![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
WOSSNAME -- Main issue -- March 2014
Mar. 28th, 2014 08:49 amWOSSNAME
Newsletter of the Klatchian Foreign Legion
March 2014 (Volume 17, Issue 3, post 1)
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
INDEX:
01) QUOTES OF THE MONTH
02) EDITOR'S LETTER
03) ODDS AND SODS
04) RAISING STEAM: NEW (USA) REVIEWS
05) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
06) DISCWORLD ARTS AND CRAFTS NEWS
07) DISCWORLD CONVENTION NEWS
08) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS
09) ROUNDWORLD TALES: THE STINKPIPES AND SEWERS OF DODGER'S LONDON
10) THINGS PTERRY FANS SAY
11) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
12) CLOSE
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
01) QUOTES OF THE MONTH
ALL OF THEM! here is The Daily Pratchett, a Twitter account that presents, yes, daily quotes from the works of a certain (or Sir-tain?) Mr Pratchett. "Suggestions welcome", it says there:
https://twitter.com/DailyPratchett
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
02) LETTER FROM YOUR EDITOR
First off, a grateful thank-you to the various people who wrote in over this past month expressing sympathy for my illness woes. Things are slowly improving – the best part being a resurgence of general Joy of Living (a wonderful thing, no matter what Reg Shoe might think). Hopefully my improved spirits will be reflected in the tone of this issue!
Some bits and bobs (not to be confused with Odds and Sods, which is section 3 in this month's issue):
Locus Magazine's March hardcover bestsellers list has a new entry: Raising Steam, coming in at number 2.
http://tinyurl.com/n9xg93w
Laugh and a half ye first: on the Minnesota website zumbrota.com, Jan David Fisher's piece on satirical fantasy/SF includes an accurate description of Pratchett's work until we get to "One of the books had the Captain of the Night Watch reading the children's book 'Are You My Mother' to his young son." Methinks Mr Fisher is conflating Where's My Cow with a certain episode of Christopher Eccleston's Doctor Who season...
http://tinyurl.com/jwp55cq
Laugh and a half ye second: American political commentator Bill O'Reilly, whose worldview is without doubt the utter antithesis of every piece of Pterry's "stealth philosophy" espoused in his works, quoted Miss Tick ("If you trust in yourself . . . and believe in your dreams . . . and follow your star . . . you'll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren't so lazy.") in his op-ed titled "Liberalism is destroying things that work" and followed it by stating, "I haven't read Pratchett's 'The Wee Free Men' book series, but after stumbling across that quote, I wish I had. I mean, here's a man who clearly gets it." Oh dearie dearie me, someone does *not* get it. This could possibly be the most jaw-droppingly inappropriate use of a Pratchett quote ever...
In an amusing piece of what one might call cross-species casting, I note that the actor playing Angua in next month's production of Men at Arms by the Q2 Players is called... Cat! Here's wishing a successful run to Cat Lamin and her castmates (see item 5.4 for details).
Speaking of our favourite werewolf Watch officer, your Editor had an "Angua moment" recently: someone asked me what hair product I was using because my hair smelt so good, and I had to admit that I'd sneaked a squirt of "...for a glossy coat" dog spray when helping to primp a friend's showdog...
The Science of Discworld IV is released this week in paperback! To order a copy, go to http://amzn.to/1g1NnZv
A reminder: The Long Mars, third book in The Long Earth series, will be released in hardcover and ebook versions on 19th June 2014. To pre-order from Amazon, go to http://amzn.to/1jxuSkt
Another reminder: Sir Pterry will be the special guest at Eastercon 65 from 18th – 21st April 2014 at the Crown Plaza Hotel, Glasgow, health permitting: http://satellite4.org.uk/
There's quite a lot of action on the Discworld plays front around Roundworld, so do have a shufti at section 5. And now, on with the show!
– Annie Mac, Editor
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
03) ODDS AND SODS
3.1 THE LONG MARS: OFFICIAL BLURB
2040-2045: In the years after the cataclysmic Yellowstone eruption there is massive economic dislocation as populations flee Datum Earth to myriad Long Earth worlds. Sally, Joshua, and Lobsang are all involved in this perilous work when, out of the blue, Sally is contacted by her long-vanished father and inventor of the original Stepper device, Willis Linsay. He tells her he is planning a fantastic voyage across the Long Mars and wants her to accompany him. But Sally soon learns that Willis has ulterior motives . . .
Meanwhile U. S. Navy Commander Maggie Kauffman has embarked on an incredible journey of her own, leading an expedition to the outer limits of the far Long Earth.
For Joshua, the crisis he faces is much closer to home. He becomes embroiled in the plight of the Next: the super-bright post-humans who are beginning to emerge from their 'long childhood' in the community called Happy Landings, located deep in the Long Earth. Ignorance and fear are causing 'normal' human society to turn against the Next – and a dramatic showdown seems inevitable . . .
3.2 NEW PAUL KIDBY EXHIBITION AND WORKSHOPS
Discworld and Beyond, the noted exhibition of the work of Paul Kidby, opens in a new venue this weekend. "This exhibition showcases the wonderful book covers and illustrations for Pratchett’s novels including favourite characters like Rincewind, the Wee Free Men and, of course, Death. All his work is marked by a staggering quality of draughtsmanship and effective use of colour, bright for the book covers and muted for his faerie paintings."
When: 29th March through 28th June 2014
Venue: Willis Museum, Market Place, Basingstoke RG21 7QD (phone 0845 603 5635)
Time: Tuesdays to Fridays 10am – 5pm
Tickets: Admission free
Mr Kidby will also be heading some workshops during the Easter holidays. Fancy learning how to draw dragons, from the visual creator of Errol himself? Here's your opportunity:
10am – 1pm Saturday, April 12. Adult Workshop
"Join Paul for an inspiring workshop and tutorial. Receive hands on help with your own work in a friendly and encouraging atmosphere. Please bring your own materials e.g. sketchbooks, pencils, colour pencils. Participation, which costs £20, must be booked in advance by ringing or popping in."
1.30pm – 3.30pm Saturday, April 12. Family Workshop
"Join Paul for an inspiring family friendly workshop and learn the art of drawing dragons! Receive hands on help with your own work in a friendly and encouraging atmosphere. Children to be accompanied by an adult. All materials provided. Book in advance by ringing or popping in. Cost: £7 per participant."
11am – 4pm Thursday, June 26. Adult Masterclass
"Join Paul for an inspiring workshop and tutorial. Receive hands on help with your own work in a friendly and encouraging atmosphere. Participation, which costs £20, must be booked in advance by ringing or popping in."
For more information, go to hants.gov.uk/willis-museum or ring 01256 465902.
3.3 WINCANTON SPRING FLING
Heading for Ankh-Morpork's official twin town this Spring? The 2014 Wincanton Spring Fling swings into action on May Bank Holiday weekend, 3rd and 4th May. This year's Fling will feature a Friday night storytelling session, maker's market and grand charity auction, among many other pleasant events.
For more information, go to http://www.discworldemporium.com/
3.4 REMINDER: THE STORY MUSEUM OPENING
The Story Museum exhibition is due to officially open on Saturday, 5th April 2014.
"Oxford's Story Museum will open this spring with a photographic exhibition featuring famous authors dressed as the characters they loved most as children. The 26 Characters exhibition will feature children's laureate Malorie Blackman as the Wicked Witch of the West in Frank L Baum's The Wizard of Oz, Terry Jones as the comic strip character Rupert Bear, Terry Pratchett as Just William from the Richmal Crompton series, and Neil Gaiman as Badger from Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows, in a series of photographs taken by Cambridge Jones... The museum is planning a full programme of events and activities, with a talking throne and a dressing-up area. The exhibition is supported by the Arts Council and will run from April to November..."
http://www.thebookseller.com/news/authors-dress-story-museum.html
3.5 MARK READS...
Soi-disant "Vegan cyclist, Internet community nerd, atheist bookworm, high-five purveyor" Mark Oshiro has just begun a huge project: to read and review the entire Discworld series: "If you’ve not heard, I will be starting a long, long, LONG journey on March 12th, in which I will attempt to read every Discworld book in publication order. Yes, all of them..."
http://markreads.net/reviews/
[Editor's note: I have looked at the page and it seems to me that Mr Oshiro charges a fiver for the ebook of his comments on each book he reads. I have no idea what the appeal of this might be, but then I am to the best of my knowledge neither a "vegan cyclist" nor an "internet nerd", so perhaps I'm missing some information here. Any answers?]
3.6 A TORTOISE TO MAKE OM PROUD?
Journalist Sally Kettle writes about meeting Jonathan, St Helena's 182-year-old giant tortoise whose life so far has life has spanned the reigns of eight British monarchs from George IV to Elizabeth II, and 51 prime ministers:
"A photograph taken in 1882 shows Jonathan at his full size, and it can take 50 years to reach that physical maturity. The years since haven't always been kind. Tourists would often do whatever it took to get 'that' photo. Now, a viewing corridor runs along the bottom of the lawn to keep overzealous sightseers at bay. It was a huge privilege for me to get so up close and personal. Jonathan loves having his neck stroked. His head extends out from his shell to a surprising length. He snaps for his food – bananas, cabbage and carrots – with some ferocity. [keeper] Joe almost lost the end of his thumb and has resorted to wearing thick gloves. 'He doesn't mean to nip me,' he says, 'he just finds it difficult to locate his food.'... Blindness made it hard for Jonathan to find the right vegetation, and due to malnutrition Jonathan's beak became blunt and soft, adding to his problems finding food. Now there's a new feeding regime, in place where Joe delivers a bucket of fresh fruit and vegetables every Sunday morning. With this extra nutritional boost Jonathan's skin now looks plump and feels supple. His beak has become a deadly weapon for anyone attempting to shove a carrot anywhere near his mouth. And he can belch..."
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26543021
3.7 REVIEW: THE TRUTH
In North Carolina's Times-News, Sara Ingle recommends new Discworld readers start with The Truth:
"Although the series is slightly self-referential, there is no need to read them in order, though those who become hooked will benefit from re-readings later on. The 25th book in the series, 'The Truth,' generally is agreed to be a good place to start. Ankh-Morpork is a city that lives on gossip, and William de Worde writes it all down, sending it in a monthly letter to the upper-crust of Ankh-Morpork's friends and rivals. It's an easy life, and when rumor says that the dwarves can turn lead into gold, he writes that down, too. But when the aforementioned lead turns out to be a printing press, Williams finds himself enlisted as the head writer for Discworld's first newspaper. Working with the woman whose father he just put out of business, plus an unstable, teetotaling vampire photographer who crumples to dust with every camera flash, he finds himself writing about (and suddenly in the midst of) murders, conspiracies to overthrow the government, and humorously shaped vegetables... Although the book is not overly coarse in language or in content, it is not suggested for young readers. Pratchett has written several young-adult books that are excellent no matter your age..."
http://tinyurl.com/mazqyey
3.8 REVIEW: DODGER'S GUIDE TO LONDON
By Caroline Smart on the South African website Artslink:
Fascinating, well designed and very amusing look at Victorian London through the eyes of Dodger... Dodger's Guide To London (with an especial interest in its underbelly...) sounds so genuine and paints the sights, sounds, smells and social structures of London so well that you actually start believing that Dodger (a name for someone who dodges trouble) exists. However, a tiny footnote explains that Dodger is a fictional character as are a number of his associates in the book... Chapters have headings like Aspidistra Land; A Nation of Shopkeepers and Nippers, Scallywags, Urchins and Rascals as well as When Clobber Maketh the Gentleman and Places to Avoid. Each page produces fascinating historical information, quotations from personalities of the times and Dodger's inimitable comments... Paul Kidby's illustrations add visual charm while the text design is by Lizzy Laczynska and picture research by Liane Payne..."
http://tinyurl.com/ozk567c
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
04) NEW REVIEWS: RAISING STEAM
Because, of course, it is now officially released in the USA...
4.1 By Ken Armstrong in the Seattle Times:
"Building a railway is as much about economics as engineering, and with this being Discworld — sort of like our world, sort of not — the hurdles are both familiar and twisted. The starting capital traces its origins to sea plunder ('your granddad were slightly a bit of a pirate,' the railway's engineer is told); land rights must be settled with goblin squatters; and legal niceties fall to a lawyer who happens to be a troll, which is no longer a big deal in Discworld, with trolls so much like people, only bigger, that some work as dentists, some as hair stylists, and the one who's handling all the contracts elicits this reaction from a new client: 'Weren't he nice? For a lawyer.'... Pratchett melds politics, finance and the occasional dark turn with his fantasy and humor, and as ever his footnotes are not to be missed. It is there that we learn that 'stumbleweed is like tumbleweed, but less athletic.' Reading the previous 39 Discworld novels is not necessary to delight in 'Raising Steam,' which is a good thing, because that would seem to be asking a lot. That said, how many writers are more fun to spend time with?..."
http://tinyurl.com/kgxpj39
4.2 By CA Bridges in the Daytona News-Journal:
"'Raising Steam' has a very different tone than the previous books. Darker, action-packed, with a quicker pace and possibly the biggest cast Pratchett has ever used, as fits a story as expansive as this needs to be. Where most of the previous books could be read and enjoyed without having read the rest, this one almost demands a certain level of familiarity, if only to get all the references and cameo appearances. 30 years ago the Discworld books began as light-hearted parodies of fantasy tropes, poking fun at warriors and wizards and getting in some licks on our own modern society. Since then, as Pratchett's characters grew in complexity and the Discworld itself grew in scope, the Discworld series has become a wholly remarkable work of satire Pratchett wields like a scalpel. 'Raising Steam' is about the first railroad, yes, but it's also about the industrial revolution and class warfare and diplomacy and the changing world and the dangers of dogma and the excitement and terror of change and the struggle for universal suffrage and the sheer love of great big iron things and how an entire society can be changed by one man who knows how to use a slide rule. Also, it's funny..."
http://tinyurl.com/kdeb7rw
4.3 A harsh yet considered review by Christopher Bahn in the Onion AV Club:
"Raising Steam suffers from being Pratchett's least whimsical Discworld book, though he sneaks in some solid punnery, like a town called Aix-En-Pains. But in place of the usually effortless-seeming sly wit and silliness, Raising Steam offers unsubtle earnestness. It rarely feels like vintage Pratchett, and at times it doesn't sound very much like the writer at all. Characterizations of long-established Discworldians like Vetinari are off-kilter. Lawman Sam Vimes sounds more like a soldier than a cop. The momentum of the railroad and coup storylines grind slowly down through an interminable journey to Uberwald that eats up far too much of the narrative... Hopefully, this is just an uncharacteristic blip of mediocrity in a mostly unbroken line of terrifically enjoyable books, though it's been sadly clear that a decline would come sooner or later after Pratchett was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's in 2007. Certainly, the speed at which Raising Steam moves forward long-simmering elements of the overarching Discworld plot, not to mention the unusually large number of cameos by characters from earlier novels, suggests that Pratchett might be moving to bring the series to an endpoint on his own terms. He's certainly earned that right..."
http://tinyurl.com/kqkqg3d
4.4 ...and a more positive review by Jacob Edwards in buzzymag.com:
"One great strength of Terry Pratchett's Discworld series comes by way of the eponymous world's being always in flux. Ever since The Colour of Magic (1983), in which Ankh-Morpork first was established – a most pungent and exquisitely base city – the Discworld has undergone a renaissance that has been blossoming now for thirty years and seen great strides taken in terms not only of technology but also of social issues such as gender, race and even species equality. Pratchett's fortieth Discworld book, Raising Steam, deals with the advent of railways, the newfound humanoid dignity of goblins (following on from the previous novel, Snuff), and the rise of terrorism by way of a rabid, deep-dwelling dwarf sect. In many ways this is Pratchett's most ambitious project to date... An unusually large number of characters having been reprised from previous stories and called aboard this latest outing, Raising Steam constitutes a rare instance of Pratchett's crafting a book that may prove insufficiently self-contained to hold the interest of new readers. Though stoking the nostalgia of longstanding fans, Discworld in-jokes such as 'going librarian' lie dangerously self-indulgent across Pratchett's newly laid tracks. In mitigation of such criticism, let it be said that Terry Pratchett has given himself wondrously high standards to live up to, not least of all in his imaginative scope and his ever-blossoming proliferation of wordplay and wit. Raising Steam may not be his finest work, but still it chugs along nicely and affords Pratchett plenty of scope to traverse the variegated landscape of language..."
http://buzzymag.com/raising-steam-by-terry-pratchett-book-review/
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
05) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
5.1 REMINDER: GOING POSTAL IN BASILDON
The Thalian Theatre Company, experienced Discworld plays producers, will present Going Postal this week.
When: 27th to 29th March 2014
Venue: Mirren Studio, Towngate Theatre, St. Martin's Square, Basildon, Essex SS14 1DL
Time: 8pm
Tickets: £10 adult, £8.50 concessions, available from the theatre box office on 01268 465465, or you can book tickets online by going to http://tinyurl.com/kfubr4y
http://www.towngatetheatre.co.uk/index.aspx?articleid=4771
5.2 WYRD SISTERS IN TYNESIDE
The Westovian Theatre Society will present their production of Wyrd Sisters from the end of this month through early April.
When: Monday March 31 to Saturday April 5 2014
Venue: Pier Pavilion, Pier Parade, South Shields, Tyne and Wear NE33 2JS
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £6 on Monday and Tuesday and £7 Wednesday to Saturday, available from the Visitor Information Centre, Haven Point, South Shields. Tel. 0191 424 7788. Opening hours are 10am – 1pm and 1.30pm – 5pm until Saturday 29th. From Monday March 31, tickets will be available at the Theatre Box office, which is open for telephone calls between 6.30pm and 8pm. Tel. 0191 456 0980. Cash or Cheques only (Cheques payable to 'The Westovians Theatre Society') – No cards available at present.
www.westovians.co.uk
5.3 REMINDER: WITCHES ABROAD IN PORTSMOUTH
Collingwood RSC Theatre Group, already veteran Pratchett play presenters, will offer their production – a world premiere, no less – of Witches Abroad this week!
When: Thursday 27th through Saturday 29th March 2014
Venue: HMS Collingwood, Newgate Lane, Fareham, Portsmouth, PO14 1AS
Tickets: £6, available via the box office (07502 037922)
To see their whimsical Kidby-pastiche poster, go to http://tinyurl.com/l9hlaka
https://www.facebook.com/hmscollingwoodrsc
5.4 REMINDER: MEN AT ARMS IN KEW
The Q2 Players, "Kew's Leading Amateur Theatre Group", will present their production of Men at Arms in early April.
When: Thursday 3rd – Saturday 5th April 2014
Venue: Kew Community Centre, St. Luke's in The Avenue, Richmond, Surrey TW9 2AL
Time: Thurs-Sat shows at 8pm; Sat Matinee 2.30pm
Tickets: £8 (concessions £6) Box office TBA; email q2players@gmail.com
http://www.q2players.org.uk/Q2_Players/Upcoming_Show.html
5.5 REMINDER: NATION IN TEMPE, ARIZONA
The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts will present a production of Mark Ravenhill's NT stage adaptation of Nation in April, directed by Megan Weaver.
When: 4th–13th April 2014
Venue: Galvin Playhouse, 51 E. 10th St, Tempe, AZ 85287 (at Mill Avenue & 10th Street, University of Arizona Tempe campus)
Time: 4th, 5th, 10th and 12th at 7.30pm; 6th and 13th at 2pm
Tickets: $8-$16; to buy online, go to http://tinyurl.com/lhb2oyw
Herberger Institute students are offered free admission on tickets reserved in advance.
5.6 LORDS AND LADIES IN CHELTENHAM
The Deep End Theatre Company will present their production of "Lords and Ladies", adapted by Irana Brown, in April.
When: Wednesday 9th - Saturday 12th April 2014
Venue: The Playhouse, Cheltenham, 47-53 Bath Rd, Town Centre, Cheltenham GL53 7HG
Time: 7.45pm (Saturday matinee at 2pm)
Tickets: £10 (£8 Concessions on Wed evening & Sat Matinee only) Available from Cheltenham Playhouse Box Office: 01242 522 852
5.7 MASKERADE IN WEYMOUTH
The Weymouth Drama Club will be presenting their production of Maskerade in early April.
When: April 3rd, 4th and 5th
Venue: The Weymouth Pavilion, 7 Hope Street, DT4 8TU Weymouth, Dorset (phone 1305 750050)
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £10.50. To buy online, go to http://tinyurl.com/ptf5vjx
https://www.facebook.com/weymouthdramaclub
Here be a cast photo: http://tinyurl.com/kbhqlo5
5.8 WEIBERREGIMENT (MONSTROUS REGIMENT) IN GERMANY
German amateur dramatics group "Die Dramateure" present their third production of a Discworld play. This time it's Weiberregiment (Monstrous Regiment). WOSSNAME wishes them every success!
When: 11th and 12th April 2014
Venue: Burgerhaus Bischofsheim, Dornigheimer Weg 21, 63477 Maintal, Germany
Time: 7:30 pm
Tickets: 8,50€ (7,00€ if bought online). To buy tickets online, go to http://www.dramateure.com/karten
5.9 GUARDS! GUARDS! IN ELTHAM (LONDON)
The Bob Hope Theatre's in-house amateur drama company will present their production of Guards! Guards! in May.
When: 14th-17th May 2014 at 19:45
Venue: Bob Hope Theatre, Wythfield Road, Eltham SE9 5TG
Time: 7.45pm (bar opens at 7pm)
Tickets: £9 (concessions £8, not available Friday or Saturday). Group discounts are on offer. Box Office: 020 8850 3702 or book online at www.intelligent-tickets.com/index.php?th=bh
www.bobhopetheatre.co.uk
5.10 WYRD SISTERS IN ACCRINGTON, WHICH IS STILL NOT IN CHESHIRE
Oswaldtwistle Players will present their production of Wyrd Sisters, adapted by Stephen Briggs and directed by Martina Burns, in late April and early May.
When: 30th April - 3rd May 2014
Venue: Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre, 157 Union Road, Oswaldtwistle, Accrington BB5 3HZ
Time: 19:30
Tickets: £8.50 (concessions £7.50); all tickets £7 on 30th April
http://i72139.wix.com/oswaldtwistleplayers
5.11 REMINDER: MONSTROUS REGIMENT IN CHICAGO
Chicago has already experienced Discworld on stage a few months ago, and now the Windy (and currently bloody freezing) City gets another taste: Lifeline Theater will present their production of Monstrous Regiment, as adapted by Chris Hainsworth and directed by Kevin Theis, on various dates in May, June and July, a veritable season!
When: 30th May – 20th July 2014
Venue: Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N Glenwood Ave, Chicago, IL, 60626
Time: evenings at 7.30pm on Thursdays and Fridays and at 8pm on Saturdays; matinees at 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays
Tickets: $20 for previews (30th May-8th June), $40 for Regular Run: June 12-July 20 (Thu & Fri at 7:30pm, Sat at 4pm & 8pm, Sun at 4pm). To book online in advance, go to http://tinyurl.com/kzehtaw and click on the desired dates at the bottom of the page (or scroll through from there to the June or July calendars for tickets on those dates)
http://www.lifelinetheatre.com/performances/13-14/mr/index.shtml
5.12 REVIEWS: MAKING MONEY IN SALISBURY
Reviewed by Ham Quentin in the Southern Daily Echo:
"Director Chris Hawley's adaptation... features the resourceful con merchant Moist von Lipwig, who is again played by Stew Taylor, displaying enough energy to help us sail through a three hour play featuring 35 characters, not to mention four thousand Golems! This time Moist, who's getting rather bored with running the Ankh-Morpork Post Office, inherits control of the town's biggest bank via its new major shareholder, the dog Mr Fusspot (superbly designed and constructed by Sally Preisig at Mimic Productions) bequeathed by deceased chairwoman Topsy Lavish (Theo Ross gives a lovely cameo, and goes on to play two more characters)..."
http://tinyurl.com/msheb5r
...and by Hannah White, in the same paper:
"The plot is everything you would expect from Sir Terry – an extraordinary storyline with plenty of humour. There were outstanding performances, especially from Stew Taylor as the lead role, Moist von Lipwig. Phil Taylor, as golum Gladys, was responsible for many of the laugh out loud moments, and Alistair Faulkner was fantastic as Mr Bent. Special mention must also go to Teddy Woolgrove, socially awkward Hubert, and George Goulding as Igor and Mr Slant as well as Theo Ross, Mrs Lavish... All of the actors gave it their all and it was clear they were thoroughly enjoying themselves..."
http://tinyurl.com/k9flxcv
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
06) DISCWORLD ARTS AND CRAFTS NEWS
DISCWORLD EMPORIUM UPDATES
"Greetings one and all! Our big ginger cat has rediscovered his spot in the Emporium shop Window after his seasonal hiatus, and the pungent whiff of cabbage is in the air... ladies and gentlemen, spring has sprung! To mark the changing of the season our traditional reissue of the 50p 'Cabbage Field' Stamp from the Ankh-Morpork Post Office has arrived. This definitive Discworld Stamp celebrates the bountiful cabbage fields of the Sto Plains, and is our nod to the cabbage-flavoured and scented stamps mentioned in Thud! and Making Money.
"In further celebration of the humble cabbage, we've also released the 'Penny Sprout', a diminutive regional issue from Sto Helit honouring that small brassica of questionable palatableness. Both new issues are available to own now, and can be purchased singly or in elegant sheets from the New stamps section of our website – http://tinyurl.com/p4auaev
"Also released this week is our brand new Little Brown Envelope, the 'of Cabbages and Kings' LBE (_http://tinyurl.com/prs7orz_). Each envelope contains the new 50p Cabbage Field and Penny Sprout issues, along with a 'lucky dip' assortment of Current Discworld stamps. A generous serving of sports and $5 Blue Triangles has been scattered throughout the issue
http://tinyurl.com/kt99x7z
"We are pleased to report that (thanks to a large mallet and a truckload of cheddar) our web-wobbles as outlined in our previous newsletter have now been resolved and its business as 'unusual' at the Discworld Emporium and we can once again be contacted with any concerns or enquiries via reb@discworldemporium.com. Thank you once again for your support!
"For all our latest wares and releases have a browse through our New Products page – it's mostly harmless!"
http://tinyurl.com/l8ztg9n
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
07) DISCWORLD CONVENTION NEWS
7.1 WADFEST 2014
"This year's theme is heroes and villains. This means you get the chance to dress up as the hero or villain that you have always wanted to be. You can take your inspiration from comics, films and cartoons, or invent a new character for yourself. There will be trophies for the best dressed villain and best dressed hero, so get your sewing machine out and give it a go! If you're no good at sewing and you don't have anyone to help out, you can always hire a costume for the weekend. As well as special themed hero and villain games there will be all your usual Wadfest favourites, including smack the penguin. If it's your first time at Wadfest, why not take a look through the photos of Wadfests past to get an idea of what to expect?
"The X-Men's blackbird? Batman's batmobile? Green Goblin's glider? If you're feeling really adventurous why not turn your vehicle into the kind of transport a hero or villain would have? Perhaps you’re more interested in a permanent base like Superman's Fortress of Solitude or He-Man’s Castle Greyskull? If so, why not dress your tent up as your lair? There will be a prize for the best one. There are no limits to what you can do with your costumes. Be as inventive as you like or faithfully recreate your favourite character's costume. "
When: 15th to 17th August 2014
Venue: Wood Green, The Animal Charity, King's Bush Farm, London Road, Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, PE29 2NH
Tickets: £25.00 per adult for the weekend including Camping and Events. Children under 16 go free when
accompanied by a paying adult. To purchase tickets online, go to http://www.wadfest.co.uk/page2.html
http://www.wadfest.co.uk
7.2 AUSDWCON 2015
Nullus Anxietus V is coming! Some early details:
When: 10th to 12th April 2015
Venue: Novotel, Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia
Tickets: current ticket prices are $80-$140 per Attending Member, $400 per Family, $30 per Supporting Membership. To purchase at these rates, go to http://ausdwcon.org/shop/
"Previous Conventions have had Guilds. For Nullus Anxietas V the Guilds are replaced by the Studios of Holy Wood and Convention members (who choose to join a "guild") will be randomly assigned to one of the five studios for activities. Can't sing? Can't dance? Can handle a sword a little? Then Holy Wood beckons, and the clickies want YOU." – Daniel Hatton, Guildmeister
"The date of the convention is still too far distant for us to start negotiating room rates but we will have the upper hand if we can go into the discussion with an estimate of how many we would likely need. We'd like to convince them to be the cheapest rate in all of Parramatta and make their money by booking every room rather than them charging a lot for a few rooms. If at all possible, please give us an indication if you will be booking accomodation at the venue and what sort of room you would like. You do not need to be registered to fill in the survey, we would just like an idea of how many rooms we will need for the weekend. Rest assured we will not hold you to this – it's just an estimate. Your name will only be used to ensure you're not on the spreadsheet twice. You will still need to book your own accommodation." – the organisers
http://ausdwcon.org/
7.3 CABBAGECON 2015
Cabbagecon 3, the third Dutch Discworld Convention, will take place in June of next year!
When: 27th and 28th June 2015
Venue: Tulip Inn Hotel Val Monte in Berg en Dal (near Nijmegen)
Tickets: Membership of Cabbagecon 3 for the whole weekend is priced at €40,00, with a €5 discount for children, seniors and students. For the Saturday only or the Sunday only, the price is €25,00, with the same discounts as above applying. To book online in advance, go to http://www.dutchdwcon.nl
Apparently Cabbagecon 2 was a great success on the fun front. The organisers say of next year's event, "It will be a happy occasion for fans of Sir Terry Pratchett from the Netherlands and abroad to meet each other again and have fun. We hope to see you too!"
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
08) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS
The Broken Drummers, "London's Premier Unofficially Official Discworld Group", meets on the first Monday of every month at the Monkey Puzzle, 30 Southwick Street, London W2 1JQ: "We welcome anyone and everyone who enjoys Sir Terry's works, or quite likes them or wants to find out more. We have had many visitors from overseas who have enjoyed themselves and made new friends. The discussions do not only concern the works of Sir Terry Pratchett but wander and meander through other genres and authors and also leaping to TV and Film production. We also find time for a quiz. The prize is superb. The chance to set the quiz the following month."
Next meeting: Monday 7th April 2014, from 7pm onwards.
The Broken Drummers March 2014 meet report:
"There was a good crowd at Drummers last Monday. We had a visitor from California, plus a lot of the regulars – including Barbara, who hasn't been for a while. When talk turned to video games, Jacqui said, 'Oh, no you're not discussing Zelda again.' Indeed we were. We even told James about all the Zelda T-shirts you can buy on Red Bubble. Tim E. could not make it with a quiz so I decided that we would play a game I learned from Chris over the weekend. Each player writes the name of a film at the top of the page and passes it on. The next player draws the film however they see fit, turns the paper over so the title is obscured and passes it to the next person, who describes the picture in words. This carries on alternating between drawing and writing until we get to the bottom of the page and ideally end up with a picture that bears no relation to what is at the top. The results were suitably hilarious. Andrew's interpretation of one image was very Freudian (he also chose 'Free Willy' as his film) but my favourite was James' illustration of Zulu as a toilet with a zoo on top. Only Judy's 'Mary Poppins' remained clear all the way through. Since the game has no winners and losers, Tim is still responsible for the next quiz. Otherwise, knitting and similar are clearly contagious as Jacqui spent the evening doing crochet. Our American visitor took a 3D photo of the group, which I'm hoping he'll send me. A couple on the next table showed great interest in our group and thought it was wonderful that such a thing would exist. Plus James managed to find the Zelda T-shirt online with the slogan, 'You make me harder than the water temple'. He was deliberating whether to buy one when we left so maybe Jax has a point about the Zelda obsession."
For more information, go to http://brokendrummers.org/ or email BrokenDrummers@gmail.com or nicholls.helen@yahoo.co.uk
*
The Pratchett Partisans are a fan group who meet monthly at either Brisbane or Indooroopilly to "eat, drink and chat about all things Pratchett". For more info about their next meetup, go to http://www.meetup.com/Pratchett-Partisans/ or contact Ula directly at uwilmott@yahoo.com.au
*
The City of Small Gods is a group for fans in Adelaide and South Australia: "We have regular monthly dinner and games nights, longer games days, plus play outings, craft-y workshops, and fun social activities throughout the year. For more info and to join our mailing list, visit":
http://cityofsmallgods.org.au
*
The Broken Vectis Drummers meet on the first Thursday of every month from 7.30pm at The Castle pub in Newport, Isle of Wight.
Next meeting: Thursday 3rd April 2014, probably, but do email to check.
All new members and curious passersby are very welcome! For more info and any queries, contact broken_vectis_drummers@yahoo.co.uk
*
The Wincanton Omnian Temperance Society (WOTS) meets on the first Friday of every month at Wincanton's famous Bear Inn from 7pm onwards. "Visitors and drop-ins are always welcome!"
Next meeting: Friday 4th April 2014 (probably).
*
The Northern Institute of the Ankh-Morpork and District Society of Flatalists, a Pratchett fangroup, has been meeting on a regular basis since 2005 but is now looking to take in some new blood (presumably not in the non-reformed Uberwald manner). The Flatalists normally meet at The Narrowboat Pub in Victoria Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire, to discuss "all things Pratchett" as well as having quizzes and raffles.
Details of future meetings are posted on the Events section of the Discworld Stamps forum:
http://www.discworldstamps.co.uk/forum/
*
Sydney Drummers (formerly Drummers Downunder) meet on the first Monday of every month in Sydney at 3 Wise Monkeys, 555 George Street, Sydney,2000.
Next meeting: Monday 7th April 2014 at 6.30pm (probably). For more information, contact Sue (aka Granny Weatherwax): kenworthys@yahoo.co.uk
*
Perth Drummers meet on the first Monday of the month, subject to holidays.
Next meeting: Monday 7th April 2014 (probably).
"Please note we have moved to Carpe Cafe from 5.30pm Carpe Cafe, 526 Murray Street, Perth, WA. Meeting at a cafe means we are under-18 friendly!"
For details follow Perth Drummers on Twitter @Perth_Drummers and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/Perth.Drummers/ – otherwise message Krystel directly at khewett@live.com
*
Western Drummers (that's two groups for the Sydney Pratchett fans now) intend to meet on the third Monday of every month at The Rowers, Bruce Neal Drive, Penrith at 6.30-7.30pm for food, 7.30pm for games, quizzes and chat. For more information, contact Nanny Ogg – lewis_oz@bigpond.com – or visit their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/westerndrummers
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
09) ROUNDWORLD TALES: THE STINKPIPES AND SEWERS OF DODGER'S LONDON
Residents of and visitors to London and other major UK cities often pass certain tall, mysterious iron posts at or near kerbsides. Twenty feet or more in height and often whimsically ornate, these look like 19th-century lampposts. But in actuality they are Victorian stink-pipes, created to burn off the ghastly smells rising from urban sewers.
Students of London history – and readers of Dodger's Guide – know of the Great Stink of June 1858, that debacle of choking, eye-watering stench that sent Parliament scrambling for more salubrious parts; even Benjamin Disraeli, then Chancellor of the Exchequer, was reported as running from the Commons chamber with a handkerchief pressed over his face. The Great Stink led directly to the creation of Joseph Bazalgette's superb sewer system, of course, but a certain degree of noxious smells still persisted for many years afterwards.
Webb's Patent Sewer Gas Destructor was invented by Birmingham native Joseph Edmund Webb. Patented in 1895, the Destructor featured a glass-enclosed pilot flame at its top, linked to the local gas supply; by heating the air in an enclosed "chimney", the flame drew sewer gas up to the top of the post and ignited it. This served not only as smell-destroyer but also as a free streetlight.
Sheffield was the "capital of the destructor". Webb's company installed 84 destructors between 1914 and 1935. Amazingly, 22 of these are still standing, and three are still at work, illuminating certain streets with an orange glow every night.
I remember, from my years as a London resident, a charming old-fashioned streetlamp behind the Savoy. I only learned recently that it was a Webb's Patent Sewer Gas Destructor called – wait for it – Iron Lily! Yes, this sewage-powered lamp shares a name with the fearsome sports mistress of the Quirm College for Young Ladies. Somehow this seems appropriate...
Sources: http://tinyurl.com/lcmsfag and http://tinyurl.com/lm8f86c
There are also some excellent photos here:
http://tinyurl.com/qjzlao6
A blogpost about London's stink pipes:
http://greatwen.com/2011/09/27/secret-london-stink-pipes/
And then we get to the River Fleet, once one of London's great waterways and latterly one of its most infamous sewers. Here be fascinating piece by Peter Watts on traversing that very sewer. Written in 2005 for an issue of the London magazine Time Out, it is now finally available to read online, and gives a queasily picturesque description of what the working environment of a tosher must have been like:
"The tunnel is around ten feet tall and wide, so we can walk two abreast. It's about the same size as a tube tunnel. The smell slowly subsides, although lumps of faeces and toilet paper gather in places where they've washed against the brickwork. Otherwise, there's just a trickle of brown water ferrying the odd cotton-bud downriver. It's no hellhole, but still a far cry from the Fleet's sixteenth-century heyday as one of London's key tributaries, when, flanked by wharves and warehouses, it was a centre of London commerce. It separated Westminster from the City and carried cargo to the Thames, was compared unfavourably with the four rivers of Hades by Ben Jonson, was briefly turned into a canal and then covered in portions from 1732, by which time it was little more than an open sewer... In 1846, the Fleet exploded, its sewage gasses bursting the street above, rendering King's Cross Road impassable, destroying Clerkenwell poorhouses and smashing a Thames steamboat against Blackfriars Bridge. This river, it seems, has a habit of coming back to ambush those who thought it dead and buried...
"Almost two centuries later, traffic and police sirens are audible overhead, competing with the constant crash of water that flows from numerous side tunnels, feeding the central trickle. Rats stop and stare as we walk past. I nervously keep my torch shining on them until we have moved on... Water which before barely covered our feet is now above our knees, flooding downhill towards us at pace and rising slowly all the time. Wading into the tide, our clothes are heavy with water and our feet struggle to grip the slimy stone floor. Panicking rats scurry up the walls to get out the way of the bubbling water. It's frightening. Nobody knows we are down here and as our pace slows I begin to ponder our options. Should we press on, or brave a side tunnel, where a ladder may at least take us above water level, so we can sit it out. But how long would that take? And what if the water keeps rising and the side tunnel we're in doesn't have access to the street..."
Gripping stuff! To read the entire article, with its accompanying photos, go to: http://tinyurl.com/kfaumsv
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
10) THINGS PTERRY FANS SAY
Bonnie Riley says...
I opened Raising Steam today, and finished my first read straight through. Sir Terry, I first found your books 10 years ago, at the onset of a condition I will have for the rest of my life. Thank you for all the joy you have given. Bless you in your journey. Know that you are loved.
Brittany DuMond says...
I preordered Raising Steam on audiobook and I woke up early just to start listening to it. (: It's one of the best I've ever read. Thank you for your wonderful contribution to the world of fantasy, Terry Pratchett!
Greg Buist says...
I've just finished Raising Steam. Thank you again Mr Pratchett you wonderful wonderful man. May you continue "raising steam" for many years to come.
Sean Gillin says...
Just read The Long Earth and it was brilliant. (Congrats to Stephen Baxter too).Actually, I devoured the pages with my eyes.I love that feeling from a book.Have you thought about a film of?Possibly animated?
Mohamed Murad says...
The more I see him in action the more I have to wonder: Was Havelock Vetinari based on Vladimir Putin or did Valdimir Putin base his leadership style on Lord Vetinari?
Patricia F Talley says...
Mr Pratchett, I love your Disc World! You made the list of my favorite books ever and its pretty much all of them! There is no trophy for this honor I'm afraid, no big party or anything, You are in good company on the Favorites Book Shelf tho, I won't drop any names or anything. Just know you are honored Sir. Thank you.
Matthew Kerslake says...
Mr Pratchett, Sir, my love, are you and Mr Baxter doing a talk this year on the Long Mars by chance? if so, when, will it be at the institute of engineering in London again and how can i get tickets? For more years than i can remember you have been an inspiration to me and i would love to come see you talk again. Yours fanatically, the little boy in Wooton Basset , at the Johnny and the Dead signing with the bin liner of books.
Poor Adam says...
I have always had trouble reading a book from start to end until my friend gave me her dad's copy of The Bromeliad. thank you so much for helping me love something that school made me hate
Melanie Roth says...
Thank you so much for Tiffany!
Jeroen van Gessel says...
Thank you very, very, very much Terry, for giving me so much joy by reading your books. Started with "The colour of Magic"up to Raising Steam. It is a joy and privilage to read your books. Many greetings. Jeroen.
Mike Lacey says...
Good to see Terry back to his very best with Raising Steam.
Peter Gerling says...
32 years old and a long time fan!!! glad the voice recognition software eased the hassle of writing manually!
I'm still envious of my cat seeing the color octarine after all these years! I'm reading thud right now and can't wait to get my hands on future publications =);-)
Agarwaen Cran says...
Dear Sir Pterry, I want randomly say "thank you" for all the phantastic moments with your books. So... Thank you :-)
Holly Witchey says...
The caravansary of friends I've made in Discworld make life on Earth a richer experience.
Sharon Tansill says...
Terry signed my 'Soul Music' book ... your words in my head ... they have been ever since ... read every discworld over & over
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
11) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
A very young fan doing a very creditable impression of a certain author!
http://tinyurl.com/ln9p58y
Another young fan putting her naturally ginger hair to good use for Feegle-ing as part of her school's book day:
http://tinyurl.com/pu9dkfc
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
12) CLOSE
And so we come to the end of a fairly long issue. Hope you enjoyed it!
If you're a Backspindle Games fan and happen to find yourself in NI on Saturday 5th April, do drop in to the Lisburn Gaming Club (Laganview Enterprise Centre, Drumbeg Drive, Old Warren, Lisburn BT28 1QR) where Dave and Leonard will be hosting "a very special Luchador! Mexican Wrestling Dice tag-team tournament in addition to the normal Tabletop Day games. This event should have masks, costumes, music, lights, lots of noise and hopefully at the end a tag-team of very happy winners who will get a prize. We may even have it broadcast via Youtube...fingers crossed..."
http://www.lisburn-gaming.co.uk/
Also note that Backspindle's popular Discworld game, "Guards! Guards!", will be available for purchase again soon, and there will be a special pre-order page on the site:
http://backspindlegames.com/news-2/international-tabletop-day-2014
And that's all for now. Have a foolishness-free All Fools (1st April), and we'll see you next month!
– Annie Mac
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
———————————————————————————————————
The End. If you have any questions or requests, write: interact (at) pearwood (dot) info
———————————————————————————————————
Copyright (c) 2014 by Klatchian Foreign Legion
Newsletter of the Klatchian Foreign Legion
March 2014 (Volume 17, Issue 3, post 1)
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
INDEX:
01) QUOTES OF THE MONTH
02) EDITOR'S LETTER
03) ODDS AND SODS
04) RAISING STEAM: NEW (USA) REVIEWS
05) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
06) DISCWORLD ARTS AND CRAFTS NEWS
07) DISCWORLD CONVENTION NEWS
08) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS
09) ROUNDWORLD TALES: THE STINKPIPES AND SEWERS OF DODGER'S LONDON
10) THINGS PTERRY FANS SAY
11) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
12) CLOSE
oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
01) QUOTES OF THE MONTH
ALL OF THEM! here is The Daily Pratchett, a Twitter account that presents, yes, daily quotes from the works of a certain (or Sir-tain?) Mr Pratchett. "Suggestions welcome", it says there:
https://twitter.com/DailyPratchett
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
02) LETTER FROM YOUR EDITOR
First off, a grateful thank-you to the various people who wrote in over this past month expressing sympathy for my illness woes. Things are slowly improving – the best part being a resurgence of general Joy of Living (a wonderful thing, no matter what Reg Shoe might think). Hopefully my improved spirits will be reflected in the tone of this issue!
Some bits and bobs (not to be confused with Odds and Sods, which is section 3 in this month's issue):
Locus Magazine's March hardcover bestsellers list has a new entry: Raising Steam, coming in at number 2.
http://tinyurl.com/n9xg93w
Laugh and a half ye first: on the Minnesota website zumbrota.com, Jan David Fisher's piece on satirical fantasy/SF includes an accurate description of Pratchett's work until we get to "One of the books had the Captain of the Night Watch reading the children's book 'Are You My Mother' to his young son." Methinks Mr Fisher is conflating Where's My Cow with a certain episode of Christopher Eccleston's Doctor Who season...
http://tinyurl.com/jwp55cq
Laugh and a half ye second: American political commentator Bill O'Reilly, whose worldview is without doubt the utter antithesis of every piece of Pterry's "stealth philosophy" espoused in his works, quoted Miss Tick ("If you trust in yourself . . . and believe in your dreams . . . and follow your star . . . you'll still get beaten by people who spent their time working hard and learning things and weren't so lazy.") in his op-ed titled "Liberalism is destroying things that work" and followed it by stating, "I haven't read Pratchett's 'The Wee Free Men' book series, but after stumbling across that quote, I wish I had. I mean, here's a man who clearly gets it." Oh dearie dearie me, someone does *not* get it. This could possibly be the most jaw-droppingly inappropriate use of a Pratchett quote ever...
In an amusing piece of what one might call cross-species casting, I note that the actor playing Angua in next month's production of Men at Arms by the Q2 Players is called... Cat! Here's wishing a successful run to Cat Lamin and her castmates (see item 5.4 for details).
Speaking of our favourite werewolf Watch officer, your Editor had an "Angua moment" recently: someone asked me what hair product I was using because my hair smelt so good, and I had to admit that I'd sneaked a squirt of "...for a glossy coat" dog spray when helping to primp a friend's showdog...
The Science of Discworld IV is released this week in paperback! To order a copy, go to http://amzn.to/1g1NnZv
A reminder: The Long Mars, third book in The Long Earth series, will be released in hardcover and ebook versions on 19th June 2014. To pre-order from Amazon, go to http://amzn.to/1jxuSkt
Another reminder: Sir Pterry will be the special guest at Eastercon 65 from 18th – 21st April 2014 at the Crown Plaza Hotel, Glasgow, health permitting: http://satellite4.org.uk/
There's quite a lot of action on the Discworld plays front around Roundworld, so do have a shufti at section 5. And now, on with the show!
– Annie Mac, Editor
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
03) ODDS AND SODS
3.1 THE LONG MARS: OFFICIAL BLURB
2040-2045: In the years after the cataclysmic Yellowstone eruption there is massive economic dislocation as populations flee Datum Earth to myriad Long Earth worlds. Sally, Joshua, and Lobsang are all involved in this perilous work when, out of the blue, Sally is contacted by her long-vanished father and inventor of the original Stepper device, Willis Linsay. He tells her he is planning a fantastic voyage across the Long Mars and wants her to accompany him. But Sally soon learns that Willis has ulterior motives . . .
Meanwhile U. S. Navy Commander Maggie Kauffman has embarked on an incredible journey of her own, leading an expedition to the outer limits of the far Long Earth.
For Joshua, the crisis he faces is much closer to home. He becomes embroiled in the plight of the Next: the super-bright post-humans who are beginning to emerge from their 'long childhood' in the community called Happy Landings, located deep in the Long Earth. Ignorance and fear are causing 'normal' human society to turn against the Next – and a dramatic showdown seems inevitable . . .
3.2 NEW PAUL KIDBY EXHIBITION AND WORKSHOPS
Discworld and Beyond, the noted exhibition of the work of Paul Kidby, opens in a new venue this weekend. "This exhibition showcases the wonderful book covers and illustrations for Pratchett’s novels including favourite characters like Rincewind, the Wee Free Men and, of course, Death. All his work is marked by a staggering quality of draughtsmanship and effective use of colour, bright for the book covers and muted for his faerie paintings."
When: 29th March through 28th June 2014
Venue: Willis Museum, Market Place, Basingstoke RG21 7QD (phone 0845 603 5635)
Time: Tuesdays to Fridays 10am – 5pm
Tickets: Admission free
Mr Kidby will also be heading some workshops during the Easter holidays. Fancy learning how to draw dragons, from the visual creator of Errol himself? Here's your opportunity:
10am – 1pm Saturday, April 12. Adult Workshop
"Join Paul for an inspiring workshop and tutorial. Receive hands on help with your own work in a friendly and encouraging atmosphere. Please bring your own materials e.g. sketchbooks, pencils, colour pencils. Participation, which costs £20, must be booked in advance by ringing or popping in."
1.30pm – 3.30pm Saturday, April 12. Family Workshop
"Join Paul for an inspiring family friendly workshop and learn the art of drawing dragons! Receive hands on help with your own work in a friendly and encouraging atmosphere. Children to be accompanied by an adult. All materials provided. Book in advance by ringing or popping in. Cost: £7 per participant."
11am – 4pm Thursday, June 26. Adult Masterclass
"Join Paul for an inspiring workshop and tutorial. Receive hands on help with your own work in a friendly and encouraging atmosphere. Participation, which costs £20, must be booked in advance by ringing or popping in."
For more information, go to hants.gov.uk/willis-museum or ring 01256 465902.
3.3 WINCANTON SPRING FLING
Heading for Ankh-Morpork's official twin town this Spring? The 2014 Wincanton Spring Fling swings into action on May Bank Holiday weekend, 3rd and 4th May. This year's Fling will feature a Friday night storytelling session, maker's market and grand charity auction, among many other pleasant events.
For more information, go to http://www.discworldemporium.com/
3.4 REMINDER: THE STORY MUSEUM OPENING
The Story Museum exhibition is due to officially open on Saturday, 5th April 2014.
"Oxford's Story Museum will open this spring with a photographic exhibition featuring famous authors dressed as the characters they loved most as children. The 26 Characters exhibition will feature children's laureate Malorie Blackman as the Wicked Witch of the West in Frank L Baum's The Wizard of Oz, Terry Jones as the comic strip character Rupert Bear, Terry Pratchett as Just William from the Richmal Crompton series, and Neil Gaiman as Badger from Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows, in a series of photographs taken by Cambridge Jones... The museum is planning a full programme of events and activities, with a talking throne and a dressing-up area. The exhibition is supported by the Arts Council and will run from April to November..."
http://www.thebookseller.com/news/authors-dress-story-museum.html
3.5 MARK READS...
Soi-disant "Vegan cyclist, Internet community nerd, atheist bookworm, high-five purveyor" Mark Oshiro has just begun a huge project: to read and review the entire Discworld series: "If you’ve not heard, I will be starting a long, long, LONG journey on March 12th, in which I will attempt to read every Discworld book in publication order. Yes, all of them..."
http://markreads.net/reviews/
[Editor's note: I have looked at the page and it seems to me that Mr Oshiro charges a fiver for the ebook of his comments on each book he reads. I have no idea what the appeal of this might be, but then I am to the best of my knowledge neither a "vegan cyclist" nor an "internet nerd", so perhaps I'm missing some information here. Any answers?]
3.6 A TORTOISE TO MAKE OM PROUD?
Journalist Sally Kettle writes about meeting Jonathan, St Helena's 182-year-old giant tortoise whose life so far has life has spanned the reigns of eight British monarchs from George IV to Elizabeth II, and 51 prime ministers:
"A photograph taken in 1882 shows Jonathan at his full size, and it can take 50 years to reach that physical maturity. The years since haven't always been kind. Tourists would often do whatever it took to get 'that' photo. Now, a viewing corridor runs along the bottom of the lawn to keep overzealous sightseers at bay. It was a huge privilege for me to get so up close and personal. Jonathan loves having his neck stroked. His head extends out from his shell to a surprising length. He snaps for his food – bananas, cabbage and carrots – with some ferocity. [keeper] Joe almost lost the end of his thumb and has resorted to wearing thick gloves. 'He doesn't mean to nip me,' he says, 'he just finds it difficult to locate his food.'... Blindness made it hard for Jonathan to find the right vegetation, and due to malnutrition Jonathan's beak became blunt and soft, adding to his problems finding food. Now there's a new feeding regime, in place where Joe delivers a bucket of fresh fruit and vegetables every Sunday morning. With this extra nutritional boost Jonathan's skin now looks plump and feels supple. His beak has become a deadly weapon for anyone attempting to shove a carrot anywhere near his mouth. And he can belch..."
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-26543021
3.7 REVIEW: THE TRUTH
In North Carolina's Times-News, Sara Ingle recommends new Discworld readers start with The Truth:
"Although the series is slightly self-referential, there is no need to read them in order, though those who become hooked will benefit from re-readings later on. The 25th book in the series, 'The Truth,' generally is agreed to be a good place to start. Ankh-Morpork is a city that lives on gossip, and William de Worde writes it all down, sending it in a monthly letter to the upper-crust of Ankh-Morpork's friends and rivals. It's an easy life, and when rumor says that the dwarves can turn lead into gold, he writes that down, too. But when the aforementioned lead turns out to be a printing press, Williams finds himself enlisted as the head writer for Discworld's first newspaper. Working with the woman whose father he just put out of business, plus an unstable, teetotaling vampire photographer who crumples to dust with every camera flash, he finds himself writing about (and suddenly in the midst of) murders, conspiracies to overthrow the government, and humorously shaped vegetables... Although the book is not overly coarse in language or in content, it is not suggested for young readers. Pratchett has written several young-adult books that are excellent no matter your age..."
http://tinyurl.com/mazqyey
3.8 REVIEW: DODGER'S GUIDE TO LONDON
By Caroline Smart on the South African website Artslink:
Fascinating, well designed and very amusing look at Victorian London through the eyes of Dodger... Dodger's Guide To London (with an especial interest in its underbelly...) sounds so genuine and paints the sights, sounds, smells and social structures of London so well that you actually start believing that Dodger (a name for someone who dodges trouble) exists. However, a tiny footnote explains that Dodger is a fictional character as are a number of his associates in the book... Chapters have headings like Aspidistra Land; A Nation of Shopkeepers and Nippers, Scallywags, Urchins and Rascals as well as When Clobber Maketh the Gentleman and Places to Avoid. Each page produces fascinating historical information, quotations from personalities of the times and Dodger's inimitable comments... Paul Kidby's illustrations add visual charm while the text design is by Lizzy Laczynska and picture research by Liane Payne..."
http://tinyurl.com/ozk567c
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
04) NEW REVIEWS: RAISING STEAM
Because, of course, it is now officially released in the USA...
4.1 By Ken Armstrong in the Seattle Times:
"Building a railway is as much about economics as engineering, and with this being Discworld — sort of like our world, sort of not — the hurdles are both familiar and twisted. The starting capital traces its origins to sea plunder ('your granddad were slightly a bit of a pirate,' the railway's engineer is told); land rights must be settled with goblin squatters; and legal niceties fall to a lawyer who happens to be a troll, which is no longer a big deal in Discworld, with trolls so much like people, only bigger, that some work as dentists, some as hair stylists, and the one who's handling all the contracts elicits this reaction from a new client: 'Weren't he nice? For a lawyer.'... Pratchett melds politics, finance and the occasional dark turn with his fantasy and humor, and as ever his footnotes are not to be missed. It is there that we learn that 'stumbleweed is like tumbleweed, but less athletic.' Reading the previous 39 Discworld novels is not necessary to delight in 'Raising Steam,' which is a good thing, because that would seem to be asking a lot. That said, how many writers are more fun to spend time with?..."
http://tinyurl.com/kgxpj39
4.2 By CA Bridges in the Daytona News-Journal:
"'Raising Steam' has a very different tone than the previous books. Darker, action-packed, with a quicker pace and possibly the biggest cast Pratchett has ever used, as fits a story as expansive as this needs to be. Where most of the previous books could be read and enjoyed without having read the rest, this one almost demands a certain level of familiarity, if only to get all the references and cameo appearances. 30 years ago the Discworld books began as light-hearted parodies of fantasy tropes, poking fun at warriors and wizards and getting in some licks on our own modern society. Since then, as Pratchett's characters grew in complexity and the Discworld itself grew in scope, the Discworld series has become a wholly remarkable work of satire Pratchett wields like a scalpel. 'Raising Steam' is about the first railroad, yes, but it's also about the industrial revolution and class warfare and diplomacy and the changing world and the dangers of dogma and the excitement and terror of change and the struggle for universal suffrage and the sheer love of great big iron things and how an entire society can be changed by one man who knows how to use a slide rule. Also, it's funny..."
http://tinyurl.com/kdeb7rw
4.3 A harsh yet considered review by Christopher Bahn in the Onion AV Club:
"Raising Steam suffers from being Pratchett's least whimsical Discworld book, though he sneaks in some solid punnery, like a town called Aix-En-Pains. But in place of the usually effortless-seeming sly wit and silliness, Raising Steam offers unsubtle earnestness. It rarely feels like vintage Pratchett, and at times it doesn't sound very much like the writer at all. Characterizations of long-established Discworldians like Vetinari are off-kilter. Lawman Sam Vimes sounds more like a soldier than a cop. The momentum of the railroad and coup storylines grind slowly down through an interminable journey to Uberwald that eats up far too much of the narrative... Hopefully, this is just an uncharacteristic blip of mediocrity in a mostly unbroken line of terrifically enjoyable books, though it's been sadly clear that a decline would come sooner or later after Pratchett was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's in 2007. Certainly, the speed at which Raising Steam moves forward long-simmering elements of the overarching Discworld plot, not to mention the unusually large number of cameos by characters from earlier novels, suggests that Pratchett might be moving to bring the series to an endpoint on his own terms. He's certainly earned that right..."
http://tinyurl.com/kqkqg3d
4.4 ...and a more positive review by Jacob Edwards in buzzymag.com:
"One great strength of Terry Pratchett's Discworld series comes by way of the eponymous world's being always in flux. Ever since The Colour of Magic (1983), in which Ankh-Morpork first was established – a most pungent and exquisitely base city – the Discworld has undergone a renaissance that has been blossoming now for thirty years and seen great strides taken in terms not only of technology but also of social issues such as gender, race and even species equality. Pratchett's fortieth Discworld book, Raising Steam, deals with the advent of railways, the newfound humanoid dignity of goblins (following on from the previous novel, Snuff), and the rise of terrorism by way of a rabid, deep-dwelling dwarf sect. In many ways this is Pratchett's most ambitious project to date... An unusually large number of characters having been reprised from previous stories and called aboard this latest outing, Raising Steam constitutes a rare instance of Pratchett's crafting a book that may prove insufficiently self-contained to hold the interest of new readers. Though stoking the nostalgia of longstanding fans, Discworld in-jokes such as 'going librarian' lie dangerously self-indulgent across Pratchett's newly laid tracks. In mitigation of such criticism, let it be said that Terry Pratchett has given himself wondrously high standards to live up to, not least of all in his imaginative scope and his ever-blossoming proliferation of wordplay and wit. Raising Steam may not be his finest work, but still it chugs along nicely and affords Pratchett plenty of scope to traverse the variegated landscape of language..."
http://buzzymag.com/raising-steam-by-terry-pratchett-book-review/
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
05) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
5.1 REMINDER: GOING POSTAL IN BASILDON
The Thalian Theatre Company, experienced Discworld plays producers, will present Going Postal this week.
When: 27th to 29th March 2014
Venue: Mirren Studio, Towngate Theatre, St. Martin's Square, Basildon, Essex SS14 1DL
Time: 8pm
Tickets: £10 adult, £8.50 concessions, available from the theatre box office on 01268 465465, or you can book tickets online by going to http://tinyurl.com/kfubr4y
http://www.towngatetheatre.co.uk/index.aspx?articleid=4771
5.2 WYRD SISTERS IN TYNESIDE
The Westovian Theatre Society will present their production of Wyrd Sisters from the end of this month through early April.
When: Monday March 31 to Saturday April 5 2014
Venue: Pier Pavilion, Pier Parade, South Shields, Tyne and Wear NE33 2JS
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £6 on Monday and Tuesday and £7 Wednesday to Saturday, available from the Visitor Information Centre, Haven Point, South Shields. Tel. 0191 424 7788. Opening hours are 10am – 1pm and 1.30pm – 5pm until Saturday 29th. From Monday March 31, tickets will be available at the Theatre Box office, which is open for telephone calls between 6.30pm and 8pm. Tel. 0191 456 0980. Cash or Cheques only (Cheques payable to 'The Westovians Theatre Society') – No cards available at present.
www.westovians.co.uk
5.3 REMINDER: WITCHES ABROAD IN PORTSMOUTH
Collingwood RSC Theatre Group, already veteran Pratchett play presenters, will offer their production – a world premiere, no less – of Witches Abroad this week!
When: Thursday 27th through Saturday 29th March 2014
Venue: HMS Collingwood, Newgate Lane, Fareham, Portsmouth, PO14 1AS
Tickets: £6, available via the box office (07502 037922)
To see their whimsical Kidby-pastiche poster, go to http://tinyurl.com/l9hlaka
https://www.facebook.com/hmscollingwoodrsc
5.4 REMINDER: MEN AT ARMS IN KEW
The Q2 Players, "Kew's Leading Amateur Theatre Group", will present their production of Men at Arms in early April.
When: Thursday 3rd – Saturday 5th April 2014
Venue: Kew Community Centre, St. Luke's in The Avenue, Richmond, Surrey TW9 2AL
Time: Thurs-Sat shows at 8pm; Sat Matinee 2.30pm
Tickets: £8 (concessions £6) Box office TBA; email q2players@gmail.com
http://www.q2players.org.uk/Q2_Players/Upcoming_Show.html
5.5 REMINDER: NATION IN TEMPE, ARIZONA
The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts will present a production of Mark Ravenhill's NT stage adaptation of Nation in April, directed by Megan Weaver.
When: 4th–13th April 2014
Venue: Galvin Playhouse, 51 E. 10th St, Tempe, AZ 85287 (at Mill Avenue & 10th Street, University of Arizona Tempe campus)
Time: 4th, 5th, 10th and 12th at 7.30pm; 6th and 13th at 2pm
Tickets: $8-$16; to buy online, go to http://tinyurl.com/lhb2oyw
Herberger Institute students are offered free admission on tickets reserved in advance.
5.6 LORDS AND LADIES IN CHELTENHAM
The Deep End Theatre Company will present their production of "Lords and Ladies", adapted by Irana Brown, in April.
When: Wednesday 9th - Saturday 12th April 2014
Venue: The Playhouse, Cheltenham, 47-53 Bath Rd, Town Centre, Cheltenham GL53 7HG
Time: 7.45pm (Saturday matinee at 2pm)
Tickets: £10 (£8 Concessions on Wed evening & Sat Matinee only) Available from Cheltenham Playhouse Box Office: 01242 522 852
5.7 MASKERADE IN WEYMOUTH
The Weymouth Drama Club will be presenting their production of Maskerade in early April.
When: April 3rd, 4th and 5th
Venue: The Weymouth Pavilion, 7 Hope Street, DT4 8TU Weymouth, Dorset (phone 1305 750050)
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: £10.50. To buy online, go to http://tinyurl.com/ptf5vjx
https://www.facebook.com/weymouthdramaclub
Here be a cast photo: http://tinyurl.com/kbhqlo5
5.8 WEIBERREGIMENT (MONSTROUS REGIMENT) IN GERMANY
German amateur dramatics group "Die Dramateure" present their third production of a Discworld play. This time it's Weiberregiment (Monstrous Regiment). WOSSNAME wishes them every success!
When: 11th and 12th April 2014
Venue: Burgerhaus Bischofsheim, Dornigheimer Weg 21, 63477 Maintal, Germany
Time: 7:30 pm
Tickets: 8,50€ (7,00€ if bought online). To buy tickets online, go to http://www.dramateure.com/karten
5.9 GUARDS! GUARDS! IN ELTHAM (LONDON)
The Bob Hope Theatre's in-house amateur drama company will present their production of Guards! Guards! in May.
When: 14th-17th May 2014 at 19:45
Venue: Bob Hope Theatre, Wythfield Road, Eltham SE9 5TG
Time: 7.45pm (bar opens at 7pm)
Tickets: £9 (concessions £8, not available Friday or Saturday). Group discounts are on offer. Box Office: 020 8850 3702 or book online at www.intelligent-tickets.com/index.php?th=bh
www.bobhopetheatre.co.uk
5.10 WYRD SISTERS IN ACCRINGTON, WHICH IS STILL NOT IN CHESHIRE
Oswaldtwistle Players will present their production of Wyrd Sisters, adapted by Stephen Briggs and directed by Martina Burns, in late April and early May.
When: 30th April - 3rd May 2014
Venue: Oswaldtwistle Civic Theatre, 157 Union Road, Oswaldtwistle, Accrington BB5 3HZ
Time: 19:30
Tickets: £8.50 (concessions £7.50); all tickets £7 on 30th April
http://i72139.wix.com/oswaldtwistleplayers
5.11 REMINDER: MONSTROUS REGIMENT IN CHICAGO
Chicago has already experienced Discworld on stage a few months ago, and now the Windy (and currently bloody freezing) City gets another taste: Lifeline Theater will present their production of Monstrous Regiment, as adapted by Chris Hainsworth and directed by Kevin Theis, on various dates in May, June and July, a veritable season!
When: 30th May – 20th July 2014
Venue: Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N Glenwood Ave, Chicago, IL, 60626
Time: evenings at 7.30pm on Thursdays and Fridays and at 8pm on Saturdays; matinees at 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays
Tickets: $20 for previews (30th May-8th June), $40 for Regular Run: June 12-July 20 (Thu & Fri at 7:30pm, Sat at 4pm & 8pm, Sun at 4pm). To book online in advance, go to http://tinyurl.com/kzehtaw and click on the desired dates at the bottom of the page (or scroll through from there to the June or July calendars for tickets on those dates)
http://www.lifelinetheatre.com/performances/13-14/mr/index.shtml
5.12 REVIEWS: MAKING MONEY IN SALISBURY
Reviewed by Ham Quentin in the Southern Daily Echo:
"Director Chris Hawley's adaptation... features the resourceful con merchant Moist von Lipwig, who is again played by Stew Taylor, displaying enough energy to help us sail through a three hour play featuring 35 characters, not to mention four thousand Golems! This time Moist, who's getting rather bored with running the Ankh-Morpork Post Office, inherits control of the town's biggest bank via its new major shareholder, the dog Mr Fusspot (superbly designed and constructed by Sally Preisig at Mimic Productions) bequeathed by deceased chairwoman Topsy Lavish (Theo Ross gives a lovely cameo, and goes on to play two more characters)..."
http://tinyurl.com/msheb5r
...and by Hannah White, in the same paper:
"The plot is everything you would expect from Sir Terry – an extraordinary storyline with plenty of humour. There were outstanding performances, especially from Stew Taylor as the lead role, Moist von Lipwig. Phil Taylor, as golum Gladys, was responsible for many of the laugh out loud moments, and Alistair Faulkner was fantastic as Mr Bent. Special mention must also go to Teddy Woolgrove, socially awkward Hubert, and George Goulding as Igor and Mr Slant as well as Theo Ross, Mrs Lavish... All of the actors gave it their all and it was clear they were thoroughly enjoying themselves..."
http://tinyurl.com/k9flxcv
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
06) DISCWORLD ARTS AND CRAFTS NEWS
DISCWORLD EMPORIUM UPDATES
"Greetings one and all! Our big ginger cat has rediscovered his spot in the Emporium shop Window after his seasonal hiatus, and the pungent whiff of cabbage is in the air... ladies and gentlemen, spring has sprung! To mark the changing of the season our traditional reissue of the 50p 'Cabbage Field' Stamp from the Ankh-Morpork Post Office has arrived. This definitive Discworld Stamp celebrates the bountiful cabbage fields of the Sto Plains, and is our nod to the cabbage-flavoured and scented stamps mentioned in Thud! and Making Money.
"In further celebration of the humble cabbage, we've also released the 'Penny Sprout', a diminutive regional issue from Sto Helit honouring that small brassica of questionable palatableness. Both new issues are available to own now, and can be purchased singly or in elegant sheets from the New stamps section of our website – http://tinyurl.com/p4auaev
"Also released this week is our brand new Little Brown Envelope, the 'of Cabbages and Kings' LBE (_http://tinyurl.com/prs7orz_). Each envelope contains the new 50p Cabbage Field and Penny Sprout issues, along with a 'lucky dip' assortment of Current Discworld stamps. A generous serving of sports and $5 Blue Triangles has been scattered throughout the issue
http://tinyurl.com/kt99x7z
"We are pleased to report that (thanks to a large mallet and a truckload of cheddar) our web-wobbles as outlined in our previous newsletter have now been resolved and its business as 'unusual' at the Discworld Emporium and we can once again be contacted with any concerns or enquiries via reb@discworldemporium.com. Thank you once again for your support!
"For all our latest wares and releases have a browse through our New Products page – it's mostly harmless!"
http://tinyurl.com/l8ztg9n
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
07) DISCWORLD CONVENTION NEWS
7.1 WADFEST 2014
"This year's theme is heroes and villains. This means you get the chance to dress up as the hero or villain that you have always wanted to be. You can take your inspiration from comics, films and cartoons, or invent a new character for yourself. There will be trophies for the best dressed villain and best dressed hero, so get your sewing machine out and give it a go! If you're no good at sewing and you don't have anyone to help out, you can always hire a costume for the weekend. As well as special themed hero and villain games there will be all your usual Wadfest favourites, including smack the penguin. If it's your first time at Wadfest, why not take a look through the photos of Wadfests past to get an idea of what to expect?
"The X-Men's blackbird? Batman's batmobile? Green Goblin's glider? If you're feeling really adventurous why not turn your vehicle into the kind of transport a hero or villain would have? Perhaps you’re more interested in a permanent base like Superman's Fortress of Solitude or He-Man’s Castle Greyskull? If so, why not dress your tent up as your lair? There will be a prize for the best one. There are no limits to what you can do with your costumes. Be as inventive as you like or faithfully recreate your favourite character's costume. "
When: 15th to 17th August 2014
Venue: Wood Green, The Animal Charity, King's Bush Farm, London Road, Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, PE29 2NH
Tickets: £25.00 per adult for the weekend including Camping and Events. Children under 16 go free when
accompanied by a paying adult. To purchase tickets online, go to http://www.wadfest.co.uk/page2.html
http://www.wadfest.co.uk
7.2 AUSDWCON 2015
Nullus Anxietus V is coming! Some early details:
When: 10th to 12th April 2015
Venue: Novotel, Parramatta, New South Wales, Australia
Tickets: current ticket prices are $80-$140 per Attending Member, $400 per Family, $30 per Supporting Membership. To purchase at these rates, go to http://ausdwcon.org/shop/
"Previous Conventions have had Guilds. For Nullus Anxietas V the Guilds are replaced by the Studios of Holy Wood and Convention members (who choose to join a "guild") will be randomly assigned to one of the five studios for activities. Can't sing? Can't dance? Can handle a sword a little? Then Holy Wood beckons, and the clickies want YOU." – Daniel Hatton, Guildmeister
"The date of the convention is still too far distant for us to start negotiating room rates but we will have the upper hand if we can go into the discussion with an estimate of how many we would likely need. We'd like to convince them to be the cheapest rate in all of Parramatta and make their money by booking every room rather than them charging a lot for a few rooms. If at all possible, please give us an indication if you will be booking accomodation at the venue and what sort of room you would like. You do not need to be registered to fill in the survey, we would just like an idea of how many rooms we will need for the weekend. Rest assured we will not hold you to this – it's just an estimate. Your name will only be used to ensure you're not on the spreadsheet twice. You will still need to book your own accommodation." – the organisers
http://ausdwcon.org/
7.3 CABBAGECON 2015
Cabbagecon 3, the third Dutch Discworld Convention, will take place in June of next year!
When: 27th and 28th June 2015
Venue: Tulip Inn Hotel Val Monte in Berg en Dal (near Nijmegen)
Tickets: Membership of Cabbagecon 3 for the whole weekend is priced at €40,00, with a €5 discount for children, seniors and students. For the Saturday only or the Sunday only, the price is €25,00, with the same discounts as above applying. To book online in advance, go to http://www.dutchdwcon.nl
Apparently Cabbagecon 2 was a great success on the fun front. The organisers say of next year's event, "It will be a happy occasion for fans of Sir Terry Pratchett from the Netherlands and abroad to meet each other again and have fun. We hope to see you too!"
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
08) DISCWORLD MEETING GROUPS NEWS
The Broken Drummers, "London's Premier Unofficially Official Discworld Group", meets on the first Monday of every month at the Monkey Puzzle, 30 Southwick Street, London W2 1JQ: "We welcome anyone and everyone who enjoys Sir Terry's works, or quite likes them or wants to find out more. We have had many visitors from overseas who have enjoyed themselves and made new friends. The discussions do not only concern the works of Sir Terry Pratchett but wander and meander through other genres and authors and also leaping to TV and Film production. We also find time for a quiz. The prize is superb. The chance to set the quiz the following month."
Next meeting: Monday 7th April 2014, from 7pm onwards.
The Broken Drummers March 2014 meet report:
"There was a good crowd at Drummers last Monday. We had a visitor from California, plus a lot of the regulars – including Barbara, who hasn't been for a while. When talk turned to video games, Jacqui said, 'Oh, no you're not discussing Zelda again.' Indeed we were. We even told James about all the Zelda T-shirts you can buy on Red Bubble. Tim E. could not make it with a quiz so I decided that we would play a game I learned from Chris over the weekend. Each player writes the name of a film at the top of the page and passes it on. The next player draws the film however they see fit, turns the paper over so the title is obscured and passes it to the next person, who describes the picture in words. This carries on alternating between drawing and writing until we get to the bottom of the page and ideally end up with a picture that bears no relation to what is at the top. The results were suitably hilarious. Andrew's interpretation of one image was very Freudian (he also chose 'Free Willy' as his film) but my favourite was James' illustration of Zulu as a toilet with a zoo on top. Only Judy's 'Mary Poppins' remained clear all the way through. Since the game has no winners and losers, Tim is still responsible for the next quiz. Otherwise, knitting and similar are clearly contagious as Jacqui spent the evening doing crochet. Our American visitor took a 3D photo of the group, which I'm hoping he'll send me. A couple on the next table showed great interest in our group and thought it was wonderful that such a thing would exist. Plus James managed to find the Zelda T-shirt online with the slogan, 'You make me harder than the water temple'. He was deliberating whether to buy one when we left so maybe Jax has a point about the Zelda obsession."
For more information, go to http://brokendrummers.org/ or email BrokenDrummers@gmail.com or nicholls.helen@yahoo.co.uk
*
The Pratchett Partisans are a fan group who meet monthly at either Brisbane or Indooroopilly to "eat, drink and chat about all things Pratchett". For more info about their next meetup, go to http://www.meetup.com/Pratchett-Partisans/ or contact Ula directly at uwilmott@yahoo.com.au
*
The City of Small Gods is a group for fans in Adelaide and South Australia: "We have regular monthly dinner and games nights, longer games days, plus play outings, craft-y workshops, and fun social activities throughout the year. For more info and to join our mailing list, visit":
http://cityofsmallgods.org.au
*
The Broken Vectis Drummers meet on the first Thursday of every month from 7.30pm at The Castle pub in Newport, Isle of Wight.
Next meeting: Thursday 3rd April 2014, probably, but do email to check.
All new members and curious passersby are very welcome! For more info and any queries, contact broken_vectis_drummers@yahoo.co.uk
*
The Wincanton Omnian Temperance Society (WOTS) meets on the first Friday of every month at Wincanton's famous Bear Inn from 7pm onwards. "Visitors and drop-ins are always welcome!"
Next meeting: Friday 4th April 2014 (probably).
*
The Northern Institute of the Ankh-Morpork and District Society of Flatalists, a Pratchett fangroup, has been meeting on a regular basis since 2005 but is now looking to take in some new blood (presumably not in the non-reformed Uberwald manner). The Flatalists normally meet at The Narrowboat Pub in Victoria Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire, to discuss "all things Pratchett" as well as having quizzes and raffles.
Details of future meetings are posted on the Events section of the Discworld Stamps forum:
http://www.discworldstamps.co.uk/forum/
*
Sydney Drummers (formerly Drummers Downunder) meet on the first Monday of every month in Sydney at 3 Wise Monkeys, 555 George Street, Sydney,2000.
Next meeting: Monday 7th April 2014 at 6.30pm (probably). For more information, contact Sue (aka Granny Weatherwax): kenworthys@yahoo.co.uk
*
Perth Drummers meet on the first Monday of the month, subject to holidays.
Next meeting: Monday 7th April 2014 (probably).
"Please note we have moved to Carpe Cafe from 5.30pm Carpe Cafe, 526 Murray Street, Perth, WA. Meeting at a cafe means we are under-18 friendly!"
For details follow Perth Drummers on Twitter @Perth_Drummers and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/Perth.Drummers/ – otherwise message Krystel directly at khewett@live.com
*
Western Drummers (that's two groups for the Sydney Pratchett fans now) intend to meet on the third Monday of every month at The Rowers, Bruce Neal Drive, Penrith at 6.30-7.30pm for food, 7.30pm for games, quizzes and chat. For more information, contact Nanny Ogg – lewis_oz@bigpond.com – or visit their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/westerndrummers
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
09) ROUNDWORLD TALES: THE STINKPIPES AND SEWERS OF DODGER'S LONDON
Residents of and visitors to London and other major UK cities often pass certain tall, mysterious iron posts at or near kerbsides. Twenty feet or more in height and often whimsically ornate, these look like 19th-century lampposts. But in actuality they are Victorian stink-pipes, created to burn off the ghastly smells rising from urban sewers.
Students of London history – and readers of Dodger's Guide – know of the Great Stink of June 1858, that debacle of choking, eye-watering stench that sent Parliament scrambling for more salubrious parts; even Benjamin Disraeli, then Chancellor of the Exchequer, was reported as running from the Commons chamber with a handkerchief pressed over his face. The Great Stink led directly to the creation of Joseph Bazalgette's superb sewer system, of course, but a certain degree of noxious smells still persisted for many years afterwards.
Webb's Patent Sewer Gas Destructor was invented by Birmingham native Joseph Edmund Webb. Patented in 1895, the Destructor featured a glass-enclosed pilot flame at its top, linked to the local gas supply; by heating the air in an enclosed "chimney", the flame drew sewer gas up to the top of the post and ignited it. This served not only as smell-destroyer but also as a free streetlight.
Sheffield was the "capital of the destructor". Webb's company installed 84 destructors between 1914 and 1935. Amazingly, 22 of these are still standing, and three are still at work, illuminating certain streets with an orange glow every night.
I remember, from my years as a London resident, a charming old-fashioned streetlamp behind the Savoy. I only learned recently that it was a Webb's Patent Sewer Gas Destructor called – wait for it – Iron Lily! Yes, this sewage-powered lamp shares a name with the fearsome sports mistress of the Quirm College for Young Ladies. Somehow this seems appropriate...
Sources: http://tinyurl.com/lcmsfag and http://tinyurl.com/lm8f86c
There are also some excellent photos here:
http://tinyurl.com/qjzlao6
A blogpost about London's stink pipes:
http://greatwen.com/2011/09/27/secret-london-stink-pipes/
And then we get to the River Fleet, once one of London's great waterways and latterly one of its most infamous sewers. Here be fascinating piece by Peter Watts on traversing that very sewer. Written in 2005 for an issue of the London magazine Time Out, it is now finally available to read online, and gives a queasily picturesque description of what the working environment of a tosher must have been like:
"The tunnel is around ten feet tall and wide, so we can walk two abreast. It's about the same size as a tube tunnel. The smell slowly subsides, although lumps of faeces and toilet paper gather in places where they've washed against the brickwork. Otherwise, there's just a trickle of brown water ferrying the odd cotton-bud downriver. It's no hellhole, but still a far cry from the Fleet's sixteenth-century heyday as one of London's key tributaries, when, flanked by wharves and warehouses, it was a centre of London commerce. It separated Westminster from the City and carried cargo to the Thames, was compared unfavourably with the four rivers of Hades by Ben Jonson, was briefly turned into a canal and then covered in portions from 1732, by which time it was little more than an open sewer... In 1846, the Fleet exploded, its sewage gasses bursting the street above, rendering King's Cross Road impassable, destroying Clerkenwell poorhouses and smashing a Thames steamboat against Blackfriars Bridge. This river, it seems, has a habit of coming back to ambush those who thought it dead and buried...
"Almost two centuries later, traffic and police sirens are audible overhead, competing with the constant crash of water that flows from numerous side tunnels, feeding the central trickle. Rats stop and stare as we walk past. I nervously keep my torch shining on them until we have moved on... Water which before barely covered our feet is now above our knees, flooding downhill towards us at pace and rising slowly all the time. Wading into the tide, our clothes are heavy with water and our feet struggle to grip the slimy stone floor. Panicking rats scurry up the walls to get out the way of the bubbling water. It's frightening. Nobody knows we are down here and as our pace slows I begin to ponder our options. Should we press on, or brave a side tunnel, where a ladder may at least take us above water level, so we can sit it out. But how long would that take? And what if the water keeps rising and the side tunnel we're in doesn't have access to the street..."
Gripping stuff! To read the entire article, with its accompanying photos, go to: http://tinyurl.com/kfaumsv
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
10) THINGS PTERRY FANS SAY
Bonnie Riley says...
I opened Raising Steam today, and finished my first read straight through. Sir Terry, I first found your books 10 years ago, at the onset of a condition I will have for the rest of my life. Thank you for all the joy you have given. Bless you in your journey. Know that you are loved.
Brittany DuMond says...
I preordered Raising Steam on audiobook and I woke up early just to start listening to it. (: It's one of the best I've ever read. Thank you for your wonderful contribution to the world of fantasy, Terry Pratchett!
Greg Buist says...
I've just finished Raising Steam. Thank you again Mr Pratchett you wonderful wonderful man. May you continue "raising steam" for many years to come.
Sean Gillin says...
Just read The Long Earth and it was brilliant. (Congrats to Stephen Baxter too).Actually, I devoured the pages with my eyes.I love that feeling from a book.Have you thought about a film of?Possibly animated?
Mohamed Murad says...
The more I see him in action the more I have to wonder: Was Havelock Vetinari based on Vladimir Putin or did Valdimir Putin base his leadership style on Lord Vetinari?
Patricia F Talley says...
Mr Pratchett, I love your Disc World! You made the list of my favorite books ever and its pretty much all of them! There is no trophy for this honor I'm afraid, no big party or anything, You are in good company on the Favorites Book Shelf tho, I won't drop any names or anything. Just know you are honored Sir. Thank you.
Matthew Kerslake says...
Mr Pratchett, Sir, my love, are you and Mr Baxter doing a talk this year on the Long Mars by chance? if so, when, will it be at the institute of engineering in London again and how can i get tickets? For more years than i can remember you have been an inspiration to me and i would love to come see you talk again. Yours fanatically, the little boy in Wooton Basset , at the Johnny and the Dead signing with the bin liner of books.
Poor Adam says...
I have always had trouble reading a book from start to end until my friend gave me her dad's copy of The Bromeliad. thank you so much for helping me love something that school made me hate
Melanie Roth says...
Thank you so much for Tiffany!
Jeroen van Gessel says...
Thank you very, very, very much Terry, for giving me so much joy by reading your books. Started with "The colour of Magic"up to Raising Steam. It is a joy and privilage to read your books. Many greetings. Jeroen.
Mike Lacey says...
Good to see Terry back to his very best with Raising Steam.
Peter Gerling says...
32 years old and a long time fan!!! glad the voice recognition software eased the hassle of writing manually!
I'm still envious of my cat seeing the color octarine after all these years! I'm reading thud right now and can't wait to get my hands on future publications =);-)
Agarwaen Cran says...
Dear Sir Pterry, I want randomly say "thank you" for all the phantastic moments with your books. So... Thank you :-)
Holly Witchey says...
The caravansary of friends I've made in Discworld make life on Earth a richer experience.
Sharon Tansill says...
Terry signed my 'Soul Music' book ... your words in my head ... they have been ever since ... read every discworld over & over
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
11) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
A very young fan doing a very creditable impression of a certain author!
http://tinyurl.com/ln9p58y
Another young fan putting her naturally ginger hair to good use for Feegle-ing as part of her school's book day:
http://tinyurl.com/pu9dkfc
%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%
12) CLOSE
And so we come to the end of a fairly long issue. Hope you enjoyed it!
If you're a Backspindle Games fan and happen to find yourself in NI on Saturday 5th April, do drop in to the Lisburn Gaming Club (Laganview Enterprise Centre, Drumbeg Drive, Old Warren, Lisburn BT28 1QR) where Dave and Leonard will be hosting "a very special Luchador! Mexican Wrestling Dice tag-team tournament in addition to the normal Tabletop Day games. This event should have masks, costumes, music, lights, lots of noise and hopefully at the end a tag-team of very happy winners who will get a prize. We may even have it broadcast via Youtube...fingers crossed..."
http://www.lisburn-gaming.co.uk/
Also note that Backspindle's popular Discworld game, "Guards! Guards!", will be available for purchase again soon, and there will be a special pre-order page on the site:
http://backspindlegames.com/news-2/international-tabletop-day-2014
And that's all for now. Have a foolishness-free All Fools (1st April), and we'll see you next month!
– Annie Mac
ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
———————————————————————————————————
The End. If you have any questions or requests, write: interact (at) pearwood (dot) info
———————————————————————————————————
Copyright (c) 2014 by Klatchian Foreign Legion
