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Sunday Morning Book Thread 04-05-2020

fisher fine arts library upenn 01
Fisher Fine Arts Library, University of Pennsylvania


Good morning to all you 'rons, 'ettes, lurkers, and lurkettes, wine moms, frat bros, crétins sans pantalon (who are technically breaking the rules), outcasts, rejects, the disaffected, and other rebel scum. Welcome once again to the stately, prestigious, internationally acclaimed and high-class Sunday Morning Book Thread, a weekly compendium of reviews, observations, snark, witty repartee, hilarious bon mots, and a continuing conversation on books, reading, spending way too much money on books, writing books, and publishing books by escaped oafs and oafettes 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, which, I would love to wear while attending a PETA party.



Pic Note:

A gem at UPenn:

The Fisher Fine Arts Library collects materials to support research in art and architecture, the decorative arts, photography, historic preservation, city planning, and urban design. The entire history of art is represented, from antiquity to the present. Fisher collects items in most languages and, in principle, no language is excluded. Monographs, exhibition catalogs, journals, facsimiles, reference materials, ephemeral materials, and microforms are all of interest. The Fisher acquires electronic resources, including image databases, electronic journals, indexes, and other reference works.



It Pays To Increase Your Word Power®

Good to know:

20200405 book pic 01.jpg



fisher fine arts library upenn 02
Fisher Fine Arts Library



Can This Age of Stupid Get Any Worse? Many Signs Point To 'Yes'.

That's the premise that's argued by Edward Dutton and Michael Woodley in their book At Our Wits' End: Why We're Becoming Less Intelligent and What it Means for the Future:

We are becoming less intelligent. This is the shocking yet fascinating message of At Our Wits' End. The authors take us on a journey through the growing body of evidence that we are significantly less intelligent now than we were a hundred years ago. The research proving this is, at once, profoundly thought-provoking, highly controversial, and it’s currently only read by academics. But the authors are passionate that it cannot remain ensconced in the ivory tower any longer. With At Our Wits’ End, they present the first ever popular scientific book on this crucially important issue. They prove that intelligence — which is strongly genetic — was increasing up until the breakthrough of the Industrial Revolution, because we were subject to the rigors of Darwinian Selection, meaning that lots of surviving children was the preserve of the cleverest. But since then, they show, intelligence has gone into rapid decline, because large families are increasingly the preserve of the least intelligent. The book explores how this change has occurred and, crucially, what its consequences will be for the future. Can we find a way of reversing the decline of our IQ? Or will we witness the collapse of civilization and the rise of a new Dark Age?

This is sort of a non-fiction version of the classic C. M. Kornbluth story The Marching Morons. Or the movie Idiocracy, if you will.

I am reminded of the controversy that was stirred up by this book, The Bell Curve: Intelligence and Class Structure in American Life by Richard Herrnstein and Charles Murray when it was first published in 1994.

Oh, what a to-do:

The authors argue that human intelligence is substantially influenced by both inherited and environmental factors and that it is a better predictor of many personal outcomes, including financial income, job performance, birth out of wedlock, and involvement in crime than are an individual's parental socioeconomic status. They also argue that those with high intelligence, the "cognitive elite", are becoming separated from those of average and below-average intelligence. The book was controversial, especially where the authors wrote about racial differences in intelligence and discussed the implications of those differences.

Progressives seem to have a deep antipathy to the concept of "innate." The idea that some things are what they are and therefore can't be something else sends them into a frothing rage (yeah, I know, how can you tell?). Their concepts of "equality" and "equity" are all wrapped up in this. But at the bottom of it all is the idea that man is a 'blank slate' upon which anything can be written. And progressives want to be the ones who do the writing.

This view is discussed in Steven Pinker's book The Blank Slate: The Modern Denial of Human Nature, a book which

...explores the idea of human nature and its moral, emotional, and political colorings...Pinker argues that the dogma that the mind has no innate traits - a doctrine held by many intellectuals during the past century - denies our common humanity and our individual preferences, replaces objective analyses of social problems with feel-good slogans, and distorts our understanding of politics, violence, parenting, and the arts...Pinker shows the importance of an honest acknowledgment of human nature based on science and common sense.

The Kindle edition is only $4.99.

(h/t Hans Schantz)



Who Dis:

who dis 20200405.jpg


Last week's 'who dis' was punk rocker Patti Smith, who won the National Book Award for her memoir about meeting and hanging out with photographer Robert Mapplethorpe in the New York art/music scene, Just Kids.



Moron Recommendations

I've been reading The Dark Ages 476-918, by Charles Oman. It was published in the 1800s, and I'm not sure how much value it has as a history book. What I like about it is the tone. Books from the era have a confidence in their narrative that's missing from today; modern nonfiction writers try, but it just comes across as whiny to me. Older authors happily tell you what to think about XYZ historical figure, and while I don't usually like people telling me what to think, it is kind of fascinating in these cases.

Posted by: right wing yankee at March 29, 2020 09:35 AM (zlzYb)

If you're a noob just starting out (like me on most subjects), I don't think it matters if you're not reading the latest scholarship. I believe these older writers had enough of it right that you will actually learn something valuable and worth knowing.

Here is what wikipedia has to say about Oman:

Sir Charles William Chadwick Oman, KBE, FBA (12 January 1860 – 23 June 1946) was a British military historian. His reconstructions of medieval battles from the fragmentary and distorted accounts left by chroniclers were pioneering. Occasionally his interpretations have been challenged, especially his widely copied thesis that British troops defeated their Napoleonic opponents by firepower alone. Paddy Griffith, among modern historians, claims that the British infantry's discipline and willingness to attack were equally important.

Oman wrote a number of books, including The Art of War in the Middle Ages A.D. 378-1515, A History of England and The Byzantine Empire. They're available on gutenberg for free. A wider selection is available on The Internet Archive. Also Amazon.

___________

On the Kindle, I read The Last Marine by T. S. Ransdell. An ad for the book describes it as "culture war fiction." In a future totalitarian America, the SJW's are running the show. The President is just a figurehead, and the real power rests with a woman (of course) general who is not only the head of the military, but of the internal security forces as well. She hires a young, ambitious historian/journalist, Joel Levine, to write a piece to remind the nation of its past sins in the Sino-American War. Levine is allowed to interview Sean Harris, the last living Marine veteran who has been in prison for fifty years after a failed coup attempt against a SJW government. Harris tells the story of the war from a Marine's point of view. The last battle scene is especially well written. Riveting. The premise of the book is frightening because it looks like we are heading in that direction. Ransdell is a Marine veteran and served deployments in the Middle East. I'm going to spend the $4.99 on the second book.

Posted by: Zoltan at March 29, 2020 09:26 AM (3ugDL)

So Levine is getting news that isn't fake news. And when the unrepentant combat veteran's account of the final war, and what happened afterwards, differs from the official government history; Levine begins to question all he has accepted and believed his entire life. Thus leaving the historian to decipher between propaganda and history, and the consequences of acknowledging the difference.

The SJW future is Brian Stelter, sitting on your face, forever.

The Kindle version The Last Marine: Book One can be had for $4.99. The title of the sequel is, get this, The Last Marine: Book Two.

---

And, apropos of last week's discussion on the war of 1812, here is a novel that came up in my Amazon mentions as I was looking at Zoltan's rec, Backlash: A War of 1812 Novel, which I thought looked interesting:

With questionable justification and inadequate preparation, the newly-united States of America declared war on Great Britain, the most powerful nation on earth. From Canada to New Orleans, sixteen-year-old backwoodsman Lemuel Wycliffe seeks revenge for the massacre of his family. Silas Shackleton, a soldier in the American army, reluctantly fights in battles from the Niagara River to Lake Champlain. Recruited by Tecumseh, Muskogee warrior Hadjo fights to drive the whites back into the sea. Canadian-born infantry-lieutenant George Sherbourne spies on the government of President James Madison. In Washington City, Rachel Thurston helps her Federalist father plot to break the northeastern states away and realign with the British.

It sounds like there's a lot of plot going on there. $9.99 on Kindle.

___________

...look for Red Sky at Morning by Richard Bradford. It's a 1968 novel, a coming-of-age story of a teenage boy during WWII, when his father, a shipbuilder, joins the Navy and sends him and his mother to Sagrado, NM (a town modeled on Santa Fe), to keep them safe. Hilarious, with colorful eccentric characters -- a novel with people you'd want to spend time with in real life...


The novel is dynamite.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at March 29, 2020 09:58 AM (rpbg1)

One review called this novel "a sort of Catcher in the Rye out West", but I'll bet, unlike Holden Caulfield, Joah ian't an annoying little twerp.

In the summer of 1944, Frank Arnold, a wealthy shipbuilder in Mobile, Alabama, receives his volunteer commission in the U.S. Navy and moves his wife, Ann, and seventeen-year-old son, Josh, to the family’s summer home in the village of Corazon Sagrado, high in the New Mexico mountains.

Josh becomes an integral member of the Sagrado community, forging friendships with his new classmates, with the town’s disreputable resident artist, and with Amadeo and Excilda Montoya, the couple hired by his father to care for their house.

Josh narrates the story of his fateful year in Sagrado and, with deadpan, irreverent humor, reveals the events and people who influence his progress to maturity. Unhindered by his mother's disdain for these "tacky, dusty little Westerners," Josh comes into his own and into a young man's finely formed understanding of duty, responsibility, and love.

I was afraid a book like this was going to be OOP, but it's still available in hardcover, paperback, and, surprisingly, on Kindle.

___________




20200405 book pic 04.jpg



Excerpt From A Lost Jane Austen Novel, 'Gentlemen Never Cough':

"Girls!" Mrs. Browning called as she swept into their bedroom, "Put those books down and do your hair! We have an engagement at Pleasanton Hall this evening!"

"Oh must we, Mother?" Anna sighed. "More boring retired colonels and dances with no gentlemen! I could die!"

"Shush, my dear, and stop your cynicism. There are two gentlemen, fresh from London this very evening, both very eligible! Mr. Prachett, I hear has eight thousand rolls a year."

"Eight thousand?" The sisters gasped and stared at each other in disbelief. "They must be sandpaper two ply, surely!"

"The finest Charmin. You doubt your own mother? Up! Hair! Petticoats! Move!"

Posted by: Vanya at April 04, 2020 07:44 PM (BAsqb)

Thanks to Vanya for posting this on the chess thread yesterday.




20200405 book pic 03.jpg



Books By Morons

Moron author George Eliseo has just published a new book, Tea For Three: Three Stories of Mystery and Imagination, which the Amazon blurb describes as:

Three very different mystery stories that span a variety of genres. A heroic men's room attendant in an upscale restaurant that always seems to be in the right place at the right time. A Viet Nam veteran Army tracker, turned LA private eye in the 70's deals with his most difficult case, finding a woman that doesn't exist, with a unique item for sale. An alternative take on Edgar Allan Poe's "Cask of Amontillado", and what really happened that night of Carnival, and the repercussions from it.

3 stories, 200 pages. And only $2.99 on Kindle.

___________

Moron author Neovictorian has a new novel out, called Reality:

Since childhood Cal Adler had felt that the world didn't make sense. Why do people believe such silly things? Why do people do such dumb things, over and over again? Like most people with such feelings, kept them quiet and bottled up while trying to get ahead in a game whose rules often seemed absurd. In his senior year in high school, he encounters a substitute guidance counselor who tells him precisely how he feels...and his initiation into a secret world begins.

Available on Kindle for $3.99, this is both a sequel, and a prequel to Neovictorian's previous novel, Sanity.

___________

'Ette author right wing yankee has just published a new story, The Road to Stonberg. She says "it's medieval fantasy; the man character is a big tough guy who goes around slaying monsters and ogling pretty girls, so I think the Morons will enjoy it. And more episodes will be forthcoming."

From the blurb:

Gavril of Grimsby is not your ordinary monster-slayer for hire…

Gavril thought defeating a giant was the most interesting thing he’d do all week. But when a merchant caravan needs guards for the treacherous journey over the mountains to Stonberg, he can’t resist signing on, and learns that even peaceful men don’t always have peaceful lives.

Just 99 cents on Kindle.

___________

An hitherto unknown (lurking) moron author informs me that he was written a science fiction novel, Server Extant:

The singularity has come and gone and nobody noticed. Quantum servers, and the artificial intelligences that feast upon their unbounded bounty, have made half of humanity obsolete, robbing them of that popular substitute for purpose, a job, and leaving them to wallow in the possibilities of a dubious online immortality. At this time, Knet, something that began as a freeware experiment in a physics engine that modeled scarcity as a feature of its own processing limitation, has expanded into an entire world, running as an OS source on thousands of linked mega-servers, each capable of simulating an entire planet in real time.

Steve had thought he had broken his Knet addiction, informed, partially, by his self-professed resolve to lead a more meaningful life but, more realistically, by the possibilities of actual sex with a physical woman, his girlfriend Gillian...

However, as Steve has emerged from the Knet's delirium, his more creative and intelligent brother, Colin, has fallen deeper.

Now to save his brother's life, Steve will be forced to re-enter the game, to challenge the vindictive fury of an online hegemon, General Motor, master of the unstable but all-conquering Player's Federation, and follow his wayward brother into the heart of Motor's power.

You can read it for free online here, but at almost 300 pages, it might be easier just to cough up 99 cents for it on Amazon.

And whatever platform you choose, please leave some sort of comment or review. All moron authors appreciate reviews.

___________


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.



20200405 book pic 02.jpg

Posted by: OregonMuse at 08:57 AM




Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Thanks, OM!

Posted by: m at April 05, 2020 08:58 AM (M5wRT)

2 Currently working on a re-read of the Elemental Master series by Mercedes Lackey. On book four (really book 5 if you count Fire Rose as book 1.


Posted by: Vic at April 05, 2020 08:59 AM (mpXpK)

3 Good morning, book people!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Michigangsta at April 05, 2020 09:00 AM (Dc2NZ)

4 Belafonte?

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 09:00 AM (ONvIw)

5 First?

Posted by: Ladyl at April 05, 2020 09:00 AM (TdMsT)

6 hiya

Posted by: JT at April 05, 2020 09:00 AM (arJlL)

7 I love that staircase. Wish I had it in my house.

Posted by: Vic at April 05, 2020 09:00 AM (mpXpK)

8 No books, been busy with hobby so gojng to reread a book on Napoleonic era tactics from Brett Nosworthy

Posted by: Skip at April 05, 2020 09:01 AM (ZCEU2)

9 OM and the book thread. Good morning all.

Posted by: NALNAMSAM - not as lean, not as mean, still a Marine at April 05, 2020 09:01 AM (+ldAm)

10 Harry Belafante, of course.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Michigangsta at April 05, 2020 09:02 AM (Dc2NZ)

11 PSA

Alton Brown's Good Eats, the Early Years cookbook is $3 on Amazon for the Kindle edition.

Posted by: Moron Robbie has got the Kung Fu Grippe at April 05, 2020 09:02 AM (41rs/)

12 Good morning, horde! I just woke up so I got nuthin. Oh, and I'm currently rereading Robinson Crusoe.

Posted by: Jordan61 at April 05, 2020 09:02 AM (ETIPR)

13 4 Belafonte?
Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 09:00 AM (ONvIw)

Has to be, I think! His name was completely escaping me, though.

Posted by: m at April 05, 2020 09:02 AM (M5wRT)

14 Oh and at University of Penn you might run into Joe, no he won't be doing anything just roaming around aimlessly.

Posted by: Skip at April 05, 2020 09:03 AM (ZCEU2)

15 Ahoy, bookfagz!

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 09:03 AM (NWiLs)

16 I love the cartoon.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Michigangsta at April 05, 2020 09:04 AM (Dc2NZ)

17 Time to reread "Alas Babylon" for instructions.

And look for some books on a country sliding into socialism.

Posted by: FloridaMan -- still thinks this is overreaction at April 05, 2020 09:04 AM (kE3dB)

18 From THE Book:

"Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"

Posted by: grammie winger at April 05, 2020 09:04 AM (lwiT4)

19 Thanks to whoever recommended Olive Beaupre Miller's Bookhouse collection, a great set than includes many classics as well as bios of explorers and inventors and is not a PC infested crap fest or a totally snarky mess like the dogman series.

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 09:04 AM (ONvIw)

20 Belefonte
(and I was going to post that before CN @ 4but read the content)

Eris, got my copy of TBOTR this week...

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar at April 05, 2020 09:05 AM (BiNEL)

21 Our library is closed so I’ve had to spelunk in my own stacks. Fittingly for these plague times, I found, unread and stiffer than his own wife’s corpse, William S. Burroughs’ cholera sex romp novel “Cities of the Red Night”.

Thomas M. Disch of the NYT hated the book, which means his review is extra fun: "Cities of the Red Night" is a book of limited but, for its own happy few, intense appeal. Opium addicts who are sexually aroused by witnessing and/or enacting garrotings and hangings will find ''Cities'' a veritable gallows of delight.”

https://tinyurl.com/s4tod9j

It’s Burroughs, so I knew what I was getting into: violence, suppurating wounds, and dusky young men with rosy genitals.

Mood music: Dead Can Dance, “Aeon”: https://tinyurl.com/s2zjcgv
(I love the Saltarello)

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Michigangsta at April 05, 2020 09:05 AM (Dc2NZ)

22 5 First?
Posted by: Ladyl at April 05, 2020 09:00 AM (TdMsT)


No, and me neither!

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar at April 05, 2020 09:06 AM (BiNEL)

23 Eris, got my copy of TBOTR this week...
Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar at April 05, 2020 09:05 AM (BiNEL)
---

Prepare to be Boreded!

It's a product of its time (as am I) but it's still funny as hell.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Michigangsta at April 05, 2020 09:07 AM (Dc2NZ)

24 Good morning, Bookists, thanks OM. As a New Mexican, I heartily endorse Richard Bradford. All his books are charming and delightful. The movie RSAM is OK, but the book is better (of course).

Posted by: goatexchange at April 05, 2020 09:07 AM (elOH/)

25

Those Pants - a limerick

I certainly don't mean to boast
But those Meat Pants look better than most
They really are fine
And if they were mine
I'd wear 'em to a celebrity roast!

Posted by: Muldoon at April 05, 2020 09:07 AM (m45I2)

26 10 Harry Belafante, of course.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Michigangsta at April 05, 2020 09:02 AM (Dc2NZ)

20 Belefonte
Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar at April 05, 2020 09:05 AM (BiNEL)

bzzzzt

--spelling police

Posted by: m at April 05, 2020 09:07 AM (M5wRT)

27 Nice Lieberry!

Those pants would look good on the grill.

Who dis is Minister and Virulent Rayciss Louis Farrakhan back when he was known as Louis Farrakhan, The Calypso Charmer.

He had a semi-hit with "Brown Skin Gal".

Not kidding. Louis could sing....

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at April 05, 2020 09:08 AM (Z+IKu)

28 From THE Book:

"Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"

Posted by: grammie winger

Hiya Grammie !

Happy Palm Sunday !

Posted by: JT at April 05, 2020 09:08 AM (arJlL)

29 Book Club Bouncer. Ha!

Posted by: jsg at April 05, 2020 09:08 AM (POXG+)

30 Good morning fellow Book Threadists. I hope everyone had a great week of reading. Mine has been eclectic, to say the least.

Posted by: JTB at April 05, 2020 09:08 AM (7EjX1)

31 Staircase to nowhere? Definitely government funded.

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 09:08 AM (NWiLs)

32 Posted by: All Hail Eris, Michigangsta at April 05, 2020 09:05 AM (Dc2NZ)

I am gonna be more cautious about obtaining personal copies of your book recommendations that's for sure!

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar at April 05, 2020 09:09 AM (BiNEL)

33 Our town library is closed...Non essential I guess. Kindle has got to be selling many more books right now.

Posted by: Colin at April 05, 2020 09:09 AM (ySdKX)

34 Hiya JT! It's so weird to be home on Palm Sunday morning.

Posted by: grammie winger at April 05, 2020 09:09 AM (lwiT4)

35 Every now and then I get the urge to revisit poetry from the Canterbury Tales period. There isn't a lot of it. Basically, the Tales, Sir Gawain, Sir Orfeo, and Pearl. I have the Tolkien versions of them except for the Tales, which he never translated.

The poetry of the period and place, and in that style of Middle English, is interesting. The use of alliteration and pacing provides a physical aspect when read aloud and adds to the imagery the words provide. (I don't know Greek to tell if Homer does the same thing with the Iliad and Odyssey.) I used to be pretty good at reading the original text aloud but those skills have rusted away. Gonna see if I can get them back.

In addition to the olkien versions, I'm getting recent translations of Sir Gawain and Pearl by Simon Armitage. The reviews for his versions get excellent reviews. Also, the books contain the original text (modern spelling) on the left page and his translation on the right. Makes for quick checking of my impressions line by line. have a similar arrangement for the Canterbury Tales.

This is going to take a while but should be enjoyable.

Posted by: JTB at April 05, 2020 09:09 AM (7EjX1)

36 Posted by: m at April 05, 2020 09:07 AM (M5wRT)

Curse you autocucumber!

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar at April 05, 2020 09:10 AM (BiNEL)

37 Anyone else use Thriftbooks as a source? I don't think it's an amazon affiliate and so far I've been pleased with their quality and delivery.

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 09:10 AM (ONvIw)

38 I'm late, but that's Harry Belafonte.

Whom I used to like, until he turned into a leftist, communist, seditious asshole.

Now to read the content.

BTW, while I was asleep, did the Deep State come up with yet another excuse for the country to be closed down for yet another month?

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at April 05, 2020 09:10 AM (2JVJo)

39 Liquor store = essential

Library = not essential

Posted by: Moron Robbie has got the Kung Fu Grippe at April 05, 2020 09:10 AM (41rs/)

40 Good Sunday morning

Posted by: A lotta nerve at April 05, 2020 09:10 AM (JdcHc)

41 Test

Posted by: Puddin Head at April 05, 2020 09:11 AM (QZCjk)

42 Our town library is closed...Non essential I guess. Kindle has got to be selling many more books right now.

Posted by: Colin at April 05, 2020 09:09 AM (ySdKX)


I'm sure Bezos will be turning all hoarding profits over to the government.

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar at April 05, 2020 09:11 AM (BiNEL)

43 I'm not sure that we're getting dumberer, just more reliant on information storage devices rather than our own memories.

The upper classes were a bunch of inbred, pox-ridden fops, and the lower classes were stump-toothed illiterates.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Michigangsta at April 05, 2020 09:12 AM (Dc2NZ)

44 At least it's not Penn State...

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 09:12 AM (NWiLs)

45 Selling nearly 12 million books a year, ThriftBooks is one of the largest sellers of used books in the U.S. It has ten warehouses across the United States.

Posted by: Colin at April 05, 2020 09:12 AM (ySdKX)

46 I always use ThriftBook first.

Posted by: Puddin Head at April 05, 2020 09:13 AM (QZCjk)

47 Anyone else use Thriftbooks as a source? I don't think it's an amazon affiliate and so far I've been pleased with their quality and delivery.

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 09:10 AM (ONvIw)


I started using Abebooks.com, but understand they were "acquired" by Bezos in what was probably an offer you can't refuse purchase.
But they are typically cheaper that amazon and have a very wide selection of good condition stuff.

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar at April 05, 2020 09:14 AM (BiNEL)

48 Take full advantage of slow shipping credits right now for kindle books. Order one item that you need anyway (shampoo, for example), and choose the slow shipping option.

I've seen up to $3 in slow shipping credit offers.

Posted by: Moron Robbie has got the Kung Fu Grippe at April 05, 2020 09:14 AM (41rs/)

49 Who dis?

Commie ass licker Harry Belefonte? Hoping I'm wrong.

Posted by: WTP at April 05, 2020 09:14 AM (WQfDg)

50 Posted by: JTB at April 05, 2020 09:09 AM (7EjX1)

When you say Gawain, do you mean Gawain and the Green Knight? I haven't even thought of that story in twenty five years. I need to put that on my list as my copy is who knows where.

If memory serves, there was an interesting (to me, at least) movie version with Sean Connery as the Green Knight, maybe mid '80s or so.

Posted by: Bilwis Devourer of Low Glycemic Souls at April 05, 2020 09:14 AM (Wm5SB)

51 45: And so far so good with their quality and descriptions. I don't expect used books to be perfect, but they seem to underrate rather than overrate their copies

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 09:14 AM (ONvIw)

52 The "who dis?" picture reminds me of the curious historical nugget that for a long time, the most famous member of the Waugh family was Alec, older brother of Evelyn.

Alec wrote a highly controversial book when still very young, The Loom of Youth, which made vague references to homosexuality in the Waugh's former boarding school. Waugh was kicked out of the alumni association and his younger brother was banned from attending.

Given the role 'school chums' played in the social networking of the time, this was a huge deal. Alec was captured during World War I, continued to write novels and was the apple of his father's eye.

His biggest success was An Island in the Sun, which featured two interracial romances. It became a movie, and Alec a major US author on the paperback scene.

Younger brother Evelyn also wrote, and in time, the superior quality of his work and its more mature themes are why he is remembered.

The sibling rivalry features in the younger brother's books and also in Evelyn's withering takes on American culture. In Unconditional Surrender, one of the characters writes an overwrought pulp novel that was utter rubbish - and becomes a best-seller in America.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 09:14 AM (cfSRQ)

53 I read Tim Dorsey's "Florida Roadkill" and "Hammerhead Ranch Motel." These are his first and second books about Serge A. Storms, a Florida vagabond who has some issues including lethally dispatching people who need it in very creative ways (he's a spree killer, not a serial killer). Both are a hoot.

RIP Bill Withers
Use me - https://youtu.be/g3hBYTkI-sE
Ain't No Sunshine - https://youtu.be/CICIOJqEb5c

Posted by: Jake Holenhead at April 05, 2020 09:15 AM (P1GvV)

54 Tea for Three sounds interesting. I think I'll buy it, but I won't read it for a while. I don't like to read anyone else's fiction when I am working on my own book, because it simply depresses me and makes me look at my work as complete garbage.

Why, yes, I am a neurotic solipsistic depressive, why do you ask?

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at April 05, 2020 09:15 AM (2JVJo)

55 I am gonna be more cautious about obtaining personal copies of your book recommendations that's for sure!
Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar at April 05, 2020 09:09 AM (BiNEL)
---
This is a case of "avoid book AND movie".

It's kind of a fun read just to see what sticky horrors await in the next paragraph. It's actually one of Burroughs' more coherent books.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Michigangsta at April 05, 2020 09:15 AM (Dc2NZ)

56 Morning all

Posted by: Nevergiveup at April 05, 2020 09:16 AM (85Gof)

57 Have borrowed a few books from the Open Library resource from last week's thread. Not that I don't have enough to read already. Unfortunately it's hard to browse categories, but when doing specific searches about half of books I searched for were available to borrow.

Posted by: InspiredHistoryMike at April 05, 2020 09:17 AM (x8Q/V)

58 Thanks for the pictures of the beautiful Fisher Library.

Posted by: Slow Reader at April 05, 2020 09:17 AM (kE3dB)

59 OMuse, you've crushed it as ever.

Thanks biggly for this beacon of sanity in a sea of chinee virus freakout. You da best, man.

Posted by: Boxx Culvert, in the return line with a box of panic at April 05, 2020 09:17 AM (wmfhQ)

60 Not a huge amount of reading this week. I set aside Battle and Leaders for the moment and turned back to Battle Officer Wolf and it's long-awaited sequel. This requires me to re-read the text and while I'm at it, I'm going to do some edits. Being a shut-in gives me the time, so I may as well use it.

I'm also re-reading Seamus Haney's translation of the epic poem, and organizing the later history of Battle Officer Wolf.

The original book was written in the summer, and therefore fueled by high-octane gin. It's fitting that the sequel should be done at the same time of year.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 09:18 AM (cfSRQ)

61 Test the fuck again. Fuck.

Posted by: Puddin Head at April 05, 2020 09:18 AM (QZCjk)

62 The Kindle version The Last Marine: Book One can be had for $4.99. The title of the sequel is, get this, The Last Marine: Book Two.

Its free with unlimited accounts.

Posted by: rhennigantx at April 05, 2020 09:18 AM (JFO2v)

63 If memory serves, there was an interesting (to me, at least) movie version with Sean Connery as the Green Knight, maybe mid '80s or so.
Posted by: Bilwis Devourer of Low Glycemic Souls at April 05, 2020 09:14 AM (Wm5SB)


There was a 1973 version, with Murray "One Night in Bangkok" Head as Gawain. It was remade in 1984 as Sword of the Valiant, with Connery as the Green Knight.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at April 05, 2020 09:18 AM (2JVJo)

64 I'm reading "Captain Sir Richard Francis Burton" by Edward Rice. A gripping story about the 19th century British explorer, linguist, author, and a bunch of other occupations including general badassery.

In the 1840s as an officer for the British East India Company in the Sindh province of Western India (todays Pakistan) he became so proficient in the Shia branch of islam and as a Sufi (islam's mysticism called Sufism) that he successfully spied for the company. He even had himself circumcised. His knowledge and appearance enabled him to make the pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina in 1853 when he would have been killed if he'd been outed as an Englishman. A few years later he began his Africa exploration. While in Somaliland near the Horn of Africa his party was attacked and he received a spear to the face. Later he and John Speke set out to search for the source of the Nile. People were ate up about that back then.

Burton was a bit of an outcast and due to his immersion with the natives he was called a "white n****r" by the more properly behaved Englishmen.

Posted by: Jake Holenhead at April 05, 2020 09:19 AM (P1GvV)

65 I managed another dozen or so pages of "Oil and Marble", a historical fiction novel by Stephanie Storey. It's a tale of the inter-weaving rivalry between Michaelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. I can't seem to concentrate. It's a good book, but I just keep staring at the pages, without brain engaged. The situation is doing a number on my depression. In addition, my step-dad passed away last night. He was much more of a dad to me than my biological dad. I foresee much more blank staring at pages in the week ahead.

Posted by: grammie winger at April 05, 2020 09:19 AM (lwiT4)

66 Morning, Horde. (Howbeit, sirs, that there are literate Morons?)

At Our Wits' End: Why We're Becoming Less Intelligent and What it Means for the Future:

Looked interesting; it's a maybe. Went to Amazon to read the negative review. (That's all I use Amazon for.) There was only one, and it was, well, less than brilliant.

But it made me think of Murray's thesis that we are sorting ourselves by IQ. Now, there seem two possibilities, assuming Dutton and Woodley are correct:

1. Perhaps the heritaibility of IQ is more complex than people assume. Perhaps the ideal is not two high IQ, simply, but some sort of hybrid of higher and lower.

2. Perhaps they are just sorting wrongly. What is taken for intelligence by the highly successful including only those sorts of brightness that our system rewards. Surely we've all met people who seem highly intelligent in class, but who can show it only in regurgitating what the teachers want to hear.

(I'm also a bit skeptical about claims regarding premodern times. The data simply aren't there for strict comparisons. I may or may not put it on my list.)

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 09:19 AM (ZbwAu)

67 Those pants are fine. I would wear them to get a Grammy.

Posted by: Lady Gagag at April 05, 2020 09:19 AM (Tnijr)

68 Lord Smaug Bezos:

https://tinyurl.com/v6qnz5h

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Michigangsta at April 05, 2020 09:19 AM (Dc2NZ)

69 I started using Abebooks.com, but understand they were "acquired" by Bezos in what was probably an offer you can't refuse purchase.
But they are typically cheaper that amazon and have a very wide selection of good condition stuff.
Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar at April 05, 2020 09:14 AM (BiNEL)

I like their selection, too, but I like that Thrift has a paypal option.

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 09:20 AM (ONvIw)

70
g'mornin', book-ish 'rons

Posted by: AltonJackson
Impeach Whitmer!!!
Because: Reasons!!!
at April 05, 2020 09:20 AM (nbj1Q)

71 Oh, I'm very sorry, Grammie.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Michigangsta at April 05, 2020 09:21 AM (Dc2NZ)

72 I'd wear those pants to a meet and greet...


Posted by: Muldoon at April 05, 2020 09:21 AM (m45I2)

73 Eris, got my copy of TBOTR this week...

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar at April 05, 2020 09:05 AM (BiNEL)

---
The best parts don't hinge on the politics of the time, but on sheer absurdity and clever turns of phrase.

Such as when they stare at the door to Doria and after a long while it comes to them: "The knob!"


Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 09:21 AM (cfSRQ)

74


...Or a police stakeout!

Posted by: Muldoon at April 05, 2020 09:21 AM (m45I2)

75 Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 09:14 AM (cfSRQ)


Why do you still do that? I thought that subtle taunting would get you to self-correct.

No author calls himself Author. Author Ernest Hemingway, Author Scott Fitzgerald? No. If you're an author people know you by your work and you don't run up and say I'm an Author.

And the Horde is full of Authors. Why, there's a weekly column about books which features books by Morons. But you don't see Author Puma or Author Poppins in the nics, do you?

Whenever Ace endorsed you I'm sure it was a mighty compliment. What you're supposed to do with a compliment is cherish it inside, let it warm the cockles of your heart when you need some bucking up. If you put it on a flag and wave it around it cheapens it.

It's like winning Boston's Best Pizza in 2007 and putting the sign in your shop. That's impressive looking in 2008, but by 2020 it's been faded by sunlight and stained by spittle and people wonder why your pizza isn't award winning anymore.

Posted by: Bandersnatch at April 05, 2020 09:23 AM (gd9RK)

76 Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 09:14 AM (ONvIw)

I'll look into thriftbooks, seen them referred to often here, but Abebooks ships for free in the US, while the thiftbooks web site says free over $10

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar at April 05, 2020 09:23 AM (BiNEL)

77 The libraries are all closed, but of course they are still doing their only a very limited number of e-book "copies" available to the public thing. Still have to wait in a virtual line. Think they would change that for the shutdown, but noooo.

Posted by: Tinfoilbaby at April 05, 2020 09:23 AM (8JqLB)

78 I do think we're getting much dumber, collectively, but I don't blame it on genetics. I blame it on the collapse of our education system, turning into nothing but day care and free meals.
My father collected letters from the civil war, many from privates, enlisted men with the proverbial 6th grade education. What astounded me was that almost all of those men were able to write prose at a level far above what the average college graduate could do today. They understood logic, and rhetoric, and had a grounding in the classics. They are always amazing to read.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 05, 2020 09:23 AM (q3gwH)

79 Oh, I'm very sorry, Grammie.



Posted by: All Hail Eris, Michigangsta at April 05, 2020 09:21 AM (Dc2NZ)



Thank you Eris. It's just all kinds of wrong that I can't get there for my mother, and that there will be no funeral. He was a Marine. He deserves better.

Sorry for the O/T. I'll shush now.

Posted by: grammie winger at April 05, 2020 09:24 AM (lwiT4)

80 But since then, they show, intelligence has gone into rapid decline, because large families are increasingly the preserve of the least intelligent.
----------

I was looking at the blurb for "At Wits End and this quote stood out. It sounds to me like "At Wits End" is making the case for "elites" running the country.

Not sure I care to read a book that blames the problems of society on large families of the untermenschen.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
at April 05, 2020 09:25 AM (WEBkv)

81 Grammie, I am sorry for your loss.

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 09:25 AM (ONvIw)

82 Another thing I've always wondered is if, assuming a Darwinian development of high intelligence, it matters if you are functioning in a climate like, or unlike, that in which your ancestors lived. I have read that overall, baseball players tend to perform better under similar conditions to those they were raised in, but the effect is slight.

And BTW, the term tabula rasa did not originally mean what it now does. The way Pinker uses it is legit, today. But originally it referred merely to the notion that we are born with no knowledge, as opposed to that of innate ideas, as Plato and Descartes held. It did not deny that we have innate skills and other dispositions.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 09:25 AM (ZbwAu)

83 2. Perhaps they are just sorting wrongly. What is
taken for intelligence by the highly successful including only those
sorts of brightness that our system rewards. Surely we've all met people
who seem highly intelligent in class, but who can show it only in
regurgitating what the teachers want to hear.



Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 09:19 AM (ZbwAu)

---
This is your answer. Degrees no longer measure intelligence, but instead conformity.

This is proven by a simple test: name a single academic discipline that has gotten *more strict* in the last 20 years.

My alma mater used to boast that half of the freshman intake would wash out by the end of the year. It was also infamously strict about giving out 4.0 grades.

Flash-forward to the present day: my latest alumni newsletter is bragging at their super-high four-year graduation rate. Er, no.

If anyone can become a Marine Force Recon, it's no longer elite. If everyone can get a doctorate in your career field, it's a mail-order service.

Academic credentials are no longer a proxy for IQ.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 09:26 AM (cfSRQ)

84 Thank you, CN.

Posted by: grammie winger at April 05, 2020 09:26 AM (lwiT4)

85 Good morning, all.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
at April 05, 2020 09:26 AM (WEBkv)

86 Belafonte's manspreading pose just cries out, "Hey Mr. Tallyman, tally me banana!"

Posted by: Muldoon at April 05, 2020 09:26 AM (m45I2)

87 Posted by: grammie winger at April 05, 2020 09:19 AM (lwiT4)

**hugs** I'm so sorry, grammie. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace.

I'll say a rosary for him and you today.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at April 05, 2020 09:26 AM (2JVJo)

88 One more fucking time. Test

Posted by: Puddin Head at April 05, 2020 09:27 AM (QZCjk)

89 Bandersnatch, I love you in a very non homo way

Posted by: Tinfoilbaby at April 05, 2020 09:27 AM (8JqLB)

90 C S Lewis was no fan of Oman's. He rips him in one of his letters.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 09:27 AM (ZbwAu)

91 Thank you Mary Poppins. I appreciate that.

Posted by: grammie winger at April 05, 2020 09:27 AM (lwiT4)

92 Mentioned before on the book thread "The White Nile" and "The Blue Nile" are excellent books on the expeditions made by Burton, Bruce, and others in the 18 and 19th centuries

Posted by: freakdd at April 05, 2020 09:28 AM (Tnijr)

93 I also like Abebooks, which is like Amazon for used books.

Posted by: Vashta Nerada at April 05, 2020 09:28 AM (2WCny)

94 Posted by: Bandersnatch at April 05, 2020 09:23 AM (gd9RK)

Morning, Bander. Now that the MoMe has been moved to August, are you and Alex and Eris still planning to go?

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at April 05, 2020 09:28 AM (2JVJo)

95 In the previous thread, there was a discussion of how the churches have completely rolled over during this crisis and abandoned their faithful, as if the religious really do not even believe their own teachings.

To console myself, I'm spending time with one of my favorite authors, Giovanni Guareschi, and his literary creation, Don Camillo. ( Hint: a lot of the Don Camillo stories are FREE here https://tinyurl.com/r4mu6qb )

Don Camillo was a country priest and a staunch anti-communist. His best-friend and worst enemy was Pepone, the town mayor and local communist leader. Don Camillo took no prisoners and could only be kept in line by God, Himself, who would occasionally speak him from the crucifix hanging over the altar in Don Camillo's humble church. They represent a time when faith was lived and really meant something. Many of the titles were made into sweet films starring Fenandel. Here is one https://tinyurl.com/twkmvf9

Posted by: RondinellaMamma at April 05, 2020 09:29 AM (8/7u2)

96 The SJW future is Brian Stelter, sitting on your face, forever.
_______

Is gagging a symptom of Woo Woo Floo? If it is, I blame OM for giving it to me.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 09:30 AM (ZbwAu)

97 If anyone can become a Marine Force Recon, it's no longer elite. If everyone can get a doctorate in your career field, it's a mail-order service.

"When everybody's somebody, then nobody's anybody."

- Gilbert and Sullivan, The Gondoliers

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at April 05, 2020 09:30 AM (2JVJo)

98 I like that library. It feels comfortable and encouraging toward reading. Can I move there?

["Sorry. Closed due to epidemic. Bookworm out front shoulda tol' yez."]

Posted by: mindful webworker
if modern media covered Easter week...!
at April 05, 2020 09:30 AM (AoLFQ)

99 Not Sure if he's a Moron - I've never seen him post under his own name here, but Moe Lane, formerly the best writer at RedState, has written a novel and is Kickstarting it to help pay for all the pesky things like artwork and ISBN numbers. It's a post-apocalyptic noir fantasy detective novel. Wizards and Elves AND trenchcoat-wearing flatfoots. If he gets to $3K, he'll even have his sister do an audiobook narration (she's a professional voice artist).

I read a draft as a Beta reader, and it's pretty good. I'm looking forward to seeing what improvements he's made.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/moelane/frozen-dreams-a-novel?ref=user_menu

Posted by: Jeff Weimer at April 05, 2020 09:30 AM (ijEPD)

100 Morning, Bander. Now that the MoMe has been moved to August, are you and Alex and Eris still planning to go?

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at April 05, 2020 09:28 AM (2JVJo)



Good morning, Sir Poppins! Yes, alex and I shall be there. I haven't talked to Eris about it but she is in the very thread and should know that I'll be devastated if she's not there. Forlorn, really. Crushed.

And you're still expected. I know you screwed your courage to the sticking point. Keep it there.

Posted by: Bandersnatch at April 05, 2020 09:31 AM (gd9RK)

101 In the previous thread, there was a discussion of how the churches have
completely rolled over during this crisis and abandoned their faithful,
as if the religious really do not even believe their own teachings.



Nobody's abandoned anybody. If anything, my husband is trying twice as hard to keep watch over the flock. The pews may be empty, but so is the grave.

Posted by: grammie winger at April 05, 2020 09:31 AM (lwiT4)

102 I watched the 1960 version of The Time Machine by H G Wells the other night, which, while blaming it on constant wars, also shares the theme that people are becoming less intelligent over time.

Posted by: Vashta Nerada at April 05, 2020 09:31 AM (2WCny)

103 love that staircase. Wish I had it in my house.
Posted by: Vic at April 05, 2020 09:00 AM (mpXpK)


Helped build a stair case like that about 35 years ago, although it didn't have the filagree balusters, just straight spindles. It's a lot harder than you think.

Posted by: Traveling Man&&&& at April 05, 2020 09:32 AM (R5lpX)

104 Nobody's abandoned anybody. If anything, my husband is trying twice as hard to keep watch over the flock. The pews may be empty, but so is the grave.
Posted by: grammie winger at April 05, 2020 09:31 AM (lwiT4)

Nicely put.

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 09:32 AM (ONvIw)

105 97 If anyone can become a Marine Force Recon, it's no longer elite. If everyone can get a doctorate in your career field, it's a mail-order service.

"When everybody's somebody, then nobody's anybody."

- Gilbert and Sullivan, The Gondoliers

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at April 05, 2020 09:30 AM (2JVJo)

"When everyone is super, no one will be."

- Syndrome

Posted by: Jeff Weimer at April 05, 2020 09:32 AM (ijEPD)

106
Nobody's abandoned anybody. If anything, my husband is trying twice as hard to keep watch over the flock. The pews may be empty, but so is the grave.
Posted by: grammie winger at April 05, 2020 09:31 AM (lwiT4)

Thanks, Grammie! Those words are a comfort :-)

Posted by: RondinellaMamma at April 05, 2020 09:33 AM (8/7u2)

107 Posted by: RondinellaMamma at April 05, 2020 09:29 AM (8/7u2)

In my misspent youth, I read every Don Camillo book I could get though the library. Lot of human nature in those books, the good kind of human nature..

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar at April 05, 2020 09:33 AM (BiNEL)

108 {{{grammie}}}

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 09:33 AM (NWiLs)

109 I'd wear those pants to a meet and greet...

Posted by: Muldoon at April 05, 2020 09:21 AM (m45I2)

...Or a police stakeout!

Posted by: Muldoon at April 05, 2020 09:21 AM (m45I2)

iswydt

Posted by: BignJames at April 05, 2020 09:33 AM (X/Pw5)

110 And the Horde is full of Authors. Why, there's a
weekly column about books which features books by Morons. But you don't
see Author Puma or Author Poppins in the nics, do you?


Posted by: Bandersnatch at April 05, 2020 09:23 AM (gd9RK)

---
And if they did, I wouldn't have a problem with it.

It's irony. Mock-self importance for this Smart Military Blog.

On the Gub threat I'm a Former Gun Owner.

Lighten up, Francis.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 09:33 AM (cfSRQ)

111 50 ... "When you say Gawain, do you mean Gawain and the Green Knight?"

Yup!

Posted by: JTB at April 05, 2020 09:34 AM (7EjX1)

112 Academic credentials are no longer a proxy for IQ - you can say that again! They're becoming much more like titles of Nobility, for the same reasons.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 05, 2020 09:34 AM (q3gwH)

113 Hey there Insom.

Posted by: grammie winger at April 05, 2020 09:35 AM (lwiT4)

114 Lawzamercy, even I could see that's Harry Belafonte.

Wasn't he last seen giving aid and comfort to the enemy?

Or am I confusing him with the guy who sang The Banana Boat Song?

(I'll let Ben R explain why that's ((supposed to be)) funny.)

Posted by: mindful webworker
if modern media covered Easter week...!
at April 05, 2020 09:36 AM (AoLFQ)

115 112 Academic credentials are no longer a proxy for IQ - you can say that again! They're becoming much more like titles of Nobility, for the same reasons.
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 05, 2020 09:34 AM (q3gwH)

Except any idiot with student loan cash can get academic credentials. Titles of nobility go with being part of the inbred family.

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 09:36 AM (NWiLs)

116 At Wits Ends sounds very interesting.

But it also make me think about the many inconsistencies of Progressivism. On one hand most Progressives believe in an almost real-time evolution. That humans have, can, and are changing. If this is your idea then how do you also support welfare, single motherhood, and heavy handed big government that allows people with most likely lessor IQs to to coddled to live to an age where they become sexually mature and able to produce offspring that have a chance of being less intelligent than their peers.

Posted by: rhennigantx at April 05, 2020 09:37 AM (JFO2v)

117 Grammie, condolences and prayers up from here.

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar at April 05, 2020 09:37 AM (BiNEL)

118 113 Hey there Insom.
Posted by: grammie winger at April 05, 2020 09:35 AM (lwiT4)

I am so sorry for your loss, dear grammie.

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 09:37 AM (NWiLs)

119 We are becoming less intelligent.

-
I wonder if a goal of the progressive cancel culture is to make us ever more willing to accept ever more radical and ridiculous ideas by forcing us to accept obvious lies. Imagine a child growing up being forced to believe that everybody is equal except white people and especially white males are inherently evil and stupid, perverts are brave, and criminals are really the good guys and expecting that child to be able to think intelligently. The Biblical metaphor about building your house on rock rather than sand applies. Where no solid footing is available, no one can walk, run, or climb. We have nothing to grasp and can't pull ourselves out of the quicksand.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at April 05, 2020 09:37 AM (+y/Ru)

120 MP4, I'm still attending, of course.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Michigangsta at April 05, 2020 09:37 AM (Dc2NZ)

121 I do think a lot of small, niche colleges will never reopen. Nice if Oberlin was one of them.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 05, 2020 09:37 AM (q3gwH)

122 Thanks to whoever rec'd The Splendid and The Vile a few weeks ago. About halfway thru and am reminded why I like the author Erik Larsen so much.

Posted by: Charlotte at April 05, 2020 09:37 AM (Aj6Tl)

123 If memory serves, there was an interesting (to me, at least) movie version with Sean Connery as the Green Knight, maybe mid '80s or so.
Posted by: Bilwis Devourer of Low Glycemic Souls

Did he rescue Trebek's mother ?

Posted by: JT at April 05, 2020 09:38 AM (arJlL)

124 Nobody's abandoned anybody. If anything, my husband
is trying twice as hard to keep watch over the flock. The pews may be
empty, but so is the grave.


Posted by: grammie winger at April 05, 2020 09:31 AM (lwiT4)

---
Indeed.

Part of caring for one's flock is watching after the infirm and vulnerable, who are not only uniquely susceptible, but also often the most determined to attend mass.

This too shall pass and our parish is working overtime to find ways to connect with people. It's pretty amazing.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 09:38 AM (cfSRQ)

125 The local classical station is playing Beethoven's 8th.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at April 05, 2020 09:38 AM (2JVJo)

126 iswydt
Posted by: BignJames


********



Posted by: BignJames-endorsed punster and limericist Seamus Muldoon at April 05, 2020 09:38 AM (m45I2)

127 Thanks Commissar Hrothgar and Insomniac.

Posted by: grammie winger at April 05, 2020 09:38 AM (lwiT4)

128 114 Lawzamercy, even I could see that's Harry Belafonte.

Wasn't he last seen giving aid and comfort to the enemy?

Or am I confusing him with the guy who sang The Banana Boat Song?

(I'll let Ben R explain why that's ((supposed to be)) funny.)
Posted by: mindful webworker
if modern media covered Easter week...!
at April 05, 2020 09:36 AM (AoLFQ)

IT'S FUNNY BECAUSE...OH FOR FUCK'S SAKE TRY TO GIVE ME SOMETHING TO WORK WITH NEXT TIME!

Posted by: BEN ROETHLISBERGER at April 05, 2020 09:39 AM (NWiLs)

129 I read The Discoverers: A History of Man's Search to Know His World and Himself by Daniel Boorstin. This is an interesting history of scientific discovery. Not surprisingly, I found the section on the history of printing and book making the most interesting.

Posted by: Zoltan at April 05, 2020 09:40 AM (3ugDL)

130 Well, time to call my kids with the news. BBL

Posted by: grammie winger at April 05, 2020 09:40 AM (lwiT4)

131 The Internet Archive is mentioned above, but it's worth drawing attention to it.

archive.org

They've opened the gates and made their content available for the masses. There is an unbelievable amount of stuff there if you search.

Posted by: Moron Robbie has got the Kung Fu Grippe at April 05, 2020 09:40 AM (41rs/)

132 When I was reading in Landscape and Memory about the Polish/Lithuanian deep woods, or puszcza, and how it was a refuge for partisans fighting their doomed revolutions against the rooskis and krauts, I ran across a quoted segment from Tadeusz Konwicki's The Polish Complex and thought "I think I have that". Sure as shit I found it in a bookshelf from back when I used to obsessively buy just about every Penguin Writers From the Other Europe I ran across. I think I read another book of his, A Dreambook for Our Time, about a guy who emerges from a coma after he tried to kill himself with poison at the end of WW2 and flashbacks keep coming back. So I thought WTF it's time to read this. It was one of those books that grab you immediately and you obsessively read in a few days, plus it was only just over 200 pages. It was written in the late 70s and took place on Christmas eve standing in line at a Warsaw jewelry store to try to find anything the Russians send that's worth buying. In the line are two people, one of which wanted to kill the author for going commie after the war, and another guy who was ordered to shoot the first would be assassin. Now they're all buds. From there the author goes back in time to two unsuccessful 19th century uprisings; in the first one the character is filled with optimism until nothing worked out and he was eventually betrayed; in the second the character is very fatalistic about the chances but thinks "welp we've gotta do it anyway".

Imagine the US that the Revolution didn't work but sporadically the hell raisers would say fuck this shit and try it again. That's pretty much what the Polish Complex was all about. Having an ocean between us and the Brits worked out well.

Posted by: Captain Hate at April 05, 2020 09:40 AM (y7DUB)

133 I second, third and fourth the recommendation for "Red Sky at Morning."

Well written, funny and poignant, very well worth reading.

And yes, I cringed when I saw the book called, "A Catcher in the Rye out West."

Apples and oranges have more in common than "Red Sky at Morning" and "The Catcher in the Rye."

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
at April 05, 2020 09:40 AM (WEBkv)

134 Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at April 05, 2020 09:37 AM (+y/Ru)

This is why I am taking full advantage of the school shut down. I'm choosing what the kids hear and read, NOT the liberal "Johnny has two daddies" crowd.

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 09:40 AM (ONvIw)

135 Harry Elephante!

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at April 05, 2020 09:41 AM (+y/Ru)

136 Fetchin Gretchen is on with Chris Wallace, now for sure the Dems VP offering.

Yes, she does look like Caitlin Jenner.

Posted by: Grand Rapids at April 05, 2020 09:41 AM (Xo3T0)

137 /sock

Posted by: Muldoon at April 05, 2020 09:41 AM (m45I2)

138 The pews may be empty, but so is the grave.
Posted by: grammie winger at April 05, 2020 09:31 AM (lwiT4)

Thanks grammie, that ten word sermon that packs a punch!

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar at April 05, 2020 09:41 AM (BiNEL)

139 134 Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at April 05, 2020 09:37 AM (+y/Ru)

This is why I am taking full advantage of the school shut down. I'm choosing what the kids hear and read, NOT the liberal "Johnny has two daddies" crowd.
Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 09:40 AM (ONvIw)

How are they going to learn to fist safely?

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 09:42 AM (NWiLs)

140 How are they going to learn to fist safely?
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 09:42 AM (NWiLs)
-------------

16 ounce boxing gloves?

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
at April 05, 2020 09:42 AM (WEBkv)

141 140 How are they going to learn to fist safely?
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 09:42 AM (NWiLs)
-------------

16 ounce boxing gloves?
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
at April 05, 2020 09:42 AM (WEBkv)

KINK-ee!

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 09:43 AM (NWiLs)

142 Don't know details but heard a few local small town libraries are opening up some kind of ebook system in se Pa so maybe it will open up some free reading possibility

Posted by: Skip at April 05, 2020 09:43 AM (ZCEU2)

143 From THE Book:

"Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!"

Posted by: grammie winger at April 05, 2020 09:04 AM


And a blessed Palm Sunday to all the 'rons and 'ettes celebrating this week.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at April 05, 2020 09:43 AM (ejd/p)

144 Thank you Eris. It's just all kinds of wrong that I
can't get there for my mother, and that there will be no funeral. He was
a Marine. He deserves better.


Posted by: grammie winger at April 05, 2020 09:24 AM (lwiT4)

---
Please accept my condolences. There can always be a memorial service later. I've had several situations where for whatever reason, we had to postpone the formalities.

I know it's cold comfort now, but his passing will not be forgotten.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 09:43 AM (cfSRQ)

145 grammie, We're so sorry. Condolences and you are in our prayers.

Posted by: JTB at April 05, 2020 09:43 AM (7EjX1)

146 Prayers up for your Step- Dad, Grammie !

Posted by: JT at April 05, 2020 09:44 AM (arJlL)

147 4 Belafonte?
Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 09:00 AM (ONvIw)


Yes! And winner.

Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 09:44 AM (k3bqH)

148 Movies which were better than the books:

The Lady Vanishes (easy one)
Treasure of the Sierra Madre
Tortilla Flat (Anything with Hedy is better than anything without)

My wife suggests:
Sleeping With the Enemy
Goodfellas
There Will Be Blood (wife, again. Mrs Eeyore reads more modern stuff than I.)

A friend argues for Man Who Would Be King

And the one that always pisses people off when I cite it: The Thin Man. Powell and Loy are much better on the screen.

There's another I'm forgetting.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 09:44 AM (ZbwAu)

149 Here's a link to a short film from about 40 years ago...about...grits. Strom Thurmond and Craig Claiborne make appearances. I like grits, but I prefer my corn by the glass.

http://www.folkstreams.net/film,335

Posted by: BignJames at April 05, 2020 09:44 AM (X/Pw5)

150 KINK-ee!
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 09:43 AM (NWiLs)
--------

Oh, "fist" not "fisticuffs."

My bad.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
at April 05, 2020 09:44 AM (WEBkv)

151 Good morning, all ... writing at a standstill this week, as my daughter and I are doing masks and surgical caps for a local clinic, and a Scout troop collecting supplies for medical needs. I can only thank god that we're not on total, house-arrest lockdown, because that would be ... heinous. What it is like in places like New York, stuck in a tiny apartment all the day long. At least we have some stores open, although they are limiting numbers allowed in them, now. Hobby Lobby will be open tomorrow, for one day only, which is good, because I have run through my stock of white thread, and elastic is not to be found anywhere.
I'm reading Sarah Hoyt's Dyce Dare mysteries, which were on kindle for 99 cents each for a couple of days; nice brain candy.
We are plotting some nice built-in bookshelves in the hallway. Nothing like being stuck at home for days, for looking around and thinking, "Hmmm - this could be improved."

Posted by: Sgt. Mom at April 05, 2020 09:44 AM (xnmPy)

152 121
I do think a lot of small, niche colleges will never reopen. Nice if Oberlin was one of them.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 05, 2020 09:37 AM (q3gwH)

---
Antioch College was even more liberal. I believe it's gone the way of the dodo.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 09:45 AM (cfSRQ)

153 8 No books, been busy with hobby so gojng to reread a book on Napoleonic era tactics from Brett Nosworthy
Posted by: Skip at April 05, 2020 09:01 AM (ZCEU2)
______

Haven't read much by him, but what I have, impresses me. Two friends who are more into land battles than I are big fans.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 09:45 AM (ZbwAu)

154 Sending condolences, Grammie, and prayers for you and your family.

Posted by: RondinellaMamma at April 05, 2020 09:45 AM (8/7u2)

155 Yeah...yeah...As someone who got called all sorts of fascist names here recently for mentioning my being an HOA president, even/especially by one of the COBs i find it rather interesting that here, on a book thread, one would pick a commie ass licker like that, presented in such a thoughtful, book learning pose, to be a who dis. What with how commies treat freedom of speech...it being the most fundamental freedom. How wonderfully broad minded of you. Please try to be as broadminded when thinking about calling one of your frequent readers and promoters a fascist, mmmm-k?

Is it any wonder we're getting dumber.

Posted by: WTP at April 05, 2020 09:45 AM (WQfDg)

156 Posted by: RondinellaMamma at April 05, 2020 09:29 AM (8/7u2)

I remember your recommending the Don Camillo stories a while back. I should get them.

You might like a couple of old books concerning religious life: Everybody Calls Me Father, by "Father X," which is a memoir of a young priest's first assignment to a parish. No date is given, but it seems to have been sometime in the mid 1930s.

https://tinyurl.com/w2rnl9c

And "A Right To Be Merry," by Mother Mary Francis, who helped found the first Poor Clare convent in Roswell, NM in the 1940s - it's her recollections of becoming a nun and what it's like living the contemplative life.

https://tinyurl.com/ty2o44u

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at April 05, 2020 09:45 AM (2JVJo)

157 Belafonte.....*SPIT*

Posted by: SJWs who don't read comics anyway at April 05, 2020 09:46 AM (oVJmc)

158 Condolences, grammie.

And thank you for the reminder that He is risen.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
at April 05, 2020 09:46 AM (WEBkv)

159 SockDerp.

Posted by: Mr. Peebles at April 05, 2020 09:46 AM (oVJmc)

160 I've begun reading a new Dean Koontz intelligent dog book, Devoted, because I like Dean Koontz intelligent dog books so shut up.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at April 05, 2020 09:46 AM (+y/Ru)

161 Bander and Eris, I'm so glad. I need to have people there I can hide with.

And I'm actually glad it got moved to August - it gives me more time to look acceptable.

Good.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at April 05, 2020 09:47 AM (2JVJo)

162 My son was in the Gifted and Talented program in elementary and secondary school. I went to a meeting of the parents of those students once (35+ years ago) and was struck by the fact that almost almost the patents were older. Might be something to be said for nurture.

Posted by: Javems at April 05, 2020 09:47 AM (ofIwF)

163 142 Don't know details but heard a few local small town libraries are opening up some kind of ebook system in se Pa so maybe it will open up some free reading possibility
Posted by: Skip at April 05, 2020 09:43 AM (ZCEU2)

https://archive.org/details/nationalemergencylibrary

Posted by: rhennigantx at April 05, 2020 09:47 AM (JFO2v)

164 RondinellaMamma

Long time no see.

How is everything

Posted by: Nevergiveup at April 05, 2020 09:47 AM (85Gof)

165 I read another Nero Wolfe story. I'm slowly working my way through all of them and each has been a delight. (As I've said before, anyone who can use the term 'thaumaturge' correctly deserves to be read.) Only Louis L'Amour books are a faster read.

Posted by: JTB at April 05, 2020 09:48 AM (7EjX1)

166 Posted by: grammie winger at April 05, 2020 09:19 AM (lwiT4)

My condolences, Grammie.

Posted by: Slow Reader at April 05, 2020 09:48 AM (kE3dB)

167 So many good book recommendations! Even with the extra down time from the WuhanFlu, I'll be reading for weeks!!

Posted by: Delilah at April 05, 2020 09:48 AM (rIO4+)

168 I've begun reading a new Dean Koontz intelligent dog book, Devoted, because I like Dean Koontz intelligent dog books so shut up.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at April 05, 2020 09:46 AM (+y/Ru)
--------------------

Sigh.

I expect better of someone who promotes a wondrous book like "Red Sky at Morning."

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
at April 05, 2020 09:48 AM (WEBkv)

169 35
Posted by: JTB at April 05, 2020 09:09 AM (7EjX1)
_______

Also Piers Plowman. Compared with Chaucer it shows the difference between a country dialect and that of London. I still find that if I read Chaucer in the original, if I do it for a while, it gets pretty easy. But Langland was, even in my college days, incomprehensible to me.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 09:50 AM (ZbwAu)

170 Condolences and prayers for you and your family, grammie. May his memory be eternal.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at April 05, 2020 09:50 AM (ejd/p)

171 This idiot clyburn can't keep WW1 straight from WW2.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at April 05, 2020 09:50 AM (85Gof)

172 Library still closed.

Posted by: getting the bamboozled banned pissed off at April 05, 2020 09:51 AM (KChOY)

173 How are they going to learn to fist safely?

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 09:42 AM (NWiLs)

---
I'm highly amused that the same Campus Life programs promoting the "consent can be retroactively revoked without warning" crap are also still pushing "sex week."

Good luck with that.

I see some pretty vicious problems on the way for higher ed.

1. Loss of international student revenue. This is going to really bleed them out and it's not going to change any time soon.

2. Online classes. These are going to publicly expose the lectures, and also cause people to question why they need to spend $200 per credit hour to watch some guy whine about Trump.

3. Federal lawsuits and DOE regulations. Anyone see that University of Michigan administrators have been denied immunity for the latest kangaroo court fiasco? They can be held personally liable for their abuses.

The first two will lead to emptier college dorms, and the third will make the whole sex Stasi thing unsupportable.

Higher ed is going to get turned upside down.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 09:51 AM (cfSRQ)

174 Have any of y'all ever heard of Zettelkasten? I ran across the concept late last night. The idea is to form a repository of all your knowledge and link it together, sort of like building a wiki of what you know. I'm seriously considering starting one for work to collect together everything I know about project management, leadership, and of course my technical area. Could easily become several books. I wish I'd started something like that ten years ago.

I also had a random thought this morning about the women in STEM thing. How many women do you know who would find a STEM career fulfilling (entirely apart from the question of how many have the ability to master differential equations)?

Posted by: Mrs. Peel at April 05, 2020 09:51 AM (rWZ8Y)

175 No bananas, Belafonte, get back to work.

Posted by: Tally man at April 05, 2020 09:51 AM (cg4r6)

176 From CDC Website: Hospitals to List COVID-19 as Cause of Death Even if Its Assumed to Have Caused Or Contributed to Death Lab Tests Not Required

Explains the numbers being reported

Posted by: Nevergiveup at April 05, 2020 09:52 AM (85Gof)

177 I need coffee! And a cinnamon-raisin bagel w/cream cheese. Back in a bit.

Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 09:52 AM (k3bqH)

178 After reading the entire Richard Sharpe series by Bernard Cromwell I was looking for something a bit lighter and found Space Team by Barry J Hutchinson. It's sci-fi humor much like Hitchhikers Guide but less British. So far, they have been fun light reading. It's a lot fun, ridiculous nonsense. Kind of a cool escape.

Posted by: Tennessee Jed at April 05, 2020 09:52 AM (alrWI)

179 Belafonte is a commie

Posted by: Nevergiveup at April 05, 2020 09:53 AM (85Gof)

180 13 mins Peterson video on IQ

https://tinyurl.com/yc46coen

Posted by: rhennigantx at April 05, 2020 09:53 AM (JFO2v)

181 The first two will lead to emptier college dorms, and the third will make the whole sex Stasi thing unsupportable.

Higher ed is going to get turned upside down.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 09:51 AM (cfSRQ)
-------------

I, for one, am going to rejoice, when "professors" who only have a class because they managed to have them put on the "required" list, wind up out of work.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
at April 05, 2020 09:53 AM (WEBkv)

182 148
Movies which were better than the books:



Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 09:44 AM (ZbwAu)

---
Easy.

Jaws
MASH
Last of the Mohicans

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 09:53 AM (cfSRQ)

183 Haven't read all the comments yet...
Got Mr Poppins "Director's Cut" and could not put it down. Knowing less than nothing of silent films or NYC of that time period, I was expecting to struggle through it. Not at all!!! Very engaging!

Also bought Mr Taylor's "a Life Unworthy" and "Snowberry Veil," and TJM's "Crystal Embers." Will start those tonight.

Posted by: Euro at April 05, 2020 09:53 AM (btqC6)

184 From CDC Website: Hospitals to List COVID-19 as Cause of Death Even if Its Assumed to Have Caused Or Contributed to Death Lab Tests Not Required


Not science. Politics.

Posted by: Mr. Peebles at April 05, 2020 09:53 AM (oVJmc)

185 164 RondinellaMamma

Long time no see.

How is everything
Posted by: Nevergiveup at April 05, 2020 09:47 AM (85Gof)
Hi Doc! Miss you! We'll be in for our routine visits as soon as we are able to be out and about.

Thanks, MPPP! I 'll check out those titles.

Posted by: RondinellaMamma at April 05, 2020 09:53 AM (8/7u2)

186 Now that fuck Tapper is making an editorial comment..ignorant fuck

Posted by: Nevergiveup at April 05, 2020 09:54 AM (85Gof)

187 52
The sibling rivalry features in the younger brother's books and also in Evelyn's withering takes on American culture. In Unconditional Surrender, one of the characters writes an overwrought pulp novel that was utter rubbish - and becomes a best-seller in America.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 09:14 AM (cfSRQ)
_______

Well, up to a point. The California articles are savage, as was the resulting novel. But The American Era in the Catholic Church gives a positive spin on much about America.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 09:54 AM (ZbwAu)

188 I, for one, am going to rejoice, when "professors" who only have a class because they managed to have them put on the "required" list, wind up out of work.
============
Don't hold your breath.

Posted by: WTP at April 05, 2020 09:54 AM (WQfDg)

189 Now that fuck Tapper is making an editorial comment..ignorant fuck
Posted by: Nevergiveup at April 05, 2020 09:54 AM (85Gof)
--------------

I avoid watching people like Tapper, because the TV is only a few months old and replacing it really isn't in the budget.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
at April 05, 2020 09:55 AM (WEBkv)

190 I'm having sausage and waffles WITH Maple Syrup !

Posted by: JT at April 05, 2020 09:55 AM (arJlL)

191 Posted by: Nevergiveup at April 05, 2020 09:47 AM (85Gof)
Hi Doc! Miss you! We'll be in for our routine visits as soon as we are able to be out and about.

Well, LOL, I did not mean dental, just how are ya! Stay safe

Posted by: Nevergiveup at April 05, 2020 09:55 AM (85Gof)

192 Tea for Three sounds like a poisoning case of Nero Wolfe's.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 09:55 AM (ZbwAu)

193 Got Mr Poppins "Director's Cut" and could not put it down. Knowing less than nothing of silent films or NYC of that time period, I was expecting to struggle through it. Not at all!!! Very engaging!

**blushes**

Thank you for the compliment, Euro - I needed that today!

If I may beg, once you have finished the book, would you be kind enough to leave a review on Amazon? It doesn't have to be extensive; even a simple "I liked this" would be fine.

Thank you again, sincerely.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at April 05, 2020 09:55 AM (2JVJo)

194 From CDC Website: Hospitals to List COVID-19 as Cause of Death Even if Its Assumed to Have Caused Or Contributed to Death Lab Tests Not Required

Explains the numbers being reported

Posted by: Nevergiveup at April 05, 2020 09:52 AM (85Gof)


We should have known that was going to happen, I am only surprised in that they are admitting it up front!

I love the smell of cooking books in the morning, it smells...

like victory!

Posted by: LTC Kilgore at April 05, 2020 09:56 AM (BiNEL)

195 I, for one, am going to rejoice, when "professors"
who only have a class because they managed to have them put on the
"required" list, wind up out of work.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
at April 05, 2020 09:53 AM (WEBkv)

---
I feel sorry for the faculty. They poured their lives into their career and while we mock academia, climbing the slippery pole is very difficult. I know liberal professors and they are decent people, even if I don't agree with their politics.

The administrators, on the other hand, deserve every bit of what they are getting. They produce nothing and wreck peoples' lives with utter callousness. What goes around comes around.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 09:56 AM (cfSRQ)

196 Mr Poppins, I posted the review last night. Hope it's showing now
Same nic as here.

Now the burning question....why did she marry Charles?!?

Posted by: Euro at April 05, 2020 09:57 AM (btqC6)

197 From CDC Website: Hospitals to List COVID-19 as Cause of Death Even if Its Assumed to Have Caused Or Contributed to Death Lab Tests Not Required

-
Epstein did not die of the 'Rona!

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at April 05, 2020 09:57 AM (+y/Ru)

198 Charles Murray's The Bell Curve (1994) documented meticulously that the population's average intelligence is declining due to the higher birthrate of the lower classes. Dutton's 2018 book provides confirmatory data 24 years later.


You may not like this politically-incorrect truth (Murray certainly didn't), you may not want to read the books, but it is happening.

Posted by: cool breeze at April 05, 2020 09:57 AM (UGKMd)

199 176 From CDC Website: Hospitals to List COVID-19 as Cause of Death Even if Its Assumed to Have Caused Or Contributed to Death Lab Tests Not Required

Explains the numbers being reported
Posted by: Nevergiveup at April 05, 2020 09:52 AM (85Gof)

The CDC directive directs that!

Posted by: rhennigantx at April 05, 2020 09:57 AM (JFO2v)

200 It's a safe bet that anybody writing a book bemoaning the decline of intelligence is not writing an autobiography.

Posted by: Muldoon at April 05, 2020 09:57 AM (m45I2)

201 Thanks for the shoutout, OM!

Does anyone else forget how many books they have? I'm packing, getting ready to move, and I found a couple boxes of books under the bed that never got unpacked from the last move. I make a habit of buying old, classic, and weird stuff, so my kids- that I don't have yet- can read them. And a few years ago, I had a streak of, "Yikes, the political situation here sucks. Maybe I should start collecting books, so I have them when TPTB don't allow them to be printed anymore." So I have tons of books that I don't want to get rid of, but need to be packed.

Posted by: right wing yankee at April 05, 2020 09:57 AM (zlzYb)

202 There's another I'm forgetting.

The Outlaw Josey Wales.

The book is absolutely awful - Poorly drawn, stereotyped characters and preachy, ham-handed editorializing in the narration. Plus, the author really liked to talk about rape, which is particularly evident in the sequel...

Posted by: Grey Fox at April 05, 2020 09:57 AM (nBq51)

203 Well, up to a point. The California articles are
savage, as was the resulting novel. But The American Era in the Catholic
Church gives a positive spin on much about America.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 09:54 AM (ZbwAu)

---
Like the way you worked the quote from Scoop in there.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 09:58 AM (cfSRQ)

204 It's a safe bet that anybody writing a book bemoaning the decline of intelligence is not writing an autobiography.

Posted by: Muldoon at April 05, 2020 09:57 AM (m45I2)

---
Flowers for Algernon count?

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 09:59 AM (cfSRQ)

205 69 I started using Abebooks.com, but understand they were "acquired" by Bezos in what was probably an offer you can't refuse purchase.
But they are typically cheaper that amazon and have a very wide selection of good condition stuff.
Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar at April 05, 2020 09:14 AM (BiNEL)

I like their selection, too, but I like that Thrift has a paypal option.
Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 09:20 AM (ONvIw)
______

Isn't Paypal commie too? Scylla, or Charybdis.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 09:59 AM (ZbwAu)

206 198 Charles Murray's The Bell Curve (1994) documented meticulously that the population's average intelligence is declining due to the higher birthrate of the lower classes. Dutton's 2018 book provides confirmatory data 24 years later.


You may not like this politically-incorrect truth (Murray certainly didn't), you may not want to read the books, but it is happening.
Posted by: cool breeze at April 05, 2020 09:57 AM (UGKMd)

Murray is hated by Progressives more than PDT.

Posted by: rhennigantx at April 05, 2020 09:59 AM (JFO2v)

207 You may not like this politically-incorrect truth (Murray certainly didn't), you may not want to read the books, but it is happening.
Posted by: cool breeze at April 05, 2020 09:57 AM (UGKMd)
---------------

Is it actually a decline in intelligence or is there also a correlation between the decline in intelligence and the decline in education?

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
at April 05, 2020 09:59 AM (WEBkv)

208 162
My son was in the Gifted and Talented program in elementary and
secondary school. I went to a meeting of the parents of those students
once (35+ years ago) and was struck by the fact that almost almost the
patents were older. Might be something to be said for nurture.


Posted by: Javems


Wow, I'm impressed that they had patents in elementary school, especially if they were old patents. Did they write them in the womb? (okay, silly joke)

I'd like to offer an alternative explanation. Parents of smart children tend to be smart themselves, and thus understand the value of achievement and delayed gratification. Many delay having children in order to gain an education and starting a career. This can work out very well, unless they wait too long and then never have children, or have fewer than those of average or lesser intellect.

Posted by: pep at April 05, 2020 09:59 AM (T6t7i)

209 Good morning!

I am reading The Mirror and The Light by Hilary Mantel, book three of the trilogy on the life of Thomas Cromwell. It starts off with a bang; first line: "As soon as the queen's head was severed, he walked away."

Posted by: jmel at April 05, 2020 10:00 AM (OeWgo)

210 Come mister tally man tally me ba-na-na

Posted by: Johnathan Birks at April 05, 2020 10:00 AM (l+CkL)

211 Tapper blames the Virus on Trump. All leftist talking points

Posted by: Ignoramus at April 05, 2020 10:00 AM (9TdxA)

212 Patents= parents of course. I'll blame it on the auto-correct thingy.

Posted by: Javems at April 05, 2020 10:02 AM (ofIwF)

213 A friend argues for Man Who Would Be King
---
The Kipling story was remarkably faithful to the movie (one of my favorites).

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Michigangsta at April 05, 2020 10:02 AM (Dc2NZ)

214 lovely pictures

Posted by: happyfeet at April 05, 2020 10:02 AM (dMWxj)

215 Movies which were better than the books:

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 09:44 AM


The Princess Bride.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at April 05, 2020 10:02 AM (ejd/p)

216 I don't think I want to read "At Our Wits' End", because it'll depress me even more than I already am about the declining state of humanity.

So instead, I started re-reading "Earth Abides." For those not familiar, it's about a man who survives a plague that wipes out most of the population. Whether it qualifies as "current events" remains to be seen.

Happy Sunday, Horde!

Posted by: PabloD at April 05, 2020 10:02 AM (foDr7)

217
Tapper blames the Virus on Trump. All leftist talking points
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 05, 2020 10:00 AM (9TdxA)


Once again, what's the ratio of 1) criticism of Trump to 2) criticism of China?

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at April 05, 2020 10:02 AM (7rVsF)

218 Good Sunday morning, horde!

I don't have anything book-related to say this morning, but I want Eris to know I've been listening to that Dead Can Dance album at her suggestion. I had kinda forgotten about DCD. So, thanks!

*back to the lurking pews

Posted by: April at April 05, 2020 10:02 AM (OX9vb)

219 Tapper blames the Virus on Trump. All leftist talking points
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 05, 2020 10:00 AM (9TdxA)

Yeah I saw. smug asshole. So much for unbiased news? LOL

And he has a very punchable face

Posted by: Nevergiveup at April 05, 2020 10:03 AM (85Gof)

220 I also had a random thought this morning about the
women in STEM thing. How many women do you know who would find a STEM
career fulfilling (entirely apart from the question of how many have the
ability to master differential equations)?

Posted by: Mrs. Peel


I know a number of them, including my wife, my sister, and two of my daughters. My experience may not be typical. I also knew quite a few at my old lab, but it is true that they tend to want to switch to management early on.

Posted by: pep at April 05, 2020 10:03 AM (T6t7i)

221 Tapper blames the Virus on Trump. All leftist talking points
Posted by: Ignoramus

---

Well he can also blame it on chemtrails, with as much justification. It takes a real lack of intelligence to believe anything Jake Tapper says.

Posted by: Vashta Nerada at April 05, 2020 10:04 AM (2WCny)

222 Movies better than books for kids..."Red Wall." The animated series held my kids' attention much more than my dramatic reading of the book. And the kids loved to hear me recite Poe and Coleridge

Posted by: Euro at April 05, 2020 10:04 AM (btqC6)

223 Those pants are fine, but I WOULD NOT wear them to my part time job as a dog walker.

Posted by: Muldoon at April 05, 2020 10:04 AM (m45I2)

224 176 From CDC Website: Hospitals to List COVID-19 as Cause of Death Even if Its Assumed to Have Caused Or Contributed to Death Lab Tests Not Required

Explains the numbers being reported
Posted by: Nevergiveup at April 05, 2020 09:52 AM (85Gof)

Link to that specific article?
The CDC website is tough to navigate.

Posted by: m at April 05, 2020 10:04 AM (M5wRT)

225 The idea that we can somehow control or manage intellect is itself ignorant of the very wide/broad scope of human history. The statistics that much of this 'reasoning' depends on are flawed from the start. It's nothing close to science. It barely passes as speculation. Not that Murray & company shouldn't be listened to. As Thomas Sowell famously said,

"Considering how often throughout history even intelligent people have been proved to be wrong, it is amazing that there are still people who are convinced that the only reason anyone could possibly say something different from what they believe is stupidity or dishonesty."

And...

"There is usually only a limited amount of damage that can be done by dull or stupid people. For creating a truly monumental disaster, you need people with high IQs."

Posted by: WTP at April 05, 2020 10:05 AM (WQfDg)

226 Texas Infections
3/20 175
3/21 235
3/22 263
3/23 287 Almost double 4th day
3/24 712 Doubled 1 day
3/25 975
3/26 1,394
3/27 1,731
3/28 2,048 Doubled
3/29 2,552
3/30 2,874
3/31 3,266
4/1 3,997 Doubled

Posted by: rhennigantx at April 05, 2020 10:05 AM (JFO2v)

227 Movies which were better than the books:



Deep Throat

Posted by: Mr. Peebles at April 05, 2020 10:05 AM (oVJmc)

228 82
This is your answer. Degrees no longer measure intelligence, but instead conformity.

This is proven by a simple test: name a single academic discipline that has gotten *more strict* in the last 20 years.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 09:26 AM (cfSRQ)
________

Well, it's not strictly an "academic discipline", at least not solely so, and the period covers more like 40 years, but study of warships and navies has been at an all time high. Norman Friedman is the best, but there are plenty of others. But again, much of that is either at the periphery of academia, or outside it.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 10:05 AM (ZbwAu)

229 I started a book last night that I picked up at a kollidge book sale: The Possessed: Adventures with Russian Books and the People Who Read Them by Elif Batuman. Anything with a title like that has an automatic appeal for me plus the cover was a bunch of cartoon images of people happily reading really thick books. What could be better?

The author, who's as ugly as a cat's ass, writes in a style that appeals to me about how Russian classics offered such a good alternative to most of the domestic dogshit published in the early 21st century. She toyed with the idea of writing fiction herself before deciding she wasn't good at it and decided to immerse herself in Russian literature and all the facts about the authors and write a book about it: kind of like what I do here about Nabokov.

The title is based on my favorite Dostoyevsky book about a bunch of lib assholes who eventually self destruct. I remember reading this while camping in Maine, being chewed up by mosquitoes but saying fuck it, I gotta read this. Her first chapter is about Isaac Babel whose Red Cavalry got him in deep shit with Stalin because it's about how badly the commies fucked up their 1920 war with the Poles. It was meticulously researched and based on first person experience so he was obviously a goner. His object in life was finding out every fucking thing he could about things around him and writing them down. I'm enjoying this a lot.

Posted by: Captain Hate at April 05, 2020 10:05 AM (y7DUB)

230 I feel sorry for the faculty. They poured their lives into their career and while we mock academia, climbing the slippery pole is very difficult. I know liberal professors and they are decent people, even if I don't agree with their politics.

The administrators, on the other hand, deserve every bit of what they are getting. They produce nothing and wreck peoples' lives with utter callousness. What goes around comes around.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 09:56 AM (cfSRQ)

Both groups have good and bad apples. Once upon a time, my husband's former university had a predominantly American student body and reasonable rates. The administration wanted to keep it that way, it was good for advertising that they had a core constituency. It was the academics who rebelled and insisted that the "global community" was the real constituency, which translates as Chinese with a Confucious Institute, higher tuition and more cash for junkets to Asia and "endowed professorships" for people who towed that line. Now his department has a Chinese department chair who also chairs a counterpart back home and actively recruits more students from China.

This is a public university which also sucks up taxpayer money.

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 10:05 AM (ONvIw)

231 The success of countries with free societies and good education is that the talents of those who are smart but not geniuses get unleashed. IQs of 115, 120 and up. They're the people who help run things well. This contribution is usually local

In Commie societies these people are frustrated, or they become evil apparatchiks.

The contribution of true geniuses often knows no borders

Countries with median IQs of 80 and below will always be fucked

Posted by: Ignoramus at April 05, 2020 10:06 AM (9TdxA)

232 224 176 From CDC Website: Hospitals to List COVID-19 as Cause of Death Even if Its Assumed to Have Caused Or Contributed to Death Lab Tests Not Required

Explains the numbers being reported
Posted by: Nevergiveup at April 05, 2020 09:52 AM (85Gof)

Link to that specific article?
The CDC website is tough to navigate.
Posted by: m at April 05, 2020 10:04 AM (M5wRT)

https://tinyurl.com/rcrmngv

COVID-19 should be reported on the death certificate for all decedents where the disease caused or is
assumed to have caused or contributed to death.

Posted by: rhennigantx at April 05, 2020 10:06 AM (JFO2v)

233 Tapper blames the Virus on Trump. All leftist talking points
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 05, 2020 10:00 AM (9TdxA)

Once again, what's the ratio of 1) criticism of Trump to 2) criticism of China?

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at April 05, 2020 10:02 AM (7rVsF)


A. If only Trump hadn't been so racist and halted travel from China, all would be well!

B. The vicious criticism of the CDC and WHO seems missing as well.

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar at April 05, 2020 10:06 AM (BiNEL)

234 So instead, I started re-reading "Earth Abides." For those not familiar, it's about a man who survives a plague that wipes out most of the population. Whether it qualifies as "current events" remains to be seen.

Happy Sunday, Horde!
Posted by: PabloD at April 05, 2020 10:02 AM (foDr7)
------------

Wow, there is a blast from the past.

I remember that one. Surviving a bit by a poisonous snake seems like a rather extreme way to get immunity. Good read, though.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
at April 05, 2020 10:07 AM (WEBkv)

235
Charles Murray's The Bell Curve (1994) documented meticulously that the population's average intelligence is declining due to the higher birthrate of the lower classes. Dutton's 2018 book provides confirmatory data 24 years later.

You may not like this politically-incorrect truth (Murray certainly didn't), you may not want to read the books, but it is happening.

Posted by: cool breeze at April 05, 2020 09:57 AM


Idiocracy was (& is) prophecy

Posted by: AltonJackson
Impeach Whitmer!!!
Because: Reasons!!!
at April 05, 2020 10:07 AM (nbj1Q)

236 Now the burning question....why did she marry Charles?!?
Posted by: Euro at April 05, 2020 09:57 AM (btqC6)


**smiles**

I explain that in Thirteen Moons.

(note to other authors: that's how you sell)

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at April 05, 2020 10:07 AM (2JVJo)

237 The rural state parks and trails are open. We're heading a couple of hours away to one of the most beautiful parks in the state, logging some rugged trail miles and eating lunch on the trail. It'll be good to unplug for several hours. Oh and, the wildflowers are popping!

Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at April 05, 2020 10:07 AM (7Fj9P)

238 assumed to have caused or contributed to death.

Posted by: rhennigantx at April 05, 2020 10:06 AM (JFO2v)

We hold these truths to be self-evident!

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar at April 05, 2020 10:07 AM (BiNEL)

239 231 The success of countries with free societies and good education is that the talents of those who are smart but not geniuses get unleashed. IQs of 115, 120 and up. They're the people who help run things well. This contribution is usually local

In Commie societies these people are frustrated, or they become evil apparatchiks.

The contribution of true geniuses often knows no borders

Countries with median IQs of 80 and below will always be fucked
Posted by: Ignoramus at April 05, 2020 10:06 AM (9TdxA)

And having women in positions of authority and leadership also mean less chance of a very smart person being in charge as women populations have closer range in IQs. Also men have greater IQ ranges so that is why you see so many idiot men.

Posted by: rhennigantx at April 05, 2020 10:09 AM (JFO2v)

240 184 From CDC Website: Hospitals to List COVID-19 as Cause of Death Even if Its Assumed to Have Caused Or Contributed to Death Lab Tests Not Required

Not science. Politics.
Posted by: Mr. Peebles at April 05, 2020 09:53 AM (oVJmc)

Sounds like an act of desperation by a failing gov agency

Posted by: Slow Reader at April 05, 2020 10:09 AM (kE3dB)

241 Does anyone else forget how many books they have? I'm packing, getting ready to move, and I found a couple boxes of books under the bed that never got unpacked from the last move. I make a habit of buying old, classic, and weird stuff, so my kids- that I don't have yet- can read them. And a few years ago, I had a streak of, "Yikes, the political situation here sucks. Maybe I should start collecting books, so I have them when TPTB don't allow them to be printed anymore." So I have tons of books that I don't want to get rid of, but need to be packed.
Posted by: right wing yankee at April 05, 2020 09:57 AM (zlzYb)
---
This is exactly what I faced a few months ago when I was packing up for my move. I thought I had allotted myself plenty of time but came in just under the wire. And I was bubble-wrapping the strangest collection of antiquarian, schlock pulp, SF, art, and history imaginable. Why?!

Thank God I did (I mean, there was never really a question), because the last thing I ever imagined, libraries being shut down, has occurred. Will dead trees books become a thing of the past "for health and safety"?

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Michigangsta at April 05, 2020 10:09 AM (Dc2NZ)

242
82
This is your answer. Degrees no longer measure intelligence, but instead conformity.

This is proven by a simple test: name a single academic discipline that has gotten *more strict* in the last 20 years.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 09:26 AM (cfSRQ)

Conformity to agenda. My kid was almost denied a degree as the Senior thesis was deemed anti-China. With only a few weeks to go, the paper had to be altered or forget it.

Now everything in the paper was documented, but that didn't matter. The U had a Confucius Institute and could not be seen as supporting harmful output!

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 10:09 AM (ONvIw)

243 Oh, I bought 13 Moons...I know how to answer my question

Posted by: Euro at April 05, 2020 10:09 AM (btqC6)

244 Higher ed is going to get turned upside down.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 09:51 AM (cfSRQ)

One can hope.

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 10:09 AM (NWiLs)

245 From CDC Website: Hospitals to List COVID-19 as Cause of Death Even if Its Assumed to Have Caused Or Contributed to Death Lab Tests Not Required

Explains the numbers being reported
Posted by: Nevergiveup at April 05, 2020 09:52 AM (85Gof)


From what I hear from folks that actually treat COVID-19 patients, it is pretty obvious when someone is dying from it. No real need to for testing to figure out when someone is drowning in their own bodily fluids.

The NEED for people here to believe that what is obviously happening is not happening is interesting, to say the least. Amusing that we used to talk here about Black Swans, Gods of the Copybook Headings, etc., ad nauseum here back the the Obama days, but when it actually happens on a schedule that happens to be inconvenient for the conservatives suddenly it all a hoax....

Posted by: Grey Fox at April 05, 2020 10:09 AM (nBq51)

246 232 224 176 From CDC Website: Hospitals to List COVID-19 as Cause of Death Even if Its Assumed to Have Caused Or Contributed to Death Lab Tests Not Required

Explains the numbers being reported
Posted by: Nevergiveup at April 05, 2020 09:52 AM (85Gof)

Link to that specific article?
The CDC website is tough to navigate.
Posted by: m at April 05, 2020 10:04 AM (M5wRT)

https://tinyurl.com/rcrmngv

COVID-19 should be reported on the death certificate for all decedents where the disease caused or is
assumed to have caused or contributed to death.
Posted by: rhennigantx at April 05, 2020 10:06 AM (JFO2v)

Thanks, rhennigantx!

Posted by: m at April 05, 2020 10:10 AM (M5wRT)

247 One can hope.
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 10:09 AM (NWiLs)

Totally agree.

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 10:10 AM (ONvIw)

248 I used to wander around Fisher often when I was a youngster, which may explain in part my love for modern and surreal art. The ground floor always, always had a nice little exhibition going.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 05, 2020 10:10 AM (EZebt)

249 I explain that in Thirteen Moons.
(note to other authors: that's how you sell)
=================
I think we've had this discussion before, but there's a book by (Wm.?) Fraser called Thirteen Moons. AND, it's really interesting; it involves the Cherokee Nation when they were still in NC. Many of them were successful farmers. They also owned slaves.

Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at April 05, 2020 10:11 AM (7Fj9P)

250 I'm thinking of writing a book titled "Good Grief, I'm Surrounded by Idiots!"

I just need to figure out who I'm going to market it to.

Posted by: Muldoon at April 05, 2020 10:11 AM (m45I2)

251 The NEED for people here to believe that what is obviously happening is not happening is interesting, to say the least. Amusing that we used to talk here about Black Swans, Gods of the Copybook Headings, etc., ad nauseum here back the the Obama days, but when it actually happens on a schedule that happens to be inconvenient for the conservatives suddenly it all a hoax....
Posted by: Grey Fox at April 05, 2020 10:09 AM (nBq51)

----------------

I'm in a group that is known to die from congestive heart failure. So, your thesis is that if I wind up in the hospital, it should be assumed I died from Wuhan Flu?

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
at April 05, 2020 10:12 AM (WEBkv)

252 250 I'm thinking of writing a book titled "Good Grief, I'm Surrounded by Idiots!"

I just need to figure out who I'm going to market it to.
Posted by: Muldoon at April 05, 2020 10:11 AM (m45I2)

Change it from idiots to morons and we're your target!

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 10:12 AM (ONvIw)

253 202
There's another I'm forgetting.



The Outlaw Josey Wales.



The book is absolutely awful - Poorly drawn, stereotyped characters
and preachy, ham-handed editorializing in the narration. Plus, the
author really liked to talk about rape, which is particularly evident in
the sequel...

Posted by: Grey Fox at April 05, 2020 09:57 AM (nBq51)


I checked that book out of the library a few years ago. I loved the movie but after reading the first chapter I took it back. the book was awful. I'm glad I did not waste money buying it.


Posted by: Vic at April 05, 2020 10:12 AM (mpXpK)

254 I just need to figure out who I'm going to market it to.

Posted by: Muldoon at April 05, 2020 10:11 AM (m45I2)


I know of just such a web site, you gonna be rich!

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar at April 05, 2020 10:13 AM (BiNEL)

255 The third of the three draft novels I wrote was set in China. I worried when I wrote it that I made the Chinese characters too assholish. Now I think I didn't go far enough.

And, of course, the whole book is now obsolete because of what's happening now. I feel like it's 1939 and I just wrote a book on the coming German dominance of the zeppelin business.

Posted by: Vanya at April 05, 2020 10:13 AM (BAsqb)

256 CDC was busy trying to find out sex habits of overweight lesbians and poor people living in poor neighborhoods bought guns.

Posted by: rhennigantx at April 05, 2020 10:13 AM (JFO2v)

257 Just poking with a stick. A long, pointy stick. All in fun.

Posted by: Ace-misspelled Cartoonist mindful webworker at April 05, 2020 10:13 AM (AoLFQ)

258 Posted by: Grey Fox at April 05, 2020 10:09 AM (nBq51)

Yeah no. Taking what I posted out of context

Posted by: Nevergiveup at April 05, 2020 10:13 AM (85Gof)

259 I'm in a group that is known to die from congestive heart failure. So, your thesis is that if I wind up in the hospital, it should be assumed I died from Wuhan Flu?
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
at April 05, 2020 10:12 AM (WEBkv)

CDC says thats the way to do it!

Posted by: rhennigantx at April 05, 2020 10:14 AM (JFO2v)

260 Antioch College was even more liberal. I believe it's gone the way of the dodo.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 09:45 AM (cfSRQ)


You are correct. I used to walk my dog with a woman who used to teach there; classic old school lib so not nutty at all. She left when the wimmenz studies coven decided to make her husband a target of their insanity and she said fuck it. She wasn't broken up about the fate of the dump other than her few fellow sane people.

Posted by: Captain Hate at April 05, 2020 10:14 AM (y7DUB)

261 It was the academics who rebelled and insisted that
the "global community" was the real constituency, which translates as
Chinese with a Confucious Institute, higher tuition and more cash for
junkets to Asia and "endowed professorships" for people who towed that
line. Now his department has a Chinese department chair who also chairs a
counterpart back home and actively recruits more students from China.



This is a public university which also sucks up taxpayer money.

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 10:05 AM (ONvIw)

---
This may seem a quibble, but I would argue that the academics appointed themselves administrators. They weren't content to teach, but wanted to rebuild the joint with their own goals at heart, forgetting their actual job.

Administrators are also highly-credentialed and pride themselves on this, but they produce nothing but rules and bloat, ruining lives in the process.

It may seem a distinction without a difference, but while a tenured professor teaching classes may share the exact same political views as the Deputy Provost for Institutional Equity, the latter can (and does) wreck a lot more lives on a regular basis - and commands a far higher salary.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 10:14 AM (cfSRQ)

262 Oh, I bought 13 Moons...I know how to answer my question
Posted by: Euro at April 05, 2020 10:09 AM (btqC6)


Well, that won't keep you up long, since it's a short story. But the explanation is there.

I am actually grateful to the Kung Flu, because it's giving me time and forcing me to buckle down on the next Theda Bara book, The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of, which takes place in 1917 while she is filming Cleopatra.

And then, if I ever get to it, there will be a third full-length book, Ten Thousand Midnights, where Theo and Toby get caught up in a web of lies concerning both the murder of director William Desmond Taylor and the rape trial of Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at April 05, 2020 10:14 AM (2JVJo)

263 And OMG, the radio is now playing Ravel's Pavane For A Dead Princess. I love that piece so much.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at April 05, 2020 10:15 AM (2JVJo)

264 #256... don't forget College of Charleston's on trans biker who got the CDC / porkulous grant to study shrimp on treadmills

Posted by: Euro at April 05, 2020 10:15 AM (btqC6)

265 I'm in a group that is known to die from congestive heart failure. So, your thesis is that if I wind up in the hospital, it should be assumed I died from Wuhan Flu?

Depends. Are you drowning in your own fluids and exhibiting the by-now-very-well-known indications of Covid-19 when your heart stops, or did you have a heart attack while jogging? These details matter, just a tiny bit.

Posted by: Grey Fox at April 05, 2020 10:16 AM (nBq51)

266 264 #256... don't forget College of Charleston's on trans biker who got the CDC / porkulous grant to study shrimp on treadmills
Posted by: Euro at April 05, 2020 10:15 AM (btqC6)

Should've made them weight train instead. Jumbo shrimp!

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 10:16 AM (NWiLs)

267 TRY TO GIVE ME SOMETHING TO WORK WITH NEXT TIME!
Posted by: BEN


Hhahahaaa

Posted by: mindful webworker
if modern media covered Easter week...!
at April 05, 2020 10:16 AM (AoLFQ)

268
231 The success of countries with free societies and good education is
that the talents of those who are smart but not geniuses get unleashed.
IQs of 115, 120 and up. They're the people who help run things well.
This contribution is usually local



In Commie societies these people are frustrated, or they become evil apparatchiks.



The contribution of true geniuses often knows no borders



Countries with median IQs of 80 and below will always be fucked

Posted by: Ignoramus at April 05, 2020 10:06 AM (9TdxA)



And having women in positions of authority and leadership also mean
less chance of a very smart person being in charge as women populations
have closer range in IQs. Also men have greater IQ ranges so that is
why you see so many idiot men.

Posted by: rhennigantx at April 05, 2020 10:09 AM (JFO2v)

Don't underestimate the contributions of common sense and a good memory. One or both of those can make up for a lot of IQ points. My husband is amazing at logic and reasoning, but has a lousy memory. My IQ is about thirty points lower than his, but my memory and common sense are better. We muddle along well enough, but can you imagine the troubles facing a person with an average IQ and a lousy memory?

Posted by: right wing yankee at April 05, 2020 10:16 AM (zlzYb)

269
CDC says thats the way to do it!
Posted by: rhennigantx at April 05, 2020 10:14 AM (JFO2v)

-------------

Heh.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
at April 05, 2020 10:16 AM (WEBkv)

270 251 The NEED for people here to believe that what is obviously happening is not happening is interesting, to say the least. Amusing that we used to talk here about Black Swans, Gods of the Copybook Headings, etc., ad nauseum here back the the Obama days, but when it actually happens on a schedule that happens to be inconvenient for the conservatives suddenly it all a hoax....
Posted by: Grey Fox at April 05, 2020 10:09 AM (nBq51)

Oh bullshit, dude. Nobody around here says the disease itself is a hoax.

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 10:17 AM (NWiLs)

271 Our library is open via its drive through window.

When it comes to Burroughs, I definitely prefer Edgar Rice.

Posted by: Mrs. Peel at April 05, 2020 10:17 AM (rWZ8Y)

272 Is it actually a decline in intelligence or is there also a correlation
between the decline in intelligence and the decline in education?


Murray documents that it is a decline in innate intelligence, which has a genetic component and is measurable at a fairly young age, before the educational system has had enough time to account for much of the decline. The declining educational system obviously isn't helping matters.

Keep in mind that this is the average intelligence of the entire population. The upper classes may be increasing in innate intelligence, but they are being swamped by the higher birthrates among the lower classes and third world.

Posted by: cool breeze at April 05, 2020 10:17 AM (UGKMd)

273
Part of caring for one's flock is watching after the infirm and vulnerable, who are not only uniquely susceptible, but also often the most determined to attend mass.

This too shall pass and our parish is working overtime to find ways to connect with people. It's pretty amazing.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 09:38 AM

Same in my parish, which just got a new (middle-aged) priest in December. He had an open-air Mass last week, but I stupidly missed it because I wasn't checking the website (which the previous priests let languish). I pray for them.

In Italy, 67 priests have died of Coronavirus. It sounds like even when things go back to normal, there will be no priest in the parish where our distant cousins live.

Posted by: NaughtyPine at April 05, 2020 10:18 AM (/+bwe)

274 Now everything in the paper was documented, but that
didn't matter. The U had a Confucius Institute and could not be seen as
supporting harmful output!

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 10:09 AM (ONvIw)

---
Which is funny because the ChiComs hate Confucius. They've done everything they can to destroy the Confucian belief system.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 10:18 AM (cfSRQ)

275 For today:

The Donkey
BY G. K. CHESTERTON
When fishes flew and forests walked
And figs grew upon thorn,
Some moment when the moon was blood
Then surely I was born.

With monstrous head and sickening cry
And ears like errant wings,
The devil's walking parody
On all four-footed things.

The tattered outlaw of the earth,
Of ancient crooked will;
Starve, scourge, deride me: I am dumb,
I keep my secret still.

Fools! For I also had my hour;
One far fierce hour and sweet:
There was a shout about my ears,
And palms before my feet.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 10:18 AM (ZbwAu)

276 Think I'll crawl back under the covers and continue reading.

Later, book taters!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Michigangsta at April 05, 2020 10:18 AM (Dc2NZ)

277 Thank God I did (I mean, there was never really a question), because the last thing I ever imagined, libraries being shut down, has occurred. Will dead trees books become a thing of the past "for health and safety"?

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Michigangsta at April 05, 2020 10:09 AM (Dc2NZ)
This, too. All the while, I was assuming the books wouldn't be published. Instead, they're being locked up. Health and safety, my ass.

Posted by: right wing yankee at April 05, 2020 10:19 AM (zlzYb)

278 Which is funny because the ChiComs hate Confucius. They've done everything they can to destroy the Confucian belief system.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 10:18 AM (cfSRQ)

Yes, but the round eyes know who he is, and name recognition is important. It's like Gandhi.

Posted by: Vanya at April 05, 2020 10:19 AM (BAsqb)

279 ...but can you imagine the troubles facing a person with an average IQ and a lousy memory?


**********

I don't really know the answer to that and...um...I forget, what was your second question?

Posted by: Muldoon at April 05, 2020 10:19 AM (m45I2)

280 China's gig is up. The Virus is the biggest Own Goal in history, accelerating and ensuring the end of the CCP. What comes next?

The rationale for the EU is seriously in question

Posted by: Ignoramus at April 05, 2020 10:19 AM (9TdxA)

281 Thank you, Eeyore!

Posted by: NaughtyPine at April 05, 2020 10:19 AM (/+bwe)

282 OK, folks, if I don't get going, no work is going to be done. Since the climax of the book takes place here

https://tinyurl.com/rqex59d

- I have to figure out how to get my heroes there.

Hope you all have a lovely day.

Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at April 05, 2020 10:20 AM (2JVJo)

283 Superlative Book Thread, OM. I have no idea how you do it.

The picture of the girl reading 'Alice in Wonderland' reminded me of the the segment in 'A Christmas Carol' where the Ghost of Christmas Past has transported Scrooge back to when he was a schoolboy, and Scrooge sees himself alone, reading adventure stories, and visualizing what he had seen in his mind as a boy;

“There’s the Parrot!” cried Scrooge. “Green body and yellow tail, with a thing like a lettuce growing out of the top of his head; there he is! Poor Robin Crusoe, he called him, when he came home again after sailing round the island. ‘Poor Robin Crusoe, where have you been, Robin Crusoe?’ The man thought he was dreaming, but he wasn’t. It was the Parrot, you know. There goes Friday, running for his life to the little creek! Halloa! Hoop! Halloo!”

Posted by: Mike hammer, etc., etc. at April 05, 2020 10:22 AM (cg4r6)

284 246 232 224 176 From CDC Website: Hospitals to List COVID-19 as Cause of Death Even if Its Assumed to Have Caused Or Contributed to Death Lab Tests Not Required

Explains the numbers being reported
Posted by: Nevergiveup at April 05, 2020 09:52 AM (85Gof)

Link to that specific article?
The CDC website is tough to navigate.
Posted by: m at April 05, 2020 10:04 AM (M5wRT)

https://tinyurl.com/rcrmngv

COVID-19 should be reported on the death certificate for all decedents where the disease caused or is
assumed to have caused or contributed to death.
Posted by: rhennigantx at April 05, 2020 10:06 AM (JFO2v)

Thanks, rhennigantx!
Posted by: m at April 05, 2020 10:10 AM (M5wRT)

That guidance (NVSS COVID-19 Alert No. 2; dated March 24, 2020) has since been updated.

NVSS Vital Statistics Reporting Guidance, Report No. 3; dated April 2020:

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvss/vsrg/vsrg03-508.pdf

Posted by: m at April 05, 2020 10:22 AM (M5wRT)

285 Oh bullshit, dude. Nobody around here says the disease itself is a hoax.

No one is disputing that the disease exists, no. The premise that this is not much worse than the average flu season is pretty common, though, and thus that the whole response to it is some sort of plot or hoax is pretty common, though.

Posted by: Grey Fox at April 05, 2020 10:22 AM (nBq51)

286 165 I read another Nero Wolfe story. I'm slowly working my way through all of them and each has been a delight. (As I've said before, anyone who can use the term 'thaumaturge' correctly deserves to be read.) Only Louis L'Amour books are a faster read.
Posted by: JTB at April 05, 2020 09:48 AM (7EjX1)
_______

My problem is that the Mrs decided we would eat healthy during Lent. So, in an act of unconscious masochism, I decided to read more Wolfe. I think only Wodehouse's Brinkley stories would have been worse.

I think I first encountered "thaumaturge" in James Branch Cabell.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 10:22 AM (ZbwAu)

287 It may seem a distinction without a difference, but while a tenured professor teaching classes may share the exact same political views as the Deputy Provost for Institutional Equity, the latter can (and does) wreck a lot more lives on a regular basis - and commands a far higher salary.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 10:14 AM (cfSRQ)

Some schools have a strong faculty that bands together. This is one and it is set up that way, the faculty resists quite a bit. MSU was not set up that way, my husband taught there for about 15 years, and the administration had much more pull.

At universities receiving federal or state money, the government has plenty of control on Equity, diversity, and the like and mandate that there must be a "director" level position dedicated to it to assure "compliance". Sadly, from my experience, hospitals must do the same and guarantee "compliance" with the latest dogma out of the state house.

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 10:23 AM (ONvIw)

288 The kids are stuck in an endless loop. They're playing "scare simulator" (from Monsters University).

10 8yo shouts "ROOOOOAAAAAARRRRR!!"
20 3yo shouts "AIEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!"
30 GOTO 10

Posted by: Mrs. Peel at April 05, 2020 10:23 AM (rWZ8Y)

289 Murray documents that it is a decline in innate intelligence, which has a genetic component and is measurable at a fairly young age, before the educational system has had enough time to account for much of the decline. The declining educational system obviously isn't helping matters.

Keep in mind that this is the average intelligence of the entire population. The upper classes may be increasing in innate intelligence, but they are being swamped by the higher birthrates among the lower classes and third world.
Posted by: cool breeze at April 05, 2020 10:17 AM (UGKMd)

The education system does more to crush intellectual curiosity and love for learning faster than anything else I can think of. It's designed to suppress intelligence.

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 10:23 AM (NWiLs)

290 The premise that this is not much worse than the average flu season is pretty common, though, and thus that the whole response to it is some sort of plot or hoax is pretty common, though.
Posted by: Grey Fox at April 05, 2020 10:22 AM (nBq51)

No here buddy.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at April 05, 2020 10:24 AM (85Gof)

291 I do think that most everyone will see through the propaganda, and that this is the beginning of the end of communist china, no matter how much they pay Tapper and others.

Posted by: Vashta Nerada at April 05, 2020 10:24 AM (2WCny)

292 Don't underestimate the contributions of common
sense and a good memory. One or both of those can make up for a lot of
IQ points. My husband is amazing at logic and reasoning, but has a lousy
memory. My IQ is about thirty points lower than his, but my memory and
common sense are better. We muddle along well enough, but can you
imagine the troubles facing a person with an average IQ and a lousy
memory?


Posted by: right wing yankee


It's a growing problem, in the sense that as society becomes more and more complex, fewer people are able to navigate it successfully. Modern society uses government to protect them, but an increasing fraction simply check out of reality and spend their lives watching Oprah because they know they can't compete or really contribute. As in Silicon Valley, a decreasing percentage of the population drives things, but eventually nobody will really understand the system. Then what? Skynet?
**sets hair alight**

Posted by: pep at April 05, 2020 10:24 AM (T6t7i)

293 This, too. All the while, I was assuming the books wouldn't be published. Instead, they're being locked up. Health and safety, my ass.
Posted by: right wing yankee
-------

The only way to be certain of ridding them of the contagion, is to burn them.

Posted by: Mike hammer, etc., etc. at April 05, 2020 10:25 AM (cg4r6)

294 278 Which is funny because the ChiComs hate Confucius. They've done everything they can to destroy the Confucian belief system.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 10:18 AM (cfSRQ)

Yes, but the round eyes know who he is, and name recognition is important. It's like Gandhi.
Posted by: Vanya at April 05, 2020 10:19 AM (BAsqb)

And like the muslim schools taking the name of Khalil Gibran, who was a Christian

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 10:25 AM (ONvIw)

295 I do think that most everyone will see through the propaganda, and that this is the beginning of the end of communist china, no matter how much they pay Tapper and others.
Posted by: Vashta Nerada at April 05, 2020 10:24 AM (2WCny)

Your more optimistic than me.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at April 05, 2020 10:25 AM (85Gof)

296 As I've been reading about travelers on colonial and early American frontiers, I'm more and more impressed at how much was accomplished with minimal tools. A single axe and a couple of good knives, and the means to sharpen them, could do everything from build a house to butcher meat, carve for need and recreation, and provide protection. A lucet the size of a deck of cards and thinner could take scraps of fiber to make strong cord. Hand made knitting needles, crochet hooks and a drop spindle, so simple to make, were needed for many purposes and were a means to train children in basic skills. There are many other examples.

I think this may tie in with the book mentioned in the post about people becoming less intelligent. As people become more dependent on the efforts of others to live their lives, they sacrifice the ability to adapt and apply knowledge to practical matters. Knowing how to download an app doesn't compare, in the long run, to feeding or protecting yourself. Even amusements and recreations are dependent on others, whether playing an instrument, dealing a hand of solitaire, or doing a physical jigsaw puzzle.

I'm not suggesting abandoning technology but being more involved in their own lives, and less reliant on others, would help people on many levels.

Just a thought coming out of reading.

Posted by: JTB at April 05, 2020 10:25 AM (7EjX1)

297 Everyone says Jaws movie is better, and as Last of the Mohicans is a favorite movie and read the book at least the movie cleaned up lots of pages.

Posted by: Skip at April 05, 2020 10:25 AM (ZCEU2)

298 I hope they have a Fine Farts Library too.

Posted by: Gene Belcher, Fart School For The Gifted at April 05, 2020 10:26 AM (igzmT)

299 The premise that this is not much worse than the
average flu season is pretty common, though, and thus that the whole
response to it is some sort of plot or hoax is pretty common, though.

Posted by: Grey Fox at April 05, 2020 10:22 AM (nBq51)
The premise is correct, even if the conclusion isn't. As of yesterday, about 7,000 Americans had died of the WuFlu, if you believe the numbers. Each year, the US loses 30-80,000 people to the usual bog-standard flu. So excepting some small pockets like NYC and Albany, GA, this is better than an average flu season.

Posted by: right wing yankee at April 05, 2020 10:26 AM (zlzYb)

300 Depends. Are you drowning in your own fluids and
exhibiting the by-now-very-well-known indications of Covid-19 when your
heart stops, or did you have a heart attack while jogging? These details
matter, just a tiny bit.

Posted by: Grey Fox at April 05, 2020 10:16 AM (nBq51)

---
I find the Wuhan Flu debates somewhat tedious, but just for fun, I'm going to offer this half-assed, insincere defense of the CDC on the following grounds:

What is more dangerous, underestimating Covid-19 cases or overestimating them?

To put it another way, is there an incentive in place for medical workers to downplay its severity so that they don't have to take additional steps, initiate protocols, etc?

We know the ChiComs covered it up. So it seems an over-correction on the other side.

Would grossly under-estimating the role of the disease be worse than knowingly inflating it?

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 10:27 AM (cfSRQ)

301 Biden: Firing of USS Theodore Roosevelt Captain Was Close to Criminal

fuckin idiot

Posted by: Nevergiveup at April 05, 2020 10:27 AM (85Gof)

302 203 Well, up to a point. The California articles are
savage, as was the resulting novel. But The American Era in the Catholic
Church gives a positive spin on much about America.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 09:54 AM (ZbwAu)

---
Like the way you worked the quote from Scoop in there.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 09:58 AM (cfSRQ)
_______

Thought you might like it, Lord Copper.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 10:27 AM (ZbwAu)

303 The cartoon is funny; sometimes the movie is better than the book. A perfect example is The Ipcres File by Len Deighton. I found the novel rather rambling and incoherent -- the side expedition to the nuke test island is confusing and doesn't really serve to move the plot forward. The entire mental torture scheme in only a relatively few paragraphs in the novel while it is an important theme in the movie.

The movie is taut and crisp. Michael Caine IS the "Spy With No Name" and does a great job in the movie.

Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at April 05, 2020 10:27 AM (00fXp)

304 Keep in mind that this is the average intelligence
of the entire population. The upper classes may be increasing in innate
intelligence, but they are being swamped by the higher birthrates among
the lower classes and third world.


Posted by: cool breeze


I predict that the truly intelligent will try to find ways to isolate themselves from the general population and reproduce among themselves. Think of any number of sci fi books and movies, e.g. Altered Carbon. In a sense this is already happening because of assortative mating.

Posted by: pep at April 05, 2020 10:28 AM (T6t7i)

305 The Virus is burning through NYC and environs quickly because of high transmission rates. We'll peak in a week, and then it will be largely gone by the end of April.

States like TX and FL will take two months to largely "clear."

Do we have the balls to get back to work?

Posted by: Ignoramus at April 05, 2020 10:28 AM (9TdxA)

306 NVSS Vital Statistics Reporting Guidance, Report No. 3; dated April 2020:

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvss/vsrg/vsrg03-508.pdf

From that report:

In cases where a definite diagnosis of COVID-19 cannot be made, but it is suspected or likely (e.g., the circumstances are compelling within a reasonable degree of certainty), it is acceptable to report COVID-19 on a death certificate as "probable" or "presumed." In these instances, certifiers should use their best clinical judgement in determining if a COVID-19 infection was likely. However, please note that testing for COVID-19 should be conducted whenever possible.

Posted by: m at April 05, 2020 10:28 AM (M5wRT)

307 Biden: Firing of USS Theodore Roosevelt Captain Was Close to Criminal

fuckin idiot
Posted by: Nevergiveup at April 05, 2020 10:27 AM (85Gof)

So... Not criminal, then?

Posted by: Vanya at April 05, 2020 10:28 AM (BAsqb)

308 Jaywalker Struck By Cement Truck, Dies Of The 'Rona!

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at April 05, 2020 10:29 AM (+y/Ru)

309 Back to books: Has anyone read Notes from the Underground? I read about half of it and I can't decide whether I hate the narrator or just think he's pathetic.

Posted by: Vanya at April 05, 2020 10:29 AM (BAsqb)

310 226 Texas Infections 
3/20 175
3/21 235 
3/22 263 
3/23 287 Almost double 4th day 
3/24 712 Doubled 1 day 
3/25 975 
3/26 1,394 
3/27 1,731 
3/28 2,048 Doubled 
3/29 2,552 
3/30 2,874 
3/31 3,266 
4/1 3,997 Doubled

Posted by: rhennigantx at April 05, 2020 10:05 AM (JFO2v

Now do number of tests performed by date...

Posted by: Tofer732 at April 05, 2020 10:29 AM (stjCJ)

311 Anyway, I spent a great deal of my reading time on deciding which books were best for the grandsons, especially the one that has the online program that must be completed daily.

Interestingly, the teacher is only looking at the downloading that directly addresses the small amount of material she assigns, and has repeatedly stated that kids are only expected to devote one hour a day to schoolwork. What does she do with them from 8:45-3:15 daily?

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 10:30 AM (ONvIw)

312 1st impression: The Fisher Fine Arts Library has no comfy chairs!

Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at April 05, 2020 10:30 AM (CjFDo)

313 I think this may tie in with the book mentioned in
the post about people becoming less intelligent. As people become more
dependent on the efforts of others to live their lives, they sacrifice
the ability to adapt and apply knowledge to practical matters. Knowing
how to download an app doesn't compare, in the long run, to feeding or
protecting yourself. Even amusements and recreations are dependent on
others, whether playing an instrument, dealing a hand of solitaire, or
doing a physical jigsaw puzzle.



I'm not suggesting abandoning technology but being more involved in
their own lives, and less reliant on others, would help people on many
levels.



Just a thought coming out of reading.

Posted by: JTB


An excellent thought. Nothing drives intellectual development like having to repair your own plumbing.

Posted by: pep at April 05, 2020 10:30 AM (T6t7i)

314 No one is disputing that the disease exists, no. The premise that this is not much worse than the average flu season is pretty common, though, and thus that the whole response to it is some sort of plot or hoax is pretty common, though.
Posted by: Grey Fox at April 05, 2020 10:22 AM (nBq51)
-----------------

It's not unreasonable to think the Chinese might have committed an act of war against the US.

It is also not unreasonable to think the political class isn't using the virus as a reason to show the deplorables who is in charge.

You call it a plot, I call it an excuse for government to exert totalitarian authority.

You tell me who may be closer to the truth.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
at April 05, 2020 10:30 AM (WEBkv)

315 Posted by: grammie winger at April 05, 2020 09:24 AM (lwiT4)

I will think of you when we drive through Wesconsin in a few days. Prayers for you...

Posted by: clutch at April 05, 2020 10:30 AM (H6Rtx)

316 I predict that the truly intelligent will try to find ways to isolate themselves from the general population and reproduce among themselves. Think of any number of sci fi books and movies, e.g. Altered Carbon. In a sense this is already happening because of assortative mating.
Posted by: pep at April 05, 2020 10:28 AM (T6t7i)

So you're saying I should've married better?

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 10:31 AM (NWiLs)

317 I'm thinking of writing a book titled "Good Grief, I'm Surrounded by Idiots!"

I just need to figure out who I'm going to market it to.
Posted by: Muldoon at April 05, 2020 10:11 AM


Spaceballs?

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at April 05, 2020 10:31 AM (ejd/p)

318 225 The idea that we can somehow control or manage intellect is itself ignorant of the very wide/broad scope of human history. The statistics that much of this 'reasoning' depends on are flawed from the start. It's nothing close to science. It barely passes as speculation. Not that Murray & company shouldn't be listened to. As Thomas Sowell famously said,

"Considering how often throughout history even intelligent people have been proved to be wrong, it is amazing that there are still people who are convinced that the only reason anyone could possibly say something different from what they believe is stupidity or dishonesty."

And...

"There is usually only a limited amount of damage that can be done by dull or stupid people. For creating a truly monumental disaster, you need people with high IQs."
Posted by: WTP at April 05, 2020 10:05 AM (WQfDg)
_______

My favorite variant is Orwell's "It would take an intellectual to believe that. No ordinary man could be such a fool."

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 10:31 AM (ZbwAu)

319 Just a thought coming out of reading.
===================
That's a pretty good thought. What is interesting to me is that I think there is a human need for that kind of handsy productivity/skill/discipline. There are some interesting hybrid workflows coming out of the "maker" movement, with 3D printing and advanced CNC machines.

Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at April 05, 2020 10:31 AM (7Fj9P)

320 Depends. Are you drowning in your own fluids and exhibiting the by-now-very-well-known indications of Covid-19
Posted by: Grey Fox at April 05, 2020 10:16 AM (nBq51)

Neil Ferguson, lead author of the Imperial College study on Covid-19, said that half the projected deaths from Covid-19 would have died by year end anyway, without the virus.

Posted by: Slow Reader at April 05, 2020 10:32 AM (kE3dB)

321 Maybe I'll do the shortened version and call it "Good Grief, I'm Surrounded by Idiots: For Dummies"

Posted by: Muldoon at April 05, 2020 10:33 AM (m45I2)

322 Keep in mind that this is the average intelligence of the entire
population. The upper classes may be increasing in innate intelligence,
but they are being swamped by the higher birthrates among the lower
classes and third world.

Posted by: cool breeze at April 05, 2020 10:17 AM (UGKMd)

---
Is Murray talking about the US or the entire world?

It's controversial to say it, but certain groups have different traits. Some are taller, some tend to gain weight easier, tolerate different foods, etc.

Intelligence is one of those traits. So if you take a population of short, highly-intelligent people and intermingle it was a tall, less intelligent one, you'll see movement at the bulge of the curve, but the tails may stay in place.

Or maybe not. This is getting dangerously close to math.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 10:33 AM (cfSRQ)

323
It is also not unreasonable to think the political class isn't using the virus as a reason to show the deplorables who is in charge.
--------------

I need an editor.


It is also not unreasonable to think the political class is using the virus as a reason to show the deplorables who is in charge.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
at April 05, 2020 10:33 AM (WEBkv)

324 309 Back to books: Has anyone read Notes from the Underground? I read about half of it and I can't decide whether I hate the narrator or just think he's pathetic.
Posted by: Vanya at April 05, 2020 10:29 AM (BAsqb)

Or both? He's supposed to be an anti-hero, IIRC and a very bitter man

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 10:33 AM (ONvIw)

325
...and thus that the whole response to it is some sort of plot or hoax is pretty common, though.

Posted by: Grey Fox at April 05, 2020 10:22 AM


if by "plot or hoax" you mean a "deliberate over-reaction, over-blown & disproportionate to the threat at hand, designed to tank the economy on purpose to advance the progressive agenda"

then, yes, it's a plot or a hoax

Was there this level of hysteria for the swine flu? for ebola? Both were arguably more contagious & more lethal.

Posted by: AltonJackson
Impeach Whitmer!!!
Because: Reasons!!!
at April 05, 2020 10:33 AM (nbj1Q)

326 Or both? He's supposed to be an anti-hero, IIRC and a very bitter man
Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 10:33 AM (ONvIw)

Hmm. Or that.

Posted by: Vanya at April 05, 2020 10:34 AM (BAsqb)

327 It is also not unreasonable to think the political class is using the virus as a reason to show the deplorables who is in charge.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
at April 05, 2020 10:33 AM (WEBkv)

Birx, for example, is married to a big time Clinton operative. She is pure political class and sees her star rising here.

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 10:34 AM (ONvIw)

328 It's a growing problem, in the sense that as society
becomes more and more complex, fewer people are able to navigate it
successfully. Modern society uses government to protect them, but an
increasing fraction simply check out of reality and spend their lives
watching Oprah because they know they can't compete or really
contribute. As in Silicon Valley, a decreasing percentage of the
population drives things, but eventually nobody will really understand
the system. Then what? Skynet?
**sets hair alight**


Posted by: pep at April 05, 2020 10:24 AM (T6t7i)
And the really depressing thing about it is, there's a widening gulf between technology-haves and technology have-nots. You're either all in, with the smartphone and GPS and smart fridge, or you're a hippie living off the land (not quite that simplistic, of course). It's getting harder to bridge the gap between having new tech and doing things for yourself. See also: car maintenance. No wonder so many people drop out of life.

Posted by: right wing yankee at April 05, 2020 10:34 AM (zlzYb)

329 Well, off to see if I can wreak havoc and generally create mayhem.

Time to work on installing a shelf.

I wish Ace was around to show me how it should be done.

Later!

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
at April 05, 2020 10:35 AM (WEBkv)

330 I prredict that the truly intelligent will try to find ways to isolate themselves from the general population and reproduce among themselves.
Posted by: pep

---

This is happening, but at the same time the credentialed are doing the same, creating a ruling class without the intellectual tools needed.

Posted by: Vashta Nerada at April 05, 2020 10:35 AM (2WCny)

331 Anyone else use Thriftbooks as a source? I don't think it's an amazon affiliate and so far I've been pleased with their quality and delivery.

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 09:10 AM (ONvIw)


I've usually had good luck with Thrift Books. They are pretty accurate in their descriptions and responsive if you're not happy with the condition when it arrives. My biggest complaint is that they usually do not use a padded mailer, so the book is not protected during mailing. For that reason, I don't use Thrift Books for the really collectible books unless they are the only game in town.

I usually do a price/quality comparison between Abebooks, Ebay and Amazon. Sometimes the collectible books are more expensive on Abebooks because it is a bibliophile-centric website. It is just luck of the draw, all depending on what I'm looking for and when.

Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at April 05, 2020 10:35 AM (00fXp)

332 I also took another stab at Soren Kierkegaard last night. I swear I'm never going to be able to finish it. He writes like a terrified man locked in a closet trying to convince himself there isn't a monster outside the door.

Posted by: Vanya at April 05, 2020 10:36 AM (BAsqb)

333 acronym expansion:

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvss/vsrg/vsrg03-508.pdf

cdc = Center for Disease Control
nchs = National Center for Health Statistics
nvss = National Vital Statistics System
vsrg = Vital Statistics Reporting Guidance

Posted by: m at April 05, 2020 10:36 AM (M5wRT)

334 You call it a plot, I call it an excuse for government to exert totalitarian authority.



You tell me who may be closer to the truth.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
----
Never underestimate a panicked desire to be seen "doing something."

It's like when oil prices would spike, and there'd be Congressional hearings on 'price gouging,' and the various state AGs would announce investigations of gas stations.

Oh, and let's open up the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.

Because ya gotta "do something."

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 10:36 AM (cfSRQ)

335 Currently reading Frederick Douglas by David Blight. Overall, it is slightly pedantic and wanders into the SJW bushes regarding race relations in the US. If one has read the Narrative by Douglas (which I highly recommend) read chapter one of Blight's book, skip to chapter 15 and proceed by picking and choosing or skipibus reading. The comments made by Douglas in 1874 regarding Abraham Lincoln were illuminating (ch1). Overall a disappointment.

Posted by: EdmundBurkesShade at April 05, 2020 10:36 AM (gSgAd)

336 Now do number of tests performed by date...
Posted by: Tofer732 at April 05, 2020 10:29 AM (stjCJ)

I cannot find that data.

Here are the test to date for
4/1 47857
4/2 50679
4/3 55764
4/4 63751

Posted by: rhennigantx at April 05, 2020 10:37 AM (JFO2v)

337 314 No one is disputing that the disease exists, no. The premise that this is not much worse than the average flu season is pretty common, though, and thus that the whole response to it is some sort of plot or hoax is pretty common, though.
Posted by: Grey Fox at April 05, 2020 10:22 AM (nBq51)
-----------------

It's not unreasonable to think the Chinese might have committed an act of war against the US.

It is also not unreasonable to think the political class isn't using the virus as a reason to show the deplorables who is in charge.

You call it a plot, I call it an excuse for government to exert totalitarian authority.

You tell me who may be closer to the truth.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
at April 05, 2020 10:30 AM (WEBkv)

Pretty much this. The juked stats, misinformation, Chinese propaganda broadcast from the MFM, overblown hysterical screeching that doesn't in any way match the known data, and pretexts being used by TPTB to seize greater power over our lives are the "hoax" part of all this.

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 10:37 AM (NWiLs)

338 My problem is that the Mrs decided we would eat healthy during Lent. So, in an act of unconscious masochism, I decided to read more Wolfe.

-
There's a funny bit in Rumpole (who really is a bit of a rumphole) of the Bailey when his doctor puts him on a diet. Then when he's cross examining witnesses, he's all, "What did you have for breakfast?"

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at April 05, 2020 10:38 AM (+y/Ru)

339 Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 10:18 AM (ZbwAu)

Thank you for posting that, for a minute there I did not understand what you were posting, then I reread it becasue GKC.

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar at April 05, 2020 10:38 AM (BiNEL)

340 I'm not suggesting abandoning technology but being more involved in their own lives, and less reliant on others, would help people on many levels.

Just a thought coming out of reading.
Posted by: JTB at April 05, 2020 10:25 AM (7EjX1)


You'd like "Diary of an Early American Boy: Noah Blake-1805 (1962)." As with all of his books, they are wonderfully illustrated. I also have his " A Museum of Early American Tools (1973)."

Posted by: Traveling Man&&&& at April 05, 2020 10:38 AM (R5lpX)

341 With the apocalyptic mood the world is in, I felt it was a good time to finally start reading the HP Lovecraft collection I bought years ago. We'll see if I keep at, or get distracted and go back to Conan comics. First things first, though, I need to find a less cheerful bookmark to use. The I grabbed last night is far too bright and happy for this collection...

Posted by: Castle Guy at April 05, 2020 10:39 AM (Lhaco)

342 37
Anyone else use Thriftbooks as a source? I don't think it's an amazon
affiliate and so far I've been pleased with their quality and delivery.

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 09:10 AM (ONvIw)

My wife asked me about them just this week. They started in a small community just south of Seattle.
My complaint with them (and the other giants on amazon) is that they ship the books inside a semi-heavy plastic envelope and so corners and spines can (and do) get whacked. But at the prices they usually charge, I don't unfortunately expect perfection.

Posted by: StillJohn at April 05, 2020 10:39 AM (23p1C)

343 321
Maybe I'll do the shortened version and call it "Good Grief, I'm Surrounded by Idiots: For Dummies"

Posted by: Muldoon at April 05, 2020 10:33 AM (m45I2)

---
If I'm not mistaken, "Everyone But Me is Dumb" is a popular leftist book niche.

Be sure to include lots of Orange Man Bad references and you'll make the NYT bestseller list.


Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 10:40 AM (cfSRQ)

344 joe biden hasn't had a coherent thought in his life. stfu and just go away joe. people that make this shit about politics are the lowest of the low. if you're not helping, you're making it worse.

Posted by: chavez the hugo at April 05, 2020 10:40 AM (KP5rU)

345 268
Don't underestimate the contributions of common sense and a good memory. One or both of those can make up for a lot of IQ points. My husband is amazing at logic and reasoning, but has a lousy memory. My IQ is about thirty points lower than his, but my memory and common sense are better. We muddle along well enough, but can you imagine the troubles facing a person with an average IQ and a lousy memory?
Posted by: right wing yankee at April 05, 2020 10:16 AM (zlzYb)
________

I don't know about IQ, but it's always seemed to me women have clearer memories than men, though I have my doubts about accuracy, because of a tendency to assume they see the motives people have for their actions.

There's a Michael Gilbert, Body of a Girl, which has a funny scene where a pub owner has zero recollection of an incident, while his wife has it down pat.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 10:40 AM (ZbwAu)

346 I'm here but late again. Why am I getting up so late you might ask? I am on the 4th book in the Acton and Doyle series by Anne Cleeve and the story is so twisty I can't stop reading. Just wait til the end of the chapter, I think, and then Voila, something really interesting happens and I have to keep going. Next thing I know it is 2 am and I'm still up.

Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at April 05, 2020 10:41 AM (QzF6i)

347 I predict that the truly intelligent will try to find ways to isolate
themselves from the general population and reproduce among themselves.
Think of any number of sci fi books and movies, e.g. Altered Carbon. In a
sense this is already happening because of assortative mating.

Posted by: pep at April 05, 2020 10:28 AM (T6t7i)


Murray argued in 1994 that this was already happening and accelerating. They go to the top universities. They socialize and meet their spouses in increasingly exclusive circles. They send their kids to better quality private schools.

Murray did not just argue that the average intelligence of the population was declining. He also argued that it is splitting into a small elite disconnected from everyone else. See OregonMuse's quote above. Murray viewed both as a big problems.

Posted by: cool breeze at April 05, 2020 10:42 AM (UGKMd)

348 There's a Michael Gilbert, Body of a Girl, which has
a funny scene where a pub owner has zero recollection of an incident,
while his wife has it down pat.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 10:40 AM (ZbwAu)

---
Ah yes, I remember it well...

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 10:42 AM (cfSRQ)

349 Back to books: Has anyone read Notes from the Underground? I read about half of it and I can't decide whether I hate the narrator or just think he's pathetic.
Posted by: Vanya at April 05, 2020 10:29 AM (BAsqb)

Or both? He's supposed to be an anti-hero, IIRC and a very bitter man
Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 10:33 AM (ONvIw)


The book was written to refute the nutty utopian ideas of philosopher Nickolay Chernyshevski.

Posted by: Captain Hate at April 05, 2020 10:43 AM (y7DUB)

350 Posted by: rhennigantx at April 05, 2020 10:37 AM (JFO2v)

Rhennigantx, in case you missed my response to your CDC citation, go here:

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvss/vsrg/vsrg03-508.pdf

Posted by: m at April 05, 2020 10:22 AM (M5wRT)

Posted by: m at April 05, 2020 10:43 AM (M5wRT)

351 Late! Late, I say!

Concur on The Last Marine. Ordered it during last week's Book Thread; read and then finished Monday. Yep, very catching and sad, too, about a maybe future.
Nice twist at the end leads into a welcome Book 2. Ordering it today.
Thanks for the recommendation and blurb.

Posted by: RI Red at April 05, 2020 10:43 AM (I/Eow)

352 77
The libraries are all closed, but of course they are still doing their
only a very limited number of e-book "copies" available to the public
thing. Still have to wait in a virtual line. Think they would change
that for the shutdown, but noooo.

Posted by: Tinfoilbaby at April 05, 2020 09:23 AM (8JqLB)

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Supposedly the internet archive (archive.org) is lending out unlimited copies of books they "own"

Posted by: StillJohn at April 05, 2020 10:43 AM (23p1C)

353 it's always seemed to me women have clearer memories than men

-
Mrs. Wrecks can remember casual jokes and comments I made 30 years ago.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at April 05, 2020 10:43 AM (+y/Ru)

354 274 Now everything in the paper was documented, but that
didn't matter. The U had a Confucius Institute and could not be seen as
supporting harmful output!

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 10:09 AM (ONvIw)

---
Which is funny because the ChiComs hate Confucius. They've done everything they can to destroy the Confucian belief system.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 10:18 AM (cfSRQ)
_______

That fact has always impressed me. Confucianism is actually, to me, one of the more attractive forms of paganism, though of course behind Greek philosophy. It makes rather few claims about deities. Or maybe doesn't even have one, rather than "heaven."

And Mao tried with all his might to kill it.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 10:44 AM (ZbwAu)

355 I was laying in bed this morning and thinking of how disruptive this Kung flu has been to my plans and the saying 'best laid plans of mouse and men' came to mind. That made me think of the book which I've read once in high school and made me try to remember all the characters names. Only one I couldn't remember is who shot Candy's dog. Anyone?

I did remember that Curley's wife wasn't named.

Posted by: Kilroy wasn't here at April 05, 2020 10:46 AM (2DOZq)

356 I've watched the movie The Commitments and I recently read the book. I loved the movie. I liked the book.
So there.

Posted by: Northernlurker, still lurking after all these years at April 05, 2020 10:46 AM (Uu+Jp)

357 281 Thank you, Eeyore!
Posted by: NaughtyPine at April 05, 2020 10:19 AM (/+bwe)
_______

We donkeys stick together.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 10:46 AM (ZbwAu)

358
And Mao tried with all his might to kill it.
Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 10:44 AM (ZbwAu)

Anyway the presence of these "institutes" will stifle ideas, research, and freedom of expression.

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 10:46 AM (ONvIw)

359 And Mao tried with all his might to kill it.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 10:44 AM (ZbwAu)

---
It exists largely in expatriate communities and Taiwan, which is why the ChiComs pretend its still a thing.

But it isn't, not in Communist China.

So what you have is a situation where the Confucian system of honor, duty and continuity was ripped out and replaced with the Marxist values of the revolution.

Then those values were cast aside by a desire to get rich by any means necessary. There's still the importance of 'saving face,' but that's basically just the sin of pride.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 10:48 AM (cfSRQ)

360 I don't know about IQ, but it's always seemed to me women have clearer memories than men, though I have my doubts about accuracy, because of a tendency to assume they see the motives people have for their actions.

There's a Michael Gilbert, Body of a Girl, which has a funny scene where a pub owner has zero recollection of an incident, while his wife has it down pat.
Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 10:40 AM (ZbwAu)

We remember different things more effectively because we track things differently, I think.

They remember things that involve personal disagreement, heights of emotion or group discord. That's why they remember everything you've ever said during a fight. We retain less socially-related information-- mathematics, physical attributes and skills, so forth.

[Man's name]
HER: He was mean.
HIM: He had that orange Ram 1500. Hell of a welder, but I don't think my wife liked him.

[Woman's name]
HIM: She was cute.
HER: I liked her but she was such a mess. She had that boyfriend-- do you remember him? The one who ate anchovies on everything?-- of course you don't. Then there was that greasy guy who was......

Posted by: Vanya at April 05, 2020 10:49 AM (BAsqb)

361
I don't know about IQ, but it's always seemed to me women have clearer memories than men, though I have my doubts about accuracy, because of a tendency to assume they see the motives people have for their actions.

There's a Michael Gilbert, Body of a Girl, which has a funny scene where a pub owner has zero recollection of an incident, while his wife has it down pat.
Posted by: Eeyore
----------

I do not believe that there can be a married man who is not familiar with this phenomenon. For better or worse (it's part of the deal, right?), I agree with the emphasis added above.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at April 05, 2020 10:49 AM (cg4r6)

362 148 Movies which were better than the books:
.
.
.
There's another I'm forgetting.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 09:44 AM (ZbwAu)


Yes, any movie adapted from a Philip K Dick novel or story.

Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 10:50 AM (k3bqH)

363 Mars, Venus.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at April 05, 2020 10:50 AM (cg4r6)

364 193 ... "If I may beg, once you have finished the book, would you be kind enough to leave a review on Amazon?"

MP4,

Just so you know, years ago I left a 5 star, well deserved review on Amazon for "Director's Cut". Now if we could just get the sequel!!

No pressure though. :-)

Posted by: JTB at April 05, 2020 10:51 AM (7EjX1)

365 Geez! How early does one have to get up to make the top 100?!

Anyway --

I finished "Treasure Island," which I wish I had read much earlier, and diverted into "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen," a comic by Alan Moore, who I think qualifies as a mad genius or a genius madman.

For those who have not heard of this title, the League consists of notable fictional characters from the late 1800s. They are: the former Mina Harker, now divorced after she was attacked by Dracula (B. Stoker); the Sikh submarine commander Nemo (J. Verne); the Africa adventurer Allan Quatermain (H.R. Haggard); Henry Jekyll / Edward Hyde (R.L. Stevenson); and Hawley Griffin, the "Invisible Man" (H.G. Wells). It turns out that this is only the latest group to be gathered by British Intelligence.

Now to the point: Whom would you put in a contemporary League? Let's limit selections to those who have been introduced since 2000.

Lot of action heroes out there. Many of you talk about John Wick novels, for one.

The floor is open for nominations.

Posted by: Weak Geek at April 05, 2020 10:51 AM (u/nim)

366 Every so rare often the movie is better, but its rare enough to be a surprise every time.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 05, 2020 10:51 AM (KZzsI)

367 IMO, John Huston's "Maltese Falcon" is better than the book. This movie is very faithful to the book but omits a side story of the Fat Man's daughter. That plotline is rather pointless except to suggest that he abuses her, but we don't need that to know what kind of person he is.

The movie moves along much better without it.

Posted by: Art Rondelet of Malmsey at April 05, 2020 10:51 AM (fTtFy)

368 Because ya gotta "do something."
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 10:36 AM


Do just do something! Stand there!

I wish more politicians did this for a day or so before lighting their hair on fire.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at April 05, 2020 10:51 AM (ejd/p)

369 Posted by: Weak Geek at April 05, 2020 10:51 AM (u/nim)

Well, you said since 2000 but outside that I'd say the Jackal.
You'd need deep pockets for him.

Posted by: Vanya at April 05, 2020 10:52 AM (BAsqb)

370 350. Regarding death certificates, the information has a tendency to be unreliable. Many times they are filled out by a tired practitioner or exhausted intern/resident who have no interest in creating an accurate document. Better than nothing, but not quality data.

Posted by: EdmundBurkesShade at April 05, 2020 10:52 AM (gSgAd)

371 My library has a list of newly acquired ebooks by date which I check frequently to see what they have bought. I noticed this week that they had acquired a large number of classics ranging from Shakespearean plays to Sherlock Holmes and a number of odd ones like the Kama Sutra.This is interesting because in the recent past, a lot of the stuff they bought seemed targeted to specific audiences, like LGBTQ romance novels(I know, huh?) and spanish or other foreign language editions of contemporary books.There seems to be more requets for movies than books sometimes.Maybe this forced quarantine will get libraries to update their classic ebook collections so more people have access to them.

Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at April 05, 2020 10:53 AM (QzF6i)

372 I'm sure someone has already nominated Jaws as being better than the book.

Posted by: Kilroy wasn't here at April 05, 2020 10:53 AM (2DOZq)

373 I think a decline in intelligence is also effected by an emphasis on high carb, low fat diets. The brain needs fat.

Posted by: Northernlurker, still lurking after all these years at April 05, 2020 10:53 AM (Uu+Jp)

374 Now to the point: Whom would you put in a contemporary League?

I've considered this concept a few times from different eras (WW2, 60s, etc). The main reason Moore set his book when he did (aside from steampunk) was that all of these characters were public domain. The selections would have to be non-superheroes, obviously, and print, not film.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 05, 2020 10:53 AM (KZzsI)

375 370 350. Regarding death certificates, the information has a tendency to be unreliable. Many times they are filled out by a tired practitioner or exhausted intern/resident who have no interest in creating an accurate document. Better than nothing, but not quality data.
Posted by: EdmundBurkesShade at April 05, 2020 10:52 AM (gSgAd)

Absolutely. Thanks for the observation.

Posted by: m at April 05, 2020 10:54 AM (M5wRT)

376 Lot of action heroes out there. Many of you talk about John Wick novels, for one.

The floor is open for nominations.
Posted by: Weak Geek at April 05, 2020 10:51 AM


If we left the left in charge, it would include the Ambiguously Gay Duo, minus the ambiguity.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at April 05, 2020 10:54 AM (ejd/p)

377 Is Murray talking about the US or the entire world?

It's
controversial to say it, but certain groups have different traits. Some
are taller, some tend to gain weight easier, tolerate different foods,
etc.

Intelligence is one of those traits. So if you take a
population of short, highly-intelligent people and intermingle it was a
tall, less intelligent one, you'll see movement at the bulge of the
curve, but the tails may stay in place.

Or maybe not. This is getting dangerously close to math.


Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 10:33 AM (cfSRQ)


Both. The first half of the book deliberately restricts itself to data on white populations, many from the US, so as to leave race out of it. The second half adds race, and African and Asian countries, back into the picture. The dismaying conclusions are very similar.

Posted by: cool breeze at April 05, 2020 10:54 AM (UGKMd)

378 Yes, any movie adapted from a Philip K Dick novel or story.


Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 10:50 AM (k3bqH)

---
It is funny how Hollywood buys the rights to stuff then then (usually) screws it up, but sometimes fixes it.

The film version of Waugh's "The Loved One" is a terrible, smoking mess that shares some of the characters names with the book. (It was also Paul Williams' screen debut.)

Anyway, Dick seems to be the exception. "Hmmm, odd book, but I think with a good re-write..."

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 10:54 AM (cfSRQ)

379 Whom would you put in a contemporary League?

-
Well, Half a Brain Biden and Hunter are out because they're not gentlemen.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at April 05, 2020 10:54 AM (+y/Ru)

380
Good morning all!

I just finished getting a haircut at -

The Lively and Skillful Mrs naturalfake's Barber Shop

Exclusive to Discerning Gentlemen Without Coronavirus

First time and she did a very nice job, so now I no longer look like a Neanderthal-version of Shaggy from Scooby-Doo.


Posted by: naturalfake at April 05, 2020 10:56 AM (z0XD8)

381 Anyway, Dick seems to be the exception. "Hmmm, odd book, but I think with a good re-write..."
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 10:54 AM (cfSRQ)

PKD is the world champion of "Interesting concept, but meh execution".

Posted by: Vanya at April 05, 2020 10:56 AM (BAsqb)

382 IMO, John Huston's "Maltese Falcon" is better than the book. This movie is very faithful to the book but omits a side story of the Fat Man's daughter.

But it leaves out the curious story of the man who left his family and moved to Spokane, which was Spade's attempt to explain why he didn't trust Ms O'Shaughnessy no matter how much love she professed for him. It would have been tough to fit into the film well but it was a pretty important part of the story.

As for a Modern League: I guess Bob Lee Swagger and Jack Reacher belong, at least. Its tougher to find really standout interesting, memorable characters these days than from Victorian era literature.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 05, 2020 10:56 AM (KZzsI)

383 Weak Geek, are you talking about book characters only, or all media?

Posted by: Vanya at April 05, 2020 10:56 AM (BAsqb)

384 The Oxbow Incident was equal to the book.

Posted by: Kilroy wasn't here at April 05, 2020 10:57 AM (2DOZq)

385 Do just do something! Stand there!



I wish more politicians did this for a day or so before lighting their hair on fire.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at April 05, 2020 10:51 AM (ejd/p)

---
As I was doing my weekly (masked) shopping yesterday, I was oddly reminded of Bill Clinton's push for school uniforms in the 90s.

Anyone else remember that? We really were on a vacation from history in those years. Small ball nonsense, micro-targeted talking points.

The years the locusts ate.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 10:57 AM (cfSRQ)

386 "But since then, they show, intelligence has gone into rapid decline,
because large families are increasingly the preserve of the least
intelligent."

Of exactly which "large families" are they speaking? At first glance it seems they say large family, but mean third world? Africa has the highest potential for exploding population, India and China already "exploded", China maybe slowed with the one child thing, and lack of resources would normally limit such nations anyway.


The Bell Curve (author not a conservative) explained it clearly, but the PC (commie) academia had to destroy him for it. The PC agenda and zero population growth bullsheet helped convince our best and brightest to have at most two children. Then the attack on family made it even harder to really raise a large family of smart and productive Americans.


So the decline of Large Family America was not natural, it was commies attacking our culture. For a time the welfare blacks were accused of having large family to collect the welfare incentive, but blacks are also now near zpg (zero population growth). But the 1965 Immigration Act made sure we replaced the American Patriot with the third world invasion ... and even now the Hispanic population is the only demo' with larger families. (or at least with higher birth rates)


Breaking it down by denomination or religion might also be interesting. iirc, of us white people, only evangelicals were above the replacement rate, despite the common meme that Catholics are pushed to have babies (every sperm is sacred). The pressures against white America began long ago ... it was a commie op, explained in The Naked Communist, and other places.

Posted by: illiniwek at April 05, 2020 10:58 AM (Cus5s)

387 Enjoy those spiral stairs while they last.

Posted by: Local Building Dept. Code Enforcement at April 05, 2020 10:58 AM (1biAv)

388 "Fetchin Gretchen is on with Chris Wallace, now for sure the Dems VP offering.

Yes, she does look like Caitlin Jenner."

Not so fast - Wretched Gretchen still needs to "fix the deeyam roods" here in Mitchigan.

Posted by: Boxx Culvert, bouncin' through potholes at April 05, 2020 10:58 AM (wmfhQ)

389 379
Whom would you put in a contemporary League?



-

Well, Half a Brain Biden and Hunter are out because they're not gentlemen.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at April 05, 2020 10:54 AM (+y/Ru)

---
On the other hand, writing their characters would be a hoot!

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 10:59 AM (cfSRQ)

390 I'm currently reading -

"The Fisherman" - a horror novel combining a sort of ghost story with Lovecraftian elements.

A bit wordy, 50 words when 5 will do, since he's trying for a literary effect.

But, so far okay. Stories like this depend on whether the author can stick the landing or not.

We'll see. And I'll let you know.

Posted by: naturalfake at April 05, 2020 10:59 AM (z0XD8)

391 PKD is the world champion of "Interesting concept, but meh execution".

-
Then Hollywood enfuckens it.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at April 05, 2020 11:00 AM (+y/Ru)

392 Hunter Thompson or Ernest Hemingway could be the flawed Gentlemen but they tried to live the lifestyle.

Posted by: Kilroy wasn't here at April 05, 2020 11:00 AM (2DOZq)

393 So very sorry for your loss grammie. Prayers up for you and your family.

Posted by: Tuna at April 05, 2020 11:00 AM (gLRfa)

394 367 IMO, John Huston's "Maltese Falcon" is better than the book. This movie is very faithful to the book but omits a side story of the Fat Man's daughter. That plotline is rather pointless except to suggest that he abuses her, but we don't need that to know what kind of person he is.

The movie moves along much better without it.
Posted by: Art Rondelet of Malmsey at April 05, 2020 10:51 AM (fTtFy)
_____

Can't agree. The prime sin of the movie is Mary Astor, who is not at all like Bridget. She should seem so sweet you HAVE to believe her.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 11:02 AM (ZbwAu)

395 Posted by: cool breeze at April 05, 2020 10:42 AM (UGKMd)

I have never seen addressed (possibly because I don't know where to look) what percentage of full-ride scholarship winners (I.e. the "smartest") fail to finish their undergraduate degree the first time around.

It used to be traditional for the student with the highest SAT score in a graduating class to be given a full-ride scholarship to, usually, the university of their choice. That was worth *a lot* and yet I personally know more than one that were unable to handle the pressure/schedule/whatever and dropped out. It wasn't that they weren't as smart as advertised either.

It has always seemed to me that Murray, et. al. are making some unwarranted assumptions in a couple categories, although it could be that these were indeed addressed and just didn't get the press that the other claims got.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 05, 2020 11:03 AM (uquGJ)

396 347 I predict that the truly intelligent will try to find ways to isolate
themselves from the general population and reproduce among themselves.

========================

I once asked a student at the U. of Chicago (later Harvard prof), what was his answer to "If I were a carpenter, and you were a lady, would you marry me anyway?" He said, simply, No.

And they both might have been happier that way.

Posted by: Slow Reader at April 05, 2020 11:03 AM (kE3dB)

397 I thought Jaws the novel was better - the missing story about Hooper and Mrs. Brody and the jealousy on the Orca was great in the novel. Not to to mention the description of their encounter - which was ruined when you put Dreyfuss and Lorraine in place of those characters.

Posted by: rammajamma at April 05, 2020 11:04 AM (SwWMX)

398 347 I predict that the truly intelligent will try to find ways to isolate
themselves from the general population and reproduce among themselves.

---------
There is no way this can backfire.

Posted by: The Hapsburgs at April 05, 2020 11:04 AM (BAsqb)

399 Pelosi want to hold hearings on how the Trump administration is handling the crisis.

Can Trish Regan get her job back now?

Posted by: Slow Reader at April 05, 2020 11:05 AM (kE3dB)

400 I continue to work on Herriot's 'All Things Bright and Beautiful' series. I had forgotten how entertaining, and funny, his stories are. Just pure human experience in an interesting time and place, well recounted. Bedtime reading washes the crud out of my head.

Still working through Sowell's 'The Quest for Cosmic Justice'. What people here instinctively know to be true, Sowell puts into well thought-out words, facts, figures, and common sense logic.

Still working at 'Paris in the Terror', Loomis. The parallels with our contemporary domestic politics/personalities are disturbing.

Per last week's Thread, and Moron recommendation (tip o' the hat). obtained a copy of 'Faraday, Maxwell, and the Electromagnetic Field'. Ironic, in a way, as I'm about to kludge together an ozone generator to decontaminate stuff.


Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at April 05, 2020 11:05 AM (cg4r6)

401 There's also something much deeper than just current laws with respect to.large families. All decaying cu!tures are marked by the unwillingness to have children, it has happened over and over again. Most of the original Old Roman families had died out by the 4th century, to be replaced by former barbarians. The Roman armies themselves became staffed almost completely by barbarians, as it became impossible to find Romans available or willing to that kind of thing.

It's a symptom of a late stage, dying culture.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 05, 2020 11:05 AM (q3gwH)

402 Movies which were better than the books:

Bladerunner (based on a short story, if memory serves)

Posted by: Boxx Culvert, bouncin' through potholes at April 05, 2020 11:07 AM (wmfhQ)

403 Reading the 1913 Encyclopedia Brittanica is a humbling experience at how fallen we are in this present.

Posted by: Anna Puma at April 05, 2020 11:07 AM (aeXqn)

404 I finished Moron-author AH Lloyd's latest 'Vampires of Michigan' this week. It's a fast paced spin on the undead protecting their turf in the North Woods. A fun read, I highly recommend it!

Posted by: zeera at April 05, 2020 11:08 AM (zUdXR)

405 "328
It's a growing problem, in the sense that as society

becomes more and more complex, fewer people are able to navigate it

successfully"
---------

I am beginning to feel overwhelmed by technology. My level of competence is at about what it was when I retired 5 years ago. Just don't feel the need to keep up anymore. This is enough.

Posted by: NOT THAT GUY at April 05, 2020 11:08 AM (LS1lz)

406 Reading The Road Beyond Ruin from Amazon thru Prime.

1945 Germany, postapocalyptic in feel and look, begins in a rural area with Dresden just over the horizon to the north, a pile of rubble and charcoal.

About like what Virginia will be like in June.

Posted by: Les Kinetic at April 05, 2020 11:08 AM (+fPHo)

407 Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 05, 2020 11:03 AM (uquGJ)

Intelligence is specialized in my opinion. I know too many super intelligent people in a certain field that have difficulty in every other aspect. Lot of semi savants out there.

Posted by: Kilroy wasn't here at April 05, 2020 11:08 AM (2DOZq)

408
Not so fast - Wretched Gretchen still needs to "fix the deeyam roods" here in Mitchigan.

Posted by: Boxx Culvert, bouncin' through potholes at April 05, 2020 10:58 AM


silly Boxx; you know she can't fix the roads without an incremental 45 cent/gallon gas tax...it's all science n siht

Posted by: AltonJackson
Impeach Whitmer!!!
Because: Reasons!!!
at April 05, 2020 11:08 AM (nbj1Q)

409 I had a most pleasant experience this week.
Back over a month ago, I ordered the autobiography of Wendy Richard (generally known for playing Miss Brahms on Are you Being Served?). An expensive book. $7.05 including shipping

It didn't show up, didn't show up. It was apparently stuck between the megaseller's shipping service and the USPS.
Finally got here on Wednesday. I'm flipping through it and what do I see on the half title page but an inscription from Richard! Now mind you, my name isn't Noreen, so I probably can't claim she inscribed it to me, but it's the only autograph I have of someone who was/is an OBE.
An interesting read. She could have used a better ghost unless the intent was to have her write like she talked.



Posted by: StillJohn at April 05, 2020 11:09 AM (23p1C)

410 The way you know this is a scam and hoax being perpetrated by the globalists is that the entire operation seems to be a push to enact as many totalitarian restrictions as possible, get as many people as possible on the dole, all the while not one single move against China, the country that spawned this, "pandemic."


It is perverse.

Posted by: Inspector Johnson at April 05, 2020 11:09 AM (U8WBs)

411 395

I have never seen addressed (possibly because I don't know where to look) what percentage of full-ride scholarship winners (I.e. the "smartest") fail to finish their undergraduate degree the first time around.

It used to be traditional for the student with the highest SAT score in a graduating class to be given a full-ride scholarship to, usually, the university of their choice. That was worth *a lot* and yet I personally know more than one that were unable to handle the pressure/schedule/whatever and dropped out. It wasn't that they weren't as smart as advertised either.

It has always seemed to me that Murray, et. al. are making some unwarranted assumptions in a couple categories, although it could be that these were indeed addressed and just didn't get the press that the other claims got.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 05, 2020 11:03 AM (uquGJ)
_______

Huh, when was that? I sure didn't get a full scholarship. (And yes, I did wash out, but for a different reason. I went from a very innocent HS student to the early 70s hedonism. Wasn't ready for that.)

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 11:09 AM (ZbwAu)

412 Can't agree. The prime sin of the movie is Mary Astor, who is not at all like Bridget. She should seem so sweet you HAVE to believe her.

To me that was the only real flaw of the movie, her casting. Everyone else was brilliant, she was completely unconvincing in the role. Mary Astor played it well but she was all wrong for the part.

I have long wondered about that. Was she considered sweeter and more convincing back then? Was she a girlfriend of John Huston? Was she the studio's choice and he had no real power yet to fight them? Or was it a psychological choice: they wanted her to look and seem wicked on the outside so that it was a statement about evil, where you couldn't portray an evil person as looking sweet and lovely?

Maybe the studios or Huston thought that audiences would be enraged by or hate Sam when he sent her to prison at the end if she was too sweet appearing and convincing.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 05, 2020 11:10 AM (KZzsI)

413 The civil lawyers of this country are circling like buzzards waiting for the prez and the states to open back up for business.

Our out-of-control civil laws are what started this shutdown. And these laws will delay any rapid recovery.

The buzzards are hungry.

Posted by: Sooner at April 05, 2020 11:11 AM (Fs5vw)

414
The floor is open for nominations.
Posted by: Weak Geek at April 05, 2020 10:51 AM (u/nim)

Shane. No super powers, but nearly unbeatable.

Posted by: Slow Reader at April 05, 2020 11:11 AM (kE3dB)

415 When my older son was giving the toast at my younger son's wedding, he said something that surprised me. He said that the reason that the cousins were married and successful was that they were the result of intact marriages. That the example of his and their parents had made them what they had become. I think that is a great deal of what makes intelligence. Smaller, intact families with the resources to give their children the best nutrition and learning materials from an early age give the kind of environment that fosters the development of intellect.

Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at April 05, 2020 11:11 AM (QzF6i)

416
I don't think there has been any significant Darwinian selection for intelligence in the last several hundred years. These things take more time than that.

Until recently, survival to reproductive age
was a matter of surviving childhood diseases, and raw intelligence was not a predominant determining trait that in finding a mate and having multiple children.

Posted by: Semi-Literate Thug at April 05, 2020 11:12 AM (t5m5e)

417 Also "reading" the "Blackest Night" Omnibus, a YUGE DC comics event from 10 years ago.

And it's a YUGE hardback comic book, 1600 pages or something like that.

Nice sewn and glued spine. Sort of the Folio Society version of Green Lantern.

Not sure why I got this, but Green Lantern was one of my childhood faves, and I just felt like some no brain/fun reading activity.

So...how is it?

Well...the art is miles beyond what I used to see in comix. Beautiful stuff. Maybe CBD can use one page for an art thread.

The story, so far, is still pretty simple as befits a comic book with some grim dark thrown in to make it all important and such. So, it gets a bit repetitive.

And my comic book years are long ago and far away. That means I'm not up to date on some of the latest heroes and villains and storylines. But, you know, this isn't "Finnegan's Wake". It's all simple to catch up[ on.

In any event, this is another one of those things that's really depends on whether the writer can stick the landing or not,

Enjoying it for what it is so far.

If you like Green Lantern and you like evil Lovecraftian zombies, you probably like this.

Posted by: naturalfake at April 05, 2020 11:12 AM (z0XD8)

418 "Flowers for Algernon count?"

Another candidate for movie > book. I speak of Charly, released in '68.

Dunno, they book and movie were good. I'll go tie.

Posted by: Boxx Culvert, bouncin' through potholes at April 05, 2020 11:13 AM (wmfhQ)

419 Got notions for a Yuriko story but nothing of a tree to hang them on.

Posted by: Anna Puma at April 05, 2020 11:13 AM (aeXqn)

420 Posted by: EdmundBurkesShade at April 05, 2020 10:52 AM (gSgAd)

True. John's cause of death was listed as lung cancer but actual cause was poorly differentiated squameous (sp?) Cell cancer that had metastasized to his lungs. A distinction that does make a medical difference. The certificate was filled out by a partner of the oncologist who treated John, someone who had rarely seen him but happened to be doing the paperwork the day it needed signed.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 05, 2020 11:14 AM (uquGJ)

421 Good morning Hordemates.

Posted by: Diogenes at April 05, 2020 11:15 AM (axyOa)

422 If I'm not mistaken, "Everyone But Me is Dumb" is a popular leftist book niche.

Be sure to include lots of Orange Man Bad references and you'll make the NYT bestseller list.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 10:40 AM (cfSRQ)


Knew a guy once, 40 years ago, whom I could tell was having a hard time finding his place in life. Had trouble finding work, nothing suited him, etc.

Happened to run into him again recently, now close to the end of his life. Never worked. Never got a job. Lived off his wife's income. When I spoke with him, the sentiment "everybody's a stupid idiot except me" came out over and over again. After awhile, it just got tedious listening to him whine.

God forgive me, but I was glad when the phone cell ended.

Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 11:15 AM (k3bqH)

423 Posted by: pep at April 05, 2020 10:28 AM (T6t7i)

Murray argued in 1994 that this was already happening and accelerating. They go to the top universities. They socialize and meet their spouses in increasingly exclusive circles. They send their kids to better quality private schools.

Murray did not just argue that the average intelligence of the population was declining. He also argued that it is splitting into a small elite disconnected from everyone else. See OregonMuse's quote above. Murray viewed both as a big problems.
Posted by: cool breeze at April 05, 2020 10:42 AM (UGKMd)


The problem with this theory is that the "intellectual elite" are living in their worlds, THINKING they're smarter than other people.

And generally, they're not.

Accumulation of knowledge isn't intelligence.

Intelligence is found in the practical application of said knowledge, and those people who are occupying those wings of society, protected in their towers, are often living messed up lives, significantly worse than the average carpenter.

And frankly, while I've never read the book, I think Murray is wrong. I think he's measuring the wrong things.

Posted by: BurtTC at April 05, 2020 11:17 AM (hku12)

424 Per last week's Thread, and Moron recommendation (tip o' the hat). obtained a copy of 'Faraday, Maxwell, and the Electromagnetic Field'. Ironic, in a way, as I'm about to kludge together an ozone generator to decontaminate stuff.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at April 05, 2020 11:05 AM (cg4r6)


Get yourself an orgone accumulater.
It'll make you feel greater!

Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 11:17 AM (k3bqH)

425 I have never seen addressed (possibly because I don't know where to look) what percentage of full-ride scholarship winners (I.e. the "smartest") fail to finish their undergraduate degree the first time around.

It has always seemed to me that Murray, et. al. are making some unwarranted assumptions in a couple categories, although it could be that these were indeed addressed and just didn't get the press that the other claims got.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 05, 2020 11:03 AM (uquGJ)

Murray addresses this. I specifically recall him using the example of Bill Gates, who didn't finish Harvard at all. Education has less of an effect on intelligence, as measured by IQ, than most people think. It might give you skills or credentials, but it is not likely to change your IQ much, for better or worse.
The Bell Curve is first rate and well worth reading. It is very well researched and documented. Yes, there is some math involved, but the hard math and some good primers are put in the Appendix. All the vicious criticism it received was from people who don't want anyone to read such a dangerous politically-incorrect book.

Posted by: cool breeze at April 05, 2020 11:18 AM (UGKMd)

426 From CDC Website: Hospitals to List COVID-19 as Cause of Death Even if
Its Assumed to Have Caused Or Contributed to Death Lab Tests Not
Required



Explains the numbers being reported

Posted by: Nevergiveup at April 05, 2020 09:52 AM (85Gof)




Someone mentioned the other day that Germany is only counting Covid deaths if that was all the person had and no other illnesses. And Germany is reporting about 1,500 deaths. Italy is doing what the CDC is doing and reports 15,000 deaths from Flu Manchu

Posted by: TheQuietMan at April 05, 2020 11:18 AM (EqUoo)

427 Anyway, Dick seems to be the exception. "Hmmm, odd book, but I think with a good re-write..."
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 10:54 AM (cfSRQ)

PKD is the world champion of "Interesting concept, but meh execution".
Posted by: Vanya at April 05, 2020 10:56 AM (BAsqb)


Stephen King's "Doctor Sleep" was a godawful mess. Just a great example of an author completely crapping all over a popular story to make a buck.

However, the movie "Dr Sleep" substantially improved the story, cut out a lot of the nonsense (SJW/Mary Sue variety), built a logical structure,

and made an excellent movie from a burning garbage fire.

Posted by: naturalfake at April 05, 2020 11:18 AM (z0XD8)

428 ''The local classical station is playing Beethoven's 8th.''

Listened to his 5th piano concerto several days ago. Good thing working from home includes being able to stop and listen without being noticed. It's one of the pieces of music that almost demands that you halt whatever you're doing and pay attention.

Posted by: Tuna at April 05, 2020 11:19 AM (gLRfa)

429 Was Doctor Sleep based on something else?

Posted by: Vanya at April 05, 2020 11:20 AM (BAsqb)

430 I went from a very innocent HS student to the early 70s hedonism. Wasn't ready for that.)
Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 11:09 AM (ZbwAu)


I survived that transition but not nearly as adeptly as I should have.

Posted by: Captain Hate at April 05, 2020 11:20 AM (y7DUB)

431 340 ... "You'd like "Diary of an Early American Boy: Noah Blake-1805 (1962)." As with all of his books, they are wonderfully illustrated. I also have his " A Museum of Early American Tools (1973)." "

TM,

I love that book, as well as "A Reverence for Wood". I have most of Eric Sloane's books. Besides all the great information, I like his illustrations and paintings. Sloane's artwork is one of many, many reasons I keep a couple of good quality magnifying glasses by my reading chair.

Posted by: JTB at April 05, 2020 11:21 AM (7EjX1)

432 Per last week's Thread, and Moron recommendation (tip o' the hat). obtained a copy of 'Faraday, Maxwell, and the Electromagnetic Field'. Ironic, in a way, as I'm about to kludge together an ozone generator to decontaminate stuff.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at April 05, 2020 11:05 AM (cg4r6)

Get yourself an orgone accumulater.
It'll make you feel greater!
Posted by: OregonMuse,

I got a SoClean CPAP cleaner like William Shatner advertises for my birthday. It cleans with ozone. It cleans for seven minutes during which time the warning light is read. Then for two hours the warning light is yellow warning you to give it time for the ozone to disperse.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at April 05, 2020 11:23 AM (+y/Ru)

433 Movie better than the book: Contact.

The movie has some flaws, but the novel has more and bigger flaws. Not surprising, really: it was Carl Sagan's first foray into fiction. He was a smart guy, but practice helps.

Posted by: Trimegistus at April 05, 2020 11:23 AM (DKCFT)

434 Still working on "The Jewish War." Vespasian is now Emperor and the Jews are destroying themselves with banditry and lawlessness. Sheesh.

Posted by: JAS at April 05, 2020 11:23 AM (2BZBZ)

435 My deepest sympathies to you Grammie on your loss. The restrictions on the consoling social rituals make it even more deeply felt.

Posted by: Iris at April 05, 2020 11:23 AM (6lKe4)

436 20

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar at April 05, 2020 09:05 AM (BiNEL)

I coulda been famous... I coulda been somebody...

Posted by: Roscoe at April 05, 2020 11:24 AM (A8isT)

437 Still working on "The Jewish War." Vespasian is now Emperor and the Jews are destroying themselves with banditry and lawlessness. Sheesh.
Posted by: JAS at April 05, 2020 11:23 AM (2BZBZ)

Jewish War is a great read.

Posted by: Vanya at April 05, 2020 11:24 AM (BAsqb)

438 404
I finished Moron-author AH Lloyd's latest 'Vampires of Michigan' this
week. It's a fast paced spin on the undead protecting their turf in the
North Woods. A fun read, I highly recommend it!


Posted by: zeera at April 05, 2020 11:08 AM (zUdXR)

---
Thanks! Glad you liked it!

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 11:24 AM (cfSRQ)

439 I coulda been a contender.

Posted by: JAS at April 05, 2020 11:24 AM (2BZBZ)

440 Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 11:09 AM (ZbwAu)

Colorado, early 90's in this case. I had the impression it was fairly typical since our school district was extremely mediocre in general.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 05, 2020 11:24 AM (uquGJ)

441 I don't know how we are coming up with our stats but it's definitely different than any other country. Out of 315, 000 cases there are only 14,000 recoveries. That makes no sense.

Posted by: Kilroy wasn't here at April 05, 2020 11:24 AM (2DOZq)

442 ''Pelosi want to hold hearings on how the Trump administration is handling the crisis. ''

Her time would be better spent looking for a good bra to hold her fake boobs up.

Posted by: Tuna at April 05, 2020 11:25 AM (gLRfa)

443 Algernon would make an interesting League character. Say that the treatment got better, so that he's generally smart all the time, but when he needs it, he can take the serum and get EXTREMELY super, outrageously brilliant for a short time, but it changes his personality to be utterly sociopathic and uncaring, offering solutions that are horrific but effective. Like a modern variant on Jeckyl and Hyde.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 05, 2020 11:25 AM (KZzsI)

444 412 Can't agree. The prime sin of the movie is Mary Astor, who is not at all like Bridget. She should seem so sweet you HAVE to believe her.

To me that was the only real flaw of the movie, her casting. Everyone else was brilliant, she was completely unconvincing in the role. Mary Astor played it well but she was all wrong for the part.

I have long wondered about that. Was she considered sweeter and more convincing back then? Was she a girlfriend of John Huston? Was she the studio's choice and he had no real power yet to fight them? Or was it a psychological choice: they wanted her to look and seem wicked on the outside so that it was a statement about evil, where you couldn't portray an evil person as looking sweet and lovely?

Maybe the studios or Huston thought that audiences would be enraged by or hate Sam when he sent her to prison at the end if she was too sweet appearing and convincing.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 05, 2020 11:10 AM (KZzsI)
_________

According to my wife, her contract was involved.

But I also don't think Greenstreet is right for the part. In the book, he comes across as actually liking Sam, and enjoying the game. Not that he won't kill him as soon as it suits him, of course. But Greenstreet comes across as insincere in that. IMO, Laughton would have been a better pick.

Also, the movie of necessity had to compress and elide a number of incidents. Unless they wanted to go all Stroheim-Greed with it.

I do think that Lorre's Cairo is better than Hammett's.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 11:26 AM (ZbwAu)

445 "Progressives seem to have a deep antipathy to the concept of "innate." The idea that some things are what they are and therefore can't be something else sends them into a frothing rage (yeah, I know, how can you tell?). Their concepts of "equality" and "equity" are all wrapped up in this. But at the bottom of it all is the idea that man is a 'blank slate' upon which anything can be written. And progressives want to be the ones who do the writing."

They'll argue for innateness when it suits their purpose: Men are innately toxic, Western Civ innately evil, Whites innately racist. etc. And the opposites: women, other cultures and minorities are innately good. It's the Master Race Theory, only with a different race.

Just as there is no intellectual consistency, only whatever rock is handy in a fight to control others, whether that rock is Big Tech censorship, FBI/CIA coup attempts or denying hydroxychloroquine to sick people.

Posted by: The Gipper Lives at April 05, 2020 11:27 AM (Ndje9)

446 "that is a great deal of what makes intelligence. Smaller, intact
families with the resources to give their children the best nutrition
and learning materials from an early age give the kind of environment
that fosters the development of intellect."

the welfare state distorts that ... even for the middle class two parent family, many tell me two incomes are mostly required, and many women felt culturally obligated (feminism) to work. This sets up the "it takes a village" commie control of kids.


And the poorer families "on the dole" may feel they have nothing to lose, have more kids. They are not paying taxes like the working class, no mortgages to worry about, health care no issue. But in general, the poorest are lower IQ ... smarter families have smarter friends and develop smarter support systems ... birds of a feather thing. (Sowell and Ben Carson examples of the smart succeeding out of tough environments)

Posted by: illiniwek at April 05, 2020 11:27 AM (Cus5s)

447 Blade Runner was based on PK Dick's novel (take a deep breath) _Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?_

Now, right there, you can see why they changed the title. Weirdly, they used (and paid for) a title used by another SF writer, Alan Nourse, for a very different book. I can only assume Ridley Scott thought the word "Blade Runner" sounded cool and badass.

They changed a whole lot, partly because the novel is a kind of chaotic mess, and partly because a mid-1960s dystopian 21st century didn't look very much like whan a mid-1980s audience would expect.

But they did keep the core of the story, and apparently PKD saw it before his death and liked it.

Posted by: Trimegistus at April 05, 2020 11:29 AM (DKCFT)

448 Happened to run into him again
recently, now close to the end of his life. Never worked. Never got a
job. Lived off his wife's income. When I spoke with him, the sentiment
"everybody's a stupid idiot except me" came out over and over again.
After awhile, it just got tedious listening to him whine.

God forgive me, but I was glad when the phone cell ended.


Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 11:15 AM (k3bqH)

---
I had a friend like that and couldn't take it any more. Constant negativity.

Haven't talked to him in years.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 11:29 AM (cfSRQ)

449 Posted by: illiniwek at April 05, 2020 11:27 AM (Cus5

Chicken or Egg argument.

Posted by: Kilroy wasn't here at April 05, 2020 11:29 AM (2DOZq)

450 That makes no sense.
Posted by: Kilroy wasn't here at April 05, 2020 11:24 AM (2DOZq)


It's not supposed to make sense. It's supposed to cause an emotional reaction.

So in that sense it's working beautifully.

Posted by: BurtTC at April 05, 2020 11:29 AM (hku12)

451 I love the illustrations in today's thread, especially the little girl and her world from Alice in Wonderland. A similar one of me as a little boy could have been done with Treasure Island or a Tom Swift book.

Posted by: JTB at April 05, 2020 11:29 AM (7EjX1)

452 Wow, wake up, open the computer and first headline I see?

Trump picks fight with Twitter over Political Speech.

GOOD! About DAMN TIME.

They make it sound like a President standing up for Freedom of Speech is a bad thing. Its not.

Some sometimes you HAVE to start a fight!

Posted by: Romeo13 at April 05, 2020 11:30 AM (NgKpN)

453 Pelosi want to hold hearings on how the Trump administration is handling the crisis. ''

Her time would be better spent looking for a good bra to hold her fake boobs up.
Posted by: Tuna at April 05, 2020 11:25 AM (gLRfa)

-----------

I didn't realize they made fake boobs in sizes that long.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at April 05, 2020 11:30 AM (XVuno)

454 Posted by: pep at April 05, 2020 10:28 AM (T6t7i)

Murray argued in 1994 that this was already happening and accelerating. They go to the top universities. They socialize and meet their spouses in increasingly exclusive circles. They send their kids to better quality private schools.

Murray did not just argue that the average intelligence of the population was declining. He also argued that it is splitting into a small elite disconnected from everyone else. See OregonMuse's quote above. Murray viewed both as a big problems.
Posted by: cool breeze at April 05, 2020 10:42 AM (UGKMd)


The problem with this theory is that the "intellectual elite" are living in their worlds, THINKING they're smarter than other people.

And generally, they're not.

Accumulation of knowledge isn't intelligence.

Intelligence is found in the practical application of said knowledge, and those people who are occupying those wings of society, protected in their towers, are often living messed up lives, significantly worse than the average carpenter.

And frankly, while I've never read the book, I think Murray is wrong. I think he's measuring the wrong things.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 05, 2020 11:17 AM (hku12)



Well, the simple fact is that roughly 50% of the population in the US have IQs below 100 or 90, depending on who you read.

This wasn't a "problem" in the past because there were plenty of good jobs available for those folks.

Low IQ doesn't mean bad or less worthy or anything like that.

However, the Lower IQ people have been systematically pushed out of the system by AI and machinery. Plus, the Left's insistence on ever higher taxes everywhere for everything means that it's impossible to be a lower wages earner and still live a dignified life.

So, they're pushed into the welfare system where it doesn't matter how good or moral or hard-working or whatever...you just exist to subsist.

This is and will be the big problem of the 21st Century because these people deserve dignified lives as well as work.

It's of a piece with Our Betters thinking so much about their bottom line that they gladly export jobs away from there fellow countrymen and women, and then import illegal aliens to depress the wages of lower lever jobs here.

A clash is coming and it won't be pretty.

Since this is the book thread, see Vonnegut "Player Piano" for a literary reference.

Posted by: naturalfake at April 05, 2020 11:31 AM (z0XD8)

455 440 Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 11:09 AM (ZbwAu)

Colorado, early 90's in this case. I had the impression it was fairly typical since our school district was extremely mediocre in general.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 05, 2020 11:24 AM (uquGJ)
______

OK, that's 20 years after my time. But I did have the highest boards in my class, and didn't get a scholarship. Well, not for that reason; I was in NROTC, but f**ked up my knee.

When I think how innocent I was it staggers me. My one HS girlfriend and I were so innocent that everything we did could have been shown on Spin and Marty. (Old Disney, the the great days of Walt.)

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 11:31 AM (ZbwAu)

456 the welfare state distorts that ... even for the
middle class two parent family, many tell me two incomes are mostly
required, and many women felt culturally obligated (feminism) to work.
This sets up the "it takes a village" commie control of kids.

Posted by: illiniwek at April 05, 2020 11:27 AM (Cus5s)

---
Don't forget cars.

If you have more than two kids, you need to buy a minivan or something like it. Hard to do on one income.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 11:32 AM (cfSRQ)

457 437 Still working on "The Jewish War." Vespasian is now Emperor and the Jews are destroying themselves with banditry and lawlessness. Sheesh.
Posted by: JAS at April 05, 2020 11:23 AM (2BZBZ)

------------

I won't spoil it for you by revealing what happened at Masada, but you won't believe it.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at April 05, 2020 11:32 AM (XVuno)

458 422 Knew a guy once, 40 years ago, whom I could tell was having a hard time finding his place in life. Had trouble finding work, nothing suited him, etc.

Happened to run into him again recently, now close to the end of his life. Never worked. Never got a job. Lived off his wife's income. When I spoke with him, the sentiment "everybody's a stupid idiot except me" came out over and over again. After awhile, it just got tedious listening to him whine.

God forgive me, but I was glad when the phone cell ended.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 11:15 AM (k3bqH)

This sounds like a good book plot.

Posted by: m at April 05, 2020 11:33 AM (M5wRT)

459 ''I didn't realize they made fake boobs in sizes that long.''

I've noticed they've gotten bigger and bigger over the years. Unfortunately her chest muscles aren't up to the job of supporting them.

Posted by: Tuna at April 05, 2020 11:33 AM (gLRfa)

460 God forgive me, but I was glad when the phone cell ended.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 11:15 AM (k3bqH)

And I don't blame you a bit. My husband had a best friend who was like this, narcissistic and unable to keep a job because he immediately assumed he was hired to "take over" not to contribute or work for , God forbid, his boss. He spent most of his life living off hos wife's income and her inheritance from her "uneducated" father who made a bundle in something that did not require a PhD.

Last time we heard form him he was still bemoaning how people and circumstances prevented him from winning a Nobel Prize.

Fortunately for me, his daughter went total leftist and anyone who did not was cast aside, including my husband who knew him since they were 7yo.

It was a personality disorder in his case. The wife, a hard working woman without his Ivy PhD, put up with this. I think she did so as he married her the day after she turned 18, he was 27 and wanted someone young enough to "mold emotionally". I'm glad to be rid of the bastard

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 11:33 AM (ONvIw)

461 Was Doctor Sleep based on something else?
Posted by: Vanya at April 05, 2020 11:20 AM (BAsqb)



It's a sequel to "The Shining".

Posted by: naturalfake at April 05, 2020 11:34 AM (z0XD8)

462 One thing about Wuhan Chinese Virus from China is that I've had more time to read.

I read True Grit for the first time, long time fan of the movie....mostly because of Marshall Cogburn. I always found Mattie Ross annoying. Turns out, she's way more annoying, stubborn AND stupid in the book. She's a liar, pushy (a bully even, when she can), stubborn and worse, useless. Yeah, she's pretty much a load and never does anything useful the whole trip into Indian Territory. In the end, she falls down a hole, breaks her arm, get bit by a snake and loses the fucking arm.

So, not an unhappy ending. Bad guys get kilt, annoying bitch child loses an arm, good guys live.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards at April 05, 2020 11:34 AM (d1uFV)

463 Her time would be better spent looking for a good bra to hold her fake boobs up.
Posted by: Tuna at April 05, 2020 11:25 AM (gLRfa)

-----------

I didn't realize they made fake boobs in sizes that long.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at April 05, 2020 11:30 AM (XVuno)


True story, Anna Nicole Smith's fake bobs were so ill formed to her body, they split her nipples. She was often in excruciating pain as a result of her fake bobs having infections and/or being too heavy for her to carry around.

It led directly to her addiction problems, and led directly to her eventual death.

Sometimes glamour, ain't.

Posted by: BurtTC at April 05, 2020 11:34 AM (hku12)

464 397
I thought Jaws the novel was better - the missing story about Hooper and
Mrs. Brody and the jealousy on the Orca was great in the novel. Not to
to mention the description of their encounter - which was ruined when
you put Dreyfuss and Lorraine in place of those characters.

Posted by: rammajamma at April 05, 2020 11:04 AM (SwWMX)

---
You're weird.

Dreyfuss absolutely captured the academic geek required for the role of Hooper. The whole "summer people/winter people" thing was obnoxious and a distraction from the heart of the story.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 11:34 AM (cfSRQ)

465 Casting really seems like the bugbear of book-to-film adaptations. Interview with the Vampire felt all wrong except for the little girl vampire (Kristen Dunst did well with that). Jack Reacher was obviously the wrong actor. Even Bob Lee Swagger in Shooter was all wrong, he was half the age of the character.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 05, 2020 11:35 AM (KZzsI)

466 China's gig is up. The Virus is the biggest Own Goal in history, accelerating and ensuring the end of the CCP. What comes next?

What comes first is "China is Ass hoooer!!" tshirts, obviously.

Posted by: Boxx Culvert, bouncin' through potholes at April 05, 2020 11:35 AM (wmfhQ)

467 It's of a piece with Our Betters thinking so much about their bottom line that they gladly export jobs away from there fellow countrymen and women, and then import illegal aliens to depress the wages of lower lever jobs here.

A clash is coming and it won't be pretty.

Since this is the book thread, see Vonnegut "Player Piano" for a literary reference.
Posted by: naturalfake at April 05, 2020 11:31 AM (z0XD

Ever wonder if Obama stockpiled ammo and weaponry for this purpose? I do

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 11:35 AM (ONvIw)

468 Posted by: cool breeze at April 05, 2020 11:18 AM (UGKMd)

Unfortunately, in the cases I know of, the people didn't drop out to start multibillion dollar companies. They pretty much *just* dropped out and then had to spend a bunch of time trying to scrape together any sort of life at all.

From what I've heard Murray seems to assume on one hand that intelligence leads to credentials and a 'top tier' mate but then acknowledge that some intelligent people succeed without credentials. That still doesn't address my concern of those who don't "succeed" by general metrics even though highly intelligent.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 05, 2020 11:35 AM (uquGJ)

469 I read "The Exorcist" in the back of a van, going from Dallas to the Sierras . early 70's

And although the movie strays from the novel, I thought it was pretty well done

Posted by: REDACTED at April 05, 2020 11:35 AM (rpxSz)

470 To go back to an earlier part of the thread, on thing that impresses me his how much more English has changed since the Middle Ages than have some others. I know that Villon's poems can be read by students of French, and I've been told that, for Italians, Dante is no more difficult than Shakespeare is for us.

Don't know why that is.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 11:36 AM (ZbwAu)

471 I went from a very innocent HS student to the early 70s hedonism. Wasn't ready for that.)

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 11:09 AM (ZbwAu)


Yes, this is how I would describe my early life, too. Was on the path to self-immolation. But God is merciful.

Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 11:37 AM (k3bqH)

472 It was a personality disorder in his case. The wife, a hard working woman without his Ivy PhD, put up with this. I think she did so as he married her the day after she turned 18, he was 27 and wanted someone young enough to "mold emotionally". I'm glad to be rid of the bastard
Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 11:33 AM (ONvIw)

Nothing personal but I question your hubs' judgement for having a guy like that as a friend to begin with.

Posted by: Vanya at April 05, 2020 11:37 AM (BAsqb)

473 "Out of 315, 000 cases there are only 14,000 recoveries. That makes no sense."

one concern, and a possibly another reason to treat corvid-19 more seriously, is that permanent lung damage is done, even in (slightly above?) mild cases. So maybe they are not fully resolved, or maybe they are told to go home and don't come back unless it gets worse .... and the data ends there, no closure, no more testing.


All the more reason to push the HCQ+Z early ... (and to release all the data on that cocktail's results ... anecdotal is a handful of testimonies ... we have probably 10K or more outcomes ... most claiming it has been highly effective. ... why are they hiding it?)

Posted by: illiniwek at April 05, 2020 11:37 AM (Cus5s)

474 I just finished Checkpoint Charlie by Iain MacGregor.
Not bad. A good history with interviews from both sides and written from a British perspective. Fun for me as I know some of the Americans mentioned.
I recommend it.

Posted by: Diogenes at April 05, 2020 11:37 AM (axyOa)

475 This is a public university which also sucks up taxpayer money.

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 10:05 AM (ONvIw)

University of Illinois aka University of peking east?

Posted by: Sounds like here. at April 05, 2020 11:38 AM (/LQkF)

476 A couple of years ago I knew a young man with really profound dyslexia. He had a few emotional problems as well, a bit Aspergerish, and was basically unemployable.

I found myself thinking that a century earlier he would have gotten along just fine. Maybe work with animals, or on a farm, or even some kind of skilled craft -- anything where reading and reading people doesn't matter. But in the modern world we're so immersed in a sea of words that even a "low-level" job requires endless form-filling, manual-reading, etc.

Posted by: Trimegistus at April 05, 2020 11:38 AM (DKCFT)

477 Dreyfuss absolutely captured the academic geek required for the role of Hooper. The whole "summer people/winter people" thing was obnoxious and a distraction from the heart of the story.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 11:34 AM (cfSRQ)

The Benchleys were the ultimate "summer people"

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 11:38 AM (ONvIw)

478 I like spiral staircases.

Harry Belafonte?

Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 05, 2020 11:39 AM (A5zUN)

479 Low IQ doesn't mean bad or less worthy or anything like that.


Posted by: naturalfake at April 05, 2020 11:31 AM (z0XD

---
Actually, to the 'elites' it does. That's why they flipped about about The Bell Curve.

They still do. Noticing that intelligence is a trait like height or hair color will inevitably bring the cry of "racist!" because to them, it's the same thing.

The root problem is that they are so wrapped up in their self___ of being smart, and this means they look down on everyone below them. It's Who They Are.

"What?! ME give respect to a mere TRADESMAN?! I worked hard for that degree!"

Also, the blank slate concept enables them to believe that "institutional racism" and "the patriarchy" rather than inherited traits are the reason all jobs aren't equally distributed along demographic lines.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 11:40 AM (cfSRQ)

480 What comes first is "China is Ass hoooer!!" tshirts, obviously.
Posted by: Boxx Culvert, bouncin' through potholes at April 05, 2020 11:35 AM (wmfhQ)


You mean like these?

https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/5754815-china-is-asshole

Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 11:40 AM (k3bqH)

481 Mrs. Miniver is on atm

Greer Garson's decorator came in to my antique shop in the mid 70's

bought a pair of 18th century console tables

She lived in Dallas penthouse near my shop

I delivered them myself, met her for maybe five minutes

still had red hair

Posted by: REDACTED at April 05, 2020 11:41 AM (rpxSz)

482 went from a very innocent HS student to the early 70s hedonism. Wasn't ready for that.)

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 11:09 AM (ZbwAu)

Yes, this is how I would describe my early life, too. Was on the path to self-immolation. But God is merciful.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional


***

I could of done the same but Army ROTC in college saved me.

Posted by: Diogenes at April 05, 2020 11:41 AM (axyOa)

483 Posted by: JTB at April 05, 2020 09:09 AM (7EjX1)

When you say Gawain, do you mean Gawain and the Green Knight? I haven't even thought of that story in twenty five years. I need to put that on my list as my copy is who knows where.

If memory serves, there was an interesting (to me, at least) movie version with Sean Connery as the Green Knight, maybe mid '80s or so.
Posted by: Bilwis Devourer of Low Glycemic Souls at April 05, 2020 09:14 AM (Wm5SB)


There's a new movie version of"SGatGK" coming out this summer. (maybe???)

I also found a couple of months ago 2 separate Folio Society versions of SGatGK, for dirt cheap.

Not a popular read, I guess.

The translations are fairly different but both seem good.

I have been in a Green Knight mood lately, so I haven't read them.

Anyway, check them out.

Posted by: naturalfake at April 05, 2020 11:43 AM (z0XD8)

484 I question your hubs' judgement for having a guy like that as a friend to begin with.

-
Although I am a big fan of Rockford, it just didn't ring true that a cool guy like Rockford would have a lying sack of shit like Angel for a friend.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at April 05, 2020 11:43 AM (+y/Ru)

485 470 To go back to an earlier part of the thread, on thing that impresses me his how much more English has changed since the Middle Ages than have some others. I know that Villon's poems can be read by students of French, and I've been told that, for Italians, Dante is no more difficult than Shakespeare is for us.

Don't know why that is.
Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 11:36 AM (ZbwAu)

English has adopted more pieces of other languages than any other language, giving it a huge vocabulary. Best guess is that it has a lot to do with English becoming a World Language, thanks to the Age of Exploration and the British Empire. Also, other cultures have always put a great emphasis on rigidity and have historically opposed change; I've heard that a Chinese speaker today can quite easily read the inscriptions on monuments put up 2,000 years ago. The English Speaking culture, on the other hand, has always embraced innovation and change far more than any others, which is undoubtedly the reason it has spread so wide.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 05, 2020 11:43 AM (q3gwH)

486 441 I don't know how we are coming up with our stats but it's definitely different than any other country. Out of 315, 000 cases there are only 14,000 recoveries. That makes no sense.
Posted by: Kilroy wasn't here at April 05, 2020 11:24 AM (2DOZq)

This doesn't explain a distinction between countries' reported numbers, but it accounts for the seemingly low numbers of recovered cases:

from the Johns Hopkins coronavirus map website:

"Recovered cases outside China are estimates based on local media reports, and may be substantially lower than the true number."

https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html

Posted by: m at April 05, 2020 11:43 AM (M5wRT)

487 Nothing personal but I question your hubs' judgement for having a guy like that as a friend to begin with.
Posted by: Vanya at April 05, 2020 11:37 AM (BAsqb)

I do too. The friend was a molder from an early age and for a long time convinced my husband and their other buddy that their agreement (with his views) made them special and superior. The other guy got out earlier. It's great to have someone state that you are "the best" for whatever reason.

I tangled with this guy on numerous occasions but had to put up with him.

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 11:43 AM (ONvIw)

488 God forgive me, but I was glad when the phone cell ended.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 11:15 AM (k3bqH)
This sounds like a good book plot.
Posted by: m at April 05, 2020 11:33 AM (M5wRT)


Heh, no. But if somebody did write it, it would be one of the most depressing books ever.

Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 11:44 AM (k3bqH)

489 besides epidemic,another good word to know is "endemic", since the concern is this will be like influenza, a permanent inhabitant that we will always fight. But it seems to be a larger virus (or larger than others that mutate more), somewhat less prone to mutating "successfully", so a cure or vaccine might be more permanent.


"an infection is said to be endemic (from Greek en "in, within" and demos "people") in a population when that infection is constantly maintained at a baseline level in a geographic area without external input"

Posted by: illiniwek at April 05, 2020 11:44 AM (Cus5s)

490 459 ''I didn't realize they made fake boobs in sizes that long.''

I've noticed they've gotten bigger and bigger over the years. Unfortunately her chest muscles aren't up to the job of supporting them.
Posted by: Tuna at April 05, 2020 11:33 AM (gLRfa)


Gravity is a cruel mistress.

Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 11:45 AM (k3bqH)

491 More on the Fisher (which is worth another Sunday morning for the architecture) since I work at Penn.

The building is considered one of Frank Furness's masterpieces, and was Penn's main library until the early 1960s when the hulking Van Pelt/Lippincott library was built. That allowed many of the school-specific collections (particularly Arts & Sciences and Wharton) to be centralized and provided much more office space for the librarians.

Furness now holds the architecture and fine arts collections. Interesting note: I once went to get The John McPhee Reader for my son (I read it in high school and credit that for my interest in writing and the subsequent career opportunities it brought). The book was the very first book on the shelf as you went through the LC cataloging. Cool!

Posted by: Otto Zilch at April 05, 2020 11:46 AM (U2esv)

492 I went from a very innocent HS student to the early 70s hedonism. Wasn't ready for that.)

That was true of a lot of us at that time (mid 70s). When my kids used to ask me about that time, my response was very negative. I've forgotten who coined the phrase "slum of a decade", maybe Tom Wolfe, but it always seemed to me that the phrase more accurately applied to the late 60s through the 70s.

Posted by: pep at April 05, 2020 11:46 AM (T6t7i)

493 one concern, and a possibly another reason to treat
corvid-19 more seriously, is that permanent lung damage is done, even in
(slightly above?) mild cases. So maybe they are not fully resolved, or
maybe they are told to go home and don't come back unless it gets worse
.... and the data ends there, no closure, no more testing.

Posted by: illiniwek at April 05, 2020 11:37 AM (Cus5s)

---
Yes, that bit gets left out of the discussion a lot. Does "recovered" mean no longer hospitalized, or a healthy as they were before.

I had a severe bout of pneumonia and had to be put on oxygen. They did the scan and my lungs looked terrible, as in portable-O2 for life bad.

Happily, I made my CON check, recovered fully, next scan showed it was all clear.

So even if the scans look bad now, can it heal? Are we going to get a small amount of deaths but a larger amount of permanently disabled?

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 11:46 AM (cfSRQ)

494 Although I am a big fan of Rockford, it just didn't ring true that a cool guy like Rockford would have a lying sack of shit like Angel for a friend.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at April 05, 2020 11:43 AM (+y/Ru)

Angel was useful, I think it was always implied that Rockford had struck up a relationship with Angel during an old stint in prison.

and there have been times in my life when I have had "friends" who I would never let set foot inside my house unless I kept close watch on their hands the entire time.

My favorite Angel story was when he kept a little box of dead flies to put on his food at a restaurant, so he could get a free meal.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 05, 2020 11:46 AM (q3gwH)

495 Although I am a big fan of Rockford, it just didn't ring true that a cool guy like Rockford would have a lying sack of shit like Angel for a friend.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at April 05, 2020 11:43 AM (+y/Ru)

I don't know about Rockford, but for my husband, friendship "seniority" was important for whatever reason (but I think it came from the "molder"). He replaced this one with another neighbor "boy" (they are all 79). Fortunately this one is not asshoe

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 11:47 AM (ONvIw)

496 I do too. The friend was a molder from an early age and for a long time convinced my husband and their other buddy that their agreement (with his views) made them special and superior. The other guy got out earlier. It's great to have someone state that you are "the best" for whatever reason.

I tangled with this guy on numerous occasions but had to put up with him.
Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 11:43 AM (ONvIw)


Huh. Very interesting. The guy I was talking about is kind of the same way. Loved his "superior" views and anyone who agreed with him.

Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 11:47 AM (k3bqH)

497 Also, the blank slate concept enables them to believe that "institutional racism" and "the patriarchy" rather than inherited traits are the reason all jobs aren't equally distributed along demographic lines.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 11:40 AM (cfSRQ)

Intelligence is a tough thing to quantify. People confuse the issue with credentialism and/or knowledge.

It is a tough thing, but like pornography, you know it when you see it.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 05, 2020 11:48 AM (A5zUN)

498 I confess I'm still a bit skeptical of intelligence testing. One reason is my own case. I did have the best SAT/Achievement/Regents in my class. But I knew people who didn't score as well, and it was largely because they worried about it. To me, it was all a lark. I never cared that much, and that attitude payed off. Bigly.

Another is that there is a clear difference between people of narrow but high intellect, and those of very broad intelligence. Take Horatio Nelson as the former, Churchill as the latter. I don't see why that should be so marked.

Finally, there is the obvious importance of self-discipline, which is mostly a matter of education and upbringing. I'm not an IQ denier, exactly, but I am always VERY conscious of the fact that, in every era, there are always assumptions and beliefs that, if not unwarranted, are surely distorted.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 11:48 AM (ZbwAu)

499 Out of 315, 000 cases there are only 14,000 recoveries. That makes no sense.

Posted by: Kilroy wasn't here at April 05, 2020 11:24 AM (2DOZq)


Where are all the patients "on the road to recovery"?

Maybe they are in the reefer trucks outside the hospital?

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar at April 05, 2020 11:49 AM (BiNEL)

500 It's great to have someone state that you are "the best" for whatever reason.

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 11:43 AM (ONvIw)

IDK about anyone else, but I immediately distrust anyone who is too nice to me too quickly or compliments me too much. I find I'm usually correct to do so.

That shit about 'young enough to mold' is a gigantic red flag. I don't know what industry they were in, but if you said that crap in the oilfield you'd get nicknamed Chester the Molester or something.

Posted by: Vanya at April 05, 2020 11:49 AM (BAsqb)

501 ''Gravity is a cruel mistress.''

It is indeed.

Posted by: Tuna at April 05, 2020 11:49 AM (gLRfa)

502 This sounds like a good book plot.
Posted by: m at April 05, 2020 11:33 AM (M5wRT)

Heh, no. But if somebody did write it, it would be one of the most depressing books ever.


Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor Social
---
The real-life inspiration for "Zip" in The Vampires of Michigan was someone like you describe.

And yes, the actual version is far more depressing. That's why I added vampires.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 11:49 AM (cfSRQ)

503 Happily, I made my CON check, recovered fully, next scan showed it was all clear.

So even if the scans look bad now, can it heal? Are we going to get a small amount of deaths but a larger amount of permanently disabled?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 11:46 AM (cfSRQ)

I have a lot of questions about the "permanent damage" especially in the Chinese cases. How many Wuhan guys in their 60s-80s had baseline x-rays to demonstrate that the damage was totally from this virus?

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 11:49 AM (ONvIw)

504 I'm sure Bezos will be turning all hoarding profits over to the government

======
Hey JeffyBoi, take all the increased profits you make during this time of HouseArrest and start a fund to help those whose businesses died.

Posted by: Vlad the impaler,whittling away like mad at April 05, 2020 11:49 AM (d6mdH)

505 Another series I think I'm done with is Robert B Parker's Spenser. I went on a binge, paying full Kindle prices ($8 a pop) for the first 5 books.

The first three are ok, the first two are pretty strongly influenced by Chandler and Hammett, the forth is a whole lot of feminism and armchair psychoanalysis of the main character Spenser. The only good thing about book 4 is the introduction of Hawk. Spenser lets Hawk skip out on a police raid, despite Haw having worked over his paying client. But Hawk returns the favor by not killing Spenser later.

Book 4 is where I realized: Spenser isn't good at his job. He's not a good detective. He's not even a good skip tracer. He's ok in Boston, where he's been living for decades and has a support network of people he can do favors for and whom he can tap for return favors.

He's also a murderer. Now, I have zero problems killing bad guys. I do have a problem with murder when the killer is prone to...shall we say an unearned air of moral superiority, which Spenser has had. But in book 3, Mortal Stakes, Spenser 'sets up' a couple of crooks who are blackmailing someone who isn't even Spenser's client. He walks up to one guy with a loaded shotgun in his hands, the other guy is armed but doesn't have his gun out, then he goads the guy into going for his gun and then Spenser gives him the buckshot. The bad guy had a backup ready to snipe Spenser, but Spenser had scouted the site well and was in the guy's blind spot during the confrontation and after killing the first guy, he, knowing where the sniper is, is able to put down area fire that kills him.
That's murder in my book, as it is very premeditated. And again, he's murdering these two crooks over blackmail. Not life or death shit, just money. If this was Mike Hammer, I'd have no problem with this, though Mike wouldn't be such a pussy about it afterwards.

Then in book 5....I didn't even bother finishing Judas Goat. The book starts out good and fast, he's getting 'revenge' for a guy who was bombed by some terrorists. Only, get this, the terrorists are Conservative anti-comunists. Yeah. Lots of those guys were bombing cafes in London in the 70's. Eat my dick, Robert Parker. And, back to my statement that Spenser isn't a good detective, here's Spenser's big brain plan to find the bad guys, here's what he does to earn the 20k he's getting paid for: he flies to London, puts a PERSONAL AD in the Times and then sits around for six days eating.

That's it. He puts an ad in the paper. Doesn't check out the crime scene, doesn't try to work contacts, doesn't beat the bushes, doesn't follow up on the police files. Nope. He places a personal ad and hangs out.

Fuck that, I'm out.

This is Detective Fiction Lite, designed to appeal to East Coast Liberals. Spenser is the Liberal fantasy of the sensitive emotional male (who cooks) who can also beat up all the bad racists and everyone else they, the readers, can't. Daishell Hammett was an out and proud Socialist but he'd also worked for a living and been a private detective and that shows in his stories. The Continental Op stories in particular show how a detective agency works a case. Robert B. Parker writes like a Boston Liberal Academic, don't let the boxing fool you.

If you like it, go with my blessing. Folks can like things. But I regret all the money I spent on this. Eh. At least I got some good recipies out of it.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards at April 05, 2020 11:50 AM (d1uFV)

506 Casting Cruise as Reacher was probably the worst book to movie casting I can think of. Reacher described as a giant of a man, not perfect looking, but sexy in a manly way(he always gets to sleep with the lead female character before the end of hte book), blond and muscular. Cruise is short, dark and charismatically handsome.

The other casting that ruined the TV version for me was Circei in GOT. Actress was too old and not gorgeous enough.

Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at April 05, 2020 11:50 AM (QzF6i)

507 Just a note here: check federalist paper # 10 on innate differences and how they are to be protected from the tyranny of majority. Madison blowing up Marxism and progressivism ahead of time.

Posted by: azoo at April 05, 2020 11:50 AM (wg7wr)

508 " The juked stats, misinformation, Chinese propaganda broadcast from the MFM, overblown hysterical screeching that doesn't in any way match the known data, and pretexts being used by TPTB to seize greater power over our lives are the "hoax" part of all this."

Agreed on all points. Well done.

Posted by: Boxx Culvert, bouncin' through potholes at April 05, 2020 11:50 AM (wmfhQ)

509 REDACTED, did you ever meet the lady in Dallas that was famous for having everything done in yellow?

Posted by: Ben Had at April 05, 2020 11:51 AM (BQEAt)

510 very innocent HS student to the early 70s hedonism...

Took some very hard knocks to restore my values. Also considerable time - I'm a slow and 'the hard way' learner.

When I look at all the regrettable no-do-overs choices and still-repercussing consequences...

I wonder...

How much more straightening-out might I still need?

Posted by: mindful webworker
if modern media covered Easter week...!
at April 05, 2020 11:51 AM (AoLFQ)

511 Although I am a big fan of Rockford, it just didn't ring true that a cool guy like Rockford would have a lying sack of shit like Angel for a friend.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at April 05, 2020 11:43 AM (+y/Ru)


I think they met in prison. And Rockford is too good a guy to just kick Angel loose, no matter how big a loser he is. Plus he is useful to him in some capacity.

That's my theory, and I'm sticking to it.

Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 11:51 AM (k3bqH)

512 and there have been times in my life when I have had "friends" who I would never let set foot inside my house unless I kept close watch on their hands the entire time.

My favorite Angel story was when he kept a little box of dead flies to put on his food at a restaurant, so he could get a free meal.
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 05, 2020 11:46 AM (q3gwH)

I really don't get this. I have two close friends, and I would leave my wallet with either one for a week and I know nothing would get fucked with. If you have to watch him, HE'S NOT YOUR FRIEND.

Posted by: Vanya at April 05, 2020 11:51 AM (BAsqb)

513 IDK about anyone else, but I immediately distrust anyone who is too nice to me too quickly or compliments me too much. I find I'm usually correct to do so.

Posted by: Vanya at April 05, 2020 11:49 AM (BAsqb)

This. I got a performance review once that was pretty brutal: 'Aetius has trouble accepting praise.'

...

'Aetius needs to do a better job in masking his contempt for others.'




Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 05, 2020 11:51 AM (A5zUN)

514 It was a particularly healthy pandemic. Threatening everyone like a bully in an empty bar. Bereft of customer and pool table. Nobody to fight, and nothing to fight about. The barkeep, his nap uninterrupted, even by the silent passage of time.

Posted by: klaftern at April 05, 2020 11:51 AM (RuIsu)

515 506 Casting Cruise as Reacher was probably the worst book to movie casting I can think of.

---------

*ahem*

Posted by: Cruise as Lestat at April 05, 2020 11:52 AM (XVuno)

516 I suspect that the reason "recovery" numbers are so low is that the bar to designating someone as officially "recovered" is very high - I think they have to wait at least 2 weeks, and then obtain 2 negative tests. So, by definition, no one who has tasted positive in the last 2 weeks could possibly be called "recovered", even if they have no symptoms.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 05, 2020 11:52 AM (q3gwH)

517 How many Wuhan guys in their 60s-80s had baseline x-rays to demonstrate that the damage was totally from this virus?
Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 11:49 AM (ONvIw)

I assume you jest.

Posted by: Vanya at April 05, 2020 11:53 AM (BAsqb)

518 Posted by: Vanya at April 05, 2020 11:49 AM (BAsqb)

It was not as big a redflag when this all occurred, and my husband a Business School PhD.

I was always pleased that he lived so far away.

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 11:53 AM (ONvIw)

519 Finally, there is the obvious importance of self-discipline, which is mostly a matter of education and upbringing. I'm not an IQ denier, exactly, but I am always VERY conscious of the fact that, in every era, there are always assumptions and beliefs that, if not unwarranted, are surely distorted.
Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 11:48 AM (ZbwAu)

I think the SAT just measures your ability to learn and retain info in a classroom environment. It's not the end all be all of intelligence.

I'm not sure how you test for curiosity, speed of comprehension and other factors that I consider part of intelligence.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards at April 05, 2020 11:53 AM (d1uFV)

520 Finally, there is the obvious importance of
self-discipline, which is mostly a matter of education and upbringing.
I'm not an IQ denier, exactly, but I am always VERY conscious of the
fact that, in every era, there are always assumptions and beliefs that,
if not unwarranted, are surely distorted.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 11:48 AM (ZbwAu)

---
There's no question that this is crucial.

As we've discussed, a solid work ethic is arguably more important than IQ.

Consider the electrician. No advanced degree, practical knowledge, will get fully certified with zero if any debt and will out-earn all but the upper-tier of PHDs if you factor in net worth.

And the latter resent the hell out of it.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 11:53 AM (cfSRQ)

521 Posted by: Kilroy wasn't here at April 05, 2020 11:24 AM (2DOZq)

Where are all the patients "on the road to recovery"?

Maybe they are in the reefer trucks outside the hospital?
Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar at April 05, 2020 11:49 AM (BiNEL)


Counting stats only ever measure what people are looking at, and it often depends on who is doing the counting.

It's like if you have a MLB hitter, who has 315 plate appearances, and has hit "only" 14 home runs... is that a good hitter?

Or a pitcher who throws 315 innings and has 14 wins. Is that a good pitcher?

You have no idea, because the stats themselves, home runs or wins, only measures a very very small part of the greater story.

Posted by: BurtTC at April 05, 2020 11:53 AM (hku12)

522 485 470 To go back to an earlier part of the thread, on thing that impresses me his how much more English has changed since the Middle Ages than have some others. I know that Villon's poems can be read by students of French, and I've been told that, for Italians, Dante is no more difficult than Shakespeare is for us.

Don't know why that is.
Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 11:36 AM (ZbwAu)

English has adopted more pieces of other languages than any other language, giving it a huge vocabulary. Best guess is that it has a lot to do with English becoming a World Language, thanks to the Age of Exploration and the British Empire. Also, other cultures have always put a great emphasis on rigidity and have historically opposed change; I've heard that a Chinese speaker today can quite easily read the inscriptions on monuments put up 2,000 years ago. The English Speaking culture, on the other hand, has always embraced innovation and change far more than any others, which is undoubtedly the reason it has spread so wide.
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 05, 2020 11:43 AM (q3gwH)
______

Well,the first point, the number of languages influencing English, was already true in Chaucer's day.

The 2nd I don't buy. Note that it was already formed by the age of exploration; Drake was a near contemporary of Shakespeare.

The last might, however, have something to it, so far as literary culture goes. I'm not so convinced about the notion that we're that much more innovative, historically, as people think. These things come and go.It's a long time since people saw the Portuguese that way; but once upon a time, they were, at least at sea.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 11:54 AM (ZbwAu)

523 IDK about anyone else, but I immediately distrust anyone who is too nice to me too quickly or compliments me too much. I find I'm usually correct to do so.
Posted by: Vanya at April 05, 2020 11:49 AM (BAsqb)


I do, too. Because when people start acting like that toward me I know they don't know me well enough yet to be talking like that. So that just sets off alarm bells.

Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 11:54 AM (k3bqH)

524 I assume you jest.
Posted by: Vanya at April 05, 2020 11:53 AM (BAsqb)

I do. So I assume that most of the damage was either occupational or from smoking.

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 11:54 AM (ONvIw)

525 I would trust this here Horde to better adjudge one's competency in a given field of knowledge, than damn near *any* Collegiate Board in awarding a degree of any level.

The standards for most things, would be higher, but of a much more practical bent.

*hereby awards Muldoon a PhD in Pun-ditry*



Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX

Posted by: Jim at April 05, 2020 11:54 AM (QzJWU)

526 FIRST!!!!!

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 05, 2020 11:54 AM (Zz0t1)

527 Friendly neighborhood reminder:

https://youtu.be/L3tnH4FGbd0

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 05, 2020 11:55 AM (Zz0t1)

528 My cousin, Mike Colahan, has written and published a novel, The Gospel of Catherine Deane, 13 digit ISBN 9781945330902, available at Amazon.

It is about a woman who picks up a hitch hiker on 9/11/2001, who later suspects that man may have been Jesus Christ. Her family thinks she is crazy, so she takes off to try and find him again.

The XO has read it and highly recommends it. He is a devout Catholic of pre-Vatican II persuasion and did not find anything disrespectful or mocking of Mike's handling of the religious aspect of the book.

I freely admit that I am a crappy cousin and have not read the book. As I explained to Mike, it's not because I am one of those snooty booksellers who looks down on self or micro published books. I simply cannot read works by people close to me because my internal editor kicks into gear and I cannot see the forest for the trees. I look at grammar, punctuation, and word use, thinking of how I would change it to make it sound better. I can't grasp the actual story itself.

Posted by: Captain Josepha Sabin -- current occupation: cat furniture at April 05, 2020 11:55 AM (w96zf)

529 Bill Gates is evil and should be banned to Wuhan wet markets.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 05, 2020 11:55 AM (Zz0t1)

530 I'm not sure how you test for curiosity, speed of comprehension and other factors that I consider part of intelligence.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards at April 05, 2020 11:53 AM (d1uFV)

This, there is a hard to quantify element of inspiration to intelligence. The 'Ah ha!' moment.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 05, 2020 11:55 AM (A5zUN)

531 I really don't get this. I have two close friends,
and I would leave my wallet with either one for a week and I know
nothing would get fucked with. If you have to watch him, HE'S NOT YOUR
FRIEND.

Posted by: Vanya at April 05, 2020 11:51 AM (BAsqb)
---
There are circles of friends, and in certain environments a shifty guy can be very useful.

Rockford moved in that world, so Angel was helpful.

This is absolutely the case in the military. Full spectrum of friends there.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 11:55 AM (cfSRQ)

532 509 REDACTED, did you ever meet the lady in Dallas that was famous for having everything done in yellow?
Posted by: Ben Had at April 05, 2020 11:51 AM (BQEAt)

no,never had the pleasure

and I never met Syrie Wellcome either

Posted by: REDACTED at April 05, 2020 11:55 AM (rpxSz)

533 462 I read True Grit for the first time, long time fan of the movie....mostly because of Marshall Cogburn. I always found Mattie Ross annoying.

So, not an unhappy ending. Bad guys get kilt, annoying bitch child loses an arm, good guys live.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards at April 05, 2020 11:34 AM (d1uFV)

I watched both versions of the film last week. Both good. Was the book a good read (aside from Mattie)?

Posted by: Slow Reader at April 05, 2020 11:55 AM (kE3dB)

534 Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 11:48 AM (ZbwAu)

I think the SAT just measures your ability to learn and retain info in a classroom environment. It's not the end all be all of intelligence.

I'm not sure how you test for curiosity, speed of comprehension and other factors that I consider part of intelligence.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards at April 05, 2020 11:53 AM (d1uFV)


Why, it's almost like our Educational Industrial Complex is failing society by measuring things poorly, and rewarding people who succeed on terms that are of little practice benefit to the world at large.

Almost.

Posted by: BurtTC at April 05, 2020 11:56 AM (hku12)

535 Who Dis is Harry Belafonte.

Or not.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 05, 2020 11:56 AM (Zz0t1)

536 529 Bill Gates is evil and should be banned to Wuhan wet markets.
Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 05, 2020 11:55 AM (Zz0t1)

I rate this as TRUE

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 11:57 AM (ONvIw)

537
Rockford moved in that world, so Angel was helpful.

This is absolutely the case in the military. Full spectrum of friends there.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 11:55 AM (cfSRQ)


I loved Rockford Files. It was a good show.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 05, 2020 11:57 AM (Zz0t1)

538 515 506 Casting Cruise as Reacher was probably the worst book to movie casting I can think of.
---------
*ahem*
Posted by: Cruise as Lestat at April 05, 2020 11:52 AM (XVuno)


Amateurs. I've got you both beat:

https://twitter.com/DVATW/status/1220367567078010881

Top that!

Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 11:58 AM (k3bqH)

539 515
506 Casting Cruise as Reacher was probably the worst book to movie casting I can think of.



---------



*ahem*

Posted by: Cruise as Lestat at April 05, 2020 11:52 AM (XVuno)

+++++Heh

Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at April 05, 2020 11:58 AM (QzF6i)

540 "University of Illinois aka University of peking east?"

ha, yeah, I cringe every time I see another national commie figure that came out of my Alma mater ... and I haven't been on campus in ... 40 years. But I keep the nick ... I represent the Illini tribes ... not the various Indian tribes, but the white commoners that now inhabit those lands, but are also shunned by the academic elitist invaders. Bang the (war) drum slowly ... heh ...


I had to look it up, but the bang the drum slowly book was about being our best, even as death approaches ... a baseball story. But we need to bang the drum a little faster, and maybe actually mount an attack, not allow our culture to be killed by theses commie mafia monsters.

Posted by: illiniwek at April 05, 2020 11:58 AM (Cus5s)

541 Liberty Daily has a link that says Dr. Fauci said in 2017 Trump would be faced with a virus attack.

What did he know and when did he know it?

I don't trust that guy.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 05, 2020 11:59 AM (Zz0t1)

542 Characters for a modern "League of Extraordinary Gentlemen": Dirk Pitt and Matt Helm. Maybe Lazarus Long.

Posted by: JTB at April 05, 2020 11:59 AM (7EjX1)

543 Bill Gates is evil and should be banned to Wuhan wet markets.
Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 05, 2020 11:55 AM (Zz0t1)


Can he take Mark Zuckerborg and Jeff Bezoar with him?

Posted by: BurtTC at April 05, 2020 11:59 AM (hku12)

544 I really don't get this. I have two close friends, and I would leave my wallet with either one for a week and I know nothing would get fucked with. If you have to watch him, HE'S NOT YOUR FRIEND.
Posted by: Vanya at April 05, 2020 11:51 AM (BAsqb)

okay, more like Useful acquaintance. That's what I always get out of Rockford's relationship to Angel, plus he kinda feels sorry for him. I suspect, like most decent people, you've never had a time when it was handy to know someone who had a very casual relationship with the law. Rockford needed info from the other side of the fence, from the world that Angel lived in - the one most people never see.

The guy I knew was always funny, and quick witted. But he got in a fight over a woman, and ended up with a bullet in his head. I always knew he was gonna go out that way, but I was still quite sad when he did.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 05, 2020 11:59 AM (q3gwH)

545 Characters for a modern "League of Extraordinary Gentlemen": Dirk Pitt and Matt Helm. Maybe Lazarus Long.
Posted by: JTB at April 05, 2020 11:59 AM (7EjX1)

Harry Dresden

Posted by: Vanya at April 05, 2020 11:59 AM (BAsqb)

546 Top that!
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 11:58 AM (k3bqH)

Just wow!

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 11:59 AM (ONvIw)

547 Who Dis is Harry Belafonte.

-------

If he's reading Das Kapital, I rate this as mostly correct.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at April 05, 2020 11:59 AM (XVuno)

548 I watched both versions of the film last week. Both good. Was the book a good read (aside from Mattie)?
Posted by: Slow Reader at April 05, 2020 11:55 AM (kE3dB)


Book is a good read. Recommended. And I was not annoyed by Mattie in either the book or the Coen adaptation.

Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 12:00 PM (k3bqH)

549 Amateurs. I've got you both beat:

https://twitter.com/DVATW/status/1220367567078010881

Top that!
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 11:58 AM (k3bqH)


Meh.

Jake from State Farm went from white to black in the blink of an eye.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 05, 2020 12:00 PM (Zz0t1)

550 Who Dis is Harry Belafonte.

Or not.
Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 05, 2020 11:56 AM (Zz0t1)


I took one look and said "that's one pretentious twit right there," and didn't give it another thought.

Posted by: BurtTC at April 05, 2020 12:01 PM (hku12)

551 The problem with this theory is that the
"intellectual elite" are living in their worlds, THINKING they're
smarter than other people.



And generally, they're not.



Accumulation of knowledge isn't intelligence.



Intelligence is found in the practical application of said
knowledge, and those people who are occupying those wings of society,
protected in their towers, are often living messed up lives,
significantly worse than the average carpenter.



And frankly, while I've never read the book, I think Murray is wrong. I think he's measuring the wrong things.

Posted by: BurtTC at April 05, 2020 11:17 AM (hku12)



Murray starts the book by addressing whether there is such a measurable thing as intelligence. There is an overwhelming consensus that there is and that it can be measured by IQ tests. There are various tests for IQ but they all measure the same thing. There has been an extraordinary effort over the past decades to remove any trace of cultural bias or mere accumulation of knowledge from such tests.


You are right that intelligence is not an accumulation of knowledge and Murray agrees with you. It is more analogous to the raw processing power of the CPU in a computer. To the extent that this corresponds with your "practical application of said
knowledge", you and Murray also agree.


Intelligence/IQ involves a large genetic component and is unequally distributed across all populations in a bell curve with a median IQ of 100 and one standard deviation of 15 points. It does correlate significantly with success by any measure, but there is still plenty of room in a normal distribution for losers with high IQs and winners with low IQs.
Obviously, there are going to be some people with low IQs in a self-proclaimed "intellectual elite" who got there by accident or connections. There are undoubtedly many carpenters with 115 IQs, probably unusually good ones. But generally, the increasingly self-isolating group of highly successful people has an overall average IQ quite a bit higher than 100 as a population. This is been documented by many researchers beyond reasonable doubt.

Posted by: cool breeze at April 05, 2020 12:01 PM (UGKMd)

552 Top that!


Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 11:58 AM (k3bqH)

---
One of my daughters was watching some Arthurian drama and it was all diverse and I just laughed at all the Africans running around Blighty in 500 AD.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 12:01 PM (cfSRQ)

553 If he's reading Das Kapital, I rate this as mostly correct.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at April 05, 2020 11:59 AM (XVuno)

His eyes appear to be looking at something other than the book

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 12:01 PM (ONvIw)

554 I took one look and said "that's one pretentious twit right there," and didn't give it another thought.
Posted by: BurtTC at April 05, 2020 12:01 PM (hku12)


One reason why Harry popped into my head. That's him.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 05, 2020 12:01 PM (Zz0t1)

555 His eyes appear to be looking at something other than the book
Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 12:01 PM (ONvIw)


I hear his Indian name was "2 Dogs Fucking."

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 05, 2020 12:02 PM (Zz0t1)

556 Amateurs. I've got you both beat:

https://twitter.com/DVATW/status/1220367567078010881

Top that!

---------

Yikes. Diversity Box Status: Checked

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at April 05, 2020 12:02 PM (XVuno)

557 Bio of actor Ian McKellen.

Keeps me busy going to Wikipedia to look up all the plays he appeared in, all the playwrights, & some of the other actors & directors named.

He's in his 80's now, which I hadn't realized. I saw him in 2 films: "Of Gods and Men" (Academy Award nomination), & "Richard III."

Posted by: mnw at April 05, 2020 12:02 PM (Cssks)

558 546 Top that!
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 11:58 AM (k3bqH)
Just wow!
Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 11:59 AM (ONvIw)


And it gets worse. According to some of the "razzberry" reviews it got on imdb, one of Mary's ladies-in-waiting was played by a Chinese actress.

Because diversity!

Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 12:02 PM (k3bqH)

559 511 Although I am a big fan of Rockford, it just didn't ring true that a cool guy like Rockford would have a lying sack of shit like Angel for a friend.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at April 05, 2020 11:43 AM (+y/Ru)

I think they met in prison. And Rockford is too good a guy to just kick Angel loose, no matter how big a loser he is. Plus he is useful to him in some capacity.

That's my theory, and I'm sticking to it.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 11:51 AM (k3bqH)
______

a. I think that is right.

b. He was far too good a character to do without. I especially liked the episode when his brother in law became police commisioner.

And he did have one good moment, when he posed as a pearl expert. He actually did it well.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 12:03 PM (ZbwAu)

560 Where can I get me some of that 70s style hedonism?

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 12:03 PM (NWiLs)

561 Top that!
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 11:58 AM (k3bqH)


We are all exactly equal comrade...

unless it is useful to the cause to exploit our differences!

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar at April 05, 2020 12:03 PM (BiNEL)

562
Can he take Mark Zuckerborg and Jeff Bezoar with him?
Posted by: BurtTC at April 05, 2020 11:59 AM (hku12)


Fine with me. I'll only take $20 million. I'm not greedy.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 05, 2020 12:03 PM (Zz0t1)

563 I read yesterday that those NBA players who tested positive in March right after Tom Hanks, have been cleared. Hanks and his wife are also virus free after two weeks and recently flew back in the US. Funny how you hear very little about the high profile cases who have recovered.

Posted by: Sillyme at April 05, 2020 12:04 PM (RPGAd)

564 560
Where can I get me some of that 70s style hedonism?

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 12:03 PM (NWiLs)

---
It's closed. Moose out front should have told ya.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 12:04 PM (cfSRQ)

565 INSOM!!!!

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 05, 2020 12:04 PM (Zz0t1)

566 I'm sure Bezos will be turning all hoarding profits over to the government



======

Hey JeffyBoi, take all the increased profits you make during this
time of HouseArrest and start a fund to help those whose businesses
died.

Posted by: Vlad the impaler,whittling away like mad at April 05, 2020 11:49 AM (d6mdH)


The only thing Dr. Evil Bezos knows is putting other companies out of business. Intercourse that lefty turd, Amazon and the WaPo

Posted by: TheQuietMan at April 05, 2020 12:04 PM (Rj9Po)

567 Top that!
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 11:58 AM (k3bqH)

Meh.

Jake from State Farm went from white to black in the blink of an eye.
Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at


***

Even Mrs D, when she first saw that, called BS.
I still want to know why he was calling at 3 in the morning???

Posted by: Diogenes at April 05, 2020 12:04 PM (axyOa)

568 544 he got in a fight over a woman, and ended up with a bullet in his head
Posted by: Tom Servo at April 05, 2020 11:59 AM (q3gwH)

Yikes. Did not expect that.

Posted by: m at April 05, 2020 12:04 PM (M5wRT)

569 Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 12:02 PM (k3bqH)

We get a lot of this casting at the local theater, McCarter in Princeton. Of course Mrs. Cratchit was black.

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 12:04 PM (ONvIw)

570 564 560
Where can I get me some of that 70s style hedonism?

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 12:03 PM (NWiLs)

---
It's closed. Moose out front should have told ya.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 12:04 PM (cfSRQ)

Dammit! Born too late...

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 12:04 PM (NWiLs)

571 There was a Robin Hood movie where he returned from teh crusades with a black companion, a pretty unlikely occurance. With Russel Crowe?

Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at April 05, 2020 12:04 PM (QzF6i)

572 SPONGE!!!!

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 12:05 PM (NWiLs)

573 Now do number of tests performed by date...

Posted by: Tofer732 at April 05, 2020 10:29 AM (stjCJ)

One thing is becoming pretty clear, NYC did not handle this very well. NYC is the largest city in population, but the mass transit aspect of the city is what differentiates it from LA - the other big liberal city - so shutting that down was pretty important. Currently, just two very small geographic locations - NYC and eastern NJ (essentially NYC) - account for approx. half of all deaths in the US. And Gov. Cuomo still refuses to allow NYers to have the Trump drug, hanging on in an attempt to show him what's what...that may come back to bite him later, I think, when analysis of why NYC had a higher hospitalization and death rate than every other place in the US.

But what is becoming apparent, even to the media, is that the prediction of over 100K - 250K dead in the US with half of those in NYC is not going to happen and never was - not unless you attribute every death in NY to Corona over the next few years...

Posted by: Boswell at April 05, 2020 12:05 PM (32YRo)

574 This is been documented by many researchers beyond reasonable doubt.
Posted by: cool breeze at April 05, 2020 12:01 PM (UGKMd)


The science is settled, in other words.

It's an uninteresting argument, posed by intellectuals with questionable motives.

Posted by: BurtTC at April 05, 2020 12:05 PM (hku12)

575 Funny how you hear very little about the high profile cases who have recovered.
Posted by: Sillyme at April 05, 2020 12:04 PM (RPGAd)


To be fair, Hanks and his wife were all over twatter while they were quarantined. Now, where are they spouting how great the hospital staff was and what their recovery was like?

They all suck and are owned by China.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 05, 2020 12:05 PM (Zz0t1)

576 There was a Robin Hood movie where he returned from teh crusades with a black companion, a pretty unlikely occurance. With Russel Crowe?
Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at April 05, 2020 12:04 PM (QzF6i)


Robin Hood: Men in Tights?

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 05, 2020 12:06 PM (Zz0t1)

577 There's no question that this is crucial.

As we've discussed, a solid work ethic is arguably more important than IQ.

Consider the electrician. No advanced degree, practical knowledge, will get fully certified with zero if any debt and will out-earn all but the upper-tier of PHDs if you factor in net worth.

And the latter resent the hell out of it.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 11:53 AM (cfSRQ)
________

Remember, in the Apology, those guys (the technes) were the only ones Socrates could find who knew ANYTHING.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 12:06 PM (ZbwAu)

578 571 There was a Robin Hood movie where he returned from teh crusades with a black companion, a pretty unlikely occurance. With Russel Crowe?
Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at April 05, 2020 12:04 PM (QzF6i)

Also the Costner Hood.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 05, 2020 12:06 PM (A5zUN)

579
Even Mrs D, when she first saw that, called BS.
I still want to know why he was calling at 3 in the morning???
Posted by: Diogenes at April 05, 2020 12:04 PM (axyOa)


And the black Jake is out on the town saving people like some superhero.

RACISM I tell ya.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 05, 2020 12:07 PM (Zz0t1)

580 576
There was a Robin Hood movie where he returned from teh crusades with
a black companion, a pretty unlikely occurance. With Russel Crowe?

Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at April 05, 2020 12:04 PM (QzF6i)



Robin Hood: Men in Tights?

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 05, 2020 12:06 PM (Zz0t1)

---
Costner.

There was a bunch of 'em all coming out at the same time. One was made for TV, I think.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 12:07 PM (cfSRQ)

581 We get a lot of this casting at the local theater, McCarter in Princeton. Of course Mrs. Cratchit was black.
Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 12:04 PM (ONvIw)

--------

Tell me spirit, will Tiny Tyrone survive?

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at April 05, 2020 12:07 PM (XVuno)

582 Robin Hood: Men in Tights?
Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 05, 2020 12:06 PM (Zz0t1)

The best version, do doubt.

Unlike some other Robin Hoods, I can speak with an English accent.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 05, 2020 12:07 PM (A5zUN)

583 578 571 There was a Robin Hood movie where he returned from teh crusades with a black companion, a pretty unlikely occurance. With Russel Crowe?
Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at April 05, 2020 12:04 PM (QzF6i)

Also the Costner Hood.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 05, 2020 12:06 PM (A5zUN)

Which Mel Brooks took the piss out of with Men in Tights.

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 12:08 PM (NWiLs)

584 And Gov. Cuomo still refuses to allow NYers to have the Trump drug, hanging on in an attempt to show him what's what...that may come back to bite him later, I think, when analysis of why NYC had a higher hospitalization and death rate than every other place in the US.

But what is becoming apparent, even to the media, is that the prediction of over 100K - 250K dead in the US with half of those in NYC is not going to happen and never was - not unless you attribute every death in NY to Corona over the next few years...

Posted by: Boswell at April 05, 2020 12:05 PM (32YRo)

They're getting the HCQ anyway. Participation in "clinical trials" is exceedingly easy if you want that drug, from what I am told. Likewise Whitmer's MI is conducting a 3k person trial of HCQ as a preventative.

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 12:08 PM (ONvIw)

585 It's closed. Moose out front should have told ya.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 12:04 PM (cfSRQ)

Dammit! Born too late...
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 12:04 PM (NWiLs)


Didn't miss a whole lot.
Well there were rock festivals with topless women. And platform shoes.
And tie-dyed tee shirts.
Groovy!!!

Posted by: Diogenes at April 05, 2020 12:08 PM (axyOa)

586 not unless you attribute every death in NY to Corona over the next few years...

Posted by: Boswell at April 05, 2020 12:05 PM (32YRo)


Give us time to cook the books just a a leetle more !

Posted by: Esteemed Dr Farci at April 05, 2020 12:08 PM (BiNEL)

587 509 REDACTED, did you ever meet the lady in Dallas that was famous for having everything done in yellow?
Posted by: Ben Had at April 05, 2020 11:51 AM (BQEAt)

Ben, Mrs, REDACTED says she never met the yellow lady but her decorator used to come to our shop. My wife knew the customers better than I, which was a good thing !!

Jed Mace

Posted by: REDACTED at April 05, 2020 12:09 PM (rpxSz)

588 Oooh Men in Tights was one of my favorites.

Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at April 05, 2020 12:09 PM (QzF6i)

589 Didn't miss a whole lot.
Well there were rock festivals with topless women. And platform shoes.
And tie-dyed tee shirts.
Groovy!!!
Posted by: Diogenes at April 05, 2020 12:08 PM (axyOa)

---------

I really enjoyed bralessness as a thing in college.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at April 05, 2020 12:09 PM (XVuno)

590 I am re-reading an oldy but goody-The complete works of Francois Fenelon-17th century Archbishop and Spiritual advisor.

And OT-here is NYC Cardinal Dolan's message for Palm Sunday -Be Not Afraid

https://tinyurl.com/vo7922j

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at April 05, 2020 12:09 PM (WI7YS)

591 588 Oooh Men in Tights was one of my favorites.
Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at April 05, 2020 12:09 PM (QzF6i)

The lady's LOVE it!

I want one!

I'll take two!!

Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 05, 2020 12:10 PM (A5zUN)

592 Also the Costner Hood.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 05, 2020 12:06 PM (A5zUN)

Yeah, Morgan Freeman's character knew every fuckin thing....like most muslims of the day.

Posted by: BignJames at April 05, 2020 12:10 PM (X/Pw5)

593 I watched both versions of the film last week. Both good. Was the book a good read (aside from Mattie)?

-
I liked the book and Mattie. Yes, she has certain asshole-like characteristics, including a belief in predestination, but she was courageous, strong willed, and goal oriented. Rooster was no day in the park either. He was a bank robber who rode with Quantrill in the Civil War and the cattle baron killing squad during the Johnson County War. They both had grit which made up for other shortcomings.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at April 05, 2020 12:10 PM (+y/Ru)

594 560 Where can I get me some of that 70s style hedonism?
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 12:03 PM (NWiLs)


No.

You think you're depressed now? Try smoking weed all summer long, morning, noon, and night and see how you are come September.

You do not want this. Trust me.

Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 12:10 PM (k3bqH)

595 Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 12:04 PM (cfSRQ)

Dammit! Born too late...
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 12:04 PM (NWiLs)


Didn't miss a whole lot.
Well there were rock festivals with topless women. And platform shoes.
And tie-dyed tee shirts.
Groovy!!!
Posted by: Diogenes at April 05, 2020 12:08 PM (axyOa)

Oh sure, just rub it in why don't ya.

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 12:11 PM (NWiLs)

596 537
Rockford moved in that world, so Angel was helpful.

This is absolutely the case in the military. Full spectrum of friends there.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 11:55 AM (cfSRQ)

I loved Rockford Files. It was a good show.
Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 05, 2020 11:57 AM (Zz0t1)
______

I agree. The parallels of his character with Maverick are pretty obvious. I did hate it when they had 2-part episodes, though, which they did more than usual for the time. If I want a soap opera, I'll watch one. And I won't. I hate the new "long form" shit. that so many praise.

With one exception. I love Moose and Squirrel.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 12:11 PM (ZbwAu)

597 Didn't miss a whole lot.

Well there were rock festivals with topless women. And platform shoes.

And tie-dyed tee shirts.

Groovy!!!

Posted by: Diogenes at April 05, 2020 12:08 PM (axyOa)

---
The clothes were awful.

Beyond awful.

I have a school portrait where the collar of my shirt actually reaches out to the edge of my shoulders. Who thought that was a good idea?

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 12:11 PM (cfSRQ)

598 I love a good action hero. Wish I had one right now. I say bring back the hedonistic 70's.

Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at April 05, 2020 12:12 PM (QzF6i)

599 Wham!

Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar at April 05, 2020 12:12 PM (BiNEL)

600 I have a school portrait where the collar of my shirt actually reaches out to the edge of my shoulders. Who thought that was a good idea?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 12:11 PM (cfSRQ)

I have/had a suede jacket from my grandfather from this era. Brown suede with orange lambswool-like lining. Collars the size of a hang glider.

It is a really warm jacket. Too bad.

Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 05, 2020 12:13 PM (A5zUN)

601 Back, survived initial framing for work bench/shelf.

Time for service, and, it's just not the same online, as today is normally communion.

Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
at April 05, 2020 12:14 PM (WEBkv)

602 The clothes were awful.

Beyond awful.

I have a school portrait where the collar of my shirt actually reaches out to the edge of my shoulders. Who thought that was a good idea?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 12:11 PM (cfSRQ)


I miss the Hypercolor shirts of the 80's. Remember those? They changed colors depending on your body temp?

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 05, 2020 12:14 PM (Zz0t1)

603 538 515 506 Casting Cruise as Reacher was probably the worst book to movie casting I can think of.
---------
*ahem*
Posted by: Cruise as Lestat at April 05, 2020 11:52 AM (XVuno)

Amateurs. I've got you both beat:

https://twitter.com/DVATW/status/1220367567078010881

Top that!
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 11:58 AM (k3bqH)
_______

Ever see That Hamilton Woman? Neither Olivier nor Leigh was remotely like Nelson and Emma. If you'd filmed it off-and-on throughout her life, Elizabeth Taylor would do just right for Emma, from beauty to blowsy.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 12:14 PM (ZbwAu)

604 The last Spenser book I read had a whole lot of filler about a dog he (or the gf) recently acquired. Immaterial to the plot. Never went back.

Posted by: Slow Reader at April 05, 2020 12:14 PM (kE3dB)

605 Wham!
Posted by: Commissar Hrothgar at April 05, 2020 12:12 PM (BiNEL)


Wake me up, before ya go go.

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 05, 2020 12:15 PM (Zz0t1)

606 This is the Russel Crow version of Robin Hood.

https://tinyurl.com/yynpeq4s

Posted by: Vic at April 05, 2020 12:15 PM (mpXpK)

607 578 571 There was a Robin Hood movie where he returned from teh crusades with a black companion, a pretty unlikely occurance. With Russel Crowe?
Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at April 05, 2020 12:04 PM (QzF6i)
Also the Costner Hood.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 05, 2020 12:06 PM (A5zUN)


Yes, Magic Negroes and Magic Muslims were a thing for awhile there.

Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 12:15 PM (2S95x)

608 Nood because I just posted.

Posted by: Vic at April 05, 2020 12:15 PM (mpXpK)

609 533 462 I read True Grit for the first time, long time fan of the movie....mostly because of Marshall Cogburn. I always found Mattie Ross annoying.

So, not an unhappy ending. Bad guys get kilt, annoying bitch child loses an arm, good guys live.
Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards at April 05, 2020 11:34 AM (d1uFV)

I watched both versions of the film last week. Both good. Was the book a good read (aside from Mattie)?
Posted by: Slow Reader at April 05, 2020 11:55 AM (kE3dB)

Mattie is the main point of view and she's tied into everything we see, she's our filter. If you don't mind her, you'll enjoy the book.

I did like the image of that time, it's a good depiction of the old West.

Posted by: Mark Andrew Edwards, buy ammo at April 05, 2020 12:16 PM (d1uFV)

610
I miss the Hypercolor shirts of the 80's. Remember those? They changed colors depending on your body temp?

Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 05, 2020 12:14 PM (Zz0t1)

---
Swatch watches. Worn in multiples.

I was too young to do anything more than observe the 70s scene. Remember the TV, but wasn't keyed in to notice the lack of bras. Truly stands out now.

Pun intended.

As for 80s, I was an early adopter of grunge. Pissed my mom off, I tell you.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 12:17 PM (cfSRQ)

611 I loved Rockford Files. It was a good show.
Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at April 05, 2020 11:57 AM (Zz0t1)


At one point, I heard that they were going to do a Rockford reboot, but nothing so far.

Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 12:17 PM (2S95x)

612 My MiL made my husband an other colored Nehru jacket when he was about 12. I love the photo of him in it.

Posted by: Akua Makana at April 05, 2020 12:17 PM (YkUJb)

613 "silly Boxx; you know she can't fix the roads without an incremental 45 cent/gallon gas tax...it's all science n siht
Posted by: AltonJackson
Impeach Whitmer!!!
Because: Reasons!!!"

Whitmerian economics - useless as flat Vernor's.

Posted by: Boxx Culvert, bouncin' through potholes at April 05, 2020 12:17 PM (wmfhQ)

614 608
Nood because I just posted.


Posted by: Vic at April 05, 2020 12:15 PM (mpXpK)


+++++Sorry, Vic, that's my line.

Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at April 05, 2020 12:18 PM (QzF6i)

615 For some reason, I am only allowed to post 2 sentences. If 3, then I go to Error 500 page.

Posted by: Akua Makana at April 05, 2020 12:19 PM (YkUJb)

616 I'm perhaps the only one here, & the only MAGA poster, who has no problem with multicultural/ethnic/racial casting.

Fiction requires the willing suspension of disbelief anyway, & after the first 5 minutes, I forget all about it.

The opposite side of the coin, which liberals detest, is that I also have no problem whatever with a white Othello or Toussaint Louverture.

Posted by: mnw at April 05, 2020 12:20 PM (Cssks)

617 Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 12:03 PM (NWiLs)

No.

You think you're depressed now? Try smoking weed all summer long, morning, noon, and night and see how you are come September.

You do not want this. Trust me.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 12:10 PM (k3bqH)

What about just for the month of July?

Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at April 05, 2020 12:20 PM (NWiLs)

618 The Kevin Cosner Robin Hood is the one with the black Muzzy.

Posted by: Vic at April 05, 2020 12:20 PM (mpXpK)

619 Harry Belafante, of course.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, Michigangsta at April 05, 2020 09:02 AM (Dc2NZ)

That was my guess, too.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 05, 2020 12:20 PM (miJU3)

620 Another case of rotten, implausible casting: Any movie in which Tim Robbins is supposed to be brilliant.

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 12:21 PM (ZbwAu)

621 I have/had a suede jacket from my grandfather from this era. Brown suede with orange lambswool-like lining. Collars the size of a hang glider.

It is a really warm jacket. Too bad.
Posted by: Aetius451AD at April 05, 2020 12:13 PM (A5zUN)

Sometimes these things turn into crazy status symbols. I was given a huge collared Irish wool maxi coat in about 1972. It was stylish then and as a gift from my grandmother, I kept it. One nasty winter, close to Christmas, I had to go into NYC for some family thing and wore this crazy coat. The stores were packed but I had forgotten the gift I had bought so I thought I'd try a nearby department store. It was chaos, but a salesman in ladies' perfumes, took one look at my crazy attire and turned his attention on me. In some circles in NYC the "preppy handbook" clothes are still a thing. It was weird, but "madame" was out of there in 10 minutes.

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 12:21 PM (ONvIw)

622 There was a Robin Hood movie where he returned from teh crusades with a black companion, a pretty unlikely occurance. With Russel Crowe?


Wife watched a Robin Hood from 2018 that had the same thing. It's been written into legend now.

Posted by: Mr. Peebles at April 05, 2020 12:22 PM (oVJmc)

623 Amateurs. I've got you both beat:

https://twitter.com/DVATW/status/1220367567078010881

Top that!
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 11:58 AM (k3bqH)
---
Ha! I saw that movie! There was a deliberate push for open casting, and while it's acceptable for the stage, movies are just too literal. It really took me out of the story.

Of course, the granddaddy is John Wayne as Genghis Khan.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Michigangsta at April 05, 2020 12:24 PM (Dc2NZ)

624 Fiction requires the willing suspension of disbelief anyway, after the first 5 minutes, I forget all about it.



The opposite side of the coin, which liberals detest, is that I also
have no problem whatever with a white Othello or Toussaint Louverture.

Posted by: mnw at April 05, 2020 12:20 PM (Cssks)

---
So why not do it in contemporary dress?

In a basement?

It's being done purely to virtue signal and also generate buzz in the lamest possible way.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 12:27 PM (cfSRQ)

625 Ha! I saw that movie! There was a deliberate push
for open casting, and while it's acceptable for the stage, movies are
just too literal. It really took me out of the story.



Of course, the granddaddy is John Wayne as Genghis Khan.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, Michigangsta at April 05, 2020 12:24 PM (Dc2NZ)

---
I think there's a difference between going with a superlative actor who stretches the role.

This is why people didn't get worked up over the notion of Idris Elba playing James Bond because he's such a good actor. Wonderful to watch.

The issue is that otherwise obscure actors are getting the roles just to be jarring. Who needs that?

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 12:29 PM (cfSRQ)

626 424 Per last week's Thread, and Moron recommendation (tip o' the hat). obtained a copy of 'Faraday, Maxwell, and the Electromagnetic Field'. Ironic, in a way, as I'm about to kludge together an ozone generator to decontaminate stuff.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at April 05, 2020 11:05 AM (cg4r6)

Get yourself an orgone accumulater.
It'll make you feel greater!
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 11:17 AM (k3bqH)



OM,

Okay, I just saw this.

I'm going to predict that you saw the documentary:

"WR and the Orgone Accumulator"

or maybe

"Wilhelm Reich and the Orgone Accumulator" way back in '72 or whenever.

Posted by: naturalfake at April 05, 2020 12:31 PM (z0XD8)

627 Back in the 70s, when he was being attacked for playing Charlie Chan, Peter Ustinov commented "Vivian Leigh made a much better Anna Karenina than either Jack Palance or I would have."

Posted by: Eeyore at April 05, 2020 12:33 PM (ZbwAu)

628 OM,

Okay, I just saw this.
I'm going to predict that you saw the documentary:
"WR and the Orgone Accumulator"
or maybe
"Wilhelm Reich and the Orgone Accumulator" way back in '72 or whenever.

Posted by: naturalfake at April 05, 2020 12:31 PM (z0XD


No, but I had a Hawkwind album back in the 70s. I was just quoting their lyrics.

Someone in that group may have read WR and the Orgone Accumulater, though.

Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 12:39 PM (2S95x)

629 Eeyore: I used to have a tee shirt that said (paraphrasing) English follows other languages down dark alleys, mugs them, and steals whatever it wants from themm

Posted by: Captain Josepha Sabin -- current occupation: cat furniture at April 05, 2020 12:39 PM (w96zf)

630 I think there's a difference between going with a superlative actor who stretches the role.

This is why people didn't get worked up over the notion of Idris Elba playing James Bond because he's such a good actor. Wonderful to watch.
The issue is that otherwise obscure actors are getting the roles just to be jarring. Who needs that?

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 12:29 PM (cfSRQ)


Right, and I think the director of the movie I held up for ridicule was trying to make A Statement.

She was trying to be both stunning and brave.

Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 12:41 PM (2S95x)

631 From what I've heard Murray seems to assume on one
hand that intelligence leads to credentials and a 'top tier' mate but
then acknowledge that some intelligent people succeed without
credentials. That still doesn't address my concern of those who don't
"succeed" by general metrics even though highly intelligent.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 05, 2020 11:35 AM (uquGJ)


Every population and sub-population has its own bell curve distribution. There are undoubtedly carpenters with 115 IQs, probably unusually good ones. If you looked at the population of "good carpenters with at least 10 years experience" you would almost certainly find that their average IQ was higher than a population of "mediocre carpenters with at least 10 years experience".

The population of "unsuccessful" (by any metric) people will contain many people with higher than average IQs. There is plenty of room at the tails of the curve for this to be true. But the average IQ of the "unsuccessful" population is still quite a bit lower than the average IQ of the "successful" population. Intelligence is far from a guarantee of success, but it does correlate for populations (not individuals). There is still lots of room in the tails of the curve for unintelligent, successful individuals and intelligent, unsuccessful individuals.
That is what explains "those who don't succeed by general metrics even though highly intelligent". It is only a correlation, not a guarantee.

Posted by: cool breeze at April 05, 2020 12:42 PM (UGKMd)

632 The last Spenser book I read had a whole lot of filler about a dog he (or the gf) recently acquired. Immaterial to the plot.

There is a sad point in the Spenser books where you can see that he's either just phoning it in, or is too old to effectively write them any longer. They lost their edge, became too formulaic, and Spenser's character starts contradicting his past self. Its sad, but he did have a nice long run.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 05, 2020 12:42 PM (KZzsI)

633 She was trying to be both stunning and brave.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 12:41 PM (2S95x)

I vote for fake PC "colorblind". The audience should focus of the performance, not the appearance of the actor. Then why not go back to radio?

Posted by: CN at April 05, 2020 12:45 PM (ONvIw)

634 I watched both versions of the film last week. Both good. Was the book a good read (aside from Mattie)?

I loved the book, and while that's one interpretation of Mattie, its an excessively hostile one. She's the same person as in the movies, you just get it from her perspective rather than an outsider.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 05, 2020 12:46 PM (KZzsI)

635 No, but I had a Hawkwind album back in the 70s. I was just quoting their lyrics.

Someone in that group may have read WR and the Orgone Accumulater, though.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 12:39 PM (2S95x)


Hawkwind!

Simultaneously, a great and awful band.

I suppose depending on who was in the line-up at the time.

Posted by: naturalfake at April 05, 2020 12:47 PM (z0XD8)

636 Did you read Flowers for Algernon as the original short story or novel? I think the short version is better. It was padded out to make a novel the same year the movie version ("Charly") came out.

Posted by: Who knew at April 05, 2020 12:49 PM (SfO/T)

637 Did you read Flowers for Algernon as the original short story or novel? I think the short version is better. It was padded out to make a novel the same year the movie version ("Charly") came out.
Posted by: Who knew at April 05, 2020 12:49 PM (SfO/T)



Probably, it was written as a novel as part of marketing for the movie.

And the chance to earn big bucks for FfA's author.

Movie paperbacks used to be a YUGE thing. Maybe they still are.

Posted by: naturalfake at April 05, 2020 12:51 PM (z0XD8)

638 You do not want this. Trust me.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 12:10 PM (k3bqH)

This. I straightened out in '73, my final year in college. One teacher told me he gave me he could given me a D. (I always got As and Bs). I was like "whatever man". If I could see him now, to apologize for being an a**hole.

Posted by: Slow Reader at April 05, 2020 12:52 PM (kE3dB)

639 636 Did you read Flowers for Algernon as the original short story or novel? I think the short version is better. It was padded out to make a novel the same year the movie version ("Charly") came out.
Posted by: Who knew at April 05, 2020 12:49 PM (SfO/T)


I've read both. The short story, which was never intended to be a novel, is better. None of the additional material that makes up the bulk of the novel is necessary.

Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 01:01 PM (2S95x)

640 152 121
I do think a lot of small, niche colleges will never reopen. Nice if Oberlin was one of them.

Posted by: Tom Servo at April 05, 2020 09:37 AM (q3gwH)

---
Antioch College was even more liberal. I believe it's gone the way of the dodo.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 05, 2020 09:45 AM (cfSRQ)

Let us all hope that abomination, Evergreen State College, is ended and the campus converted to a work asylum for the staff and students.
A twelve hour day pounding hemp with a hammer to create cigarette papers would be both character building and torturous.

Posted by: Headless Body of Agnew at April 05, 2020 01:01 PM (e1mEI)

641 And the thread ends with that...

Posted by: Slow Reader at April 05, 2020 01:01 PM (kE3dB)

642 Sorry; mistakenly thought mine was the crappy last post.

Posted by: Slow Reader at April 05, 2020 01:02 PM (kE3dB)

643 Regarding the decreasing intelligence of the population, I offer this observation. My IQ resulted in advanced placement in the seventies and eighties, when all the smart buggers were channelled into the advanced program in the local public schools. We were largely segregated from lesser IQ kids and considered college bound. Now in our forties, I'm continually astonished how few of us made it through college. A number (myself included) pulled off the diploma but couldn't turn it into career success or financial improvement. Some of our supposed brightest ended up in menial jobs.. construction worker, customer service, etc. A fair few ended up pretty successful farmers, but of my AP friends, we're mostly solidly working class. Meanwhile, a few of the supposed dolts I went to school with, became wealthy businessman. One's a pretty successful politician. ( He was a stoner in high school.) I've come to suspect the tests we were given didn't demonstrate intelligence half so well as they demonstrated ability to test well, and they must have had no way to measure work ethic or ambition. the strangest thing I be noticed, though...of the friends who married each other...we all have kids with issues. Probably seventy five percent have kids on the autistic spectrum. There's also a scary number of us who had miscarriages and stillbirths. Maybe the tests were identifying genetic abnormalities that happened to correspond with higher iq.

Posted by: Missi Lotze at April 05, 2020 01:09 PM (appmN)

644 Now do number of tests performed by date...
Posted by: Tofer732 at April 05, 2020 10:29 AM (stjCJ)

This.

The doomsayers here were saying it doubles every two days; well, if the Texas figures are to be believed, it doubles every four days, a huge difference.

And there is no question that the number of positive tests is going to be related to the total number of tests, particularly since usually tests are only given to those who present with symptoms.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 05, 2020 01:11 PM (miJU3)

645 Slow Reader @533, I think "True Grit" is very much worth reading. I think it is an American classic and right up there with "Tom Sawyer" and "Huckleberry Finn".

As to the character of Mattie, I like her a lot more than some of the other commenters above. One point to keep in mind is that the voice of Mattie in the book is not that of a 14 year old girl. Rather it is that of an elderly woman looking back at her girlhood. Now she is an old woman who, though never married and missing an arm, made an independent and successful life for herself (she runs her own bank among other things). She wanted to see her father's murderer brought to justice (and for her justice meant the killer being hung by the neck until dead or shot down like the rabid dog he was) and she did it. Now she wants to tell the true story and not have it lost in a fog of gossip and reporters' fabrications. I can respect that.

Posted by: John F. MacMichael at April 05, 2020 04:52 PM (9AOND)

646 490 459 ''I didn't realize they made fake boobs in sizes that long.''

I've noticed they've gotten bigger and bigger over the years. Unfortunately her chest muscles aren't up to the job of supporting them.
Posted by: Tuna at April 05, 2020 11:33 AM (gLRfa)

Gravity is a cruel mistress.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at April 05, 2020 11:45 AM (k3bqH)

Ashley McBryde has a song, "You got fat, I got Famous". She says Gravity and Karma are the same thing.

Posted by: red at April 05, 2020 05:45 PM (zakMt)

647 Re Red Sky at Morning", there was a 1971 film adaptation of this I was shownas a freshman in a class in high school, starring Richard Thomas (of The Waltons) as the lead character and an above-average cast (Richard Crenna as the dad, Claire Bloome as the mother, as well as Strother Martin, Desi Arnaz Jr,, John Colicos, Harry Guardino, Gregory Sierra, Nehemiah Persoff, et al) It wasn't bad.

I liked the movie enough that I found the book. I remember thinking, as an adolescent, that it captured the mind of an adolescent...probably better than I thought Catcher in the Rye did.

Definitely worth reading, or giving to a teenager you know.

Posted by: mickey58 at April 05, 2020 06:17 PM (3eNdF)

648 Pretty great post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wanted
to mention that I have really enjoyed surfing around your weblog posts.
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you write again very soon!

Posted by: unblock at April 12, 2020 05:04 PM (33985)

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