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Sunday Morning Book Thread - 11-26-2023 ["Perfessor" Squirrel]
(HT: Carlos)
PIC NOTE
Today's pic is from Carlos, who sent a couple of photos of his home library in his new-last home in southwest Idaho. He had them built by a local craftsman to display his collection of signed first/first editions of his favorite authors. He's already run out of room and is starting to overflow to the bedrooms. I know the feeling. FIX-UPSWolfus Aurelius asks an interesting question...and introduces a new term. I suspect that the "fix-up" form of storytelling works better for some genres rather than others. I'm struggling to imagine how the form would work for the mystery or romance genres, though it's long been a staple of science fiction. Clifford D. Simak's City is a classic example. It consists of eight stories, each of which tells the tale of humanity's evolution over time. The bridging material is that these are stories shared by evolved dogs when they are around the campfire. Dogs are humanity's successor species. Ray Bradbury's The Martian Chronicles is another famous "fix-up" that shares the story of how humanity colonized Mars, eventually becoming the Martians they supplanted. Both City and The Martian Chronicles are exceptional examples of short stories, and are also very haunting in their own way, both pointing towards a post-human future. We will be come a mere footnote in galactic history. Finally, Michael Moorcocks' Elric series is an interesting example. The first six "novels" are really just a collection of short adventures of Elric of Melniboné, though there is a loose chronology to the stories. They get weirder and weirder as the series goes on, as Elric begins to exert his influence as an incarnation of the Eternal Champion. It mostly works as a series, but it ends on a very depressing note. What are some other examples of "fix-ups" from other genres?
Before we wind up today, this may make a good topic for a future Book Thread. I just learned the term for a novel where the text consists of several previously published short stories, pressed into a novel with bridging material and, if need be, editing to remove inconsistencies. It's called, get this, a "fix-up"! Nearly all the great SF people did that in the 1950s, Asimov with Foundation and I, Robot, Poul Anderson with Operation Chaos, Blish with Earthman, Come Home, etc. Other genres too. So: What "fix-ups" have you read, which do you think worked and which didn't? Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at November 12, 2023 11:49 AM (omVj0)
Hi Perfessor Squirrel! I'm a longtime lurker (since 2008! so many moronic years!) and have had one book featured in the Sunday Book Thread before, way back in probably 2014. But my latest book--#11--just came out this week and I feel SO proud of it. It is the current #1 new release in Love & Romance and Marriage & Long Term Relationships on Amazon. It is a book for women about how to become more feminine, in concrete, practical, and actionable ways. This is the link to it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CN3TXZ35 This is an absolutely critical book for all of humanity, in my opinion. Weak men create masculinized women, and masculinized women create weak men who don't want to be men. Men who don't want to be men don't show up and don't fight for their families. Women actually stepping into their femininity is the only way we are going to inspire the men around us to step it up and save America. Women cannot lead the charge to save the nation. It has to be men. The only way enough men will step up to save civilization, in my opinion, is if we have a huge wave of women returning to their femininity. This book is 430 pages long, because it includes a TON of information about all sorts of things related to the topic. It has many chapters on saving marriages and healing relationships with family members and ourselves. But of particular moron interest, I feature:So I pretty much think all the moronettes would love it and also many morons would probably love to get it for their wives. It is appropriate for both married and single women and refers specifically to sex in maybe a handful of sentences, so I think it would also be appropriate for older teens. Women want to be more feminine. I spent 10 years of my life studying the topic and this is the book I wish I had had right from the start. Thanks for considering this book as part of the Sunday Book Thread! I hope your day is amazing! allie duzett
- women police officers failing at their jobs, using one particular example I originally found on AoSHQ
- a discussion of hypergamy inspired by a link from an ONT I read way back in 2013 (!)
- the upcoming population collapse since modern women are not replacing themselves
- a discussion of patriarchy and matriarchy that drove one of my liberal friends to tears and then changed her mind about "the patriarchy"
- and more!
BASED BOOK SALE CONTINUES! Hans G. Schantz is continuing a book sale for based books:
This is the link for the Kindle version, which goes live 1 December. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNN2RHR7?ref_=pe_93986420_775043100 The age suitability is kind of confusing on Amazon - but it's basically of interest to a mature audience. There is no sexual content - it's just that what is dealt with won't be of much interest to teens, unless they are passionately interested in the doings of women during the American Civil War. There wasn't much of an outlet for an ordinary American woman with ambitions in the 184os; marriage and family was as good as it got back then, for most women...But Minnie Vining wasn't an ordinary woman. A spinster in her forties, of a respected old Boston family, possessing an independent income and an education worthy of any man among her peers. Minnie took up a noble cause--campaigning for the abolition of slavery. The matter of slavery roiled political and social life in the United States for more than thirty years, splitting apart families, friends, comrades...and eventually the nation. And when the war began in earnest, Minnie followed her heart and her calling--as a nurse, tending to sick and wounded soldiers--but at what personal cost?
MORON RECOMMENDATIONS
It's the biggest and most based book sale of all time. Bypass the cultural gatekeeping, support non-woke authors, and get yourself some great books from both established and emerging talent for only $0.99 -- many titles free! Over a hundred authors have banded together to offer nearly 300 books, 75 of which are new to the sale. This is a great opportunity to top off your library. At no more than $0.99 each, it's a low risk way check out the offerings from some new authors and to encourage established and emerging authors to keep writing the kinds of books you'd like to read. Link: Black Friday/Cyber Monday Based Book Sale As the Federalist observed earlier this week, "Conservative Guerrilla Marketing Like The 'Big Based Book Sale' Is How We Fight Leftist Gatekeepers."
Castalia House, a Finland-based publisher with a great appreciation for the golden age of science fiction and fantasy literature, has put eight of their titles on sale for $0.99 as well.
Thanks as always for supporting indie and small press authors. Hans
Comment: "Transhumanism" may be one of the more terrifying fads developed by the WEF crowd. It smacks of the same mad genius infecting The Island of Dr. Moreau. How soon until we start splicing animal genes into human genes to make ourselves "better?" There's also a trope called Cybernetics Eat Your Soul, where the more machine you become, the less human you become. Machines do not and cannot think like a human, regardless of what the WEF crowd would have you believe. The people who are in favor of these crazy transhumanism ideas really need to read more science fiction. It never ends well for humanity.
This week I read Dark Aeon: Transhumanism and the War Against Humanity by Joe Allen. Transhumanism is the merger of humankind with the Machine. It is an out growth of the progress towards AGI (Artificial General Intelligence); part of the fast growing religion, Scientism. As expected it's been embraced by the global elites, the World Economic Forum types. Allen gives a history of the work being done in AI and how AI can be used to enhance humanity; providing, of course, an intelligence greater than all of collective humanity allows humanity to exist. This is a warning of another aspect of what the global elites have in store for the rest of us. Finally, there is a 55-point plan to stay human. Posted by: Zoltan at November 19, 2023 09:12 AM (7EvEN)
Comment: Thomas Paine is determined to get me to read more books (he started me on the Agent Pendergast series by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child). "Locked room" mysteries are always fascinating and usually rely on some mundane detail that is easily overlooked in order to solve a seemingly impossible crime.
This week I have been reading The Sleeping Sphinx by John Dickson Carr. Carr is famous for his locked room mysteries, and in this case, the locked room has no other doors or any windows, because it is a mausoleum. Donald Holden has returned from the war, where he was reported as dead to further a secret mission. Now, he has returned to life and returned home, to find his love is suspected of insanity and her sister dead. Was it natural causes or murder, and if murder, who did it? Celia Devereux insists her sister was murdered, and everyone else insists she is crazy, and the evidence to determine the truth is inside a sealed mausoleum. Because of the carefully constructed setting, the entire book keeps the reader on edge. Which characters can be trusted to be telling the truth? Are some lying to protect others, or to hide their own secrets? Fortunately, Dr Gideon Fell has arrived to solve the case. This is the seventeenth in the Gideon Fell series of mysteries, and after reading this one, I am ready to find some more stories by this master of mystery. Posted by: Thomas Paine at November 19, 2023 09:12 AM (baqtI)
Comment: The desire to build empires seems built into the human genome. The idea of democratic republics in their current incarnation is fairly new, even though the basic idea can be tracked back to Ancient Greece. The Russians are just as guilty of colonization and empire building as any civilization in history, yet they are not held to the same standard as the United States by the Leftist crowd. More Moron-recommended reading material can be found HERE! (1000+ Moron-recommended books!)
I finished Lost Kingdom: The Quest for Empire and the Making of the Russian Nation, by Serhii Plokhy. It's a history of Russia and its eternal quest for an empire. I have recommended two more of Plokhy's books recently, The Russo-Ukrainian War, and The Gates of Europe, because they provide a strong factual foundation for understanding the current war in Ukraine. While the last two books focus on Ukrainian history and the ongoing conflict, Lost Kingdom emphasizes Russian history, and how Russia has dealt with her neighbors, obviously including Ukraine. Much of the book is given over to Russia's attempts to colonize and "Russianize" conquered populations in what they call Little Russia (Ukraine) and White Russia (Belarus), by forcing them to use only Russian in the schools, media and government. One especially interesting tidbit was that Vladimir Lenin favored letting the captive nations go, since he assumed that the future would be decided on a class basis across international borders, rather than nationalism. Stalin didn't like that, then he sort of accepted it, and finally went back to his original view of forcing the nations to become Russian. Highly recommended. Posted by: Archimedes at November 19, 2023 09:16 AM (I/Qkd)
- Starship Troopers by Robert A. Heinlein -- It was OK. I can see why people like it, but I also see why people don't like it.
- Welcome to Night Vale by Joseph Fink & Jeffrey Cranor -- Just a weird book about a weird place...
- Riverworld Book 1 - To Your Scattered Bodies Go by Philip José Farmer -- Millions of people throughout history wake up next to a mysterious river. Why were they resurrected? Who resurrected them? Join Sir Richard Francis Burton as he attempts to unravel these mysteries.
Comments
(Jump to bottom of comments)1
hiya
Posted by: JT at November 26, 2023 09:00 AM (T4tVD)
2
Ready for the book thread, and now I have to go somewhere again.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 26, 2023 09:01 AM (Angsy)
3
Tolle Lege
Read Douglas Adam's sequel to Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, The Restaurant at the end of the Universe.
Interesting thing don't think ever read the first but heard the radio play having recorded the whole thing in late 70s when in England.
Read Douglas Adam's sequel to Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, The Restaurant at the end of the Universe.
Interesting thing don't think ever read the first but heard the radio play having recorded the whole thing in late 70s when in England.
Posted by: Skip at November 26, 2023 09:03 AM (fwDg9)
4
no reading for me thanks
Posted by: rhennigantx at November 26, 2023 09:03 AM (lwOKI)
5
Starting another found book of mine from 1980s
The Battle of the Bulge by John Toland
Always fun to follow along on Google maps
The Battle of the Bulge by John Toland
Always fun to follow along on Google maps
Posted by: Skip at November 26, 2023 09:04 AM (fwDg9)
6
I like that bookcase. Very nice.
Posted by: dantesed at November 26, 2023 09:05 AM (88xKn)
7
I read When Jesus Wept by Bodie and Brock Thoene which was recommended her a few weeks ago. This is their first book in the Jerusalem Chronicles. The book tells the story of the evolving friendship between Jesus and Lazarus. I like their writing style, research, and attention to detail; so I will be reading more by these two. An interesting read.
Posted by: Zoltan at November 26, 2023 09:05 AM (7EvEN)
8
Good Morning Horde!
Picked up the 2nd book in Jim Butcher's Cinderspires, "The Olympian Affair".
Meanwhile also re-read the first few books in David Weber's Honorverse. Now I'm looking at boxes wondering which one(s) contain my C.S. Forrester Hornblower books....
-SLV
Picked up the 2nd book in Jim Butcher's Cinderspires, "The Olympian Affair".
Meanwhile also re-read the first few books in David Weber's Honorverse. Now I'm looking at boxes wondering which one(s) contain my C.S. Forrester Hornblower books....
-SLV
Posted by: Shy Lurking Voter at November 26, 2023 09:05 AM (e/Osv)
9
I don't think that the pants guy is a guy.
Posted by: JT at November 26, 2023 09:06 AM (T4tVD)
10
Didn't progress much in "Ace in the Hole" -- work and Thanksgiving activities took my time. First World Problem!
One of the assassins in this story is scary. He can dematerialize himself to pass through barriers. When he's solid he can vibrate his hands with a buzzsaw effect. None of his victims dies intact.
I'm trying to figure out how to eliminate him. Toss him off a roof? Or would he just turn immaterial and hover forever? Maybe drop him in the ocean?
One of the assassins in this story is scary. He can dematerialize himself to pass through barriers. When he's solid he can vibrate his hands with a buzzsaw effect. None of his victims dies intact.
I'm trying to figure out how to eliminate him. Toss him off a roof? Or would he just turn immaterial and hover forever? Maybe drop him in the ocean?
Posted by: Weak Geek at November 26, 2023 09:07 AM (p/isN)
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at November 26, 2023 09:07 AM (OX9vb)
Posted by: Ooohm at November 26, 2023 09:07 AM (C7Yya)
13
Perfessor: Thank you (as always) for putting in all the work to keep this wonderful book thread running. I'll catch up with it later today, gotta dash for now.
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at November 26, 2023 09:09 AM (qPw5n)
14
One of the assassins in this story is scary. He can dematerialize himself to pass through barriers.
He turns into a fart ?
He turns into a fart ?
Posted by: JT at November 26, 2023 09:10 AM (T4tVD)
15
I love Carlos' bookcase. Sigh, maybe someday...
Am I the only one suspicious of book plugs by "long time lurkers?" I wonder how many other blogs each author "lurks" on.
Am I the only one suspicious of book plugs by "long time lurkers?" I wonder how many other blogs each author "lurks" on.
Posted by: Oddbob at November 26, 2023 09:10 AM (nfrXX)
16
I'm trying to figure out how to eliminate him. Toss him off a roof? Or would he just turn immaterial and hover forever? Maybe drop him in the ocean?
Posted by: Weak Geek at November 26, 2023 09:07 AM (p/isN)
Have someone spray him with liquid nitrogen, then break him into pieces.
Posted by: Weak Geek at November 26, 2023 09:07 AM (p/isN)
Have someone spray him with liquid nitrogen, then break him into pieces.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 26, 2023 09:12 AM (Angsy)
17
According to a recent meme on the internet, men spend a lot of time thinking about the Roman Empire. In keeping with that, I started reading "The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History of Rome and the Barbarians" by Peter Heather. I'm about 20% through it, and so far it's a very readable book. I mostly studied 19th-20th century history in undergrad, so I'm not qualified to render any opinion on Heather's scholarship. So far, he's spending a lot of time building up the picture of where the Romans, Germanii, and Persians were in relation to each other in the 1st through 5th centuries AD (setting the stage for the fall, as it were).
I've decided that 2024 will be, among other things, the year I start knocking down the stacks of books on my dresser and nightstand.
I've decided that 2024 will be, among other things, the year I start knocking down the stacks of books on my dresser and nightstand.
Posted by: PabloD at November 26, 2023 09:13 AM (Kbbud)
18
Am I the only one suspicious of book plugs by "long time lurkers?" I wonder how many other blogs each author "lurks" on.
Posted by: Oddbob at November 26, 2023 09:10 AM (nfrXX)
---
There are A LOT of lurkers on AoSHQ. For every person that comments, there are probably 10,000 or even 100,000 lurkers (seriously, it's A LOT).
You'd be surprised as the communications I receive from "long time lurkers." Maybe a few of them are not quite who they say they are, but for most part they all check out.
Posted by: Oddbob at November 26, 2023 09:10 AM (nfrXX)
---
There are A LOT of lurkers on AoSHQ. For every person that comments, there are probably 10,000 or even 100,000 lurkers (seriously, it's A LOT).
You'd be surprised as the communications I receive from "long time lurkers." Maybe a few of them are not quite who they say they are, but for most part they all check out.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at November 26, 2023 09:14 AM (BpYfr)
19
The SF book I completed was originally a series of vaguely connected episodes. I had to do a lot of work to make it into a narrative.
The vampire book I don't share here was also a series of vignettes, not even strung together. Now it's kind of a 'road movie' type thing, with a single main character traveling the world.
I also have a bunch of short stories totally unconnected to each other that I've considered doing as a kind of 'Pulp Fiction' type thing, with each story interconnecting in some unexpected way. Fix-ups can be done in interesting forms
The vampire book I don't share here was also a series of vignettes, not even strung together. Now it's kind of a 'road movie' type thing, with a single main character traveling the world.
I also have a bunch of short stories totally unconnected to each other that I've considered doing as a kind of 'Pulp Fiction' type thing, with each story interconnecting in some unexpected way. Fix-ups can be done in interesting forms
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 09:14 AM (43xH1)
20
>>One of the assassins in this story is scary. He can dematerialize himself to pass through barriers.
He turns into a fart ?
Posted by: JT at November 26, 2023 09:10 AM
Sounds reasonable.
He turns into a fart ?
Posted by: JT at November 26, 2023 09:10 AM
Sounds reasonable.
Posted by: huerfano at November 26, 2023 09:15 AM (Q4KYm)
21
Always fun to follow along on Google maps
Posted by: Skip at November 26, 2023 09:04 AM (fwDg9)
I do this, too--I love reading a book with maps or Google Earth open. Unfortunately, it often leads to other distractions in this age of digital saturation.
I was reading My Heart is A Chainsaw. Picked up my phone to look for Indian Lake, ID (nope, it's fictional), looked at Indian Lake in Ohio, wondered why there isn't a single boat on the whole lake, looked at a notification from instagram while the phone was in my hand, and half an hour later I was still scrolling and watching reels about women watering down moose with a garden hose, and dumbasses lifting heavy on skateboards.
Ya gots to be careful, or reading goes right out the window.
Posted by: Skip at November 26, 2023 09:04 AM (fwDg9)
I do this, too--I love reading a book with maps or Google Earth open. Unfortunately, it often leads to other distractions in this age of digital saturation.
I was reading My Heart is A Chainsaw. Picked up my phone to look for Indian Lake, ID (nope, it's fictional), looked at Indian Lake in Ohio, wondered why there isn't a single boat on the whole lake, looked at a notification from instagram while the phone was in my hand, and half an hour later I was still scrolling and watching reels about women watering down moose with a garden hose, and dumbasses lifting heavy on skateboards.
Ya gots to be careful, or reading goes right out the window.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at November 26, 2023 09:15 AM (OX9vb)
22
" Love & Romance and Marriage & Long Term Relationships on Amazon."
-
Musical hint at recommended punctuation correction:
Comma, comma, down dooby doo down down
Comma, comma, down dooby doo down down
Breaking up is hard to do
-
Musical hint at recommended punctuation correction:
Comma, comma, down dooby doo down down
Comma, comma, down dooby doo down down
Breaking up is hard to do
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at November 26, 2023 09:17 AM (S4Tgw)
23
There are A LOT of lurkers on AoSHQ. For every person that comments, there are probably 10,000 or even 100,000 lurkers (seriously, it's A LOT).
JEEPERS !
JEEPERS !
Posted by: JT at November 26, 2023 09:17 AM (T4tVD)
24
On a late August day in 1883, the loudest naturally made sound ever heard on the earth was generated when the island of Krakatoa was vaporized in a volcanic explosion. To this day, the exact number of people killed is unknown, but it is in the tens of thousands. My recommendation for this week is Simon Winchester's Krakatoa - The Day the World Exploded. Winchester is a very good storyteller, weaving various facts together in an entertaining way. This book was my introduction to his stories, and a good one. He sets the scene by reviewing the history of the region, and highlighting some of the individuals at the scene. He also discusses the plate tectonics that created this unique, dangerous island. Krakatoa has exploded multiple times in the past, but this time the population was much higher and we had devices to measure the impact and the ability to report on it. The explosion killed thousands, and the resulting tsunami killed many thousands more. From ships being flung miles inland, to measuring stations around the world recording the blast wave, to the stories of survivors, Winchester traces the force and impact of the disaster.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at November 26, 2023 09:18 AM (T02Iq)
25
Nice bookcase, Carlos! The ideal, really, although I didn't spot any cats.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at November 26, 2023 09:18 AM (NpErr)
Posted by: Weak Geek at November 26, 2023 09:18 AM (p/isN)
27
Yes following along a history book can get you into looking up lots of things
Posted by: Skip at November 26, 2023 09:19 AM (fwDg9)
28
I'm sure this has been discussed here prior, but I'll throw in my 2 cents anyway.....
I'm 75% through Rand Paul's new booked called the Covid Deception. There is a pic of masked up Fauci on the cover. I'm a little surprised at how much new information I am learning. I'm plugged in and paying attention, so I didn't expect this.
Paul writes well. Throughout the book, he avoids going beyond where the existing evidence can support him. He never says that it's 100% certain Covid-19 came from a lab leak but he lays out the case that it is very likely it did. Then he makes the unassailable case that given the evidence, wouldn't at least 1 Democrat think this is worth investigating?
The second big takeaway is how big a weasel Fauci is whenever someone tries to pin him down on anything. For example, when confronted with the fact the gain of function research is not allowed to be funded by US taxpayers, he points out the the examples given aren't gain of function according to the new definition supplied by an organization he controls.
Strongly recommend this book. Full disclosure: it is rage stroke inducing. But everyone needs to know what is in the book.
I'm 75% through Rand Paul's new booked called the Covid Deception. There is a pic of masked up Fauci on the cover. I'm a little surprised at how much new information I am learning. I'm plugged in and paying attention, so I didn't expect this.
Paul writes well. Throughout the book, he avoids going beyond where the existing evidence can support him. He never says that it's 100% certain Covid-19 came from a lab leak but he lays out the case that it is very likely it did. Then he makes the unassailable case that given the evidence, wouldn't at least 1 Democrat think this is worth investigating?
The second big takeaway is how big a weasel Fauci is whenever someone tries to pin him down on anything. For example, when confronted with the fact the gain of function research is not allowed to be funded by US taxpayers, he points out the the examples given aren't gain of function according to the new definition supplied by an organization he controls.
Strongly recommend this book. Full disclosure: it is rage stroke inducing. But everyone needs to know what is in the book.
Posted by: Muad'dib at November 26, 2023 09:19 AM (ER9HB)
29
A few more Ballard interviews, and have started (barely) Bleak House.
Fix-ups? The ones that come immediately to mind are sf titles, several mentioned above. Sturgeon's MORE THAN HUMAN is another. If memory serves, Bradbury did this with other books too -- I think DANDELION WINE and (maybe?) FROM THE DUST RETURNED incorporated previously published short pieces.
Non-sf examples? I'm mostly blanking there. Don Robertson's MYSTICAL UNION chronicles the marriage of its two main characters, but is done in short chapters not only from the POV of the couple but also from other people in their lives. It all hangs together wonderfully (it's one of the best books I know), but as those individual chapters weren't separately published I don't think you could properly regard it as a fix-up.
Fix-ups? The ones that come immediately to mind are sf titles, several mentioned above. Sturgeon's MORE THAN HUMAN is another. If memory serves, Bradbury did this with other books too -- I think DANDELION WINE and (maybe?) FROM THE DUST RETURNED incorporated previously published short pieces.
Non-sf examples? I'm mostly blanking there. Don Robertson's MYSTICAL UNION chronicles the marriage of its two main characters, but is done in short chapters not only from the POV of the couple but also from other people in their lives. It all hangs together wonderfully (it's one of the best books I know), but as those individual chapters weren't separately published I don't think you could properly regard it as a fix-up.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at November 26, 2023 09:20 AM (a/4+U)
30
I rooted around my library and selected a book to read that I already owned, which is apparently a thing you can do?
"The Medieval Underworld" by Andrew McCall takes a look at the lawbreakers and undesirables of the Middle Ages: pirates, prostitutes, heretics, wizards, witches, the sick and lame (including fake beggars) and other malefactors.
I'm only a few chapters in but he's a good writer.
"The Medieval Underworld" by Andrew McCall takes a look at the lawbreakers and undesirables of the Middle Ages: pirates, prostitutes, heretics, wizards, witches, the sick and lame (including fake beggars) and other malefactors.
I'm only a few chapters in but he's a good writer.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at November 26, 2023 09:21 AM (NpErr)
31
This week picked up some travel reading, consisting of 'The Executioner' novels, the Mack Bolan series. They're pretty close to a pinnacle of trash fiction, which is what I read when traveling. The Goodwill had a whole shelf of them! So I picked out the ones set in countries I've been to, as I find the treatment of such settings in these kinds of spinning-rack action novels utterly hilarious.
I got one, 'The Death Merchant' series, I think I mentioned it here, set in Guadalajara Mexico, where my Mexican colleague lives. It's super racist (no, really it is!) and the protagonist kills about 7,000 people. I gave it to him and he enjoyed it immensely, and has asked for more of these kinds of trash novels set in Mexico, he finds them wildly funny.
His wife HATES them.
I got one, 'The Death Merchant' series, I think I mentioned it here, set in Guadalajara Mexico, where my Mexican colleague lives. It's super racist (no, really it is!) and the protagonist kills about 7,000 people. I gave it to him and he enjoyed it immensely, and has asked for more of these kinds of trash novels set in Mexico, he finds them wildly funny.
His wife HATES them.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 09:21 AM (43xH1)
32
looked at Indian Lake in Ohio, wondered why there isn't a single boat on the whole lake,
Didja see any Indians ?
Floating 7-11's ?
Didja see any Indians ?
Floating 7-11's ?
Posted by: JT at November 26, 2023 09:21 AM (T4tVD)
33
There are A LOT of lurkers on AoSHQ. For every person that comments, there are probably 10,000 or even 100,000 lurkers (seriously, it's A LOT).
__________
Yo, lurkers! Lurk less, talk more. They even let me in, so you know the standards are low.
There are A LOT of lurkers on AoSHQ. For every person that comments, there are probably 10,000 or even 100,000 lurkers (seriously, it's A LOT).
__________
Yo, lurkers! Lurk less, talk more. They even let me in, so you know the standards are low.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at November 26, 2023 09:22 AM (9mNHV)
34
from "long time lurkers." Maybe a few of them are not quite who they say they are, but for most part they all check out.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel
Long time commenter, first time lurker.
Wait - that's not right.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel
Long time commenter, first time lurker.
Wait - that's not right.
Posted by: Tonypete at November 26, 2023 09:23 AM (GmDse)
35
Yo, lurkers! Lurk less, talk more. They even let me in, so you know the standards are low.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh'
I've been lowering the bar here for quite a while myself!
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh'
I've been lowering the bar here for quite a while myself!
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 09:23 AM (43xH1)
36
They even let me in, so you know the standards are low.
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at November 26, 2023 09:22 AM (9mNHV)
-
We are not our grandfather's morons?
Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at November 26, 2023 09:22 AM (9mNHV)
-
We are not our grandfather's morons?
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at November 26, 2023 09:23 AM (S4Tgw)
37
I never read any of "The Executioner" books, but they were right next to "The Destroyer" books and I read a whole bunch of those. Great stuff for a teenage boy in the 80s who dreamt of being a ninja-like assassin.
Posted by: PabloD at November 26, 2023 09:24 AM (Kbbud)
Posted by: Weak Geek at November 26, 2023 09:24 AM (p/isN)
39
I certainly am quicker to get books by commenter than just a lurker
Posted by: Skip at November 26, 2023 09:24 AM (fwDg9)
40
"spinning-rack action novels" just says it all. I love this phrase.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at November 26, 2023 09:24 AM (NpErr)
41
Krakatoa didn't explode; it just tipped over.
Posted by: Hank Johnson at November 26, 2023 09:25 AM (Kbbud)
42
One thing I DIDN'T read this past week was "More to Loretta's Story" by Anna Puma.
Because she NEGLECTED to tell us !
Because she NEGLECTED to tell us !
Posted by: JT at November 26, 2023 09:26 AM (T4tVD)
43
Didja see any Indians ?
Floating 7-11's ?
Posted by: JT at November 26, 2023 09:21 AM (T4tVD)
None of that! Can you believe it?
Floating 7-11's ?
Posted by: JT at November 26, 2023 09:21 AM (T4tVD)
None of that! Can you believe it?
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at November 26, 2023 09:26 AM (OX9vb)
44
Got Cat Rambo's SF novel "You Sexy Thing" from the library based solely on the author's name and the title. The inside cover shows the author has pink hair and goes by the pronouns They/Them, so I shall proceed with caution.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at November 26, 2023 09:28 AM (NpErr)
45
Culture-related IMHO:
@amuse @amuse 4h
Trump warned Democrats would come for statues of Thomas Jefferson next. NYC just removed the founding father from city hall. Do you support erasing our nations history or will you start fighting back?
A Man Of Memes
Alexander Hamilton @Publius_Philo 4h Replying to @amuse
Good, Jefferson and his black girlfriends used to steal iPods from the Monticello Apple Store.
@amuse @amuse 4h
Trump warned Democrats would come for statues of Thomas Jefferson next. NYC just removed the founding father from city hall. Do you support erasing our nations history or will you start fighting back?
A Man Of Memes
Alexander Hamilton @Publius_Philo 4h Replying to @amuse
Good, Jefferson and his black girlfriends used to steal iPods from the Monticello Apple Store.
Posted by: andycanuck (krqg6) at November 26, 2023 09:28 AM (krqg6)
46
If half of you lurkers gave Ace just one dollar a month (cue sappy music here), he might be able to make a living here. Which he richly deserves to do. That is all.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at November 26, 2023 09:28 AM (OX9vb)
47
If half of you lurkers gave Ace just one dollar a month (cue sappy music here), he might be able to make a living here. Which he richly deserves to do. That is all.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs!
*In the arms of an angel,
hit the tip jar, over here. . . .*
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs!
*In the arms of an angel,
hit the tip jar, over here. . . .*
Posted by: Tonypete at November 26, 2023 09:30 AM (GmDse)
48
If half of you lurkers gave Ace just one dollar a month (cue sappy music here), he might be able to make a living here. Which he richly deserves to do. That is all.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at November 26, 2023 09:28 AM (OX9vb)
And we'll send you this adorable blanket!
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at November 26, 2023 09:28 AM (OX9vb)
And we'll send you this adorable blanket!
Posted by: AoS Premiums at November 26, 2023 09:30 AM (Angsy)
49
Morning, Book Folk!
Thomas Paine, I have not read that articular JDC novel, and had forgotten that it was a Gideon Fell story instead of one with his other major detective, Sir Henry Merrivale. It's hard to find those (he published them under his pen name "Carter Dickson," so maybe booksellers are confused?). Carr was the unquestioned master of the locked room/impossible crime genre. Other authors tackled it, notably Ellery Queen in two or three novels or short stories; I recommend his The King Is Dead for a real jaw-dropper of an impossible crime. But nobody else dealt with the genre so well for so long.
Carr stated that the solution of any mystery, at least in a novel, should not turn on just one detail, but a chain of details shown to the reader. A single clue can flash past your reader, and when the summing-up comes 150 pages later, he doesn't remember. But put Item One together with Element Two and Peculiar Thing Three, and you have something.
Thomas Paine, I have not read that articular JDC novel, and had forgotten that it was a Gideon Fell story instead of one with his other major detective, Sir Henry Merrivale. It's hard to find those (he published them under his pen name "Carter Dickson," so maybe booksellers are confused?). Carr was the unquestioned master of the locked room/impossible crime genre. Other authors tackled it, notably Ellery Queen in two or three novels or short stories; I recommend his The King Is Dead for a real jaw-dropper of an impossible crime. But nobody else dealt with the genre so well for so long.
Carr stated that the solution of any mystery, at least in a novel, should not turn on just one detail, but a chain of details shown to the reader. A single clue can flash past your reader, and when the summing-up comes 150 pages later, he doesn't remember. But put Item One together with Element Two and Peculiar Thing Three, and you have something.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at November 26, 2023 09:30 AM (omVj0)
50
The Russians are just as guilty of colonization and empire building as any civilization in history, yet they are not held to the same standard as the United States by the Leftist crowd.
---
Now do China.
Someone ought to write a book.
---
Now do China.
Someone ought to write a book.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at November 26, 2023 09:30 AM (llXky)
51
46 If half of you lurkers gave Ace just one dollar a month (cue sappy music here), he might be able to make a living here. Which he richly deserves to do. That is all.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs!
For $19 a month you can have this lightly used hobo blanket....
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs!
For $19 a month you can have this lightly used hobo blanket....
Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory, red heifer owner at November 26, 2023 09:31 AM (R4t5M)
52
It sounds as if Krakatoa was heavily overpopulated.
Posted by: Weak Geek
Well, the shock waves and tsunamis reached Australia and Eastern Africa, so it impacted a large area. Also Krakatoa is in the middle of the busiest shipping lane in the world, and the island is building up again. It is simmering right now, who knows when it will repeat?
Posted by: Weak Geek
Well, the shock waves and tsunamis reached Australia and Eastern Africa, so it impacted a large area. Also Krakatoa is in the middle of the busiest shipping lane in the world, and the island is building up again. It is simmering right now, who knows when it will repeat?
Posted by: Thomas Paine at November 26, 2023 09:31 AM (T02Iq)
53
If half of you lurkers gave Ace just one dollar a month (cue sappy music here)...
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at November 26, 2023 09:28 AM (OX9vb)
-
https://youtu.be/qxW789jHXII
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at November 26, 2023 09:28 AM (OX9vb)
-
https://youtu.be/qxW789jHXII
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at November 26, 2023 09:32 AM (S4Tgw)
54
If half of you lurkers gave Ace just one dollar a month (cue sappy music here), he might be able to make a living here. Which he richly deserves to do. That is all.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at November 26, 2023 09:28 AM (OX9vb)
He ain't making a living here now ?
How's he making a living ?
Wiping windshields in traffic ?
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at November 26, 2023 09:28 AM (OX9vb)
He ain't making a living here now ?
How's he making a living ?
Wiping windshields in traffic ?
Posted by: JT at November 26, 2023 09:32 AM (T4tVD)
55
The other book I started, again, is a difficult one:
Jews, Wars, and Communism. Vol. I: The Attitude of American Jews to World War I, the Russian Revolutions of 1917, and Communism (1914–1945); Zosa Szajkowski.
I scored a copy for cheap maybe 4? years ago (it's not common and often very pricey). I get into it from time to time, it's not an easy read. The author was one of those strange-but-smart guys who put out a number of books on Jewish subjects. He was also a Socialist who fought in the Spanish Civil War, and from that experience did kind of an Orwell and hated Communists, but remained a militant Socialist, which... whatever. The issue with this book is, if you think Socialism is a loathsome plague, and its adherents either stupid or scum, ZS set out to 'prove' Jews weren't Bolsheviks, but then did so by documenting the extent of Jewish Socialism. The result is... well if you don't like Socialism, it is not flattering in the slightest, and he doesn't seem to comprehend what he did.
His books are well worth seeking out, but are little-known outside of rarified Jewish circles, as they are all kind of like this and the Tribe seems to have been a little upset by his work.
Jews, Wars, and Communism. Vol. I: The Attitude of American Jews to World War I, the Russian Revolutions of 1917, and Communism (1914–1945); Zosa Szajkowski.
I scored a copy for cheap maybe 4? years ago (it's not common and often very pricey). I get into it from time to time, it's not an easy read. The author was one of those strange-but-smart guys who put out a number of books on Jewish subjects. He was also a Socialist who fought in the Spanish Civil War, and from that experience did kind of an Orwell and hated Communists, but remained a militant Socialist, which... whatever. The issue with this book is, if you think Socialism is a loathsome plague, and its adherents either stupid or scum, ZS set out to 'prove' Jews weren't Bolsheviks, but then did so by documenting the extent of Jewish Socialism. The result is... well if you don't like Socialism, it is not flattering in the slightest, and he doesn't seem to comprehend what he did.
His books are well worth seeking out, but are little-known outside of rarified Jewish circles, as they are all kind of like this and the Tribe seems to have been a little upset by his work.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 09:33 AM (43xH1)
Posted by: Tonypete at November 26, 2023 09:33 AM (GmDse)
57
The original Executioner books were top-notch. I have all the ones that Don Pendleton wrote. Couldn't get into the "New War" stories; comics had taken over as my primary interest.
The Destroyer books were so much fun. I laughed out loud at some scenes. Still have Nos. 1-54.
The Death Merchant books' plots, as described on the back cover, sounded interesting -- and the covers looked fantastic -- but the writing was terrible.
The Butcher series -- bleaugh.
The Destroyer books were so much fun. I laughed out loud at some scenes. Still have Nos. 1-54.
The Death Merchant books' plots, as described on the back cover, sounded interesting -- and the covers looked fantastic -- but the writing was terrible.
The Butcher series -- bleaugh.
Posted by: Weak Geek at November 26, 2023 09:34 AM (p/isN)
Posted by: andycanuck (krqg6) at November 26, 2023 09:35 AM (krqg6)
59
Good morning fellow Book Threadists. I hope everyone had a great week of reading.
A bit late to the thread. Don't you hate when errands get in the way of important matters?
A bit late to the thread. Don't you hate when errands get in the way of important matters?
Posted by: JTB at November 26, 2023 09:35 AM (7EjX1)
Posted by: andycanuck (krqg6) at November 26, 2023 09:36 AM (krqg6)
61
Well, the shock waves and tsunamis reached Australia and Eastern Africa, so it impacted a large area. Also Krakatoa is in the middle of the busiest shipping lane in the world, and the island is building up again. It is simmering right now, who knows when it will repeat?
Posted by: Thomas Paine at November 26, 2023 09:31 AM (T02Iq)
---
100% chance any eruption will be blamed on global warming.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at November 26, 2023 09:31 AM (T02Iq)
---
100% chance any eruption will be blamed on global warming.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at November 26, 2023 09:36 AM (llXky)
62
Maybe a few of them are not quite who they say they are, but for most part they all check out.
I'm not being (intentionally) argumentative, but I'm genuinely curious: how do you know that?
I'm not being (intentionally) argumentative, but I'm genuinely curious: how do you know that?
Posted by: Oddbob at November 26, 2023 09:37 AM (nfrXX)
63
Drool cup emptyer.
Posted by: Tonypete
Remember the Seinfeld episode when the homeless guy was holding a cup and Kramer dropped coin(s) into it and he yelled "HEY ! That's my coffee !"
Posted by: Tonypete
Remember the Seinfeld episode when the homeless guy was holding a cup and Kramer dropped coin(s) into it and he yelled "HEY ! That's my coffee !"
Posted by: JT at November 26, 2023 09:37 AM (T4tVD)
64
How's he making a living ?
Wiping windshields in traffic ?
Posted by: JT
Selling loosies on the corner by the drugstore.
Wiping windshields in traffic ?
Posted by: JT
Selling loosies on the corner by the drugstore.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at November 26, 2023 09:37 AM (OX9vb)
65
I wanted to recommend a beautiful book for those who pray and like prayer, Harper Collins Book of Prayer Through The Ages. It contains prayers from the Old Testament and Christian prayers from the New Testament as well As from from both the Roman Catholic. Eastern Orthodox Church and various Protestant traditions as well as one Muslim and a few Hindu and Native American prayers. It addresses prayer for church seasons as well as various conditions of life. I found it very honest as to feelings as well and beautiful. I found it in a Thrift shop supporting a ministry to addicts, and my finding it I call a " God incident" not a coincidence because it has been such a blessing to me:
https://tinyurl.com/mvuwpnxp
https://tinyurl.com/mvuwpnxp
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at November 26, 2023 09:39 AM (DLxWT)
Posted by: JT at November 26, 2023 09:40 AM (T4tVD)
67
Thanks Fen - I'll check it out.
Posted by: Tonypete at November 26, 2023 09:40 AM (GmDse)
68
"This tale grew in the telling, until it became a history of the Great War of the Ring and included many glimpses of the yet more ancient history that preceded it."
Yes, I started my annual reading of LOTR, the 58th. As I settled into my recliner, adjusted the lamp, and lit my pipe, it felt like coming back to a comfortable home after a long trip.
Yes, I started my annual reading of LOTR, the 58th. As I settled into my recliner, adjusted the lamp, and lit my pipe, it felt like coming back to a comfortable home after a long trip.
Posted by: JTB at November 26, 2023 09:41 AM (7EjX1)
69
I'm not being (intentionally) argumentative, but I'm genuinely curious: how do you know that?
Posted by: Oddbob at November 26, 2023 09:37 AM (nfrXX)
---
Shibboleths.
Posted by: Oddbob at November 26, 2023 09:37 AM (nfrXX)
---
Shibboleths.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at November 26, 2023 09:41 AM (BpYfr)
70
Our soon to be 11 year old great nephew is crazy about dragons, so his dad tells us. Any suggestions for books about dragons suitable for his age?
Posted by: JTB at November 26, 2023 09:43 AM (7EjX1)
71
Shibboleths.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at November 26, 2023 09:41 AM (BpYfr)
Oh! So, like, they pepper their text with the secret passwords?
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at November 26, 2023 09:41 AM (BpYfr)
Oh! So, like, they pepper their text with the secret passwords?
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at November 26, 2023 09:44 AM (OX9vb)
72
The Death Merchant books' plots, as described on the back cover, sounded interesting -- and the covers looked fantastic -- but the writing was terrible.
The Butcher series -- bleaugh.
Posted by: Weak Geek'
Yes, Rosenberger wasn't much of a writer (TDM). His work is crude and exceptionally violent even for that genre; his character is less of a Jack Reacher type and more of a sociopath. It's kind of what makes those fun, they're way over the top and the protagonist is actually kind of awful.
And all those series-type books with their mentions of the then-exotic guns! There had to be all kinds of weaponry, and you get Gyrojets, Automags, I recall one (not the series, I don't recall that!) that featured an ASP.
The Butcher series -- bleaugh.
Posted by: Weak Geek'
Yes, Rosenberger wasn't much of a writer (TDM). His work is crude and exceptionally violent even for that genre; his character is less of a Jack Reacher type and more of a sociopath. It's kind of what makes those fun, they're way over the top and the protagonist is actually kind of awful.
And all those series-type books with their mentions of the then-exotic guns! There had to be all kinds of weaponry, and you get Gyrojets, Automags, I recall one (not the series, I don't recall that!) that featured an ASP.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 09:45 AM (43xH1)
73
*Drool cup emptyer.
Wiping windshields in traffic?*
Pulling a rickshaw.
https://youtu.be/kidJhY7zFT8?si=G6LE5nkVCrJPq7qV
*Drool cup emptyer.
Wiping windshields in traffic?*
Pulling a rickshaw.
https://youtu.be/kidJhY7zFT8?si=G6LE5nkVCrJPq7qV
Posted by: Obligatory Seinfeld reference at November 26, 2023 09:45 AM (NBVIP)
74
I'm trying to figure out how to eliminate him. Toss him off a roof? Or would he just turn immaterial and hover forever? Maybe drop him in the ocean?
Posted by: Weak Geek at November 26, 2023 09:07 AM (p/isN)
kryptonite. Or dial back the powers. Or have him subject to influence while he is immaterial and drive him into a block of granite so deeply he can't get out. Stone Mountain comes to mind.
Posted by: Weak Geek at November 26, 2023 09:07 AM (p/isN)
kryptonite. Or dial back the powers. Or have him subject to influence while he is immaterial and drive him into a block of granite so deeply he can't get out. Stone Mountain comes to mind.
Posted by: Kindltot at November 26, 2023 09:45 AM (D7oie)
75
Shibboleths.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at November 26, 2023 09:41 AM (BpYfr)
Oh! So, like, they pepper their text with the secret passwords?
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at November 26, 2023 09:44 AM (OX9vb)
---
Yeah, pretty much.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at November 26, 2023 09:41 AM (BpYfr)
Oh! So, like, they pepper their text with the secret passwords?
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at November 26, 2023 09:44 AM (OX9vb)
---
Yeah, pretty much.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at November 26, 2023 09:46 AM (BpYfr)
Posted by: JT at November 26, 2023 09:46 AM (T4tVD)
77
Yes, I started my annual reading of LOTR, the 58th. As I settled into my recliner, adjusted the lamp, and lit my pipe, it felt like coming back to a comfortable home after a long trip.
Posted by: JTB at November 26, 2023 09:41 AM (7EjX1)
---
I lost count long ago. I'm reading two different editions - one set in the great room the other at the bedside. It's very relaxing. I'm paying close attention to faith and the spirit world this time.
Posted by: JTB at November 26, 2023 09:41 AM (7EjX1)
---
I lost count long ago. I'm reading two different editions - one set in the great room the other at the bedside. It's very relaxing. I'm paying close attention to faith and the spirit world this time.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at November 26, 2023 09:46 AM (llXky)
78
Our soon to be 11 year old great nephew is crazy about dragons, so his dad tells us. Any suggestions for books about dragons suitable for his age?
Posted by: JTB at November 26, 2023 09:43 AM (7EjX1)
---
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Posted by: JTB at November 26, 2023 09:43 AM (7EjX1)
---
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at November 26, 2023 09:47 AM (BpYfr)
79
Carlos' bookcase in the top photo is gorgeous. Now to fill the house with more of them.
Posted by: JTB at November 26, 2023 09:47 AM (7EjX1)
80
Our soon to be 11 year old great nephew is crazy about dragons, so his dad tells us. Any suggestions for books about dragons suitable for his age?
Posted by: JTB at November 26, 2023 09:43 AM (7EjX1)
---
The Hobbit.
Posted by: JTB at November 26, 2023 09:43 AM (7EjX1)
---
The Hobbit.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at November 26, 2023 09:48 AM (llXky)
81
If half of you lurkers gave Ace just one dollar a month (cue sappy music here), he might be able to make a living here. Which he richly deserves to do. That is all.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at November 26, 2023 09:28 AM (OX9vb)
He ain't making a living here now ?
How's he making a living ?
Wiping windshields in traffic ?
Posted by: JT at November 26, 2023 09:32 AM (T4tVD)
-
Can't Ace just go into one of his hardware store branches, walk out the front door with cartloads of stolen merchandise and sell it in the lot tax-free?
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at November 26, 2023 09:28 AM (OX9vb)
He ain't making a living here now ?
How's he making a living ?
Wiping windshields in traffic ?
Posted by: JT at November 26, 2023 09:32 AM (T4tVD)
-
Can't Ace just go into one of his hardware store branches, walk out the front door with cartloads of stolen merchandise and sell it in the lot tax-free?
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at November 26, 2023 09:48 AM (S4Tgw)
82
This is an absolutely critical book for all of humanity, in my opinion.
*******
Strangely enough, that is exactly what the author said about "Muldoon's Library of Limericks"
*******
Strangely enough, that is exactly what the author said about "Muldoon's Library of Limericks"
Posted by: Muldoon at November 26, 2023 09:50 AM (991eG)
83
I managed to add two! reviews to amazon and goodreads this week.
One for Silk Unspun, by our non-lurker movique, which was quite good and interesting enough for a non-sci fi fan to read and enjoy.
The other was for Foxfire, by Rowan Hill, which was lurker recommend here a couple of weeks ago. That one has a lot of potential--it's a good horror mystery in an interesting setting. However, it needs more editing for grammar and spelling, and I didn't care for the Men are Bad theme.
One for Silk Unspun, by our non-lurker movique, which was quite good and interesting enough for a non-sci fi fan to read and enjoy.
The other was for Foxfire, by Rowan Hill, which was lurker recommend here a couple of weeks ago. That one has a lot of potential--it's a good horror mystery in an interesting setting. However, it needs more editing for grammar and spelling, and I didn't care for the Men are Bad theme.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at November 26, 2023 09:50 AM (OX9vb)
84
As far as 'fix ups' go, perhaps the collections of Conan stories would qualify.
Posted by: JTB at November 26, 2023 09:51 AM (7EjX1)
85
"Farmer Giles of Ham" has a humorous encounter with a dragon. Also, Tolkien, so it meets requirements.
Get the version heavily illustrated by Pauline Baynes.
Get the version heavily illustrated by Pauline Baynes.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at November 26, 2023 09:51 AM (NpErr)
86
I'll point it out because someone has to. Carlos' local craftsman went to the trouble to build in a register for the HVAC duct behind the bookcase. Nice touch.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at November 26, 2023 09:51 AM (NBVIP)
87
I don't recall reading any of the Executioner books, though I did read some Nick Carter stories when I ran out of James Bond books as a youth. They were all first person narrative, and I liked that he named his Luger Wilhelmina.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at November 26, 2023 09:51 AM (T02Iq)
88
Posted by: JT at November 26, 2023 09:40 AM (T4tVD)
Thanks. LOL. I figure I couldn't annoy people too much on a book thread- but who knows?😉
Thanks. LOL. I figure I couldn't annoy people too much on a book thread- but who knows?😉
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at November 26, 2023 09:52 AM (Z9Oio)
89
Last week I saw reports that a Chinese assault ship caught fire, supposedly the result of a feast gone wrong (flaming duck was the culprit - yes, I also Saw Flaming Duck open for the Red Hot Chili Peppers).
Anyhow, it's an interesting contrast with the US Navy's deterioration. China's martial culture is generally inferior to ours and the twin influences of Communism and the Imperial Bureaucratic mindset favor covering up errors rather than exposing them.
We are on the same path, as evidenced not just by shop losses and rust, but also the fact that no flag officers have lost their jobs over the Afghanistan debacle. Just as with China, our military is more interested in politics than results. When I wrote Walls of Men I felt we still had a qualitative edge. That is no longer the case.
Anyhow, it's an interesting contrast with the US Navy's deterioration. China's martial culture is generally inferior to ours and the twin influences of Communism and the Imperial Bureaucratic mindset favor covering up errors rather than exposing them.
We are on the same path, as evidenced not just by shop losses and rust, but also the fact that no flag officers have lost their jobs over the Afghanistan debacle. Just as with China, our military is more interested in politics than results. When I wrote Walls of Men I felt we still had a qualitative edge. That is no longer the case.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at November 26, 2023 09:53 AM (llXky)
90
Fix-ups (still sf):
I think Anne McCaffrey's first Weyr book, DRAGONFLIGHT, was made up of previously published shorter works.
Robert Silverberg's THE WORLD INSIDE ditto. And while I don't think such a society would necessarily have the same sexual mores as Silverberg gives his urban-tower dwellers, there are aspects of the set-up that sound uncomfortably close to what might come of the 15-minute cities our "betters" have in mind.
I think Anne McCaffrey's first Weyr book, DRAGONFLIGHT, was made up of previously published shorter works.
Robert Silverberg's THE WORLD INSIDE ditto. And while I don't think such a society would necessarily have the same sexual mores as Silverberg gives his urban-tower dwellers, there are aspects of the set-up that sound uncomfortably close to what might come of the 15-minute cities our "betters" have in mind.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at November 26, 2023 09:54 AM (a/4+U)
91
Posted by: Tonypete at November 26, 2023
One thing I found very helpful was the indexes which lists prayers by the church year and also for different situations in life and by the particular prayer writers, instead of just having to go unaided.
One thing I found very helpful was the indexes which lists prayers by the church year and also for different situations in life and by the particular prayer writers, instead of just having to go unaided.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at November 26, 2023 09:55 AM (Z9Oio)
92
First mention of Tolkien today doesn't come until #78 by The Squirrel.
Unprecedented! Vegas bookmakers are paying out hugely for those who bet the "over" today.
Unprecedented! Vegas bookmakers are paying out hugely for those who bet the "over" today.
Posted by: Muldoon at November 26, 2023 09:56 AM (991eG)
93
In writing, I'm still fighting with a piece about the Turkish Earthquake that I think I finally got a handle on. The source is adamant he 'did nothing wrong in his life' (I find this an absurd claim) and there is absolutely no possible reason for his young son to have been so cruelly killed in a natural disaster. He can't make sense of it and it makes for difficult work.
I personally do not believe that there is any real 'trade-off' in tragedies like this, and that there is no connection between his behavior and *why* his son died, but he brought up the possibility (most people do this in the process) so I examined whether there is anything in the story as told to me so far, that someone ELSE might latch onto as 'a reason'.
And oh man, is there a statement in communication that really jumped out.
Next-
I personally do not believe that there is any real 'trade-off' in tragedies like this, and that there is no connection between his behavior and *why* his son died, but he brought up the possibility (most people do this in the process) so I examined whether there is anything in the story as told to me so far, that someone ELSE might latch onto as 'a reason'.
And oh man, is there a statement in communication that really jumped out.
Next-
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 09:56 AM (43xH1)
94
Fen, good to see you here!
Posted by: Weak Geek at November 26, 2023 09:56 AM (p/isN)
95
Our soon to be 11 year old great nephew is crazy about dragons, so his dad tells us. Any suggestions for books about dragons suitable for his age?
Posted by: JTB at November 26, 2023
*
There was a series of fantasy novels set in an alternate Napoleonic War where an "air force" of dragons and their "aviator" riders fight in the battles. The "Temeraire" series, that was it. I read the first and found it entertaining.
Not sure about "appropriate" for an eleven-year-old, but you can't go by me. I was reading James Bond and Alfred Hitchcock suspense anthologies at that age.
Posted by: JTB at November 26, 2023
*
There was a series of fantasy novels set in an alternate Napoleonic War where an "air force" of dragons and their "aviator" riders fight in the battles. The "Temeraire" series, that was it. I read the first and found it entertaining.
Not sure about "appropriate" for an eleven-year-old, but you can't go by me. I was reading James Bond and Alfred Hitchcock suspense anthologies at that age.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at November 26, 2023 09:57 AM (omVj0)
96
Thanks. LOL. I figure I couldn't annoy people too much on a book thread- but who knows?😉
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at November 26, 2023 09:52 AM (Z9Oio)
You have NEVER annoyed me !
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at November 26, 2023 09:52 AM (Z9Oio)
You have NEVER annoyed me !
Posted by: JT at November 26, 2023 09:57 AM (T4tVD)
97
I'll point it out because someone has to. Carlos' local craftsman went to the trouble to build in a register for the HVAC duct behind the bookcase.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at November 26, 2023 09:51 AM (NBVIP)
-
"That'll be an extra five hundred dollars." - Mr. Eustace Haney
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at November 26, 2023 09:51 AM (NBVIP)
-
"That'll be an extra five hundred dollars." - Mr. Eustace Haney
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at November 26, 2023 09:58 AM (S4Tgw)
98
Essays can also make good fix-ups, although it can be weird reading references to something that was referred to a few “chapters” earlier, as if it were a new topic. Last week I read Mark Steyn’s Broadway Babies Say Goodnight, about the rise and fall of the Broadway musical.
Even for someone who is only marginally interested in musicals, it was fascinating, from the story of George Abbott (lived to be over a hundred and worked on Broadway before and after the modern musical) to the arc of popular musicals from Hammerstein to Sondheim.
So much of our great music came from musicals, even from bad musicals.
I’m pretty sure it was comprised of separate essays re-edited to form a narrative; it did occasionally refer to something as if it were a new reference when it had been introduced a few chapters earlier.
Even for someone who is only marginally interested in musicals, it was fascinating, from the story of George Abbott (lived to be over a hundred and worked on Broadway before and after the modern musical) to the arc of popular musicals from Hammerstein to Sondheim.
So much of our great music came from musicals, even from bad musicals.
I’m pretty sure it was comprised of separate essays re-edited to form a narrative; it did occasionally refer to something as if it were a new reference when it had been introduced a few chapters earlier.
Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at November 26, 2023 09:58 AM (olroh)
99
Regarding dragon books:
What about the "How to Train Your Dragon" series? I never read any, but I saw the first movie with my sons, and it was entertaining.
What about the "How to Train Your Dragon" series? I never read any, but I saw the first movie with my sons, and it was entertaining.
Posted by: Weak Geek at November 26, 2023 09:58 AM (p/isN)
100
As for Anne McCaffrey's "Dragonriders of Pern," the series has never really grabbed me the way it did some people. But that might be something to point an eleven-year-old to?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at November 26, 2023 09:58 AM (omVj0)
101
Yesterday my daughter in law texted me a list of requested books for my two grandsons. I'm only happy to oblige. Will be buying them later today with the help of Al Gore's Amazing Internet (PBUH). Love that young lady. A natural born teacher.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at November 26, 2023 09:59 AM (NBVIP)
102
First mention of Tolkien today doesn't come until #78 by The Squirrel.
Unprecedented! Vegas bookmakers are paying out hugely for those who bet the "over" today.
Posted by: Muldoon at November 26, 2023 09:56 AM (991eG)
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I got here late.
Unprecedented! Vegas bookmakers are paying out hugely for those who bet the "over" today.
Posted by: Muldoon at November 26, 2023 09:56 AM (991eG)
---
I got here late.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at November 26, 2023 09:59 AM (llXky)
103
One thing I found very helpful was the indexes which lists prayers by the church year and also for different situations in life and by the particular prayer writers, instead of just having to go unaided.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke
That sounds very interesting, I will be on the look out. I could use that these days.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke
That sounds very interesting, I will be on the look out. I could use that these days.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at November 26, 2023 09:59 AM (T02Iq)
Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at November 26, 2023 10:01 AM (olroh)
105
I can't usually comment on book thread because I am usually getting ready for church or leading an adult devotional study, but they seem to have forgotten about the study. It's nice to read peoples comments.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at November 26, 2023 10:01 AM (m03Sy)
106
This is going to be one of those book threads that will cost some money due to all the good recommendations. Sigh!
Posted by: JTB at November 26, 2023 10:01 AM (7EjX1)
Posted by: Arnold Ziffel at November 26, 2023 10:02 AM (NBVIP)
108
When his son was born, as related to me, he thought/said, on first seeing this child:
"I made that! This came from me!"
In communication this is a constant theme: he regarded this son as being a kind of extension of himself, as having been created from and by... himself! Due to a few other statements and behaviors (I won't go into that), I was thinking the whole business was seeming kind of hubristic, and then I get this!
Isn't that kind of statement, 'I made life!' kind of... the dictionary definition of hubris? A human being claiming for themselves that which God (gods) have reserved for them alone? Claiming to have made *LIFE* seems like rather an obvious act of classical hubris. I'm not saying anything but now I have some idea of how to structure this. He won't see it at all, I'm sure of it, and I'm making NO mention of 'hubris' or anything like it, but it's pretty close to Classical Greek in form, really.
"I made that! This came from me!"
In communication this is a constant theme: he regarded this son as being a kind of extension of himself, as having been created from and by... himself! Due to a few other statements and behaviors (I won't go into that), I was thinking the whole business was seeming kind of hubristic, and then I get this!
Isn't that kind of statement, 'I made life!' kind of... the dictionary definition of hubris? A human being claiming for themselves that which God (gods) have reserved for them alone? Claiming to have made *LIFE* seems like rather an obvious act of classical hubris. I'm not saying anything but now I have some idea of how to structure this. He won't see it at all, I'm sure of it, and I'm making NO mention of 'hubris' or anything like it, but it's pretty close to Classical Greek in form, really.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 10:03 AM (43xH1)
109
JTB I have a well illustrated book Dragonworld by Byron Preiss and Michael Reaves
Posted by: Skip at November 26, 2023 10:03 AM (fwDg9)
110
In addition to re-reading Lord of the Rings, I'm trying to resist co-reading the Fall of Numenor, another of the compilation books. Lovely artwork in it, and I'm trying to finish LotR before fully digging into it.
The grandkids are staying with us and the default bedtime story is an old favorite of mine, The Lorax, by "Dr. Seuss." It's a nice cautionary tale, but what makes it work for the kids is the way the mood changes, from dark and mysterious, to exuberant, to gloomy and reflective, with some hope at the end. Really good to get the kids to settle down, and it can be read in different ways, which also keeps them engaged.
For some reason, when we get to the Brown Bar-ba-loots, my granddaughter always blurts out "those are bears, Grandpa." After repeated discussions, she's accepted that they are a kind of bear. Toddlers keep you on your toes!
The grandkids are staying with us and the default bedtime story is an old favorite of mine, The Lorax, by "Dr. Seuss." It's a nice cautionary tale, but what makes it work for the kids is the way the mood changes, from dark and mysterious, to exuberant, to gloomy and reflective, with some hope at the end. Really good to get the kids to settle down, and it can be read in different ways, which also keeps them engaged.
For some reason, when we get to the Brown Bar-ba-loots, my granddaughter always blurts out "those are bears, Grandpa." After repeated discussions, she's accepted that they are a kind of bear. Toddlers keep you on your toes!
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at November 26, 2023 10:06 AM (llXky)
111
>>> 100 As for Anne McCaffrey's "Dragonriders of Pern," the series has never really grabbed me the way it did some people. But that might be something to point an eleven-year-old to?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at November 26, 2023 09:58 AM (omVj0)
There are a couple bits in the original trilogy that aren't all that explicit but in my get-off-my-lawn years I find questionable for an 11-year-old.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at November 26, 2023 09:58 AM (omVj0)
There are a couple bits in the original trilogy that aren't all that explicit but in my get-off-my-lawn years I find questionable for an 11-year-old.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at November 26, 2023 10:06 AM (llON8)
112
Last week I saw reports that a Chinese assault ship caught fire, supposedly the result of a feast gone wrong (flaming duck was the culprit - yes, I also Saw Flaming Duck open for the Red Hot Chili Peppers).
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Apparently, it was a smokescreen drill -- PLA Navy uses black smoke instead of white/grey like Western navies.
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Apparently, it was a smokescreen drill -- PLA Navy uses black smoke instead of white/grey like Western navies.
Posted by: andycanuck (krqg6) at November 26, 2023 10:07 AM (krqg6)
113
The grandkids are staying with us and the default bedtime story is an old favorite of mine, The Lorax, by "Dr. Seuss." It's a nice cautionary tale, but what makes it work for the kids is the way the mood changes, from dark and mysterious, to exuberant, to gloomy and reflective, with some hope at the end. Really good to get the kids to settle down, and it can be read in different ways, which also keeps them engaged.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at November 26, 2023 10:06 AM (llXky)
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The Onceler in The Lorax always creeped me out.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at November 26, 2023 10:06 AM (llXky)
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The Onceler in The Lorax always creeped me out.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at November 26, 2023 10:07 AM (BpYfr)
114
Still reading Freemasons for Dummies.
Would be more realistic if, while reading, I wore a red fez.
Would be more realistic if, while reading, I wore a red fez.
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at November 26, 2023 10:08 AM (S4Tgw)
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at November 26, 2023 10:08 AM (hDBOA)
116
Thanks Perfessor!!! Finished the audiobook of Vampire$, by John Steakley, wonderfully narrated by Tom Weiner. I love Good vs Evil stories and this was a good one. Very nice how this ragtag team of vampire exterminators become closer than most families. A very very good read/listen. Plowing through Micheal Connelly*s latest Lincoln Lawyer book, Resurrection Walk. A big dose of Harry Bosch comes with the story, and Bosch is always good thing. Of course I love it, I am a huge Connelly/Bosch fanboy. Next up is Breaking Twitter by Ben Mezrich, about Musk*s takeover of Twitter. Have a good week, All!
Posted by: SuperMayorSuperRonNirenberg-Manly Yes, But Ultra-Buff Too at November 26, 2023 10:08 AM (jeSPC)
117
I got a used copy of Terry Hayes' new book, "The Year of the Locust" from a UK seller. (Webuybooks)
Kane is a Denied Access Area agent for the CIA who start out by chasing a CIA source who turned out to be a double agent, then on to terrorists in the Iran/Afghanistan area planning another major strike against the West. The story eventually shifts to another genre (no spoilers). Kane also has more of a personal life than Pilgrim.
It's not "I Am Pilgrim," but it's not bad.
See used booksellers or eBay for copies, as it won't be officially released here until February.
Kane is a Denied Access Area agent for the CIA who start out by chasing a CIA source who turned out to be a double agent, then on to terrorists in the Iran/Afghanistan area planning another major strike against the West. The story eventually shifts to another genre (no spoilers). Kane also has more of a personal life than Pilgrim.
It's not "I Am Pilgrim," but it's not bad.
See used booksellers or eBay for copies, as it won't be officially released here until February.
Posted by: Wethal at November 26, 2023 10:08 AM (NufIr)
118
Kenneth Grahame (Wind In The Willows) wrote 'The Reluctant Dragon' with illustrations by Ernest Shepard (Winnie-The-Pooh) and it's a charming book, might be worth a look. But only with the Shepard illustrations!
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 10:08 AM (43xH1)
119
#89 #112 Doesn't make your point wrong -- I think the Red's generation of Little Emperors and bureaucratic stupidity doesn't make them better than the West or pro-West Oriental allies.
Posted by: andycanuck (krqg6) at November 26, 2023 10:09 AM (krqg6)
120
The last book of Beowulf is about a dragon, much like Smaug in The Hobbit. Beowulf is a good, bloody story.
the thing about reading is to not get a kid the book "appropriate to his ability and age" but to get him a book that is so engaging that he will stretch to get all the info in it. When I was 7 I was pushing my way through Tintin to get the story.
the thing about reading is to not get a kid the book "appropriate to his ability and age" but to get him a book that is so engaging that he will stretch to get all the info in it. When I was 7 I was pushing my way through Tintin to get the story.
Posted by: Kindltot at November 26, 2023 10:10 AM (D7oie)
121
The Onceler in The Lorax always creeped me out.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel'
You too?!
That character still unsettles me.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel'
You too?!
That character still unsettles me.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 10:10 AM (43xH1)
122
@108 --
I read a story in which a man held his newborn son to the sky and declared: "I am now IMMORTAL!"
He was a terrible father; his son's most desired dream was to shoot him in the head.
I read a story in which a man held his newborn son to the sky and declared: "I am now IMMORTAL!"
He was a terrible father; his son's most desired dream was to shoot him in the head.
Posted by: Weak Geek at November 26, 2023 10:10 AM (p/isN)
123
Strangely enough, that is exactly what the author said about "Muldoon's Library of Limericks"
Well, it is critical for people to laugh and/or groan in a good hearted way so thanks for the limericks.
Well, it is critical for people to laugh and/or groan in a good hearted way so thanks for the limericks.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at November 26, 2023 10:11 AM (hDBOA)
124
One of my wife's grand nephews likes dinosaurs, I am going to have to get him a couple of books.
Posted by: Kindltot at November 26, 2023 10:11 AM (D7oie)
125
No time to hang around (gotta get ready for church), but wanted to thank the Perfessor for the Book Thread. I always enjoy it! I did finish a book this week, "Footprints of Thunder" by James David, but was disappointed. Concept was good (a disaster causes bits of the past to appear in the present and vice versa) but the author was ... annoying. His characterization of the bad guys as "rednecks riding motorcycles with guns" didn't sit well with this motorcycle riding southern boy. And he had a tendency to kill off characters and then bring them back (well, they survive in unlikely ways.) Picked it up because it had dinosaurs in it and I can't resist dinos. Overall, I don't think I'd recommend it.
Posted by: NCDave at November 26, 2023 10:11 AM (39nDP)
126
Isn't that kind of statement, 'I made life!' kind of... the dictionary definition of hubris? A human being claiming for themselves that which God (gods) have reserved for them alone? Claiming to have made *LIFE* seems like rather an obvious act of classical hubris
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 10:03 AM (43xH1)
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Him taking *all* the credit for it is hubris, but when our kids were born, my wife and I marveled at how together we had made a new person. Where there was two, now there was three, and then four, and five. And now there are grandchildren. I recall my grandfather's 80th birthday where this normally stoic man was struggling to hold back tears as his many descendants sang happy birthday to him.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 10:03 AM (43xH1)
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Him taking *all* the credit for it is hubris, but when our kids were born, my wife and I marveled at how together we had made a new person. Where there was two, now there was three, and then four, and five. And now there are grandchildren. I recall my grandfather's 80th birthday where this normally stoic man was struggling to hold back tears as his many descendants sang happy birthday to him.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at November 26, 2023 10:13 AM (llXky)
127
70 I haven’t read them, but heard from a friend that Sharon Penman has some cool dragon books. Sorry if someone has mentioned this, I haven’t read the whole thread and have to go to church soon.
Posted by: Norrin Radd, sojourner of the spaceways at November 26, 2023 10:15 AM (hsWtj)
128
Still reading Freemasons for Dummies.
Would be more realistic if, while reading, I wore a red fez.
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at November 26, 2023 10:08 AM (S4Tgw)
Only if you turn it up a couple of degrees.
Would be more realistic if, while reading, I wore a red fez.
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at November 26, 2023 10:08 AM (S4Tgw)
Only if you turn it up a couple of degrees.
Posted by: Kindltot at November 26, 2023 10:16 AM (D7oie)
129
Klingon opera about the Great Tribble Wars.
Posted by: andycanuck (krqg6) at November 26, 2023 10:16 AM (krqg6)
130
However, it needs more editing for grammar and spelling....
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at November 26, 2023 09:50 AM (OX9vb)
Touched on that in a way at A Literary Horde. I asked the site's published authors when they thought a newby writer should consider paying someone to read their work to see if there's any skill there, or if they're just soiling the bed of the muse. Not meaning sending works to "We'll publish your book!" but to editors who offer their skills to help you determine if your work has merit, or you're just wasting time. Talking novel and novella length work, not short story.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at November 26, 2023 09:50 AM (OX9vb)
Touched on that in a way at A Literary Horde. I asked the site's published authors when they thought a newby writer should consider paying someone to read their work to see if there's any skill there, or if they're just soiling the bed of the muse. Not meaning sending works to "We'll publish your book!" but to editors who offer their skills to help you determine if your work has merit, or you're just wasting time. Talking novel and novella length work, not short story.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 26, 2023 10:16 AM (Angsy)
131
77 ... "I'm reading two different editions - one set in the great room the other at the bedside. It's very relaxing. I'm paying close attention to faith and the spirit world this time."
I do something similar. My old hardcover set from the mid-60s by my main reading spot, a newer one volume copy in the noisier living room, and a version on Kindle for the car or waiting rooms. This year I'm paying special attention to Tolkien's pacing and word use. Even a word as common as 'wraith' has interesting linguistic depths.
I do something similar. My old hardcover set from the mid-60s by my main reading spot, a newer one volume copy in the noisier living room, and a version on Kindle for the car or waiting rooms. This year I'm paying special attention to Tolkien's pacing and word use. Even a word as common as 'wraith' has interesting linguistic depths.
Posted by: JTB at November 26, 2023 10:16 AM (7EjX1)
132
Apparently, it was a smokescreen drill -- PLA Navy uses black smoke instead of white/grey like Western navies.
Posted by: andycanuck (krqg6) at November 26, 2023 10:07 AM (krqg6)
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I saw that explanation and it doesn't work. The smoke was clearly coming from interior hatches, and it did not obscure the ship so much as pinpoint it. Smokescreens come from astern and use pale smoke to blend into the horizon. It was absolutely on fire.
Posted by: andycanuck (krqg6) at November 26, 2023 10:07 AM (krqg6)
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I saw that explanation and it doesn't work. The smoke was clearly coming from interior hatches, and it did not obscure the ship so much as pinpoint it. Smokescreens come from astern and use pale smoke to blend into the horizon. It was absolutely on fire.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at November 26, 2023 10:16 AM (llXky)
133
"Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed."
"Fairy tales do not tell children the dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children the dragons can be killed."
Posted by: G.K. Chesterton at November 26, 2023 10:17 AM (NBVIP)
134
Re: Dinosaurs.
We had a National Geographic 'Books For Young Explorers', DINOSAURS, from 1972.
I had it as a child and it fascinated me. I'd guess it's been updated and edited since then but I loved the original. Somewhere like Thrift books I doubt it would be more than a couple of bucks.
We had a National Geographic 'Books For Young Explorers', DINOSAURS, from 1972.
I had it as a child and it fascinated me. I'd guess it's been updated and edited since then but I loved the original. Somewhere like Thrift books I doubt it would be more than a couple of bucks.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 10:18 AM (43xH1)
135
Doesn't make your point wrong -- I think the Red's generation of Little Emperors and bureaucratic stupidity doesn't make them better than the West or pro-West Oriental allies.
Posted by: andycanuck (krqg6) at November 26, 2023 10:09 AM (krqg6)
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I have more confidence in the Japanese at that point. By all reports, their military culture is strong and does not accept failure lightly. Ours used to be like that, and could be again, but it will take an external act to do it.
Afghanistan proved that no failure was too big to lie about. No inquiry, just medals for everyone involved.
Posted by: andycanuck (krqg6) at November 26, 2023 10:09 AM (krqg6)
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I have more confidence in the Japanese at that point. By all reports, their military culture is strong and does not accept failure lightly. Ours used to be like that, and could be again, but it will take an external act to do it.
Afghanistan proved that no failure was too big to lie about. No inquiry, just medals for everyone involved.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at November 26, 2023 10:19 AM (llXky)
136
. . . the thing about reading is to not get a kid the book "appropriate to his ability and age" but to get him a book that is so engaging that he will stretch to get all the info in it. When I was 7 I was pushing my way through Tintin to get the story.
Posted by: Kindltot at November 26, 2023
***
Same here. In the James Bond books I devoured the action scenes, less about the build-up material (the details of the mission Bond is on, etc.), and didn't concern myself with the romantic moments very much. Ian Fleming's work is technically not for a ten-year-old. But I loved what I did get from it, just as with the adult short stories of suspense and terror in the Hitchcock paperback anthologies.
Posted by: Kindltot at November 26, 2023
***
Same here. In the James Bond books I devoured the action scenes, less about the build-up material (the details of the mission Bond is on, etc.), and didn't concern myself with the romantic moments very much. Ian Fleming's work is technically not for a ten-year-old. But I loved what I did get from it, just as with the adult short stories of suspense and terror in the Hitchcock paperback anthologies.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at November 26, 2023 10:20 AM (omVj0)
137
109 ... "I have a well illustrated book Dragonworld by Byron Preiss and Michael Reaves"
Skip, Looked up that book and it would probably fit the bill. Thanks.
Skip, Looked up that book and it would probably fit the bill. Thanks.
Posted by: JTB at November 26, 2023 10:20 AM (7EjX1)
138
When my wife and I were headed to the hospital for her to deliver our first child, we both were struck by the fact that we were leaving the house as two people but would return as three.
Posted by: Weak Geek at November 26, 2023 10:21 AM (p/isN)
139
This week, between cooking, eating, drinking, and enjoying a visit from family members, I read a collection of Chesterton stories and essays, _The Man Who Was Chesterton_. Since it's all stuff published somewhere else originally, it's all good-quality. Some Father Brown stories, some essays from his visit to America which I found surprisingly insightful.
The weakest part is a section of his writings on "Distributism" which was the kind of Christian-Minarchist-Not Quite Socialist political/economic system he was pushing. It's Little England plus minimal (mostly local) government plus massive antitrust regulations to ensure that big businesses don't out-compete little businesses.
Two serious problems immediately come to mind. If the government is minimal and local, just how are the antitrust regulations to be enforced? And, inevitably, how does a society organized along these lines protect itself from societies with more aggressive tendencies and centralized state power to be aggressive with?
The weakest part is a section of his writings on "Distributism" which was the kind of Christian-Minarchist-Not Quite Socialist political/economic system he was pushing. It's Little England plus minimal (mostly local) government plus massive antitrust regulations to ensure that big businesses don't out-compete little businesses.
Two serious problems immediately come to mind. If the government is minimal and local, just how are the antitrust regulations to be enforced? And, inevitably, how does a society organized along these lines protect itself from societies with more aggressive tendencies and centralized state power to be aggressive with?
Posted by: Trimegistus at November 26, 2023 10:22 AM (78a2H)
140
Him taking *all* the credit for it is hubris,
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BTW, President Shit Roomba claims he's responsible for the hostage releases!
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BTW, President Shit Roomba claims he's responsible for the hostage releases!
Posted by: andycanuck (krqg6) at November 26, 2023 10:22 AM (krqg6)
141
The Onceler in The Lorax always creeped me out.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at November 26, 2023 10:07 AM (BpYfr)
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Yes! That's what help draws the kids in...the sense of mystery. You never see anything but the arms. Other Suess books are boisterous and don't really settle the kids down, if anything they get excited.
The Lorax is perfect for reading in bed precisely because you can read it ominously and they immediately quiet down.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at November 26, 2023 10:07 AM (BpYfr)
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Yes! That's what help draws the kids in...the sense of mystery. You never see anything but the arms. Other Suess books are boisterous and don't really settle the kids down, if anything they get excited.
The Lorax is perfect for reading in bed precisely because you can read it ominously and they immediately quiet down.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at November 26, 2023 10:22 AM (llXky)
142
When I was still Just Some Tot, I had a few of the Roy Chapman Andrews dinosaur books for kids. Devoured those suckers; they're probably horribly outdated now, but once I got my paws on them I was hooked on dinosaurs for good.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at November 26, 2023 10:22 AM (a/4+U)
143
*Apparently, it was a smokescreen drill*
My father was on a minesweeper in The Second War To End All Wars. Once I took a pilgrimage to The National Archives in College Park, MD and looked at actual deck logs. (It was as if I were holding Dead Sea scrolls.)
Anyway, frequently they were assigned the task to "make smoke."
My father was on a minesweeper in The Second War To End All Wars. Once I took a pilgrimage to The National Archives in College Park, MD and looked at actual deck logs. (It was as if I were holding Dead Sea scrolls.)
Anyway, frequently they were assigned the task to "make smoke."
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at November 26, 2023 10:23 AM (NBVIP)
144
Him taking *all* the credit for it is hubris, but when our kids were born, my wife and I marveled at how together we had made a new person.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd '
I was (and am) mightily impressed with the human birth process, how a new life can emerge from a female human being. Crazy stuff. But I never had any idea that either of us 'made life'. Personally I view my job as 'parent' as being custodian of a life entrusted to me.
I did not make that life. No human being can do that.
For a variety of reasons I've been struggling with structure of this thing and this idea gives me that, in the classical form at least of Greek Tragedy, made kind of ironic in that the whole thing did happen in Western now-Turkey and directly on the Mediterranean Coast.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd '
I was (and am) mightily impressed with the human birth process, how a new life can emerge from a female human being. Crazy stuff. But I never had any idea that either of us 'made life'. Personally I view my job as 'parent' as being custodian of a life entrusted to me.
I did not make that life. No human being can do that.
For a variety of reasons I've been struggling with structure of this thing and this idea gives me that, in the classical form at least of Greek Tragedy, made kind of ironic in that the whole thing did happen in Western now-Turkey and directly on the Mediterranean Coast.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 10:23 AM (43xH1)
Posted by: andycanuck (krqg6) at November 26, 2023 10:24 AM (krqg6)
146
Just read "Proxima" and almost done with "Ultima", by Stephen Baxter. Disappointing. Not much of a plot, just a bunch of "Gee, whiz, isn't this world cool?" Characters are thinly fleshed and dull. I'm struggling to finish the last thirty pages, just because it doesn't seem like it's headed to anything and I know I'm going to be pissed I wasted my time.
Posted by: Taro Tsujimoto at November 26, 2023 10:25 AM (5YmYl)
147
they're probably horribly outdated now, but once I got my paws on them I was hooked on dinosaurs for good.
Posted by: Just Some Guy'
I love outdated books on dinosaurs, they're fascinating. I found it fun, even now, to recall what my book from the early 1970s said and what archeologists think now. It also taught me, reading even earlier stuff even back then, that likely what we think now is probably wrong, too! It gave me a grounding that Science is a process, not some religion.
Posted by: Just Some Guy'
I love outdated books on dinosaurs, they're fascinating. I found it fun, even now, to recall what my book from the early 1970s said and what archeologists think now. It also taught me, reading even earlier stuff even back then, that likely what we think now is probably wrong, too! It gave me a grounding that Science is a process, not some religion.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 10:26 AM (43xH1)
148
Oooh, nice bookshelf!
I just spent a week with my parents, and thus a week with my father's tools and garage. During that time, I stained an finished a bookcase that he and I had put together over the summer. And now that bookcase is sitting in my home. 10 glorious linear feet to fill!
...Once I give the shelf more time to dry. It still smells of stain and finish, and I want to wait until its done off-gassing until I start putting (expensive) books on it...
I just spent a week with my parents, and thus a week with my father's tools and garage. During that time, I stained an finished a bookcase that he and I had put together over the summer. And now that bookcase is sitting in my home. 10 glorious linear feet to fill!
...Once I give the shelf more time to dry. It still smells of stain and finish, and I want to wait until its done off-gassing until I start putting (expensive) books on it...
Posted by: Castle Guy at November 26, 2023 10:26 AM (Lhaco)
149
Is anyone here a fan of the American novelist John Williams? I just finished his book Augustus. It was excellent, but how is it compared to his other novels, Butcher's Crossing and Stoner?
Posted by: Pete in Texas at November 26, 2023 10:26 AM (vCoWA)
150
My father was on a minesweeper in The Second War To End All Wars.
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Mine too although it was acting as an escort ship along with Corvettes in the North Atlantic and not e.g. minesweeping off the Normandy coast.
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Mine too although it was acting as an escort ship along with Corvettes in the North Atlantic and not e.g. minesweeping off the Normandy coast.
Posted by: andycanuck (krqg6) at November 26, 2023 10:26 AM (krqg6)
151
Two serious problems immediately come to mind. If the government is minimal and local, just how are the antitrust regulations to be enforced? And, inevitably, how does a society organized along these lines protect itself from societies with more aggressive tendencies and centralized state power to be aggressive with?
Posted by: Trimegistus at November 26, 2023 10:22 AM (78a2H)
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There are several things I can think of. You could limit the creation of corporate entities, requiring single proprietorships or partnerships, which necessarily would limit size. One could also require permits to operate in different jurisdictions, with each additional permit costing more to the point where it wasn't cost effective to expand.
I mean right now we have Big Government *and* Big Business, so we're in the worst of both worlds.
Posted by: Trimegistus at November 26, 2023 10:22 AM (78a2H)
---
There are several things I can think of. You could limit the creation of corporate entities, requiring single proprietorships or partnerships, which necessarily would limit size. One could also require permits to operate in different jurisdictions, with each additional permit costing more to the point where it wasn't cost effective to expand.
I mean right now we have Big Government *and* Big Business, so we're in the worst of both worlds.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at November 26, 2023 10:26 AM (llXky)
152
BTW, President Shit Roomba claims he's responsible for the hostage releases!
I wanted UT to beat TT yesterday so I am personally responsible for their win. You're welcome, Longhorn fans.
I wanted UT to beat TT yesterday so I am personally responsible for their win. You're welcome, Longhorn fans.
Posted by: Oddbob at November 26, 2023 10:27 AM (nfrXX)
Posted by: Cheech & Chong at November 26, 2023 10:27 AM (43xH1)
154
Only if you turn it up a couple of degrees.
Posted by: Kindltot at November 26, 2023 10:16 AM (D7oie)
-
Do you wish to lodge a complaint?
Posted by: Kindltot at November 26, 2023 10:16 AM (D7oie)
-
Do you wish to lodge a complaint?
Posted by: Biden's Dog sniffs a whole lotta malarkey, at November 26, 2023 10:27 AM (S4Tgw)
155
Oldest son, visiting for the holiday, recommended the Aragorn dragon series. Three books, I think.
Posted by: Weak Geek at November 26, 2023 10:27 AM (p/isN)
156
JTB in looking it up besides available may be what the movies are from but not sure. The illustrations are fantastic
Posted by: Skip at November 26, 2023 10:28 AM (fwDg9)
157
Is anyone here a fan of the American novelist John Williams?
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And a great composer -- I love the Jaws music!
🦈
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And a great composer -- I love the Jaws music!
🦈
Posted by: andycanuck (krqg6) at November 26, 2023 10:28 AM (krqg6)
158
wel general flynn and senior chief gallagher as did general bolduc did get the treatment, but Austin Milley, Mccrysytal et al, they got the laurels, bit players like handsy General Petraeus, I dubbed him Maecenas in my novel, and he gets his just desserts,
Posted by: no 6 at November 26, 2023 10:29 AM (PXvVL)
159
Being involved in local government I've become aware of how hand-to-mouth most smaller towns are in their finances. We had to abandon a project because of legal challenges -- the suits were ridiculous but we couldn't afford the cost of litigating.
Posted by: Trimegistus at November 26, 2023 10:30 AM (78a2H)
160
"appropriate for an 11 year old"?
At 11 I would say anything they are willing to read is appropriate.
I soaked up everything I could find at that age (with arguable results). Including the ever present Romance novels my mom read ("Why is there another bookmark in my book?"). Golf magazines my dad read. I had a paper route and read the local rag cover to cover every day.
I think my true love of reading developed when I was 10 - 11ish.
Or the early 80's were just that boring to a 10 year old. Nintendo was still a long way off and each videogame we played costed a quarter.
At 11 I would say anything they are willing to read is appropriate.
I soaked up everything I could find at that age (with arguable results). Including the ever present Romance novels my mom read ("Why is there another bookmark in my book?"). Golf magazines my dad read. I had a paper route and read the local rag cover to cover every day.
I think my true love of reading developed when I was 10 - 11ish.
Or the early 80's were just that boring to a 10 year old. Nintendo was still a long way off and each videogame we played costed a quarter.
Posted by: Reforger at November 26, 2023 10:31 AM (2tkXy)
161
A private who loses a rifle gets in more trouble than a general who loses a war.
Posted by: Old Pentagon Saying at November 26, 2023 10:31 AM (NBVIP)
162
Perfessor and Wolfus,
Thanks for the dragon book suggestions. I considered both the Hobbit and the Temeraire series but I don't know what his reading level is. He did enjoy reading Treasure Island with his dad but I think that was mostly for the pirates. My own reading habits at that age were advanced and varied, so I'm no guide on these things. I may just send an illustrated edition of The Hobbit as well as a dragon book.
I have the Temeraire series noted for the next trip to the used book store. Sounds worth trying and I enjoy books involving that period.
Thanks for the dragon book suggestions. I considered both the Hobbit and the Temeraire series but I don't know what his reading level is. He did enjoy reading Treasure Island with his dad but I think that was mostly for the pirates. My own reading habits at that age were advanced and varied, so I'm no guide on these things. I may just send an illustrated edition of The Hobbit as well as a dragon book.
I have the Temeraire series noted for the next trip to the used book store. Sounds worth trying and I enjoy books involving that period.
Posted by: JTB at November 26, 2023 10:32 AM (7EjX1)
163
Someone once said that a parent should never have to bury their child, and I think that is a powerful point. I have seen parnets who lost their children, and it is probably the most devastating thing anyone could experience. Looking at it from this perspective in time, after the fact, the birth of their child becomes an even larger event.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at November 26, 2023 10:33 AM (T02Iq)
164
Krispy Kreme on ABC with George Stephacoculous saying anyway to keep Trump out of the White House is fine by him.
Drop dead you rancid lump of lard.
Drop dead you rancid lump of lard.
Posted by: Anna Puma at November 26, 2023 10:34 AM (X0a5T)
165
Pete,
Haven't read Butcher's Crossing or Augustus yet (both are on the Amazing Colossal To Be Read Pile), but I liked Stoner a lot when I read it some years back. Maybe you'd think you couldn't get a good novel out of the life story of a college literature prof, but Williams brings it off.
Haven't read Butcher's Crossing or Augustus yet (both are on the Amazing Colossal To Be Read Pile), but I liked Stoner a lot when I read it some years back. Maybe you'd think you couldn't get a good novel out of the life story of a college literature prof, but Williams brings it off.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at November 26, 2023 10:34 AM (a/4+U)
166
When my wife and I were headed to the hospital for her to deliver our first child, we both were struck by the fact that we were leaving the house as two people but would return as three.
Posted by: Weak Geek'
The Kid was born at home unassisted, no doula no nothing. (HER idea, not mine!) While I'm adamantly opposed to 'birth videos' I truly wish I had footage of my dog's Tex Avery-esque honest-to-God Triple-Take when he could not figure out how we got another person into that room without him seeing it.
Posted by: Weak Geek'
The Kid was born at home unassisted, no doula no nothing. (HER idea, not mine!) While I'm adamantly opposed to 'birth videos' I truly wish I had footage of my dog's Tex Avery-esque honest-to-God Triple-Take when he could not figure out how we got another person into that room without him seeing it.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 10:35 AM (43xH1)
167
Krispy Kreme on ABC with George Stephacoculous saying anyway to keep Trump out of the White House is fine by him.
Drop dead you rancid lump of lard.
Posted by: Anna Puma at November 26, 2023 10:34 AM (X0a5T)
That's the only reason he gets any air time.
Drop dead you rancid lump of lard.
Posted by: Anna Puma at November 26, 2023 10:34 AM (X0a5T)
That's the only reason he gets any air time.
Posted by: BignJames at November 26, 2023 10:35 AM (AwYPR)
168
Since I was away from home for a solid week, the only reading I did was on mobile devises: a straight-to-kindle fantasy novel, and some digital Red Sonja comics written by Mark Russel. Both of which I got dirt-cheap. The novel doesn't really grab me, and the comics....well, I have a feeling that Mark Russel will soon rank down there with Gail Simone as far as Red Sonja authors are concerned. Aka, God-awful. So far, he's barely even trying to make the characters feel like they live in a fantasy world. The characters are just modern-day people with modern-day sensibilities and modern-day vocabularies, just parading around in costumes. It's kinda lame, and extremely disappointing, but at least he hasn't written anything incredibly stupid that pisses me off. Yet....
Posted by: Castle Guy at November 26, 2023 10:36 AM (Lhaco)
169
I love dragons as well
https://tinyurl.com/48cs2tmr
https://tinyurl.com/48cs2tmr
Posted by: Skip at November 26, 2023 10:37 AM (fwDg9)
170
I am currently reading hugh howey's silo trilogy?
Wool (first book) - cannot recommend enough
but .. it probably could just be a stand-alone book. it's very solid just on its own.
just read Wool.
Wool (first book) - cannot recommend enough
but .. it probably could just be a stand-alone book. it's very solid just on its own.
just read Wool.
Posted by: BlackOrchid at November 26, 2023 10:37 AM (AcWfM)
171
Someone once said that a parent should never have to bury their child, and I think that is a powerful point. I have seen parnets who lost their children, and it is probably the most devastating thing anyone could experience. Looking at it from this perspective in time, after the fact, the birth of their child becomes an even larger event.
Posted by: Thomas Paine'
Oh, guy is a wreck. He's a ruination. My visit to Mexico a couple of weeks ago to get work done was exhausting and that was just for me! But he wants a structured 'story', and there are conventions, here, you know? His communications are predictably all over the place and borderline incoherent most of the time. So I have to find some way to make this thing make some kind of sense, so it needs to have *some* structure or it won't be anything at all, which I will not allow.
Posted by: Thomas Paine'
Oh, guy is a wreck. He's a ruination. My visit to Mexico a couple of weeks ago to get work done was exhausting and that was just for me! But he wants a structured 'story', and there are conventions, here, you know? His communications are predictably all over the place and borderline incoherent most of the time. So I have to find some way to make this thing make some kind of sense, so it needs to have *some* structure or it won't be anything at all, which I will not allow.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 10:38 AM (43xH1)
172
stay puft appointed a lawyer for Hamas to New Jersey's highest court, you couldn't make up a more ridiculous character, if you tried
Posted by: no 6 at November 26, 2023 10:39 AM (PXvVL)
173
Depending on the 11-year-old Tolkien might be a bit of a slog. Some revel in it, true, but for those still working on complexity I can recommend the Talking to Dragons books by Patricia Wrede. Funny, with interesting concepts like dragons have their own rules and if a human knows those rules and etiquette, they won't get eaten *nearly* as fast 
Also cooking dessert for a dragon involves gallon pails.
My very first book was sort of a fixup, as it started as a short story. Then a friend who read it grabbed my shoulders and shook me while demanding "the rest of it." What could I do? Same with The Scent of Metal, it started out as a standalone book and then later I decided to add two more.
Also cooking dessert for a dragon involves gallon pails.
My very first book was sort of a fixup, as it started as a short story. Then a friend who read it grabbed my shoulders and shook me while demanding "the rest of it." What could I do? Same with The Scent of Metal, it started out as a standalone book and then later I decided to add two more.
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at November 26, 2023 10:41 AM (P+D9B)
174
Ian Fleming's work is technically not for a ten-year-old. But I loved what I did get from it…
Yes. I was only partially joking when I suggested Dr. No as a dragon book. I was probably about 11 when I read Thunderball—in a tiny Catholic school library while waiting for a conference with a nun.
It was both fascinating and memorable.
And Fleming tends to write very simply, anyway.
Yes. I was only partially joking when I suggested Dr. No as a dragon book. I was probably about 11 when I read Thunderball—in a tiny Catholic school library while waiting for a conference with a nun.
It was both fascinating and memorable.
And Fleming tends to write very simply, anyway.
Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at November 26, 2023 10:41 AM (olroh)
175
Krispy Kreme on ABC with George Stephacoculous saying anyway to keep Trump out of the White House is fine by him.
----
@amuse @amuse 5h
Democrats are desperately trying to normalize the assassination of Trump in hopes that an unhinged Biden voter will make an attempt on his life.
[Business Insider link to an 'article' "Here's what happens if Donald Trump dies while running in the 2024 presidential election"... like the "eliminated" comment from a few days ago.
[See you later.]
----
@amuse @amuse 5h
Democrats are desperately trying to normalize the assassination of Trump in hopes that an unhinged Biden voter will make an attempt on his life.
[Business Insider link to an 'article' "Here's what happens if Donald Trump dies while running in the 2024 presidential election"... like the "eliminated" comment from a few days ago.
[See you later.]
Posted by: andycanuck (krqg6) at November 26, 2023 10:42 AM (krqg6)
176
I'm in the last couple dozen pages of Ace Atkins' "Infamous," the story of the crowd of bank robbers that were involved in the Kansas City Massacre of 1933 in which cops and FBI agents plus a prisoner in transport were all murdered by bad guys using tommy guns, and a kidnapping that happens not long after.
There's the handsome George Kelly, called Machine Gun Kelly by the newsboys, and his striking wife, Kathryn Thorne, who conspired to kidnap Charles Urschel, a wealthy Oke City oilman.
It's a great depiction of a time when bank robbers were losing their Robin Hood glamour, the new FBI ascending to hunt down all hoods crossing state lines, and the fashions and cars of the day.
There's the handsome George Kelly, called Machine Gun Kelly by the newsboys, and his striking wife, Kathryn Thorne, who conspired to kidnap Charles Urschel, a wealthy Oke City oilman.
It's a great depiction of a time when bank robbers were losing their Robin Hood glamour, the new FBI ascending to hunt down all hoods crossing state lines, and the fashions and cars of the day.
Posted by: Mr Gaga at November 26, 2023 10:44 AM (gARtr)
177
Tolkien might be a bit of a slog.
Posted by: Sabrina Chase'
I have never in my entire life made it more than a few pages into any Tolkien book. Not my thing and there is nothing that can make me like his stuff.
Posted by: Sabrina Chase'
I have never in my entire life made it more than a few pages into any Tolkien book. Not my thing and there is nothing that can make me like his stuff.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 10:44 AM (43xH1)
178
What’s not to like about Starship Troopers?
I ask in a spirit of inquiry, keenly aware that people get to like what they like and dislike what they dislike.
Why don’t people (or you! The reader of these words!) like Starship Troopers?
I ask in a spirit of inquiry, keenly aware that people get to like what they like and dislike what they dislike.
Why don’t people (or you! The reader of these words!) like Starship Troopers?
Posted by: Cowboy Wally at November 26, 2023 10:46 AM (VpSgV)
179
yes Fleming was largely a desk man, he usually didn't go into the field, so Bond was his alter ego, to a degree,
Posted by: no 6 at November 26, 2023 10:48 AM (PXvVL)
180
70 Our soon to be 11 year old great nephew is crazy about dragons, so his dad tells us. Any suggestions for books about dragons suitable for his age?
Posted by: JTB at November 26, 2023 09:43 AM (7EjX1)
I was probably around that age when I first read "Dragon Song", which was my gateway into the "Dragonriders of Pern series." There were a few adult situations in the series as a whole, but I'm pretty sure the Harper Hall Trilogy (of which "Dragon Song" was the first) was kid friendly.
Although, as I think about it, "Dragon Song" was probably meant to be a girls' book. [shrug] Oh, well, I read it anyway.
Posted by: JTB at November 26, 2023 09:43 AM (7EjX1)
I was probably around that age when I first read "Dragon Song", which was my gateway into the "Dragonriders of Pern series." There were a few adult situations in the series as a whole, but I'm pretty sure the Harper Hall Trilogy (of which "Dragon Song" was the first) was kid friendly.
Although, as I think about it, "Dragon Song" was probably meant to be a girls' book. [shrug] Oh, well, I read it anyway.
Posted by: Castle Guy at November 26, 2023 10:49 AM (Lhaco)
181
its kind of sparse tale, you have to grok certain details about how this world came to be, verhoeven subverted the premise,
but the world he paints is very vivid,
but the world he paints is very vivid,
Posted by: no 6 at November 26, 2023 10:50 AM (PXvVL)
182
167 Krispy Kreme on ABC with George Stephacoculous saying anyway to keep Trump out of the White House is fine by him.
Drop dead you rancid lump of lard.
Posted by: Anna Puma at November 26, 2023 10:34 AM (X0a5T
-----------
That's a little tough on well-meaning rancid lumps of lard, don't you think?
Drop dead you rancid lump of lard.
Posted by: Anna Puma at November 26, 2023 10:34 AM (X0a5T
-----------
That's a little tough on well-meaning rancid lumps of lard, don't you think?
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at November 26, 2023 10:50 AM (hiMh5)
183
Looking at the inscription inside my Hobbit book, I was eleven (just shy of twelve) and that was the perfect age for it; I was up all night reading.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at November 26, 2023 10:51 AM (NpErr)
184
Why don’t people (or you! The reader of these words!) like Starship Troopers?
Posted by: Cowboy Wally'
Honestly, I don't care for Heinlein's writing style(s). I would probably read it in full if there was nothing else to read, but I've paged through numerous Heinlein books and didn't like any of them. I went to the trouble of parodying Heinlein as 'Bob H', the annoying, verbally obtuse elevpod operator in my SF book. I paged through 'The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress' but only to see what it was about and uh select some quotes for 'Bob H'. I otherwise would never have bothered reading through it at all.
Posted by: Cowboy Wally'
Honestly, I don't care for Heinlein's writing style(s). I would probably read it in full if there was nothing else to read, but I've paged through numerous Heinlein books and didn't like any of them. I went to the trouble of parodying Heinlein as 'Bob H', the annoying, verbally obtuse elevpod operator in my SF book. I paged through 'The Moon Is A Harsh Mistress' but only to see what it was about and uh select some quotes for 'Bob H'. I otherwise would never have bothered reading through it at all.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 10:51 AM (43xH1)
185
I'm trying to figure out how to eliminate him. Toss him off a roof? Or would he just turn immaterial and hover forever? Maybe drop him in the ocean?
Posted by: Weak Geek at November 26, 2023 09:07 AM (p/isN)
"Beat him with a stick. While he's asleep."
Pretty sure that's a quote from something. "Gladiator" maybe? Anyways, kill him via sneak attack. Shoot him in the back. Poison him. Get him while he sleeps. Don't give him a chance to activate his power.
Posted by: Weak Geek at November 26, 2023 09:07 AM (p/isN)
"Beat him with a stick. While he's asleep."
Pretty sure that's a quote from something. "Gladiator" maybe? Anyways, kill him via sneak attack. Shoot him in the back. Poison him. Get him while he sleeps. Don't give him a chance to activate his power.
Posted by: Castle Guy at November 26, 2023 10:52 AM (Lhaco)
186
Strangely enough, that is exactly what the author said about "Muldoon's Library of Limericks"
+++++++
Well, it is critical for people to laugh and/or groan in a good hearted way so thanks for the limericks.
******
As often happens, I sometimes express something elliptically or with heavy sarcasm and my point goes astray. So I'll rephrase it more directly.
"This is an absolutely critical book for all of humanity, in my opinion."
When someone I've never heard of claims to be a member of an on-line discussion group that they have never participated in and starts of by saying that the book they wrote is absolutely critical for all mankind, I am Immediately convinced not to read that book, or even the one-paragraph blurb.
Claiming long-time lurker status is a cynical ploy to pimp a book. If you read the marketing advice on self-publishing sites it says to find a chat group with similar interests that might find your book interesting, and make yourself known by participating in the discussion.
OBTW: aoshq moron is spelled with a capital "M". That's a 'tell'.
I'm with Odd Bob (@15) and Skip (@39) on this.
+++++++
Well, it is critical for people to laugh and/or groan in a good hearted way so thanks for the limericks.
******
As often happens, I sometimes express something elliptically or with heavy sarcasm and my point goes astray. So I'll rephrase it more directly.
"This is an absolutely critical book for all of humanity, in my opinion."
When someone I've never heard of claims to be a member of an on-line discussion group that they have never participated in and starts of by saying that the book they wrote is absolutely critical for all mankind, I am Immediately convinced not to read that book, or even the one-paragraph blurb.
Claiming long-time lurker status is a cynical ploy to pimp a book. If you read the marketing advice on self-publishing sites it says to find a chat group with similar interests that might find your book interesting, and make yourself known by participating in the discussion.
OBTW: aoshq moron is spelled with a capital "M". That's a 'tell'.
I'm with Odd Bob (@15) and Skip (@39) on this.
Posted by: Muldoon at November 26, 2023 10:52 AM (991eG)
187
Why don’t people (or you! The reader of these words!) like Starship Troopers?
Posted by: Cowboy Wally at November 26, 2023 10:46 AM (VpSgV)
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I didn't say that I didn't like Starship Troopers. It was a mostly enjoyable read. Heinlein does go on and on about how superior the political ideology presented in the book is compared to all other ideologies. The Bugs in particular represent a "pure" Communistic society.
Posted by: Cowboy Wally at November 26, 2023 10:46 AM (VpSgV)
---
I didn't say that I didn't like Starship Troopers. It was a mostly enjoyable read. Heinlein does go on and on about how superior the political ideology presented in the book is compared to all other ideologies. The Bugs in particular represent a "pure" Communistic society.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at November 26, 2023 10:53 AM (BpYfr)
188
This is a week for purely pleasure reading. In addition to the annual LOTR (as A. H. Lloyd said, it is relaxing) I'm going through some books and magazines related to hobbies: woodcarving, fly-tying, and sketching. No politics, no current events, or even modern fiction.
Posted by: JTB at November 26, 2023 10:54 AM (7EjX1)
189
At the coffee bar in a Kroger, two TVs, Face The Nation on one letting a Biden shill propagandize without challenge, FNC on the other doing a story on the victories for the right in the Netherlands and Argentina. Two worlds.
Posted by: Mr Gaga at November 26, 2023 10:56 AM (gARtr)
190
Moon was a parable about independence set on a penal colony the sequel was unfathomable,
Troopers was a response to Einstein's view about Pacifism as the ideal, your rivals don't see it that way, we see this in Gaza as well as the mobs that roam through every city,
Troopers was a response to Einstein's view about Pacifism as the ideal, your rivals don't see it that way, we see this in Gaza as well as the mobs that roam through every city,
Posted by: no 6 at November 26, 2023 10:57 AM (PXvVL)
191
FIRST!!!!!
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 26, 2023 10:58 AM (Zz0t1)
192
The PIMP hat is BACK baby!!!
Posted by: Sponge - F*ck Joe Biden at November 26, 2023 10:58 AM (Zz0t1)
193
Why would anyone be watching TV... especially a George StepAllOverUs interview, when they could be reading?
Posted by: I gotta ask at November 26, 2023 10:59 AM (NBVIP)
194
100 As for Anne McCaffrey's "Dragonriders of Pern," the series has never really grabbed me the way it did some people. But that might be something to point an eleven-year-old to?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at November 26, 2023 09:58 AM (omVj0)
Ha! I made my own comment along these lines before reaching yours! From memory, the original "Dragonriders" trilogy had some sex scenes, and lead a young Castle Kid to believe that knife-fighting would play a larger roll in the world than it actually does. But I read them as a youth anyways.
"Dragon Song" and its two sequels are probably kid-friendly enough, however. Although the first two books are girl-centric, which may be a deal-breaker for a young boy.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at November 26, 2023 09:58 AM (omVj0)
Ha! I made my own comment along these lines before reaching yours! From memory, the original "Dragonriders" trilogy had some sex scenes, and lead a young Castle Kid to believe that knife-fighting would play a larger roll in the world than it actually does. But I read them as a youth anyways.
"Dragon Song" and its two sequels are probably kid-friendly enough, however. Although the first two books are girl-centric, which may be a deal-breaker for a young boy.
Posted by: Castle Guy at November 26, 2023 10:59 AM (Lhaco)
195
I read Steve Diamond's Residue a few years back, and loved it. But it was published around 2016, and though it clearly cried out for a sequel, there wasn't one. Now there will be. He's announced two, the first coming out in about a week. Can't wait.
I wonder if these sequels are partly due to Larry Correia's encouragement. Steve Diamond co-authored Servants of War with Correia, and it was very good.
I wonder if these sequels are partly due to Larry Correia's encouragement. Steve Diamond co-authored Servants of War with Correia, and it was very good.
Posted by: Splunge at November 26, 2023 11:00 AM (CJkBc)
196
OBTW: aoshq moron is spelled with a capital "M". That's a 'tell'.
Posted by: Muldoon at November 26, 2023 10:52 AM (991eG)
Aw, crap!
Posted by: Muldoon at November 26, 2023 10:52 AM (991eG)
Aw, crap!
Posted by: e. e. cummings at November 26, 2023 11:00 AM (Angsy)
197
For 11 year-old, the Peter Polo series (PP and the White Elephant, and PP the Snow Beast of Hunza) are delightful series, written by a very good friend of mine. He traveled extensively in the region, and he writes in a very fun, enthralling style. Recommended.
Posted by: goatexchange at November 26, 2023 11:00 AM (hyS0X)
198
"The Circus of Doctor Lao" by Charles G Finney
would be a good match for a
"fix-up".
And a great read as well.
"The Circus of Doctor Lao" by Charles G Finney
would be a good match for a
"fix-up".
And a great read as well.
Posted by: naturalfake at November 26, 2023 11:01 AM (QzZeQ)
199
Read a lot of Heinlein as a kid. The one that really did it for me was The Puppet Masters. That book (50 cents back when you could scrounge up enough discarded pop bottles in a morning to buy a paperback with the deposit money in the afternoon) made me a sf addict. Something like sixty years ago that I first read it, and for me it's still the best invasion from space story ever (with only Jack Finney's The Body Snatchers a possible contender for the top spot) and if you want peak Heinlein it'd be hard to do better.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at November 26, 2023 11:02 AM (a/4+U)
200
Troopers was a response to Einstein's view about Pacifism as the ideal, your rivals don't see it that way, we see this in Gaza as well as the mobs that roam through every city,
Posted by: no 6 at November 26, 2023 10:57 AM (PXvVL)
----
There are some VERY interesting parallels between how the Mobile Infantry deals with the Bugs and how the IDF is handling Hamas.
Posted by: no 6 at November 26, 2023 10:57 AM (PXvVL)
----
There are some VERY interesting parallels between how the Mobile Infantry deals with the Bugs and how the IDF is handling Hamas.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at November 26, 2023 11:02 AM (BpYfr)
Posted by: bell hooks at November 26, 2023 11:02 AM (43xH1)
202
we only watch stay puft, to point and laugh like nelson muntz,
Posted by: no 6 at November 26, 2023 11:03 AM (PXvVL)
203
I enjoyed "Dragon Milk: A Brief History of the Andalusian Short-Legged Dairy Cow" by M.T. Udder.
Posted by: Muldoon at November 26, 2023 11:04 AM (991eG)
204
There is a phrase Tolkien uses in LOTR: The dominion of Man. It isn't the 'domination' but the 'dominion', with the idea of stewardship, not harsh control, and the responsibilities that go with that position. Authority isn't a license for evil or even thoughtlessness.
Posted by: JTB at November 26, 2023 11:05 AM (7EjX1)
205
Aw, crap!
Posted by: e. e. cummings
I know, right?!
Posted by: bell hooks at November 26, 2023 11:02 AM (43xH1)
I'M IN LIKE FLYNN!
Posted by: e. e. cummings
I know, right?!
Posted by: bell hooks at November 26, 2023 11:02 AM (43xH1)
I'M IN LIKE FLYNN!
Posted by: BEN ROETHLISBERGER at November 26, 2023 11:05 AM (QzZeQ)
206
I mean, there are SF authors I really like and admire but since I get that kind of personal reading mostly at thrift stores and antique malls, my reading tends to be about 60 years out of date.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 11:05 AM (43xH1)
207
Why can’t we breed cows and pigs together to make super-pigs?
Posted by: CPC official during the Great Leap Forward at November 26, 2023 11:05 AM (YVB7m)
208
Finished rereading The Trouble with Humans, a collection of amusing short stories written by Chris Anvil. Eric Flint had all of Chris Anvil's works republished. Good stuff. Comfort books.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at November 26, 2023 11:06 AM (u82oZ)
209
Geddy Lee has a new book out called My Effin Life. Want.
Posted by: Catch Thirty-Thr33 at November 26, 2023 11:07 AM (YVB7m)
210
@176 --
The graphic novel "Union Station" posits that the men convicted in the massacre were fall guys arrested solely to burnish the newly ascending FBI's reputation as the prime federal law enforcement agency.
The graphic novel "Union Station" posits that the men convicted in the massacre were fall guys arrested solely to burnish the newly ascending FBI's reputation as the prime federal law enforcement agency.
Posted by: Weak Geek at November 26, 2023 11:07 AM (p/isN)
211
CPC official during the Great Leap Forward
Genetics and chromosome count. How does that work, Mao? Real science is resistant to Communism, where words do not overcome facts.
Genetics and chromosome count. How does that work, Mao? Real science is resistant to Communism, where words do not overcome facts.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at November 26, 2023 11:07 AM (u82oZ)
212
Authority isn't a license for evil or even thoughtlessness.
Posted by: JTB at November 26, 2023 11:05 AM (7EjX1)
Huh?
Posted by: JTB at November 26, 2023 11:05 AM (7EjX1)
Huh?
Posted by: The Uniparty at November 26, 2023 11:07 AM (Angsy)
213
Claiming long-time lurker status is a cynical ploy to pimp a book.
----------
I am shocked, SHOCKED to find that authors stoop to such low depths to hawk their books!
Claiming long-time lurker status is a cynical ploy to pimp a book.
----------
I am shocked, SHOCKED to find that authors stoop to such low depths to hawk their books!
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at November 26, 2023 11:08 AM (hiMh5)
214
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 at November 26, 2023 11:09 AM (u82oZ)
215
"What’s Wrong with the World"
Posted by: G.K. Chesterton at November 26, 2023 11:09 AM (NBVIP)
216
Recently re-read Asimov's Foundation trilogy (never liked the sequel, so I consider this a three book series).
I enjoyed it as much as ever, but I couldn't help noticing that Hari Seldon's planned history involved:
1) Years spent conditioning the populace to "accept rule by psychologists"
2) Finally, psychologists take over and rule
It's all made me start seeing Hari Seldon more like Fauci.
I enjoyed it as much as ever, but I couldn't help noticing that Hari Seldon's planned history involved:
1) Years spent conditioning the populace to "accept rule by psychologists"
2) Finally, psychologists take over and rule
It's all made me start seeing Hari Seldon more like Fauci.
Posted by: Splunge at November 26, 2023 11:10 AM (CJkBc)
217
Thanks for The Book Thread Perfessor !
Posted by: JT at November 26, 2023 11:10 AM (T4tVD)
218
Claiming long-time lurker status is a cynical ploy to pimp a book.
I am shocked, SHOCKED to find that authors stoop to such low depths to hawk their books!
Posted by: Cicero'
Hahaha! Any real author will do almost anything to hawk a book. 'cynical ploy' isn't even an insult.
I am shocked, SHOCKED to find that authors stoop to such low depths to hawk their books!
Posted by: Cicero'
Hahaha! Any real author will do almost anything to hawk a book. 'cynical ploy' isn't even an insult.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 11:11 AM (43xH1)
219
7+ inches of snow.
Chores: Me.
The stores: Lisa Douglas, who does not resemble my wife. The alas is implied.
Have a blessed day, everyone.
Ad Astra Per Aspera
Chores: Me.
The stores: Lisa Douglas, who does not resemble my wife. The alas is implied.
Have a blessed day, everyone.
Ad Astra Per Aspera
Posted by: NaCly Dog at November 26, 2023 11:11 AM (u82oZ)
220
Authority isn't a license for evil or even thoughtlessness.
Posted by: JTB'
Hence the genre of 'fantasy fiction'.
Posted by: JTB'
Hence the genre of 'fantasy fiction'.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 11:12 AM (43xH1)
Posted by: Muldoon at November 26, 2023 11:13 AM (991eG)
222
I read the first three Pern books (Dragonflight, Dragonquest, and The White Dragon) when I was a young teen. The first one absolutely fascinated me. It was possibly my first encounter with a familiar yet very strange world. The hints about the origins of people on Pern fired my imagination.
By the end of The White Dragon, as I recall, those mysteries had begun to be resolved in ways that were less interesting than what I had imagined, so I stopped reading the series. But I would definitely recommend the first book to a youngster of fantasy leanings.
By the end of The White Dragon, as I recall, those mysteries had begun to be resolved in ways that were less interesting than what I had imagined, so I stopped reading the series. But I would definitely recommend the first book to a youngster of fantasy leanings.
Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at November 26, 2023 11:13 AM (olroh)
Posted by: Talk radio hosts everywhere at November 26, 2023 11:13 AM (NBVIP)
224
I've just started The Last Roman by Greenwood. Interesting start...a simple sci-fy time book. We'll see how it goes.
Posted by: Diogenes at November 26, 2023 11:13 AM (uSHSS)
225
yes Fleming was largely a desk man, he usually didn't go into the field, so Bond was his alter ego, to a degree,
Posted by: no 6
Same with John Le Carre. People thought his books wers quasi autobiographical but he was just a pencil pusher back at the head office.
Speaking of spies, incidentally, I've been rewatching Reilly, Ace of Spies which is, more or less, true and have been quite enjoying it.
Posted by: no 6
Same with John Le Carre. People thought his books wers quasi autobiographical but he was just a pencil pusher back at the head office.
Speaking of spies, incidentally, I've been rewatching Reilly, Ace of Spies which is, more or less, true and have been quite enjoying it.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here at November 26, 2023 11:13 AM (FVME7)
226
but the Empire still collapsed didn't it, Seldon is more in the vein of Toynbee, who charted rise and fall of hegemonies,
the twist is the Mule, which the Apple series has staid away from, much like the Barbarians of old,
the twist is the Mule, which the Apple series has staid away from, much like the Barbarians of old,
Posted by: no 6 at November 26, 2023 11:14 AM (PXvVL)
227
Claiming long-time lurker status is a cynical ploy to pimp a book.
So, I've been mulling this off-and-on for the last couple of hours. The Perfessor can certainly forward or filter whom he pleases and this is not about that except peripherally.
I believe that a sense of community is considered by members thereof as something of value. And anything of value can be devalued when counterfeits are allowed to circulate. But here's the funny thing about counterfeits -- up until the moment they are known to be counterfeits, they have exactly the same value as the genuine article. For example, a "perfect" fake US dollar bill will buy you exactly the same thing as a genuine one. The only one who benefits from the fake is the original faker and the only one defrauded is the last one holding the fake when it is exposed. I guess this train of thought isn't really headed to any particular station so I'm going to jump off now. Good day to Morons and morons alike.
So, I've been mulling this off-and-on for the last couple of hours. The Perfessor can certainly forward or filter whom he pleases and this is not about that except peripherally.
I believe that a sense of community is considered by members thereof as something of value. And anything of value can be devalued when counterfeits are allowed to circulate. But here's the funny thing about counterfeits -- up until the moment they are known to be counterfeits, they have exactly the same value as the genuine article. For example, a "perfect" fake US dollar bill will buy you exactly the same thing as a genuine one. The only one who benefits from the fake is the original faker and the only one defrauded is the last one holding the fake when it is exposed. I guess this train of thought isn't really headed to any particular station so I'm going to jump off now. Good day to Morons and morons alike.
Posted by: Oddbob at November 26, 2023 11:14 AM (nfrXX)
228
Good morning.
I overslept so haven't read all the comments yet.
I want to know which Moron recommended The Will of The Many. It is an excellent read but I have a bone to pick. After an incredibly exciting ending, I immediately went to find book 2 only to find out to my horror that it is the first book in a series just published in May 2023.
It should be standard practice to warn readers that they will have to wait to find out what happens next after just finding out a major reveal. In other words, a cliffhanger.
I overslept so haven't read all the comments yet.
I want to know which Moron recommended The Will of The Many. It is an excellent read but I have a bone to pick. After an incredibly exciting ending, I immediately went to find book 2 only to find out to my horror that it is the first book in a series just published in May 2023.
It should be standard practice to warn readers that they will have to wait to find out what happens next after just finding out a major reveal. In other words, a cliffhanger.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at November 26, 2023 11:16 AM (t/2Uw)
229
207 Why can’t we breed cows and pigs together to make super-pigs?
Posted by: CPC official during the Great Leap Forward at November 26, 2023 11:05 AM (YVB7m)
----
I was just reading an article entitled "Canadian 'Super Pigs' Threaten to Cross Into Northern States". Thanks, perfidious Canada!
Apparently the hunting of said superporkers has only made them more cunning and they have turned nocturnal. So now we have clever vampire hogs decimating the countryside.
Posted by: CPC official during the Great Leap Forward at November 26, 2023 11:05 AM (YVB7m)
----
I was just reading an article entitled "Canadian 'Super Pigs' Threaten to Cross Into Northern States". Thanks, perfidious Canada!
Apparently the hunting of said superporkers has only made them more cunning and they have turned nocturnal. So now we have clever vampire hogs decimating the countryside.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at November 26, 2023 11:16 AM (NpErr)
230
oh Reilly was quite a character, yes they based some of Bond on him, he was Polish/Ukraianian so maybe someone like Fassbender would play him, he worked for one shipping company against the others, the British one, headed by Zaharoff, he was crazy enough to think he could topple Lenin, foolish enough to trust the Latvian Guard, who were totally on the formers side,
Posted by: no 6 at November 26, 2023 11:17 AM (PXvVL)
231
*Hahaha! Any real author will do almost anything to hawk a book.*
Tell us about it.
Posted by: Talk radio hosts everywhere at November 26, 2023 11:13 AM (NBVIP)
FNC hosts/guests
Tell us about it.
Posted by: Talk radio hosts everywhere at November 26, 2023 11:13 AM (NBVIP)
FNC hosts/guests
Posted by: BignJames at November 26, 2023 11:17 AM (AwYPR)
232
"...But here's the funny thing about counterfeits -- up until the moment they are known to be counterfeits, they have exactly the same value as the genuine article..."
They're real, and they're spectacular!
They're real, and they're spectacular!
Posted by: Obligatory Seinfeld reference at November 26, 2023 11:17 AM (NBVIP)
233
I am shocked, SHOCKED
Posted by: Cicero
Heh!
Posted by: Muldoon'
I bought Muldoon's Limerick book solely due to his endless annoying plugging. Then my actually buying his book and stating I did failed to shut him up.
Posted by: Cicero
Heh!
Posted by: Muldoon'
I bought Muldoon's Limerick book solely due to his endless annoying plugging. Then my actually buying his book and stating I did failed to shut him up.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 11:18 AM (43xH1)
234
So now we have clever vampire hogs decimating the countryside.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at November 26, 2023 11:16 AM (NpErr)
Whaaatt?? This is terrifying.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at November 26, 2023 11:16 AM (NpErr)
Whaaatt?? This is terrifying.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at November 26, 2023 11:18 AM (OX9vb)
235
Apparently the hunting of said superporkers has only made them more cunning and they have turned nocturnal. So now we have clever vampire hogs decimating the countryside.
----------
When they learn to comment on blogs, the End of Days is at hand.
----------
When they learn to comment on blogs, the End of Days is at hand.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at November 26, 2023 11:18 AM (hiMh5)
236
When I read the description of that first 'Ette book, I expected to be rickrolled when I clicked the link.
Sorry. That is no 'Ette.
Sorry. That is no 'Ette.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at November 26, 2023 11:18 AM (t/2Uw)
237
Claiming long-time lurker status is a cynical ploy to pimp a book.
----------
I am shocked, SHOCKED to find that authors stoop to such low depths to hawk their books!
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at November 26, 2023 11:08 AM (hiMh5)
Absolutely. However there is a solution.
Lately, I've been reading-
"Stuff Thomas Jefferson Proved" vol. 36
And Jefferson himself believes that lurkers are mostly like fairies or will-o-the-wisps or a really tasty Big Mac, and that there is only one sure-fire way of proving identity as a lurker and that is buy-
buying and reading "Wearing the Cat" by HD Woodard, then leaving a 5 star review on Amazon.
Why, he chose that particular book and author, I'll never know, but-
if it's good enough for the author of the Declaration of Independence and Third President of the United States of America,
it's good enough for me. God Bless America!!!
----------
I am shocked, SHOCKED to find that authors stoop to such low depths to hawk their books!
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at November 26, 2023 11:08 AM (hiMh5)
Absolutely. However there is a solution.
Lately, I've been reading-
"Stuff Thomas Jefferson Proved" vol. 36
And Jefferson himself believes that lurkers are mostly like fairies or will-o-the-wisps or a really tasty Big Mac, and that there is only one sure-fire way of proving identity as a lurker and that is buy-
buying and reading "Wearing the Cat" by HD Woodard, then leaving a 5 star review on Amazon.
Why, he chose that particular book and author, I'll never know, but-
if it's good enough for the author of the Declaration of Independence and Third President of the United States of America,
it's good enough for me. God Bless America!!!
Posted by: naturalfake at November 26, 2023 11:20 AM (QzZeQ)
238
Any real author will do almost anything to hawk a book
*********
I disagree. A real author will let his/her words speak for themselves. What you are describing is somebody LARPing as an author, aka an actor, or more precisely, a whore.
*********
I disagree. A real author will let his/her words speak for themselves. What you are describing is somebody LARPing as an author, aka an actor, or more precisely, a whore.
Posted by: Muldoon at November 26, 2023 11:20 AM (991eG)
239
When they learn to comment on blogs, the End of Days is at hand.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at November 26, 2023 11:18 AM (hiMh5)
What about flying?
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at November 26, 2023 11:18 AM (hiMh5)
What about flying?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 26, 2023 11:20 AM (Angsy)
240
So now we have clever vampire hogs decimating the countryside.
Posted by: All Hail Eris at November 26, 2023 11:16 AM (NpErr)
Whaaatt?? This is terrifying.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs!'
"Everyone! Into the water!"
Posted by: All Hail Eris at November 26, 2023 11:16 AM (NpErr)
Whaaatt?? This is terrifying.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs!'
"Everyone! Into the water!"
Posted by: Vampire Beavers at November 26, 2023 11:20 AM (43xH1)
241
A super pig is like a regular pig, only more so.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at November 26, 2023 11:20 AM (hiMh5)
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here at November 26, 2023 11:20 AM (FVME7)
243
Nice book cases. Thats the way to do it.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at November 26, 2023 11:20 AM (VwHCD)
Posted by: All Hail Eris at November 26, 2023 11:20 AM (NpErr)
245
Know who else liked to play with genetics in order to breed a superior species?
Posted by: But my name isn't Godwin at November 26, 2023 11:21 AM (NBVIP)
246
It's all made me start seeing Hari Seldon more like Fauci.
I finally read the Foundation trilogy all the way through a few years ago and had a similar take. It takes what most authors (and most people) would regard as a nightmare premise, a benevolent dictatorship that can rewrite memories and even motivations for your own good, manipulate you into false insights, dangerous conspiracy, and even a deadly galactic war, for their own view of how the tide of history should flow.
Fauci is a good comparison. Asimov saw population control, and the world government necessary to implement it, as required to save humanity. The idea of superior men working through the foundations of society to control lesser men for their own good wasn’t just a science fiction hook for him.
Asimov aslo had little sense of satire. In his review of 1984, he often noted what real-world incidents Orwell was addressing, and then criticized him for being unrealistic. But most of his critiques of 1984 are just as easily levied against Foundation. The main difference is Orwell presented his elite as ultimately victorious villains; Asimov presented his as heroes.
I finally read the Foundation trilogy all the way through a few years ago and had a similar take. It takes what most authors (and most people) would regard as a nightmare premise, a benevolent dictatorship that can rewrite memories and even motivations for your own good, manipulate you into false insights, dangerous conspiracy, and even a deadly galactic war, for their own view of how the tide of history should flow.
Fauci is a good comparison. Asimov saw population control, and the world government necessary to implement it, as required to save humanity. The idea of superior men working through the foundations of society to control lesser men for their own good wasn’t just a science fiction hook for him.
Asimov aslo had little sense of satire. In his review of 1984, he often noted what real-world incidents Orwell was addressing, and then criticized him for being unrealistic. But most of his critiques of 1984 are just as easily levied against Foundation. The main difference is Orwell presented his elite as ultimately victorious villains; Asimov presented his as heroes.
Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at November 26, 2023 11:21 AM (olroh)
247
When they learn to comment on blogs, the End of Days is at hand.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at November 26, 2023 11:18 AM (hiMh5)
What about flying?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 26, 2023 11:20 AM (Angsy)
Cunning vampire porkers vs sharknado with lasers.
Can we even call it dogfighting?
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at November 26, 2023 11:18 AM (hiMh5)
What about flying?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 26, 2023 11:20 AM (Angsy)
Cunning vampire porkers vs sharknado with lasers.
Can we even call it dogfighting?
Posted by: Diogenes at November 26, 2023 11:22 AM (uSHSS)
248
I disagree. A real author will let his/her words speak for themselves. What you are describing is somebody LARPing as an author, aka an actor, or more precisely, a whore.
Posted by: Muldoon'
I guess that's why successful authors have publicists.
Posted by: Muldoon'
I guess that's why successful authors have publicists.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 11:22 AM (43xH1)
249
242 Speaking of books, here's one you could buy.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here at November 26, 2023 11:20 AM (FVME7)
I just threw up.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here at November 26, 2023 11:20 AM (FVME7)
I just threw up.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at November 26, 2023 11:22 AM (OX9vb)
Posted by: no 6 at November 26, 2023 11:23 AM (PXvVL)
251
245 Know who else liked to play with genetics in order to breed a superior species?
Posted by: But my name isn't Godwin
----
Doctor Strangepork!
Posted by: But my name isn't Godwin
----
Doctor Strangepork!
Posted by: All Hail Eris at November 26, 2023 11:23 AM (NpErr)
252
Know who else liked to play with genetics in order to breed a superior species?
Posted by: But my name isn't Godwin at November 26, 2023 11:21 AM (NBVIP)
Dolly Parton ?
Posted by: But my name isn't Godwin at November 26, 2023 11:21 AM (NBVIP)
Dolly Parton ?
Posted by: JT at November 26, 2023 11:23 AM (T4tVD)
253
Christopher Anvil is a good writer, he was writing the same time as H. Beam Piper and Theodore Cogswell, but was much more productive.
He did best at shorter works, once he got into a long series he would get to piling wonder on top of wonder to the point it was hard to figure out what was going on.
He did best at shorter works, once he got into a long series he would get to piling wonder on top of wonder to the point it was hard to figure out what was going on.
Posted by: Kindltot at November 26, 2023 11:24 AM (D7oie)
254
Carlos. Nice book shelf and the ladder rocks it!!! It begs overstuffed leather chairs and brandy.
Posted by: Diogenes at November 26, 2023 11:24 AM (uSHSS)
255
I guess that's why successful authors have publicists.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 11:22 AM (43xH1)
True, because if nobody knows it exists, are you a real writer?
(looks in the mirror)
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 11:22 AM (43xH1)
True, because if nobody knows it exists, are you a real writer?
(looks in the mirror)
Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 26, 2023 11:24 AM (Angsy)
256
Know who else liked to play with genetics in order to breed a superior species?
Posted by: But my name isn't Godwin
----
Norman Borlaug, what do I win?
Posted by: But my name isn't Godwin
----
Norman Borlaug, what do I win?
Posted by: Kindltot at November 26, 2023 11:25 AM (D7oie)
257
What you are describing is somebody LARPing as an author, aka an actor, or more precisely, a whore.
Posted by: Muldoon at November 26, 2023 11:20 AM (991eG)
However, have you read any mainstream fiction recently?
Posted by: Muldoon at November 26, 2023 11:20 AM (991eG)
However, have you read any mainstream fiction recently?
Posted by: Kindltot at November 26, 2023 11:26 AM (D7oie)
258
Update on Scott Pilgrim, the new animated 8 part series:
Anyone whose read the books knows, they're cute and fun, and just a nice little story with no particular meaning or purpose. It's a comic, after all.
The live action film is fun and cute, and a nice little story, helped immensely by impeccable casting. Especially Michael Cera as the main character.
This animiated series, which the American version brings back, what I think might be the entire cast of the movie, is a re-imagining. What would happen if Scott did NOT defeat the 7 evil exes.
So... is it worth watching? No, not really. I mean, if you have to, you have to. The animation is spot on, the tone is mostly upheld from the comic, it's somewhat weird hearing the original voices, because they all sound subdued, or older, or... something.
Ultimately, it's just not an interesting story though. They had every opportunity to take this somewhere, but basically, they didn't really do anything with it. So be it. Whatever.
Anyone whose read the books knows, they're cute and fun, and just a nice little story with no particular meaning or purpose. It's a comic, after all.
The live action film is fun and cute, and a nice little story, helped immensely by impeccable casting. Especially Michael Cera as the main character.
This animiated series, which the American version brings back, what I think might be the entire cast of the movie, is a re-imagining. What would happen if Scott did NOT defeat the 7 evil exes.
So... is it worth watching? No, not really. I mean, if you have to, you have to. The animation is spot on, the tone is mostly upheld from the comic, it's somewhat weird hearing the original voices, because they all sound subdued, or older, or... something.
Ultimately, it's just not an interesting story though. They had every opportunity to take this somewhere, but basically, they didn't really do anything with it. So be it. Whatever.
Posted by: BurtTC at November 26, 2023 11:27 AM (QBaJw)
259
Asimov also had little sense of satire. In his review of 1984, he often noted what real-world incidents Orwell was addressing, and then criticized him for being unrealistic.
Posted by: Stephen Price Blair'
For my SF book I needed a MacGuffin, a reason for androids to turn on their masters, and solely due to reading through a piece mulling over how religion is so rarely featured in any way, even negatively, in classic SF, I chose religion and belief. Religion in that future is considered obsolete, a relic, but then turns out not to be so easy to leave behind.
Posted by: Stephen Price Blair'
For my SF book I needed a MacGuffin, a reason for androids to turn on their masters, and solely due to reading through a piece mulling over how religion is so rarely featured in any way, even negatively, in classic SF, I chose religion and belief. Religion in that future is considered obsolete, a relic, but then turns out not to be so easy to leave behind.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 11:28 AM (43xH1)
260
The Donks have a deep bench.
-
New poll shows that Hillary and Kamala are the favorite choices among Democrat voters to replace Joe Biden if he doesn't run
-
New poll shows that Hillary and Kamala are the favorite choices among Democrat voters to replace Joe Biden if he doesn't run
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here at November 26, 2023 11:28 AM (FVME7)
261
Did anyone who read The Will of the Many get echos of Harry Potter? Orphan boy gets plucked out of difficult life, "adopted", sent to special school, makes unusual friends, excels....there are more comparisons except it is really an excellent book and I don't want to give too many spoilers.The main character is a teen so could be classed as a YA and I would recommend it to that group.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at November 26, 2023 11:29 AM (t/2Uw)
262
What you are describing is somebody LARPing as an author, aka an actor, or more precisely, a whore.
Posted by: Muldoon at November 26, 2023 11:20 AM (991eG)
Eh, they're LARPing as a Moron.
They're not LARPing as an author cuz they've ackshewallee written a book.
You got the two things confused and twisted there in your pronouncement.
Posted by: Muldoon at November 26, 2023 11:20 AM (991eG)
Eh, they're LARPing as a Moron.
They're not LARPing as an author cuz they've ackshewallee written a book.
You got the two things confused and twisted there in your pronouncement.
Posted by: naturalfake at November 26, 2023 11:29 AM (QzZeQ)
263
I disagree. A real author will let his/her words speak for themselves. What you are describing is somebody LARPing as an author, aka an actor, or more precisely, a whore.'
"I'll do it, baby! I'll do ANYTHING! You'll be bigger than Stephen King!"
"I'll do it, baby! I'll do ANYTHING! You'll be bigger than Stephen King!"
Posted by: Literary agent at November 26, 2023 11:29 AM (43xH1)
264
Dolly Parton ?
Posted by: JT at November 26, 2023 11:23 AM (T4tVD)
Was that superior genetics, or was it science?
Posted by: JT at November 26, 2023 11:23 AM (T4tVD)
Was that superior genetics, or was it science?
Posted by: BurtTC at November 26, 2023 11:30 AM (QBaJw)
265
The other book I've been reading is a collection of Lovecraftian short stories inspired by his "At the Mountains of Madness." It's edited by Darrell Schweitzer, who knows his Lovecraft. The stories are fairly good but I haven't found a great one yet.
I am noticing a pattern common to a lot of modern Lovecraft pastiche stories. Main Character is smart but alienated, working on a project or expedition with others he/she doesn't like. One or more of them has The Wrong Opinions.
They finally meet the monsters, everyone with The Wrong Opinions dies, but alienated protagonist survives and feels kinship with the monsters because they don't have The Wrong Opinions. The end.
I am noticing a pattern common to a lot of modern Lovecraft pastiche stories. Main Character is smart but alienated, working on a project or expedition with others he/she doesn't like. One or more of them has The Wrong Opinions.
They finally meet the monsters, everyone with The Wrong Opinions dies, but alienated protagonist survives and feels kinship with the monsters because they don't have The Wrong Opinions. The end.
Posted by: Trimegistus at November 26, 2023 11:30 AM (78a2H)
266
For my SF book I needed a MacGuffin, a reason for androids to turn on their masters
----------
Any reason that a time machine invented by Archimedes wouldn't work?
----------
Any reason that a time machine invented by Archimedes wouldn't work?
Posted by: Fleabag Waller-Bridge at November 26, 2023 11:31 AM (hiMh5)
267
"...But here's the funny thing about counterfeits -- up until the moment they are known to be counterfeits, they have exactly the same value as the genuine article..."
They're real, and they're spectacular!
Posted by: Obligatory Seinfeld reference at November 26, 2023 11:17 AM (NBVIP)
Gresham's law does not apply here. Maybe Cantillon?
They're real, and they're spectacular!
Posted by: Obligatory Seinfeld reference at November 26, 2023 11:17 AM (NBVIP)
Gresham's law does not apply here. Maybe Cantillon?
Posted by: Kindltot at November 26, 2023 11:31 AM (D7oie)
268
the tone is mostly upheld from the comic, it's somewhat weird hearing the original voices, because they all sound subdued, or older, or... something.
I tried watching, but yeah, the voices sounded weird.
It sounded more like "The Further Adventures of Grandpa Pilgrim"
I tried watching, but yeah, the voices sounded weird.
It sounded more like "The Further Adventures of Grandpa Pilgrim"
Posted by: naturalfake at November 26, 2023 11:32 AM (QzZeQ)
269
The greatest fix-up of all time has to be Guy de Maupassant's story of the rise of humanity, 'Ur, Ani'...
The greatest fix-up of all time has to be Guy de Maupassant's story of the rise of humanity, 'Ur, Ani'...
Posted by: Just Sayin at November 26, 2023 11:32 AM (YSsrA)
270
"Properly read, the Bible is the most potent force for atheism ever conceived."
This quote from Isaac Asimov was the major reason I chose religion as a motivator in a book, it's so rarely used in SF it seemed at least different. Also notable is that Asimov's wife stated he died of complications from AIDS.
This quote from Isaac Asimov was the major reason I chose religion as a motivator in a book, it's so rarely used in SF it seemed at least different. Also notable is that Asimov's wife stated he died of complications from AIDS.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 11:32 AM (43xH1)
271
Was that superior genetics, or was it science?
Posted by: BurtTC at November 26, 2023 11:30 AM (QBaJw)
I believe she once said "if she didn't have 'em, she'd buy 'em."
Posted by: BurtTC at November 26, 2023 11:30 AM (QBaJw)
I believe she once said "if she didn't have 'em, she'd buy 'em."
Posted by: BignJames at November 26, 2023 11:33 AM (AwYPR)
272
For my SF book I needed a MacGuffin, a reason for androids to turn on their masters
-
Three months of Hallmark Christmas movies?
-
Three months of Hallmark Christmas movies?
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here at November 26, 2023 11:33 AM (FVME7)
Posted by: BlackOrchid at November 26, 2023 11:33 AM (AcWfM)
274
people are pretending to be us?
lol that is pretty ... sad? I think sad?
Posted by: BlackOrchid at November 26, 2023 11:33 AM (AcWfM)
Hilariously sad, though. You know?
lol that is pretty ... sad? I think sad?
Posted by: BlackOrchid at November 26, 2023 11:33 AM (AcWfM)
Hilariously sad, though. You know?
Posted by: naturalfake at November 26, 2023 11:34 AM (QzZeQ)
275
273 people are pretending to be us?
lol that is pretty ... sad? I think sad?
Posted by: BlackOrchid at November 26, 2023 11:33 AM (AcWfM)
-----------
*ahem*
There are Village People cover bands.
lol that is pretty ... sad? I think sad?
Posted by: BlackOrchid at November 26, 2023 11:33 AM (AcWfM)
-----------
*ahem*
There are Village People cover bands.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at November 26, 2023 11:35 AM (hiMh5)
276
Any reason that a time machine invented by Archimedes wouldn't work?
Posted by: Fleabag Waller-Bridge'
Everyone does time machines in SF, hardly anybody does religion or, I suspect, can even work religious beliefs into any SF story, of any kind, in any sort of accurately presented way!
Well, maybe L. Ron Hubbard.
Posted by: Fleabag Waller-Bridge'
Everyone does time machines in SF, hardly anybody does religion or, I suspect, can even work religious beliefs into any SF story, of any kind, in any sort of accurately presented way!
Well, maybe L. Ron Hubbard.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 11:35 AM (43xH1)
Posted by: andycanuck (krqg6) at November 26, 2023 11:36 AM (krqg6)
278
272 For my SF book I needed a MacGuffin, a reason for androids to turn on their masters
----------
Hmm. What was it that pissed off Spartacus?
----------
Hmm. What was it that pissed off Spartacus?
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at November 26, 2023 11:36 AM (hiMh5)
279
I'll give this a rest, with one final thought,
There is a world of difference between:
1. I wrote a book about XYZ that I think some of your readers may enjoy. Here's a synopsis.
AND
2. I have been reading your blog for many years and wrote a book that is of absolute importance to all of mankind, please feature me on your thread.
(Now that I've Aired my Grievances, next we will have the Feats of Strength)
There is a world of difference between:
1. I wrote a book about XYZ that I think some of your readers may enjoy. Here's a synopsis.
AND
2. I have been reading your blog for many years and wrote a book that is of absolute importance to all of mankind, please feature me on your thread.
(Now that I've Aired my Grievances, next we will have the Feats of Strength)
Posted by: Muldoon at November 26, 2023 11:36 AM (991eG)
280
Androids turn on the humans for incompetence
Posted by: Skip at November 26, 2023 11:37 AM (fwDg9)
281
Was that superior genetics, or was it science?
Posted by: BurtTC at November 26, 2023 11:30 AM (QBaJw)
I believe she once said "if she didn't have 'em, she'd buy 'em."
Posted by: BignJames at November 26, 2023 11:33 AM (AwYPR)
Dolly is a treasure, she really is. Not my style of music, but she's a true genius at songwriting.
She once told the story of her song, Jolene. Claims it's about a woman who tried to take her husband. She said she just about wanted to scratch her eyes out.
I don't believe her. I think Dolly wrote the song about herself, that she was "playing" at flirting with some guy, and the poor girl whose man it was, is the narrator of the song. After all, if you're Dolly, is there really some other gal whose gonna come around and take a man from YOU?
I don't think so.
Posted by: BurtTC at November 26, 2023 11:30 AM (QBaJw)
I believe she once said "if she didn't have 'em, she'd buy 'em."
Posted by: BignJames at November 26, 2023 11:33 AM (AwYPR)
Dolly is a treasure, she really is. Not my style of music, but she's a true genius at songwriting.
She once told the story of her song, Jolene. Claims it's about a woman who tried to take her husband. She said she just about wanted to scratch her eyes out.
I don't believe her. I think Dolly wrote the song about herself, that she was "playing" at flirting with some guy, and the poor girl whose man it was, is the narrator of the song. After all, if you're Dolly, is there really some other gal whose gonna come around and take a man from YOU?
I don't think so.
Posted by: BurtTC at November 26, 2023 11:37 AM (QBaJw)
282
Hmm. What was it that pissed off Spartacus?
Posted by: Cicero'
The 'slavery' thing has been done to death. I wanted something different, and my point was/is hardly anybody uses any actual spiritual belief as a motivator in any SF.
Hallmark movies, yes. But nobody suggested it at the time. Maybe the sequel.
Posted by: Cicero'
The 'slavery' thing has been done to death. I wanted something different, and my point was/is hardly anybody uses any actual spiritual belief as a motivator in any SF.
Hallmark movies, yes. But nobody suggested it at the time. Maybe the sequel.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 11:37 AM (43xH1)
283
(Now that I've Aired my Grievances, next we will have the Feats of Strength)
Posted by: Muldoon'
Festivus is coming up, isn't it?
Posted by: Muldoon'
Festivus is coming up, isn't it?
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 11:38 AM (43xH1)
284
I tried watching, but yeah, the voices sounded weird.
It sounded more like "The Further Adventures of Grandpa Pilgrim"
Posted by: naturalfake at November 26, 2023 11:32 AM (QzZeQ)
Yeah, I'm not going to spoil it for anyone who wants to watch it, but yeah. That's a good description.
It sounded more like "The Further Adventures of Grandpa Pilgrim"
Posted by: naturalfake at November 26, 2023 11:32 AM (QzZeQ)
Yeah, I'm not going to spoil it for anyone who wants to watch it, but yeah. That's a good description.
Posted by: BurtTC at November 26, 2023 11:39 AM (QBaJw)
285
Strangepork -- the manpig with the porcine touch
He loves only ham
He loves only ham
Posted by: andycanuck (krqg6) at November 26, 2023 11:40 AM (krqg6)
286
I'll give this a rest, with one final thought,
There is a world of difference between:
...
Posted by: Muldoon at November 26, 2023 11:36 AM (991eG)
Yup.
There is a world of difference between:
...
Posted by: Muldoon at November 26, 2023 11:36 AM (991eG)
Yup.
Posted by: BurtTC at November 26, 2023 11:41 AM (QBaJw)
287
Hallmark movies, yes. But nobody suggested it at the time. Maybe the sequel.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 11:37 AM (43xH1)
Difference in opinion over political economy?
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 11:37 AM (43xH1)
Difference in opinion over political economy?
Posted by: Kindltot at November 26, 2023 11:41 AM (D7oie)
288
Strangepork -- the manpig with the porcine touch
He loves only ham
Posted by: andycanuck (krqg6) at November 26, 2023 11:40 AM (krqg6)
he ham what he ham
He loves only ham
Posted by: andycanuck (krqg6) at November 26, 2023 11:40 AM (krqg6)
he ham what he ham
Posted by: BignJames at November 26, 2023 11:41 AM (AwYPR)
Posted by: JT at November 26, 2023 11:41 AM (T4tVD)
290
Strange fact about the Scott Pilgrim movie: that Metric cover is actually sung by what's-her-face, Ms. Flatass McMarvel.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 11:43 AM (43xH1)
Posted by: Ruk at November 26, 2023 11:43 AM (krqg6)
292
people are pretending to be us?
lol that is pretty ... sad? I think sad?
Posted by: BlackOrchid at November 26, 2023 11:33 AM (AcWfM)
I use other people's bank account info to finance the Thai ladyboi industry.
Is that the same thing?
lol that is pretty ... sad? I think sad?
Posted by: BlackOrchid at November 26, 2023 11:33 AM (AcWfM)
I use other people's bank account info to finance the Thai ladyboi industry.
Is that the same thing?
Posted by: BurtTC at November 26, 2023 11:44 AM (QBaJw)
Posted by: BignJames at November 26, 2023 11:45 AM (AwYPR)
294
After exploring a handful of the blog articles on your web
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Take a look at my web site as well and let me know what you think.
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list and will be checking back in the near future.
Take a look at my web site as well and let me know what you think.
Posted by: Besten Online Casinos Deutschlands at November 26, 2023 11:45 AM (aC4vz)
295
Strange fact about the Scott Pilgrim movie: that Metric cover is actually sung by what's-her-face, Ms. Flatass McMarvel.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 11:43 AM (43xH1)
No it's not. It's sung by Emily Haines. It's her voice, not Larson's.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 11:43 AM (43xH1)
No it's not. It's sung by Emily Haines. It's her voice, not Larson's.
Posted by: BurtTC at November 26, 2023 11:46 AM (QBaJw)
296
@225 --
John Le Carre (real name David Cornwell) had to be a desk officer. Kim Philby saw to that.
John Le Carre (real name David Cornwell) had to be a desk officer. Kim Philby saw to that.
Posted by: Weak Geek at November 26, 2023 11:47 AM (p/isN)
297
Did Muldoon post the current #294? 
Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 26, 2023 11:47 AM (Angsy)
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here at November 26, 2023 11:47 AM (FVME7)
Posted by: Muldoon at November 26, 2023 11:47 AM (991eG)
300
Posted by: Besten Online Casinos Deutschlands at November 26, 2023 11:45 AM (aC4vz)
Do you sell lace wigs?
Do you sell lace wigs?
Posted by: BurtTC at November 26, 2023 11:47 AM (QBaJw)
301
It's sung by Emily Haines. It's her voice, not Larson's.
Posted by: BurtTC'
You're right! Okay, now Brie Larsen has no redeeming qualities whatsoever.
Posted by: BurtTC'
You're right! Okay, now Brie Larsen has no redeeming qualities whatsoever.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 11:48 AM (43xH1)
302
Guess I should go do something here in what-do-they-call-it? meatspace? something like that?
Thanks for the thread, Perfessor.
Have a good one, gang.
Thanks for the thread, Perfessor.
Have a good one, gang.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at November 26, 2023 11:48 AM (a/4+U)
303
Such a charmng child.
Greta Thunberg Chants to "Crush Zionism" at Rally
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here at November 26, 2023 11:47 AM (FVME7)
She's what, in her 20s now? She's going through her rebellious mid-teen phase now.
Greta Thunberg Chants to "Crush Zionism" at Rally
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here at November 26, 2023 11:47 AM (FVME7)
She's what, in her 20s now? She's going through her rebellious mid-teen phase now.
Posted by: BurtTC at November 26, 2023 11:48 AM (QBaJw)
304
Now that I think of it, the "killing off characters with The Wrong Opinions" trope may be responsible for the decline of the horror genre in general. Once Stephen King started doing it, everybody else joined in, and the readers went elsewhere.
For horror to actually be effective, the author -- and the reader -- can't be rooting for the monsters.
For horror to actually be effective, the author -- and the reader -- can't be rooting for the monsters.
Posted by: Trimegistus at November 26, 2023 11:49 AM (78a2H)
Posted by: Muldoon at November 26, 2023 11:49 AM (991eG)
306
I got a text from someone I had a dalliance with in college. I thought how nice of him to check in with me now that I've been a widow for 6 years. So I replied with a kind of newsy text. Next thing I knew he was telling me about this book he's written.
Sigh.
Sigh.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at November 26, 2023 11:49 AM (t/2Uw)
307
It's like the Boy Scout motto: Be prepared!
Ireland Borrows Water Cannon from UK In Anticipation of More Anti-mass Migration Protests
Ireland Borrows Water Cannon from UK In Anticipation of More Anti-mass Migration Protests
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here at November 26, 2023 11:49 AM (FVME7)
308
You're right! Okay, now Brie Larsen has no redeeming qualities whatsoever.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 11:48 AM (43xH1)
I seem to have a thing for sour faced scolds.
Like a red-headed step child in a hurricane, I would.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 11:48 AM (43xH1)
I seem to have a thing for sour faced scolds.
Like a red-headed step child in a hurricane, I would.
Posted by: BurtTC at November 26, 2023 11:50 AM (QBaJw)
Posted by: andycanuck (krqg6) at November 26, 2023 11:51 AM (krqg6)
310
For horror to actually be effective, the author -- and the reader -- can't be rooting for the monsters.
Posted by: Trimegistus'
I'm not sure about that. Seems like a lot of horror (well, slasher) movie fans watch them for the monsters and the kills. Jason, Freddy, Leatherface, etc.
Posted by: Trimegistus'
I'm not sure about that. Seems like a lot of horror (well, slasher) movie fans watch them for the monsters and the kills. Jason, Freddy, Leatherface, etc.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 11:51 AM (43xH1)
311
Re: transhumanism, Deus Ex has turned out to be an amazingly prophetic video game. From rogue bio-freaks and creepy man/machine hybrids to engineered prole-control viruses and the global power elite, it's all in there.
'course, all of this has been floating around the cyberpunk world for a while--but DX put the pieces together well, especially for a form of media that's not known for being particularly deep or insightful.
'course, all of this has been floating around the cyberpunk world for a while--but DX put the pieces together well, especially for a form of media that's not known for being particularly deep or insightful.
Posted by: CppThis at November 26, 2023 11:51 AM (PZvjL)
312
I got a text from someone I had a dalliance with in college. I thought how nice of him to check in with me now that I've been a widow for 6 years. So I replied with a kind of newsy text. Next thing I knew he was telling me about this book he's written.
Sigh.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at November 26, 2023 11:49 AM (t/2Uw)
Could have been worse, he could be a Scientologist.
Sigh.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at November 26, 2023 11:49 AM (t/2Uw)
Could have been worse, he could be a Scientologist.
Posted by: BurtTC at November 26, 2023 11:52 AM (QBaJw)
313
Jason, Freddy, Leatherface, etc.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 11:51 AM (43xH1)
What does Pelosi have to do with it?
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 11:51 AM (43xH1)
What does Pelosi have to do with it?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 26, 2023 11:52 AM (Angsy)
314
You're right! Okay, now Brie Larsen has no redeeming qualities whatsoever.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 11:48 AM (43xH1)
You could use her bum as an ironing board....
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 11:48 AM (43xH1)
You could use her bum as an ironing board....
Posted by: JT at November 26, 2023 11:53 AM (T4tVD)
315
I'm not sure about that. Seems like a lot of horror (well, slasher) movie fans watch them for the monsters and the kills. Jason, Freddy, Leatherface, etc.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 11:51 AM (43xH1)
The "Serial Killer Channel"
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 11:51 AM (43xH1)
The "Serial Killer Channel"
Posted by: BignJames at November 26, 2023 11:53 AM (AwYPR)
Posted by: Just Sayin at November 26, 2023 11:54 AM (YSsrA)
317
For horror to actually be effective, the author -- and the reader -- can't be rooting for the monsters.
Posted by: Trimegistus at November 26, 2023 11:49 AM (78a2H)
That makes it Comedy.
Posted by: Trimegistus at November 26, 2023 11:49 AM (78a2H)
That makes it Comedy.
Posted by: Reforger at November 26, 2023 11:54 AM (2tkXy)
318
The "Serial Killer Channel"
Posted by: BignJames at November 26, 2023 11:53 AM (AwYPR)
Can I write to them?
Posted by: BignJames at November 26, 2023 11:53 AM (AwYPR)
Can I write to them?
Posted by: Swooning Serial Killer Groupie at November 26, 2023 11:54 AM (Angsy)
319
Everyone does time machines in SF, hardly anybody does religion…
I can count the really good FSF authors dealing with religion on one hand, I suspect. Walter Miller’s Leibowitz, of course. Robert Silverberg’s Tower of Glass, A. Merritt’s The Metal Monster, Tim Powers’s Declare, Philip K. Dick’s The Divine Invasion…
There’s also the somewhat obscure short story collection Wandering Stars: An Anthology of Jewish Fantasy and Science Fiction.
I can count the really good FSF authors dealing with religion on one hand, I suspect. Walter Miller’s Leibowitz, of course. Robert Silverberg’s Tower of Glass, A. Merritt’s The Metal Monster, Tim Powers’s Declare, Philip K. Dick’s The Divine Invasion…
There’s also the somewhat obscure short story collection Wandering Stars: An Anthology of Jewish Fantasy and Science Fiction.
Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at November 26, 2023 11:55 AM (olroh)
320
Brie Larsen has no redeeming qualities whatsoever.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 11:48 AM (43xH1)
You could use her bum as an ironing board....
Posted by: JT'
I think in Japan she'd be considered callipygian. There, the women hail from Osaka, Nagoya, Yokohama, and Flatasa.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 11:48 AM (43xH1)
You could use her bum as an ironing board....
Posted by: JT'
I think in Japan she'd be considered callipygian. There, the women hail from Osaka, Nagoya, Yokohama, and Flatasa.
Posted by: LenNeal at November 26, 2023 11:55 AM (43xH1)
321
Can I write to them?
Posted by: Swooning Serial Killer Groupie at November 26, 2023 11:54 AM (Angsy)
send saso
Posted by: Swooning Serial Killer Groupie at November 26, 2023 11:54 AM (Angsy)
send saso
Posted by: BignJames at November 26, 2023 11:55 AM (AwYPR)
322
Well, I'm on day of homelessness. Maybe it will be the basis of a book.
Posted by: That Northernlurker what lurkd at November 26, 2023 11:56 AM (wzjnZ)
323
Leamas, was Le Carre's alter ego, he would engage in missions that no one else would take, maybe they shouldnt have, he would be a party to the betrayals of lowly dissidents foolish enough to trust MI-6 with their safety,
he gets killed at the end, 50 years later the offspring sue MI-6 for negligence,
he gets killed at the end, 50 years later the offspring sue MI-6 for negligence,
Posted by: no 6 at November 26, 2023 11:56 AM (PXvVL)
324
Mitt Romney Says He'll Vote Democrat in 2024 Over Trump or Vivek Ramaswamy
-
I guess Vivek said pussy.
-
I guess Vivek said pussy.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here at November 26, 2023 11:57 AM (FVME7)
325
Posted by: Besten Online Casinos Deutschlands at November 26, 2023 11:45 AM (aC4vz)
Why the genetive case?
Why the genetive case?
Posted by: Bandersnatch at November 26, 2023 11:57 AM (CnLzB)
326
I first read Starship Troopers when both it and I were still pretty new. I'd read some RAH juveniles before, and have to admit I preferred Philip Nolan's "Trouble on Titan" when I was in grade school. I could not get over what an obvious and direct metaphor ST seemed, at the time, for the events of the Pacific war in WWII. Now, of course, I'd read a lot of SBS war fiction back then, and WWII had not been over for all that long, so it was on everyone's mind like yer bleedin Roman Empire.
I read a lot of Silverberg at that age, and felt then that his character development was stronger than Heinlein's. We used to have a joke about RAH: "How does he make those cardboard figures stand up and walk around?"
Of course, that isn't what Heinlein was up to, and there were a lot of other aspects of his thinking that made his work attractive. Next up was "Moon/Harsh," and nothing seemed heavy-handed about that.
Anyway, I've always had a strong feeling that Troopers is a metaphor for certain issues of WWII, and I never see others saying that.
I read a lot of Silverberg at that age, and felt then that his character development was stronger than Heinlein's. We used to have a joke about RAH: "How does he make those cardboard figures stand up and walk around?"
Of course, that isn't what Heinlein was up to, and there were a lot of other aspects of his thinking that made his work attractive. Next up was "Moon/Harsh," and nothing seemed heavy-handed about that.
Anyway, I've always had a strong feeling that Troopers is a metaphor for certain issues of WWII, and I never see others saying that.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at November 26, 2023 11:57 AM (4PZHB)
327
Prayers up for NL.
Posted by: Oddbob at November 26, 2023 11:58 AM (nfrXX)
328
sase
Posted by: BignJames at November 26, 2023 11:59 AM (AwYPR)
329
Or a bass player...
Posted by: Just Sayin at November 26, 2023 11:54 AM (YSsrA)
Wants you to listen to his new rap remix. Give it a like on Spotify.
*shudder*
Posted by: Just Sayin at November 26, 2023 11:54 AM (YSsrA)
Wants you to listen to his new rap remix. Give it a like on Spotify.
*shudder*
Posted by: BurtTC at November 26, 2023 11:59 AM (QBaJw)
330
For horror to actually be effective, the author -- and the reader -- can't be rooting for the monsters.
Posted by: Trimegistus at November 26, 2023 11:49 AM (78a2H)
That makes it Comedy.
Posted by: Reforger
I immediately thought of the Godzilla movies.
Posted by: Trimegistus at November 26, 2023 11:49 AM (78a2H)
That makes it Comedy.
Posted by: Reforger
I immediately thought of the Godzilla movies.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at November 26, 2023 12:00 PM (t/2Uw)
331
My favorite comment about Heinlein was from Campbell: "Bob can write better than most of those others with one hand. But I wish he'd take the other hand out of his pants while he's doing it."
Posted by: Trimegistus at November 26, 2023 12:00 PM (78a2H)
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at November 26, 2023 12:01 PM (OX9vb)
333
Visegrád 24 @visegrad24 3h
Argentine President-Elect Javier Milei participating in a Jewish ceremony & declares support for Israel
- Supported Israel's right to defense
- Condemned Hamas terrorism & hostage-taking
- Announced plans to move the Argentine Embassy to Jerusalem
[long, white-bearded rabbi dressed in black, wearing a black flat-brimmed fedora -- somehow I doubt he omitted or yada-yada-ed any parts of the Torah during the ritual.
Argentine President-Elect Javier Milei participating in a Jewish ceremony & declares support for Israel
- Supported Israel's right to defense
- Condemned Hamas terrorism & hostage-taking
- Announced plans to move the Argentine Embassy to Jerusalem
[long, white-bearded rabbi dressed in black, wearing a black flat-brimmed fedora -- somehow I doubt he omitted or yada-yada-ed any parts of the Torah during the ritual.
Posted by: andycanuck (krqg6) at November 26, 2023 12:02 PM (krqg6)
334
329 Or a bass player...
Posted by: Just Sayin at November 26, 2023 11:54 AM (YSsrA)
Wants you to listen to his new rap remix. Give it a like on Spotify.
*shudder*
Posted By Burt
Ironically, it is about when he was a roadie.
Posted by: Just Sayin at November 26, 2023 11:54 AM (YSsrA)
Wants you to listen to his new rap remix. Give it a like on Spotify.
*shudder*
Posted By Burt
Ironically, it is about when he was a roadie.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at November 26, 2023 12:02 PM (t/2Uw)
335
Hello Perfesser
Since I had a few days off I worked my way thru Richard Henry Dana's Two Years Before the Mast, an account of his time as a seaman on a merchant vessel along the California coast in the 1830's.
Since I live here many of the places were familiar and I found myself looking up the unfamiliar ones and even consulting maps to determine where he was when he cites longitude and latitude on the open sea.
It almost like traveling back in time.
Since I had a few days off I worked my way thru Richard Henry Dana's Two Years Before the Mast, an account of his time as a seaman on a merchant vessel along the California coast in the 1830's.
Since I live here many of the places were familiar and I found myself looking up the unfamiliar ones and even consulting maps to determine where he was when he cites longitude and latitude on the open sea.
It almost like traveling back in time.
Posted by: Anonymous Rogue in Kalifornistan at November 26, 2023 12:03 PM (QGaXH)
336
"Or a bass player."
Nah. EV salesman. We get them here, on the other threads.
Religion? Well of a sort: Nine Billion Names, and, rocking me as a pre-teen, Childhood's End (pronounced by my buds then as "Childhood Zen.")
Nah. EV salesman. We get them here, on the other threads.
Religion? Well of a sort: Nine Billion Names, and, rocking me as a pre-teen, Childhood's End (pronounced by my buds then as "Childhood Zen.")
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at November 26, 2023 12:03 PM (4PZHB)
337
297 Did Muldoon post the current #294?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 26, 2023 11:47 AM (Angsy)
LOL
Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 26, 2023 11:47 AM (Angsy)
LOL
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at November 26, 2023 12:04 PM (OX9vb)
338
Did Muldoon post the current #294?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 26, 2023 11:47 AM (Angsy)
LOL
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at November 26, 2023 12:04 PM (OX9vb)
It would have been a perfect troll if he had....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 26, 2023 11:47 AM (Angsy)
LOL
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at November 26, 2023 12:04 PM (OX9vb)
It would have been a perfect troll if he had....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 26, 2023 12:06 PM (Angsy)
339
I've self published 3 books.
One a darkly humorous tribute to my murdered father-in-law, with a parallel blog, written with the decided goal of provoking a response of some sort from the killer that might lead to his apprehension. Now after 15 years it is bearing some fruit.
Two, a personal though whimsical tribute to my dad, with him (rest his soul) as the target audience.
And three, a collection of frivolous doggerel for my own amusement.
I do not consider myself an author. I did not make more than $100 on any of the three.
One a darkly humorous tribute to my murdered father-in-law, with a parallel blog, written with the decided goal of provoking a response of some sort from the killer that might lead to his apprehension. Now after 15 years it is bearing some fruit.
Two, a personal though whimsical tribute to my dad, with him (rest his soul) as the target audience.
And three, a collection of frivolous doggerel for my own amusement.
I do not consider myself an author. I did not make more than $100 on any of the three.
Posted by: Muldoon at November 26, 2023 12:07 PM (991eG)
340
Stephen L. Miller
@redsteeze
Beginnng to think releasing BLM rioters with almost no legal penalties in 2020 was a mistake.
-
Who'd athunk it?
@redsteeze
Beginnng to think releasing BLM rioters with almost no legal penalties in 2020 was a mistake.
-
Who'd athunk it?
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here at November 26, 2023 12:09 PM (FVME7)
341
people are pretending to be us?
lol that is pretty ... sad? I think sad?
Posted by: BlackOrchid at November 26, 2023 11:33 AM
Lefties hate us, normies want to be us.
And AOC probably wants to date us.
lol that is pretty ... sad? I think sad?
Posted by: BlackOrchid at November 26, 2023 11:33 AM
Lefties hate us, normies want to be us.
And AOC probably wants to date us.
Posted by: RedMindBlueState at November 26, 2023 12:10 PM (11eZV)
342
Ironically, it is about when he was a roadie.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at November 26, 2023 12:02 PM (t/2Uw)
Far Out Man.
It's been done. Massive failure even with Chongs name attached to it.
The only people in the music industry anyone cares less for is Bass players.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at November 26, 2023 12:02 PM (t/2Uw)
Far Out Man.
It's been done. Massive failure even with Chongs name attached to it.
The only people in the music industry anyone cares less for is Bass players.
Posted by: Reforger at November 26, 2023 12:10 PM (2tkXy)
343
Next thing I knew he was telling me about this book he's written.
Sigh.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at November 26, 2023 11:49 AM (t/2Uw)
Erg. Did he at least try to be newsy first, or was that the first thing he toldja?
Sigh.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at November 26, 2023 11:49 AM (t/2Uw)
Erg. Did he at least try to be newsy first, or was that the first thing he toldja?
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at November 26, 2023 12:12 PM (OX9vb)
344
The saddest part of Sunday morning again. Thanks for the Book Thread, Pefessor.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 26, 2023 12:12 PM (Angsy)
345
Oh, look at this. Muldoon admits to turning a profit on his books.
Luxury!
Luxury!
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at November 26, 2023 12:13 PM (4PZHB)
346
Oh, look at this. Muldoon admits to turning a profit on his books.
Luxury!
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at November 26, 2023 12:13 PM (4PZHB)
Published and sold makes him an author.
Luxury!
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at November 26, 2023 12:13 PM (4PZHB)
Published and sold makes him an author.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at November 26, 2023 12:14 PM (Angsy)
347
Far Out Man.
-
I was trying to remember that phrase from the '60s the other day and the best I could come up with was "way out."
-
I was trying to remember that phrase from the '60s the other day and the best I could come up with was "way out."
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here at November 26, 2023 12:15 PM (FVME7)
348
I'm considering a fourth book, titled, "Flipping Isaiah". It's guaranteed to turn a prophet.
Posted by: Muldoon at November 26, 2023 12:16 PM (991eG)
Posted by: Muldoon at November 26, 2023 12:20 PM (991eG)
350
Dash, he was newsy first in a superficial way but as soon as I replied, he had to go but just wanted me to know that he had written a book. Thing is that I was kind of a peripheral part of that music scene back in the day. My husband worked for a sound company that worked with some big acts. I had friends who worked with The Eagles and Bruce Springsteen. But like what was mentioned, no one really interested in that so I think he was wracking his brain trying to find someone who might buy his book.
I didn't.
I didn't.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at November 26, 2023 12:22 PM (t/2Uw)
351
I have to wake up earlier.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at November 26, 2023 12:24 PM (t/2Uw)
Posted by: Outside of Life at November 26, 2023 12:24 PM (89Sog)
353
Link to alleged Moronette author allie duzett video on scribbling therapy.
https://is.gd/Qz4yyo
Yeah, she's a moron all right.
https://is.gd/Qz4yyo
Yeah, she's a moron all right.
Posted by: Muldoon at November 26, 2023 12:31 PM (991eG)
354
Muldoon, good sleuthing.😂
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at November 26, 2023 12:33 PM (t/2Uw)
355
Actually style guide says 'Ettes is proper usage of the term.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at November 26, 2023 12:34 PM (t/2Uw)
356
Muldoon, you finally "nagged" me into getting a kindle copy of your limericks. So that adds another $0.03 or so to your profits. Didn't see either of your other 2 books on Amazon.
Posted by: Wingnutt at November 26, 2023 12:37 PM (AesuN)
357
since spies were a prominent part of todays musings, I've been enjoying Len Deighton's Quiller series on audio when in the car. Whole different sense hearing it narrated by Brit than it was reading when new.
Posted by: Wingnutt at November 26, 2023 12:40 PM (AesuN)
358
https://muldoonlimericks.blogspot.com
Free way to get the same limericks and much more. Get a refund from Amazon and save yourself a few bucks.
I'm posting one a day, both new and old, many of the ones that were included in the book.
Free way to get the same limericks and much more. Get a refund from Amazon and save yourself a few bucks.
I'm posting one a day, both new and old, many of the ones that were included in the book.
Posted by: Muldoon at November 26, 2023 12:42 PM (991eG)
359
197 ... "For 11 year-old, the Peter Polo series (PP and the White Elephant, and PP the Snow Beast of Hunza) are delightful series, written by a very good friend of mine. He traveled extensively in the region, and he writes in a very fun, enthralling style. Recommended."
goatexchange,
Thanks for the suggestion. It might be good for the kid and sounds like a fun read for an old guy (he says as he looks in the mirror).
goatexchange,
Thanks for the suggestion. It might be good for the kid and sounds like a fun read for an old guy (he says as he looks in the mirror).
Posted by: JTB at November 26, 2023 12:44 PM (7EjX1)
360
Re "fix ups", an example that I forgot to cite last week is Murray Leinster's 1953 SF novel "Forgotten Planet". This is about humans struggling to survive on a planet dominated by giant insects. I first read this many years ago but it was not until a few years ago that I learned that it was a fix up of three stories the first two of which published in 1920 and 1921 (!). The original two stories were set on a future Earth where climate shifts had collapsed human civilization and led to the development of large, economy sized bugs. The third story retconned the setting to a world that was the object of a terra forming project. The terra forming was interrupted by a bureaucratic error resulting in the world being forgotten and an ecology dominated by giant insects. The human population are the barbaric descendants of a crashed star ship.
What I found amazing that Leinster went back more than 30 years to rework his original stories.
What I found amazing that Leinster went back more than 30 years to rework his original stories.
Posted by: John F. MacMichael at November 26, 2023 12:44 PM (XGFBC)
361
Re Fix-ups: Ray Bradbury published a number of them. Best known is "The Martian Chronicles". His other fix-ups include "Dandelion Wine" and "The Illustrated Man".
As for Heinlein and "Starship Troopers": "ST" is really a political treatise dressed up as a sci-fi novel, and not a terribly persuasive one, IMHO. When I was young, I enjoyed reading Heinlein a lot, especially his future-history stories (eg, "Farnham's Freehold") and other early work, (eg "Magic, Inc."). He jumped the shark with "Stranger in a Strange Land"; and when I read his West Point address in which he attacked Samuel Johnson, his argument being equal parts ignorance and malice, he lost me.
Fun fact: before WWII, Heinlein and a very young Ray Bradbury were friends in LA, and Heinlein helped Bradbury make his first sales. But Bradbury became a conscientious objector during WWII (also medically ineligible due to very poor vision), and Heinlein would have nothing more to do with him.
As for Heinlein and "Starship Troopers": "ST" is really a political treatise dressed up as a sci-fi novel, and not a terribly persuasive one, IMHO. When I was young, I enjoyed reading Heinlein a lot, especially his future-history stories (eg, "Farnham's Freehold") and other early work, (eg "Magic, Inc."). He jumped the shark with "Stranger in a Strange Land"; and when I read his West Point address in which he attacked Samuel Johnson, his argument being equal parts ignorance and malice, he lost me.
Fun fact: before WWII, Heinlein and a very young Ray Bradbury were friends in LA, and Heinlein helped Bradbury make his first sales. But Bradbury became a conscientious objector during WWII (also medically ineligible due to very poor vision), and Heinlein would have nothing more to do with him.
Posted by: Nemo at November 26, 2023 12:53 PM (S6ArX)
362
I picked up "The God Box" on the understanding it was about grieving and Christian prayer. Instead, it's a slick piece of nothing. Pass.
Posted by: NaughtyPine at November 26, 2023 01:00 PM (YJlID)
363
Brought forward from tail end of book thread.
Warnning re: ssupposed Moronette author allie duzett who was featured on the book thread. Here is duzett in a video on scribbling therapy.
https://is.gd/Qz4yyo
Yeah, she's a moron all right.
Warnning re: ssupposed Moronette author allie duzett who was featured on the book thread. Here is duzett in a video on scribbling therapy.
https://is.gd/Qz4yyo
Yeah, she's a moron all right.
Posted by: Muldoon at November 26, 2023 01:23 PM (991eG)
364
Genetics and chromosome count. How does that work, Mao? Real science is resistant to Communism, where words do not overcome facts.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at November 26, 2023 11:07 AM (u82oZ)
You disgusting rightist and capitalist roader. 10 years labor camp.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at November 26, 2023 11:07 AM (u82oZ)
You disgusting rightist and capitalist roader. 10 years labor camp.
Posted by: CPC at November 26, 2023 01:24 PM (YVB7m)
365
Nemo @361: a few comments regarding RAH:
"Farnham's Freehold" was not one of Heinlein's 'Future History' stories but a stand alone novel.
I would agree that IMHO Heinlein's work went down hill with "Stranger" and his later novels. They became increasing self indulgent.
Heinlein was an Annapolis graduate who served in the Navy for several years before being medically discharged. When the US got into WWII he tried hard but without success to return to active duty. During the war he worked in a military R&D lab along with fellow SF authors Isaac Asimov and L. Sprague DeCamp. Some of his work was on flight suits and he used some of the details from that in his YA novel "Have Spacesuit, Will Travel".
"Farnham's Freehold" was not one of Heinlein's 'Future History' stories but a stand alone novel.
I would agree that IMHO Heinlein's work went down hill with "Stranger" and his later novels. They became increasing self indulgent.
Heinlein was an Annapolis graduate who served in the Navy for several years before being medically discharged. When the US got into WWII he tried hard but without success to return to active duty. During the war he worked in a military R&D lab along with fellow SF authors Isaac Asimov and L. Sprague DeCamp. Some of his work was on flight suits and he used some of the details from that in his YA novel "Have Spacesuit, Will Travel".
Posted by: John F. MacMichael at November 26, 2023 01:42 PM (XGFBC)
Posted by: Pope John 20th at November 26, 2023 02:33 PM (cYrkj)
367
Why don’t people (or you! The reader of these words!) like Starship Troopers?
Posted by: Cowboy Wally at November 26, 2023 10:46 AM (VpSgV)
---
I didn't say that I didn't like Starship Troopers. It was a mostly enjoyable read. Heinlein does go on and on about how superior the political ideology presented in the book is compared to all other ideologies. The Bugs in particular represent a "pure" Communistic society.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at November 26, 2023 10:53 AM (BpYfr)
Late to the thread, but Heinlein wrote Starship Troopers as a reaction to some article he read. I forget the exact details, but this article was along the lines of "Better Red Then Dead" and that set R.A.H. on the war-path. He apparently cranked-out Starship Troopers in a couple of weeks.
Posted by: Cowboy Wally at November 26, 2023 10:46 AM (VpSgV)
---
I didn't say that I didn't like Starship Troopers. It was a mostly enjoyable read. Heinlein does go on and on about how superior the political ideology presented in the book is compared to all other ideologies. The Bugs in particular represent a "pure" Communistic society.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at November 26, 2023 10:53 AM (BpYfr)
Late to the thread, but Heinlein wrote Starship Troopers as a reaction to some article he read. I forget the exact details, but this article was along the lines of "Better Red Then Dead" and that set R.A.H. on the war-path. He apparently cranked-out Starship Troopers in a couple of weeks.
Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at November 26, 2023 02:35 PM (pJWtt)
368
Re Starship Troopers. In 1983, as a freshly-minted 2LT, I reported to an infantry battalion in Cold War Germany. My first hours there I get the welcome aboard, here are the expectations brief from my CO. Then the Company XO quietly passes me a copy of Starship Troopers and says "Read this." That Army is long gone...
Posted by: pilsnerfan at November 26, 2023 04:51 PM (gnNQB)
369
Thanks to the Perfessor for showing my living room bookcase. Appreciate the kind comments from my fellow morons. Don't have a cat, but have a wonderful new-last lab, Jill, who's been shown in the pet thread. Do have an overstuffed leather reading chair near this bookcase. In MBR, have only one dresser (an antique man's hatbox bow front) and needed more storage so he built bookshelves over large drawers. Am saving up for next year's bookcases in the first spare bedroom, now used for storage. I like my house.
Onward, clc
Onward, clc
Posted by: Carlos at November 26, 2023 05:06 PM (NVMeh)
370
Ι visited multiple websites however the aսdio quality
for audio songs current at this site іs really excellent.
for audio songs current at this site іs really excellent.
Posted by: subsidize at November 28, 2023 12:47 PM (CchHJ)
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The Ace of Spades HQ Sex-for-Money Skankathon
A D&D Guide to the Democratic Candidates
Margaret Cho: Just Not Funny
More Margaret Cho Abuse
Margaret Cho: Still Not Funny
Iraqi Prisoner Claims He Was Raped... By Woman
Wonkette Announces "Morning Zoo" Format
John Kerry's "Plan" Causes Surrender of Moqtada al-Sadr's Militia
World Muslim Leaders Apologize for Nick Berg's Beheading
Michael Moore Goes on Lunchtime Manhattan Death-Spree
Milestone: Oliver Willis Posts 400th "Fake News Article" Referencing Britney Spears
Liberal Economists Rue a "New Decade of Greed"
Artificial Insouciance: Maureen Dowd's Word Processor Revolts Against Her Numbing Imbecility
Intelligence Officials Eye Blogs for Tips
They Done Found Us Out, Cletus: Intrepid Internet Detective Figures Out Our Master Plan
Shock: Josh Marshall Almost Mentions Sarin Discovery in Iraq
Leather-Clad Biker Freaks Terrorize Australian Town
When Clinton Was President, Torture Was Cool
What Wonkette Means When She Explains What Tina Brown Means
Wonkette's Stand-Up Act
Wankette HQ Gay-Rumors Du Jour
Here's What's Bugging Me: Goose and Slider
My Own Micah Wright Style Confession of Dishonesty
Outraged "Conservatives" React to the FMA
An On-Line Impression of Dennis Miller Having Sex with a Kodiak Bear
The Story the Rightwing Media Refuses to Report!
Our Lunch with David "Glengarry Glen Ross" Mamet
The House of Love: Paul Krugman
A Michael Moore Mystery (TM)
The Dowd-O-Matic!
Liberal Consistency and Other Myths
Kepler's Laws of Liberal Media Bias
John Kerry-- The Splunge! Candidate
"Divisive" Politics & "Attacks on Patriotism" (very long)
The Donkey ("The Raven" parody)
News/Chat