Harry Potter

[James Deuce]

Finished the latest one last night. I was so upset I couldn't sleep.

JKR's writing has gotten looser and looser over the last 3 books. The first two books were very tightly written. I'm not particularly impressed with the quality of writing, but the plot was enough to draw one in, even though it feels like "Filler Part 2 so we can get to the Conclusion".

Still really upset today and likely to kill a workmate or two.

[bugjuice]

so why upset? what happens in the end?
you gutted Harry Pothead dies?



pt - haven't read it, don't know what happens. don't kill me.

[placidfemme]

Was it too slow or something?

*has never seen or read anything regarding Harry Potter*

[James Deuce]

Was it too slow or something?

*has never seen or read anything regarding Harry Potter*

No, just quite badly written.

The conclusion was very upsetting.

[placidfemme]

oh ok... maybe I should look into it sometime...

[vifferman]

Hmmm.... Interesting.
Or summat.
I'm reading the aforementioned Larry Snotter at the moment (well, not right now, but at home). Number 1 son bought it at the airport in Chch, and speed-read it in a few hours. I'd read a quick review that was somewhat less than complimentary, and #1 (possible the world's most voarcious devourer of books) was also most unenthusiastic about it. I must say, that after reading several other novels lately, notably 3 or 4 by Mercedes Lackey, the "Half Blood Prince" or whatever it's called is (a) easy to read (well, I guess it is a kid's book after all), and (b) a bit weak, perhaps formulaic. However, I'm onlya few chapters into it so far.

[Waylander]

Havn't read the books, don't want to read the books and as far as I can tell, all the movies are the same.

What exactly is supposed to be so good about these anyway?

[mikey]

strap a video camera to your head an press record before you start the slayings

[James Deuce]

Havn't read the books, don't want to read the books and as far as I can tell, all the movies are the same.

What exactly is supposed to be so good about these anyway?

You're American. You wouldn't get it. There's no helicopter crahes for a start.

[crashe]

You're American. You wouldn't get it. There's no helicopter crahes for a start.


Nope he aint american....

He is from Texas.... :rofl: :rofl:
He is a Southern boy...a rebel.

The southern lot are different from the union bunch... :rofl: :rofl:

[MikeL]

I've got the first one in Latin and in Greek if anyone wants to borrow them... :whistle:

[Waylander]

Nope he aint american....

He is from Texas.... :rofl: :rofl:
He is a Southern boy...a rebel.

The southern lot are different from the union bunch... :rofl: :rofl:
Damn right!!!

Exactly what would I have to be brittish or affiliated with UK to be able to understand?

[Str8 Jacket]

I've got the first one in Latin and in Greek if anyone wants to borrow them... :whistle:

Maybe this would make them more enjoyable??!! At least then you could make up your own storyline . . . . *hides in corner and waits for retort*

[Biff]

I've never managed to finish a Parry Hotter book. My mum loves them, as does my CEO here - but I just don't 'get it'. Maybe I'm loosing my child like disposition. Which would be a bugger. I think I'll go and torture an insect or two and sulk.

[chris]

- but I just don't 'get it'.
Thats because you are not susceptible to the hype surrounding Harry Potter.

[erik]

Havn't read the books, don't want to read the books and as far as I can tell, all the movies are the same.

What exactly is supposed to be so good about these anyway?

Have you seen the movies?

The third movie had a different director and IMHO was way better than the previous two movies. It seemed more kinda arty or creative or something. The first two movies were directed by the guy that did "Home Alone" - ugh...

[parsley]

I'm all for them, as they've improved kids enthusiasm for reading enormously, but after the first couple I can't really be bothered reading them.

[James Deuce]

Damn right!!!

Exactly what would I have to be brittish or affiliated with UK to be able to understand?

Your response is enough to prove my point.

[Ixion]

I've got the first one in Latin and in Greek if anyone wants to borrow them... :whistle:

Seriously ? I mean, in Greek ? (presuming you mean classical greek, not modern)

[Ixion]

You're American. You wouldn't get it. There's no helicopter crahes for a start.

Americans tend to think the same about pTerry, too. Same with the Goons and Spike Milligan. Nothing can be done about it, we can only pity them. It's like people born blind.

[raster]

I'm all for them, as they've improved kids enthusiasm for reading enormously, but after the first couple I can't really be bothered reading them.

I agree, anything(well almost) to get kids reading.

[Eurygnomes]

I liked the first three books - read 'em quick smart one after the other (so can't remember what happens in each one...) - but the last two have been a bit shocking. The editing has been really crap with regards to storyline, unecessary side plots that don't have satisfactory tie-ins to the main thread etc...all a bit random. Like she promised to write 350 pages so did.

However, as with those above, I think ANYTHING that gets kids reading is all good. And I wonder about the stories where it's part fantasy, part true (like Lion Witch etc. and Harry Potter - the relationships between the humans are all true, but the scenarios that are presented to the reader are fictitious. Interesting debate. Must be a PhD thesis (or two) on it somewhere.) being the best device to sucker kids in. Still...yay for reading/riting (righting?) and rithmatic.

[Str8 Jacket]

. Still...yay for reading/riting (righting?) and rithmatic.

SORRY in advance, but I think your looking for writing and (a?)rythmatic? . . .

[Hitcher]

Damn right!!!

Exactly what would I have to be brittish or affiliated with UK to be able to understand?
Irony. And sarcasm. And cricket.

[Ixion]

Irony. And sarcasm. And cricket.

And self deprecation. And Morris dancing. Don't forget Morris dancing

[Motu]

And self deprecation. And Morris dancing. Don't forget Morris dancing

Austin dancing,now that'd be something to see.....

My boy's got in early enough to get a hat - they are sitting on their hands as my wife reads it to them at night and any breaks in the day....when she finishes it they will devour it.Never had any trouble getting my 4 kids to read....we all sit around ignoring each other with our noses in a book.

[Ixion]

Austin dancing,now that'd be something to see.....

..

Ahh, the A40 did it on every bumpy corner. While as for the A90 Atlantic !!! :eek:

[vifferman]

Austin dancing,now that'd be something to see.....
Sort of a "Land Crab Limbo", or summat? :rofl:


Never had any trouble getting my 4 kids to read....we all sit around ignoring each other with our noses in a book.
Yeah, we were mostly doing that last night, apart from #2, who reads only manuals and non-fiction (he's autistic, so doesn't understand anything that has inter-personal relationships stuff, i.e., most novels). He was reading fiction last night though - started uni yesterday and was reading Craccum (Auckland Uni student rag, for those who dunno that).

[skidz]

The books would have to be full of pictures to understand it.!!

[Postie]

the coolest kid ever.......

[Hitcher]

And self deprecation. And Morris dancing. Don't forget Morris dancing
Bastard. I had successfully forgotten Morris dancing. But you just had to go and bugger that up.

[Ixion]

Bastard. I had successfully forgotten Morris dancing. But you just had to go and bugger that up.

See, Mr Waylander, until you understand about Morris dancing, you cannot hope to understand the English. It is the secret of their national greatness. A nation that can cope with Morris dancing is unconquerable

[Big Dave]

Irony. And sarcasm. And cricket.

Brilliant - Some other things they have trouble understanding - repeating it over and over doesn't make you 'greatest nation on earth', you don't need to be at war with someone or something to win votes, and that winning an American only, national competition does not make you 'world champion'.

Whats the the Potter angst? - they are hokey KIDS books.

[RON SOAK]

I still prefer Terry P!

[parsley]

See, Mr Waylander, until you understand about Morris dancing, you cannot hope to understand the English. It is the secret of their national greatness. A nation that can cope with Morris dancing is unconquerable
We prefer to call it "The Stick and Bucket Dance".

[Waylander]

Have you seen the movies?

The third movie had a different director and IMHO was way better than the previous two movies. It seemed more kinda arty or creative or something. The first two movies were directed by the guy that did "Home Alone" - ugh...
Yea I have seen them. Nothing original between them. I'de put them at about the same level as Jurasic Park 2 and 3. Just gets repetative.

Sorry mate but I'm not one to like a movie just becouse of all the hype it has and lunchboxes it sells.

[Ixion]

I still prefer Terry P!

Well, pterry is writing for a more mature audience. (Who also will mostly like Harry P). I imagine the more sophisticated of the Harry P fans will move on to pTerry in a few years.

[parsley]

Well, pterry is writing for a more mature audience.
Mostly mature, but some of his books are written specifically for kids. I still read them, though. :whistle:

[Riff Raff]

We prefer to call it "The Stick and Bucket Dance".
No one, I repeat, No one is to do the stick and bucket dance ever again!!

[SPORK]

Quickly, someone outline the entire plot in white font so I don't need to read the book. Please?

[SixPackBack]

Harry Potter is a profesional FELTCHER from Thames......he carries rodents with him at all times and has a forskin cheese problem, if you love Harry Potter you live in a vacum [message ends]

[bane]

I cant believe Darth Vader is really Luke's father!

... oops wrong thread...

[sAsLEX]

I've got the first one in Latin and in Greek if anyone wants to borrow them... :whistle:

i did latin for four years
cant remember much though

ques es strutio camielus depilatus (is that something?)

[Indiana_Jones]

I don't like potter, only seen 2 of the movies, an't my cup of tea :weird:
Then again I'm not a fantaisy type of guy, though I didn't min lord of the rings and star wars.
I'll stick to Sharpe and Indiana Jones :D

-Indy

[scumdog]

I cant believe Darth Vader is really Luke's father!

... oops wrong thread...

You fuckwit!! I just wasted $14 on tickets to find out that!!!

[Waylander]

You fuckwit!! I just wasted $14 on tickets to find out that!!!
Exactly what theatre was showing the older Starwars movies and why would you waste $14 when it cost about $8 to hire for a week...

[Big Dave]

Add 'irony' to the list, Hitcher.

[Waylander]

Add 'irony' to the list, Hitcher.
It is there and I was being sarcastic.

[Ixion]

No one, I repeat, No one is to do the stick and bucket dance ever again!!

Well, can we sing the Hedgehog Song, then?

[scumdog]

Exactly what theatre was showing the older Starwars movies and why would you waste $14 when it cost about $8 to hire for a week...

Yes, you may get the basic impression of the movie on your $8 hire for a week BUT there is no ( and I know) visual and sensual impression that is better than a REAL large screen at a movie theatre. :Punk: :yes:

[Big Dave]

It is there and I was being sarcastic.

'I 'ate sarcasm' - Brian Damage - The Young Ones.

[Waylander]

Yes, you may get the basic impression of the movie on your $8 hire for a week BUT there is no ( and I know) visual and sensual impression that is better than a REAL large screen at a movie theatre. :Punk: :yes:

HAHAHA Come on mate. I have access to a 104" DLP projector and screen with 7.1 dolby digital Suround sound. I don't need to pay $14 for a damn good quality visual and audio experiance. If you can afford the bike you ride then something like that should be a breeze.

[Big Dave]

Yes, you may get the basic impression of the movie on your $8 hire for a week BUT there is no ( and I know) visual and sensual impression that is better than a REAL large screen at a movie theatre. :Punk: :yes:


yebbut - the sceamin' rug rats and crinkly chip packets - it's gota be something worth putting up with the 'general public' for, dunnit? - that's why we got the killer system for home.

[scumdog]

HAHAHA Come on mate. I have access to a 104" DLP projector and screen with 7.1 dolby digital Suround sound. I don't need to pay $14 for a damn good quality visual and audio experiance. If you can afford the bike you ride then something like that should be a breeze.

Yeah but would you let me and C.B. shag on your lounge while watching the movies ( and while eating pop-corn)??

I think not, plus your 104" is not as accessible as the 15 metre plus movie screen - unless you live in Dunedin or closer!!!
Us H-D riders are discerning types!!

[Waylander]

Yeah but would you let me and C.B. shag on your lounge while watching the movies ( and while eating pop-corn)??

I think not, plus your 104" is not as accessible as the 15 metre plus movie screen - unless you live in Dunedin or closer!!!
Us H-D riders are discerning types!!
Lol Before this goes somewhere other thread readers may not apretiate. I'm gonna back out of it.

I will say though that you can get a set up like mine (though not near as cool) from any audio/video electronics store.

[scumdog]

Lol Before this goes somewhere other thread readers may not apretiate. I'm gonna back out of it.

I will say though that you can get a set up like mine (though not near as cool) from any audio/video electronics store.

Good call and a sensible retirement!!

Never mind, next time ( the first time?) I'm up your way you will have to show me the benefits of your entertainment systems!!

[Waylander]

Good call and a sensible retirement!!

Never mind, next time ( the first time?) I'm up your way you will have to show me the benefits of your entertainment systems!!
Have to see if the house is built by then and everything has been set up right. But sure.

[scumdog]

Have to see if the house is built by then and everything has been set up right. But sure.

Yo bet yo sorry excuse for a soth'n boy!!

I'll be off to the the area south of the Mason-Dixon line in a few months and then ah'll inflict mahself on yo wannabe Bars'n'Stars "wish ah hahd a Harley" types with the big screen set-up!!!

PM me if you think you know any suitable places to visit in the south-east USA.

[Biff]

I've got it - I know how the British Lions could beat the All Blacks next time they meet, when the AB's have finished their traditional haka - designed to put fear up the enemy, the Poms retort with the national Pom dance - the morris dance no less. The ABs will piss themselves so much that they wont be able to concentrate on the game, they wont be able to get the image of grown men waving hankies and jangling bells.

What a plan!

Ohhhh Sir Clive, are you listening?

[Toast]

Yeah but would you let me and C.B. shag on your lounge while watching the movies ( and while eating pop-corn)??


As opposed to a movie theatre in which you could? Damn 'dog, not even I'm that brave (dodgy). Good on ya.

[Riff Raff]

Well, can we sing the Hedgehog Song, then?
As long as it isn't preceded by Clang boinng clang ding noises and accompanied by the following accessories: loofah, pumice stone, soap, soap for when the first soap gets lost, ladle for fishing spiders out, waterlogged rubber duck with the prolapsed squeaker, bunion chisel, scrubbing brush on a stick for assorted crevices, banjo, the thing with the pipes and spiggots that no-one ever really knew the purpose of, and a bottle of Klatchian Nights bath essence, one drop of which could crinkle paint!

[vifferman]

As opposed to a movie theatre in which you could? Damn 'dog, not even I'm that brave (dodgy). Good on ya.
Maybe if caught, he'd just flash his badge, and say, "It's OK - I'm just interrogating this here suspect!" :rofl:

[parsley]

As long as it isn't preceded by Clang boinng clang ding noises and accompanied by the following accessories: loofah, pumice stone, soap, soap for when the first soap gets lost, ladle for fishing spiders out, waterlogged rubber duck with the prolapsed squeaker, bunion chisel, scrubbing brush on a stick for assorted crevices, banjo, the thing with the pipes and spiggots that no-one ever really knew the purpose of, and a bottle of Klatchian Nights bath essence, one drop of which could crinkle paint!
The goat hasn't been the same since.

[Toast]

Maybe if caught, he'd just flash his badge, and say, "It's OK - I'm just interrogating this here suspect!" :rofl:

Hahaha :rofl: I know she's gonna squeal soon, she can't hold out forever.

[parsley]

Maybe if caught, he'd just flash his badge, and say, "It's OK - I'm just interrogating this here suspect!" :rofl:
What, pumping her for information?

[scumdog]

Hahaha :rofl: I know she's gonna squeal soon, she can't hold out forever.


Hmmm, I think of it as more of a scream!!! :rofl: :rofl: :whistle:

[Krayy]

No, just quite badly written.

The conclusion was very upsetting.
I'm only halfway through the latest book, and I'd agree that they are written in a fairly basic manner.

The one thing I would like to point out is that I don't think I'd let either of my girls read the last 2 of them until they're at least 12. Some of the themes dealing with death, good vs evil, outright conflict and the bit of blood and guts might be too much for them (and me, trying to explian the concepts to them every 5 mins). I do however, let them watch the movies, although I do ask them if they wan to stop before the werewolf and dementors come on.

On the whole though, a good romp, with little brain work required to keep on top of things (if you want a workout in the fantasy stakes, try Kathryn Kerrs Daggerspell trilogy where you're trying to keep track of a number of characters 'souls' over 3 or 4 different timelines).

[Toast]

Hmmm, I think of it as more of a scream!!! :rofl: :rofl: :whistle:

This could turn in to a smart-ass' slanging match...

:sweatdrop *straining* Keep the peace! :D

[James Deuce]

I'm only halfway through the latest book, and I'd agree that they are written in a fairly basic manner.

........

Thanks for trying to keep it on track mate. :)

[Wolf]

And self deprecation. And Morris dancing. Don't forget Morris dancing
Nobody understands Morris Dancing...

:rofl:

[vifferman]

I'm only halfway through the latest book.Yeah - me too. It's better than watching TV, but unfortunately the best place for reading is in the lounge, and the TV is rather distracting.

[James Deuce]

Yeah - me too. It's better than watching TV, but unfortunately the best place for reading is in the lounge, and the TV is rather distracting.

Butterfly brain.

[Waylander]

Yeah - me too. It's better than watching TV, but unfortunately the best place for reading is in the lounge, and the TV is rather distracting.
Id the TV really distracting? Or, is the book just boring.

[mikey]

on the subject of harry, it only took me two guesses to work out who dies, an then two to figure out who killed him. will still read book one day.

[MikeL]

Seriously ? I mean, in Greek ? (presuming you mean classical greek, not modern)

Seriously. Hareios Poter kai he tou philosophou lithos.
And the University Classics Dept is organizing a reading session.
Just the thing to brush up your Attic...

[Jamezo]

Seriously. Hareios Poter kai he tou philosophou lithos.
And the University Classics Dept is organizing a reading session.
Just the thing to brush up your Attic...

I'm partial to brooms, myself, but whatever floats your boat...

[raster]

On the whole though, a good romp, with little brain work required to keep on top of things (if you want a workout in the fantasy stakes, try Kathryn Kerrs Daggerspell trilogy where you're trying to keep track of a number of characters 'souls' over 3 or 4 different timelines).

I loved the daggerspell trilogy, but it was over too quickly, I like the David Eddings series although it can drag a bit.
We are waiting for the Harry potter to come out in paperback to match the others so i guess we will borrow one.

[SPORK]

I'm rather partial to Alistair Maclean at the moment. I'm reading the Guns of Navarone right now, and just finished Where Eagles Dare. Oh, and before that I read The Golden Gate.

I reccomend them to everyone. Except hippies. And elephants.

[parsley]

I'm rather partial to Alistair Maclean at the moment. I'm reading the Guns of Navarone right now, and just finished Where Eagles Dare. Oh, and before that I read The Golden Gate.

I reccomend them to everyone. Except hippies. And elephants.
The Golden Rendezvous has always been my favourite. Classic stuff.

[Kickaha]

The Golden Rendezvous has always been my favourite. Classic stuff.

When Eight Bells Toll and Puppet on a Chain did it for me, oh yeah and Caravan to Vaccares and errrrr actually just about anything else he wrote

[Ixion]

Seriously. Hareios Poter kai he tou philosophou lithos.
And the University Classics Dept is organizing a reading session.
Just the thing to brush up your Attic...

Well, I'll be blowed. there's hope for the world yet. Erudition making a comeback. who would have thought it.

But Poter ? Not keramoV ? (Damn, I can't do Greek fonts)

[vifferman]

Butterfly brain.
Yeah. Whatever.
Did the reading thing last night instead, and finished the novel. Not so novel - no real surprises, and I'm not sure what got you so angry, Jim.

[James Deuce]

Yeah. Whatever.
Did the reading thing last night instead, and finished the novel. Not so novel - no real surprises, and I'm not sure what got you so angry, Jim.

Where did you get the idea I was angry? I like the little universe JKR has created, and I'm genuinely upset that one of the few people to show HP any genuine regard is dead. I'm expecting HP to end up as "Harry Sith" now. If I was a Weasley I'd be distancing myself from HP right now.

[vifferman]

Where did you get the idea I was angry?
Oops.
I didn't go back and read your original post, and I must've interpreted "upset" as being cross.

I like the little universe JKR has created, and I'm genuinely upset that one of the few people to show HP any genuine regard is dead. I'm expecting HP to end up as "Harry Sith" now. If I was a Weasley I'd be distancing myself from HP right now.
Maybe she's got that in mind - that Harry is lured to the darker side of magic?
I was having a bit of a ponder about HP being supposedly "pure of heart" or whatever yet being so tempted into using that potions text and so possessive of it. :nono: