Tales of Home [7]

I enjoyed Kristine Larsen's keynote on science and Tolkien and Lewis's works more than I thought I would. A really interesting look at the state of science (mainly astrophysics) while Tolkien and Lewis were writing and how that influenced their ideas. Came out with a lot of new ideas to dig into. I had high expectations for Janet Brennan Croft's presentation on Tolkien's use of introductions and prefaces (which was not live-streamed, I don't think) but was left somewhat disappointed. She didn't really get into that much analysis and left out a number of prefaces and framing devices, including everything related to "The Silmarillion". She expressed surprise at the number of suggestions for stuff to include that she got at the end.

Felt the same about both. Found myself ravenous so bugged out for lunch already. Then off for flying this afternoon

Eldorion wrote:

Happy flying, halfy!

The third talk I was in went way over so I didn't have time for a real lunch. Raided the donuts in the main room again.

Rest of the conference was a bit of a mixed bag but a pretty good time. Went to another bar afterwards with some people from the Tolkien communities on tumblr and LiveJournal, most of whom were presenters. Not, I still didn't drink any alcohol. Ended up being out for like 12.5 hours straight which is a lot of stimulation for ame introvert me even though there weren't huge crowds. Fun trip all in all though. Having the Forumshire Moot definitely helped make it feel worth it.

BTW since i know Petty wanted video; I didn't take any but you can hear my voice and occasionally see me in the video linked below. There was a good deal of audience participation in this particular presentation/workshop and I was sitting next to the camerawoman. I wanted to comment on several other Lore points I disagreed with but I tried to restrain myself.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1831979693703122&id=1606798949554532

I am so jelous!!

So am I. Maybe a Euro meet next. Less lore, more drinking I suspect.

I still like the idea of the oxford moot.

{{{Just so you know if we do have a UK moot you are getting Petty, in full Highland regalia complete with buckie, just so you know. And are warned. }}}}

We get to see your fine fetlocks

{{{After a few  buckies wearing my kilt you'll most likely see a damn sight more than that whether you want to or no! }}}

Eldorion wrote:Rest of the conference was a bit of a mixed bag but a pretty good time. Went to another bar afterwards with some people from the Tolkien communities on tumblr and LiveJournal, most of whom were presenters. Not, I still didn't drink any alcohol. Ended up being out for like 12.5 hours straight which is a lot of stimulation for ame introvert me even though there weren't huge crowds. Fun trip all in all though. Having the Forumshire Moot definitely helped make it feel worth it.

Well, then it's definitely about time.

I would love to see pictures from a Euro Moot even if I was unable to attend. Whether it's in Oxford, Norway, or wherever.

Bluebottle wrote:Well, then it's definitely about time.

I did tell halfy that if/when I make it to the UK I will at least try a little bit of buckie to see what all the fuss is about.

I will at least try a little bit of buckie to see what all the fuss is about.- Eldo


{{{ Eldo, buckie does not work like that. You can't have a little bit. Noone drinks a glass of buckie what would be the point? The point of buckie is to get wrecked, tae git oot o' it, aff yer heid, mad wi it, pished and mental.
Besides you can't have a little bit because its so very moreish, like cocaine }}}

I was more thinking a few sips, although since raspberry buckie doesn't appear to be real I might pass on even that...

I forgot to mention before; I checked out Madison Square Park last night, though the line at shake shack was really long and I was ravenous and in more of a pizza mood anyway so I didn't stick around too long.

Yeah, you go to the madison square shake shack with friends to provide entertainment during the wait.

Well, I'd say if you're comfortable drinking nothing, you might very well be comfortable drinking only a little. Why not try some things you think sound interesting. Like, some ipa's, some good italian wine, or some scottish whisky. In moderation, it could be fun, no? After all, alcoholic beverages are one of the areas where human culinary efforts has gone the furthest, some products being the.. err.. product.. of hundreds of years of specilization. (I somethimes think, hey, I'm drinking history. )

I've tried plenty of wines and beers in the past and never enjoyed the taste of any of them. I've enjoyed some "hard lemondades" and the like but since I'm not interested in drinking to get drunk (or "buzzed") there's really no reason to go for the  (more expensive) alcoholic version IMO.

IPAs should not be on the list of fun things to try if not accustomed to alcohol: a very acquired (and IMHO misguided) taste. One of the more complex Belgians may do. Really nice wines and fragrant whiskeys/cognacs are the way to go. Not scotch or tequila, also acquired tastes, though very fine scotch may pass the initiate's test.

My real introduction to actually enjoying alcohol was Jack Daniels, which I had always thought of as a redneck drink until I had it mixed with some sprite. I was surprised at the flavors I had been missing out on.

{{{A good peaty smoky island single malt would do you the trick Eldo }}}

The only alcohol I actually like the taste of is Pimms and that's lethal because its like refreshing fruit juice until you get up off your stool and instead of walking on your legs you find they have turned to jelly while you weren't looking. so embarrassing. the crawling on all fours. in a dress and heels. towards the exit. in a stunned silence. with a little giggle from some sarcastic cow.

Mrs Figg wrote:you get up off your stool and instead of walking on your legs you find they have turned to jelly while you weren't looking. so embarrassing. the crawling on all fours. in a dress and heels.

{{{{brings back vague memories of the last Forumshire picnic }}}}

I don't think it is about getting drunk as such really, that is where there is a misunderstanding with a lot of people, I think. Equating any sort of drinking with getting.. spluttoed.. spluttered.. spellchecked.. (while that might all be rather fun in its own way) is really misunderstanding the whole proposition. Mostly alcohol just strengthens the emotions you are having currently, so if you are in a comfortable position with people you enjoy, having one drink, will only make you a little more comfortable, a little losser, and make you enjoy the experience a bit more. I'm all for it. (The spluttoed.. spluttered.. spellchecked.. part is more optional, although, can be fun to, in moderation.)