Better Than
PreviousNext

Discworld Monthly - Issue 193 - May 2013

Table of Contents:

1. Editorial
2. News
3. Readers' Letters
4. DiscTrivia
5. Review: Going Postal Live In Salisbury
6. Discworld Emporium Competition
7. Review: Terry Pratchett - Facing Extinction
8. The End


1. Editorial

Welcome to issue 193. This month sees Terry Pratchett's birthday on the 28th April, Bill Barnett's birthday on 29th April and also sees Discworld Monthly turn 16. Many happy returns to Sir Terry, Bill and Discworld Monthly.

* * * * *

This month I am looking forward to going to this year's Spring Fling in Wincanton. The Spring Fling tends to be a smaller event than Hogswatch but as I was sadly unable to attend Hogswatch last year it will be great meeting up with friends old and new.

* * * * *

The Discworld Monthly facebook group now has just over 4,900 members and continues to have lots of lively and fun conversations. Anyone can join in the fun but it might take me a few hours to add you to the group (no facebook access at work you see) If you want to chat with fellow Discworld Monthly readers between issues or spend evenings in our new virtual pub The Flaming Trebuchet (the previous incarnation sadly met with a fiery end), make sure you visit us at our new facebook address: www.facebook.com/DiscworldMonthly/

* * * * *

Don't forget, if you visit a play or a talk and would like to let the world know about it, please feel free to email your review to info@discworldmonthly.co.uk and we will consider it for publication.

Also if you have written an article that you think we might want to include in the newsletter please feel free to email me at the address below. We will of course give credit for anything we use.

--
Jason Anthony (Editor) info@discworldmonthly.co.uk
William Barnett (Deputy Editor)
Richard Massey (Slightly Concussed Off-Piste Skier)


2. News

The new Terry Pratchett First Novel Award Shortlist has been announced, the six best stories have been selected from over 500 entries.

The shortlist entries in title order are:

The six books will be discussed by the judging panel which includes Sir Terry Pratchett, Rob Wilkins, Editorial Director Simon Taylor, Publicist Lynsey Dalladay and Alex Veasey from The Forbidden Planet.

A winner will be announced on the 31st May. The winning entry will receive a 20,000 GBP prize as an advance on a publishing contract.

* * * * *

Captain Purky the organiser of the Magnificent Maker's Market at next weekend's Wincanton Spring Fling has written in to let you know what to expect from the ever popular traders' market.

The Magnificent Maker's Market

Spring Fling Special Edition

Hello lovely folks, Captain Purky here, how are you?

Now at the Spring Fling last year we had our first Maker's Market and after a fantastic Hogswatch Market we are back again.

A new venue this time, the spacious, well lit and easily accessible Balsam Centre. It is literally a few minutes' walk from the Discworld Emporium. Walk out their front door, cross the road and walk through the magic archway to the Balsam Centre.

(There is free parking, easy access with ramps and free entry.)

We have confirmed bookings from House of Freya, The Slipped Stitch, Woodmouse Workshop, Clive Mitchell, Cherries Natural Healing, Stickerfest, Moonraker Preserves, Cale Rose, Neals Yard Organics, Caramel Crush and of course Purky Products.

Very excitingly we have different stalls on each day so it's worth visiting us at least twice!

Also, a unique feature of the MMM are our community tables. Two spaces set aside in the main trading room where our magnificent makers can teach you a thing or two! Come chill out, pick up a craft and enjoy yourself in our relaxed atmosphere.

Fancy a coffee or a piece of cake? No problem! The lovely Commander Zapp will have his cafe open serving drinks and locally produced cakes.

On Sunday it is Princess Day and to celebrate we have something of a Pink theme coming into play! There will also be a charity raffle so be sure to dig out your tiara!

As the Market Organiser - I am very proud to present this to you wonderful folks and look forward to seeing you all.

If you need any more information or indeed wish to trade with us then please contact me on 07950575224 or HJP@purkyproducts.co.uk

The facebook event link is here www.facebook.com/events/280837222047541/

And thank you again

Captain Harry John Purky

CaptainPurky

* * * * *

Snowgum Films - The Makers of the Troll Bridge movie - have released the following statement via their facebook page: www.facebook.com/snowgumfilms

When is TROLL BRIDGE going to be released? Good question.

The answer is November 1. But it comes with some qualifiers.

Next month we'll be hitting the ten year mark on making Troll Bridge, and roughly two years since our Kickstarter campaign. The feedback and end results of that campaign alone were incredible, we had to do something very special with the proceeds. We threw away our old budget, and came up with something new and far more extravagant... the film you've been following.

Unfortunately, these things take time.

The film edit is locked (which is great) and we've began work cataloguing and building assets to be incorporated into the finalised film. Our motto at this point is "many hands make light work", so we're also recruiting as many post-production specialists as possible. If they're also Discworld fans, even better.

So now that we have a road map we can see properly for the first time in months - our estimation for completion is November the first. Just in time for the Irish Discworld Convention. This date is our aim date so please bear in mind we might not make it - although we certainly plan on doing everything within our power to make it so.

From that point we'll finalise DVDs, put a call out for addresses, confirm orders, and ship. Hopefully in time for Christmas (once again - this is an aim date).

And in 2014 we'll then be travelling with Troll Bridge to as many film festivals as affordable and get knee deep in celebrating over a decade's worth of work and dedication with you all!

So there you have it. The answer to the most frequently asked question! :) Very much looking forward to bringing this to you all!

* * * * *

News update from Lady Sybil.

The New Statesman has an important review-article by A.S Byatt on SOD 4. This appeared in the Centenary Double Issue, which has just gone off sale, and it seems to be the same on the website. discworldmonthly.co.uk/url/STA193A

[AoB Blog also has a review of SOD 4 - discworldmonthly.co.uk/url/SOD193A as does Goodreads - discworldmonthly.co.uk/url/SOD193B - Ed]

The New Statesman also had an article in November called The Politics of Pratchett written by Helen Lewis which can still be read on their website. discworldmonthly.co.uk/url/STA193B

Now I'll move on to SFX.

The previous issue (Star Trek on cover) had a review of Judgement Day. Issue no. 234 dated June 2013, page 124, and Tomb Raider p. 131.

The new issue no, 235 (Superman on cover) has a review of the paperback of The Long Earth.

Now the Guardian. Terry was interviewed by the Guardian on Monday 23rd April called Terry Pratchett: 'Fantasy is uni-age'. The interview also talks about Science of Discworld 4, battling Hollywood and why Terry doesn't fear death.

discworldmonthly.co.uk/url/GUA193A

Terry, Ian and Jack appeared at the Conway Hall as part of its Talks and Lectures program to talk about Science of Discworld 4.

Now for The Bookseller. The news is that SOD 4 has shot into the charts, straight into no. 25 out of the top 50, having sold just over 5,000 copies by mid-April (19th April issue). Terry gets a nod on page 15 in the weekly roundup of high sellers, and a photo with headline "Pratchett ratchets up" notes his new appearance at no. 2 in the hardback non-fiction Top 20.

* * * * *

Terry has been unveiled as author for Brighton and Hove City Reads according to The Argus newspaper.

Sir Terry Pratchett, who is best known for penning the Discworld fantasy series, has been unveiled as this year's author for the Brighton and Hove City Reads festival.

Organisers have selected the eighth book from his epic series - Guards! Guards! - as the official read for this year's event.

discworldmonthly.co.uk/url/ARG193A

For more information about City Reads see: cityreads.co.uk/

* * * * *

Last month we mentioned GlenBricker and his Lego Great A'Tuin and the competition to get his model made into a semi-official Lego kit. To achieve this goal the first stage was to get 10,000 supporters. Since we mentioned this last month he has gone from 314 votes of support to over 1,250 supporters. If you have time and feel the project is worthwhile please visit lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/36302 and add your support.

* * * * *

Terry has only posted two tweets since last issue - below is a roundup of those posts. You can follow Terry at: twitter.com/terryandrob

27 Mar 2013: The third documentary in the trilogy and so now it's back to raising some steam. Again, thanks to you and thanks to our crew and the BBC.

27 Mar 2013: Thank you all for your amazing #facingextinction feedback. We filmed it almost a year ago, flying back to the UK on Easter Sunday...

* * * * *

Discworld Dates...

This section will contain events that you need to keep in your diary. Entries will remain until they go out of date. New entries will include the word [New] next to them. If this section gets too large we will start pruning entries.

From issue 190 onwards recurring monthly meetings have been moved to their own area at the bottom of the dates section.

* * * * *

[UK] Terry will lead an evening of literature, poetry and spoken word on Tuesday 30th April at the Union Chapel, Islington in support of Dignity in Dying.

All proceeds from ticket sales will go towards Dignity in Dying.

discworldmonthly.co.uk/url/DIGNITY191A

Please note the direct link to the ordering pages doesn't work so select Events and scroll down to 30 April for details.

Tickets cost 23 GBP + booking fee.

* * * * *

[UK] The Wincanton Spring Fling takes place over the weekend of the 4th and 5th May 2013. The Wincanton events are always special and I look forward to a weekend of games, drinking, chatting, eating, a charity auction, a market place and all the other fun things that tend to get organised on these weekends.

Take a look at the Wincanton Events section of The Discworld Emporium Message Boards for more information:

www.discworldemporium.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=20&start=0

* * * * *

[UK] A small drama group are planning on performing Monstrous Regiment from 23rd to 25th May 2013 at The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, Dorset. Apparently The Exchange is a great 300 seat venue.

The group are looking for any society events which might like to be arranged at the same time?

According to the group Terry lives within spitting distance of the venue and has been to it before and they are hoping he may come along as well. Perhaps even Stephen Briggs! Who knows?

* * * * *

[NL] The second Dutch Discworld Convention CabbageCon will take place from 24 till 26 May 2013 in Zandvoort aan Zee. The new website is available at:

www.dutchdwcon.nl

Dr. Jack Cohen will sadly no longer be able to attend due to ill health.

The Convention organisers say they now have some special items for the charity auction and that they do have a lovely beach and there will be a barbeque on Saturday evening.

* * * * *

[UK, Updated] Monstrous Productions Theatre Company will be performing Carpe Jugulum in June 2013 in Cardiff. All proceeds from the performances will be donated to Alzheimer's Research UK.

The performances take place from 26th to 29th June 2013 and tickets cost 8 GBP (6GBP concessions).

www.monstrousptc.com/

http://7889269b08cd.fikket.com/

* * * * *

[US] North American Discworld Convention 2013

The North American Discworld Event 2013 will take place from July 5th - 8th 2013 in Baltimore, MD.

http://www.nadwcon.org/

www.facebook.com/NADWCon2013

twitter.com/nadwcon

nadwcon.tumblr.com/

pinterest.com/nadwcon2013/

* * * * *

[UK] Wadfest 2013 will take place from the 9th - 11th August 2013. Wadfest has a new home and will be at Wood Green Animal Shelter, King's Bush Farm, London Road, Godmanchester, Cambridgeshire, PE29 2NH

The new site features a licensed bar, an event area with its own PA system, a cafeteria and a couple of shops.

The event organisers have managed to negotiate a much better deal with the new site and have therefore managed to pass on a huge discount on the price of tickets which are now 20 GBP each (5 GBP per ticket less than Wadfest 2011).

www.wadfest.co.uk

* * * * *

[UK] Nine Worlds Geekfest Convention takes place from the 9th - 11th August 2013. It's about gaming, film, cosplay, fandom, literature, science, geek culture, meeting people and having a really big party. There will be a Discworld stream within the convention.

nineworlds.co.uk/

* * * * *

[DE] German Discworld Convention 2013

With 1000 camels the German Discworld Convention moves to the mysterious continent of Klatch! Make room in your schedule from October 3rd to 6th in 2013 for the fourth German Discworld Convention. Be there when it's getting hot!

Visit our homepage for tickets and a 3-D tour of the castle.

www.Discworld-Convention.de

* * * * *

[IE] The Third Irish Discworld Convention 2013 takes place from Friday 1st November to Monday 4th November 2013 at Radisson Blu Hotel in Limerick, Ireland. Other details are sketchy at the moment.

Visit www.idwcon.org/ or see the Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/idwcon

* * * * *

[UK] Terry is due to be the special guest at Eastercon 65 from April 18th - April 21st 2014 at the Crown Plaza Hotel, Glasgow.

satellite4.org.uk/

* * * * *

[UK] The Discworld Convention 2014 will take place in Manchester at the Palace hotel from 8th - 11th August. People with long memories will remember that the original Discworld Convention took place in Manchester in 1996 but at a much smaller hotel.

Visit www.dwcon.org/ or see the facebook group at: www.facebook.com/groups/489457174398254/

* * * * *

[AU, New] Just days after Nullus Anxietus IV finished the committee team have announced that Nullus Anxietus V will take place from 10th to 12th April 2015 and will be in New South Wales, Australia.

Details are sketchy at the moment but keep an eye on the facebook page at:

www.facebook.com/groups/nullusV/

Ian from the Discworld Emporium wrote to me at the end of March to say that he and Reb had just got back from the Nullus Anxietus IV, Convention in Australia. He wanted me to thank the guys in Australia on his behalf for their kindness shown to two jet lagged souls. He also added "now we know where you live, we'll be back!" - You've been warned!

* * * * *

Recurring monthly meetings:

[UK] The Broken Drummers meet at The Monkey Puzzle, Paddington, London, W2 1JQ, England at 7pm. For more information contact Helen Nicholls on nicholls.helen@yahoo.co.uk

Unless otherwise stated the Drummers meet on the first Monday of each month.

The Drummers are always happy to welcome new visitors. You can find out more about the Drummers at www.brokendrummers.org/

* * * * *

[AU] The Drummers Downunder are groups of fans that meet up monthly in Australia.

Unless otherwise stated the Drummers meet on the first Monday of each month.

The Drummers Downunder (Perth) will be meeting from 6pm at The Vic Hotel, 226 Hay St, Subiaco, Australia. You can contact the organiser Daniel Hatton on daniel_j_hatton@yahoo.com.au

* * * * *

[AU, UPDATED] The Downunder Drummers (Sydney) meet at Maloneys Hotel on the corner of Pitt and Goulburn Streets (across the road from World Square), Sydney, Australia from 6.30pm. For more information contact Sue (AKA Granny Weatherwax) on kenworthys@yahoo.co.uk

* * * * *

[UK] On the first Friday of every month there will be a meeting of WOTS - Omnian Temperance Society - Wincanton branch - to be held at The Bear Inn from 7pm. New members or visitors from other places always welcome.

discworldmonthly.co.uk/url/WOTS182

* * * * *

[Adelaide, AU] The City of Small Gods is a group for fans in Adelaide and South Australia. We have regular dinner and games nights, plus play outings, craft-y workshops, and fun social activities throughout the year. For more info and to join our mailing list, visit: ausdwcon.org/pages/smallgods

* * * * *

[Brisbane, AU] The Pratchett Partisans meet monthly at either Brisbane or Indooroopilly to eat, drink and chat about all things Pratchett. For more info about their next meetup, check out: www.meetup.com/Pratchett-Partisans/ or contact Ula directly at

uwilmott@yahoo.com.au

* * * * *

Small Ads...

Please note, DWM has no way of checking the veracity or validity of any of the items in our small ads section. As always, exercise caution when giving out your details over the Internet. We *strongly* recommend parental supervision for younger readers who follow up any of these contacts.

* * * * *

Alan Millar addmillar@yahoo.co.uk writes: Wanted - Clarecraft DW73 Death of Rats holding the Death of Fleas. Any reasonable price paid. Until very recently I owned a pristine DW73 miniature which I received as a birthday gift from my mum shortly before she died and obviously has great sentimental value. Unfortunately it is the one thing that has gone missing in my recent house move. I've tried everywhere to find a replacement. Any help gratefully received.

* * * * *

Laura Ducker turathionen@hotmail.com writes: Hi, after clearing out the loft recently I've found a copy of Discworld II: Missing Presumed...? for the Sega Saturn, and was wondering if there were any retro gamers of a Discworld bent who would be interested in it? The disc is in good condition, as is the case, and the manual is included. Please email me with any interest or offers. Thanks.


3. Readers' Letters

If you have any letters or comments, please email them to info@discworldmonthly.co.uk

We assume any correspondence is eligible for use in the newsletter unless otherwise stated, including the sender's email address. We may also edit your letters while enjoying pre-birthday issue drinks.

It is vitally important that you don't pass off other people's work as your own. If you use information from other resources please let us know so we can give proper credit.

* * * * *

* From: "Eric Mesa" ericsbinaryworld@gmail.com

I'm writing in response to the reading order letter in issue 192. I think the great thing about the reading order is that it helps those who don't want to read all the Discworld novels. I know some people who only like the Watch novels or only like The Witches. However, in my opinion, I would suggest for someone new to the series that they read all the books in publication order. I have two reasons for that recommendation:

1) Terry has been evolving the world of Discworld since some time somewhere between 1/4 and 1/2 of the way through the series. So I think someone reading in order of the characters who decides to go through all of Night Watch before The Wizards might wonder about The Clacks. Or Nobby and Colon who appear almost as often as Death outside of their own stories. Even they have evolved as time has passed

2) Terry's style has been improving and changing as the years have gone on. I think that might make going back and forth between the years somewhat jarring.

In the end - to each his own or as the Brits say "horses for courses", but that's my 2 cents worth. [Or two penn'orth, as we Brits possibly say although I don't personally - WB]

* * * * *

* From: "Sandra Arts-Binnendijk" sandra@ampersandtext.nl

I'm a translator of English and Dutch and completed my BA degree in 2010 by writing a thesis on the translation problems encountered when translating Discworld novels. Although it mostly focuses on translating to Dutch and contains a few translated passages, most of the thesis is written in English. I thought it might be interesting for Pratchett-lovers, it's quite accessible (or so I've been told) to those not familiar with translation studies and, as part of the search for "how to translate TP" also examines how his humour works - because, in my opinion anyway, you can't translate something unless you know how it works.

People can email me and I'll happily send them a copy.

Cheers from the Netherlands

* * * * *

* From: "Peter Wagstaff" peter@wagstaff.ws

So the new Discworld book is to be called Raising Steam? I wonder vainly if this is going to be about building a railway on Discworld and was it inspired by my article you so kindly published the other year? If so can you let Terry know I am available for consultation if he can make it to Canada.

* * * * *

* From: "Aidan Karley" aidan_karley@yahoo.co.uk

FTAO Pterry ....... As regards the Beeb thing [Terry Pratchett - Facing Extinction - Ed]... Even with PCA Alzheimer's, PTerry has got more braincells jostling together than the average ape / monkey / cousin.

Beats the average journalist, by a considerable stretch!

* * * * *

* From: "Phil Harris" lanista1@blueyonder.co.uk

If people really want to crown a 'King' of the sci-fi genre then it's only fair to consider all viable contenders. I would like to throw onto the ring that brilliant sci fi author Eric Frank Russell. I'd say start with "Next of Kin" and "Great Explosion", both very funny books. I hope some of you out there will give them a try and I'd be interested to see how folks think he compares to our current greats.

If I were asked to give out a choice and a title then I'd let Douglas Adams and Russell battle it out for sci-fi king but for me Terry is THE EMPEROR, THE SUPREME RAJAH, THE MIKADO AND GREAT PANJANDRUM of fantasy, no contest.

* * * * *

* From: "John Reed" jreed198@btinternet.com

I'm already nearly 68 but only heard of Terry at Christmas when my second son happened to lend me Feet of Clay to read between the turkey and the next day's leftovers.

I was an immediate fan and as soon as I got home I searched our local library for Terry's work - not a sausage!! So, I scoured local clubs and over the next month picked up another 5 titles at 50p each. I've only read 3 so far but I'm hooked - great characters, great imagination, and what a laugh it gives me too!!

I watched the rather sad program where Terry re-visited the jungle and the orangutans and now know a bit more about him - too late really but wonderful for me and my good humour!

I've managed to contact Elizabeth Alway and get a few more books from her (they're in the post) so I'll be pretty well stocked and have plenty to read - and now I've just got your Discworld Monthly up and running, well, I fear I may spend too much of my time wandering the streets after Commander Vimes!!

As an impoverished pensioner in retirement (enforced by the collapse of our family Candle Shop Business 18 months ago) I needed a new source of enjoyment - BANG - here it is!

Thanks to anyone who helps me enjoy Discworld, I'm a newbie here, even at my age.

John Reed, York, UK

DWM replies: Welcome to the world of Discworld. As you are beginning to discover you've got a whole new world to enjoy. Don't forget Terry's written several non-Discworld books as well.

* * * * *

* From: "Freya P Anduin" fp@anduin.dk

I have - with worry and concern - read the rev. Gladly's book 'The worlde not a dysk' and the article on mundanes and undanes. Now, being just a Dane, I am left with a shattering identity crisis - apparently not belonging anywhere. May OM tell me where to go. Is there a small band left around the middle for justdanes?


4. DiscTrivia

This month I've opened Turtle Recall at random pages and found a question from each page visited. Some are easy, some are quite hard. Well at least I think they are ...

Q1.
How long was Amonia Queen of Lancre for?
a) 3 minutes
b) 3 hours
c) 3 days
d) 3 years
Q2.
What establishment did Rerpf run?
Q3.
Big Mad Drongo is known to his parents as ______________?
Q4.
What is Die Flederleiv?
Q5.
What was Zebbo Mooty's claim to fame?

The (hopefully correct) answers can be found at the end of this issue.


5. Review: Going Postal Live In Salisbury

Reviewed by Stephanie West svlwest@icloud.com

Having stumbled across an advert in your favourite monthly Discworld publication it was with some trepidation (wrought by previous am-dram experiences) that I and a few friends booked tickets to see the dramatisation of Going Postal by the Studio Theatre group in Salisbury (well, it was close to home). So on a cold Friday night, myself (confirmed TP nut), R (read a few books but not this one), C (recent TP convert - blames me for addiction) and S (never read a TP book!) headed out, buoyed up by Sir Terry's favourable review on facebook after his viewing on the Wednesday night. It was a shame we hadn't been able to get to the Wednesday night performance as not only was Sir Terry there to see the play, but it was followed by a charity gala event to raise money for The Alzheimer's Society.

The theatre was a lovely little purpose-built theatre, the sort of thing you can imagine am-dram groups relegated to the village halls of this world dream of, small, but to all appearances perfectly formed. The first thing we noticed was that the place was packed; in fact I don't think there can have been a single spare seat. The second thing we noticed was the stage - it was really small, with a pretty simple 2-tier set and a large video screen above it - how on earth were they going to use just that to portray the whole of Ankh-Morpork and the clacks?

It turned out...brilliantly. The play itself was an excellent interpretation of the plot to help it to fit on a stage, but the whole production from the elegant simplicity (and at times just downright cleverness) of use of the set to the direction (by Alistair Faulkner) itself was fantastic. And that of course is to say nothing about the actors. OK, so I'll admit that I'm the sort of person who has fixed character images in mind when reading a book and no film, TV, radio or theatre casting is ever going to get it 'right' so I could sit here all day & argue about whether or not they all had the right look or voice, but there wasn't a single poor piece of acting on the stage and at the end of the day all of the characters were recognisable. Tim Greathead as Vetenari really captured the Patrician, Mrs. Malacariat (Lesley Bates) was truly terrifying in her fervour to ensure an absence of both hanky and panky and I am a little concerned that James Paterson (Stanley) may actually have had some experience with pin collecting, but the standout performance was unequivocally Stew Taylor as Moist von Lipwig. Truly an outstanding actor (in my opinion at least) he really made the part quite captivating and the charming con-artist turned extremely reluctant good-guy really did become the lovable, impassioned rogue.

Overall, all four of us were quite simply captivated by the story, from those of us with no prior Pratchett experience to myself as a die-hard fan, and we all had a thoroughly enjoyable evening. My only question is how do we persuade them to do another Pratchett play? In the meantime I think I'll be back over there in July, something by some chap called Shakespeare?

Steph

PS - more info on the play and the theatre company including a summary of Sir Terry's thoughts on the play reported in the Salisbury Journal are on the Studio Theatre's website www.studiotheatre.org.uk/


6. Discworld Emporium Competition

To celebrate 30 years of some of the best character driven narratives in British literature and some of the most cruel and unusual monikers known to the written word, the Discworld Emporium have produced the 'Discworld: a cast of Thousands' poster, using the names of some of Terry's most beloved creations. To win a copy of this exclusive poster and a swag bag full of considered trifles from the Emporium range, can you complete the following names?

Bestiality ______

Burgholt Stuttley _______

_________ Teatime

The poster can be previewed at the following link: discworldmonthly.co.uk/url/COM193A

Send your answers along with your postal address to competitions@discworldmonthly.co.uk by 22nd May 2013. The winner will be randomly selected from the correct entries.

Competition Rules: Your postal address is required and will only be used if you are the randomly selected winner and only for sending out your prize - once the prize is sent out all address information will be destroyed. Entries received after the closing date or sent to any other address will be ignored. No more than one entry per person will be accepted. Answers to the questions must not be posted to any websites before the competition ends. The judges' decision is final.

We would like to thank Bernard, Isobel, Ian and Reb from The Discworld Emporium for the wonderful prize. www.discworldemporium.com


7. Review: Terry Pratchett - Facing Extinction

Reviewed by Jason Anthony

On Wednesday 27th March 2013, BBC2 showed Terry's latest documentary Terry Pratchett - Facing Extinction on UK television.

Filmed in 2012 the documentary follows Terry and his business manager Rob Wilkins as they travel to Borneo to discover the plight of the Orangutans. This isn't Terry's first trip to see the Orangutans - he originally went to Borneo 18 years ago and that trip was called Jungle Quest. A company called TV6 will be making the original documentary available on DVD and I have written to them for more details.

The new documentary is the third filmed with director Charlie Russell and as their working relationship has developed each documentary has become more and more personal.

Facing Extinction is more than just a documentary about Orangutans (though that in itself is a great reason for a documentary), it's also as much about Terry's ongoing battle with PCA (the rare form of Alzheimer's that Terry suffers from).

Unlike the previous two documentaries there is a lot more warmth and humour in Facing Extinction. Some if it works better than others. The scenes where Terry is attempting to navigate a swamp in search of a lone male Orangutan (without pants - watch the documentary for details) would be really funny if they weren't tinged with sadness at how badly the PCA is affecting Terry's mobility and coordination.

Having said that I believe this documentary has a TV first. I don't think I've ever heard anyone say "That big pile of shit looks like a good place to walk" on a television documentary before.

There are some wonderful scenes where Terry attempts to talk to conservationist Dr. Birute Mary Galdikas about the future of the Orangutans while all the orphaned Orangutans are running around repeatedly stealing Terry hat and trying to get hold of Rob's camera. Sadly Dr Galdikas states that if the Orangutans were wiped out completely, 90% of the Indonesian population wouldn't care.

The future of the Orangutans relies on all humans helping to protect their habitat. Thankfully the Indonesian government seems to have at least protected part of the rainforest and the national park appears to be the one place where Orangutans are allowed to breed and live in relative peace - for now at least.

It's also interesting to see how Rob's role has changed throughout the three documentaries. In the first documentary Rob's role was much more of a personal assistant, in the second he was the moral compass asking the difficult questions and now his role has shifted to becoming Terry's full time carer. In this documentary Rob says "I'm not much of a natural carer" but it is obvious that this is exactly what he has become.

I've watched the documentary twice now and I think it's one I am going to watch again and again because unlike the previous documentaries there is a message of hope - that, if nothing else, the missing Orangutan might have found his pants.

For people outside the UK, a careful search of YouTube might find you a copy of the documentary you can watch. Though I don't know how long it will stay there.

If you would like to help protect the Orangutans, please visit www.orangutan.org.uk/

The Guardian included a nice review of the documentary at:

discworldmonthly.co.uk/url/EXT193A

The Metro paper also featured a good review at:

discworldmonthly.co.uk/url/EXT193B


8. The End

Discworld Monthly would like to thank Pixel Source for hosting our mailing list for us free of charge. For more information about Pixel Source visit their website at pixelsource.co.uk/

* eBook Editions *

Since issue 166 we have produce a version of Discworld Monthly that is formatted better for the Amazon Kindle eBook reader and since issue 186 we also produce an ePub version for other eBook readers such as the Kobo, Nook and Sony readers.

You can download either version from discworldmonthly.co.uk/ebooks.php

The eBook releases may take a day or two to appear on the website after the main issue is sent out as it requires a bit of extra processing to get it working.

* Contact Information *

We prefer information to be sent via email, but can accept information via post at the following addresses:

Email: info@discworldmonthly.co.uk

Post: J Anthony-Rowlands (DWM), 20 Cambrian Place, Pontarddulais, Swansea, SA4 8RG

* Latest Book Information *

The Long Earth (with Stephen Baxter)

Dodger

Snuff

TURTLE RECALL: The Discworld Companion

* Subscription Information *

To subscribe to Discworld Monthly simply enter your email address in the form on the Discworld Monthly web page. Our web site contains all back issues and links to other Pratchett sites.

discworldmonthly.co.uk/

Current circulation approximately 20,500.

To unsubscribe please follow the instructions at the end of this email.

If you have any problems un-subscribing visit our removal help page.

* DiscTrivia Results *

Q1.
How long was Amonia Queen of Lancre for?
A1.
b) 3 hours. She hid in a big, heavy chest in the attic when playing hide-and-seek at her wedding party and was not found for seven months!
Q2.
What establishment did Rerpf run?
A2.
The Groaning Platter, down by the Brass Bridge, A-M.
Q3.
Big Mad Drongo is known to his parents as ______________?
A3.
Adrian Turnipseed.
Q4.
What is Die Flederleiv?
A4.
It's one of the better known Discworld operas.
Q5.
What was Zebbo Mooty's claim to fame?
A5.
He was the first person for hundreds of years to be killed by a dragon.

* Obtaining Terry's Books *

If you are looking for Terry books or videos over the net, simply visit our web page at discworldmonthly.co.uk and follow the merchandise link at the top of the page.

* Supporting DWM *

Discworld Monthly was created as a totally free newsletter and will continue to remain so for as long as it continues. However, the costs of maintaining the website, postage, travel etc. adds up. If you feel you would like to make a small contribution towards these costs please consider doing so via www.paypal.com

My account for Paypal is info@discworldmonthly.co.uk

Thanks

* Small Print *

We make no effort whatsoever to ensure the information in this newsletter is accurate or even legal. Remember to always exercise caution when passing your credit card details over the Net (or over the phone for that matter). All trademarks are recognized as the property of their respective owners, whoever they may be.

* Thanks *

Thanks for reading this issue of 'Discworld Monthly'. We hope you enjoyed it. If you have any comments or suggestions for the future of this newsletter please email: info@discworldmonthly.co.uk


PreviousNext
Facebook Twitter X Instagram Kofi Tumblr YouTube