Posts by David Haywood
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Jackie Clark wrote:
And anyway, I would have said that if you really are as socially retarded as you think you are, or were, you would never have captured the heart of such a beautiful woman.
Ha! That's a plausible hypothesis, Jackie. But actually Jennifer and I got together as a consequence of my stunning ineptitude at explaining myself. This is a topic for another essay (or, failing that, I'll give you the details next time I see you in person).
Russell Brown wrote:
I did greet David with a man-hug once. He was a little taken aback...
Damn! I can remember thinking "Wow, I was totally cool about that. Russell will never have guessed how taken aback I was." Obviously not as cool as I thought.
BenWilson wrote:
David, now I'm feeling stink for not chit-chatting more to you at the Great Blend. I mistook your shy smile for cool aloofness.
Sorry Ben, that was a total case in point of my mind going totally blank! If it's any consolation, I've probably kicked myself a dozen times over that (lack of) conversation: "I could have talked about X; I could have talked about Y. Ben will think I'm a complete social retard, etc." Just as well it's out in the open now, otherwise I'd probably be still cringing over it when I'm sixty.
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Years later, I worked with a woman who described herself as a sex-obsessed amateur porn writer.
Just so there's no confusion, this is most definitely not a thinly-veiled reference to Emma Hart (who could only be described as a professional erotica writer, of course).
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Can I make myself unpopular by proferring the opinion that "we" might be over-reacting to Peter Ashby's comments? Personally, I can quite see the connection to his points about modern exercise trends and the 'Rhythm & Movement' film. And, after all, these discusssions are a conversation that -- by definition -- can wander off in tangential directions.
But to change the subject slightly: a truly lovely piece of writing, Russell, I really enjoyed reading it!
P.S. I bet being the drummer in those 'Rhythm & Movement' classes would be a dream occupation for many young lads of that time.
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dark rich chocolate and cornflakes inside.
Right -- with Bob-the-baby asleep I've summoned the energy to check the OED:
Afghan = a person from Afghanistan
afghan = a woollen blanket or shawl (and, presumably, also a biscuit in NZ)
afghani = a monetary unit equal to 100 puls
It seems the capital letter is the distinguishing feature that tells you what's happening when you read about an Afghan eating an afghan.
(And thus you should always say in a café: "I'll have an afghan with a small initial 'a', please.")
Webster's also gives the same definitions, so it doesn't appear to be a US/British spelling difference. Perhaps this is unique to NZ as a result of our biscuits? I shall have to consult some linguists that I know.
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Or, if you are an Afghani who has helped the US Army, does having your name published on Wikileaks really constitute "opening up information" as opposed to "being dead meat"?
Not to be an annoying pedant here -- this is a genuine question -- but is 'Afghani' really the word for someone from Afghanistan?
I've seen it recently on the Stuff website (and elsewhere, I'm sure), but I'd always thought it was 'Afghan'. As far as I know, the afghani is a unit of currency.
Or has the terminology somehow changed since the publication of my big book (with nice-smelling leather cover) on the history of Afghanistan?
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No worries, Geoff. I've had that mistake my whole life -- I'm over being offended!
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Ben Austin, Mark Thomas, and Matthew Poole -- many thanks for the info on the HTC Desire. That's extremely helpful. (Although I guess an interest in a Linux-based phone makes me an 'Independent Geek'.)
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Talking of Android-based devices...
Ben Austin, please tell me, are you pleased with your HTC Desire? And also: how do you think it compares to the HTC Legend?
(My phone celebrated Russell's birthday by dying.)
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giovanni tiso wrote:
I've often though that the Web would be the ideal place to publish novellas and novels in instalments
An interesting idea! Maybe something sufficiently gripping such as a serialized detective novella might be fun to run on PA. I'll have a think about that.
Emma Hart wrote:
Oh, fuck off, Haywood, we don't need your pity. (P.S. Satire)
I should also have said, of course, that NZ is very well served by satirical newspapers/websites. The UK only has Private Eye, and the US only has The Onion, but we have both the NZ Herald and Stuff.
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Anna I wrote:
Love your stories David - so much so I've bought both your books. BUT... I just wish they were more often :)
You sound like a particularly perceptive person, Anna. And, may I say, with exceptionally well-developed taste.
Yes, I've been a bit inefficient in my writing of late -- floundering around trying to produce a novel -- but I shall attempt to be more productive from now on, I promise!
I've banned myself from writing satire on PA (so many other people are so good at it), and shall henceforth be concentrating on this type of humorous essay. Hopefully that will help.
I may also throw in the odd short story -- but I'm not sure they really work in a format such as PA. Anyone have any thoughts on this?
Anyway, thanks very much for your kind message, Anna -- it's cheered me up no end.