Gerald Berg

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Gerald Berg has posted 282 annotations/comments since 4 March 2013.

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About Monday 12 November 1666

Gerald Berg  •  Link

Pepys gold conundrum puts in my mind Kafka's The Burrow where the erstwhile hero either gathers its riches (food hoard) into the central room to grovel in the full glory or disperses said hoard throughout the burrow matrix and basks centrally by being surrounded with its riches. As with the creature (badger?) the terror is always in preservation.

About Sunday 4 November 1666

Gerald Berg  •  Link

"...but to find out the true mind be a task worthy of getting food out of a winkle with a stick."

Hilarious Mr. Salt. Thanks.

So there our man is-- freezing his cods off, but absolutely burning hot in the gossip. Some ague!

About Thursday 18 October 1666

Gerald Berg  •  Link

John Evelyn (the life of the party) gets interesting in around 1669 with the introduction of the 17 y.o. Margaret Blagge into his life. His inner Humbert Humbert awaits thee there.

About Tuesday 9 October 1666

Gerald Berg  •  Link

TF

Chuck2 allowing a comedy to be performed reminds me of Gilbert Gottfried recounting his version of The Aristocrats joke shortly after the 9/11 2001 tragedy. Then, it was thought to be too soon for there to be joking.

About Thursday 4 October 1666

Gerald Berg  •  Link

Speaking to the hum in Pooh’s woods are D. Parker’s immortal words:

“And it is that word “hummy,” my darlings, that marks the first place in The House at Pooh Corner at which Tonstant Weader Fwowed up.”

About Tuesday 2 October 1666

Gerald Berg  •  Link

"Stark mad... I could not tell in the world what to do..."

Unusual formulation to a now classic turn of phrase.

Even if one could tell the world what to do wouldn't it amount to the same result. Zip! Chuck 2 excepted to some degree.

About Saturday 1 September 1666

Gerald Berg  •  Link

While we are all hanging around waiting for the sparks to fly. This from Kind Hearts and Coronets:

Mr Elliot: Even my lamented master, the great Mr Benny himself, never had the privilege of hanging a duke. What a finale to a lifetime in the public service!
Prison Governor: Finale?
Mr Elliot: Yes, I intend to retire. After using the silken rope... never again be content with hemp.

About Monday 27 August 1666

Gerald Berg  •  Link

Pepys is just too pleased with Liz's work! I suppose this is cheaper than having her spending money on things out of the house account. Liz, now is the time to start working in ultramarine. Blue seas, blue skies, blue dresses...