lathany

Time for another update, I think.

Law Society - Last week I had a first-thing meeting at the Law Society. It was scheduled for "The Reading Room" which I discovered was a coffee shop with decent coffee and in rather lovely surroundings. The tables of choice appeared to be against the two side walls in the more alcovey parts and above them there were stacks of books. It had something of an "old college" feel to it. Next time I have a meeting there, I might try to arrive earlier still and take a book or game notes along to have with my coffee before the others arrive. It really was a room in which to appreciate life and plan roleplaying.
February films - Insomnia was a rather good thriller with three main cast members, played by Pacino, Williams and Swank. The main story was very interesting; but it was rather spoiled by a set-up scene with too much visibility at certain points and a rather unrealistic ending. Still worth a look though for the three main performances. The other half of the months's offering was The Aviator in which I thought DiCaprio and Blanchett also did a good job (as did Beckinsdate - who I didn't recognise). I really enjoyed the story, but felt the length (about 3 hours, I think) and also would agree with bateleur - that I prefer made-up stories in general as they tend to have more in them.
Pellinor - A while back I wrote a short review of The Gift. I've now finished the series - four books long. I can confirm that it keeps the same style and the same quality. I don't think it's going to be hailed as the greatest fantasy of the decade (not least because it'd be up against Curse of Chalion / Paladin of Souls), but it's worth looking at (and, unlike certain series', it finishes).
The Bea's first competition - OK, bateleur has already written about this. However, as I managed a rare attendance (I took a day of leave from work) being the second parent, I thought I'd comment too. I was nervous at the start as I was worried that Bea would develop high expectations (she didn't) or mess up completely (again, she didn't). However, once it was over I felt it was fun to watch, and fairly fun to watch the other dancers. I had more scope for looking around than bateleur as I could go into the changing rooms and the overall feel was of a production line of preparation along with a central area for last minute practice. It's amazing how polished the various children were - I could totally see that this was the training ground for the stars and cast of musicals, etc, of the stage. Incidentally, if anyone wants to see the every-two-year show this time around (bateleur wrote about the last one); it's going to be at the end of Whitsun half-term week (the one beginning 31 May).