WOSSNAME Main Issue, July 2013
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wossnameWOSSNAME
Newsletter of the Klatchian Foreign Legion
July 2013 (Volume 16, Issue 7, Post 1)
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WOSSNAME is a free publication for members of the worldwide Klatchian Foreign Legion and its affiliates, including the North American Discworld Society and other continental groups. Are you a member? Yes, if you sent in your name, country and e-mail address. Are there any dues? No! As a member of the Klatchian Foreign Legion, you'd only forget them...
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Editor in Chief: Annie Mac
News Editor: Fiona (not Bruce) Bruce
Newshounds: Vera, Mogg, Sir J of Croydon Below, the Shadow
Staff Writers: Asti, Alison Not Weatherwax, Steven D'Aprano, L.C. Wynn-Jones
Convention Reporters: Mithtrethth Hania Ogg et al
Staff Technomancer: Jason Parlevliet
Book Reviews: Drusilla D'Afanguin
Puzzle Editor: Tiff
Bard in Residence: Weird Alice Lancrevic
DW Horoscope: Lady Anaemia Asterisk, Fernando Magnifico, Kevin
Emergency Staff: Jason Parlevliet
World Membership Director: Steven D'Aprano (in his copious spare time)
Copyright 2013 by Klatchian Foreign Legion
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INDEX:
01) QUOTE OF THE MONTH
02) LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
03) NEW RELEASES!!! WITH TRAINS!!!
04) ODDS AND SODS DEPARTMENT
05) IAN STEWART ON THE SCIENCE OF DISCWORLD
06) THE LONG WAR REVIEWS
07) THE THINGS PRATCHETT FANS SAY...
08) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
09) ROUNDWORLD TALES: THE REAL MOIST VON LIPWIG?
10) DISCWORLD GROUPS MEETING NEWS
11) HOGSWATCH IN JULY
12) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
13) DISCWORLD GAMES NEWS
14) CLOSE
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01) QUOTE OF THE MONTH
"So when I was taking high school Biology back in the 90's, we had to make these flash cards of varying animal species. My teacher wasn't the brightest crayon in the box, and my project partners had a mile-wide streak of mischief in them. We made a card for a giant star turtle. Made up a genus/species for it, and put down for 'information' that it had four elephants and a discworld on its back. She never caught it. This may partially explain my love/hate relationship with biology."
– FlowerGirlPhysicist, on i09
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02) A LETTER FROM YOUR EDITOR
This is a bit of an early edition, because there are events that won't wait – plays and other fun Discworld-centric goodness. I do hope to add more news, views, reviews and whatnot later in the month, but at the moment I am mostly Newshound-deprived and missing our Astrologer(s) for the net ten to twelve weeks. Still, the show,. and the WOSSNAME, must go on!
– Annie Mac, Editor
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03) NEW RELEASES!
3.1 ASK HIM ABOUT TRAINS
Those lovely folks at Transworld have announced that Raising Steam (the 40th Discworld book) will hitting the bookshops this October:
"It's no secret that Terry has been writing the novel and he revealed the title earlier this year, but this is the first time we can officially confirm details of publication. More details to follow very soon... but in the meantime, we can reveal the book will see the Disc's first train come steaming into town."
Raising Steam is due out on 24th October 2013. Just in time for my birthday, then...
To pre-order from Amazon UK in hardcover, at a special-offer price of £16.50, go to:
http://tinyurl.com/qxmh87w
3.2 TRUCKING ON – ON DVD
Also in October, the Cosgrove Hall/Thames Television partial- animation adaptation of Truckers is finally coming out on DVD.
First broadcast on telly (ITV) in 1992, Truckers was created by the Cosgrove Hall studio, who gave us Dangermouse (for which your Editor is eternally grateful) and of course the animated Soul Music. Voiced by a stellar cast including Joe McGann, Sir Michael Horden, Brian Trueman, and Debra Gillett, and tells the story of Masklin and his fellow nomes working to survive in the world of bigjobs, I mean humans.
Truckers was formerly available on VHS video, but only in a cut-down version. This new release contains the entire 13-part series as originally broadcast.
Truckers will be released on 7th October 2013. Priced at £11.45, the DVD would make a perfect Hogswatch gift for any small creatures you know. Or large ones!
You can pre-order from Amazon UK:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00DC6U0XG/87
3.3 A SLOW SLIP
A third piece of Pratchetty goodness (A Slip of the Keyboard: Collected Non-fiction) comes out in October – but that's apparently *next* October:
"Terry Pratchett has earned a place in the hearts of readers the world over with his bestselling Discworld series – but in recent years he has become equally well-known and respected as an outspoken campaigner for causes including Alzheimer's research and animal rights. A Slip of the Keyboard brings together for the first time the finest examples of Pratchett's non fiction writing, both serious and surreal: from musings on mushrooms to what it means to be a writer (and why banana daiquiris are so important); from memories of Granny Pratchett to speculation about Gandalf's love life, and passionate defences of the causes dear to him.
"With all the humour and humanity that have made his novels so enduringly popular, this collection brings Pratchett out from behind the scenes of the Discworld to speak for himself – man and boy, bibliophile and computer geek, champion of hats, orang-utans and Dignity in Dying."
A Slip of the Keyboard will be published on 23rd Oct 2014. To pre- order from Amazon UK in hardcover, at a special-offer price of £15.99, go to:
http://tinyurl.com/nvs3ytt
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04) ODDS AND SODS DEPARTMENT
4.1 GERMAN SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY CLUB
Gordon Winter has written to WOSSNAME to tell of a German science fiction/fantasy club, "Ubermorgenwelt Ulm e.V.", that he co- administers. U(e)bermorgenwelt – which in my halting Deutsch translates as "Tomorrow's World" or "World of the Future" – is, well. I will let Mr Winter explain:
"Our club is interested to inform and fascinate people, especially kids, about and for Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror literature. Therefore we build up a library in some rooms of an old fortress here in Ulm. Starting in September last year we already have approx. 6000 books just provided by the members so far. But we also want to arouse the interest for reading by playing games from these literary genres. We have a blog were reviews of books and games, which we have read and played, as well as news about Fantasy and Science Fiction are published (uebermorgenwelt.blogspot.de). Furthermore we have a radio show every 4 weeks
http://www.freefm.de/programm/uebermorgenwelt
where also these topics are discussed and books as well as games are reviewed."
The club was sent a complimentary review copy of the "Guards! Guards!" board game by co-creator David Brashaw, which was discussed on their monthly radio show themed for the Discworld's 30th anniversary. Mr Winter is hoping to write a review for us as well.
http://uebermorgenwelt.blogspot.de/
4.2 TWOFLOWER, THE MEDIA PLAYER
For all you technomancers out there... most of us already use the excellent Ogg file format for our music files. Now there is a new media player, also honouring Discworld with its name:
"VideoLAN and the VLC development team present VLC 2.0.7 'Twoflower'.
"VLC 2.0 'Twoflower' is a major new version of our popular media player. With faster decoding on multi-core, GPU, and mobile hardware and the ability to open more formats, notably professional, HD and 10bits codecs, 2.0 is a major upgrade for VLC. Twoflower has a new rendering pipeline for video, with higher quality subtitles, and new video filters to enhance your videos. It supports many new devices and BluRay Discs (experimental). Completely reworked Mac and Web interfaces and improvements in the other interfaces make VLC easier than ever to use. Twoflower fixes several hundreds of bugs, in more than 7000 commits from 160 volunteers."
https://www.videolan.org/vlc/releases/2.0.0.html
4.3 A NEW FANZINE
Here be a new Discworld fanzine of interest. It's one person's loving paean to the series and its characters and philisophies, and features some thought-provoking essays. Available for download in .pdf form:
www.mediafire.com/download/eyvl6vdfkbrs5q6/the_turtle_moves.pdf
4.4 MAKING CHANGE: WHAT'S YOUR WORTH IN A-M DOLLARS?
Good grief, it's a fantasy and science fiction currency converter! You can translate amounts in sterling, euros or USA dollars into assorted currencies including Star Wars or Star Trek Federation credits, Red Dwarf dollarpounds, Potterverse specie, a number of game-world and other SF/fantasy currencies – and yes, Ankh-Morpork dollars:
http://www.moneyinadvance.co.uk/sci-fi-currency-converter/
(one A-M dollar apparently equals about sixteen quid, or 25 USA dollars)
4.5 REVIEW: THE LONG EARTH
By Nia Liversuch at FemaleFirst:
"Baxter and Pratchett subtly critique this desire to push the boundaries of exploration, using the journey of the main character Joshua Valiente and the setting of a futuristic Earth that is not too much different from our own to suggest that the impact human actions have on the environment is much greater than we realise. We strive for a cleaner environment, and the feeling of being the first to 'discover' an untouched world, but what right do we have to do so when we have polluted and altered the planet to such an extent? The novel is thought-provoking and engaging, but I found it to be less gripping than other novels in the dystopian genre..."
www.femalefirst.co.uk/books/the-long-earth-300178.html
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05) IAN STEWART: EXPLAINING THE SCIENCE OF DISCWORLD
In which the TSoD co-author describes, well, the science of Discworld, with a nod to each of the books in the series and especially TSoD4:
"The fourth, and most recent, book in the series hinges upon events in Discworld rather than Roundworld. On the Disc there is an ancient religion, Omnianism, which believes Discworld is round. Despite all the evidence, they do not believe in the turtle or the elephants. Seeing the Roundworld Project as an infringement of their theological property rights, they launch a legal case to gain custody. Naturally, the wizards dispute their claim.
"This scenario allows us to examine, in the science chapters, a variety of issues. In particular, we look at how scientists can try to infer the shape of their world, or the universe itself, when they are unable to get outside it and take a direct look. For the Earth, we can now do that, but scientists mapped out the entire planet long before we could get into orbit. We still don't have that luxury for the universe as a whole, and it's hard to see how we could ever get it.
"The commentary discusses a key feature of science, one that many non-scientists fail to appreciate: science is mainly about inference from experiments and theories, not direct observation. The ancient Greeks inferred the spherical form of the Earth thousands of years ago, by logical inference from phenomena that they could observe, such as the planet's shadow on the Moon during an eclipse and the way boats seemed to sink below the horizon as they headed out to sea. Today we infer the temperature at the centre of the sun from our understanding of nuclear reactions, but no person or instrument has ever been there to check. The majority of scientific knowledge rests on inference, not on direct observation. Indeed, that's what theories are for...."
To read the full piece – reproduced on i09 with permission from Warwick University where Dr Stewart lectures – go to:
http://tinyurl.com/m3lq7v2
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06) THE LONG WAR REVIEWS
By Karin L Kross on the Tor Books blog:
"Like its predecessor, The Long War sprawls and rambles in a fashion that generally pleases more than it frustrates, and is packed with a vast supporting cast. There's Nelson Azikiwe, a South African minister mentioned briefly by Lobsang in the last book, who is recruited by the AI as a kind of advisor. While Joshua and Sally are trying to find out what's happening to the trolls, a teenage prodigy named Roberta Golding accompanies a Chinese expedition across millions of Earths, becoming increasingly overwhelmed by the vast scale of it all. There are new perils as well: in addition to the friendly trolls and hostile elves, there are devious kobolds and a species of sentient dogs. Ultimately the plots having to do with the troll disappearances and Cmdr. Kauffman's whistle-stop tour and the war she wants to avert are less important than the exploration that occurs along the way. They're a means by which Pratchett and Baxter interrogate humanity's place in the universe, the way we react to the alien, and our incomplete and arrogant understanding of what constitutes sentience..."
http://tinyurl.com/otgzken
By Tasha Robinson at the Onion AV Club:
"Joshua, Sally, Monica, and Lobsang all return, but fantasy author Terry Pratchett and hard SF writer Stephen Baxter add in many more significant characters, including a Chinese exploratory crew transporting a grim, Vulcan-like teenager; a South African paleontologist/minister following a string of puzzles to an assignation; and the captain of a dirigible-like military vessel charged with forcibly reminding the parallel-America colonies that their homeworld, now styled 'Datum Earth,' still considers them subject to home rule and taxation. Many of the stories touch briefly or not at all, and nearly all of them blow by quickly. But two plot threads contribute to the book's title. In one version of the Long War, the American vessels sent out to intimidate the parallel Americas seem likely to touch off an endless series of new American revolutions. In another, Sally and others fight for the rights of 'trolls,' a sapient, ape-like species of natural steppers that humans are starting to enslave, outlaw, or otherwise abuse. Meanwhile, the trolls and other intelligent creatures on the Long Earth are making their own plans.
"The Long War is frustratingly packed with ideas that don't bear fruit, situations that don't resolve, and characters who don't spend enough time onstage to develop. There's grist here for a dozen separate novels, with topics ranging from the fight to get trolls legally recognized as sapient (in a plotline reminiscent of H. Beam Piper's Little Fuzzy) to a face-off between Sally, Monica, Joshua, and a race of intelligent semi-bipedal canines. Pratchett and Baxter spend a bare but telling handful of pages on the increasingly xenophobic, conservative Datum Earth government. Their look at an American system abandoned to Tea Party-esque rabble-rousers and their name-calling, contempt-laden rhetoric is timely satire with a mournful, accusatory edge. And their open mockery of Datum Earth's version of security theater has as much to do with present politics as with parallel worlds. But that's just one fleeting impression among many..."
http://tinyurl.com/pl9h5el
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O7) THINGS PRATCHETT FANS SAY
Mark Nevitt says...
Just finished a fantastic journey, the Long War this book has everything you would expect from two of the best Sci-Fi/Fantasy writers out their today...sorry! no spoilers just read Fantastic. Well done guy's
Susan Craig says...
Thank you for switching on a 12 year old boy to the glorious pleasures of reading just enjoyment. In just under a month he's giggled his way through the Bromeliad Trilogy, Johnny and the Dead, Johnny and the Bomb and Miss Felicity Beedle's World of Poo. He loves to share the puns with us and has been transformed from a "reading – MUST I?!" boy to an avid fan of your work.
Cosme Edeline says...
We just finished a game of "Terry Pratchett Discworld: Ankh-Morpork" and we wanted to say it's a really great game, easy to play, very fun and spending time in Discworld universe is, as always, wonderful. (we use to read in French, and played with a french game). We spend more than 3 hours for our first game (2 people playing) with an ending full of action :D A small "novel" which describe the universe and Terry Pratchett writing style would have been great for non-readers player wanting to discover the Discworld and a great bonus for Discworld addicts.
Patricia Higgins says...
Thanks for writing such wonderful books, they helped me stay sane during my 2 years with Agoraphobia!!
Sseveruss Ssnape says...
I've just read my first book of yours, sir, followed quickly by my second, third, and fourth. And I am in love with you lol. Don't worry, no bunny boiling here... I just wonder how I could have read so much and never ever discovered you til now!
Lyndon Davis says...
Loved every word & every character. Who do you imagine the characters would be played by in a film? For me Justin Long is Joshua
Adele Hudson says...
I was baking bread yesterday and think I may have found some clues as to dwarven bread! One, it's probably gluten free and two, it contains buckwheat flour. While my loaf was far from battle bread, an enemy would probably say ouch if hit with it.
Chris Rhea says...
I'm sure you get this all of the time, but I want to thank you Mister Pratchett for your contribution to modern literature. You've irrevocably altered how I view the world and have given me countless hours of entertainment!
Crow Cooper says...
to the greatest writer i have ever read may you carry on for a long time yet. got all the books and love all the characters,,thank you for your creations
Paradisi Coaster says...
still kicking? goodonya Tel. wonderful stuff the writing is still coming
Timothy Unwin says...
Dear terry, i know you are having troubles with wrighting lately, i am personally very gratefull for the efforts you have made. Your books are wonderfull, i always dreamed of doing something with them to show you my love for the diskworld, but everything i have wanted to do was a failure before i even started. I suffer from depression and your books have been the single light in this horrible world.
Malcolm Cox says...
I completed my New Year resolution on Saturday - I've re-read all 39 Discworld books, in order, including the "younger readers" books, Maurice and Last Hero. And I've enjoyed re-re-re-reading every one. Thank you for the amazing books Terry – they are as fresh as the first time I read them!
Jason Brockman says...
Thank you Terry Pratchett for your brilliant mind! I'm a 32 year old man just now discovering your work and I can't help but wonder how much better off a human being I'd be if I had discovered you sooner! Keep up the great work!!
Dani Crandall says...
Mr Pratchett, You are such a wonderful writer. Thank you for bringing so much joy to the lives of my children and myself.
Anna Thomas-Valdez says...
You are one of the best most creative authors I have read you have a great mind a great talent and I thank you for sharing that talent with the world
Rachael Hopwood says...
I must buy a signed copy of Sir Pratchetts next Discworld novel. I will be extremely upset if I never find one. This man is a gift to literature and imagination, and one of my few hero's of this time. Thank you, Sir Pratchett, for the life you have created in your written words.
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08) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
8.1 WYRD SISTERS IN TRURO, CORNWALL
Veryan Players of Truro will present their production of Wyrd Sisters, directed by Father Douglas Robins, in July and August.
When: Thursdays and Fridays, 25/26 July and 1/2 August 2013
Venue: Portscatho Memorial Hall, Truro, Cornwall, UK
Time: 8 pm
Tickets: £6.00. Tickets can be reserved by phone – 01872 501670 – or by emailing fatherdougrobins@talktalk.net
8.2 ...AND IN THE LAND OF FOG
Onewhero Society of Performing Arts is proud to present an amateur production of Wyrd Sisters, directed by Jolene Kelly & Leonard Irving.
When: 19th and 20th July 2013. Also there is a Matinee performance on Sunday 20th July Venue: Onewhero Society of Performing Arts Theatre, Hall Road, Onewhero, Auckland, NZ
Time: 8pm (Matinee at 2pm)
Tickets must be purchased and collected from River Traders, 9 George Street, Tuakau prior to the show(s). For enquiries, call River Traders on (09) 236 8875.
"Please note that our theatre is non-allocated seating and that we can seat 99 people. Door sales are only available when shows are not sold out. To avoid disappointment, book early!
"Onewhero Society of Performing Arts (OSPA) is a well-established performing arts group located in Onewhero, just twenty minutes drive from Pukekohe. The group was established in 1949 and has celebrated over 60 years of performing.
"Our theatre is accessible to wheelchairs and has an induction loop fitted for those patrons who are hard of hearing. So that we can make sure that you have the best possible experience when visiting our theatre, please let us know at the time of booking whether these facilities could be of use to you. For more information, please call Kathleen Solomon on (09) 232 8494."
http://www.ospa.org.nz
[Editor's note: ticket price(s) does not seem to be listed anywhere I can find, but as this show is taking place in the North Island rather than the West End, I imagine they will be reasonable!]
8.3 REMINDER: WYRD SISTERS IN CHICAGO
The MorBacon Theatre Company's production of Wyrd Sisters happens this month! Successfully funded by a Kickstarter appeal, this company is certainly in the spirit: "If you haven't got your tickets, get them now! Seats are filling, crossbows are being armed, and corsets are being tied!"
When: July 18th – 21st, and July 25th – 28th.
Venue: Side Project Theatre, 1439 W. Jarvis Avenue, Rogers Park, Chicago IL 60626 (just off the CTA Red Line)
Tickets: US$15. To book online, go to:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/392312
http://www.morbacontheatre.com/
8.4 REVIEW: GOING POSTAL IN BRISTOL
And now for something completely different... a review of an ongoing presentation of Going Postal, in which the actors are rather smaller than one would expect:
"When first entering the Bierkeller theatre, what I expected was rather a glorified school play – you know the sort, the children standing sheepishly with mumbled voices, their faces blank and expressionless. Well, wasn’t I surprised! Even the youngest kids had mastered the art of projection, their valiant efforts and enthusiasm was very encouraging as the three hour show went on. The ITV West Television Workshop gives young people from the age five upwards experience in performance and production skills. This production really showed how much hard work is put in.. The story itself was very amusing in Pratchett's typically surrealist, fantasy manner. At some points the dialogue did seem to drag a little, but the enthusiasm of the young cast helped them pull off the sometimes tricky script with apparent ease. There were a few mistakes here and there but overall the performance went smoothly. The script was delivered with surprising professionalism and flashes of hilariously comic acting helped to gloss over the more glaring errors. This production of Going Postal was not unlike a professional performance – except with shorter actors and squeakier voices..."
http://tinyurl.com/kqehrqe
There are still a couple of performances to come this week, if you're in the area!
When: Wednesday (17th) and Thursday (18th),
Venue: Bierkeller Theatre, All Saints Street, Bristol BS1 2NA
Time: 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm).
Tickets: £6.50 and £8.50.
Box Office: 0117-930-4264
Enquiry Line: 0117-926-8514
Email: info@bierkellertheatre.com
For details of the venue, go to:
http://www.bierkellertheatre.com/
To purchase tickets online:
http://bierkellertheatre.fatsoma.com/
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09) ROUNDWORLD TALES: THE REAL MOIST VON LIPWIG
A truly fascinating tale of an amazing con man with an amazing name, who sold sizzle without sausages for over fifty years:
"Before 1910, there had appeared in Northeast Wyoming an individual named Albert C. Grandbouche (1889-1979). Grandbouche would later prove to be a con man extraordinaire. He had the amazing talent of getting persons to give him money in exchange for illusory but tempting promises. In 1920, he had already separated W. P. Ricketts and J. F. Waisner of the Royal Cattle Company from $20,529.86. All they had to show for the money was a judgment againt Grandbouche. Thirty-Seven years later, their heirs were still attempting to collect the judgment. Grandbouche was a director of the Citizens' Bank of Upton and developed with a plan for resuscitating the People's Bank.
"Grandbouche must have had a golden tongue. Major shareholders, including the President of the People's Bank, were convinced to surrender their stock with Grandbouche taking over effective control of the Bank. On October 15, 1921, the Bank was reorganized a second time with Grandbouche paying for the bank stock $17,000.00: $5,000.00 by checks drawn on the Citizen's Bank of Upton of which Grandbouche was a director and $12,000.00 in the form of a promisory note. Apparently unknown to the bank's former shareholders, the checks were rubber...
"In 1933, Grandbouche appeared in Denver. There he conducted a Ponzi scheme under which victims were induced to invest funds in several companies, 'Collateral Bankers, Inc.,' 'American Industrial Loan Company,' 'Ameican Fidelity,' and 'Bush & Company,' under the promise of seven percent guaranteed returns. To stave off investors checks were kited between the different companies. Although in Wyoming, Grandbouche may have cheated the comparatively affluent, in Colorado, he was no respecter of age or modest circumstances. In one instance, he cheated an eighty-year old maiden lady of her life savings which she had earned as a housekeeper and cook... By the 1940's, Grandbouche had changed his name to 'Al Grandbush' and was in Walsenburg, Colorado. There he operated as a stock broker under the name of 'Interstate Livestock Company.' Among those who ran into a financial debacle dealing with Grandbouche was a Texas stockman named Eagle..."
http://www.wyomingtalesandtrails.com/moorcroft.html
[Editor's note: for those of you who don't speak Quirmish, the name "Grandbouche" translates as "Bigmouth" – a perfect name for a confidence trickster who sweet-talks people out of their money.]
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10) DISCWORLD GROUPS MEETING NEWS
The Pratchett Partisans are a new 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
Pratchett Partisans also host "Pratchett chat Friday nights" this month at Stones Corner Hotel, 346 Logan Rd, Stones Corner, QLD 4120, "from about 7ish". The next Pratchett Chat will be this Friday, 19th July 2013.
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The City of Small Gods Terry Pratchett Fan Club is a group for fans in Adelaide and South Australia. TCoSGTPFC meets on the last Thursday of the month from 6.30pm at the Ed Castle, 233 Currie St. Their next meeting will be on Thursday 25th July. Details, discussions and organisation of extra events (e.g. as play outings) can be found via their email mailing list; to sign up, go to:
https://groups.google.com/group/adelaide-discworld-fans
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The Broken Vectis Drummers meet on the first Thursday of every month from 7.30pm at The Castle pub in Newport, Isle of Wight. The next meeting will probably be on Thursday 8th August 2013, but do email (see below) to check. All new members and curious passersby are very welcome! For more info and any queries, contact:
broken_vectis_drummers@yahoo.co.uk
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The Wincanton Omnian Temperance Society (WOTS) meets on the first Friday of every month at the famous Bear Inn from 7pm onwards. Visitors and drop-ins are always welcome! The next WOTS meeting will (probably) be on Friday 9th August 2013.
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The next meeting of the Broken Drummers, London's original Discworld meeting group, will be from 7pm on Monday 5th August at the Monkey Puzzle, 30 Southwick Street, London W2 1JQ. Note the new web address:
http://brokendrummers.org/
Here be their (very short, for a change!) July 2013 meet report:
"I came down with a bug on the day and therefore was unable to go. It was also too late to appoint a deputy. So what happened at this meeting is shrouded in mystery."
For more information write to BrokenDrummers@gmail.com or nicholls.helen@yahoo.co.uk
*
The Northern Institute of the Ankh-Morpork and District Society of Flatalists, a Pratchett fangroup, have 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, N Yorks, 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/
*
Drummers Downunder meet on the first Monday of every month in Sydney at Maloneys, corner of Pitt & Goulburn Streets, at 6.30pm. The next meeting will (probably) be on Monday 5th August 2013. For more information, contact Sue (aka Granny Weatherwax):
kenworthys@yahoo.co.uk
*
Perth Drummers meet on the traditional date of first Monday of the month. The next meeting should be on Monday 5th August 2013.
PERTH DRUMMERS UPDATE:
Please note we have moved to San Churro this month from 5.30pm (San Churro, 132 James Street, Northbridge, Perth, WA).
For details follow us on Twitter @Perth_Drummers and Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Perth.Drummers/
Otherwise message Krystel directly at khewett@live.com
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11) HOGSWATCH IN JULY
For Fourecksians and their guests, a new festival! Brisbane Arts Theatre and the Pratchett Partisans present...
HOGSWATCH IN JULY
"Discworld fans, prepare yourselves! Don't miss the inaugural festival! A village fair with stalls, games, competitions, children's activities, sausage sizzle, Morris dancers AND a visit from the Hogfather himself!
FEATURING
- Dwarf Axe Throwing
- Traditional Sto-Lat Cabbage Roll
- Witches V Wizards Obstacle Race
- THUD!
"Many trophies & prizes to be won. $100 CASH PRIZE for the best dressed in the Hogswatch Costume Competition! Broom parking available."
When: Saturday 20th July
Venue: Hardgrave Park, across from the Theatre at 210 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane QLD
Time: 11am till 4pm
FREE ENTRY!
Here be a mappe:
https://maps.google.com/maps?q=210+Petrie+TCE,+Brisbane
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12) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
The winner without doubt: Lego-and-Discworld fan Bingo Little has created a multi-storey, vastly detailed Lego version of the Pseudopolis Yard Watch House:
http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=83683
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13) DISCWORLD GAMES NEWS
The Witches are coming!
Martin Wallace, creator of the fun-tastic board game "Ankh-Morpork", has designed a new Discworld-themed game:
"The Witches is the second Discworld game designed by Martin Wallace, after 2011’s Discworld: Ankh-Morpork. The board games are based on characters and events in the fantasy universe of the bestselling Discworld book series by Terry Pratchett, with game artwork by Peter Dennis. In The Witches, players take on the role of trainee witches, learning their craft and tackling whatever pun- related problems daily life in Discworld provides. Players are aided by well-known characters (Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg and Magrat Garlick among others) along the way. The game is billed as a more 'family friendly' and cooperative than Ankh-Morpork. The game is for up to four players, or can actually be played as a solitary quest. The game plays in about 60 minutes, and carries an MSRP of $50.00."
Mayfair Games will release The Witches in the USA in October. The Discworld Emporium will also be selling The Witches in October for those of us on t'other side of the pond.
http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/25980.html
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14) CLOSE
And that's our lot for the moment. See you in a few weeks!
– Annie Mac
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The End. If you have any questions or requests, write: interact (at) pearwood (dot) info
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Copyright (c) 2013 by Klatchian Foreign Legion
Newsletter of the Klatchian Foreign Legion
July 2013 (Volume 16, Issue 7, Post 1)
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WOSSNAME is a free publication for members of the worldwide Klatchian Foreign Legion and its affiliates, including the North American Discworld Society and other continental groups. Are you a member? Yes, if you sent in your name, country and e-mail address. Are there any dues? No! As a member of the Klatchian Foreign Legion, you'd only forget them...
********************************************************************
Editor in Chief: Annie Mac
News Editor: Fiona (not Bruce) Bruce
Newshounds: Vera, Mogg, Sir J of Croydon Below, the Shadow
Staff Writers: Asti, Alison Not Weatherwax, Steven D'Aprano, L.C. Wynn-Jones
Convention Reporters: Mithtrethth Hania Ogg et al
Staff Technomancer: Jason Parlevliet
Book Reviews: Drusilla D'Afanguin
Puzzle Editor: Tiff
Bard in Residence: Weird Alice Lancrevic
DW Horoscope: Lady Anaemia Asterisk, Fernando Magnifico, Kevin
Emergency Staff: Jason Parlevliet
World Membership Director: Steven D'Aprano (in his copious spare time)
Copyright 2013 by Klatchian Foreign Legion
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INDEX:
01) QUOTE OF THE MONTH
02) LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
03) NEW RELEASES!!! WITH TRAINS!!!
04) ODDS AND SODS DEPARTMENT
05) IAN STEWART ON THE SCIENCE OF DISCWORLD
06) THE LONG WAR REVIEWS
07) THE THINGS PRATCHETT FANS SAY...
08) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
09) ROUNDWORLD TALES: THE REAL MOIST VON LIPWIG?
10) DISCWORLD GROUPS MEETING NEWS
11) HOGSWATCH IN JULY
12) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
13) DISCWORLD GAMES NEWS
14) CLOSE
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01) QUOTE OF THE MONTH
"So when I was taking high school Biology back in the 90's, we had to make these flash cards of varying animal species. My teacher wasn't the brightest crayon in the box, and my project partners had a mile-wide streak of mischief in them. We made a card for a giant star turtle. Made up a genus/species for it, and put down for 'information' that it had four elephants and a discworld on its back. She never caught it. This may partially explain my love/hate relationship with biology."
– FlowerGirlPhysicist, on i09
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02) A LETTER FROM YOUR EDITOR
This is a bit of an early edition, because there are events that won't wait – plays and other fun Discworld-centric goodness. I do hope to add more news, views, reviews and whatnot later in the month, but at the moment I am mostly Newshound-deprived and missing our Astrologer(s) for the net ten to twelve weeks. Still, the show,. and the WOSSNAME, must go on!
– Annie Mac, Editor
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03) NEW RELEASES!
3.1 ASK HIM ABOUT TRAINS
Those lovely folks at Transworld have announced that Raising Steam (the 40th Discworld book) will hitting the bookshops this October:
"It's no secret that Terry has been writing the novel and he revealed the title earlier this year, but this is the first time we can officially confirm details of publication. More details to follow very soon... but in the meantime, we can reveal the book will see the Disc's first train come steaming into town."
Raising Steam is due out on 24th October 2013. Just in time for my birthday, then...
To pre-order from Amazon UK in hardcover, at a special-offer price of £16.50, go to:
http://tinyurl.com/qxmh87w
3.2 TRUCKING ON – ON DVD
Also in October, the Cosgrove Hall/Thames Television partial- animation adaptation of Truckers is finally coming out on DVD.
First broadcast on telly (ITV) in 1992, Truckers was created by the Cosgrove Hall studio, who gave us Dangermouse (for which your Editor is eternally grateful) and of course the animated Soul Music. Voiced by a stellar cast including Joe McGann, Sir Michael Horden, Brian Trueman, and Debra Gillett, and tells the story of Masklin and his fellow nomes working to survive in the world of bigjobs, I mean humans.
Truckers was formerly available on VHS video, but only in a cut-down version. This new release contains the entire 13-part series as originally broadcast.
Truckers will be released on 7th October 2013. Priced at £11.45, the DVD would make a perfect Hogswatch gift for any small creatures you know. Or large ones!
You can pre-order from Amazon UK:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00DC6U0XG/87
3.3 A SLOW SLIP
A third piece of Pratchetty goodness (A Slip of the Keyboard: Collected Non-fiction) comes out in October – but that's apparently *next* October:
"Terry Pratchett has earned a place in the hearts of readers the world over with his bestselling Discworld series – but in recent years he has become equally well-known and respected as an outspoken campaigner for causes including Alzheimer's research and animal rights. A Slip of the Keyboard brings together for the first time the finest examples of Pratchett's non fiction writing, both serious and surreal: from musings on mushrooms to what it means to be a writer (and why banana daiquiris are so important); from memories of Granny Pratchett to speculation about Gandalf's love life, and passionate defences of the causes dear to him.
"With all the humour and humanity that have made his novels so enduringly popular, this collection brings Pratchett out from behind the scenes of the Discworld to speak for himself – man and boy, bibliophile and computer geek, champion of hats, orang-utans and Dignity in Dying."
A Slip of the Keyboard will be published on 23rd Oct 2014. To pre- order from Amazon UK in hardcover, at a special-offer price of £15.99, go to:
http://tinyurl.com/nvs3ytt
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04) ODDS AND SODS DEPARTMENT
4.1 GERMAN SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY CLUB
Gordon Winter has written to WOSSNAME to tell of a German science fiction/fantasy club, "Ubermorgenwelt Ulm e.V.", that he co- administers. U(e)bermorgenwelt – which in my halting Deutsch translates as "Tomorrow's World" or "World of the Future" – is, well. I will let Mr Winter explain:
"Our club is interested to inform and fascinate people, especially kids, about and for Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror literature. Therefore we build up a library in some rooms of an old fortress here in Ulm. Starting in September last year we already have approx. 6000 books just provided by the members so far. But we also want to arouse the interest for reading by playing games from these literary genres. We have a blog were reviews of books and games, which we have read and played, as well as news about Fantasy and Science Fiction are published (uebermorgenwelt.blogspot.de). Furthermore we have a radio show every 4 weeks
http://www.freefm.de/programm/uebermorgenwelt
where also these topics are discussed and books as well as games are reviewed."
The club was sent a complimentary review copy of the "Guards! Guards!" board game by co-creator David Brashaw, which was discussed on their monthly radio show themed for the Discworld's 30th anniversary. Mr Winter is hoping to write a review for us as well.
http://uebermorgenwelt.blogspot.de/
4.2 TWOFLOWER, THE MEDIA PLAYER
For all you technomancers out there... most of us already use the excellent Ogg file format for our music files. Now there is a new media player, also honouring Discworld with its name:
"VideoLAN and the VLC development team present VLC 2.0.7 'Twoflower'.
"VLC 2.0 'Twoflower' is a major new version of our popular media player. With faster decoding on multi-core, GPU, and mobile hardware and the ability to open more formats, notably professional, HD and 10bits codecs, 2.0 is a major upgrade for VLC. Twoflower has a new rendering pipeline for video, with higher quality subtitles, and new video filters to enhance your videos. It supports many new devices and BluRay Discs (experimental). Completely reworked Mac and Web interfaces and improvements in the other interfaces make VLC easier than ever to use. Twoflower fixes several hundreds of bugs, in more than 7000 commits from 160 volunteers."
https://www.videolan.org/vlc/releases/2.0.0.html
4.3 A NEW FANZINE
Here be a new Discworld fanzine of interest. It's one person's loving paean to the series and its characters and philisophies, and features some thought-provoking essays. Available for download in .pdf form:
www.mediafire.com/download/eyvl6vdfkbrs5q6/the_turtle_moves.pdf
4.4 MAKING CHANGE: WHAT'S YOUR WORTH IN A-M DOLLARS?
Good grief, it's a fantasy and science fiction currency converter! You can translate amounts in sterling, euros or USA dollars into assorted currencies including Star Wars or Star Trek Federation credits, Red Dwarf dollarpounds, Potterverse specie, a number of game-world and other SF/fantasy currencies – and yes, Ankh-Morpork dollars:
http://www.moneyinadvance.co.uk/sci-fi-currency-converter/
(one A-M dollar apparently equals about sixteen quid, or 25 USA dollars)
4.5 REVIEW: THE LONG EARTH
By Nia Liversuch at FemaleFirst:
"Baxter and Pratchett subtly critique this desire to push the boundaries of exploration, using the journey of the main character Joshua Valiente and the setting of a futuristic Earth that is not too much different from our own to suggest that the impact human actions have on the environment is much greater than we realise. We strive for a cleaner environment, and the feeling of being the first to 'discover' an untouched world, but what right do we have to do so when we have polluted and altered the planet to such an extent? The novel is thought-provoking and engaging, but I found it to be less gripping than other novels in the dystopian genre..."
www.femalefirst.co.uk/books/the-long-earth-300178.html
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05) IAN STEWART: EXPLAINING THE SCIENCE OF DISCWORLD
In which the TSoD co-author describes, well, the science of Discworld, with a nod to each of the books in the series and especially TSoD4:
"The fourth, and most recent, book in the series hinges upon events in Discworld rather than Roundworld. On the Disc there is an ancient religion, Omnianism, which believes Discworld is round. Despite all the evidence, they do not believe in the turtle or the elephants. Seeing the Roundworld Project as an infringement of their theological property rights, they launch a legal case to gain custody. Naturally, the wizards dispute their claim.
"This scenario allows us to examine, in the science chapters, a variety of issues. In particular, we look at how scientists can try to infer the shape of their world, or the universe itself, when they are unable to get outside it and take a direct look. For the Earth, we can now do that, but scientists mapped out the entire planet long before we could get into orbit. We still don't have that luxury for the universe as a whole, and it's hard to see how we could ever get it.
"The commentary discusses a key feature of science, one that many non-scientists fail to appreciate: science is mainly about inference from experiments and theories, not direct observation. The ancient Greeks inferred the spherical form of the Earth thousands of years ago, by logical inference from phenomena that they could observe, such as the planet's shadow on the Moon during an eclipse and the way boats seemed to sink below the horizon as they headed out to sea. Today we infer the temperature at the centre of the sun from our understanding of nuclear reactions, but no person or instrument has ever been there to check. The majority of scientific knowledge rests on inference, not on direct observation. Indeed, that's what theories are for...."
To read the full piece – reproduced on i09 with permission from Warwick University where Dr Stewart lectures – go to:
http://tinyurl.com/m3lq7v2
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06) THE LONG WAR REVIEWS
By Karin L Kross on the Tor Books blog:
"Like its predecessor, The Long War sprawls and rambles in a fashion that generally pleases more than it frustrates, and is packed with a vast supporting cast. There's Nelson Azikiwe, a South African minister mentioned briefly by Lobsang in the last book, who is recruited by the AI as a kind of advisor. While Joshua and Sally are trying to find out what's happening to the trolls, a teenage prodigy named Roberta Golding accompanies a Chinese expedition across millions of Earths, becoming increasingly overwhelmed by the vast scale of it all. There are new perils as well: in addition to the friendly trolls and hostile elves, there are devious kobolds and a species of sentient dogs. Ultimately the plots having to do with the troll disappearances and Cmdr. Kauffman's whistle-stop tour and the war she wants to avert are less important than the exploration that occurs along the way. They're a means by which Pratchett and Baxter interrogate humanity's place in the universe, the way we react to the alien, and our incomplete and arrogant understanding of what constitutes sentience..."
http://tinyurl.com/otgzken
By Tasha Robinson at the Onion AV Club:
"Joshua, Sally, Monica, and Lobsang all return, but fantasy author Terry Pratchett and hard SF writer Stephen Baxter add in many more significant characters, including a Chinese exploratory crew transporting a grim, Vulcan-like teenager; a South African paleontologist/minister following a string of puzzles to an assignation; and the captain of a dirigible-like military vessel charged with forcibly reminding the parallel-America colonies that their homeworld, now styled 'Datum Earth,' still considers them subject to home rule and taxation. Many of the stories touch briefly or not at all, and nearly all of them blow by quickly. But two plot threads contribute to the book's title. In one version of the Long War, the American vessels sent out to intimidate the parallel Americas seem likely to touch off an endless series of new American revolutions. In another, Sally and others fight for the rights of 'trolls,' a sapient, ape-like species of natural steppers that humans are starting to enslave, outlaw, or otherwise abuse. Meanwhile, the trolls and other intelligent creatures on the Long Earth are making their own plans.
"The Long War is frustratingly packed with ideas that don't bear fruit, situations that don't resolve, and characters who don't spend enough time onstage to develop. There's grist here for a dozen separate novels, with topics ranging from the fight to get trolls legally recognized as sapient (in a plotline reminiscent of H. Beam Piper's Little Fuzzy) to a face-off between Sally, Monica, Joshua, and a race of intelligent semi-bipedal canines. Pratchett and Baxter spend a bare but telling handful of pages on the increasingly xenophobic, conservative Datum Earth government. Their look at an American system abandoned to Tea Party-esque rabble-rousers and their name-calling, contempt-laden rhetoric is timely satire with a mournful, accusatory edge. And their open mockery of Datum Earth's version of security theater has as much to do with present politics as with parallel worlds. But that's just one fleeting impression among many..."
http://tinyurl.com/pl9h5el
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O7) THINGS PRATCHETT FANS SAY
Mark Nevitt says...
Just finished a fantastic journey, the Long War this book has everything you would expect from two of the best Sci-Fi/Fantasy writers out their today...sorry! no spoilers just read Fantastic. Well done guy's
Susan Craig says...
Thank you for switching on a 12 year old boy to the glorious pleasures of reading just enjoyment. In just under a month he's giggled his way through the Bromeliad Trilogy, Johnny and the Dead, Johnny and the Bomb and Miss Felicity Beedle's World of Poo. He loves to share the puns with us and has been transformed from a "reading – MUST I?!" boy to an avid fan of your work.
Cosme Edeline says...
We just finished a game of "Terry Pratchett Discworld: Ankh-Morpork" and we wanted to say it's a really great game, easy to play, very fun and spending time in Discworld universe is, as always, wonderful. (we use to read in French, and played with a french game). We spend more than 3 hours for our first game (2 people playing) with an ending full of action :D A small "novel" which describe the universe and Terry Pratchett writing style would have been great for non-readers player wanting to discover the Discworld and a great bonus for Discworld addicts.
Patricia Higgins says...
Thanks for writing such wonderful books, they helped me stay sane during my 2 years with Agoraphobia!!
Sseveruss Ssnape says...
I've just read my first book of yours, sir, followed quickly by my second, third, and fourth. And I am in love with you lol. Don't worry, no bunny boiling here... I just wonder how I could have read so much and never ever discovered you til now!
Lyndon Davis says...
Loved every word & every character. Who do you imagine the characters would be played by in a film? For me Justin Long is Joshua
Adele Hudson says...
I was baking bread yesterday and think I may have found some clues as to dwarven bread! One, it's probably gluten free and two, it contains buckwheat flour. While my loaf was far from battle bread, an enemy would probably say ouch if hit with it.
Chris Rhea says...
I'm sure you get this all of the time, but I want to thank you Mister Pratchett for your contribution to modern literature. You've irrevocably altered how I view the world and have given me countless hours of entertainment!
Crow Cooper says...
to the greatest writer i have ever read may you carry on for a long time yet. got all the books and love all the characters,,thank you for your creations
Paradisi Coaster says...
still kicking? goodonya Tel. wonderful stuff the writing is still coming
Timothy Unwin says...
Dear terry, i know you are having troubles with wrighting lately, i am personally very gratefull for the efforts you have made. Your books are wonderfull, i always dreamed of doing something with them to show you my love for the diskworld, but everything i have wanted to do was a failure before i even started. I suffer from depression and your books have been the single light in this horrible world.
Malcolm Cox says...
I completed my New Year resolution on Saturday - I've re-read all 39 Discworld books, in order, including the "younger readers" books, Maurice and Last Hero. And I've enjoyed re-re-re-reading every one. Thank you for the amazing books Terry – they are as fresh as the first time I read them!
Jason Brockman says...
Thank you Terry Pratchett for your brilliant mind! I'm a 32 year old man just now discovering your work and I can't help but wonder how much better off a human being I'd be if I had discovered you sooner! Keep up the great work!!
Dani Crandall says...
Mr Pratchett, You are such a wonderful writer. Thank you for bringing so much joy to the lives of my children and myself.
Anna Thomas-Valdez says...
You are one of the best most creative authors I have read you have a great mind a great talent and I thank you for sharing that talent with the world
Rachael Hopwood says...
I must buy a signed copy of Sir Pratchetts next Discworld novel. I will be extremely upset if I never find one. This man is a gift to literature and imagination, and one of my few hero's of this time. Thank you, Sir Pratchett, for the life you have created in your written words.
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08) DISCWORLD PLAYS NEWS
8.1 WYRD SISTERS IN TRURO, CORNWALL
Veryan Players of Truro will present their production of Wyrd Sisters, directed by Father Douglas Robins, in July and August.
When: Thursdays and Fridays, 25/26 July and 1/2 August 2013
Venue: Portscatho Memorial Hall, Truro, Cornwall, UK
Time: 8 pm
Tickets: £6.00. Tickets can be reserved by phone – 01872 501670 – or by emailing fatherdougrobins@talktalk.net
8.2 ...AND IN THE LAND OF FOG
Onewhero Society of Performing Arts is proud to present an amateur production of Wyrd Sisters, directed by Jolene Kelly & Leonard Irving.
When: 19th and 20th July 2013. Also there is a Matinee performance on Sunday 20th July Venue: Onewhero Society of Performing Arts Theatre, Hall Road, Onewhero, Auckland, NZ
Time: 8pm (Matinee at 2pm)
Tickets must be purchased and collected from River Traders, 9 George Street, Tuakau prior to the show(s). For enquiries, call River Traders on (09) 236 8875.
"Please note that our theatre is non-allocated seating and that we can seat 99 people. Door sales are only available when shows are not sold out. To avoid disappointment, book early!
"Onewhero Society of Performing Arts (OSPA) is a well-established performing arts group located in Onewhero, just twenty minutes drive from Pukekohe. The group was established in 1949 and has celebrated over 60 years of performing.
"Our theatre is accessible to wheelchairs and has an induction loop fitted for those patrons who are hard of hearing. So that we can make sure that you have the best possible experience when visiting our theatre, please let us know at the time of booking whether these facilities could be of use to you. For more information, please call Kathleen Solomon on (09) 232 8494."
http://www.ospa.org.nz
[Editor's note: ticket price(s) does not seem to be listed anywhere I can find, but as this show is taking place in the North Island rather than the West End, I imagine they will be reasonable!]
8.3 REMINDER: WYRD SISTERS IN CHICAGO
The MorBacon Theatre Company's production of Wyrd Sisters happens this month! Successfully funded by a Kickstarter appeal, this company is certainly in the spirit: "If you haven't got your tickets, get them now! Seats are filling, crossbows are being armed, and corsets are being tied!"
When: July 18th – 21st, and July 25th – 28th.
Venue: Side Project Theatre, 1439 W. Jarvis Avenue, Rogers Park, Chicago IL 60626 (just off the CTA Red Line)
Tickets: US$15. To book online, go to:
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/392312
http://www.morbacontheatre.com/
8.4 REVIEW: GOING POSTAL IN BRISTOL
And now for something completely different... a review of an ongoing presentation of Going Postal, in which the actors are rather smaller than one would expect:
"When first entering the Bierkeller theatre, what I expected was rather a glorified school play – you know the sort, the children standing sheepishly with mumbled voices, their faces blank and expressionless. Well, wasn’t I surprised! Even the youngest kids had mastered the art of projection, their valiant efforts and enthusiasm was very encouraging as the three hour show went on. The ITV West Television Workshop gives young people from the age five upwards experience in performance and production skills. This production really showed how much hard work is put in.. The story itself was very amusing in Pratchett's typically surrealist, fantasy manner. At some points the dialogue did seem to drag a little, but the enthusiasm of the young cast helped them pull off the sometimes tricky script with apparent ease. There were a few mistakes here and there but overall the performance went smoothly. The script was delivered with surprising professionalism and flashes of hilariously comic acting helped to gloss over the more glaring errors. This production of Going Postal was not unlike a professional performance – except with shorter actors and squeakier voices..."
http://tinyurl.com/kqehrqe
There are still a couple of performances to come this week, if you're in the area!
When: Wednesday (17th) and Thursday (18th),
Venue: Bierkeller Theatre, All Saints Street, Bristol BS1 2NA
Time: 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm).
Tickets: £6.50 and £8.50.
Box Office: 0117-930-4264
Enquiry Line: 0117-926-8514
Email: info@bierkellertheatre.com
For details of the venue, go to:
http://www.bierkellertheatre.com/
To purchase tickets online:
http://bierkellertheatre.fatsoma.com/
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09) ROUNDWORLD TALES: THE REAL MOIST VON LIPWIG
A truly fascinating tale of an amazing con man with an amazing name, who sold sizzle without sausages for over fifty years:
"Before 1910, there had appeared in Northeast Wyoming an individual named Albert C. Grandbouche (1889-1979). Grandbouche would later prove to be a con man extraordinaire. He had the amazing talent of getting persons to give him money in exchange for illusory but tempting promises. In 1920, he had already separated W. P. Ricketts and J. F. Waisner of the Royal Cattle Company from $20,529.86. All they had to show for the money was a judgment againt Grandbouche. Thirty-Seven years later, their heirs were still attempting to collect the judgment. Grandbouche was a director of the Citizens' Bank of Upton and developed with a plan for resuscitating the People's Bank.
"Grandbouche must have had a golden tongue. Major shareholders, including the President of the People's Bank, were convinced to surrender their stock with Grandbouche taking over effective control of the Bank. On October 15, 1921, the Bank was reorganized a second time with Grandbouche paying for the bank stock $17,000.00: $5,000.00 by checks drawn on the Citizen's Bank of Upton of which Grandbouche was a director and $12,000.00 in the form of a promisory note. Apparently unknown to the bank's former shareholders, the checks were rubber...
"In 1933, Grandbouche appeared in Denver. There he conducted a Ponzi scheme under which victims were induced to invest funds in several companies, 'Collateral Bankers, Inc.,' 'American Industrial Loan Company,' 'Ameican Fidelity,' and 'Bush & Company,' under the promise of seven percent guaranteed returns. To stave off investors checks were kited between the different companies. Although in Wyoming, Grandbouche may have cheated the comparatively affluent, in Colorado, he was no respecter of age or modest circumstances. In one instance, he cheated an eighty-year old maiden lady of her life savings which she had earned as a housekeeper and cook... By the 1940's, Grandbouche had changed his name to 'Al Grandbush' and was in Walsenburg, Colorado. There he operated as a stock broker under the name of 'Interstate Livestock Company.' Among those who ran into a financial debacle dealing with Grandbouche was a Texas stockman named Eagle..."
http://www.wyomingtalesandtrails.com/moorcroft.html
[Editor's note: for those of you who don't speak Quirmish, the name "Grandbouche" translates as "Bigmouth" – a perfect name for a confidence trickster who sweet-talks people out of their money.]
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10) DISCWORLD GROUPS MEETING NEWS
The Pratchett Partisans are a new 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
Pratchett Partisans also host "Pratchett chat Friday nights" this month at Stones Corner Hotel, 346 Logan Rd, Stones Corner, QLD 4120, "from about 7ish". The next Pratchett Chat will be this Friday, 19th July 2013.
*
The City of Small Gods Terry Pratchett Fan Club is a group for fans in Adelaide and South Australia. TCoSGTPFC meets on the last Thursday of the month from 6.30pm at the Ed Castle, 233 Currie St. Their next meeting will be on Thursday 25th July. Details, discussions and organisation of extra events (e.g. as play outings) can be found via their email mailing list; to sign up, go to:
https://groups.google.com/group/adelaide-discworld-fans
*
The Broken Vectis Drummers meet on the first Thursday of every month from 7.30pm at The Castle pub in Newport, Isle of Wight. The next meeting will probably be on Thursday 8th August 2013, but do email (see below) 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 the famous Bear Inn from 7pm onwards. Visitors and drop-ins are always welcome! The next WOTS meeting will (probably) be on Friday 9th August 2013.
*
The next meeting of the Broken Drummers, London's original Discworld meeting group, will be from 7pm on Monday 5th August at the Monkey Puzzle, 30 Southwick Street, London W2 1JQ. Note the new web address:
http://brokendrummers.org/
Here be their (very short, for a change!) July 2013 meet report:
"I came down with a bug on the day and therefore was unable to go. It was also too late to appoint a deputy. So what happened at this meeting is shrouded in mystery."
For more information write to BrokenDrummers@gmail.com or nicholls.helen@yahoo.co.uk
*
The Northern Institute of the Ankh-Morpork and District Society of Flatalists, a Pratchett fangroup, have 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, N Yorks, 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/
*
Drummers Downunder meet on the first Monday of every month in Sydney at Maloneys, corner of Pitt & Goulburn Streets, at 6.30pm. The next meeting will (probably) be on Monday 5th August 2013. For more information, contact Sue (aka Granny Weatherwax):
kenworthys@yahoo.co.uk
*
Perth Drummers meet on the traditional date of first Monday of the month. The next meeting should be on Monday 5th August 2013.
PERTH DRUMMERS UPDATE:
Please note we have moved to San Churro this month from 5.30pm (San Churro, 132 James Street, Northbridge, Perth, WA).
For details follow us on Twitter @Perth_Drummers and Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Perth.Drummers/
Otherwise message Krystel directly at khewett@live.com
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11) HOGSWATCH IN JULY
For Fourecksians and their guests, a new festival! Brisbane Arts Theatre and the Pratchett Partisans present...
HOGSWATCH IN JULY
"Discworld fans, prepare yourselves! Don't miss the inaugural festival! A village fair with stalls, games, competitions, children's activities, sausage sizzle, Morris dancers AND a visit from the Hogfather himself!
FEATURING
- Dwarf Axe Throwing
- Traditional Sto-Lat Cabbage Roll
- Witches V Wizards Obstacle Race
- THUD!
"Many trophies & prizes to be won. $100 CASH PRIZE for the best dressed in the Hogswatch Costume Competition! Broom parking available."
When: Saturday 20th July
Venue: Hardgrave Park, across from the Theatre at 210 Petrie Terrace, Brisbane QLD
Time: 11am till 4pm
FREE ENTRY!
Here be a mappe:
https://maps.google.com/maps?q=210+Petrie+TCE,+Brisbane
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12) IMAGES OF THE MONTH
The winner without doubt: Lego-and-Discworld fan Bingo Little has created a multi-storey, vastly detailed Lego version of the Pseudopolis Yard Watch House:
http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=83683
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13) DISCWORLD GAMES NEWS
The Witches are coming!
Martin Wallace, creator of the fun-tastic board game "Ankh-Morpork", has designed a new Discworld-themed game:
"The Witches is the second Discworld game designed by Martin Wallace, after 2011’s Discworld: Ankh-Morpork. The board games are based on characters and events in the fantasy universe of the bestselling Discworld book series by Terry Pratchett, with game artwork by Peter Dennis. In The Witches, players take on the role of trainee witches, learning their craft and tackling whatever pun- related problems daily life in Discworld provides. Players are aided by well-known characters (Granny Weatherwax, Nanny Ogg and Magrat Garlick among others) along the way. The game is billed as a more 'family friendly' and cooperative than Ankh-Morpork. The game is for up to four players, or can actually be played as a solitary quest. The game plays in about 60 minutes, and carries an MSRP of $50.00."
Mayfair Games will release The Witches in the USA in October. The Discworld Emporium will also be selling The Witches in October for those of us on t'other side of the pond.
http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/25980.html
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14) CLOSE
And that's our lot for the moment. See you in a few weeks!
– Annie Mac
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The End. If you have any questions or requests, write: interact (at) pearwood (dot) info
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Copyright (c) 2013 by Klatchian Foreign Legion
