Sunday Morning Book Thread 12-11-2016

Library/Man-Cave of Moron 'Northernlurker'

It's another beautiful day at AoSHQ's stately, prestigious, internationally acclaimed and high-class Sunday Morning Book Thread and continual soiree, where men are men, all the 'ettes are impossibly attractive, safe spaces are underneath your house and are used as protection against actual dangers, like tornados, hurricanes, politically motivated social media attacks, nude photos of Lena Dunham, and special snowflakes do not get respect, but instead, belly laughs. And unlike other AoSHQ comment threads, the Sunday Morning Book Thread is so hoity-toity, pants are required. Even if it's these pants, which remind us that fashion-wise, the 60s weren't all mini-skirts and tight blue jeans.

More Castro

From commenter Mike Hammer in the book thread a couple of weeks back comes a review of Listen, Yankee: The Revolution in Cuba, which he says is 'interesting' and puts the words in quotes. Also:

Reading it as a retrospective is fascinating. The author was a well-known (among the Left) Columbia University sociologist who went down there to capture the ethos of the revolution.

The book was earnestly written, but it's hard to believe that the author could write this stuff without critical examination.

Well, it sounds like he's one of those True Believers like (Herbert Matthews), so I can very well believe he fluffed Fidel to a fare-thee-well.

Mike notes that Mills' book was written in 1960, just after the revolution. It was probably pretty easy to be a True Believer in St. Fidel back then. A few years later, not so much.

After imbibing Mills' drunken dreck, Mr. Hammer should probably sober up with Against All Hope: A Memoir of Life in Castro's Gulag by Armando Valladares:

Arrested in 1960 for being philosophically and religiously opposed to communism, Armando Valladares was interned at Cuba’s infamous Isla de Pinos Prison (from whose barred windows he watched the failure of the Bay of Pigs invasion). His life in Castro’s gulag was a hell of violence and disease, putrid food and squalid living conditions, forced labor and solitary confinement, and hazardous escape attempts. Valladares survived by prayer and poetry. His writing, smuggled out to Europe and the U.S., made him one of the world’s most celebrated prisoners of conscience. As a result of pressure from international human rights organizations, the Castro regime finally released him in 1982.

Herbert Matthews could not be reached for comment.

According to Valladares' wiki page, here is how he first came to attention of the powers that be:

In 1960, at the age of 23, he reportedly refused to put an "I'm with Fidel" sign on his desk at work. Shortly after, he was arrested by political police at his parents' home.

So Señor Valladares may not have been interested in politics, but politics was interested in Señor Valladares.

"I'm with Fidel" is grimly amusing. I suppose Hillary (who will never be president) and her presidential office acquisition team (POAT) can be forgiven for not knowing this somewhat obscure bit of history when they rolled out her "I'm With Her" campaign slogan. But then they came out with their "Stronger Together" slogan, and the connection with old-school fascism is so thick that it strains credulity that that they wouldn't know. And the photo of Tim Kaine giving the "Seig Heil" salute they put on the cover of their book didn't help.

Fortunately the NY Times and CNN covered their butts for the entire election, so they had nothing to worry about.

More On the Electoral College

One of my buds on the moron chess group, bonedaddi, recently became a US citizen. Earlier, he fled the Great White North for the warmer climes of Southern California. As far as governments go, I would think that's kind of like jumping from the frying pan into the fire. He recommends a book mentioned on the thread here a couple of weeks ago, Enlightened Democracy - The Case for the Electoral College by Tara Ross, which he calls a real eye opener:

The founders were very wary of the popular vote and mob rule. The knew what happens when majorities or slim majorities rule over minority interests and they wanted to prevent it. The arguments against pure democracy continued after the Constitutional Convention had concluded. Madison spoke to Jefferson of the dangers that could be created when the Government becomes "the mere instrument of the major number of the constituents." Alexander Hamilton continued these arguments against democracies in a June 21, 1788 speech before the New York ratifying convention:

It has been observed, by an honorable gentleman, that a pure democracy, if it were practicable, would be the most perfect government. Experience has proved that no position in politics is more false than this. The ancient democracies, in which the people themselves deliberated, never possessed one feature of good government. Their very character was tyranny; their figure, deformity.

Quite. These people were no dummies. Sadly, this stuff is not taught at all. I think it's high time to re-marinate ourselves in what the founders intended.

And speaking of mob rule, bonedaddi also recommends another book that shows you what happens when mob rule gets out of hand: The French Revolution by Christopher Hibbert:

When Washington was halfway through his first term , over in France, the mob rule of the French revolution was busy keeping their guillotines running 24/7. It is a stark lesson of what happens when a cause has no philosophical premise; I.e. Discontent with no guiding ideas to replace it. Yes, they admired the Americans but not enough to consider what exactly would replace a monarchy. Pure chaos and mob rule ensued (the communists learned a great deal from Robespierre and his gang of 12). The book reads like a thriller and is an excellent reminder of what can happen when societies collapse into a hodgepodge of romantic fallacies.

This brings to mind a brief discourse on pure democracy, (falsly) attributed to the Scottish jurist and writer Alexander Tytler:

A democracy is always temporary in nature; it simply cannot exist as a permanent form of government. A democracy will continue to exist up until the time that voters discover that they can vote themselves generous gifts from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates who promise the most benefits from the public treasury, with the result that every democracy will finally collapse due to loose fiscal policy, which is always followed by a dictatorship.

And of course, let's not forget the classic definitions of democracy, which is "two wolves and a sheep voting on what's for dinner."

I read somewhere last week that there's only two first world countries that elect their chief executive by popular vote: France, and I forget the other one, I think maybe it was Japan, but don't quote me on that. Anyway, it's been amusing watching the Democrats weeping and wailing and gnashing their teeth about the popular vote, as if they're being denied some sort of God-given natural right.

The Annotated Wimsey

Anonosaurus Wrecks has been getting into the Lord Peter Wimsey mysteries by Dorothy Sayers that have been recommended by many morons here. Some of the allusions and references contained in the books may be lost on 21st century American readers. Fortunately, he found this resource:

http://www.dandrake.com/wimsey/index.html

It has links to annotated versions of all the books. So, in the example that AW provided, Wimsey is late for a luncheon he desperately wishes to attend and seeks to go despite not being properly dressed. He thinks that if he "goes in wearing a top hat, Thipps might overlook his trousers and take him for the undertaker." The annotation explains: "If it were morning (which it was) and Wimsey were dressed formally (which he was) he would be wearing striped trousers to go with the top hat. An undertaker would be wearing all black, all the time, regardless."

Even though the books aren't that old, it's amazing how much we've lost. I'm reading G. K. Chesterton's Eugenics and Other Evils off and on, and am having the same problem. I am constantly running into things that Chesterton (naturally) assumed his audience would know, but have now been forgotten, at least by American readers.

Moron Recommendations

Over on the goodreads group, pixybanned moron OldSailor's Poet writes:

I didn't read a single book in 2016 *hangs head in shame* Oh wait, I read one called Domino for my cover designer Kia Heavey. It was fabulous. She wrote it. It was an allegory for freedom, socialism and communism using a farm cat and rats. It was probably one of the coolest books I have ever read.

Here is the book she's talking about: Domino by Kia Heavey.

Domino has always relied on tooth and claw to keep the barnyard vermin-free for his employers, the Browns...Then a brilliant and charismatic tom moves into the neighborhood, purring strange notions and introducing new "friends," and Domino soon learns there's no way to bite or scratch a poisonous idea. As the evil grows, life-long friends become unrecognizable, once-proud felines renounce their very identities in fear, and the natural order is turned upside-down. Locked in a deadly rivalry, Domino must rely on his wits to save his territory, his family, and a time-honored way of life from the bloody scourge that descends.

It sounds sort of like a cross between "Watership Down" and "Animal Farm".

___________

From Mike Hammer, etc., etc. on one of the weekday threads:

Moron Recommended 'The Spike'. Novel wherein a journalist/writer discovers that his world view and attitudes have been deliberately twisted/shaped by the far left.

Wow. I had forgotten all about this novel. The Spike by Arnaud De Borchgrave and Robert Moss. Let me quote an Amazon review that expands a bit on Mr. Hammer's remarks:

Shall I say this is a book whose time has come... again? Reviewers from ten years ago felt the same way. It is a book about the REAL WORLD of international influence peddling in the arena of media relations, "spin control," and image crafting back during the Vietnam War (and the Cold War). I remember reading when the book first came out in 1980 that the characters and incidents were based on real people and events. Because I had a career in the intelligence field, I actually ran across accounts of some of the people and some of the events. This is a suspenseful spy novel which also teaches some important truths about the news media, the history of Soviet influence on American affairs through front groups and agents of influence, Soviet KGB organizations and operations, and particularly Soviet influence in the anti-war movement of the '60s and '70s.

Now, many of you younguns probably don't remember Arnaud De Borchgrave (who passed on in 2015). He was a big name in conservative circles during the Reagan years. He was editor-in-chief of the Washington Times newspaper back in the days when it was struggling to be more than a glorified tabloid.

I've always wanted to read this novel, but I never got around to it. It has never been converted to e-book format. But used copies are being sold for cheap, so maybe I'll grab one of them.

___________

Books By Morons

A longtime lurkette e-mailed me earlier and introduced herself like this:

I am a longtime lurker at Ace's, and have always enjoyed the Sunday book thread. I am also an artist and illustrator, and have illustrated a Christmas book for children and families

Her book, The Magi's First Christmas, asks the question "What would cause wise men from the east to journey far across the desert?"

Walk with them as they follow a star to worship the infant King. Written with both younger and older children in mind, The Magi's First Christmas has a lyrical text, radiant artwork, and scripture references that bring the story of the magi to life."

The Kindle version is $6.49, and the print version is on sale through the second week of December for $9.13.

___________

Longtime moron lurker, author, and occasional commenter Francis W. Porretto has just published the fifth (and probably last) novel in his 'Realm of Essences' series, Statesman.

I was unfamiliar with the series and I couldn't get a good grasp of what was it about from the blurbs of the books in the series, so I asked Fran for a brief explanation. He said it uses the Essentialist/Idealist controversy in philosophy as kind of a conceptual framework within which his stories play out:

Creation was a more involved matter than humans are aware. One of the participating forces was a group of Essences: six originally noncorporeal beings who call themselves the Brothers of the Realm. Two of these have entered Creation in the flesh...Their conflict is largely conducted through the minds of men. The struggle has lasted twenty thousand years and isn’t over yet...Today their battlefield is America: the wounded, tottering home of freedom and justice among men, which [one force] hopes to defile irremediably, and [the other] hopes to preserve and renew.

So the ultimate forces of good and evil are fighting it out on human turf. Kind of like wha's happening in real life, I'd say.

Here are the first four books in the series:

Chosen One
On Broken Wings
Shadow of a Sword
Polymath

___________

Moronette 'votermom' is putting together a list of moron authors over on the Goodreads site which is intended to be accessible to non-members. Here is the list she has compiled so far. Let her know if there's an author she's missing.

http://www.bookhorde.org/p/aoshq-authors.html

___________

Don't forget the AoSHQ reading group on Goodreads. It's meant to support horde writers and to talk about the great books that come up on the book thread. It's called AoSHQ Moron Horde and the link to it is here: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/175335-aoshq-moron-horde.

___________

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.

Posted by: OregonMuse at 08:59 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Tolle lege

Posted by: Skip at December 11, 2016 08:55 AM (5sOEp)

2 Books are for fags!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 11, 2016 08:56 AM (EnKk6)

3 "I'm with Fidel" signs are an exact parallel to the "workers of the world unite" signs referenced by Vaclav Havel in " The Power of the Powerless." Putting up the sign is the equivalent of a dog tucking it's tail and exposing it's belly.

Posted by: Farmer Bob at December 11, 2016 09:04 AM (pBqER)

4 The Spike sounds like a good one. Thanks, AoS book thread!

Posted by: flounder, rebel, vulgarian, deplorable, winner at December 11, 2016 09:04 AM (GX63o)

5 My story is a book lost. I have had it 35 years and it was down to a collection of pages but cannot find it. I had photo copied it years ago and put it in a notebook but don't know where it is. I scanned it to my computer but that isn't working. I'm searching room by room (and have done this a few times)but nothing yet. Having 3 copies and can't get to 1.

Posted by: Skip at December 11, 2016 09:06 AM (5sOEp)

6 Looked at my consevative library inventory last night and a question came to mind. Who had the closest prediction to the future, Orwell with 1984 or Huxley with Brave New World?

Seems like a mix of the two but Huxley seems closer to what's happening in the developed / western world.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at December 11, 2016 09:08 AM (9m1df)

7 What have you been reading this week?

Fright, by Cornell Woolrich.

The Noise of Time, by Julian Barnes.

Posted by: mnw at December 11, 2016 09:08 AM (HWisp)

8 I wonder if any Cubans in Florida remembered the "I'm with Fidel" crap and voted against Hillary because of her fascist "I'm with Her" slogan?

Posted by: TrivialPursuer at December 11, 2016 09:10 AM (rgZEV)

9 That library needs more cats... and dust bunnies.

Still slogging my way through 'Camp of Saints' and 'The Forgotten Man' this week.

The extent to which Barry has used FDR's playbook to burden the country is amazing.

Also, having finished Moron-recommended 'The Spike' last week, I must mention a moment when a conservative Senator in the book refers to certain of his colleagues as 'retromingent'. They had to look it up too, and weren't happy. I was amused, it was a sort of Bill Buckley moment.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 11, 2016 09:10 AM (ZO497)

10 Slow book thread!

Found an interesting little book at the Library (hail libraries!) called The Periodic Table in Minutes by Dan Green. Since I last studied the table in the Pleistocene Era, I was unaware of the latest elements - Ununtrium (113 - Un Un Tri, get it?), Flerovium, Ununpentium, Livermorium, Ununseptium, and Ununoctium.

Polonium's first victim was not Litvinenko but the Curies' daughter Irene, who developed leukemia after working with it.

Obligatory Simpsons:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtJNCR4iJpc

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 11, 2016 09:10 AM (EnKk6)

11 I have Christopher Hibbert's French Revolution. Ironic the Leftists who claim Democracy rules call themselves Hamiltons.
As Prager says Being on the Left means you never have to say your sorry.

Posted by: Skip at December 11, 2016 09:10 AM (5sOEp)

12 Northernlurker obviously has visited my house at one point or another.

Don't know how into dares the book horde is, but the one failure I have had reading aloud is 'The Littlest Angel' by whomever (tried to blank it from my mind). Can't read it aloud myself and have dared others with kids to do it. A 2nd grade teacher for one of my kids read 'Little Match Girl' to her class and I told her that I would curse her forever for the nightmares (kids and mine).

Any others that are just too, too sentimental and become the opposite of intended?

Posted by: mustbequantum at December 11, 2016 09:11 AM (MIKMs)

13 I stayed up late reading Hallow Mass. I couldn't put it down. I was torn between pulling for Cthulu and wanting humanity to survive.

Posted by: no good deed at December 11, 2016 09:11 AM (hJamr)

14 Got to run but reminder to Goodreads group Hallow Mass is on sale because it is our January buddy read!

Thanks for the book thread, OM, bbl to enjoy it.

Posted by: @votermom @vm at December 11, 2016 09:11 AM (Om16U)

15 A group of mindless and spineless idiots in a Virginia Eastern Shore school district have banned The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and To Kill a Mockingbird because they allegedly contain racial slurs.

So I'm spite reading Mark Twain this week.

Posted by: Weasel at December 11, 2016 09:12 AM (Sfs6o)

16 I had a hardcover copy of "The Spike" back when it first came out. Could have been a Conservative Book Club edition. I hope I still have it in a box somewhere. And ditto for "Against All Hope." I do have a lot of crap I could get rid of, but I'm always afraid that if I get rid of a book, I will want it again, years later.

I started reading the Gospel According to St. Luke in my Kindle Ignatius study bible but I think I have ended up in Matthew, possibly, probably through footnote confusion. The Kindle version of this is not the greatest - it's showing I have over 12 hours reading time to finish Matthew (or Luke) which tells me that the time is based on the entire New Testament and that they don't have good divisions in this. There's a table of contents that works but that seems to be it.

Still reading Boundless Egomania of John Douglas, but it's my bathroom book so this could be going on for weeks, unless I develop food poisoning or need to get a colonoscopy.

I think my current Kindle books are "Calico Palace" by Gwen Bristow and "The Atrocity Archives" which I think was recommended last week. I've barely started that one. "Calico Palace" is a re-run and once I'm done with it, I will read Celia Hayes's new novel on the gold rush.

Posted by: Tonestaple at December 11, 2016 09:12 AM (B6m/l)

17 Every foray.into writing had ended the same way
I kill off the bad guy (in a horrible , but very satisfying way) somewhere in the first 70 pages..

Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 09:12 AM (zMWpG)

18 Yay book thread!

Not a whole lot to report this week, as I'm still battling fatigue and trying to get the last of my grading done for the semester. But I do have to report a teaching win: one of my non-traditional students in BritLit said his biggest takeaway from the course was "I remembered that I like to read." I think the noise I made on reading that was audible only to dogs.

Didn't get back last week in time to wave back at mustbequantum, so this is me waving belatedly. And no, there haven't been any outbreaks of snowflake-ism in the discussions, thank goodness... in fact, nobody even got political over The Abolition of Man, which was slightly surprising. But then, it's a conservative Christian school, and I usually have a handful of veterans every semester, and that makes a major difference.

Posted by: Elisabeth G. Wolfe at December 11, 2016 09:12 AM (G4y5c)

19 Nice library, Northern Lurker!

It's not a man-cave. A library/study is for the pursuit of intellectual enlightenment. Hiding from the wife is a secondary, if handy, use.

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at December 11, 2016 09:13 AM (J8/9G)

20 That book case needs a cat on top and I have one in mind.

Posted by: Skip at December 11, 2016 09:14 AM (5sOEp)

21 I read the 6th Extinction, the tenth book in the Sigma Force series, by James Rollins. Previously mentioned here, this is a very good, fast-paced thriller. While the story itself is a scary page-turner, perhaps the "Author's Note to Readers - Truth or Fiction" at the back is even scarier. Maybe because I don't know much about genetic and bio-engineering research, but some of the things happening in labs around the world described in this section range from the troubling to the terrifying for me. If you read the book, be sure to read the author's note.

I also read Killing Rain, the fourth in the John Rain series, by Barry Eisler. In this the assassin Rain runs afoul of both the Mossad and the CIA when he botches a hit on an Israeli explosives expert who is selling his expertise to Muslim terrorists. Both the Mossad and CIA come gunning for Rain, and he must make things right for the series to continue.

Posted by: Zoltan at December 11, 2016 09:14 AM (ApkN7)

22 Cuba was and is definitely 1984 come alive.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at December 11, 2016 09:16 AM (9m1df)

23 >>>> in France, the mob rule of the French revolution was busy keeping their
guillotines running 24/7. It is a stark lesson of what happens when a
cause has no philosophical premise; I.e. Discontent with no guiding
ideas to replace it.<<<<

How much of that is just the difference between Saxon and Gallic temper?

If you look at the English peasant revolts like Wat Tyler's or Jack Cade's rebellion vs the Jacquerie there is a similar pattern. The English villeins were somewhat organized, swore fealty to the king, and had a list of demands to improve the king's government. The Jacques were just slaughtering everyone that looked like a noble they could lay their hands on.

Posted by: the guy that moves pianos for a living at December 11, 2016 09:16 AM (x3uSY)

24 In 1960, at the age of 23, he reportedly refused to put an "I'm with Fidel" sign on his desk at work. Shortly after, he was arrested by political police at his parents' home.

Imagine an America like that.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 09:17 AM (39g3+)

25 In 1960, at the age of 23, he reportedly refused to put an "I'm with Fidel" sign on his desk at work. Shortly after, he was arrested by political police at his parents' home.

In so many ways, this would have been the story of me. Sigh.

Posted by: Ready For Hillary!!11!! at December 11, 2016 09:19 AM (Tyii7)

26 I wonder if any Cubans in Florida remembered the "I'm with Fidel" crap and voted against Hillary because of her fascist "I'm with Her" slogan?
Posted by: TrivialPursuer at December 11, 2016 09:10 AM (rgZEV)

I think our genial host is much too gracious to the ill senior citizen and that the Hilbag camp knew exactly what it was doing with "I'm with her." After all, Barky went with the "change" theme, which was another of Fidel's ambiguous tropes.

Posted by: SandyCheeks (formerly RushBabe) at December 11, 2016 09:20 AM (joFoi)

27 For giggles and grins looked at Amazon, $100 used, $1,500 new.

Posted by: Skip at December 11, 2016 09:20 AM (5sOEp)

28 Thanks for the book thread, OM.

However, I think you are wrong when you say Hillary's team might not know the similarity 're:"I'm with Fidel/I'm with her."

They know exactly what they are doing. The left loves charismatic movements (although one could argue all people do.) If they can tie it back to the great socialists of the past, so much the better.

It still posses me off when they did a hagiographic piece on one of the press secretaries, and it showed him and his wife embracing in front of a Soviet propaganda poster in their home. Would you present the shot so lovingly if it was a poster of a swastika, asshole?

Posted by: Aetius451AD at December 11, 2016 09:20 AM (tbq1U)

29 24 In 1960, at the age of 23, he reportedly refused to put an "I'm with Fidel" sign on his desk at work. Shortly after, he was arrested by political police at his parents' home.

Imagine an America like that.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 09:17 AM (39g3+)

------

What were his thoughts on baking cakes?

Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 09:20 AM (zMWpG)

30 My library consists of 5 stacks of books on the living room floor, and a shelf in the garage. I seldom pay for books. I get them at the library for free. So I won't be sending in any pics.

That said, everyone in my family gets a book for Christmas. Lately I've been choosing audio books on CD for gifts. They are so nice to listen to while driving, especially for people who find their leisure time for reading is limited.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 09:21 AM (dFi94)

31 Leftist all keep reusing old Commie art and slogans. It was pointed out Barak and Hillary posters and symbols were from Revolutionary Russia.

Posted by: Skip at December 11, 2016 09:22 AM (5sOEp)

32 I still believe that one of the reasons PA flipped red was the Amish coming out of the hills for Trump. Fear of HRC and her plans for the country. Also, I am reading Jane Eyre. Charlotte was a better writer than Emily IMO.

Posted by: Jmel at December 11, 2016 09:22 AM (tv+BP)

33 That book case needs a cat on top and I have one in mind.

Posted by: Skip at December 11, 2016 09:14 AM (5sOEp)
====================

Heh.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 09:23 AM (dFi94)

34 I was so looking forward to the Flyover Rube Roundup.

Posted by: Ready For Hillary!!11!! at December 11, 2016 09:23 AM (Tyii7)

35 Thanks to Elisabeth for recommending "The Broken Way: A Daring Path Into the Abundant Life," by Ann Voskamp. It provides quite the emotional/spiritual shaking needed for realization. We're all broken in some way or another, and we're all going to get hit with heartache and tragedy -- but it puts you in Good Company so to speak.

Posted by: SandyCheeks (formerly RushBabe) at December 11, 2016 09:23 AM (joFoi)

36 Still reading Boundless Egomania of John Douglas, but it's my bathroom book so this could be going on for weeks, unless I develop food poisoning or need to get a colonoscopy.

Posted by: Tonestaple at December 11, 2016 09:12 AM (B6m/l)

This is why there are softback puzzle books on the back of the potty at my house.

Posted by: SandyCheeks (formerly RushBabe) at December 11, 2016 09:25 AM (joFoi)

37 Speaking of books as Christmas gifts, I was wrapping last night and came across some books that I can't remember who I bought them for.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 09:25 AM (dFi94)

38 Still doing market events for Christmas - this last one all day in the Old Courthouse square in Blanco, where it was near to freezing cold all day. We lasted to the end of the market, declined to stick around for the lighted Christmas parade after dark, as it was already beginning to drizzle. Exhausted and cold, naturally ... but in slow moments I was reading fellow moron author HD Woodard "Wearing the Cat" series. Yes, the base in Japan is a thinly-disguised Iwakuni, where the unspeakable and misfortune-prone Navy dentist is suffering through another series of painful events ... Review posted when ready.

And for my own books - the print version of "The Golden Road" is up and ready, with the final cover by my brother, Alex. http://tinyurl.com/h3vhvy3

Posted by: Sgt. Mom at December 11, 2016 09:26 AM (xnmPy)

39 Oliver Leaman, The Qur'an: A Philosophical Guide isn't a philosophical guide to the Qur'an. It's a selective tafsir on specific verses that Muslim theologians like Razi and Ghazzali found interesting. This is fine for what it is but the title is wrong.

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at December 11, 2016 09:27 AM (6FqZa)

40 Slightly OT but I'm going to go for it-I was laid off on Friday, and could use some motivation, if anyone has some recommendations of books, You Tube channels or especially audibles books that deal in getting through a shit time-I could use some help with motivation, internal strength and kicking my own ass to get out there again, and any other positive mojo. Have read and enjoyed Dale Carnegie's How to Stop Worrying, but otherwise am not really a self-help book type person most of the time. My go-to is usually pray to St Jude and hope for the best-thanks

Posted by: Goldilocks at December 11, 2016 09:28 AM (pOgVG)

41 3 "I'm with Fidel" signs are an exact parallel to the "workers of the world unite" signs referenced by Vaclav Havel in " The Power of the Powerless." Putting up the sign is the equivalent of a dog tucking it's tail and exposing it's belly.
Posted by: Farmer Bob at December 11, 2016 09:04 AM (pBqER)
=====

You Must Wear the Ribbon!

Posted by: San Franpsycho at December 11, 2016 09:28 AM (EZebt)

42 I got my copy of DeWitt Bailey's book on British military weapons in the Americas from the Restoration to the end of the War of 1812, and have been looking through it. That is about all the reading I've done lately, despite having a whole stack of books to go through, including a history of the first Anglo-Afghan War and Ramsay's history of the settlement of Tennessee (Ramsay was writing at a time when he could speak with those that had known the early settlers, and possibly a few of the settlers themselves.)

Posted by: Grey Fox, now with added assault weaponry! at December 11, 2016 09:29 AM (bZ7mE)

43 I was so looking forward to the Flyover Rube Roundup.

So were we. Hence all the guns sales...

Posted by: Grey Fox at December 11, 2016 09:31 AM (bZ7mE)

44 Posses=pisses. Either I am literally possessed with anger, or I have multiple posse.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at December 11, 2016 09:31 AM (tbq1U)

45 New elements named by Iowahawk:

http://iowahawk.typepad.com/iowahawk/2012/10/ white-house-scientists-struggle-to-contain-outbreak-of-scrutonium.html

I also seem to remember another element he discovered 'black democratium', but can't find the essay.

Posted by: mustbequantum at December 11, 2016 09:31 AM (MIKMs)

46 On the subject of Revolutionary France, this is a dry but interesting read from the Mises Institute:

https://mises.org/library/fiat-money-inflation-france

Posted by: Grump928(C) at December 11, 2016 09:32 AM (0F67M)

47 Posted by: Goldilocks at December 11, 2016 09:28 AM (pOgVG)

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff ( and it's all small stuff)

This will help you focus on the big stuff .

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at December 11, 2016 09:32 AM (mt2jL)

48 Good Sunday morning, horde.

I wouldn't doubt that Hillary and her crowd were well aware of the "I'm With Fidel" thing, and adopted it without any reservations whatsoever.

Just picked up a Martin Cruz Smith book on CD to listen to on my commute. I like his Arkady Renko series, and am looking forward to reading/hearing The Girl From Venice this week.

Going out to get a Christmas tree today. Like Dave in Texas, we have a crap tree. It'll be lovely.

Posted by: April at December 11, 2016 09:33 AM (e8PP1)

49 Goldilocks, here is my cobbled-together novena to St. Joseph the Worker:

O God, the Creator of all things, You have laid the law of labor upon the human race. Grant, we beseech You, that by the example and protection of St. Joseph we may perform the work You command and attain to the reward that You promise.

Glorious St. Joseph, foster-father and protector of Jesus Christ! To you I raise my heart and my hands to implore your powerful intercession. Please obtain for me from the kind Heart of Jesus the help and the graces necessary for my spiritual and temporal welfare. I ask particularly for the grace of a happy death and the special favor I now implore.
[Mention your request here.]

Guardian of the Word Incarnate, I feel animated with confidence that your prayers on my behalf will be graciously heard before the throne of God.
V.�O glorious St. Joseph, through the love you bear to Jesus Christ, and for the glory of His Name.

R.�Hear my prayers and obtain my petitions. Amen.

As to motivation, oddly enough, try Scott Adams "How to fail at almost everything". It makes some interesting points and since I am now looking for a new job, I am going to take another look at it.

Posted by: Tonestaple at December 11, 2016 09:33 AM (B6m/l)

50 It still posses me off when they did a hagiographic piece on one of the press secretaries, and it showed him and his wife embracing in front of a Soviet propaganda poster in their home. Would you present the shot so lovingly if it was a poster of a swastika, asshole?
Posted by: Aetius451AD at December 11, 2016 09:20 AM (tbq1U)

Ah, yes. That lovely candid shot of Claire Shipman and Barry's first spokespropagandist Jay Carney(barker)'s kitchen while the chillun work on pancakes for breakfast. Barf-o-rama.

Posted by: SandyCheeks (formerly RushBabe) at December 11, 2016 09:35 AM (joFoi)

51 36 Still reading Boundless Egomania of John Douglas, but it's my bathroom book so this could be going on for weeks, unless I develop food poisoning or need to get a colonoscopy.

Posted by: Tonestaple at December 11, 2016 09:12 AM (B6m/l)

This is why there are softback puzzle books on the back of the potty at my house.
Posted by: SandyCheeks (formerly RushBabe) at December 11, 2016 09:25 AM
----

We had SHELVES lining our commoditorium growing up. I got a pretty good education in two-minute increments (or is that excrements?).

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 11, 2016 09:35 AM (EnKk6)

52 Doing the Andy Levy routine here, halftime:
Just a couple of nights ago, someone linked to a web comix that had a hurtful and hilarious blow-by-blow of Huxley vs Orwell on dystopia. Huxley won.

And, pretty sure those umpteen-named transuranics just got their official names last week. Bad news for Element 112, the not-really-too-snooty gourmet restaurant I took Wife to for her birfday the same day.

Posted by: Stringer Davis at December 11, 2016 09:36 AM (H5rtT)

53 Goldilocks - I recently picked up the book "The Case for Hope" by Lee Strobel, who perhaps is best known as the author for the book "The Case for Christ". He used to be a reporter for the Chicago Tribune, and an atheist. He became a Christ-follower in the '80's.

This book is described as "pointing to the flicker that God ignites in our soul, when we are surrounded by utter darkness. That God is greater than any challenge or calamity we might encounter."

It is available on Amazon, along with his other books. I wish you hope and peace.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 09:37 AM (dFi94)

54 Books are for fags!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 11, 2016 08:56 AM (EnKk6)

Stone tablets rule!

Posted by: Hrothgar at December 11, 2016 09:37 AM (wCEn4)

55 Good morning fellow Book Threadists. Love that photo of Northern Lurker's room. It looks suitably lived in and cluttered. The cardboard box of 'whatever' and scraps of paper on the floor, along with various projects is just so appropriate.

Wish I had my office that organized.

Posted by: JTB at December 11, 2016 09:38 AM (V+03K)

56 I just finished reading The One Man by Andrew Gross. It's a fictional WWII holocaust story but very good. I had a hard time putting it down.

Posted by: Molly k. at December 11, 2016 09:39 AM (ITucM)

57 OregonMuse, the pics of Moron libraries are great.

Can you ask General Mattis for a photo of his? What a get for this Smart Military Blog that would be.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 11, 2016 09:42 AM (EnKk6)

58 Reread Spheres of Influence by Ryk E. Spoor. This is the rollicking sequel to Grand Central Arena .

These two books are fresh "sense of wonder" SF. If you were raised on Doc E.E. Smith's Skylark and Lensman series, you are home again. Very good world creation, with enough in-jokes, shoutouts and references to thrill the heart of a space opera reader.

It's a tad of a throwback to John W. Campbell with the plucky Terrans verses, well, everyone in the Universe, at first.

I eagerly await the new saga of the Grand Central Arena series. I preordered Challenges of the Deeps at Amazon, and it delivers in March.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at December 11, 2016 09:42 AM (u82oZ)

59 113, Nihonium (Nh)
115, Mocovium (Mc)
117, Tennesine (Ts) [!]
118, Oganesson (Og)

So there you are.

Posted by: Stringer Davis at December 11, 2016 09:43 AM (H5rtT)

60 Great introduction today! Made me chuckle. I'm also checking out DOMINO. Sounds fascinating.

Posted by: Anonymous-9 at December 11, 2016 09:43 AM (iH0mD)

61 Let me be clear, I am very disappointed in all of the rayciss clingers, bitterly clinging in this "book thread".

To combat this, and to ensure the proper level of diversity, Today I have signed executive order # eleventy billion, The Diversity Inclusion College Krawl Act.

Under D.I.C.K, as part of mandatory college graduation requirements, students will will remove from libraries, all books that are not written by Mohammed, and all books will be the Koran.

This is the Change we've waited for.

Posted by: President Barack Hussain Obama, because I Won and am still totes relevant at December 11, 2016 09:44 AM (zMWpG)

62 I wonder if any Cubans in Florida remembered the "I'm with Fidel" crap and voted against Hillary because of her fascist "I'm with Her" slogan?

Posted by: TrivialPursuer at December 11, 2016 09:10 AM (rgZEV)

I would think that few Cuban expatriates are old enough to remember this. They'd have to be in their 80s, I'd say.

Posted by: OregonMuse, deplorable since 2004 at December 11, 2016 09:44 AM (9vlTF)

63 You're very welcome, SandyCheeks, and Goldilocks, The Broken Way is my main rec at the moment, although I love Lee Strobel and am about to put The Case for Hope on my to-read list (thanks, grammie!). You might also want to start following Ann Voskamp's blog; practically everything she's posted this year has been exactly what I needed to hear from God. And she's Biblically sound, which is sadly rare these days.

Posted by: Elisabeth G. Wolfe at December 11, 2016 09:45 AM (G4y5c)

64 Speaking of books as Christmas gifts, I was wrapping last night and came across some books that I can't remember who I bought them for.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at
December 11, 2016 09:25 AM (dFi94)

Getting old sucks sometimes, doesn't it?

Posted by: OregonMuse, deplorable since 2004 at December 11, 2016 09:45 AM (9vlTF)

65 Under D.I.C.K, as part of mandatory college graduation requirements, students will will remove from libraries, all books that are not written by Mohammed, and all books will be the Koran.

This is the Change we've waited for.

Posted by: President Barack Hussain Obama, because I Won and am still totes relevant at December 11, 2016 09:44 AM (zMWpG)

I agree. After all, if a book disagrees with the Koran, the library should discard it because rayciss, and if it agrees with the Koran, it's superfluous, so the library should discard it.

Posted by: OregonMuse, deplorable since 2004 at December 11, 2016 09:48 AM (9vlTF)

66 When I went to college, in 1971, C Wright Mills was well known, among conservatives, as a true-blue academic Bolshie. About what Chomsky is today, but duller. I don't remember that particular fluff-job on Fidel, but it's what we'd have expected.

I don't know about the puzzling things in older lit. Maybe it's because I'm older, or maybe because the core of my reading has been (mostly British) writers of the Kipling through Waugh era. Binge on Saki and Wodehouse, and it's all there. (The Story of Cedric comes to mind in Wimsey's case; I don't think Clovis would ever have been caught ill-dressed. Oddly, my own sartorial model has been Columbo.) The last gasp of this was probably the 1960s spys like Bond and Stead.

Notice how no one else bases their government on ours? I increasingly believe that, for all our conservatives' insistence on our ideas' universality, a lot of what we have is the particular result of historical happenstance. But then, I'm inclined to think that of history, generally.

Posted by: George LeS at December 11, 2016 09:48 AM (+TcCF)

67 Getting old sucks sometimes, doesn't it?

Posted by: OregonMuse, deplorable since 2004 at December 11, 2016 09:45 AM (9vlTF)
==============================

You're telling me. Some days I can't even find my pants.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 09:48 AM (dFi94)

68 I'll have to check into that annotated Sayers site. I didn't realize there were annotated versions of her mystery books.

OM, I have the same problem with some of Chesterton's writing. He didn't always write for the ages but for specific times and topics, like political essays today. Although they are still great reading, I lack the context to get all of his point.

In that vein, I'm accumulating some annotated children's books like "Wind in the Willows", "Alice in Wonderland", and others. It helps to get full appreciation of the stories.

Posted by: JTB at December 11, 2016 09:49 AM (V+03K)

69 Posted by: Stringer Davis at December 11, 2016 09:43 AM (H5rtT)
---
Ah, I see that they were awaiting confirmation by the IUPAC before getting a name and being added to the periodic table.

This book was published in 2016...

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 11, 2016 09:49 AM (EnKk6)

70 You're telling me. Some days I can't even find my pants.
Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 09:48 AM (dFi94)
---
Thank God for the safe space of the HQ, huh?

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 11, 2016 09:50 AM (EnKk6)

71 Someone give me a good recent sci-fi book or series. Most of the ones I pick up are full-on SJW or I've already read them (I really need to make a matrix of books I've already read).

Posted by: gm at December 11, 2016 09:51 AM (K0tm3)

72
I agree. After all, if a book disagrees with the Koran, the library should discard it because rayciss, and if it agrees with the Koran, it's superfluous, so the library should discard it.
Posted by: OregonMuse, deplorable since 2004 at December 11, 2016 09:48 AM (

-------
Very good analysis OM

Now what's 2+2= ?

Posted by: Wilson at December 11, 2016 09:51 AM (zMWpG)

73 grammie, thanks for mentioning The Case for Christ.
A must read, unless your askeered, for all atheists and agnostics. Especially those who consider themselves to be very knowledgeable about human nature.
I think there are one or two of those around here.

There is a major, to me, take away in the book regarding the apostles that should really make them think if being honest about it.

Posted by: teej at December 11, 2016 09:52 AM (gJ3Vg)

74 Someone give me a good recent sci-fi book or series. Most of the ones I pick up are full-on SJW or I've already read them (I really need to make a matrix of books I've already read).
Posted by: gm at December

----

What's the series, gm?

Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 09:53 AM (zMWpG)

75 On Huxley/Orwell, I remember that, back in the 1960s, Jean Shepherd said - on his radio show* - that Orwell got the Soviet future right, Huxley the Anglo-American.

*Which was truly great. Today, Shep is remembered for The Christmas Story, I guess.

Posted by: George LeS at December 11, 2016 09:53 AM (+TcCF)

76 >>> if a book disagrees with the Koran, the library should discard it
because rayciss, and if it agrees with the Koran, it's superfluous, so
the library should discard it.<<<<<

Mohammed's Fork?

Posted by: the guy that moves pianos for a living at December 11, 2016 09:53 AM (x3uSY)

77 Someone give me a good recent sci-fi book or series. Most of the ones I pick up are full-on SJW or I've already read them (I really need to make a matrix of books I've already read).

There's the 'Hard Luck Hank' series. That's pretty good. Or my little series....

Http://worldsapartbooks.com

Posted by: V the K at December 11, 2016 09:54 AM (Ovnvw)

78 I don't have time to read much more this morning (church), but I wanted to pop in and say that this post is awesome and the Horde is awesome.

Love you all! Have a blessed Lord's Day!

Posted by: Emmie at December 11, 2016 09:56 AM (xVuS6)

79 >>>73 grammie, thanks for mentioning The Case for Christ.

A must read, unless your askeered, for all atheists and agnostics. Especially those who consider themselves to be very knowledgeable about human nature.
I think there are one or two of those around here.

Posted by: teej at December 11, 2016 09:52 AM (gJ3Vg)>>>

I did a group reading that with an atheist. I found his arguments highly illogical; their beliefs are, really, religious in nature.

Posted by: gm at December 11, 2016 09:56 AM (K0tm3)

80 So Moron readers. What do you do when you start running our of shelf space? Do you start culling books, or do you start stacking them up, wherever you can find space?
I'm deeply attached to my books. Even finding good homes for them is difficult for me. So I guess that makes me a hoarder in the Horde.
The last time we moved I got rid of a bunch of books. That wasn't brutally hard but it was difficult.

Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 09:56 AM (s7hQ/)

81
What's the series, gm?
Posted by: The guy with the

-----

Dang, I read your comment as : somebody GAVE me a good new sci-fi series:.

Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 09:58 AM (zMWpG)

82 I'm rereading Shogun by James Clavell; after 30 years it's like a book I've never read before

A habit I've picked up in recent years when reading historical fiction is to internet some of the events and places for accuracy; Shogun checks out.

Samurai were the only class of people allowed to own arms. Peasants and their entire family, all generations, received the death penalty if caught with one. Peasants could also be killed for any reason by any samurai.

George Will thinks that the 2nd Amendment is a national embarrassment and needs to be repealed. Tom Friedman really admires how Communist China can just get things done.

Yeah guys, your approaches never seems to work out too well for the peasants. I'm sure that doesn't disturb them much at all.

Posted by: GnuBreed at December 11, 2016 09:59 AM (oZEJt)

83
grammie, thanks for mentioning The Case for Christ.

A must read, unless your askeered, for all atheists and agnostics.
=============================

Yes, it's really a good solid book, logically laying out a persuasive case, kind of like a lawyer would do. It's been so long since I read it, I'm left more with an impression than actual detail. Lee Strobel became one of the teaching pastors at my sister's church way back when. I think I only heard him speak once though.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 09:59 AM (dFi94)

84 >>>What's the series, gm?
Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 09:53 AM (zMWpG)>>>

Sorry. I'm incoherent when writing on my phone. I'm looking for something good to read - any ideas? I read mostly new stuff because I was such a prolific reader when I was younger, I have a really hard time reading anything older that I haven't already read.

Posted by: gm at December 11, 2016 09:59 AM (K0tm3)

85 I read "Conclave" by Robert Harris. It was a very fast read, seemed well researched and well written, and the Catholic bashing was minimal, until the end. The ending was bad, as if he couldn't help himself and had to get it all out. Of course, every one in the liberal press loves this book. They are praising it to high heaven because it takes on the Catholic church. I was disappointed because I have read some of his earlier books and enjoyed them.

Posted by: Abby at December 11, 2016 10:00 AM (HBU7W)

86 Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 09:56 AM (s7hQ/)
----------
I kept buying bookshelves until I ran out of space for those, then started stacking.

Posted by: Weasel at December 11, 2016 10:01 AM (Sfs6o)

87 80 So Moron readers. What do you do when you start running our of shelf space?

===

Moar shelves!

/shelf-building guild Local 476

Posted by: San Franpsycho at December 11, 2016 10:01 AM (EZebt)

88 Thank you for the recommendations, everybody. I am making a list and will report back. Going through all stages now, freak out, gut punch, well rid of a job I liked but didn't love and was not going anywhere, loss of the daily routine and familiarity, maybe this is a blessing in disguise and something better is waiting, etc. I was there almost 12 years, corporate restructuring, your position is eliminated as of today Ho Ho Ho Happy Holidays.

Posted by: Goldilocks at December 11, 2016 10:01 AM (pOgVG)

89 Posted by: George LeS at December 11, 2016 09:53 AM (+TcCF)

I assumed that question was discussed at length long ago but I'm still catching up. I read Brave New World long ago but 1984 only a few years ago just because it is referred to here so often.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at December 11, 2016 10:02 AM (mt2jL)

90 Read The Shootist by Glendon Swarthout; a short novel and an quick read. If your are familiar with the John Wayne movie of the same title, you are familiar with the story and the movie is actually pretty faithful to the novel, even using much of the same dialog. A gunfighter is dying of cancer and everybody is trying to profit from his death. However, in the novel, the character of Gillom Rogers (played by Ron Howard in the movie) is an unsympathetic character and ends up on the path to becoming a gunfighter himself. Totally changes the moral of the story: a supposedly bad man finds redemption but ultimately fails in cleaning up the town. Interesting character study and I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

Also read The Road to Dunkirk by Charles More. It is a study of the battle between a British infantry division holding off a German infantry corps while most of the BEF is retreating to Dunkirk. This is a grand-tactical examination of the battle and concludes that the British Army in 1940 was better than sometimes credited.

It is an interesting battle in that the British had some light tanks and each infantry battalion had about a dozen Bren-gun carriers (imagine lightly-armored jeeps on tracks) while the Germans had few vehicles and most of their artillery was towed by horse-teams. The British found the Germans using infiltration tactics (small groups of men armed with grenades and sub-machine guns) to very disconcerting; the Germans would find gaps between the battalions and make the British units think they were surrounded and retreat. However, the carriers gave the British mobile machine gun platforms that the Germans couldn't deal with effectively (anti-tank rockets hadn't been invented yet).

The British were more flexible than I had previously considered: they formed up two battle groups from remnants of shattered units and immediately recommitted those forces into combat. The British also mounted a combined-arms counter attack with the equivalent of a reinforced infantry battalion of engineers ("sappers" in British terminology) being used as infantry supported by about 20 light tanks.

The maps are adequate to show the main actions although I would have liked a bit more topographical data. The counter-attack of the British engineers and hussars (the light tank unit) really needed its own map due to being so unusual. The only other criticism is that I would have liked to have seen a detailed order of battle listing the opposing forces as an appendix.

Overall, an excellent book and I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars. If you have an interest in the British Expeditionary Force of WWI, you definitely want to read this booki.

Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at December 11, 2016 10:02 AM (5Yee7)

91 Just to put another perspective on it, the origin of the word "democracy" is Greek: "demos" meaning "people", and "-cracy" meaning "power", or "power to the people" (which is also the title of an excellent book by Laura Ingraham). But the conception of this as majoritarianism or mob rule is derived from how the Greeks, particularly Plato, thought about it. But many enlightenment thinkers had a different conception of democracy to contrast it with rule by the elite. My point is that many people use the word "democracy" not to mean mob rule, but simply any system where the elites do not have power over the people.

Posted by: JohnJ at December 11, 2016 10:02 AM (TH0iO)

92 I read "We Are Legion (We Are Bob)" and it was pretty good, other than the anti-Christian cliches and bigotry.

Posted by: gm at December 11, 2016 10:03 AM (K0tm3)

93 I don't have time to read much more this morning
(church), but I wanted to pop in and say that this post is awesome and
the Horde is awesome.

Love you all! Have a blessed Lord's Day!

Posted by: Emmie at December 11, 2016 09:56 AM (xVuS6)
==================================

Have a good Sunday morning, Emmie. I'm here instead of church because of the snow. Feels weird.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 10:03 AM (dFi94)

94 "I'm with Fidel" is grimly amusing.

Only because she lost. If she won, it would feel like mockery.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 11, 2016 10:03 AM (rH4JY)

95 Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 09:56 AM (s7hQ/)
----

Northernlurker, I got some bookends and lined them up on the floor near my bookcases in orderly(ish) rows.

I occasionally cull, but when I get overzealous I end up buying them back years later.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 11, 2016 10:03 AM (EnKk6)

96 So Moron readers. What do you do when you start running our of shelf space? Do you start culling books, or do you start stacking them up, wherever you can find space?

I buy a bigger house.

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at December 11, 2016 10:03 AM (J8/9G)

97
Sorry. I'm incoherent when writing on my phone. I'm looking for something good to read - any ideas? I read mostly new stuff because I was such a prolific reader when I was younger, I have a really hard time reading anything older that I haven't already read.
Posted by: gm at December 11

--------

Same boat here..

You weren't incoherent, I misread your comment as someone Gave you a good series, not a request for one..

My bad
I'll get more coffee ..

Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 10:04 AM (zMWpG)

98 Laughing at and with baldilocks -- whoever wrote her headline (via Insty) is a genius:

http://datechguyblog.com/2016/12/10/ dont-you-love-him-as-hes-walking-out-the-door/

Hope she gets a good 'instalanche'.

Posted by: mustbequantum at December 11, 2016 10:04 AM (MIKMs)

99 There is no proggy blog that has the vast array of subject matter and discussion of books anywhere on da web. I get so many ideas of what to read next.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at December 11, 2016 10:05 AM (89T5c)

100 I was there almost 12 years, corporate restructuring, your position is eliminated as of today Ho Ho Ho Happy Holidays.

Posted by: Goldilocks at December 11, 2016 10:01 AM (pOgVG)
==========================

Why do companies do lay-offs at Christmas time? I think that's just so insensitive.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 10:05 AM (dFi94)

101 94 "I'm with Fidel" is grimly amusing.

Only because she lost. If she won, it would feel like mockery.
Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 11, 2016 10:03 AM (rH4JY)

Yup.

Posted by: OregonMuse, deplorable since 2004 at December 11, 2016 10:07 AM (9vlTF)

102 @ 90: oops, had a fat finger error: the last sentence should read, "British Expeditionary Force of WWII," not WWI.

Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at December 11, 2016 10:08 AM (5Yee7)

103 The Spike is likely a book I will be picking up soon.Funny how the left thought all that Soviet interference was fantasy(at least the ones who weren't Soviet assets themselves) and now see Russians behind every tree.

Posted by: steevy at December 11, 2016 10:08 AM (r/0kC)

104 This thread aways makes me think...I hate when that happens. The burning smell makes me nauseous.

*great one though*

Posted by: Canniball Bob 'non thinker extraordinaire' at December 11, 2016 10:08 AM (AGr9E)

105 Posted by: Goldilocks at December 11, 2016 09:28 AM (pOgVG)

Most libraries won't have the Voskamp book (mentioned above) yet as it's relatively new and you probably don't want to spend any cash till the next job comes through, but it sure puts things into perspective.

A dear friend gifted me "Jesus Calling," by Sarah Young. I had never used a devotional but it pounds into your head on a daily basis that when we are at our weakest, He is at his strongest, and to rely on Him constantly. Remember, you are "wonderfully and fearfully made!"

I've also taken to the Chaplet of the Holy Wounds, found here in the Purgatory Project. It sure has gotten some results for me. Check the list of promises made to those who pray for the Poor Souls of Purgatory.

The devotion itself: http://www.holysouls.com/chapletoftheholywounds.htm

The promises:
http://valtorta.org/precious_blood_promises_defaultpage.asp

And this one is guaranteed to provide comfort: http://bit.ly/2hrSr6x

Posted by: SandyCheeks (formerly RushBabe) at December 11, 2016 10:08 AM (joFoi)

106 Speaking of "Legion," the "Legion" shorts by Brandon Sanderson are fun.

Posted by: gm at December 11, 2016 10:09 AM (K0tm3)

107 Last week Elisabeth G. Wolfe kindly recommended a few books on background and interpretation for Tolkien. Although I've read LOTR for fifty years, I realized I was missing some of what Tolkien included. These books are helping fill those gaps.
- The Gospel According to Tolkien
- On the Shoulders of Hobbits
- Moments of Grace and Spiritual Warfare in LOTR

I was pleased that the authors noted that Tolkien wasn't directing readers (allegory) to certain conclusions. But there were elements in his life, religion and philosophy that provided greater context for his stories. As I am especially ill-equipped to get the religious aspects, these books are very helpful.

Her recommendation of the Dale Ahlquist books about Chesterton were also right on the money.

Thanks, Elisabeth.

Posted by: JTB at December 11, 2016 10:09 AM (V+03K)

108 Why do companies do lay-offs at Christmas time? I think that's just so insensitive.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 10:05 AM (dFi94)

Yeah, I know. They just can't wait a couple more weeks?

I knew a guy once who was laid of on Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve. WTF were they thinking? Were they *trying* to rub it in?

Posted by: OregonMuse, deplorable since 2004 at December 11, 2016 10:09 AM (9vlTF)

109 The knew what happens when majorities or slim majorities rule over minority interests and they wanted to prevent it.

Our current case is even worse. Look at the gay cake/men in the women's bathroom type rulings. We now have minorities ruling over majorities. In the case of Obama's EO's, we have a minority of one. Now that is tyranny. "inalienable rights" is very hard to guarantee, in practice.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 11, 2016 10:09 AM (rH4JY)

110 Speaking of books as Christmas gifts, I was wrapping last night and came across some books that I can't remember who I bought them for.
Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room

I can't tell you how often my mama presents me with a book sometime around March that she meant to give me at Christmas. We're a book-giving family. My husband was bewildered with his first few Christmases with us. "Everybody just sits around and reads!"

Posted by: April at December 11, 2016 10:09 AM (e8PP1)

111 I was there almost 12 years, corporate restructuring, your position is eliminated as of today Ho Ho Ho Happy Holidays.

Posted by: Goldilocks at December 11, 2016 10:01 AM (pOgVG)

From my perspective, you sound like you had a job but not a career. I would encourage you to discover something that you're passionate about and pursue that. And FWIW; God does not give you any test you cannot pass; you just have to trust in him and rely on him.

Posted by: Barky McFuckstick's Rogue Teleprompter at December 11, 2016 10:10 AM (GUqTq)

112 Laughing at and with baldilocks -- whoever wrote her headline (via Insty) is a genius:

http://datechguyblog.com/2016/12/10/ dont-you-love-him-

Posted by: mustbequantum at December 11, 2016 10:04 AM (MIKMs)

That's hilarious!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLdvnQD_eio

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 10:10 AM (dFi94)

113
So Moron readers. What do you do when you start running our of shelf space? Do you start culling books, or do you start stacking them up, wherever you can find space?

1. Stack them
2. Read those I had never intended to keep, then
3. Donate them to used book sales

The fatal flaw is that I have too many that I intended to keep...

...I'll think about them tomorrow. After all, tomorrow is another day.

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Gob-Smacked Rage Monkeys (Suck It, NR!) at December 11, 2016 10:10 AM (BK3ZS)

114 @83-grammie

That "take away" I was referring to regarding the apostles

Many will give their lives for something they believe to be true.
No one will give their life for somethjng they know to be a lie.
All they had to do to keep from being martyred was stop preaching the gospel.
Not. One. Did.

Posted by: teej at December 11, 2016 10:11 AM (gJ3Vg)

115 Male?Female?Pat?You decide(and point and laugh)

https://pjmedia.com/instapundit/251498/

Posted by: steevy at December 11, 2016 10:11 AM (r/0kC)

116 My husband was bewildered with his first few Christmases with us. "Everybody just sits around and reads!"

Posted by: April at December 11, 2016 10:09 AM (e8PP1)
===========================

Ha! I know - it's like you can hardly wait for people to go home so you can open your book. (Yes, Santa brings me a book too. Funny, he always knows what I want.)

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 10:12 AM (dFi94)

117 Many will give their lives for something they believe to be true.

No one will give their life for somethjng they know to be a lie.

All they had to do to keep from being martyred was stop preaching the gospel.

Not. One. Did.

Posted by: teej at December 11, 2016 10:11 AM (gJ3Vg)
==============================

Exactly. Exactly right.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 10:13 AM (dFi94)

118 Monster Hunter Memoirs: Sinners by john Ringo and Larry Correia came out this week. $9.99 at amazon or baen.com.

I'm looking forward to Caine's Mutiny by Charles Gannon (also at Baen) in a couple of months. The eARC is out now, but I'm too cheap to spend the extra money right now.

Posted by: Hugh Jorgen at December 11, 2016 10:13 AM (R5EqA)

119 JTB, 68, I have Daddy's copy of the annotated Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. It's still a delightful book and probably my all-time favorite. When I first started reading it, I did not understand most of the notes, but I adored the John Tenniel illustrations. I read it so many times as a child that it is rather dirty from my smudgy fingerprints.

Posted by: Tonestaple at December 11, 2016 10:14 AM (B6m/l)

120 24 In 1960, at the age of 23, he reportedly refused to put an "I'm with Fidel" sign on his desk at work. Shortly after, he was arrested by political police at his parents' home.

Imagine an America like that.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 09:17 AM (39g3+)

In America, at least in certain parts of America, the political police would get shot.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:14 AM (0mRoj)

121 Why do companies do lay-offs at Christmas time? I think that's just so insensitive.

Cull in early December, investors see you're "serious" about increasing efficiency. Stock price goes up, C-levels get bigger Christmas bonuses.

Or maybe I'm too cynical to analyze it rationally.

Posted by: Blanco Basura at December 11, 2016 10:15 AM (IcT7t)

122 83
grammie, thanks for mentioning The Case for Christ.

A must read, unless your askeered, for all atheists and agnostics.
=============================

Yes, it's really a good solid book, logically laying out a persuasive case, kind of like a lawyer would do. It's been so long since I read it, I'm left more with an impression than actual detail. Lee Strobel became one of the teaching pastors at my sister's church way back when. I think I only heard him speak once though.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 09:59 AM (dFi94)

I recommend it as well.

Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 10:15 AM (s7hQ/)

123 So Moron readers. What do you do when you start running our of shelf
space? Do you start culling books, or do you start stacking them up,
wherever you can find space?

I'm deeply attached to my books. Even finding good homes for them is
difficult for me. So I guess that makes me a hoarder in the Horde.

The last time we moved I got rid of a bunch of books. That wasn't brutally hard but it was difficult.

I've migrated almost entirely to a Kindle, not just for the space issues, but because my eyesight, never good to begin with, continues to deteriorate.

I expect to be reading books in VR before long.

Posted by: Dems at December 11, 2016 10:15 AM (LAe3v)

124 gm, try John Wright's Golden Age trilogy. Very high concept sci-fi.

Posted by: Sporkatus at December 11, 2016 10:15 AM (cDeXv)

125 From my perspective, you sound like you had a job but not a career. I would encourage you to discover something that you're passionate about and pursue that. And FWIW; God does not give you any test you cannot pass; you just have to trust in him and rely on him.

Posted by: Barky McFuckstick's Rogue Teleprompter at December 11, 2016 10:10 AM (GUqTq)

Thank you for that. Once again I am struggling to 'reinvent' myself. I've had a couple of satisfying careers, God bless, but have always wanted to do something more creative (and make a living) this time I'm committing and I'm a ship tossed about at sea.

Posted by: Canniball Bob 'non thinker extraordinaire' at December 11, 2016 10:16 AM (AGr9E)

126 I have an ongoing problem with our local library. More and more of their acquisitions are audio books in one form or another. This is fine for novels, essays, and such but sucks for history. I wanted to get a copy of "Intrepid Sailors" about the early US Navy war against the Barbary pirates. The only copy they have is an audio download. This is Naval history with illustrations, maps, charts, etc. Don't these numbnuts understand these things are part of the book?

Anyone else having this problem?

Okay, rant off.

Posted by: JTB at December 11, 2016 10:16 AM (V+03K)

127 was there almost 12 years, corporate restructuring, your position is eliminated as of today Ho Ho Ho Happy Holidays.

Posted by: Goldilocks at December 11, 2016 10:01 AM (pOgVG)
==========================

Why do companies do lay-offs at Christmas time? I think that's just so insensitive.
Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 10:05 AM

---------

Agreed grammie. Long ago I started a business with a friend, really good guy who sincerely wanted to help everyone. It was apparent in September that layoffs were required to keep the doors open, but he was so sure he could find a way for everyone to keep their job that I agreed to not announce the layoffs. His (our) efforts failed and closed the doors for good on December 1st of that year. So sometimes ....

Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 10:16 AM (zMWpG)

128 I am reminded that the decline of Western Civilization may very well be traced to the invention of the word processor.

Posted by: Muldoon at December 11, 2016 10:16 AM (wPiJc)

129 116 My husband was bewildered with his first few Christmases with us. "Everybody just sits around and reads!"

Posted by: April at December 11, 2016 10:09 AM (e8PP1)
===========================

Ha! I know - it's like you can hardly wait for people to go home so you can open your book. (Yes, Santa brings me a book too. Funny, he always knows what I want.)
Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 10:12 AM (dFi94)

I read Quiet by Susan Caine some time within the last year. As an introvert I have read a few books about introversion.
She writes about her family times involving sitting around and reading.

Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 10:16 AM (s7hQ/)

130
I agree. After all, if a book disagrees with the Koran, the library should discard it because rayciss, and if it agrees with the Koran, it's superfluous, so the library should discard it.

NASA's Mooslim outreach, under these circumstances, should have consisted of lifting truckloads of rocks into orbit and then dropping them on Saudi Arabia. After all, Mooslims have gotten everything figured out.

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Gob-Smacked Rage Monkeys (Suck It, NR!) at December 11, 2016 10:19 AM (BK3ZS)

131 88 Thank you for the recommendations, everybody. I am making a list and will report back. Going through all stages now, freak out, gut punch, well rid of a job I liked but didn't love and was not going anywhere, loss of the daily routine and familiarity, maybe this is a blessing in disguise and something better is waiting, etc. I was there almost 12 years, corporate restructuring, your position is eliminated as of today Ho Ho Ho Happy Holidays.
Posted by: Goldilocks at December 11, 2016 10:01 AM (pOgVG)

Best of luck, Goldilocks. I've been unemployed for some time. The Moron Horde has great people to lean on. Don't be a stranger.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:19 AM (0mRoj)

132 have always wanted to do something more creative
(and make a living) this time I'm committing and I'm a ship tossed
about at sea.

Posted by: Canniball Bob 'non thinker extraordinaire' at December 11, 2016 10:16 AM (AGr9E)
======================================

Have you considered a career in Country Music?

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 10:19 AM (dFi94)

133 Every foray.into writing had ended the same way

I kill off the bad guy (in a horrible , but very satisfying way) somewhere in the first 70 pages..
Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 09:12 AM (zMWpG)

Good, that means you have another 150 pages to show how the heroes fix the problem the bad guy causes.

Posted by: Kindltot at December 11, 2016 10:20 AM (typGQ)

134 128 I am reminded that the decline of Western Civilization may very well be traced to the invention of the word processor.
Posted by: Muldoon at December 11, 2016 10:16 AM (wPiJc)
====

At my first job after undergraduate school, I wrote in long hand on a yellow pad, and gave it to a lady who sat at a "word processor" and typed it out, then printed it. Totes moderne for the 80s.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at December 11, 2016 10:22 AM (EZebt)

135 108 Why do companies do lay-offs at Christmas time? I think that's just so insensitive.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 10:05 AM (dFi94)

Yeah, I know. They just can't wait a couple more weeks?

I knew a guy once who was laid of on Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve. WTF were they thinking? Were they *trying* to rub it in?
Posted by: OregonMuse, deplorable since 2004 at December 11, 2016 10:09 AM (9vlTF)

The suits were able to get their phat year-end bonuses for making budget, so his sacrifice was not in vain.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:22 AM (0mRoj)

136 Can you ask General Mattis for a photo of his? What a get for this Smart Military Blog that would be.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 11, 2016 09:42 AM (EnKk6)

I believe the Moronosphere would collectively get "the vapors."

Posted by: SandyCheeks (formerly RushBabe) at December 11, 2016 10:23 AM (joFoi)

137 Male?Female?Pat?You decide(and point and laugh)

https://pjmedia.com/instapundit/251498/

Posted by: steevy

I wonder if she knows that one of the few places homophobia is still OK is in hiphop music. Ie., not attributable to white people.

And yeah, the boobage is barely visible, so you can tell it's a chick.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 11, 2016 10:23 AM (rH4JY)

138 I read Quiet by Susan Caine some time within the last year. As an introvert I have read a few books about introversion.
She writes about her family times involving sitting around and reading.
Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 10:16 AM (s7hQ/)

I have that book but haven't finished it. I should.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:23 AM (0mRoj)

139 128
I am reminded that the decline of Western Civilization may very well be traced to the invention of the word processor.

Incorrect. It began with that damn Aristotle, and all his laughing.

Posted by: Jorge de Burgos at December 11, 2016 10:23 AM (LAe3v)

140 132 have always wanted to do something more creative
(and make a living) this time I'm committing and I'm a ship tossed
about at sea.

Posted by: Canniball Bob 'non thinker extraordinaire' at December 11, 2016 10:16 AM (AGr9E)
======================================

Have you considered a career in Country Music?

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 10:19 AM (dFi94)

Both Heidi and I are LOAO!!! Thanks you for that!! She said she loves you by the way. (In a sisterly fashion, not thye ghey way)...lol!!!

Posted by: Canniball Bob 'non thinker extraordinaire' at December 11, 2016 10:24 AM (AGr9E)

141 Have you considered a career in Country Music?

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 10:19 AM (dFi94)

And speaking of which, grammie, here is something I found the other day I think you'll like. You might want to have a tissue handy, though:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0m_dMjWfxw

Posted by: OregonMuse, deplorable since 2004 at December 11, 2016 10:24 AM (9vlTF)

142 So Moron readers. What do you do when you start running our of shelf space?

I still have plenty of floor space.

Posted by: rickl at December 11, 2016 10:24 AM (sdi6R)

143 108 Yeah, I know. They just can't wait a couple more weeks?

I knew a guy once who was laid of on Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve. WTF were they thinking? Were they *trying* to rub it in?

OM, that way they save a couple of days of holiday pay, while getting much of the end of the year stuff done first. Also, end of the year wise, the company contribution portion of 401ks vests for an extra %age on January 1 usually so December layoffs are quite popular with upper management.

Free enterprise does have a few downsides.

Posted by: GnuBreed at December 11, 2016 10:25 AM (oZEJt)

144 Oregon Muse. What have you done now?

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 10:25 AM (dFi94)

145 I have an ongoing problem with our local library.
More and more of their acquisitions are audio books in one form or
another. This is fine for novels, essays, and such but sucks for
history. I wanted to get a copy of "Intrepid Sailors" about the early US
Navy war against the Barbary pirates. The only copy they have is an
audio download. This is Naval history with illustrations, maps, charts,
etc. Don't these numbnuts understand these things are part of the book?
Anyone else having this problem?
Okay, rant off. Posted by: JTB at December 11, 2016 10:16 AM (V+03K)
=====

Walk in and fill out an inter-library loan request (some will accept online requests for local cardholders). You can do it by ISBN or any other means. That is the best thing about local libraries -- for more sophisticated or specialized readers or researchers, there is a very good service. My own tiny mostly kids and bestsellers library can find anything.

Posted by: mustbequantum at December 11, 2016 10:25 AM (MIKMs)

146 Oh, my.

Posted by: The Barrel at December 11, 2016 10:25 AM (sdi6R)

147 I've been following your ups and downs, Insomniac, and have been keeping my fingers crossed for you. Fellow attorney here, worked in a giant defense contractor that does giant reorganizations,layoffs regularly every December over the past few years, I thought I might make it through this one but no. It sucks, there is no sugar coating it. I've been though this before, it does end and it is so wonderful when you are on to the next thing. I don't do not busy and not-needed very well. You hang in there too.

Posted by: Goldilocks at December 11, 2016 10:25 AM (pOgVG)

148 132 have always wanted to do something more creative
(and make a living) this time I'm committing and I'm a ship tossed
about at sea.

Posted by: Canniball Bob 'non thinker extraordinaire' at December 11, 2016 10:16 AM (AGr9E)
======================================

Have you considered a career in Country Music?
Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 10:19 AM (dFi94)

Country music has so many themes to explore. Hound dogs, pickup trucks, drunkenness, cheatin' women, heartache, drunkenness, depression and drunkenness.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:26 AM (0mRoj)

149 I remember yoooooohooooooooo.

Posted by: The Barrel at December 11, 2016 10:26 AM (LAe3v)

150 Oregon Muse. What have you done now?

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 10:25 AM (dFi94)

I fixed it.

Posted by: OregonMuse, deplorable since 2004 at December 11, 2016 10:26 AM (9vlTF)

151 My husband was bewildered with his first few Christmases with us. "Everybody just sits around and reads!"

Our family does that too. We get new books and swap some of our old ones we've read. Sometimes I will get a book back that I gave a previous Christmas.

For those of you out of work, next year is going to be better. One door may close but another will open. I'm sure of that because it's the story of my life.

Posted by: freaked at December 11, 2016 10:26 AM (BO/km)

152 It's nice to be a cob.

Posted by: The Barrel at December 11, 2016 10:26 AM (sdi6R)

153 Cannibal Bob - you have a wife? Duets, maybe? Kidding, kidding. Merry Christmas to the both of you.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 10:26 AM (dFi94)

154 Male?Female?Pat?You decide(and point and laugh)

https://pjmedia.com/instapundit/251498/

Posted by: steevy

Now that I think about it, maybe her message is more innocuous, since the words cycle around over and over again.

Instead of "f*ck white people", maybe it's "white people f*ck", an affirmation of the sexuality of white people.

It's like in Sylvie and Bruno by Lewis Carroll where there was a ring with an inscription that could mean "All will love Sylvie", or alternatively "Sylvie will love All."

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 11, 2016 10:26 AM (rH4JY)

155 Good, that means you have another 150 pages to show how the heroes fix the problem the bad guy causes.
Posted by: Kindltot at December 11, 2016 10:20 AM (typGQ)

-------

You are very kind Kindltot...

Most of the people (friends/damily) that read my attempts were of the opinion that I needed psychological help and that the books were really about my ex wife..lol

But I shall endeavor to persevere

Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 10:27 AM (zMWpG)

156 A great book on introversion is "Party of One: A Loner's manifesto" by Anneli Rufus. She is unrepentant and doesn't offer "coping skills" or lessons in how to come out of your shell.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 11, 2016 10:27 AM (EnKk6)

157 Hi, about time to join the Goodreads group!

Posted by: OkieOnTheLam at December 11, 2016 10:27 AM (V84F4)

158 Country music has so many themes to explore. Hound
dogs, pickup trucks, drunkenness, cheatin' women, heartache,
drunkenness, depression and drunkenness.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:26 AM (0mRoj)
====================

And it's easy to dance to!

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 10:27 AM (dFi94)

159 You need to click on the link in #141, grammie.

Posted by: OregonMuse, deplorable since 2004 at December 11, 2016 10:27 AM (9vlTF)

160 JTB: You're very welcome!

SandyCheeks and Goldilocks: FWIW, I'm rather more cautious with Sarah Young. Someone very kindly gave me Jesus Today this summer in the hope it would give me some comfort (it was a pretty rough summer), and parts of it were very good, but parts really ticked me off, and at one point I actually threw the book across the couch. A large part of my problem with it was that, precisely because of the devotional format, it was way too shallow for what I needed and either glossed over or outright dismissed questions that I'm grappling with. But I could see how other people could be blessed by it. I'd actually like to read Joni Earikson Tada's new devotional; it sounds really good.

Posted by: Elisabeth G. Wolfe at December 11, 2016 10:27 AM (G4y5c)

161 And yeah, the boobage is barely visible, so you can tell it's a chick.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear

Pretty sure that's moobage, and no, I don't really want to dwell on this further.

Posted by: pep at December 11, 2016 10:28 AM (LAe3v)

162 139. Heh....I met Eco when I was in school. My mentor was a good friend of his, Venerable Jorge, and having read that novel, I knew whom he'd used as the model for that character. It was odd, my mentor being a villain.....

Posted by: Your Decidedly Devious Uncle Palpatine, Still Accepting Harem Applicants at December 11, 2016 10:28 AM (V2e0l)

163 Grammie. That was one of the most perfectly timed lines i have seen. And you answered my question. It was my crack about country music, not the one about okra that earned me 'a backseat in heaven'. I cant stop laughing.

Posted by: Canniball Bob 'non thinker extraordinaire' at December 11, 2016 10:29 AM (AGr9E)

164 147 I've been following your ups and downs, Insomniac, and have been keeping my fingers crossed for you. Fellow attorney here, worked in a giant defense contractor that does giant reorganizations,layoffs regularly every December over the past few years, I thought I might make it through this one but no. It sucks, there is no sugar coating it. I've been though this before, it does end and it is so wonderful when you are on to the next thing. I don't do not busy and not-needed very well. You hang in there too.
Posted by: Goldilocks at December 11, 2016 10:25 AM (pOgVG)

Thanks Goldilocks. I didn't know you were a lawyer. The marketplace just sucks right now, with a huge oversupply of lawyers and not much employer demand. I don't do not needed very well either. Makes me feel worthless.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:29 AM (0mRoj)

165 ountry music has so many themes to explore. Hound dogs, pickup trucks, drunkenness, cheatin' women, heartache, drunkenness, depression and drunkenness.
Posted by: Insomniac at Decembe

--------
But if you play the record backwards...

Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 10:30 AM (zMWpG)

166 And speaking of which, grammie, here is something I
found the other day I think you'll like. You might want to have a tissue
handy, though:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0m_dMjWfxw

Posted by: OregonMuse, deplorable since 2004 at December 11, 2016 10:24 AM (9vlTF)
========================

Oh wow. Yeah.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 10:30 AM (dFi94)

167 I am reminded that the decline of Western Civilization may very well be traced to the invention of the word processor.

Posted by: Muldoon

Incorrect. It began with that damn Aristotle, and all his laughing.

Posted by: Jorge de Burgos

My vote would be MTV. Or perhaps Jerry Springer.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 11, 2016 10:30 AM (rH4JY)

168 153 Cannibal Bob - you have a wife? Duets, maybe? Kidding, kidding. Merry Christmas to the both of you.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 10:26 AM (dFi94)

They could do a variant of "Baby It's Cold Outside." Set in the Tennessee mountains, but he's striking out because she's got snow tires on her monster truck.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:31 AM (0mRoj)

169 156 A great book on introversion is "Party of One: A Loner's manifesto" by Anneli Rufus. She is unrepentant and doesn't offer "coping skills" or lessons in how to come out of your shell.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 11, 2016 10:27 AM (EnKk6)

Thanks for the recommendation. I'll look for that.

I'm clearly on the introvert side of the spectrum. But I'm in sales and pretty good at it. I'm also a very competent and confident speaker. People don't always understand how those gifts fit with introversion. But they do because introversion is not a character flaw. Mostly it has to do with how people get energized. I generally get my energy in solitude. Hence the library man cave above.

Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 10:32 AM (s7hQ/)

170 A rolling barrel gathers no cobs.

Posted by: GnuBreed at December 11, 2016 10:32 AM (oZEJt)

171 Oregon Muse - thank you for a beautiful gift. Thank you.

She has a hint of Dolly Parton quality, don't you think? I can hear it glancing across her voice.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 10:32 AM (dFi94)

172 153 Cannibal Bob - you have a wife? Duets, maybe? Kidding, kidding. Merry Christmas to the both of you.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 10:26 AM (dFi94)

She is destined for sainthood for obvious reasons. And many Christmas blessings to you and the other wingers Grammie.

Posted by: Canniball Bob 'non thinker extraordinaire' at December 11, 2016 10:32 AM (AGr9E)

173 One of my oldest friends has been on disability and out of work for years. He is a most depressing person to be around. I try to give him odd jobs but his attitude is his problem. He thinks the world is against him and he is destined to have only bad luck. I try tell him that for the most part you make your own luck but I don't think he is capable of thinking that way.

Don't be that guy.

Posted by: freaked at December 11, 2016 10:32 AM (BO/km)

174 158 Country music has so many themes to explore. Hound
dogs, pickup trucks, drunkenness, cheatin' women, heartache,
drunkenness, depression and drunkenness.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:26 AM (0mRoj)
====================

And it's easy to dance to!
Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 10:27 AM (dFi94)

Ain't got nobody to dance with me. Hey, that's a good country song title!

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:32 AM (0mRoj)

175 I've been reading Isaac Newton: The Last Sorcerer, by Michael White, and so far I'm not impressed. The author unquestioningly accepts the "Middle Ages = Stupid Catholic People" paradigm of Protestant and Atheist historians, and he seems to be trying to shoehorn Newton's life and ideas into what he thinks they should have been.

The prize sentence: he thinks Newton made up the apple story (because Newton is the only source about something which happened INSIDE HIS HEAD) in order to conceal the influence of his subsequent alchemical research on the theory of gravity. "Subsequent" is in White's text.

Trouble is, I don't see how Newton's alchemical research in the 1670s could affect his physics work in the 1660s, nor how alchemy could influence his ideas about gravity, nor why he would bother to make up a story.

Posted by: Trimegistus at December 11, 2016 10:33 AM (MpmR+)

176 165 ountry music has so many themes to explore. Hound dogs, pickup trucks, drunkenness, cheatin' women, heartache, drunkenness, depression and drunkenness.
Posted by: Insomniac at Decembe

--------
But if you play the record backwards...
Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 10:30 AM (zMWpG)

My favourite country songs are the heartache songs. FWIW. Country does heartache and loneliness well.

Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 10:33 AM (s7hQ/)

177 They could do a variant of "Baby It's Cold Outside."
Set in the Tennessee mountains, but he's striking out because she's
got snow tires on her monster truck.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:31 AM (0mRoj)
================================

I wonder what they would wear to the Country Music Awards.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 10:33 AM (dFi94)

178 On the subject of Revolutionary France, this is a dry but interesting read from the Mises Institute:

https://mises.org/library/fiat-money-inflation-france
Posted by: Grump928(C) at December 11, 2016 09:32 AM (0F67M)

Andrew Dickson's book Fiat Money Inflation in France is a very good study of the collapse of a hyperinflationary fiat money system: it is almost exactly the same steps from the Argentine hyperinflation, with a different coping and very similar (for value of similar) result, for the collapse of first one fiat money, replacement by another that goes hyper as well, and finally rigid controls over the money supply.

Dickson does not go much into reasons and proposals on what to do to prevent or exit, to get that you need to look to other writers.

I suggest Milton Friedman or Jesus Huerta de Soto - Friedman is about private money and Huerta de Soto is about gold standards

Posted by: Kindltot at December 11, 2016 10:33 AM (typGQ)

179 Shall I double up on ya with OM grammie?
To do a link on this fone I'd have to go there, pull it up, write it out by hand then come back here and type it out...

Oh what the heck. For you...
Be back in a few

Posted by: teej at December 11, 2016 10:33 AM (gJ3Vg)

180 165 ountry music has so many themes to explore. Hound dogs, pickup trucks, drunkenness, cheatin' women, heartache, drunkenness, depression and drunkenness.
Posted by: Insomniac at Decembe

--------
But if you play the record backwards...
Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 10:30 AM (zMWpG)

Wow, that was a crazy thing. How the hell did that get started.? I'm getting flashbacks.

Posted by: Canniball Bob 'non thinker extraordinaire' at December 11, 2016 10:34 AM (AGr9E)

181 I'm clearly on the introvert side of the spectrum. But I'm in sales and pretty good at it. I'm also a very competent and confident speaker. People don't always understand how those gifts fit with introversion. But they do because introversion is not a character flaw. Mostly it has to do with how people get energized. I generally get my energy in solitude. Hence the library man cave above.
Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 10:32 AM (s7hQ/)
----
As am I. I can be very gregarious and enjoy being with other people, but I always need to retreat and refresh.

I think people confuse "introvert" with "shy".

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 11, 2016 10:34 AM (EnKk6)

182 Posted by: Trimegistus at December 11, 2016 10:33 AM (MpmR+)

Sounds like a good one for this medievalist with a chemistry degree to miss. Sheeeeeesh.

Posted by: Elisabeth G. Wolfe at December 11, 2016 10:34 AM (G4y5c)

183 173 One of my oldest friends has been on disability and out of work for years. He is a most depressing person to be around. I try to give him odd jobs but his attitude is his problem. He thinks the world is against him and he is destined to have only bad luck. I try tell him that for the most part you make your own luck but I don't think he is capable of thinking that way.

Don't be that guy.
Posted by: freaked at December 11, 2016 10:32 AM (BO/km)

Once you're in a downward spiral like that, it's really REALLY hard to pull up. I know this very well.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:35 AM (0mRoj)

184 Ain't got nobody to dance with me. Hey, that's a good country song title!

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:32 AM (0mRoj)===============

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRXTSAI2azA

That's what they invented dancin for. Nuff said.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 10:35 AM (dFi94)

185 This year I'm giving away all of the Orielly "Killing" books that I have received for the last few years. I read a couple but am not going to waste time on any more.

Posted by: freaked at December 11, 2016 10:35 AM (BO/km)

186
Best of luck, Goldilocks. I've been unemployed for some time. The Moron Horde has great people to lean on. Don't be a stranger.
Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:19 AM (0mRoj)

BTW, how did the phone interview go a few days ago?

We're all standing here with our fingers crossed.

Posted by: Hugh Jorgen at December 11, 2016 10:36 AM (R5EqA)

187 My favourite country songs are the heartache songs. FWIW. Country does heartache and loneliness well.
Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 10:33 AM (s7hQ/)

I'm not a big country music guy, but even I have to agree with this.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:36 AM (0mRoj)

188 Be back in a few

Posted by: teej at December 11, 2016 10:33 AM (gJ3Vg)
================

'kay teej

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 10:36 AM (dFi94)

189 Is Bonnie Raitt country?

Posted by: Canniball Bob 'non thinker extraordinaire' at December 11, 2016 10:37 AM (AGr9E)

190 167 I am reminded that the decline of Western Civilization may very well be traced to the invention of the word processor.

Posted by: Muldoon

Incorrect. It began with that damn Aristotle, and all his laughing.

Posted by: Jorge de Burgos

My vote would be MTV. Or perhaps Jerry Springer.
Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 11, 2016 10:30 AM (rH4JY)

-------

Wrong all!

Sally Struthers singlehandedly caused it.

Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 10:37 AM (zMWpG)

191 Insomniac-Yes, since 1997 (night school) though I have been on the corporate (not law firm) side for most of it, and have had my butt kicked around the block several times, layoff wise. Not for a while, though, so getting back into that mode is going to suck. That's what you get for working your ass off, but it wouldn't be any different at a firm though, the field is brutal.

Posted by: Goldilocks at December 11, 2016 10:38 AM (pOgVG)

192 186
Best of luck, Goldilocks. I've been unemployed for some time. The Moron Horde has great people to lean on. Don't be a stranger.
Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:19 AM (0mRoj)

BTW, how did the phone interview go a few days ago?

We're all standing here with our fingers crossed.
Posted by: Hugh Jorgen at December 11, 2016 10:36 AM (R5EqA)

Thanks Hugh. It was a good conversation and was thought-provoking, but I got the impression I'm not the precise fit they're looking for.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:38 AM (0mRoj)

193 I am in a reading slump. I can't seem to find anything worth finishing. I bring books home and take them back. It is starting to get on my nerves.

I will probably look up best books of the year lists and start working my way through those.

Posted by: Quirky bookworm at December 11, 2016 10:38 AM (gppsv)

194

Only a Scrooge would layoff someone on Christmas Eve.

Posted by: Soothsayer at December 11, 2016 10:38 AM (dPSy3)

195 I'm currently reading 1861: The Civil War Awakening by Adam Goodheart. I'm about halfway through, and so far it's an excellent book. It really captures the mindset of the nation on the cusp of the Civil War. What really struck me was the reaction of the South when Lincoln was elected. The parallels between that and how modern Dems are reacting to Trump's election are eerie. Of course, I'm not suggesting Trump = Lincoln, but I am suggesting 1860 Dems = 2016 Dems. The hysteria, the serious calls for secession, the conspiracy theories, etc., are all there.

Posted by: Citizen Cake at December 11, 2016 10:39 AM (ppaKI)

196 I get that Insomniac but he doesn't even try. In my mind that doesn't compute. Believe me I've been down to the bottom too, and he saw it at a time when he was doing ok. Now the roles are reversed and I really wish I could somehow get him to come out of it.

Posted by: freaked at December 11, 2016 10:39 AM (BO/km)

197 >>>I am reminded that the decline of Western Civilization may very well be traced to the invention of the word processor.

Things were never the same after the Doobie Brothers broke up.

Posted by: Citizen Cake at December 11, 2016 10:40 AM (ppaKI)

198 I think people confuse "introvert" with "shy".
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 11, 2016 10:34 AM (EnKk6

--------

Where does "crazy eyes" fit in?

Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 10:40 AM (zMWpG)

199 181 I'm clearly on the introvert side of the spectrum. But I'm in sales and pretty good at it. I'm also a very competent and confident speaker. People don't always understand how those gifts fit with introversion. But they do because introversion is not a character flaw. Mostly it has to do with how people get energized. I generally get my energy in solitude. Hence the library man cave above.
Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 10:32 AM (s7hQ/)
----
As am I. I can be very gregarious and enjoy being with other people, but I always need to retreat and refresh.

I think people confuse "introvert" with "shy".
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 11, 2016 10:34 AM (EnKk6)

That they do.

My manager thinks introverts are better at sales than extroverts. If I understand him correctly it would be because introverts are better at acting extroverts than true extroverts are at shutting up and listening when that is necessary.

Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 10:40 AM (s7hQ/)

200 She has a hint of Dolly Parton quality, don't you think? I can hear it glancing across her voice.
Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 10:32 AM (dFi94)

Very much like Dolly, whom I actually don't like, because her voice has always sounded a bit screechy to me, particularly when she was younger. But Brun dials it back before her voice gets screechy, and it sounds lovely.

And the kicker here, I have no idea if Ane Brun is a Christian or not. I haven't listened to any of her other songs, nor do I know anything about her. The used that song on one of the TV shows I'm watching (Hell on Wheels) and I knew I had to track it down. I actually thought of you when I found on youtube, believe it or not. I knew you'd like it. Mrs. Muse needed that tissue when I first played it for her.

Posted by: OregonMuse, deplorable since 2004 at December 11, 2016 10:41 AM (9vlTF)

201 "Estoy con[...]" ("I'm with[...]") is a pretty standard Spanish phrase signifying solidarity with whomever. I recall living in the central valley of California back in the early '80s, and hearing the song "Estoy Con Chavez" on the radio pretty often.

Posted by: jwpaine at December 11, 2016 10:41 AM (hoJm7)

202 Sally Struthers singlehandedly caused it.
Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 10:37 AM (zMWpG)

She ate all those poor Somalians' food aid.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:41 AM (0mRoj)

203 Northernlurker asked "So Moron readers. What do you do when you start running our of shelf space? "

I buy more shelves, and/or move to a bigger house.

Posted by: Trimegistus at December 11, 2016 10:41 AM (MpmR+)

204 Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:38 AM (0mRoj)

You were close enough for them to take a look, so we'll keep hoping against hope.

Posted by: Hugh Jorgen at December 11, 2016 10:41 AM (R5EqA)

205 80 So Moron readers. What do you do when you start running our of shelf space? Do you start culling books, or do you start stacking them up, wherever you can find space?
Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 09:56 AM

Thrice I bought a bigger house than could hold more bookshelves. And that's for the survivors. Books I don't really like or have an emotional attachment to (looking at you my complete ERB collection) go to used book stores or library sales.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at December 11, 2016 10:42 AM (u82oZ)

206 On a lighter note, a friend of mine, also laid off on Friday, reminded me that at least we have Trump coming in. Imagine if HRC won, which she didn't, because Hillary Clinton Will Never, Ever Be President.....that still makes me do a small happy dance.

Posted by: Goldilocks at December 11, 2016 10:42 AM (pOgVG)

207 So Moron readers. What do you do when you start running our of shelf
space? Do you start culling books, or do you start stacking them up,
wherever you can find space? - Northernlurker
=====

And you claim to be a 'northern'. Heh. Everybody knows that you stack them on the north walls for insulation.

Posted by: mustbequantum at December 11, 2016 10:42 AM (MIKMs)

208 Never mind. I just pulled up The NY Times list. I will pass.

Posted by: Quirky bookworm at December 11, 2016 10:42 AM (gppsv)

209 197 >>>I am reminded that the decline of Western Civilization may very well be traced to the invention of the word processor.

Things were never the same after the Doobie Brothers broke up.
Posted by: Citizen Cake at December 11, 2016 10:40 AM (ppaKI)

I thought it was traced back to when Yoko met John. Or was back to formation of The Beatles?

Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 10:42 AM (s7hQ/)

210 It was a good conversation and was thought-provoking, but I got the impression I'm not the precise fit they're looking for.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:38 AM (0mRoj)
===============================

My BIL was out of work nearly three years. Everyday he looked and contacted and did interviews, etc. Everytime, they said they were "going in a different direction". A couple of months ago he got a really good job. They had to re-locate to Denver, but work is work. He was falling into despair. It was hard to watch. But eventually it happened for him. I think he got turned down all those times was because of his age. Where he works now, he is the oldest one there. Even older than the boss.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 10:43 AM (dFi94)

211 207 So Moron readers. What do you do when you start running our of shelf
space? Do you start culling books, or do you start stacking them up,
wherever you can find space? - Northernlurker
=====

And you claim to be a 'northern'. Heh. Everybody knows that you stack them on the north walls for insulation.
Posted by: mustbequantum at December 11, 2016 10:42 AM (MIKMs)

Chuckle.

Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 10:43 AM (s7hQ/)

212 That's the way to think Goldilocks. Positive thoughts lead to positive things.

Posted by: freaked at December 11, 2016 10:43 AM (BO/km)

213 Where does "crazy eyes" fit in?
Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 10:40 AM (zMWpG)
---
Behind the crosshairs!

She points out that the typical "crazed loner" beloved of the media is almost always someone who craves attention and the spotlight and wanted validation by the group -- the exact opposite of a true lone who couldn't care less.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 11, 2016 10:43 AM (EnKk6)

214

I thought it was traced back to when Yoko met John. Or was back to formation of The Beatles?

Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 10:42 AM (s7hQ/)

It was when 'Hey Jude' came out.

Posted by: Canniball Bob 'non thinker extraordinaire' at December 11, 2016 10:44 AM (AGr9E)

215 Well I tried.
This fone opened utube in the you tube app.
It won't let me see the address bar when I pull it up.

True North Old Martin & Mandolin in the search box gets you there.
And it's older style country for those who like to complain there's none of that around any more.
And like OM said, have kleenex. That last verse...

Posted by: teej at December 11, 2016 10:44 AM (gJ3Vg)

216 I read Quiet by Susan Caine some time within the last year. As an introvert I have read a few books about introversion.
She writes about her family times involving sitting around and reading.

We're a large family--five siblings. I think people don't understand that we just like the comfort of being in each other's space and don't really have to talk a lot. Even in our 50s, it just feels right to hang out together a few times a year. It's a soul thing, I guess.

Posted by: April at December 11, 2016 10:44 AM (e8PP1)

217 191 Insomniac-Yes, since 1997 (night school) though I have been on the corporate (not law firm) side for most of it, and have had my butt kicked around the block several times, layoff wise. Not for a while, though, so getting back into that mode is going to suck. That's what you get for working your ass off, but it wouldn't be any different at a firm though, the field is brutal.
Posted by: Goldilocks at December 11, 2016 10:38 AM (pOgVG)

Yup. Something I've been struggling with is that all my career I was told to keep your head down, work hard and the rest will follow. This turned out to be bullshit. Apparently I should have spent a significant part of my time gladhanding and ass-kissing. Grrrr.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:44 AM (0mRoj)

218 . I haven't listened to any of her other songs, nor do I know anything
about her. The used that song on one of the TV shows I'm watching (Hell
on Wheels) and I knew I had to track it down.
=====================

I don't know of her either, but I'm going to dig a little and see if she has other stuff out there. She's beautiful.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 10:44 AM (dFi94)

219 BTW--one of the things I love about the Horde is the cross conversations that go on.

Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 10:45 AM (s7hQ/)

220 I thought it was traced back to when Yoko met John. Or was back to formation of The Beatles?
Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 10:42 AM (s7hQ/)

The world started going to sh* when Buddy Holly died, that's what I say.

Posted by: OregonMuse, deplorable since 2004 at December 11, 2016 10:45 AM (9vlTF)

221 So is Bonnie Raitt considered country?

Posted by: Canniball Bob 'non thinker extraordinaire' at December 11, 2016 10:45 AM (AGr9E)

222 Stone tablets rule!
Posted by: Hrothgar at December 11, 2016 09:37 AM (wCEn4)

If it won't fit on a lump of clay when scribed out with a split reed, it isn't worth writing.

Bullae rule!

--Hammurabi's File-clerk

Posted by: Kindltot at December 11, 2016 10:45 AM (typGQ)

223 The prize sentence: he thinks Newton made up the apple story (because Newton is the only source about something which happened INSIDE HIS HEAD) in order to conceal the influence of his subsequent alchemical research on the theory of gravity. "Subsequent" is in White's text.

Interesting, I didn't know he was into alchemy. He did have another consuming interest outside of physics: eschatology. He was one of these people, like Harold Camping, who unfortunately thought that the end of the world could be calculated mathematically. What part of 'no man knoweth the day or the hour', do you not understand, Ike?

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 11, 2016 10:45 AM (rH4JY)

224 My attitude for sometime now is that I work to live and not live to work. My job is just something I do to fund the things I like to do . Because of that I don't take anything personal at work and just go with the flow.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at December 11, 2016 10:46 AM (IDPbH)

225 True North Old Martin Mandolin in the search box gets you there.
=========================

Okay, teej - I should be able to get it from there. Let me look....

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 10:46 AM (dFi94)

226
She ate all those poor Somalians' food aid.
Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016

-----

From the last picture I saw of here, ALL as in "sucked the ketchup from the condiment packages'.

Maybe ate a few Somalians too..

Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 10:46 AM (zMWpG)

227 198 I think people confuse "introvert" with "shy".
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 11, 2016 10:34 AM (EnKk6

--------

Where does "crazy eyes" fit in?
Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 10:40 AM (zMWpG)

Introverts recharge in solitude. It doesn't make us crazy or socially dysfunctional. And even we get lonely.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:46 AM (0mRoj)

228 Yup. Something I've been struggling with is that all my career I was told to keep your head down, work hard and the rest will follow. This turned out to be bullshit. Apparently I should have spent a significant part of my time gladhanding and ass-kissing. Grrrr.
Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:44 AM (0mRoj)

They're both true - but the "gladhandling and ass-kissing" is just making sure folks know what a good job you're doing.

Posted by: Hugh Jorgen at December 11, 2016 10:47 AM (R5EqA)

229 216 I read Quiet by Susan Caine some time within the last year. As an introvert I have read a few books about introversion.
She writes about her family times involving sitting around and reading.

We're a large family--five siblings. I think people don't understand that we just like the comfort of being in each other's space and don't really have to talk a lot. Even in our 50s, it just feels right to hang out together a few times a year. It's a soul thing, I guess.
Posted by: April at December 11, 2016 10:44 AM (e8PP1)

I totally grok that. My wife and her family are very extroverted. They think I'm depressed or upset when I'm not chatting away. I'm neither, but just being quiet.
I might be bored and wishing I could slip away to a bookstore or coffee joint.

Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 10:47 AM (s7hQ/)

230 >>The world started going to sh* when Buddy Holly died, that's what I say.

Men wearing clogs.

Posted by: JackStraw at December 11, 2016 10:47 AM (/tuJf)

231 >>>>I work to live and not live to work<<<<

Amen.

Posted by: the guy that moves pianos for a living at December 11, 2016 10:48 AM (x3uSY)

232 221 So is Bonnie Raitt considered country?
Posted by: Canniball Bob 'non thinker extraordinaire' at December 11, 2016 10:45 AM (AGr9E)

The label I would attach to Raitt is blues, with an occasional country inflection.

Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 10:48 AM (s7hQ/)

233 I'm on my third Father Brown short stories book, and its always good writing even if the mysteries are sometimes rather simple. What's interesting to me is that his sidekick Flambeau is a very capable, very smart guy who also is huge and strong but STILL is outthought by Brown regularly.

Regarding Isaac Newton's alchemical work, here's a page with details from his notes.

You have to remember that alchemy was just chemistry before anyone understood what was going on. They still did valid experiments. Some of them were con men but many were just burning things to see what happened, boiling them, and in the process discovering how things broke down and were made up of different parts

http://webapp1.dlib.indiana.edu/newton/reference/glossary.do

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 10:48 AM (39g3+)

234 204 Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:38 AM (0mRoj)

You were close enough for them to take a look, so we'll keep hoping against hope.
Posted by: Hugh Jorgen at December 11, 2016 10:41 AM (R5EqA)

Please do. Sonebody has to. I've personally dispensed with hope, as it almost always disappoints in a devastating fashion.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:49 AM (0mRoj)

235 So Moron readers. What do you do when you start running our of shelf
space? Do you start culling books, or do you start stacking them up

I ran out of shelf space years ago. They're stacked all over.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 10:49 AM (39g3+)

236 On Friday I received "JUDAS!: From Forest Hills to the Free Trade Hall; A Historical View of the Big Boo" by Clinton Heylin.

Of course, it's about Bob Dylan and the Hawks' 1966 world tour.

I've only had time to glance at bits and pieces, but I am very impressed.

A year ago I bought "The Cutting Edge Collector's Edition", containing every studio recording from 1965-66. About a week ago I got "The 1966 Live Recordings", containing every known live recording from the '66 tour.

That's a grand total of 54 CDs worth of music. And this is the textbook to go with it. If I listen to the CDs in chronological order and read along in the book, this is an honest-to-God, no-kidding course of study.

Should keep me out of trouble for a while.

***

We all know that Trump is a master at trolling the media, but we would do well to remember that Bob Dylan invented that particular art form 50 years ago, as is amply documented in the book.

If Trump's press conferences are anything like Dylan's from 1966, I would advise you to go long on popcorn futures, is what I'm saying.

Posted by: rickl at December 11, 2016 10:49 AM (sdi6R)

237
The label I would attach to Raitt is blues, with an occasional country inflection.

Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 10:48 AM (s7hQ/)

Damn. Heidi and I loved her song 'Lets give 'em something to talk about.' After we had been sneaking around at work and we announced our engagement. No one knew.

Posted by: Canniball Bob 'non thinker extraordinaire' at December 11, 2016 10:51 AM (AGr9E)

238 235 So Moron readers. What do you do when you start running our of shelf
space? Do you start culling books, or do you start stacking them up

I ran out of shelf space years ago. They're stacked all over.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 10:49 AM (39g3+)

You might need to go to a Biblioholics Anonymous meeting.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:51 AM (0mRoj)

239 gm, check out the Horde Goodreads group for Moron writers (fair warning, I am one of them AND I write science fiction. With no SJW goop.) Also try searching Amazon for "human wave SF". That's a bunch of authors (again, including me) that are plucky rebels against the grey goo school of writing. We write fun stuff where it is not automatically assumed humans are evil, and somebody wins at the end. There is a similar movement for fantasy called Noble Bright (do I need to say it?

) What kind of SF have you enjoyed in the past? It might help with specific recommendations.

My family also did the frantic unwrapping of books for Christmas, followed by everyone curled up in the living room reading happily for hours. I *knew* there was I reason I liked you guys...

Posted by: Sabrina Chase at December 11, 2016 10:51 AM (SuJIo)

240 Buddy Ebsen is dead?

Posted by: That deplorable guy who always asks... at December 11, 2016 10:51 AM (Tyii7)

241 Of course, I'm not suggesting Trump = Lincoln, but I am suggesting 1860 Dems = 2016 Dems. The hysteria, the serious calls for secession, the conspiracy theories, etc., are all there.

Posted by: Citizen Cake

The difference is, if the Dems wanted to secede, I think most of us would be on board with that. A nice peaceful secession this time.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 11, 2016 10:52 AM (rH4JY)

242 Not sure where the line is for this conversation, but since there were a few "this is when Western Civ started going bad," I'll turn in my suggestion:

The election of Bubba.

Followed not far on with Okla City bombing, Waco, Rodney King, Nafta, and of course eventually, Monica.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2016 10:52 AM (Pz4pT)

243 220 I thought it was traced back to when Yoko met John. Or was back to formation of The Beatles?
Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 10:42 AM (s7hQ/)

The world started going to sh* when Buddy Holly died, that's what I say.
Posted by: OregonMuse, deplorable since 2004 at December 11, 2016 10:45 AM (9vlTF)

It started going to shit shortly after creation.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:52 AM (0mRoj)

244 228 Yup. Something I've been struggling with is that all my career I was told to keep your head down, work hard and the rest will follow. This turned out to be bullshit. Apparently I should have spent a significant part of my time gladhanding and ass-kissing. Grrrr.
Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:44 AM (0mRoj)

They're both true - but the "gladhandling and ass-kissing" is just making sure folks know what a good job you're doing.
Posted by: Hugh Jorgen at December 11, 2016 10:47 AM (R5EqA)

Well, sorta.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:54 AM (0mRoj)

245 I love this thread, even if I'm not always chatty on it.

Thanks Oregon Muse.

Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 10:54 AM (s7hQ/)

246
Please do. Sonebody has to. I've personally dispensed with hope, as it almost always disappoints in a devastating fashion.
Posted by: Insomniac at Decemb

--------
Hope is for losers, I stare directly into the abyss. He has such inviting eyes

Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 10:54 AM (zMWpG)

247 OM and grammie, that version of All My Tears is nice, but I have to tell you I love the original by Julie Miller the best.

Posted by: April at December 11, 2016 10:54 AM (e8PP1)

248 241 Of course, I'm not suggesting Trump = Lincoln, but I am suggesting 1860 Dems = 2016 Dems. The hysteria, the serious calls for secession, the conspiracy theories, etc., are all there.

Posted by: Citizen Cake

The difference is, if the Dems wanted to secede, I think most of us would be on board with that. A nice peaceful secession this time.
Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 11, 2016 10:52 AM (rH4JY)

In other words don't go away mad, but please go away.

Or how can I miss you until you're gone?

Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 10:55 AM (s7hQ/)

249 Please do. Sonebody has to. I've personally dispensed with hope, as it almost always disappoints in a devastating fashion.
Posted by: Insomniac at Decemb

--------
Hope is for losers, I stare directly into the abyss. He has such inviting eyes
Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 10:54 AM (zMWpG)

I've been having that staring contest too.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:55 AM (0mRoj)

250 >>>>I work to live and not live to work

Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy me a boat.

https://youtu.be/mQPjKSVe1tQ

Posted by: Bacon Jeff at December 11, 2016 10:55 AM (VSenK)

251 241 Of course, I'm not suggesting Trump = Lincoln, but I am suggesting 1860 Dems = 2016 Dems. The hysteria, the serious calls for secession, the conspiracy theories, etc., are all there.

Posted by: Citizen Cake

The comparison was well discussed during the BDS period. It was more compared to the descriptions of Lincoln by the press during the war with Bush during the war. In some cases you could literally just change the name in the reports and you couldn't tell the difference.

Posted by: Sebastian Melmoth at December 11, 2016 10:56 AM (IDPbH)

252 You might need to go to a Biblioholics Anonymous meeting.

I don't actually have mountains of books, I just don't have much space or shelving.

I want more, but its expensive. I'm not like D-Vega with three mega mansions and a wife from Serbia or whatever.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 10:56 AM (39g3+)

253 I ran out of shelf space years ago. They're stacked all over.

Most of my books are in bins. Sine we moved in April, my slacker millennial son boomerang ed back into the house and is sleeping in the room that was supposed to be my library. Grrrr!

Posted by: V the K at December 11, 2016 10:57 AM (jn7FC)

254 245 I love this thread, even if I'm not always chatty on it.

Thanks Oregon Muse.

Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 10:54 AM (s7hQ/)

Me neither. Well, it seems like youre in today so come around and gab more often.

Posted by: Canniball Bob 'non thinker extraordinaire' at December 11, 2016 10:57 AM (AGr9E)

255 248 241 Of course, I'm not suggesting Trump = Lincoln, but I am suggesting 1860 Dems = 2016 Dems. The hysteria, the serious calls for secession, the conspiracy theories, etc., are all there.

Posted by: Citizen Cake

The difference is, if the Dems wanted to secede, I think most of us would be on board with that. A nice peaceful secession this time.
Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 11, 2016 10:52 AM (rH4JY)

In other words don't go away mad, but please go away.

Or how can I miss you until you're gone?
Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 10:55 AM (s7hQ/)

Obligatory:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rW9-FOLG-iA

Posted by: rickl at December 11, 2016 10:57 AM (sdi6R)

256 So is Bonnie Raitt considered country?

Harvard/Radcliffe undergrad, likes socialism, Ho Chi Minh, John Edwards, alcohol and drugs, dislikes George W. Bush, nukes

So, only country in a Dixie Chicks kind of way

Posted by: cool breeze at December 11, 2016 10:58 AM (StZrq)

257 252 You might need to go to a Biblioholics Anonymous meeting.

I don't actually have mountains of books, I just don't have much space or shelving.

I want more, but its expensive. I'm not like D-Vega with three mega mansions and a wife from Serbia or whatever.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 10:56 AM (39g3+)

My dream house involves a gigantic library with a vaulted ceiling and built-in book shelves. Plus, of course, a smaller office/meditiation/prayer room.
My wife's involves a big kitchen, upstairs laundry (or a maid), craft room and big master bathroom.

Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 10:59 AM (s7hQ/)

258 Greetings:

Mother would have said, "If you're not going to straighten up your library at least put down the blinds."

Posted by: 11B40 at December 11, 2016 11:00 AM (evgyj)

259 Stone tablets rule!
Posted by: Hrothgar at December 11, 2016 09:37 AM (wCEn4)

If it won't fit on a lump of clay when scribed out with a split reed, it isn't worth writing.

Bullae rule!

--Hammurabi's File-clerk

Posted by: Kindltot

One expert on ancient text made the observation that clay tablets vs papyrus was like books vs computer disks. The latter is more technically advanced, but the former is more durable over long periods of time. We'd have more information about ancient texts if they'd done it all on clay tablets. None of this "papyrus fragment" nonsense.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 11, 2016 11:00 AM (rH4JY)

260
It started going to shit shortly after creation.
Posted by: Insomniac at December

-------

Was it the chick with the snake? Sorry about that, she wasn't scheduled to perform that night, but you know how these dancers are. You make one nice gesture, and BAM, suddenly it's hell on earth

Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 11:00 AM (zMWpG)

261
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rW9-FOLG-iA
Posted by: rickl at December 11, 2016 10:57 AM (sdi6R)

Thanks for giving me a smile.

Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 11:02 AM (s7hQ/)

262 Gonna get out for a while.
Hope you got there and enjoy it grammie.
That's my friend that I'm fortunate enough to have for a front man now.
More fortunate that both are my friends though.

Love each other fellow babies
And pray that this catch-22 I have fallen into with The Big Guy goes the way of the Dodo bird,,,, soon.

Posted by: teej at December 11, 2016 11:03 AM (gJ3Vg)

263 260. 'Vatch her take ze pleasures from the serpent that vonce Korrrupted Man!'

Posted by: Your Decidedly Devious Uncle Palpatine, Still Accepting Harem Applicants at December 11, 2016 11:03 AM (V2e0l)

264 187 "My favourite country songs are the heartache songs. FWIW. Country does heartache and loneliness well. "

"Whiskey Lullaby"sung by Brad Paisley and Allison Krauss . Truly first class heartache song. Check out the video on YouTube.

Posted by: Tuna at December 11, 2016 11:06 AM (JSovD)

265 "He Stopped Loving Her Today" by George Jones makes me bust out bawling like an idiot. Good country music will nail you right in the heart.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 11:08 AM (39g3+)

266 >>>The difference is, if the Dems wanted to secede, I think most of us would be on board with that. A nice peaceful secession this time.

Yep, if California wants to take her 55 guaranteed-Dem electoral votes and form their own country, more power to them.

Posted by: Citizen Cake at December 11, 2016 11:09 AM (ppaKI)

267 The greatest country song ever sung.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=79FracPReK4

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, This Is the Dawning of the Age of the Trumpius! at December 11, 2016 11:10 AM (Nwg0u)

268
I've been having that staring contest too.
Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 10:55 AM (0mRoj)

-------

I have (so far) been able to turn away by saying, You know what, F you and all of the otha bastids too, I'm doing this Just to piss yall off and rub it in your faces later". So ima keep going...And Btw, I refuse to die before my enemies.

Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 11:12 AM (zMWpG)

269 "Visions of Johanna" is an excellent heartache song.

Dylan recorded his first several albums in New York City, but went to Nashville in 1966 to record "Blonde on Blonde".

It doesn't sound like country, yet it was recorded with genuine Nashville studio musicians.

Posted by: rickl at December 11, 2016 11:12 AM (sdi6R)

270 Decline of Western Civ' ... hmmm.

In many ways we are still on the rise. The Fall of the Wall, end of Soviet state was a good moment. But it was maybe matched with the Soviet influence inside the US, with Hillary having her first internship with a Soviet commie, and Obama raised/mentored by actual commies.

But while they placed a lot of sand in the "Western Civ" machinery, we have continued to improve productivity and have shed a few shibboleths. We still have a lot of patriots, even if Obama fired or investigated all he could find.

Of course the whole manufactured crisis charade has to go, and the PC drones that used to be our free thinking children, will need a dose of antibiotics. That would come in the form of some real civics classes on "failures in democracy", as outlined above, with real history on Aristotle to Castro. Social media censorship of conservative thought will have to be dealt with as well, but the internet makes distribution of the antidote very efficient.

We could probably accomplish rapid reversion to the mean, with good leaders, and without having to line up 1000 Marxist academics against a wall. We can just expose them via Wikileaks, and send them packing. ... OK, a few may have to be hung in public ... but only the most treasonous and seditious.

Posted by: illiniwek at December 11, 2016 11:12 AM (pS/eA)

271 My dad's favorite 'country' song - 'I Got Tears In My Ears':

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qU7HTgAAgQca

I have trouble with country music in general: love bluegrass and other folky stuff, but the slide guitar doesn't always set well with me.

Posted by: mustbequantum at December 11, 2016 11:15 AM (MIKMs)

272 264 187 "My favourite country songs are the heartache songs. FWIW. Country does heartache and loneliness well. "

"Whiskey Lullaby"sung by Brad Paisley and Allison Krauss . Truly first class heartache song. Check out the video on YouTube.
Posted by: Tuna at December 11, 2016 11:06 AM (JSovD)

Jesus. I really didn't need that.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 11:15 AM (0mRoj)

273 I read an article once that said we could save western civilization by lining up about 30 people against the wall and gunning them all down and said "you all know who they are."

The problem with that is that western civilization by its nature isn't about gunning down people for having ideas I disagree with. That's like saving your child from snakebite by chainsawing her leg off. Technically the poison is gone but...

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 11:16 AM (39g3+)

274 Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 11:12 AM (zMWpG)

Defiance. I like it.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 11:18 AM (0mRoj)

275
Jesus. I really didn't need that.
Posted by: Insomniac at December 1

No, no, no...Run way, run away...that leads directly to the ditch... dang Insomniac. even if know not to listen to that

Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 11:19 AM (zMWpG)

276 "Whiskey Lullaby"sung by Brad Paisley and Allison Krauss . Truly first class heartache song. Check out the video on YouTube.
Posted by: Tuna at December 11, 2016 11:06 AM (JSovD)

Jesus. I really didn't need that.
Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 11:15 AM (0mRoj)

I gave it a try, because, although I'm not really a country fan, I like a good heartache song.

That's not heartache. That's ugly, bitter, betrayal and miserable death.

No thanks. Not in life, and not in song.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2016 11:19 AM (Pz4pT)

277 You are very kind Kindltot...

Most of the people (friends/damily) that read my attempts were of
the opinion that I needed psychological help and that the books were
really about my ex wife..lol

But I shall endeavor to persevere
Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 10:27 AM (zMWpG)

See, this is the problem with a lot of fiction, if the story is about killing a monster, then the story is simple, and the only issue is how to set up the posse and patch the bullet holes afterwards. But, that is why there is either the non-dying monster (Antaeus for example) or the Boss like Grendel's Mom to deal with afterwards, to show the initial problem is not the whole story (or to say simple problem is too simple to reflect reality)

I always wondered what the rebuiliding of Middle Earth was like after Sauron was defeated. A golden age of poetry, peace and prosperity or Yugoslavia?

Posted by: Kindltot at December 11, 2016 11:20 AM (typGQ)

278
Followed not far on with Okla City bombing, Waco, Rodney King, Nafta, and of course eventually, Monica.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2016 10:52 AM (Pz4pT)

Don't forget OJ.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at December 11, 2016 11:21 AM (tbq1U)

279 I agree, I like bluegrass much more than country. I saw a documentary once that claimed country as we know it today was what happened when rock 'n' roll appeared on the scene. Until that point, bluegrass and "old timey" music was doing rather well, then suddenly it was not popular any longer.

So they came up with country, to compete with rock.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 11:21 AM (39g3+)

280 *kicks thread*

Still awake and sober-ish?

Dylan recorded his first several albums in New York City, but went to Nashville in 1966 to record "Blonde on Blonde".

Oh "Blonde on Blonde" is great. When I had it on vinyl as a pup I swear "Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands" was a full album side (it was a double album) and lasted 24 minutes.

Later on CD it was only 12 minutes long. I sometimes wonder if I misremembered.

Posted by: Bandersnatch at December 11, 2016 11:23 AM (mgbwf)

281 Followed not far on with Okla City bombing, Waco, Rodney King, Nafta, and of course eventually, Monica.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2016 10:52 AM (Pz4pT)

Don't forget OJ.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at December 11, 2016 11:21 AM (tbq1U)

I thought about him, and tried to keep the list short.

People who lived through that time will always remember the low points. And we had that rotten satyr in the White House, sticking his ugly tube in anything he could.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2016 11:23 AM (Pz4pT)

282 Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 11:19 AM (zMWpG)

Wish I'd known. That's real open-your-veins-with-a-spork stuff right there.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 11:23 AM (0mRoj)

283 In general I don't like miserable, sad, and depressing books. I know that its supposedly the hallmark of great literature to write something that makes readers want to open a vein, but I don't buy that. Good literature doesn't have to be miserable and mopey.

I think a lot of academic and faux intellectual types confuse misery with reality, because they are so self-loathing and bitter, but life isn't only hardship and sadness.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 11:24 AM (39g3+)

284 The greatest country song ever sung.

John Denver can't beat:

Well, I was drunk the day my mom got out of prison
And I went to pick her up in the rain
But before I could get to the station in my pickup truck
She got runned over by a damned old train

Posted by: cool breeze at December 11, 2016 11:24 AM (StZrq)

285 Oh, ya. That's a drinking song.

Posted by: JohnJ at December 11, 2016 11:25 AM (TH0iO)

286 Even Life Unworthy which is just about the most miserable setting possible, I tried to put in humor and courage and heroism and end on a somewhat uplifting note.

That was a book I never thought I'd write, because its so unlike what I love to read.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 11:25 AM (39g3+)

287 Followed not far on with Okla City bombing, Waco, Rodney King, Nafta, and of course eventually, Monica.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2016 10:52 AM (Pz4pT)

Don't forget OJ.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at December 11, 2016 11:21 AM (tbq1U)

And really, Elian Gonzalez. A personal tragedy that played out in front of us, when we had to come face to face with the fact that we're not the good guys anymore. We rip small children out of their homes, from loving families, at the point of a gun, and give them back to ruthless evil dictators.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2016 11:26 AM (Pz4pT)

288 Currently reading "Practical Malware Analysis" by Honig and Sikorski.

I REALLY want to see a report including diagrams of EXACTLY how the Russian's "hacked" the elections from initial infection vector through command and control and any payloads or file exports/imports. It is done for corporate hacks all the time in Incident Response and Forensics.

Did the Russians use ransomware? Spyware? And how did they manage this magical hacking when most of the voting systems are not connected to the Internet?

Come on CIA geniuses. Put up or shuttup.

Science, facts and reason all point to the fact that saying that the "Russians Did It" is on exactly the same technical competence level as "Wiping The Server With A Cloth". Smoke. Malicious gossip. Distraction. Projection. Unreality.
All coming from our vaunted "Intelligence Community". You know the guys who didn't tell Obama how bad ISIS was. /s

The Intelligence Services and the Media have merged into a single , lying, propaganda machine.

I remember Trump pointing his finger like a gun at all the "dishonest people" in the back of the crowd at event after event. I hope he pulls the trigger and starts yanking FCC licenses to combat the "Fake News Epidemic".

Posted by: Mortimer, Finish Her! at December 11, 2016 11:26 AM (zu88C)

289 I think a lot of academic and faux intellectual types confuse misery with reality, because they are so self-loathing and bitter, but life isn't only hardship and sadness.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 11:24 AM (39g3+)

It's the remaining .05% that really makes things worthwhile.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 11:26 AM (0mRoj)

290 "That's not heartache. That's ugly, bitter, betrayal and miserable death. "

It really is a song for when you are at you're lowest and want to go lower still.

Posted by: Tuna at December 11, 2016 11:26 AM (JSovD)

291
I always wondered what the rebuiliding of Middle Earth was like after Sauron was defeated. A golden age of poetry, peace and prosperity or Yugoslavia?
Posted by: Kindltot at December 11, 201

---------

I thought Yugoslavia, or worse..

The Elves left, Gandalf left, the magic left...the evil did not.

Commies don't give up, they just get new uniforms

Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 11:27 AM (zMWpG)

292 The greatest country song ever sung.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=79FracPReK4

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks

That's not the only metaphor for unrequited love.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlhTst19iy8

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 11, 2016 11:27 AM (rH4JY)

293 And really, Elian Gonzalez. A personal tragedy that played out in front of us, when we had to come face to face with the fact that we're not the good guys anymore. We rip small children out of their homes, from loving families, at the point of a gun, and give them back to ruthless evil dictators.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2016 11:26 AM (Pz4pT)

That whole episode and the infamous picture of a jackboot pointing a submachinegun at a screaming kid just enrage me to this day.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 11:28 AM (0mRoj)

294 I always wondered what the rebuiliding of Middle Earth was like after Sauron was defeated. A golden age of poetry, peace and prosperity or Yugoslavia?

Probably pretty good while Aragorn lived, and he lived a very long time. But I see the place really falling apart with near continual raids and wars from the south and east, kingdoms splitting off from Gondor, etc. Great adventure setting, not so much fun to live in.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 11:28 AM (39g3+)

295
It really is a song for when you are at you're lowest and want to go lower still.
Posted by: Tuna at

------

The shovel song

Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 11:28 AM (zMWpG)

296 So they came up with country, to compete with rock.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 11:21 AM (39g3+)

That's the problem with modern music, in a nutshell. It's not art. It's a commodity.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2016 11:28 AM (Pz4pT)

297 Later on CD it was only 12 minutes long. I sometimes wonder if I misremembered.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at December 11, 2016 11:23 AM (mgbwf)
---
Were weed or shrooms involved? Open up the album cover and see if anything falls out.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 11, 2016 11:29 AM (EnKk6)

298 So, now that Hilary Clinton will NEVAH be president of the United States of America,
do ya think she has an onion tied to her belt ?

Posted by: JT at December 11, 2016 11:29 AM (BQWnn)

299 That whole episode and the infamous picture of a jackboot pointing a submachinegun at a screaming kid just enrage me to this day.

Consider how much the news media has changed. That is a defining image of the Clinton administration; the guy in body armor with the submachine gun and the little boy.

Today, you'd never, ever see that. The picture of Hillary's shoe should be the defining image of 2016, lying there on the sidewalk abandoned by her as she collapsed and was rushed off to medical care.

Instead it will be that damned gorilla.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 11:30 AM (39g3+)

300 Who couldda seen this coming? McCainiac and Miss Lindsey join with Schmucky Tumor to screw us.

http://tinyurl.com/zdw3veo

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, This Is the Dawning of the Age of the Trumpius! at December 11, 2016 11:30 AM (Nwg0u)

301 Nice library Northernlurker.

Good luck Goldilocks.

I've been rooting for you for awhile now, Insomniac.

Have a great week, everyone !

Posted by: JT at December 11, 2016 11:31 AM (BQWnn)

302 Goldilocks, if you have spare time, you can always contact a lawmaker who you actually can stand, and ask if he needs volunteers to review proposed legislation and rules coming up in the current session and how these changes change current law

Legislators tend to be good at raising money and getting elected, they tend to be idiots in reading the law. They don't seem to be chosen for that ability.
The libs have staffers chosen for them by the party and tradition around here, the rest have to shift for themselves

Posted by: Kindltot at December 11, 2016 11:31 AM (typGQ)

303 The Intelligence Services and the Media

Sometimes it's hard to determine which end of a Democrat more crap comes out of.

Posted by: DaveA at December 11, 2016 11:31 AM (8J/Te)

304 https://pjmedia.com/instapundit/251498/

Posted by: steevy at December 11, 2016 10:11 AM (r/0kC)

Needs an RPG.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 11, 2016 11:31 AM (MiBfH)

305 Harambe, you will not be forgotten!

https://tinyurl.com/h9y5ngx

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 11, 2016 11:31 AM (EnKk6)

306 That's not the only metaphor for unrequited love.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlhTst19iy8
Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear

That one's going on the playlist.

Posted by: JohnJ at December 11, 2016 11:31 AM (TH0iO)

307
Wish I'd known. That's real open-your-veins-with-a-spork stuff right there.
Posted by: Insomniac at

---------

I just jump feet first into the wood chipper when I hear it.

On the slow setting

Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 11:32 AM (zMWpG)

308 279 I agree, I like bluegrass much more than country. I saw a documentary once that claimed country as we know it today was what happened when rock 'n' roll appeared on the scene. Until that point, bluegrass and "old timey" music was doing rather well, then suddenly it was not popular any longer.

So they came up with country, to compete with rock.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 11:21 AM (39g3+)

I prefer older country to the CMT country of today.

Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 11:32 AM (s7hQ/)

309 Country was great up until Achey Breaky Heart and Shania Twain. There was some crap out there always but for the most part, solid.

Now its pop music with a twangy voice and slide guitar.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 11:33 AM (39g3+)

310 Wish I'd known. That's real open-your-veins-with-a-spork stuff right there.
Posted by: Insomniac at

---------

I just jump feet first into the wood chipper when I hear it.

On the slow setting
Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 11:32 AM (zMWpG)

I wish I didn't think you guys were at least partially serious, because then I could laugh without any guilt.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2016 11:34 AM (Pz4pT)

311 Well, I was drunk the day my mom got out of prison
And I went to pick her up in the rain
But before I could get to the station in my pickup truck
She got runned over by a damned old train

Posted by: cool breeze at December 11, 2016 11:24 AM (StZrq)

I saw some guy perform this on TV years ago, do you remember who it might be? Had a big intro where explained that a country song wasn't a country song if it didn't have "gittin' drunk" or mother or trucks in it.

Posted by: OregonMuse, deplorable since 2004 at December 11, 2016 11:34 AM (9vlTF)

312 Right now I'm reading an old paperback I picked up for 25 cents at a used bookstore: "RFK: The Man Who Would Be President," by Ralph de Toledano. It is decidedly unfriendly to Bobby, and was published early in 1968. Three months later,of course, the question was moot.

This could be a whole nother category for book discussion: topical publications which were overtaken by events. Perhaps we can start with that "Madam President" issue of Time.

Posted by: Annalucia at December 11, 2016 11:34 AM (a5bF3)

313 280
Oh "Blonde on Blonde" is great. When I had it on vinyl as a pup I swear "Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands" was a full album side (it was a double album) and lasted 24 minutes.

Later on CD it was only 12 minutes long. I sometimes wonder if I misremembered.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at December 11, 2016 11:23 AM (mgbwf)

Yeah, Blonde on Blonde was like 3 1/2 sides on vinyl. But it still counts as the first "double album".

Posted by: rickl at December 11, 2016 11:35 AM (sdi6R)

314 I think a lot of academic and faux intellectual types confuse misery with reality, because they are so self-loathing and bitter, but life isn't only hardship and sadness.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor

So, not a big fan of Jean-Paul Sartre? He wrote a lot of fiction.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 11, 2016 11:36 AM (rH4JY)

315 David Allen Coe

Posted by: Patrick Henry at December 11, 2016 11:36 AM (a7IXj)

316 Johnny Carson used to say that a hit country song had to have 3 items : Coffee, Jail and Railroad.

Posted by: JT at December 11, 2016 11:36 AM (BQWnn)

317 256 So is Bonnie Raitt considered country?

Harvard/Radcliffe undergrad, likes socialism, Ho Chi Minh, John Edwards, alcohol and drugs, dislikes George W. Bush, nukes

So, only country in a Dixie Chicks kind of way
Posted by: cool breeze at December 11, 2016 10:58 AM (StZrq)

I prefer not to know the politics of my favourite musicians.
For instance, I enjoy an organization/band called Playing for Change. They use musicians from around the world, great videos, many filmed out doors in beautiful locations. And I like their music.

But their motto is something along the lines of changing the world through music. That suggests strongly they are touchy-feely leftists. But I like the music and the videos. So I watch and listen.

Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 11:36 AM (s7hQ/)

318 Listened to Superego by Frank J Fleming, an hilarious debut novel about a psychopathic interstellar hit man for a syndicate, who is sent on a mission blind. As his assignment gradually takes shape he forms an unusual partnership with a female cop. Surprised how good it was, hope he writes more.

Re-read The Scent of Metal(Argonauts #1) by Sabrina Chase to remind me who the characters were before taking on the sequel. She re-imagines Pluto, the history of Man and aliens. Enjoyed it, ready for the sequel.

Listened to Hard Luck Hank: Prince of Suck (HLH #3), where Hank is hundreds of years old and his 6-1/2 ton body is in bad shape and seems to be dying. He runs security for the space station Belvaille and has to deal with economic chaos, a corrupt election for Mayor and an assassin running around popping people. Good book, look forward to the next one.

Posted by: waelse1 at December 11, 2016 11:37 AM (o4tNl)

319 My problem is that if you write a book where people are generally happy and things work out, the 'elite' in book reviewing etc all turn their noses up. "Unrealistic" "sappy" "fantasy." Only misery and human suffering seems real and valid to them.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 11:37 AM (39g3+)

320
I wish I didn't think you guys were at least partially serious, because then I could laugh without any guilt.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2016

-----------

Well that does it..you insensitive cretin..I'm off to hang myself in the oven while simultaneously throwing myself off the building

Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 11:38 AM (zMWpG)

321 Oh its not like you can't find good country today. Dwight Yoakam is still recording, and he's old school. I like Trace Adkins and Kenny Chesney. Its just rare and if you listen to country radio, they play 99% crap.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 11:39 AM (39g3+)

322 Country music song most guaranteed to make you cry:
"Where"ve You Been" by Kathy Mattea.

Posted by: JTB at December 11, 2016 11:39 AM (V+03K)

323 When I first landed in sunny California, a fellow free thinker brought me into FOA when it was still quite something to whisper about. At a meet and greet luncheon I was asked to stand and introduce myself. My first comment to the horde was that if you think it's tough being a republican in California trying being a conservative in Canada. Mr. Muse is right to a degree... California politics is quite out to lunch but mercifully the people still have an inkling of free enterprise, the bill of rights and competition. Mob rule is much more apparent in the great white North and Quebec....well... if you want to see a backwater provincial pisspot in action....

Re: the French Revolution: it is interesting to note that after all was said and guillotined the French were smart enough to not even name a public toilet after Robespierre. He was a greasy killer, end of story. CUrious the MSM and prime minister of Canada doesn't see the same in Castro.

Posted by: Bonedaddi at December 11, 2016 11:40 AM (dE9Jm)

324 318
I read "Superego" a year or so ago. I keep checking for a sequel. No luck yet.

Posted by: Tuna at December 11, 2016 11:41 AM (JSovD)

325 Right now I'm reading an old paperback I picked up for 25 cents at a used bookstore: "RFK: The Man Who Would Be President," by Ralph de Toledano. It is decidedly unfriendly to Bobby, and was published early in 1968. Three months later,of course, the question was moot.

This could be a whole nother category for book discussion: topical publications which were overtaken by events. Perhaps we can start with that "Madam President" issue of Time.

Posted by: Annalucia at December 11, 2016 11:34 AM (a5bF3)

That's an interesting idea.

There was a book written sometime... this one, actually:

http://tinyurl.com/j76xtse

"The Emerging Democratic Majority," written in 2002.

Well...

I never read it, but I do recall it being discussed rather vigorously around these parts, way back when.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2016 11:41 AM (Pz4pT)

326 Well that does it..you insensitive cretin..I'm off to hang myself in the oven while simultaneously throwing myself off the building

Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 11:38 AM (zMWpG)

And shooting yourself in the head. The back of it. Twice.

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at December 11, 2016 11:42 AM (J8/9G)

327 320
I wish I didn't think you guys were at least partially serious, because then I could laugh without any guilt.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2016

-----------

Well that does it..you insensitive cretin..I'm off to hang myself in the oven while simultaneously throwing myself off the building
Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 11:38 AM (zMWpG)

That's a big damn oven.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 11:42 AM (0mRoj)

328 That's a big damn oven.

He's gonna jump in to avoid the nuke. Totally works.

Posted by: Indiana Jones at December 11, 2016 11:43 AM (39g3+)

329
I wish I didn't think you guys were at least partially serious, because then I could laugh without any guilt.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2016

-------
I can't speak for Insomniac, but I laugh at my foolish brain quite often. Helps a lot to fool myself that Imy really happy and normal....Bwahahaha..

Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 11:44 AM (zMWpG)

330 Were weed or shrooms involved? Open up the album cover and see if anything falls out.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 11, 2016 11:29 AM (EnKk6)

Heh. I had pothead taste in music years and years before I ever smoked pot.

Posted by: Bandersnatch at December 11, 2016 11:44 AM (mgbwf)

331 The country side of Bob Dylan: "Lay Lady Lay". Holds up very well after all these years.

Posted by: Tuna at December 11, 2016 11:44 AM (JSovD)

332 329
I wish I didn't think you guys were at least partially serious, because then I could laugh without any guilt.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2016

-------
I can't speak for Insomniac, but I laugh at my foolish brain quite often. Helps a lot to fool myself that Imy really happy and normal....Bwahahaha..
Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 11:44 AM (zMWpG)

Gallows humor. Breakfast of champions.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 11:45 AM (0mRoj)

333 Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2016

-----------

Well that does it..you insensitive cretin..I'm off to hang myself in the oven while simultaneously throwing myself off the building
Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 11:38 AM (zMWpG)

Don't forget to wear a sweater, else you'll catch a cold!

Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2016 11:45 AM (Pz4pT)

334 Thanks for the suggestions and positive vibes, everybody. You guys are Aces. Pun kind of intended.

Posted by: Goldilocks at December 11, 2016 11:45 AM (pOgVG)

335 Reading more and blogging less....my current list:

"How To Be Idle" by the great English skivver, Tom Hodginkson
"Mind and the Brain" by Jeffrey Schwartz. It delves into the neurological basis for mindfulness training/reprogramming.

Posted by: Big Fat Meanie at December 11, 2016 11:46 AM (n3MnG)

336 Don't forget to wear a sweater, else you'll catch a cold!
Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2016 11:45 AM (Pz4pT)

And clean underwear. Don't forget clean underwear.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 11:46 AM (0mRoj)

337 So is Bonnie Raitt considered country?

Posted by: Canniball Bob 'non thinker extraordinaire' at December 11, 2016 10:45 AM (AGr9E)

I would describe her as "roots", which is that sort of gray area where classic country, classic blues, and proto rock and roll all merge. Plenty of good music in that genre that rarely gets radio airplay.

You want a tour-de-force hurtin' country song? Check out "The Richest One" by Toni Price. Can be found on youtube.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at December 11, 2016 11:46 AM (MiBfH)

338 Don't forget to wear a sweater, else you'll catch a cold!
Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2016 11:45 AM (Pz4pT)

And clean underwear. Don't forget clean underwear.
Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 11:46 AM (0mRoj)

I like to sew somebody else's name in my underwear. Gives the coroner a challenge and a chuckle.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2016 11:47 AM (Pz4pT)

339 My manager thinks introverts are better at sales than extroverts. If I understand him correctly it would be because introverts are better at acting extroverts than true extroverts are at shutting up and listening when that is necessary.
Posted by: Northernlurker at December 11, 2016 10:40 AM (s7hQ/)

Thinking back to the Myers-Briggs, isn't one of the hallmarks of introverts that they're better in (very) small groups, esp. one-on-on? That would account for better sales performance by an introvert.

Posted by: SandyCheeks (formerly RushBabe) at December 11, 2016 11:47 AM (joFoi)

340 Who couldda seen this coming? McCainiac and Miss Lindsey join with Schmucky Tumor to screw us.

http://tinyurl.com/zdw3veo

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks

There were so many other abuses over the past 8 years, by the Democrats, that they could have raised a stink over but didn't. Now this? It's laughable. They really are just Democrats. I would like to see wikileaks provide a hack of all their emails.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 11, 2016 11:48 AM (rH4JY)

341 And shooting yourself in the head. The back of it. Twice.
Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at December 11, 2016 11:42 AM (J8/9G)

------
You do that on the way down, for style points..

The Neichze Olympics!!

Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 11:48 AM (zMWpG)

342 @339. The manager is exactly right, and I'm not one to agree with authority.

Posted by: Big Fat Meanie at December 11, 2016 11:49 AM (n3MnG)

343 This could be a whole nother category for book discussion: topical publications which were overtaken by events.

I was culling books a couple of years ago and found two textbooks:

The Communist Parties of Eastern Europe, and

Eastern Europe in the 1980s.

My, how quaint those little packages of knowledge now seem.

Posted by: Bandersnatch at December 11, 2016 11:50 AM (mgbwf)

344 The funny side of country music: "Trashy Women". By Confeerate Railroad. Still makes me laugh.

Posted by: Tuna at December 11, 2016 11:51 AM (JSovD)

345 teej - you gone? Got waylaid by a phone call. I found the video clip - nice!

Saddest song in country music is "Nobody Answers When I Call Your Name" by Vince Gill, with backup vocals by Patty Loveless.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwmGWCJOxnw

Disclaimer: I have had a mad mad crush on Vince Gill since the early 90's. I was very upset when that Amy Grant girl up and married him. Have not quite forgiven her for that.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 11:51 AM (dFi94)

346 The funny side of country music: "Trashy Women". By Confeerate Railroad. Still makes me laugh.

Posted by: Tuna at December 11, 2016 11:51 AM (JSovD)
=================

I don't know if anybody remembers the Kentucky Headhunters. They were a hoot. They did a remake of Davy Crockett. Son wore a coonskin hat for months. Even to church.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 11:53 AM (dFi94)

347 310 Wish I'd known. That's real open-your-veins-with-a-spork stuff right there.
Posted by: Insomniac at

---------

I just jump feet first into the wood chipper when I hear it.

On the slow setting
Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 11:32 AM (zMWpG)

I wish I didn't think you guys were at least partially serious, because then I could laugh without any guilt.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 11, 2016 11:34 AM (Pz4pT)

Yeah, that was pretty awful. An awful story, not an awful song.

Traditional folk music was all about awful stories, though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqHJ4V893e0

Posted by: rickl at December 11, 2016 11:53 AM (sdi6R)

348 283 ... Christopher, I agree. So much of what is touted as great literature by our betters, especially in the 20th century, is depressing, miserable, life sucks, nihilistic or a combination of them. To have even a glimmer of light in the 'natural' human condition is not permitted. A good example of that attitude is the critics and cultural gurus having hissy fits when JRR Tolkien was voted (popular vote, not one handed down from on high) as author of the century. Their howls of outrage were a delight to the ears.

Posted by: JTB at December 11, 2016 11:54 AM (V+03K)

349 You guys rock, I must go toil in the minds of my coworkers.

It will be fun for some, confusion for most, and money for me...

Be Bigly Horde

Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 11:54 AM (zMWpG)

350 The world started going to sh* when Buddy Holly died, that's what I say.

-- The Watts Riots made the Cloward-Piven lightbulbs go on, so whatever year they were.

Second choice: man buns.

Posted by: SandyCheeks (formerly RushBabe) at December 11, 2016 11:57 AM (joFoi)

351 316 Johnny Carson used to say that a hit country song had to have 3 items : Coffee, Jail and Railroad.

Posted by: JT at December 11, 2016 11:36 AM (BQWnn)
=================

Where's Momma?

I think it was mentioned upthread but David Allen Coe & Steve Goodman wrote the perfect country song.

Posted by: Boots at December 11, 2016 11:57 AM (EBwPV)

352 Now that just about everyone knows how the NYT bestseller list works, I wonder how much influence it will keep having? Its always been a joke.

Posted by: Indiana Jones at December 11, 2016 11:58 AM (39g3+)

353 Traditional folk music was all about awful stories, though.

Oh, nice Baez!

I like (and this is personal preference, not saying it's better) music that is rooted in traditional folk, often when hybridized with other genres.

*shuffles cards*

I'll open with Steeleye Span and the Pogues.

Posted by: Bandersnatch at December 11, 2016 12:00 PM (mgbwf)

354 "Traditional folk music was all about awful stories, though. "

"Whiskey Lullaby" is really just a modern retelling of he traditional "Barbara Allen"

Posted by: Tuna at December 11, 2016 12:00 PM (JSovD)

355 I tried reading Sartre, but Pollyanna take on things was too syrupy for me taste.

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 12:00 PM (0mRoj)

356 *his* Pollyanna take

Posted by: Insomniac at December 11, 2016 12:01 PM (0mRoj)

357 So do any of you bluegrass fans have any specific group or collection recommendations? I especially like the fiddle, banjo and mandolin - but have never gone as far as buying any music and wouldn't know where to start.

Posted by: Weasel at December 11, 2016 12:01 PM (Sfs6o)

358 >>>124 gm, try John Wright's Golden Age trilogy. Very high concept sci-fi.
Posted by: Sporkatus at December 11, 2016 10:15 AM (cDeXv)>>>

Thanks. Will do.

Posted by: gm at December 11, 2016 12:01 PM (ZuuHE)

359 Now that just about everyone knows how the NYT
bestseller list works, I wonder how much influence it will keep having?
Its always been a joke.

Posted by: Indiana Jones at December 11, 2016 11:58 AM (39g3+)
==================================

I don't believe the Bible has ever been on top of the NYT Bestseller list, although it sells the most copies by far every year. They just skip it.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 12:01 PM (dFi94)

360 354
"Whiskey Lullaby" is really just a modern retelling of he traditional "Barbara Allen"
Posted by: Tuna at December 11, 2016 12:00 PM (JSovD)

Yep, sure sounds like it.

Posted by: rickl at December 11, 2016 12:04 PM (sdi6R)

361 Posted by: Kindltot at December 11, 2016 11:20 AM (typGQ)

Tolkien actually started, but never finished, a story about this very question, set during Eldarion's reign, when kids think playing Orcs is cool and so forth. The title is "The New Shadow," and you can find it in The Peoples of Middle-earth.

Posted by: Elisabeth G. Wolfe at December 11, 2016 12:04 PM (G4y5c)

362 So much of what is touted as great literature by our betters, especially in the 20th century, is depressing, miserable, life sucks, nihilistic or a combination of them.

-
You'd be sad too if none of your theories worked.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, This Is the Dawning of the Age of the Trumpius! at December 11, 2016 12:04 PM (Nwg0u)

363 Speaking of CNN covering the FAB's butt for the entire campaign, I watched a string of videos on YouTube yesterday, all of them clips of various CNN people interviewing Kellyanne Conway both in the ten-day runup to the election, and after.

The nastiness, the bitter badgering, and relentless condescension was truly evident, and throughout it all, Kellyanne remained calm and spoke her defenses and those of DJT well.

What would be really cool, is if one could get the audio or transcripts of what the CNN producers were screaming into the ear-mics of Cooper, Cuomo, and the smug women talking heads, during Conway's responses, prepping them with responses and gotchas.

Posted by: the littl shyning man at December 11, 2016 12:06 PM (U6f54)

364 I simultaneously reading and enjoying Kurt Schlichter's People's Republic and Marie Kondo's The life changing Magic of Tidying Up.

Reading the latter book because it seems to be popular and we're fixing to move. She says she personally only keeps about 30 books in the house at any given time.
Yeah, that's not happening.
I am going to be pretty ruthless, thinking of my kid who'll have to deal with all our shit when we're gone.

However, even Ms Kondo agrees you should keep things that you enjoy having.

Posted by: stace at December 11, 2016 12:07 PM (ozZau)

365
I'm assembling a new bookcase this morning.

Afraid it will scarcely make a dent on all the stacks of books everywhere!

Posted by: Spun and Murky at December 11, 2016 12:08 PM (4DCSq)

366 So do any of you bluegrass fans have any specific group or collection recommendations?

Doc Watson, Ralph Stanley, Alison Krauss, Bill Monroe, Red Allen & Frank Wakefield, Earl Taylor and the Stanley Mountain Boys, Earl Scruggs, Osborne Brothers, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and Dan Tyminski will get you started.

I don't believe the Bible has ever been on top of the NYT Bestseller list, although it sells the most copies by far every year.

That's because its a trick. The NYT best seller list isn't "here's what's selling best around the nation or world." They picked a handful of very specific pet bookstores in Manhattan and supposedly kept it secret. What sold there, they listed.

Except every major publisher knew what the bookstores were, and they just had a fleet of people go buy specific books when released at those stores to jack the sales up and get them on the NYT list. The Bible is never one of them.

That's why the list is always "books that just came out and you never heard of" rather than "stuff everyone is buying and reading."

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 12:08 PM (39g3+)

367 So both Julian Assange and Chris Murray (former UK Ambassador to Uzbekistan, who knows Assange well) came out this AM and said that the DNC leaks were from an insider upset about how Bernie Sanders was treated.

Russia had nothing to do with it.

The composition of the leaked emails makes that allegation reasonable.

This is all political nonsense. Russia hated Hilary, that is clear, but they did not influence the election.

Posted by: Concerned Citizen at December 11, 2016 12:08 PM (dGs9w)

368 Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 12:08 PM (39g3+)
--------
Thanks CRT!

Posted by: Weasel at December 11, 2016 12:09 PM (Sfs6o)

369 "The problem with that is that western civilization by its nature isn't
about gunning down people for having ideas I disagree with. Christopher ...

No, we defend even flag burners. But treason and sedition, acting in coordination with foreign nations, against America, is still a crime. The whole of the commie effort has been covert at its root, with profits taken for selling us out. The whole "global governance" concept is enemy action.

Posted by: illiniwek at December 11, 2016 12:10 PM (pS/eA)

370 Only misery and human suffering seems real and valid to them.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 11:37 AM (39g3+)

One time in a poetry writing class I took in grad school, one of my classmates pointed out that I write the kind of poetry "people actually want to read." She took pains to clarify that she meant it as a compliment, but I think everyone in the room knew how readily many people in the poetry scene--probably including the prof!--would have said it with a sneer.But hey, that's one reason I write Westerns.

Posted by: Elisabeth G. Wolfe at December 11, 2016 12:10 PM (G4y5c)

371 "I always wondered what the rebuiliding of Middle Earth was like after Sauron was defeated. A golden age of poetry, peace and prosperity or Yugoslavia?
Posted by: Kindltot"

I thought it would be neither but a definite improvement. Sauron and his creatures are gone, as Tolkien states. The Elves are diminished and have left. Gandalf has completed his mission and is gone. These 'higher' powers, good and evil, are done. It is the shift to the age of men. Evil will still exist but won't have to be imposed, like Sauron, but will come from humans. However, that human element can also provide grace and joy.

Just my opinion.

Posted by: JTB at December 11, 2016 12:11 PM (V+03K)

372 So do any of you bluegrass fans have any specific
group or collection recommendations? I especially like the fiddle,
banjo and mandolin - but have never gone as far as buying any music and
wouldn't know where to start. Posted by: Weasel at December 11, 2016 12:01 PM (Sfs6o)
=====

Start with Steve Martin on you tube (very good banjo player and very famous) and just go on from there. You will be amazed at some of the artistry and just find someone or a sound you like. Old Hee Haw episodes have some great players as well.

Posted by: mustbequantum at December 11, 2016 12:11 PM (MIKMs)

373 Second choice: man buns.
Posted by: SandyCheeks (formerly RushBabe) at December 11, 2016 11:57 AM (joFoi)

Yup...hahaha....most redonkulous thing since tye dye t-shirts. Those dumb asses sporting that abomination will rue the pics taken from their man-bun days.

Get a haircut and get a job.

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at December 11, 2016 12:12 PM (5VlCp)

374 Last week in this thread, I asked for recommendations for post apocalyptic fiction, and a couple of you suggested I read the Last Policeman series.

Thank you for that.

I am near the end of the first, and the other two are in the mail. They are pre apocalyptic, not post, and it's every bit as interesting how people behave if the whole world knows the date of the awful end, eight months in advance.

When researching the author, I found out he wrote some fun books for kids, and I bought one of them for a Christmas present for our oldest grandson. Very entertaining writing.

Posted by: the littl shyning man at December 11, 2016 12:13 PM (U6f54)

375 I think everyone in the room knew how readily many people in the poetry scene--probably including the prof!--would have said it with a sneer

Right, there's a sense of condescension and contempt for anything that ordinary people might find pleasing or entertaining. As if being a part of something regular folks might like would stain them.

There's a need for high art in the world, but more importantly, there's a need for folk art. There is no need for pop art.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 12:13 PM (39g3+)

376 I'm a true crime aficionado so I watch a lot of the ID network. They have a new series, The 80s: The Deadliest Decade. Every episode starts with how Reagan and the GOP turned the country into greedheads and the the story has nothing to do with that. In one episode, a cheerleader from an affluent community was murdered by another, jealous cheeeader. In another, a adulterous farmer kills to protect his secret and then kills to get away with the first killing etc. until seven people are dead. These are Reagan's fault because?

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, This Is the Dawning of the Age of the Trumpius! at December 11, 2016 12:15 PM (Nwg0u)

377 Firefox has a plug-in EPUB reader. I've spent the last few days downloading several books on Native history. There are hundreds available, several from Univ. of California. 2 that I found particularly interesting were by Army officers, sympathetic to Natives but definitely not politically correct for modern times when it came to some of the tribes. Both of them particularly thought highly of the Cheyennes.

"Twenty Years among our Hostile Indians" by James Humfreville
"Our Wild Indians" by Richard Irving Dodge
Here's the site for tens of thousands of free ebooks, more than Gutenburg has available.

http://tinyurl.com/gmu2byl

Posted by: JHW at December 11, 2016 12:15 PM (kn0BL)

378 Oh, speaking of traditional-ish music.

Patti Smith (!) went to Stockholm to sing "A Hard Rain's a Gonna Fall" on Dylan's behalf.

http://bit.ly/2gyTOhZ

Posted by: Bandersnatch at December 11, 2016 12:18 PM (mgbwf)

379 A book I wish I could find is From the sierras to the pampas : Richard Burton's travels in the Americas, 1860-69, about Sir Richard Burton in Americas and his reflections and reactions to the continent. Its kinda out there but very rare and spendy.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 12:20 PM (39g3+)

380 Speaking of CNN covering the FAB's butt for the entire campaign,

-
I see that the Beast of Chappaqua spent twice losing what Trump spent winning.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, This Is the Dawning of the Age of the Trumpius! at December 11, 2016 12:20 PM (Nwg0u)

381 367 So both Julian Assange and Chris Murray (former UK Ambassador to Uzbekistan, who knows Assange well) came out this AM and said that the DNC leaks were from an insider upset about how Bernie Sanders was treated.

Russia had nothing to do with it.

The composition of the leaked emails makes that allegation reasonable.

This is all political nonsense. Russia hated Hilary, that is clear, but they did not influence the election.

Posted by: Concerned Citizen at December 11, 2016 12:08 PM (dGs9w)
-------------------------------------

There was a DNC staffer murdered this past summer and reddit's Trump subreddit has been all over the speculation that he was the leaker and got whacked for his troubles.

Posted by: Boots at December 11, 2016 12:21 PM (EBwPV)

382 372
Back in the day when "Prairie Home Companion" was fun to listen to, there was a husband and wife bluegrass duo that showed up on the show regularly. I wish I could remember their names. I do remember them doing a routine of tradional Broadway favorites bluegrass style. It was hilarious. They were quite good. Jean Redpath, the tradional Scottish songstress was also a frequent guest.

Posted by: Tuna at December 11, 2016 12:21 PM (JSovD)

383 Right, there's a sense of condescension and contempt for anything that
ordinary people might find pleasing or entertaining. As if being a part
of something regular folks might like would stain them.

Oh, man, that reminds me of the mutual grousing among CSL, Kingsley Amis, and Brian Aldiss in "Unreal Estates" about being sneered at for liking and even writing sci-fi. That kind of snobbishness is irritating as all get-out.

There's a need for high art in the world, but more importantly, there's a need for folk art. There is no need for pop art.

Agreed 100%.

Posted by: Elisabeth G. Wolfe at December 11, 2016 12:22 PM (G4y5c)

384 I hope he pulls the trigger and starts yanking FCC licenses to combat the "Fake News Epidemic".

Er, you may want to read this...

http://americanlookout.com/uh-oh-is-mcconnell-allowing-democrats-to-take-over-trumps-fcc/

Posted by: SandyCheeks (formerly RushBabe) at December 11, 2016 12:22 PM (joFoi)

385 Bluegrass?

Try Hot Rize.

And for banjo picking of a different sort, anything by Bela Fleck.

Posted by: the littl shyning man at December 11, 2016 12:23 PM (U6f54)

386 I read an article once that said we could save western civilization by lining up about 30 people against the wall and gunning them all down and said "you all know who they are."

The problem with that is that western civilization by its nature isn't about gunning down people for having ideas I disagree with. That's like saving your child from snakebite by chainsawing her leg off. Technically the poison is gone but...

It is a bit harsh, but it worked for me.

Posted by: Augusto Pinochet at December 11, 2016 12:24 PM (IcT7t)

387 A book I wish I could find is From the sierras to the pampas : Richard Burton's travels in the Americas, 1860-69,
about Sir Richard Burton in Americas and his reflections and reactions
to the continent. Its kinda out there but very rare and spendy.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 12:20 PM (39g3+)

I want to read that in conjunction with Twain's Roughing It, and other travelers' accounts - like off the wagon trains to the Oregon Territory

Posted by: Kindltot at December 11, 2016 12:26 PM (typGQ)

388 A book I wish I could find is From the sierras to the pampas : Richard Burton's travels in the Americas, 1860-69, about Sir Richard Burton in Americas and his reflections and reactions to the continent. Its kinda out there but very rare and spendy.

WorldCat shows 124 copies in libraries. Find your local librarian who is the specialist in interlibrary loans and get it, out-of-network if necessary.

Posted by: cool breeze at December 11, 2016 12:26 PM (StZrq)

389 From the Sierra to the Pampas.

ABE Books has it.

http://tinyurl.com/zbfrauo

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at December 11, 2016 12:27 PM (J+eG2)

390 Test

Posted by: Nip Sip at December 11, 2016 12:28 PM (tb8IQ)

391 Oh, since this is sort of a Dylan thread.

He wrote a Nobel acceptance speech which was read on his behalf by the US Ambassador.

It's remarkably humble and thoughtful:

http://bit.ly/2hgrlMa

Posted by: Bandersnatch at December 11, 2016 12:28 PM (mgbwf)

392 Posted by: mustbequantum at December 11, 2016 12:11 PM (MIKMs)
-------
Thanks. I knew Steve Martin played the banjo, and his autobiography is pretty interesting too, by the way!

Thanks everyone else for the bluegrass recommendations!

Posted by: Weasel at December 11, 2016 12:28 PM (Sfs6o)

393 Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 12:20 PM (39g3+)
---
Christopher, AbeBooks has copies for reasonable prices.

Unless you wanted Burton's actual personal journals...

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 11, 2016 12:28 PM (EnKk6)

394 345 ... Grammie, I had a chance to interview Vince Gil years ago. He was one of the nicest, most gracious people I ever met. Your crush was well founded. Also, even though he is so well known, his talent is still not fully appreciated.

That same day I got to interview Trisha Yearwood. Her first hit "She's In Love With The Boy" had just come out. What an absolutely sweet lady. I love her voice. I wish she would do a solo acoustic album.

I stopped listening to the local 'country' music radio station. Unless they play an old Clint Black or Alan Jackson song (which is almost never) I can't tell it from a rock station.

Posted by: JTB at December 11, 2016 12:30 PM (V+03K)

395 357 ... Some of the best banjo I've heard for a long time is by Steve Martin. (Yes, THAT Steve Martin.) He has a wonderful talent.

Posted by: JTB at December 11, 2016 12:34 PM (V+03K)

396 378 Oh, speaking of traditional-ish music.

Patti Smith (!) went to Stockholm to sing "A Hard Rain's a Gonna Fall" on Dylan's behalf.

http://bit.ly/2gyTOhZ
Posted by: Bandersnatch at December 11, 2016 12:18 PM (mgbwf)

I liked her very much in the old days, but the one time I met her she was very rude and dismissive.

Fine. I can play that too. I will never buy another album or see another concert of hers.

I can hold a grudge with the best of them. In fact, my grudges can ignite hydrogen clouds to form new stars.

Posted by: rickl at December 11, 2016 12:35 PM (sdi6R)

397 From anonosaurus' article:

And Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) said she "absolutely" supports the investigation but is "not questioning that Donald Trump won the election."

"Vladimir Putin is a thug and a bully ... He has to be held accountable," she said on "This Week." "For Donald Trump to dismiss out of hand the intelligence community's fact-gathering frankly doesn't bode well for him protecting our country."

This drives me nuts. Democrat thugs and bullies hysterically pointing the finger at Putin and calling him a thug and a bully all of a sudden. "Nerve", "gall", "chutzpah", none of it adequately captures how absurd and hypocritical they are.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 11, 2016 12:35 PM (rH4JY)

398 "In fact, my grudges can ignite hydrogen clouds to form new stars."

Damn!!!

I thought Mrs VIA could hold grudges.

I am not worthy

*Bows down*

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at December 11, 2016 12:36 PM (J+eG2)

399 Anonosaurus Wrecks, I'm an addict, too. Have set up that series to record, but I haven't watched it yet. Thanks for the heads up on the bias.

Posted by: April at December 11, 2016 12:37 PM (e8PP1)

400 392 Posted by: mustbequantum at December 11, 2016 12:11 PM (MIKMs)
-------
Thanks. I knew Steve Martin played the banjo, and his autobiography is pretty interesting too, by the way!

Thanks everyone else for the bluegrass recommendations!
Posted by: Weasel at December 11, 2016 12:28 PM (Sfs6o)

Posted by: Hugh Jorgen at December 11, 2016 12:41 PM (R5EqA)

401 Patti Smith as far as I am concerned is one of the best modern poets/songwriters around. She has serious performance problems (shyness, stage fright, who knows), and I think she is seriously undervalued because of it. After all, performers have to perform.

Posted by: mustbequantum at December 11, 2016 12:41 PM (MIKMs)

402 Molly Ban

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a5RAnVWN_2c

The Chieftains Alison Krauss

Posted by: OregonMuse, deplorable since 2004 at December 11, 2016 12:41 PM (9vlTF)

403 392 Posted by: mustbequantum at December 11, 2016 12:11 PM (MIKMs)
-------
Thanks. I knew Steve Martin played the banjo, and his autobiography is pretty interesting too, by the way!

Thanks everyone else for the bluegrass recommendations!
Posted by: Weasel at December 11, 2016 12:28 PM (Sfs6o)

Lemme guess....he was born a poor black child?

Posted by: Hugh Jorgen at December 11, 2016 12:41 PM (R5EqA)

404 There's a need for high art in the world, but more importantly, there's a need for folk art. There is no need for pop art.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor

There is, however, a need for Pop Tarts.

Posted by: Michael Moore at December 11, 2016 12:43 PM (rH4JY)

405 So Moron readers. What do you do when you start running our of shelf space? Do you start culling books, or do you start stacking them up, wherever you can find space?

You run into my problem and can't find a book your looking for in a house or in out building.

Posted by: Skip at December 11, 2016 12:45 PM (5sOEp)

406 Patti Smith as far as I am concerned is one of the best modern poets/songwriters around.

Yeah, baby!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcbuG2w0Kzo

Posted by: Quentin Tarantino at December 11, 2016 12:46 PM (rH4JY)

407 Posted by: Hugh Jorgen at December 11, 2016 12:41 PM (R5EqA)
---------
It's been a while since I read it but he started working at Disney in CA in retail if I recall correctly, and then started doing magic tricks in his spare time.

Posted by: Weasel at December 11, 2016 12:47 PM (Sfs6o)

408 Back from church now. While I generally sit in the same spot, in the same pew, every now and then there is some usurper/squatter who moves in and assumes my place. While it strains my spirit of Christian charity, I just find another spot, and that is that. Anyhow, I make a point of checking the dedications recorded in the hymnals and Bible that are in the pew rack at that spot.

They are sometimes an interesting historical record. Today, the hymnal had been donated by the Fortune family, and was dedicated to "Stonewall Jackson Fortune". Now, there's a name to be proud of. Can't be very many of those in the phone book... if you remember what a phone book is.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 11, 2016 12:48 PM (ZO497)

409 I am tapped out except for a small stack of money to buy presents this Christmas, so no ABE but I'll try the library.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 12:50 PM (39g3+)

410 This drives me nuts. Democrat thugs and bullies hysterically pointing the finger at Putin and calling him a thug and a bully all of a sudden. "Nerve", "gall", "chutzpah", none of it adequately captures how absurd and hypocritical they are.
Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear
----------

Why, it's as if they a want the foreign policy of the 80's back.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 11, 2016 12:50 PM (ZO497)

411 Posted by: Weasel at December 11, 2016 12:47 PM (Sfs6o)

This was what I was jokingly referring to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfAvQp-Uk5I

Posted by: Hugh Jorgen at December 11, 2016 12:51 PM (R5EqA)

412 Every episode starts with how Reagan and the GOP turned the country into greedheads and the the story has nothing to do with that. In one episode, a cheerleader from an affluent community was murdered by another, jealous cheeeader. In another, a adulterous farmer kills to protect his secret and then kills to get away with the first killing etc. until seven people are dead. These are Reagan's fault because?

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks

In Hillary's America, both those cheerleaders would be helping underprivileged Haitians and would be unafraid to express their same sex attractions, instead of flaunting their bodies for the Patriarchy. That farmer and his wife and lover would realize that there is no shame in Polyamory and would have lived harmonious life together as a threesome.

Reagan strengthened the reactionary mindset that leads to repression and violence. He has so much blood on his hands.

Posted by: Hillary Clinton at December 11, 2016 12:52 PM (rH4JY)

413 Anonosaurus Wrecks, I'm an addict, too. Have set up
that series to record, but I haven't watched it yet. Thanks for the
heads up on the bias.

Posted by: April at December 11,

The bias is obvious. I really like Homicide Hunter. My, My, My. or, He wasn't burdened with the ills of intelligence.

Posted by: Infidel at December 11, 2016 12:53 PM (a62hT)

414 413 Anonosaurus Wrecks, I'm an addict, too. Have set up
that series to record, but I haven't watched it yet. Thanks for the
heads up on the bias.

Posted by: April at December 11,

The bias is obvious. I really like Homicide Hunter. My, My, My. or, He wasn't burdened with the ills of intelligence.
Posted by: Infidel at December 11, 2016 12:53 PM (a62hT)

I'm looking at the upcoming shows today and they have one called "Truth Is Stranger Than Florida".

Hah!

Posted by: Hugh Jorgen at December 11, 2016 12:54 PM (R5EqA)

415 Oh, yeah...Lt Joe Kenda is our absolute favorite. Amazing man, no sympathy for killers of any stripe.

Posted by: April at December 11, 2016 12:57 PM (e8PP1)

416 Posted by: Hugh Jorgen at December 11, 2016 12:54 PM (R5EqA)

lol.

Posted by: Infidel at December 11, 2016 12:57 PM (a62hT)

417 I enjoy The First 48 quite a bit, even though its kind of depressing. Watching it makes me wonder about cop procedural books though. None of the cops are all that bright or amazing, they just have a procedure and are very implacable, they keep pushing until they get the answer, and sometimes don't. Its more about time and technique than detective work. Some of the most obvious moves they don't even make until late in the case (at least they seem obvious to me). Lots of really boring, plodding work like reading 800 pages of documents or waiting for results to come back from some test or request.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 12:58 PM (39g3+)

418 April, and they actually show him smoking. He doesn't mince words.

Posted by: Infidel at December 11, 2016 12:58 PM (a62hT)

419 And, to stay on topic, I sure wish Kenda would write a book.

Posted by: April at December 11, 2016 12:59 PM (e8PP1)

420 I've been inundated with email touting 'best of 2016' lists, mostly books. So far I haven't seen one I even want to investigate. Another case of being out of step with popular culture, along with TV and music radio. I know my curmudgeon quotient is growing but it can't be just me.

That is one of many reasons the Book Thread is wonderful. (Thanks to OM.) The huge variety of mentions and suggestions is staggering and always welcome. It can be bit tough on the book budget, though.

Posted by: JTB at December 11, 2016 01:00 PM (V+03K)

421 Back in the day when "Prairie Home Companion" was fun to listen to, there was a husband and wife bluegrass duo ..

Yup I liked them too. Stopped listening to Keillor when he began to inject Left/Liberal commentary into the show, so, about 20 ago.

I think the couple you mention are Robin & Linda Williams. One of their ballads: http://tinyurl.com/guaxpj3

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 11, 2016 01:01 PM (ZO497)

422 (at least they seem obvious to me). Lots of really
boring, plodding work like reading 800 pages of documents or waiting for
results to come back from some test or request.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 12:58 PM (39g3+)

This. I worked in a firm that one of the atty's had all the records for a local murder case. I was able to read as much of the file I wanted on my lunch hours. It was obvious who did it, but no hard proof yet. They finally found proof and she was convicted. They even did a show on it on ID.

Posted by: Infidel at December 11, 2016 01:02 PM (a62hT)

423 Patti Smith's underarm muff is second only to Nena.

Posted by: garrett at December 11, 2016 01:02 PM (c8Ctg)

424
I read somewhere last week that there's only two first world countries that elect their chief executive by popular vote: France, and I forget the other one, I think maybe it was Japan, but don't quote me on that. Anyway, it's been amusing watching the Democrats weeping and wailing and gnashing their teeth about the popular vote, as if they're being denied some sort of God-given natural right.

That was a little project of mine, a few days after the election, I'm proud to say. I looked at the top 30 nations on the UN Development Index, and only two had direct selection of their Head of Government: France and South Korea. You could possibly add Taiwan, depending on how you define "direct" selection, given their rather unique form of government.

Most of those governments are parliamentary systems, where the HoG is selected by the parliament itself, the voters only elect their regional representatives. A few are dictatorships, or autonomous protectorates of dictatorships (China, Hong Kong, Macau) with opaque selection processes that have no real legal precedent from one change of government to the other. Others have an elected or selected executive body who then choose the HoG (Switzerland, USA, depending on how you view the Electoral College)

What prompted the project was the leftist argument that the Electoral College doesn't directly represent the will of the people. Of COURSE it doesn't. It wasn't meant to. And in fact, almost every non-shitty nation in the world moves Heaven and Earth to ensure that there is a disconnect between the people and selection of the HoG.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at December 11, 2016 01:02 PM (LuZz8)

425 My house smells like freshly baked Banana Bread...

Posted by: garrett at December 11, 2016 01:03 PM (c8Ctg)

426 Patti Smith's underarm muff is second only to Nena.
Posted by: garrett at December 11, 2016 01:02 PM (c8Ctg)

Yup...99 Luftballons and 4 smelly pits.

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at December 11, 2016 01:04 PM (5VlCp)

427 ...now, I just need to find a few dozen new books to read while I wait for Patrick Rothfus and Brandon Sanderson race to see who will finish last in the race to release Book 3.

Posted by: garrett at December 11, 2016 01:04 PM (c8Ctg)

428
Patti Smith's underarm muff is second only to Nena.
Posted by: garrett at December 11, 2016 01:02 PM (c8Ctg)

Yup...99 Luftballons and 4 smelly pits.

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at December 11, 2016 01:04 PM (5VlCp)

And you know damned well you would have banged Nena silly, regardless of her pits.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at December 11, 2016 01:05 PM (LuZz8)

429 415 Oh, yeah...Lt Joe Kenda is our absolute favorite. Amazing man, no sympathy for killers of any stripe.
Posted by: April at December 11, 2016 12:57 PM (e8PP1)

You have to wonder if the Colorado Springs CoC wishes his show would get canceled. It makes it look like they're the murder capitol of the country, lol.

Posted by: josephistan at December 11, 2016 01:06 PM (7qAYi)

430 Nena was really cute. She had some naughty songs on that album too, I remember playing some of them on the college radio station in the 80s.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 01:06 PM (39g3+)

431 Except every major publisher knew what the bookstores were, and they just had a fleet of people go buy specific books when released at those stores to jack the sales up and get them on the NYT list. The Bible is never one of them.

That's why the list is always "books that just came out and you never heard of" rather than "stuff everyone is buying and reading."

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor

Evangelical megachurch pastors such as Mark Driscoll and Steven Furtick have tried that very tactic for their "bestsellers", and gotten a lot of flack for it.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 11, 2016 01:06 PM (rH4JY)

432 >>And you know damned well you would have banged Nena silly, regardless of her pits.

...whomever pulled me out would have been declared the once and future King of England.

Posted by: garrett at December 11, 2016 01:06 PM (c8Ctg)

433 And shooting yourself in the head. The back of it. Twice.

Just ask Vince Foster.

Posted by: JT at December 11, 2016 01:08 PM (BQWnn)

434 99 bottles of beer on the wall...*hic*

Posted by: Ready For Nena!!11!! at December 11, 2016 01:10 PM (Tyii7)

435 I go to the library a lot. I don't know how many times I've started reading a book only to slam in shut before finishing it. I am glad I don't waste any money on these books, especially those with trite, bad writing and/or the author takes a turn down lefty lane. So glad I did not put money into their pockets. Cannot abide.

Posted by: washrivergal at December 11, 2016 01:11 PM (CFc5L)

436 428
And you know damned well you would have banged Nena silly, regardless of her pits.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at December 11, 2016 01:05 PM (LuZz

Yes, and Patti, too, back in the day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3KEhWTnWvE

Posted by: rickl at December 11, 2016 01:11 PM (sdi6R)

437 ...whomever pulled me out would have been declared the once and future King of England.

Help me find your keys and...

Posted by: Ready For Nena!!11!! at December 11, 2016 01:11 PM (Tyii7)

438 Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 11, 2016 12:48 PM (ZO497)

Cut those squatters some slack. They may be like Golflady and myself. Looking for a new church, after being sent to the Hinterlands when the smart ones decided to let the ghey into the church.

We squat gently and with respect.

Posted by: Golfman at December 11, 2016 01:12 PM (48QDY)

439 Since this is a literary thread I shall note that Nena appeared in the now defunct Max Magazine wearing only body paint.

Also, if you ever spent time in Germany back in the day and considered having sex with German girls an attractive prospect you got over the leg hair and pit hair pretty easily.

Posted by: Bandersnatch at December 11, 2016 01:13 PM (mgbwf)

440 "The problem with that is that western civilization by its nature isn't
about gunning down people for having ideas I disagree with. Christopher ...

No, we defend even flag burners. But treason and sedition, acting in coordination with foreign nations, against America, is still a crime. The whole of the commie effort has been covert at its root, with profits taken for selling us out. The whole "global governance" concept is enemy action.

Posted by: illiniwek

I think that's correct. If the NYT instructs its reporters that they must conform to a narrative, we play fair. We try to convince people to ignore them.

But when Soros hires agitators and looters, he's essentially assembling his own mercenary army against us. That demands a different response.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 11, 2016 01:13 PM (rH4JY)

441 Yup...99 Luftballons and 4 smelly pits.
Posted by: Hairyback Guy at December 11, 2016 01:04 PM (5VlCp)
And you know damned well you would have banged Nena silly, regardless of her pits.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur at December 11, 2016 01:05 PM (LuZz

You are absolutely correct Sir!.....

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at December 11, 2016 01:14 PM (5VlCp)

442 This was what I was jokingly referring to:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfAvQp-Uk5I
Posted by: Hugh Jorgen at December 11, 2016 12:51 PM (R5EqA)
---------
Yep. Great movie.

Posted by: Weasel at December 11, 2016 01:15 PM (Sfs6o)

443 I go to the library a lot. I don't know how many
times I've started reading a book only to slam in shut before finishing
it. I am glad I don't waste any money on these books, especially those
with trite, bad writing and/or the author takes a turn down lefty lane.
So glad I did not put money into their pockets. Cannot abide.

Posted by: washrivergal at December 11, 2016 01:11 PM (CFc5L)

I need to get a new library card. They updated them. I bought a book about Women of the West. Going west in covered wagons, etc. The intro was full of lefty tripe. Gah. Picked it up a few weeks later. I was good until the last chapter and went lefty again with voting rights. I wrote that in the review on amazon. Loaned it to a friend. Told her, don't read the intro and quit in the last chapter. She read it anyway and agreed. Why must they ruin everything?

Posted by: Infidel at December 11, 2016 01:17 PM (a62hT)

444 Their suffering continues to brighten my days.

https://pjmedia.com/instapundit/251485/

Posted by: steevy at December 11, 2016 01:21 PM (r/0kC)

445 Here's my observation of the current scene, culturally, viewed along the front range metroplex of Colorado. I am focusing on what I'll call the "food and beverage service class."

In Denver and the college towns of Boulder and Fort Collins, there exist restaurants and watering holes that are all vying for spots on the "best 25" lists. The hipper-than-thou lists.

In all these joints there are waiters, waitresses, and bartenders, plus food runners, hostesses, and chefs.

I'm not speaking of the chains like Chili's, Buffalo Wild Wings, and more, nor am I speaking of the huge mass of Mexican joints.

In the strata of eateries and bars of which I speak, there is an upper crust, like at the price level of a Ruth's Chris, and the class of workers there are top notch, as expected.

They are remarkably free of tatoos, piercings, dyed hair in neon colors, and attitude, in the top-tier joints. As one would expect, when you are spending $100 bucks a seat for a meal with some bevs.

But in all the rest, the entire lineup of trendy places, you can expect your servers to be condescending smug assholes tricked out in ink and doodads and looking like early nineteenth-century Nantucket whaling crews.

Is it just me, or is it like this across the country, in the big metro areas?

Posted by: the littl shyning man at December 11, 2016 01:22 PM (U6f54)

446 Part of the reason I'm able to blast through 100 or so books a year is my mom brings me a dozen or two every month and I read them at her place. I spend Sunday afternoon there, she rests and I read. Sometimes I take them home. I think I've read half the library, we've been going to that place since the early 70s

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 01:24 PM (39g3+)

447 washrivergal, different path but same end-point: mostly a library lender, not a buyer, now.

A few reasons - cheap bastid, amusement at actually getting *something* from the "public" sector for the vast oceans of money poured down that hole, and also one you mentioned.

Last year ordered another book on WWII, this one on a Pacific theater campaign. On the jacket-cover blurbage about the author - one of whose books on a different WWII topic I bought probably 15 years ago - some stuff about what sounds like an unhinged bit of crap about Iraq (another book of his). Probably nothing that wouldn't get easy head-nods from half the horde, sadly, but obviously stupid typical crap about Iraq that is the default conventional wisdom.

And then there was the last book actually read - Ardennes 1944 by Antony Beevor. Not literally unreadable, but pretty bad (surprisingly). And another book I bought a few years ago and finally read - not bad per se, but geez nothing I need to have paid for.

And then there was another book I bought not long ago about post-WWII Europe (not Bloodlands, the other one), can't recall the title, but after about the 3rd or 4th NPR-style contemporary moral equivalence absurdity (amidst otherwise interesting actual history), I put it down.

The point is - borrowing from the library avoids buyer's remorse. Now I'm quick to get a book, scan it for idiocy or low quality, and can simply drop it off if it's crap. No $$ spent, no storage issues, no frustration at putting money into unworthy pockets.

Posted by: rhomboid at December 11, 2016 01:24 PM (QDnY+)

448 Today, the hymnal had been donated by the Fortune family, and was dedicated to "Stonewall Jackson Fortune"
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc.
------------

There are occasional cosmic intersections that occur.
Tuna's comment about a couple appearing on Prairie Home Companion led me to suggest that it was Robin & Linda Williams. Then there was my unrelated comment as above, and now, this from Robin & Linda Williams: http://tinyurl.com/zz87z4u

I think that completes the circle.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 11, 2016 01:25 PM (ZO497)

449 But in all the rest, the entire lineup of trendy places, you can expect your servers to be condescending smug assholes tricked out in ink and doodads and looking like early nineteenth-century Nantucket whaling crews.

Coffee shops are full of them too. Its hard to find non freaky people to hire these days, though. That nice girl who works hard has a neck tattoo and nipple rings these days.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 01:26 PM (39g3+)

450
Coffee shops are full of them too. Its hard to find non freaky people to hire these days, though. That nice girl who works hard has a neck tattoo and nipple rings these days.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 01:26 PM (39g3+)

Where is this coffee shop where you can see the server chick's nipple rings?

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at December 11, 2016 01:27 PM (LuZz8)

451 Is it just me, or is it like this across the country, in the big metro areas?
Posted by: the littl shyning man at December 11, 2016 01:22 PM (U6f54)

It is not you, it is like their near me too. "Whaling Crews" would be blushing at the so called body art that adorns most food servers/prep types I see out and about. The green/pink/blue hair is hilarious..but hey someone has to make the fries.

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at December 11, 2016 01:28 PM (5VlCp)

452 little shyning man, haven't beet to Denver for a few years. But, yeah, it's creepy. Over here on the other side, once you get past the Divide, Vail/Aspen area, it's nice.

Posted by: Infidel at December 11, 2016 01:28 PM (a62hT)

453
Just looking...
...for something to read
...to take my mind off politics, and political ideology.

I have two (similar) short stories put together into a book; sort of a make friends with the neighbors thing, on an interstellar scale. I don't like the title, don't like the book cover, and I don't know how to describe the storyline/genre. There is no plot, just two cultures in collision as seen by individuals enmeshed in the event.

And months ago, I wrote a fight scene that resembles the 'man punches kangaroo' story, and now I'm convinced that 'some' will think I tried to rip of the idea. Human behavior drives all my stories because that is all I know; write what you know, they say.

I would offer free copies to anyone who dares to expose an email address, disposable one or not. Just give me a couple of days or send me 'a round toit'.

Posted by: Skandia Recluse at December 11, 2016 01:29 PM (Mpr4M)

454 "...tricked out in ink and doodads and looking like early nineteenth-century Nantucket whaling crews."

I would patronize a coffee joint named "Thar She Brews!" wo/manned by such a crew.

At a whaling museum I saw some dungarees (bellbottoms) that some bored seaman had embroidered with designs up and down the outer leg. Very 60's, though sans mushrooms and peace signs.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 11, 2016 01:30 PM (EnKk6)

455 I go to the library a lot. I don't know how many
times I've started reading a book only to slam in shut before finishing
it. I am glad I don't waste any money on these books, especially those
with trite, bad writing and/or the author takes a turn down lefty lane.
So glad I did not put money into their pockets. Cannot abide.

Posted by: washrivergal

But we fund libraries through our taxes, so you do pay for it, in a way. And some unelected, unaccounted f*cker gets to decide how to stock the shelves. They communal approach to libraries, schools, etc. it sounds like a good idea, if everyone involved had integrity.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 11, 2016 01:31 PM (rH4JY)

456 Where is this coffee shop where you can see the server chick's nipple rings?

Let's just say they don't like bras and wear tight shirts in the summer.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 01:31 PM (39g3+)

457 For a good portrait of the plains indian culture during the time of the 1840s wagon trains passing through their lands, you can't beat the Pulitzer-prize-winning "Travels of Jaimie McPheeters."

Written in the 1950 way before the PC of today, it describes things pretty much as they would have been seen by the pioneers slugging their way across the holy roads.

What was cool to see is how the experienced guides and mountain men, and 14-year old Jaimie himself, could tell an indian by his tribe at first glance, and how they viewed the hierarchy. The Sioux were apparently the grandees, with the Arapahoes way down the chain.

If you want to read a great piece of nonfiction about the plains indians, be sure to get your hands on "Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History."

Posted by: the littl shyning man at December 11, 2016 01:33 PM (U6f54)

458 I'm back!

Amazon is offering 25% off Kindle Unlimited annual subscription.

Link in nic

Posted by: Deplorable votermom @vm on Gab at December 11, 2016 01:35 PM (Om16U)

459
Let's just say they don't like bras and wear tight shirts in the summer.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 11, 2016 01:31 PM (39g3+)

Where is this place? Asking for a friend.

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at December 11, 2016 01:35 PM (J8/9G)

460 Set your DVRs. Tonight on CNN, Michelle Obama's Mission.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, This Is the Dawning of the Age of the Trumpius! at December 11, 2016 01:36 PM (Nwg0u)

461 McCain and Ms Lindsey going along with Schumer on this Russian meddling with the election accusations.
Put up or STFU

Posted by: Skip at December 11, 2016 01:36 PM (5sOEp)

462 I haven't noticed anything repugnant waiter-wise in the village I half-live in. It's a resort area with some pricey restaurants on the waterfront, but so far no complaints. We haven't gone to the wine spot there - I suspect we might run into some snots there. Recently a root beer emporium opened up (same as the place in Galena, if you've been). I'm looking forward to going in there come April maybe. I can't think about drinking root beer when it's 9 degrees outside.

We have a gift certificate to go to a restaurant downtown where the prices start at $30 and go up from there. Looking forward to going - I think the wait staff will be fine. We're nice here in Wisconsin.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 01:36 PM (dFi94)

463 460 Set your DVRs. Tonight on CNN, Michelle Obama's Mission.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, This Is the Dawning of the Age of the Trumpius! at December 11, 2016 01:36 PM (Nwg0u)
____

Please tell me it's to Pluto.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 11, 2016 01:38 PM (EnKk6)

464 I like my tv to much to watch that.

Posted by: Skip at December 11, 2016 01:38 PM (5sOEp)

465 Please tell me it's to Pluto.
==================

Heh.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 01:39 PM (dFi94)

466 The worst is seeing all the middle aged women trying to be hip, too.
May I suggest that, at 50, you look twice as ridiculous as your daughter does with the tats, blue hair and face piercings, ma'am?
Grow the hell up.

Posted by: Chi at December 11, 2016 01:39 PM (8FCOT)

467 McMuffin says Trump is un-American,
Why is he going to sell the Russians another 10% of our uranium mines?

Posted by: Skip at December 11, 2016 01:41 PM (5sOEp)

468 May I suggest that, at 50, you look twice as ridiculous as your daughter does with the tats, blue hair and face piercings, ma'am?
Grow the hell up.
Posted by: Chi at December 11, 2016 01:39 PM (8FCOT)
----
Oh, it's cool Chi -- I don't have a daughter.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 11, 2016 01:42 PM (EnKk6)

469 Set your DVRs. Tonight on CNN, Michelle Obama's Mission.

Sorry, I'm washing my hair tonight. And sorting my sock drawer.

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at December 11, 2016 01:42 PM (J8/9G)

470 Chi - I've been thinking of getting a tattoo. Rev says no, so I guess it's no. I would like a simple cross tattooed on the back of my hand, so when it comes time, no one will be mistaken as to where I stand.

Maybe I can wear him down. Threaten him with my cooking maybe.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 01:43 PM (dFi94)

471 little shyning (or others), any recommendations for books with the real history (as known, anyway) of non-native "Native Americans" before the "strongest tribe" (i.e. Europeans .... to borrow Bing West's Iraq book title) arrived?

Just from interactions in modern, historically documented times (e.g. tribes working as Army scouts) it's pretty clear that pre-European N. America worked like everywhere else on earth worked - power, domination, control, subjugation, slavery, and often genocide.

But it would be nice to get smarter on that in terms of details. If only to further confound the vapid average misperception and romanticized mythology on that subject that is part of the idiot marinade that's crippled America.

Posted by: rhomboid at December 11, 2016 01:45 PM (QDnY+)

472 The worst is seeing all the middle aged women trying to be hip, too.

May I suggest that, at 50, you look twice as ridiculous as your
daughter does with the tats, blue hair and face piercings, ma'am?

Grow the hell up.

This. So pathetic. I know I can't get away with what I wore in my 20's and 30's. I have 2 pair of leggings. They are used for warm jammies in the winter. Was at the mall with kidlet yesterday. Good Lord. People are insane. I really miss Darwin.

Posted by: Infidel at December 11, 2016 01:45 PM (a62hT)

473
Posted by: Chi at December 11, 2016 01:39 PM (8FCOT)
------------
Yeah - that becomes especially nasty when they go past their sell-by date and turn into saggy, weathered old bags. Then rather than looking like normal old aged wrinkly people, they become old freaks.

Posted by: Weasel at December 11, 2016 01:46 PM (Sfs6o)

474 What I read this week: the e-ARC of Wen Spencer's The Black Wolves of Boston. A great read with memorable characters and some really unique situations.

How else to think of IHOP and werewolves plus all you can eat? Pancakes that is. Until one gets stuck in the booth upside down.

Posted by: Anna Puma at December 11, 2016 01:46 PM (FK9xi)

475
But we fund libraries through our taxes, so you do pay for it, in a way. And some unelected, unaccounted f*cker gets to decide how to stock the shelves. They communal approach to libraries, schools, etc. it sounds like a good idea, if everyone involved had integrity.
Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 11, 2016 01:31 PM (rH4JY)

+++

1,000 people eventually checking out 1 book is a lot better than 1,000 people buying same book if it is shitty. Weeks before the election, I overheard a man asking the librarian for a copy of "Clinton Cash". She said all six of them had been checked out. Yes, I was a bit surprised that they even carried it at all.

Posted by: washrivergal at December 11, 2016 01:46 PM (CFc5L)

476 420 I've been inundated with email touting 'best of 2016' lists, mostly books. So far I haven't seen one I even want to investigate. Another case of being out of step with popular culture, along with TV and music radio. I know my curmudgeon quotient is growing but it can't be just me.

--

We have a thread on the goodreads group about the best book you've read in 2016 - be sure to chime in!

And I should blog it too.

Posted by: Deplorable votermom @vm on Gab at December 11, 2016 01:47 PM (Om16U)

477 Grammie, there's always henna; Rev might accept that as a compromise. Or (to keep this book-related) you can do what Ann Voskamp does, which is to draw it on with a regular pen every day.

Posted by: Elisabeth G. Wolfe at December 11, 2016 01:48 PM (G4y5c)

478 I really don't have a problem with tats. Not my thing, but i can appreciate some of them. Not a huge fan of them on womn, but do your thing...

But the blue/flourecent orange hair, a tat on your neck, and the shit in your face jewelry is over the top on a 25 year old.
It borders on commitment time when you're approaching retirement age.
At least your husband only bought a yellow corvette - he didn't put more holes in his face than God wanted you to have.

Posted by: Chi at December 11, 2016 01:48 PM (8FCOT)

479 Made it to work, so con only do drive bys on the thread..

One of my female type friends keeps beating me about the head and shoulders on the Outlander book series.Seems very much a chick story, but maybe some Ettes have an opinion?

Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 01:49 PM (zMWpG)

480 OT we went to the local dog show and Kid the Younger is in love with the Airedale terrier we met.

Posted by: Deplorable votermom @vm on Gab at December 11, 2016 01:50 PM (Om16U)

481 >>Tonight on CNN, Michelle Obama's Mission.

>>May I suggest that, at 50, you look twice as ridiculous as your
daughter does with the tats, blue hair and face piercings, ma'am?

Skimming the comments here can be dangerous to one's health.

Posted by: Mama AJ at December 11, 2016 01:50 PM (gTQoY)

482 Elisabeth - my niece has henna designs. I could ask her about that. Thanks - I wouldn't have thought of that!

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 01:50 PM (dFi94)

483 OT we went to the local dog show and Kid the Younger is in love with the Airedale terrier we met.

Posted by: Deplorable votermom @vm on Gab at December 11, 2016 01:50 PM (Om16U)
==================

Uh oh. He's hooked

They are adorable.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 01:51 PM (dFi94)

484 One of my female type friends keeps beating me about the head and shoulders on the Outlander book series.Seems very much a chick story, but maybe some Ettes have an opinion?

Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 01:49 PM (zMWpG)

It's a very fun read, specially book 1. Not that much of a chick story - lots of gore and time travel and history and stuff. You should give it a try.

Posted by: Deplorable votermom @vm on Gab at December 11, 2016 01:51 PM (Om16U)

485 Grammie, I just googled "henna cross designs" and there are some nice ones!

Blue hair and ear gauges optional.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 11, 2016 01:52 PM (EnKk6)

486 (imaginary serious, intelligent journalist)

"Senator, what, specifically, are you actually talking about when you say 'Russian intervention'? Campaign funding, tampering with voting machines, tampering with paper ballots at the precinct level, what?"

(follow up question)

"So the concern is that legitimate, authentic materials of the DNC were hacked and leaked? But they were not altered - they were the authentic original emails, etc.? Again this just underlines the mystery - how is that intervening in an election? Why would the DNC's and the Clinton campaign chairman's emails influence an election?"

(second follow-up)

"If this matter requires congressional investigation, what about Broward County FL, or Detroit? Those are places where the actual election, the vote count, clearly was fraudulent, through the illegal actions of American poll workers. The FL case is may be going to criminal trial, the Detroit case is so outlandish it prevented a recount even if one were otherwise justified. And it is known that these cases are typical, indicative. And these things directly affect the outcome of elections. Why is Congress not looking at this disastrous situation?"

Posted by: rhomboid at December 11, 2016 01:52 PM (QDnY+)

487 Votermom,
Hope you had a good time. Wish I had never gone to one. If I ever come into money I will erect a Tomb of the Unknown Dog Show Husband. Except that it's a redundancy.

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at December 11, 2016 01:53 PM (J8/9G)

488 Coptic chuch in Egypt bombed, 25 dead ostly woman and children.
Islam does not mean Religion of Peace, it means Submit (LI)

Posted by: Skip at December 11, 2016 01:56 PM (5sOEp)

489 Blue hair and ear gauges optional.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 11, 2016 01:52 PM (EnKk6)
====================

Who invented those ear gauge things? It's repulsive!

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 01:56 PM (dFi94)

490 The Copts have really been under siege. How people cannot see the violence and hatred inherent in jihadist Islam is beyond me.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 01:58 PM (dFi94)

491 Who invented those ear gauge things? It's repulsive!
Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 01:56 PM (dFi94)

+++

I don't know but they should be shot on sight.

Posted by: washrivergal at December 11, 2016 01:59 PM (CFc5L)

492 Back to the non-native Native American history thing, my favorite PBS "dead air" moment of all time was during a Little Big Horn documentary.

Interviewer asked grandson (?) of a Paiute scout who worked for Custer's 7th Cav why his ancestors worked as Army scouts, given that the US Army was conquering Indian lands.

Guy looked at off-camera interviewer with the "what, are you and idiot?" look, then matter of factly explained that the Lakota (?) enemies of Custer and the Army had been conquering, killing, and enslaving his tribe's people for generations.

Classic.

Posted by: rhomboid at December 11, 2016 01:59 PM (QDnY+)

493 Rev says no, so I guess it's no. I would like a simple cross tattooed on the back of my hand, so when it comes time, no one will be mistaken as to where I stand.

Maybe I can wear him down. Threaten him with my cooking maybe.

Posted by: grammie winger

Nadia Bolz-Weber is a Lutheran pastor in the ELCA who has lots of tats. Perhaps this will persuade him:

http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/1171C/production/_84025417_nbw976.jpg

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 11, 2016 01:59 PM (rH4JY)

494 It's a very fun read, specially book 1. Not that much of a chick story - lots of gore and time travel and history and stuff. You should give it a try.
Posted by: Deplorable votermom @vm on Gab at December 11, 2016 01:51 PM (Om16U)

--------

Thank you ma'am. That explains her sudden interest in her Scottish ancestors and her questions about the space/time continuum.. I thought she was perhaps off her meds a bit...

I'll give em a try..

Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 01:59 PM (zMWpG)

495 I'm just waiting for neck rings to become popular.

Think the Giraffenecked Housewives of Atlanta.

Posted by: Grump928(C) at December 11, 2016 02:00 PM (0F67M)

496 Hmm. Looks like I may be giving kidlet sewing lessons on Mom's treadle machine between Christmas and New Year's.

Posted by: Infidel at December 11, 2016 02:00 PM (a62hT)

497 Ear gauges:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3nMnr8ZirI

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 11, 2016 02:01 PM (EnKk6)

498
Who invented those ear gauge things? It's repulsive!
Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room
-----------------------

Sadly, I think that's the idea,. That is their end goal - to shock you.

There is a smoke shop right here in my neighbor that is always busy. Last time I was in there, a big smelly dude had master locks in his earlobes, stretching them to be hideous, droopy, deformations.
(Yes, the same locks we used to put on our lockers at school)

Worse the girls I've see there could be really cute if they weren't all so "edgy" with the 'I'm different!' crap.

Posted by: Chi at December 11, 2016 02:01 PM (8FCOT)

499

80 - Northernlurker, I listed all books by title and author and boxed them up,
assigning each box a number and the corresponding list the same number, stored
the information on a thumb drive and sealed and stored the boxes in 'somewhat'
easy places to access. Now when I need to retrieve a particular book I can do a
quick search and go to the correct box. Saves a lot of time and gets them out
of the way.

I too have switched to Kindle to alleviate the pile-up
of books and for the portable convenience.

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Posted by: Meloneous Funk at December 11, 2016 02:02 PM (ofmt0)

500 Mrs. JTB and I don't eat out much and never hipster type places, so tats and piercings haven't been a problem. The local used book store seems to require tats, odd hair color and piercings to be hired. Always looks weird to me but I'm about three times the age of most of them. However, these kids have always been friendly, helpful and courteous and they know their jobs. That messes with my expectations. Damn!

Posted by: JTB at December 11, 2016 02:02 PM (V+03K)

501 Oh yeah.

Posted by: The Barrel at December 11, 2016 02:02 PM (0F67M)

502 Posted by: Chi at December 11, 2016 02:01 PM (8FCOT)

That look seems quite popular here in Tidewater.

Posted by: Hugh Jorgen at December 11, 2016 02:02 PM (R5EqA)

503 495 I'm just waiting for neck rings to become popular.

Think the Giraffenecked Housewives of Atlanta.
Posted by: Grump928(C) at December 11, 2016 02:00 PM (0F67M)
---
I guarantee you that Jane D'oh would watch this.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 11, 2016 02:02 PM (EnKk6)

504 Ask not for whom The Barrel calls...

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at December 11, 2016 02:04 PM (J8/9G)

505 Nadia Bolz-Weber is a Lutheran pastor in the ELCA who has lots of tats. Perhaps this will persuade him:
=============================

ELCA? He would turn and run in the opposite direction.

(no offense to anyone here who is ELCA. I'm not Lutheran myself, but apparently LCMS and ELCA don't attend the same parties or go to each other's backyard BBQ's)

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 02:05 PM (dFi94)

506
Who invented those ear gauge things? It's repulsive!
Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room

Isn't that cultural appropriation from Africa or some Pacific Islanders?

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at December 11, 2016 02:05 PM (IqV8l)

507 When I think back on all of the stupid shit I did when I was young, I'm eternally grateful that none of it involved permanently disfiguring myself.

Styles change.

Posted by: Weasel at December 11, 2016 02:06 PM (Sfs6o)

508
Posted by: Meloneous Funk at December 11, 2016 02:02 PM (ofmt0)

Good one!

Ask not for whom the Barrel beckons, it beckons for thee!

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at December 11, 2016 02:06 PM (BK3ZS)

509 Wow, don't know what happened with that post - red face - I apologize!
Guess there's one in every crowd. Sorry.

Posted by: Meloneous Funk at December 11, 2016 02:07 PM (ofmt0)

510 That was impressive, Mr. Funk.
I give it a solid 8.5.

Posted by: Chi at December 11, 2016 02:07 PM (8FCOT)

511 1,000 people eventually checking out 1 book is a lot better than 1,000 people buying same book if it is shitty. Weeks before the election, I overheard a man asking the librarian for a copy of "Clinton Cash". She said all six of them had been checked out. Yes, I was a bit surprised that they even carried it at all.

Posted by: washrivergal

Good point, but I'm a stingy bastard.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 11, 2016 02:07 PM (rH4JY)

512 >>Who invented those ear gauge things? It's repulsive!

The best part is when they take them out. Now thats a good look.

Posted by: JackStraw at December 11, 2016 02:08 PM (/tuJf)

513 Meloneus Funk - I liked it. It shows a certain independence.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 02:08 PM (dFi94)

514 Posted by: Chi at December 11, 2016 02:01 PM (8FCOT)

++++

That's probably one of the grossest things I've ever heard. I can't even laugh at it.

Posted by: washrivergal at December 11, 2016 02:08 PM (CFc5L)

515 Isn't that cultural appropriation from Africa or some Pacific Islanders?

I am soooo stealing that!

Posted by: Infidel at December 11, 2016 02:09 PM (a62hT)

516 I would read the comments, but... I'm still back at the top of the pet thread... been a busy weekend.

I think my brain slows down in the cold, which considering it's not that fast normally is not good.

But I can look at pictures! (Each one worth 1000 of those moldy old word-thingies.) Northernlurker's bookshelf, with whole shelves of books on-end instead of spine showing, books stuffed in on top of books, books stacked in front of books-- all looks terribly familiar to me. And I even have that blue chair!

Posted by: mindful webworker - s l o w r e a d e r at December 11, 2016 02:09 PM (yCZVl)

517 Only my opinion as a guy but don't see tats or piercings as very flattering. But its up to person and don't look down on anyone for it. My grandfather had a tattoo.

Posted by: Skip at December 11, 2016 02:09 PM (5sOEp)

518 Wow, don't know what happened with that post
==========================

If you cut and paste from a Word Document, it will do that. I use Notepad.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 02:09 PM (dFi94)

519 509 Wow, don't know what happened with that post - red face - I apologize!
Guess there's one in every crowd. Sorry.
Posted by: Meloneous Funk at December 11, 2016 02:07 PM (ofmt0)

You're not a true Moron until you've spent time in The Barrel.

Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at December 11, 2016 02:09 PM (J8/9G)

520 That look seems quite popular here in Tidewater.
Posted by: Hugh Jorgen
-----------------

I always for get that there are a few locals on here.
Did you used to be "Buck Farack?"

Posted by: Chi at December 11, 2016 02:10 PM (8FCOT)

521 >>>Posted by: Meloneous Funk

*cruch* *urp*

Posted by: The Barrel at December 11, 2016 02:10 PM (rH4JY)

522
I hope that I will never know
What it is like to the Barrel, go!
No good awaits I am sure of though
Whomsoever begins their post with

"Normal
0"

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at December 11, 2016 02:11 PM (BK3ZS)

523 Is the ear guage thing a big loop that makes a whole in their earlobe?
Saw a electrician with one and thought that has to just be a accident waiting to happen. They reach up in ceilings and can be caught on anything.

Posted by: Skip at December 11, 2016 02:12 PM (5sOEp)

524 little shyning (or others), any recommendations for books with the real history (as known, anyway) of non-native "Native Americans" before the "strongest tribe" (i.e. Europeans .... to borrow Bing West's Iraq book title) arrived?

Well, since there wasn't any written documentation prior to Columbus, any kind of detailed general history is going to be difficult...If you are looking at warfare, etc., you might start with North American Indigenous Warfare and Ritualized Violence, edited by Richard Chacon, and War Before Civilization by Keeley. Those will give you a bit of a background regarding current debates in the field that will allow you to judge where different authors stand on the matter.

Keeley produced something of a paradigm shift in anthropology away from the "noble savage" theory that is still being played out, I believe.

Posted by: Grey Fox at December 11, 2016 02:14 PM (bZ7mE)

525 520 That look seems quite popular here in Tidewater.
Posted by: Hugh Jorgen
-----------------

I always for get that there are a few locals on here.
Did you used to be "Buck Farack?"
Posted by: Chi at December 11, 2016 02:10 PM (8FCOT)

That was my handle on Hotair when I went incognito, and a couple of times here, but it's kinda OBE now.

Posted by: Hugh Jorgen at December 11, 2016 02:14 PM (R5EqA)

526 Only my opinion as a guy but don't see tats or piercings as very flattering. But its up to person and don't look down on anyone for it. My grandfather had a tattoo.
Posted by: Skip at December 11, 2016 02:09 PM (5sOEp)

Yup...used to be if a young gal smoked you kinda knew she did other things too. Now with the neck tats and steel in the cheek you can guess the young dudes out there know which ones give it up for a happy meal and a smoke.

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at December 11, 2016 02:15 PM (5VlCp)

527 Just finished the first essay in Visions of Order. Had to put the book down and go order it from Amazon because my hand was itching to highlight the most prescient passages, and I didn't think the MEL library I obtained it from would appreciate my defacing (or improving) it. Thanks to whoever recommended this in a previous book thread.

Posted by: Rana at December 11, 2016 02:15 PM (SUuMm)

528 Wish I had never gone to one. If I ever come into money I will erect a Tomb of the Unknown Dog Show Husband. Except that it's a redundancy.
Posted by: Kodos the Executioner at December 11, 2016 01:53 PM (J8/9G)

LOL Kodos. Your puppy just won at one, right?

Posted by: @votermom @vm at December 11, 2016 02:15 PM (Om16U)

529 Well, since there wasn't any written documentation prior to Columbus,
any kind of detailed general history is going to be difficult
======================

The noble indigenous people had no written language?

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 02:15 PM (dFi94)

530
When I think back on all of the stupid shit I did when I was young, I'm eternally grateful that none of it involved permanently disfiguring myself.

Styles change.

Much easier to change your shirt than your tattoo.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at December 11, 2016 02:16 PM (IqV8l)

531 Posted by: Meloneous Funk at December 11, 2016

-----
Dude, you just just shattered the screen on my phone..

It was a hideous wailing sound. .

Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 02:17 PM (zMWpG)

532 Meloneus Funk, there is no such thing as consent with me. Get down here and get it over with.

Posted by: The Barrel at December 11, 2016 02:17 PM (EB1oa)

533 That's it, Skip.
They get larger and larger discs to make the hole larger over time. Truly digusting.

And all this face piercing talk reminded me of that video -"It's Not Bout The Nail"

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=5O11_Ma20Rk

Hilarious.

Posted by: Chi at December 11, 2016 02:17 PM (8FCOT)

534 Looking to read a good book on general pinochet, the more I think about it, I think he was right in the things he did to the Commies, they were weeds that needed to be pulled. If you look at Chile today they are the most stable South America country.

I recommend Foxbats over Dimona, the Soviets were going to bomb Israel's Nuclear program, Because the Isreal AirForce was so successful the Soviets had to turn the bomber back that was going to be used.

Posted by: Patrick From Ohio at December 11, 2016 02:17 PM (dKiJG)

535 Where I grew up there were tribes that did tribal tattoos. Old style those were extra painful and meant stuff.

Posted by: @votermom @vm at December 11, 2016 02:18 PM (Om16U)

536 osted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at December 11, 2016 02:16 PM (IqV8l)
-------------
My point exactly. How many would be willing to commit to wearing one shirt and one pair of pants for the rest of their lives?

Posted by: Weasel at December 11, 2016 02:19 PM (Sfs6o)

537 Grammie get henna tattoos to freak out Rev.

Posted by: @votermom @vm at December 11, 2016 02:19 PM (Om16U)

538 530
When I think back on all of the stupid shit I did when I was young, I'm eternally grateful that none of it involved permanently disfiguring myself.

Styles change.

Much easier to change your shirt than your tattoo.
Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at December 11, 2016 02:16 PM (IqV8l)

+++

I had to wait until I was eighteen to get my ears pierced because my mother was so hotly against it. Ten years later she went ahead and had her own ears pierced, after decades of wearing those pinching clip-ons.

Posted by: washrivergal at December 11, 2016 02:20 PM (CFc5L)

539 Whomsoever begins their post with

"Normal
0"
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at December 11, 2016 02:11 PM (BK3ZS)

Heh. Bravo.

Mr Funk may even have the tats to show from the visit.

Or the piercings.

Posted by: Golfman at December 11, 2016 02:20 PM (48QDY)

540 Thanks Grey Fox.

No, I of course get that pre-historical events will only be "understood" from what are in effect proxy data - from the squishy "data" of tribal lore and oral history, to the firmer but still sometimes ambiguous evidence from archeology.

But I wasn't under the impression there was much doubt that the great empires of the Americas were established and sustained through brutal force, and involved slavery and what we now call genocide (for example stamping out another tribe's language). Any more than there was about the Aztec, Maya, and Inca empires being run the same way.

As I noted originally - in other words, more or less like almost all of human history, including the documented portions of more modern times.

Posted by: rhomboid at December 11, 2016 02:20 PM (QDnY+)

541 The noble indigenous people had no written language?

Not in North America, not as such. They did draw pictures that could convey certain messages (I had a vision! We took 1 scalp and three prisoners!) but no written language.

Down in Central America, now, they did have writing, but I haven't really gotten into the history of that region.

Posted by: Grey Fox at December 11, 2016 02:20 PM (bZ7mE)

542 A henna tat is no different than a hair cut, it will go away in time.

Posted by: Skip at December 11, 2016 02:22 PM (5sOEp)

543 "1491" attempts to describe, using the archaeological records, what the americas might have looked like before the Spanish conquest.

What is interesting to me is the use of fire by the natives in the eastern forests, to create open parklands in which they could do their agriculture.

It was said by the earliest whites that you could ride horseback along their trails from up where Boston is today, down to way below where Philadelphia is, through big open forests, and never have to slow down or duck branches.

Posted by: the littl shyning man at December 11, 2016 02:22 PM (U6f54)

544 Yeah, I might try henna. Also, grandaughter has a really cool set of markers. Some of them sparkle.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 02:24 PM (dFi94)

545 little shyning, thanks! Perfect. Sort of what I was looking for, probably.

Posted by: rhomboid at December 11, 2016 02:24 PM (QDnY+)

546 But I wasn't under the impression there was much doubt that the great empires of the Americas were established and sustained through brutal force, and involved slavery and what we now call genocide (for example stamping out another tribe's language). Any more than there was about the Aztec, Maya, and Inca empires being run the same way.

I don't think that any serious history will deny that, honestly. I can't recommend a good history of the Central and South American empires simply because I don't own any, my interest lying mostly in North America. I have noticed that serious histories, particularly these days, don't tend to shy away from the bloodier aspects of NA life, though how they treat that is still variable. The "noble savage" rubbish is largely a pop history and culture phenomenon, I think.

Posted by: Grey Fox at December 11, 2016 02:25 PM (bZ7mE)

547 Not in North America, not as such. They did draw pictures that could
convey certain messages (I had a vision! We took 1 scalp and three
prisoners!) but no written language.
===================

I'm trying to think of the earliest written language examples in the Eastern Hemisphere. Where's that terlit hobo?

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 02:26 PM (dFi94)

548 I'm rereading Truman Capote's work. His Breakfast at Tiffany's is a great story. Different from the movie, which I love. Much darker and honestly more realistic. I love both the novella and the movie for very different reasons.

Being a librarian by profession, you'd think I would have a bunch of books. I don't, because, like grammie, I get my books from, get this, the library.

Posted by: marinemom at December 11, 2016 02:27 PM (8dPy1)

549 Ok, here's an idea for a progressive revision of a holiday classic: Frostette the trans-snowwoman.

Snow is malleable, so when Frosty confesses his gender dysphoria, the kids could re-mold him into Frostette the trans-snowwoman.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 11, 2016 02:28 PM (rH4JY)

550 We're marching down the field to infamy.

Posted by: The Cleveland Browns at December 11, 2016 02:29 PM (Tyii7)

551 give a hoot
read a book!

Posted by: musical jolly chimp at December 11, 2016 02:30 PM (WTSFk)

552
I'm trying to think of the earliest written language examples in the Eastern Hemisphere. Where's that terlit hobo?

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 02:26 PM (dFi94)

Aaannnddd, this is why we love the HQ! :-)

Posted by: Infidel at December 11, 2016 02:30 PM (a62hT)

553 The noble indigenous people had no written language?

They had smoke signals but these were subject to weather-related syntax errors.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at December 11, 2016 02:31 PM (ZLQuU)

554 414---I'm looking at the upcoming shows today and they have one called "Truth Is Stranger Than Florida".

Hah!
Posted by: Hugh Jorgen at December 11, 2016 12:54 PM (R5EqA)
------------------------------
Other favorite series titles:

Wives With Knives
Southern Fried Homicide

Posted by: Margarita DeVille at December 11, 2016 02:31 PM (Nox3c)

555 Hi everyone. Sorry to crash the book thread, but I have a prayer request. One of our yahoo group Morons, Dave, just lost his wife to cancer. I'm so sad for him. Please keep hm and his family and the repose of her soul in your prayers Thanks so much.

Posted by: L, Elle at December 11, 2016 02:32 PM (6IPEM)

556 I'm trying to think of the earliest written language examples in the Eastern Hemisphere. Where's that terlit hobo?

Pictograms in Mesopotamia and Egypt. Not sure which came first. In each place they developed differently - papyrus in Egypt allowed for careful hieroglyphics, clay in Mesopotamia forced cuneiform.

China started out with pictographs too, under the Shang. Here the medium seems to have been bone. That was later though.

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at December 11, 2016 02:32 PM (6FqZa)

557 I'm trying to think of the earliest written language examples in the Eastern Hemisphere. Where's that terlit hobo?

I think it is some clay tablets written in cuneifrom from Ur. Some early hieroglyphics from Egypt and the earliest sorcerers' bones from China are also contenders, I think.

Posted by: Grey Fox at December 11, 2016 02:32 PM (bZ7mE)

558 Posted by: Grey Fox at December 11, 2016 02:20 PM (bZ7mE)

I think it was pretty much just the Mayans--or at least theirs is all that survives.

People forget just how much of a genius Sequoyah was. He didn't just look at whites communicating with "talking leaves" and think it was some sort of magic; he didn't just realize that the Cherokee needed the power of talking leaves if they were to have any hope of keeping up as a culture; he sat down and figured out how to make it work specifically for the Cherokee language. And if you have Unicode fonts with Cherokee letters on your computer, even if you never use that character range, you're still carrying on Sequoyah's legacy.

Posted by: Elisabeth G. Wolfe at December 11, 2016 02:33 PM (G4y5c)

559 Posted by: L, Elle at December 11, 2016 02:32 PM

Will do. Prayers up for Dave and his family.

Posted by: The Duke of Mish at December 11, 2016 02:34 PM (Tyii7)

560 Wasn't there a movie where the hero outsmarts the heavily inked and pierced villain by switching on a big electromagnet, flattening his mug against it?

Posted by: cool breeze at December 11, 2016 02:34 PM (StZrq)

561
What is interesting to me is the use of fire by the natives in the eastern forests, to create open parklands in which they could do their agriculture.

It was said by the earliest whites that you could ride horseback along their trails from up where Boston is today, down to way below where Philadelphia is, through big open forests, and never have to slow down or duck branches.

Posted by: the littl shyning man at December 11, 2016 02:22 PM (U6f54)

The network of trails in existence up to the time the first Europeans came ashore would be fascinating to know about, IMHO.

For example, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula there is a historical marker for the Lac Vieux Desert trail --

Near this spot ran the L'Anse-Lac Vieux Desert Trail, which crossed the interior of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan from L'Anse on Keweenaw Bay to Lac Vieux Desert on the Wisconsin border. The trail was used in prehistoric times by native Americans traveling to visit, hunt or trade. Father Rene Menard may have followed this route in 1661 as he traveled south from Keweenaw Bay, a trip from which he never returned. The trail was later used by fur traders, early surveyors and homesteaders. L'Anse and Lac Vieux Desert bands of Chippewa Indians used this trail into the twentieth century. Today, many segments of the L'Anse-Lac Vieux Desert Trail are unpaved roads that can be traveled by car.

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at December 11, 2016 02:35 PM (BK3ZS)

562 I'm trying to think of the earliest written language examples in the Eastern Hemisphere. Where's that terlit hobo?

Linear A has never been deciphered but it dates back almost 5,000 years. It comes from Crete.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at December 11, 2016 02:35 PM (ZLQuU)

563 The "noble savage" rubbish is largely a pop history and culture phenomenon, I think.

Posted by: Grey Fox

This is where I wish the left were more introspective. You realize your own culture is flawed, not ideal. Yet you have this overriding need to idealize some other culture, pristine humans, like Adam and Eve before the fall. Why? Could it be you think you have rejected religion, but that you have really substituted something in place of it?

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 11, 2016 02:35 PM (rH4JY)

564 L,Elle - that's terrible news. I have to admit, there are a number of Daves here, and I don't know which one you are referring to. I don't suppose it matters. God will know, I'll pray.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 02:36 PM (dFi94)

565 I don't mind admitting that I'm a grumpy middle aged guy. I do wonder how the young people marking themselves up like this ever expect to be taken seriously and have a career doing anything more complicated than putting coffee into a cup. I'm not talking about someone getting a tattoo on their arm or whatever - I'm talking about on the head and neck and poking holes where they don't belong. Your idea of edgy style may not always align with that of a potential employer.

Posted by: Weasel at December 11, 2016 02:37 PM (Sfs6o)

566 The Browns stadium looks like it's hosting a Clinton rally

Posted by: Buzzion at December 11, 2016 02:38 PM (bMG0w)

567 555 Hi everyone. Sorry to crash the book thread, but I have a prayer request. One of our yahoo group Morons, Dave, just lost his wife to cancer. I'm so sad for him. Please keep hm and his family and the repose of her soul in your prayers Thanks so much.
Posted by: L, Elle at December 11, 2016 02:32 PM (6IPEM)

+++

Awful news. Prayers for Dave and good wishes to help him through this terrible loss.

Posted by: washrivergal at December 11, 2016 02:38 PM (CFc5L)

568 People forget just how much of a genius Sequoyah was. He didn't just look at whites communicating with "talking leaves" and think it was some sort of magic; he didn't just realize that the Cherokee needed the power of talking leaves if they were to have any hope of keeping up as a culture; he sat down and figured out how to make it work specifically for the Cherokee language.

Not to diminish his abilities or achievement, but I'm pretty sure that Sequoyah was part white, the near descendant of an English trader and a member of what was a leading family in the nation. One of his relatives (cousin?) had red hair, IIRC. The Cherokee, along with a number of other nearby peoples, had been in contact with the European-American peoples for a long time, and were already adopting a lot of white practices - log cabins, European clothing (apart from trousers, which they didn't like), domesticated animals, slavery, etc.

Posted by: Grey Fox at December 11, 2016 02:40 PM (bZ7mE)

569 The Gage/gauge(?) Thing seems to be big in the people who get into the sales side of vaping. The last two shops I have frequented have had several people who seem to be into the look.

Never has done anything for me. A certain amount of tattoo work is fine but the minute a gal had a lot of piercings, I am turned off.

Honestly, same with breast implants. Some can be fine, but the minute they get to clownish proportions, it is like flicking a switch.

Psychology is odd.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at December 11, 2016 02:40 PM (tbq1U)

570 People forget just how much of a genius Sequoyah was. He didn't just look at whites communicating with "talking leaves" and think it was some sort of magic; he didn't just realize that the Cherokee needed the power of talking leaves if they were to have any hope of keeping up as a culture; he sat down and figured out how to make it work specifically for the Cherokee language.

That's not genius. That's cultural appropriation!

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 11, 2016 02:41 PM (rH4JY)

571 The Browns stadium looks like it's hosting a Clinton rally

Or PMSNBC's Nielsen ratings.

Posted by: The Duke of Mish at December 11, 2016 02:41 PM (Tyii7)

572 I think it is some clay tablets written in cuneifrom from Ur.

Ur is a place?

Ur as a prefix in Krautish means first, original, aboriginal, prime exemplar, and stuff like that.

Gah, I love Horde Learning. I did not know it was a place.

Posted by: Bandersnatch at December 11, 2016 02:42 PM (mgbwf)

573 That is sad L,Elle, prayers be with him.

Posted by: Skip at December 11, 2016 02:42 PM (5sOEp)

574 So sad to hear L, Elle We will keep them in our prayers.

Posted by: Canniball Bob 'non thinker extraordinaire' at December 11, 2016 02:42 PM (AGr9E)

575 Linear A has never been deciphered but it dates back almost 5,000 years.

Hadn't heard that. I'm only aware of Linear A in the 1000s BC, not 2000s. There's the Phaistos Disc, if you don't think it's a forgery, but that's in pictographs not Linear A.

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at December 11, 2016 02:42 PM (6FqZa)

576 Yeah, I know. It's so awful that he lost her before Christmas. She was only diagnosed a few weeks ago, and now she's gone. I barely know Dave and never knew his wife, but I'm taking this really badly. Even crying like a big baby over her death. It's so unfair. Cancer is so cruel.

Anyway thank you guys again for the prayers. You're the best people on the Internet.

Posted by: L, Elle at December 11, 2016 02:43 PM (6IPEM)

577
In the mid-1900s, Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, who had served for a time as an Indian agent in Michigan, wrote a history of Indian tribes in the United States. Per Wikipedia --
Schoolcraft worked for years on the history and survey of the Indian tribes of the United States. It was published in six volumes from 1851-1857 by J. B. Lippincott and Co. of Philadelphia. Critics praised its scholarship and valuable content by Schoolcraft, and the meticulous and knowledgeable illustrations by Eastman. Critics also noted the work's shortcomings, including a lack of index, and poor organization, which made the information almost inaccessible.

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at December 11, 2016 02:43 PM (BK3ZS)

578 We're marching down the field to infamy.
Posted by: The Cleveland Browns at December

-------

And your drum major (RG III) has a 0.0 quarterback rating (I didn't know that was possible) at halftime.

So you have that going for you..

Posted by: The guy with the hair at December 11, 2016 02:43 PM (zMWpG)

579
That's not genius. That's cultural appropriation!

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 11, 2016 02:41 PM (rH4JY)

Lol. Love it here.

Posted by: Canniball Bob 'non thinker extraordinaire' at December 11, 2016 02:44 PM (AGr9E)

580 You're not a true Moron until you've spent time in The Barrel.

There are few 10 fingered Yakuza.

Posted by: Grump928(C) at December 11, 2016 02:45 PM (0F67M)

581 I'm trying to think of the earliest written language examples in the Eastern Hemisphere.

-
I think those cave paintings were misinterpreted. It's not, "I killed a mastadon." It's, "Mine's as big as a mastadon's."

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, This Is the Dawning of the Age of the Trumpius! at December 11, 2016 02:45 PM (Nwg0u)

582 You have a point, Grey Fox, but:

slavery, etc.

Pretty sure that bit was already part of the culture--it's one of the reasons the Cherokee were numbered among the Five Civilized Tribes. The only change was the origin of the slaves. (Not that anyone on the left wants to talk about that part of history!)

Posted by: Elisabeth G. Wolfe at December 11, 2016 02:46 PM (G4y5c)

583 I did not know it was a place.

Posted by: Bandersnatch at December 11, 2016 02:42 PM (mgbwf)
=====================

Abraham, patriarch of the Jewish people, came from Ur.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 02:46 PM (dFi94)

584 Every new invention in communication is first used for porn.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at December 11, 2016 02:47 PM (tbq1U)

585
I think those cave paintings were misinterpreted. It's not, "I killed a mastadon." It's, "Mine's as big as a mastadon's."

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, This Is the Dawning of the Age of the Trumpius! at December 11, 2016 02:45 PM (Nwg0u)

So Yuge then. Amazing they said that back then.

Posted by: Canniball Bob 'non thinker extraordinaire' at December 11, 2016 02:47 PM (AGr9E)

586 Ur is a place?

-
It's near Ugh.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, This Is the Dawning of the Age of the Trumpius! at December 11, 2016 02:47 PM (Nwg0u)

587 Every new invention in communication is first used for porn.

Says who?

Posted by: Venus of Willendorf at December 11, 2016 02:48 PM (mgbwf)

588 Paul Krugman Nood
(Shudders to think of that one)

Posted by: Skip at December 11, 2016 02:48 PM (5sOEp)

589 I meant to use CanniBALL by the way...I'm not stupid.

*hopes they buy it*

Posted by: Canniball Bob 'non thinker extraordinaire' at December 11, 2016 02:48 PM (AGr9E)

590 Which kind of puts a different spin on:

"Watson, come here! I need you!"

Posted by: Aetius451AD at December 11, 2016 02:49 PM (tbq1U)

591 588 Paul Krugman Nood
(Shudders to think of that one)

Posted by: Skip at December 11, 2016 02:48 PM (5sOEp)

F*ck no, I'm staying here till I get banned.

Posted by: Cannibal Bob 'non thinker extraordinaire' at December 11, 2016 02:50 PM (AGr9E)

592 I'll just talk to myself. I'm not reading it. Nope. Not gonna.

Posted by: Cannibal Bob 'non thinker extraordinaire' at December 11, 2016 02:51 PM (AGr9E)

593 I'd rather clean the pool filters. That's what I'm gonna do.

Posted by: Cannibal Bob 'non thinker extraordinaire' at December 11, 2016 02:52 PM (AGr9E)

594
Project Gutenberg has made some of Schoolcraft's works available on line at --

http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/3850

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at December 11, 2016 02:54 PM (BK3ZS)

595 Is that former Enron Financial Advisor, Paul Krugman?

Posted by: Infidel at December 11, 2016 02:55 PM (a62hT)

596 Pretty sure that bit was already part of the culture--it's one of the reasons the Cherokee were numbered among the Five Civilized Tribes. The only change was the origin of the slaves. (Not that anyone on the left wants to talk about that part of history!)

Again, this might be a "when and where" situation. I don't know of any good evidence for chattel slavery among the Eastern Woodland peoples prior to oh, 1790. There was certainly slavery in Central America from time immemorial and I can think of some evidence for slavery among the South Western tribes as well as the NE coastal people, but the woodland peoples generally adopted or killed - not a lot of middle ground (though both John Turner and Simon Kenton were "adopted" and then subsequently sold to other tribes...)

The Creek were a big part of the slave trade from 1700 on, though, raiding into Spanish Florida (whose natives were kept from having guns by the Spanish authorities) and selling the captives to the English in the Carolinas. i think that the Abenaki and Hurons sold many of their captives to the French during the French and Indian Wars, but that is more of a ransom type of situation than slavery, I think.

Posted by: Grey Fox at December 11, 2016 02:56 PM (bZ7mE)

597 >>>Ur is a place?

Job came from Uz. Don't knock two-letter names that begin in 'U'.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 11, 2016 02:58 PM (rH4JY)

598 583 I did not know it was a place.

Posted by: Bandersnatch at December 11, 2016 02:42 PM (mgbwf)
=====================

Abraham, patriarch of the Jewish people, came from Ur.
Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 02:46 PM (dFi94)

One of the Sumerian cities. You know, Gozer worshippers.

Posted by: Buzzion at December 11, 2016 02:58 PM (bMG0w)

599 When I was studying anthropology, I was struck by how useless oral tradition is. Two examples have stuck with me.

One, when the French began to move up the Alabama River and the Mississippi, they explored the area where DeSoto had passed through scarcely 150 years earlier. What was striking was that though these metal clad white gods riding giant deer carrying thunder and lightning in their hands, weapons that they demonstrated in pitched battle had passed through, no tribes that the French encountered had any oral accounts of this momentous event.

The other is the origin myths of the Lakota Sioux that place their creation in the black hills, though we know that a mere 100 years previously, the Sioux were a Great Lakes tribe. They were trading with the French traders when they arrived but were pushed west by more aggressive tribes that wanted to monopolize the European trade.

Posted by: Grump928(C) at December 11, 2016 03:00 PM (0F67M)

600 One of the Sumerian cities. You know, Gozer worshippers.

Piffle.

Conan was a Cimmerian and he worshiped Crom.

Posted by: Bandersnatch at December 11, 2016 03:01 PM (mgbwf)

601
One of the Sumerian cities. You know, Gozer worshippers.

Posted by: Buzzion at December 11, 2016 02:58 PM (bMG0w)

Hey, I've heard of Gozer, i'm not as clueless as I thought. He was the bad guy in Ghostbusters.

Posted by: Cannibal Bob 'non thinker extraordinaire' at December 11, 2016 03:01 PM (AGr9E)

602 Geez a husband makes clear what his wishes are and all these conservatives do is try to figure out ways to subvert and defy them.
For varying values of conservative.

Hey, all those voices encouraging you are the voices of angels, right???

Posted by: MAx at December 11, 2016 03:07 PM (/RZxG)

603 Grammie, I had a chance to interview Vince Gil years ago. He was one of
the nicest, most gracious people I ever met. Your crush was well
founded. Also, even though he is so well known, his talent is still not
fully appreciated.

That same day I got to interview Trisha Yearwood. Her first hit
"She's In Love With The Boy" had just come out. What an absolutely sweet
lady. I love her voice. I wish she would do a solo acoustic album.
=========================

Oh now I'm so jealous. I've attended a few of his concerts, and watched him play a little basketball at Belmont College, but the closest I've gotten to him is when my daughter marched with him in some sort of small parade thing at Taste of Chicago.

He's so talented. Most people don't realize how much studio work he does as back-up to other artists. One of my favorites is Fernando Ortega's version of Crown Him with Many Crowns. Both Vince and Alison Krauss sang harmony on that, but you can barely tell because their contribution is virtually invisible on the album notes.

And Trisha Yearwood - what a voice. I've seen her in person a couple of times. Her sound is huge. Funny story - you mention "She's in Love With the Boy". My daughter hated country music - until she heard that song. Then she was hooked and has been to this day. She and her husband danced to "She's in Love With the Boy" at their wedding.

Posted by: grammie winger - Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room at December 11, 2016 03:10 PM (dFi94)

604 What a nice library! We call that an office in my family.

My library is run by a pretty good group of part-timers (thanks, Obamacare!) who love donations of new books. Tax-wise it costs me less than $30 a year, so well worth it. They have Mark Levin and other conservative writers, and if they don't have it, I can search the network. The old head librarian was a classic liberal, and she insisted on catering to the actual users of the library. So there are lots of books on fishing, military history, etc. And a big selection of YA novels read by adult women.

I use Zinio for magazines, since there are only certain issues of Hockey News and ladies' magazines that I want to read. Plus Hoopla movies on occasion.

That said, I still buy books. I just finished John C. Wright's Vindication of Man. Good stuff, even if I generally dislike series.

Posted by: NaughtyPine at December 11, 2016 03:16 PM (UwMHj)

605 I think it was pretty much just the Mayans--or at least theirs is all that survives.

Zapotec before them (Wiki is not counting this as a true decipherment). And another script which REALLY hasn't been deciphered, called "Epi-Olmec" or "Isthmian".

Posted by: boulder terlit hobo at December 11, 2016 03:19 PM (6FqZa)

606 That chick's shirt (which my bro's server has deigned to load) would probably work better if she added "please" in there. Then she'd get some action. Maybe.

Posted by: NaughtyPine at December 11, 2016 04:39 PM (UwMHj)

607 Just came back after a few hours and saw the tats/piercings/funky color hair comments. Well. Let me tell you. Eldest kid works in a men's hair saloon. All the stylists are wymyns. The majority are tatted and pierced. Eldest kid is not and looks like a "California girl" from the '60s or '70s. Guess who has about four or five guys waiting for her vs. the oh-so-hep chicks.

Posted by: SandyCheeks (formerly RushBabe) at December 11, 2016 05:32 PM (joFoi)

608 Just got back from a road trip and got caught up on 5 days worth of stuff here. I had been working on the Island in the Sea of Time series and had intended on going into the Dies the Fire series (first three books only). But while working on the Island series I picked up one on a one day sale called Merlin's Blade by Robert Treskillard. It was only .99 and looked interesting. It was a slow slog initially but picked up about halfway through. I may go back to the last two books in the series later. But I will now go back to the Dies the Fire Series first.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at December 11, 2016 05:48 PM (mpXpK)

609 Hi Vic!!!!

Dies the Fire is not as good as Island - he turned lefty in it. IMO.

Posted by: Deplorable votermom @vm on Gab at December 11, 2016 06:12 PM (Om16U)

610 609
Hi Vic!!!!

Dies the Fire is not as good as Island - he turned lefty in it. IMO.

Posted by: Deplorable votermom @vm on Gab at December 11, 2016 06:12 PM (Om16U)

Well he was lefty on both series because he is a hardcore liberal union worshiping Democrat. You can overlook his subtle push of PC and liberal crap though.
The real problem with Dies The Fire is that it should have ended at the third book but his publisher decided it needed to go on forever with a new "hero".

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at December 11, 2016 06:16 PM (mpXpK)

611 I hate the ridiculous assumption that any slogan that resembles anything that ever been used before must, therefore, indicate support for that philosophy. Is there a slogan that hasn't been used, ever.

Posted by: Heresolong at December 11, 2016 07:45 PM (ntIeo)

612 PS My favorite books of all time are ones in which "essentialist/Idealist controversy in philosophy" are used as a "kind of a conceptual framework" so thanks for that.

Posted by: Heresolong at December 11, 2016 07:50 PM (ntIeo)

613 Job came from Uz. Don't knock two-letter names that begin in 'U'.
Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear
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Nobody knows where Uz wuz.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at December 11, 2016 08:29 PM (ZO497)

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