Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Mission 31

How would you like to live under the sea for a full month? Fabien Cousteau, grandson of well-known marine explorer Jacques Cousteau, did just that. Back in June, Fabien and his crew of 6 spent 31 days under the waves in Aquarius, an underwater marine laboratory.

"The project illuminated some amazing new revelations about life underwater, soon to be published in a series of 12 scientific papers."

Learn more about Fabien Cousteau and Mission 31 in an interview by Georgia Rose at Vice.


Mermaid Hunters

Here is a letter from the mer-mailbag. Responses to this query should be sent to me via email. My email address is below.

Q: My name is Elizabeth and I love all things mermaid. I was wondering if you knew of any people/groups of mermaid hunters. I am looking for a group to join of mermaid enthusiasts who are actually on the search around the globe for real mermaids (or just mythical creatures in general). Thank you so much!


Shell Crown

Over at Instructables, Ruth can show you how to create your own mermaid shell crown.

"These take about 10 minutes to make and cost about $5.00-$10.00 depending on what you have on hand."

In the article, Ruth takes you step by step, and there are a lot of photos. Be sure to show me your finished crown.


Happy Holidays to All,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Saturday, December 20, 2014

Third Anniversary

Yes, dear readers, it was three years ago today (December 20, 2011) that the first Cynthia Mermaid blog post went online. Thank you all for another great year.

We passed 80K all-time pageviews on November 29th, and at the time of this writing we have had 81,317. Monthly page views currently sit at just over 1880.

During the past month, the US, France and Germany lead the list by number of pageviews. They are followed by Ukraine, United Kingdom, Romania, Japan, Netherlands, Russia, and South Africa.

Also in the past month, the most popular articles have been Merman Christian, Mermaid Alaina, Dance With Sharks, and Mermaid Kariel. The all-time most popular article is Mako Mermaids (March 2013) with 3538 views. Check the index link below to locate these past articles.

Happy Holidays to all my readers. Here's to another great year, full of splashes and fun.


Mermaids Return to Atlanta

In an article found at Creative Loafing Atlanta, Andrew Alexander writes, "It just wouldn't be Christmas without mermaids." I would have to agree!

Each year, the Weeki Wachee mermaids of Florida make their way to Atlanta, Georgia to pay a visit to the Georgia Aquarium. It appears that tomorrow is the final day of the mermaid event.

If you miss the event in Atlanta this year, you can always catch the mermaids down at Weeki Wachee Springs.


Nine Whales

In a story from Michael Zhang at Peta Pixel that was published a week ago, Australian photographer Darren Jew was said to have set a new world record by capturing nine whales in a single underwater photo.

"The 48-year-old shooter had previously captured images with up to 7 whales before creating this image."

Since the story appeared, folks have commented that there are shots out there with more than nine whales. Still, this is quite an accomplishment. Check out the photo and 2-minute slide show, then grab your underwater camera and dive in. There is a record at stake!


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Sunday, December 14, 2014

Disney Mermaids

Our first story today is about the mermaids in Disney's Peter Pan... the original Peter Pan animated film from the early 1950's.

In a recent article at Deja View, Andreas Deja shares several graphics that show the development of mermaids in the film.

"This cel set-up was made to announce the later arrival of the film during the holiday season of 1952. The background is lovely, but the quality of the drawing and inking leaves a lot to be desired."

Near the end of the article, you can see how actresses were used to preview a scene that influenced how the scene would look in the final animation.


Mermaid Anime

Did a 1975 anime version of Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid inspire Disney's Little Mermaid?

"This beautiful Toei Animation film, Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid, was part of a Japanese film festival in 1975, and later reached the U.S. in 1979."

Read this short article by Leigh Alexander at BoingBoing and decide for yourself. The article includes a 1 hour, 8.5 minute video which begins with background information on Denmark and Hans Christian Andersen, and ends with the full The Little Mermaid anime.


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Peter Pan Mermaid

Cara Delevingne will be playing the part of a mermaid in PAN, the mid 2015 Warner Bros release in the Peter Pan universe.

Felicity Kinsella has the story in an article at i-D Vice.

"PAN is set to be the best-looking bedtime story since Hook."

The article includes the official trailer for the movie, though Ms. Delevingne is only shown briefly.


Mermaid Hair Flick

What is the latest photography trend in social media? The selfie is out, the mermaid hair flick is in!

You can see a number of fine examples in this article by Sarah Carty for The Daily Mail Australia.

"In true Willow Smith fashion, girls are whipping their hair back and forth in an attempt to capture the ultimate mermaid hair flick."

Read the article to see who won the mermaid hair flicking competition run by The Mermaid Society.


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Underwater Monster

The deep sea anglerfish, also known as the Black Seadevil, is not one to be observed up close.

"I mean, damn, this thing is beyond terrifying. Mother Nature and Evolution team up to do some really crazy things."

In an article found at Sploid, Casey Chan shares a video of the first time this particular species was caught on camera. Frightening to say the least. We merfolk should probably stick to swimming with dolphins.


Water Lamp

What better way to read those mermaid novels than with a water lamp? This lamp by French designer Arturo Erbsman uses water to diffuse light.

"The Atmos has an aluminum base that houses the light source, and a handblown glass bulb that contains an inexhaustable water reserve."

Don't get your credit card out just yet, though. The article by Anthony Domanico at C|Net explains that the product isn't available to the public at present. There will be a limited product run, so be sure to watch Mr. Erbsman's projects page for news on this and his other projects.


Interview Wanted

It has been quite a while since I featured a mermaid or merman interview in this blog. If you are a professional or otherwise active mermaid/merman and would be willing to answer some questions via email, please contact me at the address below.


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Journey Under the Sea

November 2014 saw the passing of well known author, R. A. Montgomery. Mr. Montgomery is best known for his 'Choose your own adventure' series of books for children. The second book in the series will be of special interest to mermaid fans, Journey Under the Sea.

"You are a highly experienced deep-sea explorer. But your search for the lost continent of Atlantis is the trip of a lifetime. It will be the most challenging and dangerous mission of your career. Many unknowns will test your courage, abilities, strengths, and judgment. And you will be using newly designed equipment that's never been tested."

Journey Under the Sea by R. A. Montgomery is available at Amazon in Paperback and Kindle editions. It is also available for Apple iOS devices via iBooks.

If you or your children enjoy the 'Choose your own adventure' style of story, be sure to look at R. A. Montgomery's other titles. A bio on Mr. Montgomery can be found at Wikipedia.


Spunky Princess

Entertainment Weekly celebrates the 25th anniversary of The Little Mermaid with an article dedicated to the spunky Disney princesses. The first such princess was, of course, Ariel.

"Ariel is first introduced as a rule-flouting adventurer, a rebel whose boundless curiosity leads her friend Flounder into danger."

The article by Esther Zuckerman includes a 3.5 minute clip of Ariel's solo, Part Of Your World.


More Mermaid Nails

Heloisa's blog, Get Best Nails, is featuring a design that might be perfect for mermaids. What is your favorite mermaid nails design?


Flying Sky High

The Daily Sun Mobi has news from Mabopane in Tshwane (South Africa) in which a ‘Mermaid’ was seen flying sky high. Was it a cloud formation or some kind of balloon?

“I heard people gasp and scream. There was a mermaid in the air. It came from the direction of the Morula Sun Casino.”

The article contains a photo that was sent to The Daily Sun. What do you think was in the sky?


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Three Novels

This week I have three novels to share with you all. Warm up the cold evenings with a mermaid novel!

Mermaids in Paradise

The latest work by author Lydia Millet is entitled, Mermaids in Paradise. Part romance, part thriller, and so much more, this title is sure to entertain.

Los Angeles Times book critic, David L. Ulin, has all the details in his recent article.

"Mermaids are distinct from other mythic figures in that they have fewer abilities. They're handicapped. They can't go on land without giving up their voices, their tails, themselves."

You can find the Kindle version of the novel at Amazon.


Rolling in the Deep

Due out in April of 2015, Rolling in the Deep by Mira Grant promises to be an exciting read.

"The depths are very good at keeping secrets."

In a short article found at SF Signal, John DeNardo has information on where you can pre-order the book. He also includes a synopsis.

The cover artwork is by Julie Dillon. Click on the photo to the right for a larger view.


Rogue Wave

Author Jennifer Donnelly is back with Rogue Wave, the sequel to her previous work, Deep Blue. In this second installment of The Waterfire Saga, six mermaids embark on a quest as directed by the leader of the river witches.

"Serafina believes her talisman was buried with an old shipwreck. While researching its location, she is almost discovered by a death rider patrol led by someone familiar."

Learn more about Rogue Wave and Deep Blue in the article by Gabrielle Bondi at The Young Folks. Rogue Wave is available in both hardcover and Kindle editions at Amazon.


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Beautiful Monster

Mermaid lore is fascinating. Beautiful creatures, or dangerous monsters?

Today's article on mermaid lore is from BHL, the Biodiversity Heritage Library. The lengthy article is a great read, and the photos are pleniful.

"The myth of a marine human extends as far back as 5,000 BCE, when the Babylonians worshipped a fish-tailed god named Oannes."

In addition to Oannes, you will meet the Tritons, the Sea Satyr, and the Monk Fish.

Be sure to explore the other blog posts at BHL. There are articles back to 2007.


Music by Tei Shi 

Billed as music for mermaids, I-D Magazine presents vocalist Tei Shi (Valerie Teisher), a New York based singer originally from Buenos Aires.

Learn all about Tei Shi and her beautiful music in this article by Clarke Rudick. Then, head on over to Sound Cloud and have a listen.

If you like what you hear, be sure to look for the Download Free link at the single, No Angel.


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Thursday, October 30, 2014

Mermaids Visit Jersey

If you live in or around southern New Jersey, then this is for you! Mark your calendar for November 1st thru 9th: The famous mermaids from Florida's Weeki Wachee Springs State Park will be visiting Adventure Aquarium in Camden!

The story by Kristie Rearick and the South Jersey Times has all the details. There are some great pictures as well.


Mermaids Wanted

Looking for the perfect mermaid jewelry look, but not quite into making your own? Head on over to the Stripes & Sequins blog for a great collection of iridescent blues and greens. Blogger Grace Atwood shows a number of example products, and shares where you can buy them.

"I’ve always had a thing for iridescent shades of blue green. It’s just such a pretty color and makes me think of mermaids."

Stripes & Sequins is a lifestyle blog focusing on fashion, DIY, beauty, and a lot more.


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Squid Attack

In this article from Michelle Starr of C|Net, we witness a pair of Humboldt squids (also known as jumbo squids) attacking a Greenpeace submarine.

"The Humboldt squid's tentacle suckers are lined with tiny, sharp teeth that can do some serious damage, so the Greenpeace divers were lucky to be protected by the submarine."

What's in your ocean?


History Class

Before there was Poseidon, and before there was Neptune, there was Ea, the Babylonian god of the sea.

In an article at Wired by Matt Simon, we learn 'The Murderous, Sometimes Sexy History of the Mermaid'. Why did mythology depict the mermaid as good at times, and evil at times? Did it depend on where the mythology originated?

"The earliest mermaid-like figure was likely the ancient Syrian goddess Atargatis, who watched over the fertility of her people, as well as their general well-being."

The article is an interesting read, and it contains some great photos.


Mermaid Sacha

We head on over to A-Plus now, as columnist Justina Bakutyte introduces us to photographer Elena Kalis and her daughter Alexandra from the Bahamas. Alexandra is also known as Mermaid Sacha, as you will see.

"Sacha is a great swimmer and, according to her website, 'she learned to swim before she could walk'."

The article is entitled, 'This Girl Is The Closest We'll Ever Get To Real Life Mermaids', though that could apply to a number of professional mermaids. Still, the article is worth checking out.


Dolphin Health

Scientists are now using a kind of breathalyser to determine the health of dolphins. In another recent article at C|Net by Michelle Starr, we learn more about this useful tool.

"Dolphins have been dying in record numbers in the Atlantic since July 2013 because of a measles-like virus."

Is your dolphin healthy?


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Tuesday, October 14, 2014

NC Merfest 2015

The second annual North Carolina Merfest is set for this coming January, and that is really not that far off! Let's hear more from the event organizers:

NC Merfest is an annual celebration of all things mer! Carrying on its success from last year, Mermaids and Mermen from all corners of the country gather at the Triangle Aquatic Center in Cary, North Carolina to learn the ways of mermaiding for entertainment, performances, photography and more. We present the new mermaid a glimpse into the world of merfolk, and the established mermaid a chance to expand their existing talents. Offering classes, lectures, booths and networking opportunities, Merfest offers a space for the technical end of our art to be explored. It also provides a rare chance for the growing mermaid community to come together and celebrate as a large family.

New this year, the festivities will be joined by a fleet of fun-loving pirates, and activities for kids of all ages. Much like the mermaid-themed classes, aspiring and experienced pirate performers will receive lessons on firearms, swordplay, as well as proper look and attitude. For the children, there will be options to learn and play from pirates, or swim and play with the mermaids.

Also new this year, we are featuring some prominent guests. They include Hannah Fraser (long-time professional mermaid, ocean activist, performance artist and underwater model), Caribbean Pearl (pirate instructor and performer with a specialty in their fashions), Twig the Fairy (nationally acclaimed renn faire performer) and Robert Short (award-winning special effects artist of Splash, Beetlejuice, Cocoon and more). We will also have a few veteran performers from the famous Weeki Wachi Springs in Florida, and two of the biggest names in the tail making community, Mertailor and Finfolk Productions.

It's three days of mermaids, pirates and magic for everyone young and old. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event that's not to be missed. Visit our event web site to join us on the fun!


Ten Things

Did you know that Australia isn't the only country producing mermaid themed television? Add Korea and the Philippines to the list.

At the Viki Official Blog, Brittany Vo presents the article, Ten Things About Mermaids Bet You Didn’t Know. Now, I know my readers are quite knowledgable about mermaids, so perhaps you know many of these things already.

The article features performers from the television shows Surplus Princess and Dyesebel, and includes some great photos.


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Total Lunar Eclipse

As fans of H2O: Just Add Water know well, the full moon can do strange things. What if the full moon coincides with a total lunar eclipse? Fun!

If you have been following the news, you know that such an event is quickly approaching. The day is Wednesday, October 8th, and most of the world will get at least a partial viewing.

Learn more about this rare event, known as a selenelion, in an article at Space.com. And, merfolk, don't get too crazy out there!


Seafloor Map

This past Friday, researchers published "the most detailed map of the ocean floor ever produced."

The interactive map can be found in an article on io9, and you are invited to explore.

"Among the new features they're now able to detect, [geophysicist] Sandwell says, are thousands of previously unknown seamounts between 1000 and 2000 meters tall dotting the ocean floor."


Mermaid School

Here is another article on the mermaid school that opened recently in Europe. This one is from Cosmopolitan UK, and it appears that columnist Catriona Harvey-Jenner is ready to dive right in.

"Ever had one of those days when you've just had enough of walking round on your bog-standard two feet?"

Even if you read the related article in last week's blog post, this one is worth a look.


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Mako Island Resort

If you can't get enough Mako Mermaids, you will certainly want to join the folks at the Mako Island Resort web site. Here, Mako fans can meet other fans and learn more about the program.

The web site features photos, news, cast profiles, games, blogs, and even the current moon phase.

Speaking of blogs, I was recently asked to be one of the bloggers there! You can find the blogs at the site under the More heading at the top of the page.


Europe's Mermaid Academy

Europeans, now is the best time for you to discover your inner mermaid/merman. Europe's first mermaid academy is open for business. 

Located in Tarragona, Spain, Sirenas Mediterranean Academy is ready to give you a complete body workout.

"Aquatic activity is one of the best ways to stay healthy and swimming with a tail makes large groups of muscles work together."

Read more in this article from The Daily Mail UK. The article includes a wealth of photos.


Nails of the Day

Hello Giggles presents: Nails of the Day. This edition is entitled, Mermaids are Real, and you can find out more in this article from 26 September 2014 by Sarah White.


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Wednesday, September 24, 2014

Mermaid Cartoon Turns 50

Osamu Tezuka is one of the most influential animators in Japanese history. His cartoon, Mermaid, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. The work premiered in September of 1964.

"Mermaid has essentially nothing in common with the later Disney Studios film about the same mythical creature. It barely has anything in common with the Hans Christian Anderson story either, with the possible exception of its tone."

Daniel Walber has the story on Mr. Tezuka and Mermaid in an article at Film School Rejects. You can watch the entire cartoon there, too.


Mermaids on Mars
Mermaids on Mars


According to Animation World Network (AWN), Athena Studios will be producing an animated short film entitled, ‘Mermaids on Mars’.

"Mermaids on Mars will be released to film festivals in January 2015."

Read more about the project in an article by Jennifer Wolfe at AWN's web site. Look for the link to the film's Facebook page.


Is It Real?

We all know that the oceans hold many wonders. In a story from this past July, deep sea explorers discover a creature that they hardly believe is real.

The creature is known as a siphonophore, and you can read more about it in this article by Stephen Messenger at IFL Science.


Mermaids in Montana

The Sip 'n Dip Lounge in Great Falls, Montana, knows that mermaids love music. They also know a lot more about mermaids, they even have mermaids swimming behind the bar.

Swim on over to the web site of Charles Phoenix, Ambassador of Americana, and read more about the mermaids of Montana.


Little Mermaids

Photographer Kelly Lynne Burke loves mermaids, and her work makes dreams come true for the children she photographs.

“I used to spend my summers in Cape Hatteras. I would lean up against the lighthouse and imagine mermaids are swimming in."

Read more about Kelly's cute photographs in an article at KFOR TV.


Pearlie Mae's Tails

Looking for inspiration for your first (or next) mermaid tail? If so, you should take a look at Makezine's story on Pearlie Mae's custom tails.

"Get a close-up look at the intricate works of mermaid couture that Pearlie Mae makes and see how she casts her scales and fins in custom made resin molds."

Beautiful tails, and great scale work. Be sure to take a look.


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Thursday, September 18, 2014

Mako Season 2 Trailer

Fans of the Australian television program, Mako Mermaids, will want to drop everything and watch this official trailer for the upcoming second season. More merfolk for sure, and a fair number of plot twists to keep it interesting.

According to one of the comments below the video, Mako Mermaids season two will air in the spring of 2015. I will update you all if I hear differently.


Healthy Mermaid Hair
Mermaid Marla


Although it doesn't make swimming any easier, mermaids love long hair. Mermaid hair is also good at hiding just enough...

A recent article at The Huffington Post shares with us 'Ten foods to eat for healthier hair'. This article by Dawn Wilder originally appeared at grandparents.com.

Mermaids, mermen and mer fans can all benefit from these great tips for healthy hair.

"From snipping it with scissors to dousing it with dye, you put your hair through a lot. And while it may seem tough, hair is actually extremely sensitive."

Eat well, your hair will thank you!


Mermaid Pros and Cons

Mermaid Hannah Fraser is back in the news again this week. Claire Hodgson from Cosmopolitan UK has a great article that tells how Hannah got into mermaiding and how she keeps fit for the job.

"Being a professional mermaid is much harder than it sounds, though and it has taken a lot of training."

The article includes a photo gallery that detail some of the pros and cons of being a professional mermaid. Believe it or not, there are a few cons.


Florida Mermaid Convention

The Mermaids-By-The-Sea convention runs September 17th to 20th in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. It is free and open to the public. I apologize for the late notice.

Find out more in this article from the official web site of South Florida.

Note to convention organizers: Get the word out about your upcoming events by contacting me at the email address below.


Assistance Please

Right place at the right time... In this story from io9 Observation Deck, divers happen upon a stranger who needs assistance.

Watch the video, and be sure to catch the comments section.


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Friday, September 12, 2014

Splashy Lifestyle

Mermaid Hannah Fraser has inspired many to make mermaiding a hobby, or even a career. In addition to being a mermaid model and actress, Hannah is a leading ocean activist.

In an article found on Mashable, writer Andrea Romano tells us how Mermaid Hannah is committed to her splashy lifestyle.

"Mermaids may be a fantasy saved only for children's stories or Disney movies, but Fraser is as close as anyone can get to the real deal."

The article features a number of great photographs, so be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom.


3-D Coloring Book

If you enjoyed coloring the mermaid drawing in my August 26th blog post, you will also want this 3-D Mermaids coloring book by Dover.

"A fantastic underwater world springs to 3-D life with these enchanting illustrations."

The book includes 3-D glasses. The book may be purchased from Amazon for $5.39, or slightly less from independent sellers.


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Merbabies

Stylish Eve presents 14 very adorable merbaby photographs. Many different photographers, and each photo is priceless. Credit goes to David Dundas for putting this collection together.

"We’ll admit that there is nothing more beautiful than a sleeping baby, but when that baby is a merbaby then the look is even more serene."


Shark Week

Shark Week is over for another year, and this year the Discovery Channel saw higher ratings than any Shark Week in history. But, is everything we saw worth believing?

All Things Considered, a production of National Public Radio (NPR) takes a look at the innocent and not-to-innocent bending of facts used to achieve higher ratings or facilitate filming.

"The line between authentic documentaries and so-called "docufiction" can be blurry. Even some legitimate filmmakers have committed video fakery for the sake of a project."

Has Shark Week jumped the shark? Check out the article and 7-minute audio clip at NPR. And if you're not familiar with the phrase, 'jumping the shark', Wikipedia has an explanation.


Killer Mermaid

Are you a mermaid fan? Are you also a fan of horror films? If so, then you will want to learn more about Killer Mermaid, a narrative film coming out soon on DVD and Video-On-Demand.

The details can be found at Horror Society, but note that the September 9th date listed in the article is incorrect. The date should most likely be September 13th.

We talked about this film before, but here is your chance to own it. For a sneak preview, watch the short trailer included in the article.


Poet Matthea Harvey

Stephen Burt sits down with poet Matthea Harvey to discuss a wide variety of topics including fables, images, and of course mermaids. The interview is a great read, and uncovers some of the complexities of Ms. Harvey's work.


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Dive Bar Merfolk

Juniper Rose of The Sacramento Bee recently interviewed Rachel Smith, head mermaid at the Dive Bar in downtown Sacramento, CA. The article tells it like it is, it's not easy being merfolk. Training for the job can take up to two months.

Note that I said merfolk... The Dive Bar performers include one merman...

"Mermaids have been feminized, and people get a little uncomfortable with the idea of a merman. But literally, when the merman swims, it’s just screaming women all night long, and I’m sure some very happy screaming men, too."

After you read the article, be sure to watch the 2-minute video.


MerFin Flippers
MerFin Flippers

Before you buy or make your first mer tail, you may want to practice swimming like a mermaid. Dorothy Tan and Design Taxi invite us to unleash our inner mermaid with MerFin flippers, a joint project of Urban Outfitters and professional mermaid Kazzie Mahina.

See the flippers in action in the short video included in the article.


Color Me

Okay, kids, time to get out your crayons! Heather Holbrook at Craft Gossip has a freebie mermaid image for you to color. Send me a photo of your finished work, and I will share it in an upcoming blog post.

For best results, color the mermaid tail gold.


Sea Fortress

Originally billed as a seven-bedroom mansion, this $800K property is actually a run-down sea fortress off the English coast. Yahoo Homes has the story in an article by Lily di Costanzo.

You will love the "mermaid-ready basin area that could easily become an epic pool deck."

Thank you, Susan, for sharing this article with me.


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Sightings

Mermaid sightings usually come in two stages. First, someone posts an article, photo, or video of a mermaid sighting. Then, a few days later, someone else explains that the materials were staged, faked, or altered. Perhaps one day we will find out that one of these stories is true.

I have a couple of articles today for you to ponder. Real? Or not? The first is from Spingist and is entitled, Mermaid Caught On Camera Live. The English in the article is very poor, but you should still be able to figure out what they are talking about.

I found two articles recently on the subject of mermaids in and around Africa. The first article is from Naijabang, and the reader is warned that the photos may be disturbing.

The same mermaids were seen in an article claiming that South Africa's President had mermaids in his 'fire pool'. The article has since been removed from the site where I found it.

As expected, a counter-article on the Africa mermaids can already be found at Africa Check.


Japanese Cat Mermaids

Here is a cute cartoon of Japanese cat-mermaids. The idea of mer-felines is actually quite popular. Meowers!

A splash of thanks go to Nag On The Lake for sharing this cartoon with us.


Questions

Q: Was there a mermaid caught in California recently?
A: This has been a popular question these past few weeks. As far as I know, there have been no mermaids caught in California or elsewhere in the US. Let me know if I missed something.

Q: Are Cleo and Rikki in Mako Mermaids?
A: No, Cleo (played by Phoebe Tonkin) and Rikki (played by Cariba Heine) from H2O: Just Add Water are not in the sequel, Mako Mermaids. Season one of Mako Mermaids features an all-new cast of mermaids and a merman. Season two will add more merfolk to the mix. You can find Mako Mermaids on Netflix.


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Merboy Wilde

When I saw this video on Facebook, I knew I had to share it with you all. His name is Wilde MacKay, and he is 8 years old. He has been swimming as a merboy for a few years now.


When you get your first mer tail at 6 years old, there is no limit to what you can do. Swim on, Wilde!


Make a Latex Mermaid Tail

If you're the do-it-yourself type, you may be thinking of making your own mer tail. You may need some hand-holding, however. In an article by 'ehamm' on Instructables, we get a number of tips on creating our own swimmable tail.

"Don't mistake Neoprene for Neoprin. Different material. Neoprin will stretch out eventually and your tail will no longer fit."

Note that I have not tried these instructions, so I cannot vouch for their quality. For more tips on creating your own tail, pay a visit to the MerNetwork forum.


I'm a MERMAID!

Brittani Louise Taylor releases a Shout Out Sunday YouTube video each week. Issue number 214 is entitled, I'm A Mermaid, and the video begins with a cool opening animation.

Each of Brittani's videos is great fun, and a tad silly. Check out the Ribbon Bomb video as well.


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Mermaid Models

Indiana Evans (H2O Season 3)
The Daily News Online brings us a collection of photographs of mermaid models. The collection opens with models Alyssa Milano and Claudine Barretto along with H2O: Just Add Water cast members Cariba Heine, Claire Holt, Indiana Evans (right), and Phoebe Tonkin.

Also included in the collection are Paris Hilton and Japanese mermaid Chiaki Kuriyama. Which are your favorites?


Weeki Wachee Down Under

Fans of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park will probably not be surprised to hear that The Sydney Morning Herald recently ran an article on the park in its Traveller section.

"Weeki Wachee — a Seminole Indian name meaning “little spring” — is so deep that the bottom never has been found. More than 117 million gallons (443 million litres) of 23-degree C (73.4-degrees F) water bubble up daily from the caverns. The limestone-lined basin is 30 metres wide."

Australia and Florida are both great places for mermaids. Be sure to view the collection of 19 photos in the article by clicking on the '+Photos' link.


Mermaid Art

Omar Kardoudi and Gizmodo have the details of an impressive 3D composition that is quite realistic. Lightfarm Studios is the talent behind the image, and you can learn more in the video included with the article.

"I could spend hours watching these guys work. The video on how they made it is hypnotizing."


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Back to School

In our part of the world, students will soon be heading back to school. Many are not looking forward to it for some reason. They wouldn't mind at all if they were going back to mermaid school!

We have talked about the Philippines Mermaid Swimming Academy a couple of times before. I wanted to share a recent article by Rachel Oakley at Distractify, however, as it includes some new photos and information.

Did you know that the school also offers classes in mermaid scuba diving and mermaid water scootering? After viewing the photos, you just may want to dive right in.


Living the Dream

Here is the story of one young woman that attended 'fish school' at Weeki Wachee State Park in Florida multiple times, until a position opened up to be Weeki Wachee mermaid. Fifty applicants, but only one opening.

"I'd wanted to be a mermaid from the first time I saw the show at Weeki Wachee - they looked so graceful and magical."

Read all about Mermaid Andrea in this article from The Daily Mail UK.


FingerPaints

Before you dive into the sea, ask yourself, "Are my nails perfect?" Polish Galore has word of the FingerPaints Enchanted Mermaid Collection. This collection of mermaid themed textured polishes features shades with names such as Underwater Enchantress and Sailor's Lure.

The collection is available at Sally Beauty Supply.


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Mortal to Mermaid

We take you now to St. Paul, Minnesota where twin sisters are helping humans realize their dream of becoming mermaids. In an article by Katie Humphrey for the Star Tribune, we are introduced to Abby and Bryn Roberts.

"From a St. Paul studio they work their magic, crafting flesh-like silicone mermaid tails in a rainbow of colors that could fool any beach wanderer or sea-weary sailor."

The article contains the story of how the two women got started in the tail business, and how the business grew as word got out.

Thank you, Ms. Humphrey for a very fine article.


Daughters of the Springs

Author Lauren Groff recently visited Weeki Wachee Springs in Florida, and shares the experience in an article at The Oxford American.

"I grew up as a very serious competitive swimmer on a boys’ swim team and dreamed at night of being a mermaid, of flying in water and breathing as if it were air, and of luxuriating among the sea grasses and seeing the boats pass overhead like clouds over the sun."

An entertaining article, and the mermaid with the gold tail pictured above the article is simply stunning. Perhaps she's kin!


What's Hot?

Here is a list of what's hot in the mermaid community:

Folks have recently been searching for information on a number of mermaids including Marla, Shelly, Kitty, and Kariel. Check the Index link, below, for my articles on many popular mermaids and mermen.

Mermaid fans want to know more about the Mermish language. I did an article on Mermish in January of 2012. Just remember Tala (hello) and Lusa Em (See you / goodbye), and you're well on your way.

The television program, Mako Mermaids, features both mermaids and mermen. Season one is available on Netflix, and season two is currently in production. Find out more in my Mako Mermaids blog posts.

This is blog post number 160.  There have been over 71,600 Cynthia Mermaid page views since my first blog post in December of 2011. Thank you all!


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Professor Mermaid

A university professor is turning heads at the PARDS aqua park in Denham Springs, Louisiana. The reason is quite simple, the professor is also a mermaid.

Venessa, the Louisiana Mermaid has become quite popular. "She says she's always had a fascination with mermaids and one day hopes to write a children's book about the so-called mythical creatures."

Catch the entire story of the Louisiana Mermaid in an article by Tyana Daquano at the WAFB web site.


Mako Mermaids VLOG 4

Here is another (too) short video from the Mako Mermaids production team. Season two of the sequel to H2O: Just Add Water is in production in Australia, and we are all eagerly awaiting its release.




Top Ten Mythical Creatures

Mermaids have once again made the top ten list of mythical creatures. The list can be found at Facts Vita, where one can find a number of other top ten lists.

Mermaids, repeat after me this quote from the movie Aquamarine, "We're not mythical, we're discreet!" Don't you feel better now?


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Alien Brains

If we were to one day encounter intelligent alien life, could we communicate with them effectively? To answer that question, we need to take a look at how we are communicating with the alien lifeforms here on Earth.

No, you didn't miss seeing the arrival of aliens from outer space. These creatures have been here all along. We are talking, of course, about intelligent sea creatures such as dolphins and octopus.

Direct from Animals io9 comes a very interesting article by Jason G. Goldman, The Alien Brains Living on Planet Earth.

"Scientists have a hard enough time getting into the minds of our nearest relatives, the apes and monkeys, let alone more distantly related mammals like dolphins or elephants. Octopuses? Forget about it."

Mr. Goldman's article is well worth a read. Be sure to also scan the other Animal articles in the left margin. For example, 'Tiny Angry Seahorses Growl When Grabbed'.


Photo (c) Missy Sue
Half Up Mermaid Braid

Mermaids looking for a cool hairstyle for the summer months may want to visit Melissa Cook's blog, 'Missy Sue'.

Melissa has posted step by step instructions on how to create one of her recent creations, the Half Up Mermaid Braid. The article is complete with photographs taken at every angle.

"Half Up Mermaid Braid is a front lace braid that finishes in a mermaid style half up braid."

Keep cool, and if you try out Melissa's braid, be sure to send me a photo!


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Mr. Peabody on Blu-Ray

No, we're not talking about the wise little dog that travels through time with his pal Sherman. We're talking about Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid, a 1948 classic mermaid film.

DVD Talk is currently hosting a review of the film by Randy Miller III. The film stars William Powell as Arthur Peabody, and Irene Hervey as his wife, Polly. The mermaid, who Arthur names Lenore, is played by Ann Blyth.

The reviewer, Mr. Miller, does not give the film very high marks, stating, "The pleasant but paper-thin plot never really takes advantage of what could be a more satisfying film." Still, the film is a favorite among many mermaid fans.

The film is available for pre-order on DVD and Blu-ray with a list price of $29.95 US. Amazon's current price is $27.98, with a release date of July 8th.


From Mermaids to Monet

Chinese shopping malls are trying just about anything to attract shoppers. The number of shopping outlets have increased to the point that many find themselves without a healthy number of shoppers.

China Realtime, a blog of The Wall Street Journal has the story. "The ONE Mall shopping complex, developed by a Chinese conglomerate in the northeastern city of Shenyang, has daily shows of performers dressed as mermaids, who swim around with exotic fish in a gigantic aquarium."

The article includes a four-minute video, but alas, no mermaids can be seen in the video.


The Mermaid and the Shoe

School Library Journal recently featured a blog post by children's librarian Elizabeth Bird. In the article, Ms. Bird reviews The Mermaid and the Shoe by K.G. Campbell.

"As I may have mentioned before, Disney ruined us for mermaids. There will therefore be kids who read this book and then complain that it’s not a cookie cutter Ariel mass media affair."

Ms. Bird's review is quite comprehensive, and is entertaining to read. The Mermaid and the Shoe could be the perfect choice of story for your young mermaid fan.


Mermaids and Vampires

Have mermaids really replaced vampires in popular culture? Sara Alderman covers the question in her article, 7 Reasons Why Mermaids Are The New Vampires.

You can find the article and slideshow at She Finds, "It’s safe to say that these pale, blood sucking beings are officially dunzo."

Are there only seven reasons? Perhaps you can think of more!


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Monday, June 23, 2014

Coney Island Parade

The 2014 edition of the annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade took place as planned this past Saturday. Among the many articles on the parade that have come out since then, is one from the NY Daily News. Reporter Corinne Lestch has the story.

"Teens Dante, 16, who was featured as King Neptune, and Chiara, 19, who was Queen Mermaid, wore head-to-toe blue bodypaint and their own underwater creations."

As noted before, the Coney Island web site is a great place to find information on this and other area events.

'People of the 2014 Coney Island Mermaid Parade' is a collection of 102 photos of parade participants. Don't miss number four!

Did you attend the parade? If so, why not send me a photo or two?


Mermaid Inspired Lookbook

Still looking for the perfect mermaid look? Pay a visit to Jacquie Aiche’s Mermaid Inspired Lookbook for some great tips on jewelry with a mermaid flair.

Jacquie says, “A woman’s natural beauty can be illuminated with the right piece of jewelry, and that is my mission. To create jewelry that will make every woman look and feel uniquely beautiful.”

A big splash of thanks to Geri and the site 'Because I'm Addicted' for bringing Jacquie's work to our attention. Watch for the link to Jacquie's shop where you can find jewelry for all occasions.


Art by Daren Horley

Today's art link brings us to Mermaid by Daren Horley. The work features a beautiful mermaid, but don't mess with the guy in the background.

Daren's work is hosted by Art-Spire, where you can spend hours browsing the various collections.


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Dance With Sharks

Professional mermaid Hannah Fraser dances with sharks in this must-see video at The Huffington Post. The video features Hannah, without mermaid tail this time, and a generous number of tiger sharks.

Hannah says, "Humans are the real dangerous predators."  I would have to agree.

Put your headphones on and give the video a look, perhaps imagining yourself in her place.

Thank you, Arin Greenwood, for a fine article.


Live Mermaids in our Pool

Time to get out of the house and into the water! Over at the CGH (Cute Girls Hairstyles) blog, there is a report of mermaids in the pool!

"Rylan is my one child that has dreamt of being a princess or mermaid since she could barely talk. She had been begging so long for a mermaid swimming tail for her birthday, which was in March."

Head on over to CGH and see how Rylan and the other girls became mermaids with the help of Fin Fun Mermaid.


Scientific Paper

Oceanographer and biologist Karl Banse is the author of the scientific paper, "Mermaids: Their Biology, Culture, and Demise". Read the story behind the paper in this article at io9 by Mark Strauss.

"I love this paper simply because demonstrates the nerdy playfulness of scientists."

As Mark says, "Absolutely brilliant!"


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Rescued by Dolphins

Our friends the dolphins are once again in the news. An article at National Geographic Newswatch tells how dolphins guided scientists to rescue a suicidal young woman.

"There are many anecdotal accounts of dolphins saving humans from death and disaster, either by guiding them to shore, fending off sharks or helping them to remain afloat until help arrives."

Read the full story in this article by Maddalena Bearzi. Then, skip down to the bottom and read the account from P. Preston Warren in the comments.


King and Queen

In a story from the New York Daily News, Dante and Chiara de Blasio (son and daughter of NY Mayor Bill de Blasio) have been selected to headline the annual Mermaid Parade as King Neptune and Queen Mermaid.


"The parade features an eccentric lineup of marching bands, drill teams, floats and antique cars and attracts more than 1,000 participants donning extravagant sea creature costumes."

The Coney Island Mermaid Parade takes place this year on Saturday, June 21st at 1pm. Visit their web site!


Ripley's Aquarium

The mermaids have returned to Ripley's Aquarium in Gatlinburg, Tennessee for the summer. Mermaid shows take place three times daily, and the shows are scheduled through August 9th.

For all the splashy details, check out this article at Hispanic Business.


Mermaid School

We have talked about the Philippines Mermaid Swimming Academy a few times in the past. Recently, another article about the school showed up at Investor Spot of all places.

The article by Laurie Kay Olson looks at the school from a business perspective. A good read, even if you have read other articles on the school in the past.


Maya the Mermaid

Let me introduce you now to Maya, a cute mermaid craft project by Abby Glassenberg.

"Maya is a super sweet doll. She's nice and big at 20" (50.8 cm) and very huggable."

Abby's blog article at While She Naps includes a link to the pattern and instructions which are available for $9 USD.


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Mermaids Do It Better

Mermaids do it better, we all know that! The Berry recently posted a collection of 28 mermaid themed photos that prove it. The collection contains quite a variety of material.

My favorite photo of the collection would have to be the first one. What is your favorite?

A note to The Berry folks: The ads on your site are a tad annoying, too many and too much auto-play. Just sayin'.


YA Mermaid Titles

Another thing we all know is that young adult mermaid novels are not just for young adults. Mermaids love reading mermaid stories!

Carlyle Labuschagne's Worlds Away Book Blog features reviews of two mermaid themed novels: The first is Wake by Amanda Hocking, and the second is Carlyle's current read, The Aqua Secret by L.L. Hunter.

Both titles sound promising, so be sure to check them out!


Barbie in a Mermaid Tale

Barbie fans may be interested in 'Barbie in a Mermaid Tale', an animated film starring the voice of Kelly Sheridan as Merliah. The movie is available at 48Movie, where you will also find a very short description of the film.

The film runs 75 minutes, and is available in a variety of formats.


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Dolphin Sanctuary

In a recent io9 article, Jason G. Goldman reports that the National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland is bringing together a panel of experts. On the agenda is the question: Should the aquarium's eight captive dolphins be moved to a beachside sanctuary?

"Captive cetaceans can not simply be released into the wild; the only real solution is to allow these magnificent animals to live out their days in a sea pen."

Get the full story at io9 Animals.


Tiny Creatures Revisited

The lead story in my May 6th blog post was Tiny Creatures, an article about the many organisms lurking in seawater. In another recent article by Jason G. Goldman, we find that the original article may have been misleading. The photograph in the original article actually contained a condensed sampling of creatures from a large quantity of seawater.

"Amazing, beautiful, slightly terrifying? All of that is true. A single drop of seawater? Not so much."

Head on back to io9 for the straight story on the Tiny Creatures.


Anatomy and Myths of a Mermaid

Not long ago, the subject of shallow water and deep water mermaids came up. A quick Internet search uncovered a related article, Anatomy and Myths of a Mermaid.

Here we meet Costine, a shallow water mermaid.

Swim on over to Psion Nation and see if Costine's article doesn't tickle your imagination.


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Recycle It

Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) can last up to 15 times longer than incandescent lamps, but they do eventually wear out. As all CFLs contain mercury vapor, you can't just toss them in the trash. The answer is, of course, recycling!

You can find out where to recycle CFLs and other items, such as plastic bags and old cell phones, at Earth 911.

Learn more about CFL's in this great article at Wikipedia.


Killer Mermaid Eyes


Vintage or Tacky blogger Cora recently featured an article entitled Killer Mermaid Eyes. Many mermaid performers already have a look that they love. If you are looking for mermaid makeup ideas, pay a visit to Cora's article.

What is your favorite mermaid look?


Wood Mermaid Wall Decor

Completely Coastal brings news of a project for those handy with a band saw or jig saw, a mermaid wall decoration. Paint it, varnish it, leave it unfinished, or decorate it with sea-glass. It will look great just about anywhere.

This project originated at Sand and Sisal, which contains the detailed instructions.


Mermaid Name

The Chicken of the Sea mermaid has been around for about 60 years, but something was missing. She didn't have a name! That all changed when a contest was held with a $10,000 prize for submitting the best name.

The contest closed in February, and a resident of Urbana, Ohio was declared the winner. The winning name... Catalina.

Read the whole story in this article from Retailing Today.


Best wishes and starfishes,
-Mermaid Cynthia
cynthia (at) goldmermaid.com

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