altariel: (Default)
altariel ([personal profile] altariel) wrote2004-02-03 11:09 am

Strictly narrative

Turning away from difficult issues, I'm internally debating the ethics of going to see Sylvia. It's hard not to take into account what Frieda Hughes has written:

"Now they want to make a film
For anyone lacking the ability
To imagine the body, head in oven
Orphaning children."

***

I really enjoy my offline reading group, but we decided at the outset not to read classics, in which I am woefully under-read. There should be a reading group for people hastily trying to fill the gaps in their reading. A sort of mutual support group in response to that game in that David Lodge novel, where all the English Lit academics admit to the most gaping hole in their reading.

***

And, thirdly:

Click here to find out why.

Re:

[identity profile] altariel.livejournal.com 2004-02-03 05:50 pm (UTC)(link)
I always thought the Blue Peter advent crown could be turned into an offensive weapon, if it didn't set the house on fire first.

So that's what Denethor used...

Re: reading - I dropped English lit at 16 and kind of regret it. And I bullshit wildly about things I haven't read (but have read other people's opinions of!).

Re:

[identity profile] catalyst42.livejournal.com 2004-02-03 06:23 pm (UTC)(link)
Well, I've never realised you bullshit about stuff you haven't read, because you're so massively better read than I. Sure you're not just being modest?

I'd really love a list of all the excellent books that I've never read (which would be a really long one) and a few months off to read them all. With intermittend trips to the pub for a rest, of course. Unfortunately, my definition of excellent also includes the pre-requisite that I enjoy the books as well as admiring the writing, and it's much harder to get someone to create a list with that particular requirement in mind!

Re:

[identity profile] altariel.livejournal.com 2004-02-04 10:02 am (UTC)(link)
I would add to your scenario John Cusack feeding me chocolates and massaging my feet.

You are who I think you are, aren't you? :-D *adds you to friends list*

Re:

[identity profile] catalyst42.livejournal.com 2004-02-11 03:26 am (UTC)(link)
Hmmm. John Cusack. Oh, yes indeed.

I don't know if I am who you think I am - tricky to say! I probably am though ;-)

One day we really will go punting on the Cam so I can find out if I can do the jumping out of the boat and running over the top of the bridge trick!

Re:

[identity profile] altariel.livejournal.com 2004-02-11 10:39 am (UTC)(link)
I don't know if I am who you think I am - tricky to say! I probably am though ;-)

One day we really will go punting on the Cam so I can find out if I can do the jumping out of the boat and running over the top of the bridge trick!


:-D Yes, you are who I think you are!

My South Park piccie isn't as nice as yours.

Re:

[identity profile] catalyst42.livejournal.com 2004-02-16 05:55 pm (UTC)(link)
But I covet your chainsaw! That must be you on a grumpy day!

If you know who I am you won't be surpised to learn I got lost again yesterday. On Coldham's lane. How can anyone get lost on Coldham's lane? I don't know. It's not like I don't drive down it at least twice a month.

Speaking of which, I'd love to pop in and catch up with you and "Mr Altariel" some time. There aren't enough hours in the day to catch up over email!

Re:

[identity profile] altariel.livejournal.com 2004-02-16 06:28 pm (UTC)(link)
Are you in Cambridge often these days?!?

Re:

[identity profile] catalyst42.livejournal.com 2004-02-17 07:37 pm (UTC)(link)
Most weekends! Not this coming weekend though - I'm won't get up there until 7.30pm Sunday. I'm staying until Wednesday morning though - evening plans Sunday and Tuesday night, haven't made any other plans yet though.

Re:

[identity profile] altariel.livejournal.com 2004-02-17 08:14 pm (UTC)(link)
Hope to see you at a Certain Birthday Bash?

Re:

[identity profile] catalyst42.livejournal.com 2004-02-20 04:04 am (UTC)(link)
You certainly will. I won't be there 'till later in the evening though.