boynton's probably setting herself up here - but we notice the recent run of (0) comments and suspect we may be coming close to the record for consecutive ducks. Maybe boynton will be inducted into the hall of fame. It's a mental game of course, but she may have to tweak the output range to get the input level back to normal.
Comments: duck
I almost feel it necessary to comment being that my first was under similar circumstances (a post about comments). So, essentially, there. I've ruined the 0 once again.
Posted by .es at August 9, 2003 03:00 PM
ah - runs on the board.
That post was absoloutely begging to be so ruined, .es, and I'm so glad one was off the mark so quickly. There was much irony in the duck as she sat, but it was rather embarrassing.
And note the transition: that former post was serious/pompous blogging pontification, this is LCD blogging self-reflection. Maybe that's the normal trajectory?
Posted by boynton at August 9, 2003 03:08 PM
You keep using big words :(
Posted by Scott Wickstein at August 12, 2003 12:56 AM
I'll keep an eye on the syllable levels, Scott ;)
btw - did you see the cricket stats link? A fairly comprehensive site for sportingpundits and trivia heads.
Posted by boynton at August 12, 2003 11:26 AM
Yeah I had a look- but I'm already well covered in the stats section.
Cricket stats are a touchy issue with serious cricket pundits. Each pundit will have his/her own view about the stats that matter.
We are a strange breed, cricket pundits. You think there's some difficult artists? You've seen nothing yet!
Posted by Scott Wickstein at August 13, 2003 12:28 AM
Gosh - this touchy-stats issue is rather intriguing, Scott. Sounds a bit like "What is History?" - some stats - like facts- gain ascendancy, or matter more than others?
There is no such thing as a plain stat?
Posted by boynton at August 13, 2003 12:37 PM
Saturday, August 09, 2003
Thursday, August 07, 2003
mixed pics
Getting the picture - the art of the illustrated letter
features forty artists’ illustrated letters... encompassing exuberant thank you notes, winsome love letters, lively reports of current events, graphic instructions and other personalized communiqué (via wood s lot)
makes boynton want to draw someone a letter...
boynton is starting to think that be wise : listen to it fizz might be a good alternative motto for her blog. From the wonderful American package museum (via Iconomy)
Some local examples of packaging can be seen again here.
all the links are rather sublime in this artful (sensual) post at sublimate
(but perhaps especially confusion figure a)
features forty artists’ illustrated letters... encompassing exuberant thank you notes, winsome love letters, lively reports of current events, graphic instructions and other personalized communiqué (via wood s lot)
makes boynton want to draw someone a letter...
boynton is starting to think that be wise : listen to it fizz might be a good alternative motto for her blog. From the wonderful American package museum (via Iconomy)
Some local examples of packaging can be seen again here.
all the links are rather sublime in this artful (sensual) post at sublimate
(but perhaps especially confusion figure a)
flimsy
boynton didn't last the distance with Jassy late on ABC TV last night. In fact she lasted about 15 minutes, even though she's a bit of a Margaret Lockwood fan. There are a few movies that seem to have a higher than average degree of circulation on the ABC, movies that haunt both the small hours and the unguarded black-and-white Saturday high noon. One that readily springs to screen - and starring Maragret Lockwood - is Love Story. Boynton usually watches this one through because it's sufficiently strange, as this summary of the "flimsy nonsense" may indicate:
She decides to see as much as possible before the Grim Reaper arrives but there's a war on and Cornwall is the best she can manage. She begins to write music but soon meets skiving engineer Stewart Granger. Naturally, she doesn't tell him about her condition and he doesn't tell her that he's not in the war because he's due to go blind in a few months. Still they fall in love despite their best efforts ...
And then there's that composing lark. Films have always bordered on the silly when they've attempted to show any artist at work, but music composers generally come across as complete nutters. Lockwood is a prime example. All it takes is a bit of a breeze and a few squawking seagulls and she's off creating The Cornish Rhapsody...
Although boynton is dutifully sceptical she's also rather fond of some good "flimsy nonsense" if the flimsy is substantial enough to achieve whimsy- so the next time Love Story lobs in at 2.30 am or pm, she'll probably watch it again.
Comments: flimsy
As a child in Melbourne (Carnegie in the 50's),one of our neighbors was Margaret Lockwood's brother.
Just thought I would provide that useless bit of info.
Cheers
Posted by Murray Shepherd at August 12, 2003 03:34 PM
Wow! That's some scoop -just the sort of 'useless bit of info' that I love, Murray.
It surely enhances the reputations of both melb and Carnegie - and is a bit of local folklore I've never heard before.
Cheers.
Posted by boynton at August 12, 2003 03:48 PM
She decides to see as much as possible before the Grim Reaper arrives but there's a war on and Cornwall is the best she can manage. She begins to write music but soon meets skiving engineer Stewart Granger. Naturally, she doesn't tell him about her condition and he doesn't tell her that he's not in the war because he's due to go blind in a few months. Still they fall in love despite their best efforts ...
And then there's that composing lark. Films have always bordered on the silly when they've attempted to show any artist at work, but music composers generally come across as complete nutters. Lockwood is a prime example. All it takes is a bit of a breeze and a few squawking seagulls and she's off creating The Cornish Rhapsody...
Although boynton is dutifully sceptical she's also rather fond of some good "flimsy nonsense" if the flimsy is substantial enough to achieve whimsy- so the next time Love Story lobs in at 2.30 am or pm, she'll probably watch it again.
Comments: flimsy
As a child in Melbourne (Carnegie in the 50's),one of our neighbors was Margaret Lockwood's brother.
Just thought I would provide that useless bit of info.
Cheers
Posted by Murray Shepherd at August 12, 2003 03:34 PM
Wow! That's some scoop -just the sort of 'useless bit of info' that I love, Murray.
It surely enhances the reputations of both melb and Carnegie - and is a bit of local folklore I've never heard before.
Cheers.
Posted by boynton at August 12, 2003 03:48 PM
rhody x
sorry if you came here in search of a variety of this flower. (boynton has to avoid names otherwise google might upgrade us in the authority stakes) Apparently there are some 4,000 odd hybrids out there, and we wonder what this one would look like, or even sound like subjectively speaking?
Comments: rhody x
In my web stats recently was someone looking for miniature lions. I do hope they find some.
Posted by mcb at August 13, 2003 12:00 PM
It's this garden of imaginary creatures and flowers we're creating mcb, a google menagerie.
Posted by boynton at August 13, 2003 12:29 PM
Comments: rhody x
In my web stats recently was someone looking for miniature lions. I do hope they find some.
Posted by mcb at August 13, 2003 12:00 PM
It's this garden of imaginary creatures and flowers we're creating mcb, a google menagerie.
Posted by boynton at August 13, 2003 12:29 PM
Wednesday, August 06, 2003
first site
a few years ago, before blogging set in, melbourne theatre company sent boynton a list of www sites on Angels to look up. Being as yet unconnected and a total techno dummy, boynton took this list as a sign that this was indeed the new standard of research, without access to which she could not function as a playwright. So she went to an old Victorian primary School at night, through the door that said "have you remembered your Hat manners", and steathily climbed the stairs, high with children, reputedly haunted, watched in the distance by an elderly vicar/caretaker - and under the modern cursive collages and alongside small chairs, she followed the mysterious instructions which led to a 'handshake" of modem connection - and from that moment was hooked. This was the old encylopaedic transcendental flow of associative thinking. As we all know, this was wandering off on tangents and memories and loose threads of data. etc. Of course there was much marvellous procrastination to attend to that night before looking up Angels. There was Gorillas. This was the first site she ever looked up, though of course it has since changed - as the numbers decline. She had been reading up on the so-called Louis Leakey triumverate of primatologists Jane Goodall, Diann Fossey and Birute Galdikas, but it was the story of Digit (that had made her cry in a public library) which marked the official digital handshake. It's hard to know how accurate or how fresh the figure of 650 on the gorilla splash page is, but elsewhere, with chimpanzees and orangutans the relentless drive towards habitat loss and extinction continues.
She eventually got round to the Angels, and the first glimpse of the eclectic mix of the hand made home page - the ethereal and commercial within all the tiled backgrounds, animated gifs and midi files. After two hours of surf time, boynton crept back down the stairs and across the dark courtyard overseen by possums and priests and took a linear path back to the car. But there began this rather strange journey down the hyper-textual, extra-temporal, multi-linear highway. And this was a good four years before blogging got her.
(for kaleidoscope)
She eventually got round to the Angels, and the first glimpse of the eclectic mix of the hand made home page - the ethereal and commercial within all the tiled backgrounds, animated gifs and midi files. After two hours of surf time, boynton crept back down the stairs and across the dark courtyard overseen by possums and priests and took a linear path back to the car. But there began this rather strange journey down the hyper-textual, extra-temporal, multi-linear highway. And this was a good four years before blogging got her.
(for kaleidoscope)
Tuesday, August 05, 2003
by hand
further transcription from the hospital hour can be
seen here in boynton's own hand.
Perhaps she is revealing too much of her personality traits through her casual t-bars loops and i-dots. (via Cup of Chicha)... but them's the rules.
(Ideally, we would have preferred to upload an image from a cursory bit of generated Cursive if such things had been possible.)
Comments: by hand
De riguer in contemporary primary schools is the " Victorian Modern Cursive" font which generates reams of those pesky Cursive Handwriting worksheets at the merest whim! Not always of particular literary merit...
Posted by Nora at August 5, 2003 10:35 PM
Luckily boynton is not (and has never been) a modern victorian, then Nora.
Nor has she ever been particularly legible.
Posted by boynton at August 5, 2003 10:48 PM
I got white out on the screen.
Posted by Tony.T at August 5, 2003 11:50 PM
seen here in boynton's own hand.
Perhaps she is revealing too much of her personality traits through her casual t-bars loops and i-dots. (via Cup of Chicha)... but them's the rules.
(Ideally, we would have preferred to upload an image from a cursory bit of generated Cursive if such things had been possible.)
Comments: by hand
De riguer in contemporary primary schools is the " Victorian Modern Cursive" font which generates reams of those pesky Cursive Handwriting worksheets at the merest whim! Not always of particular literary merit...
Posted by Nora at August 5, 2003 10:35 PM
Luckily boynton is not (and has never been) a modern victorian, then Nora.
Nor has she ever been particularly legible.
Posted by boynton at August 5, 2003 10:48 PM
I got white out on the screen.
Posted by Tony.T at August 5, 2003 11:50 PM
gifs for wolves
Looking up National speech pathology week, one of google's sponsored links caught boynton's eye. Image resources for language teachers (and speech pathologists) provides a sample of flashcards on offer. As a blogging aid, boynton will now illustrate the latest chapter in the sorry saga of walking a blue heeler through the suburbs as if she's a domesticated animal.
The revelation this is not a domestic dog led boynton to look up Konrad Lorenz and wolves. This is a good review of Man meets Dog.
Lorenz propounds the thesis, which has been debated hotly, that some dogs are descended from jackals and some predominantly from wolves intermingled with the blood of jackals.
The revelation this is not a domestic dog led boynton to look up Konrad Lorenz and wolves. This is a good review of Man meets Dog.
Lorenz propounds the thesis, which has been debated hotly, that some dogs are descended from jackals and some predominantly from wolves intermingled with the blood of jackals.
speech
boynton found herself listening to a hospital hour on a community FM radio station. There was something nostalgic about the banter - a kind of low grade localese - that made it compelling. Between the Bing and choral singing in the style of Bing boynton noted the following banter.
- How many speech pathologists do you reckon we have?
- ooh - 20?
- 26.
- 26! I wasn't that far off. That's a broad spectrum.
- It's a big team.
- Do you know one in seven Australians have a communication problem?
yes and various swallowing issues... If you're on the outside and want to talk to a speech pathologist, I'll give you the number. They're a friendly mob.
- 26 staff!
- Looking at the redevelopment earlier - the wind - there wasn't all that much going on - with all the wind -
- The site itself is just rocketting ahead. The carpark is well and truly there.
- Looks like a great big meccano set.
- Everyone's certainly excited by the look.
- All the mental health work is on top of the site up near the laundry
- Exciting times.
The Sponsored Silence - one of the activities of National Speech Pathology Week
Speech pathologists are encouraged to remain silent for a period of time and they are sponsored for their efforts...
- How many speech pathologists do you reckon we have?
- ooh - 20?
- 26.
- 26! I wasn't that far off. That's a broad spectrum.
- It's a big team.
- Do you know one in seven Australians have a communication problem?
yes and various swallowing issues... If you're on the outside and want to talk to a speech pathologist, I'll give you the number. They're a friendly mob.
- 26 staff!
- Looking at the redevelopment earlier - the wind - there wasn't all that much going on - with all the wind -
- The site itself is just rocketting ahead. The carpark is well and truly there.
- Looks like a great big meccano set.
- Everyone's certainly excited by the look.
- All the mental health work is on top of the site up near the laundry
- Exciting times.
The Sponsored Silence - one of the activities of National Speech Pathology Week
Speech pathologists are encouraged to remain silent for a period of time and they are sponsored for their efforts...
Monday, August 04, 2003
pop
sampling some of the ring tones on offer to uk phone phiends, boynton found one named good vibrations. Hard to know if it's related to that other single sometimes called the greatest ever. Certainly a bold rhythmic interpretation. Interesting to see that "Give peace a Chance" is also available- the ring tone speaking for those ambient listeners caught in the sound zone of the public mobile user.
The Beatles Go too far - a six page preview of a new work by comic artist Sean Ward (via assorted grotesqueries)
boynton may have been aiming for something vaguely Robinson-esque in the DIY space costume stakes recently - but no doubt ended up looking more like this
Also from Marta Kristen's web site - Loused up in Space - a page from the 1966 Mad magazine satire, and the Robinsons time travelling to Family Feud. (In space no one can hear you playing word association)
The Beatles Go too far - a six page preview of a new work by comic artist Sean Ward (via assorted grotesqueries)
boynton may have been aiming for something vaguely Robinson-esque in the DIY space costume stakes recently - but no doubt ended up looking more like this
Also from Marta Kristen's web site - Loused up in Space - a page from the 1966 Mad magazine satire, and the Robinsons time travelling to Family Feud. (In space no one can hear you playing word association)
acronym
Currently lazy and in Melbourne
Her extended Monday is sneakily providing her extra rope in composing acronym lines
Australians do value Antipodean Nova Time - a Greenwich edge.
Comments: acronym
Boynton,
is that east/west hemisphere? You know you always get those datelines and hemispheres confused ;)
Posted by Nora at August 4, 2003 06:35 PM
True, I've got priors. Got to work out this global orbital thing one day.
However it's partly a hemispherical thing, isn't it - the dateline?...And I guess the other part is that old poetic licence.
Posted by boynton at August 4, 2003 07:40 PM
You might claim it, but I would argue the reverse...
Posted by joh at August 4, 2003 08:32 PM
ok joh - you definitely have the GMT edge in geo- proximity - but we are among the first cabs off the blogosphere/millennium celebrations rank. (And the last sometimes as it turns out). And while you're sleeping we have to grab whatever small competitive loophole the spinning globe gives us. ;)
Posted by boynton at August 4, 2003 09:36 PM
Her extended Monday is sneakily providing her extra rope in composing acronym lines
Australians do value Antipodean Nova Time - a Greenwich edge.
Comments: acronym
Boynton,
is that east/west hemisphere? You know you always get those datelines and hemispheres confused ;)
Posted by Nora at August 4, 2003 06:35 PM
True, I've got priors. Got to work out this global orbital thing one day.
However it's partly a hemispherical thing, isn't it - the dateline?...And I guess the other part is that old poetic licence.
Posted by boynton at August 4, 2003 07:40 PM
You might claim it, but I would argue the reverse...
Posted by joh at August 4, 2003 08:32 PM
ok joh - you definitely have the GMT edge in geo- proximity - but we are among the first cabs off the blogosphere/millennium celebrations rank. (And the last sometimes as it turns out). And while you're sleeping we have to grab whatever small competitive loophole the spinning globe gives us. ;)
Posted by boynton at August 4, 2003 09:36 PM
Saturday, August 02, 2003
galosh
boynton was doing some image sourcing on behalf of esnet and ms Pea and their "upcoming literary release, a penny dreadful by the name of Oh No! Miss Morris Has Misplaced a Galosh"
It was intriguing to come acrosss this picture from a google image search for galoshes. The wedding of the Galoshes? In its original context, the image bears the annotation: Elegant satin gowns or married in a suit/ because he was being shipped overseas - which does not in itself explain the riddle. However slide 77 above may, as it does feature a rather glamorous example of this usually fairly unfashionable item of footwear with the curious etymology. And curiouser: could the faceless model somehow be related to miss morris?
Comments: galosh
Oh will Pea ever be pleased! She was just this morning going on and on about the latest affairs and how she hadn't a clue wait to wear. 'Rosiest in the fall, dear,' as I always say.
Posted by at August 2, 2003 05:20 PM
doncha find the word "galoshes" deliciously onomatopaoeic?
Posted by Gianna at August 4, 2003 10:49 AM
gosh yes, gianna, gloriously so.
Especially in Melbourne.
(that was one for the melb-bashers out there) ;)
Posted by boynton at August 4, 2003 11:45 AM
...and you know how Blogger banner ads pick up on the content of your posts...when I just checked into your blog, Gianna, I got "overshoes headquarters" and "Child's Rain boots"...gosh.
Blogger/google as secret research-assistant spider.
Posted by boynton at August 4, 2003 12:40 PM
It was intriguing to come acrosss this picture from a google image search for galoshes. The wedding of the Galoshes? In its original context, the image bears the annotation: Elegant satin gowns or married in a suit/ because he was being shipped overseas - which does not in itself explain the riddle. However slide 77 above may, as it does feature a rather glamorous example of this usually fairly unfashionable item of footwear with the curious etymology. And curiouser: could the faceless model somehow be related to miss morris?
Comments: galosh
Oh will Pea ever be pleased! She was just this morning going on and on about the latest affairs and how she hadn't a clue wait to wear. 'Rosiest in the fall, dear,' as I always say.
Posted by at August 2, 2003 05:20 PM
doncha find the word "galoshes" deliciously onomatopaoeic?
Posted by Gianna at August 4, 2003 10:49 AM
gosh yes, gianna, gloriously so.
Especially in Melbourne.
(that was one for the melb-bashers out there) ;)
Posted by boynton at August 4, 2003 11:45 AM
...and you know how Blogger banner ads pick up on the content of your posts...when I just checked into your blog, Gianna, I got "overshoes headquarters" and "Child's Rain boots"...gosh.
Blogger/google as secret research-assistant spider.
Posted by boynton at August 4, 2003 12:40 PM
boots
Write about something that you haven't particularly thought about for at least five years.
This is a difficult task. Boynton is not being facetious in saying that she can't remember what she has forgotten. The data always seems to be present, recoverable. When it's taken out of the cupboard and examined it doesn't seem to have been neglected, just to have dimmed. Stand-by mode. Last night in that hypnagogic state she tried to recall some missing piece from the jigsaw of people, places, things, skills, names, settings, rules, dates, dreams, sentiments... but drew a blank. The registry possibly gets corrupted with age or denial. Or inversely with age -all memories are safely encoded, at hand, on tap. She doesn't like to think about the things that are lost or even that possibility. Anyway - all she could come up with after half an hour was a pair of boots. And this was only because she had recently found them idling at the back of the wardobe, when she needed a quick costume for a themed party. They were never fashionable - but they were destined to be worn at this event, which is no doubt why many years ago she paid $10 for them at the op-shop (the price still marked loudly on the soles). And as soon as she put them on, she remembered that old boot feeling, that character in the heels again, a bit of bravado as quick as champagne, a little dutch courage. Maybe this is why some actors start with the shoes. And something in the boot was sufficient to channel the sort of themed character she was remembering from the outer reaches of pop culture. (Even though it was probably obvious to no one but herself, who she was, who she was meant to be) These boots are made for walking.
This is a difficult task. Boynton is not being facetious in saying that she can't remember what she has forgotten. The data always seems to be present, recoverable. When it's taken out of the cupboard and examined it doesn't seem to have been neglected, just to have dimmed. Stand-by mode. Last night in that hypnagogic state she tried to recall some missing piece from the jigsaw of people, places, things, skills, names, settings, rules, dates, dreams, sentiments... but drew a blank. The registry possibly gets corrupted with age or denial. Or inversely with age -all memories are safely encoded, at hand, on tap. She doesn't like to think about the things that are lost or even that possibility. Anyway - all she could come up with after half an hour was a pair of boots. And this was only because she had recently found them idling at the back of the wardobe, when she needed a quick costume for a themed party. They were never fashionable - but they were destined to be worn at this event, which is no doubt why many years ago she paid $10 for them at the op-shop (the price still marked loudly on the soles). And as soon as she put them on, she remembered that old boot feeling, that character in the heels again, a bit of bravado as quick as champagne, a little dutch courage. Maybe this is why some actors start with the shoes. And something in the boot was sufficient to channel the sort of themed character she was remembering from the outer reaches of pop culture. (Even though it was probably obvious to no one but herself, who she was, who she was meant to be) These boots are made for walking.
Friday, August 01, 2003
aout
ah - August - usually nicknamed aout by boynton because it's the month when Melbourne gets pretty bleak. But there's nothing of the aout out there today - with its blue sky and weak sunshine, and next door's magnolia looks rather magnificent through the framework of a hills hoist - and there are indeed magpies singing to boot. According to my mother this week often turned on an aberation, a glitch of good weather - good weather for children's parties - good for my three july-born sibs as saturday hosts, of yore. Lucky Leo's law of the jungle.
Of course at first the day did not augur quite so well when Flo ate a bit of old Abby's ear in an early morning post-prandial stoush. A fair bit of aout about then.
(The maggies wav was found with the very useful Findsounds via J walk)
Comments: aout
Ah birthday season.
Grumpygirl's father's birthday is tomorrow, Petite's is on Wed and Thieu's is on Thursday.
A busy -- and costly--- beginning to the month.
August is better than July, I think. Slightly longer days, the last month of winter.
Posted by mcb at August 1, 2003 04:50 PM
it was always July and September in my family for birthdays mcb - and with a 2nd generation - September is crowded out. Every day a birthday, almost,like a collapsible christmas. I don't mind because at least in September there is one small day of compensation for boynton ;)
and it's hard to carp on such a nice day - but I just always think of those ghastly/august days of bitter wind and rain and what-is-sun-again? ahead.
Posted by boynton at August 1, 2003 04:59 PM
Must be August, Boynton. I got swooped by a magpie this morning. It nonchalantly landed and then glared balefully. Love 'em.
Posted by Nora at August 1, 2003 11:17 PM
How is the bleakness of Melbourne in August any different to the bleakness of May, June, or July?
Posted by Scott Wickstein at August 2, 2003 12:38 AM
Eh!...there's only been a FEW DAYS of bleakness to date - and this was earlier in the week, when we were sent some squalls from South Australia.
And anyway - cold weather is good for the brain.
Posted by boynton at August 2, 2003 01:02 AM
When I lived in Melbourne, the bleakness started in April and didn't lift until.. errr December 2001. I left in January 2002.
Maybe it's just me. I grew up on the fringe of the desert.
Posted by Scott Wickstein at August 2, 2003 04:47 AM
August - usually nicknamed aout by boynton because it's the month when Melbourne gets pretty bleak
Not because aout is French for August? :)
Posted by James Russell at August 2, 2003 02:48 PM
ooh ee - oui
that was the origin - I must confess it does look rather oblique without the circumflex.
You may have gathered by now, James, that I only speak schoolgirl French - and the way I pronounce August in French roughly equates with the bleakness of august ;)
Posted by boynton at August 2, 2003 02:56 PM
Of course at first the day did not augur quite so well when Flo ate a bit of old Abby's ear in an early morning post-prandial stoush. A fair bit of aout about then.
(The maggies wav was found with the very useful Findsounds via J walk)
Comments: aout
Ah birthday season.
Grumpygirl's father's birthday is tomorrow, Petite's is on Wed and Thieu's is on Thursday.
A busy -- and costly--- beginning to the month.
August is better than July, I think. Slightly longer days, the last month of winter.
Posted by mcb at August 1, 2003 04:50 PM
it was always July and September in my family for birthdays mcb - and with a 2nd generation - September is crowded out. Every day a birthday, almost,like a collapsible christmas. I don't mind because at least in September there is one small day of compensation for boynton ;)
and it's hard to carp on such a nice day - but I just always think of those ghastly/august days of bitter wind and rain and what-is-sun-again? ahead.
Posted by boynton at August 1, 2003 04:59 PM
Must be August, Boynton. I got swooped by a magpie this morning. It nonchalantly landed and then glared balefully. Love 'em.
Posted by Nora at August 1, 2003 11:17 PM
How is the bleakness of Melbourne in August any different to the bleakness of May, June, or July?
Posted by Scott Wickstein at August 2, 2003 12:38 AM
Eh!...there's only been a FEW DAYS of bleakness to date - and this was earlier in the week, when we were sent some squalls from South Australia.
And anyway - cold weather is good for the brain.
Posted by boynton at August 2, 2003 01:02 AM
When I lived in Melbourne, the bleakness started in April and didn't lift until.. errr December 2001. I left in January 2002.
Maybe it's just me. I grew up on the fringe of the desert.
Posted by Scott Wickstein at August 2, 2003 04:47 AM
August - usually nicknamed aout by boynton because it's the month when Melbourne gets pretty bleak
Not because aout is French for August? :)
Posted by James Russell at August 2, 2003 02:48 PM
ooh ee - oui
that was the origin - I must confess it does look rather oblique without the circumflex.
You may have gathered by now, James, that I only speak schoolgirl French - and the way I pronounce August in French roughly equates with the bleakness of august ;)
Posted by boynton at August 2, 2003 02:56 PM
Thursday, July 31, 2003
cameo
a most special guest post by esnet - of speckled and solipsistic fame
Regardless of the humidity, Ms Pea and I had been occupying the evening's time by galloping about in circles outside the house, providing a spectacle for the street and passer-by with our mocking charade of contemporary theatre and with evidence of pleasant mood. Spirits were high and humors good due to a productive day spent darning the details regarding our upcoming literary release, a penny dreadful by the name of Oh No! Miss Morris Has Misplaced a Galosh, penned by us both at the same time.
Things, as they were and continue to be, are of the favorable sort, not to be confused with ordinary times, when things appear to be off on holiday. Which isn't to say that we are ever annoyed at Things behavior regarding performance at work, social graces and attitude, it was simply an observation: Things enjoy a holiday now and then, such as they should.
That being said, it was unfortunate to find Ms Pea so completely lacking in control that when in a fit over our faux-equestrian antics, she threw a whalebone in between heaving courses of laughter. Knowing how tightly Pea is laced, it is needless to say that the recipient of the whalebone --a young boy who's name I was unable to catch along with the projected baleen-- was not pleased when he found the gift embedded in his skull, quite close to his right ear.
Feeling it best, Pea and I vacated briskly, around a corner or two and towards whichever path lead us in the exact opposite direction of the policemen, whose whistles were audible over the rooftops and seemed to be ever near. An altogether different situation is considered desirable when one finds themselves hunted much like a certain other celebrity --a John somebody or other-- and haste was to be listed among friends and acquaintances. So off we went and that is that and such as it is, tiddlty-tot. Ding!
--
POLITICS & WAR ARE MY SHOES
It is of my opinion that it may be preferable for the Empire to skip this whole Boer-problem, as our getting muddled up in it can only lead to an atrocity.
Therefore, I say Sir Kitchener might better spend his time noodling in a pub on Rotherhithe Road, sipping brandy with Kate Douglas Wiggin, basking in glory over his fruitful holiday in Sudan.
--
KITSCH & THYME
Not known for my culinary excellence --though it is known to be on par with my correspondence skills-- I was in need of a recipe in the case Ms Pea startled me with news regarding a funeral, one which we would host complete with full menu. On par with my correspondence and culinary skills is my ability to behave when amongst the populace, and decided it best to be armed lest a sudden case of the societies was to be caught. Therefore, it was to be found:
Cucumber Sandwiches
•One loaf of bread and a knife to slice it, the cucumber(s) and the wrists with
•Two cucumbers of medium build, or one in the event larger varieties are present
•One vessel of cream cheese
Combine in the manner with which one does so wish. We personally and collectively prefer 'The Primrose'.
--
ADVERTISEMENT
A GRAND OFFER!
MME. A. RUPPERT'S FACE BLEACH
MME. A. RUPPERT says: "I appreciate the fact that there are thousands of ladies in the world that would like to try my world-renowned FACE BLEACH; but have been kept from doing so on account of the price, which is $2.00 per bottle, or three bottles taken together, $5.00. In order that all of these may have an opportunity, I am now offering my FACE BLEACH -- to any lady willing to come forth -- for roughly the same price.
Address all communication to MME. A. RUPPERT, 6 East 14th Street, New York.
--
SUNDRIES FROM THE UNDERBELLY
Recently, when in a state of fear and panic, we came across the following items to be published here, in this gazette of high esteem:
Pacific Rim Camera Photographica Pages --An online guide to collectable cameras and related stuff
The art of T.L. Solien, T.L. Solien at the Tory Folliard Gallery and T.L. Solien at the Esther M. Klein Art Gallery.
The vision of Ed Paschke, Ed Paschke at Ciocca arte contemporanea with more interest produced upon gazing over the artish offerings on the Ciocca Artisti homepage.
The Seavest Collection of Contemporary Realism ("Contemporary Realism" F.f.T, H.e.h. -s)
--
HUMOROUS
"It is said," he remarked, reflectively, "that women's hands are growing larger." "Yes?" she returned, inquiringly. "Yes," he asserted. "And the worst of it is that there is every likelihood that this tendency will continue." Yes?" she said, in the same inquiring tone. "Yes," he repeated. "You see the bicycle and golf and tennis and other sports that women have recently taken up are responsible for it." "In that case," she said, with a glance at her own dainty hands, "you'd better speak quick if you want a small one." He realized that it was the opportunity of a lifetime, and he spoke promptly.
-The Chicago Post, Oct. 1896
--
APOLLO, G'S = GANGS OF GREASE
Thank you, Boynton, I hope that wasn't an utter and complete disaster, all apologies are sincere and, therefore, I am sorry.
y.F.
-s
(posted for points on behalf of the blogosphere. With apologies for boyntonising the design )
Comments: cameo
Gosh those are great cameras on your first link s. I'm sure a graphic of one of them would have made the press over at the S Gazette. Maybe the Blair Stereo Weno. (And was that secret politcal content - in camera - given the names of the first two models?)
Posted by boynton at July 31, 2003 04:56 PM
I truly enjoy the "Rolleiflex Grey Baby" and wouldn't mind obtaining one for my non-existent collection. I've been nurturing a craving for pawn shop/co-op examination, in hope of coming across some of these earlier models. I desperately need something to occupy the old time.
Posted by .es at August 1, 2003 02:28 PM
Regardless of the humidity, Ms Pea and I had been occupying the evening's time by galloping about in circles outside the house, providing a spectacle for the street and passer-by with our mocking charade of contemporary theatre and with evidence of pleasant mood. Spirits were high and humors good due to a productive day spent darning the details regarding our upcoming literary release, a penny dreadful by the name of Oh No! Miss Morris Has Misplaced a Galosh, penned by us both at the same time.
Things, as they were and continue to be, are of the favorable sort, not to be confused with ordinary times, when things appear to be off on holiday. Which isn't to say that we are ever annoyed at Things behavior regarding performance at work, social graces and attitude, it was simply an observation: Things enjoy a holiday now and then, such as they should.
That being said, it was unfortunate to find Ms Pea so completely lacking in control that when in a fit over our faux-equestrian antics, she threw a whalebone in between heaving courses of laughter. Knowing how tightly Pea is laced, it is needless to say that the recipient of the whalebone --a young boy who's name I was unable to catch along with the projected baleen-- was not pleased when he found the gift embedded in his skull, quite close to his right ear.
Feeling it best, Pea and I vacated briskly, around a corner or two and towards whichever path lead us in the exact opposite direction of the policemen, whose whistles were audible over the rooftops and seemed to be ever near. An altogether different situation is considered desirable when one finds themselves hunted much like a certain other celebrity --a John somebody or other-- and haste was to be listed among friends and acquaintances. So off we went and that is that and such as it is, tiddlty-tot. Ding!
--
POLITICS & WAR ARE MY SHOES
It is of my opinion that it may be preferable for the Empire to skip this whole Boer-problem, as our getting muddled up in it can only lead to an atrocity.
Therefore, I say Sir Kitchener might better spend his time noodling in a pub on Rotherhithe Road, sipping brandy with Kate Douglas Wiggin, basking in glory over his fruitful holiday in Sudan.
--
KITSCH & THYME
Not known for my culinary excellence --though it is known to be on par with my correspondence skills-- I was in need of a recipe in the case Ms Pea startled me with news regarding a funeral, one which we would host complete with full menu. On par with my correspondence and culinary skills is my ability to behave when amongst the populace, and decided it best to be armed lest a sudden case of the societies was to be caught. Therefore, it was to be found:
Cucumber Sandwiches
•One loaf of bread and a knife to slice it, the cucumber(s) and the wrists with
•Two cucumbers of medium build, or one in the event larger varieties are present
•One vessel of cream cheese
Combine in the manner with which one does so wish. We personally and collectively prefer 'The Primrose'.
--
ADVERTISEMENT
A GRAND OFFER!
MME. A. RUPPERT'S FACE BLEACH
MME. A. RUPPERT says: "I appreciate the fact that there are thousands of ladies in the world that would like to try my world-renowned FACE BLEACH; but have been kept from doing so on account of the price, which is $2.00 per bottle, or three bottles taken together, $5.00. In order that all of these may have an opportunity, I am now offering my FACE BLEACH -- to any lady willing to come forth -- for roughly the same price.
Address all communication to MME. A. RUPPERT, 6 East 14th Street, New York.
--
SUNDRIES FROM THE UNDERBELLY
Recently, when in a state of fear and panic, we came across the following items to be published here, in this gazette of high esteem:
Pacific Rim Camera Photographica Pages --An online guide to collectable cameras and related stuff
The art of T.L. Solien, T.L. Solien at the Tory Folliard Gallery and T.L. Solien at the Esther M. Klein Art Gallery.
The vision of Ed Paschke, Ed Paschke at Ciocca arte contemporanea with more interest produced upon gazing over the artish offerings on the Ciocca Artisti homepage.
The Seavest Collection of Contemporary Realism ("Contemporary Realism" F.f.T, H.e.h. -s)
--
HUMOROUS
"It is said," he remarked, reflectively, "that women's hands are growing larger." "Yes?" she returned, inquiringly. "Yes," he asserted. "And the worst of it is that there is every likelihood that this tendency will continue." Yes?" she said, in the same inquiring tone. "Yes," he repeated. "You see the bicycle and golf and tennis and other sports that women have recently taken up are responsible for it." "In that case," she said, with a glance at her own dainty hands, "you'd better speak quick if you want a small one." He realized that it was the opportunity of a lifetime, and he spoke promptly.
-The Chicago Post, Oct. 1896
--
APOLLO, G'S = GANGS OF GREASE
Thank you, Boynton, I hope that wasn't an utter and complete disaster, all apologies are sincere and, therefore, I am sorry.
y.F.
-s
(posted for points on behalf of the blogosphere. With apologies for boyntonising the design )
Comments: cameo
Gosh those are great cameras on your first link s. I'm sure a graphic of one of them would have made the press over at the S Gazette. Maybe the Blair Stereo Weno. (And was that secret politcal content - in camera - given the names of the first two models?)
Posted by boynton at July 31, 2003 04:56 PM
I truly enjoy the "Rolleiflex Grey Baby" and wouldn't mind obtaining one for my non-existent collection. I've been nurturing a craving for pawn shop/co-op examination, in hope of coming across some of these earlier models. I desperately need something to occupy the old time.
Posted by .es at August 1, 2003 02:28 PM
Wednesday, July 30, 2003
seconds
There were some good links discovered in the course of compiling that fishy entry, too good to embed and forget.
A Photo gallery from Walhalla Historic Township, which includes this one of the famous cricket ground.
Lost Lives - The Second World War and the islands of New Guinea. this web site commemorates the Second World War in the islands of New Guinea and the impact it has had on many lives.
Lyric Records is dedicated to the preservation of 1920s and 1930s music by issuing CD compilations of the 78rpm record (makes boynton wish she had a credit card and/or credit)
Rock Snaps - Photographs from the Laurie Richards Collection -
One of the online exhibitions of items from the Performing Arts Museum Collection.
Cosmic breed - mod gear. ( boynton wishes she cld look so cool...alas)
zip-r-strip Hey! Don't part with your perfectly aged leather jacket. Add another zipper instead.
Comments: seconds
Tom the Tailor (of Zip-R-Strip) lives in my town, and is the guy I go to when my leather jacket needs work done. He does good work. Thankfully, I am still thin enough not to need his invention.
Posted by Christopher at July 31, 2003 02:34 AM
That's interesting. I found him through searching for "leather-tailor" actually - (trying to kill two fish with one stone) - but yeah I think it looks a good invention - knowing how attached people become to their leatherjackets.
Posted by boynton at July 31, 2003 01:23 PM
A Photo gallery from Walhalla Historic Township, which includes this one of the famous cricket ground.
Lost Lives - The Second World War and the islands of New Guinea. this web site commemorates the Second World War in the islands of New Guinea and the impact it has had on many lives.
Lyric Records is dedicated to the preservation of 1920s and 1930s music by issuing CD compilations of the 78rpm record (makes boynton wish she had a credit card and/or credit)
Rock Snaps - Photographs from the Laurie Richards Collection -
One of the online exhibitions of items from the Performing Arts Museum Collection.
Cosmic breed - mod gear. ( boynton wishes she cld look so cool...alas)
zip-r-strip Hey! Don't part with your perfectly aged leather jacket. Add another zipper instead.
Comments: seconds
Tom the Tailor (of Zip-R-Strip) lives in my town, and is the guy I go to when my leather jacket needs work done. He does good work. Thankfully, I am still thin enough not to need his invention.
Posted by Christopher at July 31, 2003 02:34 AM
That's interesting. I found him through searching for "leather-tailor" actually - (trying to kill two fish with one stone) - but yeah I think it looks a good invention - knowing how attached people become to their leatherjackets.
Posted by boynton at July 31, 2003 01:23 PM
ghoti
trying to assemble a story from the sea of images, to find some webbing - among the random and tangled lines that get washed up along the beach.
the way we thread meaning even through the bare bones of links- there is always some biography unfolding, some yarn. in your choices, your tracing of places, like an itinerary. its hidden agenda.
the way certain lines jump out:
the occasion was the tenth anniversary of the sixties appreciation society
the shindig at the mordialloc Life saving club
An image of the empty bandstand
it is like a tide - unrelenting - a link tide of messages - a gulf stream of consciousness. a current of memes.
anyway - with this task we may flounder trying to create some connection between say a Tasmanian trumpeter on a Stanley field, a random quartet (from the vast schools of dance bands of the thirties) and the faces around Sergeant Baker in the Meteorological Officers Course No 11 yet to don their flying gear. And post war the inheritors of demobbed leather jackets can talk about their mystical power, their twentieth century magic.
Comments: ghoti
What, no choghs?
Posted by Gummo Trotsky at July 30, 2003 02:09 PM
Snap...er.
or - you say potato I say "ghoughpteighbteau"
Posted by boynton at July 30, 2003 02:51 PM
That is beautifully done!
I'm jealous.
Posted by joh at July 30, 2003 09:21 PM
cheers joh, and you know, I came very close to throwing a mackerel into the mix there.
It's a great blog-game.
Posted by boynton at July 31, 2003 12:37 AM
the way we thread meaning even through the bare bones of links- there is always some biography unfolding, some yarn. in your choices, your tracing of places, like an itinerary. its hidden agenda.
the way certain lines jump out:
the occasion was the tenth anniversary of the sixties appreciation society
the shindig at the mordialloc Life saving club
An image of the empty bandstand
it is like a tide - unrelenting - a link tide of messages - a gulf stream of consciousness. a current of memes.
anyway - with this task we may flounder trying to create some connection between say a Tasmanian trumpeter on a Stanley field, a random quartet (from the vast schools of dance bands of the thirties) and the faces around Sergeant Baker in the Meteorological Officers Course No 11 yet to don their flying gear. And post war the inheritors of demobbed leather jackets can talk about their mystical power, their twentieth century magic.
Comments: ghoti
What, no choghs?
Posted by Gummo Trotsky at July 30, 2003 02:09 PM
Snap...er.
or - you say potato I say "ghoughpteighbteau"
Posted by boynton at July 30, 2003 02:51 PM
That is beautifully done!
I'm jealous.
Posted by joh at July 30, 2003 09:21 PM
cheers joh, and you know, I came very close to throwing a mackerel into the mix there.
It's a great blog-game.
Posted by boynton at July 31, 2003 12:37 AM
Tuesday, July 29, 2003
squally
In the last few hours the weather hasn't been quite so unfriendly as predicted:
Showers with local hail and thunder. Possible snow on the nearby hills tonight. Squally west to southwesterly winds.
Belief in the bureau being unseasonally high, we missed that small window of lull to stroll out and terrorise the park with pack, always expecting squalls. Boynton was focused on this window instead. Maybe a font that morphs with weather conditions could be quite handy. (via fimoculous)
(update: thanks to Gummo Trotsky for alerting dumb boynton to the font-al activity of the link)
Meanwhile this is a lovely inside game to play when the storms do hit. (via Sublimate)
Comments: squally
Oh what a find, Boynton, and what a pleasant way to spend the last 20 minutes of the day (thanks goodness I work in multimedia and can justify it!)
Thanks for the link. Most enjoyable.
Posted by mcb at July 29, 2003 05:29 PM
Obviously I need to do something about the lack of sound on my PC.
Posted by Gummo Trotsky at July 29, 2003 07:00 PM
Adds:
http://design.umn.edu:8080/cgi-bin/ltrstr/tcdc/tcdcImager?font=v003&nocache=1059475699.538692&bgcolor=white&text=Tug+Boat+Potemkin&align=center&c_informal=50&height=120&width=600&c_weird=150&textcolor=black&c_formal=50
Posted by Gummo Trotsky at July 29, 2003 08:50 PM
mcb - yes I love it - even though I'm pretty hopeless and haven't yet completed it!
Gummo - I think while the sound is not technically neccessary for the game it's almost essential aesthetically!
And thank you for that link. As you can see I've added your addition to the post. (I can't believe I missed that bit of input diversion that I like to throw in round here in lieu of content!)
The font lends an almost Russian look to the tugboat?
Posted by boynton at July 29, 2003 09:37 PM
Plenty of storms are on your way Miss B. They dumped a heap of rain and hail on my car while I was at work.
Posted by Scott Wickstein at July 30, 2003 12:44 AM
alas, it won't play with me....attractive image though...
Posted by Gianna at July 30, 2003 11:20 AM
that's a shame Gianna - it's rather diverting - especially (I would imagine) on a fast connection.
and Scott - I may forget about the font as forecast and check into the Bureau of Mr.Wickstein for reliable weather updates from now on. Always good to have an Adelaide "eye" on the sky.
Posted by boynton at July 30, 2003 02:00 PM
Showers with local hail and thunder. Possible snow on the nearby hills tonight. Squally west to southwesterly winds.
Belief in the bureau being unseasonally high, we missed that small window of lull to stroll out and terrorise the park with pack, always expecting squalls. Boynton was focused on this window instead. Maybe a font that morphs with weather conditions could be quite handy. (via fimoculous)
(update: thanks to Gummo Trotsky for alerting dumb boynton to the font-al activity of the link)
Meanwhile this is a lovely inside game to play when the storms do hit. (via Sublimate)
Comments: squally
Oh what a find, Boynton, and what a pleasant way to spend the last 20 minutes of the day (thanks goodness I work in multimedia and can justify it!)
Thanks for the link. Most enjoyable.
Posted by mcb at July 29, 2003 05:29 PM
Obviously I need to do something about the lack of sound on my PC.
Posted by Gummo Trotsky at July 29, 2003 07:00 PM
Adds:
http://design.umn.edu:8080/cgi-bin/ltrstr/tcdc/tcdcImager?font=v003&nocache=1059475699.538692&bgcolor=white&text=Tug+Boat+Potemkin&align=center&c_informal=50&height=120&width=600&c_weird=150&textcolor=black&c_formal=50
Posted by Gummo Trotsky at July 29, 2003 08:50 PM
mcb - yes I love it - even though I'm pretty hopeless and haven't yet completed it!
Gummo - I think while the sound is not technically neccessary for the game it's almost essential aesthetically!
And thank you for that link. As you can see I've added your addition to the post. (I can't believe I missed that bit of input diversion that I like to throw in round here in lieu of content!)
The font lends an almost Russian look to the tugboat?
Posted by boynton at July 29, 2003 09:37 PM
Plenty of storms are on your way Miss B. They dumped a heap of rain and hail on my car while I was at work.
Posted by Scott Wickstein at July 30, 2003 12:44 AM
alas, it won't play with me....attractive image though...
Posted by Gianna at July 30, 2003 11:20 AM
that's a shame Gianna - it's rather diverting - especially (I would imagine) on a fast connection.
and Scott - I may forget about the font as forecast and check into the Bureau of Mr.Wickstein for reliable weather updates from now on. Always good to have an Adelaide "eye" on the sky.
Posted by boynton at July 30, 2003 02:00 PM
Monday, July 28, 2003
how to write good
If an Old House Could Talk, What Tales It Would Tell:
THE FLOOR:Do you remember the time the middle-aged lady who always wore the stilletto heels tripped over an extension cord while running to answer the phone and spilled the Ovaltine all over me and they spent the next 20 minutes mopping it up?
THE WALL: No.
From How to write good (via Particles- one liners from Making Light)
'I have always instinctively felt if one wants to dramatise history and historical figures like George V and Mary, Lloyd George and Asquith, it is best to do it through a half open door as they might appear to a child. For if we were to achieve that perennial fantasy of time travel and propel ourselves backwards into any time but our own, we would almost certainly find ourselves staring at it with the same mixture of cool detachment and deep curiosity that children naturally possess" - Stephen Poliakoff
Creating The Lost Prince (which concluded on ABC TV last night)
The writer's block (via Jerz's Literacy weblog)
Comments: how to write good
I watched the second part this morning and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Whilst initially thinking that Hollander & Richardson were going to be painted as hard-hearted meanies, by the conclusion the show was well balanced out.
I thought Poliakoff neatly put across the notion that whilst Johnny was put out of the way the parents did it in light of attendant complications rather than any personal animosity to/embarrassment about the kid. To me this was always going to be the major challenge to any scriptwriter who may have been tempted to couch the show in terms of modern sensibilities. And therefore attribute blame or inject implicit criticism.
The last half hour was particularly moving without being maudlin.
As to the historical veracity, I couldn't attest one way or the other.
And I didn't refer to Richardson as "Queenie" even once.
Posted by Tony.T at July 28, 2003 04:45 PM
From what I read on this BBC site, it seems that not many people would be able to attest to the historical veracity, it was such a historical footnote. Perhaps this made it easier for Poliakoff to adapt - not being beholden to the dreaded scholarly cabal ready for nit-picking.
I agree Tony - I thought it was great, and I enjoyed it more than his other work - if such comparisons are useful. I think it was more contained - possibly by the discipline of history and a real story. There were many striking moments of theatricality that really worked on film, in the way that Dennis Potter sometimes does. But this style was well balanced with the narrative drive and condensed characterisation.
Posted by boynton at July 28, 2003 05:20 PM
Well said Boynty. And contained. Good shot selection. Written like a true, umm, err, person who knows things about theatre and stories and stuff.
PS: As a person of letters (and punctuation thingos), what's the go with "A History" versus "An History"?
Posted by Tony.T at July 28, 2003 05:35 PM
Yeah I saw that lapse just then, Tony. It should be an "an" - speaking as an historian ( well, that's poetically speaking)
Your having spotted it means I'll have to let it lie.
Just as my - freewheeling - punctuation so often lies for me...
(Note the title of the post...)
Posted by boynton at July 28, 2003 05:45 PM
It was really interesting to see the changes wrought by WWI from Mary's perspective - most often look at it (from a literary perspective, anyway) as a period of progress, heralding the burgeoning of the Modern. But from Mary's perspective, a whole world, a whole way of life, indeed, the whole way the world was ordered, was wiped out, just like that. I thought the killing of the Tsar's family was used really cleverly - it was horrific & chilling, but also a good way of representing the end of that particular world (& not just in Russia).
Posted by wen at July 29, 2003 03:36 PM
I agree - and Miranda Richardson was able to convey so well the inherent contradictions of her character in a time of major upheaval. What I really like about Poliakoff's slow storytelling style is the space given to the actors to reveal such nuances - and in turn, the time given to the audience to gaze.
I agree, the killing of the Romanovs as stark as it was, (I couldn't watch actually) just managed to avoid being heavy-handed - because of the precise symbolic foreshadowing.
Posted by boynton at July 29, 2003 04:01 PM
THE FLOOR:Do you remember the time the middle-aged lady who always wore the stilletto heels tripped over an extension cord while running to answer the phone and spilled the Ovaltine all over me and they spent the next 20 minutes mopping it up?
THE WALL: No.
From How to write good (via Particles- one liners from Making Light)
'I have always instinctively felt if one wants to dramatise history and historical figures like George V and Mary, Lloyd George and Asquith, it is best to do it through a half open door as they might appear to a child. For if we were to achieve that perennial fantasy of time travel and propel ourselves backwards into any time but our own, we would almost certainly find ourselves staring at it with the same mixture of cool detachment and deep curiosity that children naturally possess" - Stephen Poliakoff
Creating The Lost Prince (which concluded on ABC TV last night)
The writer's block (via Jerz's Literacy weblog)
Comments: how to write good
I watched the second part this morning and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Whilst initially thinking that Hollander & Richardson were going to be painted as hard-hearted meanies, by the conclusion the show was well balanced out.
I thought Poliakoff neatly put across the notion that whilst Johnny was put out of the way the parents did it in light of attendant complications rather than any personal animosity to/embarrassment about the kid. To me this was always going to be the major challenge to any scriptwriter who may have been tempted to couch the show in terms of modern sensibilities. And therefore attribute blame or inject implicit criticism.
The last half hour was particularly moving without being maudlin.
As to the historical veracity, I couldn't attest one way or the other.
And I didn't refer to Richardson as "Queenie" even once.
Posted by Tony.T at July 28, 2003 04:45 PM
From what I read on this BBC site, it seems that not many people would be able to attest to the historical veracity, it was such a historical footnote. Perhaps this made it easier for Poliakoff to adapt - not being beholden to the dreaded scholarly cabal ready for nit-picking.
I agree Tony - I thought it was great, and I enjoyed it more than his other work - if such comparisons are useful. I think it was more contained - possibly by the discipline of history and a real story. There were many striking moments of theatricality that really worked on film, in the way that Dennis Potter sometimes does. But this style was well balanced with the narrative drive and condensed characterisation.
Posted by boynton at July 28, 2003 05:20 PM
Well said Boynty. And contained. Good shot selection. Written like a true, umm, err, person who knows things about theatre and stories and stuff.
PS: As a person of letters (and punctuation thingos), what's the go with "A History" versus "An History"?
Posted by Tony.T at July 28, 2003 05:35 PM
Yeah I saw that lapse just then, Tony. It should be an "an" - speaking as an historian ( well, that's poetically speaking)
Your having spotted it means I'll have to let it lie.
Just as my - freewheeling - punctuation so often lies for me...
(Note the title of the post...)
Posted by boynton at July 28, 2003 05:45 PM
It was really interesting to see the changes wrought by WWI from Mary's perspective - most often look at it (from a literary perspective, anyway) as a period of progress, heralding the burgeoning of the Modern. But from Mary's perspective, a whole world, a whole way of life, indeed, the whole way the world was ordered, was wiped out, just like that. I thought the killing of the Tsar's family was used really cleverly - it was horrific & chilling, but also a good way of representing the end of that particular world (& not just in Russia).
Posted by wen at July 29, 2003 03:36 PM
I agree - and Miranda Richardson was able to convey so well the inherent contradictions of her character in a time of major upheaval. What I really like about Poliakoff's slow storytelling style is the space given to the actors to reveal such nuances - and in turn, the time given to the audience to gaze.
I agree, the killing of the Romanovs as stark as it was, (I couldn't watch actually) just managed to avoid being heavy-handed - because of the precise symbolic foreshadowing.
Posted by boynton at July 29, 2003 04:01 PM
worry
Boynton has spent a considerable amount of her time this week, as with all weeks, worrying. Having found out who made the mystery phone call (that she accidentally wiped from her machine) again she has to conclude that such behaviour is probably useless. All things considered. (But that’s if she did consider all things.)
Likewise, the anti-worrying aphorisms provided by sites such as these mostly don't work
Many of the fearful possibilities do not exist outside of our fertile imaginations
Alas, it's that very same small window of existence that keeps us going.
Comments: worry
Damn, I guess not.
Just knowing that "Worry can affect your skin (rash or itch). It can impact your respiratory system and aggravating asthma. Growing evidence even suggests that chronic worry can compromise your immune system, making you more vulnerable to bacteria, viruses, perhaps even cancer." makes me worry about worrying.
Sounds like another Catch-22 to me.
Posted by Loren at July 28, 2003 04:05 PM
Can I catch that condition, Loren?
Yes, medical possibilities are always the worst of imaginative scenarios.
I found some more random fortune-cookie "comfort sayings" at the Worry Bank:
http://www.worrybank.com/comfortsayings.html
but again, they didn't quite wash:
"Things usually seem worse than they really are."
"Cheer up. Things can always be worse. "
Sure about that?...
(and sorry to all for not yet enabling the dreaded html here. Just summoning the nerve)
Posted by boynton at July 28, 2003 04:21 PM
Boynton, sometimes your life reads like a Thomas Hardy novel - but if you were a character in one of his tales no-one would believe it!!
Posted by Nora at July 28, 2003 04:59 PM
I know - this last incident was "so" late Hardy that even he wouldn't believe it. I almost don't myself.
Some days just lack cred for me, they're so absurd.
Posted by boynton at July 28, 2003 05:35 PM
Likewise, the anti-worrying aphorisms provided by sites such as these mostly don't work
Many of the fearful possibilities do not exist outside of our fertile imaginations
Alas, it's that very same small window of existence that keeps us going.
Comments: worry
Damn, I guess not.
Just knowing that "Worry can affect your skin (rash or itch). It can impact your respiratory system and aggravating asthma. Growing evidence even suggests that chronic worry can compromise your immune system, making you more vulnerable to bacteria, viruses, perhaps even cancer." makes me worry about worrying.
Sounds like another Catch-22 to me.
Posted by Loren at July 28, 2003 04:05 PM
Can I catch that condition, Loren?
Yes, medical possibilities are always the worst of imaginative scenarios.
I found some more random fortune-cookie "comfort sayings" at the Worry Bank:
http://www.worrybank.com/comfortsayings.html
but again, they didn't quite wash:
"Things usually seem worse than they really are."
"Cheer up. Things can always be worse. "
Sure about that?...
(and sorry to all for not yet enabling the dreaded html here. Just summoning the nerve)
Posted by boynton at July 28, 2003 04:21 PM
Boynton, sometimes your life reads like a Thomas Hardy novel - but if you were a character in one of his tales no-one would believe it!!
Posted by Nora at July 28, 2003 04:59 PM
I know - this last incident was "so" late Hardy that even he wouldn't believe it. I almost don't myself.
Some days just lack cred for me, they're so absurd.
Posted by boynton at July 28, 2003 05:35 PM
Sunday, July 27, 2003
flo - no e
Boynton will post as normal and go on talking about walking dogs in local park, two of whom now officially qualify as pariahs having first run madly along muddy banks, chasing ducks just as a grandma with parka-d small child points to classic big duck show about to start. Look Look! …a flash of splashing… Ducks fly away quacking in full symphony, in chaos grandma says: naughty dog, and no doubt boynton naughty by association. So ok Flo: first warning, on probation, boynton says, loudly. An ominous lull. In horror boynton stands by as Flo sprints across an oval towards two small dogs with priors. And an irrational phobia about Flo. Who only wants to play – or round things up. Rounding up any such cow-proxy is your standard ACD non-contact sport. All among the wool, boys… Slight skirmish follows, crazy woman cracks up, husband runs and blasts boynton full on, in public, boynton slumps in guilt bashing and nods limply as turning worm has big dancing tantrum and demands the total banishing of Flo from park for good or I’m dobbing. Ok ok ok? Log of claims. . His wool cap mocks his rabid authority. Can you grab your dog! He shouts, dancing…ok…Will you grab your dog!! Ok I will - if you stop moving, boynton says, looping chain around notorious criminal now all dumb submission, and slow foots it back, Flo in tow, as major villain, and b as guilty cohort following – knowing all is lost. Our mad days of running amok as half a pack, as wild out of control pack animals, as a suburban-wolf pack for half an hour now officially kaput kids, off limits. Boynton mourns. Displays a lack of control. Alas this story won’t unfold with a good hollywood twist of bad dog going straight, woman having last laugh, alpha control. No just back to farm for flo probably. It is all out of our control. On the way back Flo follows an arc of a low flying sound skywards from its footpath shadow. Rounding things up. Always on patrol.
Comments: flo - no e
Force feed Flo milk and make her listen to Beethoven.
Posted by Tony.T at July 23, 2003 02:17 PM
too many "ee's" in Beethoven, Tony ;)
For the purposes of this e-less tale, I'll stick with Bach.
Posted by boynton at July 23, 2003 02:21 PM
Good work. Possibly you could try compromising and ask your local council to match a ban on Flo with a ban on alpha-blokists. This might work as an ambit claim.
Posted by Gummo Trotsky at July 23, 2003 02:54 PM
Nice idea, Gummo.
Actually I think that bloke was only masquerading as an alpha. (He was the beta half of Lady Mac. cracking up in background.) Or else he may have been a local councillor.
We were kinda in the wrong though - and had I been able to use a certain vowel, the word "shame' and "ashamed" would have featured alongside "guilt"...
Posted by boynton at July 23, 2003 03:10 PM
Since your at ease with Es in the comments, may I ask if it was an official off-leash park? Were the objects of Flo's round up attempt leashed?
Posted by Gummo Trotsky at July 23, 2003 03:57 PM
I assume Flo is the one with blue heeler blood?
Sounds like my Australian Shepherd who has taken to nipping at the heels of guests as he tries to herd them out the door when he's tired of their company.
And my beloved grandson ran off in tears when I assured him Skye was only trying to "herd him." He ran and told his mommy that grandpa said that Skye was trying to "hurt" him, and at times it's difficult to tell the difference.
Posted by Loren at July 23, 2003 04:08 PM
Gummo - it is offically free running - but I have to admit that "off leash" doesn't mean "rush" other small dogs etc inducing pink fit.
These two dogs were off the lead too. I can see that the problem is partly theirs - and Flo has had no probs with any other dogs. Other owners have actually enjoyed the work- out their dogs receive from her herding behaviour.
But as we've been warned off by beanie man- and as I concede fault, I think I just have to either avoid park, keep her on the lead, start doing some serious alpha work, or send her back to farm. Moral of story: get a labrador.
Posted by boynton at July 23, 2003 04:21 PM
Loren - yes she's the famous blue heeler - or the "labrador in the super-hero mask" as I once observed.
It was quite upsetting. My labrador (in his "entire" days) was not the best dog with other males in the park. When this aggression first occurred it was quite baffling and a cause of great dismay : how could this gentle sook turn nasty - a mr Hyde in the park? He's so benign now - and I was getting used to stress-free walks. Alas.
btw - it's a shame your grandson "heard" hurt as "herd"...I had to avoid using that word myself in the exercise. I employed the less expressive but perhaps safer "round" as in "rounded up"...
Posted by boynton at July 23, 2003 04:33 PM
I know Flo. She's the ACD with ADD.
Posted by Nora at July 23, 2003 05:08 PM
Yes but she's "gifted"
Posted by boynton at July 23, 2003 05:47 PM
When I was a kid we had a border collie with very similar habits. Fortunately he wasn't prone to giving the heel nips that cattle dogs (apparently) give refractory beasts. Right now, I'm glad that Dad never thought to teach the bugger any of those whistle signals they use in field trials.
Posted by Gummo Trotsky at July 23, 2003 05:54 PM
When she first arrived here (see 'alien dog' post?!) she was so untrained that she seemed to know her alternative name - two sharp whistles - as well if not better than her given name.
"Two sharp whistles" is a bit of a mouthful to call - or yell - across an oval, of course...
Posted by boynton at July 23, 2003 06:04 PM
Jeez Leweez, I never spotted the eelessness. Guess I couldn't see the eez in the treez. Hope that makes up for it.
Posted by Tony.T at July 23, 2003 10:35 PM
On the other hand Tee you could have just casually dropped a bit of "degenerescence" or "feebleheartedness" into the comment to bump up the e-quota.
(For those who are wondering why - it's part of the "online project" I mentioned in an earlier post)
Posted by boynton at July 24, 2003 12:33 PM
What letter was omitted first time 'round? I still find myself waking suddenly during the night, upright & gripped in fear, reliving a short-lived (ha, figure that out) attempt at trying something similar -- inspired by b.
While I have forgiven you for coercing/dragging me through such an unfortunate circumstance/happenstance, I do remember the first sentence being somewhat rewarding. Ever again? I suppose, but this time I will be sure not to 'try' -- it's more fun to let the dachshund take care of the content.
You astound with the ability, and inspire continually.
Please ignore.
Posted by .es at July 24, 2003 04:53 PM
I remember your sentence - and it was rewarding for readers, .es.
It's good to be sentenced in this way: it can generate content almost as easily as a random logarithm thing (providing the "hunds" are in charge of course.)
I hope you serve another sentence. Or a round of sentences for us to enjoy.
Posted by boynton at July 24, 2003 05:13 PM
But what letter was it? Was it not an 'e' then as well? Or perhaps it was another, easier to escape from. The more elusive-able fun-type thing. I persused b@b**g*p*t but was beaten back by the repeated blows to the face and neck. Someone needs to get a wrangle on these wayward sons.
Has anyone see a little one?
Have not.
x2.
Posted by .es at July 24, 2003 05:22 PM
I bypassed the wayward and googled up the e-lusive entry:
http://boynton.blogspot.com/2003_04_27_boynton_archive.html#93636879
Yes it was an e - but - in that game (as requested by meredith) - you had to, inversely, have NO e-less sentence. Contrary to what was said at the time, I think the first task was slightly harder. Or maybe I just didn't let the dogs into it...
btw: must transfer my archives across soon!
Posted by boynton at July 24, 2003 05:33 PM
Comments: flo - no e
Force feed Flo milk and make her listen to Beethoven.
Posted by Tony.T at July 23, 2003 02:17 PM
too many "ee's" in Beethoven, Tony ;)
For the purposes of this e-less tale, I'll stick with Bach.
Posted by boynton at July 23, 2003 02:21 PM
Good work. Possibly you could try compromising and ask your local council to match a ban on Flo with a ban on alpha-blokists. This might work as an ambit claim.
Posted by Gummo Trotsky at July 23, 2003 02:54 PM
Nice idea, Gummo.
Actually I think that bloke was only masquerading as an alpha. (He was the beta half of Lady Mac. cracking up in background.) Or else he may have been a local councillor.
We were kinda in the wrong though - and had I been able to use a certain vowel, the word "shame' and "ashamed" would have featured alongside "guilt"...
Posted by boynton at July 23, 2003 03:10 PM
Since your at ease with Es in the comments, may I ask if it was an official off-leash park? Were the objects of Flo's round up attempt leashed?
Posted by Gummo Trotsky at July 23, 2003 03:57 PM
I assume Flo is the one with blue heeler blood?
Sounds like my Australian Shepherd who has taken to nipping at the heels of guests as he tries to herd them out the door when he's tired of their company.
And my beloved grandson ran off in tears when I assured him Skye was only trying to "herd him." He ran and told his mommy that grandpa said that Skye was trying to "hurt" him, and at times it's difficult to tell the difference.
Posted by Loren at July 23, 2003 04:08 PM
Gummo - it is offically free running - but I have to admit that "off leash" doesn't mean "rush" other small dogs etc inducing pink fit.
These two dogs were off the lead too. I can see that the problem is partly theirs - and Flo has had no probs with any other dogs. Other owners have actually enjoyed the work- out their dogs receive from her herding behaviour.
But as we've been warned off by beanie man- and as I concede fault, I think I just have to either avoid park, keep her on the lead, start doing some serious alpha work, or send her back to farm. Moral of story: get a labrador.
Posted by boynton at July 23, 2003 04:21 PM
Loren - yes she's the famous blue heeler - or the "labrador in the super-hero mask" as I once observed.
It was quite upsetting. My labrador (in his "entire" days) was not the best dog with other males in the park. When this aggression first occurred it was quite baffling and a cause of great dismay : how could this gentle sook turn nasty - a mr Hyde in the park? He's so benign now - and I was getting used to stress-free walks. Alas.
btw - it's a shame your grandson "heard" hurt as "herd"...I had to avoid using that word myself in the exercise. I employed the less expressive but perhaps safer "round" as in "rounded up"...
Posted by boynton at July 23, 2003 04:33 PM
I know Flo. She's the ACD with ADD.
Posted by Nora at July 23, 2003 05:08 PM
Yes but she's "gifted"
Posted by boynton at July 23, 2003 05:47 PM
When I was a kid we had a border collie with very similar habits. Fortunately he wasn't prone to giving the heel nips that cattle dogs (apparently) give refractory beasts. Right now, I'm glad that Dad never thought to teach the bugger any of those whistle signals they use in field trials.
Posted by Gummo Trotsky at July 23, 2003 05:54 PM
When she first arrived here (see 'alien dog' post?!) she was so untrained that she seemed to know her alternative name - two sharp whistles - as well if not better than her given name.
"Two sharp whistles" is a bit of a mouthful to call - or yell - across an oval, of course...
Posted by boynton at July 23, 2003 06:04 PM
Jeez Leweez, I never spotted the eelessness. Guess I couldn't see the eez in the treez. Hope that makes up for it.
Posted by Tony.T at July 23, 2003 10:35 PM
On the other hand Tee you could have just casually dropped a bit of "degenerescence" or "feebleheartedness" into the comment to bump up the e-quota.
(For those who are wondering why - it's part of the "online project" I mentioned in an earlier post)
Posted by boynton at July 24, 2003 12:33 PM
What letter was omitted first time 'round? I still find myself waking suddenly during the night, upright & gripped in fear, reliving a short-lived (ha, figure that out) attempt at trying something similar -- inspired by b.
While I have forgiven you for coercing/dragging me through such an unfortunate circumstance/happenstance, I do remember the first sentence being somewhat rewarding. Ever again? I suppose, but this time I will be sure not to 'try' -- it's more fun to let the dachshund take care of the content.
You astound with the ability, and inspire continually.
Please ignore.
Posted by .es at July 24, 2003 04:53 PM
I remember your sentence - and it was rewarding for readers, .es.
It's good to be sentenced in this way: it can generate content almost as easily as a random logarithm thing (providing the "hunds" are in charge of course.)
I hope you serve another sentence. Or a round of sentences for us to enjoy.
Posted by boynton at July 24, 2003 05:13 PM
But what letter was it? Was it not an 'e' then as well? Or perhaps it was another, easier to escape from. The more elusive-able fun-type thing. I persused b@b**g*p*t but was beaten back by the repeated blows to the face and neck. Someone needs to get a wrangle on these wayward sons.
Has anyone see a little one?
Have not.
x2.
Posted by .es at July 24, 2003 05:22 PM
I bypassed the wayward and googled up the e-lusive entry:
http://boynton.blogspot.com/2003_04_27_boynton_archive.html#93636879
Yes it was an e - but - in that game (as requested by meredith) - you had to, inversely, have NO e-less sentence. Contrary to what was said at the time, I think the first task was slightly harder. Or maybe I just didn't let the dogs into it...
btw: must transfer my archives across soon!
Posted by boynton at July 24, 2003 05:33 PM
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