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Sunday Morning Book Thread - 04-03-2022 ["Perfessor" Squirrel]
NOTE ON COMMENTS:
As a general rule on specialty threads (Book, Pet, Gun, Food, Gardening, etc.), please keep comments mostly relevant to the specialty of that thread. Comments that are simply about the events of the day don't really belong here. At the very least, a good rule of thumb is to obey the "100 comment" rule, where all comments should by relevant to the specialty subject until after 100 comments or so. Thank you. Now on to the eggy goodness of the Sunday Morning Book Thread! PIC NOTE Used bookstores seem to be dying out, which is a shame. They are always interesting places to explore. Cheap books that have a distinctive smell. Shopowners that always look a bit "off," but are relatively harmless. Now we live in a world dominated by Amazon and the ability to get just about any book printed "on demand" or delivered electronically to our devices. That's pretty amazing, but there's just no substitute for going into a dingy, dimly-lit, musty-smelling bookstore, where everything is just piled up everywhere. This particular image is from Westsider, a NYC used bookstore that closed in February 2019. ANSWERS FROM THE HORDE Last week I posed some questions I had received from other members of the Moron Horde. There were some excellent responses from both the survey I linked and the comments section of last week's thread. I consolidated the responses into separate documents for each question. NOTE: You have the ability to add comments to each of the documents linked below, so feel free to respond!- Writing is often a solitary profession, but effective writing duos are definitely a thing. Who are some of your favorite writing duos? What strengths does each author bring to the story? How do they complement each other to create a better story?
- RESPONSES - NOTE: Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle are the clear favorites when it comes to writing duos.
- How do you come across your favorite books or series? Recommendations? Advertising? Saucy cover art? What attracted you to pick up your favorite books?
- This one is a bit more challenging...Say you've completed your first NaNoWriMo challenge (National Novel Writing Month) and have written a story of 50,000+ words. Now what? What's the next step in the writing process? How/when should you solicit reviewers to provide feedback? How do you know if your story is even worth the trouble of publishing?
- RESPONSES - NOTE: There are some excellent suggestions from Moron authors here.
(HT: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes)
(It's Keith's fault for making such tasty sammiches -- "Perfessor" Squirrel)
Moron author Rip Pauley (Ordinary American) sent me the following:
Comment: From Rip Pauley's Amazon bio page, it sounds like he has a lot of insider knowledge of both the publishing industry and Hollywood. This adds credibility to the story, I think, so if you are interested in this type of tale, go for it! MORON RECOMMENDATIONS
Thought I'd mention the upcoming release of my novel, The Road From Calumny, through Liberty Hill, a conservative self-publishing firm. I extend advance appreciation for any mention on the wonderful Sunday thread, if you can fit it in. I'd be honored. https://tinyurl.com/2fz3ad48 It is a love story/political revenge story around a media slander. I attach the marketing blurb. "Brilliant but troubled young actress Becky Breck lands the lead role in a blockbuster Hollywood political thriller, but suffers a nervous breakdown. Careening across the country in an addled search for answers to her damaged past, she meets a young man on a search and mission of his own. Their unlikely but life-changing alliance leads back to Hollywood, to both redemption and heartbreak."
Comment: Although this website is dedicated to capturing the stories of WWII veterans, there's no reason why we should neglect the stories of any of our veterans from Korea, through Vietnam, to the first Gulf War and beyond. Last week's Sunday Morning Book Thread featured Nothing Left to Drag Home, a memoir by Vietnam veteran Gary Rafferty. We need more stories like his and this website may be one way (but not the only way) to chronicle those events.
This week I got sucked into the vortex of reading stories at: https://www.storiesbehindthestars.org/ If anyone is interested in volunteering to write and record soldiers' stories... check it out. The organization is looking for writers to research and contribute. Great concept, great cause. Posted by: goatexchange at March 27, 2022 09:10 AM (APPN
Comment: Lois McMasters Bujold is one of those names I recognize, but whose works I've never read. I'm thinking I should rectify that someday. I'm pretty sure I've seen some of her stories here in the library in which my office is located (I don't actually work for the library).
I finished Penric's Fox by Lois McMasters Bujold. It is a fantasy book set in the universe of The Curse of Chalion, where the Five gods move on the Earth and demons and elementals appear, generations of Wealding Shamans culture their spirit animals, and sorcerers are made by demon possession, though for good or evil depends on whether the demon or the person is ascendant. Penric is a Temple Sorcerer, being possessed by the demon Desdemona, asked to investigate the murder of another Temple Sorcerer, and to find what happened to her demon. Assisted by Wealding Shamans, they discover the demon has leapt to a fox with cubs, and must prevent it from being killed and stop the murderer from killing the rest of the intended victims. And not let his own demon become ascendant. It is 160 pages and fills my call for "books the size of the old DAW paperbacks" and has Bujold's writing, plotting, and logic. At one point Penric asks the murderer, "You [did all this] to feel better? Did it work?" The Chalion books always had a feel of the Southern France/Catalan medieval romances. I know people will be turned off by the demons, but it is integral to the universe, not to shock readers. Posted by: Kindltot at March 27, 2022 09:13 AM (xhaym)
Comment: We don't seem to talk about poetry much here on the Sunday Morning Book Thread. Perhaps we should. I always liked "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner". I especially enjoyed the Mad Magazine parody, "Rime of the Modern Skateboarder," written by Tom Koch and with Don Martin's distinctive artwork.
I've been in a mood for poetry lately. In no particular order:Posted by: JTB at March 27, 2022 09:25 AM (7EjX1)
- "Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Coleridge. I came across a large format hardcover of the poem with all the Dore etchings. Poem and etchings are wonderful. I probably spent more time on the art than the poem.
- "The Ballad of the White Horse" by GK Chesterton about Alfred the Great. I love the way he used the ballad format.
- The sea poems of John Masefield. ("And all I need is a tall ship and a star to steer her by.") I like the imagery and pacing of his verse.
If anyone is looking for some spiritual reading for Lent, I have a few suggestions. I'm reading Introduction to the Devout Life, by St. Francis de Sales. Obviously written a long time ago (he died in 1622) so a bit flowery in style, but he has some nice observations. I have the Ignatius Press Kindle version which is only 99 cents. Also reading A Time of Renewal: Daily Reflections for the Lenten Season by Mother Mary Francis, P. C. C. who was an abbess of several Poor Clare monasteries. This was published in 2015 and is a series of short daily reflections for Lent, very enjoyable. As always, I will recommend anything by Fulton Sheen, but a good one for Lent, especially for Holy Week, is The Seven Last Words. Posted by: bluebell - NoVaMoMe 2022! at March 27, 2022 10:44 AM (wyw4S)
PREVIOUS SUNDAY MORNING BOOK THREAD - 03-27-22 (hat tip: vmom stabby stabby stabamillion) (NOTE: Do NOT comment on old threads!)
Comments
(Jump to bottom of comments)1
Have gone back for a re-read of the W.B. Griffin. Corps series. On book 4 now.
Posted by: Vic at April 03, 2022 09:00 AM (mZwKe)
2
Good morning book freaks!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 03, 2022 09:01 AM (Dc2NZ)
3
Good reading everyone.
Posted by: Tonypete at April 03, 2022 09:01 AM (F6McX)
4
Yea Book Thread!
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at April 03, 2022 09:01 AM (7Nl5T)
5
Tolle Lege
Home in a few
Home in a few
Posted by: Skip's Phone at April 03, 2022 09:01 AM (JPdvA)
6
Good morning fellow Book Threadists. I hope everyone had a great week of reading.
Posted by: JTB at April 03, 2022 09:02 AM (7EjX1)
7
I don't think the pants guy owns a weedwhacker. (if you catch my drift....)
Posted by: JT at April 03, 2022 09:03 AM (arJlL)
8
hiya
Posted by: JT at April 03, 2022 09:03 AM (arJlL)
9
Morning, 'rons and 'ronettes. It's been a pretty miserable weekend so far.
On the plus side, my proof copy of my new novel arrived. On the minus side, I don't think I like the way it looks.
Self-publishing is an odd thing.
On the plus side, my proof copy of my new novel arrived. On the minus side, I don't think I like the way it looks.
Self-publishing is an odd thing.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at April 03, 2022 09:03 AM (2JVJo)
10
Want poetry? Ask Muldoon.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at April 03, 2022 09:05 AM (7bRMQ)
Posted by: Tonypete at April 03, 2022 09:05 AM (F6McX)
12
I already knew Sean Spicer was a brain dead, soulless, POS. But those pants are a new low. However, they are also just so appropriate.
Posted by: JTB at April 03, 2022 09:05 AM (7EjX1)
13
Mornin' again, all,
I'm reading A.B. Guthrie's The Big Sky, an epic of the West 1830-1847 or so. Good stuff.
I'm reading A.B. Guthrie's The Big Sky, an epic of the West 1830-1847 or so. Good stuff.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at April 03, 2022 09:07 AM (c6xtn)
14
Nice Lieberry!
Those pants....somewhere a leprechaun is mad as hell and looking for them.
The Pimp Squirrel is relaxing with a good book after a hard days night running his wimmens and getting paid.
Those pants....somewhere a leprechaun is mad as hell and looking for them.
The Pimp Squirrel is relaxing with a good book after a hard days night running his wimmens and getting paid.
Posted by: Hairyback Guy at April 03, 2022 09:07 AM (R/m4+)
15
I already knew Sean Spicer was a brain dead, soulless, POS. But those pants are a new low. However, they are also just so appropriate.
Posted by: JTB
Those pants are CNN policy conformant for all ""News"" readers, right?
Posted by: JTB
Those pants are CNN policy conformant for all ""News"" readers, right?
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at April 03, 2022 09:07 AM (7Nl5T)
16
Has Joe Biden written his "memoir"? Just curious.
Posted by: BignJames at April 03, 2022 09:09 AM (AwYPR)
17
When asking about writing going down the shitter in the last 20 years it's hard to avoid the influence of an online existence, particularly auto correct.
Posted by: Captain Hate won't forget Michael Byrd Murdered Ashli Babbitt at April 03, 2022 09:10 AM (y7DUB)
18
I read The Marketing of Evil: How Radicals, Elitists, and Pseudo-Experts Sell Us Corruption Disguised as Freedom by David Kupelian. Kupelian shows how a corrupted media used powerful psychological tools of modern marketing and manipulation to change American attitudes toward the sexual revolution, the gay/trans agenda, abortion, etc. In doing so they have destroyed the family unit, infiltrated our education system and churches, and promoted more governmental interference in our live. An interesting read.
Posted by: Zoltan at April 03, 2022 09:11 AM (UfrOl)
19
Have gone back for a re-read of the W.B. Griffin. Corps series. On book 4 now.
Posted by: Vic
I've been reading his Badge of Honor books. Good books, but sometimes his descriptions of a character run for pages of backstory and I'd like to tap him on the shoulder and ask "excuse me, but is there a point here ? and will you get to it in my lifetime ? "
Posted by: Vic
I've been reading his Badge of Honor books. Good books, but sometimes his descriptions of a character run for pages of backstory and I'd like to tap him on the shoulder and ask "excuse me, but is there a point here ? and will you get to it in my lifetime ? "
Posted by: JT at April 03, 2022 09:11 AM (arJlL)
20
Hey everyone! Time for my weekly de-lurking (okay I did a little yesterday morning but everyone was groggy, including me).
I hit my writing target for March, so China book is over 40,000 words. I'm going to try to get it to 60,000 by the end of April. I'm about to get into the First Sino-Japanese War and I feel that the pace will continue to accelerate as I get into the 20th Century in part because I don't have to keep introducing new dynasties and such. Instead, I'll get to play with a more familiar "cast of characters."
Also, the documentation will be better, which is nice.
I hit my writing target for March, so China book is over 40,000 words. I'm going to try to get it to 60,000 by the end of April. I'm about to get into the First Sino-Japanese War and I feel that the pace will continue to accelerate as I get into the 20th Century in part because I don't have to keep introducing new dynasties and such. Instead, I'll get to play with a more familiar "cast of characters."
Also, the documentation will be better, which is nice.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 09:12 AM (llXky)
21
I CAN'T READ!
Posted by: Biden's Dog at April 03, 2022 09:13 AM (59gMl)
22
Has Joe Biden written his "memoir"? Just curious.
Posted by: BignJames at April 03, 2022 09:09 AM (AwYPR)
He did, but he lost it....
Posted by: BignJames at April 03, 2022 09:09 AM (AwYPR)
He did, but he lost it....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at April 03, 2022 09:13 AM (7bRMQ)
23
The purple hat on the squirrel is intriguing. Perhaps it's just too too Fab-u-lous! Or 1970s pimp couture is making a comeback.
Posted by: JTB at April 03, 2022 09:13 AM (7EjX1)
24
The squirrel has a strong pimp hand.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 03, 2022 09:14 AM (EZebt)
25
I was engrossed in Canace Millard's recounting of Winston Churchill's South African jaunt, "Hero of the Empire", about Winnie's escape from a POW camp. It's also a fascinating story of the greatest military of the era fighting against a country with no standing army. Every Boer between 16 and 60 was willing to fight, as they had fought for generations pretty much continually since landing in Africa. They were adamantly not soldiers, but citizens. They were expert marksmen armed with Mausers and they traveled light.
Pity the poor Tommy. Nothing to eat but canned bully beef and rock-hard biscuits. Or even worse, the unappetizingly named Johnston's Fluid Beef, squeezed out of a tube.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bovril
"During the 1900 Siege of Ladysmith in the Second Boer War, a Bovril-like paste was produced from horse meat within the garrison. Nicknamed Chevril (a portmanteau of Bovril and cheval, French for horse) it was produced by boiling down horse or mule meat to a jelly paste and serving it as a beef tea-like mixture."
Pity the poor Tommy. Nothing to eat but canned bully beef and rock-hard biscuits. Or even worse, the unappetizingly named Johnston's Fluid Beef, squeezed out of a tube.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bovril
"During the 1900 Siege of Ladysmith in the Second Boer War, a Bovril-like paste was produced from horse meat within the garrison. Nicknamed Chevril (a portmanteau of Bovril and cheval, French for horse) it was produced by boiling down horse or mule meat to a jelly paste and serving it as a beef tea-like mixture."
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 03, 2022 09:14 AM (Dc2NZ)
26
Regarding reading, I finally found some use for The Open Empire by Valerie Hansen. I'm almost finished with it, which will let me dive into other modern sources.
I will say that this morning when I woke up, I found myself thinking about how nice it would be to write fiction again and escape reality entirely. Maybe that Battle Officer Wolf sequel will be my next project.
I will say that this morning when I woke up, I found myself thinking about how nice it would be to write fiction again and escape reality entirely. Maybe that Battle Officer Wolf sequel will be my next project.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 09:15 AM (llXky)
Posted by: F. Joe Biden at April 03, 2022 09:15 AM (c6xtn)
28
Finished Nothing Left to Drag Home by Gary Rafferty, Left a review at TMP and someone else was going to give it a try.
Then got back to Bernard Cornwall's Sharpe's Gold, almost finished that, probably today
Then got back to Bernard Cornwall's Sharpe's Gold, almost finished that, probably today
Posted by: Skip at April 03, 2022 09:15 AM (2JoB8)
29
. . .it was produced by boiling down horse or mule meat to a jelly paste and serving it as a beef tea-like mixture."
Posted by: All Hail Eris
Perhaps being shot was preferable.
Posted by: All Hail Eris
Perhaps being shot was preferable.
Posted by: Tonypete at April 03, 2022 09:16 AM (F6McX)
30
Has Joe Biden written his "memoir"? Just curious.
Posted by: BignJames at April 03, 2022 09:09 AM (AwYPR)
He did, but he lost it....
Posted by: OrangeEnt
Tis a great loss.
Kamala was his ghost writer so it had great word salad.
Posted by: BignJames at April 03, 2022 09:09 AM (AwYPR)
He did, but he lost it....
Posted by: OrangeEnt
Tis a great loss.
Kamala was his ghost writer so it had great word salad.
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at April 03, 2022 09:16 AM (7Nl5T)
31
The purple hat on the squirrel is intriguing. Perhaps it's just too too Fab-u-lous! Or 1970s pimp couture is making a comeback.
Posted by: JTB at April 03, 2022 09:13 AM (7EjX1)
He'd be a riot in a zoot suit.
Posted by: JTB at April 03, 2022 09:13 AM (7EjX1)
He'd be a riot in a zoot suit.
Posted by: BignJames at April 03, 2022 09:16 AM (AwYPR)
32
Used-book stores are still thriving in Joplin, Mo. The city has at least three.
I visited two of them this past weekend; couldn't find the third, but the proprietor of one told me it still exists.
When I planned this excursion -- it was part of a more important trip out of state -- I confronted this question: What would I seek out? I have full runs of most of the series I like, and the TBR list is overstuffed. I even considered canceling these stops.
Well, I found a few items: a Donald Westlake stand-alone novel, which I realized later that I had bought last month -- so there's one for the trade-in box; two David McDaniel "Man from UNCLE" adaptations, including "The Rainbow Affair," mentioned here last week, and an Ellery Queen mystery.
Also, if anybody here likes Doc Savage, a shop in the north end of town has a scad of those books.
I visited two of them this past weekend; couldn't find the third, but the proprietor of one told me it still exists.
When I planned this excursion -- it was part of a more important trip out of state -- I confronted this question: What would I seek out? I have full runs of most of the series I like, and the TBR list is overstuffed. I even considered canceling these stops.
Well, I found a few items: a Donald Westlake stand-alone novel, which I realized later that I had bought last month -- so there's one for the trade-in box; two David McDaniel "Man from UNCLE" adaptations, including "The Rainbow Affair," mentioned here last week, and an Ellery Queen mystery.
Also, if anybody here likes Doc Savage, a shop in the north end of town has a scad of those books.
Posted by: Weak Geek at April 03, 2022 09:17 AM (rYZAP)
33
On my TBR stack is a James M. Cain novel, unpublished until Hard Case Crime issued it a few years ago, and Christie's Death on the Nile.
Mike Hammer here gave me the germ of an idea for a short story of my own, so I hope to start making notes on that today!
Mike Hammer here gave me the germ of an idea for a short story of my own, so I hope to start making notes on that today!
Posted by: F. Joe Biden at April 03, 2022 09:18 AM (c6xtn)
34
Under what circumstances would I call someone a "cable news commentator" that wasn't a total dismissal? They're just as bought-out and dull as "influencers" but ugly and fat.
(There's more to say but I'm trying to keep it classy)
(There's more to say but I'm trying to keep it classy)
Posted by: BourbonChicken at April 03, 2022 09:18 AM (ybIRR)
35
Just ran across this video with writing tips from George Orwell, centered on clear language
https://tinyurl.com/2p8fw4cc
From this thread by Wilfred Reilly on jargon
https://tinyurl.com/2p9x98s4
https://tinyurl.com/2p8fw4cc
From this thread by Wilfred Reilly on jargon
https://tinyurl.com/2p9x98s4
Posted by: KT at April 03, 2022 09:19 AM (0ghg2)
36
When asking about writing going down the shitter in the last 20 years it's hard to avoid the influence of an online existence, particularly auto correct.
Posted by: Captain Hate won't forget Michael Byrd Murdered Ashli Babbitt at April 03, 2022 09:10 AM (y7DUB)
---
You write what you know, and the current generation knows nothing first-hand other than how to crib from other people.
I watched the video and that was basically what the guy was saying.
Part of the problem is that when that's all you understand, you try to mix things up by "subverting expectations" which in the wrong hands basically makes a joke out of character development. You can only add a plot twist if you keep it in alignment with known character goals. Modern writers have no idea of how to write characters so it never works.
Posted by: Captain Hate won't forget Michael Byrd Murdered Ashli Babbitt at April 03, 2022 09:10 AM (y7DUB)
---
You write what you know, and the current generation knows nothing first-hand other than how to crib from other people.
I watched the video and that was basically what the guy was saying.
Part of the problem is that when that's all you understand, you try to mix things up by "subverting expectations" which in the wrong hands basically makes a joke out of character development. You can only add a plot twist if you keep it in alignment with known character goals. Modern writers have no idea of how to write characters so it never works.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 09:19 AM (llXky)
37
I'm not going to pretend I haven't enriched Bezos over the years, but there is something about a used book store that beats any online experience. Is it the serendipity of discovering that one book I didn't know existed, and I now can't live without? Or reliving my teenhood with a cheesy SF paperback?
And I like giving a forever home to good books. It's like rescuing orphans.
And I like giving a forever home to good books. It's like rescuing orphans.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 03, 2022 09:19 AM (Dc2NZ)
38
Well, I found a few items: a Donald Westlake stand-alone novel, which I realized later that I had bought last month -- so there's one for the trade-in box; two David McDaniel "Man from UNCLE" adaptations, including "The Rainbow Affair," mentioned here last week, and an Ellery Queen mystery. . . .
Posted by: Weak Geek at April 03, 2022
***
Which other McDaniel, and which EQ?
Posted by: Weak Geek at April 03, 2022
***
Which other McDaniel, and which EQ?
Posted by: F. Joe Biden at April 03, 2022 09:19 AM (c6xtn)
39
I'm continuing with the 100 Days of Dante which is up to Canto 22 of Paradiso. The last several cantos have been difficult as they revolve around matters of God's mercy even when the consequences of men's actions don't seem to deserve it. Also, these last cantos are used to take swipes at the current state of corruption in the church in Dante's time. However, the distinction he makes in the various orders of monasteries is very interesting. More distinctions than I knew about.
Posted by: JTB at April 03, 2022 09:20 AM (7EjX1)
40
Then got back to Bernard Cornwall's Sharpe's Gold, almost finished that, probably today
Posted by: Skip
Do you have to read the books in order ?
Posted by: Skip
Do you have to read the books in order ?
Posted by: JT at April 03, 2022 09:20 AM (arJlL)
41
Used-book stores are still thriving in Joplin, Mo. The city has at least three.
---
Just great. You're going to make me late to the TXMOME this year. I have to pass through Joplin to get there...
---
Just great. You're going to make me late to the TXMOME this year. I have to pass through Joplin to get there...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 03, 2022 09:20 AM (K5n5d)
42
Has Joe Biden written his "memoir"? Just curious.
Posted by: BignJames at April 03, 2022 09:09 AM (AwYPR)
He did, but he lost it....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at April 03, 2022 09:13 AM (7bRMQ)
---
I thought he plagiarized it from Neil Kinnock.
Posted by: BignJames at April 03, 2022 09:09 AM (AwYPR)
He did, but he lost it....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at April 03, 2022 09:13 AM (7bRMQ)
---
I thought he plagiarized it from Neil Kinnock.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 09:21 AM (llXky)
43
17 When asking about writing going down the shitter in the last 20 years it's hard to avoid the influence of an online existence, particularly auto correct.
Posted by: Captain Hate won't forget Michael Byrd Murdered Ashli Babbitt at April 03, 2022 09:10 AM (y7DUB)
Was an entire layer of editors removed from publishing? Particularly with articles, I far too frequently see basic errors that would be caught by simple proof reading. I would be mortified turning that kind of stuff in as a work product and I would expect an imminent change in employment.
Posted by: Captain Hate won't forget Michael Byrd Murdered Ashli Babbitt at April 03, 2022 09:10 AM (y7DUB)
Was an entire layer of editors removed from publishing? Particularly with articles, I far too frequently see basic errors that would be caught by simple proof reading. I would be mortified turning that kind of stuff in as a work product and I would expect an imminent change in employment.
Posted by: Bilwis Devourer of Innocent Souls, I'm starvin' over here at April 03, 2022 09:21 AM (cupoy)
44
I have 2 used book stores, 1 no more than a bicycle trip away, the other 10 miles, I have found gems at them, sadly the Sharpe series is a rare find.
Posted by: Skip at April 03, 2022 09:22 AM (2JoB8)
45
for a different change of pace, I tried some science fiction, essa hansens nophek gloss, it's a puree of dune, star wars with some firefly thrown in, the title refers to a carnivorous beast, that yields the melange analog, ona distant plan, the farm boy and his family are deposited on this world, and he is the lone survivor, in a brazil like twist, he discovers it was a horriblr mistake as he was created to be a caisthen, an elite warrior that runs this universe,
Posted by: no 6 at April 03, 2022 09:22 AM (hMlTh)
46
To answer the question about reading a series - I got hooked on reading Barbara Hambly's Darwath series when I picked up one of the books at (IIRC) the Stars and Stripes bookstore, and read a description of the back-country hills in California. Some of her other series also had brief scenes set there, and the description was so vivid, I could practically smell the chaparral. One of her other series also had a long chapter set in Big Tujunga Canyon, near to where I grew up.
I do like some of her fantasy series (with one clunky exception) but not so fond of her historicals. Which are OK, but nothing that kept me at it for more than one or two installments.
I do like some of her fantasy series (with one clunky exception) but not so fond of her historicals. Which are OK, but nothing that kept me at it for more than one or two installments.
Posted by: Sgt. Mom at April 03, 2022 09:22 AM (xnmPy)
47
And I like giving a forever home to good books. It's like rescuing orphans.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes
'Cept they don't eat all yer food/snacks and crap all over the rug !
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes
'Cept they don't eat all yer food/snacks and crap all over the rug !
Posted by: JT at April 03, 2022 09:22 AM (arJlL)
48
The thrift stores here usually have a small selection of used books as well as CDs, DVDs, and even VHS tapes. The books are almost all recent publications, hardcover "mysteries" and the like. Rarely do I see something I want to take home.
I am not aware of any real "used book" stores here. I'd be pleased to be wrong.
I am not aware of any real "used book" stores here. I'd be pleased to be wrong.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at April 03, 2022 09:23 AM (c6xtn)
49
Was an entire layer of editors removed from publishing? Particularly with articles, I far too frequently see basic errors that would be caught by simple proof reading. I would be mortified turning that kind of stuff in as a work product and I would expect an imminent change in employment.
Posted by: Bilwis Devourer of Innocent Souls, I'm starvin' over here at April 03, 2022 09:21 AM (cupoy)
---
Copy editors were eliminated from newspapers about 20 years ago. It was stupid and short-sighted because they kept the opinion pages which are utterly unnecessary in an online age.
But editors can only do so much. If the writer has no idea how the world works and only wants to crank out woke garbage, no editor can help that.
Posted by: Bilwis Devourer of Innocent Souls, I'm starvin' over here at April 03, 2022 09:21 AM (cupoy)
---
Copy editors were eliminated from newspapers about 20 years ago. It was stupid and short-sighted because they kept the opinion pages which are utterly unnecessary in an online age.
But editors can only do so much. If the writer has no idea how the world works and only wants to crank out woke garbage, no editor can help that.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 09:24 AM (llXky)
50
However, the distinction he makes in the various orders of monasteries is very interesting. More distinctions than I knew about.
Posted by: JTB at April 03, 2022 09:20 AM (7EjX1)
===
Those Franciscans are so damn smug
Posted by: JTB at April 03, 2022 09:20 AM (7EjX1)
===
Those Franciscans are so damn smug
Posted by: The Trappists at April 03, 2022 09:24 AM (EZebt)
51
'Cept they don't eat all yer food/snacks and crap all over the rug !
--
Ha! They do take up shelf/floor/surface space.
--
Ha! They do take up shelf/floor/surface space.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 03, 2022 09:24 AM (Dc2NZ)
52
"During the 1900 Siege of Ladysmith in the Second Boer War, a Bovril-like paste was produced from horse meat within the garrison. Nicknamed Chevril (a portmanteau of Bovril and cheval, French for horse) it was produced by boiling down horse or mule meat to a jelly paste and serving it as a beef tea-like mixture."
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 03, 2022 09:14 AM (Dc2NZ)
Herbert Hoover, in his memoirs, talks about being besieged during the Boxer Rebellion, and the British troops had to push a water wagon with a filtered pump down to the river every morning to get water supplies for everyone for day. The troops had painted "Borvril" on the side of the tank because of the number of dead Chinese that could be seen floating in the river.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 03, 2022 09:14 AM (Dc2NZ)
Herbert Hoover, in his memoirs, talks about being besieged during the Boxer Rebellion, and the British troops had to push a water wagon with a filtered pump down to the river every morning to get water supplies for everyone for day. The troops had painted "Borvril" on the side of the tank because of the number of dead Chinese that could be seen floating in the river.
Posted by: Kindltot at April 03, 2022 09:26 AM (xhaym)
53
We are fortunate to have a really good used bookstore in our town. I have gotten quite a few HUGE bargains there over the years: Most of Bernard Cornwell's books and the Aubrey/Maturin O'Brian books for less than a dollar each, a little gem of a hardcover about trout fishing printed in 1941 which is some of the best writing about fishing I've ever read, a hardcover collection of all the CS Lewis Signature series for five bucks, and many more.
The place is both a joy and dangerous.
The place is both a joy and dangerous.
Posted by: JTB at April 03, 2022 09:27 AM (7EjX1)
54
Ooopsie! Link to last week's Book Thread is to last week's Sunday ONT.
Posted by: KT at April 03, 2022 09:28 AM (0ghg2)
55
@38 --
My total haul:
McDaniel: "The Utopia Affair" and "The Rainbow Affair."
EQ: "The Origin of Evil."
Westlake: "Put a Lid on It" and "What's So Funny?"
Yes, I forgot the Dortmunder story. Had to unpack to get all the titles.
My total haul:
McDaniel: "The Utopia Affair" and "The Rainbow Affair."
EQ: "The Origin of Evil."
Westlake: "Put a Lid on It" and "What's So Funny?"
Yes, I forgot the Dortmunder story. Had to unpack to get all the titles.
Posted by: Weak Geek at April 03, 2022 09:28 AM (rYZAP)
56
I see where MLB has added an extra member to the officiating crew for regular season games this year. This crew. member will not have a fixed location on the field, and can range at will throughout both the outfield and the infield, of his own volition. He will be referred to as the Wholly Roamin' Umpire.
Posted by: Muldoon at April 03, 2022 09:28 AM (m45I2)
57
the protagonist comes across a sentient space craft the azura, and it's motley crew, and goes in search of the fore runner race, the graven that seeded this universe, as well as challenging the Abriss, the Shaddam like ruler,
Posted by: no 6 at April 03, 2022 09:29 AM (hMlTh)
58
Been reading WWII alternate history short stories by Peter Tsouras. Specifically Third Reich Victorious: Alternate Decisions of World War II and Rising Sun Victorious: The Alternative History of How the Japanese Won the Pacific War.
The first book has a couple of good stories. The second book is rubbish. There was no path for even a plausible story there.
Still easier to read than setting up detailed war games and playing the wars out over the next 5 years.
He has some other what if books, so I might pick them up at AbeBooks.
The first book has a couple of good stories. The second book is rubbish. There was no path for even a plausible story there.
Still easier to read than setting up detailed war games and playing the wars out over the next 5 years.
He has some other what if books, so I might pick them up at AbeBooks.
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at April 03, 2022 09:29 AM (u82oZ)
Posted by: Weak Geek at April 03, 2022 09:30 AM (rYZAP)
60
I am not aware of any real "used book" stores here. I'd be pleased to be wrong.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at April 03, 2022 09:23 AM (c6xtn)
---
Being a university town, we have a used book store with two locations that are great (Curious Book and The Archives), plus the Student Book Store will have used books that are required for courses (which is often cool), and then even the "new" book stores have used sections. Lots of places to visit when one is in the mood.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at April 03, 2022 09:23 AM (c6xtn)
---
Being a university town, we have a used book store with two locations that are great (Curious Book and The Archives), plus the Student Book Store will have used books that are required for courses (which is often cool), and then even the "new" book stores have used sections. Lots of places to visit when one is in the mood.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 09:30 AM (llXky)
61
"Bovril" sorry typo
Posted by: Kindltot at April 03, 2022 09:31 AM (xhaym)
62
Ah poetry. Now I'm feeling led to look for my John Donne.
Posted by: N.L. Urker, the Phillips screwdriver of the gods at April 03, 2022 09:32 AM (eGTCV)
63
Try a Google map search or like for used book stores
Posted by: Skip at April 03, 2022 09:32 AM (2JoB8)
64
The closest used book store to Stately Poppins Manor is about 15 or so minutes away, across the NH border. It's. . .OK. Nothing particularly fascinating, but not completely stocked with Harlequin novels, either.
There's also a thrift shop across the street from the store, which sometimes has interesting books (you can always tell when someone is emptying a relative's house; I came across a whole pile of books regarding the Third Reich a few months ago).
There's also a thrift shop across the street from the store, which sometimes has interesting books (you can always tell when someone is emptying a relative's house; I came across a whole pile of books regarding the Third Reich a few months ago).
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at April 03, 2022 09:33 AM (2JVJo)
65
I think another problem with writing is the Participation Trophy culture. We tell kids that they are super-special and smart and they all think they are child prodigies when they're just as ignorant as anyone else at age 21.
Time was, people understood that wisdom required age and experience and you can't just get a degree at Woke U. and expect to know anything about life.
You look at people like Waugh and Hemingway, and whether or not you like their style, they lived in the world and did things. It shows in their description, especially in the little things.
To put it another way, you don't have to strain to get the details right if you know them first-hand.
Time was, people understood that wisdom required age and experience and you can't just get a degree at Woke U. and expect to know anything about life.
You look at people like Waugh and Hemingway, and whether or not you like their style, they lived in the world and did things. It shows in their description, especially in the little things.
To put it another way, you don't have to strain to get the details right if you know them first-hand.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 09:34 AM (llXky)
66
and the idea that Bovril name is influenced by Bulwer-Lytton's novel The Coming Race is mind blowing.
"Oooh I know, let's name this meat paste after the inherent mental power of lizard people who live in the center of the Earth and influence the civilizations of Man. That will make it sell. Capital!"
"Oooh I know, let's name this meat paste after the inherent mental power of lizard people who live in the center of the Earth and influence the civilizations of Man. That will make it sell. Capital!"
Posted by: Kindltot at April 03, 2022 09:34 AM (xhaym)
67
My total haul:
McDaniel: "The Utopia Affair" and "The Rainbow Affair."
EQ: "The Origin of Evil."
Westlake: "Put a Lid on It" and "What's So Funny?"
Yes, I forgot the Dortmunder story. Had to unpack to get all the titles.
Posted by: Weak Geek at April 03, 2022
***
Good score. Those 2 titles are among McDaniel's best, though he was a good and clever writer always. Utopia would have made an excellent episode of the show and portrays the U.N.C.L.E. organization very believably. Origin of Evil is a later, mature-period EQ story, in which Ellery seems much more human than in his early days, and yet the mystery is excellent too.
Westlake's Dortmunder stories, as you probably know, can best be described as "What if the Seinfeld crowd were professional thieves?" And I know Dortmunder himself is not described that way, but I always picture Robert Redford in the role from The Hot Rock film. RR did "comic exasperation" better than almost anybody in his time. Maybe Robert Culp came close, though.
McDaniel: "The Utopia Affair" and "The Rainbow Affair."
EQ: "The Origin of Evil."
Westlake: "Put a Lid on It" and "What's So Funny?"
Yes, I forgot the Dortmunder story. Had to unpack to get all the titles.
Posted by: Weak Geek at April 03, 2022
***
Good score. Those 2 titles are among McDaniel's best, though he was a good and clever writer always. Utopia would have made an excellent episode of the show and portrays the U.N.C.L.E. organization very believably. Origin of Evil is a later, mature-period EQ story, in which Ellery seems much more human than in his early days, and yet the mystery is excellent too.
Westlake's Dortmunder stories, as you probably know, can best be described as "What if the Seinfeld crowd were professional thieves?" And I know Dortmunder himself is not described that way, but I always picture Robert Redford in the role from The Hot Rock film. RR did "comic exasperation" better than almost anybody in his time. Maybe Robert Culp came close, though.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at April 03, 2022 09:34 AM (c6xtn)
68
Why has writing gotten so bad in the last 20 years?
That would be the period when the publishing industry got woke and went all in on "diversity", at the expense of writing ability.
The "great American novel" could have been written in the last 20 years and it would have gone unpublished if it had been written by a straight white man.
That would be the period when the publishing industry got woke and went all in on "diversity", at the expense of writing ability.
The "great American novel" could have been written in the last 20 years and it would have gone unpublished if it had been written by a straight white man.
Posted by: cool breeze at April 03, 2022 09:34 AM (UGKMd)
69
@63 --
That's how I got the addresses for the Joplin stores, except I used DuckDuckGo.
I try to avoid Google as much as possible.
That's how I got the addresses for the Joplin stores, except I used DuckDuckGo.
I try to avoid Google as much as possible.
Posted by: Weak Geek at April 03, 2022 09:34 AM (rYZAP)
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at April 03, 2022 09:34 AM (7Nl5T)
71
I received a copy of "The Old Road" by Hilaire Belloc, a paperback from Amazon. I thought I was getting a great deal until I opened the thing. The print was microscopic. Seriously, you needed a magnifying glass to read it, like the tiny print on boxes of OTC pills. It's not worth the trouble to return it for a refund since it cost only five dollars. But I did leave a one-star review of it as a warning to others. If Amazon allowed, I would have given it zero or negative stars. I threw the book in the trash. This might be the first time I threw out a book that wasn't damaged.
Yeah, I was annoyed.
Yeah, I was annoyed.
Posted by: JTB at April 03, 2022 09:35 AM (7EjX1)
72
The "great American novel" could have been written in the last 20 years and it would have gone unpublished if it had been written by a straight white man.
Posted by: cool breeze at April 03, 2022 09:34 AM (UGKMd)
---
Wasn't there a bit of a scandal a few years ago in Europe? Some book won an award and it turned out the "author", who had a female name, was actually three white dudes...
Posted by: cool breeze at April 03, 2022 09:34 AM (UGKMd)
---
Wasn't there a bit of a scandal a few years ago in Europe? Some book won an award and it turned out the "author", who had a female name, was actually three white dudes...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 03, 2022 09:36 AM (K5n5d)
73
Been reading WWII alternate history short stories by Peter Tsouras. Specifically Third Reich Victorious: Alternate Decisions of World War II and Rising Sun Victorious: The Alternative History of How the Japanese Won the Pacific War.
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at April 03, 2022 09:29 AM (u82oZ)
---
One of the things that I've thought about from time to time is an alternative history where the Allies do better, and what that might have meant (both good and bad).
For example, what if Spain went Red? I don't know I'd like to write a novel about it, but maybe an essay or collection of them would be fun.
We should do a Horde alt-history anthology - everyone do an essay on WW II about something that went differently. Could be fun. No pants required, natch.
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at April 03, 2022 09:29 AM (u82oZ)
---
One of the things that I've thought about from time to time is an alternative history where the Allies do better, and what that might have meant (both good and bad).
For example, what if Spain went Red? I don't know I'd like to write a novel about it, but maybe an essay or collection of them would be fun.
We should do a Horde alt-history anthology - everyone do an essay on WW II about something that went differently. Could be fun. No pants required, natch.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 09:38 AM (llXky)
74
I see where MLB has added an extra member to the officiating crew for regular season games this year. This crew. member will not have a fixed location on the field, and can range at will throughout both the outfield and the infield, of his own volition. He will be referred to as the Wholly Roamin' Umpire.
Posted by: Muldoon
LOL !!!
Posted by: Muldoon
LOL !!!
Posted by: JT at April 03, 2022 09:38 AM (arJlL)
75
The other night we watched a DVD of Louis L'Amour's "Crossfire Trail", one of the Tom Selleck westerns. Just for fun I got out my copy of the book. L'Amour sure could describe a scene and mood whether on a ship or in a dusty corral.
Posted by: JTB at April 03, 2022 09:38 AM (7EjX1)
76
Library book sales have been my big source for OMG finds, especially 19th Century books. And one year I got three boxes of old 50s and 60s science fiction hardbacks in excellent condition, which looked to be from one donator.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 03, 2022 09:39 AM (Dc2NZ)
77
Seriously, you needed a magnifying glass to read it, like the tiny print on boxes of OTC pills.
**nods** The print is small in my novel's proof copy. I need to cross-check it with some other mainstream novels I have and see if it's a deal-breaker.
**nods** The print is small in my novel's proof copy. I need to cross-check it with some other mainstream novels I have and see if it's a deal-breaker.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at April 03, 2022 09:40 AM (2JVJo)
78
I'm not much of a writer. The only fiction I've ever written was when they made me in school. I remember one teacher that was not impressed with my description of a race car driver being burned in an accident. It's just not for me.
Posted by: fd at April 03, 2022 09:40 AM (PLXMa)
79
There's also a thrift shop across the street from the store, which sometimes has interesting books (you can always tell when someone is emptying a relative's house; I came across a whole pile of books regarding the Third Reich a few months ago).
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at April 03, 2022 09:33 AM (2JVJo)
---
It just so happened that my China book project coincided with a retired professor of Asian history selling off his collection, so the local used book store has been putting up batches of the stuff each week. Basically I buy what they have, they put up more.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at April 03, 2022 09:33 AM (2JVJo)
---
It just so happened that my China book project coincided with a retired professor of Asian history selling off his collection, so the local used book store has been putting up batches of the stuff each week. Basically I buy what they have, they put up more.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 09:41 AM (llXky)
80
Been reading WWII alternate history short stories by Peter Tsouras. Specifically Third Reich Victorious: Alternate Decisions of World War II and Rising Sun Victorious: The Alternative History of How the Japanese Won the Pacific War.
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at April 03, 2022
***
Does the Third Reich collection have the story "Weinachtsabend" by Keith Roberts? 'Tis one of the best of the genre. Or is it not an anthology?
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at April 03, 2022
***
Does the Third Reich collection have the story "Weinachtsabend" by Keith Roberts? 'Tis one of the best of the genre. Or is it not an anthology?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at April 03, 2022 09:41 AM (c6xtn)
81
Things have changed with self publishing, but from what I understand, but part of the issue with new books and writing is also the editing. Traditionally the editor sends stuff back with demands to change for flow, story, plot and saleability, John Campbell was famous for his edits and notes.
I think the new crop of editors are focused on saleability and doctrinaire acceptability, and don't have much real world experience either. And authors who go self publishing in self defense don't get the benefits of someone going through their work to turf out the problems.
I think the new crop of editors are focused on saleability and doctrinaire acceptability, and don't have much real world experience either. And authors who go self publishing in self defense don't get the benefits of someone going through their work to turf out the problems.
Posted by: Kindltot at April 03, 2022 09:41 AM (xhaym)
82
Wasn't there a bit of a scandal a few years ago in Europe? Some book won an award and it turned out the "author", who had a female name, was actually three white dudes...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 03, 2022 09:36 AM (K5n5d)
That kind of stuff makes me really laugh out loud. Not lolling, but really laughter.
Shows the punks that anything about humans can be written and understood by any other human no matter what they look like or have in their pants.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 03, 2022 09:36 AM (K5n5d)
That kind of stuff makes me really laugh out loud. Not lolling, but really laughter.
Shows the punks that anything about humans can be written and understood by any other human no matter what they look like or have in their pants.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at April 03, 2022 09:41 AM (7bRMQ)
83
The other night we watched a DVD of Louis L'Amour's "Crossfire Trail", one of the Tom Selleck westerns. Just for fun I got out my copy of the book. L'Amour sure could describe a scene and mood whether on a ship or in a dusty corral.
Posted by: JT
I believe my crate of LL's has all but 2 of his westerns. (I wasn't impressed by his non-westerns.) I'm trying to decide were to expose them as they are all dog-eared.
Posted by: JT
I believe my crate of LL's has all but 2 of his westerns. (I wasn't impressed by his non-westerns.) I'm trying to decide were to expose them as they are all dog-eared.
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at April 03, 2022 09:42 AM (7Nl5T)
84
Wasn't there a bit of a scandal a few years ago in Europe? Some book won an award and it turned out the "author", who had a female name, was actually three white dudes...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel
And then they jumped Juicy Smellit !
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel
And then they jumped Juicy Smellit !
Posted by: JT at April 03, 2022 09:42 AM (arJlL)
85
In regard to bad writing, I think too many TV writers are screaming about their experiences in high school. Just once I'd like to see a gym coach or a county sheriff portrayed as more than a drooling primate.
My wife watches several streaming shows that drive me out of the room. In one recent episode, a woman was bemoaning the fact that she was a virgin at 25. I remember when that would be a cause for pride, not pity.
And I am no prude. I was in high school, but enough about that.
My wife watches several streaming shows that drive me out of the room. In one recent episode, a woman was bemoaning the fact that she was a virgin at 25. I remember when that would be a cause for pride, not pity.
And I am no prude. I was in high school, but enough about that.
Posted by: Weak Geek at April 03, 2022 09:43 AM (rYZAP)
86
Morning, Horde!
I agree that current writers are not influenced by personal experience or great literature, though they've probably read some. Except, in the case of the interminable Jane Austen continued crap that permeates chick lit. It was everywhere. Ugh.
I suspect that a lot of screenwriting, and undoubtedly some novels, are also plagued by the current joys of nepotism. Just like the screen, where these careers seem to go to film connected kiddies with mixed results, we can see by a quick look at wikipedia, that the writing job is passed down from generation to generation like a gold-filled paste studded, locket.
Using an acting example, Maggie Smith is a really good actress, her son is mediocre.
I agree that current writers are not influenced by personal experience or great literature, though they've probably read some. Except, in the case of the interminable Jane Austen continued crap that permeates chick lit. It was everywhere. Ugh.
I suspect that a lot of screenwriting, and undoubtedly some novels, are also plagued by the current joys of nepotism. Just like the screen, where these careers seem to go to film connected kiddies with mixed results, we can see by a quick look at wikipedia, that the writing job is passed down from generation to generation like a gold-filled paste studded, locket.
Using an acting example, Maggie Smith is a really good actress, her son is mediocre.
Posted by: CN The First at April 03, 2022 09:43 AM (ONvIw)
87
Having enjoyed T. Kingfisher's horror novel "The Empty Places", I next read "The Twisted Ones". Really like this one too. At her father's request, Mouse agrees to clear out the junk-filled hoarder home of her nasty bitch of a grandmother. In the mess, she stumbles across her grandfather's journal. It reads like the ravings of a genteel lunatic -- until she starts to encounter some of the unworldly horrors he mentioned in his diary.
Mouse has a faithful but dumb-as-a-bag-o-hammers redbone coonhound named Bongo, and the descriptions were some of my favorite bits: "He's not that smart, but he can detect if a squirrel passed by at any point in the last millennium. There's a tree in the backyard that he chased a possum up once, and he has visited it faithfully every day for the last two years on the off chance that the possum has come back." "Bongo is an excellent watchdog, by which I mean that he will watch very alertly as the serial killer breaks into the house and skins me." "Bongo's nose is far more intelligent than the rest of him, and I believe it uses his brain primarily as a counterweight."
Mouse has a faithful but dumb-as-a-bag-o-hammers redbone coonhound named Bongo, and the descriptions were some of my favorite bits: "He's not that smart, but he can detect if a squirrel passed by at any point in the last millennium. There's a tree in the backyard that he chased a possum up once, and he has visited it faithfully every day for the last two years on the off chance that the possum has come back." "Bongo is an excellent watchdog, by which I mean that he will watch very alertly as the serial killer breaks into the house and skins me." "Bongo's nose is far more intelligent than the rest of him, and I believe it uses his brain primarily as a counterweight."
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 03, 2022 09:43 AM (Dc2NZ)
88
I rate this: TRUE -- "[There were] three Time Life books on World War II, but that probably didn't mean anything. Books on World War II appear spontaneously in any house that contains a man over a certain age. I believe that's science."
I rate this: TRUE -- "[There were] three Time Life books on World War II, but that probably didn't mean anything. Books on World War II appear spontaneously in any house that contains a man over a certain age. I believe that's science."
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 03, 2022 09:43 AM (Dc2NZ)
89
Wasn't there a bit of a scandal a few years ago in Europe? Some book won an award and it turned out the "author", who had a female name, was actually three white dudes...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 03, 2022 09:36 AM (K5n5d)
---
The idea of identity is that it is impossible for people from different sexes and races to every truly understand each other. That hoax (and others like it) have proven this false r
At the same time, we're supposed to believe that children who have no idea what it is to be men or women have fully-realized ideas about gender that must be respected.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 03, 2022 09:36 AM (K5n5d)
---
The idea of identity is that it is impossible for people from different sexes and races to every truly understand each other. That hoax (and others like it) have proven this false r
At the same time, we're supposed to believe that children who have no idea what it is to be men or women have fully-realized ideas about gender that must be respected.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 09:43 AM (llXky)
90
Another story I had to write in High School was an obvious rip off of 2001 with a twist at the end. Again, the teacher was not impressed. I though it at least it made more sense than the movie.
Posted by: fd at April 03, 2022 09:44 AM (PLXMa)
91
85 In regard to bad writing, I think too many TV writers are screaming about their experiences in high school. Just once I'd like to see a gym coach or a county sheriff portrayed as more than a drooling primate.
Posted by: Weak Geek at April 03, 2022 09:43 AM (rYZAP)
This is, like the guy in the clip said, derivative of other films. I'm not sure where it started, but I recall it from Ordinary People, which is one of those rare movies that is better than the book.
Posted by: Weak Geek at April 03, 2022 09:43 AM (rYZAP)
This is, like the guy in the clip said, derivative of other films. I'm not sure where it started, but I recall it from Ordinary People, which is one of those rare movies that is better than the book.
Posted by: CN The First at April 03, 2022 09:45 AM (ONvIw)
92
I don't keep a diary either because I don't want to take the chance that someone might find out what goes on in my head.
Posted by: fd at April 03, 2022 09:46 AM (PLXMa)
93
I'm currently working my way through Jack Vance's Tales of the Dying Earth.
His character "Cugel the Clever" is not nearly as smart as he thinks he is. He is constantly getting himself into and out of trouble. He's also a bit of an asshole, either causing numerous deaths of his companions or at the very least abandoning them when they are no longer useful.
I really enjoy Vance's use of descriptive language. It's colorful and evocative of a world that is swiftly fading under the light of the dying sun.
His character "Cugel the Clever" is not nearly as smart as he thinks he is. He is constantly getting himself into and out of trouble. He's also a bit of an asshole, either causing numerous deaths of his companions or at the very least abandoning them when they are no longer useful.
I really enjoy Vance's use of descriptive language. It's colorful and evocative of a world that is swiftly fading under the light of the dying sun.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 03, 2022 09:46 AM (K5n5d)
94
And authors who go self publishing in self defense don't get the benefits of someone going through their work to turf out the problems.
Posted by: Kindltot at April 03, 2022 09:41 AM (xhaym)
I had an agent about 20-odd years ago, but he kept getting the same response: my novel (The Director's Cut) was good, but there was (and probably still isn't) a market for a debut writer doing a silent film mystery series.
I did send out the new book (The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of) to a few of the Horde and got back some good criticism that made me cut, add and move around scenes and characters. I think it's a good book now, but who knows?
Posted by: Kindltot at April 03, 2022 09:41 AM (xhaym)
I had an agent about 20-odd years ago, but he kept getting the same response: my novel (The Director's Cut) was good, but there was (and probably still isn't) a market for a debut writer doing a silent film mystery series.
I did send out the new book (The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of) to a few of the Horde and got back some good criticism that made me cut, add and move around scenes and characters. I think it's a good book now, but who knows?
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at April 03, 2022 09:47 AM (2JVJo)
95
I think the new crop of editors are focused on saleability and doctrinaire acceptability, and don't have much real world experience either. And authors who go self publishing in self defense don't get the benefits of someone going through their work to turf out the problems.
Posted by: Kindltot at April 03, 2022 09:41 AM (xhaym)
That's the fear. I don't know if what I've written is really good or not. How would someone who knows nothing be able to tell me? Writers can help other writers, but editors are necessary too.
Posted by: Kindltot at April 03, 2022 09:41 AM (xhaym)
That's the fear. I don't know if what I've written is really good or not. How would someone who knows nothing be able to tell me? Writers can help other writers, but editors are necessary too.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at April 03, 2022 09:47 AM (7bRMQ)
96
"Bongo is an excellent watchdog, by which I mean that he will watch very alertly as the serial killer breaks into the house and skins me." "Bongo's nose is far more intelligent than the rest of him, and I believe it uses his brain primarily as a counterweight."
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 03, 2022
***
I love that. Those are the kind of narration or dialog items I love to read. T. Kingfisher, you say?
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 03, 2022
***
I love that. Those are the kind of narration or dialog items I love to read. T. Kingfisher, you say?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at April 03, 2022 09:47 AM (c6xtn)
97
Wasn't there a bit of a scandal a few years ago in Europe? Some book won an award and it turned out the "author", who had a female name, was actually three white dudes...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 03, 2022 09:36 AM (K5n5d)
Well writers have been doing the gender switcharoo for centuries. Oddly, now it's the men who are foolishly closed out of the market.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 03, 2022 09:36 AM (K5n5d)
Well writers have been doing the gender switcharoo for centuries. Oddly, now it's the men who are foolishly closed out of the market.
Posted by: CN The First at April 03, 2022 09:47 AM (ONvIw)
98
I just saw the latest poirot offering, death on the nile, there are some complaints, that the protagonist/slash murder victim played by gal gadot's performance is wooden, but her role is to be sultry and sullen, not much else is required, her fiancee is played by arnie hammer, whose placid exterior disguises his truly sociopathic intents, (and then there is his role in the film)
Posted by: no 6 at April 03, 2022 09:47 AM (hMlTh)
99
I rate this: TRUE -- "[There were] three Time Life books on World War II, but that probably didn't mean anything. Books on World War II appear spontaneously in any house that contains a man over a certain age. I believe that's science."
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 03, 2022 09:43 AM (Dc2NZ)
I have a floor-to-ceiling set of shelves filled with nothing but books on Hitler and the Reich.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 03, 2022 09:43 AM (Dc2NZ)
I have a floor-to-ceiling set of shelves filled with nothing but books on Hitler and the Reich.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at April 03, 2022 09:48 AM (2JVJo)
100
Hot Coffee!!!...the new SuperEgo...!!!
Posted by: Qmark at April 03, 2022 09:49 AM (emnp2)
101
Well writers have been doing the gender switcharoo for centuries. Oddly, now it's the men who are foolishly closed out of the market.
Posted by: CN The First at April 03, 2022 09:47 AM (ONvIw)
---
That's an excellent point! Many female authors adopted male pseudonyms or went by their initials to avoid being identifiable as female. Maybe the pendulum has swung back the other way...
Posted by: CN The First at April 03, 2022 09:47 AM (ONvIw)
---
That's an excellent point! Many female authors adopted male pseudonyms or went by their initials to avoid being identifiable as female. Maybe the pendulum has swung back the other way...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 03, 2022 09:50 AM (K5n5d)
102
Another story I had to write in High School was an obvious rip off of 2001 with a twist at the end. Again, the teacher was not impressed. I though it at least it made more sense than the movie.
Posted by: fd at April 03, 2022
***
Don't be surprised if your teacher was not impressed with SF or with anything outside the "literary" world. They are taught that Hemingway and the approved list of "good" writers are all there is. Anything outside that gets sniffed at. I too thought the ending of 2001 was confusing, unnecessarily so, and hated anything directed by Stanley Kubrick for years.
Posted by: fd at April 03, 2022
***
Don't be surprised if your teacher was not impressed with SF or with anything outside the "literary" world. They are taught that Hemingway and the approved list of "good" writers are all there is. Anything outside that gets sniffed at. I too thought the ending of 2001 was confusing, unnecessarily so, and hated anything directed by Stanley Kubrick for years.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at April 03, 2022 09:50 AM (c6xtn)
103
My wife watches several streaming shows that drive me out of the room. In one recent episode, a woman was bemoaning the fact that she was a virgin at 25. I remember when that would be a cause for pride, not pity.
Posted by: Weak Geek at April 03, 2022 09:43 AM (rYZAP)
---
The cultural ignorance of these people is also amazing. They do not know people who are religious or who were in the military, and it shows.
Posted by: Weak Geek at April 03, 2022 09:43 AM (rYZAP)
---
The cultural ignorance of these people is also amazing. They do not know people who are religious or who were in the military, and it shows.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 09:51 AM (llXky)
104
This week I finished So Brave, Young, And Handsome by Leif Enger. I read his first novel, Peace Like A River, several years ago and liked it. I liked this one, maybe not quite as much as his first, but worth the read.
Posted by: DIY Daddio at April 03, 2022 09:51 AM (RJscS)
105
Wasn't there a bit of a scandal a few years ago in Europe? Some book won an award and it turned out the "author", who had a female name, was actually three white dudes...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 03, 2022 09:36 AM (K5n5d)
It wasn't a 'book' it was a million EU award.
https://tinyurl.com/2p8p2kkn
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 03, 2022 09:36 AM (K5n5d)
It wasn't a 'book' it was a million EU award.
https://tinyurl.com/2p8p2kkn
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at April 03, 2022 09:51 AM (7Nl5T)
106
I normally spend all Sunday morning until church on the Book Thread, but life demands that I depart early. I have an errand to run, then I still have to drive home.
Have fun, everybody! I'll catch up this evening.
Have fun, everybody! I'll catch up this evening.
Posted by: Weak Geek at April 03, 2022 09:51 AM (rYZAP)
107
I had a box in the basement of Analog science fiction science fact and Alfred Hitchcocks Mystery mags from the mid 70's early 80's. Going to dig around to see if they survived. I googled and was surprised to see both mags are still up and running.
Posted by: x-ray jeff at April 03, 2022 09:51 AM (iQfO7)
108
Yay bookzzzz!
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at April 03, 2022 09:51 AM (lCui1)
109
That's an excellent point! Many female authors adopted male pseudonyms or went by their initials to avoid being identifiable as female. Maybe the pendulum has swung back the other way...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 03, 2022 09:50 AM (K5n5d)
---
Using initials, you say. Hmmm...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 03, 2022 09:50 AM (K5n5d)
---
Using initials, you say. Hmmm...
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 09:52 AM (llXky)
110
Texasville, by Larry McMurtry.
McMurtry is usally good, but this one is a sewer of psychobabble and basically everyone in town sleeping with everyone else in town.
McMurtry is usally good, but this one is a sewer of psychobabble and basically everyone in town sleeping with everyone else in town.
Posted by: Cappy at April 03, 2022 09:53 AM (b0jw/)
111
25 ... "I was engrossed in Canace Millard's recounting of Winston Churchill's South African jaunt, "Hero of the Empire", about Winnie's escape from a POW camp. It's also a fascinating story of the greatest military of the era fighting against a country with no standing army."
AHE, That was an excellent book. One of the better histories I've read. Good call.
AHE, That was an excellent book. One of the better histories I've read. Good call.
Posted by: JTB at April 03, 2022 09:53 AM (7EjX1)
112
About to start Senator Kennedy's book on Fauci
Also an Ilona Andrews novella Fated Blades
Also an Ilona Andrews novella Fated Blades
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at April 03, 2022 09:53 AM (lCui1)
113
104 This week I finished So Brave, Young, And Handsome by Leif Enger. I read his first novel, Peace Like A River, several years ago and liked it. I liked this one, maybe not quite as much as his first, but worth the read.
Posted by: DIY Daddio at April 03, 2022 09:51 AM (RJscS)
---
Those were both great. I see he has a newer novel, "Virgil Wander", which is now in my library queue.
Posted by: DIY Daddio at April 03, 2022 09:51 AM (RJscS)
---
Those were both great. I see he has a newer novel, "Virgil Wander", which is now in my library queue.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 03, 2022 09:54 AM (Dc2NZ)
114
I had a box in the basement of Analog science fiction science fact and Alfred Hitchcocks Mystery mags from the mid 70's early 80's. Going to dig around to see if they survived. I googled and was surprised to see both mags are still up and running.
Posted by: x-ray jeff at April 03, 2022
***
Some of those Analog issues might have stories by Larry Niven. "The Borderland of Sol" appeared there in about 1974-75. His early Known Space tales appeared in Worlds of If, the Fred Pohl-edited version, starting about 1965; but he appeared in Ben Bova's Analog quite a bit.
Posted by: x-ray jeff at April 03, 2022
***
Some of those Analog issues might have stories by Larry Niven. "The Borderland of Sol" appeared there in about 1974-75. His early Known Space tales appeared in Worlds of If, the Fred Pohl-edited version, starting about 1965; but he appeared in Ben Bova's Analog quite a bit.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at April 03, 2022 09:54 AM (c6xtn)
115
Here early for church and I am reading the NY Post. I guess that doesn't count. It did contain this nice story about a guy living in Liberia. An impoverished teenage taxi driver who found $50, 000 in a bag by the side of the road and gave it back to its owner last year has been rewarded for his honesty.
Emmanuel Tuloe , 19, who at age 9 had to leave school to earn a living , got a scholarship to Ricks Institute , where he is working to complete sixth grade. And Livingstone College in Salisbury, NC, is offering a him a full scholarship upon completion of high school. Tuloe says he wants to study accounting.
Emmanuel Tuloe , 19, who at age 9 had to leave school to earn a living , got a scholarship to Ricks Institute , where he is working to complete sixth grade. And Livingstone College in Salisbury, NC, is offering a him a full scholarship upon completion of high school. Tuloe says he wants to study accounting.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at April 03, 2022 09:54 AM (dhoHm)
116
I have a floor-to-ceiling set of shelves filled with nothing but books on Hitler and the Reich.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at April 03, 2022 09:48 AM (2JVJo)
{{MPPP}}
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at April 03, 2022 09:48 AM (2JVJo)
{{MPPP}}
Posted by: The Trappists at April 03, 2022 09:55 AM (EZebt)
117
Texasville, by Larry McMurtry.
McMurtry is usally good, but this one is a sewer of psychobabble and basically everyone in town sleeping with everyone else in town.
Posted by: Cappy at April 03, 2022
***
It's the sequel to Last Picture Show, I think. LM has the style quirk where he will switch viewpoint between characters, not in different scenes, but sometimes in the same paragraph. It's hard to know who is speaking/thinking.
McMurtry is usally good, but this one is a sewer of psychobabble and basically everyone in town sleeping with everyone else in town.
Posted by: Cappy at April 03, 2022
***
It's the sequel to Last Picture Show, I think. LM has the style quirk where he will switch viewpoint between characters, not in different scenes, but sometimes in the same paragraph. It's hard to know who is speaking/thinking.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at April 03, 2022 09:56 AM (c6xtn)
118
It's also a fascinating story of the greatest military of the era fighting against a country with no standing army."
Posted by: JTB at April 03, 2022 09:53 AM (7EjX1)
---
I'd argue that while Britain ruled the seas, the British Army was good but not great. The senior leadership was terrible.
Posted by: JTB at April 03, 2022 09:53 AM (7EjX1)
---
I'd argue that while Britain ruled the seas, the British Army was good but not great. The senior leadership was terrible.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 09:57 AM (llXky)
119
I like poems about a man from Nantucket.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I am not a biologist at April 03, 2022 09:58 AM (FVME7)
120
32 ... "David McDaniel "Man from UNCLE" adaptations, including "The Rainbow Affair,""
I remeber reading his Man From UNCLE series when they came out. I was a fan of the show. As I recall, they were damn good reads. Wonder what I would think of them now.
I remeber reading his Man From UNCLE series when they came out. I was a fan of the show. As I recall, they were damn good reads. Wonder what I would think of them now.
Posted by: JTB at April 03, 2022 09:59 AM (7EjX1)
121
bobby kennedy jr, yes he's an odd egg, if hamlet had gone into ngo's (ot the northman is supposed to be a grittier representation of the hamlet tale) was his father targeted by American deep staters, or like peter evans suggests, middle eastern interests, connected to aristotle onassis,
his research investigating fauci is quite prodigious, even if his conclusions may be off, in some way, a mad scientist moreau type, who presents himself as dr schweitzer,
his research investigating fauci is quite prodigious, even if his conclusions may be off, in some way, a mad scientist moreau type, who presents himself as dr schweitzer,
Posted by: no 6 at April 03, 2022 09:59 AM (hMlTh)
122
In regard to bad writing, I think too many TV writers are screaming about their experiences in high school. Just once I'd like to see a gym coach or a county sheriff portrayed as more than a drooling primate.
Posted by: Weak Geek a
Read Stuart Woods' first novel, Chiefs.
Excellent book !
Posted by: Weak Geek a
Read Stuart Woods' first novel, Chiefs.
Excellent book !
Posted by: JT at April 03, 2022 10:00 AM (arJlL)
123
Some of those Analog issues might have stories by Larry Niven. "The Borderland of Sol" appeared there in about 1974-75. His early Known Space tales appeared in Worlds of If, the Fred Pohl-edited version, starting about 1965; but he appeared in Ben Bova's Analog quite a bit.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
I haunted used book stores hunting for the Known Space tales as a yute. It led to everything N&P wrote as it was published.
Niven's Man-Kzin Wars series was good too.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
I haunted used book stores hunting for the Known Space tales as a yute. It led to everything N&P wrote as it was published.
Niven's Man-Kzin Wars series was good too.
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at April 03, 2022 10:00 AM (7Nl5T)
124
Maybe not book-related, but I enjoy the blog Illustration Art and if you scroll down at the link you can breeze through some great articles on Australian war artist Ivor Hele and the incomparable Mort Drucker of MAD Magazine.
http://illustrationart.blogspot.com/2005/
http://illustrationart.blogspot.com/2005/
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 03, 2022 10:00 AM (Dc2NZ)
125
Has Joe Biden written his "memoir"? Just curious.
Posted by: BignJames at April 03, 2022 09:09 AM (AwYPR)
He did, but he lost it....
Posted by: OrangeEnt
Tis a great loss.
Kamala was his ghost writer so it had great word salad.
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron
The Corn Pop chapter was like High Noon but more exciting.
Posted by: BignJames at April 03, 2022 09:09 AM (AwYPR)
He did, but he lost it....
Posted by: OrangeEnt
Tis a great loss.
Kamala was his ghost writer so it had great word salad.
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron
The Corn Pop chapter was like High Noon but more exciting.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I am not a biologist at April 03, 2022 10:01 AM (FVME7)
126
Except, in the case of the interminable Jane Austen continued crap that permeates chick lit. It was everywhere. Ugh.
=====
I swear that Austen created the modern novel. It doesn't matter the genre, her clarity and excruciatingly tight pacing and plotting changed everything.
=====
I swear that Austen created the modern novel. It doesn't matter the genre, her clarity and excruciatingly tight pacing and plotting changed everything.
Posted by: mustbequantum at April 03, 2022 10:03 AM (MIKMs)
127
Just for fun, and to shop my own library, I'm rereading David Crawford's doorstop "Lights Out", about a suburban family's struggle to survive after an EMP goes off over much of . It's been ages since I read it and I can't remember that much, so it's like a new book. More of a manual in story form.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 03, 2022 10:03 AM (Dc2NZ)
128
Wasn't there a bit of a scandal a few years ago in Europe? Some book won an award and it turned out the "author", who had a female name, was actually three white dudes...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 03, 2022 09:36 AM (K5n5d)
Spanish crime thriller writer "Carmen Mola" turned out to be Agustin Martinez, Jorge Diaz and Antonio Mercero. The 2021 Planeta prize was worth a cool million euros.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 03, 2022 09:36 AM (K5n5d)
Spanish crime thriller writer "Carmen Mola" turned out to be Agustin Martinez, Jorge Diaz and Antonio Mercero. The 2021 Planeta prize was worth a cool million euros.
Posted by: cool breeze at April 03, 2022 10:04 AM (UGKMd)
129
118 ... "I'd argue that while Britain ruled the seas, the British Army was good but not great. The senior leadership was terrible."
I'm no expert on the matter or the time but I agree. From my reading about WW I, I think the British generals should have been tried for murder. Makes it very difficult to read about that war without my blood pressure going sky high.
I'm no expert on the matter or the time but I agree. From my reading about WW I, I think the British generals should have been tried for murder. Makes it very difficult to read about that war without my blood pressure going sky high.
Posted by: JTB at April 03, 2022 10:04 AM (7EjX1)
130
I swear that Austen created the modern novel. It doesn't matter the genre, her clarity and excruciatingly tight pacing and plotting changed everything.
Posted by: mustbequantum at April 03, 2022 10:03 AM (MIKMs)
Were it just the pacing and plotting, I wouldn't mind, it's the lifting of plots and characters and situations that piss me off. Let her novels stand alone and stop the literary grave robbing. The guy makes a good point in using your own life and loves and longings to create stories.
Posted by: mustbequantum at April 03, 2022 10:03 AM (MIKMs)
Were it just the pacing and plotting, I wouldn't mind, it's the lifting of plots and characters and situations that piss me off. Let her novels stand alone and stop the literary grave robbing. The guy makes a good point in using your own life and loves and longings to create stories.
Posted by: CN The First at April 03, 2022 10:08 AM (ONvIw)
131
For whatever reason, I had a hard time making any reading progress last week nor am I doing any better articulating why that was. Hopefully this week will be better...
Posted by: Captain Hate won't forget Michael Byrd Murdered Ashli Babbitt at April 03, 2022 10:08 AM (y7DUB)
132
I remeber reading his Man From UNCLE series when they came out. I was a fan of the show. As I recall, they were damn good reads. Wonder what I would think of them now.
Posted by: JTB at April 03, 2022
***
I'd rate them pretty highly. He was an SF writer and fan first, and his stuff is always entertaining. I'd rate them like this:
1: Monster Wheel (no.
; 2, Utopia (no. 15); 3, Rainbow (no. 13); 4, Dagger and Vampire (nos. 4 and 6); and Hollow Crown (no. 17).
Posted by: JTB at April 03, 2022
***
I'd rate them pretty highly. He was an SF writer and fan first, and his stuff is always entertaining. I'd rate them like this:
1: Monster Wheel (no.
; 2, Utopia (no. 15); 3, Rainbow (no. 13); 4, Dagger and Vampire (nos. 4 and 6); and Hollow Crown (no. 17). Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at April 03, 2022 10:08 AM (c6xtn)
133
I'm reading "The Jewish Wars" by Josephus, a Jew who was later made a Roman citizen. Perhaps the only writer (of a surviving work) that produced the story of the destruction of Jerusalem (C.E.70) and later, the conquest of all of Judea.
Originally written in Aramaic, later, Greek.
He seems to tilt Roman.
Originally written in Aramaic, later, Greek.
He seems to tilt Roman.
Posted by: gourmand du jour at April 03, 2022 10:09 AM (jTmQV)
Posted by: JT at April 03, 2022 10:10 AM (arJlL)
135
Haig French Hamilton, apprenticed in the Sudan and later the Boer war, where they faced lesser degrees of opposition,
this brings me to Kingsman, which is an origin story with Ralph Fiennes as a Duke who fought in the Sandbox, strong suggestions he was in the Sudan, a tragic event in the Boer war drives him to prevent the next war, but there is an antagonist who blofeld like is setting the kindling for the next one,
this brings me to Kingsman, which is an origin story with Ralph Fiennes as a Duke who fought in the Sandbox, strong suggestions he was in the Sudan, a tragic event in the Boer war drives him to prevent the next war, but there is an antagonist who blofeld like is setting the kindling for the next one,
Posted by: no 6 at April 03, 2022 10:10 AM (hMlTh)
136
McDaniel's Monster Wheel was No. 8 in the series.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at April 03, 2022 10:11 AM (c6xtn)
137
Kamala was his ghost writer so it had great word salad.
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron
Kampala writes, speaks, and thinks in blank verse which doesn't rhyme or make sense.
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron
Kampala writes, speaks, and thinks in blank verse which doesn't rhyme or make sense.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I am not a biologist at April 03, 2022 10:11 AM (FVME7)
138
Greetings:
In the Bronx, in the House that Ruth didn't build, the official might become the Holey Roamin Umpire, no ?
In the Bronx, in the House that Ruth didn't build, the official might become the Holey Roamin Umpire, no ?
Posted by: 11B40 at April 03, 2022 10:11 AM (uuklp)
139
The thrift stores here usually have a small selection of used books as well as CDs, DVDs, and even VHS tapes. The books are almost all recent publications, hardcover "mysteries" and the like. Rarely do I see something I want to take home.
I am not aware of any real "used book" stores here. I'd be pleased to be wrong.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at April 03, 2022 09:23 AM (c6xtn)
I have noticed that here, too. Big problem with thrift store books is winnowing the wheat from the chaff. Few of them make any effort at cataloging. And it's hard enough to read author/title off the spines of books shelved at eye level, let alone at knee level or below.
My humble proposal: "ThriftNet Lit". A company that would provide thrift shops with an automated catalog system, and an internet portal to sell books. Store clerks could scan books by taking cover pictures with a smartphone, and upload them to the store's ThriftNet computer (a laptop or desktop with decent storage), where software could use OCR to read the author, title, and LOC number if present. If the software fails to recognize either author or title, the book could be flagged for manual entry to the system. 1/2
I am not aware of any real "used book" stores here. I'd be pleased to be wrong.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at April 03, 2022 09:23 AM (c6xtn)
I have noticed that here, too. Big problem with thrift store books is winnowing the wheat from the chaff. Few of them make any effort at cataloging. And it's hard enough to read author/title off the spines of books shelved at eye level, let alone at knee level or below.
My humble proposal: "ThriftNet Lit". A company that would provide thrift shops with an automated catalog system, and an internet portal to sell books. Store clerks could scan books by taking cover pictures with a smartphone, and upload them to the store's ThriftNet computer (a laptop or desktop with decent storage), where software could use OCR to read the author, title, and LOC number if present. If the software fails to recognize either author or title, the book could be flagged for manual entry to the system. 1/2
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 03, 2022 10:12 AM (P3gRi)
140
but Josephus gives some of the only contemporary evidence of Jesus presence, along with Tacitus, which isn't surprising as Jerusalem was a backwater like Tattoine,
Posted by: no 6 at April 03, 2022 10:13 AM (hMlTh)
141
I agree that way too many modern writers are not writing life. They have substituted taking classes for living a real life. They especially don't talk to real people who aren't like themselves. Louis L'Amour is a great example of living real life as prep for writing, but many older authors had done *something* along with writing and had at the very least made a point of meeting lots of different types of people.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 03, 2022 10:13 AM (nC+QA)
142
/monk sock off
Posted by: San Franpsycho at April 03, 2022 10:13 AM (EZebt)
143
Bonjour,
Now reading "Babbit" (Lewis doesn't like any of his characters as far as I can tell, so why should I? I will tentatively make an exception for Paul Reisling) Started "The Disappearing Spoon" that was recommended here. Bravo morons! I'm really enjoying this one. Also into "The Man Who Was Thursday", it's OK so far (I'm about halfway through).
Now reading "Babbit" (Lewis doesn't like any of his characters as far as I can tell, so why should I? I will tentatively make an exception for Paul Reisling) Started "The Disappearing Spoon" that was recommended here. Bravo morons! I'm really enjoying this one. Also into "The Man Who Was Thursday", it's OK so far (I'm about halfway through).
Posted by: who knew at April 03, 2022 10:13 AM (4I7VG)
144
Nyah
Posted by: Anna Puma at April 03, 2022 10:14 AM (C/g8L)
145
CN The First
How's your book coming along ?
Posted by: JT at April 03, 2022 10:10 AM (arJlL)
There is no book. I am really rather hesitant to adapt stories from the psychiatric hospital, despite the availability of real crises, villains, and heros, and plot twists galore. I would always feel that I abused my role in their lives, be they patients or staff members.
How's your book coming along ?
Posted by: JT at April 03, 2022 10:10 AM (arJlL)
There is no book. I am really rather hesitant to adapt stories from the psychiatric hospital, despite the availability of real crises, villains, and heros, and plot twists galore. I would always feel that I abused my role in their lives, be they patients or staff members.
Posted by: CN The First at April 03, 2022 10:14 AM (ONvIw)
Posted by: JT at April 03, 2022 10:14 AM (arJlL)
147
he illustrates the example of a colonized underarmed people fighting against a great leviathan, (spoiler it doesn't go well)
Jesus warned that uprising which was what the sicarii wanted was disastrous,
Jesus warned that uprising which was what the sicarii wanted was disastrous,
Posted by: no 6 at April 03, 2022 10:15 AM (hMlTh)
148
I'm reading "The Jewish Wars" by Josephus, a Jew who was later made a Roman citizen. Perhaps the only writer (of a surviving work) that produced the story of the destruction of Jerusalem (C.E.70) and later, the conquest of all of Judea.
Originally written in Aramaic, later, Greek.
He seems to tilt Roman.
Posted by: gourmand du jour at April 03, 2022 10:09 AM (jTmQV)
Hey, Josephus!!!
Originally written in Aramaic, later, Greek.
He seems to tilt Roman.
Posted by: gourmand du jour at April 03, 2022 10:09 AM (jTmQV)
Hey, Josephus!!!
Posted by: Oedipus at April 03, 2022 10:15 AM (7bRMQ)
149
Spanish crime thriller writer "Carmen Mola" turned out to be Agustin Martinez, Jorge Diaz and Antonio Mercero. The 2021 Planeta prize was worth a cool million euros.
Posted by: cool breeze at April 03, 2022 10:04 AM (UGKMd)
---
Interesting choice of name. IIRC Carmen was Franco's daughter and of course General Mola was a serious rival for Nationalist leadership until his plane crash.
Posted by: cool breeze at April 03, 2022 10:04 AM (UGKMd)
---
Interesting choice of name. IIRC Carmen was Franco's daughter and of course General Mola was a serious rival for Nationalist leadership until his plane crash.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 10:15 AM (llXky)
150
Excerpt from yesterday 1944 from my dad's WWII journal:
2 Apr.
'Mechanical Joe' has put in his appearance. An SP of sorts that shoots about a hundred rounds in a very few minutes. So far he hasn't hit anything or anybody. But he is hard on nerves -- especially of the CB section. People call from everywhere wondering why we can't stop him.
Dad's job was Field Artillery, counterbattery (CB), tasked with trying to suppress or eliminate German artillery units deployed againnst the Allied beachhead at Anzio. In this case, a particular self-propelled (SP) field piece was sporadically harassing the various units along the beachhead, although without much actual damage. During the months of Sitzkrieg at Anzio, the more notorious railroad guns (Anzio Annie) similarly caused more psychological impact than physical, with the sporadic and infrequent incoming shells sounding like a freight train approaching.
2 Apr.
'Mechanical Joe' has put in his appearance. An SP of sorts that shoots about a hundred rounds in a very few minutes. So far he hasn't hit anything or anybody. But he is hard on nerves -- especially of the CB section. People call from everywhere wondering why we can't stop him.
Dad's job was Field Artillery, counterbattery (CB), tasked with trying to suppress or eliminate German artillery units deployed againnst the Allied beachhead at Anzio. In this case, a particular self-propelled (SP) field piece was sporadically harassing the various units along the beachhead, although without much actual damage. During the months of Sitzkrieg at Anzio, the more notorious railroad guns (Anzio Annie) similarly caused more psychological impact than physical, with the sporadic and infrequent incoming shells sounding like a freight train approaching.
Posted by: Muldoon at April 03, 2022 10:16 AM (m45I2)
151
CN The First
How's your book coming along ?
Posted by: JT at April 03, 2022 10:10 AM (arJlL)
There is no book. I am really rather hesitant to adapt stories from the psychiatric hospital, despite the availability of real crises, villains, and heros, and plot twists galore. I would always feel that I abused my role in their lives, be they patients or staff members.
Posted by: CN The First
Yer killin' me !
How's your book coming along ?
Posted by: JT at April 03, 2022 10:10 AM (arJlL)
There is no book. I am really rather hesitant to adapt stories from the psychiatric hospital, despite the availability of real crises, villains, and heros, and plot twists galore. I would always feel that I abused my role in their lives, be they patients or staff members.
Posted by: CN The First
Yer killin' me !
Posted by: JT at April 03, 2022 10:16 AM (arJlL)
152
I am glad that Leif Enger has a new book out, I enjoy his writing. I read all of the Dortmunder books by Donald Westlake and I found them to be easy and amusing lighthearted books. I finally got to our brand new town library this week, it is a gorgeous light filled space, I hope to make weekly visits.
Posted by: Debby Doberman Schultz at April 03, 2022 10:17 AM (a4EWo)
153
One of those Joplin shops is called The Book Guy -- I don't get into Joplin as much as I'd like, but when I do I make it a point to stop there. Nice shop, friendly staff, and I always find something. If you're passing through and have a little time, check it out.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at April 03, 2022 10:19 AM (JzDjf)
154
I'm a sucker for King James/Shakespeare style English so I quite enjoyed Alexander Pope's verse translations of the Iliad and the Odessy. Incidentally, that was also a scandal. It was said that he made his students do a lot of the actual work on the Odessy.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I am not a biologist at April 03, 2022 10:19 AM (FVME7)
155
There is no book. I am really rather hesitant to adapt stories from the psychiatric hospital, despite the availability of real crises, villains, and heros, and plot twists galore. I would always feel that I abused my role in their lives, be they patients or staff members.
Posted by: CN The First at April 03, 2022 10:14 AM (ONvIw)
---
I think it comes down to how you approach the topic. If you treat the characters respectfully and use the stories to help people understand what it is going on, that's a good thing.
Pat Conroy famously used his family as the raw material for his novels, which caused them to draw away from him. His mother said she couldn't talk to him about anything because it would end up in his next book.
So long as you change enough things, who will know? To avoid people trying to figure out real-world people at Deepwater Horizon, I randomly assigned names to characters using MSU buildings and East Lansing streets as my pool.
Posted by: CN The First at April 03, 2022 10:14 AM (ONvIw)
---
I think it comes down to how you approach the topic. If you treat the characters respectfully and use the stories to help people understand what it is going on, that's a good thing.
Pat Conroy famously used his family as the raw material for his novels, which caused them to draw away from him. His mother said she couldn't talk to him about anything because it would end up in his next book.
So long as you change enough things, who will know? To avoid people trying to figure out real-world people at Deepwater Horizon, I randomly assigned names to characters using MSU buildings and East Lansing streets as my pool.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 10:19 AM (llXky)
156
Taxes and rent are a big part of the loss of used bookstores. The credit system was great for me as a kid, but the owner couldn't pay taxes with book credit and (if they don't own the site) the landlord isn't impressed since he can't pay *his* taxes with it.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 03, 2022 10:19 AM (nC+QA)
157
I'm no expert on the matter or the time but I agree. From my reading about WW I, I think the British generals should have been tried for murder. Makes it very difficult to read about that war without my blood pressure going sky high.
Posted by: JTB at April 03, 2022 10:04 AM (7EjX1)
Infantry warfare was supposed to be one of feint, movement and encirclement. It was conceived to depend on mobility backed by precision bombardment.
When it became trench warfare it became two opponents stuck knee deep in mud beating each other with clubs.
Posted by: JTB at April 03, 2022 10:04 AM (7EjX1)
Infantry warfare was supposed to be one of feint, movement and encirclement. It was conceived to depend on mobility backed by precision bombardment.
When it became trench warfare it became two opponents stuck knee deep in mud beating each other with clubs.
Posted by: Kindltot at April 03, 2022 10:20 AM (xhaym)
158
The Masterpiece show i'm watching on PBS currently is based on a unfinished Jane Austen novel they say, Sanditon. I have't looked to see who finished it, I don't really care. I've been watching the series for years and years. Frankly, i'm enjoying this one mainly because of the actress who plays the lead, a very cute and boobalicious gal if I may say.
Posted by: Tinfoilbaby at April 03, 2022 10:20 AM (fvJFK)
159
On YouTube is a series called Film Courage, one man interviewed was a producer of small budget films.
He says writers need to listen. That some of the best lines come from meeting people. Not from some convoluted concept of how people talk.
He says writers need to listen. That some of the best lines come from meeting people. Not from some convoluted concept of how people talk.
Posted by: Anna Puma at April 03, 2022 10:20 AM (C/g8L)
Posted by: JT at April 03, 2022 10:21 AM (arJlL)
161
Okay, I'm gonna stick my neck out here, even with my slobbering adoration of the Squirrel;
How about using 'Perfesser' rather than 'Perfessor'?
(Head down in submission.)
How about using 'Perfesser' rather than 'Perfessor'?
(Head down in submission.)
Posted by: mustbequantum at April 03, 2022 10:21 AM (MIKMs)
162
Yer killin' me !
Posted by: JT at April 03, 2022 10:16 AM (arJlL)
I wish I had lower standard for this sort of thing, because I've seen some amazing stuff over a long career. I'm not sure how a writer would take confidential information and turn it into a book.
It's one thing for Agatha Christie to take Gener Tierney's tragedy and spin it into a revenge murder, but I don't have the gift of altering stories enough to do that. I'm sure Tierney was a bit hurt, though, to have her story novelized like that. I never read that Christie worried about Gene's trauma.
Posted by: JT at April 03, 2022 10:16 AM (arJlL)
I wish I had lower standard for this sort of thing, because I've seen some amazing stuff over a long career. I'm not sure how a writer would take confidential information and turn it into a book.
It's one thing for Agatha Christie to take Gener Tierney's tragedy and spin it into a revenge murder, but I don't have the gift of altering stories enough to do that. I'm sure Tierney was a bit hurt, though, to have her story novelized like that. I never read that Christie worried about Gene's trauma.
Posted by: CN The First at April 03, 2022 10:22 AM (ONvIw)
163
He will be referred to as the Wholly Roamin' Umpire.
Posted by: Muldoon
She, not he. Gender equity. And don't you dare tell her where to stand.
Posted by: Muldoon
She, not he. Gender equity. And don't you dare tell her where to stand.
Posted by: SFGoth at April 03, 2022 10:22 AM (KAi1n)
164
2/2 A printer linked to the ThriftNet computer would spit out bar code stickers bearing the store's local stock number, simply as an aid to local stocking. As the name implies, ThriftNet members would all be linked, so that a buyer in North Dakota could see books on offer at a Goodwill in Baton Rouge, or simply type in a request for author-title, and have it filled from wherever it might be stocked.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at April 03, 2022 10:22 AM (P3gRi)
165
But BIG problem!! Remember how I was looking for the rest of the SPQR Mysteries to read. The bigger library had them listed as ebooks but not currently subscribed to or something, but they let me put them on hold anyway. Today suddenly I have 6 of them ready to borrow!
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at April 03, 2022 10:23 AM (lCui1)
166
On YouTube is a series called Film Courage, one man interviewed was a producer of small budget films.
He says writers need to listen. That some of the best lines come from meeting people. Not from some convoluted concept of how people talk.
---
That's a great YouTube channel! I recommended it to a coworker of mine who is a film producer.
And yes, listening to people is always excellent advice.
He says writers need to listen. That some of the best lines come from meeting people. Not from some convoluted concept of how people talk.
---
That's a great YouTube channel! I recommended it to a coworker of mine who is a film producer.
And yes, listening to people is always excellent advice.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 03, 2022 10:23 AM (K5n5d)
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at April 03, 2022 10:23 AM (pNxlR)
168
CN the First
There is a Midsommer Murders episode that centers around the realization a psychiatrist violated confidentiality to write a best selling novel.
There is a Midsommer Murders episode that centers around the realization a psychiatrist violated confidentiality to write a best selling novel.
Posted by: Anna Puma at April 03, 2022 10:24 AM (C/g8L)
169
Silverfish hardest hit!
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot:
I used to play with silverfish when I was a kid. Gross little alien things.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot:
I used to play with silverfish when I was a kid. Gross little alien things.
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at April 03, 2022 10:24 AM (lCui1)
170
Perfesser -
Thanks for continuing The Book Thread; you're doing an EXCELLENT job !
Posted by: JT at April 03, 2022 10:21 AM (arJlL)
---
Thank you!
Thanks for continuing The Book Thread; you're doing an EXCELLENT job !
Posted by: JT at April 03, 2022 10:21 AM (arJlL)
---
Thank you!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 03, 2022 10:24 AM (K5n5d)
171
I'm no expert on the matter or the time but I agree. From my reading about WW I, I think the British generals should have been tried for murder. Makes it very difficult to read about that war without my blood pressure going sky high.
Posted by: JTB at April 03, 2022 10:04 AM (7EjX1)
---
In The World Crisis, Churchill sought to clear his name over the Dardanelles campaign. He made a point which I don't think has ever been refuted which was simply this: until new weapons and tactics were developed, attacking the Western Front was suicide. It didn't matter how many divisions were packed in, a breakthrough was impossible.
The solution was therefore to use Allied maritime power to attack the periphery of the Central Powers. If you wargame WW I on the strategic scale, this is a very effective Allied strategy.
Posted by: JTB at April 03, 2022 10:04 AM (7EjX1)
---
In The World Crisis, Churchill sought to clear his name over the Dardanelles campaign. He made a point which I don't think has ever been refuted which was simply this: until new weapons and tactics were developed, attacking the Western Front was suicide. It didn't matter how many divisions were packed in, a breakthrough was impossible.
The solution was therefore to use Allied maritime power to attack the periphery of the Central Powers. If you wargame WW I on the strategic scale, this is a very effective Allied strategy.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 10:24 AM (llXky)
172
Off to experience real life! I'll check in later and see if any fights broke out.
Thanks again for another great Book Thread, Perfessor!
*scritches Slappy behind the ears*
Thanks again for another great Book Thread, Perfessor!
*scritches Slappy behind the ears*
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 03, 2022 10:24 AM (Dc2NZ)
173
What did you all think of this survey exercise?
********
I'll bite. It seems a little too much like homework for my taste. I prefer the more unstructured flow of discussion that arises organically, sometimes (or always?) in unexpected directions. YMMV.
********
I'll bite. It seems a little too much like homework for my taste. I prefer the more unstructured flow of discussion that arises organically, sometimes (or always?) in unexpected directions. YMMV.
Posted by: Muldoon at April 03, 2022 10:24 AM (m45I2)
174
The video in the post about poor writing was timely. Just yesterday I watched an episode of Have Gun Will Travel from the late 50s. The script was literate, philosophical, still had humor, and this was all done in a thirty minute show. (It helps that the acting was excellent.) And this was a popular western, not some lecture only to be appreciated by an erudite audience.
There is a reason I don't watch any new show on broadcast TV. For my taste, the two best written shows in the last twenty years were the A and E Nero Wolfe series (cancelled) and the Leverage series (cancelled).
There is a reason I don't watch any new show on broadcast TV. For my taste, the two best written shows in the last twenty years were the A and E Nero Wolfe series (cancelled) and the Leverage series (cancelled).
Posted by: JTB at April 03, 2022 10:24 AM (7EjX1)
175
He will be referred to as the Wholly Roamin' Umpire.
Posted by: Muldoon
She, not he. Gender equity. And don't you dare tell her where to stand.
Posted by: SFGoth at April 03, 2022 10:22 AM (KAi1n)
Not laughing...I believe it.
Posted by: Muldoon
She, not he. Gender equity. And don't you dare tell her where to stand.
Posted by: SFGoth at April 03, 2022 10:22 AM (KAi1n)
Not laughing...I believe it.
Posted by: BignJames at April 03, 2022 10:25 AM (AwYPR)
176
I meant Huggy!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at April 03, 2022 10:25 AM (Dc2NZ)
177
Has Joe Biden written his "memoir"? Just curious.
Posted by: BignJames
If collages in finger paints, paste, and crayon count, then, "yes".
Has Joe Biden written his "memoir"? Just curious.
Posted by: BignJames
If collages in finger paints, paste, and crayon count, then, "yes".
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at April 03, 2022 10:26 AM (pNxlR)
178
Does the Third Reich collection have the story "Weinachtsabend" by Keith Roberts? 'Tis one of the best of the genre. Or is it not an anthology?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
No. This is spec writing per the editor's request. Not an anthology.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
No. This is spec writing per the editor's request. Not an anthology.
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at April 03, 2022 10:26 AM (u82oZ)
179
I agree that way too many modern writers are not writing life.
-
It's a hate crime to allow any truth into contemporary writing.
-
It's a hate crime to allow any truth into contemporary writing.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I am not a biologist at April 03, 2022 10:26 AM (FVME7)
180
As the name implies, ThriftNet members would all be linked, so that a buyer in North Dakota could see books on offer at a Goodwill in Baton Rouge, or simply type in a request for author-title, and have it filled from wherever it might be stocked.
=====
The Panopticon.
=====
The Panopticon.
Posted by: mustbequantum at April 03, 2022 10:27 AM (MIKMs)
181
What did you all think of this survey exercise?
***
I looked at question one and didn't see my answer so of course now I hate it.
***
I looked at question one and didn't see my answer so of course now I hate it.
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at April 03, 2022 10:27 AM (lCui1)
182
this brings me to Kingsman, which is an origin story with Ralph Fiennes as a Duke who fought in the Sandbox, strong suggestions he was in the Sudan, a tragic event in the Boer war drives him to prevent the next war, but there is an antagonist who blofeld like is setting the kindling for the next one,
Posted by: no 6 at April 03, 2022 10:10 AM (hMlTh)
This is the plot of the Sherlock Holmes movie, The Game of Shadows, with Moriarty trying to start a European war to sell munitions.
this brings me to Kingsman, which is an origin story with Ralph Fiennes as a Duke who fought in the Sandbox, strong suggestions he was in the Sudan, a tragic event in the Boer war drives him to prevent the next war, but there is an antagonist who blofeld like is setting the kindling for the next one,
Posted by: no 6 at April 03, 2022 10:10 AM (hMlTh)
This is the plot of the Sherlock Holmes movie, The Game of Shadows, with Moriarty trying to start a European war to sell munitions.
Posted by: Kindltot at April 03, 2022 10:28 AM (xhaym)
183
It seems a little too much like homework for my taste.
Tell the "Perfessor" that your dog ate yours.
Jeez, did no one here retain the litany of school excuses from your ill-spent youth?
It seems a little too much like homework for my taste.
Tell the "Perfessor" that your dog ate yours.
Jeez, did no one here retain the litany of school excuses from your ill-spent youth?
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at April 03, 2022 10:28 AM (pNxlR)
184
I've gone back to my younger days and purchased the World Almanac to read. If you think my Cliff Clavin trivia was annoying before you may want to skip my future posts.
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 03, 2022 10:28 AM (g0IDt)
185
Sean Spicer wears those pants when he wants to get Lucky.
Posted by: He's Magically Delicious! at April 03, 2022 10:29 AM (vrz2I)
186
So long as you change enough things, who will know? To avoid people trying to figure out real-world people at Deepwater Horizon, I randomly assigned names to characters using MSU buildings and East Lansing streets as my pool.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 10:19 AM (llXky)
I don't know, but it's worrisome anyway. Some of the people I worked with were either sufficiently dangerous or sufficiently fragile that I'd be concerned.
I think it would be OK if it was no recognizable, but if you change enough of the story, it's not the story. People are also very litigious. Perhaps that partially addresses why so many don't use their own lives, but will choose a pre-created cast.
Years ago Joyce Carol Oates was locally pilloried for adapting a tragedy that occurred at the College of NJ. Maybe it was just too soon, and the community's loss too fresh.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 10:19 AM (llXky)
I don't know, but it's worrisome anyway. Some of the people I worked with were either sufficiently dangerous or sufficiently fragile that I'd be concerned.
I think it would be OK if it was no recognizable, but if you change enough of the story, it's not the story. People are also very litigious. Perhaps that partially addresses why so many don't use their own lives, but will choose a pre-created cast.
Years ago Joyce Carol Oates was locally pilloried for adapting a tragedy that occurred at the College of NJ. Maybe it was just too soon, and the community's loss too fresh.
Posted by: CN The First at April 03, 2022 10:29 AM (ONvIw)
187
OK, folks, going to make a cup of tea, take a nap and try to forget this weekend ever happened.
Hope you all have a lovely day.
Hope you all have a lovely day.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at April 03, 2022 10:29 AM (2JVJo)
188
I wish I had lower standard for this sort of thing, because I've seen some amazing stuff over a long career. I'm not sure how a writer would take confidential information and turn it into a book.
It's one thing for Agatha Christie to take Gener Tierney's tragedy and spin it into a revenge murder, but I don't have the gift of altering stories enough to do that. I'm sure Tierney was a bit hurt, though, to have her story novelized like that. I never read that Christie worried about Gene's trauma.
Posted by: CN The First at April 03, 2022 10:22 AM (ONvIw)
---
Move the setting. Create a pastiche fictional hospital in a fictional town. Alter the supporting characters and of course change the time of the events (if it happened in 85, set it in 82, etc.).
The question you have to ask is how many people will be able to penetrate the layers and know what was real, and what was added in. Obviously, using older material also makes it harder for anyone to know.
It's one thing for Agatha Christie to take Gener Tierney's tragedy and spin it into a revenge murder, but I don't have the gift of altering stories enough to do that. I'm sure Tierney was a bit hurt, though, to have her story novelized like that. I never read that Christie worried about Gene's trauma.
Posted by: CN The First at April 03, 2022 10:22 AM (ONvIw)
---
Move the setting. Create a pastiche fictional hospital in a fictional town. Alter the supporting characters and of course change the time of the events (if it happened in 85, set it in 82, etc.).
The question you have to ask is how many people will be able to penetrate the layers and know what was real, and what was added in. Obviously, using older material also makes it harder for anyone to know.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 10:29 AM (llXky)
189
There is a Midsommer Murders episode that centers around the realization a psychiatrist violated confidentiality to write a best selling novel.
Posted by: Anna Puma at April 03, 2022 10:24 AM (C/g8L)
Was the author murdered? Which episode?
Posted by: Anna Puma at April 03, 2022 10:24 AM (C/g8L)
Was the author murdered? Which episode?
Posted by: CN The First at April 03, 2022 10:30 AM (ONvIw)
190
I am so-so on Sherlockian pastiches, but I did like Michael Kurland's Moriarty books, where Moriarty has become a "consulting criminal mastermind" to fund his mathematical and experimental physics researches which from the text appears to be research in to relativity
Posted by: Kindltot at April 03, 2022 10:30 AM (xhaym)
191
Sean Spicer wears those pants when he wants to get Lucky.
Posted by: He's Magically Delicious! at April 03, 2022 10:29 AM (vrz2I)
Who he?
Posted by: He's Magically Delicious! at April 03, 2022 10:29 AM (vrz2I)
Who he?
Posted by: BignJames at April 03, 2022 10:30 AM (AwYPR)
192
There is a reason I don't watch any new show on broadcast TV. For my taste, the two best written shows in the last twenty years were the A and E Nero Wolfe series (cancelled) and the Leverage series (cancelled).
=====
Warehouse 13 is enjoyable. Don't know where it was aired first, but I found it on Imdb.
=====
Warehouse 13 is enjoyable. Don't know where it was aired first, but I found it on Imdb.
Posted by: mustbequantum at April 03, 2022 10:31 AM (MIKMs)
193
I am really rather hesitant to adapt stories from the psychiatric hospital, despite the availability of real crises, villains, and heros, and plot twists galore. I would always feel that I abused my role in their lives, be they patients or staff members.
Posted by: CN The First at April 03, 2022 10:14 AM
File off the serial numbers, chop up then mix and match?
CN's Literary Chop Shop of Life & Lunacy
Posted by: CN The First at April 03, 2022 10:14 AM
File off the serial numbers, chop up then mix and match?
CN's Literary Chop Shop of Life & Lunacy
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at April 03, 2022 10:31 AM (lCui1)
194
The question you have to ask is how many people will be able to penetrate the layers and know what was real, and what was added in. Obviously, using older material also makes it harder for anyone to know.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 10:29 AM (llXky
Thanks. Maybe I could even turn myself into a gay guy, LOL.
The question you have to ask is how many people will be able to penetrate the layers and know what was real, and what was added in. Obviously, using older material also makes it harder for anyone to know.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 10:29 AM (llXky
Thanks. Maybe I could even turn myself into a gay guy, LOL.
Posted by: CN The First at April 03, 2022 10:31 AM (ONvIw)
195
In The World Crisis, Churchill sought to clear his name over the Dardanelles campaign.
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I think the plan itself was valid. It's in its execution that tragedy arose.
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I think the plan itself was valid. It's in its execution that tragedy arose.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I am not a biologist at April 03, 2022 10:31 AM (FVME7)
196
Warehouse 13 is enjoyable. Don't know where it was aired first, but I found it on Imdb.
Posted by: mustbequantum at April 03, 2022 10:31 AM (MIKMs)
We love that show. Also Eureka.
Posted by: mustbequantum at April 03, 2022 10:31 AM (MIKMs)
We love that show. Also Eureka.
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at April 03, 2022 10:32 AM (lCui1)
Posted by: Sean Spicy at April 03, 2022 10:32 AM (vrz2I)
198
yes I recall, there are echoes of nicholas meyers 7 percent solution, where the real villain was a thinly disguised kaiser wilhelm trying to start the war about 15 years early,
now the real villains were vickers the british firm, that flemings parents worked for, and bluhm and voss, the german firm, that fitted the Russian navy, now they are big into yachts, sidney reilly arranged to be an agent for the latter, against vickers zaharoff,
now the real villains were vickers the british firm, that flemings parents worked for, and bluhm and voss, the german firm, that fitted the Russian navy, now they are big into yachts, sidney reilly arranged to be an agent for the latter, against vickers zaharoff,
Posted by: no 6 at April 03, 2022 10:33 AM (hMlTh)
199
FInished off Out of the Silent Planet, a brilliant sci fi book in which CS Lewis shows off not just his linguistic and philosophical chops, but his scientific acumen. Its both the most bleakly and disturbingly realistic and fantastical story at the same time. I started the second book Perelandra and its one of the best horror stories I've ever read for the first chapter, where the spirits of earth try to keep the narrator from going to a house.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 03, 2022 10:33 AM (KZzsI)
200
Been re-reading some Tom Wolfe essays lately. Great stuff. If you look at things he wrote in the 1990s he was dead-on at predicting the world of the 2020s.
Posted by: Trimegistus at April 03, 2022 10:33 AM (QZxDR)
201
In our little village we have a Barnes & Noble, not my favorite, a Half Price Books, my favorite, and a little used book place, The Pea Picker. I have a library card but enjoy bookstores more. Sometimes I go past my ability to stand and left leg gets numb. This morning it's not numb but instead hurts like bejabbers. The book I'm currently reading, The Westminster Confession of Faith and Catechisms.
Posted by: Eromero at April 03, 2022 10:35 AM (0OP+5)
202
File off the serial numbers, chop up then mix and match?
CN's Literary Chop Shop of Life & Lunacy
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at April 03, 2022 10:31 AM (lCui1)
----
I would probably read that!
CN's Literary Chop Shop of Life & Lunacy
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at April 03, 2022 10:31 AM (lCui1)
----
I would probably read that!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 03, 2022 10:35 AM (K5n5d)
Posted by: andycanuck (UHVv4) at April 03, 2022 10:35 AM (UHVv4)
204
It's one thing for Agatha Christie to take Gener Tierney's tragedy and spin it
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Murder On the Orient Express was clearly based on the Lindbergh kidnapping.
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Murder On the Orient Express was clearly based on the Lindbergh kidnapping.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I am not a biologist at April 03, 2022 10:36 AM (FVME7)
205
I don't know, but it's worrisome anyway. Some of the people I worked with were either sufficiently dangerous or sufficiently fragile that I'd be concerned.
I think it would be OK if it was no recognizable, but if you change enough of the story, it's not the story. People are also very litigious. Perhaps that partially addresses why so many don't use their own lives, but will choose a pre-created cast.
Posted by: CN The First at April 03, 2022 10:29 AM (ONvIw)
---
One of the few characters who is obviously identifiable in Three Weeks with the Coasties is the civilian boss.
I thought it would be fun if he tried to sue for defamation and I could tell the court that it's a work of fiction, and "I think it's funny that the most obnoxious person in the book is the one you think is you."
You could always use a pen name, making it even more impenetrable.
I think it would be OK if it was no recognizable, but if you change enough of the story, it's not the story. People are also very litigious. Perhaps that partially addresses why so many don't use their own lives, but will choose a pre-created cast.
Posted by: CN The First at April 03, 2022 10:29 AM (ONvIw)
---
One of the few characters who is obviously identifiable in Three Weeks with the Coasties is the civilian boss.
I thought it would be fun if he tried to sue for defamation and I could tell the court that it's a work of fiction, and "I think it's funny that the most obnoxious person in the book is the one you think is you."
You could always use a pen name, making it even more impenetrable.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 10:36 AM (llXky)
206
FInished off Out of the Silent Planet, a brilliant sci fi book in which CS Lewis shows off not just his linguistic and philosophical chops, but his scientific acumen. Its both the most bleakly and disturbingly realistic and fantastical story at the same time. I started the second book Perelandra and its one of the best horror stories I've ever read for the first chapter, where the spirits of earth try to keep the narrator from going to a house.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 03, 2022 10:33 AM (KZzsI)
---
I read those last year. The third one takes a bit of a different direction, but it blew me away. It's easily the most terrifying of all three because of how prescient it is.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 03, 2022 10:33 AM (KZzsI)
---
I read those last year. The third one takes a bit of a different direction, but it blew me away. It's easily the most terrifying of all three because of how prescient it is.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 03, 2022 10:37 AM (K5n5d)
207
"Wholly Roamin' Umpire" Thank you for that Muldoon.
Posted by: who knew at April 03, 2022 10:37 AM (4I7VG)
208
the villain in kingsman, is the shepherd and among his minions are rasputin, mata hari, (who seduces wilson and then blackmails him into not going to war) and lenin who is the pinch hitter, there is also hanussen who is said to be an influence on the kaiser,
the protagonist, is modeled on one of fiennes own ancestors who was a general in the great war, his uncle was an operator and explorer that inspired the latest iteration of the killer elite,
the protagonist, is modeled on one of fiennes own ancestors who was a general in the great war, his uncle was an operator and explorer that inspired the latest iteration of the killer elite,
Posted by: no 6 at April 03, 2022 10:37 AM (hMlTh)
209
I recently completed my first long form work, a sci-fi action adventure with comedic elements. It's a screenplay, for a 'politics-is-downstream-from-culture' movie. I understand the odds of getting a screenplay up on the screen are generally diddly/squat, so I am considering self-publishing the screenplay on Kindle. Thoughts?
Posted by: motionview, a National Divorcee at April 03, 2022 10:37 AM (kyWWM)
210
Hot Coffee!!!...the new SuperEgo...!!!
Posted by: Qmark at April 03, 2022 09:49 AM (emnp2)
Yes, Frank J. Fleming, who writes for the Babylon Bee and blogs at IMAO.us, has just published Superego: Betrayal, the third book in his Superego series. The first two books in the series were very good.
Posted by: Qmark at April 03, 2022 09:49 AM (emnp2)
Yes, Frank J. Fleming, who writes for the Babylon Bee and blogs at IMAO.us, has just published Superego: Betrayal, the third book in his Superego series. The first two books in the series were very good.
Posted by: cool breeze at April 03, 2022 10:37 AM (UGKMd)
211
Now, as for personal reading, just a few short stories, including the Hemingway story Hills Like White Elephants, which sounds like a discussion he must have had IRL.
Posted by: CN The First at April 03, 2022 10:39 AM (ONvIw)
212
Also thanks Eris for the link to Illustration Art. That's been bookmarked to be perused later.
Posted by: who knew at April 03, 2022 10:39 AM (4I7VG)
213
The Panopticon.
Posted by: mustbequantum at April 03, 2022 10:27 AM (MIKMs)
Pananalegon, probably
Thriftbooks.com uses a similar system, it is an online seller for used bookstores. When you get books from them they all have barcodes.
A panopticon is different, the word itself comes from a theory of running a prison with minimal staff making the prisoners guard themselves.
It is also a theory of running an office, nowadays.
Posted by: mustbequantum at April 03, 2022 10:27 AM (MIKMs)
Pananalegon, probably
Thriftbooks.com uses a similar system, it is an online seller for used bookstores. When you get books from them they all have barcodes.
A panopticon is different, the word itself comes from a theory of running a prison with minimal staff making the prisoners guard themselves.
It is also a theory of running an office, nowadays.
Posted by: Kindltot at April 03, 2022 10:40 AM (xhaym)
214
I always thought about writing a book about an insurance claims adjuster that handle a lot of alleged accident fatalities . When he realizes that they may not be accidents and his boss may be involved that's when the murders began.
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 03, 2022 10:40 AM (Rzloy)
215
Move the setting. Create a pastiche fictional hospital in a fictional town. Alter the supporting characters and of course change the time of the events (if it happened in 85, set it in 82, etc.).
********
My first attempt at writing a book was a true-crime story surrounding the disappearance of my father-in-law. I did it primarily to attempt to provoke the killer (in real life) sho that he might make a mistake and reveal either his location (fugitive) or the location of my F-I-L's body.
Potential liability was in the back of my mind, but firstly I thought that risk was outweighed by the potential advancement of the case against the guy. I framed the book as a series of speculative "What if..." scenarios, mixing real life facts (such as the location and identities of neighbors) with hypothetical scenarios ranging from the ridiculous to the likely (Occam's razor). I added reference sources in an addendum.
I guess how much you reveal boils down to what you are trying to accomplish.
********
My first attempt at writing a book was a true-crime story surrounding the disappearance of my father-in-law. I did it primarily to attempt to provoke the killer (in real life) sho that he might make a mistake and reveal either his location (fugitive) or the location of my F-I-L's body.
Potential liability was in the back of my mind, but firstly I thought that risk was outweighed by the potential advancement of the case against the guy. I framed the book as a series of speculative "What if..." scenarios, mixing real life facts (such as the location and identities of neighbors) with hypothetical scenarios ranging from the ridiculous to the likely (Occam's razor). I added reference sources in an addendum.
I guess how much you reveal boils down to what you are trying to accomplish.
Posted by: Muldoon at April 03, 2022 10:41 AM (m45I2)
216
Was the author murdered? Which episode?
----------------------------------
All of them!
Posted by: andycanuck
What an excellent method of 'encouraging' CN!
/s
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All of them!
Posted by: andycanuck
What an excellent method of 'encouraging' CN!
/s
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at April 03, 2022 10:41 AM (7Nl5T)
217
Many thanks Perfessor!
Posted by: Ordinary American at April 03, 2022 10:41 AM (H8QX8)
218
One of my sons wanted to work as an editor. Near as I could tell the industry is largely controlled by crazy lib woke women. Could not even get in on the dues paying ground floor. Chances are much less than a white or Asian guy applying to med school. Needless to say, he is not working as an editor. If these types are reviewing manuscripts as well, bad literature is here to stay.
Posted by: EdmundBurkesShade at April 03, 2022 10:42 AM (mCh4j)
219
I've been musing about an alternate history nobody else seems to have thought of: what if the Germans won the Battle of Jutland?
Make them a little luckier, give the British a couple of bad breaks, and it could happen. I don't mean "the Germans sink the whole Royal Navy" but something like "Britain's cruiser force is annihilated and the Germans get away before the battle fleet arrives."
In particular, how would this affect the career of a certain ex-First Lord of the Admiralty, currently serving in the trenches after the Dardanelles fiasco? Would the public blame Winston (because he had been First Lord while that fleet was built and trained)? Or would the attitude be "this never would have happened with him at the Admiralty?"
Make them a little luckier, give the British a couple of bad breaks, and it could happen. I don't mean "the Germans sink the whole Royal Navy" but something like "Britain's cruiser force is annihilated and the Germans get away before the battle fleet arrives."
In particular, how would this affect the career of a certain ex-First Lord of the Admiralty, currently serving in the trenches after the Dardanelles fiasco? Would the public blame Winston (because he had been First Lord while that fleet was built and trained)? Or would the attitude be "this never would have happened with him at the Admiralty?"
Posted by: Trimegistus at April 03, 2022 10:42 AM (QZxDR)
220
I am reading "crafty" books ...
"Chasing and Repousse: Methods Ancient and Modern", by Nancy Megan Corwin, Brynmorgan Press, 2009, ISBN 978-1-929565-323-0
"Textile Techniques in Metal", by Arline M Fisch, Lark Books, 1996, ISBN 0-937274-933
These are survey books in that the opening chapters address the history, tools, and materials to be worked in each case. These portions are primarily why I am reading them now.
The remainder of the text in both cases then runs through methods and their products as a survey, rather than as explicit "how to" recipes. As often stated in instructional texts, "one skilled in the art" is capable of figuring out what is being done by examining the text and pictures without necessarily having instructions presented.
I am reading "crafty" books ...
"Chasing and Repousse: Methods Ancient and Modern", by Nancy Megan Corwin, Brynmorgan Press, 2009, ISBN 978-1-929565-323-0
"Textile Techniques in Metal", by Arline M Fisch, Lark Books, 1996, ISBN 0-937274-933
These are survey books in that the opening chapters address the history, tools, and materials to be worked in each case. These portions are primarily why I am reading them now.
The remainder of the text in both cases then runs through methods and their products as a survey, rather than as explicit "how to" recipes. As often stated in instructional texts, "one skilled in the art" is capable of figuring out what is being done by examining the text and pictures without necessarily having instructions presented.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at April 03, 2022 10:42 AM (pNxlR)
221
You could always use a pen name, making it even more impenetrable.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 10:36 AM (llXky)
That would be an absolute necessity. My name has shown up in court cases on more than one occasion, and it's not a Mary Smith or a Judy Goldstein, as it were, sort of name.
Although, I would never use patients who went to trial for anything that made the national news.
You could always use a pen name, making it even more impenetrable.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 10:36 AM (llXky)
That would be an absolute necessity. My name has shown up in court cases on more than one occasion, and it's not a Mary Smith or a Judy Goldstein, as it were, sort of name.
Although, I would never use patients who went to trial for anything that made the national news.
Posted by: CN The First at April 03, 2022 10:43 AM (ONvIw)
222
I think writing has been getting worse for the past 50 years. I trace it to the down shift in grammar standards starting in the 70s.
Instead of the pseudo-Latin standard, in which you cannot split an infinitive because Latin words do not allow it, we have the 'vulgate' version of English grammar with 'ain't' and transliterations of lower class accents and corrupt word constructs like 'prioritize' and 'proactive'. With that is a decline in reading level and vocabulary. With no grammar and no words there is no rhetoric - no ability to express complex thoughts in an engaging manner, not that it would matter as there are fewer people able to comprehend writing at that level.
Instead of the pseudo-Latin standard, in which you cannot split an infinitive because Latin words do not allow it, we have the 'vulgate' version of English grammar with 'ain't' and transliterations of lower class accents and corrupt word constructs like 'prioritize' and 'proactive'. With that is a decline in reading level and vocabulary. With no grammar and no words there is no rhetoric - no ability to express complex thoughts in an engaging manner, not that it would matter as there are fewer people able to comprehend writing at that level.
Posted by: Sam at April 03, 2022 10:43 AM (ohyxL)
223
Finished Sharpe's Gold
https://youtu.be/mzTPu9ChVDc
https://youtu.be/mzTPu9ChVDc
Posted by: Skip at April 03, 2022 10:43 AM (2JoB8)
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 03, 2022 10:43 AM (Rzloy)
225
I'm reading "The Jewish Wars" by Josephus, a Jew who was later made a Roman citizen.
. . . .
He seems to tilt Roman.
Posted by: gourmand du jour
He knew which side his bagel was schmeared on.
. . . .
He seems to tilt Roman.
Posted by: gourmand du jour
He knew which side his bagel was schmeared on.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I am not a biologist at April 03, 2022 10:44 AM (FVME7)
226
Reading my way through John Steinbeck's short novels. I've a few observations. He's never cynical or sneering-smarmy. Irony is absent (something his contemporary American marxist and Eton-oxford writers hate). He doesn't indulge any single group or class of people. Steinbeck's sense of humor runs pretty deep; American, decent and incisive. Otherwise he'd never be able to write a book like Tortilla Flat.
As children we were force-fed Steinbeck throughout our school years, yet I never grew to hate him. I did forgot about him for a long time.
As children we were force-fed Steinbeck throughout our school years, yet I never grew to hate him. I did forgot about him for a long time.
Posted by: 13times at April 03, 2022 10:44 AM (vN8dc)
227
I've only read one alternate history book
"Gettysburg, a Novel"
In which Lee prevailed, continued on to capture Washington DC.
by Newt Gingrich
"Gettysburg, a Novel"
In which Lee prevailed, continued on to capture Washington DC.
by Newt Gingrich
Posted by: gourmand du jour at April 03, 2022 10:46 AM (jTmQV)
228
Midsomer Murders are generally easy to solve. It is ALWAYS the last person that Barnaby accuses of being the murderer, but ONLY after all of the other people Barnaby has previously accused of being the murderer have been murdered in their turn.
Posted by: Muldoon at April 03, 2022 10:46 AM (m45I2)
229
Poetry? Not reading much of it lately, but in recent years I've found some awfully nice stuff from Dana Gioia and James Sallis.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at April 03, 2022 10:46 AM (JzDjf)
230
My first attempt at writing a book was a true-crime story surrounding the disappearance of my father-in-law. I did it primarily to attempt to provoke the killer (in real life) sho that he might make a mistake and reveal either his location (fugitive) or the location of my F-I-L's body.
Potential liability was in the back of my mind, but firstly I thought that risk was outweighed by the potential advancement of the case against the guy. I framed the book as a series of speculative "What if..." scenarios, mixing real life facts (such as the location and identities of neighbors) with hypothetical scenarios ranging from the ridiculous to the likely (Occam's razor). I added reference sources in an addendum.
I guess how much you reveal boils down to what you are trying to accomplish.
Posted by: Muldoon at April 03, 2022 10:41 AM (m45I2)
Muldoon, It's been a long time since you first mentioned this very personal case. Would you refresh my old memory please?
My first attempt at writing a book was a true-crime story surrounding the disappearance of my father-in-law. I did it primarily to attempt to provoke the killer (in real life) sho that he might make a mistake and reveal either his location (fugitive) or the location of my F-I-L's body.
Potential liability was in the back of my mind, but firstly I thought that risk was outweighed by the potential advancement of the case against the guy. I framed the book as a series of speculative "What if..." scenarios, mixing real life facts (such as the location and identities of neighbors) with hypothetical scenarios ranging from the ridiculous to the likely (Occam's razor). I added reference sources in an addendum.
I guess how much you reveal boils down to what you are trying to accomplish.
Posted by: Muldoon at April 03, 2022 10:41 AM (m45I2)
Muldoon, It's been a long time since you first mentioned this very personal case. Would you refresh my old memory please?
Posted by: Eromero at April 03, 2022 10:46 AM (0OP+5)
231
Thank you, Perfessor, for another wonderful Book Thread.
A quick update on good books for the grandkids. I ventured into the local bookstore to see if they have anything suitable. I bought a Berenstain Bears book for the 6-year-old that she turned up her nose at - no more books for her anytime soon! I bought Anne of Green Gables for the 10-year-old. It was on the shelf for grades 1-3 but it's probably a bit advanced for her. She had some interest in it, and even more so when her mother saw it and mentioned how much she loved that book. So, I think a little progress has been made, at least with the older girl.
Speaking of the local bookstore, I'm very conflicted about it. They are so woke. Even though I strongly believe in supporting local businesses, my heart always sinks when I see some of their more prominently displayed books, especially children's books on the 1619 Project and BLM. I probably need to stay out of there. So sad.
A quick update on good books for the grandkids. I ventured into the local bookstore to see if they have anything suitable. I bought a Berenstain Bears book for the 6-year-old that she turned up her nose at - no more books for her anytime soon! I bought Anne of Green Gables for the 10-year-old. It was on the shelf for grades 1-3 but it's probably a bit advanced for her. She had some interest in it, and even more so when her mother saw it and mentioned how much she loved that book. So, I think a little progress has been made, at least with the older girl.
Speaking of the local bookstore, I'm very conflicted about it. They are so woke. Even though I strongly believe in supporting local businesses, my heart always sinks when I see some of their more prominently displayed books, especially children's books on the 1619 Project and BLM. I probably need to stay out of there. So sad.
Posted by: KatieFloyd at April 03, 2022 10:47 AM (ob77J)
232
CN, do not set it in a hospital at all. In fact, how about pick a couple of patients, change a lot about their identities (switch gender, race , age, etc), and do a what if they didn't get treatment. Maybe met each other. Then the murders commence...
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at April 03, 2022 10:47 AM (lCui1)
Posted by: Kid at April 03, 2022 10:47 AM (7bRMQ)
234
the villain in kingsman, is the shepherd and among his minions are rasputin, mata hari, (who seduces wilson and then blackmails him into not going to war) [ . . . ]
Posted by: no 6 at April 03, 2022 10:37 AM (hMlTh)
The problem with counterfactual history is that they turn into that freaked guy with the red yarn and the bulletin boards covered with clippings. Every. Damned. Thing. Must. Be. Included.
Life is not really like that, there is a lot of happenstance going on, and stupid people playing stupid games for approval of other stupid people
I am toying with going deeper into Herbert Hoover's writings, he wrote a lot, one of the books was a very positive review of his previous boss, Woodrow Wilson.
Posted by: no 6 at April 03, 2022 10:37 AM (hMlTh)
The problem with counterfactual history is that they turn into that freaked guy with the red yarn and the bulletin boards covered with clippings. Every. Damned. Thing. Must. Be. Included.
Life is not really like that, there is a lot of happenstance going on, and stupid people playing stupid games for approval of other stupid people
I am toying with going deeper into Herbert Hoover's writings, he wrote a lot, one of the books was a very positive review of his previous boss, Woodrow Wilson.
Posted by: Kindltot at April 03, 2022 10:47 AM (xhaym)
235
I'm no expert on the matter or the time but I agree. From my reading about WW I, I think the British generals should have been tried for murder. Makes it very difficult to read about that war without my blood pressure going sky high.
Posted by: JTB at April 03, 2022 10:04 AM (7EjX1)
I have the same feelings toward MacArthur during WWII.
I'm no expert on the matter or the time but I agree. From my reading about WW I, I think the British generals should have been tried for murder. Makes it very difficult to read about that war without my blood pressure going sky high.
Posted by: JTB at April 03, 2022 10:04 AM (7EjX1)
I have the same feelings toward MacArthur during WWII.
Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons at April 03, 2022 10:47 AM (Qhnrt)
236
KatieFloyd, does the 6yo not like picture books?
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at April 03, 2022 10:49 AM (lCui1)
237
I've only read one alternate history book
"Gettysburg, a Novel"
In which Lee prevailed, continued on to capture Washington DC.
by Newt Gingrich
Posted by: gourmand du jour at April 03, 2022 10:46 AM (jTmQV)
---
Has anyone written a book where McClellan took Richmond in the spring of 1862? That would have been before the Emancipation Proclamation, so slavery would still be established.
I think stuff like that is more interesting than "what if the other side won?"
"Gettysburg, a Novel"
In which Lee prevailed, continued on to capture Washington DC.
by Newt Gingrich
Posted by: gourmand du jour at April 03, 2022 10:46 AM (jTmQV)
---
Has anyone written a book where McClellan took Richmond in the spring of 1862? That would have been before the Emancipation Proclamation, so slavery would still be established.
I think stuff like that is more interesting than "what if the other side won?"
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 10:50 AM (llXky)
238
227 I've only read one alternate history book
"Gettysburg, a Novel"
In which Lee prevailed, continued on to capture Washington DC.
by Newt Gingrich
Posted by: gourmand du jour at April 03, 2022 10:46 AM (jTmQV)
Try Guns Of The South by Harry Turtledove. It's a ripper.
"Gettysburg, a Novel"
In which Lee prevailed, continued on to capture Washington DC.
by Newt Gingrich
Posted by: gourmand du jour at April 03, 2022 10:46 AM (jTmQV)
Try Guns Of The South by Harry Turtledove. It's a ripper.
Posted by: Eromero at April 03, 2022 10:50 AM (0OP+5)
239
... continuing Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at April 03, 2022 10:42
"Making Glass Beads", by Cindy Jenkins, Lark Books, 1997, ISBN 1-887374-16-7
Having undertaken my first experience in forming glass rods into beads last weekend, I am reading this relatively short text to get an overview of how this process ought to work and to set out steps I can perform to improve my skills in this area.
My aim in getting started in this was to make "arty" glass beads suited for use in wire weaving, but I am reconsidering whether I want to get that far out on the learning curve. Until I practice the art a little more, I am not certain how far out on the curve that goal is. So, I study and practice.
BTW, both publishing houses that I cited, Brynmorgan Press and Lark Books, are heavily, if not exclusively, involved in the craft world.
... continuing Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at April 03, 2022 10:42
"Making Glass Beads", by Cindy Jenkins, Lark Books, 1997, ISBN 1-887374-16-7
Having undertaken my first experience in forming glass rods into beads last weekend, I am reading this relatively short text to get an overview of how this process ought to work and to set out steps I can perform to improve my skills in this area.
My aim in getting started in this was to make "arty" glass beads suited for use in wire weaving, but I am reconsidering whether I want to get that far out on the learning curve. Until I practice the art a little more, I am not certain how far out on the curve that goal is. So, I study and practice.
BTW, both publishing houses that I cited, Brynmorgan Press and Lark Books, are heavily, if not exclusively, involved in the craft world.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at April 03, 2022 10:51 AM (pNxlR)
240
KatieFloyd, this kind of books - ones with really good art
(link to illustrator, check library or amazon)
https://www.catherinerayner.co.uk
(link to illustrator, check library or amazon)
https://www.catherinerayner.co.uk
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at April 03, 2022 10:51 AM (lCui1)
241
I have the same feelings toward MacArthur during WWII.
Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons at April 03, 2022 10:47 AM (Qhnrt)
WTF?
Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons at April 03, 2022 10:47 AM (Qhnrt)
WTF?
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 03, 2022 10:51 AM (Rzloy)
242
MacArthur had a monstrous ego, but was regarded as one who did not casually lead his troops to slaughter.
Posted by: EdmundBurkesShade at April 03, 2022 10:53 AM (mCh4j)
243
Gen. Lee should have never ordered Pickett's charge, imho.
I guess he never read "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu.
I guess he never read "The Art of War" by Sun Tzu.
Posted by: gourmand du jour at April 03, 2022 10:53 AM (jTmQV)
244
currently reading a 900 page piece on the Ukraine Spanish Civil War....
Posted by: sven at April 03, 2022 10:53 AM (Lzpvj)
245
I bought a Berenstain Bears book for the 6-year-old that she turned up her nose at - no more books for her anytime soon!
KatieFloyd, does the 6yo not like picture books?
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at April 03, 2022 10:49 AM (lCui1)
That's First Grade level.
Try to find Cross Country Cat, if she likes animals.
KatieFloyd, does the 6yo not like picture books?
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at April 03, 2022 10:49 AM (lCui1)
That's First Grade level.
Try to find Cross Country Cat, if she likes animals.
Posted by: Kid at April 03, 2022 10:53 AM (7bRMQ)
246
29 . . .it was produced by boiling down horse or mule meat to a jelly paste and serving it as a beef tea-like mixture."
Posted by: All Hail Eris
Perhaps being shot was preferable
I'd rather eat Johnson!
Posted by: All Hail Eris
Perhaps being shot was preferable
I'd rather eat Johnson!
Posted by: Guy on the Wrong Blog at April 03, 2022 10:53 AM (7DYli)
247
Posted by: Muldoon at April 03, 2022 10:41 AM (m45I2
Don't leave me hanging. Did it work ?
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter
Yeah; what's the title/author ? Can it be purchased ?
Don't leave me hanging. Did it work ?
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter
Yeah; what's the title/author ? Can it be purchased ?
Posted by: JT at April 03, 2022 10:53 AM (arJlL)
248
The problem with counterfactual history is that they turn into that freaked guy with the red yarn and the bulletin boards covered with clippings. Every. Damned. Thing. Must. Be. Included.
Life is not really like that, there is a lot of happenstance going on, and stupid people playing stupid games for approval of other stupid people
Posted by: Kindltot at April 03, 2022 10:47 AM (xhaym)
---
Yes and many historical figures would not have emerged if circumstances were different. They'd just be someone you never heard of, like Joan Collins in that one Star Trek episode.
The problem with counterfactual history is that they turn into that freaked guy with the red yarn and the bulletin boards covered with clippings. Every. Damned. Thing. Must. Be. Included.
Life is not really like that, there is a lot of happenstance going on, and stupid people playing stupid games for approval of other stupid people
Posted by: Kindltot at April 03, 2022 10:47 AM (xhaym)
---
Yes and many historical figures would not have emerged if circumstances were different. They'd just be someone you never heard of, like Joan Collins in that one Star Trek episode.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 10:53 AM (llXky)
249
Was funnier when I though Ukraine was struck...
Posted by: sven at April 03, 2022 10:53 AM (Lzpvj)
250
Don't leave me hanging. Did it work ?
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter
********
Not in the direct sense. But indirectly it led to the dirtball remaining in deep hiding, ostracized from local society (he, his mother and his stepfather) have permanently left the area and he is living in a prison of his own making, unable to engage in decent society in any meaningful way. Driven into seclusion you might say. Probably huddled on the couch in a double-wide, incestuously banging hi mom every Saturday night. We have a good idea of his general whereabouts (out of state) but cannot get local police or CBI to take any interest. I doubt he will ever stand trial on this earth.
We never did locate my F-I-L's body. It remains The Curious Disappearance of Seamus Muldoon
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter
********
Not in the direct sense. But indirectly it led to the dirtball remaining in deep hiding, ostracized from local society (he, his mother and his stepfather) have permanently left the area and he is living in a prison of his own making, unable to engage in decent society in any meaningful way. Driven into seclusion you might say. Probably huddled on the couch in a double-wide, incestuously banging hi mom every Saturday night. We have a good idea of his general whereabouts (out of state) but cannot get local police or CBI to take any interest. I doubt he will ever stand trial on this earth.
We never did locate my F-I-L's body. It remains The Curious Disappearance of Seamus Muldoon
Posted by: Muldoon at April 03, 2022 10:54 AM (m45I2)
251
Then the murders commence...
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at April 03, 2022 10:47 AM (lCui1)
And in a couple of cases, they did.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at April 03, 2022 10:42 AM (pNxlR)
I love crafty books, and I've learned a lot from them. These days, many modern crafters are all about some elaborate way of doing things and the creation of new techniques. It can be disheartening, I'm sure, for some people to look at patterns and say "I just don't have the time to figure this out". I know I once looked at a book of quilt patterns that required a kaleidoscope mirror. While I admire the author's imagination, it was a career, not a hobby.
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at April 03, 2022 10:47 AM (lCui1)
And in a couple of cases, they did.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at April 03, 2022 10:42 AM (pNxlR)
I love crafty books, and I've learned a lot from them. These days, many modern crafters are all about some elaborate way of doing things and the creation of new techniques. It can be disheartening, I'm sure, for some people to look at patterns and say "I just don't have the time to figure this out". I know I once looked at a book of quilt patterns that required a kaleidoscope mirror. While I admire the author's imagination, it was a career, not a hobby.
Posted by: CN The First at April 03, 2022 10:54 AM (ONvIw)
252
well it's not actually counterfactual, most of these events happened, but vaughn tries to calculate why, kitchener who is present at the opening of the film did die, but the circumstances are open to interpretation, the zimmerman telegraph did happen, but why and how it was used is the trick,
Posted by: no 6 at April 03, 2022 10:54 AM (hMlTh)
253
Never liked the Berenstain Bears. And like many people, I always thought they were Berenstein rather than -stain.
On the other hand, I know the difference between Steven Biko and Nelson Mandela.
On the other hand, I know the difference between Steven Biko and Nelson Mandela.
Posted by: Trimegistus at April 03, 2022 10:55 AM (QZxDR)
254
242 Posted by: EdmundBurkesShade at April 03, 2022 10:53 AM (mCh4j)
He was a very outcome based strategist, who grasped where things would wind up with an interlocking judgement.
"American Caesar" would be worth five modern generals.
He was a very outcome based strategist, who grasped where things would wind up with an interlocking judgement.
"American Caesar" would be worth five modern generals.
Posted by: sven at April 03, 2022 10:55 AM (Lzpvj)
255
222 I think writing has been getting worse for the past 50 years. I trace it to the down shift in grammar standards starting in the 70s.
Instead of the pseudo-Latin standard, in which you cannot split an infinitive because Latin words do not allow it, we have the 'vulgate' version of English grammar with 'ain't' and transliterations of lower class accents and corrupt word constructs like 'prioritize' and 'proactive'. With that is a decline in reading level and vocabulary. With no grammar and no words there is no rhetoric - no ability to express complex thoughts in an engaging manner, not that it would matter as there are fewer people able to comprehend writing at that level.
Posted by: Sam at April 03, 2022 10:43 AM (ohyxL)
I take it that you don't like Shakespeare then.
Instead of the pseudo-Latin standard, in which you cannot split an infinitive because Latin words do not allow it, we have the 'vulgate' version of English grammar with 'ain't' and transliterations of lower class accents and corrupt word constructs like 'prioritize' and 'proactive'. With that is a decline in reading level and vocabulary. With no grammar and no words there is no rhetoric - no ability to express complex thoughts in an engaging manner, not that it would matter as there are fewer people able to comprehend writing at that level.
Posted by: Sam at April 03, 2022 10:43 AM (ohyxL)
I take it that you don't like Shakespeare then.
Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons at April 03, 2022 10:55 AM (Qhnrt)
256
CN, you work in a confidential field with real people who are in horrible situations, and in real pain. Writing your version of The Egg and I as a fictionalized view "of it all" may not be appropriate, like you say.
If you find the personalities compelling you might consider using them as basis for fictional characters in the real world, not institutionalized or in therapy. You may have to tone it down of course.
If you find the personalities compelling you might consider using them as basis for fictional characters in the real world, not institutionalized or in therapy. You may have to tone it down of course.
Posted by: Kindltot at April 03, 2022 10:56 AM (xhaym)
257
Many thanks to whoever it was that suggested Peter Kemp's 'Ten Years At War' collection. About halfway through, and it is excellent reading.
Every week I get two or three excellent suggestions, and the TBR pile gets taller, and taller...
Every week I get two or three excellent suggestions, and the TBR pile gets taller, and taller...
Posted by: Brewingfrog at April 03, 2022 10:57 AM (cjlB3)
258
currently reading a 900 page piece on the Ukraine Spanish Civil War....
Posted by: sven at April 03, 2022 10:53 AM (Lzpvj)
---
Hugh Thomas?
Posted by: sven at April 03, 2022 10:53 AM (Lzpvj)
---
Hugh Thomas?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 10:57 AM (llXky)
259
G'morning, all.
When my son was three I trashed Dr. Seuss in favor of Wordsworth, Whittier, Longfellow and the rest of the best. I found a collection of the greatest American poets at Colleen's Bookstore on Telephone Road in Houston. (rhennigantx, do you remember that place...dusty, disheveled and wonderful?) I started out with "The Gingham Dog and the Calico Cat". That worked, so it was on to "Invictus" and "Maud Muller". When he started demanding Poe's "The Bells" every night I knew we were on the right course.
How I would love to be able to walk into Colleen's again.
When my son was three I trashed Dr. Seuss in favor of Wordsworth, Whittier, Longfellow and the rest of the best. I found a collection of the greatest American poets at Colleen's Bookstore on Telephone Road in Houston. (rhennigantx, do you remember that place...dusty, disheveled and wonderful?) I started out with "The Gingham Dog and the Calico Cat". That worked, so it was on to "Invictus" and "Maud Muller". When he started demanding Poe's "The Bells" every night I knew we were on the right course.
How I would love to be able to walk into Colleen's again.
Posted by: creeper at April 03, 2022 10:57 AM (cTCuP)
260
199 ... "FInished off Out of the Silent Planet, a brilliant sci fi book in which CS Lewis shows off not just his linguistic and philosophical chops, but his scientific acumen. Its both the most bleakly and disturbingly realistic and fantastical story at the same time. I started the second book Perelandra and its one of the best horror stories I've ever read for the first chapter, where the spirits of earth try to keep the narrator from going to a house."
I must have read the three books in the series half a dozen times. The combination of science (a minor factor in my opinion), Biblical and medieval aspects, and characters continue to fascinate me. I regard them as more fantasy than sci-fi. The third book is prophetic and disturbingly close to so many destructive in today's culture it can be painful to read. But it incorporates parts of mythology in a novel and interesting way that leads to a resolution and hope.
I must have read the three books in the series half a dozen times. The combination of science (a minor factor in my opinion), Biblical and medieval aspects, and characters continue to fascinate me. I regard them as more fantasy than sci-fi. The third book is prophetic and disturbingly close to so many destructive in today's culture it can be painful to read. But it incorporates parts of mythology in a novel and interesting way that leads to a resolution and hope.
Posted by: JTB at April 03, 2022 10:57 AM (7EjX1)
261
Muldoon, It's been a long time since you first mentioned this very personal case. Would you refresh my old memory please?
Posted by: Eromero
******
Yeah, it's a long and sordid story. Don't want to hijack the Book Thread. Catch me on an ONT or maybe a Saturday open thread some day and I can rehash it.
Posted by: Eromero
******
Yeah, it's a long and sordid story. Don't want to hijack the Book Thread. Catch me on an ONT or maybe a Saturday open thread some day and I can rehash it.
Posted by: Muldoon at April 03, 2022 10:58 AM (m45I2)
262
227 I've only read one alternate history book
"Gettysburg, a Novel"
In which Lee prevailed, continued on to capture Washington DC.
by Newt Gingrich
Posted by: gourmand du jour at April 03, 2022 10:46 AM (jTmQV)
Love alt-history if it's done well. Try some of William Forstchen's other books. He was the co-author with Newt on Gettysburg. "The Lost Regiment" is pretty good.
-SLV
"Gettysburg, a Novel"
In which Lee prevailed, continued on to capture Washington DC.
by Newt Gingrich
Posted by: gourmand du jour at April 03, 2022 10:46 AM (jTmQV)
Love alt-history if it's done well. Try some of William Forstchen's other books. He was the co-author with Newt on Gettysburg. "The Lost Regiment" is pretty good.
-SLV
Posted by: Shy Lurking Voter at April 03, 2022 10:58 AM (DkHo+)
263
"We don't seem to talk about poetry much here on the Sunday Morning Book Thread."
Western literati are often unaware of it, but the poetry is the best part of Russian literature, and closest to the heart of Russian readers. Unfortunately, its artistry is difficult to convey in translation.
It is generally considered that the greatests poets of the 19th century were Fyodor Tyutchev, Mikhail Lermontov, and, of course Alexander Pushkin, whose work holds a centrality in Russian literature analogous to Shakespeare's in English. Tyutchev does nothing for me. Lermontov was astonishing: passionate, but of good craft, and prolific. He died in a duel at age 26. Pushkin was also prolific, and at the foundation of Russian narrative poetry, drama, and prose, besides creating the famous "novel in verse," "Evgeny Onegin"
Western literati are often unaware of it, but the poetry is the best part of Russian literature, and closest to the heart of Russian readers. Unfortunately, its artistry is difficult to convey in translation.
It is generally considered that the greatests poets of the 19th century were Fyodor Tyutchev, Mikhail Lermontov, and, of course Alexander Pushkin, whose work holds a centrality in Russian literature analogous to Shakespeare's in English. Tyutchev does nothing for me. Lermontov was astonishing: passionate, but of good craft, and prolific. He died in a duel at age 26. Pushkin was also prolific, and at the foundation of Russian narrative poetry, drama, and prose, besides creating the famous "novel in verse," "Evgeny Onegin"
Posted by: Brett at April 03, 2022 10:59 AM (SAmIX)
264
I don't think the problem with modern writing is the style or technique -- in fact, part of the problem is that writers pay _too much_ attention to those elements. Trying to produce lovely sentences the reviewers can quote.
I absolutely agree with the Film Courage dude that the problem is simply one of ignorance. Writers don't report any more. They tell stories about people just like them having problems and relationships just like theirs. And since the editors and writers are all the products of the same schools and live in the same neighborhoods, the editors buy them. And nobody reads them.
As I mentioned above, Tom Wolfe noticed this back in the 1990s. He tried to stuff the entire United States of America into each of his novels, using the skills he honed as a journalist for thirty years. We need more writers who have seen the world and understand people. Instead we get book-length Twitter posts.
I absolutely agree with the Film Courage dude that the problem is simply one of ignorance. Writers don't report any more. They tell stories about people just like them having problems and relationships just like theirs. And since the editors and writers are all the products of the same schools and live in the same neighborhoods, the editors buy them. And nobody reads them.
As I mentioned above, Tom Wolfe noticed this back in the 1990s. He tried to stuff the entire United States of America into each of his novels, using the skills he honed as a journalist for thirty years. We need more writers who have seen the world and understand people. Instead we get book-length Twitter posts.
Posted by: Trimegistus at April 03, 2022 10:59 AM (QZxDR)
265
258 Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 10:57 AM (llXky)
Yup, it is interesting thus far I had read it decades ago in elementary school.
I suspect it is the only work from that period not commissioned by the Nationalists to give them a fair shake.
The gen tippy cupper's reviewing it hate it for that reason, they also claim insanely "it has too many facts."
What a stupid time to be alive.
Yup, it is interesting thus far I had read it decades ago in elementary school.
I suspect it is the only work from that period not commissioned by the Nationalists to give them a fair shake.
The gen tippy cupper's reviewing it hate it for that reason, they also claim insanely "it has too many facts."
What a stupid time to be alive.
Posted by: sven at April 03, 2022 11:00 AM (Lzpvj)
266
We never did locate my F-I-L's body. It remains The Curious Disappearance of Seamus Muldoon
Posted by: Muldoon
I just ordered it !
Posted by: Muldoon
I just ordered it !
Posted by: JT at April 03, 2022 11:00 AM (arJlL)
267
Seriously, you needed a magnifying glass to read it, like the tiny print on boxes of OTC pills.
-
I argued in front of a judge who was a character. I photocopied some case law in support of my point and to avoid multiple copies of a single page to include it all, I slightly reduced in size. He got out a magnifying glass and gave an Oscar worthy performance of reading my precedent. Now that I'm 29, I have more sympathy.
-
I argued in front of a judge who was a character. I photocopied some case law in support of my point and to avoid multiple copies of a single page to include it all, I slightly reduced in size. He got out a magnifying glass and gave an Oscar worthy performance of reading my precedent. Now that I'm 29, I have more sympathy.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I am not a biologist at April 03, 2022 11:01 AM (FVME7)
268
Alternate history books do one thing very well, they illustrate how often the world could change dramatically with a different outcome of a single pivotal event.
Posted by: gourmand du jour at April 03, 2022 11:01 AM (jTmQV)
269
261 Muldoon, It's been a long time since you first mentioned this very personal case. Would you refresh my old memory please?
Posted by: Eromero
******
Yeah, it's a long and sordid story. Don't want to hijack the Book Thread. Catch me on an ONT or maybe a Saturday open thread some day and I can rehash it.
Posted by: Muldoon at April 03, 2022 10:58 AM (m45I2)
Thanks. I saw your post 250 above. Now off to church.
Posted by: Eromero
******
Yeah, it's a long and sordid story. Don't want to hijack the Book Thread. Catch me on an ONT or maybe a Saturday open thread some day and I can rehash it.
Posted by: Muldoon at April 03, 2022 10:58 AM (m45I2)
Thanks. I saw your post 250 above. Now off to church.
Posted by: Eromero at April 03, 2022 11:01 AM (0OP+5)
Posted by: sven at April 03, 2022 11:02 AM (Lzpvj)
Posted by: JT at April 03, 2022 11:02 AM (arJlL)
272
Thought CS Lewis' idea of eschewing clothes for a weight laden metal girdle was shall we say, odd. Still can't shake the mental image.
Posted by: EdmundBurkesShade at April 03, 2022 11:02 AM (mCh4j)
273
On the other hand, I know the difference between Steven Biko and Nelson Mandela.
Posted by: Trimegistus at April 03, 2022 10:55 AM (QZxDR)
Here's how to remember, it was President Mandela and Sgt Biko.
Posted by: Trimegistus at April 03, 2022 10:55 AM (QZxDR)
Here's how to remember, it was President Mandela and Sgt Biko.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at April 03, 2022 11:02 AM (7bRMQ)
274
Driven into seclusion you might say. Probably huddled on the couch in a double-wide, incestuously banging hi mom every Saturday night.
Posted by: Muldoon
And we know him as 'Kurt'...
Posted by: Muldoon
And we know him as 'Kurt'...
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at April 03, 2022 11:03 AM (7Nl5T)
275
273 On the other hand, I know the difference between Steven Biko and Nelson Mandela.
Posted by: Trimegistus at April 03, 2022 10:55 AM (QZxDR)
Here's how to remember, it was President Mandela and Sgt Biko.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at April 03, 2022 11:02 AM (7bRMQ)
So who was the sign language guy?
Posted by: Trimegistus at April 03, 2022 10:55 AM (QZxDR)
Here's how to remember, it was President Mandela and Sgt Biko.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at April 03, 2022 11:02 AM (7bRMQ)
So who was the sign language guy?
Posted by: Eromero at April 03, 2022 11:04 AM (0OP+5)
276
well it's not actually counterfactual, most of these events happened, but vaughn tries to calculate why, kitchener who is present at the opening of the film did die, but the circumstances are open to interpretation, the zimmerman telegraph did happen, but why and how it was used is the trick,
Posted by: no 6 at April 03, 2022 10:54 AM (hMlTh)
The Zimmerman Telegram was a classic "Knapsack Gambit" which for some reason the Brit SIS were experts at.
Posted by: no 6 at April 03, 2022 10:54 AM (hMlTh)
The Zimmerman Telegram was a classic "Knapsack Gambit" which for some reason the Brit SIS were experts at.
Posted by: Kindltot at April 03, 2022 11:04 AM (xhaym)
277
Sven watched that some time ago, was very good
Posted by: Skip's Phone at April 03, 2022 11:04 AM (2JoB8)
278
There's a book I own that I've not read. It keeps popping up whenever I turn to do a thing or two during the day, so it looks like it's the next one on the "to read" list.
"Faith And Politics" - Joseph Ratzinger Pope Benedict XVI
"Faith And Politics" - Joseph Ratzinger Pope Benedict XVI
Posted by: mrp at April 03, 2022 11:05 AM (6eRlp)
279
242 MacArthur had a monstrous ego, but was regarded as one who did not casually lead his troops to slaughter.
Posted by: EdmundBurkesShade at April 03, 2022 10:53 AM (mCh4j)
Many strategic thinkers (generals) at the time thought the Philippines could have been bypassed and cut off. And when looking at a map, that seems viable. And that goes double for Peleliu. It could have been cut off just through air power like Truk lagoon.
But MacArthur wanted his glory. And many died because of it.
Posted by: EdmundBurkesShade at April 03, 2022 10:53 AM (mCh4j)
Many strategic thinkers (generals) at the time thought the Philippines could have been bypassed and cut off. And when looking at a map, that seems viable. And that goes double for Peleliu. It could have been cut off just through air power like Truk lagoon.
But MacArthur wanted his glory. And many died because of it.
Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons at April 03, 2022 11:05 AM (Qhnrt)
280
Having undertaken my first experience in forming glass rods into beads last weekend,
-----------------------
You might enjoy a TV series called Blown Away that might be on YouTube that's sort of Forged in Fire for glassblowing although the wrong, p.c. contestant wins. [See if you can identify her early on!]
-----------------------
You might enjoy a TV series called Blown Away that might be on YouTube that's sort of Forged in Fire for glassblowing although the wrong, p.c. contestant wins. [See if you can identify her early on!]
Posted by: andycanuck (UHVv4) at April 03, 2022 11:05 AM (UHVv4)
281
I am not a big fan of poetry, as it is usually pretentious, too self aware, and too much an attempt to be a poem instead of an expression of ideas and emotions that happens to be in poetic form. In my opinion almost all poetry is only tolerable in the form of music, like its only half-created without the song to carry it the rest of the way.
That said, there are poets who get it right, and Rudyard Kipling is right up there in the top group. I like his writing fine, but poetry is where his real gift was.
As for writing lately... yeah, there's been a decline. Its not just the corruption of language and education, its a lack of readership and a lack of as Mr Gore says, life experience to draw on -- wisdom to make a better author.
Its... I hate to say this, because I benefit from it, but its too easy to write and be published today.
That said, there are poets who get it right, and Rudyard Kipling is right up there in the top group. I like his writing fine, but poetry is where his real gift was.
As for writing lately... yeah, there's been a decline. Its not just the corruption of language and education, its a lack of readership and a lack of as Mr Gore says, life experience to draw on -- wisdom to make a better author.
Its... I hate to say this, because I benefit from it, but its too easy to write and be published today.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 03, 2022 11:06 AM (KZzsI)
282
well I've been wanting to send pics of Baldwin's Book Barn for the book thread! tis a HUGE lovely old farmhouse with multiple additions, multiple floors, full to the rafters with used books!
https://www.bookbarn.com
right near me and a favorite hangout
https://www.bookbarn.com
right near me and a favorite hangout
Posted by: Black Orchid at April 03, 2022 11:06 AM (j9HX3)
283
Yup, it is interesting thus far I had read it decades ago in elementary school.
I suspect it is the only work from that period not commissioned by the Nationalists to give them a fair shake.
Posted by: sven at April 03, 2022 11:00 AM (Lzpvj)
---
Thomas clearly sides with the Republic and in the first edition, throws a lot of shade on Franco. In the revision you can see how the tone changes because he's come into new information.
If you've read my book, you'll know I found a couple of his mistakes.
I suspect it is the only work from that period not commissioned by the Nationalists to give them a fair shake.
Posted by: sven at April 03, 2022 11:00 AM (Lzpvj)
---
Thomas clearly sides with the Republic and in the first edition, throws a lot of shade on Franco. In the revision you can see how the tone changes because he's come into new information.
If you've read my book, you'll know I found a couple of his mistakes.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 11:06 AM (llXky)
284
277 Posted by: Skip's Phone at April 03, 2022 11:04 AM (2JoB
The thing is given "you know" they definitely do backflips to be overly sympathetic to the republicans but yeah well done and I miss the accents in documentaries.
The thing is given "you know" they definitely do backflips to be overly sympathetic to the republicans but yeah well done and I miss the accents in documentaries.
Posted by: sven at April 03, 2022 11:07 AM (Lzpvj)
285
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at April 03, 2022 10:42 AM (pNxlR)
I'm curious about the Textile Techniques in Metal. What do they mean by that?
I'm curious about the Textile Techniques in Metal. What do they mean by that?
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 03, 2022 11:07 AM (nC+QA)
286
My problem with alt-history is the number of people who believe it less fictional than it is intended to be. Gore Vidal, for example, speculated widely in his historical fiction and (as great and weird a writer as he was) he probably convinced some idiot readers that, just to cite one example, Lafayette was an object of sexual fascination for Washington.
Posted by: Huck Follywood, Break The Teachers Unions at April 03, 2022 11:08 AM (kP3EA)
287
I am not "trained" in crafts, nor do I consider myself "artsy". I am trained in problem solving.
I got started in crafts for pragmatic reasons, and I remain at doing things on that level. At present, "pragmatic" does not mean I am making items to sell -- most are given to family and friends.
Both Mrs. K and I enjoy salvaging items from our families (or others' families) that otherwise would be discarded and putting them to new uses (or back to use). We acquired a substantial number of our metalworking equipment from local auctions.
We also enjoy pursuing the creation of an object from as far back in the materials' supply chain as pragmatically possible (e.g., we are not mining ores, smelting them and casting metals).
I often am interested in melding two unrelated areas for a new solution or novel product. Too many of these ideas, at the moment, are either still in my head or put down on paper rather than having been reduced to practice.
This is as close as I will ever come to putting down an artist's statement.
I am not "trained" in crafts, nor do I consider myself "artsy". I am trained in problem solving.
I got started in crafts for pragmatic reasons, and I remain at doing things on that level. At present, "pragmatic" does not mean I am making items to sell -- most are given to family and friends.
Both Mrs. K and I enjoy salvaging items from our families (or others' families) that otherwise would be discarded and putting them to new uses (or back to use). We acquired a substantial number of our metalworking equipment from local auctions.
We also enjoy pursuing the creation of an object from as far back in the materials' supply chain as pragmatically possible (e.g., we are not mining ores, smelting them and casting metals).
I often am interested in melding two unrelated areas for a new solution or novel product. Too many of these ideas, at the moment, are either still in my head or put down on paper rather than having been reduced to practice.
This is as close as I will ever come to putting down an artist's statement.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at April 03, 2022 11:08 AM (pNxlR)
288
On the other hand, I know the difference between Steven Biko and Nelson Mandela.
Posted by: Trimegistus at April 03, 2022 10:55 AM (QZxDR)
Here's how to remember, it was President Mandela and Sgt Biko.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at April 03, 2022 11:02 AM (7bRMQ)
And none of them were Morgan Freeman.
Posted by: Trimegistus at April 03, 2022 10:55 AM (QZxDR)
Here's how to remember, it was President Mandela and Sgt Biko.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at April 03, 2022 11:02 AM (7bRMQ)
And none of them were Morgan Freeman.
Posted by: Kindltot at April 03, 2022 11:08 AM (xhaym)
289
279 Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons at April 03, 2022 11:05 AM (Qhnrt)
Sans the nuclear bombs the PI would have been necessary as a logistics hub.
It is hard to see what facts looked like looking forward at a snapshot in time.
Sans the nuclear bombs the PI would have been necessary as a logistics hub.
It is hard to see what facts looked like looking forward at a snapshot in time.
Posted by: sven at April 03, 2022 11:08 AM (Lzpvj)
290
With no grammar and no words there is no rhetoric - no ability to express complex thoughts in an engaging manner, not that it would matter as there are fewer people able to comprehend writing at that level.
Posted by: Sam
I'm just finishing William Gibson's Neuromancer, the grand daddy of all cyberpunk. It's difficult because he makes up his own vocabulary without benefit of definition so you must define by context. Other works using similar technique include the Ringo Star movie Caveman and Anthony Burgess' A Clockwork Orange.
Posted by: Sam
I'm just finishing William Gibson's Neuromancer, the grand daddy of all cyberpunk. It's difficult because he makes up his own vocabulary without benefit of definition so you must define by context. Other works using similar technique include the Ringo Star movie Caveman and Anthony Burgess' A Clockwork Orange.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I am not a biologist at April 03, 2022 11:08 AM (FVME7)
291
So who was the sign language guy?
Posted by: Eromero at April 03, 2022 11:04 AM (0OP+5)
Garrett Morris.
Posted by: Eromero at April 03, 2022 11:04 AM (0OP+5)
Garrett Morris.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at April 03, 2022 11:08 AM (7bRMQ)
292
Many thanks to whoever it was that suggested Peter Kemp's 'Ten Years At War' collection. About halfway through, and it is excellent reading.
Every week I get two or three excellent suggestions, and the TBR pile gets taller, and taller...
Posted by: Brewingfrog at April 03, 2022 10:57 AM (cjlB3)
---
This is on my list once I finish the China book. Also Downfall and some other stuff.
Every week I get two or three excellent suggestions, and the TBR pile gets taller, and taller...
Posted by: Brewingfrog at April 03, 2022 10:57 AM (cjlB3)
---
This is on my list once I finish the China book. Also Downfall and some other stuff.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 11:08 AM (llXky)
293
I've been re-reading Starship Troopers this week. It's preparing me for life in the post American world.
Posted by: Jak Sucio at April 03, 2022 11:09 AM (jvt6t)
294
If you've read my book, you'll know I found a couple of his mistakes.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 11:06 AM (llXky)
Correct me if I'm wrong but in simplistic terms wasn't Franco thrust into his fate instead of him planning it?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 11:06 AM (llXky)
Correct me if I'm wrong but in simplistic terms wasn't Franco thrust into his fate instead of him planning it?
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 03, 2022 11:09 AM (Rzloy)
295
Reading "Diary of a Dead Man on Leave" by David Downing. It's the second Downing for me, and like the first one, is set in Nazi Germany before WW2.
The first one I read began with the Reichstag fire, in 1933. This one is set in 1938.
Perfect books for the times we live in now. In 1933, the Nazi party had just won an election that put them in control of the government, and immediately set out to go full-authoritarian. Five years later, the control was almost complete.
No free speech, and the schools were being used to indoctrinate the kids.
The first one I read began with the Reichstag fire, in 1933. This one is set in 1938.
Perfect books for the times we live in now. In 1933, the Nazi party had just won an election that put them in control of the government, and immediately set out to go full-authoritarian. Five years later, the control was almost complete.
No free speech, and the schools were being used to indoctrinate the kids.
Posted by: Mr Gaga at April 03, 2022 11:10 AM (KiBMU)
296
I have put off reading the Space Trilogy by Lewis for decades, and I do not know why, because I never regret reading anything by the man. He was one of the 20th century's greatest intellects, if not THE greatest.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 03, 2022 11:10 AM (KZzsI)
297
I often am interested in melding two unrelated areas for a new solution or novel product. Too many of these ideas, at the moment, are either still in my head or put down on paper rather than having been reduced to practice.
This is as close as I will ever come to putting down an artist's statement.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at April 03, 2022 11:08 AM (pNxlR)
That is one of the definitions of a Maker, you know.
This is as close as I will ever come to putting down an artist's statement.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at April 03, 2022 11:08 AM (pNxlR)
That is one of the definitions of a Maker, you know.
Posted by: Kindltot at April 03, 2022 11:11 AM (xhaym)
298
293 I've been re-reading Starship Troopers this week. It's preparing me for life in the post American world.
Posted by: Jak Sucio at April 03, 2022 11:09 AM (jvt6t)
Militarization. Extraterrestrial Insectoid Threats to Humanity. Co-ed shower scenes.
Sounds more like America *now*.
Posted by: Jak Sucio at April 03, 2022 11:09 AM (jvt6t)
Militarization. Extraterrestrial Insectoid Threats to Humanity. Co-ed shower scenes.
Sounds more like America *now*.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 03, 2022 11:11 AM (6FeV1)
299
It's difficult because he makes up his own vocabulary without benefit of definition so you must define by context.
Yeah I kind of did that with Old Habits, but I put a glossary in to help readers, just in case. Some of it I left in place without explanation because it makes sense in context. I love languages and accents and its fun to play with that as a writer, but you have to be careful of not going too far with it or you overwhelm readers.
Yeah I kind of did that with Old Habits, but I put a glossary in to help readers, just in case. Some of it I left in place without explanation because it makes sense in context. I love languages and accents and its fun to play with that as a writer, but you have to be careful of not going too far with it or you overwhelm readers.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 03, 2022 11:12 AM (KZzsI)
300
I half expected the squirrel at the end to be eating Keith's lunch.
Posted by: JerseyDevilRider at April 03, 2022 11:12 AM (XEfn8)
301
One of the local used book stores is owned by a hardcore progressive. He pays cash for books - the other used book shop is trade only. I hate trade only. I think he's living on a huge trust fund. Which helped him weather the C19 closures. And good thing since he was 110% into Karen-Waffen SS mask restrictions. The C19 signage taped to the entrance windows of his store was Orwellian and epic.
Posted by: 13times at April 03, 2022 11:12 AM (vN8dc)
302
296 I have put off reading the Space Trilogy by Lewis for decades, and I do not know why, because I never regret reading anything by the man. He was one of the 20th century's greatest intellects, if not THE greatest.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 03, 2022 11:10 AM (KZzsI)
You won't regret reading the trilogy. I stumbled upon it when I first started handing out copies of A Grief Observed to patients struggling with deaths of loved ones.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 03, 2022 11:10 AM (KZzsI)
You won't regret reading the trilogy. I stumbled upon it when I first started handing out copies of A Grief Observed to patients struggling with deaths of loved ones.
Posted by: CN The First at April 03, 2022 11:12 AM (ONvIw)
303
I'm curious about the Textile Techniques in Metal. What do they mean by that?
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette
Weaving, knitting, crochet, braiding, interlinking, basketry, or knots and knotting using thin strips or wires of malleable metals -- gold, silver, copper, brass, pewter and some others.
I focus on doing things with copper (or brass) to my satisfaction before I'll even consider moving to silver. Gold is right out -- far, far, far too pricey.
I'm curious about the Textile Techniques in Metal. What do they mean by that?
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette
Weaving, knitting, crochet, braiding, interlinking, basketry, or knots and knotting using thin strips or wires of malleable metals -- gold, silver, copper, brass, pewter and some others.
I focus on doing things with copper (or brass) to my satisfaction before I'll even consider moving to silver. Gold is right out -- far, far, far too pricey.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at April 03, 2022 11:12 AM (pNxlR)
304
The C19 signage taped to the entrance windows of his store was Orwellian and epic.
Posted by: 13times at April 03, 2022 11:12 AM (vN8dc)
"Maskirovka"
Posted by: 13times at April 03, 2022 11:12 AM (vN8dc)
"Maskirovka"
Posted by: Warai-otoko at April 03, 2022 11:13 AM (6FeV1)
305
Many strategic thinkers (generals) at the time thought the Philippines could have been bypassed and cut off. And when looking at a map, that seems viable. And that goes double for Peleliu. It could have been cut off just through air power like Truk lagoon.
Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons at April 03, 2022 11:05 AM (Qhnrt)
---
I disagree. Leaving behind a whole island chain is not in any way similar to isolating Truk. Pretty sure lots of logistics stuff was able to move through Subic Bay once it was retaken.
He was very vain, but I think getting Luzon back was important. Plus it also drew out the last of the Japanese Navy. You don't want to fight those in their home waters.
Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons at April 03, 2022 11:05 AM (Qhnrt)
---
I disagree. Leaving behind a whole island chain is not in any way similar to isolating Truk. Pretty sure lots of logistics stuff was able to move through Subic Bay once it was retaken.
He was very vain, but I think getting Luzon back was important. Plus it also drew out the last of the Japanese Navy. You don't want to fight those in their home waters.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 11:13 AM (llXky)
306
There are many candidates for the greatest Russian poets of the 20th century. One of them, Andrei Voznesensky, told me his choice for number one was his mentor, Boris Pasternak. I have yet to penetrate Pasternak's appeal.
I have a weakness for Velimir Khlebnikov, whose Pan-slavic linguistic experiments even Russians find difficult.
Alexander Blok is much more popular, a symbolist verging on the romantic. The lyrical Anna Akhmataova is considered the greatest female poet of the time, but I prefer the truly anguished Marina Tsetaeva.
My choice for first place is Osip Mandelshtam. His verbal harmony never ceases to sing true, and his way of telling the present, past, and future from Western classical themes and Russian folk tradition is oracular oratory. He spoke truth to power, in an epigram on Stalin. That resulted in his exile to Voronezh near the border with Ukraine, where he wrote nearly half his output, never to see publication in his lifetime. From there he was sentenced to hard labor in the Far East, where he died at age 47.
I have a weakness for Velimir Khlebnikov, whose Pan-slavic linguistic experiments even Russians find difficult.
Alexander Blok is much more popular, a symbolist verging on the romantic. The lyrical Anna Akhmataova is considered the greatest female poet of the time, but I prefer the truly anguished Marina Tsetaeva.
My choice for first place is Osip Mandelshtam. His verbal harmony never ceases to sing true, and his way of telling the present, past, and future from Western classical themes and Russian folk tradition is oracular oratory. He spoke truth to power, in an epigram on Stalin. That resulted in his exile to Voronezh near the border with Ukraine, where he wrote nearly half his output, never to see publication in his lifetime. From there he was sentenced to hard labor in the Far East, where he died at age 47.
Posted by: Brett at April 03, 2022 11:13 AM (SAmIX)
307
I've been re-reading Starship Troopers this week. It's preparing me for life in the post American world.
Posted by: Jak Sucio at April 03, 2022 11:09 AM (jvt6t)
=================
You're expecting some alien bug attacks?
Posted by: Jak Sucio at April 03, 2022 11:09 AM (jvt6t)
=================
You're expecting some alien bug attacks?
Posted by: Huck Follywood, Break The Teachers Unions at April 03, 2022 11:13 AM (kP3EA)
308
Dude is absolutely right. I lived a high risk, fairly unhibited life as a kid/young man, which led to a lot of interesting experiences, good and bad. So for a long time, I didn't notice this, but people my age and younger, as a general rule, have a remarkable paucity of life experience. Everything and everyone is so safe.
They don't take risks, or make mistakes, so they never do anything cool, or uncool. They push off major stages of life until they're no longer possible, because they're not "stable" enough, whatever that means. They don't leave their safe bubble to even travel and see their own country outside of the safe bubble of their basements and campuses, let alone the rest of the world. And the Very Online Life and its conformist monoculture are so attractive to them - it's safe and comforting.
In many ways, for most people, that's probably a good thing, on balance. But not for a writer. An NPC can't write a "real" character - they'll be stuck writing NPCs, or poaching others' older themes/characters, and NPC-ifying them.
They don't take risks, or make mistakes, so they never do anything cool, or uncool. They push off major stages of life until they're no longer possible, because they're not "stable" enough, whatever that means. They don't leave their safe bubble to even travel and see their own country outside of the safe bubble of their basements and campuses, let alone the rest of the world. And the Very Online Life and its conformist monoculture are so attractive to them - it's safe and comforting.
In many ways, for most people, that's probably a good thing, on balance. But not for a writer. An NPC can't write a "real" character - they'll be stuck writing NPCs, or poaching others' older themes/characters, and NPC-ifying them.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at April 03, 2022 11:13 AM (SKVme)
309
Both Mrs. K and I enjoy salvaging items from our families (or others' families) that otherwise would be discarded and putting them to new uses (or back to use). We acquired a substantial number of our metalworking equipment from local auctions.
--------------------------
Then watch the British show, The Repair Shop, along with the glassblowing one.
--------------------------
Then watch the British show, The Repair Shop, along with the glassblowing one.
Posted by: andycanuck (UHVv4) at April 03, 2022 11:13 AM (UHVv4)
310
For the next survey, how about the most wonderful book found in a used bookstore? ("wonderfulness" to be determined by the discoverer ...) I love rummaging around and finding old books I didn't even know existed. It's like a giant easter egg hunt.
The lack of good, new books/movies can be tracked to the tradpub focus on blockbusters. Unfortunately, since the people in charge there have no idea WHY something is a blockbuster, the safest thing is to either copy what already succeeded (giving us the millions of movie reboots and comic book franchise efforts) or pick up something that has *already* succeeded without them (The Martian). They have no imagination and fear failure. Their bosses want instant results, so the care and guidance of new writers never happens. Careers in tradpub are literally over if your book tanks--you don't get a second chance. Which is why indie publishing is eating tradpub's lunch.
There is really no reason to go tradpub now if you are a writer. They won't help you with publicity and as everyone has noticed they sure as hell won't edit you (and I can hire the same editors myself, so what is the point?)
("wonderfulness" to be determined by the discoverer ...) I love rummaging around and finding old books I didn't even know existed. It's like a giant easter egg hunt.
The lack of good, new books/movies can be tracked to the tradpub focus on blockbusters. Unfortunately, since the people in charge there have no idea WHY something is a blockbuster, the safest thing is to either copy what already succeeded (giving us the millions of movie reboots and comic book franchise efforts) or pick up something that has *already* succeeded without them (The Martian). They have no imagination and fear failure. Their bosses want instant results, so the care and guidance of new writers never happens. Careers in tradpub are literally over if your book tanks--you don't get a second chance. Which is why indie publishing is eating tradpub's lunch.
There is really no reason to go tradpub now if you are a writer. They won't help you with publicity and as everyone has noticed they sure as hell won't edit you (and I can hire the same editors myself, so what is the point?)
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at April 03, 2022 11:14 AM (Ueqns)
311
Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons at April 03, 2022 11:05 AM (Qhnrt)
That's the story of his critics at the time . The Philippines were an important strategic and resource for the Japanese . The argument that we could have just cut them off could be made for every island campaign in favor of an alternative island.
That's the story of his critics at the time . The Philippines were an important strategic and resource for the Japanese . The argument that we could have just cut them off could be made for every island campaign in favor of an alternative island.
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 03, 2022 11:14 AM (Rzloy)
312
That is one of the definitions of a Maker, you know.
Posted by: Kindltot
I guess; I'm not familiar with all the verbiage.
That is one of the definitions of a Maker, you know.
Posted by: Kindltot
I guess; I'm not familiar with all the verbiage.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at April 03, 2022 11:14 AM (pNxlR)
313
Took me until late in life history is usually written with a bend in mind
Posted by: Skip's Phone at April 03, 2022 11:14 AM (2JoB8)
314
I'm recommending the Vixen War Bride series by Thomas Doscher - I was tipped off to it on Sarah Hoyt's weekly book thread.
The series is written by a retired airman and basically is an allegory for the postwar occupation of Japan, seen through the lens of scifi. Briefly, the people of Earth have begun the process of colonizing other planets, are attacked by an alien civilization and one of their worlds is completely destroyed. A curb stomp battle ensues and the aliens surrender. Then the military are sent to occupy this world and the peace process begins.
Through a misunderstanding, an Army Ranger captain winds up married to one of the aliens. The book follows the clash of cultures, hampered by language differences and malfunctioning equipment; there is EMP radiation overlying the alien planet, so it's back to pen and paper for the Earth military.
This is not the sort of book I usually read, but I went through the entire series (so far) of three books in four days. The dialogue and characters are excellent, and while definitely not played for laughs there is a fair amount of humor as well. I really do recommend this series to anyone who likes good writing and adventure.
The series is written by a retired airman and basically is an allegory for the postwar occupation of Japan, seen through the lens of scifi. Briefly, the people of Earth have begun the process of colonizing other planets, are attacked by an alien civilization and one of their worlds is completely destroyed. A curb stomp battle ensues and the aliens surrender. Then the military are sent to occupy this world and the peace process begins.
Through a misunderstanding, an Army Ranger captain winds up married to one of the aliens. The book follows the clash of cultures, hampered by language differences and malfunctioning equipment; there is EMP radiation overlying the alien planet, so it's back to pen and paper for the Earth military.
This is not the sort of book I usually read, but I went through the entire series (so far) of three books in four days. The dialogue and characters are excellent, and while definitely not played for laughs there is a fair amount of humor as well. I really do recommend this series to anyone who likes good writing and adventure.
Posted by: Alice at April 03, 2022 11:14 AM (jODh4)
315
No free speech, and the schools were being used to indoctrinate the kids.
Posted by: Mr Gaga at April 03, 2022 11:10 AM (KiBMU)
Thank Gaia that could never happen here!
Posted by: Mr Gaga at April 03, 2022 11:10 AM (KiBMU)
Thank Gaia that could never happen here!
Posted by: Leftist at April 03, 2022 11:15 AM (7bRMQ)
316
Correct me if I'm wrong but in simplistic terms wasn't Franco thrust into his fate instead of him planning it?
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 03, 2022 11:09 AM (Rzloy)
---
Franco was not involved in the planning, but he was aware of it. The murder of Jose Calvo Sotelo was what pushed him into joining the conspiracy. He was apolitical, but came to the conclusion that if opposition politicians could be murdered in the night with impunity, the Republic was already dead.
He was right.
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 03, 2022 11:09 AM (Rzloy)
---
Franco was not involved in the planning, but he was aware of it. The murder of Jose Calvo Sotelo was what pushed him into joining the conspiracy. He was apolitical, but came to the conclusion that if opposition politicians could be murdered in the night with impunity, the Republic was already dead.
He was right.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 11:16 AM (llXky)
317
Correct me if I'm wrong but in simplistic terms wasn't Franco thrust into his fate instead of him planning it?
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 03, 2022 11:09 AM (Rzloy)
General Sanjurjo was supposed to be the head of the coup, and he died flying in from Portugal, and General Mola was the senior general who also died in a plane crash.
Franco was the competent general with real combat experience that all the other generals could trust, and had the balls to escape his station in the Canaries and organize and command the airlift of the Moroccan troops into Spain. Once given overall command he insisted that everyone fall in line to win.
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 03, 2022 11:09 AM (Rzloy)
General Sanjurjo was supposed to be the head of the coup, and he died flying in from Portugal, and General Mola was the senior general who also died in a plane crash.
Franco was the competent general with real combat experience that all the other generals could trust, and had the balls to escape his station in the Canaries and organize and command the airlift of the Moroccan troops into Spain. Once given overall command he insisted that everyone fall in line to win.
Posted by: Kindltot at April 03, 2022 11:17 AM (xhaym)
318
Following up on Bluebell's recommendation , the Bible in a year has week long reflections on the 7 last words of Christ. Each day delves into a different way of reflecting on the "word" of the week. Quite good!
Posted by: LASue at April 03, 2022 11:17 AM (Ed8Zd)
319
Going back to the video and lack of real life interpretations or familiarity with classics, I always found it interesting that people borrow from literature to create or solve parts of their lives. Now that's something I could probably write about, short story anyway, without damaging a trust.
It amazed me how a high school or college required read, could lead to either a good or disastrous outcome in a real situation.
It amazed me how a high school or college required read, could lead to either a good or disastrous outcome in a real situation.
Posted by: CN The First at April 03, 2022 11:18 AM (ONvIw)
320
I've been re-reading Starship Troopers this week. It's preparing me for life in the post American world.
Posted by: Jak Sucio at April 03, 2022 11:09 AM (jvt6t)
=================
You're expecting some alien bug attacks?
Posted by: Huck Follywood, Break The Teachers Unions
Explains Whoopsie Goldberg.
Posted by: Jak Sucio at April 03, 2022 11:09 AM (jvt6t)
=================
You're expecting some alien bug attacks?
Posted by: Huck Follywood, Break The Teachers Unions
Explains Whoopsie Goldberg.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I am not a biologist at April 03, 2022 11:18 AM (FVME7)
321
Many thanks to whoever it was that suggested Peter Kemp's 'Ten Years At War' collection
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Posted by: Notorious BFD at April 03, 2022 11:18 AM (Xrfse)
322
Also the number of American KIA in the month it took to re-take the Philippines was about a thousand. Much less than the other island campaigns.
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 03, 2022 11:18 AM (Rzloy)
323
Speaking of picture books, saw a really charming one that adults will enjoy reading to kids: Yours in Books.
I forget the authors
I forget the authors
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at April 03, 2022 11:19 AM (VHDm+)
324
I half expected the squirrel at the end to be eating Keith's lunch.
Posted by: JerseyDevilRider at April 03, 2022 11:12 AM (XEfn
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LOL!
I didn't even think of that!
Posted by: JerseyDevilRider at April 03, 2022 11:12 AM (XEfn
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LOL!
I didn't even think of that!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 03, 2022 11:20 AM (K5n5d)
325
Since "Death on the Nile" was mentioned upstairs...
Here's my willowed comments from last night:
I had some fun this week comparing relatively Old Hollywood to New by watching the Two versions of "Death on the Nile".
The 2022 version is playing on HBOMax and the 1978 version is playing on the Criterion Channel.
As if it were playing right into the stereotype the 2022 is humorless and oh so serious and crammed full of extraneous woke details. The 1978 version is played with a much lighter touch and it's archetypal characters are mostly figures of fun until the game turns deadly. And it's fun to see the old actors and actresses hamming it up and knowing when to really sink into the role. Hell, even George Kennedy wass good and he's a guy I can't stand.
As far as just being a movie to watch, the modern version is the one to watch. It constantly wants to entertain you, it gives Poirot a storyline and character growth, instead of being just a mustachioed Deus Ex machina. And the murders and the reveal makes more sense logically. But, you will be rolling your eyes almost constantly at all the anachronisms and wkefaction.
(con't)
Here's my willowed comments from last night:
I had some fun this week comparing relatively Old Hollywood to New by watching the Two versions of "Death on the Nile".
The 2022 version is playing on HBOMax and the 1978 version is playing on the Criterion Channel.
As if it were playing right into the stereotype the 2022 is humorless and oh so serious and crammed full of extraneous woke details. The 1978 version is played with a much lighter touch and it's archetypal characters are mostly figures of fun until the game turns deadly. And it's fun to see the old actors and actresses hamming it up and knowing when to really sink into the role. Hell, even George Kennedy wass good and he's a guy I can't stand.
As far as just being a movie to watch, the modern version is the one to watch. It constantly wants to entertain you, it gives Poirot a storyline and character growth, instead of being just a mustachioed Deus Ex machina. And the murders and the reveal makes more sense logically. But, you will be rolling your eyes almost constantly at all the anachronisms and wkefaction.
(con't)
Posted by: naturalfake at April 03, 2022 11:20 AM (5NkmN)
326
(con't)
The older version is basically a big ole comfy chair and a cup of hot tea. It wants to entertain but the pace is much slower, the characters better established, which makes for a more understandable, more humane and cozy movie.
I suppose I'd prefer to watch the newer version of "Death on the Nile", but I actually enjoy the 1978 version far more. If that makes any sense.
A fun experiment if you'd care to take it yourself.
The older version is basically a big ole comfy chair and a cup of hot tea. It wants to entertain but the pace is much slower, the characters better established, which makes for a more understandable, more humane and cozy movie.
I suppose I'd prefer to watch the newer version of "Death on the Nile", but I actually enjoy the 1978 version far more. If that makes any sense.
A fun experiment if you'd care to take it yourself.
Posted by: naturalfake at April 03, 2022 11:21 AM (5NkmN)
327
Recently, I started reading a collection of novellas by Elinor Wylie. I just couldn't do it.
Posted by: CN The First at April 03, 2022 11:21 AM (ONvIw)
328
I have four series that I have long loved and finally am getting for myself and reading in order. Previously I have read almost all of them from the library in random order as they could be found. It doesn't matter a lot, but I like to see the writer develop and what the characters are like in sequence.
1) Blind Beak of Bow Street - about Sir John Fielding, blind magistrate in the late 1700s. Brother of the author of Tom Jones. Written by Bruce Alexander, this series follows young Jeremy Proctor as he is taken in by Fielding and eventually adopted, growing from age 13 to roughly 17 and it does kind of matter if you read these in order
2) SPQR series by John Maddox Roberts, humorous and incredibly informative Roman mysteries set roughly in the end of the Republic when Caesar takes over. Kind of matters if they are in order, so you get the historical context.
3) Fool's Guild by Alan Gordon. Proposes that an organization of jesters works to manipulate history and push toward peace and justice through their special relationship with kings and princes. Doesn't matter a lot if you read in order, but richer if you do.
...
1) Blind Beak of Bow Street - about Sir John Fielding, blind magistrate in the late 1700s. Brother of the author of Tom Jones. Written by Bruce Alexander, this series follows young Jeremy Proctor as he is taken in by Fielding and eventually adopted, growing from age 13 to roughly 17 and it does kind of matter if you read these in order
2) SPQR series by John Maddox Roberts, humorous and incredibly informative Roman mysteries set roughly in the end of the Republic when Caesar takes over. Kind of matters if they are in order, so you get the historical context.
3) Fool's Guild by Alan Gordon. Proposes that an organization of jesters works to manipulate history and push toward peace and justice through their special relationship with kings and princes. Doesn't matter a lot if you read in order, but richer if you do.
...
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 03, 2022 11:21 AM (KZzsI)
329
General Sanjurjo was supposed to be the head of the coup, and he died flying in from Portugal, and General Mola was the senior general who also died in a plane crash.
Posted by: Kindltot at April 03, 2022 11:17 AM (xhaym)
---
Mola died in 1937, after Franco had secured the high command. Franco had been army chief of staff and was widely respected. His succession was therefore natural.
It's interesting to look at how the Republic really screwed themselves by putting various generals away from Madrid. Franco was a short flight away from Africa, where he rallied the troops. Mola was banished to Navarre, where he recruited the Requetes to the cause - the best and most fearsome troops of the war.
Great job, guys.
Posted by: Kindltot at April 03, 2022 11:17 AM (xhaym)
---
Mola died in 1937, after Franco had secured the high command. Franco had been army chief of staff and was widely respected. His succession was therefore natural.
It's interesting to look at how the Republic really screwed themselves by putting various generals away from Madrid. Franco was a short flight away from Africa, where he rallied the troops. Mola was banished to Navarre, where he recruited the Requetes to the cause - the best and most fearsome troops of the war.
Great job, guys.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 11:24 AM (llXky)
330
... con'td
4) Egyptian Mysteries by Paul (PC) Doherty. Chief Justice in the reign of Hatsupshut, queen of Egypt. Its an amazingly deep historical dive that is kept entertaining by the mysteries Amerotke has to dig into and how he works in the culture. Egyptians had a surprisingly sophisticated system of justice, and the culture is fascinating.
These four series are 6-12 books long, and each one is like sinking into a comfortable bed as the world shuts off around you so you can escape stress and troubles and enjoy dipping into another world.
I find I do not like modern settings nearly as well as historical ones; there's little escape in reading modern thrillers and stories.
4) Egyptian Mysteries by Paul (PC) Doherty. Chief Justice in the reign of Hatsupshut, queen of Egypt. Its an amazingly deep historical dive that is kept entertaining by the mysteries Amerotke has to dig into and how he works in the culture. Egyptians had a surprisingly sophisticated system of justice, and the culture is fascinating.
These four series are 6-12 books long, and each one is like sinking into a comfortable bed as the world shuts off around you so you can escape stress and troubles and enjoy dipping into another world.
I find I do not like modern settings nearly as well as historical ones; there's little escape in reading modern thrillers and stories.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 03, 2022 11:24 AM (KZzsI)
331
No free speech, and the schools were being used to indoctrinate the kids.
Posted by: Mr Gaga
And now, a word from the experts.
@kellyske
"early grades may be the best time to introduce topics related to sexual orientation, gender identity & expression, gender equality & social justice related to LGBTQ+ community before heteronormative & cisnormative values & assumptions become more deeply ingrained & less mutable"
@ProfAlanMcKee
What's the best porn for young people? If you're an adult wanting to support a young person in your life with healthy sexual development, here are the hacks you need. My new blog for the Sex School
Posted by: Mr Gaga
And now, a word from the experts.
@kellyske
"early grades may be the best time to introduce topics related to sexual orientation, gender identity & expression, gender equality & social justice related to LGBTQ+ community before heteronormative & cisnormative values & assumptions become more deeply ingrained & less mutable"
@ProfAlanMcKee
What's the best porn for young people? If you're an adult wanting to support a young person in your life with healthy sexual development, here are the hacks you need. My new blog for the Sex School
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I am not a biologist at April 03, 2022 11:24 AM (FVME7)
332
Also the number of American KIA in the month it took to re-take the Philippines was about a thousand. Much less than the other island campaigns.
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 03, 2022 11:18 AM (Rzloy)
---
Also important to keep the faith the Filipinos. They had fought and bled beside us, and abandoning them to further agony was a non-starter.
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 03, 2022 11:18 AM (Rzloy)
---
Also important to keep the faith the Filipinos. They had fought and bled beside us, and abandoning them to further agony was a non-starter.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 11:25 AM (llXky)
333
I guess; I'm not familiar with all the verbiage.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at April 03, 2022 11:14 AM (pNxlR)
Makers are the (usually kids to me) people doing crafty things with high tech tools, and usually low tech ideas, imagine someone using a modification of a sewing machine and a raspberry PI controller to do tablet weaving, or building a plastic injection station to make things for fun. There is a lot of mixing of techniques and pulling from multiple types of crafts.
My first contact with the idea was finding a group online that was building a 3d printer to sinter sugar into 3d objects.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at April 03, 2022 11:14 AM (pNxlR)
Makers are the (usually kids to me) people doing crafty things with high tech tools, and usually low tech ideas, imagine someone using a modification of a sewing machine and a raspberry PI controller to do tablet weaving, or building a plastic injection station to make things for fun. There is a lot of mixing of techniques and pulling from multiple types of crafts.
My first contact with the idea was finding a group online that was building a 3d printer to sinter sugar into 3d objects.
Posted by: Kindltot at April 03, 2022 11:26 AM (xhaym)
334
What a fantastic thread, Perfesser Squirrel. Thank you.
I'm reading the fifth book in the 5 (so far) book series of military sci-fi series featuring lead character Abner Fortis, written by P.A. Piatt, called "Diplomacy".
A young officer joins the Space Marines to pay off his student loans. The first book, "Cherry Drop" has 2nd Lt. Fortis on his very first mission inheriting command of a company in a very desperate and confusing situation. Each book he becomes progressively more experienced as he deals with more and more difficult situations.
Very well-written and I'm thoroughly enjoying this series. Nice studies in how a young officer learns to command. Highly recommended.
I'm reading the fifth book in the 5 (so far) book series of military sci-fi series featuring lead character Abner Fortis, written by P.A. Piatt, called "Diplomacy".
A young officer joins the Space Marines to pay off his student loans. The first book, "Cherry Drop" has 2nd Lt. Fortis on his very first mission inheriting command of a company in a very desperate and confusing situation. Each book he becomes progressively more experienced as he deals with more and more difficult situations.
Very well-written and I'm thoroughly enjoying this series. Nice studies in how a young officer learns to command. Highly recommended.
Posted by: Sharkman at April 03, 2022 11:26 AM (GGoJR)
335
in a mood for poetry lately
looking for some spiritual reading
Why choose? Try Gerard Manley Hopkins, one of the most acclaimed and least known of the Victorian poets
https://tinyurl.com/46umv3jj
looking for some spiritual reading
Why choose? Try Gerard Manley Hopkins, one of the most acclaimed and least known of the Victorian poets
https://tinyurl.com/46umv3jj
Posted by: crisis du jour at April 03, 2022 11:26 AM (fo5YT)
336
Vmom and Kid - I had thought that 6 year old and I could sit and read the Berenstain Bears book. She doesn't like to read, which is a shame. She was also rather fresh about it, which is why I'm not in a hurry to reward the behavior with another book. Those books by Catherine Rayner are beautiful and she does like cats and other animals, so Crosscountry Cat might be just the thing. This Nana might just happen to bring over a nice book like those, enjoy it all by herself and refuse to share. At least at first...
Posted by: KatieFloyd at April 03, 2022 11:26 AM (ob77J)
337
Posted by: naturalfake at April 03, 2022 11:20 AM (5NkmN)
I liked that version, and I liked the Poirot version, too, although it lacked the physical views that the 78 version had. I recall going on an afternoon with a college friend, who had lived in Egypt as dad was in USAID. We had a great time. Everyone did a fine job, although instead of George Kennedy surprising you, it was Jane Birkin for me. She did a good job in two Christie adaptations.
I liked that version, and I liked the Poirot version, too, although it lacked the physical views that the 78 version had. I recall going on an afternoon with a college friend, who had lived in Egypt as dad was in USAID. We had a great time. Everyone did a fine job, although instead of George Kennedy surprising you, it was Jane Birkin for me. She did a good job in two Christie adaptations.
Posted by: CN The First at April 03, 2022 11:26 AM (ONvIw)
338
If you're on twitter, a good account to follow is @SFFAudio. He scans lots of old time, golden-aged and before and after magazines and cleans up the scans and posts them. I just read one of "his" from the 30's, The Typewriter.
He also reads many of the stories and posts links to the audio. Great follow if you're there.
He also reads many of the stories and posts links to the audio. Great follow if you're there.
Posted by: Peter (My friends call me Pete) Zah at April 03, 2022 11:27 AM (a4vvV)
339
building a 3d printer to sinter sugar into 3d objects.
Posted by: Kindltot
Did we see that in a Knight's Tale?
Posted by: Kindltot
Did we see that in a Knight's Tale?
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at April 03, 2022 11:27 AM (7Nl5T)
340
He was very vain, but I think getting Luzon back was important. Plus it also drew out the last of the Japanese Navy. You don't want to fight those in their home waters.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 11:13 AM (llXky
Midway took care of the Japanese navy. It never recovered after that battle. By the time the Philippines were invaded it was just a shell of it's Pearl Harbor strength. Lots of ships and airplanes, but crew skills had dwindled to a joke.
He was very vain, but I think getting Luzon back was important. Plus it also drew out the last of the Japanese Navy. You don't want to fight those in their home waters.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 11:13 AM (llXky
Midway took care of the Japanese navy. It never recovered after that battle. By the time the Philippines were invaded it was just a shell of it's Pearl Harbor strength. Lots of ships and airplanes, but crew skills had dwindled to a joke.
Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons at April 03, 2022 11:28 AM (Qhnrt)
341
316 Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 11:16 AM (llXky)
The Republicans never intended for the parliamentary system to work after 31, they wanted an "enlightened dictatorship" themselves.
If the only choice was between "Stalin style commies" and "Franco hyper-nationalists" I would choose nationalism every time.
The Republicans never intended for the parliamentary system to work after 31, they wanted an "enlightened dictatorship" themselves.
If the only choice was between "Stalin style commies" and "Franco hyper-nationalists" I would choose nationalism every time.
Posted by: sven at April 03, 2022 11:29 AM (Lzpvj)
342
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars (TM) at April 03, 2022 11:12 AM (pNxlR)
Ah. Thanks for the explanation. Old electronics cords are a good source of copper wire, although stripping the insulation can take quite a bit of work.
Ah. Thanks for the explanation. Old electronics cords are a good source of copper wire, although stripping the insulation can take quite a bit of work.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 03, 2022 11:29 AM (nC+QA)
343
I freely agree that Agatha Christie was an amazing writer, and that she created dozens of now-standard mystery tropes and plots, and that she was incredibly prolific, and that she created several very memorable, enduring characters.
I just can't read her. I can barely get through short stories. I like the stories, just not the way she writes them, and prefer watching Poirot on TV.
I just can't read her. I can barely get through short stories. I like the stories, just not the way she writes them, and prefer watching Poirot on TV.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 03, 2022 11:29 AM (KZzsI)
344
Also the number of American KIA in the month it took to re-take the Philippines was about a thousand. Much less than the other island campaigns.
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 03, 2022 11:18 AM (Rzloy)
---
Also important to keep the faith the Filipinos. They had fought and bled beside us, and abandoning them to further agony was a non-starter.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 11:25 AM (llXky)
A thousand? What was the casualty count for Taffy 3?
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 03, 2022 11:18 AM (Rzloy)
---
Also important to keep the faith the Filipinos. They had fought and bled beside us, and abandoning them to further agony was a non-starter.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 11:25 AM (llXky)
A thousand? What was the casualty count for Taffy 3?
Posted by: mrp at April 03, 2022 11:29 AM (6eRlp)
345
"For the next survey, how about the most wonderful book found in a used bookstore?"
It's not in the best of shape, but I found a first edition of Fitzgerald's "The Beautiful and Damned" for 25 cents.
It's not in the best of shape, but I found a first edition of Fitzgerald's "The Beautiful and Damned" for 25 cents.
Posted by: Brett at April 03, 2022 11:29 AM (SAmIX)
346
It's interesting to look at how the Republic really screwed themselves by putting various generals away from Madrid. Franco was a short flight away from Africa, where he rallied the troops. Mola was banished to Navarre, where he recruited the Requetes to the cause - the best and most fearsome troops of the war.
Great job, guys.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 11:24 AM (llXky)
the generals were dispersed to keep them from conspiring against the Republic, a sensible move in light of the last couple of military coups, and they were kept under observation as well. Without the Dragon Rapide plane flown in from England, supposedly passing through for a rich guy's hunting trip to Morocco, Franco would have had to take a boat or walked. There is a bit of history about how the Go notice was passed through couriers.
It's interesting to look at how the Republic really screwed themselves by putting various generals away from Madrid. Franco was a short flight away from Africa, where he rallied the troops. Mola was banished to Navarre, where he recruited the Requetes to the cause - the best and most fearsome troops of the war.
Great job, guys.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 11:24 AM (llXky)
the generals were dispersed to keep them from conspiring against the Republic, a sensible move in light of the last couple of military coups, and they were kept under observation as well. Without the Dragon Rapide plane flown in from England, supposedly passing through for a rich guy's hunting trip to Morocco, Franco would have had to take a boat or walked. There is a bit of history about how the Go notice was passed through couriers.
Posted by: Kindltot at April 03, 2022 11:30 AM (xhaym)
347
"The current generation of writers are not influenced by life." Think about that for a moment...
-------
It speaks volumes.
We touched on this, after a fashion, in the Movie Thread yesterday. The same shallowness exists among Hollywood actors. In the past, some of the greatest actors had significant real-life experience behind them. That is not the case now.
-------
It speaks volumes.
We touched on this, after a fashion, in the Movie Thread yesterday. The same shallowness exists among Hollywood actors. In the past, some of the greatest actors had significant real-life experience behind them. That is not the case now.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at April 03, 2022 11:31 AM (Un4ko)
348
Also the number of American KIA in the month it took to re-take the Philippines was about a thousand. Much less than the other island campaigns.
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 03, 2022 11:18 AM (Rzloy
You need to review your stats. And what about Peleliu?
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 03, 2022 11:18 AM (Rzloy
You need to review your stats. And what about Peleliu?
Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons at April 03, 2022 11:32 AM (Qhnrt)
349
Posted by: KatieFloyd at April 03, 2022 11:26 AM (ob77J)
Sock fail earlier.
Cross Country Cat is apparently one in a series of Henry the Cat books. My oldest did a book report on it. Gah! eleven years ago.
Sock fail earlier.
Cross Country Cat is apparently one in a series of Henry the Cat books. My oldest did a book report on it. Gah! eleven years ago.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at April 03, 2022 11:32 AM (7bRMQ)
350
I had some fun this week comparing relatively Old Hollywood to New by watching the Two versions of "Death on the Nile".
The 2022 version is playing on HBOMax and the 1978 version is playing on the Criterion Channel.
-
Jessica Fletcher as an aging drunken harlot.
The 2022 version is playing on HBOMax and the 1978 version is playing on the Criterion Channel.
-
Jessica Fletcher as an aging drunken harlot.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I am not a biologist at April 03, 2022 11:32 AM (FVME7)
351
Thanks for the very enjoyable thread, P.S.!
I'm off to church.
I'm off to church.
Posted by: gourmand du jour at April 03, 2022 11:33 AM (jTmQV)
352
MacArthur seemed vain because he was the smartest guy in the room. Sort of the same criticism Cruz gets. Not saying they are infallible at all or could be wrong . Just that it's not fake intelligence.
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 03, 2022 11:34 AM (Rzloy)
353
William Manchester's book American Caesar changed how I viewed MacArthur and his campaign to recapture the Philippines.
Manchester was a FDR-JFK man, yet he could see past the politics and the ego and admired MacArthur's military genius.
Manchester was a FDR-JFK man, yet he could see past the politics and the ego and admired MacArthur's military genius.
Posted by: 13times at April 03, 2022 11:34 AM (vN8dc)
354
Apologies for trashing Sean Spicer in my earlier comment. I was thinking of one of the other POS commenters at CNN. Need more coffee before commenting.
The pants are still very weird.
The pants are still very weird.
Posted by: JTB at April 03, 2022 11:35 AM (7EjX1)
355
On library card files: decades ago I noted their absence, to a librarian. At the first place, the cases (they were usually lovely oak cases) had been moved to the basement so they would not get disrupted by the new class of visitors; by the second time I asked, the library-scientist had never maintained or used one.
When recreational home computers first caught on, people "surfed the web" by following semi-related links cited in other articles, and were amused by what they were led to. With a card file, on the way to finding your title, subject, or author card, you'd run into totally unrelated things just because of alphabetical similarity. They were often compelling.
Used to be a syndicated columnist (I didn't like him) who, once a month, would post a miscellany filler called "Things I Learned On My Way to Look Up Other Things." It often showed through how the library filing system played a role in his education.
In the 70's, a wag at The New Yorker went through the card file for "They," and just printed out all the simple declarative titles in order, headed "What They Did." Because the internet doesn't work that way, I can't find it. And that's modern life.
When recreational home computers first caught on, people "surfed the web" by following semi-related links cited in other articles, and were amused by what they were led to. With a card file, on the way to finding your title, subject, or author card, you'd run into totally unrelated things just because of alphabetical similarity. They were often compelling.
Used to be a syndicated columnist (I didn't like him) who, once a month, would post a miscellany filler called "Things I Learned On My Way to Look Up Other Things." It often showed through how the library filing system played a role in his education.
In the 70's, a wag at The New Yorker went through the card file for "They," and just printed out all the simple declarative titles in order, headed "What They Did." Because the internet doesn't work that way, I can't find it. And that's modern life.
Posted by: Stringer Davis at April 03, 2022 11:35 AM (videA)
356
1. Other than Niven and Pournelle, I cannot even think of an author duo I particularly liked. Niven was okay on his own but much better with Pournelle. I don't think I have read any solo Pournelle books
2. The blurb, reviews, and word of mouth are the primary ways I find and pick books up. The cover can contribute, but not much -- some pretty great books have pretty terrible or simple covers.
3. Too big to cover here, I used to have a blog about writing but I blew all those up two years ago. I'm sure the other authors did fine helping out here.
2. The blurb, reviews, and word of mouth are the primary ways I find and pick books up. The cover can contribute, but not much -- some pretty great books have pretty terrible or simple covers.
3. Too big to cover here, I used to have a blog about writing but I blew all those up two years ago. I'm sure the other authors did fine helping out here.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 03, 2022 11:35 AM (KZzsI)
357
Speaking of "The Great American Novel"-
"Wearing the Cat" was my swing at The Great American Novel. It's in the form of a ribald picaresque comedy.
Amazon provides a very generous excerpt, so you can check it out and see what you think. If you appreciate the humor, you'll have an excellent time.
I think the poor quality of recent novels is due to the fact that most writers are writing toward a movie deal, instead of writing to engage the reader. A simple good guy/bad guy/protagonist/antagonist plot makes a good popcorn book and a good popcorn movie, but makes a poor diet for your starving reader's brain that wants laughter, surprise, shock, action with consequence, and ultimately to be emotionally moved.
I think I've provided that in WtC, but hey, you decide.
"Wearing the Cat" was my swing at The Great American Novel. It's in the form of a ribald picaresque comedy.
Amazon provides a very generous excerpt, so you can check it out and see what you think. If you appreciate the humor, you'll have an excellent time.
I think the poor quality of recent novels is due to the fact that most writers are writing toward a movie deal, instead of writing to engage the reader. A simple good guy/bad guy/protagonist/antagonist plot makes a good popcorn book and a good popcorn movie, but makes a poor diet for your starving reader's brain that wants laughter, surprise, shock, action with consequence, and ultimately to be emotionally moved.
I think I've provided that in WtC, but hey, you decide.
Posted by: naturalfake at April 03, 2022 11:36 AM (5NkmN)
358
My best find in a used bookshop was in Chicago's Rogers Park in the early 80s. A comic shop that also had some paperback racks (and a separate spinner where all the old Ace Doubles were plastic wrapped and overpriced). As I looked over the regular racks, what should jump out at me but a first printing Regency Books edition of Harlan Ellison's GENTLEMAN JUNKIE, in excellent shape. Asked the counter man how much. He was annoyed because I'd interrupted his comic-reading. "Inside back cover!" 60 cents. "Yeah, I can handle that." I didn't have the heart to tell him what he'd just given away.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at April 03, 2022 11:37 AM (JzDjf)
359
In the past, some of the greatest actors had significant real-life experience behind them.
Every interview about him I've read tells how Christopher Lee's experience as a commando in WW2 helped Peter Jackson and the actors in the LOTR movies understand combat etc.
I like guys like Paul Rudd and Chris Hemsworth, etc but they just don't have that depth that older actors brought, that wisdom and life experience to shape their reactions. That's why the pun, the witticism, the sick burn etc has replaced real dialog, real reactions, and real acting.
Every interview about him I've read tells how Christopher Lee's experience as a commando in WW2 helped Peter Jackson and the actors in the LOTR movies understand combat etc.
I like guys like Paul Rudd and Chris Hemsworth, etc but they just don't have that depth that older actors brought, that wisdom and life experience to shape their reactions. That's why the pun, the witticism, the sick burn etc has replaced real dialog, real reactions, and real acting.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 03, 2022 11:38 AM (KZzsI)
360
Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons at April 03, 2022 11:32 AM (Qhnrt)
You are correct by a huge factor. I was thinking of something else but that's no excuse.
You are correct by a huge factor. I was thinking of something else but that's no excuse.
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 03, 2022 11:38 AM (Rzloy)
361
Ah. Thanks for the explanation. Old electronics cords are a good source of copper wire, although stripping the insulation can take quite a bit of work.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 03, 2022 11:29 AM (nC+QA)
For bulk scrap-out, fire works well. Burning at night recommended.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 03, 2022 11:29 AM (nC+QA)
For bulk scrap-out, fire works well. Burning at night recommended.
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at April 03, 2022 11:39 AM (gkoWb)
362
Just to clarify I was thinking of the battle to take Manila. Again no excuse for the purposes of our discussion.
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 03, 2022 11:40 AM (Rzloy)
363
Ahoy, bookfagz!
Posted by: Insomniac - Outlaw. Hoarder. Wrecker. Honker. at April 03, 2022 11:41 AM (II3Gr)
364
Ah. Thanks for the explanation. Old electronics cords are a good source of copper wire, although stripping the insulation can take quite a bit of work.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 03, 2022 11:29 AM (nC+QA)
For bulk scrap-out, fire works well. Burning at night recommended.
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at April 03, 2022 11:39 AM (gkoWb)
Or you can buy a wire-stripping machine.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 03, 2022 11:29 AM (nC+QA)
For bulk scrap-out, fire works well. Burning at night recommended.
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at April 03, 2022 11:39 AM (gkoWb)
Or you can buy a wire-stripping machine.
Posted by: mrp at April 03, 2022 11:41 AM (6eRlp)
365
Good morning.
Just wanted to pop in and mention I finished "Great Expectations."
I thought well enough of "Great Expectations" to decide it needs to be included in the Che Blake library. A rare honor, I might add, deserving space in the Che Blake library, due to the number of other books we have and the lack of space for new additions.
Just wanted to pop in and mention I finished "Great Expectations."
I thought well enough of "Great Expectations" to decide it needs to be included in the Che Blake library. A rare honor, I might add, deserving space in the Che Blake library, due to the number of other books we have and the lack of space for new additions.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (5pTK/)) at April 03, 2022 11:42 AM (5pTK/)
366
52 MacArthur seemed vain because he was the smartest guy in the room. Sort of the same criticism Cruz gets. Not saying they are infallible at all or could be wrong . Just that it's not fake intelligence.
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 03, 2022 11:34 AM (Rzloy
MacArthur should have been kept in DC as FDR's speechwriter. That was about all he was good for.
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter at April 03, 2022 11:34 AM (Rzloy
MacArthur should have been kept in DC as FDR's speechwriter. That was about all he was good for.
Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons at April 03, 2022 11:42 AM (Qhnrt)
367
Wait, when did Sean Spicer go to CNN? I thought he was on NewsMax.
He's still one of the good guys, right?
He's still one of the good guys, right?
Posted by: bluebell - NoVaMoMe 2022! at April 03, 2022 11:42 AM (wyw4S)
368
New cords are designed with tiny microthreads of copper, and not a great source, but old cords and wires are great. Old extension cords, power cords from old devices like stoves etc.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 03, 2022 11:42 AM (KZzsI)
369
Midway took care of the Japanese navy. It never recovered after that battle. By the time the Philippines were invaded it was just a shell of it's Pearl Harbor strength. Lots of ships and airplanes, but crew skills had dwindled to a joke.
Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons at April 03, 2022 11:28 AM (Qhnrt)
---
So Leyte Gulf didn't happen???
My point stands: the Filipino people were suffering terribly and to abandon them even longer would have destroyed US morale.
This is very similar to people saying Franco should have abandoned the Alcazar and drove straight for Madrid. It ignores the value of fighting spirit, which is built on trust.
It is more important to help the people on your side than pull of fancy maneuvers which also (and always!) leave your supply chain more precarious.
Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons at April 03, 2022 11:28 AM (Qhnrt)
---
So Leyte Gulf didn't happen???
My point stands: the Filipino people were suffering terribly and to abandon them even longer would have destroyed US morale.
This is very similar to people saying Franco should have abandoned the Alcazar and drove straight for Madrid. It ignores the value of fighting spirit, which is built on trust.
It is more important to help the people on your side than pull of fancy maneuvers which also (and always!) leave your supply chain more precarious.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 11:43 AM (llXky)
370
One grammar thing that bothers me is the relatively recent adoption of the word "concerning" in a passive way, "it is concerning to me . . "
It makes for a very weak alternative to "I am concerned," or even "this concerns me." It feels stilted and awkward.
Of course a lot of this passive voice language that is rampant in the office environment grates on me bigly.
It makes for a very weak alternative to "I am concerned," or even "this concerns me." It feels stilted and awkward.
Of course a lot of this passive voice language that is rampant in the office environment grates on me bigly.
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-Well at April 03, 2022 11:43 AM (x8Wzq)
371
Or you can buy a wire-stripping machine.
Posted by: mrp at April 03, 2022 11:41 AM (6eRlp)
-------------
"You'll put your eye out with that!" (I knew a guy who almost did just that, using one of those machines)
Posted by: mrp at April 03, 2022 11:41 AM (6eRlp)
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"You'll put your eye out with that!" (I knew a guy who almost did just that, using one of those machines)
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (5pTK/)) at April 03, 2022 11:43 AM (5pTK/)
372
On that note, I'm off! Thanks perfesser!
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 11:44 AM (llXky)
373
Many moons ago I was in the Joplin Mo Greyhound station with something like an 8 hour wait. Settled down in the chair with GREAT EXPECTATION, and the layover just flew by.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at April 03, 2022 11:44 AM (JzDjf)
374
Golden's Books in Waco has all the Used Book Store requirements: strip mall storefront in a kind of dodgy neighborhood, stock piled by categories in teetering stacks,
the SMELL, and odd help.
the SMELL, and odd help.
Posted by: sal at April 03, 2022 11:44 AM (bJKUl)
375
Of course a lot of this passive voice language that is rampant in the office environment grates on me bigly.
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-Well at April 03, 2022 11:43 AM (x8Wzq)
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And how does that make you feel?
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-Well at April 03, 2022 11:43 AM (x8Wzq)
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And how does that make you feel?
Posted by: Dr. Phil at April 03, 2022 11:44 AM (5pTK/)
376
Settled down in the chair with GREAT EXPECTATION, and the layover just flew by.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at April 03, 2022 11:44 AM (JzDjf)
------
We had to read that in high school. We knew it by its other name, Great Expectorations.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at April 03, 2022 11:44 AM (JzDjf)
------
We had to read that in high school. We knew it by its other name, Great Expectorations.
Posted by: bluebell - NoVaMoMe 2022! at April 03, 2022 11:45 AM (wyw4S)
377
Of course a lot of this passive voice language that is rampant in the office environment grates on me bigly.
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-Well at April 03, 2022 11:43 AM (x8Wzq)
It's all very feminized and chickified. Even the 40+ year old women are uptalking now.
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-Well at April 03, 2022 11:43 AM (x8Wzq)
It's all very feminized and chickified. Even the 40+ year old women are uptalking now.
Posted by: Insomniac - Outlaw. Hoarder. Wrecker. Honker. at April 03, 2022 11:45 AM (II3Gr)
378
Most of my recent reading has been picture books with trains , some with sound effects, because I'm in Montana for a couple of weeks to watch my 17 month old grandson while son and dil do some stuff. His current fascination is with choo-choos!
Posted by: Cosda at April 03, 2022 11:45 AM (XIMj+)
379
blake hope book was better than the 90s movie was
Posted by: Skip's Phone at April 03, 2022 11:46 AM (2JoB8)
380
We were supposed to read GREAT EXPECTATIONS in high school too; can't remember if I actually read it then, but I recall being bored stiff. Years later, it was a lot better.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at April 03, 2022 11:47 AM (JzDjf)
381
Perfessor, you are doing such a nice job with the book thread. I like that you still have touches of OMuse, which is a lovely homage to him, but are adding in your own style. Very enjoyable.
Although I do have questions about your choice of chapeau.
Although I do have questions about your choice of chapeau.
Posted by: bluebell - NoVaMoMe 2022! at April 03, 2022 11:47 AM (wyw4S)
382
And now, a word from the experts.
@kellyske
"early grades may be the best time to introduce topics related to sexual orientation, gender identity & expression, gender equality & social justice related to LGBTQ+ community before heteronormative & cisnormative values & assumptions become more deeply ingrained & less mutable"
@ProfAlanMcKee
What's the best porn for young people? If you're an adult wanting to support a young person in your life with healthy sexual development, here are the hacks you need. My new blog for the Sex School
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I am not a biologist at April 03, 20
So gross. Here's a better hack to support young people: "Go to church every week; learn to control yourself; treat everyone with respect but don't be swayed by others."
@kellyske
"early grades may be the best time to introduce topics related to sexual orientation, gender identity & expression, gender equality & social justice related to LGBTQ+ community before heteronormative & cisnormative values & assumptions become more deeply ingrained & less mutable"
@ProfAlanMcKee
What's the best porn for young people? If you're an adult wanting to support a young person in your life with healthy sexual development, here are the hacks you need. My new blog for the Sex School
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, I am not a biologist at April 03, 20
So gross. Here's a better hack to support young people: "Go to church every week; learn to control yourself; treat everyone with respect but don't be swayed by others."
Posted by: LASue at April 03, 2022 11:47 AM (Ed8Zd)
383
Did an impromptu inventory of John D Mcdonald Travis Mcgee paper and hardcover novels, there is a ton of them, quite dogeared because I reread a lot.
Fascinating author. There are also many Steven King books. I enjoy reading him, never mind the left leaning tendencies in real life. To me, he puts out some compelling reads. Very good character development in the early stuff.
Fascinating author. There are also many Steven King books. I enjoy reading him, never mind the left leaning tendencies in real life. To me, he puts out some compelling reads. Very good character development in the early stuff.
Posted by: irongrampa at April 03, 2022 11:47 AM (KATBx)
384
Shorey Bookstore in Seattle used to be the greatest book store in the world, but they moved to a smaller, more swank location and cleaned up the place, so it just became a bookstore.
Robert's bookstore in Lincoln City, Oregon was a magnificent maze of shelves rambling through several properties, but the biggest selling point was the Robert bought dozens of original artwork from pulp and other paperbacks, and had them all over the store. He has an original Walt Kelly Sunday Pogo strip, ancient maps, etc.
Sadly as people read less and expenses got greater, Robert had to sell a lot of the book covers just to stay open, and the store isn't what it once was. Its still a good bookstore, but its feels smaller and emptier.
Bookstores are suffering, and I freely admit that I am contributing to that buy buying online -- although that said, many used books bought online come from used book stores selling through online stores.
Robert's bookstore in Lincoln City, Oregon was a magnificent maze of shelves rambling through several properties, but the biggest selling point was the Robert bought dozens of original artwork from pulp and other paperbacks, and had them all over the store. He has an original Walt Kelly Sunday Pogo strip, ancient maps, etc.
Sadly as people read less and expenses got greater, Robert had to sell a lot of the book covers just to stay open, and the store isn't what it once was. Its still a good bookstore, but its feels smaller and emptier.
Bookstores are suffering, and I freely admit that I am contributing to that buy buying online -- although that said, many used books bought online come from used book stores selling through online stores.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 03, 2022 11:47 AM (KZzsI)
385
>>Wait, when did Sean Spicer go to CNN? I thought he was on NewsMax.
>>He's still one of the good guys, right?
Of course. He's from Rhode Island.
>>He's still one of the good guys, right?
Of course. He's from Rhode Island.
Posted by: JackStraw at April 03, 2022 11:49 AM (ZLI7S)
386
MacArthur seemed vain because he was the smartest guy in the room. Sort of the same criticism Cruz gets. Not saying they are infallible at all or could be wrong . Just that it's not fake intelligence.
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter
MacArthur was a vain man, which does not quite detract from his abilities.
At one time at West Point, he was (allegedly) engaged to multiple women. (Ha!)
Eisenhower served under him in the 1930's as an adjutant and remarked he had learned "theatrics" in that position.
From other readings, some of his contemporaries disliked him, while others greatly admired him. You don't get to be Army Chief of Staff by being a shrinking violet (see Ernest King as CNO of the Navy, what an egotist!).
MacArthur was a fascinating man in many ways, and one of his actual singular greatest achievements was the administration of Occupied Japan and its "reconstruction" after WWII. He was gracious in victory and did not demean the Japanese people. He and his staff basically wrote the present Japanese Constitution, which laid the groundwork for much of Japan's successes in the latter 20th Century.
Posted by: Anti doesn't matter
MacArthur was a vain man, which does not quite detract from his abilities.
At one time at West Point, he was (allegedly) engaged to multiple women. (Ha!)
Eisenhower served under him in the 1930's as an adjutant and remarked he had learned "theatrics" in that position.
From other readings, some of his contemporaries disliked him, while others greatly admired him. You don't get to be Army Chief of Staff by being a shrinking violet (see Ernest King as CNO of the Navy, what an egotist!).
MacArthur was a fascinating man in many ways, and one of his actual singular greatest achievements was the administration of Occupied Japan and its "reconstruction" after WWII. He was gracious in victory and did not demean the Japanese people. He and his staff basically wrote the present Japanese Constitution, which laid the groundwork for much of Japan's successes in the latter 20th Century.
Posted by: Bozo Conservative...Living on the Prison Planet at April 03, 2022 11:49 AM (tjZg/)
387
And how does that make you feel?
Posted by: Dr. Phil at April 03, 2022 11:44 AM (5pTK/)
Annoyed. I don't know how to talk like them, so I just sit quietly, or better yet, avoid meetings altogether. My boss is yuge into the buzzwords like "reaching out." or finding "bandwidth" in the context of making sure you can fit a project into your schedule. He is an expert at making a simple statement into an entire paragraph, and in the end I am not quite sure what he was driving at.
I'm the office's cranky old bastard.
Posted by: Dr. Phil at April 03, 2022 11:44 AM (5pTK/)
Annoyed. I don't know how to talk like them, so I just sit quietly, or better yet, avoid meetings altogether. My boss is yuge into the buzzwords like "reaching out." or finding "bandwidth" in the context of making sure you can fit a project into your schedule. He is an expert at making a simple statement into an entire paragraph, and in the end I am not quite sure what he was driving at.
I'm the office's cranky old bastard.
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-Well at April 03, 2022 11:49 AM (x8Wzq)
388
Of course. He's from Rhode Island.
Posted by: JackStraw at April 03, 2022 11:49 AM (ZLI7S)
--------
Ah, okay. That explains the sartorial splendor.
Posted by: JackStraw at April 03, 2022 11:49 AM (ZLI7S)
--------
Ah, okay. That explains the sartorial splendor.
Posted by: bluebell - NoVaMoMe 2022! at April 03, 2022 11:50 AM (wyw4S)
389
Cosda saw the hobby thread last night?
Posted by: Skip's Phone at April 03, 2022 11:50 AM (2JoB8)
390
Bookstores are suffering, and I freely admit that I am contributing to that buy buying online -- although that said, many used books bought online come from used book stores selling through online stores.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 03, 2022 11:47 AM (KZzsI)
---
This is true. I've used that to my advantage to fill gaps in my library. Thanks to the online network of used bookstores, it's possible to find excellent older works that would be near impossible to find otherwise.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 03, 2022 11:47 AM (KZzsI)
---
This is true. I've used that to my advantage to fill gaps in my library. Thanks to the online network of used bookstores, it's possible to find excellent older works that would be near impossible to find otherwise.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 03, 2022 11:50 AM (K5n5d)
391
One grammar thing that bothers me is the relatively recent adoption of the word "concerning" in a passive way, "it is concerning to me . . "
It makes for a very weak alternative to "I am concerned," or even "this concerns me." It feels stilted and awkward.
Of course a lot of this passive voice language that is rampant in the office environment grates on me bigly.
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-We
My peeve is "gifted," as in "that book was gifted to me."
Ugh.
It makes for a very weak alternative to "I am concerned," or even "this concerns me." It feels stilted and awkward.
Of course a lot of this passive voice language that is rampant in the office environment grates on me bigly.
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-We
My peeve is "gifted," as in "that book was gifted to me."
Ugh.
Posted by: LASue at April 03, 2022 11:50 AM (Ed8Zd)
392
blake hope book was better than the 90s movie was
Posted by: Skip's Phone at April 03, 2022 11:46 AM (2JoB
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Eh, most movie adaptions disappoint.
Posted by: Skip's Phone at April 03, 2022 11:46 AM (2JoB
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Eh, most movie adaptions disappoint.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (5pTK/)) at April 03, 2022 11:50 AM (5pTK/)
393
Re used bookstores: In Tulsa, the most well known is probably Gardner's. Just inside the entrance, there's a statue of Red Hulk, maybe 7 or 8 feet tall. It quite entranced my grandkids.
The store owner died in the past year or so, but it seems to still be plugging along. I think they even have an Amazon storefront now.
The store owner died in the past year or so, but it seems to still be plugging along. I think they even have an Amazon storefront now.
Posted by: Ex-CopyEditor at April 03, 2022 11:51 AM (FlzJ+)
394
Bookshop find: Went into a used book store and saw a first edition of Elmer Gantry for $25 (this was i the 80s so that was real money). Said to myself "that looks just like my copy". Went home and checked and sure enough I had a first edition of Elmer Gantry that I had paid 25 cents for at an AAUW used book sale.
Another moron recommendation I'm seconding is "Occupied" on Netflix. Excellent so far (I've only watched 3 or 4 episodes) and very believable except for the main bodyguard of the prime minister ...and that's just because almost every time I see him in profile he reminds me of Jimmy Fallon.
Another moron recommendation I'm seconding is "Occupied" on Netflix. Excellent so far (I've only watched 3 or 4 episodes) and very believable except for the main bodyguard of the prime minister ...and that's just because almost every time I see him in profile he reminds me of Jimmy Fallon.
Posted by: who knew at April 03, 2022 11:51 AM (4I7VG)
395
My peeve is "gifted," as in "that book was gifted to me."
Ugh.
Posted by: LASue at April 03, 2022 11:50 AM (Ed8Zd)
Oh yes. that one in particular.
Ugh.
Posted by: LASue at April 03, 2022 11:50 AM (Ed8Zd)
Oh yes. that one in particular.
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-Well at April 03, 2022 11:52 AM (x8Wzq)
396
Wife is under the impression I'm a Ken Follett fan of, and picked up a copy of his latest - Never - which lays out a path to a potential nuclear war.
It features, and really, who could have seen this coming, a nationalistic opponent to the current president who advocates for 'nuking' everybody, and blames the womens for all their troubles.
But, on the plus side, for once he didn't work in a powerful Catholic priest or bishop who extorts sex.
It features, and really, who could have seen this coming, a nationalistic opponent to the current president who advocates for 'nuking' everybody, and blames the womens for all their troubles.
But, on the plus side, for once he didn't work in a powerful Catholic priest or bishop who extorts sex.
Posted by: 2009Refugee at April 03, 2022 11:53 AM (8AONa)
397
Regarding "Babbitt," there's a sentence in there I have never forgotten:
"He always salted and peppered his food, heavily, before tasting it."
I think of that every time I salt and pepper my food before tasting it...
"He always salted and peppered his food, heavily, before tasting it."
I think of that every time I salt and pepper my food before tasting it...
Posted by: Alice at April 03, 2022 11:53 AM (jODh4)
398
Annoyed. I don't know how to talk like them, so I just sit quietly, or better yet, avoid meetings altogether. My boss is yuge into the buzzwords like "reaching out." or finding "bandwidth" in the context of making sure you can fit a project into your schedule. He is an expert at making a simple statement into an entire paragraph, and in the end I am not quite sure what he was driving at.
I'm the office's cranky old bastard.
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-Well at April 03, 2022 11:49 AM (x8Wzq)
Oh Lord do I hate that shit. If I had my way people would receive electric shocks every time they used a stupid corporate buzzword.
I'm the office's cranky old bastard.
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-Well at April 03, 2022 11:49 AM (x8Wzq)
Oh Lord do I hate that shit. If I had my way people would receive electric shocks every time they used a stupid corporate buzzword.
Posted by: Insomniac - Outlaw. Hoarder. Wrecker. Honker. at April 03, 2022 11:54 AM (II3Gr)
399
Locally, we've various thrift shops with tons of books, cheap. I also admit I like Amazon for used books. Yeah, Amazon gets their cut, but, it still helps the used book market.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (5pTK/)) at April 03, 2022 11:54 AM (5pTK/)
400
"Let's interface" *BRRRZAP*
Posted by: Insomniac - Outlaw. Hoarder. Wrecker. Honker. at April 03, 2022 11:54 AM (II3Gr)
401
It is more important to help the people on your side than pull of fancy maneuvers which also (and always!) leave your supply chain more precarious.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 11:43 AM (llXky)
We had a solid supply chain after we took the Solomons and New Guinea. And that was long before the Philippines. Why do you think we were able to basically fight Japan on two fronts?
It is more important to help the people on your side than pull of fancy maneuvers which also (and always!) leave your supply chain more precarious.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at April 03, 2022 11:43 AM (llXky)
We had a solid supply chain after we took the Solomons and New Guinea. And that was long before the Philippines. Why do you think we were able to basically fight Japan on two fronts?
Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons at April 03, 2022 11:55 AM (Qhnrt)
402
Continuing with a trio of Moron-recommended books; 'The New Dealer's War', Fleming, 'The Real Abraham Lincoln', Dilorenzo, and 'Doc Holliday', Meyers.
I strongly recommend the former two as parallel reading. Therein lie well-documented maps of how Washington/politics became the current sewer of creeping totalitarianism.
My bedtime palate-cleanser is P.D. James, 'A Taste of Death'. The above comment about the current generation of writers certainly does not apply to her. Her characters, and the plot development(s) seem to be closely tied to her life experiences, which are rather extraordinary. While we are dismissive of titles here, hers is impressive:
Phyllis Dorothy James, Baroness James of Holland Park, OBE, FRSA, FRSL
I have a copy of her autobiography, 'A Time to be in Earnest', which I look forward to reading.
I strongly recommend the former two as parallel reading. Therein lie well-documented maps of how Washington/politics became the current sewer of creeping totalitarianism.
My bedtime palate-cleanser is P.D. James, 'A Taste of Death'. The above comment about the current generation of writers certainly does not apply to her. Her characters, and the plot development(s) seem to be closely tied to her life experiences, which are rather extraordinary. While we are dismissive of titles here, hers is impressive:
Phyllis Dorothy James, Baroness James of Holland Park, OBE, FRSA, FRSL
I have a copy of her autobiography, 'A Time to be in Earnest', which I look forward to reading.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at April 03, 2022 11:56 AM (Un4ko)
403
Oh Lord do I hate that shit. If I had my way people would receive electric shocks every time they used a stupid corporate buzzword.
Posted by: Insomniac
When I was a 'technical product manager' I loathed "paradigm shift. I still do for that matter.
Oh Lord do I hate that shit. If I had my way people would receive electric shocks every time they used a stupid corporate buzzword.
Posted by: Insomniac
When I was a 'technical product manager' I loathed "paradigm shift. I still do for that matter.
Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at April 03, 2022 11:56 AM (7Nl5T)
404
blake 2 exception Last of the Mohicans, the movies all cleaned up that mess
Supposedly Jaws too but never read that
Supposedly Jaws too but never read that
Posted by: Skip's Phone at April 03, 2022 11:56 AM (2JoB8)
405
"Client-facing" *BRRRRZAP*
Posted by: Insomniac - Outlaw. Hoarder. Wrecker. Honker. at April 03, 2022 11:56 AM (II3Gr)
406
Two favorite series were discovered by fetching cover art:
the Jackie Faber series by L.A. Meyer and the Penderwicks
by Jeanne Birdsall.
I was lucky to start the Penderwicks with the first novel, but had to play catch up with Bloody Jack, as I started that with the fifth book. This was "Mississippi Jack", which appealed to me as an American, being full of supporting characters from American folklore.
the Jackie Faber series by L.A. Meyer and the Penderwicks
by Jeanne Birdsall.
I was lucky to start the Penderwicks with the first novel, but had to play catch up with Bloody Jack, as I started that with the fifth book. This was "Mississippi Jack", which appealed to me as an American, being full of supporting characters from American folklore.
Posted by: sal at April 03, 2022 11:56 AM (bJKUl)
407
Oh Lord do I hate that shit. If I had my way people would receive electric shocks every time they used a stupid corporate buzzword.
Posted by: Insomniac - Outlaw. Hoarder. Wrecker. Honker. at April 03, 2022 11:54 AM (II3Gr)
Well, going forward...
BZZZZZT!
Posted by: Insomniac - Outlaw. Hoarder. Wrecker. Honker. at April 03, 2022 11:54 AM (II3Gr)
Well, going forward...
BZZZZZT!
Posted by: Pointy Haired Boss at April 03, 2022 11:57 AM (7bRMQ)
408
Just read an amusing passage:
The crowd surge around the first pavilion and Zaraflam brought forth his 'Nimble Squadrons': a parade of cockroaches smartly turned out in red, white, and black uniforms. The sergeants brandished cutlasses; the foot soldiers carried muskets; the squadrons marched and countermarched in intricate evolutions.
"Halt!" bawled Zaraflam.
The cockroaches stopped short.
"Present arms!"
The cockroaches obeyed.
"Fire a salute in honor of Duke Orbal!"
The sergeants raised their cutlasses; the footmen elevated their muskets. Down came the cutlasses; the muskets exploded, emitting little white puffs of smoke.
Keep in mind, these are COCKROACHES executing these maneuvers.
The crowd surge around the first pavilion and Zaraflam brought forth his 'Nimble Squadrons': a parade of cockroaches smartly turned out in red, white, and black uniforms. The sergeants brandished cutlasses; the foot soldiers carried muskets; the squadrons marched and countermarched in intricate evolutions.
"Halt!" bawled Zaraflam.
The cockroaches stopped short.
"Present arms!"
The cockroaches obeyed.
"Fire a salute in honor of Duke Orbal!"
The sergeants raised their cutlasses; the footmen elevated their muskets. Down came the cutlasses; the muskets exploded, emitting little white puffs of smoke.
Keep in mind, these are COCKROACHES executing these maneuvers.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 03, 2022 11:57 AM (K5n5d)
409
I'm the office's cranky old bastard.
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-Well at April 03, 2022 11:49 AM (x8Wzq)
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Excuse me, I believe the proper term is, "Office Curmudgeon."
On a more serious note, if I'm dealing with someone like you describe, it takes all of about 20 seconds and I'm no longer paying attention.
I'm the office's cranky old bastard.
Posted by: Pug Mahon, Gen X Ne'er-Do-Well at April 03, 2022 11:49 AM (x8Wzq)
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Excuse me, I believe the proper term is, "Office Curmudgeon."
On a more serious note, if I'm dealing with someone like you describe, it takes all of about 20 seconds and I'm no longer paying attention.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (5pTK/)) at April 03, 2022 11:57 AM (5pTK/)
410
I had an agent about 20-odd years ago, but he kept getting the same response: my novel (The Director's Cut) was good, but there was (and probably still isn't) a market for a debut writer doing a silent film mystery series.
Maybe if you sold juuuust one more copy? (* brief pause *) There. Nah, probably didn't help, did it?
Maybe if you sold juuuust one more copy? (* brief pause *) There. Nah, probably didn't help, did it?
Posted by: Oddbob at April 03, 2022 11:58 AM (nfrXX)
411
Keep in mind, these are COCKROACHES executing these maneuvers.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 03, 2022 11:57 AM (K5n5d)
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I, for one, welcome our new insect overlords.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at April 03, 2022 11:57 AM (K5n5d)
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I, for one, welcome our new insect overlords.
Posted by: bluebell - NoVaMoMe 2022! at April 03, 2022 11:58 AM (wyw4S)
412
"Let's interface" *BRRRZAP*
Posted by: Insomniac - Outlaw. Hoarder. Wrecker. Honker. at April 03, 2022 11:54 AM (II3Gr)
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I like the way you take ownership of these issues.
Posted by: Insomniac - Outlaw. Hoarder. Wrecker. Honker. at April 03, 2022 11:54 AM (II3Gr)
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I like the way you take ownership of these issues.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (5pTK/)) at April 03, 2022 11:59 AM (5pTK/)
413
"Need to hop on this call" *BRRRRZAP*
Posted by: Insomniac - Outlaw. Hoarder. Wrecker. Honker. at April 03, 2022 11:59 AM (II3Gr)
414
My peeve is "gifted," as in "that book was gifted to me."
Ugh.
Posted by: LASue at April 03, 2022 11:50 AM (Ed8Zd)
Do NOT get me started...
Ugh.
Posted by: LASue at April 03, 2022 11:50 AM (Ed8Zd)
Do NOT get me started...
Posted by: sal at April 03, 2022 11:59 AM (bJKUl)
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 03, 2022 11:59 AM (KZzsI)
416
Oh Lord do I hate that shit. If I had my way people would receive electric shocks every time they used a stupid corporate buzzword.
Posted by: Insomniac
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There's probably a list somewhere. I'll add 'Reach out'
Posted by: Insomniac
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There's probably a list somewhere. I'll add 'Reach out'
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at April 03, 2022 11:59 AM (Un4ko)
417
I like the way you take ownership of these issues.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (5pTK/)) at April 03, 2022 11:59 AM (5pTK/)
*BRRRRRRRZAP*
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (5pTK/)) at April 03, 2022 11:59 AM (5pTK/)
*BRRRRRRRZAP*
Posted by: Insomniac - Outlaw. Hoarder. Wrecker. Honker. at April 03, 2022 11:59 AM (II3Gr)
418
Maybe if you sold juuuust one more copy? (* brief pause *) There. Nah, probably didn't help, did it?
Posted by: Oddbob at April 03, 2022 11:58 AM (nfrXX)
Pffft. We would have done a 10X match!!
Posted by: Oddbob at April 03, 2022 11:58 AM (nfrXX)
Pffft. We would have done a 10X match!!
Posted by: GOPe at April 03, 2022 12:00 PM (7bRMQ)
419
My favorite biography is Peter Ackroyd's "The Life of Thomas More". I've read it at least three times.
Posted by: mrp at April 03, 2022 12:00 PM (6eRlp)
420
You can "take ownership" of deez.
Posted by: Insomniac - Outlaw. Hoarder. Wrecker. Honker. at April 03, 2022 12:00 PM (II3Gr)
421
We haz NOOD
Posted by: Skip's Phone at April 03, 2022 12:00 PM (2JoB8)
422
By the way, thanks again for the thread, perfessor S.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (5pTK/)) at April 03, 2022 12:01 PM (5pTK/)
423
One of my older relatives was an enlisted man in the Pacific in WWII and the occupation of Japan. He absolutely idolized MacArthur -- and this was not a fellow who idolized people.
Whatever his abilities as a strategist, it seems obvious to me that MacArthur knew how to be a leader.
Whatever his abilities as a strategist, it seems obvious to me that MacArthur knew how to be a leader.
Posted by: Trimegistus at April 03, 2022 12:01 PM (QZxDR)
424
Or you can buy a wire-stripping machine.
Posted by: mrp at April 03, 2022 11:41 AM (6eRlp)
That would be a good choice if the machine isn't too expensive. I focus on *soft* fibers for most of what I do, but if I move to using wire extensively I'll have to look into a machine. Messed my hands up stripping just one cord (but I have weak/fragile hands).
Posted by: mrp at April 03, 2022 11:41 AM (6eRlp)
That would be a good choice if the machine isn't too expensive. I focus on *soft* fibers for most of what I do, but if I move to using wire extensively I'll have to look into a machine. Messed my hands up stripping just one cord (but I have weak/fragile hands).
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at April 03, 2022 12:02 PM (nC+QA)
425
>>> Mine is "utilize". Use. Say use.
Used to.
Formerly did?
Is utilized for?
Grew accustomed?
Sometimes one must spend a few syllables for clarity.
Used to.
Formerly did?
Is utilized for?
Grew accustomed?
Sometimes one must spend a few syllables for clarity.
Posted by: fluffy at April 03, 2022 12:02 PM (UnQlg)
426
When I was a 'technical product manager' I loathed "paradigm shift. I still do for that matter.
You can tell when a manager has ever worked for IBM at some time in his life because he will use "level set" as a verb and as a noun with the casualness that normal people use words like "eat" or "car."
You can tell when a manager has ever worked for IBM at some time in his life because he will use "level set" as a verb and as a noun with the casualness that normal people use words like "eat" or "car."
Posted by: Oddbob at April 03, 2022 12:02 PM (nfrXX)
427
*BRRRRRRRZAP*
Posted by: Insomniac - Outlaw. Hoarder. Wrecker. Honker. at April 03, 2022 11:59 AM (II3Gr)
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Maybe we could circle back and discuss why taking ownership seems to cause problems for our team?
Posted by: Insomniac - Outlaw. Hoarder. Wrecker. Honker. at April 03, 2022 11:59 AM (II3Gr)
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Maybe we could circle back and discuss why taking ownership seems to cause problems for our team?
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (5pTK/)) at April 03, 2022 12:02 PM (5pTK/)
428
I think of that every time I salt and pepper my food before tasting it
a lot of people do that, by reflex, and its an insult to the chef but... a good cook leaves room for people to season their food to their taste. One of the great points of arrogance (among many) in cuisine, particularly Cordon Bleu school, is the idea that they have found the pefect way to present every dish, when people's tastes and palates vary enormously. What is perfect to you is not to them. Let them work with you to make the right food.
a lot of people do that, by reflex, and its an insult to the chef but... a good cook leaves room for people to season their food to their taste. One of the great points of arrogance (among many) in cuisine, particularly Cordon Bleu school, is the idea that they have found the pefect way to present every dish, when people's tastes and palates vary enormously. What is perfect to you is not to them. Let them work with you to make the right food.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 03, 2022 12:02 PM (KZzsI)
429
Excuse me, I believe the proper term is, "Office Curmudgeon."
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There was a pic of sign, posted here a while back, which mentioned, 'A few old soreheads'. I can live with that.
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There was a pic of sign, posted here a while back, which mentioned, 'A few old soreheads'. I can live with that.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at April 03, 2022 12:03 PM (Un4ko)
430
389 Cosda saw the hobby thread last night?
No. I was too busy playing Choo Choo.
I'll look at it later.
No. I was too busy playing Choo Choo.
I'll look at it later.
Posted by: Cosda at April 03, 2022 12:03 PM (XIMj+)
431
@370 If I tell you that your concern is noted, you will take that in the spirit in which it's offered, right?
I remember hearing new cliches being created at a blistering pace, years ago, as people tried to find shocking or hip ways to express everyday thoughts. They'd generally be over with fairly soon. Things are different now, in a sort of Dalrymple sense. New vague and silly phrases are passed down from above, and the speed of their adoption is a measure of party faithfulness. Makes it hard to listen to some people.
I remember hearing new cliches being created at a blistering pace, years ago, as people tried to find shocking or hip ways to express everyday thoughts. They'd generally be over with fairly soon. Things are different now, in a sort of Dalrymple sense. New vague and silly phrases are passed down from above, and the speed of their adoption is a measure of party faithfulness. Makes it hard to listen to some people.
Posted by: Stringer Davis at April 03, 2022 12:04 PM (videA)
432
Maybe we could circle back and discuss why taking ownership seems to cause problems for our team?
Posted by: blake
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One longs for a Taser.
Posted by: blake
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One longs for a Taser.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at April 03, 2022 12:04 PM (Un4ko)
433
Chris, Pournelle's "Falkenberg's Legion" stories focused on an officer named John Christian Falkenberg are some if the best military sci-fi out there. Very highly recommended.
Posted by: Sharkman at April 03, 2022 12:04 PM (GGoJR)
434
MacArthur was a fascinating man in many ways, and one of his actual singular greatest achievements was the administration of Occupied Japan and its "reconstruction" after WWII. He was gracious in victory and did not demean the Japanese people. He and his staff basically wrote the present Japanese Constitution, which laid the groundwork for much of Japan's successes in the latter 20th Century.
Posted by: Bozo Conservative...Living on the Prison Planet at April 03, 2022 11:49 AM (tjZg/
I will admit, he was great at politics. But he was vainglorious frontline general. He should have stayed in Australia until he was needed in the Japan occupation.
MacArthur was a fascinating man in many ways, and one of his actual singular greatest achievements was the administration of Occupied Japan and its "reconstruction" after WWII. He was gracious in victory and did not demean the Japanese people. He and his staff basically wrote the present Japanese Constitution, which laid the groundwork for much of Japan's successes in the latter 20th Century.
Posted by: Bozo Conservative...Living on the Prison Planet at April 03, 2022 11:49 AM (tjZg/
I will admit, he was great at politics. But he was vainglorious frontline general. He should have stayed in Australia until he was needed in the Japan occupation.
Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons at April 03, 2022 12:05 PM (Qhnrt)
435
I think Director's Cut would sell well if given a chance, but publishers are incredibly shy and notoriously hidebound. They are not making the enormous stacks of cash they once did (hit a peak around 2000) and still have bills to pay, so they are reluctant to take chances in the way they would have in, say, 1985 or 1998.
Plus today there's leftist woke pressure to publish books exclusively by non white males, about super woke topics and themes, so you're never going to get a foot in the door.
Which is good in the end, because I think big publishing is going the way of the buggy whip, and you make more money per sale by self publish, by far.
Plus today there's leftist woke pressure to publish books exclusively by non white males, about super woke topics and themes, so you're never going to get a foot in the door.
Which is good in the end, because I think big publishing is going the way of the buggy whip, and you make more money per sale by self publish, by far.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 03, 2022 12:05 PM (KZzsI)
436
I loathed "paradigm shift. I still do for that matter.
--------
I think you may be referring to 'Sea change'
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I think you may be referring to 'Sea change'
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at April 03, 2022 12:07 PM (Un4ko)
437
MacArthur was a fascinating man in many ways, and one of his actual singular greatest achievements was the administration of Occupied Japan and its "reconstruction"
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And, he had to battle the political machinery back in the States to do so. The hunger for Civil War style 'reconstruction' was significant.
MacArthur was a fascinating man in many ways, and one of his actual singular greatest achievements was the administration of Occupied Japan and its "reconstruction"
---------
And, he had to battle the political machinery back in the States to do so. The hunger for Civil War style 'reconstruction' was significant.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at April 03, 2022 12:10 PM (Un4ko)
438
@436 You kept a "Weather Eye" on sea changes, and I haven't heard it used since it was on Rambler heaters.
Posted by: Stringer Davis at April 03, 2022 12:10 PM (videA)
439
Even worse than movie makers, book publishers try to stick to tried and true winners and ride them to death. There are 500 Dan Brown knockoffs and copies (odd, since he is a knockoff author himself, if not a plagiarist), and 5100 "time traveling woman meets hunky but noble and gentle barbarians" books, and 241488 "teenage girl faces off dystopia by herself as the chosen one" books and so on.
Because publishers grab what sold and try to copy that over and over out of desperation and terror. These are people who got used to lush specially designed offices and 7 figure incomes and being invited to all the best parties in the past, but have found themselves moving to crappy offices and firing more and more assistants because the publisher can barely afford that income any longer.
Because publishers grab what sold and try to copy that over and over out of desperation and terror. These are people who got used to lush specially designed offices and 7 figure incomes and being invited to all the best parties in the past, but have found themselves moving to crappy offices and firing more and more assistants because the publisher can barely afford that income any longer.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 03, 2022 12:11 PM (KZzsI)
440
Locally, we've various thrift shops with tons of books, cheap. I also admit I like Amazon for used books. Yeah, Amazon gets their cut, but, it still helps the used book market.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (5pTK/)) at April 03, 2022 11:54 AM (5pTK/)
Try abebooks.com. Much bigger selection. It's an aggregate site for independent and used booksellers across the nation, as well as Canada and UK (for English language books). Many have free shipping.
Bezos probably takes a cut of used book sales. Give it to an indy instead.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing (5pTK/)) at April 03, 2022 11:54 AM (5pTK/)
Try abebooks.com. Much bigger selection. It's an aggregate site for independent and used booksellers across the nation, as well as Canada and UK (for English language books). Many have free shipping.
Bezos probably takes a cut of used book sales. Give it to an indy instead.
Posted by: Wethal (shy lurker) at April 03, 2022 12:15 PM (ZzVCK)
441
A good deal of the corporate blather seems to have been spawned by the 'Mission Statement' pandemic of the early 90's, the flames fanned by the corporate Guru's making the rounds at the time. Someone should write a song, 'Whatever Happened to Stephen Covey?'
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at April 03, 2022 12:15 PM (Un4ko)
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 03, 2022 12:16 PM (KZzsI)
443
Since Bluebell (comment quoted in the post) mentions the Seven Last Words, I want to say there are at least two lovely musical versions: I love Heinrich Schutz's, though you need to know some German: it's very austerely set.
Haydn's is gorgeous. I recommend the original version for orchestra, conducted by Jordi Savall, issued several times on CD with different covers. It's 8 slow movements in a row with a short very fast one at the end, but it works. There's an introduction, then the 7 words or rather sentences (in Latin, but they're separate tracks, so you can program your CD player to skip them if you like), each followed by a beautiful sonata designed to help meditation, then a short, fast, loud finale to represent the earthquake and the rending of the veil in the temple.
Note: Haydn did four separate versions of this work, though orchestral came first. The other three are for string quartet (lots of recordings), for piano (so people could play it at home), and a full-scale oratorio with words, that was just as famous in his time as The Creation and The Seasons (haven't heard it yet).
I've been looking on Amazon, and 4-5 other composers have done versions of the work.
Haydn's is gorgeous. I recommend the original version for orchestra, conducted by Jordi Savall, issued several times on CD with different covers. It's 8 slow movements in a row with a short very fast one at the end, but it works. There's an introduction, then the 7 words or rather sentences (in Latin, but they're separate tracks, so you can program your CD player to skip them if you like), each followed by a beautiful sonata designed to help meditation, then a short, fast, loud finale to represent the earthquake and the rending of the veil in the temple.
Note: Haydn did four separate versions of this work, though orchestral came first. The other three are for string quartet (lots of recordings), for piano (so people could play it at home), and a full-scale oratorio with words, that was just as famous in his time as The Creation and The Seasons (haven't heard it yet).
I've been looking on Amazon, and 4-5 other composers have done versions of the work.
Posted by: Dr. Weevil at April 03, 2022 12:33 PM (QTkGz)
444
434. I think a period piece based on Bara could turn into a fine costume movie.
Posted by: CN at April 03, 2022 12:38 PM (ONvIw)
445
440: ABE is not just in the US, UK, and Canada, but all over the world. I've gotten books from Japan, Australia, Czechia, Spain, 10-12 other countries through them.
Amazon does own them, but they just take a percentage: most of the money goes to the independent bookseller that actually ships you the book. The same goes for eBay and Amazon Marketplace. I much prefer to buy from Amazon Marketplace or ABE than Amazon itself, because I know they only get a percentage of the profit, not all of it.
Amazon does own them, but they just take a percentage: most of the money goes to the independent bookseller that actually ships you the book. The same goes for eBay and Amazon Marketplace. I much prefer to buy from Amazon Marketplace or ABE than Amazon itself, because I know they only get a percentage of the profit, not all of it.
Posted by: Dr. Weevil at April 03, 2022 12:40 PM (QTkGz)
446
416. Yes! My social workers used that term, and I hated it.
I complained to no avail. If you mean call say call.
I complained to no avail. If you mean call say call.
Posted by: CN at April 03, 2022 12:40 PM (ONvIw)
447
In talking about how Amazon has changed things...
I wonder if author's have changed the way they start their book, knowing that if they're published then Amazon will include a few pages from the beginning of a book. Would it alter the way you start a book, feeling the pressure you need to hook someone immediately?
I ask because many of my favorite books start extremely slow and build. Leopoldo Alas' "La Regenta" is a fantastic book, but if you read the first chapter on Amazon you'd probably never buy it.
I realize there is always some pressure to grab readers in the beginning, but has that pressure grown with the new marketing scene?
I wonder if author's have changed the way they start their book, knowing that if they're published then Amazon will include a few pages from the beginning of a book. Would it alter the way you start a book, feeling the pressure you need to hook someone immediately?
I ask because many of my favorite books start extremely slow and build. Leopoldo Alas' "La Regenta" is a fantastic book, but if you read the first chapter on Amazon you'd probably never buy it.
I realize there is always some pressure to grab readers in the beginning, but has that pressure grown with the new marketing scene?
Posted by: ID Gent at April 03, 2022 12:44 PM (6cU3l)
448
Would it alter the way you start a book, feeling the pressure you need to hook someone immediately?
Its key to grab the reader's attention right away, so its good to have a compelling, interesting start to your story even without Amazon's preview. Its basically the same thing as picking up a book at a store and leafing through the first few pages to see if it looks interesting, so nothing really has changed there.
Its key to grab the reader's attention right away, so its good to have a compelling, interesting start to your story even without Amazon's preview. Its basically the same thing as picking up a book at a store and leafing through the first few pages to see if it looks interesting, so nothing really has changed there.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 03, 2022 12:56 PM (KZzsI)
449
I wonder if author's have changed the way they start their book, knowing that if they're published then Amazon will include a few pages from the beginning of a book. Would it alter the way you start a book, feeling the pressure you need to hook someone immediately?
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A week or two ago I mentioned that my mother had the maddening habit of always reading the *last* page or so of a book, and using that as the deciding factor of whether or not to read it.
It would be interesting to build a compendium of last paragraphs of popular books, and see how people reacted to those, in the 'Would read/wouldn't read' sense.
I wonder if author's have changed the way they start their book, knowing that if they're published then Amazon will include a few pages from the beginning of a book. Would it alter the way you start a book, feeling the pressure you need to hook someone immediately?
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A week or two ago I mentioned that my mother had the maddening habit of always reading the *last* page or so of a book, and using that as the deciding factor of whether or not to read it.
It would be interesting to build a compendium of last paragraphs of popular books, and see how people reacted to those, in the 'Would read/wouldn't read' sense.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at April 03, 2022 01:01 PM (Un4ko)
450
Thanks, Perfessor, for another stimulating Book Thread!
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at April 03, 2022 01:22 PM (1Y1Sz)
451
Amazon does own them, but they just take a percentage: most of the money goes to the independent bookseller that actually ships you the book. The same goes for eBay and Amazon Marketplace. I much prefer to buy from Amazon Marketplace or ABE than Amazon itself, because I know they only get a percentage of the profit, not all of it.
Posted by: Dr. Weevil at April 03, 2022 12:40 PM (QTkGz)
Thanks for the information. I did not know Amazon bought ABE. ABE has a greater selection on most items I've searched.
Posted by: Dr. Weevil at April 03, 2022 12:40 PM (QTkGz)
Thanks for the information. I did not know Amazon bought ABE. ABE has a greater selection on most items I've searched.
Posted by: Wethal (shy lurker) at April 03, 2022 01:37 PM (ZzVCK)
452
There are a host of online book selling sites, but a lot of them are worthless. I have never found a single book I have looked for on Barnes & Noble. Im not sure they have ANY books.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 03, 2022 01:42 PM (KZzsI)
453
Favorite writing duos:
With so many SF fans posting here I'm a bit surprised no-one mentioned Sprague de Camp and Fletcher Pratt. The Incomplete Enchanter stories are, IMHO, great and their Tales From Gavagan's Bar are very entertaining.
With so many SF fans posting here I'm a bit surprised no-one mentioned Sprague de Camp and Fletcher Pratt. The Incomplete Enchanter stories are, IMHO, great and their Tales From Gavagan's Bar are very entertaining.
Posted by: Pope John the 20th at April 03, 2022 01:49 PM (xi3bI)
454
I am disappointed by most writing these days. It seems few people these days can right a linear, rational, fully fledged story. That is why the few that do sell bucket loads....even if they are hackneyed and cartoonish (I am looking at you Lee Child).
Further to that I recently TRIED to read a couple of Lois McMasters Bujold's novels. She was recommended on this site and one is always on the lookout for more reading material. But yikes, at least on the ones I attempted to read, she is a TERRIBLE writer.
I can see that her themes and plot lines have promise but she NEVER seems to connect all the dots, nor cross the T's or dot the I's. And yes I understand not everything needs to be overtly stated in a narrative. I don't want to insult anyone's tastes but I must have the basics covered before I can enjoy a novel. So a BIG no for me to LMB. Any suggestions for other authors? Any genre is welcome.
Further to that I recently TRIED to read a couple of Lois McMasters Bujold's novels. She was recommended on this site and one is always on the lookout for more reading material. But yikes, at least on the ones I attempted to read, she is a TERRIBLE writer.
I can see that her themes and plot lines have promise but she NEVER seems to connect all the dots, nor cross the T's or dot the I's. And yes I understand not everything needs to be overtly stated in a narrative. I don't want to insult anyone's tastes but I must have the basics covered before I can enjoy a novel. So a BIG no for me to LMB. Any suggestions for other authors? Any genre is welcome.
Posted by: Sear at April 03, 2022 01:54 PM (ejRTT)
455
452 ...
The local B and N rarely has a book I'm looking for on the shelf. They MIGHT have it in a store in another county. Admittedly, my reading tastes don't run to bestsellers but they aren't that esoteric. I get emails from them all the time but since I'm not interested in supernatural romances involving dragons and some Amish chick going back in time to be seduced by a studly Highlander or the latest angst of the under 35 crowd, they seldom get my attention. Or money.
The local B and N rarely has a book I'm looking for on the shelf. They MIGHT have it in a store in another county. Admittedly, my reading tastes don't run to bestsellers but they aren't that esoteric. I get emails from them all the time but since I'm not interested in supernatural romances involving dragons and some Amish chick going back in time to be seduced by a studly Highlander or the latest angst of the under 35 crowd, they seldom get my attention. Or money.
Posted by: JTB at April 03, 2022 01:57 PM (7EjX1)
456
Looks like the book thread is still alive, albeit coughing up blood. I'm always late.
1) Assuming it was McArthur's decision to chase the retreating NORKs all the way back to the Chicom border (Yalu River), then like Truman, I'd have preferred somebody else be in charge.
2) Quote I really like about how to start a book:
"As I sit here I can only think of one first-class modern novel that begins at full speed, and that's Malraux's 'Man's Fate.' "
William Goldman,
Adventures in the Screen Trade
1) Assuming it was McArthur's decision to chase the retreating NORKs all the way back to the Chicom border (Yalu River), then like Truman, I'd have preferred somebody else be in charge.
2) Quote I really like about how to start a book:
"As I sit here I can only think of one first-class modern novel that begins at full speed, and that's Malraux's 'Man's Fate.' "
William Goldman,
Adventures in the Screen Trade
Posted by: mnw at April 03, 2022 02:21 PM (NLIak)
457
Yay! Book thread never dies!
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at April 03, 2022 03:33 PM (lCui1)
458
457: It should always be open.
Posted by: CN The First at April 03, 2022 03:41 PM (ONvIw)
459
Terrific narrative hooks? Try Part 1 (single page) of Stanley Ellin's THE VALENTINE ESTATE. Also the first two paragraphs of Heinlein's THE PUPPET MASTERS. Both are available on Kindle so you can see them using the Look Inside feature at Amazon's Kindle store.
And thanks again, Perfesser.
And thanks again, Perfesser.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at April 03, 2022 03:44 PM (JzDjf)
460
I CAN'T READ!
Posted by: Biden's Dog at April 03, 2022 09:13 AM (59gMl)
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Then how the hell do you write?
Posted by: Biden's Dog at April 03, 2022 09:13 AM (59gMl)
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Then how the hell do you write?
Posted by: DynamiteDan at April 03, 2022 05:41 PM (355sA)
461
Lord, you guys are lucky I had to miss most of today's discussion. I would have monopolized it.
As a newspaper copy editor who did my damndest to ape the late KU prof John Bremner, I came to hate so many buzz terms. "Proactive approach," anyone?
And the police standard, "fled on foot." To me, that means "ran away."
I'll stop now.
As a newspaper copy editor who did my damndest to ape the late KU prof John Bremner, I came to hate so many buzz terms. "Proactive approach," anyone?
And the police standard, "fled on foot." To me, that means "ran away."
I'll stop now.
Posted by: Weak Geek at April 03, 2022 05:41 PM (Om/di)
462
To Perfessor Squirrel: I'd like to correct your "correction."
In my response to your "duo" authors request, I mentioned a Dave Barry collaboration on some Peter Pan books. You "corrected" me by saying this:
(snip)
* J.M. Barry wrote the Peter Pan books. Dave Barry's adaptation/interpretation of Peter Pan would be hilarious, though. - "Perfessor" Squirrel
(unsnip)
Please be informed. Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson teamed up to write "Peter and the Starcatchers" which became a national bestseller. It was an elaboration of the Peter Pan story. The two went on to write three more books in the series, all of which became bestsellers.
In my response to your "duo" authors request, I mentioned a Dave Barry collaboration on some Peter Pan books. You "corrected" me by saying this:
(snip)
* J.M. Barry wrote the Peter Pan books. Dave Barry's adaptation/interpretation of Peter Pan would be hilarious, though. - "Perfessor" Squirrel
(unsnip)
Please be informed. Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson teamed up to write "Peter and the Starcatchers" which became a national bestseller. It was an elaboration of the Peter Pan story. The two went on to write three more books in the series, all of which became bestsellers.
Posted by: bradc at April 03, 2022 07:08 PM (MrMyE)
463
Please be informed.
This is one of those things people say online that they would never say in person. Does it really hurt that much to try to be polite and friendly?
This is one of those things people say online that they would never say in person. Does it really hurt that much to try to be polite and friendly?
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at April 03, 2022 07:58 PM (KZzsI)
464
255 I take it that you don't like Shakespeare then.
Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons at April 03, 2022 10:55 AM (Qhnrt)
Shakespeare wrote Early Modern English, almost an entirely different language from the English from the Colonial Era to 1970. Indeed, his writing contributed to creating Modern English. And of course he was writing plays and poetry and not novels.
His grammar and vocabulary must be considered in an entirely different manner from both those forms of Modern English used in the U.S. and the various Vulgar forms of English that have become dominant since the 70s.
Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons at April 03, 2022 10:55 AM (Qhnrt)
Shakespeare wrote Early Modern English, almost an entirely different language from the English from the Colonial Era to 1970. Indeed, his writing contributed to creating Modern English. And of course he was writing plays and poetry and not novels.
His grammar and vocabulary must be considered in an entirely different manner from both those forms of Modern English used in the U.S. and the various Vulgar forms of English that have become dominant since the 70s.
Posted by: Sam at April 03, 2022 09:09 PM (ohyxL)
465
Traditional herbal medicines are based on the use of natural remedies
like Herbs and Roots, no special food no lifestyle change to
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methods will definitely testify. Though not all are natural and may
contain heavy elements which the kidney finds difficult to filter and
excrete that is why I recommend Dr. Omola
Two years ago I was permanently cured of oral herpes by Dr Omola
Dr Omola herbs are hundred percent natural, no after effect and is
guaranteed many have testified to this.
https://dromolaherbalhome.wixsite.com/
like Herbs and Roots, no special food no lifestyle change to
permanently cure drug resistance diseases. Patients who use this
methods will definitely testify. Though not all are natural and may
contain heavy elements which the kidney finds difficult to filter and
excrete that is why I recommend Dr. Omola
Two years ago I was permanently cured of oral herpes by Dr Omola
Dr Omola herbs are hundred percent natural, no after effect and is
guaranteed many have testified to this.
https://dromolaherbalhome.wixsite.com/
Posted by: MANA DRUEWY at April 03, 2022 09:31 PM (/XqPE)
466
God bless DR.AKHIGBE for his marvelous work in my life, I was diagnosed of HERPES VIRUS since 2015 and I was taking my medications, I wasn't satisfied i needed to get the HERPES out of my system, I searched about some possible cure for HERPES i saw a comment about DR.AKHIGBE how he cured HERPES with his herbal medicine, I contacted him and he guided me. I asked for solutions, he started the remedy for my health, he sent me the medicine through UPS SPEED POST. I took the medicine as instructed, in 2 weeks i was totally cured. if you need herbal cure contact dr.akhigbe on his WhatsAPP number: +2349021374574 because he has a solution to all your problems. Email drakhigbeherbalhome5@gmail.com.
Posted by: Mama lucky at April 04, 2022 01:46 AM (k7dRd)
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