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Sunday Morning Book Thread 04-28-2019
Old Florida Book Shop, Dania Beach, Florida
Good morning to all you 'rons, 'ettes, lurkers, and lurkettes, wine moms, frat bros, and everybody who's holding your beer. Welcome once again to the stately, prestigious, internationally acclaimed and high-class Sunday Morning Book Thread, a weekly compendium of reviews, observations, snark, and a continuing conversation on books, reading, writing, and publishing by escaped oafs who follow words with their fingers and whose lips move as they read. Unlike other AoSHQ comment threads, the Sunday Morning Book Thread is so hoity-toity, pants are required. Even if it's these pants, pick one, doesn't matter, they're all equally ugly, because 1970s.
Pic Note From the Old Florida Book Shop web site:
Old Florida Book Shop offers a unique and diversified collection of antiquarian books, rare maps, vintage magazines, ephemera and more. Located in Dania Beach, Florida, the gallery is home to an inventory of over 30,000 books, and is one of the few places where one may pick up an out-of-print copy of Chaucer’s Works for $20 as well as a copy printed in 1561 for $37,300.
It Pays To Increase Your Word Power® The pleasure or excitement that comes from anticipating success is called NIKHEDONIA. Usage: A number of people at President Trump's rally collapsed from nikhedonia caused by simply too much winning.
The Clockwork Condition is an unfinished 200-page manuscript, written by Burgess as a response to the moral panic surrounding Stanley Kubrick’s notorious 1971 cinema adaptation of A Clockwork Orange, which was accused of inspiring violent copycat crimes and banned by local councils in the UK.More info here. Don't think it's in publishable condition. However:
Burgess’s non-fiction manuscript, never published, was found among papers abandoned in his house in Bracciano, near Rome, where he moved in the early 1970s. When the house was sold after Burgess’s death in 1993, the archive was transferred to the Burgess Foundation in Manchester, where it is now being catalogued.
“In theory it would be possible to create a publishable version of The Clockwork Condition. There is enough material present in the drafts and outlines to give a reasonably clear impression of what this lost Burgess book might have been.”I read A Clockwork Orange when I was in high school, not long after the movie was released. I struggled though all of the Russian-derived slang and then, at the end of the book, there was a glossary of all of the slang, defined. I was kind of annoyed. Why put it there where you won't find it until you've finished the book? Then I realized that coming to grips with the strange, new slang words was part of the author's intent. He kind of throws you into Alex's world and you've got to get your bearings by yourself.
Books By Morons Long-time lurker KCSteve has written a book about how to solve problems:
Many years ago I wrote a nice little book on problem solving. The problem I had with it is that it's a thin little book and those are very hard to get published. Recently I realized that Amazon actually makes it worth doing self-publishing. You probably still won't make any money but at least you don't have to spend money to fill your garage with copies of your book.From the intro:
Problem Simplification: Breaking it Down & Working It Out is available for both Kindle and paperback. The Kindle version is free to read if you have Kindle Unlimited. It's an especially good book for anyone starting out in any of the problem solving fields - programming, engineering, etc...
1) Before you try to solve the problem, make sure you know what the problem really is.The importance of #1 is hard to exaggerate. From my days of doing tech support, sometimes I'd get calls from people who would tell me that they had solved the problem while they were waiting on hold. They would then tell me that the reason was that they had to figure out the best way to clearly and unambiguously explain the problem to me, just thinking the problem though in this way was enough to cause them to see the solution. ___________ Rawle Nyanzi's anime-inspired novel Shining Tomorrow that I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, is now available.
2) It's easier to solve a lot of small, simple problems than one big complex problem.
3) For every problem, there is a clear and simple answer. It's wrong, but figuring out why it's wrong will usually lead to the right answer.
In this alternate history super robot story, a civic-minded high school girl goes toe-to-toe with a private military company to rescue her best friend.But she doesn't want to fight. It's not ladylike. But she has to save her friend:
Irma wishes to be the perfect girl: chaste, feminine, and generous. But when a giant monster stomps through her hometown, her plans crumbled right along with the stores and apartments....Now Irma must pilot the Grand Valkyur, a mechanical titan of steel more powerful than any weapon made by human hands...But piloting the Valkyur means using violence -- and to Irma, violence is men's work. How can she rescue her friend without betraying the feminine elegance she prides herself on?Shining Tomorrow Volume 1: Shadow Heart is available on Kindle and also paperback. ___________ Are you ready for some sci-fi comedy for women? Then perhaps you shoud consider new (to me) author Kerrie Noor's 'Planet Hy Man' series, where "every hero is a woman old enough to know better and old enough not to care." The first in the series is Rebel Without a Clue. The battle of the sexes is quiet, but for how long?
Mex had been looking forward to a well-earned rest after saving planet Hy Man. But now, thanks to Beryl, she has been sent on a mission that will ruin her career with a robot who rubs her up the wrong way.The second book in the series is A Rebel Without a Bra, which is probably worth paying 99 cents for just because of the title. ___________ Matt, a long-time AoSHQ lurker has written his own commentary on the book of Revelation:
Beryl is the leader of planet Hy Man and fighting to remain so. The planet’s energy is on its' last legs and chapping at her heels to take over is the ruthless Hilda. A woman with a personality as bad as her haircut and will do anything to get her way..
"The word ‘Revelation’ comes from the Greek word apokalupsis, from which we also get the English word ‘apocalypse.’ An apocalypse is a revealing, or an uncovering...The ‘Revelation’ of John is therefore a message to the church from God, transmitted through John and uncovering things we need to know. This Biblical book pulls back the curtain of earthly appearances and shows us a reality that we can only see with the eyes of faith. Pulling Back the Curtain will explain the book of Revelation in clear terms, relating it concretely to the Christian life. This book will show how Revelation teaches how to think about our modern world and our place in it as we relate to a culture growing more hostile to Christianity all the time."Pulling Back the Curtain: Studies in the Book of Revelation is available in paperback for $12.99. In the book's intro, which is included in the sample you can read online, Matt identifies 4 major interpretive approaches to Revelation: preterist, historicist, futurist, and idealist. Each one is explained and he is up front about which one he subscribes to. Other related terms are defined as well. ___________
A Reminder As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, voting is now open for the Conservative-Libertarian Fiction Alliance (CLFA) Book of the Year 2019. You can read the details of the contest here. And the ballot itself is here. A number of moron authors are finalists.
Moron Recommendations Moron author Hans Schantz e-mailed in a couple of recommendations:
Haven't read this one yet, but it sure looks promising, and it's from Karl K. Gallagher, the author of the excellent Torchship Trilogy: "It was supposed to be a weekend of costumed fun. Instead these medieval historical reenactors are flung into a wilderness by magic they don't understand. They must struggle to survive and deal with monsters who consider them prey... or worse."The title of this book is The Lost War by Karl K. Gallagher and it's available on Kindle for $2.99. Hans also mentioned Gallagher's Torchship Trilogy, all three books of which have been bundled into a single Kindle volume for $5.99. Here is the intro to the series:
Torchship:You know, this kind of reminds me of Firefly. Because it looks like the characters aim to misbehave. Mr. Schantz' second recommendation is the new release from C.J. Carella. This new one is To The Strongest (The Bicentennial War Book 1), and it appears to be the first book of a new series:
A captain who’ll take any job if there’s enough money in it.
A pilot with an agenda of her own.
And a mechanic with an eye on the pilot.
The crew of the Fives Full are just trying to make enough money to keep themselves in the black while avoiding the attention of a government so paranoid it’s repealed Moore’s Law. They’re not looking for adventure in the stars . . . but they’re not going to back down just because something got in their way.
The Warp Marines Are Back!The original Warp Marines books: Decisively Engaged
When an ancient foe returns to threaten the known galaxy, the United Stars of America’s Navy and Marines must rise to the occasion and fight the alien invaders to the death. Epic space and land battles against a species of deadly space nomads will determine the fate of humanity.
No Price Too High
Advance to Contact
In Dread Silence
Havoc of War ___________
If you enjoyed Highwaymen, you'll love this biography of Hamer. An unbelievable life. Stood alone against lynch mobs, bandits, gangsters. Flawed like all of us, but a great lawman.https://t.co/23ScHxOYBq via @amazon
— Andrew Klavan (@andrewklavan) April 15, 2019
I saw The Highwaymen and I thought it was a very good movie. The book Andrew is talking about is this one, Texas Ranger: The Epic Life of Frank Hamer, the Man Who Killed Bonnie and Clyde:
Frank Hamer, last of the old breed of Texas Rangers, has not fared well in history or popular culture. John Boessenecker now restores this incredible Ranger to his proper place alongside such fabled lawmen as Wyatt Earp and Eliot Ness...To most Americans, Frank Hamer is known only as the “villain” of the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde. Now, in Texas Ranger, historian John Boessenecker sets out to restore Hamer’s good name and prove that he was, in fact, a classic American hero.So, to recap, a Hollywood movie took an American hero and turned him into a bad guy. What a shock. I don't know if this price still holds, but when I was collecting material for the book thread on Thursday, the Kindle edition of this book was $2.99. So I snapped it up immediately and added it to my precariously teetering TBR stack. Hamer survived 52 gunfights and 23 gunshot wounds. A worse case of toxic masculinity would be difficult to find. ___________ If you like, you can follow me on Twitter, where I make the occasional snarky comment. ___________ So that's all for this week. As always, book thread tips, suggestions, bribes, insults, threats, ugly pants pics and moron library submissions 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.
From the horseback days of the Old West through the gangster days of the 1930s, Hamer stood on the front lines of some of the most important and exciting periods in American history. He participated in the Bandit War of 1915, survived the climactic gunfight in the last blood feud of the Old West, battled the Mexican Revolution’s spillover across the border, protected African Americans from lynch mobs and the Ku Klux Klan, and ran down gangsters, bootleggers, and Communists. When at last his career came to an end, it was only when he ran up against another legendary Texan: Lyndon B. Johnson.
Written by one of the most acclaimed historians of the Old West, Texas Ranger is the first biography to tell the full story of this near-mythic lawman.
Comments
(Jump to bottom of comments)1
Mornin' book nerds!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 09:01 AM (kQs4Y)
2
Now that wall of shelves would almost hold all my books.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 09:02 AM (kQs4Y)
3
Good morining fellow Book Threadists. Hope everyone had a great week of reading.
Posted by: JTB at April 28, 2019 09:02 AM (bmdz3)
4
hiya
Posted by: JT at April 28, 2019 09:03 AM (hy55y)
5
No appy-polly-loggies for being first!
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/
Appendix:A_Clockwork_Orange
https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/
Appendix:A_Clockwork_Orange
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 09:04 AM (kQs4Y)
6
Tolle Lege
More than halfway through Hell in a Very Small Place by Bernard Fall. It's a re-read I last read I am fairly sure from 9th grade, and think it cemented my impression Communists were evil murderers.
More than halfway through Hell in a Very Small Place by Bernard Fall. It's a re-read I last read I am fairly sure from 9th grade, and think it cemented my impression Communists were evil murderers.
Posted by: Skip at April 28, 2019 09:04 AM (BbGew)
7
I just began “The Valley of Shadows” by John (Oh no!) Ringo and Mike Massa. It’s number six in his zombiad, and although I haven’t read the last couple, this one begins at the beginning of the plague and follows corporate security officer Tom Smith as he tries to convince the board of executives to keep ahead of the pandemic and initiate Plan Zeus (liquidate some assets, decentralize the company, work from alternate sites or home, keep the operation alive).
Avian flu was deadly but difficult to catch. Swine flu was more communicable but had a very low mortality rate. This strain is different. It spreads frighteningly fast and hits hard. And it seems to have started simultaneously on many continents. Who would deliberately start a world-wide plague?
Our protagonist, Tom, is the brother of Stephen Smith from the first in the series, “Under a Graveyard Sky”, and uncle to teenage death-dealers Faith and Sophia.
Avian flu was deadly but difficult to catch. Swine flu was more communicable but had a very low mortality rate. This strain is different. It spreads frighteningly fast and hits hard. And it seems to have started simultaneously on many continents. Who would deliberately start a world-wide plague?
Our protagonist, Tom, is the brother of Stephen Smith from the first in the series, “Under a Graveyard Sky”, and uncle to teenage death-dealers Faith and Sophia.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 09:05 AM (kQs4Y)
8
Good Morning.
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at April 28, 2019 09:05 AM (nDe2U)
9
'Morning, Horde. Yesterday I started Gregg Hurwitz's latest in the Orphan X series, Out of the Dark. Started off excellent, as usual. Unfortunately, it's a "hot release" and has to be back to the 'brary in two weeks, which doesn't work well with travel plans during the due date. *sigh*
If you like thrillers, give the Orphan X series a whirl. They're wildly popular.
If you like thrillers, give the Orphan X series a whirl. They're wildly popular.
Posted by: sandyCheeks at April 28, 2019 09:07 AM (tGSHk)
10
Anthony Burgess also created languages for Quest for Fire, the only good caveman movie ever. (I like all caveman movies, I just recognize that except for Quest they're all shite).
No subtitles no nothin' but you watch with the clear understanding that "athra" means fire.
No subtitles no nothin' but you watch with the clear understanding that "athra" means fire.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at April 28, 2019 09:07 AM (fuK7c)
11
150
Organ Transplants in China
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAB2KpBM-mw
Reposted from previous thread. It's a 1 hour podcast uploaded yesterday. Even the first 6 minutes is worth a listen if you don't have an hour.
It's bad and getting worse.
Organ Transplants in China
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAB2KpBM-mw
Reposted from previous thread. It's a 1 hour podcast uploaded yesterday. Even the first 6 minutes is worth a listen if you don't have an hour.
It's bad and getting worse.
Posted by: Off the reservation at April 28, 2019 09:08 AM (vWMNq)
12
Those pants are fine. I would wear them to barbeque in my backyard.
Posted by: Huggy Bear at April 28, 2019 09:11 AM (UdKB7)
13
Organ Transplants in China
---
Lt me guess-- they're running out of criminals and dissidents, and now they're moving on to Uyghurs?
---
Lt me guess-- they're running out of criminals and dissidents, and now they're moving on to Uyghurs?
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 09:11 AM (kQs4Y)
14
What kind of pants (if any) does Florida man wear in the Old Florida Book Shop? That's what the people want to know.
Posted by: Eeyore at April 28, 2019 09:12 AM (VaN/j)
15
Good Morning Morons, currently working on the Pern series by Ann McCaffree.
Posted by: Vic at April 28, 2019 09:12 AM (mpXpK)
16
I read a very interesting book by Matt Ridley, The Evolution of Everything: How Ideas Emerge. His central point is that change happens gradually, evolves, from the bottom up rather than top down. He is equally critical of religion and the state. He argues that by decentralizing things such as the economy, technology, government, education, etc. more innovative and efficient systems would occur.
The chapter on education was particularly interesting to me. Ridley shows that the private schools, even in third-world countries, outperform government run ones. Of course teacher unions, hierarchies of administrators and school boards will never permit decentralization on a wide-spread scale.
Finally, Ridley has hope that the internet and blockchain technology will lead the movement to decentralize our economy, society and culture; so he is optimistic for the future.
The chapter on education was particularly interesting to me. Ridley shows that the private schools, even in third-world countries, outperform government run ones. Of course teacher unions, hierarchies of administrators and school boards will never permit decentralization on a wide-spread scale.
Finally, Ridley has hope that the internet and blockchain technology will lead the movement to decentralize our economy, society and culture; so he is optimistic for the future.
Posted by: Zoltan at April 28, 2019 09:12 AM (Zgezk)
17
Greetings! I'm still hammering away at Gibbon's Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire and I'm near the end of Volume IV.
He reeeally doesn't like Justinian and he's very stupid about it (I know, right?).
He's been trying to portray the Reconquest as a huge waste of lives and money and that it shortened the life of the Eastern Roman Empire.
Because it only lasted 900 years after that.
Anyhow, as I've said before, when Gibbon forgets that he's the smartest guy in the room and actually focuses on telling the story, he's very good. His problem is that as the narrative advances, he's easily distracted. I can't help but wonder if it's the lack of records so he tries to pad the account. The early Empire is chock full of great sources but later on there are considerable gaps and so he can inject all sorts of nonsense.
I'm actually setting aside addition reading time to kill this thing off and put me out of my misery.
He reeeally doesn't like Justinian and he's very stupid about it (I know, right?).
He's been trying to portray the Reconquest as a huge waste of lives and money and that it shortened the life of the Eastern Roman Empire.
Because it only lasted 900 years after that.
Anyhow, as I've said before, when Gibbon forgets that he's the smartest guy in the room and actually focuses on telling the story, he's very good. His problem is that as the narrative advances, he's easily distracted. I can't help but wonder if it's the lack of records so he tries to pad the account. The early Empire is chock full of great sources but later on there are considerable gaps and so he can inject all sorts of nonsense.
I'm actually setting aside addition reading time to kill this thing off and put me out of my misery.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 09:13 AM (cfSRQ)
Posted by: JT at April 28, 2019 09:14 AM (hy55y)
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Also picked up this week from used book store Omaha Beach: D-Day by Joseph Balkoski, only glanced through it but think it has information I'm looking for. Won't read it until done current read.
Posted by: Skip at April 28, 2019 09:14 AM (BbGew)
20
Just think of all those pants I'm gonna buy when my reparations check hits the bank.
I'm paid, I'm paid, I'm paid.
I'm paid, I'm paid, I'm paid.
Posted by: Hairyback Guy at April 28, 2019 09:15 AM (Z+IKu)
21
Read "The Bone Garden" by Tess Gerritsen. A good historical fiction murder mystery. A former doctor Gerritsen has written numerous books some of which became the basis for the TV show Rizzoli and Isles.
In present day Boston Julia Hamill is recently divorced and while digging in her new home's garden she finds a very old skeleton. Fast backward to 1830 Boston there's another murder mystery at a hospital/medical college that involves a group of med students. Besides the murder investigations and other mysteries there's also Resurrectionists or grave robbers (the college needed fresh bodies for the students), gruesome medical practices, and the horrifying childbed fever.
One of the medical students is Oliver Wendell Holmes who in real life was a doctor who helped reform the medical profession, especially the cause childbed fever. Thousands of women in hospital maternity wards would die after giving birth due to the doctors arrogant ignorance of germs and how they were transmitted. Holmes and a few others solution was to wash their hands. This was opposed by many doctors because doctors are gentlemen, and "gentlemen's hands are clean." Some even thought the stink on their hands was a status symbol.
In present day Boston Julia Hamill is recently divorced and while digging in her new home's garden she finds a very old skeleton. Fast backward to 1830 Boston there's another murder mystery at a hospital/medical college that involves a group of med students. Besides the murder investigations and other mysteries there's also Resurrectionists or grave robbers (the college needed fresh bodies for the students), gruesome medical practices, and the horrifying childbed fever.
One of the medical students is Oliver Wendell Holmes who in real life was a doctor who helped reform the medical profession, especially the cause childbed fever. Thousands of women in hospital maternity wards would die after giving birth due to the doctors arrogant ignorance of germs and how they were transmitted. Holmes and a few others solution was to wash their hands. This was opposed by many doctors because doctors are gentlemen, and "gentlemen's hands are clean." Some even thought the stink on their hands was a status symbol.
Posted by: Jake Holenhead at April 28, 2019 09:15 AM (TDyHc)
22
Last Sunday I reported being halfway through Nabokov's first full length novel, Mary, and ended up finishing it later that day (it was only 111 pages). In addition to the positives I mentioned last week it ended in a manner that was unexpected, given the lead up, but very satisfying and a hint that he was a cut above the norm. It was an excellent portrayal of a colony of emigres with mixed feelings about the place they left and uncertainty about where they'll end up.
If Huck Follywood reads this, I saw your comment late last week and assume your mother went to Cornell. I've read both his Lectures on Literature and Lectures on Russian Literature and enjoyed them greatly. He certainly had his strange dislikes, Conrad and Dostoyevsky for example, which were surely based at least in part on class and nationality issues.
If Huck Follywood reads this, I saw your comment late last week and assume your mother went to Cornell. I've read both his Lectures on Literature and Lectures on Russian Literature and enjoyed them greatly. He certainly had his strange dislikes, Conrad and Dostoyevsky for example, which were surely based at least in part on class and nationality issues.
Posted by: Captain Hate at April 28, 2019 09:15 AM (y7DUB)
23
So I told the esteemed book thread that I'm going to a Bauhaus conference and had ordered "From Bauhaus to Our House" in anticipation. Well, it came and I read it.
I knew the gist of it because Wolfe had been on 60 Minutes when it came out and made the basic case. But sometimes here his Wolfe-iness gets too Wolfey.
"I have seen the carpenters and cabinetmakers and search-and-acquire girls hauling in more cornices, covings, pilasters, carved moldings, and recessed domes, more linenfold paneling, more (fireless) fireplaces with festoons of fruit carved in mahogany on the mantels, more chandeliers, sconces, griandoles, chestnut leather sofas, and chiming clocks than Wren, Inigo Jones, the brothers Adam, Lord Burlington, and the Dillettanti, working in concert, could have dreamed of."
Now, I recognized the words "fireplace" and "sofa", but none of the names.
I believe you, Tom, you're way more sophisticated than I. But a little help, please?
I knew the gist of it because Wolfe had been on 60 Minutes when it came out and made the basic case. But sometimes here his Wolfe-iness gets too Wolfey.
"I have seen the carpenters and cabinetmakers and search-and-acquire girls hauling in more cornices, covings, pilasters, carved moldings, and recessed domes, more linenfold paneling, more (fireless) fireplaces with festoons of fruit carved in mahogany on the mantels, more chandeliers, sconces, griandoles, chestnut leather sofas, and chiming clocks than Wren, Inigo Jones, the brothers Adam, Lord Burlington, and the Dillettanti, working in concert, could have dreamed of."
Now, I recognized the words "fireplace" and "sofa", but none of the names.
I believe you, Tom, you're way more sophisticated than I. But a little help, please?
Posted by: Bandersnatch at April 28, 2019 09:16 AM (fuK7c)
24
Organ Transplants in China
Ya know, if a Notre Dame type fire happened in Bejing, we could witness a Chinese Fire Drill.
Ya know, if a Notre Dame type fire happened in Bejing, we could witness a Chinese Fire Drill.
Posted by: JT at April 28, 2019 09:17 AM (hy55y)
25
11 150
Organ Transplants in China
Some years back I read "Larry's kidney: being the true story of how I found myself in China with my black sheep cousin and his mail-order bride, skirting the law to get him a transplant-- and save his life." It was a dark comedy but left images in your mind that will stay forever.
News around the time was that the gruesome practice of convicting citizens so the govt could sell their organs was halted. Yeah, right.
Organ Transplants in China
Some years back I read "Larry's kidney: being the true story of how I found myself in China with my black sheep cousin and his mail-order bride, skirting the law to get him a transplant-- and save his life." It was a dark comedy but left images in your mind that will stay forever.
News around the time was that the gruesome practice of convicting citizens so the govt could sell their organs was halted. Yeah, right.
Posted by: sandyCheeks at April 28, 2019 09:17 AM (tGSHk)
26
Could have been in the Pet Thread, too.
Return to Red Fern
Celebrate Where the Red Fern Grows with thirty thousand other fans--and, of course, their pups
https://gardenandgun.com/articles/return-red-fern/
If by some chance you made it through elementary school without reading Wilson Rawls's classic coming-of-age novel, Where the Red Fern Grows, about a boy and his redbone coonhounds, here's a tip: Read it with a hankie handy. And then mark your calendar for the annual Red Fern Festival (April 26-27), which draws around thirty thousand fans to Tahlequah, Oklahoma, just down the road from Rawls's childhood home.
You'll find the usual small-town-fest diversions: bluegrass performers, artisan vendors, a dunk tank, a vintage-airplane fly-in--there's even an honest-to-goodness rubber-ducky race down Town Branch Creek. Saturday morning's hound-dog field trials are a favorite, when canines compete in raccoon-treeing, racing, and tracking contests. Friday evening ends with a screening of the book's film adaptation. There have been three, but the Tahlequah Main Street Association stresses that they're showing the 1974 original version. Dogs, of course, are welcome.
Return to Red Fern
Celebrate Where the Red Fern Grows with thirty thousand other fans--and, of course, their pups
https://gardenandgun.com/articles/return-red-fern/
If by some chance you made it through elementary school without reading Wilson Rawls's classic coming-of-age novel, Where the Red Fern Grows, about a boy and his redbone coonhounds, here's a tip: Read it with a hankie handy. And then mark your calendar for the annual Red Fern Festival (April 26-27), which draws around thirty thousand fans to Tahlequah, Oklahoma, just down the road from Rawls's childhood home.
You'll find the usual small-town-fest diversions: bluegrass performers, artisan vendors, a dunk tank, a vintage-airplane fly-in--there's even an honest-to-goodness rubber-ducky race down Town Branch Creek. Saturday morning's hound-dog field trials are a favorite, when canines compete in raccoon-treeing, racing, and tracking contests. Friday evening ends with a screening of the book's film adaptation. There have been three, but the Tahlequah Main Street Association stresses that they're showing the 1974 original version. Dogs, of course, are welcome.
Posted by: artisanal 'ette at April 28, 2019 09:18 AM (vEIlU)
27
I've seen several people here have taken on Gibbon, and pointed out exactly the reasons I gave up on him. I particularly wanted to read the Byzantine bits, as that's what I knew the least about. But Gibbon is so obviously agenda-driven that it was clearly not going to teach much.
I am either fortunate or unfortunate in one respect: I've never felt the compulsion to finish a book when I feel it's pointless to do so.
I am either fortunate or unfortunate in one respect: I've never felt the compulsion to finish a book when I feel it's pointless to do so.
Posted by: Eeyore at April 28, 2019 09:20 AM (VaN/j)
28
Reading the 3rd book in the Sheriff Walt Longmire mystery series by Craig Johnson. The books are better than the TV series and the characters conversations are a hoot, especially between Longmire and his close friend Henry Standing Bear who's a full blooded No. Cheyenne.
Henry: "We are looking for a white male."
Longmire: "With an Indian mother; a half-breed."
Henry: "Bicultural."
Longmire: I glanced over at him. "Are you aware of the damage you are causing with the political correctness to the language of the mythic American West?"
Henry: "You bet'cher boots."
Then there's his senior deputy Victoria "Vic" Moretti. A tough no nonsense cop whose conversations are not always this sweet.
Longmire: I pulled my mic from the dash. "Base, this is Unit One, come in?" After a moment of static, a cool voice responded, and it wasn't Ruby; I had forgotten that she wasn't there.
Vic: "What the fuck do you want now?"
Henry: "We are looking for a white male."
Longmire: "With an Indian mother; a half-breed."
Henry: "Bicultural."
Longmire: I glanced over at him. "Are you aware of the damage you are causing with the political correctness to the language of the mythic American West?"
Henry: "You bet'cher boots."
Then there's his senior deputy Victoria "Vic" Moretti. A tough no nonsense cop whose conversations are not always this sweet.
Longmire: I pulled my mic from the dash. "Base, this is Unit One, come in?" After a moment of static, a cool voice responded, and it wasn't Ruby; I had forgotten that she wasn't there.
Vic: "What the fuck do you want now?"
Posted by: Jake Holenhead at April 28, 2019 09:20 AM (TDyHc)
29
Morning all - still recovering from a hot day and a two-hour drive each way to a local festival in Granite Shoals. My best-seller from yesterday was my own re-telling of the Lone Ranger epic: Lone Star Sons and Lone Star Glory. Otherwise, the day was pretty much a bust. We returned home, sunburnt and weary, but feasted on take-out BBQ afterwards, so the day wasn't a dead loss.
Off to walk the doggies ...
Off to walk the doggies ...
Posted by: Sgt. Mom at April 28, 2019 09:21 AM (xnmPy)
30
A recently departed commenter, on another blog, noted procopius secret history which took an even more deranged picture of justinian and his consort.
Posted by: Admiral marcus at April 28, 2019 09:21 AM (gRoFZ)
Posted by: vmom, anti-vahzist at April 28, 2019 09:21 AM (FzG3W)
32
I'm about to begin The French Foreign Legion(A Complete History of the Legendary Fighting Force) by Douglas Porch
Posted by: JT at April 28, 2019 09:22 AM (hy55y)
33
Finished If, or History Rewritten Other than the essay about Lord Byron becoming King of Greece, all ten of the other essays were interesting and thought-provoking. The last, a satire by J.C. Squire, examines the effect of Bacon being confirmed to have been the author of "Shakespear's" works has a rather amusing twist for an ending. Rating = 4.75/5.0
Currently reading To Hell and Back by Audie Murphy. Published in 1949, it is a recounting of his experiences as a combat infantryman in Italy and Southern France. He was the most decorated American soldier in WWII (I believe his record still stands). He is quite modest and mainly rights about his comrades. He wrote the book in the present tense because the combat infantryman can only live in the here-and-now; Murphy demonstrates that death is random and sudden on the battlefield, and talks pretty frankly about fear and nervous breakdown. Rating = 5/5.
Currently reading To Hell and Back by Audie Murphy. Published in 1949, it is a recounting of his experiences as a combat infantryman in Italy and Southern France. He was the most decorated American soldier in WWII (I believe his record still stands). He is quite modest and mainly rights about his comrades. He wrote the book in the present tense because the combat infantryman can only live in the here-and-now; Murphy demonstrates that death is random and sudden on the battlefield, and talks pretty frankly about fear and nervous breakdown. Rating = 5/5.
Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at April 28, 2019 09:22 AM (5Yee7)
34
Good Sunday morning, horde!
Haha, the pants. But that lion shirt, tho!
I've been really tired lately, a lot. I want to read, and I'm just too tired. And I can't get interested in anything. And then we got a puppy, and that didn't help, believe it or not!
Maybe this week I'll read.
Haha, the pants. But that lion shirt, tho!
I've been really tired lately, a lot. I want to read, and I'm just too tired. And I can't get interested in anything. And then we got a puppy, and that didn't help, believe it or not!
Maybe this week I'll read.
Posted by: April at April 28, 2019 09:23 AM (OX9vb)
35
OregonMuse is now that bespectacled bunny, in my mind's eye, and that's not likely to change anytime soon.
Posted by: hogmartin invites you to the summer MIMoMe (link: nick) at April 28, 2019 09:23 AM (t+qrx)
36
Anyhow, as I've said before, when Gibbon forgets that he's the smartest guy in the room and actually focuses on telling the story, he's very good. His problem is that as the narrative advances, he's easily distracted. I can't help but wonder if it's the lack of records so he tries to pad the account. The early Empire is chock full of great sources but later on there are considerable gaps and so he can inject all sorts of nonsense.
When he was reading furrin things and translating on the fly, he surely misunderstood things and assigned credibility to some sketchy things. That said, in Book 5 or 6 he's very good at portraying what ass kickers the Normans were as they cut a wide swath to the east, enough to make the Pope and Constantinople very nervous, as they ran the rock worshipers out of Sicily.
When he was reading furrin things and translating on the fly, he surely misunderstood things and assigned credibility to some sketchy things. That said, in Book 5 or 6 he's very good at portraying what ass kickers the Normans were as they cut a wide swath to the east, enough to make the Pope and Constantinople very nervous, as they ran the rock worshipers out of Sicily.
Posted by: Captain Hate at April 28, 2019 09:24 AM (y7DUB)
37
Thousands of women in hospital maternity wards would die after giving birth due to the doctors arrogant ignorance of germs and how they were transmitted. Holmes and a few others solution was to wash their hands. This was opposed by many doctors because doctors are gentlemen, and "gentlemen's hands are clean." Some even thought the stink on their hands was a status symbol.
Posted by: Jake Holenhead at April 28, 2019 09:15 AM (TDyHc)
----
Ages upon ages ago there was a British series on Koch, Semmelweiss, and maybe Lister. Does it ring a bell with anybody? I just remember the doctors going right from the operating table to the maternity ward with blood on their hands. Wouldn't common sense say "wash your hands"?
Posted by: Jake Holenhead at April 28, 2019 09:15 AM (TDyHc)
----
Ages upon ages ago there was a British series on Koch, Semmelweiss, and maybe Lister. Does it ring a bell with anybody? I just remember the doctors going right from the operating table to the maternity ward with blood on their hands. Wouldn't common sense say "wash your hands"?
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 09:24 AM (kQs4Y)
38
More than halfway through Hell in a Very Small Place by Bernard Fall.
I read that many, many moons ago.
I read that many, many moons ago.
Posted by: JT at April 28, 2019 09:24 AM (hy55y)
39
30 A recently departed commenter, on another blog, noted procopius secret history which took an even more deranged picture of justinian and his consort.
Posted by: Admiral marcus at April 28, 2019 09:21 AM (gRoFZ)
______
More deranged, but also more fun. I don't remember whether Procopius thought Justinian and Theodora were actual demons themselves, or merely possessed by them.
A good novel on that era is Graves's Count Belisarius. Justinian is portrayed unfavorably, but not vile. It's sympathetic to Theodora (it is Graves, after all). And Belisarius is painted the way Lee used to be.
Posted by: Admiral marcus at April 28, 2019 09:21 AM (gRoFZ)
______
More deranged, but also more fun. I don't remember whether Procopius thought Justinian and Theodora were actual demons themselves, or merely possessed by them.
A good novel on that era is Graves's Count Belisarius. Justinian is portrayed unfavorably, but not vile. It's sympathetic to Theodora (it is Graves, after all). And Belisarius is painted the way Lee used to be.
Posted by: Eeyore at April 28, 2019 09:24 AM (VaN/j)
40
Posted by: Jake Holenhead at April 28, 2019 09:20 AM (TDyHc)
Glad you mentioned the Longmire books and dialogue. I binge watched the series on Netflix (supposedly their highest-rated series to date) and never thought much about the books. I'm going to have to change that. Thanks for the tip. I'm a sucker for realistic dialogue.
Glad you mentioned the Longmire books and dialogue. I binge watched the series on Netflix (supposedly their highest-rated series to date) and never thought much about the books. I'm going to have to change that. Thanks for the tip. I'm a sucker for realistic dialogue.
Posted by: sandyCheeks at April 28, 2019 09:24 AM (tGSHk)
41
Does anyone know what is going on with Tucker Carlson? He did two shows this week looking visibly shaken and then disappeared. Any ideas?
Posted by: Puddin Head at April 28, 2019 09:25 AM (vV/gB)
42
Book writing (grandpa, army engineer) continues. seems i add a couple research/resource items every week. never ends. it's amazing, the number of Battle of the Bulge books written since 2000. along the way, i also picked up and am reading Michael Caine's latest autobiog, "Blow the Bloody Doors Off", or something. always been a fan of his.
Posted by: goatexchange at April 28, 2019 09:25 AM (mNLaz)
43
Of course this account was discovered after his hagiographic account from 30 years earlier, I guess one had to take the biases of thucydides or sallust into account.
Posted by: Admiral marcus at April 28, 2019 09:25 AM (gRoFZ)
44
I have that book "Omaha Beach" Skip. Got it from my grandpa.
I finished reading "The Silverplate Bombers". It's about the B29s specially modified to carry atomic bombs. There were actually 65 made / modified for that. Most were returned to regular service or scrapped when they were replaced by later aircraft, but a couple are still around, like of course the Enola Gay.
The book details the development of the planes and has a lot of dry facts about crews and missions, but the narrative part of the book is pretty good.
The cost of one B-29 in 1945 was about $800k.
I finished reading "The Silverplate Bombers". It's about the B29s specially modified to carry atomic bombs. There were actually 65 made / modified for that. Most were returned to regular service or scrapped when they were replaced by later aircraft, but a couple are still around, like of course the Enola Gay.
The book details the development of the planes and has a lot of dry facts about crews and missions, but the narrative part of the book is pretty good.
The cost of one B-29 in 1945 was about $800k.
Posted by: freaked at April 28, 2019 09:26 AM (UdKB7)
45
History of the French Foreign Legion would be interesting
Posted by: Skip at April 28, 2019 09:27 AM (BbGew)
46
33 Finished If, or History Rewritten Other than the essay about Lord Byron becoming King of Greece, all ten of the other essays were interesting and thought-provoking. The last, a satire by J.C. Squire, examines the effect of Bacon being confirmed to have been the author of "Shakespear's" works has a rather amusing twist for an ending. Rating = 4.75/5.0
Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at April 28, 2019 09:22 AM (5Yee7)
________
I may have already said this, but the Squire article on Bacon may be the very best. At the end, he get Chesterton's style to a tee, both in his style of writing and thinking.
Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at April 28, 2019 09:22 AM (5Yee7)
________
I may have already said this, but the Squire article on Bacon may be the very best. At the end, he get Chesterton's style to a tee, both in his style of writing and thinking.
Posted by: Eeyore at April 28, 2019 09:27 AM (VaN/j)
47
Lindsay Books is closing doors. Last chance to get something from them:
www.youroldtimebookstore.com
50% percent off with "GOODBYE50" coupon code
(they sent this out to those who have bought from them before, but I don't imagine they will be all that unhappy if I share it with y'all.)
www.youroldtimebookstore.com
50% percent off with "GOODBYE50" coupon code
(they sent this out to those who have bought from them before, but I don't imagine they will be all that unhappy if I share it with y'all.)
Posted by: Grey Fox at April 28, 2019 09:27 AM (bZ7mE)
48
Sallust a caesar partisan gave Marius the benefit of the doubt over sulla and threw shade on catiline.
Posted by: Admiral marcus at April 28, 2019 09:28 AM (gRoFZ)
49
I've been doing a lot of 'practical' reading on hobbies and related items lately and decided to take a break. So I started with a couple of Louis L'Amour books: Flint (one of my favorites) and The Sackett Brand.
I continued reading the "Mystery of Fu-Manchu" which is getting to be more and more fun. Also continued with "Uncharted" by Sarah Hoyt. It's an interesting combination of the Lewis and Clark expedition and the release of magic in the western hemisphere. A lot of the informaton is correct and the rest is great imagination. Definitely recommended.
I continued reading the "Mystery of Fu-Manchu" which is getting to be more and more fun. Also continued with "Uncharted" by Sarah Hoyt. It's an interesting combination of the Lewis and Clark expedition and the release of magic in the western hemisphere. A lot of the informaton is correct and the rest is great imagination. Definitely recommended.
Posted by: JTB at April 28, 2019 09:28 AM (bmdz3)
50
Jake, I do love the Longmire books. Great characters! Maybe I'll pick up one of those for a re-read.
Posted by: April at April 28, 2019 09:28 AM (OX9vb)
51
41 Does anyone know what is going on with Tucker Carlson? He did two shows this week looking visibly shaken and then disappeared. Any ideas?
Posted by: Puddin Head at April 28, 2019 09:25 AM (vV/gB)
duh! nikhedonia!
Posted by: Puddin Head at April 28, 2019 09:25 AM (vV/gB)
duh! nikhedonia!
Posted by: rhennigantx at April 28, 2019 09:29 AM (JFO2v)
52
Word is that Kubrick first tried to read Clockwork without the glossary and gave up. He tried again with the glossary, but with the American version that doesn't have the last chapter where Alex is grown up and a new father.
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 28, 2019 09:29 AM (1UZdv)
53
I reread Flatland.
Posted by: Brie Larson's Butt at April 28, 2019 09:29 AM (/qEW2)
54
Anthony Burgess also created languages for Quest for Fire, the only good caveman movie ever. (I like all caveman movies, I just recognize that except for Quest they're all shite).
No subtitles no nothin' but you watch with the clear understanding that "athra" means fire.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at April 28, 2019 09:07 AM (fuK7c)
Bander wrong. Bander jealous. Wishes he could zug zug Lana.
Anthony Burgess also created languages for Quest for Fire, the only good caveman movie ever. (I like all caveman movies, I just recognize that except for Quest they're all shite).
No subtitles no nothin' but you watch with the clear understanding that "athra" means fire.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at April 28, 2019 09:07 AM (fuK7c)
Bander wrong. Bander jealous. Wishes he could zug zug Lana.
Posted by: Atouk at April 28, 2019 09:30 AM (UILOn)
55
This week, I inaugurated a new birthday custom. I'm taking my cash back points and using them to buy books that have languished on my Amazon wishlist throughout the year. This year, I got:
Ike's Mystery Man: The Secret Lives of Robert Cutler - Shinkle, Peter
Empty Planet: The Shock of Global Population Decline - Bricker, Darrell
City of Devils: The Two Men Who Ruled the Underworld of Old Shanghai - French, Paul
Nathaniel's Nutmeg: Or the True and Incredible Adventures of the Spice Trader Who Changed the Course of History - Milton, Giles
The Outsiders - SE Hinton
The last is a book I've read many times, but I haven't actually owned a copy of in years. My college nickname was Ponyboy
Ike's Mystery Man: The Secret Lives of Robert Cutler - Shinkle, Peter
Empty Planet: The Shock of Global Population Decline - Bricker, Darrell
City of Devils: The Two Men Who Ruled the Underworld of Old Shanghai - French, Paul
Nathaniel's Nutmeg: Or the True and Incredible Adventures of the Spice Trader Who Changed the Course of History - Milton, Giles
The Outsiders - SE Hinton
The last is a book I've read many times, but I haven't actually owned a copy of in years. My college nickname was Ponyboy
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at April 28, 2019 09:30 AM (UKVPl)
56
Lindsay Books is closing doors. Last chance to get something from them:
www.youroldtimebookstore.com
50% percent off with "GOODBYE50" coupon code
What are the odds that once Morons see the "alcohol" tab that that section of the inventory will be gone?
www.youroldtimebookstore.com
50% percent off with "GOODBYE50" coupon code
What are the odds that once Morons see the "alcohol" tab that that section of the inventory will be gone?
Posted by: sandyCheeks at April 28, 2019 09:30 AM (tGSHk)
57
Ages upon ages ago there was a British series on Koch, Semmelweiss, and maybe Lister. Does it ring a bell with anybody? I just remember the doctors going right from the operating table to the maternity ward with blood on their hands. Wouldn't common sense say "wash your hands"?
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 09:24 AM
Semmelweiss was driven into an insane asylum by his fellow doctors for his beliefs and would die there. The doctors often would perform autopsies then go pawing the women about to give birth.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 09:24 AM
Semmelweiss was driven into an insane asylum by his fellow doctors for his beliefs and would die there. The doctors often would perform autopsies then go pawing the women about to give birth.
Posted by: Jake Holenhead at April 28, 2019 09:31 AM (TDyHc)
58
13 Lt me guess-- they're running out of criminals and dissidents, and now they're moving on to Uyghurs?
Ah. You'll be interested in the second link I posted in the previous thread.
Falun Gong:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBzVKtTOq3s
It's an exercise program, like Tai-Chi. It was never about "criminals and dissidents". The crime was being too popular.
Same source (they have several channels), 3 days earlier.
Ah. You'll be interested in the second link I posted in the previous thread.
Falun Gong:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBzVKtTOq3s
It's an exercise program, like Tai-Chi. It was never about "criminals and dissidents". The crime was being too popular.
Same source (they have several channels), 3 days earlier.
Posted by: Off the reservation at April 28, 2019 09:31 AM (vWMNq)
59
The book details the development of the planes and has a lot of dry facts about crews and missions, but the narrative part of the book is pretty good.
The cost of one B-29 in 1945 was about $800k.
Posted by: freaked at April 28, 2019 09:26 AM (UdKB7)
Was at WWII museum in NOLA this month. Holy shit those planes are scary. Looks like they were built in gomers garage with hammers and tongs.
The cost of one B-29 in 1945 was about $800k.
Posted by: freaked at April 28, 2019 09:26 AM (UdKB7)
Was at WWII museum in NOLA this month. Holy shit those planes are scary. Looks like they were built in gomers garage with hammers and tongs.
Posted by: rhennigantx at April 28, 2019 09:32 AM (JFO2v)
60
Morning Readers!
Posted by: Weasel at April 28, 2019 09:32 AM (MVjcR)
61
Bander wrong. Bander jealous. Wishes he could zug zug Lana.
Posted by: Atouk
Atouk has ill temper ;-)
Bander is jealous of everyone on set who got to work with Rae Dawn Chong running around nekkid the whole time.
Posted by: Atouk
Atouk has ill temper ;-)
Bander is jealous of everyone on set who got to work with Rae Dawn Chong running around nekkid the whole time.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at April 28, 2019 09:33 AM (fuK7c)
62
True liberty is the associate of genuine self-respect; false liberty is the consort of self-admiration.
Posted by: Mighty Mess at April 28, 2019 09:33 AM (WFo9b)
63
I've never read Gibbon, but I always thought he was well-respected. He certainly doesn't seem to be popular among Horde readers.
Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2019 09:33 AM (sdi6R)
64
sandyCheeks,
Gregg Hurwitz's first books are very good. The Kill Clause, The Program, Troubleshooter, and Last Shot.
Gregg Hurwitz's first books are very good. The Kill Clause, The Program, Troubleshooter, and Last Shot.
Posted by: Jake Holenhead at April 28, 2019 09:34 AM (TDyHc)
65
On problem solving: "clearly defining the problem is 90 percent of the solution."
Part of my job is tech support and I can't tell you how many times I've received a support request that doesn't come close to describing the actual problem that needs to be solved.
Part of my job is tech support and I can't tell you how many times I've received a support request that doesn't come close to describing the actual problem that needs to be solved.
Posted by: Blake - used vacation salesman at April 28, 2019 09:34 AM (WEBkv)
Posted by: Eeyore at April 28, 2019 09:35 AM (VaN/j)
67
60 Morning Readers!
Posted by: Weasel at April 28, 2019 09:32 AM (MVjcR)
------------
Good morning, Weasel!
Posted by: Weasel at April 28, 2019 09:32 AM (MVjcR)
------------
Good morning, Weasel!
Posted by: Blake - used vacation salesman at April 28, 2019 09:35 AM (WEBkv)
68
Highwaymen the movie is good. It omits the scene in Bonnie & Clyde where the bad guys get the drop on the Rangers and they take a picture of Bonnie kissing one, and send it to the papers. Did that actually happen?
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 28, 2019 09:36 AM (1UZdv)
69
25 News around the time was that the gruesome practice of convicting
citizens so the govt could sell their organs was halted. Yeah, right.
Currently they are increasing the training programs for doctors, according to the podcast. Their propaganda efforts have been very efficient.
No doubt Trump is on to this. David Kilgour has a link to Peter Navarro's 2012 film web-site which has a prominent endorsement from Trump. The film is mentioned in Wikipedia's article on Navarro. He's been onto China for a *long* time.
citizens so the govt could sell their organs was halted. Yeah, right.
Currently they are increasing the training programs for doctors, according to the podcast. Their propaganda efforts have been very efficient.
No doubt Trump is on to this. David Kilgour has a link to Peter Navarro's 2012 film web-site which has a prominent endorsement from Trump. The film is mentioned in Wikipedia's article on Navarro. He's been onto China for a *long* time.
Posted by: Off the reservation at April 28, 2019 09:37 AM (vWMNq)
70
On problem solving: "clearly defining the problem is 90 percent of the solution."
Part of my job is tech support and I can't tell you how many times I've received a support request that doesn't come close to describing the actual problem that needs to be solved.
Posted by: Blake - used vacation salesman at April 28, 2019 09:34 AM (WEBkv)
Rubber ducks have solved more programming problems than every other tool combined.
Part of my job is tech support and I can't tell you how many times I've received a support request that doesn't come close to describing the actual problem that needs to be solved.
Posted by: Blake - used vacation salesman at April 28, 2019 09:34 AM (WEBkv)
Rubber ducks have solved more programming problems than every other tool combined.
Posted by: hogmartin invites you to the summer MIMoMe (link: nick) at April 28, 2019 09:37 AM (t+qrx)
71
Good morning, Weasel!
Posted by: Blake - used vacation salesman at April 28, 2019 09:35 AM (WEBkv)
------
Howdy Blake!
Yesterday was beautiful and today is overcast, damp and cool. A great day to stay inside and read, but I have some yard work to do. Reckon I need to check the weather and see if it's supposed to clear later. I have a new Stephen Coonts book, but I really need to at least cut the grass.
Good morning, Weasel!
Posted by: Blake - used vacation salesman at April 28, 2019 09:35 AM (WEBkv)
------
Howdy Blake!
Yesterday was beautiful and today is overcast, damp and cool. A great day to stay inside and read, but I have some yard work to do. Reckon I need to check the weather and see if it's supposed to clear later. I have a new Stephen Coonts book, but I really need to at least cut the grass.
Posted by: Weasel at April 28, 2019 09:39 AM (MVjcR)
72
Gibbon may be better regarded as a prose stylist than a historian. Many here don't like him because he blamed Christian "weakness" for the fall of Rome.
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 28, 2019 09:40 AM (1UZdv)
73
Posted by: artisanal 'ette at April 28, 2019 09:18 AM (vEIlU)
I think WtRFG was read to us in fifth grade and Bridge to Terebithia (sp?) in sixth grade. I missed the ends of both because in each case that was the week I ended up being out sick that year (yes, I missed a week of school solid pretty much every year due to illness). The other kids told me what happened so I never bothered to finish them and stayed away from the movies.
I think WtRFG was read to us in fifth grade and Bridge to Terebithia (sp?) in sixth grade. I missed the ends of both because in each case that was the week I ended up being out sick that year (yes, I missed a week of school solid pretty much every year due to illness). The other kids told me what happened so I never bothered to finish them and stayed away from the movies.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 28, 2019 09:40 AM (uquGJ)
74
Anthony Burgess also created languages for Quest for Fire, the only good caveman movie ever. (I like all caveman movies, I just recognize that except for Quest they're all shite).
No subtitles no nothin' but you watch with the clear understanding that "athra" means fire.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at April 28, 2019 09:07 AM (fuK7c)
Bander wrong. Bander jealous. Wishes he could zug zug Lana.
Posted by: Atouk at April 28, 2019 09:30 AM (UILOn)
Ugh. You people.
No subtitles no nothin' but you watch with the clear understanding that "athra" means fire.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at April 28, 2019 09:07 AM (fuK7c)
Bander wrong. Bander jealous. Wishes he could zug zug Lana.
Posted by: Atouk at April 28, 2019 09:30 AM (UILOn)
Ugh. You people.
Posted by: Clan of the Steve and Cave Bear at April 28, 2019 09:40 AM (/qEW2)
75
Still working on "Why Orwell Matters" by the late Christopher Hitchens.
And also working on "Case Histories" from which a Brit series was derived. So far, the book is interesting and seems to be well written.
And, started, "With the Old Breed" by E.B. Sledge. Something I do now, that I didn't do as a younger reader, is read the introductions and forwards of books like "With the Old Breed." Always seems like there are fascinating insights into the author in the forwards and introductions.
And also working on "Case Histories" from which a Brit series was derived. So far, the book is interesting and seems to be well written.
And, started, "With the Old Breed" by E.B. Sledge. Something I do now, that I didn't do as a younger reader, is read the introductions and forwards of books like "With the Old Breed." Always seems like there are fascinating insights into the author in the forwards and introductions.
Posted by: Blake - used vacation salesman at April 28, 2019 09:40 AM (WEBkv)
76
I believe you, Tom, you're way more sophisticated than I. But a little help, please?
Posted by: Bandersnatch at April 28, 2019 09:16 AM (fuK7c)
Maybe I've read the wrong things but his appeal is lost on me to the point that I don't feel the need to test it any more. Kind of like Steinbeck, although in his case I've appreciated some well written passages while still finding him annoying.
Last night I finished Blood and Grits by Harry Crews, a collection of magazine articles he'd written for Esquire and Playboy. Before this year I'd solely concentrated on his fiction before a respected commenter elsewhere recommended the autobiographical "A Childhood: The Portrait of a Place" which was like discovering him anew. I had bought the current book years ago, surely drastically marked down from the sticker from some defunct bookstore, and just stuck it on a shelf until I finished the previous work. Whether he's writing on hiking the Appalachian trail, portraying Charles Bronson or ruminations on the tower Charles Whitman slaughtered people from everything has the stamp of Crews on it. He was a national treasure and I'm severely pissed that his books have gone OOP and libraries are increasingly purging them in a witless bit of cultural suicide.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at April 28, 2019 09:16 AM (fuK7c)
Maybe I've read the wrong things but his appeal is lost on me to the point that I don't feel the need to test it any more. Kind of like Steinbeck, although in his case I've appreciated some well written passages while still finding him annoying.
Last night I finished Blood and Grits by Harry Crews, a collection of magazine articles he'd written for Esquire and Playboy. Before this year I'd solely concentrated on his fiction before a respected commenter elsewhere recommended the autobiographical "A Childhood: The Portrait of a Place" which was like discovering him anew. I had bought the current book years ago, surely drastically marked down from the sticker from some defunct bookstore, and just stuck it on a shelf until I finished the previous work. Whether he's writing on hiking the Appalachian trail, portraying Charles Bronson or ruminations on the tower Charles Whitman slaughtered people from everything has the stamp of Crews on it. He was a national treasure and I'm severely pissed that his books have gone OOP and libraries are increasingly purging them in a witless bit of cultural suicide.
Posted by: Captain Hate at April 28, 2019 09:41 AM (y7DUB)
77
Howdy, literati.
Plaid pants and pimp hats. Great look. Are those purple pants velour?
And collar points wide enough to go airborne like Sally Field's habit. (I did not have any shirts like that back in the late 60s. Not one. Nope.)
Plaid pants and pimp hats. Great look. Are those purple pants velour?
And collar points wide enough to go airborne like Sally Field's habit. (I did not have any shirts like that back in the late 60s. Not one. Nope.)
Posted by: mindful webworker - slow reader at April 28, 2019 09:41 AM (Yzubb)
78
I'm reading Gibbon because he's a standard reference, the baseline from a lot of history that followed.
To his credit, he does give a nice outline of history, which is why he is still such a big deal.
I understand the abridgements cut out the chapters where he points out that Everyone Else Is Wrong About Religion But Me and the numerous digressions where he writes I Am So Smart over and over again.
I have to say the first book was quite fun to read and it seems to me that as he gets deeper into the weeds, he loses interest in the actual history and instead wants to tell us about himself.
It's not unusual for authors to shift their focus in long works. If one reads The Second World War, Churchill is stern and prescient in the first volume and positively bubbling with enthusiasm in 2 and 3 and he remembers how the Brits stuck it out ALONE.
Then the US comes in and he's happy again because he remembers the turn of the tide.
But as the end nears, he becomes dark again, thinking of the wasted victory and his own political setback.
Note I said setback because Churchill's career did NOT end in 1945. He had a second run at being Prime Minister that people completely forget.
Of course he was writing when that hadn't happened yet, so he thought he was washed up.
Not sure what was going on in Gibbon's life that made him so cranky.
To his credit, he does give a nice outline of history, which is why he is still such a big deal.
I understand the abridgements cut out the chapters where he points out that Everyone Else Is Wrong About Religion But Me and the numerous digressions where he writes I Am So Smart over and over again.
I have to say the first book was quite fun to read and it seems to me that as he gets deeper into the weeds, he loses interest in the actual history and instead wants to tell us about himself.
It's not unusual for authors to shift their focus in long works. If one reads The Second World War, Churchill is stern and prescient in the first volume and positively bubbling with enthusiasm in 2 and 3 and he remembers how the Brits stuck it out ALONE.
Then the US comes in and he's happy again because he remembers the turn of the tide.
But as the end nears, he becomes dark again, thinking of the wasted victory and his own political setback.
Note I said setback because Churchill's career did NOT end in 1945. He had a second run at being Prime Minister that people completely forget.
Of course he was writing when that hadn't happened yet, so he thought he was washed up.
Not sure what was going on in Gibbon's life that made him so cranky.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 09:42 AM (cfSRQ)
79
Part of my job is tech support and I can't tell you
how many times I've received a support request that doesn't come close
to describing the actual problem that needs to be solved.
Posted by: Blake
-----
My own dev team, as a group, cannot describe the actual problem they are coding to. But they are cocksure certain, if they just use the newest, latest and greatest (but still in beta) framework, all will be well.
But, I'm old. What the hell do I know? LOL
how many times I've received a support request that doesn't come close
to describing the actual problem that needs to be solved.
Posted by: Blake
-----
My own dev team, as a group, cannot describe the actual problem they are coding to. But they are cocksure certain, if they just use the newest, latest and greatest (but still in beta) framework, all will be well.
But, I'm old. What the hell do I know? LOL
Posted by: Tonypete at April 28, 2019 09:43 AM (HE1Cg)
80
Yesterday was beautiful and today is overcast, damp and cool. A great day to stay inside and read, but I have some yard work to do. Reckon I need to check the weather and see if it's supposed to clear later. I have a new Stephen Coonts book, but I really need to at least cut the grass.
Posted by: Weasel at April 28, 2019 09:39 AM (MVjcR)
-------------------
Overcast, damp and cool? I'd be outside in a heartbeat working in the yard. I much prefer that kind of weather..well, unless by "damp" you mean torrential rain.
Posted by: Weasel at April 28, 2019 09:39 AM (MVjcR)
-------------------
Overcast, damp and cool? I'd be outside in a heartbeat working in the yard. I much prefer that kind of weather..well, unless by "damp" you mean torrential rain.
Posted by: Blake - used vacation salesman at April 28, 2019 09:43 AM (WEBkv)
81
I do love the Longmire books. Great characters! Maybe I'll pick up one of those for a re-read.
Posted by: April at April 28, 2019 09:28 AM
What I enjoy about the books is the dialogue. It's the kind of banter that close friends enjoy, but would cause the overly sensitive/SJW crowd and outsiders to have hissy fits.
Posted by: April at April 28, 2019 09:28 AM
What I enjoy about the books is the dialogue. It's the kind of banter that close friends enjoy, but would cause the overly sensitive/SJW crowd and outsiders to have hissy fits.
Posted by: Jake Holenhead at April 28, 2019 09:43 AM (TDyHc)
82
Home sick from church today. Nasty cold/flu whatever. So I find myself being able to enjoy the book thread in real time.
Today I should finish the last of the Flavia De Luce series, by Alan Bradley. I'm always sad when I come to the end of an enjoyable series.
I didn't know if I would like this set of mysteries at first, since the principle character is an eleven year old girl. But I found myself soon delighted with this girl who investigates death with relish and abandon. Her main tool is her vast love and knowledge of all things chemistry. She is aided in her sleuthing by the wonderful family servant, who manages the shabbily run-down British estate in which Miss Flavia lives. I find these books to be interestingly written, and quite delightful.
Today I should finish the last of the Flavia De Luce series, by Alan Bradley. I'm always sad when I come to the end of an enjoyable series.
I didn't know if I would like this set of mysteries at first, since the principle character is an eleven year old girl. But I found myself soon delighted with this girl who investigates death with relish and abandon. Her main tool is her vast love and knowledge of all things chemistry. She is aided in her sleuthing by the wonderful family servant, who manages the shabbily run-down British estate in which Miss Flavia lives. I find these books to be interestingly written, and quite delightful.
Posted by: grammie winger at April 28, 2019 09:44 AM (lwiT4)
83
The doctors often would perform autopsies then go pawing the women about to give birth.
---
"Your hands stink of the deathhouse!". That's all I remember of the series.
---
"Your hands stink of the deathhouse!". That's all I remember of the series.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 09:44 AM (kQs4Y)
84
32 I'm about to begin The French Foreign Legion(A Complete History of the Legendary Fighting Force) by Douglas Porch
Posted by: JT at April 28, 2019 09:22 AM (hy55y)
I've read and can recommend it.
Posted by: JT at April 28, 2019 09:22 AM (hy55y)
I've read and can recommend it.
Posted by: josephistan at April 28, 2019 09:44 AM (Izzlo)
85
"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend.
Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read."
- Groucho Marx
"Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend.
Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read."
- Groucho Marx
Posted by: BackwardsBoy says #PurgeProgressivismBAMN at April 28, 2019 09:45 AM (HaL55)
86
Grammie! Nice to "see" you.
Yes, I've loved the Flavia de Luce series. It's hilarious but also bittersweet.
Yes, I've loved the Flavia de Luce series. It's hilarious but also bittersweet.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 09:46 AM (kQs4Y)
87
I read The Magnolia Story, about Chip and Joanna Gaines. They are the engaging Fixerupper couple. It's an easy read and a peen into the world of a young family who live by traditional values.
Posted by: kallisto at April 28, 2019 09:46 AM (jtf24)
88
Those "Rules to Problem Solving" by KCSteve are pretty good. I don't know if I'd call that kind of thinking a "lost art" - because the art has never been in existence much my entire life. Not in grade school, college, or working.
Really good stuff though. I'll probably buy that one - just to see what he put in it. Might give it to the boy.
A similar set of books applied to various math subjects was called "XYZ for the Practical Man". I used to have the Algebra and Calculus editions ... don't know where they went. Would love to find them again - they were better than my college texts.
Really good stuff though. I'll probably buy that one - just to see what he put in it. Might give it to the boy.
A similar set of books applied to various math subjects was called "XYZ for the Practical Man". I used to have the Algebra and Calculus editions ... don't know where they went. Would love to find them again - they were better than my college texts.
Posted by: The Artist Formerly Known as SD at April 28, 2019 09:46 AM (eZuvF)
89
My own dev team, as a group, cannot describe the actual problem they are coding to. But they are cocksure certain, if they just use the newest, latest and greatest (but still in beta) framework, all will be well.
But, I'm old. What the hell do I know? LOL
Posted by: Tonypete at April 28, 2019 09:43 AM (HE1Cg)
----------------
Heh.
I know what you mean.
But, I'm old. What the hell do I know? LOL
Posted by: Tonypete at April 28, 2019 09:43 AM (HE1Cg)
----------------
Heh.
I know what you mean.
Posted by: Blake - used vacation salesman at April 28, 2019 09:47 AM (WEBkv)
90
58 13 Lt me guess-- they're running out of criminals and dissidents, and now they're moving on to Uyghurs?
Ah. You'll be interested in the second link I posted in the previous thread.
Falun Gong:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBzVKtTOq3s
It's an exercise program, like Tai-Chi. It was never about "criminals and dissidents". The crime was being too popular.
Same source (they have several channels), 3 days earlier.
Posted by: Off the reservation at April 28, 2019 09:31 AM (vWMNq)
Where do you think the bodies in those ghoulish "BodyWorlds" traveling shows came from?
Ah. You'll be interested in the second link I posted in the previous thread.
Falun Gong:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBzVKtTOq3s
It's an exercise program, like Tai-Chi. It was never about "criminals and dissidents". The crime was being too popular.
Same source (they have several channels), 3 days earlier.
Posted by: Off the reservation at April 28, 2019 09:31 AM (vWMNq)
Where do you think the bodies in those ghoulish "BodyWorlds" traveling shows came from?
Posted by: josephistan at April 28, 2019 09:47 AM (Izzlo)
91
Yes, I've loved the Flavia de Luce series. It's hilarious but also bittersweet.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 09:46 AM (kQs4Y)
Yes - bittersweet. That's the word I was searching for. Clever and bittersweet.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 09:46 AM (kQs4Y)
Yes - bittersweet. That's the word I was searching for. Clever and bittersweet.
Posted by: grammie winger at April 28, 2019 09:49 AM (lwiT4)
92
Been trying to read some Lovecraft, finally, and came to the conclusion that he really wasn't a very good writer, so I gave up.
Feh.
Feh.
Posted by: Mr. Peebles at April 28, 2019 09:49 AM (oVJmc)
93
While reading the L'Amour westerns I did something unusual for me: I put on music. Don't do that often because if I get into the book I stop hearing the music. If the music has lyrics I start singing along which distracts from the book.
L'Amour is light enough reading that I can both read and listen. So I put on CDs of Michael Martin Murphy (yeah, the "Wildfire" guy) and his Cowboy Songs albums. f you like traditional western and cowboy songs, his albums are great. Also, a CD of Riders in the Sky. (I sure miss their radio show.) The music really put me in the mood for those familiar western stories.
L'Amour is light enough reading that I can both read and listen. So I put on CDs of Michael Martin Murphy (yeah, the "Wildfire" guy) and his Cowboy Songs albums. f you like traditional western and cowboy songs, his albums are great. Also, a CD of Riders in the Sky. (I sure miss their radio show.) The music really put me in the mood for those familiar western stories.
Posted by: JTB at April 28, 2019 09:49 AM (bmdz3)
94
Finished Libertys Last Stand and liked how the plot unfolded. I thought some of the dialog could have used another pass through the editing process.
Also: if you have kids and are interested in middle grade fantasy, the first book in the teriffic Green Ember series by SD Smith is free on Amazon right now (kindle edition). Rabbits with swords!
Also: if you have kids and are interested in middle grade fantasy, the first book in the teriffic Green Ember series by SD Smith is free on Amazon right now (kindle edition). Rabbits with swords!
Posted by: DIY Daddio at April 28, 2019 09:51 AM (RJscS)
95
72
Gibbon may be better regarded as a prose stylist than a historian. Many
here don't like him because he blamed Christian "weakness" for the fall
of Rome.
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 28, 2019 09:40 AM (1UZdv)
---
No modern historian I've come across supports Gibbon in this. I saved one of my college texts on "problems in history," and it was a survey of why Rome fell. The first thing everyone did was dump on Gibbon regarding Christianity.
They didn't agree on much else but that.
I remember when people used to cite religion as the leading cause of wars. It's crap. The cause of war is human nature. The University of Michigan had a "correlates of war" project years ago (may still be going on) and the number one factor by far over whether nations went to war is?
Proximity.
Rome fell because nothing lasts forever. Duh.
Gibbon may be better regarded as a prose stylist than a historian. Many
here don't like him because he blamed Christian "weakness" for the fall
of Rome.
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 28, 2019 09:40 AM (1UZdv)
---
No modern historian I've come across supports Gibbon in this. I saved one of my college texts on "problems in history," and it was a survey of why Rome fell. The first thing everyone did was dump on Gibbon regarding Christianity.
They didn't agree on much else but that.
I remember when people used to cite religion as the leading cause of wars. It's crap. The cause of war is human nature. The University of Michigan had a "correlates of war" project years ago (may still be going on) and the number one factor by far over whether nations went to war is?
Proximity.
Rome fell because nothing lasts forever. Duh.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 09:51 AM (cfSRQ)
96
I will tell a story from my brief foray in tech support. I was doing QA for a very early speech recognition company. It was a series of contracts and there was no QA to do and they asked if I wanted to do tech support. Keep getting paid? Sure!
So, at that point speech rec was either a toy (most users) or an essential tool for severely disabled people to control their environments. (This part is important).
Some of the problems were technical, you had to get special sound cards and change pin settings, but lots of them were usage. Ambient noise would really bollocks things up.
I get a call. I hear a loud sound in the background. Whoosh-kush-kush-kush, whoosh-kush-kush-kush...
Being cocky and highly experienced at tech support I immediately say "the first thing to do is turn off the photocopier".
Lady says what?
"Turn off the Xerox machine".
Lady: "That's my iron lung".
Oh.
So, at that point speech rec was either a toy (most users) or an essential tool for severely disabled people to control their environments. (This part is important).
Some of the problems were technical, you had to get special sound cards and change pin settings, but lots of them were usage. Ambient noise would really bollocks things up.
I get a call. I hear a loud sound in the background. Whoosh-kush-kush-kush, whoosh-kush-kush-kush...
Being cocky and highly experienced at tech support I immediately say "the first thing to do is turn off the photocopier".
Lady says what?
"Turn off the Xerox machine".
Lady: "That's my iron lung".
Oh.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at April 28, 2019 09:51 AM (fuK7c)
97
Not sure what was going on in Gibbon's life that made him so cranky.
He wasn't too thrilled with those rascals in the colonies managing to break away and form their own independent country, for one thing.
He wasn't too thrilled with those rascals in the colonies managing to break away and form their own independent country, for one thing.
Posted by: Grey Fox at April 28, 2019 09:51 AM (bZ7mE)
98
Overcast, damp and cool? I'd be outside in a heartbeat working in the yard. I much prefer that kind of weather..well, unless by "damp" you mean torrential rain.
Posted by: Blake - used vacation salesman at April 28, 2019 09:43 AM (WEBkv)
-----
We'll see how motivated I am later. It rained last night so I at least want to let the weeds dry out before I mow them. Plus, lounging around seems way more appealing to me right now. I need to do a little writing and WeaselWoman wants me to move some big potted plants around, so I need to thoroughly evaluate that project.
Here's a question: I recently ordered a technical service manual for my tractor and it only comes on CD at anything approaching a reasonable price. For this, I'd much rather have a printed book. Do you readers have certain situations where you prefer a real book? Do you even like eBooks?
Overcast, damp and cool? I'd be outside in a heartbeat working in the yard. I much prefer that kind of weather..well, unless by "damp" you mean torrential rain.
Posted by: Blake - used vacation salesman at April 28, 2019 09:43 AM (WEBkv)
-----
We'll see how motivated I am later. It rained last night so I at least want to let the weeds dry out before I mow them. Plus, lounging around seems way more appealing to me right now. I need to do a little writing and WeaselWoman wants me to move some big potted plants around, so I need to thoroughly evaluate that project.
Here's a question: I recently ordered a technical service manual for my tractor and it only comes on CD at anything approaching a reasonable price. For this, I'd much rather have a printed book. Do you readers have certain situations where you prefer a real book? Do you even like eBooks?
Posted by: Weasel at April 28, 2019 09:51 AM (MVjcR)
99
peek, not peen. Although Joanna obviously enjoys the peen, given the size of their brood. Chip even alluded to it in one of their shows, in a cute way.
Posted by: kallisto at April 28, 2019 09:51 AM (jtf24)
100
Posted by: Mighty Mess at April 28, 2019 09:33 AM (WFo9b)
Terry Pratchett had a really good line about the difference between self-respect and self-esteem in one of the books where Susan is a main character. Unfortunately, I don't remember which.
Terry Pratchett had a really good line about the difference between self-respect and self-esteem in one of the books where Susan is a main character. Unfortunately, I don't remember which.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 28, 2019 09:51 AM (uquGJ)
101
My own dev team, as a group, cannot describe the
actual problem they are coding to. But they are cocksure certain, if
they just use the newest, latest and greatest (but still in beta)
framework, all will be well.
Posted by: Tonypete at April 28, 2019 09:43 AM (HE1Cg)
Heh. I know what you mean.
Posted by: Blake - used vacation salesman at April 28, 2019 09:47 AM (WEBkv)
Please ... get out of my head. Both of you.
On the upside - I make a pretty good living precisely because corporate engineers with excellent college degrees can't write simple PLC code to control basic things like valves, pumps, and instruments. Because they can't understand how these things work individually or together. And they never will.
actual problem they are coding to. But they are cocksure certain, if
they just use the newest, latest and greatest (but still in beta)
framework, all will be well.
Posted by: Tonypete at April 28, 2019 09:43 AM (HE1Cg)
Heh. I know what you mean.
Posted by: Blake - used vacation salesman at April 28, 2019 09:47 AM (WEBkv)
Please ... get out of my head. Both of you.
On the upside - I make a pretty good living precisely because corporate engineers with excellent college degrees can't write simple PLC code to control basic things like valves, pumps, and instruments. Because they can't understand how these things work individually or together. And they never will.
Posted by: The Artist Formerly Known as SD at April 28, 2019 09:52 AM (eZuvF)
102
Here's a question: I recently ordered a technical service manual for my tractor
I read that as 'technical service animal'.
I read that as 'technical service animal'.
Posted by: grammie winger at April 28, 2019 09:53 AM (lwiT4)
103
92
Been trying to read some Lovecraft, finally, and came to the conclusion that he really wasn't a very good writer, so I gave up.
Feh.
Posted by: Mr. Peebles at April 28, 2019 09:49 AM (oVJmc)
---
Which stuff were you reading? Not all of it is of the highest quality.
He's big strength is mood. Most of his stories start with the air of erudite detachment that gives way to abject fear.
Like his contemporary (and pen pal) R.E. Howard, he has a few stock phrases that he beats the hell out of.
Been trying to read some Lovecraft, finally, and came to the conclusion that he really wasn't a very good writer, so I gave up.
Feh.
Posted by: Mr. Peebles at April 28, 2019 09:49 AM (oVJmc)
---
Which stuff were you reading? Not all of it is of the highest quality.
He's big strength is mood. Most of his stories start with the air of erudite detachment that gives way to abject fear.
Like his contemporary (and pen pal) R.E. Howard, he has a few stock phrases that he beats the hell out of.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 09:54 AM (cfSRQ)
104
Beautiful bookstore! I was prepared to feel very jealous if it was part of someone's home. The bookstores here are either BN, warehousey used, or stupid places in Princeton with drag queen story hour (I now boycott that type of place).
Posted by: CN at April 28, 2019 09:54 AM (U7k5w)
105
Hamer survived 52 gunfights and 23 gunshot wounds. A worse case of toxic masculinity would be difficult to find.
Amazing. And since these wounds were (mostly?) prior to the availability of penicillin, I'm sure he was familiar with Horde's cure for everything --
Slap hot iron to it.
Wiki mentions that Frank killed somewhere between 50 to 70+ bad apples, and was left for dead several times.
He was harder to kill than a gubmint program.
Amazing. And since these wounds were (mostly?) prior to the availability of penicillin, I'm sure he was familiar with Horde's cure for everything --
Slap hot iron to it.
Wiki mentions that Frank killed somewhere between 50 to 70+ bad apples, and was left for dead several times.
He was harder to kill than a gubmint program.
Posted by: GnuBreed at April 28, 2019 09:55 AM (Z4rgH)
106
Here's a question: I recently ordered a technical service manual for my tractor and it only comes on CD at anything approaching a reasonable price. For this, I'd much rather have a printed book. Do you readers have certain situations where you prefer a real book? Do you even like eBooks?
Posted by: Weasel at April 28, 2019 09:51 AM (MVjcR)
--------------------
I don't like e-books, myself. For me, reading is also a tactile and, perhaps, olfactory, experience. (teed one up, horde! Go!)
Posted by: Weasel at April 28, 2019 09:51 AM (MVjcR)
--------------------
I don't like e-books, myself. For me, reading is also a tactile and, perhaps, olfactory, experience. (teed one up, horde! Go!)
Posted by: Blake - used vacation salesman at April 28, 2019 09:55 AM (WEBkv)
107
I read that as 'technical service animal'.
Posted by: grammie winger at April 28, 2019 09:53 AM (lwiT4)
-----
Hi grammie!
That'd be WeaselDog who at the moment is all curled up next to me inside her little Cozy Cave.
I read that as 'technical service animal'.
Posted by: grammie winger at April 28, 2019 09:53 AM (lwiT4)
-----
Hi grammie!
That'd be WeaselDog who at the moment is all curled up next to me inside her little Cozy Cave.
Posted by: Weasel at April 28, 2019 09:55 AM (MVjcR)
108
Gibbon may be better regarded as a prose stylist than a historian. Many here don't like him because he blamed Christian "weakness" for the fall of Rome.
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 28, 2019 09:40 AM (1UZdv)
The prose is spotty at best, with him being remarkably confusing and irritating at times. Also he's just out and out wrong about some things, which the footnotes point out. His prose was pretty good for the final days of the fall, portraying Rome as a Wild West scenario of warring families going full Godfather on each other; surely that being the closest in time to him aided in the understanding.
I learned a lot of things from it and nobody's been interested with replacing it with something of similar scope, probably because they wouldn't be able to resist the urge to dig deeper in every period and produce an unwieldy monstrosity that no one would bother with.
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 28, 2019 09:40 AM (1UZdv)
The prose is spotty at best, with him being remarkably confusing and irritating at times. Also he's just out and out wrong about some things, which the footnotes point out. His prose was pretty good for the final days of the fall, portraying Rome as a Wild West scenario of warring families going full Godfather on each other; surely that being the closest in time to him aided in the understanding.
I learned a lot of things from it and nobody's been interested with replacing it with something of similar scope, probably because they wouldn't be able to resist the urge to dig deeper in every period and produce an unwieldy monstrosity that no one would bother with.
Posted by: Captain Hate at April 28, 2019 09:56 AM (y7DUB)
109
That'd be WeaselDog who at the moment is all curled up next to me inside her little Cozy Cave.
Posted by: Weasel at April 28, 2019 09:55 AM (MVjcR)
I love my Cozy Cave !!!
Posted by: Weasel at April 28, 2019 09:55 AM (MVjcR)
I love my Cozy Cave !!!
Posted by: Hope Solo at April 28, 2019 09:56 AM (eZuvF)
110
Amazing. And since these wounds were (mostly?) prior
to the availability of penicillin, I'm sure he was familiar with
Horde's cure for everything --
Slap hot iron to it.
Posted by: GnuBreed at April 28, 2019 09:55 AM (Z4rgH)
---
Nope, it's whiskey.
Pour some in the wound and then put the rest in a glass. Fix ya up in no time.
to the availability of penicillin, I'm sure he was familiar with
Horde's cure for everything --
Slap hot iron to it.
Posted by: GnuBreed at April 28, 2019 09:55 AM (Z4rgH)
---
Nope, it's whiskey.
Pour some in the wound and then put the rest in a glass. Fix ya up in no time.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 09:56 AM (cfSRQ)
111
I just finished reading 1984, and am watching the second make of the movie 1984 with Richard Burton. I can see our future if the far left takes over. Both the movies and the book paint a bleak picture, no happy faces at the end. I'd bet most don't even see this coming.....Or know about the movie anymore.
Posted by: Colin at April 28, 2019 09:56 AM (5YtsC)
112
I don't like e-books, myself. For me, reading is also a tactile and, perhaps, olfactory, experience. (teed one up, horde! Go!)
Posted by: Blake - used vacation salesman at April 28, 2019 09:55 AM (WEBkv)
-----
Agreed, bro.
I don't like e-books, myself. For me, reading is also a tactile and, perhaps, olfactory, experience. (teed one up, horde! Go!)
Posted by: Blake - used vacation salesman at April 28, 2019 09:55 AM (WEBkv)
-----
Agreed, bro.
Posted by: Weasel at April 28, 2019 09:57 AM (MVjcR)
113
I'll be doing some more pleasant, planting and fertilizing type gardening today. Next sunny day will be a weed day, and I am prepared with 20% acidity vinegar, as I hate roundup (I've hade enough cancer in the family).
Posted by: CN at April 28, 2019 09:57 AM (U7k5w)
114
"Do you readers have certain situations where you prefer a real book? "
I prefer printed automotive service manuals and will print them myself if needed. I can print 500 pages on a laser printer for maybe $10.
The manuals for the specialized equipment I work on are all digital. You can't even use them without a special license dongel. You can't print the entire manual easily, but I do print important pages for quick reference.
I prefer printed automotive service manuals and will print them myself if needed. I can print 500 pages on a laser printer for maybe $10.
The manuals for the specialized equipment I work on are all digital. You can't even use them without a special license dongel. You can't print the entire manual easily, but I do print important pages for quick reference.
Posted by: freaked at April 28, 2019 09:58 AM (UdKB7)
115
Do you even like eBooks?
Posted by: Weasel at April 28, 2019 09:51 AM (MVjcR)
Paper technical literature is harder to search in, even if the index is good.
Posted by: Weasel at April 28, 2019 09:51 AM (MVjcR)
Paper technical literature is harder to search in, even if the index is good.
Posted by: hogmartin invites you to the summer MIMoMe (link: nick) at April 28, 2019 09:58 AM (t+qrx)
116
I don't like e-books, myself. For me, reading is also a tactile and, perhaps, olfactory, experience. (teed one up, horde! Go!)
Posted by: Blake - used vacation salesman at April 28, 2019 09:55 AM (WEBkv)
Yankee Candle is missing a great opportunity. Old Library. Cherry Pipe Smoke. Private Study with Wood Paneling. They'd make a mint.
Posted by: Blake - used vacation salesman at April 28, 2019 09:55 AM (WEBkv)
Yankee Candle is missing a great opportunity. Old Library. Cherry Pipe Smoke. Private Study with Wood Paneling. They'd make a mint.
Posted by: The Artist Formerly Known as SD at April 28, 2019 09:59 AM (eZuvF)
117
I read that as 'technical service animal'.
Posted by: grammie winger at April 28, 2019 09:53 AM (lwiT4)
----------------
Where are my manners?
Hi Grammie, good to see you.
Posted by: grammie winger at April 28, 2019 09:53 AM (lwiT4)
----------------
Where are my manners?
Hi Grammie, good to see you.
Posted by: Blake - used vacation salesman at April 28, 2019 10:00 AM (WEBkv)
118
I wonder if I will be able to copy the file from CD to a cloud drive? I'm guessing probably not.
Posted by: Weasel at April 28, 2019 10:00 AM (MVjcR)
119
I read Texas Ranger last year and we have given the book to many friends as gifts. Its fantastic.
Posted by: LASue at April 28, 2019 10:01 AM (XROPS)
120
Dongle
Posted by: guy who thinks everything sounds dirty at April 28, 2019 10:01 AM (UdKB7)
121
I've downloaded books onto my Kindle that I've never read. I just can't make myself read them. I even checked out a book from the library that I already have on my Kindle. I want to hold a book, not look at a screen.
Posted by: grammie winger at April 28, 2019 10:01 AM (lwiT4)
Posted by: grammie winger at April 28, 2019 10:02 AM (lwiT4)
123
>> "Do you readers have certain situations where you prefer a real book? "
Almost none.
I can't read an actual book in bed, anymore. Too cumbersome.
Almost none.
I can't read an actual book in bed, anymore. Too cumbersome.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 10:02 AM (fuhxv)
124
Books I intend to look at often, history mainly, are for now on going to be paper. One time read can be e-book.
Posted by: Skip at April 28, 2019 10:03 AM (BbGew)
125
I went to an auction yesterday, with hopes of getting a nice collection of 1940s children's books (boy themes for the grandsons), but those were too pricey and went to serious collectors. I did end up with a few nice oil paintings and a steiff bear for the four year old.
Speaking of Joanna and Chip, the new kids' book on gardening is quite nice. Grandsons love to plant and enjoyed it, they were very motivated to look at more plants afterwards.
Speaking of Joanna and Chip, the new kids' book on gardening is quite nice. Grandsons love to plant and enjoyed it, they were very motivated to look at more plants afterwards.
Posted by: CN at April 28, 2019 10:03 AM (U7k5w)
126
121
I've downloaded books onto my Kindle that I've never read. I just can't
make myself read them. I even checked out a book from the library that I
already have on my Kindle. I want to hold a book, not look at a screen.
Posted by: grammie winger at April 28, 2019 10:01 AM (lwiT4)
---
I like the free out of print stuff. Hard to get any other way.
However for casual reading, I buy the paper version.
I've downloaded books onto my Kindle that I've never read. I just can't
make myself read them. I even checked out a book from the library that I
already have on my Kindle. I want to hold a book, not look at a screen.
Posted by: grammie winger at April 28, 2019 10:01 AM (lwiT4)
---
I like the free out of print stuff. Hard to get any other way.
However for casual reading, I buy the paper version.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 10:03 AM (cfSRQ)
127
Anthony Burgess is a favorite author.
About halfway through 9th grade my English teacher told me to stop writing every assignment about A Clockwork Orange.
About halfway through 9th grade my English teacher told me to stop writing every assignment about A Clockwork Orange.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 28, 2019 10:04 AM (flUys)
128
121 I've downloaded books onto my Kindle that I've never read. I just can't make myself read them. I even checked out a book from the library that I already have on my Kindle. I want to hold a book, not look at a screen.
Posted by: grammie winger at April 28, 2019 10:01 AM (lwiT4)
--------
Yep. That's how I feel about it too. The "efficiency" of an ebook make it too sterile. Who wants to curl up with a kindle?
Posted by: grammie winger at April 28, 2019 10:01 AM (lwiT4)
--------
Yep. That's how I feel about it too. The "efficiency" of an ebook make it too sterile. Who wants to curl up with a kindle?
Posted by: Weasel at April 28, 2019 10:04 AM (MVjcR)
129
The pleasure or excitement that comes from anticipating success is called NIKHEDONIA.
So, is the pleasure or excitement that comes from anticipating success from an incredibly witty socked comment nichedonia?
So, is the pleasure or excitement that comes from anticipating success from an incredibly witty socked comment nichedonia?
Posted by: Duncanthrax at April 28, 2019 10:04 AM (DMUuz)
130
I like my kindle because it's easy to bring everywhere. I hate being stuck anywhere and bored so it's great to have something to read.
It's not good for the kind of book you'd want to flip back and for in. One of the first things I read on it was "This Kind of War" and I kept wanting to go back to where he'd first defined a term (he wasn't the repeating himself type) or refer to a map or something.
So, for light fare the e-reader is great, but not for something you want to study.
It's not good for the kind of book you'd want to flip back and for in. One of the first things I read on it was "This Kind of War" and I kept wanting to go back to where he'd first defined a term (he wasn't the repeating himself type) or refer to a map or something.
So, for light fare the e-reader is great, but not for something you want to study.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at April 28, 2019 10:04 AM (fuK7c)
131
Posted by: grammie winger at April 28, 2019 09:49 AM (lwiT4)
What struck me was how isolated everyone was in that huge shambling house: the father in his study, grieving for his late wife; Feely mooning away in her room; Daffy with her nose in a book, angry if she's disturbed; Dogger, still fighting his battles; and Flavia of course in her lab.
What struck me was how isolated everyone was in that huge shambling house: the father in his study, grieving for his late wife; Feely mooning away in her room; Daffy with her nose in a book, angry if she's disturbed; Dogger, still fighting his battles; and Flavia of course in her lab.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 10:04 AM (kQs4Y)
132
Oh, yeah...Kindle sucks for Maps and Images.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 10:05 AM (fuhxv)
133
I can't read an actual book in bed, anymore. Too cumbersome.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 10:02 AM (fuhxv)
Three pillows. Prop two and lay the third across the top.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 10:02 AM (fuhxv)
Three pillows. Prop two and lay the third across the top.
Posted by: grammie winger at April 28, 2019 10:05 AM (lwiT4)
134
The importance of #1 is hard to exaggerate. From my days of doing tech support, sometimes I'd get calls from people who would tell me that they had solved the problem while they were waiting on hold. They would then tell me that the reason was that they had to figure out the best way to clearly and unambiguously explain the problem to me, just thinking the problem though in this way was enough to cause them to see the solution.
In our homeschool, when my littles "can't do it!" I tell them to ask me their question in a complete sentence (the grammar training starts early 'round here). Nine times out of ten, that request is followed by "Never mind, I figured it out."
In our homeschool, when my littles "can't do it!" I tell them to ask me their question in a complete sentence (the grammar training starts early 'round here). Nine times out of ten, that request is followed by "Never mind, I figured it out."
Posted by: Catherine in MO at April 28, 2019 10:05 AM (HXMUb)
135
For me, reading is also a tactile and, perhaps, olfactory, experience. (teed one up, horde! Go!)
Posted by: Blake - used vacation salesman at April 28, 2019 09:55 AM (WEBkv)
I've seen a number of people say they like the smell of books so I guess I'm in the minority because I really don't. In fairness, this may be because many of my books were purchased used so they smelled like mildew and/or old cigarette smoke.
Posted by: Blake - used vacation salesman at April 28, 2019 09:55 AM (WEBkv)
I've seen a number of people say they like the smell of books so I guess I'm in the minority because I really don't. In fairness, this may be because many of my books were purchased used so they smelled like mildew and/or old cigarette smoke.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 28, 2019 10:06 AM (uquGJ)
136
"Paper technical literature is harder to search in"
That is true, but in searching thru a printed manual for a certain item you are likely to stumble across something else you really needed to know. Also, I like sit down with a manual to read and become familiar with it as to get a good idea of where to find things quickly.
That is true, but in searching thru a printed manual for a certain item you are likely to stumble across something else you really needed to know. Also, I like sit down with a manual to read and become familiar with it as to get a good idea of where to find things quickly.
Posted by: freaked at April 28, 2019 10:06 AM (UdKB7)
137
Three pillows. Prop two and lay the third across the top.
Posted by: grammie winger at April 28, 2019 10:05 AM (lwiT4)
-----
Leany-back thing!
Three pillows. Prop two and lay the third across the top.
Posted by: grammie winger at April 28, 2019 10:05 AM (lwiT4)
-----
Leany-back thing!
Posted by: Weasel at April 28, 2019 10:06 AM (MVjcR)
138
>>Three pillows. Prop two and lay the third across the top.
I am a single, 29 year old man.
There aren't 3 pillows in my entire house!
I am a single, 29 year old man.
There aren't 3 pillows in my entire house!
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 10:06 AM (fuhxv)
139
124: I basically do the same thing, I can always access Gutenberg, Open Culture, and DigiLibraries if I want to look at freebies.
Posted by: CN at April 28, 2019 10:07 AM (U7k5w)
140
What struck me was how isolated everyone was in that
huge shambling house: the father in his study, grieving for his late
wife; Feely mooning away in her room; Daffy with her nose in a book,
angry if she's disturbed; Dogger, still fighting his battles; and Flavia
of course in her lab.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 10:04 AM (kQs4Y)
Yes. And no one ever seemed to go to school! LOL
Maybe isolation breeds creativity. All I know is it will be sad to see them end.
huge shambling house: the father in his study, grieving for his late
wife; Feely mooning away in her room; Daffy with her nose in a book,
angry if she's disturbed; Dogger, still fighting his battles; and Flavia
of course in her lab.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 10:04 AM (kQs4Y)
Yes. And no one ever seemed to go to school! LOL
Maybe isolation breeds creativity. All I know is it will be sad to see them end.
Posted by: grammie winger at April 28, 2019 10:07 AM (lwiT4)
141
111 I just finished reading 1984, and am watching the second make of the movie 1984 with Richard Burton. I can see our future if the far left takes over. Both the movies and the book paint a bleak picture, no happy faces at the end. I'd bet most don't even see this coming.....Or know about the movie anymore.
Posted by: Colin at April 28, 2019 09:56 AM (5YtsC)
Interesting that most young adult sci fi is dystopian based on failed socialist states now run as authoritarian dictator states. And yet, they love the idea that they can control words, and thoughts, and ideas to make society better.
Posted by: Colin at April 28, 2019 09:56 AM (5YtsC)
Interesting that most young adult sci fi is dystopian based on failed socialist states now run as authoritarian dictator states. And yet, they love the idea that they can control words, and thoughts, and ideas to make society better.
Posted by: rhennigantx at April 28, 2019 10:07 AM (JFO2v)
142
I went to the Morgan Library yesterday to see the JRR Tolkien exhibit. It was rough getting there, my bus was an hour late, and there was a Sikh parade down Madison Ave that I had to circumvent, so I didn't get to the Morgan until 2:00, and had to wait for a 4:30 ticket to the Tolkien exhibit. It was smaller than I expected, but very rich in what it displayed. If you go, expect crowds, this was more popular than the Morgan anticipated - they even sold out of the softcover exhibition guide!
Posted by: josephistan at April 28, 2019 10:07 AM (Izzlo)
143
Yep. That's how I feel about it too. The "efficiency" of an ebook make it too sterile. Who wants to curl up with a kindle?
Posted by: Weasel at April 28, 2019 10:04 AM (MVjcR)
---
The battery on my paper books never runs out. I don't have to find and outlet and connect it to a charging cable when reading it over a long period.
I do have to turn on a light when it gets dark to read it, but then again I have to do that anyway so I don't trip over stuff.
Posted by: Weasel at April 28, 2019 10:04 AM (MVjcR)
---
The battery on my paper books never runs out. I don't have to find and outlet and connect it to a charging cable when reading it over a long period.
I do have to turn on a light when it gets dark to read it, but then again I have to do that anyway so I don't trip over stuff.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 10:08 AM (cfSRQ)
144
There aren't 3 pillows in my entire house!
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 10:06 AM (fuhxv)
MyPillow is on sale 55% off at Kohls.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 10:06 AM (fuhxv)
MyPillow is on sale 55% off at Kohls.
Posted by: grammie winger at April 28, 2019 10:08 AM (lwiT4)
145
My fave bit of trivia from the Magnolia book is that the couple has never owned a TV.
Posted by: kallisto at April 28, 2019 10:08 AM (jtf24)
146
90 Where do you think the bodies in those ghoulish "BodyWorlds" traveling shows came from?
It's definitely been alleged that they are from the same source as the organ transplants. I suspect that the China Uncensored channel has a video on it ... couldn't find one. The channel is 6 years old and they have older videos on organ harvesting and Falun Gong ... I suspect the BodyWorlds thing is too long ago.
It's definitely been alleged that they are from the same source as the organ transplants. I suspect that the China Uncensored channel has a video on it ... couldn't find one. The channel is 6 years old and they have older videos on organ harvesting and Falun Gong ... I suspect the BodyWorlds thing is too long ago.
Posted by: Off the reservation at April 28, 2019 10:08 AM (vWMNq)
147
Welp, need to make another cup of coffee and finish the gun thread for tonight. See you groovy cats later!
Posted by: Weasel at April 28, 2019 10:10 AM (MVjcR)
148
That problem solving book sounds like a good grad gift
Posted by: VMs phone at April 28, 2019 10:11 AM (FzG3W)
149
>>Welp, need to make another cup of coffee and finish the gun thread for tonight.
Before you clean that gun, take The Fishing Thread out back and put that poor thing down.
I hate to see something suffer like that.
Before you clean that gun, take The Fishing Thread out back and put that poor thing down.
I hate to see something suffer like that.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 10:13 AM (fuhxv)
150
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_Worlds
===
To produce specimens for Body Worlds, von Hagens employs 340 people at five laboratories in three countries, China, Germany, and Kyrgyzstan. Each laboratory is categorized by specialty, with the China laboratory focusing on animal specimens.
===
===
To produce specimens for Body Worlds, von Hagens employs 340 people at five laboratories in three countries, China, Germany, and Kyrgyzstan. Each laboratory is categorized by specialty, with the China laboratory focusing on animal specimens.
===
Posted by: Off the reservation at April 28, 2019 10:13 AM (vWMNq)
151
I remember when people used to cite religion as the leading cause of wars. It's crap. The cause of war is human nature. The University of Michigan had a "correlates of war" project years ago (may still be going on) and the number one factor by far over whether nations went to war is?
Proximity.
-----
It always makes me laugh when feel-gooders claim that people go to war because they don't understand their enemies. No one understands each other better than two peoples living next to each other. Except of course for people who live together, which would be civil war, which is even more common than neighboring states at war.
Proximity.
-----
It always makes me laugh when feel-gooders claim that people go to war because they don't understand their enemies. No one understands each other better than two peoples living next to each other. Except of course for people who live together, which would be civil war, which is even more common than neighboring states at war.
Posted by: josephistan at April 28, 2019 10:13 AM (Izzlo)
152
98 ... "I recently ordered a technical service manual for my tractor and it only comes on CD at anything approaching a reasonable price. For this, I'd much rather have a printed book. Do you readers have certain situations where you prefer a real book? Do you even like eBooks?"
Weasel, I use ebooks for casual fiction and inexpensive 'complete collections' and old books not affordable in hardcover. I have some duplicates of favorite physical books for convenience: LOTR, Essays of Montaigne, Treasure Island, that kind of thing.
But I don't trust electronic books to always be there. If a book is important, I want a physical copy. I can't imagine relying on an ebook version of the Landmark Herodotus or primary CS Lewis books. And consider how quickly media may go out of use: DVDs are apparently on the downswing, same for floppy disks, VCR tapes and players, old operating system matters, and any support or mechanisms for them. I'm tired of being on the planned obsolete side of things. Books are THE most important resource for my entertainment and learning. I want the important ones at hand and under my control, not some benighted techie, CEO,a medium going out of fashion, or SJW screaming idiots calling for censorship.
Weasel, I use ebooks for casual fiction and inexpensive 'complete collections' and old books not affordable in hardcover. I have some duplicates of favorite physical books for convenience: LOTR, Essays of Montaigne, Treasure Island, that kind of thing.
But I don't trust electronic books to always be there. If a book is important, I want a physical copy. I can't imagine relying on an ebook version of the Landmark Herodotus or primary CS Lewis books. And consider how quickly media may go out of use: DVDs are apparently on the downswing, same for floppy disks, VCR tapes and players, old operating system matters, and any support or mechanisms for them. I'm tired of being on the planned obsolete side of things. Books are THE most important resource for my entertainment and learning. I want the important ones at hand and under my control, not some benighted techie, CEO,a medium going out of fashion, or SJW screaming idiots calling for censorship.
Posted by: JTB at April 28, 2019 10:15 AM (bmdz3)
153
Organ Transplants in China
---
Let me guess-- they're running out of criminals and dissidents, and now they're moving on to Uyghurs?
Posted by: All Hail Eris
The Chinese have something called Spare Rib Soup, which is a soup containing an aborted human fetus. Seriously.
Expecting the Chinese NOT to go off the moral rails on an issue like Live Organ Transplants would be generous to say the least.
---
Let me guess-- they're running out of criminals and dissidents, and now they're moving on to Uyghurs?
Posted by: All Hail Eris
The Chinese have something called Spare Rib Soup, which is a soup containing an aborted human fetus. Seriously.
Expecting the Chinese NOT to go off the moral rails on an issue like Live Organ Transplants would be generous to say the least.
Posted by: Sharkman at April 28, 2019 10:15 AM (smc0A)
154
111 I just finished reading 1984, and am watching the second make of the movie 1984 with Richard Burton. I can see our future if the far left takes over. Both the movies and the book paint a bleak picture, no happy faces at the end. I'd bet most don't even see this coming.....Or know about the movie anymore.
Posted by: Colin at April 28, 2019 09:56 AM (5YtsC)
That movie is one of the best adaptations of a book ever. Captured it perfectly.
Posted by: Colin at April 28, 2019 09:56 AM (5YtsC)
That movie is one of the best adaptations of a book ever. Captured it perfectly.
Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2019 10:15 AM (sdi6R)
155
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Body_Worlds#Consent
===
In January 2004, the German news magazine Der Spiegel
reported that von Hagens had acquired corpses of executed prisoners in
China; von Hagens countered that he did not know the origin of the
bodies, and returned seven disputed cadavers to China
===
And there's a link to Falun Gong ...
===
In January 2004, the German news magazine Der Spiegel
reported that von Hagens had acquired corpses of executed prisoners in
China; von Hagens countered that he did not know the origin of the
bodies, and returned seven disputed cadavers to China
===
And there's a link to Falun Gong ...
Posted by: Off the reservation at April 28, 2019 10:16 AM (vWMNq)
156
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 10:08 AM (cfSRQ)
My Kindle reads to me as I go to sleep.
My Kindle reads to me as I go to sleep.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 28, 2019 10:16 AM (uquGJ)
157
Interesting that most young adult sci fi is
dystopian based on failed socialist states now run as authoritarian
dictator states. And yet, they love the idea that they can control
words, and thoughts, and ideas to make society better.
Posted by: rhennigantx at April 28, 2019 10:07 AM (JFO2v)
---
That's because socialism is less common than it was.
The Warsaw Pact is gone. So is Comintern and the like. So if you write about that, young adults don't get the reference.
But there are still dictatorships, and so that concept works.
Of course, a lot of these folks seem to fall into the Boromir Trap, which is that people of good will with limitless power will never be corrupted. They'd use the Ring only for good.
I've also been thinking that a lot of the feminist "all men are evil" comes from the fact that the people writing this only know leftist men, who are a lot more pervy than even I realized.
dystopian based on failed socialist states now run as authoritarian
dictator states. And yet, they love the idea that they can control
words, and thoughts, and ideas to make society better.
Posted by: rhennigantx at April 28, 2019 10:07 AM (JFO2v)
---
That's because socialism is less common than it was.
The Warsaw Pact is gone. So is Comintern and the like. So if you write about that, young adults don't get the reference.
But there are still dictatorships, and so that concept works.
Of course, a lot of these folks seem to fall into the Boromir Trap, which is that people of good will with limitless power will never be corrupted. They'd use the Ring only for good.
I've also been thinking that a lot of the feminist "all men are evil" comes from the fact that the people writing this only know leftist men, who are a lot more pervy than even I realized.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 10:16 AM (cfSRQ)
158
Polliwog, you mean audiobooks on the kindle?
Posted by: VMs phone at April 28, 2019 10:17 AM (FzG3W)
159
153 The Chinese have something called Spare Rib Soup
Ewww... that's a new one to me. I don't really feel the need to validate it though.
Ewww... that's a new one to me. I don't really feel the need to validate it though.
Posted by: Off the reservation at April 28, 2019 10:18 AM (vWMNq)
160
Welp, off to get ready for church, then some baseball, returning, hopefully, in time for the gun thread.
Stay reading, my friends!
Stay reading, my friends!
Posted by: Blake - used vacation salesman at April 28, 2019 10:19 AM (WEBkv)
161
It always makes me laugh when feel-gooders claim
that people go to war because they don't understand their enemies. No
one understands each other better than two peoples living next to each
other. Except of course for people who live together, which would be
civil war, which is even more common than neighboring states at war.
Posted by: josephistan at April 28, 2019 10:13 AM (Izzlo)
---
The other dumb one is the overpopulation hypothesis, i.e. people go to war because they're starving and need more land.
The problem with this is that it ignores the fundamental reality of war, which is that you don't actually have to kill everyone you conquer, in fact that's really hard and rarely a good idea. Far easier just to take their stuff or make them work for you.
At the most basic level, you've got two choices.
Option A is to bust your ass as a hunter-gatherer or herdsman or farmer, struggling to produce a crop every year.
Option B is to learn to fight and make some OTHER sap bust their ass to feed you.
Historically speaking, lots of people like Option B.
that people go to war because they don't understand their enemies. No
one understands each other better than two peoples living next to each
other. Except of course for people who live together, which would be
civil war, which is even more common than neighboring states at war.
Posted by: josephistan at April 28, 2019 10:13 AM (Izzlo)
---
The other dumb one is the overpopulation hypothesis, i.e. people go to war because they're starving and need more land.
The problem with this is that it ignores the fundamental reality of war, which is that you don't actually have to kill everyone you conquer, in fact that's really hard and rarely a good idea. Far easier just to take their stuff or make them work for you.
At the most basic level, you've got two choices.
Option A is to bust your ass as a hunter-gatherer or herdsman or farmer, struggling to produce a crop every year.
Option B is to learn to fight and make some OTHER sap bust their ass to feed you.
Historically speaking, lots of people like Option B.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 10:21 AM (cfSRQ)
162
Posted by: VMs phone at April 28, 2019 10:17 AM (FzG3W)
No. Text-to-Speech. I only have four audiobooks on the Kindle, and one of those is the Bible, because I'm not willing to pay the extra money for those. Although they do seem to be finally coming down in price.
No. Text-to-Speech. I only have four audiobooks on the Kindle, and one of those is the Bible, because I'm not willing to pay the extra money for those. Although they do seem to be finally coming down in price.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 28, 2019 10:21 AM (uquGJ)
163
Hey Artist Formerly Known as SD, now I'm curious - what industry / -ies need you to write PLC code?
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at April 28, 2019 10:21 AM (0ReGO)
164
But I don't trust electronic books to always be there. If a book is important, I want a physical copy. I can't imagine relying on an ebook version of the Landmark Herodotus or primary CS Lewis books. And consider how quickly media may go out of use: DVDs are apparently on the downswing, same for floppy disks, VCR tapes and players, old operating system matters, and any support or mechanisms for them. I'm tired of being on the planned obsolete side of things.
Posted by: JTB at April 28, 2019 10:15 AM (bmdz3)
The corollary to that is why I never buy physical copies of technical documentation for something that will itself be obsolete within a few years, I'll buy the digital version.
Posted by: JTB at April 28, 2019 10:15 AM (bmdz3)
The corollary to that is why I never buy physical copies of technical documentation for something that will itself be obsolete within a few years, I'll buy the digital version.
Posted by: hogmartin invites you to the summer MIMoMe (link: nick) at April 28, 2019 10:25 AM (t+qrx)
165
Snowing this morning...gotta love that.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 10:26 AM (fuhxv)
166
History of the French Foreign Legion would be interesting
Posted by: Skip
If ya wanna read it, let me know.
Posted by: Skip
If ya wanna read it, let me know.
Posted by: JT at April 28, 2019 10:29 AM (hy55y)
167
Digital versus Analog is our new Longbows versus Crossbows.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 10:31 AM (kQs4Y)
168
The Chinese have something called Spare Rib Soup
Ewww... that's a new one to me. I don't really feel the need to validate it though.
Posted by: Off the reservation
True story. I have seen photos.
I will also never be able to eat Chinese food again.
Ewww... that's a new one to me. I don't really feel the need to validate it though.
Posted by: Off the reservation
True story. I have seen photos.
I will also never be able to eat Chinese food again.
Posted by: Sharkman at April 28, 2019 10:31 AM (smc0A)
169
>>igital versus Analog is our new Longbows versus Crossbows.
Funny. I won't even consider digitized music. At all.
But I love my Kindle.
Funny. I won't even consider digitized music. At all.
But I love my Kindle.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 10:32 AM (fuhxv)
170
167
Digital versus Analog is our new Longbows versus Crossbows.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 10:31 AM (kQs4Y)
---
Embrace the healing power of "and."
Digital versus Analog is our new Longbows versus Crossbows.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 10:31 AM (kQs4Y)
---
Embrace the healing power of "and."
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 10:34 AM (cfSRQ)
171
My dad spent a little time in China right after the end of WWII. He said that human life is very cheap there.
Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2019 10:35 AM (sdi6R)
172
I won't even consider digitized music. At all.
But I love my Kindle.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 10:32 AM (fuhxv)
Nothing illogical about that. Sadly...most music consumers today have no idea what they are missing. Vinyl is better than CD, and compressed music is a pale reflection of CD!
But I love my Kindle.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 10:32 AM (fuhxv)
Nothing illogical about that. Sadly...most music consumers today have no idea what they are missing. Vinyl is better than CD, and compressed music is a pale reflection of CD!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 28, 2019 10:35 AM (wYseH)
173
re: Burgess and A Clockwork Orange
In this sequel, which 1962 version is it based? The one Kubrick made his movie off of? Or the one with a final chapter where Alex decides on his own to reform and settle down?
In this sequel, which 1962 version is it based? The one Kubrick made his movie off of? Or the one with a final chapter where Alex decides on his own to reform and settle down?
Posted by: Anna Puma at April 28, 2019 10:36 AM (Lbmro)
174
I struggled though all of the Russian-derived slang and then, at the end of the book, there was a glossary of all of the slang, defined
I got some complaints in Old Habits about putting the glossary for the slang the protagonist uses (he has some oddities in his non-slang use as well, because he's not from around here). They told me the glossary is supposed to go at the end, but like you that always seemed backward to me.
And I don't care what format people read in, a long as THEY READ.
I got some complaints in Old Habits about putting the glossary for the slang the protagonist uses (he has some oddities in his non-slang use as well, because he's not from around here). They told me the glossary is supposed to go at the end, but like you that always seemed backward to me.
And I don't care what format people read in, a long as THEY READ.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 28, 2019 10:36 AM (39g3+)
175
Hiya Grammie !
Posted by: JT at April 28, 2019 10:36 AM (hy55y)
176
Vinyl is better than CD, and compressed music is a pale reflection of CD!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 28, 2019 10:35 AM (wYseH)
The music I listen to is absolute garbage anyhow. Nothing of value is lost.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 28, 2019 10:35 AM (wYseH)
The music I listen to is absolute garbage anyhow. Nothing of value is lost.
Posted by: hogmartin invites you to the summer MIMoMe (link: nick) at April 28, 2019 10:40 AM (t+qrx)
177
I'm going to start writing another novel soon, its been a long time but I've finished my big project finally so I can get back to work on that.
The Jolrhos Field Guide is finally on the shelf (in pdf form) but I can't get my POD services to print it. They have since my last book heavily restricted what you can put into books in terms of design and now suddenly what I've been doing all along they don't like. Not sure what I am going to do. The print version don't sell very well but people do want that option (and I want one on my shelf).
The Jolrhos Field Guide is finally on the shelf (in pdf form) but I can't get my POD services to print it. They have since my last book heavily restricted what you can put into books in terms of design and now suddenly what I've been doing all along they don't like. Not sure what I am going to do. The print version don't sell very well but people do want that option (and I want one on my shelf).
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 28, 2019 10:40 AM (39g3+)
178
Christopher, I like glossaries in the rear (hheeeyyyooooo). It just seems less spoilerific that way.
I have never read a book that had too many maps, illustrations, or glossaries.
I have never read a book that had too many maps, illustrations, or glossaries.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 10:40 AM (kQs4Y)
179
Heya fappers and fapperettes
Posted by: Insomniac at April 28, 2019 10:40 AM (NWiLs)
180
171
My dad spent a little time in China right after the end of WWII. He said that human life is very cheap there.
Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2019 10:35
---
I picked that up reading The Good Earth.
Part of what's wrong with China is that the old morality has collapsed (thanks, Mao!) and there's nothing to replace it.
It's not Marxist anymore, it's vulture capitalism, corruption as a way of life.
Add in the fact that the government is actively persecuting believers and you get all sorts of strangeness.
My dad spent a little time in China right after the end of WWII. He said that human life is very cheap there.
Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2019 10:35
---
I picked that up reading The Good Earth.
Part of what's wrong with China is that the old morality has collapsed (thanks, Mao!) and there's nothing to replace it.
It's not Marxist anymore, it's vulture capitalism, corruption as a way of life.
Add in the fact that the government is actively persecuting believers and you get all sorts of strangeness.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 10:40 AM (cfSRQ)
181
I believe you, Tom, you're way more sophisticated than I. But a little help, please?
Posted by: Bandersnatch at April 28, 2019 09:16 AM (fuK7c)
Maybe I've read the wrong things but his appeal is lost on me to the point that I don't feel the need to test it any more. Kind of like Steinbeck, although in his case I've appreciated some well written passages while still finding him annoying.
----------
Posted by: Captain Hate at April 28, 2019 09:41 AM (y7DUB)
Same here. I've tried more than a couple times to read Tom Wolfe stuff, and it turns out the stuff he cares about, bore me to tears.
I read the paragraph Bander posted above... or part of it. I stopped when I realized I just didn't give a damn.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at April 28, 2019 09:16 AM (fuK7c)
Maybe I've read the wrong things but his appeal is lost on me to the point that I don't feel the need to test it any more. Kind of like Steinbeck, although in his case I've appreciated some well written passages while still finding him annoying.
----------
Posted by: Captain Hate at April 28, 2019 09:41 AM (y7DUB)
Same here. I've tried more than a couple times to read Tom Wolfe stuff, and it turns out the stuff he cares about, bore me to tears.
I read the paragraph Bander posted above... or part of it. I stopped when I realized I just didn't give a damn.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 28, 2019 10:41 AM (cY3LT)
182
IIRC, Burgess was not happy that the publisher included a glossary in Clockwork.
Posted by: ChupaMe at April 28, 2019 10:41 AM (qE3QB)
183
Today I should finish the last of the Flavia De Luce series, by Alan Bradley. I'm always sad when I come to the end of an enjoyable series.
I didn't know if I would like this set of mysteries at first, since the principle character is an eleven year old girl. But I found myself soon delighted with this girl who investigates death with relish and abandon. Her main tool is her vast love and knowledge of all things chemistry. She is aided in her sleuthing by the wonderful family servant, who manages the shabbily run-down British estate in which Miss Flavia lives. I find these books to be interestingly written, and quite delightful.
Posted by: grammie winger at April 28, 2019 09:44 AM (lwiT4)
What? Allan Bradley is ending the series? Damn.
I didn't know if I would like this set of mysteries at first, since the principle character is an eleven year old girl. But I found myself soon delighted with this girl who investigates death with relish and abandon. Her main tool is her vast love and knowledge of all things chemistry. She is aided in her sleuthing by the wonderful family servant, who manages the shabbily run-down British estate in which Miss Flavia lives. I find these books to be interestingly written, and quite delightful.
Posted by: grammie winger at April 28, 2019 09:44 AM (lwiT4)
What? Allan Bradley is ending the series? Damn.
Posted by: Gem at April 28, 2019 10:41 AM (XoAz8)
184
Hiya Insom !
Posted by: JT at April 28, 2019 10:42 AM (hy55y)
185
I like vinyl for classical music and digital for EDM, techno, and other eardrum-piercing modern fare.
The kids still love the vinyl. Got me a platter of Orville Peck's new album.
The kids still love the vinyl. Got me a platter of Orville Peck's new album.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 10:43 AM (kQs4Y)
186
176 Vinyl is better than CD, and compressed music is a pale reflection of CD!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 28, 2019 10:35 AM (wYseH)
The music I listen to is absolute garbage anyhow. Nothing of value is lost.
Posted by: hogmartin invites you to the summer MIMoMe (link: nick) at April 28, 2019 10:40 AM (t+qrx)
Life is too short to be listening to lousy music. But if YOU like it, who's to say it's "garbage"?
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 28, 2019 10:35 AM (wYseH)
The music I listen to is absolute garbage anyhow. Nothing of value is lost.
Posted by: hogmartin invites you to the summer MIMoMe (link: nick) at April 28, 2019 10:40 AM (t+qrx)
Life is too short to be listening to lousy music. But if YOU like it, who's to say it's "garbage"?
Posted by: Insomniac at April 28, 2019 10:43 AM (NWiLs)
Posted by: Kindltot at April 28, 2019 10:43 AM (TN7xY)
188
>>Nothing illogical about that. Sadly...most music consumers today have no idea what they are missing. Vinyl is better than CD, and compressed music is a pale reflection of CD!
I know what I'm missing but it's a tad awkward to have a turntable in my car.
I know what I'm missing but it's a tad awkward to have a turntable in my car.
Posted by: JackStraw at April 28, 2019 10:43 AM (/tuJf)
189
Hi JT! What's happenin'?
Posted by: Insomniac at April 28, 2019 10:44 AM (NWiLs)
190
Pretty much all my Russian is based on figuring out the Nadsat slang in Clockwork Orange.
So, not conversational, no.
So, not conversational, no.
Posted by: Kindltot at April 28, 2019 10:45 AM (TN7xY)
191
The Chinese have something called Spare Rib Soup, which is a soup containing an aborted human fetus. Seriously.
Expecting the Chinese NOT to go off the moral rails on an issue like Live Organ Transplants would be generous to say the least.
Posted by: Sharkman at April 28, 2019 10:15 AM (smc0A)
This has now become #1 in the list of Things Gem Would Rather Not Know. Just... praying.
Expecting the Chinese NOT to go off the moral rails on an issue like Live Organ Transplants would be generous to say the least.
Posted by: Sharkman at April 28, 2019 10:15 AM (smc0A)
This has now become #1 in the list of Things Gem Would Rather Not Know. Just... praying.
Posted by: Gem at April 28, 2019 10:45 AM (XoAz8)
192
Same here. I've tried more than a couple times to
read Tom Wolfe stuff, and it turns out the stuff he cares about, bore me
to tears.
I read the paragraph Bander posted above... or part of it. I stopped when I realized I just didn't give a damn.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 28, 2019 10:41 AM (cY3LT)
---
Obviously its an absurd listing and he does that as a go-to gag.
I read his account of the Black Panthers fund raiser and it's quite amusing. He has an eye for a trend, but like a lot of Southern writers, doesn't know when to shut up.
If Scott Fitzgerald never sent anyone running for a dictionary, Tom Wolfe never had anyone ask if he could expand on that thought.
read Tom Wolfe stuff, and it turns out the stuff he cares about, bore me
to tears.
I read the paragraph Bander posted above... or part of it. I stopped when I realized I just didn't give a damn.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 28, 2019 10:41 AM (cY3LT)
---
Obviously its an absurd listing and he does that as a go-to gag.
I read his account of the Black Panthers fund raiser and it's quite amusing. He has an eye for a trend, but like a lot of Southern writers, doesn't know when to shut up.
If Scott Fitzgerald never sent anyone running for a dictionary, Tom Wolfe never had anyone ask if he could expand on that thought.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 10:45 AM (cfSRQ)
193
There is an inherent contradiction, I think, in attempting to understand Revelation. Scripture tells Jesus will come when we least expect it "like a thief in the night" yet we are to believe that Revelation will reveal the when and wherefore. I think it's fun to read the various interpretations of Revelation (but then I'm either a dork or a nerd) but I that it is intended to be indecipherable to allow us only a glimpse "through a glass darkly." It is intended to give us a phantasmagorical, emotional vision of things to come, not to provide a Google Maps description of the future.
P.S. I loved Joel Richardson's The Islamic Anti-Christ which shows how Islamic eschatology is the mirror image of Christian eschatology in that the Mahdi could be the Anti-Christ and the Jesus could be the Islamic equivalent of the Anti-Christ. Subsequent reading has convinced me that the case is not as clear cut as Richardson would have you believe.
P.S. I loved Joel Richardson's The Islamic Anti-Christ which shows how Islamic eschatology is the mirror image of Christian eschatology in that the Mahdi could be the Anti-Christ and the Jesus could be the Islamic equivalent of the Anti-Christ. Subsequent reading has convinced me that the case is not as clear cut as Richardson would have you believe.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at April 28, 2019 10:46 AM (+y/Ru)
194
What? Allan Bradley is ending the series? Damn.
Posted by: Gem at April 28, 2019 10:41 AM (XoAz
I hope Grammie meant "The latest".
The latest one seemed to hint at a possible future romance between Flavia and the new boy Connie.
Posted by: Gem at April 28, 2019 10:41 AM (XoAz
I hope Grammie meant "The latest".
The latest one seemed to hint at a possible future romance between Flavia and the new boy Connie.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 10:46 AM (kQs4Y)
195
168: This is so exceptionally vile that it makes me wonder why we need to "welcome" so many of their fucking students. NO all cultures are not equal ( I say that to any libtards who may be lurking)
Posted by: CN at April 28, 2019 10:47 AM (U7k5w)
196
As I read Rohmer's Fu-Manchu stories, I realized love novels that make heavy use of 'atmosphere'. It seems to be a Victorian and pre-WW I thing that continued with a few writers. Dickens could spend several pages describing a dreary London morning, Haggard made the reader feel the heat and dust of Africa, Conan Doyle didn't stint describing the moors near Baskerville Hall, Rohmer showing what it was like on a small launch on the Thames at night. I enjoy this approach. It involves the reader in the story and becomes a story element that influences the reader and characters. From the author's point of view, it is an easy way to pad the word count and stretch out a serialized story.
A few writers such as Lovecraft and RE Howard made great use of the 'atmospherics' to enhance their stories. It doesn't seem to be as popular a method these days. But a lot of modern books don't make me think of extended periods of reading, relaxing in a comfortable chair with drink and smoke at hand enjoying the writing as well as the story. Things have to go faster with bigger bangs in the stories more frequently. And ereaders, for me, don't conjure the image of contented reading, just something else to get done.
YMMV
A few writers such as Lovecraft and RE Howard made great use of the 'atmospherics' to enhance their stories. It doesn't seem to be as popular a method these days. But a lot of modern books don't make me think of extended periods of reading, relaxing in a comfortable chair with drink and smoke at hand enjoying the writing as well as the story. Things have to go faster with bigger bangs in the stories more frequently. And ereaders, for me, don't conjure the image of contented reading, just something else to get done.
YMMV
Posted by: JTB at April 28, 2019 10:48 AM (bmdz3)
197
Sadly...most music consumers today have no idea what they are missing. Vinyl is better than CD, and compressed music is a pale reflection of CD!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 28, 2019 10:35 AM (wYseH)
I'm not sorry about missing all the surface noise snap crackle and pops that came with shitty vinyl pressings.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 28, 2019 10:35 AM (wYseH)
I'm not sorry about missing all the surface noise snap crackle and pops that came with shitty vinyl pressings.
Posted by: Captain Hate at April 28, 2019 10:48 AM (y7DUB)
198
China... blame Confucian thinking to a good extent but in China life is not as valuable as in the West.
In E. Hoffman Price's fantasy novel The Jade Enchantress the book opens with main character pondering his fate that his father ordered of going off to study to join the rapacious bureaucracy just so he could use his new knowledge and contacts to protect his village from said bureaucracy.
I still remember a tour guide talking about this exquisite jade statue that seemed to be the work of a lifetime and then saying who the artist was was unknown.
In E. Hoffman Price's fantasy novel The Jade Enchantress the book opens with main character pondering his fate that his father ordered of going off to study to join the rapacious bureaucracy just so he could use his new knowledge and contacts to protect his village from said bureaucracy.
I still remember a tour guide talking about this exquisite jade statue that seemed to be the work of a lifetime and then saying who the artist was was unknown.
Posted by: Anna Puma at April 28, 2019 10:48 AM (Lbmro)
199
Christopher, I like glossaries in the rear (hheeeyyyooooo). It just seems less spoilerific that way.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 10:40 AM (kQs4Y)
Anathem has a glossary, but it wouldn't spoil anything if you read it first. There's a chronology leading up to the events of the book at the beginning, but it doesn't make any sense yet at that point.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 10:40 AM (kQs4Y)
Anathem has a glossary, but it wouldn't spoil anything if you read it first. There's a chronology leading up to the events of the book at the beginning, but it doesn't make any sense yet at that point.
Posted by: hogmartin invites you to the summer MIMoMe (link: nick) at April 28, 2019 10:48 AM (t+qrx)
200
I read his account of the Black Panthers fund raiser and it's quite amusing.
Radical Chic. I quite like Tom Wolfe I just felt like making fun of his excesses.
Radical Chic. I quite like Tom Wolfe I just felt like making fun of his excesses.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at April 28, 2019 10:49 AM (fuK7c)
201
The CD vs LP talk got me wondering I and found this place
https://customrecords.com
which offers to convert digital music to vinyl.
I might have to try this out.
https://customrecords.com
which offers to convert digital music to vinyl.
I might have to try this out.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at April 28, 2019 10:49 AM (0ReGO)
202
>>I know what I'm missing but it's a tad awkward to have a turntable in my car.
You are entirely too high to be driving!
You are entirely too high to be driving!
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 10:50 AM (fuhxv)
203
The pleasure or excitement that comes from anticipating success is called NIKHEDONIA.
--------------------
So, is the pleasure or excitement that comes from anticipating success from an incredibly witty socked comment nichedonia?
Posted by: Duncanthrax at April 28, 2019 10:04 AM (DMUuz)
Nick and Ann Hedonia. They say opposites attract, but I don't see how they make it work. Maybe she's a tiger in the sheets, and he can't wait for bedtime.
--------------------
So, is the pleasure or excitement that comes from anticipating success from an incredibly witty socked comment nichedonia?
Posted by: Duncanthrax at April 28, 2019 10:04 AM (DMUuz)
Nick and Ann Hedonia. They say opposites attract, but I don't see how they make it work. Maybe she's a tiger in the sheets, and he can't wait for bedtime.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 28, 2019 10:50 AM (cY3LT)
204
Here's a question: I recently ordered a technical service manual for my tractor and it only comes on CD at anything approaching a reasonable price. For this, I'd much rather have a printed book.
Nothing better than taking your $2000 Macbook out into the barn, balancing it on top of a rusty barrel and switching back and forth between the keyboard and greasy machinery.
Nothing better than taking your $2000 Macbook out into the barn, balancing it on top of a rusty barrel and switching back and forth between the keyboard and greasy machinery.
Posted by: Bob the Bilderberg at April 28, 2019 10:50 AM (qc+VF)
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 10:50 AM (kQs4Y)
206
I don't think my ears are good enough to hear the difference between vinyl and CD. In the 80s I started to notice that CD albums had bonus tracks not available on LP, and later came the box set compilations on CD. I never looked back.
Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2019 10:51 AM (sdi6R)
207
the Russian-derived slang
-
I loved that (and I don't recall a glossary at the back of my edition). By the end of the book, I could understand it. Similarly, the Ringo Star movie Caveman taught me caveman language by total immersion.
-
I loved that (and I don't recall a glossary at the back of my edition). By the end of the book, I could understand it. Similarly, the Ringo Star movie Caveman taught me caveman language by total immersion.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at April 28, 2019 10:51 AM (+y/Ru)
208
Lt me guess-- they're running out of criminals and dissidents, and now they're moving on to Uyghurs?
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 09:11 AM (kQs4Y)
Well, one would expect that the livers will be alcohol-free, at least. So there's that.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 09:11 AM (kQs4Y)
Well, one would expect that the livers will be alcohol-free, at least. So there's that.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 28, 2019 10:51 AM (hZlbC)
209
>>I'm not sorry about missing all the surface noise snap crackle and pops that came with shitty vinyl pressings.
Don't buy the shitty pressings.
Don't buy the shitty pressings.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 10:51 AM (fuhxv)
210
the number one factor by far over whether nations went to war is?
Proximity.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 09:51 AM (cfSRQ)
Well then, I really like oceans on either side of the US. Maybe we could engineer an ocean between us and Mexico.
The Canadians haven't been too much of a bother yet.
Proximity.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 09:51 AM (cfSRQ)
Well then, I really like oceans on either side of the US. Maybe we could engineer an ocean between us and Mexico.
The Canadians haven't been too much of a bother yet.
Posted by: Emmie at April 28, 2019 10:51 AM (4HMW8)
211
If Scott Fitzgerald Ernest Hemingway never sent anyone running for a
dictionary, Tom Wolfe never had anyone ask if he could expand on that
thought.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 10:45 AM (cfSRQ)
FIFY.
dictionary, Tom Wolfe never had anyone ask if he could expand on that
thought.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 10:45 AM (cfSRQ)
FIFY.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 28, 2019 10:52 AM (wYseH)
212
Only pants All Hail Eris?
Posted by: Anna Puma at April 28, 2019 10:53 AM (rJJWe)
213
>>> 210 the number one factor by far over whether nations went to war is?
Proximity.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 09:51 AM (cfSRQ)
Well then, I really like oceans on either side of the US. Maybe we could engineer an ocean between us and Mexico.
The Canadians haven't been too much of a bother yet.
Posted by: Emmie at April 28, 2019 10:51 AM (4HMW
Hey Emmie!
... we don't need an ocean; Uncle Palp has been planning for a canal (or two or three). ;P
Proximity.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 09:51 AM (cfSRQ)
Well then, I really like oceans on either side of the US. Maybe we could engineer an ocean between us and Mexico.
The Canadians haven't been too much of a bother yet.
Posted by: Emmie at April 28, 2019 10:51 AM (4HMW
Hey Emmie!
... we don't need an ocean; Uncle Palp has been planning for a canal (or two or three). ;P
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at April 28, 2019 10:53 AM (0ReGO)
214
Nothing better than taking your $2000 Macbook out into the barn, balancing it on top of a rusty barrel and switching back and forth between the keyboard and greasy machinery.
Thats what the $120 ebay laptop is for, i have several of them.
Thats what the $120 ebay laptop is for, i have several of them.
Posted by: JEM at April 28, 2019 10:53 AM (8erNz)
215
Finally (I'm splitting my comments up in part because my iPad has a disturbing tendency to reboot during really long comments and lose everything typed) I'm almost done with Above the Waterfall by Ron Rash. There's something about his writing which really appeals to me and I'm gonna keep reading his works until the attraction lessens.
Posted by: Captain Hate at April 28, 2019 10:54 AM (y7DUB)
216
If Scott Fitzgerald never sent anyone running for a dictionary, Tom Wolfe never had anyone ask if he could expand on that thought.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 10:45 AM (cfSRQ)
Yeah, I'm a slow reader. I will sometimes wade into someone's meandering prose, if I'm interested enough. Wolfe has never written anything I was that interested in, I believe.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 10:45 AM (cfSRQ)
Yeah, I'm a slow reader. I will sometimes wade into someone's meandering prose, if I'm interested enough. Wolfe has never written anything I was that interested in, I believe.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 28, 2019 10:55 AM (cY3LT)
217
Zoltan, I have heard Matt Ridley's argument about decentralization from libertarians, from educators, and from historians, but I have never heard it from a Geneticist.
Posted by: Kindltot at April 28, 2019 10:55 AM (TN7xY)
218
I like e-readers for portability, such as when I'm traveling. Also for getting cheap reads, and sometimes for bedtime reading. Real books are heavier and my hands go to sleep before I do!
But I really like paper books for the whole experience.
One of my biggest dislikes about e-books is that I can't gift them.
But I really like paper books for the whole experience.
One of my biggest dislikes about e-books is that I can't gift them.
Posted by: April at April 28, 2019 10:56 AM (OX9vb)
219
P.S. I loved Joel Richardson's The Islamic
Anti-Christ which shows how Islamic eschatology is the mirror image of
Christian eschatology in that the Mahdi could be the Anti-Christ and the
Jesus could be the Islamic equivalent of the Anti-Christ. Subsequent
reading has convinced me that the case is not as clear cut as Richardson
would have you believe.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at April 28, 2019 10:46 AM (+y/Ru)
---
Speaking of Islam vs Christianity....
Can anyone name a time or place where people converted to Islam in the face of massive persecution? I'm not talking about stubbornly adhering to what they grew up with, but actually put themselves at risk because of their faith.
There have been lots of opportunistic conversions going both ways, but it seems to me that you don't have a lot of Christians deciding to embrace Islam when their next date will be with the gallows or a headman. Usually it seems to be the safer course than the more dangerous one.
This is of course in contrast with Christianity, which often seems at its most robust when practiced in the face of danger. I'm sure we've all heard stories of guards or jailers who were converted by their Christian prisoners - some of whom end up dying with them.
Anyhow, just wondering if anyone has counter examples.
Anti-Christ which shows how Islamic eschatology is the mirror image of
Christian eschatology in that the Mahdi could be the Anti-Christ and the
Jesus could be the Islamic equivalent of the Anti-Christ. Subsequent
reading has convinced me that the case is not as clear cut as Richardson
would have you believe.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at April 28, 2019 10:46 AM (+y/Ru)
---
Speaking of Islam vs Christianity....
Can anyone name a time or place where people converted to Islam in the face of massive persecution? I'm not talking about stubbornly adhering to what they grew up with, but actually put themselves at risk because of their faith.
There have been lots of opportunistic conversions going both ways, but it seems to me that you don't have a lot of Christians deciding to embrace Islam when their next date will be with the gallows or a headman. Usually it seems to be the safer course than the more dangerous one.
This is of course in contrast with Christianity, which often seems at its most robust when practiced in the face of danger. I'm sure we've all heard stories of guards or jailers who were converted by their Christian prisoners - some of whom end up dying with them.
Anyhow, just wondering if anyone has counter examples.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 10:56 AM (cfSRQ)
220
... we don't need an ocean; Uncle Palp has been planning for a canal (or two or three). ;P
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at April 28, 2019 10:53 AM (0ReGO
There ya go - - an engineered ocean. Works for me.
It was great to see you last night.
I should have left for church ten minutes ago and I haven't made it to the shower yet.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at April 28, 2019 10:53 AM (0ReGO
There ya go - - an engineered ocean. Works for me.
It was great to see you last night.
I should have left for church ten minutes ago and I haven't made it to the shower yet.
Posted by: Emmie at April 28, 2019 10:57 AM (4HMW8)
221
The latest one seemed to hint at a possible future romance between Flavia and the new boy Connie.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 10:46 AM (kQs4Y)
I have the last two in my TBR pile. I've got to slog through this Martha Grimes because my sister wants it back, then I'll catch up with Flavia. I used to love the Richard Jury series, now it just makes me impatient. But she's going to want to talk about it, so I'd best finish it.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 10:46 AM (kQs4Y)
I have the last two in my TBR pile. I've got to slog through this Martha Grimes because my sister wants it back, then I'll catch up with Flavia. I used to love the Richard Jury series, now it just makes me impatient. But she's going to want to talk about it, so I'd best finish it.
Posted by: Gem at April 28, 2019 10:57 AM (XoAz8)
222
Thats what the $120 ebay laptop is for, i have several of them.
Posted by: JEM at April 28, 2019 10:53 AM (8erNz)
Or the 8 year old $100 iPad that's not good for much else. Obsolescence pays dividends, kinda.
Posted by: JEM at April 28, 2019 10:53 AM (8erNz)
Or the 8 year old $100 iPad that's not good for much else. Obsolescence pays dividends, kinda.
Posted by: hogmartin invites you to the summer MIMoMe (link: nick) at April 28, 2019 10:58 AM (t+qrx)
223
211
If Scott Fitzgerald Ernest Hemingway never sent anyone running for a
dictionary, Tom Wolfe never had anyone ask if he could expand on that
thought.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 10:45 AM (cfSRQ)
FIFY.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 28, 2019 10:52 AM (wYseH)
---
Sorry, that should have read "Scott Fitzgerald *said* Hemingway..."
If Scott Fitzgerald Ernest Hemingway never sent anyone running for a
dictionary, Tom Wolfe never had anyone ask if he could expand on that
thought.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 10:45 AM (cfSRQ)
FIFY.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 28, 2019 10:52 AM (wYseH)
---
Sorry, that should have read "Scott Fitzgerald *said* Hemingway..."
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 10:58 AM (cfSRQ)
224
The Right Stuff. Test pilots and astronauts having testosterone competitions and occasionally auguring in.
What's not to love?
Also Wolfe's first novel, Bonfire of the Vanities, was uncanny if you lived in NYC at the time.
What's not to love?
Also Wolfe's first novel, Bonfire of the Vanities, was uncanny if you lived in NYC at the time.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at April 28, 2019 10:58 AM (fuK7c)
225
209 >>I'm not sorry about missing all the surface noise snap crackle and pops that came with shitty vinyl pressings.
Don't buy the shitty pressings.
There used to be this place called a 'used record store' that had piles of generic sausage factory rocknroll, classical eclectica, and all kinds of indie and import stuff.
Maybe some of you might remember, if you weren't too busy shoveling coal into a boiler or pounding out glowing horseshoes on an anvil.
Don't buy the shitty pressings.
There used to be this place called a 'used record store' that had piles of generic sausage factory rocknroll, classical eclectica, and all kinds of indie and import stuff.
Maybe some of you might remember, if you weren't too busy shoveling coal into a boiler or pounding out glowing horseshoes on an anvil.
Posted by: JEM at April 28, 2019 10:58 AM (8erNz)
226
Option A is to bust your ass as a hunter-gatherer or herdsman or farmer, struggling to produce a crop every year.
Option B is to learn to fight and make some OTHER sap bust their ass to feed you.
Historically speaking, lots of people like Option B.
-
I once read (or possibly heard) a commentary on Genesis in which it was proposed that the Cain and Abel story reflects this choice and that while warrior Abel was favored by God, he also died by the metaphorical sword as warriors are wont to do.
Option B is to learn to fight and make some OTHER sap bust their ass to feed you.
Historically speaking, lots of people like Option B.
-
I once read (or possibly heard) a commentary on Genesis in which it was proposed that the Cain and Abel story reflects this choice and that while warrior Abel was favored by God, he also died by the metaphorical sword as warriors are wont to do.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at April 28, 2019 10:58 AM (+y/Ru)
227
Don't buy the shitty pressings.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 10:51 AM (fuhxv)
You're obviously not familiar with how the robber barons at the music labels did things. Or just being an annoying asswipe.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 10:51 AM (fuhxv)
You're obviously not familiar with how the robber barons at the music labels did things. Or just being an annoying asswipe.
Posted by: Captain Hate at April 28, 2019 10:59 AM (y7DUB)
228
Commenters on WZ calling AOC donkey choppers. Heh.
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at April 28, 2019 10:59 AM (nDe2U)
229
I'm not sorry about missing all the surface noise snap crackle and pops that came with shitty vinyl pressings.
--------------------
Don't buy the shitty pressings.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 10:51 AM (fuhxv)
Egad. This argument.
I only buy the good stuff, and I appreciate the subtlety, the sublime experience of enjoying something YOU PLEBES wouldn't understand.
Like fine cheese. You fools don't know what you're missing.
Yes we do. We're missing the stank you snobs wallow in. I'll have my cheeseburger with good ol' Amerkin cheese. And pickles. And ketchup!
--------------------
Don't buy the shitty pressings.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 10:51 AM (fuhxv)
Egad. This argument.
I only buy the good stuff, and I appreciate the subtlety, the sublime experience of enjoying something YOU PLEBES wouldn't understand.
Like fine cheese. You fools don't know what you're missing.
Yes we do. We're missing the stank you snobs wallow in. I'll have my cheeseburger with good ol' Amerkin cheese. And pickles. And ketchup!
Posted by: BurtTC at April 28, 2019 10:59 AM (cY3LT)
230
Rome fell to Lead poisoning.
Posted by: klaftern at April 28, 2019 10:59 AM (RuIsu)
231
... we don't need an ocean; Uncle Palp has been planning for a canal (or two or three). ;P
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at April 28, 2019 10:53 AM (0ReGO)
---
Isn't that the North American Dignity Canal?
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at April 28, 2019 10:53 AM (0ReGO)
---
Isn't that the North American Dignity Canal?
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 11:00 AM (cfSRQ)
Posted by: Anna Puma at April 28, 2019 11:02 AM (rJJWe)
233
Lindsay Books is closing doors. Last chance to get something from them:
www.youroldtimebookstore.com
50% percent off with "GOODBYE50" coupon code
(they sent this out to those who have bought from them before, but I don't imagine they will be all that unhappy if I share it with y'all.)
Posted by: Grey Fox at April 28, 2019 09:27 AM (bZ7mE)
Gee, they were the same darned thing a year ago or more. I got two cartons of their stuff. Basically one of every title left on the shelf.
Kind of like those never-ending furniture store "going out of business" sales, eh?
www.youroldtimebookstore.com
50% percent off with "GOODBYE50" coupon code
(they sent this out to those who have bought from them before, but I don't imagine they will be all that unhappy if I share it with y'all.)
Posted by: Grey Fox at April 28, 2019 09:27 AM (bZ7mE)
Gee, they were the same darned thing a year ago or more. I got two cartons of their stuff. Basically one of every title left on the shelf.
Kind of like those never-ending furniture store "going out of business" sales, eh?
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 28, 2019 11:02 AM (hZlbC)
Posted by: Jonah Moldberg at April 28, 2019 11:02 AM (EgshT)
235
>>You're obviously not familiar with how the robber barons at the music labels did things. Or just being an annoying asswipe.
Yeah...I am clueless when it comes to all things music and records.
Please to teach me.
Yeah...I am clueless when it comes to all things music and records.
Please to teach me.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:02 AM (fuhxv)
236
I have a bunch of LPs to sell, one is the much maligned Kate Smith.
Posted by: kallisto at April 28, 2019 11:03 AM (gkMoQ)
237
The Right Stuff. Test pilots and astronauts having testosterone competitions and occasionally auguring in.
What's not to love?
Also Wolfe's first novel, Bonfire of the Vanities, was uncanny if you lived in NYC at the time.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at April 28, 2019 10:58 AM (fuK7c)
I watched the Right Stuff movie. That was enough.
I got about 80 pages into the Bonfire book. The Alps aren't big enough for Julie Andrews to behold the f**ks I don't give about New York City. Then or now.
What's not to love?
Also Wolfe's first novel, Bonfire of the Vanities, was uncanny if you lived in NYC at the time.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at April 28, 2019 10:58 AM (fuK7c)
I watched the Right Stuff movie. That was enough.
I got about 80 pages into the Bonfire book. The Alps aren't big enough for Julie Andrews to behold the f**ks I don't give about New York City. Then or now.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 28, 2019 11:03 AM (cY3LT)
238
Burgess was a strange & fascinating man.
Among other things, he was an expert on James Joyce & had a UK TV series in which he explained & explored Joyce's world.
Clockwork Orange was a novelette, really. It was also his first & only big commercial success.
He was a drunk; a deeply-closeted bisexual; a life-long communist sympathizer, much admired by the cultural establishment in the USSR; prodigously anti-American.
"I was in bed with my catamite when the Archbishop came to call" is a pretty good first line for a novel, I think.
Among other things, he was an expert on James Joyce & had a UK TV series in which he explained & explored Joyce's world.
Clockwork Orange was a novelette, really. It was also his first & only big commercial success.
He was a drunk; a deeply-closeted bisexual; a life-long communist sympathizer, much admired by the cultural establishment in the USSR; prodigously anti-American.
"I was in bed with my catamite when the Archbishop came to call" is a pretty good first line for a novel, I think.
Posted by: mnw at April 28, 2019 11:03 AM (Cssks)
239
I thought vinyl always had warmer middle tones.
My dad owns a ton of it. I mean, if you weighed it, it would probably equal or exceed 2,000 pounds.
He has a special record player with an electric eye so he can program tracks just like a CD and minimize scratches. Pretty neat stuff. State of the art retro.
My dad owns a ton of it. I mean, if you weighed it, it would probably equal or exceed 2,000 pounds.
He has a special record player with an electric eye so he can program tracks just like a CD and minimize scratches. Pretty neat stuff. State of the art retro.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 11:03 AM (cfSRQ)
240
When I was a young nerdling I decided to purchase a Telefunken pressing of Afternoon of a Faun/Daphnis and Chloe. Karajan, natch.
The guy at the counter said "You realize this is seven dollars, right?"
The guy at the counter said "You realize this is seven dollars, right?"
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 11:03 AM (kQs4Y)
241
Reminds me of how Ty Cobb was dragged down by the author he hired who just made shit up to make him look bad, because the author was an alcoholic and had a grudge against Ty Cobb. You might not like the man and he could be an ass but to make crap up when he's dead and can't defend himself.
Terrible Beauty Ty Cobb sets the record straight.
Terrible Beauty Ty Cobb sets the record straight.
Posted by: Patrick from Ohio at April 28, 2019 11:04 AM (dKiJG)
242
Ooops - forgot to mention that I am binging on the Longmire series, as well - got all of Junkyard Dogs read yesterday at the market, since there was so much time between customers :-(
And now, curse you, Book Thread - I just bought the first Flavia de Luce...
And now, curse you, Book Thread - I just bought the first Flavia de Luce...
Posted by: Sgt. Mom at April 28, 2019 11:04 AM (xnmPy)
243
Isn't that the North American Dignity Canal?
"I'll have the Plate Tectonics medium well with a side of mashed potatoes."
Isn't that the North American Dignity Canal?
"I'll have the Plate Tectonics medium well with a side of mashed potatoes."
Posted by: JEM at April 28, 2019 11:04 AM (8erNz)
244
Maybe - if I am lucky, there will be a fishing thread too.
Then I can get all sorts of learning, today.
Then I can get all sorts of learning, today.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:05 AM (fuhxv)
245
I've never read Gibbon, but I always thought he was well-respected. He
certainly doesn't seem to be popular among Horde readers.
Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2019 09:33 AM (sdi6R)
It is just that the SparkNotes version runs 300 pages.
I've never read Gibbon, but I always thought he was well-respected. He
certainly doesn't seem to be popular among Horde readers.
Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2019 09:33 AM (sdi6R)
It is just that the SparkNotes version runs 300 pages.
Posted by: Kindltot at April 28, 2019 11:05 AM (TN7xY)
246
Please to teach me.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:02 AM (fuhxv)
What I love the most about this fight is going to Amazon, looking up reviews of music, when 90% of the postings say "this album is the greatest thing EVAR!" And the remaining 10% are 1 star ratings saying "I ONLY listen on vinyl, and this pressing just wasn't up to my standards for quality."
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:02 AM (fuhxv)
What I love the most about this fight is going to Amazon, looking up reviews of music, when 90% of the postings say "this album is the greatest thing EVAR!" And the remaining 10% are 1 star ratings saying "I ONLY listen on vinyl, and this pressing just wasn't up to my standards for quality."
Posted by: BurtTC at April 28, 2019 11:06 AM (cY3LT)
247
The Dignity Canal is filled with alligators and candiru.
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at April 28, 2019 11:06 AM (nDe2U)
248
Then I can get all sorts of learning, today.
Posted by: garrett
Stick to show tunes. Don't strain yourself.
Posted by: garrett
Stick to show tunes. Don't strain yourself.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at April 28, 2019 11:06 AM (fuK7c)
249
Do records have virgin first pressings, like olive oil?
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 11:06 AM (kQs4Y)
250
Seven dollars? Think I spent $23 for the double CD of Chess the Musical at the record store.
Another thing almost as extinct as Blockbuster - the local music store.
Another thing almost as extinct as Blockbuster - the local music store.
Posted by: Anna Puma at April 28, 2019 11:07 AM (rJJWe)
251
Do records have virgin first pressings, like olive oil?
-
Yes, or at least in olden days they did. The extra virgin records were given to radio stations for airplay.
-
Yes, or at least in olden days they did. The extra virgin records were given to radio stations for airplay.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at April 28, 2019 11:09 AM (+y/Ru)
252
Kate Smith was herself subjected to fat shaming, especially in her youth. One corny jackass even brought her to tears in front of a live audience. Where was the body positive crowd when poor Kate was being slimed as racist?? Prolly inhaling a chocolate caramel cheesecake.
Posted by: kallisto at April 28, 2019 11:10 AM (gkMoQ)
253
232
*checks Amazon*
Sold two e-books this month.
Posted by: Anna Puma at April 28, 2019 11:02 AM (rJJWe)
---
Better than zero sales. I had that going on for a while.
I'm at a creative pause, debating what to do next. I had the same problem last year around this time and then stumbled into writing Three Weeks with the Coasties.
Now I'm bouncing back and forth between ideas but failing to get anything meaningful done.
Option 1. Write another series set in the Man of Destiny universe. I've got notes and outlines, and some ideas. Plus, it would tie in.
Option 2. Write a sequel to either Scorpion's Pass or Battle Officer Wolf. Both would benefit, but not really feeling it at the moment.
Option 3. Pick up an abandoned project and finish it. I have two viable projects with 20,000 words in them just sitting there. They both need re-writes, but it sure would be nice to clean them off my spreadsheet.
Option 4. Write recreational stuff for the web. I'm mostly doing this over at Bleedingfool. It's fun, but does cut into book writing time.
Just sort of waiting for inspiration, I guess.
*checks Amazon*
Sold two e-books this month.
Posted by: Anna Puma at April 28, 2019 11:02 AM (rJJWe)
---
Better than zero sales. I had that going on for a while.
I'm at a creative pause, debating what to do next. I had the same problem last year around this time and then stumbled into writing Three Weeks with the Coasties.
Now I'm bouncing back and forth between ideas but failing to get anything meaningful done.
Option 1. Write another series set in the Man of Destiny universe. I've got notes and outlines, and some ideas. Plus, it would tie in.
Option 2. Write a sequel to either Scorpion's Pass or Battle Officer Wolf. Both would benefit, but not really feeling it at the moment.
Option 3. Pick up an abandoned project and finish it. I have two viable projects with 20,000 words in them just sitting there. They both need re-writes, but it sure would be nice to clean them off my spreadsheet.
Option 4. Write recreational stuff for the web. I'm mostly doing this over at Bleedingfool. It's fun, but does cut into book writing time.
Just sort of waiting for inspiration, I guess.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 11:11 AM (cfSRQ)
254
176 Vinyl is better than CD, and compressed music is a pale reflection of CD!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 28, 2019 10:35 AM (wYseH)
I agree. But this raises the question: if our audio technology is improving, why is audio quality getting crappier and crappier?
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 28, 2019 10:35 AM (wYseH)
I agree. But this raises the question: if our audio technology is improving, why is audio quality getting crappier and crappier?
Posted by: OregonMuse. AoSHQ Thought Leader & Pants Monitor at April 28, 2019 11:11 AM (e0p0c)
255
>> Do records have virgin first pressings, like olive oil?
Virgin Vinyl and limits to the number of discs per stamper, yes.
Also, early pressings (White Label Promos) that were used for Radio Play tend to have a near 100% hit rate for quality.
Virgin Vinyl and limits to the number of discs per stamper, yes.
Also, early pressings (White Label Promos) that were used for Radio Play tend to have a near 100% hit rate for quality.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:11 AM (fuhxv)
256
Do records have virgin first pressings, like olive oil?
I will defer to anyone with actual knowledge but it makes sense to think that the dies would degrade over time and use like pretty much any other mechanical device.
Well, second cup of cofeve finished and those weeds ain't gonna mow themselves. See y'all on the gun thread.
I will defer to anyone with actual knowledge but it makes sense to think that the dies would degrade over time and use like pretty much any other mechanical device.
Well, second cup of cofeve finished and those weeds ain't gonna mow themselves. See y'all on the gun thread.
Posted by: Bob the Bilderberg at April 28, 2019 11:11 AM (qc+VF)
257
I'm old enough to remember when CD came out and people were amazed at how clean and pure the sound was without any of the distortions and extra sounds that records necessarily by their nature cause. I like records in terms of the cover art (a lost art) and extras in the sleeve. I have the pyramids/desert picture from the Dark Side of the Moon album on my wall. But I like CDs and digital for the music.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 28, 2019 11:11 AM (39g3+)
258
LBJ was the one crook Hamer couldn't corral?
Posted by: BignJames at April 28, 2019 11:12 AM (ykq7q)
259
>>Stick to show tunes. Don't strain yourself.
Shouldn't you be jerking off into a copy of Grey's Sporting Journal?
Shouldn't you be jerking off into a copy of Grey's Sporting Journal?
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:12 AM (fuhxv)
260
252 Kate Smith was herself subjected to fat shaming, especially in her youth. One corny jackass even brought her to tears in front of a live audience. Where was the body positive crowd when poor Kate was being slimed as racist?? Prolly inhaling a chocolate caramel cheesecake.
Posted by: kallisto at April 28, 2019 11:10 AM (gkMoQ)
Good point. We now see that "racism" trumps "body positive" on the intersectionality scale.
Posted by: kallisto at April 28, 2019 11:10 AM (gkMoQ)
Good point. We now see that "racism" trumps "body positive" on the intersectionality scale.
Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2019 11:13 AM (sdi6R)
261
Yes, or at least in olden days they did. The extra virgin records were given to radio stations for airplay.
Maybe the big stations or it was that way long in the past, but when I worked at a station the records were just records, not any special pressing. Usually pretty thrashed, with markings on the album covers by previous DJs
Maybe the big stations or it was that way long in the past, but when I worked at a station the records were just records, not any special pressing. Usually pretty thrashed, with markings on the album covers by previous DJs
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 28, 2019 11:13 AM (39g3+)
262
250 Seven dollars? Think I spent $23 for the double CD of Chess the Musical at the record store.
Another thing almost as extinct as Blockbuster - the local music store.
Posted by: Anna Puma at April 28, 2019 11:07 AM (rJJWe)
Indeed. Relics of a bygone era. Now music is a department in Walmart, Target, or Best Buy, or an iTunes download.
Another thing almost as extinct as Blockbuster - the local music store.
Posted by: Anna Puma at April 28, 2019 11:07 AM (rJJWe)
Indeed. Relics of a bygone era. Now music is a department in Walmart, Target, or Best Buy, or an iTunes download.
Posted by: Insomniac at April 28, 2019 11:13 AM (NWiLs)
263
I won't even consider digitized music. At all.
But I love my Kindle.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 10:32 AM (fuhxv)
I have a lot of digital music because it's difficult to find foreign language Christian praise/worship in other formats at a price I'm willing to pay. And, in all honesty, it's not like my "ear" is that great anyway so I don't notice what I may be missing.
But I love my Kindle.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 10:32 AM (fuhxv)
I have a lot of digital music because it's difficult to find foreign language Christian praise/worship in other formats at a price I'm willing to pay. And, in all honesty, it's not like my "ear" is that great anyway so I don't notice what I may be missing.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 28, 2019 11:14 AM (uquGJ)
264
I will defer to anyone with actual knowledge but it makes sense to think that the dies would degrade over time and use like pretty much any other mechanical device.
You could remake them from the master tapes.
You could remake them from the master tapes.
Posted by: Captain Hate at April 28, 2019 11:14 AM (y7DUB)
265
Also Wolfe's first novel, Bonfire of the Vanities, was uncanny if you lived in NYC at the time.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at April 28, 2019 10:58 AM (fuK7c)
His last novel Charlotte Webb is from 2005. But tell you exactly what is happening now. Amazing he could look 14 years into future.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at April 28, 2019 10:58 AM (fuK7c)
His last novel Charlotte Webb is from 2005. But tell you exactly what is happening now. Amazing he could look 14 years into future.
Posted by: rhennigantx at April 28, 2019 11:14 AM (JFO2v)
266
Once upon a time, I visited the Old Florida Book Shop in Dania Beach.
You can't see it in that picture, but on the opposite wall, there is-
a small plaque commemorating that event.
Once upon a time, I visited the Old Florida Book Shop in Dania Beach.
You can't see it in that picture, but on the opposite wall, there is-
a small plaque commemorating that event.
Posted by: naturalfake at April 28, 2019 11:15 AM (CRRq9)
267
254 176 Vinyl is better than CD, and compressed music is a pale reflection of CD!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 28, 2019 10:35 AM (wYseH)
I agree. But this raises the question: if our audio technology is improving, why is audio quality getting crappier and crappier?
Posted by: OregonMuse. AoSHQ Thought Leader & Pants Monitor at April 28, 2019 11:11 AM (e0p0c)
And why can't movies get the balance right across music, sound effects, and dialogue tracks?
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 28, 2019 10:35 AM (wYseH)
I agree. But this raises the question: if our audio technology is improving, why is audio quality getting crappier and crappier?
Posted by: OregonMuse. AoSHQ Thought Leader & Pants Monitor at April 28, 2019 11:11 AM (e0p0c)
And why can't movies get the balance right across music, sound effects, and dialogue tracks?
Posted by: Insomniac at April 28, 2019 11:15 AM (NWiLs)
268
I agree. But this raises the question: if our audio technology is improving, why is audio quality getting crappier and crappier?
Posted by: OregonMuse. AoSHQ Thought Leader & Pants Monitor at April 28, 2019 11:11 AM (e0p0c)
Because of the pick-any-two trichotomy of cost, quality, and convenience, quality lost.
It's not entirely a bad thing. Cost and convenience are nice to have.
Posted by: OregonMuse. AoSHQ Thought Leader & Pants Monitor at April 28, 2019 11:11 AM (e0p0c)
Because of the pick-any-two trichotomy of cost, quality, and convenience, quality lost.
It's not entirely a bad thing. Cost and convenience are nice to have.
Posted by: hogmartin invites you to the summer MIMoMe (link: nick) at April 28, 2019 11:15 AM (t+qrx)
269
251 Do records have virgin first pressings, like olive oil?
-
Yes, or at least in olden days they did. The extra virgin records were given to radio stations for airplay.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at April 28, 2019 11:09 AM (+y/Ru)
And there were also "half speed master" recordings pressed on vinyl disks you could buy for 2x or 3x the price of standard LPs. Sounded way better.
Also, British import LPs usually had better audio quality than American vinyl.
-
Yes, or at least in olden days they did. The extra virgin records were given to radio stations for airplay.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at April 28, 2019 11:09 AM (+y/Ru)
And there were also "half speed master" recordings pressed on vinyl disks you could buy for 2x or 3x the price of standard LPs. Sounded way better.
Also, British import LPs usually had better audio quality than American vinyl.
Posted by: OregonMuse. AoSHQ Thought Leader & Pants Monitor at April 28, 2019 11:16 AM (e0p0c)
270
>>I will defer to anyone with actual knowledge but it makes sense to think that the dies would degrade over time and use like pretty much any other mechanical device.
Stampers fail. But the Mothers are used to make new ones.
Stampers fail. But the Mothers are used to make new ones.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:16 AM (fuhxv)
271
Garrett,
Do you need good headphones to appreciate the qualities of a good vinyl record? With my hearing I have to use Bose noise-cancelling headphones on a CD player to pick up all the tones. My new hearing aids do make a huge improvement but the headphones are better.
Just curiousity on my part
Do you need good headphones to appreciate the qualities of a good vinyl record? With my hearing I have to use Bose noise-cancelling headphones on a CD player to pick up all the tones. My new hearing aids do make a huge improvement but the headphones are better.
Just curiousity on my part
Posted by: JTB at April 28, 2019 11:16 AM (bmdz3)
272
239. Very cool. Maybe the BF will spring for one of those.
Posted by: kallisto at April 28, 2019 11:16 AM (gkMoQ)
273
Good point. We now see that "racism" trumps "body positive" on the intersectionality scale.
I think it comes down to "new trumps old" and "anything you old people like must be evil"
I think it comes down to "new trumps old" and "anything you old people like must be evil"
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 28, 2019 11:16 AM (39g3+)
274
I'm thankful I'm not an audiophile. For them, listening to music on anything other than top-of-the-line equipment must seem like torture.
Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2019 11:16 AM (sdi6R)
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 11:17 AM (kQs4Y)
276
Tom Wolfe Charlotte Simmons was think Charlotte's Web while typing
Posted by: rhennigantx at April 28, 2019 11:17 AM (JFO2v)
277
>>Do you need good headphones to appreciate the qualities of a good vinyl record?
No. But a fresh, decent cartridge and quality Analog path for your signal are important.
No need to break the bank to get these, but they are essential.
No. But a fresh, decent cartridge and quality Analog path for your signal are important.
No need to break the bank to get these, but they are essential.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:18 AM (fuhxv)
278
Sally Yates was on Meet the Press, with Andrea Mitchell trying to "rehabilitate" her before the coming shit storm. Even Chuck Todd wouldn't go there, and left Andrea in charge for the day.
As acting AG, Yates was part of the Coup including the Flynn Frame.
As acting AG, Yates was part of the Coup including the Flynn Frame.
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 28, 2019 11:18 AM (1UZdv)
279
A.H. Loyd I find myself starting to write on one project or just pondering what to do with it and then I am high-tailing it in chase of ideas for another story and before I know it not one new word has been jotted down for either before something else needs attention.
Posted by: Anna Puma at April 28, 2019 11:18 AM (rJJWe)
280
Virgin vinyl should be better than the various grades of "regrind".
I remember a few LP's with the hole not quite in the center, by a few millimeters.
I remember a few LP's with the hole not quite in the center, by a few millimeters.
Posted by: klaftern at April 28, 2019 11:18 AM (RuIsu)
Posted by: Muad'dib at April 28, 2019 11:19 AM (/m5YZ)
282
with markings on the album covers by previous DJs
-
My sister won a free 45 in a radio station call in contest. The record had "This record stinks" written on the label. It was Paul Revere and the Raiders' Kicks.
-
My sister won a free 45 in a radio station call in contest. The record had "This record stinks" written on the label. It was Paul Revere and the Raiders' Kicks.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at April 28, 2019 11:19 AM (+y/Ru)
283
>>> 264 I will defer to anyone with actual knowledge but it makes sense to think that the dies would degrade over time and use like pretty much any other mechanical device.
You could remake them from the master tapes.
Posted by: Captain Hate at April 28, 2019 11:14 AM (y7DUB)
What if the master tapes don't exist? I've got some old CDs from the 80s and 90s which are out-of-print, and it occurred to me that some of the electronic instruments may not be manufactured anymore, either.
... ok this is just pop music, but was somewhat interesting to consider it might not be possible to reproduce the exact sound at all.
You could remake them from the master tapes.
Posted by: Captain Hate at April 28, 2019 11:14 AM (y7DUB)
What if the master tapes don't exist? I've got some old CDs from the 80s and 90s which are out-of-print, and it occurred to me that some of the electronic instruments may not be manufactured anymore, either.
... ok this is just pop music, but was somewhat interesting to consider it might not be possible to reproduce the exact sound at all.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at April 28, 2019 11:19 AM (0ReGO)
284
Vinyl is better than CD, and compressed music is a pale reflection of CD!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 28, 2019 10:35 AM (wYseH)
I agree. But this raises the question: if our audio technology is improving, why is audio quality getting crappier and crappier?
Posted by: OregonMuse. AoSHQ Thought Leader & Pants Monitor at April 28, 2019 11:11 AM (e0p0c)
Ok, I'm going to ignore the fact that people seem to be getting emotional about this issue, and note this:
Actual audio equipment ain't what it used to be. I've gone through several systems recently, trying to find one that actually has some ability to not sound tinny and weak, and not throb and vibrate when a bass note is hit.
I'm not going to spend thousands of dollars on this shite, I just want to play some music... and YES one of the ones I bought not too long ago has a record player.
I think the answer to my question is yes, no. Consumer products are getting crappier, and they're not going to sell decent systems at reasonable prices. They're going to overcharge the "connoisseurs" and sell junk to the rest of us.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at April 28, 2019 10:35 AM (wYseH)
I agree. But this raises the question: if our audio technology is improving, why is audio quality getting crappier and crappier?
Posted by: OregonMuse. AoSHQ Thought Leader & Pants Monitor at April 28, 2019 11:11 AM (e0p0c)
Ok, I'm going to ignore the fact that people seem to be getting emotional about this issue, and note this:
Actual audio equipment ain't what it used to be. I've gone through several systems recently, trying to find one that actually has some ability to not sound tinny and weak, and not throb and vibrate when a bass note is hit.
I'm not going to spend thousands of dollars on this shite, I just want to play some music... and YES one of the ones I bought not too long ago has a record player.
I think the answer to my question is yes, no. Consumer products are getting crappier, and they're not going to sell decent systems at reasonable prices. They're going to overcharge the "connoisseurs" and sell junk to the rest of us.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 28, 2019 11:19 AM (cY3LT)
285
>>For them, listening to music on anything other than top-of-the-line equipment must seem like torture.
I was in a shop last week, trying to buy some LPs and they were playing a Butcher's Cover Beatles LP that had all sorts of groove damage.
I had to leave.
I was in a shop last week, trying to buy some LPs and they were playing a Butcher's Cover Beatles LP that had all sorts of groove damage.
I had to leave.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:19 AM (fuhxv)
286
I think it comes down to "new trumps old" and "anything you old people like must be evil"
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 28, 2019 11:16 AM (39g3+)
---
It's the purity spiral.
The only way you can show virtue is by wanting to ban something. Doesn't matter what or why, but it has to happen or the people who don't agree are objectively evil.
The irony is that actual evil is inherently nihilistic, which is why it can't create, only distort or destroy.
Tolkien was dead on. These people are orcs.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 28, 2019 11:16 AM (39g3+)
---
It's the purity spiral.
The only way you can show virtue is by wanting to ban something. Doesn't matter what or why, but it has to happen or the people who don't agree are objectively evil.
The irony is that actual evil is inherently nihilistic, which is why it can't create, only distort or destroy.
Tolkien was dead on. These people are orcs.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 11:20 AM (cfSRQ)
287
The problem with almost ALL vinyl records were the shitty pressings made with crappy dies that were worn out after the first 100 or so pressings. There used to be high tech albums, mostly classical music, called "half speed master disks" which were very expensive but worth the extra cost. And sound tests with blind listening by people they were unable to tell the difference between a well cut album and a CD. Some well cut albums do have a "richer base" sound but that is due to the bias that is encoded in making the master disk from the original 16 track tape recording.
Posted by: Vic at April 28, 2019 11:20 AM (mpXpK)
Posted by: Anna Puma at April 28, 2019 11:20 AM (rJJWe)
289
>>What if the master tapes don't exist?
Then you are fucked.
This happened with a lot of the bands on SST. The Masters are all 'Lost'. No way to repress, remaster.
Then you are fucked.
This happened with a lot of the bands on SST. The Masters are all 'Lost'. No way to repress, remaster.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:20 AM (fuhxv)
290
I'm old enough to remember when CD came out and people were amazed at how clean and pure the sound was without any of the distortions and extra sounds that records necessarily by their nature cause. I like records in terms of the cover art (a lost art) and extras in the sleeve. I have the pyramids/desert picture from the Dark Side of the Moon album on my wall. But I like CDs and digital for the music.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 28, 2019 11:11 AM (39g3+)
Same here. My ears aren't good enough to detect any difference between a CD and high quality vinyl so it's a pointless argument for me.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 28, 2019 11:11 AM (39g3+)
Same here. My ears aren't good enough to detect any difference between a CD and high quality vinyl so it's a pointless argument for me.
Posted by: Captain Hate at April 28, 2019 11:21 AM (y7DUB)
291
Pleased to note that store owner William has both a cat and a globe in his shop.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 11:21 AM (kQs4Y)
292
Digital has its own problems, in the era of laser-discs it was called rot.
Posted by: Anna Puma at April 28, 2019 11:22 AM (rJJWe)
293
Pleased to note that store owner William has both a cat and a globe in his shop.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 11:21 AM (kQs4Y)
How did he get the cat to pose for the picture?
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 11:21 AM (kQs4Y)
How did he get the cat to pose for the picture?
Posted by: hogmartin invites you to the summer MIMoMe (link: nick) at April 28, 2019 11:23 AM (t+qrx)
294
277 ... Garrett, thanks for the information.
Posted by: JTB at April 28, 2019 11:23 AM (bmdz3)
295
Burt TC, I had an old boom box from decades ago that I finally donated a few years back when I got a set of stereo components. One of its little feet was broken and I didn't want to deal with it at the time.
Now I wish I'd kept it because it really did have great bass playback, compared to all the so-called super-bass in the stores now.
*pouts*
Now I wish I'd kept it because it really did have great bass playback, compared to all the so-called super-bass in the stores now.
*pouts*
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at April 28, 2019 11:24 AM (0ReGO)
296
Gee it's hard to tear myself away from the garrett - b'snatch flameage but I'm late for Mass. Higher Power and all that.
Posted by: kallisto at April 28, 2019 11:24 AM (gkMoQ)
297
>>I'm old enough to remember when CD came out and people were amazed at how clean and pure the sound was without any of the distortions and extra sounds that records necessarily by their nature cause.
I remember listening to CDs and noticing that there was a TON of information missing and the sound was harsh. Hard to listen to more than an album or two before fatigue set in.
Of course, that was pretty early on in the digital game and they made a lot of improvements, since.
I remember listening to CDs and noticing that there was a TON of information missing and the sound was harsh. Hard to listen to more than an album or two before fatigue set in.
Of course, that was pretty early on in the digital game and they made a lot of improvements, since.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:24 AM (fuhxv)
298
I think the answer to my question is yes, no. Consumer products are getting crappier, and they're not going to sell decent systems at reasonable prices. They're going to overcharge the "connoisseurs" and sell junk to the rest of us.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 28, 2019 11:19 AM (cY3LT)
All my audio stuff is now called "vintage".
Posted by: BurtTC at April 28, 2019 11:19 AM (cY3LT)
All my audio stuff is now called "vintage".
Posted by: BignJames at April 28, 2019 11:24 AM (ykq7q)
299
When I read "A Clockwork Orange", I had a year or so of Russian language under my belt.
So, it was an easy read. And I was able to see how cleverly Burgess inserted Russian into what amounted to Teddy Boy slang.
Very neat.
If you like well-written books where you have to ferret out the meaning of the language as you go along, I highly recommend-
"Ridley Walker" by Russel Hoban.
The language is easier than in "A Clockwork Orange" because it's mostly degraded and illiterate English.
It's the story of a young man's journey through a post-nuclear holocaust England.
Check it out.
So, it was an easy read. And I was able to see how cleverly Burgess inserted Russian into what amounted to Teddy Boy slang.
Very neat.
If you like well-written books where you have to ferret out the meaning of the language as you go along, I highly recommend-
"Ridley Walker" by Russel Hoban.
The language is easier than in "A Clockwork Orange" because it's mostly degraded and illiterate English.
It's the story of a young man's journey through a post-nuclear holocaust England.
Check it out.
Posted by: naturalfake at April 28, 2019 11:24 AM (CRRq9)
300
279
A.H. Loyd I find myself starting to write on one project or just
pondering what to do with it and then I am high-tailing it in chase of
ideas for another story and before I know it not one new word has been
jotted down for either before something else needs attention.
Posted by: Anna Puma at April 28, 2019 11:18 AM (rJJWe)
---
Yep, that's how it goes sometimes.
I think the big thing is to decide what you want to say. I mean, why are you writing?
If its sales, then apply the formula and go. This is the temptation with a sequel to Scorpion's Pass. I wrote it for fun for my wife, and used the Jane Austen formula. Now that I've gotten more efficient at writing, a sequel would be pretty easy.
But is that what I want to write?
I'm not sure, hence the extended pause.
A.H. Loyd I find myself starting to write on one project or just
pondering what to do with it and then I am high-tailing it in chase of
ideas for another story and before I know it not one new word has been
jotted down for either before something else needs attention.
Posted by: Anna Puma at April 28, 2019 11:18 AM (rJJWe)
---
Yep, that's how it goes sometimes.
I think the big thing is to decide what you want to say. I mean, why are you writing?
If its sales, then apply the formula and go. This is the temptation with a sequel to Scorpion's Pass. I wrote it for fun for my wife, and used the Jane Austen formula. Now that I've gotten more efficient at writing, a sequel would be pretty easy.
But is that what I want to write?
I'm not sure, hence the extended pause.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 11:25 AM (cfSRQ)
301
So that's Florida mans other ROOM....
Sexy Librarian tempting me to read a book could work...once upon a time.
Sexy Librarian tempting me to read a book could work...once upon a time.
Posted by: saf at April 28, 2019 11:25 AM (5IHGB)
302
It was around 1990 that I first heard the term "laser rot" applied to CD's.
Posted by: klaftern at April 28, 2019 11:25 AM (RuIsu)
303
What if the master tapes don't exist?
Then you are fucked.
This happened with a lot of the bands on SST. The Masters are all 'Lost'. No way to repress, remaster.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:20 AM (fuhxv)
I've got some jazz/improv CDs that were made from creating a digital file from the best vinyl available. There are points in it that I can hear what the source was.
Then you are fucked.
This happened with a lot of the bands on SST. The Masters are all 'Lost'. No way to repress, remaster.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:20 AM (fuhxv)
I've got some jazz/improv CDs that were made from creating a digital file from the best vinyl available. There are points in it that I can hear what the source was.
Posted by: Captain Hate at April 28, 2019 11:26 AM (y7DUB)
304
RCA Dynaflex LPs: worst idea ever.
RCA Dynaflex LPs: worst idea ever.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at April 28, 2019 11:26 AM (X3lUd)
305
Indeed. Relics of a bygone era. Now music is a department in Walmart, Target, or Best Buy, or an iTunes download.
Posted by: Insomniac at April 28, 2019 11:13 AM (NWiLs)
If one can tolerate CDs (yuck!), Amazon is a godsend. I can't count high enough, the number of hours I spent in used stores, trying to FIND that CD of that band I thought was the cat's pajamas, back in the day. Oh sure, you could find the ones they made, after they sold their souls to the music industry, but those indie albums? Nowhere, man.
Now they're all available... or they were. Some aren't that's mostly because CDs are a dying medium, but before it was, I filled my collection with all the crap I thought was "essential" in the 80s and 90s... but hardly ever listen to anymore anyway.
Ah, life.
Posted by: Insomniac at April 28, 2019 11:13 AM (NWiLs)
If one can tolerate CDs (yuck!), Amazon is a godsend. I can't count high enough, the number of hours I spent in used stores, trying to FIND that CD of that band I thought was the cat's pajamas, back in the day. Oh sure, you could find the ones they made, after they sold their souls to the music industry, but those indie albums? Nowhere, man.
Now they're all available... or they were. Some aren't that's mostly because CDs are a dying medium, but before it was, I filled my collection with all the crap I thought was "essential" in the 80s and 90s... but hardly ever listen to anymore anyway.
Ah, life.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 28, 2019 11:26 AM (cY3LT)
306
>>I've got some jazz/improv CDs that were made from creating a digital file from the best vinyl available. There are points in it that I can hear what the source was.
Yeah - You can always tell when something was mastered off a copy rather than the original tapes.
A lot of European / Black Market pressings are made from old LPs and CDs. Gotta watch out for those tyoe of labels (Wax Time and the like).
Yeah - You can always tell when something was mastered off a copy rather than the original tapes.
A lot of European / Black Market pressings are made from old LPs and CDs. Gotta watch out for those tyoe of labels (Wax Time and the like).
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:27 AM (fuhxv)
307
Andrea Mitchell asks "why are all the D front runners white men?"
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 28, 2019 11:28 AM (1UZdv)
308
284 I agree. But this raises the question: if our audio technology is improving, why is audio quality getting crappier and crappier?
Posted by: OregonMuse. AoSHQ Thought Leader Pants Monitor at April 28, 2019 11:11 AM (e0p0c)
If you can find one buy a good turntable and get a Shure M91-ED cartridge. Set the weight measured at the stylus at 1 gram. This will protect the album. The first time you play the album cut it to a master tape preferably on a good reel-to-reel tape deck.
And BTW you used to get that cartridge for about $35. They are out of sight high now. And also, get a good set of speakers. I have a set of Infinity 15" studio monitor speakers that used to sell for $400 each.
Posted by: OregonMuse. AoSHQ Thought Leader Pants Monitor at April 28, 2019 11:11 AM (e0p0c)
If you can find one buy a good turntable and get a Shure M91-ED cartridge. Set the weight measured at the stylus at 1 gram. This will protect the album. The first time you play the album cut it to a master tape preferably on a good reel-to-reel tape deck.
And BTW you used to get that cartridge for about $35. They are out of sight high now. And also, get a good set of speakers. I have a set of Infinity 15" studio monitor speakers that used to sell for $400 each.
Posted by: Vic at April 28, 2019 11:28 AM (mpXpK)
309
He has a special record player with an electric eye so he can program tracks just like a CD and minimize scratches. Pretty neat stuff. State of the art retro.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 11:03 AM (cfSRQ)
Do you have a link of where he bought that record player? Muse son #2 has become a vinyl enthusiast and would perhaps be interested.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 11:03 AM (cfSRQ)
Do you have a link of where he bought that record player? Muse son #2 has become a vinyl enthusiast and would perhaps be interested.
Posted by: OregonMuse. AoSHQ Thought Leader & Pants Monitor at April 28, 2019 11:28 AM (e0p0c)
310
The record had "This record stinks" written on the label. It was Paul Revere and the Raiders' Kicks.
It amazed me, of all the things about working in that little cluttered, unromantic room, the records being all marked up was the biggest unexpected thing.
Someone had even gone through every single one of the thousands of albums and 45s and marked where every dirty word was on every song. I don't even know why. It wasn't a moral thing, they wrote out every term. I think they were warning DJs to be careful which songs played because before 11 o'clock PM back then the FCC might zing you for playing something too foul.
It amazed me, of all the things about working in that little cluttered, unromantic room, the records being all marked up was the biggest unexpected thing.
Someone had even gone through every single one of the thousands of albums and 45s and marked where every dirty word was on every song. I don't even know why. It wasn't a moral thing, they wrote out every term. I think they were warning DJs to be careful which songs played because before 11 o'clock PM back then the FCC might zing you for playing something too foul.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 28, 2019 11:29 AM (39g3+)
311
Read "Raven Chronicles", about Cessna FACs (forward air controllers) in Laos during the Vietnam war. Since the US wasn't officially involved they flew in civilian clothes. Of course the North Vietnamese they fought against weren't officially there either.
Learned a bit & reinforced some other things.
(Never rely on fighters for a job that should be done by attack aircraft)
Learned a bit & reinforced some other things.
(Never rely on fighters for a job that should be done by attack aircraft)
Posted by: InspiredHistoryMike at April 28, 2019 11:29 AM (iouK0)
312
>>RCA Dynaflex LPs: worst idea ever.
Honestly, for as flimsy and shitty as the actual Dynaflex LPs were, they have pretty good sound. In some cases, excellent sound. The vinyl formulation was great, the lack of material made them feel cheap as shit, though.
The RCA Red label Dynaflex Classical Discs are incredible bargains as far as fidelity for the dollar goes.
Honestly, for as flimsy and shitty as the actual Dynaflex LPs were, they have pretty good sound. In some cases, excellent sound. The vinyl formulation was great, the lack of material made them feel cheap as shit, though.
The RCA Red label Dynaflex Classical Discs are incredible bargains as far as fidelity for the dollar goes.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:29 AM (fuhxv)
313
Historically speaking, lots of people like Option B.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 10:21 AM (cfSRQ)
Today, they're called the FSA.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 10:21 AM (cfSRQ)
Today, they're called the FSA.
Posted by: Fox2! at April 28, 2019 11:29 AM (MwFQu)
314
"Kate Smith was herself subjected to fat shaming, especially in her youth."
I remember reading a short bio of her many years ago (think it was in one of the editions of The People's Almanac) that because of her weight, she "believed in dressing simply and being covered up -- all of her. Even a flash of bare arm was verboten. 'I want dignity, always,' she said."
I'm over 50 and pretty zaftig myself, and was mercilessly teased for being fat in my youth. IIRC, at one time "fat acceptance" or "body positivity" simply meant "don't assume that fat people are stupid and lazy and don't go out of your way to make fun of them", and/or "women do not have to be size 0 anorexic fashion models to be beautiful." Needless to say, I agree with both of those premises. However, when "body positivity" means
"pretend that being morbidly obese is just fine and dandy and have no shame about flaunting it everywhere," sorry, I'm not on that train.
I remember reading a short bio of her many years ago (think it was in one of the editions of The People's Almanac) that because of her weight, she "believed in dressing simply and being covered up -- all of her. Even a flash of bare arm was verboten. 'I want dignity, always,' she said."
I'm over 50 and pretty zaftig myself, and was mercilessly teased for being fat in my youth. IIRC, at one time "fat acceptance" or "body positivity" simply meant "don't assume that fat people are stupid and lazy and don't go out of your way to make fun of them", and/or "women do not have to be size 0 anorexic fashion models to be beautiful." Needless to say, I agree with both of those premises. However, when "body positivity" means
"pretend that being morbidly obese is just fine and dandy and have no shame about flaunting it everywhere," sorry, I'm not on that train.
Posted by: Secret Square at April 28, 2019 11:30 AM (9WuX0)
315
Andrea Mitchell asks "why are all the D front runners white men?"
Posted by: Ignoramus
Kamala Harris: every man's ex-wife.
Andrea Mitchell asks "why are all the D front runners white men?"
Posted by: Ignoramus
Kamala Harris: every man's ex-wife.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at April 28, 2019 11:30 AM (X3lUd)
316
>>Do you have a link of where he bought that record player? Muse son #2 has become a vinyl enthusiast and would perhaps be interested.
If you need help finding a deck, feel free to email me.
If you need help finding a deck, feel free to email me.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:30 AM (fuhxv)
317
Do you have a link of where he bought that record
player? Muse son #2 has become a vinyl enthusiast and would perhaps be
interested.
Posted by: OregonMuse. AoSHQ Thought Leader Pants Monitor at April 28, 2019 11:28 AM (e0p0c)
---
He got it years ago. I can ask when I talk to him and email you.
The man is a serious audiophile. When he and my stepmom bought their house, they had a bedroom converted into his music room.
It's soundproofed. Even the door. No distractions when he's listening.
player? Muse son #2 has become a vinyl enthusiast and would perhaps be
interested.
Posted by: OregonMuse. AoSHQ Thought Leader Pants Monitor at April 28, 2019 11:28 AM (e0p0c)
---
He got it years ago. I can ask when I talk to him and email you.
The man is a serious audiophile. When he and my stepmom bought their house, they had a bedroom converted into his music room.
It's soundproofed. Even the door. No distractions when he's listening.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 11:32 AM (cfSRQ)
318
Good luck A.H. Loyd.
After watching the mini-series The Lost Kingdom with Bai Ling as Kwan Yin about saving the book Journey to the West and skimming through Prices two fantasy novels set in ancient Cathay plus loving Richard Parker's short novel of a selfish nine-tail fox spirit ... now pondering a story about Kwan Yin shooing out of the Celestial Kingdom to the mortal world a mischievous two tail fox spirit before she can destroy the Jade Emperor's garden because she can.
After watching the mini-series The Lost Kingdom with Bai Ling as Kwan Yin about saving the book Journey to the West and skimming through Prices two fantasy novels set in ancient Cathay plus loving Richard Parker's short novel of a selfish nine-tail fox spirit ... now pondering a story about Kwan Yin shooing out of the Celestial Kingdom to the mortal world a mischievous two tail fox spirit before she can destroy the Jade Emperor's garden because she can.
Posted by: Anna Puma at April 28, 2019 11:33 AM (rJJWe)
319
ALWAYS set Tracking to the MAX Factory Recommendation.
Running Lighter tracking does MORE damage than running Heavier tracking., provided you stay within 15% of Factory Numbers.
Running Lighter tracking does MORE damage than running Heavier tracking., provided you stay within 15% of Factory Numbers.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:33 AM (fuhxv)
320
I've got about a dozen crates of vinyl albums down my basement. Haven't even looked at them in years. Think I'll do that this afternoon. Bet I'll find some real surprises.
Posted by: Notorious BFD at April 28, 2019 11:34 AM (EgshT)
321
Of course, that was pretty early on in the digital game and they made a lot of improvements, since.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:24 AM (fuhxv)
Some early CDs, particularly when they started remastering old analog catalogs, sounded like hot garbage mainly because sound technicians didn't understand the ins and outs of a new technology. Plus some of my older CDs have degraded quite a bit. How archival new CDs are compared to vinyl is still a legit question and will only be known in retrospect.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:24 AM (fuhxv)
Some early CDs, particularly when they started remastering old analog catalogs, sounded like hot garbage mainly because sound technicians didn't understand the ins and outs of a new technology. Plus some of my older CDs have degraded quite a bit. How archival new CDs are compared to vinyl is still a legit question and will only be known in retrospect.
Posted by: Captain Hate at April 28, 2019 11:34 AM (y7DUB)
322
319
ALWAYS set Tracking to the MAX Factory Recommendation.
Running Lighter tracking does MORE damage than running Heavier tracking., provided you stay within 15% of Factory Numbers.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:33 AM (fuhxv)
---
So much for the books, eh?
ALWAYS set Tracking to the MAX Factory Recommendation.
Running Lighter tracking does MORE damage than running Heavier tracking., provided you stay within 15% of Factory Numbers.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:33 AM (fuhxv)
---
So much for the books, eh?
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 11:34 AM (cfSRQ)
323
309 Do you have a link of where he bought that record
player? Muse son #2 has become a vinyl enthusiast and would perhaps be
interested.
Posted by: OregonMuse. AoSHQ Thought Leader Pants Monitor at April 28, 2019 11:28 AM (e0p0c)
There used to be a big record store in NH called Noteworthy Music. I don't know if they are still in Business or not, but if not, Amazon has a LOT of independent record store sell though them.
player? Muse son #2 has become a vinyl enthusiast and would perhaps be
interested.
Posted by: OregonMuse. AoSHQ Thought Leader Pants Monitor at April 28, 2019 11:28 AM (e0p0c)
There used to be a big record store in NH called Noteworthy Music. I don't know if they are still in Business or not, but if not, Amazon has a LOT of independent record store sell though them.
Posted by: Vic at April 28, 2019 11:35 AM (mpXpK)
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:35 AM (fuhxv)
325
Fagen and Becker of Steely Dan would never listen to their Katy Lied album because of a defect in the master pressing, that only audiophiles can detect.
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 28, 2019 11:36 AM (1UZdv)
326
Some early CDs, particularly when they started remastering old analog catalogs, sounded like hot garbage mainly because sound technicians didn't understand the ins and outs of a new technology
Sure, and some recordings are so old and messed up its just not possible to get a super crisp, fine recording. I have a lot of blues stuff and the old blues is just bad recordings. There's no way to fix that and retain the originality of the music (you can digitally adjust the sound, but then you lose the original work).
Sure, and some recordings are so old and messed up its just not possible to get a super crisp, fine recording. I have a lot of blues stuff and the old blues is just bad recordings. There's no way to fix that and retain the originality of the music (you can digitally adjust the sound, but then you lose the original work).
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 28, 2019 11:36 AM (39g3+)
327
If one can tolerate CDs (yuck!), Amazon is a godsend. I can't count high enough, the number of hours I spent in used stores, trying to FIND that CD of that band I thought was the cat's pajamas, back in the day. Oh sure, you could find the ones they made, after they sold their souls to the music industry, but those indie albums? Nowhere, man.
Now they're all available... or they were. Some aren't that's mostly because CDs are a dying medium, but before it was, I filled my collection with all the crap I thought was "essential" in the 80s and 90s... but hardly ever listen to anymore anyway.
Ah, life.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 28, 2019 11:26 AM (cY3LT)
Yeah, the death of the CD is just sad.
When we moved, a CD compilation titled, "A Parcel of Steeleye Span" consisting of 5 remastered albums from their most creative and just joyful music disappeared.
Well, says I, I'll just go on Amazon and reorder it.
Nope. Out of print. Only available at insane prices.
The individual albums...Nope. Out of print. Insane prices.
The only place you can get the "albums" at a decent price is from iTunes.
Or you can stream.
Maybe with 5G streaming might be an option but thus far it blows.
Sad.
Now they're all available... or they were. Some aren't that's mostly because CDs are a dying medium, but before it was, I filled my collection with all the crap I thought was "essential" in the 80s and 90s... but hardly ever listen to anymore anyway.
Ah, life.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 28, 2019 11:26 AM (cY3LT)
Yeah, the death of the CD is just sad.
When we moved, a CD compilation titled, "A Parcel of Steeleye Span" consisting of 5 remastered albums from their most creative and just joyful music disappeared.
Well, says I, I'll just go on Amazon and reorder it.
Nope. Out of print. Only available at insane prices.
The individual albums...Nope. Out of print. Insane prices.
The only place you can get the "albums" at a decent price is from iTunes.
Or you can stream.
Maybe with 5G streaming might be an option but thus far it blows.
Sad.
Posted by: naturalfake at April 28, 2019 11:37 AM (CRRq9)
328
>>Sure, and some recordings are so old and messed up its just not possible to get a super crisp, fine recording. I have a lot of blues stuff and the old blues is just bad recordings
A lot of those early straight to acetate recordings are really hard to listen to as anything but historic artifacts.
A lot of those early straight to acetate recordings are really hard to listen to as anything but historic artifacts.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:38 AM (fuhxv)
329
After watching the mini-series The Lost Kingdom with Bai Ling as Kwan Yin about saving the book Journey to the West
and skimming through Prices two fantasy novels set in ancient Cathay
plus loving Richard Parker's short novel of a selfish nine-tail fox
spirit ... now pondering a story about Kwan Yin shooing out of the
Celestial Kingdom to the mortal world a mischievous two tail fox spirit
before she can destroy the Jade Emperor's garden because she can.
Posted by: Anna Puma at April 28, 2019 11:33 AM (rJJWe)
---
Go for it!
That sounds like something my wife would like.
After watching the mini-series The Lost Kingdom with Bai Ling as Kwan Yin about saving the book Journey to the West
and skimming through Prices two fantasy novels set in ancient Cathay
plus loving Richard Parker's short novel of a selfish nine-tail fox
spirit ... now pondering a story about Kwan Yin shooing out of the
Celestial Kingdom to the mortal world a mischievous two tail fox spirit
before she can destroy the Jade Emperor's garden because she can.
Posted by: Anna Puma at April 28, 2019 11:33 AM (rJJWe)
---
Go for it!
That sounds like something my wife would like.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 11:38 AM (cfSRQ)
330
Like most, I grew up with vinyl but I switched to CD late--1990 or so--and never looked back.
Vinyl probably sounds better--but you have to have a good turntable and playback equipment. Vinyl is subject to warping in heat or cold or poor storage and it just gets scratched up and deteriorates with use. And sometimes there's a bad cutting job and the title has to be reissued.
Finally, vinyl is HEAVY as anyone who's ever had to lug crates of it every time they moved could surely attest to.
CDs hold up better, have decent enough--sometimes excellent--sound and take up less space and are easier to move around. And right now they are being sold DIRT CHEAP as the hipsters move to vinyl.
CDs will make a comeback someday.
Vinyl probably sounds better--but you have to have a good turntable and playback equipment. Vinyl is subject to warping in heat or cold or poor storage and it just gets scratched up and deteriorates with use. And sometimes there's a bad cutting job and the title has to be reissued.
Finally, vinyl is HEAVY as anyone who's ever had to lug crates of it every time they moved could surely attest to.
CDs hold up better, have decent enough--sometimes excellent--sound and take up less space and are easier to move around. And right now they are being sold DIRT CHEAP as the hipsters move to vinyl.
CDs will make a comeback someday.
Posted by: JoeF. at April 28, 2019 11:38 AM (NFEMn)
331
>>Posted by: naturalfake at April 28, 2019 11:37 AM (CRRq9)
I think Intervention Records redid at least one Steeleye LP.
I think...someone reissued a few in the past couple years.
I think Intervention Records redid at least one Steeleye LP.
I think...someone reissued a few in the past couple years.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:39 AM (fuhxv)
332
I'm old enough to remember when CD came out and people were amazed at how clean and pure the sound was without any of the distortions and extra sounds that records necessarily by their nature cause. I like records in terms of the cover art (a lost art) and extras in the sleeve. I have the pyramids/desert picture from the Dark Side of the Moon album on my wall. But I like CDs and digital for the music.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 28, 2019 11:11 AM (39g3+)
I think the real difference between CD's and vinyl is dynamic range, the difference in loudness between the softest and loudest sounds in a selection. Vinyl is limited here, because it becomes physically impossible for the needle to have the travel necessary to track really loud sounds. And very quiet sounds can get lost in surface noise. So phonograph records tend to have the low sounds boosted a bit, and high sounds limited, to keep the groove excursions within the limits that the cartridge can track (and also to prevent grooves from interacting with one another).
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 28, 2019 11:11 AM (39g3+)
I think the real difference between CD's and vinyl is dynamic range, the difference in loudness between the softest and loudest sounds in a selection. Vinyl is limited here, because it becomes physically impossible for the needle to have the travel necessary to track really loud sounds. And very quiet sounds can get lost in surface noise. So phonograph records tend to have the low sounds boosted a bit, and high sounds limited, to keep the groove excursions within the limits that the cartridge can track (and also to prevent grooves from interacting with one another).
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 28, 2019 11:40 AM (hZlbC)
333
I had an antiquarium in high school, but then all the ants got out.
Posted by: Joe Biden at April 28, 2019 11:40 AM (4knXT)
334
Fagen and Becker of Steely Dan would never listen to their Katy Lied album because of a defect in the master pressing, that only audiophiles can detect.
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 28, 2019 11:36 AM (1UZdv)
So, they're like bats or sumpin'?
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 28, 2019 11:36 AM (1UZdv)
So, they're like bats or sumpin'?
Posted by: BignJames at April 28, 2019 11:40 AM (ykq7q)
335
A few people had rec'd Raven One by Kevin Miller, story of a Hornet squadron in current day with a mix of normal aircraft operations and some missions mixed in. Well plotted and relatable characters (even the unlikable ones). Couple of more books in the series, but need to refill book budget before heading there.
As an aside, whoever did the artwork on the front cover did an awesome job. Used to one could really tell the books done outside of mainstream publishing, but could not tell with this one in paperback.
As an aside, whoever did the artwork on the front cover did an awesome job. Used to one could really tell the books done outside of mainstream publishing, but could not tell with this one in paperback.
Posted by: Charlotte at April 28, 2019 11:41 AM (iDRg8)
336
I have a bunch of old books, stuff printed in the early 20th century and some in the late 1800s. Some of those old printings are kinda rough to read like old records sound. And its always a concern that any real handling will damage them, especially the spine. You'd like to think that older books would be better made (as most stuff in the past was) but honestly they're no better than modern ones in many cases. And no matter how careful you are those cardboard-and-cloth covers just start to age and fall apart.
But what's the point of owning books you do not read?
But what's the point of owning books you do not read?
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 28, 2019 11:41 AM (39g3+)
337
>>CDs hold up better
My failure rate on CDs is crazy high. Lots of CDs gone to rot over the years.
My failure rate on CDs is crazy high. Lots of CDs gone to rot over the years.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:41 AM (fuhxv)
338
Fagen and Becker of Steely Dan would never listen to their Katy Lied album because of a defect in the master pressing, that only audiophiles can detect.
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 28, 2019 11:36 AM (1UZdv)
True audiophiles do NOT listen to Steely Dan!
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 28, 2019 11:36 AM (1UZdv)
True audiophiles do NOT listen to Steely Dan!
Posted by: Audie Philsteen at April 28, 2019 11:41 AM (cY3LT)
339
anguage as you go along, I highly recommend-
"Ridley Walker" by Russel Hoban.
The language is easier than in "A Clockwork Orange" because it's mostly degraded and illiterate English.
It's the story of a young man's journey through a post-nuclear holocaust England.
Check it out.
Posted by: naturalfake at April 28, 2019 11:24 AM (CRRq9)
I read that ages ago when I was a member of The Quality Paperback Book Club. Does anyone remember that? It was an offshoot of the Book of the Month Club.....
"Ridley Walker" by Russel Hoban.
The language is easier than in "A Clockwork Orange" because it's mostly degraded and illiterate English.
It's the story of a young man's journey through a post-nuclear holocaust England.
Check it out.
Posted by: naturalfake at April 28, 2019 11:24 AM (CRRq9)
I read that ages ago when I was a member of The Quality Paperback Book Club. Does anyone remember that? It was an offshoot of the Book of the Month Club.....
Posted by: JoeF. at April 28, 2019 11:42 AM (NFEMn)
340
>>Fagen and Becker of Steely Dan would never listen to their Katy Lied album because of a defect in the master pressing, that only audiophiles can detect.
If it is a speed issue, I can see that.
If it is a speed issue, I can see that.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:42 AM (fuhxv)
341
And vinyl isn't going away. Not too long ago, the Rolling Stones released a number of their early albums in a boxed set. On vinyl. I think the cost was in the $250-300 range.
Posted by: OregonMuse. AoSHQ Thought Leader & Pants Monitor at April 28, 2019 11:43 AM (e0p0c)
342
I like that book store although ladders like that are thing of my past. That Tiffany-style reading lamp looks wonderful. But I would kill for that chart table chest. Damn, it's nice.
Posted by: JTB at April 28, 2019 11:43 AM (bmdz3)
343
BTW, although I have kept all my old vinyl almum upsatir in a cabinet. But a few years go I cut all of those albums to digital files year ago and have all of them now on my computer. Took me a long time to cut them because it has to be done in real time.
Posted by: Vic at April 28, 2019 11:43 AM (mpXpK)
344
>>, the Rolling Stones released a number of their early albums in a boxed set. On vinyl. I think the cost was in the $250-300 range.
That was new. It has since fallen out of print and goes for $450+, now.
That was new. It has since fallen out of print and goes for $450+, now.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:44 AM (fuhxv)
Posted by: Diogenes at April 28, 2019 11:44 AM (whGSy)
346
CDs hold up better, have decent enough--sometimes excellent--sound and take up less space and are easier to move around. And right now they are being sold DIRT CHEAP as the hipsters move to vinyl.
And people buying or downloading direct digital copy and not buying any original hard copies. I love how cheap DVDs are too, people are all convinced that Blu Ray is what they need and I don't care.
But digital books are not following the curve. Publishers are greedy as F and charge full print price for digital copies, which cost them NOTHING to produce. Fifteen dollars or more for an ebook is simply theft.
And people buying or downloading direct digital copy and not buying any original hard copies. I love how cheap DVDs are too, people are all convinced that Blu Ray is what they need and I don't care.
But digital books are not following the curve. Publishers are greedy as F and charge full print price for digital copies, which cost them NOTHING to produce. Fifteen dollars or more for an ebook is simply theft.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 28, 2019 11:45 AM (39g3+)
347
the Rolling Stones released a number of their early albums in a boxed set. On vinyl. I think the cost was in the $250-300 range.
That was new. It has since fallen out of print and goes for $450+, now.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:44 AM (fuhxv)
Another reason to avoid vinyl. Those albums sold for 4 or 5 bucks when they where NEW.
That was new. It has since fallen out of print and goes for $450+, now.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:44 AM (fuhxv)
Another reason to avoid vinyl. Those albums sold for 4 or 5 bucks when they where NEW.
Posted by: JoeF. at April 28, 2019 11:45 AM (NFEMn)
348
High end audio stores use Steely Dan's Aja to show off the goods. Dusty (Springfield) in Memphis too
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 28, 2019 11:45 AM (1UZdv)
349
My failure rate on CDs is crazy high. Lots of CDs gone to rot over the years.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:41 AM (fuhxv)
--------
Music hasn't been the same since the Minoans stopped chiseling it into stone blocks.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:41 AM (fuhxv)
--------
Music hasn't been the same since the Minoans stopped chiseling it into stone blocks.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at April 28, 2019 11:45 AM (4knXT)
350
He got it years ago. I can ask when I talk to him and email you.
The man is a serious audiophile. When he and my stepmom bought their house, they had a bedroom converted into his music room.
It's soundproofed. Even the door. No distractions when he's listening.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 11:32 AM (cfSRQ)
Perhaps it was one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/slp/laser-turntable/5fkvzw38j37u9u5
The man is a serious audiophile. When he and my stepmom bought their house, they had a bedroom converted into his music room.
It's soundproofed. Even the door. No distractions when he's listening.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 11:32 AM (cfSRQ)
Perhaps it was one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/slp/laser-turntable/5fkvzw38j37u9u5
Posted by: OregonMuse. AoSHQ Thought Leader & Pants Monitor at April 28, 2019 11:45 AM (e0p0c)
351
334
Or they are just letting you know how superior their music enlightenment is...sounds like a emporer has no clothes
Or they are just letting you know how superior their music enlightenment is...sounds like a emporer has no clothes
Posted by: A dude in MI at April 28, 2019 11:46 AM (OOH1c)
352
Posted by: BurtTC at April 28, 2019 11:26 AM (cY3LT)
Yeah, the death of the CD is just sad.
When we moved, a CD compilation titled, "A Parcel of Steeleye Span" consisting of 5 remastered albums from their most creative and just joyful music disappeared.
Well, says I, I'll just go on Amazon and reorder it.
Nope. Out of print. Only available at insane prices.
The individual albums...Nope. Out of print. Insane prices.
The only place you can get the "albums" at a decent price is from iTunes.
Or you can stream.
Maybe with 5G streaming might be an option but thus far it blows.
Sad.
Posted by: naturalfake at April 28, 2019 11:37 AM (CRRq9)
Hmmm, never had heard of them. It's not the most awful thing I ever heard.
To my (admittedly) untrained ears, it's not so far outside the early Genesis realm... or with the female vocalist, something of a Renaissance resemblance.
Speaking of the latter, I bought some of their cds recently, because I hadn't heard them in eons. Not bad, but nothing I'd just sit down and listen to. So the past stays in the past. Somewhat.
Yeah, the death of the CD is just sad.
When we moved, a CD compilation titled, "A Parcel of Steeleye Span" consisting of 5 remastered albums from their most creative and just joyful music disappeared.
Well, says I, I'll just go on Amazon and reorder it.
Nope. Out of print. Only available at insane prices.
The individual albums...Nope. Out of print. Insane prices.
The only place you can get the "albums" at a decent price is from iTunes.
Or you can stream.
Maybe with 5G streaming might be an option but thus far it blows.
Sad.
Posted by: naturalfake at April 28, 2019 11:37 AM (CRRq9)
Hmmm, never had heard of them. It's not the most awful thing I ever heard.
To my (admittedly) untrained ears, it's not so far outside the early Genesis realm... or with the female vocalist, something of a Renaissance resemblance.
Speaking of the latter, I bought some of their cds recently, because I hadn't heard them in eons. Not bad, but nothing I'd just sit down and listen to. So the past stays in the past. Somewhat.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 28, 2019 11:47 AM (cY3LT)
353
And people buying or downloading direct digital copy and not buying any original hard copies. I love how cheap DVDs are too, people are all convinced that Blu Ray is what they need and I don't care.
But digital books are not following the curve. Publishers are greedy as F and charge full print price for digital copies, which cost them NOTHING to produce. Fifteen dollars or more for an ebook is simply theft.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 28, 2019 11:45 AM (39g3+)
Also, that stuff can be edited or abridged or just disappear.
Hard copies of CDs, DVDs and books are yours always....
And people buying or downloading direct digital copy and not buying any original hard copies. I love how cheap DVDs are too, people are all convinced that Blu Ray is what they need and I don't care.
But digital books are not following the curve. Publishers are greedy as F and charge full print price for digital copies, which cost them NOTHING to produce. Fifteen dollars or more for an ebook is simply theft.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 28, 2019 11:45 AM (39g3+)
Also, that stuff can be edited or abridged or just disappear.
Hard copies of CDs, DVDs and books are yours always....
Posted by: JoeF. at April 28, 2019 11:47 AM (NFEMn)
354
That was new. It has since fallen out of print and goes for $450+, now.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:44 AM (fuhxv)
Wow.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:44 AM (fuhxv)
Wow.
Posted by: OregonMuse. AoSHQ Thought Leader & Pants Monitor at April 28, 2019 11:47 AM (e0p0c)
355
>>Another reason to avoid vinyl. Those albums sold for 4 or 5 bucks when they where NEW.
Go ahead and look at the cost on a 1st pressing of any Rolling Stones UK Mono LP in NM shape...
the Mono Box Set was a bargain at $300.
Go ahead and look at the cost on a 1st pressing of any Rolling Stones UK Mono LP in NM shape...
the Mono Box Set was a bargain at $300.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:47 AM (fuhxv)
356
"Those albums sold for 4 or 5 bucks when they where NEW."
There's this thing called inflation. I saw tons of great acts at the Schaefer Music Festival in Central Park, Tickets were $2.00 American.
There's this thing called inflation. I saw tons of great acts at the Schaefer Music Festival in Central Park, Tickets were $2.00 American.
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 28, 2019 11:48 AM (1UZdv)
357
Anthony Burgess wrote another dystopian novel about the same time as "A Clockwork Orange" titled,
"The Wanting Seed"
It concerns an overpopulated world and gets much less love than "ACC", however in Our Newly Progtarded Nation-
"TWS" has become remarkably relevant. Not for overpopulation reasons, but
Burgess was clearly more interested in writing about his future's effect on culture, religion, government, individual freedom, sexuality, and
it's amazing how much of "TWS" reflects and predicts the insanity we're seeing on the left.
Not as cleanly plotted as "ACC" but still a great or near great book imho.
Check it out.
"The Wanting Seed"
It concerns an overpopulated world and gets much less love than "ACC", however in Our Newly Progtarded Nation-
"TWS" has become remarkably relevant. Not for overpopulation reasons, but
Burgess was clearly more interested in writing about his future's effect on culture, religion, government, individual freedom, sexuality, and
it's amazing how much of "TWS" reflects and predicts the insanity we're seeing on the left.
Not as cleanly plotted as "ACC" but still a great or near great book imho.
Check it out.
Posted by: naturalfake at April 28, 2019 11:48 AM (CRRq9)
358
But I would kill for that chart table chest. Damn, it's nice.
Yeah, that's the kind of furniture you just cannot find these days.
Yeah, that's the kind of furniture you just cannot find these days.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 28, 2019 11:48 AM (39g3+)
359
Wow, thanks for the encouragement A.H. Loyd.
Think will start on it, after I fix myself a meal.
Kwan Yin looks on with faint amusement delicately painted upon her face while she regarded the young fox with fur the color of a phoenix immolating. "Careful with your thoughts Hsi-feng least the Jade Emperor's gardener trim those tails with his shears."
Think will start on it, after I fix myself a meal.
Kwan Yin looks on with faint amusement delicately painted upon her face while she regarded the young fox with fur the color of a phoenix immolating. "Careful with your thoughts Hsi-feng least the Jade Emperor's gardener trim those tails with his shears."
Posted by: Anna Puma at April 28, 2019 11:49 AM (rJJWe)
360
Christos Anesti!!! to all Orthodox Christians in the Horde an all over the planet!!!!
Posted by: The Man from Athens at April 28, 2019 11:49 AM (QMwOT)
361
I just wanted to post so that everyone can read how Trump is racist for congratulating a supporter who supports him instead of a black guy.
Posted by: Moron Robbie - PROOF THAT TRUMP IS RACIST!!! at April 28, 2019 11:50 AM (uTPtJ)
362
hen we moved, a CD compilation titled, "A Parcel of Steeleye Span" consisting of 5 remastered albums from their most creative and just joyful music disappeared.
Well, says I, I'll just go on Amazon and reorder it.
Nope. Out of print. Only available at insane prices.
The individual albums...Nope. Out of print. Insane prices.
----------------------------------------------------------------
This is what happens with limited run CDs. You gotta get them when they first come out--because they are gone.
I got a CD box set of Thin Lizzy albums a few years ago for like 20 bucks. It's selling for like $400 now---if you can find one.
Well, says I, I'll just go on Amazon and reorder it.
Nope. Out of print. Only available at insane prices.
The individual albums...Nope. Out of print. Insane prices.
----------------------------------------------------------------
This is what happens with limited run CDs. You gotta get them when they first come out--because they are gone.
I got a CD box set of Thin Lizzy albums a few years ago for like 20 bucks. It's selling for like $400 now---if you can find one.
Posted by: JoeF. at April 28, 2019 11:51 AM (NFEMn)
363
I'm listening to "Death and Transfiguration" on vinyl while reading a dead-trees book under a lamp using an incandescent bulb.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 11:51 AM (kQs4Y)
364
I've never read Gibbon, but I always thought he was well-respected. He certainly doesn't seem to be popular among Horde readers.
Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2019 09:33 AM (sdi6R)
----------------------------------
He is still worth reading for a sweeping view of Roman and Byzantine history. Just take his arguments with a cup of salt and his biases with a gallon of whiskey.
His central thesis, that Christianity is to blame for all misfortune, endeared him to many scholars in the past and still endears him to ignorant polemicists. But it has been a long time since serious historians, including staunch anti-theists, have bought his line.
Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2019 09:33 AM (sdi6R)
----------------------------------
He is still worth reading for a sweeping view of Roman and Byzantine history. Just take his arguments with a cup of salt and his biases with a gallon of whiskey.
His central thesis, that Christianity is to blame for all misfortune, endeared him to many scholars in the past and still endears him to ignorant polemicists. But it has been a long time since serious historians, including staunch anti-theists, have bought his line.
Posted by: Margarita DeVille at April 28, 2019 11:52 AM (Rxduq)
365
High end audio stores use Steely Dan's Aja to show off the goods. Dusty (Springfield) in Memphis too
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 28, 2019 11:45 AM (1UZdv)
Egad, what I don't know...
I'd rather listen to cats killing a chicken than hear that guy try to "sing."
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 28, 2019 11:45 AM (1UZdv)
Egad, what I don't know...
I'd rather listen to cats killing a chicken than hear that guy try to "sing."
Posted by: BurtTC at April 28, 2019 11:53 AM (cY3LT)
366
He got it years ago. I can ask when I talk to him and email you.
The man is a serious audiophile. When he and my stepmom bought their house, they had a bedroom converted into his music room.
It's soundproofed. Even the door. No distractions when he's listening.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 11:32 AM (cfSRQ)
That's the way I used to listen to my music. I didn't have all of that audiophile soundproofing, but I would concentrate on listening to the music and not do anything else. I would close the door to the outside world, put on an album, put on my headphones, lie back on my bed, and let the music wash over me and seep into my soul.
The man is a serious audiophile. When he and my stepmom bought their house, they had a bedroom converted into his music room.
It's soundproofed. Even the door. No distractions when he's listening.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 11:32 AM (cfSRQ)
That's the way I used to listen to my music. I didn't have all of that audiophile soundproofing, but I would concentrate on listening to the music and not do anything else. I would close the door to the outside world, put on an album, put on my headphones, lie back on my bed, and let the music wash over me and seep into my soul.
Posted by: OregonMuse. AoSHQ Thought Leader & Pants Monitor at April 28, 2019 11:53 AM (e0p0c)
367
About CD remastering, the German label, Bear Family, bought the rights to rerelease entire catalogs of bluegrass and country artists like Bill Monroe and the Louvin Brothers, to give two examples. The Krauts 100% knew what they were doing because everything sounds pristine and if, for example, you buy a Bill Monroe boxed set covering a given time period, you will hear every fucking thing they recorded and catalogued in chronological order.
Posted by: Captain Hate at April 28, 2019 11:53 AM (y7DUB)
368
>>I'm listening to "Death and Transfiguration" on vinyl while reading a dead-trees book under a lamp using an incandescent bulb.
Nice.
I'm warming up the EL34s right now.
Nice.
I'm warming up the EL34s right now.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:53 AM (fuhxv)
369
Bear Family Releases are killer.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:53 AM (fuhxv)
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at April 28, 2019 11:54 AM (X3lUd)
371
Clicked on the link ( Amazon ) for pulling back the curtain.
Couldn't find anyplace to read the sample/intro.
No way without knowing which viewpoint he's coming from that I'd pull the trigger ( heh, gub thread now ) on that one.
Besides, nooobody can touch Marv Rosenthal on eschatology teachings.
Couldn't find anyplace to read the sample/intro.
No way without knowing which viewpoint he's coming from that I'd pull the trigger ( heh, gub thread now ) on that one.
Besides, nooobody can touch Marv Rosenthal on eschatology teachings.
Posted by: teej at April 28, 2019 11:54 AM (E9vLe)
372
363 I'm listening to "Death and Transfiguration" on vinyl while reading a dead-trees book under a lamp using an incandescent bulb.
While keeping up with AOSHQ on some kind of digital device.
Got it all covered!
While keeping up with AOSHQ on some kind of digital device.
Got it all covered!
Posted by: April at April 28, 2019 11:54 AM (OX9vb)
373
>>High end audio stores use Steely Dan's Aja to show off the goods.
The Cisco pressing of this is immaculate. I am not a Dan fan, but that LP is flawless.
The Cisco pressing of this is immaculate. I am not a Dan fan, but that LP is flawless.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:54 AM (fuhxv)
374
About CD remastering, the German label, Bear Family, bought the rights to rerelease entire catalogs of bluegrass and country artists like Bill Monroe and the Louvin Brothers, to give two examples. The Krauts 100% knew what they were doing because everything sounds pristine and if, for example, you buy a Bill Monroe boxed set covering a given time period, you will hear every fucking thing they recorded and catalogued in chronological order.
Posted by: Captain Hate at April 28, 2019 11:53 AM (y7DUB)
And you better get them when they first come out,
Posted by: Captain Hate at April 28, 2019 11:53 AM (y7DUB)
And you better get them when they first come out,
Posted by: JoeF. at April 28, 2019 11:55 AM (NFEMn)
Posted by: HA at April 28, 2019 11:55 AM (MAstk)
376
One thing that really concerns me as an independent creator and writer is how easy it is to manipulate digital content. I can edit and fix copy in my books (fix typos etc) and not even mention that its another printing. That's fine if you fix a typo or something wrong. But people can and will edit printed material they find offensive.
Half the reviews of any book older than 20 years on Goodreads are horrified people who cannot believe someone in the past thought differently than they.
Half the reviews of any book older than 20 years on Goodreads are horrified people who cannot believe someone in the past thought differently than they.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 28, 2019 11:55 AM (39g3+)
377
All you audiophiles out there-
if you're over 50(and some of you past your 30s. You know who you are.), your upper and lower ranges of hearing have most likely degraded to the point that-
in a blind test of Lp vs CD, you couldn't tell the difference. At. All.
Don't sweat it though....you can still tell the difference between Lp and 8-Track.
if you're over 50(and some of you past your 30s. You know who you are.), your upper and lower ranges of hearing have most likely degraded to the point that-
in a blind test of Lp vs CD, you couldn't tell the difference. At. All.
Don't sweat it though....you can still tell the difference between Lp and 8-Track.
Posted by: naturalfake at April 28, 2019 11:55 AM (CRRq9)
378
He got it years ago. I can ask when I talk to him and email you.
The man is a serious audiophile. When he and my stepmom bought their house, they had a bedroom converted into his music room.
It's soundproofed. Even the door. No distractions when he's listening.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 11:32 AM (cfSRQ)
Heh. I think I may have found it:
https://diffuser.fm/laser-turntable/
Price tag: $15,000.
The man is a serious audiophile. When he and my stepmom bought their house, they had a bedroom converted into his music room.
It's soundproofed. Even the door. No distractions when he's listening.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 11:32 AM (cfSRQ)
Heh. I think I may have found it:
https://diffuser.fm/laser-turntable/
Price tag: $15,000.
Posted by: OregonMuse. AoSHQ Thought Leader & Pants Monitor at April 28, 2019 11:56 AM (e0p0c)
379
LOL, naturalfake, so true. I'm lucky to enjoy any music through the tinnitus.
Posted by: April at April 28, 2019 11:56 AM (OX9vb)
380
Bear Family Releases are killer.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:53 AM (fuhxv)
And the booklets that go with them are more insightful than a lot of stand alone books.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:53 AM (fuhxv)
And the booklets that go with them are more insightful than a lot of stand alone books.
Posted by: Captain Hate at April 28, 2019 11:57 AM (y7DUB)
381
>>in a blind test of Lp vs CD, you couldn't tell the difference. At. All.
Most of us can tell the difference in just the Mastering, alone.
Most of us can tell the difference in just the Mastering, alone.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:57 AM (fuhxv)
382
359
Wow, thanks for the encouragement A.H. Loyd.
Think will start on it, after I fix myself a meal.
Kwan
Yin looks on with faint amusement delicately painted upon her face
while she regarded the young fox with fur the color of a phoenix
immolating. "Careful with your thoughts Hsi-feng least the Jade
Emperor's gardener trim those tails with his shears."
Posted by: Anna Puma at April 28, 2019 11:49 AM (rJJWe)
---
Great! Glad I could help.
Wow, thanks for the encouragement A.H. Loyd.
Think will start on it, after I fix myself a meal.
Kwan
Yin looks on with faint amusement delicately painted upon her face
while she regarded the young fox with fur the color of a phoenix
immolating. "Careful with your thoughts Hsi-feng least the Jade
Emperor's gardener trim those tails with his shears."
Posted by: Anna Puma at April 28, 2019 11:49 AM (rJJWe)
---
Great! Glad I could help.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 11:57 AM (cfSRQ)
383
Making betting book today, I see Biden getting the D nod.
Lots of pressure for him to pick Kamala for VP.
Lots of pressure for him to pick Kamala for VP.
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 28, 2019 11:57 AM (1UZdv)
384
Don't sweat it though....you can still tell the difference between Lp and 8-Track.
Posted by: naturalfake at April 28, 2019 11:55 AM (CRRq9)
Heh.
Posted by: naturalfake at April 28, 2019 11:55 AM (CRRq9)
Heh.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 28, 2019 11:58 AM (hZlbC)
385
High end audio stores use Steely Dan's Aja to show off the goods.
The Cisco pressing of this is immaculate. I am not a Dan fan, but that LP is flawless.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:54 AM (fuhxv)
Honestly, Aja always sounded great on whatever format I heard it--vinyl, cassette, CD, streaming---it's just a well-engineered album.
There are others that have always sounded excellent--Roxy Music's Avalon is flawless. Fleetwood Mac's Rumours and The Who's Quadrophenia always sounded great too.
The Cisco pressing of this is immaculate. I am not a Dan fan, but that LP is flawless.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:54 AM (fuhxv)
Honestly, Aja always sounded great on whatever format I heard it--vinyl, cassette, CD, streaming---it's just a well-engineered album.
There are others that have always sounded excellent--Roxy Music's Avalon is flawless. Fleetwood Mac's Rumours and The Who's Quadrophenia always sounded great too.
Posted by: JoeF. at April 28, 2019 11:58 AM (NFEMn)
386
While keeping up with AOSHQ on some kind of digital device.
Got it all covered!
Posted by: April at April 28, 2019 11:54 AM (OX9vb)
---
Ha! Embracing the power of "and", and all that!
Got it all covered!
Posted by: April at April 28, 2019 11:54 AM (OX9vb)
---
Ha! Embracing the power of "and", and all that!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 11:58 AM (kQs4Y)
387
377
Don't sweat it though....you can still tell the difference between Lp and 8-Track.
Posted by: naturalfake at April 28, 2019 11:55 AM (CRRq9)
Yeah, 8-tracks offended my sensibilities.
*Thunk* in the middle of an album side? WTF?
Don't sweat it though....you can still tell the difference between Lp and 8-Track.
Posted by: naturalfake at April 28, 2019 11:55 AM (CRRq9)
Yeah, 8-tracks offended my sensibilities.
*Thunk* in the middle of an album side? WTF?
Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2019 11:59 AM (sdi6R)
Posted by: teej at April 28, 2019 11:59 AM (E9vLe)
389
Seen this morning in the Stafford, VA public library: "Meet a Muslim!". A booth with three fully covered women was there to introduce Stafford to Islam.
No thanks. We've already met a few times. I wasn't impressed.
No thanks. We've already met a few times. I wasn't impressed.
Posted by: Washington Nearsider, Ridiculous Bullshit at April 28, 2019 12:01 PM (T8HPM)
390
377 All you audiophiles out there-
if you're over 50(and some of you past your 30s. You know who you are.), your upper and lower ranges of hearing have most likely degraded to the point that-
in a blind test of Lp vs CD, you couldn't tell the difference. At. All.
Posted by: naturalfake at April 28, 2019 11:55 AM (CRRq9)
And that's why it's great to be old. It means I don't have to spend a crap ton of money on all of that high-falutin' audophile technology.
if you're over 50(and some of you past your 30s. You know who you are.), your upper and lower ranges of hearing have most likely degraded to the point that-
in a blind test of Lp vs CD, you couldn't tell the difference. At. All.
Posted by: naturalfake at April 28, 2019 11:55 AM (CRRq9)
And that's why it's great to be old. It means I don't have to spend a crap ton of money on all of that high-falutin' audophile technology.
Posted by: OregonMuse. AoSHQ Thought Leader & Pants Monitor at April 28, 2019 12:01 PM (e0p0c)
391
Most of us can tell the difference in just the Mastering, alone.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:57 AM (fuhxv)
You're right.
In 1994, Virgin acquired the rights to The Rolling Stones' '70's albums and remastered them and did an excellent job.
In 2000-something, the Stones catalog moved to Universal Group and were again remastered for CD. They are harsh and brittle and make your ears hurt.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 11:57 AM (fuhxv)
You're right.
In 1994, Virgin acquired the rights to The Rolling Stones' '70's albums and remastered them and did an excellent job.
In 2000-something, the Stones catalog moved to Universal Group and were again remastered for CD. They are harsh and brittle and make your ears hurt.
Posted by: JoeF. at April 28, 2019 12:02 PM (NFEMn)
392
Yeah, 8-tracks offended my sensibilities.
*Thunk* in the middle of an album side? WTF?
Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2019 11:59 AM (sdi6R)
Hey, did you know that 8-track technology was invented by the same guy what invented the Leat Jet?
True story.
*Thunk* in the middle of an album side? WTF?
Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2019 11:59 AM (sdi6R)
Hey, did you know that 8-track technology was invented by the same guy what invented the Leat Jet?
True story.
Posted by: OregonMuse. AoSHQ Thought Leader & Pants Monitor at April 28, 2019 12:03 PM (e0p0c)
393
I recently dusted off the receiver and hooked our speakers back up because the kids are becoming interested in music. It's so old that it can't attach to any of our satellite, gaming, blu-ray, etc. stuff. Nothing.
Posted by: Moron Robbie - PROOF THAT TRUMP IS RACIST!!! at April 28, 2019 12:03 PM (uTPtJ)
394
389 Seen this morning in the Stafford, VA public library: "Meet a Muslim!". A booth with three fully covered women was there to introduce Stafford to Islam.
No thanks. We've already met a few times. I wasn't impressed.
Posted by: Washington Nearsider, Ridiculous Bullshit at April 28, 2019 12:01 PM (T8HPM)
Now try it with three Muslim men with full beards and angry eyes.
No thanks. We've already met a few times. I wasn't impressed.
Posted by: Washington Nearsider, Ridiculous Bullshit at April 28, 2019 12:01 PM (T8HPM)
Now try it with three Muslim men with full beards and angry eyes.
Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2019 12:04 PM (sdi6R)
395
Any "store bought" 8-track or cassette sounded like crap compared to the album. But if you had a good recorder and used quality blank tapes you could not tell the difference between the album and the tape. And a well made 8-track did sound better than a cassette. You simply can not get a good recording at 1/8 ips tape speed.
Posted by: Vic at April 28, 2019 12:04 PM (mpXpK)
396
389 Seen this morning in the Stafford, VA public library: "Meet a Muslim!". A booth with three fully covered women was there to introduce Stafford to Islam.
No thanks. We've already met a few times. I wasn't impressed.
Posted by: Washington Nearsider, Ridiculous Bullshit at April 28, 2019 12:01 PM (T8HPM)
I won't be impressed until some public library in Riyadh hosts a "meet a Crusader!" event.
No thanks. We've already met a few times. I wasn't impressed.
Posted by: Washington Nearsider, Ridiculous Bullshit at April 28, 2019 12:01 PM (T8HPM)
I won't be impressed until some public library in Riyadh hosts a "meet a Crusader!" event.
Posted by: OregonMuse. AoSHQ Thought Leader & Pants Monitor at April 28, 2019 12:05 PM (e0p0c)
397
Yeah, 8-tracks offended my sensibilities.
*Thunk* in the middle of an album side? WTF?
Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2019 11:59 AM (sdi6R)
The whole reason for 8-tracks was car players. Back in the day, you could get home 8-track recorders, and blank tapes. Home-recorded tapes were actually better than the pre-records, because one simply recorded right over the track-change maker. So you got music-music-music-thunk-music-music. The pre-records, for mass-production reasons, faded down before the thunk, and faded up after, which made the thunk much more objectionable.
Car cassette players made the 8-track obsolete. And now they are obsolete, themselves.
*Thunk* in the middle of an album side? WTF?
Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2019 11:59 AM (sdi6R)
The whole reason for 8-tracks was car players. Back in the day, you could get home 8-track recorders, and blank tapes. Home-recorded tapes were actually better than the pre-records, because one simply recorded right over the track-change maker. So you got music-music-music-thunk-music-music. The pre-records, for mass-production reasons, faded down before the thunk, and faded up after, which made the thunk much more objectionable.
Car cassette players made the 8-track obsolete. And now they are obsolete, themselves.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 28, 2019 12:05 PM (hZlbC)
398
Another reason to avoid vinyl. Those albums sold for 4 or 5 bucks when they where NEW.
Posted by: JoeF. at April 28, 2019 11:45 AM (NFEMn)
I bought some RS CDs recently. Beggar's Banquet, Exile On Main Street, one or two more, I think. Can't remember which. They're something of a blur to me, the titles, but the ones in that time frame.
Good stuff. Listened to each CD once so far, I think.
That's enough. Justifies paying what I did pay for them, which was more than $10, I'm sure, but not much more than that.
I can't imagine ANY album ever recorded that would be worth hundreds of dollars, in any medium.
Posted by: JoeF. at April 28, 2019 11:45 AM (NFEMn)
I bought some RS CDs recently. Beggar's Banquet, Exile On Main Street, one or two more, I think. Can't remember which. They're something of a blur to me, the titles, but the ones in that time frame.
Good stuff. Listened to each CD once so far, I think.
That's enough. Justifies paying what I did pay for them, which was more than $10, I'm sure, but not much more than that.
I can't imagine ANY album ever recorded that would be worth hundreds of dollars, in any medium.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 28, 2019 12:05 PM (cY3LT)
399
I'm not sure which orchestra/conductor is doing this Strauss. It's from a series my mom picked up at the grocery store as part of a promotion. Each month you'd get a record "by the world's great orchestras" and a booklet on the composers. These things were old when I was a kid.
I listened the hell outta these records.
I listened the hell outta these records.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 12:05 PM (kQs4Y)
400
Making betting book today, I see Biden getting the D nod.
Lots of pressure for him to pick Kamala for VP.
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 28, 2019 11:57 AM (1UZdv)
They keep talking about Biden's appeal to old style Democrats who voted for Trump. But to those voters, the economy is the top issue. Why would they abandon Trump?
Also, virtually ANYONE Biden picks as VP would negate his appeal to so-called "moderate" voters.
Kamala or Abrams one heartbeat away from the presidency?
God Forbid.
Lots of pressure for him to pick Kamala for VP.
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 28, 2019 11:57 AM (1UZdv)
They keep talking about Biden's appeal to old style Democrats who voted for Trump. But to those voters, the economy is the top issue. Why would they abandon Trump?
Also, virtually ANYONE Biden picks as VP would negate his appeal to so-called "moderate" voters.
Kamala or Abrams one heartbeat away from the presidency?
God Forbid.
Posted by: JoeF. at April 28, 2019 12:06 PM (NFEMn)
401
The man who picks Kamala for VP better get a food taster.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at April 28, 2019 12:06 PM (5aX2M)
402
>>I can't imagine ANY album ever recorded that would be worth hundreds of dollars, in any medium.
I sell a lot of $100+ LPs.
All the way up to 2-3k a title for original BlueNote LPs.
It's crazy.
I sell a lot of $100+ LPs.
All the way up to 2-3k a title for original BlueNote LPs.
It's crazy.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 12:07 PM (fuhxv)
403
I recently dusted off the receiver and hooked our speakers back up because the kids are becoming interested in music. It's so old that it can't attach to any of our satellite, gaming, blu-ray, etc. stuff. Nothing.
Posted by: Moron Robbie - PROOF THAT TRUMP IS RACIST!!! at April 28, 2019 12:03 PM (uTPtJ)
-----------------------
You might be surprised by the number of adapters out there that could help you hook these up.
Posted by: Moron Robbie - PROOF THAT TRUMP IS RACIST!!! at April 28, 2019 12:03 PM (uTPtJ)
-----------------------
You might be surprised by the number of adapters out there that could help you hook these up.
Posted by: Calm Mentor at April 28, 2019 12:08 PM (ffYR/)
Posted by: Tater Seltzer at April 28, 2019 12:08 PM (EgshT)
405
Now try it with three Muslim men with full beards and angry eyes.
Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2019 12:04 PM (sdi6R)
---
Some astute moron pointed out that our newest Muslim members of Congress are all female, this perhaps being a way to present a nonthreatening front that an angry bearded male congressman might not.
Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2019 12:04 PM (sdi6R)
---
Some astute moron pointed out that our newest Muslim members of Congress are all female, this perhaps being a way to present a nonthreatening front that an angry bearded male congressman might not.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 12:08 PM (kQs4Y)
406
Still, I wish Trump would refrain from poking Joe Biden in his tweets. Why elevate him?
Wait until--if-- he gets the nod.
Wait until--if-- he gets the nod.
Posted by: JoeF. at April 28, 2019 12:09 PM (NFEMn)
407
You might be surprised by the number of adapters out there that could help you hook these up.
Posted by: Calm Mentor at April 28, 2019 12:08 PM (ffYR/)
--
Yeah, I figure there is some stuff out there, but I'm sort of thinking about using it as an excuse to get something newer with surround sound capabilities.
I was very amused at the get-off-my-lawn aspect of the whole thing, though.
Posted by: Calm Mentor at April 28, 2019 12:08 PM (ffYR/)
--
Yeah, I figure there is some stuff out there, but I'm sort of thinking about using it as an excuse to get something newer with surround sound capabilities.
I was very amused at the get-off-my-lawn aspect of the whole thing, though.
Posted by: Moron Robbie - PROOF THAT TRUMP IS RACIST!!! at April 28, 2019 12:10 PM (uTPtJ)
408
I can't imagine ANY album ever recorded that would be worth hundreds of dollars, in any medium.
------------------------------------
I sell a lot of $100+ LPs.
All the way up to 2-3k a title for original BlueNote LPs.
It's crazy.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 12:07 PM (fuhxv)
Someone once said something somewhere about fools and their money.
------------------------------------
I sell a lot of $100+ LPs.
All the way up to 2-3k a title for original BlueNote LPs.
It's crazy.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 12:07 PM (fuhxv)
Someone once said something somewhere about fools and their money.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 28, 2019 12:10 PM (cY3LT)
409
Biden has the sane lane to himself. (Sane is relative here). And he'll spin that he's the only one who can beat Trump.
But the Commie/Aggrieved must get their VP. Kamala checks two boxes.
But the Commie/Aggrieved must get their VP. Kamala checks two boxes.
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 28, 2019 12:10 PM (1UZdv)
410
Depending on the Receiver, there are manufacturers out there making BlueTooth Chips that you can burn into your Vintage Receiver to make the Aux. Channel BlueTooth enabled.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 12:10 PM (fuhxv)
411
I sell a lot of $100+ LPs.
All the way up to 2-3k a title for original BlueNote LPs.
It's crazy.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 12:07 PM (fuhxv)
Rich people have the means to but whatever they want.'
Japanese pay high prices too.
All the way up to 2-3k a title for original BlueNote LPs.
It's crazy.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 12:07 PM (fuhxv)
Rich people have the means to but whatever they want.'
Japanese pay high prices too.
Posted by: JoeF. at April 28, 2019 12:10 PM (NFEMn)
412
Making betting book today, I see Biden getting the D nod.
Lots of pressure for him to pick Kamala for VP.
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 28, 2019 11:57 AM (1UZdv)
Yep. I predict they'll join forces in the primary (or at least have a truce) and then if they win, Biden will step down after 2 years in for health reasons (aka doddering old age). If (when) they lose, Kamaltoe will have raised her profile and will make a run for the top spot in 2024. Or they could switch it up; put Kamaltoe at the top of the ticket and use Slow Joe as the moderating VP again (although I doubt he'd agree).
Lots of pressure for him to pick Kamala for VP.
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 28, 2019 11:57 AM (1UZdv)
Yep. I predict they'll join forces in the primary (or at least have a truce) and then if they win, Biden will step down after 2 years in for health reasons (aka doddering old age). If (when) they lose, Kamaltoe will have raised her profile and will make a run for the top spot in 2024. Or they could switch it up; put Kamaltoe at the top of the ticket and use Slow Joe as the moderating VP again (although I doubt he'd agree).
Posted by: LASue at April 28, 2019 12:11 PM (XROPS)
413
Someone once said something somewhere about fools and their money.
It was Badfinger, but Paul McCartney wrote it for them.
It was Badfinger, but Paul McCartney wrote it for them.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at April 28, 2019 12:11 PM (fuK7c)
414
Still, I wish Trump would refrain from poking Joe Biden in his tweets. Why elevate him?
Wait until--if-- he gets the nod.
Posted by: JoeF. at April 28, 2019 12:09 PM (NFEMn)
--------------------------
Trump is gonna Trump, and so far his tweets have been very effective.
Wait until--if-- he gets the nod.
Posted by: JoeF. at April 28, 2019 12:09 PM (NFEMn)
--------------------------
Trump is gonna Trump, and so far his tweets have been very effective.
Posted by: Calm Mentor at April 28, 2019 12:11 PM (ffYR/)
415
Heh. I think I may have found it:
https://diffuser.fm/laser-turntable/
Price tag: $15,000.
Posted by: OregonMuse. AoSHQ Thought Leader Pants Monitor at April 28, 2019 11:56 AM (e0p0c)
---
Given that the man owns a baby grand piano *and* a player piano, he might have paid for something like that.
My father is very frugal with day-to-day stuff precisely so he can buy really cool toys.
https://diffuser.fm/laser-turntable/
Price tag: $15,000.
Posted by: OregonMuse. AoSHQ Thought Leader Pants Monitor at April 28, 2019 11:56 AM (e0p0c)
---
Given that the man owns a baby grand piano *and* a player piano, he might have paid for something like that.
My father is very frugal with day-to-day stuff precisely so he can buy really cool toys.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 12:11 PM (cfSRQ)
416
>>Someone once said something somewhere about fools and their money.
I wish they would have said 'Fools and their OP Blue Notes...', as I sold off most of my collection when they hit $5-600 a title!
I wish they would have said 'Fools and their OP Blue Notes...', as I sold off most of my collection when they hit $5-600 a title!
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 12:12 PM (fuhxv)
417
2/3 of the way through The Eustace Diamonds by Anthony Trollope. Listening to audio as I crochet because my parish has a giant number of babies and weddings and graduations that demand homemade afghans from me as gifts. I am loving the book - who thought that one could spend 25 1/2 hours listening to a story about whether or not anyone would find out whether Lizzie will either get to keep the diamonds in question and/or find someone to marry her. But since I'm a Trollope fangirl, I am finding it immensely entertaining.
I am also more than 1/2 way through The Sure Thing: The Making and Unmaking of a Golf Phenom by Eric Adelson. It's about Michelle Wie and the first part of her golf career and the role her parents took in her development and decisions. I'm not a golfer, but saw her lately on a commercial for something or other and wondered, "Wow, I haven't heard much about her lately. What's up with that?" and found this book at the library. Quite interesting, although I think the author could have used a better editor to tighten things up a little bit.
My take on ebooks and tree books? BOTH! I love my Kindle for travel and for reading in bed (Trollope's books are too fat to hold comfortably and I nearly broke my nose when I fell asleep reading The Small House at Allington and it crashed into my face!)
Off to put the Flavia books on my "I will never finish all of these" to be read list.
I am also more than 1/2 way through The Sure Thing: The Making and Unmaking of a Golf Phenom by Eric Adelson. It's about Michelle Wie and the first part of her golf career and the role her parents took in her development and decisions. I'm not a golfer, but saw her lately on a commercial for something or other and wondered, "Wow, I haven't heard much about her lately. What's up with that?" and found this book at the library. Quite interesting, although I think the author could have used a better editor to tighten things up a little bit.
My take on ebooks and tree books? BOTH! I love my Kindle for travel and for reading in bed (Trollope's books are too fat to hold comfortably and I nearly broke my nose when I fell asleep reading The Small House at Allington and it crashed into my face!)
Off to put the Flavia books on my "I will never finish all of these" to be read list.
Posted by: SummaMamaT at April 28, 2019 12:12 PM (84ClH)
418
Someone once said something somewhere about fools and their money.
---------------------------
It was Badfinger, but Paul McCartney wrote it for them.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at April 28, 2019 12:11 PM (fuK7c)
I prefer the Katie Perry cover.
---------------------------
It was Badfinger, but Paul McCartney wrote it for them.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at April 28, 2019 12:11 PM (fuK7c)
I prefer the Katie Perry cover.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 28, 2019 12:12 PM (cY3LT)
419
Biden has the sane lane to himself. (Sane is relative here). And he'll spin that he's the only one who can beat Trump.
But the Commie/Aggrieved must get their VP. Kamala checks two boxes.
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 28, 2019 12:10 PM (1UZdv)
Only God knows for sure, but if Biden wins, whoever he picks as his VP will be president soon enough.
Voters should take that into consideration.
But the Commie/Aggrieved must get their VP. Kamala checks two boxes.
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 28, 2019 12:10 PM (1UZdv)
Only God knows for sure, but if Biden wins, whoever he picks as his VP will be president soon enough.
Voters should take that into consideration.
Posted by: JoeF. at April 28, 2019 12:12 PM (NFEMn)
420
Still, I wish Trump would refrain from poking Joe Biden in his tweets. Why elevate him?
Wait until--if-- he gets the nod.
Posted by: JoeF. at April 28, 2019 12:09 PM (NFEMn)
ABA....Always Be Attacking.
Attack, Attack, Attack.
Poke Sleepy Joe until his ass is glowing red. Then poke some more.
Wait until--if-- he gets the nod.
Posted by: JoeF. at April 28, 2019 12:09 PM (NFEMn)
ABA....Always Be Attacking.
Attack, Attack, Attack.
Poke Sleepy Joe until his ass is glowing red. Then poke some more.
Posted by: Hairyback Guy at April 28, 2019 12:12 PM (Z+IKu)
421
Kamala isn't resonating with Dems AT ALL.
Not getting the black vote and not getting the female vote.
She's a media construct and a lot of people are falling for it.
Not getting the black vote and not getting the female vote.
She's a media construct and a lot of people are falling for it.
Posted by: HA at April 28, 2019 12:13 PM (MAstk)
422
Some astute moron pointed out that our newest Muslim members of Congress are all female, this perhaps being a way to present a nonthreatening front that an angry bearded male congressman might not.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 12:08 PM (
-------
Maybe it's time for a an angry, bearded young Muslim male in Congress.
Those guys' impulse control is for shit.
Something could... happen to Congress.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 12:08 PM (
-------
Maybe it's time for a an angry, bearded young Muslim male in Congress.
Those guys' impulse control is for shit.
Something could... happen to Congress.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at April 28, 2019 12:13 PM (5aX2M)
423
2020 National Democratic Primary
Biden 17%
Sanders 11%
Buttigieg 5%
Harris 4%
Warren 4%
O'Rourke 4%
ABC/WAPO
Biden 17%
Sanders 11%
Buttigieg 5%
Harris 4%
Warren 4%
O'Rourke 4%
ABC/WAPO
Posted by: HA at April 28, 2019 12:14 PM (MAstk)
424
The more people see Kamala, the less they like her.
Posted by: JoeF. at April 28, 2019 12:14 PM (NFEMn)
425
412
Making betting book today, I see Biden getting the D nod.
Lots of pressure for him to pick Kamala for VP.
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 28, 2019 11:57 AM (1UZdv)
---
Nope. Clinton World is busy kneecapping everyone and will see to it that by the time the first ballot is taken, no one has a majority.
Then the superdelegates will be free to pick her - by acclamation.
Making betting book today, I see Biden getting the D nod.
Lots of pressure for him to pick Kamala for VP.
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 28, 2019 11:57 AM (1UZdv)
---
Nope. Clinton World is busy kneecapping everyone and will see to it that by the time the first ballot is taken, no one has a majority.
Then the superdelegates will be free to pick her - by acclamation.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 12:14 PM (cfSRQ)
426
Derek Hunter at Townhall has a article on more of Creepy Uncle Joe's crimes and transgressions
Posted by: Skip at April 28, 2019 12:15 PM (BbGew)
427
423 2020 National Democratic Primary
Biden 17%
Sanders 11%
Buttigieg 5%
Harris 4%
Warren 4%
O'Rourke 4%
ABC/WAPO
Posted by: HA at April 28, 2019 12:14 PM (MAstk)
So 55% are like "eh, whatever"?
Biden 17%
Sanders 11%
Buttigieg 5%
Harris 4%
Warren 4%
O'Rourke 4%
ABC/WAPO
Posted by: HA at April 28, 2019 12:14 PM (MAstk)
So 55% are like "eh, whatever"?
Posted by: rickl at April 28, 2019 12:15 PM (sdi6R)
428
The more people see Kamala, the less they like her.
Posted by: JoeF. at April 28, 2019 12:14 PM (NFEMn)
Unless she's kneeling in front of them. She's really good at that, and there's lots of time between now and the summer of 2020.
Posted by: JoeF. at April 28, 2019 12:14 PM (NFEMn)
Unless she's kneeling in front of them. She's really good at that, and there's lots of time between now and the summer of 2020.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 28, 2019 12:16 PM (cY3LT)
429
I sell a lot of $100+ LPs.
All the way up to 2-3k a title for original BlueNote LPs.
It's crazy.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 12:07 PM (fuhxv)
My brother collects records. I bet he has 8,000-10,000. I'll have to ask him what is his most valuable one. I bet in the $500-900 range. (he might have the Beatles butcher cover, but I'm not sure.) He's looking to finally upgrade his turn table to a Linn.
All the way up to 2-3k a title for original BlueNote LPs.
It's crazy.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 12:07 PM (fuhxv)
My brother collects records. I bet he has 8,000-10,000. I'll have to ask him what is his most valuable one. I bet in the $500-900 range. (he might have the Beatles butcher cover, but I'm not sure.) He's looking to finally upgrade his turn table to a Linn.
Posted by: LASue at April 28, 2019 12:16 PM (XROPS)
430
>>Biden 17%
Sanders 11%
Buttigieg 5%
Harris 4%
Warren 4%
O'Rourke 4%
Behold the awesome firepower of Old Whiteness.
Sanders 11%
Buttigieg 5%
Harris 4%
Warren 4%
O'Rourke 4%
Behold the awesome firepower of Old Whiteness.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 12:16 PM (fuhxv)
431
So 55% are like "eh, whatever"?
..
I'm sure there are others with 1 or 2% but a large not sure yet percentage.
Kamal won't be VP either.
If you can't draw enthusiasm in the Primary why would you be selected?
She won't even win CA.
..
I'm sure there are others with 1 or 2% but a large not sure yet percentage.
Kamal won't be VP either.
If you can't draw enthusiasm in the Primary why would you be selected?
She won't even win CA.
Posted by: HA at April 28, 2019 12:17 PM (MAstk)
432
364 Margarita DV
Exactly! Well-said.
To the extent Gibbon is still admired, it is for his sense of drama & his memorable phrases, not for his historical analysis.
I've read that there is a German book which attempts to list ALL of the published explanations for the Fall of Rome-- there are 600 of them.
My own preference is for very ho-hum military failures-- but of course then, what caused THOSE? Whatever it was, I don't think Christianity had any part in it.
Exactly! Well-said.
To the extent Gibbon is still admired, it is for his sense of drama & his memorable phrases, not for his historical analysis.
I've read that there is a German book which attempts to list ALL of the published explanations for the Fall of Rome-- there are 600 of them.
My own preference is for very ho-hum military failures-- but of course then, what caused THOSE? Whatever it was, I don't think Christianity had any part in it.
Posted by: mnw at April 28, 2019 12:17 PM (Cssks)
433
428 The more people see Kamala, the less they like her.
...
She's basically a female version of Beto.
And oh look, she's polling like him too.
...
She's basically a female version of Beto.
And oh look, she's polling like him too.
Posted by: HA at April 28, 2019 12:18 PM (MAstk)
434
nood
Posted by: Vic at April 28, 2019 12:18 PM (mpXpK)
435
Drug NOOD
Posted by: Skip at April 28, 2019 12:18 PM (BbGew)
436
Oh, FFS...
Our Drunk and Angrily Yelling At Each Other in the Yard on Holidays Neighbors-
have upped their game.
Now they're doing it before Noon on Sundays.
Lovely.
Our Drunk and Angrily Yelling At Each Other in the Yard on Holidays Neighbors-
have upped their game.
Now they're doing it before Noon on Sundays.
Lovely.
Posted by: naturalfake at April 28, 2019 12:19 PM (CRRq9)
437
>>My brother collects records. I bet he has 8,000-10,000. I'll have to ask him what is his most valuable one. I bet in the $500-900 range. (he might have the Beatles butcher cover, but I'm not sure.) He's looking to finally upgrade his turn table to a Linn.
Nice. I have yet to break the 10k mark.
But, only discipline and pickiness have kept me from it.
Guys who want a suspended table really like the Linns. Unfortunately, you end up paying a lot for the name and the UK manufacturing/export costs.
Nice. I have yet to break the 10k mark.
But, only discipline and pickiness have kept me from it.
Guys who want a suspended table really like the Linns. Unfortunately, you end up paying a lot for the name and the UK manufacturing/export costs.
Posted by: garrett at April 28, 2019 12:19 PM (fuhxv)
438
Posted by: SummaMamaT at April 28, 2019 12:12 PM (84ClH)
I love Text-to-Speech on my Kindle for needlework as well. I *can* read Kindle and do needlework, *very* slowly, at the same time but have never managed to find a way to do that with "real" books.
I love Text-to-Speech on my Kindle for needlework as well. I *can* read Kindle and do needlework, *very* slowly, at the same time but have never managed to find a way to do that with "real" books.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 28, 2019 12:20 PM (phT8I)
439
Hoo boy, this thread will take much of the day's reading time!
As for other reading, I'm back with Flashman in Afghanistan. The rebellion has begun, and he's been caught trying to escape the Residency in Kabul. Facing swords, he's been knocked out. To be continued.
I'm trying to craft a TBR list, but I keep shifting the lineup. I actually did drive past a local secondhand bookstore yesterday without stopping, so there might be hope for me.
As for other reading, I'm back with Flashman in Afghanistan. The rebellion has begun, and he's been caught trying to escape the Residency in Kabul. Facing swords, he's been knocked out. To be continued.
I'm trying to craft a TBR list, but I keep shifting the lineup. I actually did drive past a local secondhand bookstore yesterday without stopping, so there might be hope for me.
Posted by: Weak Geek at April 28, 2019 12:22 PM (FXOkG)
440
424 The more people see Kamala, the less they like her.
Posted by: JoeF. at April 28, 2019 12:14 PM (NFEMn)
Kind of like abortion, then?
Posted by: JoeF. at April 28, 2019 12:14 PM (NFEMn)
Kind of like abortion, then?
Posted by: OregonMuse. AoSHQ Thought Leader & Pants Monitor at April 28, 2019 12:23 PM (e0p0c)
441
Yep. I predict they'll join forces in the primary (or at least have a truce) and then if they win, Biden will step down after 2 years in for health reasons (aka doddering old age). If (when) they lose, Kamaltoe will have raised her profile and will make a run for the top spot in 2024. Or they could switch it up; put Kamaltoe at the top of the ticket and use Slow Joe as the moderating VP again (although I doubt he'd agree).
Posted by: LASue at April 28, 2019 12:11 PM (XROPS)
Yeah, if you've seen Biden's appearances on TV lately, the videos could be labelled-
"Senile Old Man Wanders Into Studio Gets Confused"
He's simply a stalking horse for whatever radical commie the Dim Bigwigs want in the White House.
I'm sure that at this point that he'd fail any sort of cognitive test.
When/if he gets the nod, I guarantee there will be no debates.
Posted by: LASue at April 28, 2019 12:11 PM (XROPS)
Yeah, if you've seen Biden's appearances on TV lately, the videos could be labelled-
"Senile Old Man Wanders Into Studio Gets Confused"
He's simply a stalking horse for whatever radical commie the Dim Bigwigs want in the White House.
I'm sure that at this point that he'd fail any sort of cognitive test.
When/if he gets the nod, I guarantee there will be no debates.
Posted by: naturalfake at April 28, 2019 12:24 PM (CRRq9)
442
Everything I know about Afghanistan I learned from Flashman.
Which is more than what Bush and Obama knew.
Which is more than what Bush and Obama knew.
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 28, 2019 12:24 PM (1UZdv)
Posted by: SineWaveII at April 28, 2019 12:27 PM (tBNBA)
444
'To most Americans, Frank Hamer is known only as the "villain" of the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde.'
Because bank robbers and bank presidents have equal rights to the vault, h8ers.
Hamer's an American hero for taking out Warren Beatty.
Because bank robbers and bank presidents have equal rights to the vault, h8ers.
Hamer's an American hero for taking out Warren Beatty.
Posted by: Obama's Perfectly-Creased Pant-Leg: at April 28, 2019 12:29 PM (Ndje9)
445
I'm trying to post a link for a book That I would like to recommend but I'm getting the "long strings of unbroken text error". What am I doing wrong?
Posted by: SineWaveII at April 28, 2019 12:31 PM (tBNBA)
446
As for other reading, I'm back with Flashman in Afghanistan. The rebellion has begun, and he's been caught trying to escape the Residency in Kabul. Facing swords, he's been knocked out. To be continued.
That is one of my favorite Flashman books, it really establishes the character and he goes through some truly awful, terrifying stuff with a great deal of humor
That is one of my favorite Flashman books, it really establishes the character and he goes through some truly awful, terrifying stuff with a great deal of humor
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 28, 2019 12:31 PM (39g3+)
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Lederpantsen Enthusiast at April 28, 2019 12:33 PM (kQs4Y)
448
Thank you very much All Hail Eris. I will try that.
Posted by: SineWaveII at April 28, 2019 12:42 PM (tBNBA)
449
@26 --
The Red Fern Festival explains the four small aircraft I saw overhead yesterday. I figured there was a fly-in nearby; it must have been that.
(I wonder how many of those guys have to deal with domestic strife. I can see a lot of wives angry at the expense of owning a single-seater plane.)
The Red Fern Festival explains the four small aircraft I saw overhead yesterday. I figured there was a fly-in nearby; it must have been that.
(I wonder how many of those guys have to deal with domestic strife. I can see a lot of wives angry at the expense of owning a single-seater plane.)
Posted by: Weak Geek at April 28, 2019 12:43 PM (FXOkG)
Posted by: Vic at April 28, 2019 12:46 PM (mpXpK)
451
The Red Fern Festival explains the four small
aircraft I saw overhead yesterday. I figured there was a fly-in nearby;
it must have been that.
(I wonder how many of those guys have to deal with domestic strife. I
can see a lot of wives angry at the expense of owning a single-seater
plane.)
Posted by: Weak Geek at April 28, 2019 12:43 PM (FXOkG)
---
I can think of more women who would very much like a guy who can afford the expense of a single-seater plane.
aircraft I saw overhead yesterday. I figured there was a fly-in nearby;
it must have been that.
(I wonder how many of those guys have to deal with domestic strife. I
can see a lot of wives angry at the expense of owning a single-seater
plane.)
Posted by: Weak Geek at April 28, 2019 12:43 PM (FXOkG)
---
I can think of more women who would very much like a guy who can afford the expense of a single-seater plane.
Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at April 28, 2019 12:49 PM (cfSRQ)
452
I just finished reading a great book by a new author Scott Anderson. It's calledWestern Terminus. It's about an rookie FBI agent in the modern west who uncovers a mystery and a government conspiracy and discovers he can't trust his own agency so he teams up with a country sheriff.
It's available for preorder on Kindle. (It's coming out on the 30th)The dead tree version is already available.
https://tinyurl.com/WesternTerminus
to OregonMuse you might want to take a look at this. I think it's good enough to be featured on the book thread.
It's available for preorder on Kindle. (It's coming out on the 30th)The dead tree version is already available.
https://tinyurl.com/WesternTerminus
to OregonMuse you might want to take a look at this. I think it's good enough to be featured on the book thread.
Posted by: SineWaveII at April 28, 2019 12:51 PM (tBNBA)
453
All Hail Eris. Thank you very much. That fixed the problem.
Posted by: SineWaveII at April 28, 2019 12:53 PM (tBNBA)
454
Thanks for the nice comments on my book folks! Thanks to the readers here I've reached my realistic goal of making *dozens* of dollars from it.
A large part of why I got it out there was simply to get the project *done*, so sales are, in some ways, a bonus. A very desirable bonus, but still sort of a bonus.
Most of the readers here are 'seasoned' enough to have learned all the same lessons, but hopefully I lay them out in an clear and concise manner.
My ever-indulgent wife thinks this book would be *great* for all the 101-level courses. I add in all the young folks getting into being Makers. In some ways it could be the tech equivalent of 'Elements of Style' that everyone was issued when they started a professional / technical job.
A large part of why I got it out there was simply to get the project *done*, so sales are, in some ways, a bonus. A very desirable bonus, but still sort of a bonus.
Most of the readers here are 'seasoned' enough to have learned all the same lessons, but hopefully I lay them out in an clear and concise manner.
My ever-indulgent wife thinks this book would be *great* for all the 101-level courses. I add in all the young folks getting into being Makers. In some ways it could be the tech equivalent of 'Elements of Style' that everyone was issued when they started a professional / technical job.
Posted by: KCSteve at April 28, 2019 01:03 PM (X7DQa)
455
445 I'm trying to post a link for a book That I would like to recommend but I'm getting the "long strings of unbroken text error". What am I doing wrong?
tinyurfl is your friend
tinyurfl is your friend
Posted by: Anachronda at April 28, 2019 02:00 PM (yH/RE)
456
Still laughing about Red Fern --
Gah, one of my favorite books for early middle school kids is 'No More Dead Dogs' -- my attitude towards 'touching' or 'sentimental' or any other descriptor that means the dog dies at the end. I truly hate those 'classics.'
Gah, one of my favorite books for early middle school kids is 'No More Dead Dogs' -- my attitude towards 'touching' or 'sentimental' or any other descriptor that means the dog dies at the end. I truly hate those 'classics.'
Posted by: mustbequantum at April 28, 2019 02:11 PM (MIKMs)
457
I truly hate those 'classics.'
Posted by: mustbequantum
--------
I withdraw my recommendation of 'Portrait of a Dog', By Mazo De la Roche.
But, for entertaining vintage novels, I stand by her 'Jalna' series. If you can find them.
Posted by: mustbequantum
--------
I withdraw my recommendation of 'Portrait of a Dog', By Mazo De la Roche.
But, for entertaining vintage novels, I stand by her 'Jalna' series. If you can find them.
Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 28, 2019 02:38 PM (xSo9G)
458
What I enjoy about the books is the dialogue. It's the kind of banter that close friends enjoy, but would cause the overly sensitive/SJW crowd and outsiders to have hissy fits.
Posted by: Jake Holenhead at April 28, 2019 09:43 AM (TDyHc)
I was trying to remember the authors/series that have great dialogue and I came up with Harlan Coben's "Myron Bolitar" series; John Sandford's "Prey" series, featuring Lucas Davenport; and Joe R. Lansdale's "Hap Collins/Leonard Pine" series, which probably takes the grand prize for realistic as well as hilarious. The first book in the latter series is "Bad Chili."
Posted by: Jake Holenhead at April 28, 2019 09:43 AM (TDyHc)
I was trying to remember the authors/series that have great dialogue and I came up with Harlan Coben's "Myron Bolitar" series; John Sandford's "Prey" series, featuring Lucas Davenport; and Joe R. Lansdale's "Hap Collins/Leonard Pine" series, which probably takes the grand prize for realistic as well as hilarious. The first book in the latter series is "Bad Chili."
Posted by: sandyCheeks at April 28, 2019 03:29 PM (tGSHk)
459
When in OH on business, I break out Andrew Roberts' Churchill bio, whittling it down one chapter at a time. I got it in January and have arrived at the point where Winston becomes Chancellor of the Exchequer. I highly recommend.
I also highly recommend my "travel companion": Volume 2 of Charles Moore's bio of Margaret Thatcher. That is one hell of a read. If you have NOT read either volume, do yourself a favor and do it, especially if you have the remotest interest in either British politics or the events of the 1980s.
I also highly recommend my "travel companion": Volume 2 of Charles Moore's bio of Margaret Thatcher. That is one hell of a read. If you have NOT read either volume, do yourself a favor and do it, especially if you have the remotest interest in either British politics or the events of the 1980s.
Posted by: CatchThirtyThr33 at April 28, 2019 03:33 PM (MAKpd)
460
@451 -- Heh.
Posted by: Weak Geek (can he tie off this thread on a round number?) at April 28, 2019 04:54 PM (xMjms)
461
Re: Texas Rangers
One riot, one Ranger. True story. We miss those guys. Rangers are still around, but they aren't what they used to be.
One riot, one Ranger. True story. We miss those guys. Rangers are still around, but they aren't what they used to be.
Posted by: Ankylus at April 28, 2019 09:00 PM (tktnQ)
462
For more on the Rangers, during the transition, read "One Ranger, A Memoir" by H. Joaquin Jackson. Quote:
Q: Why do you carry a .45?
A: Because they don't make a .46.
Obviously obsolete now, but indicative of the mindset.
Q: Why do you carry a .45?
A: Because they don't make a .46.
Obviously obsolete now, but indicative of the mindset.
Posted by: Ankylus at April 28, 2019 09:03 PM (tktnQ)
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Signs of Hip-Hop Influence on John Kerry
NYT Headlines Spinning Bush's Jobs Boom
Things People Are More Likely to Say Than "Did You Hear What Al Franken Said Yesterday?"
Signs that Paul Krugman Has Lost His Frickin' Mind
All-Time Best NBA Players, According to Senator Robert Byrd
Other Bad Things About the Jews, According to the Koran
Signs That David Letterman Just Doesn't Care Anymore
Examples of Bob Kerrey's Insufferable Racial Jackassery
Signs Andy Rooney Is Going Senile
Other Judgments Dick Clarke Made About Condi Rice Based on Her Appearance
Collective Names for Groups of People
John Kerry's Other Vietnam Super-Pets
Cool Things About the XM8 Assault Rifle
Media-Approved Facts About the Democrat Spy
Changes to Make Christianity More "Inclusive"
Secret John Kerry Senatorial Accomplishments
John Edwards Campaign Excuses
John Kerry Pick-Up Lines
Changes Liberal Senator George Michell Will Make at Disney
Torments in Dog-Hell
Greatest Hitjobs
The Ace of Spades HQ Sex-for-Money Skankathon
A D&D Guide to the Democratic Candidates
Margaret Cho: Just Not Funny
More Margaret Cho Abuse
Margaret Cho: Still Not Funny
Iraqi Prisoner Claims He Was Raped... By Woman
Wonkette Announces "Morning Zoo" Format
John Kerry's "Plan" Causes Surrender of Moqtada al-Sadr's Militia
World Muslim Leaders Apologize for Nick Berg's Beheading
Michael Moore Goes on Lunchtime Manhattan Death-Spree
Milestone: Oliver Willis Posts 400th "Fake News Article" Referencing Britney Spears
Liberal Economists Rue a "New Decade of Greed"
Artificial Insouciance: Maureen Dowd's Word Processor Revolts Against Her Numbing Imbecility
Intelligence Officials Eye Blogs for Tips
They Done Found Us Out, Cletus: Intrepid Internet Detective Figures Out Our Master Plan
Shock: Josh Marshall Almost Mentions Sarin Discovery in Iraq
Leather-Clad Biker Freaks Terrorize Australian Town
When Clinton Was President, Torture Was Cool
What Wonkette Means When She Explains What Tina Brown Means
Wonkette's Stand-Up Act
Wankette HQ Gay-Rumors Du Jour
Here's What's Bugging Me: Goose and Slider
My Own Micah Wright Style Confession of Dishonesty
Outraged "Conservatives" React to the FMA
An On-Line Impression of Dennis Miller Having Sex with a Kodiak Bear
The Story the Rightwing Media Refuses to Report!
Our Lunch with David "Glengarry Glen Ross" Mamet
The House of Love: Paul Krugman
A Michael Moore Mystery (TM)
The Dowd-O-Matic!
Liberal Consistency and Other Myths
Kepler's Laws of Liberal Media Bias
John Kerry-- The Splunge! Candidate
"Divisive" Politics & "Attacks on Patriotism" (very long)
The Donkey ("The Raven" parody)
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