Toonbots message board: Kudos!

Jenn Tue Nov 20 08:51:48 2001 Re: Kudos! > Well done! And a special congrats for avoiding the disney-esque > happy-twist ending with "we didn't find one". I got choked up > too. There weren't any dancing candlesticks! I want my dancing candlesticks! No comic is complete without dancing candlesticks! I am heartily disappointed. ...so, was that good? I didn't praise one thing...what? The mike is still on? What mike? Oh. Sh-.... *click*

mouse Tue Nov 20 16:35:12 2001 Re: Kudos! personally i am on the edge of my seat (which is going to get real uncomfortable over thanksgiving). does this mean there are no free-living piles of garbage by the kremlin, as there are in the U.S. of A.? no ditches, dips or convenient alleyways? and what does this say about our respective ways of life? are commies better because they are neater? or are they merely handicapped by the lack of features in their environment? (this could be the true explanation of the collapse of communism - neither reagan nor afghanistan, but mental decay due to lack of stimuli in the habitat.) and what does this portend for officer obie? (i was really curious to see who got to play him) (or, i could be reading _way_ to much into this.)

Jenn Wed Nov 21 08:47:40 2001 Re: Kudos! See, now...I like the way the new strip answers all of mouse's questions with the neat and tidy: Defenestration of Prague. In fact, that's answered some questions that have been nagging at the back of my mind lately about the national debt and siberian hamsters.

Tirdun Wed Nov 21 10:37:45 2001 Re: Kudos! > In fact, that's answered some questions that have been nagging at the back > of my mind lately about the national debt and siberian hamsters. It has become clear that Jenn knows too much. She must be defenestrated.

Napoleon Wed Nov 21 20:11:12 2001 Re: Kudos! > It has become clear that Jenn knows too much. She must be defenestrated. *does the honors, then disappears yet again*

mouse Thu Nov 22 13:13:18 2001 superheros > *does the honors, then disappears yet again* you know, this is kinda cool - the way napoleon appears just when her name is mentioned, defenestrates someone, then disappears again - like the lone ranger or some kind of a superhero (the lone defenestrator! who was that masked woman? i don't know, but she left this silver window-frame [thunder of paws, and a hearty 'hiyo, bot!', as napoleon rides off on a wolverine])

Napoleon Fri Nov 23 17:24:48 2001 Re: superheros > you know, this is kinda cool - the way napoleon appears just when her name > is mentioned, defenestrates someone, then disappears again - like the lone > ranger or some kind of a superhero (the lone defenestrator! who was that > masked woman? i don't know, but she left this silver window-frame [thunder > of paws, and a hearty 'hiyo, bot!', as napoleon rides off on a wolverine]) 'Tweren't nothin', ma'am.

Faithful Emsworthian Companion Fri Nov 23 17:28:10 2001 Re: superheros > 'Tweren't nothin', ma'am. Look, Kemo-Nappy! Heap big open windows near barren cliffside, and rustlers approaching. Get 'em up, wolvie. ::wolverines trot along and devour mysteriously discarded silver bullets::

Jenn Mon Nov 26 10:44:14 2001 Re: superheros *wince, limp, ouch, twinge* You know...defenestrating me while I was at Niagara Falls was the coolest defenestration I've been subjected to thus far! Also the most painful. Especially since I wasn't certain as to what had happened until I came back here and read the forum. > ::wolverines trot along and devour mysteriously discarded silver bullets:: At least we know they're not werewolverines now.

Eric Schissel Mon Nov 26 10:53:41 2001 Re: superheros > *wince, limp, ouch, twinge* > You know...defenestrating me while I was at Niagara Falls was the coolest > defenestration I've been subjected to thus far! (Ghostly conscience-rabbit squelches attempted comment along lines of someone's being all wet around now...) > Also the most painful. Especially since I wasn't certain as to what had > happened until I came back here and read the forum. > At least we know they're not werewolverines now. Reminds me rather much of... erm, never mind, never mind. I'll just go and -assume- that the wolverines are alright and none the worse for wear, anyways... The things that even a werewolverine will do in the line of duty, after all!

Tirdun Mon Nov 26 13:24:49 2001 The epic of Napoleon I'm trying to picture Napoleon riding in on horseback and trying to muscle a large picture window out of a saddlebag. (scene opens: tall, lanky man in a black ill-fitting wild-west style suit stands over an older lady in dress/petticoats tied to a railroad) * Evil Land Baron: (twirling waxy moustache) Nyar! AND NOW, Widow Humphries! Sell me your ranch at somewhat-below fair market value or NYAR! face the dire concequences. DIRE CONCEQUENCES I SAY! Nyar! * Widow Humphries: (kicking helplessly) Oh, you evil, evil man! If only there were someone who could save me! * ELB: (Pauses, looks around nervously) Well... apparently there's not. NYAR! * WH: (stops kicking... looks around) WAIT, Napeoleon will save me! (Napoleon enters stage left on horseback. Large picture window in saddlebag) * N: STOP YOU FOUL FIEND! You back-stabbing, horse-stealing, card-cheating, land-grubbing, horribly-reeking monster! * ELB: Now, I hardly think all that is necessary, Nyar. * WH: Well, you could /bathe/ more often. And you did once steal that... * N: SILENCE! Fear not, Elderly Widow Humphries! I shall save you by defenestrating this evil cur. * ELB: Evil what? * WH: Wait, elderly!? Now see here... * N: (struggles to get fairly large picture window out of saddle bags) A moment, dastardly louse. * ELB: Nyar! Did she just call me a louse? * WH: And a cur, which means dog. See? A dog and a flea! * ELB: Oh. I see, witty. Do you.. uh, need any help? * N: (grunts, pulling on window) noo... these windows just keep getting bigger. And when you have double panes.. well, they get to be a bit weighty. * ELB: I see.... You know, not to rush this, but there is a train on the way. I'd really not planned on killing the widow here. (accent noticibly gone) * WH: Really? That's so sweet! * ELB: Well, I'm EVIL not .. well, really evil. * N: (Finally works window out of saddlebags and positions it on the ground). THERE! Whew! I'm a bit winded. Give me a moment. * ELB: Wow.. that thing's huge. Uh, look. I'm just going to let her go and.. oh, I don't know... woo her or something. * WH: Oh, you big softy. * N: Now LOOK. I've finally gotten this thing in place, and you WILL BE DEFENESTRATED. Understand!? * ELB: Uh, shouldn't that be higher up? I mean the glass might hurt, but It's right on the ground and all. Shouldn't there be a bit of a fall? * N: Have you any idea how much time it would take to drag this thing up a hill? It must weigh 80 pounds!! * ELB: I see (train whistle in distance) Look, I'm going to untie Ms. Humphries here, and I'll be right with you. * N: OH.. yes, that might be good.

mouse Mon Nov 26 16:23:25 2001 Re: The epic of Napoleon nyar?

Michael Mon Nov 26 19:30:21 2001 Re: The epic of Napoleon > nyar? "Summer" in Hungarian. The ELB is unhappy that autumn has arrived.

Eric Schissel Mon Nov 26 19:44:13 2001 Re: The epic of Napoleon > "Summer" in Hungarian. The ELB is unhappy that autumn has > arrived. And if he lived here he'd be complaining about the occasional and quite typical "early" frost (weather's quite temperate today, though more snow's expected by Sunday, of course.) Given how muggy summers tend to be here, I always await autumns with unconcealed impatience. (All 4 days of actual autumn we get, that is.) Just goes to show how evil, (dis?)ingenuous protestations to the contrary, ELB is. (Napoleon and an ELB. Napoleon, ELB, a. Napoleon, ELBa. Hrm... that does remind me of something.)

Jenn Tue Nov 27 09:33:14 2001 Re: The epic of Napoleon (unseasonably warm and pleasant in NYC. Rain expected later today.) > (Napoleon and an ELB. Napoleon, ELB, a. Napoleon, ELBa. Hrm... > that does remind me of something.) Me too! Napolean, get yer elbas off the table! I really enjoyed the epic. I felt that perhaps someone should be singing 'You must pay the rent!' 'I can't pay the rent!' 'You must pay the rent!' 'I can't pay the rent!' 'I'll defenestrate the rent!' 'My hero(ine)!'

Michael Tue Nov 27 10:36:07 2001 Re: The epic of Napoleon > (unseasonably warm and pleasant in NYC. Rain expected later today.) It's been a great summer here in Indiana. Never quite stopped. It's still 55 degrees today -- I had the window open last night. > Me too! Napolean, get yer elbas off the table! Able was I ere I saw elbas on the table.

Eric Schissel Tue Nov 27 10:56:56 2001 Re: The epic of Napoleon > It's been a great summer here in Indiana. Never quite stopped. It's still > 55 degrees today -- I had the window open last night. About what temperature it was here yesterday, as I recall. Now it's down to 43 (34 with wind.) > Able was I ere I saw elbas on the table. A, aber pouvez-vous make that macaronic?

mouse Tue Nov 27 14:57:27 2001 Re: The epic of Napoleon > About what temperature it was here yesterday, as I recall. Now it's down > to 43 (34 with wind.) we had a miserable cold grey summer - now it is at least sunny, but still horribly cold (it must get down in the low 60's at night) > A, aber pouvez-vous make that macaronic? *sigh* no wonder i never know what's going on --- all these furrin langages. see, i was afraid the elb was speaking pirate or something (but guess that would have been 'arrr' or 'garn')(except for some reason when i think 'nyar', i immediately get an image of w.c. fields). i should, of course, have instantly realized it would be hungarian.

Brother Emsworth Tue Nov 27 15:45:47 2001 Re: The epic of Napoleon > *sigh* no wonder i never know what's going on --- all these furrin > langages. Porisito. Las otros idiomos son muy dificil, mas a menos. Gevalt! > see, i was afraid the elb was speaking pirate or something (but guess that > would have been 'arrr' or 'garn') Actually, "garn" would have been more appropriate for ED (Eliza Doolittle.) ::wolverines merrily lap up the rain in spain::

Eric Schissel Tue Nov 27 16:50:17 2001 Re: The epic of Napoleon *suggests humbly that one might want to consider the possibility that yours truly was attempting a -very- weak pun on "elbows" and "macaronic"* (then canters away quickly in fear in case anyone actually gets it!)

Brother Emsworth Tue Nov 27 20:05:30 2001 Re: The epic of Napoleon > *suggests humbly that one might want to consider the possibility that > yours truly was attempting a -very- weak pun on "elbows" and > "macaronic"* I confess that at the time, I was more intrigued by mouse's "garn." Been awhile since I've had macaroni and cheese, anyway. >(then canters away quickly in fear in case anyone > actually gets it!) ::wolverines break into a stirring chorus of "Ida"::

Brother Emsworth Tue Nov 27 20:46:46 2001 The further epic of Napoleon..... [sounds of galloping hooves, gunshots, and breaking glass] Announcer: "Around Dodge City and in the territory out west, there's just one way to handle the killers and the spoilers… and that's with a megalomaniac and the sight of… PANE CLOUDS! [cue theme, dominated by sleepy guitar strings and accordions] Deputy Chris: My, it sure is peaceful out here tonight, Miz Napoleon. Napoleon: Not quite, Christer. Note those wolverines howling in the distance. Chris: That's true. Prob'ly found some edible vultures or something. Napoleon: Probably. Well, let's head back into town. [horse hooves gallop at a respectable pace] Napoleon: Well, let's just step into the jail house and rustle up some cheese and… well, what have we here…Cyrus Meeker… Cyrus (in a surly tone): Hello, Chancellor. Just thought I'd drop by, to let you know I was back in town. Napoleon: I've been waiting for this, Meekr. I know you were involved in that stolen spackle shipment… Cyrus: Mebbe I was, but there's nuthin you can do about it, Napoleon! [sound of sudden glass breaking] Chris: He went out the winder, Miz Napoleon! Napoleon: YAY! Er… How dare he usurp my legal defenestration authority! After him, Chris! Through the other window! [sounds of more shattering glass] Announcer: We'll return to "Pane Clouds," in just a moment. But first, a word about Daggett and Myers Rolled Ants. Folks, these are the finest, cleanest smoking insects available on the market today. Their toasted antennae provide a unique richness of flavor which you cannot get with any of those generic brand arthropods. So smoke some D & M ants today! We now return to "Pane Clouds." Napoleon: Let's see if he went in Doc's office, Chris. [sounds of fottsteps on staircase] Chris: Land's sake, those new French windows Doc got for his second floor office sure are nice! Napoleon: Well, he can afford it, Chris, from the sale of all that medicinal gum and sap. Let's knock and see if Doc's in. Doc: Well, Nap! Quite a surprise. Anything the matter? Napoleon: Doc, have you had any new patients lately? Doc: Now, Nap, I can't break my Hippocratic oath. You know all about doctor/patient confidentiality! Napoleon: I hate to do this, Doc, but I need you to tell me! Doc: Keep away from them glass apertures, Nap! They cost over 200 dollars, shipped from Abi---LEEEE! [sounds of more glass breaking] Chris: Look, Miz Napoleon! Where Doc landed! It's Meeker! But he's crawling out! We can't reach him in time! Napoleon! Sure we will, Chris. *emits a distinct, low whistle* [sound of galloping paws, followed by cheerful growls and screams of anguish] Chris: Why, lookee there! The wolverines have caught the sidwinder, and are gnawing at his spurs right now! Napoleon: Only goes to show one thing, Chris. The West is the final sanctuary for one of nature's most wonderous creatures. [dramatic sting, and out]

Michael Wed Nov 28 01:13:03 2001 My God! > Announcer: We'll return to "Pane Clouds," in just a moment. But > first, a word about Daggett and Myers Rolled Ants. Folks, these are the > finest, cleanest smoking insects available on the market today. Their > toasted antennae provide a unique richness of flavor which you cannot get > with any of those generic brand arthropods. So smoke some D & M ants > today! We now return to "Pane Clouds." This thread makes me proud to be a metacartoonist. On the one hand, only Eric Schissel can be quite that obscure. And on the other, only Emsworth could *possibly* catch every damned reference he makes. (I recommend Pratchett's _The Truth_, by the way, and I excuse myself from missing Eric's reference with the simple plea that I haven't read most of Pratchett in quite some time.) And then THIS. Emsworth, this is simply brilliant.

Jenn Wed Nov 28 09:12:15 2001 Re: My God! You know...after a rousing Defenestration Day Breakfast, nothing really satisfies like D&M ants. (Did you notice how my arm perfectly caught the light in that sweeping upward move? Can I be the D&M spokesmodel now, Emsy? Please? Pretty please with ants on top?)

Brother Emsworth Wed Nov 28 10:48:59 2001 Re: My God! > You know...after a rousing Defenestration Day Breakfast, nothing really > satisfies like D&M ants. > (Did you notice how my arm perfectly caught the light in that sweeping > upward move? Can I be the D&M spokesmodel now, Emsy? Please? Pretty > please with ants on top?) Hmmm... While I must say I am impressed by your enthusiam and natural poise, madame, perhaps I could hear you repeat "And, they are mild!" before we commit ourselves.

Jenn Wed Nov 28 13:58:03 2001 Jenna White > Hmmm... While I must say I am impressed by your enthusiam and natural > poise, madame, perhaps I could hear you repeat "And, they are > mild!" before we commit ourselves. And they are mild(ly intoxicating)! Geez. This job would be so much easier if I didn't keep cutting my fingers on glass store front windows. I think it's interesting how much defenestration has gone on in history, right under my nose. It's like those puzzles where you have to relax your eyes to see the three D image. Except with tossing through windows.

Brother Emsworth Wed Nov 28 10:57:44 2001 Re: My God! > This thread makes me proud to be a metacartoonist. On the one hand, only > Eric Schissel can be quite that obscure. Well, now, I wouldn't say that, not by Jack Norton's shot glass, to say nothing of Henry Cecil and Vera Vague. ;) > And on the other, only Emsworth > could *possibly* catch every damned reference he makes. Wel, most. (One who revels in trivia and odd facts like honorable love-lorn spinster... tries to be alert to any likely prospects, but occassionally miss boat. Or put another way, obscurity loves company.) >(I recommend > Pratchett's _The Truth_, by the way, and I excuse myself from missing > Eric's reference with the simple plea that I haven't read most of > Pratchett in quite some time.) Just recently read The Truth myself. Enjoyed it considerably, even if certain moments did give me the humorous vegetables. (The Watch, while not the protagonists, were fairly well represented, or so I thought, and nice to see a little more of Vetnari's character, as well.) > And then THIS. Emsworth, this is simply brilliant. Danke, mon ami muy amable, y un bon baleboss.

mouse Wed Nov 28 14:53:47 2001 Re: The epic of Napoleon > Actually, "garn" would have been more appropriate for ED (Eliza > Doolittle.) now see, i knew i'd heard that somewhere.....

Michael Wed Nov 28 15:06:49 2001 Re: The epic of Napoleon > now see, i knew i'd heard that somewhere..... So have I, and quite recently. I'm thinking Pratchett.

Brother Emsworth Wed Nov 28 15:46:08 2001 Re: The epic of Napoleon > So have I, and quite recently. I'm thinking Pratchett. I wasn't, but he probably has used "garn" at some point, considering how many of hsi characters tend to use Cockney expressions, or variations on them. Somehow I suspect it was probably said by Nobby Nobbs or Gaspode, though.

Michael Wed Nov 28 16:37:25 2001 Re: The epic of Napoleon > I wasn't, but he probably has used "garn" at some point, > considering how many of hsi characters tend to use Cockney expressions, or > variations on them. Somehow I suspect it was probably said by Nobby Nobbs > or Gaspode, though. Foul Old Ron. That's it. He says "Garn." I think.

Jenn Thu Nov 29 09:18:25 2001 Garn - The Making of an Epic > Foul Old Ron. That's it. He says "Garn." I think. No, no, no. The reason it sounds familiar to you is because Garn is the name of a series of books written in the late 1960's about a magical realm set on an indeterminate planet. It's your basic hero quest series, complete with rescue of innumerable helpless damsels, even one trapped in a tower. Though he uses magic to get her down rather than climbing up her hair. It's also got a familiar in the form of a half grown dragon who provides comic relief by screwing stuff up all the time. Pretty standard fantasy fare. There were at least four of them that I know of: Garn: A World in Turmoil, Garn: The Revolution Begins, Garn: The Apple of Innocence, and Garn: The Silver Wolverine. Okay. I did actually make that up. But did I sound almost as knowledgable as Emsy for a moment there? I almost fooled myself. But then, I'm gullible.

Brother Emsworth Thu Nov 29 11:31:41 2001 Re: Garn - The Making of an Epic > Garn: The Silver Wolverine. I hope and trust that one's still in print. Actually, a google search reveals that "Garn" actually does have some slight association with fantasy epics, apart from Foul Ole Ron. I'll admit that I probably need to brush up my Tolkien (start quoting him now!), but according to a web source or two, he also used "Garn" as a typical rough expletive for his orc characters. > Okay. I did actually make that up. But did I sound almost as knowledgable > as Emsy for a moment there? I almost fooled myself. But then, I'm > gullible. Actually, I posted a joke B-movie film syopsis (complete with cast identifications, as a means of mentioning some of my favorite deceased character actors) on another forum, but someone asked whether I was being serious or not.

Eric Schissel Thu Nov 29 11:41:57 2001 Re: Garn - The Making of an Epic > Actually, I posted a joke B-movie film syopsis (complete with cast > identifications, as a means of mentioning some of my favorite deceased > character actors) on another forum, but someone asked whether I was being > serious or not. Ohhh, yes. (It was a good one, too, that synopsis!) And he went on to ask, if (serious) you had ever -been-. I don't think the comments should have been taken at face value, given that person's tendency to jape, however... but that, too, is my honest opinion -et nicht mehr-!!!

Jenn Fri Nov 30 10:00:08 2001 They're /Everywhere/! You guys remember that big long claw shaped string that was up forever and ever? Did anyone else notice that this one seems to have like...little seperate claws, each growing in it's own direction...kind of like a paw of claws? Kind of like a wolverine's paw of claws? I hate it when everything's a conspiracy.

Brother Emsworth Fri Nov 30 10:13:05 2001 Return of the Monster Thread (1946) Starring Lionel Atwill, John Carradine, Maria Ouspenskaya as Mother Mao, and Mantan Moreland as Fred. > You guys remember that big long claw shaped string that was up forever and > ever? Indeed. How could one easily forget such an image of horror? > Did anyone else notice that this one seems to have like...little seperate > claws, each growing in it's own direction...kind of like a paw of claws? > Kind of like a wolverine's paw of claws? "It looks like the paw print of an enormous wolverine, Mr. Holmes." > I hate it when everything's a conspiracy. ::wolverines fertively begin humming a growlish tune::

Jenn Fri Nov 30 10:49:32 2001 Return of the Monster Thread (1946) The Scene: A darkened office. Pair of men's legs visible propped up on desk. Voice Overcut of Detective Holmes: It was a long, dirty night in a long, dirty town. Office door opens. Enter tall, lean bombshell in evening dress, covered in filth. Voice Overcut Continues: A long dirty dame in a long dirty gown. *pause* I wasn't sure why I was continually lapsing into Seussian rhyme. Guess it came with the territory. And this was the dirtiest of territories. Dame: Can you help me, Mr. Holmes? I seem to have pulled a stitch here... Dame pulls at dress, revealing edge of string. Holmes crosses to her, attempts to assist. Holmes: That's quite a thread you've got going there, Ma'am. Dame: I know! I keep trying to cut it, but it pops back out. Holmes (inspecting the dress): Well, here's your problem, Ma'am. Camera swings around to reveal wolverine sized paw print on woman's dress. Dame (embarrassed, clearly guilty): Oh! How do you suppose...? Holmes: You don't fool me with your innocent act, Missy. Dame (staring, starting to back away): What? Why, whatever do you mean? Holmes: You think we don't notice things here in the States? Shall we just skip the fast talk, Mother Mao? Dame (pulling a gun): Okay, okay. So you sniffed me out, bub. Just stay where you are and no wolverines will get hurt. (starts rifling his desk) Holmes: Looking for anything in particular? Dame (snaps at him, flustered): You know damn well what I'm after. Now where is it? Where's the passport for the Hungarian Ape? Holmes: Somewhere you'll never find it. Holmes lunges forward, struggle for the gun, wrestles it away from her. Mother Mao (shattered): Okay! You win. Holmes (gesturing with the gun): Okay, Mother Mao, lets see those wolverines. Cut to joyful reunion with wolverines. Fin. ::wolverines furtively begin humming a growlish tune over credits::

Brother Emsworth Fri Nov 30 10:57:15 2001 Re: Return of the Monster Thread (1946) Haaa! Brilliant, my dear Jenn. (Though for the record, character actress Maria Ouspenskaya could hardly be described as "long." She's best remembered as the old gypsy in the original THE WOLFMAN (1941); may post a photo here at some point.) And a happy ending to boot. Pity you weren't available to write scenarios in the 40's Jenn. Monogram and PRC would have loved you. Wonderfully film noirish.

Jenn Fri Nov 30 12:28:16 2001 Re: Return of the Monster Thread (1946) > (Though for the record, character actress > Maria Ouspenskaya could hardly be described as "long." Ummm...see...okay. In an earlier scene which I couldn't include due to time restrictions, they put a young and very gypsylike Maria on the rack and tormented her. See, that's why she turned evil (and long). That and her unrequited love for Chairman Mao, for whom I'm hoping we can get that guy who starred in the Floating Tiger, Bouncing Wolverine movie. Cause the idea of Chairman Mao running up walls and over pine trees while chasing the capitalist pigs to their death gives me shivers.

Michael Fri Nov 30 14:10:11 2001 Re: Return of the Monster Thread (1946) > Floating Tiger, Bouncing Wolverine movie. Cause the > idea of Chairman Mao running up walls and over pine trees while chasing > the capitalist pigs to their death gives me shivers. You people come up with some pretty good Toonbotty ideas.

Eric Schissel Fri Nov 30 19:34:44 2001 Wolverines and Movies All this talk about movies and Toonbots had me looking for Wolverine-entitled movies on IMDB, though I'm sure that's been done and posted'bout before. Only turned up two, or three counting TV movies. The two were The Wolverine from 1921 (a Western,) and Wolverine from 2000... Hrm... As to wolverines (actual ones, not faux-Canadians in costumes) -in- movies... different topic that.

mouse Fri Nov 30 19:52:40 2001 Re: Wolverines and Movies > All this talk about movies and Toonbots had me looking for > Wolverine-entitled movies on IMDB, though I'm sure that's been done and > posted'bout before. Only turned up two, or three counting TV movies. The > two were The Wolverine from 1921 (a Western,) and Wolverine from 2000... > Hrm... i think this is entirely new. somehow i missed both of these.....(but i think we must definitely research the 1921 flick - emsworth?) > As to wolverines (actual ones, not faux-Canadians in costumes) -in- > movies... different topic that. a "faux-canadian"? this would be, what, a upie michigander? i mean, sure, it's a funny-shaped state - but "faux-canadian" seems a bit harsh...

Eric Schissel Fri Nov 30 20:06:13 2001 Re: Wolverines and Movies > i think this is entirely new. somehow i missed both of these.....(but i > think we must definitely research the 1921 flick - emsworth?) I know nothing more about that one than is available on imdb... > a "faux-canadian"? this would be, what, a upie michigander? i > mean, sure, it's a funny-shaped state - but "faux-canadian" > seems a bit harsh... I was thinking of Wolverine from the X-Men comic and film, and having at one time been a fan of the comic books, was mixing a certain dislike of movie adaptation (not that the best such are anything less than successful) with a newfound relative dislike of the original itself, I suppose... not the best combination from which I should have been attempting to "objectively" judge anything: too many biases, far too many prejudices. I've only seen part of that film anyhow. I don't read any, erm, offline comics on any regular basis now anyhow... sigh... when I do go to the comics shop I tend to look for Jeff Smith's BONE (and related) and occasionally for Thunderbolts. Sometimes other things. (Though I did buy an issue of one of the X-Men titles in the last year or two, if memory serves. Perhaps even two. *chuckle*)

Michael Thu Nov 29 16:31:20 2001 Re: Garn - The Making of an Epic > Actually, a google search reveals that "Garn" actually does have > some slight association with fantasy epics, apart from Foul Ole Ron. I'll > admit that I probably need to brush up my Tolkien (start quoting him > now!), but according to a web source or two, he also used "Garn" > as a typical rough expletive for his orc characters. That's IT! Orcs say "Garn!" And I remarked on it because I'd just seen it in Pratchett! Either of the two independently wouldn't have tripped that synapse. Also, I believe Sam says "Garn" once when making fun of orcs.

mouse Thu Nov 29 17:37:30 2001 Re: Garn - The Making of an Epic > That's IT! Orcs say "Garn!" rats- i'm in the middle of "return of the king" and _i_ didn't remember that -- my brain really _is_ a seive. (probably all that spam)

Brother Emsworth Thu Nov 29 11:19:32 2001 Foul Ole Ron > Foul Old Ron. That's it. He says "Garn." I think. Well, I couldn't recall any instances of Ron using that expression (or too much of his dialogue, apart from "I told em, I told em! Bugrit! Millennium hand and shrimp"), but it did sound like something Ron might say. In any event, I went through The Truth again with the meta-figurative dull-tooth comb, and confirmed Mr. Roberts suspicions, when I ran across the following passage: "Bugrit," explained Foul Ole Ron. "Choking a tinker? Garn! I told 'em. Millennium hand and shrimp!" Though "garn" isn't quite as colorful and unique as, say, "I'll give 'em the wrong end of a ragman's trumpet, so I shall."

Eric Schissel Thu Nov 29 11:29:33 2001 Re: Foul Ole Ron > Well, I couldn't recall any instances of Ron using that expression (or too > much of his dialogue, apart from "I told em, I told em! Bugrit! > Millennium hand and shrimp"), but it did sound like something Ron > might say. In any event, I went through The Truth again with the > meta-figurative dull-tooth comb, and confirmed Mr. Roberts suspicions, > when I ran across the following passage: > "Bugrit," explained Foul Ole Ron. "Choking a tinker? Garn! > I told 'em. Millennium hand and shrimp!" (We have a winnah! I didn't remember that... I'll just have to reread it. Pity, that! I'll enjoy it, you know! A lot! Still a pity, isn't it? ;) ) > Though "garn" isn't quite as colorful and unique as, say, > "I'll give 'em the wrong end of a ragman's trumpet, so I shall." *chuckle* Ah, I knew I remembered where *that* was from- just found it in one of the Pratchett novels I actually do happen to own. (Of course, in later novels, one has to distinguish between what Foul Ole Ron is saying, and that which people think he's saying - but it's not -him-, you see? Well... a bit of careful reading clears that up... *g* )

Brother Emsworth Thu Nov 29 12:17:33 2001 Re: Foul Ole Ron Well, while I still have a brief moment, and you're possibly still there, Eric (multiple Jihad members on the forum at around the same time.. ahh, reminds me of January), upon re-reading Men at Arms, I noticed that Foul Ole Ron was referred to as a good mutterer and a member in good standing with the Beggars' Guild, but by the time of The Truth, it's stated that they won't let him in the Guild anymore. Any possible speculation as to why? His Smell become too much for them? (Or, possibly, a certain companionable dog may have inadvertently mucked things up a bit by expecting too much from Queen Molly, or something of the sort?)

Eric Schissel Thu Nov 29 12:26:44 2001 Re: Foul Ole Ron > Well, while I still have a brief moment, and you're possibly still there, > Eric (multiple Jihad members on the forum at around the same time.. ahh, > reminds me of January), upon re-reading Men at Arms, I noticed that Foul > Ole Ron was referred to as a good mutterer and a member in good standing > with the Beggars' Guild, but by the time of The Truth, it's stated that > they won't let him in the Guild anymore. Any possible speculation as to > why? His Smell become too much for them? (Or, possibly, a certain > companionable dog may have inadvertently mucked things up a bit by > expecting too much from Queen Molly, or something of the sort?) Hrm. Is she even still in charge of the Guild by that point? (Pity, if no- Vimes' only even semi-ally among all the Guild leaders...) I don't know. Worth thinking on- the answer may be clear, or it may not be revealed until later books. (There was a -brief- line in "Soul Music" that I regarded, perhaps correctly and perhaps no, as a comment on the consequences of certain events in (the immediately preceding, iirc) Men at Arms... and if you blinked, you missed it...) An I might take the liberty, as a certain Plum character was wont to say, wheels within wheels, no? Ah, these piquant details- Never *sufficient* reason to like an author imhonesto but certainly lagniappe if the -necessities- are there!!!! And I do think they are. My opinion again I repeat, and I know and respect others who do not agree...

Brother Emsworth Thu Nov 29 14:26:10 2001 Re: Foul Ole Ron > Hrm. Is she even still in charge of the Guild by that point? (Pity, if no- > Vimes' only even semi-ally among all the Guild leaders...) I don't know. I can't seem to find the passage at present, but I'm sure I recall reading that Queen Molly was one of the few Guild leaders to support Vetinari in The Truth (along with Mrs. Palm of the "Guild of Seamstresses," and also if I recall, the head of the Guild of Exotic Dancers, which led to some mild speculation regarding the Patrician's romantic life.) Queen Molly's also one of the few guild leaders who I've managed to find sympathetic and likable (with the possible exception of Silverfish, though Mr. Slant is one of the more interesting, yet far from endearing, Guild leaders.) > I don't know. Worth thinking on- the answer may be clear, or it may not be >revealed > until later books. (There was a -brief- line in "Soul Music" > that I regarded, perhaps correctly and perhaps no, as a comment on the > consequences of certain events in (the immediately preceding, iirc) Men at > Arms... and if you blinked, you missed it...) An I might take the liberty, > as a certain Plum character was wont to say, wheels within wheels, no? Been a few months since I last read Soul Music (library copy), but next opportunity I have, I'll try to find that line. Agreed, though, wheels within wheels may very well be at the crux, or the nub, or thingummy of the whole rummy affair.

mouse Thu Nov 29 14:51:53 2001 Re: Foul Ole Ron > Though "garn" isn't quite as colorful and unique as, say, > "I'll give 'em the wrong end of a ragman's trumpet, so I shall." i don't know....'millennium hand and shrimp' is one i think will stick with me for awhile....

Eric Schissel Thu Nov 29 16:46:49 2001 Re: Foul Ole Ron > i don't know....'millennium hand and shrimp' is one i think will stick > with me for awhile.... As well it should. Always have wondered what that one meant. In reference to an earlier comment of yours: If I haven't said it yet, and saying it anyhow as shouldn't (i.e., what gives me the right anyhow...?), on behalf of Pratchett fans everywhere ( *g* ) if you -do- end up reading anything of his, I do hope you enjoy! I'd say *why* I think highly of such of his work as I've read, but I think they have... words for fans (of anyone!) who do _that_ sort of thing. ;)

mouse Thu Nov 29 18:34:17 2001 Re: Foul Ole Ron > In reference to an earlier comment of yours: If I haven't said it yet, and > saying it anyhow as shouldn't (i.e., what gives me the right anyhow...?), > on behalf of Pratchett fans everywhere ( *g* ) if you -do- end up reading > anything of his, I do hope you enjoy! thanks! (and what _else_ would you say on behalf of pratchett fans?) everything i've read here certainly - piques my curiosity, to say the least. > I'd say *why* I think highly of such of his work as I've read, but I think > they have... words for fans (of anyone!) who do _that_ sort of thing. ;) "spontaneous spoiler specialist"? *g*

Eric Schissel Thu Nov 29 19:04:43 2001 Re: Foul Ole Ron > thanks! (and what _else_ would you say on behalf of pratchett fans?) > everything i've read here certainly - piques my curiosity, to say the > least. Very glad to hear it. > "spontaneous spoiler specialist"? *g* Actually, I was thinking rather more along the lines of the qualities- characterization, for example, and balance of / coexistence of? depth and humor - among a number of others that I think have me returning to so many of the best of his novels. "Fanatic" comes closer to mind, and I'm not sure I like thinking of myself that way. Anyhow, I shouldn't steal a title, not the sort of thing a person like me does. I hope. Especially since Mr. Roberts' been so kind and given me another, unasked, dass (?) j'essaierai devenir... (I'm quite sure I don't have that right... sigh.)

mouse Thu Nov 29 19:39:20 2001 AAAK! my mind is truly gone - i thought i was responding to emsworth. (*i'm so _confused_!*) Sorry Emsworth, sorry eric --- this is what comes of trying to keep up with a rather tangled thread, while simultaneously responding to e=mail and running analyses. (of course, if you weren't both wearing baggy pants and running around with selzer bottles, it would be easier to keep you straight) *sigh* ::crawls back under bed::

Eric Schissel Thu Nov 29 19:45:13 2001 Re: AAAK! > my mind is truly gone - i thought i was responding to emsworth. Denkst mir, que je puis understand, da? (Eric sits back, not, fwiw, looking particularly well-balanced, having sprayed himself with that club soda and then having followed it up with tonic water, while listening to one very anxious Miaskovsky quartet indeed...)

Michael Thu Nov 29 22:33:12 2001 Re: AAAK! > Denkst mir, que je puis understand, da? Eric, this is right past macaronic and into zitic or even lasagneic.

mouse Thu Nov 29 23:51:43 2001 Re: AAAK! > Eric, this is right past macaronic and into zitic or even lasagneic. perhaps even fettucini-esque.

Jenn Thu Dec 6 09:36:42 2001 Perhaps Somewhat Timely Death So...we...ummm...letting this monster die, then? Cause I'd probably go insane if someone opened up another topic on here.

Eric Schissel Thu Dec 6 10:14:29 2001 Re: Perhaps Somewhat Timely Death > So...we...ummm...letting this monster die, then? > Cause I'd probably go insane if someone opened up another topic on here. Well, ich did interject ein response de plus, but it didn't seem to get very far oder even get responded to, si je m'en souviens.

mouse Thu Dec 6 12:43:02 2001 Re: Perhaps Somewhat Timely Death > So...we...ummm...letting this monster die, then? > Cause I'd probably go insane if someone opened up another topic on here. wow - is this still here? i keep getting lost trying to find the end(s)

Eric Schissel Thu Dec 6 18:01:54 2001 Re: Perhaps Somewhat Timely Death > wow - is this still here? i keep getting lost trying to find the end(s) And considered otherwise, it's vaguely nice having this board's first (?) minor Keenspot-style mega-thread. Imagine too, what it will do to peoples' post-totals when the Grim Thread Reaper smiles.

Jenn Fri Dec 7 08:58:51 2001 Re: Perhaps Somewhat Timely Death > And considered otherwise, it's vaguely nice having this board's first (?) > minor Keenspot-style mega-thread. Well...we /did/ have one a while back...it was right when I finally figured out what that button about the 'forum being here' meant. I can't remember how many posts were on that monster. I'll bet Emsy will, though. Maybe we broke the record. I don't remember it taking this oddly misshapen look, though.

Eric Schissel Fri Dec 7 16:21:03 2001 Re: Perhaps Somewhat Timely Death > Well...we /did/ have one a while back...it was right when I finally > figured out what that button about the 'forum being here' meant. I can't > remember how many posts were on that monster. I'll bet Emsy will, though. > Maybe we broke the record. I don't remember it taking this oddly misshapen > look, though. The board archives show two threads besides this one with more than 40 or so posts- but both had about 48 posts; this one is nearing 100.

mouse Fri Dec 7 22:56:07 2001 Re: Perhaps Somewhat Timely Death > The board archives show two threads besides this one with more than 40 or > so posts- but both had about 48 posts; this one is nearing 100. wow! i didn't realize this one was so much longer - of course it seems to have about 4 main branches, which doesn't hurt (need to set my screen size to like 4k X 3k to really get the overall picture). as to the odd shape - this is one fun thing about long threads on this forum - the marvelous fractal-like forms they assume (keen boards are boring this way, just one long list - and new posts are just tacked on at the end, no way to relate it to the post that inspired it - which, with this crowd, would be terminally confusing)

Michael Sat Dec 8 00:17:28 2001 Re: Perhaps Somewhat Timely Death > Cause I'd probably go insane if someone opened up another topic on here. Hee, hee.

Eric Schissel Fri Nov 30 08:41:03 2001 Re: AAAK! > Eric, this is right past macaronic and into zitic or even lasagneic. *tgs* Danke. Oh, and thanks for the new title (I see that I wasn't the only person to receive one, and that in your magnaminity (sp?), Nathan a gagne a place in the PAFTWJ standings auch. Comme mellanspel, I suppose es ist worth noting that while I should be doing less of this, I'm just having too much fun... sorry... but I will be doing a bit less of it (tant meme). I may never seem to place a high value on comprehensibility but this Wittgenstein-fan really does, it's his mind that seems to rebel against it through tortured and twisty pathways! :)

mouse Fri Nov 30 13:46:17 2001 new titles! ooh! ooh! i didn't even notice - and mine is even _alliterative_! (i love alliteration) thank you michael! (this makes me feel better for not yet being cool enough to be in the 'toon (*sob*) - although i realize Emsworth is inherently much more cool - i mean, anyone who manages to write screenplays _and_ find weird old comic books....well, perhaps some day i may make footnote status - it gives me something to strive for --- my new motto: "/f=subscript/ mouse - cool enough in 2002!")

Jenn Fri Nov 30 14:11:45 2001 Re: new titles! > (this makes me feel better for not yet being cool enough to be in the > 'toon (*sob*) mouse, mouse, mouse. The section for whining about not being cool enough is up there, under the thread about Emsy and the new blurb. > - although i realize Emsworth is inherently much more cool - Don't I know it? We bask in his shadow. (proud to be making post #400!)

mouse Fri Nov 30 14:18:01 2001 Re: new titles! > mouse, mouse, mouse. The section for whining about not being cool enough > is up there, under the thread about Emsy and the new blurb. up there?! i'm still trying to get through _this_ thread.....there's more UP THERE?!!!!! > (proud to be making post #400!) well....that's an...._interesting_ motto - but i think i'll stick with mine.

Eric Schissel Wed Nov 28 18:14:57 2001 Re: The epic of Napoleon > So have I, and quite recently. I'm thinking Pratchett. Garn? Doesn't sound familiar, but it's been a while since I've read some of his Discworld novels or the early novel "Strata", a long while (well, not so long, but late '99 I think, which is when I was introduced to his books in the first place) since I've read the collaboration Good Omens, and some of his novels I've never read at all. Think I've read all the Discworld novels (not the short stories iirc) though. (On the other hand, I recently while waiting for Last Hero- his latest- to come to the local library - went through quite a number of Pratchett's novels and read them for at least the second time. Since I'm very much not a good first-time reader, and find that it's my second read of a novel that's often my first "real" one, this was generally a wonderful experience. Your mileage (adjust for local units) may vary, etc.)

Tirdun Tue Nov 27 06:59:42 2001 Re: The epic of Napoleon > nyar? No, no. With FEELING. NYAR! An evil accent helps too.

Brother Emsworth Tue Nov 27 11:52:39 2001 Re: superheros > Reminds me rather much of... erm, never mind, never mind. I'll just go and > -assume- that the wolverines are alright and none the worse for wear, > anyways... The things that even a werewolverine will do in the line of > duty, after all! Any resemblance between our beloved horde and a certain watchperson (usuing the term loosley) is coincidental. I can state unequivocably that our wolverines are not now, nor have they ever been, lycanthropic. Merely hungry.

Eric Schissel Tue Nov 27 16:48:05 2001 Re: superheros > Any resemblance between our beloved horde and a certain watchperson > (usuing the term loosley) is coincidental. I can state unequivocably that > our wolverines are not now, nor have they ever been, lycanthropic. Merely > hungry. *regretful sigh* You probably not only caught my reference, you probably also figured out what scene in what novel it was very, very vaguely reminding me somehow -of- ... Imaginary horse hooves up in salute (or even more imaginary horse hats? off??) to you, sir!! ;)

mouse Tue Nov 27 19:08:11 2001 Re: superheros > *regretful sigh* You probably not only caught my reference, you probably > also figured out what scene in what novel it was very, very vaguely > reminding me somehow -of- ... > Imaginary horse hooves up in salute (or even more imaginary horse hats? > off??) to you, sir!! ;) alright - enough with the vague references already! i demand a full bibliography, _with_ footnotes.

Brother Emsworth Tue Nov 27 20:14:43 2001 Re: superheros > alright - enough with the vague references already! i demand a full > bibliography, _with_ footnotes. We were referring to a certain Sgt. Angua, who features in several novels in Terry Pratchett's "Discworld" series of satirical fantasy books. While not entirely certain, especially as I don't seem to have the book handy at present, I believe Eric was referring to a scene from Men at Arms (1996). Not to be too spoilerish, but Sgt. Angua represents a minority group in the watch, one which is usually associated with Universal horror films from the 40's, and as part of Ankh-Morpork's city watch, she occassionally finds herself in, ahem, hairy predicaments. (A slightly similar incident in The Truth comes to mind, but hardly involving silver.) I've been enjoying Pratchett quite a bit in recent months, and particularly those novels featuring The Watch, which amusingly combine the basic structures of the police procedural with traditional fantasy motifs and characters, and the occasional touch of film noir (and, of course, as with most Pratchett works, a certain amount of enjoyably bad puns and cultural references.)

Jenn Wed Nov 28 09:19:05 2001 mouse's contribution to my life You know what the nicest thing about mouse joining the Jihad is? By the time I get to the end of a string that I'm confused about, mouse has always already asked and in most cases, received an answer! It's so handy! Every household needs one! (I did get the reference to elbow macaroni, to my credit. However, it went somewhat like this: "Huh. that word looks kind of like macaroni. That's a funny coincidence. I wonder what that word really means." Which probably doesn't count as getting it. )

Eric Schissel Wed Nov 28 09:23:51 2001 Re: mouse's contribution to my life > (I did get the reference to elbow macaroni, to my credit. However, it went > somewhat like this: "Huh. that word looks kind of like macaroni. > That's a funny coincidence. I wonder what that word really means." > Which probably doesn't count as getting it. ) No one seems to have remembered what "macaronic" means, though... ;) or a collective decision has been made to let that particular bad pun of mine slide into the oblivion it deserves.

Jenn Wed Nov 28 09:56:29 2001 Re: mouse's contribution to my life > No one seems to have remembered what "macaronic" means Well, I could go and look it up. But there is that terrible lazy problem I have. Maybe mouse will ask later in the day and save me the trouble. I don't suppose it has anything to do with macaroons, does it? Does it mean, "Very much like a sweet little coconut cookie like thing, only with elbows?"

Brother Emsworth Wed Nov 28 10:27:32 2001 Re: mouse's contribution to my life > Well, I could go and look it up. But there is that terrible lazy problem I > have. Maybe mouse will ask later in the day and save me the trouble. macaronic-- 1. Used to designate a burlesque form of verse in which vernacular words are introduced into a Latin context with Latin connotations and in Latin constructions; Also applied to similar verse of which the basis is Greek instead of Latin; and [and this is the sense in which M. Schissel was using it, n'cest pas?] loosely applied to any intermingling of two or more languages. 2. Of the nature of a jumble or medley 3. Pertaining to a macaroni (according to the Oxford English Dictionary, this last usage is generally rare.)

Eric Schissel Wed Nov 28 10:44:19 2001 Re: mouse's contribution to my life > macaronic-- 1. Used to designate a burlesque form of verse in which > vernacular words are introduced into a Latin context with Latin > connotations and in Latin constructions; Also applied to similar verse of > which the basis is Greek instead of Latin; and [and this is the sense in > which M. Schissel was using it, n'cest pas?] loosely applied to any > intermingling of two or more languages. C'est bien vrai que ca; that's der Bedeutung (sorry, Mr. Roberts, for mangling) in which I was using the word. And anyone who checks back on my original post can verify that I was, indeed, trying (trying, anyhow) to be macaronic. Hardly sehr amusingly, alas, rather forced en effet.

Jenn Wed Nov 28 14:35:43 2001 Whee! Or maybe I'll take care of this one. That's right, folks, another potentially confusing situation cleared up by the questioning ability of mouse and Jenn! Any minute now, the offers for a sitcom or maybe even a drama show will come pouring in. Then I'll be a millionaire and I can subsidize Toonbots and the world will be a better place. And then I'll lose all the money on the dogs and gin (name that song!) and become a bag lady. And then I'll sell that story and the cycle will begin again.

mouse Wed Nov 28 15:18:08 2001 Re: Whee! *pant*pant*pant* sorry, took me a while to get down here (man, you guys are chatty all of a sudden!) a) always happy to be of service 2) quite honestly, i thought macaronic was maybe a typo -- it is truly amazing what words english has come up with (and so picturesque - one envisions a plateful of assorted languages, all tangled and writhing together like molten mac&cheese) iii) - you aren't forgetting my cut, are you now, jenn?

Jenn Thu Nov 29 09:06:09 2001 Wolverine petting privileges for everyone! > iii) - you aren't forgetting my cut, are you now, jenn? Cut? You mean...like abrasion? Well I didn't know all you wanted for your share was some time with those cuddly, lovable nonwerewolverines. I'll try using my D&M supermodel influence to get Emsy to let you in the pen. That's what a cool partner I am.

Brother Emsworth Thu Nov 29 12:08:03 2001 Re: Wolverine petting privileges for everyone! > Cut? You mean...like abrasion? Well I didn't know all you wanted for your > share was some time with those cuddly, lovable nonwerewolverines. I'll try > using my D&M supermodel influence to get Emsy to let you in the pen. > That's what a cool partner I am. Indeed! Why didn't you ask me directly, mouse, old thing? Matter of fact, speaking as one who always desires to spread sweetness and light, I'll go one better! Let me just lift this latch, and we can all enjoy the company of the wolverines. [ominous sound of latch being lifted] ::wolverines enthusiastically rush out pell mell into various corners of the forum in an adorably voracious manner:: Yes, Gawain, I know I haven't been giving you enough attention, I miss you too, but please, you know my back condition.... Fenny, careful gnawing that structurally unstable pillar! You know what the vet said about your braces!

Eric Schissel Thu Nov 29 12:20:41 2001 Re: Wolverine petting privileges for everyone! > Indeed! Why didn't you ask me directly, mouse, old thing? Matter of fact, > speaking as one who always desires to spread sweetness and light, I'll go > one better! Let me just lift this latch, and we can all enjoy the company > of the wolverines. *ponders the law of unintended consequences.* > [ominous sound of latch being lifted] > ::wolverines enthusiastically rush out pell mell into various corners of > the forum in an adorably voracious manner:: Oh. Dear. > Yes, Gawain, I know I haven't been giving you enough attention, I miss you > too, but please, you know my back condition.... Fenny, careful gnawing > that structurally unstable pillar! You know what the vet said about your > braces! *starts being concerned marginally less about Fenny (nice name) 's braces, than about the building of which we are temporary residents as PAFTWJ members. Are we about to be rather involuntarily and in manner unauthorized (for nature and gravity and chaos demand no authority) defenestrated through windows of a room soon to be a room in name only? Stay tuned...* Okie, so I'm somewhat the pessimist when it comes to collapsing rooms and thelike. And me never having lived through a serious earthquake (or any kind, even though Ithaca is mild 'quake territory, as I found out rather to my surprise after turning up here...) (No, no, Ithaca, NY, not the Ithaca destination of Odysseus (though that accounts for my deciding to bring a copy of a certain book with me on my bus ride back here *g*). Though there was a Greek Revival in this area a century and a half or so ago, which accounts for a whole lot of names in this area- there's even a somewhat small town Athens, NY, at that, along with Ithaca and Syracuse and Troy (ok, Troy isn't Greek by a far sight) which are more familiar.)

Jenn Thu Nov 29 12:33:54 2001 Re: Wolverine petting privileges for everyone! ...sometimes I wonder if Eric doesn't get very little sleep on a regular basis. But then he makes sense to Emsworth so maybe it's me. Sometimes it's hard to think when you're shrieking and trying to climb up furniture to avoid snapping jaws. Yay! The wolverines are out!

Eric Schissel Thu Nov 29 12:45:45 2001 Re: Wolverine petting privileges for everyone! > ...sometimes I wonder if Eric doesn't get very little sleep on a regular > basis. *chuckle* You noticed I responded to that post at 2 am too, hrm? Actually, my sleep schedule has gone to (expletive deleted) lately, for a long list of reasons. But largely it's a matter of sleeping, waking up, doing something on the computer (which is generally already on and running a SETI@home process anyway), and going back to sleep, so more interrupted sleep than lack of. Depends. > But then he makes sense to Emsworth so maybe it's me. I'm not so sure I'm making sense to myself sometimes; it's certainly not just you. I certainly improvise a lot. I -certainly- do a lot of the-equivalent-of vaudeville routine posts, or so my brain sees them... > Sometimes it's hard to think when you're shrieking and trying to climb up > furniture to avoid snapping jaws. Yay! The wolverines are out! So this -is- a good thing? Dubious-:)

mouse Thu Nov 29 14:48:02 2001 Re: Wolverine petting privileges for everyone! *sheesh* - you try to extort an honest buck and you end up on top of the refridgerator, surrounded by a sea of wolverines. > *chuckle* You noticed I responded to that post at 2 am too, hrm? _that's_ what it is! you all are staying up all night to post! fiends. > Actually, my sleep schedule has gone to (expletive deleted) lately, for a > long list of reasons. sorry about that. i personally am trying to bring back hibernation for the winter. so far, it's going over well with the cat, not so well with my boss.

Brother Emsworth Thu Nov 29 16:49:15 2001 Re: Wolverine petting privileges for everyone! > *sheesh* - you try to extort an honest buck and you end up on top of the > refridgerator, surrounded by a sea of wolverines. Actually, it would be more accurate to describe them as a mid-sized lake of wolverines (albeit not quite as poetic.) (And while I would assume most of those here would be somewhat accustomed to the wolverines by now and they're endearing ways, just be certain not to block the refrigerator door.)

mouse Thu Nov 29 19:18:05 2001 Re: Wolverine petting privileges for everyone! > Actually, it would be more accurate to describe them as a mid-sized lake > of wolverines (albeit not quite as poetic.) i don't know - i always thought of lakes as more placid whereas seas have that heaving, churning aspect. maybe a whirlpool of wolverines? > just be certain not to block the refrigerator > door.) no prob - got my feet up well out of the way.

Jenn Fri Nov 30 09:08:28 2001 Re: Wolverine petting privileges for everyone! > And little Otu's just waiting for someone to pet or hold him. Awww! I'll hold you, little fella! *standard expressions of extreme pain and general disaster* > Actually, it would be more accurate to describe them as a mid-sized lake of > wolverines Ah, but...the more important question here is...are wolverines salt water or fresh water? mouse, be a dear and lick Fenny real quick for me?

Brother Emsworth Fri Nov 30 09:43:25 2001 Re: Wolverine petting privileges for everyone! > Awww! I'll hold you, little fella! *standard expressions of extreme pain > and general disaster* Come now. Otu's our beloved infant, after all, and the most peaceful of the lot. We've brought him up well, and his association with ladybugs has also had a positive effect. ::Otu cutely dozes in Jenn's lap:: > Ah, but...the more important question here is...are wolverines salt water > or fresh water? mouse, be a dear and lick Fenny real quick for me? Speaking from my experience, wolverine salinity can probably be said to apply in this case, yes. ::Fenny wanders around wearing an over-sized salt shaker, as designed by B. S. Johnson::

Eric Schissel Fri Nov 30 09:59:18 2001 Re: Wolverine petting privileges for everyone! > ::Fenny wanders around wearing an over-sized salt shaker, as designed by > B. S. Johnson:: Prolific architect, he was... not... reliable, but prolific, yes... (well, reliable in a very -particular- sense. If you wanted a building you were best off asking for a tea set, to paraphrase... etc. Glad you were able to make some use of his talents, and is that an organ I hear? Appropriate. We've always needed one for the PAFTWJ!)

Eric Schissel Fri Nov 30 09:48:36 2001 Re: Wolverine petting privileges for everyone! > Ah, but...the more important question here is...are wolverines salt water > or fresh water? mouse, be a dear and lick Fenny real quick for me? And if you read Paladins' Haven, a favorite webcomic of mine, you'd know why I suddenly cracked up on reading that. Erm. Sorry. -Very-...

mouse Fri Nov 30 13:50:21 2001 Re: Wolverine petting privileges for everyone! > Ah, but...the more important question here is...are wolverines salt water > or fresh water? mouse, be a dear and lick Fenny real quick for me? acutally, there's a more reliable test than that. salt water is denser than fresh water, so if you throw her into the pool: if she sinks, she's salt-water, if she floats, she's freshwater. umm...._you're_ closer to the door - why don't you just quick toss her in? i'll hold otu for you (him's just a snuggle-bear, isn't him?)

Jenn Fri Nov 30 14:06:54 2001 Re: Wolverine petting privileges for everyone! > acutally, there's a more reliable test than that. salt water is denser > than fresh water How about we compromise? I'll ask this glass of fresh water what the square of 4 is. Then I'll ask Fenny. If Fenny knows, then she's smarter than the fresh water, hence less dense than fresh water, hence fresh water. And I don't have to go have robotic arms put on to replace the old ones she 'helped' me with.

Brother Emsworth Thu Nov 29 16:44:43 2001 Re: Wolverine petting privileges for everyone! > *chuckle* You noticed I responded to that post at 2 am too, hrm? > Actually, my sleep schedule has gone to (expletive deleted) lately, for a > long list of reasons. But largely it's a matter of sleeping, waking up, > doing something on the computer (which is generally already on and running > a SETI@home process anyway), and going back to sleep, so more interrupted > sleep than lack of. Depends. > I'm not so sure I'm making sense to myself sometimes; it's certainly not > just you. I certainly improvise a lot. > I -certainly- do a lot of the-equivalent-of vaudeville routine posts, or > so my brain sees them... Well, Vaudeville was a wonderful institution, after all. Nothing wrong with a good cross-talk act, after all, especially a knock-about one, with or without green whiskers. > So this -is- a good thing? Dubious-:) Come now! You are unfamiliar with the expression that "Life is just a pack of wolverines?" Fenny's been satiated with a folding table, if that's any comfort. And little Otu's just waiting for someone to pet or hold him.

Michael Wed Nov 28 15:02:55 2001 Macaronic > macaronic-- 1. Used to designate a burlesque form of verse in which > vernacular words are introduced into a Latin context with Latin > connotations and in Latin constructions; There is a WORD for this? People, I am really not used to other people knowing things I don't, and yet on this forum it happens with astonishing regularity. I knew that in multilingual communities (which are not particularly stable, linguistically speaking; they tend to go for one or the other language or to settle into a creole after a generation) it can sometimes happen that mixing the languages in creative ways can be taken as a sign of virtuosity -- I didn't know that the English did this and named it, even. That's so cool. Ten points to Eric.

Michael Wed Nov 28 15:09:02 2001 Re: Macaronic Heeeeey! Macaronic!

Brother Emsworth Wed Nov 28 15:23:23 2001 Re: Macaronic > There is a WORD for this? People, I am really not used to other people > knowing things I don't, and yet on this forum it happens with astonishing > regularity. >I knew that in multilingual communities (which are not > particularly stable, linguistically speaking; they tend to go for one or > the other language or to settle into a creole after a generation) Such as the "Spanglish" which is commonly spoken in the Texas border region (I'm still mildly surprised that people actually use "caque" instead of "pastel" regarding that ever popular baked desert.) >it can > sometimes happen that mixing the languages in creative ways can be taken > as a sign of virtuosity -- I didn't know that the English did this and > named it, even. Well, actually, it was the Italians that started it (Yes, Pokey, we know how you feel about them.) The 16th century Italian poet Teofilo Floengo (also known as "Merlinus Cocaius" or "Merlin Cocalo," pen names), wrote a poem combining common Italian with Latin. The poem was titled Liber Macaronices, and he coined the term macaronic to describe such a usage. Apparently the English didn't adopt the word until a century later (at which point they expanded the definition to apply to the mingling of any two or more languages in verse.) It also seems to have been around this point that English writers and poets gradually began to use the macaronic style, though I'd probably need to do more research before finding any concrete examples of this, or at least the names of noted practitioners. > Ten points to Eric.

Eric Schissel Tue Nov 27 20:16:19 2001 Re: superheros > alright - enough with the vague references already! i demand a full > bibliography, _with_ footnotes. Well, I can only tell you what -I- meant... Seriously spoilery things to the novels of Terry Pratchett ahead. The reader may consider self duly warned? I was referring to a scene in the novel "Feet of Clay" in which a prominent character (Delphine Angua von Uberwald), a member of the Watch, needs to rescue a fellow Watchman (Cheri) who is, at the moment, hanging from a chandelier over a very hot vat of candle wax. (I'm remembering this, though the book is in the other room; I really should check for accuracy.) Other members of the Watch are there- the reason Angua (the name she goes by in the city) is the only Watchman who _can_ rescue Cheri is reasonably simple. Angua is a werewolf. Cheri, by the by: doesn't know this; can't stand werewolves; believes her brother was killed by one; is wearing a silver (-coated?) chainmail vest to defend herself against same; ... Angua knows this about Cheri (except perhaps about the vest...) but (asking people to look away, for reasons perhaps understandable to readers of the earlier "Men at Arms") changes to wolf, jumps up, rescues Cheri... causing her considerable burning (it'll heal, but it's painful,) causing Cheri considerable astonishment (the Watch commander's assessment: 'look at it this way- if she hadn't been a werewolf, you would now be the world's biggest novelty candle' (or words to that effect)) and - etc. Very indirectly the situation you described put me in mind of that; but then I have an indirect, associative, given-to-odd-tangents mind in -any- event. Wonderful novel (one of my favorites) in a wonderful (imhonesto- an expression I do not, like some, take to mean, that if you disagree with me there is something wrong with -you- - rather a favorite gripe, to think of it, of Pratchett's, when it comes to how "imho" is used...) series... and I hope that I have not spoiled too much if anyone should decide to take a look after all.

mouse Wed Nov 28 15:08:46 2001 Re: superheros wow - i had never heard of terry pratchett - but anyone who can come up with a werewolf/watchman named "Delphine Angua von Uberwald" is someone i gotta check out. thanks!

mouse Wed Nov 21 14:02:01 2001 Re: Kudos! > See, now...I like the way the new strip answers all of mouse's questions > with the neat and tidy: um.....i thought the new strip _posed_ all those questions....... > In fact, that's answered some questions that have been nagging at the back > of my mind lately about the national debt and siberian hamsters. huh? when did the hamsters get in? are we in another strange time-loop? jenn is seeing future strips!!!!

Michael Fri Nov 23 02:51:14 2001 MWAHAHAHAHA! > In fact, that's answered some questions that have been nagging at the back > of my mind lately about the national debt and siberian hamsters. You've been time travelling again, haven't you? I told you not to mess with that. Put it back.