Full Version: Random Thoughts Or Comments
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I suppose if we have a Florence, might there be a Zebedee, and a Dylan , and Ermintrude etc We certainly have a Brian, though its not his Forum name, and he's not so slow either ! Who were the others in the Magic Roundabout ?
QUOTE(fsharpminor @ Jul 18 2011, 09:38 PM) 
I suppose if we have a Florence, might there be a Zebedee, and a Dylan , and Ermintrude etc We certainly have a Brian, though its not his Forum name, and he's not so slow either ! Who were the others in the Magic Roundabout ?
Dougal!!!!!
QUOTE(barry-clari @ Jul 18 2011, 09:37 PM)
QUOTE(Flossie @ Jul 18 2011, 09:35 PM)
QUOTE(barry-clari @ Jul 18 2011, 09:33 PM)
In that case we're out of variations now, unless Flo is still available.
Flo is available. So you can go with the Flo
I'm not sure that's even worthy of a groan.
Why do people go on holiday to the Lake District and complain about the rain? Where do they think the Lakes come from... 
QUOTE(dotted quaver @ Jul 19 2011, 09:29 AM)
Why do people go on holiday to the Lake District and complain about the rain? Where do they think the Lakes come from...
QUOTE(dotted quaver @ Jul 19 2011, 09:29 AM)
Why do people go on holiday to the Lake District and complain about the rain? Where do they think the Lakes come from...
They turn taps on in the early morning to fill the lakes up, then late at night when everyone's asleep, they pull the lake's plug out and the water drains away
QUOTE(barry-clari @ Jul 19 2011, 11:55 AM)
QUOTE(dotted quaver @ Jul 19 2011, 09:29 AM)
Why do people go on holiday to the Lake District and complain about the rain? Where do they think the Lakes come from...
They turn taps on in the early morning to fill the lakes up, then late at night when everyone's asleep, they pull the lake's plug out and the water drains away
Perhaps they are more interested in what the dry bits between the lakes tell them, which is that it doesn't rain all day every day. This being so, they naturally hope that they will hit a few of the days when it doesn't rain - shows what optimism does for you!
Blessed is he that expecteth nothing, for he shall not be disappointed!
I'm wondering if I am the only person in the UK who has not read a Harry Potter book, nor seen a Harry Potter film.
why don't things do what they are supposed to?
QUOTE(louise1712 @ Jul 20 2011, 06:51 AM)
why don't things do what they are supposed to?
Because that would be way too easy!
QUOTE(stetenorve @ Jul 19 2011, 10:59 PM)
I'm wondering if I am the only person in the UK who has not read a Harry Potter book, nor seen a Harry Potter film.
No - you are not alone!
W
QUOTE(stetenorve @ Jul 19 2011, 10:59 PM)
I'm wondering if I am the only person in the UK who has not read a Harry Potter book, nor seen a Harry Potter film.
Me neither and I dont intend to !
Should be in Cumbria soon, and if it rains, it rains, and I'll wear waterproofs (as will other members of the family)
The for the landscape to be verdant it needs water and that means rain... however when the sunshines it is wonderful.
The for the landscape to be verdant it needs water and that means rain... however when the sunshines it is wonderful.
QUOTE(stetenorve @ Jul 19 2011, 10:59 PM)
I'm wondering if I am the only person in the UK who has not read a Harry Potter book, nor seen a Harry Potter film.
Nope - me too!
I have been persuaded that for all of Utrecht's beauty, festivals, convenience, practice facilities, good job, ...
... I would be happier in England where I know the language properly, understand the culture, and have many more friends.
Now I have to figure out the logistics of moving back home.
... I would be happier in England where I know the language properly, understand the culture, and have many more friends.
Now I have to figure out the logistics of moving back home.
Good luck Tom 
QUOTE(Mad Tom @ Jul 20 2011, 02:59 PM)
I have been persuaded that for all of Utrecht's beauty, festivals, convenience, practice facilities, good job, ...
... I would be happier in England where I know the language properly, understand the culture, and have many more friends.
Now I have to figure out the logistics of moving back home.
yay England
As long as you've come to this conclusion yourself... am slightly worried that you say "I've been persuaded..." sounds like someone is twisting your arm.
QUOTE(Little Elf @ Jul 20 2011, 04:01 PM)
QUOTE(Mad Tom @ Jul 20 2011, 02:59 PM)
I have been persuaded that for all of Utrecht's beauty, festivals, convenience, practice facilities, good job, ...
... I would be happier in England where I know the language properly, understand the culture, and have many more friends.
Now I have to figure out the logistics of moving back home.
yay England
As long as you've come to this conclusion yourself... am slightly worried that you say "I've been persuaded..." sounds like someone is twisting your arm.No arm-twisting involved ... but the opinion of several people that I respect. But there is so much to organize, ... itr is not going to happen tomorrow.
QUOTE(carol*piano @ Jul 20 2011, 01:41 PM)
QUOTE(stetenorve @ Jul 19 2011, 10:59 PM)
I'm wondering if I am the only person in the UK who has not read a Harry Potter book, nor seen a Harry Potter film.
Nope - me too!
Well that makes two of you, then. Amazing coincidence that you both contribute to the same internet forum.
and that makes THREE of us !
QUOTE(Mad Tom @ Jul 20 2011, 02:59 PM)
I have been persuaded that for all of Utrecht's beauty, festivals, convenience, practice facilities, good job, ...
... I would be happier in England where I know the language properly, understand the culture, and have many more friends.
Now I have to figure out the logistics of moving back home.
All the best! I spent a year living somewhere where I didn't get the culture and didn't have many friends. It was miserable. I hope you manage to sort it soon.
Wondering whether I will ever gain any kind of independence... 
Also, just realized it's my "first anniversary" of forum membership
Also, just realized it's my "first anniversary" of forum membership
QUOTE(fsharpminor @ Jul 20 2011, 08:21 AM)
QUOTE(stetenorve @ Jul 19 2011, 10:59 PM)
I'm wondering if I am the only person in the UK who has not read a Harry Potter book, nor seen a Harry Potter film.
Me neither and I dont intend to !
The books were not written for aging males, but for children. I'm certain that many people in the UK have never read King Lear or Great Expectations, and never intend to, but perhaps that says more about them than it does about the books!
QUOTE(Mad Tom @ Jul 20 2011, 02:59 PM)
I have been persuaded that for all of Utrecht's beauty, festivals, convenience, practice facilities, good job, ...
... I would be happier in England where I know the language properly, understand the culture, and have many more friends.
Now I have to figure out the logistics of moving back home.
If you can get the job you want in the UK, everything else will fall into place. Does your current firm have a branch over here, or do you have to start from scratch?
Best wishes for the move if you're sure it's what you want.
A report has concluded that train fares are too confusing.
I agree. Why we can't have a system, let's say, of one fare up to 6 weeks in advance, one fare up to a week in advance, and a full fare after that, I have no idea...
I agree. Why we can't have a system, let's say, of one fare up to 6 weeks in advance, one fare up to a week in advance, and a full fare after that, I have no idea...
3 hours to go... 
QUOTE(lilly763 @ Jul 20 2011, 09:52 PM)
Wondering whether I will ever gain any kind of independence...
Also, just realized it's my "first anniversary" of forum membership Happy anniversary
QUOTE(BerkshireMum @ Jul 21 2011, 12:21 AM)
QUOTE(fsharpminor @ Jul 20 2011, 08:21 AM)
QUOTE(stetenorve @ Jul 19 2011, 10:59 PM)
I'm wondering if I am the only person in the UK who has not read a Harry Potter book, nor seen a Harry Potter film.
Me neither and I dont intend to !
The books were not written for aging males, but for children. I'm certain that many people in the UK have never read King Lear or Great Expectations, and never intend to, but perhaps that says more about them than it does about the books!
Ouch - the truth hurts!
QUOTE(stetenorve @ Jul 22 2011, 04:10 PM)
QUOTE(BerkshireMum @ Jul 21 2011, 12:21 AM)
The books were not written for aging males, but for children.
Ouch - the truth hurts!
I'm not an aging male!
QUOTE(carol*piano @ Jul 22 2011, 04:21 PM)
QUOTE(stetenorve @ Jul 22 2011, 04:10 PM)
QUOTE(BerkshireMum @ Jul 21 2011, 12:21 AM)
The books were not written for aging males, but for children.
Ouch - the truth hurts!
I'm not an aging male!
Granted!
I'm surprised that your daughter hasn't managed to interest you in HP by now. I think most of the oldies who have read the books were drawn in by their offspring. I always liked to know what my children were reading/watching, which is why I've read the books and seen the films.
Plus, it's fun to pretend that I'm young again. I'm sure I wouldn't have watched all 6 Star Wars films either without having an interested son, but I'm glad I have!
QUOTE(BerkshireMum @ Jul 22 2011, 06:18 PM)
QUOTE(carol*piano @ Jul 22 2011, 04:21 PM)
I'm not an aging male!
Granted!
I'm surprised that your daughter hasn't managed to interest you in HP by now. I think most of the oldies who have read the books were drawn in by their offspring. I always liked to know what my children were reading/watching, which is why I've read the books and seen the films.
My daughter's not interested in it either!
I don't care what anyone says - HP is quality stuff! My childhood (I read the first few books at age 7) would not have been the same without it. Twilight, on the other hand... 
PLEASE someone tell me it isn't as big in the UK... please...
My childhood (I read the first few books at age 7) would not have been the same without it. Twilight, on the other hand... PLEASE someone tell me it isn't as big in the UK... please...
I now understand
QUOTE(lilly763 @ Jul 22 2011, 07:19 PM)
I don't care what anyone says - HP is quality stuff!
My childhood (I read the first few books at age 7) would not have been the same without it. Twilight, on the other hand... PLEASE someone tell me it isn't as big in the UK... please...
Best school stories ever, and the use of English is wonderful. Who'd have thought that Latin could be used to such good effect in modern children's books? So many areas of life are explored - I'd recommend them to anyone over 10, and the first three are OK for younger ones. It was a great idea to have the characters growing up through the books, and encountering the different problems that brings.I don't know about Twilight - my kids are grown up now.
HP's good if it gets people reading, but there are in my opinion much better examples of the genre, written decades earlier.
Susan Cooper - The Dark Is Rising (set in Britain too - absolutely brilliant)
Ursula Le Guin - The Earthsea Trilogy
Alan Garner - The Weirdstone of Brisingamen
Jane Yolen - the dragon books whose names I can't remember
Susan Cooper - The Dark Is Rising (set in Britain too - absolutely brilliant)
Ursula Le Guin - The Earthsea Trilogy
Alan Garner - The Weirdstone of Brisingamen
Jane Yolen - the dragon books whose names I can't remember
QUOTE(corenfa @ Jul 22 2011, 06:57 PM)
HP's good if it gets people reading, but there are in my opinion much better examples of the genre, written decades earlier.
Susan Cooper - The Dark Is Rising (set in Britain too - absolutely brilliant)
Ursula Le Guin - The Earthsea Trilogy
Alan Garner - The Weirdstone of Brisingamen
Jane Yolen - the dragon books whose names I can't remember
Hmm... I've read the Cooper and Yolen, and part of LeGuin - maybe it's just because HP was the first I got into, but for me HP is unparalleled in the readable epic fantasy genre. I've enjoyed others, but HP is the only one I ever felt inclined to go back to again and again. But now we're straying into topics that should be on the books thread
I have actually read a couple of Harry Potters - in my opinion, the story isn't as good as any of the above, and neither is the quality of the writing.
Of course, JK Rowling is a billionaire and I am not, so my opinion means jack ____
Of course, JK Rowling is a billionaire and I am not, so my opinion means jack ____
QUOTE(corenfa @ Jul 22 2011, 08:58 PM)
I have actually read a couple of Harry Potters - in my opinion, the story isn't as good as any of the above, and neither is the quality of the writing.
Of course, JK Rowling is a billionaire and I am not, so my opinion means jack ____
Well, I don't think the first couple are really indicative - everything gradually becomes more intricate, as befits a coming-of-age series. I think the main reason I preferred HP to those you mentioned and others that are similar is that I find a most fantasy extremely pretentious - I used to read a lot of fantasy when I was younger but the only fantasy series I retain any fondness for are HP and Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels (which I love). But in the end it's all a matter of taste... apple crumble or astrophysics?
I've read all the Harry Potter books and enjoyed them.
I've also read King Lear and GreatExpectations.
Not been tempted by Twilight yet though.
I've also read King Lear and GreatExpectations.
Not been tempted by Twilight yet though.
I love the Harry Potter books, but can't see how Twilight can come anywhere near...and yes Lilly, they're fairly popular on our side of the pond too 
...especially the films 
...especially the films
QUOTE(lilly763 @ Jul 23 2011, 04:12 AM)
QUOTE(corenfa @ Jul 22 2011, 08:58 PM)
I have actually read a couple of Harry Potters - in my opinion, the story isn't as good as any of the above, and neither is the quality of the writing.
Of course, JK Rowling is a billionaire and I am not, so my opinion means jack ____
Well, I don't think the first couple are really indicative - everything gradually becomes more intricate, as befits a coming-of-age series. I think the main reason I preferred HP to those you mentioned and others that are similar is that I find a most fantasy extremely pretentious - I used to read a lot of fantasy when I was younger but the only fantasy series I retain any fondness for are HP and Terry Pratchett's Discworld novels (which I love). But in the end it's all a matter of taste... apple crumble or astrophysics?
Interesting - I never thought of any of those I mentioned as pretentious. I do find a lot of modern fantasy and SF to be pretentious though. Unfortunately including HP... but Terry Pratchett (of which I have all of them) is about as un pretentious as you can get
LOTR did also stop growing on me (and in fact the opposite - what's the opposite of growing on you?), I just don't like it that much now. There's another heresy spoken
Driving home from organ/choir practice, approached the shops where there is a bank on the corner. (People here regularly lose the use of their legs and park on double yellow lines in order to get to the ATM more quickly.)
Well, there was another one getting out of his Jag, on the yellow lines, opening wide his door, like they usually do, and stepping into the middle of the road. He just saw me in time and stepped back.
Yes, it was 2-Jags himself, only instead of going to the ATM he marched smartly towards the chip shop.
I'll get him next time.
Well, there was another one getting out of his Jag, on the yellow lines, opening wide his door, like they usually do, and stepping into the middle of the road. He just saw me in time and stepped back.
Yes, it was 2-Jags himself, only instead of going to the ATM he marched smartly towards the chip shop.
I'll get him next time.
QUOTE(mel2 @ Jul 23 2011, 11:45 AM)
Driving home from organ/choir practice, approached the shops where there is a bank on the corner. (People here regularly lose the use of their legs and park on double yellow lines in order to get to the ATM more quickly.)
Well, there was another one getting out of his Jag, on the yellow lines, opening wide his door, like they usually do, and stepping into the middle of the road. He just saw me in time and stepped back.
Yes, it was 2-Jags himself, only instead of going to the ATM he marched smartly towards the chip shop.
I'll get him next time.
This morning I had to get my 14 year old son to a services for 6am as he is off to World Scout Jamboree for nearly 3 weeks. 5 am I wake him up "It's time to get up".
His reply was "Why?"
This is a once in a life time trip- he has fund raised for 18 months to raise ?2000, gone through a 3 day selection process to get through and there will be over 40,000 young people there from all over the world and he forgets he's going!!!!!
Oh yeah- he's also going to 3 different countries in the time!
QUOTE(BerkshireMum @ Jul 22 2011, 10:54 PM)
QUOTE(lilly763 @ Jul 22 2011, 07:19 PM)
I don't care what anyone says - HP is quality stuff!
My childhood (I read the first few books at age 7) would not have been the same without it. Twilight, on the other hand... PLEASE someone tell me it isn't as big in the UK... please... Best school stories ever, and the use of English is wonderful. Who'd have thought that Latin could be used to such good effect in modern children's books?That's interesting. I haven't read the later HP books, but found the writing style in the earlier ones rather inelegant (and what's with the swearing?).
QUOTE(Clari Nicki1 @ Jul 24 2011, 08:41 AM)
This morning I had to get my 14 year old son to a services for 6am as he is off to World Scout Jamboree for nearly 3 weeks. 5 am I wake him up "It's time to get up".
His reply was "Why?"
This is a once in a life time trip- he has fund raised for 18 months to raise ?2000, gone through a 3 day selection process to get through and there will be over 40,000 young people there from all over the world and he forgets he's going!!!!!
Oh yeah- he's also going to 3 different countries in the time!
But really well done to him for getting to go. Is this in Sweden? I've got a feeling a couple of my son's friends are going - one in his class, and one a year older, both from the same troup. Hope he has a fantastic time
First post since 21st July...
QUOTE(barry-clari @ Jul 29 2011, 10:17 AM)
First post since 21st July...
I'd noticed you were missing! Been somewhere nice???
QUOTE(maggiemay @ Jul 29 2011, 10:24 AM)
QUOTE(barry-clari @ Jul 29 2011, 10:17 AM)
First post since 21st July...
I'd noticed you were missing! Been somewhere nice???
With someone nice
Moved onto Blackpool and the southern Lakes after sbhoa's event.
Aaaaaaah!
QUOTE(barry-clari @ Jul 29 2011, 10:28 AM)
QUOTE(maggiemay @ Jul 29 2011, 10:24 AM)
QUOTE(barry-clari @ Jul 29 2011, 10:17 AM)
First post since 21st July...
I'd noticed you were missing! Been somewhere nice???
With someone nice
Moved onto Blackpool and the southern Lakes after sbhoa's event. Sounds lovely!! Hope you had a really nice time away!
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