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exoskeleton
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Posted Sat Aug 1st, 2009 7:05pm Post subject: a thread about Stephen Fry
I'm wearing my shirt today, so I ought to make this thread.
because there aren't many threads of this nature (it's a unique shirt indeed.)
no...I mean this forum might as well talk a little Fry.
why is his author picture so odd looking for Ode Less Travelled? it is scowling and his hair is so dark. it's a strange contrast to the upbeat, funny tone used in the poetry lessons. which, btw, I love. so enjoyable. his own poems are excellent, but it's better when I can get something of my own to fit togethe. I see why writing poetry is a fun activity, never had a clue before. and knowing the form really is necessary. then you can use it however you want. but as for the photo I was referring to:
also, I think I need to listen to the podgram about newspaper columnists again. I like reading some newspaper columns, especially ones that inform about an issue I didn't know about before. in Paperweight, I quite like reading Stephen's columns from The Listener. I haven't got to the Telegraph ones yet, because I'm seriously taking my time. I don't think they're bad at all. I think he is very fair, and he expresses a lot of ideas that are not obvious. I was thinking about Lord's: The Great Lie after that 2nd Ashes test match in July. anyway, I hate for him to condemn these old writings that I think are pretty decent-- a lot better than what I read in the paper or even Time magazine. it's OK, though, because this sort of thing happens all the time, and I can read and enjoy nevertheless.
it's also kind of funny how the commentary in Paperweight is kind of "looking back" and now it should be doubly looking back since it is 17 years old. so you can look back on the looking back.
separately, I can see why he does not like critics. he seemed highly critical of some of the books he reviewed, to the point that I felt as though the praise for other books was saracastic or something. very odd. I wouldn't like to receive such reviews, but hopefully I never find myself in the position where any news organization thinks complaining about my poor work is worth their ink or airwaves!
this Wagner music is good stuff. any of you tried it? seriously enjoyable. I wouldn't expect myself to adore it, but as for something to fill the ears, totally satisfactory. nice to read up on, but I think I prefer the listening to the reading. I try to at least know the story, but reading the English libretto seems kind of silly. the booklets from the library have German, English, and French...can do two of the three, but neither of those are what is actually being sung. alas. reading about the stories/process is interesting though. one place you don't want to venture is the youtube comments on Das Rheingold. this is my favorite part so far (typical...the ending where it's all noisy...)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcVjGBNrlCs
and a video part of the same deal, started a little further on that then video above:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXM-811Z4z0
(why English subtitling seemed a good idea to someone, I have no clue.)
has anyone been able to try this, where some Fry audiobooks are on Spotify?
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/technology/2009/07/21.....-21537837/
the service is not available in the US, and I figured even if it was the audiobooks would not be. anyway, perhaps one of you has an invite and would like to take advantage of this opportunity.
so...if you say "drivel drivel drivel, this girl can't even muster up a shift key hit!" then let this thread drop. but perhaps you can find something to reply to...or just add something completely unrelated besides that it hopefully concerns the same Stephen Fry. not the one who one time ran a 5K race downtown and had it recorded in the newspaper the next day. X-D
"I'm sorry, can I get this straight? are you saying your wife blew up?"
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gjhsu
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Posted Sat Aug 1st, 2009 8:55pm Post subject: a thread about Stephen Fry
Hear hear! A thread about Fry. Excellent. Most excellent.
I admit that I only made it about 50 pages into The Ode Less Travelled. Not because I don't think it's good information, I'm sure it is, but not even Stephen Fry can get me to truly appreciative the creation of poetry. I see why it exists, and I tip my hat to anyone halfway talented and who can take pleasure from it, but that's about as far as I go.
Wagner is one of those things I share a deep passion for with Stephen. I first heard the Overture to Tannhäuser in English class in 10th grade (odd place to hear it now that I think about it), but it is THE most capturing piece of music I have ever heard, of any genre, of any generation, of any generalization. It encompasses everything that is mankind to me. Since that moment in my sophomore year, his music sat in the deep recesses of my mind. After all, "opera" was for old-people, and the singing? I couldn't be bothered with that, of course not. I'm too cool for that.
Ho-ho. How I was wrong. Either that, or I got old. I started listening to the actual operas (as opposed to just the overtures and preludes that litter the CD world), and I saw what it was all about. Stephen Fry may be on to something about that German fellow.
The stories are good to know so you have some idea about what the characters are on about, but to me the story takes a far back seat to the sheer musicality of it. I'm not a religious person at all, but the Pilgrim's Chorus (Begluckt darf nun dich), also from Tannhäuser, is amazing not in its message, but the music, and the way it sounds when the choir sings it. It rises and falls and does everything naughty that music can do.
Stephen explains this phenomenon very, very well when he talks about Language. Language is to him what music is to me. Well, maybe that's not so black and white. Language can be music, and music can be language. It all ties together.
Raise a toast to the owner and subject of this fair website.
That, and these glasses are the best ever. A shame he doesn't wear them anymore.
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exoskeleton
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Posted Sat Aug 1st, 2009 10:02pm Post subject: a thread about Stephen Fry
those are very good glasses!
I'm concerned, because I want to make sure I know when I hear this Pilgrim's Chorus. so far, I am really liking Tannhäuser. I assume the pilgrims in question are the ones who go to Rome. the track naming process was apparently not important when these music kits were made up, because the CDs are called all sorts of strange things.
it's cool that you were taken with the Wagner so long ago, though. I was a strenuous objector when my friend's mother would insist on playing opera when I was over playing...it was a kind of joke with me, but I couldn't understand why anyone would want to listen to people singing so loudly. X-D
I listened to Language again about a month ago. I am not sure anything is "my" language. I'm pretty enthralled with language, actually, but it's never going to be a career, and I don't feel especially dexterous with it. I just love other people speaking and fooling around with words. like this. one of my favorite songs ever: the lyrics make almost no sense.
Ode Less Travelled is not always the most compelling, but as a poetry book goes, I can't imagine one holding my attention more. I'm only about halfway through, actually, and learning about the sonnet. at this point I feel like I can writing poems that please me. it feels like a little trick I can add to my stash, like juggling, or something similarly frivolous but entertaining.
hmm...anything else to bring up.
I got A Night at the Opera yesterday after having enjoyed A Day at the Races so much. really like the Marx Brothers' humor. I chose a dongle-related password for some summer accounts (I don't think telling you this constitutes a security threat) and I shouldn't have, because now every time I sign in I miss having more dongles. I don't mind waiting, it's fine with me (and I have to wait whether I like it or not!), but I still wish there were another. the second one (with the paintings) was really excellent. I still have the first piece as my desktop image, it's such a nice scene.
this film is being shipped to my library on DVD. it will be nice to see more clearly than it's available on youtube:
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ginj
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Posted Sat Aug 1st, 2009 11:55pm Post subject: a thread about Stephen Fry
Oh my, so much to read and respond to.  But is it too much Fry? Absolutely not!!! No such thing. X-D
I think I am going to start backwards, I am not getting tired of hearing Stephen talk about Wagner, and I am pleased that he is enjoying himself, but sadly, opera and classical music is something that I am just not interested in. As a child (say 5-10 years old) both my mother and the public school system tried to enlighten me to the beauty of the music, but I just never "got" it. So he can share his joy, but in my particular case, he can keep the music to himself. However, having said that, gjhsu, I loved hearing you talk about how you feel about the music, it was very poetic and it did make me smile.
I have not gotten a copy of The Ode Less Traveled, yet. I am sure I will eventually. And since you both mentioned his Language podgram, let me say that that is one of my favorite podgrams. There is just so much in it. I am ready for another one like that. Actually I would have preferred it if he had stuck to doing podgrams like that instead of the Dongle series. But people seem to be enjoying it.
My very old VCR ate up my video of Stephen's most recent Bones appearence, but today I found out that you can download just one episode of a series from Amazon.com for only $1.99, so I am downloading a digital copy as we speak. See Stephen was right, if we think it's a fair enough deal we will pay for it. X-D
Love all of the pictures you have both included. Let me see if I have anything...
Hmm, how about this?
Or this?
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exoskeleton
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Posted Sun Aug 2nd, 2009 2:12am Post subject: a thread about Stephen Fry
both very adequate pictures! 
I definitely understand wanting more podgrams. I think I'd prefer them as well. the dongles have been fun, but I wish there were more emphasis on the words.
I haven't seen any of the Gordon Wyatt episodes of Bones besides the most recent one, which I really enjoyed. I should look for the other ones. I wouldn't mind downloading them. the last time I cared about a dramatic American TV series was when I was watching lots of DVDs of the Sopranos.
I also should watch V for Vendetta but it sounds like it's distressing, and that isn't my usual preference in films.
I have yet to do anything much with my Stephen Fry in America book either. I tried that silly quiz with a bunch of apparently American words that I have never heard in my life,I read some of my state, checked a few other states I care about, and that's it. oh, and looked at all the pictures.
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ginj
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Posted Sun Aug 2nd, 2009 3:04am Post subject: a thread about Stephen Fry
Aw, he looks so cute in that picture.
I still haven't ordered my copy of Stephen Fry in America really do need to do that. Alright, I am really hoping he will come over here and do a book signing somewhere near me so that I can meet him in person and get a signed copy. But if I order one online now, then none of that will happen. X-D Who's superstitious, not me. X-D I am sure that by the time I finish The Liar and Paperweight, I will be ready to order the book online. 
I also should watch V for Vendetta but it sounds like it's distressing, and that isn't my usual preference in films.
I understand how you feel about this, really I do, because I resisted for a long time, too. Me: What? You want me to watch some movie based on a violent comic book character? Hmph, no thank you. X-D Let me tell you, I really liked the movie. Would definitely consider watching it again. And I will also say it is a very popular movie at my local library. I was somewhat familiar with the story of Guy Fawkes, so I don't know if that helped me like it better or not. But it was a surprisingly good movie.
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TobiasMonk
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Posted Sun Aug 2nd, 2009 3:29am Post subject: a thread about Stephen Fry
BAAAAAH! I cannot be awake for nothing looks to me as it did before, Or else I am awake for the first time, and all before has been a mean sleep.
Walt Whitman
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gjhsu
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Posted Sun Aug 2nd, 2009 5:13am Post subject: a thread about Stephen Fry
I also really enjoyed V for Vendetta, other than Natalie Portman. I'm not a huge fan of hers. Had I not heard that it was based on a comic book (er, sorry, "graphic novel." Pah!), I would have never known. It would have just been a lot of clever plot writing from some rather clever movie makers.
As for SFiA, I really, REALLY wish they would release it in the US on Blu-ray. I got the UK blu-ray of it, and it doesn't play in my PS3 :'( It's always a crap shoot whether a non-US BD will play or not, and this one doesn't. Heigh ho. I did catch it on Youtube before the powers that be took them all down, and really enjoyed the series, even if he only spends about 6 minutes in each state. Glad he didn't have ALL bad things to say about my country and my state
If you all have bot seen the Fry "50 Not Out" production that the BBC did for Stephen for his 50th last year, definitely check it out on Youtube. Amazing how much love and respect he has from his'colleagues. Nice guy finally gets his cumuffins.
Sad Stephen:
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ladyfromhamburg
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Posted Sun Aug 2nd, 2009 1:36pm Post subject: a thread about Stephen Fry
Exo, I'm so pleased that you opened this new thread!.
I have just read your comments and those of Ginj, Gihsu, Tobias Monk. I enjoyed very much the pictures which were added - although they are known to me. It doesn't matter at all - they remind me of Stephen Fry, of this docus, films/movies and other projects he was involved in or they remind me of forum members here, of sometimes very funny 'conversations' and of lot of exchange of ideas.
As you all I - meanwhile - have a lot of his works at home and - sorry, I can't help - have to read and watch it or have to listen to it in regular intervals. I don't feel complete without hearing this voice. It's good to get (positive) news about or from him, it's good to see photos showing him.
1)
I definitely understand wanting more podgrams. I think I'd prefer them as well. the dongles have been fun, but I wish there were more emphasis on the words.
2)
I also should watch V for Vendetta but it sounds like it's distressing, and that isn't my usual preference in films.
1) The podgrams are great. I second your wish to get more of them in the future.
2)
Exo, as Giny/Gihsu already mentioned, it is a very good movie. I think you will not find any trace that shows the comic backround and the story is quite compelling. The actors are carefully selected, although Stephen is still my favourite. The scenery is excellent. For me it's sometimes only hard to watch the sanguinary parts of the movie But I have watched it 4 times now, so you can see it can't be too bad.
At present I'm reading again his 'Hippopotamus respectively my family and I are watching Kingdom, series 2 on DVD. My husband likes Stephen a lot which makes it much more easierr to convince him that the actual TV progarmme is too bad to watch
This is probably a very mixed, diverse comment. I will try to work it out better next time but simply had the wish to tell just right now, how I like this new Stephen thread.
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exoskeleton
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Posted Sun Aug 2nd, 2009 11:00pm Post subject: a thread about Stephen Fry
I'm glad you like the thread, ladyfromhamburg!
I like it as well, because I think it has convinced me to watch V for Vendetta. I remember being somewhat inclined to see it when it was in theaters, but in the end I wasn't sure if it would be too scary. I have now placed a hold on it at the library. I'm just waiting for their system to reject my holds one day, arguing that while I have 11 items out (not all for me, but mostly) and 9 holds, there is no reason I need more stuff from them.
good point about 50 Not Out program. I remember watching that on YouTube while folding laundry and thinking to myself "this is a program I can get into-- a bunch of people saying nice things about Stephen Fry!" X-D
I would LOVE to sometime see Fry in America the TV series. how ironic that living in America, I am denied access to a show ABOUT America. it's kind of strange, actually, how Stephen speaks about America. when I think of America relative to the UK, or the America he speaks of, for some reason I have trouble connecting it to the place I lived for all but three days of my nineteen years. I guess I have never thought about analyzing the country as a whole, because regional differences have always seemed so great.
edit: I've gone and watched 50 Not Out again and I recommend you all do the same. I forgot how much I enjoyed it! I need to get a more adulating tone here, goodness, it's so deserved. the nice thing is that compared to the last time I watched it I must have recognized at least 200% more of the people. Robert Webb was especially nice to hear from, because I think he is absolutely hilarious in his current shows, and it's no surprise he would have liked Paperweight. Phill Jupitus is great too. Just hearing him talk about being motivated to self improvement makes me want to go self improve right this very minute. or perhaps I should expend the adoring energy mowing the lawn.
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ginj
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Posted Mon Aug 3rd, 2009 12:54pm Post subject: a thread about Stephen Fry
Okay, I will watch 50 Not Out again. I have watched it, and thought it was very good, but you are both right, it probably does deserve a second look.
Like ladyfromhamburg I am also watching Kingdom, Series 2, again, and watching episode 4 last night made me think of something else I wanted to add to this thread. I really do like him in pink. It's funny, I am not sure how many men I would say that about, but when I see him in pink I very often think that he looks good in it.
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Soph
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Posted Mon Aug 3rd, 2009 2:55pm Post subject: a thread about Stephen Fry
Oh hoorar for this, a Stephen Fry thread! I'm finally contented, thanks for starting it up, exo. : ]
On the subject of V for Vendetta, I was reluctant to watch it becuase of my existing presumptions on the film. I had this thought in my head that it would be horribly horrific an completely not to my taste. And I was quite surprised at how much I did enjoy it. It wasn't at all as I expected. I grew to like V, which I find strange to admit. I did, however, find the bloody face bit a little distressing.
But he's alive!, is he not?
Is it just me or does anyone else just want to give him a great big cuddle here?
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Rain Dog
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Posted Tue Aug 4th, 2009 1:35pm Post subject: a thread about Stephen Fry
has anyone been able to try this, where some Fry audiobooks are on Spotify?
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/technology/2009/07/21.....-21537837/
the service is not available in the US, and I figured even if it was the audiobooks would not be. anyway, perhaps one of you has an invite and would like to take advantage of this opportunity.
I heard about this recently and was so excited, but apparantly the audiobooks haven't been added yet. At least I couldn't find anything when I typed Stephen Fry into the search field. Spotify is a wonderful thing, I have been using it for half a year now and I love it. The only downside is the adverts (I use the free version, the ad-free costs something like 10 euros a month) but there is so much great music available there and when they get the Fry audiobooks there it'll be even more fantastic.
I also should watch V for Vendetta but it sounds like it's distressing, and that isn't my usual preference in films.
You should watch it, it's a great film. There are similarities to Orwell's 1984 and Stephen is great in it. I have been thinking that perhaps the graphic novel might be worth a try as well, I seem to remember that Stephen said he liked it in one of the interviews on the dvd.
I have also been re-watching Kingdom since the first two seasons were shown on tv here last month. They have promised to show the new episodes as well but I have no idea how long we have to wait for them. Luckily I have seen them already.
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Fryphile
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Posted Tue Aug 4th, 2009 1:55pm Post subject: a thread about Stephen Fry
I'd never heard of this Steven Fry guy before, but now I'll follow his career with considerable interest. 
I think of myself as someone who is filled with love, whose only purpose in life was to achieve love. - Stephen Fry
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gjhsu
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Posted Tue Aug 4th, 2009 5:06pm Post subject: a thread about Stephen Fry
Bring me lobster on a clean plate. 
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