Personal touches

[Poetlister]

From the dad's blog in 2014 Are you an academic who vandalises Wikipedia? Then stop it!

Wikipedia ... runs on a smaller income than the Faculty of Arts at the University of Leeds.

Can't find figures for the Faculty of Arts at Leeds. My alma mater is ranked the UK's top specialist art & design university, and they get by on £43 million.

I assume that they don't have to pay for an army of highly skilled developers who daily make massive improvements to the software.

[tarantino]

Bombargo

Bombargo is an indie pop band from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan that was formed in 2013 by moving and grooving good-timers Nathan Thoen and Spencer Chilliak. They were heavily inspired to start a groovy band after attending the Sasquatch Music Festival.

People are too busy arguing over sexual misconduct allegations to fix this addition from two weeks ago.

[tarantino]

From Wind from the Sea (T-H-L), a painting by Andrew Wyeth.

Wyeth believed in the ability of ordinary things to carry symbolism, "profound meaning," and rich emotion.[5] The same is true for Wind from the Sea. Comparing the rigid window frame to Christina's resiliency, the decaying curtains to her disability, and the crocheted birds to her delicate and surviving femininity, Wyeth considered the painting to be a symbolic portrait of her.[6]

The decaying interior, muted colors, and view of the cemetery that Christina, Alvaro Olson, and Wyeth himself would be buried in is typical of the somber style Wyeth adopted following his father's death. [6][7]

The person who added this text (which may be copied directly from the sources, who knows!), Lebeckjord (T-C-L), only made 10 edits in 2018 because it was required by his college class.

[Peter Damian]

Lady Sarah and her brother, David, then Viscount Linley, grew up in the nursery of Kensington Palace, Apartment 10. They were raised with a nanny called Verona Sumner, although their parents, especially their father, were comparatively hands-on (for the time), with their father teaching them to build things and be creative.
Lady_Sarah_Chatto (T-H-L)

[Peter Damian]

Annigoni was married to Anna Giuseppa Maggini in 1937 until her death of illness in July 1969.

Pietro Annigoni (T-H-L)

[tarantino]

Don Cummings (T-H-L)

Known for his unique voice and truthful, brave characters, actors and audiences are consistently drawn to Cummings' work because of his ability to write forgivingly, comically and deeply about being a human being.

[AndyTheGrump]

Don Cummings (T-H-L)

Known for his unique voice and truthful, brave characters, actors and audiences are consistently drawn to Cummings' work because of his ability to write forgivingly, comically and deeply about being a human being.

Given how much of the biography has been written by two contributors, Djwikki (T-C-L) and IP 68.175.76.205 (T-C-L), neither of whom seem to have been interested in any other subject, there seems to be a fairly obvious explanation for the presence of 'personal touches'.

[Peter Damian]

Hempel's dilemma (T-H-L)

On the one hand, we may define the physical as whatever is currently explained by our best physical theories, e.g., quantum mechanics, general relativity. Though many would find this definition unsatisfactory, some would accept that we have at least a general understanding of the physical based on these theories, and can use them to assess what is physical and what is not. And therein lies the rub, as a worked-out explanation of mentality currently lies outside the scope of such theories.

[The Blue Newt]

Don Cummings (T-H-L)

Known for his unique voice and truthful, brave characters, actors and audiences are consistently drawn to Cummings' work because of his ability to write forgivingly, comically and deeply about being a human being.

Given how much of the biography has been written by two contributors, Djwikki (T-C-L) and IP 68.175.76.205 (T-C-L), neither of whom seem to have been interested in any other subject, there seems to be a fairly obvious explanation for the presence of 'personal touches'.

Smells like teen spirit Sherry Argov.

[eppur si muove]

Science fiction fandom (T-H-L)

SF fandom in the UK has close ties with that in the US. In the UK there are multiple conventions. The largest regular convention for literary SF (book-focused) fandom is the British National convention or Eastercon. Strangely enough this is held over the Easter weekend.

[The Blue Newt]

In her book Maggie's Memories Margaret Wadkin (late of Hickling, near Melton Mowbray in England) describes the use of a mop nail for constructing homemade mops from old pieces of cloth during her village childhood in the early 20th century;

“The mop nail was made by the blacksmith (if there are any still around, they will be antiques). This nail was several inches long with a point at the end and a flat head a couple or so inches wide. We would stand the nail on its flat head, cut pieces of old material into squares and push over the sharp end of the nail and when enough fix a piece of leather, then push the sharp point into the mop stale or handle. There was a knack of twisting these mops over the wrist to swish away surplus water, every woman could use one of these useful mops.[4]”

Vivat Hickling! Floreat Melton Mobray!

[Ming]

Science fiction fandom (T-H-L)

SF fandom in the UK has close ties with that in the US. In the UK there are multiple conventions. The largest regular convention for literary SF (book-focused) fandom is the British National convention or Eastercon. Strangely enough this is held over the Easter weekend.

It might be noted that in Balto./DC area, Disclave (the main DC con, ancient enough to have Willy Ley for their first GoH) for years held the Memorial Day (end of May) weekend slot, while Balticon, was over Easter weekend. In 1997 there was a huge accident at the hotel, and that was the end of Disclave. In 2001 Balticon moved to Memorial Day and has been there ever since. If you believe the article, it was money that put Balticon on Easter weekend, but given the huge overlap in membership between the two it really made no sense to have them on the same weekend, and Memorial Day was the better date.

[eppur si muove]

Science fiction fandom (T-H-L)

SF fandom in the UK has close ties with that in the US. In the UK there are multiple conventions. The largest regular convention for literary SF (book-focused) fandom is the British National convention or Eastercon. Strangely enough this is held over the Easter weekend.

It might be noted that in Balto./DC area, Disclave (the main DC con, ancient enough to have Willy Ley for their first GoH) for years held the Memorial Day (end of May) weekend slot, while Balticon, was over Easter weekend. In 1997 there was a huge accident at the hotel, and that was the end of Disclave. In 2001 Balticon moved to Memorial Day and has been there ever since. If you believe the article, it was money that put Balticon on Easter weekend, but given the huge overlap in membership between the two it really made no sense to have them on the same weekend, and Memorial Day was the better date.

Sufficient American fans come to Eastercon on a regular basis, that it makes sense for a big East Coast con to move away from the Easter weekend as soon as a space opened up at Memorial Day.,

[Peter Damian]

Chapaize (T-H-L)

Around Chapaize lie a large state and communal forest and two ponds. In the 4 hamlets of Chapaize (Bessuge, Gemaugue, Lancharre and Chapaize), there are several laundrettes which were still used at the beginning of the 1950s.

[eppur si muove]

Handy to know for anyone with a time machine.

[AndyTheGrump]

Chapaize (T-H-L)

Around Chapaize lie a large state and communal forest and two ponds. In the 4 hamlets of Chapaize (Bessuge, Gemaugue, Lancharre and Chapaize), there are several laundrettes which were still used at the beginning of the 1950s.

Mistranslation, I suspect. The French-language Wikipedia article mentions 'Un lavoir', which is probably better translated as a public wash house. The linked citation is to a Ministère de la Culture culture listing for the structure. link

The construction of public wash houses was subsidised in 19th-century France. link

[FelinaLavandula]

Surely that information is not due… I looked up lavoirs on that website and found like 450 listed lavoirs in various French settlements. I suppose it would be a bit like mentioning in every American small town’s article that there is (or isn’t) a school, which already happens…

[AndyTheGrump]

Surely that information is not due… I looked up lavoirs on that website and found like 450 listed lavoirs in various French settlements. I suppose it would be a bit like mentioning in every American small town’s article that there is (or isn’t) a school, which already happens…

As a listed building, the Chapaize lavoir would probably get its own article on English-language Wikipedia.

[rnu]

Lavoir de Chapaize

[eppur si muove]

But where is the slot to put your euro coins in that washing starts?

[Elinruby]

Fruitcake (T-H-L)

From the Chile section:

This fruitcake is known as pan de pascua. To learn more, go to Pan de Pascua.

[Peter Damian]

Nursing Madonna (T-H-L)

In art he usually kneels before a Madonna Lactans, and as Jesus takes a break from feeding, the Virgin squeezes her breast and he is hit with a squirt of milk, often shown travelling an impressive distance.

[AndyTheGrump]

Nursing Madonna (T-H-L)

In art he usually kneels before a Madonna Lactans, and as Jesus takes a break from feeding, the Virgin squeezes her breast and he is hit with a squirt of milk, often shown travelling an impressive distance.

Someone has been frequenting websites catering to aficionados of specialist erotica.

Or maybe not: the paragraph in question is 'cited' to this image:


I'd have to suggest that the accuracy of aim was even more impressive than the distance involved. And given the flatness of the trajectory, the velocity must have been somewhat on the high side too...

[rnu]

Nursing Madonna (T-H-L)

In art he usually kneels before a Madonna Lactans, and as Jesus takes a break from feeding, the Virgin squeezes her breast and he is hit with a squirt of milk, often shown travelling an impressive distance.

Well. Bernard of Clairvaux (T-H-L) is known as Doctor Mellifluus (T-H-L).

[tarantino]

Lotus leaf bread (T-H-L)

The bland white dough acts as a counterfoil to the intense flavors and textures of rich, meaty dishes such as a slow-cooked pork belly.

Counterfoil is defined as a a detachable stub (as on a check or ticket) usually serving as a record or receipt. I can't find any alternate definition or synonym that would apply to the usage in that sentence.

[AndyTheGrump]

Lotus leaf bread (T-H-L)

The bland white dough acts as a counterfoil to the intense flavors and textures of rich, meaty dishes such as a slow-cooked pork belly.

Counterfoil is defined as a a detachable stub (as on a check or ticket) usually serving as a record or receipt. I can't find any alternate definition or synonym that would apply to the usage in that sentence.

'Counterfoil' is from the source plagiarised/copyright violated...

[Peter Damian]

Arthur Bryant's (T-H-L)

The decor has consistently been formica tables, fluorescent lighting, and jugs of sauce placed in the windows. Its specialty is burnt ends, the flavorful end pieces of smoked beef brisket; burnt end sandwiches are served open-faced at the restaurant. Its sauce is characterized by vinegar and paprika rather than sweetness.[citation needed]

[eppur si muove]

I see that that article has been edited by such Wikipediocracy favourites as BrownHairedGirl, Dronebogus and Randy Kryn. And that's just in the last 50 edits. None of those notables saw any need to fix the implication that a former American president may be undead rather than simply dead.

....The stadium was located five blocks south of the restaurant before being razed in 1976.

The restaurant has never strayed far from its unpretentious decor with formica tables, fluorescent lighting, and jugs of sauce placed in the windows. While Arthur Bryant's is known for the full range of barbecue dishes, its acknowledged specialty is burnt ends, the flavorful end pieces of smoked beef brisket; burnt end sandwiches are served open-faced at the restaurant. Its sauce (which is characterized by tastes of vinegar and paprika rather than sweetness) is sold on the Internet and by mail, and at various locations including Kansas City International Airport.

The restaurant gained fame over the next several decades, and notable diners included President Harry S. Truman...

[Elinruby]

Don Cummings (T-H-L)

Known for his unique voice and truthful, brave characters, actors and audiences are consistently drawn to Cummings' work because of his ability to write forgivingly, comically and deeply about being a human being.

[Beeblebrox]

Don Cummings (T-H-L)

Known for his unique voice and truthful, brave characters, actors and audiences are consistently drawn to Cummings' work because of his ability to write forgivingly, comically and deeply about being a human being.

His 2019 memoir, Bent But Not Broken, deals with his experience of Peyronie's disease.

I don't think I've heard of that condition, I'll just click the link to Peyronie's disease (T-H-L) and.... immediately regret it.

[rnu]

Don Cummings (T-H-L)

Known for his unique voice and truthful, brave characters, actors and audiences are consistently drawn to Cummings' work because of his ability to write forgivingly, comically and deeply about being a human being.

His 2019 memoir, Bent But Not Broken, deals with his experience of Peyronie's disease.

I don't think I've heard of that condition, I'll just click the link to Peyronie's disease (T-H-L) and.... immediately regret it.

I went on to François Gigot de la Peyronie (T-H-L) where I found this:

As a teenager, he studied philosophy and surgery in Montpellier, where in 1695 he received his diploma as a barber-surgeon. Peyronie became fascinated with phalluses, which later developed into a lifelong obsession.

[kepchup]

Don Cummings (T-H-L)

Known for his unique voice and truthful, brave characters, actors and audiences are consistently drawn to Cummings' work because of his ability to write forgivingly, comically and deeply about being a human being.

His 2019 memoir, Bent But Not Broken, deals with his experience of Peyronie's disease.

I don't think I've heard of that condition, I'll just click the link to Peyronie's disease (T-H-L) and.... immediately regret it.

Next time I tell someone to “get bent”, I know what I want that to mean.

[tarantino]

Don Cummings (T-H-L)

Known for his unique voice and truthful, brave characters, actors and audiences are consistently drawn to Cummings' work because of his ability to write forgivingly, comically and deeply about being a human being.

His 2019 memoir, Bent But Not Broken, deals with his experience of Peyronie's disease.

I don't think I've heard of that condition, I'll just click the link to Peyronie's disease (T-H-L) and.... immediately regret it.

Next time I tell someone to “get bent”, I know what I want that to mean.

See bentcarrot.com

[eppur si muove]

I don't think I've heard of that condition, I'll just click the link to Peyronie's disease (T-H-L) and.... immediately regret it.

I have a vague memory that one of the Commons pictures to do wiht Peyronie's disease got involved in the Ashley van Haeften case.

Ah yes van Haeften gets into an argument with Ottava here link.

And the picture gets a mention in the van Haeften Arbcom case here link

[Ron Lybonly]

I don't think I've heard of that condition, I'll just click the link to Peyronie's disease (T-H-L) and.... immediately regret it.

I have a vague memory that one of the Commons pictures to do wiht Peyronie's disease got involved in the Ashley van Haeften case.

Ah yes van Haeften gets into an argument with Ottava here link.

And the picture gets a mention in the van Haeften Arbcom case here link

Commons is really messed up. Thanks for reminding me. Makes Wikipedia look like Encyclopedia Britannica.

Or any other nonporn site.

What is wrong with those people that they even have to discuss deletion?

I’m not even saying that the article shouldn’t have a bent-penis pic since whatever I think is overridden by “Wikipedia is not censored”. But can’t they at least be sensitive to the penis-owner? (Under copyright law, would he be the
penisor or penisee?).

[tarantino]

Ah yes van Haeften gets into an argument with Ottava here link.

And the picture gets a mention in the van Haeften Arbcom case here link

Convicted child pornographer Beta M (T-C-L) and Fred the Oyster (T-C-L)/WebHamster (T-C-L) also make an appearance. Those were good times.

[Beeblebrox]

Ah yes van Haeften gets into an argument with Ottava here link.

And the picture gets a mention in the van Haeften Arbcom case here link

Convicted child pornographer Beta M (T-C-L) and Fred the Oyster (T-C-L)/WebHamster (T-C-L) also make an appearance. Those were good times.

What a shitshow.
I love the idea of Commons, it is a great idea. The reality is.... not great.

[The Blue Newt]

Ah yes van Haeften gets into an argument with Ottava here link.

And the picture gets a mention in the van Haeften Arbcom case here link

Convicted child pornographer Beta M (T-C-L) and Fred the Oyster (T-C-L)/WebHamster (T-C-L) also make an appearance. Those were good times.

What a shitshow.
I love the idea of Commons, it is a great idea. The reality is.... not great.

What was The Bivalve’s major malfunction?

[SarekOfVulcan]

Science fiction fandom (T-H-L)

SF fandom in the UK has close ties with that in the US. In the UK there are multiple conventions. The largest regular convention for literary SF (book-focused) fandom is the British National convention or Eastercon. Strangely enough this is held over the Easter weekend.

It might be noted that in Balto./DC area, Disclave (the main DC con, ancient enough to have Willy Ley for their first GoH) for years held the Memorial Day (end of May) weekend slot, while Balticon, was over Easter weekend. In 1997 there was a huge accident at the hotel, and that was the end of Disclave. In 2001 Balticon moved to Memorial Day and has been there ever since. If you believe the article, it was money that put Balticon on Easter weekend, but given the huge overlap in membership between the two it really made no sense to have them on the same weekend, and Memorial Day was the better date.

Seattle's Norwescon is also held over Easter weekend. I saw Lois McMaster Bujold the one year I was actually able to make it down there.

[Ron Lybonly]

Science fiction fandom (T-H-L)

SF fandom in the UK has close ties with that in the US. In the UK there are multiple conventions. The largest regular convention for literary SF (book-focused) fandom is the British National convention or Eastercon. Strangely enough this is held over the Easter weekend.

It might be noted that in Balto./DC area, Disclave (the main DC con, ancient enough to have Willy Ley for their first GoH) for years held the Memorial Day (end of May) weekend slot, while Balticon, was over Easter weekend. In 1997 there was a huge accident at the hotel, and that was the end of Disclave. In 2001 Balticon moved to Memorial Day and has been there ever since. If you believe the article, it was money that put Balticon on Easter weekend, but given the huge overlap in membership between the two it really made no sense to have them on the same weekend, and Memorial Day was the better date.

Seattle's Norwescon is also held over Easter weekend. I saw Lois McMaster Bujold the one year I was actually able to make it down there.

Looks like Disclose got sort of run off:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disclave

[Ming]

Science fiction fandom (T-H-L)

SF fandom in the UK has close ties with that in the US. In the UK there are multiple conventions. The largest regular convention for literary SF (book-focused) fandom is the British National convention or Eastercon. Strangely enough this is held over the Easter weekend.

It might be noted that in Balto./DC area, Disclave (the main DC con, ancient enough to have Willy Ley for their first GoH) for years held the Memorial Day (end of May) weekend slot, while Balticon, was over Easter weekend. In 1997 there was a huge accident at the hotel, and that was the end of Disclave. In 2001 Balticon moved to Memorial Day and has been there ever since. If you believe the article, it was money that put Balticon on Easter weekend, but given the huge overlap in membership between the two it really made no sense to have them on the same weekend, and Memorial Day was the better date.

Seattle's Norwescon is also held over Easter weekend. I saw Lois McMaster Bujold the one year I was actually able to make it down there.

Looks like Disclose got sort of run off:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disclave

SF conventions were not super popular with hotels back in the day because fans had a reputation for being cheap (e.g. not drinking that much in the hotel bar). The freaks-in-the-hallway bias also still applied (media cons have pretty much put that to rest). The other reason for the Easter and Memorial Day slots was that those typically aren't high demand weekends.

Ming was involved in the latter years of Unicon (Maryland science fiction convention) (T-H-L). It eventually died of exhaustion but hotel issues played a significant part too. After some years at the Sheraton in Silver Spring, the con got booted after there were a few incidents in the last year, not all of which it was even clear had anything to do with the convention. Someone at the Annapolis Holiday Inn had connections with the con, and got them in the door there, but after two years it was another not invited back.

In the other direction, there was a convention in Timonium over Thanksgiving weekend (another low traffic period for hotels) centering on the works of Marion Zimmer Bradley. After she and the woman who ran the thing for decades died, it changed focus somewhat, but it is still at the same hotel, or it would be if they were having it this year. (No idea whether this is a skip or they've run down.) Perhaps feminist fantasy fans are heavier drinkers, or are better behaved.

[eppur si muove]

By coincidence the series of conventions with which I was most involved were the British Unicons link. I was on the committees of two of those back in the late 1980s. University sites used to be inexpensive compared with hotels. But they gradually started charging more and, as British fandom aged, people became fussier about the level of facilities they expected in their accommodation.

In those days it was felt that British bans spent enough money at the bar to make them an attractive deal especially if the hotel listened and provided the option of having plenty of orange juice to sell to those who were not interested in real ale or cider. The manager and part-owner of the Metropole Hotel in Brighton did get fed up with us. Fans walking around barefoot were a constant complaint of his and the final straw for him was when Iain Banks (T-H-L) was spotted climbing on the outside of the hotel. We had our own complaints about him link

Many British hotels now feel that they can make more money from business meetings and weddings or, at the bottom end of the market, even housing refugeeslink The number of redundancies made because of Covid also means that there's been a loss of institutional memory in a lot of chains about how the needs of fans differ from those of more typical bookings. As breakfast is included with most hotel rooms in Britain, then the catering department needs to know to expect really heavy demand. It was not unusual to find that from the second morning of the convention onwards there was someone checking that everyone queuing up had a room and ticking the room numbers off. On the other hand, the dozen or so most profitable days that the chocolate shop in the Hotel de France had were all during cons.link

[rnu]

The other reason for the Easter and Memorial Day slots was that those typically aren't high demand weekends.
Thanksgiving weekend (another low traffic period for hotels)

Planning committee member 1: "We should hold the convention over the holidays."
Planning committee member 2: "Great idea hotels might give cheaper rates."
Planning committee member 3: "And enough rooms will be available."
Planning committee member 4: "And we won't have difficulties finding a large enough space."
Planning committee member 5: "Are you sure people will have time to come over the holidays? What if they would rather spend the time with their wives or girlfriends?"
[All break out in laughter.]

[eppur si muove]

I do know of one third-generation SF in British fandom and quite a few second generation ones. So some fans do acquire wives/husbands and girl/boyfriends.

[Vigilant]

I do know of one third-generation SF in British fandom and quite a few second generation ones. So some fans do acquire wives/husbands and girl/boyfriends.

Their children can be easily spotted by the cloven hooves.

[Peter Damian]

Herbert James Draper (T-H-L)

During his lifetime Draper was quite famous, a well-known portrait painter.

[The Blue Newt]

Herbert James Draper (T-H-L)

During his lifetime Draper was quite famous, a well-known portrait painter.

I dunno. In context, it makes sense to add an intensifier, since he’s one of those “famous people that you never heard of.”

[Anroth]

Herbert James Draper (T-H-L)

During his lifetime Draper was quite famous, a well-known portrait painter.

I dunno. In context, it makes sense to add an intensifier, since he’s one of those “famous people that you never heard of.”

Well yes, in the ranks of 'victorian painters who did porn-masquerading-as-classical-nudes for rich folk' I am sure he was quite famous in his lifetime. Victorians loved that stuff in the way the modern era loves Pornhub. But it was not exactly unique or of lasting importance.

/cynic

(To be fair to Draper, he may have been slightly less obviously painting nudes for cash than some others of his generation, after awhile of looking at neoclassical painting's history and seeing 'commissioned for lord whatshisface' they tend to blur together.)

[Ming]

Herbert James Draper (T-H-L)

During his lifetime Draper was quite famous, a well-known portrait painter.

I dunno. In context, it makes sense to add an intensifier, since he’s one of those “famous people that you never heard of.”

Well yes, in the ranks of 'victorian painters who did porn-masquerading-as-classical-nudes for rich folk' I am sure he was quite famous in his lifetime. Victorians loved that stuff in the way the modern era loves Pornhub. But it was not exactly unique or of lasting importance.

/cynic

(To be fair to Draper, he may have been slightly less obviously painting nudes for cash than some others of his generation, after awhile of looking at neoclassical painting's history and seeing 'commissioned for lord whatshisface' they tend to blur together.)

(looks at gallery) My, that's quite an array of ... tits.

One would expect for a noted portraitist, there would be a bunch of portraits shown. That he was eclipsed is unsurprising, not because he wasn't good, but because the Art Establishment banished that stuff for a century.

[Anroth]

(looks at gallery) My, that's quite an array of ... tits.

“Tawnee says what she does is Art, Sarge. And she wears more clothes than a lot of the women on the walls around here, so why be sniffy about it?”
“Yeah, but…” Fred Colon hesitated here. He knew in his heart that spinning upside down around a pole wearing a costume you could floss with definitely was not Art, and being painted lying on a bed wearing nothing but a smile and a small bunch of grapes was good solid Art, but putting your finger on why this was the case was a bit tricky.
“No urns,” he said at last.
“What urns?” said Nobby.
“Nude women are only Art if there’s an urn in it,” said Fred Colon. This sounded a bit weak even to him, so he added: “Or a plinth. Both is best, o’course. It’s a secret sign, see, that they put in to say that it’s Art and okay to look at.”
“What about a potted plant?”
“That’s okay if it’s in an urn.”

But to the second part of your post:

One would expect for a noted portraitist, there would be a bunch of portraits shown. That he was eclipsed is unsurprising, not because he wasn't good, but because the Art Establishment banished that stuff for a century.

Its possible for Draper that that is what is readily available. Portraits by their nature are painted on commission, so end up mostly with the subject and subsequently their families. Depending on his clientele, a lot of them are probably still privately owned. His classical nude-based stuff does appear to have been done (from what I can tell) to some extent directly for galleries. So maybe its a combination of the style going out of fashion and his portrait work being out of sight.