tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post7462206511583493577..comments2024-03-13T07:34:24.149+00:00Comments on The Age of Uncertainty: Arcane FireSteerforthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07627936539372313828noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-68622249902950847702011-11-09T15:30:52.150+00:002011-11-09T15:30:52.150+00:00Yes, it does sound as if it could've been by G...Yes, it does sound as if it could've been by Gilbert and Sullivan, doesn't it? I love their work. There used to a Seattle G&S Society that put on their operettas. The group was semi-professional -- didn't pay enough so that the participants could give up their day jobs, but still really good. They did all sorts of things: not just HMS Pinafore, but lesser known ones like Iolanthe and Ruddigore. I don't know if they're still in existence or not. I haven't heard anything about them for ages.Canadian Chickadeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12995693884248628958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-9248676428742270162011-11-09T00:29:58.365+00:002011-11-09T00:29:58.365+00:00I must admit, I thought that it was by Gilbert and...I must admit, I thought that it was by Gilbert and Sullivan, because I'd seen men dressed up as Victorian policman singing "We run them in, we run them in..."<br /><br />I had no idea about Offenbach or the marines.Steerforthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07627936539372313828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-42346211794253202122011-11-09T00:23:00.310+00:002011-11-09T00:23:00.310+00:00Hi, Steerforth,
I wasn't upset by the select...Hi, Steerforth, <br /><br />I wasn't upset by the selection, but charmed. So many times all you hear is bad stuff about the USA, so I thought it was neat to hear it when people aren't throwing rocks at the Stars & Stripes.<br /><br />Philistine that I am, I didn't realize it was actually by Offenbach.<br /><br />Have a great day!Canadian Chickadeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12995693884248628958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-3010123953934599072011-11-09T00:22:18.674+00:002011-11-09T00:22:18.674+00:00This comment has been removed by the author.Canadian Chickadeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12995693884248628958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-39874190669313517872011-11-08T22:48:07.213+00:002011-11-08T22:48:07.213+00:00By the way, Canadian Chickadee - it might be known...By the way, Canadian Chickadee - it might be known in your neck of the woods as the 'Marines' Hymn', but it's actually the Gendarmes' Duet by Offenbach, which became a bit hit in Victorian Britain.Steerforthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07627936539372313828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-45336184666289316632011-11-08T19:47:49.822+00:002011-11-08T19:47:49.822+00:00Chickadee - It's an ecclectic selection. The f...Chickadee - It's an ecclectic selection. The following tune was Israel's winning Eurovision Song Contest entry for 1978. <br /><br />Shelley - That will be in 2012. You head it here first.<br /><br />Annabel - I've been on several H&S training courses and I have nothing but respect for the so-called 'killjoys' who stop people casually maiming or killing themselves, although I wonder if fatal accidents resulting from stupidity are an important component of natural selection.Steerforthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07627936539372313828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-4237161787610631762011-11-08T18:08:47.581+00:002011-11-08T18:08:47.581+00:00Great videos -- but it was a little startling that...Great videos -- but it was a little startling that the first music I heard was:<br /> <br /> From the Halls of Montezuma<br /> To the Shores of Tripoli<br /> We will fight our country's battles<br /> On the land and on the sea<br /> First to fight for right & freedom <br /> And to keep our honor clean<br /> We are proud to bear the title<br /> Of United States Marine<br /><br /> Booyah! and Semper fi!Canadian Chickadeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12995693884248628958noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-71289143157183504552011-11-08T15:43:27.872+00:002011-11-08T15:43:27.872+00:00Maybe time to change this event to an Occupy.Maybe time to change this event to an Occupy.Shelleyhttp://dustbowlpoetry.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-25455982355411549382011-11-08T09:48:53.624+00:002011-11-08T09:48:53.624+00:00It all sounds wonderfully arcane, and I'd love...It all sounds wonderfully arcane, and I'd love to see it one year... however (and here I have a confession to make), part of my job is health & safety, and thus it does make me slightly uneasy - however the good record speaks for itself.Annabel (gaskella)http://gaskella.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-65009655216043587752011-11-07T19:07:42.127+00:002011-11-07T19:07:42.127+00:00Kid - Normally I'd agree, but what I liked abo...Kid - Normally I'd agree, but what I liked about the Lewes Bonfire is that it's a cathartic day of anarchy, surrounded by 364 days of good manners, peace and quiet. It may be a mob, but it's a middle class mob who apologise when you bump into them.<br /><br />Sarah - I agree. That's why I value tradition - it's a bastion against the ephemeral but powerful forces of governments and corporations.<br /><br />Camilla - When I was 12, I spent New Year's Eve in Rotterdam with some friends and I remember how fantastic the fireworks were. By the time I left London, ten years ago, it was normal to see rockets in the sky as Big Ben struck 12.00.<br /><br />Suze - I know what you mean, but in this case I don't think he was horrified, as he'd been to Lewes several times and knew that it wasn't a hotbed of bigotry. On the face of it, the Lewes Bonfire is horrifying: they burn the Pope, dress up as Zulus and set fire to effigies of politicians and celebrities! <br /><br />But this is the most tolerant, open-minded, liberal places I've ever lived in. It's a strange dichotomy.<br /><br />Christine - Given the amount of alcohol consumed, I'd say that 15 arrests of of 60,000 people wasn't bad. As for the injuries, the only serious ones resulted from falls - a possible result of alcohol consumption and topographical ignorance ;)Steerforthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07627936539372313828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-26412873583557330272011-11-07T17:39:00.860+00:002011-11-07T17:39:00.860+00:00That reminds me of the Fireball Ceremony in Stoneh...That reminds me of the Fireball Ceremony in Stonehaven on Hogmanay. Surely the 15 arrests and all the injuries weren't just in Lewes?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-87413588096273657882011-11-07T15:58:34.531+00:002011-11-07T15:58:34.531+00:00'She said that it was a slightly uncomfortable...'She said that it was a slightly uncomfortable moment, but luckily he was more bemused than horrified.'<br /><br />Bemusement can conceal horror.Suzehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07908805179119217608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-24843221168403601542011-11-07T12:24:35.358+00:002011-11-07T12:24:35.358+00:00In both the Netherlands and Belgium there are fire...In both the Netherlands and Belgium there are fireworks on New Year's Eve, and for weeks beforehand there are the odd occasional suspicious bangs from people who *just can't wait*. Everyone buys their own fireworks - there is a sort of amnesty on possessing banging and popping things for the purpose. <br /><br />The night itself is amazing, particularly if you live in a small town - we stand outside and it doesn't matter in which direction we turn, there's something lovely to look at. For one night a year, I don't mind the noise at all. (The Beach Party in August however, is another matter...)<br /><br />I don't think there are many arrangements made for OHS reasons, except perhaps in the central market places. Since most people set their fireworks off from their own gardens, it would be impossible to keep an eye on everyone. You just have to count on people's common sense. I haven't heard many stories of injuries.<br /><br />Glad you had a good time! I'm sure you were consummately witty and incisive with your conversation ;)<br /><br />CamillaCamillahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11672776221279283290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-88162473787646044542011-11-07T08:57:16.336+00:002011-11-07T08:57:16.336+00:00Sounds fun! A bit of good-natured anarchy is essen...Sounds fun! A bit of good-natured anarchy is essential, imo, so that the population remembers not to get cowed down and controlled by the nanny state.Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13195684182481935384noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-58087752775256446532011-11-07T00:47:39.139+00:002011-11-07T00:47:39.139+00:00I detest 'mob anarchy' of any description....I detest 'mob anarchy' of any description. It usually means the selfish indulgence of a group of people who have no consideration for the peace and quiet of others.<br /><br />Ban all such marches is what I say. (Bah! Humbug!)Kidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07224781868125924337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-85724729876866289972011-11-06T22:17:16.086+00:002011-11-06T22:17:16.086+00:00I hate those deadpan expressions. I stick my neck ...I hate those deadpan expressions. I stick my neck out, trying to say something amusing to get the conversation flowing and people who've hardly uttered a word all evening give me a simpering, superior look.<br /><br />Yes, descend on Lewes! Your liver won't thank you, but you, Mr Lucy and your boys would love it.Steerforthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07627936539372313828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-11387437407506091102011-11-06T21:36:07.407+00:002011-11-06T21:36:07.407+00:00We must all descend on Lewes next year - makes the...We must all descend on Lewes next year - makes the meagre budget set aside for colourful explosives in my town look incredibly embarrassing.Speaking of which, any remotely outlandish, inppropriate, drunken comments made by others would be completely overshadowed by mine. Try pretending you ARE French and convincing passers-by you're a stand up comedian (or 'comedienne' in my case, of course). <br />The deadpan facial expressions I'm met with haunt me in the early hours for weeks after.<br />November already sounds loads better than October.lucy joyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04863146546863419637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-5128967570497961392011-11-06T21:34:51.013+00:002011-11-06T21:34:51.013+00:00I read that initially as "prurient Scots"...I read that initially as "prurient Scots", oo-er.Biscuithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09943228742048113256noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-38340208724263478132011-11-06T20:50:58.956+00:002011-11-06T20:50:58.956+00:00Naturally.
It's usually 4.00am for me: a tri...Naturally. <br /><br />It's usually 4.00am for me: a trip to the loo followed by an hour of my brain replaying a 'greatest hits' compilation of my most idiotic remarks.<br /><br />The good thing about last night was that I don't think anyone will remember a word I said.Steerforthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07627936539372313828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-64054008766511613962011-11-06T20:25:30.419+00:002011-11-06T20:25:30.419+00:00'... but at some point in the evening I became...'... but at some point in the evening I became an expert on subjects as diverse as French history and Arcade Fire...' - so funny. Did you also, as I usually do in such circumstances, wake up at 3 in the morning and regret it all?zmkchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08972549292961948240noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-1238298405233646942011-11-06T20:18:34.669+00:002011-11-06T20:18:34.669+00:00Martin - I think every town should have a parade, ...Martin - I think every town should have a parade, but the fireworks must have looked spectacular over the water.<br /><br />Paul - Oddly enough, I was thinking about German cultural stereotypes a few hours ago and how odd it seemed that they have no speed limit on the autobahnen. It's interesting how most of us rely on the comfort zone of labels and stereotypes - reserved English, passionate Irish, prudent Scots etc.Steerforthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07627936539372313828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-53400925324217251562011-11-06T18:12:47.269+00:002011-11-06T18:12:47.269+00:00New Year's Eve in Germany is quite similar. Be...New Year's Eve in Germany is quite similar. Before I moved here I had the idea that the event would be slightly sombre, but I arrived at around 11.54 to what can only be described as slightly controlled anarchy as fireworks zipped past my head from every direction. Not a copper in sight, and I promptly revised my understanding of German culture. (Also I am a huge fan of the blog and hope the book-selling does work. I'm too cautious to do such a thing myself, but it is my dream life).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-73158591719942175792011-11-06T17:55:17.465+00:002011-11-06T17:55:17.465+00:00You obviously do things in style, in Lewes. We wat...You obviously do things in style, in Lewes. We watched a display on Southampton Water. No parades and one bolt-on, tacky funfair to avoid at all costs. Nevertheless, superb fireworks.Martinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13494219959077922220noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-18086303713250867572011-11-06T16:44:05.048+00:002011-11-06T16:44:05.048+00:00They were the same, but I've now fixed it.They were the same, but I've now fixed it.Steerforthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07627936539372313828noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32570460.post-43822898297227974482011-11-06T16:40:17.497+00:002011-11-06T16:40:17.497+00:00It's many years since I went to Lewes on bonfi...It's many years since I went to Lewes on bonfire night. It's a fantastic spectacle - glad you enjoyed yourself.<br /><br />I think both videos are the same...Martin Lowerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03875064625911285695noreply@blogger.com