tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9001627803615945841.post6460933238019764333..comments2018-02-21T17:42:53.903-05:00Comments on The Sweet Flag: Brit Week ~ Charlie CochraneJeannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12430195762629030092noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9001627803615945841.post-57402215453779732552009-09-25T16:36:33.451-04:002009-09-25T16:36:33.451-04:00George
I've been spending the evening curled ...George<br /><br />I've been spending the evening curled up on the settee watching rugby on the TV, then got back online to find your lovely comment. You might say I've had a perfect few hours!<br /><br />I identified with so much you said. "Stubborn, argumentive and my love of gloomy, foggy, rainy days". I'm another Brit who shares those very traits; we had a beautifully misty morning yesterday and I was in heaven. <br /><br />I do so hope you get to Britain one day. I heartily agree with all your aspirations although I'd say ditch Stonehenge and go to Avebury instead. And have afternoon tea at Thornbury castle hotel. <br /><br />You're too kind about the Cambridge boys. I do see them in my mind as if they were on TV, though, which drives my editor loony as it means I don't always present the action cogently in a first draft. Just 'scene by scene' with not enough description or connectors. <br /><br />Who would you see as Jonty and Orlando?<br /><br />CharlieCharlie Cochranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08930334089100649849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9001627803615945841.post-6505690719368767012009-09-25T12:56:18.326-04:002009-09-25T12:56:18.326-04:00I came by to read what Stevie wrote today (Friday)...I came by to read what Stevie wrote today (Friday) - and saw that one of my favorite authors had wrote on Tuesday. How’d I miss that? It was delightful to read both the blog and the comments that were made here on Tuesday, as I could totally relate on many points. Hope I am not to late to play the game!<br /><br />Growing up in a tri-nationality USA home (Southern born American mother, Canadian Grandmother and a British father all in the same household) I was taught so many strange pronunciations of words that during my elementary years I was forced to partake in speech therapy.<br /><br />Now, at 45, my language is poxed with traditional southern slang, elegant British vocabulary and quaint Canadian expressions. (and you might as well throw in some Jewish and Slavic influences based on past long term living arrangements.)<br /><br />The spell check on my computer hates me, as I am forever typing the spelling of the Queens English (not that I am a great speller to begin with. My phonics and spelling abilities seem to lean more towards my British side). <br /><br />When I read this blog out loud to my mate (an all American mutt of sorts) - he definitely picked up on some true British blood traits that I come by honestly (being brutally honest, cynical, realistic, emotions in check, stingy with the praise, stiff upper lip, questionable humor etc.) He also added stubborn, argumentive and my love of gloomy, foggy, rainy days to the list.<br /><br />--Of course, if the mate gets too out of hand with his teasing, I simply threaten to "Perform my duty -- lie back and think of England." (wink wink, nudge nudge.)<br /><br />On another front, I found it quite ironic that he and I were recently talking about history -- then a few days later, find the gist of the debate here in the comments. <br /><br />I bemoaned the fact that Americans (and in particular, this generation coming up) really have no sense of history. Compared to England, which has been long steeped in rich tradition and cloaked heavily in history, so much so that it's people breathe it into their lungs at birth and it becomes apart of their brain chemistry. <br /><br />It is my fondest desires to travel to Britain and set foot on the soil of my ancestors - to cross London Bridge, see my father's small village, hear Big Ben and haunt Stonehenge. (*Heavy sigh) In the meantime, I humor my self with doses of BBC programmes on purchased DVDs, quote Monty Python, listen to UK radio and read fascinating tales from British authors... such as yourself.<br /><br />I freaking LOVE the Cambridge series - it's like in my top 5 of all time. I have told many people about it - and although I wasn't the person who wrote to you, comparing it to Masterpiece Theater - I myself have said the same thing - that the Cambridge series is akin to what one would expect on Masterpiece Theater... and wouldn't it be cool to see the beloved Orlando and Jonty on that?!?!?<br /><br />George Allwynn georgetalwin@gmail.comGeorgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07965966172331514161noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9001627803615945841.post-2508393992659326192009-09-23T17:03:10.361-04:002009-09-23T17:03:10.361-04:00Ee! Just got back from the day job and see that al...Ee! Just got back from the day job and see that all and sundry had quite a bit of fun!<br />I had quite a love affair for English movies when I was growing up, especially the science fiction films.<br />I loved the early Materpiece Theatre pieces that took place all over the British Isles. I think my favorite was "Poldark".<br />And "The Duchess of Duke Street". <br />And Charlie didn't even touch much about our spelling quirks!!!<br />Thanks again, Charlie and all he dropped by.Jeannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12430195762629030092noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9001627803615945841.post-25598723607356900962009-09-23T16:23:57.122-04:002009-09-23T16:23:57.122-04:00Junkfoodmonkey
Have you got the Brussels sprouts ...Junkfoodmonkey<br /><br />Have you got the Brussels sprouts on for Christmas yet? <br /><br />That tyre thing is intriguing. Have run into a similar issue with 'washing up'. The misunderstandings over the fact that we wash ourselves and wash up the dishes. <br /><br />CharlieCharlie Cochranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08930334089100649849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9001627803615945841.post-38890454312133025052009-09-23T16:18:17.226-04:002009-09-23T16:18:17.226-04:00H
I have visions of you living in some little isl...H<br /><br />I have visions of you living in some little island half way over the Atlantic. <br /><br />I love the differences, actually - unless they crop up anachronistically and then I want to chuck the book across the room. <br /><br />:)<br /><br />CharlieCharlie Cochranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08930334089100649849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9001627803615945841.post-42177113165222786322009-09-23T15:28:57.783-04:002009-09-23T15:28:57.783-04:00Hey, I totally live on crumpets and scones, roast ...Hey, I totally live on crumpets and scones, roast beef, and vegetables boiled for no less than a month. And drink tea all day, every day... oh wait, that last part wasn't in sarcasm mode, I actually do.<br /><br />I've written lots of fanfic for an American fandom and my American beta had been invaluable in picking up on turns of phrase that Americans simply would not say. We had this long debate about what you do when you get a flat tyre (or tire!) To me changing a wheel is a quicky job. To her, that would require a mechanic! She'd change the tire, which to me sounds like that's somehow peeling the tire off the wheel. I'd hate to be doing that on a dark night, in a storm on a country road.BeeCyclinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03112685054452735536noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9001627803615945841.post-37316780903008769662009-09-23T14:31:04.073-04:002009-09-23T14:31:04.073-04:00more like Lucius' beloved lunches...more like Lucius' beloved lunches...Erasteshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02203293017233301227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9001627803615945841.post-61122895598665645862009-09-23T13:28:57.118-04:002009-09-23T13:28:57.118-04:00And there are who say footpath. *g*
I wonder if s...And there are who say footpath. *g*<br /><br />I wonder if some of us aren't a little more clued in generally about the differences between the two places - purely because we live in neither one (and have a small population so that many television programmes hail from both and have done for a long time)?<br />Relish the differences, giggle over the unintentionally risque result and read loads of books from everywhere - I think that will be my (on-going) plan.<br />Cheers :)Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09908563063370242705noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9001627803615945841.post-34392301676450482552009-09-23T11:22:40.288-04:002009-09-23T11:22:40.288-04:00This is true. And I'd gladly send the gray sq...This is true. And I'd gladly send the gray squirrel back in exchange!Alex Beecrofthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08846917051472819570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9001627803615945841.post-73324931374010685132009-09-23T11:19:24.560-04:002009-09-23T11:19:24.560-04:00Erastes/Alex
Erastes' beloved collared doves ...Erastes/Alex<br /><br />Erastes' beloved collared doves aren't a native species, either. Nor are rabbits and fallow deer and many other things we take for granted. The bluebirds' day may come.<br /><br />CharlieCharlie Cochranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08930334089100649849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9001627803615945841.post-4099127406634768562009-09-23T11:18:13.363-04:002009-09-23T11:18:13.363-04:00Megan
People keep wanting to call Jonty and Orlan...Megan<br /><br />People keep wanting to call Jonty and Orlando professors. They'd have a fit. Dons or fellows works well for them.<br /><br />Try some of the cheeses we have here, too, especially the continental ones.<br /><br />CharlieCharlie Cochranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08930334089100649849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9001627803615945841.post-73032009392613824502009-09-23T10:36:58.508-04:002009-09-23T10:36:58.508-04:00Never say never!
You'd never have thought we&...Never say never!<br /><br />You'd never have thought we'd have had parakeets living wild in Britain, even pretty far north - but we do, so maybe bluebirds one day!<br /><br />http://www.birdbrains.ca/en/resources/health-and-safety/journal081010.htmlErasteshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02203293017233301227noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9001627803615945841.post-53688809585695113412009-09-23T10:33:11.987-04:002009-09-23T10:33:11.987-04:00Birds, we have; a sense of cultural heritage and h...<i>Birds, we have; a sense of cultural heritage and history, not so much. ;-)</i><br /><br />For that, you've only got to wait a little while and it will come. But we'll never have bluebirds, not even one type!Alex Beecrofthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08846917051472819570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9001627803615945841.post-89366492300348728202009-09-23T10:16:14.144-04:002009-09-23T10:16:14.144-04:00I bought myself some American cheese but it's ...I bought myself some American cheese but it's too processed for anyone else to eat! lol<br /><br />*salutes* Okay, I'll try to get my hand on some decent sausage.<br /><br />Professor in America is essentially a person who teaches at college/university. Teacher is what we call the people in levels below college, like high school, etc. Tutor is someone who helps you with your schoolwork if you're struggling, and usually that is done outside the school day.Megan Atchleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08459592711279852974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9001627803615945841.post-41687078983918747512009-09-23T10:07:34.409-04:002009-09-23T10:07:34.409-04:00Alex, it's common in many parts of the country...Alex, it's common in many parts of the country to see two species of blue-colored birds: the western bluebird and the indigo bunting, which has more luminous feathers.<br /><br />Birds, we have; a sense of cultural heritage and history, not so much. ;-)K. Z. Snowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01373906799954038740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9001627803615945841.post-38721700144957532982009-09-23T09:33:48.095-04:002009-09-23T09:33:48.095-04:00Neil
You certainly have cheap petrol and plenty o...Neil<br /><br />You certainly have cheap petrol and plenty of air conditioning. :)<br /><br />Actually, doing the reverse trip in 2006, I was amazed at what you didn't have that we took for granted, like a variety of good quality ethnic restaurants, and vegetables on the menu. And being able to buy simple medicines in any shop. <br /><br />The word professor doesn't have the same meaning here, either, does it?<br /><br />Cheers<br /><br />CharlieCharlie Cochranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08930334089100649849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9001627803615945841.post-75294864080791652852009-09-23T09:29:51.527-04:002009-09-23T09:29:51.527-04:00Marie
Fresh vegetables? What about a lovely welsh...Marie<br /><br />Fresh vegetables? What about a lovely welsh leek then, look you? If she said you wouldn't be able to find fresh vegetables in the average US restaurant, that would make more sense. <br /><br />That jarring sensation has it spot on. That's what I felt when I was in the US. A bit like being in a parallel universe, little differences...<br /><br />CharlieCharlie Cochranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08930334089100649849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9001627803615945841.post-19323069386916016172009-09-23T09:16:18.438-04:002009-09-23T09:16:18.438-04:00Very interesting! The thing that struck me most ab...Very interesting! The thing that struck me most about England, when I spent a summer there about ten years ago, were the economic differences. So much that we as Americans take for granted seemed to be out of reach of ordinary Britons. I met university professors who couldn't afford cars, for example. Even those who lived in posh lodgings had trouble keeping them up.<br /><br />Made me grateful for all we have!Neil Plakcyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14790700248668484294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9001627803615945841.post-87485009165379319692009-09-23T09:03:57.426-04:002009-09-23T09:03:57.426-04:00Americans have the most amazingly strange preconce...Americans have the most amazingly strange preconceptions...<br /><br />Before I moved to Wales, I was told by a friend that I would have trouble finding fresh vegetables here. (She was in the 'genuinely angry I was moving away' camp, so that may have been part of it.) I know South Wales is industrial, but really!<br /><br />Also, when I went home at Christmas, an older gentleman I'm friends with was deeply concerned that I would have trouble finding people who spoke English. Which is sweet, if...confused.<br /><br />Everything is so different, and yet almost nothing is different. I think that's what makes it so jarring -- you get comfortable, and then you get shaken out of that comfort zone, like, moments later.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05095782271070767463noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9001627803615945841.post-84823398235120817832009-09-23T07:25:05.164-04:002009-09-23T07:25:05.164-04:00Megan
As long as you don't try to introduce t...Megan<br /><br />As long as you don't try to introduce them to American cheese you'll be OK.<br /><br />You're clearly eating the wrong sausages. Hi thee to a farm shop/farm market/Waitrose and take out a mortgage on some good ones.<br /><br />CharlieCharlie Cochranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08930334089100649849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9001627803615945841.post-25929333303597277322009-09-23T06:16:31.281-04:002009-09-23T06:16:31.281-04:00It's actually quite interesting for me to talk...It's actually quite interesting for me to talk with the people I'm staying with about the the differences in words like biscuit or getting water from the faucet. <br /><br />I'm going to have to bake some American Biscuits at some point just to show people what they are! (Cheap but filling really.)<br /><br />And my God the sausages I've tried so far here are horribly tasteless and textureless!Megan Atchleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08459592711279852974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9001627803615945841.post-13001660426852877362009-09-23T05:54:36.250-04:002009-09-23T05:54:36.250-04:00Victor.
Thank you!
I'm as confused about t...Victor. <br /><br />Thank you! <br /><br />I'm as confused about these English muffins as Erastes is. Not confused about Brighton, though - it's one of my favourite places. have you ever been there?<br /><br />CharlieCharlie Cochranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08930334089100649849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9001627803615945841.post-15467224367420211602009-09-23T05:52:42.565-04:002009-09-23T05:52:42.565-04:00Alex
Yes, they are fireside books. Yours and Lee&...Alex<br /><br />Yes, they are fireside books. Yours and Lee's are bedtime books, snuggling down with a gun crew or two. LOL<br /><br />Needs must. Yep, there's one you can't explain. I usually find a snippet on the web of the phrase used in context but they can be hard to come by. <br /><br />*sings White Cliff os Dover just for you*<br /><br />CharlieCharlie Cochranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08930334089100649849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9001627803615945841.post-83793395806444421732009-09-23T05:50:24.593-04:002009-09-23T05:50:24.593-04:00Erastes
Absolutely spot on with the Thumper's...Erastes<br /><br />Absolutely spot on with the Thumper's mother thing. Cynical or realistic? I think we're a mixture of both. We just don't like too much emotion or overpraising things. <br /><br />Our house was built around the time the Cambridge Fellows stories were set. Perhaps the lads passed here one day? <br /><br />Now don't get me started on muffins, cookies, biscuits, etc.<br /><br />CharlieCharlie Cochranehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08930334089100649849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9001627803615945841.post-44385644609265742092009-09-23T05:24:29.857-04:002009-09-23T05:24:29.857-04:00What is an American English Muffin, then, Victor? ...What is an American English Muffin, then, Victor? Can you point to a picture?<br /><br />This is what we know as a muffin.<br /><br />http://www.foodsubs.com/Photos/englishmuffin.jpgErasteshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02203293017233301227noreply@blogger.com