What one thing should TC have taken to the Land with him?

[Landwaster]

... was that intentional?

*nods*

[Zephalephelah]

I have to tell you that I'm not much for comedy of my favorite books. This isn't to say that I don't have a sense of humor and that I enjoy some of your comedy (The Land for Dummies, etc.), it's just that I take the books fairly seriously.
I suspect that the original poster of this topic suggested that Covenant should bring something small with him instead of a penknife, something that he could carry, so a car or something would be out of the question. This question also interests me because it puts you in Covenant's shoes, a place where at least half the readers would feel themselves uncomfortable to be.
If I were Thomas Covenant and I knew that I was going to the land then I would bring a mini-DVD player with a small assortment of documentaries from national geographic and the history channel. The reason that I would do this is because although the Lords are willing to accept that he comes from a different place than the Land, they seem unable to believe that this could mean another real dimension. It is almost as if they believe that he might come from another part of the world of the land. But if he could show them a DVD on WW2 or that that people of his world who had the capability to record them on such incredible technology found the most terrifying creatures to be lions and sharks, then they would be more apt and willing to listen to him when he said that the land was a dream to him. I think it would help them come up with more distinct proof for him that the land was real such as the obvious proof that he dreamed within his 'dream', something I believe Morham touched upon.
That is what I would do. I'm not saying that its the best idea but I like it.

[aTOMiC]

I suspect that the original poster of this topic suggested that Covenant should bring something small with him instead of a penknife, something that he could carry, so a car or something would be out of the question.

Exactly. I've suggested a few rather ridiculous things but that was my initial thought. A flashlight, PDA, handgun, or as you mentioned so well, a portable dvd. Something compact, easy to keep on his person but an item that would have had an impact on the story.

[dANdeLION]

I have to tell you that I'm not much for comedy of my favorite books.

That's a shame. Humor is what keeps us one link ahead of the monkeys in the evolutionary chain; humor is what kept France from attacking the US in the past, and vice versa in the present. It is also what makes me try to pronounce your name. I'm sorry you lost your sense of humor. I once lost my sense of touch, and it made me feel so....well, frankly I didn't feel anything. No sense of touch, remember? Fortunately, I got better. But I digress.

I suspect that the original poster of this topic suggested that Covenant should bring something small with him instead of a penknife, something that he could carry, so a car or something would be out of the question.

The original poser of this topic is a self-confessed moron, whose cheese-doodle encrusted fingers even now type out their impotence on an unsteady keyboard that weeps it's own failure. Just ask Clear; he'll freely admit it. Or you could pay him to admit it, but why do that if you can get it for free?

If I were Thomas Covenant and I knew that I was going to the land then I would bring a mini-DVD player with a small assortment of documentaries from national geographic and the history channel. The reason that I would do this is because although the Lords are willing to accept that he comes from a different place than the Land, they seem unable to believe that this could mean another real dimension. It is almost as if they believe that he might come from another part of the world of the land. But if he could show them a DVD on WW2 or that that people of his world who had the capability to record them on such incredible technology found the most terrifying creatures to be lions and sharks, then they would be more apt and willing to listen to him when he said that the land was a dream to him. I think it would help them come up with more distinct proof for him that the land was real such as the obvious proof that he dreamed within his 'dream', something I believe Morham touched upon.
That is what I would do. I'm not saying that its the best idea but I like it.

And just exactly what would you plug the DVD player into? Earthpower isn't exactly attuned to 120 VAC. And let's face it; even if Covenant hadn't dropped it off Kevin's Watch; Drool's storm would have ruined the DVD player within minutes. Then what would you have left? Some shiney little discs that you could hang in the hall of gifts? As for the people of the Land understanding TC, that had more to do with his disease and prior lack of health-sense than wars and technology. They had their own technology; they called it lore. And boy, did they have wars. And WW II itself is proof that there are more terrifying creatures here on earth that sharks and lions.

[dANdeLION]

Oh yeah; one more thing: The Chronicles were written in the '70's and '80's. Where could you get a DVD player, portable or otherwise, back then?

[Brinn]

I have to tell you that I'm not much for comedy of my favorite books. This isn't to say that I don't have a sense of humor and that I enjoy some of your comedy (The Land for Dummies, etc.), it's just that I take the books fairly seriously.

And I'll tell you that I take comedy very seriously (how's that for paradox...or is it technically irony?) and I don't appreciate you making serious of our humor.

Welcome to the Watch Zepha!

[Brinn]

Now back to the topic...

TC should have taken an aerosol can of Ur-vile repellent. Not only would it keep the majority of those nasty ur-viles away but each application would contribute to the destruction of the Sunbane layer which lies just inside of the ozone.

[Zephalephelah]

Oh yeah; one more thing: The Chronicles were written in the '70's and '80's. Where could you get a DVD player, portable or otherwise, back then?

Dan, I stated that I would take a DVD player. Meaning me, now. Also, this player would be portable. No AC power required.

But ok, let's say that electronics wouldn't work in the land because of the transition. Ok. Well I wouldn't take a gun because there wouldn't be enough bullets for it to be truly useful. It might have saved the wraiths, but even then Covenant was pretty far away from them and by the time he did get into motion a lot of the damage was already done. And let's face it, Foul would have laughed.

Ok. I would take a copy of "best of" Life Magazine. It would have the same kind of impact I desired to make with the DVD player, just not as magical as moving pictures, but still useful to get my point across that I came from a completely different existence. This would help the Lords to understand why I couldn't believe in their land. But it might also help them in that understanding to better talk with me about it. It is my opinion that just as Covenant disbelieved in the land, the land disbelieved in the place he said he came from. It would be just as difficult. Most likely they believed he came from the past (Berek) or from another part of the world in which the Land exists, like the Elohim.

[aTOMiC]

Now back to the topic...

TC should have taken an aerosol can of Ur-vile repellent. Not only would it keep the majority of those nasty ur-viles away but each application would contribute to the destruction of the Sunbane layer which lies just inside of the ozone.

BRAVO!!!

[aTOMiC]

Hey Zeph, nice job compensating for dAN's anal retentive comments. Your solution is terrific.

[hierachy]

heh, heh... retentive is a funny word too...

[dANdeLION]

Hey Zeph, nice job compensating for dAN's anal retentive comments. Your solution is terrific.

I'd agree with you, if it weren't for the fact that you'd implode if I ever agreed with you. Oh, and for the teensy fact that Zeph has done nothing to "compensate" for me, or my comments that appear to have been too complex for you, forcing you to use two of the only three multisyllabic words you've ever been able to correctly spell, even if you use them like a monkey with a shotgun, more likely harming yourself in the process than your intended victim.

[dANdeLION]

heh, heh... retentive is a funny word too...

Look, Bevis; maybe you should stay out of this one...

[aTOMiC]

I'd agree with you, if it weren't for the fact that you'd implode if I ever agreed with you. Oh, and for the teensy fact that Zeph has done nothing to "compensate" for me, or my comments that appear to have been too complex for you, forcing you to use two of the only three multisyllabic words you've ever been able to correctly spell, even if you use them like a monkey with a shotgun, more likely harming yourself in the process than your intended victim.

Yes I agree completely. The only quarrel I have with your statement is your use of the word "iconoclast". If politics are a component of your social equation, then the upper “strata” as you so eloquently put it, is of course the dependent factor. I encourage you to develop your theory further. It has many useful implications throughout our multi-cultured society.

[dANdeLION]

Yes I agree completely. The only quarrel I have with your statement is your use of the word "iconoclast". If politics are a component of your social equation, then the upper “strata” as you so eloquently put it, is of course the dependent factor. I encourage you to develop your theory further. It has many useful implications throughout our multi-cultured society.

Ahh, yes. A thosand pardons, my well-oiled friend. My unfortunate use of the word "Iron-clad" was in no way meant to be offensive to your people. I'm just a little angry today as some smelly nutcase in an ocre robe tried to steal my portable DVD player, and proceeded to take it to a leper colony. I barely got it back in time. I still can't find all my old war DVDs though...these pretzels are making me thirsty.

[aTOMiC]

I still can't find all my old war DVDs though...these pretzels are making me thirsty.

Thirsty or crazy?

[dANdeLION]

Thirsty or crazy?

What's it matter? You can't drink water without rusting. And quit quoting Seinfeld.

[aTOMiC]

Thirsty or crazy?

What's it matter? You can't drink water without rusting. And quit quoting Seinfeld.

The enveloping aura of denial is a colorful garment to be worn like the finest robes, flowing down from one’s shoulders to gather at the feet of your delusion. Ah, the unsteady hold upon the elusive mists of one’s sanity. Ahhh...

[dANdeLION]

heh, heh... retentive is a funny word too...

And yet, ironically, "funny" is not a retentive word.

[dANdeLION]

The enveloping aura of denial is a colorful garment to be worn like the finest robes, flowing down from one’s shoulders to gather at the feet of your delusion. Ah, the unsteady hold upon the elusive mists of one’s sanity. Ahhh...

Careful, Clear. You're beginning to wax eloquent when you should be polishing your armor....