You and me both. If this kind of thing attracts a certain type of person, I am very much The Other Type Of Person. (See also: caving.) But I love reading about it!
Ah! You're so right! It's not on that image, but it was on the more extensive list I found on a genealogy bulletin board that seems to have originally sparked the whole thing, as later quoted in The Poke here, although they don't reference that list directly: https://www.thepoke.com/2016/03/17/extraordinary-jobs-1881-british-census/ (Worth noting that The Poke is mostly a satirical website so if they're guilty of embellishment here, I would not be shocked!)
Well, that scared the living daylights out of me. I have a love/hate relationship with the sea. On one hand I can see that it can be fun, but then there are sharks, perfect storms and abysses that can swallow you. I used to work on cruise ships a long time ago and witnessed many a violent storm with waves crashing onto the upper decks. We almost had to abandon ship once late at night. No screaming, just a deathly silence. If a mega liner can’t withstand the might of the ocean, there’s no hope for anything smaller. One of the first things we were taught in life boat duty was to get as far away from the ship as possible because of the enormous suction if the ship went under. Terrifying.
Yes! That's probably down to my own clumsy wording here - what Macfarlane was really doing with Landmarks and his later Book Of Lost Words (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lost-Words-Robert-Macfarlane/dp/0241253586) was bringing more words into common usage in English, as well as unearthing genuinely forgotten words.
Thanks, Daniel! I reckon learning something new is a lot more dangerous than an ice-cream headache, which are pretty harmless things even though they feel really uncomfortable (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-causes-ice-cream-hea/). Knowledge, on the other hand, can get you into ALL sorts of trouble...
What a fascinating read, as ever Mike, thank you. I've been meaning to get How To Read Water and you have given me a reminder just in time for holiday, thank you
Spooky description of the bubbles holding in place and then next exhale starting to go downward. Gives me goosebumps. Amazing collection of powerful descriptions of powerful forces. And the meteorologist’s reaction… humbling, consequential forces. A friend’s father told me about a huge merchant ship he’d seen where the iron railings way way up the side had been twisted by a wave in a storm as if they were made of play dough.
We saw the Corryvreckan during a small boat (12-15 passengers) cruise a couple of years ago. Later, we learned that it featured in a Wendy Hiller film from 1940s called I Know Where I’m Going though I believe the actual boat scenes were filmed in a water tank.
The pros have been on the case with that census occupations list – much of it is definitely real! See https://x.com/SoGGenealogist/status/1458742740280299524 (oh, and 'knight of the thimble' was common slang for a tailor).
I love reading and hearing about the experiences of folks who go down in places like this, and I'm so glad I'm on Team Nope.
You and me both. If this kind of thing attracts a certain type of person, I am very much The Other Type Of Person. (See also: caving.) But I love reading about it!
You and I have this superpower where we don't have to do the dangerous things, but instead can live vicariously through others! Yay us!
CAPTAIN COWARDICE AND BOY NOPE!
I don't know which of us is which, so that's my get-out clause if you come after me for defamation of character.
I mean, I have no problems deferring here: age before handsomeness.
Also: cowardice before bravado! Thank you so much, evolution. I love you.
See you in court.
Not if I see you first and don't actually show up!
SAME.
Ferret Weaving? Did you just pop that one in to throw us off? There's no ferret weaving on that list!
Ah! You're so right! It's not on that image, but it was on the more extensive list I found on a genealogy bulletin board that seems to have originally sparked the whole thing, as later quoted in The Poke here, although they don't reference that list directly: https://www.thepoke.com/2016/03/17/extraordinary-jobs-1881-british-census/ (Worth noting that The Poke is mostly a satirical website so if they're guilty of embellishment here, I would not be shocked!)
AH! I thought I was going nuts. I looked over the list so many times, thinking maybe I just wasn't seeing it, as that's a common occurrence for me.
Well, that scared the living daylights out of me. I have a love/hate relationship with the sea. On one hand I can see that it can be fun, but then there are sharks, perfect storms and abysses that can swallow you. I used to work on cruise ships a long time ago and witnessed many a violent storm with waves crashing onto the upper decks. We almost had to abandon ship once late at night. No screaming, just a deathly silence. If a mega liner can’t withstand the might of the ocean, there’s no hope for anything smaller. One of the first things we were taught in life boat duty was to get as far away from the ship as possible because of the enormous suction if the ship went under. Terrifying.
Wow, that was fascinating. I never cease to be amazed and humbled by how many real things I have never heard of before!
Yay! Glad I could give you one of those moments that make the world feel more interesting that expected. :) Thanks for reading, Leslie.
Hey Mike--
a couple of the water-related words on your list aren't lost; they appear to be Welsh.
Cymer--take (I think?) Ffrwd--stream. At least that's what I've found in my limited dictionary.
Yes! That's probably down to my own clumsy wording here - what Macfarlane was really doing with Landmarks and his later Book Of Lost Words (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lost-Words-Robert-Macfarlane/dp/0241253586) was bringing more words into common usage in English, as well as unearthing genuinely forgotten words.
Mike - I reiterate that I feel smarter. At 66, it's hard to differentiate between that sensation and an ice cream headache at times. 😅😁
Nothing posted on the Internet goes away. Oy.
Thanks, Daniel! I reckon learning something new is a lot more dangerous than an ice-cream headache, which are pretty harmless things even though they feel really uncomfortable (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-causes-ice-cream-hea/). Knowledge, on the other hand, can get you into ALL sorts of trouble...
As if I didn't need more reasons to avoid swimming in open water. Thanks, Mike!
What a fascinating read, as ever Mike, thank you. I've been meaning to get How To Read Water and you have given me a reminder just in time for holiday, thank you
I'm reading this in Stornoway, Scotland as I look out at the water wondering how dangerous it is!
I'd forgotten how visceral this piece was! So much to learn about water -- I think I'll stick to the shallows.
Spooky description of the bubbles holding in place and then next exhale starting to go downward. Gives me goosebumps. Amazing collection of powerful descriptions of powerful forces. And the meteorologist’s reaction… humbling, consequential forces. A friend’s father told me about a huge merchant ship he’d seen where the iron railings way way up the side had been twisted by a wave in a storm as if they were made of play dough.
We saw the Corryvreckan during a small boat (12-15 passengers) cruise a couple of years ago. Later, we learned that it featured in a Wendy Hiller film from 1940s called I Know Where I’m Going though I believe the actual boat scenes were filmed in a water tank.
And it turns out my wife has walked along the Strid, with a very experienced local guide.
The pros have been on the case with that census occupations list – much of it is definitely real! See https://x.com/SoGGenealogist/status/1458742740280299524 (oh, and 'knight of the thimble' was common slang for a tailor).
Cor!!!!!
Gripping story where distance from reality was much appreciated.