XPost: alt.usage.english, rec.puzzles
On Fri, 27 Jun 2025 7:51:07 +0000, Colin Macleod wrote:
HenHanna <HenHanna@devnull.tb> posted:
On 6/26/2025 1:25 AM, Colin Macleod wrote:
Very sadly, the administrator of novaBBS "Retro Guy" died a couple of
months
ago. I have not heard of anyone else taking over its operation, so
there may
not be anyone who can respond to such problems.
I see. I am very sorry to hear that.
It was a great site and I have been using it every day.
Around the time of GG (Groups.Google) going away, I seem to remember a
(German?) guy setting up a site to read Usenet posts.
A few possible alternatives are listed at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Web-based_Usenet#Web-based_sites_and_popularity including my own https://newsgrouper.org .
That 's nice!
NovaBBS was back up for 5 min. yesterday.
and It seems up today...
or maybe NOT !
There are currently 969 users online
Total messages: 2,871,907
--
Colin Macleod ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ https://cmacleod.me.uk
🧙 Is there anybody there?
👻 Is that a trick question? I'm here in spirit but not in body!
That sort of reminds me of this exchange:
Odysseus answers : [No man]
___________________________
Here’s some context and explanation for the exchange you mentioned:
The Exchange: "Odysseus answers: [No man]"
This refers to a famous episode from Homer’s Odyssey, specifically the encounter between Odysseus and the Cyclops Polyphemus.
The Scene
Odysseus and his men are trapped in the cave of the Cyclops Polyphemus. To escape, Odysseus devises a clever plan: he tells
Polyphemus that his name is "Nobody" (or "No man" in some translations).
Greek: Οὖτις (Outis) English: Nobody / No man
______________________________
The Exchange
Polyphemus: "What is your name, stranger?"
Odysseus: "My name is Nobody (No man)."
Later, after Odysseus blinds Polyphemus, the Cyclops cries out for help
to the other Cyclopes:
Cyclops: "Nobody (No man) is hurting me!"
Other Cyclopes: "If nobody is hurting you, then it must be the gods.
There is nothing we can do."
Why is it Important?
This clever use of words allows Odysseus to escape, as
the other Cyclopes do not come to Polyphemus's aid, thinking he is not
actually being attacked by anyone.
In Summary
Odysseus answers: [No man]
This is a classic example of Odysseus's wit and cunning, a defining
trait of his character throughout the Odyssey.
If you need the actual Greek, more context, or a creative retelling,
just let me know!
--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)