A New Richard Image from the Starfury #RDC5 Drip-Feed

/ March 14, 2019

Alright, here is the motivation to finally bring this whole RDC thing to an end. I had actually already taken myself to my local Starbucks to finally get writing. I boycotted Starbucks until recently – there practice of evading taxes in Ireland makes me so angry. I much prefer Caffé Nero, not least because of the happy memories of “the summer of love” it brings up… There was a Caffé Nero on The Cut, not far away from The Old Vic where we used to gather pre-performance… ah good times… Anyway, I prefer Nero, but not when it comes to sitting and working on the laptop: Caffe Nero’s chairs/banquettes are that tiny bit too low to make typing on your laptop comfortable. No doubt a strategy to keep people moving and not sit in the café for too long – but essentially means that I have to move to Starbucks if I want to work… Anyway, that’s where I am right now. 

As for the sweet picture of RA signing – hehe, for once it was *him* who had to look up to people… I am looking at that picture, and I see the slightest, tiniest sprinkle of grey on his temples and the lines by his eye that indicate that he is smiling. And I think to myself that that is a hundred times more flattering and handsome than anything that has been wiped clean with the digital sponge on Instagram… And I have happy memories suddenly, of that weekend, despite my paralysis. Let’s commit that last bit of the con experience to pixel…

See you later!

ETA: More sweet smiles

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120 thoughts on “A New Richard Image from the Starfury #RDC5 Drip-Feed”

  1. He looks dynamite here with the spot of grey and the wrinkleage around his eyes. he looks REAL and relatable and rollickingly sexy!
    “digital sponge on Instagram” hahahahaha spot on!!

    Starbucks: I am in and out of there lickety split. Do you get a latte there or stick to their green teas?

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      • Ah almond milk- I have never had that. My tummy does not like milk per se. I like their cappuccinos I usually get white choc. mocha or caramel machiatto. Can you concentrate w/ noise at Starbucks or do you sequester yourself in a corner if I may ask?

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        • I gave up cow’s milk about 2.5 years ago when I noticed that I always felt bloated after drinking it. I am not dairy intolerant at all, but I personally believe that cow’s milk is made for calves not for humans… Anyway, I drink unroasted almond milk in tea, smoothies and on cereal – much fewer calories, too.
          The noise in Starbucks – I would never go here for real work. I need absolute silence for work. But if I am blogging or writing e-mails, it’s fine. I have a favourite spot in my local S’bucks, on a banquette, in a corner – with a view of the whole establishment. Unfortunately the loudspeaker is right above me, so yes, it’s really noisy. Luckily they are playing really nice music today…

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          • OOOHHH my ears perked up what were they playing? Joy Division? New Order? Depeche Mode? I finally saw Pilgrimage the other day and I loved that music in the film– I need to google where to get it.

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            • No, I actually don’t know what they are playing. For a while it sounded like Boy.
              Pilgrimage music was custom-made for that film iirc. The composer communicated on Twitter. I think he may have also received an award for his music somewhere…

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              • It was very haunting and beautiful as was the location scenery. I really liked the film much more than I thought I would, Gory yes but very well made and well The Armitage in military battle gear speaking French just thud thud thud… on the floor for me just wow!!! Not Proctor wow but still a solid W-O-W!!!!

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                • I have a nasty suspicion that I never even reviewed the film… That says it all… Actually, it wasn’t really *that* bad. Historically broadly correct (not the haircut, though *muhahaha*), but a curious lack of story in that film imo. Definitely a boys’ film – lots of fight scenes and unnecessary violence. Half of Armitage’s scenes I didn’t see because I had my eyes closed. *yuk* Best parts: Armitage speaking French and beautiful sweeping views of West of Ireland.

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                  • I liked the movie’s themes and yes it was a guy film to an extent and very gory. I now know where The Armitage up chucked at and I thought he was brilliant as Raymond de … , I liked the hair and the hunky chunky build!! He can speak French or Russian or even German to me any time!!!!

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                  • Guylty, just wondering if you plan to write a blog post on Brexit and Ireland’s place in the whole thing. Esp in light of yesterday’s news and a possible delay (hopefully fingers crossed IMO) I don’t know how political or not you like to get here but since many commenters here are UK and EU folks just wondering…

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                    • Nice idea, Michele, but I probably won’t. I kind of keep the blog pretty strictly Richard. I have touched on politics in the past, and I am not afraid of being controversial with politics, but it’s just not something that I associate my target group with. People who read here, want to read about Richard – not my musings on backstop and Northern Ireland… So, no, no plans to do so.

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          • Our local Caffe Nero has two kinds of tables — too low and too high. 🙂 I always use earplugs when I want to work in there.

            Thanks for the pics. I love the wee Red Dragon I spotted in the second one. And the not ss wee one as well. He looks so interested and engaged.

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      • The desert can be very cold during the winter. There was quite a rainstorm during my drive over, which made it unpleasant. There was even ice on the windshield! Yesterday was extremely windy but sunny. Hopefully today will be nice.

        Mom is okay, thanks. Well, sort of. Its complicated. She doesn’t do anything except watch TV and almost never even gets out of bed. She is safe and clean, and gets her meals and meds, but that’s it. No real interactions with anyone.

        On Tuesday night her doctor suggested an adult daycare center for a couple of mornings or afternoons a week. Mom initially sounded interested but yesterday was bitterly against it. But I found a great place anyway and will try to make it happen. The question is whether my sister will handle the initial arrangements, after which there won’t be any effort on her part, and then force Mom to go. Usually when Mom says “no” to anything (and everything), Elizabeth just shrugs her shoulders and allows her to continue laying there waiting to die.

        It’s been far more intensive and exhausting than I’d reckoned on, plus I’m still getting over the flu. So I apologize, but I won’t be able to do any writing for you. I’ve had time and energy so far to read exactly 11 pages of one of the four books I brought! 🙄

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        • LoLo no no worries at all. Totally understand. My mom sits with her cats and sleeps in front of the tv. What you are saying hits very close to home for me and at least you are there with and for her. Take care of yourself as well. By chance is The Stranger one of the 4 books?

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          • I’m going to wait to read “The Stranger” until after I’ve seen the show. I don’t want to know the big twists ahead of time. Have you read it yet?

            The one I’m reading now is “Devil’s Fjord” by David Hewson, the author of two of RA’s Audible books. It’s an autographed copy that I ordered from England. I often chat with him on Twitter; he’s very funny and kind, and a great photographer. Sometimes we chat about his travels or about writing. Other times about his garden!

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            • LoLo, yep I read it with Rachel last month. I also read Seville Communion which is fabulous. OMG he is sooo F Quart thumpty thump thump. I am going to read Their Lost Daughters next then Sunne in Splendour which Guylty recommended and I want to know more about Richard III (I saw the Shakespeare play last month in DC close to where I live). I think it is fantastic that you correspond with Hewson via Twitter. I’m not on Twitter but this would be an instance where the intent of Twitter is great that you can chat w/ him about travel and books and his garden!! So happy for you. Now only if your Tall Dwarf were that chatty with you on Twitter!!

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            • I really like Hewson’s Nik Costa series – have read all of them. Where does “Devil’s Fjord” fit in?
              And wow, you are “chatting” with DH on Twitter??? How did you manage that? The guy seems to be selectively ignoring us 😂. I have given up on being nice in reply to his tweets. There doesn’t seem to be much point when there is never any acknowledgment…

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        • Butting in here to say get well soon – hope that flu will be gone, soon. Not ideal when you are in Vegas, looking after your mum. It’s difficult at the best of times, being faced with the fact that our parents are not “able” anymore. But on your own and with a flu, that’s a serious disadvantage. No wonder you are too tired to read anything. But maybe that is also good – take the time to sleep and rest.

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          • Thank you! I’m feeling much worse today, tbh. Still haven’t even been able to rouse myself. Have to get going though. So much to do today, including all the shopping that Elizabeth won’t do for Mom, like clothes, and have to go back to her doctor’s office to get some form or other signed. I paid extra at the hotel to get a little fridge so at least I have some yogurt and berries if I can bring myself to eat.

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  4. Was it cold inside the building? I am wondering why he is wearing a hoodie under a leather jacket. I would be sweltering in that outfit indoors. After years of study, I think I have noticed a trend. RA, in public, seems to like to wear a lot of layers, whether he is inside or outside.; regardless of the weather. Armor? I remember seeing him at SDCC with Red Dragon cast and he was wearing a jacket in 100 degree weather. Have to say though, he did not break a sweat. I wish he would go back to a more uncovered look, remember the first official appearance of TH cast at the con? Brown short sleeve shirt with really nice biceps on display. Those were the days!

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    • Hm, I don’t remember it being cold. But yes, RA likes his layers, and I do find your interpretation very interesting. You are probably right – an armour. Or: keeping the jacket on so that you can leave at any moment, no need to look for garments before making your exit…
      I always had the impression he was quite a “sweater” – but yeah, he apparently had no problem with hoodie + leather shirt. Mind you, who knows, maybe that hoodie had no sleeves at all and he fooled us? And that is why he is keeping his shirt on at all times???

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      • Just the visual of RA clad in a sleeveless hoodie – LOL. Where I live, that look is reserved for body builders I think, having never seen a man wearing one in RL.

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        • Kathy, that hoodie upon close picture inspection seems kinda thin not paper thin but waffle thin and I thought he has on a leather jacket which looks kind of thick.. maybe he likes to be warm and cozy. I like you would be sweating bullets mainly nerves but still. Its 65 in DC today and my office is WARM!

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        • Hehe, I know – I had such fun imagining that myself. I think you’d only see thugs or bodybuilders sporting that look over here… not really suitable for our golden boy…

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          • No, not suitable at all. But a leather shirt is kind of a weird choice, imo. I don’t think I’ve seen one of those, at least not in the last two decades. It is probably the latest thing, or he has had it a long time. He can look good in almost anything, or nothing.

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            • A leather shirt is weird, full stop 😂. Seriously, I have no idea why anyone would wear such a thing. It’s neither fish nor meat, so to speak. But granted – on first sight that black number he was wearing in London looked like a leather jacket. If you look closely, though, you’ll see that it is rather unusually cut for a jacket… hence I am calling it out as a shirt…
              However, I totally second your last sentence.

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    • Sorry to hear that, Michaela. And I agree with you in the sense that the pictures give the impression that RA was taking his time chatting with everyone. Which of course he didn’t. The photo just documents 1 second. After that it was – next fan, next fan, next fan…
      (BTW haven’t reached the part of the story yet where I mention you… really must get that done asap.)

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  6. Oh fartwhistles. I just got a call from the kitty hotel that Emily isn’t eating. She’s never a good eater when I’m away but they are concerned enough this time that they called me. No, I’m not crying, not at all. At least Charlotte is doing well and they are both drinking water and letting the staff brush them. 🐈🐈💜💜😥😥

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    • Oh no… that’s the last thing you need right now. Fingers crossed that Emily is being a diva right now and the hunger will get the better of her by tomorrow. Big hugs to you! xxx

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    • LoLo she misses her mamma my Sascha doesn’t eat the first two days when she is at day camp when I go away but they will take great care of Emily and she has Charlotte there for sisterly support! ❤️❤️Take care of yourself also! They would be lost w/out their mamma!

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  7. Gotta say I’ve always loved candid photos more than anything. I’ve never been a fan of photo shoots since they feel artificial no matter how they’re taken. (This applies to myself, too, I absolutely hate having to intentionally take a photo. Just snap a random pic of me already and stop telling me to smile!) Of course, Richard looks beautiful in any sort of photo, but imo he looks best in candid ones where he isn’t being posed like a mannequin by somebody else. (Hmm, makes me wonder what RA himself thinks of photo shoots. Some of those poses look downright uncomfortable. I don’t know what those photographers are thinking lol.)

    Once again, these posts are an enormous amount of fun and I do enjoy them immensely. First-hand accounts are always the best.

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    • I am not 100% decided, Angrboda. I totally see your point. Most people look best when they are unaware of being photographed. They act naturally and do not put on a show for the camera. On the other hand – and as a qualified photographer myself – I have to defend my fellow professionals and their reasons for existence. And of course I have to point out that a truly great photographer will get *any* sitter to look natural – and GOOD!!!! – in front of the camera.
      As for Richard’s opinion on photo shoots – I can only surmise, but my impression is that he sees them as a necessary evil. When they happen in conjunction with film/show promo (stills for the promo material), I’d say he is happy to “act” his character for the stills camera. Posing as himself OTOH – nah, he doesn’t look 100% at ease. Neither as a fashion model nor as a celebrity posing on the red carpet. Not sure about fan selfies – he does his best to look friendly in them I think…

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      • Oh I don’t think there’s anything wrong with photography in and of itself, or people who photograph others in general, I was just speaking for my own dislike of the entire process and my own perceptions of it (whether justified or not is arguable). Of course, my own experiences are influencing all that. I actually love photography as an art form. If I had more time/money I’d probably take it up myself.

        I agree with your assessment of Richard’s opinion on the whole thing. “Necessary evil”. Perfect description, lol! He does seem somewhat put-out having to do them, but it’s part of the job, man! xD I’m undecided about his selfies, but he seems…maybe generally less annoyed with them? Some of them? I mean he’s taking them himself, but…I dunno. *shrugs* I like some but not others. Oh well, I’ll just leave it at: he looks pretty in all of the above no matter how the pic was taken!

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        • I am with you on all that, Angrboda. In fact, that was one of the deciding factors why I got into photography. I naturally slipped into the position of photographer because I disliked being photographed. And easiest way out of a photograph, is to take the photograph yourself 😂.
          The selfies are a continuous bone of contention for me. I just don’t like them. Although the ones he posted last night are actually the type of selfie that I find best – fun and with context. Not beauty shots but simply entertainment.

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          • Oh man, you just hit on why I like certain selfies more than others! I didn’t even think about why, but “fun and with context” seems to be the common thread running thru my faves, too. Hehe thanks for that.

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            • I mean – the last two are just brilliant! I don’t mind that they are not his full face but he’s cropped right over his nose. But the fact that he is joking with his viewers makes it so much more personal and insightful than any of his heavily filtered beauty shots…

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  11. I didn’t notice the grey, even when scrutinising the top oh his head..His hair just looked dark. I’ve been trying to attach a pic from the Berlin Station 3 promo but have given up ( I don’t know how Kate manages it, apparently it’s not possible to post pics in comments if you’re a commenteer). Anyway he is wearing the same leather/pleather/ jacket/shirt garment..Some of us groped Daniel Miller!

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