The Chat Thread

[PaulR]

In NY, it's only 83 

[Szykneij]

We really need to pin this chat thread!

So where I live we have not had much rain in months, and right now as I type it is 109 degrees Fahrenheit outside (that's about 43 C) and the high today is supposed to be 111 F (or 44 C)!   Anyone else suffering with the heat?

Thunderstorms at the moment in Boston.

[Brian]

As part of the research for my dissertation, I'm currently reading a book from 1611 written by a country minister named Arthur Dent.

This fits in with my dissertation-writing motto:

[Mn Dave]

"I hate music

Sometimes I don't

I hate music

It's got too many notes" -- The Replacements

[Brahmsian]

Silly question Wednesday:

Is there a dating site devoted exclusively to people who love classical music?   

[ibanezmonster]

I think snyprrr would want to know that, too! 

[eyeresist]

Yesterday I started reading a book of essays on the comicbook hero Superman ("The Man from Krypton"). Although I haven't read the comics since I was a kid, I've had some provisional knowledge of developments in comics over the years (hazard of being a nerd), and find it interesting to consider the aspects of this American hero.

One interesting facet of recent stories is themes of (disguised) politics. Superman is after all supremely powerful, so really anything he does has a political implication. Although he is always a symbol of good, Supes can be shown as a conservative figure or a liberal one. As a conservative he will frown on nonconformity, fight wars for his country and even undertake espionage. As a liberal, he is more of an Obama figure, serving as a model for Good and leading by sheer charisma - but if the people's faith in him lapses, he is rendered virtually powerless.

These themes are perhaps the most interesting aspects of the character these days, but I don't think they could be worked into a successful blockbuster film.

It's interesting to contrast the DC and Marvel superhero pantheons - for years, Marvel was the underdog, but, now that audiences want more psychologically believable characters, Marvel is dominant. The Marvel heroes are, cleverly, all built on a personal problem. DC heroes are more fantastical and lack depth. Batman is the exception, being an archetype of dark rage who makes even Wolverine look like a tantrumish toddler, and Superman has some interest simply from his incomparable power. But Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, the Flash - what are they but ciphers in crazy clothes? Attempts have been made to retroactively force some psychological interest into their characters, but it hasn't stuck.

Silly question Wednesday:

Is there a dating site devoted exclusively to people who love classical music?   

Google is your friend:

www.classicalpassions.com

www.classicalpartners.com

www.cmle.com

www.classicalmusiclover.co.uk


I can't vouch for how active these sites might be.

[Brian]

Silly question Wednesday:

Is there a dating site devoted exclusively to people who love classical music?   

Yes, banner ads keep popping up for one in my browser with a random violin babe. Whatever it is, it looks sketchy, though...

[Brahmsian]

Google is your friend:

www.classicalpassions.com

www.classicalpartners.com

www.cmle.com

www.classicalmusiclover.co.uk


I can't vouch for how active these sites might be.

Thanks, I've checked one of these sites.  Looked for my age range across Canada (zero results to the query).    Activity isn't exactly bustling.

[karlhenning]

Only "buddies" on line. Doesn't actually happen all that often! : )

[PaulR]

every time I do more than one load of laundry, without fail, I always think to myself "Man.......I have a lot of socks......"  Today was no different

(trying to get everything clean tonight for the trip on Sunday)

[Szykneij]

every time I do more than one load of laundry, without fail, I always think to myself "Man.......I have a lot of socks......"  Today was no different

I have yet to figure out why the number of socks that go into the washing machine is always different from the number that comes out.

[knight66]

One in each pair is biodegradable and so the sock industry keeps going. Mind you, these days, they seem to wear out before they degrade in the machine. Just an alternative way to the same end. Like the glazier sending his son out to break a few local windows.

Mike

[eyeresist]

I have yet to figure out why the number of socks that go into the washing machine is always different from the number that comes out.

Do you actually count the socks as you put them in? I think the socks are lost before they get to the washing machine.

Another urban myth exposed!

[knight66]

Well, this is a mystery that I can recall right through my single then married life. What I only very rarely have observed is what you suggest; a stray sock on the floor etc that did not get put in. What not infrequently happens is that we keep the odd socks in one place and rarely get a match. After many months the abandoned socks are binned. It is some time since I noticed it happen. But right now there is one odd sock that has been sitting for months at the edge of the sock-bin.

With my son; we sorted this out by only buying him all black socks. But we had to replenish those on a regular basis and on one occasion did find one of his socks trapped under his door half in and half out of his room. We decided this was one sensible sock trying to make a dash for it, away from footrot, disorder and no doubt other abuses.

Urban-myth intact from over here.

Mike

[Szykneij]

Well, this is a mystery that I can recall right through my single then married life. What I only very rarely have observed is what you suggest; a stray sock on the floor etc that did not get put in. What not infrequently happens is that we keep the odd socks in one place and rarely get a match. After many months the abandoned socks are binned. It is some time since I noticed it happen. But right now there is one odd sock that has been sitting for months at the edge of the sock-bin.

With my son; we sorted this out by only buying him all black socks. But we had to replenish those on a regular basis and on one occasion did find one of his socks trapped under his door half in and half out of his room. We decided this was one sensible sock trying to make a dash for it, away from footrot, disorder and no doubt other abuses.

Urban-myth intact from over here.

Mike

It's intact on this side of the Atlantic, too. We've had much the same experience, except with white socks for my son who is very active in sports. I think there is merit in your biodegradability theory.

[matti]

Well, this is a mystery that I can recall right through my single then married life. What I only very rarely have observed is what you suggest; a stray sock on the floor etc that did not get put in. What not infrequently happens is that we keep the odd socks in one place and rarely get a match. After many months the abandoned socks are binned. It is some time since I noticed it happen. But right now there is one odd sock that has been sitting for months at the edge of the sock-bin.

I bought some very smart socks (in Lithuania I think it was), with metal hims and hers with which you can attach the pair together after using them, and therefore they will never part. No odd socks.

[karlhenning]

Now listening to The Bobs: "Where Does the Wayward Footwear Go?"

[PaulR]

You know, I probly should just stop cooking Chicken.....2nd time in a row something got messed up

[Brian]

You know, I probly should just stop cooking Chicken.....2nd time in a row something got messed up

I don't think I've cooked chicken while living in England. Not because things got messed up - I never messed up chicken - but because it's been so much easier to make spaghetti or curries or other things.