The Dew Drop Inn Virtual Rugby Pub

First topic message reminder :

Space reserved for opening comments from the landlady/

red_stag wrote:Here's a question I saw when flicking over the carcass of 606. What rating out of 10 would you give the old 606 rugby forum?

The actual forum (format of threads, comments, functions) or the posters?

The Pub I'd give a 9. The rest I couldn't go higher than 4. By the end, I was very rarely ever tempted to post outside the pub.

I also much prefer this format, and all the functions this site has. Private messaging, off topic boards, editing (I love a cheeky edit), telling you of posts made since you started your reply that sort of thing. I liked the rating of articles as well at first but by the end it just became one stars or five stars. I used to give very measured ratings like two stars and four stars

Stag,
Very apt.

From my youngest son, just posted on Faceache.

Liam.
‎"Without music, life would be a mistake." - Friedrich Nietzsche. Thats clearly going in my thesis!"

It's quite funny when children start commenting on their parents' choice in music. One of my lads who was dj'ing when he should have been studying maths wanted to borrow our original Tubular Bells and Bonzo Dog albums. I had to explain that there were limits to parental love and affection.

I just had that feeling on Friday at the concert. Getting one of my compositions performed; without music my life just doesn't make sense. Tried to go and do something with my life that didn't involve music. I was so unhappy.

It's a way of life.

Gibbo like I say I'd love to appreciate it like that. I wonder what it would feel like. Its like people who are really religious. I sometimes envy them and wonder what it would feel like.

But I have my own things I suppose. No point forcing what doesn't come naturally. We are what we are.

BTW, I also love Gregorian Chant!!

Tends only to be sung by specialists (monks and nuns) these days. But I have it on good authority that its recent popularity has not been due to an upsurge in spirituality, but rather as background music for activities of which said specialists would not necessarily approve

Sounds like you've found your calling Notch.

The documentary on Queen was pretty good, very nearly at the end as I always do (actually if I'd been watching it on my own I really would have), so wish I'd been able to record it, but I've no doubt it'll be shown again.

We are what we are. What spirituality I have is in my music.

Can't make everyone fit the one mould. Life is so much bigger and better than that.

So many people I know- musicians, performance artists, composers- just can't understand WHY I'd want to watch 30 men fighting over a funny shaped ball. Never mind the emotional rollercoaster and passions that goes with it.

I had this discussion with my girlfriend after the Munster v Leinster game. She actually really enjoys watching sports. She likes soccer and rugby and sitting down or going to watch them. But thats where it ends. She doesn't understand why we discuss what happens. She feels that when the final whistle goes thats it what more is there to say.

I have other pals who don't get film. I love film, theatre, literature. The story is such a fundamental of human life IMO.

There's always been stories and there always will be. Now I'm finished my undergrad degree I'm hoping to get back to reading some quality fiction. Any recommendations?

I thought you might appreciate this, I certainly did; interview with Nevin Spence

http://talkingrugbyunion.co.uk/magners-league/nevin-spence-interview

7. Did you get any help from other more established squad players when moving there (outside centre)?

Paddy Wallace and humph were a big help. It helped as well that a lot of the guys were playing well themselves, so that always makes it easier! Trimble is good for advice too, we probably play in a similar way (no skills).

At least he's honest.

Evening all, heard a vicious rumour that this den of iniquity had been set up as an antidote to mindless wummery and the other blights on the old 606.

Took a same view as Notch - hardly ever posted as couldn't be bothered to wade through the dross. But if new drinkers are welcome, mine's a

KiaRose wrote:It's quite funny when children start commenting on their parents' choice in music. One of my lads who was dj'ing when he should have been studying maths wanted to borrow our original Tubular Bells and Bonzo Dog albums. I had to explain that there were limits to parental love and affection.

Oh Kia.

Love ya mate.

BourneAdequacy wrote:Evening all, heard a vicious rumour that this den of iniquity had been set up as an antidote to mindless wummery and the other blights on the old 606.

Took a same view as Notch - hardly ever posted as couldn't be bothered to wade through the dross. But if new drinkers are welcome, mine's a

A man after my own heart is it? Welcome then

Music can tell a story, Stag, e.g. Beethoven's sixth symphony, known as the Pastoral, is about a day in the country.

Books I love and can get really caught up in the characters to the point where I don't want to finish the book because I would have to say "Goodbye" to them. But music stirs my soul. I can only think of only one book that ever made me cry, but music can tear at my heart ... even when I know the composer is using a standard musical device to heighten the emotions.

Bourne,


Welcome mate. You know the drill. Buy us one back and we'll always be open to you.

Caption Competition

What is ROG thinking (bottom right hand corner)?

http://munsterrugby.ie/

Glas,
Are you listening? 8)

Bourne - Here's your , new drinkers are always welcome here! Pull up a seat and make yourself at home



Notch - what sort of fiction do you like to read?

One author I love at the moment is Tad Williams. He does fantasy and sci-fi series, would highly recommend him if you like that sort of stuff.

KiaRose wrote:Music can tell a story, Stag, e.g. Beethoven's sixth symphony, known as the Pastoral, is about a day in the country.

Not to mention the hundreds of folk songs and ballads from this part of the world! We had great craic today sitting around with a guitar and a mandola and a wee ad hoc session. That's what happens when you get a load of us music tech students together!

Pretty much Notch! Had a quick look earlier and every thread I looked at I died a little inside! Can't remember who posted this as an alternative, but going from greyghost posts to a discussion on Gregorian chants and a bit of the old Ludwig van has stirred my soul

And thanks for the welcome Dreamer - next round's on me

What kind of fiction have you previously read. I can give you some books at the next meet up if you want.

- The Terrible Privacy of Maxwell Sim. Its about a middle aged man who starts to question modern social interaction.

- A Week in December. A social parody about modern society and our love for power, our love of interactive technology, reality tv and above all else money

- One Day. About a pair of college students who have a one night stand. The book traces their relationship over next 20 years.

- Kane & Abel. About 2 business rivals who are from incredibly diverse backgrounds.

- The Amazing Adventure of Kavalier and Clay. About two cousins in 1940s NYC who get involved in the comic book industry in an anti Nazi propaganda effort.

They are just what comes to mind at moment.

KiaRose wrote:Caption Competition

What is ROG thinking (bottom right hand corner)?

http://munsterrugby.ie/

I've seen the proper photo. He's looking at the other Munster players who weren't in match day squad wheeling over Paul Derbyshire to the podium.

BourneAdequacy wrote:Pretty much Notch! Had a quick look earlier and every thread I looked at I died a little inside! Can't remember who posted this as an alternative, but going from greyghost posts to a discussion on Gregorian chants and a bit of the old Ludwig van has stirred my soul

And thanks for the welcome Dreamer - next round's on me

Hi Borne, welcome aboard. Its rugby with a healthy dose of whatever it is takes your fancy.

rugbydreamer wrote:
Notch - what sort of fiction do you like to read?

One author I love at the moment is Tad Williams. He does fantasy and sci-fi series, would highly recommend him if you like that sort of stuff.

I love all the magical realist kind of literary fiction, but sure I'd like to branch out and find new authors and genres. I've read all sorts anyway. Not deterred by unusual or creative structures or use of language! The more interesting well... the more interesting.

I would certainly be open to a bit of sci-fi. Have you read much Willaim Gibson at all?

Stag, I've read a lot of fiction over the years... my favourite author over the years has been Jose Saramago. I was devastated when he died. Those all sound interesting. Actually, I want to get a hold of that book we were talking about in Belfast, Cloud Atlas! That sounded good.

I like this idea of a book swap at the next meet, everyone brings a few books they've read and leaves with a few they haven't...

Bourne
Welcome and I assure you pub discussions stretch the boundaries way beyond Gregorian Chant and Ludwig van.

Looks like we are onto literature now ...

Never got into fantasy. I have a theory that people who read books, those who might be called "readers", don't like Lord of the Rings. The only people who I know who have read and enjoyed it are those who have never read anything else. Anyone who genuinely reads books for pleasure has sruggled with this monstrosity.

Comments?

Jumping on board the conversation, never seem to get/find/make time to read really. Used to have the drive to work but drive these days. Still, got holiday to look forward to so might be able to catch up for a couple of weeks...

Well if you want it I'll bring you Cloud Atlas. There's actually a whole section of it dedicated to a classical musician who tries to make it big.

Oh Kia,
Yes. Yes. And yes.

I can go into a persons home and check their music collection and I can tell you what kind of person they are. MrsG thinks Im mad. I am. But ... its true. If I even see a Celine Dion or Byran Adams type CD, at a party, I make my excuses and run.

A music collection is like a mental diary of one's Life. I reckon.

You make those choices through years of change. Some good. Some bad.

Most people dont realise this. It's like an open book.

BTW, I love ABBA. It get's them dancing. Musical-snob, moi?

KiaRose wrote:Bourne
I have a theory that people who read books, those who might be called "readers", don't like Lord of the Rings. The only people who I know who have read and enjoyed it are those who have never read anything else. Anyone who genuinely reads books for pleasure has sruggled with this monstrosity.
Comments?

I don't know about that to be honest. I read it myself and while I wouldn't read it again and found it in dire need of a good editor, it was fine. Dreamer and myself had a bit of a debate about it. I'm not really a fan of the fantasy books myself but I really like them in films.

No problem Bourne, and I shall make a note of that

I'm currently reading a book I'm really struggling to get through but I'm determined to finish it, tis The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand, I'm really not enjoying it! Once done though I'm going to treat my self to a healthy dose of some fantasy fiction, tis needed I think.


Kia! I LOVE Lord of the Rings, read it every year, but I can assure you I'm very much a reader of other things too.

My mother is ones of those who loves reading but struggled with LotR actually. I don't know why, my Dad, also a big reader, had no problem with it. Very strange.

Dreamer - have read Tad Williams - liked the Dragonbone Chair etc. - the Otherland series found a bit harder to get - maybe it was less fantasy and more scifi - although I like bothe genres

KiaRose wrote:

Never got into fantasy. I have a theory that people who read books, those who might be called "readers", don't like Lord of the Rings. The only people who I know who have read and enjoyed it are those who have never read anything else. Anyone who genuinely reads books for pleasure has sruggled with this monstrosity.

I don;t think I could stick reading it at all now I'm all grown up, but believe me when I was six or seven it was great! I must have read those books six or seven times by the time I turned eight. I'd never want to read it again. It relates strictly to my childhood. I got started with fantasy when I was around five or six and sort of read it until I was thirteen, fourteen. Then I started reading more literary fiction.

KiaRose wrote:Bourne
Welcome and I assure you pub discussions stretch the boundaries way beyond Gregorian Chant and Ludwig van.

Looks like we are onto literature now ...

Never got into fantasy. I have a theory that people who read books, those who might be called "readers", don't like Lord of the Rings. The only people who I know who have read and enjoyed it are those who have never read anything else. Anyone who genuinely reads books for pleasure has sruggled with this monstrosity.

Comments?

I'd have to disagree! A good story is a good story, and for my own part I've always loved it. And when I read it's certainly for pleasure, but that can range from Dan Brown (yes I know it's dross, but it's entertaining dross) and George R R Martin to Orwell, Danté and Milton!

Having said that, can't stand Dickens. To paraphrase Shaw, it would be a positive relief to dig him up and thrown stones at hoim.

Gibson wrote:Oh Kia,
Yes. Yes. And yes.

I can go into a persons home and check their music collection and I can tell you what kind of person they are.

I am so glad you didn't see mine Gibbo

red_stag wrote:

KiaRose wrote:Bourne
I have a theory that people who read books, those who might be called "readers", don't like Lord of the Rings. The only people who I know who have read and enjoyed it are those who have never read anything else. Anyone who genuinely reads books for pleasure has sruggled with this monstrosity.
Comments?

I don't know about that to be honest. I read it myself and while I wouldn't read it again and found it in dire need of a good editor, it was fine. Dreamer and myself had a bit of a debate about it. I'm not really a fan of the fantasy books myself but I really like them in films.

Honestly Stag, how could you say such a thing!! (well I do understand how you can say it but I think you know I completely disagree )



MrP - I was exactly the same. Otherland series was definitely more sci-fi and I found it harder to get into but enjoyed it in the end. The Dragonbone Chair ones though are just brilliant!

Now LoTR - that is a great book - have read it many times, along with the Hobbit too. Never had any diffs with it - although did struggle with the Silmarrillion a bit!

KiaRose wrote:Caption Competition

What is ROG thinking (bottom right hand corner)?

http://munsterrugby.ie/

He's thinking.. "Bhuugger, nowt to be happy about here, dem Ladyboys have de reel Kup like."

Madam, for you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6voJjexENok&feature=related

red_stag wrote:Well if you want it I'll bring you Cloud Atlas. There's actually a whole section of it dedicated to a classical musician who tries to make it big.

Maybe as someone who loves reading and literature, but struggles to understand us flight musical types you might enjoy reading Nocturnes by Kuzuo Ishiguro.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nocturnes-Five-Stories-Music-Nightfall/dp/057124498X

A series of short stories that all revolve around people whose lives are dominated by music, Ishiguro really is a wonderful writer.

poissonrouge wrote:Now LoTR - that is a great book - have read it many times, along with the Hobbit too. Never had any diffs with it - although did struggle with the Silmarrillion a bit!

Took me a few goes! It's a history book for a place that never existed, which means you have to question Tolkien's grip on reality!

I have tried LOTR every which way - book, dramatic adaptation, audio-book, even the films. Nothing has ever bored me as much.

This is beginning to look like a lock-in.
Im not here roysh.
Garda!

He's meant to be very good Notch. Dreamer I'm sorry but it really was. We won't get into it again. Next time I'm in Cardiff there's a pint on me and I'll listen all about Tom Bombadill.

I was talkign to Luckless about this. What do you think the most important thing is? The storyline? The initial idea? The characters?

Anyone read any Tom Holt - he writes really funny rip offs of fantasy novels - like "Snow White and the Seven Samurai" and "Who's afraid of Beowulf". There is a whole pile more - would heartily recommend them to anyone with a streak of monthpythonesque humour

BTW - Lord of Rings movies are masterpieces IMO despite the book being an average read.

"It's a history book for a place that never existed, which means you have to question Tolkien's grip on reality!"

Well given that all history is simply spin, who needs a grip on reality to be an historian ?

Good point!

Haven't read any Holt for years, but the Snow White one did make me chuckle.

Robert Rankin's another good one for that sort of thing - The Brentford Trilogy (all five books of it) were, are and shall forever be twisted genius.

'a few good men' on channel 5. Fantastic film. Hope I'm not the only one tuned in!

Tolkien basically invented a whole reality in his head - the Silmarillion is a demonstration of how deep his fascination was - not many people create a whole world behind their writing

poissonrouge wrote:Now LoTR - that is a great book - have read it many times, along with the Hobbit too. Never had any diffs with it - although did struggle with the Silmarrillion a bit!

Aye same here! Had such a sense of achievement when I finished the Silmarillion, loved it too

Someone was telling me that apparently there's going to be a screening some in Belfast of all three LotR films back-to-back- jeez I could not take that! I simply don;t have the stamina- thats like a full working day!

What do people think about the short story? I find it rare to find a really good short story writer, but when you do... Haruki Murakami is the best I've ever read. This book really moved me a lot;

http://www.amazon.co.uk/After-Quake-Haruki-Murakami/dp/0099448564

In a lot of different places. His fiction is hit and miss, but when it hits it moves me almost more than any other writer would be capable of.