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Sunday Morning Book Thread - 03-26-2023 ["Perfessor" Squirrel]
PIC NOTE
The Alabama Booksmith bookstore may be the only store in the world where every book in their inventory has been signed by the author. Those bibliophiles who are into that sort of thing should check them out! I have a few signed copies of books (Glen Cook, P.C. Hodgell, Richard A. Knaak), but I don't go looking for them on purpose. I will choose a signed copy over an unsigned copy when I see them at the bookstore, though. The price is often the same. THE PROBLEM WITH ALIENS IN SCIENCE FICTION A comment from grammie winger last week highlights one of the key problems with introducing aliens into your stories:grammie winger makes an interesting point. After all, we are human beings and are thus confined to writing stories about the human experience. Although we might imagine alien beings and try to create weird behaviors, cultures, biology, and so forth, we are still limited by that human lens. So far, there is little evidence that alien microbes exist, let alone highly developed technological civilizations that traverse the stars as easily as you or I might cross the street. Among the most common tropes aliens fulfill in stories are First Contact and Alien Invasion, which often overlap with each other. Until we as a species experience an *actual* alien invasion, we can only draw upon historical parallels for our stories. Most alien cultures are either an analog of an existing human culture or an amalgam of several cultures spliced together. When it comes to visual media, most aliens tend to be of the "Rubber Forehead" variety, with various prosthetics glued onto the actors to alter their ears, forehead, chin, etc. They are all bipedal and usually speak English. So just funny-looking humans with all of the foibles of that species acted out in some way. This problem is also true for the various "races" found in fantasy stories, as those are just various representations of human cultures with pointy ears (Elves), long beards (Dwarves), or hairy feet (Halflings). So if aliens aren't your thing, you can almost certainly find an equivalent tale that draws upon real people and real experiences. Consider the story Way Station by Clifford Simak (see below). All of the events in the story have a parallel in the real world. An enterprising author could easily remove/rewrite the science fiction elements and probably achieve a similar emotional effect in the audience. (I would like to point out that while Simak is most famous for his science fiction stories, he also wrote dynamite western stories with NO science fiction elements at all. Just good guys doing what good guys do best in westerns...) Literature in general is really just a mirror held up to humanity to reflect our true selves. The mirror used by science fiction and fantasy is of the "fun-house" variety, twisting, exaggerating, and distorting the reflection, but ultimately not altering the essence of the humanity within the story. What are some of the other problems with aliens in stories?
Books with aliens as characters turn me right off. To me, it seems like the author cannot move the plot along or say what he wants to say within the confines of reality, so he has to resort to aliens. I like when the author stretches within the limits, not resorting to coloring outside the lines to cover the material. Just my opinion. Posted by: grammie winger at March 19, 2023 10:44 AM (45fpk)
Comment: When I first read the blurb, I felt a sudden chill because it sounded a lot like Event Horizon. I guess we'll have to wait and see. Both this book and Patrick's previous entry in this series, Frozen Orbit, sound intriguing enough for me to buy. I'm looking forward to reading them!
I'm an AoS moron author, published by Baen Books. I have a new release coming Apr. 4th and I'd be delighted if you shared it in the Sunday book thread. It's called Escape Orbit, the sequel to my first Baen novel (Frozen Orbit). If you're interested, here's a link to an advance review from Publisher's Weekly: Escape Orbit (publishersweekly.com) and here's the Amazon link: Amazon.com: Escape Orbit (Eccentric Orbits Book 2) eBook : Chiles, Patrick: Kindle Store Thanks for your consideration! Best regards, Patrick Chiles www.chilesfiles.com *****
Five years ago, astronaut Jack Templeton took the spacecraft Magellan to the farthest reaches of our solar system, never to be heard from again. Until now. When the Magellan suddenly reappears where an undiscovered planet was suspected to be, it poses more questions than answers. How did Jack survive all this time? Can he make it back to Earth before his life support runs out? And what is the object long thought to be the elusive "Planet Nine"? In a race against time, Jack's former crewmate Traci Keene spearheads a desperate effort to outfit a rescue mission. But she has competition. Agencies of both American and foreign governments have their own agendas, and saving rogue astronauts isn't among them. And at the edge of all that is known, a gateway to the unknown awaits.
Comment: Finding quality children's literature, especially these days, can be quite a challenge. I've never heard of the Brambly Hedge series, but I am reasonably sure I would have enjoyed them when I was a child. Whenever I found a really detailed picture in a children's book, I would get lost in the details. The more detailed, the more engagement for me. I found a few of the pictures online and they are indeed gorgeous!
That led to a new to me series, the Brambly Hedge books written and illustrated by Jill Barklem. They are about a village of mice, circa late Victorian era, in a rural section of England. The stories are charming and would appeal to little kids as well as adults who will enjoy the playful names and situations. And the illustrations are superb. Very much with the 'feel' of Beatrix Potter but not a rip off. Part of the difference is the amount of detail Barklem includes. As an example, She mentions the mills that the mice use to make butter, cheese, and flour. Her watercolor drawings show the various wheels and belts and how they churn or grind, all the many store rooms in the tree trunk and how the mice get from one to another. Other illustrations in the Brambly Hedge books are also detailed: many individual mice in their own outfits, lots of touches in every room portrayed, etc. Charming in their own way, I imagine a child could be kept busy for a long time by telling them to find all the mice in the picture or point to the different foods in the drawing. Even the many, many flowers mentioned and drawn are accurate for the time and place and are completely recognizable. (Something the author tried for.) I got The Complete Brambly Hedge in hardcover and it was worth every penny. This is a shining example of having the physical book over any digital version. It needs to be held in the hand, turning pages where each new page reveals new delights. Posted by: JTB at March 19, 2023 09:34 AM (7EjX1)
Comment: I always like to feature a review of a Moron Author's work when possible. Gives them a bit more exposure when recommended by other Morons. Enjoy!
But, first, I want to mention that I read and reviewed Scarboy by Rip Pauley (was a featured Moron Author a couple of weeks ago). It is a moving story, full of pain and miracles, and I am glad I kept reading it. It will especially appeal to dog lovers. I gave it four stars. Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at March 19, 2023 09:18 AM (OX9vb)
Comment: I always love Clifford Simak's writing. He likes to combine the pastoral countryside of rural Wisconsin with science fiction elements. This gives his writing a blend of the familiar with the strange. I re-read Way Station not that long ago and thoroughly enjoyed it all over again. A great introduction to classic science fiction if you are not sure where to start.
I just finished Way Station, a 1963 Hugo award winning novel by Clifford D. Simak. He managed to grab my attention by the second page. He tells an interesting story and keeps things moving. At least 3.5 out of 5 stars. Ymmv. Posted by: GnuBreed at March 19, 2023 10:07 AM (JOtiF)
Comment: As I pointed out last week, the British Empire had its faults. But it also served as a civilizing force wherever it went, introducing millions of people to modern infrastructure and education, things they had never had before. In the 20th century, America and Britain together served as a key bulwark against the evils of Communism and Nazism. Unfortunately, it looks like those forces may prevail in the 21st century. We shall see. As for "civilizing" the Middle East, well, you'll never be able to do that until you can confront their eighth-century ideology head on and defeat it. We refused to do that in Iraq and Afghanistan, which is why we lost.
I'm also reading A History of the English Speaking Peoples Since 1900 by Andrew Roberts (now Lord Roberts of Belgravia). His take is a corrective to the fashionable notion that the British Empire and modern day America are somehow no better than the Nazis and Soviets. However, the book was published in 2005 and Roberts clearly was a big supporter of the Iraq invasion (to be fair, so was I at the time). His notion that the English-speaking democracies would conquer the Middle East and bring peace and the rule of law to Iraq like they did to Germany and Japan certainly hasn't aged well. Posted by: Donna&&&&&&&&V at March 19, 2023 11:52 AM (HabA/)
More Moron-recommended reading material can be found HERE! (696 Moron-recommended books so far!)
- The Morgaine Saga by C.J. Cherryh -- This is the omnibus edition consisting of three novels in one: Gate of Ivrel, Well of Shiuan, and Fires of Azeroth. Although the blurb on the back indicates a science fiction story, it actually reads more like a fantasy adventure story. Primitive quasi-medieval societies are caught up in a conflict they cannot begin to understand, because the levels of technology in play seem like magic to them. They can only comprehend it in terms of "sorcery." There is very much a Michael Moorcock vibe to the characters and situations in this story, as it appears humanity is quietly fading out, regressing to primitivism along the way.
- Time's Tapestry Book 1 - Emperor by Stephen Baxter -- A mysterious prophecy guides a family through the turbulent conquest of Britain by the Roman Empire. Pretty decent historical fiction with a *very* thin veneer of science fiction.
PREVIOUS SUNDAY MORNING BOOK THREAD - 03-19-23 (NOTE: Do NOT comment on old threads!)
Comments
(Jump to bottom of comments)1
Books!
Posted by: PabloD at March 26, 2023 09:00 AM (ffPN2)
2
Tolle Lege
Posted by: Skip at March 26, 2023 09:00 AM (xhxe8)
3
hiya
Posted by: JT at March 26, 2023 09:00 AM (T4tVD)
4
Booken morgen horden
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at March 26, 2023 09:00 AM (SHRXK)
5
1/2 way through Patrick O'Brian The Yellow Admiral then will be onto a biography ot Admiral Nelson
Posted by: Skip at March 26, 2023 09:01 AM (xhxe8)
Posted by: rhennigantx at March 26, 2023 09:01 AM (BRHaw)
7
Cozy little bookshop. I miss those.
Posted by: runner at March 26, 2023 09:02 AM (V13WU)
8
I nooded.
Posted by: PabloD at March 26, 2023 09:02 AM (ffPN2)
9
I'm rereading Nina Teicholz, "The Big Fat Surprise," whilst eating a MOAR-Carb Bar.
Posted by: Marooned at March 26, 2023 09:04 AM (kt8QE)
10
Oh, now I remember.
Perfessor you brought up Teddy Bear wars, they make miniatures of that exact topic.
Perfessor you brought up Teddy Bear wars, they make miniatures of that exact topic.
Posted by: Skip at March 26, 2023 09:05 AM (xhxe8)
11
Good morning fellow Book Threadists. I hope everyone had a great week of reading. Mine was sure varied.
Posted by: JTB at March 26, 2023 09:05 AM (7EjX1)
12
I always liked that the aliens in Star Trek always spoke good English. Now Checkov and Scotty, on the other hand... 
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at March 26, 2023 09:05 AM (PiwSw)
13
Anybody read anything by Josephine Tey ? Tey is a pseudonym btw, she used several throughout her writing career? wrote plays too. Just want your impression.
Posted by: runner at March 26, 2023 09:05 AM (V13WU)
Posted by: Doof at March 26, 2023 09:06 AM (i5gk+)
15
To honor 'Read Tolkien Day' on the 25th (March 25 is when the ring of Power was destroyed), I re-read some favorite parts of LOTR: the Preface, chapters with Tom Bombadil, and the battle before Minas Tirith. Then the opening chapters of The Hobbit and parts of "In the House of Tom Bombadil" by C. R. Wiley. I highly recommend the Wiley book. It is superb on many levels.
I have many, many more favorite Tolkien works but it was only one day.
I have many, many more favorite Tolkien works but it was only one day.
Posted by: JTB at March 26, 2023 09:07 AM (7EjX1)
16
I continued with "The Complete Brambly Hedge" written and illustrated by Jill Barklem. The writing is both creative and charming but the illustrations are beyond outstanding. Barklem's watercolor paintings are wonderful for their technique and for all their detail. The world of Brambly Hedge is pretty much pre-industrial English countryside. It could be the Shire. (That's a good thing.) I would think a child could spend hours discovering all the little details in each painting and asking endless questions about many of the items outside their experience. (They would probably notice the 'rocking mouse' toy in a little girl mouse's room.) This child spent hours delighting in the images, with a good magnifying glass at hand.
Posted by: JTB at March 26, 2023 09:08 AM (7EjX1)
17
I'm convinced that bird is up to no good.
Posted by: Dr. Bone at March 26, 2023 09:08 AM (Jg7EG)
18
I thought I'd try to write a SF story, so I looked up some early SF on pulpmags.org to see how they wrote in the early days. Just looked for a mag and picked out a short story. I paged through the site and chose The Mercurian Menace, by Nelson Bond from Dynamic Science Stories, February 1939. I didn't know what to expect, but I didn't expect this:
"One of the excited Rollies was bouncing up and down gleefully; joggling his tough, rubbery body against Carson's space suit in paroxysms of delighted anticipation...."
"You're a nice little guy, Rollie," he said, "even if you do look like a hot basketball. How's for a nice, cool shower?"
"Wow! Beat it! You're hot!" exclaimed Carson. He grinned again. "All right my spherical comrade, let's go sprinkle ourselves with some good Earth water." Together the Earthman and the creature from Mercury sought the luxury of the spaceship's shower-room.
Wut? This is classic early SF? Seemed a bit, you know. I closed the tab, planning to look elsewhere, but I decided to read it, figuring it can't all be like this, can it? And it wasn't, fortunately.
Part 1.
"One of the excited Rollies was bouncing up and down gleefully; joggling his tough, rubbery body against Carson's space suit in paroxysms of delighted anticipation...."
"You're a nice little guy, Rollie," he said, "even if you do look like a hot basketball. How's for a nice, cool shower?"
"Wow! Beat it! You're hot!" exclaimed Carson. He grinned again. "All right my spherical comrade, let's go sprinkle ourselves with some good Earth water." Together the Earthman and the creature from Mercury sought the luxury of the spaceship's shower-room.
Wut? This is classic early SF? Seemed a bit, you know. I closed the tab, planning to look elsewhere, but I decided to read it, figuring it can't all be like this, can it? And it wasn't, fortunately.
Part 1.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 26, 2023 09:08 AM (Angsy)
19
Cup of hazelnut coffee, shoo-fly pie and Book Thread
Life isn't all misery
Life isn't all misery
Posted by: Skip at March 26, 2023 09:08 AM (xhxe8)
20
I believe we have aliens on Earth. It's just that they live under the sea.
I got this notion from one exhibit at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. Weirdest-looking creature I ever saw.
I got this notion from one exhibit at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. Weirdest-looking creature I ever saw.
Posted by: Weak Geek at March 26, 2023 09:09 AM (Om/di)
21
Since you have all been wondering what "calcifraga," means, I will reveal, before going to make the waffles, that it means "calculus breaking". That has nothing to do with math however, it's a plant that when taken fresh or boiled in water "disperses urinary calculi".
Pliny has taught me many erroneous things, but I have learned to look at Latin in a different way.
Pliny has taught me many erroneous things, but I have learned to look at Latin in a different way.
Posted by: fd at March 26, 2023 09:10 AM (iayUP)
22
After the mention of Harold Lamb last week, I got some of his pulp adventure stories. They are terrific, fun reading. Lamb can really set an atmosphere and characters to support the action. Thanks to whoever referenced Lamb.
In the same vein, I dug out some of my non-Conan Robert Howard tales: westerns, the El Borak stories and some of his horror stuff. The Conan character and his world overshadow the many other excellent tales Howard wrote. Fortunately, I have most of his works to enjoy because the library had none nor did the local bookstores. I don't know what boys read these days, if anything, but they are missing out on some terrific, superbly written adventures.
In the same vein, I dug out some of my non-Conan Robert Howard tales: westerns, the El Borak stories and some of his horror stuff. The Conan character and his world overshadow the many other excellent tales Howard wrote. Fortunately, I have most of his works to enjoy because the library had none nor did the local bookstores. I don't know what boys read these days, if anything, but they are missing out on some terrific, superbly written adventures.
Posted by: JTB at March 26, 2023 09:10 AM (7EjX1)
23
"Buzz" Carson works for Galactic Metals, Inc. as a scout on Mercury looking for various ores. He calls the only known inhabitants of Mercury "Rollies." They're basketball shaped creatures who don't talk, but seem to be able to understand human speech. The shower scene referenced above is interrupted by the appeareance of an investigator from Galactic Metals, Jeryl Morrow, sent to check on his progress. She wonders why he's only working on the sunlit side of the planet. He indicates the dark side of Mercury is dangerous and refuses to go there because earlier scout ships had disappeared without a trace. Of course, she's headstrong and takes off for the dark side on her own. She mocks Buzz as she enters the dark zone. The Rollie with Buzz is agitated while she's doing this. Buzz thinks it's trying to tell him something. Buzz pulls a Captain Pike in the wheelchair bit to determine what the Rollie is agitated about - once bounce for yes, two for no. The Rollie convinces Buzz that Jeryl is in danger in the dark zone. He collects all the other Rollies in the area and blasts off, following her ship.
Part 2.
Part 2.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 26, 2023 09:10 AM (Angsy)
24
When you get greedy with library requests, you shouldn't complain when you get an abundance of riches. And that was my situation -- two books arrived on the same day.
A comics fan, I got the Deadman omnibus put out by DC. This feature was among the earliest works by the late Neal Adams, who's acknowledged as being one of the greatest comics artists.
Deadman is the professional name of a trapeze artist who is shot to death during a performance. He's resurrected as a disembodied spirit who can possess other people's bodies. He uses this ability to hunt his killer, who has a hook in place of a hand. (Which hand? Adams drew it both ways.) The story developed mystical trappings, but I'm not to those yet.
(continued)
A comics fan, I got the Deadman omnibus put out by DC. This feature was among the earliest works by the late Neal Adams, who's acknowledged as being one of the greatest comics artists.
Deadman is the professional name of a trapeze artist who is shot to death during a performance. He's resurrected as a disembodied spirit who can possess other people's bodies. He uses this ability to hunt his killer, who has a hook in place of a hand. (Which hand? Adams drew it both ways.) The story developed mystical trappings, but I'm not to those yet.
(continued)
Posted by: Weak Geek at March 26, 2023 09:10 AM (Om/di)
25
I'm going to take up the thrown gauntlet and defend aliens in science fiction.
Yes, they can be a crutch for weak plotting, or be a blatant attempt to make something "sciency" when human characters would work just as well. Bad writers misusing something does not make it intrinsically flawed.
When aliens are used properly they can show us humanity from the outside -- not just parochial aspects of this culture in this year, but fundamental human traits which are invisible precisely because we all do share them. Or they can embody the strangeness and (again) inhumanity of the universe.
Yes, they can be a crutch for weak plotting, or be a blatant attempt to make something "sciency" when human characters would work just as well. Bad writers misusing something does not make it intrinsically flawed.
When aliens are used properly they can show us humanity from the outside -- not just parochial aspects of this culture in this year, but fundamental human traits which are invisible precisely because we all do share them. Or they can embody the strangeness and (again) inhumanity of the universe.
Posted by: Trimegistus at March 26, 2023 09:11 AM (QZxDR)
26
The other book is "Icerigger" by Alan Dean Foster, whose "Star Trek Log" series persuaded me to get this book. The title intrigued me -- so it did its job.
"Icerigger" is the story of a super salesman at the outer edges of the galaxy. During one trip, he stumbles into a kidnapping and is taken along by the kidnappers. Their escape craft crashes onto a planet of perpetual winter. Compared with this place, Antarctica is tropical.
The stranded group consists of the salesman; a surviving kidnapper; the kidnap targets, a galactic tycoon and his unlovely daughter; a teacher, also taken hostage; and a highly skilled soldier, who was dumped into the escape ship by the space liner's crew after he passed out after a boisterous night in the liner's lounge. They have just encountered natives on this planet, who consider the bitter cold to be mild. The natives also seem to have some kind of scheme going on.
I'm enjoying both of these.
"Icerigger" is the story of a super salesman at the outer edges of the galaxy. During one trip, he stumbles into a kidnapping and is taken along by the kidnappers. Their escape craft crashes onto a planet of perpetual winter. Compared with this place, Antarctica is tropical.
The stranded group consists of the salesman; a surviving kidnapper; the kidnap targets, a galactic tycoon and his unlovely daughter; a teacher, also taken hostage; and a highly skilled soldier, who was dumped into the escape ship by the space liner's crew after he passed out after a boisterous night in the liner's lounge. They have just encountered natives on this planet, who consider the bitter cold to be mild. The natives also seem to have some kind of scheme going on.
I'm enjoying both of these.
Posted by: Weak Geek at March 26, 2023 09:11 AM (Om/di)
27
Well-written alien characters can be used to highlight issues with how human cognition works. Would a species descended from pure predatory or herbivorous roots reason differently?
What is the locus of control for such species?
Part of man's analytic ability is likely based on "carnivore of opprtunity with hunter-gatherer instincts. Would a species that doesn't hunt ever grasp economics in the same way?
What is the locus of control for such species?
Part of man's analytic ability is likely based on "carnivore of opprtunity with hunter-gatherer instincts. Would a species that doesn't hunt ever grasp economics in the same way?
Posted by: sven at March 26, 2023 09:12 AM (Lzpvj)
28
After Jeryl lands, she discovers there are malevolent beings on the dark side, and they attack her ship. Buzz and the Rollies land nearby her ship, under attack by green flame like creatures. Buzz lets the Rollies out of his ship as he tries to save the woman. The Rollies shed their appearance and, as red flames, battle the green flames. They defeat the green flames and Buzz takes Jeryl back into his ship. The Rollies reveal themselves as creatures of positive electrical energy, the green flames, negative energy. The Rollie indicates they used to travel the cosmos, but just stay on Mercury now. Jeryl thinks they are what Earth creation stories are based on. Anyway, apart from the weird beginning with Buzz and the Rollie, it does turn into an adventure story, The language was not filled with SF jargon, and it didn't seem archaic, or flowery. It seems to me, it could have been written later than the 30s. Oh, and he does want to kiss her at the end, so I guess it's only if you're underway. It wasn't difficult to read or off putting stylistically. Wasn't a bad story.
Part 3.
Part 3.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 26, 2023 09:12 AM (Angsy)
29
Yay, book thread!
Regarding space aliens, one of the big breaks between the Man of Destiny series and the Star Wars universe is the lack of aliens. It's all humans, all the time, and I did that for two reasons.
First, I agree with the reasons described - people have plenty of diversity of thought, motivation and ideas. In a visual medium it can be fun, and create an otherworldly feel, but that wasn't my goal.
That leads to my second reason, which was that I didn't want the books to seem like fan fiction, because they're not. They're telling the story the way I thought it should have been told, and that story is very much one about human pride, arrogance and folly. You write what you know and I know politics, the military, and people, so that's what I wrote. I did include robots as an additional nod, but I broke up the duo early on and one spent most of the timeline deactivated in a closet.
Regarding space aliens, one of the big breaks between the Man of Destiny series and the Star Wars universe is the lack of aliens. It's all humans, all the time, and I did that for two reasons.
First, I agree with the reasons described - people have plenty of diversity of thought, motivation and ideas. In a visual medium it can be fun, and create an otherworldly feel, but that wasn't my goal.
That leads to my second reason, which was that I didn't want the books to seem like fan fiction, because they're not. They're telling the story the way I thought it should have been told, and that story is very much one about human pride, arrogance and folly. You write what you know and I know politics, the military, and people, so that's what I wrote. I did include robots as an additional nod, but I broke up the duo early on and one spent most of the timeline deactivated in a closet.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 26, 2023 09:12 AM (llXky)
30
P.S. Hey, Grammie Winger, how 'bout the multiverse or faster than light travel? Authors live in a mundane reality of what is real; they breathe in deep; they hold it; they keep holding it; then they breathe out overused science fiction constructs. And then, and then, people buy their dreck.
Posted by: Marooned at March 26, 2023 09:13 AM (kt8QE)
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 26, 2023 09:13 AM (Angsy)
32
Ironically, in my newspaper days, I specialized in tightening stories. I try to do the same with my posts, but they tend to frighten Pixy.
Posted by: Weak Geek at March 26, 2023 09:13 AM (Om/di)
33
Read "Journey into the Land of the Zeks and Back: A Memoir of the Gulag" by Julius Margolin.
This book is giving is different from other Gulag book. The author, Polish Jew, immigrated to Mandate Palestine in 1916. In 1939, He return to Poland on personal business and got stack when war started. He run to Russian occupied area, after short time was sent to Gulag, spent 5 years in Gulag and got back by miracle after war at 1946. A lot of unique facts here, specially about life in new Russian occupied area in 1939-1940. Some fact - after living under communist rules couple month, some Jewish refugees decided to Return to German occupied area. After returning to Mandate Palestine, the author wrote this book, but left publishers don't want to publish it. The book was only published in 1952 in France.
This book is giving is different from other Gulag book. The author, Polish Jew, immigrated to Mandate Palestine in 1916. In 1939, He return to Poland on personal business and got stack when war started. He run to Russian occupied area, after short time was sent to Gulag, spent 5 years in Gulag and got back by miracle after war at 1946. A lot of unique facts here, specially about life in new Russian occupied area in 1939-1940. Some fact - after living under communist rules couple month, some Jewish refugees decided to Return to German occupied area. After returning to Mandate Palestine, the author wrote this book, but left publishers don't want to publish it. The book was only published in 1952 in France.
Posted by: redmonkey at March 26, 2023 09:14 AM (0+Ppk)
34
Morning, book creatures!
Anybody read anything by Josephine Tey ? Tey is a pseudonym btw, she used several throughout her writing career? wrote plays too. Just want your impression.
Posted by: runner at March 26, 2023
***
Yes! Tey is marvelous -- and this comes from a guy who likes his hardboiled crime stories as well as he does the classic puzzle mystery. Tey's work has flavor without slowing things down into long unnecessary descriptions of environments or people. Her two masterworks (she only wrote about 6-7 mystery novels under the Tey name) are The Daughter of Time and her last one, The Singing Sands.
Anybody read anything by Josephine Tey ? Tey is a pseudonym btw, she used several throughout her writing career? wrote plays too. Just want your impression.
Posted by: runner at March 26, 2023
***
Yes! Tey is marvelous -- and this comes from a guy who likes his hardboiled crime stories as well as he does the classic puzzle mystery. Tey's work has flavor without slowing things down into long unnecessary descriptions of environments or people. Her two masterworks (she only wrote about 6-7 mystery novels under the Tey name) are The Daughter of Time and her last one, The Singing Sands.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 09:14 AM (omVj0)
35
>>>What are some of the other problems with aliens in stories?
>There are three families living in a single family home, and they all park on lawn.
>There are three families living in a single family home, and they all park on lawn.
Posted by: Dr. Bone at March 26, 2023 09:14 AM (Jg7EG)
36
I am reading "The Tudors" by G. J. Meyer.
Lots of detail on the make up of the court, the privy councils, and of course the tumult with Christianity.
The book reminds me of how brief was the reign of the Tudors compared to other kingships.
The common people didn't fare too well under the Tudors. You had to be connected.
Sort of like today.
Lots of detail on the make up of the court, the privy councils, and of course the tumult with Christianity.
The book reminds me of how brief was the reign of the Tudors compared to other kingships.
The common people didn't fare too well under the Tudors. You had to be connected.
Sort of like today.
Posted by: gourmand du jour sipping tea at March 26, 2023 09:14 AM (jTmQV)
37
only a few autographed books in the Chateau D'Eez libary:
a random John Ringo, Bruce Catton, Murray Gell-Mann, probably others I don't remember offhand ... oh, Masters of Deceit, autographed by J. Edgar Hoover.
a random John Ringo, Bruce Catton, Murray Gell-Mann, probably others I don't remember offhand ... oh, Masters of Deceit, autographed by J. Edgar Hoover.
Posted by: sock_rat_eez - we are being gaslighted 24/365 at March 26, 2023 09:15 AM (QNv15)
Posted by: sven at March 26, 2023 09:15 AM (Lzpvj)
39
Good Sunday morning, horde!
After discussions about Seabury Quinn a couple of weeks ago, I found one of his short stories in anthology at the library.
I checked out Fighters of Fear: Occult Detective Stories, summarized as "A Retrospective Collection of Classic Occult and Supernatural Detective Stories by Some of the Field's Greatest and Best-Known Weird Fiction Authors."
It's been good bedtime reading; I don't have to remember the next night where I left off, and I'm getting exposure to authors I hadn't read before.
After discussions about Seabury Quinn a couple of weeks ago, I found one of his short stories in anthology at the library.
I checked out Fighters of Fear: Occult Detective Stories, summarized as "A Retrospective Collection of Classic Occult and Supernatural Detective Stories by Some of the Field's Greatest and Best-Known Weird Fiction Authors."
It's been good bedtime reading; I don't have to remember the next night where I left off, and I'm getting exposure to authors I hadn't read before.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at March 26, 2023 09:15 AM (OX9vb)
40
When aliens are used properly they can show us humanity from the outside -- not just parochial aspects of this culture in this year, but fundamental human traits which are invisible precisely because we all do share them. Or they can embody the strangeness and (again) inhumanity of the universe.
Posted by: Trimegistus at March 26, 2023 09:11 AM (QZxDR)
---
I think 30 years ago, people could do that, but my sense now is that they offer authors the ability to be superlatively woke in a way that no human can ever attain. I don't really pay much attention to the genre these days since my sense is that it's mostly blue-haired people hectoring everyone else to respect their Mary Sue perfection.
Posted by: Trimegistus at March 26, 2023 09:11 AM (QZxDR)
---
I think 30 years ago, people could do that, but my sense now is that they offer authors the ability to be superlatively woke in a way that no human can ever attain. I don't really pay much attention to the genre these days since my sense is that it's mostly blue-haired people hectoring everyone else to respect their Mary Sue perfection.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 26, 2023 09:15 AM (llXky)
41
40 Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 26, 2023 09:15 AM (llXky)
You see that in modern Star Trek, aliens are always morally superior because by gadfry man is the only villain.
You see that in modern Star Trek, aliens are always morally superior because by gadfry man is the only villain.
Posted by: sven at March 26, 2023 09:16 AM (Lzpvj)
42
Other overused tropes include, mutant monsters and Extra Sensory (Special) (S'retarded) Perception.
Posted by: Marooned at March 26, 2023 09:16 AM (kt8QE)
43
I only have one signed book. Was wandering around Macy's in SF one day and saw that Charlton Heston was there signing his published journals. So I bought it and waited in line, got up to the table and can't remember what, if anything I said to him. Probably something stupid.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 26, 2023 09:17 AM (Angsy)
44
Yes! Tey is marvelous -- and this comes from a guy who likes his hardboiled crime stories as well as he does the classic puzzle mystery. Tey's work has flavor without slowing things down into long unnecessary descriptions of environments or people. Her two masterworks (she only wrote about 6-7 mystery novels under the Tey name) are The Daughter of Time and her last one, The Singing Sands.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 09:14 AM (omVj0)
thanks.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 09:14 AM (omVj0)
thanks.
Posted by: runner at March 26, 2023 09:18 AM (V13WU)
45
I am currently reading The Witness by W.E.B. Griffin.
4th in the Badge of Honor series.
Pretty good !
4th in the Badge of Honor series.
Pretty good !
Posted by: JT at March 26, 2023 09:18 AM (T4tVD)
46
Happy Sunday Morning, Horde readers!
Thanks perfessor, this is lovely as always, and I have added to Amazon's coffers with some of the recommendations today.
"21 Since you have all been wondering what "calcifraga," means, I will reveal, before going to make the waffles, that it means "calculus breaking". That has nothing to do with math however, it's a plant that when taken fresh or boiled in water "disperses urinary calculi"."
So the plant was an early method to break up kidney stones. Interesting.
Thanks perfessor, this is lovely as always, and I have added to Amazon's coffers with some of the recommendations today.
"21 Since you have all been wondering what "calcifraga," means, I will reveal, before going to make the waffles, that it means "calculus breaking". That has nothing to do with math however, it's a plant that when taken fresh or boiled in water "disperses urinary calculi"."
So the plant was an early method to break up kidney stones. Interesting.
Posted by: Moki at March 26, 2023 09:18 AM (JrN/x)
47
Journey into the Land of the Zeks and Back: A Memoir of the Gulag
It would be up my alley
It would be up my alley
Posted by: Skip at March 26, 2023 09:18 AM (xhxe8)
48
I've been told that I do "culture" well, that my "aliens" -- in fantasy, my centaurs and griffins -- do not seem like humans in funny costumes and have their own attitudes to the world they live in, attitudes that are often quite different from humans'. I also try to make them individuals, that not every centaur is just like all the others, etc. I do it in part because it's fun to write and explore, but also because it gives me what the Perfessor calls a "lens" to examine human behavior.
For instance, in one story a griffin eyes a human and asks, "Why is there water coming from your eyes?" This single sentence tells us both that the human is weeping, and that griffins do not experience this.
For instance, in one story a griffin eyes a human and asks, "Why is there water coming from your eyes?" This single sentence tells us both that the human is weeping, and that griffins do not experience this.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 09:20 AM (omVj0)
49
I have noticed that when aliens are portrayed on screen, they overwhelmingly have British accents. I suppose the British empire was larger than we thought.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at March 26, 2023 09:20 AM (t47Zb)
50
Are stories whose characters come from different planets considered to have aliens?
I'm thinking of Keith Laumer's Retief stories. He created a variety of body shapes and cultures.
I'm thinking of Keith Laumer's Retief stories. He created a variety of body shapes and cultures.
Posted by: Weak Geek at March 26, 2023 09:20 AM (Om/di)
51
The book reminds me of how brief was the reign of the Tudors compared to other kingships.
Posted by: gourmand du jour sipping tea at March 26, 2023 09:14 AM (jTmQV)
---
Harry and Bess benefit from a massive, multi-generational propaganda campaign to convince us that they weren't some of the most selfish, corrupt and cruel people ever to sit on the throne of England.
Even the connected got screwed by the endless political intrigue. How many "royal favorites" ended up with their heads on the block? Not nice people, and they set the preconditions for the worst civil conflict in the history of the realm.
Posted by: gourmand du jour sipping tea at March 26, 2023 09:14 AM (jTmQV)
---
Harry and Bess benefit from a massive, multi-generational propaganda campaign to convince us that they weren't some of the most selfish, corrupt and cruel people ever to sit on the throne of England.
Even the connected got screwed by the endless political intrigue. How many "royal favorites" ended up with their heads on the block? Not nice people, and they set the preconditions for the worst civil conflict in the history of the realm.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 26, 2023 09:21 AM (llXky)
52
hah, JTB, how weird that you mention that, I just saw a box-set of the Brambly Hedge books at a nearby library, and I was charmed, too. Started right in reading one and it was okay ... I'll read anything to avoid the fetid morass that is 95+% of modern fiction!
Posted by: sock_rat_eez - we are being gaslighted 24/365 at March 26, 2023 09:21 AM (QNv15)
53
I think Star Trek sometimes did a good job with creating interesting alien characters. Yes, many of them were the "rubber heads" thrown in just for the sake of making everything more futuristic, but some of the races had interesting back stories. I was always drawn to any stories about the Vulcans, and of course Spock has to be my favorite (half-) alien character of all time.
Posted by: PabloD at March 26, 2023 09:21 AM (ffPN2)
54
I'm beginning to suspect that the Perfesser is going out of his way to hide the pants guy's weedwhacker status.
Posted by: JT at March 26, 2023 09:21 AM (T4tVD)
55
Consider the story Way Station by Clifford Simak (see below).
Ha! Just read his "The Big Front Yard," on recommendation of Wolfus. Might see if it's part of the e-book.
Ha! Just read his "The Big Front Yard," on recommendation of Wolfus. Might see if it's part of the e-book.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 26, 2023 09:22 AM (Angsy)
56
13 ... "Anybody read anything by Josephine Tey ?"
I've read her "Daughter of Time" a couple of times. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Haven't read her other stories but they get good reviews.
I've read her "Daughter of Time" a couple of times. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Haven't read her other stories but they get good reviews.
Posted by: JTB at March 26, 2023 09:22 AM (7EjX1)
57
51 Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 26, 2023 09:21 AM (llXky)
That was the way the game was played then.
That was the way the game was played then.
Posted by: sven at March 26, 2023 09:22 AM (Lzpvj)
58
Regarding Clifford Simak: I've not ready a vast amount of his work. But his writing career began before what's called the Golden Age of SF, when Heinlein and Asimov were getting started; and he was still writing and selling more than 30 years later. He adapted from the "super-science" kind of story to the more thoughtful tale the magazines demanded by the later '30s. There were others who didn't, or adapted poorly. I recommend his Hugo-winning novelette from the '50s, "The Big Front Yard."
Another who did adapt was Murray Leinster. He essentially created the alternate universe story and wrote one of the very first "First Contact" tales, but was still perking along into the '50s. His "Exploration Team," another Hugo winner from the '50s, is dynamite.
Another who did adapt was Murray Leinster. He essentially created the alternate universe story and wrote one of the very first "First Contact" tales, but was still perking along into the '50s. His "Exploration Team," another Hugo winner from the '50s, is dynamite.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 09:24 AM (omVj0)
59
I have noticed that when aliens are portrayed on screen, they overwhelmingly have British accents. I suppose the British empire was larger than we thought.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at March 26, 2023 09:20 AM (t47Zb)
---
Well, American actors stink these days. The Brits still force young talent through the grind of learning Shakespeare, performing on stage, etc. before they move into film. Family ties help your career, but no slack is cut in terms of training.
Americans use people who have the right looks and connections. No others need apply.
It's also because British English is still more prevalent than the American variety and our accent is devilishly difficult because it's so inconsistent.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at March 26, 2023 09:20 AM (t47Zb)
---
Well, American actors stink these days. The Brits still force young talent through the grind of learning Shakespeare, performing on stage, etc. before they move into film. Family ties help your career, but no slack is cut in terms of training.
Americans use people who have the right looks and connections. No others need apply.
It's also because British English is still more prevalent than the American variety and our accent is devilishly difficult because it's so inconsistent.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 26, 2023 09:24 AM (llXky)
60
I'm thinking of Keith Laumer's Retief stories. He created a variety of body shapes and cultures.
=====
Don't taze me bros, but I also think the Bible has reference to totally alien beings not understood by bilaterally symmetrical humans.
=====
Don't taze me bros, but I also think the Bible has reference to totally alien beings not understood by bilaterally symmetrical humans.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 26, 2023 09:25 AM (MIKMs)
61
I always love Clifford Simak's writing. He likes to combine the pastoral countryside of rural Wisconsin with science fiction elements. This gives his writing a blend of the familiar with the strange. I re-read Way Station not that long ago and thoroughly enjoyed it all over again. A great introduction to classic science fiction if you are not sure where to start.
Gol durn it. I've written something called the Way Station Incident that has aliens in it. Guess I'm not very original....
Gol durn it. I've written something called the Way Station Incident that has aliens in it. Guess I'm not very original....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 26, 2023 09:26 AM (Angsy)
62
Personally, I don't believe life exists beyond the odd microbe on any planet besides earth.
And even if they did, the vastness and expanse of space precludes their visiting this nondescript rock, revolving around a nondescript star in a nondescript solar system in this nondescript backwater of the universe.
And even if they did, the vastness and expanse of space precludes their visiting this nondescript rock, revolving around a nondescript star in a nondescript solar system in this nondescript backwater of the universe.
Posted by: Thomas Bender at March 26, 2023 09:27 AM (up/3i)
63
"How many "royal favorites" ended up with their heads on the block?"
Quite a few. Actually those were the fortunate ones. The less fortunate got hung, taken down while barely alive, had their entrails burned before them, sometimes their beating hearts were plucked from their sternums, quartered, and then beheaded, and their heads on public display for months.
Lovely people.
Quite a few. Actually those were the fortunate ones. The less fortunate got hung, taken down while barely alive, had their entrails burned before them, sometimes their beating hearts were plucked from their sternums, quartered, and then beheaded, and their heads on public display for months.
Lovely people.
Posted by: gourmand du jour sipping tea at March 26, 2023 09:28 AM (jTmQV)
64
I read The Lady From Zagreb by Philip Kerr. This is the tenth book in the Bernie Gunther series. Bernie is a cynical Berlin murder detective who stays alive despite his anti-Nazi attitude because high officials find him useful in carrying out special projects for them.
In this, Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels enlists Bernie to convince a beautiful actress in Switzerland to come back to Berlin to star in another movie. The actress, with Goebbels blessing, get Bernie to find her estranged father. This takes Bernie to Zagreb and the killing fields of Croatia. A plot twist at the end earns Bernie a ticket to the Eastern Front. I began this series years ago and somehow got away from it. I'm happy to get back to it and get caught up.
In this, Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels enlists Bernie to convince a beautiful actress in Switzerland to come back to Berlin to star in another movie. The actress, with Goebbels blessing, get Bernie to find her estranged father. This takes Bernie to Zagreb and the killing fields of Croatia. A plot twist at the end earns Bernie a ticket to the Eastern Front. I began this series years ago and somehow got away from it. I'm happy to get back to it and get caught up.
Posted by: Zoltan at March 26, 2023 09:28 AM (sDFJU)
65
Oh what a beautiful morning...
Posted by: Brewingfrog at March 26, 2023 09:29 AM (TCj2N)
66
That was the way the game was played then.
Posted by: sven at March 26, 2023 09:22 AM (Lzpvj)
---
Not really. Harry declared himself to be a priest-king,, with divine authority outside of and superior to that tof the Catholic Church. This was unheard of. He then executed his closest advisors for refusing to accept his new divine sanction, and sold off the abbeys and monasteries - which had ministered to the poor - to the rich and powerful (or himself).
Never forget that the whole separation of church and state was all about the Church of England. One reason the Brits love to dwell on the Spanish Inquisition is that it distracts from just how many Catholics and Dissenters they put to death.
Posted by: sven at March 26, 2023 09:22 AM (Lzpvj)
---
Not really. Harry declared himself to be a priest-king,, with divine authority outside of and superior to that tof the Catholic Church. This was unheard of. He then executed his closest advisors for refusing to accept his new divine sanction, and sold off the abbeys and monasteries - which had ministered to the poor - to the rich and powerful (or himself).
Never forget that the whole separation of church and state was all about the Church of England. One reason the Brits love to dwell on the Spanish Inquisition is that it distracts from just how many Catholics and Dissenters they put to death.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 26, 2023 09:29 AM (llXky)
67
Greetings, O Book Thread!
The third part of Red Wolf:Exile is available for preorder now and will be delivered March 30th for your reading pleasure. The writing of Red Wolf:Scout is chugging along, *slightly* delayed by a new day job which does inconvenience the writing. But at least I and the kitties have food and shelter and in these piping times, I am grateful.
Almost done reading Walls of Men. Wow, that explains a lot about China and how messed up that country is.
The third part of Red Wolf:Exile is available for preorder now and will be delivered March 30th for your reading pleasure. The writing of Red Wolf:Scout is chugging along, *slightly* delayed by a new day job which does inconvenience the writing. But at least I and the kitties have food and shelter and in these piping times, I am grateful.
Almost done reading Walls of Men. Wow, that explains a lot about China and how messed up that country is.
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at March 26, 2023 09:29 AM (XMJie)
68
Well, American actors stink these days. The Brits still force young talent through the grind of learning Shakespeare, performing on stage, etc. before they move into film. Family ties help your career, but no slack is cut in terms of training.
=====
I find the variety of looks fascinating in Brit stuff. American looks are generic, but 'attractive' in Brit dramas is very diverse and not just in skin tone. Someone can be attractive in one series and ugly in the next -- camera angle or acting chops?
=====
I find the variety of looks fascinating in Brit stuff. American looks are generic, but 'attractive' in Brit dramas is very diverse and not just in skin tone. Someone can be attractive in one series and ugly in the next -- camera angle or acting chops?
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 26, 2023 09:29 AM (MIKMs)
69
Do they let Okies in here?
Had no idea
Had no idea
Posted by: Skip at March 26, 2023 09:30 AM (xhxe8)
70
Authors want to be creative; but, butt, they are mostly people with dumb ideas like Arthur C. Clarke's space elevator, which wasted a LOT of time and effort of mediocre minds in "the naughties." It was something of a reprieve from the incessant talk of Tokamaks ever since I was a kid.
Hey SciFi Authors and patrons,
Grow Up
Hey SciFi Authors and patrons,
Grow Up
Posted by: Marooned at March 26, 2023 09:30 AM (kt8QE)
71
66 Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 26, 2023 09:29 AM (llXky)
We are very Anglo-focused. Nothing the Tudors did would have bothered any French king at all, and not many would have been bothered in the Habsburgs either. The Tudors were a little too "cosmopolitan" and trying to fit in with the Continentals for my taste.
We are very Anglo-focused. Nothing the Tudors did would have bothered any French king at all, and not many would have been bothered in the Habsburgs either. The Tudors were a little too "cosmopolitan" and trying to fit in with the Continentals for my taste.
Posted by: sven at March 26, 2023 09:31 AM (Lzpvj)
72
Don't taze me bros, but I also think the Bible has reference to totally alien beings not understood by bilaterally symmetrical humans.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 26, 2023 09:25 AM (MIKMs)
Ezekiel comes to mind!
Don't taze me bros, but I also think the Bible has reference to totally alien beings not understood by bilaterally symmetrical humans.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 26, 2023 09:25 AM (MIKMs)
Ezekiel comes to mind!
Posted by: Moki at March 26, 2023 09:32 AM (JrN/x)
73
Yes the bernie gunther series was very good in that one he shows how the ustachi were even more blood thirsty then the nazis prussian blue i think dealt with ukraine and the oun the forerunners of the azov now
I try to think who would be a good bernie gunther on film fassbender maybr
I try to think who would be a good bernie gunther on film fassbender maybr
Posted by: No 6 at March 26, 2023 09:32 AM (378vx)
74
I don't have a problem with aliens in a story but that's probably because my early sci-fi reading was E.E. Doc Smith and his Lensman and Skylark series. His stories are always humanity is better or best but he treats his aliens as aliens, not a sunset of humanity. They have different ethics, abilities, and desires. That lets him have fun with the interactions with humans and each other. It also gives depth to his plots by using the varied capabilities.
Posted by: JTB at March 26, 2023 09:32 AM (7EjX1)
75
If you like Simak, Open Road Media has done a set of his complete short sf and a bunch of his novels, with more coming soon. Ebooks thru Amazon or wherever you buy your ebooks -- don't recall if they were doing print editions.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at March 26, 2023 09:33 AM (a/4+U)
76
Tyndall showed henry how to break away and he got iced for his trouble no good deed goes unpunished
Posted by: No 6 at March 26, 2023 09:34 AM (378vx)
77
I think Star Trek sometimes did a good job with creating interesting alien characters. Yes, many of them were the "rubber heads" thrown in just for the sake of making everything more futuristic, but some of the races had interesting back stories.
=====
The Horta.
=====
The Horta.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 26, 2023 09:34 AM (MIKMs)
78
Even the connected got screwed by the endless political intrigue. How many "royal favorites" ended up with their heads on the block? Not nice people, and they set the preconditions for the worst civil conflict in the history of the realm.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 26, 2023 09:21 AM (llXky)
I have ancestors who were chased out of England during the disolusion of the monestaries. Specifically Austin Friars in London. Henry 8 and his ilk did much damage to England.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 26, 2023 09:21 AM (llXky)
I have ancestors who were chased out of England during the disolusion of the monestaries. Specifically Austin Friars in London. Henry 8 and his ilk did much damage to England.
Posted by: Reforger, him who confuses kings at March 26, 2023 09:35 AM (LvBJA)
79
Her two masterworks (she only wrote about 6-7 mystery novels under the Tey name) are The Daughter of Time and her last one, The Singing Sands.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 09:14 AM (omVj0)
Book 1 of her Inspector Grant series, The Man in the Queue, is only .99 on kindle. That's cheap enough for me to check her out; I've never heard of Josephine Tey before.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 09:14 AM (omVj0)
Book 1 of her Inspector Grant series, The Man in the Queue, is only .99 on kindle. That's cheap enough for me to check her out; I've never heard of Josephine Tey before.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at March 26, 2023 09:36 AM (OX9vb)
80
I got a bit of reading done this week because I swung by a hobby shop and picked up some interesting Osprey books. One will surprise no one here: US Armed Forces in China 1856-1941 by John Langellier. I was aware of this book while writing Walls of Men but didn't bother to secure a copy because I felt that I already had enough material.
Having read through it, I feel that was the correct decision. The Yangtze Patrol is mentioned in the text and while knowing the uniform and equipment details of US forces was neat, it was outside the scope of the book.
Having read through it, I feel that was the correct decision. The Yangtze Patrol is mentioned in the text and while knowing the uniform and equipment details of US forces was neat, it was outside the scope of the book.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 26, 2023 09:36 AM (llXky)
81
Yes they all had their publicist the tudors has morton who josephine tey comes across the borgias had macchiavelli who then offered his portfolio to the medicis i assume the bourbons has theirs
Posted by: No 6 at March 26, 2023 09:36 AM (378vx)
82
This week I read 4 books by Edward Ashton. "Four Days in April", "The End of Ordinary", "Mickey7" and "Anti-Matter Blues". The first two involve sentient AIs, body modifications and murderous plots by evil people. Mickey7 is about a guy who is a space colony's "Designated Expendable", i.e., the colony's dude who does stupid necessary emergency shit that typically gets him killed, then his memories are downloaded back into a new body. Very angsty but clever plot.
I highly recommend all four books.
Now reading "BlindSight" by Peter Watts. Consciousness turns out to be a negative attribute of Intelligence when dealing on First Contact with an alien entity that is not conscious but is very intelligent. Also: vampires in space. Very interesting read so far. Only 1/3 of the way through.
I highly recommend all four books.
Now reading "BlindSight" by Peter Watts. Consciousness turns out to be a negative attribute of Intelligence when dealing on First Contact with an alien entity that is not conscious but is very intelligent. Also: vampires in space. Very interesting read so far. Only 1/3 of the way through.
Posted by: Sharkman at March 26, 2023 09:36 AM (6iRBQ)
83
Yes, a lot of Trek aliens were just humans in makeup. But in Deep Space Nine there was a non-human race that had been engineered by another (the Dominion?) to be the latter race's soldiers and servants. Not only was loyalty in their DNA so that they would find it nearly impossible to rebel, the soldier race also had been designed to require a substance (something "white"?) for their very existence. Not a drug, but an essential nutrient. They knew this, and still were loyal to their creators. Not very human-like, I think.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 09:37 AM (omVj0)
84
78 Posted by: Reforger, him who confuses kings at March 26, 2023 09:35 AM (LvBJA)
My family began their downward spiral during the Tudor reign, they probably got bitter about the crown and wound up siding with Cromwell when the time came.
My family began their downward spiral during the Tudor reign, they probably got bitter about the crown and wound up siding with Cromwell when the time came.
Posted by: sven at March 26, 2023 09:38 AM (Lzpvj)
85
His portfolio was the prince
Morton painted the plantaganets as the worst to make the tudors more respectsble macchia dis similar about the borgia rivals
Morton painted the plantaganets as the worst to make the tudors more respectsble macchia dis similar about the borgia rivals
Posted by: No 6 at March 26, 2023 09:38 AM (378vx)
86
80 Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 26, 2023 09:36 AM (llXky)
You would probably enjoy an analysis of the Shanghai International Zone from the period.
The Chinese legations pop up in many works including the Vienna Blood mysteries.
You would probably enjoy an analysis of the Shanghai International Zone from the period.
The Chinese legations pop up in many works including the Vienna Blood mysteries.
Posted by: sven at March 26, 2023 09:39 AM (Lzpvj)
87
@71 --
Nothing the Tudors did would have bothered any French king at all
When I think of what an oubliette was used for, I shudder.
Nothing the Tudors did would have bothered any French king at all
When I think of what an oubliette was used for, I shudder.
Posted by: Weak Geek at March 26, 2023 09:39 AM (Om/di)
88
40...it's mostly blue-haired people hectoring everyone else to respect their Mary Sue perfection.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 26, 2023 09:15 AM (llXky)
I'm a product of my generation, for whom blue-haired meant old ladies whose hair chemicals turned their gray hair slightly blue.
I had a moment of cognitive dissonance.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 26, 2023 09:15 AM (llXky)
I'm a product of my generation, for whom blue-haired meant old ladies whose hair chemicals turned their gray hair slightly blue.
I had a moment of cognitive dissonance.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at March 26, 2023 09:40 AM (OX9vb)
89
If you like Simak, Open Road Media has done a set of his complete short sf and a bunch of his novels, with more coming soon. Ebooks thru Amazon or wherever you buy your ebooks -- don't recall if they were doing print editions.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at March 26, 2023 09:33 AM (a/4+U)
---
Simak's longtime friend has been working with Open Road Media to ensure his works are republished for both e-format and print editions. I have several of the print editions, as I wanted the physical copies in addition to the Kindle versions. They are quite well done and very enjoyable reads.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at March 26, 2023 09:33 AM (a/4+U)
---
Simak's longtime friend has been working with Open Road Media to ensure his works are republished for both e-format and print editions. I have several of the print editions, as I wanted the physical copies in addition to the Kindle versions. They are quite well done and very enjoyable reads.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 26, 2023 09:41 AM (BpYfr)
90
87 Posted by: Weak Geek at March 26, 2023 09:39 AM (Om/di)
Oui, oui....
Western EUtopia has an abundance of smug based on a minimum of civility and deference to the rights of man.
Oui, oui....
Western EUtopia has an abundance of smug based on a minimum of civility and deference to the rights of man.
Posted by: sven at March 26, 2023 09:41 AM (Lzpvj)
91
I'm a product of my generation, for whom blue-haired meant old ladies whose hair chemicals turned their gray hair slightly blue.
=====
Me too.
=====
Me too.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 26, 2023 09:41 AM (MIKMs)
92
I'm a product of my generation, for whom blue-haired meant old ladies whose hair chemicals turned their gray hair slightly blue.
I had a moment of cognitive dissonance.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at March 26, 2023
***
I think Edward Albee has George, in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, mention something about in academia having to "suck up to blue-rinsed Gorgons."
I had a moment of cognitive dissonance.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at March 26, 2023
***
I think Edward Albee has George, in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, mention something about in academia having to "suck up to blue-rinsed Gorgons."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 09:42 AM (omVj0)
93
The other book is The Wild Geese: The Irish Brigades of France and Spain by Mark G. McLaughlin. I picked this up because one of my ancestors served in the Hibernia Brigade fighting for Spain. He earned the title Don Patricio and apparently came home upon the completion of his service with a Spanish wife.
The book covers more than a century and I was interested to see that the English were actually quite tolerant of the French and Spain recruiting troops out of Ireland. They figured that it was better to fight the hot-heads as regulars on the Continent than as rebels in Ireland. Lots of neat details and one I found fascinating was that the Irish in French service insisted on wearing red coats.
This got them in trouble when French cavalry charged into a melee between the Irish and the English at Tournai, but the Irish clarified the situation by shouting "Vive la Roi!" and other French slogans so that the cavalry knew which redcoats to kill.
I do enjoy the Osprey monographs. Between Spain, China and just random stuff, I'm up to a couple of shelves of them.
The book covers more than a century and I was interested to see that the English were actually quite tolerant of the French and Spain recruiting troops out of Ireland. They figured that it was better to fight the hot-heads as regulars on the Continent than as rebels in Ireland. Lots of neat details and one I found fascinating was that the Irish in French service insisted on wearing red coats.
This got them in trouble when French cavalry charged into a melee between the Irish and the English at Tournai, but the Irish clarified the situation by shouting "Vive la Roi!" and other French slogans so that the cavalry knew which redcoats to kill.
I do enjoy the Osprey monographs. Between Spain, China and just random stuff, I'm up to a couple of shelves of them.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 26, 2023 09:42 AM (llXky)
94
14 ways to promote your self-published book. Number 7 will amaze you!
#7- On-line book discussion forums. Chances are, your potential readers hang out on discussion forums within your genre or niche. Join these forums and contribute.
Nah bro, just kidding. There is no need to participate in a blog of "like-minded" folks in order to influence that blog's regulars. Just shoot off an e-mail with your book's promotional blurb and cover photo to the blog administrator and you will get a prominent promo spot in the blog content. Be sure to incclude a description of yourself as a "longtime [blog name] reader and fellow [site readers' nickname]. Even though nobody who regularly reads that blog recognizes you or recalls any prior interaction they will rush to buy your book. Do this with as many book discussion sites as you can.
#7- On-line book discussion forums. Chances are, your potential readers hang out on discussion forums within your genre or niche. Join these forums and contribute.
Nah bro, just kidding. There is no need to participate in a blog of "like-minded" folks in order to influence that blog's regulars. Just shoot off an e-mail with your book's promotional blurb and cover photo to the blog administrator and you will get a prominent promo spot in the blog content. Be sure to incclude a description of yourself as a "longtime [blog name] reader and fellow [site readers' nickname]. Even though nobody who regularly reads that blog recognizes you or recalls any prior interaction they will rush to buy your book. Do this with as many book discussion sites as you can.
Posted by: Muldoon at March 26, 2023 09:42 AM (ykeLU)
95
John Steinbeck introduced his big invention to convert trousers into tuxedo pants in, "The Wayward Bus." He recounted his efforts to patent the idea, (there is no such patent,) in a letter to a friend which was published in, "Steinbeck, a Life in Letters," by his third and final wife and his publisher after he died.
Posted by: Marooned at March 26, 2023 09:42 AM (kt8QE)
96
Finished The Forever War by Joe Haldeman which my Zoom book club is reading. Almost like a beat for beat remake of Starship Troopers with time dilation thrown in.
Though he threw in some real freaky sci-fi - sometime in the 2020s the world was crazy and starting to go rapidly increasing homosexual and they even made up different pronouns for people.
Though he threw in some real freaky sci-fi - sometime in the 2020s the world was crazy and starting to go rapidly increasing homosexual and they even made up different pronouns for people.
Posted by: blaster at March 26, 2023 09:43 AM (pwExq)
97
52 ... "I just saw a box-set of the Brambly Hedge books at a nearby library, and I was charmed, too. Started right in reading one and it was okay ... I'll read anything to avoid the fetid morass that is 95+% of modern fiction!"
Hi sock_rat_eez,
I put the Brambly Hedge books in the same category as Kipling's Just So Stories, Wind In The Willows, Winnie the Pooh, and Beatrix Potter. They obviously appeal to children but are so charming and relaxing adults can appreciate them, maybe more than the kids. The illustrations add a huge level of enjoyment for the grown ups.
I don't read much modern fiction these days and most of what I do read is from Horde authors. But classic children's books and fiction from the 1800s, or influenced by it like Howard and ER Burroughs, fill any need for fiction. (I put Tolkien, Chesterton, and CS Lewis in their own category.)
Hi sock_rat_eez,
I put the Brambly Hedge books in the same category as Kipling's Just So Stories, Wind In The Willows, Winnie the Pooh, and Beatrix Potter. They obviously appeal to children but are so charming and relaxing adults can appreciate them, maybe more than the kids. The illustrations add a huge level of enjoyment for the grown ups.
I don't read much modern fiction these days and most of what I do read is from Horde authors. But classic children's books and fiction from the 1800s, or influenced by it like Howard and ER Burroughs, fill any need for fiction. (I put Tolkien, Chesterton, and CS Lewis in their own category.)
Posted by: JTB at March 26, 2023 09:45 AM (7EjX1)
98
Simak was good with his advice to other writers. Asimov told the story of how as an aspiring writer he had read one of Simak's tales and didn't like it. He wrote to Simak, saying he found the writing "choppy." Simak wrote back to say, "Please read it again."
This time Asimov saw how the style moved the story swiftly from one scene to the next, and adopted it for himself.
This time Asimov saw how the style moved the story swiftly from one scene to the next, and adopted it for himself.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 09:45 AM (omVj0)
99
I am a big fan of Preston and Child, who have written 20 or so stories involving Special Agent Pendergast, a modern Sherlock Holmes. But the novel that introduced me to the authors was The Ice Limit. The ice limit refers to the region between Antarctica and South America where the annual ice pack can reach. The story revolves around a meteorite that landed near Tierra del Diego, composed of something far denser than any other earthly element, and which attracts lightning. A millionaire recruits a team to extract and bring the meteorite back to the US, a massive engineering feat. Chile was never informed, which leads one of their naval commanders to try and stop it. Given the immense weight of the object and its bizarre electrical properties, the work to retrieve it is intense, but nothing compared to the sea chase when a Chilean cruiser chooses to interdict the team's ship in some of the most dangerous waters on earth. This is a very creative and well written book, and I highly recommend it.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at March 26, 2023 09:45 AM (KXAsT)
100
I have noticed that when aliens are portrayed on screen, they overwhelmingly have British accents. I suppose the British empire was larger than we thought.
Posted by: Thomas Paine
Ancient Romans also speak with British accents.
Posted by: Thomas Paine
Ancient Romans also speak with British accents.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 26, 2023 09:45 AM (FVME7)
101
I'm about 14 issues into 'Wonder Woman' by George Perez. It's from 1987, when Mr. Perez got to re-write (and re-draw) the character's origin. So far, there's not a lot of traditional super-heroics, but rather a lot of Greek Mythology mixed in with a bit of Chosen-One tropes. Like 'Clash of the Titans' starring 'Xena Warrior Princess,' but with bolder colors.
In any case, the art is great. And some of the covers Perez did for that series feel far to grandiose for a mere comic book...
In any case, the art is great. And some of the covers Perez did for that series feel far to grandiose for a mere comic book...
Posted by: Castle Guy at March 26, 2023 09:46 AM (Lhaco)
102
I am reading "Cromwell" by Theodore Roosevelt.
https://tinyurl.com/Cromwell-Teddy-Roosevelt
It's free, and it is timely. Teddy's hypothesis is that the Parliamentarians were a logical, and morally justified response to Stuart autocracy and presaged the American Revolution. Well written as his works always were.
https://tinyurl.com/Cromwell-Teddy-Roosevelt
It's free, and it is timely. Teddy's hypothesis is that the Parliamentarians were a logical, and morally justified response to Stuart autocracy and presaged the American Revolution. Well written as his works always were.
Posted by: sven at March 26, 2023 09:46 AM (Lzpvj)
103
We are very Anglo-focused. Nothing the Tudors did would have bothered any French king at all, and not many would have been bothered in the Habsburgs either. The Tudors were a little too "cosmopolitan" and trying to fit in with the Continentals for my taste.
Posted by: sven at March 26, 2023 09:31 AM (Lzpvj)
---
The Catholic monarchs always had an alternate power center to contend with - the Church. Much of the bureaucracy was controlled by the Church, and this acted as a check upon the excesses of Absolutism.
Indeed, that's the irony - French monarchs were denounced as being total autocrats, but no Bourbon king could kills as many churchmen as the Tudors did.
Posted by: sven at March 26, 2023 09:31 AM (Lzpvj)
---
The Catholic monarchs always had an alternate power center to contend with - the Church. Much of the bureaucracy was controlled by the Church, and this acted as a check upon the excesses of Absolutism.
Indeed, that's the irony - French monarchs were denounced as being total autocrats, but no Bourbon king could kills as many churchmen as the Tudors did.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 26, 2023 09:47 AM (llXky)
104
Finding quality children's literature, especially these days, can be quite a challenge.
***
Challenge accepted!
*picks up gauntlet*
These two picture books are for bibliophile parents to read with their kids:
Brother Hugo and the Bear by Katy Beebe (professor of Medieval history, I think). Check out the excerpt on her website katybeebe.com
Yours in Books by Julie Falatko
A loner owl writes to a squirrel book seller requesting books.
Author site is juliefalatko.com
***
Challenge accepted!
*picks up gauntlet*
These two picture books are for bibliophile parents to read with their kids:
Brother Hugo and the Bear by Katy Beebe (professor of Medieval history, I think). Check out the excerpt on her website katybeebe.com
Yours in Books by Julie Falatko
A loner owl writes to a squirrel book seller requesting books.
Author site is juliefalatko.com
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at March 26, 2023 09:47 AM (fUnHJ)
105
John Steinbeck introduced his big invention to convert trousers into tuxedo pants in, "The Wayward Bus." He recounted his efforts to patent the idea, (there is no such patent,) in a letter to a friend which was published in, "Steinbeck, a Life in Letters," by his third and final wife and his publisher after he died.
Posted by: Marooned at March 26, 2023
***
Right, that was his staid and respectable businessman tossing out the idea to the traveling salesman on the bus.
Heinlein essentially envisioned the waterbed in the 1940s, but never tried to build one or to patent the notion.
Posted by: Marooned at March 26, 2023
***
Right, that was his staid and respectable businessman tossing out the idea to the traveling salesman on the bus.
Heinlein essentially envisioned the waterbed in the 1940s, but never tried to build one or to patent the notion.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 09:47 AM (omVj0)
106
My family began their downward spiral during the Tudor reign, they probably got bitter about the crown and wound up siding with Cromwell when the time came.
Posted by: sven at March 26, 2023 09:38 AM (Lzpvj)
Cromwell built his masion on the land of the Austin Fiars after he disolved them. He was the bad guy. Worked for Henry 8... I thought.
I should get my head out of the Forgotten Relms gibberish I'm reading and finish my research on that era.
Posted by: sven at March 26, 2023 09:38 AM (Lzpvj)
Cromwell built his masion on the land of the Austin Fiars after he disolved them. He was the bad guy. Worked for Henry 8... I thought.
I should get my head out of the Forgotten Relms gibberish I'm reading and finish my research on that era.
Posted by: Reforger, him who confuses kings at March 26, 2023 09:47 AM (p9F8d)
107
@82 --
Mickey7 sounds like a SF version of the fantasy parody comics character Nodwick the henchman. He constantly gets maimed or killed but is restored with magical duct tape.
Why doesn't he leave the adventurers for whom he works? He signed a contract.
Mickey7 sounds like a SF version of the fantasy parody comics character Nodwick the henchman. He constantly gets maimed or killed but is restored with magical duct tape.
Why doesn't he leave the adventurers for whom he works? He signed a contract.
Posted by: Weak Geek at March 26, 2023 09:47 AM (Om/di)
108
Been way too long since I read Simak -- he was a respectable part of my 10-15 year almost-nothing-but-sf read-a-thon that started in 8th grade -- and I need to revisit his work soon. Ditto Jack Vance, who also did nicely strange alien characters if memory serves.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at March 26, 2023 09:48 AM (a/4+U)
109
Ancient Romans also speak with British accents.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 26, 2023 09:45 AM (FVME7)
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I'm reading a book that takes place in Ancient Roman times and everyone does have a British accent, at least according to how words are spelled...
Funny, that. (Oh, and it takes place in Roman Britain, which may also have something to do with it.)
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 26, 2023 09:45 AM (FVME7)
----
I'm reading a book that takes place in Ancient Roman times and everyone does have a British accent, at least according to how words are spelled...
Funny, that. (Oh, and it takes place in Roman Britain, which may also have something to do with it.)
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 26, 2023 09:48 AM (BpYfr)
110
103 Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 26, 2023 09:47 AM (llXky)
I am not sure the Churchmen did not often merit direct action in England. Protestants are people too.
I am not sure the Churchmen did not often merit direct action in England. Protestants are people too.
Posted by: sven at March 26, 2023 09:48 AM (Lzpvj)
111
I very much enjoyed reading "Appointment as Samarra" years ago. Here's a 3500 word John O'Hara retrospective just now up at city-journal:
https://tinyurl.com/358srzkn
Reading this 'beauty and essentiality of calculus' book for general audiences. OK so far:
https://tinyurl.com/3bru2mez
https://tinyurl.com/358srzkn
Reading this 'beauty and essentiality of calculus' book for general audiences. OK so far:
https://tinyurl.com/3bru2mez
Posted by: gp Sets In Motion Various Apparatuses at March 26, 2023 09:50 AM (MvF+J)
112
106 Posted by: Reforger, him who confuses kings at March 26, 2023 09:47 AM (p9F8d)
Oliver, not Thomas.
One worked for a king, the other worked a king over.
Similar not the same.
Oliver, not Thomas.
One worked for a king, the other worked a king over.
Similar not the same.
Posted by: sven at March 26, 2023 09:50 AM (Lzpvj)
113
This is one of those old Sams 'cookbook' publications for electronics experimenters. I'm playing with PLLs, have examined many books and papers on the subject, and find this book to be a really good starting point for hobbyists who don't have an EE degree yet, and who want to go hands on with circuits, rather than merely simulate them. Even though it's free at archive.org, this book's good enough that I sought out and bought a used paper copy online.
https://tinyurl.com/2p9bjff9
https://tinyurl.com/2p9bjff9
Posted by: gp Sets In Motion Various Apparatuses at March 26, 2023 09:50 AM (MvF+J)
114
Love The Way Station. Should reread.
Speaking of re-reads, re-reading Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo in preparation to read the sequel, Hell Bent.
Darkish contemporary fantasy, set in Yale, with magical secret societies.
Speaking of re-reads, re-reading Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo in preparation to read the sequel, Hell Bent.
Darkish contemporary fantasy, set in Yale, with magical secret societies.
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at March 26, 2023 09:51 AM (fUnHJ)
115
interesting Osprey books.
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U.S. Military Quietly Stops Purchasing Ospreys
-
I think they're cool but they have the reputation of widow makers.
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U.S. Military Quietly Stops Purchasing Ospreys
-
I think they're cool but they have the reputation of widow makers.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 26, 2023 09:52 AM (FVME7)
116
https://tinyurl.com/Cromwell-Teddy-Roosevelt
It's free, and it is timely. Teddy's hypothesis is that the Parliamentarians were a logical, and morally justified response to Stuart autocracy and presaged the American Revolution. Well written as his works always were.
Posted by: sven at March 26, 2023 09:46 AM (Lzpvj)
Will read. Thank you.
It's free, and it is timely. Teddy's hypothesis is that the Parliamentarians were a logical, and morally justified response to Stuart autocracy and presaged the American Revolution. Well written as his works always were.
Posted by: sven at March 26, 2023 09:46 AM (Lzpvj)
Will read. Thank you.
Posted by: Reforger, him who confuses kings at March 26, 2023 09:52 AM (p9F8d)
117
7 Cozy little bookshop. I miss those.
Posted by: runner
I'd spend a lot more time in my local 'cozy little bookshop' if they didn't have the leftist-drivel-of-the-month displayed all over the store.
I used to find some great coffee-table books at that place('Remarkable Trees of the World' ' or 'Waterways; Past and Present), but times have changed, and it's been a long time since I found one that really grabbed my interest.
Posted by: runner
I'd spend a lot more time in my local 'cozy little bookshop' if they didn't have the leftist-drivel-of-the-month displayed all over the store.
I used to find some great coffee-table books at that place('Remarkable Trees of the World' ' or 'Waterways; Past and Present), but times have changed, and it's been a long time since I found one that really grabbed my interest.
Posted by: Castle Guy at March 26, 2023 09:52 AM (Lhaco)
118
I am not sure the Churchmen did not often merit direct action in England. Protestants are people too.
Posted by: sven at March 26, 2023 09:48 AM (Lzpvj)
---
No, I don't mean torturing Jesuits to death for fun and profit, I mean killing Anglican dissenters. And Nonconformists. Any anyone else who looked sideways at them.
There's a myth that the Church *in* England meekly went along with the Tudor creation of the Church *of* England. It did not, and lots of people who held true to their religious vows were killed in very public and horrific ways to defend the regime.
No Continental monarch could even imagine wielding that kind of power, but let's heap more praises on "English liberty."
Posted by: sven at March 26, 2023 09:48 AM (Lzpvj)
---
No, I don't mean torturing Jesuits to death for fun and profit, I mean killing Anglican dissenters. And Nonconformists. Any anyone else who looked sideways at them.
There's a myth that the Church *in* England meekly went along with the Tudor creation of the Church *of* England. It did not, and lots of people who held true to their religious vows were killed in very public and horrific ways to defend the regime.
No Continental monarch could even imagine wielding that kind of power, but let's heap more praises on "English liberty."
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 26, 2023 09:53 AM (llXky)
119
Steinbeck also "did" Sci-Fi. Take a listen to, "The Short-short Story of Mankind."
https://bit.ly/Steinbeck-SciFi
It must be good. The guy reading it is British.
Takeaway: "hings would be going along fine—law and order and all that and the elders in charge—and then, some smart aleck would invent something and spoil the whole business.
https://bit.ly/Steinbeck-SciFi
It must be good. The guy reading it is British.
Takeaway: "hings would be going along fine—law and order and all that and the elders in charge—and then, some smart aleck would invent something and spoil the whole business.
Posted by: Marooned at March 26, 2023 09:55 AM (kt8QE)
120
Cromwell built his masion on the land of the Austin Fiars after he disolved them. He was the bad guy.
-
I guess he should've Cromed Better
-
I guess he should've Cromed Better
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 26, 2023 09:55 AM (FVME7)
121
Well, if we're talking about Tudors burning churchmen, let's not forget Mary martyring Protestants. She did more to turn English Protestantism from a cynical political ploy and land-grab into a devout and sincere faith than anyone.
Posted by: Trimegistus at March 26, 2023 09:55 AM (QZxDR)
122
I think they're cool but they have the reputation of widow makers.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 26, 2023 09:52 AM (FVME7) ---
The performance gain of fixed-wing flight did not compensate for the hideous maintenance issues.
Hopefully the contractors will be okay. That's what's really important.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 26, 2023 09:52 AM (FVME7) ---
The performance gain of fixed-wing flight did not compensate for the hideous maintenance issues.
Hopefully the contractors will be okay. That's what's really important.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 26, 2023 09:55 AM (llXky)
123
116 Posted by: Reforger, him who confuses kings at March 26, 2023 09:52 AM (p9F8d)
My pleasure, one of the important things to remember is he definitely has a goal in his writing and research. Factoring in his desired outcome is vital to appreciating his writing. Take his War of 1812 Naval Anaysis, while a celebration of the things that worked in the American war effort his goal was supporting Mahanian Naval theory.
Actually I will link that as well.
https://tinyurl.com/Teddy-Naval-War-of-1812
My pleasure, one of the important things to remember is he definitely has a goal in his writing and research. Factoring in his desired outcome is vital to appreciating his writing. Take his War of 1812 Naval Anaysis, while a celebration of the things that worked in the American war effort his goal was supporting Mahanian Naval theory.
Actually I will link that as well.
https://tinyurl.com/Teddy-Naval-War-of-1812
Posted by: sven at March 26, 2023 09:56 AM (Lzpvj)
124
Gonna post an excerpt from the kids book Brother Hugo and the Bear:
It befell that on the first day of Lent, Brother Hugo could not return his library book. The Abbot was most displeased.
“Our house now lacks the comforting letters of St. Augustine, Brother Hugo. How did this happen?”
“Father Abbot,” said Brother Hugo, “truly, the words of St. Augustine are as sweet as honeycomb to me.
But I am afraid they were much the sweeter to the bear.”
Based on a true story
It befell that on the first day of Lent, Brother Hugo could not return his library book. The Abbot was most displeased.
“Our house now lacks the comforting letters of St. Augustine, Brother Hugo. How did this happen?”
“Father Abbot,” said Brother Hugo, “truly, the words of St. Augustine are as sweet as honeycomb to me.
But I am afraid they were much the sweeter to the bear.”
Based on a true story
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at March 26, 2023 09:56 AM (fUnHJ)
125
One worked for a king, the other worked a king over.
Similar not the same.
Posted by: sven at March 26, 2023 09:50 AM (Lzpvj)
Forgot there were two.
Similar not the same.
Posted by: sven at March 26, 2023 09:50 AM (Lzpvj)
Forgot there were two.
Posted by: Reforger, him who confuses Cromwells at March 26, 2023 09:56 AM (p9F8d)
126
Now reading "BlindSight" by Peter Watts. Consciousness turns out to be a negative attribute of Intelligence when dealing on First Contact with an alien entity that is not conscious but is very intelligent. Also: vampires in space. Very interesting read so far. Only 1/3 of the way through.
Posted by: Sharkman at March 26, 2023 09:36 AM (6iRBQ)
I liked "BlindSight" quite a bit. Peter Watts has a ton of interesting ideas and makes them work in this book.
The follow-up to "BlindSight", "Echopraxia" was a bit of a dud for me. Because it didn't seem to follow-up on the ending of "BlindSight" at all.
Or, perhaps, "Echopraxia" was the middle book of a proposed trilogy that Watts never finished.
His Rifters Trilogy, beginning with "Starfish" is also crammed full of interesting ideas. I doubt you've ever read anything quite like it before. However, I have to warn you that book three has a fair amount of unpleasant torture porn that I found unnecessary.
Like "Blindsight", a fair amount of the book concerns the types of consciousness and processing and the exploitation of those who are neuro-atypical(not in the stupid woke sense) to do the jobs their brains are suited
Posted by: Sharkman at March 26, 2023 09:36 AM (6iRBQ)
I liked "BlindSight" quite a bit. Peter Watts has a ton of interesting ideas and makes them work in this book.
The follow-up to "BlindSight", "Echopraxia" was a bit of a dud for me. Because it didn't seem to follow-up on the ending of "BlindSight" at all.
Or, perhaps, "Echopraxia" was the middle book of a proposed trilogy that Watts never finished.
His Rifters Trilogy, beginning with "Starfish" is also crammed full of interesting ideas. I doubt you've ever read anything quite like it before. However, I have to warn you that book three has a fair amount of unpleasant torture porn that I found unnecessary.
Like "Blindsight", a fair amount of the book concerns the types of consciousness and processing and the exploitation of those who are neuro-atypical(not in the stupid woke sense) to do the jobs their brains are suited
Posted by: naturalfake at March 26, 2023 09:56 AM (L1tQx)
127
As for my own reading, I'm finishing up one of Ruth Rendell's non-series crime novels, The Keys to the Street, which features a serial killer in the (then-modern, 1990s) Regent's Park area of London.
Also up is a non-fiction history of late Republican Rome and the rise of Octavian called A Noise of War. It's very readable and full of glimpses at the personalities that shaped that time. For instance, Lucius Cornelius Sulla was not only married, but had a long-time relationship with, wait for it, a "female impersonator."
Also up is a non-fiction history of late Republican Rome and the rise of Octavian called A Noise of War. It's very readable and full of glimpses at the personalities that shaped that time. For instance, Lucius Cornelius Sulla was not only married, but had a long-time relationship with, wait for it, a "female impersonator."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 09:56 AM (omVj0)
128
@101 --
Castle Guy, I've been wondering what you thought of Perez' WW. I think I disposed of my issues -- I can't find them -- and of course I regret that now.
Castle Guy, I've been wondering what you thought of Perez' WW. I think I disposed of my issues -- I can't find them -- and of course I regret that now.
Posted by: Weak Geek at March 26, 2023 09:57 AM (Om/di)
129
16 I continued with "The Complete Brambly Hedge" written and illustrated by Jill Barklem. The writing is both creative and charming but the illustrations are beyond outstanding. Barklem's watercolor paintings are wonderful for their technique and for all their detail. The world of Brambly Hedge is pretty much pre-industrial English countryside. It could be the Shire. (That's a good thing.) I would think a child could spend hours discovering all the little details in each painting and asking endless questions about many of the items outside their experience. (They would probably notice the 'rocking mouse' toy in a little girl mouse's room.) This child spent hours delighting in the images, with a good magnifying glass at hand.
Posted by: JTB
I think I'm sold on adding that book to my next order. Especially since it's so much cheaper than the picture books I usually buy. To me, the illustrations (that I've seen thus far) have a real Redwall-before-the-siege aesthetic.
Posted by: JTB
I think I'm sold on adding that book to my next order. Especially since it's so much cheaper than the picture books I usually buy. To me, the illustrations (that I've seen thus far) have a real Redwall-before-the-siege aesthetic.
Posted by: Castle Guy at March 26, 2023 09:57 AM (Lhaco)
130
I read Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver last week. It is a retelling of Charles Dickens' David Copperfield that has been reset in the 1990s in Lee County, Virginia, which was once a coal mining and tobacco growing region, but now is emblematic of the fentanyl epidemic that plagues Appalachia and much of the rest of the country. There is a lot of information about how this happened, but it never gets preachy. Demon grows up in foster care among people who are desperately poor or who are cruel and mercenary villains, but he meets many fine, caring people along the way as well.
I realized after reading this book that I had never read David Copperfield. This surprised me. I may have rectify that. I did enjoy others of Dickens' books.
I realized after reading this book that I had never read David Copperfield. This surprised me. I may have rectify that. I did enjoy others of Dickens' books.
Posted by: huerfano at March 26, 2023 09:58 AM (dTFZY)
Posted by: sven at March 26, 2023 09:59 AM (Lzpvj)
132
22 After the mention of Harold Lamb last week, I got some of his pulp adventure stories. They are terrific, fun reading. Lamb can really set an atmosphere and characters to support the action. Thanks to whoever referenced Lamb.
In the same vein, I dug out some of my non-Conan Robert Howard tales: westerns, the El Borak stories and some of his horror stuff. The Conan character and his world overshadow the many other excellent tales Howard wrote. Fortunately, I have most of his works to enjoy because the library had none nor did the local bookstores. I don't know what boys read these days, if anything, but they are missing out on some terrific, superbly written adventures.
Posted by: JTB
That probably would have been me who mentioned him. And I grabbed his works specifically because Lamb was mentioned in the preface of a Robert E Howard collection. And speaking of El Borak, that collection is currently shelved....(glances at my bookshelf)...two books away from my Harold Lamb collection.
In the same vein, I dug out some of my non-Conan Robert Howard tales: westerns, the El Borak stories and some of his horror stuff. The Conan character and his world overshadow the many other excellent tales Howard wrote. Fortunately, I have most of his works to enjoy because the library had none nor did the local bookstores. I don't know what boys read these days, if anything, but they are missing out on some terrific, superbly written adventures.
Posted by: JTB
That probably would have been me who mentioned him. And I grabbed his works specifically because Lamb was mentioned in the preface of a Robert E Howard collection. And speaking of El Borak, that collection is currently shelved....(glances at my bookshelf)...two books away from my Harold Lamb collection.
Posted by: Castle Guy at March 26, 2023 10:00 AM (Lhaco)
133
There were more than 1 Cromwell.
John Cromwell worked for Henry VIII, Oliver came later, if memory serves.
John Cromwell worked for Henry VIII, Oliver came later, if memory serves.
Posted by: gourmand du jour sipping tea at March 26, 2023 10:00 AM (jTmQV)
134
"Two Years Before the Mast," classic and vivid journal of sea journeys, written from the seaman's (non-officer's) POV, free here:
https://tinyurl.com/3arcj5wv
https://tinyurl.com/3arcj5wv
Posted by: gp Sets In Motion Various Apparatuses at March 26, 2023 10:00 AM (MvF+J)
135
Well, if we're talking about Tudors burning churchmen, let's not forget Mary martyring Protestants. She did more to turn English Protestantism from a cynical political ploy and land-grab into a devout and sincere faith than anyone.
Posted by: Trimegistus at March 26, 2023 09:55 AM (QZxDR)
---
Because it was purely altruistic up to that point?
Alternative take: She was trying to undo the damage and punishing the worst excesses of Harry's goons.
A rare example of a monarch trying to *limit* her power and restore a check on the power of the throne.
And of course she was vilified because the people who owned all those stolen Church lands were never going to voluntarily give them back. Hurrah for Queen Bess!
Posted by: Trimegistus at March 26, 2023 09:55 AM (QZxDR)
---
Because it was purely altruistic up to that point?
Alternative take: She was trying to undo the damage and punishing the worst excesses of Harry's goons.
A rare example of a monarch trying to *limit* her power and restore a check on the power of the throne.
And of course she was vilified because the people who owned all those stolen Church lands were never going to voluntarily give them back. Hurrah for Queen Bess!
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 26, 2023 10:00 AM (llXky)
136
Star Trek sometimes did a good job with creating interesting alien characters.
-
7 of 9, for instance.
-
7 of 9, for instance.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 26, 2023 10:01 AM (FVME7)
137
God morning all.
Was up late last night finishing IDORU by William Gibson. Book was fascinating. Unique and unpredictable. It is impossible to believe it was written in 1996.
The book begins with two story lines that seem u related. The first is a about a young girl, a member of an international celebrity fan club that stay in touch via "porting" virtually. They are concerned their star, a musician, is contemplating marrying an AI so they send her to Japan IRL to find out what is really happening.
The second story line is about a researcher for a celebrity TV show who has the unique ability to find nodal points where he is able to suddenly see information form a pattern and suss out thing s about celebrities that most of the time they would prefer to keep hidden.
The two story lines converge in a post major earthquake Japan where the country is being rebuilt by nanotechnology.
Highly recommended.
Was up late last night finishing IDORU by William Gibson. Book was fascinating. Unique and unpredictable. It is impossible to believe it was written in 1996.
The book begins with two story lines that seem u related. The first is a about a young girl, a member of an international celebrity fan club that stay in touch via "porting" virtually. They are concerned their star, a musician, is contemplating marrying an AI so they send her to Japan IRL to find out what is really happening.
The second story line is about a researcher for a celebrity TV show who has the unique ability to find nodal points where he is able to suddenly see information form a pattern and suss out thing s about celebrities that most of the time they would prefer to keep hidden.
The two story lines converge in a post major earthquake Japan where the country is being rebuilt by nanotechnology.
Highly recommended.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at March 26, 2023 10:01 AM (Y+l9t)
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 26, 2023 10:02 AM (MIKMs)
139
7 of 9, for instance.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 26, 2023 10:01 AM (FVME7)
---
Wait, I always thought she was 6 of 9. I mean, that's what we always called her.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 26, 2023 10:01 AM (FVME7)
---
Wait, I always thought she was 6 of 9. I mean, that's what we always called her.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 26, 2023 10:02 AM (llXky)
140
Barklem's watercolor paintings are wonderful for their technique and for all their detail. The world of Brambly Hedge is pretty much pre-industrial English countryside. It could be the Shire.
**
Look___ it up. I love that type of children's book. I think of it as "Beatrix Potter style"
We have a large Shirley Barber kids book like that.
**
Look___ it up. I love that type of children's book. I think of it as "Beatrix Potter style"
We have a large Shirley Barber kids book like that.
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at March 26, 2023 10:05 AM (fUnHJ)
141
I get Grammy Winger's point, but of course sometimes First Contact stories need aliens because they are really about first contact with aliens, and not a metaphor for human issues only.
"The Mote in God's Eye" by Niven and Pournelle, for example.
And now the sudden thought hits me that I really need to go reread all the Retief and Bolo stores by Keith Laumer, all the John Christian Falkenberg stores by Pournelle, and as much of Cordwainer Smith's writings as I can find.
So many books, so little time!!!
"The Mote in God's Eye" by Niven and Pournelle, for example.
And now the sudden thought hits me that I really need to go reread all the Retief and Bolo stores by Keith Laumer, all the John Christian Falkenberg stores by Pournelle, and as much of Cordwainer Smith's writings as I can find.
So many books, so little time!!!
Posted by: Sharkman at March 26, 2023 10:05 AM (6iRBQ)
142
By the way, Churchill's History of the English Speaking Peoples really does a good job of presenting the Tudor reign with a healthy degree of skepticism. Perhaps because Churchill wasn't into organized religion (he famously described himself as a "buttress" of the Church rather than a "pillar," because he supported it from the *outside*), he was able to make a more clear-eyed appraisal of the situation.
Breaking up the abbeys and monasteries destroyed the social safety net in England, which in turn made migration to the colonies much more attractive.
Breaking up the abbeys and monasteries destroyed the social safety net in England, which in turn made migration to the colonies much more attractive.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 26, 2023 10:06 AM (llXky)
143
Wait, I always thought she was 6 of 9. I mean, that's what we always called her.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd
I have always thought that the name was an inside joke by the writers, meant to be discovered.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd
I have always thought that the name was an inside joke by the writers, meant to be discovered.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at March 26, 2023 10:06 AM (uZgtJ)
144
>>>Do they let Okies in here?
Had no idea
Posted by: Skip
>You won't catch Curly McLain wearing pants like that. The only thing missing is a "Keep On Trucking" patch on the ass.
Had no idea
Posted by: Skip
>You won't catch Curly McLain wearing pants like that. The only thing missing is a "Keep On Trucking" patch on the ass.
Posted by: Dr. Bone at March 26, 2023 10:07 AM (Jg7EG)
145
The second story line is about a researcher for a celebrity TV show who has the unique ability to find nodal points where he is able to suddenly see information form a pattern and suss out thing s about celebrities that most of the time they would prefer to keep hidden. The two story lines converge in a post major earthquake Japan where the country is being rebuilt by nanotechnology.
=====
Continued in Pattern Recognition.
=====
Continued in Pattern Recognition.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 26, 2023 10:07 AM (MIKMs)
146
I don't recall how the Borg were altered over succeeding appearances. But their debut in the ST:TNG episode "Q Who?" made it probably the most stunning and disturbing episode of the entire series. When Riker and his team find the Borg "nursery," and see that the humanoid Borg child is *already hooked up the ship and the Borg machinery* . . . Brrr.
Alien, utterly inhuman, and apparently unstoppable.
Alien, utterly inhuman, and apparently unstoppable.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 10:08 AM (omVj0)
147
130 I read Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver last week. It is a retelling of Charles Dickens' David Copperfield that has been reset in the 1990s in Lee County, Virginia,
***
Just that second sentence makes me want to read it.
***
Just that second sentence makes me want to read it.
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at March 26, 2023 10:08 AM (fUnHJ)
148
There have been a couple of references to the Redwall series by Brian Jacques. I have the first one but haven't read it yet. (So many books, so little time.) Given how much I enjoy classic children's books, is the Redwall series worth the time? I'm always up for charming and creative.
Posted by: JTB at March 26, 2023 10:08 AM (7EjX1)
149
59 I have noticed that when aliens are portrayed on screen, they overwhelmingly have British accents. I suppose the British empire was larger than we thought.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at March 26, 2023 09:20 AM (t47Zb)
By guess: that makes them sound exotic, without sounding silly. Can you imagine an alien with a French accent? And a British accent is common/easy enough for an actor to pull off consistently...
Posted by: Thomas Paine at March 26, 2023 09:20 AM (t47Zb)
By guess: that makes them sound exotic, without sounding silly. Can you imagine an alien with a French accent? And a British accent is common/easy enough for an actor to pull off consistently...
Posted by: Castle Guy at March 26, 2023 10:08 AM (Lhaco)
150
$$$$$
Posted by: mustbequantum
Mavericks Star Luca Doncic Fined $35,000 for Doing the Universal Sign for Money at Referee
-
I assume this is rubbing the thumb against the fingertips. At least, that's the only universal sign for money I know.
Posted by: mustbequantum
Mavericks Star Luca Doncic Fined $35,000 for Doing the Universal Sign for Money at Referee
-
I assume this is rubbing the thumb against the fingertips. At least, that's the only universal sign for money I know.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 26, 2023 10:08 AM (FVME7)
151
Can't grammie winger's critique be extended ti the entire science fiction genre? There's an old adage shared by science fiction fans that science fiction deals with reality, but it doesn't. Herman Wouk dealt with reality, Hemingway dealt with reality, Dickens dealt with reality. Sci-Fi--for the most part--completely defies scientific reality, aliens or not. Probably the only credible science fiction author in recent years has been Michael Crichton, who looked at existing science and technology or a plausible extension (not always, Sphere comes to mind) and looked at their implications. Much in the spirit of, say, Mary Shelley.
Posted by: Jim at March 26, 2023 10:10 AM (2subk)
152
Speaking of aliens, one book that did it wonderfully is Demon of Undoing by Andrea Alton. Don't be confused by the "demon" part, this is definitely science fiction. "Demons of Undoing" is how the aliens describe humans, and the book is entirely from the alien viewpoint. It is quite fun seeing a) what the aliens think is "normal" and how that is conveyed by viewpoint, which is harder to do than you might think, and b) what they think of humans. (A galactic war stranded a research team on a planet at Warring States of Japan level of tech and politics, and they've been stuck there for hundreds of years.) This causes great upheavals in the alien society because one thing humans do very well is ask awkward questions like "why do you do it that way" and suggest alternatives. The aliens Can't Cope with so many new ideas all at once
Good aliens are hard to write, but worth it if done well.
Good aliens are hard to write, but worth it if done well.
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at March 26, 2023 10:10 AM (XMJie)
153
"The Mote in God's Eye" by Niven and Pournelle, for example. . . .
Posted by: Sharkman at March 26, 2023
***
A grand example. The Moties are quite non-human, and their entire history worldview has been shaped by their peculiar biology (I won't go into detail for those who haven't read it).
Posted by: Sharkman at March 26, 2023
***
A grand example. The Moties are quite non-human, and their entire history worldview has been shaped by their peculiar biology (I won't go into detail for those who haven't read it).
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 10:10 AM (omVj0)
154
NPR interviewed "scientist" who reports this morning on the study of fatality rates from Covid by the Council on Foreign Relations (?).
Two lowest fatality states: Hawaii and New Hampshire.
Two highest: Arizona and Washington DC.
Conclusion is that highest risk factors were:
1. Being black.
2. Supporting Trump in last election.
What?!
Two lowest fatality states: Hawaii and New Hampshire.
Two highest: Arizona and Washington DC.
Conclusion is that highest risk factors were:
1. Being black.
2. Supporting Trump in last election.
What?!
Posted by: Ray Van Dune at March 26, 2023 10:10 AM (AcLxR)
155
After all, we are human beings and are thus confined to writing stories about the human experience
***
What are the traditional 4 types conflicts in stories?
Man vs Nature, Man vs Man, etc?
I tried looking it up but most sites list at least 6 now.
***
What are the traditional 4 types conflicts in stories?
Man vs Nature, Man vs Man, etc?
I tried looking it up but most sites list at least 6 now.
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at March 26, 2023 10:11 AM (fUnHJ)
156
Read Good Omens this week, by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. Recommended here in the last week or two. The whole time I was reading it I'm enjoying it but thinking, this is kind of familiar.
Towards the end, I realized that yes, I must have read this when it came out in the early '90s. I'll give it the same recommendation I'd have given it then, an enjoyable light quick read, but nothing particularly memorable.
Towards the end, I realized that yes, I must have read this when it came out in the early '90s. I'll give it the same recommendation I'd have given it then, an enjoyable light quick read, but nothing particularly memorable.
Posted by: From about that Time at March 26, 2023 10:11 AM (4780s)
157
Good aliens are hard to write, but worth it if done well.
=====
Cyteen. Now I have to find a copy to reread.
=====
Cyteen. Now I have to find a copy to reread.
Posted by: mustbequantum at March 26, 2023 10:12 AM (MIKMs)
158
Given how much I enjoy classic children's books, is the Redwall series worth the time? I'm always up for charming and creative.
Posted by: JTB
Redwall is fantastic; full of lessons in chivalry and loyalty. As I recall, Jaques specifically wrote the series with instilling traditional values in children in mind.
Posted by: JTB
Redwall is fantastic; full of lessons in chivalry and loyalty. As I recall, Jaques specifically wrote the series with instilling traditional values in children in mind.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at March 26, 2023 10:12 AM (uZgtJ)
159
Now reading "BlindSight" by Peter Watts. Consciousness turns out to be a negative attribute of Intelligence when dealing on First Contact with an alien entity that is not conscious but is very intelligent. Also: vampires in space. Very interesting read so far. Only 1/3 of the way through.
Posted by: Sharkman at March 26, 2023 09:36 AM (6iRBQ)
There was another story in "Dynamic Science Stories" that touched on something like that. "The Message From the Void" by Hubert Mavity. (pseudonym of Nelson Bond, because he had "The Mercurian Menace" also in that issue)
Earth and Mars are beaming messages towards each other, searching for intelligent life. Earth sends mathematical things because, of course, every intelligence understands logical math, and Mars sends time distortion factor things because, of course, every intelligence understands time distortion factor.
Neither planet recognizes the other's message, so they both conclude there is no intelligent life there.
Posted by: Sharkman at March 26, 2023 09:36 AM (6iRBQ)
There was another story in "Dynamic Science Stories" that touched on something like that. "The Message From the Void" by Hubert Mavity. (pseudonym of Nelson Bond, because he had "The Mercurian Menace" also in that issue)
Earth and Mars are beaming messages towards each other, searching for intelligent life. Earth sends mathematical things because, of course, every intelligence understands logical math, and Mars sends time distortion factor things because, of course, every intelligence understands time distortion factor.
Neither planet recognizes the other's message, so they both conclude there is no intelligent life there.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 26, 2023 10:12 AM (Angsy)
160
Breaking up the abbeys and monasteries destroyed the social safety net in England, which in turn made migration to the colonies much more attractive.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 26, 2023 10:06 AM (llXky)
That's how part of my family got here. On a boat called The Bevis.
Funny thing. An old lady on the Bevis manifest (first name I think) was the last person to die in the Salem Witch Trials. Not burned at the stake but in jail awaiting being burned at the stake.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 26, 2023 10:06 AM (llXky)
That's how part of my family got here. On a boat called The Bevis.
Funny thing. An old lady on the Bevis manifest (first name I think) was the last person to die in the Salem Witch Trials. Not burned at the stake but in jail awaiting being burned at the stake.
Posted by: Reforger, him who confuses kings at March 26, 2023 10:13 AM (p9F8d)
161
>>>What are the traditional 4 types conflicts in stories?
Man vs Nature, Man vs Man, etc?
I tried looking it up but most sites list at least 6 now.
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion
>There's a couple of tranny jokes in there somewhere.
Man vs Nature, Man vs Man, etc?
I tried looking it up but most sites list at least 6 now.
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion
>There's a couple of tranny jokes in there somewhere.
Posted by: Dr. Bone at March 26, 2023 10:13 AM (Jg7EG)
162
Can you imagine an alien with a French accent? And a British accent is common/easy enough for an actor to pull off consistently...
Posted by: Castle Guy
It is well known that the French won't go to any solar system that has no evidence of proper croissant making.
Posted by: Castle Guy
It is well known that the French won't go to any solar system that has no evidence of proper croissant making.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at March 26, 2023 10:15 AM (hAmnt)
163
"So the plant was an early method to break up kidney stones. Interesting.
Posted by: Moki"
Pliny tell us about calcifraga:
"Authorities who wish full credence to be given to this asserted property, assure us that pebbles boiled with it will split asunder."
Posted by: Moki"
Pliny tell us about calcifraga:
"Authorities who wish full credence to be given to this asserted property, assure us that pebbles boiled with it will split asunder."
Posted by: fd at March 26, 2023 10:15 AM (iayUP)
164
Continued in Pattern Recognition.
Posted by: mustbequantum
Ooh, thank you. I am new to Gibson and hoping Laney's story continued. I read Peripheral after watching the Prime series and liked the book but had trouble visualizing some characters and scenes. Really glad Hrothgar gave me IDORU because it is vivid and exciting. It really should be made into a movie. The descriptions of the bars in the being rebuilt Japan in Crazy. As an example one is Kafka themed.
Posted by: mustbequantum
Ooh, thank you. I am new to Gibson and hoping Laney's story continued. I read Peripheral after watching the Prime series and liked the book but had trouble visualizing some characters and scenes. Really glad Hrothgar gave me IDORU because it is vivid and exciting. It really should be made into a movie. The descriptions of the bars in the being rebuilt Japan in Crazy. As an example one is Kafka themed.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at March 26, 2023 10:16 AM (Y+l9t)
165
103 Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 26, 2023 09:47 AM (llXky)
I am not sure the Churchmen did not often merit direct action in England. Protestants are people too.
Posted by: sven at March 26, 2023 09:48 AM (Lzpvj)
For those of you interested in the matters relating to the English Reformation, I strongly recommend Eamon Duffy's book "The Stripping of the Altars: Traditional Religion in England 1400-1580". Justifiably the winner of the Longman-History Today Book of the Year Award.
I am not sure the Churchmen did not often merit direct action in England. Protestants are people too.
Posted by: sven at March 26, 2023 09:48 AM (Lzpvj)
For those of you interested in the matters relating to the English Reformation, I strongly recommend Eamon Duffy's book "The Stripping of the Altars: Traditional Religion in England 1400-1580". Justifiably the winner of the Longman-History Today Book of the Year Award.
Posted by: mrp at March 26, 2023 10:16 AM (rj6Yv)
166
See? Science!
Posted by: fd at March 26, 2023 10:16 AM (iayUP)
167
Churchill's "History of the English Speaking Peoples" is required reading imho for Anglophiles.
I've spent a great percentage of my retirement reading nothing but biographies and historical accounts. For fiction I watch movies and such.
Compartmentalization, I suppose.
I've spent a great percentage of my retirement reading nothing but biographies and historical accounts. For fiction I watch movies and such.
Compartmentalization, I suppose.
Posted by: gourmand du jour sipping tea at March 26, 2023 10:16 AM (jTmQV)
Posted by: Just sayin' at March 26, 2023 10:16 AM (DhOHl)
169
I kept waiting for Morgaine kri Chya to canter through a Stargate with Vayne at her side to find SG-1.
Posted by: Anna Puma at March 26, 2023 10:16 AM (MvBjh)
170
What are the traditional 4 types conflicts in stories?
Man vs Nature, Man vs Man, etc?
I tried looking it up but most sites list at least 6 now.
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion
---
I think there's really only three: Man v. Nature, Man v. Man, Man v. Himself
And they are not mutually exclusive, of course. The series I just finished, The Morgaine Saga by C.J. Cherryh has a main character struggle with all three. He has to survive hostile environments, he has to escape or fight hostile enemies, and he has to come to terms with his role serving another who has a greater conflict.
Man vs Nature, Man vs Man, etc?
I tried looking it up but most sites list at least 6 now.
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion
---
I think there's really only three: Man v. Nature, Man v. Man, Man v. Himself
And they are not mutually exclusive, of course. The series I just finished, The Morgaine Saga by C.J. Cherryh has a main character struggle with all three. He has to survive hostile environments, he has to escape or fight hostile enemies, and he has to come to terms with his role serving another who has a greater conflict.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 26, 2023 10:16 AM (BpYfr)
171
@152 --
one thing humans do very well is ask awkward questions like "why do you do it that way" and suggest alternatives.
Newlyweds doing laundry.
one thing humans do very well is ask awkward questions like "why do you do it that way" and suggest alternatives.
Newlyweds doing laundry.
Posted by: Weak Geek at March 26, 2023 10:16 AM (Om/di)
172
I kept waiting for Morgaine kri Chya to canter through a Stargate with Vayne at her side to find SG-1.
Posted by: Anna Puma at March 26, 2023 10:16 AM (MvBjh)
---
Huh. I never thought of that, but it might actually fit...though the Gate technology seems vastly different...
Posted by: Anna Puma at March 26, 2023 10:16 AM (MvBjh)
---
Huh. I never thought of that, but it might actually fit...though the Gate technology seems vastly different...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 26, 2023 10:17 AM (BpYfr)
173
NPR interviewed "scientist" who reports this morning on the study of fatality rates from Covid by the Council on Foreign Relations (?).
-
Utah State Football Player Josh Davis Hospitalized After Suffering Cardiac Arrest
-
Speaking of hospitalizations, by the way, Turtle at large.
McConnell Released From Inpatient Therapy Weeks After Concussion
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Utah State Football Player Josh Davis Hospitalized After Suffering Cardiac Arrest
-
Speaking of hospitalizations, by the way, Turtle at large.
McConnell Released From Inpatient Therapy Weeks After Concussion
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 26, 2023 10:17 AM (FVME7)
174
True Grit - a limerick
I'm going to make a simple prediction
When you're aiming for an alien depiction
If bipedal and/or Gray
You'll rub folks the wrong way
It's a sub-genre called...Science Friction
True Grit - a limerick
I'm going to make a simple prediction
When you're aiming for an alien depiction
If bipedal and/or Gray
You'll rub folks the wrong way
It's a sub-genre called...Science Friction
Posted by: Muldoon at March 26, 2023 10:19 AM (ykeLU)
175
StarShip Grifters a Rex Nihilo series is so funny and the Audio Version is outstanding because it's read by his poor Robot companion in her voice.
I also started to read Mayor on Noobtown, a guy dies and is living in a Fantasy World RPG, The Audio version is good and well done Each character has it's own voice so you can keep track of all the characters and it's Damn funny.
I also started to read Mayor on Noobtown, a guy dies and is living in a Fantasy World RPG, The Audio version is good and well done Each character has it's own voice so you can keep track of all the characters and it's Damn funny.
Posted by: Patrick From Ohio at March 26, 2023 10:20 AM (dKiJG)
176
The thing that intrigues me about space travel is that nothing stays in the same place. Our own solar system is zipping along at a staggering rate thru the cosmos. So is everything else.
Posted by: gourmand du jour sipping tea at March 26, 2023 10:21 AM (jTmQV)
177
There were more than 1 Cromwell.
John Cromwell worked for Henry VIII, Oliver came later, if memory serves.
Posted by: gourmand du jour sipping tea at March 26, 2023 10:00 AM (jTmQV)
Henry VIII consigliere was Thomas Cromwell, who, despite his machinations on behalf of his monarch, was beheaded by the same. At least Sir Thomas More was accorded a trial. Cromwell was, for all intents and purposes, summarily executed.
John Cromwell worked for Henry VIII, Oliver came later, if memory serves.
Posted by: gourmand du jour sipping tea at March 26, 2023 10:00 AM (jTmQV)
Henry VIII consigliere was Thomas Cromwell, who, despite his machinations on behalf of his monarch, was beheaded by the same. At least Sir Thomas More was accorded a trial. Cromwell was, for all intents and purposes, summarily executed.
Posted by: mrp at March 26, 2023 10:22 AM (rj6Yv)
178
Good Omens is a very good Prime series.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at March 26, 2023 10:22 AM (Y+l9t)
179
IIRC the actual mechanics of Qhal gates is never fully fleshed out like the lcoordinate locks of a Stargate. And remember in Exile's Gate Morgaine talks about timelines her father could not predict.
Posted by: Anna Puma at March 26, 2023 10:23 AM (MvBjh)
180
I think there's really only three: Man v. Nature, Man v. Man, Man v. Himself
***
Perfesser, I thought there was a fourth - Man vs God?
Or did I imagine that.. maybe it falls under Man vs Self
***
Perfesser, I thought there was a fourth - Man vs God?
Or did I imagine that.. maybe it falls under Man vs Self
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at March 26, 2023 10:23 AM (fUnHJ)
181
Even biblical writers had a difficult time describing angels.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at March 26, 2023 10:23 AM (DhOHl)
182
158 ... "Redwall is fantastic; full of lessons in chivalry and loyalty. As I recall, Jaques specifically wrote the series with instilling traditional values in children in mind."
Thomas Paine,
Thanks for that. I see a trip to the used book store in the near future. (Big surprise, huh?)
Thomas Paine,
Thanks for that. I see a trip to the used book store in the near future. (Big surprise, huh?)
Posted by: JTB at March 26, 2023 10:23 AM (7EjX1)
183
Thanks for the clarification, mrp.
Posted by: gourmand du jour sipping tea at March 26, 2023 10:23 AM (jTmQV)
184
This week I plan to submit a story to the Writers of the Future, the Scientology-led and -funded contest. There are actual money prizes. I've gotten two honorable mentions in the last two submissions. This quarter ends on 3/31, so I'll format one of my completed stories and send it off. Also I'll submit one to the Baen Fantasy Adventure contest I read about here two weeks back.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 10:23 AM (omVj0)
185
I'm going to write a book entitled Where In the World Is Carmen Fettermaniego? You know, for the kids.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 26, 2023 10:23 AM (FVME7)
186
Churchill's "History of the English Speaking Peoples" is required reading imho for Anglophiles.
Posted by: gourmand du jour
A few months ago, I stumbled on a complete four book set of the third edition in hardback, excellent condition, for $15. I grabbed it and literally ran to the register.
Posted by: gourmand du jour
A few months ago, I stumbled on a complete four book set of the third edition in hardback, excellent condition, for $15. I grabbed it and literally ran to the register.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at March 26, 2023 10:23 AM (hAmnt)
187
Pliny tell us about calcifraga:
"Authorities who wish full credence to be given to this asserted property, assure us that pebbles boiled with it will split asunder."
Posted by: fd at March 26, 2023 10:15 AM (iayUP)
Sounds correct to me.
"Authorities who wish full credence to be given to this asserted property, assure us that pebbles boiled with it will split asunder."
Posted by: fd at March 26, 2023 10:15 AM (iayUP)
Sounds correct to me.
Posted by: Sir Bedivere at March 26, 2023 10:25 AM (Angsy)
188
My grandfather used to drive a Chrysler Cromwell. Thing was a boat.
Posted by: My word as a Brandon at March 26, 2023 10:25 AM (DhOHl)
189
83 Yes, a lot of Trek aliens were just humans in makeup. But in Deep Space Nine there was a non-human race that had been engineered by another (the Dominion?) to be the latter race's soldiers and servants. Not only was loyalty in their DNA so that they would find it nearly impossible to rebel, the soldier race also had been designed to require a substance (something "white"?) for their very existence. Not a drug, but an essential nutrient. They knew this, and still were loyal to their creators. Not very human-like, I think.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 09:37 AM (omVj0)
Ah, yes, the Jem Hadar, who would die without Ketracel White. Deep Space Nine was such a fun show....
And for all its silliness, I feel the Warhammer 40K universe does a pretty good job with aliens. At least as far as making them feel 'alien.' Of course, part of the reason for that is to make them so different that peace, or even co-existence with Humanity is impossible, thus justifying the whole premise of the setting. AKA, tabletop wargaming.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 09:37 AM (omVj0)
Ah, yes, the Jem Hadar, who would die without Ketracel White. Deep Space Nine was such a fun show....
And for all its silliness, I feel the Warhammer 40K universe does a pretty good job with aliens. At least as far as making them feel 'alien.' Of course, part of the reason for that is to make them so different that peace, or even co-existence with Humanity is impossible, thus justifying the whole premise of the setting. AKA, tabletop wargaming.
Posted by: Castle Guy at March 26, 2023 10:26 AM (Lhaco)
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 26, 2023 10:26 AM (FVME7)
191
Irony.
Biden's "Inflation Reduction Act" to Cost Three Times More Than Advocates Said
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 26, 2023 10:26 AM (FVME7)
---
Irony? Or by design?
Biden's "Inflation Reduction Act" to Cost Three Times More Than Advocates Said
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 26, 2023 10:26 AM (FVME7)
---
Irony? Or by design?
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 26, 2023 10:28 AM (BpYfr)
192
Irony is good for you. It's got iron in it.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at March 26, 2023 10:28 AM (DhOHl)
193
This week I plan to submit a story to the Writers of the Future, the Scientology-led and -funded contest. There are actual money prizes. I've gotten two honorable mentions in the last two submissions. This quarter ends on 3/31, so I'll format one of my completed stories and send it off. Also I'll submit one to the Baen Fantasy Adventure contest I read about here two weeks back.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 10:23 AM (omVj0)
---
Good luck!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 10:23 AM (omVj0)
---
Good luck!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 26, 2023 10:29 AM (BpYfr)
194
13 Anybody read anything by Josephine Tey ? Tey is a pseudonym btw, she used several throughout her writing career? wrote plays too. Just want your impression.
Posted by: runner at March 26, 2023 09:05 AM (V13WU)
An English History professor recommended it to me when I was in college. She wrote eight mysteries in all. The Franchise Affair, Brat Farrar, and The Man in the Queue are good, too.
Posted by: runner at March 26, 2023 09:05 AM (V13WU)
An English History professor recommended it to me when I was in college. She wrote eight mysteries in all. The Franchise Affair, Brat Farrar, and The Man in the Queue are good, too.
Posted by: Wethal at March 26, 2023 10:29 AM (NufIr)
195
137 Was up late last night finishing IDORU by William Gibson.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at March 26, 2023 10:01 AM (Y+l9t)
Looks good. I see it is the second in a trilogy--did you start with the first? I just put the first in my library list (Virtual Light: Bridge Trilogy book 1). Might be something my kids will be interested in for our book club, too.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at March 26, 2023 10:01 AM (Y+l9t)
Looks good. I see it is the second in a trilogy--did you start with the first? I just put the first in my library list (Virtual Light: Bridge Trilogy book 1). Might be something my kids will be interested in for our book club, too.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at March 26, 2023 10:29 AM (OX9vb)
196
I'm sorry I missed TJM's film review of "The Man for All Seasons". The portrayals of Cardinal Wolsey (Cesare Borgia) and Thomas Cromwell (Horace Rumpole) were very entertaining.
Posted by: mrp at March 26, 2023 10:30 AM (rj6Yv)
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at March 26, 2023 10:31 AM (fUnHJ)
198
Even biblical writers had a difficult time describing angels.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty
We think of cherubs as sweet babies with wings but Biblical cherubim were bad ass warrior angels.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty
We think of cherubs as sweet babies with wings but Biblical cherubim were bad ass warrior angels.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 26, 2023 10:31 AM (FVME7)
199
Brat Farrar was the best quarterback of all time!
Posted by: John Madden at March 26, 2023 10:31 AM (DhOHl)
200
198 Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 26, 2023 10:31 AM (FVME7)
Any group whose first words in the script are most often, "be not afraid" probably were not little babies.
Any group whose first words in the script are most often, "be not afraid" probably were not little babies.
Posted by: sven at March 26, 2023 10:32 AM (Lzpvj)
201
What if...
...the only real aliens are those individuals who write and/or read science fiction and take it seriously?
They are among us! Open your eyes, people!!!
...the only real aliens are those individuals who write and/or read science fiction and take it seriously?
They are among us! Open your eyes, people!!!
Posted by: Muldoon at March 26, 2023 10:33 AM (ykeLU)
202
Even biblical writers had a difficult time describing angels.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at March 26, 2023 10:23 AM (DhOHl)
---
Well, they are quite literally "otherworldly."
Notice that when they pop up, they always blurt out "be not afraid!" because they are probably terrifying.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at March 26, 2023 10:23 AM (DhOHl)
---
Well, they are quite literally "otherworldly."
Notice that when they pop up, they always blurt out "be not afraid!" because they are probably terrifying.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 26, 2023 10:33 AM (llXky)
203
Whereas a regular human greets another with "hello" (or a variant thereof) an angel greets a human with "don't be scared"
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at March 26, 2023 10:34 AM (fUnHJ)
204
Conclusion is that highest risk factors were:
1. Being black.
2. Supporting Trump in last election.
What?!
Posted by: Ray Van Dune at March 26, 2023 10:10 AM (AcLxR)
Intersectionality, yo!
1. Being black.
2. Supporting Trump in last election.
What?!
Posted by: Ray Van Dune at March 26, 2023 10:10 AM (AcLxR)
Intersectionality, yo!
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at March 26, 2023 10:34 AM (OX9vb)
205
I ordered a hardbound Brambly Hedge set of books for my grandson, after seeing the recommend here on the book thread - alas, not being delivered for another few weeks. The illustrations look absolutely charming.
I also chime in for the books of Josephine Tey - they are excellent and atmospheric mysteries, and Daughter of Time examines the mystery of the Princes in the Tower; were they murdered by their uncle, Richard III? (author says, likely not.)
I also chime in for the books of Josephine Tey - they are excellent and atmospheric mysteries, and Daughter of Time examines the mystery of the Princes in the Tower; were they murdered by their uncle, Richard III? (author says, likely not.)
Posted by: Sgt. Mom at March 26, 2023 10:34 AM (xnmPy)
206
Btw Perfesser, you could be the model for the book squirrel in Yours in Books.
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at March 26, 2023 10:31 AM (fUnHJ)
---
Thanks!
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at March 26, 2023 10:31 AM (fUnHJ)
---
Thanks!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 26, 2023 10:34 AM (BpYfr)
207
Found a "Childrens book" while sorting old boxes trying to clear out my fathers old home office.
The Silly Hare. Sunshine Series
Published by McLoughlin Bros., New York, 1893.
Packed a LOT into a mere 12 pages, half of which were illustrations.
Wayward bunny steals dads shotgun, skips school, wanders into the woods, runs into a pack of foxes, goes to a cave with them and gets drunk, passes out. Pack of Cops(dogs) arrive, foxes flee out the back...Dog/Cops find evidence of burglaries/robberies/a murder in the cave...teen bunny is charged/tried/convicted based upon that evidence, sentenced to death and hung.
The Silly Hare. Sunshine Series
Published by McLoughlin Bros., New York, 1893.
Packed a LOT into a mere 12 pages, half of which were illustrations.
Wayward bunny steals dads shotgun, skips school, wanders into the woods, runs into a pack of foxes, goes to a cave with them and gets drunk, passes out. Pack of Cops(dogs) arrive, foxes flee out the back...Dog/Cops find evidence of burglaries/robberies/a murder in the cave...teen bunny is charged/tried/convicted based upon that evidence, sentenced to death and hung.
Posted by: birddog at March 26, 2023 10:35 AM (uAI4S)
208
What if...
...the only real aliens are those individuals who write and/or read science fiction and take it seriously?
They are among us! Open your eyes, people!!!
Posted by: Muldoon at March 26, 2023 10:33 AM (ykeLU)
---
What if...
The entire science fiction genre was created BY aliens in order to soften us up or prepare humanity for our eventual first contact...
...the only real aliens are those individuals who write and/or read science fiction and take it seriously?
They are among us! Open your eyes, people!!!
Posted by: Muldoon at March 26, 2023 10:33 AM (ykeLU)
---
What if...
The entire science fiction genre was created BY aliens in order to soften us up or prepare humanity for our eventual first contact...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 26, 2023 10:36 AM (BpYfr)
209
Why doesn't he leave the adventurers for whom he works? He signed a contract.
Posted by: Weak Geek
Mickey7 is also vexed badly by having signed on the dotted line.
Posted by: Weak Geek
Mickey7 is also vexed badly by having signed on the dotted line.
Posted by: Sharkman at March 26, 2023 10:36 AM (6iRBQ)
210
Squirrel pimps [the Greys at least] like sci-fi??
Posted by: andycanuck (Vwz3I) at March 26, 2023 10:37 AM (Vwz3I)
211
Read IDORU as a stand alone and it works. Just checked my library for Pattern Recognition and the entire library system owns 1 copy. I am amazed at how many study guides there are to Gibson books. IDORU like Neuromancer is very popular. I am still well down on the waiting list for that one which is his first book.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at March 26, 2023 10:37 AM (Y+l9t)
212
Perfessor,
Before the damn internet connection goes down again. Thanks, as always for the great job you do with the book thread.
Before the damn internet connection goes down again. Thanks, as always for the great job you do with the book thread.
Posted by: JTB at March 26, 2023 10:37 AM (7EjX1)
213
Posted by: mrp at March 26, 2023 10:30 AM (rj6Yv)
That was "Moviegique."
You can tell because it wasn't 2,500 words long.
That was "Moviegique."
You can tell because it wasn't 2,500 words long.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 26, 2023 10:37 AM (XIJ/X)
214
.teen bunny is charged/tried/convicted based upon that evidence, sentenced to death and hung.
Posted by: birddog
*********
Cautionary Tales is a sub-genre of children's lit.
Scared Straight
Posted by: birddog
*********
Cautionary Tales is a sub-genre of children's lit.
Scared Straight
Posted by: Muldoon at March 26, 2023 10:38 AM (ykeLU)
215
Whereas a regular human greets another with "hello" (or a variant thereof) an angel greets a human with "don't be scared"
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at March 26, 2023 10:34 AM (fUnHJ)
---
There seem to be types of angels and according to the mystics, they do resemble the artwork of many ancient cultures' gods. That is because they usurped God's role and accepted worship.
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at March 26, 2023 10:34 AM (fUnHJ)
---
There seem to be types of angels and according to the mystics, they do resemble the artwork of many ancient cultures' gods. That is because they usurped God's role and accepted worship.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 26, 2023 10:38 AM (llXky)
216
The entire science fiction genre was created BY aliens in order to soften us up or prepare humanity for our eventual first contact...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel
It's a cookbook!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel
It's a cookbook!
Posted by: Thomas Paine at March 26, 2023 10:38 AM (urkzR)
217
128 @101 --
Castle Guy, I've been wondering what you thought of Perez' WW. I think I disposed of my issues -- I can't find them -- and of course I regret that now.
Posted by: Weak Geek at March 26, 2023 09:57 AM (Om/di)
So far, its been a fun read. But....Wonder Woman herself is kind of a blank slate. First, she goes from birth to wearing her costume in a mere 7 pages. And after that, she only speaks to one character in the modern age (she starts off only speaking Ancient Greek, which is a nice touch) for the first 6 issues. She barely interacts with her traditional supporting cast (whom admittedly I only know from the movie). The lack of characterization was....surprising. That aspect does seem to be getting better as it goes on, though.
Fortunately I am a fantasy fan, and know a fair bit about Greek Mythology, I so I can still enjoy it when the story 'bogs down' with Gods and Greek monsters.
As for the art....Well, its George Perez. It's great. He draws the ladies nicely. (Would it be crass if I said the book needs a few more lady-against-lady fights?) And he's got a dense style that only he can pull off. (13 panels on page? Sure!)
(continued)
Castle Guy, I've been wondering what you thought of Perez' WW. I think I disposed of my issues -- I can't find them -- and of course I regret that now.
Posted by: Weak Geek at March 26, 2023 09:57 AM (Om/di)
So far, its been a fun read. But....Wonder Woman herself is kind of a blank slate. First, she goes from birth to wearing her costume in a mere 7 pages. And after that, she only speaks to one character in the modern age (she starts off only speaking Ancient Greek, which is a nice touch) for the first 6 issues. She barely interacts with her traditional supporting cast (whom admittedly I only know from the movie). The lack of characterization was....surprising. That aspect does seem to be getting better as it goes on, though.
Fortunately I am a fantasy fan, and know a fair bit about Greek Mythology, I so I can still enjoy it when the story 'bogs down' with Gods and Greek monsters.
As for the art....Well, its George Perez. It's great. He draws the ladies nicely. (Would it be crass if I said the book needs a few more lady-against-lady fights?) And he's got a dense style that only he can pull off. (13 panels on page? Sure!)
(continued)
Posted by: Castle Guy at March 26, 2023 10:38 AM (Lhaco)
218
>>>My grandfather used to drive a Chrysler Cromwell. Thing was a boat.
Posted by: My word as a Brandon
>My alien grandfather navigated a Cadillytic Converter. Smooth ride but it only got 3 pps (parsecs per sol)
Posted by: My word as a Brandon
>My alien grandfather navigated a Cadillytic Converter. Smooth ride but it only got 3 pps (parsecs per sol)
Posted by: Dr. Bone at March 26, 2023 10:39 AM (Jg7EG)
219
Posted by: mrp at March 26, 2023 10:30 AM (rj6Yv)
That was "Moviegique."
You can tell because it wasn't 2,500 words long.
Thanks, CBD. It was a good review and I did post a comment after hours
That was "Moviegique."
You can tell because it wasn't 2,500 words long.
Thanks, CBD. It was a good review and I did post a comment after hours
Posted by: mrp at March 26, 2023 10:40 AM (rj6Yv)
220
The entire science fiction genre was created BY aliens in order to soften us up or prepare humanity for our eventual first contact...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 26, 2023 10:36 AM (BpYfr)
---
What if the secularization of society caused people to assume that spirits must be some sort of "space alien" that defied the constraints of time and space to get here via inexplicable means?
I mean, spirits (which are found in every human culture) are just superstition. Science says it can't happen, but trans-dimensional beings from distant worlds is totally likely.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 26, 2023 10:36 AM (BpYfr)
---
What if the secularization of society caused people to assume that spirits must be some sort of "space alien" that defied the constraints of time and space to get here via inexplicable means?
I mean, spirits (which are found in every human culture) are just superstition. Science says it can't happen, but trans-dimensional beings from distant worlds is totally likely.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 26, 2023 10:40 AM (llXky)
221
*teen bunny is charged/tried/convicted based upon that evidence, sentenced to death and hung.*
In Riyadh we call that "Tuesday."
In Riyadh we call that "Tuesday."
Posted by: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at March 26, 2023 10:41 AM (DhOHl)
222
It was a good review...
Posted by: mrp at March 26, 2023 10:40 AM (rj6Yv)
Agreed. And it was a fine movie.
Posted by: mrp at March 26, 2023 10:40 AM (rj6Yv)
Agreed. And it was a fine movie.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 26, 2023 10:41 AM (XIJ/X)
223
https://youtu.be/uamdjVl6XjA
On the comic front "Project Superpowers" by Dynamite was a very well done series using public domain supers to make the point to the big two that "this is not hard."
Alex Ross on art.
On the comic front "Project Superpowers" by Dynamite was a very well done series using public domain supers to make the point to the big two that "this is not hard."
Alex Ross on art.
Posted by: sven at March 26, 2023 10:42 AM (Lzpvj)
224
If you want to see aliens in SF who aren't simply humans in facial prosthetics, read Mote in God's Eye by Niven and Pournelle. They look alien, they have different beliefs than humans, and yet aren't simply a random number generator to create the illusion of non-human motives.
Posted by: Graves at March 26, 2023 10:42 AM (H2VPe)
225
(a few more thoughts on Wonder Woman by George Perez)
When Perez draws Olympus, he gives it an MC Esher aesthetic, just to be unique. I can't imagine how long it took to draw those scenes: Greek temples and statues going off in all different angles....
And since I'm reading from an omnibus (hardcover collection) I should add that the wrap-around cover art under the dust jacket (always removed while I'm reading) is one of the best bits of cover art in my collection! Although that is partly because a lot of Marvel's omnibus covers are utterly blank....
When Perez draws Olympus, he gives it an MC Esher aesthetic, just to be unique. I can't imagine how long it took to draw those scenes: Greek temples and statues going off in all different angles....
And since I'm reading from an omnibus (hardcover collection) I should add that the wrap-around cover art under the dust jacket (always removed while I'm reading) is one of the best bits of cover art in my collection! Although that is partly because a lot of Marvel's omnibus covers are utterly blank....
Posted by: Castle Guy at March 26, 2023 10:43 AM (Lhaco)
226
Time for me to go. Thanks again, Perfesser!
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at March 26, 2023 10:43 AM (llXky)
227
".teen bunny is charged/tried/convicted based upon that evidence, sentenced to death and hung.
Posted by: birddog"
Dang. And he was just turning his life around.
Posted by: birddog"
Dang. And he was just turning his life around.
Posted by: fd at March 26, 2023 10:44 AM (iayUP)
228
151 Can't grammie winger's critique be extended ti the entire science fiction genre? There's an old adage shared by science fiction fans that science fiction deals with reality, but it doesn't. Herman Wouk dealt with reality, Hemingway dealt with reality, Dickens dealt with reality. Sci-Fi--for the most part--completely defies scientific reality, aliens or not. Probably the only credible science fiction author in recent years has been Michael Crichton, who looked at existing science and technology or a plausible extension (not always, Sphere comes to mind) and looked at their implications. Much in the spirit of, say, Mary Shelley.
Posted by: Jim at March 26, 2023 10:10 AM (2subk)
It strikes me that the critique a matter of degree. Fiction is all "outside" the lines of reality.
Posted by: Jim at March 26, 2023 10:10 AM (2subk)
It strikes me that the critique a matter of degree. Fiction is all "outside" the lines of reality.
Posted by: Iron Mike Golf A2E6, Easy 6 Titanium Enhanced at March 26, 2023 10:44 AM (8C7+r)
229
Neither planet recognizes the other's message, so they both conclude there is no intelligent life there.
Posted by: OrangeEnt
Two ships, er, planets, passing in the night. As it were.
Posted by: OrangeEnt
Two ships, er, planets, passing in the night. As it were.
Posted by: Sharkman at March 26, 2023 10:45 AM (6iRBQ)
230
Probably the only credible science fiction author in recent years has been Michael Crichton, who looked at existing science and technology or a plausible extension (not always, Sphere comes to mind) and looked at their implications. Much in the spirit of, say, Mary Shelley.
Posted by: Jim at March 26, 2023 10:10 AM (2subk)
I think part of Sci-Fi is to tell a human story without using human villains or in some cases wise human heroes, or in some cases, to create cautionary tales. Mary Shelley's work is a sort of cautionary tale inspired by the use of electricity on dead bodies (the rage in that time). In another case, Hawthorne's Dr Heidegger's Experiment discussed the fountain of youth and proposed that rejuvenation would lead the renewed to the same follies of their youth.
That said, I'm no fan of aliens generally, but they can be okay if, as Sabrina Chase states, they are well done. I think Madeleine L'Engle succeeded in A Wrinkle in Time, by creating the totalitarian Camazotz. She told a story of escaping a totalitarian rule, without terrifying kid by making it earthly. She did call in CENTRAL central intelligence for a reason, I suppose ;-D
Posted by: Jim at March 26, 2023 10:10 AM (2subk)
I think part of Sci-Fi is to tell a human story without using human villains or in some cases wise human heroes, or in some cases, to create cautionary tales. Mary Shelley's work is a sort of cautionary tale inspired by the use of electricity on dead bodies (the rage in that time). In another case, Hawthorne's Dr Heidegger's Experiment discussed the fountain of youth and proposed that rejuvenation would lead the renewed to the same follies of their youth.
That said, I'm no fan of aliens generally, but they can be okay if, as Sabrina Chase states, they are well done. I think Madeleine L'Engle succeeded in A Wrinkle in Time, by creating the totalitarian Camazotz. She told a story of escaping a totalitarian rule, without terrifying kid by making it earthly. She did call in CENTRAL central intelligence for a reason, I suppose ;-D
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023 10:47 AM (Zzbjj)
231
My reading this week has been limited. Between work, town business, and a kid home on vacation I've had limited time.
I did read Brett Devereaux's blog, "A Collection of Unmitigated Pedantry," which is always good. He's currently doing a series on the government structure of ancient Greek cities.
I did read Brett Devereaux's blog, "A Collection of Unmitigated Pedantry," which is always good. He's currently doing a series on the government structure of ancient Greek cities.
Posted by: Trimegistus at March 26, 2023 10:48 AM (QZxDR)
232
What if...
The entire science fiction genre was created BY aliens in order to soften us up
*******
What if...
Hot tubs are a sous vide technique created by aliens in order to soften us up?
The entire science fiction genre was created BY aliens in order to soften us up
*******
What if...
Hot tubs are a sous vide technique created by aliens in order to soften us up?
Posted by: Muldoon at March 26, 2023 10:49 AM (ykeLU)
233
Well, off to start the day!
Posted by: Trimegistus at March 26, 2023 10:50 AM (QZxDR)
234
224 If you want to see aliens in SF who aren't simply humans in facial prosthetics, read Mote in God's Eye by Niven and Pournelle. They look alien, they have different beliefs than humans, and yet aren't simply a random number generator to create the illusion of non-human motives.
Posted by: Graves at March 26, 2023
***
Larry Niven's aliens in the tales of Known Space he wrote at the beginning of his career are fascinatingly non-human as well -- kzinti, puppeteers, Grogs, and kdatlyno come to mind.
Posted by: Graves at March 26, 2023
***
Larry Niven's aliens in the tales of Known Space he wrote at the beginning of his career are fascinatingly non-human as well -- kzinti, puppeteers, Grogs, and kdatlyno come to mind.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 10:51 AM (omVj0)
235
Mary Shelley's work is a sort of cautionary tale inspired by the use of electricity on dead bodies (the rage in that time).
--------------
UUUUNNNGH!!!
--------------
UUUUNNNGH!!!
Posted by: john fetterman at March 26, 2023 10:52 AM (Vwz3I)
236
148 There have been a couple of references to the Redwall series by Brian Jacques. I have the first one but haven't read it yet. (So many books, so little time.) Given how much I enjoy classic children's books, is the Redwall series worth the time? I'm always up for charming and creative.
Posted by: JTB at March 26, 2023 10:08 AM (7EjX1)
I enjoyed them as a kid/teen. Though I did stop reading them eventually...I mainly remember them as stories about battle and castle-sieges. So I'm not sure how well that aligns with the genre of 'classic children's books' in the strictest sense....But each book is a stand-alone story, which can be enjoyed on its own, without any obligation to read the whole series.
'Redwall' was a bit more mystical than the later books, as the author was finding his footing at the time. I remember thinking the series peaked with 'Salamandrastron' and the 'The Long Patrol.'
Posted by: JTB at March 26, 2023 10:08 AM (7EjX1)
I enjoyed them as a kid/teen. Though I did stop reading them eventually...I mainly remember them as stories about battle and castle-sieges. So I'm not sure how well that aligns with the genre of 'classic children's books' in the strictest sense....But each book is a stand-alone story, which can be enjoyed on its own, without any obligation to read the whole series.
'Redwall' was a bit more mystical than the later books, as the author was finding his footing at the time. I remember thinking the series peaked with 'Salamandrastron' and the 'The Long Patrol.'
Posted by: Castle Guy at March 26, 2023 10:53 AM (Lhaco)
237
Recently read 'Rise of Theodore Roosevelt' by Edmund Morris. Strong recommendation. This already put his Cromwell bio on my radar for future.
Morris felt it's not his best work, but very useful and in considering Roosevelts views.
Also if I recall, Roosevelt's 1812 naval history preceded and influenced Mahan.
Morris felt it's not his best work, but very useful and in considering Roosevelts views.
Also if I recall, Roosevelt's 1812 naval history preceded and influenced Mahan.
Posted by: InspiredHistoryMike at March 26, 2023 10:53 AM (DWTz2)
238
He's currently doing a series on the government structure of ancient Greek cities.
====
Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian if I recall correctly.
🏛️ 🏛️ 🏛️
====
Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian if I recall correctly.
🏛️ 🏛️ 🏛️
Posted by: andycanuck (Vwz3I) at March 26, 2023 10:54 AM (Vwz3I)
239
Last book I read was 'Red Shambhala' by Andrei Zmanenski. Viva Aerobus to and from central Mexico doesn't have inflight entertainment (other than the passengers!) so I took a couple of books. This one is a genuinely CRA-A-A-ZY story of Bolshevik involvement in Mystic Cosmologies in the 'Stans and Mongolia. Wow. I knew of Gleb Bokii, as one of the founders of the Cheka, but had no idea who and what he really was, until this book.
It's kind of a perspective on Bolshevism as a form of Eastern Mysticism, and makes a powerful case. Highly recommended, but it does require a strong defense against involuntary eye-rolling from the constant barrage of nutty, destructive and genocidal ideation by rotten people.
It's kind of a perspective on Bolshevism as a form of Eastern Mysticism, and makes a powerful case. Highly recommended, but it does require a strong defense against involuntary eye-rolling from the constant barrage of nutty, destructive and genocidal ideation by rotten people.
Posted by: LenNeal at March 26, 2023 10:56 AM (43xH1)
240
Given how much I enjoy classic children's books, is the Redwall series worth the time? I'm always up for charming and creative.
Posted by: JTB at March 26, 2023 10:08 AM (7EjX1)
Anthropomorphized animals are another way of telling human stories without humans, and it allows you to create enemies without villainizing people or having to deal with feelz. I look at the kid's show Octonauts and see creators who did not want to mess around with race and ethnicity.
Posted by: JTB at March 26, 2023 10:08 AM (7EjX1)
Anthropomorphized animals are another way of telling human stories without humans, and it allows you to create enemies without villainizing people or having to deal with feelz. I look at the kid's show Octonauts and see creators who did not want to mess around with race and ethnicity.
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023 10:57 AM (Zzbjj)
241
Larry Niven's aliens in the tales of Known Space he wrote at the beginning of his career are fascinatingly non-human as well -- kzinti, puppeteers, Grogs, and kdatlyno come to mind.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 10:51 AM (omVj0)
---
Simak was also great about creating very non-human aliens as well. It's usually a very significant plot point in his stories.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 10:51 AM (omVj0)
---
Simak was also great about creating very non-human aliens as well. It's usually a very significant plot point in his stories.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 26, 2023 10:57 AM (BpYfr)
242
Carl Marx and Friedrich Engels; two woke philosopher aliens that should have been tried for war crimes, sentenced to death and executed via the cat food factory.
Posted by: Dr. Bone at March 26, 2023 10:57 AM (Jg7EG)
243
Thanks for the thread, Perfesser!
I'm off for a bit.
I'm off for a bit.
Posted by: gourmand du jour sipping tea at March 26, 2023 10:57 AM (jTmQV)
244
I recently got a guidebook from the 30's put out by the "Federal Writers Project", which was a Work Projects Administration program to provide "useful employment for unemployed writers". I didn't know there was a WPA project for writers, but wiki says:
"The Federal Writers' Project (FWP) was a federal government project in the United States created to provide jobs for out-of-work writers during the Great Depression".
Did any good books or writers come out this program? It might be a good Book Thread topic.
"The Federal Writers' Project (FWP) was a federal government project in the United States created to provide jobs for out-of-work writers during the Great Depression".
Did any good books or writers come out this program? It might be a good Book Thread topic.
Posted by: fd at March 26, 2023 10:58 AM (iayUP)
245
Larry Niven's aliens in the tales of Known Space he wrote at the beginning of his career are fascinatingly non-human as well -- kzinti, puppeteers, Grogs, and kdatlyno come to mind.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 10:51 AM (omVj0)
Aren't the kzinti cats? Or was that just a Star Trek animation rip off?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 10:51 AM (omVj0)
Aren't the kzinti cats? Or was that just a Star Trek animation rip off?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 26, 2023 10:58 AM (Angsy)
246
♪
Thumper mounted to the scaffold
Sorry as a bunny could be
Closed his eyes, and then he cried,
Nearer my God, to Thee!
Thumper mounted to the scaffold
Sorry as a bunny could be
Closed his eyes, and then he cried,
Nearer my God, to Thee!
Posted by: Muldoon at March 26, 2023 10:58 AM (ykeLU)
247
237 Posted by: InspiredHistoryMike at March 26, 2023 10:53 AM (DWTz2)
By 8 years, the Roosevelt clan was big on naval power. I took the liberty of shorthanding "Mahanian" because that is what the strong navy and mercantile bennies policy is known to history as. It is humbling to remember that Teddy was doing all this before he was 30.
By 8 years, the Roosevelt clan was big on naval power. I took the liberty of shorthanding "Mahanian" because that is what the strong navy and mercantile bennies policy is known to history as. It is humbling to remember that Teddy was doing all this before he was 30.
Posted by: sven at March 26, 2023 10:59 AM (Lzpvj)
248
He's currently doing a series on the government structure of ancient Greek cities.
====
Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian if I recall correctly.
🏛️ 🏛️ 🏛️
Posted by: andycanuck
*******
I read a column about that.
====
Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian if I recall correctly.
🏛️ 🏛️ 🏛️
Posted by: andycanuck
*******
I read a column about that.
Posted by: Muldoon at March 26, 2023 11:00 AM (ykeLU)
249
Posted by: fd at March 26, 2023 10:58 AM (iayUP)
They employed artists as well. The odious Alice Neel was paid the the WPA as were plenty of others, including Rothko, Krazner and Pollock.
They employed artists as well. The odious Alice Neel was paid the the WPA as were plenty of others, including Rothko, Krazner and Pollock.
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023 11:01 AM (Zzbjj)
Posted by: andycanuck (Vwz3I) at March 26, 2023 11:02 AM (Vwz3I)
251
*Anthropomorphized animals are another way of telling human stories without humans, and it allows you to create enemies without villainizing people or having to deal with feelz.*
Like Liberty, the talking horse.
Like Liberty, the talking horse.
Posted by: The Adventures of Rush Revere at March 26, 2023 11:02 AM (DhOHl)
252
I knew about the artists program and others. There are still little roadside parks around here built by the WPA.
Posted by: fd at March 26, 2023 11:03 AM (iayUP)
253
He's currently doing a series on the government structure of ancient Greek cities.
====
Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian if I recall correctly.
🏛️ 🏛️ 🏛️
Posted by: andycanuck
*******
I read a column about that.
Posted by: Muldoon at March 26, 2023 11:00 AM (ykeLU)
Working on my Greek modes/scales, too.
====
Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian if I recall correctly.
🏛️ 🏛️ 🏛️
Posted by: andycanuck
*******
I read a column about that.
Posted by: Muldoon at March 26, 2023 11:00 AM (ykeLU)
Working on my Greek modes/scales, too.
Posted by: BignJames at March 26, 2023 11:04 AM (AwYPR)
254
Larry Niven's aliens in the tales of Known Space he wrote at the beginning of his career are fascinatingly non-human as well -- kzinti, puppeteers, Grogs, and kdatlyno come to mind.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere
Niven was the first sci fi author I just devoured everything he wrote back when I was 11 years old. Still love the stuff he wrote with Pournelle but haven't revisited Niven alone in decades.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere
Niven was the first sci fi author I just devoured everything he wrote back when I was 11 years old. Still love the stuff he wrote with Pournelle but haven't revisited Niven alone in decades.
Posted by: Sharkman at March 26, 2023 11:04 AM (6iRBQ)
255
Did any good books or writers come out this program? It might be a good Book Thread topic.
Posted by: fd at March 26, 2023 10:58 AM (iay
I think there were a few. Frank Yerby and Conrad Aiken come to mind. Richard Wright, maybe.
Posted by: fd at March 26, 2023 10:58 AM (iay
I think there were a few. Frank Yerby and Conrad Aiken come to mind. Richard Wright, maybe.
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023 11:04 AM (Zzbjj)
256
Like Liberty, the talking horse.
Posted by: The Adventures of Rush Revere at March 26, 2023 11:02 AM (DhOHl
LOL. Miss Rush.
Posted by: The Adventures of Rush Revere at March 26, 2023 11:02 AM (DhOHl
LOL. Miss Rush.
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023 11:05 AM (Zzbjj)
257
Cordwainer Smith's animal hybrids are very strange and interesting.
Posted by: Sharkman at March 26, 2023 11:06 AM (6iRBQ)
258
Well, guess I'll go act like I'm accomplishing something. Thanks for the thread, Perfessor, and bests to all here.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at March 26, 2023 11:07 AM (a/4+U)
259
"Anthropomorphized animals are another way of telling human stories without humans, and it allows you to create enemies without villainizing people or having to deal with feelz."
Neat trick, huh?
Neat trick, huh?
Posted by: zombie George Orwell at March 26, 2023 11:08 AM (iayUP)
260
Working on my Greek modes/scales, too.
-----------
Thank you for the new phrase.
||The seven main categories of mode have been part of musical notation since the middle ages.
So, the list goes: Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian and Locrian. Some of them are major modes, some are minor, and some are ambiguous. Some modes are sadder or holier than others.
The Ionian mode is a simple ‘doh re mi’ major key. It is the modern major scale. It is composed of natural notes beginning on C.||
Link in my sock.
-----------
Thank you for the new phrase.
||The seven main categories of mode have been part of musical notation since the middle ages.
So, the list goes: Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian and Locrian. Some of them are major modes, some are minor, and some are ambiguous. Some modes are sadder or holier than others.
The Ionian mode is a simple ‘doh re mi’ major key. It is the modern major scale. It is composed of natural notes beginning on C.||
Link in my sock.
Posted by: andycanuck (Vwz3I) at March 26, 2023 11:09 AM (Vwz3I)
261
"Cordwainer Smith" sounds like something that would work well in a limerick.
Posted by: Hint, hint. at March 26, 2023 11:09 AM (DhOHl)
262
Larry Niven's aliens in the tales of Known Space he wrote at the beginning of his career are fascinatingly non-human as well -- kzinti, puppeteers, Grogs, and kdatlyno come to mind.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 10:51 AM (omVj0)
*
Aren't the kzinti cats? Or was that just a Star Trek animation rip off?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 26, 2023
***
The kzinti are 8-foot-tall felinoid beings, rather like a fat orange tabby cat but with a naked, pink rat-like tail. The Trek animation story (one of their very best) made them look rather like foxes or wolves, but the story -- adapted from Niven's short story "The Soft Weapon" -- follows the original very closely. Not a rip-off but a fine adaptation by Niven himself.
They have a very catlike persona, true, but their attitudes are very non-human. Where a certain kind of human might see a new weapon or super-fast star drive as a way to ensure peace, a kzin would be thinking, "Now I can conquer the galaxy, as is my right."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 10:51 AM (omVj0)
*
Aren't the kzinti cats? Or was that just a Star Trek animation rip off?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 26, 2023
***
The kzinti are 8-foot-tall felinoid beings, rather like a fat orange tabby cat but with a naked, pink rat-like tail. The Trek animation story (one of their very best) made them look rather like foxes or wolves, but the story -- adapted from Niven's short story "The Soft Weapon" -- follows the original very closely. Not a rip-off but a fine adaptation by Niven himself.
They have a very catlike persona, true, but their attitudes are very non-human. Where a certain kind of human might see a new weapon or super-fast star drive as a way to ensure peace, a kzin would be thinking, "Now I can conquer the galaxy, as is my right."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 11:09 AM (omVj0)
263
Neat trick, huh?
Posted by: zombie George Orwell at March 26, 2023 11:08 AM (iayUP)
Yep. And with aliens too. You can kill them off or have them murder without demonizing people. Now authors just make the villains Trumpists and dehumanize them.
Posted by: zombie George Orwell at March 26, 2023 11:08 AM (iayUP)
Yep. And with aliens too. You can kill them off or have them murder without demonizing people. Now authors just make the villains Trumpists and dehumanize them.
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023 11:09 AM (Zzbjj)
264
Double dumbass on you, you pointy-eared hobgoblin!
Posted by: Dr. Bone at March 26, 2023 11:11 AM (Jg7EG)
265
Niven was the first sci fi author I just devoured everything he wrote back when I was 11 years old. Still love the stuff he wrote with Pournelle but haven't revisited Niven alone in decades.
Posted by: Sharkman at March 26, 2023
***
His early stuff from the mid-'60s to mid-'70s features not only vivid imagination but humor and a real sense of fun. Who else would name human-colonized planets "Jinx" and "We Made It"?
Niven was the first sci fi author I just devoured everything he wrote back when I was 11 years old. Still love the stuff he wrote with Pournelle but haven't revisited Niven alone in decades.
Posted by: Sharkman at March 26, 2023
***
His early stuff from the mid-'60s to mid-'70s features not only vivid imagination but humor and a real sense of fun. Who else would name human-colonized planets "Jinx" and "We Made It"?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 11:12 AM (omVj0)
266
And of course Niven wrote "Man of Steel, Woman of Kleenex", the classic tale of love gone wrong between Superman and Lois Lane.
Posted by: Sharkman at March 26, 2023 11:12 AM (6iRBQ)
267
Wait, wut?
Posted by: Tumpist From The Black Lagoon at March 26, 2023 11:12 AM (DhOHl)
268
".teen bunny is charged/tried/convicted based upon that evidence, sentenced to death and hung.
Posted by: birddog"
-
Judge rejects 15-year plea deal in case alleging 3 murders
https://bit.ly/3ZhGP6v
-
Soros prosecutor wanted to plead three contract killings down to manslaughter with a 15 year cap.
"Logwood was not charged with the murders — which allegedly involved a murder-for-hire plot, a carjacking and the killing of a witness to a shooting — until 2015, when he was already incarcerated and facing prison sentences for other violent crimes.
"McCannon said from the bench that, had the plea deal gone forward, Logwood likely would have spent just two more years in prison."
Posted by: birddog"
-
Judge rejects 15-year plea deal in case alleging 3 murders
https://bit.ly/3ZhGP6v
-
Soros prosecutor wanted to plead three contract killings down to manslaughter with a 15 year cap.
"Logwood was not charged with the murders — which allegedly involved a murder-for-hire plot, a carjacking and the killing of a witness to a shooting — until 2015, when he was already incarcerated and facing prison sentences for other violent crimes.
"McCannon said from the bench that, had the plea deal gone forward, Logwood likely would have spent just two more years in prison."
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 26, 2023 11:13 AM (FVME7)
269
And even something sci-fi-related at my musical link...
Mixolydian mode
The single tone that differentiates this scale from the major scale is its seventh note, which is a flattened seventh rather than a major seventh.
Tunes that employ the mixolydian mode include The Beatles' 'Norwegian Wood', the theme to the TV series of Star Trek and Debussy's 'The Sunken Cathedral'.
Mixolydian mode
The single tone that differentiates this scale from the major scale is its seventh note, which is a flattened seventh rather than a major seventh.
Tunes that employ the mixolydian mode include The Beatles' 'Norwegian Wood', the theme to the TV series of Star Trek and Debussy's 'The Sunken Cathedral'.
Posted by: andycanuck (Vwz3I) at March 26, 2023 11:14 AM (Vwz3I)
270
Just finished Cormac McCarthy's "The Passenger," which is the first in a pair of books.
It's...good. But he uses an interesting technique for one character's exposition, and it ultimately got very irritating and pointless.
I'm going to read the second one, but I am not bouncing up and down with excitement.
It's...good. But he uses an interesting technique for one character's exposition, and it ultimately got very irritating and pointless.
I'm going to read the second one, but I am not bouncing up and down with excitement.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 26, 2023 11:14 AM (XIJ/X)
271
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 11:09 AM (omVj0)
I thought there was a connection, just wasn't sure.
I thought there was a connection, just wasn't sure.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 26, 2023 11:14 AM (Angsy)
272
The Federal Writers' Project produced guides to the states and certain U.S. cities that are fascinating to read. The one for New Orleans shows a lot of the differences in the physical layout of the city between then and today. The street numbering system on certain avenues was different, for example, and the suburbs hardly existed. If you were writing a historical novel set in the '30s, a copy of the WPA guide to your chosen city would be invaluable.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 11:15 AM (omVj0)
273
. It is humbling to remember that Teddy was doing all this before he was 30.
Posted by: sven
And he had been a sickly child.
Posted by: sven
And he had been a sickly child.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 26, 2023 11:16 AM (FVME7)
274
@244 The best-remembered WPA writers' project is the Guide to The States series, which I've run across at library sales (as they get de-accessioned). The writers were sent out on assignment, not just working from home. They looked up a lot of local history which has since been plowed under.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at March 26, 2023 11:17 AM (jYCXf)
275
244 ..."The Federal Writers' Project "
I believe Steinbeck mentioned the FWP in Travels With Charley. The program developed a series of books about each state, 48 at the time. He valued them as sources of information, some of it pretty arcane, not available in any other one volume format. Steinbeck attributed their completeness partly to the writers' talent and partly because the longer they wrote, the longer they got paid.
I believe Steinbeck mentioned the FWP in Travels With Charley. The program developed a series of books about each state, 48 at the time. He valued them as sources of information, some of it pretty arcane, not available in any other one volume format. Steinbeck attributed their completeness partly to the writers' talent and partly because the longer they wrote, the longer they got paid.
Posted by: JTB at March 26, 2023 11:17 AM (7EjX1)
276
Karl Marx was a miserable leach on humans around him.
Posted by: Skip at March 26, 2023 11:18 AM (xhxe8)
277
His early stuff from the mid-'60s to mid-'70s features not only vivid imagination but humor and a real sense of fun. Who else would name human-colonized planets "Jinx" and "We Made It"?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere
He definitely has his own particular style and sense of humor.
One of his stories has kind of haunted me since I read it 50 years ago, called "Wait It Out". Astronaut stranded on Pluto attempts suicide by taking off his helmet, discovers that he's still alive, frozen, and his nervous system heats up enough during Pluto's day for him to perceive his environment, as well as a primitive chemical life form. Very spooky story for me.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere
He definitely has his own particular style and sense of humor.
One of his stories has kind of haunted me since I read it 50 years ago, called "Wait It Out". Astronaut stranded on Pluto attempts suicide by taking off his helmet, discovers that he's still alive, frozen, and his nervous system heats up enough during Pluto's day for him to perceive his environment, as well as a primitive chemical life form. Very spooky story for me.
Posted by: Sharkman at March 26, 2023 11:19 AM (6iRBQ)
278
A lot of Tudor talk this morning (I believe they were the predecessor to the Ford Fordor. Am I right about that?). In any case, I'm reading Hilary Mantel's trilogy about Thomas Cromwell which, no surprise, paints them in a more sympathetic light (at least, or especially) Cromwell. These are great books. Going in I had a weak grasp of English history before 1900 but I'm catching up. Also reading Augustin Thieery's History of the Norman Conquest and have added the Teddy Roosevelt book about Oliver Cromwell to my TBR stack.
Posted by: who knew at March 26, 2023 11:19 AM (4I7VG)
279
Cordwainer Smith" sounds like something that would work well in a limerick.
Posted by: Hint, hint.
**********
The Lisping Limericist - a limerick
The inimitable Cordwainer Smith
Well known for "taking the pith"
In the noble tradition
Underwent a transition
Now he's not jutht a man, he's a myth
Posted by: Hint, hint.
**********
The Lisping Limericist - a limerick
The inimitable Cordwainer Smith
Well known for "taking the pith"
In the noble tradition
Underwent a transition
Now he's not jutht a man, he's a myth
Posted by: Muldoon at March 26, 2023 11:20 AM (ykeLU)
280
Niven opened up the Kzinti to other authors at least twenty years ago & now more than a dozen books published, mostly short stories. As should be expected, quality varies. I slipped away after at least 5.
For aliens that really just seem like people, Battlefield Earth by the Dianetics guy. Make sure you have your calendar clear. I did read the whole book. I can't say I've ever read 100% of Atlas Shrugs.
For aliens that really just seem like people, Battlefield Earth by the Dianetics guy. Make sure you have your calendar clear. I did read the whole book. I can't say I've ever read 100% of Atlas Shrugs.
Posted by: InspiredHistoryMike at March 26, 2023 11:21 AM (DWTz2)
281
Just finished Stephen Baxter's Empire. It's a fascinating look at the establishment and expansion/contraction of the Roman Empire over time.
Turns out all of that history is guided by Prophecy of unknown origin in order to set the path forward for a certain nation that will be established in the future, founded on inalienable rights...
Guess I'll have to get the next books in the series to see how it all turns out...*sigh*
Turns out all of that history is guided by Prophecy of unknown origin in order to set the path forward for a certain nation that will be established in the future, founded on inalienable rights...
Guess I'll have to get the next books in the series to see how it all turns out...*sigh*
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 26, 2023 11:21 AM (BpYfr)
Posted by: Muldoon at March 26, 2023 11:22 AM (ykeLU)
283
The problem with aliens in stories?
I'd say the problem with aliens in stories is the same as modern historians writing about events two hundred years ago: Modern historians have a tendency try and interpret events of 200 years ago through a modern lens.
Something similar happens with aliens: Authors, to often, interpret their aliens through the lens of the human experience.
(hat tip: Cool Breeze and his review of "Victoria" by Julia Baird)
I'd say the problem with aliens in stories is the same as modern historians writing about events two hundred years ago: Modern historians have a tendency try and interpret events of 200 years ago through a modern lens.
Something similar happens with aliens: Authors, to often, interpret their aliens through the lens of the human experience.
(hat tip: Cool Breeze and his review of "Victoria" by Julia Baird)
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(2YtOq) at March 26, 2023 11:22 AM (2YtOq)
284
Ha!
Posted by: Thanks Muldoon! at March 26, 2023 11:24 AM (DhOHl)
285
Mary Shelley's work is a sort of cautionary tale inspired by the use of electricity on dead bodies (the rage in that time).
-
My dentist told me about an available implant for apnea. Apparently, they implant a little device in your throat that zaps you causing the muscles to contract opening the airway. It's controlled by a remote control. You turn it on as you go to bed and turn it off when you awaken.
-
My dentist told me about an available implant for apnea. Apparently, they implant a little device in your throat that zaps you causing the muscles to contract opening the airway. It's controlled by a remote control. You turn it on as you go to bed and turn it off when you awaken.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 26, 2023 11:24 AM (FVME7)
286
276 Karl Marx was a miserable leach on humans around him.
Posted by: Skip at March 26, 2023 11:18 AM (xhxe
And neglected and abused his family. Years ago there was a Brit program, The Last Detective that had a character who could be depended on to make statements like these. In one episode, the guy put on some Soviet era hat and asked "Where are OUR great men, our Marx, our Byron, our Coleridge?" Then he answered his question by saying Marx starved his family, Byron slept with his sister, and Coleridge belonged in a rehab, and was an opium addict.
Posted by: Skip at March 26, 2023 11:18 AM (xhxe
And neglected and abused his family. Years ago there was a Brit program, The Last Detective that had a character who could be depended on to make statements like these. In one episode, the guy put on some Soviet era hat and asked "Where are OUR great men, our Marx, our Byron, our Coleridge?" Then he answered his question by saying Marx starved his family, Byron slept with his sister, and Coleridge belonged in a rehab, and was an opium addict.
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023 11:24 AM (Zzbjj)
287
Good morning, everyone.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(2YtOq) at March 26, 2023 11:25 AM (2YtOq)
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 26, 2023 11:25 AM (FVME7)
289
*Marx starved his family, Byron slept with his sister, and Coleridge belonged in a rehab, and was an opium addict.*
But other than that...
But other than that...
Posted by: Just sayin' at March 26, 2023 11:26 AM (DhOHl)
290
But other than that...
Posted by: Just sayin' at March 26, 2023 11:26 AM (DhOHl)
LOL. Marx was reprehensible. Abolition of the family (first his own, so "you go first" wasn't something he shied from), abolition of countries, traditions, individuality. WEF did their homework and melded Marx with an entitled, exempt, oligarchy. Marx had no problem starving his family, Gates kids live in luxury, ditto Bidens, Clintons, Romneys. They borrow from Marx and exempt themselves
Posted by: Just sayin' at March 26, 2023 11:26 AM (DhOHl)
LOL. Marx was reprehensible. Abolition of the family (first his own, so "you go first" wasn't something he shied from), abolition of countries, traditions, individuality. WEF did their homework and melded Marx with an entitled, exempt, oligarchy. Marx had no problem starving his family, Gates kids live in luxury, ditto Bidens, Clintons, Romneys. They borrow from Marx and exempt themselves
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023 11:30 AM (Zzbjj)
291
Maybe a bit OT: My wife and I ran across a biopic which purports to be about F Scott Fitzgerald and his first wife, Zelda.
We're debating finishing watching the series, because they both seem to be incredibly self-indulgent and very self-destructive.
I'm actually sort of shocked the writer of the biopic chose to basically trash F Scott and his first wife. Or, tell the truth about the couple.
We're debating finishing watching the series, because they both seem to be incredibly self-indulgent and very self-destructive.
I'm actually sort of shocked the writer of the biopic chose to basically trash F Scott and his first wife. Or, tell the truth about the couple.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(2YtOq) at March 26, 2023 11:32 AM (2YtOq)
292
Back to aliens, aliens bother me a lot less than stories for adults about people who solve problems with "magic"
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023 11:32 AM (Zzbjj)
293
I'm reading ya'll since I'm waiting on someone for the next couple of hours.
Posted by: Ben Had at March 26, 2023 11:33 AM (fH+Q7)
294
Irony.
New York Post@nypost
Trans woman left sobbing in JFK airport after TSA agent hit her testicles:
-
Real men don't hit real women in the testicles.
New York Post@nypost
Trans woman left sobbing in JFK airport after TSA agent hit her testicles:
-
Real men don't hit real women in the testicles.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 26, 2023 11:33 AM (FVME7)
295
I'm actually sort of shocked the writer of the biopic chose to basically trash F Scott and his first wife. Or, tell the truth about the couple.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(2YtOq) at March 26, 2023 11:32 AM (2YtOq)
Scott only had one wife. I used to think of them as basically normal except Zelda became ill, but after reading Invented Lives, I'm no longer sure. Their level of self indulgence, substance abuse, and general decadence was pretty amazing.
I'm actually sort of shocked the writer of the biopic chose to basically trash F Scott and his first wife. Or, tell the truth about the couple.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(2YtOq) at March 26, 2023 11:32 AM (2YtOq)
Scott only had one wife. I used to think of them as basically normal except Zelda became ill, but after reading Invented Lives, I'm no longer sure. Their level of self indulgence, substance abuse, and general decadence was pretty amazing.
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023 11:36 AM (Zzbjj)
296
Guess I'll have to get the next books in the series to see how it all turns out...*sigh*
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 26, 2023 11:21 AM (BpYfr)
We're working on it!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 26, 2023 11:21 AM (BpYfr)
We're working on it!
Posted by: Klaus and Co. at March 26, 2023 11:36 AM (Angsy)
297
I'm well into "Masters of the Air" by Donald Miller. At times thrilling and at others horrifying. There isn't enough gratitude on earth to cover what we owe those bomber pilots. Just passed a chapter that goes into the abominable way the German Swiss treated downed pilots in their care.
Posted by: Tuna at March 26, 2023 11:37 AM (gLRfa)
298
... about people who solve problems with "magic"
--------------
Yes. I can't bring myself to read fantasy or play D&D, contrasted with playing board-games or toy-soldier historical wargaming.
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Yes. I can't bring myself to read fantasy or play D&D, contrasted with playing board-games or toy-soldier historical wargaming.
Posted by: andycanuck (Vwz3I) at March 26, 2023 11:37 AM (Vwz3I)
299
Back to aliens, aliens bother me a lot less than stories for adults about people who solve problems with "magic"
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023
***
Magic, properly described, should involve work -- mental or physical or both. In James Blish's Black Easter, it's clear that the preparation the wizard in the (then-modern setting, 196 story goes through to call up demons and command them is exhaustive and exhausting as well as dangerous. As he puts it, "There is a demon whose manifestation includes a very long tongue. Summoning him would require three weeks of work and preparation for me. Should I then call him up to lick stamps for me?"
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023
***
Magic, properly described, should involve work -- mental or physical or both. In James Blish's Black Easter, it's clear that the preparation the wizard in the (then-modern setting, 196
story goes through to call up demons and command them is exhaustive and exhausting as well as dangerous. As he puts it, "There is a demon whose manifestation includes a very long tongue. Summoning him would require three weeks of work and preparation for me. Should I then call him up to lick stamps for me?"Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 11:39 AM (omVj0)
300
Guess I'll have to get the next books in the series to see how it all turns out...*sigh*
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 26, 2023 11:21 AM (BpYfr)
We're working on it!
Posted by: Klaus and Co. at March 26, 2023 11:36 AM (Angsy)
---
Heh. While I wait on the next books in the series to arrive, I might as well start another Stephen Baxter book--The Time Ships--which returns us to the distant future of H.G. Well's Eloi and Morlocks.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 26, 2023 11:21 AM (BpYfr)
We're working on it!
Posted by: Klaus and Co. at March 26, 2023 11:36 AM (Angsy)
---
Heh. While I wait on the next books in the series to arrive, I might as well start another Stephen Baxter book--The Time Ships--which returns us to the distant future of H.G. Well's Eloi and Morlocks.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 26, 2023 11:39 AM (BpYfr)
301
Scott only had one wife. I used to think of them as basically normal except Zelda became ill, but after reading Invented Lives, I'm no longer sure. Their level of self indulgence, substance abuse, and general decadence was pretty amazing.
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023 11:36 AM (Zzbjj)
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Ah, I was under the impression F Scott was married three times. My mistake.
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023 11:36 AM (Zzbjj)
-------------
Ah, I was under the impression F Scott was married three times. My mistake.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(2YtOq) at March 26, 2023 11:39 AM (2YtOq)
302
Just passed a chapter that goes into the abominable way the German Swiss treated downed pilots in their care.
Posted by: Tuna
That shocked me. I guess the Swiss aren't just chocolate and cuckoo clocks anymore.
Posted by: Tuna
That shocked me. I guess the Swiss aren't just chocolate and cuckoo clocks anymore.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 26, 2023 11:39 AM (FVME7)
303
Yes. I can't bring myself to read fantasy or play D&D, contrasted with playing board-games or toy-soldier historical wargaming.
Posted by: andycanuck (Vwz3I) at March 26, 2023 11:37 AM (Vwz3I)
The D&D episode at MSU, eventhough it was untrue, sort of turned me off that stuff.
Posted by: andycanuck (Vwz3I) at March 26, 2023 11:37 AM (Vwz3I)
The D&D episode at MSU, eventhough it was untrue, sort of turned me off that stuff.
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023 11:39 AM (Zzbjj)
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(2YtOq) at March 26, 2023 11:42 AM (2YtOq)
305
Scott only had one wife. I used to think of them as basically normal except Zelda became ill, but after reading Invented Lives, I'm no longer sure. Their level of self indulgence, substance abuse, and general decadence was pretty amazing.
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023
***
He had a fairly long-term affair with Sheilah Graham, the newspaper columnist. There's a film from the '50s, Beloved Infidel, with Gregory Peck and Deborah Kerr as Scott and Sheilah. I don't know how accurate it is.
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023
***
He had a fairly long-term affair with Sheilah Graham, the newspaper columnist. There's a film from the '50s, Beloved Infidel, with Gregory Peck and Deborah Kerr as Scott and Sheilah. I don't know how accurate it is.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 11:42 AM (omVj0)
306
problems with aliens in stories
…With multiple worlds to study, we came to understand, progressive development naturally produces erect, bi-pedal, winged beings. The advantages of this type are not merely selected, although the process of selection is what makes each world so wonderfully unique. Our type is as inevitable as life itself, as the underlying chemistry and physics.…
The urge to self-awareness, the pattern to grow as a world and to develop peaceful, loving families and societies, we attribute to the One from whom all proceed, the Source of life, being, family, and forevermoreness.
So powerful is this urge, within the One's Creation, that even when accident chokes off the development of the usual species type, when our kind cannot appear, for some catastrophic reason, self-aware creatures develop anyway, from inferior species. Life, and minded life, insists on struggling to become aware of the One.…
…With multiple worlds to study, we came to understand, progressive development naturally produces erect, bi-pedal, winged beings. The advantages of this type are not merely selected, although the process of selection is what makes each world so wonderfully unique. Our type is as inevitable as life itself, as the underlying chemistry and physics.…
The urge to self-awareness, the pattern to grow as a world and to develop peaceful, loving families and societies, we attribute to the One from whom all proceed, the Source of life, being, family, and forevermoreness.
So powerful is this urge, within the One's Creation, that even when accident chokes off the development of the usual species type, when our kind cannot appear, for some catastrophic reason, self-aware creatures develop anyway, from inferior species. Life, and minded life, insists on struggling to become aware of the One.…
Posted by: mindful webworker in spaaace at March 26, 2023 11:43 AM (i2zoD)
307
Question about the toy soldier games. Are they all done on a flat surface?
Posted by: Ben Had at March 26, 2023 11:44 AM (fH+Q7)
308
Gordon R Diskson's "The Dragon and the George" series does an okay job of dealing with magic.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(2YtOq) at March 26, 2023
***
And Larry Niven's "The Magic Goes Away" stories posit that magic is powered by something called mana, which is like the fertility of the soil. Once you use it up, it's gone. Which would explain the human belief in magic (once it did work!) and why it no longer does work.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(2YtOq) at March 26, 2023
***
And Larry Niven's "The Magic Goes Away" stories posit that magic is powered by something called mana, which is like the fertility of the soil. Once you use it up, it's gone. Which would explain the human belief in magic (once it did work!) and why it no longer does work.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 11:44 AM (omVj0)
309
He had a fairly long-term affair with Sheilah Graham, the newspaper columnist. There's a film from the '50s, Beloved Infidel, with Gregory Peck and Deborah Kerr as Scott and Sheilah. I don't know how accurate it is.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 11:42 AM (omVj0
Never saw the movie, but yeah, he and Graham were together for a while. Zelda was probably the less faithful of the two during their youth, and the more shockingly decadent. She was a muse as much as a wife, I guess, otherwise I suspect they should have divorced early on.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 11:42 AM (omVj0
Never saw the movie, but yeah, he and Graham were together for a while. Zelda was probably the less faithful of the two during their youth, and the more shockingly decadent. She was a muse as much as a wife, I guess, otherwise I suspect they should have divorced early on.
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023 11:45 AM (Zzbjj)
310
Magic, properly described, should involve work -- mental or physical or both. In James Blish's Black Easter, it's clear that the preparation the wizard in the (then-modern setting, 196 story goes through to call up demons and command them is exhaustive and exhausting as well as dangerous. As he puts it, "There is a demon whose manifestation includes a very long tongue. Summoning him would require three weeks of work and preparation for me. Should I then call him up to lick stamps for me?"
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 11:39 AM (omVj0)
---
I find the best stories that deal with magic tend to impose a heavy cost or significant risk to using it. Terry Pratchett's Discworld, despite being full of wizards and witches, seldom has them use actual magic. Most of the time they solve problems through "headology" (Granny Weatherwax) or brute force of personality (Archchancellor Ridcully). Because they KNOW the price they must pay for magic.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 11:39 AM (omVj0)
---
I find the best stories that deal with magic tend to impose a heavy cost or significant risk to using it. Terry Pratchett's Discworld, despite being full of wizards and witches, seldom has them use actual magic. Most of the time they solve problems through "headology" (Granny Weatherwax) or brute force of personality (Archchancellor Ridcully). Because they KNOW the price they must pay for magic.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 26, 2023 11:45 AM (BpYfr)
311
Just passed a chapter that goes into the abominable way the German Swiss treated downed pilots in their care.
Posted by: Tuna
That shocked me. I guess the Swiss aren't just chocolate and cuckoo clocks anymore.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 26, 2023 11:39 AM (FVME7)
The allies did have a few run ins with the Swiss during the war. Each side shot down some of the other, I believe. Maybe German-Swiss wanted some revenge. Mark Felton has a vid or two about it.
Posted by: Tuna
That shocked me. I guess the Swiss aren't just chocolate and cuckoo clocks anymore.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 26, 2023 11:39 AM (FVME7)
The allies did have a few run ins with the Swiss during the war. Each side shot down some of the other, I believe. Maybe German-Swiss wanted some revenge. Mark Felton has a vid or two about it.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at March 26, 2023 11:46 AM (Angsy)
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(2YtOq) at March 26, 2023 11:46 AM (2YtOq)
313
"That shocked me. I guess the Swiss aren't just chocolate and cuckoo clocks anymore."
I'm going to look at those picturesque photos of Switzerland that Ace likes to use for the Cafe in a whole new light.
I'm going to look at those picturesque photos of Switzerland that Ace likes to use for the Cafe in a whole new light.
Posted by: Tuna at March 26, 2023 11:46 AM (gLRfa)
314
Others have pointed out Larry Niven's excellent crew of aliens, especially the Pierson's Puppeteers. I would also like to mention someone I consider the finest alien character in sci-fi: Barlennan. He's the captain of a sea-going raft on the planet Mesklin in the Hal Clement novel "mission of Gravity". I think that novel is the very pinnacle of hard sci-fi excellence and I highly recommend it. I particularly love Barlennan marveling at the efficiency of canoes in the low-gravity part of his world, and then his disappointment at what happens as he gets closer to the pole.
Posted by: MichiCanuck at March 26, 2023 11:46 AM (ObMCo)
315
I'm reading ya'll since I'm waiting on someone for the next couple of hours.
Posted by: Ben Had
Is he riding a 3 legged horse ?
Posted by: Ben Had
Is he riding a 3 legged horse ?
Posted by: JT at March 26, 2023 11:47 AM (T4tVD)
316
I just couldn't suspend my disbelief enough to play it, even with historical wargamer friends who were "bi"!
Posted by: andycanuck (Vwz3I) at March 26, 2023 11:47 AM (Vwz3I)
317
I would also like to mention someone I consider the finest alien character in sci-fi: Barlennan. He's the captain of a sea-going raft on the planet Mesklin in the Hal Clement novel "mission of Gravity". I think that novel is the very pinnacle of hard sci-fi excellence and I highly recommend it. I particularly love Barlennan marveling at the efficiency of canoes in the low-gravity part of his world, and then his disappointment at what happens as he gets closer to the pole.
Posted by: MichiCanuck at March 26, 2023
***
A grand example of how to tell a story with a non-human viewpoint character -- indeed the hero! -- and make it work.
Posted by: MichiCanuck at March 26, 2023
***
A grand example of how to tell a story with a non-human viewpoint character -- indeed the hero! -- and make it work.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 11:48 AM (omVj0)
318
Interesting story about the 40th anniversary of the movie The Outsiders. It was one of those movies that featured a plethora of future stars.
https://fxn.ws/3lFW4bH
https://fxn.ws/3lFW4bH
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 26, 2023 11:48 AM (FVME7)
319
Their level of self indulgence, substance abuse, and general decadence was pretty amazing.
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023 11:36 AM (Zzbjj)
I would add that they saw themselves as infinitely talented. Zelda was SHOCKED at the many times her thoroughly mediocre artistic output was rejected by the critics and the public.
The two of them were self absorbed, pompous, entitled, and thoroughly vile.
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023 11:36 AM (Zzbjj)
I would add that they saw themselves as infinitely talented. Zelda was SHOCKED at the many times her thoroughly mediocre artistic output was rejected by the critics and the public.
The two of them were self absorbed, pompous, entitled, and thoroughly vile.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 26, 2023 11:48 AM (XIJ/X)
320
I recall reading and very much enjoying Josepine Tey's Brat Farrar - the Kindle version is on sale for 99 cents today. I just downloaded her Man in the Queue and am looking forward to reading it. Thank you, Dash, for the recommendation.
Lately, there's been too much work reading and not enough reading for pleasure/relaxation. However, I was able to get my hands on Alan Vanneman's Sherlock Holmes and the Giant Rat of Sumatra. I'm only about 1/4 of the way into it and although one bit caused a raised eyebrow, I'm enjoying it. Thank you Perfessor for the recommendation and as always, thank you for another excellent book thread.
Lately, there's been too much work reading and not enough reading for pleasure/relaxation. However, I was able to get my hands on Alan Vanneman's Sherlock Holmes and the Giant Rat of Sumatra. I'm only about 1/4 of the way into it and although one bit caused a raised eyebrow, I'm enjoying it. Thank you Perfessor for the recommendation and as always, thank you for another excellent book thread.
Posted by: KatieFloyd at March 26, 2023 11:48 AM (ob77J)
321
Question about the toy soldier games. Are they all done on a flat surface?
Posted by: Ben Had at March 26, 2023 11:44 AM (fH+Q7)
Yes, and at the end, only One Tin Soldier Rides Away....
Posted by: Ben Had at March 26, 2023 11:44 AM (fH+Q7)
Yes, and at the end, only One Tin Soldier Rides Away....
Posted by: Small Faces at March 26, 2023 11:49 AM (Angsy)
322
I've never been much of a fan of F. Scott Fitzgerald. Never been able to get through his famous novels, though a couple of his 1920s short stories are pretty good. And I liked The Last Tycoon (though it could have used a rewrite if he'd ever finished it).
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 11:50 AM (omVj0)
323
Checked IMDB and found that Apple TV will be airing Masters of the Air. Same producing team that did Band of Brothers so I'm holding out hope it will be good. No broadcast date that I could see.
Posted by: Tuna at March 26, 2023 11:51 AM (gLRfa)
324
One final note before checking out: +1 on Josephine Tey as a mystery writer.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(2YtOq) at March 26, 2023 11:51 AM (2YtOq)
325
Time to run around and do chores. Thanks to the Perfessor again for another superb Book Thread!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 11:51 AM (omVj0)
326
The two of them were self absorbed, pompous, entitled, and thoroughly vile.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 26, 2023 11:48 AM (XIJ/X)
But Zelda was also sick, while Scott was not. A certain level of grandiosity is expected of bipolars, after all. In the case of Scott, he eventually came down to earth and saw his career in tatters, Zelda during manic times, still imagined herself, an artist, ballerina, or writer.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 26, 2023 11:48 AM (XIJ/X)
But Zelda was also sick, while Scott was not. A certain level of grandiosity is expected of bipolars, after all. In the case of Scott, he eventually came down to earth and saw his career in tatters, Zelda during manic times, still imagined herself, an artist, ballerina, or writer.
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023 11:52 AM (Zzbjj)
327
2 of Marx daughters checked out of life voluntary
His illegitimate son luckily escaped Karl.
His illegitimate son luckily escaped Karl.
Posted by: Skip at March 26, 2023 11:53 AM (xhxe8)
328
A few years back OM tried to start an annual "De-lurk" day; he encouraged lurkers to submit a book review. I don't have a book review for today, but in honor of the thought I thought I'd de-lurk today.
Happy Sunday Horde!
Now back to lurking.
Happy Sunday Horde!
Now back to lurking.
Posted by: SPinRH_F-16 at March 26, 2023 11:53 AM (t0cxj)
329
322 I've never been much of a fan of F. Scott Fitzgerald. Never been able to get through his famous novels, though a couple of his 1920s short stories are pretty good. And I liked The Last Tycoon (though it could have used a rewrite if he'd ever finished it).
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 11:50 AM (omVj0)
I liked most of his work and reread it. Reading bios and letters takes the bloom off the rose, to be sure, but even the thorns are well written and interesting.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at March 26, 2023 11:50 AM (omVj0)
I liked most of his work and reread it. Reading bios and letters takes the bloom off the rose, to be sure, but even the thorns are well written and interesting.
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023 11:54 AM (Zzbjj)
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 26, 2023 11:55 AM (XIJ/X)
331
Looks like Zelda went out with a bang.
"By this time, she had endured over ten years of electroshock therapy and insulin shock treatments, and she suffered from severe loss of memory. In March 1948, while sedated and locked in a room on the fifth floor of Highland Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, she died in a fire. Her body was identified by her dental records and one of her slippers."
"By this time, she had endured over ten years of electroshock therapy and insulin shock treatments, and she suffered from severe loss of memory. In March 1948, while sedated and locked in a room on the fifth floor of Highland Hospital in Asheville, North Carolina, she died in a fire. Her body was identified by her dental records and one of her slippers."
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 26, 2023 11:56 AM (FVME7)
332
* I guess the Swiss aren't just chocolate and cuckoo clocks anymore"
Could we show you something in a red pocket knife?
Could we show you something in a red pocket knife?
Posted by: Victorinox at March 26, 2023 11:57 AM (DhOHl)
333
331. A terrible ending.
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023 11:57 AM (Zzbjj)
334
"Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed."
Posted by: G. K. Chesterton at March 26, 2023 11:59 AM (DhOHl)
335
H.G. Wells invented the first wargame.
https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-22777029
Check out the photo at the link.
https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-22777029
Check out the photo at the link.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at March 26, 2023 12:00 PM (FVME7)
336
Question about the toy soldier games. Are they all done on a flat surface?
----------------
Generally, yes; and where hills or rises in terrain are often flat pieces placed on top of each other to show a difference in elevation and not angled so that a stand of figures won't fall over moving up the hill.
https://tinyurl.com/44pndtf5
Because they're usually individual figures, D&D terrain is often more realistic than wargaming terrain although there are mass D&D games that have large armies like historical Ancients period games that I assume use terrain more like the tinyurl picture.
----------------
Generally, yes; and where hills or rises in terrain are often flat pieces placed on top of each other to show a difference in elevation and not angled so that a stand of figures won't fall over moving up the hill.
https://tinyurl.com/44pndtf5
Because they're usually individual figures, D&D terrain is often more realistic than wargaming terrain although there are mass D&D games that have large armies like historical Ancients period games that I assume use terrain more like the tinyurl picture.
Posted by: andycanuck (Vwz3I) at March 26, 2023 12:00 PM (Vwz3I)
337
WE HAZ NOOD
Posted by: Skip at March 26, 2023 12:01 PM (xhxe8)
338
In the case of Scott, he eventually came down to earth and saw his career in tatters, Zelda during manic times, still imagined herself, an artist, ballerina, or writer.
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023 11:52 AM (Zzbjj)
True, although I wonder how much of his last-minute introspection was his own mental illness?
Can you tell I don't like him (and her)? I think much of his writing is not nearly as good as his reputation.
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023 11:52 AM (Zzbjj)
True, although I wonder how much of his last-minute introspection was his own mental illness?
Can you tell I don't like him (and her)? I think much of his writing is not nearly as good as his reputation.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 26, 2023 12:02 PM (XIJ/X)
339
True, although I wonder how much of his last-minute introspection was his own mental illness?
Can you tell I don't like him (and her)? I think much of his writing is not nearly as good as his reputation.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 26, 2023 12:02 PM (XIJ/X)
I suspect his alcoholism, falling income, and failing reputation led to whatever illness he may have had and left him looking for answers. In the story, Babylon revisited, he addresses this, as well as hints at his role in Zelda's destruction and illness.
I don't like them, but the connections between the two are fascinating.
Can you tell I don't like him (and her)? I think much of his writing is not nearly as good as his reputation.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 26, 2023 12:02 PM (XIJ/X)
I suspect his alcoholism, falling income, and failing reputation led to whatever illness he may have had and left him looking for answers. In the story, Babylon revisited, he addresses this, as well as hints at his role in Zelda's destruction and illness.
I don't like them, but the connections between the two are fascinating.
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023 12:10 PM (Zzbjj)
340
I don't like them, but the connections between the two are fascinating.
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023 12:10 PM (Zzbjj)
True. But I always revert to a comparison with Hemingway, who was equally (maybe even more) vile, yet was able to produce great literature, at least in the beginning.
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023 12:10 PM (Zzbjj)
True. But I always revert to a comparison with Hemingway, who was equally (maybe even more) vile, yet was able to produce great literature, at least in the beginning.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 26, 2023 12:12 PM (XIJ/X)
341
H.G. Wells invented the first wargame.
-----------------
Young Winston Churchill had a huge collection of [mainly] Britain's toy soldiers as used by Wells in his game. It's displayed at Blenheim Palace.
Roughly 2"-tall men; hollow-cast lead through industrial casting; hand-painted mainly [almost all??] by women so alot different than white metal 5mm, 15mm, and 25/28mm wargames figures of today.
-----------------
Young Winston Churchill had a huge collection of [mainly] Britain's toy soldiers as used by Wells in his game. It's displayed at Blenheim Palace.
Roughly 2"-tall men; hollow-cast lead through industrial casting; hand-painted mainly [almost all??] by women so alot different than white metal 5mm, 15mm, and 25/28mm wargames figures of today.
Posted by: andycanuck (Vwz3I) at March 26, 2023 12:17 PM (Vwz3I)
342
Young Winston Churchill had a huge collection of [mainly] Britain's toy soldiers as used by Wells in his game. It's displayed at Blenheim Palace.
Roughly 2"-tall men; hollow-cast lead through industrial casting; hand-painted mainly [almost all??] by women so alot different than white metal 5mm, 15mm, and 25/28mm wargames figures of today.
Posted by: andycanuck (Vwz3I) at March 26, 2023 12:17 PM (Vwz3I)
---
One of my English literature professors had a VAST collection of such miniatures. They were EVERYWHERE in his house. It was very cool!
Roughly 2"-tall men; hollow-cast lead through industrial casting; hand-painted mainly [almost all??] by women so alot different than white metal 5mm, 15mm, and 25/28mm wargames figures of today.
Posted by: andycanuck (Vwz3I) at March 26, 2023 12:17 PM (Vwz3I)
---
One of my English literature professors had a VAST collection of such miniatures. They were EVERYWHERE in his house. It was very cool!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 26, 2023 12:22 PM (BpYfr)
343
True. But I always revert to a comparison with Hemingway, who was equally (maybe even more) vile, yet was able to produce great literature, at least in the beginning.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 26, 2023 12:12 PM (XIJ/X)
He did. And like Scott, he borrowed from his life and the lives of those around him. I like The Sun Also Rises despite the fact that it engendered anger and hatred from the people he based it on, and who found it too accurate. If you look at Gatsby, Daisy is a composite of several women, and Jay Gatz is not Scott and the situation is made up. I find it a good "what if" sort of story about getting a second chance to impress and win back your "love of my life" Iris Murdoch took this on in a more tragi-comic interpretation with The Sea, The Sea.
I think both writers stand the test of time, but Hemingway got his name attached to an era, which is no small feat. He called it the Jazz Age, a lot of people market it as The Gatsby Era. Biographies make me see Hemingway as the better person, though, despite all the complaints of the Hadley fan club.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 26, 2023 12:12 PM (XIJ/X)
He did. And like Scott, he borrowed from his life and the lives of those around him. I like The Sun Also Rises despite the fact that it engendered anger and hatred from the people he based it on, and who found it too accurate. If you look at Gatsby, Daisy is a composite of several women, and Jay Gatz is not Scott and the situation is made up. I find it a good "what if" sort of story about getting a second chance to impress and win back your "love of my life" Iris Murdoch took this on in a more tragi-comic interpretation with The Sea, The Sea.
I think both writers stand the test of time, but Hemingway got his name attached to an era, which is no small feat. He called it the Jazz Age, a lot of people market it as The Gatsby Era. Biographies make me see Hemingway as the better person, though, despite all the complaints of the Hadley fan club.
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023 12:22 PM (Zzbjj)
344
Was up late last night finishing IDORU by William Gibson. Book was fascinating. Unique and unpredictable. It is impossible to believe it was written in 1996.
The book begins with two story lines that seem u related. The first is a about a young girl, a member of an international celebrity fan club that stay in touch via "porting" virtually. They are concerned their star, a musician, is contemplating marrying an AI so they send her to Japan IRL to find out what is really happening.
The second story line is about a researcher for a celebrity TV show who has the unique ability to find nodal points where he is able to suddenly see information form a pattern and suss out thing s about celebrities that most of the time they would prefer to keep hidden.
The two story lines converge in a post major earthquake Japan where the country is being rebuilt by nanotechnology.
Highly recommended.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at March 26, 2023 10:01 AM (Y+l9t)
That's such a good description of the book, that I am convinced to never bother reading it. NOT being snarky either; it's just that the subject matter is of zero interest to me.
The book begins with two story lines that seem u related. The first is a about a young girl, a member of an international celebrity fan club that stay in touch via "porting" virtually. They are concerned their star, a musician, is contemplating marrying an AI so they send her to Japan IRL to find out what is really happening.
The second story line is about a researcher for a celebrity TV show who has the unique ability to find nodal points where he is able to suddenly see information form a pattern and suss out thing s about celebrities that most of the time they would prefer to keep hidden.
The two story lines converge in a post major earthquake Japan where the country is being rebuilt by nanotechnology.
Highly recommended.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at March 26, 2023 10:01 AM (Y+l9t)
That's such a good description of the book, that I am convinced to never bother reading it. NOT being snarky either; it's just that the subject matter is of zero interest to me.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 26, 2023 12:25 PM (tkR6S)
345
True. But I always revert to a comparison with Hemingway, who was equally (maybe even more) vile, yet was able to produce great literature, at least in the beginning.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 26, 2023 12:12 PM (XIJ/X)
I once went to an auction where metal toy soldiers were featured. A fight broke out between two octogenarians, one on oxygen and accompanied by a nurse, who wanted the same set. The loser whacked the winner with his cane and was escorted out. Bizarre day.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 26, 2023 12:12 PM (XIJ/X)
I once went to an auction where metal toy soldiers were featured. A fight broke out between two octogenarians, one on oxygen and accompanied by a nurse, who wanted the same set. The loser whacked the winner with his cane and was escorted out. Bizarre day.
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023 12:27 PM (Zzbjj)
346
345 meant for 342.
One of my English literature professors had a VAST collection of such miniatures. They were EVERYWHERE in his house. It was very cool!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 26, 2023 12:22 PM (BpYfr)
Cut and paste fail
One of my English literature professors had a VAST collection of such miniatures. They were EVERYWHERE in his house. It was very cool!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at March 26, 2023 12:22 PM (BpYfr)
Cut and paste fail
Posted by: CN at March 26, 2023 12:28 PM (Zzbjj)
347
"H.G. Wells invented the first wargame.
https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-22777029"
Wells' "Little Wars" dates to the early 20th Century-the linked article says 1913.
Robert Louis Steveneon, on the other hand, was wargaming as early as 1881 according to an article from the December 1898 issue of Scribner's Magazine entitled "Stevenson at Play:"
https://babel.hathitrust [dot] org/cgi/pt?id=miun.acd5969.0024.006&view=1up&seq=73
https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-22777029"
Wells' "Little Wars" dates to the early 20th Century-the linked article says 1913.
Robert Louis Steveneon, on the other hand, was wargaming as early as 1881 according to an article from the December 1898 issue of Scribner's Magazine entitled "Stevenson at Play:"
https://babel.hathitrust [dot] org/cgi/pt?id=miun.acd5969.0024.006&view=1up&seq=73
Posted by: Pope John 20th at March 26, 2023 12:28 PM (cYrkj)
348
One of my English literature professors had a VAST collection of such miniatures. They were EVERYWHERE in his house. It was very cool!
----------
Neat.
There are guys who are fantastic architectural and terrain modellers too who do a great job of displaying figures too.
[Gone to the other thread now.]
----------
Neat.
There are guys who are fantastic architectural and terrain modellers too who do a great job of displaying figures too.
[Gone to the other thread now.]
Posted by: andycanuck (Vwz3I) at March 26, 2023 12:31 PM (Vwz3I)
349
I once went to an auction where metal toy soldiers were featured. A fight broke out between two octogenarians, one on oxygen and accompanied by a nurse, who wanted the same set. The loser whacked the winner with his cane and was escorted out. Bizarre day.
---------------
LOL!
---------------
LOL!
Posted by: andycanuck (Vwz3I) at March 26, 2023 12:32 PM (Vwz3I)
350
The Prussian General Staff also had a wargame as a training tool from IIRC the 1840s onwards but they used small metal blocks to represent the units of soldiers and not [somewhat] lifelike soldier models even though the German states had a toy soldier industry of lead "flat figures" that exists to this day for hobbyists.
I guess I stayed here after all!
I guess I stayed here after all!
Posted by: andycanuck (Vwz3I) at March 26, 2023 12:36 PM (Vwz3I)
351
If anyone read and enjoyed the book T8, you can now read T8-2, available on Amazon in Kindle format or paperback.
https://tinyurl.com/2p84nrcs
https://tinyurl.com/2p84nrcs
Posted by: Mike at March 26, 2023 12:36 PM (XjZhF)
352
#351 The Kriegspiel if you want to look online for information about it.
Posted by: andycanuck (Vwz3I) at March 26, 2023 12:39 PM (Vwz3I)
353
AOP, sometimes opposite attract?
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at March 26, 2023 12:56 PM (Y+l9t)
354
I'm making $100 an hour working from home. i was greatly surprised at the same time as my neighbour advised me she changed into averaging $100 however I see the way it works now. I experience mass freedom now that I'm my non-public boss.
I highly recommend everyone to apply… www.Payathome7.com
I highly recommend everyone to apply… www.Payathome7.com
Posted by: www.Payathome7.com at March 26, 2023 11:09 PM (nujAZ)
355
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