] c/ \ /___\ *** THE OZZY DIGEST, OCTOBER 31 - NOVEMBER 1, 1996 *** |@ @| | V | \\\ |\_/| | ;;; \-/ \ ;/ >< ] NOTE: I've been having more trouble with Delphi acknowleging my monthly payments, and so there is a *chance* that Delphi will cut me off until I get things straightened out with them, in which case there *may* be no Digest and no word from me for two or three days. I apologize to everyone! ( Hopefully it won't happen though...This is one of those "just in case" admonitions... :) ) -- Dave ===================================================================== Date: Wed, 30 Oct 1996 21:57:40 -0500 (EST) From: BARRY ESHKOL ADELMAN Subject: Why Witches Melt in Oz (Sometimes) Ruth, thanks for the article, but (I hate to be critical) isn't that a copyright violation? Homer, LOTR = _The Lord of the Rings_, Tolkien's trilogy following _The Hobbit_. A. Blair, you can get a few Oz pictures from scanned pictures on Oz sites and the Esperanto translations of the first three books of the Baum 14. However, the resolution will not be a good as in print so photocopying and enlarging illustrations from physical copies of the books would be a better bet. I have a publisher-related question which is not quite ozzy but I would appreciate the help. A recent (non-Oz) work of mine was submitted to a houe called Commonwealth Publishers and accepted for publication. Problem: Searches of (major) bookstores in Charleston and Philadelphia have failed to yield any sign of their books, which is not good since books tend to sell better if they are in stores. Has anyone out there hard or know anything about this place? They are Canadian-based; is anyone up there in Canada who can tell me if their book are more available (in the stores) up there? They have a snazzy web page at http://www.commonwealthpub.com, but, as good as the book descriptions are, I can't recall seeing any of them before. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 30 Oct 1996 22:45:23 -0500 (EST) From: Richard Bauman <72172.2631@CompuServe.COM> Subject: Today's Oz Growls Homer - LOTR is something that was written ages ago. Possibly before you were born. Lord Of The Rings! If you have missed it, I envy you. Just ask Robin! David - Roger! I thought of the Aenid later too. How about Don Quixote? By the way, if anyone wants a great book, DQ is sure one. Particularly Volume 2, which contains the story of the ill-advised curiosity which is a classic. Ruth - Thanks for the article but....... BANG BANG BANG!!!!! RUTH: Who is there? COPYRIGHT POLICE: Open Up Lady!!! Sound of door breaking!!! POLICE: All right lady, put 'em up and back away from that computer. We're here to confiscate your hard disc! RUTH: But.... POLICE: No buts about it lady, you are in violation of a IWOOC copyright. Take her away O'Malley. Actually, I don't think we are very far from this today..... Regards, Bear (:<) ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 30 Oct 1996 22:50:07 -0500 (EST) From: jnw@vnet.net Subject: for the Ozzy Digest Here is the missing page of the 1996 Oziana. It should be inserted between pages 23 and 24. Do not read it unless you have already read through page 23. ---------------------- START OF MISSING PAGE -------------------------- Glinda's magic laboratory. Soon Gureeda and Waddy and even the huge Terrybubble had been remembered and transported to Glinda's throne room. Everyone was excited, and everyone was hungry. Glinda's servants prepared a huge breakfast with orange juice, pink apricot nectar, coffee, cocoa, two hot and six cold cereals, three kinds of eggs, toast and biscuits, bacon and sausage, waffles and pancakes, coffee cake and gooey cinnamon buns, and five different kinds of luscious, red berries. Johnny had never eaten quite as much before in his life. Pickle had a specially prepared breakfast of six flies and a lady bug. Even Ivan was well fed, but in a different room so that his presence could not spoil the party. Finally, Ozma held up her hand for silence. "Waddy has been telling me the story of the happenings on Umbrella Island. There are a few things still to be taken care of. Glinda has used a special spell to bring my Magic Belt and Magic Picture here so that I may use them. The Belt, by the way, was lying on the floor beneath the Magic Picture, so Johnny guessed right, Dorothy. You didn't fasten it securely enough, and it came off when you and Speedy were transported so suddenly to Umbrella Island." "First," Ozma continued, "I don't think it would be fair to the United States to return Ivan there. He seems to want to be a king, so I have decided that he may be a king indeed--a king in a chess set." Ozma touched her Magic Belt and Johnny, who had never before seen a transformation, tiptoed into the next room where Ivan had been eating. Ivan was already gone, but on the floor lay a small red marble king. Johnny picked it up and carried it back into the banquet hall where the breakfasters passed it from hand to hand. "Second," and here Ozma turned to Gureeda, "Waddy says that you have been blaming yourself for helping Ivan." "Oh yes," Gureeda wailed. "I don't see how I could have done such a thing." "It wasn't your fault. Ivan put you under a magic spell." "You didn't really want to be engaged to him, did you, Gureeda?" Speedy asked earnestly. "Of course not, Speedy. As soon as the Agree Filtre wore off, I told him so. That was when he shut me up in the dark room." "You really wanted to be engaged to me, don't you, Gureeda?" A rosy flush crept over Gureeda's face. "Of course I do, Speedy." Johnny whispered to Dorothy under cover of the applause which followed, "She sounds like she took another dose of that Agree Filtre." Ozma held up her hand and continued. "King Sizzeroo was also under a spell. I have put that right with the Magic Belt." Sizzeroo got to his feet in great embarrassment. "I shouldn't have helped Ivan," he apologized. "He got me all mixed up," added the shamefaced king. The applause was less enthusiastic this time. "Of course," Ozma continued, "Waddy, Pansy, Terrybubble, and our own Princess Dorothy showed their bravery as we have come to expect of them." This time, the applause was deafening. "Johnny and Pickle, both from the United States, also helped a great deal." "Especially Pickle!" shouted Johnny over the applause. Quite a few folks got up and came over to congratulate Pickle, who was now sitting on Dorothy's shoulder and had naturally turned a lovely lavender to match her dress. "Our old friend Speedy," Ozma went on, "returned in time to help us and to help the people of Umbrella Island where, I believe, he intends henceforth to make his home." Speedy and Gureeda, who were now sitting side by side holding hands, both nodded emphatically, and the applause swelled out once more. Terrybubble added to it by rattling his bones with great enthusiasm. As the clapping died down, Sizzeroo rose to his feet once more. "My friends," he said with unexpected dignity, "I am sure that Speedy and my daughter will make much better rulers than I, and as soon as they have returned from their honeymoon, I intend to step down and turn over the running of Umbrella Island to them." The applause resounded once more, and Speedy had to step across to quiet Terrybubble, who was showing signs of becoming dythrambic. "But most of all," Ozma continued, holding up her hand to still the uproar, "we must thank Pickle, who was twice the hero with his amazing leaps. Pickle, I want to award you our special Oz medal for Bravery Before Magic." "I had to do something, you know," said the modest chameleon turning red in spite of being on Dorothy's shoulder. "Ozma," said Johnny, who had been thinking rapidly during all the commotion. "Do you think I could ask a couple of favors?" ---------------------- END OF MISSING PAGE -------------------------- ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 31 Oct 1996 10:12:31 -0500 From: DavidXOE@aol.com Subject: Ozzy Digest, 10-30-96 Homer: As a dozen or two people will probably tell you, LOTR is LORD OF THE RINGS, every Christmas break. A. Blair: I don't know of any Oz clip art on the Net, but that doesn't mean there isn't any. If you're looking for clip art from the books, there's quite a bit of it in the "Traditional Images" folder of a clip art collection called "Art Explosion 40,000", that's available for around $30 for both Mac and Wintel OSs from most of the mail-order software places. If you don't want to spend that much you might check among your friends to see if any of them have it; it's been distributed pretty widely, I think. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 31 Oct 1996 12:54:35 -0600 (CST) From: Ruth Berman Subject: ozzy digest After putting Doug Rossman's essay on Liquidation into the Digest, it occured to me that the various comments on the topic (his and those by Digesters) add up to an interesting set of speculations. I'd like to take out the comments on this topic alone and include them as an article in the December "Oz Research Group" mailing, if the people involved don't mind. (Involved: Oct 22 Danny -- do you prefer just that name as your byline? Oct 23 Nathan M. DeHoff, Rich Morrissey, Aaron Solomon [ben Saul Joseph] Adelman Oct 24 me, Danny again, Tyler Jones, Dave Hardenbrook Oct 26 Aaron again, Robin Olderman Oct 28 Nathan again, Joyce O'Dell Oct 29 Tina Romano, Gili Bar-Hillel, David Hulan, me again, Dave again and Oct 30 Tyler again.) Steve Teller: a color reprinting of the "Queer Visitors" pages sounds a desirable project for the club. As you say, it would be difficult. Besides cost, I think format questions would pose a major problem. It would be unreasonable to reprint on newspaper-size pages, as storing something that size would be so difficult for most people. But if the pages are shrunk to fit on a double-sized spread of 8-1/2x11" paper, as was done for the b&w "Bugle" reprints of the pages, the text gets too small to read easily, and there are special problems of legibility for whatever falls along the fold. (Getting the halves of material in perfect registration for pages that weren't center spreads would make things still more difficult.) Breaking the pages into sections would destroy the layout of the illos, which are arranged to make a full-page design, in most cases, or sometimes two half-page designs. Maybe the best solution would be to have something that covered the material twice -- once in a mini-version, with each page shrunk to fit on a single sheet of paper, to show off the overall visual design, and once in whole-sized versions broken into sections to fit on several pages (one page of text and about four to accommodate illos in groups of 1-3 per page). David Hulan: You commented that the Oz authors were failry consistent in using witch to mean a female human worker of magic, and rarely use any other term for a woman who works magic. True, but there are a few exceptions on the latter, with occasional references to sorceresses other than Glinda, and then there are the Adepts in "Glinda" (unless you were counting them as Fairies rather than humans). But the witches of the Oz authors come in many different flavors (some labeled, as with Krumbic and Yookoohoo, some implied, as with the differences between good or bad, young or so-old-as-to-be-withered-up, not to mention young or old in appearance but not so in fact, and dissolvable in water or, apparently, not). The question is wehther any systematic conclusions (such as Joyce's suggestion that witchliness and dissolvability might be sex-linked) can be drawn out of this variegated usage. Given this amount of inconsistency, it's probably not appropriate to try for much systematicalness. And given this amount of inconsistency, even the conclusions that you draw from negative evidence (there are no male witches or female wizards-or-conjurors in the Oz books) seem to me unconvincing -- after all, the books don't claim that there couldn't be any. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 31 Oct 1996 22:08:08 -0500 From: Tyler Jones <104707.656@compuserve.com> Subject: Oz Homer: LOTR is "Lord of the Rings", the standard example of the classic fantasy series, although my favorite fantasy series is The Belgariad/Mallorean by David Eddings. This does not count Sci-Fi and, of course, Oz is in a class all by itself. "ABlair", who sent a message to the digest through Dave's page, does not appear to be a member of the digest, so I responded privately. Ruth: Thanks for the "soft copy" of that article! I've been curious about it ever since I read Farmer's book. --Tyler Jones ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 31 Oct 1996 21:46:32 -0600 From: International Wizard of Oz Club Subject: RE: research project Kim, I'm passing your question along to a group of Oz enthusiasts who might be able to make some recommendations. Sincerely, Jim Vander Noot ---------- From: frank Sent: Sunday, October 27, 1996 10:00 PM To: iwoc@neosoft.com Subject: research project My name is Kym Golden, and I am a senior English major at the Mississippi University for Women. I am doing an independent study of The Wizard of Oz for my Honors Project, and I would appreciate any information on books that might be helpful to me (the best biography, criticisms, etc.). I am planning to do my own interpretation of the book. Please email me at kdg@sunmuw1.muw.edu Thank you! ====================================================================== ] c/ \ /___\ *** THE OZZY DIGEST, NOVEMBER 2 - 3, 1996 *** |@ @| | V | \\\ |\_/| | ;;; \-/ \ ;/ >< ] ===================================================================== Date: Fri, 01 Nov 1996 07:07:14 -0800 (PST) From: earlabbe@juno.com (Earl C. Abbe) Subject: Ozzy Digest Submission Belatedly, 2 items previously discussed in the Digest, that I will send free to the first requestors: The Toys R Us newspaper insert with the Sky Kids Wizard of Oz Toddler Dolls (2 copies), _Gods of Riverworld_, Philip Jose Farmer, 1983, hardbound - the final book in the series, I think. It was disappointing. If you want any or all, send me you snail-mail address offline. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 01 Nov 1996 12:50:50 +0000 (UT) From: Kenneth Shepherd Subject: Ozzy Digest 11-1 *please post* Re: The copyright for "On the Liquidation of Wicked Witches"-- I don't think there should be much fuss over Ruth's reproducing the "Liquidation" article for the Digest. My understanding of copyright is that any work belongs to its author unless stated otherwise in the contract that the author signs with the publisher. Most of the contracts I sign as a freelancer have specific provisions in them in which I assign all rights in perpetuity to the publisher. In the case of the IWOC, I've never been given a contract for the articles I've published in the BUGLE, and therefore the copyright belongs to me. The copyright notice that appears on the title page of the BUGLE refers to the magazine as a whole--the way it's put together. So, since Ruth said that she didn't think the author would mind (after all, it's not as if there was a great market out there for nonfiction Oz articles outside of the BUGLE) there shouldn't be a problem. How many members of the Digest are also members of the Ozian Research Group? There's Tyler, and Ruth, and me... and I'm sure I've seen Pat Maund's email address, although he hasn't been posting.... Interested parties--I am still working on the Oz chronologies. After this weekend's performances of CARMEN, I'll have some more time available to devote to it. Best, KRS ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 01 Nov 1996 10:35:10 +0000 From: lnvf@pop3.iup.edu Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-01-96 Ruth-If you want to send my comments to the Oz Research Group, that's fine with me. Actually, I am a member of that group, but I have not heard from them in some time, nor have I had anything to contribute to them. Personally, I'd rather see more books of the official Oz series, like _Pirates_ and _Purple Prince_, than _Queer Visitors_. I would imagine that "witch" is an exclusively feminine term. Witch hunters were sometimes able to locate male witches, but I imagine that they just did not like these people, and needed some excuse to kill them. In Oz, all witches are probably women. Speaking of LOTR: I believe that a character named Gil-Galad, who was an Elf or something, is mentioned by Tolkien. Isn't the resemblance between this name and the name of Rinkitink's capital city kinda odd? A thought: Since the Mernites (from _Handy Mandy_) have thirty-five fingers each, do they count in Base 35? Nathan Mulac DeHoff lnvf@grove.iup.edu "I've always wanted a smoking jacket, and now I've got one." -Kabumpo, after his robe catches on fire Ozma and Oz Forever! ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 01 Nov 1996 10:58:17 -0500 From: DavidXOE@aol.com Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-01-96 Dave: I certainly hope that Delphi gets their books straightened out; a day without a Digest is like a meal without wine... :-) Barry: I'm not an expert on the subject, but I believe that publishers typically publish only in one or a limited number of countries. There are of course exceptions, but I know that it's difficult to find books by British publishers in the US, and vice versa; specialized bookstores will carry books from other countries, but usually at a higher price than what they sell for in the country of origin. On the other hand, I know that it's easy to find British books in Canada that are hard to find in the US. It may be that the British Commonwealth countries (which includes all the countries with large English-as-a-first-language populations except the US, I think) pass books around more freely than they do between the Commonwealth and the US. The name of your publisher rather sounds as if they primarily distribute outside the US. You should be able to check with a good local bookstore and find out if books from Commonwealth Publishers are available through the big US distributors like Ingram's. (If my daughter were still working in a bookstore I could find out through her, but she isn't.) If they aren't, then you may find that you're being well-distributed in Canada and Britain and Australia but not in the US. (This is not necessarily a problem in terms of sales; I think that although the Commonwealth countries have a smaller combined population than the US, they read as many or more books.) Bear: I've tried reading a bit of DON QUIXOTE, but didn't care for it - could, of course, have been a bad translation. Based on my limited reading of it, I had to concur with Cabell's assessment that "critics have written far more entertainingly about Don Quixote than Cervantes ever did." Me: A line or two of my first paragraph apparently got lost in transmission. It should have read, "As a dozen or two people will probably tell you, LOTR is LORD OF THE RINGS, Tolkien's magnum opus. Robin has said she sequesters herself and rereads it every Christmas break." Ruth: You certainly have my permission to include my comments on the liquidation of witches in an article for the Research Group. It would be nice if we had the ability to use two colors, or two fonts, or some easy way of distinguishing when we're talking about Oz As Literature vs. Oz As Real - i.e., when a comment refers to what we think the various Oz authors had in mind when they wrote their books, vs. what conclusions we can draw about the secondary universe of Oz based on the books. My comment about the meaning of "witch" - a female magic-worker - was intended to fall into the first category; I agree that the books aren't consistent or detailed enough in their usage to allow us to draw any firm conclusions about whether all the people described as "witches" in the books had particular common characteristics, or whether there can be male witches in Oz. David Hulan ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 01 Nov 1996 11:39:54 -0500 (EST) From: "Aaron S. Adelman" Subject: The Melting Witches of Oz Ruth, sure, go ahead and quote me. Also please send me a copy. (I assume this is all composed on computer, so it would just be a matter of uploading the document when it's written.) Aaron Solomon (ben Saul Joseph) Adelman adelman@yu1.yu.edu ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 01 Nov 1996 15:53:12 -0500 From: Homer I've read The Hobbit, but I haven't read LOTR. One reason is because The Hobbit bored me half to death, and I didn't even enjoy the last three-fourths of it. But I was determined to finish it, and I did. I'm pretty confident now that I can read most anything. As for non-Oz fantasy books, I highly recommend Weis and Hickman's "Death Gate Cycle". Just a few days ago I got a catalog called The Best of Oz. I think it's from The Best of Kansas company. It's full of great stuff. A bit pricy at times, but still good. Freezing in my basement, Tony ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 01 Nov 1996 18:41:01 -0500 From: HermBieber@aol.com Subject: For Ozzy Digest Barry and Bear: You worry about Ruth's "copyright violation" in making the Bugle article available to Digest readers. Strictly speaking, yes. Librarians frequently (and legally) make one Xerox copy for a client. In a few cases, as with some technical magazines, they are required to pay a few cents per page royalty to the publisher. They are NOT allowed to make multiple copies (+ publication), which is what putting something in the Ozzy Digest amounts to. However there is the letter of the law and the spirit of the law. The copyright law is intended to protect possible future income of the holder by making people buy the product. However, in the case of old Baum Bugles, they are no longer available for sale (except at rather high collector's prices from antiquarian dealers or at Club auctions). So there is no imputed income lost to the Club through Ruth's generosity. And since the Club exists to further the knowledge and appreciation of Oz and Baum, I don't think any of the Club officers would object to copying an old Bugle item. I certainly don't! And if one wants to be a stickler, sending out the missing page of Oziana is also a technical violation. The fact that it was missing doesn't give one the right to broadcast it on the internet or make multiple copies. That is why we were told to write to the printer! Herm Bieber ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 01 Nov 1996 23:20:25 -0500 From: Tyler Jones <104707.656@compuserve.com> Subject: Oz Extra: There is a "Wizard of Oz" contest going on in the SHOWBIZ forum of CompuServe. Each day, from Nov. 01 to Nov. 10 there will be a different question. If you answer them all correctly, you earn a chance to win a copy of the movie. FYI, the question today (Nov 01) was "What year did the movie debut?" Most people are answering correctly, but some few are guessing 1940. IMHO, the percentage of correct answers would be lower if the question was not multiple choice. --Tyler Jones ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 01 Nov 1996 23:12:42 -0500 From: Tyler Jones <104707.656@compuserve.com> Subject: Oz Dave: Well, hopefully Delphi will realize that you are a loyal client who pays his bills and you will not be cut off temporarily. A friend of mine is always late with his phone bill, and often has to go to corner pay phones to talk to people! As a last resort, you could walk up and down the Coast Highway with a sign reading "will work for Internet time". Ruth: Feel free to use my postings in any scholarly discussion you find meaningful. MOPPeT On Witches/etc. This is one of my favorite topics on the digest. I believe that, in general, average people will call any old woman who practices magic a "witch", whether or not that title fits. I do not find that there is a systematic consistency in people's assigned titles and the strength or scope of their abilities. People simply choose a title (or have it chosen for them) and then practice whatever sort of magic they choose. There is some order in this randomness, though. I beleive that there are different ways of doing magic and, to some extent, titles and magical category are linked, but not to a large degree. Also, I do not believe that one title (or category of magic) is necessarily stronger than another. In other words, people who call themselves withces will tend to practice a certain type of magic (transformations, etc.) while people who call themselves wizards will tend to practice other types of magic. This is not an absolute rule, but it fits sometimes. --Tyler Jones ====================================================================== Date: Sat, 02 Nov 1996 18:12:12 -0500 From: HermBieber@aol.com Subject: For Ozzy Digest A. Blair: For Oz Images, you might try writing or calling the Zedcor Company Customer Service, 3420 N. Dodge Blvd. (Suite Z), Tucson, AZ 85716. Phone: 520+881-8101. They have a collection of 100,000 clip art images on 9 CD-ROMS (for $49.95). But it is all indexed with their "Super Image Finder", so they should be able to tell you if there is anything on "OZ." I understand there are quite a few famous movie images in the lot, so who knows? Herm Bieber There is also ArtToday Online on the Internet with 400,000 images. This is a subscription service for schools, magazines, etc., and I don't know much about it. But Zedcor could tell you. ====================================================================== ] c/ \ /___\ *** THE OZZY DIGEST, NOVEMBER 3, 1996 *** |@ @| | V | \\\ |\_/| | ;;; \-/ \ ;/ >< ] > Speaking of LOTR: I believe that a character named Gil-Galad, who was > an Elf or something, is mentioned by Tolkien. Isn't the resemblance > between this name and the name of Rinkitink's capital city kinda odd? And here I always thought that Rinkitink's capital city was a play on the Biblical city of Gilgal ("rolling" -- Josh. 5:9). It even has its own king (cf. Josh. 12:23) BTW, Dave, the number of subscribers listed may be decreasing, but the overall byte count of the digest is increasing :-) --Mike "Shaggy Man" Turniansky ======================================================================== ] c/ \ /___\ *** THE OZZY DIGEST, NOVEMBER 4, 1996 *** |@ @| | V | \\\ |\_/| | ;;; \-/ \ ;/ >< ] ===================================================================== Date: Sun, 03 Nov 1996 01:28:29 -0500 (EST) From: Gili Bar-Hillel Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-03-96 Ruth - of course you may quote me freely. I am also supposedly a member of the research group, though I haven't ever contributed and Andrea Yussman seems to think my name is Gilibar. Which is actually kinda cute. And sounds a bit like Tolkien's Gil-Galad. In the ancient Babylonian or Assyrian mythology, there is a character called Gilgamesh - maybe this was part of Tolkein's inspiration. |\ _,,,---,,_ /,`.-'`' -. ;-;;,_ Gili Bar-Hillel, |,4- ) )-,_..;\ ( `'-' abhillel@fas.harvard.edu '---''(_/--' `-'\_) gili@scso.com (cat by Felix Lee) http://www.scso.com/~gili ====================================================================== Date: Sun, 03 Nov 1996 03:57:40 -0600 (CST) From: Robin Olderman Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-03-96 Gil Galad: The name means "spark of bright light," Nathan. He was a high elven king. Tolkien was a linguistics maven, and the name may have some significance other than Sind., which he claims as its derivation. He made up Sind. (Sindarian? I don't remember and I really don't feel like looking it up now), but it may well be based on a "real" language. I'll bet someone in our group knows. Ruth, maybe. The notion intrigues me. I may pursue it. Hmm. There's a province in Pakistan named Sind. Nah...too far-fetched. Or is it? We share language roots: Indo-European... Copyright: FWIW, I really don't think the author of the article Ruth so kindly gave us will mind. He's not that kind of guy. And IWOC isn't that kind of outfit. Obviously many of us are fascinated by witches. Go for it, Ruth! My own favorite magic worker is Glinda. She's the most mysterious of the Oz characters to me. I even wrote an article ("Glinda the What?") about her once, which for me is saying something, since I usually don't get involved in Ozian "research" and tend to either draw my own conclusions or just accept the many inconsistencies as what they are--inconsistencies that are to be expected in the writing of a commercially motivated series. Glinda, however, has a different "feel" to her as a character. That lady is in Oz for a reason, a specific purpose, I betcha. Why am I up at almost 4 a.m.? I should still be asleep. I have the rest of the Houston Book and Paper Show to do later today. Joy. I get to pack up and lug back and then reshelve the books I didn't sell when it closes this afternoon. Oh boy. Something to look forward to. --Robin ====================================================================== Date: Sun, 03 Nov 1996 12:37:12 -0500 From: Tyler Jones <104707.656@compuserve.com> Subject: Oz ALERT TO ALL: Some people keep have been posting replies to "A Blair's" request, not realizing that this person (gender unknown) is not a member. A Blair reached Dave's web page and sent him a message through there, happening to put "Oz" in the subject line, which got the message posted to the digest. I copied Herm Bieber's message to A Blair directly, and if anyone has more info, they should probably send it directly, as A Blair will not see anything from the digest. Anyway, considering that the company Herman mentioned is only a few miles away from me, I could probably call them and get some info. Dodge Blvd. eh? Arguably the ugliest (and most discontinuous) street in Tucson. --Tyler Jones ====================================================================== Date: Sun, 03 Nov 1996 10:23:38 -0800 (PST) From: Peter Hanff Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-03-96 Ruth and Dave, In the interest of fairness and professional courtesy, I talked with Douglas A. Rossman this morning to seek his permission to reproduce his article, "On the Liquidation of Witches," which originally appeared in _The Baum Bugle_ in the Spring number of 1969. Doug was happy to give his permission and asked me to let him know if any interesting discussion ensues. I attach his text below (scanned and transmitted to Tina in Italy several days ago). Peter ON THE LIQUIDATION OF WITCHES by Douglas A. Rossman (Scanned October 29, 1996, by Peter E. Hanff, from the original appearance in The Baum Bugle, Spring 1969 (vol. 13, page 17) Reproduced with the permission of Douglas A. Rossman and The International Wizard of Oz Club The eradication of witches by immersion in water has left an indelible impression upon the minds of the readers of Oz books, in spite of the fact that this technique for ridding Oz of evil forces was used only twice in the entire series. The first time, of course, was in Chapter 12 of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, when Dorothy destroyed the Wicked Witch of the West by throwing a pail of water on her. The second time was in the final chapter of The Lost King of Oz when Old Mombi was washed out. As with most feats of magic performed in the Oz books, we are presented with a fait accompli and are given no indication of precisely what is happening. These magical acts are seemingly unexplainable, and an observer is left with a sense of wonderment and awe. Nonetheless, both Robert R. Pattrick (in Unexplored Territory in Oz, International Wizard of Oz Club, 1963, p. 15) and Barbara Greenberg (in The Commonwealth of Oz, a Fairyland Image of America, unpublished University of Texas thesis, 1966, chapter 4) have argued that Oz magic can be explained rationally. They maintain that it is an extension rather than a negation of natural laws, and that it is, in fact, based upon certain scientific principles. If we look upon the liquidation of witches by liquefaction in this light, the explanation of this dramatic technique proves to be both simple and reasonable. One of the basic chemical processes that occurs within the human body during digestion is called hydrolysis; simply put, this is a breaking down of large molecules by the addition of water. Surely this is what happens to a wicked witch who is immersed in water; her molecular structure is broken down and she simply dissolves. Like most biochemical processes, hydrolysis requires the presence of certain enzymes (catalysts that bring about a reaction without themselves being changed by it); were this not the case, hydrolysis would cause the breakdown of a great many things which are not supposed to be dissolved. In the case of a wicked witch one can only assume that the catalyst which permits this breakdown is the result of some subtle physiological change that takes place in the body of a witch at the time she becomes adept in black magic. Certainly her training in the black arts enables a witch to perform self-transformations which transcend the normal biological limitations of the human body (for example, Old Mombi in The Marvelous Land of Oz assumes the form of a rose, a shadow, a black ant, and a griffin). Presumably a good witch, who practices only white magic (Gloma, in The Wishing Horse of Oz, is exceptional for she is a good witch who has studied the black arts) would have nothing to fear from water. This relatively simple explanation of the process by which wicked witches are liquidated opens up intriguing new vistas for speculation. In another biological process we find that the small molecules that are the breakdown products of hydrolysis leave the digestive system and are transported to various parts of the body where they are combined to form larger molecules. The process by which small organic molecules are joined to form large ones is called dehydration synthesis, for it is accomplished by the removal of water from the smaller molecules. It is, in fact, just the opposite of hydrolysis. Allowing ourselves some poetic license, imagine what could happen if the dissolved remains of the liquidated witches actually have been saved in sealed containers over the years. It would not be a particularly difficult feat for some unscrupulous magician or sorcerer, applying the principle of dehydration synthesis, to restore Old Mombi and the Wicked Witch of the West to their former stature, and in league with these old mischief makers plot anew to overthrow Ozma and her companions in the Emerald City. --DOUGLAS A. ROSSMAN ====================================================================== Date: Sun, 03 Nov 1996 15:00:02 -0500 From: Tyler Jones <104707.656@compuserve.com> Subject: Oz Extra: Here are questions 2 - 4 of the ongoing OZ QUIZ in the SHOWBIZ forum of CompuServe. So far, nobody has gotten these wrong. 2. Dorothy lived in: A. Nebraska B. Oklahoma C. Iowa D. Kansas 3. The Scarecrow was played by: A. Ray Bolger B. Frank Morgan C. Jack Haley D. Bert Lahr 4. When Dorothy's house landed in Oz, it fell on and killed the witch of the: A. North B. West C. East D. South This is a posted message from Kim Blanda. I don't know enough to help her out. Anybody who does, could you please reply privately? ----- I have been trying to locate the name of a book (or other source), that tells all about the making of the film. It covers all the odd things that happened and quirks (the varying length of Dorothy's braids, the man who hung himself on the set (they left it in), etc). I know it exists and cannot find it. I found a book by and about the Munchkins but it didn't help. Can anyone help? Kim Blanda, 71053,2360 ====================================================================== Date: Sun, 03 Nov 1996 19:29:10 -0500 (EST) From: Richard Bauman <72172.2631@CompuServe.COM> Subject: Today's Oz Growls David - I think you stopped too soon. DQ Vol 2 is even better than Vol 1. Since you mentioned Cabell, can I assume you have read "Jurgen?" So many great books to read, so little time. Sigh. Ruth - My little bit was meant as a joke. Now Herm sounds serious! Do you hear footsteps outside. :) :) :) Weekend regards, Bear (:<) ====================================================================== Date: Sun, 03 Nov 1996 21:51:05 -0600 From: International Wizard of Oz Club Subject: FW: New Oz Art Series (For the Digest) ---------- From: James Poole Sent: Saturday, November 02, 1996 7:54 PM Subject: New Oz Art Series I saw the first in a series of paintings based on the MGM film displayed at the Texas State Fair. Entitled "Over The Rainbow", the painting is an image of Dorothy in Kansas with Toto... the scene in the film where she sings the famous song. The entire painting is in sepia tone, except for the faint hint of blue in Dorothy's dress and a beautiful rainbow in the sky. I fell in love with it and ordered one of the limited edition signed and numbered prints. It just arrived this week and went immediately off to the framer. If you don't know about this, you and members of the ozclub might be interested. I'm anxious to see what comes next in this series. The company handling this series is: The Marks Collection 1590 N Roberts Rd. Suite 308 Kennesaw, Georgia 30144 800-849-3125 404-425-7982 I'm a long time fan of the film, and I'm considering joining your Oz fan club. ====================================================================== Date: Monday 04-Nov-96 01:21:29 From: Dave Hardenbrook Subject: Ozzy Things As I've said, the South Winkie Convention was great; the only bit of worry expressed by some attendees was concern that the IWOC's new president would move the club's emphasis off of the Ozma Administration and on to that MGM movie starring Judy Garland whose name escapes me at present...Does anyone have any thoughts/opinions about this? (I'm asking this question on behalf of Ozma, who my Oz informants the Adepts at Sorcery say is looking vaguely uneasy.) Robin talked about there being a different "feel" to Glinda as compared with the other characters. The thing is, I think, that like Enya (with whom I'm endlessly comparing Glinda!), Glinda is a private person who distances herself from the gregarious merriment in the Emerald City. I think Glinda's "specific purpose" is to help protect Oz. Thanks, Peter, for getting Mr. Rossman's permission to use the "Liquidation" article in the Digest. Is it all right with him if I make the article part of the permanent Ozzy Digest File Archive? I need all of you to look at the top of your Digest for today and see if that loooooong header that includes the E-mails of everyone who receives the Digest is there. I am sending today's Digest through Eudora instead of directly from Delphi's command line, and I want to know if it makes a difference. -- Dave ====================================================================== ] c/ \ /___\ *** THE OZZY DIGEST, NOVEMBER 5, 1996 *** |@ @| | V | \\\ |\_/| | ;;; \-/ \ ;/ >< ] ===================================================================== Date: Mon, 04 Nov 1996 07:31:27 -0800 (PST) From: earlabbe@juno.com (Earl C. Abbe) Subject: Ozzy Digest Submission Two people have asked for copies of the Toys R Us Toddler Doll ad, so the ads are no longer available. Hopefully, I will get them in the mail today. So far no one has indicated that they want the Farmer book. David Hulan asks in the 10/29 Digest, Another 44 years of life happened, mostly. Also, I work all day at a terminal in my Government contract job. After the dishes are finished in the evening, all I want to do is to close my eyes and go to sleep. Maybe when I retire for the second time -- circa end 2000 is my plan -- I can do some real reading. In the 11/3 Digest Tony says that _The Hobbit_ bored him I suggest that LOTR may still be worth his serious consideration. The writing in Hobbit and the first third of the first book of the LOTR trilogy is different from the rest of LOTR. The experience with the barrow wight seems to sober the characters (and the author). At the time I first read it I thought that perhaps Tolkein had put the work down for a period at that point and, when he resumed, had a different, more mature view of what should follow. Also, I suggest that Tony do everything feasible to stay warm -- but he probably has already thought of that. ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 04 Nov 1996 10:45:06 +0000 From: lnvf@pop3.iup.edu Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-04-96 Gili: Or maybe Baum was inspired by the name of Gilgamesh. We really don't know much about Rinkitinkian history. Maybe Gilgamesh or Gil-Galad founded the city of Gilgad. Maybe this city has some connection to the Gillikins. Perhaps the original rulers of Rinkitink were Queen Gili and King Gad. Hmm. There may be a story in here somewhere. Tyler: Possibly unbeknownst to the writer of your quiz, people from Oklahoma and Nebraska came to Oz to live. I do not know if any Iowans came to the fantastic fairyland. Thompson may have answered the question concerning which witch Dorothy's house crushed incorrectly. She often mixed up the east and west, and she often referred to the Gillikins as "Gillikens." Neill used "Gillikans" in _Scalawagons_. Of course, avid Oz readers probably already know these things. Dave: WHAT? Switching the emphasis of the Club from the glorious reign of Ozma the Great to that...movie? I mean, I liked the movie, but it is not something about which I would join a club. There is just so much more in the books than in the movie, not to mention that there are more books than movies! Besides, I would much rather be associated with a literary organization than a bunch of movie junkies. The Oz books are totally superbly excellent, while the movie is just all right. I do not mind a little about the movie in the Oz Club, but LITTLE is the key word! I intend to support Ozma until the end of forever. Scraps: To the end of forever? How long is that? Scarecrow: That, that is what we shall soon see. -From _Kabumpo in Oz_ All right. I hope I have gotten my point across. Exiting tirade mode...now. On a lighter note, please look at http://www.dragonfire.net/~VoVat/stories/index.html WARNING: The server is kinda slow. Nathan Mulac DeHoff lnvf@grove.iup.edu "I've always wanted a smoking jacket, and now I've got one." -Kabumpo, after his robe catches on fire Ozma and Oz Forever! ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 04 Nov 1996 12:14:35 -0500 From: DavidXOE@aol.com Subject: Ozzy Digest, 11-03 & 04-96 Had a busy weekend, with my nephew and his fiancee visiting, a party at World Fantasy Conference, and going to Highland Park to see Ruth Berman, who was in town visiting her sister, so I didn't get around to commenting on the 11/3 Digest until today - and already there's one for 11/4 as well! 11/3: Ken S.: I'm a member of the Research Group. In fact, I had a couple of things in the last mailing. Nathan: I agree with you (and so responded to the IWOC poll on their Web page) - I'd rather see reprints of the harder-to-find FF books (with color plates) than things like reprints of non-FF works, given that the Club probably can't afford to do both. BoW is committed to publishing the Baum books with plates over the next few years, but my impression is that they don't plan to continue with the Thompsons, and in any case certainly won't publish them until the next millennium. PURPLE PRINCE would be my first choice, because it's the one I have in the worst condition, but I'd be happy to see ROYAL BOOK, LOST KING, HUNGRY TIGER, GNOME KING, JACK PUMPKINHEAD, YELLOW KNIGHT, or OJO. (I already have copies of GIANT HORSE and PIRATES with plates, or I'd include them...and I'd buy a new copy of either with plates, but would rather have something where I'm adding more than a better binding to my FF collection.) Interesting speculation about the Mernites. My feeling is that they don't count in base 35, because it's too big a number, assuming their minds work the way ordinary humans' do. (Considerable research has shown that for most people, five objects are the most that can be instantly comprehended without counting or grouping. Two fives, to make ten, is an easy grouping, but much more than that would be difficult.) 11/4: Robin: I think that "Sind." was "Sindarin", which was Elvish-as-spoken-in-Middle-Earth as opposed to the High Elvish of the Far West (Tolkien's name for which I've forgotten). But it's been a while since I reread LOTR; I tend to do it more once a decade than once a year, and it may have been even longer than that since last time. And I haven't had much contact with my Mythopoeic Society friends, who talk about it a lot, in 20 years or so. I don't think Tolkien's "Sindarin" has anything to do with the province of Sind in Pakistan, but Sind is the source of one of the great bilingual puns of history - the British general who conquered it for the Raj announced it by sending the one-word telegram, "Peccavi". (Latin for "I have sinned.") Tyler: Others will probably respond as well, but the book Kim is interested in is most likely THE MAKING OF THE WIZARD OF OZ, by Aljean Harmetz, from back around 1980 or so. I'll look up the rest of the publication data on it and send it to her directly after I finish my comments on the Digest. (The book is upstairs.) Bear: Alas, life's too short for me to keep reading a long book that isn't interesting me after the first fifty pages. Now, if I could move to Oz, I might give DQ another try... Yes, I've read JURGEN, along with a couple of dozen other Cabell titles. JURGEN is his best-known book, but personally I liked BEYOND LIFE the best, and HAMLET HAD AN UNCLE second. All of the ones I've read are good, though. (And I have about eight or ten on the shelf that I haven't gotten to yet, though they're all among his more obscure titles, and not fantasies. Something to do when I'm in the mood for beautifully-written irony.) Dave: I certainly hope that the IWOC doesn't move its emphasis even farther toward the movie than it already is. I mean, it's a great, great movie, but it's not really Oz. And it already gets easily half the ink in the BUGLE. I can't really tell you about the change in the header, because since I upgraded to the latest version of AOL software all address information appears in a separate box, and it appears to list just the first twelve names on your list and then mine. So I don't know what would happen if I'd looked at it with the old AOL 2.7 reader, where I'd have seen the entire list before your Tin Woodman graphic. David Hulan ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 04 Nov 1996 12:49:30 -0500 From: "Melody G. Keller" <104270.2374@compuserve.com> Subject: Ozzy Digest, 11-04-96 Dave: I THOUGHT the Digest header was considerably shorter today! I thought the Digest had suddenly lost subscribers. If it's still getting to everybody, the shorter header is actually a distinct improvement--takes less time to scroll down to the contents. Melody Grandy ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 04 Nov 1996 11:01:57 -0800 From: ozbot@ix.netcom.com (ozbot) Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest stuff Dave, no change from the Digest format for me! (Except that your name now comes out as "Dave L. Hardenbrook" Hmmm, I wonder what. . . ) FORBIDDEN FOUNTAIN-- I just completed my latest Ozzy book, McGraws' FOUNTAIN, and this is the best non-Baum book I've read so far (Which, admittedly, has been very few) Their characterization was right on the mark, low on the IE scale (something I seem to be paying a lot of attention to for some reason nowadays) and the plot idea was very original and well played out. (Ozma drinking from the h2o of oblivion) I think I'll get MERRYGOROUND soon! I like the way that the Mcgraws' stayed with Ozma throughout the book. I mean, the other heroes of Oz were there, but once used, they were quietly put aside until the end of the book. Even Emerelda, a well-rounded character in her own right, was put aside once she fulfilled her function. Kabumpo-- One thing I have to say, I have never really seen Kabumpo as a main character before, so it was a treat to see him developed here. I never realized was how, um, "dandy-ish?" he was! I guess it makes sense, as he is (in my best upperclass British accent) "*the* elegant elephant." Is this consistent with the other books, or did I miss something? It makes a colorful contrast to the other Oz heroes, making his personality distinct (and humorous, after all, how proper can an *elephant* actually be!) Which reminds me, on the Digest, Kabumpo hasn't been stomping a lot latel-- Kabumpo: <> LIQUID WITCHES-- (Not to be confused with Liquid Paper) I wonder if the general theme of hydration due to the use of black magic could be extended to the Age issue. Perhaps the use of magic accelerates the aging process? We never have seen a (mortal) child magic user, have we? Also, although Mombi and the WWWest didn't, I bet the Yookoohoo and Coo-ee-oh were not in their true forms when our heroes saw them. (Maybe the Yookoohoo isn't even a giant? Ooh, those transformers are tricky.) I like the idea of Transformational magic akin to (or solely in the province of) black magic. As Glinda says in LAND, no self-respecting magic user does Transformations. However, this must not extend to fairies, because Polychrome is able to do transformations (unless this was just a magic-negating spell of the Yookoohoo's previous transformations.) Enough for now, Danny ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 04 Nov 1996 13:29:53 -0600 (CST) From: Robin Olderman Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-04-96 Dave, that's the conclusion I came up with in my article. Glinda must be some kind of protector. Actually, I think a big part of her job is protecting Ozma, specifically Ozma, not the country. What a good story that would make...Glinda's trying unsuccessfully to find the infant and then seemingly giving up; I'll bet she was just biding her time, waiting for some kind of prophecy to be fulfilled. Hmmm. Maybe I'll write that story. I think I will. Yeah, I guess that means I'd like others to lay off this prophecy fulfillment-induced wait to find Ozma. But the basic question is still a good one for all of us author types to try to work with. Why *is* Glinda there? What's her background? Why don't you guys write some stories. We could use some of them for a theme issue of _Oziana_ if we get enough good ones. I'm not surprised about the Enya connection. Glinda feels Celtic, somehow. Jim Nitch thought she was, too. --Robin ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 04 Nov 1996 20:26:25 -0500 From: Tyler Jones <104707.656@compuserve.com> Subject: Oz Dave: While I don't keep a list of who subscribes to the Ozzy Digest, there were only 50 names in the "TO" box, when there are usually 120. As far as the direction the club may take with our new president, I have been concerned about this for years. I really feel that the club is ignoring the written aspect of Oz to concentrate on the much more well-known MGM movie. However, I believe that the purpose of the club is to expand awareness of Oz in ALL its forms, not just to pump up the biggest part. Itis true that the majority of club members are fans strictly of the movie and have little or no interest in the FF, etc. The club should be actively working to remedy this situation. For people who know of Oz only through Judy Garland, there are enormous treasures waiting to be discovered in the works of Baum and his successors. There is so much more there than just one movie, as great as that movie is. I do not believe that the club should abandon the movie. The MGM movie has kept Oz alive through several decades. However, I do believe that the club should place its emphasis on the books. After all, if there had been no books, there would have been no movie. Also, there is no need to emphasize the MGM movie since everybody already knows it so well. We should all do our best to make people aware of just how much has to offer, on and off the silver screen. --Tyler Jones ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 04 Nov 1996 20:27:51 -0500 (EST) From: Richard Bauman <72172.2631@CompuServe.COM> Subject: TODAY'S OZ GROWLS Dave - According to my header our membership just went down to 50? Or do you send it out in sections or something? Ah, I reached the end about Eudora. Is that what did it? In any event, it really reduces the Digest's overhead, in terms of bytes. Robin - Are you selling Oz Only or all types of childrens books? Throwing water on the witch caused me to remember that in the book Dorothy throws the water because the witch has tricked her out of a silver shoe and wont give it back. IIRC in the movie, it is an accident. She throws the water on the Scarecrow because the witch has set him on fire and some of it hits her. As usual, I like the original and her spunkiness best. In the same manner, Mickey Mouse used to be a tough little guy when he had a tail. The early stories were really great. Then they cut off his tail and turned him into a wimp. Old MM fans will never forgive Disney for that. By the way, some future author is going to have a hard time gathering up the liquidated WWW as tidy little Dorothy threw another bucket of water over the mess and swept it out the door. Now Mombi, who was executed in the dungeon without any due process (supposedly) is another possible story........ Litigiously, Bear (:<) ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 05 Nov 1996 09:20:19 -0800 From: "Stephen J. Teller" Subject: OZ VIDEOS I received word yesterday that the four major silent of videos (THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ, HIS MAJESTY THE SCARECROW OF OZ, THE MAGIC CLOAK OF OZ, and [the wretched 1925] THE WIZARD OF OZ) will have a new video release, with soundtracks--something most have not before had on tape, as a boxed set for #34.95 (or $23.95 each) from American Home Entertainment, street date Nov. 26, 1996. These will not only have music but also narration. Steve T. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 05 Nov 1996 12:30:15 -0600 (CST) From: Ruth Berman Subject: ozzy digest Barry Eshkol Adelman and Bear: You asked about whether putting Doug Rossman's article into the Ozzy Digest was violation of copyright. Yes, technically, but it seemed so unlikely that he (as the copyright holder) would object to having an article written for the Oz Club's journal further distributed to a group of Oz Club members that I put the article in -- and also wrote to him to let him know that I had done so and to ask permission. That seemed more sensible than waiting for the mail to go and come. If I'd been wrong in thinking that he wouldn't mind, I could always have apologized and offered to pay some fair market value (two contributor's copies, in this context, probably) for the use. And if Doug hadn't thought that was enough, he could always have asked more, and sued to get it if I thought it was too much and refused. But at that point the scenario gets to be so wildly unlikely as to be effectively impossible. Going ahead and no problem was the likely case, and having to apologize the unlikely but reasonably possible fall-back. Barry again: Stay away from Commonwealth Publishers. I assume that the deal they have offered you is for subsidy publishing, having you pay some 4-figure sum towards the publishing expenses. Depending on whether you can find any proof that they actually print and try to distribute some agreed-on number of copies, that might be a reasonable enough deal. But the fact that you do not find books of theirs in the stores is an indication that they don't get books distributed. They might be failing at distribution because they made a genuine attempt at it and didn't succeed, or the reason might be that they don't even try, but either way it's a bad deal for you. I have heard second-hand of an author who had considerable difficulty getting them to send him the copies of his book which he as author was supposed to receive, and that's also an indication of Trouble. (A subsidy publisher doesn't have much incentive to try hard to get much distribution, if the author is covering most or all of the publishing cost.) If you're not going to be getting into the bookstores much anyway, you'd be better off with self-publication and try for sales by advertising in appropriate markets. jnw: It should probably be pointed out that the missing page also has an illo on it. Nathan Mulac DeHoff, David Hulan, and Tyler Jones: There's an inconsistency in accepting that "witch" necessarily means "female magic worker" and yet also accepting that there are any particular differences between magic done by a woman and magic done by a man. Consistent possibilities would be to say: there are (or can be) male witches in Oz; men calling themselves something other than "witch" can actually be practising whatever kind of magic is meant by "witchcraft" -- which, in turn, would mean that someone like Conjo is as likely as Mombi to be vulnerable to melting in water; there are genetic differences between men and women in the kinds of magic that it is possible for them to practice (the kind of expanation Joyce was suggesting). The third sounds scientific, but is not very satisfying at the symbolic level, and, besides, coming up with a scientifically plausible explanation for why "magic" should be apparently much more strongly sex-linked than, say, mathematics is difficult. David again: It was nice getting together with you and Marcia in IL this past weekend! Danny, Joyce, Nathan, David, Aaron, Tyler, Gili, Robin: Thanks for the okays to print your Liquidation comments in the Oz Research Group. Rich Morrissey, Tina Romano, Dave Hardenbrook: Hope I'll be hearing from you as to whether it's okay with you if I print your Liquidation comments in the Oz Research Group? Kenneth Shepherd: I don't know how much overlap there is between the Digest and the ORG, but I assume there are at least some people who won't have seen the comments before, and I think even those who have will find that having the separate comments on one topic gathered together makes an interesting article, because the lines of argument are easier to follow that way. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 05 Nov 1996 16:16:00 +0100 (MET) From: "Romano, Tina" Subject: RE: Thanks & other Dave, It's just great to be in line with all of you Digesters - Thank You for making me be part of this. Would anyone know where I can buy a copy of Andy Warhol's Wicked Witch of the West poster. I saw it reproduced on a Baum Bugle top page and I would like to buy it. Robin Olderman - may I have a copy of your article on Glinda? There is a case of Male sorcerer that has been melted - the bad guy in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" has been liquified by the means of water. Wondering if the technique has been borrowed by Oz? Ciao Tina ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 05 Nov 1996 14:16:46 -0500 From: OzBucket@aol.com Subject: Hanff Can you give me Peter Hanff's snail address? I have had difficulty getting it from other people. It should be in the new Bugle, which I do not have. Thanks. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 05 Nov 1996 17:31:02 -0500 From: DIXNAM@aol.com Subject: Oz Club's emphasis Dave: Are you saying that the IWOC President (Isn't it Jim VanderNoot?) gave some members the impression that his direction of the Club would be more toward the 1939 movie rather than on LFB's books and those of the other Royal Historians? If this is true, (and I find it hard to believe,) MY membership in the Club would probably terminate at year end, if the IMPEACHMENT fails, that is! I imagine Ozma is probably past uneasy, and on to OUTRAGED!! Dick (an Ozma loyalist) Randolph ====================================================================== Date: Tuesday 05-Nov-96 14:56:39 From: Dave Hardenbrook Subject: Ozzy Things OZ CLUB: Dick R. wrote: >Are you saying that the IWOC President (Isn't it Jim VanderNoot?) >gave some members the impression that his direction of the Club would be >more toward the 1939 movie rather than on LFB's books and those of the other >Royal Historians? I should say that this was all gossip at the South Winkie Convention, and don't know what the true situation is...I HOPE that Jim VanderNoot or someone who REALLY knows what's going on in the club can fill us in. HEADERS: Thanks for responding about the headers. I'm going to try Linda's suggestion and place the addresses in the "Bcc:" field and see if that suppresses the address list altogether. Anyway, let me know. (And PLEASE, if anyone doesn't get the Digest, let me know!) Remember to vote everyone! This promises to be an interesting election! (Dorothy will no doubt be interested to know that there are TWO Senate seats up for election today in Kansas!) -- Dave ====================================================================== ] c/ \ /___\ *** THE OZZY DIGEST, NOVEMBER 6, 1996 *** |@ @| | V | \\\ |\_/| | ;;; \-/ \ ;/ >< ] ===================================================================== Date: Tue, 05 Nov 1996 17:04:09 -0700 (MST) From: estelle@usa.net (Estelle E. Klein) Subject: Oz Graphics Just want to thank everyone who consisently contributes info to the digest- it's both entertaining and educational. It's gotten to the point that it's almost conversational and I'd miss not getting it! I have an older Desk Gallery of 30,000 images clip art from Zedcor (info in previous digest) and under"people-baby" are oz characters (Denslow art and some Neill). If anyone is interested in a mint set of the oversized Marvel WOZ and Land of Oz comics (1975) please e-mail me privately. I'm not exactly sure what they're worth, other than the info in the S&S book. Also, Safeway supermarkets in Colorado have some wonderful "window cling" movie promos. Just got back from Vegas, and although the Emerald City is gone, all of the brass door handles are intact as are the gift shops- just inundated with merchandise!! There are a few statues of characters in the theme park, also gracing the door to the gift shop! ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 05 Nov 1996 19:29:44 +0000 From: Nathan Mulac DeHoff Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-05-96 Danny: I also liked _Forbidden Fountain_. Regarding Kabumpo's characterization in that book, it was quite similar to how he acted in his other major roles. He played important parts in _Kabumpo_, _Purple Prince_, and _Silver Princess_, but he was accompanied by a human hero (Kabumpo or Randy) in all three of these books. In _Forbidden Fountain_, he gets a solo role for some time, and makes many decisions on his own. Actually, there are a few other characters in the series who are quite similar to Kabumpo, like Pigasus and Nox the Ox. Kabumpo is probably my favorite of these, as well as one of my favorite characters in the entire Oz series. Mombi used green magic to transform King Pastoria. This seems to indicate that magic other than black can be used for transformations. White magic, however, does not seem to be used for form-changing. BTW, has anyone ever thought about the differences between the different colors of magic? The series mentions white, black, yellow, red, green, and blue magic, and I would not be surprised if there is also such a thing as purple magic. Ruth-It may well be true that there are men who practice witchcraft, and who can be destroyed by water. It just seems that the term "witch" is only used to refer to women. Are the witchy men called warlocks, perhaps? You don't have to write out my full name when you reply to me. Dick: I'm glad to see another Ozma supporter! I'm sure Ozma would be honored to find so much support in the Great Outside World! Nathan Mulac DeHoff lnvf@grove.iup.edu "I've always wanted a smoking jacket, and now I've got one." -Kabumpo, after his robe catches on fire Ozma and Oz Forever! ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 05 Nov 1996 20:00:54 -0500 (EST) From: BARRY ESHKOL ADELMAN Subject: Publishers Whose Books Cannot Be Found in Oz Ruth, thanks for the warning. Commonwealth wants me to fork up 10% of the cost of publishing the book (something like $3000-4000), which they call a "joint venture." I would like to hear their explaination of why their books are curiously absent from shelves and will report it when I get it. Regarding Roger Rabbit, the original book (_Who Censored Roger Rabbit_, which bore only passing resemblance to the movie) had a genie who was dispatched by being immersed in salt water (a tropical fish tank), but that was probably a special case. In the movie it was a special mix of chemicals called "dip" which was specifically designed to dissolve 'toons, not quite the same thing. (Not quite ozzy but a relevant comparitive point to one someone else made. ARGH! ***SPOILER ALERT PREVIOUS PARAGRAPH!!!*** Sorry to anyone who hasn't read the book yet and wants to.) ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 05 Nov 1996 17:10:10 -0800 From: Robert.Shepherd@West.Sun.COM (Bob Shepherd) Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-05-96 Dave - the bcc trick worked! The header on today's digest was incredibly short with just your name in the "to:" part of the header. What an improvement! I'm happy to mention that Oz on Ice is returning to Portland, OR November 7 through 10. This is the second engagement in Portland for Oz on Ice, which is contrary to the Spring Bugle's statement that it wouldn't be returning to any locations a second time. So if you missed it the first time you may get a second chance! I highly recommend it! My daughter just joined the Oz Pen Pal Association (TOPPA). She was thrilled to receive a handwritten letter (on Ozma stationery no less! I wonder where you can get that?) within two weeks of joining from TOPPA, telling her who her pen pal is. What a terrific service that is being provided - and it is free! For anybody that is interested in TOPPA, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to TOPPA, c/o Susan Higbee, 710 Jonas Blvd #36, Spearfish, SD 57783. Please sure to indicate if you want a boy, girl or either, and the age range. My daughter is working away at her first letter to her pen pal and will be including her school picture. What fun! Bob ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 05 Nov 1996 17:31:45 -0800 From: ozbot@ix.netcom.com (ozbot) Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest stuff GLINDA'S ROLE-- My MOPPET is that Glinda's role could be paralled to the CIA and FBI, as her talents and magic lie in information gathering and, in particular, info primarily used for defense of Oz in general. (Of course, it makes interesting parallels with the Book of Records and so on.) (Scratching my head--) I don't know if she sat around, looking for some prophecy to fulfill itself. IIRC, she seemed in LAND to only research the Wizard/Mombi agenda at that time. Here's a thought-- do we know when, exactly, Glinda overthrew the WWSouth? Perhaps she was only able to do that relatively recently to the events in LAND, and lied low to regain her strength. Some questions, though-- What was the Good Witch doing at this time? If she overthrew Mombi before the dealings with the Wizard, she might not have noticed the baby Ozma, but afterward, why wasn't she on the lookout for Oz's rightful heir? If she overthrew Mombi after he already gave Ozma away, why didn't Tattypoo try to rescue, or "liberate" Tip from Mombi's clutches? (Leaving *anyone* behind doesn't seem right.) Trivia time? Mickey Mouse actually *does* have a tail, it was missing during a period of rough times for Disney, (pre WWII, I think,) when it was required that every ink possible needed to be saved. Now, I think they can afford it. As for his loss of spunkiness-- I think Donald Duck found it! Danny ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 05 Nov 1996 20:50:12 -0500 (EST) From: Richard Bauman <72172.2631@CompuServe.COM> Subject: Today's Oz Growls Earl - If someone was "bored half to death" with THE HOBBIT, I don't think you are going to interest him in LOTR. He apparently just isn't an S & S genre kind of guy. Somehow I always think anyone who likes Oz is going to like LOTR. Life is full of surprises. Now about the election...... David - I have never even heard of HAMLET HAD AN UNCLE? Could you tell me the publishing date? Tina > There is a case of Male sorcerer that has been melted - the bad guy in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" has been liquified by the means of water. Wondering if the technique has been borrowed by Oz? Surely you meant borrowed FROM, not borrowed BY Oz. Dick - If Jim is the new president, I imagine the last thing he would want to do is alienate those who admire a body of literature (40+++) as opposed to those who enjoy ONE entertaining film. Think how fast the Bugle would run out of articles. This brings up something I have been wondering about. Is there someone on the Digest who is on the board or an officer of IWOOC who could do an occasional "News From IWOOC" post on our Digest? It would be much appreciated. Dave - Whatever you did suppresses the trailing address list on Compuserve. Regards, Bear (:<) ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 05 Nov 1996 22:03:54 -0500 From: RMorris306@aol.com Subject: Recent Ozzy Digests Hi again! OZ RESEARCH GROUP: I'm flattered and honored that you want me to belong! I can't always answer everything right away, but by all means count me in! David Hulan wrote: << On the other hand, I know that it's easy to find British books in Canada that are hard to find in the US. It may be that the British Commonwealth countries (which includes all the countries with large English-as-a-first-language populations except the US, I think) pass books around more freely than they do between the Commonwealth and the US.>> Well, I don't think the Commonwealth includes Ireland (except Northern Ireland). Essentially, it includes the UK and all its ex-colonies that became independent through non- hostile means, which includes all of them except Ireland and the USA, as best I recall. (It will soon lose its last remaining colony, Hong Kong, but not to independence. Come to think of it, isn't *Oz* a country with a large English-as-a-first-language population that doesn't belong to the Commonwealth?) Herm Bieber wrote: <> The current copyright law (passed in 1978) specifically authorizes as "fair use" a professor making copies of part of a book--up to but not more than a full chapter or article--to pass out to a class. Since Ozzy Digest never to my knowledge copied more than one article out of THE BAUM BUGLE at a time (a whole issue *would* be a violation) it's within the law. (I don't think its circulation is any more than the size of a large college class.) A recent Federal court case through out a lawsuit against a copying service for similar reasons; I could give the case citation (the Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal) if anyone's interested. WITCHES AND OTHER MAGIC USERS: Nomenclature varies; a few male witches have been called by the title in fiction and even in fact (e.g., John Proctor in the Salem trials), but in most cases they've been called either warlocks or wizards. In Oz, given the title of the first book, I'd say the latter title is probably the most appropriate. Danny wrote: <> Not unless Kiki Aru (who's as mortal as any Oz native) counts... Tyler Jones wrote: <> Agreed entirely! I hadn't seen most of the last few Baum Bugles, and didn't realize it was paying so much attention to it. I remember ONE issue devoted to the movie (as there were issues devoted to Oz comics, John R. Neill, and other specific parts of the whole), but no more than that... << It is true that the majority of club members are fans strictly of the movie and have little or no interest in the FF, etc.>> I never realized that! I'd thought they were mostly people who grew up on the books, as I (along with most of us here) did. <> Definitely! Ruth Berman wrote: <> I don't remember saying anything about it, but you're welcome to anything I've said here! Dave Hardenbrook wrote: <> I forget who it was that compared this year's candidates to the Oz characters, but it was apt...to the effect that Ralph Nader needed a brain, Ross Perot needed a heart, Bill Clinton needed some courage, and Bob Dole will be heading home to Kansas... Rich Morrissey ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 05 Nov 1996 22:33:52 -0500 From: HermBieber@aol.com Subject: For Ozzy Digest I don't know who started the rumor that the IWOC was moving toward the MGM movie at the expense of Oz literature, but I have not seen any evidence to support this. The current Club President, Peter Hanff, is a special collections librarian at U. Cal. Berkeley, and the prior president, John Fricke, while a leading expert on, and fan of, Judy Garland, was raised on Oz books. I feel the Club Board, which sets policy, is pretty representative of the various factions that comprise the World of Oz. It is probably true that the new Bugle Editor, Bill Stillman, with emphasize Oz Collectables more than former editors, but that is his perogative. So fear not, all you Oz bibliophiles. The FF will live on in the IWOC ! Herm Bieber ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 05 Nov 1996 15:47:56 +0000 From: Scott Olsen Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-04-96 Since today is election day I suppose the following comments are in order: Dave mentioned the club's new president may have a preference toward the MGM movie. I don't wish to sound uninformed, but I suppose there's no way around it--I didn't know the club had a new president. Who is he/she? On another election subject, I was watching PBS a week or so ago and they had a program on about some significant presidental elections of the past--1896, 1912, 1932, 1976, 1980, and 1992. Regarding the election of 1896 (you probably already know where this is going....), between Bryan and McKinley, the host of the program stated that a man named Baum later wrote a tale where the Scarecrow was the farmer, the lion was Bryan, the road of yellow bricks was the gold standard, the silver shoes were---blah, blah, blah.... I sure wish this "theory" would just go away. Here's hoping everyone got the chance to vote. Sincerely, Scott Olsen ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 05 Nov 1996 22:43:09 -0600 (CST) From: Robin Olderman Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-05-96 David: Thanks for the "Sind" pun. I laughed out loud. Bear: The shop is generalist in stock. Oz is just a specialty. We're fairly strong in series and juvenile books. Tina: I'll have to find the Glinda article. I did it before I had a real computer. IWOC, Bill Stillman, and MGM: Stop worrying. Bill's specialty is certainly MGM, but he's certainly aware that MGM is, no pun intended, only a part of the Oz picture. He edits the _Bugle_; he doesn't write the whole thing. Let's just enjoy his enthusiasm and MGM expertise. BTW, Jim VanderNoot is not the president of IWOC. Peter Hanff is. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 06 Nov 1996 06:01:36 -0500 (EST) From: "Christine R. Gray" Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-05-96 fyi--This may have been mentioned, but the Lillian Vernon Christmas catalogue has four different Oz nutcrackers. (They're near th eback of the catalgogue.) christine gray ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 06 Nov 1996 07:28:58 -0800 (PST) From: earlabbe@juno.com (Earl C. Abbe) Subject: Ozzy Digest Submission Tina Romano writes in the 10/5 Digest, The Roger Rabbit melting scene certainly borrowed from the MGM movie, but the liquid that threatens Toons is a special mixture called Dip, not water. Speaking of melting magic workers, The Far Side Off The Wall Calendar entry for November 2 & 3 is very appropriate. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 06 Nov 1996 11:09:43 -0500 From: DavidXOE@aol.com Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-05-96 Nathan: I don't think any Iowans are recorded as visiting Oz, at least in the FF. Let's see: besides the Kansans, Nebraskan, and Oklahoman you mention, we have visitors from California (Zeb, Jim, Eureka if she isn't Australian, Trot, Cap'n Bill, Humpy), Pennsylvania (Button-Bright, Peter), Colorado (Shaggy's brother), Massachusetts (Benny), New York (Speedy, Bucky, Twink, Tom), New Jersey (Jenny), Ohio (Jam, Percy, Pinny, Gig), and Oregon (Robin, Merry). We don't know the state of origin, as far as I can recall, of Billina, Shaggy, Hank, Notta, or Bob Up. (I know we don't of the first four, and I can't find a reference to the other two, though I had a vague recollection that the circus was in Pennsylvania when they went to Mudge.) These refer to the last state of residence; we don't definitely know the birthplace of any of them except the Wizard, and in at least one case (Jim) we know that he lived in more than one state, since he was once a cab-horse in Chicago. I think the MGM movie is more than "just all right" - I think it's one of the ten best movies of all time. But I agree that even so, it's not a patch on the books. Danny: MERRY-GO-ROUND is even better than FORBIDDEN FOUNTAIN, IMHO. Definitely a first-rate Oz book; probably the best-written of the FF, although it doesn't feel as "Ozzy" as many of the others. I wouldn't call FOUNTAIN particularly low on the IE scale, though. Practically everything that happens between Ozma's meeting Toby and Kabumpo starting his dash for the EC falls into that category, I'd say. If you haven't seen Kabumpo used as a major character before then I assume you mean you haven't read KABUMPO, PURPLE PRINCE, or SILVER PRINCESS? In any case, the McGraws' characterization of him is quite consistent with Thompson's, especially in the first and third books. (In PP he's much more of a pain in the patootie; I find him thoroughly unlikeable in that book.) Depends on what you mean by a "(mortal) child magic user". Dorothy uses magic rather frequently, but it's on the order of driving a car vs. inventing or building one. Kiki Aru isn't exactly mortal, but he isn't a fairy either; again, he uses magic but doesn't originate anything. And other children, like Ojo and Randy, use magic devices they're given or find. I suppose it depends on where you draw the line on "magic user". The only child character in the FF who seems to be deeply into the study of magic is Number Nine, in the three Neill books. While Mrs. Yoop was a yookoohoo who sometimes used her magic for evil, Red Reera doesn't seem to have been evil at all, though she's rather selfish. I think Glinda's blanket condemnation of transformations represents her own idiosyncratic view of such things; Dorothy, the Wizard, and Ozma all did transformations that don't seem to have been condemned by anyone. Polychrome, though, didn't negate Mrs. Yoop's yookoohoo transformations; it took Ozma to do that. The only transformation Polychrome did was removing an enchantment from Tommy Kwikstep, which had been done by an unknown witch or fairy. (Unless you count repairing the Tin Woodman and Tin Soldier as a transformation.) Ruth: We enjoyed seeing you again after all this time, too! If no one else, we know that Andrea Yussman isn't on the Digest. And I agree with you that having all the comments on liquidation organized and in one place will be useful even for those of us who read them the first time around. Tina: The melting of the bad guy in ROGER RABBIT was almost certainly an allusion to the witch's melting in the film of THE WIZARD OF OZ. Doubt there's been any influence in the other direction. (It would have to be in a non-FF Oz book if so, and it hasn't been in any that I've read.) Dave: I voted (and saw a surprising number of people I voted for win, which was a refreshing change from voting in Orange County). The election kept me from reading yesterday's Digest until today, though; so many people were apparently following the returns on AOL that all the local numbers were busy all evening! David Hulan ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 06 Nov 1996 09:53:23 -0800 From: ozbot@ix.netcom.com (ozbot) Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest stuff (again) Oops! I forgot one thing that I wanted to respond to today If you haven't seen Roger Rabbit yet, and you love cartoons, rent it and THEN read this post. Otherwise, I assume you would have seen it by now or don't really care. SOmeone pointed out the WIZARD reference in WFRR? and, yes, it is a pretty blatant image taken from the movie, with the villan dissolving and screeching "I'm melting." Further, he was "dipped" by accident, just like the WWWest in the movie. Of course, rather than water, it was called "Dip" and made from a mixture of acetate, turpentine, and benzine. Other than that difference, it just proves that Oz is everywhere! Danny ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 06 Nov 1996 12:39:02 -0800 From: "Stephen J. Teller" Subject: OZ The International Wizard of Oz Club has NOT become the Judy Garland fan club or the MGM Movie Club. The president of the club (who is Peter Hanff, not Jim Vander Noot) is NOT devoted to the motion picture at the expense of the books. The change that has taken place is a new editor of THE BAUM BUGLE. Bill Stillman is the co-author of the 50TH ANNIVERSARY book about the 1939 film and THE OZ COLLECTORS GUIDE. These may indicate an interest in the motion picture, but it certainly did not dominate the Spring 1996 BUGLE. In fact there was much more about Shirley Temple than about Judy Garland. I do not envy Bill his job. Like most of the work for IWOC it is volunteen work, and is filled with Sunday morning quarterbacks. I wish him well. So you digest subscribers do not consider deserting the ship. I want to recommend everyone interested in Oz stories to check up on Nathan DeHoff's URL from the 11/5 digest. There is a whole plethora of new stories there (14, if you don't know what a plethora is). I haven't read them yet, but they are on my agenda. (I haven't read WICKED yet, its size is off-putting). Chris: Peter Hanff's snail-mail address is The International Wizard of Oz Club. P.O. Box 10117, Berkeley, CA 94709-5117. For what its worth, there was no list of subscribers at the top of today's DIGEST. Is this the way it will be for now on? It will certainly save space. Steve T. ====================================================================== Date: Wednesday 06-Nov-96 11:11:05 From: Dave Hardenbrook Subject: Ozzy Things _FORBIDDEN FOUNTAIN_ AND MORE ALLEGATIONS THAT OZMA IS A "FEEB": What's all this about Ozma drinking from the Fountain of Oblivion???? Is this the culmination of the "Law of Diminishing I.Q." for Ozma in post-Baum Oz books??? Ozma: It reminds me of the time I was walking in the Winkie Woods and came to a lake in which a little child was drowning! So I walked on the water of the lake out to the child, took him in my arms, and walked on the lake back to the shore to his grateful mother. I told of this incident to a will-remain-nameless Oz historian at that time and suggested they write a story about it. So they wrote down my heroic deed in a story and they entitled it, "OZMA CAN'T SWIM"... PEN PALS: Bob Shepherd wrote: >My daughter just joined the Oz Pen Pal Association (TOPPA). She >was thrilled to receive a handwritten letter (on Ozma stationery >no less! I wonder where you can get that?) within two weeks >of joining from TOPPA, telling her who her pen pal is... Is this open only to young children, or can children over 20 like me :) take part? WHERE WAS THE GOOD WITCH OF THE NORTH?: Danny wrote: >Some questions, though-- What was the Good Witch doing at this time? >If she overthrew Mombi before the dealings with the Wizard, she might >not have noticed the baby Ozma, but afterward, why wasn't she on the >lookout for Oz's rightful heir? If she overthrew Mombi after he >already gave Ozma away, why didn't Tattypoo try to rescue, or >"liberate" Tip from Mombi's clutches? (Leaving *anyone* behind doesn't >seem right.) Well, according to the revelations in my _Locasta_ book, Mombi banished Locasta (the original Good Witch of the North) and replaced her with the enchanted Orin/Tattypoo, who knew nothing about Ozma or Tip. OPERATION BCC: From your comments, apparently putting the addresses in the Bcc: field hid them and greatly shortened the header, so that is what I will do in future -- Dave ====================================================================== ] c/ \ /___\ *** THE OZZY DIGEST, NOVEMBER 7, 1996 *** |@ @| | V | \\\ |\_/| | ;;; \-/ \ ;/ >< ] ===================================================================== Date: Wed, 06 Nov 1996 15:18:14 -0500 (EST) From: MICHAEL TURNIANSKY Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-03-96 > Speaking of LOTR: I believe that a character named Gil-Galad, who was > an Elf or something, is mentioned by Tolkien. Isn't the resemblance > between this name and the name of Rinkitink's capital city kinda odd? And here I always thought that Rinkitink's capital city was a play on the Biblical city of Gilgal ("rolling" -- Josh. 5:9). It even has its own king (cf. Josh. 12:23) BTW, Dave, the number of subscribers listed may be decreasing, but the overall byte count of the digest is increasing :-) --Mike "Shaggy Man" Turniansky ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 06 Nov 1996 15:24:05 -0500 (EST) From: MICHAEL TURNIANSKY Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-05-96 > I don't think Tolkien's "Sindarin" has anything to do with the province of > Sind in Pakistan, but Sind is the source of one of the great bilingual puns > of history - the British general who conquered it for the Raj announced it by > sending the one-word telegram, "Peccavi". (Latin for "I have sinned.") I too have always liked the Peccavi story. On the other hand, my father used to tell me that as children their favorite pun was "Aqui es una mesa". Spanish* for "here is a table"? No, Yiddish for "a cow eats without a knfe"! (* Bad Spanish. It should be "Aqui _esta_ una mesa", but then, suspect my Dad's schoolmates ddn't study Spanish) > > Bear: > Alas, life's too short for me to keep reading a long book that isn't > interesting me after the first fifty pages. Reminds me of my attempt to read _Dune_ in high school. Gave up after 400 pages. *Yawn* (Of course, my dictum has always been "If they can't make their point n twenty pages, it isn't worth makng") --Mike "Shaggy Man" Turniansky ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 06 Nov 1996 16:10:42 -0500 From: OzBucket@aol.com Subject: Fwd: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-03-96 what is this? I am so confused... --------------------- Forwarded message: [Long header and message omitted] -------------------- (See Mike's message later in this Digest for an explanation... -- Dave) ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 06 Nov 1996 19:24:46 -0500 (EST) From: Jeremy Steadman Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest Dave, The only book of mine that's been published yet is called THE EMERALD RING OF OZ, published by Buckethead Enterprises of Oz. It deals with the adventures of a boy named Arthur as he practically drowns in a salty-water swimming pool (which has by this time, of course, been shown to be the ocean in Baum's fantasy tales--the Nonestic Sea, I think it's called, not having a copy to refer to nor a reliable memory to depend on). He is picked up by a fishing boat which has a mysterious past and an eerie Captain, to boot, and one day nearly chokes on a mysterious, green ring .So as not to give away the entire plot, I'll merely say that he eventually ends up in Oz, of course, and the ring turns out to be much more than it appeared at first. Its sequel is even more clever (if I do say so myself), but it's not published yet. However, the original is available by writing Buckethead and sending $10. Chris will then write to my parents and they will mail it out (as the books were shipped to my house to save Buckethead space). Its sequel picks up just about exactly where the first book leaves off, so I recommend grabbing EROZ while it's available (the first 100 went almost immediately, and not that many more than that were printed). By the way, the sequel will have the name TIME IN OZ and will deal with the origin of the ring, as well as the obvious. Until next time, Jeremy Steadman ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 06 Nov 1996 18:39:35 -0800 From: ozbot@ix.netcom.com (ozbot) Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest stuff Hmm. Actually, I never got what seems to be the "old" header listing everyone in the Digest. I guess my mail server always cut them off before. Dave, about your Ozma story, I'm not quite sure what you're exactly trying to say. . . I thought FOUNTAIN was a great premise of having Ozma disappear. Even with her memories erased, her basic nature of kindness and resourcefulness were unchanged. Oh, and about the IE's, I thought that they all fit, as the story followed Ozma's wanderings, first away from the Emerald City, then following the gypsy trail. I suppose they *could* be considered IE's, but it fit in the context of Ozma's chance encounters. (Of course, I said it ranked "low" on IE's, not "free.") All in all, though, a really good book. Danny ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 07 Nov 1996 03:06:38 +0000 From: Scott Olsen Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-06-96 Re: New club president? I didn't think the club had a new president.... Re: Bill Stillman as Editor of Bugle & MGM Movie If Bill Stillman can do even half as good a job on the Bugle as his friend and fellow MGM expert John Fricke did, I'm sure the magazine's in good hands. Re: Ralph Nader/brain [& Perot/heart, Clinton/courge & Dole back to Kansas....joke] I know Ralph Nader. Ralph Nader is a friend of mine. I...oh well, just read his new book _No Contest_ and you'll know what I'm talking about... Re: David's comment about election in Orange county. Was there an outcome in Orange county that wasn't expected? Sincerely, Scott Olsen ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 06 Nov 1996 21:17:57 -0600 (CST) From: Robin Olderman Subject: OZZY DIGEST Oz ephemera: The nutcrackers from Lillian Vernon are cute! So are the Oz toddler dolls exclusive to Toys R Us, according to the ad Earl sent me. I'll check to see if my local store has 'em. Oz stationery is available at all Oz conventions and through Lee Jenkins' catalogue. I forget its name right now. Dave, I don't miss that long header at all! Oz Pen Pals: Gee, isn't that what the _Ozzy Digest_ is all about? David: Don't forget Bill, the wrought iron weathervane rooster from _Grampa_. I think he was on a barn in Illinois, wasn't he? --R. ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 06 Nov 1996 22:42:16 -0500 (EST) From: Richard Bauman <72172.2631@CompuServe.COM> Subject: Today's Oz Growls Nathan - Is there really a "Nox the Ox?" What book is this in? Gee, I wonder where that name came from? Maybe "Knox Gelatin?" You know what that is made from! You do have to do a bit more than just throw water on the cow. In case anyone doesn't know, President Peter Hanff is a subscriber to the Digest. He was president last I knew. However, there might have been an election or a palace coup, I think he lives in Beserkley. :) :) Dave - Your Ozma story proves she must be a Republican! Regards, Bear (:<) ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 06 Nov 1996 23:27:46 +0000 From: Nathan Mulac DeHoff Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-06-96 David: The circus attended by Notta and Bob was in Stumptown, which is presumably a suburb of Philadelphia. I think that it is mentioned that Bob's orphanage was in Philadelphia, and, in _Wishing Horse_, it is mentioned that Notta came to Oz from Philadelphia. The Shaggy Man states that he once lived in Colorado. It seems that he wandered the United States for some time before he came to Oz. In _Emerald City_, he says that he has been to Mexico and Boston, and he travels to fairyland by way of Kansas. He mentions in _Road_ that he obtained the Love Magnet from an Eskimo in the Sandwich Islands, but this is later revealed to be a lie. Incidentally, the Sandwich Islands (Hawaii) and the home of Eskimos (Alaska) both became states in the Union. Also, the Shaggy Man says, in the book named after him, that he obtained the Love Magnet from an Eskimo. Was the Truth Pond wearing off, or was this a mistake on the part of the Royal Historian (Jack Snow)? Jenny Jump is a magic-user, but then, she's only half mortal. I assume that her fairy half is what enables her to use magic. Nathan Mulac DeHoff lnvf@grove.iup.edu "I've always wanted a smoking jacket, and now I've got one." -Kabumpo, after his robe catches on fire Ozma and Oz Forever! ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 07 Nov 1996 00:41:28 -0500 From: Tyler Jones <104707.656@compuserve.com> Subject: Oz Haven't posted in a while. The internet is choked! Danny: Nathan has already answered, but let me confirm that Kabumpo is truly "elegant" and very conscious of his elegance in all of his appearances. Prophecy: In the non-FF (yet HACC-worthy) _Oz and the Three Witches_, Glinda makes a passing remark that Lurline used prophecies to prepare the Ozites for the coming of Ozma. Ruth: It does seem like a consistency, doesn't it? First and foremost, my belief is that titles are, for the most part, picked at random or assigned by Local Indigenous Personnel (a military term) who do not fully understand magic. Sometimes, titles and the type of magic practiced, have a relation- ship, but not all the time. The tendency to melt may be related to gender, type of magic practiced, age, goodness/evilness or some combination of those. I do not believe that the tendency to melt is specifically related to a person's title. I also beleive that, for the most part, any woman who practices magic is referred to as a witch by common people, regardless of whether she practices that magic most often associated with witchcraft or even whether she calls herself a witch. Tina: I would iamgine that the melting of the witch is now almost Universal, with roots in Oz. Non-Ozzy trivia This is the third time in a row that one state has had two senate elections. (Tennessee 194 and California 1992). In all three cases, both seats were taken by the same party. Danny: Dave has already mentioned some of this, but here are the HACC thoughts regarding the witchly overthrows. In _Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz_, the Wizard says that when he arrived, there were two good witches ruling in the North and the South. This tells us that Mombi and Sringa (or possibly the other WWS, or even both), were defeated before the Wizard arrived. We also know that the Wicked Witches divided the land after overthrowing Pastoria. Therefore, the battles of the witches must have taken place after Pastoria was taken off the throne and before the Wizard arrived. Current HACC theory postualtes that the Wizard arrived in 1868, twelve years after the conquering of Pastoria, which would be by extension 1856. Perhaps Locasta tried to locate Ozma, but her status during those twelve years is a little unclear. Aaron Adelman has some interesting ideas of how Ozma spent that time. Scott: AAAUUUGGGHHH!!! Not that allegory thing again! BTW, someone on the SHOWBIZ forum of COmpuServe was asking for info regarding the guy who hung himself in the movie. I informed her of the real situation and pointed her to several of our web pages. ***** SPOILER ALERT FOR FORBIDDEN FOUNTAIN ***** Unbeknownst to Emerelda and Ozma (but knownst to us), Emerelda mixes some of the water of Oblivion in a pitcher of Limeade and gives a cup to Ozma. Uh, oh. ***** END OF SPOILER ***** Dave: I believe TOPPA has a age-cap of 17. --Tyler Jones ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 07 Nov 1996 02:01:50 -0500 From: JOdel@aol.com Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, Header The 11/5 posting came through with only your address on it. None of the subscription list. The 11/6 (I assume, there is no date) posting consisted only of the header with subscription list, the path info and the following; > Speaking of LOTR: I believe that a character named Gil-Galad, who was > an Elf or something, is mentioned by Tolkien. Isn't the resemblance > between this name and the name of Rinkitink's capital city kinda odd? And here I always thought that Rinkitink's capital city was a play on the Biblical city of Gilgal ("rolling" -- Josh. 5:9). It even has its own king (cf. Josh. 12:23) BTW, Dave, the number of subscribers listed may be decreasing, but the overall byte count of the digest is increasing :-) --Mike "Shaggy Man" Turniansky Seems like there are a few bugs still in the system... (Again, see Mike's message later in this Digest...I will resend the 11/6 Digest to anyone who is missing it. -- Dave) ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 07 Nov 1996 10:10:00 +0100 (MET) From: "Romano, Tina" Subject: RE: Ozzy Digest, 11-06-96 OOPS - Yes I did mean FROM and not BY. Sorry Bear I need to improve my writing. Any comments on "Wild at Heart" in comparison to The Wizard Of OZ? Lynch's movie was on TV here in Italy last night. Laura Dern & Nicholas Cage almost quote from Baum's book. She keeps on saying that she would like to be "On the Rainbow" - (I'm translating the italian dialogue). What about Glinda appearing -out of the blue-in the traffic jam? ---------- From: DAVEH47 Subject: Ozzy Digest, 11-06-96 Date: 06 November 1996 16:09 <> Return-Path: Date: Wed, 06 Nov 1996 16:09:08 -0800 From: DAVEH47@delphi.com (Dave L. Hardenbrook) Subject: Ozzy Digest, 11-06-96 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- -- Large message has been converted into an attachment. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 07 Nov 1996 11:12:54 -0500 (EST) From: MICHAEL TURNIANSKY Subject: Oz reference First: sorry all for my accidental post to everybody. I mistakenly hit "Yes" to "Reply to All?" without thinking. Now that our fearless leader is putting everybody in BCC, that will never happen again, of course. Second: Have you seen this? It's from the top five list (top5@walrus.com) for today. ---------- Forwarded message ---------- ============================================================ Ruminations & Ponderances Although I can accept talking scarecrows, lions and great wizards of emerald cities, I find it hard to believe there is no paper work involved when your house lands on a witch. (Thanks to Dave James) ============================================================ The Top Five List http://www.topfive.com Sponsored by Windows Sources http://www.wsources.com ----------------------------------- --Mike "Shaggy Man" Turniansky ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 07 Nov 1996 08:45:57 -0800 From: Robert.Shepherd@West.Sun.COM (Bob Shepherd) Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-07-96 Our local paper, _The Oregonian_, just ran a survey to find their readers' top picks for the best kids' films of all time. They gave a list of 100 films and readers were invited to call in with their top three picks. More than 3100 people called in, and the winner is.....(of course!) _The Wizard of Oz_. Not only did WOZ get picked in the overall category, but it was the #1 vote- getter of Males (all ages), Females (all ages), Kids (17 and under), Baby Boomers (ages 35-54), Seniors (age 55 and older), and it was the #2 vote-getter of Gen-Xers (ages 18-34; Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory won in this group for some reason). Here's the top 10 vote-getters, and the number of votes they received: 1. The Wizard of Oz (749) 2. Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (532) 3. ET: The Extra-Terrestrial (513) 4. Toy Story (442) 5. The Princess Bride (357) 6. Babe (356) 7. Mary Poppins (339) 8. The Lion King (321) 9. The Goonies (260) 10. Anne of Green Gables (239) ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 07 Nov 1996 11:08:25 -0600 (CST) From: Ruth Berman Subject: ozzy digest David Hulan: You're probably right that there are more Club members wanting reprints of Oz books than ones who want reprints of outside-Oz, but I hope the Board won't decide to put off ALL outside-Oz reprints until after they get through with the Oz books they mean to do. Specifically, of course, I'd like to see the RPT Sissajig-and-others collection that I put together at Fred's instigation be given a publication date. After all, at this point almost all of the Oz books have been made available recently enough to be easy to find (although some only in versions that don't do well by the artwork), whereas the Sissajig collection is material that almost no one has. Yes, the "Cowardly Lion" circus is in Pennsylvania ("Stumptown"), so presumably Bob Up is Pennsylvanian, although Notta is on tour and could be from anywhere. (It's a lot easier for me to find this sort of information since I put together the gazeteer section to go in the printing I did of James Haff's "Who's Who in Oz" appendix.) (Incidentally, I noticed a while back that I had given my old address instead of my current one when I commented that I had copies available of this appendix and also of the "Dunkiton Press" pamphlets I've been doing annually, so I'll comment that my post-mail address is 2809 Drew Ave S, Minneapolis MN 55416. Dunkiton #5, the other half of the Robin Hood story from the "Public Ledger" illustrated by John R. Neill, will be ready at the end of the month.) Nathan DeHoff and Rich Morrissey: What male witches are called is pretty much whatever-the-caller chooses, as rich mentioned. But in overall usage (back into the middle ages), "witch" is probably the most common (and also the simplest) term. In addition to "warlock" and "wizard," terms that have been used in various folklore contexts include "sorcerer" and "conjuror" (or "conjure man"). Herman Bieber and Robin Olderman: One thing in the non-movie line that it would be nice to see showing up in the "Bugle" is the rest of Michael Patrick Hearn's article on Neill, begun lo these many issues back. I would assume that the article has been delayed because it hasn't been finished (?), but I suspect that Bill Stillman as "Bugle" editor could probably hurry up its completion if he encouraged MPH with a show of interest. Robin Olderman: Why not send a copy of your Glinda article to Andrea for inclusion in an Oz Research Group mailing? (Or do you have other publication plans for it?) Danny: Interesting question on why the Good Witch of the North didn't notice that Mombi's guardianship of Tip was suspect and should be looked into. Dave Hardenbrook's answer, that he doesn't consider Tattypoo the original GWN and that Tattypoo might not know all that much about the situation, is possible. But it seems to me that it's also possible that the GWN (without postulating change of identity) might not know that much about Mombi's activities and might not know when she started raising Tip, or even knowing might not succeed in proving that Mombi should not be doing that. Mombi was good at deceiving people, and the GWN did not have Glinda's Book of Records. For that matter, probably Glinda didn't have it, either, at that stage? The first mention of the Book or Records isn't until later, and if Glinda had had it earlier, she could probably have located Ozma herself, as she had tried to do. Dave Hardenbrook: You're leaping to a mistaken conclusion in thinking that if Ozma drinks Oblivion in "Forbidden Fountain" it's because she forgot what the Fountain could do. Sounds as if you haven't read it? If not, suggest you try to get hold of it. It's a good book (although I would agree with David Hulan that "Merry-go-Round" is even better). ====================================================================== Date: Thursday 07-Nov-96 14:02:04 From: Dave Hardenbrook Subject: Ozzy Things DIGEST SIZE: Mike T. wrote: > BTW, Dave, the number of subscribers listed may be decreasing, >but the overall byte count of the digest is increasing :-) Actually, the number of subscribers is now increasing again...It seems to go in sine-curve cycles, just like the economy. :) FORBIDDEN FOUNTAIN: Well, I'm getting a lot of irate E-mails from people saying that I jumped to the rash conclusion that Ozma unwittingly drank from the Forbidden Fountain when in fact she ACCIDENTALLY drinks it. I got overly zealous about defending my Queen, and made an unfair prejudgement. My apologies to everyone whose ACTUALLY READ THE BOOK! (It occurs to me that this incident makes me no better than those who attack and prejudge MY writings without having read it.) (Me eating humble pie) OZZY PEN PALS: Robin wrote: >Gee, isn't that what the _Ozzy Digest_ is all about? Yes, but I wouldn't mind expanding my contacts to include folks not on the 'Net. MELTING WITCHES: Tyler wrote: >I would iamgine that the melting of the witch is now almost Universal, with >roots in Oz. When I was in fifth grade, I was *almost* in a play version of the obviously un-Oz-related story _Hansel and Gretel_ that introduced a number of new characters including a Glinda-like "Forest Fairy" who advises the children that if they dump water on the witch she will "go out just like a candle; nothing will be left but ashes." "OZMA'S" STORY: Bear wrote: >Dave - Your Ozma story proves she must be a Republican! Actually, this is an old story that has been retold by both Democrats and Republicans at times when they have felt that the press persecutes them even when they do good. (Which is true.) BEST KIDS FILMS: In Bob S. list from the _Oregonian_, I'm glad to see the Wizard came in first and Mr. Wonka second (interesting that in my so-called "Lost" generation, the two were reversed; of course Ozma tells me that Zurline initially called Ozma's graduating class the "Lost Fairy Generation"!). I was suprised to see so few Disney films on the list--NONE of the vintage Disney. -- Dave ====================================================================== ] c/ \ /___\ *** THE OZZY DIGEST, NOVEMBER 8, 1996 *** |@ @| | V | \\\ |\_/| | ;;; \-/ \ ;/ >< ] ===================================================================== Date: Thu, 07 Nov 1996 18:35:11 -0500 (EST) From: "James R. Whitcomb" Subject: For Ozzy Digest Dear Ozzy Digesters: I received in the mail today, a new "Oz memorabilia" catalog from "The Best of Oz". Some of you may be familiar with this business under its former name "The Best of Kansas". The catalog is terrific and has some wonderful "Ozzy" stuff to buy which is usually the case. Inside the front cover, the owner, Sue Goldman, is announcing that she is retiring from business. Ownership of the shop and catalog are up for sale! She has several people interested but welcomes inquires from others. Thought I would pass this along just in case anyone is in the mood for a career change or a great adventure. Also, below is the "snail mail"/email/web site addresses: Snail Mail: Email: Web site: The Best of Oz bok@Southwind.net http://www.radiks.net/bok/ 5426 East Central Wichita, KS 67208 If nothing else, check out the web site, if you haven't already, and see some of the great colletibles for sale, or better yet, write for a copy of the catalog; the latest being the v.8, 1996-97 issue for only $2.00. ************************************************************************** * James R. Whitcomb / Claims Specialist * * Ohio State University Libraries / Continuation Acquisition Division * * 1858 Neil Avenue Mall / Columbus, Ohio 43210-1286 * * Phone: (614)292-6314 / FAX: (614) 292-2015 / Email: whitcomb.1@osu.edu * ************************************************************************** ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 07 Nov 1996 16:00:39 -0800 From: Robert.Shepherd@West.Sun.COM (Bob Shepherd) Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-07-96 Robin O. wrote: >Oz stationery is available at all Oz conventions and through Lee Jenkins' >catalogue. I forget its name right now. Does anybody know how to get Lee Jenkins' catalogue? A phone number or an address? Thanks. Bob ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 07 Nov 1996 18:26:50 -0600 (CST) From: Robin Olderman Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-07-96 Glinda article: I thought it went out to the Research Group during your tenure as coordinator of it, Ruth...or maybe during Jim's tenure? I don't remember. It won a prize on the Oz Research Table once. Actually, I'd like to revisit it, myself. Maybe I'll have time to play with it during Xmas break...after I reread LOTR! _Bugle_: If you want to state your concerns and ideas in the most effective way, I'd suggest e-mailing Bill Stillman. His address is in the _Bugle_. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 07 Nov 1996 16:58:21 -0800 (PST) From: Peter Hanff Subject: Collecting other things than Oz Dave, Feel free not to post this, but thought you and some of the other Ozzy Digesters might be interested in seeing what an inveterate collector of Baum and Oz does at antiquarian book fairs (in addition to looking for Oz, of course). I am Deputy Director of The Bancroft Library of the University of California in Berkeley. Bancroft (referred to in the news piece below) is the oldest and largest rare-book and special collections library of the University of California system. We have the most comprehensive collection of manuscripts and original printed documents of the North American West (including Mexico) in the U. S. Peter Archives of the Mexican Inquisition In February each year, the Antiquarian Booksellers Association of America sponsors a major international antiquarian book fair in California. Bancroft Library curators regularly attend, searching for rare, unique, and unusual items, as well as entire collections. The fairs provide an opportunity for us to add significantly to Berkeley's research collections, but also give us a chance to meet with private collectors, curators from other institutions, and, perhaps most important of all, antiquarian booksellers from all over the world. The atmosphere is charged with excitement, for most booksellers save their most spectacular recent finds to display at the fairs. Competition is keen among librarians and private collectors, and there is always a sense of urgency to be the first to spot materials needed at Berkeley. This year's book fair was held in Los Angeles. Within an hour of my arrival, Walter Brem, Bancroft's curator of Mexico and Central America, located me and asked me to come look at a collection of Mexican manuscripts. This proved to be a recently-discovered collection about which Walter and other Latin-American collection specialists had been speculating for several months. It was now on the floor of the fair! What we inspected comprised 61 volumes of manuscript trial records of the Mexican Inquisition for the years 1593-1817. The cases cover the full range of religious and moral acts considered heretical. Besides a case of Protestantism, three cases against Conversos (Christian converts of Jewish heritage) in 1596 provide the most spectacular and dramatic examples of the severity of the Inquisition in its early years. Long thought to be lost or destroyed, these trials fully describe the interrogation, torture, garroting, and burning at the stake of individuals convicted of being crypto-Jews.* Other trials reveal the changing interest of inquisitors, who were also alert to witchcraft, superstition, sexual misconduct of priests, and even political propaganda and insurrection in the late colonial period. The collection also contains physical evidence such as powders, finger bones, and a cord used by a suspect to hang himself. I was so excited by the collection that I immediately went to find Charles Faulhaber, Bancroft's new director. He was as taken with the documents as I was. Throughout the day, various friends and colleagues of Bancroft caught at my sleeve to ask if I had yet seen the Inquisition manuscripts. In each case I said yes, and explained that Bancroft was seriously considering acquiring them, but would need financial assistance to do so. I'm grateful that each such "spotter" immediately agreed to provide support for the acquisition. Late in the afternoon Bancroft curators met to decide if this sizable acquisition was something we should pursue. We all agreed that this was both an opportunity and an obligation. I then persuaded the bookseller to let us take the manuscripts back to Bancroft so that we could examine them more carefully. I also asked for time so that we could assess our ability to secure the necessary funding. Walter Brem and University Archivist Bill Roberts (both keenly aware of the value of their "carry-on luggage") arranged to take the collection back to Bancroft for safe-keeping that night. In the days that followed, Walter communicated with Tulane University, the University of Texas, and the Huntington Library, all of which, along with Bancroft, hold manuscript records of the Mexican Inquisition. We learned that the new collection complemented other U.S. holdings. Walter's most important communication was with the National Archives of Mexico to be certain we could acquire the manuscripts legitimately. The Archivist, citing Bancroft's long-standing cooperation with the National Archives' programs and collections, responded with a letter of support, so that we were now ready to proceed with the acquisition. With the purchase of these documents, The Bancroft Library now owns the largest collection of original Inquisition documents outside Mexico. Over the last several months, we have received generous financial support for the purchase of the collection from numerous private donors and from the Clarence E. Heller Charitable Foundation. We are grateful that so many individuals have recognized the historic significance of these documents. They will support research in a wide variety of areas, and have added greatly to one of Bancroft's major collecting strengths. The collection is now undergoing conservation preparation for proper archival housing and eventual microfilming. Selected volumes will be available in January 1997. *The most significant of this group deals with the tragedy of the family of Don Luis de Carvajal, a 16th-century Spanish conquistador in Mexico, who founded the city of Monterrey. During the Mexican Inquisition, the Carvajals and numerous others were exposed as secret Jews, tried, convicted, and executed. Three years ago the San Diego Opera commissioned a three-act opera from Myron Fink based on the life of the Carvajals. Although the story of the Carvajals had long been known among academicians, full documentary evidence was not readily available in the U.S. until Bancroft's recent acquisition. Peter E. Hanff ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 07 Nov 1996 20:30:13 +0000 From: Nathan Mulac DeHoff Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-07-96 Bear: Yes, Nox the Ox is a character in _Handy Mandy_. Most of the main characters in this book have names containing rhymes or alliteration. It features Handy Mandy, Nox the Ox, Himself the Elf, King Kerry, and the Wizard of Wutz. Since Ozma is a Queen, I don't think that she is a Republican. BTW, Thompson once mentions that the Land of Oz is "democratic," but the Scarecrow informs Benny that Oz is not a republic. Jeremy: I have read _Emerald Ring_, and enjoyed it. If the sequel comes out, I shall probably purchase it. Tyler: I have never read _Oz and the Three Witches_, although I have heard about it several times. Do you know where I could obtain a copy of this work? Ruth: I would like to see some non-FF titles published by the Club, but I really want to finish reading _Pirates_, and, in order to do that, I should probably get my own copy. There are no male witches or warlocks mentioned in the Oz series, and "sorceror" and "wizard" both have equivalent feminine terms. The only Conjurer I remember reading about is Kadj, and he had a daughter who was a witch. These titles seem to be largely arbitrary. Thompson referred to both Jinnicky and the Wizard of Oz as "necromancers," despite the fact that neither of these magic-workers work with the spirits of the dead (as far as I know). Yes! I would also like to see the next part of the article on Neill! Concerning Hank the Mule: I haven't read _Tik-Tok_ in some time, but, if my memory serves me correctly, the text hints that Betsy met the mule on the ship. In _Lost Princess_, however, Hank indicates that, when he lived in the Outside World, he once lost his bray, and could not speak to Betsy. Does anybody have any ideas as to when Hank and Betsy met? Nathan Mulac DeHoff lnvf@grove.iup.edu "I've always wanted a smoking jacket, and now I've got one." -Kabumpo, after his robe catches on fire Ozma and Oz Forever! ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 07 Nov 1996 21:05:36 -0500 From: DIXNAM@aol.com Subject: Ozzy Digest 11-7-96 Dave: Yes, I need a copy of the 11-6 Digest. Thanks. Bear: Nox the ox is from "Handy Mandy", IIRC. Dick Randolph ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 07 Nov 1996 21:09:59 -0500 (EST) From: Richard Bauman <72172.2631@CompuServe.COM> Subject: Today's Oz Growls Mike - Don't attribute that "50 pages" comment to me. That was David Hulan. I have toiled through many books due to being compulsive. That was until I came upon Stendahl's "The Red and the Black." That did me in and I have been allowed to NOT finish an occasional book ever since. In fact that reminds me if you need a great book on your list some time, try John Crowley's "Little Big." It is GREAT. Most recently he wrote "Love and Sleep." I struggled through about 100 pages and gave up. I have rarely been so disappointed in a book. Scott - I guess you haven't noticed. We TRY to avoid political comments in the Digest. There are too many better things to talk about. IMHO. (Don't let this get around but if you want to sneak in politics you have to do it really covertly.) Robert - Is Disney going to be upset when they see the Oregonian pole! Not a Disney until No. 7? No one mentioned SNOW WHITE, PINOCCHIO, DUMBO, FANTASIA, SLEEPING BEAUTY, CINDERELLA, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST? PRINCES BRIDE isn't a children's story by a long shot. Things have sure changed since I lived in Portland. Regards, Bear (:<) P.S. Estelle asked me, in private email, why I signed with the frowny face above. I told her that isn't a frowny face, it's a self-portrait. I have a moustache. I'm only grumpy occasionally! :) ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 07 Nov 1996 22:10:31 -0500 From: DavidXOE@aol.com Subject: Ozzy Digest, 11-07-96 The only Ozzy thing I got yesterday was Mike T.'s response that accidentally went to everybody. I'll comment on 11/6 if need be when I get it. Mike: I think you have to be slurring the pronunciation a bit for "Aqui es una mesa" to be the same as the Yiddish for "A cow eats without a knife", but it may depend on the dialect of Yiddish you speak. Jeremy: I'm planning to place a fairly large order with Buckethead RSN (Real Soon Now, for those who haven't run across that one yet), and I'll probably include your book in it. I turn 60 in December, and I'm planning on giving myself a present... Danny: I guess it depends on what you consider an IE. Just about all the IEs I can think of fit into the wandering theme of the book they appear in; the question is whether they actually advance the plot. To take an example, in PATCHWORK GIRL the encounter with the Tottenhots is an IE, but the one with the Hoppers and Horners isn't because the travelers acquire something there that they need (or think they need, though in a sense everything after Ojo's first arrival in the EC is an IE because the end result would have been the same if he'd never left). But I agree that FOUNTAIN is a very good book, better than many of the FF and the best of the IWOC books (though OZMAPOLITAN is also very good, and comes fairly close). Robin: Oops, forgot Bill. Probably because I dislike that book and that character... Bear: Nox the Ox (whose real name is Boz, or maybe it was the other way round) is in HANDY MANDY. Nathan: I thought I remembered that there was a reference to Philadelphia as Bob Up's place of origin, but a quick check of the chapter of CL where he and Notta first appear didn't turn up the reference, so I qualified my statement. My theory about the Shaggy Man's stating he'd gotten the love magnet from an Eskimo in SHAGGY MAN is that he'd told that story so many times before he bathed in the Truth Pond that when he was asked about it some 45 years later, he didn't remember the truth but the story, and thus repeated it believing it was true. (As far as I can tell, the Truth Pond doesn't give those who bathe in it the ability to tell the absolute truth, but only the truth as they know/believe it. Otherwise one could ask Shaggy or the Frogman or Button-Bright all kinds of esoteric questions and get true answers. And in fact we know that Button-Bright can say things that aren't true, in LOST PRINCESS, though he believed them to be true at the time.) Mike T.: I like your forwarded "poem". I expect that the absence of paperwork is proof positive that Oz is not a civilized country! Bob: I wouldn't argue much with that list. I haven't seen several of them (ET, Toy Story, Babe, Lion King, Anne of Green Gables), and don't think Princess Bride is really a children's movie, but would agree that Wiz, Willy Wonka, and Mary Poppins are the top three, and if you count PB as children's it rates third. (Goonies, on the other hand, while enjoyable, wouldn't really be in my top 20.) Ruth: I was only expressing a personal preference; anyhow, I'd rather see non-Oz Thompson than non-Oz Baum reprinted by the club at this point - if for no other reason than that Hungry Tiger Press seems to be doing a decent job of reprinting non-Oz Baum in OZ STORY MAGAZINE. I was wondering about the address you gave - meant to ask you when I saw you Sunday, but forgot. Dave: Actually, according to the book GENERATIONS (which I highly recommend to everyone, though it has nothing to do with Oz), the "Lost Generation" is the cohort born roughly 1880-1900, the last of whom are dying off as we speak. Your generation is called the "13th Generation" in that book, or "Generation X" by others - roughly, those born 1961-1980. (They also define the "GI Generation", born 1901-1923; the "Silent Generation" [mine], born 1924-1942; the "Boomer Generation", born 1943-1960; and the "Millennial Generation", born 1981-present. And they go back as well, but this is enough with a thin connection with Oz - though I might say that Baum was from what they call the "Progressive Generation", and Thompson and Neill from, I believe, the Lost. (Though Neill might have been from the "Missionary"; I forget his birthdate.) It's true, though, that your generation has many characteristics in common with the Lost Generation, as the Silents do with the Progressives and the Boomers with the Missionaries. David Hulan ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 07 Nov 1996 22:58:26 -0500 From: Tyler Jones <104707.656@compuserve.com> Subject: Oz Hpefully, the Internet is unchoking itself and I can log on easier. On _Dune_: I enjoyed all of this series except for book 3, which dragged. I will admit that is rather heavy reading and takes a while to get into. _Forbidden Fountain_: This was a good story (not as good as _Merry Go Round_, low on the IE's as Danny said. I don't think you can entirely get away from these, and if EVERYTHING in a story points to the conclusion, then it's giving away too much. I liked the premise, though. Bear: Nox the Ox makes his appearance in _Handy Mandy_. As of your last update, you were still several books away from that one. Ruth and Danny: Since we know (from Baum himself) that the GWN must have overthrown Mombi BEFORE the Wizard arrived, Ozma could not have been in her custody. After the battle, the GWN may not have checked up on Mombi very often. Digest news: Yes, the total byte count for October was bigger than September, the first increase since March. Trivia for Dave: I believe that the "Lost" generation refers to that generation between the WWII (Bob Dole) group and the Baby-Boomer (Bill Clinton) group. I think it means people born from 1928 to 1945. Any digesters in this group? This phrase was chosen because this group was caught between WWII and the cultural upheavals of the 60's. Not much happened to define them. However, I understand that the PC term is now the "Silent Generation", so-called because the Oval office has skipped them (from Bush to Clinton). My own group, Generation X, has not had a defining moment either. Maybe it skips a generation. --Tyler Jones ====================================================================== Date: Friday 08-Nov-96 14:28:28 From: Dave Hardenbrook Subject: Ozzy Things POLITICS IN OZ: Nathan wrote: >Thompson once mentions that the Land of Oz is "democratic," but the >Scarecrow informs Benny that Oz is not a republic. Oz is of course neither a democracy nor a republic, but is instead that most ideal of all government systems: A benign dictatorship in which the benign dictator is immortal. Ozma a Republican??? Right, we all know that as the Phanfasms, Whimsies, and Growleywogs were bursting forth from the underground tunnel to destroy Oz they were proclaiming, "L.B.J. All the Way!!!" GENERATIONS: ( Non-Oz related, so may be skipped with no ill effects... :) ) Thanks for the comments on the naming of generations, but it IS true that my Generation 'X' is now subtitled "The Lost Generation" (a rash rush to judgement given that we're still only in our 20's), in so much as we are stereotyped as being tuned-out halfwits who believe that in 1990 Saddam Hussein invaded his neighbors in Costa Rica, and that Jonas Salk plays Columbo on T.V.; that Blaise Pascal was a famous stripper, and Sam Rayburn hosted _Match Game_; that Plato invented the Plate, and the Wright Brothers invented writing; and that we fought the Revolutionary War for our freedom from Japan (and were double-crossed by two traitorous brothers, Ben and Dick Arnold), the Russian Revolution was launched by Peter Ustinov, and Glasnost and Peristroika were initiated by Oksana Baiul... :) :) :) The "Lost Generation" as Tyler defines it (the group born during the Hoover-FDR years) includes my parents, as well as the humorist Mark Russell, who speaks out on behalf of his generation, noting that they were ignored by the media, except to be made to feel guilty about having been born during the depression. He also notes that this "silent" generation was so silent that they didn't even write anything on their tee-shirts. He proposes a new name for his much-neglected generation: Given that the children of many in his age group are "DINKs" ("Double-Income, No Kids"), he proposes that his group be named the "PODWOGs" ("Parents Of DINKs WithOut Grandkids"). (Russell later admitted that this remark was a nationally televised hint to his daughter, who BTW took the hint and now he has grandchildren.) :) -- Dave ====================================================================== ] c/ \ /___\ *** THE OZZY DIGEST, NOVEMBER 9 - 10, 1996 *** |@ @| | V | \\\ |\_/| | ;;; \-/ \ ;/ >< ] ===================================================================== Date: Fri, 08 Nov 1996 19:41:51 +0000 From: Nathan Mulac DeHoff Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-08-96 **********There's a minor spoiler for _Handy Mandy_ in here********** David: Nox was originally known as Boz. When Kerr usurped the throne of Keretaria, he did not know the true identity of Boz, and renamed the ox Nox. BTW, Thompson makes a mistake in _Handy Mandy_. When Kerry is rescued, he says something like, "Why, hello Nox!" Since Boz was not called Nox until after Kerry's capture, the young King should have called the ox Boz. *************End spoiler********************************** Hungry Tiger Press is printing pamphlets containing rare Thompson stories. It still would be nice for the Club to publish another volume of Thompson lore, however. Dave: I realize that Oz is not a democracy or a republic, but Thompson does describe it as "democratic" (in _Royal Book_). I assume she just means that the inhabitants are all considered equal. Nathan Mulac DeHoff lnvf@grove.iup.edu "I've always wanted a smoking jacket, and now I've got one." -Kabumpo, after his robe catches on fire "Thinking causes all the trouble out of the world." -Kachewka "A kinglet without a sceptre is nothing but a flibberjig." -The Blunderer "Oz? Is that a place or a tonic?" -Humpy Ozma and Oz Forever! ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 08 Nov 1996 20:45:13 -0500 From: Tyler Jones <104707.656@compuserve.com> Subject: Oz Maybe Bill Stillman would be interested in becoming a member of the digest! Nathan: I think Thompson said that Oz was "democratic" in the sense that people, for the most part, can live their own lives and do as they please, as long as they do not hurt others. _Oz and the Three Witches_ may be out of print, but Aaron Adelman was able to ILL it, so maybe he can tell you where to get one. Some people (such as Aaron) did not like it, since it read more like a documentary than an adventure story, but I enjoyed it for its historical content. David: Do you have any other information (author, publisher, ISBN) on that _Generations_ book? Dave: I thought for a moment you were going to say that our revolutionary effort was betrayed by Ben and "Jerry" Arnold! :-) --Tyler Jones ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 08 Nov 1996 21:55:28 -0500 (EST) From: Richard Bauman <72172.2631@CompuServe.COM> Subject: TODAY'S OZ GROWLS Well! As a member of "The Silent Generation" I want to say....... Silently, Bear (:<) ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 08 Nov 1996 22:38:53 -0500 From: DIXNAM@aol.com Subject: Ozzy Digest 11-6-96 Dave: Thanks for 11-6 Digest. Everyone: I'm the one who suggested Jim VanDer Noot might be the Pres. of the IWOC, and is my face red! I met Peter Hanff at the Munchkin Con in August and knew he held that office. Just shows the effects of aging on the brain. Thanks to those who corrected me. :-) Jane Albright and Lee Jenkins are also, or were at one time. Dick Randolph ====================================================================== Date: Sat, 09 Nov 1996 02:18:33 -0500 From: HermBieber@aol.com Subject: For Ozzy Digest Bob Shepherd, Lee Jenkins' e-mail address is OZZILEE@aol.com. Peter Hanff, Congratulations on obtaining that marvelous Mexican manuscript collection. But I am curious who the original owner was, and how he came by it. Various commenters, If you have a wish list on what the IWOC should publish, you should communicate that to the chair of the Publications Committee. The club welcomes such input! I think the chair is still Michael Gessel. Blitz him at: mgessel@hr.house.gov Herm Bieber ====================================================================== Date: Sat, 09 Nov 1996 12:57:16 +0000 (UT) From: Kenneth Shepherd Subject: Ozzy Digest 11-08 Dave-- Technically, Oz is not a dictatorship even in the classical sense. A dictator, someone whose word, _dictus_, is law, was an elected office of the Roman Republic. The dictator took command of the Republic by order of the Senate for a strictly limited period (six months, I think) in order to deal with a special state of emergency. His powers during that period were very great, but at the end of the time (assuming the state of emergency was over) he was expected to return his powers to the Senate and retire to private life. It worries me that you refer to a dictatorship, even a benign or benevolent one, as being "that most ideal of all government systems." And I'm surprised that Ozma let you get away with calling her a dictatrix. Evidence suggests instead that Oz is a constitutional monarchy. On the occasions that Ozma is incapacitated, such as in LOST PRINCESS and GLINDA, rule of the state goes to a council led by Glinda. The closest model I can think of for Ozma's government is the English medieval monarchy: a ruler limited in her powers to govern by the need to consult with the greatest of her subjects. I would suggest that Ozma's powers are also bound by Ozian custom and precedent. Interestingly enough, Ozma comes close to fitting the Greek definition of a "tyrant." In the Greek tradition, a tyrant was a person who came to power through unusual means. The Athenian tyrant Peisistratos (late 6th cent BC), for instance, was an excellent and popular ruler, but he came to power through a popular revolt. Ozma was placed on the throne of Oz by Glinda in a countercoup against the usurper Jinjur. Best, KRS ====================================================================== Date: Sat, 09 Nov 1996 10:53:17 -0500 From: DavidXOE@aol.com Subject: Ozzy Digests, 11/06 & 08-96 11/6: Nathan: I don't think there's that much character similarity between Pigasus and Kabumpo, though I'll agree that Nox is pretty much the same character in a different shape. Pigasus isn't nearly as crusty. Barry: I believe you'll find that you can get quite a few copies of a book printed, in PB at least, for $3000-4000; unless Commonwealth is doing a very large first edition, they're asking for more than 10% of the publishing cost. (I know some friends of mine published a book a few years ago and it only cost them $10,000 for several thousand copies of a very nicely-produced quality PB.) Sounds like you're being scammed. (Good thing Ruth had heard of them; I hadn't.) Danny: We know Glinda has been around, and a major player in Ozian politics, for a long time; remember, she's the one who created the Forbidden Fountain, while Oz was still ruled by a king. Based on other information, that was almost certainly a king earlier than Ozma's grandfather (who by IWOC convention is called Ozroar, though I don't particularly like the name). There must have been a brief interlude when the WWSouth had the upper hand, since Ozma says so in DOTWIZ, but it can't have been very long. (It might, in fact, only have happened because Glinda was out of Oz for some reason, maybe visiting Lurline - in which case the ascendancy of the WWSouth might have only lasted a month or two.) It's actually pretty clear that the GWNorth overthrew Mombi before the Wizard brought Ozma to Mombi; the Wizard says in DOTWIZ that when he arrived in Oz there were two good and two wicked witches. He might not even have known Mombi was a witch, and definitely didn't know that she had once ruled the Gillikin Country. Bear: HAMLET HAD AN UNCLE was published in 1940 by Farrar and Rinehart. If you check Cabell in used book stores you shouldn't have too much trouble finding it; I see it fairly often, and I don't spend as much time in such stores as you seem to. It's basically the retelling of the Hamlet story (going back to the original Danish legend rather than the Shakespearean version, as I recall, though it's been a long time since I reread it) from the point of view of his maternal uncle. It's subtitle is "A Comedy of Humour". It isn't part of his "Biography of the Life of Manuel"; it's part of a triptych of stories related in theme but without common characters, of which the other two are THE KING WAS IN HIS COUNTING HOUSE and THE FIRST GENTLEMAN OF AMERICA. Rich: I don't really know whether Ireland is part of the Commonwealth or not, though probably not - but I know that British books are freely available there, either way. And Irish books in the UK, for that matter. Dave: I've heard your "Ozma can't swim" story before, though I heard it first about Steve Young and then about Bill Clinton. 11/8: Peter: I enjoyed your story about the Inquisition documents, even if it has nothing to do with Oz. Nathan: In TIK-TOK Baum says, "On board the ship...Betsy and Hank had become good friends." This certainly implies that if they met before they boarded the ship , they hadn't been together enough to become friends, so Hanks loss of his bray must have happened either on board ship or while they were roaming around Ev (though if it were the latter then it must have been brief enough that nobody noticed it). Incidentally, does it bother anyone else that Baum sometimes describes Hank as a mule and sometimes as a donkey? Tyler: I don't think my generation was very often, if ever, referred to as the "Lost" generation. The book GENERATIONS aside, the term "Lost Generation" was very commonly applied to, basically, the one that did most of the fighting in WW I and then had a rough time in its aftermath. I know I associate the term with F. Scott Fitzgerald; I don't know if he coined it or if it was someone writing about him. "Silent Generation" for my age group (and Bear's, and probably Earl's and Dick's and others'), on the other hand, goes back to the '50s at least; it's not some new PC coinage due to its having been skipped for the presidency. Although it's more a case of my generation being dissed than a real case of silence; the end of legal segregation, which is arguably the most important social change in this country since the Civil War, was largely accomplished by "Silents". Dave: Your generation, whatever you call it, has more in common with the original "Lost" generation (the one originally called that, anyhow) than with anyone else living today. It has little to do with your knowledge, and much to do with how, overall, your generation was treated as children. (Not every member of your generation, but a large enough fraction to set the tone.) As my generation was overprotected, and the Boomer generation was indulged, your generation was neglected. So were the Lost Generation born in the late 19th century. It's a cyclic thing. Alas, your generation's future, if the pattern holds, doesn't look too happy, though at least it has the advantage of not expecting anything better. David Hulan ====================================================================== Date: Sat, 09 Nov 1996 12:23:42 -0600 From: Gordon Birrell Subject: Ozzy Digest stuff I've been too busy to contribute anything for awhile but have never been too busy to keep up with reading the Digest, a real source of pleasure in some troubled times for me. David H., Tyler et al.: It does seem premature, and maybe unduly pessimistic, to refer to Generation X as the Lost Generation. In any event, it would have to be LG II, because the generation with the historical claim to the name is the group that came to adulthood in the years of disorientation and aimlessness following World War I. It was Gertrude Stein who coined the term in a conversation with Hemingway IIRC: "You are all a lost generation." David again: I hope you'll give Don Quixote another chance. The first 50 pages or so reflect Cervantes' original conception, which was a satirical burlesque of all the cheesy novels of chivalry that had been popular in Spain in the 16th century. It wasn't until he got into the novel that he began to develop the tremendous themes (e.g., the unreliability of all definitions of "reality") underlying that original conception and began to treat the figure of Don Quixote with more affection and respect. It may be, as you suggested, that you were also dealing with an inept or outdated translation. I recommend the one in the Norton Critical Edition. After so many people pointedly included _Road to Oz_ among their *least* favorite Oz books, it was heartening to see several of you leap to the defense of the illustrations. I had some questions about those illustrations, and about _Road_ in general. In the picture of Dorothy and themselves "as they looked when they first came to Oz," Neill lifts Denslow's illustrations from _Wizard_ and goes so far as to "sign" them as Denslow's by inscribing Denslow's characteristic sea-horse signature on the pedestals below the statues. Do any members of the Digest know if the image of the sea horse had any special significance for Denslow? (I know there was a Bugle article on Denslow a while back, and maybe it had that information in it.) In another illustration, Dorothy is sitting at the wonderfully ornate grand piano in the Tin Woodman's castle and playing "The Oz Two-Step," and later everybody at that seemingly endless birthday party dances to "The Ozma Two-Step." I wonder if these pieces were ever actually composed, perhaps in connection with one of Baum's stage productions. (If not, maybe I'll compose one myself!) About the Wizard's bubble transport system at the end of the book: does anyone know if there is any evidence that the MGM filmmakers might have been thinking of this passage when they devised Glinda's arrivals and departures in that iridescent bubble? Since there has been some discussion of ethnic slurs in the early Oz books, I guess I should mention that the full-page illustration of the Scoodlers surrounding Dorothy, Shaggy, and the other travelers (p. 109 of the original book) seems to contain some rather disturbing anti-Semitic imagery along with some slams at international banking and gambling (or is there another interpretation, beyond mere whimsy, of the Scoodlers' association with playing cards?). Robin, I think, mentioned that Neill's illustrations for _Emerald City_ were reduced by something like two-thirds when they were printed. One of the casualties of this reduction is evident if you compare the illustration on the cover of the Spring 1995 Bugle with the corresponding color plate in the book. Clearly visible in the original, but barely legible on the color plate, is a scrap of printed material in German (no doubt a little jab at German prolixity, which Neill apparently felt would be right at home in Rigmarole Town)--an example of quotational collage two years before the technique was supposedly invented by Picasso and Braque. Gili: I agree with you that Vladimir Propp's analyses of folk tales seem arid and abstract, but I think they would provide a useful preliminary procedure for Tina to use in identifying the underlying structures of the novel and connecting them to the typical configurations of the folk tale--if indeed such a connection is viable. It's a little like Schenker analysis in music, another proto-structuralist technique which also struck many people as being a barren exercise that had little to do with the sensuous pleasures of the text. But we owe a lot to people like Propp and Schenker for getting literary studies and musicology beyond the "sensitive" and impressionistic interpretations that were the standard in the first part of this century. Does anybody remember the New Criticism? Incidentally, I think, and maybe Ruth will agree, that the some of the most interesting work that is being done in folk fairy tales these days is in the area of gender studies and reader-response theory (people like Maria Tatar, Ruth Bottigheimer, and Donald Haase, for instance). Sorry to run on so long! Gordon Birrell ====================================================================== Date: Sat, 09 Nov 1996 21:27:00 -0500 From: Tyler Jones <104707.656@compuserve.com> Subject: Oz The last two Oz trivia questions, from the SHOWBIZ forum of CompuServe. 9. To get to the Emerald City, Dorothy must follow the _________ brick road: A. Red B. Green C. Yellow D. Purple 10. The Wizard instructed Dorothy and friends to bring back what possession of the Wicked Witch of the West? A. Her Hat B. Her Broom C. Her shoes D. Her Crystal Ball --Tyler Jones ====================================================================== Date: Saturday 09-Nov-96 22:05:39 From: Dave Hardenbrook Subject: Ozzy Things (Just so everyone knows, there was no Digest for Nov. 9) "SIEG HEIL OZMA" -- NOT!: Kenneth Shepherd wrote: >It worries me that you refer to a dictatorship, even a benign or benevolent >one, as being "that most ideal of all government systems." Looking back at what I wrote yesterday, I realize that I should have adorned my "advocacy" of benign dictatorships with lots of smilie faces lest I be accused of Un-American activities. I *AM* a patriotic, law-abiding American citizen who waves the flag but doesn't burn it. And I *KNOW* Ozma isn't a "dictator" in the Hitlerian sense, and she knew that I knew it when I said what I said yesterday. "OZMA" STORY: David H. wrote: >I've heard your "Ozma can't swim" story before, though I heard it first about >Steve Young and then about Bill Clinton. As I said, it's a semi-old story told by various people...The earliest reference I can find to it is in _The Clothes Have No Emperor: A Chronicle of the American 80's_, which gives June 3, 1984 at a Democratic Presidential Candidates' debate in Burbank as the setting where Jesse Jackson (first?) told the story. -- Dave ====================================================================== ] c/ \ /___\ *** THE OZZY DIGEST, NOVEMBER 11, 1996 *** |@ @| | V | \\\ |\_/| | ;;; \-/ \ ;/ >< ] Date: Sun, 10 Nov 1996 07:06:38 -0500 From: DIXNAM@aol.com Subject: Ozzy Digest 11-9 & 10-96 Dave: Evidently part of my post in yesterday's Digest got lost somewhere in transmission, and thus the one line second paragraph;=20 >Jane Albright and Lee Jenkins were also, or were at one time< makes no sense. It should have read; To whoever asked: One IWOC Board Member is Herm Bieber. Robin O., Jane Albright and Lee Jenkins are also, or were at one time.=20 Dick Randolph ========================================================================== Date: Sun, 10 Nov 1996 08:17:54 -0600 (CST) From: Robin Olderman Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-10-96 Anti-Semitic imagery in the Sccodler drawing? Explain, please. The=20 skullcaps?=20 "Silent" Generation: David, you made the point beautifully. We certainly=20 weren't silent in the '60s. >>...the end of legal segregation, which is=20 arguably the most important social change in this country since the Civil= War, was largely accomplished by "Silents". Nowadays, we're quieter. We've learned to shut up and to JUST DO IT. ========================================================================== Date: Sun, 10 Nov 1996 08:33:10 -0600 (CST) From: Robin Olderman Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-10-96 Sorry for the double post, but I stopped the first one so that I could=20 write... y'all got me inspired. I'm writing my Glinda story...sorta. It's= fit=20 into the Oz novel I've been working on. I'm tackling the whereabouts of=20 Dorothy's mother. No, she's not dead. I'll leave you to wonder 'bout=20 that. I'm having the most fun with my curmudgeon. He's only three inches=20 tall and is not a Kabumpo-by-any-other name although, as a crank, he does=20 share some characteristics in common. Morclus is still growing in his=20 personal development; he's actively nasty and meanspirited at times, which I= =20 never felt about Kabumpo. I have no idea what I'll do with the tale when=20 I'm finished, but it looks as though I'm gonna have to finish it. It's=20 been screaming at me for over a year since I started it as a short story=20 on something totally other. The story wouldn't go where I wanted it to,=20 and now I know why. Many of you are writers; you know what I mean. The=20 thing wanted to go somewhere else. (But it was painful to chop out what=20 now turn out to be extraneous elements.) --Robin ========================================================================== Date: Sun, 10 Nov 1996 12:16:54 -0500 From: DavidXOE@aol.com Subject: Ozzy Digest, 11-10-96 Nathan: ****************slight spoiler for HANDY MANDY follows********************* I couldn't remember for sure whether Nox was originally named Boz, or vice versa; I knew that he changed names after Kerry was kidnapped. And I noticed that error when Kerry was awakened, too. ****************end spoiler***************************************** Tyler: GENERATIONS, by William Strauss and Neil Howe, was published in 1991 by William Morrow, ISBN 0-688-11912-3 for the trade paperback edition, which is $12 and worth twice that, imho. Strauss and Howe have also written another book on the same subject, but concentrating on what they call the "13th generation": 13TH GEN: ABORT, RETRY, IGNORE, FAIL?, published in 1993 by Vintage, ISBN 0-679-74365-0; this one is only in trade PB and is $11. It's a more "popular" book than GENERATIONS, which is quite scholarly with a lot of tables and such. As far as I know both books are still in print, although I got my copies about a year ago now and they may be OP. GENERATIONS at least should be available in any good library. (13TH GEN, by the way, reverses the order of the authors; it's listed as by Howe and Strauss.) I don't agree= with all their conclusions, but I think that they've identified a profound source of cyclical trends in history, and that any attempts to extrapolate the future from the past have to take their theory into account. Gordon: Ah, so it was Gertrude Stein who coined the term "lost generation". Sounds like her, now that I think of it. Anyhow, it was Fitzgerald's generation as well. Sure, I remember the New Criticism. I think most of its leading lights (Cleanth Brooks, Robert Penn Warren, John Crowe Ransome, Allen Tate) came from Vanderbilt, where I went to college (and studiously avoided English Lit courses after the required freshman English, because I hated New Criticism). David Hulan ========================================================================== Date: Sun, 10 Nov 1996 12:47:50 -0500 (EST) From: Gili Bar-Hillel Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-10-96 Reading Nathan's ever-growing signature, gave me and idea: let's start a top ten favourite quotes from the Oz books list!=20 Also - Ozma may have been put on the throne by a counter-coup, but she is also ruler by "divine" (Lurlinian) right.=20 Gordon - part of my antipathy towards Propp comes from having been forced to quote him in a paper about Oz. I've often before ranted about my horroble professor for the course "The Wizard of Oz - and intertextual analysis" (a misnomer, as the professor completely disregarded Baum's book in favor of the movie, to the point that I began to question whether he had even read the book at all). But I've never given the followup on the course: I was to write an eight page paper that generally had something to do with "The Wizard of Oz", quoting from the following mandatory sources: (each with its own merit, but not especially condusive to such a short paper, especially in combination with the others, and I tend to think he composed the list with a mind that no undergraduate taking at least twelve other courses that semester, being in their right senses, would actually read all these books cover to cover for an eight page paper - though none would dare to deny the importance of these book - and thus he could feel superior. We were not required to quote from "The Wizard of Oz"): Vladimir Propp, forgot the title of his book Bruno Bettleheim, "The Uses of Enchantment" George Frasier (may have misspelled his name here) "The Golden Bough" Aristotle, "Poetics"=20 forgot who wrote, "Odysseus' Scar", from "Metamorphosis", optional, but highty recommended: Neitzsche, "The Birth of Tragedy" And, for once actually relevant, one quote from a short essay by Baum and one from Gore Vidal's essay on the Baum books, neither of which the professor would even have known about if I hadn't brought him my Schoken edition for him to photocopy. And I don't think he read that, either, I think he just chose the specific articles in the book by the authors' names. I don't know what grade I recieved on that paper, because I left Israel before it had been returned. Mine was about "The Wizard of Oz" and the American ideal of self help, and I stuffed it so full of quotes it BURST, including one from an introductory psychology text because he seems to like barely relevant sources. Let me tell you, I deserved a %100 on that paper - though I wouldn't put it beyond him to take a point or two off just so he can feel superior again. If I ever get to the point I can look at the paper without screaming in indignation, I will translate it into English and post it here and submit it to the Bugle or whatever. HAH! Okay, off I go to eat a huge waffle slathered in strawberry syrup and whipped cream. Love, Gili |\ _,,,---,,_ /,`.-'`' -. ;-;;,_ Gili Bar-Hillel, |,4- ) )-,_..;\ ( `'-' abhillel@fas.harvard.edu '---''(_/--' `-'\_) gili@scso.com (cat by Felix Lee) http://www.scso.com/~gili ========================================================================== Date: Sun, 10 Nov 1996 12:52:20 -0500 (EST)=20 From: Gili Bar-Hillel WHOOPS! It was Erich Orbach who wrote, not METAMORPHOSIS but MIMESIS. Oh well, Orbach, Kafka - two Greek words. Same difference. And now back to that waffle.... |\ _,,,---,,_ /,`.-'`' -. ;-;;,_ Gili Bar-Hillel, |,4- ) )-,_..;\ ( `'-' abhillel@fas.harvard.edu =20 '---''(_/--' `-'\_) gili@scso.com=20 (cat by Felix Lee) http://www.scso.com/~gili ========================================================================== Date: Sun, 10 Nov 1996 12:17:41 -0500 From: ZMaund@aol.com Subject: A favor To: DAVEH47@delphi.com Dave, can you post this for me? I need information for upcoming additions to the _Bibliographia Baumiana_series. If anyone has dust jackets for the following, I would greatly appreciate hearing from you:=20 1st state of The Sea Fairies Queen Zixi of Ix The Enchanted Island of Yew Thanks very much. Patrick Maund (ZMaund@AOL.com) Thanks, Dave! ========================================================================== Date: Sun, 10 Nov 1996 21:42:34 -0500 (EST)=20 From: "Aaron S. Adelman" =20 Subject: Hank 1) Nathan, I was _not_ able to ILL _Oz and the Three Witches_. I was able to read it because I bought at copy at BOW (along with the equally disatisfactory (though for somewhat different reasons) _The Mysterious Chronicles of Oz_). If you want me to pick up a copy for you, please E-mail me ASAP because I intend to go near BOW later this week. 2) David, perhaps Hank is sometimes called a donkey out of politeness; it's not exactly nice to refer to someone as a half-breed and sterile, which are the major implications of the term 'mule'. Aaron Solomon (ben Saul Joseph) Adelman adelman@yu1.yu.edu ========================================================================== Date: Sun, 10 Nov 1996 13:40:00 +0000 From: Nathan Mulac DeHoff Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-10-96 David: Pigasus is somewhat different from Kabumpo and Nox. The=20 elephant and the ox do seem to be very similar. Thompson mentions=20 the similarity in her letter in _Handy Mandy_, and the two make some=20 similar comments. Both of them, when entering caves, make it clear=20 that they do not like underground places. I cannot entirely remember=20 how Pigasus acts. It has been some time since I read _Wishing=20 Horse_, and I had to stop reading _Pirates_ before Pigasus was=20 introduced. He does seem a little more pleasant, and less "crusty,"=20 as you put it. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that=20 Kabumpo and Nox hobnob with Kings, while Pigasus lived with a Duke. It is a little annoying that Baum sometimes refers to Hank as a=20 donkey, although Hank is half-donkey. I guess Baum got tired of=20 writing "mule," and could not think of any other appropriate noun=20 with which to describe Hank. BTW, some people have wondered why Hank could not speak in Ev, while=20 many other animals (such as Billina) could. Presumably some types of=20 animals do not possess the power of speech while in Ev. Kaliko=20 thinks that it is strange that Bilbil can talk, and asks if the goat=20 had been to Oz. This seems to suggest that goats usually cannot talk=20 while in Ev. Gordon: The illustrations in _Road_ are good. Some people dislike=20 the colored paper on which the story was printed, but this produces=20 an interesting effect. I seem to remember at least one picture of=20 hand), and this bothered me. Does anyone know the origin of the verse on the Rigmarole Town plate=20 of _Emerald City_. It starts with, "So and so, and so and so, oh=20 yes, I don't know it might be so." This sounded vaguely familiar=20 when I first read it. Regarding Mombi: Orin mentions that Mombi ruled the north when she=20 (Orin) became engaged to Cheeriobed, twenty-five years before _Giant=20 Horse_, which would probably be after _Wizard_. Did Mombi retake the=20 Gillikin throne for a while after banishing Locasta? Dave, if you=20 mention this in your book, you do not have to reveal the answer now. Nathan Mulac DeHoff lnvf@grove.iup.edu "I've always wanted a smoking jacket, and now I've got one." -Kabumpo, after his robe catches on fire "Thinking causes all the trouble out of the world." -Kachewka "A kinglet without a sceptre is nothing but a flibberjig." -The Blunderer "Oz? Is that a place or a tonic?" -Humpy Ozma and Oz Forever! ========================================================================== Date: Sun, 10 Nov 1996 14:24:58 -0500 From: HermBieber@aol.com Subject: For Ozzy Digest Gordon Birrell: Re your question on Denslow's seahorse, I quote from the bibliography "Denslow" by Greene and Hearn, p. 35-36: As these sketches (for the Chicago Herald, 1894), generally signed , received wider recognition, he frequently added to his signature his "totem" the seahorse (or hippocampus), which he had first used in San Francisco in a few sea or other water pictures. Probably influenced by the monogram signatures on Japanese prints (an international fad in the 1890's), many artists adopted totems. James Whistler used a barbed butterfly as his signature; Walter Crane appropriately chose the Japanese crane. As Denslow used his seahorse more and more, he realized that a distinctive signature= not only identifies an artist, but also contributes to the overall design of the picture. He wrote to his friend, the photographer Alfred Steiglitz, "It is well to have a sign or totem, as my hippocampus has saved many a composition for me, and I hold him in reserve for that purpose." His growing identity with the seahorse earned him the nickname :Hippocampus Den." Herm Bieber ========================================================================== Date: Sun, 10 Nov 1996 16:33:53 -0800 From: "Stephen J. Teller" Subject: Ozzy matters Tyler, I was born in 1940, but I am not a member of the "Lost Generation," that was the period after WWI, the period in which Hemmingway's THE SUN ALSO RISES takes place. (Gertrude Stein coined the phrase). SPOILER FOR HAMLET HAD AN UNCLE****** As I recall from reading the novel, back in the 1960's, Hamlet was really the son of Gertrude and his father's brother (Claudius in Shakespeare, Feng or Fenfgon in Saxo Grammaticus and Belleforet) and so the "uncle" he had was really his father, although he knew it not. END OF SPOILER Some of the wondrous illustrations that Liisbeth Zwerger did for THE WIZARD OF OZ are available in a larger format in the Calandar from Northsouth Books. The cost is $11.95. You can samples of her work at=20 http://www.northsouth.com/News/Wizard.html Contact Kate Young at (212) 463-9736 for information.=20 kyoung@northsouth.com, I believe, is her e-mail address. I am glad my abreviation IE has caught on. It makes it all worth while. Steve T. ========================================================================== Date: Sun, 10 Nov 1996 20:47:09 -0500 (EST) From: "Mark K. DeJohn" <103330.323@CompuServe.COM> Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-10-96 From: Barbara DeJohn Hi Digesters !!!! It has been so long since I've posted anything I'm sure you've all missed me. ...no?... Oh well :-) I just finished a book that referred to Glinda as Glenda. Argh! For Halloween my daughter was the Disney heroine of the year Esmerelda as was just about=20 every other 6 yr old girl. The baby was a white bunny. I am thinking of making her a Red Jinn costume. I think a baby in a red jar would be too cute and a big hit at an Oz convention. I am still hoping to make it to one of them this year. I doubt that there is a pattern for that so I might have=20 to take a pumpkin and improvise. I was wondering if anyone had a theory on why Ozma wears poppies in her hair. My husband said its probably her fondness for opium. I would have considered smacking him if he had been in town. As it was I stuck up for our leader. (or is it dictator or tyrant?) Ozzily yours, Barbara DeJohn 103330.323@compuserve.com ========================================================================== Date: Sun, 10 Nov 1996 23:30:27 -0500 From: Tyler Jones <104707.656@compuserve.com> Subject: Oz Ozma's rule (Or Ozma rules)=20 I believe that Dave meant a "benevolent despotism". A despot is a person=20 who, for whatever reason, rules with absolute power. The quote, the original= way I heard it, is "The best form of government is a benevolent despotism",= in one of Farmers _Riverworld Books_. The theory is that if the despot is=20 wise and kind, he or she will rule for the good of all people. Farmers one= criticism was that the depsot eventually dies, and in all likelihood someone= not so benevolent comes to power. With Ozma, of course, this cannot happen.= Ozian law has not been given much coverage in the current crop of Ozzy=20 novels, but I do not believe that Ozma is bound by much in the way of custom= or precedent. She certainly is not bound by precedent when she hands out=20 punishments to the various villains. The Tin Woodman once said that there=20 is only one law in Oz, "behave yourself". I tend to agree with one of the=20 Davids (was it Hardenbrook or Hulan?) who said that the number one guiding= pricniple of Ozian law and justice is that Ozma is wise and good and that=20 anything she decides must be right.=20 I stand by my original premise (made months ago) that for the most part,=20 laws and ruling are handled locally and Ozma just sort of oversees things.= David:=20 Now that I think of it, Farmer (in _Riverworld_) mentioned that the lost=20 generation CAME OF AGE in that time period, not that they were born then.=20 --Tyler Jones=20 ] c/ \ /___\ *** THE OZZY DIGEST, NOVEMBER 12, 1996 *** |@ @| | V | \\\ |\_/| | ;;; \-/ \ ;/ >< ] ===================================================================== Date: Mon, 11 Nov 1996 08:24:34 -0500 From: DIXNAM@aol.com Subject: Ozzy Digest 11-11-96 Robin O.: Looking forward to your novel! You've peaked my interest. (:-) Barb DeJohn: Of course you were missed! I miss any Digest posters who go into seclusion, periodically. You people make my day. I'd be lost without your comments/opinions/theories in each edition. (:-D Gili: So, how was the waffle? (Personally, I would have slipped some chocolate ice cream between it and the syrup!) Dick Randolph ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 11 Nov 1996 09:58:30 +0000 From: Nathan Mulac DeHoff Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-11-96 Robin: Didn't Morclus appear in your short story, "Expertise: Its Value?" I think he was some sort of printer's devil. Aaron: What did you dislike about _Oz and the Three Witches_ and _Mysterious Chronicles_? Barbara: I do not know why Ozma wears poppies in her hair. I believe that Neill drew them there as early as _Land_. While no explanation is given in the series, the poppies are quite important in _Forbidden Fountain_, as anyone who has read that book knows. Maybe Ozma just likes poppies. Tyler: It is true that Ozma does pretty much what she wants when dealing with punishments and other legal manners. As to what the laws of Oz are, there seem to be some specific ones, such as the one prohibiting magic, and the one against picking six-leaved clovers. The law against magic presumably has some loopholes, as Ozwoz can legally practice wozardry without a license. Ozma's word seems to be the supreme law in Oz, however. Nathan Mulac DeHoff lnvf@grove.iup.edu "I've always wanted a smoking jacket, and now I've got one." -Kabumpo, after his robe catches on fire "Thinking causes all the trouble out of the world." -Kachewka "A kinglet without a sceptre is nothing but a flibberjig." -The Blunderer "Oz? Is that a place or a tonic?" -Humpy Ozma and Oz Forever! ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 11 Nov 1996 10:06:52 -0600 (CST) From: Ruth Berman Subject: ozzy digest Robin Olderman: Oh, I'd forgotten that you put your Glinda article into the Research Group already. (I knew I had a copy, but was sort of thinking it came from you individually.) Suggestion to e-mailing Bill Stillman directly -- I don't really want to. I'm still annoyed with Lynn Smith, the previous editor, for having a paragraph in my Frank Morgan article re-written to say the opposite of what I'd said. I wrote to her, with a copy to Bill, saying that I would like to have the paragraph as I wrote it and an apology printed in the "Bugle." Neither one wrote back to me about it, so I don't feel like dealing with the "Bugle" anymore. Peter Hanff: Interesting bookseller-con report. Mentions of Liz Zwerger's illustrations to "Wizard" -- it's interesting to note that the Nov. 10 NY Times Book Review children's book section includes her "Wizard" as one of the 10 "best illustrated books of the year," and also has a review of it (along with a review of a new version of "Pinocchio"), "New Shoes and a Nose Job" by Lore Segal. Segal says that both are "old favorites ... charmingly enhanced, and essentially unaffected by, radical illustrations," and praises Zerger's exquisite line and rich and delicate palette. As praise goes, this sounds a bit half-hearted to me, or maybe 3/4 hearted. I've looked at the book a few times in a bookstore, and don't quite like it enough to want to buy it, so maybe I'm interpreting Segal's reaction in terms of my own. In some ways, it seems a pity to go about re-illustrating "old favorites" when the old favorites had good illustrations in the first place, especially when the illustrator was working closely with the author. (The recent re-illoed "Wind in the Willows" is a case in point, although in that case I wouldn't point to the earliest editions as having the best illos, but to the edition that came out late in Grahame's lifetime, illustrated by E.H. Shepherd.) The one re-illustrated edition of "Wizard" I would really like to see is the one that can't exactly exist -- I wish Neill had had a chance to do his version of it. If a publisher cared to invest the money, it would actually be possible to do a Neill-illustrated version, combining the retrospective illustrations of "Wizard" scenes in "Tin Woodman" and "Ozoplaning" and portrait shots of the various characters and places from various Oz books. (There would be one major character missing -- Neill never drew a portrait of the Good Witch of the North.) Ruth Berman ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 11 Nov 1996 11:29:47 -0500 From: DavidXOE@aol.com Subject: Ozzy Digest, 11-11-96 Robin: I think some have seen anti-Semitic imagery in the yarmulke-like skullcaps with money symbols on them, and the pawn-shop nose on one of the Scoodlers - they aren't unmistakeably anti-Semitic, but if one is feeling paranoid they could be taken that way. The battle was won in the '60s, but the push to end legal segregation started in the early '50s. (The Boomer generation has a penchant for claiming credit for a lot of things they had little to do with, and sanctifying "the '60s" and demonizing "the '50s" is one of their tricks. Most of the things we look back on negatively about in "the '50s" were really characteristic of the 1946-1954 period, and most of the constructive things that happened in "the '60s" happened in the 1955-1964 period.) Your story sounds good; I'll be looking forward to reading it somewhere when you finish it. Aaron: I don't think that the implications of "mule" are as negative as those of "donkey" in America. Mules are also admired for their strength and relative intelligence (compared to other equines), whereas donkeys have almost no positive image at all. So I don't think calling Hank a "donkey" was an effort at politeness. Nathan: It might be a plausible theory that in Ev (and probably most other parts of Baumgea outside Oz and Mo) mammals, other than those from Oz, can't speak, but birds can. Besides Billina, we also know that the Nome King uses birds to spy on Oz, and a sparrow in Ev was able to talk to Kiki Aru. It's possible that these birds were from Oz, of course, but the example of Billina indicates that in at least one case, a bird who couldn't speak acquired the ability while still out on the Nonestic, whereas mammals, with the exception of enchanted ones like Bilbil or magically-created ones like Pigasus, don't seem to acquire that ability without going to Oz (or Mo) first. Anybody think of counter-examples? Looks as if you got a line cut out somewhere; "I seem to remember at least one picture of hand), and this bothered me" doesn't seem to make sense as it stands. ****************Spoiler for GIANT HORSE************************** I'm not sure that Mombi really ruled the north after WIZARD. We know that she didn't by the time of LAND, and I don't think those books could have taken place very far apart in time. (Otherwise Dorothy would have aged too much by the time she returned to Oz.) I think it's more likely that Queen Orin lost track of time while she was Tattypoo, and her marriage was really much more than 25 years before the time of GIANT HORSE, at some time during the interregnum between the Wicked Witches' overthrowing Pastoria's father and the arrival of the Wizard. We only have her word, after all, about the 25 years; it isn't something one of the Royal Historians stated as a fact. It's certainly possible that, as Dave's book seems to say (I've only read descriptions, not the MS), Mombi briefly overthrew Locasta between WIZARD and LAND, and transformed Orin into Tattypoo during that time, but if so then I think Orin's statement that Mombi ruled the whole Gillikin Country at that time was a considerable exaggeration. There was time for Mombi to overthrow Locasta, but nowhere near time for her to gain control of all the little principalities in the Gillikin Country, between WIZARD and LAND. And we know that Mombi was not ruling the North at any time during the Wizard's reign, nor was she at the time of LAND or at any time thereafter, so there's a pretty small window - between one and three years - during which that could have happened. *******************END SPOILER************************* Barbara: Hi! Welcome back! I have no theories as to why Ozma always wears poppies (giant ones, at that) in her hair, other than that she likes the way they look. (And, of course, they make her easy to recognize. The one illustration I know of where she doesn't wear them - or wears much smaller ones than usual - on page 249 of ROAD, I have seen misidentified as Zixi, though the text makes it clear that it must be Ozma. Neill changed her features often enough over the years that it's useful to have the poppies - and usually the impossible little crown - to make sure we know who it is.) Tyler: I think the ideal of the "benevolent despot" came out of the French Enlightenment in the early 1700s; I know that both Frederick the Great of Prussia and Catherine the Great of Russia aspired to that ideal, though they didn't succeed all that well. (Still, they succeeded better than most absolute monarchs, which is why they're both called "the Great".) I don't remember saying that the guiding principle of Ozian law was that Ozma is wise and good and that therefore anything she does must be right. That sounds more like Dave Hardenbrook. (Though I'd not disagree that that's apparently how the Ozites view the law.) Query: My brother tells me he ran across an edition of "Little Black Sambo" from about 1904 at a book fair the other day that was labeled as having a "Baum intro". Anybody know anything about this? (He said it was $60 or so, which is a lot more than I'd spend for nothing but an intro, but I'd never heard that Baum had done an intro for LBS, and wondered if anyone else had.) David Hulan ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 11 Nov 1996 12:59:15 -0600 From: Studio Subject: Oz Plates At the recommendation of Peter Hanff, President of The International Wizard of Oz Club, I am asking for information regarding my Wizard of Oz (Blackshear) collectible plates. If you would be kind enough to advise where I might sell my two sets, I would be most appreciative. I understand there is an Oz trading post and your "Ozzy Digest". Further, if there other places you might suggest, which do not deal solely with Oz items, please include those suggestions as well. Thank you. - Eugene Banks (Mr. Banks does not appear to be a Digest member, so all responses to him must be made private... -- Dave) ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 11 Nov 1996 15:46 -0600 (CST) From: gbirrell@post.cis.smu.edu (Gordon Birrell) Subject: Ozzy Digest Robin: I agree with you that our generation certainly doesn't deserve the name "Silent". I think of that term more in connection with the Eisenhower years of apparent calm and tranquillity. But of course the noisy 60's were also the years of the Silent Majority that Nixon was pleased to view as his true constituency. I must say these sweeping historical generalizations make me uncomfortable. Even the original "Lost Generation" referred primarily to a small, though exceedingly articulate, group of expatriates living in Paris and brimming with Weltschmerz (Scott Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Josephine Baker, the Murphys)--I doubt that the average Americans at home in the 20's, voting for Calvin Coolidge and enjoying an unprecedented economic boom, thought they were all that lost. At least until 1929. About Anti-Semitism in the Scoodler illustration: Yes, I was thinking of the skull cap with the typical stitched pattern of a yamulke on the Scoodler on the left--but note also that the yamulke has a dollar sign in the middle, and the body of the figure is a bottle of poison. The Scoodler in the right foreground has the typical sign of the pawnbroker (three golden balls) not only on his body but on his face as well. The connection of Jews with pawnbroking and moneylending goes back a long ways--I believe English law actually limited the issuing of pawnbroking licences to Jews for a couple of centuries. The next Scoodler to the right also has a skullcap, but this one has a British pound sign on it. Jewishness, moneylending, international finance, two-facedness, cannibalism--Neill is drawing on some very old and very lamentable associations here. I don't think, though, that too much weight should be put on these details as if they were some kind of overt hate message. Neill could get away with such embellishments because they reflected general attitudes that most people didn't think twice about. (You have to wonder, though, what little Jewish kids looking at those illustrations back in 1909 made of them.) Nathan: About the colored pages of _Road to Oz_: I own a couple of first-state copies which have very muted colors in comparison to the recent reprints from Books of Wonder. The delicate tints are a little reminiscent of the rainbow, in fact--which seems appropriate for Polychrome's first appearance in an Oz book. There has probably been some fading of the colors in the course of nearly 90 years, but I doubt that the original colors ever looked as brilliant and intense as the ones in the reprint. Gili: No *wonder* you shudder at the very mention of Vladimir Propp! I couldn't believe that list of heavy-handed secondary sources you were supposed to apply to _The Wizard of Oz_. (Nietzsche's Birth of Tragedy? Auerbach's Mimesis?--talk about the big artillery, and neither one could in any sense qualify as an intertext to WoZ.) Bruno Bettelheim used to be the great new authority on interpreting folk tales, and it's fun to read the lambasting he's been taking from more recent critics for his singlemindedly Freudian readings (Hansel and Gretel are fixated on oral gratification and project their own uncontrolled voracity on the figure of the mother--the witch--who becomes the nightmare image of their own all-devouring pre-Oedipal desire. You get the picture.). I for one would love to see the paper that you wrote in the face of so much critical misdirection! Incidentally, speaking of Vladimir Propp: Tyler's Generic Oz Story comes very close to the kind of analysis that Propp developed, with the big difference being that Tyler's analysis is full of good humor and ingenious, well-placed barbs, while Propp couldn't crack a smile if his life depended on it. Gordon Birrell ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 11 Nov 1996 21:19:06 -0500 (EST) From: "James R. Whitcomb" Subject: Ozzy Digest Special Announcement! Hi folks! I am pleased to announce that my "Wizard of Oz Web Page" is up and running ... finally. It's called "Jim's Ozzy Home Page". I hope you will visit and take a look! My URL is: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Hills/6396/ Just a warning: my web page is slanted towards the Wizard of Oz movie, my primary area of interest but, I hope that won't scare anyone away. I have also linked to several people who I think are on this digest. If you would like to add a link to my page, please feel free! Also, I have lots of pics in my site, especially in my Las Vegas page, so be patient while it loads. If you visit, I hope you enjoy! Jim:)) ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 11 Nov 1996 22:31:05 -0500 From: Tyler Jones <104707.656@compuserve.com> Subject: Oz Gili: The more you mention that professor of yours (not that you would ever think of him as "your" professor), the happier I become that I was not in that class! :-) Nathan: From the style of your postings, I believe that you would enjoy _Oz and the Three Witches_. I suggest taking Aaron up on his offer. Nathan: Your idea about only some types of animals being able to speak in Ev is the best one I've heard so far. Barbara: Naturally, we all missed you terribly, and are glad that you're back! :-) ********** SPOILER FOR HEALING POWER OF OZ ********** In the Buckethead Book _The Healing Power of Oz_, by Gil S. Joel, someone sees Ozma's poppies, and gets the idea of making drugs from them. Of course, this does not last long and Oz is once again drug-free ********** END OF SPOILER ********** --Tyler Jones ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 11 Nov 1996 22:59:37 -0500 From: "Melody G. Keller" <104270.2374@compuserve.com> Subject: Ozzy Digest, 11-11-96 Barb: Flowers in the hair, as I recall, were all the Art Nouveau rage back then, so Neill put them on Ozma. In Disenchanted Princess of Oz, Tip's mother wears poppies in her hair--three over each ear!. In my book, poppies in the hair of queens and princesses are a Lostland custom that Ozma unconsciously continues when she regains her natural form. Robin: So you're writing your own Oz story. What took you so long? :-) Sounds like Glinda in Oz, or whatever the title shall be, will be interesting! Thinking about entering the Oz Book Contest? Uh, oh, we're down to two judges now.... :-) :-) Melody Grandy ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 12 Nov 1996 02:41:50 -0500 (EST) From: "Aaron S. Adelman" Subject: The Imaji People of Oz 1) Robin, I can sympathise with you on cutting stuff. However, plotwise I have a different problem. In the book I'm concentrating on now, _A Refugee from Oz_ (incidentally based upon a subplot that was cut from _Mombi of Oz_), I have worked out the entire basic plot already. The problem is transforming my outline into an actual story which more or less resembles the outline. At the moment, it's tending towards less; in the part that I am writing now, one task the hero (or perhaps anti-hero) character accomplishes successfully in the outline is relatively minor and would seem to take place quickly, but due to not being to make the intended scene work, the modified section has greatly expanded, and I don't know how the (anti-)hero and two auxilary characters are going to extract themselves from the demented situation I've written them into. All I know is that the finished product will (probably) end as planned, because the alternate obvious ending (obvious to the writer, hopefully not to the reader before the resolution) just isn't as cruel. : "Just isn't as cruel"? Are you crazy? Are we your toy soldiers to set at war with one another? Where's my agent? Sorry, but I have to use my instincts for creative torture somewhere, and it's better to use them on you, , than on real people. What sort of writer would I be if _A Refugee from Oz_ ended in you recieving-- Kabumpo: Thanks, Kabumpo. 2) Moving on to other things, I have been wondering if anyone knew of the adjectival form of the Continent of Imagination. In one draft of _The Woozy of Oz_, Barry and I used "Imaginary", but this was confusing, and as the reference was to a language, I changed it from "Old Imaginary" to "Old Ozzish". After further thought, I suggest the following hypothesis: When humans first came to Lurline's World, they spread out over the planet, and many colonized one of its continents. As these people called themselves themselves Imaji-galb (the Imaji people), the continent they inhabited became known as Ardz Imaji-Galbnu (the Land of the Imaji People). Thus when the runaway Anglicization spell took effect, this became rendered into English as "The Continent of the Imaji Nation", which became easily corrupted into its current form. =09As corroborating evidence of the existence of an Imaji people, please note that in the southeastern corner of the Munchkin country is a small kingdom called Mudge, the name which may be a corruption of "Imaji". 3) Barbara, according to one of my lesser-known informants, Skrendo the Loud-Mouth, Ozma wears poppies in her hair to keep away Blogo the Rare Beast (of _A Barnstormer in Oz_ fame), who is allergic to poppies. (: Aaron Solomon (ben Saul Joseph) Adelman adelman@yu1.yu.edu ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 12 Nov 1996 07:13:20 -0800 (PST) From: earlabbe@juno.com (Earl C. Abbe) Subject: Ozzy Digest Submission All this inquiry into the labeling of generations, as if they were distinct entities. Might as well say that the continuous visible spectrum is divided up into distinct colors. :-) Since we are being self-revelatory on the matter I will admit that Pearl Harbor Day occurred on my birthday, rather than the reverse. In the 11/8 Digest Dave says that Generation X is believed to think That only shows how confused they are; Plato really invented Playdo (while living in a cave). Dave also states, Both Heaven and Hell are described as being absolute monarchies with immortal rulers. Of course the ruler of Hell is not believed to be benign. However, for Dave's recipe to work in general, I think that the benign immortal monarch would need to be smart, knowledgeable, capable, etc. No well meaning incompetents need apply. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 12 Nov 1996 13:03:18 -0800 From: ozbot@ix.netcom.com (ozbot) Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest stuff Gili-- Every time you mention that course, I shudder along with you. I can understand the reference to Bettlehiem, but Neitsche and Aristotle ma be pushing it, and to not require that you quote from Baum's test of Wizard? Ab-surd! Favorite quote-- I can't remember it exactly, but it is from Wizard: Scarecrow: "Am I really that special?" Glinda: "You are unique." It pretty much sums up what Oz is all about! MGM Tour-- I happened to be in Dallas Texas over the weekend (It wasn't planned that way-- we took an an adventure package tour wherein we wouldn't know our final destination until we arrived at the airport!) And got to see the MGM touring exibit of the Oz movie. (not being a particular fan of the movie, it was still fairly interesting.) I think the best part about it was that the line to enter the tent was stretching about 50 people long, and never diminished! Great turnout, especially of kids, who were enjoying it just as much as the adults (Some of the real young ones, though, got scared when an over- 6foot tall man in a Scarecrow costume began to mingle with the crowds!) I would have enjoyed a more extensive exibit. It seemed that there were very few items on display, supplemented by posters and minutes- long videos. Baum's book was mentioned in just as much poster space as any of the major actors-- bravo! All for now, Danny ====================================================================== Date: Tuesday 12-Nov-96 14:04:34 From: Dave Hardenbrook Subject: Ozzy Things TALK TO THE ANIMALS: David H. wrote: >It might be a plausible theory that in Ev (and probably most other parts of >Baumgea outside Oz and Mo) mammals, other than those from Oz, can't speak, >but birds can. FWIW, in _Locasta_ the dinosaurs of Op (a land sandwiched bewtween Ev and the Phanfasm-Whimsie-Growleywog region) speak, but dinosaurs are phylogenically closer to birds than to mammals, so David's rule probably applies (maybe the rule is that *archosaurs* outside Oz can speak). OZMA'S POPPIES: The Adepts tell me that they have given up on trying to figure out why she wears them (she's not telling!); all they can deduce is that the poppies are just one of those personal idiosyncracies that has evolved into a personal "trademark", like Lincoln's stovepipe hat, FDR's long-handled cigarette, or Jerry Brown's turtlenecks. :) CONTINENTAL DRIFT: Aaron wrote: >I have been wondering if anyone knew of the >adjectival form of the Continent of Imagination. That's one reason why I prefer "Baumgea"...The equivalent adjective is easy: "Baumgean"! MORE ON OZMA THE IDEAL "DESPOT": Earl writes: >However, for Dave's recipe to work in general, I think that the >benign immortal monarch would need to be smart, knowledgeable, capable, >etc. No well meaning incompetents need apply. Ozma: Was it my imagingation, or were you looking right at ME on the "well meaning incompetents" bit? Kabumpo: No, he was looking over your shoulder at Washington D.C... :) -- Dave ====================================================================== ] c/ \ /___\ *** THE OZZY DIGEST, NOVEMBER 13, 1996 *** |@ @| | V | \\\ |\_/| | ;;; \-/ \ ;/ >< ] ===================================================================== Date: Tue, 12 Nov 1996 19:27:38 -0500 (EST) From: Jeremy Steadman Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-12-96 Aaron: I see no reason to think that "Lurline's people" colonized only one continent (the one on which Oz lies). **Perhaps there's a book plot here Also, is this Baumega or Imagination? We need a clear distinction. Baumega consists only of the elements in Oz books directly from Baum's imagination, while Imagination certainly includes Baumega--and more. Those are my thoughts today. Until next time, Jeremy Steadman ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 12 Nov 1996 19:37:02 +0000 From: Nathan Mulac DeHoff Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-12-96 David: Well, the Fairy Beavers in _Shaggy Man_ live in Ev, and they can talk. Of course, they are fairies, and not just ordinary beavers, which may not be able to talk in Ev. In _Yankee in Oz_, Yankee, who is from America, is able to talk in Ev just as well as in Oz. BTW, I did not like Yankee or Tompy very much. Oh, well. Yes, there is a line missing from one of my posts. My comment was about an illustration in _Road_, in which Dorothy was holding Toto's paw while the two climbed the stairs to Ozma's Palace. I did not really care for this picture, as I recall. It has been some time since I looked at _Road_. Tyler: Some of the Wizard's magical pills, and perhaps all of Herby's cures, could be considered drugs, so I guess Oz is not entirely drug-free. Also, some people have suspected that the Wizard gave the Cowardly Lion an alcoholic beverage for courage (in _Wizard_). Dave: Was the continent named Baumgea in honor of L. Frank Baum, or did it have that name before Baum's birth? Regarding Mombi: If Mombi once ruled the entire Gillikin Country, why do the Kimbles (in _Lost King_) not recognize her? Were they unaware of Mombi's reign (as some current Ozites are unaware of Ozma's rule), or was Kimbaloo founded after Mombi was overthrown? Any thoughts? Nathan Mulac DeHoff lnvf@grove.iup.edu "I've always wanted a smoking jacket, and now I've got one." -Kabumpo, after his robe catches on fire "Thinking causes all the trouble out of the world." -Kachewka "A kinglet without a sceptre is nothing but a flibberjig." -The Blunderer "Oz? Is that a place or a tonic?" -Humpy Ozma and Oz Forever! ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 12 Nov 1996 21:00:34 -0500 (EST) From: Richard Bauman <72172.2631@CompuServe.COM> Subject: Todays Oz Growls I don't care what Thumper's mother said, I can't stand it. Peter, I'm glad your school got that stuff not mine. Yuk! I get upset about Ozma executing old Mombi. Imagine how I view the Inquisition. My school spends a fortune on lousy beatnik poetry and beard clippings. And I donate to that library. :( I trust the following can be removed from future Digests? =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= also, all the =20's? Gili - You are a force of nature..... :) It was "Francis The Talking MULE" not Donkey!!! Regards, Bear (:<) ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 12 Nov 1996 21:24:03 -0500 From: DIXNAM@aol.com Subject: Ozzy Digest 11-12-96 Dave: The first long Digest is quite a while! David H.: I disagree that the illustration on page 249 of ROAD is Ozma. The large, high collar is too unlike Neill's Ozma on pages 202, 205, 207 and 252. I DO agree that it is clearly not Queen Zixi of Ix, as she is depicted on page 235. Could the lady on 249 be the Queen of Maryland?? I have always been amused by the illustration on page 163 of ROAD, of Neill's Dorothy observing a statue of Denslow's Dorothy! (:-) Dick Randolph ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 12 Nov 1996 22:17:36 -0500 (EST) From: BARRY ESHKOL ADELMAN Subject: Adjectives in Oz Aaron, the adjectivial form of "Imagination" is "Imaginational." Perhaps the reason Ozma wears those poppies is to draw attention away from her ears. Wogglebug: I knew it! Lion: Knew what? Wogglebug: Oh, nothing... ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 12 Nov 1996 23:15:31 -0500 From: Tyler Jones <104707.656@compuserve.com> Subject: Oz David: Now that I think about it, it probably was Dave Hardenbrook who came up with that nice quote about Ozma and her constant "Rightness". It is indeed unlikely that Mombi ever ruled the entire land of the north. I'll hold off on more theorizing until I see Dave's book. I seem to remember Baum doing something with the name "Sambo" in the title, but I can't remember any details. --Tyler Jones ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 12 Nov 1996 23:21:44 -0500 From: HermBieber@aol.com Subject: For Ozzy Digest For Nathan and Robin: Regarding the Road colored paper, it is true that exposure to moisture seems to make the colors fade over the years. Our reference copy (in Judy's collection, natch) looks like it just came from the printer, and the paper colors are very bright. As bright as the BOW facsimile, but in more pleasing tints. I find the BOW colors rather garrish, but that might also be due to the differences in the textures of the paper used. Herm Bieber ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 12 Nov 1996 20:41:00 -0800 From: ozbot@ix.netcom.com (ozbot) Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest stuff If Ev could talk to the animals-- IIRC, wasn't Langwediere's maid in ROAD genuinely surprised that Billina could talk? This might shoot a hole in the only-birds-can-talk in=Ev theory. I would think that perhaps something equivalent to Ozma's ascention may be in effect, like the land not having reached it's full potential of magic at that time. Maybe, just maybe, it isn't Ozma that has fulfills the magic in the land. Maybe Dorothy herself is more than what she seems, and is able to serve as some sort of magic magnet or lightning rod and was able to act as a catalyst to the magic potential around her. In this light, maybe it wasn't so much of an accident that the tornado picked up her house, and landed her in a magic land on top of powerful magic shoes (which happened to be occupied at the time. . .) Ah, too much sugar before betime. . . Danny ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 12 Nov 1996 23:47:16 -0600 (CST) From: Robin Olderman Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-12-96 Thanks for the encouragement. Yes, Morclus is the printer's devil from a previous story. I've retained him and Brightly (a bird, but an innocent, Flittermouse-type character) throughout my tale. Added Dorothy, Wizard, Glinda, and Shaggy. There's a reason Shaggy showed up at Dorothy's farm, and it didn't have anything at all to do with Butterfield. Anyway, the story Nathan remembers is a not-so-very-good one I wrote. Cutting it to where they can logically find a locket that once belonged to Dorothy's mother took some doing, lemme tell you! I'm currently wallowing in a mire similar to the one Aaron describes. Well, neither one of us is exactly wallowing... Hang in there, Aaron. One of these nights your brain will furnish you with a flash of insight into the plotting. At the moment, I'm stuck in an overly long scene that I somehow have to pare down while still getting in a necessary plot development. I think I'm overwriting the thing. From 1955-1966, I was very much a member of a vocal generation. I marched. I sang protest songs on 57th. St. in NYC. I pushed for and was actively involved in starting a Westchester County chapter of the National Conference of Christians and Jews and was actually President of the Teen Democrats. I believed in Kennedy and Camelot, then. I also sang in Greenwich Village, sharing a rehearsal piano with the likes of Peter Yarrow and Noel Stookey, Bobby Dylan, and Thelonius Monk. (Tiny Tim was my opening act in one club. Really!) We were definitely not silent. Now I'm a tired, aging, old poop. Maybe the reason so many of us seem silent is because we're just plain worn out. Scoodler with poison-bottle body. I never noticed that. Yeah, I guess it's a deliberately anti-Semitic drawing all right. Yuchk. Fortunately, as a little kid, everything except the $ yamulke escaped me...including the double meaning of two-faced. Odd. As you may remember from my comments about the peddler in _Wishing Horse_, I tend to be overly sensitive to that sort of thing. Helen Bannerman lost her copyright on _Little Black Sambo_ early on. Reilly & Britton were among the very earliest American publishers to reprint the book. They had Neill illustrate it. It was part of both "The Children's Red Books" series and the "Turn-Around" (double storied) series. I own the "Turn-Around" version, and Baum didn't write an intro in it. Nor is there a Baum intro in the title I own of the "...Red Books" series. I believe Baum did write an intro to an R&B series of "Christmas Stocking" stories, but I don't know if _Sambo_ was ever issued in that format. Herm? Was it? --Robin ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 13 Nov 1996 11:14:33 -0500 From: DavidXOE@aol.com Subject: Ozzy Digest, 11-12-96 To: DAVEH47@delphi.com Nathan: I noticed another illustration of Ozma without the poppies in TIK-TOK - the one near the end where she and Dorothy and Betsy are watching Hand and the Sawhorse touching hooves. There are probably others, but not many. Ruth: I hadn't realized that the Shepard illustrations for WIND IN THE WILLOWS weren't the original ones; they were in the first edition I ever owned, so I thought of them as the definitive ones. Certainly I like them much better than the Rackham ones, even though Rackham is a more famous artist. Were his the originals? Or was it yet another artist? I don't think it would be too bad to omit an illustration of the Good Witch of the North from a Neill-illustrated WIZARD; she had a major influence, but was really on stage for only a few pages. The edition of WIZARD I grew up with only had one illustration of her (the color plate), though there are three others in the original edition (or at least in the BoW reprint, which I assume is accurate). Your idea of an edition featuring appropriate Neill illustrations taken from other books is one I'd like to see, though I doubt it will ever happen. (Incidentally, did Neill ever draw the WWWest? I don't remember it, if so, and she's a much more important character in WIZARD than the GWNorth.) Gordon: The names that Strauss and Howe assigned to their various generations through US history aren't necessarily that descriptive of the whole generation, as you point out about both the "lost" and "silent"; even their "Boomer" generation, which says nothing about the character of its members but about its demographics, doesn't coincide entirely with the "Baby Boom" that gave it its name; the latter was 1946-1964, but the "Boomer" generation was the cohort born 1943-1960. But they tried to hang on tags that would let people remember which generation was which. I recommend reading the book; I don't want to keep talking about it here because it has little to do with Oz. Dave: Dragons seem to be able to speak in Baumgea outside Oz as well; we don't know where they fit phylogenetically, though it seems most likely that they're related more closely to birds and dinosaurs than to mammals. (Thinking a bit more about it, the area including Foxville and Dunkiton would also have to allow mammals to speak, as well as the underground countries visited in DOTWIZ. So speaking mammals aren't confined to Oz and Mo, but apparently don't exist in Ev, Ix, Noland, Boboland, or Rinkitink, or in the islands of the Nonestic except for the Isle of the Mifkets.) Whatever one thinks of their competence or despotic behavior, the rulers in Washington, D.C. are certainly not immortal... Well, I'm off to California again for a couple of days on a consulting job for my old company. Back on Saturday... David Hulan ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 13 Nov 1996 14:17 -0600 (CST) From: gbirrell@post.cis.smu.edu (Gordon Birrell) Subject: Ozzy Digest Nathan: Several times you have mentioned that Betsy and Hank are washed ashore in Ev at the beginning of _Tik-Tok_. I wonder: is Ev ever actually named in the book? Or are you assuming that it must be Ev because of the parallels to _Ozma of Oz_ and the fact that the entrance to the Nome King's kingdom is in the vicinity in both books? My feeling is that it *might* be Ev, but after all the Nome King's kingdom is supposed to be globally subterranean with many different entrances. Speaking of Tik-Tok: has it struck anyone else as odd that Shaggy recognizes Tik-Tok right off but has to be introduced to the beautiful Polychrome with whom he shared many exciting adventures in _Road to Oz_? Gordon Birrell ====================================================================== Date: Wednesday 13-Nov-96 13:00:32 From: Dave Hardenbrook Subject: Ozzy Things BAUMGEA: Jeremy Steadman wrote: >Also, is this Baumega or >Imagination? We need a clear distinction. Baumega consists only of >the elements in Oz books directly from Baum's imagination, while >Imagination certainly includes Baumega--and more. Both "Imagination" as defined by Thompson and my "Baumgea" are defined as the land mass containing Oz, Ev, Ix, Mo, Merryland, Skampavia, etc., etc. -- i.e. everything in the "Baum Universe". The difference is that "Baumgea" isn't a self-assurtion of non-existence (like "Neighborhood of Make-Believe") Wogglebug: To answer Nathan's historical technical query, Baumgea was named in homage of the honored premiere Royal Historian and Literary Chronicler of Oz. Trot: So how could Locasta know the name when she was banished from fairyland most of the time Baum was in contact with Oz? Wogglebug: Go away kid, you bother me... :) BEAR'S COMMENT'S >I get upset about Ozma executing old Mombi. I'm still very doubtful that Ozma actually did...After all, we never actually SEE the deed being performed... Ozma: I don't think Thompson liked me...She kept painting me as a waffling little airhead capable only of Rule-by-Whispered-Command-to-the-Magic-Belt... >=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D= >also, all the =20's? It looks all right at *my* end...Can you send me back a copy of the Digest as you received it, so I can see how it is turning out? Has anyone else been getting this (and only since I started sending the Digest through Eudora)? "I AM RIGHT, AND YOU ARE RIGHT, AND ALL IS RIGHT AS RIGHT CAN BE": Tyler wrote: >Now that I think about it, it probably was Dave Hardenbrook who came up >with that nice quote about Ozma and her constant "Rightness". Yes that's right!!!......What did I say again??? :) :) "ROAD" ILLIOS: The illustration in _Road to Oz_ that I most object to is the one of Toto on his hind feet, mockingly laughing at the statue of himself as depicted in _Wizard_...I though this was an uncalled-for put-down of Denslow. (Of course, one could argue that Denslow had the *last* laugh, since it's *his* version of Toto that persists in the minds of the general public, thanks to MGM.) -- Dave ====================================================================== ] c/ \ /___\ *** THE OZZY DIGEST, NOVEMBER 14, 1996 *** |@ @| | V | \\\ |\_/| | ;;; \-/ \ ;/ >< ] ===================================================================== Date: Tue, 12 Nov 1996 23:47:16 -0600 (CST) From: Robin Olderman Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-12-96 Thanks for the encouragement. Yes, Morclus is the printer's devil from a previous story. I've retained him and Brightly (a bird, but an innocent, Flittermouse-type character) throughout my tale. Added Dorothy, Wizard, Glinda, and Shaggy. There's a reason Shaggy showed up at Dorothy's farm, and it didn't have anything at all to do with Butterfield. Anyway, the story Nathan remembers is a not-so-very-good one I wrote. Cutting it to where they can logically find a locket that once belonged to Dorothy's mother took some doing, lemme tell you! I'm currently wallowing in a mire similar to the one Aaron describes. Well, neither one of us is exactly wallowing... Hang in there, Aaron. One of these nights your brain will furnish you with a flash of insight into the plotting. At the moment, I'm stuck in an overly long scene that I somehow have to pare down while still getting in a necessary plot development. I think I'm overwriting the thing. From 1955-1966, I was very much a member of a vocal generation. I marched. I sang protest songs on 57th. St. in NYC. I pushed for and was actively involved in starting a Westchester County chapter of the National Conference of Christians and Jews and was actually President of the Teen Democrats. I believed in Kennedy and Camelot, then. I also sang in Greenwich Village, sharing a rehearsal piano with the likes of Peter Yarrow and Noel Stookey, Bobby Dylan, and Thelonius Monk. (Tiny Tim was my opening act in one club. Really!) We were definitely not silent. Now I'm a tired, aging, old poop. Maybe the reason so many of us seem silent is because we're just plain worn out. Scoodler with poison-bottle body. I never noticed that. Yeah, I guess it's a deliberately anti-Semitic drawing all right. Yuchk. Fortunately, as a little kid, everything except the $ yamulke escaped me...including the double meaning of two-faced. Odd. As you may remember from my comments about the peddler in _Wishing Horse_, I tend to be overly sensitive to that sort of thing. Helen Bannerman lost her copyright on _Little Black Sambo_ early on. Reilly & Britton were among the very earliest American publishers to reprint the book. They had Neill illustrate it. It was part of both "The Children's Red Books" series and the "Turn-Around" (double storied) series. I own the "Turn-Around" version, and Baum didn't write an intro in it. Nor is there a Baum intro in the title I own of the "...Red Books" series. I believe Baum did write an intro to an R&B series of "Christmas Stocking" stories, but I don't know if _Sambo_ was ever issued in that format. Herm? Was it? --Robin ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 13 Nov 1996 11:14:33 -0500 From: DavidXOE@aol.com Subject: Ozzy Digest, 11-12-96 Nathan: I noticed another illustration of Ozma without the poppies in TIK-TOK - the one near the end where she and Dorothy and Betsy are watching Hand and the Sawhorse touching hooves. There are probably others, but not many. Ruth: I hadn't realized that the Shepard illustrations for WIND IN THE WILLOWS weren't the original ones; they were in the first edition I ever owned, so I thought of them as the definitive ones. Certainly I like them much better than the Rackham ones, even though Rackham is a more famous artist. Were his the originals? Or was it yet another artist? I don't think it would be too bad to omit an illustration of the Good Witch of the North from a Neill-illustrated WIZARD; she had a major influence, but was really on stage for only a few pages. The edition of WIZARD I grew up with only had one illustration of her (the color plate), though there are three others in the original edition (or at least in the BoW reprint, which I assume is accurate). Your idea of an edition featuring appropriate Neill illustrations taken from other books is one I'd like to see, though I doubt it will ever happen. (Incidentally, did Neill ever draw the WWWest? I don't remember it, if so, and she's a much more important character in WIZARD than the GWNorth.) Gordon: The names that Strauss and Howe assigned to their various generations through US history aren't necessarily that descriptive of the whole generation, as you point out about both the "lost" and "silent"; even their "Boomer" generation, which says nothing about the character of its members but about its demographics, doesn't coincide entirely with the "Baby Boom" that gave it its name; the latter was 1946-1964, but the "Boomer" generation was the cohort born 1943-1960. But they tried to hang on tags that would let people remember which generation was which. I recommend reading the book; I don't want to keep talking about it here because it has little to do with Oz. Dave: Dragons seem to be able to speak in Baumgea outside Oz as well; we don't know where they fit phylogenetically, though it seems most likely that they're related more closely to birds and dinosaurs than to mammals. (Thinking a bit more about it, the area including Foxville and Dunkiton would also have to allow mammals to speak, as well as the underground countries visited in DOTWIZ. So speaking mammals aren't confined to Oz and Mo, but apparently don't exist in Ev, Ix, Noland, Boboland, or Rinkitink, or in the islands of the Nonestic except for the Isle of the Mifkets.) Whatever one thinks of their competence or despotic behavior, the rulers in Washington, D.C. are certainly not immortal... Well, I'm off to California again for a couple of days on a consulting job for my old company. Back on Saturday... David Hulan ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 13 Nov 1996 14:17 -0600 (CST) From: gbirrell@post.cis.smu.edu (Gordon Birrell) Subject: Ozzy Digest Nathan: Several times you have mentioned that Betsy and Hank are washed ashore in Ev at the beginning of _Tik-Tok_. I wonder: is Ev ever actually named in the book? Or are you assuming that it must be Ev because of the parallels to _Ozma of Oz_ and the fact that the entrance to the Nome King's kingdom is in the vicinity in both books? My feeling is that it *might* be Ev, but after all the Nome King's kingdom is supposed to be globally subterranean with many different entrances. Speaking of Tik-Tok: has it struck anyone else as odd that Shaggy recognizes Tik-Tok right off but has to be introduced to the beautiful Polychrome with whom he shared many exciting adventures in _Road to Oz_? Gordon Birrell ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 13 Nov 1996 18:27:24 +0000 From: Nathan Mulac DeHoff Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-13-96 Danny: Yes, Nanda does think it strange that Billina can talk. Why, however, would an American hen be able to talk in Ev, but not an Evian hen? Is there something about Billina that we do not know, something about Ev, or what? Maybe Dorothy is a kind of "magic magnet." Robin: I subscribed too late to receive your comment on the peddler (Matiah, I presume). What was this comment? David: I assume you meant Hank, not Hand. I do not think that Neill ever drew the WWWest. He did draw the WWEast (in _Tin Woodman_). None of the animals on the Isle of Mifkets can speak in human language. The horse on the Isle of Phreex, however, could. Gordon: No, we are never told that Betsy and Hank are in Ev in _Tik-Tok_. They wash ashore in the Rose Kingdom, which Neill places near Ev on the endpaper map, however. Yes, I do think it is strange that Shaggy and Polychrome do not recognize each other in _Tik-Tok_. Dave: Maybe some inhabitants of the Ozian continent call the place Baumgea, and others call it Imagination. Also, it may have been called Imagination before it was called Baumgea. I agree that the name Imagination makes it seem non-existent, and do not like this. Nathan Mulac DeHoff lnvf@grove.iup.edu "I've always wanted a smoking jacket, and now I've got one." -Kabumpo, after his robe catches on fire "Thinking causes all the trouble out of the world." -Kachewka "A kinglet without a sceptre is nothing but a flibberjig." -The Blunderer "Oz? Is that a place or a tonic?" -Humpy Ozma and Oz Forever! ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 13 Nov 1996 18:05:23 -0600 (CST) From: Robin Olderman Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-13-96 ROAD: I believe the picture on 249 must be Ozma. Check the text on 248. That's Dyna's rug under her feet, so it must be Ozma. As for the colored paper, I don't know why Herm directed the comment to me, but I like the original tinting. Like Judy, I've got a crispy as-new copy, and the colors are clear and pleasing to my eye. My other copy of _Road_ has muddier colors due to browning, etc. Dave, I *like* the picture of Neill's characters laughing at Denslow's. I think it's a riot. BTW, Neill doesn't draw Toto as a Boston bulldog too often. I've always called Baum's fairylands Nonestica. I guess I'm the only one, huh? --Robin ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 13 Nov 1996 21:08:18 -0500 From: DIXNAM@aol.com Subject: Ozzy Digest 11-13-96 Robin O. : You rascal, you!! In your "reckless youth" you hob-nobbed with the likes of Bob Dylan, Thelonious Monk, and Peter Yarrow?? And Tiny Tim opened for you? What was your act? Some enlightenment, please. Dick (Exit, singin' all the way, stage left!) Randolph ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 13 Nov 1996 21:29:26 -0500 From: Tyler Jones <104707.656@compuserve.com> Subject: Oz Nathan and Jeremy: It is doubtful that Lurline had anything to do with the colonization of Baumgea. Somewhere in the Baum 14, Ozma mentions Lurline flying over this as-then-unknown land and enchanting it. If you accept the non-FF (yet HACC-worthy) _Lurline and the White Ravens of Oz_, we find that Lurline "discovered" what we now know of as Oz long after it was settled. Nathan: The easy answer to your question is that Mombi did not rule the entire north country. This is what I happen to believe. In fact, I am not convinced that ANY of the Good or Wicked Witches at any time ever ruled an entire quadrant. It's just too improbable. if 3D = 20, solve for D In this case, D = 13. These are hexadecimal numbers. 20 (or 32) is the space character, which some people put after every line. 3D (or 61) is the equals sign, of which Dave puts one lines worth between posts. Since the switch, this has happened to me only once, and it did not happen yesterday, so whatever Nomes were in the 'Net, they appear to have gone now. Dick R: It is very likely that the person depicted on pg. 249 of _Road_ is indeed Ozma. Her face looks familiar, and she is standing on the bear rug, which is confirmed in the text. She could have many styles of clothing, and may have picked an unusual one to celebrate this unusual day. Also, the Queen of Merryland is a doll (in the literal sense) and is depicted on pg 230. Zixi is shown on pg. 235. Ozma is the only one left. Danny: Yes, now that I remember it, Nanda was very suprised that Billina could talk. She reported having an arguement with a rooster, but they probably talked in Chickenese. It's a little doubtful that Dorothy is a magical catalyst. However, nothing is more likely than there being "other" factors at work in the enchantment of Oz besides Ozma's assumption. Also, these factors could affect things outside of Oz. Robin: I assume that you are not going to use the March Laumer reason why Shaggy arrived at the farm? I won't reveal Laumer's storyline here, since I am sure that most would not approve... David: I do not remember seeing a Neill picture of the WWWest, although there is one of the WWEast in _Tin Woodman_. Gordon: After a cursory glance through _Tik-Tok_, the land of Ev is never mentioned by name. Betsy and Hank wash up on the shore of the Rose Kingdom, which is shown on the map to be surrounded by Ev. The area assigned to Ev is, however, rather large, and I doubt that all of it is ruled by King Evardo. It is more likely that they wandered through some barren no-man's land to get to the Nome Kingdom. Once again, March Laumer has come to the resuce! (sort of). He has an explanation as to why Shaggy and Polychrome did not seem to recognize each other. This was from the same book that Ozma reveals herself to be, uh, (ahem), er, never mind. Dave: Without piling through the 7.5 megs of the Ozzy Digest (WOW!), I seem to remember that your quote went something like "Ozma is just, fair, kind and wise, and anything she decides MUST be right", or something close. --Tyler JOnes ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 13 Nov 1996 21:42:24 -0500 (EST) From: Richard Bauman <72172.2631@CompuServe.COM> Subject: Today's Oz Growls Danny - Maybe Dorothy is a "ta'veren." Dave - all of the "trash" disappeared in the next Digest. Not to worry. For any of you who would like to meet Peter Glassman, "President & owner of Books of Wonder," and see a load of Oz books, get the November 1996 issue of Locus, p. 37. Regards, Bear (:<) ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 13 Nov 1996 23:40:09 -0500 From: HermBieber@aol.com Subject: For Ozzy Digest Robin: Yes, I'm afraid Sambo did get stuffed in a 1905 (Baum) Christmas Stocking. The other five books in the Series (illustrated anonymously) were: "The Night Before Christmas", "Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty", Animal A.B.C.--A Child's Visit to the Zoo" (replaced in 1911 with the Neill-illustrated "Peter Rabbit"), "Fairy Tales From Grimm", and "Fairy Tales from Andersen" These books were small (3" x 4"), and intended as "stocking stuffers." And yes, Baum wrote the foreword to the Christmas Stocking Series, and in the spirit of the upcoming season, I reproduce it here, to wit: "The Christmas Stocking" An ancient Italian legend tells how Good St. Nicholas of Padua first gave presents on Christmas Eve by throwing purses in at the open windows of needy people. Purses in those days were knitted of yarn and ties with strings at the open ends. They were not unlike stockings, except that they had no feet. People began to hang these long, empty purses of yarn on their window sills on Christmas Eve, so that St. Nicholas, as he passed by. could put money into them. When money became scarce the long purses were filled with presents instead, -- useful things for the big people, and books and toys for the children. In cold countries, where windows could not be left open, folks hung their purses near the fire place, believing that St. Nicholas would come down the chimney and leave his presents for them. And after the kn itted purses went out of fashion, they hung up their stockings, which closely resembled old time purses, so that there would be plenty of room for the Christmas presents, and old St. Nicholas or (Santa Claus), who lived on through all the ages, would know he had been expected. That is how the Christmas Stocking came to be used, and why it will be used for many generations to come in thousands of homes on each succeeding Christmas Eve. It is a pretty custom, expressing the confidence and trust we feel in that sweet charity which bestows loving remembrances upon the rich and poor, the mighty and the lowly, on each succeeding birthday of our Lord Jesus Christ. For it is most fitting that He, who taught the world Charity, should be honored upon His birthnight by an humble imitation of the kindly and generous creed He gave us. "Peace on Earth, Good Will to All," leads us to recognize the truth of the noble text, "It is better to give, than to receive." And so, as it teaches us kindliness, good will and charity, may the Christmas Stocking endure forever! L. Frank Baum (All you purists note that these books are out of copyright!!) Neill's rendering of Little Black Sambo was actually much kinder than other versions I have seen. Also the actual book was quite a mild racial stereotype compared to other books of its day. I still have a copy of "Ten Little (N-word, plural)" which is much more derogatory. For a while I was finding black children's literature for Henry Weiss, a New Orleans book dealer, now retired, who was also an Oz fan. Henry was afraid to put these books in his window (it was once smashed, and the books mutilated) and instead hid them behind the counter. But his customers for these books were not KKK members, but almost100% well-to-do black collectors, who would come in to look at and buy from this private stash of racist books. Incidentally, besides Neill, Denslow also illustrated racist sterotype literature. He contributed to "Ben King's Verse" (1894), which has poems written in the (white version of the) black patois of the day. I quote from the first stanza of "Huccum It So": Huccom de cows so early home, Befo' de milkin" houah? Bekase dey hyard it thundah, an' Knew las' nite's milk was souah. But those were post Civil War days; These are different times with different standards (Thank God!). Herm Bieber ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 14 Nov 1996 09:12:11 -0800 From: "Stephen J. Teller" Subject: OZZY Gordon: Yes, it has occured to others that Shaggy and Polychrome meeting in TIKTOK provides no recognition. There are two types of explanations, internal and external. The external explanation is that Baum based part of TIKTOK on his musical THE TIKTOK MAN OF OZ which, in turn, he based on OZMA OF OZ. That explains the remarkable similarities between the two books. An internal explanation occurs in March Laumer's THE CARELESS KANGEROO OF OZ. It is rather complicated, but if you wish I can send a SPOILER in a future Digest if it is requested (Some people will not like Laumer's explanation). DAVE: I found that line =3D [repeated] meaningless. If it came back to you with meaning, what did it mean? Steve T. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 14 Nov 1996 13:20:14 -0600 (CST) From: Ruth Berman Subject: ozzy digest Dave Hulan: Rackham's "Wind in the Willow" illustrations were earlier than Shepard's. I don't think Rackham's illustrations were in the earliest editions, but I don't know if earlier editions were illustrated by someone else or not illustrated at all. // Neill didn't do an illustration of the Wicked Witch of the West, but he did illustrations of other wicked witches that could be pressed into service as substitutes -- I don't think he did any illustrations that could be made to do duty for the Good Witch of the North. Gordon Birrell: Betsy and Hank are washed ashore in the Rose Kingdom, which the map of Oz in the "Tik-Tok" endpapers shows as being in the territory of Ev. The Rose Kingdom, as a kingdom, is soveriegn territory, and so presumably it isn't politically part of Ev, but it does look to be part of it geographically. The "Bugle" a good many years back had some comments about the oddity that the Shaggy Man and Polychrome don't recognize each other in "Tik-Tok," but I forget what it said. I'll try to remember to look it up and see. Ruth Berman ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 15 Nov 1996 00:41:07 -0500 (EST) From: "Aaron S. Adelman" Subject: They Also Can Eat Glass in Oz 1) Visiting BOW today (I went downtown specifically for the used bookstores virtually next-door, but I had birthay money left unspent) and picked up a copy of _The Silver Princess in Oz_. Checking the inside cover, I saw something very interesting that should please those who complained about Patchworkgate, and I quote:=20 >This book was first published in 1938 and reflects some ideas and biases >that which were deemed acceptable at that time, but have since been >repudiated by a more enlightened generation. The original text and >illustrations are presented here in their entirety for the purpose of >historical accuracy and to maintain the book's authenticity. The views >expressed herein, however, in no way reflect those of the publisher, and >are not condoned by them. Interestingly enough, I did not see any copies of _Oz and the Three Witches_, but they did have "Mayhem in Munchkinland" and _Spectral Snow_. "Mayhem" was freaky-looking inside, not conforming to the vision of Oz of any author, FF-conformant or heretical; I'll have to agree with my brother's evaluation of the appearance of the characters. "A Murder in Oz" in _Spectral Snow_ was also disappointing (it was short enough to read in the store); I had been hoping for there to be more of a mystery; magic makes some things too easy. ): 2) The first complete sentences of Old Ozzish and the fairy language Dan-Rur sent to our world without a translation spell getting in the way are now readable online. To read them, go to http://fas-www.harvard.edu/~emollick/glass.html and check under "Invented Languages". (Depending on your sense of humor, you will find the pages in question either hillarious or extremely stupid (in the worst sense of the term. Can't give more info for fear of ruining the humor.)=20 Aaron Solomon (ben Saul Joseph) Adelman adelman@yu1.yu.edu ====================================================================== Date: Friday, 15 November, 1996 From: Dave Hardenbrook Subject: Ozzy Things OZMA'S POPPIES: In regard to "sightings" of Ozma without her poppies, the one everyone's missed so far is the very first two pictures of her ever drawn in _Land_! ILLIOS OF THE WICKED WITCH OF THE WEST: I'm not sure, but I think there is *ONE* Neill picture of the WWW...Does anyone have (I don't have one on hand because they're at the library) one of the later hardcover Reilly&Lee editions of the the Baum 14 with a two-page depiction on the endpapers of a "galaxy" of Oz characters (as many as Neill could stuff in) surrounding and inscribed in the "OZ" logo? I remeber seeing near the bottom of one page a hag in there with an eyepatch that I assumed was the WWW (although I suppose it could be Blinkie). Hopefully, if no one has this picture, I can get to the library and look again at the picture and see for myself... -- Dave ====================================================================== ] c/ \ /___\ *** THE OZZY DIGEST, NOVEMBER 16, 1996 *** |@ @| | V | \\\ |\_/| | ;;; \-/ \ ;/ >< ] ===================================================================== Date: Fri, 15 Nov 1996 01:17:29 -0800 From: "Rose Croft Cairn Terriers - Jerrie E. Wolfe" Subject: Wizard of Oz FAQ Did you know there is a whole group of Toto (Cairn Terrier) owners out here, that feel very much a part of the Wizard of Oz? My own dogs have played the part of Toto in stage productions. I even have a dog who's registered name is "It's the Jitterbug". When my dogs did the plays it was the dogs that where the hit, not the actors! When people ask what kind of dog is that? All we have to say is 'Toto'! And they know right away what we are talking about. Why not add a web link to the Cairn Terrier pages out there? My site is not finished yet, but there are others. We even have a list of movies that other Cairn Terriers have had parts. People do not always realize that Toto was not just a mutt. What do you think? Jerrie E. Wolfe Rose Croft Cairn Terriers cairns@goldrush.com (209) 772-2724 Home of: BIS/BISS In't. Ch. Rose Croft Born to Party, CGC, TT (aka Riley) //^\wwww/^\\ /^ ^/ / \ \ ^^ / _\wwww/ \/\/ / w / O\ /O \_ / / ^ -- @@ --\ ^ / / / \____/ \ \ / \ / / / /\ \ \v Cairn Terriers - The Best Little Pal in the World "Outside of a dog, man's best friend is a book, Inside of a book, it's too dark to read!" --------Groucho Marks (EDITOR'S NOTE: This message is not from a Digest member, so all replies must be priavte to them.) ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 15 Nov 1996 07:21:04 -0800 (PST) From: earlabbe@juno.com (Earl C. Abbe) Subject: Ozzy Digest Submission In the 11/13 Digest David writes, . Yes, but then almost all dragons seem able to speak no matter where they are. David also says, Yes, thank goodness. Last Saturday, my wife and I returned to Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania to see _The Wonderful Gardens of Oz Chrysanthemum Festival_. Hopefully, I will get the experiences written up soon to share with you. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 15 Nov 1996 08:09:19 -0600 (CST) From: Ruth Berman Subject: ozzy digest follow-up Dave Hardenbrook: Well, if you're not able to do an Ozzy D for Nov 14, perhaps that gives me a chance to get a correction into the same email as the mistake. I commented to David Hulan that Rackham's "Wind in the Willows" illustrations were earlier than Shepard's. I checked again, and see that that was wrong. Shepard's edition came out in 1930 (probably the last in Grahame's lifetime, as he died in 1932), and Rackham's came out in 1940. There were earlier illustrated editions by artists less well known, however (Paul Branson - 1913, Nancy Barnhart - 1922, and Wyndhame Payne - 1927, listed in Peter Green's "Kenneth Grahame, a Biography"). And I commented to Gordon Birrell that I would look up the "Bugle" material on why Shaggy Man and Polychrome don't recognize each other in "Tik-Tok." In the spring 1971 "Bugle," under the heading of "The Forgotten (and Forgetful) Fairy," Fred M. Meyer asked if readers could suggest explanations for their memory lapse. He got two suggestions, and reported them that winter: Gary Ralph suggested that Polychrome had been through a change )her eyes were described as blue in "Tik-Tok" and as violet in "Road"), and perhaps whatever lightened her eyes affected her memory, too; George Van Buren suggested that Polychrome really did recognize the Shaggy Man, but it took her a moment to do it, pointing out that after their initial at-cross-purposes dialogue, when Shaggy pulls out the Love Magnet, Polychrome addresses him by name (well, it's a description, but it's the only name he's known by in the books), exclaiming, "I love you, Shaggy Man!" So it sounds as if at that point she has recognized him. Van Buren's explanation strikes me as convincing. I would add to it that the same explanation of recognition-after-a-moment evidently applies to Shaggy. After she makes that exclamation, he calls her "Little Rainbow" and asks, "Don't you want to join our party until you find your father and sisters again?" -- so evidently he in turn at that point has recognized her, as the Rainbow's Daughter. ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 15 Nov 1996 15:59:26 +0000 From: Nathan Mulac DeHoff Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-15-96 Robin: Nonestica might be a more appropriate name for the islands in the Nonestic, rather than all of Baum's nations. I seem to recall an article from an early _Baum Bugle_, which calls the continent on which Oz is located "Ozeria." I believe it also uses the term "Nonestica," to refer to the nations on Ozeria, other than Oz itself. BTW, besides the Continent of Imagination (or Baumgea, or Ozeria, or whatever), the Oz books also mention the continent of Tarara, and Tititi-Hoochoo's country (which Dave calls Antozia) may be on yet another continent. Tyler: I think that there is ample evidence in the Oz books to prove that no witch ever ruled an entire quadrant, with the exception of Glinda, and perhaps Locasta and Tattypoo. We know that the Good and Wicked Witches of the West ruled the Winkie Country at the same time (Gloma in the south, and the WWW in the north). The rulers of Seebania ruled the southern Munchkin Country right up to the reign of Ozma, so the WWE probably did not rule all of the Munchkins. The Good Witch of the East (Abatha, from _Blue Witch_) was probably never the ruler of anything. It is quite likely that Evardo has little power in the Nome Man's Land above the Nome Kingdom. It is probably regarded as Kaliko's territory. I think that the eastern part of Ev (everything between the Nome Dominions and Ix) is officially ruled by Evardo, but is more directly ruled by Jinnicky. Aaron: What was Patchworkgate? Regarding _Silver Princess_: There do seem to be a few slightly offensive terms in this book. As far as I can remember, they come out of the mouth of Randy (such as when he says, "They're all as black as the Ace of Spades," or, even more offensively, that Gludwig would look like a brass monkey as a statue). Since Regalia and the surrounding territories are populated primarily by Caucasoids, I find Randy's attitude somewhat understandable. I did not really find Gludwig himself racially offensive. He acted pretty much like the Caucasian villains in the Oz series. Dave: This Digest contained two entries (from Robin and Gordon) which had been posted in the last Digest. Nathan Mulac DeHoff lnvf@grove.iup.edu "I've always wanted a smoking jacket, and now I've got one." -Kabumpo, after his robe catches on fire "Thinking causes all the trouble out of the world." -Kachewka "A kinglet without a sceptre is nothing but a flibberjig." -The Blunderer "Oz? Is that a place or a tonic?" -Humpy Ozma and Oz Forever! ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 15 Nov 1996 16:07 -0600 (CST) From: gbirrell@post.cis.smu.edu (Gordon Birrell) Subject: Ozzy Digest David H. and Stephen T.: Maybe it would be best to e-mail me March Laumer's explanation for the fact that Shaggy and Polychrome don't recognize each other in _Tik-Tok_: I sense from your jitteriness in talking about it that Laumer's explanation is . . . peculiar. Poppyless Ozma: I don't believe Ozma wears those giant poppies at all in _Glinda of Oz_, except on the cover plate. Robin: I think Nonestica is a great name for Baum lands! Baumgea makes good sense in terms of classical roots, but it always sounds to me like some kind of medical condition. Dave H.: That hag with the eye patch on the endpapers to _Road_: I've always assumed that was a *pirate*. Unless you are thinking of the figure with the crook at the lower right, who is surely Mombi, right? There are a lot of figures there that I don't recognize. Obviously they're not all from the Oz series, but are they all verifiably from Baum's books? Gordon Birrell ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 15 Nov 1996 21:42:56 -0500 (EST) From: Richard Bauman <72172.2631@CompuServe.COM> Subject: Today's Oz Growls Robin - Please enlighten us - I am picturing long hair with head band, beads, tie-dyed tent dress, guitar and sandals. :) :) Tyler >I do not remember seeing a Neill picture of the WWWest, although there is one of the WWEast in _Tin Woodman_. I guess I am so brain washed by the movie it just dawned on me that Denslow did not do a picture of either witch in WOO. I wonder why he missed that? Maybe he didn't like drawing ugly things? I found WWE on p. 221 of Tin Woodman, just before the house landed on her. Dave - On witches on end papers, those I could find were: The Royal Book of Oz has a witch type in the crowd. Lost Princess has someone with a pointy hat in the background. Face obscured. ***************SPOILERS FOR GNOME KING OF OZ***************************** Well, I finished Gnome King and felt RPT is picking up. There were some items of interest. p. 36 - She gave the population of Emerald City as 57,319. p. 60 - Great! An Oz bear - "Grumpy" - "Isn't a bear about the crossest pet one could find? I helped Cross Patch with the grumbling and growling when she was tired." Sounds familiar. :) p. 133 - "It's growing dark now and besides it's raining." Another case of weather in Oz. p. 171 - Grumpy says, "I'll never leave Oz.......... In your country, Peter, I could only be a bear, but in Oz, I'm a bear and a person, too. That's why it's more fun to be an animal in Oz than a person...... I can do everything a boy can do and everything a bear can do, so, of course, I have twice as much fun!" I knew it, Bears have more fun! p. 253 - "Hank, Betsy' mule, Toto, Dorothy's little dog, the Saw Horse, Ozma's Royal Steed, and all of the other palace pets were sitting expectantly at their own special table." Hmmmmm. Doesn't sound like they are getting treated like person's to me. Where are the lawyers to sue for equal treatment when you need them? On to "The Giant Horse." Well, I'm off to Calistoga for three days for an obviously much needed rest. Regards, Bear (:<) ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 15 Nov 1996 20:52:44 -0600 (CST) From: Robin Olderman Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-15-96 Nathan: I thought Matiah was presented as a stereotypically greedy Jew. Others in the DIGEST disagree and are probably correct. Dick: I used to sing professionally. I was just in the right place at the right time--Greenwich Village before it went Disco/Hippy and was still genuinely "Beat"--to meet lotsa nifty people. (Bob Dylan, BTW, was not what I'd call a nifty person. Talented, but talent does not a person make.) I then sang my way through college and early married life until the second baby came along. Too bad my "pipes" are pretty much gone. It was fun. Tyler: I don't know March's theory about Shaggy. Wanna tell me in private e-mail? robino@tenet.edu Herm: Thanks for the clarification about Sambo. I thought so, but just wasn't sure. I knew you'd know! --Robin ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 15 Nov 1996 22:10:08 -0500 From: Tyler Jones <104707.656@compuserve.com> Subject: Oz Is it just me, or did some of the digest from the 13th get mixed in with the 14th? I, like Bear, have observed that the =20 and =3D have departed. Herm: I believe my mother also has a copy of "Ten little N's", which was renamed a while back to "Ten little Indians". If it is still in print, it may have been renamed again. --Tyler Jones ====================================================================== Date: Saturday, 16 November, 1996 12:57:42 PM From: Dave Hardenbrook Subject: Ozzy Things BAUMGEA AND ANTOZIA: Nathan writes: > ... Tititi-Hoochoo's country (which Dave calls Antozia)... Just to give fair credit where it's due, Aaron coined "Antozia". I *did* invent "Baumgea" though--I got it from "Pangea" ("All-Land"), the name for the joined continents into a "supercontinent" in prehistoric times ( NOT a disease. :) ). OZMA IN _GLINDA_: Gordon writes: >Poppyless Ozma: I don't believe Ozma wears those giant poppies at all in >_Glinda of Oz_, except on the cover plate. Also of note about Ozma's appearance in _Glinda_ is her shoulders are covered throughout(!) PICS OF WITCHES: Bear wrote: >I guess I am so brain washed by the movie it just dawned on me that Denslow did >not do a picture of either witch in WOO. I wonder why he missed that? Maybe he >didn't like drawing ugly things? I found WWE on p. 221 of Tin Woodman, just >before the house landed on her. You must have the same edition of _Wizard_ that I did when I was a kid (Is it paperback with an intro. by James Thurber?)... Even though it claims to be "unabridged", it omits many of Denslow's illios, including his depictions of the WWW and the GWN. Try Dover or Books of Wonder for a truly complete version of _Wizard_... Dave (about two years ago): Look! Look! Denslow did pictures of the Wicked Witch of the West, *AND* you Locasta! Locasta: No kidding... PATCHWORKGATE: If I can give an explanation of this without starting the flame wars all over again: "Patchworkgate" concerned the Books of Wonder edition of _Patchwork Girl of Oz_, which omits a couple of racial slurs in Baum's original text. Some opponents of censorship complained about the alteration of what Baum originally wrote, and it turned into a real big debate. Ozma: "Complained"..."Big Debate"--There's a couple of masteries of understatement! Glinda: My Disaster Relief crew are still working in Quadling country to shovel away all the mud! DUPLICATE POSTS: A couple of people pointed at posts from 11/13 Digest that also popped up in 11/13. This was an error on my part. -- Dave ====================================================================== ] c/ \ /___\ *** THE OZZY DIGEST, NOVEMBER 17, 1996 *** |@ @| | V | \\\ |\_/| | ;;; \-/ \ ;/ >< ] ====================================================================== Date: Sat, 16 Nov 1996 18:21:47 +0000 From: Nathan Mulac DeHoff Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-16-96 Ruth-I like the theory that Shaggy and Polychrome did recognize each other after a while. Bear-The same population of the Emerald City is given in _Emerald City_ and _Gnome King_. Apparently, the same number of people moved into the city as moved out of the city. There are several instances of weather occurring in Oz. In _Wizard_, the Tin Woodman rusts in the rain. Although Thompson states, in _Grampa_, that there is no snow in Oz, even this kind of weather is encountered, at the Link in _Merry Go Round_. Some people seem to have the strange idea that there is no rain in Oz, but this is quite obviously not true. There is another bear in _Ojo_. Robin: Well, I do not recall Thompson ever revealing Matiah's religion. I guess it is possible that he is a Jew. We are told the religions of very few Ozites. Cap'n Bill refers to God in _Magic_, and he is probably a Christian. Ali Dubh, in _John Dough_, is most likely a Muslim (he refers to Allah), and he has a few stereotypical qualities, but I did not find him offensive. Dave: Yes, I had heard of the censorship of certain "offensive" parts of _Patchwork Girl_. Personally, I disagree with it, but I do not really want to restart the argument about this. I found very few offensive parts in the Oz books. I disagreed with Jinnicky's slave-keeping, and did not like Randy's "brass monkey" comment, but these were quite minor. Nathan Mulac DeHoff lnvf@grove.iup.edu "I've always wanted a smoking jacket, and now I've got one." -Kabumpo, after his robe catches on fire "Thinking causes all the trouble out of the world." -Kachewka "A kinglet without a sceptre is nothing but a flibberjig." -The Blunderer "Oz? Is that a place or a tonic?" -Humpy Ozma and Oz Forever! ====================================================================== Date: Sat, 16 Nov 1996 15:28:42 -0800 (PST) From: Eric Gjovaag Subject: Oz: For the Digest A few people have gotten notices concerning Cairn terriers and web pages, which has now made its way to the Digest. I believe what happened is that the person found my page, and sent a note (two notes, actually) not only to me, but also to EVERY SINGLE BLOODY E-MAIL ADDRESS I put in the list, for which I apologize (yes, there are quite a few). I intend to inform this person that she went WAY overboard. Nevertheless, I do plan on linking to her web page -- IF I ever get the URL... --Eric Gjovaag ### Visit my "Wizard of Oz" web site! http://www.eskimo.com/~tiktok/ ### ====================================================================== Date: Sat, 16 Nov 1996 19:09:38 -0500 From: Tyler Jones <104707.656@compuserve.com> Subject: Oz Dragons: Dargons seem to be special, no matter what series or Universe. They can speak and even perform magic. They are usually described as the mightiest of all creatures and they can probably speak anywhere they go. Shaggy and Polychrome: Someone (it may have been on the Digest), mentioned that when Polychrome first met Shaggy, he was wearing his donkey head and only regained his true form well into the book. Poly may not have had enough time to remember him as he really is. Nathan: Of course, the evidence was right there in front of me! I have used the examples you cited myself to demonstrate this same point. From _Blue Witch_, it seems clear that Abatha never aspired to ruling anything. She just helped people with her magic powers. I like the name "Nonestica", similar to "Oceania". Bear: It is quite probable that many editions of _The Wizard of Oz_ omitted some illos, as Dave pointed out. There are quite a few pics of the WWWest in chapter 12, her one and only appearance. What must eating at a "special table" do for the animal's self-esteem? Antozia: Aaron Adelman's name for the continent of Tititi-Hoochoo. Since the people in _Tik-Tok_ got there through the Hollow Tube, we can assume that is nearly on the opposite side of the world. It is unlike in the extreme that a tunnel of this nature (nearly straight down) would come out on the same continent that it started from. It may or may not be the same as Tarara. --Tyler JOnes ====================================================================== Date: Sat, 16 Nov 1996 18:34:09 -0600 (CST) From: Robin Olderman Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-16-96 >>Robin - Please enlighten us - I am picturing long hair with head band, beads, tie-dyed tent dress, guitar and sandals. :) :) Nope. That was more the '70s, as I recall. I did wear sandals, though, and I did have long hair. This was more than 30 years ago and more than 60 pounds ago, too. No way was I gonna wear a tent. My clothes were all form-fitting then. I stink on the guitar. My guitar player was Danny-the-Toad. I never did learn his last name. Such were the times. First version of _Wizard_. Idle curiosity time. What version did each of us grow up with? I grew up with the Copelman illustrated Bobbs Merrill one.--R. ====================================================================== Date: Sat, 16 Nov 1996 23:18:58 -0500 From: DavidXOE@aol.com Subject: Ozzy Digest, 11-13 thru 16-96 11/13: Nathan: I didn't like Yankee or Tompy much either. Thompson's last two books were no improvement over OZOPLANING, alas. As others have said, I don't think it at all likely that Mombi ever ruled the entire Gillikin Country. There are too many indications that she didn't. Dick: As others have said, again, the text makes it pretty clear that the character on page 249 of ROAD is Ozma, because of Dyna's live bearskin rug. Danny: Actually, I agree that Dorothy may well be the focus of magic in Oz and the surrounding lands (and Trot and Button-Bright are in the same category); there are too many cases where things appear to happen to those characters in our world that wouldn't really happen with our laws of physics. So they must have some attraction for magic. Its main effect may be to thin the boundary between our prosaic world and the magical world where Oz can be found. Robin: Out of curiosity, since the two of you seem to have been doing similar things in New York about the same time, did you/do you know Jane Yolen? I've heard her tell similar stories of what she was doing there then. (She's a few years older than you, but not that many.) Dave: That illustration in ROAD of Toto and Dorothy being amused at Denslow's depictions of them is one of my favorites in the whole series. I don't think Neill was dissing Denslow; it's just that he had a different take on their appearances and it would have been unnatural for them to see Denslow's and not think they were funny. 11/15: Nathan: Yes, I meant Hank, not Hand. (Is there a character called "Hand" in the FF?) Ah, you're right. It's only the Magic Elixir that lets John Dough understand the language of the various animals on the Isle of the Mifkets. I'd forgotten that; thanks. Robin: How about Nonestis for the name of the continent Oz is located on? After the manner of Atlantis in the middle of the Atlantic. Nonestica would then refer to not only the continent of Nonestis but to all the islands in the Nonestic as well. (Out, at least, to the continent of Tarara.) Not that I have any objection to Baumgea, except that it seems unlikely that the inhabitants of that continent would have used it before 1900 in our time line at the earliest. Herm: Thanks for reprinting the Baum introduction to the Christmas Stocking books. Now I know I didn't need to spend $60 to get it (not that I would have anyhow). Talking of racist black children's literature reminds me of two books I had and loved when I was a kid, although I'm sure they'd never pass modern attitudes (including mine) - "Epaminondas" and "Li'l Hannibal". I didn't think of them then as racist, and I was fairly sensitive to such things at the time for a white kid living in the South. (Epaminondas was very literalistic, and lacking in common sense, but I was often accused of the same thing myself. I identified with him more than dissing him. Li'l Hannibal I remember mostly just the name.) Anybody else remember these? Ruth: It's true that it's probably possible to use Neill's pictures of Blinkie for the WWW; both of them were one-eyed. 11/16: Nathan: I think the thing that Peter Glassman found most offensive in SILVER PRINCESS was the existence of a large body of black slaves in Jinnicky's realm. My own take on this is that Jinnicky's realm is clearly based on Arabian motifs, and black slaves are to be found in Arab countries even today, and even more so in 1938. But I can also see how American blacks could easily find this offensive, and certainly it wouldn't be an acceptable theme in a children's book today. (And the 11/15 Digest repeated my message from 11/13, as well as Robin's and Gordon's.) Gordon: Hey, yer right! No poppies on Ozma in GLINDA! Tyler: Agatha Christie wrote a classic mystery titled TEN LITTLE N.......S, which was later retitled TEN LITTLE INDIANS, and still later retitled ...AND THEN THERE WERE NONE, which is how you can usually find it now. The first two titles were based on an old nursery rhyme, which is the key to the story. I don't know if there were books published that were based on the rhyme alone, without the mystery plot. (There's also an excellent movie from about 1939, using AND THEN THERE WERE NONE as its title, based on the novel, though with a very different ending.) David Hulan ====================================================================== ] c/ \ /___\ *** THE OZZY DIGEST, NOVEMBER 18 - 19, 1996 *** |@ @| | V | \\\ |\_/| | ;;; \-/ \ ;/ >< ] ====================================================================== Date: Sun, 17 Nov 1996 17:58:03 -0500 From: RMorris306@aol.com Subject: Recent Ozzy Digests Hi again! I just got back from a trip with the P.G. Wodehouse group I belong to to see the new musical comedy BY JEEVES! by Alan Ayckbourn and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Based loosely on Wodehouse's novel "The Code of the Woosters," the play features the invaluable valet and his scatterbrained master Bertie Wooster as they (just as they invariably do in Wodehouse's stories) drift into and out of trouble, romantic and otherwise, and try to help Bertie's even more scatterbrained fellow members of the Drones Club solve their own romantic difficulties. Very good indeed! It's set off by a framing sequence involving Bertie putting on a one-man show/banjo serenade at the Little Wittam Church, by request of his friend Rev. Harold "Stinker" Pinker. But somehow Bertie's banjo has disappeared (and the eventual replacement adds new meaning to the term "air guitar") for reasons unknown, but one suspects his manipulating valet has something to do with it (Jeeves only resigned from Bertie's service once on record, at a time Bertie had just taken up playing the "banjolele" at all hours). So he relates a "simplified" version of has past adventures, with others in the church taking the roles and props and costumes assembled from those available. (Webber afficionados will now have "the ladder sequence" to add to the famed falling chandelier and swimming pool...) So what does this have to do with Oz? Well, for the final calls, all the characters show up again in costumes from THE WIZARD OF OZ, explained as the last play given in the church. (The costumes look a bit more like those from the as-yet- unreleased MGM movie than the ones Denslow designed for the stage play, but no matter...) Quite a non sequitur, but it fits in a way both Baum and Wodehouse (both seminal figures in American musical comedy) would have appreciated. Hey, it has at least as much to do with Oz as Cairn Terriers! But onward... Ruth Berman wrote: <> I agree! I've had that experience myself more than once. (Besides, if memory serves, Polychrome didn't see all *that* much of Shaggy's real head...didn't he have the head of a donkey for a good deal of their original journey together?) SPEAKING OF DONKEYS...AND MUSICALS... Hank was definitely a mule, though I can see that a few people he met might have not recognized the difference. The only specific instance I recall offhand was Rinkitink, in his book, being inspired to write a song about "Mr. Donkey..." and why *would* a sheltered king of a distant land (whose preferred mount was a goat) know that much about the distinction? If memory serves, Hank was only put into the book because he was in the musical...and he was only in the musical because Fred Woodward, one of Baum's regular cast, specialized in playing mules and donkeys. If he'd been a friend of, say, Rick Baker (who of course wouldn't be born until much later), I daresay Batsy Bobbin's companion would have been a gorilla. Bear wrote: <> I keep thinking Denslow *did* at least draw the WWW once... maybe as a spot illo that didn't get into all editions of the book, even those with his illustrations? (There's no reason he should've drawn the WWE, since she was already crushed flat by the time Dorothy, the book's viewpoint character, arrived in Oz.) As was pointed out, Neill probably didn't draw the WWW (also dead by the time he took over the series), but he did draw the very similar Blinkie. And not coincidentally were they similar, for which once again the reason lies in Baum's non- literary works. The Jinxland sequence in THE SCARECROW OF OZ was based on Baum's movie HIS MAJESTY, THE SCARECROW OF OZ...in turn derived from several of Baum's earlier books and featuring a composite villain: a witch with Mombi's name but the physical appearance of the WWW. Since Baum had largely disposed of both the original witches in the books, he had to develop Blinkie as a new character with similarities to both of them. TYLER: Please add me to the list to e-mail Laumer's theory to (RMorris306@aol.com). You also wrote: <> It was a mystery by Agatha Christie which, like many other mysteries she (along with S.S. Van Dine, Ellery Queen, and other classic writers) was inspired by a nursery rhyme. It was an old racist rhyme called "Ten little n----- boys," but unfortunately (for the title) it turned into a very good novel. It was indeed renamed "Ten Little Indians" (though the American version of the rhyme was nothing like the British one), and still later (maybe even Native Americans got irritated) it became "And Then There Were None." It was about ten people marooned on a desert island, including a murderer who killed them off one by one...all of them (despite the titles) white. (It must be remembered, as always, that people in those days were far less sensitive about such things.) Rich Morrissey ====================================================================== Date: Sun, 17 Nov 1996 19:58:40 -0500 From: DavidXOE@aol.com Subject: Ozzy Digest, 11-17-96 Nathan: It's possible that Thompson was thinking of Matiah as a Jew, but it seems more likely to me (as I said at the time we first had this discussion on the Digest) that she was thinking of him as an Arab. He does seem to have a Semitic background, and Neill gave him Middle-Eastern clothing and looks. Tyler: Whoever said Shaggy was wearing his donkey head when he and Polychrome first met was misremembering the sequence of events in ROAD. Polly joined the party between Foxville and Dunkiton, when Button-Bright had a fox's head but Shaggy still had his own. It's not even accurate to say that she was with him longer when he had the donkey's head; that lasted only about a day and a half, whereas they were together on the road at least that long before and after his transformation, quite aside from the time they spent in the Emerald City (when they might or might not have been in each other's company). I shouldn't think that eating at a "special table" would do any harm to the animals' self-esteem; based on several of their conversations, most of them think they're superior to the humans of Oz, and therefore they probably consider their "special table" a privileged one rather than The Back Of The Bus. It seems unlikely to me that "Antozia" is the same as Tarara. The world Oz is on seems to be comparable in size to ours, based on how long it takes to fall through the tunnel and on the fact that nobody seems to notice that the horizon is markedly closer or farther away than on our world. And there's no way that a sailing ship could make it halfway around the world, even if there were no land in the way, in the length of time it took the _Crescent Moon_ to sail from Octagon Island to Tarara. (I suppose if Tarara were large enough - the size of Eurasia, for instance - it might be that Ozamaland was at the end nearest Baumgea and Tititi-hoochoo's country at the other end.) Robin: I grew up with a Denslow-illustrated version of WIZARD published in, I suppose, about 1939-1940, by Bobbs-Merrill. It had half a dozen or so of the color plates, but seems to have omitted those other illustrations that were done in colored inks, leaving in only the black-and-white ones. I know I had the book before my birthday in 1941, because that was when I got WISHING HORSE and I had WIZARD before that. But I know I got it when I was living in Illinois, and we moved there in May of '41, so it was bought sometime in that interval. David Hulan ====================================================================== Date: Sun, 17 Nov 1996 19:35:44 -0600 (CST) From: Robin Olderman Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-17-96 David: No, I never met Yolen in NYC. We've met once, in print in the _Bugle_ many years ago, and we strongly disagreed with each other's point of view about _The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus_. I liked it; she didn't. I do like her fiction pretty well, though. She's a talented writer. Nonestis? Sounds fine to me. _Epaminondas_ is a marvelous story. It uses stereotypically Negro dialect, but is still awfully cute. I'd forgotten the dialect, but then, I forgot that even the Bobbsey Twins series used the stuff. I read the Bobbseys and never even noted the dialect of the hired help; it went right over my head. ====================================================================== Date: Sun, 17 Nov 1996 20:49:40 +0000 From: Nathan Mulac DeHoff Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-17-96 Tyler: I did not think that Antozia was on Tarara. In fact, Tandy seems to make it quite clear that Tarara is made up entirely of Amaland and Ozamaland. I was just mentioning that Tarara and the Antozian continent were both continents, other than Imagination, that appeared in the Oz books. David: There were a few good points to Thompson's last two Oz books, but they were very far from her best (and possibly her worst). I disliked Tompy because he was not very believable. He was eleven years old, and he played a multitude of instruments, and was captain of the football team. No, there is no character called Hand in the FF, although Kuma Party's hand is a major player in _Gnome King_. I have actually used the term Nonestis to refer to an island that used to be a major seat of power in the Nonestic Ocean, but which suffered a fate similar to that of Atlantis. This was in a short story that I wrote. While slaves in Jinnicky's castle might make sense when comparing his country to a Middle Eastern nation, I can see how this could be found offensive. In _Yankee_, Jinnicky's Negroid helpers appear, but I do not believe that Thompson refers to them as slaves. Ginger is the "bell boy," rather than the "slave of the dinner bell." Even as early as _Silver Princess_, there are indications that not all Negroes in Jinnicky's land are slaves. Gludwig was quite rich. It is possible that Jinnicky's "slaves" do get salaries. The Jinn, who owns fifty ruby mines, can certainly afford it. Regarding talking animals in _John Dough_: While the animals on the Isle of Mifkets clearly do not use human language, this power may be possessed by the animals on Pirate Island and Hiland-Loland. On these islands, Para Bruin seems to be able to communicate with humans (and Sport) without John Dough translating. Nathan Mulac DeHoff lnvf@grove.iup.edu "I've always wanted a smoking jacket, and now I've got one." -Kabumpo, after his robe catches on fire "Thinking causes all the trouble out of the world." -Kachewka "A kinglet without a sceptre is nothing but a flibberjig." -The Blunderer "Oz? Is that a place or a tonic?" -Humpy Ozma and Oz Forever! ====================================================================== Date: Sun, 17 Nov 1996 20:55:30 -0500 From: DIXNAM@aol.com Subject: Ozzy Digest 11-17-96 Robin: I grew up with a Denslow illustrated, Bobbs Merrill _Wizard_, 5th ed. 2nd state, which I received for Christmas, 1937! It's been much read, since then, but is still in "fair" condition. Ozma on p. 249 of _ROAD_ IS Ozma. David: I DO remember Epaminondas, from my childhood, as well as Little Black Sambo, but, alas, not L'il Hannibal. Dick Randolph ====================================================================== Date: Sun, 17 Nov 1996 13:55:28 -0500 (EST) From: Jeremy Steadman Subject: Ozzy Digest reply In reading over the Digests of the past few days, it seems to me that Nonestica is a better name for the continent on which Oz lies than Baumgea OR Imagination. After all, the name Nonestica implies the difficulty in arriving on this continent (as well as that it might just not exist, for all those doubters of the world). Also, it is derived directly from the name of the Sea that flows around it, just as Atlantis lies (presumably) on the Altantic Ocean. (Of course, does this mean that pacifists come from a continent on the Pacific? The kinks aren't worked out completely yet.) Secondly, I've had a bit of trouble replying to past Digests today-- the "To" entry reads I.I'+KC[with a cedilla] I [then a little mark I can't reproduce]-II J: and so on. Is this just me? I'm using Pegasus Mail, the e-mail system at Berry College, where I am now. Note: this is the first time that's happened. Is the message being sent on a Mac (I'm using an IBM-compatible)? Everything else is fine --I can read the Digests and everything. So that I could get the message through, I started a new message and typed in the "To" field myself. Maybe someone can clear up this mystery for me--I'm new at e-mail. ====================================================================== Date: Sun, 17 Nov 1996 22:46:55 -0500 From: Tyler Jones <104707.656@compuserve.com> Subject: Oz Eric: Such things happen sometimes, such as when a person does a "reply to" when he or she is on a mailing list. The reply then goes to everybody on the list, not just the facilitator. Fun times! :-) Robin: My growing-up version of _The Wizard of Oz_ was the one my aunt owned, a harback Rand McNally whitecover. Danny and David: While there is no direct evidence, it does indeed seem that there is SOMETHING unusual about Dorothy and the other children characters. Strange things happen to them quite often, even considering that they are already in Oz. Bear's Ta'Veren comment may be closer than I thought originally. Nathan and Dave: The closest character that comes to mind is the "Hand" of Kuma Party, or even the hand of Reachard. These are not individual characters, of course, but rather parts of someone else. --Tyler Jones ====================================================================== Date: Sun, 17 Nov 1996 22:59:08 -0500 From: "Melody G. Keller" <104270.2374@compuserve.com> Subject: Ozzy Digest, 11-17-96 Nathan: >There are several instances of weather occurring in Oz. In _Wizard_, >the Tin Woodman rusts in the rain. Although Thompson states, in >_Grampa_, that there is no snow in Oz, even this kind of weather is >encountered, at the Link in _Merry Go Round_. Some people seem to >have the strange idea that there is no rain in Oz, but this is quite >obviously not true.< Egad! I agree with you, Nathan. All sun and no rain would make a desert, not paradise! :-) :-) Personally, I like King Arthur's weather plan as set out in the movie "Camelot." "The rain may never fall 'till after sundown......" Robin: >First version of _Wizard_. Idle curiosity time. What version did each of us >grow up with? I grew up with the Copelman illustrated Bobbs Merrill one.--R. Unfortunately, I have totally forgotten who published or illustrated my first copy of "Wizard." However, it was a cheap children's edition printed on cheap absorbent pulp-type paper; it had a thin, slick colorful hardcover, and the Tin Woodman was illustrated with tin can head, nut and bolt eyes, and a saucepan hat.... Dorothy looked and dressed much like Judy Garland, only her hair appeared black, not dark brown, on the cover of the book. Toto looked more like a French Poodle than a Cairn Terrier. It may sound like I'm downing my childhood copy for its cheapness, but I'm really not. Cheap editions are just the thing for a child in case he/she destroys it, loses it or thumbs it to death. :-) :-) In my case, I may have given my childhood copy of Wizard to cousins. On racism in children's books: I've seen it even worse in other children's fantasies from Baum's & Thompson's era. I bought an old children's book called "Top O' the World" in which the author openly downs the Eskimo language, calling it a horrible language sounding like saucepans and other junk clanging together. *This* must have offended Eskimos everywhere. : -) I wasn't surprised to learn later on that this badly-written fantasy had an Oz connection. Marc Lewis mentioned at an Oz convention that when "The Wogglebug" stage play flopped, the props were reused for the stage play "Top O' the World!" Marc Lewis mentioned this at the same convention where Robin Olderman played Tip/Ozma and Marc Lewis the title role in the Club's hilarious restaging of "Wogglebug." I loved the villainous way Marc arched and wiggled those dark brows! As I recall, didn't you get to sing in that one, Robin? Judging from the book, "Top" must have flopped even more miserably than "Wogglebug." And the racism in cartoons of that era! One in "Judge" magazine featured the grossly-caricatured head of a black person gradually changing into a watermelon. Some others made fun of Jewish folks and their supposed love of diamonds. As if only one ethnic group loves diamonds? Baum and Thompson were pretty mild compared to the author and cartoonists who perpetrated the above atrocities. Baum wasn't Jewish (was he?) but from the way he lavished Oz with precious gems, he must have been crazy about jewels, too. Thank goodness for "Political Correctness!" Especiallywhen it comes from love of fellowman, not fear of punishment by same. :-) :- ) People should be happy, not made miserable, with whatever nationality, race, or gender they happen to be. David Hulan: As for Jinnicky's offensive "body of slaves," I have played with the idea of attacking this one head-on with a story featuring a plucky American black girl who gets washed up on his shores and tells him on no uncertain terms: "I'm *not* one of your slaves!" >(Is there a character called "Hand" in the FF?) Handy Mandy is the closest one I can think of.... Melody Grandy ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 18 Nov 1996 02:31:01 -0500 From: HermBieber@aol.com Subject: For Ozzy Digest, For Robin: If you can get the Christmas Stocking books for $60, let me know where. The current price is more like $100 ! On Toto Terriers: The request from the terrier breeders raises the policy question of how peripheral the links in Oz Web pages should be. This is a matter of individual judgement, but I certainly feel that we should not accomadate the terrier folks unless they also put links to the Oz pages in their terrier page. Herm Bieber ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 18 Nov 1996 12:25:25 -0600 (CST) From: Ruth Berman Subject: ozzy digest Robin Olderman: I like the name "Nonestica" for the continent Oz is on a lot better than things like "Baumgea" (looks unpronounceable) or "Imagination" (too open to confusion with the word). "Nonestica" has the advantages of sounding like a continent's name and coming from a name that Baum actually used in the relevant geography. (Note: this isn't an invitation to anyone to suggest ways to pronounce "Baumgea." The question isn't whether it CAN be pronounced, but whether it LOOKS as if it can be pronounced.) // Editions of the "Wizard" to grow up on -- my older siblings accumulated a complete of the Oz books during the 1940s. Their "Wizard" (and therefore mine, too) was the one from the early 40s with enpapers of photos from the movie. It had most of Denslow's illustrations, but printed rather muddily, in b&w. Dave Hardenbrook: You commented to Bear that he evidently had an edition of "Wizard" that left out some of Denslow's illos and suggested that he get the Dover or Books of Wonder edition. I'd second that suggestion, but would add that the extra money for the BoW hardback is well worth it. In addition to the stronger binding, thre is the advantage that the colors in the one-color illustrations are much clearer and more brilliant. The Dover reprint does well by the color plates, but the one-color illustrations are in such pastel tints as to be hard to make out. Bear and Tyler Jones: I should think the animals might want to have a special table. It might be set low (or maybe at several different low heights, considering their different sizes) so that they could use it comfortably without needing to be raised off the floor. Chairs would be uncomfortable for most of them, and even crouching platforms would be something of a nuisance to use. David Hulan: No one named Hand in the Oz books, unless you wanted to count Handy Mandy. Reachard and Kuma Party had noteworthy hands. Ruth Berman ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 18 Nov 1996 17:26:36 -0800 From: ozbot@ix.netcom.com (ozbot) Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest stuff Talking about "animal segregation" in Oz, having a seperate area for them to sleep and all that, it reminds me of this old Christmas musical I always liked (in which one of the main characters was a BEAR!) Narrator: And so Mary and Joseph had to sleep in the stable, for there was no room for them in the inn. . . Gruffy Bear: What'sa matter with that? Narrator: Well, that's where the animals sleep. Gruffy Bear: What'sa matter with that? As for Oz, I think that having the special eating area is to accomodate there special needs: posture, amount of food (especially in the case of the Hungry Tiger) and, uh, I guess that's about it, but still warrants a special non-human table. Danny ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 18 Nov 1996 23:21:24 -0500 From: Ozisus@aol.com Subject: Oz posts No, I have not disappeared from the face of the earth. I also haven't read Digests closely for weeks. It's been a long evening catching up. My husband and I are adopting a newborn baby think-she's-a-girl as soon as she gets born. Apparently she's a stubborn little Oz-fan-to-be; we've be packed and ready to race to her birthmom's side for more than two weeks. Very distracting. My primary concern is reassuring all of you that I haven't forgotten I owe you a detailed account of Maguire's recent talk about his adult novel, "Wicked," in Topeka. I still intend to sit down and do it right, but in brief: I found him to be an altogether charming, engaging, delightful and entertaining author. I was literally taken aback by how personable and likeable he was. His talk had him pulling out puppets, singing clips of songs, continually acknowledging the dozen or so kids in the audience (recommending some of his children's books to them, for example, since, he was quick to say, Wicked was for grown ups). He was animated and fun. Nothing at all like I suspect Digesters would expect. Among his more meaningful (to you guys) comments were that he knew his departure from Baum's Oz was so significant that he changed all sorts of names and minor spellings (i.e. Krumbic/Kumbric) intentionally so it wouldn't appear he ever expected his work to fit in or be reconciled with real Oz. He chose Elphaba as her name since he wanted to acknowledge L. Frank Baum every time her name was spoken -- said he knew he was a thief for stealing someone else's character, though if you read Wicked it's clear that the character he stole was MGM's and not Baum's. He also was not setting out to trash Oz at all (which he raves about; read just a couple titles as a kid but all of them as an adult) but rather wanted to do a study on the nature of evil. MGM's WWW was the evilest character he could think of except Hitler, and, having already completed one doctorate, he didn't want to research another historical figure. His fascination was with explaining the "unresolved" things -- some animals talk and others don't, why was the WWW the bad character when she at least was honest and entitled to the shoes versus the Wizard who deceived people, how could someone avoid water their whole life, why would someone in Oz turn out to be evil.... It was an absolutely fascinating talk and he couldn't have been a more gracious speaker. Yes, he's written a sequel but his publisher doesn't think it's as strong as "Wicked" so he may not publish it. Demi Moore's production company bought the movie rights (he said, laughing, that if she played Elphaba it probably would be so sh'ed have an excuse to appear naked and green on the cover of Vanity Fair). We spoke at length afterwards and I asked him if he had any thoughts of ever writing a children's Oz book. At present no, he said, primarily because he doesn't want to wind up devoted to continuing a series. Bottom line, nice guy with wife and kids. Probably would be a blast to have them all over to dinner. He'd be a great speaker at an Oz covention if people would be open minded enough to let him present his intentions. On an unrelated note, I spent a couple hours at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago checking it as a possible centennial convention site. What a facility! The lobby looks like a Neill illustration. The more elaborate ball rooms are to die for (one's primarily green and the red room is straight out of Glinda's palace). The midwest has the appeal of less expensive travel that the Hotel del Coronado for many Club members -- so many we can't ignore them without some serious discussion. And the Palmer House is where WOZ made its first public debut at a book fair in 1900. That thread of a historical connection, coupled with an ambiance that would mean we don't have to spend a fortune that we don't have on decor, make a pretty compelling case for the lovely old place. Plus rooms big enough to cram 3 and 4 people into if they are determined to attend on a shoestring. (The survey I did was pretty much level as to where we wind up. The MGM Grand actually got the most individual votes, but with no historic connection I've objected strenuously to it all along -- though I enjoyed my visit there and begged for copies of the Studio Cafe menu like a good Oz collector should. Now that the Oz theme stuff is being ripped out, there's no rhyme or reason to even consider it. And frankly, Digesters, no one was offering a majority-rules deal, I just needed to determine if we could even count on a substantial enough turnout to continue planning something as grand as our committee dreams of.) Please, anyone, compose the Ozma Two-Step! We'll be dancing at that centennial convention in no time. Am I the only one who thinks a fashion show of Dorothy costumes through the years would be a hoot? Not one person has sent me a note to add to the Oz timeline on the Club's reference site except for a couple things that have appeared in the Digest. SURELY there's cool stuff I've overlooked? Fill me in! Have you seen the latest Silvestri Oz ornaments? Characters in plastic and in metal, character tokens (heart, diploma, etc.), house in a tornado, a pink bubble woman tree topper, overpriced red plastic shoes you slip over Christmas tree light bulbs... Check the humor books on tape. One of the legal ramifications of fairy tale adventures apparently includes Oz. And Betty Boop fans, don't miss the Wizard of Boop shirt while it's readily available in Warner Bros stores. More posting eventually, though for Heaven's sake I'd better start getting distracted any day now. Oh and fear not, the winter Oz Gazette is being proofread now by the Digest's own Robin Olderman and Carole Mackey reports that the winter Observer is already at the printer, so the new little Albright shouldn't keep me from meeting my desktop publishing responsibilities for the IWOC. (By the way, I think Peter's been president for more than a year. How come that came up recently? Did I miss something?) Jane ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 19 Nov 1996 14:09:26 -0500 (EST) From: James R Whitcomb Subject: For Ozzy Digest Hello folks: A couple weeks ago I sent an announcement to this digest informing you that my Wizard of Oz Home Page was up and running. I recently discovered that my image thumbnails were not displaying correctly, making things look a bit strange. I have recently updated my pages to hopefully accomodate most, if not all web browsers. So, if you were already there and things looked strange, please come back for a second look! The URL is still: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Hills/6396/ Thanks! Jim. ====================================================================== Date: Sun, 17 Nov 1996 16:31:23 -0700 (MST) From: estelle@usa.net (Estelle E. Klein) Subject: Re: missing digests For the digest, today we went to a Greyhound Bus/Planet Hollywood promotional tour for WOZ. The bus was covered in Oz graphics. This display, in a local mall, included, Dorothy's original dress, an original munchkin costume, a winkie's hat and top of his sword, replica shoes (22/500 made), Judy Garland's audtograph, various promotional dolls (barbies/Franklin mint) and info videos of music, costume and special effects of the movie. They move to Tucson next, and said that you can get their travel itinerary on the MGM web page (address ?). They also gave out T-shirts to the first 100 or so. ====================================================================== Date: Sun, 17 Nov 1996 18:59:17 -0500 From: ZMaund@aol.com Subject: More favors Dave: If convenient, can you post this for me? Hello! If anyone has (or know where there exists) a copy of _Father Goose_ and/or _American Fairy Tales_ in the dust jacket, I would greatly appreciate your contacting me. Thanks in advance. Patrick Maund ZMaund@AOL.com ====================================================================== Date: Mon, 18 Nov 1996 08:55:05 -0800 From: "Stephen J. Teller" Subject: Laumer's explanation Since what people can imagine is often worse than what really exists, I will send Laumer's explanation of why Polychrome and Shaggy don't recognize each other. SPOILER FOR THE CARELESS KANGEROO: THE CARELESS KANGEROO OF OZ, is probably the most complexly plotted of all Oz books; I cannot remember how many separate plot threads there were. The ones that matter to this question concern Polychrome and Shaggy Man. The story begins immediately after the travelers meet the Kangeroo in EMERALD CITY. Polychrome had fallen deeply and helpfessly in love with Shaggy Man after their encounter in ROAD. She decides the only she can become worthy of so wonderful a person is to become educated at Professor Wogglebug's college, where she takes a full course of instruction. Meanwhile the Shaggy Man was hopelessly in love with Dorothy (shades of pedophilia, but not treated offensively). He decides to go to America and find and recover the missing and abandoned kitten, Eureka. After many adventures he finds the kitten living at the house of Elmira Gulch who is practicing to become a witch (unsuccessfully). Shaggy decides to give her a thrill by making her think her magic worked by bringing to life a china dog, that Eureka had fallen in love with. Unfortunately, he used up his wishing powder that he needed to return to Oz in the process, so he feared he would be stranded in our world. However, an expedition to find him, led by Polychrome, who was piloting Sky Island (that's another whole plot), arrives in Kansas and rescues Shaggy and Eureka and brings them to Oz. Polychrome, realizing her love for Shaggy is indeed hopeless, asks Ozma to remove from her and Shaggy's memories all knowledge they had ever met, which Ozma does. In a conversation Shaggy informs Ozma of his admittedly hopeless love for Dorothy, and Ozma, who had once been Tip, informed him that she shared his passion. The story thus touches upon pedophilia and lesbianism, but neither of them is pursued or treated as a real threat to Ozian purity. The former Tip and the Shaggy Man are caught innocently in "the love that dares not speak its name." Laumer's books are NOT pornographic, but they touch on some adult themes. END OF SPOILER. Steve T. ====================================================================== ] c/ \ /___\ *** THE OZZY DIGEST, NOVEMBER 20, 1996 *** |@ @| | V | \\\ |\_/| | ;;; \-/ \ ;/ >< ] ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 19 Nov 1996 14:09:26 -0500 (EST) From: James R Whitcomb Subject: For Ozzy Digest Hello folks: A couple weeks ago I sent an announcement to this digest informing you that my Wizard of Oz Home Page was up and running. I recently discovered that my image thumbnails were not displaying correctly, making things look a bit strange. I have recently updated my pages to hopefully accomodate most, if not all web browsers. So, if you were already there and things looked strange, please come back for a second look! The URL is still: http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/Hills/6396/ Thanks! Jim. ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 19 Nov 1996 17:44:49 -0500 From: DIXNAM@aol.com Subject: Ozzy Digest 11-18/19-96 Jane: How terific for you & hubby!! A little "munchkin" of your own! All the best. :-) With regard to the centennial hotel choices, the Palmer House Hilton sounds good to me. Good to hear the winter Gazette is about ready. Today I received the Autumn Oz Gazette and Observer. All: Jim Whitcomb's web page is very well done, and worth a "look-see" Dick Randolph ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 19 Nov 1996 17:55:50 +0000 From: Nathan Mulac DeHoff Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-19-96 Priority: normal Comments: Authenticated sender is Rich: True, Rinkitink, as well as some other fairylanders, might not realize the difference between a mule and a donkey. There are some mules in Oz (Number Nine rides a blue one in _Scalawagons_), but they do not seem to be that common in fairyland. Melody: Come to think of it, many of the rainstorms in Oz do occur after sundown. Your story about the black girl who refuses to be Jinnicky's slave sounds interesting. Perhaps, in this story, Jinnicky could reveal the truth about his slaves. Steve: Laumer's explanation was certainly nowhere near as terrible as other Digest members hinted that it was. I still prefer the theory that they do recognize each other after some time, however. Nathan Mulac DeHoff lnvf@grove.iup.edu "I've always wanted a smoking jacket, and now I've got one." -Kabumpo, after his robe catches on fire "Thinking causes all the trouble out of the world." -Kachewka "A kinglet without a sceptre is nothing but a flibberjig." -The Blunderer "Oz? Is that a place or a tonic?" -Humpy Ozma and Oz Forever! ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 19 Nov 1996 19:03:46 -0500 (EST) From: Gili Bar-Hillel Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-19-96 Phew! Too many things to respond to, especially Jane's post - I'm sure to forget some of them. Hmm. Where was I? Robin: I grew up with that blue Dover edition of "The Wizard of Oz" that lacks one of the color plates.I was a good girl and took care of it, it is still in my collection. Also, I never really read it, only looked at the pictures: I have a set of L.P. records that I used to listen to. I think the book came with them, not sure - this was a long time ago! I'm sure the records must once have had a box, but at our house they were always kept in the box with Bach's Matteus Passion. In fact, they are probably still there, as most of my collection consists of books and videotapes, no room for records. Odd, but that still seems the most natural place for them. And, who says Denslow never drew a picture of the Wicked Witch of the West? Of course he did! I don't have the book, but I have vivid images of the Denslow witch in my head: umbrella, patch over one eye, squishy smurf-like golden cap in some pictures, sticky-out braids in others, skulls and crossbones on her skirt... am I wrong? Bear - are you the one who wrote that I'm a force of nature? I choose to interpret that as a compliment. Thank you. Racist Children's books: surprising how LITTLE effect these seem to have. When I reread some of the "Doctor Doolittle" books, I was shocked by their racism, which had completely escaped me the first time around. I LOVED "Little Black Sambo". And I had no idea that Golleywogs (in Enid Blyton books) were supposed to be black people - I thought they were simply some kind of mythological race, like gnomes or fairies. I remember being surprised when I was told that there was Christian symbolism in the Narnia books. Needless to say, I was completely blind to racism in the Oz books as well. Though all the human protagonisists in the first books are pretty much WASPS, I still believe that the books preach tolerance to individual diferences. Whereas in the Narnia books, different species are clearly marked and segregated, and we are usually told that there were so and so many dwarves and so and so many dryads and so and so many squirrels or leopards in the room; in the Oz book, each character or new species is unique and merits a long individual description. The differences are precisely what make the characters interesting and vital to the story. I have a friend who is about as radically left as one can get in the Israeli political scene, and she testifies of herself that as a child she read and loved almost exclusively two series of books which have since been boycotted in Israel because of their scathingly racist stereotyped portrayals of Arab badguys. Go figure. I'm glad Gregory Maguire turned out to be such a nice person. That was a lovely description. I wrote a pretty critical review of his book, but it had many points of merit. My main objection to it was not how he had tampered with Oz - I actually think he created quite an interesting land of his own, though I still don't think he made it magical enough to believably sustain a living scarecrow and tinwoodsman - my main objection was that the book has a frustrating structure. I'd be happy to meet him in person, I promise not to attack him. So, soon there will be a new little Albright! Be'shaah Tova - we are all anticipating the moment when congratulations will be due. Our second digest baby :-). |\ _,,,---,,_ /,`.-'`' -. ;-;;,_ Gili Bar-Hillel, |,4- ) )-,_..;\ ( `'-' abhillel@fas.harvard.edu '---''(_/--' `-'\_) gili@scso.com (cat by Felix Lee) http://www.scso.com/~gili ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 19 Nov 1996 19:16:13 -0500 From: OzBucket@aol.com Subject: Oz calendars are here! I have just now received a box of Oz Club Calendars. It just came on the UPS truck. I am impressed. I want to thank everyone who helped make it all possible. To name a few who I think had a hand in it, Peter Hanff, Steve Teller (who talked to Fred Meyer), and the Bugle editors. IAE, it looks great. Johnston Printing did a lovely job on it. It features the Dragons of Oz (Quox, contrary to common belief, is not the only one). I now have an even more pressing deadline for next year's calendar, but it'll help a LOT if I can offer last year's artists copies of it. This will help entice them to contribute again. Oh, I already have a BEAUTIFUL Langwidere that I suspect will soon appear in an animated motion picture, as well as an aging Marcus Mebes book-cover of the First and Foremost (looking surprisingly similar to Glinda, who looks stunningly like some singer named Enya...). Dave, are you still planning to send a couple of your fave villainous beauties? I think I have a Mrs. Yoop coming from Zim's buddy already -or was she in the last package of Beach Blanket BabylOz drawings... I'll have to look again. Anybody else out there want to be an Ozzy artist? I still have a number of months left open. If it will help me get more contributions, I'll even threaten to include another one of my own drawings in it! ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 19 Nov 1996 19:38:05 -0500 (EST) From: "Aaron S. Adelman" Subject: The Woozy of Oz 1) Antozia and Tarara being the same continent? I never considered the idea. So far I had only planned on putting Jinjin (that which Tititi-Hoochoo rules), North Antozia, West Antozia, Kalabashush (all three of these of Adelmanian origin), Sacharhineolaland (mentioned in _The Sea Fairies_), and the usual host of tiny nonhistorical countries on Antozia. Maybe I'll throw in a land bridge... As for the name Nonestica for the Continent of Imagination, I'm not crazy about it. It sounds more like what a federation of the islands of the Nonestic Ocean would be called. Going back to my theory of the origin of the term Imagination, anyone care for Imajiland? 2) Jeremy, sounds like your computer is possessed. I'd advise you to hire an excorcist. (: ***WARNING: ATTACK ON SPOILED INFO*** 3) Stephen, you've got to be kidding about Eureka and a china dog.=20 Eureka's shallow, but I don't see her as having instincts so malprogrammed as to fall in love with an inanimate object. ***END ATTACK*** 4) Finally got word from Tor; they're not interrested in publishing _The Woozy of Oz_. Could anyone recommend a good publisher (good in terms of treatment of authors), please? Aaron Solomon (ben Saul Joseph) Adelman adelman@yu1.yu.edu ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 19 Nov 1996 22:17:56 -0500 (EST) From: Richard Bauman <72172.2631@CompuServe.COM> Subject: Today's Oz Growls Catching up with three days worth of Digests... Dave - SIGH! As a child I was read the WOO from a library copy. I didn't own my own hardcopy until the 1970's. What I bought was the "Judy Garland Edition," which claims to be "The Original Oz Book." On checking now I see that even the Ace paperback has figures not in this edition. In particular, in the chapter "The Search For The Wicked Witch" the figures of the Tin Woodman and the wolf, witch talking to flying monkey, lion tied up and witch getting sloshed are all missing. Incredible. I bought a censored version. Arghhhhhh. Oh yes, something I forgot from GNOME KING. Kuma Party? Does that mean anything to anyone? Kuma = amuk spelled backwards? How she came up with this name is way beyond me. Ruth & Danny - I am an animal and I don't want to be put off at some "special" table. David - Are you sorry you made that type? :) Danny - Do you mean "The Cinnamon Bear?" Steve - Pardon me while I b..... Hoping for a better tomorrow, Bear (:<) ====================================================================== Date: Tue, 19 Nov 1996 23:29:27 -0500 From: Tyler Jones <104707.656@compuserve.com> Subject: Oz Longest digest in quite a while. Since a full posting of Laumer's theories has been given to the digest, there is no need for me to send individual messages to people. Let me agree wholeheartedly with Steve Teller. Laumer's books are, in my honest opinion, NOT pornographic although adult themese are apparant throughout his novels, and there are some hints and innuendos about things that are not normally discussed in Oz. As Laumer himself says, these stories are not for infants. Denslow and WW's It is likely that Denslow drew several pics of WW's of East and West that never made it to press. Upon further reflection, Antozia is probably not on Tarara, unless it is much larger than average. BTW, this implies that there are least THREE sizeable continents of magical nature, lending weight to the theory that Nonestica (I like this name!) is not physically on the same globe that we are. I still lean toward Dave's theory of the Ozian planet lying in a gravity well, since the Oz Universe seems to be much smaller than our own. Oh, how I wish it would rain: In _Riverworld_, it always rained for an hour or so at 3AM. Bow-Wow: Despite the popularity of Toto, terrier pages have a peripheral (one might even say ethereal) relationship with Oz at best. Toto's status is not a major part of any book except for the non-FF _Toto of Oz_. I'll leave it to you to guess the main character. Jane: Gregory McGuire sounds like a great guy. Maybe he'll speak at a con or two. Patrick: I'd like a copy of those two titles myself! Happy hunting... --Tyler JOnes ====================================================================== Date: Wednesday, 20 November, 1996 4:00:28 PM (PST) From: Dave Hardenbrook Subject: Ozzy Things My schedule has really been hectic this week, which is why the Digests have not been very prompt in getting out (sorry, guys!); so like Senator Paul Wellstone in his campaign ads, I'll have to say what I wanted to in response to the last two Digests by running as fast as I can from one scene to another... WITCH ILLIOS: Gili acuurately describes Denslow's depiction of the WWW. He also did a couple of the Good Witch of the North (also omitted from many Oz editions). WHITHER BAUMGEA?: I am of course saddened by the rising tidal wave against the name "Baumgea", and seeing it fall into disfavor...It was gratifying to see a term I invented used regularly on the Digest...Well, que sera sera (as they say in Ev). _WICKED_: Glad to hear that Maguire was a nice guy, but I'm still distressed at what he's doing to Oz (and doubly distressed that there will be a movie that 40 million people will see!!!)... Ozma: Maguire is misaligning my kingdom! Call my spin doctors, quick! Wogglebug: Would you settle for a spin dentist? -- Dave ====================================================================== ] c/ \ /___\ *** THE OZZY DIGEST, NOVEMBER 21, 1996 *** |@ @| | V | \\\ |\_/| | ;;; \-/ \ ;/ >< ] ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 20 Nov 1996 11:32:30 -0500 From: DavidXOE@aol.com Subject: Ozzy Digest, 11-19-96 Rich: In ROAD Shaggy is always referred to in lower case, as "the shaggy man" (or at least, almost always; I haven't read the whole book checking every instance); it's only in EMERALD CITY that he gets the upper-case Shaggy Man. I think it's mildly interesting that he has a major role in four consecutive books, from ROAD through TIK-TOK, and then virtually disappears until Snow unearthed him in his own book. (He's mentioned, but he doesn't do anything significant.) Baum himself frequently refers to Hank as a donkey. The fourth reference to his species, in fact, on the second page of the "Betsy Braves the Billows" chapter of TIK-TOK, calls him a donkey. One would think that Baum, who lived much of his life in small towns in a time when mules were common draft animals, would have known the difference, but if he did he didn't show it. There are five illustrations of the WWW in the BoW facsimile of WIZARD, but none of them made it into the edition I grew up with. It should probably be pointed out, in fairness to Christie, that in the novel she originally titled TEN LITTLE N.....S the nastiest punishment was reserved for a man whose crime had been lethal cruelty to Africans. Robin: Jane Yolen is a very talented writer and a very nice person as well, but she's also highly opinionated on matters dealing with children's literature, and not at all averse to using her writing talent to express those opinions. (FWIW, I think that SANTA CLAUS was one of Baum's weaker works; when he starts trying to be mythopoeic - by which I mean, for the purpose of this comment, explaining why things are as they are - as in SANTA CLAUS, DOT AND TOT, and SEA FAIRIES, he doesn't fare nearly as well as when he's writing adventure stories. IMHO.) Nathan: I agree that the black slaves in SILVER PRINCESS (and JACK PUMPKINHEAD and PURPLE PRINCE, for that matter) could be taken as offensive; I was just remarking that I don't think Thompson had the enslavement of blacks in the US in mind when she wrote it. Jeremy: I have no idea what the problem is with your "Reply" function, but I suspect it's in your E-mail software rather than either Dave's or the Internet. Certainly I haven't seen any such problem myself. Melody: No, Baum wasn't Jewish, though I've heard it theorized that a leading light in library science in the '40s (who was also decidedly anti-Semitic) thought he was and that her anti-Semitism was part of the reason why libraries of that era wouldn't stock the Oz books. I doubt, myself, that it had any significant influence, because I doubt if any one individual ever had that much power among librarians. But it may have been a contributing factor. Ruth: Why does "Baumgea" look unpronounceable? It looks as pronounceable to me as "Pangea" (which it was based on), which is a pretty common term, at least among people who have any interest in geology or paleontology. Jane: Congratulations on the adoptee-to-be! I can see why you've been distracted. Thanks for the report on Maguire's speech. I don't find your opinion of him surprising, but then, I had a generally positive reaction to WICKED. Since it would be so close, I'd have to say that the Palmer House for the Centennial Convention sounds great to me (as long as that doesn't mean I get roped into doing too much of the work on it! ). I'll have to take a look at it myself the next time I'm downtown with time on my hands. (I was in it once, but that was back in 1951, so it's not exactly a fresh memory...) I look forward to seeing the Winter GAZETTE and OBSERVER, though I'll confess that I'm most interested in the Fall BUGLE whenever it comes out, since it will contain both the first thing I'll have had published in the BUGLE and a review of GLASS CAT (at least, so I understand...). David Hulan ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 20 Nov 1996 14:21:26 -0500 (EST) From: "Mark K. DeJohn" <103330.323@CompuServe.COM> Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-19-96 From: Barbara DeJohn Hello everyone !!! Speaking of the politically incorrect depictions of ethnic groups, I have read many children's books from Baum's era that put down just about everyone. In Lilian Garis' books she doesn't have a very good opinion of Italians. They are so "dirty" you know. :-) Jane - Good luck with your baby girl. It is really hard to wait but they all come out eventually and you have so much to look forward to. Tyler - I have tried to get to your page without success. I went through Eric's page and it said your page is no longer available. Do you have a new address? Barbara DeJohn 103330.323@compuserve.com ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 20 Nov 1996 19:51:48 +0000 From: Nathan Mulac DeHoff Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-20-96 Gili: I agreed with your statement that the Oz books promote tolerance. Diversity is praised by the main Ozites, who are a quite diverse group themselves. In _Captain Salt_, the reactions of the Captain and King Ato to new peoples are interesting to note. Ato seems to speak of all strange tribes as "savages," who must be fought, while Sam Salt usually wants to give them a chance. Bear: When I first read Kuma Party's name, I was also confused by it. Later, however, I figured it out. He comes apart, and his name is "Come-Apart-y." I think this would have been more obvious if his first name had been spelled "Kumma," or somewhat like that. Nathan Mulac DeHoff lnvf@grove.iup.edu "I've always wanted a smoking jacket, and now I've got one." -Kabumpo, after his robe catches on fire "Thinking causes all the trouble out of the world." -Kachewka "A kinglet without a sceptre is nothing but a flibberjig." -The Blunderer "Oz? Is that a place or a tonic?" -Humpy Ozma and Oz Forever! ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 20 Nov 1996 17:22:52 -0800 From: robert.shepherd@West.Sun.COM (Bob Shepherd) Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-20-96 I can't remember who mentioned the traveling exhibit of Wizard of Oz movie memororabilia, but the web page for more information is http://www.greyhound.com/yellow.html . Apparently this is a promotion being sponsored by MGM and Greyhound for the Wizard of Oz movie video. The web page says it features authentic memorabilia from the movie, including Dorothy's dresses and the famous ruby slippers. Since September 5 specially decorated and equipped Greyhound buses having been going to 42 cities nationwide. The web page lists the tour schedule....the remaining cities are: Nov. 22 Tucson El Con Shopping Center Nov. 23 Phoenix Planet Hollywood/Biltmore Nov. 24 Las Vegas Planet Hollywood/Caesar's Palace Nov. 29 San Diego Planet Hollywood Nov. 30 L.A. Planet Hollywood/Wilshire Blvd Dec. 1 L.A. Planet Hollywood/W. Sunflower Dec. 6 Reno Planet Hollywood/Harrah's Dec. 7 Sacramento Florin Mall Dec. 8 San Francisco Planet Hollywood Dec. 13 Portland,OR Lloyd Center Dec. 14 Seattle Planet Hollywood Dec. 20 Topeka West Ridge Mall ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 20 Nov 1996 22:09:22 -0500 (EST) From: Richard Bauman <72172.2631@CompuServe.COM> Subject: TODAY'S OZ GROWLS Gili - It was indeed a compliment. :) And, I join you in actively disliking Maguire's book, although when I met him he also seemed to be "a nice man." I'm sure there are some people that think O.J. is a "nice man." I will continue to think Maguire is a nice man who wrote a not nice book. Gili, feel free to attack him, I did. (Gently) So who is "OzBucket@aol.com" Your posts are unsigned. Let's see, my grandfather told me "Profanity is a weak mind trying to express itself strongly." I lump Maguire, Ryman, and Laumer similarly into a group of writers who invade a genre, use inappropriate themes and language for that genre and try to call it art. IMHO this is a cheap shot way of gaining some noteriety at the expense of the genre and it's fans. To the "Dark One" with all of them. And yes, I think I heard Demi Moore's film company has the option on "Wicked." What do you all think? The publicity that it will give to Oz will outweigh it's faults? Make Oz known at any price? I guess it will depend a lot on what the screenwriter does with it. Look what Demi did to "Scarlet Letter!" Gloomily, Bear (:<) ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 21 Nov 1996 00:55:16 -0500 From: Tyler Jones <104707.656@compuserve.com> Subject: Oz Nathan: People's reactions to Laumer's stories vary greatly. Some people ignore it, some are quite interested in looking at Oz in a new (adult) way, while others have denounced him (and his plotlines) as the most evil, stinking pornographic force in the history of the Universe. For myself, I enjoyed his stories as a refreshing change of pace and found his stuff to be very well written. Aaron: I believe I was the one who first mentioned the possibility of Antozia being on the continent of Tarara. Overall, it seems quite unlikely, though, and in all likelihood it is NOT, unless Tarara is much longer than Tandy said it was. BTW, Aaron, Steve's post about Eureka was quite true. Pretty weird, huh? Bear: The first time I came across the phrase Kuma Party, I had not yet read _The Gnome King_, and I pronouced it Kooma Party. I was under the impression that this was a tribe (as in a "party" of adventurers) of Koomas. Later, I realized that this was a single person, so named becuase his body parts come a-party. :-) Bye, bye, Baumgea: I don't think it's as much of a reaction AGAINST the phrase as much as an embrace of a newer one. The difficulty comes, I think, from the fact that it is highly unlikely that the land mass was named Baumgea prior to 1899. --Tyler ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 21 Nov 1996 07:38:07 -0800 (PST) From: earlabbe@juno.com (Earl C. Abbe) Subject: Ozzy Digest Submission Robin writes in the 11/17 Digest, I am ashamed to say that I don't remember! It did have Denslow illustrations and was in the Longmeadow, MA town library's moderate Oz collection. My first Oz books were three or four my sister Lois and I were loaned by my father's cousin Ralph Abbe circa 1947. One of them was a black and white _Road_. The pictures of the Scoodlers, the sand boat, Shaggy and Button Bright's animal heads have remained vivid in my mind ever since. Another was _Glinda_, I think. In the 11/19 Digest Melody says that she Lewis I too was fond of Marc, who was the Munchkin Convention's resident villain in more ways than one, and miss him now that he no longer comes. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 21 Nov 1996 09:02:58 -0600 (CST) From: Ruth Berman Subject: ozzy digest Rich Morrisey: Enjoyed your account of "By Jeeves!" // It wasn't so much that Fred Woodward specialized in mules and donkeys. He did animals of all kinds, including lions, crocodiles, kangaroos, the Woozy, etc. But Baum, trying to copy the stage "Wizard" without making it as obvious as a carbon copy, wanted a character similar to Imogene the Cow, and turned to a more or less equivalent ungulate. So Hank was a Mule, and Woodward as an animal specialist was an obvious choice for the role. Melody Grandy: I think you're right that the Oz books are freer of racism than the averages for the time. David Hulan: The discussion of "Silver Princess" reminds me of one more hand -- the magic handbag. Nathan DeHoff: Actually, the truth about Jinnicky's slaves is probably that they are no more forced to obey him than Ozma's subjects are forced to obey her. Both terms imply subjection, but actual "subjects" are rarely so subject, and neither are Jinnicky's slaves, as is shown at the end of "Silver Princess" where the miners are glad to stop being Gludwig's soldiers and go back to Jinnicky's mines, because the hours are shorter and the pay is better. Jane Albright" congratulations on the impending adoption. And thanks for the comments on Maguire. He does sound much more likable than I'd have guessed. I haven't really felt like trying his book, but your comments on his talk make me think maybe I will. Bear: Kuma Party = Come apart-y. He does. Animal table -- well, the bears would probably be comfortable enough sitting in a chair. But most of the Oz animals wouldn't be. A table low enough for them to reach would be a lot easier for them than the sort of table humans (or bears) could easily be sitting at. Aaron S. Adelman: For information about commercial publishers, check the standard "Writer's Markets" book at the library. Practically speaking, though, give up trying to sell your Oz book commercially. Try a small press or self-publish it. (Stay away from "subsidy" or "joint venture" joints.) Or write a non-Oz children's book and try to sell that. Then if that does well that publisher will be interested in your next book and you can try your Oz book there. Without that kind of leverage, you have essentially no chance. Commercial publishers are not interested in taking over in the middle of a series. They lose most of the economic benefit of doing a series (the sales of the latest book promote the sales of more of the earlier books) while inheriting the disadvantage of doing a series (sales of the later books are likely to go down, as many readers do not want to start a series in the middle). Only a publisher who is already interested in you, because your books have done well for that publisher, would be at all likely to be interested in taking a chance on your Oz book. ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 21 Nov 1996 11:35:15 -0500 (EST) From: Jeremy Steadman Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-20-96 Aaron: You say my computer is possessed. I don't know what you mean, but feel that if that is so, I could be in grave danger. Please explain what you mean (and advise me as to where I can find a reputable exorcist nowadays). Nathan: It's a donkey! It's a mule! It's a donkey! It's a mule! Donkey! Mule! Donkey! Mule! Does anything sound familiar? Tyler: I'd watch out for Toto if I were you--he's a real terrier! ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 21 Nov 1996 12:46:42 -0500 From: "Melody G. Keller" <104270.2374@compuserve.com> Subject: Ozzy Digest, 11-20-96 Nathan DeHoff: >Your story about the black girl who refuses to be Jinnicky's slave >sounds interesting. Perhaps, in this story, Jinnicky could reveal >the truth about his slaves.< Indeed. "Slave" could be a term Jinnicky uses quite loosely. Jinnicky might explain that his "slaves" are highly paid, and can leave his service anytime they wish. Robin: Hmmm. Interesting that you're gonna' have Dorothy's mother still alive. One trick of Irish faeries was to switch a mortal woman for a log magically disguised to look like her--only dead. Her friends and family would bury the "dead woman," not realizing the real one's been stolen away to faeryland. That's one way Dorothy's mother could turn out to be alive. By the way, sometime in a future story Zim's going to visit Tir N'an Og, the faeryland of Ireland which could very well exist on the same world as Oz. Should Dorothy tag along? Indeed, the above could be a good reason why Dorothy goes to Oz. One of those faeries could have taken pity on the infant Dorothy, and arranged for her to follow her mother to Tir N'an Og someday... only when the proper time came, Dorothy went to the wrong fairyland! Melody Grandy ====================================================================== ] c/ \ /___\ *** THE OZZY DIGEST, NOVEMBER 22 - 23, 1996 *** |@ @| | V | \\\ |\_/| | ;;; \-/ \ ;/ >< ] ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 21 Nov 1996 17:47:30 +0000 From: Nathan Mulac DeHoff Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-21-96 David: Yes, I noticed the same things about Shaggy.Incidentally, if I remember correctly, he is only mentioned once in Thompson's books (in _Kabumpo_), and Neill never seems to mention him. In _Lucky Bucky_, however, Tik-Tok is assisted in his wall painting by "an elderly man in scraggy clothes." This may well be the Shaggy Man himself. BTW, _Queen Ann_ reveals Shaggy's full name to be Shagrick Mann, and, in _Time-Travelling_ and _Dagmar_, his brother is called Ichabod. That makes them Shagrick and Ichabod Mann, or Shaggy and Wiggy, for short. Ruth-Good point about the miners receiving high wages. BTW, does Jinnicky ever refer to his help as "slaves," or is it only Thompson who uses this term? Melody-Will Zim's visit to Tir N'an Og appear in another volume of _Seven Blue Mountains_, or in a different story? Nathan Mulac DeHoff lnvf@grove.iup.edu "I've always wanted a smoking jacket, and now I've got one." -Kabumpo, after his robe catches on fire "Thinking causes all the trouble out of the world." -Kachewka "A kinglet without a sceptre is nothing but a flibberjig." -The Blunderer "Oz? Is that a place or a tonic?" -Humpy Ozma and Oz Forever! ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 21 Nov 1996 16:53 -0600 (CST) From: gbirrell@post.cis.smu.edu (Gordon Birrell) Subject: Ozzy Digest Ruth Berman: Thanks for going to the trouble of locating, and quoting from, the speculations published in the Baum Bugle with regard to Polychrome's and Shaggy's momentary non-recognition of each other in _Tik-Tok_. I'm not entirely convinced by these explanations, but they are well-intentioned and based on close, respectful readings of the texts--which is more than you can say for a lot of literary criticism these days. As for Laumer: seems to me a better title for his book would have been _The House of Desire Has Many Rooms_. (Also many windows!) The topic of Oz clip art came up a while back, and someone (David Hulan?) mentioned a collection called "Art Explosion 40,000." I located a source for this collection, at least in the Mac version. It's available from MacWarehouse, 1720 Oak Street, P.O. Box 3013, Lakewood, NJ 08701-5926, or call 1-800-696-1727. Cost is $49.95 + shipping. Gordon Birrell ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 21 Nov 1996 22:57:34 -0600 From: International Wizard of Oz Club Subject: RE: "Magic Cloak of Oz" VHS Ozzy Digest: Does anyone have this answer? Jim ---------- From: Matt Blumberg Sent: Tuesday, November 19, 1996 4:19 PM Subject: "Magic Cloak of Oz" VHS I have been trying to find a film or VHS video print of the complete 5 reel "Magic Cloak of Oz" (1914); I wonder if you have any information as to where I might find a copy? (I noticed that you advertise exhibition of the 1914 Baum films in your convention notes.) Also, I wonder if any publication (The Baum Bugle?) might have published the screenplay or continuity for the complete film? Thanks for any help. Yours, Matt Blumberg 212-388-1948 ------------------------------------------ THE MAGIC CLOAK OF OZ Release date: 1914 Description: Based on Queen Zixi of Ix. Director: J. Farrell McDonald Screenwriter: L. Frank Baum Music: Louis F. Gottschalk (for live accompaniment) Production Company: Oz Film Manufacturing Company Distributor: Alliance Length: 5 reels Cast: Violet MacMillan (Bud), Mildred Harris (Fluff), Vivian Reed (Quavo), Fred Woodward (Nicodemus) Available on VHS video ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 22 Nov 1996 00:48:05 -0500 (EST) From: Gili Bar-Hillel Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-21-96 Ozbucket is our own, mostly silent nowadays, Chris Dulabone: writing for Buckethead books and often for Rinny Xiques as well. That's why I used to call him Chrisbucket. But I am curious, Chris, where did you come up with the name "Buckethead"? Sounds like Jackpumpkinhead's slow cousin. :-) |\ _,,,---,,_ /,`.-'`' -. ;-;;,_ Gili Bar-Hillel, |,4- ) )-,_..;\ ( `'-' abhillel@fas.harvard.edu '---''(_/--' `-'\_) gili@scso.com (cat by Felix Lee) http://www.scso.com/~gili ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 22 Nov 1996 00:58:14 -0500 From: Tyler Jones <104707.656@compuserve.com> Subject: Oz David: Interestingly enough, I greatly enjoyed _Santa Claus_, although I did not care for _Sea Fairies_ or _Dot and Tot_. _Santa Claus_ was told in quite a different style than the other two and that may be what won me over. Slaves and such: In our world, there have been different degrees of slavery. In some cases, a slave could eventually buy his freedom or even become an important presence in his masters household. While still less than noble, not all slaves were as opressed as the ones in our country. Barbara (and all others): Yes, my URL has changed. When the R&D office closed, I got a new e-mail address. The web server did not recognize me as the "real" Tyler Jones. Therefore, I had to pick a new URL. The new one is: http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/tylerjones Note that it is exactly the same except that the underscore between my first and last name has been changed. I was able to log on as my old self and put a notice of change and a link to my new page, but they must have blasted it. Could anyone who has a link to my page please update this? Bear: A person in the public access TV business said something quite similar. When asked if they really allowed profanity on their shows, she said yes, but her attitude was basically "so what? You can't say anything that hasn't been said before, and doing so proves nothing and demonstrates no talent". For the record, however, March Laumer uses no profanity in his works, although I will admit that he uses "adult themes". Oh, yes. If _Wicked_ is made into a movie, my main worry is that most people will view it as simply an extension of the MGM movie and that once again the written material, the heart and soul of Oz, will once again be steamrollered into oblivion by the mighty MGM juggernaut. Don't get me wrong. I love the MGM movie. It's just that there is so much more Ozzy material to discover beyond the movie and the fact that the vast majority of things Ozzy remains unknown to this day is quite depressing. Jeremy: I suggest that you pray to Bill O' the Gates and sacrifice a copy of OS2/Warp at midnight. --Tyler Jones ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 22 Nov 1996 01:26:30 -0500 (EST) From: Richard Bauman <72172.2631@CompuServe.COM> Subject: Today's Oz Growls Thanks Mike et. al. - I must have been sound asleep on that one. Kuma Party. Sigh. Sleepily, Bear (:<) ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 21 Nov 1996 22:58:23 -0800 From: ozbot@ix.netcom.com (ozbot) Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest stuff Bear-- I guess I can't tell if you're being sarcastic or not. I, too, was confused with Kuma Party's name, (Again, the KOOMA pronounciation,) but wasn't sure if you needed help or not. Well, if you did, you sure got plently of responce! Nothing to worry about! Actually, the Christmas musical I quoted was from a small Christian company, and it was titled "Three Wise Men and a Baby" The bear is Gruffy Bear, who, misnamed, will offer to watch your kids, wash your car, cook you a barbecue, and play double-bonus round Yatzee if you let him. Sound like anyone you'd know? :) One good thing about Demi Moore's Scarlet Letter, though-- it *bombed!* Nathaniel Hawthorne can stop turning in his grave now. . . Dave-- Don't worry, I still like Baumgea, but could accept Nonestica, too. Of course, I will always prefer *Earth* as the land mass Oz is on! Jane-- You can add my congrats as well! FWIW, I suppose I would prefer California location for the centennial celebration. I feel an affinity for Trot's native land. . . (la da da) I LOVE L.A.! Not to worry, though. I would go to the end of a gravity well to visit Oz's 100th birthday bash! Enough for now. . . Danny ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 22 Nov 1996 07:03:49 -0800 (PST) From: earlabbe@juno.com (Earl C. Abbe) Subject: Ozzy Digest Submission X-Juno-Line-Breaks: 1,7-10 David writes in the 11/21 Digest that when Baum tried to be mythopoeic he produced weaker works. The deliberate interjecting of purpose into a work can interfere with the creative process. I am sure that all of you know the two Alice books and most of you will know the Snark. But I suspect that few, other than the collectors, know of Lewis Carroll's two Sylvie and Bruno books, which were written to give moral instruction, rather than just to please a child. What a wonderful and life affirming thing for the two of you to do! ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 22 Nov 1996 13:10:08 -0600 (CST) From: Ruth Berman Subject: ozzy digest X-Minuet-Version: Minuet1.0_Beta_16 X-POPMail-Charset: English David Hulan: Why "Baumgea" looks unpronounceable -- because it's hard to pronounce an m distinctly before a g, because it uses roots from two different languages (Baum-Berman and gaea-Greek via Latin), and because it isn't clear what pronunciation system should be used. Actually, that last one applies to words like Pangea, too. The spelling of gea hides the origin, so that an English reader might think the ea is a single diphthong (like English pea), and even for someone who knows that it's gaea, there is still the question of whether to pronounce the first syllable of the two like the ai of aisle (as it would have been pronounced in Greek or Latin) or to follow the usual Anglicization of pronouncing ae as ee, and then if it's pronounced that way the question of whether to palatize the g and make it a soft g as English usually does before high front vowels (as in geology) or to keep it hard as English occasionally does, too. Bear: I suspect you're mistaken in thinking that Maguire, Ryman, and Laumer are trying to get notoriety cheaply by writing un-ozzy Oz books. I suspect that they were all genuinely aiming at writing good (although peculiar) books. But motives are hard to prove, in any case, and not particularly relevant. Their motives could be excellent, and that wouldn't prove anything about whether their books were worth reading. Rather than condemning them for bad motives, it's more to the point to condemn their books for failing artistically, if you think they do -- or, alternatively, to say that they don't sound like books you'd enjoy reading, regardless of their artistic merits. As to the effect they can have in making people forget the actual Oz books -- I'd guess it couldn't be much. A parody can sometimes overwhelm an original -- most people know "How doth the little crocodile," and almost no one knows "How doth the little busy bee," but Baum's Oz is considerably more interesting than Isaac Watt's "Divine and Moral Songs," and isn't likely to be displaced even by a work of Lewis Carroll's genius. (To be sure, for the general public, it has to a considerable degree been displaced -- by the 1939 movie, but the way movies can displace books is another sort of issue. A Demi Moore movie of Maguire's book, if it succeeded, might displace Maguire's book, but it seems to me it probably wouldn't displace either Baum or the 1939 movie.) ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 22 Nov 1996 16:05:19 -0500 From: ZMaund@aol.com Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-21-96 Hello. =0D I'm trying to clean up and standardize the format of the bibliographical = articles published in THE BAUM BUGLE, on L. Frank Baum's non-Oz books. I= f you look over the Bibliographia Baumiana series in the BUGLE, you'll find= a multitude of different formats). I'm then adding information on dust j= ackets, plus any last-minute discoveries. Here's a list of the titles I'm= focusing on: (on which I'm focusing?) =0D 1) Bibliographies were written on the following in the 1960s, and then ag= ain in the 1980s. I've completed the formatting, updating, and dust jacet information additions, and so these are done: DOT AND TOT OF MERRYLAND THE MASTER KEY JOHN DOUGH AND THE CHERUB THE SEA FAIRIES SKY ISLAND =0D 2) The following were also done in the 60s and 80s but need formatting an= d -- if I'm lucky -- information on dust jackets: MOTHER GOOSE IN PROSE AMERICAN FAIRY TALES/BAUM'S AMERICAN FAIRY TALES FATHER GOOSE =0D 3) The following were only done in the 60s, and so need complete revising= and updating (I've already started work on the Alphabet books because they're= easy). I believe that they will not rerquire the heavy-duty intensive wo= rk that some others, such as SANTA CLAUS might. For example, I don't believ= e there's much to say that's new about the Alphabet books, except to desc= ribe their jackets... THE ARMY ALPHABET THE NAVY ALPHABET THE SONGS OF FATHER GOOSE FATHER GOOSE'S YEAR BOOK JUVENILE SPEAKER/BAUM'S OWN BOOK =0D 4) I've already spent many many hours on this nightmare of a book, but th= ere remains unanswered questions and confusion: THE LIFE AND ADVENTURES OF SANTA CLAUS =0D 5) Bibliograpgies were written on these in the 1960s, but they need to be= researched from scratch: THE ENCHANTED ISLAND OF YEW QUEEN ZIXI OF IX =1A At this time I'm treating only Baum's major fantasy works and books for children written under his own name. Is there anything you don't see tha= t you think should be included? =0D In general, I need information on dust jackets for every title except tho= se in group 1). = =0D Also, let me know if you're aware of books that do not match the descript= ions from either the 60s or 80s bibliographies. =0D Many thanks in advance =0D Patrick Maund ZMaund@AOL.com =0D ====================================================================== ] c/ \ /___\ *** THE OZZY DIGEST, NOVEMBER 24, 1996 *** |@ @| | V | \\\ |\_/| | ;;; \-/ \ ;/ >< ] ====================================================================== Date: Sat, 23 Nov 1996 04:12:41 -0500 (EST) From: Gili Bar-Hillel Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-23-96 Funny Carroll should come up twice in the same digest, from completely different directions. I TRIED reading "Sylvie and Bruno" when I was about eight, but it was a bit much for me to stomach at the time. However I remember a number of odd things from the book, especially the nonsense verse scattered throughout, the gardener's song. (Gardner's song?) He though he saw a clergyman descending from a bus He looked again and saw it was a hippopotamus. He thought he saw a (something something something) cup of tea He looked again and saw it was a quarter after three. I wonder how much of this is the actual verse and how much of this is just something I created out of a jumble of old memories and imagination. Anyway, definitely worth looking up... And, speaking of quarter after three, it is quarter after four. Ah, college. |\ _,,,---,,_ /,`.-'`' -. ;-;;,_ Gili Bar-Hillel, |,4- ) )-,_..;\ ( `'-' abhillel@fas.harvard.edu '---''(_/--' `-'\_) gili@scso.com (cat by Felix Lee) http://www.scso.com/~gili ====================================================================== Date: Sat, 23 Nov 1996 07:30:35 -0500 From: DIXNAM@aol.com Subject: Ozzy Digest Miscellany Bear: Sleepy? Does this mean you'll soon be going into hibernation? (:-D Hopefully, not. All: It was good to see, in the Autumn '96 Oz Observer, the familiar names of Eleanor Kennedy, Nathan De Hoff, Tyler Jones, and Jane Albright listed as winners/contributors to the Research Table at this year's Ozmopolitan convention. Well done, folks! And although he has become a rare contributor to the Digest, Eric Gjovaag is doing his usual fine job, answering young people's questions in his "Talking With Tik-Tok" column in the Autumn Oz Gazette. Eric, along with fellow "Digesters" Herman Bieber, Stephen Teller and Patrick Maund have been nominated by the IWOC for Club director. Good luck to you all! Dick Randolph ====================================================================== Date: Sat, 23 Nov 1996 10:47:14 -0500 From: DavidXOE@aol.com Subject: Ozzy Digests, 11/20-23/96 We've houseguests this week, so I'm not replying as regularly as usual. 11/20: Dick: I got the Autumn Gazette and Observer a few days ago, too. Also got my ballot and membership renewal form yesterday. Dues are up! But it makes sense to me, though it may cost some members. (Several of our Digest folk are running for the Board - regulars Herm Bieber, Eric Gjovaag, and Steve Teller, and occasional nodder-in Patrick Maund.) It seems that there isn't going to be an Autumn BUGLE, though, or at least the letter with the ballot said that the next one would be the Winter issue, shortly after the first of the year. I hope that this just means that the Autumn issue was skipped in the numbering and not that the material that was going to be in it will have disappeared. Gili: I don't know about Enid Blyton (that is to say, I know who she is, but have never read any of her books), but I've always seen "gollywog" used to refer to a kind of doll (which is, to be sure, a highly racist depiction of a black person) rather than to any kind of human being directly. (One of the pieces in Debussy's "Children's Corner Suite" is "The Gollywog's Cakewalk".) Aaron: Eureka isn't shallow. She's very young in DOTWIZ, but that's not the same thing. The other main publishers in the fantasy field are Baen, Ace, and Del Rey. I've no idea how they treat their authors, though I've friends who've written for all three and they haven't complained unduly. On the other hand, I concur with Ruth that it's unlikely that any of them will want to publish a new FF-consistent Oz book. If you really want to get it published, there's Emerald City Press and there's Buckethead, or there's self-publishing. None will bring you fame and fortune (not that publication by Tor or the others would do that, either), but they'd at least get the book out where Oz fans could read it. Bear: I don't think your version of WIZARD was "censored"; the illustrations you mention that were missing were ones that were at least partially in colored inks in the original, so that reproducing them would have been more complicated. "Abridged" is a better description than "censored". Dave: That a film company has taken an option on WICKED still leaves it far from likely that it will actually be made into a movie. My guess is that it'll never make it. Movie companies take options on all sorts of books; very few of them ever get filmed. 11/21: Tyler: I agree that "Baumgea" is a term that wouldn't have been used before 1899. On the other hand, "America" wasn't used before 1500, either, but that's what everyone calls the two continents in the Western Hemisphere, even though the natives before that wouldn't have used the term. Jeremy: I don't think anyone was arguing over whether Hank is a mule or a donkey. It's quite clear that he's a mule. The question was why Baum frequently referred to him as a donkey. 11/23: Gordon: Yes, I was the one who mentioned "Art Explosion 40,000" as a source of Oz clip art from the books. It was cheaper than that when I bought it, but I got it as an extra offered with an upgrade of MasterJuggler. It's a good collection if you have a use for clip art. Jim: Since there's no E-mail address for Matt Blumberg I can't E-mail him directly, and I'm not phoning him in NYC, but I'd suggest he check Books of Wonder; I know I got a VHS tape of "The Magic Cloak" from them about a year ago, and they may still have it or know how to order it. (I don't know for sure that it's complete; it runs 45 minutes. Because of moving to Chicago right after it arrived, I'll confess that I haven't watched it yet. One day Real Soon Now...) Tyler: SANTA CLAUS is certainly in a very different style from SEA FAIRIES or DOT AND TOT. But like those books (except for the Zog sequence in SF), it has little adventure in it. I don't -dislike- the book, but it's not one I reread often, and when I do it's more for research into Baum's mythos than for the story. Earl: I know of the Sylvie and Bruno books, and even own an omnibus copy, but have never read them. Ruth: The reasons you give why "Baumgea" is "unpronounceable" don't really fit that description. It's true that the "m-g" consonant cluster isn't particularly common in English, but I doubt that the well-known biotech firm "Amgen" would have chosen that name if they'd thought it genuinely difficult to pronounce. Your other arguments all fall into the category of "ambiguous" rather than "unpronounceable". Unpronounceable is something like "pyrzqxgl". Patrick: I've E-mailed you directly on this, but an obvious omission was A NEW WONDERLAND/THE MAGICAL MONARCH OF MO. David Hulan ====================================================================== Date: Sat, 23 Nov 1996 13:48:12 -0500 From: DavidXOE@aol.com Subject: Ozzy Correction Before half a dozen people correct me and another half dozen get upset because they think I was right, I wanted to say that I misread the letter from Peter Hanff that was in with the ballot and renewal form for the IWOC that I got yesterday. There -will- be an Autumn BUGLE, and in fact it should be at the printer's if not in the mail already. So ignore what I said about that in my first post to the Digest today. David Hulan ====================================================================== Date: Sat, 23 Nov 1996 18:03:18 -0500 (EST) From: Richard Bauman <72172.2631@CompuServe.COM> Subject: Today's Oz Growls Ruth - As I am typing this I am also listening to the "Big Game," so I am a little distracted. I am rather surprised. I am trying to imagine an author sitting there and thinking, "Gee, I think I will write a nice book and use the context of Oz." And what comes out is "Wicked." Don't you think the motivations are inherent in the results? Or is it all just happenstance? To me the results are way beyond the bounds of the Oz genre. As a result, I think of it as an exploitation. It is immaterial to me whether it is well or poorly written. I resent seeing a genre I respect being exploited. I also collect Sherlock Holmes books. I resent it when someone writes a book where they have Sherlock in a romance with a woman. Even worse is when someone suggests he and Watson have a gay relationship. Do you see my point? Let's talk about this more. Regards, Bear (:<) ====================================================================== Date: Sat, 23 Nov 1996 18:40:54 -0600 (CST) From: Robin Olderman Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-23-96 _Life and Adventures of S. Claus_ may not be the best-written of Baum's books, but I enjoy it and am fond of it. It pleases the child in me. I can't believe Thanksgiving is this week. Boyoboy, have I got lotsa cooking to do! I'm not complaining; I enjoy it. I like my own cooking. (Actually, I like 'most anybody's cooking...). "Nonestica" is easy to pronounce and includes more than Baum's Oz world. And I love what it means. I wish I'd been the one to make up the term. At any rate, I think I'll always think of the magical world of Oz and surroundings as Nonestica...which, BTW, is absolutely on earth. And someday I'm gonna get there. If it turns out to be Baumgea after all, I'll telegraph one of you to spread the word! --R. ====================================================================== Date: Sat, 23 Nov 1996 23:02:40 -0500 From: Tyler Jones <104707.656@compuserve.com> Subject: Oz Bear: Someone may have metnioned this, but OzBucket is Chris Dulabone; Founder, President, Charmain of the Board and general overall Grand Poobah of Buckethead Enterprises of Oz, or BEOO, publisher of many fine Oz books. Chris rarely if ever signs his name, so most people may not know who he is. Oz bash: In the beginning, I argued for a central location for the 100th anniversary, such as Kansas City, Chicago or Detroit. It seemed that most people either prefered San Diego or Vegas (with the MGM Grand). At the end of the day, I would probably go anywhere in the contiguous 48 states. --Tyler Jones ====================================================================== Date: Sat, 23 Nov 1996 23:29:14 -0500 From: "Melody G. Keller" <104270.2374@compuserve.com> Subject: Ozzy Digest, 11-23-96 Nathan: Zim's visit to Tir N'an Og will likely occur in a later work than the trilogy--unless my creative subconscious shoehorns that plot into book III--which I doubt will happen. :-) AM rather curious about how Robin plans to bring back Dorothy's mom--unless I guessed it right in my last post! Looks like we'll have to wait 'till Robin's opus comes out in hardcover.... Melody Grandy ====================================================================== Date: Sat, 23 Nov 1996 23:21:19 -0800 From: ozbot@ix.netcom.com (ozbot) Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest stuff Lewis Carroll fans, if you are not familiar with the Sylvie and Bruno work, you can check out the e-text of it at the following URL: http://www.mk.net/~dt/Bibliomania/Fiction/Caroll/Sylvie which is one of the many links to Carroll works I have found and will be incorporating into my Wonderland web site, if I ever put the finishing touches on it. . . There always seems to be just *one* more thing I want to add to it. . . sigh Well, to make this post a little more Ozzy, I'll add a random thought of the day. . . What I think would be very (cool/neat/insert apropriate adjective) is if there could be an anthology of little known Oz characters in short stories. Doesn't have to be save-the-continent-of-imagination-or-whatever-its-being-called-today type of stories, just "a day in the life of. . ." and could feature really out of the way characters like Dyna and the Bear Rug, Caka Soap (not PD, I know,) the careless kangaroo, Little Princess Evna, etc. Maybe Oziana fills this need, I don't know. I haven't been an IWOC member too long. That's about it, Danny ====================================================================== Date: Sunday, 24 November, 1996 From: Dave Hardenbrook Subject: Ozzy Things SPECIAL NOTE: I had a system hang while I was downloading my mail this morning, and when I went back into Delphi my mail seemed to have gotten expunged...So if anyone sent me any mail (private or Digest) between about 1AM and 1PM PST today (11/24), you'd better send it again. BEAR: Of course, the idea of Holmes and Watson having a relationship is ridiculous--up there with March Laumer's assertion that Ozma wanted to have a relationship with Dorothy! LEWIS CARROLL: My dad read me _Sylvie and Bruno_ when I was a kid ( He hadn't read it either, so he didn't know what he was getting us into! :) )...The only thing at all that I remeber about it is "the outlandish watch" that reverses time, or at least causality, since conversations happen in reverse sequence, although IIRC the people themselves don't talk backwards and say things like, "Fo draeh I taht dnal a s'ereht; hgih pu yaw, wobniar eht revo erehwemos." :) OZZY MOVIES: I'm looking at "Movies Unlimited", a mail-order catalog for hard-to-find videos, and they have more Oz movies than you'll ever find at Blockbuster! :) Along with "old faithful" (MGM _Wizard_) they have the silents (_Patchwork Girl_, _His Majesty_, etc.); _Journey Back_; a live-action version of _Land_; and something I've never heard of before: Feature-length animations of _Wizard_, _Land_, _Ozma_, and _Emerald City_!!! (If anyone wants more detailed info., E-mail me.) -- Dave ====================================================================== ] c/ \ /___\ *** THE OZZY DIGEST, NOVEMBER 27, 1996 *** |@ @| | V | \\\ |\_/| | ;;; \-/ \ ;/ >< ] ============================================================ Date: Sun, 24 Nov 1996 16:55:05 -0500 From: Tyler Jones <104707.656@compuserve.com> Subject: Oz Danny:=20 That idea of yours could lead to an increase in Oz books, which is always=20 a good thing. Throughout the series (FF and non-FF) there have been quite a= =20 number of interesting minor characters, who came on-screen, did their thing,= =20 then vanished. By tapping the reserve of minor characters, a wealth of=20 potential stories springs to life.=20 Just a reminder, please vote! The Oz Club elections are, if anything, of=20 greater importance than those "other" elections of several weeks ago.=20 I like the partial "at-large" format, where you can vote for up to three=20 of the six running.=20 -Tyler Jones ============================================================ Date: Sun, 24 Nov 1996 16:00:24 -0800 (PST) From: Eric Gjovaag Subject: Ozzy Digest Modesty prevents me from taking credit for "Talk to Tik-Tok" in the Autumn "Gazette," since I didn't write that installment. I suspect Jane dashed it off, taking two questions posted in this very Digest. Frankly, though, I REALLY enjoyed her answers. "The Wizard of Oz on Ice" came through Seattle this past weekend, and I saw it yesterday. Lots of fun, go see it. Highlights for me included Jeri Campbell's Dorothy, Mark Richard Farrington's Cowardly Lion, the WONDERFUL music played when the poppies skated in, and the march of the Winkie Guards. Gjo Vaag Briggs says check it out, when it comes to your town. But DON'T buy ANYTHING before you get the free "Wizard of Oz on Ice Fabulous & Fantastic Fun Facts" booklet, probably at the information desk in the venue. It has coupons for discounts on the program, video, and T-shirts -- all of which Laura and I bought BEFORE we got the booklet... --Eric Gjovaag ### Visit my "Wizard of Oz" web site! http://www.eskimo.com/~tiktok/ ### ============================================================ Date: Sun, 24 Nov 1996 21:36:46 -0500 (EST) From: Richard Bauman <72172.2631@CompuServe.COM> Subject: Today's Oz Growls Gili - Was that am or pm? If the former you better cut back on the coffee!= :) The credentials of the candidates for the Oz Board of Directors were= certainly impressive. And three of our own there. Good luck to all of you. =20 Hmmm. David, I thought my edition might have been censored as all of the "heavier" illustrations were removed, possibly to make it more appealing to parents buying for little folks. I think that's fair. =20 Dave - Exactly! Does your Movies Unlimited source have "Tales of Hoffman?" = I have been looking for a copy that doesn't cost an arm and a leg for 20= years. Regards, Bear (:<) ============================================================ Date: Sun, 24 Nov 1996 22:27:12 +0000 From: Nathan Mulac DeHoff Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-24-96 Priority: normal Comments: Authenticated sender is David: Well, I've never read _Dot and Tot_, so I guess I can't really=20 offer an opinion on this, although I have heard that it is one of=20 Baum's weaker works. I agree that _Sea Fairies_ contained little=20 adventure. I thought that _John Dough_ was probably the most=20 humorous of Baum's non-Oz works, but it lacked a strong plot. Robin: You mentioned that you liked what Nonestica means. What=20 _does_ Nonestica mean? The word "Nonestic" may have come from=20 "Nonentic." Indeed, in _Lucky Bucky_, Neill mistakenly refers to the=20 ocean as the Nonentic. Tyler: I assumed that OzBucket was Chris Dulabone, since he was the=20 head of Buckethead Enterprises. Danny: Your anthology sounded like an interesting idea. I might even=20 be willing to write part of it. Revival of an old topic: It seems that witches can take some water=20 without any ill effects. In _Lost King_, Mombi has a mug of coffee,=20 and it does not seem to harm her. Perhaps only pure water can=20 destroy witches. Nathan Mulac DeHoff lnvf@grove.iup.edu "I've always wanted a smoking jacket, and now I've got one." -Kabumpo, after his robe catches on fire "Thinking causes all the trouble out of the world." -Kachewka "A kinglet without a sceptre is nothing but a flibberjig." -The Blunderer "Oz? Is that a place or a tonic?" -Humpy Ozma and Oz Forever! ============================================================ Date: Mon, 25 Nov 1996 07:15:42 -0800 (PST) From: earlabbe@juno.com (Earl C. Abbe) Subject: Ozzy Digest Submission X-Juno-Line-Breaks: 2-4 How confusing. Somehow the line showing the intended receipients of one of my comments in the 11/23 Digest is not present in the published copy. So I repeat: What a wonderful and life affirming thing for the two of you to do! ============================================================ Date: Mon, 25 Nov 1996 12:04:27 -0500 From: DavidXOE@aol.com Subject: Ozzy Digest, 11-24-96 Gili: Yes, the Gardener's Song is the best-known thing about SYLVIE AND BRUNO, I think. It's reprinted in other places fairly often as an isolated poem. Melody: I too am curious about how Robin plans to bring back Dorothy's mother. Uncle Henry clearly thinks she's dead, so it must have been a pretty convincing disappearance. (Or of course, the story might take place before she dies, which presumably was less than 5-6 years before WIZARD.) Danny: Many stories in OZIANA are of the sort you mention. So are occasional ones= in THE EMERALD CITY MIRROR. David Hulan ============================================================ Date: Mon, 25 Nov 1996 12:40:44 -0600 (CST) From: Ruth Berman Subject: ozzy digest X-Minuet-Version: Minuet1.0_Beta_16 X-POPMail-Charset: English Nathan DeHoff: You're right, "Kabumpo" is the only RPT book where Shaggy=20 Man is mentioned. Neill included him in the endpaper illo to "Royal Book,"= =20 as well. Your identification of him in "Lucky Bucky" sounds plausible. //= =20 I don't think Jinnicky himself refers to his subjects as slaves, but some=20 of the other characters (in addition to the narrative voice) do. Earl Abbe, Gili Bar-Hille, David Hulan, and Dave Hardenbrook: The "Sylvie=20 and Bruno" pair of books are uneven. I can understand why David, even=20 owning a copy, hasn't gone through them. Much of what's in them is as=20 tedious as Earl suggests, but there's also some wonderful stuff scattered=20 through. "The Mad Gardener's Song" Gili mentioned and the episode of the=20 reversible watch Dave mentioned are the outstanding ones, but some other=20 examples are the song of the pig that tried to learn to jump and the=20 Professor's comments about his home planet. The pair is very well worth=20 reading if the reader is prepared to do a judicious amount of skipping. Bear: I haven't read Maguire and Ryman, but I have read interviews with=20 them, and I've read some of Laumer's stuff (also Farmer's "Barnstormer in=20 Oz," which is similar in having a lot of sexual issues brought into the=20 story). And it seems to me that all of them are genuinely trying to do=20 something worthwhile. They don't seem to me to be trying an easy way to=20 get themselves heard by ripping off the Oz books, but rather are turning to= =20 the Oz books as a format that makes it easier for them to frame what they=20 wanted to say. You seem to be arguing that these books must be bad art=20 because they use Oz to do something that is entirely out of line with what= =20 the Oz books were trying to do. But doing something un-ozzy with the Oz=20 format leads to an un-ozzy book, and that in itself doesn't tell you=20 anything about whether the book is worth reading on its own terms. (It=20 does tell you that if you were looking for another Oz book to read, that=20 isn't it.) You suggested the Holmes pastiches as a similar case, but I=20 think they may actually be too similar to give a useful perspective. With= =20 both Oz and Holmes, you're starting with stories where the original authors= =20 carefully left out obvious sexual issues, and the question is whether it's= =20 appropriate to go against that. (Difficult to do convincingly, yes, of=20 course. But that's another set of questions.) Doyle himself told Gillette= =20 to go right ahead when Gillette asked permission to include a romance for=20 Holmes in his play of "Sherlock Holmes" -- and the play is pretty good. =20 For a different perspective, I'd point to Shakespeare's "Troilus and=20 Cressida." It's a mean-spirited, bitter play. Troilus is a fool and=20 Cressida a shallow slut. Compared to Chaucer's "Troilus and Cressida,"=20 you could call it a cheap rip-off. But it's also a great work of art,=20 using the familiar love story, and treating it cynically, as part of an=20 argument that War is Stupid and generates stupid and shallow behavior. =20 It's also quite an unpopular play, rarely produced. But most critics, even= =20 so, feel that it's a great play. ============================================================ Date: Tue, 26 Nov 1996 18:47:04 -0500 From: OzBucket@aol.com Subject: Magic Belt of Oz boundary=3D"PART.BOUNDARY.0.4183.emout14.mail.aol.com.849052016" --PART.BOUNDARY.0.4183.emout14.mail.aol.com.849052016 1996 is drawing to a close. That means that the deadline to enter the Magic Belt contest is also drawing near. For anyone who has not already heard, I= am having a contest focusing upon *Kaliko in Oz* and OSP's *Time Traveling in Oz*. Anyone wanting to get involved should read these two books asap and write a short essay explaining the origin of the Magic Belt. Feel free to E-mail your essays to me at ozbucket@aol.com or send them via snail-mail if there is time. I had said that the deadline was January first, but might be willing to fudge on that a little if I know another submission is on the= way. Also, don't forget about the similar contest concerning *Lost Emeralds* and *Mysterious Chronicles*, which ends in August. Attached is my latest list,= so you can order all these books (except *Chronicles*) directly from me. LIST OF PUBLICATIONS FROM BUCKETHEAD ENTERPRISES OF OZ=20 All prices are postage paid. 1606 Arnold Palmer Loop, Belen, NM 87002. order # 8.) *A Viking in Oz* by Chris Dulabone $6.50. A very unusual adventure story complete with dragons, mermaids and underwater humor beyond your wildest expectations! 13.) *The Deadly Desert Around Oz* by Chris Dulabone. Illustrated by Leigh Perry $10.00 The first serious Oz writings of Buckethead's founder. Dorothy, dragons and Dust-devils galore! 14.) *Veggy Man of Oz* by Nate Barlow. Cover by Melody Grandy. $10.00 You will meet many new friends in this volume of hOztory by an award-winning author. The beautiful full-color cover is worth the cost of the book alone! 16.) *The Magic Diamond of Oz* by Danica Libutti, et al $6.00 Could the Nome King have a kind-hearted brother? It seems unfathomable, but this book proves it! Written and illustrated by a group of youngsters, including a full-color cover, this has been one of our hottest Oz books. 17.) *The Crocheted Cat in Oz* by Hugh Pendexter. Illustrated by CG Taber $10.00 It's back. And this time it's priced to sell. If you missed out the first time around, don't make that mistake again! 19.) *The Colorful Kitten of Oz* by Chris Dulabone. Illustrated by Melody Grandy $10.00 The full-color cover and fantastic interior art by veteran Oz illustrator Melody Grandy are among her finest. This one is too good to miss! 20.) *Wooglet in Oz* by Hugh Pendexter. Illustrated by David St. Albans $10.00 The classic by the artist who brought us *Bungle and the Magic Lantern of Oz* (#34). Stunningly beautiful artwork! 22.) *Skeezik and the Mys Tree of Oz* by Marcus Mebes et al. $7.00 A provocative Oz book that deals with some very real problems from our side of the Deadly Desert. Recommended for reading in the nurturing family= circle. 23.) *A Wonderful Journey in Oz* by Ryan Gannaway $5.00 Ryan has since gone on to start up the Ozian Seahorse Press, and we want to help him out as best we can by continuing to support his excellent Oz efforts. See back page of this list for more Gannaway items. 24.) *Dorothy Returns to Oz* by Shawn Billman, et al $5.00 Charlie is an evil Troll with magical powers. Can Dorothy, with the help of a magical unicorn and a rather pathetic dragon, stop his evil deeds? 27.) *The Dinamonster of Oz* by Kenneth Gage Baum. Illustrated by Gita Baum Morena $10.00 Okay, one more time. Baum written. Baum illustrated. Baum introduction. Baum book. 30.) *Dagmar in Oz* by Chris Dulabone. Illustrated by Charlene Greski = $6.00 The Scoodlers lost their heads *literally* in L. Frank Baum's *The Road to Oz*. But just how did they get them back? And just what diabolical plan is their queen, Dagmar, launching with her new mind-controlling formula? A charming little girl and a mind-boggling creature add spice to this volume! 31.) *The Flying Bus in Oz* by Ruth Morris. Illustrated by Corinne Morris. Color cover by Melody Grandy. $10.00 The young French-Canadian heroine of this volume is one of the few non-Americans to get to Oz. Frogs, snakes, and a unique game of Scrabble will catch the interest of any Oz reader. 32.) *Lunarr and Maureen in Oz* by Chris Dulabone. Illustrated by Marcus Mebes $8.00 This was Brewster Bunny's first published appearance. Together with Toto and an odd feathered lizard, he must help save a whole community from the wiles of a nasty Skitterdo... 33.) *The Emerald Ring of Oz* by Jeremy Steadman. Illustrated by Chris Dulabone $10.00 A lost little boy, swashbuckling pirates, magical treasures and Oz! 34.) *Bungle and the Magic Lantern of Oz* by Greg Gick. Illustrated by David St. Albans $10.00 A macaroni penguin? An airworm? A real live Chimera? These are just a few of the characters who pepper this volume featuring Toto and Bungle the Glass Cat. 35.) *The Magic Tapestry of Oz* by Marcus Mebes & Chris Dulabone $8.00 YES! This is the book that has been talked about a lot lately. A marvelous Time Machine carries a number of our Oz friends back to see how the whole thing began. 36.) *The Odd Tale of Osoenft in Oz* by Marcus Mebes et al $15.00 As in *Mys-Tree* (#22), the issues discussed on these pages may be very real. It is recommended reading for the nurturing family circle. 37.) *The Disenchanted Princess in Oz* by Melody Grandy. $25.00 300 pages of non-stop action, plus full-color cover! This is the book that Tyler Jones hails as Buckethead's best ever. 38.) *Invisible Inzi of Oz* by R & V Wauchope. Illustrated by Eric Shanower $10.00 A fun story with a most amazing history. 39.) *Cory in Oz* by Allison McBain $10.00 A sinister Nome King has cast a terrible spell over the good witches of Oz. Now young Cory is discovering that she is not quite like other people. What is it that makes her different, and what can be done about this Nome? 40.) *The Lunechien Forest of Oz* by Chris Dulabone. Illustrated by Mark Woody $10.00 Even if you can't pronounce the title, you'll love this full-length Ozzy sequel to Baum's *Animal Fairy Tales*. 41.) *The Case of The Framed Fairy in Oz* by Gil Joel $5.00 Why is there a Perry Mason book on an Oz list? Fans of E. Stanley Gardner's fine mystery series will find much to enjoy in this uniquely humorous volume of Ozian lore. 42.) *Kaliko in Oz* by K. Kline. Illustrated by Michael Goldmann $10.00 The beautiful full-color cover (actually put together by Melody Grandy) is worth the cost of the book alone. But this volume also contains a magical tale of Nomes and giant eggs! Get yours now, so that you'll have plenty of time to join in on our exciting new Ozzy contest! 43.) *The Marvelous Monkeys of Oz* by Chris Dulabone. Illustrated by Paul McGrory $10.00 Not to be confused with Dennis Anfuso's book of a similar title. The first volume in a new Oz trilogy about those long-ignored flying monkeys. It sports a full-color cover, as well as several interior drawings that show us a unique perspective on how Oz looks to a winged monkey... 44.) *Egor's Funhouse Goes to Oz* by Chris Dulabone $28.00 A survey of our readers indicated that you wanted it. I can't imagine why. But for the Oz collector who has everything, this is our founder's very earliest Oz book: written when he was but seven years old. Not his most intellectual stuff, but it is signed and numbered. Exceedingly limited supplies, and not a CHANCE of a second edition. 45.) *Red Reera the Yookoohoo & the Enchanted Easter Eggs of Oz* by RG Quinn. Illustrated by Marcus Mebes. $10.00 The title is a little overwhelming, but it is a very nice Oz story. You will want to read it all year long, not just at Easter. The elegant oversized full-color cover is suitable for framing. 46.) *Brewster Bunny & the Case of the Outrageous Enchantments of Oz* by Marcus Mebes.=20 This oversized title belongs to a very special broadside in which our favorite Oz detective must, with your help, restore many enchanted people and objects. It contains a color illustration, as well as all of the text and clues that you will need to fill in the enclosed grid to solve the case! $2.00 with additional order of $15.00 or more, $3.00 a la carte 47.) *The Healing Power of Oz* by Gil Joel. Illustrated by Marcus Mebes.= =20 This isn't the self-help book one may assume from its title. It is a story about the Nome King's latest wild idea. The magnificent illustrations are among the best we have ever seen. $12.00 for a normal, ordinary copy. But if you are an avid supporter of Oz, you will want the $20.00 special edition. Limited to only 25 copies, this has an extra illustration in glorious color, signed and numbered the late Mr. Mebes! 48.) *The Lost Emeralds of Oz* by Frederick E. Otto. Illustrated by Derek Sullivan. $10.00 The passing of Mr. Fred Otto was sad news for all of us. This book is published in his memory, and I hope that we will all remember Fred with fondness and warmth. Also, be sure to join in a new Ozzy contest! 49.) *The Haunted Castle of Oz* by Marcus Mebes. $10.00 This is a well-written and profusely illustrated tome that will not give you nightmares in spite of that rather frightening title. It is the only time that the late Marcus Mebes wrote a complete, full-length Oz book completely on his own without any co-authors. The illustrations in this book also display a transitional period in Mr. Mebes' career. 50.) *The Fantastic Funhouse of Oz* by Chris Dulabone. $12.00 The Wicked Witch of the West has learned that a certain carnival-style funhouse designer has just put together a funhouse based on Baum's *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz*. She isn't very happy about it, either! So she replaces the electronic image of herself and takes venegance upon the children. Humor, excitement and old-fashioned fun abound in this hefty new volume of Oz history! 51.) *Fwiirp in Oz* by Nate Barlow, Marcus Mebes, et al. Illustrated by multiple artists. $10.00 A group of well-known Oz authors and illustrators all combined forces to produce this wonderful new Oz novel. It is also an excellent way for newcomers to Oz to sample the writing styles of various Oz authors before buying their books. Our most colorful cover ever! 52.) *The Tin Castle of Oz* by Peter Schulenburg $12.00 The Tin Woodman does have a remarkable home, doesn't he? But how was it built? Who designed it? The Tin Woodman himself, with a little help from Mr. Schulenburg, narrates this charming book, which also includes a Yellow Brick layer, some amiable caterpillars and several of our favorite Ozian companions! Incredibly beautiful and Ozzy color cover! 53.) *Pegasus in Oz* Annie Brzozowski. Illustrated by Steve Burt. $10.00 Could the legendary flying horse really exist? How about a tremendous dragon who likes to party? These are but a couple of the wonderful new friends that Donald, our hero, encounters in this action-packed new Oz novel. Tik-Tok, the Patchwork Girl and a host of other beloved Oz celebrities are here, too! But watch out! There is an evil Cyclops who is looking for his next meal, and he is eyeing Donald in a most hungry manner! 54.) *A Queer Quest for Oz* by Chris Dulabone. Illustrated by Mark Woody.= $12.00 A sequel to Ruth Plumly Thompson's popular *Captain Salt in Oz*, in which a nefarious Necromancer has come up with a plan that he thinks will get him into Oz. Meanwhile, Samuel Salt and Ato are roped into playing a bizarre game of Snakes and Ladders that will leave you howling. 55.) *A Silver Elf in Oz* by Marin Elizabeth Xiques and Chris Dulabone. Illustrated by Marcus Mebes. $12.00. One of Mebes' last few Oz items, and among his very finest. Also, Rinny needed a book with her name in it to offer as a prize in the Quadling and Winkie Quizzes next summer... When Faith and Gideon set out to save their city, they are in for a series of wild and wonderful adventures sure to keep you turning the pages! Be ready for a twisted elf, an icy buffalo-monster and many of your favorite celebrities from Oz! 56.) *Beach Blanket BabylOz* by Christopher Wayne Buckley. Illustrated by Melody Grandy. $12.00 (Forthcoming). Ozma, the Wizard and friends in California? Why are they there? I can tell you, it has little to do with the Winkie Con. at Asilomar. Breathtaking full-color cover displays Ozma in a swimsuit, and you know you want that... NON-BUCKETHEAD ITEMS THAT WE'RE ALSO WILLING TO OFFER TO OUR READERS: A2.) *A Murder in Oz* by Jack Snow. Illustrated. $3.00 This pamphlet is by the author of two of the Famous Forty. It is here offered for the first time in book form. Ozma has been =D1gasp=D1 murdered!= Can this be true? Don't give away the ending. A4.) *Oz Activity Book* by ABQ Ozmite Club. $2.00 Puzzles and drawings by young Oz fans. Icludes a diagram of Tik-Tok's inner workings. A5.) *Sail Away to Oz* by Marcus Mebes. $5.00 Here is a very unique dream sequence which includes a surprise appearance by Rinkitink. Written in verse, this is one of Mebes' more unusual Oz collectables. Hand stitched. Adult themes. B1.) *Radioactive Teddy Bear from !CENSORED! Destroys Oz* by Marcus Mebes and Peter Sandbothe. $10.00 A comic book that is guaranteed to put off even the most depraved Oz fans. Makes staring at garbage seem nice. You DON'T want a copy. Trust me. C2.) *The Mysterious Caverns of Oz II* by Marcus Mebes. $10.00 A beautiful second edition of the original story, this book has been entirely revised, expanded and rewritten by the author. Wonderfully reillustrated by Palo Verde Emeralds! This is an item you don't want to miss. Supplies are *very* limited, so order now! OZIAN SEAHORSE PRESS (order from BEoO) OSP1.) *Time Travelling in Oz* by Ryan Gannaway. Illustrated by Marcus Mebes. $8.00 Mr. Gannaway is an Oz phenomenon, having written over twenty excellent full-length volumes about our favorite fairyland. Marcus Mebes also needs no introduction. This is one that you won't want to miss! OSP2.) *Sinister Gases in Oz* by Ryan Gannaway. Illustrated by Marcus Mebes. $10.00 A breathtaking follow-up to *Time Travelling*. Its marvelous FULL-COLOR cover and exciting adventure will please Oz fans of all ages! Once again, Marcus Mebes did the pictures. OSP3.) *As the Clock Strikes Oz* by Ryan Gannaway. Illustrated by Derek Sullivan. FORTHCOMING. A powerful villain has created a diabolical timepiece which could change the course of history as we know it. Ryan Gannaway's writing is crisp and easy to follow, and the phantasmagorical illustrations are sure to get attention, too! ============================================================ Date: Wed, 27 Nov 1996 04:47:28 -0800 (PST) From: Eric Gjovaag Subject: oz question "nikko" (fwd) Here's an interesting question that I can't give a definitive answer to. Anybody with any insight into this, please let Joel know. (And please do so to his e-mail address, since he's not a part of this Digest's mailing list.) --Eric Gjovaag ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Tue, 26 Nov 96 14:02:11 -0800 From: Joel@learntv.com Subject: oz question "nikko" Hello -=20 I was wondering if somebody out there in Oz-land could help me. My name is Joel Husenits and I'm a writer for a Chicago-based computer software company called Jellyvision (makers of the "You Don't Know Jack" series of cd-rom trivia games). We're currently working on a new game, and need to find out the proper pronunciation of the character "Nikko" in the 1939 film version of "Wizard of Oz". The character was the head of the winged monkeys and was played by Pat Walshe.=20 There has been hot debate around our office as to whether the name rhymes with "freako" or "sicko" - an "long E" or a "short I" vowel sound. Any thoughts on the matter would be greatly appreciated! I can be reached at: joel@learntv.com Thank you for your time! Joel Husenits Jellyvision ======================================================================== Date: Mon, 25 Nov 1996 10:05:40 -0800 (PST) From: hanabanana@juno.com (Hana S. Field) Subject: Wizard of Oz Editors-Note: This message is from a non-member, so please respond privately. I just received this address as part of a Oz and Endsissue from Angelica Carpenter, and am very anxious to write. My name is Hana Field, I am a high school student in Chicago, researching the censorship of The Wizard of Oz. I will be writing a paper on this topic for a competition that I have participated in for three years (this is my fourth). The paper will be entered in the Chicago Metro History Fair, which extends also to a state and national level. Every year so far I have reached state level, but I am aiming to win the state level this year and move on to Washington D.C. I believe I have good chances --- I have a very interesting topic that is a pleasure to research. I have read that people can post questions in The Ozzy Digest. I would like to ask if anyone has information or useful references concerning the censorship of The Wizard of Oz. I am specifically investigating why the Oz books were censored, specific censorship/book banning cases, the public reaction, and the impact over time of these actions. I would appreciate all the responses I can get, even if it does not directly pertain to one of the specific topics I listed above. This is definitely a fun and useful way to obtain information. Thanks! Hana Field HanaBanana@juno.com ======================================================================== Date: Wed, 27 Nov 1996 08:20:51 -0800 From: wizofoz@okway.okstate.edu (Trisha Gedon) To: DaveH47@delphi.com Content-description: cc:Mail note part Here's wishing all Digest members a Happy Thanksgiving! ======================================================================== Date: Tue, 26 Nov 1996 16:28:31 -0500 (EST) From: Gili Bar-Hillel To: Dave Hardenbrook Reply-to: gili@scso.com Hi Digest! Today my American Theatre class was taken on tour of the Harvard theatre collection, which is one of the oldest and largest theatre archives in the world. I stayed behind for a little over an hour, to see what I could dig up on the 1902 "Wizard of Oz". The very first file the clerk pulled out for me, the tip of the tip of the iceberg, contained a small, odd collection of articles and programs spanning nearly a century. Some of them set me drooling, for instance: an original program for the 1903 of "The Wizard of Oz" in the Majestic theatre in New-York. The ads in this program are hilarious. The Majestic touts itself as the safest theatre in New York "virtually fireproof", and the programme includes a very prominent diagram of all the fire exits in the house: possibly because of the tragic fire in a Chicago theatre earlier that year (mentioned in M.P.Hearn's annotations to the theatre reviews reprinted in "The Baum Bugle" a couple of years ago).=20 Another delicious program: for a 1904 run of "The Wizard of Oz" in Boston. The ads printed in the program include two ads for "The Boston Herald" with the slogan "what did the Wogglebug say?", and drawings of the Sacrecrow and Tinwoodman; and an ad for "The Marvelous Land of Oz", hot off the press. Of course I asked for photocopies of these programs, though copying in the archive is a dear 30c a page. Also photocopied an unidentified 1925 review of Larry Semon's film version of "The Wizard of Oz".=20 The file had some New-York Times reviews from 1989 and 1993, programs for various production of "The Wizard of Oz" in the Boston area in the 60's, and a whole bunch of clippings and reviews of an apparantly tremendously succesful Boston revival of "The Wizard of Oz" as a Christmas Pantomime in 1911, at the Castle Square Theatre. Here's a quote out of one of them that especially tickled my fancy (author unknown): "Ordinarily one doesn't enjoy such lack of mentality. But L. Frank Baum, P. Tietjens and A. Baldwin Sloane put together such a cheerfully irresponsible entertainment that no one can object even to the Lady Lunatic, for she shows such deep insight into life and dramatic literature when she gives us the mad scene from HAMLET with "young spring onions - that's for remembrance". I shall be going back to the archive, to see if they have an actual script for an early production of the show, or any forgotten photographs or sketches...=20 ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Gili Bar-Hillel abhillel@fas.harvard.edu gili@scso.com http://www.scso.com/~gili "He thought he saw an Elephant =20 |\ _,,,---,,_ That practised on a fife: =20 /,`.-'`' -. ;-;;,_ He looked again, and found it was =20 |,4- ) )-,_..;\ ( `'-' A letter from his wife. =20 '---''(_/--' `-'\_) 'At length I realise,' he said, =20 (cat by Felix Lee) 'The bitterness of Life!'" =20 - Lewis Carrol, "Sylvie and Bruno"=20 ======================================================================== Date: 27-Nov-96 01:06:31 PM From: Dave Hardenbrook Subject: Ozzy Things Many people have requested info. for "Movies Unlimited", so I decided to post it to the Digest... Movies Unlimited 6736 Castor Ave. Philadelphia PA 19149 24-hour order line: 1-800-523-0823 Ozzy Titles Available: Wizard of Oz (MGM) Ultimate Oz (MGM box gift package) Wizard of Oz (silent, Oliver Hardy as Tin Man) Magic Cloak of Oz (silent) His Majesty, the Scarecrow of Oz (silent) Journey Back to Oz (animated) Wonderful Wizard of Oz (animated) Marvelous Land of Oz (live-action, NOT Shirley Temple) Marvelous Land of Oz (animated) Ozma of Oz (animated) Emerald City of Oz (animated) Patchwork Girl of Oz (silent) The MGM Oz and the silents are $19.99 each, except the Oliver Hardy "Wizard", which is $24.99; The animations are $14.99 each, Ultimate Oz is $99.99, and the live-action "Land" is $39.99 (these prices don't include S&H or possible sales tax of course). Curiously, they don't appear to carry "Return to Oz". -- Dave ===================================================================== ] c/ \ /___\ *** THE OZZY DIGEST, NOVEMBER 28 - 29, 1996 *** |@ @| | V | \\\ |\_/| | ;;; \-/ \ ;/ >< ] (Because of low holiday traffic on the Internet, there was no Digest for Turkey Day...Let me know folks if *today's* Digest comes sprinkled with hexadecimals... -- Dave) ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 27 Nov 1996 04:47:28 -0800 (PST) From: Eric Gjovaag Subject: oz question "nikko" (fwd) Here's an interesting question that I can't give a definitive answer to. Anybody with any insight into this, please let Joel know. (And please do so to his e-mail address, since he's not a part of this Digest's mailing list.) --Eric Gjovaag ---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Tue, 26 Nov 96 14:02:11 -0800 From: Joel@learntv.com Subject: oz question "nikko" Hello - I was wondering if somebody out there in Oz-land could help me. My name is Joel Husenits and I'm a writer for a Chicago-based computer software company called Jellyvision (makers of the "You Don't Know Jack" series of cd-rom trivia games). We're currently working on a new game, and need to find out the proper pronunciation of the character "Nikko" in the 1939 film version of "Wizard of Oz". The character was the head of the winged monkeys and was played by Pat Walshe. There has been hot debate around our office as to whether the name rhymes with "freako" or "sicko" - an "long E" or a "short I" vowel sound. Any thoughts on the matter would be greatly appreciated! I can be reached at: joel@learntv.com Thank you for your time! Joel Husenits Jellyvision ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 27 Nov 1996 17:58:33 -0600 (CST) From: Robin Olderman Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-27-96 Dorothy's mother disappeared from Kansas to help a friend. Uncle Henry has known for many years that her disappearance was mysterious. He, Em, and even the major magic workers in Oz have tried to locate her, unsuccessfully. They decided long ago that it was "better" to let Dorothy think her mom had died. That's all I think I want to divulge No, I guess I can tell you the friend was Shaggy's dad, a wandering peddler. Relax: I haven't done anything tacky like create a love interest there Gili: The research sounds like lots of fun. I'm jealous! BTW, that fire you mentioned was probably the Iroquois Theater fire, the one that was responsible for the law requiring fire exit doors to open when pushed, not pulled. It was also responsible for the death of my greatgrandmother. Fortunately, she'd left her baby daughter at home that day. If I can talk you into a visit to Texas, you can go to the H. Ransom Library at U.T. Austin and see two of Baum's original manuscripts. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! How doth the little bumblebee, A buzzin' at the doorway, A sippin' at cranberries juiced And nibblin' punkin pie... . I loathe thee, little bumblebee. I'd send you off to Norway, If I could send you very smooooshed... Buzz outta here or die! (I really shouldn't attempt poesy when I'm this tired.) --Robin ====================================================================== Date: Wed, 27 Nov 1996 22:09:46 -0500 From: Tyler Jones <104707.656@compuserve.com> Subject: Oz The Hexadecimal Wars of Oz: It seems that the =3D and =20 have returned in today's digest. Maybe that rascally =52=75=67=67=65=64=6F (I mean Ruggedo, of course) is up to something. Laumer and Farmer: I'll reassert what Ruth Berman said. I do not believe that Farmer or Laumer were trying to ruin Oz or attack it in any way. They wrote fantastic stories (except for _Green Dolphin_, IMHO) that were different from the original. Chris: Does your list imply that we can order OSP items from you? Also, my web page will be updated with the new information Chris has supplied me sometime this week. --Tyler Jones ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 28 Nov 1996 05:54:09 -0800 (PST) From: Eric Gjovaag Subject: Ozzy Digest Has anybodyt out there received the latest edition of "The Oz Collector" from Books of Wonder? Peter Glassman told me they were sent out several weeks ago, but I never got mine. He's sending me another one, but in the meantime, I'm wondering if this was just me, or if perhaps there was some hiccup that caused it to miss a lot of people (I've seen that happen before). --Eric Gjovaag ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 28 Nov 1996 11:53:07 -0500 From: HermBieber@aol.com Subject: 3D Version of Ozzy Digest Dear Dave, I don't know whether this is a MacIntosh or AOL aberation, but the digest downloaded with lines and lines of "....3D-3D-3D-3D-3D-.....etc." There were also numbers (esp. "20") liberally sprinkled throughout the text. Que pasa? Happy Turkey. Best, Herm ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 29 Nov 1996 12:11:32 -0500 From: DavidXOE@aol.com Subject: Ozzy digest, 11-27-96 I trust everyone had a pleasant Thanksgiving holiday. Among other items to be thankful for, I include Dave Hardenbrook for running the Digest, Peter Glassman and Chris Dulabone for publishing new entries in the chronicles of Oz, and the IWOC board for keeping the club running through the dislocations of the past year without any important hiccups apparent to the general run of the membership. Tyler: The characters with relatively brief walk-ons tend to be found more in Thompson and Neill than in the works that are currently PD, but there are probably enough of them in Baum, the PD Thompsons, and Snow to keep writers and publishers busy until the rest of the books enter PD. Some characters, like the Guardian of the Gate, are pretty challenging to dream up a book-length adventure for. But it shouldn't be too tough to think of a full-blown adventure featuring, say, Langwidere, or Hip Hopper, or the Lavender Bear. Bear: I suppose it's possible that your edition of WIZARD was censored, but I suspect it was just the economics of reproducing the colored pictures in the text. Nathan: BoW has a lightly-bowdlerized (taking out some racist remarks) edition of DOT AND TOT available now; you should probably add it to your collection, even though it's probably Baum's weakest book originally published under his own name. If nothing else, it gives background for a few of the Oz books, especially ROAD. As a story, though, it's pretty boring. It's also perhaps the strongest argument that Nonestica/Baumgea/Imagination is not on our world. It's possible to say one should ignore Thompson and the later writers, but it's very difficult to reconcile the facts that (a) Baum says Merryland and Ev are both on that continent; (b) Baum says that Dorothy drifted less than 24 hours from somewhere in the South Pacific and landed in Ev; and (c) Baum says that Dot and Tot drifted in a matter of hours from a point on the Hudson River into Merryland with the presence of Nonestica on our planet, since this would imply that it stretches from the South Pacific all the way across the Pacific and North America (or, if you want to reverse the map, all the way across Asia, Europe, and the North Atlantic). I think a continent that size would be noticed, and it was only Oz that had the barrier of invisibility (which seems to be pretty porous in any case). I still believe that Oz is in a parallel world, with no one-to-one correspondence of locations on that world and locations on ours. And magic gates can open at any time and place, usually through some kind of shock like the storms in OZMA and TIK-TOK and PIRATES, or the earthquake in DOTWIZ, or through the direct action of magic as in ROAD or JACK PUMPKINHEAD, but occasionally by random chance, as in DOT AND TOT. David Hulan ====================================================================== ] c/ \ /___\ *** THE OZZY DIGEST, NOVEMBER 30, 1996 *** |@ @| | V | \\\ |\_/| | ;;; \-/ \ ;/ >< ] ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 29 Nov 1996 19:30:11 -0500 From: Tyler Jones <104707.656@compuserve.com> Subject: Oz Good News: The Hexies seem to have departed today. Hopefully, Glinda gave them their own island in the Nonestic, where they can be as happy as the day is long. Peter and Eric: I have not received an Oz Collector in quite a while. I did, however, receive their catalog for non-Ozzy items. David: Absolutely. The list of potential characters around which to build a story very long, even if we restrict ourselves to the PD ones. --Tyler Jones ====================================================================== Date: Thu, 28 Nov 1996 22:17:04 -0600 (CST) From: Robin Olderman Subject: DIGEST I think someone asked what Nonestica means. Non=not. Est=is. But we all know that Oz exists. :) ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 29 Nov 1996 19:53:55 -0500 From: DavidXOE@aol.com Subject: Ozzy Digest, 11-29-96 Dave: I had the hexadecimal garbage in the 11/27 Digest, but figured that it was a momentary glitch so didn't mention it. The 11/29 Digest was fine. (I don't know if it has anything to do with the fact that the 11/27 Digest was long enough I had to download it and read it with MS Word rather than straight through the AOL reader.) Robin: So the reference to Dorothy's "dead mother" in EMERALD CITY was an error on the part of Baum and/or his informant? Eric: I got an "Oz Collector" not too long ago, with the lead item being "A Loving Tribute" ad for MARGARET, FRANK, AND ANDY (a tribute to Margaret Wise Brown, L. Frank Baum, and E.B. White). It also says that the hardcover edition of QUEEN ANN is nearly sold out and the price is jacked up to $44.95 for the few that are left, which should improve your royalties. (Don't quit your day job, though... ;-)) David Hulan ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 29 Nov 1996 20:30:04 -0500 (EST) From: Richard Bauman <72172.2631@CompuServe.COM> Subject: TODAY'S OZ GROWLS Robin - Tired...... or...... Your doggeral had a certain flavor that I think I recognize. Perhaps a little spiritus frumenti? :) Eric - I received my "The Oz Collector" from Books of Wonder here on the left coast like you. Maybe your mailperson is an Oz fan. :) David - Your scenario is certainly reasonable, but the missing pictures were not only the colored ones. As I said, they seemed to be the "harder" ones in terms of content. To elaborate, you might say those that would be frightening or disturbing to a small child. I don't have any trouble with that. Children get enough of that kind of thing watching television now. Somehow Wily Coyote getting hit on the head with an anvil in my era seemed a lot milder than the robber getting a hot iron in the face, etc. in "Home Alone" in the current era. I'm certainly thankful for Dave providing us with this way to talk to interesting people and make new friends. A friend has finally helped me break through Compuserves blockade to the WWW. I'm off to find your web pages. Regards, Bear (:<) ====================================================================== Date: Fri, 29 Nov 1996 23:15:15 -0600 (CST) From: Robin Olderman Subject: Re: Ozzy Digest, 11-29-96 Nonestica: Why does it have to be a continent? I think of Nonestica as a generic term for the entire magical area wherein we find the locations of the countries in the Oz stories. Oz appears to be on its own continent. Ev may be, too, with a Land of Ev in it. A chapter heading in _Pirates_ is "Meanwhile, in Ev--." The chapter is about Menankypoo. Also, the Nome Kingdom is said to be under Ev. And Jinnicky doesn't live in Evna with Evardo and the royal family. Anyway, I think Nonestica refers to the complete world of the Oz or Baum-related countries. Perhaps I feel this way because I've always loved Barrie's name for his Peter Pan world. Neverland/Nonestica--they both work for me. Gee, and there's Erewhon... . --R. ====================================================================== Date: Sat, 30 Nov 1996 07:54:49 -0800 (PST) From: Eric Gjovaag Subject: Ozzy note If anyone is looking for the Mego "Wizard of Oz" dolls from the mid-70's, my wife has found a source on the Internet. (She was going to buy some from him for me for Christmas -- until she found out I had them all already...) Just e-mail Megoman2@aol.com for info and prices and such. --Eric "This is my way of making up to him after my wife had to cancel her order" Gjovaag ### Visit my "Wizard of Oz" web site! http://www.eskimo.com/~tiktok/ ### ====================================================================== Date: Sat, 30 Nov 1996 12:21:26 -0500 From: "Melody G. Keller" <104270.2374@compuserve.com> Subject: Ozzy Digest, 11-27-96 Bear: Sherlock Holmes sneered at love. Watson valued love--he fell in love and got married. Sherlock suffered from bouts of depression, nervous prostration and took cocaine. Watson did not need cocaine. Think about it. ;-) :-) Of course, loving and marrying a sadist can also lead to bouts of nervous prostration and using drugs to recapture the happiness the sadistic partner systematically destroys. ANY feeling, not just love, can mess with good judgment, leading one to act stupid. Look at the stupid (and dangerous) things people do when *angry!*. Watson ended up with a good spouse by using his brain as well as his heart. Sherlock Holmes likely sneered at love because if everyone did love each other, he'd be out of business as a consulting detective! :-) :-) If I were to write a "Sherlock Holmes Falls In Love" story (which you have strenuously objected to), first of all, I would not have him "fall in love." Infatuation would not be like him. The woman he calls "The Woman" made him respect her *intelligence.* That would probably be the only type of woman Sherlock would ever consider marrying--if he got over his prejudice against the opposite sex. But in Victorian days most women were kept at the ignoramus level of education, making it just about impossible for any woman to win the respect of a Holmes. Possible match for Sherlock Holmes--lady genius, highly educated, solitary habits (an emotionally needy woman "Hug me, kiss me." would drive him nuts), quiet (a motormouth would also drive him nuts! "Get out! I cannot concentrate!!!"), nerves of steel (this guy had enemies), adventurous, perhaps able to tolerate his pipe and his messy habits but *not* his arrogance. And definitely able to outsmart him like The Woman did. Er---the connection with Oz? I illustrated a couple of "Great Detective in Oz" stories for Oziana, and then wrote and illustrated one. It was fun! Ruth Berman: Enjoyed your "Sherlock Holmes in Oz" story when I bought the Oziana back issue. Jim Whitcomb: Liked your Website! Especially the rainbow background colors. Melody Grandy ====================================================================== Date: 30-Nov-96 01:35:32 PM From: Dave Hardenbrook Subject: Ozzy Things BAUMGEA!: Robin Olderman wrote: >I think someone asked what Nonestica means. Non=not. Est=is. But we >all know that Oz exists. :) And if "Nonestica" ("Not is") is another "Self-assertion of non-existance" name like "Imagination", then I assert that "Baumgea" is STILL the only acceptable name for those of us who know that Oz et. al. are REAL! And what if it IS a name that couldn't have been used before its discovery by Baum? What were the regions that are now the Republic of Columbia, Columbus Ohio, and the District of Columbia called before the arrival of one Christoforo Columbo? :) -- Dave ======================================================================