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Sunday Morning Book Thread 03-08-2015: Hating Normal Life [OregonMuse]
The Summer of Love
Book Quote
Where is human nature so weak as in the bookstore?
-Henry Ward Beecher
Civilization And Its Discontents You don't know what you've got 'til it's gone:
Dr. Dylan Evans, a respected behavioral psychologist, and an expert on robots and artificial intelligence...in 2006, sold his house in the Cotswolds and its contents, and moved to the Black Isle in Scotland to found a self-sufficient community in a remote valley, with a group of acolytes he had recruited on-line. The project was called the Utopia Experiment, and the idea was to attempt to imagine, through real-life role-playing, the conditions that might exist in the aftermath of society's collapse.So was this an earnest attempt at Utopia, or an honest-to-goodness attempt at it? This review seems to think that Evans was a serious nutter who wanted to, and thought he could, create a utopian society out there in the wilderness. But whatever it the case, it didn't work out so well:
Factions formed with different views about the future of the human race, and competition and fighting broke out. The yurts they lived in leaked rain. The vegetables they farmed wouldn't grow. Dylan began to fear for his sanity, and then his life.Fighting? In Utopia? Whoever heard of such a thing?
...by the time he came to write this book [Evans] realized he was delusional. Though he had no difficulty recruiting like-minded eccentrics to join him in his 'experimental community'...Evans admits that his utopia was doomed to failure.But he did write a book about this experiences, The Utopia Experiment, wherein he presumably learned to appreciate cooked food, clean sheets and a hot shower. This appears to be a recurring conceit in modern life. Every now and then, someone gets bored with the comfort and prosperity they've grown accustomed to. and thinks they can just do away with civilization and everything will be just fine. Like 50 years ago when a group of people in California started experimenting with marijuana and LSD and soon the drugs so addled their brains that they began to delude themselves into thinking they could build a sustainable civilization on panhandling, free sex, and selling beads to tourists. They were like 3-year-old children who think they're actually flying when their Daddy lifts them up in the air and swings them around. A number of histories have been written about this cultural breaking point, for example, this one, which is a .pdf file you can download for free) and I think they tend to be a bit hagiographic, since "the 60s" are looked upon with great reverence by the culturally dominant baby-boomers. However, writer and critic Tom Wolfe observed things that the boomers would prefer to forget:
In 1968, in San Francisco, I came across a curious footnote to the hippie movement. At the Haight-Ashbury Free Clinic, there were doctors treating diseases no living doctor had ever encountered before, diseases that had disappeared so long ago they had never even picked up Latin names, diseases such as the mange, the grunge, the itch, the twitch, the thrush, the scroff, the rot. And how was it that they now returned?...The hippies sought nothing less than to sweep aside all codes and restraints of the past and start from zero...Among the codes and restraints that people in the communes swept aside...were those that said you shouldn't use other people's toothbrushes or sleep on other people's mattresses without changing the sheets...or that you and five other people shouldn't drink from the same bottle of Shasta or take tokes from the same cigarette. And now, in 1968, they were relearning...the laws of hygiene...by getting the mange, the grunge, the itch, the twitch, the thrush, the scroff, the rot.All of this and bedbugs, too. And STDs. Which is why the expression "dirty hippie" or "filthy hippie" is more than mere invective. That whole social experiment really did create some serious health issues for the city of San Francisco that the "free clinics" that were set up only partially addressed. This was from his article 'The Great Relearning' which was reprinted in Hooking Up (Ceramic Transactions), an anthology of Wolfe's essays which can actually be read in its entirety online here. There are a couple of other essays in the collection that I think are worth noting. The first is 'The Invisible Artist', a biography of American artist Frederick Hart (who died way too young in 1999) who went against modern art trends and sculpted figures of people that actually looked like people. His best known sculpture is probably 'Daughters of Odessa', an allegorical representation of Faith, Hope, Beauty, and Innocence personified by the four daughters of Czar Nicholas II, who along with him were cruelly murdered by the Bolsheviks in 1917. The sculpture is subtitled 'Martyrs of Modernism.' Hart was a devout Roman Catholic who believed that the old-fashioned virtues (such as Faith, Hope, Beauty, and Innocence) were good things and that art ought to show them. Google 'Frederick Hart' and look at his sculptures. He did some amazing work, particularly with acrylic. The other essay in this collection which I found quite interesting is 'Two Young Men Who Went West', an examination of the theological(!) roots of Silicon Valley corporate culture. Specifically, how the engineer who was given seed money to get Fairchild Semiconductor up and running was raised in an area of Iowa dominated by Congregationalist churches, and so, even though he wasn't a believer, even though he never internalized the faith of his parents, nevertheless adopted that denomination's fiercely non-hierarchical ecclesiastical structure into his new company, and how it was radically different than the corporate culture of the parent company back East, and how it affected other Silicon Valley start-up companies. He went on to another start-up, Intel. Both essays make for very fascinating reading, and in my opinion, are worth the price of the book.
The Happy Warrior I wish I had remembered that last Sunday was the anniversary of Andrew Breitbart's passing, so I am unfortunately a week late with this. Like many of you, I will always remember when I first got up that morning of March 1st, 2012, going to the computer, reloading the AoSHQ main page, only to be punched in the face by ace's obituary of Andrew. I screamed "No! This can't be true. This is some kind of sick joke. C'mon ace, this is a prank, isn't it? Isn't it? Please tell me you're just messing with us." And then the awful realization that it was indeed true. Breitbart was a one-man wrecking crew of all things progressive, he had already done serious damage to the left, and he was just getting started. Just getting started, that's the tragedy. He had geared up to be in the fight for the long haul, but God evidently had other plans. I believe that if Andrew Breitbart was still alive, Obama would have been a one-term president. The first time I encountered Andrew was when I read the book Hollywood, Interrupted: Insanity Chic in Babylon -- The Case Against Celebrity that he co-wrote with journalist Mark Ebner, which I was able to check out from my local library. Don't know how I first found out about it, I probably saw it mentioned on the Drudge Report. I really didn't know who Breitbart was back then, and certainly not what he would become. And now, looking back, I'm not sure I can recommend Hollywood, Interrupted. Not that it's a bad book, but it's entire raison d'etre is to show that Hollywood is a corrupt, degraded cesspool of vice trying to pass itself off as normal. But all of us here, we already know that. It doesn't need to be demonstrated, it's a given. Plus, all the stories, as they involve contemporary (2004-5) Hollywood celebrities, would be somewhat dated now, and even more so as time goes on. Of course, the book that Andrew is really known for is Righteous Indignation: Excuse Me While I Save the World!, which has been read and loved by many of us. For those of you who haven't read it, in the words of one Amazon reviewer:
...the Left taught him what they wanted him to know, showed him what they wanted him to see, gave him the Party Line that he should think. But Breitbart somehow retained a thread of sanity. When it came time to rejoin The World, he compared what The University had taught him to what he could see for himself in The World, and realized that the whole substance and foundation of his "liberal" education was a lie. A lie deliberate, malicious, and malignant. He chose to choose, and chose to turn on his creators. And since the Mad Political Scientists of the Left had also taught him how they think, and how they persuade, and how they lie and inculcate lies, they gave him the means to do what they had never planned. They gave him the means to destroy them."At last!" I remember thinking to myself when I first started reading about Andrew's exploits, "At last we have someone on our side who really understands how the media works, and can use it for the benefit of conservative causes." This book made this Business Insider list of The 13 Books That Every Young Conservative Must Read. You can watch a 30-minute Uncommon Knowledge interview of Breitbart about Righteous Indignation from 2011 here. I had forgotten that Andrew had helped Ariana Huffington start the Huffington Post. Good line from the interview: "It annoys me that our side does not commit to this battle [for the media]" I'm afraid we will not see his like again.
Clean Up Your Reading Hmmm... Apparently, there is now an app that will allow you to censor your own reading, in case you're offended by bad language and would rather not have to read it:
The Clean Reader app removes objectionable language from a book and adds in 'an alternative word with the same general meaning.' One user wrote, 'This app has brought me back to reading and loving books again.'Eh. The books I usually read aren't overwhelmed by cussing, so I don't care. And the replacement-with-a-milder-word aspect of this app sounds a bit dubious. The example the demo video on the site showed the sentence "He wished he had his damn knife" being changed to "He wished he had his darn knife." Really? I'd say that that substantially changes the meaning of the sentence. The word 'darn' simply does not have the same force as 'damn'. In other words, this app allows you to change the book that was actually written to the one you'd rather read instead. Is this a good thing? It seems to me that if your practice is to make sure everything conforms to the comfortable contours of your own expectations, that's a recipe for stagnation and complacency. Sometimes getting punched in the face is not necessarily a bad thing. Of course, you may say "ugh, I don't want to read that" or "I don't think my kids should be reading this" and that's perfectly OK. Just put it down and find something else. But don't delude yourself into thinking you're reading something when you really aren't. I know that this argument can be used, and has been used, to defend some pretty disgusting material. But I would hate it if I wrote something and people messed with it to get it to say something I never intended. My approach to this is basically libertarian, that is, if you think the books you're reading contain too much bad language, then maybe you should be reading other books. And I sympathize with parents to find appropriate YA books for their teenagers, but again, it seems to me that the libertarian advice is appropriate. Surely you should be able to find plenty of YA stuff out there that isn't an R-rated cuss-fest. Clean Reader is available for free for both iOS and Android.
Titles Sometimes, the title of a book is a either a quote or a reference to some other literary work. Here's a quiz where you have to guess what the titles of 10 different books are quoting or referencing. I scored 80% by guessing a lot. I think I only knew 2 of the answers for sure. Along these same lines, do you know where the title of Anthony Burgess' novel A Clockwork Orange comes from? Apparently, "queer as a clockwork orange" was an expression used by Londoners back in the day, but perhaps not so much any more. Also, unrelatedly, the novel has 21 chapters, but the version first published in American only has 20. Burgess tells the story about how this came about in a published introduction to the 1986 (restored) American version, and it has been reprinted here. It's an interesting piece to read, and I learned something I didn't know, that, as it turns out, Burgess doesn't like the book very much at all. Like Alec Guinness' detestation of his iconic role as Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars film franchise, Burgess wishes he would be remembered for his other works which are considerably more praiseworthy, but
are unknown today.
Books By Morons Moron commenter Darth Cobalt Shiva has just published his first novel Not By Sight, a Cold War thriller:
Dennis Sandoval is a "Ghostrunner," an elite United States Air Force covert operator with a shadowy past. In the waning days of the Cold War, Sandoval must jump into East Germany and rescue an American missionary before a crucial East-West summit. But the mission spirals out of control; both the CIA and East German State Security are after the missionary. Cut off from his chain of command and hunted by Willi Metzger, a fanatical East German State Security officer with his own agenda, Sandoval must call on all of his skill and risk everything in order to survive and succeed.Shiva says: "It's $2.99, and I believe that it will give my fellow Morons their money's worth in terms of enjoyment."
___________ So that's all for this week. As always, book thread tips, suggestions, bribes, rumors, threats, and insults may be sent to OregonMuse, Proprietor, AoSHQ Book Thread, at the book thread e-mail address: aoshqbookthread, followed by the 'at' sign, and then 'G' mail, and then dot cee oh emm. What have you all been reading this week? Hopefully something good, because, as you all know, life is too short to be reading lousy books.
Comments
(Jump to bottom of comments)1
Wow, I didn't expect the book thread until late OM. You are on West Coast time.
Still working on the Honor Herrington series by David Weber. I am near the end of the 5th one now. I am going to take a break after this one. I will probably move on to the Malloreon series by David Eddings. I noticed the other day that Amazon has finally started carrying that one and his Belgeriad series so his heirs must have made some kind of settlement in their dispute over copyright ownership.
Still working on the Honor Herrington series by David Weber. I am near the end of the 5th one now. I am going to take a break after this one. I will probably move on to the Malloreon series by David Eddings. I noticed the other day that Amazon has finally started carrying that one and his Belgeriad series so his heirs must have made some kind of settlement in their dispute over copyright ownership.
Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at March 08, 2015 08:10 AM (wlDny)
2
In 1968, in San Francisco, I came across a curious footnote to the hippie movement. At the Haight-Ashbury Free Clinic
I went by that area once. It was not populated by hippies. The people there were all bums and it stunk. People there now say the whole city is that way now. This is why SF is no longer the number 1 tourist destination, Charleston, SC is.
I went by that area once. It was not populated by hippies. The people there were all bums and it stunk. People there now say the whole city is that way now. This is why SF is no longer the number 1 tourist destination, Charleston, SC is.
Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at March 08, 2015 08:14 AM (wlDny)
3
Catching up on TWD comics and reading Walden and Uncle Tom's Cabin for my book club.
Posted by: NCKate at March 08, 2015 08:25 AM (x6MR6)
4
So San Francisco in 1968 was the herald to Jim Jones and his attempt at Year Zero in a South American jungle.
Quelle surprise, not.
Quelle surprise, not.
Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at March 08, 2015 08:26 AM (i81yN)
5
Getting lonely, yet? I'll hang out with you for a while, though I've been doing more writing of books lately, and less reading of them.
Posted by: right wing whippersnapper at March 08, 2015 08:26 AM (ThxKk)
6
Figures that I post a pithy comment, and everybody else has already arrived. Talk about bad timing.
Posted by: right wing whippersnapper at March 08, 2015 08:27 AM (ThxKk)
7
This week did not check out a WWII Pacific history book from the library, so no long winded comment this time.
Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at March 08, 2015 08:30 AM (i81yN)
8
Utopians never learn from history. They always set out with the firm belief that they will be different.
They never are.
They never are.
Posted by: Zap Rowsdower at March 08, 2015 08:33 AM (MMC8r)
9
I finished Guns Sails and Empires by Carlo Cipolla. Subtitled Technological innovations and the early phases of European expansion.
It talks about how the advances in technology in making guns and sailing allowed the trade empires of, first the Portuguese and later other, European powers to spread and out compete Eastern powers, and why the Eastern societies were unable to take advantage of these new technologies in spite of full access to them and their products.
It would would have been an excellent rebuttal to Diamond's Guns Germs and Steel, except for being written in 1964.
It talks about how the advances in technology in making guns and sailing allowed the trade empires of, first the Portuguese and later other, European powers to spread and out compete Eastern powers, and why the Eastern societies were unable to take advantage of these new technologies in spite of full access to them and their products.
It would would have been an excellent rebuttal to Diamond's Guns Germs and Steel, except for being written in 1964.
Posted by: Kindltot at March 08, 2015 08:35 AM (t//F+)
10
Good morning! The kids and I are reading the Harry Potter series together. I loathe J.K. Rowling, but they wanted to read them. Getting from the library though; I refuse to give that dingbat one dime more.
Posted by: jmel at March 08, 2015 08:35 AM (cfFqn)
Posted by: Comrade Arthur at March 08, 2015 08:38 AM (h53OH)
12
The kids and I are reading the Harry Potter series
together. I loathe J.K. Rowling, but they wanted to read them. Getting
from the library though; I refuse to give that dingbat one dime more.
Posted by: jmel at March 08, 2015 08:35 AM (cfFqn)
I just about died when she compared Book 5 to the Bush admin, saying it was sooo totalitarian. How can somebody be that unaware of the real world? Actually, I asked myself the same question when the author of The Hunger Games compared her universe to the same admin, so apparently self-delusion in authors is more common than I realized.
together. I loathe J.K. Rowling, but they wanted to read them. Getting
from the library though; I refuse to give that dingbat one dime more.
Posted by: jmel at March 08, 2015 08:35 AM (cfFqn)
I just about died when she compared Book 5 to the Bush admin, saying it was sooo totalitarian. How can somebody be that unaware of the real world? Actually, I asked myself the same question when the author of The Hunger Games compared her universe to the same admin, so apparently self-delusion in authors is more common than I realized.
Posted by: right wing whippersnapper at March 08, 2015 08:39 AM (ThxKk)
13
Read Lee Child's "Personal." More or a novelization of a script treatment for a middling action movie by a short, unskilled actor than an early Jack Reacher novel. Wonder if Child has already sold the screen rights...
***
Retraction -- I recommended "Pogue's Basics" a while back. Finally finished it and found it too superficial to be very useful. Worth a glance if you can borrow it from the library, otherwise skip it.
***
Retraction -- I recommended "Pogue's Basics" a while back. Finally finished it and found it too superficial to be very useful. Worth a glance if you can borrow it from the library, otherwise skip it.
Posted by: doug-also with no party at March 08, 2015 08:40 AM (/tdRw)
14
'apparently self-delusion in authors is more common than I realized.'
Moron authors excepted, of course.
Moron authors excepted, of course.
Posted by: right wing whippersnapper at March 08, 2015 08:42 AM (ThxKk)
15
Just got back from WIkipedia....
Lenin wrote a pamphlet called "What Is to Be Done?" (Title taken from an earlier writer's work, interestingly enough.) Figuring out what the commies are up to is easy enough. They wrote it all down, once upon a time.
Lenin wrote a pamphlet called "What Is to Be Done?" (Title taken from an earlier writer's work, interestingly enough.) Figuring out what the commies are up to is easy enough. They wrote it all down, once upon a time.
Posted by: FireHorse at March 08, 2015 08:42 AM (lHZsI)
Posted by: freaked at March 08, 2015 08:43 AM (JdEZJ)
17
Do 50 year old Richie Rich Comics count as Books?
Posted by: Luap Nor's last brain cell at March 08, 2015 08:43 AM (QLqUE)
18
What, no HQ? We're going back on the grid!
Posted by: freaked at March 08, 2015 08:44 AM (JdEZJ)
19
This week I read The Churchill Factor: How One Man Made History by Boris Johnson. This book was touted by Glenn Beck and for good reason. While not as detailed or written in a scholarly manner as William Manchester's volumes on Churchill, Johnson wrote a folksy one volume account of this great man's life.
As the subtitle indicates, Johnson is a great fan of Churchill, but he dosen't hesitate to point out his foibles and errors of judgement. The author presents a very fair picture of Winston's life.
While reading this book, I was amazed at how much Churchill looked into the future and how prescient he was. When I finished I could not help but to compare Churchill with President Obama. Churchill was a man of great personal bravery, a student of history, a doer with many accomplishments, a leader, a visionary; all that our President is not.
I fear our near future is going to require a great leader like Churchill to survive. Unfortunately, none of our current politicians seem to come close.
As the subtitle indicates, Johnson is a great fan of Churchill, but he dosen't hesitate to point out his foibles and errors of judgement. The author presents a very fair picture of Winston's life.
While reading this book, I was amazed at how much Churchill looked into the future and how prescient he was. When I finished I could not help but to compare Churchill with President Obama. Churchill was a man of great personal bravery, a student of history, a doer with many accomplishments, a leader, a visionary; all that our President is not.
I fear our near future is going to require a great leader like Churchill to survive. Unfortunately, none of our current politicians seem to come close.
Posted by: Zoltan at March 08, 2015 08:44 AM (eLZwy)
20
Book 5 was the best in the series, and it more closely indicts European cowardice (and tyranny) in the face of the jihad.
I wonder if Rowlings is just SAYING that the book is about Bush so she doesn't get the Bardot treatment (or simply beheaded).
I wonder if Rowlings is just SAYING that the book is about Bush so she doesn't get the Bardot treatment (or simply beheaded).
Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at March 08, 2015 08:45 AM (9gH7J)
21
Any of Tom Wolfe's collections of essays are worth reading (and rereading -- must check library inventory). One of my favorites is "From Bauhaus to Our House" for its skewering of the International Style of modern architecture, especially as perpetrated by Le Corbusier and Gropius. One of these gasbags designed a "worker flat" for the proles and dictated that sunshades must be drawn either fully up, fully down, or at half mast to preserve the aesthetic when viewed from outside. Of course the cabbage-boiling trogs inhabiting his masterpiece disobeyed their betters and draped union suits out to dry, and other artistic atrocities, as peasants will. The Artistes, naturellement, lived in beautiful single-family dwellings, even as they were concentrating the lower classes into featureless multistory deathtraps.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at March 08, 2015 08:46 AM (KH1sk)
22
right wing whippersnapper @ 12: "How can somebody be that unaware of the real world?"
Could it be that Rowling et al are giving people what they want? I mean, if people hate Bush and feel smart and sophisticated in their hatred for Bush, then there's a huge market for barely veiled allegories to the generally accepted (albeit fictitious) evils of Bush.
Uses and gratifications, etc.
Could it be that Rowling et al are giving people what they want? I mean, if people hate Bush and feel smart and sophisticated in their hatred for Bush, then there's a huge market for barely veiled allegories to the generally accepted (albeit fictitious) evils of Bush.
Uses and gratifications, etc.
Posted by: FireHorse at March 08, 2015 08:47 AM (lHZsI)
23
Two weeks ago you recommended some books about people who were imprisoned and sent to the Soviet prison camps, sometimes for life, for no reason at all. I managed to find two of the books (used) on Amazon, "The Long Walk" and "Alexander Dolgun's Story, an American in the Gulag". I am almost finished with Dolgun's story and it is incredible and heartbreaking, I can't believe that people could live through so much suffering. Fantastic book, thanks for the recommendation.
Posted by: dreadpirateroberta at March 08, 2015 08:47 AM (eB2N0)
24
I think the only Utopia would be one without human beings.
Which is maybe why so many who seek Utopia wind up killing themselves and each other.
Humans cannot live without disagreement.
*and now there will be at least two comments agreeing with me and one or many that won't. Sigh*
Which is maybe why so many who seek Utopia wind up killing themselves and each other.
Humans cannot live without disagreement.
*and now there will be at least two comments agreeing with me and one or many that won't. Sigh*
Posted by: Bitter Clinger and All That at March 08, 2015 08:49 AM (zRby/)
25
Oh, and PS; military returning from SE Asia were bringing back some exotic diseases caught over there.
Incurable STD's, strange and difficult to manage skin diseases and of course drug abuse and all that brings with it as far as immunosuppression.
Incurable STD's, strange and difficult to manage skin diseases and of course drug abuse and all that brings with it as far as immunosuppression.
Posted by: Bitter Clinger and All That at March 08, 2015 08:51 AM (zRby/)
26
Posted by: right wing whippersnapper at March 08, 2015 08:27 AM (ThxKk)
Welcome to the world of the Willow'd, Grasshopper.
Welcome to the world of the Willow'd, Grasshopper.
Posted by: Bitter Clinger and All That at March 08, 2015 08:53 AM (zRby/)
27
Could it be that Rowling et al are giving people
what they want? I mean, if people hate Bush and feel smart and
sophisticated in their hatred for Bush
Posted by: FireHorse at March 08, 2015 08:47 AM (lHZsI)
It could also be that the editors and publishing houses only publish what they want, and will reject anything that does not come up to their ideological chalk so they can feel sophisticated and present to their peers their hatred of Bush, as well as feed their desire to be socially relevant in publishing "good" literature.
The test would be to see what traditional publishers sell versus indie? Or even look at, say, Random House SF/Fantasy v Baen?
what they want? I mean, if people hate Bush and feel smart and
sophisticated in their hatred for Bush
Posted by: FireHorse at March 08, 2015 08:47 AM (lHZsI)
It could also be that the editors and publishing houses only publish what they want, and will reject anything that does not come up to their ideological chalk so they can feel sophisticated and present to their peers their hatred of Bush, as well as feed their desire to be socially relevant in publishing "good" literature.
The test would be to see what traditional publishers sell versus indie? Or even look at, say, Random House SF/Fantasy v Baen?
Posted by: Kindltot at March 08, 2015 08:53 AM (t//F+)
28
I wonder if Rowlings is just SAYING that the book is about Bush so she doesn't get the Bardot treatment (or simply beheaded).
Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at March 08, 2015 08:45 AM (9gH7J)
I hadn't thought of this explanation. Though, if I was in her place, I would simply say nothing, instead of lying. Let the readers think what they want to think.
Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at March 08, 2015 08:45 AM (9gH7J)
I hadn't thought of this explanation. Though, if I was in her place, I would simply say nothing, instead of lying. Let the readers think what they want to think.
Posted by: right wing whippersnapper at March 08, 2015 08:55 AM (ThxKk)
29
A second book I finished this week was All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. It's been recommended here before and I would like to add my mine as well. The story begins in the 1930's and is about a French girl whose vision fades to darkness when she is seven and about a German boy growing up in an orphanage with his sister.
The author uses short 1-6 page chapters, alternating between the two until their lives meet in Saint-Malo in occupied France. It's a great story, beautifully written.
On the dust jacket it said that Doerr took ten years to complete this novel. I hope we do not have to wait another ten years to read an new work from him. Meanwhile, I'll go back and read some of his previous works.
The author uses short 1-6 page chapters, alternating between the two until their lives meet in Saint-Malo in occupied France. It's a great story, beautifully written.
On the dust jacket it said that Doerr took ten years to complete this novel. I hope we do not have to wait another ten years to read an new work from him. Meanwhile, I'll go back and read some of his previous works.
Posted by: Zoltan at March 08, 2015 08:55 AM (eLZwy)
30
I managed to find two of the books (used) on Amazon, "The Long Walk" and "Alexander Dolgun's Story, an American in the Gulag".
I've been meaning to write about the controversy surrounding 'The Long Walk' for a future book thread. While it's a very good, inspiring story, apparently the evidence that the long walk even happened is surprisingly thin and some people believe the author just flat out told a tall tale.
I've been meaning to write about the controversy surrounding 'The Long Walk' for a future book thread. While it's a very good, inspiring story, apparently the evidence that the long walk even happened is surprisingly thin and some people believe the author just flat out told a tall tale.
Posted by: OregonMuse at March 08, 2015 08:55 AM (oDHqE)
31
Dammit (darnit, if you're using the Clean Reader app -- but why would you be on this site if you're squeamish?), my library has NONE of Wolfe's essays. Just like it has only a handful of Heinlein books. Millions of dollars for the green-friendly building, and a mediocre inventory of books.
What am I reading now? Trash! "Island 731" is one of my favorite airport-read tropes, that of the research team stumbling upon an uncharted island in the Pacific where the beautiful tropical paradise hides an Unseen Horror (see: Fragment). In this case, it's what appears to be the remains of a WWII Japanese scientific research facility where horrible experiments were perpetrated on POWs.
Mad science on a deserted island? Obligatory Simpsons clip:
http://tinyurl.com/loc5udd
What am I reading now? Trash! "Island 731" is one of my favorite airport-read tropes, that of the research team stumbling upon an uncharted island in the Pacific where the beautiful tropical paradise hides an Unseen Horror (see: Fragment). In this case, it's what appears to be the remains of a WWII Japanese scientific research facility where horrible experiments were perpetrated on POWs.
Mad science on a deserted island? Obligatory Simpsons clip:
http://tinyurl.com/loc5udd
Posted by: All Hail Eris at March 08, 2015 08:58 AM (KH1sk)
32
Posted by: Comrade Arthur at March 08, 2015 08:38 AM (h53OH)
At least in a bookstore you walk out with something tangible.
I've never seen the sense in buying magnetized electrons and eroded plastic or worse just digital bit streams when you manage to connect.
I'm old school I want to OWN what I buy and see it and feel it and put it where I want and play/use it when I want.
No offense to those of you who are used to this. I've stopped buying games because of the formats and the anti piracy prevention.
Don't you wake up at night in a sweat on whether every thing's just been turned to dust because someone flicked a switch?
At least in a bookstore you walk out with something tangible.
I've never seen the sense in buying magnetized electrons and eroded plastic or worse just digital bit streams when you manage to connect.
I'm old school I want to OWN what I buy and see it and feel it and put it where I want and play/use it when I want.
No offense to those of you who are used to this. I've stopped buying games because of the formats and the anti piracy prevention.
Don't you wake up at night in a sweat on whether every thing's just been turned to dust because someone flicked a switch?
Posted by: Bitter Clinger and All That at March 08, 2015 09:00 AM (zRby/)
33
I am currently reading The Amateur, old I know, but just a review of why the press needs to be thorough in vetting all candidates, not just Republican ones. Question for the horde though. Anyone have any book suggestions on arguments on Natural Selection. I got interested in it after the link to the twitter account appeared here thrashing the press for the Scott Walker evolution question.
Posted by: Picric at March 08, 2015 09:05 AM (QnQ+g)
34
Don't you wake up at night in a sweat on whether every thing's just been turned to dust because someone flicked a switch?
Posted by: Bitter Clinger and All That at March 08, 2015 09:00 AM (zRby/)
----
All the time. And it's the fun, hot kind of sweat. Because then I and my dead trees library will rule the world! It's my personal Library of Alexandria, and like that august institution, one is not required to wear anything underneath one's toga.
I like my e-reader for instant gratification reading, but nothing will replace real books for illustrated art and history tomes.
Posted by: Bitter Clinger and All That at March 08, 2015 09:00 AM (zRby/)
----
All the time. And it's the fun, hot kind of sweat. Because then I and my dead trees library will rule the world! It's my personal Library of Alexandria, and like that august institution, one is not required to wear anything underneath one's toga.
I like my e-reader for instant gratification reading, but nothing will replace real books for illustrated art and history tomes.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at March 08, 2015 09:05 AM (KH1sk)
35
The problem with Utopia is that it needs people suited to it, like the Soviets and other socialists talking about the "New Man" (Raico refers to the 'Homo Sovieticus') who would be best suited to the new ordered society.
This is the sort of thing that has made some commenters talk about "Procrustian" societies: Procrustes (if you are not up on Greek myth like I was) had an Iron bed and made his guests sleep in it, if they were too short he would stretch them, and if they were too long he would lop bits off. This was fatal to the guest, but that was not the point.
A Utopia depends on molding the man to the society, since the whole point is that the society is perfect and the man is perfectible, and the society is so much more important that the individual that the individual may be destroyed to preserve the society - as if the society could exist without the people. Anyhow, a systems analyst would tell you that the society must conform to the needs of the people because the society will break before the people do.
On a tangential note, I am doing light reading on the Stoics.
This is the sort of thing that has made some commenters talk about "Procrustian" societies: Procrustes (if you are not up on Greek myth like I was) had an Iron bed and made his guests sleep in it, if they were too short he would stretch them, and if they were too long he would lop bits off. This was fatal to the guest, but that was not the point.
A Utopia depends on molding the man to the society, since the whole point is that the society is perfect and the man is perfectible, and the society is so much more important that the individual that the individual may be destroyed to preserve the society - as if the society could exist without the people. Anyhow, a systems analyst would tell you that the society must conform to the needs of the people because the society will break before the people do.
On a tangential note, I am doing light reading on the Stoics.
Posted by: Kindltot at March 08, 2015 09:06 AM (t//F+)
36
Don't forget, if you signed up for Sasquan (sasquan.org) or worldcon before the end of January, you have until 11:59 PM PDT Tuesday to complete your Hugo award nominations.
Posted by: Grabthar's Hammer at March 08, 2015 09:10 AM (Edob3)
37
Currently reading Kushiel's Dart by Jacqueline Carey. It's a fantasy novel with a kind of alt history setting (Jesus' blood was used by Gaia to make a new divine son who many of heaven's angels fell in love with and the whole mess of them moved to Roman Gaul and had sex with literally everyone in what is now their version of France).
The story seems to revolve around court politics and (sometimes kinky) sex so it's not for everyone but it's well written, I find the plot engaging and I like the cast of characters.
The story seems to revolve around court politics and (sometimes kinky) sex so it's not for everyone but it's well written, I find the plot engaging and I like the cast of characters.
Posted by: BornLib at March 08, 2015 09:11 AM (zpNwC)
38
36 Don't forget, if you signed up for Sasquan (sasquan.org) or worldcon before the end of January, you have until 11:59 PM PDT Tuesday to complete your Hugo award nominations.
Posted by: Grabthar's Hammer at March 08, 2015 09:10 AM (Edob3)
Sadly I just didn't have the money this year.
Posted by: Grabthar's Hammer at March 08, 2015 09:10 AM (Edob3)
Sadly I just didn't have the money this year.
Posted by: BornLib at March 08, 2015 09:12 AM (zpNwC)
39
As we dig out from the latest snow fall, and the damn ice that preceded it, I've been reading a lot of outdoors and camping books. (Winter has to end sometime soon.) But these are books written a century or more ago. Horace Kephart, Nessmuk (George Washington Sears) and others. Often based on outdoor magazine articles they had written about their own experiences, they discuss how to enjoy the wilderness for its own sake and in case of an emergency. They feared that the 'conveniences' of modern, pre-WW I, life were depriving people of skills and knowledge that had inherent values. Unlike the utopian stupidity that OM mentioned in the post, they weren't worried that civilization was dying or to be scorned but that there was more to life than the latest device or fad. There was benefit to learning skills needed in the woods while staying comfortable, healthy and well fed.
The appeal for me is on several levels. The writing is wonderful. These men knew how to use language effectively and with subtlety. I enjoy the slightly older terminology and meanings of their words. Much of what they discuss for materials and technique is still valuable today. And I love their attitude that learning and self-reliance are important for every individual. They aren't quite Victorian era Preppers but there is some overlap.
Just some very enjoyable and fun reading.
The appeal for me is on several levels. The writing is wonderful. These men knew how to use language effectively and with subtlety. I enjoy the slightly older terminology and meanings of their words. Much of what they discuss for materials and technique is still valuable today. And I love their attitude that learning and self-reliance are important for every individual. They aren't quite Victorian era Preppers but there is some overlap.
Just some very enjoyable and fun reading.
Posted by: JTB at March 08, 2015 09:15 AM (FvdPb)
40
If you're going to San...Fran...cisco
Be sure to wear some head lice in your hair.
If you're going to San...Fran...cisco
You're going to meet some mangy people there.
All across the nation
Such an infestation
Antibacterial lotion
With a new eruption
Widespread scrofulation
For those who go to San...Fran...cisco
You'll surely find chiggers in your underwear
If you come to San...Fran...cisco
Summer time, will be a mange-fest there.
Be sure to wear some head lice in your hair.
If you're going to San...Fran...cisco
You're going to meet some mangy people there.
All across the nation
Such an infestation
Antibacterial lotion
With a new eruption
Widespread scrofulation
For those who go to San...Fran...cisco
You'll surely find chiggers in your underwear
If you come to San...Fran...cisco
Summer time, will be a mange-fest there.
Posted by: Muldoon, a solid man at March 08, 2015 09:17 AM (NeFrd)
41
I finished Guns Sails and Empires by Carlo Cipolla.
Subtitled Technological innovations and the early phases of European
expansion.
It talks about how the advances in technology in
making guns and sailing allowed the trade empires of, first the
Portuguese and later other, European powers to spread and out compete
Eastern powers, and why the Eastern societies were unable to take
advantage of these new technologies in spite of full access to them and
their products.
It would would have been an excellent rebuttal to Diamond's Guns Germs and Steel, except for being written in 1964.
Posted by: Kindltot at March 08, 2015 08:35 AM (t//F+)
How appropriate. I'm rereading VDH's Carnage and Culture right now, which treads over a lot of the same ground. Great book about the unmatched lethality of the Western Way of warfare. I've often described the book as "a book-length exercise in repeatedly kicking Jared Diamond in the nutsack."
I finished Guns Sails and Empires by Carlo Cipolla.
Subtitled Technological innovations and the early phases of European
expansion.
It talks about how the advances in technology in
making guns and sailing allowed the trade empires of, first the
Portuguese and later other, European powers to spread and out compete
Eastern powers, and why the Eastern societies were unable to take
advantage of these new technologies in spite of full access to them and
their products.
It would would have been an excellent rebuttal to Diamond's Guns Germs and Steel, except for being written in 1964.
Posted by: Kindltot at March 08, 2015 08:35 AM (t//F+)
How appropriate. I'm rereading VDH's Carnage and Culture right now, which treads over a lot of the same ground. Great book about the unmatched lethality of the Western Way of warfare. I've often described the book as "a book-length exercise in repeatedly kicking Jared Diamond in the nutsack."
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at March 08, 2015 09:18 AM (ynQIy)
42
I choose to ignore anything J.K. Rowlings says outside the covers of the Potter books. She gave me a terrific experience with my boys.
I read the books out loud to them. I had a different voice for each character. (I used Churchill for Dumbledore). It is a credit to her as a writer that it was easy to find a distinct voice for each character, as they each have a distinct cadence.
And my boys are aware of the fact that they are the only generation to have grown up waiting for the next book to come out. We can't know what happens next until next year.
Of course, reading the books as they come out means that the boys are growing up and past the "Daddy reads to them" phase and we finished out the series each reading the books to ourselves.
But I still thank JK for giving me a time when I was a newly separated Dad and my 6 and 10 year old boys would hang on every word of the Sorcerer's Stone.
I read the books out loud to them. I had a different voice for each character. (I used Churchill for Dumbledore). It is a credit to her as a writer that it was easy to find a distinct voice for each character, as they each have a distinct cadence.
And my boys are aware of the fact that they are the only generation to have grown up waiting for the next book to come out. We can't know what happens next until next year.
Of course, reading the books as they come out means that the boys are growing up and past the "Daddy reads to them" phase and we finished out the series each reading the books to ourselves.
But I still thank JK for giving me a time when I was a newly separated Dad and my 6 and 10 year old boys would hang on every word of the Sorcerer's Stone.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at March 08, 2015 09:21 AM (1xUj/)
43
Read Balance of Power and Price of Power by James W. Huston. They came out in 1998-99. Over-all I give them a score of 3.5 out of 5. Not bad and easy reads, but nothing I'm going to call classics. Someone mentioned the books a couple of weeks ago and thought I'd give them a read.
Basic premise is that the Democrat president decides to not take any military action after pirates capture a U.S.-flagged merchant ship and murder the crew. He decides that it should be a law-enforcement issue for Indonesia to handle. The Republican Speaker of the House disagrees with that and issues a Letter of Marque and Reprisal to a carrier battle group.
The first book has most of the military action and the second is mostly about the legal fall-out for the Admiral of the battle group that decided to obey the Letter of Marque.
Not bad story-telling but a bit sad to see how the characters in the book talk about how Islamic terrorism has almost completely ended.
Basic premise is that the Democrat president decides to not take any military action after pirates capture a U.S.-flagged merchant ship and murder the crew. He decides that it should be a law-enforcement issue for Indonesia to handle. The Republican Speaker of the House disagrees with that and issues a Letter of Marque and Reprisal to a carrier battle group.
The first book has most of the military action and the second is mostly about the legal fall-out for the Admiral of the battle group that decided to obey the Letter of Marque.
Not bad story-telling but a bit sad to see how the characters in the book talk about how Islamic terrorism has almost completely ended.
Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at March 08, 2015 09:21 AM (8+0sF)
44
Posted by: BornLib at March 08, 2015 09:12 AM (zpNwC)
Eh, 40 bucks. First time I've done it (thank you Sad Puppies!).
Note: you can sign up now and still get to vote on the nominated works. For your $40 (more if you intend to attend the con in meatspace), you actually get e-copies of all the nominated works. Quite the deal if you ask me.
Eh, 40 bucks. First time I've done it (thank you Sad Puppies!).
Note: you can sign up now and still get to vote on the nominated works. For your $40 (more if you intend to attend the con in meatspace), you actually get e-copies of all the nominated works. Quite the deal if you ask me.
Posted by: Grabthar's Hammer at March 08, 2015 09:22 AM (Edob3)
45
I think someone here recommended psychiatrist Irvin Yalom's novels set in pre-WW II Germany. I Finished "The Spinoza Problem" and am halfway through "When Nietzsche Wept."
Interesting premise- what if psychiatrists could have analyzed the architects of NAZI thought before the Holocaust. He does not posit that they could change history - merely what would these minds be like? The one with Spinoza alternates between Spinoza's time and his excommunication from his synagogue and 20th century Germany. Apparently many of NAZI's heroes like Goethe idolized Spinoza- a Jew.
The characters are not particularly vivid. I give them 5 stars for original and fascinating premises and 3.5 for execution: about 4 stars overall.
Interesting premise- what if psychiatrists could have analyzed the architects of NAZI thought before the Holocaust. He does not posit that they could change history - merely what would these minds be like? The one with Spinoza alternates between Spinoza's time and his excommunication from his synagogue and 20th century Germany. Apparently many of NAZI's heroes like Goethe idolized Spinoza- a Jew.
The characters are not particularly vivid. I give them 5 stars for original and fascinating premises and 3.5 for execution: about 4 stars overall.
Posted by: Jade Sea at March 08, 2015 09:22 AM (IADt4)
46
I hadn't thought of this explanation. Though, if I was in her place, I would simply say nothing, instead of lying. Let the readers think what they want to think.
That's why I think Rowling meant exactly what she said, and the reason she said it is that she's a clueless moonbat who really believes that George Bush was a totalitarian dictator. Remember, the progressive left believes that we're always, everywhere, just one step away from some sort of fascist, right-wing dictatorship, even as the jihadis are busy setting up sharia-only zones in their neighborhoods and homosexual activists are running Christian-owned flower shops out of business.
That's why I think Rowling meant exactly what she said, and the reason she said it is that she's a clueless moonbat who really believes that George Bush was a totalitarian dictator. Remember, the progressive left believes that we're always, everywhere, just one step away from some sort of fascist, right-wing dictatorship, even as the jihadis are busy setting up sharia-only zones in their neighborhoods and homosexual activists are running Christian-owned flower shops out of business.
Posted by: OregonMuse at March 08, 2015 09:22 AM (oDHqE)
47
I recommend Burgess' "1985," though I think it may be out of print.
Posted by: Dr. Varno at March 08, 2015 09:24 AM (7Ftan)
48
The Amish have their problems, but nothing like this Dr. Evans or the hippies (or ISIS for that matter). I think the difference is Christianity. It emphasizes human sinfulness instead of trying to justify it or rationalize it away. Of course the other groups are going to eventually degenerate to the level of animals. Shame may be unpleasant, but given our natures, it is well deserved, salutory and necessary to preserve a functioning conscience.
Heck I'd join the Amish if they allowed athests. I'm so weary at being appalled by the news every single day.
Heck I'd join the Amish if they allowed athests. I'm so weary at being appalled by the news every single day.
Posted by: Melancholy Conservative Reluctant Atheist at March 08, 2015 09:26 AM (3F6F8)
49
That's why I think Rowling meant exactly what she said, and the reason
she said it is that she's a clueless moonbat who really believes that
George Bush was a totalitarian dictator. Remember, the progressive left
believes that we're always, everywhere, just one step away from some
sort of fascist, right-wing dictatorship, even as the jihadis are busy
setting up sharia-only zones in their neighborhoods and homosexual
activists are running Christian-owned flower shops out of business.
Posted by: OregonMuse at March 08, 2015 09:22 AM (oDHqE)
Right little ray of sunshine today, are we?
Kidding, kidding. I actually agree with this view on JKR; I was trying to make the point that if my readers thought my books meant one thing and I thought they meant another, I would try to correct them, or I would say nothing at all. I wouldn't encourage the insanity.
she said it is that she's a clueless moonbat who really believes that
George Bush was a totalitarian dictator. Remember, the progressive left
believes that we're always, everywhere, just one step away from some
sort of fascist, right-wing dictatorship, even as the jihadis are busy
setting up sharia-only zones in their neighborhoods and homosexual
activists are running Christian-owned flower shops out of business.
Posted by: OregonMuse at March 08, 2015 09:22 AM (oDHqE)
Right little ray of sunshine today, are we?
Kidding, kidding. I actually agree with this view on JKR; I was trying to make the point that if my readers thought my books meant one thing and I thought they meant another, I would try to correct them, or I would say nothing at all. I wouldn't encourage the insanity.
Posted by: right wing whippersnapper at March 08, 2015 09:27 AM (ThxKk)
50
>>My approach to this is basically libertarian, that is, if you think the books you're reading contain too much bad language, then maybe you should be reading other books.
I'd like to be able to swap out covers of certain books. Maybe for a generic "Kindle Book" cover. Or one that looks like a brown grocery bag...
I share my Fire with my kids and I take it to Sunday School and some covers are in appropriate.
Like the one for Stacy McCain's book about feminism:
http://tinyurl.com/mlugtez
Link to book on Amazon via Ace's portal.
Haven't started reading it yet, but I'll be reading it, then choosing "Remove from Carousel" until the next time I start reading again.
I'd like to be able to swap out covers of certain books. Maybe for a generic "Kindle Book" cover. Or one that looks like a brown grocery bag...
I share my Fire with my kids and I take it to Sunday School and some covers are in appropriate.
Like the one for Stacy McCain's book about feminism:
http://tinyurl.com/mlugtez
Link to book on Amazon via Ace's portal.
Haven't started reading it yet, but I'll be reading it, then choosing "Remove from Carousel" until the next time I start reading again.
Posted by: Mama AJ at March 08, 2015 09:27 AM (0xTsz)
51
What's with brow piercings? Mom of Madison shooting guy has one. Granted, grandma is worse with those waist length dreads.
What's with brow piercings? Mom of Madison shooting guy has one. Granted, grandma is worse with those waist length dreads.
Posted by: Bruce J. at March 08, 2015 09:30 AM (iQIUe)
52
Reading 'The Salamander' by Morris West. Not sure he could get published today - great writing, great drama, not enough action.
Also reviewing a book called "Muscle: Confessions of an Unlikely Bodybuilder" due out the end of March. Halfway through and more interesting than I thought, especially some of the thought processes that go into bodybuilding. There are (sadly) parallels to the running world and the doping scandals. The writing itself is clean, without getting spare. I'll give a shout when I post the review for the morons that might be interested.
Also reviewing a book called "Muscle: Confessions of an Unlikely Bodybuilder" due out the end of March. Halfway through and more interesting than I thought, especially some of the thought processes that go into bodybuilding. There are (sadly) parallels to the running world and the doping scandals. The writing itself is clean, without getting spare. I'll give a shout when I post the review for the morons that might be interested.
Posted by: Long Running Fool at March 08, 2015 09:32 AM (/A5gb)
53
Only slightly OT, and packed with genre lit shout-outs, I give you the greatest Treehouse of Horror intro evah:
http://tinyurl.com/mrestlp
http://tinyurl.com/mrestlp
Posted by: All Hail Eris at March 08, 2015 09:34 AM (KH1sk)
54
That "Clean Reader" app is not good. Self-Bowlderizing is disturbing, to say the least and probably destructive. Frankly, it gives me the willies. (I don't even want to think what it would do to "Huck Finn".
Posted by: JTB at March 08, 2015 09:36 AM (FvdPb)
55
Read Joe Abercrombie's The Blade Itself (The First Law #1). It's an excellent sword-and-sorcery fantasy, dark like Song Of Ice And Fire but unlike Martin's penchant for setting up virtuous characters that he later murders, here there are only a few likable characters. There is war, intrigues and a supernatural threat. It's very well written if you go for this type of story. Book two so far is also very good.
Listened to David Drake's With The Lightnings (Lt. Leary #1). Reminds me somewhat of an Honor Harrington story, as the two main characters from the planet Cinnabar are visiting the planet Kostroma when they are threatened by forces of the Alliance Of Free Stars. Leary's character was generic and not nearly as interesting as HH, Adele the fighting librarian was good though. Liked it especially the latter half but not a great book.
Listened to David Drake's With The Lightnings (Lt. Leary #1). Reminds me somewhat of an Honor Harrington story, as the two main characters from the planet Cinnabar are visiting the planet Kostroma when they are threatened by forces of the Alliance Of Free Stars. Leary's character was generic and not nearly as interesting as HH, Adele the fighting librarian was good though. Liked it especially the latter half but not a great book.
Posted by: waelse1 at March 08, 2015 09:37 AM (67tmi)
Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at March 08, 2015 09:37 AM (i81yN)
57
Listening to Butler's translation of The Oddessy on Librivox. Lots of chuckle worthy bits.
Son and I are on the second volumn of Sheridan's memoirs. Sheridan has just finished his winter campaign against the plains Indians and been recalled to Washington by President Grant.
Also listening to a G.A. Henty (recommended here as the author who was read bt Louis L'amour, I believe) novel about Holland's struggle to regain their republic after being ruled (and persecuted) by the Spanish.
Son and I are on the second volumn of Sheridan's memoirs. Sheridan has just finished his winter campaign against the plains Indians and been recalled to Washington by President Grant.
Also listening to a G.A. Henty (recommended here as the author who was read bt Louis L'amour, I believe) novel about Holland's struggle to regain their republic after being ruled (and persecuted) by the Spanish.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at March 08, 2015 09:39 AM (GDulk)
58
Wow Anna.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at March 08, 2015 09:40 AM (KH1sk)
Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at March 08, 2015 09:40 AM (i81yN)
60
Finished Washington's Crossing by David Hackett Fischer. Quite good. Recommended. Reading Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman. Next on the pile is Champlain's Dream by David Hackett Fischer.
Posted by: Achilles at March 08, 2015 09:41 AM (TpeIH)
61
if my readers thought my books meant one thing and I
thought they meant another, I would try to correct them, or I would say
nothing at all. I wouldn't encourage the insanity.
Posted by: right wing whippersnapper at March 08, 2015 09:27 AM (ThxKk)
One little truth that annoys the shit out of artists, musicians and writers is that art's place in the culture is determined not by the artist, but by the audience. Think of how often lefty musicians caterwaul about when right-wingers use their music, even when the appropriate licensing is paid. And the more trite and trivial the art, the more vehement the complaints when the audience uses the art in a manner which the artist disdains.
And on another note, with Rowling, the fact is that she's such a publishing powerhouse that she essentially has no limits on whatever politics she wants to advocate. If she were a righty, would ANY mainstream publishing house drop her, even if she were loudly, vocally righty? Naw. Follow the money.
if my readers thought my books meant one thing and I
thought they meant another, I would try to correct them, or I would say
nothing at all. I wouldn't encourage the insanity.
Posted by: right wing whippersnapper at March 08, 2015 09:27 AM (ThxKk)
One little truth that annoys the shit out of artists, musicians and writers is that art's place in the culture is determined not by the artist, but by the audience. Think of how often lefty musicians caterwaul about when right-wingers use their music, even when the appropriate licensing is paid. And the more trite and trivial the art, the more vehement the complaints when the audience uses the art in a manner which the artist disdains.
And on another note, with Rowling, the fact is that she's such a publishing powerhouse that she essentially has no limits on whatever politics she wants to advocate. If she were a righty, would ANY mainstream publishing house drop her, even if she were loudly, vocally righty? Naw. Follow the money.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at March 08, 2015 09:41 AM (ynQIy)
62
Or this guy going into a bookstore, re-arranging their books, and putting his own placards up.
http://www.ufunk.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Obvious-Plant-18.jpg
http://www.ufunk.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Obvious-Plant-18.jpg
Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at March 08, 2015 09:42 AM (i81yN)
63
http://www.ufunk.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Obvious-Plant-18.jpg
Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at March 08, 2015 09:42 AM (i81yN)
---
LOL! I wonder if "A SEAL's Secret" pseudonym Tawny Weber is the nom de plume of nom de guerre Mark Owen?
Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at March 08, 2015 09:42 AM (i81yN)
---
LOL! I wonder if "A SEAL's Secret" pseudonym Tawny Weber is the nom de plume of nom de guerre Mark Owen?
Posted by: All Hail Eris at March 08, 2015 09:46 AM (KH1sk)
64
JKR made my son want to learn to read and he devoured the Potter books after my husband read the first two to him. Then it was eagerly waiting at midnight at Wal Marts during summers for the next book to be released. Such a huge part of his childhood.
Posted by: NCKate at March 08, 2015 09:47 AM (o7Dme)
65
@56 So is Cosmo being politically correct or are they being politically incorrect? Are they saying "fat ugly people are just as wonderful as other people and should be equally depicted on harlequin novel covers"? Or are they saying, "there's a reason the covers are the way they are, and that ain't gonna change"?
Posted by: Buff Biff Quokka at March 08, 2015 09:50 AM (3F6F8)
66
Working on an older edition the school library had of "More Guns, Less Crime" by Dr. John Lott. He is an economist who analyzed decades of data on gun control and crime and it is not surprise to readers here at his conclusion. It matters whether or not the mostly law abiding side of the population is armed or not. He spoke at the university I teach at a few weeks ago and so I thought I would add this to my reading list.
Posted by: Charlotte at March 08, 2015 09:51 AM (eZQEL)
67
Regarding JKR, I remember reading that she was happily surprised when an American fan gushed "I'm so glad you're getting rich!", which she said no British person would say. I wonder if she'd be willing to relinquish the megabucks her American readers have given her, seeing as some of them may have helped elect the evil fascist George W. Bush.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at March 08, 2015 09:51 AM (KH1sk)
68
62
Or this guy going into a bookstore, re-arranging their books, and putting his own placards up.
I've done that for my magazines. The employees in most stores just watch, figuring you are OK. Never been questioned. Placement sells a lot of stuff and Time,Inc, has people that go to the stores every week to make sure People magazine is placed correctly.
Or this guy going into a bookstore, re-arranging their books, and putting his own placards up.
I've done that for my magazines. The employees in most stores just watch, figuring you are OK. Never been questioned. Placement sells a lot of stuff and Time,Inc, has people that go to the stores every week to make sure People magazine is placed correctly.
Posted by: Nip Sip at March 08, 2015 09:54 AM (0FSuD)
69
LOL! I wonder if "A SEAL's Secret" pseudonym Tawny Weber is the nom de plume of nom de guerre Mark Owen?
Posted by: All Hail Eris at March 08, 2015 09:46 AM (KH1sk)
-------------------
Is that the Kristin Beck story? Thought that was called Warrior Princess.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at March 08, 2015 09:46 AM (KH1sk)
-------------------
Is that the Kristin Beck story? Thought that was called Warrior Princess.
Posted by: Buff Biff Quokka at March 08, 2015 09:54 AM (XrHO0)
70
One little truth that annoys the shit out of
artists, musicians and writers is that art's place in the culture is
determined not by the artist, but by the audience.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at March 08, 2015 09:41 AM (ynQIy)
Excellent, that means I'm an outcast in the artistic community, too. Because I wouldn't care all that much if someone had a strange interpretation of something I wrote. I would be sure to put it on record that I thought the person was an idiot, then I would go back to doing what I love, which is taking the films in my head and translating them onto paper.
artists, musicians and writers is that art's place in the culture is
determined not by the artist, but by the audience.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at March 08, 2015 09:41 AM (ynQIy)
Excellent, that means I'm an outcast in the artistic community, too. Because I wouldn't care all that much if someone had a strange interpretation of something I wrote. I would be sure to put it on record that I thought the person was an idiot, then I would go back to doing what I love, which is taking the films in my head and translating them onto paper.
Posted by: right wing whippersnapper at March 08, 2015 09:54 AM (ThxKk)
71
By the time Middlest Kidlet was 11 (two years ago) she was totally over Harry Potter and Rawlins as an author. She told me she was tired of Rawlins writing the characters into corners and (being too lazy to come up with a solution) killing off several so as to add drama (and pathos, though she didn't use the word). She said she felt like her emotions were being manipulated and she didn't appreciate it. It stunned me that an eleven-year-old had such a well thought out criticism.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at March 08, 2015 09:55 AM (GDulk)
72
I'm reading Quicksilver by Neal Stephenson. Its a fascinating glimpse at a lot of great early scientists but Neal took a lot of liberties with history. He kept referring to the main character seeing Cromwell beheaded as a kiddo, but has set the story in 1665-1713.
Oliver C got beheaded but back in 1540 and Thomas C who ruled England in 1650s was replaced for a year by his son before Charles II so I'm sure he wasn't beheaded. So now I'll have to be referring to encyclopedia to get proper dates for all the characters that Neal has interacting with each other.
Oliver C got beheaded but back in 1540 and Thomas C who ruled England in 1650s was replaced for a year by his son before Charles II so I'm sure he wasn't beheaded. So now I'll have to be referring to encyclopedia to get proper dates for all the characters that Neal has interacting with each other.
Posted by: PaleRider at March 08, 2015 09:56 AM (7w/kf)
73
My mom used to read those illustrated classics to me when I was a peanut.She told me that before I could read I would take the book and repeat parts from memory.Robinson Crusoe,20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,Moby Dick.I think I may still have the old Moby Dick in a box somewhere.
Posted by: steevy at March 08, 2015 09:56 AM (KETbL)
74
73 I set someone up for a good joke there.
Posted by: steevy at March 08, 2015 09:58 AM (KETbL)
75
Greetings, O Book-loving Morons! My latest book, Jinxers, just went live on Amazon.A YA fantasy of a scruffy street kid who discovers (the hard way) that he has magical powers to travel between worlds and have adventures and things. Moron Anachronda has read it and survived! http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00UEBO11O
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at March 08, 2015 09:58 AM (2buaQ)
76
#62 hilarious. Also, an upcoming book thread pic.
Posted by: OregonMuse at March 08, 2015 09:58 AM (oDHqE)
77
To be honest, I find the Potter books dull and almost criminally derivative. My kids enjoy them, and I generally think any reading is good, but I constantly find myself thinking, "OK, that's from Narnia, and that's from LOTR, and that's from Disney, etc."
I denounce myself for using a pretentious term like "derivative."
I denounce myself for using a pretentious term like "derivative."
Posted by: Bob's House of Flannel Shirts and Wallet Chains at March 08, 2015 10:01 AM (yxw0r)
78
44 Posted by: BornLib at March 08, 2015 09:12 AM (zpNwC)
Eh, 40 bucks. First time I've done it (thank you Sad Puppies!).
Note: you can sign up now and still get to vote on the nominated works. For your $40 (more if you intend to attend the con in meatspace), you actually get e-copies of all the nominated works. Quite the deal if you ask me.
Posted by: Grabthar's Hammer at March 08, 2015 09:22 AM (Edob3)
Yeah, I know, but right now I'm having enough trouble with bills that I really should not. And I can vote anyway because I bought a membership in last year's worldcon.
Eh, 40 bucks. First time I've done it (thank you Sad Puppies!).
Note: you can sign up now and still get to vote on the nominated works. For your $40 (more if you intend to attend the con in meatspace), you actually get e-copies of all the nominated works. Quite the deal if you ask me.
Posted by: Grabthar's Hammer at March 08, 2015 09:22 AM (Edob3)
Yeah, I know, but right now I'm having enough trouble with bills that I really should not. And I can vote anyway because I bought a membership in last year's worldcon.
Posted by: BornLib at March 08, 2015 10:01 AM (zpNwC)
79
@75- Congratulations, Sabrina!
Posted by: right wing whippersnapper at March 08, 2015 10:01 AM (ThxKk)
80
@44, I think you had to pay the membership fee of $40 by Jan 31 to do the Sad Puppies thing, after that the price goes up. Does sound like a good deal getting all the nominated books to read, we do have until Tuesday to make our picks.
Posted by: waelse1 at March 08, 2015 10:03 AM (67tmi)
81
56 Speaking of covers
http://www.ufunk.net/insolite/romance-novel-covers/
---
HAHAHAHAHA
That made my morning. Thanks!
http://www.ufunk.net/insolite/romance-novel-covers/
---
HAHAHAHAHA
That made my morning. Thanks!
Posted by: @votermom at March 08, 2015 10:03 AM (cbfNE)
82
For those, like me, in a 'politics is turning me into a flaming gas ball of rage so I'm avoiding it' mood, here's another distraction.
"Celebrating Birch" is about the historical importance of this tree, at least in northern areas. It also has chapters on how to make useful and decorative things from birch: wooden utensils, basketry, tar for water proofing, and most important, birch beer which is much better than root beer. I've had a chance to carve a couple of pieces of white birch and it's wonderful stuff to work with. (It would help if I had some talent for carving.) An enjoyable way to pass a few hours.
Not that I'm in a hands-on mood or anything.
"Celebrating Birch" is about the historical importance of this tree, at least in northern areas. It also has chapters on how to make useful and decorative things from birch: wooden utensils, basketry, tar for water proofing, and most important, birch beer which is much better than root beer. I've had a chance to carve a couple of pieces of white birch and it's wonderful stuff to work with. (It would help if I had some talent for carving.) An enjoyable way to pass a few hours.
Not that I'm in a hands-on mood or anything.
Posted by: JTB at March 08, 2015 10:07 AM (FvdPb)
83
To be honest, I find the Potter books dull and almost criminally derivative. My kids enjoy them, and I generally think any reading is good, but I constantly find myself thinking, "OK, that's from Narnia, and that's from LOTR, and that's from Disney, etc."
No question. But you get the utilitarian value of your kids learning to enjoy reading.
No question. But you get the utilitarian value of your kids learning to enjoy reading.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at March 08, 2015 10:08 AM (1xUj/)
84
>>Actually, I asked myself the same question when the author of The Hunger
Games compared her universe to the same admin, so apparently
self-delusion in authors is more common than I realized.
Huh. I had heard about JK Rowling, but I had no idea that the Hunger Games author had a misplaced fear of Bush as well. Glad they went into sci-fi/fantasy.
I hate that Rowling has revealed that Dumbledore was gay, and that Ron and Ginny were all wrong, etc. If Dumbledore's sexuality were relevant to the story (and to her target audience) she would have put it in there - saying this now is looks like she's trying to be PC after the fact (and, oopsie I meant to do a better job indoctrinating your kids!). Just leave your books as is, lady.
Games compared her universe to the same admin, so apparently
self-delusion in authors is more common than I realized.
Huh. I had heard about JK Rowling, but I had no idea that the Hunger Games author had a misplaced fear of Bush as well. Glad they went into sci-fi/fantasy.
I hate that Rowling has revealed that Dumbledore was gay, and that Ron and Ginny were all wrong, etc. If Dumbledore's sexuality were relevant to the story (and to her target audience) she would have put it in there - saying this now is looks like she's trying to be PC after the fact (and, oopsie I meant to do a better job indoctrinating your kids!). Just leave your books as is, lady.
Posted by: Lizzy at March 08, 2015 10:09 AM (lHHyw)
85
Greetings, O Book-loving Morons! My latest book, Jinxers, just went live on Amazon.
Aargh. Why didn't you tell me earlier this week? I would have given you a bit of fanfare on today's thread. Now it'll have to wait until next week.
Aargh. Why didn't you tell me earlier this week? I would have given you a bit of fanfare on today's thread. Now it'll have to wait until next week.
Posted by: OregonMuse at March 08, 2015 10:11 AM (oDHqE)
86
15 Lenin wrote a pamphlet called "What Is to Be Done?" (Title taken from an earlier writer's work, interestingly enough.) Figuring out what the commies are up to is easy enough. They wrote it all down, once upon a time.
Terry Hayes "I Am Pilgrim" has a good quote on this, drawing parallels between the Nazis and Islamic fundamentalists. The protagonist spots an elderly Jewish survivor of the Nazis maintaining a secret vigil in the Bebelplatz, where 40,000 people cheered as the Nazis burned 20,000 Jewish books in 1933. He asks him what he learned:
"He said he'd learned that when millions of people, a whole political system, countless numbers of citizens who believed in God, said they were going to kill you -- just listen to them."
Terry Hayes "I Am Pilgrim" has a good quote on this, drawing parallels between the Nazis and Islamic fundamentalists. The protagonist spots an elderly Jewish survivor of the Nazis maintaining a secret vigil in the Bebelplatz, where 40,000 people cheered as the Nazis burned 20,000 Jewish books in 1933. He asks him what he learned:
"He said he'd learned that when millions of people, a whole political system, countless numbers of citizens who believed in God, said they were going to kill you -- just listen to them."
Posted by: cool breeze at March 08, 2015 10:13 AM (A+/8k)
87
Just leave your books as is, lady.
Posted by: Lizzy at March 08, 2015 10:09 AM (lHHyw)
Agreed. I get that the series is a huge money-maker, but she should move on to other things and let her creation grow naturally. At this point, HP is big enough that the royalty checks will keep arriving whether she encourages book sales, or not.
Posted by: Lizzy at March 08, 2015 10:09 AM (lHHyw)
Agreed. I get that the series is a huge money-maker, but she should move on to other things and let her creation grow naturally. At this point, HP is big enough that the royalty checks will keep arriving whether she encourages book sales, or not.
Posted by: right wing whippersnapper at March 08, 2015 10:14 AM (ThxKk)
88
new open thread up
Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at March 08, 2015 10:15 AM (wlDny)
89
PaleRider: you've got your Cromwells mixed up. Thomas was the 16th-century one, Oliver was the mid-17th Century Lord Protector who whacked Charles I.
And Oliver was beheaded, just after he was dead: when Charles II became king they DUG UP all the leaders who had supported Charles I's execution, cut off their heads, and displayed them over the Tower of London.
And Oliver was beheaded, just after he was dead: when Charles II became king they DUG UP all the leaders who had supported Charles I's execution, cut off their heads, and displayed them over the Tower of London.
Posted by: Trimegistus at March 08, 2015 10:16 AM (aEs8a)
90
Why all the Jared Diamond hate?
Posted by: FireHorse at March 08, 2015 10:18 AM (aQssP)
91
Mange is demodicosis; Grunge, psoriasis; The Itch, scabies; The Twitch, fibromyalgia; Thrush, oral candidiasis; Scroff, scrofula and The Rot, phagedena.
I do not play doctor on TV. Had to look up half of those. And, there's some Greek going on there, so the "Latin" quip may be apt in its way. I see what the guy is getting at but really man, that's an insult to the practice of taxonomy. Could say something about what kind of doctors were working the Haight Free Clinix?
Just as a matter of record, the Summer of Love was 1967. The scene had moved on to Yuba and Taos by 1968, and doubtless was rediscovering forgotten disease there. On "rough-necks," and frontier life generally not belonging in barracks, my grandfather, a New England lumberjack who had homesteaded in S.D. before WWI, used to rap an old campfire rhyme: "Clap, syph, rats and lice / I've had 'em all, by Jesus Christ."
San Francisco 1968 may have had a great deal in common with the San Francisco of R.H. Dana's day.
I do not play doctor on TV. Had to look up half of those. And, there's some Greek going on there, so the "Latin" quip may be apt in its way. I see what the guy is getting at but really man, that's an insult to the practice of taxonomy. Could say something about what kind of doctors were working the Haight Free Clinix?
Just as a matter of record, the Summer of Love was 1967. The scene had moved on to Yuba and Taos by 1968, and doubtless was rediscovering forgotten disease there. On "rough-necks," and frontier life generally not belonging in barracks, my grandfather, a New England lumberjack who had homesteaded in S.D. before WWI, used to rap an old campfire rhyme: "Clap, syph, rats and lice / I've had 'em all, by Jesus Christ."
San Francisco 1968 may have had a great deal in common with the San Francisco of R.H. Dana's day.
Posted by: Stringer Davis at March 08, 2015 10:19 AM (xq1UY)
92
Still noodling away on the light reading - the Sarah Kelling mysteries. And I heartily endorse the collections of Tom Wolfe essays, most especially From Bauhaus to Our House. I always knew that I absolutely hated modern architecture, but it was only when I read that book that I knew why.
I just got a reminder that the deadline for submitting independently-published for the 2015 IPPY is on Tuesday. (very nice award to get, for an independent author, usually translates into sales, and credibility among book buyers, as they are judged very stringently. It's run by a marketing organization, but their website for the awards is at www.independentpublisher.com)
The winners will be announced sometime in summer - I put in my book, The Quivera Trail for both the main award and I think for the regional award. I've described the book as Mrs. Gaskell Meets Zane Grey. I know that a couple of 'rons have read it and loved it, so keep fingers crossed for me, 'Kay?
I just got a reminder that the deadline for submitting independently-published for the 2015 IPPY is on Tuesday. (very nice award to get, for an independent author, usually translates into sales, and credibility among book buyers, as they are judged very stringently. It's run by a marketing organization, but their website for the awards is at www.independentpublisher.com)
The winners will be announced sometime in summer - I put in my book, The Quivera Trail for both the main award and I think for the regional award. I've described the book as Mrs. Gaskell Meets Zane Grey. I know that a couple of 'rons have read it and loved it, so keep fingers crossed for me, 'Kay?
Posted by: Sgt Mom at March 08, 2015 10:20 AM (95iDF)
93
I have been shopping at used bookstores and Half Price Books (a used bookstore chain) for awhile now. Our local libraries also run used bookstores, with donated books and books they've culled from the stacks.
I keep a list of books I'm looking for, many of the books recommended right here on the High Class book thread, and browse to my hearts' content.
I keep a list of books I'm looking for, many of the books recommended right here on the High Class book thread, and browse to my hearts' content.
Posted by: Boots at March 08, 2015 10:21 AM (l9mF2)
94
Alan Moore wrote a vague explanation in the forward of the 30-year printing of V for Vendetta. "OK it turns out that Margret Thatcher wasn't Hitler, but hey who knew?" I wasn't politically sophisticated at the time (my hobo-hunting parties would come later) but even then I realized that his gross and unaware position had merely lessened with age.
Posted by: BourbonChicken at March 08, 2015 10:22 AM (+4uXG)
95
Just as a matter of record, the Summer of Love was 1967
Yes, and it was one of the rainiest summers in SF history. Little known fact.
By 1968 the "hippie movement" as centered in the H-A district in SF, was pretty much dead.
Yes, and it was one of the rainiest summers in SF history. Little known fact.
By 1968 the "hippie movement" as centered in the H-A district in SF, was pretty much dead.
Posted by: OregonMuse at March 08, 2015 10:23 AM (oDHqE)
96
I just finished reading -
"The Psychopath Test" by Jon Ronson.
It's a non-fiction book where Ronson takes a look at how psychopaths and psychiatry, especially the Hare Psychopath Checklist, might shape society and our lives in general.
It sounds like heavy going, but it's not.
The book is light with lots of interesting little tidbits and set pieces.
The most interesting chapter for me was titled "Psychopaths Dream in Black-And_White".
It concerns the all the crazy bananas treatments for psychopaths in the 1960s, up to and including-
LSD "therapy" with large groups (20 or so) of naked child-raping and murdering psychopaths hugging each other and talking about how much they care for each other acting as therapists to their fellow child-raping and murdering psychopaths.
After which the "cured" child-raping and murdering psychopaths were then released back into society.
To absolutely no one's surprise if they have an ounce of sense-
the recidivism rate increased from 60% for your average garden variety criminal psychopath to 80% for the LSD and Naked HugZ Cured child-raping and murdering psychopaths.
Plus, funny stuff about RD Laing who was once taken very seriously as a great psychiatrist and thinker of the human condition:
His Book "Knots" and the knots poetry(?) used by Laing to illustrate human thought inspired this song from the prog-group Gentle Giant way back in 1972:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUpREizsftU
Some mighty fine thinking all around.
The book itself is a bit of a dog's breakfast as it jumps from one area to another and Ronson never really tackles his stated thesis, but you definitely won't be bored.
As a sidenote, "The Psychopath Test" is being made into a movie. It's easy to see why, the first chapter sets up a tantalizing mystery.
and given the right writer and director this could be made into a truly hilarious and scary black comedy-
which is to say that it will probably be the same old Hollywood tired leftard clap-trap involving a conspiracy of eeeeeeevvvvviiiiiiillllllll businessmen.
Check it out.
"The Psychopath Test" by Jon Ronson.
It's a non-fiction book where Ronson takes a look at how psychopaths and psychiatry, especially the Hare Psychopath Checklist, might shape society and our lives in general.
It sounds like heavy going, but it's not.
The book is light with lots of interesting little tidbits and set pieces.
The most interesting chapter for me was titled "Psychopaths Dream in Black-And_White".
It concerns the all the crazy bananas treatments for psychopaths in the 1960s, up to and including-
LSD "therapy" with large groups (20 or so) of naked child-raping and murdering psychopaths hugging each other and talking about how much they care for each other acting as therapists to their fellow child-raping and murdering psychopaths.
After which the "cured" child-raping and murdering psychopaths were then released back into society.
To absolutely no one's surprise if they have an ounce of sense-
the recidivism rate increased from 60% for your average garden variety criminal psychopath to 80% for the LSD and Naked HugZ Cured child-raping and murdering psychopaths.
Plus, funny stuff about RD Laing who was once taken very seriously as a great psychiatrist and thinker of the human condition:
His Book "Knots" and the knots poetry(?) used by Laing to illustrate human thought inspired this song from the prog-group Gentle Giant way back in 1972:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUpREizsftU
Some mighty fine thinking all around.
The book itself is a bit of a dog's breakfast as it jumps from one area to another and Ronson never really tackles his stated thesis, but you definitely won't be bored.
As a sidenote, "The Psychopath Test" is being made into a movie. It's easy to see why, the first chapter sets up a tantalizing mystery.
and given the right writer and director this could be made into a truly hilarious and scary black comedy-
which is to say that it will probably be the same old Hollywood tired leftard clap-trap involving a conspiracy of eeeeeeevvvvviiiiiiillllllll businessmen.
Check it out.
Posted by: naturalfake at March 08, 2015 10:24 AM (BQvaT)
97
Yes, and it was one of the rainiest summers in SF history. Little known fact.
Posted by: OregonMuse at March 08, 2015 10:23 AM (oDHqE)
---
Hence all the rot, moral, crotchular, and otherwise. And maybe a touch of ergot in the nine grain bread?
Posted by: OregonMuse at March 08, 2015 10:23 AM (oDHqE)
---
Hence all the rot, moral, crotchular, and otherwise. And maybe a touch of ergot in the nine grain bread?
Posted by: All Hail Eris at March 08, 2015 10:25 AM (KH1sk)
98
Don't know if this trend continued but I saw several cases where the Harry Potter books served a stepping stone to writing of more value and complexity like the Narnia series, Tolkien and some classics like Sherlock Holmes and Jules Verne. I hope so.
I hadn't heard about the comments by Rowling regarding politics or her characters but I'm not surprised. After all, she's British and now wealthy enough to be a PC idiot.
I hadn't heard about the comments by Rowling regarding politics or her characters but I'm not surprised. After all, she's British and now wealthy enough to be a PC idiot.
Posted by: JTB at March 08, 2015 10:26 AM (FvdPb)
99
Hence all the rot, moral, crotchular, and otherwise. And maybe a touch of ergot in the nine grain bread?
Heh. I hadn't thought about that, but it would explain a lot.
Heh. I hadn't thought about that, but it would explain a lot.
Posted by: OregonMuse at March 08, 2015 10:28 AM (oDHqE)
100
A.a.a.a.and 100! Slow thread today.
Posted by: OregonMuse at March 08, 2015 10:29 AM (oDHqE)
101
Great post again, OregonMuse!
Been busy so I've only read (finished) one book this week - Temple by Matthew Reilly. It's like a Michael Bay script, a wild ride.Nice distraction.
Been busy so I've only read (finished) one book this week - Temple by Matthew Reilly. It's like a Michael Bay script, a wild ride.Nice distraction.
Posted by: Lizzy at March 08, 2015 10:33 AM (lHHyw)
102
I'll have to try to use "crotchular" in a sentence. Not today, though. It's Sunday.
Posted by: Bob's House of Flannel Shirts and Wallet Chains at March 08, 2015 10:36 AM (yxw0r)
103
Plus, funny stuff about RD Laing who was once taken very seriously as a great psychiatrist and thinker of the human condition:
His Book "Knots" and the knots poetry(?) used by Laing to illustrate human thought inspired this song from the prog-group Gentle Giant way back in 1972:
----
Oh crap, somebody foisted "Knots" on my parents back in the day and it was relegated to our bathroom library. No, really, we literally had shelves and shelves of primo reading material next to the throne. You can learn a lot in short bursts.
"They are playing a game. They are playing at not playing a game. If I show them I see they are, I shall break the rules and they will punish me. I must play their game, of not seeing I see the game." It goes on like this ad nauseum. Games, man! Why can't we live honest lives, you know?
Another expert on family psychology whose own family was FUBARed by his leftist bullshittery.
His Book "Knots" and the knots poetry(?) used by Laing to illustrate human thought inspired this song from the prog-group Gentle Giant way back in 1972:
----
Oh crap, somebody foisted "Knots" on my parents back in the day and it was relegated to our bathroom library. No, really, we literally had shelves and shelves of primo reading material next to the throne. You can learn a lot in short bursts.
"They are playing a game. They are playing at not playing a game. If I show them I see they are, I shall break the rules and they will punish me. I must play their game, of not seeing I see the game." It goes on like this ad nauseum. Games, man! Why can't we live honest lives, you know?
Another expert on family psychology whose own family was FUBARed by his leftist bullshittery.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at March 08, 2015 10:37 AM (KH1sk)
104
OregonMuse--it *just* published this morning. Plus Daylight savings time, and staying up late getting it uploaded. And I think there were ninjas and dragons wanting tea, too. IT'S NOT MY FAULT!
I will send you a better blurb for next week :-D But I will point out, in the spirit of the YA discussion ongoing, I deliberately set out to write a fun kid's story with no PC stupidity, with a boy main character having adventures. And it's pretty clean, too. A few damns here and there, but only in situations of great stress and danger...
I will send you a better blurb for next week :-D But I will point out, in the spirit of the YA discussion ongoing, I deliberately set out to write a fun kid's story with no PC stupidity, with a boy main character having adventures. And it's pretty clean, too. A few damns here and there, but only in situations of great stress and danger...
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at March 08, 2015 10:40 AM (2buaQ)
105
CBS apparently is really interested in increasing reading. I watched the preview episodes of "Scorpion," "Battle Creek," and "CSI: Cyber". Astonishingly bad. Hard to watch a whole episode.
Seems like the "lowest common denominator" viewer keeps getting lower and lower.
Seems like the "lowest common denominator" viewer keeps getting lower and lower.
Posted by: doug-also with no party at March 08, 2015 10:44 AM (/tdRw)
106
Even though it was talking about social classes "The Admirable Crichton" also illustrates the folly of underestimating how difficult it is to be a subsistence farmer or hunter & gatherer.
Posted by: Huggy at March 08, 2015 10:45 AM (PGh+Q)
107
re 105: The best screen writers have migrated to cartoons.
Posted by: Hugg at March 08, 2015 10:47 AM (PGh+Q)
108
Posted by: doug-also with no party at March 08, 2015 10:44 AM (/tdRw)
---
I really wanted to like "Battle Creek" because of writer/producer Vince Gilligan and the actors, but the writers have no sense of what small town life is like or what alphabet agencies actually do. It wasn't bad, just not good.
---
I really wanted to like "Battle Creek" because of writer/producer Vince Gilligan and the actors, but the writers have no sense of what small town life is like or what alphabet agencies actually do. It wasn't bad, just not good.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at March 08, 2015 10:48 AM (KH1sk)
109
@108 I wanted to like it too, but the "jokes" were forced, to say the least. Good actors still need good writing.
It is very hard to do a "dramedy" -- combo drama with comedic elements. The enormous success of CBS' NCIS shows means that everyone is trying to work the formula.
IMO, "Battle Creek" would have been far stronger with less comedy and if the absurd Milt character was toned down significantly. Milt will get "old" quickly and that is primary hook for the concept.
It is very hard to do a "dramedy" -- combo drama with comedic elements. The enormous success of CBS' NCIS shows means that everyone is trying to work the formula.
IMO, "Battle Creek" would have been far stronger with less comedy and if the absurd Milt character was toned down significantly. Milt will get "old" quickly and that is primary hook for the concept.
Posted by: doug-also with no party at March 08, 2015 10:58 AM (/tdRw)
110
I read The Reaper, by Ranger sniper Nick Irving, and now almost done with Modern American Snipers, which is fascinating.
Yesterday morning while reading one of the many hair-raising accounts of firefights, I suddenly remembered Michael Moore's assertion that snipers are cowards. That may be the stupidest, most evil thing he's ever said, and there's a very high bar.
Yesterday morning while reading one of the many hair-raising accounts of firefights, I suddenly remembered Michael Moore's assertion that snipers are cowards. That may be the stupidest, most evil thing he's ever said, and there's a very high bar.
Posted by: stace at March 08, 2015 10:58 AM (ImzkZ)
111
Trimegistus at March 08, 2015 10:16 You are correct sir, I had conflated the Cromwells after looking them up, and perhaps I misremembered Neal and he refers to the character witnessing the beheading of Charles I.
He refers to his character looking at the piked head of Oliver Cromwell as he wanders through London.
Good to know that I'm not absorbing lots of mis-information reading this tale as I'm trying to combine entertainment with learning a bit of light history these days.
He refers to his character looking at the piked head of Oliver Cromwell as he wanders through London.
Good to know that I'm not absorbing lots of mis-information reading this tale as I'm trying to combine entertainment with learning a bit of light history these days.
Posted by: PaleRider at March 08, 2015 11:06 AM (7w/kf)
112
>> deliberately set out to write a fun kid's story with no PC stupidity, with a boy main character having adventures.
Bless you!
Saw Maleficent on Friday, and OMG that is anti-male! Just wow...
Bless you!
Saw Maleficent on Friday, and OMG that is anti-male! Just wow...
Posted by: Lizzy at March 08, 2015 11:07 AM (lHHyw)
113
Posted by: BornLib at March 08, 2015 10:01 AM (zpNwC)
Well, nevermind then! The rest is for those Morons who might want to try out Hugo voting.
Well, nevermind then! The rest is for those Morons who might want to try out Hugo voting.
Posted by: Grabthar's Hammer at March 08, 2015 11:08 AM (Edob3)
114
Instapundit just linked a new Eric Greitens book --"Resilience: Hard-Won Wisdom for Living a Better Life". Amazon has lots of info. Comes out Tuesday.
I enjoyed his "The Heart and the Fist."
I enjoyed his "The Heart and the Fist."
Posted by: doug-also with no party at March 08, 2015 11:08 AM (/tdRw)
115
I'm getting here late and haven't read all the comments, so I don't know if it's been mentioned already, but Tom Wolfe's "The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test" is a must-read about the 1960s hippie movement. All the main players are in it. I read it when I was in college in the late 70s.
Posted by: rickl at March 08, 2015 11:10 AM (sdi6R)
116
80 @44, I think you had to pay the membership fee of $40 by Jan 31 to do the Sad Puppies thing, after that the price goes up. Does sound like a good deal getting all the nominated books to read, we do have until Tuesday to make our picks.
Posted by: waelse1 at March 08, 2015 10:03 AM (67tmi)[\i]
It's still $40 for the supporting membership, but you don't get to nominate now, only vote on nominated works. Still Sad Puppies, if you want to vote for the works from their slate that got nominated.
Posted by: waelse1 at March 08, 2015 10:03 AM (67tmi)[\i]
It's still $40 for the supporting membership, but you don't get to nominate now, only vote on nominated works. Still Sad Puppies, if you want to vote for the works from their slate that got nominated.
Posted by: Grabthar's Hammer at March 08, 2015 11:11 AM (Edob3)
117
Posted by: Lizzy at March 08, 2015 10:09 AM (lHHyw)
She hinted at Dumbledore's sexuality in the story line; I thought she handled it well.
I can't recall the name, but it was a friend he was very close to when he was young; he may have ended up being a bad guy. (Must be time to reread the series again, can't believe I can't remember his name) With all the other fairly innocuous PC stuff in the book, I figured it was a nod to them being the token gay guys.
I think the whole Harry and Ginny ( I assume you meant Harry not Ron, as Ron and Ginny were sibs!) or Ron/Hermione thing was something she legitimately was conflicted about. I think she went rather Louisa May Alcott and got stubborn about it as the saga moved along.
I never "felt" the whole Harry/Ginny thing, personally. I think it was something she wanted as far as the story went, because what better way to have the Weasleys be his family than to marry in to it, but it never really worked chemistry-wise for me.
Ron and Hermione felt very true-to-life, (so much so that I bet it reflected a relationship she had at one pint) but Harry and Hermione probably would have been better.
She hinted at Dumbledore's sexuality in the story line; I thought she handled it well.
I can't recall the name, but it was a friend he was very close to when he was young; he may have ended up being a bad guy. (Must be time to reread the series again, can't believe I can't remember his name) With all the other fairly innocuous PC stuff in the book, I figured it was a nod to them being the token gay guys.
I think the whole Harry and Ginny ( I assume you meant Harry not Ron, as Ron and Ginny were sibs!) or Ron/Hermione thing was something she legitimately was conflicted about. I think she went rather Louisa May Alcott and got stubborn about it as the saga moved along.
I never "felt" the whole Harry/Ginny thing, personally. I think it was something she wanted as far as the story went, because what better way to have the Weasleys be his family than to marry in to it, but it never really worked chemistry-wise for me.
Ron and Hermione felt very true-to-life, (so much so that I bet it reflected a relationship she had at one pint) but Harry and Hermione probably would have been better.
Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at March 08, 2015 11:11 AM (/r6cp)
118
83 Harry Potter Books. First few are good. Stir emotions in a positive way. Orphan overcomes adversity with determination and a good heart. Starts down hill. Order of the Phoenix idea is similar to idea in LotR (not so good, deminishes Harry). Teen age angst not so good (Goblet of Fire). Half Blood Prince Good. Gets back to the story roots. Harry has his mother eyes. His mother was the kind one. Last book boring as (heck). :-)
Posted by: Hugg at March 08, 2015 11:11 AM (PGh+Q)
119
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at March 08, 2015 09:58 AM (2buaQ)
Woooooohooo, just bought it! O Happy Day!
Woooooohooo, just bought it! O Happy Day!
Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at March 08, 2015 11:12 AM (/r6cp)
120
Posted by: rickl at March 08, 2015 11:10 AM (sdi6R)
Don't forget "Radical Chic And Mau-Mauing The Flak Catchers"
Don't forget "Radical Chic And Mau-Mauing The Flak Catchers"
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 08, 2015 11:12 AM (Zu3d9)
121
I'll never forgive JKR for killing Hedwig.
Posted by: Hugg at March 08, 2015 11:14 AM (PGh+Q)
122
Oh crap, somebody foisted "Knots" on my parents back in the day and it was relegated to our bathroom library. No, really, we literally had shelves and shelves of primo reading material next to the throne. You can learn a lot in short bursts.
"They are playing a game. They are playing at not playing a game. If I show them I see they are, I shall break the rules and they will punish me. I must play their game, of not seeing I see the game." It goes on like this ad nauseum. Games, man! Why can't we live honest lives, you know?
Another expert on family psychology whose own family was FUBARed by his leftist bullshittery.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at March 08, 2015 10:37 AM (KH1sk)
Ha!
That fine quality of thought stymied Laing when he had a patient in his sanitarium who painted with her shit on the walls-
you see, he needed to respect her madness, yet he and his staff didn't want to work in a shit-filled atmosphere...it was a quandary.*
This went on for months if not years....until they came up with the brilliant plan of giving her actual paints to paint with!
*any resemblance between this episode and fymynysm on the college campus and society in general is completely, absolutely completely coincidental.
"They are playing a game. They are playing at not playing a game. If I show them I see they are, I shall break the rules and they will punish me. I must play their game, of not seeing I see the game." It goes on like this ad nauseum. Games, man! Why can't we live honest lives, you know?
Another expert on family psychology whose own family was FUBARed by his leftist bullshittery.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at March 08, 2015 10:37 AM (KH1sk)
Ha!
That fine quality of thought stymied Laing when he had a patient in his sanitarium who painted with her shit on the walls-
you see, he needed to respect her madness, yet he and his staff didn't want to work in a shit-filled atmosphere...it was a quandary.*
This went on for months if not years....until they came up with the brilliant plan of giving her actual paints to paint with!
*any resemblance between this episode and fymynysm on the college campus and society in general is completely, absolutely completely coincidental.
Posted by: naturalfake at March 08, 2015 11:17 AM (BQvaT)
123
Dirty Hippy is redundant.
Posted by: The Poster Formerly Known as Mr. Barky at March 08, 2015 11:18 AM (kNwE7)
124
Posted by: Hugg at March 08, 2015 11:11 AM (PGh+Q)
Agree, though I enjoyed Goblet of Fire and didn't care for Prisoner. To me, the first two are charming and then it almost seems like someone else took over the writing. Not in a bad way, but the third one took a noticeable leap to YA, as opposed to Children's. (Which might also mirror the age of the characters)
Still loved them overall, and it's about time to re-read them again.
An acquaintance came out with her third cozy-mystery and they're good for what they are. I prefer my mysteries with a bit more grit, but I am proud of her and they're an easy read.
Am I allowed to post a link to her Amazon page, Oregon Muse, or do you prefer to do that?
Agree, though I enjoyed Goblet of Fire and didn't care for Prisoner. To me, the first two are charming and then it almost seems like someone else took over the writing. Not in a bad way, but the third one took a noticeable leap to YA, as opposed to Children's. (Which might also mirror the age of the characters)
Still loved them overall, and it's about time to re-read them again.
An acquaintance came out with her third cozy-mystery and they're good for what they are. I prefer my mysteries with a bit more grit, but I am proud of her and they're an easy read.
Am I allowed to post a link to her Amazon page, Oregon Muse, or do you prefer to do that?
Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at March 08, 2015 11:20 AM (/r6cp)
125
Posted by: Hugg at March 08, 2015 11:14 AM (PGh+Q)
You and me both. And Fred! The twins were my favorite characters. She should have killed off Percy, or stuck to killing Papa Weasley as she intended from the start, father figure or no father figure.
You and me both. And Fred! The twins were my favorite characters. She should have killed off Percy, or stuck to killing Papa Weasley as she intended from the start, father figure or no father figure.
Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at March 08, 2015 11:26 AM (/r6cp)
126
120
Don't forget "Radical Chic And Mau-Mauing The Flak Catchers"
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 08, 2015 11:12 AM (Zu3d9)
That was later, in the early 70s. If I recall, it had to do with Leonard Bernstein hosting the Black Panthers at a party in his swank Manhattan apartment. That's an essential read, too.
"The Electric Kook-Aid Acid Test" was about Haight-Ashbury in the mid 60s. Did you know that Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters took their first LSD-fueled bus trip in 1964?
Don't forget "Radical Chic And Mau-Mauing The Flak Catchers"
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 08, 2015 11:12 AM (Zu3d9)
That was later, in the early 70s. If I recall, it had to do with Leonard Bernstein hosting the Black Panthers at a party in his swank Manhattan apartment. That's an essential read, too.
"The Electric Kook-Aid Acid Test" was about Haight-Ashbury in the mid 60s. Did you know that Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters took their first LSD-fueled bus trip in 1964?
Posted by: rickl at March 08, 2015 11:26 AM (sdi6R)
127
CBS apparently is really interested in increasing reading. I watched the preview episodes of "Scorpion," "Battle Creek," and "CSI: Cyber". Astonishingly bad. Hard to watch a whole episode.
Seems like the "lowest common denominator" viewer keeps getting lower and lower.
Posted by: doug-also with no party at March 08, 2015 10:44 AM (/tdRw)
Last season, I kinda of liked "The Blacklist".
The idea of a traitor coming out from the cold to finger at potential national security threats and help the gov't neutralize them was appealing.
And I like Spader as an actor.
But...WTF happened this season?
It's turned into the usual libtard boogieman of the week.
The whole national security thang has been thrown out the window.
Did the staff change? Did they run out of ideas?
It's just boring now cuz all you're left with is the libtard boogie-manhunt and the Lizzy soap opera.
Bleh.
I no longer watch.
Seems like the "lowest common denominator" viewer keeps getting lower and lower.
Posted by: doug-also with no party at March 08, 2015 10:44 AM (/tdRw)
Last season, I kinda of liked "The Blacklist".
The idea of a traitor coming out from the cold to finger at potential national security threats and help the gov't neutralize them was appealing.
And I like Spader as an actor.
But...WTF happened this season?
It's turned into the usual libtard boogieman of the week.
The whole national security thang has been thrown out the window.
Did the staff change? Did they run out of ideas?
It's just boring now cuz all you're left with is the libtard boogie-manhunt and the Lizzy soap opera.
Bleh.
I no longer watch.
Posted by: naturalfake at March 08, 2015 11:27 AM (BQvaT)
128
Gellert Grindelwald
Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at March 08, 2015 11:28 AM (/r6cp)
129
Tammy, I liked the way Rowling left Dumbledore's earlier relationship with that guy open to interpretation. The reader, depending on their age and interest, could draw their own conclusions. I suppose that's why I was disappointed she felt the need to spell it out after the fact, just as she did with her comments about book 5 being modeled on the Bush admin.
Posted by: Lizzy at March 08, 2015 11:29 AM (lHHyw)
130
Am I allowed to post a link to her Amazon page, Oregon Muse, or do you prefer to do that?
I'll allow it.
You can even drop me an email telling me about it and I'll mention it in next week's thread. I'm always looking for new morons (and "friends of morons") authors to tout.
I think you've mentioned your author friend to me before, haven't you?
I'll allow it.
You can even drop me an email telling me about it and I'll mention it in next week's thread. I'm always looking for new morons (and "friends of morons") authors to tout.
I think you've mentioned your author friend to me before, haven't you?
Posted by: OregonMuse at March 08, 2015 11:31 AM (oDHqE)
131
126
"The Electric Kook-Aid Acid Test" was about Haight-Ashbury in the mid 60s.
Posted by: rickl at March 08, 2015 11:26 AM (sdi6R)
Typo or Freudian slip? You decide.
"The Electric Kook-Aid Acid Test" was about Haight-Ashbury in the mid 60s.
Posted by: rickl at March 08, 2015 11:26 AM (sdi6R)
Typo or Freudian slip? You decide.
Posted by: rickl at March 08, 2015 11:33 AM (sdi6R)
132
121 I'll never forgive JKR for killing Hedwig.
Posted by: Hugg at March 08, 2015 11:14 AM (PGh+Q)
*************
But he is to be resurrected in the forthcoming "Harry Potter and the Angry Inch".
Posted by: Hugg at March 08, 2015 11:14 AM (PGh+Q)
*************
But he is to be resurrected in the forthcoming "Harry Potter and the Angry Inch".
Posted by: Angry Grinch at March 08, 2015 11:33 AM (XrHO0)
133
Posted by: Lizzy at March 08, 2015 11:29 AM (lHHyw)
Exactly! We either got it, or it went over our heads, and that was fine, right? Exceptional, nuanced writing, even. No need to beat everyone around the head with it, ffs.
And I had missed the part about Phoenix being about the Bush admin, wtf???
Exactly! We either got it, or it went over our heads, and that was fine, right? Exceptional, nuanced writing, even. No need to beat everyone around the head with it, ffs.
And I had missed the part about Phoenix being about the Bush admin, wtf???
Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at March 08, 2015 11:46 AM (/r6cp)
134
I don't want to hijack the book thread into politics, but Sarah A. Hoyt had an excellent post the other day, about sticking with the Republican Party vs. forming a new party:
http://accordingtohoyt.com/2015/03/06/winter-at-valley-forge/
I mention it because a) she's a writer, and b) she occasionally comments here. I don't necessarily agree with her conclusions, but I value her thoughts on the matter. There are over 700 comments last time I looked.
Geez, how old-fashioned am I? "I don't necessarily agree with this post, but I'll link it anyway and encourage people to read it." In today's world of the internet, shouldn't I be trolling her or something?
http://accordingtohoyt.com/2015/03/06/winter-at-valley-forge/
I mention it because a) she's a writer, and b) she occasionally comments here. I don't necessarily agree with her conclusions, but I value her thoughts on the matter. There are over 700 comments last time I looked.
Geez, how old-fashioned am I? "I don't necessarily agree with this post, but I'll link it anyway and encourage people to read it." In today's world of the internet, shouldn't I be trolling her or something?
Posted by: rickl at March 08, 2015 11:48 AM (sdi6R)
135
I think you've mentioned your author friend to me before, haven't you?
Posted by: OregonMuse at March 08, 2015 11:31 AM (oDHqE)
Maybe not this one!
I have several friends who have written books, but they aren't necessarily Moron fodder, so I don't mention them much. ( And it's not that they are bad books, just that they are either mommy-blogger/Christian books or very topic-specific)
These being mysteries, I thought there might be a little more interest, though.
Most definitely fluffy, chick mysteries, however! Hopefully most will know what a "cozy-mystery" is.....
Posted by: OregonMuse at March 08, 2015 11:31 AM (oDHqE)
Maybe not this one!
I have several friends who have written books, but they aren't necessarily Moron fodder, so I don't mention them much. ( And it's not that they are bad books, just that they are either mommy-blogger/Christian books or very topic-specific)
These being mysteries, I thought there might be a little more interest, though.
Most definitely fluffy, chick mysteries, however! Hopefully most will know what a "cozy-mystery" is.....
Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at March 08, 2015 11:51 AM (/r6cp)
136
56 Speaking of covers
http://www.ufunk.net/insolite/romance-novel-covers/
And in so many ways, isn't the story of those covers just the story of Obama?
For anyone interested in Burgess, his autobiography Little Wilson and Big God is wonderful. It's likely to lead you to searching out some of his other works.
http://www.ufunk.net/insolite/romance-novel-covers/
And in so many ways, isn't the story of those covers just the story of Obama?
For anyone interested in Burgess, his autobiography Little Wilson and Big God is wonderful. It's likely to lead you to searching out some of his other works.
Posted by: Enby at March 08, 2015 11:53 AM (QP2lF)
137
Dirty hippie ? I thought that they were all into hottubs ?
In 1965 16% of Appalachian homes had incomplete plumbing?
Maybe OB isn't old enough to remember Ssturday night as being bath night probably never heated water with wood either
In 1965 16% of Appalachian homes had incomplete plumbing?
Maybe OB isn't old enough to remember Ssturday night as being bath night probably never heated water with wood either
Posted by: Tighter at March 08, 2015 11:54 AM (+vAGU)
138
@127 naturalfake -- Me, too. Spader was great fun, while "Lizzy" reminded me of a female Keanu Reaves. Besides the politics, the violence has increased significantly this year.
Oscar or not, Patricia Arquette is another stone-faced actress. "CSI:Cyber" is so bad, it is almost as camp as the 1960's "Batman." Of course, twitchy.com has had great fun with her naive lefty politics. ;-)
Widespread TV trend is dumber, more lefty writing with increasing violence or "comedy" in lieu of good writing. More stereotyped characters, stisfying diversity goals. Might have something to do with declining viewership.
I am reading more and more... ;-)
***
If you are into computer security, I highly recommend Marc Goodman's "Future Crimes." Most readable book on the subject I've encountered. Thorough, footnoted, but still enjoyable for a layman.
Oscar or not, Patricia Arquette is another stone-faced actress. "CSI:Cyber" is so bad, it is almost as camp as the 1960's "Batman." Of course, twitchy.com has had great fun with her naive lefty politics. ;-)
Widespread TV trend is dumber, more lefty writing with increasing violence or "comedy" in lieu of good writing. More stereotyped characters, stisfying diversity goals. Might have something to do with declining viewership.
I am reading more and more... ;-)
***
If you are into computer security, I highly recommend Marc Goodman's "Future Crimes." Most readable book on the subject I've encountered. Thorough, footnoted, but still enjoyable for a layman.
Posted by: doug-also with no party at March 08, 2015 11:56 AM (/tdRw)
139
50
I'd like to be able to swap out covers of certain books. Maybe for a
generic "Kindle Book" cover. Or one that looks like a brown grocery
bag...
Calibre is your friend.
I'd like to be able to swap out covers of certain books. Maybe for a
generic "Kindle Book" cover. Or one that looks like a brown grocery
bag...
Calibre is your friend.
Posted by: Anachronda at March 08, 2015 12:02 PM (o78gS)
140
75
Moron Anachronda has read it and survived!
Indeed, I did. The book is good fun and I heartily recommend it.
Moron Anachronda has read it and survived!
Indeed, I did. The book is good fun and I heartily recommend it.
Posted by: Anachronda at March 08, 2015 12:07 PM (o78gS)
141
50
I'd like to be able to swap out covers of certain books. Maybe for a generic "Kindle Book" cover. Or one that looks like a brown grocery bag...
Posted by: Mama AJ at March 08, 2015 09:27 AM (0xTsz)
I think people actually used to do that in the old days. I inherited some books from my parents, and one of them had a tattered book cover that was made from a brown paper grocery bag.
I'd like to be able to swap out covers of certain books. Maybe for a generic "Kindle Book" cover. Or one that looks like a brown grocery bag...
Posted by: Mama AJ at March 08, 2015 09:27 AM (0xTsz)
I think people actually used to do that in the old days. I inherited some books from my parents, and one of them had a tattered book cover that was made from a brown paper grocery bag.
Posted by: rickl at March 08, 2015 12:08 PM (sdi6R)
142
Finished the the latest Matthew Shardlake mystery, Lamentation". Most Excellent!, It's one the those books you're sorry to see end. With Henry VIII dead at the end of this book, Matthew is positioned to work on legal cases for the young Elizabeth. I hope the author is signaling the series will continue through the reigns of Edward and Mary. Fingers crossed. I absolutely love these books. They are lengthy which gives the plot and side plots time to play out and time for good character development. The sights and smells of Tudor England just come alive. This series is very highly recommended for anyone one who loves historical fiction.
Posted by: Tuna at March 08, 2015 12:23 PM (JSovD)
143
#94
Moore remains guilty of resorting to magic to make his beloved Communism work. He's done it about half a dozen times at least. I was just reminded of this by the reprint/remake of Miracleman #16, in which the destruction of London leads the cast to decide to accept the role of godhood and solve everybody's problems.
It's one thing to have extremely advanced technology but when there are no resource issues of any kind creating limits, it just comes down to magic. Which means the issue read like a prolonged wank.
Moore remains guilty of resorting to magic to make his beloved Communism work. He's done it about half a dozen times at least. I was just reminded of this by the reprint/remake of Miracleman #16, in which the destruction of London leads the cast to decide to accept the role of godhood and solve everybody's problems.
It's one thing to have extremely advanced technology but when there are no resource issues of any kind creating limits, it just comes down to magic. Which means the issue read like a prolonged wank.
Posted by: Epobirs at March 08, 2015 12:23 PM (IdCqF)
144
Yesterday I posted this.
Why is there evil in the world? Because men have free will and choose to do evil.
Adam and Eve were thrown out of the Garden of Eden because they ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Later, the people try to build a tower to Heaven without God and fail as they argue amongst themselves.
Much later, Jesus comes back and presides over the millennium during which the lion lays down with lamb and we beat our swords into plowshares. The lion is not exercising his free will by foregoing chomping down on the lamb so therefore why should it be that we will exercise our free will to forego war and beat our swords into plowshares?
Could it be that that by eating of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil that they obtained free will by believing falsely that they could distinguish between good and evil leading to such boondoggles as the Tower of Babel and Obamacare? And could it further be that the millennium can be made possible only if we are relieved of free will?
Now let me add a few rated thoughts.
Is original sin our search for utopia without God? Communism, socialism, Nazism, Islam and Obamunism are all utopian ideas leading to disaster. So long as men are willing to believe that this time they've found the right leader with the right ideas to solve all of their problems, their problems will multiply. And it is in the nature of man to seek utopia.
When the lion lies down with the lamb, it will be because the nature of lions has changed. When we beat our swords into plowshares, it will be because the nature of man has changed.
Note also that we wouldn't beat our swords into plowshares if we didn't need plowshares. In the millennium, we will still have to earn our living by the sweat of our brow so even the millennium is not utopian.
Why is there evil in the world? Because men have free will and choose to do evil.
Adam and Eve were thrown out of the Garden of Eden because they ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Later, the people try to build a tower to Heaven without God and fail as they argue amongst themselves.
Much later, Jesus comes back and presides over the millennium during which the lion lays down with lamb and we beat our swords into plowshares. The lion is not exercising his free will by foregoing chomping down on the lamb so therefore why should it be that we will exercise our free will to forego war and beat our swords into plowshares?
Could it be that that by eating of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil that they obtained free will by believing falsely that they could distinguish between good and evil leading to such boondoggles as the Tower of Babel and Obamacare? And could it further be that the millennium can be made possible only if we are relieved of free will?
Now let me add a few rated thoughts.
Is original sin our search for utopia without God? Communism, socialism, Nazism, Islam and Obamunism are all utopian ideas leading to disaster. So long as men are willing to believe that this time they've found the right leader with the right ideas to solve all of their problems, their problems will multiply. And it is in the nature of man to seek utopia.
When the lion lies down with the lamb, it will be because the nature of lions has changed. When we beat our swords into plowshares, it will be because the nature of man has changed.
Note also that we wouldn't beat our swords into plowshares if we didn't need plowshares. In the millennium, we will still have to earn our living by the sweat of our brow so even the millennium is not utopian.
Posted by: The Great White Snark at March 08, 2015 12:25 PM (LImiJ)
Posted by: Tuna at March 08, 2015 12:27 PM (JSovD)
146
CBS has become the go-to channel for those who like a lot of high-tech in their action adventure but haven't the slightest clue how any of this stuff actually works.
Posted by: Epobirs at March 08, 2015 12:29 PM (IdCqF)
147
#141 yeah, me too.
Posted by: OregonMuse at March 08, 2015 12:35 PM (8qK3m)
148
Heh, yes, I remember covering schoolbooks with brown paper bags.
For years I also used a quilted fabric paperback-sized book cover for whatever book I was reading. Nice thing to have if you're reading in public (on the Metro, at an airport, etc.). Lost it in a move...
For years I also used a quilted fabric paperback-sized book cover for whatever book I was reading. Nice thing to have if you're reading in public (on the Metro, at an airport, etc.). Lost it in a move...
Posted by: MSM at March 08, 2015 12:41 PM (lHHyw)
149
"CBS has become the go-to channel for those who like a lot of high-tech in their action adventure but haven't the slightest clue how any of this stuff actually works."
Right! It's part of what makes "Scorpion" a perfect show. It also has supergeniuses who can hack into computers and stuff, but they're not superheroes; it has lots of action with guns but hardly anyone gets shot; it has characters with flaws without being overly dramatic about them; the stories move along so quickly that I don't even know how much reality I'm suspending so I just go with it.
It's a fun way to kill an hour.
Right! It's part of what makes "Scorpion" a perfect show. It also has supergeniuses who can hack into computers and stuff, but they're not superheroes; it has lots of action with guns but hardly anyone gets shot; it has characters with flaws without being overly dramatic about them; the stories move along so quickly that I don't even know how much reality I'm suspending so I just go with it.
It's a fun way to kill an hour.
Posted by: FireHorse at March 08, 2015 12:41 PM (8TqNO)
150
Clean Reader? Fornicate that excrement right up the posterior orifice.
Posted by: Richard McEnroe at March 08, 2015 12:49 PM (JkRJF)
151
@149 - Super-geniuses? Spouting that lame dialog? LOL! I envy your reality-suspending abilities. Definitely at super-power level. ;-) (Completely disregarding the high-tech silliness.)
CBS bought the whole season, so many folks must agree with you. Enjoy.
CBS bought the whole season, so many folks must agree with you. Enjoy.
Posted by: doug-also with no party at March 08, 2015 12:56 PM (/tdRw)
152
125
You and me both. And Fred! The twins were my favorite characters.Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at March 08, 2015 11:26 AM (/r6cp)
There is a charming old book on Gutenberg called (I think) Hildegarde's Neighbors. Read that, and tell me JKR hasn't.
You and me both. And Fred! The twins were my favorite characters.Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at March 08, 2015 11:26 AM (/r6cp)
There is a charming old book on Gutenberg called (I think) Hildegarde's Neighbors. Read that, and tell me JKR hasn't.
Posted by: peste at March 08, 2015 01:41 PM (ipUzI)
153
Slow today. Everyone must be outside with the weather finally starting to warm up.
Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at March 08, 2015 01:42 PM (wlDny)
154
I'd like to thank my fellow Morons for buying my book. I hope you find it entertaining.
Posted by: Darth Cobalt Shiva, Sith Lord at March 08, 2015 02:04 PM (F2i9w)
155
sane people don't want to end civilization, (hardcore Leftists are not sane) they just want out of the Kafkaesque maze that we have created or that has been created for us.
I like comfort and prosperity, don't want to abandon it.
my solution can be summed up in a question -
How little government can we do with and still maintain a prosperous and relatively comfortable life?
I say about 25 to 33% of the government we have now would be entirely sufficient for that purpose.
why do we have so much more?
... you know the answer.
I like comfort and prosperity, don't want to abandon it.
my solution can be summed up in a question -
How little government can we do with and still maintain a prosperous and relatively comfortable life?
I say about 25 to 33% of the government we have now would be entirely sufficient for that purpose.
why do we have so much more?
... you know the answer.
Posted by: Shoey at March 08, 2015 03:40 PM (vA94g)
156
Just finished the short story "The Fabulous Idiot" by Theodore Sturgeon. Yeesh. What a mess.It is the first of three short stories in the book "More than Human" that are linked together. Not sure if I'm going to continue on with the others. "The Fabulous Idiot" jumps between the back story of several children with super powers (telepathy, telekinesis, teleportation and super intelligence).It really fell flat with me as there is none of the events that occur are particularly interesting and it doesn't build to a logical climax. "More than Human" is getting great reviews on Amazon and won a International Fantasy Award in 1954, but I can't say I care for it so far.
Posted by: Darth Randall at March 08, 2015 04:43 PM (6n332)
157
Well I finished the Honor Harrington and I went bacl to Amazon to get the first one of the Mallorean and it is no longer there for the Kindle. I must have misread the format.
Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at March 08, 2015 04:49 PM (wlDny)
158
I found it again, but it says not available for purchase at this time. So I guess the fight over inherited copyright is still going.
Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at March 08, 2015 05:03 PM (wlDny)
159
@157,
I bought Pawn Of Prophecy (Belgeriad Book 1) by David Eddings recently for Kindle, now it's no longer available.
I bought Pawn Of Prophecy (Belgeriad Book 1) by David Eddings recently for Kindle, now it's no longer available.
Posted by: waelse1 at March 08, 2015 05:35 PM (nMWJw)
160
(pic stolen from here)
That is not Broadway. Broadway is a wider street.
It's kind of a shame though, that SF can't be swept clean of its leftist infestation now, instead of waiting for an apocalypse to do the job...
That is not Broadway. Broadway is a wider street.
It's kind of a shame though, that SF can't be swept clean of its leftist infestation now, instead of waiting for an apocalypse to do the job...
Posted by: Blacque Jacques Shellacque at March 08, 2015 05:35 PM (Sx7uB)
161
159 I bought Pawn Of Prophecy (Belgeriad Book 1) by David Eddings recently for Kindle, now it's no longer available.
Posted by: waelse1 at March 08, 2015 05:35 PM (nMWJw)
Did you get them from Amazon? I thought I had seen them on there too. I wonder if the accidentally put them up there. They are available through Amazon in Great Britain but it says not for sale in the US.
Posted by: waelse1 at March 08, 2015 05:35 PM (nMWJw)
Did you get them from Amazon? I thought I had seen them on there too. I wonder if the accidentally put them up there. They are available through Amazon in Great Britain but it says not for sale in the US.
Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at March 08, 2015 05:45 PM (wlDny)
162
156 "More than Human" is getting great reviews on Amazon and won a International Fantasy Award in 1954, but I can't say I care for it so far.
There are a lot of people who have been touched deeply by it; I guess it resonated with them. My wife is one. Phil Lesh of the (former) Grateful Dead is another; it struck him as a powerful allegory for the phenomenon of a band being a greater being than any of the parts. Haven't read it myself.
There are a lot of people who have been touched deeply by it; I guess it resonated with them. My wife is one. Phil Lesh of the (former) Grateful Dead is another; it struck him as a powerful allegory for the phenomenon of a band being a greater being than any of the parts. Haven't read it myself.
Posted by: Splunge at March 08, 2015 05:58 PM (qyomX)
163
I guess it is time to do disk cleanup and call it a day. bbt for a short time.
Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at March 08, 2015 06:55 PM (wlDny)
164
Read that, and tell me JKR hasn't.
Posted by: peste at March 08, 2015 01:41 PM (ipUzI)
Hah,she borrowed heavily from many, some far more famous than Ms. Richards! Giant spiders anyone? She obviously absorbed Tolkien on many levels..
Posted by: peste at March 08, 2015 01:41 PM (ipUzI)
Hah,she borrowed heavily from many, some far more famous than Ms. Richards! Giant spiders anyone? She obviously absorbed Tolkien on many levels..
Posted by: Tammy al-Thor at March 08, 2015 08:43 PM (oxy4e)
165
@161,
Yep, Amazon, it's odd since they do have a few of his books on Kindle. Wish I'd bought the series while it was there, hopefully it'll return.
Yep, Amazon, it's odd since they do have a few of his books on Kindle. Wish I'd bought the series while it was there, hopefully it'll return.
Posted by: waelse1 at March 08, 2015 09:26 PM (nMWJw)
166
"[they took to smoking dope and taking] LSD and soon the drugs so addled their brains that they began to delude
themselves into thinking they could build a sustainable civilization on
panhandling, free sex, and selling beads to tourists"
Dangit. There goes my second career ... up in smoke.
themselves into thinking they could build a sustainable civilization on
panhandling, free sex, and selling beads to tourists"
Dangit. There goes my second career ... up in smoke.
Posted by: Keep Calm Cruz On at March 08, 2015 10:55 PM (wT9UL)
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