Three Towns Forum

Members' Lounge => Music, TV, Radio & The Arts => Topic started by: DaveR on November 28, 2010, 09:28:02 pm

Title: What are you reading?
Post by: DaveR on November 28, 2010, 09:28:02 pm
Mention the book you're currently reading.....

 <:<:<:<
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DaveR on November 28, 2010, 09:31:54 pm
I'm currently reading 'The Lasting Honour' by Oliver Lindsay, which is an account of the Fall of Hong Kong in 1941. Very interesting. As The Telegraph review put it: "....does full justice to those who fought to the end to stave off inevitable defeat"

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lasting-Honour-Fall-Hong-Kong/dp/0722155425/ (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lasting-Honour-Fall-Hong-Kong/dp/0722155425/)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nemesis on November 28, 2010, 09:35:08 pm
A very old Spiller's Dog Book.
( One forgets the finer details of puppy rearing after nearly 13 years !)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheMedz on November 28, 2010, 09:51:26 pm
My last two books were. "Start the Car" by David Lloyd, Cricket commentator.( I've been a Lancashire (sorry Fester!) cricket club member for as long as I can remember). "My Sh*te Life So Far" by Frankie Boyle - very similar in style to his live act and equally as rude and non pc. Currently "Journey" by Tony Blair - very slow going but one of those books I felt I should read to try and understand how he got where he was and why he made some of the decisions he did.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Fester on November 28, 2010, 11:04:25 pm
My last two books were. "Start the Car" by David Lloyd, Cricket commentator.( I've been a Lancashire (sorry Fester!) cricket club member for as long as I can remember). "My Sh*te Life So Far" by Frankie Boyle - very similar in style to his live act and equally as rude and non pc. Currently "Journey" by Tony Blair - very slow going but one of those books I felt I should read to try and understand how he got where he was and why he made some of the decisions he did.

Does it give any insight as to WHY Mr Blair converted to Catholicism?   I've always wondered about that.

As for me, I think I have read 2 books in the last 29 years, I have no attention span whatsoever, and I would much rather watch anything of interest on the TV instead.  This isn't a thread for me.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: TheMedz on November 29, 2010, 07:05:24 am
I've not got to that or the Iraq war bit yet.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ian on November 29, 2010, 07:36:34 am
Quote
Does it give any insight as to WHY Mr Blair converted to Catholicism

It does, and it gives a fairly good account of his thought processes during his time in office.  He was always a 'latent' RC,but you can't be PM and RC in the UK.

I found that book interesting, if a tad closeted.  If he's being completely frank, then the reasons he gave for invading Iraq hold water, but could just as easily be extended to invading Iran.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: dontheturner on November 29, 2010, 08:02:17 am
 Well DaveR, I am finding nothing here to read, other than the books, I shipped, when I came here . - Unfortunately most are in Thail language!  But If you asked 'what is your favourite book?'  Then the one I recommend to most friends - is the George Burrow one - Wild Wales. - Which is very entertaining.  But I do read Mrs Beeton quite often, when hungry!. Don
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Fester on November 29, 2010, 01:07:06 pm
Quote
Does it give any insight as to WHY Mr Blair converted to Catholicism

It does, and it gives a fairly good account of his thought processes during his time in office.  He was always a 'latent' RC,but you can't be PM and RC in the UK.

I found that book interesting, if a tad closeted.  If he's being completely frank, then the reasons he gave for invading Iraq hold water, but could just as easily be extended to invading Iran.

I see... well, I suppose you can't TELL me those reasons, because it would spoil it for The Medz!
Well, I'm not buying it, so I'll have to wait until one of you is ready to enlighten me.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Paddy on November 29, 2010, 07:16:16 pm
I'm an avid reader of novels and get through at least one a week. I usually read thrillers which can easily be picked up/put down while I'm sitting on the cab rank.  I've just finished one called The Bombmaker by Stephen Leather which is amongst the best I've ever read.

I also love Jeffrey Archer, who I think is a fantastic story teller and I highly recommend Paths Of Glory which is based on the life of George Mallory who might have been the first man to conquer Mount Everest.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: suepp on November 29, 2010, 07:28:48 pm
I also like thrillers and I'm reading my way through Harlen Coben's books which have a nice touch of humour in them, The latest being "Tell No One"
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yorkie on November 29, 2010, 07:48:12 pm
Personally I hate reading books.  If the first page doesn't grab my attention that is as far as I get.  I have probably read more first pages than most folk have whole books.   I do like Biographies or Auto biographies but nowadays with ghost writers they are not as exciting as some years ago.  I will no doubt have a few more "unreadables" in my Xmas stocking but they will fill a space at a car boot sale.     :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Fester on November 29, 2010, 09:07:59 pm
Im with you Yorkie... and people STILL insist on buying me books for Xmas....

In my case its because I have an attention span less than this chappie..
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: dontheturner on November 30, 2010, 01:53:05 am
 
 Of course, if any members here, are food lovers, then how about the William Black book

''The Land that Thyme Forgot''?  Don
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nemesis on November 30, 2010, 09:09:59 am
Fallen Angels by Tracy Chevalier was a strange book, but to me a very interesting one despite the 'odd' method of writing. It is set in Highgate Cemetery, a similar idea to 'Her Fearful Symmetry' by Audrey Niffenegger which centres around the same place.
The Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier gives an insight into the world of Vermeer, and The Lady and the Unicorn does the same for Tapestry Weaving in Medieval times.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Paddy on November 30, 2010, 04:54:17 pm
In my case its because I have an attention span less than this chappie..

No doubt caused by years of listening to Motorhead!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Fester on November 30, 2010, 05:10:48 pm
In my case its because I have an attention span less than this chappie..

No doubt caused by years of listening to Motorhead!

Pardon?  Speak up a little.....I'm a bit deaf from listening to Motorhead.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Paddy on November 30, 2010, 06:13:57 pm
In my case its because I have an attention span less than this chappie..

No doubt caused by years of listening to Motorhead!

Pardon?  Speak up a little.....I'm a bit deaf from listening to Motorhead.

I saw them at Port Vale footy ground 25+ years ago and when they came on stage Lemmy said "just for tonight we've got the biggest sound system ever assembled in the UK so you can all go home and say "what?""

It was bloody loud!

Hearing bad reports about the Venue gig though matey?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: white rabbit on November 30, 2010, 08:02:38 pm
I like biographys and novels but at the moment I'm reading a book by Jennifer Worth " Call the Midwife" - a true story of the East End in the 1950's.  Its very interesting and amusing.  I like to read in bed for half an hour or so before I go to sleep which annoys the OH!!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: suepp on November 30, 2010, 08:55:24 pm
I don't often read autobiographies but Paul O'Grady's "At my mothers knee and other low joints" was given to me as a Christmas present and I found it excellent, particularly as he is the same age as me and I could relate to the childhood experiences he had, and his brand of Scouse humour that is so recognisable. I loved his description  of his aunties wearing  Bri-Nylon dressing gowns gliding around the kitchen like  the Daleks!  ;D
It only goes up to the age of 18 so I'm looking forward to the next installment
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Fester on November 30, 2010, 11:23:56 pm
In my case its because I have an attention span less than this chappie..

No doubt caused by years of listening to Motorhead!

Pardon?  Speak up a little.....I'm a bit deaf from listening to Motorhead.

I saw them at Port Vale footy ground 25+ years ago and when they came on stage Lemmy said "just for tonight we've got the biggest sound system ever assembled in the UK so you can all go home and say "what?""

It was bloody loud!

Hearing bad reports about the Venue gig though matey?

Nah, It was fantastic mate...if you love Motorhead as I do it can never be ''bad''
Some guy complained on Oscar and one misguided letter to the NWWN, ... they are out of thier minds (and wrong)
Anyway, all this is nothing to do with this thread...(so I'm going to talk about the Status Quo gig on the right thread...)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DaveR on January 06, 2011, 08:51:02 pm
I'm currently reading 'The complete history of Jack the Ripper' (which is probably the definitive book on the murders) and, also, 'Shepperton Babylon', about what happened to the silent film stars of the British film industry. Both very enjoyable books.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Paddy on January 06, 2011, 08:58:43 pm
Hard Landing, by Stephen Leather. An excellent thriller writer.

I've got it on my new Kindle, which, despite spending most of December dropping hints, I bought myself this week.

Has anyone else got one?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yorkie on January 06, 2011, 09:00:18 pm
Jack the Ripper has lots of good Masonic theories!  If you find out "Who dunnit" let us know!   ;)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Trojan on January 07, 2011, 01:42:38 am
I'm currently reading 'The complete history of Jack the Ripper'

 _))*
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DaveR on January 21, 2011, 08:54:29 pm
Continuing my Victorian London theme, I'm now reading:

"The worst street in London" by Fiona Rule http://www.amazon.co.uk/Worst-Street-London-Fiona-Rule/dp/0711033633/ (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Worst-Street-London-Fiona-Rule/dp/0711033633/)

"In the 1890s it was not only the Daily Mail that was calling Dorset Street, a scatter of low lodging houses just off Spitalfields Market, "the Worst Street in the World". In a letter to The Times, it was also described as a "centre of evil" while the great philanthropist Charles Booth, who organised a poverty survey of the whole of London, went further, calling it: "the worst street in respect of poverty, misery, vice – of the whole of London". Fiona Rule's fascinating microhistory of the life and grimes of a long forgotten place does little to dispel this opinion."

Dorset Street was where Mary Jane Kelly was murdered by Jack The Ripper in his most horrific assault. It's indicative of the conditions of the street that her landlord, Jack McCarthy, re-let the filthy room she called home just a couple of weeks later - without bothering to even remove the bloodstains that covered the walls! The street still exists (albeit redeveloped) as a service road just off Commercial Street, Spitalfields.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Trojan on January 22, 2011, 04:33:23 am
The entrance to Miller's Court, where Mary Kelly lived, was off Dorset St and can be seen just beyond the chair in this photograph.
Annie Chapman, another Ripper victim, was living consistently in 1888 at Crossingham's Lodging House at 35 Dorset Street, Spitalfields, which catered for approximately 300 people.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Trojan on January 22, 2011, 05:37:18 am
However, for squalid London Rookeries my money is on The Old Nichol which was located on the border of Shoreditch & Bethnal Green, London E2.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Nichol (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Nichol)

The book, The Blackest Streets, by Sarah Wise may interest you Dave.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/jul/05/saturdayreviewsfeatres.guardianreview30 (http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2008/jul/05/saturdayreviewsfeatres.guardianreview30)

Most importantly, she gives a voice to the people of the Nichol themselves and, in particular, to one Arthur Harding, a resident and lifelong criminal whose lively reminiscences were tape-recorded in the 1970s when he was almost 90.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DaveR on January 22, 2011, 09:05:17 am
Thanks, Trojan, looks interesting, will order that one.  $good$
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Fester on January 23, 2011, 06:24:07 pm
I'm currently reading 'The complete history of Jack the Ripper'

 _))*

I am utterly convinced that the Ripper was one Francis Tumblety.

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yorkie on January 23, 2011, 06:31:47 pm
It could be one of this lot!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Trojan on April 25, 2011, 03:05:09 pm
I hate reading......

Me too.......
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Micox on April 25, 2011, 04:35:19 pm
 >>> Moderator. I'd like to complain that Trojan is inciting football violence.

Spent last night lying awake listening to the BBC radio 5 live "Up All Night" virtual bookshelf. They were looking for the eightieth book. These are the books on the shelf so far:

The Up All Night Virtual Bookshelf

1. The Oxford English Dictionary. (Chosen by Anita Sethi, 27/04/09).
2. The Complete Works of William Shakespeare. (By popular demand, 11/05/09).
3. Borstal Boy by Brendan Behan. (Coreena in Essex, 25/05/09).
4. The Hitch-Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. (John in Gravesend, 1/06/09).
5. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame. (Oriel in Bristol, 15/06/09).
6. The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists by Robert Tressell. (David in Ironbridge, 22/06/09).
7. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. (Paula in Lewisham, 29/06/09).
8. Animal Farm by George Orwell. (Steve in Ormskirk, 6/07/09).
9. The Bible.
10. Cider With Rosie by Laurie Lee, 20/07/09.
11. The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien, 27/07/09.
12. Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson. (Matthew in Edinburgh, 3/08/09).
13. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson, 10/08/09.
14. Geoffrey Chaucer's, "The Canterbury Tales".
15. Oxford Advanced Atlas by John Bartholomew. (Irene Coleford, Gloucester).
16. Catch 22 by Joseph Heller. (Pat in Newcastle, 28/09/09).
17. The Nation's Favourite Poems, foreword by Griff Rhys Jones.
(Steve in Ormskirk, 5/10/09).
18. The Great Gatsby by F.Scott Fitzgerald. (Careena in Brighton).
19. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
20. Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky, 2/11/09.
21. The Water Babies by Charles Kingsley, 9/11/09.
22. All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque. (Tony, Aberdare, 16/11/09).
23. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank.
24. Sherlock Holmes: The Complete Illustrated Short Stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. (30/11/09).
25. Cannery Row by John Steinbeck.
26. His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullman. (Ellen in Leeds, 14/12/09).
27. On the Road by Jack Kerouac.
28. The Millenium Trilogy by Stieg Larsson (Careena, 18/01/10).
29. The Shipping News by Annie Proulx. (25/01/10).
30. Kes: a Kestrel for a Knave by Barry Hines. (Gavin in Portsmouth and Simon in Brighouse).
31. The Machine Gunners by Robert Westall.
32. Dune by Frank Herbert. (Tom in Harwich).
33. Jude The Obscure by Thomas Hardy. (Paula in Lewisham).
34. Brewer's Dictionary of Phrase & Fable.
35. Bram Stoker's Dracula.
36. The Shooting of Dan McGrew by Robert W. Service. (Dan in Deptford).
37. Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. (5/04/10).
38. The Further Letters of Henry Root by Henry Root (aka William Donaldson). (18/04/10).
39. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas (Andrew in Blackheath, 26/04/10).
40. Spitfire Women of World War II by Giles Whittell. (3/05/10).
41. Wyrd Sisters by Terry Pratchett. (10/05/10).
42. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger.(17/05/10).
43. The Asterix books by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo (Liz in Highbury, 24/05/10).
44. The Iliad by Homer.
45. Eragon by Christopher Paolini. (28/06/10).
46. Shogun by James Clavell. (5/07/10).
47. Under Milk Wood by Dylan Thomas. (19/07/10).
48. Papillon by Henri Charrière. (26/07/10).
49. The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway. (2/08/10).
50. The Magus by John Fowles. (9/08/10).
51. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson. (23/08/10).
52. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. (Jane in Buckinghamshire, 30/08/10).
53. Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee: An Indian History of the American West by Dee Brown. (6/09/10).
54. Wilt by Tom Sharpe. (13/09/10).
55. Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein (20/09/2010).
56. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (27/09/2010)
57. No 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander MCall Smith (04/10/2010).
58. No Mean City by Alexander Mcarthur (11/10/2010).
59. Harry Potter (as one whole book) by J.K. Rowling (18/10/2010).
60. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain (25/10/2010).
61. Persuasion by Jane Austen (01/11/2010).
62. Birdsong by Sebastian Faulkes
63. A Book of Nonsense by Edward Lear (22/11/2010).
64. In the Sewers of Lvov by Robert Marshall (29/11/2010).
65. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas by John Boyne (06/12/2010).
66. Scoop by Evelyn Waugh (13/12/2010)
67. The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey
68. The Third Policeman by Flann O'Brien (03/01/2011)
69. Para Handy by Neil Munro
70. The Mayor of Casterbridge by Thomas Hardy (17/01/2010)
71. Rendezvous With Rama, by Arthur C Clarke (30/01/2010)
72. Pillars of the Earth, by Ken Follett
73. A Tale of Two Cities, by Charles Dickens
74. The Godfather, by Mario Puzo
75. An Evil Cradling, by Brian Keenan
76. Notes from a Small Island, by Bill Bryson
77. Don Quixote, by Miguel de Cervantes
78. The Civil War: A Narrative, by Shelby Foote
79. The Compleat Angler, by Izzak Walton.

The one voted on for the eightieth last night was Wuthering Heights.

Me, I've just finished 'Pyramid' - accounts of Wallander's early career in the Swedish cops and to my surprise I've just found a Rebus I hadn't read.

The best I've got of London are the biography (of London) by Peter Ackroyd, Henry Mayhew's 'London Labour and the London Poor' (recently reprinted) Edward Rutherford's 'London' and 'The Victorian Town Child' by Pamela Horn.

 ZXZ
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yorkie on April 25, 2011, 04:38:59 pm
I'm currently reading 'The complete history of Jack the Ripper'

I am utterly convinced that the Ripper was one Francis Tumblety.

Isn't this another event they blamed on the Masons?    ;D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Micox on April 25, 2011, 05:05:03 pm
What? The grocers shop?  L0L
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Fester on April 25, 2011, 11:09:11 pm
I think that one is allowed to hate a football club, (or an author, or a film)  without actually inciting violence?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Trojan on April 26, 2011, 02:05:31 am
I think that one is allowed to hate a football club, (or an author, or a film)  without actually inciting violence?

Only an author or a film Fester.  ;D

We're going off topic here Fester, this thread is about reading....as in books.  

Picked-up this nifty paperback a while ago but have not read it yet. I believe it's something to do with a leading figure in the Russian military. But then it mentions Britain's biggest hooligan firm? ASDA had a few tearaways working for them last time I was there, so it could be them.  :-X 

Tony O'Neil though? I didn't realize the Irish travelled that far east during the potato famine.  ???  

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Trojan on May 04, 2011, 06:39:59 pm
Now i am reading a Novel By William Shakespeare..

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Did_William_Shakespeare_write_novels (http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Did_William_Shakespeare_write_novels)  ???
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: suepp on May 12, 2011, 11:17:10 am
I always treat myself to new books on holiday,  most recently have read Trick of the Dark by Val McDermid, have read some of her books, notably the Tony Hill Wire in the Blood series, I like her writing style. Enjoyed this one which I think may be the introduction of characters for a new series of books.

 Also got Port Mortuary by Patricia Cornwell, but have found it slightly disappointing with too much preamble, references to characters who feature in the story only through the main characters' discussion of them, unlikeable main  characters -and  the author is too reliant on the readers prior knowledge of them. I've kept on reading though, as want to find out what happens so I must be getting something out of it!

At the airport I bought Harlan Coben's "Livewire" the next installment of his Myron Bolitar series - love this character and his friend Win, and the banter between them, I'm always tempted to answer the phone with the word "Articulate" after reading these. Can't wait to start it.

I also bought "Jump" by Jilly Cooper, I've always loved her books, one of the original "chiclit" authors and the only one I read

I also discovered I could download a Kindle onto my android phone and have got some free classics lined up to read, Middlemarch and Pride and Prejudice
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yorkie on May 12, 2011, 11:53:21 am
I also discovered I could download a Kindle onto my android phone and have got some free classics lined up to read, Middlemarch and Pride and Prejudice


Almost all the classics are available free from Kindle, so if you didn't read them as a child there is a second opportunity now at Zero cost - unless,of course you have to buy a kindle!   D)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Trojan on May 12, 2011, 07:17:43 pm
I also discovered I could download a Kindle onto my android phone and have got some free classics lined up to read, Middlemarch and Pride and Prejudice


Almost all the classics are available free from Kindle, so if you didn't read them as a child there is a second opportunity now at Zero cost - unless,of course you have to buy a kindle!   D)

Maybe you have kindle'd some interest here.  :-X
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yorkie on May 12, 2011, 08:03:36 pm
As I travel along Lifes Highway I do try to light   up peoples lives if I can.   ZXZ
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Trojan on May 13, 2011, 05:48:17 am
As I travel along Lifes Highway I do try to light   up peoples lives if I can.   ZXZ

You may enjoy this book about the Ratcliffe Highway murders then. Not so well known as the Ripper murders, but still as gruesome.

In 1811, John Williams was buried with a stake in his heart. Was he the notorious East End killer or his eighth victim in the bizarre and shocking Ratcliffe Highway Murders? In this vivid and gripping reconstruction P. D. James and T. A. Critchley draw on public records, newspaper clippings and hitherto unpublished sources, expertly sifting the evidence to shed new light on this infamous Wapping mystery.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yorkie on May 13, 2011, 07:47:45 am
Just ordered a copy from Amazon for £0.01 plus postage.  Gotta be a bargain!    $thanx$
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Blodyn on May 13, 2011, 09:52:19 am
I've just finished Zoe Ferraris' latest novel City of Veils, a sequal to The Night of the Mi'raj and just as enjoyable.  Each book is based upon the investigation of a murder in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where life, particularly for women, is governed by strict religious and cultural conventions and where "nothing is what it seems".  Highly recommended!

Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ian on May 21, 2011, 08:20:43 am
The  Washington Post's Mensa Invitational once again invited readers to take any word from the dictionary, alter it by adding, subtracting, or changing one letter, and supply a new definition.

1. Cashtration (n.):  The act of buying a house, which renders the subject financially impotent for an indefinite

period of time. 

2. Ignoranus: A person who's both stupid and an ass.

3. Intaxicaton:  Euphoria at getting a tax refund, which lasts until you realize it was your money to start with.

4. Reintarnation:  Coming back to life as a hillbilly.

 5. Bozone (n.):  The substance surrounding stupid people that stops bright ideas from penetrating. The bozone layer, unfortunately, shows little sign of breaking down in the near future.

 6. Foreploy: Any misrepresentation about yourself for the purpose of getting laid

 7. Giraffiti:  Vandalism spray-painted very, very high.

 8. Sarchasm: The gulf between the author of sarcastic wit and the person who doesn't get it.

 9. Inoculatte: To take coffee intravenously when you are running late.

 10. Osteopornosis:  A degenerate disease. (This one got extra credit.)

 11. Karmageddon:  It's like, when everybody is sending off all these really bad vibes, right? And then, like, the Earth explodes and it's like, a serious bummer.

 12. Decafalon (n):  The grueling event of getting through the day consuming only things that are good for you..

 13. Glibido: All talk and no action.

 14. Dopeler Effect: The tendency of stupid ideas to seem smarter when they come at you rapidly.

 15. Arachnoleptic  Fit (n.): The frantic dance performed just after you've accidentally walked through a spider web.

 16. Beelzebug (n.): Satan in the form of a mosquito, that gets into your bedroom at three in the morning  and cannot be cast out.

  17. Caterpallor (n.): The color you turn after finding half a worm in the fruit you're eating.

 The Washington Post has also published the winning submissions to its yearly contest, in which readers are asked to supply alternate meanings for common words.

 

And the winners  are:

 1. Coffee, n. The  person upon whom one coughs.

2. Flabbergasted, adj.  Appalled by discovering how much weight one has gained.

 3. Abdicate, v. To give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach.

 4. Esplanade, v. To attempt an explanation while drunk.

 5. Willy-nilly, adj.  Impotent.

 6. Negligent, adj.  Absent mindedly answering the door when wearing only a nightgown.

 7. Lymph, v. To walk with a lisp.

 8. Gargoyle, n.  Olive-flavored mouthwash.

 9. Flatulence, n.  Emergency vehicle that picks up someone who has been run over by a steamroller.

 10. Balderdash, n. A rapidly receding hairline.

 11. Testicle, n. A humorous question on an exam.

 12. Rectitude, n. The formal, dignified bearing adopted by proctologists.

 13. Pokemon, n. A Rastafarian proctologist.

 14. Oyster, n. A person who sprinkles his conversation with Yiddishisms.

 15. Frisbeetarianism, n. The belief that, after death, the soul flies up onto the roof and gets stuck there.

 16. Circumvent, n. An opening in the front of boxer shorts worn by Jewish men.

 
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Paddy on May 22, 2011, 04:03:07 am
 _))* _))* _))*
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Trojan on May 22, 2011, 06:13:33 am
Circumvent  _))*
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DaveR on May 22, 2011, 08:44:10 am
As I travel along Lifes Highway I do try to light   up peoples lives if I can.   ZXZ

You may enjoy this book about the Ratcliffe Highway murders then. Not so well known as the Ripper murders, but still as gruesome.

In 1811, John Williams was buried with a stake in his heart. Was he the notorious East End killer or his eighth victim in the bizarre and shocking Ratcliffe Highway Murders? In this vivid and gripping reconstruction P. D. James and T. A. Critchley draw on public records, newspaper clippings and hitherto unpublished sources, expertly sifting the evidence to shed new light on this infamous Wapping mystery.
I bought this book, am halfway through and it is very good.  $good$
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Trojan on May 22, 2011, 06:10:52 pm
As I travel along Lifes Highway I do try to light   up peoples lives if I can.   ZXZ

You may enjoy this book about the Ratcliffe Highway murders then. Not so well known as the Ripper murders, but still as gruesome.

In 1811, John Williams was buried with a stake in his heart. Was he the notorious East End killer or his eighth victim in the bizarre and shocking Ratcliffe Highway Murders? In this vivid and gripping reconstruction P. D. James and T. A. Critchley draw on public records, newspaper clippings and hitherto unpublished sources, expertly sifting the evidence to shed new light on this infamous Wapping mystery.
I bought this book, am halfway through and it is very good.  $good$

I won't tell you the ending then.  :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Fester on May 22, 2011, 10:08:56 pm
Blood and Retribution (Supplied By Dave R)

It is a biography of sorts about Nicholas Van Hoogstraten.

A notorious villain and slum landlord from the South coast of England,
.... a thoroughly ruthless business man, but very interesting character nonetheless.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DaveR on May 23, 2011, 08:13:01 am
Yes, I enjoyed that book very much. I wonder if anyone else in Llandudno has read it?  :-X
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Hugo on May 23, 2011, 12:57:54 pm
I was in Waterstones the other day just killing time but saw two books that caught my attention. One was a new edition of Llandudno Past and Present by Jim Roberts and the other was Llandudno Through Time by Christopher Draper and John Lawson Reay.
I liked Jim Roberts' book because at pg 76 was a picture of my Mother's old house at Penmorfa Cottages and I also liked the other book because it showed old photos of Llandudno and photos of the same location now.
I couldn't decide which one to buy so in the end I bought them both and thoroughly enjoyed reading them and looking at the photos.      $good$
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DaveR on May 23, 2011, 01:21:03 pm
Speaking of Waterstones, it has just been sold by HMV Group to a Russian Billionaire. It will be interesting to see what changes are made - I believe they want to give it much more of an Independent Bookseller feel, with local Management choosing what is sold.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Trojan on May 23, 2011, 05:48:02 pm
Yes, I enjoyed that book very much. I wonder if anyone else in Llandudno has read it?  :-X

 :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DaveR on October 16, 2011, 10:31:30 pm
I'm reading 'Staying On' at the moment.

"Tusker and Lily Smalley stayed on in India. Given the chance to return 'home' when Tusker, once a Colonel in the British Army, retired, they chose instead to remain in the small hill town of Pangkot, with its eccentric inhabitants and archaic rituals left over from the days of the Empire. Only the tyranny of their landlady, the imposing Mrs Bhoolabhoy, threatens to upset the quiet rhythm of their days. Both funny and deeply moving, Staying On is a unique, engrossing portrait of the end of an empire and of a forty-year love affair."

Very well written, it reminds me strongly of the sort of book J. G Farrell wrote.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Staying-Paul-Scott/dp/0099443198 (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Staying-Paul-Scott/dp/0099443198)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DaveR on February 15, 2012, 05:53:28 pm
I've started using the iBooks reader on the iPhone as a method of reading books when I have a spare 5 minutes to waste. I never thought I would enjoy reading a book on an electronic device but I have to say it works very well and you soon get used to it.

One of the first books I'm reading is 'Goldfinger', by Ian Fleming. Although I've seen most of the Bond films, I'd never read any of the books and I was very pleasantly surprised. A very tightly written thriller.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yorkie on February 15, 2012, 07:07:26 pm
I'm about half way through The Odyssey of Mary B: A True Tale by John Durand, which is the story of Mary sent to Australia with other criminals and convicts, her adventures and later return to England.  Fascinating story and compelling reading.

I am not an avid reader but find it difficult putting it down.  Loaded to my iPhone from Kindle.

Great for reading in bed when the OH wants the light out!    :D
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Fester on February 15, 2012, 07:59:36 pm
I very rarely read books... but its a bit boring on the pier at this time of year.
So boring in fact that I could learn a new language if I put my mind to it. $walesflag$

However, I have picked up a book that Mrs Fester bought me for Xmas.
I grimaced when I unwrapped it, because she knows I don't like books very much.

Its the autobiography of Freddie Blassie, one of the most popular wrestlers in America for almost half a century.

I knew very little about him, though I had heard of him and I knew he was somewhat controversial.

Well, I couldn't put it down, and I now intend to read a lot more this year.   
I might even put a list together for next Xmas??
Books might be a thing of the future!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DaveR on February 15, 2012, 08:23:20 pm
You can store hundreds of books on your iPhone and read them on there.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nemesis on February 15, 2012, 09:57:03 pm
My OH bought me a Kindle at Christmas, I have a habit of reading more than one book at a time, The History of Broadmoor and the whole works of Charles Dickens are on it now, as well as a number of horror stories and a Jilly Cooper which is somewhat inane !Re-reading James Herbert, John Saul and Richard Laymon too.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Fester on February 15, 2012, 10:28:05 pm
You can store hundreds of books on your iPhone and read them on there.

What iphone would this be?  :laugh:
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: hollins on February 17, 2012, 07:13:02 pm
I have just finished reading Piers of Wales. It is a super book with plenty of photographs but it left me feeling rather sad.
How can such wonderful structures have had such a hard time?
If it wasn't damage from the sea, it was fire or lack of finances that was the ultimate demise.
All the problems of indecisive councils and lack of maintenance doesn't seem to have changed in 200 years!
When you see Dave R's photographs of the rotting woodwork and rusty ironwork on Llandudno pier, it makes you scared that this one will go the same way as many others.
Surely this would never be allowed with its listed status?
Reading the book also made me realise the true significance of the Pier Pavilion and what a shame that there is no longer a bandstand on the pier.
Fester you are lucky to have an active part in keeping this magnificent structure going.
I loved the toll houses on the pier at Aberystwyth.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Fester on February 17, 2012, 08:54:02 pm
Hollins,

It is indeed a most interesting book.
The demise of all piers is inevitable in the end.  Its just a case of delaying that as long as possible.
Could it happen to Llandudno Pier you ask?

Well, it is happening.
By cuts in the amount of staff who maintain it, by ignoring minor wood-rot until it becomes chronic, and by lack of future investment in new ventures.... it leads to deterioration and before you know it, you have the Colwyn Bay scenario.  &shake&
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DaveR on February 17, 2012, 09:07:47 pm
I don't see why the demise of any pier is inevitable. A regular maintenance programme will ensure it is kept in good condition. As long as it makes a profit, then it can be sustained.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Fester on February 17, 2012, 09:24:56 pm
I was being philosophical.... the demise of ALL things is inevitable... but badly maintained piers even more so.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DaveR on February 17, 2012, 09:42:43 pm
I was being philosophical.... the demise of ALL things is inevitable...
Even the Universe itself?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Merddin Emrys on February 17, 2012, 10:07:56 pm
I was being philosophical.... the demise of ALL things is inevitable...
Even the Universe itself?

Only if owned by Six Universes!   WWW
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Fester on February 17, 2012, 10:11:35 pm
I was being philosophical.... the demise of ALL things is inevitable...
Even the Universe itself?

Yes, including BETBOO.COM
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Merddin Emrys on February 17, 2012, 10:12:37 pm
I was being philosophical.... the demise of ALL things is inevitable...
Even the Universe itself?

Yes, including BETBOO.COM

Nooooo!  :o
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Tick on November 27, 2012, 09:59:21 am
I'm reading A Song of Ice and Fire at the moment.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SDQ on November 27, 2012, 11:25:56 am
I'm reading A Song of Ice and Fire at the moment.


My favourite series of books but it can get quite frustrating waiting for each new release.
Sky Atlantic have bought the HBO adaptation of the series but they've stuck with the name
Game Of Thrones as the title to the series.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yorkie on November 27, 2012, 11:27:00 am
I'm reading the Father Brown stories by G.K Chesterton that I downloaded free from Kindle.   Anyone invested in a Kindle Fire yet?   If so what's the verdict?   ???
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DaveR on November 27, 2012, 11:30:39 am
I'm working my way through a couple of Clive Cusslers.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SDQ on November 27, 2012, 11:48:21 am
I quite like reading autobiographies, I've just finished
'Comedy and Error: They Really Were Marvellous Times' by Simon Day.
I've just downloaded my first book in iBooks on my iPad so I'm about to start reading
'Red: My Uncensored Life in Rock' by Sammy Hagar.
I bought the Enhanced Edition which has some videos in it too but was still a couple of
quid cheaper than the standard edition. Can't quite work that one out!
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Llechwedd on November 27, 2012, 12:29:19 pm
Half way through "Dominion" by C J Sansom.  What happened when Germany won the second World War, frightening but a good read.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Fester on November 27, 2012, 03:14:06 pm
I'm working my way through a couple of Clive Cusslers.

Hmm, I bet you are...  &shake&
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DaveR on November 27, 2012, 07:39:08 pm
I'm working my way through a couple of Clive Cusslers.

Hmm, I bet you are...  &shake&
I was waiting for that jibe... &shake&
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: white rabbit on November 27, 2012, 07:49:46 pm
I've nearly finished Lovers and newcomers by Rosie Thomas and quite enjoyed it
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nemesis on November 28, 2012, 11:26:42 am
Reading 'Moon' by James Herbert.

Just read 'Iris and Ruby' by Rosie Thomas and also by her 'The Potter's House.' Iris and Ruby was excellent, but I thought the end of 'The Potter's House was strange !

Have noticed copies of' 50 Shades of Grey' are creeping into the charity shops. My opinion? a load of hype, no proper story.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Tick on November 28, 2012, 12:56:34 pm
I'm reading new ordered flyers for my company (http://www.saxoprint.co.uk/flyers.aspx).
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Yorkie on November 28, 2012, 04:19:58 pm
I'm reading all the bumf that came with my copy of Saga Magazine. L0L
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: snowcap on November 28, 2012, 04:50:30 pm
haven't got a lot of time to read so i read the forum
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: white rabbit on November 28, 2012, 07:55:07 pm
Nemesis - I agree with you about 50 Shades - I borrowed it but gave it back to its owner after a few day!!  Must try Iris and Ruby though
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nemesis on November 28, 2012, 09:57:04 pm
Iris and Ruby--the descriptions of Cairo are really good-- the only thing is the story is told from two different time lines.
Did you try either of the other 'Shades' books? I didn't-- thought the first was bad enough, but my daughter read all 3 simply because she had got them and said all 3 were as bad !
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Fester on November 28, 2012, 11:37:09 pm
Mrs Fester has read all the 50 shades books, and was singularly unimpressed.

I left her to it, but once I sneaked a peek into what in those books, I couldn't help thinking...

If she caught ME reading stuff like that, I would be labelled 'Percy Filth' and spend the rest of my life in the spare bedroom.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Johann on January 24, 2013, 10:37:06 am
I read "Animal Farm" from George Orwell and "the picture of Dorian Grey" from Oscar Wilde
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: white rabbit on January 25, 2014, 05:34:29 pm
I have just read and enjoyed "She left me the gun" by Emma Brockes.  Its about a woman returning to South Africa to discover her family history.  I've also read "The silent tide" by Racel Hore and found that really good.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: hollins on February 21, 2015, 04:55:35 pm
I have just finished reading a book which I think Cambrian recommended to me some time ago. It is called Your Obedient Servant by George Hiller and it is a history of the land agents, stewards and owners of the Mostyn Estate.
There is an interesting letter from the architect and land agent George Humphreys to the 4th Lord Mostyn in which he describes his vision and hopes for Llandudno.
Some rather telling comments in it now we know what has happened since.
Here are two pages of the letter which I hope it is okay to post and hope that it is readable from the photo. The letter continues with paragraphs about Conference Rooms, Bodafon and Civic Centre.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: hollins on February 21, 2015, 05:03:18 pm
The promenade continues,
......of powerful electric lamps were placed on the sea side, for by lighting up the pebbled beach and sands at night, the whole town front would look very much more important, and be more attractive.
B) The day will come, I hope, when we shall have bold pieces of sculpture on the Promenade, at the end of each street, thus giving points of interest at the ends of Lloyd Street, Clonmel Street, Vaughan Street etc. The War Memorial forms such a feature at Gloddaeth Street.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DaveR on March 27, 2015, 07:31:18 pm
Currently reading Antony Beevor's excellent history of the Second World War. Highly recommended.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: white rabbit on March 27, 2015, 07:40:24 pm
I've just started "The Girl on the Train" by Paula Hawkins.  Also just finished Travels on my Elephant by Mark Shand and thoroughly enjoyed it! :)
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ian on March 28, 2015, 07:59:05 am
The Girl On the Train has attracted some pretty favourable reviews (http://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jan/08/the-girl-on-the-train-paula-hawkins-review-novel).
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: white rabbit on March 28, 2015, 07:30:10 pm
 $thanx$
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nemesis on March 29, 2015, 09:02:34 am
Just finished 'The Taxidermist's Daughter' by Kate Mosse loaned to me by a friend. It had been shortlisted for a National Book Award..................not sure about it really, very short chapters and rather too many characters. I kept having to refer back to see who was who.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: hollins on March 29, 2015, 10:12:38 am
I am reading Sun, Snow and Stars by Michael Lutscher. It is the story of how winter tourism got established in the Alps. It concentrates mostly on St Moritz and starts with how in the beginning it was tuberculosis patients who travelled there for the winter climate soon to be followed by winter sports enthusiasts.
There are some wonderful pictures in it and this is the attractive front cover.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Mr Tunnock on March 29, 2015, 10:53:28 am
Just finished reading the John Cleese autobiography, quite enjoyed it as a fan of the pythons.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ian on March 29, 2015, 11:38:57 am
I wasn't at all sure about it.  It was obviously written with an eye to performance, as it were, but I'd just finished Lee Mack's, which I found refreshingly open and honest compared with Cleese's.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Mr Tunnock on March 29, 2015, 11:48:01 am
Must admit it left me a bit bored by the end, somehow never got to the real Cleese, I'm pretty sure the book was written with an eye on the sequel.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ian on March 29, 2015, 12:05:20 pm
I suspect so. Yes - the 'real' Cleese was conspicuously missing.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: DaveR on February 05, 2018, 09:46:20 am
Wondering if anyone has read this Llandudno themed novel? Shades of Malcolm Pryce's Aberystwyth novels but certainly sounds like fun, I've bought it for the Kindle:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/GOAT-GULL-GIRL-Llandudno-Mystery-ebook/dp/B076VGYDDW/ (https://www.amazon.co.uk/GOAT-GULL-GIRL-Llandudno-Mystery-ebook/dp/B076VGYDDW/)

"The alternate Llandudno is no ordinary seaside town its Victorian ancestry has left behind a dark and sinister underworld where corruption is rife and murder common place. Rikki Moran part-time librarian, part-time private investigator, and his faithful partner Sally-Ann become embroiled in a complex web of deceit after the slaying and brutal murder of a local burlesque dancer and subsequent mysterious death of her husband, a notable local Ornithologist. The only eye witness is an elderly retired Kashmiri Goat Keeper, resident at the Great Orme Hospice. As environmental catastrophe looms in the local Gull population, some extraordinary events at the Llandudno Clandestine Cake Club dovetail to leave Rikki and Sally-Ann fighting for their lives. Rikki must overcome the ghosts of his past in order to survive, whilst grappling with an unforeseen wild eyed romantic entanglement. In the end Llandudno will never be the same again."
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: SteveH on February 05, 2018, 10:01:24 am
A strange subject for a Nordic writer ?  As you say sounds like fun, let us know if it's worth reading.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: squigglev2 on February 05, 2018, 05:56:15 pm
Not reading through as it is more of an encyclopedia in format but something a brother got me for Christmas that I've dipped into a couple of times:  Companion To Traditional Irish Music (second edition).

On localish things. A friend gave mum Pigeon by Alys Conran: http://www.walesartsreview.org/novel-pigeon-by-alys-conran/ (http://www.walesartsreview.org/novel-pigeon-by-alys-conran/)
I gather mum is finding it a little heavy going but intends to read it through.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Nemesis on February 05, 2018, 08:03:31 pm
Just finished Secret Llandudno by John Lawson-Reay and also the Biography of the Travelling Wilburys.
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: WarnerRen on March 10, 2018, 07:19:38 am
I'm currently half way through the third book of the Mistborn trilogy by Brandon Sanderson. It's amazing! Any other Sanderson fans in here?
Title: Re: What are you reading?
Post by: Ian on March 10, 2018, 08:24:19 am
Heard of it but not ventured in, yet. The Epic Fantasy novel genre is fast growing, now, especially since LOTR made so much money.
Title: Re: What are you reading?....New Book
Post by: SteveH on June 29, 2022, 01:43:24 pm
AN ARMY veteran based in Conwy is to release his debut novel next month.

Charles Cordell will release ?God?s Vindictive Wrath?, published by Myrmidon, on Tuesday, July 12.

He will then be signing copies of the book in Waterstones, Llandudno on Saturday, July 16, where he will be joined by re-enactors from Sir John Owens Regiment of Foote dressed and equipped as soldiers of the British Civil Wars.

?God?s Vindictive Wrath? is a story set during the first weeks of the English Civil War reflecting the sort of tribalism, ?culture war? and extremism not uncommon today.

cont https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/20243306.conwy-veteran-celebrate-release-first-novel-llandudno-book-signing/