Royal Escape from the Topic - for off topic chit chat Showing 1,951-2,000 of 2,839

[Critterbee❇]

Midwinter Christmas? Is that Christmas in July?

[Critterbee❇]

Carol ꧁꧂ wrote: "Ha, is that expression not used in the States?

It means a manly man that other men look up to and admire. "

Well, I have heard it before in the US, but was never sure whether it meant someone who was more comfortable/preferred being with with men instead of women, or someone who was hyper-masculine, or someone who did not like women.

I am very comfortable asking this group questions which perhaps I should already know, and might look foolish for asking!

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

❇Critterbee wrote: "Midwinter Christmas? Is that Christmas in July?"

Yes a lot of New Zealanders do it as it is too hot in December to enjoy the traditional hot food. & a lot of people are away on holiday. I don't know what will be happening for Xmas Day but if it is just the 3 of us we will probably do a barbecue.

[Karlyne]

❇Critterbee wrote: "All right, I have a question for the versatile and thorough Heyer Fans knowledge base. What is 'a man's man?' What does it mean?"

It's definitely used in the West! Lots of men's men running around here. 🤣

[Karlyne]

Have fun, Carol, and be sure to be glutinous with the French delicacies!

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

Ha, in my early days on the internet I'd be using expressions that I thought were international & they would turn out to be NZ or Australasian. I could visualise the blank looks on the other side of the screen!

[Critterbee❇]

Who would be an example of a man's man?

[Critterbee❇]

It doesn't mean like a Frat boy or a 'good ol' boy' I take it?

[Susan in Perthshire]

Carol, I might have been surprised at celebrating Christmas in July - but I saw an episode of ‘Miss Fisher’s Murder mysteries’ where they did exactly that so I almost get it! ! The French theme sounds great!

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

❇Critterbee wrote: "It doesn't mean like a Frat boy or a 'good ol' boy' I take it?"

It's more admirable.

I'm thinking James Bond

[Karlyne]

I think in Regency days it would be a sporting/hunting/outdoorsy type who wasn't interested in balls and polite society. Come to think of it, same thing today!

[Karlyne]

Ranchers, boxers, some plumbers and truck drivers. I don't see it as meaning a dislike for women, but rather a liking for physical work!

[Karlyne]

Wait! Isn't this a good definition of a Corinthian? I can't remember if he was supposed to do the pretty in town, though.

[Critterbee❇]

So, like Cal Ripken, Jr. or Sam Elliott? That is what I think of when I think of a sporty, likable, admirable man who is respectful of woman (as far as I know).

Or is it not necessary to be respectful of women? I am on the fence about whether James Bond is or not - in some books / movies he is, in others he is not.

[Karlyne]

And John Wayne!

[Critterbee❇]

Oh, John Wayne! OK, using a Venn Diagram with how James Bond overlaps with James Bond, I can distill the characteristics tough, stoic, duty-minded, taciturn, and OK with being violent.

Adding a like of physical work / sport.

[Susan in Perthshire]

I believe the term means a man whom other men would look up to - honest, straightforward, loyal, protective and with an element of physical prowess etc. In past times - Gregory Peck - and today Denzel Washington would be great examples.

[Karlyne]

Are you writing a research paper?!?

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

❇Critterbee wrote: "So, like Cal Ripken, Jr. or Sam Elliott? That is what I think of when I think of a sporty, likable, admirable man who is respectful of woman (as far as I know).

Or is it not necessary to be respec..."

I have to admit I've never read a James Bond book - & only seen The Spy Who Loved Me. I started watching one of the Daniel Craig ones - but fell asleep!

Maybe I was thinking more Sean Connery rather than James Bond.

[Susan in NC]

Karlyne wrote: "❇Critterbee wrote: "All right, I have a question for the versatile and thorough Heyer Fans knowledge base. What is 'a man's man?' What does it mean?"

It's definitely used in the West! Lots of men'..."

I agree - “man’s man” makes me think of the heroes of old westerns, like John Wayne. Men looked up to them, women liked them -strong, decent, brave.

Sorry, I type too slow, Karlyne already said John Wayne.

[Susan in NC]

Karlyne wrote: "I think in Regency days it would be a sporting/hunting/outdoorsy type who wasn't interested in balls and polite society. Come to think of it, same thing today!"

Yes, good examples- Corinthian sprang to mind!

[Susan in NC]

Have a lovely time, Carol! Sounds like a great tradition, and bon voyage! (Sorry, don’t know how to say “eat up” in French!)

[Susan in NC]

Susan in Perthshire wrote: "I believe the term means a man whom other men would look up to - honest, straightforward, loyal, protective and with an element of physical prowess etc. In past times - Gregory Peck - and today Den..."

Susan, great examples- I almost added Gregory Peck and Jimmy Stewart, but couldn’t for the life of me think of a more modern example. Denzel is perfect! Thank you, I was disheartened to think there were no modern examples...

[Susan in NC]

❇Critterbee wrote: "Oh, John Wayne! OK, using a Venn Diagram with how James Bond overlaps with James Bond, I can distill the characteristics tough, stoic, duty-minded, taciturn, and OK with being violent.

Adding a li..."

You’ve got it! The stoic and dutiful part is important, I think, and yes, not violent. My dad always taught my only brother that since he was strong and big, it was especially important to protect those weaker than himself. Kind of a Teddy Roosevelt, “walk softly and carry a big stick” mentality.

[Susan in NC]

Carol ꧁꧂ wrote: "❇Critterbee wrote: "So, like Cal Ripken, Jr. or Sam Elliott? That is what I think of when I think of a sporty, likable, admirable man who is respectful of woman (as far as I know).

Or is it not ne..."

Ahhhh, my mother was mad for Sean Connery, always said she’d pay to hear him read the phone book! Although in some of the James Bond movies he was a love ‘em and leave ‘em type, so I don’t know if he’s the best example...and he could certainly be violent! Came with the job, though...

[Karlyne]

I think as far as the violence goes, it was always the "don't start anything, but be able to finish everything" mentality!

[Susan in NC]

Karlyne wrote: "I think as far as the violence goes, it was always the "don't start anything, but be able to finish everything" mentality!"

Exactly.

[Critterbee❇]

Susan in Perthshire wrote: "I believe the term means a man whom other men would look up to - honest, straightforward, loyal, protective and with an element of physical prowess etc. In past times - Gregory Peck - and today Den..."

Oh! Gregory Peck, Denzel Washington, I get it! Thanks, Susan in Perthshire AND everyone for their replies and their patience!

True, honest, doing the right thing even if difficult, dutiful, respectful, capable of taking care of things, but not defensive or wanting to fight everyone. Other guys do not really want to fight him, just to be around him, and perhaps to model themselves after him.

I only know John Wayne from the Quiet Man, but that matches his character there, too. Sometimes I have trouble being too literal or linear in my thinking, and I really wanted to understand what that term meant in actuality.

[Teresa]

I'm loving this conversation about 'men's men'. I agree with all of the above. My stand out hero from the old heroes is Errol Flynn. I know he was notorious in real life but my word he floated my boat on screen!! Have to fan myself a little after that :-)

[Teresa]

John Wayne in Chisum!!!! The man's man description could have originated from that it's so spot on. If I'm explaining myself clearly.

[Karlyne]

Teresa wrote: "I'm loving this conversation about 'men's men'. I agree with all of the above. My stand out hero from the old heroes is Errol Flynn. I know he was notorious in real life but my word he floated my b..."

He personified swash-buckling, the suave devil-may-care hero - the perfect Robon Hood!

[Teresa]

Robin Hood!!! My all time favorite of his movies and I can only picture him when I hear RH mentioned. Fantastic movie!!

[Karlyne]

Teresa wrote: "John Wayne in Chisum!!!! The man's man description could have originated from that it's so spot on. If I'm explaining myself clearly."

And Hondo and Stagecoach! The Quiet Man is one of my favorite St. Paddy's Day movies, too.

[Susan in NC]

Karlyne wrote: "Teresa wrote: "John Wayne in Chisum!!!! The man's man description could have originated from that it's so spot on. If I'm explaining myself clearly."

And Hondo and Stagecoach! The Quiet Man is one..."

Quiet Man, yeah! John Wayne movies were family favorites growing up.

[Teresa]

I think I know that movie word for word. Every Christmas it would be on at home. A great film.

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

Well, that was (literally) a wash out!

There is a really beautiful bush walk near where I live. Over 20 years ago the bridge washed out & DOC (Dept of Conservation) didn't have the money to replace it. In fact at one stage, they tried to close the track altogether but the local tramping club & high school persuaded them to keep it open & did the maintenance on the first stage.

With much fanfare a new bridge was opened a week ago. My husband & I went to take a look, got 10 minutes into the tramp &...

...10 minutes into the tramp there has been a giant slip. a fit person wearing hiking boots may have been able to detour.

Sigh. We are the closest Airbnb to this start of the track. We could certainly use the business.

[Karlyne]

Well, that's annoying! Sometimes Mother Nature is just so cranky!

[Susan in NC]

Bummer, Carol! Sorry!

[Karlyne]

We have NZ (and Aussie) firefighters in Idaho now! Hooray! We had a wildfire erupt a mile south last week that has burnt over 36,000 acres and is 35% contained so more fighters are looked on with great love and admiration here.

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

Karlyne wrote: "We have NZ (and Aussie) firefighters in Idaho now! Hooray! We had a wildfire erupt a mile south last week that has burnt over 36,000 acres and is 35% contained so more fighters are looked on with g..."

It's great the way fireman travel to help.:)

Hope the fires aren't near you, Karlyne!

[Karlyne]

We were actually on the front lines, helicopters and bombers and scoop planes right over the top of us and under a level 2 evacuation notice, but the wind shifted and sent it away from us. My eyes are tired from searching the horizon every time I go past a window!

[Critterbee❇]

Glad that help is there - hope it settles down.

Is the air smokey?

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

Karlyne wrote: "We were actually on the front lines, helicopters and bombers and scoop planes right over the top of us and under a level 2 evacuation notice, but the wind shifted and sent it away from us. My eyes ..."

What is a level 2 evacuation notice?

[Karlyne]

The smoke has been hideous, but it's blowing in and out now, with mostly that ashy smell (and some ash) left.

Level 2 is immediate evacuation upon notice (no stopping for possessions, etc.). I'd post pictures of what thousand foot towers of smoke and flames look like from a mile away, but that's out of my techy league!

The fire is still burning, but it's burning more slowly now. We're forecast for record heat at the end of the week, so I'm hoping they're wrong!

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

Karlyne wrote: "The smoke has been hideous, but it's blowing in and out now, with mostly that ashy smell (and some ash) left.

Level 2 is immediate evacuation upon notice (no stopping for possessions, etc.). I'd ..."

Oh man, my thoughts are with you Karlyne!

[Karlyne]

Thanks! Another giant helicopter just went over, which is weirdly (and loudly) comforting. We have a clear 360' view from our house, which is good, but my eyes are tired from scanning the horizons every time I go past a window!

[Susan in NC]

Oh, Karlyne, I’m so sorry, but so grateful our ANZAC allies have come to the rescue! Please take care of yourself!

[Teresa]

Thinking of you girl every day. Scary situation. Weather is weird world wide at the moment. Here in Ireland we think we're in a parallel universe the weather is so weird!! We've had sunshine and heat for the past two and a half months!!! Don't remember anything like that since I was a kid and our Summers were brilliant!!

[Karlyne]

Teresa wrote: "Thinking of you girl every day. Scary situation. Weather is weird world wide at the moment. Here in Ireland we think we're in a parallel universe the weather is so weird!! We've had sunshine and he..."

Well, if Ireland starts burning, we're all in trouble!!

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂]

& I have locked myself out of the house. Looking inside the house, I have an excellent view of my husband's cellphone. Fortunately I (of course) have a book.