Mixed news in from Radio 4

robindch

Perhaps this isn't the most appropriate forum to post this on, but regardless:

Linda Smith, comedian, deviously sharp wit and president of the UK's Humanist Association, died yesterday:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4759968.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/4759922.stm

There'll be a tribute NewsQuiz next friday evening at 1830h hosted by Andy Hamilton, repeated saturday 1225h on BBC Radio 4.

In more cheerful news, Terry Pratchett's "Small Gods" has been dramatized and is going out this evening at 2300h on R4 also:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/smallgods/pip/383o1/

There are gods everywhere on the Discworld but only a few people can see them. Each small god lies in wait, desperately wanting to make someone believe in him. On the Discworld, gods need people more than people need gods.

Dades

Actually never heard of Linda Smith before (not that that says much).

And I'm afraid to read any Terry Prachett stuff in case I like it. Then I'd be stuck reading everything he wrote and have no time for anyone else.

robindch

> never heard of Linda Smith

A pity - she was occasionally on Have I Got News For You, regularly on the NewsQuiz (the original, radio version of HIGNFY) and was always one of the sharper panellists.

She first came to the prominence as a filthy heathen after her interview on another Radio 4 program, Devout Sceptics, back in 2004, which (as luck would have it), was buried deep in my mp3 collection and now available here:

http://www.foobar.org/robin/devout-sceptics-2004-01-01-Linda-Smith.mp3

...in which she comes across as a reflective and thoroughly decent person. It's well worth the listen, as much for the rarity value of an atheist being given airtime, as for its somewhat then-unexpected thoughtfulness.

As for Small Gods, well, I think it's way and above Pratchett's best book, so if you're going to read only one, then make it this one.

legspin

The Atheist wrote:

Actually never heard of Linda Smith before (not that that says much).

And I'm afraid to read any Terry Prachett stuff in case I like it. Then I'd be stuck reading everything he wrote and have no time for anyone else.

The first couple of books were a little chaotic but the last 30 or so, with the occasional dip in standard along the way, have just swung. Definitly one of my fav authors. Wouldn't necessarily agree that Small Gods is the best (more of a Night Watch fan myself) but it should be required reading for here:)

lostexpectation

robindch wrote:

> never heard of Linda Smith

http://www.foobar.org/robin/devout-sceptics-2004-01-01-Linda-Smith.mp3

...in which she comes across as a reflective and thoroughly decent person. It's well worth the listen, as much for the rarity value of an atheist being given airtime, as for its somewhat then-unexpected thoughtfulness.

did she become president after that interview or before,.... reads... ah yes as i thought so , they heard on this show and said somebody famous, quick!

do we need a irish celebrity patron of this boards too?

this article is good
http://news.independent.co.uk/people/profiles/article348646.ece

hope im not guilty of defining myself/athiestism via victimhood
although maybe its no victimhood but another case of stating the obvious.


isn't ronnie barker having as service in westminister cathedrale today saw it on the news...

Both BBC and sky news presenters turned to each other and said, I didn't know she was sick, she had cancer but kept to herself.

Tar.Aldarion

The Atheist wrote:

And I'm afraid to read any Terry Prachett stuff in case I like it. Then I'd be stuck reading everything he wrote and have no time for anyone else.

Don't get trapped, you'll love them!

Only person that can make me laugh out loud from writing.