*F* Reading 2.0 report - the morning after
Darrell Ottery
And so it begins...
Somewhat of a pre-meet occurred a couple of hours before the official
start time when Rob [1], Kitten, Matt, Paul 'Old Fart' Rood and Karen
Chicken arrived at my house to lounge around, watch Star Wars (on the
big widescreen TV :P) and eat me out of house and home. The Hamster
arrived a mere ten minutes or so later, and much abuse (mainly verbal)
of Paul ensued. Skipping this for now...
The small horde of us wandered down to the pub to arrive shortly after
7pm, only to find that BSL Simes had beaten us to it, and that
the two best areas were already taken, and so we resorted to lurking
around suspiciously by the toilets and imtimidating any passers-by.
Well, most of us hung around, and Paul did the imtimidating... I think
he even managed more successfully than Mr Fox did, since he seemed to
draw appreciative looks from a large number of young ladies wandering
toilet-wards. Perhaps I need to grow a tail...
A few minutes after this we were accosted by about four
lurkers/infrequent posters whose names I really cannot recall now.
Sorry. :) And then Helen 'fountain of all knowledge' Highwater and Tim
Hunt arrived. Drinks were bought, consumed and the box of dubious
chocolate things made its first appearance. As usual, this contained a
largish number of chocolate/coffee things, and for the first time (in my
recollection, anyway) a small number of chocolate-covered mushrooms.
These proved less popular - "Ugh! What a horrible idea." seemed to be
the prevailing comment - but those that were brave (foolish?) enough to
try them found that, yes, indeed chocolate and raw mushrooms *do* go
well together. Hah! Ye of little faith - I knew what I was doing. Maybe
for the first time, but that's by the way. After the initial disgust,
these vanished all too quickly. Having made three dozen 'things' they
lasted remarkably well - almost a couple of hours...
At about this point Alan & Colette's absence was discussed, only to be
rectified soon afterwards by their appearance, along with Simon Callan.
Looks like it was all my fault (again...) for giving out mildly
incorrect directions. 'snot my fault if people can't work out what I
mean...
The pub got more and more busy, and then the truth about an as-yet
unknown danger was about to be revealed - the Simon Conspiracy. A couple
of Simons turned up - both lurkers, AFAIK. The question is, will they be
able to displace the Horde of Bens? Only time will tell.
Other folk that turned up included Gideon Hallett (a goth? No, surely
not...), Adam Jones, Lunie & Thomas Down, and Bryan. We also seemed to
attract the attention of a number of other Pratchett fans, not all of
whom knew about afp (poor souls), the meet, or could believe that there
were this number of people who knew who Terry was... Names I don't have,
bar one - a Dan of some form or another was memorable.
From herein things get a little hazy - I seemed to spend much of my time
wandering around and speaking to a lot of people, but in no particular
order, some of the events that I recall were:
Helen being rather protective of 'that' book.
Karen being shown her likeness to Gaiman's Death. I'm not quite sure
what the reaction was.
Lunie's predeliction for proposing to anything that moved, or at least
posted.
An attempt to take over more tables succeeded, and then once
accomplished, they were allowed to be retaken, despite the Fox being
present. I think he must have been feeling unwell to allow such a
transgression. Words will be had.
Lusers were discussed by those that have to deal with them.
The Rogues Gallery was mentioned many a time, and I think I was offered
the rear-end of a warthog. I'm not so sure this was a compliment.
Photographs were taken, and knowing some of the photographers I'm not
sure the results should be made available to the general public.
Sadly, no quotes from here, since the Psions departed long before this
got written. I'm sure suitable ones will be fabricated - I leave this in
the more-than capable hands of others.
After the meet there was a move towards food. Burger King were kind
enough to be shut - no doubt they'd heard we were in the area and wanted
to preserve their crown stocks - and so a convenient Balti house was
approached. At this point, some of the remainder departed for pastures
new (somewhere near Crowthorne) and we waved farewell to the Hamster,
Helen & Tim, and Kitten & Matt. The greater proportion of the remaining
13 ate, and I'm informed the food was not at all bad - I can't say, as I
didn't eat, but have been known to have takeaways from here before now.
A move was then made back here to my place, whereupon a variety of
alcohol was consumed, along with other, lesser things like tea and
coffee. No-one seemed to be able to guess without prompting what the
strange yellow liquid was, but Alan's Polish spirit was notable.
Events that occured here included:
Karen proposing to Rob. Rumour has it that this can be achieved simply
by brandishing a bottle of vodka...
A strange occurence of Emmet - you would have sworn he was here. In
general effect, if not in person. Actually, Julian Clary made more than
one appearance too. Things degenerated...
And whilst on the subject of strange occurences, we seemed to have the
welcome attentions of a foghorn. Curiously this made its debut about the
same time Paul fell asleep on the sofa, but I think this was just
conincidental.
A discussion on just how many purity points could be lost on one blow.
As it were. I think the concensus of opinion gave up when double figures
were reached.
A large number of people stayed over, but most had vanished by the time
I woke up this morning. Maybe it *was* just a bad dream... :)
We'll have to do this again sometime. Am I volunteering again? Someone
please stop me...
--
Darrell [INTJ] - Dar...@lspace.org - http://www.toreador.demon.co.uk/
Stealing a rhinoceros should not be attempted lightly.
[1] of Lspace, not the Ergonomist.
Simon Brown
As is my wont, I waited for someone else to post a report first, as it's
much easier to add bits than it is to come up with a report in the first
place...
Possibly the most notable quote of the evening for me:
"You're not that big, scary or looming, are you?" - versions of which were
heard from a number of different people on various occasions. Sorry Joann,
they saw through me.
Photos were taken - at least two of the notably camera-shy Kitten, and
judging from the reaction I shall have to be very wary of possible
claw-wounds at future meets. In addition, Mr. Fox was seen (and
photographed) to be enjoying a pint or two, and making notes on a Psion.
Later he was sat on by Paul, but seemed to take it reasonably well.
Quentin the hedgehog seemed to be universally adored.
En route to Darrell's, the tribulations of being a programmer and of being
in charge of programmers were variously discussed, and my umbrella
received the signal honour of keeping the rain off our
Goddess-In-Residence. Most of the time.
In Darrell's kitchen, things were drunk, and Dan was loud, challenged
only by the subterranean rumblings emanating from the sofa in the living
room.
If I recall, we worked out it was possible to lose 13 purity points
at once - it may be possible to lose more, but at that stage the decision
was made to change the subject.
I'm sure others will have yet more to add, so I'll leave it there. Until
next time...
--
Simon Brown BF <si...@amdev.demon.co.uk> / Freelance cynic and beard-wearer
[INFP] http://www.amdev.demon.co.uk/ / Mankind's last best hope for pizza.
Amazing Developments - A dream given form.
Helen Highwater
In article <199609296...@amdev.demon.co.uk>
si...@amdev.demon.co.uk "Simon Brown" writes:
> As is my wont, I waited for someone else to post a report first, as it's
> much easier to add bits than it is to come up with a report in the first
> place...
>
> Possibly the most notable quote of the evening for me:
>
> "You're not that big, scary or looming, are you?" - versions of which were
> heard from a number of different people on various occasions. Sorry Joann,
> they saw through me.
S'all relative, innit? I didn't mean to imply you're not big,
scary and looming, but of the three Simons present you were
my last choice, (for the BSL title).
I can imagine a game show... (1)
'Will the real BSL Simon please stand up!'
(1) Particularly after Adam introduced himself and someone(2) said
'we're not telling you who we are, you've got to guess!'
(2) I'm not trying to protect the guilty here, I can't remember if it
was Darrell or Mark.
--
Helen Highwater
"I think I may be able to metabolise alcohol."(RM)
Mark Lowes
On Sun, 29 Sep 96 21:47:07 GMT, in <844033...@drutt.demon.co.uk>
hel...@drutt.demon.co.uk (Helen Highwater) wrote.....
[...]
>(1) Particularly after Adam introduced himself and someone(2) said
>'we're not telling you who we are, you've got to guess!'
>(2) I'm not trying to protect the guilty here, I can't remember if it
>was Darrell or Mark.
At least I gave a hint.
--
Mark <ham...@lspace.org> http://www.flyhmstr.demon.co.uk/
The demon.service FAQ http://www.flyhmstr.demon.co.uk/demonservice.html
Listserver list...@flyhmstr.demon.co.uk
"Is that seat saved?" "No, but we're praying for it!"
Mark Lowes
On Sun, 29 Sep 1996 15:35:50 +0100, FluffyWuffy wibbled....
>And so it begins...
Oh dear...
>Somewhat of a pre-meet occurred a couple of hours before the official
[...]
>arrived a mere ten minutes or so later, and much abuse (mainly verbal)
>of Paul ensued.
but not enough.
>Skipping this for now...
Spoilsport.
[...]
>around suspiciously by the toilets and imtimidating any passers-by.
Darrell smiled at them.
[...]
>toilet-wards. Perhaps I need to grow a tail...
Hmmmm....
[...]
>recollection, anyway) a small number of chocolate-covered mushrooms.
>These proved less popular - "Ugh! What a horrible idea." seemed to be
Strange people choco-mushrooms are a wonderous food.
[...]
>well together. Hah! Ye of little faith - I knew what I was doing. Maybe
No comment.
[...]
>Helen being rather protective of 'that' book.
Rob trying to stuff it inside his jacket.
[...]
>Sadly, no quotes from here, since the Psions departed long before this
>got written. I'm sure suitable ones will be fabricated - I leave this in
>the more-than capable hands of others.
Ahem....
"Mr Fox makes Emmet look celibate"
"I wondered what the funny knocking noise in the attic was" T.Hunt
"Like Guiness, Bitter but fluffy on top" Rob describing Darrell.
[...]
>Karen proposing to Rob. Rumour has it that this can be achieved simply
>by brandishing a bottle of vodka...
Hussy.
[...]
>one appearance too. Things degenerated...
Sounds like it.
>And whilst on the subject of strange occurences, we seemed to have the
>welcome attentions of a foghorn. Curiously this made its debut about the
>same time Paul fell asleep on the sofa, but I think this was just
>conincidental.
WAV! WAV!
[...]
>A large number of people stayed over, but most had vanished by the time
>I woke up this morning. Maybe it *was* just a bad dream... :)
Stop eating the chocolate covered cheese
>We'll have to do this again sometime. Am I volunteering again? Someone
>please stop me...
No.
--
Mark <ham...@lspace.org> http://www.flyhmstr.demon.co.uk/
The demon.service FAQ http://www.flyhmstr.demon.co.uk/demonservice.html
Listserver list...@flyhmstr.demon.co.uk
"Ireland and England two islands off the coast of Anglesea"
Colm Buckley
Simon Brown
Quoth Helen Highwater:
> In article <199609296...@amdev.demon.co.uk>
> si...@amdev.demon.co.uk "Simon Brown" writes:
>
> > As is my wont, I waited for someone else to post a report first, as it's
> > much easier to add bits than it is to come up with a report in the first
> > place...
> >
> > Possibly the most notable quote of the evening for me:
> >
> > "You're not that big, scary or looming, are you?" - versions of which were
> > heard from a number of different people on various occasions. Sorry Joann,
> > they saw through me.
>
> S'all relative, innit? I didn't mean to imply you're not big,
> scary and looming, but of the three Simons present you were
> my last choice, (for the BSL title).
There is that. The two lurking Simons were certainly bigger than I.
This comment was also made by the lovely Karen, though, so I suppose it
must be true really. Although a spot of looming practice never goes amiss,
and as Rob commented I do take every opportunity to do this.
> I can imagine a game show...
> 'Will the real BSL Simon please stand up!'
..and the ensuing scuffle.
--
Simon Brown BF <si...@amdev.demon.co.uk> / Freelance cynic and beard-wearer
[INFP] http://www.amdev.demon.co.uk/ / Mankind's last best hope for pizza.
Mysterious outbreak of pustulent eruptions sweeps Chile. "Come on, and wreck
my car." says Heather Locklear, a local fine art vendor.
Mark Lowes
On Sun, 29 Sep 1996 15:35:50 +0100, in <DOGJtCAG...@toreador.demon.co.uk>
Darrell Ottery <Dar...@lspace.org> wrote.....
[rendings]
>And whilst on the subject of strange occurences, we seemed to have the
>welcome attentions of a foghorn. Curiously this made its debut about the
>same time Paul fell asleep on the sofa, but I think this was just
>conincidental.
Ahem, it has come to my attention that certain files of a wav nature have
magically appeared on the Demon homepages[1]. Far be it for me to suggest
that ppl have a listen to the noises emenating from this place but it may
be educational and explain why Karen never looks like she gets a good
nights sleep.
Mark
<troublemaking>
[1] http://www.flyhmstr.demon.co.uk/paul.wav
--
Mark <ham...@lspace.org> http://www.flyhmstr.demon.co.uk/
The demon.service FAQ http://www.flyhmstr.demon.co.uk/demonservice.html
Listserver list...@flyhmstr.demon.co.uk
Three can keep a secret, if two of them are dead.