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Reading Thread 08/24/2025
Comments
(Jump to bottom of comments)1
first
Posted by: Reforger at August 24, 2025 09:00 AM (I0Uo2)
2
Top 5?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:01 AM (omVj0)
3
I never finished reading that Conrad short story. Oh well. Maybe this week.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 24, 2025 09:01 AM (0eaVi)
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:01 AM (omVj0)
5
Weasel, your selections are eclectic.
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 24, 2025 09:02 AM (p/isN)
6
Old books, as in printed a long time ago, or does it mean they can be new prints of old stories?
New and old books don't smell the same.
New and old books don't smell the same.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 24, 2025 09:03 AM (0eaVi)
7
Good morning fellow Book (or Reading) Threadists. I hope everyone had a great week of reading.
Posted by: JTB at August 24, 2025 09:03 AM (yTvNw)
8
Tolle Lege
Reading on Ebook Rick Atkinson's The British are Coming, revolutionary War 1775-1777
Reading on Ebook Rick Atkinson's The British are Coming, revolutionary War 1775-1777
Posted by: Skip at August 24, 2025 09:03 AM (R4srX)
9
My wife is a technical writer, but I don't think she would like this. Too much like work.
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 24, 2025 09:04 AM (p/isN)
10
Morning, Horde...How goes it?
It's kind of nice being a lurker again...Though I hope to return to the Sunday Morning Book Thread again as a contributor someday.
Now back to reading sans pants...Whoops! I've said too much....
It's kind of nice being a lurker again...Though I hope to return to the Sunday Morning Book Thread again as a contributor someday.
Now back to reading sans pants...Whoops! I've said too much....
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 24, 2025 09:05 AM (IBQGV)
11
Morning, Book Folken,
This week I finished an Elmore Leonard crime novel, Bandits, from 1987. It's set in Noo Awlins, a city Leonard knew pretty well (he was born here), and he has his details right, though some of his driving descriptions make it seem that it would take only minutes to go from downtown to the airport. Yes, minutes -- which in reality is more like 35 of 40. (True, the airport was more accessible back then.)
The novel features an ex-con who is now working at the funeral parlor of his brother-in-law, and gets mixed up with an ex-nun and with Nicaraguans (Contras vs. Somozans, I think -- I've always found all that confusing). There's some funny moments amid the crime and people being shot and shot at, too.
This week I finished an Elmore Leonard crime novel, Bandits, from 1987. It's set in Noo Awlins, a city Leonard knew pretty well (he was born here), and he has his details right, though some of his driving descriptions make it seem that it would take only minutes to go from downtown to the airport. Yes, minutes -- which in reality is more like 35 of 40. (True, the airport was more accessible back then.)
The novel features an ex-con who is now working at the funeral parlor of his brother-in-law, and gets mixed up with an ex-nun and with Nicaraguans (Contras vs. Somozans, I think -- I've always found all that confusing). There's some funny moments amid the crime and people being shot and shot at, too.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:06 AM (omVj0)
12
Wolfus, did you get that email I sent you last week?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 24, 2025 09:06 AM (0eaVi)
13
Not a lot of reading this week. Too busy with various chores. I feel compelled to finish Don Quixote, even though I'm only mildly interested in it, mostly because the kiddo has to read it for school and we (me and the missus) said we'd read it as well. I might have a chance of getting through the ball bearing manual....
Posted by: PabloD at August 24, 2025 09:07 AM (nTf9j)
14
Howdy Weasel and friends.
Read the guide and become a Master Ball Washer First Class -- IF you pass the test. Multiple choice, fill in the blank, and essay questions.
Pencils up!
Read the guide and become a Master Ball Washer First Class -- IF you pass the test. Multiple choice, fill in the blank, and essay questions.
Pencils up!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 09:07 AM (kpS4V)
15
Did the manual address the use of gauze pads and 3-in-1 oil for preparation?
Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at August 24, 2025 09:07 AM (XvL8K)
16
A lot of old books are new to me. I'm in the process of reading teen books from the '60s-80s.
Posted by: NaughtyPine at August 24, 2025 09:07 AM (htw0c)
17
On my reading table now is Personal, another Jack Reacher novel by Lee Child. This one is in first person again; for some reason LC bounces back and forth between first and third, and I'm not sure why he chooses to do that. Either form as handled by him is quite readable, though.
I have another one of his on the TBR pile, and two more Elvis Cole novels by Robert Crais.
I have another one of his on the TBR pile, and two more Elvis Cole novels by Robert Crais.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:07 AM (omVj0)
18
Reading is found in mental.
Posted by: Eromero at August 24, 2025 09:08 AM (LHPAg)
19
Given how much tripe is being produced now, old books are preferable, outside of a select few writers.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at August 24, 2025 09:08 AM (Zzi88)
20
Now back to reading sans pants...Whoops! I've said too much....
----
*nods in pantsless solidarity*
----
*nods in pantsless solidarity*
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 09:08 AM (kpS4V)
21
I prefer old hardcover books.
Posted by: dantesed at August 24, 2025 09:08 AM (Oy/m2)
22
Wolfus, did you get that email I sent you last week?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 24, 2025
***
About AgentQuery, or about DAW Books? I saw them both but haven't checked either site yet.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 24, 2025
***
About AgentQuery, or about DAW Books? I saw them both but haven't checked either site yet.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:08 AM (omVj0)
Posted by: Shy Lurking Voter at August 24, 2025 09:09 AM (e/Osv)
24
Booken morgen horden
I read a great book this week (listened to mainly)-
The Mercy of Gods by James S Corey (pen name of the duo that wrote the Expanse series)
It's the start of a new series, set in the far future, on a planet with humans that doesn't remember earth, who get conquered by an alien bug like species that has subjugated many other worlds.
The core group of humans it focuses on are taken into captivity and brought to the planet where the conquerers keep other prisoners.
I read a great book this week (listened to mainly)-
The Mercy of Gods by James S Corey (pen name of the duo that wrote the Expanse series)
It's the start of a new series, set in the far future, on a planet with humans that doesn't remember earth, who get conquered by an alien bug like species that has subjugated many other worlds.
The core group of humans it focuses on are taken into captivity and brought to the planet where the conquerers keep other prisoners.
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at August 24, 2025 09:09 AM (Mgy3C)
25
Old books
The older the better
The older the better
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at August 24, 2025 09:10 AM (Mgy3C)
26
Didn't read a damn thing. Wait.....I did read my bank statement.
Posted by: Dr. Pork Chops & Bacons at August 24, 2025 09:10 AM (g8Ew8)
27
Morning! I’m halfway through The Riddle of the Sands, a 1903 espionage book, supposedly the first of its kind. The narrator is hilarious without knowing he is, and the secondary lead is definitely Up To Something.
I love the writing, really, but it’s about sailing so a substantial portion is written in a language that is Not English. At least the internet told me what luffing and kedging were.
I love the writing, really, but it’s about sailing so a substantial portion is written in a language that is Not English. At least the internet told me what luffing and kedging were.
Posted by: Best Thief in Lankhmar at August 24, 2025 09:11 AM (64rer)
28
Generally, I prefer older books. The quality of the paper and printing is usually better. The exceptions are the fancier editions of LOTR (required reference) and similar that will be read for generations and passed along as gifts. You pay a premium for the better than average quality, of course, but these aren't an everyday purchase.
Example: My copy of Roget's Thesaurus is almost a century old and has seen plenty of use. The binding is still tight, the cover is not rotting and the paper hasn't yellowed with age.
Example: My copy of Roget's Thesaurus is almost a century old and has seen plenty of use. The binding is still tight, the cover is not rotting and the paper hasn't yellowed with age.
Posted by: JTB at August 24, 2025 09:11 AM (yTvNw)
29
Good Sunday morning, horde!
I am definitely fond of old books. I've been thrift shopping for pre-80s paperbacks, lately. I'll read just about anything that doesn't have a barcode on the back cover.
This week's selection was "Someone is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe," by Nan and Ivan Lyons. I know this was a movie, also, but I never saw it.
I enjoyed the 1970s humor. Lots of sarcasm, a fair amount of sex is intrinsic to the story, but not overly explicit. Refreshingly heterosexual. If this were written today, every one of those chefs would be gay or trans.
Next on the thrift pile is Gold Mine by Wilbur Smith. Never heard of him, but it there were about half a dozen books there in what looks like a manly series set in Africa.
I am definitely fond of old books. I've been thrift shopping for pre-80s paperbacks, lately. I'll read just about anything that doesn't have a barcode on the back cover.
This week's selection was "Someone is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe," by Nan and Ivan Lyons. I know this was a movie, also, but I never saw it.
I enjoyed the 1970s humor. Lots of sarcasm, a fair amount of sex is intrinsic to the story, but not overly explicit. Refreshingly heterosexual. If this were written today, every one of those chefs would be gay or trans.
Next on the thrift pile is Gold Mine by Wilbur Smith. Never heard of him, but it there were about half a dozen books there in what looks like a manly series set in Africa.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at August 24, 2025 09:12 AM (h7ZuX)
30
Hey friends, I posted some new arts to the Instagrams. Weirdly enough, it seems to have generated a few sales last week so that was nice.
https://www.instagram.com/vtk52_25/
Anyway, thinking of doing a sale next week so if Douglas Adams meets John Ringo is a style of fiction you might be interested in, you can try it out cheap or possibly free.
https://www.instagram.com/vtk52_25/
Anyway, thinking of doing a sale next week so if Douglas Adams meets John Ringo is a style of fiction you might be interested in, you can try it out cheap or possibly free.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at August 24, 2025 09:12 AM (DIweC)
31
"I prefer old hardcover books."
I know what you mean. I acquired one a few months ago with pages so thick that if they had been any denser they would've been considered plywood. And the binding had survived 55+ years with no visible degradation, though the jacket was rather chewed up.
I know what you mean. I acquired one a few months ago with pages so thick that if they had been any denser they would've been considered plywood. And the binding had survived 55+ years with no visible degradation, though the jacket was rather chewed up.
Posted by: PabloD at August 24, 2025 09:12 AM (nTf9j)
32
As to the question, if you mean recently printed books regardless of copyright date, I prefer newer. They have less chance of falling apart.
If you mean otherwise, that depends on the story. I grew up with landline telephones, so I'm used to that. A younger reader might be stalled by such archaic elements.
I remember an Ellery Queen short in which the man's arm was wet because he was driving in the rain. He had to put his arm out the window to signal his turns. The electric kind hadn't been invented yet.
If you mean otherwise, that depends on the story. I grew up with landline telephones, so I'm used to that. A younger reader might be stalled by such archaic elements.
I remember an Ellery Queen short in which the man's arm was wet because he was driving in the rain. He had to put his arm out the window to signal his turns. The electric kind hadn't been invented yet.
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 24, 2025 09:12 AM (p/isN)
33
Also, KTE likes the actress in prime's Ballard, and she is now reading through the Michael Connelly Ballard mysteries.
I think this may be a new genre for her.
Happy to see her reading ratger than pn her phone.
I think this may be a new genre for her.
Happy to see her reading ratger than pn her phone.
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at August 24, 2025 09:12 AM (Mgy3C)
34
I'm currently 2/3 of the way done with Orb Sceptre Throne by Ian C. Esslemont. It's another tale set in the world of the Malazan Empire.
An archaeologist has unearthed an ancient evil that now threatens to take over not only the city state of Darujhistan, but also the entire continent of Genabakis.
It's up to the remnants of the fabled Bridgeburners of the Malazan Army to stop his evil.
Parts of story read like characters exploring Dwemer ruins from Skyrim. At least, that's what I picture in my head.
An archaeologist has unearthed an ancient evil that now threatens to take over not only the city state of Darujhistan, but also the entire continent of Genabakis.
It's up to the remnants of the fabled Bridgeburners of the Malazan Army to stop his evil.
Parts of story read like characters exploring Dwemer ruins from Skyrim. At least, that's what I picture in my head.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 24, 2025 09:13 AM (IBQGV)
35
As for today's question, I prefer old books. Like, OLD books. The creamy paper, the illustrations, the crumbly leather, the smell...aahhh.
Pulpy sci fi is heavenly too.
There are plenty of modern or modernish authors I like, but give me the 19th C. baby.
Pulpy sci fi is heavenly too.
There are plenty of modern or modernish authors I like, but give me the 19th C. baby.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 09:13 AM (kpS4V)
Posted by: InspiredHistoryMike at August 24, 2025 09:14 AM (KaHlS)
37
Oh, and I read Conrad’s An Outpost of Progress (mentioned last week). Chilling. I liked it better than Heart of D.
Posted by: Best Thief in Lankhmar at August 24, 2025 09:14 AM (64rer)
38
Currently reading Lisle A. Rose's "Assault on Eternity: Richard E.Byrd and the Exploration of Antarctica, 1946-47".
The main objective was the complete aerial mapping of the Antarctic rim and as much of the interior as possible. The secondary mission was to test transport and equipment under polar conditions and give personnel experience in operating in extreme cold. It was evident shortly after the war that the next conflict might involve the Soviet Union.
Interesting to me was that one impetus for a grand-scale naval operation was to fly in the face of talk for unifying the services. I didn't know this specter arose after WWII. There was talk that the Navy might lose the Marines to the Army and its air arm and carriers to the Air Force. The Navy had to showcase its global reach and what better than a massive Atlantic and Pacific Fleet trip down to the South Pole.
The main objective was the complete aerial mapping of the Antarctic rim and as much of the interior as possible. The secondary mission was to test transport and equipment under polar conditions and give personnel experience in operating in extreme cold. It was evident shortly after the war that the next conflict might involve the Soviet Union.
Interesting to me was that one impetus for a grand-scale naval operation was to fly in the face of talk for unifying the services. I didn't know this specter arose after WWII. There was talk that the Navy might lose the Marines to the Army and its air arm and carriers to the Air Force. The Navy had to showcase its global reach and what better than a massive Atlantic and Pacific Fleet trip down to the South Pole.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 09:15 AM (kpS4V)
39
Though I hope to return to the Sunday Morning Book Thread again as a contributor someday.
--
I hope you do as well, Perfesser!
--
I hope you do as well, Perfesser!
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at August 24, 2025 09:15 AM (Mgy3C)
40
Agatha Christie is not the only author to set a story on the most famous train in the world. Orient Express by Graham Greene is a thriller that follows an eclectic group of people from Ostend to Constantinople on this most renowned of rail journeys. Intrigue, espionage, and seduction are intertwined in a multi-faceted story.
Carleton Myatt is a Jewish businessman travelling to Constantinople to buy out a competitor. Richard John presents himself as a British schoolmaster on holiday. Coral Musker is a dancer heading east for a job, as is Janet Pardoe, who joins the train at Cologne. Janet's roommate is gossip reporter Mabel Warren, who is so jealous of Janet leaving that she buys a ticket at the last minute to join the train.
As the story progresses, further details of each passenger's life are slowly revealed, and we see that each of them has complications in life, some much more serious than others. When a criminal joins the train further down the line, the strands of each life begin to fray, and things begin to fall apart. This is a story that requires quite a bit of reading between the lines, so the reader must focus to grasp the full import of the subplots.
Carleton Myatt is a Jewish businessman travelling to Constantinople to buy out a competitor. Richard John presents himself as a British schoolmaster on holiday. Coral Musker is a dancer heading east for a job, as is Janet Pardoe, who joins the train at Cologne. Janet's roommate is gossip reporter Mabel Warren, who is so jealous of Janet leaving that she buys a ticket at the last minute to join the train.
As the story progresses, further details of each passenger's life are slowly revealed, and we see that each of them has complications in life, some much more serious than others. When a criminal joins the train further down the line, the strands of each life begin to fray, and things begin to fall apart. This is a story that requires quite a bit of reading between the lines, so the reader must focus to grasp the full import of the subplots.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at August 24, 2025 09:15 AM (Zzi88)
41
(Cont'd). It seems the desire to combine, streamline, and "right-size" the armed forces won't go away: I remember it back in the late 80's/early 90's, or what my LPO called the Purple Jumpsuit brigade. We're all one service, yay! Nobody of any service I knew wanted this.
While reading, I came across the phrase "meaner than a barrel full of pickled assholes", which is the best thing I've read all week.
I noticed he studiously avoided mentioning Antarctic Nazis, which tells me it was really about Antarctic Nazis.
"The Secret Land", a contemporary documentary by MGM:
https://tinyurl.com/u4xj4268
While reading, I came across the phrase "meaner than a barrel full of pickled assholes", which is the best thing I've read all week.
I noticed he studiously avoided mentioning Antarctic Nazis, which tells me it was really about Antarctic Nazis.
"The Secret Land", a contemporary documentary by MGM:
https://tinyurl.com/u4xj4268
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 09:16 AM (kpS4V)
42
Did the manual address the use of gauze pads and 3-in-1 oil for preparation?
Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at August 24, 2025
***
Who said this?
"Eldridge Cleaver gives us the parable of the 3-in-One Oil, and we find that useful."
Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at August 24, 2025
***
Who said this?
"Eldridge Cleaver gives us the parable of the 3-in-One Oil, and we find that useful."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:16 AM (omVj0)
43
I buzzed through a Perry Mason mystery ("TCOT Perjured Parrot") last weekend and identified the clue that led to the killer. However, I thought the killer was part of a murder conspiracy; not so.
Now I'm going through a Marvel Epic collection of early Iron Man stories, from before Shell-Head got his own title. Great Gene Colan art, but I chuckle over Stan Lee's errors in detail.
Now I'm going through a Marvel Epic collection of early Iron Man stories, from before Shell-Head got his own title. Great Gene Colan art, but I chuckle over Stan Lee's errors in detail.
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 24, 2025 09:16 AM (p/isN)
44
Do you prefer old books or new books?
----
Old books.
They carry the weight of history with them, which is somewhat intoxicating. The smell, the weight, the whispery rustling of the pages...New books cannot compare with that.
----
Old books.
They carry the weight of history with them, which is somewhat intoxicating. The smell, the weight, the whispery rustling of the pages...New books cannot compare with that.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 24, 2025 09:17 AM (IBQGV)
45
I remember an Ellery Queen short in which the man's arm was wet because he was driving in the rain. He had to put his arm out the window to signal his turns. The electric kind hadn't been invented yet.
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 24, 2025
***
And that was from the early Fifties, I think.
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 24, 2025
***
And that was from the early Fifties, I think.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:17 AM (omVj0)
46
Handy choice because you never know when your balls or bearings need realignment .
Posted by: Ben Had at August 24, 2025 09:18 AM (dxWFK)
47
Modern society would not be possible without ball bearings. Sure, we would have roller bearings, but what about the thrust?
Posted by: fd at August 24, 2025 09:18 AM (vFG9F)
48
I started The Room Where it Happened by John Bolton. Only because I wanted to see what that dick is going to jail for. Put it down after about 4 pages. Dude comes off as a bigger prick in print than in real life.
So I noted the date of the raid on the cover in sharpie and drew a mustache on his picture on the back.
So I noted the date of the raid on the cover in sharpie and drew a mustache on his picture on the back.
Posted by: Reforger at August 24, 2025 09:18 AM (I0Uo2)
49
Morning, Weasel.
Howdy, Horde.
Today's selection -- brilliantly detailed, with the subject imagined thoroughly in every possible aspect. But I gotta say, Weasel, that the plot and characterization leave a LOT to be desired.
These days, the new books I read are mostly older books that I'm revisiting or that I never got around to before. When I was still working bookstore and libraries, I kept up with who was currently writing what. Now, I barely recognize most of the names on the best seller lists. Hugo and Nebula winners, which I used to watch, I haven't kept track of or tried to read all of for at least 15 or 20 years now. And I have to say I kinda like it that way.
Current reading -- about another hour and I'll finish Nabokov's first novel, Mary. New to me, but originally came out decades ago.
Howdy, Horde.
Today's selection -- brilliantly detailed, with the subject imagined thoroughly in every possible aspect. But I gotta say, Weasel, that the plot and characterization leave a LOT to be desired.
These days, the new books I read are mostly older books that I'm revisiting or that I never got around to before. When I was still working bookstore and libraries, I kept up with who was currently writing what. Now, I barely recognize most of the names on the best seller lists. Hugo and Nebula winners, which I used to watch, I haven't kept track of or tried to read all of for at least 15 or 20 years now. And I have to say I kinda like it that way.
Current reading -- about another hour and I'll finish Nabokov's first novel, Mary. New to me, but originally came out decades ago.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at August 24, 2025 09:18 AM (q3u5l)
50
Well, considering that new books are judged not by quantity but by degree of woke, I'll have to go with old books.
Incidentally, I saw a documentary about high school drop out serial killer Elmer Wayne Henley who was paid to lure young boys for Dean Corll to torture to death, sometimes killing them himself. Although he is full of excuses and deceptions, his vocabulary and use of language impressed me by how good it was. I guess in 1973, even dropouts had reasonably good language skills that put many of today's leaders to shame.
Incidentally, I saw a documentary about high school drop out serial killer Elmer Wayne Henley who was paid to lure young boys for Dean Corll to torture to death, sometimes killing them himself. Although he is full of excuses and deceptions, his vocabulary and use of language impressed me by how good it was. I guess in 1973, even dropouts had reasonably good language skills that put many of today's leaders to shame.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fire Can Too Melt Steel! at August 24, 2025 09:18 AM (L/fGl)
51
"Someone is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe," . The movie was faintly amusing.
Posted by: clarence at August 24, 2025 09:18 AM (dL2Vj)
52
Reforger, you punk! 😆
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 09:19 AM (kpS4V)
53
I saw a documentary about high school drop out serial killer Elmer Wayne Henley who was paid to lure young boys for Dean Corll to torture to death.
------------------------------
That's one of those guys I always thought I would go back in time and murder if I could. I never got how a kid could just bring other kids to be slaughtered like that.
------------------------------
That's one of those guys I always thought I would go back in time and murder if I could. I never got how a kid could just bring other kids to be slaughtered like that.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at August 24, 2025 09:20 AM (DIweC)
54
Morning! I’m halfway through The Riddle of the Sands, a 1903 espionage book, supposedly the first of its kind. The narrator is hilarious without knowing he is, and the secondary lead is definitely Up To Something.
I love the writing, really, but it’s about sailing so a substantial portion is written in a language that is Not English. At least the internet told me what luffing and kedging were.
Posted by: Best Thief in Lankhmar at August 24, 2025
***
"Erskine" Somebody, I think? His was one of the first "modern" English spy stories, as in leading to Ian Fleming and John LeCarre.
I love the writing, really, but it’s about sailing so a substantial portion is written in a language that is Not English. At least the internet told me what luffing and kedging were.
Posted by: Best Thief in Lankhmar at August 24, 2025
***
"Erskine" Somebody, I think? His was one of the first "modern" English spy stories, as in leading to Ian Fleming and John LeCarre.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:20 AM (omVj0)
55
Modern society would not be possible without ball bearings. Sure, we would have roller bearings, but what about the thrust?
Posted by: fd
Balls? Thrust? Is this going to be one of those threads?
Posted by: fd
Balls? Thrust? Is this going to be one of those threads?
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fire Can Too Melt Steel! at August 24, 2025 09:20 AM (L/fGl)
56
Reading "The Hearse You Came In On," by Tim Cockey, one of 5 mystery novels he wrote back in the aughts, featuring Baltimore mortician Hitchcock Sewell. I always enjoy Cockey's work.
A few weeks ago when Perfessor Squirrel announced that he had to suspend his work on the Sunday Book Thread, I thought to offer myself as a possible fill-in. Unfortunately, weekly 85 hour work shift as well as Triple Grandson Babysitting Duties precludes that much work being put in.
However, I do think I would be able to take the time to put new entries into Perfessor Squirrel's Library over at:
https://www.libib.com/u/perfessorsquirrel
Which many of us have found to be very useful in finding new reading material.
Perfessor, if you would be willing to let me have a shot at this, I'm at:
Eventhorizonescapee - at - gmail - dot- com, for instructions in how to carry on in your stead.
A few weeks ago when Perfessor Squirrel announced that he had to suspend his work on the Sunday Book Thread, I thought to offer myself as a possible fill-in. Unfortunately, weekly 85 hour work shift as well as Triple Grandson Babysitting Duties precludes that much work being put in.
However, I do think I would be able to take the time to put new entries into Perfessor Squirrel's Library over at:
https://www.libib.com/u/perfessorsquirrel
Which many of us have found to be very useful in finding new reading material.
Perfessor, if you would be willing to let me have a shot at this, I'm at:
Eventhorizonescapee - at - gmail - dot- com, for instructions in how to carry on in your stead.
Posted by: Sharkman at August 24, 2025 09:20 AM (/RHNq)
57
he has his details right, though some of his driving descriptions make it seem that it would take only minutes to go from downtown to the airport. Yes, minutes -- which in reality is more like 35 of 40. (True, the airport was more accessible back then.)
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:06 AM (omVj0)
---
Yesterday I drove to see my father in metro Detroit. I spent three years living in the area during middle school and both sets of grandparents were there. I spent the summer of '94 living with my father while doing an internship, so I knew it pretty well once upon a time.
But so much has changed that I hardly recognize it and traffic is horrific compared to what it was then. I'd cut him some slack.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:06 AM (omVj0)
---
Yesterday I drove to see my father in metro Detroit. I spent three years living in the area during middle school and both sets of grandparents were there. I spent the summer of '94 living with my father while doing an internship, so I knew it pretty well once upon a time.
But so much has changed that I hardly recognize it and traffic is horrific compared to what it was then. I'd cut him some slack.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 09:22 AM (ZOv7s)
Posted by: dantesed at August 24, 2025 09:22 AM (Oy/m2)
59
I've mentioned "The Lost Tales of Sir Galahad" several times. It was put together by the staff at Rabbit Room Press and is wonderful. At times it's laugh out loud funny and at others it's poignant.
By chance I came across a CD version on Amazon a few days ago. Didn't know there was an audio version. The price was $6.50 with free shipping. It's sitting by my chair right now. But when I looked this morning, the price was now $25. Don't know if I got lucky or if Amazon is fucking around, could be both. I'll take the win but Amazon prices are inconsistent and can change a lot overnight.
By chance I came across a CD version on Amazon a few days ago. Didn't know there was an audio version. The price was $6.50 with free shipping. It's sitting by my chair right now. But when I looked this morning, the price was now $25. Don't know if I got lucky or if Amazon is fucking around, could be both. I'll take the win but Amazon prices are inconsistent and can change a lot overnight.
Posted by: JTB at August 24, 2025 09:22 AM (yTvNw)
60
Thanks for maintaining the book thread, Weasel.
The tech manual reminds me of a stack of booklets I saw in an antique mall recently. All published by the federal gov't in the (by appearance) '40s or '50s with titles like "What to Feed Your Baby" and so on. How did the human species ever survive without government experts?
The tech manual reminds me of a stack of booklets I saw in an antique mall recently. All published by the federal gov't in the (by appearance) '40s or '50s with titles like "What to Feed Your Baby" and so on. How did the human species ever survive without government experts?
Posted by: Oddbob at August 24, 2025 09:23 AM (3nLb4)
61
About AgentQuery, or about DAW Books? I saw them both but haven't checked either site yet.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:08 AM (omVj0)
Sorry, I was writing. DAW books.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:08 AM (omVj0)
Sorry, I was writing. DAW books.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 24, 2025 09:24 AM (0eaVi)
62
I noticed he studiously avoided mentioning Antarctic Nazis, which tells me it was really about Antarctic Nazis.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 09:16 AM (kpS4V)
*nods conspiratorially
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 09:16 AM (kpS4V)
*nods conspiratorially
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at August 24, 2025 09:24 AM (h7ZuX)
63
But so much has changed that I hardly recognize it and traffic is horrific compared to what it was then. I'd cut him some slack.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025
***
Oh, I know, AHL. I lived here in the late Eighties, the period of Leonard's novel. He was just making the story move rather than telling us about the difficulties his hero had driving around. Wasn't he the one that said he liked to "leave out the boring parts" of a story? Or was that James M. Cain?
But so much has changed that I hardly recognize it and traffic is horrific compared to what it was then. I'd cut him some slack.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025
***
Oh, I know, AHL. I lived here in the late Eighties, the period of Leonard's novel. He was just making the story move rather than telling us about the difficulties his hero had driving around. Wasn't he the one that said he liked to "leave out the boring parts" of a story? Or was that James M. Cain?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:24 AM (omVj0)
64
Never got around to Who Is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe, but the movie's worth a look if only for the scene where George Segal pays a visit to the vegetarian restaurant.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at August 24, 2025 09:25 AM (q3u5l)
65
I volunteered to extrude a Book Thread. The peristalsis is excruciating. How do our COBs do it week in, week out?
This Wikipedia blurb on the British band Coil's creative process is similar to how the Book Thread is willed into being each week:
"Often ensuing from improvisation and intuition, Coil utilized experimental techniques such as the cut-up technique, ritual drug use, sleep deprivation, lucid dreaming, tidal shifts, John Dee-like methods of scrying, technical glitches, SETI synchronization and chaos theory."
This Wikipedia blurb on the British band Coil's creative process is similar to how the Book Thread is willed into being each week:
"Often ensuing from improvisation and intuition, Coil utilized experimental techniques such as the cut-up technique, ritual drug use, sleep deprivation, lucid dreaming, tidal shifts, John Dee-like methods of scrying, technical glitches, SETI synchronization and chaos theory."
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 09:25 AM (kpS4V)
66
And that was from the early Fifties, I think.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
I had a 1953 that did not have turn signals.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
I had a 1953 that did not have turn signals.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at August 24, 2025 09:25 AM (0U5gm)
67
This week I started a fun book, _An Assassin in Utopia_ by Susan Weis. It's about Charles Guiteau, James Garfield, the Oneida Community, and a bunch of other stuff. A better title of the book might be "Six Degrees of Horace Greeley" as Greeley is a major figure in the book and forms the universal adaptor connecting everyone else.
The takeaway: 19th-century America was a lot weirder than we give it credit for. The Oneida Community was basically a Scientology-style sex cult, but still giving lip service to Christianity. Upstate New York in the decades between 1812 and the Civil War was basically the California of its day, where all the weird movements started. Guiteau and Garfield were oddly similar in a lot of ways.
Anyway, recommended.
The takeaway: 19th-century America was a lot weirder than we give it credit for. The Oneida Community was basically a Scientology-style sex cult, but still giving lip service to Christianity. Upstate New York in the decades between 1812 and the Civil War was basically the California of its day, where all the weird movements started. Guiteau and Garfield were oddly similar in a lot of ways.
Anyway, recommended.
Posted by: Trimegistus at August 24, 2025 09:26 AM (78a2H)
68
I stumbled on this book question whilst slumming in the bowels of reddit:
I am looking for stories for my son about how awesome the Crusades and explorers were. So far I have only found The Boy knight by GA Henty. I am also interested in crusades' adjacent historical events such as the Reconquest of a Spain, Charles Martels battle of Tours, Jan Sobieski at the Battle of Vienna, etc.
Most of the replies were as AWFL as you might expect , but I am curious what books the horde would pick.
I am looking for stories for my son about how awesome the Crusades and explorers were. So far I have only found The Boy knight by GA Henty. I am also interested in crusades' adjacent historical events such as the Reconquest of a Spain, Charles Martels battle of Tours, Jan Sobieski at the Battle of Vienna, etc.
Most of the replies were as AWFL as you might expect , but I am curious what books the horde would pick.
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at August 24, 2025 09:27 AM (Mgy3C)
69
There was talk that the Navy might lose the Marines to the Army and its air arm and carriers to the Air Force. The Navy had to showcase its global reach and what better than a massive Atlantic and Pacific Fleet trip down to the South Pole.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 09:15 AM (kpS4V)
---
During the 1930s, the Fleet Air Arm was removed from the Royal Navy and placed under the RAF. It didn't work, and was switched back before the war. This is one reason why RN fighter aircraft were so awful, and the UK didn't produce a decent domestic carrier-based fighter until after the war, instead relying on US designs or navalized Spitfires, which were obsolete by then.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 09:15 AM (kpS4V)
---
During the 1930s, the Fleet Air Arm was removed from the Royal Navy and placed under the RAF. It didn't work, and was switched back before the war. This is one reason why RN fighter aircraft were so awful, and the UK didn't produce a decent domestic carrier-based fighter until after the war, instead relying on US designs or navalized Spitfires, which were obsolete by then.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 09:27 AM (ZOv7s)
70
Since you bring it up, Four Brothers is the most realistic set-in-Detroit movie.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at August 24, 2025 09:27 AM (DIweC)
71
The price was $6.50 with free shipping. It's sitting by my chair right now. But when I looked this morning, the price was now $25.
----
You got the version narrated by Gilbert Godfrey.
----
You got the version narrated by Gilbert Godfrey.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 09:27 AM (kpS4V)
72
I am more than half way through Daniel Silva's latest, "An Inside Job." It's very similar in feel to his last 2 Gabriel Allon capers. Former Israeli spy turned art restorer retrieves/steals back priceless art work from bad guys. This time, it's the Italian mafia. I'm not impressed. Hopefully this is the end of the Gabriel Allon book series at #25.
Posted by: Zekesmom at August 24, 2025 09:28 AM (XQPm3)
73
And that was from the early Fifties, I think.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
*
I had a 1953 that did not have turn signals.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at August 24, 2025
***
There you go. And there was another EQ, 1934, that had a man's detachable shirt collar as an important clue. Reading it in the 1960s, I had no idea what Ellery was talking about; shirts to me had always featured attached collars.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
*
I had a 1953 that did not have turn signals.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at August 24, 2025
***
There you go. And there was another EQ, 1934, that had a man's detachable shirt collar as an important clue. Reading it in the 1960s, I had no idea what Ellery was talking about; shirts to me had always featured attached collars.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:28 AM (omVj0)
74
Last in my hook news, Ilona Andrews released a new novella "The Inheritance"
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at August 24, 2025 09:28 AM (Mgy3C)
75
Agatha Christie is not the only author to set a story on the most famous train in the world. Orient Express by Graham Greene is a thriller that follows an eclectic group of people from Ostend to Constantinople
-
Greene's train went from here to there while Christie's went from there to here.
-
Greene's train went from here to there while Christie's went from there to here.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fire Can Too Melt Steel! at August 24, 2025 09:28 AM (L/fGl)
76
@63 --
The late Marvel EIC Jim Shooter wrote in his blog about the importance of keeping the story moving. Comics can do that with a single caption: "Weeks pass." As Shooter put it, "Skip the convalescence."
The late Marvel EIC Jim Shooter wrote in his blog about the importance of keeping the story moving. Comics can do that with a single caption: "Weeks pass." As Shooter put it, "Skip the convalescence."
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 24, 2025 09:29 AM (p/isN)
Posted by: Thomas Paine at August 24, 2025 09:29 AM (0U5gm)
78
This week's selection was "Someone is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe," by Nan and Ivan Lyons. I know this was a movie, also, but I never saw it.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at August 24, 2025 09:12 AM (h7ZuX)
The movie was pretty good: George Segal, Robert Morley and Jacqueline Bisset.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at August 24, 2025 09:12 AM (h7ZuX)
The movie was pretty good: George Segal, Robert Morley and Jacqueline Bisset.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 24, 2025 09:29 AM (0eaVi)
79
My reading had languished for a while so last week I resolved cut down on screen time and go back to books.
Part of the reason I had faltered was that the tone of Our Man in Havana did not match my mood, so I just watched the movie (which is fun). I've now moved onto another Graham Greene book, The End of The Affair, which is about some very unpleasant people, but as in typical Greene fashion, can't help but draw you in. I've been staying up late reading in bed, which is always a good sign.
Part of the reason I had faltered was that the tone of Our Man in Havana did not match my mood, so I just watched the movie (which is fun). I've now moved onto another Graham Greene book, The End of The Affair, which is about some very unpleasant people, but as in typical Greene fashion, can't help but draw you in. I've been staying up late reading in bed, which is always a good sign.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 09:30 AM (ZOv7s)
80
Agatha Christie is not the only author to set a story on the most famous train in the world. Orient Express by Graham Greene is a thriller that follows an eclectic group of people from Ostend to Constantinople
-
Greene's train went from here to there while Christie's went from there to here.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fire Can Too Melt Steel! at August 24, 2025
***
The Orient Express was ready-made as a setting for any dramatic story. It took quite a while to go from Paris to Istanbul, yet there were stops, unlike on an ocean liner, where new characters could board and come into the story.
-
Greene's train went from here to there while Christie's went from there to here.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fire Can Too Melt Steel! at August 24, 2025
***
The Orient Express was ready-made as a setting for any dramatic story. It took quite a while to go from Paris to Istanbul, yet there were stops, unlike on an ocean liner, where new characters could board and come into the story.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:30 AM (omVj0)
81
Izzat two separate kinda bearings, or is it a brand-new composite called a 'Ball-and-Roller Bearing'? I get confuzed so easy ...
Posted by: Dr_No at August 24, 2025 09:31 AM (ayRl+)
82
I don't know that anybody's every mentioned this, but a series I like and occasionally go back to re-read is Alma Boykin's Merchant and Empire. I'm not sure how to classify it: it is a collection of stories set in what I imagine is somewhat like the era of the Hanseatic League, but it describes the lives of the people as they live with taxes, work, magic, and the other trivia of community existence.
Posted by: yara at August 24, 2025 09:31 AM (EbWSH)
83
Perfessor, if you would be willing to let me have a shot at this, I'm at:
Eventhorizonescapee - at - gmail - dot- com, for instructions in how to carry on in your stead.
Posted by: Sharkman at August 24, 2025 09:20 AM (/RHNq)
----
I just sent you an email. It's definitely possible.
Eventhorizonescapee - at - gmail - dot- com, for instructions in how to carry on in your stead.
Posted by: Sharkman at August 24, 2025 09:20 AM (/RHNq)
----
I just sent you an email. It's definitely possible.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 24, 2025 09:31 AM (IBQGV)
84
Most of the replies were as AWFL as you might expect , but I am curious what books the horde would pick.
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at August 24, 2025 09:27 AM (Mgy3C)
---
How about the Great Siege of Malta and the Battle of Lepanto?
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at August 24, 2025 09:27 AM (Mgy3C)
---
How about the Great Siege of Malta and the Battle of Lepanto?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 09:32 AM (ZOv7s)
85
Reading Copse 125 by Ernst Junger. His journal of summer 1918, after the spring offensive had been stopped and things were going to shit.
Posted by: Biff Pocoroba at August 24, 2025 09:32 AM (XvL8K)
86
40 Agatha Christie is not the only author to set a story on the most famous train in the world. Orient Express by Graham Greene is a thriller that follows an eclectic group of people from Ostend to Constantinople on this most renowned of rail journeys.
Posted by: Thomas Paine
Thomas Paine, your reviews are always a pleasure to read. Thank you!
Posted by: Thomas Paine
Thomas Paine, your reviews are always a pleasure to read. Thank you!
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at August 24, 2025 09:32 AM (h7ZuX)
87
Started Grant and Lee: A Study in Personality and Generalship by Maj. Gen. J.F.C. Fuller. The first third dealing with personalities was fantastic. Now it's more into the minutia of the battles and a little bit more plodding but still good. I'm also reading Father Brown mysteries, one a day or so out of a collection that seems to include everything Chesterton wrote. I'm not a big mystery reader so I don't know where these would rank in the genre . In my opinion they are mildly amusing.
Posted by: who knew at August 24, 2025 09:32 AM (+ViXu)
88
The late Marvel EIC Jim Shooter wrote in his blog about the importance of keeping the story moving. Comics can do that with a single caption: "Weeks pass." As Shooter put it, "Skip the convalescence."
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 24, 2025
***
You can use that in a novel too. "Weeks went by." "The days passed . . ."
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 24, 2025
***
You can use that in a novel too. "Weeks went by." "The days passed . . ."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:32 AM (omVj0)
89
Weasel is being careful not to cross the threads. Sgt. Dick was too close for comfort, so he's make more space lest he destroy the time-space continuum.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 09:34 AM (ZOv7s)
90
@73 --
And then there was the EQ in which a man's collar was on backward. Or was that the one to which refer? (Tangerine)
And then there was the EQ in which a man's collar was on backward. Or was that the one to which refer? (Tangerine)
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 24, 2025 09:34 AM (p/isN)
91
I'm also reading Father Brown mysteries, one a day or so out of a collection that seems to include everything Chesterton wrote. I'm not a big mystery reader so I don't know where these would rank in the genre . In my opinion they are mildly amusing.
Posted by: who knew at August 24, 2025
***
They are clever little shorts from a time before the Golden Age of the Classic Detective Story, the 1920s and 1930s. Many of those later authors grew up on GKC; John Dickson Carr for one acknowledged his debt to Chesterton, and physically modeled his most famous detective, Gideon Fell, after him
Posted by: who knew at August 24, 2025
***
They are clever little shorts from a time before the Golden Age of the Classic Detective Story, the 1920s and 1930s. Many of those later authors grew up on GKC; John Dickson Carr for one acknowledged his debt to Chesterton, and physically modeled his most famous detective, Gideon Fell, after him
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:34 AM (omVj0)
92
This is one reason why RN fighter aircraft were so awful
-
For example, the Fairey Swordfish "Stringbag," an open cockpit, biplane with fix undercarriage that nevertheless did yeoman's service.
-
For example, the Fairey Swordfish "Stringbag," an open cockpit, biplane with fix undercarriage that nevertheless did yeoman's service.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fire Can Too Melt Steel! at August 24, 2025 09:35 AM (L/fGl)
93
@73 --
And then there was the EQ in which a man's collar was on backward. Or was that the one to which refer? (Tangerine)
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 24, 2025
***
That's the one. Supposedly his most famous, though I'd nominate several others as his best.
And then there was the EQ in which a man's collar was on backward. Or was that the one to which refer? (Tangerine)
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 24, 2025
***
That's the one. Supposedly his most famous, though I'd nominate several others as his best.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:35 AM (omVj0)
94
How about the Great Siege of Malta and the Battle of Lepanto?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd
Are those book titles?
I think the original question was for books to read with or by the child
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd
Are those book titles?
I think the original question was for books to read with or by the child
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at August 24, 2025 09:36 AM (Mgy3C)
95
The new reading thread sucks Weasel.
Posted by: Deep Sea Endiver at August 24, 2025 09:36 AM (xbptd)
96
The other book I've been tinkering with this week is the Annotated Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks (35th Anniversary Edition).
He and his assistant provide copious notes in the margins about the reasons why he wrote the book the way he did. He openly acknowledges his homage to Lord of the Rings.
At the time, there really wasn't any epic fantasy to speak of, compared to the explosion of epic fantasy we have today. Some, sure, but nothing like what we have now. The commercial success of Sword of Shannara led to that explosive growth.
Taken on its own merits, it's a decent story told by a competent author. However, the sequel, Elfstones of Shannara is the superior book and really is the linchpin of the entire Shannara saga from that point forward.
He and his assistant provide copious notes in the margins about the reasons why he wrote the book the way he did. He openly acknowledges his homage to Lord of the Rings.
At the time, there really wasn't any epic fantasy to speak of, compared to the explosion of epic fantasy we have today. Some, sure, but nothing like what we have now. The commercial success of Sword of Shannara led to that explosive growth.
Taken on its own merits, it's a decent story told by a competent author. However, the sequel, Elfstones of Shannara is the superior book and really is the linchpin of the entire Shannara saga from that point forward.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 24, 2025 09:36 AM (IBQGV)
97
Riddle of the Sands is by Erskine Childers, who was (unsurprisingly) a huge fan of sailing. He also (like a lot of upper-class Anglo-Irish) dabbled in espionage. So naturally he wrote a book about some recreational sailors who stumble across a secret German invasion plot in the years before WWI. And, naturally, he got himself executed for treason by trying to use a sailboat to smuggle German guns to Ireland during WWI.
Good book, though. Made into a good movie with the inevitable Michael York and Jenny Agutter, the two British actors who owned the 1970s.
Good book, though. Made into a good movie with the inevitable Michael York and Jenny Agutter, the two British actors who owned the 1970s.
Posted by: Trimegistus at August 24, 2025 09:37 AM (78a2H)
98
That's one of those guys I always thought I would go back in time and murder if I could. I never got how a kid could just bring other kids to be slaughtered like that.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at August 24, 2025 09:20 AM (DIweC)
It's some kind of hate inside.
You should probably murder the person who molested him. It seems most people like that were molested by a pervert.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at August 24, 2025 09:20 AM (DIweC)
It's some kind of hate inside.
You should probably murder the person who molested him. It seems most people like that were molested by a pervert.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 24, 2025 09:37 AM (0eaVi)
99
"Often ensuing from improvisation and intuition, Coil utilized experimental techniques such as the cut-up technique, ritual drug use, sleep deprivation, lucid dreaming, tidal shifts, John Dee-like methods of scrying, technical glitches, SETI synchronization and chaos theory."
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 09:25 AM (kpS4V)
They forgot masturbation.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 09:25 AM (kpS4V)
They forgot masturbation.
Posted by: Reforger at August 24, 2025 09:38 AM (I0Uo2)
100
My two fun reads are another Cat in the Stacks mystery, "Something Whiskered", by Miranda James, and a new Barsoom story written by Geary Gravel, "John Carter of Mars: Gods of the Forgotten". Carter travels to the Martian North Pole to investigate a series of perplexing mysteries. So far, Gravel captures ERB's style pretty well.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 09:38 AM (kpS4V)
101
I just got The Demon in the Ekur: Angels, Demons, Plasmas, Patristics, and Pyramids by Dr. Joseph P. Farrell. Been wanting to read this book for a long while, because when they describe someone as a "freaking genius," well that is Doctor Farrell in a nutshell.
Joseph who has a Ph.D from Oxford in Patristics (the study of the lives of the early church figures) has written over 40 books on everything from plasma physics to the Civil War to breakaway civilizations to NASA and the Nazis.
His books are generally mind blowing.
Two of my favorites are The Grid of the Gods: The Aftermath of the Cosmic War and the Physics of the Pyramid Peoples and Genes, Giants, Monsters, and Men: The Surviving Elites of the Cosmic War and Their Hidden Agenda.
None of his books are easy reads, but you will learn about things you never expected.
By the way, the Ekur is a Sumerian term, which in this instance, means the Great Pyramid and the Demon, well his original name was Samael ...
Joseph who has a Ph.D from Oxford in Patristics (the study of the lives of the early church figures) has written over 40 books on everything from plasma physics to the Civil War to breakaway civilizations to NASA and the Nazis.
His books are generally mind blowing.
Two of my favorites are The Grid of the Gods: The Aftermath of the Cosmic War and the Physics of the Pyramid Peoples and Genes, Giants, Monsters, and Men: The Surviving Elites of the Cosmic War and Their Hidden Agenda.
None of his books are easy reads, but you will learn about things you never expected.
By the way, the Ekur is a Sumerian term, which in this instance, means the Great Pyramid and the Demon, well his original name was Samael ...
Posted by: Mister Ghost at August 24, 2025 09:38 AM (TGPs7)
102
Regarding detective tales prior to the Golden Age, there was a fellow named Melville Davisson Post whose "Uncle Abner" short stories, set in the America of the early 1800s I think, are models of construction and spare language. John Dickson Carr thought highly of him too.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:38 AM (omVj0)
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 24, 2025 09:39 AM (p/isN)
104
"The tribal war is over and the Braves, who have pursued the enemy, return. The final act begins, the torture of the prisoners. And the Northmen, used as they are to the brutality of their times, are horrified at the cruelty. The squaws who have been widowed by the fighting are the worst as they wreak vengeance on the hapless prisoners. It is hard to believe that these friendly and gentle natives can be so cruel."
The above was an excerpt from a story written before a time of political correctness. A 1965 story of some Vikings who helped one group of Indians repel an attack from their neighbors. Yeah, the story plays a little fast-and-loose with the historical record, but, whatever. The point is, it's odd to read such an unflattering assessment of culture that isn't that of the protagonist or the reader. It truly was a different era, back then...
The above was an excerpt from a story written before a time of political correctness. A 1965 story of some Vikings who helped one group of Indians repel an attack from their neighbors. Yeah, the story plays a little fast-and-loose with the historical record, but, whatever. The point is, it's odd to read such an unflattering assessment of culture that isn't that of the protagonist or the reader. It truly was a different era, back then...
Posted by: Castle Guy at August 24, 2025 09:39 AM (Lhaco)
105
The tech manual reminds me of a stack of booklets I saw in an antique mall recently. All published by the federal gov't in the (by appearance) '40s or '50s with titles like "What to Feed Your Baby" and so on. How did the human species ever survive without government experts?
Posted by: Oddbob at August 24, 2025 09:23 AM (3nLb4)
Were they for the military? 'Cause people who enlist in the military are stoopid and need help from government experts. Jon Cary told me so.
Posted by: Oddbob at August 24, 2025 09:23 AM (3nLb4)
Were they for the military? 'Cause people who enlist in the military are stoopid and need help from government experts. Jon Cary told me so.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 24, 2025 09:41 AM (0eaVi)
106
Yep, it was Leonard who said he tried to leave out the parts that readers skipped. Don't know if they're still doing it but at least for a while, the ebook editions of Leonard's stuff included his 10 Rules for Writing at the back (and the rules are available as a separate ebook with some illustrations by I-forget-who, but it's a bit pricey). Even if you don't write, the rules make an enjoyable read, as does just about anything by Leonard.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at August 24, 2025 09:41 AM (q3u5l)
107
For example, the Fairey Swordfish "Stringbag," an open cockpit, biplane with fix undercarriage that nevertheless did yeoman's service.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks
As an aficionado of the Bismarck story, I learned that the swordfish were successful in their torpedo attacks on the battleship, because the Germans' anti-aircraft guns could not train slow enough for accurate fire. They had not planned for their ships to be attacked by aircraft moving that slowly.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks
As an aficionado of the Bismarck story, I learned that the swordfish were successful in their torpedo attacks on the battleship, because the Germans' anti-aircraft guns could not train slow enough for accurate fire. They had not planned for their ships to be attacked by aircraft moving that slowly.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at August 24, 2025 09:41 AM (0U5gm)
108
Last week Ben Had suggested "Running With The Horsemen" by Ferrol Sams about growing up in Georgia during the 1930s. Many thanks. I just started it and she is correct, the writing is excellent. Only a couple of chapters in and I'm impressed. I suspect I'll be getting more in the series and his other books if the writing remains this good.
His writing reminds me of William Gilmore Simms from the 1850s. Descriptive, sometimes courtly, with some underlying humor, or maybe affection, for the people and places.
His writing reminds me of William Gilmore Simms from the 1850s. Descriptive, sometimes courtly, with some underlying humor, or maybe affection, for the people and places.
Posted by: JTB at August 24, 2025 09:42 AM (yTvNw)
109
Everything That Rises Must Converge by O'Connor.
Noticed that book on one of my bookshelves yesterday and I had overlooked it for years. Many years. It belongs to the Fordham library. Oops. Was given to me by a friend mumblety years ago to read and write a report for him. Never did because he dropped out very shortly thereafter and moved to Virginia.
Finally putting it on my To-Read pile.
Noticed that book on one of my bookshelves yesterday and I had overlooked it for years. Many years. It belongs to the Fordham library. Oops. Was given to me by a friend mumblety years ago to read and write a report for him. Never did because he dropped out very shortly thereafter and moved to Virginia.
Finally putting it on my To-Read pile.
Posted by: IrishEi at August 24, 2025 09:44 AM (3ImbR)
110
Ugh, no. Probably because of the weirdness.
I put "The Greek Coffin Mystery" at the top.
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 24, 2025
***
The surreal murder scene in the one you mentioned is very effective. It's not an insane murderer or a serial killer story, so the *core* is not weird, just the setting.
Greek Coffin is utterly brilliant. But I have a strong love for Egyptian Cross and American Gun, and Siamese Twin has even more built-in suspense with a reversal of the old "people snowed in with a murderer" trope.
The later Cat of Many Tails is his/their best novel all around.
I put "The Greek Coffin Mystery" at the top.
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 24, 2025
***
The surreal murder scene in the one you mentioned is very effective. It's not an insane murderer or a serial killer story, so the *core* is not weird, just the setting.
Greek Coffin is utterly brilliant. But I have a strong love for Egyptian Cross and American Gun, and Siamese Twin has even more built-in suspense with a reversal of the old "people snowed in with a murderer" trope.
The later Cat of Many Tails is his/their best novel all around.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:44 AM (omVj0)
111
Most of the replies were as AWFL as you might expect , but I am curious what books the horde would pick.
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at August 24, 2025 09:27 AM (Mgy3C)
Are you going to wade in with a list, vmom? Reddit can be nasty. I may look for some general info that's in a reddit thread, but I have no intention of ever participating in it.
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at August 24, 2025 09:27 AM (Mgy3C)
Are you going to wade in with a list, vmom? Reddit can be nasty. I may look for some general info that's in a reddit thread, but I have no intention of ever participating in it.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 24, 2025 09:45 AM (0eaVi)
112
The radio series "Dragnet" used the same abridgement technique: "Six weeks went by. Eight more stores were robbed."
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 24, 2025 09:45 AM (p/isN)
113
>>Do you prefer old books or new books?
Hm, well, on my currently-being-read shelf is a comic book from 1965, one from the early 90's, another from the early 90's, and, look at that, a third from the early 90's! And I just finished a novel from 1984.
There are a few new stories I read, but they are few and far between.
Hm, well, on my currently-being-read shelf is a comic book from 1965, one from the early 90's, another from the early 90's, and, look at that, a third from the early 90's! And I just finished a novel from 1984.
There are a few new stories I read, but they are few and far between.
Posted by: Castle Guy at August 24, 2025 09:45 AM (Lhaco)
114
One reason the Germans never fielded any naval aviation was that Goering insisted that pilots be Luftwaffe rather than Kriegsmarine, and as you might expect development of "navalized' fighters and dive bombers got short shrift.
Posted by: Trimegistus at August 24, 2025 09:46 AM (78a2H)
115
So nobody got my "Eldridge Cleaver"/"3-in-One Oil" mystery quote?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:46 AM (omVj0)
116
Are those book titles?
I think the original question was for books to read with or by the child
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at August 24, 2025 09:36 AM (Mgy3C)
---
No, historical events. I went through my shelves and found Victory of the West: The Great Christian-Muslim Clash at the Battle of Lepanto by Niccolo Capponi, but I fear that is a bit much.
You may want to peruse some of the Catholic book stores, because they are all about lives of the saints and stuff for the little ones. Louis IX would be a good choice for obvious reasons.
I think the original question was for books to read with or by the child
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at August 24, 2025 09:36 AM (Mgy3C)
---
No, historical events. I went through my shelves and found Victory of the West: The Great Christian-Muslim Clash at the Battle of Lepanto by Niccolo Capponi, but I fear that is a bit much.
You may want to peruse some of the Catholic book stores, because they are all about lives of the saints and stuff for the little ones. Louis IX would be a good choice for obvious reasons.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 09:46 AM (ZOv7s)
117
The new reading thread sucks Weasel.
Posted by: Deep Sea Endiver at August 24, 2025 09:36 AM (xbptd)
-------
Sorry you're dissatisfied! Please allow me to refund your money.
Posted by: Deep Sea Endiver at August 24, 2025 09:36 AM (xbptd)
-------
Sorry you're dissatisfied! Please allow me to refund your money.
Posted by: Weasel at August 24, 2025 09:47 AM (4Iy7D)
118
The new reading thread sucks Weasel.
Posted by: Deep Sea Endiver at August 24, 2025
***
Aw, c'mon, it still is "appointment blog time" and attracts the best commenters on AoSHQ!
Posted by: Deep Sea Endiver at August 24, 2025
***
Aw, c'mon, it still is "appointment blog time" and attracts the best commenters on AoSHQ!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:48 AM (omVj0)
119
All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes
Wow. What a coincidence.
I finished 90 Degree South - The Story of the American South Pole Conquest
by Paul Siple. The author was on every Byrd expedition to Antartica..
The detailed story is of the building of the American base at the South Pole and of the 18 men who were the first human beings to winter at the very bottom of the world.
Difficulties abound, but this was to further Science in the International Geophysical Year, an international scientific project that lasted from 1 July 1957 to 31 December 1958.
Paul Siple led the scientists.
This story has plenty of lessons for setting up a base on Mars or another planet.
Wow. What a coincidence.
I finished 90 Degree South - The Story of the American South Pole Conquest
by Paul Siple. The author was on every Byrd expedition to Antartica..
The detailed story is of the building of the American base at the South Pole and of the 18 men who were the first human beings to winter at the very bottom of the world.
Difficulties abound, but this was to further Science in the International Geophysical Year, an international scientific project that lasted from 1 July 1957 to 31 December 1958.
Paul Siple led the scientists.
This story has plenty of lessons for setting up a base on Mars or another planet.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at August 24, 2025 09:48 AM (u82oZ)
120
I always set aside an hour on Sunday morning for the Book Thread. This one has not disappointed me. Keep up the good work!
Posted by: Trimegistus at August 24, 2025 09:49 AM (78a2H)
121
@110 --
I figured the reason for the decapitations in "Egyptian Cross," so it ranks lower with me.
"Cat of Many Tails" is on a shelf, waiting patiently.
I figured the reason for the decapitations in "Egyptian Cross," so it ranks lower with me.
"Cat of Many Tails" is on a shelf, waiting patiently.
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 24, 2025 09:50 AM (p/isN)
122
I remember an Ellery Queen short in which the man's arm was wet because he was driving in the rain. He had to put his arm out the window to signal his turns. The electric kind hadn't been invented yet.
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 24, 2025 09:12 AM (p/isN)
I'm fairly used to reading about olden times, but that little detail would make even me stop to think about it.
Since anachronisms are sort-of related to that topic, I just read a high fantasy novel where a character 'zeroed in' on a target. It took me out of the story for a moment, and made me shake my head in disappointment. Sometimes it sucks knowing the origin of phrases, and how they would no sense outside the context of the real, modern world.
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 24, 2025 09:12 AM (p/isN)
I'm fairly used to reading about olden times, but that little detail would make even me stop to think about it.
Since anachronisms are sort-of related to that topic, I just read a high fantasy novel where a character 'zeroed in' on a target. It took me out of the story for a moment, and made me shake my head in disappointment. Sometimes it sucks knowing the origin of phrases, and how they would no sense outside the context of the real, modern world.
Posted by: Castle Guy at August 24, 2025 09:51 AM (Lhaco)
123
That Joseph P. Farrell book sounds like warmed-over Graham Hancock, who was in turn recycling Erich Von Daniken, who rehashed Pauwels & Bergier and Charles Fort.
Posted by: Trimegistus at August 24, 2025 09:52 AM (78a2H)
124
Everything That Rises Must Converge by O'Connor.
------------------------ --------------------------------------
Flannery O'Connor was the original Goth chick.
"A Good Man Is Hard to Find" is Dark AF.
------------------------ --------------------------------------
Flannery O'Connor was the original Goth chick.
"A Good Man Is Hard to Find" is Dark AF.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at August 24, 2025 09:52 AM (DIweC)
125
Speaking of trope reversals: The EQ cousins only occasionally used the one that seems to be a standard cliche today, of gathering all the suspects together at the revelation/solution scene. In Egyptian Cross, for instance, the revelation of the murderer takes place only after a chase by car and plane from New York to Chicago; in Greek Coffin and Fouor of Hearts the murderer is revealed thanks to a snare laid by Ellery; and there are others. They did use the gathering trope, but not always.
Yes, I know Rex Stout used it all the time in the Nero Wolfe stories. But it made sense. Wolfe didn't want to leave his house any more than he could help, so of course he'd have the suspects, and the cops, come to him.
Yes, I know Rex Stout used it all the time in the Nero Wolfe stories. But it made sense. Wolfe didn't want to leave his house any more than he could help, so of course he'd have the suspects, and the cops, come to him.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:53 AM (omVj0)
126
good morning Weasel, Horde
Posted by: callsign claymore at August 24, 2025 09:54 AM (4Z4M/)
127
Thomas Paine
The RN Fleet Air Arm, by torpedoing the rudder of the Bismarck, changed history. The ship would have made it to France otherwise.
To War in a Stringbag is one history of fighting with Swordfish. By Charles (Commander) Lamb.
The RN Fleet Air Arm, by torpedoing the rudder of the Bismarck, changed history. The ship would have made it to France otherwise.
To War in a Stringbag is one history of fighting with Swordfish. By Charles (Commander) Lamb.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at August 24, 2025 09:54 AM (u82oZ)
128
My biggest pet peeve is when characters in historical or fantasy settings "fire" arrows at something.
Posted by: Trimegistus at August 24, 2025 09:54 AM (78a2H)
129
Sorry you're dissatisfied! Please allow me to refund your money.
Posted by: Weasel at August 24, 2025 09:47 AM (4Iy7D)
*snort
Posted by: Weasel at August 24, 2025 09:47 AM (4Iy7D)
*snort
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at August 24, 2025 09:55 AM (h7ZuX)
130
As an aficionado of the Bismarck story, I learned that the swordfish were successful in their torpedo attacks on the battleship, because the Germans' anti-aircraft guns could not train slow enough for accurate fire. They had not planned for their ships to be attacked by aircraft moving that slowly.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at August 24, 2025 09:41 AM (0U5gm)
----
The same was true when the British bombed Taranto, and by flying a wave height, Italian AAA actually struck other ships.
To War in a Stringbag by Charles Lamb is highly recommended. One of those wonderful first-person books that popped up after the war and whose authors were still alive when I read them. All now gone.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at August 24, 2025 09:41 AM (0U5gm)
----
The same was true when the British bombed Taranto, and by flying a wave height, Italian AAA actually struck other ships.
To War in a Stringbag by Charles Lamb is highly recommended. One of those wonderful first-person books that popped up after the war and whose authors were still alive when I read them. All now gone.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 09:55 AM (ZOv7s)
131
Salty, my book had nothing but praise for Siple.
Interesting point about parallels in establishing a colony on Mars. Wonder if Elon and his folks have studied the Antarctic expeditions. Extreme conditions, distant supply chain, etc. And you need to pick the best of the best -- who in Byrd's case had demobbed and gone into civilian life. Apart from a few old polar hands, most of his kids were greenhorns.
Interesting point about parallels in establishing a colony on Mars. Wonder if Elon and his folks have studied the Antarctic expeditions. Extreme conditions, distant supply chain, etc. And you need to pick the best of the best -- who in Byrd's case had demobbed and gone into civilian life. Apart from a few old polar hands, most of his kids were greenhorns.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 09:56 AM (kpS4V)
132
My biggest pet peeve is when characters in historical or fantasy settings "fire" arrows at something.
Posted by: Trimegistus at August 24, 2025
***
I've struggled with that in some of my own fantasy stuff. What strong verb could you use? "Loosed" is correct, but it *sounds* weak compared to "fired."
Posted by: Trimegistus at August 24, 2025
***
I've struggled with that in some of my own fantasy stuff. What strong verb could you use? "Loosed" is correct, but it *sounds* weak compared to "fired."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:56 AM (omVj0)
133
Thank you for the book thread Weasel.
Posted by: Reforger at August 24, 2025 09:56 AM (I0Uo2)
134
Difficulties abound, but this was to further Science in the International Geophysical Year, an international scientific project that lasted from 1 July 1957 to 31 December 1958.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at August 24, 2025 09:48 AM (u82oZ)
---
Immortalized in song as "I.G.Y." by Donald Fagan.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at August 24, 2025 09:48 AM (u82oZ)
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Immortalized in song as "I.G.Y." by Donald Fagan.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 09:56 AM (ZOv7s)
135
Now I'm going through a Marvel Epic collection of early Iron Man stories, from before Shell-Head got his own title. Great Gene Colan art, but I chuckle over Stan Lee's errors in detail.
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 24, 2025 09:16 AM (p/isN)
All-yellow-armor early? Or was he wearing the red-and-gold for this era?
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 24, 2025 09:16 AM (p/isN)
All-yellow-armor early? Or was he wearing the red-and-gold for this era?
Posted by: Castle Guy at August 24, 2025 09:56 AM (Lhaco)
136
You may want to peruse some of the Catholic book stores, because they are all about lives of the saints and stuff for the little ones. Louis IX would be a good choice for obvious reasons.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd
A good thought
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd
A good thought
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at August 24, 2025 09:57 AM (Mgy3C)
Posted by: Weasel at August 24, 2025 09:57 AM (dmH0a)
138
When I was a kid the Hardy Boys was main reading besides the newspaper. I wish I'd read Heinlein's juveniles then too.
Also late discovering GA Henty. Chesty devoured his stories growing up & I presume significantly influenced him. Henty's stories are very formulaic, but it didn't get annoying until after I'd read many.
On same theme, was too late to Weasel's first BT to throw out a Ragged Dick post.
Also late discovering GA Henty. Chesty devoured his stories growing up & I presume significantly influenced him. Henty's stories are very formulaic, but it didn't get annoying until after I'd read many.
On same theme, was too late to Weasel's first BT to throw out a Ragged Dick post.
Posted by: InspiredHistoryMike at August 24, 2025 09:57 AM (KaHlS)
139
FUN FACT: The Maintenance of Ball and Roller Bearings was Book One of a trilogy.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at August 24, 2025 09:59 AM (dDmld)
140
I've struggled with that in some of my own fantasy stuff. What strong verb could you use? "Loosed" is correct, but it *sounds* weak compared to "fired."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:56 AM (omVj0)
Ready , aim , let it rip !
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:56 AM (omVj0)
Ready , aim , let it rip !
Posted by: polynikes at August 24, 2025 09:59 AM (EYmYM)
141
There's always Chesterton's poem "Lepanto."
And Tim Powers's fantasy novel _The Drawing of the Dark_ takes place during the Siege of Vienna.
And Tim Powers's fantasy novel _The Drawing of the Dark_ takes place during the Siege of Vienna.
Posted by: Trimegistus at August 24, 2025 09:59 AM (78a2H)
142
Wolfus, according to this, 13th century archers were given " nock, draw, loose"
https://tinyurl.com/3svbzjfa
https://tinyurl.com/3svbzjfa
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at August 24, 2025 10:00 AM (Mgy3C)
143
My biggest pet peeve is when characters in historical or fantasy settings "fire" arrows at something.
Posted by: Trimegistus at August 24, 2025 09:54 AM (78a2H)
---
One really has to immerse oneself in the vocabulary of the time, I think. One reason I have not written a fantasy book is because I want to get the voice exactly right, not sound modern or like a Tolkien parody.
Posted by: Trimegistus at August 24, 2025 09:54 AM (78a2H)
---
One really has to immerse oneself in the vocabulary of the time, I think. One reason I have not written a fantasy book is because I want to get the voice exactly right, not sound modern or like a Tolkien parody.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 10:00 AM (ZOv7s)
144
Read the fine print. All refunds are in bathroom tokens.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at August 24, 2025 10:02 AM (dDmld)
145
@135 --
Red and gold. And transistors all over the place.
Right now he's fighting the Titanium Man in D.C., where Stark has gone to answer a congressional subpeona.
Red and gold. And transistors all over the place.
Right now he's fighting the Titanium Man in D.C., where Stark has gone to answer a congressional subpeona.
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 24, 2025 10:03 AM (p/isN)
146
It's funny — which is to say, not at all funny — that the Lefties have completely reversed themselves on why they hate the Crusades, while still hating the Crusades.
I can remember when the Lefties dismissed them as just an imperialistic grab for trade routes and land for younger sons of nobility, with religion as just the fig leaf to justify them. Now they excoriate the Crusades as religious bigotry and (all together now) "genocide."
Premises, arguments, and justifications can vary from day to day or hour to hour, but lefties are absolutely fixed in their conclusions.
I can remember when the Lefties dismissed them as just an imperialistic grab for trade routes and land for younger sons of nobility, with religion as just the fig leaf to justify them. Now they excoriate the Crusades as religious bigotry and (all together now) "genocide."
Premises, arguments, and justifications can vary from day to day or hour to hour, but lefties are absolutely fixed in their conclusions.
Posted by: Trimegistus at August 24, 2025 10:03 AM (78a2H)
147
Think the only Henty I ever read were a couple of Classics Illustrated Comics adaptations.
I could be remembering wrong, but Henry Miller (yeah, that guy) did a book called The Books in My Life, and I think he mentioned Henty perhaps in the same chapter where he talks about Haggard. I read some Haggard when I was in high school, but never got around to Henty.
I could be remembering wrong, but Henry Miller (yeah, that guy) did a book called The Books in My Life, and I think he mentioned Henty perhaps in the same chapter where he talks about Haggard. I read some Haggard when I was in high school, but never got around to Henty.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at August 24, 2025 10:03 AM (q3u5l)
148
One of my pet peeves, that you see all the time, is to fail to distinguish between the number zero and the letter O.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fire Can Too Melt Steel! at August 24, 2025 10:03 AM (L/fGl)
149
I've used "loosed" to describe an archer letting his arrow fly, but it just sounds, well, "loose." "Let fly," I suppose, is a bit better.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 10:04 AM (omVj0)
150
Off to the grocery now. I hear eggplant at the farm stand calling my name.
Posted by: Trimegistus at August 24, 2025 10:04 AM (78a2H)
151
69 There was talk that the Navy might lose the Marines to the Army and its air arm and carriers to the Air Force. The Navy had to showcase its global reach and what better than a massive Atlantic and Pacific Fleet trip down to the South Pole.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 09:15 AM (kpS4V)
---
During the 1930s, the Fleet Air Arm was removed from the Royal Navy and placed under the RAF. It didn't work, and was switched back before the war. This is one reason why RN fighter aircraft were so awful, and the UK didn't produce a decent domestic carrier-based fighter until after the war, instead relying on US designs or navalized Spitfires, which were obsolete by then.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 09:27 AM (ZOv7s)
______
The transfer of the FAA to the RAF was in 1918, not the 30s. Transferred back in 1939. And Seafires weren't obsolete. The problem was short range.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 09:15 AM (kpS4V)
---
During the 1930s, the Fleet Air Arm was removed from the Royal Navy and placed under the RAF. It didn't work, and was switched back before the war. This is one reason why RN fighter aircraft were so awful, and the UK didn't produce a decent domestic carrier-based fighter until after the war, instead relying on US designs or navalized Spitfires, which were obsolete by then.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 09:27 AM (ZOv7s)
______
The transfer of the FAA to the RAF was in 1918, not the 30s. Transferred back in 1939. And Seafires weren't obsolete. The problem was short range.
Posted by: Eeyore at August 24, 2025 10:04 AM (s0JqF)
152
Ready , aim , let it rip !
Posted by: polynikes at August 24, 2025 09:59 AM (EYmYM)
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One way to avoid it is just say the command was given and describe the aftermath. Tolkien's description of the Battle of the Hornburg and the volleys of arrows never included the orders given. I think that was one of the most effective things about his description, zooming in to the POV of the characters and the pulling back to show conflict from a distance, without any particular focus.
I will never forgive Peter Jackson for putting elves in Helm's Deep or botching the Siege of Gondor. The retreat from the causeway forts is one of the nost suspenseful scenes in the entire book, but making Denethor a sloppy eater was more important, I guess.
Posted by: polynikes at August 24, 2025 09:59 AM (EYmYM)
---
One way to avoid it is just say the command was given and describe the aftermath. Tolkien's description of the Battle of the Hornburg and the volleys of arrows never included the orders given. I think that was one of the most effective things about his description, zooming in to the POV of the characters and the pulling back to show conflict from a distance, without any particular focus.
I will never forgive Peter Jackson for putting elves in Helm's Deep or botching the Siege of Gondor. The retreat from the causeway forts is one of the nost suspenseful scenes in the entire book, but making Denethor a sloppy eater was more important, I guess.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 10:05 AM (ZOv7s)
153
I had a church friend who was on a Byrd expedition in Antarctica.
He's been dead for years. This conversation brought him back to mind.
He's been dead for years. This conversation brought him back to mind.
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 24, 2025 10:05 AM (p/isN)
154
One really has to immerse oneself in the vocabulary of the time, I think. One reason I have not written a fantasy book is because I want to get the voice exactly right, not sound modern or like a Tolkien parody.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 10:00 AM (ZOv7s)
---
Depending on how far back you go, that can be a challenge. Howard Pyle's Merry Adventures of Robin Hood has all the characters speaking in Ye Olde English, but I suspect it's not even close to accurate. It does add a lot of colorful flavor to the dialog, though.
However, too much of that can put readers off of immersing themselves in the text. Especially modern readers, sadly.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 10:00 AM (ZOv7s)
---
Depending on how far back you go, that can be a challenge. Howard Pyle's Merry Adventures of Robin Hood has all the characters speaking in Ye Olde English, but I suspect it's not even close to accurate. It does add a lot of colorful flavor to the dialog, though.
However, too much of that can put readers off of immersing themselves in the text. Especially modern readers, sadly.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 24, 2025 10:06 AM (IBQGV)
155
149 I've used "loosed" to describe an archer letting his arrow fly, but it just sounds, well, "loose." "Let fly," I suppose, is a bit better.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 10:04 AM (omVj0)
Are we talking Longbow or Crossbow?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 10:04 AM (omVj0)
Are we talking Longbow or Crossbow?
Posted by: Reforger at August 24, 2025 10:06 AM (I0Uo2)
156
I came here because I am having a problem, one that worries me. I fear I'm losing my memory. I have, since my teens, had almost total recall of Saki's stories. Now I cannot call to mind in which one Clovis describes a peach. This is really bugging me.
And, BTW, most of the books people here would call "old" I would call "new". When C S Lewis wrote of reading old books, it was specifically about St Athanasius's On The Incarnation. My own line is 1827, the year of Navarino. But that's me.
And, BTW, most of the books people here would call "old" I would call "new". When C S Lewis wrote of reading old books, it was specifically about St Athanasius's On The Incarnation. My own line is 1827, the year of Navarino. But that's me.
Posted by: Eeyore at August 24, 2025 10:07 AM (s0JqF)
157
Eeyore
The FAA punched well above it's weight using obsolescent aircraft. We learned fighter direction and having a CIC from the Royal Navy in our pre-WWII liaison trips.
The USN transfers of aircraft in '43-'45 were a great help.
The FAA punched well above it's weight using obsolescent aircraft. We learned fighter direction and having a CIC from the Royal Navy in our pre-WWII liaison trips.
The USN transfers of aircraft in '43-'45 were a great help.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at August 24, 2025 10:08 AM (u82oZ)
158
149 I've used "loosed" to describe an archer letting his arrow fly, but it just sounds, well, "loose." "Let fly," I suppose, is a bit better.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 10:04 AM (omVj0)
Are we talking Longbow or Crossbow?
Posted by: Reforger at August 24, 2025 10:06 AM (I0Uo2)
---
The Malazan Empire is all-in on crossbows. It's part of their standard kit.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 10:04 AM (omVj0)
Are we talking Longbow or Crossbow?
Posted by: Reforger at August 24, 2025 10:06 AM (I0Uo2)
---
The Malazan Empire is all-in on crossbows. It's part of their standard kit.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 24, 2025 10:08 AM (IBQGV)
159
"Henty's views have been contentious; some writers have accused Henty's novels of being aggressively and obstinately nationalist and reactionary"
-
Bastard!
-
Bastard!
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fire Can Too Melt Steel! at August 24, 2025 10:08 AM (L/fGl)
160
I've used "loosed" to describe an archer letting his arrow fly, but it just sounds, well, "loose." "Let fly," I suppose, is a bit better.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025
*
Are we talking Longbow or Crossbow?
Posted by: Reforger at August 24, 2025
***
Both. Though "let fly" sounds kind of weak when applied to the force of a crossbow bolt.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025
*
Are we talking Longbow or Crossbow?
Posted by: Reforger at August 24, 2025
***
Both. Though "let fly" sounds kind of weak when applied to the force of a crossbow bolt.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 10:09 AM (omVj0)
161
Weasel brought up do you prefer older books? I commented above about preferring older physical books as a rule. As to content, that is completely subjective. Since I no longer bother with current events books (already lived through it) or biographies of living people, especially politicians, or most things dealing with popular culture (yes, I'm an official, award-winning curmudgeon), that leaves more time for Chaucer, the Romantic poets, Tolkien, Lewis, Chesterton, MacDonald, etc.
Just going back to books from this century, already a quarter gone, most of my books are light reading: mystery series, and books about literature and imagination as a creative and philosophical force.
Just going back to books from this century, already a quarter gone, most of my books are light reading: mystery series, and books about literature and imagination as a creative and philosophical force.
Posted by: JTB at August 24, 2025 10:09 AM (yTvNw)
162
The transfer of the FAA to the RAF was in 1918, not the 30s. Transferred back in 1939. And Seafires weren't obsolete. The problem was short range.
Posted by: Eeyore at August 24, 2025 10:04 AM (s0JqF)
---
What I wrote was technically accurate: in the 1930s the FAA was removed - that is to say it had been, and was in a state of removal. I did not mean that was when it happened, which I was too lazy to look up.
Compared to American carrier aircraft, yes, Seafires were obsolete. Compare them to a Corsair or Hellcat. Sure, they were a step up from a Fulmar, but so was a Wildcat.
Posted by: Eeyore at August 24, 2025 10:04 AM (s0JqF)
---
What I wrote was technically accurate: in the 1930s the FAA was removed - that is to say it had been, and was in a state of removal. I did not mean that was when it happened, which I was too lazy to look up.
Compared to American carrier aircraft, yes, Seafires were obsolete. Compare them to a Corsair or Hellcat. Sure, they were a step up from a Fulmar, but so was a Wildcat.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 10:09 AM (ZOv7s)
Posted by: naturalfake at August 24, 2025 10:09 AM (iJfKG)
164
73 And that was from the early Fifties, I think.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
*
I had a 1953 that did not have turn signals.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at August 24, 2025
***
There you go. And there was another EQ, 1934, that had a man's detachable shirt collar as an important clue. Reading it in the 1960s, I had no idea what Ellery was talking about; shirts to me had always featured attached collars.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:28 AM (omVj0)
_____
The Chinese Orange Mystery, IIRC.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
*
I had a 1953 that did not have turn signals.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at August 24, 2025
***
There you go. And there was another EQ, 1934, that had a man's detachable shirt collar as an important clue. Reading it in the 1960s, I had no idea what Ellery was talking about; shirts to me had always featured attached collars.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:28 AM (omVj0)
_____
The Chinese Orange Mystery, IIRC.
Posted by: Eeyore at August 24, 2025 10:09 AM (s0JqF)
165
At the time, there really wasn't any epic fantasy to speak of, compared to the explosion of epic fantasy we have today. Some, sure, but nothing like what we have now. The commercial success of Sword of Shannara led to that explosive growth.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 24, 2025 09:36 AM (IBQGV)
Not so long ago, I watched a youtube video that blamed the 'sameness' of 80's/90s epic fantasy on a single editor who wanted to copy the success of Shannara. I'm not sure I buy it. In part because the youtuber sounded bitter and passive-aggressively judgmental, which made me dubious of her impartiality....
Anyways, I think I read the Shanara books (or at least some of them) long ago, but not much about them stuck with me.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 24, 2025 09:36 AM (IBQGV)
Not so long ago, I watched a youtube video that blamed the 'sameness' of 80's/90s epic fantasy on a single editor who wanted to copy the success of Shannara. I'm not sure I buy it. In part because the youtuber sounded bitter and passive-aggressively judgmental, which made me dubious of her impartiality....
Anyways, I think I read the Shanara books (or at least some of them) long ago, but not much about them stuck with me.
Posted by: Castle Guy at August 24, 2025 10:09 AM (Lhaco)
166
The retreat from the causeway forts is one of the nost suspenseful scenes in the entire book, but making Denethor a sloppy eater was more important, I guess.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 10:05 AM (ZOv7s)
-----
Making icy Denethor into a freak is one of my main pet peeves.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 10:05 AM (ZOv7s)
-----
Making icy Denethor into a freak is one of my main pet peeves.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 10:09 AM (kpS4V)
167
RN also had the Fairey Firefly, the most ungainly stored AC until they made the Gannent post war.
Posted by: InspiredHistoryMike at August 24, 2025 10:10 AM (KaHlS)
168
. . . I fear I'm losing my memory. I have, since my teens, had almost total recall of Saki's stories. Now I cannot call to mind in which one Clovis describes a peach. This is really bugging me. . . .
Posted by: Eeyore at August 24, 2025
***
I don't think I know that one. I know his famous ones, "Sredni Vashtar" and "The Open Window," and I know I've read others, but "Clovis" doesn't strike a spark in my memory-attic.
Posted by: Eeyore at August 24, 2025
***
I don't think I know that one. I know his famous ones, "Sredni Vashtar" and "The Open Window," and I know I've read others, but "Clovis" doesn't strike a spark in my memory-attic.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 10:11 AM (omVj0)
Posted by: NaCly Dog at August 24, 2025 10:12 AM (u82oZ)
170
However, too much of that can put readers off of immersing themselves in the text. Especially modern readers, sadly.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 24, 2025 10:06 AM (IBQGV)
---
That's why one has to get it right. I can feel archaic without being Shakespearean. The use of a little more formality, longer turns of phrase and avoiding modern slang are a good start.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 24, 2025 10:06 AM (IBQGV)
---
That's why one has to get it right. I can feel archaic without being Shakespearean. The use of a little more formality, longer turns of phrase and avoiding modern slang are a good start.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 10:12 AM (ZOv7s)
171
Both. Though "let fly" sounds kind of weak when applied to the force of a crossbow bolt.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 10:09 AM (omVj0)
It does. Even "released' would be better, but still lacks intensity.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 10:09 AM (omVj0)
It does. Even "released' would be better, but still lacks intensity.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at August 24, 2025 10:13 AM (h7ZuX)
172
Old books smell better than new books. Not so with most people
Posted by: Eromero at August 24, 2025 10:14 AM (DXbAa)
173
Both. Though "let fly" sounds kind of weak when applied to the force of a crossbow bolt.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 10:09 AM (omVj0)
---
Again, omit the actual word. "The captain barked the order, and a shower of steel-tipped death descended upon the enemy lines."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 10:09 AM (omVj0)
---
Again, omit the actual word. "The captain barked the order, and a shower of steel-tipped death descended upon the enemy lines."
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 10:14 AM (ZOv7s)
174
Both. Though "let fly" sounds kind of weak when applied to the force of a crossbow bolt.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025
*
It does. Even "released' would be better, but still lacks intensity.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at August 24, 2025
***
Maybe "triggered the crossbow" would work?
"Shot" works, I think, as it does not specifically refer to using a firearm. There's the old couplet, "I shot an arrow into the air . . ."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025
*
It does. Even "released' would be better, but still lacks intensity.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at August 24, 2025
***
Maybe "triggered the crossbow" would work?
"Shot" works, I think, as it does not specifically refer to using a firearm. There's the old couplet, "I shot an arrow into the air . . ."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 10:15 AM (omVj0)
175
20 ... :"Now back to reading sans pants...Whoops! I've said too much....
---
*nods in pantsless solidarity*"
Do my gym trunks qualify as pantsless? Inquiring minds want to know.
---
*nods in pantsless solidarity*"
Do my gym trunks qualify as pantsless? Inquiring minds want to know.
Posted by: JTB at August 24, 2025 10:16 AM (yTvNw)
176
171 Both. Though "let fly" sounds kind of weak when applied to the force of a crossbow bolt.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 10:09 AM (omVj0)
It does. Even "released' would be better, but still lacks intensity.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at August 24, 2025 10:13 AM (h7ZuX)
How about ‘sped’?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 10:09 AM (omVj0)
It does. Even "released' would be better, but still lacks intensity.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at August 24, 2025 10:13 AM (h7ZuX)
How about ‘sped’?
Posted by: Eromero at August 24, 2025 10:16 AM (DXbAa)
177
Read Sword of Shannara when it first came out; it didn't do much for me, and I never read the sequels. I was working at Kroch's & Brentano's at the time and it was something to see the amount of stuff in that vein that flooded the racks over the next few years.
Was it Barry Malzberg or Norman Spinrad (well, probably both) who said that traditional sf was now a fringe element at "sf" conventions and in the market?
Was it Barry Malzberg or Norman Spinrad (well, probably both) who said that traditional sf was now a fringe element at "sf" conventions and in the market?
Posted by: Just Some Guy at August 24, 2025 10:16 AM (q3u5l)
178
Making icy Denethor into a freak is one of my main pet peeves.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 10:09 AM (kpS4V)
---
With the benefit of hindsight, having Gandalf get his butt kicked by the Witch-King just before Eowyn offs him was pure girlbossery.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 10:09 AM (kpS4V)
---
With the benefit of hindsight, having Gandalf get his butt kicked by the Witch-King just before Eowyn offs him was pure girlbossery.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 10:16 AM (ZOv7s)
179
92 This is one reason why RN fighter aircraft were so awful
-
For example, the Fairey Swordfish "Stringbag," an open cockpit, biplane with fix undercarriage that nevertheless did yeoman's service.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fire Can Too Melt Steel! at August 24, 2025 09:35 AM (L/fGl)
_____
Not a fighter, a torpedo plane. And yes, it was sometimes successful because it was slow. The Bf 109 had trouble flying slow enough to shoot them done, I have read. (The 110 did better.) And as an ASW plane, slow was good. Post war, helicopters took that job.
But remember, TBs were usually very vulnerable. Ours got wiped out at Midway. The Japanese did rather better.
-
For example, the Fairey Swordfish "Stringbag," an open cockpit, biplane with fix undercarriage that nevertheless did yeoman's service.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fire Can Too Melt Steel! at August 24, 2025 09:35 AM (L/fGl)
_____
Not a fighter, a torpedo plane. And yes, it was sometimes successful because it was slow. The Bf 109 had trouble flying slow enough to shoot them done, I have read. (The 110 did better.) And as an ASW plane, slow was good. Post war, helicopters took that job.
But remember, TBs were usually very vulnerable. Ours got wiped out at Midway. The Japanese did rather better.
Posted by: Eeyore at August 24, 2025 10:17 AM (s0JqF)
180
Again, omit the actual word. "The captain barked the order, and a shower of steel-tipped death descended upon the enemy lines."
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025
***
Good way to do it. But I tend not to write about masses of archers or crossbowmen, but about individuals on their own. There's not usually a leader to call out an order.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025
***
Good way to do it. But I tend not to write about masses of archers or crossbowmen, but about individuals on their own. There's not usually a leader to call out an order.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 10:17 AM (omVj0)
181
163
I saw Refreshingly Heterosexual open for Neil Diamond at the Hollywood Bowl in '78.
Posted by: naturalfake at August 24, 2025 10:09 AM (iJfKG)
*flicks Bic
I saw Refreshingly Heterosexual open for Neil Diamond at the Hollywood Bowl in '78.
Posted by: naturalfake at August 24, 2025 10:09 AM (iJfKG)
*flicks Bic
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at August 24, 2025 10:17 AM (h7ZuX)
182
I've used "loosed" to describe an archer letting his arrow fly, but it just sounds, well, "loose." "Let fly," I suppose, is a bit better.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 10:04 AM (omVj0)
You can say shot. I guess it depends how early "shot" meant firing something.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 10:04 AM (omVj0)
You can say shot. I guess it depends how early "shot" meant firing something.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 24, 2025 10:19 AM (0eaVi)
183
In my line of work I am ball and roller bearing man. Up to my eyebrows in them. Timken, Torrington, loose rollers, oversize rollers...I am bearing man.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at August 24, 2025 10:19 AM (snZF9)
184
No rules posted for the thread and chaos results. Chaos!
Posted by: San Franpsycho at August 24, 2025 10:20 AM (RIvkX)
185
162 The transfer of the FAA to the RAF was in 1918, not the 30s. Transferred back in 1939. And Seafires weren't obsolete. The problem was short range.
Posted by: Eeyore at August 24, 2025 10:04 AM (s0JqF)
---
What I wrote was technically accurate: in the 1930s the FAA was removed - that is to say it had been, and was in a state of removal. I did not mean that was when it happened, which I was too lazy to look up.
Compared to American carrier aircraft, yes, Seafires were obsolete. Compare them to a Corsair or Hellcat. Sure, they were a step up from a Fulmar, but so was a Wildcat.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 10:09 AM (ZOv7s)
_______
The Spitfire was an interceptor, not obsolete at all. Just not suitable as an escort. It had the edge over both ours in climb and maneuverability. And if it were obsolete, it would not have stayed in service postwar, with new marks.
Posted by: Eeyore at August 24, 2025 10:04 AM (s0JqF)
---
What I wrote was technically accurate: in the 1930s the FAA was removed - that is to say it had been, and was in a state of removal. I did not mean that was when it happened, which I was too lazy to look up.
Compared to American carrier aircraft, yes, Seafires were obsolete. Compare them to a Corsair or Hellcat. Sure, they were a step up from a Fulmar, but so was a Wildcat.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 10:09 AM (ZOv7s)
_______
The Spitfire was an interceptor, not obsolete at all. Just not suitable as an escort. It had the edge over both ours in climb and maneuverability. And if it were obsolete, it would not have stayed in service postwar, with new marks.
Posted by: Eeyore at August 24, 2025 10:20 AM (s0JqF)
186
132 My biggest pet peeve is when characters in historical or fantasy settings "fire" arrows at something.
Posted by: Trimegistus at August 24, 2025
***
I've struggled with that in some of my own fantasy stuff. What strong verb could you use? "Loosed" is correct, but it *sounds* weak compared to "fired."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:56 AM (omVj0)
"Loosed?" "Volleyed?" "Released?" Yeah, I algo bet bothered by archers 'firing.'
Posted by: Trimegistus at August 24, 2025
***
I've struggled with that in some of my own fantasy stuff. What strong verb could you use? "Loosed" is correct, but it *sounds* weak compared to "fired."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:56 AM (omVj0)
"Loosed?" "Volleyed?" "Released?" Yeah, I algo bet bothered by archers 'firing.'
Posted by: Castle Guy at August 24, 2025 10:21 AM (Lhaco)
187
"Loosed?" "Volleyed?" "Released?" Yeah, I algo bet bothered by archers 'firing.'
Posted by: Castle Guy at August 24, 2025 10:21 AM (Lhaco)
----
Launched?
"Loosed?" "Volleyed?" "Released?" Yeah, I algo bet bothered by archers 'firing.'
Posted by: Castle Guy at August 24, 2025 10:21 AM (Lhaco)
----
Launched?
Posted by: Weasel at August 24, 2025 10:22 AM (dmH0a)
188
The Spitfire was an interceptor, not obsolete at all. Just not suitable as an escort. It had the edge over both ours in climb and maneuverability. And if it were obsolete, it would not have stayed in service postwar, with new marks.
Posted by: Eeyore at August 24, 2025 10:20 AM (s0JqF)
---
The fact that they remained in service does not prove they were not obsolete. The Brits were still using revolvers and bolt action rifles postwar as well. New marks were produced because they had nothing available that was better. The Empire was running on fumes.
Posted by: Eeyore at August 24, 2025 10:20 AM (s0JqF)
---
The fact that they remained in service does not prove they were not obsolete. The Brits were still using revolvers and bolt action rifles postwar as well. New marks were produced because they had nothing available that was better. The Empire was running on fumes.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 10:22 AM (ZOv7s)
189
Do 'arrows launched' or 'rain of arrows' work?
Posted by: dantesed at August 24, 2025 10:22 AM (Oy/m2)
190
Do 'arrows launched' or 'rain of arrows' work?
Posted by: dantesed at August 24, 2025 10:22 AM (Oy/m2)
---
I think Tolkien's formulation was something like: a swarm of arrows descended upon the wall. Some found a mark.
You can describe the visual, or just describe the effect. "The enemy ranks faltered as feathered shafts sprouted among them."
Posted by: dantesed at August 24, 2025 10:22 AM (Oy/m2)
---
I think Tolkien's formulation was something like: a swarm of arrows descended upon the wall. Some found a mark.
You can describe the visual, or just describe the effect. "The enemy ranks faltered as feathered shafts sprouted among them."
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 10:25 AM (ZOv7s)
191
torrent of arrows
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at August 24, 2025 10:26 AM (Mgy3C)
192
I suppose "the life of Richard the Lionhearted was brought to a tragic end when Bertrand de Gourdon, a mere boy, zapped him with the bolt of a crossbow" doesn't quite work.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at August 24, 2025 10:27 AM (dDmld)
193
The fact that they remained in service does not prove they were not obsolete. The Brits were still using revolvers and bolt action rifles postwar as well. New marks were produced because they had nothing available that was better. The Empire was running on fumes.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 10:22 AM (ZOv7s)
I'll bet they wished they had some of those fumes left.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 10:22 AM (ZOv7s)
I'll bet they wished they had some of those fumes left.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 24, 2025 10:27 AM (0eaVi)
194
"A gentle killing rain descended upon them, and men fell, sometimes alone, sometimes in pairs, and lay motionless on the ground."
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 10:27 AM (ZOv7s)
195
TBs were usually very vulnerable. Ours got wiped out at Midway.
-
The sole survivor of Torpedo Squadron 8 was the unfortunately named George Gay.
-
The sole survivor of Torpedo Squadron 8 was the unfortunately named George Gay.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fire Can Too Melt Steel! at August 24, 2025 10:28 AM (L/fGl)
196
189 Do 'arrows launched' or 'rain of arrows' work?
Posted by: dantesed at August 24, 2025 10:22 AM (Oy/m2)
Not so much with a single archer.
Posted by: dantesed at August 24, 2025 10:22 AM (Oy/m2)
Not so much with a single archer.
Posted by: Dash my lace wigs! at August 24, 2025 10:28 AM (h7ZuX)
197
I suppose "the life of Richard the Lionhearted was brought to a tragic end when Bertrand de Gourdon, a mere boy, zapped him with the bolt of a crossbow" doesn't quite work.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at August 24, 2025 10:27 AM (dDmld)
---
"Put a wooden cap in his ass."
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at August 24, 2025 10:27 AM (dDmld)
---
"Put a wooden cap in his ass."
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 10:29 AM (ZOv7s)
198
I'm lucky. When I read a book from an older time, "Riddle of the Sands' by Erskine Childers for example, I can usually see it as a reader of that time without too much 2025 gloss. This is why I can enjoy H. Rider Haggard, Doyle, Jules Verne, etc. I can see it as though it is new and original. I consider this a gift.
Posted by: JTB at August 24, 2025 10:29 AM (yTvNw)
199
The sole survivor of Torpedo Squadron 8 was the unfortunately named George Gay.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fire Can Too Melt Steel! at August 24, 2025 10:28 AM (L/fGl)
---
Unfortunate only in our degraded, degenerate age.
That guy saw some stuff.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fire Can Too Melt Steel! at August 24, 2025 10:28 AM (L/fGl)
---
Unfortunate only in our degraded, degenerate age.
That guy saw some stuff.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 10:30 AM (ZOv7s)
200
. When I read a book from an older time, "Riddle of the Sands' by Erskine Childers for example, I can usually see it as a reader of that time without too much 2025 gloss. This is why I can enjoy H. Rider Haggard, Doyle, Jules Verne, etc. I can see it as though it is new and original. I consider this a gift.
Posted by: JTB at August 24, 2025
***
Exactly. I set myself mentally back to that time and simply accept what the storyteller is saying. Nowadays I can look up a 1930s slang term in moments; as a kid I had to ask my mother.
Posted by: JTB at August 24, 2025
***
Exactly. I set myself mentally back to that time and simply accept what the storyteller is saying. Nowadays I can look up a 1930s slang term in moments; as a kid I had to ask my mother.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 10:32 AM (omVj0)
201
188 The Spitfire was an interceptor, not obsolete at all. Just not suitable as an escort. It had the edge over both ours in climb and maneuverability. And if it were obsolete, it would not have stayed in service postwar, with new marks.
Posted by: Eeyore at August 24, 2025 10:20 AM (s0JqF)
---
The fact that they remained in service does not prove they were not obsolete. The Brits were still using revolvers and bolt action rifles postwar as well. New marks were produced because they had nothing available that was better. The Empire was running on fumes.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 10:22 AM (ZOv7s)
______
Not at all. They also introduced new A/C during that era, including jets. The trouble with the Seafire was simply that it wasn't originally designed for naval use. Norman Friedman explains all this.
"The Empire was running on fumes" is a gross oversimplification. It was declining. But had some life in it for some years.
Posted by: Eeyore at August 24, 2025 10:20 AM (s0JqF)
---
The fact that they remained in service does not prove they were not obsolete. The Brits were still using revolvers and bolt action rifles postwar as well. New marks were produced because they had nothing available that was better. The Empire was running on fumes.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 24, 2025 10:22 AM (ZOv7s)
______
Not at all. They also introduced new A/C during that era, including jets. The trouble with the Seafire was simply that it wasn't originally designed for naval use. Norman Friedman explains all this.
"The Empire was running on fumes" is a gross oversimplification. It was declining. But had some life in it for some years.
Posted by: Eeyore at August 24, 2025 10:32 AM (s0JqF)
Posted by: huerfano at August 24, 2025 10:33 AM (98kQX)
203
Death hurtled toward him, an arm's length of ash fletched with gray goose feathers and tipped with merciless cold iron.
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at August 24, 2025 10:34 AM (Mgy3C)
204
Do my gym trunks qualify as pantsless? Inquiring minds want to know.
Posted by: JTB
Certainly not! I'm sitting here in my 'wears.
Rules be damned!
Posted by: JTB
Certainly not! I'm sitting here in my 'wears.
Rules be damned!
Posted by: Tonypete at August 24, 2025 10:34 AM (cYBz/)
205
AH, wouldn't that be "Bust a wooden cap in his ass"?
I'm wondering if the hunt for the most accurate term here, launch or fire or shoot or release or etc into the night, might start drifting close to the territory where we're trying to find other verbs for 'said'. Or (in some other cases and not so much in the context of arrows) the use of dialect where just a light touch goes a long way these days when it might have gone virtually unnoticed decades or a century ago.
I'm wondering if the hunt for the most accurate term here, launch or fire or shoot or release or etc into the night, might start drifting close to the territory where we're trying to find other verbs for 'said'. Or (in some other cases and not so much in the context of arrows) the use of dialect where just a light touch goes a long way these days when it might have gone virtually unnoticed decades or a century ago.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at August 24, 2025 10:36 AM (q3u5l)
206
I read a new book this week that I didn't care for.
"The Passing of the Age" by Holly Chism.
To be fair though, that book wasn't really written for me. The Age Group was said to be 11-18. I would've said 9-12, but eh.
So, really I don't want to be unfair because it was crisply written, had nice description, was easily understandable, and totally age appropriate. I recommend it for all age-appropriate readers.
What I didn't like about it related to some problems I have with some modern authors:
1) The description I read was very enticing and led me to believe that it would be a sort of fantasy version of "A Roadside Picnic", which I would be totally up for, regardless of age group.
Sadly, it was not that but a twilight of the gods story told in a way that robbed all drama/pathos.A cozy twilight of the gods as it were.
Expectations created by advert not met.
2) Robbing a classic story or old myth for characters and inspiration or outright theft of story.
Yeah, yeah. I don't care that your version of the Iliad is told in the exciting world of water polo. Or, that your version of "The Caterbury Tales" is set in a crowded elevator. (con't)
I read a new book this week that I didn't care for.
"The Passing of the Age" by Holly Chism.
To be fair though, that book wasn't really written for me. The Age Group was said to be 11-18. I would've said 9-12, but eh.
So, really I don't want to be unfair because it was crisply written, had nice description, was easily understandable, and totally age appropriate. I recommend it for all age-appropriate readers.
What I didn't like about it related to some problems I have with some modern authors:
1) The description I read was very enticing and led me to believe that it would be a sort of fantasy version of "A Roadside Picnic", which I would be totally up for, regardless of age group.
Sadly, it was not that but a twilight of the gods story told in a way that robbed all drama/pathos.A cozy twilight of the gods as it were.
Expectations created by advert not met.
2) Robbing a classic story or old myth for characters and inspiration or outright theft of story.
Yeah, yeah. I don't care that your version of the Iliad is told in the exciting world of water polo. Or, that your version of "The Caterbury Tales" is set in a crowded elevator. (con't)
Posted by: naturalfake at August 24, 2025 10:36 AM (iJfKG)
207
Need a new idea?
Read an old book.
Read an old book.
Posted by: Quarter Twenty at August 24, 2025 10:36 AM (XQo4F)
208
>>Do 'arrows launched' or 'rain of arrows' work?
Posted by: dantesed at August 24, 2025 10:22 AM
Loosed.
For some reason I just like that word.
Posted by: dantesed at August 24, 2025 10:22 AM
Loosed.
For some reason I just like that word.
Posted by: huerfano at August 24, 2025 10:36 AM (98kQX)
209
Example: My copy of Roget's Thesaurus is almost a century old and has seen plenty of use. The binding is still tight, the cover is not rotting and the paper hasn't yellowed with age.
Posted by: JTB at August
My copy is a small yellow paperback. The binding is duct tape, gray. But I've had it since high school, so it's in it's late 50s. Up on the shelf next to two similar dictionaries and a Spanish- English dictionary.
Posted by: JTB at August
My copy is a small yellow paperback. The binding is duct tape, gray. But I've had it since high school, so it's in it's late 50s. Up on the shelf next to two similar dictionaries and a Spanish- English dictionary.
Posted by: From about That Time at August 24, 2025 10:37 AM (Mf0wV)
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fire Can Too Melt Steel! at August 24, 2025 10:37 AM (L/fGl)
211
Okay I guess I've stumped everybody. Though I will admit, my "Eldridge Cleaver/3-in-One Oil" quote is pretty obscure.
The full quote is: "The idea of a single Godhead also being a Trinity is hard to reconcile, particularly for Sammie, who is not positive how many people he is himself. Eldridge Cleaver gives us the parable of the 3-in-One Oil, and we find that useful."
-- Dr. Hannibal Lecter speaking to Clarice Starling about another schizophrenic inmate in the prison, in the novel of Silence of the Lambs..
The full quote is: "The idea of a single Godhead also being a Trinity is hard to reconcile, particularly for Sammie, who is not positive how many people he is himself. Eldridge Cleaver gives us the parable of the 3-in-One Oil, and we find that useful."
-- Dr. Hannibal Lecter speaking to Clarice Starling about another schizophrenic inmate in the prison, in the novel of Silence of the Lambs..
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 10:38 AM (omVj0)
212
The arrow chewed into his flesh like a rabid poodle.
Posted by: Eromero at August 24, 2025 10:39 AM (DXbAa)
213
Good way to do it. But I tend not to write about masses of archers or crossbowmen, but about individuals on their own. There's not usually a leader to call out an order.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 10:17 AM (omVj0)
We need Ace's time machine to go back to The Battle of Crecy or Agincourt and witness this sort of stuff.
I personally think our modern perceptions of the time would be let down. I think things were a LOT slower than we would find entertaining. I try to perceive the logistics of sending 30,000 armed and armored men, a lot with horses across the channel in 1350 and my brain almost breaks.
I'm also convinced that LOTR is a loose with the facts rewriting of the Hundred Years War.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 10:17 AM (omVj0)
We need Ace's time machine to go back to The Battle of Crecy or Agincourt and witness this sort of stuff.
I personally think our modern perceptions of the time would be let down. I think things were a LOT slower than we would find entertaining. I try to perceive the logistics of sending 30,000 armed and armored men, a lot with horses across the channel in 1350 and my brain almost breaks.
I'm also convinced that LOTR is a loose with the facts rewriting of the Hundred Years War.
Posted by: Reforger at August 24, 2025 10:40 AM (I0Uo2)
214
(con't)
Is "your" story worthy of a tale that been around for hundreds or thousands of years? I'm guessing not.
I don't want to hit this point too hard but if you're going to steal from the greats, at least get your characters right.
That really wasn't the case in this story. The gods/heroes were all pretty interchangeable.
Anywho, "The Passing of the Age" is fine for boys 9-12 and they may enjoy the heck out of it.
And it provides a very polite introduction to the idea of Greek/Roman Gods and Heroes.
It's fine for what it is. and for who it's intended.
Is "your" story worthy of a tale that been around for hundreds or thousands of years? I'm guessing not.
I don't want to hit this point too hard but if you're going to steal from the greats, at least get your characters right.
That really wasn't the case in this story. The gods/heroes were all pretty interchangeable.
Anywho, "The Passing of the Age" is fine for boys 9-12 and they may enjoy the heck out of it.
And it provides a very polite introduction to the idea of Greek/Roman Gods and Heroes.
It's fine for what it is. and for who it's intended.
Posted by: naturalfake at August 24, 2025 10:42 AM (iJfKG)
215
Death hurtled toward him, an arm's length of ash fletched with gray goose feathers and tipped with merciless cold iron.
Posted by: vmom deport
I always remember that when Henry V made his plan to invade his possessions in France and claim once again the French crown, he issued a proclamation to bring soldiers, archers, and supplies to his retinue. In that proclamation, he ordered each English goose to contribute five feathers for fletching.
Posted by: vmom deport
I always remember that when Henry V made his plan to invade his possessions in France and claim once again the French crown, he issued a proclamation to bring soldiers, archers, and supplies to his retinue. In that proclamation, he ordered each English goose to contribute five feathers for fletching.
Posted by: Thomas Paine at August 24, 2025 10:42 AM (0U5gm)
216
An archaeologist has unearthed an ancient evil that now threatens to take over not only the city state of Darujhistan, but also the entire continent of Genabakis.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 24, 2025 09:13 AM (IBQGV)
Now, you see, "Darujhistan" would throw me right there. Here you are, happily reading a fantasy about another planet, or Earth on a different timeline, and Whap! One of the cities has muslim name. Or at least an Indo word that has been adopted by the muzzies. Why not call it "Fukawiville"?
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 24, 2025 09:13 AM (IBQGV)
Now, you see, "Darujhistan" would throw me right there. Here you are, happily reading a fantasy about another planet, or Earth on a different timeline, and Whap! One of the cities has muslim name. Or at least an Indo word that has been adopted by the muzzies. Why not call it "Fukawiville"?
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at August 24, 2025 10:42 AM (E23dO)
217
I've struggled with that in some of my own fantasy stuff. What strong verb could you use? "Loosed" is correct, but it *sounds* weak compared to "fired."
=====
I'm with 'released' but should also add 'expelled' and 'launched'.
=====
I'm with 'released' but should also add 'expelled' and 'launched'.
Posted by: mustbequantum at August 24, 2025 10:44 AM (blVh+)
218
Read the fine print. All refunds are in bathroom tokens.
And if you've ever needed one and didn't have it, you'd appreciate that.
And if you've ever needed one and didn't have it, you'd appreciate that.
Posted by: Oddbob at August 24, 2025 10:44 AM (3nLb4)
219
Read the fine print. All refunds are in bathroom tokens.
And if you've ever needed one and didn't have it, you'd appreciate that.
=====
The kindness and mercy of the Horde.
And if you've ever needed one and didn't have it, you'd appreciate that.
=====
The kindness and mercy of the Horde.
Posted by: mustbequantum at August 24, 2025 10:46 AM (blVh+)
220
And that was from the early Fifties, I think.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:17 AM (omVj0)
I believe electric turn signals became standard equipment on North American cars around 1952-'53. They were an available option before then.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 09:17 AM (omVj0)
I believe electric turn signals became standard equipment on North American cars around 1952-'53. They were an available option before then.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at August 24, 2025 10:48 AM (E23dO)
221
I would rather have a real book than ebook, it says I have 31 hours and 39 minutes of reading to go
Posted by: Skip at August 24, 2025 10:49 AM (+qU29)
222
Back when my youngest daughter was mid teens, I gave her a YA novel, Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly, and she loved it. For her 30th birthday a couple of weeks ago, I gave her another of Donnelly's books, A Northern Light, and she was quite moved. I haven't read it but it's about the murder case Theodore Dreiser wrote about in An American Tragedy which was later turned into the Elizabeth Taylor, Montgomery Clift movie A Place In the Sun.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fire Can Too Melt Steel! at August 24, 2025 10:51 AM (L/fGl)
223
Now, you see, "Darujhistan" would throw me right there. Here you are, happily reading a fantasy about another planet, or Earth on a different timeline, and Whap! One of the cities has muslim name. Or at least an Indo word that has been adopted by the muzzies. Why not call it "Fukawiville"?
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at August 24, 2025 10:42 AM (E23dO)
---
You get used to it after a while. Most fantasy cultures are reimagining existing cultures anyway. And if the story takes place on an alternate Earth timeline, why is an Arabic-sounding place name so surprising?
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at August 24, 2025 10:42 AM (E23dO)
---
You get used to it after a while. Most fantasy cultures are reimagining existing cultures anyway. And if the story takes place on an alternate Earth timeline, why is an Arabic-sounding place name so surprising?
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 24, 2025 10:52 AM (IBQGV)
224
The fact that they remained in service does not prove they were not obsolete.
I suppose it depends on what "obsolete" means. If it just means something newer or better exists, then yes, every piston engine aircraft was obsolete by the late 1940s. On the other hand, if "obsolete" means "not useful" then piston engine aircraft, revolvers, and bolt action rifles are all very much not obsolete because usefulness means evaluating a thing against a list of desiderata which can include cost, availability, durability, etc. and not just performance.
I suppose it depends on what "obsolete" means. If it just means something newer or better exists, then yes, every piston engine aircraft was obsolete by the late 1940s. On the other hand, if "obsolete" means "not useful" then piston engine aircraft, revolvers, and bolt action rifles are all very much not obsolete because usefulness means evaluating a thing against a list of desiderata which can include cost, availability, durability, etc. and not just performance.
Posted by: Oddbob at August 24, 2025 10:54 AM (3nLb4)
225
I have my books from when I was younger.... Clive Custler... took a bit of history and did a "what if...." and the story unfolded. When reading these books at the time, it took place a few years in the future... now... its decades in the past ... sigh... time flies... but great reads...
today, I have my kindle. yes, not the same but unfortunately I do not have room for book books... so I load up on my kindle. One of the great things about the Kindle... I can usually download science books for free....physics at my fingertips (yes, I read physics for fun... I'm a full blown nerd) And like most readers, I like to re-read some of my favorites over and over again.
For fun and laughs... Janet Evanovich... laugh out loud fun.... her books are numbered so you know the sequence. As a NY'er it is kind of relatable because it takes place mostly in NJ.
All in all, I've read approx 150 books so far this year... and looking forward to more!!!
today, I have my kindle. yes, not the same but unfortunately I do not have room for book books... so I load up on my kindle. One of the great things about the Kindle... I can usually download science books for free....physics at my fingertips (yes, I read physics for fun... I'm a full blown nerd) And like most readers, I like to re-read some of my favorites over and over again.
For fun and laughs... Janet Evanovich... laugh out loud fun.... her books are numbered so you know the sequence. As a NY'er it is kind of relatable because it takes place mostly in NJ.
All in all, I've read approx 150 books so far this year... and looking forward to more!!!
Posted by: Cathymv at August 24, 2025 10:54 AM (GoJSE)
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fire Can Too Melt Steel! at August 24, 2025 10:55 AM (L/fGl)
227
Now, you see, "Darujhistan" would throw me right there. Here you are, happily reading a fantasy about another planet, or Earth on a different timeline, and Whap! One of the cities has muslim name. Or at least an Indo word that has been adopted by the muzzies. Why not call it "Fukawiville"?
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at August 24, 2025
***
Or you can simply give the town or physical feature what the word means in the local language. "Black Wasp River," "Drunken Bay" (with its town of "Wine Barrel Landing"), etc.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at August 24, 2025
***
Or you can simply give the town or physical feature what the word means in the local language. "Black Wasp River," "Drunken Bay" (with its town of "Wine Barrel Landing"), etc.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 10:55 AM (omVj0)
228
You get used to it after a while. Most fantasy cultures are reimagining existing cultures anyway. And if the story takes place on an alternate Earth timeline, why is an Arabic-sounding place name so surprising?
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 24, 2025 10:52 AM (IBQGV)
If such names are off-putting for some, I cannot recommend them Dune.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 24, 2025 10:52 AM (IBQGV)
If such names are off-putting for some, I cannot recommend them Dune.
Posted by: Cow Demon at August 24, 2025 10:56 AM (vm8sq)
229
Skip at 221.
The 'time remaining' setting has always struck me as kind of ridiculous. Why have that? Location in book will show you percent completed at the lower right corner, and it's just about what you'd see if you looked at a bookmark in the physical volume. Time remaining is just weird. YMMV.
The 'time remaining' setting has always struck me as kind of ridiculous. Why have that? Location in book will show you percent completed at the lower right corner, and it's just about what you'd see if you looked at a bookmark in the physical volume. Time remaining is just weird. YMMV.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at August 24, 2025 10:57 AM (q3u5l)
230
"Unleashed" might be a good word for "shooting" from a cross or longbow,
as it implies violence held at the ready then released upon someone.
Though it seems like a word that would have to be used sparingly in a story context.
"Unleashed" might be a good word for "shooting" from a cross or longbow,
as it implies violence held at the ready then released upon someone.
Though it seems like a word that would have to be used sparingly in a story context.
Posted by: naturalfake at August 24, 2025 10:59 AM (iJfKG)
231
Now, you see, "Darujhistan" would throw me right there. Here you are, happily reading a fantasy about another planet, or Earth on a different timeline, and Whap! One of the cities has muslim name. Or at least an Indo word that has been adopted by the muzzies. Why not call it "Fukawiville"?
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at August 24, 2025 10:42 AM (E23dO)
Are you trying to force Anglish on us?
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at August 24, 2025 10:42 AM (E23dO)
Are you trying to force Anglish on us?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 24, 2025 11:00 AM (0eaVi)
232
You get used to it after a while. Most fantasy cultures are reimagining existing cultures anyway. And if the story takes place on an alternate Earth timeline, why is an Arabic-sounding place name so surprising?
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 24, 2025 10:52 AM (IBQGV)
If such names are off-putting for some, I cannot recommend them Dune.
Posted by: Cow Demon at August 24, 2025 10:56 AM (vm8sq)
Or any Russian novel.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 24, 2025 10:52 AM (IBQGV)
If such names are off-putting for some, I cannot recommend them Dune.
Posted by: Cow Demon at August 24, 2025 10:56 AM (vm8sq)
Or any Russian novel.
Posted by: naturalfake at August 24, 2025 11:01 AM (iJfKG)
233
Is an ebook the same as one on kindle?
Posted by: Wenda at August 24, 2025 11:01 AM (sz3LH)
234
I still have books I bought as a teenager, History of 2nd WW periodicals I bought when 13yo
Posted by: Skip at August 24, 2025 11:02 AM (+qU29)
235
Weasel, you need to make better efforts than this if you want people to read your book thread.
Posted by: Ralph at August 24, 2025 11:03 AM (8WZD4)
236
Mr Willocks The Religion....got the pro tip here..passing it on
Siege of Malta...excellent reading tolle lege!!!
Siege of Malta...excellent reading tolle lege!!!
Posted by: qmark at August 24, 2025 11:04 AM (+t9Oi)
237
like the grisha series by leigh bardugo,
Posted by: miguel cervantes at August 24, 2025 11:04 AM (bXbFr)
238
Wenda at 233.
Pretty much. There are different devices and different file formats. Your Kindle may not read the same file as the one loaded on, say, a Nook from Barnes & Noble. But the publisher has provided Amazon and Barnes (and Kobo, etc) with a file that will present the book on the device in question. If you see 'ebook' it's a book somebody's reading on some form of ebook reader. Kindle has such a big share of the market that it tends to get used synonymously with ebook. Kinda like Xerox for copiers or Kleenex with facial tissues.
Pretty much. There are different devices and different file formats. Your Kindle may not read the same file as the one loaded on, say, a Nook from Barnes & Noble. But the publisher has provided Amazon and Barnes (and Kobo, etc) with a file that will present the book on the device in question. If you see 'ebook' it's a book somebody's reading on some form of ebook reader. Kindle has such a big share of the market that it tends to get used synonymously with ebook. Kinda like Xerox for copiers or Kleenex with facial tissues.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at August 24, 2025 11:06 AM (q3u5l)
239
CO2-induced starvation update: US "Corn production is expected to hit a record 16.7 billion bushels in 2025, according to USDA projections...topping the 2023 peak of 15.3 billion.
...The question now is what to do with it all."
_msn.com
...The question now is what to do with it all."
_msn.com
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at August 24, 2025 11:07 AM (5LCqK)
240
I'm rubber and you're glue. Everything you say bounces off me and sticks to you.
Tom Homan: Deportations Will Continue Despite Judge’s Order to Shut Down Alligator Alcatraz
Tom Homan: Deportations Will Continue Despite Judge’s Order to Shut Down Alligator Alcatraz
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fire Can Too Melt Steel! at August 24, 2025 11:08 AM (L/fGl)
241
6 Old books, as in printed a long time ago, or does it mean they can be new prints of old stories?
New and old books don't smell the same.
Posted by: OrangeEnt
********************
My brother claims the smell of old books provokes him to rush to the toilet (i.e., as a laxative).
New and old books don't smell the same.
Posted by: OrangeEnt
********************
My brother claims the smell of old books provokes him to rush to the toilet (i.e., as a laxative).
Posted by: pikkumatti at August 24, 2025 11:09 AM (FY8nG)
Posted by: Reforger at August 24, 2025 11:10 AM (I0Uo2)
243
still have books I bought as a teenager, History of 2nd WW periodicals I bought when 13yo
Posted by: Skip at August 24, 2025
***
So do I, Skip, including a few from pre-teen time: 14 of My Favorites in Suspense from Alfred Hitchcock, the Whitman Young Readers edition of Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, the entire series of Man From U.N.C.L.E/ original tie-in novels, and more.
Posted by: Skip at August 24, 2025
***
So do I, Skip, including a few from pre-teen time: 14 of My Favorites in Suspense from Alfred Hitchcock, the Whitman Young Readers edition of Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, the entire series of Man From U.N.C.L.E/ original tie-in novels, and more.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 11:10 AM (omVj0)
244
Imagine if one of these manuals was generated with AI. It might then qualify as "historical fiction."
Posted by: Chairman LMAO at August 24, 2025 11:12 AM (36PRH)
245
PRO TIP:
Never bring swords to a battle where the opponent will simply drop explosive munitions on you from their flying mounts.
The Segulah--the supreme warriors of Genabackis--just learned this lesson the hard way.
Never bring swords to a battle where the opponent will simply drop explosive munitions on you from their flying mounts.
The Segulah--the supreme warriors of Genabackis--just learned this lesson the hard way.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 24, 2025 11:12 AM (IBQGV)
246
Weasel, you need to make better efforts than this if you want people to read your book thread.
Posted by: Ralph at August 24, 2025 11:03 AM (8WZD4)
-----
Oh NO! Another dissatisfied customer!!
Posted by: Ralph at August 24, 2025 11:03 AM (8WZD4)
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Oh NO! Another dissatisfied customer!!
Posted by: Weasel at August 24, 2025 11:12 AM (dmH0a)
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fire Can Too Melt Steel! at August 24, 2025 11:12 AM (L/fGl)
248
I liked Expanded Universe a lot in middle school. It's one of the last fiction books I read voluntarily. I should get it and read it again. I lost the old one in one of my million house moves.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at August 24, 2025 11:13 AM (BI5O2)
249
Are you trying to force Anglish on us?
Posted by: OrangeEnt
----------------
If I were reading a Sci-Fi story and the region,"Darujhistan" , appeared the mind would perceive it to be an evil, deceitful and sinister place. It would be difficult to erase that cloud.
Are you trying to force Anglish on us?
Posted by: OrangeEnt
----------------
If I were reading a Sci-Fi story and the region,"Darujhistan" , appeared the mind would perceive it to be an evil, deceitful and sinister place. It would be difficult to erase that cloud.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at August 24, 2025 11:13 AM (5LCqK)
250
Snoop Dogg Bodyslams Disney over His Grandson‘s Reaction to ‘Lightyear‘ Lesbian Moms Scene: ‘I Didn‘t Come for This Sh*t‘
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at August 24, 2025 11:14 AM (5LCqK)
251
Oh NO! Another dissatisfied customer!!
Posted by: Weasel at August 24, 2025 11:12 AM (dmH0a)
---
Ignore the heathens, Weasel!
I think you are doing a fine job upholding the tradition of theBook Reading Thread in my absence!
Posted by: Weasel at August 24, 2025 11:12 AM (dmH0a)
---
Ignore the heathens, Weasel!
I think you are doing a fine job upholding the tradition of the
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 24, 2025 11:15 AM (IBQGV)
252
If you don't like it, you can steer clear. There's no trail boss horsewhipping you into the book thread.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at August 24, 2025 11:16 AM (BI5O2)
253
If I were reading a Sci-Fi story and the region,"Darujhistan" , appeared the mind would perceive it to be an evil, deceitful and sinister place. It would be difficult to erase that cloud.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at August 24, 2025 11:13 AM (5LCqK)
---
You aren't too far off the mark. In its history, it was the center of a tyrannical empire that enslaved the continent. Now the tyranny is rising again, which has a lot of people freaked out.
They were much happier when Darujhistan was synonymous with a rich, free-trading city.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at August 24, 2025 11:13 AM (5LCqK)
---
You aren't too far off the mark. In its history, it was the center of a tyrannical empire that enslaved the continent. Now the tyranny is rising again, which has a lot of people freaked out.
They were much happier when Darujhistan was synonymous with a rich, free-trading city.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 24, 2025 11:16 AM (IBQGV)
254
250 Snoop Dogg Bodyslams Disney over His Grandson‘s Reaction to ‘Lightyear‘ Lesbian Moms Scene: ‘I Didn‘t Come for This Sh*t‘
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at August 24, 2025 11:14 AM (5LCqK)
Both will be arrested.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at August 24, 2025 11:14 AM (5LCqK)
Both will be arrested.
Posted by: Cow Demon at August 24, 2025 11:17 AM (vm8sq)
255
A green dildo has now been cast on the hallowed ground of a NFL field.
This is a national crisis that has to be addressed.
It's all Trump's fault.
A green dildo has now been cast on the hallowed ground of a NFL field.
This is a national crisis that has to be addressed.
It's all Trump's fault.
Posted by: Auspex at August 24, 2025 11:17 AM (Y8DZL)
256
"High minded?"
Bill Maher Says Trump Pushed Policies That Impact People While Dems “Offer up High-Minded Intangibles”
Bill Maher Says Trump Pushed Policies That Impact People While Dems “Offer up High-Minded Intangibles”
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fire Can Too Melt Steel! at August 24, 2025 11:17 AM (L/fGl)
257
Don't sweat the complaints, Weasel. Nobody can please everybody. The thread's here on Sunday morning, and that's what counts.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at August 24, 2025 11:18 AM (q3u5l)
258
Weasel, you need to make better efforts than this if you want people to read your book thread.
Posted by: Ralph at August 24, 2025 11:03 AM (8WZD4)
I agree. Far too much material!
If you could pare it down a bit I think it would be much more accessible.
Too many words!
Posted by: Ralph at August 24, 2025 11:03 AM (8WZD4)
I agree. Far too much material!
If you could pare it down a bit I think it would be much more accessible.
Too many words!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at August 24, 2025 11:18 AM (nYQhb)
259
To me a ebook is any electronic book transfer. My Samsung tablet has a Kindle app. A real Kindle is better, at least when I had one.
Posted by: Skip at August 24, 2025 11:19 AM (+qU29)
260
I think I will continue reading Crime and Punishment.
I got to the.crime, an am awaiting the punishment.
I got to the.crime, an am awaiting the punishment.
Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at August 24, 2025 11:19 AM (ufFY8)
261
Weasel ignore the critics
Posted by: Skip at August 24, 2025 11:19 AM (+qU29)
262
How come so many of those high-minded intangibles involve lower orifices?
Posted by: Just Some Guy at August 24, 2025 11:20 AM (q3u5l)
263
Weasel, you need to make better efforts than this if you want people to read your book thread.
Posted by: Ralph at August 24, 2025
***
Ralph, Weasel is providing us a platform for our discussion, and kicking it off as well. There are plenty of posts on this blog with very little content to start with. We commenters make them go.
Posted by: Ralph at August 24, 2025
***
Ralph, Weasel is providing us a platform for our discussion, and kicking it off as well. There are plenty of posts on this blog with very little content to start with. We commenters make them go.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 11:20 AM (omVj0)
264
If such names are off-putting for some, I cannot recommend them Dune.
Posted by: Cow Demon at August 24, 2025 10:56 AM (vm8sq)
Well, Dune was rather tedious, but I did read it. Of course, it is set in the distant future, but the cultures were human, and certain human names for things would have persisted.
I would regard "Darujhistan" in a fantasy novel as sort of a misnomer, I guess, unless the author is expressly trying to gin up a muslim or Indo-style polity.
Posted by: Cow Demon at August 24, 2025 10:56 AM (vm8sq)
Well, Dune was rather tedious, but I did read it. Of course, it is set in the distant future, but the cultures were human, and certain human names for things would have persisted.
I would regard "Darujhistan" in a fantasy novel as sort of a misnomer, I guess, unless the author is expressly trying to gin up a muslim or Indo-style polity.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at August 24, 2025 11:21 AM (oXp8/)
265
Are dildos fired, loosed, or flung? Does the tosser cock his arm?
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 11:21 AM (JmxXa)
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 24, 2025 11:21 AM (IBQGV)
267
I think I will continue reading Crime and Punishment.
I got to the.crime, an am awaiting the punishment.
Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at August 24, 2025
***
I found the crime compelling. The punishment, not so much. But then I'm used to reading less literary fiction -- "sensational" fiction, if you will.
I got to the.crime, an am awaiting the punishment.
Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at August 24, 2025
***
I found the crime compelling. The punishment, not so much. But then I'm used to reading less literary fiction -- "sensational" fiction, if you will.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 11:22 AM (omVj0)
268
Holy shit!
The Power To Control@Power2Control
41 years old with Alzheimers
'[Chris] Hemsworth's update comes after speculations swirled that he had already developed Alzheimer's and was headed to an early retirement from his acting career'
The Power To Control@Power2Control
41 years old with Alzheimers
'[Chris] Hemsworth's update comes after speculations swirled that he had already developed Alzheimer's and was headed to an early retirement from his acting career'
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fire Can Too Melt Steel! at August 24, 2025 11:22 AM (L/fGl)
269
Are dildos fired, loosed, or flung? Does the tosser cock his arm?
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025
***
If he's a tosser, then he is of less than no consequence!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025
***
If he's a tosser, then he is of less than no consequence!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 11:22 AM (omVj0)
270
Cry havoc! and let loose the dildos of GWAR!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 11:24 AM (JmxXa)
271
Are dildos fired, loosed, or flung? Does the tosser cock his arm?
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 11:21 AM (JmxXa)
"Gentlemen, arm your cocks!"
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 11:21 AM (JmxXa)
"Gentlemen, arm your cocks!"
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at August 24, 2025 11:24 AM (oXp8/)
272
Weasel is a gentleman and a scholar, as well as a snappy dresser, friend to children, and a blessing to dogs.
And as far as Dune being a recondite read, I just have this to say, "Harrumpf."
And as far as Dune being a recondite read, I just have this to say, "Harrumpf."
Posted by: I am the Shadout Mapes, the Housekeeper at August 24, 2025 11:24 AM (PiwSw)
273
CharlieBrown'sDildo
Next week, we want you to write a review of The Lives of Lucian Freud: FAME 1968 - 2011 (Biography and Autobiography) by William Feaver.
Next week, we want you to write a review of The Lives of Lucian Freud: FAME 1968 - 2011 (Biography and Autobiography) by William Feaver.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at August 24, 2025 11:25 AM (u82oZ)
274
Just Some Guy:
Thank you. So it's not just Kindle--an ebook wouldn't work for me either. Two reasons: I read rapidly--don't know why--and Kindle slows me down too much. Also the light troubles me. Working/writing on a computer means working with a lighted screen. It's tiring, and I worry about aging my eyes.
Choosing to do it when I don't have to doesn't make sense.
Thanks for the explanation.
Thank you. So it's not just Kindle--an ebook wouldn't work for me either. Two reasons: I read rapidly--don't know why--and Kindle slows me down too much. Also the light troubles me. Working/writing on a computer means working with a lighted screen. It's tiring, and I worry about aging my eyes.
Choosing to do it when I don't have to doesn't make sense.
Thanks for the explanation.
Posted by: Wenda at August 24, 2025 11:25 AM (sz3LH)
275
Are dildos fired, loosed, or flung? Does the tosser cock his arm?
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes
That was a well thrown dildo, Bob.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes
That was a well thrown dildo, Bob.
Posted by: Sports Color Commentator at August 24, 2025 11:25 AM (L/fGl)
276
Coming soon: fur-covered dildos to be tossed onto NHL rinks.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at August 24, 2025 11:25 AM (oXp8/)
277
Weasel,
Thanks for another book/reading thread. The complainers can just go away or at least stay quiet.
See you on the gun thread.
Thanks for another book/reading thread. The complainers can just go away or at least stay quiet.
See you on the gun thread.
Posted by: JTB at August 24, 2025 11:25 AM (yTvNw)
278
Weasel,
Thanks for another book/reading thread. The complainers can just go away or at least stay quiet.
See you on the gun thread.
Posted by: JTB at August 24, 2025 11:25 AM (yTvNw)
Hear!
Thanks for another book/reading thread. The complainers can just go away or at least stay quiet.
See you on the gun thread.
Posted by: JTB at August 24, 2025 11:25 AM (yTvNw)
Hear!
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at August 24, 2025 11:27 AM (oXp8/)
279
If I were reading a Sci-Fi story and the region,"Darujhistan" , appeared the mind would perceive it to be an evil, deceitful and sinister place. It would be difficult to erase that cloud.
*
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at August 24, 2025
***
Tolkien was a master at making the place name *sound* like what it was. "Mordor" and "Mirkwood" do not sound like places where butterflies soar and children play hide-and-seek before teatime.
He did that with living entities too. "Nazgul" is not a name you'd hear Barney the Dinosaur recite, and "Grima" doesn't sound like somebody you'd hang out with even if he didn't have the nickname "Wormtongue."
*
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at August 24, 2025
***
Tolkien was a master at making the place name *sound* like what it was. "Mordor" and "Mirkwood" do not sound like places where butterflies soar and children play hide-and-seek before teatime.
He did that with living entities too. "Nazgul" is not a name you'd hear Barney the Dinosaur recite, and "Grima" doesn't sound like somebody you'd hang out with even if he didn't have the nickname "Wormtongue."
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 11:27 AM (omVj0)
280
Truth be told, I had something nice planned for next Sunday, but now I'm thinking: Side Panel of Cereal Box!
Thanks all for your input!
Thanks all for your input!
Posted by: Weasel at August 24, 2025 11:27 AM (dmH0a)
281
NASA’s 33rd SpaceX commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station lifts off at 2:45 a.m. ET on Aug. 24 from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, atop a Falcon 9 rocket.
--------------
What did NASA have to do with it?
They bought the supplies. Oh.
He used their launch pad or
did he have to lease it?
--------------
What did NASA have to do with it?
They bought the supplies. Oh.
He used their launch pad or
did he have to lease it?
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at August 24, 2025 11:27 AM (5LCqK)
282
Denethor was better as the old mental scientist in Fringe.
Posted by: Deplorable Ian Galt at August 24, 2025 11:28 AM (ufFY8)
283
Currently reading "The Laments of Ralph". It is exceedingly boring.
Posted by: Ben Had at August 24, 2025 11:28 AM (dxWFK)
284
Truth be told, I had something nice planned for next Sunday, but now I'm thinking: Side Panel of Cereal Box!
Thanks all for your input!
Posted by: Weasel at August 24, 2025 11:27 AM (dmH0a)
---
Just remember, *eating* the box is NOT a part of a balanced breakfast!
Thanks all for your input!
Posted by: Weasel at August 24, 2025 11:27 AM (dmH0a)
---
Just remember, *eating* the box is NOT a part of a balanced breakfast!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 24, 2025 11:28 AM (IBQGV)
285
Truth be told, I had something nice planned for next Sunday, but now I'm thinking: Side Panel of Cereal Box!
Thanks all for your input!
Posted by: Weasel at August 24, 2025
***
How about the back cover of Medicare for Dummies?
Thanks all for your input!
Posted by: Weasel at August 24, 2025
***
How about the back cover of Medicare for Dummies?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 11:29 AM (omVj0)
Posted by: Sports Color Commentator at August 24, 2025 11:30 AM (L/fGl)
287
How about the back cover of Medicare for Dummies?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 11:29 AM (omVj0)
----
Section 409(A) of the Internal Revenue Code!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 11:29 AM (omVj0)
----
Section 409(A) of the Internal Revenue Code!
Posted by: Weasel at August 24, 2025 11:31 AM (dmH0a)
288
>>> 239 CO2-induced starvation update: US "Corn production is expected to hit a record 16.7 billion bushels in 2025, according to USDA projections...topping the 2023 peak of 15.3 billion.
...The question now is what to do with it all."
_msn.com
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at August 24, 2025 11:07 AM (5LCqK)
Silly presstitutes. Corn is for finishing cattle and bacon seeds.
...The question now is what to do with it all."
_msn.com
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at August 24, 2025 11:07 AM (5LCqK)
Silly presstitutes. Corn is for finishing cattle and bacon seeds.
Posted by: Helena Handbasket at August 24, 2025 11:31 AM (ULPxl)
289
Speaking of war department books, I have my grandfather's copies of "Japan's Military Masters" and "Modern Battle". My grandfather was a major general in the transport corps (or whatever the proper name for that part of the Army was) but was stationed stateside during the war. I didn't find his copy of "How the Jap Army Fights", though.
Posted by: who knew at August 24, 2025 11:31 AM (+ViXu)
290
I just sent you an email. It's definitely possible.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel
Will take a look. Thanks, Perfessor.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel
Will take a look. Thanks, Perfessor.
Posted by: Sharkman at August 24, 2025 11:32 AM (/RHNq)
291
Don't let the non-contributing buttholes get you down, Weasel. We're very grateful for your Readin' Threads.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 11:32 AM (JmxXa)
292
Just remember, *eating* the box is NOT a part of a balanced breakfast!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 24, 2025 11:28 AM (IBQGV)
Why not? It's fiber. Wood fiber, but....
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 24, 2025 11:28 AM (IBQGV)
Why not? It's fiber. Wood fiber, but....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 24, 2025 11:32 AM (0eaVi)
293
I find a Kindle e-ink device extremely easy on the eyes. A tablet is harder on them, at least for me.
Print books are harder for me these days as well. Too many have print that's just too small for comfortable reading now, so the Kindle is my default.
My main complaint over the last week or two was Brian Boyd's two-volume (and thick volumes at that) biography of Nabokov. Grabbed it from interlibrary loan, got it home and started browsing through it, and couldn't read more than a few pages at a time. Thought I'd look at the ebooks (beastly expensive, though, from Princeton U Press -- what is it with university presses?) only to find Princeton put out ebooks of that set which are basically just PDF files, and you pretty much have to use a tablet for it, and even then you'll have font size problems. Pain in the kazoosis, lemme tell ya.
Print books are harder for me these days as well. Too many have print that's just too small for comfortable reading now, so the Kindle is my default.
My main complaint over the last week or two was Brian Boyd's two-volume (and thick volumes at that) biography of Nabokov. Grabbed it from interlibrary loan, got it home and started browsing through it, and couldn't read more than a few pages at a time. Thought I'd look at the ebooks (beastly expensive, though, from Princeton U Press -- what is it with university presses?) only to find Princeton put out ebooks of that set which are basically just PDF files, and you pretty much have to use a tablet for it, and even then you'll have font size problems. Pain in the kazoosis, lemme tell ya.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at August 24, 2025 11:33 AM (q3u5l)
294
Don't let the non-contributing buttholes get you down, Weasel. We're very grateful for your Readin' Threads.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 11:32 AM (JmxXa)
----
Get me down? HA!
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 11:32 AM (JmxXa)
----
Get me down? HA!
Posted by: Weasel at August 24, 2025 11:33 AM (dmH0a)
295
Is an ebook the same as one on kindle?
Kindle is Amazon's proprietary ebook format. There are others. Barnes and Noble had their own called Nook that may or may not still exist. There are also "open" formats that can be used with free software.
Kindle is Amazon's proprietary ebook format. There are others. Barnes and Noble had their own called Nook that may or may not still exist. There are also "open" formats that can be used with free software.
Posted by: Oddbob at August 24, 2025 11:33 AM (j4v8P)
Posted by: Al Sharptongue at August 24, 2025 11:34 AM (a9s9e)
297
Don't let the non-contributing buttholes get you down, Weasel. We're very grateful for your Readin' Threads.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 11:32 AM (JmxXa)
I always open a can of VanCamp's Pork and Beans to spoon out and eat while readin' your Readin' Threads, Weasel.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 11:32 AM (JmxXa)
I always open a can of VanCamp's Pork and Beans to spoon out and eat while readin' your Readin' Threads, Weasel.
Posted by: naturalfake at August 24, 2025 11:34 AM (iJfKG)
Posted by: Weasel at August 24, 2025 11:35 AM (dmH0a)
299
Just remember, *eating* the box is NOT a part of a balanced breakfast!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 24, 2025 11:28 AM (IBQGV)
But the fiber content is amazing!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 24, 2025 11:28 AM (IBQGV)
But the fiber content is amazing!
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at August 24, 2025 11:35 AM (oXp8/)
300
The M-14 service manual is also good reading
Posted by: Chairman LMAO at August 24, 2025 11:35 AM (36PRH)
301
Do any of you have books, or types of books, you like to read at different times of the year? I don't have summer reading or beach reading as such. But when it's cold and wet and I'm not leaving the house, I get out the books that suck me in for long sessions: LOTR (of course), George MacDonald fantasy, historical fiction from Cornwell and O'Brian, even the complete original Conan stories. It's hard to put down "Hour of the Dragon" once started. These are the kind I like to read when I only get up from my reading chair for another cup of tea or coffee and to make a meal.
Posted by: JTB at August 24, 2025 11:35 AM (yTvNw)
302
Thank you Weasel for continuing the book thread.....my favorite part of Ace's place....other than ...you know ...the constant Disney threads.
555
Thank you Weasel for continuing the book thread.....my favorite part of Ace's place....other than ...you know ...the constant Disney threads.
555Posted by: Some Guy in Wisconsin at August 24, 2025 11:36 AM (VYtfg)
303
Setting wheel bearings precisely makes them last far longer. But nobody has time for that. And as any shop owner can tell you, slightly loose means no problems.
Slightly tight, well the customer will be stranded on the side of the road with smoking bearings and Not Happy.
Slightly tight, well the customer will be stranded on the side of the road with smoking bearings and Not Happy.
Posted by: Common Tater at August 24, 2025 11:36 AM (QGfnd)
304
I always open a can of VanCamp's Pork and Beans to spoon out and eat while readin' your Readin' Threads, Weasel.
Posted by: naturalfake at August 24, 2025
***
"Says here this salsa was made in . . . Noo York City."
"NOO YAWK CITY????"
Posted by: naturalfake at August 24, 2025
***
"Says here this salsa was made in . . . Noo York City."
"NOO YAWK CITY????"
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 11:37 AM (omVj0)
Posted by: Weasel at August 24, 2025 11:37 AM (dmH0a)
Posted by: Common Tater at August 24, 2025 11:37 AM (QGfnd)
307
It is blistering hot outside this week, so I spend time reading.
Reading The Green Flash by Manning Coles. Tommy Hambledon is in Switzerland to speak to a reclusive explosives chemist, when he cheats death and is kidnapped by the SS, who drag him to Berlin on the misapprehension that HE is the chemist with the new formula for explosives.
Tommy has to pretend to be a chemist finishing his researches, of which he knows nothing, while trying to contact British Intelligence, avoid the swindler who knows who he is, and avoiding detection by the Nazi upper echelons, who he knew personally from when he lived in Germany in the 20's, all while continuing the covert war of sabotage in the heart of the Reich.
Reading The Green Flash by Manning Coles. Tommy Hambledon is in Switzerland to speak to a reclusive explosives chemist, when he cheats death and is kidnapped by the SS, who drag him to Berlin on the misapprehension that HE is the chemist with the new formula for explosives.
Tommy has to pretend to be a chemist finishing his researches, of which he knows nothing, while trying to contact British Intelligence, avoid the swindler who knows who he is, and avoiding detection by the Nazi upper echelons, who he knew personally from when he lived in Germany in the 20's, all while continuing the covert war of sabotage in the heart of the Reich.
Posted by: Kindltot at August 24, 2025 11:38 AM (rbvCR)
308
Never buy a book you don't have physical possession of.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at August 24, 2025 11:38 AM (5LCqK)
309
Wenda -- if thinking about ebooks, check out an e-ink device. A Kindle ereader rather than a Fire tablet (or other tablets). MUCH easier on the eyes, unlike tablets/computer screens, and the font size is easily adustable.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at August 24, 2025 11:38 AM (q3u5l)
310
In Alaska they know to keep their Bearings Straight...
Posted by: muldoon at August 24, 2025 11:38 AM (/iMjX)
311
OK! 11:39 thank you time!
Thank you all for being here and participating today, and hope to see you next Sunday!!
Thank you all for being here and participating today, and hope to see you next Sunday!!
Posted by: Weasel at August 24, 2025 11:39 AM (dmH0a)
312
In our world, "Deadwood" and "Tombstone" do not sound like places where genteel little old ladies gather for knitting circles. (I'm sure both towns eventually had genteel little old ladies and knitting circles, but that's not what comes to mind when you hear the names.)
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 11:39 AM (omVj0)
313
"Corn production is expected to hit a record...
...The question now is what to do with it all."
I live in Nebraska (as a matter of circumstance, not choice) and the other day the local NPR station was running a story about that and experiments to make bio- aviation fuel.
...The question now is what to do with it all."
I live in Nebraska (as a matter of circumstance, not choice) and the other day the local NPR station was running a story about that and experiments to make bio- aviation fuel.
Posted by: Oddbob at August 24, 2025 11:40 AM (hXkPS)
314
Slightly tight, well the customer will be stranded on the side of the road with smoking bearings and Not Happy.
Posted by: Common Tater
====
Tighten and back off 1/4 turn.
Slightly tight, well the customer will be stranded on the side of the road with smoking bearings and Not Happy.
Posted by: Common Tater
====
Tighten and back off 1/4 turn.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at August 24, 2025 11:40 AM (5LCqK)
315
Thank you to the Moron/ette who recommended Magpie Murders. I listened to them audiobook version of this "murder mystery surrounding a murder mystery." The audiobook used a woman narrator for the wrap-around murder mystery as the main character is a woman and a man for the "interior" murder mystery where the main character is a man. This worked really well.
My only quibble is with the ending, but then if people or characters acted perfectly logical there would be no resolution. 😆
My only quibble is with the ending, but then if people or characters acted perfectly logical there would be no resolution. 😆
Posted by: March Hare at August 24, 2025 11:40 AM (O/GSq)
316
Reading The Green Flash by Manning Coles. Tommy Hambledon is in Switzerland to speak to a reclusive explosives chemist, when he cheats death and is kidnapped by the SS, who drag him to Berlin on the misapprehension that HE is the chemist with the new formula for explosives.
Tommy has to pretend to be a chemist finishing his researches, of which he knows nothing, while trying to contact British Intelligence, avoid the swindler who knows who he is, and avoiding detection by the Nazi upper echelons, who he knew personally from when he lived in Germany in the 20's, all while continuing the covert war of sabotage in the heart of the Reich.
Posted by: Kindltot at August 24, 2025
***
Is that the one with ulsenite, which Tommy refers to in private as "Poppo"?
Tommy has to pretend to be a chemist finishing his researches, of which he knows nothing, while trying to contact British Intelligence, avoid the swindler who knows who he is, and avoiding detection by the Nazi upper echelons, who he knew personally from when he lived in Germany in the 20's, all while continuing the covert war of sabotage in the heart of the Reich.
Posted by: Kindltot at August 24, 2025
***
Is that the one with ulsenite, which Tommy refers to in private as "Poppo"?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 11:40 AM (omVj0)
317
My grandfather might have enjoyed that government book on ball bearings. Hell, he might have helped write it. He maintained steam engines before WW I and after and was a stickler for maintaining precision tools and components.
Posted by: JTB at August 24, 2025 11:41 AM (yTvNw)
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at August 24, 2025 11:41 AM (5LCqK)
319
Never buy a book you don't have physical possession of.
Posted by: Braenyard
*********
That is something up with which we shall not put.
Posted by: Braenyard
*********
That is something up with which we shall not put.
Posted by: muldoon at August 24, 2025 11:41 AM (/iMjX)
320
Thanks, Just Some Guy.
Posted by: Wenda at August 24, 2025 11:42 AM (sz3LH)
321
Just remember, *eating* the box is NOT a part of a balanced breakfast!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 24, 2025
*
But the fiber content is amazing!
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at August 24, 2025
***
I think I read that Kellogg's Frosted Flakes boxes are good for your cholesterol. . . .
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 24, 2025
*
But the fiber content is amazing!
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at August 24, 2025
***
I think I read that Kellogg's Frosted Flakes boxes are good for your cholesterol. . . .
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 11:42 AM (omVj0)
322
Flannery O'Connor was the original Goth chick.
"A Good Man Is Hard to Find" is Dark AF.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at August 24, 2025 09:52 AM (DIweC)
~~~~~
Huh. Fordham = Jesuits. Figures they'd assign an author like that.
"A Good Man Is Hard to Find" is Dark AF.
Posted by: Victor Tango Kilo at August 24, 2025 09:52 AM (DIweC)
~~~~~
Huh. Fordham = Jesuits. Figures they'd assign an author like that.
Posted by: IrishEi at August 24, 2025 11:43 AM (3ImbR)
323
Don't let the non-contributing buttholes get you down, Weasel. We're very grateful for your Readin' Threads.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 11:32 AM (JmxXa)
I always open a can of VanCamp's Pork and Beans to spoon out and eat while readin' your Readin' Threads, Weasel.
Posted by: naturalfake at August 24, 2025 11:34 AM (iJfKG)
To be fair I'm a non-contributing butthole but I don't complain about contributors.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 24, 2025 11:32 AM (JmxXa)
I always open a can of VanCamp's Pork and Beans to spoon out and eat while readin' your Readin' Threads, Weasel.
Posted by: naturalfake at August 24, 2025 11:34 AM (iJfKG)
To be fair I'm a non-contributing butthole but I don't complain about contributors.
Posted by: Northernlurker , Maple Syrup MAGA at August 24, 2025 11:43 AM (kTd/k)
324
Wenda, you're welcome. But if you're an extremely fast reader, you may still find that the Kindle ereader slows you down some even if eyestrain's not so much of an issue.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at August 24, 2025 11:44 AM (q3u5l)
325
The M-14 service manual is also good reading
There is that scene in M*A*S*H where Potter is reading the M1 manual to an orphan. Put the little bugger right to sleep.
There is that scene in M*A*S*H where Potter is reading the M1 manual to an orphan. Put the little bugger right to sleep.
Posted by: Oddbob at August 24, 2025 11:44 AM (vzhRo)
326
Setting wheel bearings precisely makes them last far longer. But nobody has time for that. And as any shop owner can tell you, slightly loose means no problems.
Slightly tight, well the customer will be stranded on the side of the road with smoking bearings and Not Happy.
Posted by: Common Tater at August 24, 2025 11:36 AM (QGfnd)
Even with harleys. The wheels with timken bearings need to be set with .004 end play. Every time you do a new tire the bearings should be pulled, cleaned and regreased, checked for end play, and then new seals. Do owners do this? Noooo. The shims eventually crush over repeated axe tightenings, the end play gets less, the old grease becomes mud, and the wheel goes to shit.
Slightly tight, well the customer will be stranded on the side of the road with smoking bearings and Not Happy.
Posted by: Common Tater at August 24, 2025 11:36 AM (QGfnd)
Even with harleys. The wheels with timken bearings need to be set with .004 end play. Every time you do a new tire the bearings should be pulled, cleaned and regreased, checked for end play, and then new seals. Do owners do this? Noooo. The shims eventually crush over repeated axe tightenings, the end play gets less, the old grease becomes mud, and the wheel goes to shit.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at August 24, 2025 11:45 AM (snZF9)
327
Gettin' close to that time when I have to go do chores. (Miss Linda says, "Not 'chores'! You're not on a farm!" To which I reply, "I have livestock, don't I?")
Weasel, thanks for another solid Book Thread!
Weasel, thanks for another solid Book Thread!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 11:46 AM (omVj0)
328
On that happy note, off to accomplish absolutely nothing here at Casa Some Guy.
Weasel, thanks for the thread.
Have a good one, gang.
Weasel, thanks for the thread.
Have a good one, gang.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at August 24, 2025 11:46 AM (q3u5l)
329
Do any of you have books, or types of books, you like to read at different times of the year?...
Posted by: JTB at August 24, 2025 11:35 AM (yTvNw)
I tend to like reading ghost stories and horror as the autumn sets in and the weather becomescool less hot (we are in Texas after all).
I also tend to read longer books or stories. I don't tend to reread things like LOTR unless it's been long enough that I forget enough of the story. Otherwise, I just wait for the parts I like as I'm reading and that makes the whole thing boring.
I may read some Thomas Pynchon this year or Nabokov or maybe DUNE or "Book of the New Sun" since it's been long time since I've read those two series.
Posted by: JTB at August 24, 2025 11:35 AM (yTvNw)
I tend to like reading ghost stories and horror as the autumn sets in and the weather becomes
I also tend to read longer books or stories. I don't tend to reread things like LOTR unless it's been long enough that I forget enough of the story. Otherwise, I just wait for the parts I like as I'm reading and that makes the whole thing boring.
I may read some Thomas Pynchon this year or Nabokov or maybe DUNE or "Book of the New Sun" since it's been long time since I've read those two series.
Posted by: naturalfake at August 24, 2025 11:47 AM (iJfKG)
330
I'm thinking: Side Panel of Cereal Box!
Thanks all for your input!
Posted by: Weasel at August 24, 2025 11:27 AM (dmH0a)
Cool. I'm doing my homework right now. Except it's a bag and does not have a side panel.
Thanks all for your input!
Posted by: Weasel at August 24, 2025 11:27 AM (dmH0a)
Cool. I'm doing my homework right now. Except it's a bag and does not have a side panel.
Posted by: Reforger at August 24, 2025 11:47 AM (I0Uo2)
331
Mean tweets! Mean tweets!
Eric Adams@ericadamsfornyc
64 vs. 33. A lifetime of hard work vs. a silver spoon. The results speak for themselves.
The weight of the job is too heavy for “Mamscrawny.” The only thing he can lift is your taxes.
Eric Adams@ericadamsfornyc
64 vs. 33. A lifetime of hard work vs. a silver spoon. The results speak for themselves.
The weight of the job is too heavy for “Mamscrawny.” The only thing he can lift is your taxes.
Posted by: Sports Color Commentator at August 24, 2025 11:47 AM (L/fGl)
332
>>>That is something up with which we shall not put.
~~~~~
Muldoon=grammar perfectionist.
Ending sentences with prepositions is something I am very frequently guilty of
~~~~~
Muldoon=grammar perfectionist.
Ending sentences with prepositions is something I am very frequently guilty of
Posted by: IrishEi at August 24, 2025 11:47 AM (3ImbR)
333
Tighten and back off 1/4 turn.
——-
Well, right. This will prevent un-pleasantness. And is quick. But the research from bearing manufacturers shows they will last almost indefinitely if the “preload” is set precisely, with a dial indicator.
Another interesting manual instruction, they all tell you to fill the wheel hub with grease, to a level even with the bearings. This is quite a lot of grease. Most mechanics decline, “I ain’t doin’ that!”. But they can’t explain why. Is the average wrench bender smarter than the engineers?
Torque specs and wrenches are another fun thing to watch. I’ve met more than a few who’ve no idea on how or why they are used, who should know better.
——-
Well, right. This will prevent un-pleasantness. And is quick. But the research from bearing manufacturers shows they will last almost indefinitely if the “preload” is set precisely, with a dial indicator.
Another interesting manual instruction, they all tell you to fill the wheel hub with grease, to a level even with the bearings. This is quite a lot of grease. Most mechanics decline, “I ain’t doin’ that!”. But they can’t explain why. Is the average wrench bender smarter than the engineers?
Torque specs and wrenches are another fun thing to watch. I’ve met more than a few who’ve no idea on how or why they are used, who should know better.
Posted by: Common Tater at August 24, 2025 11:48 AM (QGfnd)
334
Ending sentences with prepositions is something I am very frequently guilty of
Posted by: IrishEi at August 24, 2025
***
It was a rule for Latin and not so much for English.
Posted by: IrishEi at August 24, 2025
***
It was a rule for Latin and not so much for English.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 11:49 AM (omVj0)
335
Re: high minded bullshit.
I'm tired of hearing it from any Party. Democrats want to tell me they're for racial equality. Cool. Prove it.
Republicans tell me they're for strong families. Cool, prove it.
All I see around me is immiserated black people, and broken families, because there's no fucking work for the men of any race who want to put a nose to a grindstone.
I'm tired of hearing high minded talk from unaccountable rich folks working Mexican slaves.
I'm tired of hearing it from any Party. Democrats want to tell me they're for racial equality. Cool. Prove it.
Republicans tell me they're for strong families. Cool, prove it.
All I see around me is immiserated black people, and broken families, because there's no fucking work for the men of any race who want to put a nose to a grindstone.
I'm tired of hearing high minded talk from unaccountable rich folks working Mexican slaves.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at August 24, 2025 11:49 AM (BI5O2)
336
Many people noticed in Europe the Socialist parties and orgs always seemed to be run by wealthy incompetents, they claimed to want to help the poor, but made their lives immeasurably worse. Usually a pile of skulls
Posted by: Common Tater at August 24, 2025 11:50 AM (QGfnd)
337
I did hone my reading skills as a kid on cereal boxes. Some of those word were pretty hard to sound out.
Mon O So dee umm glu...
The fuck am I eating?
Mon O So dee umm glu...
The fuck am I eating?
Posted by: Reforger at August 24, 2025 11:50 AM (I0Uo2)
338
I did hone my reading skills as a kid on cereal boxes. Some of those word were pretty hard to sound out.
Mon O So dee umm glu...
The fuck am I eating?
Posted by: Reforger at August 24, 2025 11:50 AM (I0Uo2)
----
*fistbump*
Mon O So dee umm glu...
The fuck am I eating?
Posted by: Reforger at August 24, 2025 11:50 AM (I0Uo2)
----
*fistbump*
Posted by: Weasel at August 24, 2025 11:51 AM (dmH0a)
339
FUN FACT: The Maintenance of Ball and Roller Bearings was Book One of a trilogy.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at August 24, 2025 09:59 AM (dDmld)
Was Book Two Oiled Bronze, and Babbitt Metal Bushings?
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at August 24, 2025 09:59 AM (dDmld)
Was Book Two Oiled Bronze, and Babbitt Metal Bushings?
Posted by: Kindltot at August 24, 2025 11:52 AM (rbvCR)
340
Morning all.
Just ordered two books from Lay It Flat Publishing Group
Ultimate Guide to Home Butchering
Complete Book of Home Canning
Sprial bound so when it's laying open on the kitchen counter, it lays flat and doesn't try to close.
https://tinyurl.com/mry2mx78
Just ordered two books from Lay It Flat Publishing Group
Ultimate Guide to Home Butchering
Complete Book of Home Canning
Sprial bound so when it's laying open on the kitchen counter, it lays flat and doesn't try to close.
https://tinyurl.com/mry2mx78
Posted by: rickb223 at August 24, 2025 11:53 AM (zXOsD)
341
Democrats want to tell me they're for racial equality
——-
You’ve been under a rock? That was 60, 40, 30 years ago.
Equality looks a whole lot like Discrimination, if you’ve been getting special favors. The new term is “Equity” which simply means Whitey needs to get fired, not hired, that kind of thing. Revenge, basically.
——-
You’ve been under a rock? That was 60, 40, 30 years ago.
Equality looks a whole lot like Discrimination, if you’ve been getting special favors. The new term is “Equity” which simply means Whitey needs to get fired, not hired, that kind of thing. Revenge, basically.
Posted by: Common Tater at August 24, 2025 11:53 AM (QGfnd)
342
I did hone my reading skills as a kid on cereal boxes. Some of those word were pretty hard to sound out.
Mon O So dee umm glu...
The fuck am I eating?
Posted by: Reforger at August 24, 2025
***
"Riboflavin" made me think of skeletons
Mon O So dee umm glu...
The fuck am I eating?
Posted by: Reforger at August 24, 2025
***
"Riboflavin" made me think of skeletons
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 11:54 AM (omVj0)
343
You get used to it after a while. Most fantasy cultures are reimagining existing cultures anyway. And if the story takes place on an alternate Earth timeline, why is an Arabic-sounding place name so surprising?
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel
The Galaxy's Edge series, which is up to 45 books now, by Anspach and Cole, has a race of imbecile, imperialist, horribly smelly and violent donkey-like creatures called the "Zhee." In all respects they are the perfect Islam/Muslim analog. The authors really lean into the similarity and I find it hilarious.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel
The Galaxy's Edge series, which is up to 45 books now, by Anspach and Cole, has a race of imbecile, imperialist, horribly smelly and violent donkey-like creatures called the "Zhee." In all respects they are the perfect Islam/Muslim analog. The authors really lean into the similarity and I find it hilarious.
Posted by: Sharkman at August 24, 2025 11:55 AM (/RHNq)
344
I remember being amazed by sintered Oilite bearings as a little kid. How could oil soak into metal! What a country.
Posted by: Common Tater at August 24, 2025 11:55 AM (QGfnd)
345
Was Book Two Oiled Bronze, and Babbitt Metal Bushings?
Posted by: Kindltot at August 24, 2025
***
Why are they called "babbitt" bearings? I always think of the title character in the book by Sinclair Lewis, but he was a businessman, not an engineer.
Was Book Two Oiled Bronze, and Babbitt Metal Bushings?
Posted by: Kindltot at August 24, 2025
***
Why are they called "babbitt" bearings? I always think of the title character in the book by Sinclair Lewis, but he was a businessman, not an engineer.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 11:56 AM (omVj0)
346
The alternative to "fire" is "shoot"
Posted by: Kindltot at August 24, 2025 11:56 AM (rbvCR)
347
G'morn, y'all, or afternoon if East of me.
I was going to mention all the books Milady got for me for my birthday from a "cute little book store" she discovered, but I suspect I don't have time now.
I was going to mention all the books Milady got for me for my birthday from a "cute little book store" she discovered, but I suspect I don't have time now.
Posted by: mindful webworker - slept late again at August 24, 2025 11:57 AM (i1iCx)
348
Equality looks a whole lot like Discrimination, if you’ve been getting special favors. The new term is “Equity” which simply means Whitey needs to get fired, not hired, that kind of thing. Revenge, basically.
Posted by: Common Tater
You know. Like fighting fire with fire.
Posted by: Common Tater
You know. Like fighting fire with fire.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fat, Dumb, and Happy at August 24, 2025 11:58 AM (L/fGl)
Posted by: rickb223 at August 24, 2025 11:58 AM (zXOsD)
350
I was going to mention all the books Milady got for me for my birthday from a "cute little book store" she discovered, but I suspect I don't have time now.
Posted by: mindful webworker - slept late again at August 24, 2025
***
Tell us about the best ones next week.
Posted by: mindful webworker - slept late again at August 24, 2025
***
Tell us about the best ones next week.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 11:58 AM (omVj0)
351
Did You Know?
Grease fittings are called “Zerks”. Most people don’t know why. They are named after their inventor. Ulysses Zerk. Now you know. Amaze your friends!
Grease fittings are called “Zerks”. Most people don’t know why. They are named after their inventor. Ulysses Zerk. Now you know. Amaze your friends!
Posted by: Common Tater at August 24, 2025 11:58 AM (QGfnd)
352
Ooh ooh. Speaking of M1s and the book thread, I got a score at the used book store last week. Volumes 1 - 6 of the Garand Collectors' Association bound "best of" books for the cost of a single volume new.
Posted by: Oddbob at August 24, 2025 11:58 AM (XaEFY)
Posted by: Weasel at August 24, 2025 11:59 AM (dmH0a)
354
Thanks, Weasel.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fat, Dumb, and Happy at August 24, 2025 11:59 AM (L/fGl)
355
I am re-reading "The Clash of Civilizations" by Samuel P. Huntington. When I first read it about 10 years ago, he mentioned Ukraine and how it is divided between the Catholic western half and the Russian Orthodox eastern half. I am not yet at that part of the book yet.
But something caught my attention. He mentioned the conflict between the Armenia and Azerbajian. Well, how about that recent news? What can Trump not do?
But something caught my attention. He mentioned the conflict between the Armenia and Azerbajian. Well, how about that recent news? What can Trump not do?
Posted by: no one of any consequence at August 24, 2025 12:00 PM (ZmEVT)
356
I think the term is Loose, and the French command is "tirez"
I wonder what the Welsh command would be?
I wonder what the Welsh command would be?
Posted by: Kindltot at August 24, 2025 12:00 PM (rbvCR)
357
WE HAZ A NOOD
Posted by: Skip at August 24, 2025 12:01 PM (+qU29)
358
Nood...CBD
Posted by: joemarine at August 24, 2025 12:01 PM (y171U)
359
Nood.
Posted by: Nazdar at August 24, 2025 12:01 PM (NcvvS)
360
I think the term is Loose, and the French command is "tirez"
I wonder what the Welsh command would be?
Posted by: Kindltot at August 24, 2025
***
I think "tirez" can also mean "Pull." I see it on the multilingual instructions on hand towel dispensers in public restrooms all the time.
I wonder what the Welsh command would be?
Posted by: Kindltot at August 24, 2025
***
I think "tirez" can also mean "Pull." I see it on the multilingual instructions on hand towel dispensers in public restrooms all the time.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 12:01 PM (omVj0)
361
We put the Fun in Disfunctional.
Posted by: no one of any consequence at August 24, 2025 12:01 PM (ZmEVT)
362
Ultimate Guide to Home Butchering
Complete Book of Home Canning
Any editor or publisher who allows those words in a nonfiction title needs to be knouted.
Complete Book of Home Canning
Any editor or publisher who allows those words in a nonfiction title needs to be knouted.
Posted by: Oddbob at August 24, 2025 12:01 PM (XaEFY)
363
Grease fittings are called “Zerks”. Most people don’t know why. They are named after their inventor. Ulysses Zerk. Now you know. Amaze your friends!
Posted by: Common Tater at August 24, 2025 11:58 AM (QGfnd)
Biggest cause of failure in bearings is these fittings.
Clean them well before attaching the grease gun. If you don't you will push dirt in with the grease and bearings hate dirt.
Posted by: Common Tater at August 24, 2025 11:58 AM (QGfnd)
Biggest cause of failure in bearings is these fittings.
Clean them well before attaching the grease gun. If you don't you will push dirt in with the grease and bearings hate dirt.
Posted by: Reforger at August 24, 2025 12:05 PM (I0Uo2)
364
Really, we have a new thread
Posted by: Skip at August 24, 2025 12:06 PM (+qU29)
365
Ultimate Guide to Home Butchering
Complete Book of Home Canning
Any editor or publisher who allows those words in a nonfiction title needs to be knouted.
Posted by: Oddbob
Waiting on the "101 Way To Serve Your Fellow Man" book.
Complete Book of Home Canning
Any editor or publisher who allows those words in a nonfiction title needs to be knouted.
Posted by: Oddbob
Waiting on the "101 Way To Serve Your Fellow Man" book.
Posted by: rickb223 at August 24, 2025 12:09 PM (zXOsD)
366
Torque specs and wrenches are another fun thing to watch. I’ve met more than a few who’ve no idea on how or why they are used, who should know better.
Posted by: Common Tater
----------
Yeah, 1/4 turn is a bit much but .004 on the Harley. That's critical.
Posted by: Common Tater
----------
Yeah, 1/4 turn is a bit much but .004 on the Harley. That's critical.
Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at August 24, 2025 12:15 PM (5LCqK)
367
The sole survivor of Torpedo Squadron 8 was the unfortunately named George Gay.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fire Can Too Melt Steel! at August 24, 2025 10:28 AM (L/fGl)
George Kirby Gay built the first brick building in Polk County Oregon, and was both one of the men who brought cattle up from California, and one of the men who were involved in the votes and movements to declare the Oregon territory an American region.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Fire Can Too Melt Steel! at August 24, 2025 10:28 AM (L/fGl)
George Kirby Gay built the first brick building in Polk County Oregon, and was both one of the men who brought cattle up from California, and one of the men who were involved in the votes and movements to declare the Oregon territory an American region.
Posted by: Kindltot at August 24, 2025 12:18 PM (rbvCR)
368
Beowulf:
'. . . Now flames, the blazing fire, must devour the lord of warriors who often endured the iron-tipped arrow shower, when the dark cloud loosed by bow strings broke above the shield wall, quivering; when the eager shaft, with its feather garb, discharged its duty to the barb.'
'. . . Now flames, the blazing fire, must devour the lord of warriors who often endured the iron-tipped arrow shower, when the dark cloud loosed by bow strings broke above the shield wall, quivering; when the eager shaft, with its feather garb, discharged its duty to the barb.'
Posted by: Kindltot at August 24, 2025 12:20 PM (rbvCR)
369
Only a little over a week before the new Cormoran Strike detective book is out. I'm rereading the series to prepare for it.
Can't say enough good things about these books. JK Rowling has really hit a home run with these. She's even got me highly invested in the romance arc.
Can't say enough good things about these books. JK Rowling has really hit a home run with these. She's even got me highly invested in the romance arc.
Posted by: Splunge at August 24, 2025 12:26 PM (d03xA)
370
***
Is that the one with ulsenite, which Tommy refers to in private as "Poppo"?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 11:40 AM (omVj0)
It is, and it is as fun as you remember it, in that particularly light hearted bloodthirsty way that Tommy brings to all situations.
Tommy Hambleton was a far better character than James Bond. He just didn't get hot chicks.
Is that the one with ulsenite, which Tommy refers to in private as "Poppo"?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at August 24, 2025 11:40 AM (omVj0)
It is, and it is as fun as you remember it, in that particularly light hearted bloodthirsty way that Tommy brings to all situations.
Tommy Hambleton was a far better character than James Bond. He just didn't get hot chicks.
Posted by: Kindltot at August 24, 2025 12:28 PM (rbvCR)
371
Grease fittings are called “Zerks”. Most people don’t know why. They are named after their inventor. Ulysses Zerk. Now you know. Amaze your friends!
Posted by: Common Tater at August 24, 2025 11:58 AM (QGfnd)
Zerks are almost absolutely the same design as a ball-point pen, except the gooey stuff goes the other direction
Posted by: Common Tater at August 24, 2025 11:58 AM (QGfnd)
Zerks are almost absolutely the same design as a ball-point pen, except the gooey stuff goes the other direction
Posted by: Kindltot at August 24, 2025 12:32 PM (rbvCR)
372
I guess I have to go clean my Zerk.
Posted by: Splunge at August 24, 2025 12:34 PM (d03xA)
373
Amazon prices are inconsistent and can change a lot overnight in seconds. FIFY
Posted by: JTB
----
(Let's see if I have the control characters correct)
Not inconsistent. Amazon runs a very complex algorithm for pricing that tries to optimize (in terms of THEIR profit) the supply/demand curve instantaneously.
Posted by: JTB
----
(Let's see if I have the control characters correct)
Not inconsistent. Amazon runs a very complex algorithm for pricing that tries to optimize (in terms of THEIR profit) the supply/demand curve instantaneously.
Posted by: buddhaha at August 24, 2025 12:36 PM (dWdRv)
374
i've had ball bearing and roller bearing crankshaft motorcycles. but the real deal is lignum vitae pillow block carriers like in lift stations and props for diesel ships. most of these have been running for over a hundred years and are still in service. self lubricating, self healing.
Posted by: cmeat at August 24, 2025 12:37 PM (hMrQx)
375
252 If you don't like it, you can steer clear. There's no trail boss horsewhipping you into the book thread.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice
--
*drops lariat and pushes it behind stack of books with the tip of stompy boot.*
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice
--
*drops lariat and pushes it behind stack of books with the tip of stompy boot.*
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at August 24, 2025 12:42 PM (Mgy3C)
376
The Last Crusader by de wolfe
If you are ever in Barcelona, the ship was built there and the old shipyard is now a a naval museum with the Don Juan Ship--dominating, beautiful, and fearsome
If you are ever in Barcelona, the ship was built there and the old shipyard is now a a naval museum with the Don Juan Ship--dominating, beautiful, and fearsome
Posted by: sharon at August 24, 2025 12:51 PM (WKNzA)
377
Using language and grammar consistent with the historical setting is difficult. If you get too "authentic", reading can become a chore, like reading Chaucer for an assignment. Not attempting to eliminate modern idiom broadens the appeal, but is going to be off putting to at least some part of your intended audience.
I think I've mentioned this before, but, IMNSHO, the best example of how to thread this needle is The Golden Warrior by Hope Muntz. In today's parlance, a one-year wonder, but an amazingly easy read that still reminds you that you are in the 11th century.
I think I've mentioned this before, but, IMNSHO, the best example of how to thread this needle is The Golden Warrior by Hope Muntz. In today's parlance, a one-year wonder, but an amazingly easy read that still reminds you that you are in the 11th century.
Posted by: buddhaha at August 24, 2025 01:00 PM (dWdRv)
378
FSCK autocucumber. "One-hit wonder, not "one-year wonder".
Posted by: buddhaha at August 24, 2025 01:03 PM (dWdRv)
379
also reading Brother Caedfel series and also Richard and Saladin by Roberts
Posted by: sharon at August 24, 2025 01:04 PM (WKNzA)
380
My brother claims the smell of old books provokes him to rush to the toilet (i.e., as a laxative).
Posted by: pikkumatti at August 24, 2025 11:09 AM (FY8nG)
Me too
Posted by: pikkumatti at August 24, 2025 11:09 AM (FY8nG)
Me too
Posted by: LASue at August 24, 2025 01:09 PM (lCppi)
381
CREATION MYTHS OF PRIMITIVE AMERICA:
in Relation to The Religious History and
Mental Development of Mankind
BY JEREMIAH CURTIN 1898.
Curtin had done all of the field work - he was a polyglot and polymath - but died (1904) before he finished writing the series. Others took up the task and everything was wrapped up by 1923.
.epub and .mobi can be found at Project Gutenberg:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/1053
PDF at:
archive.org/details/creation-myths-of-primitive-america
in Relation to The Religious History and
Mental Development of Mankind
BY JEREMIAH CURTIN 1898.
Curtin had done all of the field work - he was a polyglot and polymath - but died (1904) before he finished writing the series. Others took up the task and everything was wrapped up by 1923.
.epub and .mobi can be found at Project Gutenberg:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/1053
PDF at:
archive.org/details/creation-myths-of-primitive-america
Posted by: 13times at August 24, 2025 01:43 PM (hwIQ8)
382
"Helen of Troy, the daughter of Leda and of Zeus [the divine swan], the overarching heaven, with all its light; Norwan, daughter of the earth; and the Algonkin hero whose place is taken by Hiawatha, are all different representatives of the same person, different expressions for the same phenomenon;
that person or phenomenon is the warm air which dances above the earth in fine weather."
Everyone fights over sweet Helen.
that person or phenomenon is the warm air which dances above the earth in fine weather."
Everyone fights over sweet Helen.
Posted by: 13times at August 24, 2025 01:51 PM (hwIQ8)
383
Weasel, thanks for keeping the reading/book forum alive. I just got inspired by three recommendations on here.
Posted by: microcosme at August 24, 2025 04:02 PM (Xx9uC)
384
As a big Conrad fan, I read all his books in 2015. Typhoon was a very good novella of a crew battling a hurricane. His best books IMO are Lord Jim, Youth and Secret Sharer.
Posted by: waelse1 at August 24, 2025 04:12 PM (rXQF7)
385
Just finished Magpie Murders. It was pretty fun: a murder mystery inside a murder mystery. But my two top guesses for the killer were both more fun than the one the author chose.
This afternoon I cracked open Privateers by Ben Bova. I have a feeling a read this once before and forgot to write it down. But on the dedication page I saw this:
TO
Stanley Schmidt
Could that be the Stanley Schmidt of the Fred books? I need to find out!
This afternoon I cracked open Privateers by Ben Bova. I have a feeling a read this once before and forgot to write it down. But on the dedication page I saw this:
TO
Stanley Schmidt
Could that be the Stanley Schmidt of the Fred books? I need to find out!
Posted by: pjungwir at August 24, 2025 05:57 PM (iJ3EL)
386
I'm also about 100 pages into The Long Ships by Frans G. Bengtsson. It's on my son's 10th grade summer reading list (for a year focused on the Middle Ages), and I want to read it too. So far it is a lot of fun. Published in the 40s and translated into English in the 50s, it reminds me of that era's sword-and-sandals films, especially the ones that put the Christian setting into the foreground. The Vikings believe in their Norse gods, but they don't worship them. The meet a Jew, Muslims, and Christians. They would have agreed with my grandmother who once told me religion is all fine and good as long as it doesn't change how you live your life.
Posted by: pjungwir at August 24, 2025 06:30 PM (iJ3EL)
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