Is love at first sight a reality or a myth? Recent studies conclude it's quite real.
Submitted by:
aprince
03/25/11
Submitted by:
aryckman
04/03/11
Submitted by:
pointshoot
04/15/11
Submitted by:
dannick9
04/14/11
Submitted by:
ccooper
03/12/11
June 12, 2012
The title, "The Diary of a Nobody," one of my favorite British satires, is a bit of a misnomer. In many ways the hero of his own autobiography is not a nobody. He is an oaf, he is a clod who is consumed with his own self-importance.
Why should I not publish my diary? I have often seen reminiscences of people I have never even heard of, and I fail to see--because I do not happen to be a 'Somebody'--why my diary should not be interesting.
The humor comes from Charles Pooter's extreme egocentricity as he documents practically every mundane thought in his life. In fact, the book has spawned the word "Pooterish" to describe a tendency to take oneself excessively seriously.
The diary, which was first serialized in Punch in 1888-89, was written by George Grossmith and illustrated by his brother, Weedon. But the fictional author is Pooter himself, a modest clerk who lives with his wife, Carrie, in Brickfield Terrace, which could be any English suburb.
Pooter prefers to think he is in charge. In reality, he is the master of nothing.
Ordered a shoulder of mutton for to-morrow....Two shoulders of mutton arrived, Carrie having arranged with another butcher without consulting me...I am afraid we shall have to get some new stair-carpets after all. After dinner went to sleep.
But as life at the Pooter house unfolds, it is anything but dull. The Pooters are invited to dinner at Mansion House, the Lord Mayor's residence, and are quite proud of themselves. Then they find out everyone eventually gets invited to Mansion House, even some of their lowly neighbors. Despite this, Pooter is quite taken aback when his name is first omitted from the guest list, and then misspelled in subsequent addendums. After two letters to the local paper, he still doesn't get any satisfaction.
Absolutely disgusted on opening the Blackfriars Bi-weekly News of to-day, to find the following paragraph: "We have received two letters from Mr. and Mrs. Charles Pewter, requesting us to announce the important fact that they were at the Mansion House Ball." .
Pooter's son is William Lupin Pooter and he's a bit of a rogue who causes Pooter more grief than anything and becomes engaged to a woman his parents don't quite approve. He's forever quitting perfectly good jobs. Of course, all turns out well in the end. Pooter gets a raise greater than he'd expected and Lupin finds the right job and the right girl. All is as it should be in the Pooter household.
And life goes on and on and...
August 1.- Ordered a new pair of trousers at Edwards's, and told them not to cut them so loose over the boot; the last pair being so loose and also tight at the knee, looked like a sailor's, and I heard Pitt, that objectionable youth at the office, call out "Hornpipe" as I passed his desk."
The enduring affection for Charles Pooter is that he may be a "nobody" but he is also everybody. No matter our lives, we are important, at least to ourselves. And that's as it should be.
still thinking about today...
Submitted by:
ccooper
03/12/11
Submitted by:
nolanseye
04/11/11
Submitted by:
mwecker
03/04/11
Submitted by:
DEEBLACK
03/13/11
Submitted by:
dnerland
03/24/11
Sounds like a selection for the summer reading list.
In fact, this man was to become so famous as to be an almost 'house hold' word....I first heard it mentioned when an elderUncle of mine was refered to as a 'Pooter'... especially after cabbage, or beans....
It sounds a bit like fodder for social media in many ways..............hmmmm
I have toyed with the idea of writing a book... Then I realize I am the only person who would read it. Since I already know the story there doesn't seem to be much point. I am a legend in my own mind.
My son came home triumphant from school one day to announce he was 'a legend in his own lunchbox' I'd given him the previous night's leftovers - a huge leg of chicken tandoori, rice, peas, sweetcorn. Happy bunny! Jealous schoolmates.
We are talking today about a book I have read at least three times and found it very funny in the way it gently mocked the British lower middle class white collar worker. I fear for their fate during this economic recession. Whatever will become of them?
It's nice to have a story with a happy ending, notwithstanding the fact that the protagonist is a simpleton and a blithering dolt, not capacitated to function in any fashion other than with an unexamined life.
Not sure what to say about this topic. The phrase "a legend in his own mind" comes. Perhaps we need to introduce food? I saw an article about roast pork where the chef started with vanilla in a marinade and then used other spices. I tried it and found the vanilla overwhelmed. Not a trace. I might try it again with a longer marinade and stronger concentration. Sounded like an interesting idea.
I've just retrieved my slip-cased copy of "The Diary of a Nobody" from the bookshelf. (Now that sentence alone sounds rather Pooter-ish, I think.) The book is actually more relevant than we think at first glance--just think of all the "blogs" out there.....anyone can start one and seemingly everyone does....... . Or is it more like Facebook...... . In the end of th book we see the pathos of Pooter and, as Peterman says above, "that we are important, at least to ourselves." Maybe that is what all the blogging and Facebooking is about?
Have not read The Diary of a Nobody. I have watched an episode of Downton Abbey. I also hear that TNT is reviving the Ewings of Southfork and Dallas. I can't imagine this book being any worse.
Imagine the steamy side of Dilbert..
Reminds me of a cross between BBC's "Keeping Up Appearances" and my own bachelor brother-in-law who stays in daily Email touch and is known to us as The Odious One. I have to say I have never heard the expression "pooter" nor am I familiar with the book. Spending as much time as I do in the company of bombastic blowhards (I don't mean here!!)"The Diary of a Nobody" might not be just the ticket for me.
Really miss BEBE!!!
I have not read The Diary of a Nobody either, nor have I heard of it. It doesn't sound that appealing to me. I have enough uninteresting boring detail in my own life, I don't need to read about someone elses' mundane life. Don't get me wrong, I'm a happy soul. After all, here I am, chatting with you interesting, intelligent folks, and I have a nice little tabby cat in my lap purring. But to write a book about it? Jee, yesterday was Monday, so we had our usual dinner of dal and basmati rice while watching The Group on TCM. We turned it off after an hour because Larry Hagman's character was too annoying...It aint no War and Peace.
Haven't gotten past 'The Diary of a Wimpy Kid' reviews, courtesy of my grandson.
The dust cover is a bit worse for wear, and the penciled price just inside is $1.00. Obviously my long ago professor, Dr. Evelyn L. Pugh, purchased it second hand, and I'm the receiver third hand.
I took three coursed in English History from Dr. Pugh before she died, one of which was a master's thesis course. After her death her husband invited a number of her studens to the house to select books from her library. "Take as many as you like, just don't argue over them," he told us. Among my choices was The diary of A Nobody because, though I chose a few history books, I was more interested to read what she had read for pleasure. Her choices did not disappoint me.
Senator Bob Graham D Fla., kept track of his weight, calories burned on the treadmill, the contents of his meals and his attire often changed during the day.
All arguably less interesting and informative than the phone book but incrementally more so than a plaster ceiling.
The Diary of A Nobody first appeared in Punch----People, people, people, it was a send-up!! The Diary never pretended to be anything but what it was--a satire. And as such it is an interesting commentary in any age where everyone wants to be someone. London drawing rooms of the artists' community (and the author was an actor--a comedic actor and funny musician most famous for his Gilbert & Sullivan performances) as are any gallery opening, live theater lobby or even blogs today--are full of pretentious blow hards documenting their lives--so he wrote a parody, a burlesque, a pasquinade, if you will. Gilbert and Sullivan had a line in one of their songs "When everyone is somebody then no one's anybody" and that's probably close to the point of "The Diary...."
Carol, you make it sound a bit more interesting, but alas, I'm still trying to finish up last summer's Summer Reading List! I can't add to it yet...
It was on the News, no less, that the next installment of The Diary Of Adrian Mole is to be published.
I've never been able to keep a regular diary. I write something down, then read it and think it is boring or pompous or whiney and I vow not to write again unless I have something valuable to contribute and the pages sit empty. It is probably just as well.
I sing in the shower, and have been tempted to record ... naaah
I haven't read it either but it sounds like it would be right up there with A Confederacy of Dunces.
How can you tell if you have become a Pooter? Are there telltale signs from coworkers and friends?
Who really knows about the character of this man.  Maybe, just maybe this author, thus person, spent the rest of his unaccounted day, his unaccounted  life, performing generous and courageous deeds that burdened his body and soul so much that his only release was the creation of this perhaps fictional character and chronicling his inauspicious deeds.
Perhaps the joke is on those who would sit on their own high and look down their noses at this person, or perhaps character, and label him 'a simpleton and blithering dolt'. Â
This would please me greatly.....
Nachista--symptoms of Pooter-ism include, but are not limited to, extreme gratification at one's own little sallies and jests, an enlarged sense of the importance of those in charge, i.e. your boss, someone wealthier or living in a better neighborhood, disappointment in the commonness of one's friends and acquaintances while at the same time enjoying time spent in their company, a feeling that one is better than trades people upon whom one depends--i.e. feeling superior to the grocer, the baker, the delivery man, the painter, etc., Really the book is a delightful little gem jabbing you in the ribs as you nod in recognition of the character of Pooter........I think all of us have known someone with some Pooter qualities. And, I'll betcha' we've mocked or made fun fun of them. Just like The Diary.....
Carol, he sounds like Mr. Collins from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice.
Seems like a precursor to the Mockumentary or reality tv shows that follow around people who aren't all the bright, important, or interesting...but they sure make everyone hate them.
Carol, do you think Hyacinth Bucket is the modern female version of Pooter?
I would love to be a bit of a rogue and quit a perfectly good job. Alas, my checkbook balance forbids me from doing so...but still, I shall think myself "Pooterlicious" for today.
No time to write today. I am too busy detailing my extremely ordinary day in my diary.
I marjorie---------------he is, indeed, very like Mr. Collins. Very good! nachista---yes, in many ways Hyacinth is the female Pooter persona......excellent
I think this little ditty might fit the subject of the subject....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPW2RrOmGVg&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Lest you think Pooter's diary is a tome the size of War and Peace let me assure you that it is short and very light reading. And humorous. The entries, while seemingly commonplace or quotidian, are delivered with a deft humor. Not a guffaw, but a chuckle of recogntion happens while reading the daily life of Charles Pooter and his wife Carrie (Caroline). Upon once again imbibing too much champagne at a party he wakens feeling horrid, sure that it must have been the lobster salad tainted. Carrie remarks, "Champagne never did agree with you." Of course, he will never admit to a hangover time after time. Again.....not a guffaw, but a chuckle--either remembering a friend or self who resolutely insists "it was something I ate..."
Walter Mitty thinking that the only mind exercise "they" get is jumping to conclusions or Eleanor Rigby who "waits at the window, wearing the face that she keeps in a jar by the door"...and before Mad Men, Sloan Wilson's gray flanneled Tom Roth who defined rat race and the not so funny state of quiet desperation. Henry in Bulowski's Barfly reflects-Some people never go crazy. What truly horrible lives they must lead. And the heartbreak kid Sonny in The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel-"...everything will be all right in the end... if it's not all right then it's not the end. Illogical inorganic conclusions
There are experts in the Pooter field, and you all know them.....
The feuilletonist says let the games begin. Let the finger be pulled. Let the topic be changed.
Tommy Typical, indeed let the topic be changed.
as I was writing about today's curiousity in my diary, which,if I do say so myself, is extraordinary,or at least slightly over normal,I noticed it was very late into the evening, and the subject had not changed, much like myself, from those halcyon days, when,tho I may have had more hair,and possibly a little more muscle tone, and I ate at least two eggs every morning. Some times with toast, but often an English muffin,and marmalade,and then on special mornings;a bagel....
Bagels are especially good with creamcheese, but unsalted butter is also delicious, and when toasted, those bagels are at least as good as an English muffin, but when I have coffee, a bagel is better than when I have tea; tea goes much better with the English muffin. I think it might have to do with all those holes. I love to put my butter on an English muffin, filling all the little nooks and crannies...one of my co-workers thinks that may be too much butter, but I always say "It's not too much if you love butter", and that co-worker usually nods in agreement. Or is it dis-belief? I have to examine that co-worker's other opinions to determine if I'm rushing to judgement........
...I Pooted
I suppose I should be grateful to be busy in hard times when many are struggling to survive. Furthermore I admit that I accepted the basic logic that people don't get into trouble with the criminal justice system in convenient 9 to 5 mode on weekdays. Finally, god help me, I have become addicted to the rush of life in the fast lane...emergency responders, reporters, cameras, and scripts that sometimes make the script of the movie "L.A. Confidential" seem tame. But gee whiz, I simply am NOT ready for the mysterious & exotic Peterman topic machine to break down....lol. This venue has become a welcome venue to meet & greet my virtual friends, and an oasis to keep from falling into the abyss of late night television, domain of infomercials & reruns. Hopefully I won't get the shakes of withdrawal as the hours tick on while the space for a new topic remains painfully vacant.
Alas! 9am here and no new topic. I hope all is well in Peterman land.
Hazel! Sit down, make yourself comfortable, let me buy you a favorite beverage..... We Yanks of insomnia fame also await the virtual arrival of Peterman with baited breath.....
Villagers, in the absence of a new topic, let's choose our own topic of the day.
Anyone willing to opine on the subject of food?
Hazel, Bert, Lotlot.....this is uncomfortable waiting isn't it? The subject of food is of course always good, but I think I shall go have some and then check back, Good morning!
Had coffee ( twice), the subject hasn't changed. Must we "Bert" until we get 100? Is Mr. P holding out. Do hope he's well.
IT'S A GLITCH! CLICK ON NEWER...NEWER!
O woe is me! Called by to check - it's now 1pm here and still no new topic. I'm off to make lunch. Something quick and simple like Spanish Omelette will do nicely.
WHERE? She wailed in despair. I see nothing that says 'newer'
Top right hand corner of the page...<OLDER 6.12.12 NEWER>Click on newer...everyone is waiting for you.
What a wonderful book peering into the human mind, I would love to red it.
What a wonderful book peering into the human mind, I would love to red it.
What a wonderful book peering into the human mind, I would love to red it.
What a wonderful book peering into the human mind, I would love to red it.
What a wonderful book peering into the human mind, I would love to red it.
What a wonderful book peering into the human mind, I would love to red it.
Uh, is it still yesterday? If so I'm going home and sleeping until it is today.
RY, re: 6.12.12 I do love hats : )