User talk:Tim riley/Archive5

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January 2014

Those interminable Mitfords

I've just noticed that Angus Ogilvy's birth year is given in the chart as 1924 when it should be 1928. If you wouldn't mind correcting this, could you also add the line "m. Sydney Bowles" to David Freeman-Mitford's box? I should have Nancy at PR before the day is out – I note you've already taken a cautious nibble. I am reading Walpole – what a curious man. Brianboulton (talk) 09:52, 2 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Done. I'm looking forward to Nancy M at peer review. No need to ping me: I'm watching and will be there. Tim riley (talk) 11:19, 2 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]
There now. Brianboulton (talk) 22:11, 2 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Reply here

Now, where on earth do I leave this user a message? CassiantoTalk 14:49, 2 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

On his own talk page this time, which I have done, most gratefully. Tim riley (talk) 15:16, 2 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Georg Solti

Please tell me how on earth you think that Georg Solti's record 31 Grammy Award wins are trivial? This is a record for ANY artist of any medium. He received 74 nominations. The fact that this is the most honored artist in the history of the sound recording industry, as measured by its most significant award -- how is that trivial? Every introduction to a biography of an award-winning actor, for instance, mentions that they won the Oscar, or in the case of an Olivier or Spencer Tracy, how many.William (The Bill) Blackstone (talk) 17:56, 2 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, but the Grammy awards, admirable for pop music, of course, are not really central to classical music, which has its own awards. The Grammies are already mentioned in the text of the article, but hardly rank for the lead. Tim riley (talk) 18:16, 2 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Tree

Here is a specimen family tree for you. — RHaworth (talk contribs) 02:09, 4 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

That is extraordinarily kind of you. I shall study with care. Thank you very much. Tim riley (talk) 08:42, 4 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Walpole

Was about to begin a scathing review of the article at the peer review only to see you've gone for the FAC and have already closed it within 4 days! Sorry I couldn't be as quick to respond as the others! I wish I had that sort of response at peer reviews! ♦ Dr. Blofeld 18:13, 5 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

I chuckled at that. You are not the only fine editor whose solicited input I have treacherously pre-empted, but I already had tons of input and it seemed sensible to crack on. By all means add any comments, suggestions, scathing criticism (not too scathing, I hope) etc on the FAC page. It all helps. Tim riley (talk) 18:29, 5 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Hehe I won't be too hard on you! I see Uppsala Cathedral now magically has an infobox, look at the length of it!! Still, at least it actually contains info....♦ Dr. Blofeld 12:45, 6 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Not now it hasn't. You may like to comment at the article talk page. Tim riley (talk) 13:25, 6 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Uninteresting article, or "What's the matter Horne"? (About as bad a pun as I could come up with!)

Hi Tim, I've worked through the mountain of Horne up until his death (not really started on that section just yet) and I'm not terribly happy with what is there. It all reads in a rather flat and uninteresting way (certainly not how a good article about a major comedic figure should read!) Could I ask if you have any thoughts or ideas on how to bring the man to life a little more than my own rather flat prose does at the moment? I'd like to put him into FAC at some point in the future, but feel people may well either fall asleep while reading, or complain that there isn't quite enough there to get a good picture of him... Many thanks - SchroCat (talk) 17:12, 8 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

I'll have a careful read and report back. Tim riley (talk) 12:11, 9 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Congratulations

How very pleasing! Thank you, Doctor. I'm considering having a go at Ralph Richardson as my next FA project, but we shall see. Tim riley (talk) 13:42, 11 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

That's sounds very interesting, Rebbeca was fantastic! He famously of course once admitted to walking his pet mouse along Oxford Street. I don't know how these old pros got away with these kind of confessions, anybody else would have been sectioned. -- CassiantoTalk 17:54, 11 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Congratulations from me too. As I said in the review it was a very interesting, pacy read. Ceoil (talk) 22:15, 11 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Yes, blink and you missed it – a very rapid (and well-deserved) promotion. This has inspired me to overcome my sulk, polish up Nancy Mitford and send her to FAC to take her chances. I'd be glad if you would comment there. Brianboulton (talk) 15:56, 12 January 2014 (UTC) Sounds like an excellent choice Tim, I last saw him in Long Day's Journey into Night (1962 film) a few weeks back.♦ Dr. Blofeld 19:04, 12 January 2014 (UTC) Tim and page stalkers, I was wondering if you can see FA potential in the Georgi Kinkladze article. It really is surprisingly very good and for a footballer very easy to read and informative. Most football articles on wikipedia are monotonous and rather bland to read but this is well compiled and balanced. It failed FAC a few years back but a few minor glitches aside and a polish of the prose in parts I think it could get there. What do you think?♦ Dr. Blofeld 22:52, 12 January 2014 (UTC) That bad eh?♦ Dr. Blofeld 19:57, 13 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Not my area of expertise. I'm a lifelong Evertonian, but that's nominal and purely ancestral, as football bores the pants off me. One doesn't weigh GA/FA possibles by the pound, but the article has very nearly 200 citations, which is impressive, and suggests to me that it might be a runner. But what do I know? Tim riley (talk) 20:01, 13 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

I'm trying to work out why it failed. I've read some baseball/US football FAs and found them very hard going, you know, in-universe, and this Kinkladze article I think is remarkably informative given that he wasn't really a high profile player after the Man City days and is really easy to read. I'll look over it some more I think. You might be interested to know I've nominated another Euro capital city for GA, Copenhagen. Any chance you could review it?♦ Dr. Blofeld 20:16, 13 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Off to the ancestral shack in the Lakes this week, but will be reasonably free while up there. I can't see why I couldn't find time to review this article, formidable in length and citations though it be. Tim riley (talk) 20:39, 13 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks for the offer, but it seems somebody has already taken it up. Sadly though they're not conducting the review in our way which I'd have preferred...♦ Dr. Blofeld 22:10, 13 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Joan & Noah.....

Greetings Tim: Re: Joan, I didn't write that stuff!! All I did today was to reorganise the article so that made some sense and flowed rather better than a series of bullet points! Also, added some refs. Forgot to check Grove on her, so shall do so! And shall make appropriate changes. Yes, saw your comments on Noah and went ahead and added in my paragraph, which is short and sweet and I think will be fine. All the best, Viva-Verdi (talk) 00:24, 13 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Just when you thought it was safe...

If you have the time or inclination, I'd appreciate your wisdom on Abe Waddington. It had a peer review quite a long time ago and has changed a lot since then thanks to some useful sources. I'm afraid he was a particularly grumpy Yorkshire cricketer, but I'm wondering if this is worth having a stab at FAC. Any comments on the talk page would be greatly appreciated. And if I can ever repay your reviewing favours, I'd be delighted. Sarastro1 (talk) 22:02, 13 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Shall enjoy the job hugely. I'll be passing through Lancashire en route to the ancestral retreat in Cumbria on Wednesday, so shall be on neutral territory when I wade in. (I shall have my late father's cricket books to hand there, too.) Where shall I post my comments? On the article talk page or yours? Tim riley (talk) 22:36, 13 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]
I think the article talk page may be best. Thanks! (And if the cricket books reveal anything about Waddington, or Bobby Peel, that would be greatly appreciated!) Sarastro1 (talk) 22:46, 13 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Abe is now at FAC here, and any further comments would be gratefully received if you have the inclination! Sarastro1 (talk) 18:10, 20 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Hornerama Productions are proud to present....

For better or worse I've opened the peer review on Horne, so if you fancy wangling your nadgers to an audience, please feel free to troll over to Bona Reviews (There's no rush, and certainly no pressure, if you're piled up with other commitments.) Many thanks! - SchroCat (talk) 00:17, 18 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Well obviously I shall be there! Tomorrow, probably - rather suitable as Round the Horne was on at Sunday lunchtime when I was a lad. That show made me the omi I am today, but the less said about that the better. Tim riley (talk) 18:30, 18 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Windermere Hotel (Lake District)

Hi Tim and @Cassianto:. I stubbed this but was wondering if either of you could find something more in your resources on it. Tim, it's probably not too far from your neck of the woods and Cass I was wondering if you could look in The Times or whatever you have? It looks like it has something interesting to say about it anyway!♦ Dr. Blofeld 20:35, 18 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Well, I drove past it last Wednesday on my way up to Keswick, where I am now, but I don't know much about the hotel. Shall have a rummage. Tim riley (talk) 19:20, 20 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Wow that was a quick expansion! Offhand I'd say remove the Ralph Richardson – roles from 1970 type links throughout (just once will do at the bottom of the page) which clutters it I think and maybe try to introduce some film critic reviews of his more notable roles. Another thing I see is that you seem to have written far more about his theatre work than film, I'd expect to see more coverage of his film work perhaps, with more written about the nature of his roles, what he did in preparation for some of them, roles he was offered and rejected, what directors/actor he worked with etc..♦ Dr. Blofeld 21:46, 24 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Early Netherlandish painting

Tim, this was promoted last night and I wanted to thank you for your kind help and guidance, which was very much appreciated. We were spoiled by the assistance we received. Ceoil (talk) 12:02, 19 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Delighted! It was a pleasure and an education to review the article. Tim riley (talk) 12:24, 19 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Please let me know in future when you want an eye on an article; its a learning expierence as we have shared interests. Ceoil (talk) 12:56, 19 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Echoing Ceoil, that we were spoiled by the reviewers' expertise in this venture. Which is a good thing, as it's a much improved article. Enormous thanks from me too! Victoria (tk) 17:20, 19 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

More FA congratulations

Just a quick note to congratulate you on the promotion of

]

Adding to the congratulations, however sad that Abbado died, adding to this mood --Gerda Arendt (talk) 10:37, 20 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]
in the context of Four Last Songs ("with a sense of calm, acceptance, and completeness"), please have a look at Ernst Roth, --Gerda Arendt (talk) 12:39, 20 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Opinion on 2 images

Hello Tim, as requested a few points about the 2 images (although i am not really an "expert" by any standard):

  • File:Ralph_Richardson_trailer.jpg - The image was uploaded in 2008, when standards were probably somewhat less strict. It would be helpful to add a few more details about the copyright situation: Does the trailer contain no copyright notice? Was the registration database checked for entries? (see the 3rd and 4th link on my userpage in the section "Copyright") The notion, that all trailers and similar advertising material are automatically copyright-free, is generally rejected on Commons. A second point: the upload lacks an active source link, would be nice to have one. Summary: the image might be OK, but could use a bit more information in the summary.
  • File:Ralph Richardson and Michèle Morgan.jpg - i am not entirely sure, this file is PD in the US. It it is an original UK work and was only published in the US a year later. In this case the work would still be copyrighted 95 years after publication. However the summary notes 2 explicit PD statements from different sources in "permission", but unfortunately both links are dead for me (from Germany). Could you double-check those links? (a PD statement from a reliable source for a specific work is often also enough evidence to assume a valid Public Domain situation).

I hope, this information helps a bit. If not, please feel free to ping me again anytime or post those images on the Wikipedia and Commons forums for media copyright questions for further reviewing. GermanJoe (talk) 14:15, 20 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Mitford family tree

Someone has replaced the family tree with a SVG version which, on my screen, is somewhat less sharp – some of the small print is a bit harder to read. How does it look to you? Brianboulton (talk) 22:28, 21 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Later: a row is looming over this - please look at the Mitford talk page. Brianboulton (talk) 00:21, 22 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Later still: I have reverted to your JPG version until this matter is resolved. Brianboulton (talk) 09:48, 22 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Confused

What confused you about my edit? The edit summary, or the edit itself? Thank you. Toccata quarta (talk) 10:19, 26 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Nothing confused me. I was gently pointing out that "significant" here is an error. The word is sometimes misused, as here, as a loose synonym for "important" or "big, but in fact it means "signifying something", and careful writers confine it to that use. Tim riley (talk) 10:36, 26 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Bertie Meyer

You being interested in theatre and all, can you do me a favour and look into

Bertie Meyer for me, I'm really not sure those are his own birth and death dates, I picked them up in a snippet but they would seem about right. I wonder if Bernard Meyer or B. A. Meyer might turn up anything. I picked him up in the Blyton article and he seems to be quite notable but can't find too much about him. Perhaps you or @Cassianto: can find something in the library or archives.♦ Dr. Blofeld 20:26, 26 January 2014 (UTC)[reply
]

I've sent you his Times obit (18 Nov 1967, p. 10) by email. Tim riley (talk) 21:00, 26 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Later: still no date of death, but he was cremated at Golders Green Crem on 22 Nov 1967 (Times Court Circular, 22 Nov 1867 p 12) Tim riley (talk) 21:07, 26 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Thanks, can you add to it? I've made a good start but I need you to draw up the proper citation to The Times.♦ Dr. Blofeld 21:56, 26 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Done, and added a bit about wives. But please check you're happy with the ref style I've used. Tim riley (talk) 23:02, 26 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

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Layout articles

Mr Could you explain to me why the layout of those pages (Disraeli, Eden, ... ) has to be different? The new title is at most other articles in bold (example : Arthur Balfour, Rufus Isaacs) thx — Preceding unsigned comment added by AlecOostmalle (talkcontribs) 23:22, 29 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Please read the Manual of Style (
WP:BOLD) and stop putting bold type in the wrong places. Very pleased to welcome you to WP, but (i) abide by the agreed rules and (ii) stop reverting edits that correct your mistakes. Tim riley (talk) 23:33, 29 January 2014 (UTC)[reply
]

Could you tell me which part of the manual exactly states that? I don't see it. — Preceding unsigned comment added by AlecOostmalle (talkcontribs) 11:13, 30 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

If you read it carefully you will see that it tells you where bold is appropriate in the text. Such uses as you attempted to make are not included. Tim riley (talk) 11:32, 30 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Horne again

Many thanks again for all your input in a very positive and helpful PR. For better or worse I've moved Horne into FAC. Thanks again. - Ebenezer Cuckpowder (talk) 23:45, 29 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

The Tower House

Hi Tim, you may do the honours and reserve the review! KJP said he's off soon to Prague until Sunday. Might be best to start it on Monday when he returns. If you could reserve it as soon as you can I'd appreciate it, I don't want any of the typical incompetent cowboy reviewers who take weeks to review and miss important points doing it!♦ Dr. Blofeld 11:03, 30 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Done. The timetable will suit me quite well. Tim riley (talk) 11:32, 30 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks, much appreciated. It makes me quite excited just reading it! I've found two images of the interior including Burges's bedroom which can be used here, click forward for pic 5 too, both dated to 1878. Problem is that when I enlarge to save it will only save as a php which won't upload in the commons and has a big watermark on it. There's definitely a way around it, I've asked Jmabel our image expert on that and on the plans which I doubt we can use as the book is dated to 1973. Just noticed that the source of the photos on ribapix is The House of William Burges ARA, edited by R. P. Pullan (Burges' brother-in-law) (London, 1875-1885) As its portfolio no. 26 and the four images I've found on ribapix are sourced to the book, it should contain a gallery of images of the house. Have you ever heard of the book? If so and a copy could be obtained perhaps in a library we could potentially scan in the photos in the book and upload to the commons.♦ Dr. Blofeld 12:01, 30 January 2014 (UTC) Just found and uploaded File:Guest bedroom, Tower House.jpg. It comes from the London Metropolitan Archives Collection, London County Council Photograph Library. I don't know if you are also near that, but it might be worth checking out. The original of course is much larger and better quality and there's probably others. That database which might be the actual archive I don't know but it doesn't pick up anything else. I think our best shot would be to access the Pullan portfolio and scan the images. Would the British Library have a copy do you think? ♦ Dr. Blofeld 12:21, 30 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Getting anything scanned at the BL is damn' near impossible. You need a chit signed by the Lord Mayor of London, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Regius Professor of Truss Welding at Oxford. Anyway, I don't feel comfortable about getting involved in doing up the article if I'm to review it impartially. Tim riley (talk) 12:46, 30 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]
That's a pity. Perhaps KJP somehow then could find something! It looks extremely rare, only a few libraries have it according to worldcat. It says it has 40 photos. ♦ Dr. Blofeld 12:57, 30 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Will go through Ralph's article tomorrow...♦ Dr. Blofeld 12:42, 30 January 2014 (UTC) Some comments now there for you to devour..♦ Dr. Blofeld 17:23, 31 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

A barnstar for you!

The Original Barnstar
Many thanks for all your help with Kenneth Horne, before, during and after the PR: all is very much appreciated! - SchroCat (talk) 15:26, 30 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

That's enormously kind! You know very well that it has given me great pleasure, but the less said about that the better. Tim riley (talk) 15:36, 30 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Mitford chart

An editor has addd a (helpful) comment re SVG on the article's talk. Is this something worth attempting (I can't figure out for myself what it involves) Brianboulton (talk) 19:46, 30 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Good grief! Way over my head. Anyhow, even before attempting to put that kind advice into effect we'd need to have an SVG, and I haven't got the wherewithal to create one. Tim riley (talk) 20:07, 30 January 2014 (UTC)[reply]

February 2014

Stephen Fry

Tim I wondered if this article would interest you? Fry is a regular visitor to wikipedia and does a lot of good for it in public and I think it would be great if we could get his article to at least GA. Naturally what would need doing first is to restructure it chronologically and start replacing a lot of the sources.♦ Dr. Blofeld 19:08, 1 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

I would be interested in helping out! -- CassiantoTalk 19:18, 1 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
The article reads like a magazine/blog at the moment. So much trivia. We can do much better than this! I'd love to see it turned into a proper article like Ralph Richardson! I'm half tempted to nuke it and start from scratch...♦ Dr. Blofeld 19:22, 1 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
I don't much like working on articles about people who are still alive - no Times obits, no ODNB - but once I have got my present scheduled articles to FA (fingers crossed), viz Falstaff and then John Gielgud, I'd be happy to look in; I admire Fry very much indeed. Nuking is about right, from a swift look. It's astonishing that Fry is so benign to WP when his own article is so poor. I have it in mind to adopt a nuking approach to Gielgud, too. Thoughts on that proposition will be welcome from you and Cassianto and all comers. Tim riley (talk) 19:26, 1 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Gielgud's article looks very bloated, but at least half resembles an article unlike Fry's blog-like effort. The prose is very poor quality though. I'm sure nuking and rewriting in your sandbox would do wonders for it. I'm really not a fan of this organizing by subject thing, it makes it seem more complicated and difficult to learn from. As I suspect that Fry has a number of OWNers on here perhaps Cass we should begin revamping it in your sandbox and give it a new chronological structure and remove some of the trivia. At least then it would be in good order should Tim think about further improving it.♦ Dr. Blofeld 19:36, 1 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Yes I'm also surprised he is pro-Wikipedia, bearing in mind what has been seen on his article over the last few years. A year or so ago, I was watching QI when they had a piece on Little Tich. More was known about LT on the programme than it was on Tich's own article and I thought that was just not right. It was at that point I set about turning the little chap into an FA. I have met Fry, at a blue plaque meeting a couple of years back and he was thoroughly charming.
re Gielgud Tim, blitzing is the best way. I would, to save arguments, advise on the talk page that renovations are taking place and post another note a week or so before you plan to go live with it in the main space, saying "I plan to move it on [this date]".
Doc, Robey is in trap one at the moment and will be so for a good week or two yet. I did plan on Al Bowlly next (a blue plaque Mr Fry kindly agreed on at Charing Cross) but Fry I am just as keen on, so no preference in terms of order. CassiantoTalk 19:43, 1 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Give me a buzz when you're ready to start on it and we'll do it. Perhaps @SchroCat: would also be interested. Does anybody know if there are any biographies about him? ♦ Dr. Blofeld 19:45, 1 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
No biographies that I know about, but three autobiographies: The Fry Chronicles (2011), Moab Is My Washpot (2004) and Paperweight (1992). - SchroCat (talk) 09:42, 2 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Oh, Lord. I hate using autobiographies. They are so often a mixture of fact, conjecture, score-settling and wishful thinking. Some (e.g. Lorenzo Da Ponte's and Sir Henry Wood's) are downright works of fiction. Perhaps SF's are scrupulously objective. I read the middle one when it came out, but don't remember much about it.
  • Yep, I'd be happy to chip in too, once I've got E.W. Hornung out the way. I'm a bit like Tim: I Ike my subjects to be dead and buried (over five years is best), but happy to make an exception for SF. Looking forward to Tim's makeover of Gielgud too: I'm happily working my way through his and Richardson's Holmes and Watson recordings - great fun! - SchroCat (talk) 19:54, 1 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
My thinking is that if his article is getting so much attention like this and he's good enough to try to help the article, then we need to give him a good article in which we can show him off to the world, not that shoddy effort!♦ Dr. Blofeld 19:57, 1 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Well, I'm glad we've got all that sorted out. While you're all here, who'd like a cup of tea and some home-made shortbread? Tim riley (talk) 20:01, 1 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

I have just sat down at my Mac with an Earl Grey, but no shortbread unfortunately. CassiantoTalk 20:20, 1 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Passing swiftly over the fact that Macs and Earl Grey are both beyond the pale, we come to SchroCat's avocations. It'll be Round the Hornung next, mark my words. What can we do to save him? Tim riley (talk) 21:21, 1 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Raffles and Sandy? Julian and Bunny? I think they'd all go very well together... - SchroCat (talk) 21:29, 1 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Bona Burglars. Hmm, nice! Tim riley (talk) 21:47, 1 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
We laughed about the connection, but I think Hornung's biographer was possibly thinking along the same lines. Talking of the latent homosexuality between Raffles and Bunny, he mentions the fact that both Raffles and Bunny were walking out with ladies at one time, and draws a parallel with Julian and Sandy introducing their wives (end of series 4). The biographer's comment on the relationships is "we note the assertion, but we are not convinced". Quite! - SchroCat (talk) 15:55, 12 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
I think I'll pass on anything named Sandy if it's alright with you lot!♦ Dr. Blofeld 23:06, 1 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Dear Tim - mindful of how much I owe you, I may well be able to contribute something on Gielgud, as he's someone, other than the soul-inspiring one, about whom I know a little. Do let me know if I can assist. KJP1 (talk) 23:22, 3 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

You're a gem my friend. Thankyou!♦ Dr. Blofeld 14:59, 4 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

If there is any way anybody thinks I could be helpful in this I would be interested in working on the Fry article too. A real treasure. I met him once (and shook his hand!) in the check-out line at John Lewis on Oxford Street. Cliftonian (talk) 18:13, 4 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

I'll announce it on Fry's talk page of what is going to happen to it within a few weeks. Just to get the OWNers out of the woodwork in advance who might start objecting to the obliteration of the blog.♦ Dr. Blofeld 21:20, 4 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Profumo affair

Breaking away from the worlds of music and literature, I've plumbed the murkry depths of the Profumo affair, and got the article to a state where I think it is peer-reviewable. Any comments, suggestions, criticisms welcomed. Brianboulton (talk) 21:41, 2 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

It will be a pleasure. I was dimly aware of the affair at the time, but my innocent youthful self didn't really understand what it was all about. Shall gladly look in with an older, sadder, but not necessarily wiser eye. Tim riley (talk) 22:47, 2 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
A request: On 6 June The Times, in the aftermath of Profumo's resignation, referred to "a great tragedy for the probity of public life in Britain". Probably in its leader – it has the sound of that brute Haley. Can you give me a page ref that I can use to cite this directly, rather than second-hand as at present? Brianboulton (talk) 15:18, 6 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
It is indeed from the leader page. Surprisingly it's the third leader, after one about the winding up of the Rhodesia and Nysaland Federation and one about modernising the Co-op (I'm not making this up, you know!). The subheader for that bit of the leader is "A Shocking Admission", and it was on p. 13 of the 6 June 1963 issue. Here is the complete text:
A Shocking Admission
There can be few more lamentable documents in British political history than Mr Profumo's letter of resignation. In his reply the Prime Minister says: "This is a great tragedy for you, your family, and your friends." It is also a great tragedy for the probity of public life in Britain. Mr Profumo admits that he lied to Mr Macmillan, to his colleagues, and to the House of Commons in asserting that there had been no impropriety in his association with Miss Keeler. When a Minister of the Crown asks leave of the Speaker to make a personal statement and gives the House of Commons a categorical assurance on a particular point, the assumption has hitherto been that it could be unreservedly accepted. The fact that Mr Profumo has now, ten weeks later, admitted that he lied to the Commons about this particular point, and has resigned both from the Government and from Parliament cannot alter the fact that great harm has been done.
The question of why he has now admitted what he previously denied is bound to be asked. What is more important is that the admission has been made. It is worth recalling that the matter did not come to public knowledge until, under the shield of privilege, it had been raised in the House of Commons following a period of talk and rumour. At the time the prominence the press gave to Miss Keeler was deplored. Since then some newspapers have been justifiably castigated for their conduct in the Vassal! case, but the point must be made that not all newspaper conduct is irresponsible and that it is doubtful whether the truth would ever have emerged had the press not been seeking in the matter of Mr Profumo and Miss Keeler, so far as the law of libel would permit it, to do its job.
Fair comment, perhaps, if a touch self-righteous. Tim riley (talk) 15:41, 6 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Third leader? Then perhaps not Haley, who knows? Thanks for the details. I will incorporate them into the article. Brianboulton (talk) 19:59, 6 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

The Tower House

My, that was painless. Thanks so much. Gareth, the Doctor and I will cogitate over what it needs for FAR. I can certainly expand the scholarship section, but it isn't well researched: you've got Pevsner, Crook, and a little bit in the Stourton, although that's really a re-hash of Crook. Does the British Library have "The House of William Burges" by Pullan, do you know? That would be very good. I go by a couple of times a month but I think you're a more regular visitor. Thanks again and all the very best. KJP1 (talk) 19:08, 4 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Prague was beautiful, thank you, but those full-on Baroque churches can be a little much for one of my refined sensibilities! Now bring me a glass of Sauvignon in the Drawing Room at Castell Coch. KJP1 (talk) 19:12, 4 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
You really need to sort out those citations asap; as it stands this article isn't a GA, and I'll delist it if it isn't fixed soon. Eric Corbett 19:16, 4 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
The only citation I thought dodgy I have mentioned, and I think will be fixed soon. If there are others that you think dubious, perhaps you'd say which on the article talk page. I like to think I have a handle on citations, but errare humanum est. Tim riley (talk) 19:23, 4 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Refs 3, 15, 18, 21, 31, 49, 51, 52 and 54 need to be fixed. Eric Corbett 19:32, 4 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
I must be being even dimmer than usual, but I'm afraid I can't see what's wrong with them, though I confess I boggle when trying to interpret the wretched sfn note style. Tim riley (talk) 19:39, 4 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Well, take ref #3 for instance, which points to Crook 1981b, p. 58. Where is that? Eric Corbett 19:42, 4 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
I see what you mean. I should have spotted that, but, as I failed to, I think the best thing must be to raise the nine citation queries on the article talk page. Do you concur? Tim riley (talk) 19:48, 4 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Raise them wherever you like, but they need to be fixed. Eric Corbett 19:55, 4 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Do you really think it was necessary to try and take the piss with your "authoritative editor" comment?[1] Eric Corbett 20:13, 4 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Eric, I meant it! There are few editors whose views I respect more than yours! Tim riley (talk) 20:17, 4 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
I don't need to be bullshitted, and I'm deadly serious about delisting this article if the citation issues aren't fixed PDQ. Eric Corbett 20:22, 4 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Please AGF, Eric. I have referred to you on other pages as an editor I respect. That is not bullshit. You may not be the most courteous of colleagues, but I respect your contributions, and have usually agreed with them. As to your comments about delisting, that is up to you, of course, though I didn't know it was in your gift to delist articles as you mention, above. Tim riley (talk) 20:29, 4 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Eric, I did ask you to take a look at it last week as I wondered if you'd spot anything. I appreciate that you've been busy, but bear with us and hopefully the issue can be fully sorted.♦ Dr. Blofeld 20:32, 4 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Hopefully the issue will be resolved sooner rather than later. Tim seems to be unaware of the GA individual reassessment, which allows me to delist any article I don't think meets the GA criteria. I have delisted hundreds already, one more or less won't make any difference. Eric Corbett 20:42, 4 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
I disagree that it's so far off GA level that it's worth delisting Eric. It would be more constructive for you to provide further points and help us sort out whatever concerns you about it. KJP has the books and can look into that. If there's anything else bothering you with I'd appreciate you being honest and helping us try to fix them as soon as possible.♦ Dr. Blofeld 20:46, 4 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Sort out the citations and then I'll look at it again. Eric Corbett 20:49, 4 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Thanks. @KJP1: as you have the books can you address the sources Eric is concerned with and double check each source used just to be on the safe side, cheers.♦ Dr. Blofeld 20:51, 4 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Tim, now the heat has gone out of this, I just wanted to say how very sorry I was to have put you in this position. The fault was entirely mine, through having failed to check the references properly, but I understand, and very much regret, the position it put you in. My sincere apologies. KJP1 (talk) 21:42, 7 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Falstaff opera article

Greetings Tim: After receiving your note that you'd taken my comments into account, I thought that I had indeed given you the "green light" via email direct.... Do please go ahead and let's hope that we get to FA. Actually, just checked what I'd sent you directly: it says " except for a quibble on the “Refs” section sub-headings (for now, at least), I’m fine with your uploading your version into place – and then moving it forward to featured article……" So - go for it! All the best, Viva-Verdi (talk) 01:58, 6 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Gielgud images

Good morning Tim. I was just taking a look at the Gielgud images available on Ebay and there seems to be a wealth of good, uploadable options. I'm happy to help again - let me know which ones you would like to use on the article (presented in roughly chronological order): [2], [3], [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13], [14], [15], [16], [17], [18], [19], [20], [21] And that's only from the first 5 pages of search results! --Loeba (talk) 11:12, 8 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

I struggle for words to express my gratitude. That is a noble offer and I can't thank you enough. I think the images you have numbered 1, 4, 9, 11, 15, 17 and 19 are an ideal cross-section of JG's career. Am I right in guessing that the perspective of number 1 can be adjusted to make it fully flat rather than angled?
In the dusty recesses of my sandbox I've got Sir John to 1929 so far. I think he'll end up at about the same length as Sir Ralph. There are more good books on JG than on RR, so I am switching between five hefty volumes at any one time. Kind regards, Tim riley (talk) 12:40, 8 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Before I push my luck so far that you both wash your hands of me, can I ask if these two images 1 2 would be all right? They are US publicity shots, with details on the back, and they would be excellent for use in the articles on the three D'Oyly Carte performers. Tim riley (talk) 13:09, 8 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Thank the old American copyright laws! They make it so easy to find images for classic actors (that worked there), I love it. I'm not so good at manipulating graphics, so Crisco if you think you could flatten the first that would be great? The ones that need a watermark removed, I shall again defer to the graphics lab. Cool, well I'll try and start uploading some today. I often find that there's less room for images than we'd like, but it's worth uploading them all anyway so you can see which look the best. And yes, those other images you asked about definitely look like they're PD. --Loeba (talk) 13:16, 8 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Bless you both! Tim riley (talk) 14:01, 8 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
I'm feeling rather dapper indeed

Right, two down... File:Gielgud and Haas in Crime and Punishment.jpg (I think maybe this should be cropped more?), File:Julius Caesar promo still.jpg. I should get to a couple more tonight. --Loeba (talk) 10:30, 9 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Marvellous! The first one didn't strike me as needing further cropping, but I yield to your expertise on this. Tim riley (talk) 12:09, 9 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Two more: File:The School for Scandal 1963.jpg and File:Gielgud and Leighton in Much Ado 1959.jpg. The Ebay page for the first gives the date as 1955, but looking at the play's article it appears that it should be 1963 so I went with that? --Loeba (talk) 19:05, 11 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Richardson and Smith

Hello Tim, how are you? I hope you are well. I see you have just nominated Ralph Richardson for FA; I am sorry I did not take part at the peer review before, but will enjoy taking part at the FAC. I would like to draw your attention to Ian Smith, whose article I have just nominated for FA here. You probably remember the UDI article that went to FAC relatively recently; Smith was the "rebel" Prime Minister who declared Rhodesia independent in 1965 and led the country until 1979. This is quite a long article, I must warn you (about 14,000 words), but I hope you find it interesting all the same. All the very best, and have a great rest of the weekend. Cheers! Cliftonian (talk) 14:00, 8 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

I remember Ian Smith and UDI very well. I was a schoolboy (aetat 13), but we took an interest in world affairs. I think we rather blamed Harold Wilson, but then we blamed him for everything. I shall enjoy reading your article. I have to do two other big reading jobs first: one is for Wikicolleague who has written two articles for a learned periodical, and the other is the PR of Ezra Pound. But I hope to get to Smith within a few days. Meanwhile, I trust matrimony is suiting you. Tim riley (talk) 14:08, 8 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
No rush; indeed no obligation. Married life is suiting us very well, thank you—indeed, rather better than I thought it would. Of course we are only a month in... ;) Anyway, thanks and I look forward to corresponding more soon; have a great weekend. Cliftonian (talk) 14:11, 8 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
The man peering over your shoulder, above right, went to your school. I shall drag you into his PR in due course whether you like it or not. The best I can do by way of old boys are Arthur Askey and Paul MacCartney. Tim riley (talk) 19:42, 8 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
I know he did! He was up Grant's if I remember correctly. I thoroughly look forward to being willingly dragged in. Hope you're well and having a great start to the week. Cheers, Cliftonian (talk) 17:59, 10 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Tim, I have a proposal re the Smith article. With 14000+ words, it will be hard for any one reviewer to go through it in sufficient detail to do it justice. So I suggest we split the workload: you do the first half, I'll do the second (or vice-versa if you prefer). That way I think all the article will get appropriate attention – what do you think? Brianboulton (talk) 19:12, 10 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Sounds like a very astute, not to say cunning, plan. I reckon (notes etc excepted) the half-way point is at the end of "A republic; failed accord with Douglas-Home". If I do down to there, are you OK to take on "Bush war" to the end of the text? This is a bit unfair, as I get all the interesting political bits, and I'm happy to swap if you prefer. Speaking of swapping, I have just, chez Riley sandpit, got to the famous 1934 Gielgud production of Romeo and Juliet, where he and Olivier alternated as Romeo, and I presume you know what that unfortunate movement led to. Sir John will be delivered to PR in the next week or two, DV. Meanwhile yours to command on who has first crack at Ian Smith. Tim riley (talk) 19:29, 10 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
I'll be OK doing the second half of Smithy, no problem. My knowledge of theatrical history is slight; I imagine that the 1934 R&J association, clashes of style etc., was the reason why Gielgud and Olivier disliked each other – I can't offhand remember if they ever worked together again, but I'm light on details. Your articles will, I'm sure , fully inform me. Brianboulton (talk) 23:15, 10 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Good. (None of your girlfriends tried to get off with Sir John?) Smith's a deal. I'll rap on your door when I've done my half. Tim riley (talk) 23:22, 10 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Ezra Pound

Hi Tim, I appreciate the placeholder at the Ezra Pound PR but I've decided to go out on break for a while. I hope I haven't wasted your time, and if you have made your way through, or partially through, no reason not to post comments that I'll get to at some point in the future. Right now, unfortunately, I'm … well … let's just say I don't want to be here and leave it that. Thanks for all your help as always. Victoria (tk) 19:39, 9 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

No trouble, dear Victoria. I hope you haven't suffered the attentions of one of the bullies who infest Wikipedia. I look forward to seeing you back when you feel up to it. Tim riley (talk) 19:43, 9 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Hi Tim. Re the PR, this is probably one of those "hold that thought" moments. When Victoria is well enough again we would delight in your input and openion, as always. Ceoil (talk) 00:47, 10 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
  • No, it wasn't that as much as mid-winter doldrums or something. Anyway, the sun is peeking out, the temperature is -7 c. (seems almost balmy these days!), and I'm feeling a tad bit better. Sorry for making a fuss. Victoria (tk) 17:50, 11 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

As an editor in ""bad standing" according to our friend User:RexxS ;-], I guess it won't stand for much @Victoriaearle: my congratulating you, Ceoil and anybody else who worked on it for excellent work.. Can you just clarify to me though Victoria the precise minute that you'll return to wikipedia though, otherwise I might take you to the arb and demand an educated estimate from them :-]♦ Dr. Blofeld 19:22, 11 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Sorry Tim for monopolizing your page when I went through a bit of a sulk! Just popping in to say to Dr. Blofeld that his ping never pinged me. Which begs the question of how often pings get lost or editors think they're pinging when the pingee doesn't get the "echo". That's all. Victoria (tk) 17:44, 13 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
That's alright I was only kidding, some of us here don't take things deadly seriously all of the time like others.♦ Dr. Blofeld 17:49, 13 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Newly available archive

Afternoon, Mr R, I'm not sure if you're aware, but The Spectator has recently made available online a copy of its entire archive. It's got a pretty good search facility, all the text in html, and ability to zoom into and out of page images to see where articles run over the page. I'm not sure how long it has been up and running, but I'm pretty sure it wasn't there six months ago when I was looking! Cheers - SchroCat (talk) 16:13, 11 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

February 2014

Hello, I'm BracketBot. I have automatically detected that your edit to Edward Chapman (actor) may have broken the syntax by modifying 1 "[]"s. If you have, don't worry: just edit the page again to fix it. If I misunderstood what happened, or if you have any questions, you can leave a message on my operator's talk page.

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  • from one of BBC Radio 4’s best-loved programmes''], London, Random House, 25 October 2012]</ref>

Thanks,

]

Invitation

You are cordially invited to witness the birth of

break the surface soon. Please RSVP
before February 31st, and any feedback regarding our latest event would be greatly welcomed. Yours truly,  — Crisco 1492 (talk) 01:30, 12 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

A delightfully worded invitation! How could I decline it? I'll look in today or tomorrow, I hope. Thank you for asking me. Tim riley (talk) 10:18, 12 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Profumo affair

Brief courtesy message to let you know that Profumo is now at FAC. Brianboulton (talk) 17:50, 12 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

On a scale starting at rage, via fury, frenzy, murder and massacre, I wonder how you imagine I view the phrase "courtesy call" and its spin-offs? I trust you were doing this to send the old buffer up, but if not, kindly don't do it again! Oh, those salesmen who bedevilled my harmless existence as librarian at the Crown Estate with "courtesy calls"! Being of a singularly forgiving character I have supported your excellent article. – Tim riley (talk) 19:24, 12 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Dare I speak? Sorry to bother you with a bit of Profumo business, but a reviewer has questioned the use of a non-free image of Profumo in the article. This was to be expected. I have broadly stated my rationale for this in the FAC ( link here), but I would welcome input from other reviewers on this matter, if you can spare a moment. Brianboulton (talk) 21:53, 15 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Drama dari Krakatau

Greetings! This is a note to inform you that Drama dari Krakatau, which you have previously reviewed at the GA or PR level, has been nominated for featured article status. If you wish to revisit the article, your comments would be welcomed at the nomination page. Thank you! — Crisco 1492 (talk) 02:23, 13 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Falstaff

This is Imogen, in 1952, on hearing Falstaff in Vienna (a German translation): "I was THRILLED with Verdi's Falstaff, which I'd never heard before! I suppose it ought to be in Italian really, but oh I enjoyed it so much, and I realised for the first time how much Ben owes to him. There are orchestral bits which are just as funny to listen to as the comic instrumental bits in A. Herring!" I thought this might amuse you, and if you want to incorporate it I can provide full citation details. Brianboulton (talk) 13:26, 13 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

It does, and I would, please. Tim riley (talk) 15:17, 13 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
It's from p. 169 of Grogan, Christopher (ed.): Imogen Holst: a Life in Music (2010 revised edition). The Boydell Press, Woodbridge, Suffolk.
ISBN 978-1-84383-599-8. No perf. date given, but probably late March or early April 1952. No details of the performance, either, though I imagine it was at the Vienna Opera. Brianboulton (talk) 16:30, 13 February 2014 (UTC)[reply
]

Disambiguation link notification for February 16

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Chasing another favour!

Hi Tim, Could I put in a request for a

E.W. Hornung, who is only remembered nowadays for one of his characters, rather than the rest of his considerable output. There's no rush, so whenever you get the chance, it would be much appreciated! Cheers - SchroCat (talk) 21:48, 19 February 2014 (UTC)[reply
]

It will be a pleasure. I am between projects at the moment, and have bags of time to do peer reviewing. Tim riley (talk) 22:04, 19 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

P. H-W

Good heavens! I was delighted - and surprised - to see a Wikilink to a blue-linked P.H-W article, and then added a few notes on one of his published pieces, Words and Music from 1981. Out of curiosity, I looked at the article history and was pleased to see that you had created it - only today!! Bravo!!Viva-Verdi (talk) 01:20, 20 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

What a nice message to get! PH-W kept cropping up in other people's articles, and it seemed time he had one of his own.Tim riley (talk) 09:02, 20 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Enid Blyton

Hi Tim, I wondered if you'd be interested in reserving the review for this and tackling it when you have a spare moment? It really is an important article and needs a good reviewer such as yourself. I think it's good for GA as it is, unfortunately though Eric has retired and he has the books which are needed to develop it to FA... ♦ Dr. Blofeld 13:03, 20 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Good grief! Not a word to my nonagenarian Mum about this: she was an Eng Lit teacher and forbade any Blyton books in the house when we were children. Shall review, but from the commanding heights of ignorance. Let me know when to wade in. – Tim riley (talk) 16:24, 20 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Haha, must have been Noddy!! Me on the other hand, my mother actually encouraged me to read the books she'd enjoyed as a child and reading the Famous Five ended up being one of the most enjoyable parts of my childhood! Can you reserve the review and review it whenever you're ready?♦ Dr. Blofeld 16:48, 20 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Oh, right! Will do. I hope you mean Eric has retired from this article not from Wikipedia: we can ill spare him! Tim riley (talk) 17:03, 20 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Wikipedia I'm afraid. He hasn't edited since the 11th. I hope at some point he'll return but he had a spot of bother with a young administrator.♦ Dr. Blofeld 17:28, 20 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Oh, bloody hell! He may not be cosy but by God he's good. I hope we'll have him back soon. Tim riley (talk) 17:32, 20 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Are you a member of Wikimedia UK? I join a few days ago and am currently brainstorming for some possible Books to get a grant from them for here Looking at the state and lack of coverage of the Ava Gardner article and seeing that Audrey Hepburn and Liz Taylor's articles are already bloated, it might be worth requesting those books too. No doubt you're probably happy to borrow books from the British Library though. I believe WPUK will buy the books I request and send them to me and I send them back after I've finished with them and I can keep them for as long as like.♦ Dr. Blofeld 17:45, 20 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Review much appreciated thankyou. Yes the article needs a lot of work still, if I had the works that Eric has I'd begin developing it further so the prose flows better. It's fine for GA though and provides a decent overview. Hoping he'll return and continue...♦ Dr. Blofeld 09:38, 23 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Well, as to Enid Blyton I am no fan, but as to the desirability of Eric's return, a heartfelt amen! Tim riley (talk) 10:18, 23 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

your "piping titles to match use in main articles" in English National Opera article

I have to disagree with you here, Tim. If you look at the opera and ballet articles themselves, both use "The" with a capital "T" as part of their names. That extends to the Royal Opera's website as well. Take a look and please reconsider. Viva-Verdi (talk) 17:43, 20 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

I'm not dogmatic about this, and was following (I think) the usage in the main text, rather than the titles, of the other articles, where in mid sentence the definite article isn't capitalised, but am content to go with the consensus, natch. Tim riley (talk) 17:50, 20 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
I've reviewed, and if it were left to me I'd leave the titles uncapped, but by all means revert if you prefer. I'm happy to go with your decision. Tim riley (talk) 10:42, 21 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Seeing that you've have reverted, I do fell that it looks better and is the actual name of the company. We have the "The" v. "the" issue here sometimes in Santa Fe, since the company's official name is actually with the cap "T" as well...... Viva-Verdi (talk) 22:36, 21 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Hmmm. Far from persuaded, but content to go with the flow. Tim riley (talk) 22:59, 21 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

(Re: Falstaff: I've had few direct contacts with other wiki opera project editors, except Mr. Tell, who would be a good resource, I agree. However, I shall ask our fearless leader, voceditenore, for her input. Viva-Verdi (talk) 17:43, 20 February 2014 (UTC))[reply]

Spot on! Voceditenore's input would be most welcome. Tim riley (talk) 17:50, 20 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

After Chopin

Many thanks for your review, Tim. On further examination I see that 'modeled', although used in that form by Taruskin in his comments, is not cited by me as part of a direct quote, so I will move to the double l. I am in London at present after a slightly hairy few weeks in Kyiv - due to go back there in mid-March, let's see. My apartment there is on one side of the Maidan, my office on the other, so I have been used to strolling across it twice a day, but even excitement becomes tedious after a while. I will certainly take a peek at Sir Jack presently. Best, --Smerus (talk) 08:22, 24 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Stockton and Darlington Railway

Thank you for your comments at peer review. After making minor changes as a result of my holiday reading, I've now taken the article to FAC at Wikipedia:Featured article candidates/Stockton and Darlington Railway/archive1. I think I might try a biography of Robert Stephenson next. Edgepedia (talk) 07:21, 25 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Bobby Peel, yet another Yorkshireman...

I'm honestly not doing it on purpose, but I've got another obscure Yorkshire cricketer at PR. It was going to be something or someone else but the GA process is a bit stagnant these days, which has slowed down the other ones which are brewing. If you can stand it, any of your comments would be appreciated here. I quite understand if you are too busy, or the thought of commenting on someone else from God's Own County sickens you! Sarastro1 (talk) 20:45, 25 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Balls, my dear Sarastro! What would Lancastrians do without Yorkshiremen? We'd have to deal with Southerners instead, which would be even worse. Shall look in tomorrow, with much pleasure. I do a bit of GA reviewing now and again: is there anything I ought to be looking at there? Tim riley (talk) 22:19, 25 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
If you are a glutton for punishment, I've two up there needing reviewers (the third, about the D'Oliveira affair, finally has a good reviewer, but sat for a long time; I was hoping to put that up next. Never mind). Edwin St Hill, which is going nowhere near FA, but is the result of a lot of painstaking research about a very obscure cricketer, and Gubby Allen. Allen is heading for FAC, but there is some way to go and it is around 2,000 words too long at the moment (eek!). I think it's probably GA-ready, but I'm a long way from happy with it, so you may want to wait on that one. Sarastro1 (talk) 22:25, 25 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
I shall make it my business to look in, with innocent eye at St Hill and deeply jaundiced eye at Sir G Allen. You, meanwhile, may like to reciprocate by looking in at the peer review of Falstaff (opera). As a character from The Magic Flute you will, I'm sure, have some wise words on an operatic article. Tim riley (talk) 22:34, 25 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
A pleasure. I'll hopefully get to that tomorrow, but I warn you that my love of The Magic Flute does not reflect a deep musical knowledge! Sarastro1 (talk) 22:44, 25 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Imogen Holst, yet another bloody composer

I've been working, without much enthusiasm, on the Imo article. It might be peer-reviewable by the weekend, but can I ask your advice on one particular issue: at what point, do you think, should "Imogen" become "Holst"? In previous similar circumstances I have adopted the surname when the subject ceases to be a child, but here the issue is complicated by her father, who must I think have the prior right to be known as "Holst". So I have kept her as Imogen until after her father's death, and surnamed her thereafter. What do you think of the transition at this point? Are there any alternatives? In Grogan's book he solves the problem by referring to them throughout as "IH" and "GH", but I don't think that option is open to us. Another possibility is to do what I did with Cosima Wagner, whom I referred to as "Cosima" through the whole article. Any thoughts/ideas? Brianboulton (talk) 11:32, 26 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Oh, Lord! There's no right answer to this. I think it's unavoidable to call her Imogen while Gustav is still alive, but if I'm honest, looking at the present text I find it disorienting to have her suddenly become Holst half way through the article. At best it breaks the flow of the prose and at worst it is momentarily confusing. If it were my decision I'd stick with Imogen throughout, though I admit that's not ideal and is the opposite of WP's norms. I'd be inclined to leave it as it is for now, and specifically ask all peer reviewers for their views on the matter. If you do, I'll be voting for all-Imogen, but I shouldn't be surprised if you get a consensus for switching to Holst after 1934. – Tim riley (talk) 12:38, 26 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]
You are right – the sudden change from "Imogen" to "Holst" is confusing and disorientating, especially with Gustav so recently gone. I have decided, after all, to go for all-Imogen, and use the Cosima article as a precedent. I will defend this (with your stout support) at the PR. Thanks for good advice. Brianboulton (talk) 19:28, 26 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Hornung

Following a very productive and useful PR (for which, once again, my thanks),

E.W. Hornung has made his way to FAC for wider consideration. Any further thoughts or comments would be most welcome. - SchroCat (talk) 13:43, 28 February 2014 (UTC)[reply
]

March 2014

Dupe links script

This might seem silly—because I used the script within the hour—but now I can't seem to find the page and I'd like to add it to the linking guideline, so that others may enjoy this time-saver! Can you please remind me where one can find this script? GabeMc (talk|contribs) 20:09, 1 March 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Oh, Lord! I'm not good at such things, and I forget how I got this tool. I am asking cleverer editors than I to look in here and explain. Tim riley (talk) 20:17, 1 March 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Now I think about it I believe I can use this new prodding device: @Cassianto: @SchroCat:, which I hope will get two young and clued-up editors on whom I rely for help to wade in. Tim riley (talk) 20:25, 1 March 2014 (UTC)[reply]
I used my browser's history and found it here: ]
Good! False alarm, gentlemen, but I'll no doubt be knocking at your doors for help again soon enough. Tim riley (talk) 20:29, 1 March 2014 (UTC)[reply]
The prod worked Tim. Next week SchroCat and I will teach you about doorbells and light switches ;-) -- Cassianto (talk) 21:29, 1 March 2014 (UTC)[reply]
News headline: Maniac Using Shakespeare First Folio as Blunt Instrument Slays Two at British Library. Look about you very carefully when entering from the Euston Road, cheeky young sod! Tim riley (talk) 21:38, 1 March 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Haha!! -- Cassianto (talk) 22:01, 1 March 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Review request

While I hate to get greedy, I also have a co-nomed article at FAC that needs a review: Wikipedia:Featured article candidates/Canadian drug charges and trial of Jimi Hendrix/archive1. If you have the time and are so inclined, I would appreciate your input on the article. Cheers! GabeMc (talk|contribs) 17:00, 3 March 2014 (UTC)[reply]

After your heroic marathon effort on Falstaff you have every right to be as greedy as you like. I shall of course look in, though I warn you, the only thing I know about Hendrix is that he lived next door to Handel in the West End. Tim riley (talk) 17:50, 3 March 2014 (UTC)[reply]
That's most generous of you; thanks! It might be all the better that you don't have any preconceived notions about Hendrix, as you'll approach the work unbiased. GabeMc (talk|contribs) 18:09, 3 March 2014 (UTC)[reply]

"Gi' me t'ball, Mr Stoddart. Ah'll get t'buggers out before lunch"

Just to let you know that Mr Peel is now at FAC. The review is here. Sarastro1 (talk) 19:32, 5 March 2014 (UTC)[reply]

One of the most comfortable supports seen in the dressing room for ages – a pleasure to review. Tim riley (talk) 22:09, 5 March 2014 (UTC)[reply]

PR request

Hi Tim, any news when the next FAC will be up? I've got something being prepped now, Tjioeng Wanara, and any feedback at the PR would be greatly appreciated. — Crisco 1492 (talk) 10:21, 7 March 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Perfect timing. I have not five minutes ago finished a long and immensely enjoyable scrutiny of SchroCat's recent creation John Gielgud, roles and awards at FLC. (Do look in!) I'll gladly join the Tjioeng Wanara peer review next. Tim riley (talk) 10:27, 7 March 2014 (UTC)[reply]
  • I'll have to stop by, but likely when it comes time to close the review (if I review and support, that means two delegates are out of action for that nomination). Thank you very much, again! — Crisco 1492 (talk) 10:31, 7 March 2014 (UTC)[reply]
Of course! I'd quite forgotten that both you and SchroCat are FL delegates. Tim riley (talk) 11:05, 7 March 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Question

It occurred to me that per

WP:ENGVAR, Sgt. Pepper should be rendered without the terminal punctuation as Sgt Pepper. Does this sound reasonable, or am I making an issue where none exists? I note that the TP is included on the most recent CD release, but those were all printed in the States. GabeMc (talk|contribs) 21:37, 7 March 2014 (UTC)[reply
]

Nobody will object to the full stop, I think: although it has been little used after Mr., Col., Sgt., Dr., Rev., etc in British English since the early 1970s it was still pretty much the norm in the mid 1960s when the LP came out. Tim riley (talk) 21:43, 7 March 2014 (UTC)[reply]

BWV 172

Regarding the sources: it seems that I need to source every "cantata ABC was written for occasion xyz" (although we have a sourced article for ABC, and two lists of Bach cantatas, with the dates and occasions). - No problem, but I will need a bit of time. (It would be easy to source all these to Dürr's book in German, but I thought it would be better to have English online sources.) - One source was noticed to be self-published, - most of it can be sourced by others, perhaps in addition, what do you think? - Mincham is self-published as well. Both offer food for thought, and music examples ;) - Learning, --Gerda Arendt (talk) 22:30, 7 March 2014 (UTC)[reply]

  • Durr's book is one of the ones I have ordered for Monday at the British Library. I am not one of nature's linguists, though I was taught German as a boy, so I foresee much cursing and recourse to dictionaries while I struggle through Durr's text. My job will be to check the existing citations to ensure that a quoted source says what the article says it does, and that there is no copying-and-pasting or close paraphrase of copyright material. If you add other citations in the meanwhile, that's fine, but I won't be checking them, but just a representative sample of the existing citations. I don't expect to find any problems. Tim riley (talk) 23:23, 7 March 2014 (UTC)[reply]
    • To my knowledge, the English Dürr (2006) is more or less a translation of the German (1971), updated and movement text translated, - that should make your work with the German easier. Latest news: the title, will bring that up in the FAC page. Alfred Dörffel was on the Main page today. --Gerda Arendt (talk) 17:16, 9 March 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Gielgud

It would be a pleasure, and I should arrive there tomorrow or very shortly afterwards. Sarastro1 (talk) 23:54, 8 March 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Enid Blyton

Greetings. Any chance you could comment at Wikipedia:Peer review/Enid Blyton/archive1? Hoping to get this core article up to FA following on from your review! ♦ Dr. Blofeld 15:06, 9 March 2014 (UTC)[reply]

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EP again

Tim, thanks again for reading and for the support at Ezra Pound. I found your comments to be particularly forthcoming and thus welcome. Victoria (tk) 22:17, 12 March 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Big Fish, Little Fish (play)

Nice of you to fill that in, thank you. Just a heads up: I've nominated it for DYK at Template:Did you know nominations/Big Fish, Little Fish (play) if you would like to suggest a hook. — Crisco 1492 (talk) 15:15, 14 March 2014 (UTC)[reply]

My Wiki guide, philosopher and friend Ssilvers has added lots of good stuff, and I think the article will serve rather well now. Your suggested hooks are spot on. I enjoyed your straight-faced suggestion for 1 April. Tim riley (talk) 19:16, 15 March 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Less downbeat topic next time

Mindful of your suggestion at the Flight 825 FAC that I pick a "less downbeat topic next time", I have just nominated an account of the "Golden Girls" story—the Zimbabwean women's hockey team that defied the odds to win gold at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, just a couple months after the big Rhodesia–Zimbabwe political transition period ended. The story is unusual, uplifting and, I hope, quite entertaining—short but sweet. As always your thoughts would be very much appreciated if your schedule allows. Cliftonian (talk) 20:19, 14 March 2014 (UTC)[reply]

I shall look in. Sounds most engaging. Tim riley (talk) 10:32, 15 March 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Imogen, Gielgud, Falstaff etc

I'm back, with a bit more of a spring in my faltering steps. I have now opened a peer review for Imogen Holst, and will be pleased with any comment you can make there. I wasn't able to read Gielgud on my travels (couldn't get a decent WiFi) but I'm on to it now, and comments will follow shortly (by the way, no girlfriend of mine ever took a shine to Gielgud, or anyway ever advertised it to me). And where do we stand with Falstff now? I expected to see it at FAC – problems? Brianboulton (talk) 21:19, 17 March 2014 (UTC)[reply]

DYK for Big Fish, Little Fish (play)