Re: Barry Freed (from durance vile? No, just from places that aren't London.)

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And if anyone can tell me if I need to/should buy tickets for the Heathrow Connect online or if I can get them at the station (GWR ticket office?) please let me know.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 2:58 AM
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Or Heathrow Express or whatever it's called.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 3:05 AM
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Apparently I want the Express non-stop to Paddington. Now to figure out whether to catch it from Heathrow Central or Terminal 5. And where/when to meetup for drinks.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 3:24 AM
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And hopefully some Knifecrimean will provide helpful answers before Moby wakes up and fills this thread with puns.

My email is at the link.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 3:27 AM
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You can buy them at the station. I don't think there's any advantage to buying online (except not fussing with a machine on the platform). If you have enough time to take the Connect (i.e. stopping train) or the underground, it's a lot less money.


Posted by: Alex | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 3:31 AM
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What Alex said. The Connect or the underground are both fine. Takes a bit longer, but much cheaper.

3rd, I think, or 5th should be good for me, I think. 4th is definitely out.


Posted by: nattarGcM ttaM | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 4:03 AM
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Depending where you sit on the too-old-for-this-shit scale and how budget constrained the other Knifecrimers are, can I tentatively suggest The Tiroler Hut? At least if we're not doing Sunday. It's super cheesy but very fun for an evening on the lash. Failing that there's the Victoria, but otherwise Paddington's not an amazing pub location.

Alternatively, there's a smashing pub near the Royal Albert Hall, the Queen's Arms.


Posted by: Ginger Yellow | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 5:18 AM
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Do you have Prince Albert in your arms?


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 6:04 AM
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At least the knifecrimers explained the trains in time.


Posted by: Mossy Character | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 6:28 AM
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The Thomas Cook Meta-Table gives the schedule for explaining the train schedule.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 6:30 AM
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I'm now trying to figure out how the hell to get from LHR Terminal 4 to the Heathrow Express/Connect.

And the Express doesn't look that much more expensive. Less than half the Connect price. I might do it just because I'll be a nervous wreck trying to get to the airport on time on Monday morning. It would be different if I lived there and flew regularly.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 6:37 AM
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8 Every time I take a leak.


Posted by: Opinionated Jim Ward | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 6:41 AM
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Since both Omaha Eppley and Londeon Heathrow are both international airports, they must be about the same size. You can just walk to ground transportation from any gate.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 6:41 AM
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7: Noooo! I used to live around there, and the place was dreadful. It's unlikely that anywhere touristy has improved since then. I don't know anywhere up to date and nice near Paddington. Where is the Queen's Arms?

Seconding 6: about the trains. Unless you are in a desperate hurry or someone else is paying, the Heathrow Express is not worth the considerable extra cost.

I am fine with 3rd or 5th but not 4th. Ume I know can do 5th but can also speak for herself.


Posted by: NW | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 6:42 AM
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Just follow the signs. There's a shuttle to the Terminal 2/3 station. Heathrow Express is over £20 each way unless you book way in advance. I'd be surprised if the Connect cost more than half that.



Posted by: Ginger Yellow | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 6:43 AM
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The place listed in 7 looks great, but the meetuo would go to the next level if you held it there and everyone came dressed as their favorite Richard Scary character


Posted by: R Tigre | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 6:44 AM
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Where is the Queen's Arms?

It's tucked away in a side street, Queen's Gate Mews, just west of Imperial.


Posted by: Ginger Yellow | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 6:46 AM
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Admit it Ginger, you just made that up for the gullible foreigner.


Posted by: Mossy Character | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 6:54 AM
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Do we know who Tigre's favorite even is? I'm assuming Bananas Gorilla, but could be wrong.


Posted by: Thorn | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 6:57 AM
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The Queen's Arms sounds good to me so far.

I'll check out the Connect. I do get a generous per diem though. (How generous I really don't want to say, I'm expecting it to fund another conference I'm paying my own way that I'm going to in the US in a couple of weeks.)

AIBIHMHB I'm a vegetarian. I don't think that should matter much though.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 6:58 AM
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It matters to me.


Posted by: Opinionated Veal Calf | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 7:00 AM
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Don't tempt me. My grandma made plenty of cutlets back in the day.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 7:01 AM
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Well, it probably rules out having scotch eggs.


Posted by: Ginger Yellow | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 7:02 AM
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Taking a vegetarian to an Austrian restaurant seems like a bad idea because every Austrian vegetarian I ever heard of is Hitler.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 7:06 AM
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So what, the Holocaust was just about some bad falafels? Talk about victim blaming.


Posted by: Mossy Character | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 7:12 AM
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Causality is hard to prove so cut off all the correlates to be safe.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 7:15 AM
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24: You're safe! Hitler was not a vegetarian! You don't know of any Austrian vegetarians.

The vegetarian thing was just propaganda to do with the Nazi obsession with purity. Actually the bastard loved his sausages, as all true volk do.


Posted by: togolosh | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 7:37 AM
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Are you sure? That sounds like vegetarian propaganda.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 7:58 AM
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Actually the bastard loved his sausages, IYKWIMAITYD.


Posted by: Mossy Character | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 8:03 AM
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I thought that was Röhm.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 8:04 AM
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It's a very popular delicacy.


Posted by: Mossy Character | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 8:21 AM
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I can make the evening of the 5th (can't get into London before 6ish). I should be singing in a choir gig on the 3rd but since I've missed the last two rehearsals should probably skip it, in which case I could make it then as well. But it's going to be a lot easier to hear ourselves talk on a Sunday night in a London pub than on a Friday.


Posted by: Ume | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 8:22 AM
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Ume is apparently Inspector Morse.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 8:29 AM
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Which makes the not-singing one Lewis.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 8:30 AM
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To be fair, I doubt the Queen's Arms will be too boisterous even on a Friday. It's a pretty laid back pub. Or it has been every time I've been there.


Posted by: Ginger Yellow | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 9:46 AM
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I think I have been there, and thoroughly endorse it, if it's the place I remember. (This is at least as helpful an endorsement as any you will find on tripadvisor)


Posted by: NW | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 10:11 AM
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Queen's Arms looks great. Has my vote. (It isn't the place I was thinking of at all)


Posted by: NW | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 10:15 AM
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What was the place you were thinking of?


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 10:17 AM
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Queen's Arms looks about an hour-ish journey for me, which is decent.


Posted by: nattarGcM ttaM | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 12:51 PM
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38: I've no idea. I couldn't find it on google street view, and it may have vanished entirely. Pubs do, these days. And the QA is certainly better than wandering around Hyde Park in the rain, shouting "Who wants to sex Mutombo?"


Posted by: NW | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 2:38 PM
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Though that would make a good alternative ending to Withnail.


Posted by: Ginger Yellow | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 2:47 PM
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32. Make sure it's open on a Sunday evening. Not all London pubs are, as I and a group I was with learned to our cost last time we arranged to meet in London.


Posted by: chris y | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 2:59 PM
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40 Can't find the comment now but as I wrotebefore I intend to be running across the Serpentine doing my best Peter Falk impersonation.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 8:33 PM
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Are there really places that aren't London? I mean, worth mentioning?


Posted by: nosflow | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 9:29 PM
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Dr. Ude then spoke with the eloquence and charm which is the prerogative of the true orator.

He had a message to proclaim and this he delivered in a clear and decisive tone. His subject was "VEGETARIANISM AS A SAVING FACTOR IN THE APPROACHING WORLD CHAOS." Dr. Ude said that the universe was governed by certain laws, which, in order to achieve perfection, must be rigidly followed. The individual, he said, was free to accept these principles or reject them and it was because nations had ignored them that the world to-day was suffering from the effects of warfare and economic and political chaos.


Posted by: Dr. Johannes Ude | Link to this comment | 06- 1-16 9:55 PM
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I'm in favor of warfare and economic and political chaos.


Posted by: Walt Someguy | Link to this comment | 06- 2-16 12:23 AM
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Clinton voter, then. No judgment.


Posted by: teofilo | Link to this comment | 06- 2-16 12:25 AM
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Trump voter surely.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 2-16 12:36 AM
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Fair enough, though I was assuming we didn't have many of those 'round here.


Posted by: teofilo | Link to this comment | 06- 2-16 12:37 AM
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Are there really places that aren't London? I mean, worth mentioning?

In Britain? Not if you believe the present government, for sure. Does the US goverment systematically ignore the rest of the country outside DC to the same extent?


Posted by: chris y | Link to this comment | 06- 2-16 1:42 AM
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There's also the Northern Powerhouse, wherever that is.


Posted by: Ginger Yellow | Link to this comment | 06- 2-16 1:50 AM
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Do they serve vegetarian food and beer?


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 2-16 1:51 AM
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Chips and gravy could be vegetarian, I guess, if they didn't use beef drippings.


Posted by: Ginger Yellow | Link to this comment | 06- 2-16 2:29 AM
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Hullo all: will try and make one of these as I miss you scandalous reprobates. Sat actually best for me as I am caught up in involved projects Fri&Sun -- will be tired by eve if not unfree. Queens Head food quite fancy so probably includes veg option (tho I haven't been there for five years or more).


Posted by: tierce de lollardie | Link to this comment | 06- 2-16 2:34 AM
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Does the US goverment systematically ignore the rest of the country outside DC to the same extent?

This made me laugh. DC is probably one of the more neglected cities in the US, I would think.


Posted by: Parenthetical | Link to this comment | 06- 2-16 4:09 AM
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But, it was designed to be that way, what with its lack of representation, etc.


Posted by: Parenthetical | Link to this comment | 06- 2-16 4:10 AM
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There's also the Northern Powerhouse, wherever that is.

It as envisaged as being Manchester, Leeds and Sheffield, but the government is busily withdrawing funds from all three cities, because they can. Also, the places in northern England that need development plans a lot more than any of the above are being studiously ignored.


Posted by: chris y | Link to this comment | 06- 2-16 4:47 AM
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So Queens Arms on Sunday for certain? What time? My event ends at 6 but I can leave earlier. 5 or 5:30 would be fine.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 2-16 9:15 AM
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6 would be best for me but I'm flexible.


Posted by: Ginger Yellow | Link to this comment | 06- 2-16 9:38 AM
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Unfortunately I won't now be able to make it - unexpected work thing... very sorry to miss it. I expect liveblogging.


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 06- 2-16 1:51 PM
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That's too bad. At least this even's up the odds on the knife-fighting front. There may be another trip in the fall - on leave for the film festival with Chani - but we'll see.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 2-16 2:07 PM
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Your mission, Barbarella; Find Durance Durance


Posted by: Natilo Paennim | Link to this comment | 06- 2-16 2:08 PM
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I wrote before I intend to be running across the Serpentine

Across the bridge across the Serpentine, I hope. Due, one supposes, to an unusually wet season, the Serpentine itself is, like the streets of Venice, in such a condition as to make equestrian (or pedestrian) exercise impracticable.


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 1:47 AM
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This is not off-topic, by the way, because ekranoplans are never off topic: Dux Aircraft in Moscow has unveiled a new propellor-powered biplane-configuration* ekranoplan, the Storm Petrel-24M. It's no Lun-class, I'll be the first to admit but it has a certain 1950s-styled charm, like the sort of thing Shorts Brothers used to turn out, and I am rather fond of its quirky powerplant setup; seats 24, or 8 in the premium-class grotto configuration. Would suit a large family.

*looks like more of a T-tail to me.

Here's the article. http://nahnews.org/788085-v-iyune-rossiya-spustit-na-vodu-novyj-ekranoplan-burevestnik-24m/

And in case there's anyone here who doesn't read Russian, here's another writeup in Czech, with a better pic. http://cz.sputniknews.com/svet/20160602/3191073/nejnovejsi-ekranoplan-burevestnik-24-m-spousteni-voda.html


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 1:55 AM
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Across the bridge across the Serpentine, I hope. Due, one supposes, to an unusually wet season, the Serpentine itself is, like the streets of Venice, in such a condition as to make equestrian (or pedestrian) exercise impracticable.

And there I was wondering in which film Peter Falk played Jesus.

Looks like it'll be "flying" soon. Let us know if any video is published


Posted by: Ginger Yellow | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 2:21 AM
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And there I was wondering in which film Peter Falk played Jesus.

One that I dearly want to watch - presumably a version of the life of Christ entirely set in New York.

We've already had Harvey Keitel as Judas, and Peter Falk has played an incarnated angel in "Wings of Desire", so there's prior art. Maybe Robert De Niro as Peter?


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 2:37 AM
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A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them. Though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "There's just one more thing..."


Posted by: Ginger Yellow | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 2:49 AM
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"Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall not get eaten by the eels at this time."


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 3:06 AM
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Nevertheless I intend to be doing my best Peter Falk impersonation in close proximity to the Serpentine. In other news wheels down LHR. It's been a long while.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 5:22 AM
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What's tipping culture here (restaurants and house keeping)?


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 6:03 AM
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Restaurants, 12-15% but never


Posted by: chris y | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 6:08 AM
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OK, ... never less than £1. Cafeterias, just drop a quid in the box. Housekeeping is more debatable. I would say £5 for one night, £10 flat rate for longer, others may disagree.


Posted by: chris y | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 6:10 AM
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Restaurants will usually include the service in the bill (15% is the high end of normal). If you want to be sure it goes to the staff only pay the base amount on your card.

For housekeeping, I'm not actually sure, not being much of a hotel user in-country, but I do know I have to remind myself to do it when visiting the US. I think it's not the norm.

Generally speaking you tip at sit down restaurants, in taxis, and for some personal services (eg pizza delivery, haircuts), but not otherwise unless you see a tip jar.


Posted by: Ginger Yellow | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 6:12 AM
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Restaurants will usually include the service in the bill

IME, for values of "usually" equating to "maybe not quite half the time". Perhaps it's more common in London than elsewhere.


Posted by: chris y | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 6:18 AM
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And a word to the wise: in London, if you aren't in a position to get a black cab, swallow your principles and use Uber. If you ask your hotel/restaurant to call you a cab there's a more than trivial chance you'll end up with somebody who has no idea where you want to go and has no working satnav. There appears to be no control over these cowboys. At least Uber drivers have functional satnav, because their income depends on that, not on their dodgy mates at the reception desk.


Posted by: chris y | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 6:31 AM
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Well, you could also swallow some marginally different principles and call Addison Lee.


Posted by: Ginger Yellow | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 6:40 AM
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True. Hard call which is worse.


Posted by: chris y | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 6:42 AM
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Huh. Is restaurant tipping new (last few decades?) in England? We must have talked about this before, but I thought that was a Europe/America difference, that we did and you didn't. Or has England always been a tipping culture but continental Europe isn't?


Posted by: LizardBreath | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 7:27 AM
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England, and Scotland and Wales and Northern Ireland, have had tipping cultures for as long as I've been aware, which is over 50 years. In that time restaurant tips have risen slightly and taxi tips have fallen considerably, but you always tip, unless your service is so bad you want to make a point.

I think other European countries vary, but I've not visited most of them. I tend to tip anyway on holiday, because I'm a tourist and therefore simultaneously an annoyance and an important input into the local economy. Probably if I lived permanently in, say, Portugal, I wouldn't.


Posted by: chris y | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 7:36 AM
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I thought the black cabbies have the Knowledge? Mine did. (I got turned around out of Paddington so lost some time and I wanted to make the 4 pm screening of Love and Friendship at the Mayfair Curzon for ehich I am currently seated)


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 7:47 AM
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Is restaurant tipping new (last few decades?) in England? We must have talked about this before, but I thought that was a Europe/America difference,

There's definitely a difference, even in the UK. 20% would be absurdly high here. And, like I say, plenty of places include the service in the bill, either directly in the prices or in the final bill as a suggested gratuity.


Posted by: Ginger Yellow | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 7:50 AM
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I think Chris was suggesting the concierge would have an arrangement with a minicab.


Posted by: Ginger Yellow | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 7:52 AM
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Black cabs are reliable. Yes, they do have the Knowledge and often carry a satnav as back-up. Uber is fairly reliable, because they don't want bad feed back. Addison Lee, as GY says, is fairly reliable, though the owners are Not Nice People (TM). Anybody else you use at your own risk, and it's quite a high risk.


Posted by: chris y | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 7:52 AM
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I thought the black cabbies have the Knowledge? Mine did.

Ah ha ha ha ha ha.

Here is a verbatim record of my last conversation with a black cabbie.

Me: "Globe Theatre, please."
Cabbie: "Where is that? Is it on the South Bank?"


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 8:04 AM
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Re: tipping, I tend to do around 10% but if that's a very small number, I'll round up.

I'd happily leave a fiver, say, after a meal, even if it cost a lot less than £50. Assuming that is, the service wasn't awful. But service included in the bill is pretty common.


Posted by: nattarGcM ttaM | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 8:16 AM
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How do you know when the service is included in the prices?

Do you tip bartenders?


Posted by: R Tigre | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 8:30 AM
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re: 86

The bill will explicitly have a line on it that says that service was charged, what percentage, and how much.

I've never tipped a bartender in the UK. I have, a couple of times, bought one a drink, but only because we were chatting or whatever.


Posted by: nattarGcM ttaM | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 8:36 AM
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Cabbie: "Where is that? Is it on the South Bank?"

Well, he was right, wasn't he?


Posted by: Ginger Yellow | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 8:43 AM
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English detectives are always buying drinks for publicans.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 8:43 AM
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on the OP, the work thing that prevented me attending has now been rescheduled so that I can now manage any time this weekend except Sunday evening. Dammit. So, Barry, if you fancy a pint this evening or indeed tomorrow evening, give me a shout.


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 8:43 AM
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88: well, yes, but when I ask a cabbie to take me to what is probably about the fourth or fifth most famous place* in the whole of London I do not expect his response to be "Where is that".

(Buckingham Palace, 10 Downing Street, the Tower of London, London Bridge, Tower Bridge, 221b Baker Street, Platform 9 3/4 at Kings Cross...)


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 8:46 AM
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86.2. If you're buying a very large round, or several, it's good manners to say "And one for yourself", which the bartender will normally interpret as adding the price of a half pint and trousering the cash, since she won't be allowed to drink while at work.


Posted by: chris y | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 8:55 AM
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Maybe there's a porn theater of the same name and you looked like a wanker.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 8:55 AM
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as expected i am tired after filming and interviewing all day today but i am still very much up for tomorrow if this remains an option


Posted by: tierce de lollardie | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 8:58 AM
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I could make either day. In principle tonight as well but the trigger would have to be pulled soon.


Posted by: Ginger Yellow | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 9:00 AM
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The Knowledge is absolutely set up to cover south of the river, but it is (or anyway used to be) notorious as a place* which cabbies "don't do". This may have changed over the last ten years, as the social make-up of London (and indeed of cabbies) has shifted.

*(a place=half of London)


Posted by: tierce de lollardie | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 9:08 AM
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Let's say tomorrow then. At the very least there will be tierce, GY and myself. I think Barry was talking about going to see some sort of greenery-yallery aesthetic film at the ICA on Saturday (lots of closeups of waterlilies and three suicides, all done extremely slowly) but maybe we can get him along after the credits roll.


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 9:09 AM
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some sort of greenery-yallery aesthetic film at the ICA on Saturday (lots of closeups of waterlilies and three suicides, all done extremely slowly)

Directed by Georges Millais, perhaps.


Posted by: Ginger Yellow | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 9:14 AM
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I definitely can't do tomorrow. I can do Sunday or this evening, but ditto on the trigger pulling.

I'm in Oxford, and if we were meeting in London tonight I'd need to get home and drop the car off sharpish.


Posted by: nattarGcM ttaM | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 9:18 AM
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Well, I think Sunday should definitely go ahead - I mean, all the arrangements are in place.


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 9:23 AM
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Why are non-black non-tech cabs called minicabs, BTW? Is it in reference to them not being big hulks like the black cabs?


Posted by: Minivet | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 9:24 AM
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||

Oh fuck! Now Dave Swarbrick! (NMM)

|>


Posted by: chris y | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 9:31 AM
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101. Because the first booking only private hire vehicles licensed for London in the mid 1960s were a fleet of Renault Dauphines billed as "Minicabs" because they were tiny, and the term stuck.


Posted by: chris y | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 9:35 AM
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Don't you cry, chris!


Posted by: nosflow | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 9:53 AM
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I'm up for both Saturday and Sunday.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 10:29 AM
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Renault Dauphines are such beautiful cars.


Posted by: RT | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 10:40 AM
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Renault Dauphine is a great pseud.


Posted by: dalriata | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 10:42 AM
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So Saturday and Sunday meet-ups! Where shall we meet tomorrow?


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 11:03 AM
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I think Malcs of B&T will be there tomorrow too


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 11:04 AM
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Near a big W.


Posted by: nosflow | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 11:05 AM
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And I've got nothing else scheduled for tonight...but how about a venue for tomorrow?


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 11:11 AM
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110 heh


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 11:12 AM
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I tend to tip anyway on holiday, because I'm a tourist and therefore simultaneously an annoyance and an important input into the local economy.

Yeah, that's my theory too. On hotel housekeeping, I tip daily as staff turns over. I also try to leave a note saying thanks, to indicate it's a tip. In Granada last month I forgot to do that one day and my tip was stillon the pillow (where I'd left it) on the now made bed. I figured the housekeeper wasn't sure so it was not taken.


Posted by: md 20/400 | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 12:29 PM
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Would it be lame to go for Queens Arms? Barry could use it as a rehearsal...


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 12:40 PM
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Heh. I've walked a helluva lot today. And I'm just loving this weather. Seriously.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 12:57 PM
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Everybody loves the English weather.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 1:02 PM
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on one hand it seems a bit feeble to require barry to go to the same pub two nights in a row; on the other it is a nice pub (or was last time i was there) and i am no expert on that part of town

(i am getting paging a kensington resident for another suggestion)


Posted by: tierce de lollardie | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 1:10 PM
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103: Interesting, thanks!


Posted by: Minivet | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 2:53 PM
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The alternative would be the club near Moorgate? If everyone is happy wearing jacket ands tie...


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 06- 3-16 5:05 PM
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Alas I brought no tie with me. And my jacket is rumpled from having been stuffed in my carry on.

It looks like Queens Arms tonight as well as tomorrow night.
Some B&T regulars will be there tonight.

Would a FPP kindly bump this post?


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 1:04 AM
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Alas I brought no tie with me. And my jacket is rumpled from having been stuffed in my carry on.

It looks like Queens Arms tonight as well as tomorrow night.
Some B&T regulars will be there tonight.

Would a FPP kindly bump this post?


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 1:04 AM
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yes sorry, i fell asleep before my kensington resident got back to me -- to remind me he hadn't lived in kensington for ages and no longer felt confident recommending pubs -- so see you all at the QA


Posted by: tierce de lollardie | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 2:19 AM
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Delurking - I can make tonight - when from? (I've met ajay before a few years back...)


Posted by: Richard J | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 2:20 AM
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Assuming I don't give in to temptation and see Stalker at 2:45 I could be there at 6 or even earlier. B&T regular Chris W said he'd show after 8.

Does anyone know if B&T regular and sometime Unfogged commenter Charlie W IS around? Also would be great to finally meet Alex.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 2:33 AM
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Don't know why autocorrect decided "is" needed to be capitalized.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 2:34 AM
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124 so watch this space. I'll no for certain by 2.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 2:35 AM
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No s/b know


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 6:10 AM
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And I'll be at Queens Arms at 6. No Tarkovsky for me today.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 6:11 AM
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Don't forget to liveblog. And my regards to any Schlachtbummelers who turn up.


Posted by: chris y | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 8:04 AM
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Have fun this evening. Is tomorrow (Sunday) still on then? I could come to that.


Posted by: asilon | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 8:25 AM
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I certainly hope tomorrow is still on.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 9:34 AM
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Nworb and I are planning to be there tomorrow, certainly.


Posted by: Ume | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 9:36 AM
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BTW I'm good for 5 tomorrow or even earlier.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 10:04 AM
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I just arrived


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 10:06 AM
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Excellent. About 6 o'clock then? Could probably do a bit earlier - won't be late out as it's a school night.


Posted by: asilon | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 10:06 AM
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Just saw 133 - will aim for 5-5.30.


Posted by: asilon | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 10:11 AM
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En route in yellow t-shirt


Posted by: Ginger Yellow | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 10:15 AM
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I think 6pm might be a bit early for me tomorrow, but I'll try to make it as soon after that as possible.


Posted by: nattarGcM ttaM | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 10:24 AM
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My regards to all including Schlachtbummelers!


Posted by: dairy queen | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 10:33 AM
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numbers are growing!


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 10:55 AM
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||

At a Taiwan-themed event at the Bay Area book fair because a friend is on the panel, and the person chairing the panel is absolutely terrible, down to having called one of the books featured "exotic" in the first five minutes.

|>


Posted by: nosflow | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 12:26 PM
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||

The only white panelist is also the only one dropping Chinese phrases gratuitously.

|>


Posted by: nosflow | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 12:35 PM
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But the Bay Area is exotic.


Posted by: Walt Someguy | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 12:42 PM
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Maybe, like, the Chesapeake bay.


Posted by: nosflow | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 12:46 PM
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Which one is from the Old Bay Seasoning?


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 1:01 PM
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Celestial Bay Seasoning


Posted by: md 20/400 | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 1:19 PM
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where is the liveblogging from Barry et al?


Posted by: NW | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 2:17 PM
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Hard to blog with a knife in one hand and an eel pie in the other, which is why there's so little blogging from England.


Posted by: R Tigre | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 2:34 PM
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In a cab in my way back to the hotel, was going to hoof it through Hyde Park but I'm exhausted and btocked. Many thanks to all who came. Tierce, Richard J, Ginger Yellow, ajay & MalcsP and Chris Williams from B&T. No one was hurt in any knife fighting that may or may not have taken place.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 4:01 PM
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A dually in the hotel now, but wrote that in the cab and forgot to hit send. Did I mention btocked?


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 4:02 PM
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Actually I meant. I'm going to blame that one on autocorrect.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 4:05 PM
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Dually in the hotel eh? Does Chani know?


Posted by: nosflow | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 4:11 PM
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What the FUCK, Barry. When you comment by saying you're in a cab, I expect you to actually be in a cab. Do words have no meaning anymore??????? Does truth mean nothing?


Posted by: R Tigre | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 4:11 PM
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Barry "Manichean" Freed


Posted by: fake accent | Link to this comment | 06- 4-16 4:12 PM
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I'm still at my in-laws ... hopefully not for too much longer.


Posted by: asilon | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 8:25 AM
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I have cycled as far as Cambridge and am slumped listening to Liege and Lief. We aim to catch the 17:20 out of here which would mean the QA a bit after 18:30


Posted by: NW | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 8:29 AM
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Making my way to the Queens Arms.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 8:41 AM
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Making my way to the Queens Arms.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 8:41 AM
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Let's try to have some liveblogging this time, eh wot?


Posted by: nosflow | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 8:45 AM
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I'm going to Kennywood if it stops raining.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 8:51 AM
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Being driven to the station, will walk from Paddington, QA about 6.15.


Posted by: asilon | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 8:51 AM
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Just heading out to catch a bus to the tube. Should be there about the same time as asilon.


Posted by: nattarGcM ttaM | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 9:02 AM
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I'm here. I guess I should have checked the blog.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 9:23 AM
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I'm here. I guess I should have checked the blog.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 9:23 AM
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Tanle all the way in the back. Black blazer blue shirt glasses.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 9:24 AM
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As long as you're waiting, let's talk about Film Critic Hulk. I consider it tiresome. You?


Posted by: nosflow | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 9:24 AM
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Table that is.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 9:25 AM
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Borges said you could tell the Koran was an Arabian book because it has no tanles.


Posted by: nosflow | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 9:26 AM
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166 Agreed. The schtick has long grown old and tired.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 9:26 AM
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But at least least he doesn't seem to tweet that much.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 9:27 AM
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Less one least.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 9:28 AM
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The columns are just one absolute deliverance after another with the thinnest veneer of analysis (actually just giving something a name). Cargo cult aesthetics. This works and this doesn't; this director is good and this one isn't. Blah.


Posted by: nosflow | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 9:28 AM
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We've on the train. Should be in at about 18:45, hopefully earlier. Is there food served this evening?


Posted by: NW | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 9:31 AM
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173 There is indeed food being served.

172. So dull and boring. I really like the reviews and reviewers at Reverse Shot. Generally good sharp analysis by a lot who know what they're talking about (with only the occasional exception). I usually come away having learned something and having my appreciation of the film deepened. (Of course there's always anonymous IMDB comments.)


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 9:43 AM
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172 Also I really don't like the site he writes for in general. And De/vin Far/aci is an ass.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 9:47 AM
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Ten minutes away. Glad Barry's described himself.


Posted by: asilon | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 10:02 AM
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Not even 10 am in a Sunday and you guys are drinking. Respect.


Posted by: R Tigre | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 10:03 AM
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176 I also answer to Mutombo


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 10:04 AM
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Asilon has arrived.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 10:12 AM
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Ok, that's my cue. I'm outta here.


Posted by: nosflow | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 10:13 AM
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It's the fact well be drinking points of beer rather than mimosa scented bloody Marie's or whatever Californians drink for brunch which should command your respect


Posted by: NW | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 10:14 AM
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174: Fine. The request was for recommendations of Hang Sang-soo films.

Link to Reverse Shot for at least three different rankings of at least ten films.

It isn't as if I don't read, I have Jay McRoy on Japanese Horror and Richard Neupert on French New Wave open.
But I don't necessarily depend on them, but go from there to online sites and other books. I would never depend on a single opinion.

Nosflow wanted to learn about Hang films by "asking Barry." That's ignorant and frankly contemptible.

KoreanFilm is my favorite site for reviews. It isn't exactly hard to find.


Posted by: bob mcmanus | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 10:57 AM
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I presume nosflow asked the guy across the hall, because that guy was smart and neb liked him, about Heidegger and then wrote his paper. Who really knows who those fucks who wrote the books in the library really are. Without a close personal relationship how can we trust their opinions?


Posted by: bob mcmanus | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 11:01 AM
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It's Hong Sang-soo? Can't be bothered.


Posted by: bob mcmanus | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 11:03 AM
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Film Critic Hulk doesn't meet your high standards, huh?

Sniff of snuff?

Like I said, nosflow is a very common sort of snob, for whom taste is a weapon. Haven't learned anything from him or enjoyed any writing of his in ten years

What's Blake say about contempt? As air to the bird...so contempt is to the contemptible.

Don't mention me or allude if you don't want a response or three.


Posted by: bob mcmanus | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 11:18 AM
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How many points in a quart?


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 11:18 AM
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Does 185.last imply that I had somehow mentioned or alluded to bob already?


Posted by: nosflow | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 11:28 AM
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Oh, right, Barry did. Anyway, bin, you might be pleased to know that asking Barry was not the only thing I did to find out about Hong Sang-soo, and that when I wrote about Heidegger I consulted not only his own writing but writing on him by many scholars of repute.


Posted by: nosflow | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 11:43 AM
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OT: Because of the combination of late capitalism, aging, and school functions, I could pay $10 for a photo of what my expression looks like when a roller coaster bounces me and I land right on a hemorrhoid.


Posted by: Gerald Ford | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 11:49 AM
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189: A bargain!


Posted by: peep | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 12:01 PM
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Fundraisers get weirder all the time. Whatever happened to just dunking someone in a tank of water?


Posted by: fake accent | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 12:03 PM
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"I'm really into wounds", says one participant, with perhaps unnecessary relish. But this is the island of knife crime.


Posted by: NW | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 12:39 PM
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That was fun. Looking forward to doing it again when you come back in the autumn, Barry. We can have a cage fight to decide whether we meet up in Oxford or Cambridge: me and Nworb versus Ttam and Asilon, with Alex as the referee.


Posted by: Ume | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 2:28 PM
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The obvious answer would be to meet halfway between them at Bletchley Park.


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 2:39 PM
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Which is, however, totally inaccessible to people who might want to drink


Posted by: NW | Link to this comment | 06- 5-16 2:45 PM
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At the airport far too early for my flight back to Arrakis.

Thanks to all who came last night: asilon, Alex, Ttam, Ume, and NW. Knifecrime Island couldn't have a finer bunch of reprobates. It was great to meet you all.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 6-16 12:13 AM
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How nice to see you all. Who knew the Saudis have a serious map library? I don't think we made any progress in sorting out Barry's issues with secretive bits of the UK intelligence community but I think I may have sold Ttam on dance class.


Posted by: Alex | Link to this comment | 06- 6-16 1:53 AM
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as expected i was exhausted after a day's filming in the hot sun, so did not try and make it out a second time -- v sad to miss Alex, Ttam, asilon, NW and anyone else (=Ume I guess, who I don't think I met before, plus barry f for a second time). Key saturday success (on my meagre part) = explaining the allegorical import of gremlins 2 to ajay.


Posted by: tierce de lollardie | Link to this comment | 06- 6-16 4:13 AM
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198: it was a prediction of the future! it's all there OPEN YOUR EYES people. CLAMP 2016.


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 06- 6-16 4:30 AM
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I'll have to watch it again ...

Hopefully see you again some time tierce!


Posted by: asilon | Link to this comment | 06- 6-16 5:30 AM
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Yes, it was very pleasant meeting Barry et al on Saturday night. Tierce is of course right about Gremlins 2[1], but wrong about his 'third films are best in a trilogy' theory.

[1] Don't forget the Hulk Hogan cameo!


Posted by: Richard J | Link to this comment | 06- 6-16 8:45 AM
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Best in *any* length of franchise, not just trilogies.


Posted by: tierce de lollardie | Link to this comment | 06- 6-16 8:46 AM
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Of course he is. The man's mad, I tell you. I can't think of a single third film that was unquestionably the best in its series and only a few that are even contenders. And neither could tierce when we pressed him on it, IIRC.


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 06- 6-16 9:03 AM
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I suppose you could maybe make a case for Goldfinger? Certainly it's the most iconically Bond of the Bond films. But the second act is pretty incoherent.


Posted by: ajay | Link to this comment | 06- 6-16 9:04 AM
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Could it be that the second act in the third film of any franchise is incoherent? Just how granular is tierce's law?


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 6-16 9:32 AM
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We can have a cage fight to decide whether we meet up in Oxford or Cambridge: me and Nworb versus Ttam and Asilon, with Alex as the referee.

I've never managed to make it to a London meet up because it's just too far/too expensive, unless it happened to coincide with me being there for another reason. On the other hand, Oxford is 20 minutes away for me......


Posted by: Parenthetical | Link to this comment | 06- 6-16 9:39 AM
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Holy crap. Why hasn't there been more Gremlins 2 focus recently.


Posted by: RT | Link to this comment | 06- 6-16 10:00 AM
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Holy crap. Why hasn't there been more Gremlins 2 focus recently

There hasn't been? I mean, it got its own Key and Peele sketch.


Posted by: Ginger Yellow | Link to this comment | 06- 6-16 10:05 AM
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There's a classic ajay post on Gremlins as the best Vietnam war movie either in TFA or B&T but I'm about to go through Arrakis passport control and don't have time to find it.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 6-16 10:06 AM
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"Gremlins Vietnam" brings it right up.


Posted by: LizardBreath | Link to this comment | 06- 6-16 10:12 AM
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I seem to recall a much older and more fully fleshed out comment of ajay's on it.


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 6-16 10:16 AM
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It's probably in the compilation "Ajay's greatest hits. Vol. 2"


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 6-16 10:17 AM
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It's probably in the compilation "Ajay's greatest hits. Vol. 2"


Posted by: Barry Freed | Link to this comment | 06- 6-16 10:17 AM
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208 -- I mean, more focus by me. Why haven't I been more focused on Gremlins 2?


Posted by: R Tigre | Link to this comment | 06- 6-16 10:20 AM
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Low carb diets don't help concentration.


Posted by: Moby Hick | Link to this comment | 06- 6-16 10:22 AM
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Don't show your daughter Gremlins yet. I scared the life out of mine when I made them watch it. Gremlins 2 isn't as scary.


Posted by: asilon | Link to this comment | 06- 6-16 3:32 PM
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Don't show your daughter Gremlins yet. I scared the life out of mine when I made them watch it. Gremlins 2 isn't as scary.


Posted by: asilon | Link to this comment | 06- 6-16 3:32 PM
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