From: mabjo@pacbell.net   
      
   Obviously this place isn't my local pub any more. I just dropped in for a pint   
   and stayed to finish it. Quite the change: there used to be overflowing   
   ashtrays and lumpy furniture but the room was comfortable and strangers felt   
   welcome. Now there's spilled beer and broken glass all over, and a group of   
   thick-necked fellows at the back table are always shouting about politics to   
   each other and interrupting other conversations with their own favorite   
   subjects, so it's hard to have a quiet chat.   
      
   I have things to say about George Orwell once in a while because I like his   
   work, have read it, and continue to take an interest in books about his life,   
   writing and times. If I have something to say about him here I will say it.   
   Innocent tourists still come in here to look at the notice board because this   
   place is still in some of the guidebooks -- though if the atmosphere doesn't   
   improve it likely won't be for long.   
      
   /Martha Bridegam   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)