Upon the mafic roads, a journey of contrasting elements unfolds. The word "mafic" refers to a type of rock rich in magnesium and iron, often associated with dark, dense, and heavy qualities. Likewise, the roads that traverse through these landscapes are infused with a sense of depth and strength, commanding attention and introspection. As one embarks upon these mafic roads, the surroundings take on an otherworldly allure. The dark hues of the rocks and soil seem to absorb and hold the light, creating an atmosphere of mystery and enigma. The rugged terrain, paired with the sheer vastness of the landscape, evokes a sense of insignificance in the presence of nature's grandeur.
The rugged terrain, paired with the sheer vastness of the landscape, evokes a sense of insignificance in the presence of nature's grandeur. Yet, amidst the seemingly inhospitable terrain, life miraculously perseveres. Hardy plants and resilient creatures find their niche in this harsh environment, adapting and thriving against all odds.
The magical roundabout actors
Courtesy of BBC
Little girl Florence and Dougal the dog are among the visitors to Mr Rusty's merry-go-round in Zebedee's magic land.
Serge Danot , a French animator in a Paris advertising studio, devised this animation series with the help of English colleague Ivor Wood and Ivor's wife Josiane . The story told of Mr Rusty, owner of an old merry-go-round that children no longer visit until one day a magic jack-in-the-box, Zebedee, casts a spell to bring them back. Late addition Pollux the dog became the show's star when French station ORTF broadcast Le Manège Enchanté in 1964.
The BBC were offered the series but rejected it as "charming. but difficult to dub into English". Later, Head of Children's, Doreen Stephens had Joy Whitby (producer of Play School ) revisit it. Whitby suggested Play School presenter Eric Thompson try voicing the animation. The typically English Thompson (his wife Phyllida Law joked he was rather suspect of the French) ignored the provided scripts and wrote his own storylines to the mute pictures, supplying voices and third person narration. His calm tones, at odds with the hyperactive animation, lent a curiously mismatched feel.
Pollux became pompous Dougal, reminiscent of Tony Hancock 's TV persona. 'Margot' became Florence, the little girl who worked as a point of viewer identification in this magic world, 'Amboise' the snail became the cheerful and optimistic Brian. Later colour episodes introduced Dylan, a lazy, guitar-playing rabbit (named after Bob Dylan ) and Ermintrude, a shrill pink cow. The odd characters fuelled a long-discredited urban myth that each was a coded reference to an illegal drug.
The Magic Roundabout first aired in the UK on 18 October 1965. Showing daily just before the 5.55pm news, it drew a family audience and developed a cult following. When it was moved to 4.55pm in 1967 adult viewers complained to the BBC .
Thompson adapted episodes until 1977 and a feature film, Dougal and the Blue Cat , was released (France, d. Serge Danot, 1972). A set of previously undiscovered French episodes were voiced by Nigel Planer and shown on Channel 4 from 1992. Yet another batch was later voiced by a different actor for AB Productions . A computer-animated feature by the bolexbrothers company was released in 2005.
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Such resilience serves as a poignant reminder of the strength and adaptability of life itself. Traveling along these roads, one cannot help but be drawn into a state of contemplation. The silence and solitude of the surroundings serve as a catalyst for introspection, inviting deep thoughts and self-reflection. The uninterrupted expanse invites exploration of the inner self and the exploration of thoughts, ideas, and emotions that may have remained dormant. Moreover, there is a certain sense of timelessness that permeates these mafic roads. The rocks, shaped and sculpted by centuries of geologic processes, carry with them a narrative of the Earth's history. The juxtaposition of this ancient wisdom with the fleeting moment of human existence is a humbling experience, provoking a reflection on life's ephemerality. Ultimately, traveling upon the mafic roads becomes a transformative experience. The encounter with contrasting elements - darkness and light, challenge and resilience, solitude and introspection - leads one to question their place in the greater scheme of things. It is a journey that forces one to confront their own mortality, yet simultaneously offers solace and a new perspective on life's purpose. Upon the mafic roads, the individual finds themselves in a landscape of contradictions, beauty, and profound questions. In the face of darkness, there is light; in the midst of solitude, there is self-discovery. It is a journey that lingers in the mind long after the road has been left behind, leaving an indelible mark on the soul..
Reviews for "The unique properties of mafic road surfaces"
1. Sarah - 2 stars
Upon the Mafic Roads was a disappointment for me. I expected a thrilling story of adventure and suspense, but instead, I found myself bored and frustrated. The plot was weak and predictable, and the characters felt flat and uninteresting. There were several inconsistencies in the story that made it hard to follow, and the pacing was far too slow. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for an exciting read.
2. John - 1 star
I simply couldn't get into Upon the Mafic Roads. The writing style was overly descriptive and convoluted, making it difficult to understand what was happening. The author seemed more focused on showcasing their vocabulary than creating an engaging story. The characters lacked depth and development, and I couldn't connect with any of them. The novel dragged on without any clear direction, and I eventually gave up on trying to finish it. It's a shame because I had high hopes for this book, but it just didn't deliver.
3. Emily - 2 stars
Upon the Mafic Roads was a confusing and disjointed read. The narrative jumped around between different timelines and perspectives without any clear indication, leaving me feeling lost and disconnected. The plot itself was riddled with holes, and important details were often glossed over or left unexplained. The main characters were unlikeable and difficult to root for, which made it hard to invest in the story. Overall, I found this book to be a frustrating and unsatisfying experience. I would advise others to steer clear.