Saturday, October 31, 2015

Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992): Gary Oldman, Winona Ryder and Gothic Horror


     Directed by Francis Ford Coppola, Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) is a sumptuous version of the classic Gothic Horror tale that is mostly faithful to the original text. Full of bold visual style and strong vampire effects, the film is a feast for the senses. The historical atmosphere is well-conveyed, capturing both Transylvania and London, from the 15th and 19th Centuries. Gary Oldman is spectacular as the immortal Vlad Dracula, aging from old to young and back again, from man to monster. Winona Ryder is sexy and alluring as the focus of his love. Anthony Hopkins is great as Van Helsing. Tom Waits is crazy as Renfield. Keneau Reeves, though miscast, does an okay job as well. Bram Stoker's Dracula is a modern classic.



Gary Oldman: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Dracula: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Gary Oldman and Winona Ryder: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Dracula: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Gary Oldman and Winona Ryder: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Vlad the Impaler: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Gary Oldman and Winona Ryder: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Dracula and his Bride: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Dracula's Castle - Transyvania: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Transyvania: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Keanu Reeves: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Gary Oldman: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Winona Ryder: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Dracula and Keanu Reeves: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Lucy: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Gary Oldman: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Winona Ryder: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Dracula and Keanu Reeves: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Winona Ryder: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Dracula and Keanu Reeves: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Winona Ryder: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Dracula and Keanu Reeves: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Lucy: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Winona Ryder: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Lucy: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Winona Ryder: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Dracula's Wives: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Keanu Reeves and Dracula: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Lucy the Vampire: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Dracula: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Dracula's Ship: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Winona Ryder and Lucy: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Gary Oldman and Winona Ryder: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Lucy the Vampire: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Gary Oldman and Winona Ryder: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Dracula and his Wives : Bram Stoker's Dracula

Lucy the Vampire: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Gary Oldman and Winona Ryder: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Gary Oldman: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Gary Oldman and Winona Ryder: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Lucy the Vampire: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Gary Oldman and Winona Ryder: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Lucy the Vampire: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Gary Oldman: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Winona Ryder and Keanu Reeves: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Keanu Reeves: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Dracula: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Anthony Hopkins: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Gary Oldman and Winona Ryder: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Dracula: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Anthony Hopkins as Van Helsing: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Dracula: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Gary Oldman and Winona Ryder: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Winona Ryder: Bram Stoker's Dracula

Gary Oldman and Winona Ryder: Bram Stoker's Dracula

"Bram Stoker's Dracula"- movie trailer

Friday, October 30, 2015

Paul Revere. Past Grand Master. Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. by Travis Simpkins

Paul Revere. Past Grand Master. Grand Lodge of Massachusetts. by Travis Simpkins


Portrait Sketch of 
Paul Revere
(1734 - 1818)
Patriot, Silversmith and Freemason
Past Grand Master
Grand Lodge of Massachusetts A.F. & A.M.
Artist of the 1793 silver Masonic Jewels of
Morning Star Lodge - Worcester, Massachusetts
by Travis Simpkins


based on an 1813 painting by Gilbert Stuart
Collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston



Paul Revere - Boston Massacre Engraving - American Antiquarian Society


For more info, please visit:


Paul Revere. Freemason. by Travis Simpkins. Revere Gravesite- Boston, MA

"101 Secrets of the Freemasons" by Barb Karg and John K. Young, Ph.D.


"101 Secrets of the Freemasons"
by Barb Karg and John K. Young, Ph.D.
Adams Media, 2007
Brief Review by Travis Simpkins

     Although the title gives a false promise of conspiracy laden pages, 101 Secrets of the Freemasons: The Truth Behind the World's Most Mysterious Society actually serves more as a simple guidebook and introduction to the Craft. Presented in a respectful and non-sensational manner, Barb Karg and Dr. John K. Young's text illuminates some of the basic principles of Freemasonry and answers many of the questions that those uninitiated to the Brotherhood might be inclined to ask. Some attention is given to various anti-Masonic conspiracies involving William Morgan, Jack the Ripper and the Luciferian doctrine of Albert Pike… but the authors simply present the facts in a fair manner without clearly taking one side or the other. Other helpful passages and sections include Who are the Freemasons?, How to become a Freemason, Friends and Foes and Demystifying Freemasonry. The symbolism and various degrees of the Blue Lodge, York Rite and Scottish Rite are given ample explanation. A good sense of history is offered as well, particularly in regard to the origins of Masonry, both from the Knights Templar angle as well as the founding of the first Grand Lodge. The role that Freemasonry played in the founding of the United States is discussed at some length. The book's title might jump out to those imbued with outsider curiosity, but this well-compiled and attractive book (with a faux leather-bound antiquarian style dust jacket) would make for good study with pre-applicants and Entered Apprentice students as well.



The Steps of Freemasonry: 101 Secrets of the Freemasons. Barb Karg

Great Seal of the United States: 101 Secrets of the Freemasons. Barb Karg

Masonic Sybolism: 101 Secrets of the Freemasons. Barb Karg

Masonic Ceremony: 101 Secrets of the Freemasons. Barb Karg

Anti Masonry : 101 Secrets of the Freemasons. Barb Karg

House of the Temple - Washington, D.C.: 101 Secrets of the Freemasons. Barb Karg

Albert Pike: 101 Secrets of the Freemasons. Barb Karg

House of the Temple - Washington, D.C.: 101 Secrets of the Freemasons. Barb Karg

George Washington as a Freemason: 101 Secrets of the Freemasons. Barb Karg

The Structure of Freemasonry: 101 Secrets of the Freemasons. Barb Karg

The Priory of Sion: 101 Secrets of the Freemasons. Barb Karg

The Priory of Sion: 101 Secrets of the Freemasons. Barb Karg

The Da Vinci Code. by Dan Brown: 101 Secrets of the Freemasons. Barb Karg