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Sunday Morning Book Thread 07-19-2020
Good morning to all you 'rons, 'ettes, lurkers, and lurkettes, wine moms, frat bros, crétins sans pantalon (who are technically breaking the rules), and the rest of you lab rats, street rats, pack rats, womp rats, roof rats, and naked mole rats. 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, when I retire from doing the book thread (and may that day be far into the future), and I compile my all-time list of the worst, ugliest, most ridiculous, wtf cringe-inducing pants pics that I've shown, this one will be at or near the top.
Pic Note: A bookstore devoted exclusively to travel books:
Marylebone High Street’s Daunt Books is essentially a travel bookshop, but it’s about so much more than guidebooks. Stock is arranged by country and within each section you will find maps, travel writing and memoirs, photography, cookbooks, books on nature and often a selection of the nation’s literary classics alongside the expected travel/hotel guides. If you want to immerse yourself in wherever you’re travelling to next, this is the place to get lost in before you go. The gorgeous wooden frontage, balcony-style upper level and natural light-enabling windows of the shop enhance the experience no end, too.
It Pays To Increase Your Word Power® Know the difference!
Disperse: distribute or spread over a wide area.
— joncelli Looks Dorky In A Mask (@joncelli) July 18, 2020
Disburse: pay out money from a fund.#dailyPedantry
Book Thread Bleg Moron commenter 'Doof' has some books he'd like to sell:
My family has been cleaning out my mom's house as she prepares to move into a smaller senior apartment. My mom and her sister are life-long readers. And they have a lot of books lying around. Boxes and boxes and boxes. Mixed in among WAY TOO MANY paperbacks, we have found several hardback books. Some go back to the 1930s. Lots of Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew hardbacks. A very old hardback copy of Gone With The Wind. Other stuff that I have never heard of.I don't know much about this, but I do think 'old' does not necessarily equal 'valuable'. I would think that signed first-editions would be collectible, but other than that, I don't know. If any of you morons know about book appraisals, please let me know in the comments, thanks.
Any suggestions on where to begin with researching possible value for books? And who/where to sell them? Appreciate any insight you might have.
Who Dis:
(Last week's 'who dis' was singer Lena Horne.
Freebie (I Think) I just bought the Kindle edition of 50 Core American Documents: Required Reading for Students, Teachers, and Citizens, and when I say 'bought', I mean 'picked it up for free.' I don't know if that price still holds, but it's well worth looking into. Included are The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, a sampling of the Federalist Papers, Washington's Farewell Address, some historic Supreme Court decisions (Marbury v. Madison, Dredd Scott, Brown v. Board of Education), Gettsyburg Address, Johnson's "Great Society" speech, Reagan's "A Time For Choosing." Not included: Articles of Confederation, Anti-Federalist Papers. I think they should've been included to give a fuller understanding of how the Constitution came to be.
Inappropriate Children's Books:
Moron Recommendations
So I am slogging through the 1973 book by Antonia Fraser Cromwell: the Lord Protector.Ms. Fraser has apparently written more than one book on Cromwell. Cromwell: The Lord Protector is OOP, although used copies are available. She also wrote Cromwell, Our Chief of Men, which also came out in 1973, and I'm wondering if it has much of the same material, or I suppose it could be the same book under a different title. Anyway:
It's big. If dropped on a pack horse it would hurt. It is detailed.
Very detailed. But it is full of information I did not know.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 12, 2020 09:59 AM (u82oZ)
No Englishman has made more impact on the history of his nation than Oliver Cromwell; few have been so persistently maligned in the folklore of history. The central purpose of Antonia Fraser's book is the recreation of his life and character, freed from the distortions of myth and Royalist propaganda. Cromwell was a man of contradictions and surprising charm. This decisive and ruthless commander was also a country gentleman and a passionate connoisseur of music. Of Cromwell's fitness for high office, this fascinating biography leaves no doubt. Under his rule English prestige abroad rose to a level unequalled since Elizabeth I, yet his campaign in Ireland has cast a shadow over his reputation. Antonia Fraser displays great insight into this complex man and reveals a totally unexpected Cromwell, far removed from the received stereotype.I guess the Irish have no great love for Cromwell. Looking at Fraser's book, I noticed that Amazon was also suggesting this one: Vlad the Impaler: A Life From Beginning to End, part of the Hourly History series of short books on various history topics, this this about the ruler who may have been the inspiration for the 'Dracula' legends:
Is there really a Dracula? Many scholars argue that Vlad III Dracula, also known as Vlad the Impaler, is the real Dracula. He was known in western Europe for his cruelty, most especially his penchant for impaling his victims. He is said to have killed somewhere between 40,000 and 100,000 people during his crusade to stop the Ottoman Empire from expanding into eastern Europe. He was equally harsh on the people he ruled and is said to have taken great pleasure in torturing his victims...So, in other words, the man was a hero, right? Kept the Ottoman hordes from sweeping into Western Europe. If he was around today, he'd be tossing them out of helicopters. ___________
His story, however, is much more complicated than the oft-reported details of his atrocities would imply. He lived in a time of conflict where many were equally as cruel, and he is viewed as a hero in Romania where he is remembered as a protector of his people. This eBook tells the story of his life and times, and discusses his connection to the fictional Count Dracula, in a succinct, compelling manner, which makes for an entertaining read that is packed with historical information.
___________ A lurker e-mails:I highly recommend this amazing #YA #technoadventure. https://t.co/CYK7HXWgil
— Hans G. Schantz ?????? (@AetherCzar) July 18, 2020
Hey, not a regular reader of the book thread, but have you talked about Jim Butcher's series known as the Dresden Files and how the next book is coming out like in two days and that's going to be followed up by another before the end of the year? Books 16 and 17, btw.I've heard of them, but don't know anything about them. The first book in this long-running urban fantasy series, where presumably the audience is introduced to the main protagonist, is called Storm Front:
It's a great series about a young private detective in Chicago. And a professional wizard. He starts out young and inexperienced and without much and few friends, and then Jim spends the next 15 books doing his best to kill the guy, the friends and loved ones he meets along the way, and the readers, because you really come to love the people you're reading about. He's an evil bastard.
As a professional wizard, Harry Dresden knows firsthand that the “everyday” world is actually full of strange and magical things—and most of them don’t play well with humans. And those that do enjoy playing with humans far too much. He also knows he’s the best at what he does. Technically, he’s the only one at what he does. But even though Harry is the only game in town, business—to put it mildly—stinks.The Kindle edition is $2.99. Considerably more spendy are the two most recent ones, Peace Talks and Battle Ground. ___________
So when the Chicago P.D. bring him in to consult on a double homicide committed with black magic, Harry's seeing dollar signs. But where there's black magic, there's a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry's name...
OK, I Laffed:
Books By Morons Moron author 'troyriser' e-mails:
If you would, please mention inclusion of my latest short story, "Love and the Forever Machine", in the horror anthology, The Devil You Know, a collection of modern takes on the 'deals with the devil' genre. My story is about an artificial intelligence that escapes into the world and finds love and--finding love--acquires a soul, which naturally sparks the interest of Old Scratch himself. The Devil You Know is available in hardcopy and Kindle versions on Amazon, of course, but it's also available for order in real-world bookstores, as well.The genres represented in this anthology range from fairy tale to folk tale, from urban fantasy to science fiction, from comedy to horror. For fans of stories like The Devil And Daniel Webster and Faust. ___________ Lurkette author Laura Montgomery has just released the 3rd installment of her Martha's Sons series, Under the Earthline:
With only a slender hold on their alien world, human settlers from a marooned starship inhabit a single terraformed valley. As technology frays, as the second generation of settlers cannibalizes its past, and as the governor cancels elections again, tension grows between the city and the western farms.The Kindle edition is $2.99. Simple Service is the first installment in this series and the second is Sleeping Duty. ___________ 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.
One Dawe son dead, one in exile, and Thaddeus Dawe now slated to serve as a hostage for his younger brother's crimes, Thaddeus has a task. He must locate the colony’s last terraseeder for the secret enclave another brother works to carve from the northern wilderness. But with the governor's men harboring no love for Dawes, and First Landing’s bureaucracy and its preeminent practitioner having other plans, Thaddeus is not the only one whose life is at risk.
Comments
(Jump to bottom of comments)1
Good morning fellow Book Threadists.
Posted by: JTB at July 19, 2020 09:01 AM (7EjX1)
2
Be careful out among those bibliophiles!
Be careful out among those bibliophiles!
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at July 19, 2020 09:02 AM (pNxlR)
3
Currently re-reading of John Ringo's Paladin Odf Shadows series.
Posted by: Vic at July 19, 2020 09:02 AM (mpXpK)
4
Holey moley! First? I'm never first. Yay me!
Posted by: JTB at July 19, 2020 09:02 AM (7EjX1)
5
Sophia Loren
Posted by: CN at July 19, 2020 09:02 AM (ONvIw)
6
Tolle Lege
Not much further along on Dennis Prager's Rational Bible Exodus, but will get to it, have to see if Moses gets out of Egypt.
Not much further along on Dennis Prager's Rational Bible Exodus, but will get to it, have to see if Moses gets out of Egypt.
Posted by: Skip at July 19, 2020 09:03 AM (6f16T)
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at July 19, 2020 09:03 AM (pNxlR)
8
That would be the gorgeous Sophia Loren, who had lovely gams in addition to bodacious cans.
Posted by: Captain Hate at July 19, 2020 09:04 AM (y7DUB)
9
JTB I have been slacking all weekend
Posted by: Skip at July 19, 2020 09:05 AM (6f16T)
Posted by: RobertM at July 19, 2020 09:06 AM (lEqw+)
11
Anyway, I am watching the Hillsdale College course on children's literature and preparing for the fall.
Also enjoying The Oresteia, Fagles' translation. The preface material is great as well as the plays.
This week I bought The Glass Bees, no idea why, but I had a free Thrift Book to get, so I chose that. I have a couple of 1961 Ginn readers en route too.
Also enjoying The Oresteia, Fagles' translation. The preface material is great as well as the plays.
This week I bought The Glass Bees, no idea why, but I had a free Thrift Book to get, so I chose that. I have a couple of 1961 Ginn readers en route too.
Posted by: CN at July 19, 2020 09:06 AM (ONvIw)
12
I have all the Federalist Papers in a two volume set.
Posted by: Vic at July 19, 2020 09:06 AM (mpXpK)
13
Since we are going to have Civil War I just bought the collected short stories of Ambrose Bierce for Kindle. $0.99 on Amazon this morning.
Getting tuned up for the coming devastation and wild boars eating the remains on the battlefield and all.
Getting tuned up for the coming devastation and wild boars eating the remains on the battlefield and all.
Posted by: Huck Follywood, protester at July 19, 2020 09:07 AM (NVYyb)
14
Sophia Loren . . . and the girl reading in profile looks much like the young Morgan Fairchild.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at July 19, 2020 09:08 AM (rpbg1)
15
Ahoy, bookfagz! I have to run, actually, so enjoy your literacy and erudition. Catch y'all later.
Posted by: Insomniac - Ex Cineribus Resurgo at July 19, 2020 09:10 AM (NWiLs)
16
12 I have all the Federalist Papers in a two volume set.
Posted by: Vic at July 19, 2020 09:06 AM (mpXpK)
Heard you got Madison, Hamilton & Jay to autograph them for ya! ;-)
Always great to see you here, Vic!
Posted by: Vic at July 19, 2020 09:06 AM (mpXpK)
Heard you got Madison, Hamilton & Jay to autograph them for ya! ;-)
Always great to see you here, Vic!
Posted by: RondinellaMamma at July 19, 2020 09:10 AM (8/7u2)
17
12 I have all the Federalist Papers original drafts in each author's own hand (and inscribed, 'To Vic: thanks for the sipping the brown with me and our discussions' and signed by each author) in a two volume set.
Posted by: Vic at July 19, 2020 09:06 AM (mpXpK)
There is such a thing as being too modest, Vic.
12 I have all the Federalist Papers original drafts in each author's own hand (and inscribed, 'To Vic: thanks for the sipping the brown with me and our discussions' and signed by each author) in a two volume set.
Posted by: Vic at July 19, 2020 09:06 AM (mpXpK)
There is such a thing as being too modest, Vic.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at July 19, 2020 09:11 AM (pNxlR)
18
"I guess the Irish have no great love for Cromwell."
After what he did in Drogheda and Wexford (IIRC), can you blame them?
When Bertie Ahern was the Taoiseach of Ireland, he was to meet with the British PM. As he walked into the meeting room, he spied a portrait of your man Cromwell. Ahern immediately exclaimed that he would not remain in the same room with a picture of that bastard, turned and stormed out.
That's the effect Ollie had on my second homeland. He was a right bastard. Think about it, there must have been something awful about him if the English dug up his corpse and hanged him.
The author of the book says that he was a man of "surprising charm." Well, I hear that Hitler loved dogs and was kind to children. So what?
After what he did in Drogheda and Wexford (IIRC), can you blame them?
When Bertie Ahern was the Taoiseach of Ireland, he was to meet with the British PM. As he walked into the meeting room, he spied a portrait of your man Cromwell. Ahern immediately exclaimed that he would not remain in the same room with a picture of that bastard, turned and stormed out.
That's the effect Ollie had on my second homeland. He was a right bastard. Think about it, there must have been something awful about him if the English dug up his corpse and hanged him.
The author of the book says that he was a man of "surprising charm." Well, I hear that Hitler loved dogs and was kind to children. So what?
Posted by: RobertM at July 19, 2020 09:11 AM (lEqw+)
19
"Disburse: pay out money from a fund."
I knew this one! My dad was a disbursing officer, back when the Navy still had those.
I knew this one! My dad was a disbursing officer, back when the Navy still had those.
Posted by: hogmartin at July 19, 2020 09:11 AM (t+qrx)
20
Morning, 'rons and 'ronettes.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at July 19, 2020 09:12 AM (2JVJo)
21
Daunts is also a good general bookstore, and the only independent bookstore in central London that has not been bought up by Waterstones, which has sucked up Hatchards on Piccadilly (still operating under that name, though) and Foyles on Charing Cross Road.
Posted by: Wethal at July 19, 2020 09:13 AM (ZzVCK)
22
On rec, read Enemies by Joe Abercrombie in his First Law universe. Solid book about the soldiers on the ground. Makes me want to read First Law trilogy in the fantasy genre.
Posted by: Charlotte at July 19, 2020 09:13 AM (d2yqy)
23
"Disburse? It's a 'merse', thank you very much!"
"Disburse? It's a 'merse', thank you very much!"
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at July 19, 2020 09:13 AM (pNxlR)
24
Good morning bibliofags!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at July 19, 2020 09:14 AM (Dc2NZ)
25
I'm re-reading Ken Follett's Eye of the Needle, one of the great WWII spy novels. Each of the characters, including Faber the ace German spy, is beautifully drawn; you wind up almost admiring Faber for how he handles his escapes; there is action aplenty; and it ends with a beautiful last scene. It's been a while since I saw the 1979 film version with Donald Sutherland and Kate Nelligan. I don't recall if they ended the film the same way.
Miss Linda has brought me a copy of Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment. Not sure if I will like it or be able to handle all the Russian names and nicknames.
Miss Linda has brought me a copy of Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment. Not sure if I will like it or be able to handle all the Russian names and nicknames.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at July 19, 2020 09:15 AM (rpbg1)
26
The author of the book says that he was a man of "surprising charm." Well, I hear that Hitler loved dogs and was kind to children. So what?
Posted by: RobertM at July 19, 2020 09:11 AM (lEqw+)
'E was a cruel man, but fair
The author of the book says that he was a man of "surprising charm." Well, I hear that Hitler loved dogs and was kind to children. So what?
Posted by: RobertM at July 19, 2020 09:11 AM (lEqw+)
'E was a cruel man, but fair
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at July 19, 2020 09:15 AM (pNxlR)
27
That's superhero "Accordion Xan".
Posted by: Those pants are fine at July 19, 2020 09:15 AM (Tnijr)
28
Uh oh, Sophia Loren seems to be giving the "white power" salute in the guise of turning a page.
I will inform Comrade AOC immediately...
I will inform Comrade AOC immediately...
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at July 19, 2020 09:17 AM (PiwSw)
29
After watching the Bowie flick “The Man Who Fell to Earth”, I decided to read the original novel of same by Walter Tevis (1963), which I had in my teetering Death Stacks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbgcLFj9k0U
The film is beautiful and strange, as only a 70’s movie by Nicholas Roeg starring David Bowie can be, and Roeg sexed the story up to the hilt, but the novel is a melancholy masterpiece of alienation (for the alien, Thomas Jerome Newton, and the human characters). There are some deft characterizations in it:
“It was one of his few active vices. [Professor Bryce] had found, since the time eight years ago when his wife had died (in a glossy hospital, with a three-pound tumor in her stomach), that there were certain things to be said in favor of drinking in the mornings. He had discovered, quite by accident, that it could be a fine thing, on a gray, dismal morning – a morning of limp, oyster-colored weather – to be gently but firmly drunk, making a pleasure of melancholy. But it had to be undertaken with a chemist’s precision; bad things could happen in the event of a mistake. There were nameless cliffs that could be fallen over, and on gray days here were always self-pity and grief nibbling about, like earnest mice, at the corner of morning drunkenness.”
Wait, hold on – there was a 1987 t.v. movie starring Perfect Tommy and the Holo-Doc AND that Wesley Crusher kid?!?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z33UPyN38pg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbgcLFj9k0U
The film is beautiful and strange, as only a 70’s movie by Nicholas Roeg starring David Bowie can be, and Roeg sexed the story up to the hilt, but the novel is a melancholy masterpiece of alienation (for the alien, Thomas Jerome Newton, and the human characters). There are some deft characterizations in it:
“It was one of his few active vices. [Professor Bryce] had found, since the time eight years ago when his wife had died (in a glossy hospital, with a three-pound tumor in her stomach), that there were certain things to be said in favor of drinking in the mornings. He had discovered, quite by accident, that it could be a fine thing, on a gray, dismal morning – a morning of limp, oyster-colored weather – to be gently but firmly drunk, making a pleasure of melancholy. But it had to be undertaken with a chemist’s precision; bad things could happen in the event of a mistake. There were nameless cliffs that could be fallen over, and on gray days here were always self-pity and grief nibbling about, like earnest mice, at the corner of morning drunkenness.”
Wait, hold on – there was a 1987 t.v. movie starring Perfect Tommy and the Holo-Doc AND that Wesley Crusher kid?!?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z33UPyN38pg
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at July 19, 2020 09:17 AM (Dc2NZ)
30
The Irish think of Cromwell as an early draft of Hitler. Lebensraum and all
Posted by: Ignoramus at July 19, 2020 09:18 AM (9TdxA)
31
Miss Linda has brought me a copy of Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment. Not sure if I will like it or be able to handle all the Russian names and nicknames.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at July 19, 2020 09:15 AM (rpbg1)
It's rather like Francis Ford Coppola released a "director's cut" of his take on Edgar Allen Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart". I did like it, though.
Miss Linda has brought me a copy of Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment. Not sure if I will like it or be able to handle all the Russian names and nicknames.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at July 19, 2020 09:15 AM (rpbg1)
It's rather like Francis Ford Coppola released a "director's cut" of his take on Edgar Allen Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart". I did like it, though.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at July 19, 2020 09:18 AM (pNxlR)
32
After watching the Bowie flick "The Man Who Fell to Earth,", I decided to read the original novel of same by Walter Tevis (1963), which I had in my teetering Death Stacks.
*
*
Isn't Tevis also the guy who wrote The Hustler, the novel? And I know I read one of his about a girl who becomes a chess master while dealing with a tendency to drink way too much.
*
*
Isn't Tevis also the guy who wrote The Hustler, the novel? And I know I read one of his about a girl who becomes a chess master while dealing with a tendency to drink way too much.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at July 19, 2020 09:20 AM (rpbg1)
33
"A curse upon you, Oliver Cromwell,
You who raped our motherland.
I hope you're rottin' down in Hell
For the horrors that you sent to our
Misfortunate forefathers
Whom you robbed of their birthright,
To Hell or Connaught!
May you burn in Hell tonight!"
You who raped our motherland.
I hope you're rottin' down in Hell
For the horrors that you sent to our
Misfortunate forefathers
Whom you robbed of their birthright,
To Hell or Connaught!
May you burn in Hell tonight!"
Posted by: The Pogues at July 19, 2020 09:20 AM (j4zcI)
34
Accordion pants are the best pants.
Posted by: Norman Spiny at July 19, 2020 09:20 AM (vX3bL)
35
Really "The History of Fleetwood Mac". Where's Stevie?
Posted by: Tuna at July 19, 2020 09:20 AM (gLRfa)
36
35 Really "The History of Fleetwood Mac". Where's Stevie?
Posted by: Tuna at July 19, 2020 09:20 AM (gLRfa)
She's sulking in the back, writing another hate song about Lindsey.
Posted by: Tuna at July 19, 2020 09:20 AM (gLRfa)
She's sulking in the back, writing another hate song about Lindsey.
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at July 19, 2020 09:22 AM (PiwSw)
37
Isn't Tevis also the guy who wrote The Hustler, the novel? And I know I read one of his about a girl who becomes a chess master while dealing with a tendency to drink way too much.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at July 19, 2020 09:20 AM (rpbg1)
--
The same. He wrote "The Hustler" and "The Color of Money". This is one author whose books have made very good movies.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at July 19, 2020 09:20 AM (rpbg1)
--
The same. He wrote "The Hustler" and "The Color of Money". This is one author whose books have made very good movies.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at July 19, 2020 09:22 AM (Dc2NZ)
38
So I am reading a book from 1922, Post Mortem, by C. MacLaurin, who was an Australian surgeon with an interest in history. It's a short collection of essays on Anne Boleyn, Joan of Arc, Empress Theodora, Charles V, Pepys, Gibbon, Marat, Napolen and so on.
He approaches them from a medical point of view, which makes the essays a little odd - for instance, in talking about Gibbon, rather than spending much time on Decline and Fall he talks more about the enormous hydrocele that, when tapped, killed him.
The final essay is "Death," which I read with interest, since the subject's been on my mind lately. He takes the attitude of carpe diem, as there may be nothing beyond this life, and that the best we can do is to die feeling we have done our duty in life.
And probably Huxley was not far wrong when he said: 'I have no faith, very little hope and as much charity as I can afford.' It is amazing that there are some people in the world to-day who look upon a man who professes these merciful sentiments as a miscreant doomed to eternal flamed because he will not profess to believe in their own particular form or religion. They think they have answered him when they proclaim that his creed is sterile.
He approaches them from a medical point of view, which makes the essays a little odd - for instance, in talking about Gibbon, rather than spending much time on Decline and Fall he talks more about the enormous hydrocele that, when tapped, killed him.
The final essay is "Death," which I read with interest, since the subject's been on my mind lately. He takes the attitude of carpe diem, as there may be nothing beyond this life, and that the best we can do is to die feeling we have done our duty in life.
And probably Huxley was not far wrong when he said: 'I have no faith, very little hope and as much charity as I can afford.' It is amazing that there are some people in the world to-day who look upon a man who professes these merciful sentiments as a miscreant doomed to eternal flamed because he will not profess to believe in their own particular form or religion. They think they have answered him when they proclaim that his creed is sterile.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at July 19, 2020 09:22 AM (2JVJo)
39
The Hustler, the novel?
As opposed to The Novel Hustler, an unexpurgated, but anonymous and unauthorized, biography of Clifford Irving.
The Hustler, the novel?
As opposed to The Novel Hustler, an unexpurgated, but anonymous and unauthorized, biography of Clifford Irving.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at July 19, 2020 09:23 AM (pNxlR)
Posted by: Tuna at July 19, 2020 09:24 AM (gLRfa)
41
A lot of my reading this week was about firearms. (I know. Big surprise, right?
I got out my copy of "Flintlocks: A Practical Guide" to wander through. Continued to read through the latest Muzzleloader magazine. Also, Started "The Hunting Rifle" by Jack O'Connor. I haven't hunted in decades but the information in this 1970 edition is still pertinent and O'Connor's writing is always fun.
I got out my copy of "Flintlocks: A Practical Guide" to wander through. Continued to read through the latest Muzzleloader magazine. Also, Started "The Hunting Rifle" by Jack O'Connor. I haven't hunted in decades but the information in this 1970 edition is still pertinent and O'Connor's writing is always fun.
Posted by: JTB at July 19, 2020 09:24 AM (7EjX1)
42
Wolfus its the Russian use of 2 or 3 names that take getting use to.
Posted by: Skip at July 19, 2020 09:24 AM (6f16T)
43
Thank you CN for including the translator. That's good to know.
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at July 19, 2020 09:25 AM (PiwSw)
44
All the Yellowstone Caldera boosterism of late made me think of rereading Harry Turtledove’s Supervolcano trilogy. I really enjoyed it when it came out, but upon rereading it I am painfully aware of how padded it is and how unappealing so many of the characters are. It’s still a great exploration of how devastating such a disaster would be, and like all Turtledove stories, how humans meet (or fail to meet) the challenge. But I find myself growing impatient and putting it aside.
Think I’ll reread Mike Mullin’s YA “Ashfall” trilogy.
Think I’ll reread Mike Mullin’s YA “Ashfall” trilogy.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at July 19, 2020 09:25 AM (Dc2NZ)
45
I am reading some in the OT and I am at the confrontation between Job and God. When God starts questioning Job, I am thinking I would have curled up in a ball and wet myself.
Posted by: jmel at July 19, 2020 09:25 AM (bVhJi)
46
Nice Book Store!
Those pants, with lots of starch in them, would make a great target at the rifle range.
The Who Dis is that dude on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swim Suit Edition taking a break between being taped up.
Those pants, with lots of starch in them, would make a great target at the rifle range.
The Who Dis is that dude on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swim Suit Edition taking a break between being taped up.
Posted by: Hairyback Guy at July 19, 2020 09:25 AM (Z+IKu)
47
CN,
Do you have Bennet's The Book of Virtues? Or the
young people's version?
I'm very interested in what you are choosing for the youngsters.
In my fantasy classroom, there is nothing but children's classics, folktales and myths, age-appropriate poetry (selections from which must be memorized each week), a timeline of World History. There will also be Good Art and everyone will have a postcard for their desk, to be exchanged on Friday.
Hadrian's playlist will be the soundtrack.
Do you have Bennet's The Book of Virtues? Or the
young people's version?
I'm very interested in what you are choosing for the youngsters.
In my fantasy classroom, there is nothing but children's classics, folktales and myths, age-appropriate poetry (selections from which must be memorized each week), a timeline of World History. There will also be Good Art and everyone will have a postcard for their desk, to be exchanged on Friday.
Hadrian's playlist will be the soundtrack.
Posted by: Sal at July 19, 2020 09:25 AM (bo8pf)
48
"The History of Fleetwood Mac". Where's Stevie?
Posted by: Tuna at July 19, 2020 09:20 AM (gLRfa)
In another room, packing her beak
Posted by: Tuna at July 19, 2020 09:20 AM (gLRfa)
In another room, packing her beak
Posted by: ghost of hallelujah at July 19, 2020 09:26 AM (oAY8z)
49
>>>I just bought the Kindle edition of 50 Core American Documents: Required Reading for Students, Teachers, and Citizens, and when I say 'bought', I mean 'picked it up for free.'
================
When in college a required course for my major used a book called "Sources Of Our Liberties", a book I still have (and use) because it is a compendium of a the major documentary essays over time (Magna Carta, Montesquieu, right up through the Federalist Papers and Constitution/BOR) that are the basis for our form of self-government. Looks very similar, in idea anyway, to this book.
I wish it were a required course in high schools all over America.
================
When in college a required course for my major used a book called "Sources Of Our Liberties", a book I still have (and use) because it is a compendium of a the major documentary essays over time (Magna Carta, Montesquieu, right up through the Federalist Papers and Constitution/BOR) that are the basis for our form of self-government. Looks very similar, in idea anyway, to this book.
I wish it were a required course in high schools all over America.
Posted by: Huck Follywood, protester at July 19, 2020 09:26 AM (NVYyb)
50
If he was around today, he'd be tossing them out of helicopters.
-
Mister, we could use a man like Vlad the Impaler again.
-
Mister, we could use a man like Vlad the Impaler again.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at July 19, 2020 09:27 AM (+y/Ru)
51
I picked up Bari Weiss' book again, except this time I'm highlighting all her errors.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at July 19, 2020 09:27 AM (EZebt)
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at July 19, 2020 09:29 AM (S8rXo)
53
"A Little Weyland Book" -- ha!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at July 19, 2020 09:29 AM (Dc2NZ)
54
And in regards to Vlad Tepes, one could do worse than read Dracula, Prince of Many Faces: His Life and Times by Raymond McNally and Radu Florescu.
Florescu, who, IIRC, claims to be a descendant of the Tepes family, has also co-authored In Search of Dracula: A True History of Dracula and Vampire Legends and Dracula: Essays on the Life and Times of Vlad the Impaler.
https://tinyurl.com/y38a7goc
Florescu, who, IIRC, claims to be a descendant of the Tepes family, has also co-authored In Search of Dracula: A True History of Dracula and Vampire Legends and Dracula: Essays on the Life and Times of Vlad the Impaler.
https://tinyurl.com/y38a7goc
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at July 19, 2020 09:29 AM (2JVJo)
55
45 I am reading some in the OT and I am at the confrontation between Job and God. When God starts questioning Job, I am thinking I would have curled up in a ball and wet myself.
Posted by: jmel at July 19, 2020 09:25 AM (bVhJi)
In the category of "things that'll never happen these days", we read the Book of Job as an assignment in my senior year college prep English course.
45 I am reading some in the OT and I am at the confrontation between Job and God. When God starts questioning Job, I am thinking I would have curled up in a ball and wet myself.
Posted by: jmel at July 19, 2020 09:25 AM (bVhJi)
In the category of "things that'll never happen these days", we read the Book of Job as an assignment in my senior year college prep English course.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at July 19, 2020 09:29 AM (pNxlR)
56
I wish it were a required course in high schools all over America.
Posted by: Huck Follywood, protester at July 19, 2020 09:26 AM (NVYyb)
Instead it will be White Fragility
Posted by: Huck Follywood, protester at July 19, 2020 09:26 AM (NVYyb)
Instead it will be White Fragility
Posted by: TheQuietMan at July 19, 2020 09:30 AM (WuUfi)
57
That first gal has some serious sweater puppies.
Posted by: JAS at July 19, 2020 09:30 AM (2BZBZ)
58
Job is an allegory.
Posted by: JAS at July 19, 2020 09:31 AM (2BZBZ)
59
OM, Thanks for the heads up about the "50 Core America Documents". I have hardbacks of all those things and the corresponding 'anti' documents but not on the Kindle. Yes, it is still free.
Posted by: JTB at July 19, 2020 09:31 AM (7EjX1)
60
Currently reading Adam Smith's Theory of Moral Sentiments. I also finished Jim Butcher's latest Dresden novel. I'll likely read the sequel because he ended this book on a cliffhanger, but probably not the rest of the series based on the quality of this one.
Posted by: Colorado Alex In Exile at July 19, 2020 09:31 AM (SgjGX)
61
I still remember Johnny Carson hosting Billy Crystal back in the day. Bill looks over at Johnny and in a Very Important Voice says: "You know, I made love to Sophia Loren," he pauses for Carson to stare at him in disbelief and the audience to do an anticipatory laugh, and then he continues "thousands of times between the ages of 13 and 18."
He than talks about meeting her and how she *still* had it going on in the late 80s.
He than talks about meeting her and how she *still* had it going on in the late 80s.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 19, 2020 09:32 AM (cfSRQ)
62
And, for completely irrelevant trivia, Grandpa Munster, the oddest sort of vampire (he could go outside in the day and see himself in a mirror) revealed in one episode that his name was, other than "Count Dracula," "Sam Dracula."
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at July 19, 2020 09:32 AM (2JVJo)
63
Job is an allegory.
Posted by: JAS at July 19, 2020 09:31 AM (2BZBZ)
-----
On the banks of the Nile?
Posted by: JAS at July 19, 2020 09:31 AM (2BZBZ)
-----
On the banks of the Nile?
Posted by: Mrs. Malaprop at July 19, 2020 09:32 AM (UAMe5)
64
25 I'm re-reading Ken Follett's Eye of the Needle, one of the great WWII spy novels. Each of the characters, including Faber the ace German spy, is beautifully drawn; you wind up almost admiring Faber for how he handles his escapes; there is action aplenty; and it ends with a beautiful last scene. It's been a while since I saw the 1979 film version with Donald Sutherland and Kate Nelligan. I don't recall if they ended the film the same way.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at July 19, 2020 09:15 AM (rpbg1
The film adaptation was surprisingly good. I've never read the book so I don't know if it kept the ending.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at July 19, 2020 09:15 AM (rpbg1
The film adaptation was surprisingly good. I've never read the book so I don't know if it kept the ending.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at July 19, 2020 09:33 AM (S8rXo)
65
51 I picked up Bari Weiss' book again, except this time I'm highlighting all her errors.
===========
Even though she is lesbo and a little overweight, there is something I find a very sexy librarian-ish about her. Where did I go wrong? Probably in my childhood.
===========
Even though she is lesbo and a little overweight, there is something I find a very sexy librarian-ish about her. Where did I go wrong? Probably in my childhood.
Posted by: Huck Follywood, protester at July 19, 2020 09:33 AM (NVYyb)
66
Finished a Gogol fairly long short story, The Portrait, that was atypical of his other work. First of all it was split into two parts: the first was about a young starving artist with a reasonable amount of talent who finds this disturbing portrait with piercing eyes in some hole in the wall gallery and buys it for next to nothing. In his shithole apartment the portrait haunts him with bizarre nightmares and he finds a roll of gold coins hidden in the frame. Flush with cash he relocates to posh digs and starts doing really accomplished portraits for people. There are descriptions of the creative process unique to anything he'd previously written that were very well done. Eventually his work becomes more mundane and he gets increasingly frustrated with it even though he'd become filthy rich and jealous of people doing more creative work to the point of buying their work only to destroy it. Unsurprisingly he ends up killing himself.
The second part is when they auction off his possessions it includes the disturbing portrait. A young artist claims it was the work of his father who'd been paid to do it by a local loan shark who readily supplied money to anyone in need and eventually faced ruination. The father's life followed the same trajectory until he said fuck it and became a religious ascetic who, after cleansing himself spiritually, produced a small masterpiece glorifying God. His son wanted the portrait, maybe figuring that after knowing the full backstory he'd be immune to the curse.
I don't know if Gogol did any painting but he wrote with a lot of insight on the creative process, maybe from staring for a long time at a blank sheet of paper. Anyway I'm on to Dead Souls, his masterpiece.
The second part is when they auction off his possessions it includes the disturbing portrait. A young artist claims it was the work of his father who'd been paid to do it by a local loan shark who readily supplied money to anyone in need and eventually faced ruination. The father's life followed the same trajectory until he said fuck it and became a religious ascetic who, after cleansing himself spiritually, produced a small masterpiece glorifying God. His son wanted the portrait, maybe figuring that after knowing the full backstory he'd be immune to the curse.
I don't know if Gogol did any painting but he wrote with a lot of insight on the creative process, maybe from staring for a long time at a blank sheet of paper. Anyway I'm on to Dead Souls, his masterpiece.
Posted by: Captain Hate at July 19, 2020 09:33 AM (y7DUB)
67
BIAB with coffee.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at July 19, 2020 09:33 AM (S8rXo)
68
In the side bar there is a link to account of The USS Barb sending a crew to plan a torpedo warhead under train tracks. I highly recommend the book "Thunder Below". It was written by Admiral Flucky, Comander of the Barb, he writes very well and has accounts of his 5 patrol runs, 3 of which are on the top ten tonage sunk In the Pacific theater. He has since passed away and is buried in Arlington.
Posted by: Picric at July 19, 2020 09:33 AM (nonGu)
69
Mister, we could use a man like Vlad the Impaler again.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at July 19, 2020 09:27 AM (+y/Ru)
---
We fully agree.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at July 19, 2020 09:27 AM (+y/Ru)
---
We fully agree.
Posted by: All Romanians Everywhere at July 19, 2020 09:33 AM (cfSRQ)
70
Last year, for my birthday, my daughter gave me a couple of books, one on the Romanov daughters and another, Ekaterinburg. I'm now on my book seven on the family, The Family Romanov, which includes a lot of interspersed information on the dismal life of the Russian ppl. I understand the Bolshevik mindset of then, much more. Still no clue on today's version.
Posted by: EveR at July 19, 2020 09:33 AM (ZZDMQ)
71
Ken Follett's "Pillars of the Earth" is very good too.
Posted by: JAS at July 19, 2020 09:34 AM (2BZBZ)
72
I find the position of the book problematic, obscuring, as it does, some of Sophia's finest, uh, assets.
Posted by: Eeyore at July 19, 2020 09:34 AM (LMs+g)
73
50 If he was around today, he'd be tossing them out of helicopters
"Why are all of us bound together with rope tied to one of our ankles?"
"Why is the rope tied to that big rock just inside the outside door?"
"Why is that door open?"
"Why ... "
** kicks out rock **
"... is awwwwwwwwwwwww!"
50 If he was around today, he'd be tossing them out of helicopters
"Why are all of us bound together with rope tied to one of our ankles?"
"Why is the rope tied to that big rock just inside the outside door?"
"Why is that door open?"
"Why ... "
** kicks out rock **
"... is awwwwwwwwwwwww!"
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at July 19, 2020 09:35 AM (pNxlR)
74
Mister, we could use a man like Vlad the Impaler again.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at July 19, 2020 09:27 AM (+y/Ru)
How many people read this like Archie and Edith singing the "All in the Family" theme song?
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at July 19, 2020 09:27 AM (+y/Ru)
How many people read this like Archie and Edith singing the "All in the Family" theme song?
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at July 19, 2020 09:35 AM (PiwSw)
75
Also enjoying The Oresteia, Fagles' translation.
-
I have Fagles' translations of both the Iliad and the Odessy. While other translations may be more beautiful, I'm thinking of Alexander Pope, Fagles is the clearest and most accessible for contemporary readers.
-
I have Fagles' translations of both the Iliad and the Odessy. While other translations may be more beautiful, I'm thinking of Alexander Pope, Fagles is the clearest and most accessible for contemporary readers.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at July 19, 2020 09:36 AM (+y/Ru)
Posted by: BackwardsBoy - Who can fight the beast? Revelation 13:4 at July 19, 2020 09:36 AM (HaL55)
77
I still remember Johnny Carson hosting Billy Crystal back in the day. Bill looks over at Johnny and in a Very Important Voice says: "You know, I made love to Sophia Loren," he pauses for Carson to stare at him in disbelief and the audience to do an anticipatory laugh, and then he continues "thousands of times between the ages of 13 and 18."
There's a lyric in the musical On the Twentieth Century where the hero, Oscar Jaffee, is taunting the heroine, Lily Garland, with the fact that she is an object of desire for anonymous men:
LILY: Chauffeur, butler, cook -
OSCAR: You're spoiled!
LILY: - They're foreign and they're old -
OSCAR: Your reputation soiled -
A billion shopgirls ape you;
Nightly, nation-wide,
A billion shophands rape you -
There's a lyric in the musical On the Twentieth Century where the hero, Oscar Jaffee, is taunting the heroine, Lily Garland, with the fact that she is an object of desire for anonymous men:
LILY: Chauffeur, butler, cook -
OSCAR: You're spoiled!
LILY: - They're foreign and they're old -
OSCAR: Your reputation soiled -
A billion shopgirls ape you;
Nightly, nation-wide,
A billion shophands rape you -
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at July 19, 2020 09:36 AM (2JVJo)
78
I read The Dragon Reborn, book three in The Wheel Of Time series, by Robert Jordan. I thought this was the best of the three so far. The book moved the saga along quite a bit.
On the Kindle, I read Archibald Lox and the Bridge Between Worlds by Darren Shan. Shan has created a world, The Merge, where people who have been murdered go to live long lives. Meh, the book was good enough to finish, but not good enough to continue in the series. This is a YA fantasy where, unfortunately, the writing style is also YA and not polished.
On the Kindle, I read Archibald Lox and the Bridge Between Worlds by Darren Shan. Shan has created a world, The Merge, where people who have been murdered go to live long lives. Meh, the book was good enough to finish, but not good enough to continue in the series. This is a YA fantasy where, unfortunately, the writing style is also YA and not polished.
Posted by: Zoltan at July 19, 2020 09:37 AM (vWLM+)
79
Been reading a couple of fun things this week.
Need to escape my daily routine
Off for a hike in the mountains today. Training run for our 40 mile hike in August. Be well, sweet friends.
Need to escape my daily routine
Off for a hike in the mountains today. Training run for our 40 mile hike in August. Be well, sweet friends.
Posted by: Nurse ratched at July 19, 2020 09:37 AM (U2p+3)
80
He has since passed away and is buried in Arlington.
Posted by: Picric at July 19, 2020 09:33 AM (nonGu)
He is buried at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis.
He has since passed away and is buried in Arlington.
Posted by: Picric at July 19, 2020 09:33 AM (nonGu)
He is buried at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at July 19, 2020 09:37 AM (pNxlR)
81
No Englishman has made more impact on the history of his nation than Oliver Cromwell; few have been so persistently maligned in the folklore of history. The central purpose of Antonia Fraser's book is the recreation of his life and character, freed from the distortions of myth and Royalist propaganda.
_________
That's itself tendentious BS. That particular conflict has always been quite open in Brit history. Sure, there are plenty of anti-Cromwell writings out there. But equally many on the other side. It just isn't true when they make it sound as if there were just a torrent of Cavalier propaganda.
_________
That's itself tendentious BS. That particular conflict has always been quite open in Brit history. Sure, there are plenty of anti-Cromwell writings out there. But equally many on the other side. It just isn't true when they make it sound as if there were just a torrent of Cavalier propaganda.
Posted by: Eeyore at July 19, 2020 09:38 AM (LMs+g)
82
disperse/disburse - I'm not convinced whoever thought up the English language was so smart.
God: What should we call something that's yours and mine?
Anglo-Saxon: Our
God: Are? Didn't we use that for the plural of "be"?
AS: No, O-U-R.
God: Oh, Our. Ok, I guess. What should we call 60 minutes?
AS: Hour
God: Our? Again?
AS: No. H-O-U-R.
God: WTF is wrong with you? You do know I'm God right? We can use any damn words we want! Stop picking the same fucking words for everything! I still can't believe I let you do to, too and two.
AS: Ok, sorry.
God: C'mon, I wanna get this finished. What should we call someplace over yonder?
AS: There.
God: Their? Like they own it? What are you talking about.
AS: No, T-H-E-R-E
God: .... what if they go over "there"?
AS: They're there.
God: You are, A-R-E, an idiot. I give up. Do what you want.
God: What should we call something that's yours and mine?
Anglo-Saxon: Our
God: Are? Didn't we use that for the plural of "be"?
AS: No, O-U-R.
God: Oh, Our. Ok, I guess. What should we call 60 minutes?
AS: Hour
God: Our? Again?
AS: No. H-O-U-R.
God: WTF is wrong with you? You do know I'm God right? We can use any damn words we want! Stop picking the same fucking words for everything! I still can't believe I let you do to, too and two.
AS: Ok, sorry.
God: C'mon, I wanna get this finished. What should we call someplace over yonder?
AS: There.
God: Their? Like they own it? What are you talking about.
AS: No, T-H-E-R-E
God: .... what if they go over "there"?
AS: They're there.
God: You are, A-R-E, an idiot. I give up. Do what you want.
Posted by: Botched_Lobotomy at July 19, 2020 09:38 AM (lRrON)
83
Ken Follett is a gifted writer. "Eye Of The Needle" was outstanding, as was "Pillars Of The Earth". His spy novels ("Man From St. Petersburg") were similarly great reads.
I think a re-read is coming on. I go on these jags sometimes. I recently reread "King Rat" and now its all I can do resisting reading "Shogun" again, and getting sucked into his whole Asian series.
I think a re-read is coming on. I go on these jags sometimes. I recently reread "King Rat" and now its all I can do resisting reading "Shogun" again, and getting sucked into his whole Asian series.
Posted by: Huck Follywood, protester at July 19, 2020 09:38 AM (NVYyb)
84
Reading this week was wrapping up last-minute research for Long Live Death: The Keys to Victory in the Spanish Civil War.
E.R Hooton's Spain in Arms: A Military History of the Spanish Civil War 1936-1939 is very detailed and useful to people already versed in the conflict, but beyond the reach of someone who doesn't know much about it. I liked it, it is a permanent addition to my collection and I was pleased to see he confirmed my theories, but it's not for everyone.
Cecil Eby's Comrades and Commissars: The Lincoln Battaltion in the Spanish Civil War is much more accessible and is basically a revised and expanded version of his earlier Between the Bullet and the Lie, which came out in 1969.
Comrades and Commissars benefits from the fall of the Soviet Union and access to Comintern documents as well as veterans (particularly Spanish ones) who reached out to him after the earlier book was published. Having read both, much of the first is recycled in the second, but some have serious changes in light of new facts.
If you want to read first-hand how the Communist Party USA actively screwed over its own membership, this is your book.
E.R Hooton's Spain in Arms: A Military History of the Spanish Civil War 1936-1939 is very detailed and useful to people already versed in the conflict, but beyond the reach of someone who doesn't know much about it. I liked it, it is a permanent addition to my collection and I was pleased to see he confirmed my theories, but it's not for everyone.
Cecil Eby's Comrades and Commissars: The Lincoln Battaltion in the Spanish Civil War is much more accessible and is basically a revised and expanded version of his earlier Between the Bullet and the Lie, which came out in 1969.
Comrades and Commissars benefits from the fall of the Soviet Union and access to Comintern documents as well as veterans (particularly Spanish ones) who reached out to him after the earlier book was published. Having read both, much of the first is recycled in the second, but some have serious changes in light of new facts.
If you want to read first-hand how the Communist Party USA actively screwed over its own membership, this is your book.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 19, 2020 09:39 AM (cfSRQ)
85
Off for a hike in the mountains today. Training run for our 40 mile hike in August.
Good lord, you're athletic.
Even thinking about it makes me tired.
Have fun, dear lady!
Good lord, you're athletic.
Even thinking about it makes me tired.
Have fun, dear lady!
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at July 19, 2020 09:39 AM (2JVJo)
86
Re-read a Shakespeare play recently: _A Midsummer Night's Dream_. Man, that's a funny play. Even four hundred years after it was written, it's funny.
Best bits are the "Mechanicals" and their production of Pyramus and Thisby. It's pretty funny and I bet if you knew the specific people Shakespeare was making fun of it would be even funnier.
Best bits are the "Mechanicals" and their production of Pyramus and Thisby. It's pretty funny and I bet if you knew the specific people Shakespeare was making fun of it would be even funnier.
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 19, 2020 09:39 AM (jbmxH)
87
The author of the book says that he was a man of "surprising charm." Well, I hear that Hitler loved dogs and was kind to children. So what?
Posted by: RobertM at July 19, 2020 09:11 AM (lEqw+)
Cromwell was different; he was not a megalomaniac like the 20th century totalitarians, but rather was very much in the model of a Pinochet, or a Franco. He wanted a "conservative" society, and he rode the wave of stamping out foreign influences. That's synonymous with the Catholic faith, but we forget that at the time the English saw the Catholic Church as a proxy for the French and Spanish monarchies, which sought to dominate England. Also it's easy to forget one of his great accomplishments, which is keeping England out of the 30 years war that was destroying Central Europe at the time, much like Franco kept Spain out of WW2.
Cromwell was ruthless with the Irish, but try to name an English monarch who treated them well.
Posted by: RobertM at July 19, 2020 09:11 AM (lEqw+)
Cromwell was different; he was not a megalomaniac like the 20th century totalitarians, but rather was very much in the model of a Pinochet, or a Franco. He wanted a "conservative" society, and he rode the wave of stamping out foreign influences. That's synonymous with the Catholic faith, but we forget that at the time the English saw the Catholic Church as a proxy for the French and Spanish monarchies, which sought to dominate England. Also it's easy to forget one of his great accomplishments, which is keeping England out of the 30 years war that was destroying Central Europe at the time, much like Franco kept Spain out of WW2.
Cromwell was ruthless with the Irish, but try to name an English monarch who treated them well.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 19, 2020 09:42 AM (V2Yro)
88
47: Yes I do.
I have a collection of old (1940s) literature anthologies to help cover "great men" as PC has spoiled the ability to use modern sources. I don't see any reason to define the Founders by today's standards. This is a reason I am enjoying the Hillsdale course. Arnn is clear that the human story is an amalgam of good and bad and that we should look to the good and the role model qualities, especially when dealing with kids. He seems to fear for young people today who are fed a steady diet of negatives.
We are now reading, actually I am reading aloud, Aesop's Fables to them and making some fun pictures.
I have a great deal of the books I read with my own kids available, so we'll be on to The Wind in the Willows, and Alice in Wonderland too. I also have the Thomas the Tank Engine collection, the boys loved Thomas and the original stories always show the value of being responsible and "really useful". Those are not "great lit" but the younger one in particular adore building train track configurations for the magnatile cities.
I also have a variety of readers, so I can make sure I cover all the bases as I remember them. Today, they really don't use these, but I think they're important for the reason that, unlike most of the books the teachers used, that they teach kids to deal earlier with fewer pictures and are written in "proper English" and are not slangy.
Anyway, I'm enjoying the Hillsdale class as it confirms what I feel about kid's lit.
I have a collection of old (1940s) literature anthologies to help cover "great men" as PC has spoiled the ability to use modern sources. I don't see any reason to define the Founders by today's standards. This is a reason I am enjoying the Hillsdale course. Arnn is clear that the human story is an amalgam of good and bad and that we should look to the good and the role model qualities, especially when dealing with kids. He seems to fear for young people today who are fed a steady diet of negatives.
We are now reading, actually I am reading aloud, Aesop's Fables to them and making some fun pictures.
I have a great deal of the books I read with my own kids available, so we'll be on to The Wind in the Willows, and Alice in Wonderland too. I also have the Thomas the Tank Engine collection, the boys loved Thomas and the original stories always show the value of being responsible and "really useful". Those are not "great lit" but the younger one in particular adore building train track configurations for the magnatile cities.
I also have a variety of readers, so I can make sure I cover all the bases as I remember them. Today, they really don't use these, but I think they're important for the reason that, unlike most of the books the teachers used, that they teach kids to deal earlier with fewer pictures and are written in "proper English" and are not slangy.
Anyway, I'm enjoying the Hillsdale class as it confirms what I feel about kid's lit.
Posted by: CN at July 19, 2020 09:42 AM (ONvIw)
89
In writing news, I'm finishing up the formatting, dropping in some of my daughter's illustrations and making sure the index isn't completely useless.
After that, a proof copy and then publication, maybe by the end of July.
I think I enjoyed writing it, but it has taken a lot out of my and I'm somewhat depressed by seeing the same thing happening here. Some of this might be the usual exhaustion at the end of a book project, but I'm not sure. I actually feel like I want to write a novel - something as far away from the current situation as possible with zero deadline goals, or one set absurdly far off into the future, like March 2021.
It's not really burnout, just kind of depressing that Spain at war is more uplifting than the current age.
After that, a proof copy and then publication, maybe by the end of July.
I think I enjoyed writing it, but it has taken a lot out of my and I'm somewhat depressed by seeing the same thing happening here. Some of this might be the usual exhaustion at the end of a book project, but I'm not sure. I actually feel like I want to write a novel - something as far away from the current situation as possible with zero deadline goals, or one set absurdly far off into the future, like March 2021.
It's not really burnout, just kind of depressing that Spain at war is more uplifting than the current age.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 19, 2020 09:43 AM (cfSRQ)
90
Also picked up a cheap copy of Travelers in the Third Reich to add to my collection. I liked it when I first read it, but I don't know why I didn't buy the hardback.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at July 19, 2020 09:43 AM (2JVJo)
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at July 19, 2020 09:43 AM (pNxlR)
92
New York Police Department officers attempt to detain a protester who defaced with black paint the Black Lives Matter mural outside of Trump Tower on Fifth Avenue Saturday, July 18, 2020, in the Manhattan borough of New York. The "Black Lives Matter" street mural in front of Manhattan's Trump Tower has been defaced with paint for the third time in a week.
Bystander video showed police officers surrounding one of the women as she rubbed the paint on the mural's bright yellow letters and screamed: "they don't care about Black lives" and "refund the police."
The woman is black. I believe in another story she said she has family in law enforcement. While the rioters, looters and murderers are running free NYPD are tasked with arresting people for messing up Comrade DeCommio's middle finger to the president. I guess only political thought crimes are now illegal in NYC
Bystander video showed police officers surrounding one of the women as she rubbed the paint on the mural's bright yellow letters and screamed: "they don't care about Black lives" and "refund the police."
The woman is black. I believe in another story she said she has family in law enforcement. While the rioters, looters and murderers are running free NYPD are tasked with arresting people for messing up Comrade DeCommio's middle finger to the president. I guess only political thought crimes are now illegal in NYC
Posted by: TheQuietMan at July 19, 2020 09:44 AM (WuUfi)
93
The Dresden Files was also a short-lived TV series based on the books.
Posted by: JerseyDevilRider at July 19, 2020 09:44 AM (XEfn8)
94
-
I have Fagles' translations of both the Iliad and the Odessy. While other translations may be more beautiful, I'm thinking of Alexander Pope, Fagles is the clearest and most accessible for contemporary readers.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at July 19, 2020 09:36 AM (+y/Ru)
Yes. People complain a bit that Fagles interprets as well as translates, but he does make this clear in the notes and prefaces.
I have Fagles' translations of both the Iliad and the Odessy. While other translations may be more beautiful, I'm thinking of Alexander Pope, Fagles is the clearest and most accessible for contemporary readers.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at July 19, 2020 09:36 AM (+y/Ru)
Yes. People complain a bit that Fagles interprets as well as translates, but he does make this clear in the notes and prefaces.
Posted by: CN at July 19, 2020 09:45 AM (ONvIw)
95
hiya
Posted by: JT at July 19, 2020 09:45 AM (arJlL)
96
Writing news:
Not much. I printed out the whole book so I could edit it. I found it impossible to do edits on the laptop, because I couldn't easily see the whole thing. Now, at least, I can spread it out and get a good overview of where it is and where I want it to go.
Not much. I printed out the whole book so I could edit it. I found it impossible to do edits on the laptop, because I couldn't easily see the whole thing. Now, at least, I can spread it out and get a good overview of where it is and where I want it to go.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at July 19, 2020 09:45 AM (2JVJo)
97
I don't think the guy in the Pants pic owns a weedwhacker, (if you catch my drift)
Posted by: JT at July 19, 2020 09:46 AM (arJlL)
98
Taking a week off, now that Luna City #9 is all but finished.
Starting research on the next book, a WWII novel, with reading about the Australian home front. (Don't ask!) and for fun, MK Wren's Phoenix Trilogy, which is an epic science-fiction grand opera: Sword of the Lamb, Shadow of the Swan, and House of the Wolf. Very elaborate world-building, and created history.
Starting research on the next book, a WWII novel, with reading about the Australian home front. (Don't ask!) and for fun, MK Wren's Phoenix Trilogy, which is an epic science-fiction grand opera: Sword of the Lamb, Shadow of the Swan, and House of the Wolf. Very elaborate world-building, and created history.
Posted by: Sgt. Mom at July 19, 2020 09:46 AM (xnmPy)
99
So many excellent books to recommend.
I got an advance copy of Fenton Wood's The Earth a Machine to Speak, final book in his Yankee Republic Series. If you're new to his charming YA techno-adventures, you might want to start at the first book in the series, Pirates of the Electromagnetic Waves. Set in an alternate universe nostalgically reminiscent of mid-century America, Wood tells the story of a boy and his young friends as they struggle to build and operate a pirate radio station.
Loretta Malakie's Gentlemen Farmers is a funny and heartwarming tale of Yankee expats driven from their New York hometown by demographic change who travel to Appalachia in search of the American dream and try to re-establish themselves as the gentlemen farmers of the title.
Jim Butcher's Peace Talks is superb, but really half a story - the rest appears in Battleground, out soon. First time readers should start the series about a private investigator/wizard with Storm Front. Butcher's Dresden Files follow a remarkable arc from hero Harry Dresden's early days as a struggling low-budget private investigator/wizard to a major player among the supernatural powers vying for dominance unseen around us. Some great storytelling!
I got an advance copy of Fenton Wood's The Earth a Machine to Speak, final book in his Yankee Republic Series. If you're new to his charming YA techno-adventures, you might want to start at the first book in the series, Pirates of the Electromagnetic Waves. Set in an alternate universe nostalgically reminiscent of mid-century America, Wood tells the story of a boy and his young friends as they struggle to build and operate a pirate radio station.
Loretta Malakie's Gentlemen Farmers is a funny and heartwarming tale of Yankee expats driven from their New York hometown by demographic change who travel to Appalachia in search of the American dream and try to re-establish themselves as the gentlemen farmers of the title.
Jim Butcher's Peace Talks is superb, but really half a story - the rest appears in Battleground, out soon. First time readers should start the series about a private investigator/wizard with Storm Front. Butcher's Dresden Files follow a remarkable arc from hero Harry Dresden's early days as a struggling low-budget private investigator/wizard to a major player among the supernatural powers vying for dominance unseen around us. Some great storytelling!
Posted by: Hans G. Schantz at July 19, 2020 09:46 AM (FXjhj)
100
Posted by: Botched_Lobotomy at July 19, 2020 09:38 AM (lRrON)
---
English is of course a mish-mash of different languages and much of its present seeming confusion stems from flattened vowels.
If you watch old movies, the vowels are not as flat. They actually pronounce "their" differently than "there." Same with "aunt" and "ant."
One of my college professors (from New York) noted that midwesterners pronounce Mary, marry, and merry the same, but easterners didn't.
Posted by: Botched_Lobotomy at July 19, 2020 09:38 AM (lRrON)
---
English is of course a mish-mash of different languages and much of its present seeming confusion stems from flattened vowels.
If you watch old movies, the vowels are not as flat. They actually pronounce "their" differently than "there." Same with "aunt" and "ant."
One of my college professors (from New York) noted that midwesterners pronounce Mary, marry, and merry the same, but easterners didn't.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 19, 2020 09:46 AM (cfSRQ)
101
Ugh. Got to go back to sorting and packing books. I thought I'd have plenty of time; now it's starting to run short.
One I did read this week is The Silent Speaker (Nero Wolfe). The most notable thing is one of the women, Phoebe Gunther, just knocks Archie head over heels. Lily Rowan never had that effect on him.
Another thing I noticed is that, more than any other that I've read, Archie's narration has snatches that sound Wodehousian. I've seen a bit of this before, but not to this extent. Just certain turns of phrase, certain witticisms. I mean narration. One thing I long ago noted is that both Goodwin and Wooster have very different voices as narrators than they do in the dialogue. And both Wodehouse and Stout manage to slip it by the reader.
I am, BTW, on the pro-Nero and (relatively) anti-Archie side. Here I refer to dialogue. I don't care for wisecracking detectives, generally. When I say that, most people think I'm looking at American-style hard boiled fiction. But that's not it. First of all, not all AHB detection uses it a lot - Hammett doesn't.
But also it's something I don't like about Lord Peter Wimsey, either. And he does it just as much, however different the style. Roderick Alleyn slips into it too. Of course, that doesn't blind me to the virtues of their stories, when I see them.
Maybe later.
One I did read this week is The Silent Speaker (Nero Wolfe). The most notable thing is one of the women, Phoebe Gunther, just knocks Archie head over heels. Lily Rowan never had that effect on him.
Another thing I noticed is that, more than any other that I've read, Archie's narration has snatches that sound Wodehousian. I've seen a bit of this before, but not to this extent. Just certain turns of phrase, certain witticisms. I mean narration. One thing I long ago noted is that both Goodwin and Wooster have very different voices as narrators than they do in the dialogue. And both Wodehouse and Stout manage to slip it by the reader.
I am, BTW, on the pro-Nero and (relatively) anti-Archie side. Here I refer to dialogue. I don't care for wisecracking detectives, generally. When I say that, most people think I'm looking at American-style hard boiled fiction. But that's not it. First of all, not all AHB detection uses it a lot - Hammett doesn't.
But also it's something I don't like about Lord Peter Wimsey, either. And he does it just as much, however different the style. Roderick Alleyn slips into it too. Of course, that doesn't blind me to the virtues of their stories, when I see them.
Maybe later.
Posted by: Eeyore at July 19, 2020 09:46 AM (LMs+g)
102
Has no one yet pointed out that "who dis" is the immortal Sophia? 85 years old, and she still looks great. Makes me think that maybe some of the gods and goddesses *do* walk among us.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 19, 2020 09:47 AM (V2Yro)
103
The woman is black. I believe in another story she said she has family in law enforcement. While the rioters, looters and murderers are running free NYPD are tasked with arresting people for messing up Comrade DeCommio's middle finger to the president. I guess only political thought crimes are now illegal in NYC
Posted by: TheQuietMan at July 19, 2020 09:44 AM (WuUfi)
Kaiser Wilhelm is seriously mentally ill and I salute this woman for pushing back against his stupidity.
Posted by: TheQuietMan at July 19, 2020 09:44 AM (WuUfi)
Kaiser Wilhelm is seriously mentally ill and I salute this woman for pushing back against his stupidity.
Posted by: Captain Hate at July 19, 2020 09:47 AM (y7DUB)
104
New York Police Department officers attempt to detain a protester who defaced with black paint the Black Lives Matter mural outside of Trump Tower
It's not a mural, it's sanctioned graffiti. Geant it no more dignity than it deserves.
New York Police Department officers attempt to detain a protester who defaced with black paint the Black Lives Matter mural outside of Trump Tower
It's not a mural, it's sanctioned graffiti. Geant it no more dignity than it deserves.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at July 19, 2020 09:47 AM (pNxlR)
105
It took an Act of God to get me reading this week. The power went out and I have a battery powered lamp and I'd just received Nate Silver's The Signal and the Noise.
I'm quite liking it so far.
I'm quite liking it so far.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at July 19, 2020 09:47 AM (gd9RK)
106
I have the Fagles Odyssey, but the Stephen Marshall Iliad, and they are actually quite similar in style. As in there's really not much to choose between them.
I think a modern reader would find either translator, as you say, clear and accessible.
I think a modern reader would find either translator, as you say, clear and accessible.
Posted by: Sal at July 19, 2020 09:48 AM (bo8pf)
107
96 Writing news:
Not much. I printed out the whole book so I could edit it. I found it impossible to do edits on the laptop, because I couldn't easily see the whole thing. Now, at least, I can spread it out and get a good overview of where it is and where I want it to go.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at July 19, 2020 09:45 AM (2JVJo)
Good! This is partially why I still buy paper books and magazines.
Not much. I printed out the whole book so I could edit it. I found it impossible to do edits on the laptop, because I couldn't easily see the whole thing. Now, at least, I can spread it out and get a good overview of where it is and where I want it to go.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at July 19, 2020 09:45 AM (2JVJo)
Good! This is partially why I still buy paper books and magazines.
Posted by: CN at July 19, 2020 09:48 AM (ONvIw)
108
I've also been re-reading some of Fritz Leiber's Fafhrd and Gray Mouser stories -- "Stardock" and "The Lords of Quarmal." Those are so unlike any of the modern Bulk Fantasy Products it's hard to believe they're written in the same language.
(I just googled the stories to check my spelling and found a review which made me roll my eyes when it mentioned the "problematic sexual politics" of a goddamned fantasy story written more than half a century ago by a goddamned literary genius.)
(I just googled the stories to check my spelling and found a review which made me roll my eyes when it mentioned the "problematic sexual politics" of a goddamned fantasy story written more than half a century ago by a goddamned literary genius.)
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 19, 2020 09:49 AM (jbmxH)
109
Since this is the literary thread, I'd like to share a lovely, sensitive Irish poem I came across in my reading. It'll bring a tear to your eye:
"As a beauty, I am not a star.
There are others more handsome by far.
Yet, my face I don't mind it, for I am behind it,
the folks in front get the jar!"
Worthy of Yeats, I say.
"As a beauty, I am not a star.
There are others more handsome by far.
Yet, my face I don't mind it, for I am behind it,
the folks in front get the jar!"
Worthy of Yeats, I say.
Posted by: Donna&&&&&V. at July 19, 2020 09:49 AM (HabA/)
110
First, let me thank OM for doing disperse vs. disburse. This is a longtime irritant to me, because I'm a pedantic little pr***.
Second, I hope the cloth on those pants is softer than it looks. Putting a pinchy type structure down there seems nonoptimal.
Third, the heat motivated me to do a little light reading, and I chose two books from the past, largely to see if they've held up. One was the first Harry Potter. It was good, but not as good as I'd remembered, probably due to overexposure with the other volumes in the series. Still, my kids grew up with those books, and there were many worse options available. The other was Hunt for Red October. It was also not as good as I remembered, but definitely worth a reread. The interesting thing was that it's been >20 years since I last read it, during which time I've probably seen the movie a dozen times. Thus, I kept thinking, "wait, where's the scene when he says.....". In particular, "you arrogant ass, you've killed us!", and "this will get out of control....". This was by far the tautest book Clancy wrote, and it still needed editing. The movie, by contrast, was much tighter.
Second, I hope the cloth on those pants is softer than it looks. Putting a pinchy type structure down there seems nonoptimal.
Third, the heat motivated me to do a little light reading, and I chose two books from the past, largely to see if they've held up. One was the first Harry Potter. It was good, but not as good as I'd remembered, probably due to overexposure with the other volumes in the series. Still, my kids grew up with those books, and there were many worse options available. The other was Hunt for Red October. It was also not as good as I remembered, but definitely worth a reread. The interesting thing was that it's been >20 years since I last read it, during which time I've probably seen the movie a dozen times. Thus, I kept thinking, "wait, where's the scene when he says.....". In particular, "you arrogant ass, you've killed us!", and "this will get out of control....". This was by far the tautest book Clancy wrote, and it still needed editing. The movie, by contrast, was much tighter.
Posted by: House of Lancaster at July 19, 2020 09:50 AM (v16oJ)
Posted by: pep = House of Lancaster at July 19, 2020 09:50 AM (v16oJ)
112
I should add that context also gives words that sound the same different meanings. However, that isn't obvious from writing, which is why the spelling is altered.
Language is a fascinating subject and many of the difference between American and Commonwealth English can be laid squarely at the feet of the German influence.
Language is a fascinating subject and many of the difference between American and Commonwealth English can be laid squarely at the feet of the German influence.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 19, 2020 09:50 AM (cfSRQ)
113
They actually pronounce "their" differently than "there." Same with "aunt" and "ant."
That's a regionalism. Anyone who pronounces aunt as ant is wrong and from a wrong place.
That's a regionalism. Anyone who pronounces aunt as ant is wrong and from a wrong place.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at July 19, 2020 09:50 AM (gd9RK)
114
Good morning bibliofags!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes
Well, ya don't sound any older !
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes
Well, ya don't sound any older !
Posted by: JT at July 19, 2020 09:50 AM (arJlL)
115
One more bit from the BLM BS in NYC:
Saturday's vandalism happened less than 24 hours after three people were caught on surveillance video smearing blue paint on the mural around 4 p.m. Friday while a woman littered it with flyers that referenced the recent shooting death of a 1-year-old boy in Brooklyn, police said.
The woman, 64, was issued a criminal court summons for illegal posting of flyers. A photo provided by police showed one of the flyers designed like an internet meme, with a close-up picture of 1-year-old shooting victim Davell Gardner Jr. under the words "DID MY LIFE MATTER" followed by a crying emoji.
Next to Gardner's picture was a message written in red marker: "I wasn't killed by a cop. I was killed by a Black person. Where's BLM?
BLM was busy cashing checks from woke corporations but anyone questioning them will be arrested for thought crimes
Saturday's vandalism happened less than 24 hours after three people were caught on surveillance video smearing blue paint on the mural around 4 p.m. Friday while a woman littered it with flyers that referenced the recent shooting death of a 1-year-old boy in Brooklyn, police said.
The woman, 64, was issued a criminal court summons for illegal posting of flyers. A photo provided by police showed one of the flyers designed like an internet meme, with a close-up picture of 1-year-old shooting victim Davell Gardner Jr. under the words "DID MY LIFE MATTER" followed by a crying emoji.
Next to Gardner's picture was a message written in red marker: "I wasn't killed by a cop. I was killed by a Black person. Where's BLM?
BLM was busy cashing checks from woke corporations but anyone questioning them will be arrested for thought crimes
Posted by: TheQuietMan at July 19, 2020 09:51 AM (WuUfi)
116
75 ... "I have Fagles' translations of both the Iliad and the Odessy. While other translations may be more beautiful, I'm thinking of Alexander Pope, Fagles is the clearest and most accessible for contemporary readers."
I've read various translations of Homer but settled on Fagles as the better. Pope and others turned translations suitable for reading but Greek poetry and epics were meant to be heard. I think Fagles' versions works better when spoken.
I didn't know he had done the Oresteia. Just ordered the Penguin Classics edition. The Kindle version is only 2.99 but I want line numbers and to avoid wrap around lines that break up the flow.
I've read various translations of Homer but settled on Fagles as the better. Pope and others turned translations suitable for reading but Greek poetry and epics were meant to be heard. I think Fagles' versions works better when spoken.
I didn't know he had done the Oresteia. Just ordered the Penguin Classics edition. The Kindle version is only 2.99 but I want line numbers and to avoid wrap around lines that break up the flow.
Posted by: JTB at July 19, 2020 09:51 AM (7EjX1)
117
It's not really burnout, just kind of depressing that Spain at war is more uplifting than the current age.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 19, 2020 09:43 AM (cfSRQ)
It doesn't impact our lives and we have no need to fear what it will do to our kids. Plus it's so over. As I've mentioned, the 96yo cousin's husband was a Spanish Civil War vet with antifa dreams on anarchy. All of his nieces nephews and their off spring are focused on building careers, and maintaining their societies. Not a dangerous asshoe in the lot!
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 19, 2020 09:43 AM (cfSRQ)
It doesn't impact our lives and we have no need to fear what it will do to our kids. Plus it's so over. As I've mentioned, the 96yo cousin's husband was a Spanish Civil War vet with antifa dreams on anarchy. All of his nieces nephews and their off spring are focused on building careers, and maintaining their societies. Not a dangerous asshoe in the lot!
Posted by: CN at July 19, 2020 09:52 AM (ONvIw)
118
96
Writing news:
Not much. I printed out the whole book so I could edit it. I found
it impossible to do edits on the laptop, because I couldn't easily see
the whole thing. Now, at least, I can spread it out and get a good
overview of where it is and where I want it to go.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at July 19, 2020 09:45 AM (2JVJo)
---
The hard copy edit is essential. Sometimes I go through it twice. My current book got the test reader, and I'm going to do my edit in a proof copy of the paperback. I find formatting errors and spelling really stand out in a printed book.
Writing news:
Not much. I printed out the whole book so I could edit it. I found
it impossible to do edits on the laptop, because I couldn't easily see
the whole thing. Now, at least, I can spread it out and get a good
overview of where it is and where I want it to go.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at July 19, 2020 09:45 AM (2JVJo)
---
The hard copy edit is essential. Sometimes I go through it twice. My current book got the test reader, and I'm going to do my edit in a proof copy of the paperback. I find formatting errors and spelling really stand out in a printed book.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 19, 2020 09:52 AM (cfSRQ)
119
I ordered a copy of Gerald Posner's book "Pharma" the other day. I decided to do so after seeing him on TuCa. Posner is a solid investigative reporter - I read "Case Closed" and his bio of Mengele - and I'm interested to read what he has to say about the horrible Sackler family.
Posted by: Donna&&&&&V. at July 19, 2020 09:55 AM (HabA/)
120
Saw Murder, My Sweet for the first time yesterday. An interesting little noir, mostly known for being the movie that changed Dick Powell's career arc from flighty, feather-headed juvenile lead to dangerous man of action.
It was also an adaptation that Raymond Chandler himself enjoyed. The original title was going to be the same as the book, Farewell, My Lovely, but RKO thought that sounded too much like a typical Dick Powell dance-and-song picture, so changed the name.
It was also an adaptation that Raymond Chandler himself enjoyed. The original title was going to be the same as the book, Farewell, My Lovely, but RKO thought that sounded too much like a typical Dick Powell dance-and-song picture, so changed the name.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at July 19, 2020 09:55 AM (2JVJo)
121
My version of the hard-copy edit is the read-aloud edit. Amazing how it helps you spot typos, grammatical errors, clunky style, repetition -- all storytelling is really oral storytelling.
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 19, 2020 09:55 AM (jbmxH)
122
71 Ken Follett's "Pillars of the Earth" is very good too.
Posted by: JAS at July 19, 2020 09:34 AM (2BZBZ)
there are 3 books in the series
Posted by: JAS at July 19, 2020 09:34 AM (2BZBZ)
there are 3 books in the series
Posted by: rhennigantx at July 19, 2020 09:56 AM (JFO2v)
123
Been cleaning out the storage unit. Ran across a box full of elementary skool books from early 20th century. Been cleaning them up and will put them in a place of prominent display and honor.
Also found a four book series of mine that I'd forgotten I had that are from 1921 published by the International Textbook Co.
Reading Shop Blueprints Vol I ampersand II
Machine Sketching
Chemistry and Materials of Construction
They're small dark blue books with many hand-drawn engineering illustrations that I consider to be art.
Gorgeous, they are.
Also found a four book series of mine that I'd forgotten I had that are from 1921 published by the International Textbook Co.
Reading Shop Blueprints Vol I ampersand II
Machine Sketching
Chemistry and Materials of Construction
They're small dark blue books with many hand-drawn engineering illustrations that I consider to be art.
Gorgeous, they are.
Posted by: BackwardsBoy - Who can fight the beast? Revelation 13:4 at July 19, 2020 09:56 AM (HaL55)
124
102 Has no one yet pointed out that "who dis" is the immortal Sophia? 85 years old, and she still looks great. Makes me think that maybe some of the gods and goddesses *do* walk among us.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 19, 2020 09:47 AM (V2Yro)
Think about this: La Loren came of age and became famous long before there was any kind of photo shop and I am pretty certain that she has never taken a bad photo!..not even the candid, paparazzi shots. I met her when she launched her book on beauty and she was more beautiful in person than in her films. She is very gracious, too.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 19, 2020 09:47 AM (V2Yro)
Think about this: La Loren came of age and became famous long before there was any kind of photo shop and I am pretty certain that she has never taken a bad photo!..not even the candid, paparazzi shots. I met her when she launched her book on beauty and she was more beautiful in person than in her films. She is very gracious, too.
Posted by: RondinellaMamma at July 19, 2020 09:56 AM (8/7u2)
125
113 They actually pronounce "their" differently than "there." Same with "aunt" and "ant."
That's a regionalism. Anyone who pronounces aunt as ant is wrong and from a wrong place.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at July 19, 2020 09:50 AM (gd9RK)
I'm from a wrong place then. It also used to bother a friend from Philly that I pronounce "Mary" and "merry" the same.
That's a regionalism. Anyone who pronounces aunt as ant is wrong and from a wrong place.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at July 19, 2020 09:50 AM (gd9RK)
I'm from a wrong place then. It also used to bother a friend from Philly that I pronounce "Mary" and "merry" the same.
Posted by: Donna&&&&&V. at July 19, 2020 09:56 AM (HabA/)
126
My version of the hard-copy edit is the read-aloud
edit. Amazing how it helps you spot typos, grammatical errors, clunky
style, repetition -- all storytelling is really oral storytelling.
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 19, 2020 09:55 AM (jbmxH)
---
I do both - print it off and read it aloud. Very helpful.
edit. Amazing how it helps you spot typos, grammatical errors, clunky
style, repetition -- all storytelling is really oral storytelling.
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 19, 2020 09:55 AM (jbmxH)
---
I do both - print it off and read it aloud. Very helpful.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 19, 2020 09:57 AM (cfSRQ)
127
Civil War I just bought the collected short stories of Ambrose Bierce
-
I quite liked his CW stories, particularly A Horseman In the Sky. I recently read the Winston Groom novel El Paso in which Bierce is a character. In real life, Bierce disappeared into Mexico to never be seen again. In the novel, he is presented as disillusioned, particularly since the suicide of his son, who pretty much decided that people are stupid and should be beaten with a tire iron. He joins Pancho Villa as a journalist who has no intention of publishing, possibly to recapture some idealism. Things don't go well. (Another "journalist" with Villa is commie John Reed of Ten Days That Shook the World fame who was portrayed by Warren Beatty in the movie Reds.)
-
I quite liked his CW stories, particularly A Horseman In the Sky. I recently read the Winston Groom novel El Paso in which Bierce is a character. In real life, Bierce disappeared into Mexico to never be seen again. In the novel, he is presented as disillusioned, particularly since the suicide of his son, who pretty much decided that people are stupid and should be beaten with a tire iron. He joins Pancho Villa as a journalist who has no intention of publishing, possibly to recapture some idealism. Things don't go well. (Another "journalist" with Villa is commie John Reed of Ten Days That Shook the World fame who was portrayed by Warren Beatty in the movie Reds.)
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at July 19, 2020 09:57 AM (+y/Ru)
128
Kaiser Wilhelm is seriously mentally ill and I salute this woman for pushing back against his stupidity.
Posted by: Captain Hate at July 19, 2020 09:47 AM (y7DUB)
No, he is not ill. He's a committed communist with evil plans that are well considered and thought out. Not particularly disorganized and probably is not suffering under a delusion that his views are shared or desired, but he'll do everything he can to push them. Probably gets financing and assistance form the DC consulting group that works as a money laundering outfit as well.
Stating that he's ill, sort of gives him an out, absolves him from some of the responsibility. It also is unfair to the truly ill, IMO.
Posted by: Captain Hate at July 19, 2020 09:47 AM (y7DUB)
No, he is not ill. He's a committed communist with evil plans that are well considered and thought out. Not particularly disorganized and probably is not suffering under a delusion that his views are shared or desired, but he'll do everything he can to push them. Probably gets financing and assistance form the DC consulting group that works as a money laundering outfit as well.
Stating that he's ill, sort of gives him an out, absolves him from some of the responsibility. It also is unfair to the truly ill, IMO.
Posted by: CN at July 19, 2020 09:58 AM (ONvIw)
129
My version of the hard-copy edit is the read-aloud edit. Amazing how it helps you spot typos, grammatical errors, clunky style, repetition -- all storytelling is really oral storytelling.
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 19, 2020 09:55 AM (jbmxH)
When I'm blocked, I pull out a tape recorder and start ad-libbing narration and dialogue (since my books are told first-person flashback viewpoint). Sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn't.
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 19, 2020 09:55 AM (jbmxH)
When I'm blocked, I pull out a tape recorder and start ad-libbing narration and dialogue (since my books are told first-person flashback viewpoint). Sometimes it helps, sometimes it doesn't.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at July 19, 2020 09:58 AM (2JVJo)
130
If you watch old movies, the vowels are not as flat. They actually pronounce "their" differently than "there." Same with "aunt" and "ant."
One of my college professors (from New York) noted that midwesterners pronounce Mary, marry, and merry the same, but easterners didn't.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 19, 2020 09:46 AM (cfSRQ)
since I have a lot of midwestern relatives, we noticed a while back that the key to a midwestern accent is to smile wide, and never ever move your lips while speaking.
One of my college professors (from New York) noted that midwesterners pronounce Mary, marry, and merry the same, but easterners didn't.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 19, 2020 09:46 AM (cfSRQ)
since I have a lot of midwestern relatives, we noticed a while back that the key to a midwestern accent is to smile wide, and never ever move your lips while speaking.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 19, 2020 09:59 AM (V2Yro)
131
I've also been re-reading some of Fritz Leiber's Fafhrd and Gray Mouser stories -- "Stardock" and "The Lords of Quarmal." Those are so unlike any of the modern Bulk Fantasy Products it's hard to believe they're written in the same language.
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 19, 2020 09:49 AM (jbmxH)
---
Ha! Boned, pulped, and extruded Science Fiction Product.
SF in short story form is the best way to explore an idea. Fantasy in short story form can afford to be rich and strange and poetic (see Lord Dunsany or Clark Aston Smith).
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 19, 2020 09:49 AM (jbmxH)
---
Ha! Boned, pulped, and extruded Science Fiction Product.
SF in short story form is the best way to explore an idea. Fantasy in short story form can afford to be rich and strange and poetic (see Lord Dunsany or Clark Aston Smith).
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at July 19, 2020 10:00 AM (Dc2NZ)
132
Ken Follett's "Pillars of the Earth" is very good too.
-
I also liked The Key to Rebecca and The Man From St. Petersburg.
-
I also liked The Key to Rebecca and The Man From St. Petersburg.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at July 19, 2020 10:00 AM (+y/Ru)
133
My version of the hard-copy edit is the read-aloud edit. Amazing how it helps you spot typos, grammatical errors, clunky style, repetition -- all storytelling is really oral storytelling.
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 19, 2020 09:55 AM (jbmxH)
I do this with the 'speak this text' command. It's easy to overlook and fix errors without becoming aware of them when I read text, less so if I read aloud, but nothing hides from the flat computer monotone droning through the copy. It also reveals awkward phrases that only work if you read them the right way, and don't work at all if you don't.
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 19, 2020 09:55 AM (jbmxH)
I do this with the 'speak this text' command. It's easy to overlook and fix errors without becoming aware of them when I read text, less so if I read aloud, but nothing hides from the flat computer monotone droning through the copy. It also reveals awkward phrases that only work if you read them the right way, and don't work at all if you don't.
Posted by: hogmartin at July 19, 2020 10:00 AM (t+qrx)
134
In real life, Bierce disappeared into Mexico to never be seen again. In the novel, he is presented as disillusioned, particularly since the suicide of his son, who pretty much decided that people are stupid and should be beaten with a tire iron.
There was a series of books featuring Bierce as an amateur detective, by a writer named Oakley Hall:
https://tinyurl.com/y6kpv3ut
There was a series of books featuring Bierce as an amateur detective, by a writer named Oakley Hall:
https://tinyurl.com/y6kpv3ut
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at July 19, 2020 10:02 AM (2JVJo)
135
I've long thought the ideal length for science fiction is the novella or novelette -- twenty to fifty thousand words. Enough room to explore an idea, show the reader an imagined world, but not padded out with needless action loops.
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 19, 2020 10:02 AM (jbmxH)
136
In real life, Bierce disappeared into Mexico to never be seen again
------
There is a film with Gregory Peck, "Old Gringo", that explores what might have happened to Bierce.
------
There is a film with Gregory Peck, "Old Gringo", that explores what might have happened to Bierce.
Posted by: Captain Obvious, of the sloop John B. at July 19, 2020 10:05 AM (UAMe5)
137
New York Police Department officers attempt to detain a protester who defaced with black paint the Black Lives Matter mural outside of Trump Tower
==========================
I saw a clip of her doing this on Twatter. She is a middle aged black woman, who is enraged at BLM and what they're doing to her community and city. She has vowed to deface the graffiti every day until it's gone. The weirdest part of the clip is when one of the restraining officers takes a dive that would put a Euro soccer boy to shame. It's odd.
==========================
I saw a clip of her doing this on Twatter. She is a middle aged black woman, who is enraged at BLM and what they're doing to her community and city. She has vowed to deface the graffiti every day until it's gone. The weirdest part of the clip is when one of the restraining officers takes a dive that would put a Euro soccer boy to shame. It's odd.
Posted by: Brave Sir Robin at July 19, 2020 10:05 AM (7Fj9P)
138
Ha! Boned, pulped, and extruded Science Fiction Product.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at July 19, 2020 10:00 AM (Dc2NZ)
Hang on, I had something for this.
https://stoatnet.org/scifi.jpg
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at July 19, 2020 10:00 AM (Dc2NZ)
Hang on, I had something for this.
https://stoatnet.org/scifi.jpg
Posted by: hogmartin at July 19, 2020 10:05 AM (t+qrx)
139
Finished David Drake's 'Tha Tank Lords' and am now working on a Harry Harrison 12 book Kindle MegaPack. Good sciffeom the 50's.
I actually knew and have used both of the word of the day vocabulary before. In my yute, pre-Smash, I worked at the Canal Street Marriott and an apprentice in Boilers and HVAC. After work I would disburse with my paycheck to get the female tourists to disberse with their favors. Good times.
I actually knew and have used both of the word of the day vocabulary before. In my yute, pre-Smash, I worked at the Canal Street Marriott and an apprentice in Boilers and HVAC. After work I would disburse with my paycheck to get the female tourists to disberse with their favors. Good times.
Posted by: BifBewalski at July 19, 2020 10:08 AM (VcFUs)
140
I wish I was Sophia Loren's book.
Posted by: FloridaMan at July 19, 2020 10:09 AM (b+ARr)
141
I made a mistake of watching the newer version of 1984 last night on Prime. Depressing, after what is going on. I have watched the black and white older version, and liked how you had to identify yourself in front of your forever on TV. Your just a last name and number, don't forget that Conrad.
Posted by: Colin at July 19, 2020 10:10 AM (WSEII)
142
Hang on, I had something for this.
https://stoatnet.org/scifi.jpg
Posted by: hogmartin at July 19, 2020 10:05 AM (t+qrx)
--
I've read that one.
https://stoatnet.org/scifi.jpg
Posted by: hogmartin at July 19, 2020 10:05 AM (t+qrx)
--
I've read that one.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at July 19, 2020 10:10 AM (Dc2NZ)
143
I am reading Legacy of Heorot at Eris' recommendations. On Book Two now.
I really enjoyed how the colonists have allowed their survival-demanded, extreme pro-life stance to improve medical science to the point that every fetus is welcome and can even be safely relocated to an artificial womb if needed.
Just like the idea of that. Science develops new technology for the sake of life.
I really enjoyed how the colonists have allowed their survival-demanded, extreme pro-life stance to improve medical science to the point that every fetus is welcome and can even be safely relocated to an artificial womb if needed.
Just like the idea of that. Science develops new technology for the sake of life.
Posted by: deplorable unperson - refuse to accept the Mask of the Beast at July 19, 2020 10:11 AM (3z0gk)
144
I read "In Search of Dracula: A True History of Dracula and Vampire Legends" years ago and it's the source of all my know-it-all about Vlad the Impaler. Now I'm inspired to reread it but it seems to have been part of the great purge before the cross-country move.
Posted by: Who knew at July 19, 2020 10:11 AM (SfO/T)
Posted by: Yo! at July 19, 2020 10:11 AM (PN+lu)
Posted by: Colin at July 19, 2020 10:12 AM (WSEII)
147
I've long thought the ideal length for science fiction is the novella or novelette -- twenty to fifty thousand words. Enough room to explore an idea, show the reader an imagined world, but not padded out with needless action loops.
I've been watching sci-fi short features on EweTewb that run around 20 minutes or less for that same reason. The Dust and CGBrothers channels have some good ones. Not too much PC/SJW garbage in them, thankfully.
I've been watching sci-fi short features on EweTewb that run around 20 minutes or less for that same reason. The Dust and CGBrothers channels have some good ones. Not too much PC/SJW garbage in them, thankfully.
Posted by: BackwardsBoy - Who can fight the beast? Revelation 13:4 at July 19, 2020 10:13 AM (HaL55)
148
If you watch old movies, the vowels are not as flat. They actually pronounce "their" differently than "there." Same with "aunt" and "ant."
-
In law school, we read a trademark dispute case in which the court's decision was based in part on its finding that "Lexis" (legal research service) and "Lexus" (automobile) are pronounced differently. If you say so, judge. If you say so.
-
In law school, we read a trademark dispute case in which the court's decision was based in part on its finding that "Lexis" (legal research service) and "Lexus" (automobile) are pronounced differently. If you say so, judge. If you say so.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at July 19, 2020 10:13 AM (+y/Ru)
149
Anonosaurus Wrecks,
Have you read 'Rifles for Wati'? It's a CW fiction about a young man's experience I the union army and how he gets trapped behind enemy lines, meets a girl, and makes his way back to friendly territory.
https://tinyurl.com/y57wlm2n
Have you read 'Rifles for Wati'? It's a CW fiction about a young man's experience I the union army and how he gets trapped behind enemy lines, meets a girl, and makes his way back to friendly territory.
https://tinyurl.com/y57wlm2n
Posted by: BifBewalski at July 19, 2020 10:13 AM (VcFUs)
150
Read a classic Western, "Monte Walsh" and really enjoyed it. Though somewhat episodic, it hangs together to give a vivid picture of changing cowboy life in the 1850 - 1900 years.
Same author (Jack Schaefer) who wrote "Shane".
Same author (Jack Schaefer) who wrote "Shane".
Posted by: FloridaMan at July 19, 2020 10:13 AM (b+ARr)
151
Miss Linda has brought me a copy of Dostoyevsky's Crime and Punishment. Not sure if I will like it or be able to handle all the Russian names and nicknames.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at July 19, 2020 09:15 AM (rpbg1)
The Brothers Karamazov movie was on TMC recently and the actor playing the youngest brother looked vaguely familiar....it was a young William Shatner (1956)
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at July 19, 2020 09:15 AM (rpbg1)
The Brothers Karamazov movie was on TMC recently and the actor playing the youngest brother looked vaguely familiar....it was a young William Shatner (1956)
Posted by: BignJames at July 19, 2020 10:14 AM (X/Pw5)
152
There is a film with Gregory Peck, "Old Gringo", that explores what might have happened to Bierce.
Posted by: Captain Obvious, of the sloop John B. at July 19, 2020 10:05 AM (UAMe5)
Based on a book by Carlos Fuentes.
Posted by: Captain Obvious, of the sloop John B. at July 19, 2020 10:05 AM (UAMe5)
Based on a book by Carlos Fuentes.
Posted by: Captain Hate at July 19, 2020 10:15 AM (y7DUB)
153
"The Devil's Dictionary" by Ambrose Bierce remains one of the funniest and most satirical pieces of American literature ever written. I'm sure H.L. Mencken read it and wished he had written it.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 19, 2020 10:16 AM (V2Yro)
154
re: Tom and Darrell Harris , previous thread
And though all the businesses here try to enforce the rule (what choice do they have really)
See
this is the problem in Georgia. Business are NOT forced to mandate
masks. But they do so DESPITE the fact that the governor has given
individuals freedom of choice.
That's why I don't buy the "poor widdle businesses have no choice" bullshit.
When they have choice they choose the same thing.
It's an op.
And though all the businesses here try to enforce the rule (what choice do they have really)
See
this is the problem in Georgia. Business are NOT forced to mandate
masks. But they do so DESPITE the fact that the governor has given
individuals freedom of choice.
That's why I don't buy the "poor widdle businesses have no choice" bullshit.
When they have choice they choose the same thing.
It's an op.
Posted by: deplorable unperson - refuse to accept the Mask of the Beast at July 19, 2020 10:17 AM (3z0gk)
155
Just finished team Yankee, a enjoyable book on WWIII set in 1985, USSR attack Germany and an American Tank Company fights back, good book lots of Action.
I think RED Phoenix, about the Second Korean War is better. The Characters are well written and you really root for them to live and win.
A very fun series is SPELLMONGER, a former War Mage goes to a sleepy town after years of War and he just wants to settle down, but the Goblin's have attacked and start killing the villagers, so he has to fight them and the politics of who is going to be on the throne. It has it's funny sides Maybe I enjoy it because it has no SJW crap in it. As in NO female knights killing 50,
I think RED Phoenix, about the Second Korean War is better. The Characters are well written and you really root for them to live and win.
A very fun series is SPELLMONGER, a former War Mage goes to a sleepy town after years of War and he just wants to settle down, but the Goblin's have attacked and start killing the villagers, so he has to fight them and the politics of who is going to be on the throne. It has it's funny sides Maybe I enjoy it because it has no SJW crap in it. As in NO female knights killing 50,
Posted by: Patrick from Ohio at July 19, 2020 10:18 AM (dKiJG)
156
I suspect that I'll be reading many dog stories with the grandsons this week as they have a new puppy. A sweet little Keeshond, now named Zorro for his masked face. They are over the moon about this little guy.
Posted by: CN at July 19, 2020 10:18 AM (ONvIw)
157
Who Dis? : Big Toed Broad ..Alotta Gina?
Daunt-ing books no customers ,they all must be Travelling..Lonely Planet?
Who Dis? : Big Toed Broad ..Alotta Gina?
Daunt-ing books no customers ,they all must be Travelling..Lonely Planet?
Posted by: Saf at July 19, 2020 10:19 AM (5IHGB)
158
146 Vlad only killed 100,000?
That was not enough me thinks
Posted by: Yo! at July 19, 2020 10:11 AM (PN+lu)
Romania has always been a poor country. He ran out of impaling sticks.
That was not enough me thinks
Posted by: Yo! at July 19, 2020 10:11 AM (PN+lu)
Romania has always been a poor country. He ran out of impaling sticks.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 19, 2020 10:19 AM (V2Yro)
159
I have Herriot's dog stories and several of his kiddie books to start with, and we'll read some dog care info as well.
Posted by: CN at July 19, 2020 10:19 AM (ONvIw)
160
I read that generic SF book, too. Years later I had a revelation.
There is no "stereotypical" SF novel plot. (As opposed to the Inevitable Quest of the Chosen One of most Bulk Fantasy Product.) Which is why, when writing a generic SF novel -- or doing any kind of SF parody -- one must fall back on the plot of a stereotypical SF _movie_ instead.
There is no "stereotypical" SF novel plot. (As opposed to the Inevitable Quest of the Chosen One of most Bulk Fantasy Product.) Which is why, when writing a generic SF novel -- or doing any kind of SF parody -- one must fall back on the plot of a stereotypical SF _movie_ instead.
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 19, 2020 10:19 AM (jbmxH)
161
Speaking of travel books, just picked up Larry McMurtry's "Roads". Looks like a good read.
Posted by: Thomas LaBelle at July 19, 2020 10:24 AM (alD+v)
162
I mentioned before that some books grab you by the lapels and pull you in.
The Cuban Affair by Nelson DeMille is one such book.
The Cuban Affair by Nelson DeMille is one such book.
Posted by: JT at July 19, 2020 10:24 AM (arJlL)
163
I've long thought the ideal length for science
fiction is the novella or novelette -- twenty to fifty thousand words.
Enough room to explore an idea, show the reader an imagined world, but
not padded out with needless action loops.
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 19, 2020 10:02 AM (jbmxH)
---
As the author of a brilliantly written yet tragically underselling book series in the genre, I have to disagree.
I tried to keep Man of Destiny in three books but the story arc required a fourth. Now one can argue that it's really "space opera," but I do explore political/military/religious themes and try to keep the tech outside of pure magic.
But I agree that sci-fi that focuses on a single concept and that is *just about that concept* really should just be a short story or novella. We don't need a lame story grafted into it to pad out the length.
Another way of looking at it is whether the work is about a concept that happens to have a story or a story that happens to feature a concept.
If your political/tech/religious point is more important than the characters, it's the former; if the characters are where you're putting your effort, it's the latter.
fiction is the novella or novelette -- twenty to fifty thousand words.
Enough room to explore an idea, show the reader an imagined world, but
not padded out with needless action loops.
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 19, 2020 10:02 AM (jbmxH)
---
As the author of a brilliantly written yet tragically underselling book series in the genre, I have to disagree.
I tried to keep Man of Destiny in three books but the story arc required a fourth. Now one can argue that it's really "space opera," but I do explore political/military/religious themes and try to keep the tech outside of pure magic.
But I agree that sci-fi that focuses on a single concept and that is *just about that concept* really should just be a short story or novella. We don't need a lame story grafted into it to pad out the length.
Another way of looking at it is whether the work is about a concept that happens to have a story or a story that happens to feature a concept.
If your political/tech/religious point is more important than the characters, it's the former; if the characters are where you're putting your effort, it's the latter.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 19, 2020 10:26 AM (cfSRQ)
164
Have you read 'Rifles for Wati'? It's a CW fiction about a young man's experience I the union army and how he gets trapped behind enemy lines, meets a girl, and makes his way back to friendly territory.
https://tinyurl.com/y57wlm2n
Posted by: BifBewalski
Sounds interesting.
https://tinyurl.com/y57wlm2n
Posted by: BifBewalski
Sounds interesting.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at July 19, 2020 10:27 AM (+y/Ru)
165
The black woman facing arrest over the Black Lives Matter sign is something right out of Waugh, by the way.
Too perfect.
Like the white girls using racial taunts against black cops.
Too perfect.
Like the white girls using racial taunts against black cops.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 19, 2020 10:28 AM (cfSRQ)
166
Romania has always been a poor country. He ran out of impaling sticks.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 19, 2020 10:19 AM (V2Yro)
---------
I suppose you can't reuse them for sanitary reasons.
Posted by: Tom Servo at July 19, 2020 10:19 AM (V2Yro)
---------
I suppose you can't reuse them for sanitary reasons.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at July 19, 2020 10:28 AM (wPVhA)
167
There is no "stereotypical" SF novel plot. (As opposed to the Inevitable Quest of the Chosen One of most Bulk Fantasy Product.) Which is why, when writing a generic SF novel -- or doing any kind of SF parody -- one must fall back on the plot of a stereotypical SF _movie_ instead.
Far too many SF movies these days have the "Evil mankind destroys teh Erf" plot. It's a tired trope IMO and shows a lack of imagination on the part of the writer(s). But I suppose that comes with the dumbing down of people in general. Nobody is exposed to great literature any more so plots get reduced to the lowest common denominator.
The movie Idiocracy was a documentary from the future, apparently.
Far too many SF movies these days have the "Evil mankind destroys teh Erf" plot. It's a tired trope IMO and shows a lack of imagination on the part of the writer(s). But I suppose that comes with the dumbing down of people in general. Nobody is exposed to great literature any more so plots get reduced to the lowest common denominator.
The movie Idiocracy was a documentary from the future, apparently.
Posted by: BackwardsBoy - Who can fight the beast? Revelation 13:4 at July 19, 2020 10:29 AM (HaL55)
168
I have all of Larry McMurtry's books.Everytime I drive by the local Dairy Queen I think of him. If you have read any of his books you would know what I mean.
Posted by: Colin at July 19, 2020 10:30 AM (WSEII)
169
Far too many SF movies these days have the "Evil
mankind destroys teh Erf" plot. It's a tired trope IMO and shows a lack
of imagination on the part of the writer(s). But I suppose that comes
with the dumbing down of people in general. Nobody is exposed to great
literature any more so plots get reduced to the lowest common
denominator.
The movie Idiocracy was a documentary from the future, apparently.
Posted by: BackwardsBoy - Who can fight the beast? Revelation 13:4 at July 19, 2020 10:29 AM (HaL55)
---
Writing characters the audience will care about and become invested in is difficult. It's much easier to blow up some beloved icon to try to cheat your way into emotional investment.
mankind destroys teh Erf" plot. It's a tired trope IMO and shows a lack
of imagination on the part of the writer(s). But I suppose that comes
with the dumbing down of people in general. Nobody is exposed to great
literature any more so plots get reduced to the lowest common
denominator.
The movie Idiocracy was a documentary from the future, apparently.
Posted by: BackwardsBoy - Who can fight the beast? Revelation 13:4 at July 19, 2020 10:29 AM (HaL55)
---
Writing characters the audience will care about and become invested in is difficult. It's much easier to blow up some beloved icon to try to cheat your way into emotional investment.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 19, 2020 10:31 AM (cfSRQ)
170
166 The black woman facing arrest over the Black Lives Matter sign is something right out of Waugh, by the way.
Too perfect.
Like the white girls using racial taunts against black cops.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 19, 2020 10:28 AM (cfSRQ)
I think many blacks do not want the hostility and segregation of BLM/antifa and are not enjoying the celebration of criminality as much as DiBlasio is. The "way forward" is not mired in hatred and hereditary guilt.
Too perfect.
Like the white girls using racial taunts against black cops.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at July 19, 2020 10:28 AM (cfSRQ)
I think many blacks do not want the hostility and segregation of BLM/antifa and are not enjoying the celebration of criminality as much as DiBlasio is. The "way forward" is not mired in hatred and hereditary guilt.
Posted by: CN at July 19, 2020 10:31 AM (ONvIw)
171
Ok off topic. I watched that will Ferrell movie on Netflix. Eurovision...or whatever. Someone else mentioned it on some other thread. But the introduction of 4 harmless us college student travelling in Europe just so Farrell's character can go on a burning diatribe against Americans seemed out of place and unfunny at best. Basically ruined the whole movie. That and he stole the theme from from nacho libre.
Posted by: Cuthbert the Witless at July 19, 2020 10:32 AM (9dzlp)
172
Bought the first of the Bride's Story manga by Kaoru Mori (famous for it's meticulous artwork and gentle tales of life in northwestern Asia) this week after wanting the series for the last couple years. The art is as beautiful as I remember. My plan is to get another volume every couple of weeks since they're $17 a piece (but in hardback, so still good value). The series is up to volume 12 and I've only read to 7, so there's a lot of new content I'm looking forward to.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at July 19, 2020 10:32 AM (uquGJ)
173
Writing characters the audience will care about and become invested in is difficult. It's much easier to blow up some beloved icon to try to cheat your way into emotional investment.
----------
And then, you spend the next year insulting your audience for failing to "get" how clever you are. It's called the Rian Johnson Strategy.
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And then, you spend the next year insulting your audience for failing to "get" how clever you are. It's called the Rian Johnson Strategy.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at July 19, 2020 10:34 AM (wPVhA)
Posted by: Frankly at July 19, 2020 10:34 AM (zshCF)
175
yes that version of 1984, with the late john hurt, is very grim, but it's supposed to be, some 25 years later, he played the obrien character more or less in v for vendetta,
so 50,000 is the upper limit to a novella, then I'm near that point well 45,000 words, my premise is a litle like with the harry palmer series, remember there was an albanian cell in the unnamed british security service, deighton footnoted his novel with it's very blue collar spy,
so 50,000 is the upper limit to a novella, then I'm near that point well 45,000 words, my premise is a litle like with the harry palmer series, remember there was an albanian cell in the unnamed british security service, deighton footnoted his novel with it's very blue collar spy,
Posted by: thomas hobbes at July 19, 2020 10:34 AM (hMlTh)
176
try Aye Robot, Very very funny Sci Fi makes fun of Star Wars, the audiobook is read as his Suffering robot companion Sasha.
Hard Luck Hank is another book that's funny and really needs to listen to as the audiobook because it too read as HANK which I laughed out loud several times.
Hard Luck Hank is another book that's funny and really needs to listen to as the audiobook because it too read as HANK which I laughed out loud several times.
Posted by: Patrick from Ohio at July 19, 2020 10:34 AM (dKiJG)
177
FIRST!!!!!
Posted by: Sponge - China is Asshoe! at July 19, 2020 10:36 AM (Zz0t1)
Posted by: Sponge - China is Asshoe! at July 19, 2020 10:36 AM (Zz0t1)
179
I think many blacks do not want the hostility and segregation of BLM/antifa and are not enjoying the celebration of criminality as much as DiBlasio is.
--------
I'm not sure, but I imagine that if I was black, I wouldn't be too supportive of a campaign that links being black with emotionalism, infantile behavior, anarchy and the rejection of logic and reason.
--------
I'm not sure, but I imagine that if I was black, I wouldn't be too supportive of a campaign that links being black with emotionalism, infantile behavior, anarchy and the rejection of logic and reason.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at July 19, 2020 10:37 AM (wPVhA)
180
Got hit by lightning while lurking on the AoS Sunday morning book thread as I always do. My next musical:
Cromwell!
Cromwell will be a trans man. The Seige of Drogheda will be staged outside Trump Tower. The chorus of the oppressed Irish peasants will be played by
African-American children wearing 49'ers uniforms with Colin Kapernick's number.
Charles I will be made up to look just like Trump and my Cromwell will behead him with a garbage can lid.
I feel Pulitzers and Tonys and Disney already.
Got hit by lightning while lurking on the AoS Sunday morning book thread as I always do. My next musical:
Cromwell!
Cromwell will be a trans man. The Seige of Drogheda will be staged outside Trump Tower. The chorus of the oppressed Irish peasants will be played by
African-American children wearing 49'ers uniforms with Colin Kapernick's number.
Charles I will be made up to look just like Trump and my Cromwell will behead him with a garbage can lid.
I feel Pulitzers and Tonys and Disney already.
Posted by: Lin Manuel Miranda at July 19, 2020 10:38 AM (Men5k)
181
There is no "stereotypical" SF novel plot. (As opposed to the Inevitable Quest of the Chosen One of most Bulk Fantasy Product.) Which is why, when writing a generic SF novel -- or doing any kind of SF parody -- one must fall back on the plot of a stereotypical SF _movie_ instead.
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 19, 2020 10:19 AM (jbmxH)
I don't think there's an archetypical SF story any more than you could answer the question "what are rock songs about?". It's a medium for telling a story that can't be told within the constraints of the universe as it's existed up to that point. If your handwave is a FTL drive or hyperintelligent computer or cybernetics, then it's a science fiction story. If it's wizards and potions and wards of protection, then it's a fantasy story.
See also: Clarke's third law.
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 19, 2020 10:19 AM (jbmxH)
I don't think there's an archetypical SF story any more than you could answer the question "what are rock songs about?". It's a medium for telling a story that can't be told within the constraints of the universe as it's existed up to that point. If your handwave is a FTL drive or hyperintelligent computer or cybernetics, then it's a science fiction story. If it's wizards and potions and wards of protection, then it's a fantasy story.
See also: Clarke's third law.
Posted by: hogmartin at July 19, 2020 10:38 AM (t+qrx)
182
I have all of Larry McMurtry's books.Everytime I drive by the local Dairy Queen I think of him. If you have read any of his books you would know what I mean.
Posted by: Colin at July 19, 2020 10:30 AM (WSEII)
I read Lonesome Dove and have no idea what you're talking about.
Posted by: Colin at July 19, 2020 10:30 AM (WSEII)
I read Lonesome Dove and have no idea what you're talking about.
Posted by: Captain Hate at July 19, 2020 10:38 AM (y7DUB)
183
Writing characters the audience will care about and become invested in is difficult. It's much easier to blow up some beloved icon to try to cheat your way into emotional investment.
Agreed. Good writing is always a wonder to experience and interesting characters take time for the reader to get to know.
I've always admired writers who can do that. My own limited experience with writing is technical stuff: MilSpec procedures and the like where accuracy, clarity and concisivenessism is needed.
And to circle back around to short sci-fi stories, the first thing I recalled was my Technical Writing perfessor telling us to "Cut like hell."
Agreed. Good writing is always a wonder to experience and interesting characters take time for the reader to get to know.
I've always admired writers who can do that. My own limited experience with writing is technical stuff: MilSpec procedures and the like where accuracy, clarity and concisivenessism is needed.
And to circle back around to short sci-fi stories, the first thing I recalled was my Technical Writing perfessor telling us to "Cut like hell."
Posted by: BackwardsBoy - Who can fight the beast? Revelation 13:4 at July 19, 2020 10:39 AM (HaL55)
184
I feel Pulitzers and Tonys and Disney already.
Posted by: Lin Manuel Miranda at July 19, 2020 10:38 AM (Men5k)
---------
It's brilliant! If you're looking for investors, count me in.
Posted by: Lin Manuel Miranda at July 19, 2020 10:38 AM (Men5k)
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It's brilliant! If you're looking for investors, count me in.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at July 19, 2020 10:39 AM (wPVhA)
185
I'm not sure, but I imagine that if I was black, I wouldn't be too supportive of a campaign that links being black with emotionalism, infantile behavior, anarchy and the rejection of logic and reason.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at July 19, 2020 10:37 AM (wPVhA)
And I can't believe that they appreciate being viewed as supporters of hatred, rioting, and sheer discord. I'm not sure that as a nation we like the idea of hereditary guilt.
I'm not sure, but I imagine that if I was black, I wouldn't be too supportive of a campaign that links being black with emotionalism, infantile behavior, anarchy and the rejection of logic and reason.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at July 19, 2020 10:37 AM (wPVhA)
And I can't believe that they appreciate being viewed as supporters of hatred, rioting, and sheer discord. I'm not sure that as a nation we like the idea of hereditary guilt.
Posted by: CN at July 19, 2020 10:40 AM (ONvIw)
186
OK, folks, got an e-mail I must answer and then to see if I can knock off at least 1 chapter of the book.
Hope you all have a lovely day.
Hope you all have a lovely day.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at July 19, 2020 10:41 AM (2JVJo)
Posted by: JackStraw at July 19, 2020 10:41 AM (ZLI7S)
188
try Aye Robot, Very very funny Sci Fi makes fun of Star Wars, the audiobook is read as his Suffering robot companion Sasha.
-
I went to Audible to get this and what do I find on their homelage? A tribute to John F'ing Lewis!
(This is the second book I've picked up based upon this book thread, the other being Rifles For Wadie. Damn the budget! Full speed ahead!)
-
I went to Audible to get this and what do I find on their homelage? A tribute to John F'ing Lewis!
(This is the second book I've picked up based upon this book thread, the other being Rifles For Wadie. Damn the budget! Full speed ahead!)
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at July 19, 2020 10:42 AM (+y/Ru)
189
I read Lonesome Dove and have no idea what you're talking about.
Posted by: Captain Hate at July 19, 2020 10:38 AM (y7DUB)
Walter Benjamin and the Dairy Queen
Posted by: Captain Hate at July 19, 2020 10:38 AM (y7DUB)
Walter Benjamin and the Dairy Queen
Posted by: BignJames at July 19, 2020 10:43 AM (X/Pw5)
Posted by: AltonJackson at July 19, 2020 10:43 AM (TH0sZ)
191
180 ... I'm not sure, but I imagine that if I was black, I wouldn't be too supportive of a campaign that links being black with emotionalism, infantile behavior, anarchy and the rejection of logic and reason.
***
Ahem... The Smithsonian's whiteness chart.
***
Ahem... The Smithsonian's whiteness chart.
Posted by: Smithsonian at July 19, 2020 10:43 AM (Men5k)
192
I was on vacation for a few days, and in between hiking, camping, and wandering around with the fam I read "Roadside Picnic." It's a Russian sci-fi novel about the aftermath of an alien visit to Earth. Basically, the aliens come in, set up camp in several zones, then leave - all without explanation. The main character is a "stalker," which is a person who goes into one of the zones to recover alien artifacts. The zones are basically areas of great danger, and going into the zone generally has bad consequences for most people. The title "Roadside Picnic" comes from the idea that humans really had no idea why the aliens came and went, any more than a bunch of birds and squirrels would understand a group of motorists who pulled over, had a picnic, and then left a bunch of garbage behind.
It's a strange book (hell, it's Russian, what else would you expect?), but worth the Kindle price for a quick read while sitting around the hotel and resting up. I'm not a gamer, but I understand that the novel inspired some of the games where people go into the Chernobyl exclusionary zone and encounter all sorts of strange stuff.
Have a good rest of your weekend!
It's a strange book (hell, it's Russian, what else would you expect?), but worth the Kindle price for a quick read while sitting around the hotel and resting up. I'm not a gamer, but I understand that the novel inspired some of the games where people go into the Chernobyl exclusionary zone and encounter all sorts of strange stuff.
Have a good rest of your weekend!
Posted by: PabloD, cargo specialist for Aero Pinochet at July 19, 2020 10:44 AM (Rrurn)
193
Hey, AltonJackson.
Posted by: hogmartin at July 19, 2020 10:44 AM (t+qrx)
Posted by: AltonJackson at July 19, 2020 10:45 AM (TH0sZ)
195
I came here for the John Lewis obituary / biography. Sadly, I guess I'll just wait for the forthcoming biopic.
Posted by: Fritz at July 19, 2020 10:45 AM (95j/9)
196
Good morning Alton!
Posted by: Jewells45 at July 19, 2020 10:45 AM (dUJdY)
197
I was on vacation for a few days, and in between hiking, camping, and wandering around with the fam I read "Roadside Picnic." It's a Russian sci-fi novel about the aftermath of an alien visit to Earth. Basically, the aliens come in, set up camp in several zones, then leave - all without explanation. The main character is a "stalker," which is a person who goes into one of the zones to recover alien artifacts.
Posted by: PabloD, cargo specialist for Aero Pinochet at July 19, 2020 10:44 AM (Rrurn)
This is a neat little novella and is also the story on which Tarkovsky's movie (Stalker) was based.
Posted by: PabloD, cargo specialist for Aero Pinochet at July 19, 2020 10:44 AM (Rrurn)
This is a neat little novella and is also the story on which Tarkovsky's movie (Stalker) was based.
Posted by: hogmartin at July 19, 2020 10:45 AM (t+qrx)
198
(This is the second book I've picked up based upon this book thread, the other being Rifles For Wadie. Damn the budget! Full speed ahead!)
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks,
I hope you enjoy it as much as i have. Used to be required reading in middle schools for the morality aspects. Kind of Billy Bud in that respect. When it got memory holed, i found and purchased a hard copy.
Good exploration of the Kansas border portion of the war too.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks,
I hope you enjoy it as much as i have. Used to be required reading in middle schools for the morality aspects. Kind of Billy Bud in that respect. When it got memory holed, i found and purchased a hard copy.
Good exploration of the Kansas border portion of the war too.
Posted by: BifBewalski at July 19, 2020 10:46 AM (VcFUs)
199
Geez.. sitting here watching my husband re-arrange the trash in the trash can.
Posted by: Jewells45 at July 19, 2020 10:47 AM (dUJdY)
200
Larry McMurtry wrote many books and won a Pulitzer Prize.
But he also wrote many books on his adult life in a small town in Texas. Through good and bad times with his marriage, etc. Dairy Queen was the just out of town place where the older guys gathered for breakfast. Much like around here, they do at McD's. All those books he wrote about his life in that Texas town are well worth reading.
But he also wrote many books on his adult life in a small town in Texas. Through good and bad times with his marriage, etc. Dairy Queen was the just out of town place where the older guys gathered for breakfast. Much like around here, they do at McD's. All those books he wrote about his life in that Texas town are well worth reading.
Posted by: Colin at July 19, 2020 10:47 AM (WSEII)
201
At the Dairy Queen
Posted by: BignJames at July 19, 2020 10:48 AM (X/Pw5)
202
Just received a used copy of "The Painted Furniture of French Canada 1700 to 1840" by John Fleming. A somewhat obscure topic but it covers a period for some ancestors and I'm curious about how people lived in small settlements and on the frontier. The Quebec City area wasn't a raw wilderness in this period but it still wasn't Paris and many outlying farms in the Province had to be as self-sufficient as possible. That included making furniture for their needs. That could entail making their own paint.
These days of pressure treated lumber and clear finishes it's easy to forget that most wood was painted both to decorate and protect the wood. And the people (at least the women) wanted color in their homes and furniture to last. It led to some interesting colors and decoration.
These days of pressure treated lumber and clear finishes it's easy to forget that most wood was painted both to decorate and protect the wood. And the people (at least the women) wanted color in their homes and furniture to last. It led to some interesting colors and decoration.
Posted by: JTB at July 19, 2020 10:49 AM (7EjX1)
Posted by: AltonJackson at July 19, 2020 10:49 AM (TH0sZ)
204
You can divide Blacks into one group that have normal American lives and another, the perpetual underclass, that doesn't. Illegitimacy is often a definer. The BLM manifesto embraces illegitimacy.
The first group likes the minority set asides padded with the numbers of the second. This keeps them on the D plantation.
The first group likes the minority set asides padded with the numbers of the second. This keeps them on the D plantation.
Posted by: Ignoramus at July 19, 2020 10:49 AM (9TdxA)
205
Geez.. sitting here watching my husband re-arrange the trash in the trash can.
Posted by: Jewells45 at July 19, 2020 10:47 AM (dUJdY)
You think that's bad? We're sitting here reading third-hand about your husband rearranging trash in the trash can.
Posted by: Jewells45 at July 19, 2020 10:47 AM (dUJdY)
You think that's bad? We're sitting here reading third-hand about your husband rearranging trash in the trash can.
Posted by: hogmartin at July 19, 2020 10:49 AM (t+qrx)
206
lol hogmartin!
Posted by: Jewells45 at July 19, 2020 10:50 AM (dUJdY)
207
I never did like Shane. Couldn't see what everybody was talking about. And that kid was a little shit. As for Lonesome Dove the TV show was watchable but I had no great love for it. I tried reading the book and all the parts in the TV show I did not like were even worse in the book.
Posted by: Vic at July 19, 2020 10:51 AM (mpXpK)
Posted by: Anna Puma at July 19, 2020 10:51 AM (Azlxy)
209
realistically it would be hard to destroy the earth, or any average M class planet, thanos with his power stone can pulverize a moon, the death star had a plasma weapon of incredible power, there was neros planet drill that could deliver a speck of dark matter,
Posted by: thomas hobbes at July 19, 2020 10:52 AM (hMlTh)
210
You think that's bad? We're sitting here reading third-hand about your husband rearranging trash in the trash can.
Posted by: hogmartin at July 19, 2020 10:49 AM (t+qrx)
and it's the most interesting thing I've read in the past half-hour.
Posted by: hogmartin at July 19, 2020 10:49 AM (t+qrx)
and it's the most interesting thing I've read in the past half-hour.
Posted by: BignJames at July 19, 2020 10:52 AM (X/Pw5)
211
Larry McMurtry wrote many books and won a Pulitzer Prize.
But he also wrote many books on his adult life in a small town in Texas.
-
Some years ago, I saw a news segment on McMurtry. They visited some diner or something that he frequented. They asked the girl behind the counter what she thought of his books and she replied, "He writes books?"
But he also wrote many books on his adult life in a small town in Texas.
-
Some years ago, I saw a news segment on McMurtry. They visited some diner or something that he frequented. They asked the girl behind the counter what she thought of his books and she replied, "He writes books?"
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at July 19, 2020 10:52 AM (+y/Ru)
212
I went to Braum's with a friend for breakfast once. Had never had their breakfast before. The biscuits and gravy were actually quite good.
Don't think I've been back since, tho. Just don't do breakfast that often.
Don't think I've been back since, tho. Just don't do breakfast that often.
Posted by: Sponge - China is Asshoe! at July 19, 2020 10:53 AM (Zz0t1)
213
I never did like Shane. Couldn't see what everybody was talking about. And that kid was a little shit.
Posted by: Vic at July 19, 2020 10:51 AM (mpXpK)
BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!!
Posted by: Vic at July 19, 2020 10:51 AM (mpXpK)
BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!!
Posted by: That Kid From That Movie at July 19, 2020 10:54 AM (Zz0t1)
214
I'm not sure, but I imagine that if I was black, I
wouldn't be too supportive of a campaign that links being black with
emotionalism, infantile behavior, anarchy and the rejection of logic and
reason.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero)
That's because you are obviously a RACIST!!!!
wouldn't be too supportive of a campaign that links being black with
emotionalism, infantile behavior, anarchy and the rejection of logic and
reason.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero)
That's because you are obviously a RACIST!!!!
Posted by: pep at July 19, 2020 10:55 AM (v16oJ)
215
I'd like to hear more.
Oh ok.. he also took 20 minutes to load the washer because everything has to be laying in there just so. Did I mention he's OCD?
Oh ok.. he also took 20 minutes to load the washer because everything has to be laying in there just so. Did I mention he's OCD?
Posted by: Jewells45 at July 19, 2020 10:56 AM (dUJdY)
216
Blowing up the Earth Alderaan style would take almost as much energy as launching the planet out of the Solar System.
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 19, 2020 10:56 AM (jbmxH)
217
Jewells - if you would just load the trash can correctly the first time, then maybe he wouldn't have to rearrange it. Same goes with the dishwasher.
*Ducks and runs for cover*
*Ducks and runs for cover*
Posted by: PabloD, cargo specialist for Aero Pinochet at July 19, 2020 10:56 AM (Rrurn)
218
219
Blowing up the Earth Alderaan style would take almost as much energy as launching the planet out of the Solar System.
Speaking of a lack of energy, I can't muster enough to scratch my backside today. The heat is getting old.
Blowing up the Earth Alderaan style would take almost as much energy as launching the planet out of the Solar System.
Speaking of a lack of energy, I can't muster enough to scratch my backside today. The heat is getting old.
Posted by: pep at July 19, 2020 10:57 AM (v16oJ)
219
200 Geez.. sitting here watching my husband re-arrange the trash in the trash can.
Posted by: Jewells45 at July 19, 2020 10:47 AM (dUJdY)
My husband is like that. In 1918, his mom won some kind of kiddy prize for proper lining of a garbage can, and the whole family has suffered as a result.
Posted by: Jewells45 at July 19, 2020 10:47 AM (dUJdY)
My husband is like that. In 1918, his mom won some kind of kiddy prize for proper lining of a garbage can, and the whole family has suffered as a result.
Posted by: CN at July 19, 2020 10:57 AM (ONvIw)
220
Oh ok.. he also took 20 minutes to load the washer because everything has to be laying in there just so. Did I mention he's OCD?
Posted by: Jewells45 at July 19, 2020 10:56 AM (dUJdY)
Is he focused on the word "proper"? Mine is.
Posted by: Jewells45 at July 19, 2020 10:56 AM (dUJdY)
Is he focused on the word "proper"? Mine is.
Posted by: CN at July 19, 2020 10:58 AM (ONvIw)
221
to set my tableau, I used andrew Kaplan, who served in the israeli army, and uses regional dialect to set the scene as well as nelson demille, and some from anderson park, the ex recon marine, who seems to know obscure details about bosnia and the kingdom, he said in his interview, it came from watching the news,
Posted by: thomas hobbes at July 19, 2020 10:59 AM (hMlTh)
Posted by: Captain Hate at July 19, 2020 10:59 AM (y7DUB)
223
I finished reading In the Country of the Blind, by Michael Flynn, a Prometheus award winner for 1990.
I picked it up after a small discussion on it here when some academic idiot claimed that society was cyclical, and called his research "Cliology" which is the "science of history" in the book.
Sarah is a real estate developer in Denver, and while assessing an abandoned house with her architect partner, Dennis French, they discover a packet of files hidden behind some wainscotting, that leads Dennis to research the history of the original owner of the property and Sarah to look into another abandoned property that is part of the estate, an office building with strange mechanical calculators.
Dennis is run down on the street and then disappears from the hospital, and Sarah is the target of a series of assassination attempts and is rescued finally by an apparent bystander who advises her that she has drawn the attention of two hidden societies that have a secret mathematics system developed by Charles Babbage prior to the American Civil war, and its practitioners had split into a group that seeks to control society, called the Babbage Society, and a group that is only interested in observing and learning about society, called the Associates.
In attempt to shake the attention, Sarah (who is African American, was a reporter, is very wilderness savvy, is in very good shape, and was a computer geek in college) releases a worm focused on the two societies to have them dump publicly their information on specific leads, having to do with the society. \
At this point everyone wants a part of Sarah and she is rescued by the Associates.
On reviewing the dump of information, the Associates realize that there are more than two societies, and the Babbage society is broken up by internal betrayal due to a power struggle triggered by the release of the big secret. The Associates get sucked into the Babbage society's internal power struggle when they reach out to a faction to help identify the other Cliological societies, since they suspect they are as ruthless as the Babbage society and more dangerous since they know nothing about them.
the premise of the book is very clever, a secret mathematics to describe society, predict and show how to change the present to create a desired future, and how it is thwarted by being complex and by other groups trying to change teh future in other directions.
It does name a who's who of early theorists of sociology and non-orthodox political visionaries (Lysander Spooner is mentioned in passing)
It also points out how societal "managers" try to make the world as simple as possible to make their calculations easier.
The book does suffer from missing some theory on unexpected happenings - which is understandable because Black Swan theory wasn't really proposed until about a decade later (Pratchett had proposed something similar in 1976 called "the pothole event" but he was a visionary) -- but it also is a bit lazy in that a plot point was that Cliology could predict nuclear energy and weapons before the mathematics and physics had proposed them.
Mr Flynn also really needed to edit this book severely and re-write the characters. Everyone who gets power is evil and sociopathic and perverted, the incidental characters are NPC to the point of having no actual motivation other than to provide important clues, the bad guys act in ways that are completely ego driven without concern for personal safety from the acts of others, and the inter-cuts of historical vignettes to give meaning to some of the present situation are not well handled, and are cast to give hints, not explain. They could have been a chance to show the current popular view of history is not fitting all the facts, and could have been used to show how current interpretations of history are used to manipulate or simply reflect current attitudes. (Which is an actual point raised in this same book)
Further, a key crisis point at the end of the book hinges on the main character being secretly brainwashed and mind controlled. (pfui, might as well have ninja assassins show up, if they could do that, why bother with targeted advertisements and blackmail to control society?)
And of course, Michael Flynn has committed the terrible sin of being unable to explain the difference between a revolver and an automatic, and actually has a silenced .38 special show up at one point. He also tells and does not show.
If you can get beyond the flaws, it is a good book. I remember liking it when I read it way back when, and now I see a lot of potential in it now.
I picked it up after a small discussion on it here when some academic idiot claimed that society was cyclical, and called his research "Cliology" which is the "science of history" in the book.
Sarah is a real estate developer in Denver, and while assessing an abandoned house with her architect partner, Dennis French, they discover a packet of files hidden behind some wainscotting, that leads Dennis to research the history of the original owner of the property and Sarah to look into another abandoned property that is part of the estate, an office building with strange mechanical calculators.
Dennis is run down on the street and then disappears from the hospital, and Sarah is the target of a series of assassination attempts and is rescued finally by an apparent bystander who advises her that she has drawn the attention of two hidden societies that have a secret mathematics system developed by Charles Babbage prior to the American Civil war, and its practitioners had split into a group that seeks to control society, called the Babbage Society, and a group that is only interested in observing and learning about society, called the Associates.
In attempt to shake the attention, Sarah (who is African American, was a reporter, is very wilderness savvy, is in very good shape, and was a computer geek in college) releases a worm focused on the two societies to have them dump publicly their information on specific leads, having to do with the society. \
At this point everyone wants a part of Sarah and she is rescued by the Associates.
On reviewing the dump of information, the Associates realize that there are more than two societies, and the Babbage society is broken up by internal betrayal due to a power struggle triggered by the release of the big secret. The Associates get sucked into the Babbage society's internal power struggle when they reach out to a faction to help identify the other Cliological societies, since they suspect they are as ruthless as the Babbage society and more dangerous since they know nothing about them.
the premise of the book is very clever, a secret mathematics to describe society, predict and show how to change the present to create a desired future, and how it is thwarted by being complex and by other groups trying to change teh future in other directions.
It does name a who's who of early theorists of sociology and non-orthodox political visionaries (Lysander Spooner is mentioned in passing)
It also points out how societal "managers" try to make the world as simple as possible to make their calculations easier.
The book does suffer from missing some theory on unexpected happenings - which is understandable because Black Swan theory wasn't really proposed until about a decade later (Pratchett had proposed something similar in 1976 called "the pothole event" but he was a visionary) -- but it also is a bit lazy in that a plot point was that Cliology could predict nuclear energy and weapons before the mathematics and physics had proposed them.
Mr Flynn also really needed to edit this book severely and re-write the characters. Everyone who gets power is evil and sociopathic and perverted, the incidental characters are NPC to the point of having no actual motivation other than to provide important clues, the bad guys act in ways that are completely ego driven without concern for personal safety from the acts of others, and the inter-cuts of historical vignettes to give meaning to some of the present situation are not well handled, and are cast to give hints, not explain. They could have been a chance to show the current popular view of history is not fitting all the facts, and could have been used to show how current interpretations of history are used to manipulate or simply reflect current attitudes. (Which is an actual point raised in this same book)
Further, a key crisis point at the end of the book hinges on the main character being secretly brainwashed and mind controlled. (pfui, might as well have ninja assassins show up, if they could do that, why bother with targeted advertisements and blackmail to control society?)
And of course, Michael Flynn has committed the terrible sin of being unable to explain the difference between a revolver and an automatic, and actually has a silenced .38 special show up at one point. He also tells and does not show.
If you can get beyond the flaws, it is a good book. I remember liking it when I read it way back when, and now I see a lot of potential in it now.
Posted by: Kindltot at July 19, 2020 11:00 AM (WyVLE)
224
the premise of the book is very clever, a secret mathematics to describe society, predict and show how to change the present to create a desired future, and how it is thwarted by being complex and by other groups trying to change teh future in other directions.
It does name a who's who of early theorists of sociology and non-orthodox political visionaries (Lysander Spooner is mentioned in passing)
It also points out how societal "managers" try to make the world as simple as possible to make their calculations easier.
Isn't this the theme of Isaac Asimov's "Foundation" with Hari Seldon and Psychohistory?
It does name a who's who of early theorists of sociology and non-orthodox political visionaries (Lysander Spooner is mentioned in passing)
It also points out how societal "managers" try to make the world as simple as possible to make their calculations easier.
Isn't this the theme of Isaac Asimov's "Foundation" with Hari Seldon and Psychohistory?
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at July 19, 2020 11:02 AM (PiwSw)
225
Hah! Dr. Fauci is COVID Cool at InStyle magazine. Notice how they hide his beady little eyes!
Posted by: Fritz at July 19, 2020 11:03 AM (95j/9)
226
Just finished Lucky 666 . Somebody here mentioned it a couple weeks ago, so I grabbed it. Really good read.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at July 19, 2020 11:04 AM (9Om/r)
227
228 Hah! Dr. Fauci is COVID Cool at InStyle magazine. Notice how they hide his beady little eyes!
Posted by: Fritz at July 19, 2020 11:03 AM (95j/9)
He reminds me of a hyena.
Posted by: Fritz at July 19, 2020 11:03 AM (95j/9)
He reminds me of a hyena.
Posted by: CN at July 19, 2020 11:05 AM (ONvIw)
Posted by: Bob the Bilderberg at July 19, 2020 11:05 AM (qc+VF)
229
Dammit, this phone just zapped my post!
Second draft.
I'm wrapping up "Sea Leopard" by Craig Thomas. Now I know why one character is in the book -- he's been sent into the Soviet naval base where the dirty Rooskies are holding the British sub they trapped. His mission: fix or destroy the sub's stealth tech, codenamed Leopard, before the enemy can examine it.
The chapter in which the guy sneaks aboard the sub and carries out his examination had so much tension that I had to put the book down for a couple of days.
I checked a used-book store and found more Thomas thrillers that I may buy someday. They're all hardbacks, so more expensive but easier to read.
This one I recommend.
****
Who Dis is Sophia Loren. Those eyes are distinctive.
Second draft.
I'm wrapping up "Sea Leopard" by Craig Thomas. Now I know why one character is in the book -- he's been sent into the Soviet naval base where the dirty Rooskies are holding the British sub they trapped. His mission: fix or destroy the sub's stealth tech, codenamed Leopard, before the enemy can examine it.
The chapter in which the guy sneaks aboard the sub and carries out his examination had so much tension that I had to put the book down for a couple of days.
I checked a used-book store and found more Thomas thrillers that I may buy someday. They're all hardbacks, so more expensive but easier to read.
This one I recommend.
****
Who Dis is Sophia Loren. Those eyes are distinctive.
Posted by: Weak Geek at July 19, 2020 11:06 AM (u/nim)
230
McMurtry is always used as an example about how accurate the story should be--should the facts get in the way of the story
In Lonesome Dove, the cowboys would have had to cross three different railways on their way to Montana, but that would have detracted from the story
In Lonesome Dove, the cowboys would have had to cross three different railways on their way to Montana, but that would have detracted from the story
Posted by: artemis at July 19, 2020 11:06 AM (AwPyG)
231
Isn't this the theme of Isaac Asimov's "Foundation" with Hari Seldon and Psychohistory?
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at July 19, 2020 11:02 AM (PiwSw)
I was gonna say the same thing
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at July 19, 2020 11:02 AM (PiwSw)
I was gonna say the same thing
Posted by: Patrick from Ohio at July 19, 2020 11:06 AM (dKiJG)
232
Wainscotting.
Posted by: klaftern at July 19, 2020 11:07 AM (RuIsu)
233
Only trouble with La Bella Sophia is that she kept 'em covered.
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 19, 2020 11:07 AM (jbmxH)
234
You really don't need a clearer indication that Fauci is a crook than the fact that they are putting him on the cover of a woman's magazine and gushing about him
Posted by: artemis at July 19, 2020 11:07 AM (AwPyG)
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at July 19, 2020 11:08 AM (Dc2NZ)
236
Most of us would be familiar with the Bursar's Office at school. It follows that
Debursar: The guy who dispenses de money.
Sadly, that might lead to a discussion of 'Dispense'.
Debursar: The guy who dispenses de money.
Sadly, that might lead to a discussion of 'Dispense'.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 19, 2020 11:09 AM (AytXr)
237
I am nearing the end of reading "The First World War" by Hew Stratham, which served as the basis for "The First World War" documentary film series produced by Southern Star (viewing that was how I came upon this book). All ten film episodes, each corresponding roughly to one chapter in the book and running for fifty minutes, are available of YouTube in the "Timeline - World History" offering.
Several folks have posted the episodes on YouTube. Here are the links to the first episode's video from four different posters:
https://youtu.be/2JsFvcSr7BA
https://youtu.be/S7VUenMlPac
https://youtu.be/sPXDFkM6-aE
https://youtu.be/pzf9aHZmCAM
Subsequent episodes usually appear in the resulting offerings' list once an episode ends.
As for the book, I appreciated its point of view. Campaigns and battles were not delved into ad nauseam in favor of describing instead the war's effects in countries throughout the world. I found this book more enjoyable to read and more broadly informative than John Keegan's similarly titled "The First World War", although I ought to read that one again before passing final judgment. Substantial coverage was given to conflicts in the major participants' colonies as well as the maneuvers in the Ottoman Empire and how societies behind the lines managed to function in a time of shortages and rationing.
If you favor reading details about campaigns and battles of WWI, this is not the book for you. If you instead want a broader overview of that war, this book does that job well. I also recommend highly "The First World War" series on YouTube that I referenced above.
I am nearing the end of reading "The First World War" by Hew Stratham, which served as the basis for "The First World War" documentary film series produced by Southern Star (viewing that was how I came upon this book). All ten film episodes, each corresponding roughly to one chapter in the book and running for fifty minutes, are available of YouTube in the "Timeline - World History" offering.
Several folks have posted the episodes on YouTube. Here are the links to the first episode's video from four different posters:
https://youtu.be/2JsFvcSr7BA
https://youtu.be/S7VUenMlPac
https://youtu.be/sPXDFkM6-aE
https://youtu.be/pzf9aHZmCAM
Subsequent episodes usually appear in the resulting offerings' list once an episode ends.
As for the book, I appreciated its point of view. Campaigns and battles were not delved into ad nauseam in favor of describing instead the war's effects in countries throughout the world. I found this book more enjoyable to read and more broadly informative than John Keegan's similarly titled "The First World War", although I ought to read that one again before passing final judgment. Substantial coverage was given to conflicts in the major participants' colonies as well as the maneuvers in the Ottoman Empire and how societies behind the lines managed to function in a time of shortages and rationing.
If you favor reading details about campaigns and battles of WWI, this is not the book for you. If you instead want a broader overview of that war, this book does that job well. I also recommend highly "The First World War" series on YouTube that I referenced above.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at July 19, 2020 11:10 AM (pNxlR)
238
You really don't need a clearer indication that Fauci is a crook than
the fact that they are putting him on the cover of a woman's magazine
and gushing about him
=====
An 'interesting Italian' for a dinner guest, no doubt. /s
the fact that they are putting him on the cover of a woman's magazine
and gushing about him
=====
An 'interesting Italian' for a dinner guest, no doubt. /s
Posted by: mustbequantum at July 19, 2020 11:11 AM (MIKMs)
239
Just finished Lucky 666 . Somebody here mentioned it a couple weeks ago, so I grabbed it. Really good read.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division
--------
I picked it up a while back after it was recommended here. Yup. One plane, two MOH winners.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division
--------
I picked it up a while back after it was recommended here. Yup. One plane, two MOH winners.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 19, 2020 11:12 AM (AytXr)
Posted by: Diogenes at July 19, 2020 11:12 AM (axyOa)
241
One black group today that really does have a huge legitimate gripe, and one I think was probably race relates, is the people of Martinique and Guadeloupe. The fact that France permitted chlordecone/kepone to be widely used there to protect the planter's banana crops was hideous. They knew that it was bad and dangerous but they used it there, but not on the European mainland. Cancer, birth defects, neurological illness and nearly all the people contaminated, yet they are not burning the place down.
Posted by: CN at July 19, 2020 11:13 AM (ONvIw)
242
Remember, they gushed about that Tedros guy at WHO too, who looks like central casting for a Libyan thug.
It's always a clue, when the popular culture people try to push someone. See: Anthony Weiner on the cover of People magazine.
It's always a clue, when the popular culture people try to push someone. See: Anthony Weiner on the cover of People magazine.
Posted by: artemis at July 19, 2020 11:14 AM (AwPyG)
243
The Hardy Boys have been "cleaned up" (made more PC) several times over. Hardbacks from the 30s would be awesome - I believe that would be pre-revisions.
Posted by: Guy Smiley at July 19, 2020 11:14 AM (FtO5h)
244
Isn't this the theme of Isaac Asimov's "Foundation" with Hari Seldon and Psychohistory?
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at July 19, 2020 11:02 AM (PiwSw)
Funny, I was just thinking the same thing.
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at July 19, 2020 11:02 AM (PiwSw)
Funny, I was just thinking the same thing.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at July 19, 2020 11:15 AM (S8rXo)
245
Downloaded - for free! - the vlad the impaler book. Thanks for the recommendation.
Posted by: thathalfrican - Clark Kent with the glasses off at July 19, 2020 11:15 AM (IYHxL)
246
You really don't need a clearer indication that Fauci is a crook than the fact that they are putting him on the cover of a woman's magazine and gushing about him
Those womyn's mags won't show our supermodel First Lady, but will still show Mike O'Bama. Sheesh.
Those womyn's mags won't show our supermodel First Lady, but will still show Mike O'Bama. Sheesh.
Posted by: BackwardsBoy - Who can fight the beast? Revelation 13:4 at July 19, 2020 11:15 AM (HaL55)
247
Isn't this the theme of Isaac Asimov's "Foundation" with Hari Seldon and Psychohistory?
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at July 19, 2020 11:02 AM (PiwSw)
Yes.
I read and was impressed with "The Foundation Trilogy" when I was a teenager. Reading it twenty years after that, I easily dismissed its premise of predicting societal evolution as nothing but badflegab. This prompted me to re-examine my assessment of Asimov to the point where, from that point forward, I considered his long works as far inferior to his short stories.
Isn't this the theme of Isaac Asimov's "Foundation" with Hari Seldon and Psychohistory?
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at July 19, 2020 11:02 AM (PiwSw)
Yes.
I read and was impressed with "The Foundation Trilogy" when I was a teenager. Reading it twenty years after that, I easily dismissed its premise of predicting societal evolution as nothing but badflegab. This prompted me to re-examine my assessment of Asimov to the point where, from that point forward, I considered his long works as far inferior to his short stories.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at July 19, 2020 11:15 AM (pNxlR)
248
It's always a clue, when the popular culture people try to push someone. See: Anthony Weiner on the cover of People magazine.
Posted by: artemis
=====
Wasserman-Schultz on the cover of Vogue. The miracle makeover.
Posted by: artemis
=====
Wasserman-Schultz on the cover of Vogue. The miracle makeover.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 19, 2020 11:15 AM (9Fwwf)
249
Only trouble with La Bella Sophia is that she kept 'em covered.
Not in "Era Lui, Si, Si". None of the Fench print of the movie survives, but the publicity stills do.
There were a couple of brief slips in "Peccato Che Sia Una Canaglia", lots of wet and bouncy in "Madame Sans Gens", "Pane e Amore", and of course "Boy on a Dolphin". Also some nice see-through late career in "Firepower".
Not in "Era Lui, Si, Si". None of the Fench print of the movie survives, but the publicity stills do.
There were a couple of brief slips in "Peccato Che Sia Una Canaglia", lots of wet and bouncy in "Madame Sans Gens", "Pane e Amore", and of course "Boy on a Dolphin". Also some nice see-through late career in "Firepower".
Posted by: Bandersnatch at July 19, 2020 11:16 AM (gd9RK)
250
bafflegab
bafflegab
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at July 19, 2020 11:16 AM (pNxlR)
251
I don't know much about this, but I do think 'old' does not necessarily equal 'valuable'.
This is true. I own several *second* edition Mark Twain's that once belonged to my great-grandfather. Surpringly little value. Everyone wants First editions.
This is true. I own several *second* edition Mark Twain's that once belonged to my great-grandfather. Surpringly little value. Everyone wants First editions.
Posted by: Guy Smiley at July 19, 2020 11:16 AM (FtO5h)
252
I finally have red Pegasus bridge about the D-Day glider Attack and capture of the bridge, I really enjoyed it and it was a good book.
And everyone here recommended a bridge too far another good book and man Monty Really ignored the intelligence and overestimated how panicked the German army was. And reading more on it no one ever really explains why I think it was the 82nd airborne didn't capture the bridge on the first day. They wouldn't capture the Heights instead which makes sense but no one was really guarding the bridge
And everyone here recommended a bridge too far another good book and man Monty Really ignored the intelligence and overestimated how panicked the German army was. And reading more on it no one ever really explains why I think it was the 82nd airborne didn't capture the bridge on the first day. They wouldn't capture the Heights instead which makes sense but no one was really guarding the bridge
Posted by: Patrick from Ohio at July 19, 2020 11:17 AM (dKiJG)
253
In Lonesome Dove, the cowboys would have had to cross three different railways on their way to Montana, but that would have detracted from the story
Posted by: artemis at July 19, 2020 11:06 AM (AwPyG)
I'm not sure it would've detracted that much. They still passed through populated areas on their journey and the need to go to a remaining wild area would have been emphasized by seeing signs of creeping technology.
Posted by: artemis at July 19, 2020 11:06 AM (AwPyG)
I'm not sure it would've detracted that much. They still passed through populated areas on their journey and the need to go to a remaining wild area would have been emphasized by seeing signs of creeping technology.
Posted by: Captain Hate at July 19, 2020 11:17 AM (y7DUB)
254
I don't know much about this, but I do think 'old' does not necessarily equal 'valuable'.
---------
Nor does 'Rare'.
---------
Nor does 'Rare'.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 19, 2020 11:18 AM (9Fwwf)
255
You can sell used books on abe.com. I know a lot of libraries do.
If you watch antiques roadshow, you're probably like me, very surprised that old books never seem very valuable--unless its a first edition, or signed, and even then.
Maybe ask your local librarian for advice? They will have suggestions, even if they aren't interested in taking them.
If you watch antiques roadshow, you're probably like me, very surprised that old books never seem very valuable--unless its a first edition, or signed, and even then.
Maybe ask your local librarian for advice? They will have suggestions, even if they aren't interested in taking them.
Posted by: artemis at July 19, 2020 11:18 AM (AwPyG)
256
The Hardy Boys have been "cleaned up" (made more PC) several times over.
Hardbacks from the 30s would be awesome - I believe that would be
pre-revisions.
The Three Investigators series was a favorite growing up. They destroyed it with PC also.
"Swifties" are always unintentionally hilarious in the older books.
Not to mention the use of words and terms that haven't aged well.
"Get out of here!", he ejaculated.
Hardbacks from the 30s would be awesome - I believe that would be
pre-revisions.
The Three Investigators series was a favorite growing up. They destroyed it with PC also.
"Swifties" are always unintentionally hilarious in the older books.
Not to mention the use of words and terms that haven't aged well.
"Get out of here!", he ejaculated.
Posted by: deplorable unperson - refuse to accept the Mask of the Beast at July 19, 2020 11:18 AM (3z0gk)
257
245 Remember, they gushed about that Tedros guy at WHO too, who looks like central casting for a Libyan thug
Tedros Tedros Gollie, in keeping with the U.N. serving up sonorously named diplofrauds.
245 Remember, they gushed about that Tedros guy at WHO too, who looks like central casting for a Libyan thug
Tedros Tedros Gollie, in keeping with the U.N. serving up sonorously named diplofrauds.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at July 19, 2020 11:19 AM (pNxlR)
258
I haven't read a book lately, and I should. I'm beginning to believe that unlawful detainment (shelter in place), business closings (interruption of commerce) and the Kabuki masks comes down to one big fat "let's see what we can get away with in the interest of public safety". I will be buying Reynolds Wrap for my haberdasher. I wear a 7 1/2.
Posted by: bill in arkansas at July 19, 2020 11:20 AM (C1Lsn)
259
I picked it up a while back after it was recommended here. Yup. One plane, two MOH winners.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 19, 2020 11:12 AM (AytXr)
You know what part gave me a fucking stiffy? After the jap zeros strafed and killed one of our bomber crews that were floating in their parachutes our guys sunk a bunch of their ships and then strafed and killed every last motherfucker floating in the water in their lifeboats, next to lifeboats, or in their life preservers and put enough blood in the water to draw a shit ton of sharks to finish the job. They fired100,000 rounds of ammo doing that. Yeah, its how we used to win wars.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 19, 2020 11:12 AM (AytXr)
You know what part gave me a fucking stiffy? After the jap zeros strafed and killed one of our bomber crews that were floating in their parachutes our guys sunk a bunch of their ships and then strafed and killed every last motherfucker floating in the water in their lifeboats, next to lifeboats, or in their life preservers and put enough blood in the water to draw a shit ton of sharks to finish the job. They fired100,000 rounds of ammo doing that. Yeah, its how we used to win wars.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at July 19, 2020 11:21 AM (9Om/r)
260
257 I don't know much about this, but I do think 'old' does not necessarily equal 'valuable'.
---------
Nor does 'Rare'.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 19, 2020 11:18 AM (9Fwwf)
----------
*appraises 1984 Bradford Exchange Special Limited Edition Wizard of Oz Collectors Plate rimmed in genuine brilliant 14 karat gold leaf*
---------
Nor does 'Rare'.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 19, 2020 11:18 AM (9Fwwf)
----------
*appraises 1984 Bradford Exchange Special Limited Edition Wizard of Oz Collectors Plate rimmed in genuine brilliant 14 karat gold leaf*
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at July 19, 2020 11:21 AM (wPVhA)
261
One I did read this week is The Silent Speaker (Nero Wolfe). The most notable thing is one of the women, Phoebe Gunther, just knocks Archie head over heels. Lily Rowan never had that effect on him.
Another thing I noticed is that, more than any other that I've read, Archie's narration has snatches that sound Wodehousian. I've seen a bit of this before, but not to this extent. Just certain turns of phrase, certain witticisms. I mean narration. One thing I long ago noted is that both Goodwin and Wooster have very different voices as narrators than they do in the dialogue. And both Wodehouse and Stout manage to slip it by the reader.
. . .
Posted by: Eeyore at July 19, 2020
*
*
Bertie does, that's true, but Archie writes very much the way he speaks -- a tribute to Stout's ability.
Silent Speaker is good because of the Phoebe Gunther business. It was the first of Stout's post-war Wolfe novels, his first with Viking press, and it seems much more mature somehow than most of the pre-war and wartime stories.
Another thing I noticed is that, more than any other that I've read, Archie's narration has snatches that sound Wodehousian. I've seen a bit of this before, but not to this extent. Just certain turns of phrase, certain witticisms. I mean narration. One thing I long ago noted is that both Goodwin and Wooster have very different voices as narrators than they do in the dialogue. And both Wodehouse and Stout manage to slip it by the reader.
. . .
Posted by: Eeyore at July 19, 2020
*
*
Bertie does, that's true, but Archie writes very much the way he speaks -- a tribute to Stout's ability.
Silent Speaker is good because of the Phoebe Gunther business. It was the first of Stout's post-war Wolfe novels, his first with Viking press, and it seems much more mature somehow than most of the pre-war and wartime stories.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at July 19, 2020 11:22 AM (rpbg1)
262
*appraises 1984 Bradford Exchange Special Limited Edition Wizard of Oz Collectors Plate rimmed in genuine brilliant 14 karat gold leaf*
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at July 19, 2020 11:21 AM (wPVhA)
Do you shoot skeet?
*appraises 1984 Bradford Exchange Special Limited Edition Wizard of Oz Collectors Plate rimmed in genuine brilliant 14 karat gold leaf*
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at July 19, 2020 11:21 AM (wPVhA)
Do you shoot skeet?
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at July 19, 2020 11:23 AM (pNxlR)
263
In real life, Bierce disappeared into Mexico to never be seen again
------
There is a film with Gregory Peck, "Old Gringo", that explores what might have happened to Bierce.
Posted by: Captain Obvious, of the sloop John B. at July 19, 2020
*
*
And a short story by Gerald Kersh, "The Oxoxoco Bottle," that purports to be his last manuscript.
------
There is a film with Gregory Peck, "Old Gringo", that explores what might have happened to Bierce.
Posted by: Captain Obvious, of the sloop John B. at July 19, 2020
*
*
And a short story by Gerald Kersh, "The Oxoxoco Bottle," that purports to be his last manuscript.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at July 19, 2020 11:24 AM (rpbg1)
264
Do you shoot skeet?
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at July 19, 2020 11:23 AM (pNxlR)
--------
Heh. "We're off to see the Wizard, the won..."
PULL
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at July 19, 2020 11:23 AM (pNxlR)
--------
Heh. "We're off to see the Wizard, the won..."
PULL
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at July 19, 2020 11:25 AM (wPVhA)
265
Fascist strikes me as one of those creepy people that will have his secret collection of meticulously kept "medical specimens" uncovered upon his demise. He has a "god" complex and feels untouchable. He feels like an "elite so how dare we question him!
Posted by: lin-duh en fugue at July 19, 2020 11:25 AM (UUBmN)
266
@252. A man who knows the Classics
Posted by: Ignoramus at July 19, 2020 11:25 AM (9TdxA)
Posted by: Patrick From Ohio at July 19, 2020 11:26 AM (dKiJG)
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at July 19, 2020 11:27 AM (wPVhA)
269
Saw Murder, My Sweet for the first time yesterday. An interesting little noir, mostly known for being the movie that changed Dick Powell's career arc from flighty, feather-headed juvenile lead to dangerous man of action.
It was also an adaptation that Raymond Chandler himself enjoyed. The original title was going to be the same as the book, Farewell, My Lovely, but RKO thought that sounded too much like a typical Dick Powell dance-and-song picture, so changed the name.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at July 19, 2020
*
*
Is that the one where the entire film is shown through Philip Marlowe's eyes, except when he passes by a mirror?
It was also an adaptation that Raymond Chandler himself enjoyed. The original title was going to be the same as the book, Farewell, My Lovely, but RKO thought that sounded too much like a typical Dick Powell dance-and-song picture, so changed the name.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at July 19, 2020
*
*
Is that the one where the entire film is shown through Philip Marlowe's eyes, except when he passes by a mirror?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at July 19, 2020 11:27 AM (rpbg1)
270
257 I don't know much about this, but I do think 'old' does not necessarily equal 'valuable'.
---------
Don't I know it!
-- Andrew "My Indictments for Committing Negligent Homicide Will Come Due Any Day Now" Cuomo
257 I don't know much about this, but I do think 'old' does not necessarily equal 'valuable'.
---------
Don't I know it!
-- Andrew "My Indictments for Committing Negligent Homicide Will Come Due Any Day Now" Cuomo
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at July 19, 2020 11:27 AM (pNxlR)
271
It's not a mural, it's sanctioned graffiti. Geant it no more dignity than it deserves.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at July 19, 2020 09:47 AM (pNxlR)
I saw a twatter video of those ladies dumping the blue paint. Brave women. And yeah, it's not a mural. The word means, after all, a "painting on a wall". "Mur" is "wall" in French.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at July 19, 2020 09:47 AM (pNxlR)
I saw a twatter video of those ladies dumping the blue paint. Brave women. And yeah, it's not a mural. The word means, after all, a "painting on a wall". "Mur" is "wall" in French.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at July 19, 2020 11:29 AM (h3jAc)
272
Hi Artemis. I read the Spanish Mask this week. I'm getting ready to move and really needed the escape from reality. Had fun trying to figure who was telling the truth and who was not who you thought they were. What should I read next? Read the Acton and Doyle and Tainted Angel.
Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at July 19, 2020 11:31 AM (+mn3h)
273
I saw a twatter video of those ladies dumping the blue paint. Brave women. And yeah, it's not a mural. The word means, after all, a "painting on a wall". "Mur" is "wall" in French.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at July 19, 2020 11:29 AM (h3jAc)
Drones, equipped with cans of spray paint.
Come to think of it, drones, equipped with cans of pepper spray would give the Pantyfa rioters a good taste of what they badly need, too.
I saw a twatter video of those ladies dumping the blue paint. Brave women. And yeah, it's not a mural. The word means, after all, a "painting on a wall". "Mur" is "wall" in French.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at July 19, 2020 11:29 AM (h3jAc)
Drones, equipped with cans of spray paint.
Come to think of it, drones, equipped with cans of pepper spray would give the Pantyfa rioters a good taste of what they badly need, too.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at July 19, 2020 11:32 AM (pNxlR)
274
OregonMuse
Thank you for featuring that book.
The analysis is penetrating, but a little easy-going on Cromwell. He could be a hard man in unsettled times.
Things I did not know: Cromwell had 6 children. He got on well with his soldiers, with an earthy touch as a leader. He insisted on discipline, but was tolerant of different religious beliefs, as long as they were not Catholic. A number in his army wanted utterly radical things like universal suffrage for men (voting for members in Parliament), stopping property rights as a means of status, and an erasure of inherited ennoblement.
Hs thoughts on Islam and AntiFa have not been discussed.
I've finished the English Civil War part, and am at the point where the victorious Army is demanding to be paid. Cromwell is looking at King Charles as a uniter, and dealing with him. He is an outcast of the Presbyterianism majority in Parliament, but acknowledged as the finest military leader of his time.
His actions in battle were lightly told. No OOB data, no arrows of action on the map. Few vivid description of the action. But enough is told to get a sense of what happened, and how each leader made a difference in the battle, for bad or good. Cromwell and his disciplined cavalry Ironsiders were decisive in victory.
1/3 of the way through the book.
Thank you for featuring that book.
The analysis is penetrating, but a little easy-going on Cromwell. He could be a hard man in unsettled times.
Things I did not know: Cromwell had 6 children. He got on well with his soldiers, with an earthy touch as a leader. He insisted on discipline, but was tolerant of different religious beliefs, as long as they were not Catholic. A number in his army wanted utterly radical things like universal suffrage for men (voting for members in Parliament), stopping property rights as a means of status, and an erasure of inherited ennoblement.
Hs thoughts on Islam and AntiFa have not been discussed.
I've finished the English Civil War part, and am at the point where the victorious Army is demanding to be paid. Cromwell is looking at King Charles as a uniter, and dealing with him. He is an outcast of the Presbyterianism majority in Parliament, but acknowledged as the finest military leader of his time.
His actions in battle were lightly told. No OOB data, no arrows of action on the map. Few vivid description of the action. But enough is told to get a sense of what happened, and how each leader made a difference in the battle, for bad or good. Cromwell and his disciplined cavalry Ironsiders were decisive in victory.
1/3 of the way through the book.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 19, 2020 11:32 AM (u82oZ)
275
Posted by: Bandersnatch at July 19, 2020 11:16 AM (gd9RK)
The first time I saw Boy on a Dolphin, back when network TV still showed movies, changed my perspective on life and the female form.
The first time I saw Boy on a Dolphin, back when network TV still showed movies, changed my perspective on life and the female form.
Posted by: Captain Hate at July 19, 2020 11:32 AM (y7DUB)
276
That's a regionalism. Anyone who pronounces aunt as ant is wrong and from a wrong place.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at July 19, 2020 09:50 AM (gd9RK)
"Awnt" is the archaic regionalism. "Ant" is how normal people speak.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at July 19, 2020 09:50 AM (gd9RK)
"Awnt" is the archaic regionalism. "Ant" is how normal people speak.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at July 19, 2020 11:32 AM (h3jAc)
277
It would be interesting to have the Book Thread folk offer up what is the most valuable book in their collection, and, their most valued book(s).
My most valuable is privately printed 'Jekyll Island Club'. Produced by Charles Lanier to attract members.
My most valued are those with my grandmother's name inscribed in them. She was an avid reader. My favorites are the complete 'Jalna' series, de la Roche.
My most valuable is privately printed 'Jekyll Island Club'. Produced by Charles Lanier to attract members.
My most valued are those with my grandmother's name inscribed in them. She was an avid reader. My favorites are the complete 'Jalna' series, de la Roche.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 19, 2020 11:34 AM (9Fwwf)
278
Travel books. In my yoot I sailed around the south pacific. Our favorite books were the Sailing Direction books. They had drawings of island silhouettes from various approaches and brief descriptions of island histories and people.
"Waponi Woo: The name means little island with a big volcano. The inhabitants are known for their love of orange soda and their complete lack of a sense of direction."
"Waponi Woo: The name means little island with a big volcano. The inhabitants are known for their love of orange soda and their complete lack of a sense of direction."
Posted by: DR.WTF at July 19, 2020 11:35 AM (AiZBA)
279
Isn't this the theme of Isaac Asimov's "Foundation" with Hari Seldon and Psychohistory?
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at July 19, 2020 11:02 AM (PiwSw)
It is also one of the plot points in Pratchett's Dark Side of the Sun
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at July 19, 2020 11:02 AM (PiwSw)
It is also one of the plot points in Pratchett's Dark Side of the Sun
Posted by: Kindltot at July 19, 2020 11:35 AM (WyVLE)
280
Good morning!
Let's smile and be happy & strike fear in the hearts of killjoy leftists everywhere.
Let's smile and be happy & strike fear in the hearts of killjoy leftists everywhere.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 19, 2020 11:36 AM (u82oZ)
281
I read Lonesome Dove and have no idea what you're talking about.
They opened a Dairy Queen on the prairie and the Comanche burned it down and used the ice cream for war paint but it melted.....
They opened a Dairy Queen on the prairie and the Comanche burned it down and used the ice cream for war paint but it melted.....
Posted by: JT at July 19, 2020 11:36 AM (arJlL)
282
They opened a Dairy Queen on the prairie and the Comanche burned it down and used the ice cream for war paint but it melted.....
Posted by: JT at July 19, 2020
*
*
Sounds almost like something Gus McCrae might have said. . . .
Posted by: JT at July 19, 2020
*
*
Sounds almost like something Gus McCrae might have said. . . .
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at July 19, 2020 11:38 AM (rpbg1)
283
Kindtot, I just got that in the mail, thanks for rereading it for me!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at July 19, 2020 11:08 AM (Dc2NZ)
I hate it when people spoil the surprise for me. That is not a point by point synopsis since I figure other people want to read it. I left a lot out, it is a big, complex book.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at July 19, 2020 11:08 AM (Dc2NZ)
I hate it when people spoil the surprise for me. That is not a point by point synopsis since I figure other people want to read it. I left a lot out, it is a big, complex book.
Posted by: Kindltot at July 19, 2020 11:39 AM (WyVLE)
284
I donated all my boys Hardy books and Dr Suess books etc to the local library. Even if they couldn;t put them on the shelf, they have a big book sale every year and firgured some other children would get to read them, But, with all the Covid restrictions, they won;t take anything. They only let you drop off books once a week.I've stopped taking books from them at all and gone exclusively to ebooks. I will need to figure out how Maryland works their library system. Does anyone know if they will loan books from any library in the state? In Mass, I ca reserve a book and when any library in the state has it, they mail it to my local library to pick up. I can also get ebooks this way just more time limited than paper books.
Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at July 19, 2020 11:40 AM (+mn3h)
285
"Waponi Woo: The name means little island with a big volcano. The inhabitants are known for their love of orange soda and their complete lack of a sense of direction."
Posted by: DR.WTF
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I had an English Prof who penned a poem while serving in the Pacific during the war.
The poem title was 'Lola From Lackanooky'. I've always wondered where that was.
Posted by: DR.WTF
------
I had an English Prof who penned a poem while serving in the Pacific during the war.
The poem title was 'Lola From Lackanooky'. I've always wondered where that was.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 19, 2020 11:41 AM (AytXr)
286
I loved the old Fu Manchu books and movies which are now verboten by the PC Police.
Posted by: Patrick From Ohio at July 19, 2020
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I read a lot of those before I moved into my James Bond phase. Doctor No is a LOT like Dr. Fu Manchu.
Recently I re-read the first book in the FM series. Clearly it's inspired by Sherlock Holmes, with a Chinese criminal genius instead of Moriarty. But Rohmer really made the story move, and there is this creepy atmosphere of "sudden death by night" as well.
Posted by: Patrick From Ohio at July 19, 2020
*
*
I read a lot of those before I moved into my James Bond phase. Doctor No is a LOT like Dr. Fu Manchu.
Recently I re-read the first book in the FM series. Clearly it's inspired by Sherlock Holmes, with a Chinese criminal genius instead of Moriarty. But Rohmer really made the story move, and there is this creepy atmosphere of "sudden death by night" as well.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at July 19, 2020 11:41 AM (rpbg1)
287
Had a good time with Captain Josepha Sabin and her XO yesterday.
She did discuss being a business owner of a bookstore. We id not have time to get into many details.
But what struck me is how some of her customers were interwoven into the establishment of the modern city she lives in. They improved the city. They made good policies work.
Which reminds me, very few murderers and general ne'er-do-wells own books. Is the switch to digital media part of the reason for societal decay? The current rioters know very little.
She did discuss being a business owner of a bookstore. We id not have time to get into many details.
But what struck me is how some of her customers were interwoven into the establishment of the modern city she lives in. They improved the city. They made good policies work.
Which reminds me, very few murderers and general ne'er-do-wells own books. Is the switch to digital media part of the reason for societal decay? The current rioters know very little.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 19, 2020 11:43 AM (u82oZ)
288
@280
This is such a good idea that maybe OM should do it when we're not so near the end of the thread.
My most valuable is probably a signed first edition of Game of Thrones.My most valued is my probably my copy of the first Nancy Drew book. Worth about 10 cents now, I imagine
This is such a good idea that maybe OM should do it when we're not so near the end of the thread.
My most valuable is probably a signed first edition of Game of Thrones.My most valued is my probably my copy of the first Nancy Drew book. Worth about 10 cents now, I imagine
Posted by: artemis at July 19, 2020 11:43 AM (AwPyG)
289
259 The Three Investigators series was a favorite growing up
Loved the Three Investigators! Almost no one seems to remember them. I never liked the awkward Hitchcock tie-in, but man, who didn't want to hang out in Jupiter Jones's junkyard clubhouse!
Loved the Three Investigators! Almost no one seems to remember them. I never liked the awkward Hitchcock tie-in, but man, who didn't want to hang out in Jupiter Jones's junkyard clubhouse!
Posted by: Guy Smiley at July 19, 2020 11:43 AM (FtO5h)
290
My most valued books are my father's copies of the 1928 Book of Common Prayer and Gray's New Manual of Botany.
My most valuable - although probably not monetarily so - are "Textbook of Physical Chemistry, Second Edition", by Samuel Glasstone and the multi-volume set "International Critical Tables of Numerical Data, Physics, Chemistry and Technology", both of which played a prominent role in my senior year class for Advanced Physical Chemistry, during which time I confirmed that I had the chops to take on graduate school in chemistry.
My most valued books are my father's copies of the 1928 Book of Common Prayer and Gray's New Manual of Botany.
My most valuable - although probably not monetarily so - are "Textbook of Physical Chemistry, Second Edition", by Samuel Glasstone and the multi-volume set "International Critical Tables of Numerical Data, Physics, Chemistry and Technology", both of which played a prominent role in my senior year class for Advanced Physical Chemistry, during which time I confirmed that I had the chops to take on graduate school in chemistry.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at July 19, 2020 11:44 AM (pNxlR)
291
I had an English Prof who penned a poem while serving in the Pacific during the war.
The poem title was 'Lola From Lackanooky'. I've always wondered where that was.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 19, 2020 11:41 AM (AytXr)
Very funny.
I had an English Prof who penned a poem while serving in the Pacific during the war.
The poem title was 'Lola From Lackanooky'. I've always wondered where that was.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 19, 2020 11:41 AM (AytXr)
Very funny.
Posted by: CN at July 19, 2020 11:44 AM (ONvIw)
292
My most "valuable" books are the college textbooks that cost $200-$300 a piece.
*spit*
*spit*
Posted by: lin-duh en fugue at July 19, 2020 11:46 AM (UUBmN)
293
I read Shane as teen; at that age, I'm sure the heroics appealed to me. As an adult, the nuances appealed to me as well.
I did not like the kid in the movie -- which was nowhere near as good as the book, IMHO.
I did not like the kid in the movie -- which was nowhere near as good as the book, IMHO.
Posted by: FloridaMan at July 19, 2020 11:46 AM (WR5rR)
294
Saw Murder, My Sweet for the first time yesterday.
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My favorite line: They don't put that kind of time into watches.
Incidentally, there is a weird ass kind of psychedelic semi-remake entitled The Big Bang starring Antonio Banderas and Sam Elliott that I thought was fun.
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My favorite line: They don't put that kind of time into watches.
Incidentally, there is a weird ass kind of psychedelic semi-remake entitled The Big Bang starring Antonio Banderas and Sam Elliott that I thought was fun.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at July 19, 2020 11:46 AM (+y/Ru)
295
I found a signed, first edition copy of "Jurassic Park" at a used bookstore. Bought it for 3 dollars. They hadn't realized what it was. Probably isn't worth much more but it's a curiosity.
Posted by: Megthered at July 19, 2020 11:47 AM (I6EbP)
296
Sigh.
Sophia Loren. It was she who made me suddenly realize girls were...interesting.
Sophia Loren. It was she who made me suddenly realize girls were...interesting.
Posted by: Diogenes at July 19, 2020 11:47 AM (axyOa)
297
299 Sigh.
Sophia Loren. It was she who made me suddenly realize girls were...interesting.
Debbie Harry. 1977. I was 12. Sigh.
Sophia Loren. It was she who made me suddenly realize girls were...interesting.
Debbie Harry. 1977. I was 12. Sigh.
Posted by: Guy Smiley at July 19, 2020 11:48 AM (FtO5h)
Posted by: JT at July 19, 2020 11:48 AM (arJlL)
Posted by: artemis at July 19, 2020 11:49 AM (AwPyG)
300
Sophia Loren. It was she who made me suddenly realize girls were...interesting.
Posted by: Diogenes at July 19, 2020
*
*
The story goes that she and Cary Grant had a torrid affair during the filming of Houseboat in the '50s. He was more smitten than she was.
Posted by: Diogenes at July 19, 2020
*
*
The story goes that she and Cary Grant had a torrid affair during the filming of Houseboat in the '50s. He was more smitten than she was.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at July 19, 2020 11:49 AM (rpbg1)
301
The "northeastern" accent in films is mostly a made up accent pushed by a school of manners and language trainers. It is called Mid-Atlantic and was a standardized "accent" mixing New England and English English. It has those round full front of the mouth pronunciation with each diphthong and plosive consonant clinking into place.
Juliette Anderson, who had initially been and English as a Second Language teacher, was famous for speaking with that accent.
and other things . . .
Juliette Anderson, who had initially been and English as a Second Language teacher, was famous for speaking with that accent.
and other things . . .
Posted by: Kindltot at July 19, 2020 11:50 AM (WyVLE)
Posted by: Diogenes at July 19, 2020 11:50 AM (axyOa)
303
293
I noticed that of the four titles that I mentioned, three were gifts, two from my Dad and one from my father in law, and the fourth, the ICT set, I picked up when DuPont purged its stacks in Lavoisier Library on its Experimental Station site in the early teens. Sometimes the best things in life are free.
293
I noticed that of the four titles that I mentioned, three were gifts, two from my Dad and one from my father in law, and the fourth, the ICT set, I picked up when DuPont purged its stacks in Lavoisier Library on its Experimental Station site in the early teens. Sometimes the best things in life are free.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at July 19, 2020 11:50 AM (pNxlR)
304
I was on vacation for a few days, and in between hiking, camping, and wandering around with the fam I read "Roadside Picnic." It's a Russian sci-fi novel about the aftermath of an alien visit to Earth. Basically, the aliens come in, set up camp in several zones, then leave - all without explanation. The main character is a "stalker," which is a person who goes into one of the zones to recover alien artifacts.
Posted by: PabloD, cargo specialist for Aero Pinochet at July 19, 2020 10:44 AM (Rrurn)
This is a neat little novella and is also the story on which Tarkovsky's movie (Stalker) was based.
Posted by: hogmartin at July 19, 2020 10:45 AM (t+qrx)
"A Roadside Picnic" is one of the top ten sF stories ever written IMHO.
It doesn't seem so extraordinary now because it's been pillaged so much by other writers and as stated above game companies.
I find the ant's eye view of great(?) events a particularly nice plot device.
"Stalker" is a awful movie.
The problem was that all of the special efx got burned up in a studio fire, and there was no money to redo them.
So, Tarkovsky decided to cut around all of the action and efx scenes and release the movie anyway.
That essentially turned "A Roadside Picnic" into a 3 hour "Waiting for Godot" set in a sewer without the humor.
Lots of gab about life but nothing ever happens.
I loved "ARP" so much that "Stalker" seemed like a lifeless pile of poo when I saw it.
I may give it another chance seeing as some people who really like "Prometheus"* ahem* give it a huge thumb's up.
Usually, I'm not wrong about an initial reaction of dislike though.
Let's put it this way:
"Zardoz" is a much better movie than "Stalker', and it traffics in the same sort of philosophical questions.
Plus, it has nekkid Charlotte Rampling and Sean Connery in a big red diaper.
If given the choice, choose "Zardoz".
Posted by: PabloD, cargo specialist for Aero Pinochet at July 19, 2020 10:44 AM (Rrurn)
This is a neat little novella and is also the story on which Tarkovsky's movie (Stalker) was based.
Posted by: hogmartin at July 19, 2020 10:45 AM (t+qrx)
"A Roadside Picnic" is one of the top ten sF stories ever written IMHO.
It doesn't seem so extraordinary now because it's been pillaged so much by other writers and as stated above game companies.
I find the ant's eye view of great(?) events a particularly nice plot device.
"Stalker" is a awful movie.
The problem was that all of the special efx got burned up in a studio fire, and there was no money to redo them.
So, Tarkovsky decided to cut around all of the action and efx scenes and release the movie anyway.
That essentially turned "A Roadside Picnic" into a 3 hour "Waiting for Godot" set in a sewer without the humor.
Lots of gab about life but nothing ever happens.
I loved "ARP" so much that "Stalker" seemed like a lifeless pile of poo when I saw it.
I may give it another chance seeing as some people who really like "Prometheus"* ahem* give it a huge thumb's up.
Usually, I'm not wrong about an initial reaction of dislike though.
Let's put it this way:
"Zardoz" is a much better movie than "Stalker', and it traffics in the same sort of philosophical questions.
Plus, it has nekkid Charlotte Rampling and Sean Connery in a big red diaper.
If given the choice, choose "Zardoz".
Posted by: naturalfake at July 19, 2020 11:50 AM (dWwl8)
305
Fleetwood Mac puts me to sleep.
Posted by: Dr. Varno at July 19, 2020 11:50 AM (vuisn)
306
I found a signed, first edition copy of "Jurassic Park" at a used bookstore. Bought it for 3 dollars. They hadn't realized what it was. Probably isn't worth much more but it's a curiosity.
Posted by: Megthered
------
It pays to know what you are looking at. I have bought auction lots of books, just because of a single book in the lot, which I knew to be worth more than the price of the whole lot.
Posted by: Megthered
------
It pays to know what you are looking at. I have bought auction lots of books, just because of a single book in the lot, which I knew to be worth more than the price of the whole lot.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 19, 2020 11:50 AM (ELgVT)
307
I found a signed, first edition copy of "Jurassic Park" at a used bookstore. Bought it for 3 dollars. They hadn't realized what it was. Probably isn't worth much more but it's a curiosity.
Posted by: Megthered
I'll give ya Three Fiddy.......
Posted by: Megthered
I'll give ya Three Fiddy.......
Posted by: JT at July 19, 2020 11:50 AM (arJlL)
308
Even if it's these pants. Reminds me of a little ditty.
I like to go swimming,with with bow legged women,and swim between their legs!
Can't remember the rest?
I like to go swimming,with with bow legged women,and swim between their legs!
Can't remember the rest?
Posted by: t-dubya-d at July 19, 2020 11:51 AM (RZWC0)
309
Sophia Loren. It was she who made me suddenly realize girls were...interesting.
Posted by: Diogenes at July 19, 2020
*
*
The young Mary Tyler Moore as Laura Petrie, for me. See, even when I didn't like girls at age 9 or so, I always knew that someday I would -- everybody on TV, movies, and books couldn't all be wrong, could they? -- and so I was ready when the time came.
Posted by: Diogenes at July 19, 2020
*
*
The young Mary Tyler Moore as Laura Petrie, for me. See, even when I didn't like girls at age 9 or so, I always knew that someday I would -- everybody on TV, movies, and books couldn't all be wrong, could they? -- and so I was ready when the time came.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at July 19, 2020 11:51 AM (rpbg1)
310
@293
My dad used his college textbooks on Mechanical Engineering throughout his life, usually to pull up tables.
My dad used his college textbooks on Mechanical Engineering throughout his life, usually to pull up tables.
Posted by: artemis at July 19, 2020 11:51 AM (AwPyG)
311
So.
More things going splody in Iran. I wonder, are we seeing a cascade of failures due to a dysfunctional regime, or the opening shots of an insurrection?
More things going splody in Iran. I wonder, are we seeing a cascade of failures due to a dysfunctional regime, or the opening shots of an insurrection?
Posted by: Diogenes at July 19, 2020 11:52 AM (axyOa)
312
And yeah, it's not a mural. The word means, after all, a "painting on a wall". "Mur" is "wall" in French.
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Well, "gutter art" doesn't have the same cachet.
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Well, "gutter art" doesn't have the same cachet.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at July 19, 2020 11:52 AM (+y/Ru)
313
Loved the Three Investigators! Almost no one seems
to remember them. I never liked the awkward Hitchcock tie-in, but man,
who didn't want to hang out in Jupiter Jones's junkyard clubhouse!
Posted by: Guy Smiley
I wanted a clubhouse with secret tunnels and trapdoors so bad. I got in trouble for cutting a lot of holes in plaster and sheetrock walls.
to remember them. I never liked the awkward Hitchcock tie-in, but man,
who didn't want to hang out in Jupiter Jones's junkyard clubhouse!
Posted by: Guy Smiley
I wanted a clubhouse with secret tunnels and trapdoors so bad. I got in trouble for cutting a lot of holes in plaster and sheetrock walls.
Posted by: deplorable unperson - refuse to accept the Mask of the Beast at July 19, 2020 11:52 AM (3z0gk)
314
Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM)
I liked Morrison and Boyd's Organic Chemistry, 3rd Edition best. Read it cover to cover before my GREs. Still have it on my Science bookshelf.
I liked Morrison and Boyd's Organic Chemistry, 3rd Edition best. Read it cover to cover before my GREs. Still have it on my Science bookshelf.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 19, 2020 11:52 AM (u82oZ)
315
More things going splody in Iran. I wonder, are we seeing a cascade of failures due to a dysfunctional regime, or the opening shots of an insurrection?
Posted by: Diogenes
Mebbe they're filming a musical......
Posted by: Diogenes
Mebbe they're filming a musical......
Posted by: JT at July 19, 2020 11:53 AM (arJlL)
316
Posted by: artemis at July 19, 2020 11:49 AM (AwPyG)
Thank you! This move is a really big deal and the only way to avoid the anxiety is to get lost in a book.
Thank you! This move is a really big deal and the only way to avoid the anxiety is to get lost in a book.
Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at July 19, 2020 11:53 AM (+mn3h)
317
No one has a first edition if its on Kindle....It can also be wiped out in a second, never existed. Sort of like history in the book 1984.
Posted by: Colin at July 19, 2020 11:53 AM (1BIQV)
318
285 They opened a Dairy Queen on the prairie and the Comanche burned it down and used the ice cream for war paint but it melted.....
Posted by: JT at July 19, 2020
*
*
Sounds almost like something Gus McCrae might have said. . . .
****
I think Sam Elliott said it first.
Posted by: JT at July 19, 2020
*
*
Sounds almost like something Gus McCrae might have said. . . .
****
I think Sam Elliott said it first.
Posted by: Dr. Varno at July 19, 2020 11:53 AM (vuisn)
319
It would be interesting to have the Book Thread folk offer up what is the most valuable book in their collection, and, their most valued book(s).
Most valuable would probably be a large Ansel Adams book.
Most valued would be a yearbook from the Catholic school in my hometown with an In Memoriam page for my father, who was on their advisory board.
Most valuable would probably be a large Ansel Adams book.
Most valued would be a yearbook from the Catholic school in my hometown with an In Memoriam page for my father, who was on their advisory board.
Posted by: Captain Hate at July 19, 2020 11:53 AM (y7DUB)
320
I had a secret clubhouse for a while. It was in the South, in summertime. I learned about what humidity does to things if you leave them in your clubhouse.
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 19, 2020 11:54 AM (jbmxH)
321
55 gallon drum of acetone, and a stolen street sweeper . . . .
Posted by: Kindltot at July 19, 2020 11:55 AM (WyVLE)
322
No one has a first edition if its on Kindle....It can also be wiped out in a second, never existed. Sort of like history in the book 1984.
Posted by: Colin
----------
None of my books require a battery.
Posted by: Colin
----------
None of my books require a battery.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 19, 2020 11:55 AM (l0Lgi)
323
@314
I would be very much surprised if Trump's fine hand weren't behind it.
Iran is China's proxy.
I would be very much surprised if Trump's fine hand weren't behind it.
Iran is China's proxy.
Posted by: artemis at July 19, 2020 11:56 AM (AwPyG)
324
I'm in a self-imposed book-buying moratorium because we've got some floors to refinish and that means moving the bookcases.
Upside: since we'll have to cull the shelves before emptying them out and moving them, that will make room for MORE BOOKS!
Upside: since we'll have to cull the shelves before emptying them out and moving them, that will make room for MORE BOOKS!
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 19, 2020 11:56 AM (jbmxH)
325
I have a book printed in 1793. Checked and it has no value, other than to think of all the history that has happened since that book was printed in Philly.
Posted by: Colin at July 19, 2020 11:56 AM (1BIQV)
326
Is that the one where the entire film is shown through Philip Marlowe's eyes, except when he passes by a mirror?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
If I recall correctly, that's Lady In the Lake.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
If I recall correctly, that's Lady In the Lake.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Tyrannosaur Wrangler at July 19, 2020 11:57 AM (+y/Ru)
327
Currently reading A Tale of Two Cities. I really want to enjoy this book and Dickens, but his style isn't ringing my chimes. It's considered classic literature, so I'm concluding it's my problem. I hope it gets better. Maybe once they start lopping heads.
Currently reading A Tale of Two Cities. I really want to enjoy this book and Dickens, but his style isn't ringing my chimes. It's considered classic literature, so I'm concluding it's my problem. I hope it gets better. Maybe once they start lopping heads.
Posted by: Old Dude at July 19, 2020 11:57 AM (LGXGf)
328
My most valuable - although probably not monetarily so - are "Textbook
of Physical Chemistry, Second Edition", by Samuel Glasstone
Good Lord, used copies on Amazon are almost $1k. I used Adamson for P. Chem. It's $73, but I doubt anyone still uses it. I still have my copy, though. It's stained with sweat and tears.
of Physical Chemistry, Second Edition", by Samuel Glasstone
Good Lord, used copies on Amazon are almost $1k. I used Adamson for P. Chem. It's $73, but I doubt anyone still uses it. I still have my copy, though. It's stained with sweat and tears.
Posted by: pep at July 19, 2020 11:57 AM (v16oJ)
329
Which reminds me, very few murderers and general ne'er-do-wells own books.
That's because it's easier to buy a gun than a book.
Which reminds me, very few murderers and general ne'er-do-wells own books.
That's because it's easier to buy a gun than a book.
Posted by: Barack Obama at July 19, 2020 11:57 AM (aKsyK)
330
Mebbe they're filming a musical......
Posted by: JT
La-la-la
Ahem...
It's springtime for Achmed and all irannnn!
Posted by: JT
La-la-la
Ahem...
It's springtime for Achmed and all irannnn!
Posted by: Diogenes at July 19, 2020 11:59 AM (axyOa)
331
Oh yeah, speaking of classics, That Sophia Loren: now she really has always rung my chimes.
Posted by: Old Dude at July 19, 2020 11:59 AM (LGXGf)
332
I remember The Three Investigators. When I was young, I thought it seemed pretty cool to have a secret hideout in an abandoned RV in the middle of junk/salvage yard. But thinking about that idea now, the hideout would probably be really grimy and would smell terrible.
Posted by: Castle Guy at July 19, 2020 12:00 PM (Lhaco)
333
Hello, Dolly meets Beneath the Planet of the Apes.
Posted by: Dr. Varno at July 19, 2020 12:00 PM (vuisn)
334
It's funny, I'm looking around at my books and the most valuable to me are the art and photography books.
The novels and non-fiction are just words and can be replaced. The reproductions of paintings and photographs are precious.
The novels and non-fiction are just words and can be replaced. The reproductions of paintings and photographs are precious.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at July 19, 2020 12:01 PM (gd9RK)
335
Currently reading A Tale of Two Cities. I really want to enjoy this book and Dickens, but his style isn't ringing my chimes. It's considered classic literature, so I'm concluding it's my problem. I hope it gets better. Maybe once they start lopping heads.
Posted by: Old Dude at July 19, 2020
*
*
On the plus side, it's his shortest book.
Posted by: Old Dude at July 19, 2020
*
*
On the plus side, it's his shortest book.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at July 19, 2020 12:01 PM (rpbg1)
336
Which reminds me, very few murderers and general ne'er-do-wells own books.
-------
This merits research. One wonder's about The George Floyd Collection. Will it be sold at auction? Enshrined at the Smithsonian? Possibly donated to the Obama Library?
-------
This merits research. One wonder's about The George Floyd Collection. Will it be sold at auction? Enshrined at the Smithsonian? Possibly donated to the Obama Library?
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at July 19, 2020 12:01 PM (1vynn)
337
Loved the Three Investigators! Almost no one seems
to remember them. I never liked the awkward Hitchcock tie-in, but man,
who didn't want to hang out in Jupiter Jones's junkyard clubhouse!
Posted by: Guy Smiley
I wanted a clubhouse with secret tunnels and trapdoors so bad. I got in trouble for cutting a lot of holes in plaster and sheetrock walls.
Posted by: deplorable unperson - refuse to accept the Mask of the Beast
Count me in! Also my favorite books. I had collected the whole set growing up. Unfortunately, my brothers sold them in a garage sale to raise money for mom.
My grandkids are at the age I first read The Green Ghost book. The books are very spendy and difficult to find.
to remember them. I never liked the awkward Hitchcock tie-in, but man,
who didn't want to hang out in Jupiter Jones's junkyard clubhouse!
Posted by: Guy Smiley
I wanted a clubhouse with secret tunnels and trapdoors so bad. I got in trouble for cutting a lot of holes in plaster and sheetrock walls.
Posted by: deplorable unperson - refuse to accept the Mask of the Beast
Count me in! Also my favorite books. I had collected the whole set growing up. Unfortunately, my brothers sold them in a garage sale to raise money for mom.
My grandkids are at the age I first read The Green Ghost book. The books are very spendy and difficult to find.
Posted by: Beartooth at July 19, 2020 12:01 PM (7TrJF)
338
If you've ever seen a parking lot getting a cheaper-than-re-paving coat of Wet Seal, delivered by a truck mounted tank with downward spraying nozzles, then this'll make sense to you.
Just have one such truck make one single pass, the length of that gutter "art" in NYC.
Those trucks are set up to spray a solid coat of liquified tar out to a maximum width of 14 feet. That's the standard width of a U.S. Interstate Highway Lane, IIRC.
One pass, pressure and volume set to max, and let 'er 'rip.
There wouldn't be a spec of yellow paint remaining to be seen.
And all the truck has to do is just keep on drivin' away, after the deed is done, leaving horrified howls of anger and outrage in his wake.
Trick is, have a couple hundred GOOD GUYS to fall in behind the truck at the end of the pass, and keep the mob offa his ass, till he makes good his escape.
The truck can be returned to the jobsite from where it was so generously loaned to the cause, of course.
*evil grin*
Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX
Just have one such truck make one single pass, the length of that gutter "art" in NYC.
Those trucks are set up to spray a solid coat of liquified tar out to a maximum width of 14 feet. That's the standard width of a U.S. Interstate Highway Lane, IIRC.
One pass, pressure and volume set to max, and let 'er 'rip.
There wouldn't be a spec of yellow paint remaining to be seen.
And all the truck has to do is just keep on drivin' away, after the deed is done, leaving horrified howls of anger and outrage in his wake.
Trick is, have a couple hundred GOOD GUYS to fall in behind the truck at the end of the pass, and keep the mob offa his ass, till he makes good his escape.
The truck can be returned to the jobsite from where it was so generously loaned to the cause, of course.
*evil grin*
Jim
Sunk New Dawn
Galveston, TX
Posted by: Jim at July 19, 2020 12:01 PM (QzJWU)
339
One of the things which shocks and saddens me is the ignorance of most liberals nowadays. None of them have read any books besides Harry Potter. None of them knows a damned thing about history beyond a few listicles about how awful America is. Remember how we all used to joke about libs who thought The Daily Show was a real news program? I met one. In the flesh. Friend of a friend at a party. He wasn't kidding, either. He literally got his news from The Daily Show and didn't understand what I was laughing about.
They will start burning books soon.
They will start burning books soon.
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 19, 2020 12:01 PM (jbmxH)
340
Noodus free speechius
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at July 19, 2020 12:01 PM (rpbg1)
341
NOOD
Posted by: Skip, the guy who says NOOD at July 19, 2020 12:01 PM (6f16T)
342
55 gallon drum of acetone, and a stolen street sweeper . . . .
Posted by: Kindltot at July 19, 2020 11:55 AM (WyVLE)
One of those water trucks with a spray bar, like they use to water down unpaved roads to control dust. Fill it with used motor oil.
Steal one of the city's trucks to do the deed.
Posted by: Kindltot at July 19, 2020 11:55 AM (WyVLE)
One of those water trucks with a spray bar, like they use to water down unpaved roads to control dust. Fill it with used motor oil.
Steal one of the city's trucks to do the deed.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at July 19, 2020 12:02 PM (8vQLu)
343
I always liked "The Secret Hide-Out" by John Peterson.
Posted by: Dr. Varno at July 19, 2020 12:03 PM (vuisn)
344
College text books are a massive racket that somebody aught to go to jail for, and that includes the professors that always want the "latest edition' of any book used in their classes even if there has been no substantive change
Posted by: Vic at July 19, 2020 12:03 PM (mpXpK)
345
I have 4 BOOKHOUSE children's books published in 1925 that my mother-in-law gave us when my kids(now in their 30's) were born . I had an antiques dealer come to the house a while back to tell me nothing I owned was worth anything including these books unless I had the whole set. They have beautiful color illustrations.
In down sizing, I have found that what a lot of us valued in the past does not appeal to this generation. They do not seem to be interested in acquiring things in the same way. Maybe because it is the digital age and you don't have to physically store your memories. I find that expenisve jewelry, furniture, antiques don;t eem to hold appeal. My kids collect cookbooks for wxample. Have any of you noticed this or is it just me.
In down sizing, I have found that what a lot of us valued in the past does not appeal to this generation. They do not seem to be interested in acquiring things in the same way. Maybe because it is the digital age and you don't have to physically store your memories. I find that expenisve jewelry, furniture, antiques don;t eem to hold appeal. My kids collect cookbooks for wxample. Have any of you noticed this or is it just me.
Posted by: sharon(willow's apprentice) at July 19, 2020 12:05 PM (+mn3h)
346
Most valued and most valuable.
Bible excluded.
Most valued: Freeman's three book set of Lee's Lieutenants signed and presented to me by my colonel when he departed the G-2 job. I replaced him. He was a gifted intelligence officer.
Most valuable? Hmmm. An autographed copy of Soymaster by Oleg Kalugin.
Bible excluded.
Most valued: Freeman's three book set of Lee's Lieutenants signed and presented to me by my colonel when he departed the G-2 job. I replaced him. He was a gifted intelligence officer.
Most valuable? Hmmm. An autographed copy of Soymaster by Oleg Kalugin.
Posted by: Diogenes at July 19, 2020 12:05 PM (axyOa)
347
True story: I once worked at a textbook publishing company. We were late on the new edition of one of the books. No time to re-do the index. So we just used the old index.
Posted by: Trimegistus at July 19, 2020 12:05 PM (jbmxH)
348
I think the real valuable books are the typical first editions and then the ones that are rare. But that being said, putting together a collection of books, similar genres or even colors can bring some decent cash on ebay and such. Just sold 4 history books I picked up cheap at a garage sale a year ago for $50. So beer money.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 19, 2020 12:06 PM (r+sAi)
Posted by: Diogenes at July 19, 2020 12:06 PM (axyOa)
350
298 I found a signed, first edition copy of "Jurassic Park" at a used bookstore. Bought it for 3 dollars. They hadn't realized what it was. Probably isn't worth much more but it's a curiosity.
Posted by: Megthered at July 19, 2020 11:47 AM (I6EbP)
Since the author is dead now should be worth something.
I have the signed Star Wars poster and list of people on it or dead
Posted by: Megthered at July 19, 2020 11:47 AM (I6EbP)
Since the author is dead now should be worth something.
I have the signed Star Wars poster and list of people on it or dead
Posted by: Patrick from Ohio at July 19, 2020 12:06 PM (dKiJG)
351
Sophia Loren. It was she who made me suddenly realize girls were...interesting.
Posted by: Diogenes at July 19, 2020
*
*
The young Mary Tyler Moore as Laura Petrie, for me. See, even when I didn't like girls at age 9 or so, I always knew that someday I would -- everybody on TV, movies, and books couldn't all be wrong, could they? -- and so I was ready when the time came.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at July 19, 2020 11:51 AM (rpbg1)
Hmmm, among those things that hit everyone somewhat differently, I guess. For me it was reruns of Bewitched, Elizabeth Montgomery. I noticed things curved and pointed, and I realized I liked that.
Girls my own age were never interesting... until high school. I was in a small school through 8th grade, and being attracted to any of the girls in my school would have been about as impossible as being attracted to one's sister.
Posted by: Diogenes at July 19, 2020
*
*
The young Mary Tyler Moore as Laura Petrie, for me. See, even when I didn't like girls at age 9 or so, I always knew that someday I would -- everybody on TV, movies, and books couldn't all be wrong, could they? -- and so I was ready when the time came.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at July 19, 2020 11:51 AM (rpbg1)
Hmmm, among those things that hit everyone somewhat differently, I guess. For me it was reruns of Bewitched, Elizabeth Montgomery. I noticed things curved and pointed, and I realized I liked that.
Girls my own age were never interesting... until high school. I was in a small school through 8th grade, and being attracted to any of the girls in my school would have been about as impossible as being attracted to one's sister.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 19, 2020 12:06 PM (hku12)
352
I think the real valuable books are the typical first editions and then the ones that are rare. But that being said, putting together a collection of books, similar genres or even colors can bring some decent cash on ebay and such. Just sold 4 history books I picked up cheap at a garage sale a year ago for $50. So beer money.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 19, 2020 12:06 PM (r+sAi)
Among the books I gave away to Sal Army recently was a very good copy of Pete Palmer's baseball encyclopedia. I think it was the last one they published, and might... might be worth something.
It was just a big fat book I was no longer interested in keeping.
Posted by: Guy Mohawk at July 19, 2020 12:06 PM (r+sAi)
Among the books I gave away to Sal Army recently was a very good copy of Pete Palmer's baseball encyclopedia. I think it was the last one they published, and might... might be worth something.
It was just a big fat book I was no longer interested in keeping.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 19, 2020 12:09 PM (hku12)
353
Not in "Era Lui, Si, Si". None of the Fench print of the movie survives, but the publicity stills do.
_________
Wow, thanks for that. Amazing ...
NSFW obviously: https://preview.tinyurl.com/y3qm6fzm
_________
Wow, thanks for that. Amazing ...
NSFW obviously: https://preview.tinyurl.com/y3qm6fzm
Posted by: ShainS at July 19, 2020 12:11 PM (WqPYg)
354
Dude on Twitter is claiming official ChiCom sources have admitted The Three Stooges* Dam has suffered leakage, displacement and deformation in the past 3 days, and is in danger of collapsing. All of the spillways are open to their maximum output level.
400 million souls live downstream.
*Renamed for accuracy.
400 million souls live downstream.
*Renamed for accuracy.
Posted by: Sharkman at July 19, 2020 12:14 PM (1YlHz)
355
347
College text books are a massive racket that somebody aught to go to
jail for, and that includes the professors that always want the "latest
edition' of any book used in their classes even if there has been no
substantive change
Posted by: Vic at July 19, 2020 12:03 PM (mpXpK)
_________
Absolutely. Even back in the 80's those things were going for $40-$60 (poor kids like me would buy the marked-up used ones and, if forced to buy new, always sold them back to the bookstore at the end of the year for a pittance).
I'm sure lots of those profs were getting kickbacks as well. My first Econ teacher said it was a requirement that we subscribe to the WSJ as we'd be discussing things in it during each class. Everybody subscribed, he took his cut, and we never discussed it once ...
College text books are a massive racket that somebody aught to go to
jail for, and that includes the professors that always want the "latest
edition' of any book used in their classes even if there has been no
substantive change
Posted by: Vic at July 19, 2020 12:03 PM (mpXpK)
_________
Absolutely. Even back in the 80's those things were going for $40-$60 (poor kids like me would buy the marked-up used ones and, if forced to buy new, always sold them back to the bookstore at the end of the year for a pittance).
I'm sure lots of those profs were getting kickbacks as well. My first Econ teacher said it was a requirement that we subscribe to the WSJ as we'd be discussing things in it during each class. Everybody subscribed, he took his cut, and we never discussed it once ...
Posted by: ShainS at July 19, 2020 12:16 PM (WqPYg)
356
Loved the Three Investigators! Almost no one seems
to remember them. I never liked the awkward Hitchcock tie-in, but man,
who didn't want to hang out in Jupiter Jones's junkyard clubhouse!
Posted by: Guy Smiley
-----
I liked them too! This was the only "teen investigator" series I ever read.
to remember them. I never liked the awkward Hitchcock tie-in, but man,
who didn't want to hang out in Jupiter Jones's junkyard clubhouse!
Posted by: Guy Smiley
-----
I liked them too! This was the only "teen investigator" series I ever read.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at July 19, 2020 12:16 PM (Dc2NZ)
357
I have a Children's book from the 1860 and it's incredibly racist, it's about Minstrels in blackface, so it's in the drawer,
My Grandma had my Great Great GrandFathers discharge paper from the Union Army framed. She gave it to her Nephew who was named after him and the Asshole sold it. He said he 'lost it' but my Dad never believed him. Because how the hell do you lose a framed document.
My Grandma had my Great Great GrandFathers discharge paper from the Union Army framed. She gave it to her Nephew who was named after him and the Asshole sold it. He said he 'lost it' but my Dad never believed him. Because how the hell do you lose a framed document.
Posted by: Patrick from Ohio at July 19, 2020 12:17 PM (dKiJG)
358
Most valuable (but no idea how much) is probably a signed first of Sue Grafton's Keziah Dane. Most valued? Dunno, maybe a childhood story book, either my childhood or my kids'.
Posted by: Bob the Bilderberg at July 19, 2020 12:18 PM (qc+VF)
359
Among the books I gave away to Sal Army recently was a very good copy of Pete Palmer's baseball encyclopedia. I think it was the last one they published, and might... might be worth something.
It was just a big fat book I was no longer interested in keeping.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 19, 2020 12:09 PM (hku12)
Ok, scratch that, I had the 7th edition, hard cover, and apparently there's an 8th, published in '04, by Thorn, without Palmer. Who may have been dead by then.
7th edition can be had, I think soft cover, for $77.
8th edition is selling for over $800, new, over $200 used.
Not that it matters. I have textbooks around here I could sell for a decent amount, but I ain't interested.
It was just a big fat book I was no longer interested in keeping.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 19, 2020 12:09 PM (hku12)
Ok, scratch that, I had the 7th edition, hard cover, and apparently there's an 8th, published in '04, by Thorn, without Palmer. Who may have been dead by then.
7th edition can be had, I think soft cover, for $77.
8th edition is selling for over $800, new, over $200 used.
Not that it matters. I have textbooks around here I could sell for a decent amount, but I ain't interested.
Posted by: BurtTC at July 19, 2020 12:18 PM (hku12)
360
Dude on Twitter is claiming official ChiCom sources have admitted The Three Stooges* Dam has suffered leakage, displacement and deformation in the past 3 days, and is in danger of collapsing. All of the spillways are open to their maximum output level.
400 million souls live downstream.
*Renamed for accuracy.
Posted by: Sharkman at July 19, 2020 12:14 PM (1YlHz)
Just remember that they used water down cement because the cement contractor brought some Officials so we can save money
400 million souls live downstream.
*Renamed for accuracy.
Posted by: Sharkman at July 19, 2020 12:14 PM (1YlHz)
Just remember that they used water down cement because the cement contractor brought some Officials so we can save money
Posted by: Patrick from Ohio at July 19, 2020 12:19 PM (dKiJG)
361
I was the Disbursing Officer and Food Service Officer on the USS Camden (AOE-2) back in 1989-1991.
Still have two ship's hats, one that says DisbO and the other FSO.
Good times.
Still have two ship's hats, one that says DisbO and the other FSO.
Good times.
Posted by: Sharkman at July 19, 2020 12:21 PM (1YlHz)
362
My nephew's wife is having a baby in December - first member of the new generation. While the rest of the family will be buying the usual essentials for baby care, I'm going to order the following essential Dr. Seuss books:
And to Think that I Saw It on Mulberry StreetOn Beyond ZebraMcElligot's PoolIf I Ran the CircusThe King's StiltsThe 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins
And to Think that I Saw It on Mulberry StreetOn Beyond ZebraMcElligot's PoolIf I Ran the CircusThe King's StiltsThe 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins
Posted by: Wethal at July 19, 2020 12:21 PM (ZzVCK)
Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 19, 2020 12:23 PM (u82oZ)
364
Anonosaurus Wrecks,
Have you read 'Rifles for Wati'? It's a CW fiction about a young man's experience I the union army and how he gets trapped behind enemy lines, meets a girl, and makes his way back to friendly territory.
https://tinyurl.com/y57wlm2n
Posted by: BifBewalski
A book I enjoyed as a youngster involving flintlock black powder rifles was The Strong Men, by John Brick. About settlers on the edges of colony of NY joining up with Gen. Washington and his suffering army at Valley Forge. Excellent book I have read many times over the last 45 years.
https://tinyurl.com/Brick-Strong-Men
John Brick has quite a few books set in that era.
Have you read 'Rifles for Wati'? It's a CW fiction about a young man's experience I the union army and how he gets trapped behind enemy lines, meets a girl, and makes his way back to friendly territory.
https://tinyurl.com/y57wlm2n
Posted by: BifBewalski
A book I enjoyed as a youngster involving flintlock black powder rifles was The Strong Men, by John Brick. About settlers on the edges of colony of NY joining up with Gen. Washington and his suffering army at Valley Forge. Excellent book I have read many times over the last 45 years.
https://tinyurl.com/Brick-Strong-Men
John Brick has quite a few books set in that era.
Posted by: Sharkman at July 19, 2020 12:33 PM (1YlHz)
365
Morning Morons!
Finishing up the book "The Mote in God's Eye." It's a sci fi novel about first contact with an alien race that has been bottled up in their solar system because they lack a faster than light drive. It was written by Jerry Pournelle; interesting premise. In the book he sets the state that the USSR and USA formed an alliance and invented shield technology and hyperspace travel, thereby allowing man to explore the cosmos. The known universe is controlled by a benevolent Emperor. All around entertaining and i'd say this leans more toward a hard science fiction than the tripe you see today.
But the timeline in the book got me thinking. I think this book was written in the 70s; the author postulated that an FTL and shielding tech would be built by the early 00s and we'd start exploring by then.
Wonder if our space program had stayed on track since the moon landing where we would be today.
Finishing up the book "The Mote in God's Eye." It's a sci fi novel about first contact with an alien race that has been bottled up in their solar system because they lack a faster than light drive. It was written by Jerry Pournelle; interesting premise. In the book he sets the state that the USSR and USA formed an alliance and invented shield technology and hyperspace travel, thereby allowing man to explore the cosmos. The known universe is controlled by a benevolent Emperor. All around entertaining and i'd say this leans more toward a hard science fiction than the tripe you see today.
But the timeline in the book got me thinking. I think this book was written in the 70s; the author postulated that an FTL and shielding tech would be built by the early 00s and we'd start exploring by then.
Wonder if our space program had stayed on track since the moon landing where we would be today.
Posted by: secret squirrel, author of Three LTs of Joint Base Lear MacBeth, a comedic play! on Amazon at July 19, 2020 12:38 PM (xyImL)
366
330
Currently reading A Tale of Two Cities. I really want to enjoy this book and Dickens, but his style isn't ringing my chimes. It's considered classic literature, so I'm concluding it's my problem. I hope it gets better. Maybe once they start lopping heads.
Posted by: Old Dude at July 19, 2020 11:57 AM
Keep reading- it does get better. I loved that book!
Currently reading A Tale of Two Cities. I really want to enjoy this book and Dickens, but his style isn't ringing my chimes. It's considered classic literature, so I'm concluding it's my problem. I hope it gets better. Maybe once they start lopping heads.
Posted by: Old Dude at July 19, 2020 11:57 AM
Keep reading- it does get better. I loved that book!
Posted by: Moonbeam at July 19, 2020 12:43 PM (qe5CM)
367
well shoot. looks like someone threw a molotov cocktail on the book thread and everyone left. or i'm late.
Posted by: secret squirrel, author of Three LTs of Joint Base Lear MacBeth, a comedic play! on Amazon at July 19, 2020 12:47 PM (xyImL)
368
secret squirrel, author of Three LTs of Joint Base Lear MacBeth, a comedic play! on Amazon
You are late, good sir.
You are late, good sir.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 19, 2020 12:52 PM (u82oZ)
369
Wonder if our space program had stayed on track since the moon landing where we would be todayMortPosted by: secret squirrel
The Mote in God's Eye is my all time favorite sci fi novel.
Niven and Pournelle wrote many books together. The best of those being Lucifer's Hammer (SMOD finally hits the Earth) and Inferno (updating Dante's version).
The Mote in God's Eye is my all time favorite sci fi novel.
Niven and Pournelle wrote many books together. The best of those being Lucifer's Hammer (SMOD finally hits the Earth) and Inferno (updating Dante's version).
Posted by: Sharkman at July 19, 2020 12:54 PM (1YlHz)
370
Definitely check on eBay for book value. Make sure the search includes completed sales so you can see how much people actually paid and not just what is currently being asked. Anything super rare I'd ask an actual appraiser. But eBay can help you quickly get a ballpark. Some we have picked up at used book sales for just a few $ ended up being worth several hundred if we wanted to sell, while others that seemed rare and old and special ended up virtually worthless!
Posted by: Your mom at July 19, 2020 12:55 PM (Qqq4N)
371
Niven and Pournelle wrote many books together. The best of those being Lucifer's Hammer (SMOD finally hits the Earth) and Inferno (updating Dante's version).
Posted by: Sharkman at July 19, 2020 12:54 PM (1YlHz)
Great books. the sequel to Inferno was good too.
Posted by: Sharkman at July 19, 2020 12:54 PM (1YlHz)
Great books. the sequel to Inferno was good too.
Posted by: secret squirrel, author of Three LTs of Joint Base Lear MacBeth, a comedic play! on Amazon at July 19, 2020 12:58 PM (xyImL)
372
Promise of Blood, it's a Fantasy novel where some people that ingest Blackpowder can they can then control bullets. It starts out as a French Revolution vibe where the PowderMages overthrown the mages or King and the consequences of overthrowing the King and the other kingdoms declaring war
Posted by: Patrick from Ohio at July 19, 2020 01:04 PM (dKiJG)
Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 19, 2020 01:09 PM (u82oZ)
374
Great books. the sequel to Inferno was good too.
Posted by: secret squirrel
I had heard there was an Inferno sequel but I have not read it.
Posted by: secret squirrel
I had heard there was an Inferno sequel but I have not read it.
Posted by: Sharkman at July 19, 2020 01:11 PM (1YlHz)
375
Sharkman- it's entertaining and closes the loop on some of the characters the protagonist encounters.
Posted by: secret squirrel, author of Three LTs of Joint Base Lear MacBeth, a comedic play! on Amazon at July 19, 2020 01:15 PM (xyImL)
376
Niven and Pournelle wrote many books together. The best of those being Lucifer's Hammer (SMOD finally hits the Earth) and Inferno (updating Dante's version).
I read "Mote" and the sequel "The Gripping Hand." My impression was that N&P wrote really interesting aliens but their humans were flatter than cardboard cutouts.
I read "Mote" and the sequel "The Gripping Hand." My impression was that N&P wrote really interesting aliens but their humans were flatter than cardboard cutouts.
Posted by: Bob the Bilderberg at July 19, 2020 01:16 PM (qc+VF)
377
I read "Mote" and the sequel "The Gripping Hand." My impression was that N&P wrote really interesting aliens but their humans were flatter than cardboard cutouts.
Posted by: Bob the Bilderberg at July 19, 2020 01:16 PM (qc+VF)
Bob- have to concur with your assessment of the characters in those books. Didn't care for The Gripping Hand so much. My understanding is there is a whole series of books based upon that universe of the Empire of Man and how it came to be etc.
Posted by: Bob the Bilderberg at July 19, 2020 01:16 PM (qc+VF)
Bob- have to concur with your assessment of the characters in those books. Didn't care for The Gripping Hand so much. My understanding is there is a whole series of books based upon that universe of the Empire of Man and how it came to be etc.
Posted by: secret squirrel, author of Three LTs of Joint Base Lear MacBeth, a comedic play! on Amazon at July 19, 2020 01:25 PM (xyImL)
378
Thank you for another lovely Sunday Morning Book Thread.
I listen to a lot of audiobooks. I have figured out that, for me, biographies and memoirs should be listened to on long drives. Everything else makes good listening for the chores of daily life. I retired the rock and roll memoir I am halfway through, and started Michael Connelly s latest, Fair Warning. It is the third book focusing his Jack McEvoy character. So far so good, but I am biased because I love everything Connelly writes.
Speaking of Connelly, how does an author retire a beloved central character of a long series, like Connelly s Harry Bosch? Book Harry is in his 70s now. I don t want to live in a world without Harry Bosch. Finally, the Bosch series on Amazon is fantastic. Have a great week My Friends.
I listen to a lot of audiobooks. I have figured out that, for me, biographies and memoirs should be listened to on long drives. Everything else makes good listening for the chores of daily life. I retired the rock and roll memoir I am halfway through, and started Michael Connelly s latest, Fair Warning. It is the third book focusing his Jack McEvoy character. So far so good, but I am biased because I love everything Connelly writes.
Speaking of Connelly, how does an author retire a beloved central character of a long series, like Connelly s Harry Bosch? Book Harry is in his 70s now. I don t want to live in a world without Harry Bosch. Finally, the Bosch series on Amazon is fantastic. Have a great week My Friends.
Posted by: SuperMayorSuperRonNirenberg at July 19, 2020 01:33 PM (/Hc9U)
379
secret squirrel, author of Three LTs of Joint Base Lear MacBeth, a comedic play! on Amazon
The Mercenary is a good intro into the Co-Dominion saga. The Nika riot scene is something we need to do today, IMHO. I likes King David's Spaceship as well. Both of these are reread for pleasure books. They tell the tale of Co-Dominion well.
High Justice and Birth of Fire were fun, read once books.
The Mercenary is a good intro into the Co-Dominion saga. The Nika riot scene is something we need to do today, IMHO. I likes King David's Spaceship as well. Both of these are reread for pleasure books. They tell the tale of Co-Dominion well.
High Justice and Birth of Fire were fun, read once books.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 19, 2020 01:33 PM (u82oZ)
380
Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 19, 2020 01:33 PM (u82oZ)
Hey i just might check those out. Thanks for the recommendations.
I just finished listening to the Eiger Sanction by Trevanian. A satirical novel about spying written in the 70s. His best was Shibumi- another tale of spying, assassinations and witty dialogue.
Hey i just might check those out. Thanks for the recommendations.
I just finished listening to the Eiger Sanction by Trevanian. A satirical novel about spying written in the 70s. His best was Shibumi- another tale of spying, assassinations and witty dialogue.
Posted by: secret squirrel, author of Three LTs of Joint Base Lear MacBeth, a comedic play! on Amazon at July 19, 2020 01:36 PM (xyImL)
381
NaCly Dog @382 "The Nika riot scene is something we need to do today, IMHO."
David Drake used the same bit of history as the basis for one of his "Hammer's Slammers" novels: "Counting the Cost" (1987). It is interesting to compare Drake and Pournelle's stories.
David Drake used the same bit of history as the basis for one of his "Hammer's Slammers" novels: "Counting the Cost" (1987). It is interesting to compare Drake and Pournelle's stories.
Posted by: John F. MacMichael at July 19, 2020 01:48 PM (9AOND)
382
Just finished team Yankee, a enjoyable book on WWIII set in 1985, USSR attack Germany and an American Tank Company fights back, good book lots of Action.
I think RED Phoenix, about the Second Korean War is better. The Characters are well written and you really root for them to live and win.
Posted by: Patrick from Ohio at July 19, 2020 10:18 AM
Although I liked both those books, I agree that Red Phoenix is better. I also bought the audio book of Red Phoenix but I didn't like it as much.
I think RED Phoenix, about the Second Korean War is better. The Characters are well written and you really root for them to live and win.
Posted by: Patrick from Ohio at July 19, 2020 10:18 AM
Although I liked both those books, I agree that Red Phoenix is better. I also bought the audio book of Red Phoenix but I didn't like it as much.
Posted by: Cybersmythe at July 19, 2020 01:51 PM (edlKR)
383
Patrick from Ohio
Larry Bond was also the person behind Red Storm Rising.
Red Phoenix was a good book.
Team Yankee was a first novel. It is still my favorite of his. did better. His Scott Dixon story arc had some good points. I've got them all, but as I age they are less interesting and ultimately tragic.
Harold Coyle is just not that skilled at putting his deep knowledge to use in novels. Compare with Stephen Coonts, with his very good novels Flight of the Intruder and Final Flight.
Larry Bond was also the person behind Red Storm Rising.
Red Phoenix was a good book.
Team Yankee was a first novel. It is still my favorite of his. did better. His Scott Dixon story arc had some good points. I've got them all, but as I age they are less interesting and ultimately tragic.
Harold Coyle is just not that skilled at putting his deep knowledge to use in novels. Compare with Stephen Coonts, with his very good novels Flight of the Intruder and Final Flight.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 19, 2020 02:11 PM (u82oZ)
384
I've just finished reading The Butterfly Garden by Dot Hutchison. It's odd little book half told from the perspective of an FBI agent and half told from the perspective of one of the butterflies.
The plot revolves around an very rich man who collects butterflies, which are young women who he kidnaps and tattoos butterflies onto their backs.
It was a real page turner. I stayed up way too late reading it. There's a sequel, which is also odd because it appears to be another book about the same crime rather than one of the more usual bases of a sequel.
The plot revolves around an very rich man who collects butterflies, which are young women who he kidnaps and tattoos butterflies onto their backs.
It was a real page turner. I stayed up way too late reading it. There's a sequel, which is also odd because it appears to be another book about the same crime rather than one of the more usual bases of a sequel.
Posted by: Cybersmythe at July 19, 2020 02:11 PM (edlKR)
385
Another Three Investigators fan here. Them and the Hardys, until I met Mack Bolan in high school.
I tried to make a 3I headquarters by cutting holes in a shoebox for my little plastic spacemen.
Wonder whether the library has any of the books.
I tried to make a 3I headquarters by cutting holes in a shoebox for my little plastic spacemen.
Wonder whether the library has any of the books.
Posted by: Weak Geek at July 19, 2020 02:13 PM (u/nim)
386
I'm sure you have all left, but I still want to share.
Read Ellery Queen's A Study in Terror. It's a take on "if Sherlock Holmes had addressed the Jack the Ripper murders." What I liked best about it was the layers of story in it. Queen received a mysterious manuscript supposedly written by Dr. Watson. There's a modern story related to his reading, and the story he's reading, and then... well, a twist at the end.
Light reading, which is what I wanted, and very engaging and erudite. Now reading the much longer and earlier The Greek Coffin Mystery. In my mind, it looks a lot like a BW Warner film from the 1930s.
Read Ellery Queen's A Study in Terror. It's a take on "if Sherlock Holmes had addressed the Jack the Ripper murders." What I liked best about it was the layers of story in it. Queen received a mysterious manuscript supposedly written by Dr. Watson. There's a modern story related to his reading, and the story he's reading, and then... well, a twist at the end.
Light reading, which is what I wanted, and very engaging and erudite. Now reading the much longer and earlier The Greek Coffin Mystery. In my mind, it looks a lot like a BW Warner film from the 1930s.
Posted by: Texican ette at July 19, 2020 02:41 PM (gou4q)
Posted by: Weak Geek at July 19, 2020 02:47 PM (u/nim)
388
Thanks, Texican ette
Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 19, 2020 02:48 PM (u82oZ)
389
About selling old books:
Amazon works. It's not too hard to set up your bookstore and it will give you an idea of a book's value. You won't make much money - but it gets the book to somebody who wants it, instead of a recycle bin somewhere. Sell a book for $1.99 with the buyer paying the $3.99 shipping and you end up with about a dollar.
Biblio.com is an option for collectible books.
Amazon works. It's not too hard to set up your bookstore and it will give you an idea of a book's value. You won't make much money - but it gets the book to somebody who wants it, instead of a recycle bin somewhere. Sell a book for $1.99 with the buyer paying the $3.99 shipping and you end up with about a dollar.
Biblio.com is an option for collectible books.
Posted by: BILL at July 19, 2020 03:03 PM (xT+Lj)
390
Thanks for the thread, OM. It's my favorite of the week!
Posted by: CN at July 19, 2020 03:24 PM (ONvIw)
391
I'm sure you have all left, but I still want to share.
Posted by: Texican ette at July 19, 2020 02:41 PM
Surprise!
One of the audio books I got over the last couple of months was a biography of Sir Aurthur Conan Doyle called The Real Sherlock Since I'm not driving back and forth to work every day because I'm working from home, I don't listen to near as many audio books as I used to.
Posted by: Texican ette at July 19, 2020 02:41 PM
Surprise!
One of the audio books I got over the last couple of months was a biography of Sir Aurthur Conan Doyle called The Real Sherlock Since I'm not driving back and forth to work every day because I'm working from home, I don't listen to near as many audio books as I used to.
Posted by: Cybersmythe at July 19, 2020 03:41 PM (edlKR)
392
155 Just finished team Yankee, a enjoyable book on WWIII set in 1985, USSR attack Germany and an American Tank Company fights back, good book lots of Action.
I think RED Phoenix, about the Second Korean War is better. The Characters are well written and you really root for them to live and win.
A very fun series is SPELLMONGER, a former War Mage goes to a sleepy town after years of War and he just wants to settle down, but the Goblin's have attacked and start killing the villagers, so he has to fight them and the politics of who is going to be on the throne. It has it's funny sides Maybe I enjoy it because it has no SJW crap in it. As in NO female knights killing 50,
Posted by: Patrick from Ohio at July 19, 2020 10:18 AM (dKiJG)
Team Yankee, like all other Harold Coyle books, is a textbook without soul. Any time I read his books I felt like I was a student at Army War College or something.
And interesting you mention Red Phoenix. That takes me back to a certain time and place. Everyone around me (not related to me) swore up and down that I was an honor student in HS for all the reading I did. Problem: I read constantly in HS; just nothing that had anything to do with school.
One day I was at a Waldenbooks in a mall that was conveniently close to the HS. I was pondering what I should read next instead of piffling things like homework. So I ran into Red Phoenix on the shelf. I noted right away that it was written by Larry Bond, the unofficial co-author of Red Storm Rising. So I flipped over the book to see what it was about.
"THE SECOND KOREAN WAR HAS JUST BEGUN. AND THE THIRD WORLD WAR MAY NOT BE FAR BEHIND."
Done. STFU and take my money. Within two minutes I paid for the copy and was on my way home. Loved it. (Though I must say that as much as I enjoyed Red Phoenix, Vortex was even BETTER.)
I think RED Phoenix, about the Second Korean War is better. The Characters are well written and you really root for them to live and win.
A very fun series is SPELLMONGER, a former War Mage goes to a sleepy town after years of War and he just wants to settle down, but the Goblin's have attacked and start killing the villagers, so he has to fight them and the politics of who is going to be on the throne. It has it's funny sides Maybe I enjoy it because it has no SJW crap in it. As in NO female knights killing 50,
Posted by: Patrick from Ohio at July 19, 2020 10:18 AM (dKiJG)
Team Yankee, like all other Harold Coyle books, is a textbook without soul. Any time I read his books I felt like I was a student at Army War College or something.
And interesting you mention Red Phoenix. That takes me back to a certain time and place. Everyone around me (not related to me) swore up and down that I was an honor student in HS for all the reading I did. Problem: I read constantly in HS; just nothing that had anything to do with school.
One day I was at a Waldenbooks in a mall that was conveniently close to the HS. I was pondering what I should read next instead of piffling things like homework. So I ran into Red Phoenix on the shelf. I noted right away that it was written by Larry Bond, the unofficial co-author of Red Storm Rising. So I flipped over the book to see what it was about.
"THE SECOND KOREAN WAR HAS JUST BEGUN. AND THE THIRD WORLD WAR MAY NOT BE FAR BEHIND."
Done. STFU and take my money. Within two minutes I paid for the copy and was on my way home. Loved it. (Though I must say that as much as I enjoyed Red Phoenix, Vortex was even BETTER.)
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at July 19, 2020 04:39 PM (ejsiI)
393
155 Just finished team Yankee, a enjoyable book on WWIII set in 1985, USSR attack Germany and an American Tank Company fights back, good book lots of Action.
Forgot to mention: Mr. Coyle owes some royalty money to General Sir John Hackett. (Back in 2005 I ran into Sir John's The Third World War: August 1985 in a bookstore and was so intrigued that I bought it for a few bucks. Some of it was...strange. Could it be considered a horror novel as it depicts an America that had not one, but TWO terms of Peanut Jimmuh?)
Forgot to mention: Mr. Coyle owes some royalty money to General Sir John Hackett. (Back in 2005 I ran into Sir John's The Third World War: August 1985 in a bookstore and was so intrigued that I bought it for a few bucks. Some of it was...strange. Could it be considered a horror novel as it depicts an America that had not one, but TWO terms of Peanut Jimmuh?)
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at July 19, 2020 04:44 PM (ejsiI)
394
Could it be considered a horror novel as it depicts an America that had not one, but TWO terms of Peanut Jimmuh?)
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at July 19, 2020 04:44 PM (ejsiI)
Two terms of that hapless boob Jimmy Carter would have indeed been horrific.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at July 19, 2020 04:44 PM (ejsiI)
Two terms of that hapless boob Jimmy Carter would have indeed been horrific.
Posted by: OregonMuse, AoSHQ Thought Leader, Pants Monitor & Social Distancing Professional at July 19, 2020 04:58 PM (S8rXo)
Posted by: NaCly Dog at July 19, 2020 05:00 PM (u82oZ)
396
I'm very late to the party today and haven't read all the comments. If the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books are still available, I'm interested!
Posted by: Biancaneve at July 19, 2020 06:19 PM (hkMx0)
397
Okay, so it looks like nobody else is interesting the ND and HB books. Doof, if you're still checking the comments, please emai! Me at HB 2 Italy at aol dot com. (Close up the spaces.)
Posted by: Biancaneve at July 19, 2020 06:59 PM (hkMx0)
398
One more comment - I'm pretty sure I had that ladybird book. I think it was the history of music. My aunt would have sent it to me when they lived in England.
Posted by: Biancaneve at July 19, 2020 07:01 PM (hkMx0)
Posted by: Wry Mouth at July 19, 2020 08:06 PM (N55zD)
400
"But now, Mr. Pace argues in federal district court he was speaking
metaphorically, that he actually tossed the firebomb on the street near
the Fourth District police station rather than at it,"
I mean sure, that's freedom of speech - well, all except the part where he lit a bottle of flammable liquid on fire and threw it in the street. That part's not freedom of speech.
I mean, you can light the flag on fire - doesn't bother me one bit - but you're still responsible for, you know, *responsibly* managing that fire. So you're responsible for ensuring that you're safely making the fire, and responsible for cleaning up whatever's left over, including scorch marks. Freedom of speech might extend to taking a dump on the sidewalk outside of city hall - it doesn't extend to leaving it there.
metaphorically, that he actually tossed the firebomb on the street near
the Fourth District police station rather than at it,"
I mean sure, that's freedom of speech - well, all except the part where he lit a bottle of flammable liquid on fire and threw it in the street. That part's not freedom of speech.
I mean, you can light the flag on fire - doesn't bother me one bit - but you're still responsible for, you know, *responsibly* managing that fire. So you're responsible for ensuring that you're safely making the fire, and responsible for cleaning up whatever's left over, including scorch marks. Freedom of speech might extend to taking a dump on the sidewalk outside of city hall - it doesn't extend to leaving it there.
Posted by: Agammamon at July 19, 2020 08:10 PM (mQtqi)
401
For values / saleability of those old books check out the catalog at BaumanRareBooks dot com.
Posted by: Jennifer Bishop at July 19, 2020 08:37 PM (UXXDy)
402
Someone pointed this out on twitter, talk about inappropriate kids books.
Secret Pizza Party
https://tinyurl.com/y2m28p3z
Due to twitter sucking I am now at @angryj9
Secret Pizza Party
https://tinyurl.com/y2m28p3z
Due to twitter sucking I am now at @angryj9
Posted by: jimveejr at July 20, 2020 12:16 AM (VWnzu)
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