Timewaster's Guide Archive

Departments => Books => Topic started by: fuzzyoctopus on April 29, 2004, 09:37:25 PM

Title: A Business of Ferrets
Post by: fuzzyoctopus on April 29, 2004, 09:37:25 PM

"A Business of Ferrets"

Now first of all, is this actually the correct collective noun for group of ferrets?

Second of all, it's by Beth Hilgartner, who as far as I knew had only written two books: Colors in the "Dreamweaver's Loom" and "Feast of the Trickster".  This is apparently not true, which makes me happy.  So while I was browsing half.com I saw this and the title made me buy it. (Half.com?  I don't have a problem. I can stop anytime.  Anytime I want.  Really.)

Colors in the Dreamweaver's Loom is really one of the best YA fantasy books I ever read.  It's great.  I picked up a copy of that too, of course, 'cause it's out of print.  This one is also fantasy.  Anyone read it?

Title: Re: A Business of Ferrets
Post by: The Holy Saint, Grand High Poobah, Master of Monkeys, Ehlers on April 29, 2004, 09:42:44 PM

I'm sorry, I'm having trouble not picturing a swarm of tube rats dressed as accountants with pencils over their ears and busy tapping away at keyboards or calculators.

Title: Re: A Business of Ferrets
Post by: Master Xaio on April 29, 2004, 11:38:46 PM

Or in lab coats....

Title: Re: A Business of Ferrets
Post by: 42 on April 30, 2004, 04:55:53 AM

[steve erwine accent]
I guess a "Business of Ferrets" could be used. Ferrets are solitary, but loosely social animals. Well they hunt by themselves but aren't above cooperating with other ferrets to take down larger prayer. Actually, most muselids (badgers, wolverines, mongooses) are solitary, so I guess the author can call a group of them whatever he or she wants.

Incidentally, I discovered that ferrets and weasels are usually used as mounts by brownies. How degrading, but I guess that is good since ferrets like to steal things. So ferrets and brownies together could be in the baby stealing business.
[/steve erwin accent]

Title: Re: A Business of Ferrets
Post by: EUOL on April 30, 2004, 07:38:13 AM

Because, you know, one ferret can't pray on his own....

Title: Re: A Business of Ferrets
Post by: Master Xaio on April 30, 2004, 07:40:37 AM

But one ferret in a lab coat or suit....

Title: Re: A Business of Ferrets
Post by: The Holy Saint, Grand High Poobah, Master of Monkeys, Ehlers on April 30, 2004, 07:41:42 AM

actually, no, no lab coats. That does not evoke "business"

and if they're stealing babies, does that mean they serve a higher Dingo overlord?

Title: Re: A Business of Ferrets
Post by: EUOL on April 30, 2004, 07:42:21 AM

Which would explain why they have to get into groups to pray to him.

Title: Re: A Business of Ferrets
Post by: Mad Dr Jeffe on April 30, 2004, 02:48:47 PM

what would you call a bunch of weasles?

Title: Re: A Business of Ferrets
Post by: The Holy Saint, Grand High Poobah, Master of Monkeys, Ehlers on April 30, 2004, 03:05:51 PM

get ready for it!

a car dealership

(alternatively:)

a law firm

YAY!

Title: Re: A Business of Ferrets
Post by: Mad Dr Jeffe on April 30, 2004, 04:04:36 PM

i was hoping for congress

Title: Re: A Business of Ferrets
Post by: fuzzyoctopus on May 04, 2004, 06:02:43 PM

So the book came today, and since I have the day off, I've been reading it.

Pretty good so far.  The only real problem is the one I have with all fantasy novels centered around political intrigue: having two dozen fantasy names to keep straight.

That's why I find it interesting that the protagonists, who are thieves, beggars, etc. all have handy names like Ferret, Owl, Mouse, Kitten, and Donkey.

I think I'll keep this in mind.

Title: Re: A Business of Ferrets
Post by: fuzzyoctopus on May 04, 2004, 06:06:34 PM

also interesting.

http://rinkworks.com/words/collective.shtml

http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/help/faq/animals/names.htm