevant, and they advance the story (go on, hum a few bars of "Under the Sea"). Mermaid put animation back on the studio's "to do" list and was responsible for ushering Beauty and the Beast to theaters. A modern Disney classic. --Keith Simanton
From the moment that Prince Eric's ship emerged from the fog in the opening credits it was apparent that Disney had somehow, suddenly recaptured that "magic" that had been dormant for thirty years. In the tale of a headstrong young mermaid who yearns to "spend a day, warm on the sand," Ariel trades her voice to Ursula, the Sea Witch (classically voiced by Pat Carroll), for a pair of legs. Ariel can only succeed if she receives true love's kiss in a few day's time and she needs all the help she can from a singing crab named Sebastian, a loudmouth seagull, and a flounder. The lyrics and music by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken are top form: witty and relevant, and they advance the story (go on, hum a few bars of "Under the Sea"). Mermaid put animation back on the studio's "to do" list and was responsible for ushering Beauty and the Beast to theaters. A modern Disney classic. --Keith Simanton
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Beauty and the Beast
List Price: $29.99
Sale Price: $19.00
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One of the most acclaimed and treasured animated films of all time is about to sweep you off your feet. Follow the adventures of Belle, a bright young woman who finds herself in the castle of a prince who's been turned into a mysterious beast. With the help of the castle's enchanted staff, Belle soon learns the most important lesson of all -- that true beauty comes from within. An all-new digital restoration and exciting new bonus features make this Special Edition more magical than ever. Be our guest and let the music you'll never forget and the characters who will fill your heart cast a shimmering spell like never before.Product Measures: 0.61" x 5.34" x 7.5"
The film that officially signaled Disney's animation renaissance (following The Little Mermaid) and the only animated feature to receive a Best Picture Oscar nomination, Beauty and the Beast remains the yardstick by which all other animated films should be measured. It relates the story of Belle, a bookworm with a dotty inventor for a father; when he inadvertently offends the Beast (a prince whose heart is too hard to love anyone besides himself), Belle boldly takes her father's place, imprisoned in the Beast's gloomy mansion. Naturally, Belle teaches the Beast to love. What makes this such a dazzler, besides the amazingly accomplished animation and the winning coterie of supporting characters (the Beast's mansion is overrun by quipping, dancing household items) is the array of beautiful and hilarious songs by composer Alan Menken and the late, lamented lyricist Howard Ashman. (The title song won the 1991 Best Song Oscar, and Menken's score scored a trophy as well.) The downright funniest song is "Gaston," a lout's paean to himself (including the immortal line, "I use antlers in all of my de-co-ra-ting"). "Be Our Guest" is transformed into an inspired Busby Berkeley homage. Since Ashman's passing, animated musicals haven't quite reached the same exhilarating level of wit, sophistication, and pure joy. --David Kronke --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Cinderella (Two-Disc Special Edition)
List Price: $29.99
Sale Price: $15.88
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Worry not, Disney fans--this special edition DVD of the beloved Cinderella won't turn into a pumpkin at the strike of midnight. One of the most enduring animated films of all time, the Disney-fied adaptation of the gory Brothers Grimm fairy tale became a classic in its own right, thanks to some memorable tunes (including "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes," "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo," and the title song) and some endearingly cute comic relief. The famous slipper (click for larger image) We all know the story--the wicked stepmother and stepsisters simply won't have it, this uppity Cinderella thinking she's going to a ball designed to find the handsome prince an appropriate sweetheart, but perseverance, animal buddies, and a well-timed entrance by a fairy godmother make sure things turn out all right. There are a few striking sequences of pure animation--for example, Cinderella is reflected in bubbles drifting through the air--and the design is rich and evocative throughout. It's a simple story padded here agreeably with comic business, particularly Cinderella's rodent pals (dressed up conspicuously like the dwarf sidekicks of another famous Disney heroine) and their misadventures with a wretched cat named Lucifer. There's also much harrumphing and exposition spouting by the King and the Grand Duke. It's a much simpler and more graceful work than the more frenetically paced animated films of today, which makes it simultaneously quaint and highly gratifying. --David Kronke DVD Features For another of its classic films, Disney delivers another dazzling DVD with a gorgeous, razor-sharp picture and 5.1 sound. (Note: the 1949 film is properly presented in full-screen format, 1.33 aspect ratio, because widescreen films weren't made until the '50s.) The best part of the supplemental features is the archival material, the absolute highlight of which is two unused songs, "Cinderella's Work Song" (in which Cinderella imagines multiplying herself à la the Sorcerer's Apprentice) and "Dancing on a Cloud." Bippity-boppity-boo! (click for larger image) Because these numbers were never animated, they're accompanied by stylish illustrations from the Disney artists, and they're simply marvelous to look at. The artist of much of that material, Mary Blair, gets her due in a 15-minute featurette, while the better known "Nine Old Men" are the subject of a round-table discussion among some of today's top animators. In addition, a 38-minute documentary covers their contributions to specific characters of Cinderella as well as the film in general and the vocal cast. Also on the historical side is "The Cinderella That Almost Was," tracking the development of the project through decades of original Disney concepts, characters, and songs, including the 1922 silent "Laugh-o-Gram," which is also included in its entirety. The pumpkin transformed (click for larger image) Additional musical material includes three radio programs and a short promo of the movie by Perry Como, in which he summarizes the plot amid some songs by the Fontaine Sisters, star Ilene Woods, and the host himself. Seven other unused songs (17 minutes total) are available in audio-only. The material for kids is on the sparse side, consisting of two music videos, Disney Channel personality Sally (from "Mike's Super Short Show") learning how to become a princess with the help of the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition crew and others, a minor dancing-princess feature, and a DVD-ROM design studio. Oddest extra: ESPN's "top Cinderella stories," including the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team and Joe Namath's New York Jets, although stories on Mia Hamm and tennis's Williams sisters should appeal to the film's primary target audience of young girls. --David Horiuchi Cinderella Throughout the Years Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella (1957 Television Production) Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella (1965) The Slipper and the Rose (1976) Faerie Tale Theatre - Cinderella (1982) Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella (1997) Ever After - A Cinderella Story(1998)
Worry not, Disney fans--this special edition DVD of the beloved Cinderella won't turn into a pumpkin at the stroke of midnight. One of the most enduring animated films of all time, the Disney-fied adaptation of the gory Brothers Grimm fairytale bec
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Here are some more information for Beauty Beast:

Before he turned professional, famous Ugandan boxer John Paul "the Beast" Mugabi was simply John Mugabi--a young and hard-hitting, fast, promising boxer. After his silver medal win at the 1980 Olympics that were held in Moscow, 20 year-old Mugabi eyed the professional scene. Renowned British trainer and manager Mickey Duff noticed Mugabi and quickly enlisted him. Duff is one of many (including Ugandan Charles Lubulwa who participated in 3 Olympic tournaments) who opine that Mugabi was robbed of the gold medal. Into the professional ranks, Mugabi's ferocity, strength, and speed in the ring would earn him the nickname, "the Beast,"--one that Mugabi has voiced as unflattering, but which the world became stuck on referring to him.
It was in the Parish of the Sacred Heart in Nogales in Arizona that Mugabi while training for what would become his most epic battle, that with world middleweight champion "Marvelous" Marvin Hagler on 10th March 1986, that Mugabi would acquire the name Paul after baptism into Catholicism (Clive Gammon, "This Beast Is a Beauty," in 'Sports Illustrated'; March 03, 1986).
Semi-arid Nogales 'City of Walnut Trees', stringing along the Mexican border, is Arizona's biggest border town. Tiny Rio Rico is ten miles north of Nogales, and it is here at the Sheraton Hotel that a Mugabi training camp was set up in preparation for the Hagler encounter. Mugabi's trainer, instrumental to his getting baptized, was the same Father Anthony Clark---the parish priest.
Back in 1976, 16 year-old Mugabi won a welterweight silver medal after losing to American Herol Graham in the Junior Amateur World Boxing Championships. Interestingly, only weeks before Mugabi's battle with Hagler, Graham dethroned Ugandan Ayub Kalule of the European middleweight title after knocking him out in the tenth round. This fight would spell the end of Kalule's illustrious boxing career. Many have wondered what would have been the outcome of a bout between Kalule and Mugabi. There is a 6-year age difference, and Kalule had been an idol and mentor of young Mugabi years back in Kampala.
The Olympic Games of 1976, held in Montreal were boycotted by many nations, including Uganda. Ayub Kalule had been scheduled to fight for Uganda. He became a professional boxer. And so did team-mate Cornelius Bbosa who was later to become widely known as Cornelius Bosa (Boza) Edwards, and become a world junior-lightweight champion.
The major highlight of the Games in Montreal were the finals of the welterweight boxing division, the date 31st July 1976. Young American "Sugar" Ray Leonard, who planned to stop boxing and continue with school at the University of Maryland was pitted against a stronger and taller Cuban with a stellar knock-out record. This Andres Aldama who had knocked out all five of his previous opponents, was expected to win. But Leonard, similar to Muhammad Ali in his earlier career adopted a "hit-and-run" strategy, and elusively frustrated and angered the Cuban. As the Cuban charged, Leonard would throw in a rapid combination of solid and accurate punches and then retreat. It was like a David-Goliath slaughtering, that even involved the Cuban getting knocked down, and also taking two mandatory counts.
The Moscow Olympic finals of the welterweight division in boxing, 2nd August 1980, involved a second coming of the experienced dreaded Andres Aldama. Among his recent accolades was a gold medal win at the Pan African Games held in Puerto Rico in the previous year. Aldama's opponent John Mugabi at 20, was 4 years younger, far less experienced, and far less tested and known than himself. Each of the two boxers had knocked out four out of five of their previous Olympic boxing opponents. John Mugabi was Uganda's remaining prospect for gold.
In the first round Mugabi proved to be the more active one. He threw many jabs, but the tall southpaw Aldama kept most of them at bay, most were not hitting their target. Aldama seemed to be studying his opponent, sizing him up. The judges probably gave this round to Mugabi, just for the effort.
The second round saw Aldama come off his stool fighting hard and determined. He gained confidence as the round progressed, unleashing hard head-shots on Mugabi several times. Toward the end of the round, he caused Mugabi to briefly stumble. But Mugabi courageously counter-attacked, obviously without intention to cave in. And just like most capable southpaws, Aldama occasionally confuse Mugabi by his switching to the orthodox boxing stance.
The third round was a war. Mugabi was landing blows to the head in the brawl, but Aldama's delivery was noticeably more significant. Aldama was also more accurate. Mugabi was tiring in the face of experience and stiff solid punches. He did not yield to a knockdown, but a hypothetical fourth round would likely have resulted in Mugabi getting knocked out. Mugabi always had the strength and heart, but ineffectiveness at defending himself was his major career weakness.
The referee declared the fight a deserved 4-1 in favor of Aldama. The entirety of the fight is available on U-Tube. Thirty years later, legendary John Mugabi remains the last Ugandan to win an Olympic boxing medal.
Jonathan Musere
What Hides Behind the Beauty of the Lakes?
The Lakeland Terrier is truly the canine glory of the Lake District. The fabled Lakeland Terrier is one of the oldest breeds of terrier dogs that are still employed. When Kennel clubs and stud books were not even thought of, the farmers of the Lake District developed the breed not as a hobby but as a necessary help in their farming life. Many terrier breeds that were developed have been forgotten, while the Lakeland Terrier's name and fame resounds the world over as the crowning glory of Lakeland farmers' breeding achievements!
The appellation, Lakeland, was added to the breed only in modern times. Formerly the breed was known as the Patterdale Terrier.
In days gone by, the Lake District had lot of foxes that marauded on the sheepfolds. The farmers would form a hunt with a couple of hounds and a large number of terriers. This hunt was not a mere pastime. It involved heroism and prowess on the part of men and beasts to get out in the open and comb the area for the foxes and destroy them.
The Lakeland Terriers' forays with man as a faithful combatant in the hunt are legendary. Some have paid the ultimate price in the subterranean fox holes; others have come out victorious bearing marks of combat on their bodies. The Lakeland Terrier's body is no wider than its head. This enabled them to crawl into the fox holes. With this frame they accomplished their dangerous mission for their master and earned for themselves a name in canine history.
The fierce courage of the Lakeland Terrier allowed it to scout some distance underground to reach for the fox: in doing so, one of them earned a place in history. Lord Lonsdale's terrier crawled 23 feet to get hold of a fox; getting it out again required three days of manual work! And some of these tenacious dogs have been rescued after ten to twelve days underground!
Although bred to work and having a history of many generations of work they are quick to adapt for shows. The terrier's gameness and courage may not be needed anymore, but it has a faithful and quiet disposition as a canine companion.
There are many other unqiue aspects to Lakeland. For example: there is a dark side to the Lakes' history: the slave trade! A trade which profited men in ways that shame us all.
Storrs Hall is one of the most spectacular hotels in Windermere. This Georgian Mansion was the work of the renowned architect, Joseph Gandy, and the possession of John Bolton, a Cumbrian who made a fortune for himself from the slave trade. He held regattas on the lake and entertained distinguished people, among them Wordsworth and Sir Walter Scott. Bolton's ownership of one of the best houses of England was a tribute to his involvement in the flourishing business of the slave trade at Whitehaven, a port on the Cumbrian coast.
A museum there, christened "The Rum Story", tells the story of how merchants of rum and spirits who lived in the Lake District owned plantations in the West Indies. Their ships brought huge quantities of rum, tobacco and sugar to Whitehaven. But lying alongside the exceeding quality of the dark rum, the moist, rich tobacco, and the charming sweetness of the West Indian sugar, there was the misery of the slaves.
One traveler who made a number of trips to the place in the days of slavery was William Wilberforce. He traveled from Hull (it took three weeks to reach there) and stayed in a rented house named Rayrigg. He was, of course, the man who lobbied for the abolition of slavery. Much of his work on antislavery legislation was inspired by his trips to the Lake District. It was his work that ultimately emancipated slaves in all parts of the British Empire.
But let us move on and examine more pleasant matters! The nostalgic association with the Windermere of Lake District far at home might have urged the early explorers, missionaries and settlers to christen the places they went with this romanticized Norse word. Consequently there are Windermeres in Australia and New Zealand, in the Bahamas, the US and Canada.
Perhaps geographical distance augmented a deep-seated craving for home? Australia has a whopping thirty four "Windermere" names. Victoria has eight Windermeres followed by Queensland which has seven. New South Wales boasts six Windermeres, Southern Australia and Tasmania both have five. Western Australia has two Windermeres and Australian Capital Territory has a representative one. New Zealand has at least nine Windermeres.
These surprising statistics reveal how the migrant English carried the memory of the Lake District in their hearts even in the new land they made their home. The breathtaking sight of the Lake District's Windermere perhaps lingered in the minds of the pioneering Anglo-Saxon explorers and settlers, even in the remote Bahamas! So today we have a Windermere Island there! It is about five miles long and noted for its splendid beaches, a haven for all types of tourists.
The USA has a proud list of eighteen major locations or buildings called Windermere. Canada has sixteen geographical features named after Windermere.
So, we can be sure of this: explorers, missionaries and settlers alike knew that the name Windermere stood for breathtaking visual beauty then, just as it does today!
About the Author
The Lake District Guide features what you need to know about the Lake District! The Lake District Guide
What french castle inspired beauty and the beast?
I know there's an actual castle in France that inspired the author of Beauty and the Beast. I can't remember the name of it but I know it had the word 'couer' in it.
The castle of Raray is the answer. It is there that Jean Cocteau shot his eponymous film in 1945.
EFA theater to perform 'Beauty and the Beast'
The Elmira Free Academy Devil's Theater will present the stage version of the Disney classic, 'Beauty and the Beast,' at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.
Thanks for visiting!