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The Great Hobbiton Race of 1435  by Llinos 10 Review(s)
DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 4 on 6/20/2007
Well, hobbits are a lot tougher and smarter than Men. I don't think Sam and Frodo-lad will suffer John Henry's fate, though I have a very strong feeling they will still win this competition. (Of course, Merry is very determined and Pippin is very enthusiastic--perhaps they'll pull a rabbit out of their hat after all!)

When John Henry was a little baby boy, sitting on the his papa's knee.

Well he picked up a hammer and little piece of steel

Said Hammer's gonna be the death of me, lord, lord

Hammer's gonna be the death of me


The captain said to John Henry

I'm gonna bring that steam drill around

I'm gonna bring that steam drill out on the job

I'm gonna whup that steel on down


John Henry told his captain Lord

a man ain't nothing but a man

But before I'd let your steam drill beat me down

I'd die with a hammer in my hand


John Henry said to his shaker

Shaker why don't you sing

Because I'm swinging thirty pounds from my hips on down

Just listen to that cold steel ring


Now the captain said to John Henry

I believe that mountain's caving in

John Henry said right back to the captain

Ain't nothing but my hammer sucking wind


Now the man that invented the steam drill

He thought he was mighty fine

But John Henry drove fifteen feet

The steam drill only made nine


John Henry hammered in the mountains

His hammer was striking fire

But he worked so hard, it broke his poor heart

And he laid down his hammer and he died



AndreaReviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/28/2007
Great story!

I've often wondered where the English word "contraption" came from, but when I imagine that *thing*, I'd say that word suits it best ;-)

And I remember many times when I tried to follow the rule "First read the manuel", but ended up with the trial-and-error method! LOL!!!

It seems Sam and Frodo-lad are following some plan? I'm looking forward to reading more!

Author Reply: "Contraption" is apparently a portmanteaux word made from "contrive" and "trap" - an unnecessarily complex device that will probably go wrong. Seems to fit.

Oh nobody reads past page 2 of the manual - do they?

A cunning plan? Sam? Surely not!

Pearl TookReviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/27/2007
He drives like I do!

I love that they had the blades too low and were cutting sod and not grass!

Wonderful, Llinos, wonderful!!

Author Reply: Do you really drive like that Pearl? Oh dear - you don't have much luck with transportation then - cars! Trains! LOL!

Glad you like it!


GoldenReviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/27/2007
*L* This is hilarious! Looking very much forward to the next Chapter! Wonder what Sam and Frodo-lad are up to.
Pippin has the same talent of driving as I. Hope the Shire survives that. ;)







Author Reply: Oh dear, well remind me not to take a lift from you!

The Shire has survived worse - I think!

InklingReviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/27/2007
"Bury it in the sandpit, along with the other villains!" LOL!!

This machine only confirms my opinion that the Industrial Revolution was a Very Bad Idea. But it's certainly entertaining the hobbits!

Hmm, wonder what Sam and Frodo are up to?

Author Reply: Sam and Frodo-lad are just minding their own and keeping busy - you know - business as usual.

Never thought of the Industrial Revolution as a form of entertainment before.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/26/2007
Trust Pippin! Too much or too little, that's our lad!

Only a small portion of the hedge lost? A blessing, I'm certain.

Author Reply: So far, so good. It can't get worse - surely?

Thanks for reading and reviewing. I'll try to be better at answering!
Llinos

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/26/2007
Oh dear! Merry and Pippin didn't pay a lot of attention to the Rules--and I would bet Sam had something in there not only about how *quickly* the job was done, but how well.

This whole tale reminds me of some American folk tales, such as John Henry and Paul Bunyan, and their valiant efforts against mechanization!

Author Reply: Oh Sam wouldn't do such a thing! Would he? Well we'll see.

I know nothing of these tales of which you speak, although plenty about Luddites!

PIppinfan1988Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/26/2007
LOL, maybe they ought to let Matt drive the contraption! I have a sneaking suspicion that the Shire just isn't ready for a Great Steam Vapour Spindle Activated Vegetation Dissection and Lubrication Apparatus, or maybe *it* isn't ready for them. ;-) I love Merry and Pippin, but I think I'm putting my money with Sam this time.

Waiting for more...

PF

Author Reply: Well they did consider letting Matt drive, but Marigold pointed out, that would be "outside help" so I guess we're stuck with Pippin for now. Until Merry runs out of patience.

Ah you never know how these things might turn out, keep your money secret and safe is my advice!

Thanks for reading and reviewing.

Grey WondererReviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/26/2007
(The fleeing hobbits were undoubtedly shrewd in their flight as the Thain's tendency to wave to the crowd and sound the whistle, whilst steering with one hand did little to improve the steam engine's manoeuvrability.) Ah, yes, the wrong cousin is driving! LOL I hope Sam put in a clause about damaged property counting against the big machine. If he did then Pippin's run-in with the hedge will go against them.

Just wondering if you were at all inspired to write this thanks to KM and KP and their recent search for spring in your garden? LOL

Author Reply: But Merry promised! And Pippin did so want to show off to the crowds.

How did you guess? My garden looks quite lovely now, but that would be Eddie and KnittedSam's doing. The others are only allowed to sit in it - carefully!

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/26/2007
Oh dear, Merry and Pip certainly meant well, don't they? At least they're giving the Shire some much-needed entertainment.

I adore the phrase "rising, as Pippin put it, 'at the crack of lunch!'". :)

Author Reply: Perhaps it's all just a big show? No, that probably wouldn't have been so entertaining.

I often rise at the crack of lunch, don't you? Although I've known KnittedMerry to rise at the crack of tea!

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