Re: Harry Potter - no actual spoiler, just a complaint
At 12:34 AM Sunday 7/17/2005, Julia Thompson wrote: Ronn!Blankenship wrote: At 11:13 PM Saturday 7/16/2005, Gautam Mukunda wrote: --- Julia Thompson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > The sight/site switch? Jumps off the page, > doesn't it? > > Yes it does, ! > > At least, at me! > > Julia Ah, now I see it :-) Good thing she cited it, huh? Homophony Maru Yep. I might have just been spoiling for a complaint, though, having earlier spotted two problems in headlines in my Saturday paper: "A evening's love affair with Etta that Austin won't soon forget" and "Motorist drowns fleeing troopers" The second one I read the way it hadn't been intended at first, and it was confusing for some percentage of a second Paramedics Help Dog Bite Victim Maru -- Ronn! :) ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Harry Potter Discussion (Spoilers!!!) L3
Well, ask and ye shall receieve. There are three major threads of analysis here, the last two of which are intertwined and I'm vaguely thinking about turning into something a little more serious. Anyways, they are: 1. A few quick thoughts on the plot 2. Some more serious thoughts on the moral messages and ideas I think Rowling is trying to convey (and why they make me far more impressed by her writing than I was before reading this one) 3. A few brief thoughts on the extent to which Rowling is engaging in - at least to a small extent - some political allegory So, spoilers ho! 1. The plot of this book was actually very sparse. In terms of the main plot - the war - what happened? Three chief events. Dumbledore is killed. Snape is revealed. We learn what Harry will have to do to defeat Voldemort. That's all I can think of. Each of these is important, of course, but it's really not much for a 652 page book. The big shock was not Dumbledore dying, of course - it's been obvious that that had to happen at the end of Book Six since, well, Book 1, probably. What is a huge shock, of course, is that _Snape_ would be the one who murders him. I am quite impressed by Rowling's skill in setting this up. As in each of her other books, she plays absolutely fair with the reader. We had enough information to figure out (before Harry does) what Malfoy was doing, for example - although I doubt many people will. But in each book Rowling has carefully crafted a structure - we suspect Snape, we hate Snape, we discover that Snape is actually a good guy. By this book, of course, I was so used to that structure that I completely failed to suspect Snape. So when Snape appeared at the last minute - I expected him to rescuce Dumbledore (somehow) or perhaps even die in glorious but futile defense of him. I certainly didn't expect the murder. Yet again, here - Rowling actually provides us with a Voldemort-approved explanation for his behavior, and we knew (from Harry's Occlumency lessons) that Snape was a half-blood - although I don't recall _anyone_ suggesting Snape as the Half-Blood Prince, and it certainly didn't occur to me while I was reading. The focus was clearly (as it says on the dust jacket flap, of all things) on the home front. We got to see relationships further develop at Hogswarts - in a highly amusing and enjoyable fashion, of course. We get to see Harry mature a great deal. We get to see the alliances and relationships that will be crucial to the final confrontation finally fall into place. All of this is important, but no exactly eventful. The book is successful, I think, largely because at this point we have so much invested in the characters that I (at least) really do find myself caring about what happens to them - even their relationships, not just the war effort. Rowling has earned our (or at least my) affection enough that I'm willing to read the book just to spend time with her characters, even if not a lot happens. If you don't feel that way about them (and you don't care about the stuff I'll write about in my next two points), you probably won't like the book nearly as much as I did. So, what does this say for the final book? Well, I'm sure that Harry will, in fact, return to Hogwarts, despite what he says at the conclusion. I presume that McGonagall will take over permanently as Headmaster - which implies a new head for Gryffindor and (of course) Slytherin. Malfoy will not be back - and Hogwarts without Malfoy and Snape doesn't have much potential for dramatic conflict, so I'm guessing that while Harry will be there, not that much of the plot will actually take place there. I bet he does end up taking his NEWTS, though. One wonders what Rowling would do to the SATs. 2. OK - this is really the part of the book I find most interesting. The extent to which these books are, in a sense, didactic is quite remarkable to me, and I really admire both Rowling's skill and her principles. There are a few scenes in particular that, to me, send this message. But let's set the context a little bit. In the earlier books Harry was, in general, a poor, downtrodden kid. Abused by his parents, often an outcast at school, not all that successful with girls (when it became important) and so on. One message of the earlier books was thus a powerful one sent to readers - many of whom (before the books took off) would, of course, fall into that category. That's a powerful and important message, and I appreciate Rowling doing it. But that's a routine message in children's literature. How many kids books _don't_ focus on the downtrodden outcast who ends up being a hero? It's not exactly rare. In this book, however, the situation is different - and here, in a real sense, I am more impressed. Now, Harry is the king of Hogwarts. A hero to most of his peers, adored by girls, the favorite of most of the teachers, captain of the Quidditch team. Harry isn't the downtrodden outcast
New Season - Stargate SG1-Atlantis & Battlestar Galactica
Warning... Some minor spoilers follow.. Stargate SG-1 Browder's first Stargate episode was last night. Basically, it was John Crichton meets Stargate. All the Crichton humor, mannerisms and arrogance was there, but I think that will work. Unless the writers completely suck, he may just be able to pull this off and replace Richard Dean Anderson. Claudia Black was also on this episode, and she was just as good as the last time she played this character. I LOVE the interactions between Jackson and her character. Richard Dean Anderson is phasing out and will eventually be completely gone, he's been replaced by Beau Bridges. The new doctor will be played by Lexa Doig (Rommie from Andromeda). The IMDB listed her as on last nights episode, but I missed her. I always liked the old doctor, Teryl Rothery. She is going to be here in Columbus next month for a Stargate convention. Yes, I admit, I will pay the $35 for the photo-op with her. http://www.creationent.com/cal/sgohio.htm Stargate Atlantis I'm still undecided about last nights episode. I loved this show last year, but after last nights episode, well, let's just hope it gets better. Battlestar Galactica It was interesting to see the background history of Adama and Tigh. But I did think the Cylon hacking/virus/firewall thing was a little silly. ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Re: Harry Potter - no actual spoiler, just a complaint
Ronn!Blankenship wrote: At 11:13 PM Saturday 7/16/2005, Gautam Mukunda wrote: --- Julia Thompson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > The sight/site switch? Jumps off the page, > doesn't it? > > Yes it does, ! > > At least, at me! > > Julia Ah, now I see it :-) Good thing she cited it, huh? Homophony Maru Yep. I might have just been spoiling for a complaint, though, having earlier spotted two problems in headlines in my Saturday paper: "A evening's love affair with Etta that Austin won't soon forget" and "Motorist drowns fleeing troopers" The second one I read the way it hadn't been intended at first, and it was confusing for some percentage of a second Julia ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Re: Harry Potter - no actual spoiler, just a complaint
At 11:13 PM Saturday 7/16/2005, Gautam Mukunda wrote: --- Julia Thompson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > The sight/site switch? Jumps off the page, > doesn't it? > > Yes it does, ! > > At least, at me! > > Julia Ah, now I see it :-) Good thing she cited it, huh? Homophony Maru -- Ronn! :) ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Re: Harry Potter - no actual spoiler, just a complaint
--- Julia Thompson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > The sight/site switch? Jumps off the page, > doesn't it? > > Yes it does, ! > > At least, at me! > > Julia Ah, now I see it :-) Gautam Mukunda [EMAIL PROTECTED] "Freedom is not free" http://www.mukunda.blogspot.com __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Re: Harry Potter - no actual spoiler, just a complaint
Max Battcher wrote: Julia Thompson wrote: THERE IS A MISTAKE ON PAGE 10! At least in the US edition. Was Gautam reading too fast to catch it? :) Julia who is on page 10 The sight/site switch? Jumps off the page, doesn't it? Yes it does, ! At least, at me! Julia ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Re: Harry Potter - no actual spoiler, just a complaint
Julia Thompson wrote: THERE IS A MISTAKE ON PAGE 10! At least in the US edition. Was Gautam reading too fast to catch it? :) Julia who is on page 10 The sight/site switch? Jumps off the page, doesn't it? Although I'm of the opinion that book editors are getting sloppier and sloppier lately. If I had cataloged all of the recent mistakes that had jumped out at me from "big name" books I think I might have a very long list. I wish I got paid every time I discovered an editing mistake. -- --Max Battcher-- http://www.worldmaker.net/ Support Open/Free Mythoi: Read the manifesto @ mythoi.com ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Re: Harry Potter - no actual spoiler, just a complaint
--- Julia Thompson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > THERE IS A MISTAKE ON PAGE 10! > > At least in the US edition. > > Was Gautam reading too fast to catch it? :) > > Julia > > who is on page 10 I just re-read the page and _still_ can't find it, I'm afraid :-( What is it? Unless Fudge misues "effected" - I think it's right, though... Gautam Mukunda [EMAIL PROTECTED] "Freedom is not free" http://www.mukunda.blogspot.com __ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Re: Harry Potter - no actual spoiler, just a complaint
On 7/16/05, Julia Thompson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > THERE IS A MISTAKE ON PAGE 10! > > At least in the US edition. > > Was Gautam reading too fast to catch it? :) > > Julia > > who is on page 10 Is it the mention of Brockdale Bridge? No Google hits. ~Maru ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Re: Half-Blood Prince (No spoilers)
On 7/16/05, Julia Thompson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Gautam Mukunda wrote: > > --- Julia Thompson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > >>That's 260 minutes to read a 652-page book. > >> > >>I'd call you a fast reader, is what I would do. :) > >> > >> Julia > > > > > > I'm just glad I got (and assembled) my new futon > > yesterday, as my old one was so uncomfortable that > > sitting on it for more than half an hour or so was > > really unpleasant... :-) > > Good for you. :) > > Speaking of assembly, a chunk of reading time will probably go into > putting together some cabinets in the garage after kids go to bed. > > And now I'm only 38 pages from the end of the other book, but have to > stop and admit that naptime is over, and be overrun with little ones for > the next few hours. (It's not the overrunning that's a problem so much > as all the head-butts the 22-month-olds have gotten into the habit of > inflicting) > > Julia Meh- amateurs. How about some discussion of the book? I'm pretty happy with this one; for all the exposition and mild climax, I've always been slightly miffed that all the pre-existing bits of alchemy and magic and old fairy tales and such that Rowling borrowed from were not really extended or improved- so you can imagine how happy I was when she borrowed an old fairy tale element, improved it, and made it exactly what was needed for a credible strategy for you-know-who (this is no spoilers, right?) On another note, all the backstory and revelations in this slow-moving installment have made the previous novels considerably deeper, IMO. Anyone else think so? ~Maru /got his at 2am. Long line. Done 4:30 am. While we're boasting... ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Uplift locations and dates. Hey, Alberto?
What number galaxy is it for: Kithrup Gubru home planet Synthian home planet Thennanin home planet Garth is Galaxy Two. None of our early colony planets should be in a different galaxy It'd be fun if all four galaxies are covered. Now, Streaker is gone for three years. The siege of Earth was a little over two years. When did the Thennanin arrive, and would it be logical that there was a short lifting of the siege? Dates? I seem to get two different dates from looking in two different places on the web. Vilyehm ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Harry Potter - no actual spoiler, just a complaint
THERE IS A MISTAKE ON PAGE 10! At least in the US edition. Was Gautam reading too fast to catch it? :) Julia who is on page 10 ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Re: Half-Blood Prince (No spoilers)
Gautam Mukunda wrote: --- Julia Thompson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: That's 260 minutes to read a 652-page book. I'd call you a fast reader, is what I would do. :) Julia I'm just glad I got (and assembled) my new futon yesterday, as my old one was so uncomfortable that sitting on it for more than half an hour or so was really unpleasant... :-) Good for you. :) Speaking of assembly, a chunk of reading time will probably go into putting together some cabinets in the garage after kids go to bed. And now I'm only 38 pages from the end of the other book, but have to stop and admit that naptime is over, and be overrun with little ones for the next few hours. (It's not the overrunning that's a problem so much as all the head-butts the 22-month-olds have gotten into the habit of inflicting) Julia ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Re: Half-Blood Prince (No spoilers)
--- Julia Thompson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > That's 260 minutes to read a 652-page book. > > I'd call you a fast reader, is what I would do. :) > > Julia I'm just glad I got (and assembled) my new futon yesterday, as my old one was so uncomfortable that sitting on it for more than half an hour or so was really unpleasant... :-) Gautam Mukunda [EMAIL PROTECTED] "Freedom is not free" http://www.mukunda.blogspot.com Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Re: Half-Blood Prince (No spoilers)
Gautam Mukunda wrote: --- Damon Agretto <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I read The Postman in about 8.5 hours, but that was doing nothing except reading (with bathroom breaks and lunch). I can't imagine having the time to sit and read a book of that length in one day... Damon. 4 hours 20 minutes on the dot - not too long a stretch, given that it was a Saturday morning. Normally I would have gone to the gym, but I knew that wasn't going to happen with a new Harry Potter novel out, so that's really all it cost me. I'll do a longer session this evening instead. That's 260 minutes to read a 652-page book. I'd call you a fast reader, is what I would do. :) Julia and it's 30 chapters, and that's about all I can say about it at this point, besides what would be totally obvious if you saw a copy sitting in the store but didn't pick it up ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Re: Half-Blood Prince (No spoilers)
--- Damon Agretto <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > I read The Postman in about 8.5 hours, but that was > doing nothing except > reading (with bathroom breaks and lunch). I can't > imagine having the time > to sit and read a book of that length in one day... > > Damon. 4 hours 20 minutes on the dot - not too long a stretch, given that it was a Saturday morning. Normally I would have gone to the gym, but I knew that wasn't going to happen with a new Harry Potter novel out, so that's really all it cost me. I'll do a longer session this evening instead. Gautam Mukunda [EMAIL PROTECTED] "Freedom is not free" http://www.mukunda.blogspot.com __ Yahoo! Mail for Mobile Take Yahoo! Mail with you! Check email on your mobile phone. http://mobile.yahoo.com/learn/mail ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Re: Half-Blood Prince (No spoilers)
Isn't this book something like 600pgs or so? And people are ALREADY done?!?! I read The Postman in about 8.5 hours, but that was doing nothing except reading (with bathroom breaks and lunch). I can't imagine having the time to sit and read a book of that length in one day... Damon. Damon Agretto [EMAIL PROTECTED] "Qui desiderat pacem, praeparet bellum." http://www.geocities.com/garrand.geo/index.html Now Building: Esci's BMP-1 -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Anti-Virus. Version: 7.0.323 / Virus Database: 267.8.16/50 - Release Date: 7/15/2005 ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Re: Half-Blood Prince (No spoilers)
Gautam Mukunda wrote: Just finished - I got it at 8:50am this morning. It's dazzling. Rowling gets better with each book - it's just phenomenal. I might post more later...still processing it. I'm dealing with having had only 5 hours' sleep -- got my copy not too long after midnight (I think I had the book in my hand at about 12:25), then had to go to the grocery store, and then put away everything when I finally got home around 2AM. But it was well worth it -- I ran into someone from high school! We spent over an hour on catch-up. I also knew her mom and her older sister, and she let me know what was going on with them. (I've been totally out of touch with people I knew in that part of the country since my mom moved over 6 years ago.) Now I just have to hold up long enough for my lunch to get here, eat it, and then maybe I can nap a bit. Oh, and I've got over 100 pages left in the book I want to finish before starting HBP. :) Normally that wouldn't take too long, but today isn't "normally". Julia p.s. I have a link or two about HP in general that I may post later ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Half-Blood Prince (No spoilers)
Just finished - I got it at 8:50am this morning. It's dazzling. Rowling gets better with each book - it's just phenomenal. I might post more later...still processing it. Gautam Mukunda [EMAIL PROTECTED] "Freedom is not free" http://www.mukunda.blogspot.com Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
Re: Are You a Science-Fiction Scholar? (Quiz)
From: Warren Ockrassa <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Reply-To: Killer Bs Discussion To: Killer Bs Discussion Subject: Re: Are You a Science-Fiction Scholar? (Quiz) Date: Thu, 14 Jul 2005 22:27:35 -0700 On Jul 14, 2005, at 6:50 PM, Travis Edmunds wrote: From: Warren Ockrassa <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Gernsback didn't exactly invent the term science fiction; IIRC the one he came up with originally was "scientifiction". Which he later changed to "science fiction" according to the brief synopsis the quiz gave. Yeah, but IIRC he changed it after getting pressured into it, either by other editors or possibly authors. I could be wrong though. From what I've been able to gather through some cursory spelunking, you're partly correct. But either way I can't find any concrete information on the exact circumstances surrounding the term. Scientifiction, which Gernsback _did_ come up with, appears to be inexorably linked to the coining of the term "science fiction" through rejection of the former. But whether or not him or his editors or his contemporaries actually invented it, Hugo seems to be getting all the credit all the same. -Twavis _ Take charge with a pop-up guard built on patented Microsoft® SmartScreen Technology. http://join.msn.com/?pgmarket=en-ca&page=byoa/prem&xAPID=1994&DI=1034&SU=http://hotmail.com/enca&HL=Market_MSNIS_Taglines Start enjoying all the benefits of MSN® Premium right now and get the first two months FREE*. ___ http://www.mccmedia.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l
