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mark kassar

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Nov 29, 1996, 3:00:00 AM11/29/96
to

Some of you my remember me. Like I said a few months ago I was going to
live in the USA. Well here I am in Orlando. Couldn't believe it when I saw
my new server had the Demon newsgroups available.

BTW I take back anything I ever said against Turnpike, it was much easier
to use than the Microsoft stuff.


Mark Kassar :)

Craig Oldfield

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Nov 29, 1996, 3:00:00 AM11/29/96
to

In article: <01bbdd36$c12c50a0$561f8ece@aspirenet> "mark kassar"
<asp...@mail.idt.net> writes:

> Some of you my remember me. Like I said a few months ago I was going to
> live in the USA. Well here I am in Orlando. Couldn't believe it when I saw
> my new server had the Demon newsgroups available.

Now what on earth did you do to deserve that?
welcome back.
--
Craig Oldfield

Chris Stock

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Nov 29, 1996, 3:00:00 AM11/29/96
to

mark kassar (asp...@mail.idt.net) piped up and uttered:
: Some of you my remember me. Like I said a few months ago I was going to

: live in the USA. Well here I am in Orlando. Couldn't believe it when I saw
: my new server had the Demon newsgroups available.
:
: BTW I take back anything I ever said against Turnpike, it was much easier

: to use than the Microsoft stuff.
:

Bet it's warmer than Glossop! :+)

Chris Stock
"""""""""""


ct

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Nov 29, 1996, 3:00:00 AM11/29/96
to

In article <01bbdd36$c12c50a0$561f8ece@aspirenet>, mark kassar
<asp...@mail.idt.net> writes

>Some of you my remember me. Like I said a few months ago I was going to
>live in the USA. Well here I am in Orlando. Couldn't believe it when I saw
>my new server had the Demon newsgroups available.
>
>BTW I take back anything I ever said against Turnpike, it was much easier
>to use than the Microsoft stuff.
>
>
>Mark Kassar :)
Welcome back Mark
Whatcha doin' in Orlando?
--
Christine <*>
B4

Neil Barker

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Nov 29, 1996, 3:00:00 AM11/29/96
to

In article: <01bbdd36$c12c50a0$561f8ece@aspirenet> "mark kassar"
<asp...@mail.idt.net> writes:
>
> Some of you my remember me. Like I said a few months ago I was going
> to live in the USA. Well here I am in Orlando.

So what are you doing in Orlando ?

--
Neil Barker.

Adam Lloyd

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Nov 30, 1996, 3:00:00 AM11/30/96
to

In article <01bbdd36$c12c50a0$561f8ece@aspirenet>,
"mark kassar" <asp...@mail.idt.net> wrote:

>Some of you my remember me.

Indeed we do. Hello Mark.

>Like I said a few months ago I was going to live in the USA.

Was it really a few months ago? Time flies truly!

>Well here I am in Orlando.

Pleasant weather, I trust, and I hear the roads are very good at this time
of year.

>Couldn't believe it when I saw
>my new server had the Demon newsgroups available.

Yes, well, reputations, etc.

>BTW I take back anything I ever said against Turnpike, it was much easier
>to use than the Microsoft stuff.

Oh, I don't know. I just set up Windows 95 for Internet access, and it all
went more smoothly than I had been led to expect. Still doesn't compare to
Linux, though.

A.

mark kassar

unread,
Dec 1, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/1/96
to

Well, what am I doing here in Orlando, apart from taking in the sun (80
degrees today). I am setting up a new business over here, putting companies
on the internet (web services). It took me around 12 months to get the
visa's etc together but I think it will be worth it.

Am I right in saying we have an American in our midst (Iolo ?)

Mark :)

Adam Lloyd <ad...@park78.demon.co.uk> wrote in article
<AEC5B1BC...@no-dns-yet.demon.co.uk>...


> In article <01bbdd36$c12c50a0$561f8ece@aspirenet>,
> "mark kassar" <asp...@mail.idt.net> wrote:
>

> >Some of you may remember me.

>
> Indeed we do. Hello Mark.
>
> >Like I said a few months ago I was going to live in the USA.
>
> Was it really a few months ago? Time flies truly!

> <<SNIP>>


glynn bradley

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Dec 1, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/1/96
to

In article <961129174...@turmoil.demon.co.uk>, Chris Stock
<Ch...@turmoil.demon.co.uk> writes

>mark kassar (asp...@mail.idt.net) piped up and uttered:
>: Some of you my remember me. Like I said a few months ago I was going to
>: live in the USA. Well here I am in Orlando. Couldn't believe it when I saw

>: my new server had the Demon newsgroups available.
>:
>: BTW I take back anything I ever said against Turnpike, it was much easier

>: to use than the Microsoft stuff.
>:
>
>Bet it's warmer than Glossop! :+)
>
> Chris Stock
> """""""""""
>
Anywhere is warmer than Glossop
--
glynn bradley Gl...@boatyard.demon.co.uk
KLEENEZE AGENT (no.938518)
Huddersfield.UK.
TEL 01484 645023

Tina J Perrett

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Dec 2, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/2/96
to

In article <kh9boLAi...@boatyard.demon.co.uk>, glynn bradley
<gl...@boatyard.demon.co.uk> writes
>>Bet it's warmer than Glossop! :+)
>>
>> Chris Stock
>> """""""""""
>>
>Anywhere is warmer than Glossop

No, I think the Shetland Isles, or even the Antartic can be colder than
Glossop......
--
Tina J Perrett - There now follows an advert on behalf of Steven J Lilley:-
The lightest Cakes, Pastry, Puddings &c., are made using BORWICK's BAKING
POWDER. the Best and Purest in the World. Resolutely Refuse all Substitutes.


David Brown

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Dec 4, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/4/96
to

In article <bgRdDtAv...@wunjo.demon.co.uk>, Tina J Perrett
<ti...@wunjo.demon.co.uk> writes

>In article <kh9boLAi...@boatyard.demon.co.uk>, glynn bradley
><gl...@boatyard.demon.co.uk> writes
>>In article <961129174...@turmoil.demon.co.uk>, Chris Stock
>><Ch...@turmoil.demon.co.uk> writes
>>>Bet it's warmer than Glossop! :+)
>>>
>>> Chris Stock
>>> """""""""""
>>>
>>Anywhere is warmer than Glossop
>
>No, I think the Shetland Isles, or even the Antartic can be colder than
>Glossop......

I don't thionk either the Shetland Isles or Antarctica has that
excellent warm clothing store that's in Glossop (or has it shut down?)
--
David Brown

glynn bradley

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Dec 5, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/5/96
to

In article <bgRdDtAv...@wunjo.demon.co.uk>, Tina J Perrett
<ti...@wunjo.demon.co.uk> writes
>In article <kh9boLAi...@boatyard.demon.co.uk>, glynn bradley
><gl...@boatyard.demon.co.uk> writes
>>In article <961129174...@turmoil.demon.co.uk>, Chris Stock
>><Ch...@turmoil.demon.co.uk> writes
>>>Bet it's warmer than Glossop! :+)
>>>
>>> Chris Stock
>>> """""""""""
>>>
>>Anywhere is warmer than Glossop
>
>No, I think the Shetland Isles, or even the Antartic can be colder than
>Glossop......
do you know where Glossop IS
--
http://www.kleeneze.com
KLEENEZE AGENT Service with a smile
TEL 01484 645023

Tina J Perrett

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Dec 7, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/7/96
to

In article <kJ71QuA6...@boatyard.demon.co.uk>, glynn bradley
<gl...@boatyard.demon.co.uk> writes

>>>Anywhere is warmer than Glossop
>>
>>No, I think the Shetland Isles, or even the Antartic can be colder than
>>Glossop......
>do you know where Glossop IS

Yep! But I still think there are places that are colder!

Mike Morell

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Dec 11, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/11/96
to

In article <850244...@amspa.demon.co.uk>, The Cat
<C...@amspa.demon.co.uk> writes
>In article <850218...@pritch.demon.co.uk>
> si...@pritch.demon.co.uk "simon" writes:
>>
>> It's grim up north.
>
>Pitchy darkness at about 4:30pm here recently. =(
>
Gosh! Well, here in Gloucestershire it gets dark every single day!

--
Mike

Vivianne

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Dec 17, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/17/96
to

In article <memo.9612112...@patryn.demon.co.uk>, Haplo
<ha...@patryn.demon.co.uk> wibbled ........
>In a previous episode, Mike Morell mumbled...
>It does here, too.
>
><fx: looks around>
>
>Ah, roit, I must be in Gloucestershire too then. Pete?
>
And everybody else by the sounds of it.


--
Vivianne - lost out to OS/2 Warp, girl
www.shirecol.demon.co.uk

Andrew J Paddon

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Dec 24, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/24/96
to

In article <ZOjrdGAU...@dexsys.demon.co.uk>, Mike Morell
<mi...@dexsys.demon.co.uk> writes

>In article <850244...@amspa.demon.co.uk>, The Cat
><C...@amspa.demon.co.uk> writes
>>In article <850218...@pritch.demon.co.uk>
>> si...@pritch.demon.co.uk "simon" writes:
>>>
>>> It's grim up north.
>>
>>Pitchy darkness at about 4:30pm here recently. =(
>>
>Gosh! Well, here in Gloucestershire it gets dark every single day!
>
In Yorkshire we have abbolished darkness, and by order of the ruling
juncta we have decreed every day a day for work and light, anyone who
disagees will be shot.
--
Andy
Forward comrades and drink more coffee

Adam Lloyd

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Dec 25, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/25/96
to

In article <myqqVUBu...@ajp-com.demon.co.uk>,
Andrew J Paddon <an...@ajp-com.demon.co.uk> wrote:

[snip]


>In Yorkshire we have abbolished darkness, and by order of the ruling
>juncta we have decreed every day a day for work and light, anyone who
>disagees will be shot.

I disagee.

A.

John Bradbury

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Dec 25, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/25/96
to

Hear ye!
Andrew J Paddon <an...@ajp-com.demon.co.uk> took up his trusty quill and
uttered the following words of wisdom:-
>In article <AEE711CC...@0.0.0.0>, Adam Lloyd
><ad...@park78.demon.co.uk> writes
>>Bang!
>

Missed!

Andrew J Paddon

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Dec 25, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/25/96
to

In article <AEE711CC...@0.0.0.0>, Adam Lloyd
<ad...@park78.demon.co.uk> writes
>In article <myqqVUBu...@ajp-com.demon.co.uk>,
>Andrew J Paddon <an...@ajp-com.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>
>[snip]
>>In Yorkshire we have abbolished darkness, and by order of the ruling
>>juncta we have decreed every day a day for work and light, anyone who
>>disagees will be shot.
>
>I disagee.
>
>A.
>
>Bang!

--
Andy

Adam Lloyd

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Dec 26, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/26/96
to

In article <wcJPuAAh...@ajp-com.demon.co.uk>,

Andrew J Paddon <an...@ajp-com.demon.co.uk> wrote:

>>>In Yorkshire we have abbolished darkness, and by order of the ruling
>>>juncta we have decreed every day a day for work and light, anyone who
>>>disagees will be shot.
>>
>>I disagee.
>>

>Bang!

Urk.

A.

Terrance Richard Boyes

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Dec 27, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/27/96
to

Mike Fleming (Mi...@tauzero.demon.co.uk) wrote:
> ad...@park78.demon.co.uk "Adam Lloyd" writes:
> >
> > I disagee.
>
> I apogee.
>
> Mike and .&&&& <who perry gee?>

I peregrine.

--
<URL:http://www.geocities.com/BourbonStreet/1666> Team AMIGA
Executive ability is prominent in your makeup.

Mike Fleming

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Dec 27, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/27/96
to

In article <AEE711CC...@0.0.0.0>
ad...@park78.demon.co.uk "Adam Lloyd" writes:

> In article <myqqVUBu...@ajp-com.demon.co.uk>,


> Andrew J Paddon <an...@ajp-com.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>

> [snip]


> >In Yorkshire we have abbolished darkness, and by order of the ruling
> >juncta we have decreed every day a day for work and light, anyone who
> >disagees will be shot.
>
> I disagee.

I apogee.

--

David Brown

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Dec 28, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/28/96
to

In article <851701...@tauzero.demon.co.uk>, Mike Fleming
<Mi...@tauzero.demon.co.uk> writes
Perigee

Adam Lloyd

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Dec 28, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/28/96
to

In article <9612272...@pierrot.demon.co.uk>,
Terrance Richard Boyes <t...@pierrot.demon.co.uk> wrote:

>I peregrine.

You falcon.

He...

A.

John Hall

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Dec 28, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/28/96
to

In article <9612272...@pierrot.demon.co.uk>, Terrance Richard Boyes
<t...@pierrot.demon.co.uk> writes
>
>I peregrine.
>
"Fool of a Took."
--
One half of the world cannot understand the pleasures of the other.

From "Emma"
by Jane Austen (1775-1817)

leo

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Dec 28, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/28/96
to

In article <I03aMiBV...@jhall.demon.co.uk>
jo...@jhall.demon.co.uk "John Hall" writes:

> >I peregrine.
> >
> "Fool of a Took."

Tool of a ... no, no, let's not start that. Dare I assume that there
are a lot of Tolkien readers around here?


--
leo


Mike Fleming

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Dec 29, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/29/96
to

In article <AEEAF30D...@0.0.0.0>
ad...@park78.demon.co.uk "Adam Lloyd" writes:

> In article <9612272...@pierrot.demon.co.uk>,


> Terrance Richard Boyes <t...@pierrot.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>
> >I peregrine.
>
> You falcon.
>
> He...

... Harry. Err...

--
Mike and .&&&& <are you rapt, or what?>


Mike Fleming

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Dec 29, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/29/96
to

You ringed?

--
Mike and .&&&& <and don't call me precious...>


Pete Bramley

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Dec 29, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/29/96
to

In article <851813...@lgab.demon.co.uk>, leo <l...@lgab.demon.co.uk>

writes
>In article <I03aMiBV...@jhall.demon.co.uk>
> jo...@jhall.demon.co.uk "John Hall" writes:
>
>> >I peregrine.
>> >
>> "Fool of a Took."
>
>Tool of a ... no, no, let's not start that. Dare I assume that there
>are a lot of Tolkien readers around here?
>
>
>
>
YEP

--
pete
184k

Jenna Little

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Dec 29, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/29/96
to

You can bet your Bilbo Baggins there are!!
--
Jenna

Turnpike evaluation. For information, see http://www.turnpike.com/

Cris

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Dec 29, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/29/96
to

John Hall <jo...@jhall.demon.co.uk> wrote:

:In article <851813...@lgab.demon.co.uk>, leo <l...@lgab.demon.co.uk>
:writes
:>
:>Tool of a ... no, no, let's not start that. Dare I assume that there


:>are a lot of Tolkien readers around here?

:
:I reread LotR once every ten years or so. It must be almost time for
:another go at it. I *tried* to read The Silmarillion, but had to give
:up. That must be a candidate for the most unreadable book ever written.

And Finnigans Wake ... and anything by Agatha Christie.

Cris

John Hall

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Dec 29, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/29/96
to

In article <aNwYSQAr...@publishing.demon.co.uk>, Jenna Little
<ed...@publishing.demon.co.uk> writes
>Last time I read LotR, I couldn't put it down and found myself reading
>until way past 4 in the morning. Wish they would bring the other parts
>to the big screen, I so enjoyed the first effort - quite scary and
>sinister in parts don't you think.

I wasn't over-impressed. It's always the same when a favourite book is
filmed. They have to cut out enormous chunks of plot, and none of the
characters look the way one had imagined.

I thought their Gandalf looked far too much like a caricature of a
wizard to be taken seriously - the beard was way over the top. And of
course the money ran out (the only plausible explanation of why they
broke off at such an unlikely point in the story).
--
Sir, I have found you an argument;
but I am not obliged to find you an understanding.

Dr Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)

John Hall

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Dec 29, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/29/96
to

In article <32c8b113...@news.demon.co.uk>, Cris
<cr...@crisco.demon.co.uk> writes

>John Hall <jo...@jhall.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>:
>:I reread LotR once every ten years or so. It must be almost time for
>:another go at it. I *tried* to read The Silmarillion, but had to give
>:up. That must be a candidate for the most unreadable book ever written.
>
>And Finnigans Wake ... and anything by Agatha Christie.

Agatha Christie's books may be bad but, IMO, are insidiously readable.
(You might say she was an Enid Blyton for (not very) grown-ups.)

Tina J Perrett

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Dec 29, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/29/96
to
>In article <I03aMiBV...@jhall.demon.co.uk>
> jo...@jhall.demon.co.uk "John Hall" writes:
>
>> >I peregrine.
>> >
>> "Fool of a Took."
>
>Tool of a ... no, no, let's not start that. Dare I assume that there
>are a lot of Tolkien readers around here?
>
The road goes on ever and on
Down from the road where it began
Now far ahead the road has gone
And I must follow it if I can
Pursuing it with weary feet
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet
And whither then?
I cannot say

--
Tina J Perrett - There now follows an advert on behalf of Steven J Lilley:-
The lightest Cakes, Pastry, Puddings &c., are made using BORWICK's BAKING
POWDER. the Best and Purest in the World. Resolutely Refuse all Substitutes

especially at Christmas!


Pete Bramley

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Dec 30, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/30/96
to

In article <70FWseAe...@jhall.demon.co.uk>, John Hall
<jo...@jhall.demon.co.uk> writes

>I reread LotR once every ten years or so. It must be almost time for
>another go at it. I *tried* to read The Silmarillion, but had to give
>up. That must be a candidate for the most unreadable book ever written.

Try again the effort is worth it, believe me!!

--
pete
184k

Haplo

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Dec 30, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/30/96
to

In a previous episode, KKKKatie mumbled...

> In article <70FWseAe...@jhall.demon.co.uk>


> jo...@jhall.demon.co.uk "John Hall" writes:
>
> > I reread LotR once every ten years or so. It must be almost time for
> > another go at it. I *tried* to read The Silmarillion, but had to give
> > up. That must be a candidate for the most unreadable book ever written.
>

> I reread TotR once every ten years or so and get less out of it each time.
> I loved it when I was about 15 now I find it increasingly portentious
> every time *and* the way everybody patronises Sam gets on my nerves.

My mental age improves to 15 whenever I read LotR, so I miss such nuances. But
all the long drawn out folklore stuff makes more sense and gets less
tedious each time.

--
dw

A.D. Wright

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Dec 30, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/30/96
to

In article <851957212s...@horizon.co.uk>, Richard Ashton
<a...@horizon.co.uk> writes

>Never one to stay on topic. Has any one finished John LeCarre's "A
>Perfect Spy",

Yes, and even though I generally think highly of le Carre...

> and was it worth it.
>
No.

Night Manager/Our Game better though not a touch on the earlier works -
Small Town in../Looking Glass../Smiley v Karla
--
Tony

Cris

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Dec 30, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/30/96
to

Ka...@carterce.demon.co.uk (KKKKatie) wrote:

:The most unreadable book ever is Manzoni's I Promessi Sposi IMHO, natch.

Who? What? Plus, anything by the unspeakably pretentious Umberto Eco

:The only 2 books I never managed to finish were Tom Jones and The Good
:Soldier Schweik. At one time I owned 3 copies of TGSS because I kept buying
:it to read on trains, convinced that *this* time I'd get through it.

Lurved reading Tom Jones ... and loved reading, at about the same time
in my life, Tristram Shandy, Madame Bovary, The Red and the Black, The
Brothers Karamazov, Moby Dick, Anna Karenina, The Sound and the Fury
and Ulysses (Joyce).

Never *have* finished Catch 22.

Cris

KKKKatie

unread,
Dec 30, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/30/96
to

> I reread LotR once every ten years or so. It must be almost time for
> another go at it. I *tried* to read The Silmarillion, but had to give
> up. That must be a candidate for the most unreadable book ever written.

I reread TotR once every ten years or so and get less out of it each time.
I loved it when I was about 15 now I find it increasingly portentious
every time *and* the way everybody patronises Sam gets on my nerves.

The Silmarillion has all the worst faults of LotR and none of the
high points. But I *have* finished it.

The most unreadable book ever is Manzoni's I Promessi Sposi IMHO, natch.

The only 2 books I never managed to finish were Tom Jones and The Good
Soldier Schweik. At one time I owned 3 copies of TGSS because I kept buying
it to read on trains, convinced that *this* time I'd get through it.

Kate
-
Just back from the US - you've got to love a country that puts
"Vertical Clearance Impeded" for "Low Bridge"


John Hall

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Dec 30, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/30/96
to

In article <851972...@mist.demon.co.uk>, Iolo Davidson
<io...@mist.demon.co.uk> writes
>In article <Wya9dBBi...@jhall.demon.co.uk>

> jo...@jhall.demon.co.uk "John Hall" writes:
>
>> And of course the money ran out
>> (the only plausible explanation of why they
>> broke off at such an unlikely point in the story).
>
>That was just where Tolkein ended it, as I remember.

Assuming we are talking about the same film (and I'm only aware of the
one), as I recall it broke off somewhere halfway through the second
volume.
--
Distrust any enterprise that requires new clothes.
Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)

Steve Firth

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Dec 30, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/30/96
to

In article <851938...@carterce.demon.co.uk>,
Ka...@carterce.demon.co.uk (KKKKatie) wrote:

>The only 2 books I never managed to finish were Tom Jones and The Good
>Soldier Schweik.

Tom Jones I understand, but Schweyk? I couldn't put it down and finished it
inside a day. Not onlyt is it very funny, but his restaurant is one of my
favourites.

KKKKatie

unread,
Dec 30, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/30/96
to

In article <AEED5E16...@firthcom.demon.co.uk>
fil...@firthcom.demon.co.uk "Steve Firth" writes:

>
> >The only 2 books I never managed to finish were Tom Jones and The Good
> >Soldier Schweik.
>
> Tom Jones I understand, but Schweyk? I couldn't put it down and finished it
> inside a day. Not onlyt is it very funny, but his restaurant is one of my
> favourites.

I know I know - why do you think I ended up with 3 copies? I ought to love
it - after all anyone who can finish I Promessi Sposi should be able
to finish anything.

Kate

--

leo

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Dec 31, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/31/96
to

In article <32df2f71...@news.demon.co.uk>
cr...@crisco.demon.co.uk "Cris" writes:

>
> Lurved reading Tom Jones ... and loved reading, at about the same time
> in my life, Tristram Shandy, Madame Bovary, The Red and the Black, The
> Brothers Karamazov, Moby Dick, Anna Karenina, The Sound and the Fury
> and Ulysses (Joyce).
>
> Never *have* finished Catch 22.

Been rummaging through my library again, I see - I finished Catch-22
but never could stomach anything else by Heller


--
leo


Terrance Richard Boyes

unread,
Dec 31, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/31/96
to

John Hall (jo...@jhall.demon.co.uk) wrote:
> <io...@mist.demon.co.uk> writes

> > jo...@jhall.demon.co.uk "John Hall" writes:
> >
> >> And of course the money ran out
> >> (the only plausible explanation of why they
> >> broke off at such an unlikely point in the story).
> >
> >That was just where Tolkein ended it, as I remember.
>
> Assuming we are talking about the same film (and I'm only aware of the
> one), as I recall it broke off somewhere halfway through the second
> volume.

AFAIK there's only been one. And yes it ended just after the battle at
Helm's Deep (or summat, it's been a long time).

I also STR that there was meant to be a second film.

Personally I enjoyed the film, but there always seem to be something missing.

There is such a fine line between genius and stupidity."
- David St. Hubbins, "Spinal Tap"

Haplo

unread,
Dec 31, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/31/96
to

In a previous episode, Cris mumbled...

> Never *have* finished Catch 22.

Don't attempt the (so-called) sequel, then. I think it's called Closing Time,
but I can't remember and I've loaned it to my sister. I found it quite hard
going, although I loved Catch 22. Not so much a sequel as a book that has
Yossarian and a couple of others in it when they're much older. It was worth
it in the long run, but I was tempted not to bother several times.

--
dw

Cris

unread,
Dec 31, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/31/96
to

l...@lgab.demon.co.uk (leo) wrote:

:In article <32df2f71...@news.demon.co.uk>


: cr...@crisco.demon.co.uk "Cris" writes:
:
:> Lurved reading Tom Jones ... and loved reading, at about the same time
:> in my life, Tristram Shandy, Madame Bovary, The Red and the Black, The
:> Brothers Karamazov, Moby Dick, Anna Karenina, The Sound and the Fury
:> and Ulysses (Joyce).

:>
:> Never *have* finished Catch 22.
:
:Been rummaging through my library again, I see - I finished Catch-22


:but never could stomach anything else by Heller

What "library"? You haven't even finished the stacks yet, have you?

Oddly enough, though I didn't enjoy Catch 22, I raced through
Something Happened. I'd just terminated a relationship, felt joyously
free, and the book was appropriate to my mood. I feel that a lot of
books, with the exception of those that are truly badly written, have
to be read at the right time in one's life.

Cris

Richard Robinson

unread,
Dec 31, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/31/96
to

In article <32e02fad...@news.demon.co.uk>,
Cris <cr...@crisco.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>a...@horizon.co.uk (Richard Ashton) wrote:
>
>:In article <851938...@carterce.demon.co.uk>
>: Ka...@carterce.demon.co.uk "KKKKatie" writes:
>:}
>:} I reread TotR once every ten years or so and get less out of it each time.

>:} I loved it when I was about 15 now I find it increasingly portentious
>:} every time *and* the way everybody patronises Sam gets on my nerves.
>:
>:Never one to stay on topic. Has any one finished John LeCarre's "A
>:Perfect Spy", and was it worth it.

I finished it. Not at all one of his best, doesn't get spectacularly better.
If you're wondering whether it's worth it, it probably isn't.

>His style became hackneyed after the first half dozen or so novels ...
>and I gave up.

I think he's run out of things that suit his style to write about.
The Little Drummer Girl was brilliant (imo) but apart from that he seems
to have had trouble dealing with the New World Order.

>I was told, BTW, that one of 'his' novels (The Naive and Sentimental
>Lover), was *not* written by him, but by another writer who was in
>financial difficulties at the time, and Cornwell had it published
>under the le Carre monicker in order to aid the penniless scribe.

This, oddly, is the one that 'the Perfect Spy' most reminds me of. I didn't
reckon much to that one at all.

A bothersome story. False Pretences ?

--
Richard Robinson, Leeds, UK.
"The whole plan hinged upon the natural curiosity of potatoes" - S. Lem
Nothing in the above should be read as suggesting that
I may wish to receive bulk mailshots. I do *NOT*.

John Hall

unread,
Dec 31, 1996, 3:00:00 AM12/31/96
to

In article <32df2f71...@news.demon.co.uk>, Cris
<cr...@crisco.demon.co.uk> writes

>Lurved reading Tom Jones ... and loved reading, at about the same time
>in my life, Tristram Shandy, Madame Bovary, The Red and the Black, The
>Brothers Karamazov, Moby Dick, Anna Karenina, The Sound and the Fury
>and Ulysses (Joyce).

The only one of these I've read was Moby Dick, when aged about 11. I
feel very guilty over having read so few of the world's great works of
literature. And with the Internet now consuming the greater part of my
leisure hours, the prospect that I ever will get round to reading them
is fast receding.

When the BBC did their excellent dramatisation of War and Peace some 20
years ago (Anthony Hopkins brilliant as Pierre), I was sufficiently
impressed to buy the novel. I struggled as far as page 100 before giving
up. I suspect that Russian doesn't translate well into English (that's
my excuse, anyway).
--
"He crams with cans of poisoned meat
The subjects of the King,
And when they die by thousands G.K.Chesterton:
Why, he laughs like anything." from "Song Against Grocers"

leo

unread,
Jan 1, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/1/97
to

In article <xZ6H9DAk...@wunjo.demon.co.uk>

ti...@wunjo.demon.co.uk "Tina J Perrett" writes:

> >Tool of a ... no, no, let's not start that. Dare I assume that there
> >are a lot of Tolkien readers around here?
> >
> The road goes on ever and on
> Down from the road where it began


There are no brothels in Tolkien

--
leo


ct

unread,
Jan 1, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/1/97
to
>Ka...@carterce.demon.co.uk (KKKKatie) wrote:
>
>:The most unreadable book ever is Manzoni's I Promessi Sposi IMHO, natch.
>
>Who? What? Plus, anything by the unspeakably pretentious Umberto Eco

Oh dear, I'm about 3/4 of the way through The Island of the Day Before
by Umberto E, it's OK...perhaps >I'm< pretentious :-)

OTOH I found The Hobbit, LotR and Terry Pratchett unreadable.

I've just been given a copy of 'Notes from a Small Island' by Bill
Bryson, on first inspection I reckon I'll have it finished by tomorrow.

The microwave has packed up so we've got to go out and ferret for a new
one, and I'm putting an application in for a new job at the moment, and
there's some videos to watch. Still, I reckon I'll have 'Notes...'
finished by tomorrow. Didn't someone mention on d.l that they'd read
this, a few weeks ago?

--
Christine <*>


Andrew J Paddon

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Jan 1, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/1/97
to

In article <r$ljTDAt4wxyEw$8...@lro-g.demon.co.uk>, Pete Bramley <pete@lro-
g.demon.co.uk> writes

>In article <70FWseAe...@jhall.demon.co.uk>, John Hall
><jo...@jhall.demon.co.uk> writes
>>I reread LotR once every ten years or so. It must be almost time for
>>another go at it. I *tried* to read The Silmarillion, but had to give
>>up. That must be a candidate for the most unreadable book ever written.
>
>Try again the effort is worth it, believe me!!
>
Never, try pratchet instead.
--
Andy "still not dead"

Andrew J Paddon

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Jan 1, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/1/97
to

In article <1tHTqBA1...@publishing.demon.co.uk>, Jenna Little
<ed...@publishing.demon.co.uk> writes
>writes
>>
>>Tool of a ... no, no, let's not start that. Dare I assume that there
>>are a lot of Tolkien readers around here?
>
>You can bet your Bilbo Baggins there are!!

Bilbo might be a dab hand with trolls, but give me Rincewind to save
the world anyday.
--
Andy "turtle power"

Steve Firth

unread,
Jan 1, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/1/97
to

In article <852078...@lgab.demon.co.uk>,
l...@lgab.demon.co.uk (leo) wrote:

>There are no brothels in Tolkien

Where do they buy their soup then?

John Hall

unread,
Jan 1, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/1/97
to

In article <852078...@lgab.demon.co.uk>, leo <l...@lgab.demon.co.uk>
writes

>
>There are no brothels in Tolkien
>
Nor even any sex. Plenty of drinking and smoking, though.
--
"It pays to be obvious, especially if you have a reputation for
subtlety."
Isaac Asimov

John Hall

unread,
Jan 1, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/1/97
to

In article <OF2GlJA0...@ctaylor.demon.co.uk>, ct <ChristineTaylor@c
taylor.demon.co.uk> writes

>I've just been given a copy of 'Notes from a Small Island' by Bill
>Bryson, on first inspection I reckon I'll have it finished by tomorrow.
>
>The microwave has packed up so we've got to go out and ferret for a new
>one, and I'm putting an application in for a new job at the moment, and
>there's some videos to watch. Still, I reckon I'll have 'Notes...'
>finished by tomorrow. Didn't someone mention on d.l that they'd read
>this, a few weeks ago?

Both KKKKatie and I have read it. Very good, but not quite as funny as
The Lost Continent IMO.

Cris

unread,
Jan 1, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/1/97
to

ct <Christi...@ctaylor.demon.co.uk> wrote:

[cut]

:In article <32df2f71...@news.demon.co.uk>, Cris
:<cr...@crisco.demon.co.uk> writes
:>
:>Who? What? Plus, anything by the unspeakably pretentious Umberto Eco


:
:Oh dear, I'm about 3/4 of the way through The Island of the Day Before
:by Umberto E, it's OK...perhaps >I'm< pretentious :-)

Nah ... just me trolling!

:OTOH I found The Hobbit, LotR and Terry Pratchett unreadable.

Odd the degree to which tastes differ I loved The Hobbit and LotR. But
I've never read any Pratchett.

:The microwave has packed up so we've got to go out and ferret

Which reminds me: "Kissy, kissy".

:and I'm putting an application in for a new job at the moment,

Good luck!

Cris

ct

unread,
Jan 1, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/1/97
to

In article <32dda0cb...@news.demon.co.uk>, Cris
<cr...@crisco.demon.co.uk> writes

>:The microwave has packed up so we've got to go out and ferret
>
>Which reminds me: "Kissy, kissy".

erm, kissy kissy back, Happy Noooo Year
I'm writing this at 11.30 pm, a new microwave has *not* been bought, we
have had a total slob day and not been over the door step, but I've
managed to get halfway through Bill Bryson. (just for the pedants)

>:and I'm putting an application in for a new job at the moment,
>
>Good luck!

Thanks Cris, I've only done the application form, the letter of
application still has to be tackled!!!

Still, the closing date isn't till Friday, there's a whole 24 hours to
go yet:-)
--
Christine <*>


Donald R. Oddy

unread,
Jan 1, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/1/97
to

In article <851886...@tauzero.demon.co.uk>
Mi...@tauzero.demon.co.uk "Mike Fleming" writes:

>In article <70FWseAe...@jhall.demon.co.uk>


> jo...@jhall.demon.co.uk "John Hall" writes:
>
>> I reread LotR once every ten years or so. It must be almost time for
>> another go at it. I *tried* to read The Silmarillion, but had to give
>> up. That must be a candidate for the most unreadable book ever written.
>

>That's all right then. If you can't read it, John, then I think
>that I can cope with my own inability to get further than
>halfway down the first page.

I have read it all though, but it isn't written so much as thrown
together. There are lots of good stories in there but JRR's drafts
were only briefly edited by his son before being published. As
background information on Middle Earth it's very interesting but as
a story it is unreadable.

--
Donald
http://www.grove.demon.co.uk/


Cris

unread,
Jan 2, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/2/97
to

ct <Christi...@ctaylor.demon.co.uk> wrote:

:In article <32dda0cb...@news.demon.co.uk>, Cris


:<cr...@crisco.demon.co.uk> writes
:>:The microwave has packed up so we've got to go out and ferret
:>
:>Which reminds me: "Kissy, kissy".
:
:erm, kissy kissy back, Happy Noooo Year

Nah, I was 'kissy kissy' the ferret! But 'erm' to you too!

:I'm writing this at 11.30 pm, a new microwave has *not* been bought, we


:have had a total slob day and not been over the door step, but I've
:managed to get halfway through Bill Bryson. (just for the pedants)

I had a slob day yesterday as well ... deserved it, not having gone to
bed until 04.00 ... but my new neighbours joined me in a two-hour dog
walk in the snow. Great stuff! But the punters were as demanding as
they always are when the roads are hazardous with snow:

Can you collect us [blah blah] it's only a short distance and
we don't want to risk taking the car out.

So sorry! [either] I'm fully booked [or else] I don't want to
risk taking my car out either.

:>:and I'm putting an application in for a new job at the moment,


:>
:>Good luck!
:
:Thanks Cris, I've only done the application form, the letter of
:application still has to be tackled!!!
:
:Still, the closing date isn't till Friday, there's a whole 24 hours to
:go yet:-)

In that case, you'd better hurry up and finish that book, else you'll
never get the letter done!

Cris

Tina J Perrett

unread,
Jan 2, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/2/97
to

In article <70FWseAe...@jhall.demon.co.uk>, John Hall
<jo...@jhall.demon.co.uk> writes

>I reread LotR once every ten years or so. It must be almost time for
>another go at it.

Yes, it's a book I like rereading.......

> I *tried* to read The Silmarillion, but had to give
>up. That must be a candidate for the most unreadable book ever written.

I too gave it a go, but couldn't make any sense of it. I might have
another try one day.

--
Tina J Perrett - There now follows an advert on behalf of Steven J Lilley:-
The lightest Cakes, Pastry, Puddings &c., are made using BORWICK's BAKING
POWDER. the Best and Purest in the World. Resolutely Refuse all Substitutes
- resolve to start this New Year!


Tina J Perrett

unread,
Jan 2, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/2/97
to

>Lurved reading Tom Jones ... and loved reading, at about the same time


>in my life, Tristram Shandy, Madame Bovary, The Red and the Black, The
>Brothers Karamazov, Moby Dick, Anna Karenina, The Sound and the Fury
>and Ulysses (Joyce).
>

I remember that when I was about 14, it was all the rage to boast you
had read War and Peace. Consequently it was never available at the
library, so I read Anna Karenina instead......twas a bit depressing,
almost as bad as the Mayor of Casterbridge and Jude the Obscure.

I nominate Thomas Hardy for the Most Depressed Author award.

John Hall

unread,
Jan 2, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/2/97
to

In article <4EB$BYB3+6...@shirecol.demon.co.uk>, Vivianne <vivianne@s
hirecol.demon.co.uk> writes
>In article <Wqb9LhAr...@jhall.demon.co.uk>, John Hall
><jo...@jhall.demon.co.uk> wibbled ........

>>In article <852078...@lgab.demon.co.uk>, leo <l...@lgab.demon.co.uk>
>>writes
>>>
>>>There are no brothels in Tolkien
>>>
>>Nor even any sex. Plenty of drinking and smoking, though.
>
>There was always sex in LotR

Not very much if you were a dwarf, though, I'd guess.

> - it just wasn't written about.
>
>
Probably wise of Tolkien not to write about something that, I'd guess,
he didn't know much about (though he did manage to have a son). Very few
female characters at all in LoTR, of course (Galadriel, Eowyn and Shelob
are about the only ones who can be described as major characters).
--
Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)
"I am not young enough to know everything."

leo

unread,
Jan 2, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/2/97
to

In article <4EB$BYB3+6...@shirecol.demon.co.uk>
vivi...@shirecol.demon.co.uk "Vivianne" writes:

> >>There are no brothels in Tolkien
> >>
> >Nor even any sex. Plenty of drinking and smoking, though.
>

> There was always sex in LotR - it just wasn't written about.


Explain, explain. Was it in the pictures or somewhere in the book margins?


--
leo


Vivianne

unread,
Jan 2, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/2/97
to
>writes
>>
>>There are no brothels in Tolkien
>>
>Nor even any sex. Plenty of drinking and smoking, though.

There was always sex in LotR - it just wasn't written about.


--
"There's laughter as I drown
Like so many lost before me
Damned by lust and gone to Hell"

Chris Morgan

unread,
Jan 3, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/3/97
to

In article <851953...@carterce.demon.co.uk>
Ka...@carterce.demon.co.uk (KKKKatie) writes:

I know I know - why do you think I ended up with 3 copies? I ought to love
it - after all anyone who can finish I Promessi Sposi should be able
to finish anything.


Have you read Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon? It's not unreadable
because I for one have read it, however it takes a lot of
determination!

Chris
--
Quidquid latine dictum sit, altum viditur.

Vivianne

unread,
Jan 3, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/3/97
to

In article <852247...@lgab.demon.co.uk>, leo <l...@lgab.demon.co.uk>
wibbled ........
>In article <4EB$BYB3+6...@shirecol.demon.co.uk>

> vivi...@shirecol.demon.co.uk "Vivianne" writes:
>
>> >>There are no brothels in Tolkien
>> >>
>> >Nor even any sex. Plenty of drinking and smoking, though.
>>
>> There was always sex in LotR - it just wasn't written about.
>
>
>Explain, explain. Was it in the pictures or somewhere in the book margins?
>
>
Behind the trees, in the bushes, out back of the inn - or was it just my
dirty mind...?

Chris Morgan

unread,
Jan 3, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/3/97
to

In article <70FWseAe...@jhall.demon.co.uk> John Hall
<jo...@jhall.demon.co.uk> writes:

> I reread LotR once every ten years or so. It must be almost time for

> another go at it. I *tried* to read The Silmarillion, but had to give


> up. That must be a candidate for the most unreadable book ever written.

Wash your mouth out!

But seriously, the Silmarillion gets easier to read later on and the
stories are dead good. When you've read about Elves nipping down to
the depths of Angband and nicking a Silmaril from Melkor, The Lord of
the Rings seems more like a soap!

Jenna Little

unread,
Jan 3, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/3/97
to

In article <JgzZjVAJ...@wunjo.demon.co.uk>, Tina J Perrett
<ti...@wunjo.demon.co.uk> writes

>I remember that when I was about 14, it was all the rage to boast you
>had read War and Peace. Consequently it was never available at the
>library, so I read Anna Karenina instead......twas a bit depressing,
>almost as bad as the Mayor of Casterbridge and Jude the Obscure.

Did you watch 'Mill on the Floss' the other night?
Palpitating bosums and a lot of water..it was also quite dreary.

>I nominate Thomas Hardy for the Most Depressed Author award.

Seconded

--
Jenna

Turnpike evaluation. For Turnpike information, mailto:in...@turnpike.com

Richard Robinson

unread,
Jan 3, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/3/97
to

In article <kfGI3RBs...@shirecol.demon.co.uk>,

Vivianne <vivi...@shirecol.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>In article <852247...@lgab.demon.co.uk>, leo <l...@lgab.demon.co.uk>
>wibbled ........
>>In article <4EB$BYB3+6...@shirecol.demon.co.uk>
>> vivi...@shirecol.demon.co.uk "Vivianne" writes:
>>
>>> >>There are no brothels in Tolkien
>>> >>
>>> >Nor even any sex. Plenty of drinking and smoking, though.
>>>
>>> There was always sex in LotR - it just wasn't written about.
>>
>>Explain, explain. Was it in the pictures or somewhere in the book margins?
>>
>Behind the trees, in the bushes, out back of the inn - or was it just my
>dirty mind...?

Maybe you got the National Lampoon version ? 'Bored of the Rings'.

leo

unread,
Jan 3, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/3/97
to

In article <MuWnQNBY...@jhall.demon.co.uk>
jo...@jhall.demon.co.uk "John Hall" writes:

> >>>There are no brothels in Tolkien
> >>>
> >>Nor even any sex. Plenty of drinking and smoking, though.
> >
> >There was always sex in LotR
>

> Not very much if you were a dwarf, though, I'd guess.
>

> > - it just wasn't written about.
> >

> Probably wise of Tolkien not to write about something that, I'd guess,
> he didn't know much about (though he did manage to have a son). Very few
> female characters at all in LoTR, of course (Galadriel, Eowyn and Shelob
> are about the only ones who can be described as major characters).

Arwen?


--
leo


Neil Barker

unread,
Jan 3, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/3/97
to

In article: <70FWseAe...@jhall.demon.co.uk> John Hall
<jo...@jhall.demon.co.uk> writes:

> That must be a candidate for the most unreadable book ever written.

Errrr, I'm still struggling through 'Topsy and Tim go shopping'.

--
Neil Barker.

John Hall

unread,
Jan 3, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/3/97
to

In article <5aj803$t...@beulah.demon.co.uk>, Richard Robinson
<ric...@beulah.demon.co.uk> writes

>Maybe you got the National Lampoon version ? 'Bored of the Rings'.

I thought that was rather puerile, although I liked the idea of the
monster called the Thesaurus.
--
"But I am a great eater of beef, and I believe
that does harm to my wit."
William Shakespeare, "Twelfth Night"

Tina J Perrett

unread,
Jan 3, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/3/97
to

In article <+q2h7FA7...@publishing.demon.co.uk>, Jenna Little
<ed...@publishing.demon.co.uk> writes

>Did you watch 'Mill on the Floss' the other night?

No I've got it on tape......

>Palpitating bosums and a lot of water..it was also quite dreary.

Oh!

Craig Oldfield

unread,
Jan 4, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/4/97
to

In article: <28447...@nbarker.demon.co.uk> Neil Barker
<Ne...@nbarker.demon.co.uk> writes:

> > That must be a candidate for the most unreadable book ever written.
>
> Errrr, I'm still struggling through 'Topsy and Tim go shopping'.

Have you tried "Janet and John Get a New Camera"?
--
Craig Oldfield

David Hadley

unread,
Jan 4, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/4/97
to

Tina J Perrett <ti...@wunjo.demon.co.uk> wrote:

>I nominate Thomas Hardy for the Most Depressed Author award.

In that case have a read of 'Peeping Tom' by Howard Jacobson and have
a laugh.

--
David Hadley

David Hadley

unread,
Jan 4, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/4/97
to

ct <Christi...@ctaylor.demon.co.uk> wrote:

>>Ka...@carterce.demon.co.uk (KKKKatie) wrote:
>>
>>:The most unreadable book ever is Manzoni's I Promessi Sposi IMHO, natch.


>>
>>Who? What? Plus, anything by the unspeakably pretentious Umberto Eco
>
>Oh dear, I'm about 3/4 of the way through The Island of the Day Before
>by Umberto E, it's OK...perhaps >I'm< pretentious :-)
>

I've read The Name of the Thingy and fuckall's Wotsit and Travels in
Hyperreality (which I liked the best), but I'm still undecided about
Umberto.

Unreadable book: Anything by L. Ron Hubbard - far too may exclamation
marks per page.

>OTOH I found The Hobbit, LotR and Terry Pratchett unreadable.
>

I've read the Hobbit, have only a vague desire to read LotR and really
like Pratchett.

>I've just been given a copy of 'Notes from a Small Island' by Bill
>Bryson, on first inspection I reckon I'll have it finished by tomorrow.
>

I want to have a look at his stuff.

>The microwave has packed up so we've got to go out and ferret for a new
>one, and I'm putting an application in for a new job at the moment, and

Emerging from behind the stacked folders eh?


>there's some videos to watch. Still, I reckon I'll have 'Notes...'
>finished by tomorrow. Didn't someone mention on d.l that they'd read
>this, a few weeks ago?
>

Not me, I'm trying to get on with The Famished Road by Ben Okri, I
seem to have had an overdose of Iain Banks lately though.

--
David Hadley

Richard Robinson

unread,
Jan 4, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/4/97
to

In article <OL73J6Av...@jhall.demon.co.uk>,

John Hall <jo...@jhall.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>In article <5aj803$t...@beulah.demon.co.uk>, Richard Robinson
><ric...@beulah.demon.co.uk> writes
>>Maybe you got the National Lampoon version ? 'Bored of the Rings'.
>
>I thought that was rather puerile, although I liked the idea of the
>monster called the Thesaurus.

Yes, well I don't think we quite agree on LoTR. I welcomed the change in
style of puerility :)

Mike Fleming

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Jan 4, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/4/97
to

On Thu, 2 Jan 1997 21:14:00 +0000, John Hall <jo...@jhall.demon.co.uk>
wrote:

> Probably wise of Tolkien not to write about something that, I'd guess,
> he didn't know much about (though he did manage to have a son). Very few
> female characters at all in LoTR, of course (Galadriel, Eowyn and Shelob
> are about the only ones who can be described as major characters).

You obviously haven't read the most recent edition, where the Spice
Girls make a cameo appearance.

Mike Fleming

unread,
Jan 4, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/4/97
to

On Fri, 3 Jan 1997 20:58:23 +0000, John Hall <jo...@jhall.demon.co.uk>
wrote:

> In article <5aj803$t...@beulah.demon.co.uk>, Richard Robinson


> <ric...@beulah.demon.co.uk> writes
> >Maybe you got the National Lampoon version ? 'Bored of the Rings'.
>
> I thought that was rather puerile, although I liked the idea of the
> monster called the Thesaurus.

Peurile maybe, but it doesn't stop it being funny...

I think that 'Doon' takes some beating as far as rip-offs go,
though...

Haplo

unread,
Jan 4, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/4/97
to

In a previous episode, Neil Barker mumbled...

> In article: <70FWseAe...@jhall.demon.co.uk> John Hall

> <jo...@jhall.demon.co.uk> writes:
>
> > That must be a candidate for the most unreadable book ever written.
>
> Errrr, I'm still struggling through 'Topsy and Tim go shopping'.

I thought it was 'Tipsy and Tom', an everyday story of a prostitute and her
alcoholic pimp.

--
dw

Haplo

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Jan 4, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/4/97
to

In a previous episode, David Hadley mumbled...

> >Oh dear, I'm about 3/4 of the way through The Island of the Day Before
> >by Umberto E, it's OK...perhaps >I'm< pretentious :-)
> >
>
> I've read The Name of the Thingy and fuckall's Wotsit and Travels in
> Hyperreality (which I liked the best), but I'm still undecided about
> Umberto.

I managed Focault's Pendulum without *too* much trouble. I suspect it's a
book that I would enjoy much more at the second sitting.

--
dw, remembering to get his copy of The Illuminatus Trilogy back from its
borrower...

John Hall

unread,
Jan 4, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/4/97
to

In article <32cdb5b1...@news.demon.co.uk>, Mike Fleming
<mi...@tauzero.demon.co.uk> writes

>I think that 'Doon' takes some beating as far as rip-offs go,
>though...

Now *that* I did enjoy. I suspect that when you read a supposedly funny
book a lot depends on your frame of mind at the time. Maybe I was in the
right mood then but not when I read "Bored of the Things" (which IIRC
was the name of the LoTR parody).
--
Wit is educated insolence.
Aristotle (322-284 B.C.)

Neil Barker

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Jan 4, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/4/97
to

In article: <89040...@thebrink.demon.co.uk> Craig Oldfield
<Cr...@thebrink.demon.co.uk> writes:

> Have you tried "Janet and John Get a New Camera"?

...and who do you think is John's role model ?

--
Neil Barker.

Neil Barker

unread,
Jan 4, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/4/97
to

In article: <memo.9701040...@patryn.demon.co.uk>
ha...@patryn.demon.co.uk (Haplo) writes:

> I thought it was 'Tipsy and Tom', an everyday story of a prostitute
> and her alcoholic pimp.

Ah yes, the Lambeth Council P.C. version....

--
Neil Barker.

John Hall

unread,
Jan 4, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/4/97
to
writes

>> Probably wise of Tolkien not to write about something that, I'd guess,
>> he didn't know much about (though he did manage to have a son). Very few
>> female characters at all in LoTR, of course (Galadriel, Eowyn and Shelob
>> are about the only ones who can be described as major characters).
>
>Arwen?

She makes only the most flighting appearance in the main story, IIRC,
although she does get a whole appendix devoted to the story of her and
Aragorn.

Craig Oldfield

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Jan 5, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/5/97
to

In article: <167479...@nbarker.demon.co.uk> Neil Barker
<Ne...@nbarker.demon.co.uk> writes:

> > Have you tried "Janet and John Get a New Camera"?
>
> ...and who do you think is John's role model ?

I haven't read Janet and John have a roll yet.
--
Craig Oldfield

David Hadley

unread,
Jan 5, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/5/97
to

William Tarr <w...@tarrcity.demon.co.uk> wrote:

>John Hall <jo...@jhall.demon.co.uk> wrote:
>>I reread LotR once every ten years or so. It must be almost time for
>>another go at it. I *tried* to read The Silmarillion, but had to give

>>up. That must be a candidate for the most unreadable book ever written.
> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
>My candidate is Joyce's Ulysses - I *start* it every 10 years or so and
>have yet to finish it :(

I've managed to read it three times, but it took a long, long time for
me to get through it the first time.

Now I'm having the same trouble with Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas
Pychon, I have read the first few pages several times. It is back on
the unread shelves now waiting for the next attempt.

--
David Hadley

David Hadley

unread,
Jan 5, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/5/97
to

Neil Barker <Ne...@nbarker.demon.co.uk> wrote:

>In article: <70FWseAe...@jhall.demon.co.uk> John Hall
><jo...@jhall.demon.co.uk> writes:
>

>> That must be a candidate for the most unreadable book ever written.
>

>Errrr, I'm still struggling through 'Topsy and Tim go shopping'.
>

We've got the CD Rom version if you want to try that instead.

--
David Hadley

Tina J Perrett

unread,
Jan 5, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/5/97
to

In article <32cc8c7c.2485246@news>, David Hadley
<da...@dhadley.demon.co.uk> writes

> I
>seem to have had an overdose of Iain Banks lately though.
>
Curiously, so have I. I've just read Whit and Complicity.

Paul Spencer

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Jan 5, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/5/97
to

John and Cris and others wrote of books to give up on:

>>The Silmarillion

yes

>And Finnigans Wake

Ulysses (I may have got onto page 2)

and Hermann Hesse's Damien.

I think these are the only three books I have given up on (and I am a
Hesse fan apart from this book - perhaps I wasn't in the right mood).

--
Paul

Paul Spencer

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Jan 5, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/5/97
to

ct <Christi...@ctaylor.demon.co.uk> wrote:

>Still, I reckon I'll have 'Notes...'
>finished by tomorrow. Didn't someone mention on d.l that they'd read
>this, a few weeks ago?

That was me, that was. Paid my 60p to reserve it from the library as
there was a waiting list. I thought it was good to start with, but got
a bit samey towards the end.

I think it's about time I read Wild Swans. I guess I will have to
reserve that as well as it is never on the shelves (but a copy is due
back today).

--
Paul

Paul Spencer

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Jan 5, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/5/97
to

cr...@crisco.demon.co.uk (Cris) wrote:

>I'd just terminated a relationship, felt joyously
>free, and the book was appropriate to my mood. I feel that a lot of
>books, with the exception of those that are truly badly written, have
>to be read at the right time in one's life.

Definitely true of the books that make you think. I read the Glass
Bead Game when I was depressed in my second year at Uni, and every
page nearly had me jumping out of the window.

--
Paul

Neil Barker

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Jan 5, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/5/97
to

In article: <44405...@thebrink.demon.co.uk> Craig Oldfield
<Cr...@thebrink.demon.co.uk> writes:

> I haven't read Janet and John have a roll yet.

What - you mean you haven't seen 'Janet does Dallas' ?

--
Neil Barker.

leo

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Jan 5, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/5/97
to

In article <32cf3897.2459047@news>
da...@dhadley.demon.co.uk "David Hadley" writes:

> Now I'm having the same trouble with Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas
> Pychon, I have read the first few pages several times. It is back on
> the unread shelves now waiting for the next attempt.

Why bother? It's a turgid, suety, undigested mass.


--
leo


John Bradbury

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Jan 6, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/6/97
to

In article <467556...@nbarker.demon.co.uk>, Neil Barker
<Ne...@nbarker.demon.co.uk> writes
Wasn't this in the days when a certain Mr J Major was in charge there
(or says he was!)
--
John Bradbury (j...@bosservc.demon.co.uk)

Donald R. Oddy

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Jan 6, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/6/97
to

In article <467556...@nbarker.demon.co.uk>
Ne...@nbarker.demon.co.uk "Neil Barker" writes:

>In article: <memo.9701040...@patryn.demon.co.uk>
>ha...@patryn.demon.co.uk (Haplo) writes:
>
>> I thought it was 'Tipsy and Tom', an everyday story of a prostitute
>> and her alcoholic pimp.
>
>Ah yes, the Lambeth Council P.C. version....

Surely the PC version would have a male prostitute and his alcholic
female pimp.

--
Donald
http://www.grove.demon.co.uk/


Mike Fleming

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Jan 7, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/7/97
to

On Sat, 4 Jan 1997 14:36:19 +0000, John Hall <jo...@jhall.demon.co.uk>
wrote:

> In article <32cdb5b1...@news.demon.co.uk>, Mike Fleming


> <mi...@tauzero.demon.co.uk> writes
> >I think that 'Doon' takes some beating as far as rip-offs go,
> >though...
>
> Now *that* I did enjoy. I suspect that when you read a supposedly funny
> book a lot depends on your frame of mind at the time. Maybe I was in the
> right mood then but not when I read "Bored of the Things" (which IIRC
> was the name of the LoTR parody).

It was 'Bored of the Ring' - I think you need a fair amount of
knowledge of American products and advertising to appreciate it fully.
A lot of the renaming jokes went right by me.

KKKKatie

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Jan 7, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/7/97
to

Hear hear.

Let's mutate this thread into "Acknowledged Classics of Literature I have
Loathed."

I nominate Wuthering Heights - a book so deeply offensive I only managed to
force my way though it by sheer cussedness.

Kate
--
Just back from the US - you've got to love a country that puts
"Vertical Clearance Impeded" for "Low Bridge"


Vivianne

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Jan 7, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/7/97
to

In article <32d030ec...@news.demon.co.uk>, Paul Spencer
<pa...@galuk.demon.co.uk> wibbled ........

>
>Definitely true of the books that make you think. I read the Glass
>Bead Game when I was depressed in my second year at Uni, and every
>page nearly had me jumping out of the window.
>
Erk! It is sitting staring at me from the bookshelf as I type. Either
I never made it to the end or I have forgotten what happened. Damn. Do
I have to read it again?


--
"We aliens, set apart, reach only with fantasies"
www.vanillapod.demon.co.uk

Chris Morgan

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Jan 7, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/7/97
to

In article <$EBKQOAJ...@vanillapod.demon.co.uk> Vivianne
<vivi...@vanillapod.demon.co.uk> writes:

> In article <32d030ec...@news.demon.co.uk>, Paul Spencer
> <pa...@galuk.demon.co.uk> wibbled ........
> >
> >Definitely true of the books that make you think. I read the Glass
> >Bead Game when I was depressed in my second year at Uni, and every
> >page nearly had me jumping out of the window.
> >
> Erk! It is sitting staring at me from the bookshelf as I type. Either
> I never made it to the end or I have forgotten what happened. Damn. Do
> I have to read it again?

No, all you really need to read by Herman Hesse is "Narziss and
Goldmunde" and "Siddhartha". The rest are nowhere as good. Steppenwolf
is just wierd and The Glass Bead Game is flawed. I quite enjoyed
Pictor's Metamorphoses (short stories) but none of his other books
even come to mind these days.

Chris
--
Quidquid latine dictum sit, altum viditur.

Adam Lloyd

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Jan 7, 1997, 3:00:00 AM1/7/97
to

In article <m7Oi1CA$C6zy...@wunjo.demon.co.uk>,

Tina J Perrett <ti...@wunjo.demon.co.uk> wrote:

>> I
>>seem to have had an overdose of Iain Banks lately though.
>>
>Curiously, so have I. I've just read Whit and Complicity.

Now, that's really odd, because I'm just about to read Complicity, to be
followed by Whit, and The Bridge. Hmm. Conspiracy theories abound,
methinks.

A.

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