Inkwell: Authors and Artists
Topic 125: The Barking Mad Gaiman Mob: Who are these people and why won't they go away?
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The Barking Mad Gaiman Mob: Who are these people and why won't they go away?
permalink #1326 of 2008: Happy New Years! (ninave-lake) Mon 31 Dec 01 15:14
permalink #1326 of 2008: Happy New Years! (ninave-lake) Mon 31 Dec 01 15:14
Neil, your blogger post wishes for the New Year were really lovely. I wish the same for you, and everyone here, and everyone I know.... Gish? Was it Lillian who starred in the black and white "Night of the Hunter"? I absolutely love that movie, and am always a little depressed over the fact that it was so poorly received that Charles Laughton never directed another film. It's really too amazing. So, when I was in college, I had a friend who would go and get the shinest, newest pennies she could and place them on every window seal in her apartment, and on the door sill (fortunately she didn't have a very tightly shutting door at the time) (I'm also giggling, just a tiny bit, remembring how much trouble her boyfriend got into..."Hey, someone dropped a penny!" he said, as he bent down to pick it up. Oh, was she mad....) She did this every New Years eve with out fail, because she believed it would encourage money to come to her. I love this, and I was wondering is any of you have any yearly traditions? I always eat ham, or pork. How exciting, eh? And I don't do that until tomorrow.
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The Barking Mad Gaiman Mob: Who are these people and why won't they go away?
permalink #1327 of 2008: Linda Castellani (castle) Mon 31 Dec 01 16:18
permalink #1327 of 2008: Linda Castellani (castle) Mon 31 Dec 01 16:18
Mike always makes us eat black-eyed peas.
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The Barking Mad Gaiman Mob: Who are these people and why won't they go away?
permalink #1328 of 2008: Ja'Nell (goldennokomis) Mon 31 Dec 01 16:23
permalink #1328 of 2008: Ja'Nell (goldennokomis) Mon 31 Dec 01 16:23
I always call Miss Nancy in Chattanooga and yell "Happy F*@%in' New Year" into the phone at the top of my lungs, and then go outside & yell it there, too.
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The Barking Mad Gaiman Mob: Who are these people and why won't they go away?
permalink #1329 of 2008: Ja'Nell (goldennokomis) Mon 31 Dec 01 16:45
permalink #1329 of 2008: Ja'Nell (goldennokomis) Mon 31 Dec 01 16:45
Neil~Just read the blogger. So sweet. The people you care about are very lucky people. Go kiss 'em. I'll be kissing Cam, 'cause the other two people who think I'm wonderful are at Grandma's.
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The Barking Mad Gaiman Mob: Who are these people and why won't they go away?
permalink #1330 of 2008: Mary Roane (the-roane) Mon 31 Dec 01 21:37
permalink #1330 of 2008: Mary Roane (the-roane) Mon 31 Dec 01 21:37
Just lost an entire post about New Year's. So: Happy New Year to you all! Black-eyed peas are for luck & turnip greens are for money in Mississippi. You eat them on New Year's Day. Neil--lovely wishes. The same to you! My tradition is to go to whatever mass my friend Denny the Priest has on New Year's day. One of the readings is always the blessing of Aaron from the book of Numbers, and since Denny always blesses the people with that at the end of the Mass, on New Year's day he chants it in Hebrew. It's just lovely. I don't know if I'll go tomorrow, though. I'm still sick as a dog. OK, I think that's everything I lost. Man, I hate losing a post. Mary (just finished Winds of Change by Mercedes Lackey)
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The Barking Mad Gaiman Mob: Who are these people and why won't they go away?
permalink #1331 of 2008: Neil Gaiman (neilgaiman) Tue 1 Jan 02 10:02
permalink #1331 of 2008: Neil Gaiman (neilgaiman) Tue 1 Jan 02 10:02
argh. Haven't replied to a bunch of posts, and am now going off for ten days -- not sure if I'll be able to get online or not, so just in case, please feel free to pretend that I've said something not just sensible but amusing and wise. new year hugs all around.... Neil
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The Barking Mad Gaiman Mob: Who are these people and why won't they go away?
permalink #1332 of 2008: Ja'Nell (goldennokomis) Tue 1 Jan 02 10:19
permalink #1332 of 2008: Ja'Nell (goldennokomis) Tue 1 Jan 02 10:19
Sorry, Neil, No Substitutions Allowed. (Void where prohibited.)
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The Barking Mad Gaiman Mob: Who are these people and why won't they go away?
permalink #1333 of 2008: Linda Castellani (castle) Tue 1 Jan 02 13:19
permalink #1333 of 2008: Linda Castellani (castle) Tue 1 Jan 02 13:19
E-mail from Michaela: Hi all, dunno why, but after a while all I am doing is sit in front of my computer and "listen" to what all of you say, letting it wash over my mind without feeling the need to actually intrude (as it then seems to me) - which is a roundabout way of saying "hi, I have been lurking, but I am coming out of hiding right now" (which you probably noticed anyway, ah well - there's no keeping things from you people..). HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! May all your sensible wishes come true - which reminds me -> do you also have a tradition of having "New Year Resolutions" .. (or whatever - my English is quite rusty from disuse), intending bravely to, say, quit smoking or lose weight or read "that book that always seemed so boring but which I am assured is a must-read for intelligent people" or whatever? They are usually of the sort abandoned after the new year is about two days old.. Oh, silly me .. I just realised that you do have New Year's Resolutions .. (I should have looked into the blogger first as I usually do) Neil - I do hope yours is not of the sort abandoned after two days ;)) Having read your Christmas Stories, it almost seems a pity that in Germany you get to open your presents on Christmas Eve anyway. I never had the urge to get up at 6am on Christmas Morning to pester my mother. On the other hand we usually have childhood memories of Christmas Eve afternoons that would never end. You'd get told not to go into the living room, if the weather was good you'd find yourself building snowmen that never interested you as much as they normally would have, while at home your parents tried to make the Christmas Tree the very best tree ever .. but those afternoons are really the longest afternoons of your life. I went to see LotR a few days ago - I was so happy to finally get to see it, I expected so much - and I wasn't disappointed at all - until I watched it I had managed to be grown-up and sensible and not all fan-girl. Afterwards I visited the web-site and downloaded all the desktop images I liked - it is such an awesome film, I'd never have thought that anybody would manage to keep close to the spirit of the book when obviously you have to alter the details to make a film happen. Tomorrow I am going to see it in the original version - since we went to see the film with friends whose English is not so good we just went to see a dubbed German version (I wish they wouldn't do that to movies and instead have subtitles, though in this case they did a good job). At least I live near Hamburg where you find cinemas that show some originals. Neil - you sure made an impression on my husband when we went to your signing in Canterbury (I had to persuade him to come since it meant spending money and travelling just for two days) .. when I mentioned that we might want to go to the Edinburgh Literary Festival next August he asked "Why?". I said you might be there and he goes "If Neil Gaiman is there we're going." I was rather amazed, but also quite delighted :) At least Edinburgh has an airport (just hope there are flights from Hamburg). It would be just great - I love Edinburgh and it would be a perfect occasion - I always wondered what the festival is like, the times I've been there it was always just over or not yet happening. Sorry about rambling on for ages. This happens when you stop lurking. Oh well. Michaela
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The Barking Mad Gaiman Mob: Who are these people and why won't they go away?
permalink #1334 of 2008: Mary Roane (the-roane) Tue 1 Jan 02 21:37
permalink #1334 of 2008: Mary Roane (the-roane) Tue 1 Jan 02 21:37
Michaela--when I went to Edinburgh a couple of years ago, we flew into Glasgow. There's a bus that only cost a few pounds to Edinburgh, and it's a nice bit of country to ride through. (Just thought you'd want to know in case flights are lots cheaper to Glasgow). Neil--happy traveling! I don't want to go back to work tomorrow! Mary (reading Figures of Earth by James Branch Cabell)
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The Barking Mad Gaiman Mob: Who are these people and why won't they go away?
permalink #1335 of 2008: Pamela Basham (pamela-bird) Wed 2 Jan 02 09:45
permalink #1335 of 2008: Pamela Basham (pamela-bird) Wed 2 Jan 02 09:45
Rocky: Thanks for the tip about DELICATE CREATURES. It looks really gorgeous. And it was wierd for me, because I was reading along in the article and realized that the editor is an old friend of ours, whom I'm now inspired to track down again! So that was a double-gift. Michaela: Hi! and Happy New Year. Good to hear from you again. I was beginning to be afraid that we were losing everyone, one by one. Wow, I wish we could *all* go meet in Edinburgh for a big Wellie/Thingie fest--what a great place to have it! We could all go see the castle and go for a guided Ghost Walk at night... *sigh* Well, a girl can dream. -Pam who is starting to exercise again at 5:30 am tomorrow, I swear.
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The Barking Mad Gaiman Mob: Who are these people and why won't they go away?
permalink #1336 of 2008: Dodge (hnowell) Wed 2 Jan 02 09:50
permalink #1336 of 2008: Dodge (hnowell) Wed 2 Jan 02 09:50
Happy New Year everyone! From a resident lurker. My wish for all of you is that this year, you have all of what you need and get at least some of what you want.
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The Barking Mad Gaiman Mob: Who are these people and why won't they go away?
permalink #1337 of 2008: Linda Castellani (castle) Wed 2 Jan 02 13:56
permalink #1337 of 2008: Linda Castellani (castle) Wed 2 Jan 02 13:56
E-mail from Michaela: Pam - Why don't you just come then, too ;) But seriously, right now I am just hoping that I can go - and it looks like it depends on whether Neil is actually turning up (and if there not going into hiding or keeping to obscure shadowy corners, meeting only with close friends..).. but it is something to look forward to, even if it shouldn't happen after all :) I haven't been on one of the ghost walks yet - has anybody? Should I make sure not to miss the opportunity next time? Mary - checking flights for Glasgow is a good idea - I shall do so if (see above). You are reading Figures of Earth? How do you like it? I read it a few months ago and thought it quite weird, especially the ending. It very much seems to be a book of its time for all that tales about faerie normally seem to have a timeless quality to them. I really enjoyed the part about him drinking the fairy's milk and substituting alcohol in its place :) (Hope I am not confusing books here). Today has been one of those days that never seem quite real, for two reasons. I got to see Lord of the Rings and hear the actors' very own voices - and I loved them even more, though the German voices are quite good. And secondly we have new money. And that does feel strange! You might know that in some European countries the new year has been the real beginning of the Euro as a currency in the sense that people can hold the coins and the notes in their hands, smelling and touching them and commonly feeling that this is not their money at all but some strange foreign stuff. All this day in the shops people were looking at their purses with a slightly puzzled look whenever they had to pay something, the poor shop assistants never knew whether they'd get Deutsche Mark (you can still pay with what you have left for two months) and start figuring out the right sum or whether they'd be given Euro. Mustn't grumble though; in Germany it is easy - 2 Deutsche Mark is worth about 1 Euro, you just have to double the prices to know what it was before. In some countries you need a calculator to figure it out. Anyway. It doesn't feel real yet. No Deutsche Mark. No foreign currency when you travel to France or Greece .. at least those stubborn British have insisted on keeping their pound for a while (if not forever) - being in Britain and not having a purse you could use as a bludgeon for all those heavy coins would be too sad to think of. Michaela
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The Barking Mad Gaiman Mob: Who are these people and why won't they go away?
permalink #1338 of 2008: No snow bunnies (jenifer-paige) Wed 2 Jan 02 15:34
permalink #1338 of 2008: No snow bunnies (jenifer-paige) Wed 2 Jan 02 15:34
I hope everyone is having a great new year so far. We were privilaged to have snow today as our new year treat, real snow that laid on the ground (for a couple of hours). After the last three years in Florida, I'm as excited as a small child. Some of you Northerners may be amused to know that after our less than one inch of snow, bets were being made as to when they would close the interstate. We don't cope well with stange cold white stuff here.
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The Barking Mad Gaiman Mob: Who are these people and why won't they go away?
permalink #1339 of 2008: Bill^2 (billbill) Wed 2 Jan 02 16:59
permalink #1339 of 2008: Bill^2 (billbill) Wed 2 Jan 02 16:59
Jenifer, I determined on a drive from Michigan to Florida a few years back that not only do southerners (Georgians in this case) not deal well with snow, they don't deal particularly effectively with rain, either. There was a sudden cloudburst during a light rain, and people were slowing down to 30MPH on I-75 and/or pulling off to the side. We're not even talking monsoon conditions or anything -- just a t-storm. Pam, 5:30 is not a human hour of the day. I realize that after five viewings, your brain is probably half Hobbit by now, but think of it this way: any hobbit worth his/her salt would still be sleeping off the prior night's libations. ;-)
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The Barking Mad Gaiman Mob: Who are these people and why won't they go away?
permalink #1340 of 2008: when i lift them they climb up stairs (josparrow) Wed 2 Jan 02 18:39
permalink #1340 of 2008: when i lift them they climb up stairs (josparrow) Wed 2 Jan 02 18:39
Hi all, and a somewhat belated Happy New Year and Merry Christmas. Finally back in front of a computer (read: at work) after 10 days of running around after family. Fun though. I even came back ten dollars up from the Boxing day races (family tradition - good cos I get to wear a hat). Maybe now I can get a rest :). Michelle - re unsickness-causing weather here down under. Does it help to know that Sydney has been covered in a blanket of smoke from the bush fires (poor poor peoples and animals), and here in NZ I have had hayfever for a month?
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The Barking Mad Gaiman Mob: Who are these people and why won't they go away?
permalink #1341 of 2008: Linda Castellani (castle) Thu 3 Jan 02 00:19
permalink #1341 of 2008: Linda Castellani (castle) Thu 3 Jan 02 00:19
E-mail from Michaela: Mary - Um - of course I mixed it up. In my mind Figures_Of_Earth is somehow linked with Land_Of_Unreason, a totally different book, but both are Ballantine Adult Fantasy paperbacks I got second hand and read at about the same time. So my sleep deprived brain got confused. When I was half asleep and memories just floated I realised my mistake - anyway, I do like Figures_Of_Earth :) Michaela
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The Barking Mad Gaiman Mob: Who are these people and why won't they go away?
permalink #1342 of 2008: Daniel (dfowlkes) Thu 3 Jan 02 05:58
permalink #1342 of 2008: Daniel (dfowlkes) Thu 3 Jan 02 05:58
<scribbled by dfowlkes Tue 3 Jul 12 10:14>
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The Barking Mad Gaiman Mob: Who are these people and why won't they go away?
permalink #1343 of 2008: JaNell (goldennokomis) Thu 3 Jan 02 07:14
permalink #1343 of 2008: JaNell (goldennokomis) Thu 3 Jan 02 07:14
Well, I'm gone.
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The Barking Mad Gaiman Mob: Who are these people and why won't they go away?
permalink #1344 of 2008: Pamela Basham (pamela-bird) Thu 3 Jan 02 09:17
permalink #1344 of 2008: Pamela Basham (pamela-bird) Thu 3 Jan 02 09:17
Hi, Dodge! Thanks for the well wishes. Michaela: They really do have guided Ghost tours and other odd touristy treks. We noticed signs for the ghost tours on the little street just outside the castle, but we weren't going to be in Edinburgh long enough to see one. So if you go, you should check it out. I'm sure the Tourist office will have information on them. Bill: I guess I shouldn't tell you then that, in order to be at the gym at 5:30, stretched out and ready to go, I have to get up by 4:45. BELIEVE ME, I don't do it by choice. It's just that I have an hour commute in the morning. But I don't pretend to be human. Just capable of motion. JaNell: I am staunchly in denial. What will we become without you? You *will* be emailing Linda, right?!?!
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The Barking Mad Gaiman Mob: Who are these people and why won't they go away?
permalink #1345 of 2008: Pamela Basham (pamela-bird) Thu 3 Jan 02 09:17
permalink #1345 of 2008: Pamela Basham (pamela-bird) Thu 3 Jan 02 09:17
Ack! Forgot. Welcome back sparrow!
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The Barking Mad Gaiman Mob: Who are these people and why won't they go away?
permalink #1346 of 2008: devil bunny needs no ham (miss-mousey) Thu 3 Jan 02 13:37
permalink #1346 of 2008: devil bunny needs no ham (miss-mousey) Thu 3 Jan 02 13:37
Kelly (1315) - No, I'm particular about my bookstores too. There are only a couple that I'll go to regularly, tho' there are a few I'll recommend that I don't frequent. B&N, Lack London Square, is not one of them. The other B&Ns might be fine, but that store is utterly the worst, most pompous, unworthy bookstore I've ever been to. (end of rant) JaNell (1316)- Let me get this straight - you're *complaining* that the car salesmen leave you alone? Actually, I tend to be pretty abrasive if I need to get someone's attention, or if I specifically don't want any, so it's never really a problem for me. Did you try telling them that you existed and you were the one they were making a sale to? And that if they didn't choose to acknowledge your existence, maybe they didn't want your business? You could kindly interrupt them by telling them 'excuse me, I'm the one with the checkbook here'. That usually works. On a slightly related note, my car turned 1 year old on NYE. Billbill (1339) - I'm convinced that no state, as a general whole, knows how to drive in the rain, aside, perhaps, from Western Washington and Western Oregon (you know the joke "What day is summer?"). Tho' quite to the contrary of what you said, Louisiana drivers tend to try to prove that they *can* drive in the rain by going faster and even more insanely than when the roads are dry. Maybe it's all the false sense of wisdom of the bourbon in their veins. ;P Belated happy merries and whatnot to the lot of you. My new year began with going to bed early to get over being sick, only to be woken up to loud gunfire at midnight outside my window, followed by one of the worst days at work that I've had in a while. I figure it can only get better from here. :) toodles, squeaks
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The Barking Mad Gaiman Mob: Who are these people and why won't they go away?
permalink #1347 of 2008: she looks like evening (kellyhills) Thu 3 Jan 02 14:35
permalink #1347 of 2008: she looks like evening (kellyhills) Thu 3 Jan 02 14:35
Squeaks said: >>I'm convinced that no state, as a general whole, knows how to drive in the rain, aside, perhaps, from Western Washington and Western Oregon (you know the joke "What day is summer?"). << Yeah, but we (westerm Washington) grind to a halt the minute a light dusting of snow hits the ground. And god forbid we have a day of sunshine - everyone is blinded and can't drive. And it apparently addles brains, too, because the next time it rains, everyone's forgetten how to drive in that, too. Welcome to Washington, land of low attention spans a la lattes. :-) -Kelly
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The Barking Mad Gaiman Mob: Who are these people and why won't they go away?
permalink #1348 of 2008: Tara O'Shea (uisgejack) Thu 3 Jan 02 19:28
permalink #1348 of 2008: Tara O'Shea (uisgejack) Thu 3 Jan 02 19:28
happy new year all my wellie friends. I live, I breathe, and, according to the Bowie Quiz, I am Berlin-Era Bowie. Woo! Which Bowie are you? http://kaffee.150m.com/bowiequiz.html This week-end, I shall be making 5 gallons of French onion soup, inviting over 50 of my closest friends over to someone else's (much larger) apartment which has no piano so that (God bless him) Jon Krivitsky can't sing, and partying in a very sedate, no-mixed-drinks-with-umbrellas sort of way. Hope you're all well, and had a great holiday :)
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The Barking Mad Gaiman Mob: Who are these people and why won't they go away?
permalink #1349 of 2008: Erynn Miles (erynn-miles) Thu 3 Jan 02 21:51
permalink #1349 of 2008: Erynn Miles (erynn-miles) Thu 3 Jan 02 21:51
Oh wow! I'm a Berlin-Era Bowie also.
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The Barking Mad Gaiman Mob: Who are these people and why won't they go away?
permalink #1350 of 2008: Linda Castellani (castle) Thu 3 Jan 02 23:30
permalink #1350 of 2008: Linda Castellani (castle) Thu 3 Jan 02 23:30
I appear to be Ziggy Stardust.
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