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Sunday Morning Book Thread - 06-18-2023 ["Perfessor" Squirrel]
PIC NOTE
Today's pic is from a Father's Day display at Half Price Books in Corpus Christi, Texas, though I don't know what year. Seems to be a mix of books about sports, barbecue, brewing beer, military history, and farting, for some reason (I never saw much humor in fart jokes, but to each their own). What books are missing? DADS IN LITERATURE Since I did a post about Moms in Literature on Mother's Day this year, it seems only fair to do a post about Dads in Literature. What makes for a good father figure in a story? I went looking through my own library and found a few examples of fathers. First up, we have Michael Carpenter from Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files. Michael is Harry Dresden's best friend, a devout Catholic, and a devoted husband and father. Happily married for decades, raising a large family in peaceful times. But when Harry needs help, Michael will join Harry on his adventures, wielding Amoracchius, the Sword of Love, one of the Three Swords of the Cross. Most folks know it by its more familiar name, Excalibur. Michael is a truly stand-up character, well-written, strong, and caring when he needs to be. He's compassionate, wise, and forgiving. It's why he was chosen by God to wield the Sword of Love. When Harry's own daughter is threatened, Michael and his family are quick to offer her their protection, as their house is guarded by literal archangels. Michael loves Harry's daughter Maggie as if she were his own flesh and blood. Michael Carpenter is easily among my top three dads in literature. Next up we have Samuel Vimes, Commander of the Ankh-Morpork City Watch in Terry Pratchett's Discworld series. Vimes is a recovering alcoholic who also struggles to manage his anger issues. He married rather late in life and fathered a son. He's so devoted to his son that he will drop everything he's doing in order to make it home at a certain hour to read Where's My Cow to his son. Of course, he is also a father figure to the members of the City Watch. Captain Carrot, Vimes' second in command may be the lost king of Ankh-Morpork in hiding, but it's Vimes that ensures that the Watch's needs are provided for, regardless of the cost to himself. Before he married the richest woman in Ankh-Morpork, he devoted most of his meager salary to supporting the widows and orphans of the Watch. He still does that, of course, with the help of his faithful wife who supports the downtrodden of the city as well. Thirdly, we have Gemmel Errekren, from an obscure series by Peter Morwood called The Book of Years. Gemmel is a wizard (think Gandalf or Dumbledore) who finds a young man wounded in battle. He nurses the young man back to health in part because Aldric is the spitting image of Gemmel's own son, who died many years before. Aldric comes to regard Gemmel as his foster father because his own family was slaughtered through treachery. It's Gemmel that sets Aldric on the path to achieving his goal of vengeance for the betrayal, but he also shows Aldric how to live a better life as a man who cares about others. Aldric, in turn, teaches Gemmel what it truly means to be an honorable man through his own examples learned from growing up in his honor-bound society. Finally, there's "Slippery" Jim DiGriz, from the Stainless Steel Rat series by Harry Harrison, the best criminal mastermind in the galaxy. He's spent his lifetime evading the law while amassing (and losing) several fortunes. He eventually marries a woman who is just as crooked as he is, though she's also highly unstable and sociopathic when they first meet. Fortunately, psychosurgical techniques have come a long way in the 30,000 years or so in the future, so this little quirk is quickly fixed. Jim and his lovely bride have twin boys, who inherit their parents' penchant for criminality. Jim sees this as an opportunity to expand his own criminal empire even as his family is sent on missions by the Special Corps to stop the true monstrous criminals in the galaxy. Together they fight crime while causing much mayhem of their own in the process. Maybe "Slippery" Jim won't win "Father of the Year," but he's an entertaining father-figure nonetheless. Who are some of YOUR favorite father figures in literature and why? Have you learned any lessons from reading about other fathers?
There are currently an even dozen books in the series. If you've never read one, they are action thrillers where Case Lee and his merry band of eclectic friends have to stop very bad people from doing very bad things. This will be the third such book featured on the Sunday Morning Book Thread since I took it over last year.
I'd appreciate it if you'd pimp my new novel, The Alaska Job. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6R6NGYR I published it two weeks ago, and it's doing well (always a challenge when going up against the big publishers). Sincere thanks as always, Vince
---
Tasked with recovering a fabled billion-dollar hoard, Case becomes entangled in a web of espionage and ruthless competitors. As he follows the trail of clues etched in long-ago history, danger lurks at every turn. From encounters with enigmatic Buddhist monks to unearthing secrets held by long-forgotten Russian fur traders, Case's journey evolves into a race against time and a battle for survival. Spies and brutal treasure hunters are hot on his trail, creating a combustible mix of shadowy intentions and insatiable greed. Case must rely on his instincts and experience to navigate a world where every step could be his last. To even the odds, Case calls on his former teammates, unleashing their special skills in a high-stakes race against time. Brace yourself for a white-knuckle ride through Korea, windswept arctic islands, and Alaska's untamed wilderness as Case is pushed to the brink.
Comment: I'm reminded of a timeless quote from everyone's favorite precocious little scamp, Bender "Bending" Rodriguez: "You know, Fry, I've often thought about becoming Prime Minister." What would the government of Acetopia look like?
This looks like a fun read for those of us who've dreamed of establishing our own domain: "Micronations: the Lonely Planet Guide to Home-Made Nations": https://tinyurl.com/bdhc88y8 My grand plan of becoming Imperatrix of Beaver Island is still in the planning stage. Posted by: All Hail Eris at June 11, 2023 09:13 AM (kGAbD)
Comment: A great book keeps you invested in the story long after you've finished it. Those are the ones that keep me coming back to read them again and again, hoping to uncover something new each time. Christianity has a very bloody history, starting from the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It was founded on pain and suffering. He suffered on Earth so that we would not suffer for Eternity. It can be easy to forget that, sometimes.
Just finished Tim Willocks' novel The Religion. It's a gory, lurid first person fictional account of the Siege of Malta where the Knights Hospitaller held off a vast Ottoman army. Gory and Lurid are understatements. I almost bailed in the very beginning because the violence felt pornographic. And I really like Abercrombie's stuff. I'm glad I didn't stop though. It isn't actually pornographic because that was what those people were like. They did live at fever pitch and ran risks we seem incapable of as a matter of course. "So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth." Rev 3-16 kjv The whole earth, perpetually steeped in blood, is nothing but an immense altar on which every living thing must be sacrificed without end, without restraint, without respite until the consummation of the world, the extinction of evil, the death of death. - Joseph de Maistre Those two quotes are the book. It's a really profound meditation on the feeling of the time and on Christianity. It's also a great read as just a mad violent bloody account of a mad violent bloody battle. I've been thinking about this book a lot after finishing it. Posted by: Thesokorus at June 11, 2023 11:11 AM (IadJe)
Comment: Sounds like a pretty basic plot structure, but it's the kind of hook that can go in many different directions, depending on the writer. Finding something that others want is a pretty common plot device, as the protagonist then has to uncover the mystery surrounding the MacGuffin. It's a good way to interest younger readers as well, as they can follow the hero's journey and become invested in the overall story.
Decided to go ahead and finish reading the juvenile modern western novel, Tick Tock and Jim, Deputy Sheriffs. It was an easy read, just over two hundred pages. I think it would work for pre-teen boys, or adventurous pre-teen girls who don't mind a "boy" story. The horse doesn't speak or anything like that, but it does show a bit of internal motivation in its mind interacting with the villains and when it's lost on its own. Jim runs a delivery service with his horse, and he stumbles onto a dropped box on the side of a road, two men come back for it and take it from him, leading to an adventure and detective story. Book is from the late 40s, so you'd probably have to find it on resale sites. As such, the adults aren't stupid, just normal parent types, and they do know what they're doing. The kids aren't smarter than the adults, they way society used to be portrayed. Recommend, if anyone might be interested in that kind of story. Posted by: OrangeEnt at June 11, 2023 09:18 AM (Angsy)
Comment: I decided to include this recommendation for a couple of reasons, even though I know Robert Jordan's Eye of the World is a somewhat divisive novel among fans of fantasy literature (full disclosure: I love it and you can't convince me otherwise). First, I think it's nice that Corona and his bride Mrs. Exile enjoy this story together as a couple. It's great when our loved ones can share in our favorite reading experiences. Second, Wheel of Time has some truly awesome father figures sprinkled throughout to give the heroes hope and resolve as they tackle the seemingly impossible challenge of saving the world. Indeed, both Rand Al'Thor and his friend Mat Cauthon rely on their fathers' teachings for guidance on their heroic journey. The payoff at the end--especially for Rand--is immensely satisfying. More Moron-recommended reading material can be found HERE! (824 Moron-recommended books so far!)
The newly minted Mrs. Exile and I finally finished Eye of the World (fantasy, book 1 of Wheel of Time) while relaxing on a beach. We started the book when we first met and then life interrupted Robert Jordan's wordy adventure. We still promptly checked out the second book. Posted by: Corona exile-back_in_exile at June 11, 2023 09:54 AM (Yftzv)
- The Book of the New Sun - Volume 1 - Shadow and Claw by Gene Wolfe -- As mentioned last week, it has a lot of overtones of both Jack Vance and Mervyn Peake. Now I can detect hints of William Hope Hodgeson, Lord Dunsany, and Tanith Lee as well. It's OK, but I wouldn't call it "great." There's not much of a plot to speak of, just Severian wandering from scene to scene, repeatedly encountering the same characters even as he meets new ones in his travels. I can see how it influenced later authors, just as Wolfe was influenced by earlier authors, but I just don't quite get the hype around this series.
- Forgotten Realms - The Harpers Book 7 - Soldiers of Ice by David Cook -- A young female ranger is tasked with closing a portal to the paraelemental plane of ice, and in the process saving a village of gnomes from rampaging gnolls. It'll be interesting to see how well this story conforms to the Rules for Writing in Hollywood that I discussed last week.
- The Lost Metal by Brandon Sanderson -- I'm finally getting around to reading this...
Comments
(Jump to bottom of comments)1
Tolle Lege
Posted by: Skip at June 18, 2023 08:59 AM (xhxe8)
2
hundreds of billions of dollars
Posted by: Ciampino -- Parachute for sale, used once, never opened, small stain. at June 18, 2023 08:59 AM (qfLjt)
3
BOING!
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at June 18, 2023 09:00 AM (k5hXU)
Posted by: rhennigantx at June 18, 2023 09:00 AM (BRHaw)
5
Began reading "The Wager". Still no land in sight.
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at June 18, 2023 09:00 AM (k5hXU)
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at June 18, 2023 09:01 AM (vHIgi)
7
Finished TJM's Colonial Nightmare
Can't say it was what I expected but sometimes a surprise is good.
Can't say it was what I expected but sometimes a surprise is good.
Posted by: Skip at June 18, 2023 09:02 AM (xhxe8)
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at June 18, 2023 09:02 AM (OX9vb)
9
Good morning fellow Book Threadists. I hope everyone had a great week of reading.
Posted by: JTB at June 18, 2023 09:03 AM (7EjX1)
10
For this we can be grateful.
Posted by: Dr. Varno at June 18, 2023 09:03 AM (X+Ku8)
11
Okay; the Pants guy owns a weedwhacker !
Posted by: JT at June 18, 2023 09:04 AM (T4tVD)
12
Okay who cheated and put their clock forwards?
Posted by: Ciampino - When I think about books, I touch my shelf at June 18, 2023 09:06 AM (qfLjt)
13
Morning, library haunters! I dusted off my desktop computer and made some edits to a chapter of my mystery novel. My writing group people disliked a couple of techniques I used.
After reading their comments, I trimmed the scene down. But I am not changing the essential technique, which I've picked up from real published, and recent, authors. The little gremlin in the back of my mind who really runs the writing operation says the technique works.
After reading their comments, I trimmed the scene down. But I am not changing the essential technique, which I've picked up from real published, and recent, authors. The little gremlin in the back of my mind who really runs the writing operation says the technique works.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 18, 2023 09:08 AM (omVj0)
14
I had a pleasant week of reading planned out. Read more of TJM's "Colonial Nightmare" which is a fun read. Get more into books on sketching with various media. Look at my Brambly Hedge book to enjoy the wonderful illustrations. Some other bits and pieces.
Then the rabbit hole appeared.
It started with a YT video by Mapster, called "Tolkien's Incredible Map of Middle-Earth", on how the LOTR maps were created, both for the stories and physically. (The video is excellent.) That led to my copy of "The Atlas of Middle-Earth" by Karen Wynn Fonstad which I haven't read in ages and forgot how enjoyable it is. That made me think of the maps in "Treasure Island" I loved as a child so I re-read the book. That revived my interest in maps and charts and navigation in general. That means I got a good compass and some books on reading maps and basic navigation. That made me dig out the copies on primitive camping by Nessmuk and Horace Kephart. (I like how Nessmuk, around the turn of the 20th century, criticizes the current crop of campers who buy their camping trips instead of learning how to camp.) That led to my books of the journals of early explorers.
Rabbit holes are fun but dangerous.
Then the rabbit hole appeared.
It started with a YT video by Mapster, called "Tolkien's Incredible Map of Middle-Earth", on how the LOTR maps were created, both for the stories and physically. (The video is excellent.) That led to my copy of "The Atlas of Middle-Earth" by Karen Wynn Fonstad which I haven't read in ages and forgot how enjoyable it is. That made me think of the maps in "Treasure Island" I loved as a child so I re-read the book. That revived my interest in maps and charts and navigation in general. That means I got a good compass and some books on reading maps and basic navigation. That made me dig out the copies on primitive camping by Nessmuk and Horace Kephart. (I like how Nessmuk, around the turn of the 20th century, criticizes the current crop of campers who buy their camping trips instead of learning how to camp.) That led to my books of the journals of early explorers.
Rabbit holes are fun but dangerous.
Posted by: JTB at June 18, 2023 09:08 AM (7EjX1)
15
“…newly minted Mrs. Exile…”
You dirty dog, you!
Currently first-time reading Robin Moore’s The French Connection. Sorta like the movie (or is it the other wat ‘round?). Haven’t got to the Poughkeepsie feet picking yet.
You dirty dog, you!
Currently first-time reading Robin Moore’s The French Connection. Sorta like the movie (or is it the other wat ‘round?). Haven’t got to the Poughkeepsie feet picking yet.
Posted by: BuzzyKrumhunger at June 18, 2023 09:09 AM (lh/+L)
16
Signed up for a EDU booklet on the Officers of the Dessau Duches who fought in the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars.
Sadly getting bombarded daily for others and other useless emails.
But interesting many of the Officers did fight for the Prussian army and so come up often in my reading, even might have a couple in miniatures.
Sadly getting bombarded daily for others and other useless emails.
But interesting many of the Officers did fight for the Prussian army and so come up often in my reading, even might have a couple in miniatures.
Posted by: Skip at June 18, 2023 09:09 AM (xhxe8)
17
This week, I've been re-reading The Last Brigade series by William Alan Webb, Moron author. I've been reading them as they are published, based on his own pimping here in the book thread sometime long ago.
I'm re-reading, because--couples reading! Mr. Dash had surgery and wasn't able to move around a lot, got bored with TV, and I finally convinced him he would love these books. So he's devouring them, and I'm re-reading so we can talk about them. It's been great!
I'm re-reading, because--couples reading! Mr. Dash had surgery and wasn't able to move around a lot, got bored with TV, and I finally convinced him he would love these books. So he's devouring them, and I'm re-reading so we can talk about them. It's been great!
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at June 18, 2023 09:09 AM (OX9vb)
18
Very few folks don't appreciate a fart joke once they've personally experienced a shart.
Posted by: Dr. Bone at June 18, 2023 09:09 AM (KVGVf)
19
I read Red Sky At Morning which was recommended here some time ago. This is a coming of age novel set in the early 1940's in a small mountain town in New Mexico. Joshua Arnold's family moves from Mobile to their summer vacation mountain town of Sagrado, NM, just prior to his father going off to war as an officer on a destroyer escort in the North Atlantic. It's up to Josh to make new friends and learn about the dominant Hispanic/Indian culture of the town. The book ended too soon for me.
Posted by: Zoltan at June 18, 2023 09:10 AM (qzhFY)
20
Pull my finger.
Posted by: Fathers Everywhere at June 18, 2023 09:10 AM (KVGVf)
21
Finally, there's "Slippery" Jim DiGriz, the best criminal mastermind in the galaxy.
***
What book is this from?
***
What book is this from?
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at June 18, 2023 09:12 AM (vHIgi)
22
But I am not changing the essential technique, which I've picked up from real published, and recent, authors. The little gremlin in the back of my mind who really runs the writing operation says the technique works.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 18, 2023 09:08 AM (omVj0)
So does the sales numbers of the real authors compared to writing group critics. Sounds like you're on the "write" track to me....
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 18, 2023 09:08 AM (omVj0)
So does the sales numbers of the real authors compared to writing group critics. Sounds like you're on the "write" track to me....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at June 18, 2023 09:13 AM (Angsy)
23
I just finished a book yesterday so I am on the lookout for another book to read. So Perfessor, of the Case novel's you have published which one do you think is your best? And is this the one you like the most or the one other people like.
I've noticed a variation on the sales numbers at Amazon. Any comments on these?
I've noticed a variation on the sales numbers at Amazon. Any comments on these?
Posted by: pawn at June 18, 2023 09:14 AM (wsHtO)
24
I was always impressed by Lt. Rico's father in Starship Troopers.
Posted by: MichiCanuck at June 18, 2023 09:14 AM (3wzu2)
25
I'm reading David McCallum's novel Once a Crooked Man, a crime thriller set in NYC and London, so far. Yes, *that* David McCallum. No idea if he really wrote it himself or needed a ghost writer, but it is fast-moving and fun.
This week I also finished a collection of short stories by Loren D. Estleman, Detroit Is My Beat, starring his four Racket Squad guys (aka the Four Horsemen) in WWII Detroit. Hard-boiled stuff with period slang and attitudes, and a great read. You gotta pay attention to LDE's prose, as he neatly weaves a lot of information into each paragraph. But the attention will pay off.
This week I also finished a collection of short stories by Loren D. Estleman, Detroit Is My Beat, starring his four Racket Squad guys (aka the Four Horsemen) in WWII Detroit. Hard-boiled stuff with period slang and attitudes, and a great read. You gotta pay attention to LDE's prose, as he neatly weaves a lot of information into each paragraph. But the attention will pay off.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 18, 2023 09:15 AM (omVj0)
26
the stainless steel rat, peter quill was close to the idea, and chris pratt would have been good for it when younger,
Posted by: no 6 at June 18, 2023 09:15 AM (PXvVL)
27
I picked up some used paperbacks last weekend and have been enjoying them a lot.
The first was Gengis Khan: Emperor of All Men, by Harold Lamb. Lamb was a novelist and pop-historian in the first half of the 20th century, but he did his research. (He worked for the OSS in WWII, though I don't know what he was up to.)
This book, obviously, is about the Great Khan himself, how he gained power, conquered everything he could reach, and finally died. It's frank about his limitations but praises his qualities. Not a hagiography, but Lamb obviously admires the Khan's courage, willpower, and wisdom.
It did leave me wondering . . . Great Man or Tides of History here? Did the Mongol conquest of most of Asia happen because Genghis was so personally awesome, or was there something hidden in Mongol birthrates and the rainfall patterns of the steppes that made the horde inevitable?
The first was Gengis Khan: Emperor of All Men, by Harold Lamb. Lamb was a novelist and pop-historian in the first half of the 20th century, but he did his research. (He worked for the OSS in WWII, though I don't know what he was up to.)
This book, obviously, is about the Great Khan himself, how he gained power, conquered everything he could reach, and finally died. It's frank about his limitations but praises his qualities. Not a hagiography, but Lamb obviously admires the Khan's courage, willpower, and wisdom.
It did leave me wondering . . . Great Man or Tides of History here? Did the Mongol conquest of most of Asia happen because Genghis was so personally awesome, or was there something hidden in Mongol birthrates and the rainfall patterns of the steppes that made the horde inevitable?
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 09:16 AM (QZxDR)
28
So does the sales numbers of the real authors compared to writing group critics. Sounds like you're on the "write" track to me....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at June 18, 2023 09:13 AM (Angsy)
'Zackly! Who you gonna listen to, that bunch of critics, or the horde critics?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at June 18, 2023 09:13 AM (Angsy)
'Zackly! Who you gonna listen to, that bunch of critics, or the horde critics?
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at June 18, 2023 09:17 AM (OX9vb)
29
Finally, there's "Slippery" Jim DiGriz, the best criminal mastermind in the galaxy.
***
What book is this from?
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at June 18, 2023 09:12 AM (vHIgi)
--
Whoops! Forgot to mention that...Stainless Steel Rat series by Harry Harrison
***
What book is this from?
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at June 18, 2023 09:12 AM (vHIgi)
--
Whoops! Forgot to mention that...Stainless Steel Rat series by Harry Harrison
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at June 18, 2023 09:17 AM (BpYfr)
30
Stainless Steel Rat!
Posted by: blaster at June 18, 2023 09:18 AM (vVVF8)
31
I just finished Bob's Saucer Repair, by Jerry Boyd. Ripping good fun. Laugh-out-loud funny. A happy and satisfying ending, but sets the stage for more adventures. Snagfart!
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at June 18, 2023 09:18 AM (PiwSw)
32
So does the sales numbers of the real authors compared to writing group critics. Sounds like you're on the "write" track to me....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at June 18, 2023
***
I think so too. Lawrence Block, one of my models, has been a working and best-selling writer for close on 60 years. He must know *something*. (The supposedly "published" member of the group actually said, "I've read Lawrence Block. Don't like him much.")
My group people may be right in that some of the dialogue (which they laud as well done) goes on a bit long here and there, and that's easily fixed. But it's an amateur detective novel, not a hard-boiled or private-eye tale. Action scenes (which I love doing) don't always fit this kind of story. But I do have some good action in there.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at June 18, 2023
***
I think so too. Lawrence Block, one of my models, has been a working and best-selling writer for close on 60 years. He must know *something*. (The supposedly "published" member of the group actually said, "I've read Lawrence Block. Don't like him much.")
My group people may be right in that some of the dialogue (which they laud as well done) goes on a bit long here and there, and that's easily fixed. But it's an amateur detective novel, not a hard-boiled or private-eye tale. Action scenes (which I love doing) don't always fit this kind of story. But I do have some good action in there.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 18, 2023 09:19 AM (omVj0)
33
Perfesser, I want to suggest a regular question for the book thread:
"What *upcoming* (soon to be released) book are you looking forward to?"
I will elaborate in a follow-up comment as my pancakes might burn
"What *upcoming* (soon to be released) book are you looking forward to?"
I will elaborate in a follow-up comment as my pancakes might burn
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at June 18, 2023 09:20 AM (vHIgi)
34
Thanks Perf. Just finished Three Ring Circus by Jeff Pearlman. Wow, Kobe was such a prick. Now into The Making of the Atomic Bomb by Richard Rhodes. This one is going to be a grind. I found a nugget there that will take to my next, The World Set Free by Wells.
Posted by: JmT at June 18, 2023 09:22 AM (WRAWm)
35
There's always Andrew Nivens (aka The Old Man) from Heinlein's The Puppet Masters.
My own favorite fathers-and-sons story is a play (later filmed) by Robert Anderson, I Never Sang for My Father. For my money, that one's the great American tragedy (sorry, Arthur Miller).
My own favorite fathers-and-sons story is a play (later filmed) by Robert Anderson, I Never Sang for My Father. For my money, that one's the great American tragedy (sorry, Arthur Miller).
Posted by: Just Some Guy at June 18, 2023 09:23 AM (a/4+U)
36
Very rarely here on the book thread but I started a book my daughter highly recommended and I'm having a hard time even understanding it!! I think I misjudged her intellect. It's called This Is How You Lose the Time War a collaborative effort between A Mal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone. It's sort of sci-fi, futuristic stuff I just can't wrap my head around it. I'll keep plugging along.
Posted by: jewells45 fuck cancer at June 18, 2023 09:23 AM (wagHN)
37
Do graphic novels, i.e. comic books that aren't comical, count as reading? I kinda want to say no but I stumbled on the Harry Dresden series on Kindle Unlimited and binged them all. Not bad, not great, just another "the kind of thing you'll like if you like that kind of thing."
Posted by: Oddbob at June 18, 2023 09:23 AM (nfrXX)
38
I've talked about (okay, raved about) the Brambly Hedge kid's books. The stories are cute but the illustrations are wonderful. Last week some kind folks mentioned other kid's books and the local library actually had several. (The audience gasps in shock!)
One pleasant surprise is the series by Dianna Hutts Aston and illustrated by Sylvia Long. Titles include: A Nest is Noisy, A Seed is Sleepy, and several others. The words are sparse and intended for youngsters to pick out individually. But the Illustrations are both excellent and brilliant. A child could point out the real life version based on those illustrations, they are that good and accurate without being photo realistic.
One pleasant surprise is the series by Dianna Hutts Aston and illustrated by Sylvia Long. Titles include: A Nest is Noisy, A Seed is Sleepy, and several others. The words are sparse and intended for youngsters to pick out individually. But the Illustrations are both excellent and brilliant. A child could point out the real life version based on those illustrations, they are that good and accurate without being photo realistic.
Posted by: JTB at June 18, 2023 09:24 AM (7EjX1)
39
#33
Vol. 5 of Caro’s LBJ biography. Want to read of Lyndon’s deathbed confession to Kennedy’s assassination.
Vol. 5 of Caro’s LBJ biography. Want to read of Lyndon’s deathbed confession to Kennedy’s assassination.
Posted by: BuzzyKrumhunger at June 18, 2023 09:24 AM (lh/+L)
40
Re 33
The reason is that I've learned, primarily from Correia's blog/podcast, that traditionally published writers live and die by how well a book launches.
And books that Morons like rarely , non woke books that are just good storytelling, rarely get a smidgen of the publicity and hype that woke books get.
They don't get picked by Oprah, or go on "books to watch for" on various publications, etc.
So if we want more non woke books, let's spread the news on upcoming books.
The reason is that I've learned, primarily from Correia's blog/podcast, that traditionally published writers live and die by how well a book launches.
And books that Morons like rarely , non woke books that are just good storytelling, rarely get a smidgen of the publicity and hype that woke books get.
They don't get picked by Oprah, or go on "books to watch for" on various publications, etc.
So if we want more non woke books, let's spread the news on upcoming books.
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at June 18, 2023 09:24 AM (vHIgi)
41
Just added "What an Owl Knows: The New Science of the World's Most Enigmatic Birds' to my wishlist because owls are cool.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at June 18, 2023 09:25 AM (9yUzE)
42
Joe Pickett, CJ Box'x Wyoming game warden, should be on the dad list. Faithful and smarter than he looks, the Pickett family my favorite part of this series (which is now 24 books long, I think).
Posted by: Oglebay at June 18, 2023 09:25 AM (ogTiX)
43
It's sort of sci-fi, futuristic stuff I just can't wrap my head around it. I'll keep plugging along.
Posted by: jewells45 fuck cancer at June 18, 2023 09:23 AM (wagHN)
---
Time travel plots are among the most challenging stories to write. So don't be too surprised if your brain gets twisted around a bit.
They can also be a lot of fun as various paradoxes are explored.
Posted by: jewells45 fuck cancer at June 18, 2023 09:23 AM (wagHN)
---
Time travel plots are among the most challenging stories to write. So don't be too surprised if your brain gets twisted around a bit.
They can also be a lot of fun as various paradoxes are explored.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at June 18, 2023 09:25 AM (BpYfr)
44
I’ve been reading dry material in the name of Professional Military Education and decided to go after some books from the CSAF reading list. Oh what an exciting life I lead…
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at June 18, 2023 09:25 AM (odBp6)
45
It did leave me wondering . . . Great Man or Tides of History here? Did the Mongol conquest of most of Asia happen because Genghis was so personally awesome, or was there something hidden in Mongol birthrates and the rainfall patterns of the steppes that made the horde inevitable?
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 09:16 AM (QZxDR)
I believe both. Someone made a point somewhere - can't remember where I read it - that the whole modern world came about because of G. Washington. Now, one man can change a culture, and then the culture itself can influence other cultures, by conquest or by turning into something so attractive that others want to emulate it.
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 09:16 AM (QZxDR)
I believe both. Someone made a point somewhere - can't remember where I read it - that the whole modern world came about because of G. Washington. Now, one man can change a culture, and then the culture itself can influence other cultures, by conquest or by turning into something so attractive that others want to emulate it.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at June 18, 2023 09:25 AM (Angsy)
46
My Zoom book club is reading Murderbot novellas. We finished the second, Artificial Condition by Martha Wells.
I like the stories and I like the writing. I would like them to be longer but you get what you get.
I like the stories and I like the writing. I would like them to be longer but you get what you get.
Posted by: blaster at June 18, 2023 09:26 AM (vVVF8)
47
Martha Wells has a new book out this month
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at June 18, 2023 09:27 AM (vHIgi)
48
Great Man or Tides of History here? Did the Mongol conquest of most of Asia happen because Genghis was so personally awesome, or was there something hidden in Mongol birthrates and the rainfall patterns of the steppes that made the horde inevitable?
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 09:16 AM (QZxDR)
Something of both. Yeah I know. The Mongols were going to concur regardless. But when put in a Genghis...
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 09:16 AM (QZxDR)
Something of both. Yeah I know. The Mongols were going to concur regardless. But when put in a Genghis...
Posted by: JmT at June 18, 2023 09:29 AM (WRAWm)
Posted by: BignJames at June 18, 2023 09:30 AM (AwYPR)
50
Oglebay, I concur on Joe Pickett as a great dad example. I've been trying to think of books I've read recently with great dads, and came up empty. Of course, Nick Angriff in the Last Brigade, but before that....
...I read a book where the murderer dad let his son get arrested for the murders, so he didn't qualify.
...I read a book where the murderer dad let his son get arrested for the murders, so he didn't qualify.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at June 18, 2023 09:30 AM (OX9vb)
51
They can also be a lot of fun as various paradoxes are explored.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at June 18, 2023 09:25 AM (BpYfr)
So, Hitler - who just wanted to be a painter - goes back in time to kill Hitler.... Take it from there!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at June 18, 2023 09:25 AM (BpYfr)
So, Hitler - who just wanted to be a painter - goes back in time to kill Hitler.... Take it from there!
Posted by: OrangeEnt at June 18, 2023 09:31 AM (Angsy)
52
Perfessor, yeah I will have read and re-read some parts. Have you read it?
Posted by: jewells45 fuck cancer at June 18, 2023 09:32 AM (wagHN)
53
Cormac McCarthy, dormit in pace.
The Igno-Daughter organized our own seminar on "Cormac McCarthy and the American Southwest."
We include Empire of the Summer Moon which I'm into now. It almost won the Pulitizer. It's about the Comanche who were such good horse warriors that they drove the Spanish and the Apaches to flee Texas. The US Army couldn't beat them in the field, which is why we nearly made the buffalo extinct. To me this is one of the darkest things that we ever did. but Manifest Destiny ....
The Igno-Daughter organized our own seminar on "Cormac McCarthy and the American Southwest."
We include Empire of the Summer Moon which I'm into now. It almost won the Pulitizer. It's about the Comanche who were such good horse warriors that they drove the Spanish and the Apaches to flee Texas. The US Army couldn't beat them in the field, which is why we nearly made the buffalo extinct. To me this is one of the darkest things that we ever did. but Manifest Destiny ....
Posted by: Ignoramus at June 18, 2023 09:32 AM (RqMSv)
54
I've read two Milam Case Lee books, The Suriname Job and The DC Job. It was a while back and I'm not good at remembering details except his boat is named The Ace of Spades and the books are fast paced. The main character has an interesting group of friends that play a role and reappear so there is some continuity but each book could be a stand alone.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at June 18, 2023 09:33 AM (t/2Uw)
55
It did leave me wondering . . . Great Man or Tides of History here? Did the Mongol conquest of most of Asia happen because Genghis was so personally awesome, or was there something hidden in Mongol birthrates and the rainfall patterns of the steppes that made the horde inevitable?
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 09:16 AM (QZxDR)
My Son-in-law studied, don't laugh, ancient tendrils in Mongolia to do estimations of the climate during the Mongol expansion. The Common Thinking based on no evidence is, of course, that bad climate forced the Horde West. Looking at the actual evidence, it is the complete opposite. An extended period of perfect weather meant more grass, more horses, healthier people, more sons, and a need to expand to keep them occupied.
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 09:16 AM (QZxDR)
My Son-in-law studied, don't laugh, ancient tendrils in Mongolia to do estimations of the climate during the Mongol expansion. The Common Thinking based on no evidence is, of course, that bad climate forced the Horde West. Looking at the actual evidence, it is the complete opposite. An extended period of perfect weather meant more grass, more horses, healthier people, more sons, and a need to expand to keep them occupied.
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at June 18, 2023 09:33 AM (aD39U)
56
It's interesting that many "father figures" under discussion would in my culture fill a different niche: that of The Rav, the teacher who acts as a spiritual father, often to many at once. As the Mishnah has it, your father brings you into this world, and your rav/rabbi brings you into the next one. Diving back into my own reading history, my favorite examples of both, working together, come from Kipling's Jungle Books: Akela, leader of the Seonee Pack, who does his duty by all his community's pups (especially the weird adopted one), and who is proven right when the next generation falls prey to the false promises of a foreign tyrant (and a cat at that!); and Baloo, who teaches the Law of Jungle to them with gentleness and patience.
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at June 18, 2023 09:33 AM (SPNTN)
Posted by: Skip at June 18, 2023 09:34 AM (xhxe8)
58
I'm only a little over 10% through Oswald Spengler's "The Decline of the West" and it is not what I expected. I thought there would be a discussion of trends in Western society that would result in its demise unless the author's list of fundamental changes were expeditiously adopted. Instead, it's a difficult discussion of the inevitable path from culture/growth to civilization/stagnation and decline. I am concerned that this is not going to be a fun book.
Posted by: Oglebay at June 18, 2023 09:35 AM (ogTiX)
59
Vol. 5 of Caro’s LBJ biography. Want to read of Lyndon’s deathbed confession to Kennedy’s assassination.
Posted by: BuzzyKrumhunger at June 18, 2023 09:24 AM (lh/+L)
Vol. 8 written by Caro's descendants about LBJ's descendants is going to a barn burner.
Posted by: BuzzyKrumhunger at June 18, 2023 09:24 AM (lh/+L)
Vol. 8 written by Caro's descendants about LBJ's descendants is going to a barn burner.
Posted by: JmT at June 18, 2023 09:35 AM (WRAWm)
60
This leads into the story of Quanah Parker -- the Last Comanche -- who was already on my list of Americans who should be famous but aren't. The Comanche routinely wiped out white settlers, and savagely so, but would take girls as captives. One was Quanah's mother. In time he became the leader of the Comanche until they were no more.
We've started Blood Meridian. It's very Faulkner and Cormac uses archaic words to invoke the times. It's based on the Glanton gang, scalp hunters who massacred Indians along the border in the late 1840s for bounty and sadistic pleasure. Cormac went to lengths to get the history right. It's so brutal that several attempts to make a movie of it have failed.
Then its the book and movie No Country For Old Men
We've started Blood Meridian. It's very Faulkner and Cormac uses archaic words to invoke the times. It's based on the Glanton gang, scalp hunters who massacred Indians along the border in the late 1840s for bounty and sadistic pleasure. Cormac went to lengths to get the history right. It's so brutal that several attempts to make a movie of it have failed.
Then its the book and movie No Country For Old Men
Posted by: Ignoramus at June 18, 2023 09:36 AM (RqMSv)
61
Although not the father of either of the other main characters (though he is Richard's grandfather), I've always like Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander as a father figure in the Sword of Truth series. He gives tough advice, encouragement when needed, and genuinely cares about his companions.
Posted by: She Hobbit (at the base of Mount Doom) at June 18, 2023 09:36 AM (qrBqz)
62
In Richard Bradford's Red Sky at Morning, a WWII-era coming-of-age story, narrator and teen Josh's father is not on stage for most of the story. He's present in flashbacks, and since he's joined the Navy to fight the Japanese, his remaining appearances are through letters to Josh -- often very funny ones, but featuring solid advice. He's an excellent father figure.
So is Inspector Richard Queen, Ellery's father, in the Ellery Queen mystery series. Yes, Ellery exasperates him from time to time. Clearly, though, they love and trust each other. And equally clearly, widower Richard raised Ellery to be a fine strong man. (Ellery, on being the son of a cop: "I was weaned on gun oil and cut my teeth on a nightstick.")
So is Inspector Richard Queen, Ellery's father, in the Ellery Queen mystery series. Yes, Ellery exasperates him from time to time. Clearly, though, they love and trust each other. And equally clearly, widower Richard raised Ellery to be a fine strong man. (Ellery, on being the son of a cop: "I was weaned on gun oil and cut my teeth on a nightstick.")
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 18, 2023 09:36 AM (omVj0)
63
Martha Wells has a new book out this month
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at June 18, 2023 09:27 AM (vHIgi)
That seems a bit tedious to me. Gotta have some variety. Don't want to go to the wells one too many times you know....
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at June 18, 2023 09:27 AM (vHIgi)
That seems a bit tedious to me. Gotta have some variety. Don't want to go to the wells one too many times you know....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at June 18, 2023 09:37 AM (Angsy)
64
56: wouldn’t be the first time. Look at the Vikings.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at June 18, 2023 09:37 AM (odBp6)
65
I just finished consulting one of my favorite reference books:
"Smokin' With Myron Mixon", which is acclaimed BBQ champion Myron Mixon's first BBQ tome. Worth the price just for the basic sauce and glaze recipes.
On the home stretch reading AH Lloyd's "Long Live Death". Excellento.
This being Father's Day, I strongly recommend TJM's historical novel "The Battle of Lake Erie". I think it's the perfect book for fathers to read to their children. Quite inspiring.
"Smokin' With Myron Mixon", which is acclaimed BBQ champion Myron Mixon's first BBQ tome. Worth the price just for the basic sauce and glaze recipes.
On the home stretch reading AH Lloyd's "Long Live Death". Excellento.
This being Father's Day, I strongly recommend TJM's historical novel "The Battle of Lake Erie". I think it's the perfect book for fathers to read to their children. Quite inspiring.
Posted by: mrp at June 18, 2023 09:38 AM (rj6Yv)
66
61: the town of Quanah, TX is named for him. (Copper Breaks State Park, 10 miles south, Features some good hiking trails.)
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at June 18, 2023 09:38 AM (odBp6)
67
I picked up my holds from the library yesterday:
Fabulous Feasts: Medieval Cookery and Ceremony, by Madeleine Pelner Cosman.
Shards of Earth, by Adrian Tchaikovsky. I don't usually care much for science fiction, but you all like this author so much that I have to give it a shot.
Fabulous Feasts: Medieval Cookery and Ceremony, by Madeleine Pelner Cosman.
Shards of Earth, by Adrian Tchaikovsky. I don't usually care much for science fiction, but you all like this author so much that I have to give it a shot.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at June 18, 2023 09:39 AM (OX9vb)
Posted by: pawn at June 18, 2023 09:39 AM (wsHtO)
69
Started a number of books but didn't get far, just a few pages. Reasons? Varied but here's some:
writing style - too puerile; cumbersome; too many characters introduced 'at once'; attempts at period language mannerisms.
atmosphere - too negative at the start - too many bad things.
writing style - too puerile; cumbersome; too many characters introduced 'at once'; attempts at period language mannerisms.
atmosphere - too negative at the start - too many bad things.
Posted by: Ciampino - When I think about books, I touch my shelf-Ace at June 18, 2023 09:39 AM (qfLjt)
70
61: the town of Quanah, TX is named for him. (Copper Breaks State Park, 10 miles south, Features some good hiking trails.)
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at June 18, 2023
***
I drove through Quanah in May 2014 on my way back from Palo Duro Canyon. Not coincidentally, I took Empire of the Summer Moon with me on the trip.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at June 18, 2023
***
I drove through Quanah in May 2014 on my way back from Palo Duro Canyon. Not coincidentally, I took Empire of the Summer Moon with me on the trip.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 18, 2023 09:40 AM (omVj0)
71
Hello book freaks!
I've been enjoying Loren Estleman's Valentino mysteries. Really funny and well written, and not herniatic door stops.
I've been enjoying Loren Estleman's Valentino mysteries. Really funny and well written, and not herniatic door stops.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at June 18, 2023 09:40 AM (bRS4d)
72
25 ... Damn it, Wolfus. I wish you would stop recommending Loren Estleman books. I have several and enjoyed all of them. I don't want to take the time to read his many books. Too many other things to read. But I can feel my stern resolve weakening even as I write this. He is too entertaining an author to ignore. SIGH!
Posted by: JTB at June 18, 2023 09:41 AM (7EjX1)
73
So if the Army is renaming bases which once honored Confederate leaders, on the pretext that those men fought against the USA, how can they justify naming things after American Indian tribes who also fought against the USA?
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 09:41 AM (QZxDR)
74
wouldn’t be the first time. Look at the Vikings.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at June 18, 2023 09:37 AM (odBp6)
Exactly. The Scandinavians were about 200 years into recovering from a mass disease die-off of the population that killed between 1/3 and 1/2 of the population. That meant plenty of farmland and food for the surviving population. So, they got tall and strong and numerous, noticeably larger and healthier than the continental peasants.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at June 18, 2023 09:37 AM (odBp6)
Exactly. The Scandinavians were about 200 years into recovering from a mass disease die-off of the population that killed between 1/3 and 1/2 of the population. That meant plenty of farmland and food for the surviving population. So, they got tall and strong and numerous, noticeably larger and healthier than the continental peasants.
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at June 18, 2023 09:43 AM (aD39U)
75
That seems a bit tedious to me. Gotta have some variety. Don't want to go to the wells one too many times you know....
Posted by: OrangeEnt
Actually it is a new fantasy- Witch King
Btw Orange, I am sorry I haven't had a chance to read your story. Been super busy adjusting to the new job
Posted by: OrangeEnt
Actually it is a new fantasy- Witch King
Btw Orange, I am sorry I haven't had a chance to read your story. Been super busy adjusting to the new job
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at June 18, 2023 09:44 AM (vHIgi)
76
Yay! A new Vince Milam book! That'll get burned through in one long night...
Reading through the works of Patrick K. O'Donnell. In particular, the tales of the men battling across the Pacific are not too terribly different than the horrors described in the book on the Ottomans besieging Malta, the difference being that the Americans were not ready for and not even comprehending of the savagery and evil of their enemy. The shock of this, and memory of it, was in many cases never spoken of. Very worthy books.
Reading through the works of Patrick K. O'Donnell. In particular, the tales of the men battling across the Pacific are not too terribly different than the horrors described in the book on the Ottomans besieging Malta, the difference being that the Americans were not ready for and not even comprehending of the savagery and evil of their enemy. The shock of this, and memory of it, was in many cases never spoken of. Very worthy books.
Posted by: Brewingfrog at June 18, 2023 09:44 AM (DXJR1)
77
So if the Army is renaming bases which once honored Confederate leaders, on the pretext that those men fought against the USA, how can they justify naming things after American Indian tribes who also fought against the USA?
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 09:41 AM (QZxDR)
C'mon Trim, racism only goes one way, white-bad.
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 09:41 AM (QZxDR)
C'mon Trim, racism only goes one way, white-bad.
Posted by: JmT at June 18, 2023 09:46 AM (WRAWm)
78
"Not herniatic door stops"
Haven't read Estleman but have heard good things about him, but the door stop thing hits home.
William Goldman told of a conversation he once had with George Roy Hill re movies. Hill said "If you can't tell your story in an hour and forty minutes, you'd better be David Lean." There should maybe be a similar principle in operation for novels. Something like, "If you can't tell your story in 300 pages, you'd better be Dickens, James, or Tolstoy." I dimly recall that someone (can't remember who) once commented that a book over a thousand pages should probably be regarded as a criminal offense.
Haven't read Estleman but have heard good things about him, but the door stop thing hits home.
William Goldman told of a conversation he once had with George Roy Hill re movies. Hill said "If you can't tell your story in an hour and forty minutes, you'd better be David Lean." There should maybe be a similar principle in operation for novels. Something like, "If you can't tell your story in 300 pages, you'd better be Dickens, James, or Tolstoy." I dimly recall that someone (can't remember who) once commented that a book over a thousand pages should probably be regarded as a criminal offense.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at June 18, 2023 09:46 AM (a/4+U)
79
I've been enjoying Loren Estleman's Valentino mysteries. Really funny and well written, and not herniatic door stops.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at June 18, 2023
***
I've just read the first in the series, Frames, and liked it quite a bit. It featured a much lighter touch than in most of his work.
I've been enjoying Loren Estleman's Valentino mysteries. Really funny and well written, and not herniatic door stops.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at June 18, 2023
***
I've just read the first in the series, Frames, and liked it quite a bit. It featured a much lighter touch than in most of his work.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 18, 2023 09:47 AM (omVj0)
80
Great Man or Tides of History here? Did the Mongol conquest of most of Asia happen because Genghis was so personally awesome, or was there something hidden in Mongol birthrates and the rainfall patterns of the steppes that made the horde inevitable?
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 09:16 AM (QZxDR)
Something of both. Yeah I know. The Mongols were going to concur regardless. But when put in a Genghis...
Posted by: JmT at June 18, 2023 09:29 AM (WRAWm)
----
Interesting question...
Would the Arabs have conquered the Middle East and North Africa for centuries if Mohammed hadn't led them down that path?
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 09:16 AM (QZxDR)
Something of both. Yeah I know. The Mongols were going to concur regardless. But when put in a Genghis...
Posted by: JmT at June 18, 2023 09:29 AM (WRAWm)
----
Interesting question...
Would the Arabs have conquered the Middle East and North Africa for centuries if Mohammed hadn't led them down that path?
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at June 18, 2023 09:47 AM (BpYfr)
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at June 18, 2023 09:47 AM (odBp6)
82
My copy of "Mere Christendom" by Doug Wilson is sitting at the post office because I was too lazy yesterday to pick it up. I'll post my assessment of it after I get the time to read it.
I was in Portland a couple of weeks ago, so I decided to swing by the west side Powell's in Beaverton. I didn't have enough extra ammo to gamble on a trip to the downtown Portland mothership. Anyway, I found a used paperback copy of the Discourses of Epictetus. Again, it's been a busy week, so no reading for me outside of what was required for work.
Today is motorcycle riding day; maybe tomorrow I'll crack the spine on a book (if I don't crack my spine on the bike today!). Happy Father's Day, Patriarchs of the Horde!
I was in Portland a couple of weeks ago, so I decided to swing by the west side Powell's in Beaverton. I didn't have enough extra ammo to gamble on a trip to the downtown Portland mothership. Anyway, I found a used paperback copy of the Discourses of Epictetus. Again, it's been a busy week, so no reading for me outside of what was required for work.
Today is motorcycle riding day; maybe tomorrow I'll crack the spine on a book (if I don't crack my spine on the bike today!). Happy Father's Day, Patriarchs of the Horde!
Posted by: PabloD at June 18, 2023 09:48 AM (VZKiD)
83
"if the Army is renaming bases which once honored Confederate leaders,"
These base names have taken on secondary meaning over the years much greater than the identity of the now obscure Confederates they were originally named for. That's what's getting lost ....
These base names have taken on secondary meaning over the years much greater than the identity of the now obscure Confederates they were originally named for. That's what's getting lost ....
Posted by: Ignoramus at June 18, 2023 09:49 AM (RqMSv)
84
79: Mad Magazine, many moons ago, proposed a law be written that if Stephen King writes another book the length of The Stand (he did repeatedly of course), he would have to donate a percentage of his royalties to the National Arbor Day Foundation or some such organization.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at June 18, 2023 09:50 AM (odBp6)
85
I get paid more than $160 to $200 per hour for working online.
I guess this means you've hit the big time, Perfessor. You rate your own work-from-home spammers. Congrats.
I guess this means you've hit the big time, Perfessor. You rate your own work-from-home spammers. Congrats.
Posted by: Oddbob at June 18, 2023 09:50 AM (nfrXX)
86
Yay book thread! I'm still chipping away at Saunders' biography of Ford Madox Ford, and for Fathers Day let's talk about what an awful father he was.
Well, maybe not. Anyway, Ford was absolutely a narcissist and I'm at the point where his wife gathers the evidence, law and such to divorce him, and then refuses to do so. He never does get divorced, so can never remarry.
He frets over his daughters, but not enough to stop cheating on their mother and the biggest reason why he dropped into obscurity is that his wife and kids loathed him. It wasn't until Graham Greene decided to resurrect his works and had them republished in the 1950s and 60s that his reputation started to recover.
For those wondering why they should care, The Good Soldier is widely praised for being a wild rollercoaster of narration; the Parade's End trilogy has two film adaptations, and if you care about Edwardian/Interwar English literature, he knew just about everyone (and at one point pissed each one of them off).
Learning a lot about H.G. Wells, Joseph Conrad, Henry James, Ezra Pound, etc.
Well, maybe not. Anyway, Ford was absolutely a narcissist and I'm at the point where his wife gathers the evidence, law and such to divorce him, and then refuses to do so. He never does get divorced, so can never remarry.
He frets over his daughters, but not enough to stop cheating on their mother and the biggest reason why he dropped into obscurity is that his wife and kids loathed him. It wasn't until Graham Greene decided to resurrect his works and had them republished in the 1950s and 60s that his reputation started to recover.
For those wondering why they should care, The Good Soldier is widely praised for being a wild rollercoaster of narration; the Parade's End trilogy has two film adaptations, and if you care about Edwardian/Interwar English literature, he knew just about everyone (and at one point pissed each one of them off).
Learning a lot about H.G. Wells, Joseph Conrad, Henry James, Ezra Pound, etc.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 09:51 AM (llXky)
87
Concur, good book: 'What an Owl Knows', listening to it currently.
Since good portion of my reading is during driving commute, I've gotten into the habit of holding/borrowing most new nonfiction audio books that my library system acquires.
I have also acquired a valuable skill: dumping quickly books filled with b*llsh*t. This is more than half of new books library buys. (that should interest me) This week alone, spent less than half hour total on: Awe, Myth of Normal and Yellow Pad. YP by ex treasury sec, Robert Rubin should have known better, Jan 6 Insurrection lies from the start.
A mention of climate change is not automatic dump. Out of context CLIMATE CRISIS is. Obviously there are payments being made to authors or publishers who include these political fictions in their new books. The number of out of context references defies any other explanation.
Since good portion of my reading is during driving commute, I've gotten into the habit of holding/borrowing most new nonfiction audio books that my library system acquires.
I have also acquired a valuable skill: dumping quickly books filled with b*llsh*t. This is more than half of new books library buys. (that should interest me) This week alone, spent less than half hour total on: Awe, Myth of Normal and Yellow Pad. YP by ex treasury sec, Robert Rubin should have known better, Jan 6 Insurrection lies from the start.
A mention of climate change is not automatic dump. Out of context CLIMATE CRISIS is. Obviously there are payments being made to authors or publishers who include these political fictions in their new books. The number of out of context references defies any other explanation.
Posted by: InspiredHistoryMike at June 18, 2023 09:51 AM (cKlzO)
88
It's OK, but I wouldn't call it "great." There's not much of a plot to speak of, just Severian wandering from scene to scene, repeatedly encountering the same characters even as he meets new ones in his travels. I can see how it influenced later authors, just as Wolfe was influenced by earlier authors, but I just don't quite get the hype around this series.
Hey, Prof!
I think TBotNS's rep, and you being unimpressed is due to(partly due to) the fact that it's over 40 years old, but way back in 1981 when "The Shadow of the Torturer" came about, it seemed(was?) like nothing else.
I'd given up on fantasy at that point. Since LotR had blown me away, i'd read a lot of fantasy by then and most of what I'd read was crap or didn't stand up in comparison.
Wolfe also uses a technique that I like a lot, and that is: he doesn't necessarily explain what's going on. However, the info/hints/motivations are all there as you're reading and everything comes together at the end. You need to finish reading, I believe, to see if the story impresses or not.
So, the endpoint isn't baked into the cake from the beginning, and hopefully the story itself entertains.
YMMV.
Hey, Prof!
I think TBotNS's rep, and you being unimpressed is due to(partly due to) the fact that it's over 40 years old, but way back in 1981 when "The Shadow of the Torturer" came about, it seemed(was?) like nothing else.
I'd given up on fantasy at that point. Since LotR had blown me away, i'd read a lot of fantasy by then and most of what I'd read was crap or didn't stand up in comparison.
Wolfe also uses a technique that I like a lot, and that is: he doesn't necessarily explain what's going on. However, the info/hints/motivations are all there as you're reading and everything comes together at the end. You need to finish reading, I believe, to see if the story impresses or not.
So, the endpoint isn't baked into the cake from the beginning, and hopefully the story itself entertains.
YMMV.
Posted by: naturalfake at June 18, 2023 09:51 AM (fb7jX)
89
I get paid more than $160 to $200 per hour for working online.
I guess this means you've hit the big time, Perfessor. You rate your own work-from-home spammers. Congrats.
Posted by: Oddbob at June 18, 2023 09:50 AM (nfrXX)
----
The dirty little secret is I get a kickback...(not really)
I guess this means you've hit the big time, Perfessor. You rate your own work-from-home spammers. Congrats.
Posted by: Oddbob at June 18, 2023 09:50 AM (nfrXX)
----
The dirty little secret is I get a kickback...(not really)
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at June 18, 2023 09:52 AM (BpYfr)
90
There should maybe be a similar principle in operation for novels. Something like, "If you can't tell your story in 300 pages, you'd better be Dickens, James, or Tolstoy." I dimly recall that someone (can't remember who) once commented that a book over a thousand pages should probably be regarded as a criminal offense.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at June 18, 2023
***
Exactly. Goldman knew about that. His only super-long novel was Boys and Girls Together; it's utterly compelling. But his thrillers like Marathon Man and Magic are taut and compressed. And he knew how to write a movie to make it work: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is all his.
Goldman was a master of The One Line That Changes Everything. In Butch, if you recall, there's an early scene where Sundance is holding Etta Place at gunpoint and making her strip. We think we're about to watch a rape. And then she mutters to him, "Just once I wish you'd be on time!" and the whole tone of the scene changes. He used this in his novels too.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at June 18, 2023
***
Exactly. Goldman knew about that. His only super-long novel was Boys and Girls Together; it's utterly compelling. But his thrillers like Marathon Man and Magic are taut and compressed. And he knew how to write a movie to make it work: Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid is all his.
Goldman was a master of The One Line That Changes Everything. In Butch, if you recall, there's an early scene where Sundance is holding Etta Place at gunpoint and making her strip. We think we're about to watch a rape. And then she mutters to him, "Just once I wish you'd be on time!" and the whole tone of the scene changes. He used this in his novels too.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 18, 2023 09:52 AM (omVj0)
91
There were rumors earlier this week that the Perfessor was going to saddle up and go riding after the persistent non-pants wearing scofflaws (and you know who you are) in the Book Thread, after he was heard shouting "I'm coming after you, you hear me?? And Hades is coming with me!!!!!"
Well, that may happen some day, but today is apparently not that day.
Well, that may happen some day, but today is apparently not that day.
Posted by: Duncanthrax at June 18, 2023 09:53 AM (a3Q+t)
92
Am I the first to get through Colonial Nightmare?
Posted by: Skip at June 18, 2023 09:53 AM (xhxe8)
93
71: Palo Duro, and its red-headed stepchild, Caprock Canyons State Park, are each an hour’s drive from my house. Right now Palo Duro is for all intents and purposes, closed due to flooding as we have had a lot of rain lately.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at June 18, 2023 09:54 AM (odBp6)
94
These base names have taken on secondary meaning over the years much greater than the identity of the now obscure Confederates they were originally named for. That's what's getting lost ....
Posted by: Ignoramus at June 18, 2023 09:49 AM (RqMSv)
---
They're doing what the Second Spanish Republic did: abolish the existing army and create a new revolutionary one from scratch. Rename the ranks, rename the bases, change the values.
Posted by: Ignoramus at June 18, 2023 09:49 AM (RqMSv)
---
They're doing what the Second Spanish Republic did: abolish the existing army and create a new revolutionary one from scratch. Rename the ranks, rename the bases, change the values.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 09:54 AM (llXky)
95
I finished "Honey From the Rock: Sixteen Jews Find the Sweetness of Christ" by Roy Schoeman. Very inspiring. It must be noted that most of them had theophanies: personal visitations from either Our Lady or Our Lord.
I am now reading his "Salvation Is From the Jews: The role of Judaism in Salvation History from Abraham to the Second Coming." Wow. Just wow.
If you think that the pederasts are mentally ill, consider instead that many are demonically possessed. It happened before, with Nazis in Germany.
I am now reading his "Salvation Is From the Jews: The role of Judaism in Salvation History from Abraham to the Second Coming." Wow. Just wow.
If you think that the pederasts are mentally ill, consider instead that many are demonically possessed. It happened before, with Nazis in Germany.
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at June 18, 2023 09:54 AM (vg8N1)
96
Btw Orange, I am sorry I haven't had a chance to read your story. Been super busy adjusting to the new job
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at June 18, 2023 09:44 AM (vHIgi)
No problem, I've revised it btw....
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at June 18, 2023 09:44 AM (vHIgi)
No problem, I've revised it btw....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at June 18, 2023 09:55 AM (Angsy)
97
I really do wish Long Live Death wasn't so damn relevant to US politics right now.
Once you see it, you can't unsee it, though.
Once you see it, you can't unsee it, though.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 09:55 AM (llXky)
98
Would the Arabs have conquered the Middle East and North Africa for centuries if Mohammed hadn't led them down that path?
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at June 18, 2023 09:47 AM (BpYfr)
Short answer; yes. Again like with Genghis but probably to a lesser extant. The ingredients were there for both and it took a great chef to create a masterpiece.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at June 18, 2023 09:47 AM (BpYfr)
Short answer; yes. Again like with Genghis but probably to a lesser extant. The ingredients were there for both and it took a great chef to create a masterpiece.
Posted by: JmT at June 18, 2023 09:55 AM (WRAWm)
99
Posted by: naturalfake at June 18, 2023 09:51 AM (fb7jX)
---
Those are all fair points, I think. However, there are contemporaries of Wolfe like Michael Moorcock and Tanith Lee who write in a similar style, but whose works I enjoy much better.
---
Those are all fair points, I think. However, there are contemporaries of Wolfe like Michael Moorcock and Tanith Lee who write in a similar style, but whose works I enjoy much better.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at June 18, 2023 09:55 AM (BpYfr)
100
Palo Duro, and its red-headed stepchild, Caprock Canyons State Park, are each an hour’s drive from my house. Right now Palo Duro is for all intents and purposes, closed due to flooding as we have had a lot of rain lately.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at June 18, 2023
***
I haven't heard of Caprock. But most people I've spoken to have never heard of Palo Duro either.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at June 18, 2023
***
I haven't heard of Caprock. But most people I've spoken to have never heard of Palo Duro either.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 18, 2023 09:56 AM (omVj0)
101
If I nip out to the store while it's still hazy and the sun hasn't begun to scorch us, it'll be better all around, and I can be back shortly.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 18, 2023 09:57 AM (omVj0)
102
"abolish the existing army and create a new revolutionary one from scratch."
Our new military will be like the French Foreign Legion, except working domestically.
Our new military will be like the French Foreign Legion, except working domestically.
Posted by: Ignoramus at June 18, 2023 09:57 AM (RqMSv)
103
So, the thing with Wolfe is that reading the series is an ongoing revelation. The actions and occurrences are initially meaningless but take on more and more meaning as the story progresses and one reflects back on them.
To me, it's mannerism. Wolfe succeeds because he is incredibly skilled. And it really does become clearer and clearer as the reader progresses. But I find it tedious despite having read the series 3 times! Hahahah.
The experience quite literally and intentionally complete mystification slowly resolving itself.
I mean, Wolfe wrote a whole series about an amnesiac Roman mercenary who forgets what happened the day before. It's an absurd tour de force of style.
Now, what revelation lies at the end of Severian's story? It looks to me like the Cabala. Seriously. Cabbalistic "Angelic" beings. *shrug*
I am reluctant to recommend books but the aurhor R A Lafferty mines the same material as Wolfe but is sylistically the opposite. Lafferty is dense and short. I think even more esoteric and erudite. But Lafferty will do in one short story or scene what Wolfe does in 800pgs.
To me, it's mannerism. Wolfe succeeds because he is incredibly skilled. And it really does become clearer and clearer as the reader progresses. But I find it tedious despite having read the series 3 times! Hahahah.
The experience quite literally and intentionally complete mystification slowly resolving itself.
I mean, Wolfe wrote a whole series about an amnesiac Roman mercenary who forgets what happened the day before. It's an absurd tour de force of style.
Now, what revelation lies at the end of Severian's story? It looks to me like the Cabala. Seriously. Cabbalistic "Angelic" beings. *shrug*
I am reluctant to recommend books but the aurhor R A Lafferty mines the same material as Wolfe but is sylistically the opposite. Lafferty is dense and short. I think even more esoteric and erudite. But Lafferty will do in one short story or scene what Wolfe does in 800pgs.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 09:59 AM (7fCUo)
104
The Arab conquests always seemed like Tides of History to me: the Romans and Persians had fought each other to exhaustion so there was a big power vacuum. Maybe without Muhammad you'd have seen smaller, disunited Arab groups swarming into Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Persia and setting up new kingdoms analogous to what the German tribes did in western Europe. Some of them might have adopted the state identity of the conquered regions, so you'd have a Christian Arab "Pharaoh" ruling in Alexandria during the Middle Ages.
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 09:59 AM (QZxDR)
105
Well no doubt illegals could fill spaces in the US military like the French Foreign Legion
Posted by: Skip at June 18, 2023 09:59 AM (xhxe8)
106
Went to the open house at my little local airport. Lots of fun for the grands. The got to sit in a sea plane and play with the control sticks, climb on military equipment. They had a blast.
I on the otherhand found a massive aviation library in one of the bitchenist hangars I have ever seen. I didn't take any pics out of respect but the SIL of the owner let me in to look a the books.
Orriginal manuals for WW2 fighters and bombers in temp controlled inert gas glass casses. Lots of flight logs and such from WW2. I was in awe. I also found my new best friend but he doesn't know it yet.
Also got my application for joining the local militaria collector group. The just bought an M548a2 and need a mechanic/driver and someone to figure out why their new HMMVEE is stuck in limp home mode.
So last night I spent a couple of hours reading through everything I could dig up on GM transmissions. I figure this is the best way to try and gain access to that library. I'll honorably work my way in.
I on the otherhand found a massive aviation library in one of the bitchenist hangars I have ever seen. I didn't take any pics out of respect but the SIL of the owner let me in to look a the books.
Orriginal manuals for WW2 fighters and bombers in temp controlled inert gas glass casses. Lots of flight logs and such from WW2. I was in awe. I also found my new best friend but he doesn't know it yet.
Also got my application for joining the local militaria collector group. The just bought an M548a2 and need a mechanic/driver and someone to figure out why their new HMMVEE is stuck in limp home mode.
So last night I spent a couple of hours reading through everything I could dig up on GM transmissions. I figure this is the best way to try and gain access to that library. I'll honorably work my way in.
Posted by: Reforger at June 18, 2023 10:00 AM (B705c)
107
83: check out Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road by the world renowned Canadian poet and percussionist Neil E. Pearl. Having lost his daughter in August 1997 and his wife in July 1998, he goes on a short motorcycle trip from Quebec to the far north of Yukon. Then on to AK, the western U.S., Mexico, Belize, different parts of Canada, and so on. (And if you Rush fans haven’t read this yet consider this book required reading.). I think he rode 55,000 miles on his BMW motorcycle, all told. It’s tough, especially in the beginning, but it gets better. And it ends on a high note.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at June 18, 2023 10:01 AM (odBp6)
108
Wolfus --
Agree completely re Goldman's Boys and Girl's Together. A long book that doesn't feel long at all, and a favorite of mine for decades. Agree on his others too -- all of 'em lean mean story machines.
If I stuck rigidly to a 300-page limit in my reading, I'd have missed some awfully good stuff (Don Robertson's work, for instance). But I do find these days that I simply don't want to start a new series or pick up a really long novel by a writer I haven't already read, any more than I want to sit through a new movie with a running time much over two hours.
Agree completely re Goldman's Boys and Girl's Together. A long book that doesn't feel long at all, and a favorite of mine for decades. Agree on his others too -- all of 'em lean mean story machines.
If I stuck rigidly to a 300-page limit in my reading, I'd have missed some awfully good stuff (Don Robertson's work, for instance). But I do find these days that I simply don't want to start a new series or pick up a really long novel by a writer I haven't already read, any more than I want to sit through a new movie with a running time much over two hours.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at June 18, 2023 10:02 AM (a/4+U)
109
I *loooove* being a dad. It's the most fun you can have with your clothes on. Father's Day is an odd holiday in that regard - it's like if Hallmark made up a marketing-scheme holiday to celebrate America's lottery jackpot winners. The thing is sort of its own reward.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at June 18, 2023 10:02 AM (oINRc)
110
Pawn, The Suriname Job is book 1. Had to go back and check.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at June 18, 2023 10:03 AM (t/2Uw)
111
Nosotros hablamos espanol!
La legion es nuestra patria!
La legion es nuestra patria!
Posted by: PabloD at June 18, 2023 10:04 AM (VZKiD)
112
Interesting question...
Would the Arabs have conquered the Middle East and North Africa for centuries if Mohammed hadn't led them down that path?
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at June 18, 2023 09:47 AM (BpYfr)
---
The answer is "yes," because Mohammed did not exist until later. If you want to dive down that rabbit hole, try the Hidden Origins of Islam. Not for the faint of heart or someone who doesn't speak a bunch of disparate languages.
Still, it's a pretty convincing argument that the "Muslim Conquest" was really a heretical Christian Arab rebellion against Constantinople. The heresy developed to the point where it broke from Christianity altogether, and the later Caliphs were the real conquerors.
Would the Arabs have conquered the Middle East and North Africa for centuries if Mohammed hadn't led them down that path?
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at June 18, 2023 09:47 AM (BpYfr)
---
The answer is "yes," because Mohammed did not exist until later. If you want to dive down that rabbit hole, try the Hidden Origins of Islam. Not for the faint of heart or someone who doesn't speak a bunch of disparate languages.
Still, it's a pretty convincing argument that the "Muslim Conquest" was really a heretical Christian Arab rebellion against Constantinople. The heresy developed to the point where it broke from Christianity altogether, and the later Caliphs were the real conquerors.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 10:05 AM (llXky)
113
Our new military will be like the French Foreign Legion, except working domestically.
Posted by: Ignoramus at June 18, 2023 09:57 AM (RqMSv)
---
No, because the French Foreign Legion is patriarchal and ruthlessly disciplined.
The left craves a People's Army without ranks, inspired by rainbow flags and the Current Thing.
Posted by: Ignoramus at June 18, 2023 09:57 AM (RqMSv)
---
No, because the French Foreign Legion is patriarchal and ruthlessly disciplined.
The left craves a People's Army without ranks, inspired by rainbow flags and the Current Thing.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 10:07 AM (llXky)
114
101: if you are ever out that way again, hit Caprock Canyons. Many locals will argue that it is better than Palo Duro.
I work with a guy whose wife was part of a local civic organization in Amarillo. Back in the day they would set up shop on rest areas near Amarillo on I-27, US 87/287 and I-40, encouraging people to stay in the area to see what it had to offer, even offering to pay for a night’s hotel stay and a tour of the area. When those who took them up on the offer were shown Palo Duro, they freaked out, as no one was expecting to see something like that on the featureless expanse of the plains of the TX Panhandle.
I work with a guy whose wife was part of a local civic organization in Amarillo. Back in the day they would set up shop on rest areas near Amarillo on I-27, US 87/287 and I-40, encouraging people to stay in the area to see what it had to offer, even offering to pay for a night’s hotel stay and a tour of the area. When those who took them up on the offer were shown Palo Duro, they freaked out, as no one was expecting to see something like that on the featureless expanse of the plains of the TX Panhandle.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at June 18, 2023 10:07 AM (odBp6)
115
Not for the faint of heart or someone who doesn't speak a bunch of disparate languages.
------
Why did he write the book in several different languages? That's a bizarre choice for an author, particularly a nonfiction author.
------
Why did he write the book in several different languages? That's a bizarre choice for an author, particularly a nonfiction author.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at June 18, 2023 10:08 AM (oINRc)
116
Wolfe and Lafferty are both nominally Catholic. Both are avowedly Post-Modern. Both are fascinated by the esoteric undercurrents of history. Both know seemingly impossible amounts about occult traditions and the "secret history".
Their writing is closer to Rudolf Steiner and Rene Guenon and Blavatsky and whatever the Nazis were looking for in Tibet and Antarctica than anything else.
They are very much NOT Nazis and not Blavatsky or Steiner either. Quite close to Guenon. But the things those ppl were talking about are what Wolfe and Lafferty are talking about.
Alchemists, Masons, Templars, Angelic beings, Secret Masters, Occulted Knowledge, Quests for Immortality, Ancient Ancient pre-Ice Age Civs and where does Christianity fit in...
Their writing is closer to Rudolf Steiner and Rene Guenon and Blavatsky and whatever the Nazis were looking for in Tibet and Antarctica than anything else.
They are very much NOT Nazis and not Blavatsky or Steiner either. Quite close to Guenon. But the things those ppl were talking about are what Wolfe and Lafferty are talking about.
Alchemists, Masons, Templars, Angelic beings, Secret Masters, Occulted Knowledge, Quests for Immortality, Ancient Ancient pre-Ice Age Civs and where does Christianity fit in...
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 10:08 AM (7fCUo)
117
Happy Fathers Day, Morons! Don't laugh, but I've finally begun reading Moby Dick as I approach the 23rd anniversary of my 29th.birthday. My Dad had a unique career as a (non-hobby) farmer and high school teacher of English/World literature. I remember him once conversing with a friend who asked if he taught Moby Dick in class. He replied "oh no - young people don't deserve to read Moby Dick". That evidently left a mark on my mind.... but I now understand what he meant. Yesterday I had to pause and luxuriate in this phrase: ".....for there is no folly of the beasts of the earth which is not infinitely outdone by the madness of men." This maxim, like youth in general, would be wasted on the young.
Posted by: Matthew Kant Cipher at June 18, 2023 10:09 AM (QyWX+)
118
The left craves a People's Army without ranks, inspired by rainbow flags and the Current Thing.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 10:07 AM (llXky)
Without an industrial base but led by AI.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 10:07 AM (llXky)
Without an industrial base but led by AI.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 10:09 AM (7fCUo)
119
114: in other words, the Left aches for the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at June 18, 2023 10:12 AM (odBp6)
120
Why did he write the book in several different languages? That's a bizarre choice for an author, particularly a nonfiction author.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at June 18, 2023 10:08 AM (oINRc)
---
It is an anthology of essays by various authors (many using pseudonyms for obvious reasons) and they quote original texts, often without translating them because it's *that* level of scholarship.
The essays range from the fascinating to the utterly opaque. Studies of coin inscriptions, archeology, Aramaic turns of phrase and loan-words in the Koran all come into play.
Fun fact: the Koran has several words that Islamic scholars cannot figure out. Given that it was supposedly written as dictation by an Arab, it's a bit of a mystery, but the scholars push the notion that they are loan-words relating to Christian concepts.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at June 18, 2023 10:08 AM (oINRc)
---
It is an anthology of essays by various authors (many using pseudonyms for obvious reasons) and they quote original texts, often without translating them because it's *that* level of scholarship.
The essays range from the fascinating to the utterly opaque. Studies of coin inscriptions, archeology, Aramaic turns of phrase and loan-words in the Koran all come into play.
Fun fact: the Koran has several words that Islamic scholars cannot figure out. Given that it was supposedly written as dictation by an Arab, it's a bit of a mystery, but the scholars push the notion that they are loan-words relating to Christian concepts.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 10:13 AM (llXky)
121
Got around to Moby Dick in the early 80s. Riding the 'L' from Rogers Park to the job at Kroch's & Brentano's book store downtown Chicago and back. The commute time just flew by -- that book really is a good read. (May have to revisit that one some time soon, even if it is more than 300 pages...)
Posted by: Just Some Guy at June 18, 2023 10:14 AM (a/4+U)
122
I think it's easier to to understand the political terrain of Spain in the 1930s if one has studied Spain in the early 19th century just before the Napoleonic occupation. "The Spanish Ulcer" by David Gates is necessary reading for an insight on Spain's modern political development.
Posted by: mrp at June 18, 2023 10:14 AM (rj6Yv)
123
The left craves a People's Army without ranks, inspired by rainbow flags and the Current Thing.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author
It's funny... The Communists strove and struggled and failed to create the New Soviet Man, and the capitalist West was the one to achieve it.
Military considerations aside, we've managed to create a couple generations of bien pensant drones who unthinkingly accept received wisdom from the Party. Those of us who remember the old world ridicule them as NPCs and bugmen, but our new world belongs to them.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author
It's funny... The Communists strove and struggled and failed to create the New Soviet Man, and the capitalist West was the one to achieve it.
Military considerations aside, we've managed to create a couple generations of bien pensant drones who unthinkingly accept received wisdom from the Party. Those of us who remember the old world ridicule them as NPCs and bugmen, but our new world belongs to them.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at June 18, 2023 10:15 AM (oINRc)
124
in other words, the Left aches for the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at June 18, 2023 10:12 AM (odBp6)
---
Yes, and there were Biden/Pelosi Catholics in Spain as well. Vincente Rojo, chief of staff to Gen. Miaja, was an observant Catholic who regularly attended Mass (offered by one of the few surviving priests in Madrid).
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at June 18, 2023 10:12 AM (odBp6)
---
Yes, and there were Biden/Pelosi Catholics in Spain as well. Vincente Rojo, chief of staff to Gen. Miaja, was an observant Catholic who regularly attended Mass (offered by one of the few surviving priests in Madrid).
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 10:15 AM (llXky)
125
FYI
R A Lafferty was an honest to god redneck Okie alcoholic Catholic Irishman who was entirely self taught. He read at least 6 languages.
A post-Modern rightist ultra-Montanist Catholic.
R A Lafferty was an honest to god redneck Okie alcoholic Catholic Irishman who was entirely self taught. He read at least 6 languages.
A post-Modern rightist ultra-Montanist Catholic.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 10:15 AM (7fCUo)
126
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 10:13 AM (llXky
I see. An anthology makes more sense, lol.
I see. An anthology makes more sense, lol.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at June 18, 2023 10:16 AM (oINRc)
127
I think it's easier to to understand the political terrain of Spain in the 1930s if one has studied Spain in the early 19th century just before the Napoleonic occupation. "The Spanish Ulcer" by David Gates is necessary reading for an insight on Spain's modern political development.
Posted by: mrp at June 18, 2023 10:14 AM (rj6Yv)
---
Well, if you're Antony Beevor, you just blame the Spanish Inquisition.
Seriously, he wrote that in his book on the Spanish Civil War. Not a word about the treasure fleets, endless wars, Napoleonic turmoil, he just blames the Catholic Church. Zero respect for the man or his work.
Posted by: mrp at June 18, 2023 10:14 AM (rj6Yv)
---
Well, if you're Antony Beevor, you just blame the Spanish Inquisition.
Seriously, he wrote that in his book on the Spanish Civil War. Not a word about the treasure fleets, endless wars, Napoleonic turmoil, he just blames the Catholic Church. Zero respect for the man or his work.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 10:17 AM (llXky)
128
@59 Spengler is such a letdown because for one whole long generation he was taken to be the conservatives' intellectual. He's anything but.
Spengler is deterministic, as is the "Tytler cycle." There is no way to stop or get off the awful wheel. We are careening along despite ourselves or our best efforts.
There was a little cult of Spenglerians among the dumber teachers of my high school, many decades ago. Every year they'd have a little mandatory assembly and pass out mimeo copies of the Inevitable Bad Things to Come, and stand there acting like you were supposed to be inspired by it.
They were all Democrat union officials, of course.
Spengler is deterministic, as is the "Tytler cycle." There is no way to stop or get off the awful wheel. We are careening along despite ourselves or our best efforts.
There was a little cult of Spenglerians among the dumber teachers of my high school, many decades ago. Every year they'd have a little mandatory assembly and pass out mimeo copies of the Inevitable Bad Things to Come, and stand there acting like you were supposed to be inspired by it.
They were all Democrat union officials, of course.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at June 18, 2023 10:18 AM (jYCXf)
129
Beevor is the guy who did the whole every German woman was raped eleventy times by Russians thing, right?
London propagandist
London propagandist
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 10:19 AM (7fCUo)
130
Strong winds last night means no power today means phone uncharged means brief posting.
Happy Father's Day to those who qualify!
As far as fictional fathers, all I can think of is Fenton Hardy. He frequently does things with his sons, and he loads them with praise.
Happy Father's Day to those who qualify!
As far as fictional fathers, all I can think of is Fenton Hardy. He frequently does things with his sons, and he loads them with praise.
Posted by: Weak Geek at June 18, 2023 10:20 AM (9PdF6)
131
I am reluctant to recommend books but the aurhor R A Lafferty mines the same material as Wolfe but is sylistically the opposite. Lafferty is dense and short. I think even more esoteric and erudite. But Lafferty will do in one short story or scene what Wolfe does in 800pgs.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 09:59 AM (7fCUo)
It seems we're the only fans of R A Lafferty on this here blog. But, I think I'd disagree with your comparison of Lafferty and Wolfe. Apples and oranges.
Lafferty generally has very sharp points to make within a limited framework. The great thing about him is that he can (at least in his early work) make them in a very fun, very humorous way, very interesting. And in a way that you can totally ignore or not recognize and still enjoy the story.
Many of the later stories by Lafferty often have him winding ever tighter into a coil of "geddit?", that cripples the best parts of R A Lafferty the author: his humor, style, and the ability to surprise.
I would like to read Lafferty's one real attempt to write a "big" fantasy novel (series?) that initially began with his novel, "The Devil is Dead" and see how he does in that forum.(con't)
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 09:59 AM (7fCUo)
It seems we're the only fans of R A Lafferty on this here blog. But, I think I'd disagree with your comparison of Lafferty and Wolfe. Apples and oranges.
Lafferty generally has very sharp points to make within a limited framework. The great thing about him is that he can (at least in his early work) make them in a very fun, very humorous way, very interesting. And in a way that you can totally ignore or not recognize and still enjoy the story.
Many of the later stories by Lafferty often have him winding ever tighter into a coil of "geddit?", that cripples the best parts of R A Lafferty the author: his humor, style, and the ability to surprise.
I would like to read Lafferty's one real attempt to write a "big" fantasy novel (series?) that initially began with his novel, "The Devil is Dead" and see how he does in that forum.(con't)
Posted by: naturalfake at June 18, 2023 10:20 AM (fb7jX)
132
in other words, the Left aches for the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at June 18, 2023 10:12 AM (odBp6)
---
Always. The irony is that in the 1930s, at least a portion of the working class authentically supported the revolution. Now it's driven by urbanite, white-collar workers who think food is made by Amazon.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at June 18, 2023 10:12 AM (odBp6)
---
Always. The irony is that in the 1930s, at least a portion of the working class authentically supported the revolution. Now it's driven by urbanite, white-collar workers who think food is made by Amazon.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 10:21 AM (llXky)
133
I found a collection on Archive with piles of WWII government publications, unit histories, and all kinds of cool stuff, all linked together for hours of wasted time/valuable information!
So far my favorite is a more-or-less cartoon book, at least it is lavishly illustrated with cartoons, called 'The Punch Below The Belt', concerning what to do with 'surrendering' Japanese soldiers.
Yes, it's pretty much a cartoon book!
So far my favorite is a more-or-less cartoon book, at least it is lavishly illustrated with cartoons, called 'The Punch Below The Belt', concerning what to do with 'surrendering' Japanese soldiers.
Yes, it's pretty much a cartoon book!
Posted by: LenNeal at June 18, 2023 10:21 AM (43xH1)
134
Finally finished James A. Michener's Alaska. I've read 7 of his novels and enjoyed them all but Alaska was a challenge to finish. The tome is wordy, even for Michener, and when he spins a tale, it is detailed like no other. I skipped the first three sections on the geologic formation of Alaska, the mastadons and the first peoples across the Bering Strait and picked up the story in the days of the early explorers. The history of Alaska is fascinating and I have a new appreciation for the early settlers, both pioneer and indigenous. The land was plundered and largely ungovernable when the Russians were in charge but some civilized and religious progress was made. Once the vast wilderness was purchased by the U.S., plundering expanded and further progress was first squandered in favor of corruption by a small cabal of Seattle businessmen (and their D.C. lobbyists). A distant and disinterested government has been a constant problem and continues today. The indigenous peoples were ignored and shoved to the side, labeled as too ignorant to decide their own future. I now need the history on Alaska from 1988 to present to be fully informed.
Posted by: Legally Sufficient at June 18, 2023 10:21 AM (vfKOf)
Posted by: zooomzooom at June 18, 2023 10:21 AM (Y0Ei4)
136
118 ... "I've finally begun reading Moby Dick as I approach the 23rd anniversary of my 29th.birthday."
Agreed that Moby-Dick is wasted on the young. You might enjoy Nathaniel Philbrick's "Why Read Moby-Dick". It gives the background for creating the book and points out the truly excellent observations and quality writing.
Moby-Dick is one of the books where I sought out a good hardcover edition. Not because self-proclaimed experts and academics say it is important but because I think it is.
Agreed that Moby-Dick is wasted on the young. You might enjoy Nathaniel Philbrick's "Why Read Moby-Dick". It gives the background for creating the book and points out the truly excellent observations and quality writing.
Moby-Dick is one of the books where I sought out a good hardcover edition. Not because self-proclaimed experts and academics say it is important but because I think it is.
Posted by: JTB at June 18, 2023 10:22 AM (7EjX1)
137
When those who took them up on the offer were shown Palo Duro, they freaked out, as no one was expecting to see something like that on the featureless expanse of the plains of the TX Panhandle.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at June 18, 2023 10:07 AM (odBp6)
--------
Totally agree. I spent a summer in college working on some farms near near Lubbock, and years later made many trips to Amarillo for work. When I first drove through the canyons of the panhandle, I was deeply impressed with their rugged beauty. I still consider Highway 70 between Pampa & Perryton some of the best scenery this country had to offer.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at June 18, 2023 10:07 AM (odBp6)
--------
Totally agree. I spent a summer in college working on some farms near near Lubbock, and years later made many trips to Amarillo for work. When I first drove through the canyons of the panhandle, I was deeply impressed with their rugged beauty. I still consider Highway 70 between Pampa & Perryton some of the best scenery this country had to offer.
Posted by: Matthew Kant Cipher at June 18, 2023 10:22 AM (QyWX+)
138
I just finished The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho. Well, to be more accurate, I finished listening to it.
Never expected to be so wrapped up in it. It is so engrossing. I have to wonder if listening is more powerful than reading for me.
Never expected to be so wrapped up in it. It is so engrossing. I have to wonder if listening is more powerful than reading for me.
Posted by: t-bird at June 18, 2023 10:22 AM (e2onP)
139
Last week I made it through another two volumes of the manga "A Bride's Story". Volume 5 focused (for over 110 pages) on the traditional and mostly uneventful marriage ceremony of a couple of side characters. Then, in Volume 6, the village of the main characters was bombarded with cannons and raided by horse archers.
The tonal whiplash of this series is amazing. I have no idea what the author expects her readership to be....
...And while I don't yet have Volume 7, the cover and Amazon-preview-pages suggests that it focuses on a day at the spa...
The tonal whiplash of this series is amazing. I have no idea what the author expects her readership to be....
...And while I don't yet have Volume 7, the cover and Amazon-preview-pages suggests that it focuses on a day at the spa...
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 10:22 AM (Lhaco)
140
>>I drove through Quanah in May 2014 on my way back from Palo Duro Canyon. Not coincidentally, I took Empire of the Summer Moon with me on the trip.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 18, 2023 09:40 AM
Palo Duro Canyon is where the Comanche empire was ended. Colonel Ranald MacKenzie led a raid into the camps, destroyed their winter supplies and captured and killed more than 1500 horses. That's what got the Comanches to Oklahoma.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 18, 2023 09:40 AM
Palo Duro Canyon is where the Comanche empire was ended. Colonel Ranald MacKenzie led a raid into the camps, destroyed their winter supplies and captured and killed more than 1500 horses. That's what got the Comanches to Oklahoma.
Posted by: huerfano at June 18, 2023 10:23 AM (7zEAH)
141
If I ran the federal government, I would require everyone in the Dept of Education to read Lafferty's "Primary Education of the Camiroi" at least twice a year.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at June 18, 2023 10:23 AM (a/4+U)
142
When those who took them up on the offer were shown Palo Duro, they freaked out, as no one was expecting to see something like that on the featureless expanse of the plains of the TX Panhandle.
A very long time ago, when I was interested* in old-school photography, I had this fantasy of tent camping in Palo Duro with a wood and brass 4x5 camera. Those days are behind me but I still would like to do an extended visit but based somewhere with air conditioning and running water.
* I'm still "interested" in a sense but not "involved."
A very long time ago, when I was interested* in old-school photography, I had this fantasy of tent camping in Palo Duro with a wood and brass 4x5 camera. Those days are behind me but I still would like to do an extended visit but based somewhere with air conditioning and running water.
* I'm still "interested" in a sense but not "involved."
Posted by: Oddbob at June 18, 2023 10:23 AM (nfrXX)
143
"Always one sorry, lousy, amateur story in these three-fers. This is the lousy one."
That, followed by something unintelligible, was scribbled at the top of a page of "Out for the Kill" by Anthony Gilbert, the second novel in a volume of three that I got from the library. I just wanted a Perry Mason mystery; it came in this format.
Well, tough, Scribbles, I'm enjoying this story. Two residents of a house that has been converted into flats in 1950s London suspect something has happened to another tenant, who seems to be missing. They, along with a clairvoyant who lives on the ground floor but didn't see anything -- one way or the other -- prevail on the custodian to enter the flat. He finds a dead body: the missing woman's beloved budgie. Definitely Britain.
The male protagonist, a barrister, holds attitudes that would be considered sexist today. He reminds me of Rumpole. His name is Arthur Crook, and I'm wondering whether he appeared in other novels. But not wondering strongly enough to research it.
That, followed by something unintelligible, was scribbled at the top of a page of "Out for the Kill" by Anthony Gilbert, the second novel in a volume of three that I got from the library. I just wanted a Perry Mason mystery; it came in this format.
Well, tough, Scribbles, I'm enjoying this story. Two residents of a house that has been converted into flats in 1950s London suspect something has happened to another tenant, who seems to be missing. They, along with a clairvoyant who lives on the ground floor but didn't see anything -- one way or the other -- prevail on the custodian to enter the flat. He finds a dead body: the missing woman's beloved budgie. Definitely Britain.
The male protagonist, a barrister, holds attitudes that would be considered sexist today. He reminds me of Rumpole. His name is Arthur Crook, and I'm wondering whether he appeared in other novels. But not wondering strongly enough to research it.
Posted by: Weak Geek at June 18, 2023 10:23 AM (9PdF6)
144
Beevor is the guy who did the whole every German woman was raped eleventy times by Russians thing, right?
London propagandist
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 10:19 AM (7fCUo)
---
The only book of his I (partially) read was the one on Spain and it was mind-bendingly awful. Biased doesn't even touch it.
The fact that at this late date he recycled Guernica propaganda (trying to do the neutral "it was reported at the time" b.s.) is enough to use his book as kindling or to steady a broken couch.
I keep it around for reference, lest anyone ever take him seriously.
London propagandist
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 10:19 AM (7fCUo)
---
The only book of his I (partially) read was the one on Spain and it was mind-bendingly awful. Biased doesn't even touch it.
The fact that at this late date he recycled Guernica propaganda (trying to do the neutral "it was reported at the time" b.s.) is enough to use his book as kindling or to steady a broken couch.
I keep it around for reference, lest anyone ever take him seriously.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 10:23 AM (llXky)
145
(con't)
which is where Wolfe does his best work.
I wish someone would put together Lafferty's grand opus. Even if it's only on Kindle.
Otherwise it's almost impossible to find all of the pieces at a reasonable price.
which is where Wolfe does his best work.
I wish someone would put together Lafferty's grand opus. Even if it's only on Kindle.
Otherwise it's almost impossible to find all of the pieces at a reasonable price.
Posted by: naturalfake at June 18, 2023 10:24 AM (fb7jX)
146
Re: Spengler
Yeah. He's a doofus. The level of abstraction on which he writes has no connection to reality.
"Cool story, bro."
But there are some great individual insights about currency and technics.
He's like Nietzsche that way.
He's like a General that is brilliant at Operations and can't conceive of Strategy. He wins Operstionally again and again and loses war after war.
Perfectly Germanic.
Yeah. He's a doofus. The level of abstraction on which he writes has no connection to reality.
"Cool story, bro."
But there are some great individual insights about currency and technics.
He's like Nietzsche that way.
He's like a General that is brilliant at Operations and can't conceive of Strategy. He wins Operstionally again and again and loses war after war.
Perfectly Germanic.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 10:26 AM (7fCUo)
Posted by: Obligatory Seinfeld reference at June 18, 2023 10:26 AM (dviUY)
148
Morning Hordemates.
Happy Father's Day to all you 'rons.
Happy Father's Day to all you 'rons.
Posted by: Diogenes at June 18, 2023 10:27 AM (e4fEA)
Posted by: Weak Geek at June 18, 2023 10:27 AM (9PdF6)
150
142 ... "If I ran the federal government, I would require everyone in the Dept of Education to read Lafferty's "Primary Education of the Camiroi" at least twice a year."
If I ran the government, the Department of Education (which doesn't) would be eliminated.
If I ran the government, the Department of Education (which doesn't) would be eliminated.
Posted by: JTB at June 18, 2023 10:27 AM (7EjX1)
151
I went to the coast this weekend, to Lincoln City, and shopped at Robert's Bookshop, probably the nee-plus-ultra of used book stores that boasts 8,709 lineal feet of shelf space.
I got The Great Explosion by Eric Frank Russell, a story following the discovery voyage of the Terran Empire as it tries to recontact and integrate all the colony worlds 500 years after the great explosion of colony creation. The ship touches on a planet that was settled as a penal colony that is pretty much walled keeps and slavery, a planet settled by health enthusiasts who focus on health and nudism, and a planet settled by oddballs who pursue a form of aggressive individualism, with the planetary mottos of MYOB (Mind your own business) F:IW (Freedom I Won't) and a dedication to Passive Resistance. The ship can't leave a Consul on the planet because so many of the crew start deserting the Captain wouldn't have enough men to lift the ship.
This is often called a libertarian story, though I think it fits the concept of radical Agorism better . . .
Good book, fun characters, hair tearing frustration by people who can't figure out why the rules don't work, and a look at how societies work.
I got The Great Explosion by Eric Frank Russell, a story following the discovery voyage of the Terran Empire as it tries to recontact and integrate all the colony worlds 500 years after the great explosion of colony creation. The ship touches on a planet that was settled as a penal colony that is pretty much walled keeps and slavery, a planet settled by health enthusiasts who focus on health and nudism, and a planet settled by oddballs who pursue a form of aggressive individualism, with the planetary mottos of MYOB (Mind your own business) F:IW (Freedom I Won't) and a dedication to Passive Resistance. The ship can't leave a Consul on the planet because so many of the crew start deserting the Captain wouldn't have enough men to lift the ship.
This is often called a libertarian story, though I think it fits the concept of radical Agorism better . . .
Good book, fun characters, hair tearing frustration by people who can't figure out why the rules don't work, and a look at how societies work.
Posted by: Kindltot at June 18, 2023 10:27 AM (xhaym)
152
urbanite, white-collar workers who think food is made by Amazon.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 10:21 AM (llXky)
That's the lumpen proletariat. Seriously.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 10:21 AM (llXky)
That's the lumpen proletariat. Seriously.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 10:28 AM (7fCUo)
153
In short, while studying maps, you got lost.
Posted by: Weak Geek at June 18, 2023 10:27 AM (9PdF6)
The map is not the territory!
Posted by: Weak Geek at June 18, 2023 10:27 AM (9PdF6)
The map is not the territory!
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 10:29 AM (7fCUo)
154
142 ... "If I ran the federal government, I would require everyone in the Dept of Education to read Lafferty's "Primary Education of the Camiroi" at least twice a year."
If I ran the government, the Department of Education (which doesn't) would be eliminated.
Posted by: JTB at June 18, 2023 10:27 AM (7EjX1)
---
Heh. Now I'm imagining a Dr. Seuss parody story: "If I Ran the Government" modeled after "If I Ran the Zoo"
If I ran the government, the Department of Education (which doesn't) would be eliminated.
Posted by: JTB at June 18, 2023 10:27 AM (7EjX1)
---
Heh. Now I'm imagining a Dr. Seuss parody story: "If I Ran the Government" modeled after "If I Ran the Zoo"
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at June 18, 2023 10:29 AM (BpYfr)
155
Have not finished 'Walls Of Men', sorry. It's a lot of information and I've read a lot about China. I will get it done, but it's slow going. I can only read a few pages at a time.
Posted by: LenNeal at June 18, 2023 10:30 AM (43xH1)
156
If you go to Lincoln City Oregon, go see Robert's Bookshop.
To explain what it is like, I lifted this from their website:
"The bathroom is closed. The nearest toilets are across the highway at the beach access. We feel badly for telling people "no" but we had to close it due to significant issues--the bathroom has also become storage space so it is completely unavailable"
https://www.robertsbookshop.com/
To explain what it is like, I lifted this from their website:
"The bathroom is closed. The nearest toilets are across the highway at the beach access. We feel badly for telling people "no" but we had to close it due to significant issues--the bathroom has also become storage space so it is completely unavailable"
https://www.robertsbookshop.com/
Posted by: Kindltot at June 18, 2023 10:31 AM (xhaym)
157
He's like a General that is brilliant at Operations and can't conceive of Strategy. He wins Operstionally again and again and loses war after war.
Perfectly Germanic.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 10:26 AM (7fCUo)
---
Funny how the Germans constantly ripped on Franco's generalship and everything he was doing wrong, and yet he won his war, decisively.
Indeed, if you go through his campaigns, Franco never really lost a battle (he accepted a small loss of terrain at Brunete but that was because he gained all of the north with its industry and iron mines in exchange).
People bitch about him not following up the Aragon campaign with a march on Barcelona, but France had just opened the border, and if he pushed to hard, might have gotten the French to intervene.
The smart play to him was to see if he could get Valencia. It didn't pan out, and while the Republic had a good first day on the Ebro, that battle wrecked the People's Army. When Franco launched his own offensive in December, the Republic's forces melted away. The triple trench lines of Barcelona were never even manned.
Yeah, totally bad commander.
Perfectly Germanic.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 10:26 AM (7fCUo)
---
Funny how the Germans constantly ripped on Franco's generalship and everything he was doing wrong, and yet he won his war, decisively.
Indeed, if you go through his campaigns, Franco never really lost a battle (he accepted a small loss of terrain at Brunete but that was because he gained all of the north with its industry and iron mines in exchange).
People bitch about him not following up the Aragon campaign with a march on Barcelona, but France had just opened the border, and if he pushed to hard, might have gotten the French to intervene.
The smart play to him was to see if he could get Valencia. It didn't pan out, and while the Republic had a good first day on the Ebro, that battle wrecked the People's Army. When Franco launched his own offensive in December, the Republic's forces melted away. The triple trench lines of Barcelona were never even manned.
Yeah, totally bad commander.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 10:33 AM (llXky)
158
The guilty pleasure link, "Taran the Wander," I believe that was my favorite of "The Black Cauldron" series. (Not the series' actual name, but it's what I remember it as.) I think what I liked best was that the main character kept failing or being disappointed, but trudged through nonetheless. It made for a nice change of pace compared to the normal high fantasy protagonist.
Not a great father, but a memorable one, the father of the main character of "A Cast of Stones." Before the book began, the main character's Dad got crushed to death in a mining accident. The main character managed to speak with his father before the end, and Dad's dying words were essentially "you're adopted." I'm sure Dad intended to elaborate further, telling MC who his real father actually was, but, y'know, he was dying. Suffice it to say, the main character started the story in a pretty dark place.
Not a great father, but a memorable one, the father of the main character of "A Cast of Stones." Before the book began, the main character's Dad got crushed to death in a mining accident. The main character managed to speak with his father before the end, and Dad's dying words were essentially "you're adopted." I'm sure Dad intended to elaborate further, telling MC who his real father actually was, but, y'know, he was dying. Suffice it to say, the main character started the story in a pretty dark place.
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 10:34 AM (Lhaco)
159
155 ... "Heh. Now I'm imagining a Dr. Seuss parody story: "If I Ran the Government" modeled after "If I Ran the Zoo""
It would be a very short book, maybe one page, as much of today's federal government has nothing to do with the Constitution. Maybe a few pages with amusing drawings and poems all ending in "Dept. of X, you're no more".
It would be a very short book, maybe one page, as much of today's federal government has nothing to do with the Constitution. Maybe a few pages with amusing drawings and poems all ending in "Dept. of X, you're no more".
Posted by: JTB at June 18, 2023 10:34 AM (7EjX1)
Posted by: Just Some Guy at June 18, 2023 10:34 AM (a/4+U)
161
Have not finished 'Walls Of Men', sorry. It's a lot of information and I've read a lot about China. I will get it done, but it's slow going. I can only read a few pages at a time.
Posted by: LenNeal at June 18, 2023 10:30 AM (43xH1)
---
How far into it are you? Some readers found the various dynasties a bit of a slog but got into it when we get Europeans mucking things up in the 19th Century. A bit more relatable.
Posted by: LenNeal at June 18, 2023 10:30 AM (43xH1)
---
How far into it are you? Some readers found the various dynasties a bit of a slog but got into it when we get Europeans mucking things up in the 19th Century. A bit more relatable.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 10:35 AM (llXky)
162
I wish someone would put together Lafferty's grand opus. Even if it's only on Kindle.
Otherwise it's almost impossible to find all of the pieces at a reasonable price.
Posted by: naturalfake at June 18, 2023 10:24 AM (fb7jX)
I've tracked down a lot. And there is more available all the time.
But Lafferty's work is fractal. It all takes place in the same "universe" and each work contains the whole.
900 Grandmothers or Past Master or 4th Mansions or whatever individual short story is the same thing...
I really do think Lafferty and Wolfe mine the same material. They come to different conclusions and are stylistic opposites (because they've come to different conclusions) but are really similar.
Otherwise it's almost impossible to find all of the pieces at a reasonable price.
Posted by: naturalfake at June 18, 2023 10:24 AM (fb7jX)
I've tracked down a lot. And there is more available all the time.
But Lafferty's work is fractal. It all takes place in the same "universe" and each work contains the whole.
900 Grandmothers or Past Master or 4th Mansions or whatever individual short story is the same thing...
I really do think Lafferty and Wolfe mine the same material. They come to different conclusions and are stylistic opposites (because they've come to different conclusions) but are really similar.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 10:35 AM (7fCUo)
163
That's the lumpen proletariat. Seriously.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 10:28 AM (7fCUo)
---
The drug addict panhandling for his next hit has ten times the survival skills of the Door Dash generation.
And I bet he's much better in a fight, too.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 10:28 AM (7fCUo)
---
The drug addict panhandling for his next hit has ten times the survival skills of the Door Dash generation.
And I bet he's much better in a fight, too.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 10:36 AM (llXky)
164
Excellent!!! Another Vince Milam book to add to my collection. :-)
Posted by: Scuba_Dude at June 18, 2023 10:37 AM (fe7in)
165
@ 132:
I would like to read Lafferty's one real attempt to write a "big" fantasy novel (series?) that initially began with his novel, "The Devil is Dead" and see how he does in that forum.(con't)
Posted by: naturalfake at June 18, 2023 10:20 AM
****
I found The Devil Is Dead at a second-hand bookdealer's table at Philcon 2021 and traded a hardcover Dahlov Ipcar novel for it! Dude had no idea what a treasure he possessed ... but I haven't had the nerve to read it yet. Listening to the audiobook of Past Master did strange things to me.
BTW, the sequel, Archipelago, only received a very limited edition, and for all practical purposes is only available via interlibrary loan. As for More than Melchisedek, as far as I was able to ascertain, it doesn't exist.
I would like to read Lafferty's one real attempt to write a "big" fantasy novel (series?) that initially began with his novel, "The Devil is Dead" and see how he does in that forum.(con't)
Posted by: naturalfake at June 18, 2023 10:20 AM
****
I found The Devil Is Dead at a second-hand bookdealer's table at Philcon 2021 and traded a hardcover Dahlov Ipcar novel for it! Dude had no idea what a treasure he possessed ... but I haven't had the nerve to read it yet. Listening to the audiobook of Past Master did strange things to me.
BTW, the sequel, Archipelago, only received a very limited edition, and for all practical purposes is only available via interlibrary loan. As for More than Melchisedek, as far as I was able to ascertain, it doesn't exist.
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at June 18, 2023 10:37 AM (SPNTN)
166
Yeah, totally bad commander.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 10:33 AM (llXky)
Have you read Svechin's book on Strategy?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 10:33 AM (llXky)
Have you read Svechin's book on Strategy?
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 10:37 AM (7fCUo)
167
You're correct that Spengler is deterministic, with no way off the horrible wheel. But the last 20 years suggest to me that he's right, no matter how much I hate the idea.
Posted by: Tom Servo at June 18, 2023 10:38 AM (q3gwH)
168
Reading a decent 9-book military sci-fi series called "The Black Fleet" by Joshua Dalzelle. I like the characters, the overall plot(s), the aliens, the universe, and the combat descriptions.
My only bone to pick is the weird way the main character speaks on the bridge of his spacecraft. He uses shorthand for each of the various departments (Cheng for Chief Engineer, Tac for Tactical, etc.) and abbreviations where appropriate (CIC for Combat Information Center), except for Operations, which he calls "OPS," rather than Ops. Every time I see that, which is every other page, I think "WTF is he abbreviating there?!?!"
Eventually, I just started yelling "Ocean Pacific Swimwear!!!!!" every time I see Ops referred to as OPS.
Anyway, I'm in book 7 of 9, and enjoying the series.
My only bone to pick is the weird way the main character speaks on the bridge of his spacecraft. He uses shorthand for each of the various departments (Cheng for Chief Engineer, Tac for Tactical, etc.) and abbreviations where appropriate (CIC for Combat Information Center), except for Operations, which he calls "OPS," rather than Ops. Every time I see that, which is every other page, I think "WTF is he abbreviating there?!?!"
Eventually, I just started yelling "Ocean Pacific Swimwear!!!!!" every time I see Ops referred to as OPS.
Anyway, I'm in book 7 of 9, and enjoying the series.
Posted by: Sharkman at June 18, 2023 10:39 AM (tTxmq)
169
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at June 18, 2023 10:37 AM (SPNTN)
Yes. Past Master is something else. 4th Mansions was even more "shattering" for me.
Yes. Past Master is something else. 4th Mansions was even more "shattering" for me.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 10:40 AM (7fCUo)
170
On the topic of Father's Day, I'd like to recommend Alexander Waugh's Father's and Sons. It is an autobiography of the Waugh family and Alexander (son of Auberon, son of Evelyn) does a nice job of tracing the development of authorship in his family. Most of the Waugh clan today don't write, but there is a strain that does.
Alexander is a good writer (go figure!) and does a wonderful job of recounting the various scandals within the family tree, all the while taking shots at the usual family targets.
For example, he outlines that the Waughs came from Scotland, and they valorize the ancestor who saved them from eating porridge with their fingers.
Alexander is a good writer (go figure!) and does a wonderful job of recounting the various scandals within the family tree, all the while taking shots at the usual family targets.
For example, he outlines that the Waughs came from Scotland, and they valorize the ancestor who saved them from eating porridge with their fingers.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 10:41 AM (llXky)
171
27 I picked up some used paperbacks last weekend and have been enjoying them a lot.
The first was Gengis Khan: Emperor of All Men, by Harold Lamb. Lamb was a novelist and pop-historian in the first half of the 20th century, but he did his research. (He worked for the OSS in WWII, though I don't know what he was up to.)
...
It did leave me wondering . . . Great Man or Tides of History here? Did the Mongol conquest of most of Asia happen because Genghis was so personally awesome, or was there something hidden in Mongol birthrates and the rainfall patterns of the steppes that made the horde inevitable?
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 09:16 AM (QZxDR)
Hooray for a Harold Lamb reference! I've never read that particular book, but I do have his Wolf of the Steppes series.
I gotta go with the Great Man theory in this case. Steppe Nomads had invaded the settled lands many times before, but never as thoroughly as when Genghis and sons lead them. And I've never heard of any environmental/social factors that would give a reason for so much more success this time...
The first was Gengis Khan: Emperor of All Men, by Harold Lamb. Lamb was a novelist and pop-historian in the first half of the 20th century, but he did his research. (He worked for the OSS in WWII, though I don't know what he was up to.)
...
It did leave me wondering . . . Great Man or Tides of History here? Did the Mongol conquest of most of Asia happen because Genghis was so personally awesome, or was there something hidden in Mongol birthrates and the rainfall patterns of the steppes that made the horde inevitable?
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 09:16 AM (QZxDR)
Hooray for a Harold Lamb reference! I've never read that particular book, but I do have his Wolf of the Steppes series.
I gotta go with the Great Man theory in this case. Steppe Nomads had invaded the settled lands many times before, but never as thoroughly as when Genghis and sons lead them. And I've never heard of any environmental/social factors that would give a reason for so much more success this time...
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 10:41 AM (Lhaco)
Posted by: Unkaren at June 18, 2023 10:41 AM (LPkjK)
173
151: having taught the past year….well, I didn’t think I could hate the Department of Education even more, and yet, I do.
Would it be too much to ask to just go back to having four cabinet positions (Defense, AG, Treasury, State)?
Would it be too much to ask to just go back to having four cabinet positions (Defense, AG, Treasury, State)?
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at June 18, 2023 10:43 AM (odBp6)
174
Martha Wells has a new book out this month
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion
What about The Vandellas ?
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion
What about The Vandellas ?
Posted by: JT at June 18, 2023 10:43 AM (T4tVD)
175
Dammit, Fathers and Sons. There is a BBC companion series on Youtube as well that is quite good.
I knew a bit about Evelyn of course, but the discussion of his father, who favored elder brother Alec Waugh, was very interesting and illuminating regarding Evelyn's writing, particularly in the Sword of Honour trilogy.
Fathers matter, and that's a prefect book for a father to read.
I knew a bit about Evelyn of course, but the discussion of his father, who favored elder brother Alec Waugh, was very interesting and illuminating regarding Evelyn's writing, particularly in the Sword of Honour trilogy.
Fathers matter, and that's a prefect book for a father to read.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 10:43 AM (llXky)
176
'How far into it are you? Some readers found the various dynasties a bit of a slog'
I'm in the dynasties, which is why I got it: most of the rest from the 1700s I have a decent idea of from research from a novel I did set during the 'Boxer Rebellion', and wanted to get it at least partly right. There was a lot of information from about 1800 in the various Missionary Society newspapers, lots of books available online, but the early stuff is hard to find and mostly terrible, inaccurate, biased, incomplete, or all of the above.
I'm in the dynasties, which is why I got it: most of the rest from the 1700s I have a decent idea of from research from a novel I did set during the 'Boxer Rebellion', and wanted to get it at least partly right. There was a lot of information from about 1800 in the various Missionary Society newspapers, lots of books available online, but the early stuff is hard to find and mostly terrible, inaccurate, biased, incomplete, or all of the above.
Posted by: LenNeal at June 18, 2023 10:44 AM (43xH1)
177
Posted by: JTB at June 18, 2023 09:24 AM (7EjX1)
Have you seen the work of Tasha Tudor? It sounds like her work is similar to the Brambly Hedge world. She made enough at it that she was able to live her ideal late 19th century farm life and become something of a cult figure.
Have you seen the work of Tasha Tudor? It sounds like her work is similar to the Brambly Hedge world. She made enough at it that she was able to live her ideal late 19th century farm life and become something of a cult figure.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at June 18, 2023 10:44 AM (nC+QA)
178
Would it be too much to ask to just go back to having four cabinet positions (Defense, AG, Treasury, State)?
Too tempting as political payoffs! It's always about the benjamins!
Too tempting as political payoffs! It's always about the benjamins!
Posted by: Unkaren at June 18, 2023 10:45 AM (LPkjK)
179
I gotta go with the Great Man theory in this case. Steppe Nomads had invaded the settled lands many times before, but never as thoroughly as when Genghis and sons lead them. And I've never heard of any environmental/social factors that would give a reason for so much more success this time...
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 10:41 AM (Lhaco)
I hate to be that guy, but it is both.
Svechin said "Tactics is adapting the technology to the terrain".
The Great Man adapts the technology to the terrain on the grand scale. Technology and terrain being largely defined.
Hannibal, Napoleon, Caesar, Zizka...
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 10:41 AM (Lhaco)
I hate to be that guy, but it is both.
Svechin said "Tactics is adapting the technology to the terrain".
The Great Man adapts the technology to the terrain on the grand scale. Technology and terrain being largely defined.
Hannibal, Napoleon, Caesar, Zizka...
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 10:45 AM (7fCUo)
180
I gotta go with the Great Man theory in this case. Steppe Nomads had invaded the settled lands many times before, but never as thoroughly as when Genghis and sons lead them. And I've never heard of any environmental/social factors that would give a reason for so much more success this time...
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 10:41 AM (Lhaco)
---
Counterpoint: the strategic situation greatly favored the Mongols. China was split into two competing dynasties, which allowed an easy conquest of the north. The situation elsewhere was similar - the states surrounding the steppes were weak and divided, facilitating easy conquest.
The other knock against the Mongols is that they built far less than they destroyed. Alexander left dozens of cities in his wake. The Mongols basically rode through and killed everyone. Their system had no resilience and the Yuan Dynasty didn't even last 100 years.
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 10:41 AM (Lhaco)
---
Counterpoint: the strategic situation greatly favored the Mongols. China was split into two competing dynasties, which allowed an easy conquest of the north. The situation elsewhere was similar - the states surrounding the steppes were weak and divided, facilitating easy conquest.
The other knock against the Mongols is that they built far less than they destroyed. Alexander left dozens of cities in his wake. The Mongols basically rode through and killed everyone. Their system had no resilience and the Yuan Dynasty didn't even last 100 years.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 10:48 AM (llXky)
181
This guy, Peter Nimitz, did a Substack post with, in my opinion, a pretty good overview of the somewhat known history of Central Asia. I found it enlightening:
https://tinyurl.com/bdepnn2u
https://tinyurl.com/bdepnn2u
Posted by: LenNeal at June 18, 2023 10:50 AM (43xH1)
182
which is why we nearly made the buffalo extinct. To me this is one of the darkest things that we ever did. but Manifest Destiny ....
Posted by: Ignoramus at June 18, 2023 09:32 AM (RqMSv)
But they're *not* actually extinct, and neither are the Comanche, so I'd say it was the right choice. As with the atomic bomb in Japan, it was that or completely genocide.
Posted by: Ignoramus at June 18, 2023 09:32 AM (RqMSv)
But they're *not* actually extinct, and neither are the Comanche, so I'd say it was the right choice. As with the atomic bomb in Japan, it was that or completely genocide.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at June 18, 2023 10:51 AM (nC+QA)
183
I found The Devil Is Dead at a second-hand bookdealer's table at Philcon 2021 and traded a hardcover Dahlov Ipcar novel for it! Dude had no idea what a treasure he possessed ... but I haven't had the nerve to read it yet. Listening to the audiobook of Past Master did strange things to me.
BTW, the sequel, Archipelago, only received a very limited edition, and for all practical purposes is only available via interlibrary loan. As for More than Melchisedek, as far as I was able to ascertain, it doesn't exist.
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at June 18, 2023 10:37 AM (SPNTN)
About ten years ago, I made an effort to get every single book of Lafferty's in hardback if possible and paperback if not.
Couldn't get "Archipelago". So, good job on that, werewife!
And "More Than Melchisedech" wasn't available, that I could find, in a single volume.
It was broken up in three separate volumes: Tales of Chicago, Tales of Midnight, Argo.
I briefly saw each over a period of two years or so available at the kind of prices that would have the lovely and delightful Mrs naturalfake sawing my head off with a rusty, tuna fish can lid if I bought them.
BTW, the sequel, Archipelago, only received a very limited edition, and for all practical purposes is only available via interlibrary loan. As for More than Melchisedek, as far as I was able to ascertain, it doesn't exist.
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at June 18, 2023 10:37 AM (SPNTN)
About ten years ago, I made an effort to get every single book of Lafferty's in hardback if possible and paperback if not.
Couldn't get "Archipelago". So, good job on that, werewife!
And "More Than Melchisedech" wasn't available, that I could find, in a single volume.
It was broken up in three separate volumes: Tales of Chicago, Tales of Midnight, Argo.
I briefly saw each over a period of two years or so available at the kind of prices that would have the lovely and delightful Mrs naturalfake sawing my head off with a rusty, tuna fish can lid if I bought them.
Posted by: naturalfake at June 18, 2023 10:51 AM (fb7jX)
184
Still, it's a pretty convincing argument that the "Muslim Conquest" was really a heretical Christian Arab rebellion against Constantinople. The heresy developed to the point where it broke from Christianity altogether, and the later Caliphs were the real conquerors.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 10:05 AM (llXky)
Ironic: just this last week, YouTube recommended me a video along those same lines. That particular vidoe pointed out some rock-inscriptions from the proper time, that made no mention of the major events of the day...
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 10:05 AM (llXky)
Ironic: just this last week, YouTube recommended me a video along those same lines. That particular vidoe pointed out some rock-inscriptions from the proper time, that made no mention of the major events of the day...
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 10:54 AM (Lhaco)
185
Other than that, still organizing the sci-fi book and writing in-fill to justify characters' actions, which is that problem when you write the outline of a 'story' as a series of important scenes that don't explain why the characters are acting the way they are.
You have to go back and explain the background of motivations for the actions, and it's a PIA.
You have to go back and explain the background of motivations for the actions, and it's a PIA.
Posted by: LenNeal at June 18, 2023 10:55 AM (43xH1)
186
There is a Mark Moyar Vietnam series ( 1of 3 volumes I think)
And see you can rent it on Kindle, anyone do this though doesn't really appeal to me. Would rather have a hard copy but it's not the cheap way for three books
And see you can rent it on Kindle, anyone do this though doesn't really appeal to me. Would rather have a hard copy but it's not the cheap way for three books
Posted by: Skip at June 18, 2023 10:56 AM (xhxe8)
187
When those who took them up on the offer were shown Palo Duro, they freaked out, as no one was expecting to see something like that on the featureless expanse of the plains of the TX Panhandle.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at June 18, 2023
***
I know! You're driving east out of the town of Canyon, just going along, and suddenly the ground drops away on your right and there's this enormous rift in the earth.
The other little-known fact I found out when I was there, was that Georgia O'Keeffe taught art in Canyon before she discovered and was enchanted by New Mexico.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at June 18, 2023
***
I know! You're driving east out of the town of Canyon, just going along, and suddenly the ground drops away on your right and there's this enormous rift in the earth.
The other little-known fact I found out when I was there, was that Georgia O'Keeffe taught art in Canyon before she discovered and was enchanted by New Mexico.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 18, 2023 10:56 AM (omVj0)
188
More Than Melchisedech --
If Lafferty's entry at isfdb.com can be believed (and the site is usually pretty freakin' reliable), MTM exists. Came out in several short volumes from something called United Mythologies Press in the early 90s. You might also search at archive.org -- I believe it's there.
If Lafferty's entry at isfdb.com can be believed (and the site is usually pretty freakin' reliable), MTM exists. Came out in several short volumes from something called United Mythologies Press in the early 90s. You might also search at archive.org -- I believe it's there.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at June 18, 2023 10:56 AM (a/4+U)
189
Read The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa. The novel views the changes of the 1860 Risorgimento as seen through the eyes of the Salina family of Sicily, headed by Prince Fabrizio. Nothing dramatic happens to the Salinas, but they watch their leadership of society, government and wealth overtaken by a more cunning commercial class. The younger generation adapts quickly to the changes, while the elders see it as just another episode in Sicily's eternal history.
An excellent read. Highly recommended.
Read The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa. The novel views the changes of the 1860 Risorgimento as seen through the eyes of the Salina family of Sicily, headed by Prince Fabrizio. Nothing dramatic happens to the Salinas, but they watch their leadership of society, government and wealth overtaken by a more cunning commercial class. The younger generation adapts quickly to the changes, while the elders see it as just another episode in Sicily's eternal history.
An excellent read. Highly recommended.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at June 18, 2023 10:56 AM (kq3xe)
190
"41 Just added "What an Owl Knows: The New Science of the World's Most Enigmatic Birds' to my wishlist because owls are cool.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at June 18, 2023 09:25 AM (9yUzE"
Thanks for the tip! It's now on my wish list, too.
Anther week of little or no reading ust another couple of chapters into both the Russians.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at June 18, 2023 09:25 AM (9yUzE"
Thanks for the tip! It's now on my wish list, too.
Anther week of little or no reading ust another couple of chapters into both the Russians.
Posted by: who knew at June 18, 2023 10:56 AM (4I7VG)
191
I've been kinda obsessed with Melchizedek ever since I first read his appearance in the Bible as a kid.
Now that is a scene loaded with significance.
And mostly incomprehensible.
Guenon says Melch is the representative of the Tradition sent to authorize Abraham (Abram) as the founder of an orthodox religion.
This is what Lafferty is working from I am pretty sure.
Now that is a scene loaded with significance.
And mostly incomprehensible.
Guenon says Melch is the representative of the Tradition sent to authorize Abraham (Abram) as the founder of an orthodox religion.
This is what Lafferty is working from I am pretty sure.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 10:57 AM (7fCUo)
192
This Christian/Arab revolt isn't the way I understand the Muslim conflict with the west as explained by Robert Spencer History I have.
Posted by: Skip at June 18, 2023 10:58 AM (xhxe8)
Posted by: JT at June 18, 2023 10:59 AM (T4tVD)
194
178 ... Polliwog,
I've heard of Tasha Tudor but know nothing about her. Thanks for the suggestion.
I've heard of Tasha Tudor but know nothing about her. Thanks for the suggestion.
Posted by: JTB at June 18, 2023 10:59 AM (7EjX1)
195
The male protagonist, a barrister, holds attitudes that would be considered sexist today. He reminds me of Rumpole. His name is Arthur Crook, and I'm wondering whether he appeared in other novels. But not wondering strongly enough to research it.
Posted by: Weak Geek at June 18, 2023
***
I think that Crook was the star of a series -- he preceded Perry Mason, possibly.
Posted by: Weak Geek at June 18, 2023
***
I think that Crook was the star of a series -- he preceded Perry Mason, possibly.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 18, 2023 11:00 AM (omVj0)
Posted by: andycanuck (Vwz3I) at June 18, 2023 11:01 AM (Vwz3I)
197
193 Have you read Svechin's book on Strategy?
Posted by: Thesokorus
Did he write one on Spelling ?
Posted by: JT at June 18, 2023 10:59 AM (T4tVD)
I doubt it.
Posted by: Thesokorus
Did he write one on Spelling ?
Posted by: JT at June 18, 2023 10:59 AM (T4tVD)
I doubt it.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 11:01 AM (7fCUo)
198
Ironic: just this last week, YouTube recommended me a video along those same lines. That particular vidoe pointed out some rock-inscriptions from the proper time, that made no mention of the major events of the day...
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 10:54 AM (Lhaco)
---
There are lots of problem with the traditional narrative, and even Favorite Hated Author Edward Gibbon figured this out 200 years ago.
One is that there is no contemporaneous description of Mohammed. People try to use this to slag on Christ, but there are lots of references to Him, both in the Gospels but in Roman and Greek histories outlining the growth of Christianity.
And remember, Jesus was just a minor figure in the big picture. Mohammed conquered cities. Such people are noticed immediately, not in the years after their ministry has spread. (con't)
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 10:54 AM (Lhaco)
---
There are lots of problem with the traditional narrative, and even Favorite Hated Author Edward Gibbon figured this out 200 years ago.
One is that there is no contemporaneous description of Mohammed. People try to use this to slag on Christ, but there are lots of references to Him, both in the Gospels but in Roman and Greek histories outlining the growth of Christianity.
And remember, Jesus was just a minor figure in the big picture. Mohammed conquered cities. Such people are noticed immediately, not in the years after their ministry has spread. (con't)
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:01 AM (llXky)
199
It just so happens that my set of "The Great Books of the Western World" has Melville and "The Whale; or, Moby Dick."
Better yet, the typefont isn't ridiculously small.
Better yet, the typefont isn't ridiculously small.
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at June 18, 2023 11:02 AM (vg8N1)
200
Favorite father figure in a book or books? I'm stumped. I don't have one. Mother figure, either. I had to do without such a thing as functioning or present parents for so long, that when I read, say, memoirs by people who obviously loved and respected either of their parents, I genuinely don't understand the emotions involved. It feels stupid.
Yeah, no, I really can't think of anything.
Someone above mentioned the Hardy Boys' dad, and I remember that, but couldn't relate to it and still can't, it's foreign to me. Sort-of older brother figures a little bit.
For real, I got nothing.
Yeah, no, I really can't think of anything.
Someone above mentioned the Hardy Boys' dad, and I remember that, but couldn't relate to it and still can't, it's foreign to me. Sort-of older brother figures a little bit.
For real, I got nothing.
Posted by: LenNeal at June 18, 2023 11:03 AM (43xH1)
201
I haven't read Beevor's book. The only thing I know about him was his WWII career.
Has anyone read Charles Esdaile's book "The Peninsular War"?
The Peninsular War was not only a contest between France and England. It was also very much a civil war between the Spanish monarchists and the Spaniards aligned with the radical French Enlightenment. Between the traditionalists and the secularists, the Spanish Ulcer was very much a no-quarter war to the knife.
Has anyone read Charles Esdaile's book "The Peninsular War"?
The Peninsular War was not only a contest between France and England. It was also very much a civil war between the Spanish monarchists and the Spaniards aligned with the radical French Enlightenment. Between the traditionalists and the secularists, the Spanish Ulcer was very much a no-quarter war to the knife.
Posted by: mrp at June 18, 2023 11:03 AM (rj6Yv)
202
werewife & naturalfake:
re Lafferty's More Than Melchisedech --
It is at archive.org, and it looks like in a single volume. Search at archive.org and you should find it.
re Lafferty's More Than Melchisedech --
It is at archive.org, and it looks like in a single volume. Search at archive.org and you should find it.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at June 18, 2023 11:03 AM (a/4+U)
203
We've argued before about the "fictional Muhammad" theory so I won't go through that again.
However, it did make me think: this is a fundamentally Marxist take on religion -- it's the opiate of the masses, propaganda fixed up by the elites to control the proles, etc.
And yet I can't actually think of a religion which was created by rulers. Christianity was famously the religion of the downtrodden in its early years, Muhammad invented Islam before becoming powerful, etc.
I can think of cases where rulers converted and brought their people along whether they wanted to convert or not, but that was always to an existing religion.
Can anyone think of a religion devised and promulgated by the ruling class of a society?
However, it did make me think: this is a fundamentally Marxist take on religion -- it's the opiate of the masses, propaganda fixed up by the elites to control the proles, etc.
And yet I can't actually think of a religion which was created by rulers. Christianity was famously the religion of the downtrodden in its early years, Muhammad invented Islam before becoming powerful, etc.
I can think of cases where rulers converted and brought their people along whether they wanted to convert or not, but that was always to an existing religion.
Can anyone think of a religion devised and promulgated by the ruling class of a society?
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 11:04 AM (QZxDR)
204
"Perfessor",
I have to tell you I truly enjoy this thread. And I really admire how you took it over - those were really big shoes to fill and you have done an admirable job.
I have to tell you I truly enjoy this thread. And I really admire how you took it over - those were really big shoes to fill and you have done an admirable job.
Posted by: Grateful at June 18, 2023 11:05 AM (IQ6Gq)
205
In History of Jihad, Robert Spencer does take the tack as opposed to his other writing that , fine for the argument Mo existed here is how it has supposed to have played out.
Posted by: Skip at June 18, 2023 11:05 AM (xhxe8)
206
Ciampino's Rescue kitties
https://is.gd/WQ5JcT
There's another photo update #88 at the link.
Take a look if interested. Make sure to click on
"See Older Updates" as well if it's your first time.
https://is.gd/WQ5JcT
ALSO LIVE STREAMING!! - Biscuits' BABIES ON WEBCAM
Now most nights as well
https://www.twitch.tv/kittenwatch to see the kittens NOW!!
https://is.gd/WQ5JcT
There's another photo update #88 at the link.
Take a look if interested. Make sure to click on
"See Older Updates" as well if it's your first time.
https://is.gd/WQ5JcT
ALSO LIVE STREAMING!! - Biscuits' BABIES ON WEBCAM
Now most nights as well
https://www.twitch.tv/kittenwatch to see the kittens NOW!!
Posted by: Ciampino - When I think about books, I touch my shelf-Ace at June 18, 2023 11:05 AM (qfLjt)
207
Can anyone think of a religion devised and promulgated by the ruling class of a society?
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 11:04 AM (QZxDR)
Cult of the Roman Emperor.
Confucianism.
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 11:04 AM (QZxDR)
Cult of the Roman Emperor.
Confucianism.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 11:06 AM (7fCUo)
208
Folks mentioned Genghis Khan, and that's a good frame of reference because all of the other great conquerors have some sort of description of them. There is a huge literary tradition of some wanderer who sits down at the Royal Table and meets the big dude. We have accounts of dinner with Attila, or Kublai, Tamerlane, Saladin, etc.
I mean part of the fun of being a conqueror is having foreign admirers fawn over you and write about meeting you. Zilch on Big Mo. Weird that the Greeks - who fixated on every other adversary, writing about them - never mention the guy.
There's also the coinage problem. What is one of the first thing conquerors do when they get control? Mint coins with them on it. The coins made during the initial conquest have Christian inscriptions, not Muslim ones. I mean, even after the Persian mint was captured, no changes were made.
Consider that every two-bit Roman or Greek usurper got a coin or two made, and it's really strange that only decades later do we start seeing Islamic symbols on the coins they themselves are making.
I mean part of the fun of being a conqueror is having foreign admirers fawn over you and write about meeting you. Zilch on Big Mo. Weird that the Greeks - who fixated on every other adversary, writing about them - never mention the guy.
There's also the coinage problem. What is one of the first thing conquerors do when they get control? Mint coins with them on it. The coins made during the initial conquest have Christian inscriptions, not Muslim ones. I mean, even after the Persian mint was captured, no changes were made.
Consider that every two-bit Roman or Greek usurper got a coin or two made, and it's really strange that only decades later do we start seeing Islamic symbols on the coins they themselves are making.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:06 AM (llXky)
209
Can anyone think of a religion devised and promulgated by the ruling class of a society?
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 11:04 AM (QZxDR)
Gaia worship, AKA Climate Change.
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 11:04 AM (QZxDR)
Gaia worship, AKA Climate Change.
Posted by: Napoleon XIV at June 18, 2023 11:07 AM (AiZBA)
210
Can anyone think of a religion devised and promulgated by the ruling class of a society?
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 11:04 AM (QZxDR)
____________
The Cult of the Supreme Being in Revolutionary France.
Can anyone think of a religion devised and promulgated by the ruling class of a society?
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 11:04 AM (QZxDR)
____________
The Cult of the Supreme Being in Revolutionary France.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at June 18, 2023 11:08 AM (MoZTd)
211
182 This guy, Peter Nimitz, did a Substack post with, in my opinion, a pretty good overview of the somewhat known history of Central Asia. I found it enlightening:
https://tinyurl.com/bdepnn2u
Posted by: LenNeal at June 18, 2023 10:50 AM (43xH1)
That was very good, it put things together in a way I haven't seen done so completely before.
https://tinyurl.com/bdepnn2u
Posted by: LenNeal at June 18, 2023 10:50 AM (43xH1)
That was very good, it put things together in a way I haven't seen done so completely before.
Posted by: Tom Servo at June 18, 2023 11:08 AM (q3gwH)
212
"Perfessor",
I have to tell you I truly enjoy this thread. And I really admire how you took it over - those were really big shoes to fill and you have done an admirable job.
Posted by: Grateful at June 18, 2023 11:05 AM (IQ6Gq)
---
Kind words. Thanks!
I have to tell you I truly enjoy this thread. And I really admire how you took it over - those were really big shoes to fill and you have done an admirable job.
Posted by: Grateful at June 18, 2023 11:05 AM (IQ6Gq)
---
Kind words. Thanks!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at June 18, 2023 11:08 AM (BpYfr)
213
Good morning! Two books read this week:
"Hidden Valley Road" by Robert Kolker describes the evolution of schizophrenia research from seeking psychological cures to determining biological and, perhaps, hereditary roots. The primary subjects of the book are the Galvins, a family with twelve children (10 boys, 2 girls) of which six of the sons were diagnosed with the disease. It's a pretty fascinating and depressing book. One of the passages that stood out most to me was his discussion of how early psychiatric efforts to cure the disease were in part an attempt to wrest control from the eugenicists, who just thought they should all be elimintated. Unfortunately, some of that led to the deinstitutionalization movement, the effects of which we see all around us today.
"Last Night at the Chateau Marmont" by Lauren Weisberger ("The Devil Wears Prada" author): After reading something heavy, she's a fun escape into romance.
Now working on "Hillbilly Elegy".
"Hidden Valley Road" by Robert Kolker describes the evolution of schizophrenia research from seeking psychological cures to determining biological and, perhaps, hereditary roots. The primary subjects of the book are the Galvins, a family with twelve children (10 boys, 2 girls) of which six of the sons were diagnosed with the disease. It's a pretty fascinating and depressing book. One of the passages that stood out most to me was his discussion of how early psychiatric efforts to cure the disease were in part an attempt to wrest control from the eugenicists, who just thought they should all be elimintated. Unfortunately, some of that led to the deinstitutionalization movement, the effects of which we see all around us today.
"Last Night at the Chateau Marmont" by Lauren Weisberger ("The Devil Wears Prada" author): After reading something heavy, she's a fun escape into romance.
Now working on "Hillbilly Elegy".
Posted by: Moonbeam at June 18, 2023 11:08 AM (rbKZ6)
214
203
Can anyone think of a religion devised and promulgated by the ruling class of a society?
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 11:04 AM (QZxDR)
----
Scientology?
LDS
Can anyone think of a religion devised and promulgated by the ruling class of a society?
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 11:04 AM (QZxDR)
----
Scientology?
LDS
Posted by: Ciampino - When I think about books I touch my shelf at June 18, 2023 11:08 AM (qfLjt)
215
Can anyone think of a religion devised and promulgated by the ruling class of a society?
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023
***
What was the name of the Egyptian pharaoh who tried to institute a one-god religion, and after he died everybody went back to the old gods? He devised it and promulgated it, I guess, but it was ultimately unsuccessful among his people?
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023
***
What was the name of the Egyptian pharaoh who tried to institute a one-god religion, and after he died everybody went back to the old gods? He devised it and promulgated it, I guess, but it was ultimately unsuccessful among his people?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 18, 2023 11:09 AM (omVj0)
216
yes bukhari or was it tabari, who was the first chronicler,
Posted by: no 6 at June 18, 2023 11:09 AM (PXvVL)
217
@ 183, 188:
We are having so much fun today!
So I'm rabbit-holing deep into Worldcat.org, the secret weapon of librarians everywhere, and am gratified to be able to find lots of rarities, and items that shouldn't be rarities (I'm looking at you, Ruritania: A Cultural History), but while Archipelago is doable, the closest source for the 3 components of More than Melchisedech is the University of Tulsa. Not sure that they would agree to a 2000-mile interlibrary loan, especially if they are the repository of Lafferty's papers. But I am going to try! (BTW, all Hordeniks: If you want to read something rare but don't have money or shelf space to share, get the publication and location information at Worldcat.org and bring it to your public library, where they will love you for it, especially if you include the ISBN.)
We are having so much fun today!
So I'm rabbit-holing deep into Worldcat.org, the secret weapon of librarians everywhere, and am gratified to be able to find lots of rarities, and items that shouldn't be rarities (I'm looking at you, Ruritania: A Cultural History), but while Archipelago is doable, the closest source for the 3 components of More than Melchisedech is the University of Tulsa. Not sure that they would agree to a 2000-mile interlibrary loan, especially if they are the repository of Lafferty's papers. But I am going to try! (BTW, all Hordeniks: If you want to read something rare but don't have money or shelf space to share, get the publication and location information at Worldcat.org and bring it to your public library, where they will love you for it, especially if you include the ISBN.)
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at June 18, 2023 11:09 AM (SPNTN)
218
Confucianism.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 11:06 AM (7fCUo)
---
No, that was the work of an obscure scholar who wandered around telling people how things should be run. His followers spread the word and rulers liked the ideas and made it official.
It was attractive to them, but the ruling class did not make it up.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 11:06 AM (7fCUo)
---
No, that was the work of an obscure scholar who wandered around telling people how things should be run. His followers spread the word and rulers liked the ideas and made it official.
It was attractive to them, but the ruling class did not make it up.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:09 AM (llXky)
219
Speaking of guily pleasures, I bought this yesterday but have read only the first chapter, Indiana Jones and the Dinosaurs.
https://tinyurl.com/4e5j2yx6
https://tinyurl.com/4e5j2yx6
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at June 18, 2023 11:10 AM (FVME7)
220
'207 Can anyone think of a religion devised and promulgated by the ruling class of a society?
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 11:04 AM (QZxDR)'
Scientology?
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 11:04 AM (QZxDR)'
Scientology?
Posted by: LenNeal at June 18, 2023 11:11 AM (43xH1)
221
"Anthroposophy" etc etc was a fabrication of British Intelligence.
As was whatever Crowley was doing.
And Scientology for US Intelligence.
As was whatever Crowley was doing.
And Scientology for US Intelligence.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 11:11 AM (7fCUo)
222
217 -- werewife:
Lafferty's More Than Melchisedech IS available at archive.org and looks to be in a single volume. Search there and you should find it.
Lafferty's More Than Melchisedech IS available at archive.org and looks to be in a single volume. Search there and you should find it.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at June 18, 2023 11:11 AM (a/4+U)
223
What was the name of the Egyptian pharaoh who tried to institute a one-god religion, and after he died everybody went back to the old gods?
Ahkenaten.
King Tut was his kid. Nefertiti was his queen. He established Amarna as his capital.
Ahkenaten.
King Tut was his kid. Nefertiti was his queen. He established Amarna as his capital.
Posted by: Cicero (cicero43) at June 18, 2023 11:12 AM (s12c9)
224
It was attractive to them, but the ruling class did not make it up.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:09 AM (llXky)
Fair enough.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:09 AM (llXky)
Fair enough.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 11:12 AM (7fCUo)
225
I read Moby Dick while still a youngster (1
and loved it but I read it for the hell of it, not for a class. I think that was key. It's the only book I've ever reread more than once (I think I've read it at least 6 times)
and loved it but I read it for the hell of it, not for a class. I think that was key. It's the only book I've ever reread more than once (I think I've read it at least 6 times)Posted by: who knew at June 18, 2023 11:12 AM (4I7VG)
226
Consider that every two-bit Roman or Greek usurper got a coin or two made, and it's really strange that only decades later do we start seeing Islamic symbols on the coins they themselves are making.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:06 AM (llXky)
And almost all of the records of his life and conquests can only be found in early documents dated a century or more after his existence, when a new Arab ruling dynasty was moving to assert its dominance over what had been Persian and Byzantine territory. There's every reason to suspect that Mo was a bit player at most, and his story was concocted by Court stenographers to explain a widespread revolt and overthrow of the existing, corrupt empires at the time.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:06 AM (llXky)
And almost all of the records of his life and conquests can only be found in early documents dated a century or more after his existence, when a new Arab ruling dynasty was moving to assert its dominance over what had been Persian and Byzantine territory. There's every reason to suspect that Mo was a bit player at most, and his story was concocted by Court stenographers to explain a widespread revolt and overthrow of the existing, corrupt empires at the time.
Posted by: Tom Servo at June 18, 2023 11:12 AM (q3gwH)
227
And while I don't yet have Volume 7, the cover and Amazon-preview-pages suggests that it focuses on a day at the spa...
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 10:22 AM (Lhaco)
It does. I have all 13 currently available in English.
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 10:22 AM (Lhaco)
It does. I have all 13 currently available in English.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at June 18, 2023 11:12 AM (nC+QA)
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at June 18, 2023 11:13 AM (MoZTd)
229
However, it did make me think: this is a fundamentally Marxist take on religion -- it's the opiate of the masses, propaganda fixed up by the elites to control the proles, etc.
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 11:04 AM (QZxDR)
---
The Marxist view also assumes there is no spirit world, and many of the modern creations give only vague nods to anything other than materialist concerns.
Ancient faiths were built on interaction with the spirit world, and the near-eastern ones (which became Greek and Roman) often feature divine rulers because these were the offspring of the gods.
This actually meshes with the Old Testament's references to the Watchers and the race of giants.
As I've been saying for a while, ancient peoples understood cause and effect, and could accurately predict when crops should be planted, etc. Their take on faith was based on the same principles, but modernists want to pretend that people who could build arches that have lasted 2,000 years were super-stupid when it came to temples.
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 11:04 AM (QZxDR)
---
The Marxist view also assumes there is no spirit world, and many of the modern creations give only vague nods to anything other than materialist concerns.
Ancient faiths were built on interaction with the spirit world, and the near-eastern ones (which became Greek and Roman) often feature divine rulers because these were the offspring of the gods.
This actually meshes with the Old Testament's references to the Watchers and the race of giants.
As I've been saying for a while, ancient peoples understood cause and effect, and could accurately predict when crops should be planted, etc. Their take on faith was based on the same principles, but modernists want to pretend that people who could build arches that have lasted 2,000 years were super-stupid when it came to temples.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:13 AM (llXky)
230
I read a book by a guy who proposed that as history's first recorded monotheist, Ahkenaten was the model on which Moses was based.
While Moses was Egyptian there seemed to be a lot of holes in his theory.
While Moses was Egyptian there seemed to be a lot of holes in his theory.
Posted by: Cicero (cicero43) at June 18, 2023 11:14 AM (s12c9)
231
225 I read Moby Dick while still a youngster (1 and loved it but I read it for the hell of it, not for a class. I think that was key. It's the only book I've ever reread more than once (I think I've read it at least 6 times)
Posted by: who knew at June 18, 2023 11:12 AM (4I7VG)
Awesome. Can you bottom line what Melville was doing? What was he try___ to say?
Who is your favorite character? Scene? Episode?
Posted by: who knew at June 18, 2023 11:12 AM (4I7VG)
Awesome. Can you bottom line what Melville was doing? What was he try___ to say?
Who is your favorite character? Scene? Episode?
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 11:14 AM (7fCUo)
232
To me, the most important lesson of Moby Dick was how one man's charismatic fanaticism and obsession can drag an entire crew of followers to the grave with him.
Posted by: Tom Servo at June 18, 2023 11:14 AM (q3gwH)
233
Can anyone think of a religion devised and promulgated by the ruling class of a society?
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 11:04 AM (QZxDR)
The whole Roman-Emperor-as-a-God thing comes to mind. Other than that, everything I think of is a ruling class supporting a new/imported religion because it gave them some additional authority/prestige.
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 11:04 AM (QZxDR)
The whole Roman-Emperor-as-a-God thing comes to mind. Other than that, everything I think of is a ruling class supporting a new/imported religion because it gave them some additional authority/prestige.
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 11:15 AM (Lhaco)
234
219 Speaking of guily pleasures, I bought this yesterday but have read only the first chapter, Indiana Jones and the Dinosaurs.
https://tinyurl.com/4e5j2yx6
I'd say, "You SHOULD feel guilty", but it actually looks like a hoot and a half.
https://tinyurl.com/4e5j2yx6
I'd say, "You SHOULD feel guilty", but it actually looks like a hoot and a half.
Posted by: LenNeal at June 18, 2023 11:15 AM (43xH1)
235
232 To me, the most important lesson of Moby Dick was how one man's charismatic fanaticism and obsession can drag an entire crew of followers to the grave with him.
Posted by: Tom Servo at June 18, 2023 11:14 AM (q3gwH)
Odysseus too.
Posted by: Tom Servo at June 18, 2023 11:14 AM (q3gwH)
Odysseus too.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 11:16 AM (7fCUo)
236
Scientology?
LDS
Posted by: Ciampino - When I think about books I touch my shelf at June 18, 2023 11:08 AM (qfLjt)
---
Neither Joseph Smith nor L. Ron Hubbard were in any way part of the ruling class. They were at best lower middle class looking to make their fortune and their religious conversion came only after a bunch of other ventures failed.
Mark Twain was so hard on the Mormons precisely because he knew the type and was of that era.
LDS
Posted by: Ciampino - When I think about books I touch my shelf at June 18, 2023 11:08 AM (qfLjt)
---
Neither Joseph Smith nor L. Ron Hubbard were in any way part of the ruling class. They were at best lower middle class looking to make their fortune and their religious conversion came only after a bunch of other ventures failed.
Mark Twain was so hard on the Mormons precisely because he knew the type and was of that era.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:16 AM (llXky)
237
To me, the most important lesson of Moby Dick was how one man's charismatic fanaticism and obsession can drag an entire crew of followers to the grave with him.
Also known as the Bob Iger Effect.
Also known as the Bob Iger Effect.
Posted by: Cicero (cicero43) at June 18, 2023 11:16 AM (s12c9)
238
werewife & naturalfake:
re Lafferty's More Than Melchisedech --
It is at archive.org, and it looks like in a single volume. Search at archive.org and you should find it.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at June 18, 2023 11:03 AM (a/4+U)
Thanks, Just Some Guy!
re Lafferty's More Than Melchisedech --
It is at archive.org, and it looks like in a single volume. Search at archive.org and you should find it.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at June 18, 2023 11:03 AM (a/4+U)
Thanks, Just Some Guy!
Posted by: naturalfake at June 18, 2023 11:16 AM (fb7jX)
239
Good morning!
Let's smile & be happy & strike fear in the hearts of killjoy leftists everywhere.
Let's smile & be happy & strike fear in the hearts of killjoy leftists everywhere.
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at June 18, 2023 11:16 AM (u82oZ)
240
Can anyone think of a religion devised and promulgated by the ruling class of a society?
Posted by: Trimegistus
Several Roman emperors were deified: i.e. declared to be gods. It is said that the great Jewish War ca. 70 was ocassioned by the Roman demand that Nero be worshipped in Solomon's Temple.
Posted by: Trimegistus
Several Roman emperors were deified: i.e. declared to be gods. It is said that the great Jewish War ca. 70 was ocassioned by the Roman demand that Nero be worshipped in Solomon's Temple.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at June 18, 2023 11:16 AM (FVME7)
241
Love the Stainless Steel Rat series.
Posted by: Sharkman at June 18, 2023 11:17 AM (tTxmq)
242
As I've been saying for a while, ancient peoples understood cause and effect
__________
A gift lost among the Marxoids.
As I've been saying for a while, ancient peoples understood cause and effect
__________
A gift lost among the Marxoids.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at June 18, 2023 11:17 AM (MoZTd)
243
215 Can anyone think of a religion devised and promulgated by the ruling class of a society?
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023
***
What was the name of the Egyptian pharaoh who tried to institute a one-god religion, and after he died everybody went back to the old gods? He devised it and promulgated it, I guess, but it was ultimately unsuccessful among his people?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 18, 2023 11:09 AM
****
Yes, I think, and also in Egypt. Akhnaten failed in his attempt to break the power of the Second Estate by instituting the worship of Aten, which, BTW, was not the "pure monotheism" for which it's been romanticised. Aten the sun god was to be worshipped by the Pharaonic family, and everyone else was to worship the Pharaonic family as the children of Aten.
And centuries later, after the Alexandrian conquest of Egypt, Alexander's general Ptolemy took the throne of the Pharaoh after the death of Alexander, and his dynasty instituted the state religion of Serapis, a sort of blend of the native Osiris (a god of death) and Apis (a god of fertility) [interesting, that] with some distinctly Greek elements from Zeus. It worked for a while.
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023
***
What was the name of the Egyptian pharaoh who tried to institute a one-god religion, and after he died everybody went back to the old gods? He devised it and promulgated it, I guess, but it was ultimately unsuccessful among his people?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 18, 2023 11:09 AM
****
Yes, I think, and also in Egypt. Akhnaten failed in his attempt to break the power of the Second Estate by instituting the worship of Aten, which, BTW, was not the "pure monotheism" for which it's been romanticised. Aten the sun god was to be worshipped by the Pharaonic family, and everyone else was to worship the Pharaonic family as the children of Aten.
And centuries later, after the Alexandrian conquest of Egypt, Alexander's general Ptolemy took the throne of the Pharaoh after the death of Alexander, and his dynasty instituted the state religion of Serapis, a sort of blend of the native Osiris (a god of death) and Apis (a god of fertility) [interesting, that] with some distinctly Greek elements from Zeus. It worked for a while.
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at June 18, 2023 11:18 AM (SPNTN)
244
Moses was Egyptian
Posted by: Cicero (cicero43) at June 18, 2023 11:14 AM (s12c9)
Born to Hebrew parents...raised in Egyptian court...technically.
Posted by: Cicero (cicero43) at June 18, 2023 11:14 AM (s12c9)
Born to Hebrew parents...raised in Egyptian court...technically.
Posted by: BignJames at June 18, 2023 11:18 AM (AwYPR)
245
Odysseus too.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 11:16 AM (7fCUo)
There's a hilarious meme I've seen, under a picture of an ancient captain talking to his crew:
"Men, we now undertake our Odyssey."
one of the sailors: "Excuse me, but what's an Odyssey?"
Captain: "It's an agonizingly long journey full of terrible adventures, which only the leader survives."
Crewman: "Oh, okay. Wait, what???"
Odysseus too.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 11:16 AM (7fCUo)
There's a hilarious meme I've seen, under a picture of an ancient captain talking to his crew:
"Men, we now undertake our Odyssey."
one of the sailors: "Excuse me, but what's an Odyssey?"
Captain: "It's an agonizingly long journey full of terrible adventures, which only the leader survives."
Crewman: "Oh, okay. Wait, what???"
Posted by: Tom Servo at June 18, 2023 11:19 AM (q3gwH)
246
Re: Indiana Jones And the Dinosaurs, sometimes I run across trashy series 'action novels', you know the type, The Executioner and what not, at thrift stores and read them. I always think, 'Man, I wish I had the balls to write something THIS RIDICULOUS'.
And, all that spinner-rack crap sold into the hundreds of millions. I'm like, Damn! If I could just throw away all my pretentions.
And, all that spinner-rack crap sold into the hundreds of millions. I'm like, Damn! If I could just throw away all my pretentions.
Posted by: LenNeal at June 18, 2023 11:19 AM (43xH1)
247
not in the years after their ministry has spread. (con't)
-----------
Mohammed was certainly a major (con't)!
-----------
Mohammed was certainly a major (con't)!
Posted by: andycanuck (Vwz3I) at June 18, 2023 11:19 AM (Vwz3I)
248
The whole Roman-Emperor-as-a-God thing comes to mind. Other than that, everything I think of is a ruling class supporting a new/imported religion because it gave them some additional authority/prestige.
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 11:15 AM (Lhaco)
---
IIRC, both Julius and Augustus assumed the role of Pontifex Maximus, which hitherto had been a separate and rather obscure office.
This made them "priest-kings" and as such oracles of the gods. From there it was a small step to offering them sacrifice.
People have to realize that in their way, they *were* god-kings, capable of devastating towns and whole regions with a word of command. Likewise, they could raise up a peasant to the Imperial Court or shower a lucky village with riches and temples.
Roman paganism was also heavily transactional in terms of sacrifice being directly tied to 'divine' favor.
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 11:15 AM (Lhaco)
---
IIRC, both Julius and Augustus assumed the role of Pontifex Maximus, which hitherto had been a separate and rather obscure office.
This made them "priest-kings" and as such oracles of the gods. From there it was a small step to offering them sacrifice.
People have to realize that in their way, they *were* god-kings, capable of devastating towns and whole regions with a word of command. Likewise, they could raise up a peasant to the Imperial Court or shower a lucky village with riches and temples.
Roman paganism was also heavily transactional in terms of sacrifice being directly tied to 'divine' favor.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:20 AM (llXky)
249
Just grabbed my first Vince Milam book. Looking forward to it.
Posted by: Diogenes at June 18, 2023 11:21 AM (e4fEA)
250
Just Some Guy, you are my new hero! BTW, are you the Just Some Guy who has that excellent pop-culture-discussion channel on YouTube, or are you just some guy here at Ace's places?
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at June 18, 2023 11:22 AM (SPNTN)
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at June 18, 2023 11:22 AM (vg8N1)
252
Captain: "It's an agonizingly long journey full of terrible adventures, which only the leader survives."
Crewman: "Oh, okay. Wait, what???"
Posted by: Tom Servo at June 18, 2023 11:19 AM (q3gwH)
Lol yeah. But Odysseus is aleady dead at the beginning and a compulsive liar of a ghost....
Crewman: "Oh, okay. Wait, what???"
Posted by: Tom Servo at June 18, 2023 11:19 AM (q3gwH)
Lol yeah. But Odysseus is aleady dead at the beginning and a compulsive liar of a ghost....
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 11:22 AM (7fCUo)
253
A gift lost among the Marxoids.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at June 18, 2023 11:17 AM (MoZTd)
---
No classical pagan would be stupid enough to try the Great Leap Forward, with backyard forges.
Just sayin'.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at June 18, 2023 11:17 AM (MoZTd)
---
No classical pagan would be stupid enough to try the Great Leap Forward, with backyard forges.
Just sayin'.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:22 AM (llXky)
254
Climate Change Cult and Scientology have a lot in common. Those in the inner circle know it's a scam, but a profitable one
Posted by: Ignoramus at June 18, 2023 11:22 AM (RqMSv)
255
Moses was Egyptian
Posted by: Cicero (cicero43) at June 18, 2023 11:14 AM (s12c9)
Born to Hebrew parents...raised in Egyptian court...technically.
Posted by: BignJames
"Born in Arizona, but he moved to Babylonia, King Tut"
Posted by: Cicero (cicero43) at June 18, 2023 11:14 AM (s12c9)
Born to Hebrew parents...raised in Egyptian court...technically.
Posted by: BignJames
"Born in Arizona, but he moved to Babylonia, King Tut"
Posted by: JT at June 18, 2023 11:23 AM (T4tVD)
256
Islam is the "religion" Satan imposed on the world after getting his ass kicked so thoroughly by Christ at Calvary.
It has no salvation, is hopelessly racist and violent, and is really a totalitarian political system masquerading as a religion. Mohammad created it to convince a bunch of poor Arab men who were losing their battle to get laid to a bunch of elitists who took 40 wives each, that their eventual deaths in battle creating an empire for those elitists were valuable in some way. Islam is the exact opposite of Christianity. Life has no value in Islam. Its adherents are simply meat to be disposed of by their false asteroid/moon god.
It has no salvation, is hopelessly racist and violent, and is really a totalitarian political system masquerading as a religion. Mohammad created it to convince a bunch of poor Arab men who were losing their battle to get laid to a bunch of elitists who took 40 wives each, that their eventual deaths in battle creating an empire for those elitists were valuable in some way. Islam is the exact opposite of Christianity. Life has no value in Islam. Its adherents are simply meat to be disposed of by their false asteroid/moon god.
Posted by: Sharkman at June 18, 2023 11:23 AM (tTxmq)
257
...and the Spaniards aligned with the radical French Enlightenment.
------------
Including Goya before he figured out King Joseph was worse than the Borbones around May 1808.
https://en.wikipedia.org/
wiki/The_Third_of_May_1808
------------
Including Goya before he figured out King Joseph was worse than the Borbones around May 1808.
https://en.wikipedia.org/
wiki/The_Third_of_May_1808
Posted by: andycanuck (Vwz3I) at June 18, 2023 11:23 AM (Vwz3I)
258
No, I can't tell you what Melville was trying to say. I am notoriously bad at finding the deep meaning in a book. If I have a favorite character it's either Ishmael or QueeQueeg. And I love the opening chapter where Ishmael explains why he periodically ends up going to sea (always as crew, not passenger, because there is a world of difference between paying and getting paid)
Posted by: who knew at June 18, 2023 11:24 AM (4I7VG)
259
230 I read a book by a guy who proposed that as history's first recorded monotheist, Ahkenaten was the model on which Moses was based.
While Moses was Egyptian there seemed to be a lot of holes in his theory.
Posted by: Cicero (cicero43) at June 18, 2023 11:14 AM (s12c9)
I've heard that theory. It wasn't endorsed by the source I heard it from. More interesting (to me and the various sources I've heard/read) are that Moses shares an origin story with Sargon of Akkad. And that having a same with an 'ses' ending is pretty common in Egypt. I'm not sure there's a lot of meaning in those connections, but they are neat.
While Moses was Egyptian there seemed to be a lot of holes in his theory.
Posted by: Cicero (cicero43) at June 18, 2023 11:14 AM (s12c9)
I've heard that theory. It wasn't endorsed by the source I heard it from. More interesting (to me and the various sources I've heard/read) are that Moses shares an origin story with Sargon of Akkad. And that having a same with an 'ses' ending is pretty common in Egypt. I'm not sure there's a lot of meaning in those connections, but they are neat.
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 11:24 AM (Lhaco)
260
Roman paganism was also heavily transactional in terms of sacrifice being directly tied to 'divine' favor.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:20 AM (llXky)
Yes. But the Pontifex position was one that had fell into disuse by Caesar's time. It was almost certainly a hugely important position during the Monarchy. And may have actually been the Monarch.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:20 AM (llXky)
Yes. But the Pontifex position was one that had fell into disuse by Caesar's time. It was almost certainly a hugely important position during the Monarchy. And may have actually been the Monarch.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 11:24 AM (7fCUo)
261
one of the sailors: "Excuse me, but what's an Odyssey?"
Captain: "It's an agonizingly long journey full of terrible adventures, which only the leader survives."
Crewman: "Oh, okay. Wait, what???"
Posted by: Tom Servo at June 18, 2023 11:19 AM (q3gwH)
---
When Honda came out with the Odyssey, people were joking that it takes you 10 years to get home and then you find your wife with another man.
Captain: "It's an agonizingly long journey full of terrible adventures, which only the leader survives."
Crewman: "Oh, okay. Wait, what???"
Posted by: Tom Servo at June 18, 2023 11:19 AM (q3gwH)
---
When Honda came out with the Odyssey, people were joking that it takes you 10 years to get home and then you find your wife with another man.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:24 AM (llXky)
262
People have to realize that in their way, they *were* god-kings, capable of devastating towns and whole regions with a word of command. Likewise, they could raise up a peasant to the Imperial Court or shower a lucky village with riches and temples.
Roman paganism was also heavily transactional in terms of sacrifice being directly tied to 'divine' favor.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:20 AM (llXky)
The classical Romans also had a bit different concept of what constitutes a god than we do. They saw no problem at all in you sticking a knife in the back of your god when he got too annoying, and they did it regularly.
an aside - in today's music lingo, it has always amused me that the latin term for goddess is "Diva".
Roman paganism was also heavily transactional in terms of sacrifice being directly tied to 'divine' favor.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:20 AM (llXky)
The classical Romans also had a bit different concept of what constitutes a god than we do. They saw no problem at all in you sticking a knife in the back of your god when he got too annoying, and they did it regularly.
an aside - in today's music lingo, it has always amused me that the latin term for goddess is "Diva".
Posted by: Tom Servo at June 18, 2023 11:24 AM (q3gwH)
263
make their fortune and their religious conversion came only after a bunch of other ventures failed.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:16 AM (llXky)
I read somewhere the whole thing was a bar bet between Hubbard and Heinlein over who could invent the best religion. They both sort of spawned the religeous aspects of their writing about the same time and Heinlein accidentally to an extent spawned and inspired the free love movement. He had to build bigger walls to keep the hippies out of his compound.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:16 AM (llXky)
I read somewhere the whole thing was a bar bet between Hubbard and Heinlein over who could invent the best religion. They both sort of spawned the religeous aspects of their writing about the same time and Heinlein accidentally to an extent spawned and inspired the free love movement. He had to build bigger walls to keep the hippies out of his compound.
Posted by: Reforger at June 18, 2023 11:24 AM (B705c)
264
With the Zealots in charge in Jerusalem, Nero got pissed when they (the Jews) would not offer prayers/sacrifices to YHWH for the Emperor.
Read "The Jewish War" by Josephus.
The Jews were in open rebellion.
Read "The Jewish War" by Josephus.
The Jews were in open rebellion.
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at June 18, 2023 11:25 AM (vg8N1)
265
No classical pagan would be stupid enough to try the Great Leap Forward, with backyard forges.
Just sayin'.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:22 AM (llXky)
____________
Marxism is supposed to be "scientific". Any scientist who watched the same experiment fail repeatedly in the exact same way might end up questioning the theory. Marxists never do this.
No classical pagan would be stupid enough to try the Great Leap Forward, with backyard forges.
Just sayin'.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:22 AM (llXky)
____________
Marxism is supposed to be "scientific". Any scientist who watched the same experiment fail repeatedly in the exact same way might end up questioning the theory. Marxists never do this.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at June 18, 2023 11:25 AM (MoZTd)
266
250 --
I'm just some guy here at Ace's places. Ex-bookstore clerk (Kroch's & Brentano's, Chicago), ex-librarian (couple of places), and ex-computer geek (KS). Ace's places are just about the only sites where I sorta kinda social media; most of the others (FB, etc) seem too bloody annoying.
I'm just some guy here at Ace's places. Ex-bookstore clerk (Kroch's & Brentano's, Chicago), ex-librarian (couple of places), and ex-computer geek (KS). Ace's places are just about the only sites where I sorta kinda social media; most of the others (FB, etc) seem too bloody annoying.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at June 18, 2023 11:25 AM (a/4+U)
267
No classical pagan would be stupid enough to try the Great Leap Forward, with backyard forges.
Just sayin'.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:22 AM (llXky)
A friend's dad was a visitor during this time...he said in the cities, manhole covers and drain grates disappeared regularly.
Just sayin'.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:22 AM (llXky)
A friend's dad was a visitor during this time...he said in the cities, manhole covers and drain grates disappeared regularly.
Posted by: BignJames at June 18, 2023 11:26 AM (AwYPR)
268
227 And while I don't yet have Volume 7, the cover and Amazon-preview-pages suggests that it focuses on a day at the spa...
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 10:22 AM (Lhaco)
It does. I have all 13 currently available in English.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at June 18, 2023 11:12 AM (nC+QA)
I already have Volumes 7 and 8 coming in the mail, so hopefully a day at the spa is more interesting than it sounds.
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 10:22 AM (Lhaco)
It does. I have all 13 currently available in English.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at June 18, 2023 11:12 AM (nC+QA)
I already have Volumes 7 and 8 coming in the mail, so hopefully a day at the spa is more interesting than it sounds.
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 11:26 AM (Lhaco)
269
Our public library has dumped almost all the interesting WWII history books, but they had Quartered Safe Out Here: A Recollection of the War in Burma by George MacDonald Fraser.
That book has been rightly praised here. I like the juxtaposition of his WWII attitudes and the soyboy blathering of the 1990s that he disparages. He tell a great tale of combat. A lot of his words stand out.
I still have that vision of the Border Regiment advancing to contact with the broken but not unbowed Japanese forces, all in a line. No fire and movement for this group! As he says, "Englishmen."
That book has been rightly praised here. I like the juxtaposition of his WWII attitudes and the soyboy blathering of the 1990s that he disparages. He tell a great tale of combat. A lot of his words stand out.
I still have that vision of the Border Regiment advancing to contact with the broken but not unbowed Japanese forces, all in a line. No fire and movement for this group! As he says, "Englishmen."
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at June 18, 2023 11:26 AM (u82oZ)
270
Moses was a Levite, right?
The Levites weren't allocated land.
Good case they weren't "Hebrew".
Friedman makes the case the Exodus was the story of Levite non-Hebrew immigrants who muscled their way into Israel later on.
The Levites weren't allocated land.
Good case they weren't "Hebrew".
Friedman makes the case the Exodus was the story of Levite non-Hebrew immigrants who muscled their way into Israel later on.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 11:26 AM (7fCUo)
271
I've heard that theory. It wasn't endorsed by the source I heard it from. More interesting (to me and the various sources I've heard/read) are that Moses shares an origin story with Sargon of Akkad. And that having a same with an 'ses' ending is pretty common in Egypt. I'm not sure there's a lot of meaning in those connections, but they are neat.
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 11:24 AM (Lhaco)
There's a couple of Pharaoh's named Thutmoses, so it's clearly an Egyptian name
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 11:24 AM (Lhaco)
There's a couple of Pharaoh's named Thutmoses, so it's clearly an Egyptian name
Posted by: Tom Servo at June 18, 2023 11:26 AM (q3gwH)
272
The Peninsular War was not only a contest between France and England. It was also very much a civil war between the Spanish monarchists and the Spaniards aligned with the radical French Enlightenment. Between the traditionalists and the secularists, the Spanish Ulcer was very much a no-quarter war to the knife.
Posted by: mrp
Composer and virtuoso Fernando Sor was a Spanish government official who sided with Napoleon and subsequently had to flee Spain for Paris where he made his name and fortune.
Posted by: mrp
Composer and virtuoso Fernando Sor was a Spanish government official who sided with Napoleon and subsequently had to flee Spain for Paris where he made his name and fortune.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at June 18, 2023 11:27 AM (FVME7)
273
I've sometimes wondered if the whole disaster wasn't at least partially caused by the Zealots, who seem like a pack of assholes.
At least one Israeli IDF general seemed to think so, and commented that Masada was a military catastrophe of the highest order, and while it made for a great nation-building myth, regarded the 'Never Again' motto as also including never again letting people like the Zealots get in charge of any sort of military campaign...
At least one Israeli IDF general seemed to think so, and commented that Masada was a military catastrophe of the highest order, and while it made for a great nation-building myth, regarded the 'Never Again' motto as also including never again letting people like the Zealots get in charge of any sort of military campaign...
Posted by: LenNeal at June 18, 2023 11:28 AM (43xH1)
274
117 Happy Fathers Day, Morons! Don't laugh, but I've finally begun reading Moby Dick as I approach the 23rd anniversary of my 29th.birthday.
Posted by: Matthew Kant Cipher at June 18, 2023 10:09 AM
I won't laugh! That's a book that I've always told myself that I need to read but haven't yet. And I'm 29 too!
Posted by: Matthew Kant Cipher at June 18, 2023 10:09 AM
I won't laugh! That's a book that I've always told myself that I need to read but haven't yet. And I'm 29 too!
Posted by: Moonbeam at June 18, 2023 11:29 AM (rbKZ6)
275
99.Would the Arabs have conquered the Middle East and North Africa for centuries if Mohammed hadn't led them down that path?
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at June 18, 2023 09:47 AM (BpYfr)
Short answer; yes. Again like with Genghis but probably to a lesser extant. The ingredients were there for both and it took a great chef to create a masterpiece.
Posted by: JmT
====
Except for the uncomfortable fact that , historically, there is absolutely no proof Mohammed existed, so far as I know. I believe Genghis has been verified as a particular individual.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at June 18, 2023 09:47 AM (BpYfr)
Short answer; yes. Again like with Genghis but probably to a lesser extant. The ingredients were there for both and it took a great chef to create a masterpiece.
Posted by: JmT
====
Except for the uncomfortable fact that , historically, there is absolutely no proof Mohammed existed, so far as I know. I believe Genghis has been verified as a particular individual.
Posted by: From about that Time at June 18, 2023 11:29 AM (4780s)
276
It's fair to say that Spain was killed as a Great Power by the Napoleonic Wars, and never recovered. This after at least 3 centuries as the greatest military power in Europe.
Posted by: Tom Servo at June 18, 2023 11:30 AM (q3gwH)
277
Roman paganism was also heavily transactional in terms of sacrifice being directly tied to 'divine' favor.
The interesting thing about Roman paganism and paganism in general is that it has no aspirations beyond the current life. Curry favor with the right gods and your life will go easier. Ignore or anger them and you're in for a rough time.
Until the late Second Temple period Judaism was generally the same. It wasn't until maybe the first century BC that sects began to crop up with an apocalyptic bent, but even these predicted not an afterlife in heaven, but an eternal life on Earth in a resurrected body.
Christianity's focus on a blissful afterlife that would replace the hardscrabble existence of most people in the corporeal world distinguished it from paganism and (most) Judaism and likely a big factor in its rapid spread through the Roman Empire.
The interesting thing about Roman paganism and paganism in general is that it has no aspirations beyond the current life. Curry favor with the right gods and your life will go easier. Ignore or anger them and you're in for a rough time.
Until the late Second Temple period Judaism was generally the same. It wasn't until maybe the first century BC that sects began to crop up with an apocalyptic bent, but even these predicted not an afterlife in heaven, but an eternal life on Earth in a resurrected body.
Christianity's focus on a blissful afterlife that would replace the hardscrabble existence of most people in the corporeal world distinguished it from paganism and (most) Judaism and likely a big factor in its rapid spread through the Roman Empire.
Posted by: Cicero (cicero43) at June 18, 2023 11:30 AM (s12c9)
278
Islam is the "religion" Satan imposed on the world after getting his ass kicked so thoroughly by Christ at Calvary.
Posted by: Sharkman at June 18, 2023 11:23 AM (tTxmq)
---
The contention in The Hidden Origins of Islam is that it was a Christian heresy that emphasized the centrality of Christ's obedience rather His Incarnation. Thus the virgin birth was regarded as secondary to His perfect submission to God the Father. In this sense, John the Baptist is supremely important as he inaugurates and sanctifies Christ.
This is why Muslims directed such fury at Jews and Christians, making a point of converting rather than destroying their places of worship.
Since the Koran wasn't written at once, that's why you get passages that say "kill the unbeliever" but later on "no, leave the Christians and Jews alone."
Posted by: Sharkman at June 18, 2023 11:23 AM (tTxmq)
---
The contention in The Hidden Origins of Islam is that it was a Christian heresy that emphasized the centrality of Christ's obedience rather His Incarnation. Thus the virgin birth was regarded as secondary to His perfect submission to God the Father. In this sense, John the Baptist is supremely important as he inaugurates and sanctifies Christ.
This is why Muslims directed such fury at Jews and Christians, making a point of converting rather than destroying their places of worship.
Since the Koran wasn't written at once, that's why you get passages that say "kill the unbeliever" but later on "no, leave the Christians and Jews alone."
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:32 AM (llXky)
279
191 I've been kinda obsessed with Melchizedek ever since I first read his appearance in the Bible as a kid.
Now that is a scene loaded with significance.
And mostly incomprehensible.
Guenon says Melch is the representative of the Tradition sent to authorize Abraham (Abram) as the founder of an orthodox religion.
This is what Lafferty is working from I am pretty sure.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 10:57 AM
****
The Jewish tradition is that Melchizedek is another name for Shem, the son of Noah, who with his great-grandson Eber established the first yeshivah (so to speak), where the traditions of Noah were preserved and taught while the rest of mankind went deeper into idol worship ... which ironically began when men began to think that the Almighty was too high and great for them to presume to serve Him, and that they needed to approach His higher creations (such as the angels and the forces of nature He made) to be intermediaries ... and eventually forgot the Creator in the worship of the creations. Just saying. You should be able to find out more in a good Midrash collection.
Now that is a scene loaded with significance.
And mostly incomprehensible.
Guenon says Melch is the representative of the Tradition sent to authorize Abraham (Abram) as the founder of an orthodox religion.
This is what Lafferty is working from I am pretty sure.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 10:57 AM
****
The Jewish tradition is that Melchizedek is another name for Shem, the son of Noah, who with his great-grandson Eber established the first yeshivah (so to speak), where the traditions of Noah were preserved and taught while the rest of mankind went deeper into idol worship ... which ironically began when men began to think that the Almighty was too high and great for them to presume to serve Him, and that they needed to approach His higher creations (such as the angels and the forces of nature He made) to be intermediaries ... and eventually forgot the Creator in the worship of the creations. Just saying. You should be able to find out more in a good Midrash collection.
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at June 18, 2023 11:32 AM (SPNTN)
280
The main character has an interesting group of friends that play a role and reappear so there is some continuity but each book could be a stand alone.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at June 18, 2023 09:33 AM (t/2Uw)
That is exactly the pattern used by John Buchan in the various adventures of Richard Hannay. He had a posse of friends with interesting talents, accumulated during the Great War.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at June 18, 2023 09:33 AM (t/2Uw)
That is exactly the pattern used by John Buchan in the various adventures of Richard Hannay. He had a posse of friends with interesting talents, accumulated during the Great War.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at June 18, 2023 11:33 AM (la/0A)
281
The contention in The Hidden Origins of Islam is that it was a Christian heresy that emphasized the centrality of Christ's obedience rather His Incarnation. Thus the virgin birth was regarded as secondary to His perfect submission to God the Father. In this sense, John the Baptist is supremely important as he inaugurates and sanctifies Christ.
>>>>
Anselm discusses this in Cur Deus Homo. Brilliantly.
>>>>
Anselm discusses this in Cur Deus Homo. Brilliantly.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 11:33 AM (7fCUo)
282
134 Finally finished James A. Michener's Alaska. I've read 7 of his novels and enjoyed them all but Alaska was a challenge to finish.
Posted by: Legally Sufficient at June 18, 2023
LOL! I bought that book in the 1980s from the Book of the Month Club. It's been on my shelf unread ever since. I bought it because I was born there (Air Force brat) and really feel like I should know its history. You've inspired me to put it on my reading table.
Posted by: Legally Sufficient at June 18, 2023
LOL! I bought that book in the 1980s from the Book of the Month Club. It's been on my shelf unread ever since. I bought it because I was born there (Air Force brat) and really feel like I should know its history. You've inspired me to put it on my reading table.
Posted by: Moonbeam at June 18, 2023 11:34 AM (rbKZ6)
283
Since the Koran wasn't written at once, that's why you get passages that say "kill the unbeliever" but later on "no, leave the Christians and Jews alone."
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:32 AM (llXky)
I guess that'll happen when you kill your scribes.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:32 AM (llXky)
I guess that'll happen when you kill your scribes.
Posted by: BignJames at June 18, 2023 11:34 AM (AwYPR)
284
Perfesser Squirrel, look up from that book ever so often, might be a old tomcat round.
Posted by: Eromero at June 18, 2023 11:34 AM (4svuj)
Posted by: JT at June 18, 2023 11:34 AM (T4tVD)
286
271 I've heard that theory. It wasn't endorsed by the source I heard it from. More interesting (to me and the various sources I've heard/read) are that Moses shares an origin story with Sargon of Akkad. And that having a same with an 'ses' ending is pretty common in Egypt. I'm not sure there's a lot of meaning in those connections, but they are neat.
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 11:24 AM (Lhaco)
There's a couple of Pharaoh's named Thutmoses, so it's clearly an Egyptian name
Posted by: Tom Servo at June 18, 2023 11:26 AM
****
Dudes. Do keep in mind that Exodus was not written in English, Latin, or Greek. "Moses" is a translation. The original name is Moshe.
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 11:24 AM (Lhaco)
There's a couple of Pharaoh's named Thutmoses, so it's clearly an Egyptian name
Posted by: Tom Servo at June 18, 2023 11:26 AM
****
Dudes. Do keep in mind that Exodus was not written in English, Latin, or Greek. "Moses" is a translation. The original name is Moshe.
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at June 18, 2023 11:35 AM (SPNTN)
287
IIRC, both Julius and Augustus assumed the role of Pontifex Maximus, which hitherto had been a separate and rather obscure office.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:20 AM (llXky)
To this day, I still chuckle every time I hear of the 'Pontifex Maximus.' Because it's just so ironic that the office was eventually given to the Christian Bishop of Rome, which then became synonymous with the Roman Bishopric, thus giving us the terms 'Pontif' and 'Pope.'
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:20 AM (llXky)
To this day, I still chuckle every time I hear of the 'Pontifex Maximus.' Because it's just so ironic that the office was eventually given to the Christian Bishop of Rome, which then became synonymous with the Roman Bishopric, thus giving us the terms 'Pontif' and 'Pope.'
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 11:35 AM (Lhaco)
288
I have never read Moby Dick, although I have read the Dell Comics Four Color #717 adaptation of the 1956 movie.
The only thing I ever learned from that book is that even a book nobody reads (voluntarily at least) can be remembered by a snappy opening line. I took that lesson very much to heart. The China/Boxer Rebellion novel (it's a fantasy/horror piece based on folklore about Hell) begins with the single, separate line:
"The dragon was moving."
The only thing I ever learned from that book is that even a book nobody reads (voluntarily at least) can be remembered by a snappy opening line. I took that lesson very much to heart. The China/Boxer Rebellion novel (it's a fantasy/horror piece based on folklore about Hell) begins with the single, separate line:
"The dragon was moving."
Posted by: LenNeal at June 18, 2023 11:36 AM (43xH1)
289
I have written approximately 0.0 books this week.
Posted by: Weasel at June 18, 2023 11:36 AM (RG6z4)
290
*slips pants on*
Good morning, Hordelings! Happy Father's Day to all my fellow dads out there!
Reading a very fun and interesting book currently -- Nothin But A Good Time, The Uncensored History of the 80s Hard Rock Explosion. It's written in interview style. I'm only 1/4 through it, and I'm already shocked and amazed at how some of those bands got started and became famous.
Good morning, Hordelings! Happy Father's Day to all my fellow dads out there!
Reading a very fun and interesting book currently -- Nothin But A Good Time, The Uncensored History of the 80s Hard Rock Explosion. It's written in interview style. I'm only 1/4 through it, and I'm already shocked and amazed at how some of those bands got started and became famous.
Posted by: Doof at June 18, 2023 11:36 AM (uzo3a)
291
And yet, the Muslims are Arians.
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at June 18, 2023 11:36 AM (vg8N1)
292
Mmm. Ham.
Posted by: andycanuck (Vwz3I) at June 18, 2023 11:37 AM (Vwz3I)
293
I've been reading Robert B. Parker's Jesse Stone. I read a few beyond the point where other authors 'helped' and stopped as I noted plot similarities and also character twinning. Parker's problem is that all the good guys are usually tall, well-built and good. The bad guys always tend to have negative values: fat, ugly, short, loud, badly dressed, etc.
Similarly the love interest is always a drop dead gorgeous woman BUT with a personal physical or emotional problem so it precludes marriage (very convenient). Other goody-goody women are at least pleasant looking, dress well even if poor, etc.; and the bad women are old or ugly or were only pretty a long time ago.
So I moved to the Spenser series. I think I may have read the first one a long time ago, at least it vaguely sounded familiar (oh oh), everything goes wrong at once. I skipped the rest and moved on to Book 2. We'll see if I need to go back to Book 1 for continuity.
Similarly the love interest is always a drop dead gorgeous woman BUT with a personal physical or emotional problem so it precludes marriage (very convenient). Other goody-goody women are at least pleasant looking, dress well even if poor, etc.; and the bad women are old or ugly or were only pretty a long time ago.
So I moved to the Spenser series. I think I may have read the first one a long time ago, at least it vaguely sounded familiar (oh oh), everything goes wrong at once. I skipped the rest and moved on to Book 2. We'll see if I need to go back to Book 1 for continuity.
Posted by: Ciampino - It's a battle between correcting grammar and wanting friends at June 18, 2023 11:37 AM (qfLjt)
294
Creator in the worship of the creations. Just saying. You should be able to find out more in a good Midrash collection.
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at June 18, 2023 11:32 AM (SPNTN)
Yes. Guenon discusses all this. It's fascinating. But note what you say is a later tradition than the original. And not really incompatible with what Guenon argues.
Note: I am not a perrennialist at all.
But the Melchizedek story is "problematic" and gave rise to endless post hoc explanations.
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at June 18, 2023 11:32 AM (SPNTN)
Yes. Guenon discusses all this. It's fascinating. But note what you say is a later tradition than the original. And not really incompatible with what Guenon argues.
Note: I am not a perrennialist at all.
But the Melchizedek story is "problematic" and gave rise to endless post hoc explanations.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 11:38 AM (7fCUo)
295
"Perfessor",
I have to tell you I truly enjoy this thread. And I really admire how you took it over - those were really big shoes to fill and you have done an admirable job.
Posted by: Grateful at June 18, 2023 11:05 AM (IQ6Gq
Let me add my thanxs as well. Really appreciate the work you do here.
I have to tell you I truly enjoy this thread. And I really admire how you took it over - those were really big shoes to fill and you have done an admirable job.
Posted by: Grateful at June 18, 2023 11:05 AM (IQ6Gq
Let me add my thanxs as well. Really appreciate the work you do here.
Posted by: Diogenes at June 18, 2023 11:38 AM (e4fEA)
296
I guess that'll happen when you kill your scribes.
Posted by: BignJames at June 18, 2023 11:34 AM (AwYPR)
---
And then burn all the copies that don't have the *official* version of the text.
I'm endlessly amused by Bible """scholars""" who (typically at Easter) announce some breakthrough or theory that totally upends Christianity or dig out all the seeming contractions, etc.
Guys, if you really think the Catholic Church edited out "true Christianity", take a gander at Islam, because that is actually how it would have been done.
Posted by: BignJames at June 18, 2023 11:34 AM (AwYPR)
---
And then burn all the copies that don't have the *official* version of the text.
I'm endlessly amused by Bible """scholars""" who (typically at Easter) announce some breakthrough or theory that totally upends Christianity or dig out all the seeming contractions, etc.
Guys, if you really think the Catholic Church edited out "true Christianity", take a gander at Islam, because that is actually how it would have been done.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:38 AM (llXky)
297
Remember, thou art but a man.
Posted by: andycanuck (Vwz3I) at June 18, 2023 11:39 AM (Vwz3I)
298
The koran uses abrogation, last thing added is what they go by. And that is 'kill the infidel'. Sorry, is what it is.
Posted by: Eromero at June 18, 2023 11:39 AM (4svuj)
299
To this day, I still chuckle every time I hear of the 'Pontifex Maximus.' Because it's just so ironic that the office was eventually given to the Christian Bishop of Rome, which then became synonymous with the Roman Bishopric, thus giving us the terms 'Pontif' and 'Pope.'
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 11:35 AM (Lhaco)
It's not really ironic, though. It's the same position just fulfilled.
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 11:35 AM (Lhaco)
It's not really ironic, though. It's the same position just fulfilled.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 11:40 AM (7fCUo)
Posted by: JT at June 18, 2023 11:40 AM (T4tVD)
301
You won't read that book again because the ending's just too hard to take.
You won't read that book again because the ending's just too hard to take.
Posted by: Gorden LightFeet at June 18, 2023 11:41 AM (enJYY)
302
To this day, I still chuckle every time I hear of the 'Pontifex Maximus.'
It is amusing to consider that Pope Frankie the Red is the successor to Julius Caesar.
It is amusing to consider that Pope Frankie the Red is the successor to Julius Caesar.
Posted by: Cicero (cicero43) at June 18, 2023 11:41 AM (s12c9)
Posted by: Weasel at June 18, 2023 11:41 AM (RG6z4)
304
Yep.
Posted by: Count de Monet at June 18, 2023 11:42 AM (4I/2K)
305
Ystdy i was struck by the brilliance of the lyrics of Pancho and Lefty.
Every verse is just incredible.
Every verse is just incredible.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 11:42 AM (7fCUo)
306
>>>Happy Fathers Day, Morons!
>Let me clue you in Skip; That's not what your mother said last night.
>Let me clue you in Skip; That's not what your mother said last night.
Posted by: Dr. Bone at June 18, 2023 11:42 AM (KVGVf)
307
"Perfessor",
I have to tell you I truly enjoy this thread. And I really admire how you took it over - those were really big shoes to fill and you have done an admirable job.
Posted by: Grateful at June 18, 2023 11:05 AM (IQ6Gq
Let me add my thanxs as well. Really appreciate the work you do here.
Posted by: Diogenes at June 18, 2023 11:38 AM (e4fEA)
----
Absolutely agreed!
I have to tell you I truly enjoy this thread. And I really admire how you took it over - those were really big shoes to fill and you have done an admirable job.
Posted by: Grateful at June 18, 2023 11:05 AM (IQ6Gq
Let me add my thanxs as well. Really appreciate the work you do here.
Posted by: Diogenes at June 18, 2023 11:38 AM (e4fEA)
----
Absolutely agreed!
Posted by: Weasel at June 18, 2023 11:42 AM (RG6z4)
308
I hadn't heard the bit about the Honda Oddysey, that's funny!
The Mitsubishi Pajero has the alternative name 'Montero' because pajero in many Latin American countries means 'jagoff' or 'wanker'.
The Mitsubishi Pajero has the alternative name 'Montero' because pajero in many Latin American countries means 'jagoff' or 'wanker'.
Posted by: LenNeal at June 18, 2023 11:42 AM (43xH1)
309
291 And yet, the Muslims are Arians.
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at June 18, 2023 11:36 AM (vg8N1)
----
Common mistake is to assume Moslems are all Arabs. Remember Islam is a 'religion' and has been adopted by many peoples, eveen nations. Think Indonesia. Sub-Saharan Africa.
So no, only a fraction of Muslims may be Aryan.
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at June 18, 2023 11:36 AM (vg8N1)
----
Common mistake is to assume Moslems are all Arabs. Remember Islam is a 'religion' and has been adopted by many peoples, eveen nations. Think Indonesia. Sub-Saharan Africa.
So no, only a fraction of Muslims may be Aryan.
Posted by: Ciampino - It's a battle between correcting grammar and wanting friends at June 18, 2023 11:42 AM (qfLjt)
310
I have written approximately 0.0 books this week.
Posted by: Weasel at June 18, 2023 11:36 AM (RG6z4)
That is a very precise number. Maybe you should go back and count again just to be sure.
Posted by: Weasel at June 18, 2023 11:36 AM (RG6z4)
That is a very precise number. Maybe you should go back and count again just to be sure.
Posted by: Cicero (cicero43) at June 18, 2023 11:43 AM (s12c9)
311
Yes Perfesser highlight of my week.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 11:43 AM (7fCUo)
312
To this day, I still chuckle every time I hear of the 'Pontifex Maximus.' Because it's just so ironic that the office was eventually given to the Christian Bishop of Rome, which then became synonymous with the Roman Bishopric, thus giving us the terms 'Pontif' and 'Pope.'
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 11:35 AM (Lhaco)
---
The use of a title is to symbolize a rectification in terms of the proper hierarchy.
The Fallen Angels tried to set themselves up as gods, receiving worship as such. By claiming that office, the Church put God in the proper place within the Roman state structure.
To this day, I still chuckle every time I hear of the 'Pontifex Maximus.' Because it's just so ironic that the office was eventually given to the Christian Bishop of Rome, which then became synonymous with the Roman Bishopric, thus giving us the terms 'Pontif' and 'Pope.'
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 11:35 AM (Lhaco)
---
The use of a title is to symbolize a rectification in terms of the proper hierarchy.
The Fallen Angels tried to set themselves up as gods, receiving worship as such. By claiming that office, the Church put God in the proper place within the Roman state structure.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:43 AM (llXky)
313
Since the Koran wasn't written at once, that's why you get passages that say "kill the unbeliever" but later on "no, leave the Christians and Jews alone."
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd
They needed a tax base.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd
They needed a tax base.
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at June 18, 2023 11:43 AM (ga8qR)
314
'odyssey', I know someone will say something.
Posted by: LenNeal at June 18, 2023 11:44 AM (43xH1)
315
And I would have found that fountain too, if it weren't for them meddling kids.
Posted by: Ponce de Leon at June 18, 2023 11:44 AM (4I/2K)
316
They needed a tax base.
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at June 18, 2023 11:43 AM (ga8qR)
"We need the dues"
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at June 18, 2023 11:43 AM (ga8qR)
"We need the dues"
Posted by: Cicero (cicero43) at June 18, 2023 11:44 AM (s12c9)
317
They needed a tax base.
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at June 18, 2023 11:43 AM (ga8qR)
So true.
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at June 18, 2023 11:43 AM (ga8qR)
So true.
Posted by: Thesokorus at June 18, 2023 11:44 AM (7fCUo)
318
"310 I have written approximately 0.0 books this week.
Posted by: Weasel at June 18, 2023 11:36 AM (RG6z4)
That is a very precise number. Maybe you should go back and count again just to be sure.
Posted by: Cicero (cicero43) at June 18, 2023 11:43 AM (s12c9)"
I agree. You might have written one in your sleep, forgot about it, and it's under an old magazine or a pet.
Posted by: Weasel at June 18, 2023 11:36 AM (RG6z4)
That is a very precise number. Maybe you should go back and count again just to be sure.
Posted by: Cicero (cicero43) at June 18, 2023 11:43 AM (s12c9)"
I agree. You might have written one in your sleep, forgot about it, and it's under an old magazine or a pet.
Posted by: LenNeal at June 18, 2023 11:45 AM (43xH1)
319
Hadrian just like our modern Cultural Marxists following the science they make up out of whole cloth
Posted by: Skip at June 18, 2023 11:46 AM (xhxe8)
320
I already have Volumes 7 and 8 coming in the mail, so hopefully a day at the spa is more interesting than it sounds.
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 11:26 AM (Lhaco)
Volume 7 is my least favorite. When you read it you'll probably be able to guess why. Like I said before, the author glosses over a lot of awful reality in favor of pretty pictures and a sweet story. Usually I appreciate that approach.
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 11:26 AM (Lhaco)
Volume 7 is my least favorite. When you read it you'll probably be able to guess why. Like I said before, the author glosses over a lot of awful reality in favor of pretty pictures and a sweet story. Usually I appreciate that approach.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at June 18, 2023 11:46 AM (nC+QA)
321
And I would have found that fountain too, if it weren't for them meddling kids.
Posted by: Ponce de Leon at June 18, 2023 11:44 AM
That's cause you were looking in Florida. According to the voter rolls the fountain of youth is actually in Wisconsin.
And I would have found that fountain too, if it weren't for them meddling kids.
Posted by: Ponce de Leon at June 18, 2023 11:44 AM
That's cause you were looking in Florida. According to the voter rolls the fountain of youth is actually in Wisconsin.
Posted by: Gorden LightFeet at June 18, 2023 11:46 AM (enJYY)
322
I have written approximately 0.0 books this week.
Posted by: Weasel at June 18, 2023 11:36 AM (RG6z4)
---
Hey Weasel! I'm working on a piece of original research on Spanish Civil War rifles. If you like, I'll forward it to you for use on the Gun Thread.
I'm mostly offline Sunday, alas, but hopefully folks will enjoy it.
Posted by: Weasel at June 18, 2023 11:36 AM (RG6z4)
---
Hey Weasel! I'm working on a piece of original research on Spanish Civil War rifles. If you like, I'll forward it to you for use on the Gun Thread.
I'm mostly offline Sunday, alas, but hopefully folks will enjoy it.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:47 AM (llXky)
323
So I moved to the Spenser series. I think I may have read the first one a long time ago, at least it vaguely sounded familiar (oh oh), everything goes wrong at once. I skipped the rest and moved on to Book 2. We'll see if I need to go back to Book 1 for continuity.
Posted by: Ciampino - It's a battle between correcting grammar and wanting friends at June 18, 2023
***
No. 2, God Save the Child, is a good mystery, and begins what might be called the Spenser Mythos: certain elements that become central to the series as it progresses are introduced in that volume.
Spenser's climactic battle with Phil, the gunman, in Book One is not to be missed, though.
Posted by: Ciampino - It's a battle between correcting grammar and wanting friends at June 18, 2023
***
No. 2, God Save the Child, is a good mystery, and begins what might be called the Spenser Mythos: certain elements that become central to the series as it progresses are introduced in that volume.
Spenser's climactic battle with Phil, the gunman, in Book One is not to be missed, though.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 18, 2023 11:47 AM (omVj0)
324
That's cause you were looking in Florida. According to the voter rolls the fountain of youth is actually in Wisconsin.
Posted by: Gorden LightFeet at June 18, 2023 11:46 AM (enJYY)
Grim Reaper's waiting room.
Posted by: Gorden LightFeet at June 18, 2023 11:46 AM (enJYY)
Grim Reaper's waiting room.
Posted by: BignJames at June 18, 2023 11:48 AM (AwYPR)
325
I'm endlessly amused by Bible """scholars""" who (typically at Easter) announce some breakthrough or theory that totally upends Christianity or dig out all the seeming contractions, etc.
Guys, if you really think the Catholic Church edited out "true Christianity", take a gander at Islam, because that is actually how it would have been done.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:38 AM (llXky)
From the very beginning, Christianity was built on 4 separate and sometimes contradictory gospels. A little bit of dissonance and arguments are just baked into the cake. And that was done back before there was a singular 'Catholic Church' with any power to suppress what they didn't like...
Guys, if you really think the Catholic Church edited out "true Christianity", take a gander at Islam, because that is actually how it would have been done.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:38 AM (llXky)
From the very beginning, Christianity was built on 4 separate and sometimes contradictory gospels. A little bit of dissonance and arguments are just baked into the cake. And that was done back before there was a singular 'Catholic Church' with any power to suppress what they didn't like...
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 11:49 AM (Lhaco)
326
First book my Dad recommended to me...
https://tinyurl.com/5n8cfp3n
horrifying.
Posted by: BignJames
I just couldn't understand how the doctors could do the horrible stuff they did even if they were Nazis. I still don't understand it but now we're seeing it happen.
https://tinyurl.com/5n8cfp3n
horrifying.
Posted by: BignJames
I just couldn't understand how the doctors could do the horrible stuff they did even if they were Nazis. I still don't understand it but now we're seeing it happen.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at June 18, 2023 11:49 AM (FVME7)
327
'odyssey', I know someone will say something.
Posted by: LenNeal at June 18, 2023 11:44 AM (43xH1)
Here's Len again, being odd I see.
Posted by: LenNeal at June 18, 2023 11:44 AM (43xH1)
Here's Len again, being odd I see.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at June 18, 2023 11:50 AM (Angsy)
328
I have written approximately 0.0 books this week.
Posted by: Weasel at June 18, 2023 11:36 AM (RG6z4)
***
I wrote my name on the credit card slip at the store when I bought some ammo. Does that count?
If it does then I've already completed a sequel at the liquor store.
Posted by: Weasel at June 18, 2023 11:36 AM (RG6z4)
***
I wrote my name on the credit card slip at the store when I bought some ammo. Does that count?
If it does then I've already completed a sequel at the liquor store.
Posted by: Diogenes at June 18, 2023 11:50 AM (e4fEA)
329
Ah, but does writing a blog thread equally writing a book if not in length.
But if so Weasel you may consider getting some words written.
But if so Weasel you may consider getting some words written.
Posted by: Skip at June 18, 2023 11:50 AM (xhxe8)
330
"Pontifex" = "bridgemaker," one who bridges the gap between this world and the unseen world.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 18, 2023 11:51 AM (omVj0)
331
I just couldn't understand how the doctors could do the horrible stuff they did even if they were Nazis. I still don't understand it but now we're seeing it happen.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at June 18, 2023 11:49 AM (FVME7)
Iirc, he was a pathologist...Hungarian Jew.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at June 18, 2023 11:49 AM (FVME7)
Iirc, he was a pathologist...Hungarian Jew.
Posted by: BignJames at June 18, 2023 11:51 AM (AwYPR)
332
'Spenser's climactic battle with Phil, the gunman, in Book One is not to be missed, though.'
That's an interesting topic, how action/violence is written and how the reader processes it. The first book I did is essentially a fantastic horror piece, and has a lot of violence (interwebz Chinese Hell, you'll see why!), and it was a challenge to write it as descriptive. Violence can read as lurid, restrained, matter-of-fact, and it affects how the reader feels about it.
That's an interesting topic, how action/violence is written and how the reader processes it. The first book I did is essentially a fantastic horror piece, and has a lot of violence (interwebz Chinese Hell, you'll see why!), and it was a challenge to write it as descriptive. Violence can read as lurid, restrained, matter-of-fact, and it affects how the reader feels about it.
Posted by: LenNeal at June 18, 2023 11:52 AM (43xH1)
333
Dehumanizing your opponents and the possibilities opens up what a human can do.
Posted by: Skip at June 18, 2023 11:54 AM (xhxe8)
334
They needed a tax base.
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at June 18, 2023 11:43 AM (ga8qR)
And a slave base.
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at June 18, 2023 11:43 AM (ga8qR)
And a slave base.
Posted by: mrp at June 18, 2023 11:54 AM (rj6Yv)
335
That's an interesting topic, how action/violence is written and how the reader processes it. The first book I did is essentially a fantastic horror piece, and has a lot of violence (interwebz Chinese Hell, you'll see why!), and it was a challenge to write it as descriptive. Violence can read as lurid, restrained, matter-of-fact, and it affects how the reader feels about it.
Posted by: LenNeal at June 18, 2023
***
The climactic fight or battle scenes in the first three Spensers are instrumental in showing us what kind of man Spenser is. For pure excitement in action scenes, you can always rely on Ian Fleming. The climax of From Russia With Love aboard the Orient Express is a classic.
Posted by: LenNeal at June 18, 2023
***
The climactic fight or battle scenes in the first three Spensers are instrumental in showing us what kind of man Spenser is. For pure excitement in action scenes, you can always rely on Ian Fleming. The climax of From Russia With Love aboard the Orient Express is a classic.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 18, 2023 11:54 AM (omVj0)
336
I have read way more than my fair share on humans inhumanities to man
Posted by: Skip at June 18, 2023 11:55 AM (xhxe8)
337
First book my Dad recommended to me...
https://tinyurl.com/5n8cfp3n
horrifying.
Posted by: BignJames
***
I recall recommending The Hunt for Red October to my 'ol man. (He was 20 years on subs). I told him if the sub stuff was as good as the Intel stuff, he'd like the book. I didn't see him for a week.
https://tinyurl.com/5n8cfp3n
horrifying.
Posted by: BignJames
***
I recall recommending The Hunt for Red October to my 'ol man. (He was 20 years on subs). I told him if the sub stuff was as good as the Intel stuff, he'd like the book. I didn't see him for a week.
Posted by: Diogenes at June 18, 2023 11:55 AM (e4fEA)
338
From the very beginning, Christianity was built on 4 separate and sometimes contradictory gospels. A little bit of dissonance and arguments are just baked into the cake. And that was done back before there was a singular 'Catholic Church' with any power to suppress what they didn't like...
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 11:49 AM (Lhaco)
---
It is axiomatic that if you are taking testimony in court from eyewitnesses and they agree on every single detail, they are operating off of a script and therefore lying.
A great example of people seeing different things can be found in first-hand accounts of Civil War battles by the actual generals in charge.
Some of those exchanges in Battles and Leaders are quite spicy!
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 11:49 AM (Lhaco)
---
It is axiomatic that if you are taking testimony in court from eyewitnesses and they agree on every single detail, they are operating off of a script and therefore lying.
A great example of people seeing different things can be found in first-hand accounts of Civil War battles by the actual generals in charge.
Some of those exchanges in Battles and Leaders are quite spicy!
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:55 AM (llXky)
339
One of my favorite literary shootings is Elmore Leonard, I don't recall which book, where a guy walks into a barber shop and kills the seated customer with a sawed-off shotgun.
Nothing special, but the barber is a queen, and is shrieking hysterically and generally carrying on, to the disgust of the killer, who says,
"Man, get ahold of yourself!"
And walks out.
Nothing special, but the barber is a queen, and is shrieking hysterically and generally carrying on, to the disgust of the killer, who says,
"Man, get ahold of yourself!"
And walks out.
Posted by: LenNeal at June 18, 2023 11:55 AM (43xH1)
340
I just couldn't understand how the doctors could do the horrible stuff they did even if they were Nazis. I still don't understand it but now we're seeing it happen.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at June 18, 2023 11:49 AM
Someone perhaps should fact check - but a moron on the earlier thread said that 'gender affirming therapy' was baked into Obamacare. If true, that explains why insurance companies are paying for this expensive mutilation of children.
I just couldn't understand how the doctors could do the horrible stuff they did even if they were Nazis. I still don't understand it but now we're seeing it happen.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at June 18, 2023 11:49 AM
Someone perhaps should fact check - but a moron on the earlier thread said that 'gender affirming therapy' was baked into Obamacare. If true, that explains why insurance companies are paying for this expensive mutilation of children.
Posted by: Divide by Zero at June 18, 2023 11:56 AM (enJYY)
341
I recall recommending The Hunt for Red October to my 'ol man. (He was 20 years on subs). I told him if the sub stuff was as good as the Intel stuff, he'd like the book. I didn't see him for a week.
Posted by: Diogenes at June 18, 2023
***
I wish Clancy could have collaborated with someone with a more vivid writing style on that novel. The movie is actually much more exciting. Clancy himself said he loved Larry Niven's SF. Imagine if he had worked with Clancy on that one . . .!
I recall recommending The Hunt for Red October to my 'ol man. (He was 20 years on subs). I told him if the sub stuff was as good as the Intel stuff, he'd like the book. I didn't see him for a week.
Posted by: Diogenes at June 18, 2023
***
I wish Clancy could have collaborated with someone with a more vivid writing style on that novel. The movie is actually much more exciting. Clancy himself said he loved Larry Niven's SF. Imagine if he had worked with Clancy on that one . . .!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 18, 2023 11:57 AM (omVj0)
342
I am quite sure I read Hell in a Very Small Place in 8th grade so quickly saw Communists were real bastards
Posted by: Skip at June 18, 2023 11:57 AM (xhxe8)
343
Volume 7 is my least favorite. When you read it you'll probably be able to guess why. Like I said before, the author glosses over a lot of awful reality in favor of pretty pictures and a sweet story. Usually I appreciate that approach.
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at June 18, 2023 11:46 AM (nC+QA)
Well, that's discouraging. Maybe after reading Volume 7 I'll go back to reading some 90s X-Men or 80s Savage Sword of Conan to get back to something good. But, anyways, I kinda feel like the ending of Volume 3 covers the unpleasant realities of setting, so I'm happy to pretend that not everything ends up that depressing. (And if that storyline gets revisited with a happier ending, as some covers imply, all the better.)
Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at June 18, 2023 11:46 AM (nC+QA)
Well, that's discouraging. Maybe after reading Volume 7 I'll go back to reading some 90s X-Men or 80s Savage Sword of Conan to get back to something good. But, anyways, I kinda feel like the ending of Volume 3 covers the unpleasant realities of setting, so I'm happy to pretend that not everything ends up that depressing. (And if that storyline gets revisited with a happier ending, as some covers imply, all the better.)
Posted by: Castle Guy at June 18, 2023 11:58 AM (Lhaco)
344
Been a while since I read the Spensers, but if memory serves there was a pretty good showdown at the end of God Save the Child as well between Spenser and some bruiser whose name I don't recall. Parker was always good with action/violence, and if you don't want to read a series for examples of his work there, check out his stand-alone title WILDERNESS (why that one's never been filmed is beyond me).
Posted by: Just Some Guy at June 18, 2023 11:58 AM (a/4+U)
345
I recall recommending The Hunt for Red October to my 'ol man. (He was 20 years on subs). I told him if the sub stuff was as good as the Intel stuff, he'd like the book. I didn't see him for a week.
Posted by: Diogenes at June 18, 2023 11:55 AM (e4fEA)
---
A great example of a book that you can't put down and then never want to read again. The second time through the poor writing hits you in the face like a wet rag.
Posted by: Diogenes at June 18, 2023 11:55 AM (e4fEA)
---
A great example of a book that you can't put down and then never want to read again. The second time through the poor writing hits you in the face like a wet rag.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:58 AM (llXky)
346
I have read way more than my fair share on humans inhumanities to man
Posted by: Skip
Promethius ?
Happy Father's Day Skip !
Posted by: Skip
Promethius ?
Happy Father's Day Skip !
Posted by: JT at June 18, 2023 11:58 AM (T4tVD)
347
My dad (retired Air Force) was a huge Tom Clancy fan. All of the Clancy books I have now were originally his. A nice Father’s Day remembrance.
Posted by: Moonbeam at June 18, 2023 11:59 AM (rbKZ6)
348
Someone perhaps should fact check - but a moron on the earlier thread said that 'gender affirming therapy' was baked into Obamacare. If true, that explains why insurance companies are paying for this expensive mutilation of children.
Posted by: Divide by Zero at June 18, 2023 11:56 AM (enJYY)
---
To be fair, Pelosi did say we had to pass it to find out what was in it. And now we know!
Posted by: Divide by Zero at June 18, 2023 11:56 AM (enJYY)
---
To be fair, Pelosi did say we had to pass it to find out what was in it. And now we know!
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:59 AM (llXky)
349
Hiya Moonbeam !
Posted by: JT at June 18, 2023 12:00 PM (T4tVD)
350
331 I just couldn't understand how the doctors could do the horrible stuff they did even if they were Nazis. I still don't understand it but now we're seeing it happen.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at June 18, 2023 11:49 AM (FVME7)
Iirc, he was a pathologist...Hungarian Jew.
Posted by: BignJames
With writing about that stuff, I have a long-standing disagreement with a colleague when editing Holocaust material, as he's always, "Oh, look at these horrors! It's so horrible!"
And my feeling that, that approach towards genocide education appears to have been, and to be, wholly ineffective in keeping anybody from doing it again.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at June 18, 2023 11:49 AM (FVME7)
Iirc, he was a pathologist...Hungarian Jew.
Posted by: BignJames
With writing about that stuff, I have a long-standing disagreement with a colleague when editing Holocaust material, as he's always, "Oh, look at these horrors! It's so horrible!"
And my feeling that, that approach towards genocide education appears to have been, and to be, wholly ineffective in keeping anybody from doing it again.
Posted by: LenNeal at June 18, 2023 12:00 PM (43xH1)
351
The saddest part of Sunday morning, the end of the book thread. Thanks, Perfessor.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at June 18, 2023 12:00 PM (Angsy)
352
A great example of a book that you can't put down and then never want to read again. The second time through the poor writing hits you in the face like a wet rag.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:58 AM (llXky)
Agreed.
The second reading is definitely something less.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:58 AM (llXky)
Agreed.
The second reading is definitely something less.
Posted by: Diogenes at June 18, 2023 12:01 PM (e4fEA)
353
For Fictional Father Figure, I would recommend the dad in Ray Bradbury's "Something Wicked This Way Comes".
Back in the 80's, on an occasion when I was visiting my Dad in Los Angeles, he was kind enough to note and inform me of a newspaper item stating that Mr Bradbury was just about to engage in a bookstore signing in the area. Come the day, he drove me to the bookstore, and I got to briefly chat with the Great Author, informing him that I especially liked the dad in SWTWC. (I have always suspected that this character was based, at least in part, on Mr Bradbury's own Dad, because of how lovingly he was portrayed.)
I think that my comment pleased the man, because he not only autographed the book which I presented to him, but drew a cool monster face in it.
Back in the 80's, on an occasion when I was visiting my Dad in Los Angeles, he was kind enough to note and inform me of a newspaper item stating that Mr Bradbury was just about to engage in a bookstore signing in the area. Come the day, he drove me to the bookstore, and I got to briefly chat with the Great Author, informing him that I especially liked the dad in SWTWC. (I have always suspected that this character was based, at least in part, on Mr Bradbury's own Dad, because of how lovingly he was portrayed.)
I think that my comment pleased the man, because he not only autographed the book which I presented to him, but drew a cool monster face in it.
Posted by: wld at June 18, 2023 12:02 PM (fpBWq)
354
289 I have written approximately 0.0 books this week.
Posted by: Weasel at June 18, 2023 11:36 AM (RG6z4)
--------
Dude... after penning the instant classic "TXMoMe Mid Range Rifle Clinic", it is most understandable that you would rest on your laurels for a good long while.
Posted by: Weasel at June 18, 2023 11:36 AM (RG6z4)
--------
Dude... after penning the instant classic "TXMoMe Mid Range Rifle Clinic", it is most understandable that you would rest on your laurels for a good long while.
Posted by: Matthew Kant Cipher at June 18, 2023 12:02 PM (QyWX+)
355
53
'To me this is one of the darkest things that we ever did'
Wiping out the buffalos wasn't good but after reading about the Comanche, I would say wiping them out was a gift to America and other Indian nations alike.
'To me this is one of the darkest things that we ever did'
Wiping out the buffalos wasn't good but after reading about the Comanche, I would say wiping them out was a gift to America and other Indian nations alike.
Posted by: Dr. Claw at June 18, 2023 12:03 PM (roH4R)
356
a guy walks into a barber shop and kills the seated customer with a sawed-off shotgun.
-----------
He had to. The seated customer was trying to steal a bear's coffee!!
-----------
He had to. The seated customer was trying to steal a bear's coffee!!
Posted by: andycanuck (Vwz3I) at June 18, 2023 12:03 PM (Vwz3I)
357
nood
Posted by: andycanuck (Vwz3I) at June 18, 2023 12:03 PM (Vwz3I)
358
Dude... after penning the instant classic "TXMoMe Mid Range Rifle Clinic", it is most understandable that you would rest on your laurels for a good long while.
Posted by: Matthew Kant Cipher
And then rest on your Hardys !
Posted by: Matthew Kant Cipher
And then rest on your Hardys !
Posted by: JT at June 18, 2023 12:04 PM (T4tVD)
359
A tip of the old chapeau once again to the Perfessor for a fine Book Thread!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at June 18, 2023 12:04 PM (omVj0)
360
To be fair, Pelosi did say we had to pass it to find out what was in it. And now we know!
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:59 AM
Doing some quick research on this and it appears it is true, but Trump tried to make the provisions binary (M,F) and Biden has reversed that. So yes, it appears that Obamacare is behind this cluster of fvck and mutilation of children.
And in 2022, the Biden administration published a new proposed rule for the implementation of Section 1557, rolling back the Trump-era rule changes and including a new focus on gender-affirming care (as opposed to just gender transition care).
To be fair, Pelosi did say we had to pass it to find out what was in it. And now we know!
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 11:59 AM
Doing some quick research on this and it appears it is true, but Trump tried to make the provisions binary (M,F) and Biden has reversed that. So yes, it appears that Obamacare is behind this cluster of fvck and mutilation of children.
And in 2022, the Biden administration published a new proposed rule for the implementation of Section 1557, rolling back the Trump-era rule changes and including a new focus on gender-affirming care (as opposed to just gender transition care).
Posted by: Divide by Zero at June 18, 2023 12:04 PM (enJYY)
361
266 250 --
I'm just some guy here at Ace's places. Ex-bookstore clerk (Kroch's & Brentano's, Chicago), ex-librarian (couple of places), and ex-computer geek (KS). Ace's places are just about the only sites where I sorta kinda social media; most of the others (FB, etc) seem too bloody annoying.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at June 18, 2023 11:25 AM
****
Now I feel a sense of kinship with another social-media avoider. But I have to go do something else now. Again, thank you very much!
I'm just some guy here at Ace's places. Ex-bookstore clerk (Kroch's & Brentano's, Chicago), ex-librarian (couple of places), and ex-computer geek (KS). Ace's places are just about the only sites where I sorta kinda social media; most of the others (FB, etc) seem too bloody annoying.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at June 18, 2023 11:25 AM
****
Now I feel a sense of kinship with another social-media avoider. But I have to go do something else now. Again, thank you very much!
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at June 18, 2023 12:05 PM (SPNTN)
362
Well, they're all gun threads.
Breaking911
@Breaking911
BIDEN: "Put a pistol on a brace, it turns into a gun — makes it more — you can have a higher-caliber weapon, higher-caliber bullet coming out of that gun!"
-
If I understand correctly, pistol braces are magic.
Breaking911
@Breaking911
BIDEN: "Put a pistol on a brace, it turns into a gun — makes it more — you can have a higher-caliber weapon, higher-caliber bullet coming out of that gun!"
-
If I understand correctly, pistol braces are magic.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at June 18, 2023 12:05 PM (FVME7)
363
Suppose I should go act like I'm accomplishing something today...
Thanks for the thread, Perfessor. Always a pleasure.
Have a good one, gang.
Thanks for the thread, Perfessor. Always a pleasure.
Have a good one, gang.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at June 18, 2023 12:06 PM (a/4+U)
364
But the last 20 years suggest to me that he's right, no matter how much I hate the idea.
Yeah, what's so unique about us is that we think we're the first ones to ever say that. Just as those teachers said in the Sixties. They had it all figured out, too.
The Doom is never-ending. Same slough over and over.
Yeah, what's so unique about us is that we think we're the first ones to ever say that. Just as those teachers said in the Sixties. They had it all figured out, too.
The Doom is never-ending. Same slough over and over.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at June 18, 2023 12:07 PM (jYCXf)
365
Don't know the year of that book display but there's a Ben Carson book in there from 2014 (extra points for the display)
Posted by: MartynWW at June 18, 2023 12:08 PM (N1vqS)
366
Wiping out the buffalos wasn't good but after reading about the Comanche, I would say wiping them out was a gift to America and other Indian nations alike.
Posted by: Dr. Claw at June 18, 2023 12:03 PM (roH4R)
---
The Rape of Nanking seems inconceivably evil until you realize that events like that were pretty common throughout Chinese history.
Posted by: Dr. Claw at June 18, 2023 12:03 PM (roH4R)
---
The Rape of Nanking seems inconceivably evil until you realize that events like that were pretty common throughout Chinese history.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 12:09 PM (llXky)
367
Thanks again, Perfesser!
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at June 18, 2023 12:10 PM (llXky)
368
"So no, only a fraction of Muslims may be Aryan."
I did not write that they are Aryan.
I said they are Arians, as in Arianism. Look it up.
I did not write that they are Aryan.
I said they are Arians, as in Arianism. Look it up.
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at June 18, 2023 12:12 PM (vg8N1)
369
Anybody read the recent release: "When the Heavens Went on Sale: The Misfits and Geniuses Racing to Put Space Within Reach"?
Posted by: TRex at June 18, 2023 12:16 PM (IQ6Gq)
370
There is a Spenser book, can't remember which one, that has a plot element that's highly relevant to Father's Day. He encounters a teenager who is rejected by his parents, and spends all his time in his room playing video games, living with no purpose, and nothing he can admire about himself or anyone in his life.
Spenser takes the kid under his wing, takes him up to a site on which he plans to build a cabin. No TV, no video games, teaches the kid how to build a house from scratch, gets him involved with the physical labor and learning the skills, day after day after day.
In the later books, he still keeps in touch with the kid, who became a man during this process, because he had a man who was not a father, but who functioned as one.
Spenser takes the kid under his wing, takes him up to a site on which he plans to build a cabin. No TV, no video games, teaches the kid how to build a house from scratch, gets him involved with the physical labor and learning the skills, day after day after day.
In the later books, he still keeps in touch with the kid, who became a man during this process, because he had a man who was not a father, but who functioned as one.
Posted by: Splunge at June 18, 2023 12:23 PM (vbRVv)
Posted by: Just Some Guy at June 18, 2023 12:29 PM (a/4+U)
372
"And 'More Than Melchisedech' wasn't available, that I could find, in a single volume.
"It was broken up in three separate volumes: Tales of Chicago, Tales of Midnight, Argo.
"I briefly saw each over a period of two years or so available at the kind of prices that would have the lovely and delightful Mrs naturalfake sawing my head off with a rusty, tuna fish can lid if I bought them."
Well today may be your lucky day. The Internet Archive has Lafferty's "More Than Melchisedech" available for reading or download as a pdf. I haven't read it yet and a quick review of the available copy shows it is identified on the title page as Book Three of the Devil is Dead Trilogy. According to the table of contents it contains 13 "Books," a postscript and some additional material, but the table of contents does not show the book as being divided into parts titled "Tales of Chicago," "Tales of Midnight," or "Argo."
"It was broken up in three separate volumes: Tales of Chicago, Tales of Midnight, Argo.
"I briefly saw each over a period of two years or so available at the kind of prices that would have the lovely and delightful Mrs naturalfake sawing my head off with a rusty, tuna fish can lid if I bought them."
Well today may be your lucky day. The Internet Archive has Lafferty's "More Than Melchisedech" available for reading or download as a pdf. I haven't read it yet and a quick review of the available copy shows it is identified on the title page as Book Three of the Devil is Dead Trilogy. According to the table of contents it contains 13 "Books," a postscript and some additional material, but the table of contents does not show the book as being divided into parts titled "Tales of Chicago," "Tales of Midnight," or "Argo."
Posted by: Pope John 20th at June 18, 2023 12:31 PM (cYrkj)
373
If you read the Odyssey, the main enemy Odysseus had to overcome was his cement-headed crew.
Posted by: Trimegistus at June 18, 2023 12:35 PM (QZxDR)
374
Baslim the Cripple
Posted by: RNB at June 18, 2023 01:05 PM (DjjZJ)
375
I didn't have much time to devote to reading this past week, so I'm still reading "Abbott in Darkness". (See comment 305 from previous week's book thread for the synopsis.)
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at June 18, 2023 01:07 PM (nRMeC)
376
A great example of a book that you can't put down and then never want to read again. The second time through the poor writing hits you in the face like a wet rag.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd
Clancy was clever and imaginative, but he was actually a very poor writer.
Stephen King is another very popular (and very rich) novelist who is actually a pretty poor writer.
A really great writer is Ray Bradbury. He was pigeonholed as an "SF GeeK", but his prose, especially in his short stories, is incredibly elegant and poetic. Ray Bradbury was also, by most accounts, a very nice man.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd
Clancy was clever and imaginative, but he was actually a very poor writer.
Stephen King is another very popular (and very rich) novelist who is actually a pretty poor writer.
A really great writer is Ray Bradbury. He was pigeonholed as an "SF GeeK", but his prose, especially in his short stories, is incredibly elegant and poetic. Ray Bradbury was also, by most accounts, a very nice man.
Posted by: Barnacle Bill the sailor at June 18, 2023 01:26 PM (tjZg/)
377
I was thinking of Ernest Bevin, not Mr. Beevor.
Posted by: mrp at June 18, 2023 10:58 PM (rj6Yv)
378
More than $15k can be earned online by performing straightforward tasks from home. In the previous month, I got $18376. Even a young child may do this job and make money because it is so simple to complete and has higher pay than typical office occupations. Everyone needs to try this task by using the information on this page. https://Getmoney012.blogspot.com
Posted by: Tiana at June 19, 2023 03:08 AM (YjnUE)
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