(no subject)

[spatch]

I having been trying so very hard not to get all amazed and gawk-like when I find that someone hasn't seen or heard of what, to me and an enlarged social circle, at least, is a popular or well-known phenomenon ("YOU'VE NEVER SEEN STAR WARS?!") I mean, I never reacted in all caps with italics, but I did respond with wide eyes and stuff.

Today however I heard someone in the office talking about Joe Jackson tickets to another person on the phones. Turns out he'll be playing the Somerville Theatre in April and by gum I'll go as soon as I have enough money to mortgage for a balcony seat.

"Holy cats!" I said. "Joe Jackson's playing at the Somerville? Awesome!"

Two people immediately went "Who's Joe Jackson?" Now these weren't your average just-graduated-from-college types, but people actually older than I. I couldn't help it. I had to boggle.

But once I explained he was the guy who sang Steppin' Out and Is She Really Going Out With Him (not to mention he's The Man who gave you the hula hoop) they both went "Ohhhh! Okay!"

But for one brief, not-so-shining moment... confusion reigned supreme.

Comments

[spwebdesign.livejournal.com]

I would, but I'm in London and don't own a copy of Star Wars. There lies another problem: You cannot acquire a copy of the original Star Wars anymore and probably won't until George Lucas dies. He refuses to make available anything but his adulterated "improved" versions. The original Star Wars, as seen in the theaters in 1977, is the greatest movie of all time. I hope one day you'll be able to enjoy it.

[grendelyn.livejournal.com]

Doesn't solve the problem, but I'm in London too! :)

[spwebdesign.livejournal.com]

And do you also, as your userpic suggests—no, it would not be appropriate to ask in English—Вы гаварите по-Русский? If so, I'm thinking we need to meet. ;)

[grendelyn.livejournal.com]

Only a little, I'm afraid, just from travelling and reading. :)

My dad's family is Polish, I speak that quite a bit better (but not perfectly by any means).

I'm a big Slav whore. A year here, a year there... never learn anything properly, alas.

[spwebdesign.livejournal.com]

Well, I only speak a little as well. I've been taking the fast-track beginner's course at the Pushkin House (Holborn) since September. The second term starts Monday. I need the language for my opera career.

[grendelyn.livejournal.com]

For real? Where are you studying opera?

Thanks for the tip!! I've been looking for somewhere to study Russian with native speakers. How was the first course?

Maybe I'll give them a ring tomorrow and see if they can cram one more into the False Beginners' course.

[spwebdesign.livejournal.com]

Since I was just turned down by Guildhall, I can't claim to be affiliated with them anymore, though I study privately with their top voice teacher. I also take a course at Birkbeck.

The first Russian course was fantastic. If you already have some very basic Russian under your belt, you might want to join us. We meet Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 9-ish. It's a small group (3-4 of us), and I know they would happily take another. Call 020 7831 5330 and ask to speak with Lucy. Be sure to let them know Derek Henderson referred you: maybe they'll be nice and give me a little discount if you sign up. ;)

[grendelyn.livejournal.com]

Thanks Derek! I'll give her a call tomorrow. I'm really shy about foreign languages on the phone alas, but I'm sure I'd be ok. Do you use some books and things? Or just 'talk therapy'? (I used to teach English.)

You can also email me, grendelyn at gmail.com

Nice to meet 'ya.

[spritelord.livejournal.com]

This is no longer true. Recently he reissued the "special" editions in super-primo-I-want-more-money versions, each of which contained a "bonus disc" which had the original cuts on them. Of course, not from the original masters, no. From the early '80's laserdiscs, because the masters are "lost or destroyed." Which, of course, you can translate as "due to be released as Higher Quality Versions" for the 40th anniversary.

[spwebdesign.livejournal.com]

It was my understanding that these versions from the laserdiscs are also "updated." I've heard the masters are available and Lucas simply refuses to use them.

[spritelord.livejournal.com]

I don't think they are. Han still shoots first, anyway.