,
Sir Terry Pratchett was knighted by the Queen for services to literature in the 2009 New Year Honours. A prolific writer and possessor of a quirky and satirical sense of humor, his books are a delight, leading the reader through outbursts of laughter and unusual observations about our world. Always with a light and gentle touch, his satire and tolerance of human foibles is a lesson to us all.
When asked, in December 2006, about his habit of permanently wearing a black hat, he replied: “I do take it off sometimes because how else is a man to shower?”
We will miss you, Sir Terry. We thank you for leaving behind the legacy of your humor and delightful imagination.
Give a lift to your morning … or any time of day … and take the time to listen to this delightful edition of Newton’s first conversation with Sergeant Shadwell … including the “Witchfinder’s Kit. List of Essential Equipment”. (described at about 3:50)
Accompanying artwork is whimsical. And watch for the notes at the bottom of certain pages.
If you want to hear Newt’s enthusiastic response to his interlude with Anathema, proceed to 26:14.
Only 7 days left to listen to Episodes 1 and 2.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02fjndj
Colin talks about Newton Pulsifer, Witch Finder
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9teAhc3tIA
One can tell from Colin’s comments that he really likes Newton … perhaps has a little soft spot for him … delightful! Treat yourself and listen … once … or twice, even!
Best performances: Island 
The Story …
This is a wonderful film based on an intriguing novel. The film is entirely true to the mood of the novel. The island itself, it has been said, is actually a character in the film. The sounds of sea, surf, and wind predominate. The scenes of sea and sky and wind swept hills are beautifully filmed. The actors are excellent. Colin Morgan’s portrayal of Calum is nothing short of exceptional. It is melancholy and, yet, hopeful. It has become a favorite of mine, which can be experienced over and over and over again.
Calum is a young man who lives in a dream world of faeries and sylkies, and legends told him by his father. His mother dominates him and keeps him very close, unwilling to risk his getting away. He is simple, sweet and caring; he is not worldly in any sense. The character Nikki upsets this balance. He befriends her, but the mother wants her gone. This creates the dynamic which will change their lives.
Nikki is a very angry young woman who was abandoned at birth and brought up in foster homes. There are flash-backs of cruelty aimed at her by other children. She became very bitter and vengeful over the years. In her late twenties she found that it was possible to trace her birth mother. She did so … determining to find her and have her revenge, imagining that she would kill the woman who left her. She finds her mother on this remote island and rents a room from her while she bides her time. As she rents the room, she finds out that the woman has a son, Calum. Now, she has another painful blow … the mother kept the son … why not her?
Nikki is introduced to the island by Calum. He shows her the treasures he has saved from the sea … an assortment of rocks, shells, detritus, old shoes, etc. He is ebullient, happy, filled with the wonder of the world around him. He is a unique young man caught up in the lore and tales of the island, escaping his mother’s reach whenever possible. These two spend time together. Calum tells her many of the tales of the island. (These are very special moments for me, as his ability to relate these stories is soulful and quite beautiful.)
Calum tells Nikki that he tried to leave once and how that affected his mother (Phyllis). Nikki decides the way to really have her revenge is to take Calum away. She realizes that Calum likes her … and that precipitates her leading him on. She knows exactly what she is doing as she encourages his attentions. His approach to her is very tender and sweet … but she lets it go on too long, and he becomes aroused …
I won’t say this scene is not unsettling, but it is over very quickly. Very early in their meeting Calum had reached out to touch Nikki’s necklace, “pretty,” he says in his awkward way. She slaps him, and he retreats immediately … which says she could have controlled this later encounter if she had chosen to do so.
He is distraught over the incident, and painfully sorry. The story continues. Nikki still attempts to get him away by encouraging him to go with her to the mainland. There is a storm, they do not make it. In the aftermath of the storm Nikki returns to the house and confronts Phyllis … more of the back-story is revealed. But Calum overhears their conversation, and understands now that Nikki is Susan, his sister. Feeling ashamed and betrayed, he bursts through the door and violently strikes his mother in anger. This fatal act supplies the catalyst for the film’s resolution.
(also posted in Island pages, top of blog, home menu bar)
If you missed the first episode of Good Omens … search the link provided and you will see BBC Radio 4 has provided access to each episode for 4 weeks after its initial broadcast. So you can catch up! And so can I ! So, here it is for now and future reference. Enjoy!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02fjndj
The demon and angel hatch a plan to save the earth and stop Armageddon.
Here is a link to enjoy … a clip of Crowley and Aziraphale discussing the coming event.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p02fjndj
Radioplay coming Monday, 22Dec2014
Are you ready? Because the radio drama Good Omens will be here soon!
… the apocalypse is nigh. (In the best way of course.) The highly anticipated radio adaptation of Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman’s 1990 cult classic Good Omens finally has an official airdate.
The six-part drama is due to begin with a double Monday, December 22 at 11pm and running throughout Christmas week before culminating in an hour-long finale on December 27.
Good Omens will be broadcast on BBC radio on the following dates. BBC radio is not restricted to regions and can be listened to anywhere in the world. Neil Gaiman explains the how-to in this link:
http://neil-gaiman.tumblr.coThurm/post/104901009146/good-omens-fandom
This is the schedule as published: Most times are GMT 23:00 (11pm) = EST 6pm.
Episode 1: Monday, 12/22, 23:00; Episode 2: Monday, 12/22, 23:30
Episode 3: Tuesday, 12/23, 23:30 Episode 4: Thursday, 12/25, 23:30
Episode 5: Friday, 12/26, 23:27 Episode 6: Saturday, 12/27, 14:30
Read it for Laughter … and Thoughts to Provoke. Expect double takes on double entendrés. Expect a smile to be stuck on your face for most of the read, except when it bursts forth into a continuous giggle. Expect the unexpected.
The world will end next Saturday … except that a somewhat fussy angel and a fast-living demon — each of whom has lived among Earth’s mortals for many millennia and has grown rather fond of the lifestyle — are not particularly looking forward to the coming Rapture. If Crowley and Aziraphale are going to stop it from happening, they’ve got to find and kill the Antichrist (which is a shame, as he’s a really nice kid). There’s just one glitch: someone seems to have misplaced him. . . .
Adam, the Antichrist, and the Hound from Hell …….
I’m looking forward to the release of the RadioPlay (another Colin adventure) sometime after January 2015. How about you?
Colin had said in an earlier interview that Terry Pratchett is one of his favorite authors. Here’s where the “dark side” becomes delightful.
Read it for Laughter … and Thoughts to Provoke. Expect double takes on double entendrés. Expect a smile to be stuck on your face for most of the read, except when it bursts forth into a continuous giggle. Expect the unexpected.
The world will end next Saturday … except that a somewhat fussy angel and a fast-living demon — each of whom has lived among Earth’s mortals for many millennia and has grown rather fond of the lifestyle — are not particularly looking forward to the coming Rapture. If Crowley and Aziraphale are going to stop it from happening, they’ve got to find and kill the Antichrist (which is a shame, as he’s a really nice kid). There’s just one glitch: someone seems to have misplaced him. . . .
Adam, the Antichrist, and the Hound from Hell …….
I’m looking forward to the release of the AudioPlay (another Colin adventure) sometime after January 2015. How about you?
Colin had said in an earlier interview that Terry Pratchett is one of his favorite authors. Here’s where the “dark side” becomes delightful.
bbcdiscovery 