Support
Contact
Ace:
aceofspadeshq at gee mail.com
CBD:
cbd.aoshq at gee mail.com
Buck:
buck.throckmorton at protonmail.com
joe mannix:
mannix2024 at proton.me
MisHum:
petmorons at gee mail.com
J.J. Sefton:
sefton at cutjibnewsletter.com
aceofspadeshq at gee mail.com
CBD:
cbd.aoshq at gee mail.com
Buck:
buck.throckmorton at protonmail.com
joe mannix:
mannix2024 at proton.me
MisHum:
petmorons at gee mail.com
J.J. Sefton:
sefton at cutjibnewsletter.com
Sunday Morning Book Thread 05-17-2020
Yale Medical Historical Library Reading Room
Good morning to all you 'rons, 'ettes, lurkers, and lurkettes, wine moms, frat bros, crétins sans pantalon (who are technically breaking the rules), the locked-down, and the quarantined yearning to breathe free. 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 bring to mind the Great Covid Pants Shortage of '20, when we were reduced to making them out of discarded tablecloths.
Pic Note: From the library's 'About' page:
The Historical Library contains a large and unique collection of rare medical books, medical journals to 1920, pamphlets, prints, and photographs, as well as current works on the history of medicine.What the heck is an 'incunabula'? I have no idea. Hmmm... If only the book thread had a regular feature that looked into rare and/or unusual words.
The library was founded in 1941 by the donations of the extensive collections of Harvey Cushing, John F. Fulton, and Arnold C. Klebs. Special strengths are the works of Hippocrates, Galen, Vesalius, Boyle, Harvey, and S. Weir Mitchell, and works on anesthesia, and smallpox inoculation and vaccination. The Library owns over 300 medical incunabula.
It Pays To Increase Your Word Power®
An incunable, or sometimes incunabulum (plural incunables or incunabula, respectively), is a book, pamphlet, or broadside printed in Europe before the 16th century. Incunabula are not manuscripts, which are documents written by hand. As of 2014, there are about 30,000 distinct known incunable editions extant, but the probable number of surviving copies in Germany alone is estimated at around 125,000. Through statistical analysis, it is estimated that the number of lost editions is at least 20,000.Here's an example:
(click for larger view)
Kids These Days We're all familiar with Lord of the Flies, right? Bunch of teenaged boys get marooned on a desert island with no adult supervision and end up descending into savagery and madness. But this Guardian story tells a similiar story with a different outcome: Bunch of teenaged boys get marooned on a deserted island with no adult supervision and when rescuers came 15 months later, they found that
“the boys had set up a small commune with food garden, hollowed-out tree trunks to store rainwater, a gymnasium with curious weights, a badminton court, chicken pens and a permanent fire, all from handiwork, an old knife blade and much determination.” While the boys in Lord of the Flies come to blows over the fire, those in this real-life version tended their flame so it never went out, for more than a year.The article, written by popular historian Rutger Bregman, is an excerpt from his soon-to-be-released book, Humankind: A Hopeful History, where he explains how humans are actually good and kind and not at all selfish. But I think that last bit is important. The boys were all pupils at a strict Catholic boarding school, so "song and prayer" probably means "hymn(s) and prayer." And I think this is key. Bregman wants us to believe that the cooperation among the marooned boys just sort of happened naturally all by itself, and that this is the norm but, in reality, it's the end product of thousands of years of moral teaching. The boys' strict Catholic school most likely stressed moral imperatives such as "thou shalt not steal", "thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's coconuts" and "thou shalt not slay thy neighor in a night ambush and then devour his body in a bloody ritualistic meal." These aren't inherent, but must be taught, and must continue to be taught to each generation in order for civilization to continue. Bregman, whose thinking evidently hasn't progressed much past the college-dorm-room-late-night-bullshit-session stage, seems to just take all of this for granted. And it's most likely an extension and revision of his earlier book Utopia for Realists: How We Can Build the Ideal World. Because a 32-year-old college graduate (he was born in 1988 ) can solve all of the problems of civilization. And how will this happen? Here's a hint. Bregman advocates for the all of the usual entrees on the progressive menu, i.e. "Universal Basic Income", "Open Borders", "15-Hour Workweek." Yeah, we all know that Venezuela did such a bang-up job with this. East Germany, too. Let me quote this one-star review:
The kids agreed to work in teams of two, drawing up a strict roster for garden, kitchen and guard duty. Sometimes they quarreled, but whenever that happened they solved it by imposing a time-out. Their days began and ended with song and prayer.
Let me be generous here: Rutger Bregman was only about a year old when the Berlin Wall came down. He hasn't seen the reality of the horrors his concepts have created in the past. My wife was born in Berlin. One morning she woke up to find a wall had been built just down the street. She never saw her best friend again, because that little girl was on the other side of the wall. You can't enforce these concepts without eventually building walls to keep people in. Then, in 1989 I was doing an overnight (an airline pilot) in Bogota, Columbia, and got a phone call from my wife. The only thing I could understand amidst all of her sobbing was, "Turn on CNN." It was the night the wall came down, and the Germans were escaping their "utopia". Rutger may [have been old enough to] have learned to walk by that night. Please, don't be fooled by this kind of lofty rhetoric. Others have, and it required blood to escape.This book was published when he was Bregman was 28 years old. So I'd guess that he would say that the reason this happened is because they just didn't do it right.
Who Dis:
Last week's 'who dis' was author William Faulkner.
Moron Recommendations This is cool breeze's review of The Policeman and the Brothel by Theodore Dalrymple. I've always enjoyed reading his essays and magazine articles, but this one is a bit different:
Theodore Dalrymple is best known as a marvelous essayist, but here he tries his hand at a true crime history. The setting is the Channel Isle of Jersey in 1846.Yes, what we could use a lot more of in these times is more horsewhipping of journalists. But I would settle for tar and feathering. The Kindle version is $4.50. ___________
The book starts out well, with Dalrymple bringing the time and place vividly to life. There are some real gems early in the book. In particularly, there is an entire chapter full of deceitful, snake-oil peddling journalists being assaulted and horsewhipped in public. Sometimes twice in one day!
Unfortunately, the crime stories have been largely exhausted by the halfway mark and the book loses focus and wanders off into various musings. You can easily skip from Chapter 14 on as only tangentially related material. I nevertheless rated the book as 4 stars on the strength of it having a chapter full of horsewhipped journalists. The old ways really are the best!
62 Available on Amazon, written by a friend and neighbor of mine, Tom Pado, the book, "Damn the Torpedoes, Full Steam Ahead"The book is Damn the Pressure, Full Speed Ahead, and the author is Tom Pado
He invented and patented some under-the-sea contraptions that are used to search for oil sources. His life story is interesting.
Posted by: AgathaPagatha at May 10, 2020 09:32 AM (xDMjB)
He started his life out in the shadows of the steel mills in Gary Indiana. Instead of home or school being his safe places to learn and grow, Tom Pado found his own ways of learning. His friends and neighbors never really knew what to expect. Homemade rockets that blew up, brewing up a concoction on his mother's stove that he later learned was Mustard Gas, his pet zoo in and out of the house and an affable demeanor and broad smile that didn't seem to match his mischievousness. All the adventures led him into a life of excitement and success as he pioneered the offshore ROV (Remote Operated Vehicle) industry for deep sea oil drilling. His ideas powered the industry that powers the world. In Damn the Pressure, Full Speed Ahead, Pado shares the story of how he made his way across the globe and built a multi-million dollar company that has truly altered the world.Pado sounds like a remarkable man. This is the kind of book our boys need to read. They need to hear about adventurous men who do great things. Only $6.99 on Kindle. ___________ Well, let's see what AHE has been reading this week:
I was up late with "Eccentric Lives and Peculiar Notions" by John Michell. It's a series of droll little sketches of people obsessed by one idea: the flat earth, the hollow earth, lost tribes, the Illuminati, druids, etc.This reminds me so much of today. Only now the idée fixe ia, of course, #ORANGEMANBAD. Last week, I was cruising the fashion sites for Melania dress pr0n for the chess thread (and only on AoSHQ would a sentence like that make sense) and one of the places I found, I forget which one, perhaps E! Online or Vogue or some such, actually brought up the fact that they don't cover Melania Trump as extensively as they did Michelle Obama, and I give them partial credit for even acknowledging the disparity, but then they tried to explain why, and it was Because Trump, You Know - Trump and I Just Can't Even. They never really spelled it out. It was just assumed the reader would know that Trump was obviously Beyond the Pale. Anyway, getting back to AHE's book, Eccentric Lives and Peculiar Notions, which blurb has a partial list of the obsessives:
Highly recommended! The author writes in an amused but sympathetic tone, as these obsessives are often highly intelligent and simply approached the data from a different perspective.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 10, 2020 09:42 AM (Dc2NZ)
Lady Blount believes that the world is flat...So do lots of other people. In fact, I recall recently seeing a screenshot of a tweet put out by the International Flat Earth Society bragging that they had chapters in cities "all over the globe."
Cyrus Teed, that it is a hollow shell with us on the inside...I hadn't heard this one. Points for originality. It's almost as good as the one where many famous people are actually lizard-men who have learned to disguise themselves good.
Edward Hine, that the British are the lost tribes of Israel...Again, he's not the only one. There's actually a name for this, British Israelism, with a centuries-old history. In the United States, Herbert W. Armstrong's Worldwide Church of God used to be big proponents of this.
Baron de Guldenstubbe that statues wrote him letters.This just sounds like basic schizophrenia.
Nesta Webster devoted her life to exposing international conspiracies...Lyndon LaRouche nods sagely. Actually, he died in 2019, so make that "Zombie Lyndon LaRouche nods sagely."
Father O'Callaghan to opposing the charging of interest on loans.So do Muslim theologians. They propose an alternative, a standard fee (I forget their name for it), which, mysteriously, matches the prime rate pretty closely.
Edward Williams was the last of the Welsh Druids.There can be... only one!
Geoffrey Pyke invented unsinkable giant ships made of ice.What do you mean, unsinkable? Just sail 'em down into equatorial waters and see how unsinkable they are.
Amanda Fielding from London invented trepanation - drilling a hole in your head!No, she didn't. I've seen photos of skulls dug up by archeologists with holes smashed into them. Supposedly to let the evil spirits out. Now *that's* some trepanation!
Also - Ignatius Donnelly; a true bibliomaniac; a dreadfully persistent lover..Don't know about this one, might make a good book thread topic. Maybe he killed some people. But the Kindle edition is only $2.99, and it sounds like a lot of fun. ___________
Books By Morons Moron author and occasional commenter Secret Squirrell has a just released a Shakespeare parody, Three Lieutenants of Joint Base Lear-MacBeth: Or, A Most Excellent Comedy Regarding the Antics and Buffoonery of Young Officers. This is a
...comedic play in three acts. Follow the adventures of three young US Army lieutenants as they encounter lackluster leaders, the Don of the E-4 Mafia, Jody, an angry battalion S-3, and brave the deserts of the US Army Yakistan Training Center!I was able to get a sneak peak at this some time ago before it was published. There are actually two versions, one written in Shakespearean verse, the second in American English, complete with authentic military slang and profanity. It revolves around goofy nonsense that can happen to you in the military. I thought it was pretty funny, but I'm afraid some of the humor went over my head because I don't have any military experience. For those of you who do, you will probably find this book to be a hoot. Now I'm no expert, but it really does sound like Shakespeare's voice -- even in the "updated" version. That was the part that impressed me the most. ___________ If you like, you can follow me on Twitter, where I make the occasional snarky comment. ___________ So that's all for this week. As always, book thread tips, suggestions, bribes, insults, threats, ugly pants pics and moron library submissions may be sent to OregonMuse, Proprietor, AoSHQ Book Thread, at the book thread e-mail address: aoshqbookthread, followed by the 'at' sign, and then 'G' mail, and then dot cee oh emm. What have you all been reading this week? Hopefully something good, because, as you all know, life is too short to be reading lousy books.
It's Book O'Clock!
Comments
(Jump to bottom of comments)1
Hello fellow bibliodorks!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 17, 2020 09:01 AM (Dc2NZ)
2
Tolle Lege
Posted by: Skip at May 17, 2020 09:01 AM (ZCEU2)
3
Good morning
Posted by: CN at May 17, 2020 09:01 AM (ONvIw)
4
Good morning fellow Book Threadists. I hope everyone had a great week of reading. Mine was eclectic, as usual, but entertaining and I made a new to me reading discovery. Details to follow.
Posted by: JTB at May 17, 2020 09:01 AM (7EjX1)
5
Currently doing a re-read of the Last Jihad series by Joel Roseberg.
Posted by: Vic at May 17, 2020 09:01 AM (mpXpK)
Posted by: April at May 17, 2020 09:03 AM (OX9vb)
7
W
I
D
E
R
E
A
D
I
N
G
Supposed to be starting a book I bought my mom, Dennis Prager's book on Genesis but haven't started it yet.
W
I
D
E
R
E
A
D
I
N
G
Supposed to be starting a book I bought my mom, Dennis Prager's book on Genesis but haven't started it yet.
Posted by: Skip at May 17, 2020 09:03 AM (ZCEU2)
8
Who Dis? Bob Hope and Joan Crawford?
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at May 17, 2020 09:03 AM (PiwSw)
9
hiya
Posted by: JT at May 17, 2020 09:03 AM (arJlL)
10
Booken morgen horden
Posted by: vmom 2020 at May 17, 2020 09:03 AM (G546f)
11
I feel so centered now.
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at May 17, 2020 09:04 AM (PiwSw)
Posted by: AltonJackson at May 17, 2020 09:04 AM (DUIap)
13
Must find pants........
Posted by: Muad'dib at May 17, 2020 09:04 AM (6X9zF)
14
Man, that pic throws me. The fellow has an almost Bob Hope nose, but it's not him. And she has a definite mid-1940s hairstyle, but again, I can't place her.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at May 17, 2020 09:04 AM (2JVJo)
15
Like the story about the marooned kids
Without clicking the link, willing to bet that one or more of the kids were natural leaders
Without clicking the link, willing to bet that one or more of the kids were natural leaders
Posted by: vmom 2020 at May 17, 2020 09:05 AM (G546f)
16
Some of our medical community leaders need to visit the library.
Posted by: A lotta nerve at May 17, 2020 09:06 AM (JdcHc)
17
So centered.
Posted by: FrodoB-
cause I am at May 17, 2020 09:06 AM (dQF3z)
18
Joan Crawford
Posted by: REDACTED at May 17, 2020 09:06 AM (UUUON)
19
Phil Terry and Joan Crawford
Posted by: CN at May 17, 2020 09:06 AM (ONvIw)
20
That hairstyle looks like Joan Crawford.
Posted by: grammie winger at May 17, 2020 09:06 AM (lwiT4)
21
Joan Crawford!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 17, 2020 09:07 AM (Dc2NZ)
Posted by: FrodoB-
cause I am at May 17, 2020 09:07 AM (dQF3z)
23
Joan Crawford?
Posted by: A lotta nerve at May 17, 2020 09:07 AM (JdcHc)
24
OM mentioned his church was re-opening this morning. I wonder if he'll catch this center-thing before he goes.
Posted by: grammie winger at May 17, 2020 09:07 AM (lwiT4)
25
On the Kindle, I read Sic Semper Tyrannis by Marcus Richardson. This is the second book in his The Future of America series. An America weakened by terrorist attacks and uprisings in the inner cities, is attacked by the Russians in Florida and New York City and by the Chinese coming through Mexico to Arizona. The U. S. begins to fight back in this second book. One of the most exciting and action-packed dystopian series that I have read. Looking forward to reading the next in the series, Dux Bellorium.
Posted by: Zoltan at May 17, 2020 09:08 AM (3ugDL)
26
Terry was one of her husbands
Posted by: CN at May 17, 2020 09:08 AM (ONvIw)
27
As of 2014, there are about 30,000 distinct known incunable editions extant, but the probable number of surviving copies in Germany alone is estimated at around 125,000. Through statistical analysis, it is estimated that the number of lost editions is at least 20,000.
Unfortunately, the incunable in which that statistical analysis was laid out has, ironically, been lost.
As of 2014, there are about 30,000 distinct known incunable editions extant, but the probable number of surviving copies in Germany alone is estimated at around 125,000. Through statistical analysis, it is estimated that the number of lost editions is at least 20,000.
Unfortunately, the incunable in which that statistical analysis was laid out has, ironically, been lost.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at May 17, 2020 09:08 AM (pNxlR)
Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at May 17, 2020 09:08 AM (3D/fK)
29
Nice Lieberry!
Those pants are fine, they have extra room in the back if you need it for when things......happen.
The who's dis is Joe Biden moving in for the kill shot on an unsuspecting staffer.
Those pants are fine, they have extra room in the back if you need it for when things......happen.
The who's dis is Joe Biden moving in for the kill shot on an unsuspecting staffer.
Posted by: Hairyback Guy at May 17, 2020 09:08 AM (Z+IKu)
30
Dang! All Hail
Posted by: A lotta nerve at May 17, 2020 09:08 AM (JdcHc)
31
That "true story of Lord of the Flies" is a great read.
Interesting how the abandoned island's taro plantation and chickens were still thriving when the boys were marooned.
Interesting how the abandoned island's taro plantation and chickens were still thriving when the boys were marooned.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 17, 2020 09:08 AM (Dc2NZ)
32
Who Dis? Bob Hope and Joan Crawford?
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper
His nose doesn't have the ski jump......
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper
His nose doesn't have the ski jump......
Posted by: JT at May 17, 2020 09:09 AM (arJlL)
33
5 Currently doing a re-read of the Last Jihad series by Joel Roseberg.
Posted by: Vic at May 17, 2020 09:01 AM (mpXpK)
Ah yes, the Christian fiction equivalent to crack cocaine (or so I've heard). I remember not being able to put those down until 2-3 in the morning. Just one more chapter...
Posted by: Vic at May 17, 2020 09:01 AM (mpXpK)
Ah yes, the Christian fiction equivalent to crack cocaine (or so I've heard). I remember not being able to put those down until 2-3 in the morning. Just one more chapter...
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at May 17, 2020 09:09 AM (PiwSw)
34
Don't weigh in often but thought guy was Orson Wells
Posted by: Skip at May 17, 2020 09:09 AM (ZCEU2)
35
I think the woman in the who this photo is Joan Crawford. No idea about the guy.
Posted by: JTB at May 17, 2020 09:09 AM (7EjX1)
36
The article, written by popular historian Rutger Bregman, is an excerpt from his soon-to-be-released book, Humankind: A Hopeful History,
where he explains how humans are actually good and kind and not at all
selfish. But I think that last bit is important. The boys were all
pupils at a strict Catholic boarding school
However, there is a contradiction in this for people like me who believe the Soviet view of the perfectability of man is patent nonsense. If their bestial human nature can be suppressed enough to make the boys behave this way, perhaps it can be suppressed enough to make Communism work. Discuss.
where he explains how humans are actually good and kind and not at all
selfish. But I think that last bit is important. The boys were all
pupils at a strict Catholic boarding school
However, there is a contradiction in this for people like me who believe the Soviet view of the perfectability of man is patent nonsense. If their bestial human nature can be suppressed enough to make the boys behave this way, perhaps it can be suppressed enough to make Communism work. Discuss.
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 09:10 AM (T6t7i)
37
Also - Ignatius Donnelly; a true bibliomaniac; a dreadfully persistent lover..
Actually, that blurb concerns three different people. I know, because I recommended the book to Eris.
Donnelly was a US congressman who believed (and wrote books) that Atlantis existed and that Shakespeare was not written by the Bard.
"A true bibliomaniac" is about a fellow who not only filled his house with books, but filled so many other houses with books that, at the time Eccentric Lives{/I] was written, it was supposed some of the houses were still around, holding uncounted moldering libraries.
The "dreadfully persistent lover" was an Irishman, "Woodcock" Carden, who fell in love with an English lady, refused to believe she did not love him and kidnapped her.
Actually, that blurb concerns three different people. I know, because I recommended the book to Eris.
Donnelly was a US congressman who believed (and wrote books) that Atlantis existed and that Shakespeare was not written by the Bard.
"A true bibliomaniac" is about a fellow who not only filled his house with books, but filled so many other houses with books that, at the time Eccentric Lives{/I] was written, it was supposed some of the houses were still around, holding uncounted moldering libraries.
The "dreadfully persistent lover" was an Irishman, "Woodcock" Carden, who fell in love with an English lady, refused to believe she did not love him and kidnapped her.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at May 17, 2020 09:10 AM (2JVJo)
Posted by: FrodoB-
cause I am at May 17, 2020 09:10 AM (dQF3z)
39
The guy looks a bit like Bob Cummings.
Posted by: Hierominous Botch at May 17, 2020 09:10 AM (YqED9)
40
We have been going through the extensive book collection of the Original Village Idiot, whom I apprenticed under.
Do you have any idea of the worth of signed first editions of almost every book written by Danial V. Gallery?
Do you have any idea of the worth of signed first editions of almost every book written by Danial V. Gallery?
Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at May 17, 2020 09:11 AM (3D/fK)
Posted by: AltonJackson at May 17, 2020 09:11 AM (DUIap)
42
Anyway, I started 2666. It's starting out ok, I'm not sure I'll be as pleased when it moves from interesting to murder and mayhem
Posted by: CN at May 17, 2020 09:11 AM (ONvIw)
43
33 Ah yes, the Christian fiction equivalent to crack
cocaine (or so I've heard). I remember not being able to put those down
until 2-3 in the morning. Just one more chapter...
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at May 17, 2020 09:09 AM (PiwSw
Yes, they are quite good.
cocaine (or so I've heard). I remember not being able to put those down
until 2-3 in the morning. Just one more chapter...
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at May 17, 2020 09:09 AM (PiwSw
Yes, they are quite good.
Posted by: Vic at May 17, 2020 09:11 AM (mpXpK)
44
Those pants are fine. I would wear them for a Vanity Fair photo shoot. They could play tic tack toe on my butt.
Posted by: Tank at May 17, 2020 09:13 AM (Tnijr)
45
Like water, in a stream.--
Like sand through the hourglass
Posted by: FrodoB-
Like shit through a goose......
Like sand through the hourglass
Posted by: FrodoB-
Like shit through a goose......
Posted by: JT at May 17, 2020 09:13 AM (arJlL)
46
The guy looks a bit like Bob Cummings.
Posted by: Hierominous Botch
I thought it was Bob Goings.....
Posted by: Hierominous Botch
I thought it was Bob Goings.....
Posted by: JT at May 17, 2020 09:14 AM (arJlL)
47
OM has marooned us in the center island of a stream of word
It's probably an experiment to see if we go Lord if the Flies
It's probably an experiment to see if we go Lord if the Flies
Posted by: vmom 2020 at May 17, 2020 09:15 AM (G546f)
48
You can thank MP4 for recommending "Eccentric Lives and Peculiar Notions".
I read somewhere that some of the occultist Nazis believed we live on the inside of a concave plane, and conducted an experiment to spy on the British fleet by pointing their instruments at a 45 degree angle. They saw...clouds!
I read somewhere that some of the occultist Nazis believed we live on the inside of a concave plane, and conducted an experiment to spy on the British fleet by pointing their instruments at a 45 degree angle. They saw...clouds!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 17, 2020 09:15 AM (Dc2NZ)
49
I stand by Phil Terry as the guy with Joan, LOL
Posted by: CN at May 17, 2020 09:15 AM (ONvIw)
50
OM--
If you weren't familiar with the word incunabula, then you must not be a Dorothy Sayers fan. Most if not all of the Lord Peter Wimsey books mention that he is a collector of incunabula.
Only reason I knew what it was. Like all of those words Nero Wolfe uses that I've had to look up multiple times...including thamaturge.
If you weren't familiar with the word incunabula, then you must not be a Dorothy Sayers fan. Most if not all of the Lord Peter Wimsey books mention that he is a collector of incunabula.
Only reason I knew what it was. Like all of those words Nero Wolfe uses that I've had to look up multiple times...including thamaturge.
Posted by: Art Rondelet of Malmsey at May 17, 2020 09:15 AM (fTtFy)
51
Sooo centered this morning!
Posted by: Rosasharn at May 17, 2020 09:15 AM (PzBTm)
52
As I slowly continue with "Lost Country Life" it becomes more interesting on several levels. The actual farming information from 700 years ago is fascinating for info-nerds like myself. How the farmer would take care of oxen after using them with a yoke to make sure they stayed healthy and useful. Planting and reaping details and the reasons why. Some of my interest is seeing how these older practices influenced settlers during Colonial and Early American periods. Also, Hartley doesn't just describe the functions but provides context for them. This is like reading a CS Lewis essay on literature. He provides the mindset and social aspects behind the words the author used so that we can understand and appreciate what the author intended without being blinded by our strictly modern standards.
Hartley achieves the same by describing the knowledge and attitude of the farmers of that period. Their faith in their methods, honed by generations of experience, allowed them to work secure in the knowledge they were correct and could prosper. That positive approach gave them the confidence to meet the unusual without it tearing them apart in doubt. This attitude was needed for settlers on this continent and to me it speaks to the constant doubts and frustrations of today when the ephemoral and never ending change are the norm.
I was strongly reminded of a passage early in Steinbeck's "Travels With Charley".
"My grandfather knew the number of whiskers in the Almighty's beard. I don't even know what happened yesterday, let alone tomorrow. He knew what makes a rock or a table. I don't even understand the formula that says nobody knows. We've got nothing to go on ... got no way to think about things."
Also, Hartley's writing is precise in description but flows almost like poetry: an odd but enjoyable combination. I now understand commenters who said they re-read this book regularly.
Hartley achieves the same by describing the knowledge and attitude of the farmers of that period. Their faith in their methods, honed by generations of experience, allowed them to work secure in the knowledge they were correct and could prosper. That positive approach gave them the confidence to meet the unusual without it tearing them apart in doubt. This attitude was needed for settlers on this continent and to me it speaks to the constant doubts and frustrations of today when the ephemoral and never ending change are the norm.
I was strongly reminded of a passage early in Steinbeck's "Travels With Charley".
"My grandfather knew the number of whiskers in the Almighty's beard. I don't even know what happened yesterday, let alone tomorrow. He knew what makes a rock or a table. I don't even understand the formula that says nobody knows. We've got nothing to go on ... got no way to think about things."
Also, Hartley's writing is precise in description but flows almost like poetry: an odd but enjoyable combination. I now understand commenters who said they re-read this book regularly.
Posted by: JTB at May 17, 2020 09:16 AM (7EjX1)
53
I gave up on "The Korean War: 1946 - 1953" by Hugh Deane. The war itself therein was inundated by example after example of "here's another instance where the U. S. / the ROK / the U.N. did a bad thing and me and all my leftist buds said it was a bad thing". Into the trash it went.
Now reading "Charlie Wilson's War". So far, so good. Imagine my shock, however, to discover that noted writer of self-referential dialogue Aaron Sorkin was an author of the movie version's screenplay.
I gave up on "The Korean War: 1946 - 1953" by Hugh Deane. The war itself therein was inundated by example after example of "here's another instance where the U. S. / the ROK / the U.N. did a bad thing and me and all my leftist buds said it was a bad thing". Into the trash it went.
Now reading "Charlie Wilson's War". So far, so good. Imagine my shock, however, to discover that noted writer of self-referential dialogue Aaron Sorkin was an author of the movie version's screenplay.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at May 17, 2020 09:16 AM (pNxlR)
54
Good morning, all - haven't gotten to much reading this week, although I did dip into Richardson's Alea Jacta Est:A Novel of the Fall of America. Apocalyptic fiction, but the various destructive elements all to easily imagined, as well as the apparent perfidy of the Chi-Coms. Don't know if I will carry on with the series, though.
Still working on the built-in book case; all the trim purchased and painted, just awaiting on the time of Neighborhood Handy Guy, hopefully next week.
Still working on the built-in book case; all the trim purchased and painted, just awaiting on the time of Neighborhood Handy Guy, hopefully next week.
Posted by: Sgt. Mom at May 17, 2020 09:16 AM (xnmPy)
55
Terry was one of her husbands
Posted by: CN
And the Pirates....
and the Dodgers...
and the Giants.....
Posted by: CN
And the Pirates....
and the Dodgers...
and the Giants.....
Posted by: JT at May 17, 2020 09:17 AM (arJlL)
56
OM, just one thing before you run out the door......
Posted by: grammie winger at May 17, 2020 09:18 AM (lwiT4)
57
After seeing “The Magnificent Ambersons” I started reading the Tarkington novel. So far Orson was very faithful. This peek at turn-of-the-century lives led me back to the Lawrenceville Stories by Owen Johnson, which are a delight. Did you know that they were made into a PBS series?
1: “The Prodigious Hickey”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OI6tJjoHyaE
2: “The Return of Hickey”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I62OkGUbi4c
3: “The Beginning of the Firm”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fR_Wufd89no
(Warning, per YT comments: racist, sexist, classist stories about privileged white males!)
Note the presence of the incomparable Edward Herrmann, who must be in every WASP-centric film or show.
Confession: I’m in it for the straw boaters and batwing collars.
1: “The Prodigious Hickey”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OI6tJjoHyaE
2: “The Return of Hickey”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I62OkGUbi4c
3: “The Beginning of the Firm”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fR_Wufd89no
(Warning, per YT comments: racist, sexist, classist stories about privileged white males!)
Note the presence of the incomparable Edward Herrmann, who must be in every WASP-centric film or show.
Confession: I’m in it for the straw boaters and batwing collars.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 17, 2020 09:18 AM (Dc2NZ)
Posted by: grammie winger at May 17, 2020 09:18 AM (lwiT4)
59
JTB. "Lost Country Life" sounds like a good one to have on the shelf when the world goes to even greater shit than it has with the 'rona.
Posted by: April at May 17, 2020 09:19 AM (OX9vb)
60
Regarding Charlie Wilson's war, I heard the book has a lot more info about what he did but they could not put it in the movie. I love that movie.
Posted by: Cicero Skip at May 17, 2020 09:19 AM (FIrEF)
Posted by: JT at May 17, 2020 09:19 AM (arJlL)
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 09:19 AM (sH2Lb)
63
Omigod! Omigod! Omigod!
Stacy Abrams just entered the thread.
In. Her. Cape!!!
Maestro! Strike up her theme music:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpJ6anurfuw
Stacy Abrams just entered the thread.
In. Her. Cape!!!
Maestro! Strike up her theme music:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpJ6anurfuw
Posted by: naturalfake at May 17, 2020 09:19 AM (z0XD8)
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at May 17, 2020 09:19 AM (pNxlR)
65
The center cannot hold!
But it is so far...
I'm continuing to grind away on my Spanish Civil War book. Thanks for all your kind words of support last week (and the cool stuff via email).
I stupidly bought Antony Beevor's book on the topic, The Battle for Spain.
It sucks. Actively.
Beevor really hates Catholics. The book actually includes a sentance where he describes most of Spain's priests as "poor, very uneducated, incapable of any other employment."
He's literally calling the clergy retarded. He also makes fun of silly ladies that dress in black and pray a lot.
Anyhow, it's garbage, and I'll skim it for other stupidities so I can give it a one-star review.
For those who want the straight dope on the war, Stanley G. Payne has a nice, concise account. I'm reading his biography of Franco and it is likewise fact-based.
Hugh Thomas has the most detailed account, but he is biased in favor of the Republic, though late in the book the tone changes. I understand his original edition was in 1961 and pretty closely hewed to then-dominant line that Republic = Good, Franco Man Bad.
He subsequently revised and extended the book, and I'm betting that's where the changes in tone came in. Frustrating to read at times, but he does have a lot of information in those 1,000 pages. I am using the book is a resource in my writing.
But it is so far...
I'm continuing to grind away on my Spanish Civil War book. Thanks for all your kind words of support last week (and the cool stuff via email).
I stupidly bought Antony Beevor's book on the topic, The Battle for Spain.
It sucks. Actively.
Beevor really hates Catholics. The book actually includes a sentance where he describes most of Spain's priests as "poor, very uneducated, incapable of any other employment."
He's literally calling the clergy retarded. He also makes fun of silly ladies that dress in black and pray a lot.
Anyhow, it's garbage, and I'll skim it for other stupidities so I can give it a one-star review.
For those who want the straight dope on the war, Stanley G. Payne has a nice, concise account. I'm reading his biography of Franco and it is likewise fact-based.
Hugh Thomas has the most detailed account, but he is biased in favor of the Republic, though late in the book the tone changes. I understand his original edition was in 1961 and pretty closely hewed to then-dominant line that Republic = Good, Franco Man Bad.
He subsequently revised and extended the book, and I'm betting that's where the changes in tone came in. Frustrating to read at times, but he does have a lot of information in those 1,000 pages. I am using the book is a resource in my writing.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 09:20 AM (cfSRQ)
66
Theodore Dalrymple's The Policeman and The Brothel is free is you have kindle unlimited. I have been doing the 30 day free trial of kindle unlimited, since all the libraries have been shut down for two months. When I went to cancel it on the 29th day, they offered me another 30 days for free.
Several of the people who horsewhipped journalists successfully defended themselves in court on the basis that it was justified by what had been written about them and that horsewhipping was a milder and more appropriate form of response that assault with fists, feet and clubs.
Several of the people who horsewhipped journalists successfully defended themselves in court on the basis that it was justified by what had been written about them and that horsewhipping was a milder and more appropriate form of response that assault with fists, feet and clubs.
Posted by: cool breeze at May 17, 2020 09:21 AM (UGKMd)
67
19 Phil Terry and Joan Crawford
Posted by: CN at May 17, 2020 09:06 AM (ONvIw)
You are correct, ma'am!
Posted by: CN at May 17, 2020 09:06 AM (ONvIw)
You are correct, ma'am!
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 09:21 AM (sH2Lb)
68
So, last week, someone mentioned Richard Addinsell's "Warsaw Concerto" from the movie Dangerous Moonlight and I noted that the "Concerto" is a running joke in Spike Milligan's Adolf Hitler - My Part in His Downfall.
It's the first volume of his war reminiscences, and covers from 1939 and England declaring war on Germany - "War?" said Mother. "It must have been something we said," said Father. The people next door panicked, burnt their post office books and took in the washing. - through his experiences in training camp, during the "Phony War" and up to his battery's landing at Algiers in 1943.
It's very funny (no wonder, as Milligan was a founder of The Goons), sprinkled with a lot of musical adventures (Milligan played horn in a swing band), military misadventures and laugh-out loud incidents. Some of the book is obscure because of Royal Army jargon and distinctly British humor, but this is a book I enjoyed and I think you will, too.
https://tinyurl.com/yac7jol3
It's the first volume of his war reminiscences, and covers from 1939 and England declaring war on Germany - "War?" said Mother. "It must have been something we said," said Father. The people next door panicked, burnt their post office books and took in the washing. - through his experiences in training camp, during the "Phony War" and up to his battery's landing at Algiers in 1943.
It's very funny (no wonder, as Milligan was a founder of The Goons), sprinkled with a lot of musical adventures (Milligan played horn in a swing band), military misadventures and laugh-out loud incidents. Some of the book is obscure because of Royal Army jargon and distinctly British humor, but this is a book I enjoyed and I think you will, too.
https://tinyurl.com/yac7jol3
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at May 17, 2020 09:21 AM (2JVJo)
69
I read "Monsarrat At Sea" by Nicholas Monsarrat. A very good collection of seven sea stories, some of which he used as a basis for his masterpiece novel The Cruel Sea. He also includes HMS Marlborough Will Enter Harbour about a warship torpedoed by a U-Boat and the crews attempt to save her. And is a ship really alive? Does it have a soul? The story The Ship That Died Of Shame suggests it is, and does.
Posted by: Jake Holenhead at May 17, 2020 09:21 AM (P1GvV)
70
I am currently reading Long Range by C. J. Box, a Joe Pickett novel and it is goooOOOOd !
Posted by: JT at May 17, 2020 09:22 AM (arJlL)
71
I re-read "Ice Station Zebra" by Alistair MacLean. I'd read it once before in the 70s but remembered almost nothing about it. Most of the book takes place on an American nuc sub and what occurs onboard is so eye rollingly stupid he could have placed the story on The Beatles Yellow Submarine and it would have been just as realistic.
When under the arctic ice pack a fire occurs in the engineroom and the main character (an MI6 agent) has this thought: "Why had the engines stopped? What could make a nuclear engine stop so quickly and what happened once it did? My God, I thought, maybe the fire is coming from the reactor room itself. I'd looked into the heart of the uranium atomic pile through a heavily leaded glass-inspection port and seen the indescribable unearthly radiance of it, a nightmarish coalescence of green and violet and blue, the new "dreadful light" of mankind. What happened when this dreadful light ran wild? I didn't know, but I suspected I didn't want to be around when it happened."
The book sucked.
When under the arctic ice pack a fire occurs in the engineroom and the main character (an MI6 agent) has this thought: "Why had the engines stopped? What could make a nuclear engine stop so quickly and what happened once it did? My God, I thought, maybe the fire is coming from the reactor room itself. I'd looked into the heart of the uranium atomic pile through a heavily leaded glass-inspection port and seen the indescribable unearthly radiance of it, a nightmarish coalescence of green and violet and blue, the new "dreadful light" of mankind. What happened when this dreadful light ran wild? I didn't know, but I suspected I didn't want to be around when it happened."
The book sucked.
Posted by: Jake Holenhead at May 17, 2020 09:23 AM (P1GvV)
72
Confession: I'm in it for the straw boaters and batwing collars.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 17, 2020 09:18 AM (Dc2NZ)
**makes tailoring note for the MoMe**
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 17, 2020 09:18 AM (Dc2NZ)
**makes tailoring note for the MoMe**
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at May 17, 2020 09:25 AM (2JVJo)
73
So, I read all the library books I had, and since it's closed until the End of Time, I can't get more. Had to pull a couple of my own shelf!
I've been reading Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God. I have had this book since sometime in the early '80's, and still never read it. Heh. But I like it! The language is hard to read at first, it's kind of phonetic Black country dialect, but one gets used to it.
I think the main character is very likable, and I have empathy for her. She has had to do and be what others wanted or needed her to do and be for her whole life, and in her forties, circumstances allow her to open up and be who she wants to be.
That's all the farther I am, I don't know how it ends.
I've been reading Zora Neale Hurston's Their Eyes Were Watching God. I have had this book since sometime in the early '80's, and still never read it. Heh. But I like it! The language is hard to read at first, it's kind of phonetic Black country dialect, but one gets used to it.
I think the main character is very likable, and I have empathy for her. She has had to do and be what others wanted or needed her to do and be for her whole life, and in her forties, circumstances allow her to open up and be who she wants to be.
That's all the farther I am, I don't know how it ends.
Posted by: April, Freedom Now! at May 17, 2020 09:25 AM (OX9vb)
74
A book came out last week, "Chickens, Gin, and a Maine Friendship: The Correspondence of E. B. White and Edmund Ware Smith". My copy should arrive later today. It was EB White's name that got my attention. I hadn't heard of Edmund Ware Smith before but managed to find excerpts of some of his writing. Some was side splitting funny. Other pieces were beautifully descriptive and insightful about being in the Maine outdoors. Most of Smith's books are long out of print and hugely expensive but I found one for a decent price.
That book, "A Tomato Can Chronical" arrived yesterday. I've only read the first couple of essays but they are delightful. Also, this edition of the book deserves mention. It's a dark green leather covered hardback, beautifully bound. The page edges are gilded and the paper is almost like good rag paper. It is one of a 2,500 limited run. The book is a physical pleasure to read, comparable to my best copies of LOTR and a few special reprints of classic firearms books I've come across over the years. I managed to find another of Smith's books from a similar run of the same quality which should arrive in a few weeks.
That book, "A Tomato Can Chronical" arrived yesterday. I've only read the first couple of essays but they are delightful. Also, this edition of the book deserves mention. It's a dark green leather covered hardback, beautifully bound. The page edges are gilded and the paper is almost like good rag paper. It is one of a 2,500 limited run. The book is a physical pleasure to read, comparable to my best copies of LOTR and a few special reprints of classic firearms books I've come across over the years. I managed to find another of Smith's books from a similar run of the same quality which should arrive in a few weeks.
Posted by: JTB at May 17, 2020 09:25 AM (7EjX1)
75
Those Burberry pants are hilariously sad.
2K bucks or so to look like you shit yer britches.
Fashion designers! Take a bow!
2K bucks or so to look like you shit yer britches.
Fashion designers! Take a bow!
Posted by: naturalfake at May 17, 2020 09:25 AM (z0XD8)
76
At least the "who dis" pic aint no phony "look at my smart ass, I'm reading a book" pic
Posted by: REDACTED at May 17, 2020 09:26 AM (UUUON)
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at May 17, 2020 09:26 AM (2JVJo)
78
I finally found (new PC) and bookmarked something I cite at least once a month, Lewis's OHEL volume.
https://tinyurl.com/yczylrmr
There are several formats, including Kindle.
One reason I was looking is, for anyone interested, in relation to the sidebar comments about David French. If one has the book it's worth reading pp 445-449, on Thomas Cartwright. You will see the tradition of which French is a current representative.
Extremely conceited about his own righteousness.
Check.
Censorious about the sins of others.
Check.
And the last sentence (paraphrase from memory) "Hatred so massive, and so thoroughly reconciled to his conscience, leaves no room for fun."
Double Check.
And note this: anyone who reads Lewis will be a bit surprised by this. Normally, the ONLY time he takes a side in disputes among Christians is in attacking the liberal (or "Christianity and water") variety. Hell, in the very book I'm citing, he is VERY careful to distinguish (a) Calvinists in general from the Puritans specifically, and (b) Puritans as they actually were, from the "Puritan" as portrayed in popular culture. In fact, he explicitly says that, in Cartwright, we first see the latter - "Puritan" in the popular usage - arising.
Very much worth a read.
https://tinyurl.com/yczylrmr
There are several formats, including Kindle.
One reason I was looking is, for anyone interested, in relation to the sidebar comments about David French. If one has the book it's worth reading pp 445-449, on Thomas Cartwright. You will see the tradition of which French is a current representative.
Extremely conceited about his own righteousness.
Check.
Censorious about the sins of others.
Check.
And the last sentence (paraphrase from memory) "Hatred so massive, and so thoroughly reconciled to his conscience, leaves no room for fun."
Double Check.
And note this: anyone who reads Lewis will be a bit surprised by this. Normally, the ONLY time he takes a side in disputes among Christians is in attacking the liberal (or "Christianity and water") variety. Hell, in the very book I'm citing, he is VERY careful to distinguish (a) Calvinists in general from the Puritans specifically, and (b) Puritans as they actually were, from the "Puritan" as portrayed in popular culture. In fact, he explicitly says that, in Cartwright, we first see the latter - "Puritan" in the popular usage - arising.
Very much worth a read.
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 09:26 AM (ZbwAu)
79
Biff and Molly autographing first! editions of The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew mystery series.
Biff and Molly autographing first! editions of The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew mystery series.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at May 17, 2020 09:26 AM (pNxlR)
80
ICYMI in the EMT:
Karl Manke, the Owosso, Michigan barber who is defying Obergruppenfuerher Whitmer's shut down order, is also an author.
karlmanke.com
He's published nine novels
ICYMI in the EMT:
Karl Manke, the Owosso, Michigan barber who is defying Obergruppenfuerher Whitmer's shut down order, is also an author.
karlmanke.com
He's published nine novels
Posted by: AltonJackson at May 17, 2020 09:27 AM (DUIap)
81
What happened when this dreadful light ran wild? I didn't know, but I suspected I didn't want to be around when it happened."
The book sucked.
Posted by: Jake Holenhead at May 17, 2020 09:23 AM (P1GvV)
I don't know, it's sounds like a ripping read!
The book sucked.
Posted by: Jake Holenhead at May 17, 2020 09:23 AM (P1GvV)
I don't know, it's sounds like a ripping read!
Posted by: Edward Bulwer-Lytton at May 17, 2020 09:27 AM (PiwSw)
82
My latest completed read was The Comedians by Graham Greene. I enjoyed it. The Power and the Glory was my first Greene read. Hope to get to more of his work.
Posted by: DaveD at May 17, 2020 09:28 AM (P5fqQ)
83
However, there is a contradiction in this for
people like me who believe the Soviet view of the perfectability of man
is patent nonsense. If their bestial human nature can be suppressed
enough to make the boys behave this way, perhaps it can be suppressed
enough to make Communism work. Discuss.
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 09:10 AM (T6t7i)
---
Christian moral teaching is based on an understanding that humanity remains flawed, thus we should expect (and then forgive) people when they transgress.
The children employed this. They did not achieve perfection, but a workable community that understood people would fight and they came up with ways to deal with that.
Communism is based on the idea that there is no need for mitigation because the 'sin' can be squeezed out of people by rigorous indoctrination and control.
There is also no forgiveness, because to 'sin' is also to betray the revolution.
Most importantly, Communism sets itself in opposition to human nature rather than in accord with it. Religious communities have operated for centuries by maintaining a balance and working within the limits of human frailty.
Marxism/Communism declares those limits themselves to be unacceptable. It refuses to be bound by anything, thus setting parents against children, men against women, and so forth.
However, there is a contradiction in this for
people like me who believe the Soviet view of the perfectability of man
is patent nonsense. If their bestial human nature can be suppressed
enough to make the boys behave this way, perhaps it can be suppressed
enough to make Communism work. Discuss.
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 09:10 AM (T6t7i)
---
Christian moral teaching is based on an understanding that humanity remains flawed, thus we should expect (and then forgive) people when they transgress.
The children employed this. They did not achieve perfection, but a workable community that understood people would fight and they came up with ways to deal with that.
Communism is based on the idea that there is no need for mitigation because the 'sin' can be squeezed out of people by rigorous indoctrination and control.
There is also no forgiveness, because to 'sin' is also to betray the revolution.
Most importantly, Communism sets itself in opposition to human nature rather than in accord with it. Religious communities have operated for centuries by maintaining a balance and working within the limits of human frailty.
Marxism/Communism declares those limits themselves to be unacceptable. It refuses to be bound by anything, thus setting parents against children, men against women, and so forth.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 09:28 AM (cfSRQ)
84
Confession: I'm in it for the straw boaters and batwing collars.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 17, 2020 09:18 AM
Pith helmets & spats are out?
Confession: I'm in it for the straw boaters and batwing collars.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 17, 2020 09:18 AM
Pith helmets & spats are out?
Posted by: AltonJackson at May 17, 2020 09:28 AM (DUIap)
85
Happy Sunday morning!
Kurt Schneider's Fifty Shades of Liberal is shows him at maximum levels of satire verging in slapstick in a progressive tale of love: anti-American style. For $0.99, it's worth it.
I also started in on Rob Kroese's Brand of the Warlock. It has one of the cleverest chapter one hooks I've ever seen - at least get the free sample and check it out. Sure to appeal to fans of epic fantasy.
Roderick Thorpe's Nothing Lasts Forever may have inspired my favorite Christmas movie, Die Hard, but is a rare case where the movie is better than the book. Still might be fun for die hard Die Hard fans, though.
In my queue - Charles Oman's History of the Byzantine Empire is only $1.07 on Kindle, Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich is free, and Vernor Vinge's A Fire on the Deep is $3.23.
Eccentric Lives and Peculiar Notions looks like exactly the kind of book I need for researching my next novel. Thanks for the suggestion, AHE.
Kurt Schneider's Fifty Shades of Liberal is shows him at maximum levels of satire verging in slapstick in a progressive tale of love: anti-American style. For $0.99, it's worth it.
I also started in on Rob Kroese's Brand of the Warlock. It has one of the cleverest chapter one hooks I've ever seen - at least get the free sample and check it out. Sure to appeal to fans of epic fantasy.
Roderick Thorpe's Nothing Lasts Forever may have inspired my favorite Christmas movie, Die Hard, but is a rare case where the movie is better than the book. Still might be fun for die hard Die Hard fans, though.
In my queue - Charles Oman's History of the Byzantine Empire is only $1.07 on Kindle, Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich is free, and Vernor Vinge's A Fire on the Deep is $3.23.
Eccentric Lives and Peculiar Notions looks like exactly the kind of book I need for researching my next novel. Thanks for the suggestion, AHE.
Posted by: Hans G. Schantz at May 17, 2020 09:28 AM (FXjhj)
86
I am currently reading Long Range by C. J. Box, a Joe Pickett novel and it is goooOOOOd !
Posted by: JT at May 17, 2020 09:22 AM
You might like Craig Johnson's Walt Longmire series.
Posted by: JT at May 17, 2020 09:22 AM
You might like Craig Johnson's Walt Longmire series.
Posted by: Jake Holenhead at May 17, 2020 09:29 AM (P1GvV)
87
Many of the plot items in "Ice Station Zebra" were cadged from "Nautilus 90 North", a memoir of the first nuke-boat trip under the icepack to the North Pole. Including the real fire of the oil-soaked insulation around the turbines.
I loved Ice Station Zebra.
I loved Ice Station Zebra.
Posted by: retropox at May 17, 2020 09:29 AM (Twqkw)
88
You might like Craig Johnson's Walt Longmire series.
Posted by: Jake Holenhead
I'll check it out !
Thanks Jake !
Posted by: Jake Holenhead
I'll check it out !
Thanks Jake !
Posted by: JT at May 17, 2020 09:32 AM (arJlL)
89
I'd looked into the heart of the uranium atomic pile
through a heavily leaded glass-inspection port and seen the
indescribable unearthly radiance of it, a nightmarish coalescence of
green and violet and blue, the new "dreadful light" of mankind. What
happened when this dreadful light ran wild? I didn't know, but I
suspected I didn't want to be around when it happened."
The book sucked.
Posted by: Jake Holenhead at May 17, 2020 09:23 AM (P1GvV)
---
Wait, the guy thinks nuclear reactors actually produce visible flames? Like a space steam engine or something, as guys in silver suits shovel uranium in there?
WTF.
through a heavily leaded glass-inspection port and seen the
indescribable unearthly radiance of it, a nightmarish coalescence of
green and violet and blue, the new "dreadful light" of mankind. What
happened when this dreadful light ran wild? I didn't know, but I
suspected I didn't want to be around when it happened."
The book sucked.
Posted by: Jake Holenhead at May 17, 2020 09:23 AM (P1GvV)
---
Wait, the guy thinks nuclear reactors actually produce visible flames? Like a space steam engine or something, as guys in silver suits shovel uranium in there?
WTF.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 09:33 AM (cfSRQ)
90
The guy writing the article's kind of nuts but I still appreciate sacred Boomer literature getting deconstructed finally. LOTF and Catcher In The Rye have a lot to answer for.
Posted by: Ian S. at May 17, 2020 09:34 AM (6XLoz)
91
I'm sure somebody's caught it, but the lady is Joan Crawford.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at May 17, 2020 09:34 AM (rpbg1)
92
Wait, the guy thinks nuclear reactors actually produce visible flames? Like a space steam engine or something, as guys in silver suits shovel uranium in there?
No, I think he's somewhat poorly describing Cherenkov radiation, which is a visual thing that nuclear reactors do produce.
No, I think he's somewhat poorly describing Cherenkov radiation, which is a visual thing that nuclear reactors do produce.
Posted by: Ian S. at May 17, 2020 09:35 AM (6XLoz)
93
LOTF and Catcher In The Rye have a lot to answer for.
Posted by: Ian S. at May 17, 2020 09:34 AM (6XLoz)
Neither really engaged me. But I think Salinger's short stories are little masterpieces.
Posted by: Ian S. at May 17, 2020 09:34 AM (6XLoz)
Neither really engaged me. But I think Salinger's short stories are little masterpieces.
Posted by: Dan Smoot's Apprentice at May 17, 2020 09:35 AM (H8QX8)
94
93: I hated Holden Caufield
Posted by: CN at May 17, 2020 09:37 AM (ONvIw)
95
Ace-Endorsed...
Thanks for the thoughtful and insightful answer. I agree with much of what you say, but I'll argue that much of your response addresses what they do, rather than what is possible. As you point out, communists don't care about the morality of what they're doing, only that they think it works. Hence, the ocean of blood they spilled in the 20th century. The question is whether there's a limit to what you can get people to do by education, indoctrination and societal pressure, to say nothing of outright coercion?
Most importantly, Communism sets itself in opposition to human nature
rather than in accord with it. Religious communities have operated for
centuries by maintaining a balance and working within the limits of
human frailty.
The history of utopian religious societies is certainly not evidence that they understood this concept. There are always those who push an idea to far, and I think that's the case with them. The trick is to know when to stop.
Thanks for the thoughtful and insightful answer. I agree with much of what you say, but I'll argue that much of your response addresses what they do, rather than what is possible. As you point out, communists don't care about the morality of what they're doing, only that they think it works. Hence, the ocean of blood they spilled in the 20th century. The question is whether there's a limit to what you can get people to do by education, indoctrination and societal pressure, to say nothing of outright coercion?
Most importantly, Communism sets itself in opposition to human nature
rather than in accord with it. Religious communities have operated for
centuries by maintaining a balance and working within the limits of
human frailty.
The history of utopian religious societies is certainly not evidence that they understood this concept. There are always those who push an idea to far, and I think that's the case with them. The trick is to know when to stop.
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 09:37 AM (T6t7i)
96
Many of the plot items in "Ice Station Zebra" were cadged from "Nautilus 90 North"
I loved Ice Station Zebra.
Posted by: retropox at May 17, 2020 09:29 AM
Nautilus 90 North is a very good book. But Ice Station Zebra, heh, sucked.
I loved Ice Station Zebra.
Posted by: retropox at May 17, 2020 09:29 AM
Nautilus 90 North is a very good book. But Ice Station Zebra, heh, sucked.
Posted by: Jake Holenhead at May 17, 2020 09:37 AM (P1GvV)
97
Socialism: you can vote your way in, but you have to shoot your way out.
It has always been thus.
It has always been thus.
Posted by: Washington Nearsider, LOL, get fucked at May 17, 2020 09:37 AM (T8HPM)
98
You might like Craig Johnson's Walt Longmire series.
Posted by: Jake Holenhead
Great series of books. I have read them all, in order. Kinda need to read in order because there are some carry over character references from book to book.
Posted by: Jake Holenhead
Great series of books. I have read them all, in order. Kinda need to read in order because there are some carry over character references from book to book.
Posted by: Cicero Skip at May 17, 2020 09:37 AM (FIrEF)
99
What's the word for putting lipstick on a sow?
Posted by: freaked at May 17, 2020 09:38 AM (Tnijr)
100
I've listened to a few audiobooks while scanning documents at work--it's super boring, so thank God for audiobooks and podcasts.
I listened to Red Sky In Morning, which several of you recommended, and it was a great story.
Blue Heaven, by CJ Box--bad cops!
Hunt for the Skinwalker, by Colm Kelleher, regarding strange phenomena at the Skinwalker Ranch in Utah. Aliens? Secret military experimentation? Indian curse? Other worlds? Who knows?
Murder In Thrall, by Anne Cleeland. Gripping mystery, but I could have done without the romance part.
And some others, light reading (listening).
I listened to Red Sky In Morning, which several of you recommended, and it was a great story.
Blue Heaven, by CJ Box--bad cops!
Hunt for the Skinwalker, by Colm Kelleher, regarding strange phenomena at the Skinwalker Ranch in Utah. Aliens? Secret military experimentation? Indian curse? Other worlds? Who knows?
Murder In Thrall, by Anne Cleeland. Gripping mystery, but I could have done without the romance part.
And some others, light reading (listening).
Posted by: April, Freedom Now! at May 17, 2020 09:38 AM (OX9vb)
101
Many of the plot items in "Ice Station Zebra" were cadged from "Nautilus 90 North"
Ice Station Zebra is a family favorite here because Ernest Borgnine has a different accent in every scene.
Ice Station Zebra is a family favorite here because Ernest Borgnine has a different accent in every scene.
Posted by: Ian S. at May 17, 2020 09:38 AM (6XLoz)
Posted by: MHK at May 17, 2020 09:38 AM (iQIUe)
103
59 ... "Lost Country Life" sounds like a good one to have on the shelf when the world goes to even greater shit than it has with the 'rona."
Hi April,
It isn't strictly speaking a 'how to' book so far as an example of how they persisted and survived. I find the combination of attitude and technique to be interesting.
Hi April,
It isn't strictly speaking a 'how to' book so far as an example of how they persisted and survived. I find the combination of attitude and technique to be interesting.
Posted by: JTB at May 17, 2020 09:38 AM (7EjX1)
104
Extremely conceited about his own righteousness.
Check.
Censorious about the sins of others.
Check.
And the last sentence (paraphrase from memory) "Hatred so massive,
and so thoroughly reconciled to his conscience, leaves no room for fun."
Double Check.
Very much worth a read.
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 09:26 AM (ZbwAu)
---
My wife encountered this attitude a lot when she was growing up and it turned her against Christianity. I think much of the "spiritual, not religious" affiliation in this country is the result of people like David French being seen as the authentic faces of Christianity.
The left is all for this, because not only is French objectively on their side (Orange Man Bad), he also directs most of his fire at evengelicals and is pretty much a caricature of a humorless scold.
This is why I urge people to shove French's own sinfulness (like watching porny HBO shows) in his face. Fight him on his own ground, make him live by his own rules.
Check.
Censorious about the sins of others.
Check.
And the last sentence (paraphrase from memory) "Hatred so massive,
and so thoroughly reconciled to his conscience, leaves no room for fun."
Double Check.
Very much worth a read.
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 09:26 AM (ZbwAu)
---
My wife encountered this attitude a lot when she was growing up and it turned her against Christianity. I think much of the "spiritual, not religious" affiliation in this country is the result of people like David French being seen as the authentic faces of Christianity.
The left is all for this, because not only is French objectively on their side (Orange Man Bad), he also directs most of his fire at evengelicals and is pretty much a caricature of a humorless scold.
This is why I urge people to shove French's own sinfulness (like watching porny HBO shows) in his face. Fight him on his own ground, make him live by his own rules.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 09:38 AM (cfSRQ)
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 09:38 AM (T6t7i)
106
Cyrus Teed, that it is a hollow shell with us on the inside...
_______
Did he come out with that before or after Edgar Rice Burroughs?
The British Israelites I first encountered - through Churchill - in Adm Jackie Fisher. He believed it. Many years later, I saw it in my all-time favorite televangelist, Dr Gene Scott. Who was a hoot. (Technically, Scott called himself a "Celtic Israelite". Unfortunately, his videos aren't available.)
The "unsinkable ships made of ice" were an actual project - codename Habakkuk - inspired and backed by Churchill. They were also the inspiration for Orwell's floating islands in 1984 . Really.
And of course, the flat earth is a longtime buggabo of mine. A sidelight is that, in Sailing Around the World Alone, Joshua Slocum mentions the reaction of President Kruger of S Africa, who was a flat-earther, and tried to work out a theory of how Slocum's voyage was possible.
(The persistence and ubiquity of the conviction that the Medievals thought the world flat always gets me going. I would guess that - even in my day - at least 75 % of college professors believed it. Not today's uneducated profs, but those of the 60s and 70s. You would think that, at my age, I'd stop being shocked at this one. But I cannot.)
_______
Did he come out with that before or after Edgar Rice Burroughs?
The British Israelites I first encountered - through Churchill - in Adm Jackie Fisher. He believed it. Many years later, I saw it in my all-time favorite televangelist, Dr Gene Scott. Who was a hoot. (Technically, Scott called himself a "Celtic Israelite". Unfortunately, his videos aren't available.)
The "unsinkable ships made of ice" were an actual project - codename Habakkuk - inspired and backed by Churchill. They were also the inspiration for Orwell's floating islands in 1984 . Really.
And of course, the flat earth is a longtime buggabo of mine. A sidelight is that, in Sailing Around the World Alone, Joshua Slocum mentions the reaction of President Kruger of S Africa, who was a flat-earther, and tried to work out a theory of how Slocum's voyage was possible.
(The persistence and ubiquity of the conviction that the Medievals thought the world flat always gets me going. I would guess that - even in my day - at least 75 % of college professors believed it. Not today's uneducated profs, but those of the 60s and 70s. You would think that, at my age, I'd stop being shocked at this one. But I cannot.)
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 09:39 AM (ZbwAu)
107
I am currently reading Long Range by C. J. Box, a Joe Pickett novel and it is goooOOOOd !
Posted by: JT at May 17, 2020 09:22 AM
you don't get a lot of Pickett's these days.
Posted by: JT at May 17, 2020 09:22 AM
you don't get a lot of Pickett's these days.
Posted by: Quint at May 17, 2020 09:39 AM (hHxp2)
108
I hated Holden Caufield. A whiner
Years later I was happy to discover that the Igno-Son hated Holden Caufield
Years later I was happy to discover that the Igno-Son hated Holden Caufield
Posted by: Ignoramus at May 17, 2020 09:39 AM (9TdxA)
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at May 17, 2020 09:40 AM (2JVJo)
Posted by: TheQuietMan at May 17, 2020 09:40 AM (7O2sI)
111
After seeing "The Magnificent Ambersons" I started reading the Tarkington novel.
-
I've become rather obsessed with Red Dead Redemption during our period of confinement. For those of you who aren't Red Dead Heads, the game is set in the late 19th early 20th century southwest frontier. For that reason, when I came across Winston Groom's El Paso, a novel about a private invasion of Mexico by a wealthy railroad owner to recover his grandchildren who were kidnapped by Pancho Villa, I immediately bought it. Groom, who in addition to writing Forrest Gump has written several history books, admits to rearranging history here as this is a novel. (Rearranging history = journalismizing?) I just started reading it yesterday and, so far, it's quite good.
-
I've become rather obsessed with Red Dead Redemption during our period of confinement. For those of you who aren't Red Dead Heads, the game is set in the late 19th early 20th century southwest frontier. For that reason, when I came across Winston Groom's El Paso, a novel about a private invasion of Mexico by a wealthy railroad owner to recover his grandchildren who were kidnapped by Pancho Villa, I immediately bought it. Groom, who in addition to writing Forrest Gump has written several history books, admits to rearranging history here as this is a novel. (Rearranging history = journalismizing?) I just started reading it yesterday and, so far, it's quite good.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at May 17, 2020 09:41 AM (+y/Ru)
112
And of course, the flat earth is a longtime buggabo of mine. A sidelight is that, in Sailing Around the World Alone, Joshua Slocum mentions the reaction of President Kruger of S Africa, who was a flat-earther, and tried to work out a theory of how Slocum's voyage was possible.
I don't have Eccentric Lives in front of me, but I believe there's a bit in there about Kruger listening to Slocum and then throwing away his Bible, saying that if the earth really was round, he had no further need for the book.
I don't have Eccentric Lives in front of me, but I believe there's a bit in there about Kruger listening to Slocum and then throwing away his Bible, saying that if the earth really was round, he had no further need for the book.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at May 17, 2020 09:42 AM (2JVJo)
113
For the past few weeks the grocery stores have had
plenty of toilet paper in stock. I wonder what the people with pallets
full of it are going to do? Besides have enough TP from now until 2030
For the past few weeks the grocery stores have had
plenty of toilet paper in stock. I wonder what the people with pallets
full of it are going to do? Besides have enough TP from now until 2030
Posted by: TheQuietMan at May 17, 2020 09:42 AM (7O2sI)
114
I have never though Joan Crawford was beautiful based on her photos. But that picture of her is very flattering if not the best picture of he I have ever seen.
Posted by: Dread0 at May 17, 2020 09:42 AM (OpxKI)
115
I’m reading a splendid Baen action novel called “I, Martha Adams”. It was written in 1986 and has a Reagan-era perspective but boy is it timely right now.
U.N. clerk Martha Adams wakes up one lovely morning in New York and calls her engineer husband, who is on a project in North Dakota. She can’t get through; communications are down all over. The president (in this timeline Reagan and Bush Sr. were assassinated) informs America that the Soviets launched missiles from Panama and Cuba and struck major missile sites in the west. A second strike was launched against bomber bases and submarines. The Russians demanded an immediate and unconditional surrender or they would strike major population centers. He of course capitulated. “The Soviet people send a message of good will. There can be, now, peace in our time.”
Martha is appalled by how her friends and associates take it in stride. “It was so dangerous, the nuclear race. There had to be some lessening of national autonomy. We’ve advocated it for years. Now we should show a cooperative spirit and try to create a safer, saner world society.”
Martha is released from her job at the U.N. (too large an American presence; not fair) and retreats to her home in the Connecticut countryside with her teenage son. She is now a widow. Digging around in the basement, she finds documents to classified construction projects her husband completed. What had he been working on? The KGB’s Undersecretary for Security, North America, wants to know about a secret American defense project revealed through torture.
Corrupt politicians, complicit media, craven allies, two-tiered rules, manufactured shortages. Totally not pertinent to the current situation.
Did someone recommend this book in an old thread, or did my rogue Amazon suggest-o-bot deviate from dino-erotica and “I Did Hitler’s Girlfriend” and give me something edifying?
U.N. clerk Martha Adams wakes up one lovely morning in New York and calls her engineer husband, who is on a project in North Dakota. She can’t get through; communications are down all over. The president (in this timeline Reagan and Bush Sr. were assassinated) informs America that the Soviets launched missiles from Panama and Cuba and struck major missile sites in the west. A second strike was launched against bomber bases and submarines. The Russians demanded an immediate and unconditional surrender or they would strike major population centers. He of course capitulated. “The Soviet people send a message of good will. There can be, now, peace in our time.”
Martha is appalled by how her friends and associates take it in stride. “It was so dangerous, the nuclear race. There had to be some lessening of national autonomy. We’ve advocated it for years. Now we should show a cooperative spirit and try to create a safer, saner world society.”
Martha is released from her job at the U.N. (too large an American presence; not fair) and retreats to her home in the Connecticut countryside with her teenage son. She is now a widow. Digging around in the basement, she finds documents to classified construction projects her husband completed. What had he been working on? The KGB’s Undersecretary for Security, North America, wants to know about a secret American defense project revealed through torture.
Corrupt politicians, complicit media, craven allies, two-tiered rules, manufactured shortages. Totally not pertinent to the current situation.
Did someone recommend this book in an old thread, or did my rogue Amazon suggest-o-bot deviate from dino-erotica and “I Did Hitler’s Girlfriend” and give me something edifying?
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 17, 2020 09:43 AM (Dc2NZ)
116
Pres of Guatemala told his people to consider fasting if lockdown prevents them from getting food. Now he's getting death threats.
Pres of Guatemala told his people to consider fasting if lockdown prevents them from getting food. Now he's getting death threats.
Posted by: MHK at May 17, 2020 09:44 AM (iQIUe)
117
Since the lieberries are closed thanks to Mike DeRINO cowering before his dominatrix Health Czarina, I reached the point in Nabokov's American Biography where I bought his book on Nikolai Gogol. He wrote this out of necessity because college teaching gigs weren't exactly plentiful in the middle of a world war but fortunately Edmund Wilson took him under his wing and greased the skids at publishing houses. Typically Vlad was very well informed on the subject, but still busted ass on prep work, and ended up writing a highly readable stream of consciousness on the creative process. He's highly opinionated, as usual, and rejects his earliest work as a bunch of glorified Ukrainian folk tales (more about this later) which occasionally have the hint of artistic brilliance to be revealed later. Gogol was pretty much a mooching whiner (as were Proust and Joyce) who happened to write well.
As part of reading this I'm reading a two volume set of everything Gogol wrote, except Dead Souls, years ago and promptly stuck in my bookshelf. Fortunately he didn't write all that much so this isn't as arduous an undertaking as I initiated feared. The translations are by Constance Garnett, who Vlad constantly bitches about but the U. of Chicago guy who collected and revised them says they're not all that bad. Gogol constantly wrote his mother, when he went to Saint Petersburg and other places chasing his muse and spending money, for folk tales from the Little Russia which he embellished and made his own. So this is enjoyable.
As part of reading this I'm reading a two volume set of everything Gogol wrote, except Dead Souls, years ago and promptly stuck in my bookshelf. Fortunately he didn't write all that much so this isn't as arduous an undertaking as I initiated feared. The translations are by Constance Garnett, who Vlad constantly bitches about but the U. of Chicago guy who collected and revised them says they're not all that bad. Gogol constantly wrote his mother, when he went to Saint Petersburg and other places chasing his muse and spending money, for folk tales from the Little Russia which he embellished and made his own. So this is enjoyable.
Posted by: Captain Hate at May 17, 2020 09:44 AM (y7DUB)
118
I am sympathetic to Holden Caufield. His little brother died and his parents didn't take him to the funeral.
Posted by: JAS at May 17, 2020 09:45 AM (dT9VH)
119
The Dalrymple might almost tempt me to break my resolution against reading fiction by living authors. Among other things, the date and setting are just about the time one of my ancestors came here from Guernsey.
And that also relates to the Nero Wolfe I'm reading, Some Buried Caesar, a very early one. The plot centers around a rich restauranteur who has bought a super-champion Guernsey bull, and plans to barbecue him as a publicity stunt. When I mentioned it to my wife (country girl), she saw the flaw right away. Guernseys are dairy cattle, not beef cattle. (So, btw, are Jerseys, as well as the now extinct Alderney, which was accidentally wiped out in WWII.)
And that also relates to the Nero Wolfe I'm reading, Some Buried Caesar, a very early one. The plot centers around a rich restauranteur who has bought a super-champion Guernsey bull, and plans to barbecue him as a publicity stunt. When I mentioned it to my wife (country girl), she saw the flaw right away. Guernseys are dairy cattle, not beef cattle. (So, btw, are Jerseys, as well as the now extinct Alderney, which was accidentally wiped out in WWII.)
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 09:45 AM (ZbwAu)
120
Ahoy, bookfagz!
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at May 17, 2020 09:45 AM (NWiLs)
121
The history of utopian religious societies is
certainly not evidence that they understood this concept. There are
always those who push an idea to far, and I think that's the case with
them. The trick is to know when to stop.
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 09:37 AM (T6t7i)
---
Whoa, I wasn't talking about "utopian" religious societies, I was talking about religious communities, of which there are many.
Again, Christianity begins with the knowledge that man is fallen. So perfection is impossible in this life. All we can do is strive to be as good as we can.
Marxism (and religious utopians) do not accept this boundary. They see a blank slate to be overwritten at will.
I will further note that both Catholic and Orthodox accept that religious life isn't for everyone. It's a calling, and most will instead choose to live a regular life with families raising children, etc. People can and do leave religious orders; priests resign and get married, nuns leave the convent, etc.
Basically, their system is more elastic than Marxism and includes allowances for human frailty.
In Marxism, failure is an act of subversion.
certainly not evidence that they understood this concept. There are
always those who push an idea to far, and I think that's the case with
them. The trick is to know when to stop.
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 09:37 AM (T6t7i)
---
Whoa, I wasn't talking about "utopian" religious societies, I was talking about religious communities, of which there are many.
Again, Christianity begins with the knowledge that man is fallen. So perfection is impossible in this life. All we can do is strive to be as good as we can.
Marxism (and religious utopians) do not accept this boundary. They see a blank slate to be overwritten at will.
I will further note that both Catholic and Orthodox accept that religious life isn't for everyone. It's a calling, and most will instead choose to live a regular life with families raising children, etc. People can and do leave religious orders; priests resign and get married, nuns leave the convent, etc.
Basically, their system is more elastic than Marxism and includes allowances for human frailty.
In Marxism, failure is an act of subversion.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 09:45 AM (cfSRQ)
122
If you weren't familiar with the word incunabula, then you must not be a Dorothy Sayers fan. Most if not all of the Lord Peter Wimsey books mention that he is a collector of incunabula.
Only reason I knew what it was. Like all of those words Nero Wolfe uses that I've had to look up multiple times...including thamaturge.
Posted by: Art Rondelet of Malmsey at May 17, 2020
*
*
Lord Peter is who I thought of when I saw the word!
Mornin', book helminths,
I've just had scrambled eggs with hot Santa Fe Ole brand green chiles, a little taco seasoning, and pepper, but mostly the chiles. If you've never had NM green chiles, be warned, they will set your eyes to streaming and your nose to running. A dose of honey will kill the burning, though.
Only reason I knew what it was. Like all of those words Nero Wolfe uses that I've had to look up multiple times...including thamaturge.
Posted by: Art Rondelet of Malmsey at May 17, 2020
*
*
Lord Peter is who I thought of when I saw the word!
Mornin', book helminths,
I've just had scrambled eggs with hot Santa Fe Ole brand green chiles, a little taco seasoning, and pepper, but mostly the chiles. If you've never had NM green chiles, be warned, they will set your eyes to streaming and your nose to running. A dose of honey will kill the burning, though.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at May 17, 2020 09:47 AM (rpbg1)
123
118
I am sympathetic to Holden Caufield. His little brother died and his parents didn't take him to the funeral.
Posted by: JAS
Holden needs to be released on the LOTF island. That'll toughen up the little whiner. Or perhaps tenderize him for dinner. I can accept either one.
I am sympathetic to Holden Caufield. His little brother died and his parents didn't take him to the funeral.
Posted by: JAS
Holden needs to be released on the LOTF island. That'll toughen up the little whiner. Or perhaps tenderize him for dinner. I can accept either one.
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 09:47 AM (T6t7i)
Posted by: JAS at May 17, 2020 09:48 AM (dT9VH)
125
I never read that book. It amazes me in some ways how we instinctively knew what was lefty and weird and avoided back in the day. .I have no problem with reading liberals, whether they be novelists or legitimate historians. But yeah, The Catcher and the Rye is still a mystery to me this day. There are other examples for sure.
Some might be surprised that as a student of history I have not read a word from Howard Zinn. But I would be surprised at most of them. How many libs have read Catton, Wood, or Paret?
Some might be surprised that as a student of history I have not read a word from Howard Zinn. But I would be surprised at most of them. How many libs have read Catton, Wood, or Paret?
Posted by: Quint at May 17, 2020 09:48 AM (hHxp2)
126
*dons straw boater*
I'm rereading H G Wells most famous tales at the moment.
The interesting thing about Wells is how much of a modern writer he is.
Examples:
He opens often with action and keeps going. Punchy sharp action.
Good understanding of humans under stress.
For the most, part his descriptions are to the point and in sync with the story. Not a lot of pointless "world-building", though he does have that turn of the century quirk of going on about the sunset -
"the sky was a clotted mass of streaks in silver and pink as though salmons vomitted forth their meal of insects while exploding"
that sort of thing.
Minimal and to the point dialogue.
Active voice mostly instead of passive voice.
The arcane stylings include:
Often switching to 2nd hand or hearsay events from the main character.
Lack of snark in tense situations, which I like. Modern writers like to give readers a woobie, which tells them, "See? This isn't so serious. It undermines their own story and characters.
If you haven't read Wells, give him a try.
He really deserves his reputation. Fantastic imagination. He set the stage for so much of 20th-21st century SF fiction and tropes.
And backed it all up with crisp writing.
Too bad he was a socialist loony, bu-u-u-ut you can't have everything.
I'm rereading H G Wells most famous tales at the moment.
The interesting thing about Wells is how much of a modern writer he is.
Examples:
He opens often with action and keeps going. Punchy sharp action.
Good understanding of humans under stress.
For the most, part his descriptions are to the point and in sync with the story. Not a lot of pointless "world-building", though he does have that turn of the century quirk of going on about the sunset -
"the sky was a clotted mass of streaks in silver and pink as though salmons vomitted forth their meal of insects while exploding"
that sort of thing.
Minimal and to the point dialogue.
Active voice mostly instead of passive voice.
The arcane stylings include:
Often switching to 2nd hand or hearsay events from the main character.
Lack of snark in tense situations, which I like. Modern writers like to give readers a woobie, which tells them, "See? This isn't so serious. It undermines their own story and characters.
If you haven't read Wells, give him a try.
He really deserves his reputation. Fantastic imagination. He set the stage for so much of 20th-21st century SF fiction and tropes.
And backed it all up with crisp writing.
Too bad he was a socialist loony, bu-u-u-ut you can't have everything.
Posted by: naturalfake at May 17, 2020 09:48 AM (z0XD8)
127
James McClure, who was born in South Africa, has a series of mystery books set there during Apartheid with an Afrikaner police officer and his Bantu Sergeant. Had the 6th one in the series for a while, but finally read it this week. Wicked good characterizations, but kind of convoluted plot. This book was called Blood of an Englishman and that showed up pretty quickly in the book. Probably missed a bit of the backstory between the two characters from the previous books, but could read stand alone.
Posted by: Charlotte at May 17, 2020 09:49 AM (Aj6Tl)
128
Another kindle unlimited book I read recently was Lightning Fall: A Novel of Disaster. It is a 2014 post-apocalyptic thriller in which New Orleans gets nuked and the Left Coast gets sent back to the Stone Age by an EMP. It is much better written than the more famous One Second After. The arch-villain in this alternative universe is a very thinly disguised President Hillary Clinton, so the Lefties have trashed it in ratings and reviews. Glenn Reynolds (Instapundit) liked it and I think some in the Horde might too.
Posted by: cool breeze at May 17, 2020 09:50 AM (UGKMd)
129
I am chagrined that I got the title of the book wrong when I recommended it last Sunday. Thank you for reviewing it! It's Damn the Pressure, Full Speed Ahead, by my friend, Tom Pado.
Tom is a character. He let me read an early version and asked about my progress at one point. He said, have you gotten to gonorrhea yet?!?
Tom is a character. He let me read an early version and asked about my progress at one point. He said, have you gotten to gonorrhea yet?!?
Posted by: AgathaPagatha at May 17, 2020 09:50 AM (xDMjB)
130
Re-reading Niven and Pournelle's Footfall, about an alien invasion of Earth. It's a big book with a LOT of characters, including the invading aliens, so be prepared to consult the cast list in the front of the book often. But the authors' skill is such that you're never really lost.
Recommended also is Niven, Pournelle, and Steven Barnes's The Legacy of Heorot. You'd think a novel with 3 authors would be a mess; but it's not. Somebody once said that it makes Aliens look like a Disney nature film, and I agree.
Recommended also is Niven, Pournelle, and Steven Barnes's The Legacy of Heorot. You'd think a novel with 3 authors would be a mess; but it's not. Somebody once said that it makes Aliens look like a Disney nature film, and I agree.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at May 17, 2020 09:50 AM (rpbg1)
131
I've just had scrambled eggs with hot Santa Fe Ole brand green chiles, a little taco seasoning, and pepper, but mostly the chiles. If you've never had NM green chiles, be warned, they will set your eyes to streaming and your nose to running. A dose of honey will kill the burning, though.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at May 17, 2020 09:47 AM (rpbg1)
----
In "The Marriage of the Sun and Moon" by Andrew Weil, about ingesting conciousness-altering substances, he discusses hot peppers. He visits New Mexico and goes to a (Hatch?) chili eating contest. Tears of pain and joy stream down the eaters' faces and they smile from the endorphin rush.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at May 17, 2020 09:47 AM (rpbg1)
----
In "The Marriage of the Sun and Moon" by Andrew Weil, about ingesting conciousness-altering substances, he discusses hot peppers. He visits New Mexico and goes to a (Hatch?) chili eating contest. Tears of pain and joy stream down the eaters' faces and they smile from the endorphin rush.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 17, 2020 09:51 AM (Dc2NZ)
132
Oh, FFS.
I just wrote a nice long post about this book and the damned laptop timed out.
https://tinyurl.com/ybqpoe5n
I just wrote a nice long post about this book and the damned laptop timed out.
https://tinyurl.com/ybqpoe5n
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at May 17, 2020 09:52 AM (2JVJo)
Posted by: m at May 17, 2020 09:52 AM (QVtxC)
134
Good morning. Thought I would plug Sidney Powell's Licensed to Lie. I read it about 5 years ago. It was one reason I recognized Andrew Weissman's name and immediately believed the fix was in with the Mueller team. I was always haunted by the following:
"As for me, I question deeply whether I can continue to practice law. I have lost trust and faith that most . . . judges will do the tedious work, keep an open mind, put ideology aside, rule based solely on the law, and ferret out the true facts in the most difficult cases if it means ruling against the government . . ."I bet Lt. Gen Flynn is happy she answered in the affirmative.
Funny thing, Judge Sullivan was the hero of that book. A good and disturbing read.
"As for me, I question deeply whether I can continue to practice law. I have lost trust and faith that most . . . judges will do the tedious work, keep an open mind, put ideology aside, rule based solely on the law, and ferret out the true facts in the most difficult cases if it means ruling against the government . . ."I bet Lt. Gen Flynn is happy she answered in the affirmative.
Funny thing, Judge Sullivan was the hero of that book. A good and disturbing read.
Posted by: Mr. Barky at May 17, 2020 09:54 AM (JI3du)
135
I have never though Joan Crawford was beautiful
based on her photos. But that picture of her is very flattering if not
the best picture of he I have ever seen.
Posted by: Dread0 at May 17, 2020 09:42 AM (OpxKI)
---
Crawford has a different look in her early movies. Her eyes are wide and innocent and there's a softness about her that quickly vanishes.
Most people are familiar with her "Mildred Pierce" persona, and her harder-edged films.
Same with Bette Davis. She came to inhabit a bitchy role as she aged and smoking darkened her voice. For a while she combined that hardness with being a playful flirt, but eventually only the hardness remained.
based on her photos. But that picture of her is very flattering if not
the best picture of he I have ever seen.
Posted by: Dread0 at May 17, 2020 09:42 AM (OpxKI)
---
Crawford has a different look in her early movies. Her eyes are wide and innocent and there's a softness about her that quickly vanishes.
Most people are familiar with her "Mildred Pierce" persona, and her harder-edged films.
Same with Bette Davis. She came to inhabit a bitchy role as she aged and smoking darkened her voice. For a while she combined that hardness with being a playful flirt, but eventually only the hardness remained.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 09:55 AM (cfSRQ)
136
And that also relates to the Nero Wolfe I'm reading, Some Buried Caesar, a very early one. The plot centers around a rich restauranteur who has bought a super-champion Guernsey bull, and plans to barbecue him as a publicity stunt. When I mentioned it to my wife (country girl), she saw the flaw right away. Guernseys are dairy cattle, not beef cattle. (So, btw, are Jerseys, as well as the now extinct Alderney, which was accidentally wiped out in WWII.)
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020
*
*
That was my mother's favorite, partly for the image of Wolfe standing, in topcoat and hat, cane hung over one folded arm, atop a boulder in the middle of the bull's pasture.
I'd have thought Stout woud have gotten that kind of detail right. I don't think he grew up in the country, but he lived there a good part of the year by the time he was writing the Wolfes, and he could have consulted almost anybody.
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020
*
*
That was my mother's favorite, partly for the image of Wolfe standing, in topcoat and hat, cane hung over one folded arm, atop a boulder in the middle of the bull's pasture.
I'd have thought Stout woud have gotten that kind of detail right. I don't think he grew up in the country, but he lived there a good part of the year by the time he was writing the Wolfes, and he could have consulted almost anybody.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at May 17, 2020 09:55 AM (rpbg1)
137
Basically, their system is more elastic than Marxism and includes allowances for human frailty.
Agree, but it's not always easy to define when elastic lapses in to inelastic. I think that's the nut of the problem.
Whoa, I wasn't talking about "utopian" religious societies, I was talking about religious communities, of which there are many.
Here again, it's a question of how you (or whomever) distinguish utopian religious societies from religious communities. It's tough to draw the line. Most people wouldn't classify Reform Judaism as a cult, but I've heard Jewish friends describe the ultra-Orthodox that way.
I don't have answers, but I think this conundrum is the reason humanity is as troubled as it is. There is an eternal tension between what we are and what we'd like to be, and the temptation to impose one's own ideas on others to achieve it is very strong. I suppose the trick is to focus on one's own flaws, and not society's.
Agree, but it's not always easy to define when elastic lapses in to inelastic. I think that's the nut of the problem.
Whoa, I wasn't talking about "utopian" religious societies, I was talking about religious communities, of which there are many.
Here again, it's a question of how you (or whomever) distinguish utopian religious societies from religious communities. It's tough to draw the line. Most people wouldn't classify Reform Judaism as a cult, but I've heard Jewish friends describe the ultra-Orthodox that way.
I don't have answers, but I think this conundrum is the reason humanity is as troubled as it is. There is an eternal tension between what we are and what we'd like to be, and the temptation to impose one's own ideas on others to achieve it is very strong. I suppose the trick is to focus on one's own flaws, and not society's.
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 09:56 AM (T6t7i)
138
The guy writing the article's kind of nuts but I still appreciate sacred
Boomer literature getting deconstructed finally. LOTF and Catcher In
The Rye have a lot to answer for.
Posted by: Ian S. at May 17, 2020 09:34 AM (6XLoz)
I read it when I was 16 and thought it was brilliant. I reread it in my 20s..err...early 20s and thought it was silly and Holden to be rather obnoxious
The guy writing the article's kind of nuts but I still appreciate sacred
Boomer literature getting deconstructed finally. LOTF and Catcher In
The Rye have a lot to answer for.
Posted by: Ian S. at May 17, 2020 09:34 AM (6XLoz)
I read it when I was 16 and thought it was brilliant. I reread it in my 20s..err...early 20s and thought it was silly and Holden to be rather obnoxious
Posted by: TheQuietMan at May 17, 2020 09:56 AM (7O2sI)
Posted by: Captain Hate at May 17, 2020 09:56 AM (y7DUB)
140
71 ... "I re-read "Ice Station Zebra" by Alistair MacLean. I'd read it once before in the 70s but remembered almost nothing about it. Most of the book takes place on an American nuc sub and what occurs onboard is so eye rollingly stupid he could have placed the story on The Beatles Yellow Submarine and it would have been just as realistic."
I read it many years ago and while I don't think it sucked, it was not as good as the movie. Patrick McGoohan made a huge difference.
I read it many years ago and while I don't think it sucked, it was not as good as the movie. Patrick McGoohan made a huge difference.
Posted by: JTB at May 17, 2020 09:57 AM (7EjX1)
141
AHE - I rather enjoyed I, Martha Adams as well, although her subtle did at her son's girlfriend: "she was a girl of the 80s but not obnoxiously so," was amusingly boomerish.
I was wondering why everyone was ragging on Ice Station Zebra, one of my favorite Alastair MacLean novels, until I realized I was thinking of Night Without End, in which an airliner crashes on the Greenland ice pack near a research outpost. I'd definitely recommend the latter.
I was wondering why everyone was ragging on Ice Station Zebra, one of my favorite Alastair MacLean novels, until I realized I was thinking of Night Without End, in which an airliner crashes on the Greenland ice pack near a research outpost. I'd definitely recommend the latter.
Posted by: Hans G. Schantz at May 17, 2020 09:57 AM (FXjhj)
142
133 Jug Ears wrote novels, any similarities?
Posted by: Skip at May 17, 2020 09:57 AM (ZCEU2)
143
"... the now extinct Alderney, which was accidentally wiped out in WWII."
-----
Per Wiki: "Most of the pure-breed Alderney cattle were removed from the island to Guernsey in the summer of 1940, because the island was then occupied by the Germans (during World War 2) and it was difficult for the few remaining islanders to milk them. On Guernsey, the cattle were interbred with local breeds. The few pure-breed cattle remaining on Alderney were killed and eaten by the Germans in 1944."
-----
Per Wiki: "Most of the pure-breed Alderney cattle were removed from the island to Guernsey in the summer of 1940, because the island was then occupied by the Germans (during World War 2) and it was difficult for the few remaining islanders to milk them. On Guernsey, the cattle were interbred with local breeds. The few pure-breed cattle remaining on Alderney were killed and eaten by the Germans in 1944."
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 17, 2020 09:57 AM (Dc2NZ)
144
there is a whole thing about Hatch green chilis. There is a festival where they cook them and eat them with everything. I once knew a girl from there and she froze them from the festival and served them later. Also, they have gone so mainstream they serve them at Chuys.
I still think Tex Mex crushes New Mexican and pretty much any other form of Mexican. They used to have some nice Mexican places in CA too. But it is all regional and what you are used to.
I still think Tex Mex crushes New Mexican and pretty much any other form of Mexican. They used to have some nice Mexican places in CA too. But it is all regional and what you are used to.
Posted by: Quint at May 17, 2020 09:58 AM (hHxp2)
145
Father O'Callaghan to opposing the charging of interest on loans.
So do Muslim theologians. They propose an alternative, a standard fee (I forget their name for it), which, mysteriously, matches the prime rate pretty closely.
_______
So, in the Middle Ages, did Jewish and Christian theologians. IIRC, Calvin was the one who broke with that among Christians, although N Italians were already doing it. In all 3 cases, there was an attitude that usury was forbidden, or permitted under rigid conditions, when dealing with one's coreligionists. With the others, the view was "go ahead."
It is a mistake to be wholly derisive of Islamic theology. Maimonides and Aquinas took them seriously, and 2 of the 3 Musselmen whom Dante put in the First Circle were Averroes and Avicenna. (Saladin was the third.) It is true that Islam ended up rejecting them, but that's another matter. Even Al-Gazali, who is usually cited as the source of that rejection, was a serious theologian. At least, enough that William Lane Craig, a Protestant Evangelical philosopher, thinks we can learn from him.
So do Muslim theologians. They propose an alternative, a standard fee (I forget their name for it), which, mysteriously, matches the prime rate pretty closely.
_______
So, in the Middle Ages, did Jewish and Christian theologians. IIRC, Calvin was the one who broke with that among Christians, although N Italians were already doing it. In all 3 cases, there was an attitude that usury was forbidden, or permitted under rigid conditions, when dealing with one's coreligionists. With the others, the view was "go ahead."
It is a mistake to be wholly derisive of Islamic theology. Maimonides and Aquinas took them seriously, and 2 of the 3 Musselmen whom Dante put in the First Circle were Averroes and Avicenna. (Saladin was the third.) It is true that Islam ended up rejecting them, but that's another matter. Even Al-Gazali, who is usually cited as the source of that rejection, was a serious theologian. At least, enough that William Lane Craig, a Protestant Evangelical philosopher, thinks we can learn from him.
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 09:58 AM (ZbwAu)
146
Stout didn't make a mistake about a Guernsey being a beef breed. The fact was used to illustrate what a dolt the fellow who came up with the scheme was.
Posted by: Art Rondelet of Malmsey at May 17, 2020 09:58 AM (fTtFy)
147
Funny thing, Judge Sullivan was the hero of that book. A good and disturbing read.
Posted by: Mr. Barky at May 17, 2020 09:54 AM (JI3du)
She really fucked up that analysis. There was also an unnamed black robed tyrant who fucked over her client in the Arthur Anderson reaming. I'm sure I could look up who that anonymous cocksucker was if I was really bored and looking for anything to do.
Posted by: Mr. Barky at May 17, 2020 09:54 AM (JI3du)
She really fucked up that analysis. There was also an unnamed black robed tyrant who fucked over her client in the Arthur Anderson reaming. I'm sure I could look up who that anonymous cocksucker was if I was really bored and looking for anything to do.
Posted by: Captain Hate at May 17, 2020 10:00 AM (y7DUB)
148
L A mayor mean high school girl garcetti has the public library hostage still. Reading books? Novel concept.
Posted by: banned has a book jones bitches at May 17, 2020 10:00 AM (4t83x)
149
I recently thought of a possible Who Dis?. Unless she's already shown up, Dana Wynter, who has the added advantage of actually looking a bit like Joan Collins. Match her with Kenneth More, and you get a connection anyone who knows me would expect.
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 10:01 AM (ZbwAu)
150
Amazing the ancient printers figured out how to produce their craft with great archival qualities.
But to be clear, a printer as I understand was a moveable type expert, and the page is calligraphy and artwork... freehand art.
Imagine having to produce 100 copies of a 100 page single sided book, before movable type.
Pure craftsmanship
But to be clear, a printer as I understand was a moveable type expert, and the page is calligraphy and artwork... freehand art.
Imagine having to produce 100 copies of a 100 page single sided book, before movable type.
Pure craftsmanship
Posted by: LArro at May 17, 2020 10:01 AM (10GNe)
151
133 Stacy Abrams has written novels:
https://preview.tinyurl.com/ycfbrpcl
Posted by: m at May 17, 2020 09:52 AM (QVtxC)
Judging by her flattering Vanity Fair vanity photo, she's caused solar eclipses, too.
Self-awareness she has none.
133 Stacy Abrams has written novels:
https://preview.tinyurl.com/ycfbrpcl
Posted by: m at May 17, 2020 09:52 AM (QVtxC)
Judging by her flattering Vanity Fair vanity photo, she's caused solar eclipses, too.
Self-awareness she has none.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at May 17, 2020 10:02 AM (pNxlR)
Posted by: April, Freedom Now! at May 17, 2020 10:03 AM (OX9vb)
153
In addition to CJ Box's Joe Pickett series he has also written some stand alone books. All are good. He started a series about detective Cassie Dewell which has the potential of being every bit as good as his Pickett series.
Posted by: Jake Holenhead at May 17, 2020 10:03 AM (P1GvV)
154
Here again, it's a question of how you (or whomever)
distinguish utopian religious societies from religious communities.
It's tough to draw the line. Most people wouldn't classify Reform
Judaism as a cult, but I've heard Jewish friends describe the
ultra-Orthodox that way.
I don't have answers, but I think this
conundrum is the reason humanity is as troubled as it is. There is an
eternal tension between what we are and what we'd like to be, and the
temptation to impose one's own ideas on others to achieve it is very
strong. I suppose the trick is to focus on one's own flaws, and not
society's.
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 09:56 AM (T6t7i)
---
I think "the line" is drawn by the communities themselves. Monks and nuns do not pretend to be living in utopia. They are just as sinful as the rest of us, maybe more so (some go there because of that sinfulness). Their communities are not models for the rest of us, either.
I suspect the same is true with other monastic systems. It's what called people do, but it's not a template for how the world should be run.
That's the key difference.
Marxism is for everyone, whether they want it or not. You don't join the community, the community joins you!
Similarly, other utopian societies are typically built around a charismatic leader who holds everything together by force of personality - or force, when that fails.
distinguish utopian religious societies from religious communities.
It's tough to draw the line. Most people wouldn't classify Reform
Judaism as a cult, but I've heard Jewish friends describe the
ultra-Orthodox that way.
I don't have answers, but I think this
conundrum is the reason humanity is as troubled as it is. There is an
eternal tension between what we are and what we'd like to be, and the
temptation to impose one's own ideas on others to achieve it is very
strong. I suppose the trick is to focus on one's own flaws, and not
society's.
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 09:56 AM (T6t7i)
---
I think "the line" is drawn by the communities themselves. Monks and nuns do not pretend to be living in utopia. They are just as sinful as the rest of us, maybe more so (some go there because of that sinfulness). Their communities are not models for the rest of us, either.
I suspect the same is true with other monastic systems. It's what called people do, but it's not a template for how the world should be run.
That's the key difference.
Marxism is for everyone, whether they want it or not. You don't join the community, the community joins you!
Similarly, other utopian societies are typically built around a charismatic leader who holds everything together by force of personality - or force, when that fails.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 10:03 AM (cfSRQ)
155
My birthday is next week, so I am currently undergoing a form of mortification of the flesh. I am now confronted with a box from Naval and Military Press, which I cannot open until Tuesday.
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 10:03 AM (ZbwAu)
156
Reading "Little Green" by Walter Mosely, a title ostensibly about the subject of Easy Rawlins investigation, meaning Easy sets out To rescue a character known as Little Green, but also the title describes Mouse's perpetual search for a little green (money). Water Mosely is one of my favorite detective novelists, and he writes well here as usual but this book needs a bit more plotting. Still, Easy Rawlins fans will still enjoy this book.
Posted by: Huck Follywood, live from Pandemia at May 17, 2020 10:03 AM (Et81R)
157
including the invading aliens,
-
#OrangeManBad is being bad again. He retweeted a scene from Independence Day in which his head had been superimposed on the president as he gives a speech as they prepare to fight the alien invasion. The ever-so-honest media is infuriated that he would take news like that.
https://bit.ly/3bJ7Y9r
-
#OrangeManBad is being bad again. He retweeted a scene from Independence Day in which his head had been superimposed on the president as he gives a speech as they prepare to fight the alien invasion. The ever-so-honest media is infuriated that he would take news like that.
https://bit.ly/3bJ7Y9r
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at May 17, 2020 10:03 AM (+y/Ru)
158
I was wondering why everyone was ragging on Ice Station Zebra, one of my favorite Alastair MacLean novels, until I realized I was thinking of Night Without End, in which an airliner crashes on the Greenland ice pack near a research outpost. I'd definitely recommend the latter.
Posted by: Hans G. Schantz at May 17, 2020
*
*
In high school I was a big fan of Maclean. True, he never met a long sentence he didn't like, and after his first novel, H.M.S. Ulysses, his stories were mostly all action. (Not that that's all bad.) But his earlier ones, like Guns of Navarone, were better in many ways than his later.
I read ISZ last year, and it has all his hallmarks, twisty plot and a narrator who has secrets he doesn't tell anybody, including the reader, for quite a while.
Posted by: Hans G. Schantz at May 17, 2020
*
*
In high school I was a big fan of Maclean. True, he never met a long sentence he didn't like, and after his first novel, H.M.S. Ulysses, his stories were mostly all action. (Not that that's all bad.) But his earlier ones, like Guns of Navarone, were better in many ways than his later.
I read ISZ last year, and it has all his hallmarks, twisty plot and a narrator who has secrets he doesn't tell anybody, including the reader, for quite a while.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at May 17, 2020 10:04 AM (rpbg1)
159
McGoohan was a great actor. He would have been the original Bond but wouldn't do sex scenes because he was an Uber Catholic. Born in Astoria Queens but raised in Ireland
Posted by: Ignoramus at May 17, 2020 10:04 AM (9TdxA)
160
I hated Holden Caufield
Second that emotion.
Posted by: April, Freedom Now! at May 17, 2020
*
*
Boy needed a good 12-step program.
Second that emotion.
Posted by: April, Freedom Now! at May 17, 2020
*
*
Boy needed a good 12-step program.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at May 17, 2020 10:05 AM (rpbg1)
161
*fistbump*
Posted by: Captain Hate at May 17, 2020 09:56 AM (y7DUB)
----
We had to read that dumb book in high school and I remember asking: "What is the point?"
All these years later I can't recall anything interesting happening in the book.
And yes, the narrator is a petulant pussy.
Posted by: Captain Hate at May 17, 2020 09:56 AM (y7DUB)
----
We had to read that dumb book in high school and I remember asking: "What is the point?"
All these years later I can't recall anything interesting happening in the book.
And yes, the narrator is a petulant pussy.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 10:06 AM (cfSRQ)
162
Young Joan Crawford:
https://tinyurl.com/yawp6nhf
Young Bette Davis:
https://tinyurl.com/y9fn39qb
https://tinyurl.com/yawp6nhf
Young Bette Davis:
https://tinyurl.com/y9fn39qb
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at May 17, 2020 10:07 AM (2JVJo)
163
I recently thought of a possible Who Dis?. Unless she's already shown up, Dana Wynter, who has the added advantage of actually looking a bit like Joan Collins. Match her with Kenneth More, and you get a connection anyone who knows me would expect.
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020
*
*
Sink the Bismarck!, from 1960!
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020
*
*
Sink the Bismarck!, from 1960!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at May 17, 2020 10:07 AM (rpbg1)
164
Catcher in the Rye is funny if you went to prep school because of the "phony" thing. Viciously funny for about a hundred pages, as I remember, not having read it in about fifty years. Otherwise I can't imagine why people love it so much, unless it's the sentimental goo about the sister, or the alienation meme. In fact I wonder if they really do love it, or if this is one of those cases where we feel obligated to love something by social pressure or history, or whatever it is that makes the herd a herd. My daughter is an English teacher, and she dutifully teaches it to her AP class, but she doesn't love it, or even like it. Maybe that's true of a lot of the English teachers who are compelled to teach it.
Posted by: Caliban at May 17, 2020 10:07 AM (QE8X6)
165
147
Funny thing, Judge Sullivan was the hero of that book. A good and disturbing read.
Posted by: Mr. Barky at May 17, 2020 09:54 AM (JI3du)
She really fucked up that analysis.Posted by: Captain Hate at May 17, 2020 10:00 AM (y7DUB)
True that. He's evolved into an arrogant two-faced shit-weasel.
Funny thing, Judge Sullivan was the hero of that book. A good and disturbing read.
Posted by: Mr. Barky at May 17, 2020 09:54 AM (JI3du)
She really fucked up that analysis.Posted by: Captain Hate at May 17, 2020 10:00 AM (y7DUB)
True that. He's evolved into an arrogant two-faced shit-weasel.
Posted by: Mr. Barky at May 17, 2020 10:08 AM (JI3du)
166
*looks at incunable and groans*
I only took one year of Latin and it was over a decade ago, but you're going to make me use it, aren't you?!
*shakes fist*
TE FUTUEO ET CABALLUM TUUM!
I only took one year of Latin and it was over a decade ago, but you're going to make me use it, aren't you?!
*shakes fist*
TE FUTUEO ET CABALLUM TUUM!
Posted by: pookysgirl, cogito erga femina sum at May 17, 2020 10:09 AM (XKZwp)
167
@157
For those of you who haven't seen it, try to find DJT's tweet with the meme from Independence Day. Note that many people in the crowd are also super imposed. (Tucker, Ted Cruz, etc.)
So funny! And the word is that FB and Twitter havne't figured out how to ban memes like this, so the Q crowd is going crazy making them.
For those of you who haven't seen it, try to find DJT's tweet with the meme from Independence Day. Note that many people in the crowd are also super imposed. (Tucker, Ted Cruz, etc.)
So funny! And the word is that FB and Twitter havne't figured out how to ban memes like this, so the Q crowd is going crazy making them.
Posted by: artemis at May 17, 2020 10:09 AM (AwPyG)
168
She really fucked up that analysis. There was also
an unnamed black robed tyrant who fucked over her client in the Arthur
Anderson reaming. I'm sure I could look up who that anonymous
cocksucker was if I was really bored and looking for anything to do.
Posted by: Captain Hate at May 17, 2020 10:00 AM (y7DUB)
---
I disagree. People react to different circumstances.
In 1919, Petain was a hero.
In 1949, not so much.
an unnamed black robed tyrant who fucked over her client in the Arthur
Anderson reaming. I'm sure I could look up who that anonymous
cocksucker was if I was really bored and looking for anything to do.
Posted by: Captain Hate at May 17, 2020 10:00 AM (y7DUB)
---
I disagree. People react to different circumstances.
In 1919, Petain was a hero.
In 1949, not so much.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 10:09 AM (cfSRQ)
169
Father O'Callaghan to opposing the charging of interest on loans.
So do Muslim theologians. They propose an alternative, a standard
fee (I forget their name for it), which, mysteriously, matches the prime
rate pretty closely.
220 / 221
So do Muslim theologians. They propose an alternative, a standard
fee (I forget their name for it), which, mysteriously, matches the prime
rate pretty closely.
220 / 221
Posted by: Count de Monet at May 17, 2020 10:10 AM (5v5Zx)
170
I want a HS that assigns Flashman novels. FFS I was made to read Pride and Prejudice, a real bodice ripper that one
Posted by: Ignoramus at May 17, 2020 10:11 AM (9TdxA)
171
Catcher in the Rye is funny if you went to prep school because of the "phony" thing. Viciously funny for about a hundred pages, as I remember, not having read it in about fifty years. Otherwise I can't imagine why people love it so much, unless it's the sentimental goo about the sister, or the alienation meme. In fact I wonder if they really do love it, or if this is one of those cases where we feel obligated to love something by social pressure or history, or whatever it is that makes the herd a herd. My daughter is an English teacher, and she dutifully teaches it to her AP class, but she doesn't love it, or even like it. . . .
Posted by: Caliban at May 17, 2020
*
*
Fortunately I never had it force-fed to me in school. The Haunting of Hill House was one we studied when I was a junior, and I enjoyed it and still have the copy on my shelf. But over-analyzing it weakens its effectiveness.
Posted by: Caliban at May 17, 2020
*
*
Fortunately I never had it force-fed to me in school. The Haunting of Hill House was one we studied when I was a junior, and I enjoyed it and still have the copy on my shelf. But over-analyzing it weakens its effectiveness.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at May 17, 2020 10:11 AM (rpbg1)
172
However, there is a contradiction in this for people like me who believe the Soviet view of the perfectability of man is patent nonsense. If their bestial human nature can be suppressed enough to make the boys behave this way, perhaps it can be suppressed enough to make Communism work. Discuss.
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 09:10 AM (T6t7i)
______
The traditional an classical view - shared in our time by such as Tolkein and Lewis - was that man is fundamentally good, in that that is how God created us, but was worsened by the Fall. It's a middle position between Hobbes and Rousseau. The theological debate is over exactly how far, and in what respects we are depraved. To Calvin, that was total. The Catholic (and dominant Anglican) view was that our reason was less impaired than our will. Hence we can know the good we should do, but are unable to do it.
Volumes have been written on this.
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 09:10 AM (T6t7i)
______
The traditional an classical view - shared in our time by such as Tolkein and Lewis - was that man is fundamentally good, in that that is how God created us, but was worsened by the Fall. It's a middle position between Hobbes and Rousseau. The theological debate is over exactly how far, and in what respects we are depraved. To Calvin, that was total. The Catholic (and dominant Anglican) view was that our reason was less impaired than our will. Hence we can know the good we should do, but are unable to do it.
Volumes have been written on this.
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 10:11 AM (ZbwAu)
173
When a group of schoolboys were marooned on an island in 1965, it turned out very differently from William Golding's bestseller, writes Rutger Bregman
The kids agreed to work in teams of two, drawing up a strict roster for garden, kitchen and guard duty. Sometimes they quarreled, but whenever that happened they solved it by imposing a time-out. Their days began and ended with song and prayer. [ ... ]
The real Lord of the Flies, Mano told us, began in June 1965. The protagonists were six boys --- Sione, Stephen, Kolo, David, Luke and Mano --- all pupils at a strict Catholic boarding school in Nuku'alofa. The oldest was 16, the youngest 13, and they had one main thing in common: they were bored witless. So they came up with a plan to escape: to Fiji, some 500 miles away, or even all the way to New Zealand.
There was only one obstacle. None of them owned a boat, so they decided to "borrow" one from Mr Taniela Uhila, a fisherman they all disliked. The boys took little time to prepare for the voyage. Two sacks of bananas, a few coconuts and a small gas burner were all the supplies they packed. It didn't occur to any of them to bring a map, let alone a compass.
This was 1965. 55 years later, would a group of early- to middle-teenage schoolboys have the knowledge, wits and wherewithall to survive like this now?
The kids agreed to work in teams of two, drawing up a strict roster for garden, kitchen and guard duty. Sometimes they quarreled, but whenever that happened they solved it by imposing a time-out. Their days began and ended with song and prayer. [ ... ]
The real Lord of the Flies, Mano told us, began in June 1965. The protagonists were six boys --- Sione, Stephen, Kolo, David, Luke and Mano --- all pupils at a strict Catholic boarding school in Nuku'alofa. The oldest was 16, the youngest 13, and they had one main thing in common: they were bored witless. So they came up with a plan to escape: to Fiji, some 500 miles away, or even all the way to New Zealand.
There was only one obstacle. None of them owned a boat, so they decided to "borrow" one from Mr Taniela Uhila, a fisherman they all disliked. The boys took little time to prepare for the voyage. Two sacks of bananas, a few coconuts and a small gas burner were all the supplies they packed. It didn't occur to any of them to bring a map, let alone a compass.
This was 1965. 55 years later, would a group of early- to middle-teenage schoolboys have the knowledge, wits and wherewithall to survive like this now?
Posted by: Clyde Shelton at May 17, 2020 10:12 AM (Do5/p)
174
I've had three graduations as an adult.
IDGAF what a single speaker said.
If you sought out Obama's reading, you're a loser.
Thing is, they want him to be great-- despite evidence-- and so that's what they see
But you read his speeches, and they read like what someone who thinks what an inspiring person would say-- not trying to inspire, trying to sound inspiring
Coach-speak for politicians
Someone should do a reading of Obama's speeches in Trump's voice
It'd be hilarious watching the left say how awful he is
IDGAF what a single speaker said.
If you sought out Obama's reading, you're a loser.
Thing is, they want him to be great-- despite evidence-- and so that's what they see
But you read his speeches, and they read like what someone who thinks what an inspiring person would say-- not trying to inspire, trying to sound inspiring
Coach-speak for politicians
Someone should do a reading of Obama's speeches in Trump's voice
It'd be hilarious watching the left say how awful he is
Posted by: RoyalOil at May 17, 2020 10:12 AM (d7Yuo)
175
I'm putting together a bunch of the westerns written by Donald Hamilton who wrote the Matt Helm series. In the 50s and early 60s he wrote several western novels. I read some at the time but those copies are long gone. I've picked up a couple of them at the used book store but they seldom appear. So I have the others coming courtesy of Amazon used books. These will be inexpensive paperbacks from the time and will probably be kind of ragged with age. As long as they don't crumble in my hands, I can still enjoy the writing. (They have never been put in ebook form.) The ones I remember were in the same enjoyable class as Louis L'Amour stories and I look forward to reading them. Wonderful distraction from the shitty news.
Posted by: JTB at May 17, 2020 10:12 AM (7EjX1)
176
I prefer his short stories, like A Perfect Day For Bananafish and the Glass stories, to
Salinger's Catcher In The Rye. More writing punch in the short stories.
Salinger's Catcher In The Rye. More writing punch in the short stories.
Posted by: Huck Follywood, live from Pandemia at May 17, 2020 10:13 AM (NVYyb)
177
I suspect the same is true with other monastic systems. It's what called
people do, but it's not a template for how the world should be run.
That's the key difference.
Marxism is for everyone, whether they want it or not. You don't join the community, the community joins you!
Well put. But to circle back around, the boys stranded on the island constructed a workable modus operandi, based on principles they were taught by society and in which they were immersed their entire lives. So does this really constitute a completely personal choice? It isn't as coercive as a totalitarian society, but it is not a system they actively chose, with no one's thumb on the scale. I certainly wouldn't equate that to a monk's selection of the monastic lifestyle, which for most people, is an inexplicable thing to do, requiring a renunciation of society's expectations.
people do, but it's not a template for how the world should be run.
That's the key difference.
Marxism is for everyone, whether they want it or not. You don't join the community, the community joins you!
Well put. But to circle back around, the boys stranded on the island constructed a workable modus operandi, based on principles they were taught by society and in which they were immersed their entire lives. So does this really constitute a completely personal choice? It isn't as coercive as a totalitarian society, but it is not a system they actively chose, with no one's thumb on the scale. I certainly wouldn't equate that to a monk's selection of the monastic lifestyle, which for most people, is an inexplicable thing to do, requiring a renunciation of society's expectations.
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 10:13 AM (T6t7i)
178
@170
I love Jane Austen, but I think one of the reasons she is pushed in high school is because she's got the XX chromosome, a rarity for a writer in any era except the modern one.
I think she'd be very amused to find that she was being taught as serious literature.
I love Jane Austen, but I think one of the reasons she is pushed in high school is because she's got the XX chromosome, a rarity for a writer in any era except the modern one.
I think she'd be very amused to find that she was being taught as serious literature.
Posted by: artemis at May 17, 2020 10:13 AM (AwPyG)
179
A teacher in junior high told us that he hoped that none of us would ever read Catcher In the Rye. Of course, I immediately read it. Turns out he was right. The book was garbage.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at May 17, 2020 10:13 AM (+y/Ru)
180
I don't understand why so much of the required reading books in school are nihilistic novels.
Posted by: vmom 2020 at May 17, 2020 10:14 AM (G546f)
181
With respect to the boys on the island, I think the key is who stepped up to be their leader or leaders.
I think that's pretty much always the key.
I think that's pretty much always the key.
Posted by: artemis at May 17, 2020 10:15 AM (AwPyG)
182
During my one quarter of English as an undergrad I was compelled to read "The Catcher in the Rye" and "The Graduate". It is a shame that my sufficient, if not superior, grasp of English and composition was tamped down by my at the time greater desire not to make waves, else I would have written something along the line of, "You're an instructor in English at a technical school that churns out engineers and scientists by the boatload and this is the dreck that you'd have us read and discuss? You'd best reconsider how well this will work out for you."
During my one quarter of English as an undergrad I was compelled to read "The Catcher in the Rye" and "The Graduate". It is a shame that my sufficient, if not superior, grasp of English and composition was tamped down by my at the time greater desire not to make waves, else I would have written something along the line of, "You're an instructor in English at a technical school that churns out engineers and scientists by the boatload and this is the dreck that you'd have us read and discuss? You'd best reconsider how well this will work out for you."
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at May 17, 2020 10:16 AM (pNxlR)
183
145 Father O'Callaghan to opposing the charging of interest on loans.
So do Muslim theologians. They propose an alternative, a standard fee (I forget their name for it), which, mysteriously, matches the prime rate pretty closely.
I can't remember the Arabic name for it, but IIRC what they do get around that is lease a piece of property to the borrower, who never actually uses it, and pays a rental fee that just so happens to equate to interest on the loan.
So do Muslim theologians. They propose an alternative, a standard fee (I forget their name for it), which, mysteriously, matches the prime rate pretty closely.
I can't remember the Arabic name for it, but IIRC what they do get around that is lease a piece of property to the borrower, who never actually uses it, and pays a rental fee that just so happens to equate to interest on the loan.
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at May 17, 2020 10:16 AM (NWiLs)
184
Volumes have been written on this.
Posted by: Eeyore
And to think, we've solved it in one morning on the Book Thread. That that, Thomas Aquinas!
Posted by: Eeyore
And to think, we've solved it in one morning on the Book Thread. That that, Thomas Aquinas!
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 10:17 AM (T6t7i)
185
142 133 Jug Ears wrote novels, any similarities?
Posted by: Skip at May 17, 2020 09:57 AM (ZCEU2)
Haven't read them yet!
Posted by: Skip at May 17, 2020 09:57 AM (ZCEU2)
Haven't read them yet!
Posted by: m at May 17, 2020 10:17 AM (QVtxC)
186
With respect to the boys on the island, I think the key is who stepped up to be their leader or leaders.
I think that's pretty much always the key.
Posted by: artemis at May 17, 2020 10:15 AM (AwPyG)
There are no bad Sailors, only bad Officers and Senior Enlisted. And that is mostly true
I think that's pretty much always the key.
Posted by: artemis at May 17, 2020 10:15 AM (AwPyG)
There are no bad Sailors, only bad Officers and Senior Enlisted. And that is mostly true
Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 17, 2020 10:17 AM (85Gof)
187
Errrr.....Take that, Thomas Aquinas!
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 10:18 AM (T6t7i)
188
I don't understand why so much of the required reading books in school are nihilistic novels.
Posted by: vmom 2020 at May 17, 2020 10:14 AM (G546f)
It's not just the reading assignments. It's also the plays chosen for the theatre kids. So bleak and depressing.
Posted by: vmom 2020 at May 17, 2020 10:14 AM (G546f)
It's not just the reading assignments. It's also the plays chosen for the theatre kids. So bleak and depressing.
Posted by: Count de Monet at May 17, 2020 10:18 AM (5v5Zx)
189
I disagree. People react to different circumstances.
In 1919, Petain was a hero.
In 1949, not so much.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 10:09 AM (cfSRQ)
The Ted Stevens case was a derp state fuck job right from the get go. There was nothing about that case that didn't look sketchy to anyone with functioning data receptacles. I've had former feds tell me that Sullivan imposed the largest penalties on the dogshit prosecutors that the law allowed; maybe so but he should've been a lot less credulous to some of their shenanigans earlier.
In 1919, Petain was a hero.
In 1949, not so much.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 10:09 AM (cfSRQ)
The Ted Stevens case was a derp state fuck job right from the get go. There was nothing about that case that didn't look sketchy to anyone with functioning data receptacles. I've had former feds tell me that Sullivan imposed the largest penalties on the dogshit prosecutors that the law allowed; maybe so but he should've been a lot less credulous to some of their shenanigans earlier.
Posted by: Captain Hate at May 17, 2020 10:18 AM (y7DUB)
190
Happy Birthday, Eeyore
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at May 17, 2020 10:19 AM (wuKwd)
191
OK, Horde, always a pleasure, but I think I shall take advantage of the sun while it's here.
Hope you all have a lovely day.
Hope you all have a lovely day.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at May 17, 2020 10:19 AM (2JVJo)
192
Did someone recommend this book in an old thread, or did my rogue Amazon suggest-o-bot deviate from dino-erotica and "I Did Hitler's Girlfriend" and give me something edifying?
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 17, 2020 09:43 AM (Dc2NZ)
Your Amazon order history and browsing history must be a real hoot.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 17, 2020 09:43 AM (Dc2NZ)
Your Amazon order history and browsing history must be a real hoot.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 10:20 AM (sH2Lb)
193
181
With respect to the boys on the island, I think the key is who stepped up to be their leader or leaders.
I think that's pretty much always the key.
Posted by: artemis
Good point. This was the foundation of the British "public" schools, which, it was assumed, were there to sculpt the leaders of tomorrow's world. It was an article of faith that they were the ones who should do so, and in many cases, did a pretty good job.
With respect to the boys on the island, I think the key is who stepped up to be their leader or leaders.
I think that's pretty much always the key.
Posted by: artemis
Good point. This was the foundation of the British "public" schools, which, it was assumed, were there to sculpt the leaders of tomorrow's world. It was an article of faith that they were the ones who should do so, and in many cases, did a pretty good job.
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 10:20 AM (T6t7i)
194
With respect to the boys on the island, I think the key is who stepped up to be their leader or leaders.
I think that's pretty much always the key.
Posted by: artemis at May 17, 2020 10:15 AM (AwPyG)
Fear Is The Key
I think that's pretty much always the key.
Posted by: artemis at May 17, 2020 10:15 AM (AwPyG)
Fear Is The Key
Posted by: Alastair MacLean at May 17, 2020 10:20 AM (5v5Zx)
195
The tale of the six Tongan castaways reads like an elaborate wishcast. In a way, the author reminds me of the fallacy of computer modeling of complex systems. He finds an isolated incident, cherry picks a few hazily remembered and unverifiable "facts" and hangs a narrative that comports to his adopted (and radically novel, although not really new) worldview. He then spits out a grand conclusion that Lo! mankind is a Noble Savage after all, QED. He's finding what he wants to find.
But he either doesn't have all the relevant variables, or chooses to ignore the ones that don't fit the model he is trying to generate. As OM pointed out things like culture, education, religious training/beliefs, the small size of the group all should be considered.
I think his opening paragraph holds the tell:
For centuries western culture has been permeated by the idea that humans are selfish creatures. That cynical image of humanity has been proclaimed in films and novels, history books and scientific research. But in the last 20 years, something extraordinary has happened. Scientists from all over the world have switched to a more hopeful view of mankind.
The tale of the six Tongan castaways reads like an elaborate wishcast. In a way, the author reminds me of the fallacy of computer modeling of complex systems. He finds an isolated incident, cherry picks a few hazily remembered and unverifiable "facts" and hangs a narrative that comports to his adopted (and radically novel, although not really new) worldview. He then spits out a grand conclusion that Lo! mankind is a Noble Savage after all, QED. He's finding what he wants to find.
But he either doesn't have all the relevant variables, or chooses to ignore the ones that don't fit the model he is trying to generate. As OM pointed out things like culture, education, religious training/beliefs, the small size of the group all should be considered.
I think his opening paragraph holds the tell:
For centuries western culture has been permeated by the idea that humans are selfish creatures. That cynical image of humanity has been proclaimed in films and novels, history books and scientific research. But in the last 20 years, something extraordinary has happened. Scientists from all over the world have switched to a more hopeful view of mankind.
Posted by: Muldoon at May 17, 2020 10:20 AM (Fc5rx)
196
Younger boys live reading heroic novels I think, and its only in schools that one picks up nihilistic writing. Like vmom, I wonder why high schools teach alienation.
Posted by: Huck Follywood, live from Pandemia at May 17, 2020 10:20 AM (NVYyb)
197
178 I agree
Posted by: CN at May 17, 2020 10:20 AM (ONvIw)
198
Beevor really hates Catholics. The book actually includes a sentance where he describes most of Spain's priests as "poor, very uneducated, incapable of any other employment."
_______
Sounds like WaPo's description of Evangelicals. Remember that? Even a Poper like me objected. (Well, actually I was Anglo Catholic at the time, but on this point it amounted to the same thing. If anything, worse. A-C's are more hostile to Evangelicals and Calvinists than are most actual Catholics.)
_______
Sounds like WaPo's description of Evangelicals. Remember that? Even a Poper like me objected. (Well, actually I was Anglo Catholic at the time, but on this point it amounted to the same thing. If anything, worse. A-C's are more hostile to Evangelicals and Calvinists than are most actual Catholics.)
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 10:20 AM (ZbwAu)
199
Haven't read them yet!
Posted by: m at May 17, 2020 10:17 AM (QVtxC)
"Apes, Grottos & Figs -- The Best B. H. Obama Short Stories"
Haven't read them yet!
Posted by: m at May 17, 2020 10:17 AM (QVtxC)
"Apes, Grottos & Figs -- The Best B. H. Obama Short Stories"
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at May 17, 2020 10:21 AM (pNxlR)
200
When a group of schoolboys were marooned on an island in 1965, it turned out very differently from William Golding's bestseller, writes Rutger Bregman
*
*
And people have complained that Heinlein's juvenile novel, Tunnel in the Sky, is unrealistic. (He wrote it 10 years or more before the 1965 real-life incident.)
*
*
And people have complained that Heinlein's juvenile novel, Tunnel in the Sky, is unrealistic. (He wrote it 10 years or more before the 1965 real-life incident.)
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at May 17, 2020 10:22 AM (rpbg1)
201
Eris, thought I'd find a copy of I, Martha Adams because it sounds like one I'd like.
The library doesn't have it, it's not on my libby audio options, so I checked amazon. $851.90 for paperback! :0 (OK, there is also a used copy for 1.99, but holy crap!)
The library doesn't have it, it's not on my libby audio options, so I checked amazon. $851.90 for paperback! :0 (OK, there is also a used copy for 1.99, but holy crap!)
Posted by: April, Freedom Now! at May 17, 2020 10:22 AM (OX9vb)
202
This morning Jake Tapper looked like his dog died. A small part of his pea brain realizes everything he's part of is a Big Lie. Worse still, he will be exposed.
Posted by: Ignoramus at May 17, 2020 10:23 AM (9TdxA)
203
>>>He finds an isolated incident, cherry picks a few hazily remembered and unverifiable "facts" and hangs a narrative that comports to his adopted (and radically novel, although not really new) worldview.
---------------
It's a good way to pick up chicks, what can I say...
---------------
It's a good way to pick up chicks, what can I say...
Posted by: J.J. Rousseau, fake human at May 17, 2020 10:23 AM (NVYyb)
204
Riba is the word for interest in Arabic
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at May 17, 2020 10:23 AM (wuKwd)
205
Scientists from all over the world have switched to a more hopeful view of mankind.
Then consider me a holdout: still assholes.
Scientists from all over the world have switched to a more hopeful view of mankind.
Then consider me a holdout: still assholes.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at May 17, 2020 10:23 AM (pNxlR)
206
This was 1965. 55 years later, would a group of early- to middle-teenage schoolboys have the knowledge, wits and wherewithall to survive like this now?
Posted by: Clyde Shelton at May 17, 2020 10:12 AM (Do5/p)
Prolly not without their cell phones.
Posted by: Clyde Shelton at May 17, 2020 10:12 AM (Do5/p)
Prolly not without their cell phones.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 10:23 AM (sH2Lb)
207
And people have complained that Heinlein's juvenile novel, Tunnel in the Sky, is unrealistic. (He wrote it 10 years or more before the 1965 real-life incident.)
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at May 17, 2020 10:22 AM (rpbg1)
That was one of my favorite books as a kid.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at May 17, 2020 10:22 AM (rpbg1)
That was one of my favorite books as a kid.
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at May 17, 2020 10:23 AM (NWiLs)
Posted by: Obligatory at May 17, 2020 10:24 AM (T6t7i)
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 17, 2020 10:24 AM (Dc2NZ)
210
126 ... "I'm rereading H G Wells most famous tales at the moment."
I read most of Wells in my teens. I've come to prefer Jules Verne if I can find a GOOD translation. (Reading the original French is annoying. I can get about 60 or 70 percent but know I'm missing most of the subtle aspects.)
Verne has a greater sense of wonder about the science that appeals to me and I enjoy the Victorian era pacing. That's not a criticism of Wells, just my preference.
I read most of Wells in my teens. I've come to prefer Jules Verne if I can find a GOOD translation. (Reading the original French is annoying. I can get about 60 or 70 percent but know I'm missing most of the subtle aspects.)
Verne has a greater sense of wonder about the science that appeals to me and I enjoy the Victorian era pacing. That's not a criticism of Wells, just my preference.
Posted by: JTB at May 17, 2020 10:24 AM (7EjX1)
211
I read the part of book 2 in Thucydides where the plague hit: a real one and not like this fake lockdown scam. People were literally dying in the streets so hostilities got put on hold for the duration.
Posted by: Captain Hate at May 17, 2020 10:25 AM (y7DUB)
212
@194
Now, I may have to respectfully disagree, Alastair. A good leader controls everyone's natural inclination to panic, and devolve into every man for himself. Lord of the Flies is an example of this, I think.
Now, I may have to respectfully disagree, Alastair. A good leader controls everyone's natural inclination to panic, and devolve into every man for himself. Lord of the Flies is an example of this, I think.
Posted by: artemis at May 17, 2020 10:25 AM (AwPyG)
213
incunables
Sweet! A Latin step by step guide to trepanation.
"Thou shalt bore the skull holes to release the vile humorf and the number of the holes shall be 3. Not 2. But 3. "
Sweet! A Latin step by step guide to trepanation.
"Thou shalt bore the skull holes to release the vile humorf and the number of the holes shall be 3. Not 2. But 3. "
Posted by: deplorable unperson - END THE LOCKDOWN : It's just a damn bug at May 17, 2020 10:25 AM (2KNZv)
214
Most of the boys in that group that survived on the island were Tongans, so maybe it wasn't too much of a stretch.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 17, 2020 10:25 AM (Dc2NZ)
215
I'm putting together a bunch of the westerns written by Donald Hamilton who wrote the Matt Helm series. In the 50s and early 60s he wrote several western novels. I read some at the time but those copies are long gone. I've picked up a couple of them at the used book store but they seldom appear. So I have the others coming courtesy of Amazon used books. These will be inexpensive paperbacks from the time and will probably be kind of ragged with age. As long as they don't crumble in my hands, I can still enjoy the writing. (They have never been put in ebook form.) The ones I remember were in the same enjoyable class as Louis L'Amour stories and I look forward to reading them. Wonderful distraction from the shitty news.
Posted by: JTB at May 17, 2020
*
*
I haven't found any of his Westerns (though several were made into movies), but his non-series crime and/or spy novels are great, as are the Matt Helms. He knew guns, knew how to plot, knew how to surprise the reader with characterizations and with plot events, and always told a fast-moving story.
It's a shame the silly Dean Martin movies, and the Tony Franciosa TV series, have eclipsed the real value of the Helms and his other work.
Posted by: JTB at May 17, 2020
*
*
I haven't found any of his Westerns (though several were made into movies), but his non-series crime and/or spy novels are great, as are the Matt Helms. He knew guns, knew how to plot, knew how to surprise the reader with characterizations and with plot events, and always told a fast-moving story.
It's a shame the silly Dean Martin movies, and the Tony Franciosa TV series, have eclipsed the real value of the Helms and his other work.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at May 17, 2020 10:25 AM (rpbg1)
216
I often get emails from Amazon and B and N about new releases of popular novels by famous authors. With VERY few exceptions they are of no interest for any number of reasons. Seriously, if it wasn't for the fiction by Horde members, I would almost never read recent novels.
Posted by: JTB at May 17, 2020 10:26 AM (7EjX1)
217
174
I've had three graduations as an adult.
IDGAF what a single speaker said.
If you sought out Obama's reading, you're a loser.
Posted by: RoyalOil at May 17, 2020 10:12 AM
I never went to my commencement upon graduating from Purdue in May 1999. After earning straight A's and the occasional B all throughout grammar school and high school, I struggled mightily to get through the Mechanical Engineering program at Purdue. I ended up with a 2.3 GPA and was completely ashamed of myself. So much so that I did not feel I deserved the honor of a commencement and being handed my diploma. So I chose to have it mailed to me.
So I never heard whoever was to give the May 1999 commencement speech at Purdue.
11 years later, I had the fortune of being invited to the 2010 Commencement of Hillsdale College. My sister-in-law's sister was graduating that year and her family, knowing I now lived in SE Michigan, less than 2 hours away from the college, invited me as their guest.
I was thrilled, having heard all about Hillsdale College from the Rush Limbaugh program and, because of that, being a subscriber to Imprimus.
The campus is small, but beautiful, from what I remember. I still have pictures saved on my computer I took on my camera at the time of the various statues on the campus. Jefferson, Churchill, Lincoln. Pretty awesome.
I then was able to sit with my SIL's family at the commencement, where the speech was given by... Edwin Meese III.
I was really still educating myself as to politics and such, so I did not know whom he was at the time. But I do remember I was enthralled with his speech. Such positiveness and optimism and encouragement for the future.
It was a breath of fresh air.
Will always remember that experience.
I've had three graduations as an adult.
IDGAF what a single speaker said.
If you sought out Obama's reading, you're a loser.
Posted by: RoyalOil at May 17, 2020 10:12 AM
I never went to my commencement upon graduating from Purdue in May 1999. After earning straight A's and the occasional B all throughout grammar school and high school, I struggled mightily to get through the Mechanical Engineering program at Purdue. I ended up with a 2.3 GPA and was completely ashamed of myself. So much so that I did not feel I deserved the honor of a commencement and being handed my diploma. So I chose to have it mailed to me.
So I never heard whoever was to give the May 1999 commencement speech at Purdue.
11 years later, I had the fortune of being invited to the 2010 Commencement of Hillsdale College. My sister-in-law's sister was graduating that year and her family, knowing I now lived in SE Michigan, less than 2 hours away from the college, invited me as their guest.
I was thrilled, having heard all about Hillsdale College from the Rush Limbaugh program and, because of that, being a subscriber to Imprimus.
The campus is small, but beautiful, from what I remember. I still have pictures saved on my computer I took on my camera at the time of the various statues on the campus. Jefferson, Churchill, Lincoln. Pretty awesome.
I then was able to sit with my SIL's family at the commencement, where the speech was given by... Edwin Meese III.
I was really still educating myself as to politics and such, so I did not know whom he was at the time. But I do remember I was enthralled with his speech. Such positiveness and optimism and encouragement for the future.
It was a breath of fresh air.
Will always remember that experience.
Posted by: Clyde Shelton at May 17, 2020 10:26 AM (Do5/p)
218
The comments about incunabula and thaumaturge reminded me of where I first learned them. I had a friend in HS whose father collected incunabula, albeit in a limited way. (An interesting family, btw. They were a mixed marriage, father Jewish, mother Episcopalian. My friend, the son, was in my class, and took the trouble to ensure that, despite his Gentile mother, he was a Jew. The daughter was in my confirmation class.)
But thaumaturge I got indirectly from James Branch Cabell. Indirectly because it in Donald Ogden Stewart's wonderful Parody Outline of History. I just checked, and it's free on Kindle, and not expensive in print. Some of the chapters are hysterical. Of course, it is the cynical Menckenesque view, in vogue at the time. But it still holds up. I highly recommend it.
But thaumaturge I got indirectly from James Branch Cabell. Indirectly because it in Donald Ogden Stewart's wonderful Parody Outline of History. I just checked, and it's free on Kindle, and not expensive in print. Some of the chapters are hysterical. Of course, it is the cynical Menckenesque view, in vogue at the time. But it still holds up. I highly recommend it.
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 10:27 AM (ZbwAu)
219
201 - I always love the crazy prices attached to out-of-print and hard-to-find books on Amazon and Ebay. On the latter, I once saw a Choose Your Own Adventure for roughly $1000 that I later found for $10. (Yes, my reading tastes are that sophisticated.)
Posted by: bear with asymmetrical balls at May 17, 2020 10:27 AM (H5knJ)
220
209
For the bookshelf in the guest bedroom:
I looked at the reviews because I'm was curious if anyone took this thing seriously. One of the 1-star reviews managed to take a shot at Trump. Those people are focused!
For the bookshelf in the guest bedroom:
I looked at the reviews because I'm was curious if anyone took this thing seriously. One of the 1-star reviews managed to take a shot at Trump. Those people are focused!
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 10:27 AM (T6t7i)
221
69 I read "Monsarrat At Sea" by Nicholas Monsarrat. A very good collection of seven sea stories, some of which he used as a basis for his masterpiece novel The Cruel Sea. He also includes HMS Marlborough Will Enter Harbour about a warship torpedoed by a U-Boat and the crews attempt to save her. And is a ship really alive? Does it have a soul? The story The Ship That Died Of Shame suggests it is, and does.
Posted by: Jake Holenhead at May 17, 2020 09:21 AM (P1GvV)
_______
My wife has said that, except for ships, I am the least superstitious person she knows.
Except for ships and the sea. I cannot shake that.
Posted by: Jake Holenhead at May 17, 2020 09:21 AM (P1GvV)
_______
My wife has said that, except for ships, I am the least superstitious person she knows.
Except for ships and the sea. I cannot shake that.
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 10:29 AM (ZbwAu)
222
This morning Jake Tapper looked like his dog died. A small part of his pea brain realizes everything he's part of is a Big Lie. Worse still, he will be exposed.
Posted by: Ignoramus at May 17, 2020 10:23 AM (9TdxA)
There's something about Tapper that puts him at the top of the Al Capone baseball bat treatment list. If that simpleton expects to be exposed that makes me happy.
Posted by: Ignoramus at May 17, 2020 10:23 AM (9TdxA)
There's something about Tapper that puts him at the top of the Al Capone baseball bat treatment list. If that simpleton expects to be exposed that makes me happy.
Posted by: Captain Hate at May 17, 2020 10:29 AM (y7DUB)
223
Younger boys live reading heroic novels I think, and its only in schools that one picks up nihilistic writing. Like vmom, I wonder why high schools teach alienation.
Posted by: Huck Follywood, live from Pandemia at May 17, 2020
*
*
I know. I always wanted my high school or college instructors to assign an Alistair Maclean or a Rex Stout novel, but they would never do it. Always this grim, plotless, and (to me) pointless drivel.
That said, I love Steinbeck now, and there are more than a few "literary" authors I enjoy. But HS never threw us a neat bone like Steinbeck's Sweet Thursday. If I could teach a literature class . . .
Posted by: Huck Follywood, live from Pandemia at May 17, 2020
*
*
I know. I always wanted my high school or college instructors to assign an Alistair Maclean or a Rex Stout novel, but they would never do it. Always this grim, plotless, and (to me) pointless drivel.
That said, I love Steinbeck now, and there are more than a few "literary" authors I enjoy. But HS never threw us a neat bone like Steinbeck's Sweet Thursday. If I could teach a literature class . . .
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at May 17, 2020 10:30 AM (rpbg1)
224
One of my favorite war stories is General Cota, who walked among his panicking soldiers on the beach at Normandy, calming them down and givng them a choice--we can die on the beach or you can die on the land. Let's go.
A lot of people think his actions in creating a small breach is what turned the tide. A stout-hearted man.
A lot of people think his actions in creating a small breach is what turned the tide. A stout-hearted man.
Posted by: artemis at May 17, 2020 10:30 AM (AwPyG)
225
This country could do with a cell phone moratorium for a month or so. No net devices for a month and let's see what happens. Keep the net for business, government, etc. But ban all devices for a month just to see what happens.
My guess is we would get a clue as to the level of addiction that is standard in the populace. It would be a real learning experience.
My guess is we would get a clue as to the level of addiction that is standard in the populace. It would be a real learning experience.
Posted by: Quint at May 17, 2020 10:30 AM (hHxp2)
226
I sat through my daughter's commencement ceremony when she received her BA in Fine Arts. One of her classmates' commencement speech boiled down to, "There are now as many people graduating with Art degrees as there are people graduating with Chemical Engineering degrees -- it is our time to be compensated financially as well as they are!" Astonishing ignorance.
I sat through my daughter's commencement ceremony when she received her BA in Fine Arts. One of her classmates' commencement speech boiled down to, "There are now as many people graduating with Art degrees as there are people graduating with Chemical Engineering degrees -- it is our time to be compensated financially as well as they are!" Astonishing ignorance.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at May 17, 2020 10:31 AM (pNxlR)
227
I still think Tex Mex crushes New Mexican and pretty much any other form of Mexican. They used to have some nice Mexican places in CA too. But it is all regional and what you are used to.
Posted by: Quint at May 17, 2020 09:58 AM (hHxp2)
I grew up eating tex mex that came out of little windows in the back of a gas stations all over Texas
Now I live in western MA
DO NOT EAT MEXICAN FOOD IN THE NORTHEAST
People in OK know more about bagels than yankees do about mexican food
Posted by: Quint at May 17, 2020 09:58 AM (hHxp2)
I grew up eating tex mex that came out of little windows in the back of a gas stations all over Texas
Now I live in western MA
DO NOT EAT MEXICAN FOOD IN THE NORTHEAST
People in OK know more about bagels than yankees do about mexican food
Posted by: REDACTED at May 17, 2020 10:31 AM (UUUON)
228
I still think Tex Mex crushes New Mexican and pretty much any other form of Mexican. They used to have some nice Mexican places in CA too. But it is all regional and what you are used to.
Posted by: Quint at May 17, 2020 09:58 AM (hHxp2)
we even make a big deal out of Hatch Chiles here in Texas, I think the festival is around Labor Day.
A restaurant that I really like in Austin (long gone) had a menu where it's dishes were all separated by State - Tex Mex, with a lot of Jalapeno; New Mexican, with a lot of Green Chilis and Blue Tortillas; Arizona, with Cheese Crisps (don't know if those are still around, but I loved those as a kid) and I forget California's specialty.
Posted by: Quint at May 17, 2020 09:58 AM (hHxp2)
we even make a big deal out of Hatch Chiles here in Texas, I think the festival is around Labor Day.
A restaurant that I really like in Austin (long gone) had a menu where it's dishes were all separated by State - Tex Mex, with a lot of Jalapeno; New Mexican, with a lot of Green Chilis and Blue Tortillas; Arizona, with Cheese Crisps (don't know if those are still around, but I loved those as a kid) and I forget California's specialty.
Posted by: Tom Servo at May 17, 2020 10:31 AM (q3gwH)
229
I then was able to sit with my SIL's family at the commencement, where the speech was given by... Edwin Meese III.
I was really still educating myself as to politics and such, so I did not know whom he was at the time. But I do remember I was enthralled with his speech. Such positiveness and optimism and encouragement for the future.
It was a breath of fresh air.
Will always remember that experience.
Posted by: Clyde Shelton at May 17, 2020 10:26 AM (Do5/p)
Levin worked for Ed Meese and defended him in front of a special counsel (Captain Queeg Walsh iirc). He regards him as having equal stature as Reagan.
I was really still educating myself as to politics and such, so I did not know whom he was at the time. But I do remember I was enthralled with his speech. Such positiveness and optimism and encouragement for the future.
It was a breath of fresh air.
Will always remember that experience.
Posted by: Clyde Shelton at May 17, 2020 10:26 AM (Do5/p)
Levin worked for Ed Meese and defended him in front of a special counsel (Captain Queeg Walsh iirc). He regards him as having equal stature as Reagan.
Posted by: Captain Hate at May 17, 2020 10:33 AM (y7DUB)
230
Scientists from all over the world have switched to a more hopeful view of mankind.
Said the scientists just before they were eaten.
Scientists from all over the world have switched to a more hopeful view of mankind.
Said the scientists just before they were eaten.
Posted by: Mr. Peebles at May 17, 2020 10:33 AM (oVJmc)
231
DO NOT EAT MEXICAN FOOD IN THE NORTHEAST
People in OK know more about bagels than yankees do about mexican food
Posted by: REDACTED at May 17, 2020
*
*
Agreed. One of the worst, as in most boring, Mexican dinners I ever had was in Pittsburgh, PA. I didn't get sick or anything, but it was just dull after eating NM and TX food.
People in OK know more about bagels than yankees do about mexican food
Posted by: REDACTED at May 17, 2020
*
*
Agreed. One of the worst, as in most boring, Mexican dinners I ever had was in Pittsburgh, PA. I didn't get sick or anything, but it was just dull after eating NM and TX food.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at May 17, 2020 10:33 AM (rpbg1)
232
Art R already beat me to the Lord Peter Wimsey reference. I love all of Sayer's Whimsey books. Especially The Nine Tailors.
Based on last week's thread I started Heinlein's junior book series. Has already read Farmer in the Sky many times and it's on my top 10 book list. Have to admit I'm slogging through Rocket Ship Galileo. I guess the thing that bothers me the most is that 3 teenager and one adult could accomplish what they did so easily and in such a short time. I know it's fiction but it tough for me to swallow.
Based on last week's thread I started Heinlein's junior book series. Has already read Farmer in the Sky many times and it's on my top 10 book list. Have to admit I'm slogging through Rocket Ship Galileo. I guess the thing that bothers me the most is that 3 teenager and one adult could accomplish what they did so easily and in such a short time. I know it's fiction but it tough for me to swallow.
Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at May 17, 2020 10:33 AM (JVgnl)
233
... and I forget California's specialty.
Posted by: Tom Servo at May 17, 2020 10:31 AM
lettuce & e.coli
Posted by: Tom Servo at May 17, 2020 10:31 AM
lettuce & e.coli
Posted by: AltonJackson at May 17, 2020 10:34 AM (DUIap)
234
I miss real Tex-Mex.
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at May 17, 2020 10:35 AM (wuKwd)
235
I sat through my daughter's commencement ceremony when she received her BA in Fine Arts. One of her classmates' commencement speech boiled down to, "There are now as many people graduating with Art degrees as there are people graduating with Chemical Engineering degrees -- it is our time to be compensated financially as well as they are!" Astonishing ignorance.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at May 17, 2020 10:31 AM (pNxlR)
Yup..They should go back to making home economics class mandatory
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at May 17, 2020 10:31 AM (pNxlR)
Yup..They should go back to making home economics class mandatory
Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 17, 2020 10:35 AM (85Gof)
236
I always love the crazy prices attached to
out-of-print and hard-to-find books on Amazon and Ebay. On the latter, I
once saw a Choose Your Own Adventure for roughly $1000 that I later
found for $10. (Yes, my reading tastes are that sophisticated.)
Posted by: bear with asymmetrical balls at May 17, 2020 10:27 AM (H5knJ)
---
Amazon auto-generates them to a certain extent.
When I discontinued my wargame rules in favor of the revised edition, the original immediately jumped up to $95.
Which you should buy, because it's so rare.
out-of-print and hard-to-find books on Amazon and Ebay. On the latter, I
once saw a Choose Your Own Adventure for roughly $1000 that I later
found for $10. (Yes, my reading tastes are that sophisticated.)
Posted by: bear with asymmetrical balls at May 17, 2020 10:27 AM (H5knJ)
---
Amazon auto-generates them to a certain extent.
When I discontinued my wargame rules in favor of the revised edition, the original immediately jumped up to $95.
Which you should buy, because it's so rare.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 10:35 AM (cfSRQ)
Posted by: artemis at May 17, 2020 10:36 AM (AwPyG)
238
I went to well regarded schools growing up. We were not assigned The Catcher in the Rye. I think a lot of this has to do by when you grew up and also the politics of that region at the time. I grew up in a place no one today would call red. But looking back, it was another world compared to today. It is not another region, it is another world.
Now I want to read that book just to see how awful it is. We read Fitzgerald, we read Faulkner, and some how we turned out ok.
Now I want to read that book just to see how awful it is. We read Fitzgerald, we read Faulkner, and some how we turned out ok.
Posted by: Quint at May 17, 2020 10:36 AM (hHxp2)
239
92 Wait, the guy thinks nuclear reactors actually produce visible flames? Like a space steam engine or something, as guys in silver suits shovel uranium in there?
No, I think he's somewhat poorly describing Cherenkov radiation, which is a visual thing that nuclear reactors do produce.
Posted by: Ian S. at May 17, 2020 09:35 AM (6XLoz)
______
That's actually how it was portrayed in an old Flash Gordon serial. A similar case was another serial I saw where their home had drawbridge, cranked up by a robot. The guy I was watching it with said "I guess their design for a pencil sharpener is a robot with a knife."
No, I think he's somewhat poorly describing Cherenkov radiation, which is a visual thing that nuclear reactors do produce.
Posted by: Ian S. at May 17, 2020 09:35 AM (6XLoz)
______
That's actually how it was portrayed in an old Flash Gordon serial. A similar case was another serial I saw where their home had drawbridge, cranked up by a robot. The guy I was watching it with said "I guess their design for a pencil sharpener is a robot with a knife."
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 10:36 AM (ZbwAu)
240
I read Catcher in the Rye in high school. I hated the book for the moment I first opened. I remember other high school books I.e. Grapes of Wrath and Fahrenheit 451 more fondly.
Posted by: Northernlurker, still lurking after all these years at May 17, 2020 10:37 AM (Uu+Jp)
241
237 @266
That's called reading the room!
Posted by: artemis at May 17, 2020 10:36 AM
he sees the future...
237 @266
That's called reading the room!
Posted by: artemis at May 17, 2020 10:36 AM
he sees the future...
Posted by: AltonJackson at May 17, 2020 10:37 AM (DUIap)
242
Moron author and occasional commenter Secret Squirrell has a just released a Shakespeare parody...
I will check this out as I also did a Shakespeare parody once, with some twists like the MacBeths killing Duncan in an unintentional kitchen sandwich accident; Hamlet as Morrissey who decides not to kill his uncle after getting some therapy and drugs; Prospero as a pervert who swaps his island kingdom for the universe's only existing copy of a porn-video ("The Return of the Anal Avenger.")
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DVQNMBX
I will check this out as I also did a Shakespeare parody once, with some twists like the MacBeths killing Duncan in an unintentional kitchen sandwich accident; Hamlet as Morrissey who decides not to kill his uncle after getting some therapy and drugs; Prospero as a pervert who swaps his island kingdom for the universe's only existing copy of a porn-video ("The Return of the Anal Avenger.")
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DVQNMBX
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at May 17, 2020 10:37 AM (N30JC)
243
IIRC, the US seriously considered "ships of ice" for Carriers early in WW2. It was a more intriguing concept than you'd think at first glance - it would involve lots of plywood to hold layers in place, and multiple freezings, essentially creating your own iceberg with a flat surface for aircraft. They would be quite slow, but with "hulls" that were dozens of feet thick, they would have been virtually impervious to torpedos and bombs.
Posted by: Tom Servo at May 17, 2020 10:37 AM (q3gwH)
244
I hated Holden Caufield
++++++++
Second that emotion.
*********
Not an emotion. It's a solidly reasoned conclusion following from an informed analysis of available evidence.
++++++++
Second that emotion.
*********
Not an emotion. It's a solidly reasoned conclusion following from an informed analysis of available evidence.
Posted by: Muldoon at May 17, 2020 10:37 AM (Fc5rx)
245
I've started listening to Treasure Island on Audible. It was free. But so far so good.
Posted by: Northernlurker, still lurking after all these years at May 17, 2020 10:38 AM (Uu+Jp)
Posted by: saf at May 17, 2020 10:40 AM (5IHGB)
247
Not an emotion. It's a solidly reasoned conclusion following from an informed analysis of available evidence.
Posted by: Muldoon at May 17, 2020 10:37 AM (Fc5rx)
Heh. You'll get no argument from me!
Posted by: Muldoon at May 17, 2020 10:37 AM (Fc5rx)
Heh. You'll get no argument from me!
Posted by: April, Freedom Now! at May 17, 2020 10:40 AM (OX9vb)
248
I can honestly say this, with all the books I read growing up, none, not even for a single minute, no matter what their political bend, convinced me socialism was a good idea.
Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 17, 2020 10:40 AM (85Gof)
249
It's not the heat; it's the humanity.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at May 17, 2020 10:40 AM (+y/Ru)
250
I sat through my daughter's commencement ceremony
when she received her BA in Fine Arts. One of her classmates'
commencement speech boiled down to, "There are now as many people
graduating with Art degrees as there are people graduating with Chemical
Engineering degrees -- it is our time to be compensated financially as
well as they are!" Astonishing ignorance.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at May 17, 2020 10:31 AM (pNxlR)
---
My commencement speaker was Bill Clinton. I remember it was a typical Clinton speech - left you feeling good, but none of it stuck with you.
It was in Spartan Stadium, which was cool. We sat on the field admiring the snipers in the upper decks.
My wife's speaker was Condoleezza Rice, and she was very good. Music major who was going to fail her "juries" so turned to political science.
Funny story about her grandfather (a sharecropper) saving up to get a semester of college at a small religious school and when it was done, he asked if there was any way he could stay on and keep learning.
They told him that they provide scholarships, but only for people committed to becoming Christian ministers.
"That's why I'm here!"
I think it was Presbyterian and the family's kept the faith ever since. Really good speech.
when she received her BA in Fine Arts. One of her classmates'
commencement speech boiled down to, "There are now as many people
graduating with Art degrees as there are people graduating with Chemical
Engineering degrees -- it is our time to be compensated financially as
well as they are!" Astonishing ignorance.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at May 17, 2020 10:31 AM (pNxlR)
---
My commencement speaker was Bill Clinton. I remember it was a typical Clinton speech - left you feeling good, but none of it stuck with you.
It was in Spartan Stadium, which was cool. We sat on the field admiring the snipers in the upper decks.
My wife's speaker was Condoleezza Rice, and she was very good. Music major who was going to fail her "juries" so turned to political science.
Funny story about her grandfather (a sharecropper) saving up to get a semester of college at a small religious school and when it was done, he asked if there was any way he could stay on and keep learning.
They told him that they provide scholarships, but only for people committed to becoming Christian ministers.
"That's why I'm here!"
I think it was Presbyterian and the family's kept the faith ever since. Really good speech.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 10:41 AM (cfSRQ)
251
Stacy Abrams has written novels:
She also wrote "Eat Your Way Thin", but ate the manuscript when she spilled gravy on it.
She also wrote "Eat Your Way Thin", but ate the manuscript when she spilled gravy on it.
Posted by: JT at May 17, 2020 10:41 AM (arJlL)
252
I always love the crazy prices attached to
out-of-print and hard-to-find books on Amazon and Ebay.
Indeed.
https://is.gd/qYB52h
out-of-print and hard-to-find books on Amazon and Ebay.
Indeed.
https://is.gd/qYB52h
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at May 17, 2020 10:41 AM (N30JC)
Posted by: artemis at May 17, 2020 10:41 AM (AwPyG)
254
what's the comment rule on the book thread
Posted by: DB- just DB. at May 17, 2020 10:41 AM (iTXRQ)
255
I've always enjoyed Walter Mosely's books.
Posted by: JT at May 17, 2020 10:41 AM (arJlL)
256
I don't remember who spoke at my college graduation, but then i was probably a tad high
Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 17, 2020 10:42 AM (85Gof)
257
I grew up eating tex mex that came out of little windows in the back of a gas stations all over Texas
Now I live in western MA
DO NOT EAT MEXICAN FOOD IN THE NORTHEAST
People in OK know more about bagels than yankees do about mexican food
Posted by: REDACTED at May 17, 2020 10:31 AM (UUUON)
The South too. I respect how much they defend their local Mexican places. But I guess i am a snob as most of them suck.
I grew up eating tex mex that came out of little windows in the back of a gas stations all over Texas
Now I live in western MA
DO NOT EAT MEXICAN FOOD IN THE NORTHEAST
People in OK know more about bagels than yankees do about mexican food
Posted by: REDACTED at May 17, 2020 10:31 AM (UUUON)
The South too. I respect how much they defend their local Mexican places. But I guess i am a snob as most of them suck.
Posted by: Quint at May 17, 2020 10:42 AM (hHxp2)
258
That is a BIG Pantload. Stinky Schumer ?
Posted by: saf at May 17, 2020 10:43 AM (5IHGB)
259
'Morning, word addicts.
I finished Margaret Verble's "Cherokee America" and am halfway through her other book, "Maud's Line". Both are fascinating looks at Native American culture in Oklahoma during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Based on actual family history, these books tell of a world for which most of us have no frame of reference...a world where all strangers must be met with arms and the law did not protect Indians; it only persecuted them. Still, there is as much joy in the books as there is strife. Indians are nothing if not resilient.
In between, I'm picking at Angie Fox's "Southern Ghosthunter" series...a daffy romp with a ghost along for the ride. That's where I go when the Branch Covidians start to get to me. (Note to all in possession of an old "vase": Check out the contents before you dump it in the flower bed.
I finished Margaret Verble's "Cherokee America" and am halfway through her other book, "Maud's Line". Both are fascinating looks at Native American culture in Oklahoma during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Based on actual family history, these books tell of a world for which most of us have no frame of reference...a world where all strangers must be met with arms and the law did not protect Indians; it only persecuted them. Still, there is as much joy in the books as there is strife. Indians are nothing if not resilient.
In between, I'm picking at Angie Fox's "Southern Ghosthunter" series...a daffy romp with a ghost along for the ride. That's where I go when the Branch Covidians start to get to me. (Note to all in possession of an old "vase": Check out the contents before you dump it in the flower bed.
Posted by: creeper at May 17, 2020 10:44 AM (XxJt1)
260
I don't remember who spoke at my college graduation, but then i was probably a tad high
I think the commencement speaker was protested so they canceled him, the college president gave the commencement at mine.
I'm starting college again in the fall for my second Masters (Geospatial Information Systems.) I know 29 is pretty old to be starting college again.
I think the commencement speaker was protested so they canceled him, the college president gave the commencement at mine.
I'm starting college again in the fall for my second Masters (Geospatial Information Systems.) I know 29 is pretty old to be starting college again.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at May 17, 2020 10:45 AM (N30JC)
261
There's a great anecdote Condoleeza Rice tells where, as a little girl, her family drove up to Wash DC. They had to sleep in the car, because the motels weren't integrated.
When they got there, they took a photo of the little girl standing in front of the white house, and told her she could be president some day.
It tells you a lot about her parents.
When they got there, they took a photo of the little girl standing in front of the white house, and told her she could be president some day.
It tells you a lot about her parents.
Posted by: artemis at May 17, 2020 10:45 AM (AwPyG)
262
My commencement speaker was Bill Clinton. I remember it was a typical Clinton speech - left you feeling good, but none of it stuck with you.
It was in Spartan Stadium, which was cool. We sat on the field admiring the snipers in the upper decks.
They failed.
It was in Spartan Stadium, which was cool. We sat on the field admiring the snipers in the upper decks.
They failed.
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at May 17, 2020 10:45 AM (wuKwd)
263
I grew up eating tex mex that came out of little windows in the back of a gas stations all over Texas
Not for nothin, but... isn't Costco pizza amazing? Not the least bit authentic, arguably not pizza, but so dambed good.
Not for nothin, but... isn't Costco pizza amazing? Not the least bit authentic, arguably not pizza, but so dambed good.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at May 17, 2020 10:46 AM (N30JC)
264
Anybody have more thoughts on the concept of "doing" history via computer modeling?
Posted by: Muldoon at May 17, 2020 10:46 AM (Fc5rx)
265
Supposed to be starting a book I bought my mom, Dennis Prager's book on Genesis but haven't started it yet.
Posted by: Skip at May 17, 2020 09:03 AM (ZCEU2)
Keep us posted! Prager seems quite accessible, and I have been tempted to pick that up.
Posted by: Skip at May 17, 2020 09:03 AM (ZCEU2)
Keep us posted! Prager seems quite accessible, and I have been tempted to pick that up.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at May 17, 2020 10:47 AM (dLLD6)
266
Off to enjoy the day. I'll check in later for your recommendations.
What would I be reading were it not for the Book Thread? Thanks OM!
What would I be reading were it not for the Book Thread? Thanks OM!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 17, 2020 10:47 AM (Dc2NZ)
267
126
If you haven't read Wells, give him a try.
He really deserves his reputation. Fantastic imagination. He set the stage for so much of 20th-21st century SF fiction and tropes.
And backed it all up with crisp writing.
Too bad he was a socialist loony, bu-u-u-ut you can't have everything.
Posted by: naturalfake at May 17, 2020 09:48 AM (z0XD
________
I wholeheartedly agree. First Men in the Moon is superb. And the the Invisible Man is, IMO, one of the great openings in English lit.
Of course, Wells did deserve a lot of ridicule, too. Once again I'll cite Lewis. He beautifully parodies Wells in That Hideous Strength. I have been told that HGW was actually hurt by that. But I don't know that is so.
If you haven't read Wells, give him a try.
He really deserves his reputation. Fantastic imagination. He set the stage for so much of 20th-21st century SF fiction and tropes.
And backed it all up with crisp writing.
Too bad he was a socialist loony, bu-u-u-ut you can't have everything.
Posted by: naturalfake at May 17, 2020 09:48 AM (z0XD
________
I wholeheartedly agree. First Men in the Moon is superb. And the the Invisible Man is, IMO, one of the great openings in English lit.
Of course, Wells did deserve a lot of ridicule, too. Once again I'll cite Lewis. He beautifully parodies Wells in That Hideous Strength. I have been told that HGW was actually hurt by that. But I don't know that is so.
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 10:47 AM (ZbwAu)
268
Out of curiosity, I looked up who gave the May 1999 Commencement speech at Purdue and it was Purdue President Steven Beering.
Looked him up and turns out that he retired as Purdue President a year later and just passed away last month at the age of 87.
And he had quite an interesting life. German born --- Hamburg --- survived the NAZIs and survived Allies' raid on Hamburg that claimed 77,000 civilian lives in 1943. When he was 11 years old. He and his mother were sent to a farming camp south of Nuremburg. His father found them years later with the help of the American Red Cross.
From a farm camp in Germany during WWII at the age of 11 to becoming President of Purdue University. Pretty amazing.
https://bit.ly/2Thhevo
Looked him up and turns out that he retired as Purdue President a year later and just passed away last month at the age of 87.
And he had quite an interesting life. German born --- Hamburg --- survived the NAZIs and survived Allies' raid on Hamburg that claimed 77,000 civilian lives in 1943. When he was 11 years old. He and his mother were sent to a farming camp south of Nuremburg. His father found them years later with the help of the American Red Cross.
From a farm camp in Germany during WWII at the age of 11 to becoming President of Purdue University. Pretty amazing.
https://bit.ly/2Thhevo
Posted by: Clyde Shelton at May 17, 2020 10:48 AM (Do5/p)
269
...
Communism is based on the idea that there is no need for mitigation because the 'sin' can be squeezed out of people by rigorous indoctrination and control.
There is also no forgiveness, because to 'sin' is also to betray the revolution.
...
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 09:28 AM (cfSRQ)
Good insight, well-stated. Thank you. Also, I would add that communism (lower case c) works in very small communities (i.e. families) where the individuals actually care about one another beyond their own interest. That's the part that can't be expanded indefinitely or even very much at all. So the problem isn't that Communism doesn't "work," it's that it doesn't scale.
Communism is based on the idea that there is no need for mitigation because the 'sin' can be squeezed out of people by rigorous indoctrination and control.
There is also no forgiveness, because to 'sin' is also to betray the revolution.
...
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 09:28 AM (cfSRQ)
Good insight, well-stated. Thank you. Also, I would add that communism (lower case c) works in very small communities (i.e. families) where the individuals actually care about one another beyond their own interest. That's the part that can't be expanded indefinitely or even very much at all. So the problem isn't that Communism doesn't "work," it's that it doesn't scale.
Posted by: Bob the Bilderberg at May 17, 2020 10:48 AM (qc+VF)
270
That library looks like a cross between Noah's Ark and The Poseidon Adventure.
Posted by: Muldoon at May 17, 2020 10:48 AM (Fc5rx)
271
A 15-hour work week. That means a 10-hour school week. Will we go to high school until we're 30?
Posted by: t-bird at May 17, 2020 10:48 AM (ELgVT)
272
but then i was probably a tad high
Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 17, 2020 10:42 AM (85Gof)
I hope you aren't similarly impaired when you are on the bridge during heavy weather...or crossing shipping lanes.
Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 17, 2020 10:42 AM (85Gof)
I hope you aren't similarly impaired when you are on the bridge during heavy weather...or crossing shipping lanes.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at May 17, 2020 10:49 AM (dLLD6)
Posted by: artemis at May 17, 2020 10:49 AM (AwPyG)
274
The commencement speaker at my high school graduation was a professor in the drama department of the local university.
The speech was ridiculously anti-American.
The speech was ridiculously anti-American.
Posted by: Northernlurker, still lurking after all these years at May 17, 2020 10:49 AM (Uu+Jp)
275
I hope you aren't similarly impaired when you are on the bridge during heavy weather...or crossing shipping lanes.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at May 17, 2020 10:49 AM (dLLD6)
I do my best work high
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at May 17, 2020 10:49 AM (dLLD6)
I do my best work high
Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 17, 2020 10:49 AM (85Gof)
276
I've always wanted to write a story about Holden Caulfield going to a therapist, who is Jordan Peterson on steroids. "Take that stupid hat off in my office, you miserable little shit!" Then the therapist grabs the hat himself and starts beating Caulfield about the head and shoulders with it. "Phony, did you say? I'll show you phony!" ( *Smack smack with that hat *) "Nobody's interesting in you moping around all day. Get a job! Get a life, you pathetic loser!"
And then something about living in a van down by the river.
And then something about living in a van down by the river.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 10:50 AM (sH2Lb)
277
So the problem isn't that Communism doesn't "work," it's that it doesn't scale.
Posted by: Bob the Bilderberg
That's very good. Thanks.
Posted by: Bob the Bilderberg
That's very good. Thanks.
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 10:50 AM (T6t7i)
278
Muldoon, after what I've seen of computer modeling over the last few months I'd be hard-pressed to put faith in any of it.
Howthehell are we supposed to know if the input really was garbage?
Howthehell are we supposed to know if the input really was garbage?
Posted by: creeper at May 17, 2020 10:51 AM (XxJt1)
279
How did people deal with polio compared to today? It was scary I hear but people found a way
Posted by: Ignoramus at May 17, 2020 10:51 AM (9TdxA)
280
Posted by: Clyde Shelton at May 17, 2020 10:48 AM (Do5/p)
American universities used to have some pretty impressive men running them.
Take a look at John Kemeny, the president of Dartmouth college in the 1970s....
American universities used to have some pretty impressive men running them.
Take a look at John Kemeny, the president of Dartmouth college in the 1970s....
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at May 17, 2020 10:52 AM (dLLD6)
281
I do my best work high
Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 17, 2020 10:49 AM (85Gof)
--
Huffing a little nitrous between patients to take the edge off?
Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 17, 2020 10:49 AM (85Gof)
--
Huffing a little nitrous between patients to take the edge off?
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 17, 2020 10:52 AM (Dc2NZ)
282
Howthehell are we supposed to know if the input really was garbage?
Do exactly what the CC modelers have failed to do. Input the variables you think are important, and see if it replicates a known event from the past.
Do exactly what the CC modelers have failed to do. Input the variables you think are important, and see if it replicates a known event from the past.
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 10:52 AM (T6t7i)
Posted by: An infamous blue dress at May 17, 2020 10:53 AM (HKOUL)
284
264 Anybody have more thoughts on the concept of "doing" history via computer modeling?
Posted by: Muldoon at May 17, 2020 10:46 AM (Fc5rx)
Working on it.
Posted by: Muldoon at May 17, 2020 10:46 AM (Fc5rx)
Working on it.
Posted by: Hari Seldon at May 17, 2020 10:53 AM (sH2Lb)
285
I too read "Ice Station Zebra" last year. I enjoyed it, but the ending was abrupt. I wondered about the narrator's future, given the events in the novel.
I liked how MacLean didn't tie off every plot thread -- the sabotage never was solved in print. Like real life.
I went on a MacLean buying binge a couple of years ago. I have yet to crack most of them. So, naturally, I got ISZ from the library.
Just about done with the "Dreadstar" reread. I'm appreciating Peter David's stories more this time around -- but Jim Starlin is still the best.
Shame that the series ended so abruptly. Big damned shame that First Comics collapsed. The '80s and '90s were a magnificent time for comics. All gone now.
I liked how MacLean didn't tie off every plot thread -- the sabotage never was solved in print. Like real life.
I went on a MacLean buying binge a couple of years ago. I have yet to crack most of them. So, naturally, I got ISZ from the library.
Just about done with the "Dreadstar" reread. I'm appreciating Peter David's stories more this time around -- but Jim Starlin is still the best.
Shame that the series ended so abruptly. Big damned shame that First Comics collapsed. The '80s and '90s were a magnificent time for comics. All gone now.
Posted by: Weak Geek at May 17, 2020 10:54 AM (u/nim)
286
Most people wouldn't classify Reform Judaism as a cult, but I've heard Jewish friends describe the ultra-Orthodox that way.
_______
I had a friend in college who said exactly that about Reformed Jews. He was Conservative, but seriously considering going Orthodox. We got along great, exchanging abuse of Liberal Jews and Liberal Episcopalians. Lewis points out this phenomenon among hard-liners of opposed Christian denominations; it applies with Christians and Jews too. (I expect that, after his marriage, he would agree with that. He clearly learned a lot about Judaism from Joy's inside view.)
_______
I had a friend in college who said exactly that about Reformed Jews. He was Conservative, but seriously considering going Orthodox. We got along great, exchanging abuse of Liberal Jews and Liberal Episcopalians. Lewis points out this phenomenon among hard-liners of opposed Christian denominations; it applies with Christians and Jews too. (I expect that, after his marriage, he would agree with that. He clearly learned a lot about Judaism from Joy's inside view.)
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 10:54 AM (ZbwAu)
287
A 15-hour work week. That means a 10-hour school week. Will we go to high school until we're 30?
Posted by: t-bird at May 17, 2020 10:48 AM (ELgVT)
That is the norm for today's government skools.
Then off to prison.....it's a closed loop.
We are your front line heroes!
Posted by: t-bird at May 17, 2020 10:48 AM (ELgVT)
That is the norm for today's government skools.
Then off to prison.....it's a closed loop.
We are your front line heroes!
Posted by: Teacher's Unions at May 17, 2020 10:55 AM (Z+IKu)
288
It doesn't technically involve books (that I know of), but for those of you who despair that young people seem to love communism:
I play Guild Wars 2, and one of the developers must have grown up in a communist country, because the lampooning of communism is spot-on. The Dredge are essentially mole Soviets ("For the Moletariat!") and have thrown off the yoke of the intelligence-worshipping Asura only to become slaves to the never-ending revolution.
Rox (hero NPC): Will your people have enough oil to keep warm?
Mikhail (NPC who you just helped save his people): The heat of revolution burns with a ceaseless flame.
Rox: I'm thinking that means "yeah."
Pookette thinks "Comrade, when they handed out brains, you did not get your equitable share" is hilarious.
I play Guild Wars 2, and one of the developers must have grown up in a communist country, because the lampooning of communism is spot-on. The Dredge are essentially mole Soviets ("For the Moletariat!") and have thrown off the yoke of the intelligence-worshipping Asura only to become slaves to the never-ending revolution.
Rox (hero NPC): Will your people have enough oil to keep warm?
Mikhail (NPC who you just helped save his people): The heat of revolution burns with a ceaseless flame.
Rox: I'm thinking that means "yeah."
Pookette thinks "Comrade, when they handed out brains, you did not get your equitable share" is hilarious.
Posted by: pookysgirl, real gamer girl at May 17, 2020 10:55 AM (XKZwp)
289
Father O'Callaghan to opposing the charging of interest on loans.
So do Muslim theologians. They propose an alternative, a standard fee (I forget their name for it), which, mysteriously, matches the prime rate pretty closely."
There's a long, long, medieval history on this, and it explains why, during the early middle ages, Jewish people became associated with money lending. Short answer: European Christians forced them into it, and then got mad when they got good at it.
A passage in Exodus commands that "If you lend money to my people, to the poor among you, then you shall not exact interest from them," and a verse in Exodus says much the same, but longer. (25:36) Jewish religious scholars have always pointed out that this commandment was clearly intended to apply only to fellow Jews who were destitute, and a close reading bears that out.
Come Christianity, and Paul's teaching that ALL men are brothers in God. Before long the Orthodox Catholic Church (before the split) began teaching that because of this, charging interest to ANYONE was clearly a sin. BUT moneylending was still a necessity for economic activity, so what to do? Christians thought it an evil thing to do, but living among them were Jews who, using the same scriptures, held that loaning money to anyone except poor Jews was just fine. (and I'm sure they would add, who want to loan money to a poor Jew anyways?) So, in the High Middle Ages, they came to completely dominate the business, until the Medici's finally started to cut in on some of their action. After one of the Medici's became a Pope, the animus against money lending began to fade quite a bit.
Now Muslims have always been quite a bit smarter about this than the medieval Christians were, and we might as well admit it. They have the same commandment copied over into the Koran, but they interpreted to say that If you charge Interest, that is Bad, but if you charge someone a Fee for the right to hold your money, that is predetermined to be the exact same amount as Interest would have been, then Allah smiles upon that. Because it's just a Fee, you see. Not interest. And that's how Islamic banking is done even today.
in it's way, it might even be more honest than interest charges which can compound and build up forever. I wonder if Father O'Callahan has been reading up on the Muslims, or if he just wants to go back to the dark ages.
So do Muslim theologians. They propose an alternative, a standard fee (I forget their name for it), which, mysteriously, matches the prime rate pretty closely."
There's a long, long, medieval history on this, and it explains why, during the early middle ages, Jewish people became associated with money lending. Short answer: European Christians forced them into it, and then got mad when they got good at it.
A passage in Exodus commands that "If you lend money to my people, to the poor among you, then you shall not exact interest from them," and a verse in Exodus says much the same, but longer. (25:36) Jewish religious scholars have always pointed out that this commandment was clearly intended to apply only to fellow Jews who were destitute, and a close reading bears that out.
Come Christianity, and Paul's teaching that ALL men are brothers in God. Before long the Orthodox Catholic Church (before the split) began teaching that because of this, charging interest to ANYONE was clearly a sin. BUT moneylending was still a necessity for economic activity, so what to do? Christians thought it an evil thing to do, but living among them were Jews who, using the same scriptures, held that loaning money to anyone except poor Jews was just fine. (and I'm sure they would add, who want to loan money to a poor Jew anyways?) So, in the High Middle Ages, they came to completely dominate the business, until the Medici's finally started to cut in on some of their action. After one of the Medici's became a Pope, the animus against money lending began to fade quite a bit.
Now Muslims have always been quite a bit smarter about this than the medieval Christians were, and we might as well admit it. They have the same commandment copied over into the Koran, but they interpreted to say that If you charge Interest, that is Bad, but if you charge someone a Fee for the right to hold your money, that is predetermined to be the exact same amount as Interest would have been, then Allah smiles upon that. Because it's just a Fee, you see. Not interest. And that's how Islamic banking is done even today.
in it's way, it might even be more honest than interest charges which can compound and build up forever. I wonder if Father O'Callahan has been reading up on the Muslims, or if he just wants to go back to the dark ages.
Posted by: Tom Servo at May 17, 2020 10:55 AM (q3gwH)
290
Posted by: Bob the Bilderberg at May 17, 2020 10:48 AM (qc+VF)
Well put. And right to the sidebar!
Well put. And right to the sidebar!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at May 17, 2020 10:55 AM (dLLD6)
291
The first star ship launched from earth won't have a Art degree person on it sorry to say.
Posted by: Skip at May 17, 2020 10:56 AM (ZCEU2)
292
I want a HS that assigns Flashman novels. FFS I was made to read Pride and Prejudice, a real bodice ripper that one
=====
Back on my hobbyhorse: Northanger Abbey is more appropriate for HS. Short, amusing, and all kinds of modern tie-ins.
=====
Back on my hobbyhorse: Northanger Abbey is more appropriate for HS. Short, amusing, and all kinds of modern tie-ins.
Posted by: mustbequantum at May 17, 2020 10:56 AM (MIKMs)
293
They let the dentist drive the boat?
Posted by: creeper at May 17, 2020 10:56 AM (XxJt1)
294
but I loved those as a kid) and I forget California's specialty.
Posted by: Tom Servo at May 17, 2020 10:31 AM (q3gwH)
if that is not a set up line here I don't know what is. I was a kid at the time but I recall they had some of those really big cantina type restaurants before that became a thing all over. The difference was the food was good.
Posted by: Tom Servo at May 17, 2020 10:31 AM (q3gwH)
if that is not a set up line here I don't know what is. I was a kid at the time but I recall they had some of those really big cantina type restaurants before that became a thing all over. The difference was the food was good.
Posted by: Quint at May 17, 2020 10:57 AM (hHxp2)
295
Howthehell are we supposed to know if the input really was garbage?
Do exactly what the CC modelers have failed to do. Input the variables you think are important, and see if it replicates a known event from the past.
Posted by: pep
Publishing your code and data so other can replicate it would help as well.
Do exactly what the CC modelers have failed to do. Input the variables you think are important, and see if it replicates a known event from the past.
Posted by: pep
Publishing your code and data so other can replicate it would help as well.
Posted by: Jean at May 17, 2020 10:57 AM (HKOUL)
296
284 264 Anybody have more thoughts on the concept of "doing" history via computer modeling?
Everyone who's played Sid Meier's 'Civilization.'
284 264 Anybody have more thoughts on the concept of "doing" history via computer modeling?
Everyone who's played Sid Meier's 'Civilization.'
Posted by: Mr. Peebles at May 17, 2020 10:58 AM (oVJmc)
297
I dodged a bunch of the Red "must read" books in school. My teachers happened to be sick of them at the time.
Posted by: klaftern at May 17, 2020 10:59 AM (RuIsu)
298
They let the dentist drive the boat?
**********
Not on the open seas. Only through the Root Canal.
**********
Not on the open seas. Only through the Root Canal.
Posted by: Muldoon at May 17, 2020 10:59 AM (Fc5rx)
299
280
Take a look at John Kemeny, the president of Dartmouth college in the 1970s....
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at May 17, 2020 10:52 AM
John George Kemeny was a Hungarian-born American mathematician, computer scientist, and educator best known for co-developing the BASIC programming language in 1964 with Thomas E. Kurtz. Kemeny served as the 13th President of Dartmouth College from 1970 to 1981 and pioneered the use of computers in college education.
That intro/summary, just from the Wikipedia entry, is impressive in itself.
Take a look at John Kemeny, the president of Dartmouth college in the 1970s....
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at May 17, 2020 10:52 AM
John George Kemeny was a Hungarian-born American mathematician, computer scientist, and educator best known for co-developing the BASIC programming language in 1964 with Thomas E. Kurtz. Kemeny served as the 13th President of Dartmouth College from 1970 to 1981 and pioneered the use of computers in college education.
That intro/summary, just from the Wikipedia entry, is impressive in itself.
Posted by: Clyde Shelton at May 17, 2020 11:00 AM (Do5/p)
300
Media is dismissing ObamaGate by focusing on narrow pieces, ignoring the larger conspiracy, and then saying where's the crime.
Exposing this requires a narrative witness to tie the pieces together and expose the intent of the bad actors. My money is on Sally Yates.
Trump wouldn't be talking up ObamaGate unless he knew this was coming.
Exposing this requires a narrative witness to tie the pieces together and expose the intent of the bad actors. My money is on Sally Yates.
Trump wouldn't be talking up ObamaGate unless he knew this was coming.
Posted by: Ignoramus at May 17, 2020 11:01 AM (9TdxA)
301
Psalms 15:5 tells us not to lend out our money for usury. I think it's somewhere in Deuteronomy, too, so the ban against charging interest goes back a long way.
Posted by: artemis at May 17, 2020 11:02 AM (AwPyG)
302
158 I was wondering why everyone was ragging on Ice Station Zebra, one of my favorite Alastair MacLean novels, until I realized I was thinking of Night Without End, in which an airliner crashes on the Greenland ice pack near a research outpost. I'd definitely recommend the latter.
Posted by: Hans G. Schantz at May 17, 2020
*
*
In high school I was a big fan of Maclean. True, he never met a long sentence he didn't like, and after his first novel, H.M.S. Ulysses, his stories were mostly all action. (Not that that's all bad.) But his earlier ones, like Guns of Navarone, were better in many ways than his later.
I read ISZ last year, and it has all his hallmarks, twisty plot and a narrator who has secrets he doesn't tell anybody, including the reader, for quite a while.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at May 17, 2020 10:04 AM (rpbg1)
______
I think one problem with Maclean is that he never could match the end of HMS Ulysses. Wowed me when I read it; after that, the others seemed a let down.
But that, after all, is a kind of compliment. How many authors can do it once?
On another topic, in my teens I never got my friends' love of Caulfield. I thought him a total douche then. I confess I didn't bother to finish the stupid book.
Posted by: Hans G. Schantz at May 17, 2020
*
*
In high school I was a big fan of Maclean. True, he never met a long sentence he didn't like, and after his first novel, H.M.S. Ulysses, his stories were mostly all action. (Not that that's all bad.) But his earlier ones, like Guns of Navarone, were better in many ways than his later.
I read ISZ last year, and it has all his hallmarks, twisty plot and a narrator who has secrets he doesn't tell anybody, including the reader, for quite a while.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at May 17, 2020 10:04 AM (rpbg1)
______
I think one problem with Maclean is that he never could match the end of HMS Ulysses. Wowed me when I read it; after that, the others seemed a let down.
But that, after all, is a kind of compliment. How many authors can do it once?
On another topic, in my teens I never got my friends' love of Caulfield. I thought him a total douche then. I confess I didn't bother to finish the stupid book.
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 11:02 AM (ZbwAu)
303
I grew up eating tex mex that came out of little windows in the back of a gas stations all over Texas
remember at bars you would have kids selling packets of tamales? I still doubt many have hade a really good tamale. And depending where you live, if you order a tamale, you will likely get the El Salvodrean version. I won't say more other that it is not the same thing.
I am sure they have wonderful foods from Central and South America (gulp). I am sure they mean a lot to the people from those countries. But there is a reason why Mexican is found in every serious country. It is up there with French, Italian, and Canadian as a world cuisine. There are not that many cuisines that are loved around the world when you think about it. How often do people from Benin decide tonight is Finnish food night?
remember at bars you would have kids selling packets of tamales? I still doubt many have hade a really good tamale. And depending where you live, if you order a tamale, you will likely get the El Salvodrean version. I won't say more other that it is not the same thing.
I am sure they have wonderful foods from Central and South America (gulp). I am sure they mean a lot to the people from those countries. But there is a reason why Mexican is found in every serious country. It is up there with French, Italian, and Canadian as a world cuisine. There are not that many cuisines that are loved around the world when you think about it. How often do people from Benin decide tonight is Finnish food night?
Posted by: Quint at May 17, 2020 11:03 AM (hHxp2)
304
Theodore Darymple (his real name is IIRC Anthony Daniels, the same as the Star Wars actor) has the best command of the English language and his essays can be read aloud.
Posted by: BourbonChicken at May 17, 2020 11:03 AM (LxTcq)
305
I had a friend in college who said exactly that about Reformed Jews. He was Conservative, but seriously considering going Orthodox. We got along great, exchanging abuse of Liberal Jews and Liberal Episcopalians. Lewis points out this phenomenon among hard-liners of opposed Christian denominations; it applies with Christians and Jews too. (I expect that, after his marriage, he would agree with that. He clearly learned a lot about Judaism from Joy's inside view.)
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 10:54 AM (ZbwAu)
I would never classify the Reform Jews as a "cult", rather I would say they are a major branch that has become completely apostate, and thus will die out in time. They've gone down the same path that the top levels of the Mainline Protestant churches have gone down, like the Episcopals and the Presbyterians. The leadership of those churches care far more for "Social Justice" than they care about the Gospels, and that's why they are drying up and blowing away.
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 10:54 AM (ZbwAu)
I would never classify the Reform Jews as a "cult", rather I would say they are a major branch that has become completely apostate, and thus will die out in time. They've gone down the same path that the top levels of the Mainline Protestant churches have gone down, like the Episcopals and the Presbyterians. The leadership of those churches care far more for "Social Justice" than they care about the Gospels, and that's why they are drying up and blowing away.
Posted by: Tom Servo at May 17, 2020 11:03 AM (q3gwH)
306
I've been reading the "Miss. Fortune Mystery" books by Jana DeLeon. They are about a CIA agent hiding out in a tiny town in the Louisiana bayou. They are not at all serious. They are hilarious and ridiculous but still decently written. The main characters are all women who are single, self-sufficient, and strong. But the books are in no way woke or SJW. There are some Karen's. Anyways, they are silly, light hearted, and an enjoyable read for these times and help to take the mind off current situations. They have me lol at some of the situations. There are 17 in the series and the first one is free on kindle...
Posted by: lin-duh en fugue at May 17, 2020 11:04 AM (UUBmN)
307
Working on it.
Posted by: Hari Seldon
---------
*struggles to recall*
'Psycho History'? Geeze...it's been *cough* *cough* years since I read that.
Posted by: Hari Seldon
---------
*struggles to recall*
'Psycho History'? Geeze...it's been *cough* *cough* years since I read that.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at May 17, 2020 11:04 AM (pK7cg)
Posted by: creeper at May 17, 2020 11:04 AM (XxJt1)
309
208 Then consider me a holdout: still assholes.
Humanity is ASSHOE!
Posted by: Obligatory at May 17, 2020 10:24 AM (T6t7i)
Humani ANUM est!
Humanity is ASSHOE!
Posted by: Obligatory at May 17, 2020 10:24 AM (T6t7i)
Humani ANUM est!
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at May 17, 2020 11:04 AM (NWiLs)
Posted by: artemis at May 17, 2020 11:04 AM (AwPyG)
311
They let the dentist drive the boat?
Posted by: creeper at May 17, 2020 10:56 AM (XxJt1)
On Thursday nights, when the grog ration is doubled
Posted by: creeper at May 17, 2020 10:56 AM (XxJt1)
On Thursday nights, when the grog ration is doubled
Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 17, 2020 11:04 AM (85Gof)
312
Crazy book prices on eBay?
This is a tad extreme: https://preview.tinyurl.com/yd9h58ko
Wonder what would happen if I listed my copy which is still shrink wrapped?
This is a tad extreme: https://preview.tinyurl.com/yd9h58ko
Wonder what would happen if I listed my copy which is still shrink wrapped?
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 17, 2020 11:04 AM (9kruo)
313
This may be where books and repositories of books may turn out to be crucial, in terms of providing a rebuttal of revisionist historical models that bend facts to fit the politically ordained outcome and try to bury inconvenient truths. Otherwise, what is to derail the train to a brave new world?
Posted by: Muldoon at May 17, 2020 11:05 AM (Fc5rx)
314
I think one problem with Maclean is that he never could match the end of HMS Ulysses. Wowed me when I read it; after that, the others seemed a let down.
But that, after all, is a kind of compliment. How many authors can do it once? . . .
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020
*
*
Ulysses is a different kind of novel from those he did later -- a war novel about heroism in wartime. I think most of his novels after that fell into the crime/spy/suspense genres. Even his Western, Breakheart Pass, is kind of a mystery, isn't it? Or perhaps has an undercover agent in it?
But that, after all, is a kind of compliment. How many authors can do it once? . . .
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020
*
*
Ulysses is a different kind of novel from those he did later -- a war novel about heroism in wartime. I think most of his novels after that fell into the crime/spy/suspense genres. Even his Western, Breakheart Pass, is kind of a mystery, isn't it? Or perhaps has an undercover agent in it?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at May 17, 2020 11:07 AM (rpbg1)
Posted by: saf at May 17, 2020 11:07 AM (5IHGB)
316
Everyone who's played Sid Meier's 'Civilization.'
Posted by: Mr. Peebles at May 17, 2020 10:58 AM (oVJmc)
I was once being so crushed by the AI I had almost no chance at all, they had already sent off their space ship and controlled most of the planet. I sent about 20 spies to their capital to plant a nuclear device. After the 14th spy in a row got caught, the 15th made a success of it. The impact caused a civil war in the opponent's nation and gave me the chance to win. It shows there is always a chance if you keep trying.
Posted by: Mr. Peebles at May 17, 2020 10:58 AM (oVJmc)
I was once being so crushed by the AI I had almost no chance at all, they had already sent off their space ship and controlled most of the planet. I sent about 20 spies to their capital to plant a nuclear device. After the 14th spy in a row got caught, the 15th made a success of it. The impact caused a civil war in the opponent's nation and gave me the chance to win. It shows there is always a chance if you keep trying.
Posted by: Quint at May 17, 2020 11:07 AM (hHxp2)
317
Are we sure that's a "gal" in that red dress. There might be some Adam's Apple action there.
Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at May 17, 2020 11:08 AM (7Fj9P)
318
Communism is based on the idea that there is no need for mitigation
because the 'sin' can be squeezed out of people by rigorous
indoctrination and control.
Stay home. Stay safe. Stay home. Stay safe. Stay home. Stay safe.
because the 'sin' can be squeezed out of people by rigorous
indoctrination and control.
Stay home. Stay safe. Stay home. Stay safe. Stay home. Stay safe.
Posted by: TheQuietMan at May 17, 2020 11:09 AM (r3zIl)
Posted by: Weak Geek at May 17, 2020 11:09 AM (u/nim)
320
I would never classify the Reform Jews as a
"cult", rather I would say they are a major branch that has become
completely apostate, and thus will die out in time. They've gone down
the same path that the top levels of the Mainline Protestant churches
have gone down, like the Episcopals and the Presbyterians. The
leadership of those churches care far more for "Social Justice" than
they care about the Gospels, and that's why they are drying up and
blowing away.
Posted by: Tom Servo at May 17, 2020 11:03 AM (q3gwH)
---
Getting back to bashing Beevor, at one point he does denounce Spanish Catholicism as being 'like a cult,' with its followers hanging on every absurd thing their priests say.
What's interesting is that Beevor seems conventionally liberal, which is completely uniform in everything it does. Wrongthink means expulsion, so they always hate the right people and say the right things.
I doubt Beevor has written a single negative thing about Islam.
What these people fail to understand is that even with "orthodox" faiths, there is a great deal of discussion and debate. The difference is that it is done respectfully and no one is cast out for heresy.
The left looks at itself and imagines that the right *must* be worse because they are Good People.
That's why Biden gets a pass, because sure, he groped women (just like Clinton, Kennedy, etc.) but they all *know* that Republicans do even viler things, they just hide it better.
Talk about a cult...
I would never classify the Reform Jews as a
"cult", rather I would say they are a major branch that has become
completely apostate, and thus will die out in time. They've gone down
the same path that the top levels of the Mainline Protestant churches
have gone down, like the Episcopals and the Presbyterians. The
leadership of those churches care far more for "Social Justice" than
they care about the Gospels, and that's why they are drying up and
blowing away.
Posted by: Tom Servo at May 17, 2020 11:03 AM (q3gwH)
---
Getting back to bashing Beevor, at one point he does denounce Spanish Catholicism as being 'like a cult,' with its followers hanging on every absurd thing their priests say.
What's interesting is that Beevor seems conventionally liberal, which is completely uniform in everything it does. Wrongthink means expulsion, so they always hate the right people and say the right things.
I doubt Beevor has written a single negative thing about Islam.
What these people fail to understand is that even with "orthodox" faiths, there is a great deal of discussion and debate. The difference is that it is done respectfully and no one is cast out for heresy.
The left looks at itself and imagines that the right *must* be worse because they are Good People.
That's why Biden gets a pass, because sure, he groped women (just like Clinton, Kennedy, etc.) but they all *know* that Republicans do even viler things, they just hide it better.
Talk about a cult...
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 11:09 AM (cfSRQ)
321
I was talking with a young Israeli and discovered that the Jews in Israeli are nearly all Orthodox. They don't even think about it. Reformed Jews are an American thing, as are the ultra Orthodox who came here from Europe.
Posted by: Ignoramus at May 17, 2020 11:09 AM (9TdxA)
322
Humani ANUM est!
Posted by: Insomniac
----------
I've warned about this. Forget the Yellow Peril, creeping Latinism is the real threat. It's starts off slow, then, the next thing you know, it has morphed into Romani.
It's a slippery slope.
Posted by: Insomniac
----------
I've warned about this. Forget the Yellow Peril, creeping Latinism is the real threat. It's starts off slow, then, the next thing you know, it has morphed into Romani.
It's a slippery slope.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at May 17, 2020 11:10 AM (X22L5)
323
Quick shout out to all the PNW 'rons and 'ettes at Camp DEFIANCE, location unknown.
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at May 17, 2020 11:10 AM (NWiLs)
324
They're making "The Boys in the Boat" into a movie. I hope they can do it justice; the book was fantastic.
Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at May 17, 2020 11:10 AM (7Fj9P)
325
318 Communism is based on the idea that there is no need for mitigation
because the 'sin' can be squeezed out of people by rigorous
indoctrination and control.
Stay home. Stay safe. Stay home. Stay safe. Stay home. Stay safe.
Posted by: TheQuietMan at May 17, 2020 11:09 AM (r3zIl)
We're living in the world of They Live.
because the 'sin' can be squeezed out of people by rigorous
indoctrination and control.
Stay home. Stay safe. Stay home. Stay safe. Stay home. Stay safe.
Posted by: TheQuietMan at May 17, 2020 11:09 AM (r3zIl)
We're living in the world of They Live.
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at May 17, 2020 11:11 AM (NWiLs)
326
Eeyore, I'm right there with you on Holden Cauldield. That book was so bad I can't remember anything about it except what a douche Caulfield was.
Had the same problem with Fitzgerald's characters. Why do authors write books about such objectionable people?
On the up side, they taught me that just because you started the book doesn't mean you are obligated to finish it.
Had the same problem with Fitzgerald's characters. Why do authors write books about such objectionable people?
On the up side, they taught me that just because you started the book doesn't mean you are obligated to finish it.
Posted by: creeper at May 17, 2020 11:11 AM (XxJt1)
327
290 Posted by: Bob the Bilderberg at May 17, 2020 10:48 AM (qc+VF)
Well put. And right to the sidebar!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at May 17, 2020 10:55 AM (dLLD6)
Woohoo! Look at me ma, top o' the world!
Well put. And right to the sidebar!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at May 17, 2020 10:55 AM (dLLD6)
Woohoo! Look at me ma, top o' the world!
Posted by: Dildo Endorsed Moron Bob the Bilderberg at May 17, 2020 11:12 AM (qc+VF)
328
Soon it'll be time to kick ass and chew bubblegum.
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at May 17, 2020 11:12 AM (NWiLs)
329
Quick shout out to all the PNW 'rons and 'ettes at Camp DEFIANCE, location unknown.
Posted by: Insomniac
---
I wish there was some place cool enough to do that in Texas. It's too hot already here.
Posted by: Insomniac
---
I wish there was some place cool enough to do that in Texas. It's too hot already here.
Posted by: lin-duh en fugue at May 17, 2020 11:12 AM (UUBmN)
330
I was talking with a young Israeli and discovered that the Jews in Israeli are nearly all Orthodox.
Yeah, not sure who you were talking to, but that is a definite negative.
Yeah, not sure who you were talking to, but that is a definite negative.
Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 17, 2020 11:13 AM (85Gof)
331
Dennis Prager's book on Genesis but haven't started it yet.
Posted by: Skip at May 17, 2020 09:03 AM (ZCEU2)
I wonder if he prefers the Phil Collins or Peter Gabriel incarnations of the band?
Posted by: Skip at May 17, 2020 09:03 AM (ZCEU2)
I wonder if he prefers the Phil Collins or Peter Gabriel incarnations of the band?
Posted by: TheQuietMan at May 17, 2020 11:13 AM (r3zIl)
332
I wish there was some place cool enough to do that in Texas. It's too hot already here.
Posted by: lin-duh en fugue at May 17, 2020 11:12 AM (UUBmN)
No shit. Can't do that in Florida either. There's about a one-month window, if you go far enough north, when you can go camping without A) sweating your balls off the entire time, and 2) being systematically exsanguinated by mosquitoes.
Posted by: lin-duh en fugue at May 17, 2020 11:12 AM (UUBmN)
No shit. Can't do that in Florida either. There's about a one-month window, if you go far enough north, when you can go camping without A) sweating your balls off the entire time, and 2) being systematically exsanguinated by mosquitoes.
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at May 17, 2020 11:14 AM (NWiLs)
333
It will be interesting to see how the Catholic church weathers its current leadership
Posted by: artemis at May 17, 2020 11:04 AM (AwPyG)
---
This too shall pass.
Looking at the history of the Church, Francis is really little more than a blip.
He's actually helping the reform by showcasing where all the corruption is. Without him, we likely wouldn't have had the Vigano Confessions and the exposure of the Lavender Mafia.
He also has tried to sell out Chinese Catholics to the reds. How's buddying up to the ChiComs working out?
Before you can address a problem, you need to know its full scope. Francis has exposed it for the world to see.
Posted by: artemis at May 17, 2020 11:04 AM (AwPyG)
---
This too shall pass.
Looking at the history of the Church, Francis is really little more than a blip.
He's actually helping the reform by showcasing where all the corruption is. Without him, we likely wouldn't have had the Vigano Confessions and the exposure of the Lavender Mafia.
He also has tried to sell out Chinese Catholics to the reds. How's buddying up to the ChiComs working out?
Before you can address a problem, you need to know its full scope. Francis has exposed it for the world to see.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 11:14 AM (cfSRQ)
334
177 I suspect the same is true with other monastic systems. It's what called
people do, but it's not a template for how the world should be run.
That's the key difference.
Marxism is for everyone, whether they want it or not. You don't join the community, the community joins you!
Well put. But to circle back around, the boys stranded on the island constructed a workable modus operandi, based on principles they were taught by society and in which they were immersed their entire lives. So does this really constitute a completely personal choice? It isn't as coercive as a totalitarian society, but it is not a system they actively chose, with no one's thumb on the scale. I certainly wouldn't equate that to a monk's selection of the monastic lifestyle, which for most people, is an inexplicable thing to do, requiring a renunciation of society's expectations.
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 10:13 AM (T6t7i)
______
One problem with that is that it is very questionable whether anyone can ever make a "completely personal choice". No one exists who is not to some degree a product of his upbringing. And that is not a bad thing. Scruton > Sartre, by far.
(BTW, another excellent book is Scruton's Fools, Frauds, and Firebrands: Thinkers of the New Left.)
people do, but it's not a template for how the world should be run.
That's the key difference.
Marxism is for everyone, whether they want it or not. You don't join the community, the community joins you!
Well put. But to circle back around, the boys stranded on the island constructed a workable modus operandi, based on principles they were taught by society and in which they were immersed their entire lives. So does this really constitute a completely personal choice? It isn't as coercive as a totalitarian society, but it is not a system they actively chose, with no one's thumb on the scale. I certainly wouldn't equate that to a monk's selection of the monastic lifestyle, which for most people, is an inexplicable thing to do, requiring a renunciation of society's expectations.
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 10:13 AM (T6t7i)
______
One problem with that is that it is very questionable whether anyone can ever make a "completely personal choice". No one exists who is not to some degree a product of his upbringing. And that is not a bad thing. Scruton > Sartre, by far.
(BTW, another excellent book is Scruton's Fools, Frauds, and Firebrands: Thinkers of the New Left.)
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 11:15 AM (ZbwAu)
335
Just finished listening to Dean Koontz latest book Devoted. Pretty interesting mashup of 3 or 4 stories coming together in the end. A little of both scifi and mysticism in the mix.
I was a freebe with my Kindle unlimited.
Still listening as I cannot read with my left eye post surg and trying to read with one eye makes me nauseous.
I was a freebe with my Kindle unlimited.
Still listening as I cannot read with my left eye post surg and trying to read with one eye makes me nauseous.
Posted by: rhennigantx dont californicate my TEXAS at May 17, 2020 11:15 AM (JFO2v)
336
We're living in the world of They Live.
Posted by: Insomniac
----------
While I feel no sympathy for the Left/Prog/Lib/Dem, it must be rather tiring to constantly have to present yourself based on what you 'feel', and your expected groupthink behavior, rather than what you actually think.
The latter part of that accounts for their non-stop, enabling hypocrisy.
We're living in the world of They Live.
Posted by: Insomniac
----------
While I feel no sympathy for the Left/Prog/Lib/Dem, it must be rather tiring to constantly have to present yourself based on what you 'feel', and your expected groupthink behavior, rather than what you actually think.
The latter part of that accounts for their non-stop, enabling hypocrisy.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at May 17, 2020 11:16 AM (X22L5)
337
@333Tucker has a priest on the other night who was suing the State of New York for shutting down Catholic services.
He explained that he was part of a missionary order, and that was why he stepped up to do it. The priests who answered to American bishops were not allowed to protest.
He explained that he was part of a missionary order, and that was why he stepped up to do it. The priests who answered to American bishops were not allowed to protest.
Posted by: artemis at May 17, 2020 11:16 AM (AwPyG)
338
For the world is hollow, and I have touched the sky.
Posted by: Grump928(C) at May 17, 2020 11:17 AM (yQpMk)
339
184 Volumes have been written on this.
Posted by: Eeyore
And to think, we've solved it in one morning on the Book Thread. That that, Thomas Aquinas!
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 10:17 AM (T6t7i)
______
Even among Catholic schools of thought, there is a wide diversity of opinion. Dominican Thomists disagree among themselves.
Posted by: Eeyore
And to think, we've solved it in one morning on the Book Thread. That that, Thomas Aquinas!
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 10:17 AM (T6t7i)
______
Even among Catholic schools of thought, there is a wide diversity of opinion. Dominican Thomists disagree among themselves.
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 11:18 AM (ZbwAu)
340
Mainline Protestant churches
have gone down, like the Episcopals and the Presbyterians.
===================
You're about half right concerning Presbyterians. We left the PC-USA because of idiotic SJ crap. (We had a woman-o-color seminary student refer to the Trinity as Father Sky, Mother Earth and Son Water or equivalent B.S) We joined a PCA church, and I find them biblicaly solid. There is also the EPC (Evangelical Presbyterian Church) and they are hard-core.
have gone down, like the Episcopals and the Presbyterians.
===================
You're about half right concerning Presbyterians. We left the PC-USA because of idiotic SJ crap. (We had a woman-o-color seminary student refer to the Trinity as Father Sky, Mother Earth and Son Water or equivalent B.S) We joined a PCA church, and I find them biblicaly solid. There is also the EPC (Evangelical Presbyterian Church) and they are hard-core.
Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at May 17, 2020 11:18 AM (7Fj9P)
341
That's why Biden gets a pass, because sure, he groped women (just like Clinton, Kennedy, etc.) but they all *know* that Republicans do even viler things, they just hide it better.
Talk about a cult...
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 11:09 AM (cfSRQ)
I think this is because it takes a great deal of effort to look into yourself and be objective, and most people either can't do that, or won't do it. You remind me of a brother and sister in law of mine who live in Portland, both ex-hippies who now are approaching 70. They've always prided themselves on being Counter Culture and Radical and Liberal - and yet, first thing they did was race to live in a place where EVERYONE thought exactly like they did, and they would NEVER dream of contradicting anything any of their neighbors said or wished. They are, in fact, the most rigidly "conservative" people I know, if you take that word in its original meaning.
People like me, and the rest of us who post here - we are the true Radicals of this society.
Talk about a cult...
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 11:09 AM (cfSRQ)
I think this is because it takes a great deal of effort to look into yourself and be objective, and most people either can't do that, or won't do it. You remind me of a brother and sister in law of mine who live in Portland, both ex-hippies who now are approaching 70. They've always prided themselves on being Counter Culture and Radical and Liberal - and yet, first thing they did was race to live in a place where EVERYONE thought exactly like they did, and they would NEVER dream of contradicting anything any of their neighbors said or wished. They are, in fact, the most rigidly "conservative" people I know, if you take that word in its original meaning.
People like me, and the rest of us who post here - we are the true Radicals of this society.
Posted by: Tom Servo at May 17, 2020 11:18 AM (q3gwH)
342
The latter part of that accounts for their non-stop, enabling hypocrisy.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at May 17, 2020 11:16 AM (X22L5)
---
Also their crippling social anxiety, which they try to mask by viciously going after their officially declared enemies.
It's an alternate reality and it makes them miserable. They then share this misery with the rest of us.
Sad.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at May 17, 2020 11:16 AM (X22L5)
---
Also their crippling social anxiety, which they try to mask by viciously going after their officially declared enemies.
It's an alternate reality and it makes them miserable. They then share this misery with the rest of us.
Sad.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 11:19 AM (cfSRQ)
343
Even among Catholic schools of thought, there is a wide diversity of opinion. Dominican Thomists disagree among themselves.
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 11:18 AM (ZbwAu)
Haitian Thomists are poor thinkers.
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 11:18 AM (ZbwAu)
Haitian Thomists are poor thinkers.
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at May 17, 2020 11:19 AM (NWiLs)
344
Fred Willard est mort.
Posted by: Bob the Bilderberg at May 17, 2020 11:19 AM (qc+VF)
345
281 I do my best work high
Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 17, 2020 10:49 AM (85Gof)
In the 70's, I would get completely juiced at dawn and go to the Paris Iron Market.
when you're 25. you're gold
Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 17, 2020 10:49 AM (85Gof)
In the 70's, I would get completely juiced at dawn and go to the Paris Iron Market.
when you're 25. you're gold
Posted by: REDACTED at May 17, 2020 11:19 AM (UUUON)
346
Still bookin? It's nasty outside. I think I'll turn on the fireplace and read something.
Posted by: grammie winger at May 17, 2020 11:20 AM (lwiT4)
347
Good or mediocre opening?
The conference room is dark except for two screens mounted to the walls. On those screens is nothing but what looks like electronic snow.
"The facility is gone!"
The voice coming from the speaker is distorted enough to make identification impossible. The answer from the other screen is equally disguised.
"Find out what happened!"
"Yes!"
Then both screens go black.
The conference room is dark except for two screens mounted to the walls. On those screens is nothing but what looks like electronic snow.
"The facility is gone!"
The voice coming from the speaker is distorted enough to make identification impossible. The answer from the other screen is equally disguised.
"Find out what happened!"
"Yes!"
Then both screens go black.
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 17, 2020 11:22 AM (9kruo)
348
We started "Yellowstone" last night. the first episode was great. Can anyone advise if it holds up?
Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at May 17, 2020 11:22 AM (7Fj9P)
349
One problem with that is that it is very questionable whether anyone can
ever make a "completely personal choice". No one exists who is not to
some degree a product of his upbringing.
Well, since we've solved all the other problems, free will should be a breeze.
ever make a "completely personal choice". No one exists who is not to
some degree a product of his upbringing.
Well, since we've solved all the other problems, free will should be a breeze.
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 11:22 AM (T6t7i)
350
You're about half right concerning Presbyterians. We left the PC-USA because of idiotic SJ crap. (We had a woman-o-color seminary student refer to the Trinity as Father Sky, Mother Earth and Son Water or equivalent B.S) We joined a PCA church, and I find them biblicaly solid. There is also the EPC (Evangelical Presbyterian Church) and they are hard-core.
Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at May 17, 2020 11:18 AM (7Fj9P)
You make a good point - PC-USA earns my wrath because I used to be a member of one, and then they started to systematically drive out all of the more conservative members because the liberal Pastor preferred a smaller church where he didn't have to deal with disagreement.
There are a lot of those mainline churches which now have small congregations (less than 100 members) which are mostly over the age of 70. I strongly suspect that a lot that fall into that category won't survive this coronavirus scare. It's going to be a hard fight to get services going again (as Grammie here is struggling with) and those without the fire in them to do it will just fade away.
Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at May 17, 2020 11:18 AM (7Fj9P)
You make a good point - PC-USA earns my wrath because I used to be a member of one, and then they started to systematically drive out all of the more conservative members because the liberal Pastor preferred a smaller church where he didn't have to deal with disagreement.
There are a lot of those mainline churches which now have small congregations (less than 100 members) which are mostly over the age of 70. I strongly suspect that a lot that fall into that category won't survive this coronavirus scare. It's going to be a hard fight to get services going again (as Grammie here is struggling with) and those without the fire in them to do it will just fade away.
Posted by: Tom Servo at May 17, 2020 11:23 AM (q3gwH)
351
324 They're making "The Boys in the Boat" into a movie. I hope they can do it justice; the book was fantastic.
Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at May 17, 2020 11:10 AM (7Fj9P)
I'll wait for the Vivid Video version, "The Little Man in the Boat".
Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at May 17, 2020 11:10 AM (7Fj9P)
I'll wait for the Vivid Video version, "The Little Man in the Boat".
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 11:23 AM (sH2Lb)
352
I don't remember who recommended "The Professor's Daughter" last book thread but I got it and was highly amused. I do enjoy some well-drawn absurdist graphic novels, I do. Also enjoyed the Amazon review that was shocked, SHOCKED at the logical inconsistency rampant in a story of ... a revived Egyptian mummy. Yes really.
Also reading The Sword and Shield by Emma Khoury. It's clearly an early work and I suspect English may *not* be the first language, but the sentend-level writing is quite good. Features an assassin with a cat habit. (he collects strays and they have this killing machine firmly under their paws.) Funny bits between the characters but the plot needs a bit of tightening up to play in the big leagues. Still, a very good first effort!
Also reading The Sword and Shield by Emma Khoury. It's clearly an early work and I suspect English may *not* be the first language, but the sentend-level writing is quite good. Features an assassin with a cat habit. (he collects strays and they have this killing machine firmly under their paws.) Funny bits between the characters but the plot needs a bit of tightening up to play in the big leagues. Still, a very good first effort!
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at May 17, 2020 11:24 AM (exg7Q)
353
349 One problem with that is that it is very questionable whether anyone can
ever make a "completely personal choice". No one exists who is not to
some degree a product of his upbringing.
Well, since we've solved all the other problems, free will should be a breeze.
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 11:22 AM (T6t7i)
The Menendez Brothers swear it was all their parent's fault.
ever make a "completely personal choice". No one exists who is not to
some degree a product of his upbringing.
Well, since we've solved all the other problems, free will should be a breeze.
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 11:22 AM (T6t7i)
The Menendez Brothers swear it was all their parent's fault.
Posted by: Tom Servo at May 17, 2020 11:24 AM (q3gwH)
354
Hi OM .. I think that video has been made but I can't find it...
Posted by: Catman at May 17, 2020 11:25 AM (4HMlb)
355
Holdin Caufield we were just into the Rye together,so maybe there was a lil snoggin' and a cumin..............not telling.
Posted by: saf at May 17, 2020 11:25 AM (5IHGB)
356
To tie two topics together, there's a bright side to the mobile-phone age. If the boys on the island had cell service they'd be (1) rescued in short order and (2) able to play that "civilization" game while waiting
Posted by: artemis at May 17, 2020 11:25 AM (AwPyG)
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at May 17, 2020 11:26 AM (+y/Ru)
358
357
Free will!*
*With purchase of will of greater or equal value.
Which reminds me of one of the all-time great porn titles: Free My Willie!
Free will!*
*With purchase of will of greater or equal value.
Which reminds me of one of the all-time great porn titles: Free My Willie!
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 11:27 AM (T6t7i)
359
We're living in the world of They Live.
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at May 17, 2020 11:11 AM (NWiLs)
With a dash of Invasion of the Body Snatchers. The Karens being the Pod People
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at May 17, 2020 11:11 AM (NWiLs)
With a dash of Invasion of the Body Snatchers. The Karens being the Pod People
Posted by: TheQuietMan at May 17, 2020 11:27 AM (r3zIl)
360
"Find out what happened!"
"Yes!"
Then both screens go black.
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 17, 2020 11:22 AM (9kruo)
"Somebody set us up the bomb."
"We get signal."
"What?"
"Main screen turn on!"
"What you say?"
"All your base are belong to us."
"Yes!"
Then both screens go black.
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 17, 2020 11:22 AM (9kruo)
"Somebody set us up the bomb."
"We get signal."
"What?"
"Main screen turn on!"
"What you say?"
"All your base are belong to us."
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 11:28 AM (sH2Lb)
361
347 Good or mediocre opening?
The conference room is dark except for two screens mounted to the walls. On those screens is nothing but what looks like electronic snow.
"The facility is gone!"
The voice coming from the speaker is distorted enough to make identification impossible. The answer from the other screen is equally disguised.
"Find out what happened!"
"Yes!"
Then both screens go black.
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 17, 2020 11:22 AM (9kruo)
Two wall-mounted screens flicker and hiss with electronic snow in an otherwise dark conference room. An unrecognizably distorted voice exclaims from the speaker:
"The facility is gone!"
An equally unrecognizably voice crackles from the other screen in response.
"Find out what happened!"
"Yes, I'll..."
And suddenly the conference room was entirely dark and silent.
The conference room is dark except for two screens mounted to the walls. On those screens is nothing but what looks like electronic snow.
"The facility is gone!"
The voice coming from the speaker is distorted enough to make identification impossible. The answer from the other screen is equally disguised.
"Find out what happened!"
"Yes!"
Then both screens go black.
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 17, 2020 11:22 AM (9kruo)
Two wall-mounted screens flicker and hiss with electronic snow in an otherwise dark conference room. An unrecognizably distorted voice exclaims from the speaker:
"The facility is gone!"
An equally unrecognizably voice crackles from the other screen in response.
"Find out what happened!"
"Yes, I'll..."
And suddenly the conference room was entirely dark and silent.
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at May 17, 2020 11:28 AM (NWiLs)
362
about Lord of the Flies: I really would love to see the screenplay for the All Female version. I say they would all stay on the beach, arguing about who got to sit around the nicest campfire, until they all starved to death.
Posted by: Tom Servo at May 17, 2020 11:28 AM (q3gwH)
363
3Tucker has a priest on the other night who was suing the State of New York for shutting down Catholic services.
He explained that he was part of a missionary order, and that was why he stepped up to do it. The priests who answered to American bishops were not allowed to protest.
Posted by: artemis
----------
An Australian, I believe.
Which ties into this:
===================
You're about half right concerning Presbyterians. We left the PC-USA because of idiotic SJ crap. (We had a woman-o-color seminary student refer to the Trinity as Father Sky, Mother Earth and Son Water or equivalent B.S) We joined a PCA church, and I find them biblicaly solid. There is also the EPC (Evangelical Presbyterian Church) and they are hard-core.
Posted by: Brave Sir Robin
------
Because, the Methodist Church is teetering on the edge of schism. It's going to happen because dedicated Progressives are going to *make* it happen. You see, imagined LGBQTLSMFT 'wants' are more important than the well-being of the church.
To borrow from Breitbart, the church is now downstream of culture. A curious thing, because that's an inversion of all that the church has been for millennia.
At any rate, the thin threads holding the church together are the African Bishops.
He explained that he was part of a missionary order, and that was why he stepped up to do it. The priests who answered to American bishops were not allowed to protest.
Posted by: artemis
----------
An Australian, I believe.
Which ties into this:
===================
You're about half right concerning Presbyterians. We left the PC-USA because of idiotic SJ crap. (We had a woman-o-color seminary student refer to the Trinity as Father Sky, Mother Earth and Son Water or equivalent B.S) We joined a PCA church, and I find them biblicaly solid. There is also the EPC (Evangelical Presbyterian Church) and they are hard-core.
Posted by: Brave Sir Robin
------
Because, the Methodist Church is teetering on the edge of schism. It's going to happen because dedicated Progressives are going to *make* it happen. You see, imagined LGBQTLSMFT 'wants' are more important than the well-being of the church.
To borrow from Breitbart, the church is now downstream of culture. A curious thing, because that's an inversion of all that the church has been for millennia.
At any rate, the thin threads holding the church together are the African Bishops.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at May 17, 2020 11:28 AM (ysC0S)
364
When I was a deluded Dem and an issue surfaced my initial reaction would always be, "What do we think about this?"
When I finally woke up and jumped ship the question morphed into "What do *I* think about this.
And that right there is the difference between liberals and conservatives...the ability to think for yourself.
When I finally woke up and jumped ship the question morphed into "What do *I* think about this.
And that right there is the difference between liberals and conservatives...the ability to think for yourself.
Posted by: creeper at May 17, 2020 11:28 AM (XxJt1)
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at May 17, 2020 11:28 AM (N30JC)
366
Still bookin? It's nasty outside. I think I'll turn on the fireplace and read something.
Posted by: grammie winger at May 17, 2020 11:20 AM (lwiT4)
----------
"Nasty"? What part of the country gets "nasty" in the middle of May?
Posted by: grammie winger at May 17, 2020 11:20 AM (lwiT4)
----------
"Nasty"? What part of the country gets "nasty" in the middle of May?
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at May 17, 2020 11:29 AM (sbyCq)
367
Thanks OM!
Not sure if Zero Wing will get any play but then again talking about Nefarious Space Otters..
Not sure if Zero Wing will get any play but then again talking about Nefarious Space Otters..
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 17, 2020 11:29 AM (9kruo)
368
354 Hi OM .. I think that video has been made but I can't find it...
Posted by: Catman at May 17, 2020 11:25 AM (4HMlb)
Ha ha, yeah, I know, most men can't.
Posted by: Catman at May 17, 2020 11:25 AM (4HMlb)
Ha ha, yeah, I know, most men can't.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 11:29 AM (sH2Lb)
369
367 Thanks OM!
Not sure if Zero Wing will get any play but then again talking about Nefarious Space Otters..
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 17, 2020 11:29 AM (9kruo)
Surprise!
Not sure if Zero Wing will get any play but then again talking about Nefarious Space Otters..
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 17, 2020 11:29 AM (9kruo)
Surprise!
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at May 17, 2020 11:30 AM (NWiLs)
370
361 347 Good or mediocre opening?
The conference room is dark except for two screens mounted to the walls. On those screens is nothing but what looks like electronic snow.
"The facility is gone!"
The voice coming from the speaker is distorted enough to make identification impossible. The answer from the other screen is equally disguised.
"Find out what happened!"
"Yes!"
Then both screens go black.
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 17, 2020 11:22 AM (9kruo)
Two wall-mounted screens flicker and hiss with electronic snow in an otherwise dark conference room. An unrecognizably distorted voice exclaims from the speaker:
"The facility is gone!"
An equally unrecognizably voice crackles from the other screen in response.
"Find out what happened!"
"Yes, I'll..."
And suddenly the conference room was entirely dark and silent.
In the dark, a shout rings out: "Leeeeerrrroooyyyy Jenkins!!!!!"
The conference room is dark except for two screens mounted to the walls. On those screens is nothing but what looks like electronic snow.
"The facility is gone!"
The voice coming from the speaker is distorted enough to make identification impossible. The answer from the other screen is equally disguised.
"Find out what happened!"
"Yes!"
Then both screens go black.
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 17, 2020 11:22 AM (9kruo)
Two wall-mounted screens flicker and hiss with electronic snow in an otherwise dark conference room. An unrecognizably distorted voice exclaims from the speaker:
"The facility is gone!"
An equally unrecognizably voice crackles from the other screen in response.
"Find out what happened!"
"Yes, I'll..."
And suddenly the conference room was entirely dark and silent.
In the dark, a shout rings out: "Leeeeerrrroooyyyy Jenkins!!!!!"
Posted by: My Pimp Shot My Dealer at May 17, 2020 11:30 AM (d6DSt)
371
"Somebody set us up the bomb."
"We get signal."
"What?"
"Main screen turn on!"
"What you say?"
"All your base are belong to us."
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 11:28 AM (sH2Lb)
ROFL!!!
Obligatory:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQE66WA2s-A
"We get signal."
"What?"
"Main screen turn on!"
"What you say?"
"All your base are belong to us."
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 11:28 AM (sH2Lb)
ROFL!!!
Obligatory:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQE66WA2s-A
Posted by: Tom Servo at May 17, 2020 11:30 AM (q3gwH)
372
You have no chance to survive make your time.
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at May 17, 2020 11:31 AM (NWiLs)
373
362
about Lord of the Flies: I really would love to see the screenplay for
the All Female version. I say they would all stay on the beach,
arguing about who got to sit around the nicest campfire, until they all
starved to death.
Snark aside, if it were realistic, I'd watch it. Men and women often solve problems very differently, and I'd like to see the contrast. In the broadest strokes, men focus on things, while women emphasize interpersonal relationships. Both are critical in a functioning society not built around coercion.
Plus, women are better to look at.
about Lord of the Flies: I really would love to see the screenplay for
the All Female version. I say they would all stay on the beach,
arguing about who got to sit around the nicest campfire, until they all
starved to death.
Snark aside, if it were realistic, I'd watch it. Men and women often solve problems very differently, and I'd like to see the contrast. In the broadest strokes, men focus on things, while women emphasize interpersonal relationships. Both are critical in a functioning society not built around coercion.
Plus, women are better to look at.
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 11:32 AM (T6t7i)
374
Be more specific on "facility" and "gone". #hot take
Posted by: BourbonChicken at May 17, 2020 11:32 AM (LxTcq)
375
Jake Tapper@jaketapper
President Trump and his team are launching an unprecedented smear campaign against rivals, leveling wild and false allegations against critics in the media and politics, ranging from bizarre conspiracy theories to spreading lies about pedophilia and even murder. 1/
2/ These smear campaigns are unmoored from reality. They're deranged and indecent and seem designed at least in part to distract us from the horrific death, health, and economic crisis caused by the pandemic. The pandemic, which impacts you, is what we will continue to focus on.
-
If only everyone were as concerned about the unvarnished truth as Fake Jake and CNN.
President Trump and his team are launching an unprecedented smear campaign against rivals, leveling wild and false allegations against critics in the media and politics, ranging from bizarre conspiracy theories to spreading lies about pedophilia and even murder. 1/
2/ These smear campaigns are unmoored from reality. They're deranged and indecent and seem designed at least in part to distract us from the horrific death, health, and economic crisis caused by the pandemic. The pandemic, which impacts you, is what we will continue to focus on.
-
If only everyone were as concerned about the unvarnished truth as Fake Jake and CNN.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at May 17, 2020 11:32 AM (+y/Ru)
376
374 Be more specific on "facility" and "gone". #hot take
Posted by: BourbonChicken at May 17, 2020 11:32 AM (LxTcq)
You don't give full exposition as part of the hook.
Posted by: BourbonChicken at May 17, 2020 11:32 AM (LxTcq)
You don't give full exposition as part of the hook.
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at May 17, 2020 11:32 AM (NWiLs)
377
With a dash of Invasion of the Body Snatchers. The Karens being the Pod People
Posted by: TheQuietMan at May 17, 2020 11:27 AM (r3zIl)
Yes, and more than a dash.
Posted by: TheQuietMan at May 17, 2020 11:27 AM (r3zIl)
Yes, and more than a dash.
Posted by: Dan Smoot's Apprentice at May 17, 2020 11:32 AM (H8QX8)
378
You're about half right concerning Presbyterians. We left the PC-USA because of idiotic SJ crap. (We had a woman-o-color seminary student refer to the Trinity as Father Sky, Mother Earth and Son Water or equivalent B.S) We joined a PCA church, and I find them biblicaly solid. There is also the EPC (Evangelical Presbyterian Church) and they are hard-core.
Posted by: Brave Sir Robin
The EPC is semi-hard core (they allow women elders, I believe).
The PCA is being infected with creeping SJWism. I think they'll eventually go the way of rhe PCUSA, unfortunately.
Posted by: Brave Sir Robin
The EPC is semi-hard core (they allow women elders, I believe).
The PCA is being infected with creeping SJWism. I think they'll eventually go the way of rhe PCUSA, unfortunately.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 11:33 AM (sH2Lb)
379
242 Moron author and occasional commenter Secret Squirrell has a just released a Shakespeare parody...
I will check this out as I also did a Shakespeare parody once..
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at May 17, 2020 10:37 AM (N30JC)
VTK: I appreciate it! Hope you enjoy the book.
I will check this out as I also did a Shakespeare parody once..
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at May 17, 2020 10:37 AM (N30JC)
VTK: I appreciate it! Hope you enjoy the book.
Posted by: secret squirrel at May 17, 2020 11:33 AM (xyImL)
380
Without clicking the link, willing to bet that one or more of the kids were natural leaders
Posted by: vmom 2020 at May 17, 2020 09:05 AM (G546f)`
My experience with random groups of kids in a volunteer situation is that there will usually be one Leader, who makes himself your sergeant, one Troublemaker/Klass Klown/ Odd Kid and a bunch of
Ordinary Citizens.
Posted by: vmom 2020 at May 17, 2020 09:05 AM (G546f)`
My experience with random groups of kids in a volunteer situation is that there will usually be one Leader, who makes himself your sergeant, one Troublemaker/Klass Klown/ Odd Kid and a bunch of
Ordinary Citizens.
Posted by: Sal at May 17, 2020 11:33 AM (bo8pf)
381
"Nasty"? What part of the country gets "nasty" in the middle of May?
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at May 17, 2020 11:29 AM (sbyCq)
Parts of the mid-west are getting rain. Lots of rain
"Nasty"? What part of the country gets "nasty" in the middle of May?
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at May 17, 2020 11:29 AM (sbyCq)
Parts of the mid-west are getting rain. Lots of rain
Posted by: TheQuietMan at May 17, 2020 11:34 AM (r3zIl)
382
The conference room is dark except for two screens mounted to the walls. On those screens is nothing but what looks like electronic snow.
"The facility is gone!"
The voice coming from the speaker is distorted enough to make identification impossible. The answer from the other screen is equally disguised.
"Find out what happened!"
"Yes!"
Then both screens go black.
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 17, 2020 11:22 AM (9kruo)
Electronic snow flickers in otherwise pitch black conference room.
"The facility is gone!"
The voice coming from the speaker is distorted, making identification impossible.
"Find out what happened!"
"Yes!"
And as if on cue, both screens go black.
"The facility is gone!"
The voice coming from the speaker is distorted enough to make identification impossible. The answer from the other screen is equally disguised.
"Find out what happened!"
"Yes!"
Then both screens go black.
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 17, 2020 11:22 AM (9kruo)
Electronic snow flickers in otherwise pitch black conference room.
"The facility is gone!"
The voice coming from the speaker is distorted, making identification impossible.
"Find out what happened!"
"Yes!"
And as if on cue, both screens go black.
Posted by: runner at May 17, 2020 11:34 AM (zr5Kq)
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at May 17, 2020 11:34 AM (NWiLs)
384
Deranged, indecent smear campaigns? Did you see the absolute manic hit piece on Tamara Reid at Politico? They're circling the wagons around Sloe-Joe, fo' sho'!
Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at May 17, 2020 11:34 AM (7Fj9P)
385
Stay home. Stay safe. Stay home. Stay safe. Stay home. Stay safe.
Posted by: TheQuietMan at May 17, 2020 11:09 AM (r3zIl)
You left out "Be silent."
Posted by: TheQuietMan at May 17, 2020 11:09 AM (r3zIl)
You left out "Be silent."
Posted by: Dan Smoot's Apprentice at May 17, 2020 11:35 AM (H8QX8)
386
288 It doesn't technically involve books (that I know of), but for those of you who despair that young people seem to love communism:
I play Guild Wars 2, and one of the developers must have grown up in a communist country, because the lampooning of communism is spot-on. The Dredge are essentially mole Soviets ("For the Moletariat!") and have thrown off the yoke of the intelligence-worshipping Asura only to become slaves to the never-ending revolution.
Rox (hero NPC): Will your people have enough oil to keep warm?
Mikhail (NPC who you just helped save his people): The heat of revolution burns with a ceaseless flame.
Rox: I'm thinking that means "yeah."
Pookette thinks "Comrade, when they handed out brains, you did not get your equitable share" is hilarious.
Posted by: pookysgirl, real gamer girl at May 17, 2020 10:55 AM (XKZwp)
_______
A friend told me that when programmers originally made sims games, they used pinko economic ideas, but found that the games didn't work. So without ever admitting it, they adopted supply side ideas.
I play Guild Wars 2, and one of the developers must have grown up in a communist country, because the lampooning of communism is spot-on. The Dredge are essentially mole Soviets ("For the Moletariat!") and have thrown off the yoke of the intelligence-worshipping Asura only to become slaves to the never-ending revolution.
Rox (hero NPC): Will your people have enough oil to keep warm?
Mikhail (NPC who you just helped save his people): The heat of revolution burns with a ceaseless flame.
Rox: I'm thinking that means "yeah."
Pookette thinks "Comrade, when they handed out brains, you did not get your equitable share" is hilarious.
Posted by: pookysgirl, real gamer girl at May 17, 2020 10:55 AM (XKZwp)
_______
A friend told me that when programmers originally made sims games, they used pinko economic ideas, but found that the games didn't work. So without ever admitting it, they adopted supply side ideas.
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 11:35 AM (ZbwAu)
387
hey that is not what I typed !
Posted by: runner at May 17, 2020 11:35 AM (zr5Kq)
388
AnnaPuma, that opening doesn't grab me. It's very objective and seems dry, even with the evidence of a disaster in progress. But it might work for others.
Posted by: creeper at May 17, 2020 11:35 AM (XxJt1)
389
OM-
Thank you for the review of "Three Lieutenants of Joint Base Lear-MacBeth."
Hope some of the readers of this smart military blog have a chance to read it and enjoy.
Those of you who have served in the military will appreciate the famous scourge who not only makes a guest appearance, but graces the cover as well: JODY.
Thank you for the review of "Three Lieutenants of Joint Base Lear-MacBeth."
Hope some of the readers of this smart military blog have a chance to read it and enjoy.
Those of you who have served in the military will appreciate the famous scourge who not only makes a guest appearance, but graces the cover as well: JODY.
Posted by: secret squirrel at May 17, 2020 11:35 AM (xyImL)
390
270 That library looks like a cross between Noah's Ark and The Poseidon Adventure.
Posted by: Muldoon at May 17, 2020 10:48 AM (Fc5rx)
One of my twitter followers said it looked like a hoity-hoity Viking long hall.
Posted by: Muldoon at May 17, 2020 10:48 AM (Fc5rx)
One of my twitter followers said it looked like a hoity-hoity Viking long hall.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 11:35 AM (sH2Lb)
391
sorry Anna, never mind !
Posted by: runner at May 17, 2020 11:35 AM (zr5Kq)
392
385 Stay home. Stay safe. Stay home. Stay safe. Stay home. Stay safe.
Posted by: TheQuietMan at May 17, 2020 11:09 AM (r3zIl)
You left out "Be silent."
Posted by: Dan Smoot's Apprentice at May 17, 2020 11:35 AM (H8QX
Obey
Cower
Grovel
Trust authority
Posted by: TheQuietMan at May 17, 2020 11:09 AM (r3zIl)
You left out "Be silent."
Posted by: Dan Smoot's Apprentice at May 17, 2020 11:35 AM (H8QX
Obey
Cower
Grovel
Trust authority
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at May 17, 2020 11:35 AM (NWiLs)
393
The Yale library reading room looks like a ship.
Posted by: bour3 at May 17, 2020 11:36 AM (KXQr+)
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at May 17, 2020 11:36 AM (NWiLs)
395
*we are getting preview function soon, right ?
Posted by: runner at May 17, 2020 11:36 AM (zr5Kq)
396
It just occurred to me that Jake Tapper, in complaining about Trump, is saying exactly the kinds of things that Harvey Weinstein said about his accusers, before the dam broke.
Posted by: Tom Servo at May 17, 2020 11:37 AM (q3gwH)
397
Secret Squirrel, are you in the Dry Cities? I get through there maybe we can raise a beer sometime...
Secret Squirrel, are you in the Dry Cities? I get through there maybe we can raise a beer sometime...
Posted by: My Pimp Shot My Dealer at May 17, 2020 11:37 AM (d6DSt)
398
Deranged, indecent smear campaigns? Did you see the
absolute manic hit piece on Tamara Reid at Politico? They're circling
the wagons around Sloe-Joe, fo' sho'!
Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at May 17, 2020 11:34 AM (7Fj9P)
#BelieveAllWomen *
*Unless they accuse a Democrat
absolute manic hit piece on Tamara Reid at Politico? They're circling
the wagons around Sloe-Joe, fo' sho'!
Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at May 17, 2020 11:34 AM (7Fj9P)
#BelieveAllWomen *
*Unless they accuse a Democrat
Posted by: TheQuietMan at May 17, 2020 11:37 AM (r3zIl)
399
395 *we are getting preview function soon, right ?
Posted by: runner at May 17, 2020 11:36 AM (zr5Kq)
#twoweeks
Posted by: runner at May 17, 2020 11:36 AM (zr5Kq)
#twoweeks
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at May 17, 2020 11:37 AM (NWiLs)
400
@363 --
The only good thing about this shutdown is that General Conference, which would have tried again to bow to Big Sexually Confused (that needs work), is at the least postponed for a few months.
I really don't want to leave the church of which I've been a member for nearly 30 years, but I have to take a stand. Even if my family objects.
I've been quite adamant about using the proper name United Methodist Church, but I don't feel that it applies now.
The only good thing about this shutdown is that General Conference, which would have tried again to bow to Big Sexually Confused (that needs work), is at the least postponed for a few months.
I really don't want to leave the church of which I've been a member for nearly 30 years, but I have to take a stand. Even if my family objects.
I've been quite adamant about using the proper name United Methodist Church, but I don't feel that it applies now.
Posted by: Weak Geek at May 17, 2020 11:37 AM (u/nim)
401
There was a TV show where they put one male team on one island, and a female team on another island. I didn't see the whole thing, but I did catch some excerpts. The female team had a contingent get lost for two days on an island that you could walk across in about two hours. The male team killed a wild pig and generally had a good time of it, except for one whiny little beta male.
I don't doubt that the world is full of women who would do fine in such a scenario; the problem with many of the "strong empowered whamen" in the west is that they've based that self___ on nothing more than what they see in movies. When reality comes crashing in, that disappears pretty quickly.
I don't doubt that the world is full of women who would do fine in such a scenario; the problem with many of the "strong empowered whamen" in the west is that they've based that self___ on nothing more than what they see in movies. When reality comes crashing in, that disappears pretty quickly.
Posted by: PabloD at May 17, 2020 11:37 AM (tNnZY)
402
#twoweeks
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at May 17, 2020 11:37 AM (NWiLs)
#twoweeks from #twoyearsfromnow
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at May 17, 2020 11:37 AM (NWiLs)
#twoweeks from #twoyearsfromnow
Posted by: runner at May 17, 2020 11:38 AM (zr5Kq)
403
My experience with random groups of kids in a volunteer situation is that there will usually be one...one Troublemaker/Klass Klown/ Odd Kid
Posted by: Sal at May 17, 2020 11:33 AM (bo8pf)
( *sheepishly raises hand* )
Posted by: Sal at May 17, 2020 11:33 AM (bo8pf)
( *sheepishly raises hand* )
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 11:38 AM (sH2Lb)
404
Oops, should've been "self image", but I'm guessing you realized that.
Posted by: PabloD at May 17, 2020 11:39 AM (tNnZY)
405
I don't doubt that the world is full of women who would do fine in such a scenario; the problem with many of the "strong empowered whamen" in the west is that they've based that self___ on nothing more than what they see in movies. When reality comes crashing in, that disappears pretty quickly.
Posted by: PabloD at May 17, 2020 11:37 AM (tNnZY)
"Like, ohmigod, we can't make a lean-to with THOSE branches! They're so totes UGLY!"
Posted by: PabloD at May 17, 2020 11:37 AM (tNnZY)
"Like, ohmigod, we can't make a lean-to with THOSE branches! They're so totes UGLY!"
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at May 17, 2020 11:39 AM (NWiLs)
406
The EPC is semi-hard core (they allow women elders, I believe).
The PCA is being infected with creeping SJWism. I think they'll eventually go the way of rhe PCUSA, unfortunately.
=====================
Why do you have to harsh my buzz, man? Interesting note about the all male deaconate and elder class in PCA. if you go to other mainline churches, you know what you see 80% of in the pews? Women and children. By having all male officers, men *have* to come to church. Oh and, it pisses off the libtards.
The PCA is being infected with creeping SJWism. I think they'll eventually go the way of rhe PCUSA, unfortunately.
=====================
Why do you have to harsh my buzz, man? Interesting note about the all male deaconate and elder class in PCA. if you go to other mainline churches, you know what you see 80% of in the pews? Women and children. By having all male officers, men *have* to come to church. Oh and, it pisses off the libtards.
Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at May 17, 2020 11:39 AM (7Fj9P)
407
There are a lot of those mainline churches which now
have small congregations (less than 100 members) which are mostly over
the age of 70. I strongly suspect that a lot that fall into that
category won't survive this coronavirus scare. It's going to be a hard
fight to get services going again (as Grammie here is struggling with)
and those without the fire in them to do it will just fade away.
Posted by: Tom Servo at May 17, 2020 11:23 AM (q3gwH)
---
The Wuhan pandemic forced the closure of one of our parishes. It was already in decline and the decision was made not to reopen it (whenever that happens).
I know a number of liberals that are still very much in stay-home mode. I doubt they will return to church any time soon. I also doubt they are sending in contributions.
What has sustained the Mainline churches thus far is their accumulated wealth. They have trusts and valuable real estate.
Only when that runs out will they disappear.
have small congregations (less than 100 members) which are mostly over
the age of 70. I strongly suspect that a lot that fall into that
category won't survive this coronavirus scare. It's going to be a hard
fight to get services going again (as Grammie here is struggling with)
and those without the fire in them to do it will just fade away.
Posted by: Tom Servo at May 17, 2020 11:23 AM (q3gwH)
---
The Wuhan pandemic forced the closure of one of our parishes. It was already in decline and the decision was made not to reopen it (whenever that happens).
I know a number of liberals that are still very much in stay-home mode. I doubt they will return to church any time soon. I also doubt they are sending in contributions.
What has sustained the Mainline churches thus far is their accumulated wealth. They have trusts and valuable real estate.
Only when that runs out will they disappear.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 11:39 AM (cfSRQ)
408
Women: "Like, ohmigod, we can't make a lean-to with THOSE branches! They're so totes UGLY!"
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo
Men: My stick's bigger than yours.
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo
Men: My stick's bigger than yours.
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 11:40 AM (T6t7i)
409
Good or mediocre opening?
The conference room is dark except for two screens mounted to the walls. On those screens is nothing but what looks like electronic snow.
Unless the intention is to suggest some kind of electromagnetic interference, screens don't "snow" any more. Sadly, the best first line in SF (Neuromancer) is already anachronistic,
And it's just a style of thing but narration in the present tense always draws attention to itself in my head. It's probably why I've only finished one Neal Stephenson book start to finish, ever.
The conference room is dark except for two screens mounted to the walls. On those screens is nothing but what looks like electronic snow.
Unless the intention is to suggest some kind of electromagnetic interference, screens don't "snow" any more. Sadly, the best first line in SF (Neuromancer) is already anachronistic,
And it's just a style of thing but narration in the present tense always draws attention to itself in my head. It's probably why I've only finished one Neal Stephenson book start to finish, ever.
Posted by: Bob the Bilderberg at May 17, 2020 11:40 AM (qc+VF)
410
Women: How do we all Feel about being stranded on this island?
Men: Do we bang the pig before or after we roast it?
Women: How do we all Feel about being stranded on this island?
Men: Do we bang the pig before or after we roast it?
Posted by: My Pimp Shot My Dealer at May 17, 2020 11:41 AM (d6DSt)
411
As Insomniac says, this is all a hook to signal something is going on. Not going to reveal what is going on just yet. Then there would be no mystery as to why the Nefarious Space Otters are chasing the crew of a cargo ship across a planet that is patterned after Akihabara. Heck it will take a while for the crew to realize they are being chased in that kind of setting.
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 17, 2020 11:41 AM (9kruo)
412
397
Secret Squirrel, are you in the Dry Cities? I get through there maybe we can raise a beer sometime...
Posted by: My Pimp Shot My Dealer at May 17, 2020 11:37 AM (d6DSt)
That I am! Relo'd here about a year ago from the west side. Where you at?
Secret Squirrel, are you in the Dry Cities? I get through there maybe we can raise a beer sometime...
Posted by: My Pimp Shot My Dealer at May 17, 2020 11:37 AM (d6DSt)
That I am! Relo'd here about a year ago from the west side. Where you at?
Posted by: secret squirrel at May 17, 2020 11:41 AM (xyImL)
413
Obey
Cower
Grovel
Trust authority
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at May 17, 2020 11:35 AM (NWiLs)
Isn't it amazing how "Resist!" turned into this so quickly?
a nice note in Texas - it was made official yesterday, that in line with the Texas Supreme Court ruling for Ms. Luther, and Abbot's rescinding of the enforcement sections of his order, ALL legal enforcement of Texas COVID provisions are being dropped. They still exist in areas, but they are now voluntary, and no longer have the force of law. Anyone who was arrested or charged under them over the last 8 weeks (including a couple hundred hair stylists and manicurists) will see their cases dropped.
Cower
Grovel
Trust authority
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at May 17, 2020 11:35 AM (NWiLs)
Isn't it amazing how "Resist!" turned into this so quickly?
a nice note in Texas - it was made official yesterday, that in line with the Texas Supreme Court ruling for Ms. Luther, and Abbot's rescinding of the enforcement sections of his order, ALL legal enforcement of Texas COVID provisions are being dropped. They still exist in areas, but they are now voluntary, and no longer have the force of law. Anyone who was arrested or charged under them over the last 8 weeks (including a couple hundred hair stylists and manicurists) will see their cases dropped.
Posted by: Tom Servo at May 17, 2020 11:41 AM (q3gwH)
414
The church I went to as a kid had gone politically correct in the 90s. I thought it was strange but I didn't have the ability to describe it back then. My parents have changed churches, but there is a high chance that the one they are at now is also this way. They are both NPCs in thrall of the media.
At empty alters demons dwell.
At empty alters demons dwell.
Posted by: BourbonChicken at May 17, 2020 11:41 AM (LxTcq)
Posted by: My Pimp Shot My Dealer at May 17, 2020 11:42 AM (d6DSt)
416
395 *we are getting preview function soon, right ?
Posted by: runner at May 17, 2020 11:36 AM (zr5Kq)
Hahahahahahahahahahaha!
You should see preview functions the cobs get.
It looks nothing (and I mean *absolutely nothing*) like an AoSHQ blog post. Stuff shows up on the posted article (black diamonds) that you don't see in preview.
Posted by: runner at May 17, 2020 11:36 AM (zr5Kq)
Hahahahahahahahahahaha!
You should see preview functions the cobs get.
It looks nothing (and I mean *absolutely nothing*) like an AoSHQ blog post. Stuff shows up on the posted article (black diamonds) that you don't see in preview.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 11:42 AM (sH2Lb)
417
I can't remember the Arabic name for it, but IIRC what they do get around that is lease a piece of property to the borrower, who never actually uses it, and pays a rental fee that just so happens to equate to interest on the loan.
So not unlike that wire some rabbis strung around Manhattan to invalidate the ban on leaving your house on the Sabbath.
So not unlike that wire some rabbis strung around Manhattan to invalidate the ban on leaving your house on the Sabbath.
Posted by: Ian S. at May 17, 2020 11:43 AM (6XLoz)
418
ALL legal enforcement of Texas COVID provisions are being dropped. They still exist in areas, but they are now voluntary, and no longer have the force of law.
This is so sane, so normal....I want to cry...
This is so sane, so normal....I want to cry...
Posted by: runner at May 17, 2020 11:44 AM (zr5Kq)
419
Anyone have the guts to watch any of the left wing talk shows this AM...and that includes that dick wallace
Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 17, 2020 11:44 AM (85Gof)
420
Hahahahahahahahahahaha!
You should see preview functions the cobs get.
It looks nothing (and I mean *absolutely nothing*) like an AoSHQ blog post. Stuff shows up on the posted article (black diamonds) that you don't see in preview.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 11:42 AM (sH2Lb)
Yes, but you get perks, dental plan and such...
You should see preview functions the cobs get.
It looks nothing (and I mean *absolutely nothing*) like an AoSHQ blog post. Stuff shows up on the posted article (black diamonds) that you don't see in preview.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 11:42 AM (sH2Lb)
Yes, but you get perks, dental plan and such...
Posted by: runner at May 17, 2020 11:45 AM (zr5Kq)
421
Pimp Shot- looks like it went through. Happy to drop you a line.
Posted by: secret squirrel at May 17, 2020 11:45 AM (xyImL)
422
403 My experience with random groups of kids in a volunteer situation is that there will usually be one...one Troublemaker/Klass Klown/ Odd Kid
Posted by: Sal at May 17, 2020 11:33 AM (bo8pf)
( *sheepishly raises hand* )
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 11:38 AM (sH2Lb)
Yeah, how about you carry these boxes of canned goods into the back and stack them against the wall?
Pace yourself- there's a lot of them...
Posted by: Sal at May 17, 2020 11:33 AM (bo8pf)
( *sheepishly raises hand* )
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 11:38 AM (sH2Lb)
Yeah, how about you carry these boxes of canned goods into the back and stack them against the wall?
Pace yourself- there's a lot of them...
Posted by: Sal at May 17, 2020 11:45 AM (bo8pf)
423
What has sustained the Mainline churches thus far is their accumulated wealth. They have trusts and valuable real estate.
Only when that runs out will they disappear.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 11:39 AM (cfSRQ)
I have witnessed a very curious thing, one that I didn't think was possible - a number of these churches are running out of people before they run out of money. It's like looking at a beautiful, finely manicured estate sitting up on a hilltop, but no one ever goes there except the maintenance staff.
I recall something someone said once about whited sepulchers full of dead men's bones.
Only when that runs out will they disappear.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 11:39 AM (cfSRQ)
I have witnessed a very curious thing, one that I didn't think was possible - a number of these churches are running out of people before they run out of money. It's like looking at a beautiful, finely manicured estate sitting up on a hilltop, but no one ever goes there except the maintenance staff.
I recall something someone said once about whited sepulchers full of dead men's bones.
Posted by: Tom Servo at May 17, 2020 11:45 AM (q3gwH)
424
I've been quite adamant about using the proper name United Methodist Church, but I don't feel that it applies now.
Posted by: Weak Geek at May 17, 2020 11:37 AM (u/nim)
---
The May issue of First Things has a very detailed piece on the UMC and argues that the enterprise was doomed from the start due to the way it was constituted.
Worth a read if you haven't seen it. My grandparents were United Methodists and basically forced out in the late 1990s when the congregation got super-progressive.
Posted by: Weak Geek at May 17, 2020 11:37 AM (u/nim)
---
The May issue of First Things has a very detailed piece on the UMC and argues that the enterprise was doomed from the start due to the way it was constituted.
Worth a read if you haven't seen it. My grandparents were United Methodists and basically forced out in the late 1990s when the congregation got super-progressive.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 11:45 AM (cfSRQ)
425
I was once being so crushed by the AI I had almost no chance at all, they had already sent off their space ship and controlled most of the planet. I sent about 20 spies to their capital to plant a nuclear device. After the 14th spy in a row got caught, the 15th made a success of it. The impact caused a civil war in the opponent's nation and gave me the chance to win. It shows there is always a chance if you keep trying.
Posted by: Quint at May 17, 2020 11:07 AM (hHxp2)
This also works with unleashing a bio-engineered pandemic on the world when you are losing a trade war and facing economic collapse.
Posted by: Quint at May 17, 2020 11:07 AM (hHxp2)
This also works with unleashing a bio-engineered pandemic on the world when you are losing a trade war and facing economic collapse.
Posted by: President Xi and the CCP at May 17, 2020 11:46 AM (UGKMd)
426
Concentration cam existence is just not for me , man...
Posted by: runner at May 17, 2020 11:46 AM (zr5Kq)
427
*camp
Posted by: runner at May 17, 2020 11:46 AM (zr5Kq)
428
The conference room is dark except for two screens mounted to the walls. On those screens is nothing but what looks like electronic snow.
"The facility is gone!"
The voice coming from the speaker is distorted enough to make identification impossible. The answer from the other screen is equally disguised.
"Find out what happened!"
"Yes!"
Then both screens go black.
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 17, 2020 11:22 AM
A voice comes over the speakers, barely audible
"Hello? I am sharing, let me know when you can see my screen...."
The conference room is dark except for two screens mounted to the walls. On those screens is nothing but what looks like electronic snow.
"The facility is gone!"
The voice coming from the speaker is distorted enough to make identification impossible. The answer from the other screen is equally disguised.
"Find out what happened!"
"Yes!"
Then both screens go black.
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 17, 2020 11:22 AM
A voice comes over the speakers, barely audible
"Hello? I am sharing, let me know when you can see my screen...."
Posted by: AltonJackson at May 17, 2020 11:46 AM (DUIap)
429
I am going to shoot down to the Dallas Book repository and see if it open..............................
Posted by: saf at May 17, 2020 11:47 AM (5IHGB)
430
So not unlike that wire some rabbis strung around Manhattan to invalidate the ban on leaving your house on the Sabbath.
Posted by: Ian S. at May 17, 2020 11:43 AM (6XLoz)
It's called an "eruv," and there is no ban on leaving one's house on Shabbat. And...orthodox Jews all over the world use eruvs.
Posted by: Ian S. at May 17, 2020 11:43 AM (6XLoz)
It's called an "eruv," and there is no ban on leaving one's house on Shabbat. And...orthodox Jews all over the world use eruvs.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at May 17, 2020 11:48 AM (dLLD6)
431
As Insomniac says, this is all a hook to signal
something is going on. Not going to reveal what is going on just yet.
Then there would be no mystery as to why the Nefarious Space Otters are
chasing the crew of a cargo ship across a planet that is patterned after
Akihabara. Heck it will take a while for the crew to realize they are
being chased in that kind of setting.
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 17, 2020 11:41 AM (9kruo)
---
So you're going with surprise anal?
Bold choice. I'd put that in the opening scene.
something is going on. Not going to reveal what is going on just yet.
Then there would be no mystery as to why the Nefarious Space Otters are
chasing the crew of a cargo ship across a planet that is patterned after
Akihabara. Heck it will take a while for the crew to realize they are
being chased in that kind of setting.
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 17, 2020 11:41 AM (9kruo)
---
So you're going with surprise anal?
Bold choice. I'd put that in the opening scene.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 11:48 AM (cfSRQ)
432
Yes, but you get perks, dental plan and such...
Posted by: runner at May 17, 2020 11:45 AM (zr5Kq)
And pallet-loads of sweet, sweet blog cash.
Posted by: runner at May 17, 2020 11:45 AM (zr5Kq)
And pallet-loads of sweet, sweet blog cash.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 11:48 AM (sH2Lb)
433
417 I can't remember the Arabic name for it, but IIRC what they do get around that is lease a piece of property to the borrower, who never actually uses it, and pays a rental fee that just so happens to equate to interest on the loan."
If it isn't called jizz-rah, it should be.
If it isn't called jizz-rah, it should be.
Posted by: Tom Servo at May 17, 2020 11:48 AM (q3gwH)
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 17, 2020 11:48 AM (9kruo)
435
Anyone have the guts to watch any of the left wing talk shows this AM...and that includes that dick wallace
====================
Piss Wallace is getting aggressively deep-state protective now, too. He tried to hide his nevertrumpism early on; he's full tilt DNC/CCP/UN butt-plug now. I hate that whiny little c*^ksucker.
Happy Sunday, all!
====================
Piss Wallace is getting aggressively deep-state protective now, too. He tried to hide his nevertrumpism early on; he's full tilt DNC/CCP/UN butt-plug now. I hate that whiny little c*^ksucker.
Happy Sunday, all!
Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at May 17, 2020 11:48 AM (7Fj9P)
436
419
Anyone have the guts to watch any of the left wing talk shows this AM...and that includes that dick wallace
Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 17, 2020 11:44 AM (85Gof)
---
Will you be providing laughing gas?
Anyone have the guts to watch any of the left wing talk shows this AM...and that includes that dick wallace
Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 17, 2020 11:44 AM (85Gof)
---
Will you be providing laughing gas?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 11:49 AM (cfSRQ)
437
Currently reading "Breakout at Stalingrad" based on somebody reference her. Great story, well written that gets you interested right away. Lots of detail that really shows what the lives of soldiers were like and thinking at the time. Very interesting to get a perspective from somebody was there and fought on the other side, which is far different from ours. Obviously, they didn't view themselves as the bad guys nor were many of the soldiers fanatical Nazis. Most, by the time of Stalingrad, just wanted the damned war over even without 'victory' and to go home.
Posted by: Ripley at May 17, 2020 11:50 AM (MxEKc)
438
Ijara wa Iqtina - rent to own. There are banks that offer this product in the US.
Posted by: runner at May 17, 2020 11:50 AM (zr5Kq)
439
362
about Lord of the Flies: I really would love to see the screenplay for the All Female version. I say they would all stay on the beach, arguing about who got to sit around the nicest campfire, until they all starved to death.
______
It wouldn't last that long. As soon as their periods come in synch, they'll all kill one another.
about Lord of the Flies: I really would love to see the screenplay for the All Female version. I say they would all stay on the beach, arguing about who got to sit around the nicest campfire, until they all starved to death.
______
It wouldn't last that long. As soon as their periods come in synch, they'll all kill one another.
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 11:50 AM (ZbwAu)
440
Yeah, how about you carry these boxes of canned goods into the back and stack them against the wall?
Pace yourself- there's a lot of them...
Posted by: Sal at May 17, 2020 11:45 AM (bo8pf)
When I was in grade school, I learned the truth of the old adage, "laugh and the whole class laughs with you, but you stay after school alone."
Pace yourself- there's a lot of them...
Posted by: Sal at May 17, 2020 11:45 AM (bo8pf)
When I was in grade school, I learned the truth of the old adage, "laugh and the whole class laughs with you, but you stay after school alone."
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 11:50 AM (sH2Lb)
441
Will you be providing laughing gas?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 11:49 AM (cfSRQ)
Actually I do not use it in my Office. No need for it. I'd rather give them a shot of bourbon
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 11:49 AM (cfSRQ)
Actually I do not use it in my Office. No need for it. I'd rather give them a shot of bourbon
Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 17, 2020 11:50 AM (85Gof)
442
The conference room is dark except for two
screens mounted to the walls. On those screens is nothing but what looks
like electronic snow.
"The facility is gone!"
The voice coming from the speaker is distorted enough to make
identification impossible. The answer from the other screen is equally
disguised.
"Find out what happened!"
"Yes!"
Then both screens go black.
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 17, 2020 11:22 AM
A voice comes over the speakers, barely audible
"Hello? I am sharing, let me know when you can see my screen...."
Posted by: AltonJackson at May 17, 2020 11:46 AM (DUIap)
---
The screens flicker back to live, but are now solid blue. Words slowly appear.
"Updating, please do not unplug your computer."
A circle of imperfect dots begins to cycle ominously...
screens mounted to the walls. On those screens is nothing but what looks
like electronic snow.
"The facility is gone!"
The voice coming from the speaker is distorted enough to make
identification impossible. The answer from the other screen is equally
disguised.
"Find out what happened!"
"Yes!"
Then both screens go black.
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 17, 2020 11:22 AM
A voice comes over the speakers, barely audible
"Hello? I am sharing, let me know when you can see my screen...."
Posted by: AltonJackson at May 17, 2020 11:46 AM (DUIap)
---
The screens flicker back to live, but are now solid blue. Words slowly appear.
"Updating, please do not unplug your computer."
A circle of imperfect dots begins to cycle ominously...
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 11:51 AM (cfSRQ)
443
Okay, what i am reading right now is Graham Hancock's "America Before." If you haven't read any of his stuff, he writes about lost civilizations. This one has been a little dry.
The first book that really got him a fanbase was "The Sign and the Seal" about his investigation into the Ark of the Covenant.
I've read several of his books; probably the most interesting to date was "Magicians of the Gods" and postulates that some unknown but advanced civilization lived before the last Ice Age and was wiped out when the glaciers melted. What is kind of cool is that some evidence for the great flood(s) are in WA State where i live- the Channeled Scablands show the remnants of a massive flood (commonly referred to the Lake Missoula flood some 14K years ago) and Dry Falls is the largest remnants of a waterfall on Earth. His theory is that a comet broke up and impacted the Earth, causing the climate change and destruction that melted the glaciers. Good read- check it out.
The first book that really got him a fanbase was "The Sign and the Seal" about his investigation into the Ark of the Covenant.
I've read several of his books; probably the most interesting to date was "Magicians of the Gods" and postulates that some unknown but advanced civilization lived before the last Ice Age and was wiped out when the glaciers melted. What is kind of cool is that some evidence for the great flood(s) are in WA State where i live- the Channeled Scablands show the remnants of a massive flood (commonly referred to the Lake Missoula flood some 14K years ago) and Dry Falls is the largest remnants of a waterfall on Earth. His theory is that a comet broke up and impacted the Earth, causing the climate change and destruction that melted the glaciers. Good read- check it out.
Posted by: secret squirrel at May 17, 2020 11:52 AM (xyImL)
444
Liven things up, provide Joker gas to the CNN newsrooms.
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 17, 2020 11:52 AM (9kruo)
445
431 As Insomniac says, this is all a hook to signal
something is going on. Not going to reveal what is going on just yet.
Then there would be no mystery as to why the Nefarious Space Otters are
chasing the crew of a cargo ship across a planet that is patterned after
Akihabara. Heck it will take a while for the crew to realize they are
being chased in that kind of setting.
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 17, 2020 11:41 AM (9kruo)
---
So you're going with surprise anal?
Bold choice. I'd put that in the opening scene.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 11:48 AM (cfSRQ)
I'd buy THAT for a dollar!
something is going on. Not going to reveal what is going on just yet.
Then there would be no mystery as to why the Nefarious Space Otters are
chasing the crew of a cargo ship across a planet that is patterned after
Akihabara. Heck it will take a while for the crew to realize they are
being chased in that kind of setting.
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 17, 2020 11:41 AM (9kruo)
---
So you're going with surprise anal?
Bold choice. I'd put that in the opening scene.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 11:48 AM (cfSRQ)
I'd buy THAT for a dollar!
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 11:52 AM (sH2Lb)
446
I have witnessed a very curious thing, one that I didn't think was
possible - a number of these churches are running out of people before
they run out of money. It's like looking at a beautiful, finely
manicured estate sitting up on a hilltop, but no one ever goes there
except the maintenance staff.
This describes most of the magnificent cathedrals of Europe. I suppose they get a hefty subsidy from the state because the cathedrals bring in lots of tourists.
possible - a number of these churches are running out of people before
they run out of money. It's like looking at a beautiful, finely
manicured estate sitting up on a hilltop, but no one ever goes there
except the maintenance staff.
This describes most of the magnificent cathedrals of Europe. I suppose they get a hefty subsidy from the state because the cathedrals bring in lots of tourists.
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 11:52 AM (T6t7i)
447
I'm re-reading "The Metamorphoses".
Really like the translation by A.D. Melville (1986) which uses black verse, so he is not torturing the text to get a rhyme.
Especially enjoying the selections we had to do in Latin IV: Pyramus and Thisbe, Arachne, Niobe, and Phaeton. A remembrance of a happy time.
Really like the translation by A.D. Melville (1986) which uses black verse, so he is not torturing the text to get a rhyme.
Especially enjoying the selections we had to do in Latin IV: Pyramus and Thisbe, Arachne, Niobe, and Phaeton. A remembrance of a happy time.
Posted by: Sal at May 17, 2020 11:52 AM (bo8pf)
448
We started "Yellowstone" last night. the first episode was great. Can anyone advise if it holds up?
The number of shows that keep consistent quality or do not slouch into wokester crap season after season you can count on one hand. Most of them are documentary or reality show type.
The number of shows that keep consistent quality or do not slouch into wokester crap season after season you can count on one hand. Most of them are documentary or reality show type.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 17, 2020 11:53 AM (KZzsI)
449
Good morning Hordemates.
I'm thinking them pants would go nicely with the tie Bob Hope is wearing.
Am rereading WEB Griffin this week. Always a good read.
I'm thinking them pants would go nicely with the tie Bob Hope is wearing.
Am rereading WEB Griffin this week. Always a good read.
Posted by: Diogenes at May 17, 2020 11:53 AM (axyOa)
450
Posted by: Nevergiveup at May 17, 2020 11:50 AM (85Gof)
I will redouble my efforts to floss daily.....
I will redouble my efforts to floss daily.....
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at May 17, 2020 11:54 AM (PiwSw)
451
363
At any rate, the thin threads holding the church together are the African Bishops.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at May 17, 2020 11:28 AM (ysC0S)
_______
Evelyn Waugh wrote a story about a future Britain, which has degenerated into complete barbarism. There is an Catholic mission from Africa.
And, BTW, is this a record for the longest delay before Waugh is mentioned in a book thread? A H Lloyd, you and I are slipping.
At any rate, the thin threads holding the church together are the African Bishops.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at May 17, 2020 11:28 AM (ysC0S)
_______
Evelyn Waugh wrote a story about a future Britain, which has degenerated into complete barbarism. There is an Catholic mission from Africa.
And, BTW, is this a record for the longest delay before Waugh is mentioned in a book thread? A H Lloyd, you and I are slipping.
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 11:54 AM (ZbwAu)
452
449- Diogene:
probably my favorite set of books i read in college was WEB Griffin's "The Brotherhood of War."
Was so hoping the Army was going to be like that when I got commissioned.
Spoiler alert: it wasn't.
probably my favorite set of books i read in college was WEB Griffin's "The Brotherhood of War."
Was so hoping the Army was going to be like that when I got commissioned.
Spoiler alert: it wasn't.
Posted by: secret squirrel at May 17, 2020 11:55 AM (xyImL)
453
I've read several of his books; probably the most interesting to date was "Magicians of the Gods" and postulates that some unknown but advanced civilization lived before the last Ice Age and was wiped out when the glaciers melted.
There is some scant evidence for this in Africa at least. The Sahara has swallowed a lot of stuff but every so often some gets uncovered by a sandstone or gets dug up and some of it is so ancient and unknown that archaeologists just sit and ponder.
There is some scant evidence for this in Africa at least. The Sahara has swallowed a lot of stuff but every so often some gets uncovered by a sandstone or gets dug up and some of it is so ancient and unknown that archaeologists just sit and ponder.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 17, 2020 11:56 AM (KZzsI)
454
"Anyone have the guts to watch any of the left wing talk shows this AM...and that includes that dick wallace
Posted by: Nevergiveup"
ABC Sunday morning radio is full of hype and panic porn and sad corona stories . Just finished with a grief counselor telling us we all need to grieve more but do it safely and maintain social distancing. Because Americans we are not emotional enough we should just let the tears and anger and sadness flow.
Personally I would just like to go to a store or restaurant or gym or pool like 3 months ago and my grief will end.
Posted by: Nevergiveup"
ABC Sunday morning radio is full of hype and panic porn and sad corona stories . Just finished with a grief counselor telling us we all need to grieve more but do it safely and maintain social distancing. Because Americans we are not emotional enough we should just let the tears and anger and sadness flow.
Personally I would just like to go to a store or restaurant or gym or pool like 3 months ago and my grief will end.
Posted by: Ripley at May 17, 2020 11:56 AM (MxEKc)
455
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 11:45 AM (cfSRQ)
It really depends on the individual church. Pastors have a lot of control over things. The conservative side of UM
It really depends on the individual church. Pastors have a lot of control over things. The conservative side of UM
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 17, 2020 11:56 AM (+eVzC)
456
The conference room is dark except for two
screens mounted to the walls. On those screens is nothing but what looks
like electronic snow.
"The facility is gone!"
********
A second voice is heard from the adjoing room, "Mooommmm! My YouTube video won't load!!!!"
"Find out what happened!"
"Did you reboot the router?"
screens mounted to the walls. On those screens is nothing but what looks
like electronic snow.
"The facility is gone!"
********
A second voice is heard from the adjoing room, "Mooommmm! My YouTube video won't load!!!!"
"Find out what happened!"
"Did you reboot the router?"
Posted by: Muldoon at May 17, 2020 11:58 AM (Fc5rx)
457
4555. Sorry. Jumpy Computer, The Conservative side of UM represented in Good News magazine. There are still a lot of UM churches that endorse this POV.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 17, 2020 11:58 AM (+eVzC)
Posted by: Gretta International Sooper Genius at May 17, 2020 11:58 AM (d6DSt)
459
When I was in grade school, I learned the truth of the old adage, "laugh and the whole class laughs with you, but you stay after school alone."
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 11:50 AM (sH2Lb)
Actually, I had sort of a soft spot for the KK's - my son was one, back in the day. You had to smack the Troublemaker down, though, or it all went downhill.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 11:50 AM (sH2Lb)
Actually, I had sort of a soft spot for the KK's - my son was one, back in the day. You had to smack the Troublemaker down, though, or it all went downhill.
Posted by: Sal at May 17, 2020 11:59 AM (bo8pf)
460
WTF is upstate NY's plan for reopen? Is it some 35-step 10-year thing?
Phase one reopen for the northern Adirondack counties, which by the way have deaths for the total of Essex, Clinton, Franklin, and St Lawrence a number you probably need the fingers of one hand to display, is something like "retail curbside only," "outdoor construction," and "parks."
And they can only move to the next if infection rates for this phase one duration of 30 days or something, is zero.
At this rate we will be able to get a draft of Guinness in our local dive bar by maybe 2025.
Phase one reopen for the northern Adirondack counties, which by the way have deaths for the total of Essex, Clinton, Franklin, and St Lawrence a number you probably need the fingers of one hand to display, is something like "retail curbside only," "outdoor construction," and "parks."
And they can only move to the next if infection rates for this phase one duration of 30 days or something, is zero.
At this rate we will be able to get a draft of Guinness in our local dive bar by maybe 2025.
Posted by: Les Kinetic at May 17, 2020 11:59 AM (+fPHo)
461
453: There is some scant evidence for this in Africa at least. The Sahara has swallowed a lot of stuff but every so often some gets uncovered by a sandstone or gets dug up and some of it is so ancient and unknown that archaeologists just sit and ponder.
Chris: Hancock writes extensively on the ruins found at Gobekli Tepi in Turkey. These carved monuments were carbon dated to be over 14K years old- right at the tail end of the last Ice Age. Scientists shrug and say that the small bands of people came together, expertly aligned them to celestial bodies, and took the time to relief carve them. Hancock called bullshit, but he gets mocked by the establishment archeological community. And yet those same PHDs can't come up with a rational explanation about the builders. But they do agree on its age. So like you said, they sit there and sort of ignore it or hold up their hands.
Chris: Hancock writes extensively on the ruins found at Gobekli Tepi in Turkey. These carved monuments were carbon dated to be over 14K years old- right at the tail end of the last Ice Age. Scientists shrug and say that the small bands of people came together, expertly aligned them to celestial bodies, and took the time to relief carve them. Hancock called bullshit, but he gets mocked by the establishment archeological community. And yet those same PHDs can't come up with a rational explanation about the builders. But they do agree on its age. So like you said, they sit there and sort of ignore it or hold up their hands.
Posted by: secret squirrel at May 17, 2020 11:59 AM (xyImL)
462
446 I have witnessed a very curious thing, one that I didn't think was
possible - a number of these churches are running out of people before
they run out of money. It's like looking at a beautiful, finely
manicured estate sitting up on a hilltop, but no one ever goes there
except the maintenance staff.
This describes most of the magnificent cathedrals of Europe. I suppose they get a hefty subsidy from the state because the cathedrals bring in lots of tourists.
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 11:52 AM (T6t7i)
Perfectly describes our local Methodist Church.
Average age of the very small congregation is probably 70, but they are all from the old rich part of town.
They have had a string of unfortunate pastors.
but it seems like every member who dies leaves a big bunch of money to that dying church.
possible - a number of these churches are running out of people before
they run out of money. It's like looking at a beautiful, finely
manicured estate sitting up on a hilltop, but no one ever goes there
except the maintenance staff.
This describes most of the magnificent cathedrals of Europe. I suppose they get a hefty subsidy from the state because the cathedrals bring in lots of tourists.
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 11:52 AM (T6t7i)
Perfectly describes our local Methodist Church.
Average age of the very small congregation is probably 70, but they are all from the old rich part of town.
They have had a string of unfortunate pastors.
but it seems like every member who dies leaves a big bunch of money to that dying church.
Posted by: Romeo13 at May 17, 2020 11:59 AM (NgKpN)
463
I've gone through pretty much all the old books mom has that I want to read or have not already read before, so I'm plumbing the local library's ebook collection. I can't quite work out how the system works, you have to wait to check out some of them, some you can directly get downloaded off Amazon. Why on earth anyone would have to wait to get an ebook is a bit of a puzzler.
They have a bunch of audio books as well but I very much prefer to read them.
They have a bunch of audio books as well but I very much prefer to read them.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 17, 2020 12:00 PM (KZzsI)
464
And, BTW, is this a record for the longest delay before Waugh is mentioned in a book thread? A H Lloyd, you and I are slipping.
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 11:54 AM (ZbwAu)
---
Wow, you're right!
Waugh was one of the only English writers who would voice support for Franco, and he was decidedly tepid. His statement was something to the effect of: "I have no particular affinity for Franco, but cannot support a government that murders clergy and burns churches."
It is fascinating to me how "historians" consistently downplay that aspect. Beevor quotes a speech by a conservative Spanish politician reciting how many churches, murders, etc. had happened since the election and then says "but he got that from a biased newspaper," clearly implying it could be disregarded.
But he never bothers to say why, or offer alternative numbers. Let's say that 170 churches (the claim) was excessive. Is burning 160 okay? An even 100?
What's Beevor's threshold for acceptable church burnings? How many political murders are "normal" for him?
It's pathetic. NGU may have to send some medicinal bourbon to get me through this crappy book.
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 11:54 AM (ZbwAu)
---
Wow, you're right!
Waugh was one of the only English writers who would voice support for Franco, and he was decidedly tepid. His statement was something to the effect of: "I have no particular affinity for Franco, but cannot support a government that murders clergy and burns churches."
It is fascinating to me how "historians" consistently downplay that aspect. Beevor quotes a speech by a conservative Spanish politician reciting how many churches, murders, etc. had happened since the election and then says "but he got that from a biased newspaper," clearly implying it could be disregarded.
But he never bothers to say why, or offer alternative numbers. Let's say that 170 churches (the claim) was excessive. Is burning 160 okay? An even 100?
What's Beevor's threshold for acceptable church burnings? How many political murders are "normal" for him?
It's pathetic. NGU may have to send some medicinal bourbon to get me through this crappy book.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 12:01 PM (cfSRQ)
465
*blank verse, not black.
Posted by: Sal at May 17, 2020 12:02 PM (bo8pf)
466
The EPC is semi-hard core (they allow women elders, I believe).
The PCA is being infected with creeping SJWism. I think they'll eventually go the way of rhe PCUSA, unfortunately.
Posted by: OregonMuse
-------
It is the transition (and I am witnessing that in the Methodist Church) from a church of spiritual activism, to a church of social activism.
The acceptance of cross-dressing clergy being far more important than the mere evolved Christian precepts, wisdom, and values.
In fact, we must not only *accept* such a perspective, we must embrace and nourish it. Nothing less will do.
The PCA is being infected with creeping SJWism. I think they'll eventually go the way of rhe PCUSA, unfortunately.
Posted by: OregonMuse
-------
It is the transition (and I am witnessing that in the Methodist Church) from a church of spiritual activism, to a church of social activism.
The acceptance of cross-dressing clergy being far more important than the mere evolved Christian precepts, wisdom, and values.
In fact, we must not only *accept* such a perspective, we must embrace and nourish it. Nothing less will do.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at May 17, 2020 12:02 PM (WZ5i4)
467
Scientists shrug and say that the small bands of people came together, expertly aligned them to celestial bodies, and took the time to relief carve them. Hancock called bullshit, but he gets mocked by the establishment archeological community.
Some very, very old stuff is being discovered in eastern Europe. For some reason Bulgaria is a hot spot for super ancient ruins, with Plovdiv considered one of, if not THE oldest continually inhabited city on earth.
Archaeologists, like all scientists, get pet theories they don't like to give up, and anthropologists are certain that humanity cannot have done x before y period because it upsets their apple cart and that paper they wrote for the society. They can be pretty slow and resistant to change.
Some very, very old stuff is being discovered in eastern Europe. For some reason Bulgaria is a hot spot for super ancient ruins, with Plovdiv considered one of, if not THE oldest continually inhabited city on earth.
Archaeologists, like all scientists, get pet theories they don't like to give up, and anthropologists are certain that humanity cannot have done x before y period because it upsets their apple cart and that paper they wrote for the society. They can be pretty slow and resistant to change.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 17, 2020 12:03 PM (KZzsI)
468
Take Two
The conference room is dark except for light provided by two screens mounted to the walls. On those screens is nothing but what looks like electronic snow.
"The facility is gone!"
The voice coming from the speaker is distorted enough to make identification impossible. The answer from the other screen is equally disguised.
"Find out what happened!"
"Yes!"
Then both screens go black and the janitor closes the door plunging the room into total darkness. One can still hear him mutter through the doors, "kids these days."
The conference room is dark except for light provided by two screens mounted to the walls. On those screens is nothing but what looks like electronic snow.
"The facility is gone!"
The voice coming from the speaker is distorted enough to make identification impossible. The answer from the other screen is equally disguised.
"Find out what happened!"
"Yes!"
Then both screens go black and the janitor closes the door plunging the room into total darkness. One can still hear him mutter through the doors, "kids these days."
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 17, 2020 12:03 PM (9kruo)
469
you can also try the ebooks at your state's big libraries - in PA I think Carnegie and the Free Library of Philadelphia are letting anyone in state borrow
Posted by: vmom 2020 at May 17, 2020 12:03 PM (G546f)
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 17, 2020 12:03 PM (+eVzC)
Posted by: My Pimp Shot My Dealer at May 17, 2020 12:05 PM (d6DSt)
472
Utopia isn't possible. The left always gets hung up on money. Money is just an IOU for production someone likes to be exchanged for other production. A 15-hour workweek is 15 hours of production, not an extra 25 hours of rest. As 15 hours is considerably less than half of what you'd normally work, it is no longer sufficient and moves into the range of huh, there isn't enough stuff. No matter how the left might like to stuff money into our pockets so we don't have to work, nobody else in the world is going to sell us things at the current prices if we produce less. Thus, Utopia's economy would resemble an economy with 30% employment. That... doesn't sound awesome at all.
Posted by: DaveM at May 17, 2020 12:05 PM (WWC3Y)
473
I don't want to get into women's ordination for obvious reasons 
but yes, there are conservative women who are ordained even in the Blue States
but yes, there are conservative women who are ordained even in the Blue StatesPosted by: FenelonSpoke at May 17, 2020 12:05 PM (+eVzC)
474
So you're going with surprise anal?
Bold choice. I'd put that in the opening scene.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 11:48 AM (cfSRQ)
Not much of a surprise then, is it?
Bold choice. I'd put that in the opening scene.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 11:48 AM (cfSRQ)
Not much of a surprise then, is it?
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at May 17, 2020 12:06 PM (NWiLs)
475
*blank verse, not black.
Shoot, I was hoping for some new badass metal kind of poetry I might enjoy
Shoot, I was hoping for some new badass metal kind of poetry I might enjoy
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 17, 2020 12:06 PM (KZzsI)
476
Lloyd, yeah they never want to get into specifics.
For example in this current manufactured crisis... what is 'safe enough' to reopen things? They don't want to define that, just that by reopening it makes things 'less safe.'
For example in this current manufactured crisis... what is 'safe enough' to reopen things? They don't want to define that, just that by reopening it makes things 'less safe.'
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 17, 2020 12:07 PM (9kruo)
477
Paint it black verse?
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 17, 2020 12:08 PM (9kruo)
478
you can also try the ebooks at your state's big libraries - in PA I think Carnegie and the Free Library of Philadelphia are letting anyone in state borrow
The New York Public Library (the one with the lions out front that the Ghostbusters spotted the old librarian ghost in) is allowing anyone to check out ebooks from their collection. But their collection seems to have almost nothing older than 1970 and you have to read the books on a phone app, which I am not doing.
The New York Public Library (the one with the lions out front that the Ghostbusters spotted the old librarian ghost in) is allowing anyone to check out ebooks from their collection. But their collection seems to have almost nothing older than 1970 and you have to read the books on a phone app, which I am not doing.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 17, 2020 12:08 PM (KZzsI)
479
The Baptist Church I grew up next to in Iowa has about twenty active members. It should have closed long ago.
But back in the fifties one of the parishioners willed the church a couple hundred acres of prime farmland. Rent from that land has kept the church going for half a century, despite the steadily shrinking congregation.
But back in the fifties one of the parishioners willed the church a couple hundred acres of prime farmland. Rent from that land has kept the church going for half a century, despite the steadily shrinking congregation.
Posted by: creeper at May 17, 2020 12:09 PM (XxJt1)
480
I don't want to get into women's ordination for obvious reasons but yes, there are conservative women who are ordained even in the Blue States
**********
The best ordained women are the ones that make delicious sandwiches for their congregation every Sunday.
**********
The best ordained women are the ones that make delicious sandwiches for their congregation every Sunday.
Posted by: Two Weeks From Wearing A Mask at May 17, 2020 12:09 PM (+dsLj)
481
They have had a string of unfortunate pastors.
but it seems like every member who dies leaves a big bunch of money to that dying church.
Posted by: Romeo13
-------
The Progressives are well aware of this. They are perfectly able to start their own church, except, it would fail.
As in all Progressive endeavors, they *must* attach themselves to an existing institution, where they can make use of the lifeblood of that institution. They are parasites.
Within the Methodist Church, it is painfully obvious that they intend to seize the physical and financial assets of what they term, 'The Traditionalists'. You know, the people who built the church, and by their tithes have maintained its existence.
They have had a string of unfortunate pastors.
but it seems like every member who dies leaves a big bunch of money to that dying church.
Posted by: Romeo13
-------
The Progressives are well aware of this. They are perfectly able to start their own church, except, it would fail.
As in all Progressive endeavors, they *must* attach themselves to an existing institution, where they can make use of the lifeblood of that institution. They are parasites.
Within the Methodist Church, it is painfully obvious that they intend to seize the physical and financial assets of what they term, 'The Traditionalists'. You know, the people who built the church, and by their tithes have maintained its existence.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at May 17, 2020 12:09 PM (bk3Sg)
482
It really depends on the individual church. Pastors have a lot of control over things. The conservative side of UM
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 17, 2020 11:56 AM (+eVzC)
---
When I was an RCIA sponsor a few years back, one of our converts was a United Methodist. She had fought the good fight, but was tired of being called a bigot every time she stood by the established doctrine.
A really interesting person, with lots of insight and I learned a lot from her during her journey into Catholicism.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 17, 2020 11:56 AM (+eVzC)
---
When I was an RCIA sponsor a few years back, one of our converts was a United Methodist. She had fought the good fight, but was tired of being called a bigot every time she stood by the established doctrine.
A really interesting person, with lots of insight and I learned a lot from her during her journey into Catholicism.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 12:10 PM (cfSRQ)
483
Was so hoping the Army was going to be like that when I got commissioned.
Spoiler alert: it wasn't.
Posted by: secret squirrel at May 17,
I was a captain when The Lieutenants was out. We all read it and one Friday at the O'Club I looked at my peers and asked, "OK, which one of you is the rich guy?"
They all laughed.
Spoiler alert: it wasn't.
Posted by: secret squirrel at May 17,
I was a captain when The Lieutenants was out. We all read it and one Friday at the O'Club I looked at my peers and asked, "OK, which one of you is the rich guy?"
They all laughed.
Posted by: Diogenes at May 17, 2020 12:11 PM (axyOa)
484
476
Lloyd, yeah they never want to get into specifics.
For example in
this current manufactured crisis... what is 'safe enough' to reopen
things? They don't want to define that, just that by reopening it makes
things 'less safe.'
It's the same sleight of hand they use for rich people paying "their fair share".
Me (not rich, but still): What's a fair share?
Them: Shut up, and open your wallet.
Lloyd, yeah they never want to get into specifics.
For example in
this current manufactured crisis... what is 'safe enough' to reopen
things? They don't want to define that, just that by reopening it makes
things 'less safe.'
It's the same sleight of hand they use for rich people paying "their fair share".
Me (not rich, but still): What's a fair share?
Them: Shut up, and open your wallet.
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 12:11 PM (T6t7i)
485
In fact, we must not only *accept* such a perspective, we must embrace and nourish it. Nothing less will do.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at May 17, 2020 12:02 PM (WZ5i4
Yes, but you don't get that until Phase IV:
Phase I: Tolerance
Phase II: Acceptance
Phase III: Celebration
Phase IV: Cast out the unbelievers
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at May 17, 2020 12:02 PM (WZ5i4
Yes, but you don't get that until Phase IV:
Phase I: Tolerance
Phase II: Acceptance
Phase III: Celebration
Phase IV: Cast out the unbelievers
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 12:11 PM (sH2Lb)
486
There's a incunabulum in my pants.
Posted by: Jerry "Comedy Gold" Nadless at May 17, 2020 12:11 PM (EgshT)
487
I stopped watching Sunday interview shows many years ago. It wasn't just the obvious narrative slant and monotony. It was really the unregenerate failure of anybody on our side to go on the offensive or to dare to be rude or get in their faces. We could turn all these shows into barrel-shooting if we had the guts. But the endless and utterly depressing passivity and deference was too much.
Posted by: Dan Smoot's Apprentice at May 17, 2020 12:11 PM (H8QX8)
Posted by: secret squirrel at May 17, 2020 12:12 PM (xyImL)
489
ABC Sunday morning radio is full of hype and panic porn and sad corona stories . Just finished with a grief counselor telling us we all need to grieve more but do it safely and maintain social distancing. Because Americans we are not emotional enough we should just let the tears and anger and sadness flow.
Personally I would just like to go to a store or restaurant or gym or pool like 3 months ago and my grief will end.
Posted by: Ripley at May 17, 2020 11:56 AM (MxEKc)
There's a mental health diagnosis called "Adjustment Disorder," and I believe it is way way WAY under-utilized.
It's basically as you describe, something bad had happened (or is continuing to happen) to somebody, and it manifests as depression and/or anxiety, or possibly some other measurable way of defining distress.
People get it, and then once the underlying problem is resolved, the symptoms resolve.
Funny how that works.
And yet when people go to doctors with these types of situations, all too often they're misdiagnosed as depressed or anxious, and given pills, which... surprise, do absolutely nothing to solve the problem! And in fact, much like with grief, if one is medicated, it tends to impede whatever progress one would otherwise make to resolve the problem on one's own.
Another form of human control is covering up the problem with happy pills, and sadly way too many people are living in that world.
Personally I would just like to go to a store or restaurant or gym or pool like 3 months ago and my grief will end.
Posted by: Ripley at May 17, 2020 11:56 AM (MxEKc)
There's a mental health diagnosis called "Adjustment Disorder," and I believe it is way way WAY under-utilized.
It's basically as you describe, something bad had happened (or is continuing to happen) to somebody, and it manifests as depression and/or anxiety, or possibly some other measurable way of defining distress.
People get it, and then once the underlying problem is resolved, the symptoms resolve.
Funny how that works.
And yet when people go to doctors with these types of situations, all too often they're misdiagnosed as depressed or anxious, and given pills, which... surprise, do absolutely nothing to solve the problem! And in fact, much like with grief, if one is medicated, it tends to impede whatever progress one would otherwise make to resolve the problem on one's own.
Another form of human control is covering up the problem with happy pills, and sadly way too many people are living in that world.
Posted by: BurtTC at May 17, 2020 12:12 PM (hku12)
490
Posted by: Two Weeks From Wearing A Mask at May 17, 2020 12:09 PM (+dsLj) men
Congrats on your sandwich making ability, Rev. TWFWAM I'm sure the church appreciates your sandwich making ability, sister.
Congrats on your sandwich making ability, Rev. TWFWAM I'm sure the church appreciates your sandwich making ability, sister.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 17, 2020 12:13 PM (+eVzC)
491
I used to go to a Universalist church. The lady minister was really well ordained. Like, really. And she loved to show it off. She was always surrounded by a group of Lay Sisters.
Eventually, she moved to New York City and I believe started pastoring at a home for wayward young ladies...
I used to go to a Universalist church. The lady minister was really well ordained. Like, really. And she loved to show it off. She was always surrounded by a group of Lay Sisters.
Eventually, she moved to New York City and I believe started pastoring at a home for wayward young ladies...
Posted by: Ped Xing at May 17, 2020 12:14 PM (d6DSt)
492
*blank verse, not black.
Shoot, I was hoping for some new badass metal kind of poetry I might enjoy
I once worked with a tech writer who could crank out poetry in any style, on any subject, on request. Kind of like Muldoon except not exclusively humorous. I should look her up and put the words "badass metal poetry" in her ear and see what comes out.
Shoot, I was hoping for some new badass metal kind of poetry I might enjoy
I once worked with a tech writer who could crank out poetry in any style, on any subject, on request. Kind of like Muldoon except not exclusively humorous. I should look her up and put the words "badass metal poetry" in her ear and see what comes out.
Posted by: Bob the Bilderberg at May 17, 2020 12:14 PM (qc+VF)
493
FIRST!!!!!
Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at May 17, 2020 12:14 PM (Zz0t1)
494
430 So not unlike that wire some rabbis strung around Manhattan to invalidate the ban on leaving your house on the Sabbath.
Posted by: Ian S. at May 17, 2020 11:43 AM (6XLoz)
It's called an "eruv," and there is no ban on leaving one's house on Shabbat. And...orthodox Jews all over the world use eruvs.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at May 17, 2020 11:48 AM (dLLD6)
______
A good example of a problem that afflicts us all. It's related to Gell-Mann. If we are not insiders, we absorb a lot from the stories we read, even from sources we don't trust. And it's hard to avoid.
An example from my own experience. When Charles married Camilla, a lot of media types thought the prayer they recited was something put in in reference to Diana. Really.
Of course, any Anglican knew it was a standard going back to Edward VI. ("We have done the things we ought not to have done, and left undone the things we ought to have done.") But others missed it. I knew perfectly intelligent and educated Protestants and Jews who absorbed what they heard. Hell, even some Catholics fell for it. And the prayer is actually a translation from an older missal.
Posted by: Ian S. at May 17, 2020 11:43 AM (6XLoz)
It's called an "eruv," and there is no ban on leaving one's house on Shabbat. And...orthodox Jews all over the world use eruvs.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at May 17, 2020 11:48 AM (dLLD6)
______
A good example of a problem that afflicts us all. It's related to Gell-Mann. If we are not insiders, we absorb a lot from the stories we read, even from sources we don't trust. And it's hard to avoid.
An example from my own experience. When Charles married Camilla, a lot of media types thought the prayer they recited was something put in in reference to Diana. Really.
Of course, any Anglican knew it was a standard going back to Edward VI. ("We have done the things we ought not to have done, and left undone the things we ought to have done.") But others missed it. I knew perfectly intelligent and educated Protestants and Jews who absorbed what they heard. Hell, even some Catholics fell for it. And the prayer is actually a translation from an older missal.
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 12:14 PM (ZbwAu)
Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at May 17, 2020 12:14 PM (Zz0t1)
496
I used to go to a Universalist church. The lady minister was really well ordained. Like, really. And she loved to show it off.
Are we talking vast tracts of land?
Are we talking vast tracts of land?
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 12:14 PM (T6t7i)
497
As in all Progressive endeavors, they *must* attach themselves to an existing institution, where they can make use of the lifeblood of that institution. They are parasites.
Within the Methodist Church, it is painfully obvious that they intend to seize the physical and financial assets of what they term, 'The Traditionalists'. You know, the people who built the church, and by their tithes have maintained its existence.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at May 17, 2020 12:09 PM (bk3Sg)
Right. This has their game plan for over a century. They cannot build anything new on their own, independently. They can only take what others have created and twist it to their own perverted ends.
Which is very much like how Satan operates, actually.
Within the Methodist Church, it is painfully obvious that they intend to seize the physical and financial assets of what they term, 'The Traditionalists'. You know, the people who built the church, and by their tithes have maintained its existence.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at May 17, 2020 12:09 PM (bk3Sg)
Right. This has their game plan for over a century. They cannot build anything new on their own, independently. They can only take what others have created and twist it to their own perverted ends.
Which is very much like how Satan operates, actually.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 12:15 PM (sH2Lb)
498
493
FIRST!!!!!
Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at May 17, 2020 12:14 PM (Zz0t1)
Geez and I thought I was late.
FIRST!!!!!
Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at May 17, 2020 12:14 PM (Zz0t1)
Geez and I thought I was late.
Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at May 17, 2020 12:15 PM (QzF6i)
499
Okay I notice that Harvey Cushing's name is associated with that medical library. Cushing was one of those who fought the Spanish Influenza and he was also a survivor of it.
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 17, 2020 12:15 PM (9kruo)
500
It's called an "eruv," and there is no ban on leaving one's house on Shabbat. And...orthodox Jews all over the world use eruvs.
I know. Strictly the ban is on leaving your house while wearing clothes (and someone should definitely enforce this interpretation on those IDF babes), or more commonly while carrying something.
I know. Strictly the ban is on leaving your house while wearing clothes (and someone should definitely enforce this interpretation on those IDF babes), or more commonly while carrying something.
Posted by: Ian S. at May 17, 2020 12:15 PM (6XLoz)
Posted by: Ped Xing at May 17, 2020 12:16 PM (d6DSt)
502
Geez and I thought I was late.
Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at May 17, 2020 12:15 PM (QzF6i)
I'm never on time.
I'm always.....SLEEPING!
LATE!!!! C'mon man, what's the matter with you?
Geez and I thought I was late.
Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at May 17, 2020 12:15 PM (QzF6i)
I'm never on time.
I'm always.....SLEEPING!
LATE!!!! C'mon man, what's the matter with you?
Posted by: Sponge - China is asshoe! at May 17, 2020 12:16 PM (Zz0t1)
503
I know. Strictly the ban is on leaving your house while wearing clothes
(and someone should definitely enforce this interpretation on those IDF
babes), or more commonly while carrying something.
I'm sorry, what? Is it okay to leave your house naked?
(and someone should definitely enforce this interpretation on those IDF
babes), or more commonly while carrying something.
I'm sorry, what? Is it okay to leave your house naked?
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 12:16 PM (T6t7i)
504
I know. Strictly the ban is on leaving your house while wearing clothes (and someone should definitely enforce this interpretation on those IDF babes), or more commonly while carrying something.
Posted by: Ian S. at May 17, 2020 12:15 PM (6XLoz)
A phylactery codpiece would be OK?
Posted by: Ian S. at May 17, 2020 12:15 PM (6XLoz)
A phylactery codpiece would be OK?
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at May 17, 2020 12:16 PM (NWiLs)
Posted by: Ped Xing at May 17, 2020 12:17 PM (d6DSt)
506
I was a captain when The Lieutenants was out. We all read it and one Friday at the O'Club I looked at my peers and asked, "OK, which one of you is the rich guy?"
They all laughed.
Posted by: Diogenes at May 17, 2020 12:11 PM (axyOa)
Diogenes: my dad, also an army officer, recommended them to me. A great series of books. I haven't read Griffin's other books.
I remember going to the O-Clubs as an army brat back in the day when they were still a thing. When i was stationed at Benning, the O-Club there was on its last legs. That was in 1999. I think it finally shuttered due to a lack of motivation by LTs and CPTs. They converted it into one of those horrible all ranks/all family clubs.
I was a captain when The Lieutenants was out. We all read it and one Friday at the O'Club I looked at my peers and asked, "OK, which one of you is the rich guy?"
They all laughed.
Posted by: Diogenes at May 17, 2020 12:11 PM (axyOa)
Diogenes: my dad, also an army officer, recommended them to me. A great series of books. I haven't read Griffin's other books.
I remember going to the O-Clubs as an army brat back in the day when they were still a thing. When i was stationed at Benning, the O-Club there was on its last legs. That was in 1999. I think it finally shuttered due to a lack of motivation by LTs and CPTs. They converted it into one of those horrible all ranks/all family clubs.
Posted by: secret squirrel at May 17, 2020 12:17 PM (xyImL)
507
I once worked with a tech writer who could crank out
poetry in any style, on any subject, on request. Kind of like Muldoon
except not exclusively humorous. I should look her up and put the
words "badass metal poetry" in her ear and see what comes out.
Posted by: Bob the Bilderberg at May 17, 2020 12:14 PM (qc+VF)
---
There is a scene from the Parade's End books where one of the British officers undertakes a challenge to write a Shakespearean sonnet in an absurdly short amount of time. Maybe it was incorporating the order of the day.
Naturally, he does it.
poetry in any style, on any subject, on request. Kind of like Muldoon
except not exclusively humorous. I should look her up and put the
words "badass metal poetry" in her ear and see what comes out.
Posted by: Bob the Bilderberg at May 17, 2020 12:14 PM (qc+VF)
---
There is a scene from the Parade's End books where one of the British officers undertakes a challenge to write a Shakespearean sonnet in an absurdly short amount of time. Maybe it was incorporating the order of the day.
Naturally, he does it.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 12:17 PM (cfSRQ)
508
Congrats on your sandwich making ability, Rev. TWFWAM I'm sure the church appreciates your sandwich making ability, sister.
**************
Dont forget whoever is counted a master, let him (or her) be your servant.
Now where's my damned sammich
**************
Dont forget whoever is counted a master, let him (or her) be your servant.
Now where's my damned sammich
Posted by: Two Weeks From Wearing A Mask at May 17, 2020 12:17 PM (+dsLj)
509
Like all human organizations churches tend to start out really promising, get stale after a while, then tend to get taken over by the worst sorts and ruined. Its not inevitable, but its all too common. Like a business that starts out under the founder and blooms, then their kids take over and it sort of coasts, with bad ideas being implemented, and the next generation either doesn't care and sells it or runs it into the ground with idiotic PC crap. Churches tend to follow the same arc, sadly.
O'Sullivan's law applies almost everywhere.
O'Sullivan's law applies almost everywhere.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 17, 2020 12:17 PM (KZzsI)
510
484 476
Lloyd, yeah they never want to get into specifics.
For example in
this current manufactured crisis... what is 'safe enough' to reopen
things? They don't want to define that, just that by reopening it makes
things 'less safe.'
It's the same sleight of hand they use for rich people paying "their fair share".
Me (not rich, but still): What's a fair share?
Them: Shut up, and open your wallet.
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 12:11 PM (T6t7i)
______
That one is simplicity itself. "Rich" is anyone who had over 25% more than the speaker.
Lloyd, yeah they never want to get into specifics.
For example in
this current manufactured crisis... what is 'safe enough' to reopen
things? They don't want to define that, just that by reopening it makes
things 'less safe.'
It's the same sleight of hand they use for rich people paying "their fair share".
Me (not rich, but still): What's a fair share?
Them: Shut up, and open your wallet.
Posted by: pep at May 17, 2020 12:11 PM (T6t7i)
______
That one is simplicity itself. "Rich" is anyone who had over 25% more than the speaker.
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 12:18 PM (ZbwAu)
511
used to go to a Universalist church. The lady minister was really well ordained. Like, really. And she loved to show it off. She was always surrounded by a group of Lay Sisters.
Posted by: Ped Xing at May 17, 2020 12:14 PM (d6DSt)
Another Vivid Video release: Busty Lesbian Ministers.
Posted by: Ped Xing at May 17, 2020 12:14 PM (d6DSt)
Another Vivid Video release: Busty Lesbian Ministers.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 12:18 PM (sH2Lb)
512
Some very, very old stuff is being discovered in eastern Europe. For some reason Bulgaria is a hot spot for super ancient ruins, with Plovdiv considered one of, if not THE oldest continually inhabited city on earth.
Archaeologists, like all scientists, get pet theories they don't like to give up, and anthropologists are certain that humanity cannot have done x before y period because it upsets their apple cart and that paper they wrote for the society. They can be pretty slow and resistant to change.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 17, 2020 12:03 PM (KZzsI)
Gobekli Tepe is the most astounding archeological site ever found. It turns conventional beliefs, which is that man created agriculture, then created civilization to support it, then created religion on its head.
Everything about it suggests that ancient man found and expressed Religious Belief first, then learned to construct a way to communally express that next, then began to cultivate grain and corral animals for food so large groups of them could stay in one spot while the communally agreed on project continued. And out of this grew a society, and out of this grew governments.
Remember that Gobeki Tepe was begun when the ice sheets still covered much of Northern Europe. It is unbelievably old. If any place on earth has a claim to be the cradle of all human civilisation, that is it.
Archaeologists, like all scientists, get pet theories they don't like to give up, and anthropologists are certain that humanity cannot have done x before y period because it upsets their apple cart and that paper they wrote for the society. They can be pretty slow and resistant to change.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 17, 2020 12:03 PM (KZzsI)
Gobekli Tepe is the most astounding archeological site ever found. It turns conventional beliefs, which is that man created agriculture, then created civilization to support it, then created religion on its head.
Everything about it suggests that ancient man found and expressed Religious Belief first, then learned to construct a way to communally express that next, then began to cultivate grain and corral animals for food so large groups of them could stay in one spot while the communally agreed on project continued. And out of this grew a society, and out of this grew governments.
Remember that Gobeki Tepe was begun when the ice sheets still covered much of Northern Europe. It is unbelievably old. If any place on earth has a claim to be the cradle of all human civilisation, that is it.
Posted by: Tom Servo at May 17, 2020 12:19 PM (q3gwH)
513
I haven't read Griffin's other books.
I like some of it, some gets kind of formulaic, or falls into a pattern. I think Alistair MacLean is better overall.
I like some of it, some gets kind of formulaic, or falls into a pattern. I think Alistair MacLean is better overall.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 17, 2020 12:19 PM (KZzsI)
514
At this rate we will be able to get a draft of Guinness in our local dive bar by maybe 2025.
Posted by: Les Kinetic
You want to kill grandma for a beer!!!
At this rate we will be able to get a draft of Guinness in our local dive bar by maybe 2025.
Posted by: Les Kinetic
You want to kill grandma for a beer!!!
Posted by: Kirin at May 17, 2020 12:19 PM (aKsyK)
515
511 used to go to a Universalist church. The lady minister was really well ordained. Like, really. And she loved to show it off. She was always surrounded by a group of Lay Sisters.
Posted by: Ped Xing at May 17, 2020 12:14 PM (d6DSt)
Another Vivid Video release: Busty Lesbian Ministers.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 12:18 PM (sH2Lb)
They've already got the nun angle covered. Or uncovered, as the case may be.
Posted by: Ped Xing at May 17, 2020 12:14 PM (d6DSt)
Another Vivid Video release: Busty Lesbian Ministers.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 12:18 PM (sH2Lb)
They've already got the nun angle covered. Or uncovered, as the case may be.
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at May 17, 2020 12:19 PM (NWiLs)
516
Was so hoping the Army was going to be like that when I got commissioned.
Spoiler alert: it wasn't.
Posted by: secret squirrel at May 17,
I was a captain when The Lieutenants was out. We all read it and one Friday at the O'Club I looked at my peers and asked, "OK, which one of you is the rich guy?"
They all laughed.
Posted by: Diogenes at May 17, 2020 12:11 PM (axyOa)
Having been an educated enlisted man, I have always found the officer corps to be something of a strange animal. I would assume the American version is very different from the British.
I'm intrigued by the phrase "E4 mafia," and I assume it has to do with officers who encounter enlisted men who actually know what the F they're doing, and have disdain for officers who come in and try to tell them how to do their jobs.
It's a strange dynamic. My impression is there are mostly two types of officers. Those who see their enlisted personnel as human beings, with intelligence and purpose, and those who don't.
Spoiler alert: it wasn't.
Posted by: secret squirrel at May 17,
I was a captain when The Lieutenants was out. We all read it and one Friday at the O'Club I looked at my peers and asked, "OK, which one of you is the rich guy?"
They all laughed.
Posted by: Diogenes at May 17, 2020 12:11 PM (axyOa)
Having been an educated enlisted man, I have always found the officer corps to be something of a strange animal. I would assume the American version is very different from the British.
I'm intrigued by the phrase "E4 mafia," and I assume it has to do with officers who encounter enlisted men who actually know what the F they're doing, and have disdain for officers who come in and try to tell them how to do their jobs.
It's a strange dynamic. My impression is there are mostly two types of officers. Those who see their enlisted personnel as human beings, with intelligence and purpose, and those who don't.
Posted by: BurtTC at May 17, 2020 12:19 PM (hku12)
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 17, 2020 12:19 PM (9kruo)
518
NOOD senators
Posted by: runner at May 17, 2020 12:21 PM (zr5Kq)
519
I saw Gobeki Tepe open for Pablum Diarrhea on the Baby's First Summer Tour in '69 at the Gerber Bowl...
I saw Gobeki Tepe open for Pablum Diarrhea on the Baby's First Summer Tour in '69 at the Gerber Bowl...
Posted by: Cyrious Memberpate at May 17, 2020 12:21 PM (d6DSt)
520
514
At this rate we will be able to get a draft of Guinness in our local dive bar by maybe 2025.
Posted by: Les Kinetic
You want to kill grandma for a beer!!!
Posted by: Kirin at May 17, 2020 12:19 PM (aKsyK)
Stout, not just mere beer. Clear?
At this rate we will be able to get a draft of Guinness in our local dive bar by maybe 2025.
Posted by: Les Kinetic
You want to kill grandma for a beer!!!
Posted by: Kirin at May 17, 2020 12:19 PM (aKsyK)
Stout, not just mere beer. Clear?
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at May 17, 2020 12:21 PM (NWiLs)
521
used to go to a Universalist church. The lady minister was really
well ordained. Like, really. And she loved to show it off. She was
always surrounded by a group of Lay Sisters.
Posted by: Ped Xing at May 17, 2020 12:14 PM (d6DSt)
Any videos of this? Asking for a friend....
well ordained. Like, really. And she loved to show it off. She was
always surrounded by a group of Lay Sisters.
Posted by: Ped Xing at May 17, 2020 12:14 PM (d6DSt)
Any videos of this? Asking for a friend....
Posted by: TheQuietMan at May 17, 2020 12:21 PM (/ha1X)
522
As long as it isn't nude senators, then we are 'good'
Posted by: Anna Puma at May 17, 2020 12:21 PM (9kruo)
523
Another Vivid Video release: Busty Lesbian Ministers.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 12:18 PM (sH2Lb)
---
Ace can finally find common ground with David French!
Another Vivid Video release: Busty Lesbian Ministers.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 12:18 PM (sH2Lb)
---
Ace can finally find common ground with David French!
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 12:21 PM (cfSRQ)
Posted by: Cyrious Memberpate at May 17, 2020 12:21 PM (d6DSt)
525
BTW, Ovid didn't use rhyme. Latin verse rarely did because it's too easy. Too many declensions necessarily rhyme.
They used it more in the Middle Ages.
They used it more in the Middle Ages.
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 12:23 PM (ZbwAu)
526
Black Verse - a limerick
There once was a poet named Clive
Whose dogg'rel was stanzas of five
"My limericks are spectacular
'Cause I use the vernacular
So back off, Honky, I speak Jive'!"
Black Verse - a limerick
There once was a poet named Clive
Whose dogg'rel was stanzas of five
"My limericks are spectacular
'Cause I use the vernacular
So back off, Honky, I speak Jive'!"
Posted by: Muldoon at May 17, 2020 12:24 PM (Fc5rx)
527
C'mon. I just got here and who wants to see senators nood. Creepy. ( would make an exception for congressman Crenshaw).
Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at May 17, 2020 12:24 PM (QzF6i)
528
Everything about it suggests that ancient man found and expressed Religious Belief first, then learned to construct a way to communally express that next, then began to cultivate grain and corral animals for food so large groups of them could stay in one spot while the communally agreed on project continued. And out of this grew a society, and out of this grew governments.
Which is a pretty reasonable pattern of development, although it does poke some conceits by atheist naturalists who can't imagine anyone being religious spontaneously or organically.
They discovered some ruins west of Egypt in the desert that are proto-egyptians, where they believe probably the Egyptian civilization began, then had to move east to the river as the world dried up and the sahara started to take it over. But that's about 6000 BC and not nearly as old.
The assumption by present scientists is that Africa is the cradle of humanity and civilization but there's growing evidence that it was further north.
Which is a pretty reasonable pattern of development, although it does poke some conceits by atheist naturalists who can't imagine anyone being religious spontaneously or organically.
They discovered some ruins west of Egypt in the desert that are proto-egyptians, where they believe probably the Egyptian civilization began, then had to move east to the river as the world dried up and the sahara started to take it over. But that's about 6000 BC and not nearly as old.
The assumption by present scientists is that Africa is the cradle of humanity and civilization but there's growing evidence that it was further north.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 17, 2020 12:25 PM (KZzsI)
529
Wait, the guy thinks nuclear reactors actually produce visible flames? Like a space steam engine or something, as guys in silver suits shovel uranium in there?
WTF.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 09:33 AM (cfSRQ)
Well, reactors submerged in water have a blue glow. I expect air would fluoresces some, too, from the bombardment of neutrons and high-energy radiation. Like how the Northern Lights work.
WTF.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 09:33 AM (cfSRQ)
Well, reactors submerged in water have a blue glow. I expect air would fluoresces some, too, from the bombardment of neutrons and high-energy radiation. Like how the Northern Lights work.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 17, 2020 12:26 PM (LZcDP)
530
Have been reading "The Spanish War," subtitled, "An American Epic 1898," by G.J.A. O'Toole.
I learned a great deal about the Cuban revolutions-- there were two major ones long before Castro was born.
The author posits that the Spanish-American War begins something that leads to Vietnam many decades later. I'd never thought of that.
Theodore Roosevelt & Henry Cabot Lodge were both formidable scholars. I knew that about TR, but not about Lodge.
I learned a great deal about the Cuban revolutions-- there were two major ones long before Castro was born.
The author posits that the Spanish-American War begins something that leads to Vietnam many decades later. I'd never thought of that.
Theodore Roosevelt & Henry Cabot Lodge were both formidable scholars. I knew that about TR, but not about Lodge.
Posted by: mnw at May 17, 2020 12:28 PM (Cssks)
531
The Universalist church makes no sense to me. Why even organize? Why have a church? Everyone gets to heaven, sanctification by death. Eat, Drink and be Merry, none of what you do here matters.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 17, 2020 12:28 PM (KZzsI)
Posted by: A Scold of Karens at May 17, 2020 12:32 PM (EgshT)
533
and left undone the things we ought to have done.
--------
Great. On Sunday, no less. You remind me about 'Sins of omission'.
--------
Great. On Sunday, no less. You remind me about 'Sins of omission'.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at May 17, 2020 12:35 PM (GBHAb)
534
The Universalist church makes no sense to me. Why even organize? Why have a church?
-------
Well, even the Universalists are puzzled about this. They don't know *what* they believe. It's a toss-up between 'everything', 'nothing', and 'anything'.
-------
Well, even the Universalists are puzzled about this. They don't know *what* they believe. It's a toss-up between 'everything', 'nothing', and 'anything'.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at May 17, 2020 12:37 PM (GBHAb)
535
Having been an educated enlisted man, I have always found the officer corps to be something of a strange animal. I would assume the American version is very different from the British.
I'm intrigued by the phrase "E4 mafia," and I assume it has to do with officers who encounter enlisted men who actually know what the F they're doing, and have disdain for officers who come in and try to tell them how to do their jobs.
It's a strange dynamic. My impression is there are mostly two types of officers. Those who see their enlisted personnel as human beings, with intelligence and purpose, and those who don't.
Posted by: BurtTC at May 17, 2020 12:19 PM (hku12)
BurtTC: I wouldn't read too much into the E-4 Mafia thing. I don't know when you were in, but currently that is the running joke about the E-4s. You'll also notice the word Buffoonery is under the 3 LT bars.
Your point is well taken- there are all types in the military, on the E and O side. I knew an LT who got pinched at the PX for shoplifting a CD. I knew an E4 who was a straight up barracks lawyer who loved to profess that he had more time in the army than i did as his PL (which was true). The older i have gotten, the more i've learned rank is really immaterial and it comes down to competence and maturity, which are qualities that take time to build. I had an E-4 who i thought was a stellar soldier- so much so that i had him brief our CG.
The play makes fun of everyone- if you read it, i think you'll like it.
I'm intrigued by the phrase "E4 mafia," and I assume it has to do with officers who encounter enlisted men who actually know what the F they're doing, and have disdain for officers who come in and try to tell them how to do their jobs.
It's a strange dynamic. My impression is there are mostly two types of officers. Those who see their enlisted personnel as human beings, with intelligence and purpose, and those who don't.
Posted by: BurtTC at May 17, 2020 12:19 PM (hku12)
BurtTC: I wouldn't read too much into the E-4 Mafia thing. I don't know when you were in, but currently that is the running joke about the E-4s. You'll also notice the word Buffoonery is under the 3 LT bars.
Your point is well taken- there are all types in the military, on the E and O side. I knew an LT who got pinched at the PX for shoplifting a CD. I knew an E4 who was a straight up barracks lawyer who loved to profess that he had more time in the army than i did as his PL (which was true). The older i have gotten, the more i've learned rank is really immaterial and it comes down to competence and maturity, which are qualities that take time to build. I had an E-4 who i thought was a stellar soldier- so much so that i had him brief our CG.
The play makes fun of everyone- if you read it, i think you'll like it.
Posted by: secret squirrel at May 17, 2020 12:38 PM (xyImL)
536
Hmm. Looks like I'm about to transition from the Book Thread phase to the bacon & eggs phase of Sunday.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at May 17, 2020 12:39 PM (GBHAb)
537
523
Another Vivid Video release: Busty Lesbian Ministers.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 12:18 PM (sH2Lb)
---
Ace can finally find common ground with David French!
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 12:21 PM (cfSRQ)
David French is a busty lesbian minister?
Actually, that would explain a lot...
Another Vivid Video release: Busty Lesbian Ministers.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 12:18 PM (sH2Lb)
---
Ace can finally find common ground with David French!
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 12:21 PM (cfSRQ)
David French is a busty lesbian minister?
Actually, that would explain a lot...
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 12:40 PM (sH2Lb)
538
512- Tom Servo-
Great points about Gobekli Tepi. I have read that the Turkish Govt has put a halt on excavation there. Hancock says the site is massive.
I think Hancock is onto something about there being some earlier advanced civilization. I keep reading articles of late that say man as we know him was advanced and lived much earlier than previously thought.
Great points about Gobekli Tepi. I have read that the Turkish Govt has put a halt on excavation there. Hancock says the site is massive.
I think Hancock is onto something about there being some earlier advanced civilization. I keep reading articles of late that say man as we know him was advanced and lived much earlier than previously thought.
Posted by: secret squirrel at May 17, 2020 12:42 PM (xyImL)
539
I think Hancock is onto something about there being some earlier advanced civilization. I keep reading articles of late that say man as we know him was advanced and lived much earlier than previously thought.
There's a lot of pressure for that to not be true in several disciplines, but the more I study ancient man and history, the more they seem pretty much the same as us, with lower tech. And in some cases, not really that much lower tech. Push humanity back 300 years and its not that much different than ancient Greece, for instance.
There's a lot of pressure for that to not be true in several disciplines, but the more I study ancient man and history, the more they seem pretty much the same as us, with lower tech. And in some cases, not really that much lower tech. Push humanity back 300 years and its not that much different than ancient Greece, for instance.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 17, 2020 12:45 PM (KZzsI)
540
I'm intrigued by the phrase "E4 mafia," and I assume it has to do with officers who encounter enlisted men who actually know what the F they're doing, and have disdain for officers who come in and try to tell them how to do their jobs.
-------
I have often reflected on (they probably at least suspected it) how many Company Grade officer's fates rested under my E4/E5 fingertips.
Without elaboration, it was *thousands*.
"Hmm, lessee. Well, Lt. Jones, I think you're going to Ft. Polk for a while."
Lt. Jones [at Ft. Polk gate]: "Gee, it sure is hot and humid here..."
-------
I have often reflected on (they probably at least suspected it) how many Company Grade officer's fates rested under my E4/E5 fingertips.
Without elaboration, it was *thousands*.
"Hmm, lessee. Well, Lt. Jones, I think you're going to Ft. Polk for a while."
Lt. Jones [at Ft. Polk gate]: "Gee, it sure is hot and humid here..."
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at May 17, 2020 12:46 PM (GBHAb)
541
Mike-
hahah no doubt!
It pays to be respectful and take care of your Joes!
BTW i lived at Polk...
hahah no doubt!
It pays to be respectful and take care of your Joes!
BTW i lived at Polk...
Posted by: secret squirrel at May 17, 2020 12:48 PM (xyImL)
542
The "unsinkable ships made of ice" were an actual project - codename Habakkuk - inspired and backed by Churchill. They were also the inspiration for Orwell's floating islands in 1984 . Really.
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 09:39 AM (ZbwAu)
Geoffrey Nathaniel Pyke was one mixed-up fellow, but his science was sound, mostly. The M29 Weasel tracked cargo carrier, was built by Studebaker in order to fill the need for a vehicle able to traverse deep snow, quietly, in furtherance of Pyke's plan to invade Norway, which had been adopted by the British General Staff. Pyke was inalterably opposed to tracks, and demanded vehicles based upon an Archimedes Screw, despite the fact all previous such designs (and there were some to draw on) were miserable failures. They finally had to ease him out of the program he had initiated. And the Norway invasion plan was eventually shelved, as they came to the realization that, for the Germans, the occupation troops in Norway were troops that could not be used on either front.
Project Habakkuk came about because of the "hole in the middle" of the Atlantic Ocean in terms of long-range anti-submarine air patrols. It would have seen giant floating "ice" islands stationed in mid-Atlantic to serve as aircraft carriers for anti-submarine aircraft patrols. They built a prototype model in Lake Patricia in Jasper National Park in Alberta. It remained afloat a long, long time after the refrigeration plant was shut down. The "ice" was not plain water ice, but "Pykrete", a mixture of water and wood pulp that was frozen. Once frozen, it had a lower rate of thermal conductivity than pure ice, and was much stronger.
Again, the full-sized floating ice island was never attempted, because better long-range aircraft were coming into use, and the hole it was intended to fill kept shrinking.
Posted by: Eeyore at May 17, 2020 09:39 AM (ZbwAu)
Geoffrey Nathaniel Pyke was one mixed-up fellow, but his science was sound, mostly. The M29 Weasel tracked cargo carrier, was built by Studebaker in order to fill the need for a vehicle able to traverse deep snow, quietly, in furtherance of Pyke's plan to invade Norway, which had been adopted by the British General Staff. Pyke was inalterably opposed to tracks, and demanded vehicles based upon an Archimedes Screw, despite the fact all previous such designs (and there were some to draw on) were miserable failures. They finally had to ease him out of the program he had initiated. And the Norway invasion plan was eventually shelved, as they came to the realization that, for the Germans, the occupation troops in Norway were troops that could not be used on either front.
Project Habakkuk came about because of the "hole in the middle" of the Atlantic Ocean in terms of long-range anti-submarine air patrols. It would have seen giant floating "ice" islands stationed in mid-Atlantic to serve as aircraft carriers for anti-submarine aircraft patrols. They built a prototype model in Lake Patricia in Jasper National Park in Alberta. It remained afloat a long, long time after the refrigeration plant was shut down. The "ice" was not plain water ice, but "Pykrete", a mixture of water and wood pulp that was frozen. Once frozen, it had a lower rate of thermal conductivity than pure ice, and was much stronger.
Again, the full-sized floating ice island was never attempted, because better long-range aircraft were coming into use, and the hole it was intended to fill kept shrinking.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 17, 2020 12:48 PM (LZcDP)
543
Again, the full-sized floating ice island was never attempted, because better long-range aircraft were coming into use, and the hole it was intended to fill kept shrinking.
It was a valid concept, just too slow to help out when it was most needed. There's really no way that the current tech could have done anything about such a construct if it was, say, a couple hundred yards square. A torpedo would do nothing and the reason they wanted it was because nobody could realistically get a plane out there to bomb it.
It was a valid concept, just too slow to help out when it was most needed. There's really no way that the current tech could have done anything about such a construct if it was, say, a couple hundred yards square. A torpedo would do nothing and the reason they wanted it was because nobody could realistically get a plane out there to bomb it.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 17, 2020 12:52 PM (KZzsI)
Posted by: Weak Geek at May 17, 2020 01:00 PM (u/nim)
545
That library looks like a cross between Noah's Ark and The Poseidon Adventure.
Posted by: Muldoon at May 17, 2020 10:48 AM (Fc5rx)
You're right. I thought it looks like the inside of an overturned ship.
Posted by: Muldoon at May 17, 2020 10:48 AM (Fc5rx)
You're right. I thought it looks like the inside of an overturned ship.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 17, 2020 01:11 PM (LZcDP)
546
The "ice" was not plain water ice, but "Pykrete", a
mixture of water and wood pulp that was frozen. Once frozen, it had a
lower rate of thermal conductivity than pure ice, and was much stronger.
Again, the full-sized floating ice island was never attempted,
because better long-range aircraft were coming into use, and the hole it
was intended to fill kept shrinking.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 17, 2020 12:48 PM (LZcDP)
---
Churchill recounts a discussion of it in the Pentagon. A block is brought in and the generals hit it when sledgehammers and it doesn't budge.
Then one draws his sidearm* and shoots it, but the bullet ricochets.
*Imagine an age where officers habitually carried loaded pistols at staff meetings.
mixture of water and wood pulp that was frozen. Once frozen, it had a
lower rate of thermal conductivity than pure ice, and was much stronger.
Again, the full-sized floating ice island was never attempted,
because better long-range aircraft were coming into use, and the hole it
was intended to fill kept shrinking.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 17, 2020 12:48 PM (LZcDP)
---
Churchill recounts a discussion of it in the Pentagon. A block is brought in and the generals hit it when sledgehammers and it doesn't budge.
Then one draws his sidearm* and shoots it, but the bullet ricochets.
*Imagine an age where officers habitually carried loaded pistols at staff meetings.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at May 17, 2020 01:16 PM (cfSRQ)
547
I agree with CN. Phil Terry and Joan Crawford. (He certainly looks like Bob Hope, from that angle).
Posted by: JB at May 17, 2020 01:33 PM (bOBVQ)
548
. And yet those same PHDs can't come up with a
rational explanation about the builders. But they do agree on its age.
So like you said, they sit there and sort of ignore it or hold up their
hands.
Posted by: secret squirrel at May 17, 2020 11:59 AM (xyImL)
Nobody wants to be the next von Daniken. Even now, if you start talking about evidence of impact bolides at Pilauco in southern Chile from the beginning of the Younger Dryas glaciation the respectable archeologist put their fingers in their ears and chant to drown you out.
rational explanation about the builders. But they do agree on its age.
So like you said, they sit there and sort of ignore it or hold up their
hands.
Posted by: secret squirrel at May 17, 2020 11:59 AM (xyImL)
Nobody wants to be the next von Daniken. Even now, if you start talking about evidence of impact bolides at Pilauco in southern Chile from the beginning of the Younger Dryas glaciation the respectable archeologist put their fingers in their ears and chant to drown you out.
Posted by: Kindltot at May 17, 2020 01:46 PM (WyVLE)
549
The Reformed Church in America is considering a split, over many of the same SJW things that are troubling other mainline denominations. This pastor has been keeping up with it in his blog:
https://tinyurl.com/y9f8xm64
https://tinyurl.com/y9f8xm64
Posted by: parsimony at May 17, 2020 01:53 PM (X1xq4)
550
It was a valid concept, just too slow to help out when it was most needed. There's really no way that the current tech could have done anything about such a construct if it was, say, a couple hundred yards square. A torpedo would do nothing and the reason they wanted it was because nobody could realistically get a plane out there to bomb it.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 17, 2020 12:52 PM (KZzsI)
The Germans had a few 4-engine bombers that could have bombed it. But the best they could have done is destroy aircraft and/or installations on the top of it. The Pykrete ice was darned near bulletproof. Submarine torpedoes would just knock chips out.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 17, 2020 12:52 PM (KZzsI)
The Germans had a few 4-engine bombers that could have bombed it. But the best they could have done is destroy aircraft and/or installations on the top of it. The Pykrete ice was darned near bulletproof. Submarine torpedoes would just knock chips out.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 17, 2020 01:54 PM (LZcDP)
551
Well, even the Universalists are puzzled about this. They don't know *what* they believe. It's a toss-up between 'everything', 'nothing', and 'anything'.
But they believe it very strongly. Reminds me of something I wrote.
"Agnostic Theologianism -- an offshoot of traditional Theologianism that held that the Allbeing, if He exists, cannot possibly be known or understood within the limits of human understanding so why even bother. Its adherents were drawn to it by the lack of required reading material and amount of free time it offered."
But they believe it very strongly. Reminds me of something I wrote.
"Agnostic Theologianism -- an offshoot of traditional Theologianism that held that the Allbeing, if He exists, cannot possibly be known or understood within the limits of human understanding so why even bother. Its adherents were drawn to it by the lack of required reading material and amount of free time it offered."
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at May 17, 2020 01:55 PM (N30JC)
552
One of Pikes creations, the 1st SSF, was a highly successful joint Canadian - US Army command in WWII.
Every wargame they are in gives them awesome capabilities, much above a brigade in strength.
Every wargame they are in gives them awesome capabilities, much above a brigade in strength.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at May 17, 2020 02:01 PM (u82oZ)
553
Who 'dis? Loretta Young and Robert Taylor
Posted by: PubliusII at May 17, 2020 04:53 PM (NCsa7)
554
553 Who 'dis? Loretta Young and Robert Taylor
Posted by: PubliusII at May 17, 2020 04:53 PM (NCsa7)
Sorry, wrong on both. Correct answer is at comment #19.
Posted by: PubliusII at May 17, 2020 04:53 PM (NCsa7)
Sorry, wrong on both. Correct answer is at comment #19.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at May 17, 2020 05:24 PM (sH2Lb)
Processing 0.05, elapsed 0.0679 seconds.
14 queries taking 0.0238 seconds, 562 records returned.
Page size 364 kb.
Powered by Minx 0.8 beta.
MuNuvians
MeeNuvians
Polls! Polls! Polls!
Real Clear Politics
Gallup
Frequently Asked Questions
The (Almost) Complete Paul Anka Integrity Kick
Primary Document: The Audio
Paul Anka Haiku Contest Announcement
Integrity SAT's: Entrance Exam for Paul Anka's Band
AllahPundit's Paul Anka 45's Collection
AnkaPundit: Paul Anka Takes Over the Site for a Weekend (Continues through to Monday's postings)
George Bush Slices Don Rumsfeld Like an F*ckin' Hammer
Paul Anka Haiku Contest Announcement
Integrity SAT's: Entrance Exam for Paul Anka's Band
AllahPundit's Paul Anka 45's Collection
AnkaPundit: Paul Anka Takes Over the Site for a Weekend (Continues through to Monday's postings)
George Bush Slices Don Rumsfeld Like an F*ckin' Hammer
Top Top Tens
Democratic Forays into Erotica
New Shows On Gore's DNC/MTV Network
Nicknames for Potatoes, By People Who Really Hate Potatoes
Star Wars Euphemisms for Self-Abuse
Signs You're at an Iraqi "Wedding Party"
Signs Your Clown Has Gone Bad
Signs That You, Geroge Michael, Should Probably Just Give It Up
Signs of Hip-Hop Influence on John Kerry
NYT Headlines Spinning Bush's Jobs Boom
Things People Are More Likely to Say Than "Did You Hear What Al Franken Said Yesterday?"
Signs that Paul Krugman Has Lost His Frickin' Mind
All-Time Best NBA Players, According to Senator Robert Byrd
Other Bad Things About the Jews, According to the Koran
Signs That David Letterman Just Doesn't Care Anymore
Examples of Bob Kerrey's Insufferable Racial Jackassery
Signs Andy Rooney Is Going Senile
Other Judgments Dick Clarke Made About Condi Rice Based on Her Appearance
Collective Names for Groups of People
John Kerry's Other Vietnam Super-Pets
Cool Things About the XM8 Assault Rifle
Media-Approved Facts About the Democrat Spy
Changes to Make Christianity More "Inclusive"
Secret John Kerry Senatorial Accomplishments
John Edwards Campaign Excuses
John Kerry Pick-Up Lines
Changes Liberal Senator George Michell Will Make at Disney
Torments in Dog-Hell
Greatest Hitjobs
The Ace of Spades HQ Sex-for-Money Skankathon
A D&D Guide to the Democratic Candidates
Margaret Cho: Just Not Funny
More Margaret Cho Abuse
Margaret Cho: Still Not Funny
Iraqi Prisoner Claims He Was Raped... By Woman
Wonkette Announces "Morning Zoo" Format
John Kerry's "Plan" Causes Surrender of Moqtada al-Sadr's Militia
World Muslim Leaders Apologize for Nick Berg's Beheading
Michael Moore Goes on Lunchtime Manhattan Death-Spree
Milestone: Oliver Willis Posts 400th "Fake News Article" Referencing Britney Spears
Liberal Economists Rue a "New Decade of Greed"
Artificial Insouciance: Maureen Dowd's Word Processor Revolts Against Her Numbing Imbecility
Intelligence Officials Eye Blogs for Tips
They Done Found Us Out, Cletus: Intrepid Internet Detective Figures Out Our Master Plan
Shock: Josh Marshall Almost Mentions Sarin Discovery in Iraq
Leather-Clad Biker Freaks Terrorize Australian Town
When Clinton Was President, Torture Was Cool
What Wonkette Means When She Explains What Tina Brown Means
Wonkette's Stand-Up Act
Wankette HQ Gay-Rumors Du Jour
Here's What's Bugging Me: Goose and Slider
My Own Micah Wright Style Confession of Dishonesty
Outraged "Conservatives" React to the FMA
An On-Line Impression of Dennis Miller Having Sex with a Kodiak Bear
The Story the Rightwing Media Refuses to Report!
Our Lunch with David "Glengarry Glen Ross" Mamet
The House of Love: Paul Krugman
A Michael Moore Mystery (TM)
The Dowd-O-Matic!
Liberal Consistency and Other Myths
Kepler's Laws of Liberal Media Bias
John Kerry-- The Splunge! Candidate
"Divisive" Politics & "Attacks on Patriotism" (very long)
The Donkey ("The Raven" parody)
News/Chat