Sunday Morning Book Thread 05-21-2017

Library of Congress Main Reading Room

(h/t tsrblke)

[Update]:For discussions about Trump's speech, use the open thread directly below this one. Thank you.

Good morning to all you 'rons, 'ettes, lurkers, and lurkettes. Welcome once again to the stately, prestigious, internationally acclaimed and high-class Sunday Morning Book Thread, where men are men, all the 'ettes are gorgeous, safe spaces are underneath your house and are used as protection against actual dangers, like natural disasters, or Literally Hitler, and special snowflakes do not last. And unlike other AoSHQ comment threads, the Sunday Morning Book Thread is so hoity-toity, pants are required. Even if it's these pants, which give the 60s a really bad name.

In old days books were written by men of letters and read by the public. Nowadays books are written by the public and read by nobody.
-Oscar Wilde

We Need A Pope To Match Our President

...because the one that's in the Vatican now just ain't cutting it. Sorry, Catholics, but the reincarnation of Hugo Chavez is not what the Catholic Church needs right now.

Remember the good old days, when we had a great president, and a great pope? Paul Kengor does, and he writes about those days in his new book A Pope and a President: John Paul II, Ronald Reagan, and the Extraordinary Untold Story of the 20th Century

Even as historians credit Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II with hastening the end of the Cold War, they have failed to recognize the depth or significance of the bond that developed between the two leaders.

Acclaimed scholar and bestselling author Paul Kengor changes that. In this fascinating book, he reveals a singular bond—which included a spiritual connection between the Catholic pope and the Protestant president—that drove the two men to confront what they knew to be the great evil of the twentieth century: Soviet communism.

I am reminded of this earlier book, The President, the Pope, And the Prime Minister: Three Who Changed the World by John O'Sullivan, which adds Margaret Thostaer to the mix:

All of them led with courage — but also with great optimism. The pope helped ordinary Poles and East Europeans banish their fear of Soviet Communism, convincing them that liberation was possible. The prime minister restored her country's failing economy by reviving the "vigorous virtues" of the British people. The president rebuilt America's military power, its national morale, and its pre–eminence as leader of the free world. Together they brought down an evil empire and changed the world for the better.

The collapse of the USSR didn't happen by accident. Three powerful and influential Western leaders were deliberately pushing it into the dustbin of history, and they succeeded brilliantly. This is a topic that, to my knowledge, the MSM has never explored in detail. Not that we should be at all surprised by this.

It Pays To Increase Your Word Power®

The word SPACEMAN originally referred to a journalist paid according to the amount of space their writing took up in a newspaper.

Usage: "That Paul Krugman is a complete waste of space, man."

Ladies And Gentlemen, the World's Largest Book

How. Big. Is it?

The 1660 Klencke Atlas is among the world’s biggest books, measuring nearly six feet by seven and a half feet when open. So when the British Library digitized the towering tome, it required several people to maneuver it to a platform for its high-resolution photographs.

Interesting article about the British Museum digitizing it.

Where did it come from?

“The Klencke Atlas is the British Library map collection’s jewel in the crown,” Harper stated. “It was made for Charles II and presented to him in celebration of his restoration to the throne of England — in May 1660, following the English Civil War and Commonwealth. It was presented by the Dutch sugar merchant Johannes Klencke who possibly hoped to win trading concessions in England; there’s a map of the Dutch colony in Brazil in the atlas, where the sugar plantations were based.”

You can view the digitized pages here.

Another Book That Won't Be Read By Those Who Need To

Liberalism, or How to Turn Good Men into Whiners, Weenies and Wimps by Burgess Owens, which

...documents the role of the 21 white, self-avowed socialist, atheist and Marxist founders of the NAACP and their impact on the Black community’s present status at the top of our nations misery index. It highlights the decades of anti-Black legislation supported by liberal black leaders who prioritized class over race in their zeal for the promises of socialism. Their anti-Black legislation, dating back with the 1932 Davis-Bacon Act, continues today to suppress inter-community Black capitalism, federal construction related Black employment, work and job experience for Black teenagers, quality education access for urban black children, and the role of black men as leaders within the family unit.

(h/t David Limbaugh)

And along these same lines, there's RACE PIMPING, The Multi-Trillion Dollar Business of Liberalism by Kevin Jackson.

The satirical format of the book was very appropriate given the gravity of the issue. Kevin Jackson exposes the tactics Sharpton and Jesse Jackson employ to profit from exploitation of the black community. With media and Democratic Party backing the force is almost unstoppable. Kevin Jackson delivers information that can spark real conversation regarding race and offer a way out from Sharpton's spell. A must read for any young person interested in politics, race relations, and media bias.

Moron Recommendation

Moron commenter Hrothgar recommends Aye, Robot (Starship Grifters Book 2) by Robert Kroese, another adventure featuring interstellar con artist Rex Nihilo, who

...hijacks a cargo freighter on a whim, he decides that he and his long-suffering robot sidekick Sasha have found their calling as space pirates. But when the ship's cargo turns out to be a cryogenically frozen religious fanatic who holds the secret to a vast galactic conspiracy, Rex and Sasha find themselves on the run from real pirates--as well as agents of the oppressive Malarchy, crazy space cultists and the Ursa Minor mafia

Sounds like crazy space opera on stilts. Hrothgar tells me

I've been laughing out loud at the dialog. It seems like it could well have been written by the Horde late on a Friday or Saturday ONT in response to one of those "write the next paragraph" challenges.

Which is as good a recommendation as you'll find. $4.99 on Kindle.

Books By Morons

Moron author Vince Milam is back with his 4th novel, The Suriname Job: A Case Lee Novel:

When a mysterious client asks former Delta Force operator Case Lee to investigate a rebellion in South America, he uncovers an incredible global conspiracy. Welcome to revolution, murder, and behind-the-curtains intrigue. As events unfold, the spies and mercenaries come to a hard realization. You may mess with a lot on this good earth, but you don’t mess with Case Lee.

This novel will be available for a limited time at the introductory price of 99 cents before it goes up to the regular price of $4.99.

Vince also tells me

And by the by - Case lives on a boat. The Ace of Spades. I actually tossed out a litany of options for friends and they settled - after a minor blood-letting or two - on Ace of Spades. Weird. But true.

Vince is also the author of the three spiritual thrillers that comprise the Challenged World series. Here's the first one, the second, and the third.

___________

'Ette right wing yankee has just published a new supernatural fantasy story, By the Light of the Moon:

Aatu is eighteen years old, a respectable landowner, and about to marry the girl he loves. The south coast of Finland provides everything his little village requires. It’s a peaceful life, until a band of ex-Crusaders land on the shore. With the harsh winter and lean times approaching, they cannot be allowed to stay for long. When their priests disturb things best left alone, Aatu fears a minor annoyance will become a disaster. Aatu’s people turn to the old ways to fight the enemy, to teeth and claws instead of swords and spears. Though they are outnumbered and unused to fighting, Aatu is about to discover that wild wolves are not the most fearsome predators in this land, and even the most peaceful people can become ferocious in defense of the ones they love.

Kindle version available for $0.99.

Rwy is also the author of the YA novel Kingdom of Glass, about which she said "If you like medieval fantasy with a touch of romance and an epic family feud, this is the book for you." On Kindle for $3.99.

___________

Don't forget the AoSHQ reading group on Goodreads. It's meant to support horde writers and to talk about the great books that come up on the book thread. It's called AoSHQ Moron Horde and the link to it is here: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/175335-aoshq-moron-horde.

___________

So that's all for this week. As always, book thread tips, suggestions, bribes, rumors, threats, and insults may be sent to OregonMuse, Proprietor, AoSHQ Book Thread, at the book thread e-mail address: aoshqbookthread, followed by the 'at' sign, and then 'G' mail, and then dot cee oh emm.

What have you all been reading this week? Hopefully something good, because, as you all know, life is too short to be reading lousy books.

Posted by: OregonMuse at 09:00 AM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Woohoo! Foist on teh book thread! Thanks, OM. Now off to read content.

Posted by: SandyCheeks at May 21, 2017 09:01 AM (joFoi)

2 Finally!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 21, 2017 09:01 AM (NT3RT)

3 Tolle lege

Posted by: Skip at May 21, 2017 09:01 AM (Ot7+c)

4 Your morning Clark Ashton Smith:

“Bow down: I am the emperor of dreams;
I crown me with the million-colored sun
Of secret worlds incredible, and take
Their trailing skies for vestment when I soar,
Throned on the mounting zenith, and illume
The spaceward-flown horizons infinite.”
― Clark Ashton Smith, The Last Oblivion

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 21, 2017 09:02 AM (NT3RT)

5 Firsts don't count on weekend threads
Posted by: L, Elle at May 20, 2017 01:38 PM

Posted by: Skip at May 21, 2017 09:02 AM (Ot7+c)

6 "Safe Spaces" not found.

Posted by: SandyCheeks at May 21, 2017 09:03 AM (joFoi)

7 Tongue in cheek of course

Posted by: Skip at May 21, 2017 09:03 AM (Ot7+c)

8 No dresses?

Posted by: JackStraw at May 21, 2017 09:04 AM (/tuJf)

9 "safe spaces are underneath your house "

Eff that...I seen spiders under there.

Posted by: BignJames at May 21, 2017 09:04 AM (x9c8r)

10 Firsts don't count on weekend threads
Posted by: L, Elle at May 20, 2017 01:38 PM
Posted by: Skip at May 21, 2017 09:02 AM (Ot7+c)

I take what I can get. I'm usually at the Y when SMBT comes up. LOL

Posted by: SandyCheeks at May 21, 2017 09:04 AM (joFoi)

11 Ok, so in the '80s the big threat was communism. But now the biggest threats to civilization are global warming, [Islamo/trans/homo]phobia. And I must combat that and make them normative.

Posted by: Pope Francis at May 21, 2017 09:09 AM (vRcUp)

12 I missed OM's thread the other day about the muslim women.

"Reading Lolita in Tehran" is an excellent recount of life for women in Iran.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 21, 2017 09:10 AM (QwE8F)

13 My dad is a retired map maker. He used to make topo maps for clients. Anyhoo, he gave me a 1981 National Geographic Atlas of the World.

It's oversized and has a dark little stain on the front, otherwise, it's in good condition. Since it doesn't fit anywhere it's collecting dust and I'd like to get rid of it. He seemed to think it would be worth something. From the sites I've checked, not really, plus I'd have to sell it to a used book site and they pay next to nothing. Any suggestions?

Posted by: SandyCheeks at May 21, 2017 09:11 AM (joFoi)

14 I'm feeling calm and centered.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 21, 2017 09:11 AM (NT3RT)

15 I feel centered....
Suddenly

Unexpectedly

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at May 21, 2017 09:11 AM (J+eG2)

16 "Safe Spaces" not found.
Posted by: SandyCheeks at May 21, 2017 09:03 AM (joFoi)

Thanks. Fixed. Guess my usual image went 404. Found another one.

Posted by: OregonMuse, deplorable since 2004 at May 21, 2017 09:11 AM (kkD4N)

17 Good Sunday morning, horde!

This week, I'm going to read Big Agenda by David Horowitz. Husband said it's a fast read.

Then I'm going to start on On The Brink by Jay Wink, which was recommended to me here (because I want to know more about Jeane Kirkpatrick). Looking forward to it.

Posted by: April at May 21, 2017 09:13 AM (e8PP1)

18
Fear the power of North Korean hackers!

Posted by: Phat Boi at May 21, 2017 09:13 AM (HTdUD)

19 *sings*

I wanted to be a Spaceman
That's what I wanted to be
But, now that I am a Spaceman
Nobody cares about me

Posted by: Zombie Nilsson at May 21, 2017 09:14 AM (9q7Dl)

20 If that yuuuge book is from 1660, why are those idiots touching it with their hands? Shouldn't they be wearing latex gloves? F'cking idiots.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at May 21, 2017 09:14 AM (vRcUp)

21 Thanks. Fixed. Guess my usual image went 404. Found another one.

Posted by: OregonMuse, deplorable since 2004 at May 21, 2017 09:11 AM (kkD4N)

[/c] Might be one more fix you want to make....

Posted by: Tami at May 21, 2017 09:14 AM (Enq6K)

22 Love the

Posted by: Tuna at May 21, 2017 09:14 AM (jm1YL)

23 Well I finally got to the heart of the matter and no wiser.
Finished Thomas Carlyle's History of Frederick II book VII and as well as ending the double marrage proposal between Prussia and England it covered the Frederick/Lt Katte affair. But Thomas didn't and probably couldn't list the possible love affair between theses two. There has been forever a accusation Frederick was gay but in this telling a locked desk holding letters between the two was severly compromised by Fredrick's sister Wilhelmine and his mother who managed to get letters out and replacing with forgeries. So although many claimed his was gayI see nothing proving that here. That later he seemed to have no relation with his wife to me proves nothing. I have always and continue now to think he didn't have much of a sexual life and devoted his total life to the state.

Posted by: Skip at May 21, 2017 09:15 AM (Ot7+c)

24 Heh

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at May 21, 2017 09:15 AM (J+eG2)

25 Fear the power of North Korean hackers!
Posted by: Phat Boi at May 21, 2017 09:13 AM (HTdUD)

Wrong, Phat Boi!

It is us makink with the hackink!

Posted by: The Russians at May 21, 2017 09:15 AM (9q7Dl)

26 There's a great book called Centering by Gerald Kushner. A psychological self help technique.

Posted by: San Franpsycho at May 21, 2017 09:15 AM (EZebt)

27 23
Cont'd...love the new centered comment format. So appropriate for a book thread

Posted by: Tuna at May 21, 2017 09:15 AM (jm1YL)

28 wow.

OM must still be wasted.

Posted by: weirdflunky at May 21, 2017 09:16 AM (cLrRe)

29 Center yourself. You are the universe, and the universe is you.

Posted by: Deepak Chopra at May 21, 2017 09:16 AM (vRcUp)

30 Huh?

Posted by: Fried Baloney Sandwich at May 21, 2017 09:16 AM (M7oLR)

31 I'm in an alternate universe!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 21, 2017 09:16 AM (NT3RT)

32 My dad is a retired map maker. He used to make topo maps for clients.

There used to be a 'map store' near my factory. I loved finding stuff in there, mainly nautical maps.

More than a couple of them, of my favorite waters, I ended up framing. Nothing from Rhode Island though. Too small to frame.

Posted by: E Depluribus Unum at May 21, 2017 09:17 AM (HTdUD)

33 OM be trippin'

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 21, 2017 09:17 AM (NT3RT)

34 Sorry, don't know what happened, working to fix.

Posted by: OregonMuse, deplorable since 2004 at May 21, 2017 09:17 AM (kkD4N)

35 annnd...back!

Posted by: geezer_der_mensch at May 21, 2017 09:17 AM (Ng5NT)

36 Paniced for a moment, book thread disappeared and my long report I wasn't sure made it.

Posted by: Skip at May 21, 2017 09:17 AM (Ot7+c)

37 Gonna fix the clock while you're tinkering under the hood?

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at May 21, 2017 09:18 AM (J+eG2)

38 Time-space doesn't put up with being manipulated, you maniacs.

Posted by: BourbonChicken at May 21, 2017 09:18 AM (VdICR)

39 I suppose someone else has already said this, but I agree with something Gingrich just said on Fox news: how did the Secret Service agree to let Donny Two-Scoop get involved in a dance with a hundred Arabs waving swords around?

Posted by: Mallfly Queen of Hoboken at May 21, 2017 09:18 AM (ILitO)

40 Apparently, I'm not centered. Not sure if that's a good thing or not...

Posted by: right wing yankee at May 21, 2017 09:20 AM (26lkV)

41 OK, finally. Whew. 'Safe spaces' pic fixed, thread should be back to normal.

Posted by: OregonMuse, deplorable since 2004 at May 21, 2017 09:20 AM (kkD4N)

42 Muse..the "new" format was groovy!

Posted by: Tuna at May 21, 2017 09:21 AM (jm1YL)

43 L. Elle made that comment yesterday after getting a first, not sure why. I am bringing it up but not paying attention to it.

Posted by: Skip at May 21, 2017 09:21 AM (Ot7+c)

44 Hmm. A pic of the Library of Congress. That wasn't there the last time I hit refresh.

Posted by: right wing yankee at May 21, 2017 09:21 AM (26lkV)

45 Donald Trump has never lost a sword fight. SS obviously knows this.

But really, who even knew he spoke fluent Arabic? Besides Melania, the Six-Tongued, I mean...

Posted by: Stringer Davis at May 21, 2017 09:21 AM (H5rtT)

46 Pope A Dope Frankie couldn't hold Pope John Paul II's mitre.....or his jockstrap.

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at May 21, 2017 09:21 AM (5VlCp)

47 Meditate. Lose weight. Don't hate. Don't m******ate.

Posted by: Deepak Chopra at May 21, 2017 09:22 AM (vRcUp)

48 "how did the Secret Service agree to let Donny Two-Scoop get involved in a dance with a hundred Arabs waving swords around?"

I'm guessing that every single one of the sword wavers was personally vetted by the Kingdom.
And with an understanding that even if they wanted to die as a martyr, it could take them, and every member of their family months to finally die from their painful and protracted execution.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at May 21, 2017 09:23 AM (J+eG2)

49 39
I suppose someone else has already said this, but I agree with something
Gingrich just said on Fox news: how did the Secret Service agree to let
Donny Two-Scoop get involved in a dance with a hundred Arabs waving
swords around?

Posted by: Mallfly Queen of Hoboken at May 21, 2017 09:18 AM (ILitO)

They had a retired SS agent on earlier. As he explained it, the SS loses 8 of 10 arguments on the things they don't want the president to do. He also said, "how likely is it that someone is going to stab him in this setting?"

Posted by: Tami at May 21, 2017 09:23 AM (Enq6K)

50 Have a blessed Sunday all.

Sorry, Catholics, but the reincarnation of Hugo Chavez is not what the Catholic Church needs right now. - OM

---
No apology necessary - Imagine OUR shame OregonMuse.

Posted by: Tonypete at May 21, 2017 09:23 AM (tr2D7)

51 Good morning fellow Book Threadists. Hope everyone else had a great week of reading.

OM, Hope you are feeling better soon. Watch out for those Cipro side effects.

Posted by: JTB at May 21, 2017 09:23 AM (V+03K)

52 Back in the Age of Analog my place of employment had a yuge map room with rack after rack of maps of every nook and cranny of the globe, in all formats. You could get lost in a room full of maps!

These days, the "map center" is just one person on a computer who will pull up something that meets your specs and have it printed out. It's efficient, but like bricks-n-mortar library versus online searching, there isn't the element of serendipity. *sigh*

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 21, 2017 09:24 AM (NT3RT)

53 Whoops.

Sorry about the non-book comment

Takin' it back to the other thread.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at May 21, 2017 09:24 AM (J+eG2)

54 I want to see the shelf for that book! I wonder how they got it out, and how iften?

Stalled on Wodehouse this past week. Headed back into it.

Posted by: Weak Geek at May 21, 2017 09:24 AM (UPVO7)

55 Good thing is in another 357 years their fingerprints will still be on that book making them part of history.

Posted by: Skip at May 21, 2017 09:24 AM (Ot7+c)

56 Curr3ently re-reading Hondo by Louis L'Amour. And I have always wanted to go to the Library of Congress.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at May 21, 2017 09:24 AM (mpXpK)

57 I suppose someone else has already said this, but I agree with something Gingrich just said on Fox news: how did the Secret Service agree to let Donny Two-Scoop get involved in a dance with a hundred Arabs waving swords around?
Posted by: Mallfly Queen of Hoboken

He's a ....dancing fool! (Zappa reference)

Posted by: Bossy Conservative....unfrozen caveman moron at May 21, 2017 09:24 AM (S6Pax)

58 Biggest thing I remember this library was in All the President's Men, OM hinting?

Posted by: Skip at May 21, 2017 09:25 AM (Ot7+c)

59 20 If that yuuuge book is from 1660, why are those idiots touching it with their hands? Shouldn't they be wearing latex gloves? F'cking idiots.
Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at May 21, 2017 09:14 AM (vRcUp)

Relax. I used to sell rare books, and books from that era were built to last. We only wore gloves to keep the dust out of our hands.

Posted by: josephistan at May 21, 2017 09:26 AM (ANIFC)

60 Besides Melania, the Six-Tongued, I mean...

Didn't she look spectacular? Beautiful uncovered head, sky high heels,.

Posted by: Tuna at May 21, 2017 09:26 AM (jm1YL)

61 I suppose someone else has already said this, but I agree with something
Gingrich just said on Fox news: how did the Secret Service agree to let
Donny Two-Scoop get involved in a dance with a hundred Arabs waving
swords around?

Trump is following Star-Lord's advice - dance-off, bro!

Posted by: josephistan at May 21, 2017 09:26 AM (ANIFC)

62 Sandy Cheeks, 13, I have one of those monster NatGeo atlases but I love mine. I love looking at maps and sometimes the ones online, while very helpful for extreme closeups, just don't cut it.

I'm reading one of Sarah Hoyt's, a mystery under a penname, "Dipped, Stripped, and Dead" by "Elise Hyatt". It's OK - the think with the handsome police officer or detective seems a bit predictable, but I'm interested in who the dead person is and whodunnit so I'll keep going.

I got completely bored by Robert Penn Warren's "The Legacy of the Civil War" so I think that's going to go in the out-the-door stack. I think it's because of listening to my sister and brother-in-law argue obsessively over tiny details of that war that I have zero interest in it.

So I started a book called "Violence" and I am not far enough in to have an opinion so we shall see.

Posted by: Tonestaple at May 21, 2017 09:28 AM (STkEV)

63 Biggest thing I remember this library was in All the President's Men, OM hinting?
Posted by: Skip

It was also in "National Treasure:Book of Secrets"

Posted by: Bossy Conservative....unfrozen caveman moron at May 21, 2017 09:28 AM (S6Pax)

64 The NAACP has always been in it for the NAACP. They no longer have any reason to exist now.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at May 21, 2017 09:28 AM (mpXpK)

65 Catholics have an out. The pope is "infallible" not "impeccable". If the pope makes a pronouncement that fulfills certain criteria, Catholics are obligated to believe it. Otherwise they can ignore it. Although I suspect this pope is creating a lot of sedevacantists and protestants.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at May 21, 2017 09:29 AM (vRcUp)

66 Anyway....

Thanks for the book bump, OregonMuse! The Horde is one of my best forms of advertising.

There's been some writing at casa yankee this week- including taking an axe to my sequel for A Kingdom of Glass. It needed it, and now I think I see the way forward to finishing it. Eventually.

I'm working my way through a few books at the moment. Watership Down is sitting at my elbow, waiting for me to have a free moment. It's very good, like Redwall for adults. I'm about half way through it.

I'm also reading A World History of Warfare, which has so good stuff about army organization and how different cultures developed their own tactics based on the tech they had and the objectives they were trying to achieve. It's also a textbook, and therefore a decent cure for insomnia.

A Taste of Conquest is on my Kindle app (on the computer because I'm too cheap to get a Kindle), and I've been slowly working my way through that. It's about the spice trade in Europe, and it's not bad, except the author has a kind of knee-jerk anti-Christianism. I'm not sure how else to explain it, but there's an awful lot of praising medieval Muslim culture and denigrating medieval Christians. Very odd, but not wholly unexpected.

Posted by: right wing yankee at May 21, 2017 09:29 AM (26lkV)

67 The word SPACEMAN originally referred to a journalist paid according to the amount of space their writing took up in a newspaper.

LBJ: SPACEMAN??

German Guy: SPEC-I-MEN!

Posted by: Mr. Peebles at May 21, 2017 09:30 AM (oVJmc)

68 Just finishing up "G Men". Certainly not Hunter's best Bob Lee novel, but he is always a damn fine writer. And with the mystery of Baby Face Nelson's lost guns, it's still a page turner.

Posted by: That Deplorable SOB Van Owen at May 21, 2017 09:31 AM (IJX6l)

69 I read Foreigner by C. J. Cherryh. This is the first book in the series of the same name. Cherryh has developed a believable alien culture, the Atevi, which has fourteen words for betrayal and not a single word for love or trust. It's two hundred years after humans have come to their planet after a starship accident leaves them marooned there. Now they are separated on a remote island except for one liaison, Bren Cameron. Bren gets caught up in a clash between rival Atevi factions which threatens the shaky detente between humans and the Atevi society. I'm not a big fan of fantasy and don't read much of it; but I will continue with Invader, the second book in the series.

I also read Big Agenda: President Trump's Plan To Save America by David Horowitz. Horowitz first sets out the agenda, goals, and tactics of the progressives and the shows what Trump must do to combat them and turn this country around and put it back to our founding principles of freedom and individualism. What he fails to factor in is the opposition of the ruling class, professional politicians of both parties, to any outsider coming in and threatening their influence and power which is very lucrative for them. (Always follow the money) They have combined with the media, who think they are the kingmakers for the country, to destroy and eventually remove Trump from office.

Finally, I read S P Q R III: The Sacrilege by John Maddox Roberts. Decius Caecilius Mettellus, the Younger, is looking back on his life and the SPQR series is the result. In this, the year is 61 B. C. and Decius is back in Rome and has just been admitted to the Roman Senate. Decius is an investigator whose investigations often puts him at odds with some of Rome's most powerful men. While investigating four brutal murders, Decius is led to sacrilege of a women's religious rite and to a plot to overthrow Rome's constitution by Rome's most powerful people. He spends a good part of the book trying to stay alive, and in the end must flee Rome. This series compares well with the Falco series set in Rome about 130 years later. I like the Falco series a bit better because of its wry humor and cynicism.

Posted by: Zoltan at May 21, 2017 09:31 AM (zzGzN)

70 Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at May 21, 2017 09:29 AM (vRcUp)

Since '58 huh? did not know that, but I'm not Catholic.

Posted by: BignJames at May 21, 2017 09:32 AM (x9c8r)

71 There used to be a 'map store' near my factory. I loved finding stuff in there, mainly nautical maps.

More than a couple of them, of my favorite waters, I ended up framing. Nothing from Rhode Island though. Too small to frame.
Posted by: E Depluribus Unum at May 21, 2017 09:17 AM (HTdUD)

One of the areas he covered was Martha's Vineyard. This was back in the '60s and early '70s. It was nothing more than scrub plants and a few houses. He had lots of stories about it, though. Many of the people he met who lived there often invited him to dinner. It sounded like Mayberry back then.

Posted by: SandyCheeks at May 21, 2017 09:33 AM (joFoi)

72 In line with OM's commentary on the Pope, from Mises.org we have this quote of a quote:

Pope Francis isn't known as someone who holds back in the face of what he regards as gross injustices. On issues like refugees, immigration, poverty and the environment, Francis speaks forcibly and uses vivid language in doing so.

Yet despite the daily violence being inflicted on protestors in Venezuela, a steadily increasing death-toll, an explosion of crime, rampant corruption, galloping inflation, the naked politicization of the judiciary, and the disappearance of basic food and medical supplies, the first Latin American pope's comments about the crisis tearing apart an overwhelming Catholic Latin American country have been curiously restrained.

Go figure, huh? Similarly, noted loudmouths Sean Penn, Danny Glover, and Bernie Sanders are also quite unwilling to discuss this socialist heaven-on-earth.

https://mises.org/blog/why-left-refuses-talk-about-venezuela

Posted by: GnuBreed at May 21, 2017 09:33 AM (wTwJ2)

73 Recently read and enjoyed The Unpleasantness at Baskerville Hall, a
steampunk parody of Sherlock Holmes and Jeeves & Wooster. Lighthearted fun.

Posted by: Delayna at May 21, 2017 09:34 AM (KNFU5)

74 It's been a wonderful week of rediscovery reading. My hardcover edition of the Complete Illustrated Works of Lewis Carroll arrived. What fun revisiting the poems and pieces from the Alice books. I'm spending as much time with a magnifying glass appreciating the details of John Tenniel's original illustrations.

I've also been thumbing through Tennyson's poetry and a few others. It's great to take the time to savor the poems and meanings and to sound out the words. What fun.

Posted by: JTB at May 21, 2017 09:36 AM (V+03K)

75 And speaking of analog, I'm reading The Revenge of Analog by David Sax, recommended in this here blog.

Of a start-up factory in Detroit, one of its VPs says "We don't have a skills gap in this country, we have a value gap. If you don't value something, people don't want to do that. There's inference that you haven't done enough in your life if you're a pipe fitter."

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 21, 2017 09:37 AM (NT3RT)

76 I am listening to the Spider Network. A lot of it is over my head. I am also having a hard time keeping the players straight, but I finally understand what hedging is.

For fun I read Jennifer McMahon's new one, Burn Town. I didn't care for it. Winter People is better written.

I am thinking of re-reading Anne of Green Gables for the 100th time to protest the nonsense show that Netflix claims to be Anne.

Posted by: Quirky bookworm at May 21, 2017 09:37 AM (gppsv)

77 Catholics have an out. The pope is "infallible" not "impeccable". If the pope makes a pronouncement that fulfills certain criteria, Catholics are obligated to believe it.
Steve and Cold Bear
---
A small quibble - In Church matters (only), if the Pope makes a pronouncement, we are obligated to follow it, not believe it.

Posted by: Tonypete at May 21, 2017 09:37 AM (tr2D7)

78 "Marxism is wrong"-Pope Francis
"Some say that Marxism is compatible with Christianity. It is not" -Pope Francis
So - no, he isn't a Communist.
Just because he tells you greed is bad doesn't mean he is a Marxist. Hell, it doesn't even mean he is anti-Capitalism!

Posted by: Deep Thought at May 21, 2017 09:38 AM (z/8+g)

79 It's been a wonderful week of rediscovery reading.
My hardcover edition of the Complete Illustrated Works of Lewis Carroll
arrived. What fun revisiting the poems and pieces from the Alice books.
I'm spending as much time with a magnifying glass appreciating the
details of John Tenniel's original illustrations.

Posted by: JTB at May 21, 2017 09:36 AM (V+03K)

I have a gap in my education where the Alice books should be. Thanks for reminding me to remedy that.

Posted by: right wing yankee at May 21, 2017 09:39 AM (26lkV)

80 Thanks for all the comments last week on The Once and Future King and recs for Brit history. I get some of my best history recs here, with maybe the best being The Great Upheaval by Jay Winik, which served as a gateway for some of his other excellent books.

Are any of you morons familiar with John Julius Norwich's three parter of Byzantium? I find myself referring to it constantly while reading the last volume of Gibbon which concentrates on the eastern empire. In addition to correcting all of Eddie's multiple fuckups as he illustrates the perils of the autodidact, he has a good laugh at the anti Christian animosity which permeates the entire work. Specifically in Gibbon I'm going through the chapter on the formation of the Ottoman Turks which was kind of scrapped together from the leftovers after Genghis Khan's descendents got overextended. Of particular interest is how they formed temporary alliances with portions of the Byzantines who were constantly under attack from every fucking body including internal turmoil. Did not know that the Janissaries were made up of the pick of the litters from conquered Euro areas converted by the rock worshippers into a fighting force.

Posted by: Captain Hate at May 21, 2017 09:39 AM (y7DUB)

81 Catholics have an out. The pope is "infallible" not "impeccable". If the pope makes a pronouncement that fulfills certain criteria, Catholics are obligated to believe it. Otherwise they can ignore it. Although I suspect this pope is creating a lot of sedevacantists and protestants.
Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at May 21, 2017 09:29 AM (vRcUp)

The pope is considered "infallible" in matters of Catholic doctrine only (which is looking terribly shaky right now), not in Globaloney and Socialism.

Posted by: SandyCheeks at May 21, 2017 09:39 AM (joFoi)

82 I had a good book-buying weekend. On Friday, Harvest Books out of Ft. Washington PA had their monthly warehouse sale. I picked up "Nothing but Victory: The Army of the Tennessee" by Steven E. Woodworth; "One Damn Blunder from Beginning to End: The Red River Campaign of 1864" by Gary Dillard Joiner; "The Hour of Peril: The Secret Plot to Murder Lincoln" by Daniel Stashower; an Osprey MMA on Wellington's Armies, and a faux-leather bound collection of Frank Miller's Batman comics. Not bad for $15.

Then yesterday I went to the U.S.Army Heritage Society in Carlisle, PA. They had tank demonstrations & reenactors from every era of U.S. military history. And a used book sale. I picked up "The Encyclopedia of German Tanks of WWII" by Chamberlain & Doyle; "The Kaiser's Battle" by Martin Middlebrook, about the 1918 German spring offensive ; "Fatal Decision" by Carlo D'este, about the Anzio-Rome campaign; "Russian-Soviet Unconventional Wars..." part of the Leavenworth Papers series, a book on modern (late 80s) naval ships, and a bunch of back issues of Military History and The Journal of Military History.

Posted by: josephistan at May 21, 2017 09:40 AM (ANIFC)

83 That Klencke Atlas... I'd be more impressed if it were 1:1 scale.

Posted by: Bacon Jeff at May 21, 2017 09:40 AM (3JQ/p)

84 Finalizing a book project for a client, and sorting out the final version of Luna City IV took up all my reading time this week. But I did manage to finish Jennifer Robson "Good Night from London" and post the review at Amazon. Short version: historical novel about an American reporterette in England during WWII. Very good with the historical accuracy, and the conversations and attitudes of the characters was authentic ... but the characterizations were pretty flat. Cardboard even. On to the next book in my to-be-read pile ...

Posted by: Sgt. Mom at May 21, 2017 09:40 AM (xnmPy)

85 I read Napoleon's Infantry Handbook by T.E. Crowdy after it got mentioned on a previous book thread (thanks, Skip). This is a study of daily life in the French Army of the Revolutionary (their's not American) and Napleonic Wars based primarily on contemporary manuals. Lots of details on how the enlisted men and officers were expected to perform their duties; there are sections on maintaining uniforms, polishing cartridge boxes, shopping for groceries, etc. For someone with a serious interest in the Napoleonic Wars, it is really good book. The biggest weakness of the book is that it does not have a index of key words; instead it gives a list of topics but that list does not give page numbers: that means it is difficult to find key words mentioned in different parts of the book.

Rating is 4.5/5.

Posted by: Retired Buckey Cop is now an engineer at May 21, 2017 09:42 AM (5Yee7)

86 Go figure, huh? Similarly, noted loudmouths Sean Penn, Danny Glover, and Bernie Sanders are also quite unwilling to discuss this socialist heaven-on-earth.

https://mises.org/blog/why-left-refuses-talk-about-venezuela

Posted by: GnuBreed

Thanks for the link, but I ain't clicking, because it would just make me needlessly angry, and because I can already guess the reason.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at May 21, 2017 09:42 AM (vRcUp)

87 RW Yankee, you can put the kindle app on a smartphone or tablet. No need to buy a kindle device.

Posted by: Delayna at May 21, 2017 09:43 AM (KNFU5)

88
In the first Aliens movie titled 'Alien', oddly enough, the factory ship was named 'Nostromo.' I suspected the name was a code word of some significance, but never bothered to research the topic. Then one day this last week, Amazon recommended to me a book by Joseph Conrad; 'Nostromo: A Tale of the Seaboard.' (ASIN: B0064A4Y5W). There are a zillion or more editions of this work. The one I downloaded is by Oxford World's Classic and includes an introduction to the story, an introduction by academics who explain what the story means, and what a wondrous bit of fiction it is. The introduction alone is worth the two bucks, especially if you are a struggling paperback writer. While reading the very detailed and extensive academic analysis, I started laughing, even before getting into the story, because I realized the story 'Nostromo' is a fracking Soap Opera. A Spanish Language Soap Opera. (Warehouse 13 did a one episode parody that was so good/bad of Spanish Soap Operas, that it was uncomfortable to watch.)

My research confirmed my suspicion; the name of the factory ship, Nostromo, in the movie 'Alien' is a code word used by the writers to establish their literary credentials. They have read Joseph Conrad, you see, and are educated writers. A similar code word 'Garibaldi', is the name of a main character on Babylon 5.

I am also wading through a second book by Joseph Conrad, 'Heart of Darkness', (ASIN:B000FC1C50) which also includes an introduction by academics that is also worth the two bucks. I'm not going to be able to finish either of them.

Then, on the night of May 18th, 2017, Weird Dave linked to a story about Nate, the talking snake, which he wrote, bless his heart. (The link is misleading as it warns of Yoko Ono. Do not be deceived.) All of this, coincidentally, coincides with a few words of my own that I had just uploaded to my blog; two short stories that, I fear, fail to compare to Weird Dave's work. Depression is apparently common to writers, even successful writers who succumb to self doubt.

Posted by: Skandia Recluse at May 21, 2017 09:44 AM (s6lXh)

89 Good luck to Right Wing Yankee's writing efforts.

Finland and wolves? That will be harsh for the invaders.

Ex-Crusaders? Teutonic Knights who got lost?

Posted by: Anna Puma at May 21, 2017 09:44 AM (zV3cs)

90 If that yuuuge book is from 1660, why are those idiots touching it with their hands? Shouldn't they be wearing latex gloves? F'cking idiots.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at May 21, 2017 09:14 AM (vRcUp)

I had the same thought although I think cotton rather than latex gloves are preferred when handling antique documents.

Posted by: Retired Buckey Cop is now an engineer at May 21, 2017 09:44 AM (5Yee7)

91 Unfortunately, I already had a copy of the Encyclopedia of German Tanks of WWII. I guess I'll have consider buying it a donation to the Army Heritage Center. If anyone wants this extra copy I have, let me know.

Posted by: josephistan at May 21, 2017 09:47 AM (ANIFC)

92 Pretty sure Glenn Beck is persona non grata at the HQ, but he had extensive interviews with Burgess Owens and Paul Kengor. Levin frequently has Kengor on his show.

In the lengthy interview with Kengor, he mentioned that the correspondence between Reagan and Pope John Paul II was sealed for 75 years under order of Reagan. I'd love to see those! Kengor also relayed that when Reagan was asked who his best friend was, many were shocked to learn it wasn't Nancy but JP II. She also responded that that JP II was Ronnie's BF.

As for Burgess Owens, I could've listened to him for an additional hour. He knew black history that Beck didn't know (which is considerable, considering his relationship with David Barton, and the shows he has done about black founders). I've requested our local library add his book to the stacks (they usually buy whatever you ask), but they're ignoring me on this one.

Posted by: SandyCheeks at May 21, 2017 09:48 AM (joFoi)

93 I had the same thought although I think cotton rather than latex gloves are preferred when handling antique documents.
Posted by: Retired Buckey Cop is now an engineer at May 21, 2017 09:44 AM (5Yee7)
---
Like my complete set of Flaming Carrot Comix.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 21, 2017 09:48 AM (NT3RT)

94 The pope is considered "infallible" in matters of Catholic doctrine only (which is looking terribly shaky right now), not in Globaloney and Socialism.

Posted by: SandyCheeks

Exactly. If Francis spouts off about global warming, Catholics are not obligated to obey/believe it, because he is speaking as a climate scientist and not "ex Cathedra" as the pope. It's like if Francis told you he thought the Cubs would win this year, that would carry no obligations for you.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at May 21, 2017 09:48 AM (vRcUp)

95 Heart of Darkness by Conrad is outstanding: I've reread it probably more than any other book. Current snowflakes would be put into a coma by it

Posted by: Captain Hate at May 21, 2017 09:48 AM (y7DUB)

96 Horde authors and Hordlings-who-are-not-yet-authors- but-want-to-be: remember to apply for the 2017 Calliope Authors' Workshop. It's in LA this year, and it's a really good way to meet people and get feedback on your writing. I was accepted to it last year and had a really good time. I think the deadline is May 31.

https://talnexus.com/calliope-authors-workshop/

Posted by: right wing yankee at May 21, 2017 09:49 AM (26lkV)

97 All Hail Eris, gosharooty! How about Cutey Bunny?

Posted by: Anna Puma at May 21, 2017 09:49 AM (zV3cs)

98 My hardcover edition of the Complete Illustrated Works of Lewis Carroll arrived.

JTB at May 21, 2017 09:36 AM

What a coincidence. I had to urge to get some cheap classic eBooks and one was the complete works of Lewis Carroll. Haven't looked at it yet. Not quite the same thing as a real book.

Posted by: Skandia Recluse at May 21, 2017 09:50 AM (s6lXh)

99 Reagan and Thatcher should of course be honored and praised but only Lech Walesa faced actual physical danger for his actions. He should also be mentioned whenever the fall of communism is discussed.

Posted by: Jack Sock at May 21, 2017 09:50 AM (IDPbH)

100 RW Yankee, you can put the kindle app on a smartphone or tablet. No need to buy a kindle device.

Posted by: Delayna at May 21, 2017 09:43 AM (KNFU5)
I'm still in the dumb-phone era, but my laptop works pretty well. I mostly got the Kindle app because ebooks are usually cheaper than print copies. Not to mention that my bookshelves are overflowing.

Posted by: right wing yankee at May 21, 2017 09:50 AM (26lkV)

101 I wonder about the tech used to print and bind something that big. Did they make more than one copy?

Posted by: freaked at May 21, 2017 09:51 AM (BO/km)

102 Reagan and Thatcher should of course be honored and praised but only Lech Walesa faced actual physical danger for his actions.

-----

Well, the Soviets did try to assassinate JPII.

Posted by: josephistan at May 21, 2017 09:51 AM (ANIFC)

103 And to finish boring you people on Frederick's history at least this week Lt Katte was originally charged with life in prison by a military tribunal ( of course I know it would have only been a 10 year sentence) but Frederick's father axed that sentence and commitedhim to death by hanging. Many other people which I didn't know were for better or mostly worse paid a high price ( not lifes though) for crimes real or imaged by his father.

Posted by: Skip at May 21, 2017 09:52 AM (Ot7+c)

104 I'm also reading A World History of Warfare, which has so good stuff about army organization and how different cultures developed their own tactics based on the tech they had and the objectives they were trying to achieve.

Posted by: right wing yankee at May 21, 2017 09:29 AM (26lkV)

right wing yankee, that sounds like something I would be interested in. Can you give me the name of the author?

Posted by: Retired Buckey Cop is now an engineer at May 21, 2017 09:52 AM (5Yee7)

105 I've been re-reading CS Lewis' Space Trilogy for the first time in many years. I've learned a lot about Lewis and his approach to literature. Would it make a difference in appreciating the books. I first read them as a smugly agnostic teen because of the connection to Tolkien. Now it's as if I'm reading the series for the first time: depth of meaning, humor, gorgeous word use, and all the medieval and renaissance literary connections I've been studying.

Posted by: JTB at May 21, 2017 09:52 AM (V+03K)

106 Catholics have an out. The pope is "infallible" not "impeccable". If the pope makes a pronouncement that fulfills certain criteria, Catholics are obligated to believe it. Otherwise they can ignore it. Although I suspect this pope is creating a lot of sedevacantists and protestants.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at May 21, 2017 09:29 AM (vRcUp)

I think the best answer to this is when James Cardinal Gibbons was asked about papal infallibility. He said, "All I can tell you is that the last time I saw him in Rome he called me 'Jibbons'".

Papal infallibility has been invoked only twice in the last 200 years, by Pius IX on the Immaculate Conception and Pius XII on the Assumption of Mary.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at May 21, 2017 09:53 AM (jq6X1)

107 Anna @ 89-

I won't spoil the story for you, but the bad guys in By the Light of the Moon are from a band of real-life warrior monks called the Livonion Brothers of the Sword, and from what I can tell, they made the KKK look like a bunch of pansies. Up until the Battle of Saule in 1236, in which most of them were killed. That took some of the jump out of them, and the survivors were incorporated into the- much more respectable- Teutonic Knights.

Posted by: right wing yankee at May 21, 2017 09:54 AM (26lkV)

108 Ok I looked it up. The book was made up of 41 copperplate wall maps. The maps were intended to be removed and displayed on the wall.

Posted by: freaked at May 21, 2017 09:54 AM (BO/km)

109 101 I wonder about the tech used to print and bind something that big. Did they make more than one copy?
Posted by: freaked at May 21, 2017 09:51 AM (BO/km)

Letter press movable type & copper plates for the maps. The pages were sewn together in gatherings, then the gathers sewn together & bound in leather covered boards.
I don't know if they only made that one copy for Charles II, but for such an important gift, the printer probably made a few test copies to make sure everything was right.

Posted by: josephistan at May 21, 2017 09:55 AM (ANIFC)

110 Reagan and Thatcher should of course be honored and praised but only Lech Walesa faced actual physical danger for his actions. He should also be mentioned whenever the fall of communism is discussed.
Posted by: Jack Sock at May 21, 2017 09:50 AM (IDPbH)

Kengor does include him as well as Helmut Kohl, who I had all but forgotten.

Posted by: SandyCheeks at May 21, 2017 09:55 AM (joFoi)

111 I put up two short stories on the blog, one about 3,000 words. You can zip right through it. Edward Hopper's 'Nighthawks' is the backdrop. We had it on an art thread.

Http://skandiarecluse.com/short-stories/the-finder

The second is about 8,000 words and starts with an obnoxious drunk who wants to 'kiss the pretty read head alien girl', and it escalates from there. Critics might say it goes too far; over reacting to events, but movies wouldn't be interesting without explosions, car chases, and over acting. Consider yourself warned that sacred cows might be abused. Nothing serious.

http://skandiarecluse.com/short-stories/the-incident-at-hallstaff

And in an effort to improve the quality of my doggerel, I've started reading John Milton
(ASIN: B009QK2EF4). I prefer Tennyson (ASIN: B00IJDX3FY) just to educate myself in the field of quality literature. For those moments when the urge to rhyme is overwhelming. Doesn't mean that I will follow the rules, however.

I should add that I really like Kipling, but I don't have an Amazon ID number right at hand. (Go with the Delphi Classics)

Now I'm off to get those 99c deals.

Posted by: Skandia Recluse at May 21, 2017 09:55 AM (s6lXh)

112 Well, the Soviets did try to assassinate JPII.

Posted by: josephistan

You are making me nostalgic for the good old days when we didn't have to worry about Islam.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at May 21, 2017 09:56 AM (vRcUp)

113 Vince Milam, if you're here, I'm going to keep an eye out for your books. They sound great!

Posted by: SandyCheeks at May 21, 2017 09:56 AM (joFoi)

114 From the link to the Klencke atlas comes this article on maps of mythical places called "The Phantom Atlas", based on erroneous information, disinformatiton, or just WAGs to fill aesthetically displeasing white space:

https://hyperallergic.com/348907/the-phantom-atlas/

Note the map of Arsetralia with inland seas!

This is a gorgeous book. My birthday's coming up soon, just FYI.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 21, 2017 09:56 AM (NT3RT)

115 102 Reagan and Thatcher should of course be honored and praised but only Lech Walesa faced actual physical danger for his actions.

-----

Well, the Soviets did try to assassinate JPII.
Posted by: josephistan at May 21, 2017 09:51 AM (ANIFC)

Not saying it's not true but that theory is as filled with as many holes as the JFK conspiracy theory.

Posted by: Jack Sock at May 21, 2017 09:56 AM (IDPbH)

116 114 From the link to the Klencke atlas comes this article on maps of mythical places called "The Phantom Atlas", based on erroneous information, disinformatiton, or just WAGs to fill aesthetically displeasing white space:

https://hyperallergic.com/348907/the-phantom-atlas/

Note the map of Arsetralia with inland seas!

This is a gorgeous book. My birthday's coming up soon, just FYI.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 21, 2017 09:56 AM (NT3RT)

For a long time California was thought to be an island.

Posted by: josephistan at May 21, 2017 09:57 AM (ANIFC)

117 right wing yankee, that sounds like something I would be interested in. Can you give me the name of the author?

Posted by: Retired Buckey Cop is now an engineer at May 21, 2017 09:52 AM (5Yee7)
World History of Warfare has a bunch of people listed as authors- Christon I. Archer, John R. Ferris, Holger H. Herwig, and Timothy H.E. Travers. My copy was put out by the University of Nebraska Press, so I'm assuming the authors are professors there. Good luck in finding a copy!

Posted by: right wing yankee at May 21, 2017 09:58 AM (26lkV)

118 112 Well, the Soviets did try to assassinate JPII.

Posted by: josephistan

You are making me nostalgic for the good old days when we didn't have to worry about Islam.
Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at May 21, 2017 09:56 AM (vRcUp)

Well Agca was from Turkey.

Posted by: Jack Sock at May 21, 2017 09:58 AM (IDPbH)

119 For a long time California was thought to be an island.

Posted by: josephistan at May 21, 2017 09:57 AM (ANIFC)

As far as I'm concerned we should saw it off and make it float away.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at May 21, 2017 09:59 AM (jq6X1)

120 Well 'much more respected' is a subjective term, we are talking Teutonic Knights after all. 'Christian' knights who went on killing pogroms against Jews and heretics.

Does Ahto, Loviatar, and Mielikki make an appearance?

Guess I should but it right?

Posted by: Anna Puma at May 21, 2017 10:00 AM (zV3cs)

121 Unfortunately, I already had a copy of the Encyclopedia of German Tanks of WWII. I guess I'll have consider buying it a donation to the Army Heritage Center. If anyone wants this extra copy I have, let me know.

Posted by: josephistan at May 21, 2017 09:47 AM (ANIFC)

Hey josephistan, I would be quite willing to take that one off you hands if can agree on a price: send me an email at rcairo1 at woh dot rr dot com

Posted by: Retired Buckey Cop is now an engineer at May 21, 2017 10:00 AM (5Yee7)

122 121 - I'll send you an email later today.

Posted by: josephistan at May 21, 2017 10:01 AM (ANIFC)

123 There is money to be made in movies if a couple of goofball comics could rise to prominence. Nobody from the moldy mold of Seth Rogen please; hipper than thou POS he comes across as wouldn't cut it.

We need a team in the spirit of Laurel and Hardy, Abbott and Costello, Martin and Dean for crying out loud. This tandem would star in a series of films lampooning the worn out franchises of Hollywood.

Abbott and Costello meet Alien would be my first instalment. All that is left for that franchise is satire. It's become the Frankenstein of horror franchises. Bride of Alien.

Posted by: charley horse at May 21, 2017 10:02 AM (+kahX)

124 Kengor does include him as well as Helmut Kohl, who I had all but forgotten.
Posted by: SandyCheeks at May 21, 2017 09:55 AM (joFoi)
---
I can't recall the percentage with any accuracy, but the book on Thatcher, Reagan, and JP II said that a goodly number of members of the Bundestag were Stasi agents.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 21, 2017 10:03 AM (NT3RT)

125 Abbott and Costello meet Alien would be my first instalment. All that is left for that franchise is satire. It's become the Frankenstein of horror franchises. Bride of Alien.

Posted by: charley horse at May 21, 2017 10:02 AM (+kahX)
---
That would be "Dark Star".

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 21, 2017 10:03 AM (NT3RT)

126 "For a long time California was thought to be an island."

Soon.

Posted by: San Andreas Fault at May 21, 2017 10:05 AM (BO/km)

127 Dark Star? Oy!

Next will be Galaxina or perhaps Message from Space?

Posted by: Anna Puma at May 21, 2017 10:05 AM (zV3cs)

128 Well good morning.
I thought I was reading the thread.
Then I wasn't.
Now I am.

I need coffee....

Posted by: Diogenes at May 21, 2017 10:05 AM (y+BJh)

129 Kevin Jackson also has a radio program, and a news concentrator site.
He puts up his show in his website http://theblacksphere.net.

I can't play it through his site, as the Soundcloud widget doesn't work on my computer, but you can search soundcloud and find his shows that way.

Interesting man, with a very deep belief in people.

Posted by: Kindltot at May 21, 2017 10:06 AM (mkDpn)

130 OM, just a suggestion but you might want to put up a thread for Trump's speech. It will be occurring very shortly. He and the King are seated and they're getting ready to start.

Posted by: Tami at May 21, 2017 10:07 AM (Enq6K)

131 Well 'much more respected' is a subjective term, we
are talking Teutonic Knights after all. 'Christian' knights who went on
killing pogroms against Jews and heretics.

Posted by: Anna Puma at May 21, 2017 10:00 AM (zV3cs)

Good point- I probably should have said 'slightly more respectable.' The Livonion Brothers were formally censured by the pope at one point, so it would be hard to be less respectable than them.

Posted by: right wing yankee at May 21, 2017 10:07 AM (26lkV)

132 Glad to hear that Vince has a new book out. I liked the first series and this one sounds like a hoot. Chalk up a sale. I"ll check and see if votermom has a review up yet - if not, I should get cracking.
Reading has been pretty light lately - had out-of-town guests for 18 straight days along with grandkids for a chunk of time. Finished the first Doc Savage book Man of Bronze as part of my look into the old pulp writers.
Also haven't been writing, so stalled on the second book in my current series. The first novel in my new series. Book One (Got To Be a Hero) is done though and should be out in a couple of months - I've got review copies, including one to votermom, going out late this month, early next. It a YA magical thriller. Was going to be a magical realism story until a psychopath named Lassiter showed up and my teenage boy character got himself tangled up in a world of trouble trying to save a pretty girl.

Posted by: Long Running Fool at May 21, 2017 10:08 AM (+JV0f)

133 Dark Star is a classic, Anna! The "Cartesian smackdown" bomb scene alone makes it praiseworthy.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 21, 2017 10:09 AM (NT3RT)

134 What Tami said. Much as I love the book thread, we're glued to the tv for Trump's meeting in SA. This is looking like it's a big deal.

Posted by: April at May 21, 2017 10:09 AM (e8PP1)

135 102 Reagan and Thatcher should of course be honored and praised but only Lech Walesa faced actual physical danger for his actions.

-----

Well, the Soviets did try to assassinate JPII.
Posted by: josephistan at May 21, 2017 09:51 AM (ANIFC)

Not saying it's not true but that theory is as filled with as many holes as the JFK conspiracy theory.
Posted by: Jack Sock at May 21, 2017 09:56 AM (IDPbH)

Here was the blockbuster in the Kengor interview: Apparently the Russkies had intended on invading Poland the day Reagan was shot but punted because they figured the U.S. would blame them for the assassination attempt as a means to deflect attention from their Polish "ambition."

Posted by: SandyCheeks at May 21, 2017 10:09 AM (joFoi)

136 Martin and Dean. Yeah. I think it's on Netflix. Dean Martin and a young Paula Dean are trapped in a haunted hotel in the dead of winter. Scatman Carruthers in it too.

Ret-tub
Ret-tub

Posted by: charley horse at May 21, 2017 10:11 AM (+kahX)

137 Not being the god fearing type of catholic I can say this pope indeed blows ass.

Posted by: Berserker- Dragonheads Division at May 21, 2017 10:11 AM (aMlLZ)

138 Apparently I need more caffeine if I'm going to shoot off my mouth about history. Because they were the LivoniAn Brothers of the Sword, not LivoniOn, and they were censured by the local bishops, not by the pope. Grr.

Posted by: right wing yankee at May 21, 2017 10:12 AM (26lkV)

139 Speaking of atlases, on some CBS comedy a yute saw one and said "somebody printed out google maps".

Posted by: Captain Hate at May 21, 2017 10:13 AM (y7DUB)

140 RW Yankee,
Copy that. Overflowing bookshelves and aging eyes have led me to ebooks in self defense.

Posted by: Delayna at May 21, 2017 10:13 AM (KNFU5)

141 Right Wing Yankee, do a JJ Abrams - alternate universe

Posted by: Anna Puma at May 21, 2017 10:14 AM (zV3cs)

142 Noonan's speech was good. She mentioned that the movie gives you a drama. Reading histories of it presents you with a dilemma.

That is so true of much of the leftist utopian demands, where they live in drama. They believe world peace happens when the US stops fighting any war ... that WE are the source/cause of "evil".

But the dilemma of "open borders" or "free trade" (with oppressive regimes polluting and using slaves) recognizes that not all cultures are equal. The magic of all the children of the world holding hands if we just "imagine there are no borders" (john lennon) is fantasy, propaganda.

Their engineered utopian drama is the real opiate of the youthful masses. Marx apparently observed the utility of drugging the people with PC cultural Marxism, as opposed to their traditional western religion.

PC Religion manufactures a lie that character assassinates strong Americans as deplorables and irredeemables. The Bible presents dilemma and spiritual resolution. History books present cultural and societal dilemmas and compromised resolutions.

Posted by: illiniwek at May 21, 2017 10:14 AM (TmCOq)

143
Right Wing Yankee, do a JJ Abrams - alternate universe

Posted by: Anna Puma at May 21, 2017 10:14 AM (zV3cs)

Yeah, that's it. Alternate universe. Right. I totally meant to do that

Posted by: right wing yankee at May 21, 2017 10:15 AM (26lkV)

144 I'm relistening to The Obesity Code by Jason Fung. One take away point is that meddling government do gooders invariably impose things that hurt rather than help when it comes to nutrition and health.

Posted by: Northernlurker at May 21, 2017 10:15 AM (nBr1j)

145 undernood for Trump's speech

Posted by: OregonMuse, deplorable since 2004 at May 21, 2017 10:15 AM (kkD4N)

146 Yea that wasn't us.

Posted by: The Liveronionians at May 21, 2017 10:17 AM (BO/km)

147 65, Steve and Cold Bear, and 81 Sandy Cheeks, I am part of the RCIA team at my parish and Pope Francis seldom comes up. The Pope tends to only come up for answering questions about papal infallibility and how that works. But some of the things the Pope blathers about, such as communion for remarried but unanulled Catholics, he simply can't change because he would be going in direct opposition for the word of Christ.

People come to the Catholic Church for God, not the Pope, and thanks be to God for that.

Posted by: Tonestaple at May 21, 2017 10:17 AM (STkEV)

148 Posted by: right wing yankee at May 21, 2017 09:50 AM (26lkV)

Dumb question, but here goes. If I put the Kindle App on my laptop which version of "book" do I buy? Kindle edition or what.

I had a great run with the original Kindle Fire -- 5 years or so. Then I got the KF7 -- two of them. Failed within months. Not going to get it again, so looking for alternatives. My iphone is the 5S and I don't want a phone the size of a table until they operate as affordable single unit.

Still reading and enjoying Kaplan, The Revenge of Geography and A People's Tragedy: the Russian Revolution 1891-1924 Orlando Figes.

Finally the other day someone (forgot who--sorry) offered up a free pdf of The Camp of Saints. I have never read it. Here's a link. http://tinyurl.com/juluxm3

SMBT -- The best.

Posted by: gracepc at May 21, 2017 10:17 AM (OU4q6)

149 The Brotherhood of Liverandonions?

Posted by: Anna Puma at May 21, 2017 10:18 AM (zV3cs)

150 Imagine the ManhattanProject timeline being such that The Bomb gets used in Europe to beat Hitler and save a lot of Jews. That's the plot of the book I'm halfway through.

Something tells me there will be unintended consequences.

Posted by: Les Kinetic at May 21, 2017 10:18 AM (U6f54)

151 OM, put a link to his speech please.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 21, 2017 10:19 AM (NT3RT)

152 Yea that wasn't us.

Posted by: The Liveronionians at May 21, 2017 10:17 AM (BO/km)

No, you're just responsible for making thousands of children go to bed hating their parents after being forced to eat cold liver and onions. Shame on you.

Posted by: right wing yankee at May 21, 2017 10:19 AM (26lkV)

153 Not being the god fearing type of catholic I can say this pope indeed blows ass.

Posted by: Berserker- Dragonheads Division

I'm not Catholic, so I have no right to opine ... but I think this pope is another case of liberals infiltrating a conservative institution in order to subvert it. I hope that the majority of Catholics would declare themselves sedevacantists until a new pope is elected.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at May 21, 2017 10:21 AM (vRcUp)

154 Posted by: gracepc at May 21, 2017 10:17 AM (OU4q6)

I buy the Kindle/ebook version and it automatically downloads to my computer. I can also download things from Project Gutenberg using the Kindle app, which is pretty awesome.

Posted by: right wing yankee at May 21, 2017 10:21 AM (26lkV)

155 150 Imagine the ManhattanProject timeline being such that The Bomb gets used in Europe to beat Hitler and save a lot of Jews. That's the plot of the book I'm halfway through.

Something tells me there will be unintended consequences.
Posted by: Les Kinetic at May 21, 2017 10:18 AM (U6f54)

But didn't we drop an atomic bomb on Dresden?

Posted by: Jack Sock at May 21, 2017 10:21 AM (IDPbH)

156 I bought a couple of the Great Brain books at a garage sale. I remember reading them as a kid, and I bought then for a friend's daughter.

Set in 1898 Utah, and is about J.D and his brother Tom, the great brain. And it is half the way a story about kids being kids, and kids getting in trouble because Tom is over-smart and under moral.

Posted by: Kindltot at May 21, 2017 10:22 AM (mkDpn)

157 I inadvertently posted re Reagan/JPII/Thatcher on EMT. Reagan and JPII were both actors initially. The three of them were also I think probably the last poor kids who rose up by talent and brains. Our current crop of leaders seem to be mostly privileged bureaucrats.

Posted by: mustbequantum at May 21, 2017 10:22 AM (MIKMs)

158 I wonder if Sir Osis of Liver is a member of that brotherhood?

Posted by: Anna Puma at May 21, 2017 10:24 AM (zV3cs)

159 I wonder if Sir Osis of Liver is a member of that brotherhood?

Posted by: Anna Puma at May 21, 2017 10:24 AM (zV3cs)

Not for long. He drank too much one night and, well...

Posted by: right wing yankee at May 21, 2017 10:25 AM (26lkV)

160 I was born and raised a Catholic, but I didn't leave the Church, it left me. If this pope is Catholic, then somehow I'm not anymore.

As for my latest read, it's Illusion Einer Jugend by Ralf Roland Ringler, a history of the Hitler Youth in Austria. Except I'm having to translate it for my own history of the defense of Austria in 1945.

Posted by: William Alan Webb at May 21, 2017 10:26 AM (OhYcy)

161 I really like the book threads, but I just lurk.
Y'all seem way too smart for me.

Does anyone read dumb fiction? I'm going to the thrift store later to treat myself to some new (to me, anyway) mindless timewasters.
Hiassen, James Hall, Robt Parker, etc...
Any suggestions on what to look for?

Posted by: Fried Baloney Sandwich at May 21, 2017 10:26 AM (M7oLR)

162 Finally listened to Naval War in the Falklands which was written by a Moron a couple years ago. Interesting and pretty accessible to a non-military person whose only knowledge of the subject was information gleaned at the HQ through comment (which is sad since it happened in my lifetime).

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at May 21, 2017 10:27 AM (sEDyY)

163 Not for long. He drank too much one night and, well...

And he was found the next day face down in Catanonia Spain.

Posted by: Anna Puma at May 21, 2017 10:29 AM (zV3cs)

164 161 - I love the Archy McNally series by Lawrence Sanders. Set in Palm Beach FL among the rich set. The title character is the son of an attorney and is a private detective who investigates cases for his father. Kind of what it would be like if Bertie Wooster were investigating a mystery.

Posted by: Dr Alice at May 21, 2017 10:30 AM (LaT54)

165 That sword dance thing ... maybe there was some bonding, but it seemed more like a psy-op intimidation thing.

My high school used to do this thing where they'd turn off the lights and the 'Blue Devil' came out with a spotlight and a pitch fork with propane fire coming out. Some coaches would leave their team in the locker room till the "psych out" thing was over.

If they actually wanted to kill Trump, they have 100 easier ways to poison or shoot him from a distance. But I'm not sure what the "messaging" was except that they will fight together (I guess).

Posted by: illiniwek at May 21, 2017 10:30 AM (TmCOq)

166 Posted by: Fried Baloney Sandwich at May 21, 2017 10:26 AM (M7oLR)

If you like spy /action A very easy and enjoyable read is Vince Flynn's American Assassin.

Posted by: Jack Sock at May 21, 2017 10:30 AM (IDPbH)

167 "Marxism is wrong"-Pope Francis
"Some say that Marxism is compatible with Christianity. It is not" -Pope Francis
So - no, he isn't a Communist.
Just because he tells you greed is bad doesn't mean he is a Marxist. Hell, it doesn't even mean he is anti-Capitalism!
Posted by: Deep Thought at May 21, 2017 09:38 AM (z/8+g)

There is a long history of Western communists denying their communism by making weasel statements, meant to give the gullible and the fellow travelers an easy out.

The man is a communist. Maybe he chooses the term "marxism" for a reason. Or maybe he is just a straight up liar.

I can believe either.

Posted by: BurtTC at May 21, 2017 10:31 AM (Pz4pT)

168 Posted by: right wing yankee at May 21, 2017 10:21 AM (26lkV)

Ok, good to know. Thanks. Also re. Gutenberg downloads.

Posted by: gracepc at May 21, 2017 10:32 AM (OU4q6)

169 Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at May 21, 2017 10:27 AM (sEDyY)
---
Is this the one by Barie? It's only 99 cents at Amazon.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 21, 2017 10:32 AM (NT3RT)

170 Just finished To The Last Man by Jeff Shaara. A great rediscovery of WW1 in a fictionalized format. Worth the read.

Posted by: Diogenes at May 21, 2017 10:33 AM (FOThK)

171 I've been following the CS Lewis lectures from Hillsdale College, which are excellent. They inspired me to re-read parts of "The Discarded Image" and "Preface to Paradise Lost" either of which would be worthy of a full year of doctoral level classes. My shelf (make that shelves) of CS Lewis and related books is a treasure that never runs dry.

Also, a reminder for those interested: "Beren and Luthien" by Tolkien is due out on June 1. I've read pieces of the poem but am curious about the complete and annotated version.

Posted by: JTB at May 21, 2017 10:33 AM (V+03K)

172 Does anyone read dumb fiction? I'm going to the
thrift store later to treat myself to some new (to me, anyway) mindless
timewasters.

Hiassen, James Hall, Robt Parker, etc...

Any suggestions on what to look for?

Posted by: Fried Baloney Sandwich at May 21, 2017 10:26 AM (M7oLR)

Pat McManus writes hysterically funny short stories about his wilderness adventures. And you don't have to be an outdoorsy person to enjoy them. Try 'Never Sniff a Gift Fish' or 'Real Ponies Don't Go Oink'. But not if you're liable to laugh yourself to death, because I've almost done that a time or two.

Posted by: right wing yankee at May 21, 2017 10:33 AM (26lkV)

173 All of Stephen Hunter's books are easy reads also.

Posted by: Jack Sock at May 21, 2017 10:35 AM (IDPbH)

174 And he was found the next day face down in Catanonia Spain.

Posted by: Anna Puma at May 21, 2017 10:29 AM (zV3cs)

Now I'm going to be singing, 'The rain in Spain falls mostly on the plain' for the rest of the day. Thanks.

Posted by: right wing yankee at May 21, 2017 10:36 AM (26lkV)

175 Skandia, a couple of the ships in the Aliens universe are named from Robert Conrad books. Sulaco is also from the book Nostromo.

Posted by: Kindltot at May 21, 2017 10:37 AM (mkDpn)

176 157
I inadvertently posted re Reagan/JPII/Thatcher on EMT. Reagan and JPII
were both actors initially. The three of them were also I think probably
the last poor kids who rose up by talent and brains. Our current crop
of leaders seem to be mostly privileged bureaucrats.

Posted by: mustbequantum
------------
Not only that, but the current crop of (so-called) leaders are intent on making sure that talent and brains never rise to the top again as it threatens their royal personages.

Posted by: Long Running Fool at May 21, 2017 10:38 AM (+JV0f)

177 "Just yew wait Right Wing Yankee! Just yew wait!"*

Until I really wake up.

*said in Eliza Doolittle's voice.

Posted by: Anna Puma at May 21, 2017 10:39 AM (zV3cs)

178 The Daudis are the biggest reason we have radical Islam terrorists
Why should they be our allies? It's nit like they sell us cheaper oil than anyone else
They treat their women much worse than Iran

Posted by: Him at May 21, 2017 10:39 AM (X7i0r)

179 Thanks for the suggestions. I have burned through all the Coben - Myron Bolivar series. Robt Parker''s Jesse Stone series was a fave, too.
I'll look for Flynn, Sanders & McManus (pretty sure I have some Sanders in the back room?).

Posted by: Fried Baloney Sandwich at May 21, 2017 10:40 AM (M7oLR)

180 Finished Flashman and the Mountain of Light. The Flashman Chronicles are pretty much morons on parade, its some of the most hilarious stuff written but packed with knowledge, like a historical textbook that has you crying with laughter.

This one puts young flashy back in India, the last place he wants to be. He's on the Diplomatic staff, called "politicals" by the military, and its the early 1800s. The Sikhs are rebelling and its his job to help them fail.

Flash is a bully and a coward and a letch but he's one of those likable rogues who despite himself ends up doing right in the end.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 21, 2017 10:42 AM (39g3+)

181 >>Does anyone read dumb fiction? I'm going to the

thrift store later to treat myself to some new (to me, anyway) mindless

timewasters.

Matthew Reilly writes books that are like action movie screenplays - non-stop action, crazy premises, etc. Great escapism!

Posted by: Lizzy at May 21, 2017 10:43 AM (NOIQH)

182 Boloney Sammich, I liked Robert Ferrigno's LA mysteries like "Flinch".

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 21, 2017 10:43 AM (NT3RT)

183 On nights where I can't face the slog of "Windswept House," which is interminable and chock full of minutiae, I pick up "The Book of Mysteries," by Jonathan Cahn, a Messianic Jew.

The book is like a devotional in that each page is its own separate topic. It started off with a few revelations that make your head spin and then it tames down with a few gems along the way.

Last night I got to a page about Isaac's prophecy to his children, Esau and Jacob.

"When Isaac blessed his son Jacob, he told him that he would have dominion over his brothers , and men would bow down before him. But when Isaac blessed Esau, he told him that he would live by the sword and under the dominion of his brother Jacob. Esau was so filled with rage that he plotted Jacob's death. But what happened to Jacob? Who were his descendants? "

To paraphrase the rest, the Jewish people, Israel, became Jacob's descendents.

Esau begat the Edomites, who would live under the dominion of Israel, under the children of Jacob.

Did you know that Herod was one of Esau's descendants? The same King Herod who would try to take out Messiah, one of Jacob's descendants!

Posted by: SandyCheeks at May 21, 2017 10:43 AM (joFoi)

184 Oh -
For hilarious, try to find a copy of "Falling Up The Stairs," James Lilek''s first novel. I still regret giving that away - would love to read it again today.

Posted by: Fried Baloney Sandwich at May 21, 2017 10:44 AM (M7oLR)

185 I'm going to the thrift store later to treat myself to some new (to me, anyway) mindless timewasters.
Hiassen, James Hall, Robt Parker, etc...
Any suggestions on what to look for?

Westerns are always good, L'Amour for example. If you can find Mickey Spillane, he's great fun, basically Spenser on steroids set in the 50s. Harry Harrison's "Stainless Steel Rat" sci fi books are hilarious.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 21, 2017 10:45 AM (39g3+)

186 150 Something tells me there will be unintended consequences.
Posted by: Les Kinetic at May 21, 2017 10:18 AM (U6f54)

You think? First off, Godzilla never happens. Instead we get a series of films about Heidi, an oversized irradiated mule deer terrorising Berlin with devastating kicks.

Ultimately Heidi befriends the Germans and protects them from other radiation monsters such as Merkulus, the lumpy androgynous creature with a dutch-boy haircut.

Posted by: charley horse at May 21, 2017 10:46 AM (+kahX)

187 If I want to read Mickey Spillane, I'll just lurk here & wait for Mike Hammer and his cat!

Posted by: Fried Baloney Sandwich at May 21, 2017 10:46 AM (M7oLR)

188 Did you know that Herod was one of Esau's descendants? The same King Herod who would try to take out Messiah, one of Jacob's descendants!

There's a lot of that in Jewish history. Haman, who wanted to wipe out the Jews in Persia because Mordecai (a Jew) wouldn't bow to him as he passed. Haman was one of the last descendants of a people who tried over and over to destroy the Israelites as they wandered 40 years in the desert.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 21, 2017 10:48 AM (39g3+)

189 >>I'm going to the thrift store later to treat myself to some new (to me, anyway) mindless timewasters.

Nevada Barr mysteries (each one set in a National Park), any Tony Hillerman mystery (set on AZ Indian reservations), or even an old Dick Francis book (always related to something horsey, like steeplechase jockeys).

Posted by: Lizzy at May 21, 2017 10:48 AM (NOIQH)

190 187 If I want to read Mickey Spillane, I'll just lurk here & wait for Mike Hammer and his cat!

Posted by: Fried Baloney Sandwich at May 21, 2017 10:46 AM (M7oLR)
---
That cat drags him to every gin joint in town!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 21, 2017 10:48 AM (NT3RT)

191 Wouldn't that be every cat-nip joint in town?

Posted by: Anna Puma at May 21, 2017 10:51 AM (zV3cs)

192 Like an opium den, but with rooms to roll around in.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 21, 2017 10:51 AM (NT3RT)

193 I'm not Catholic, so I have no right to opine ... but I think this pope is another case of liberals infiltrating a conservative institution in order to subvert it. I hope that the majority of Catholics would declare themselves sedevacantists until a new pope is elected.
Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at May 21, 2017 10:21 AM (vRcUp)

From some of the comments I read in Catholic blogs, many DO consider themselves sedevacantists and count Benedict as the real pope.

Posted by: SandyCheeks at May 21, 2017 10:52 AM (joFoi)

194 Thrift store shopping -- my favorite! Grab Christopher Buckley while you are at it. 30 years ago, there was quite an explosion of good mid-list competent authors.

Posted by: mustbequantum at May 21, 2017 10:52 AM (MIKMs)

195 Can't spend much time here today, but I wanted to make a quick plug for an author friend of mine, Eli Thorpe. He's got a good novel out that I think you can get on Amazon. $8 on Kindle if that's your thing. "Valley of Ashes" is a sort of coming-of-age novel set in an industrial town that's losing its industry during the '70s. Very good character building, and great narrative pacing.

I recommend checking it out. He's also got a collection of short stories call "The Weight of Deeds" that i'm not through yet, but is pretty damn good so far.

Posted by: Warai-otoko at May 21, 2017 10:53 AM (hcyUh)

196 General point of order - is Jerry Lewis still alive?

Posted by: Puddin Head at May 21, 2017 10:53 AM (vV/gB)

197 Someone linked to this guy a few days ago and these videos are a fun distraction: "Thug Notes" book reviews.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITKfr1qOZ0w

Posted by: Lizzy at May 21, 2017 10:54 AM (NOIQH)

198 I'm sorry, the Great Brain books are written by John D. Fitzgerald and the first book is The Great Brain. The first chapter is about how the main character's dad buys a toilet from Sears Robuck and has a cesspool and tile drain dug.

The introduction talks about how he was 7 at the time and were Catholic in a mostly Mormon town, and that the Mormon and non-Mormon kids had found tolerance and understanding of a sort, mostly because his brothers Swen, Tom, and he had whipped every Mormon kid their ages in town.

"After all, there is nothing as tolerant and understanding as a kid you can whip."

Posted by: Kindltot at May 21, 2017 10:55 AM (mkDpn)

199 Lizzy,
I think I read every Dick Francis book published. Loved them (and I'm not big into horse racing). Years ago, so I could read themore all again at this point.
I've probably given away more books than currently own.

Posted by: Fried Baloney Sandwich at May 21, 2017 10:55 AM (M7oLR)

200 172 ... "Pat McManus writes hysterically funny short stories about his wilderness adventures. And you don't have to be an outdoorsy person to enjoy them. Try 'Never Sniff a Gift Fish' or 'Real Ponies Don't Go Oink'. But not if you're liable to laugh yourself to death, because I've almost done that a time or two."

Absolutely! Mcmanus is hilarious. He has a mystery series of Sheriff Bo Tully mysteries. And his collections of funny stories sometimes includes a few pieces that are gently touching and so poignant they can bring tears to your eyes. The man really can write. Have to dig out my copies.

Posted by: JTB at May 21, 2017 10:55 AM (V+03K)

201 Oh -
For hilarious, try to find a copy of "Falling Up The Stairs," James Lilek''s first novel. I still regret giving that away - would love to read it again today.
Posted by: Fried Baloney Sandwich at May 21, 2017 10:44 AM (M7oLR)

I believe I have it around here somewhere... it's got to still be available... let's check:

Amazon has hardback copies available.

Posted by: BurtTC at May 21, 2017 10:55 AM (Pz4pT)

202 Yes. Still alive.
Never liked his style of comedy though.

Posted by: Diogenes at May 21, 2017 10:55 AM (y+BJh)

203 General point of order - is Jerry Lewis still alive?
Posted by: Puddin Head at May 21, 2017 10:53 AM (vV/gB)

If you can call it that, yes.

Posted by: BurtTC at May 21, 2017 10:56 AM (Pz4pT)

204 Good one Fried...Dick Francis is great reading.

Posted by: Diogenes at May 21, 2017 10:57 AM (y+BJh)

205 194 Thrift store shopping -- my favorite! Grab Christopher Buckley while you are at it. 30 years ago, there was quite an explosion of good mid-list competent authors.
Posted by: mustbequantum at May 21, 2017 10:52 AM (MIKMs)

There's a great little book store not from here--in a little town called Bragg Creek--called The Best Little Word House on the Prairie. I love going there whenever I can.
Some books, however, are too expensive even when they're free i.e. the Caitlyn Jenner bio, or that waste of trees thing by Amy Schumer.

Posted by: Northernlurker, Phillips screwdriver of the gods at May 21, 2017 10:58 AM (nBr1j)

206 I'm not Catholic, so I have no right to opine ... but I think this pope is another case of liberals infiltrating a conservative institution in order to subvert it. I hope that the majority of Catholics would declare themselves sedevacantists until a new pope is elected.
Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at May 21, 2017 10:21 AM (vRcUp)

From some of the comments I read in Catholic blogs, many DO consider themselves sedevacantists and count Benedict as the real pope.
Posted by: SandyCheeks at May 21, 2017 10:52 AM (joFoi)

One does not have to be a paranoid conspiracist to believe there was something very very wrong about Benedict's abdication.

Posted by: BurtTC at May 21, 2017 10:58 AM (Pz4pT)

207 Skandia, a couple of the ships in the Aliens universe are named from Robert Conrad books. Sulaco is also from the book Nostromo.
Posted by: Kindltot at May 21, 2017 10:37 AM (mkDpn)

Thanks for that. I'm sure there is a lot of that in Hollywood. Star Trek the original TV series did Romeo and Juliet one episode. You didn't know it until the very end.

Posted by: Skandia Recluse at May 21, 2017 10:59 AM (oC9ND)

208 sedevacantists

That's a new word for me. Thank you for edumacating me.

Posted by: Northernlurker, Phillips screwdriver of the gods at May 21, 2017 11:00 AM (nBr1j)

209 >>I think I read every Dick Francis book published.

Me, too! Had a friend in 8th grade turn me on to them, and...I may just have to revisit them. They're also good for word power (always learn a few new ones with each book).

Posted by: Lizzy at May 21, 2017 11:00 AM (NOIQH)

210 Listened to Sue Grafton's M Is For Malice (Kinsey Millhone #13), where she searches for the black sheep of a wealthy family after the patriarch passes away. He ran away as a youth and stands to inherit millions. Pretty good but not Earth-shaking installment.

Listened to Libriomancer (Magic Ex Libris #1) by Jim Hines, which I'd read years before. Similar to a Kevin Hearne or Jim Butcher story, with a lot of humor where the main character can reach his hand into a sci-fi novel, pull a ray gun out of it and shoot someone. Liked the ideas and story though the execution was sometimes juvenile.

Read The Hidden Truth by Hans Schantz, which I would probably compare to a Dan Brown conspiracy book if I had read Dan Brown. Two smart high school students find some discrepancies in old science tomes which is the beginning of their troubles. Enjoyed it.

Posted by: waelse1 at May 21, 2017 11:01 AM (x5Rox)

211 202 Yes. Still alive.
Never liked his style of comedy though.

Posted by: Diogenes

Jeebus - this is a sign from God, but I can't figure what it means.

Posted by: Puddin Head at May 21, 2017 11:01 AM (vV/gB)

212 Does anyone read dumb fiction? I'm going to the thrift store later to treat myself to some new (to me, anyway) mindless timewasters.
Hiassen, James Hall, Robt Parker, etc...
Any suggestions on what to look for?
Posted by: Fried Baloney Sandwich at May 21, 2017 10:26 AM (M7oLR)

I wouldn't call him a "time waster," but Thomas Perry is one of my faves. I've loved everything he has ever written. "The Butcher's Boy" is about a kid adopted by a butcher -- who also moonlights as a hit man -- and teaches the kid everything he knows.

"Vanishing Act" introduces Jane Whitefield, descendant of American Indians, who teaches people how to disappear.

All of his books are fascinating in the psychology of everyday habits we all adhere to, which makes life much easier for those out there tracking us or teaching us how to go underground.

For more fun, but situations with serious stuff involved, check out Joe R. Lansdale and his "Hap and Leonard" series. One of the earliest is "Bad Chili."

Tim Dorsey is kind of along the lines of Hiassen, but way funnier. His character, Serge Storms, is a psycho hit man who "only kills people who need it" in spectacular ways. I used to read him voraciously until he went full libtard on Palin back in the day. Then I dropped him like a bad habit.

Posted by: SandyCheeks at May 21, 2017 11:02 AM (joFoi)

213 Oh -
For hilarious, try to find a copy of "Falling Up The Stairs," James Lilek''s first novel. I still regret giving that away - would love to read it again today.
Posted by: Fried Baloney Sandwich at May 21, 2017 10:44 AM (M7oLR)

I believe I have it around here somewhere... it's got to still be available... let's check:

Amazon has hardback copies available.
Posted by: BurtTC at May 21, 2017 10:55 AM (Pz4pT)

Oh, and someone around here mentioned H. Allen Smith once upon a time. Smith could be considered a proto-James Lileks.

Droll humor, has written at least one novel (well worth reading, "Rhubarb," about a cat who inherits a baseball team.

And now that I look it up, apparently there's a sequel!!

Posted by: BurtTC at May 21, 2017 11:03 AM (Pz4pT)

214 211 202 Yes. Still alive.
Never liked his style of comedy though.

Posted by: Diogenes

Jeebus - this is a sign from God, but I can't figure what it means.
Posted by: Puddin Head at May 21, 2017 11:01 AM (vV/gB)

*****

Hmmmm. And all this talk of the Pope.

No problem, I'm Protestant.

Posted by: Diogenes at May 21, 2017 11:03 AM (y+BJh)

215 Yes Jerry Lewis is alive and kicking at age 91. And everyone laughed at him when he was taking his, what tured out to be Methuselah treatments in his 70's. Seems to have worked.

I'll tell you something. I had a dog that was suffering from a myriad of ailments. First off, he had seizures. Pitiful and sad. You could do nothing but comfort him. Then he broke his neck and we paid (a lot of money) to have a lapri something or another performed that was supposed to fuse the neck vertebrae.

At the time the dog was only 3 years old. He was already having seizures. I didn't think it was worth it to get the what would now be about a 3 thousand dollar surgery because I figured dog, and you know, it would re-injure itself. But we did the surgery.

Dog got through surgery and was back to having seizures. We put the dog on prednisone. Ah, the Jerry Lewis angle. Okay so they dog developed something called a coat of armor due to the prednisone. And he had terrible ears (cocker). Always on meds for ear infections.

But you know what. That dog lived to be 16 years old. Oldest dog we've ever had in the family. So maybe Jerry Lewis is on to something with the prednisone and longevity. We all thought he was a goner back when he was all puffed up from taking that particular steroid. Just saying.

Posted by: charley horse at May 21, 2017 11:03 AM (+kahX)

216 Thrift store shopping -- my favorite! Grab Christopher Buckley while you are at it. 30 years ago, there was quite an explosion of good mid-list competent authors.
Posted by: mustbequantum at May 21, 2017 10:52 AM (MIKMs)

Which reminds me..."Thank You for Smoking" is a scream. A trio of lobbyists for alcohol/tobacco/firearms meet regularly for lunch to complain about their jobs. Hilarity ensues.

Posted by: SandyCheeks at May 21, 2017 11:04 AM (joFoi)

217 Yes SandyCheeks, I loved "Thank You for smoking." I can highly recommend the film also.

Posted by: Dr Alice at May 21, 2017 11:09 AM (LaT54)

218 Oh, I also started "Warrior Politics: Why Leadership Demands a Pagan Ethos" by Robert D. Kaplan. Just flipping through, I landed on this:

"Another problem, according to Colonel Dunlap, will be the unwitting* collusion between the global media and our enemies. Dunlap and other defense agencies envision 'vertically integrated' media conglomerates with their own surveillance satellites... 'What need will there be for our future enemies to spend money building extensive intelligence capabilities? The media will become the poor man's intelligence service.'"

*I think they are quite complicit.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 21, 2017 11:10 AM (NT3RT)

219 193 I'm not Catholic, so I have no right to opine ... but I think this pope is another case of liberals infiltrating a conservative institution in order to subvert it. I hope that the majority of Catholics would declare themselves sedevacantists until a new pope is elected.
Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at May 21, 2017 10:21 AM (vRcUp)

From some of the comments I read in Catholic blogs, many DO consider themselves sedevacantists and count Benedict as the real pope.
Posted by: SandyCheeks at May 21, 2017 10:52 AM (joFoi)

As a born and raised Catholic, I can tell you that I was recently FLOORED when an openly-gay-formerly-Catholic-man said to me with disgust, "Well, Frankie sure has done exactly what he was appointed to do: pedophilia by priests is now officially off the front pages!" So even ex and anti-Catholics can seen what a disaster this pope is. A few days after this encounter, it hit the papers that Frankie has relaxed church punishment for pedophile priests. Remember that when Benedict the XIV was in charge, he defrocked pedophile priests by the hundreds ( which, you can't find by googling it...you can only find those facts on Bing...)

Posted by: RondinellaMamma at May 21, 2017 11:11 AM (oQQwD)

220 oops Benedict the XVI

Posted by: RondinellaMamma at May 21, 2017 11:14 AM (oQQwD)

221 Someone linked to this guy a few days ago and these videos are a fun distraction: "Thug Notes" book reviews.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITKfr1qOZ0w
Posted by: Lizzy at May 21, 2017 10:54 AM (NOIQH)

I wish they had one for "Windswept House." It's such a slog! If it weren't for the tiny golden nuggets Malachi Martin provides every 30 pages or so I'd be praying for a Cliff's Notes version.

Posted by: SandyCheeks at May 21, 2017 11:15 AM (joFoi)

222 *hands out toasted marshmallows*

What? You didn't think I wandered away from the book thread for no reason, did you?

Posted by: right wing yankee at May 21, 2017 11:16 AM (26lkV)

223 General point of order - is Jerry Lewis still alive?
Posted by: Puddin Head at May 21, 2017 10:53 AM (vV/gB)

If you can call it that, yes.
Posted by: BurtTC at May 21, 2017 10:56 AM (Pz4pT)

A perennial favorite on the Celebrity Dead Pool. Alas, someone's already got him for this round.

http://sweasel.com/archives/category/deadpool

Posted by: SandyCheeks at May 21, 2017 11:19 AM (joFoi)

224
206 I'm not Catholic, so I have no right to opine ... but I think this pope is another case of liberals infiltrating a conservative institution in order to subvert it. I hope that the majority of Catholics would declare themselves sedevacantists until a new pope is elected.
Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at May 21, 2017 10:21 AM (vRcUp)

From some of the comments I read in Catholic blogs, many DO consider themselves sedevacantists and count Benedict as the real pope.
Posted by: SandyCheeks at May 21, 2017 10:52 AM (joFoi)

One does not have to be a paranoid conspiracist to believe there was something very very wrong about Benedict's abdication.
Posted by: BurtTC at May 21, 2017 10:58 AM (Pz4pT

Commies. It's the Russkis. They have a hand in everything.

Posted by: Headless Body of Agnew at May 21, 2017 11:22 AM (e1mEI)

225 One does not have to be a paranoid conspiracist to believe there was something very very wrong about Benedict's abdication.
Posted by: BurtTC at May 21, 2017 10:58 AM (Pz4pT)

Amen!

Posted by: SandyCheeks at May 21, 2017 11:23 AM (joFoi)

226 Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 21, 2017 10:32 AM (NT3RT)

Yes.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at May 21, 2017 11:26 AM (sEDyY)

227 Currently checking out Arthur Conan Doyle's non-Sherlock novel "The Tragedy of the Korosko," about a group of European tourists on the Nile who get kidnapped by Islamic extremists. It's quite timely and insightful.

Posted by: Biggs Darklighter at May 21, 2017 11:26 AM (YKtkk)

228 I'm Protestant, but I am in awe of Pope Benedict's thoughts on anything. I have his prayers and devotions taped up to the walls of my office. I have his book of meditations, which I can only read a few pages at a time, because he thinks at a level I can barely handle. I have to go over and over his words and sometimes very discouraged about trying to follow him.

Posted by: Wenda (sic) at May 21, 2017 11:29 AM (Kr0FZ)

229
One does not have to be a paranoid conspiracist to believe there was something very very wrong about Benedict's abdication.
Posted by: BurtTC at May 21, 2017 10:58 AM (Pz4pT

Commies. It's the Russkis. They have a hand in everything.
Posted by: Headless Body of Agnew at May 21, 2017 11:22 AM (e1mEI)

Funny you should mention that...

http://genus.cogia.net/

Posted by: SandyCheeks at May 21, 2017 11:36 AM (joFoi)

230 Posted by: Wenda (sic) at May 21, 2017 11:29 AM (Kr0FZ)

In Ann Barnhardt's estimation he is the most educated, most brilliant pope we've had in modern times. But she also holds him liable for going along with the sham of a "papal resignation." He should have known better. Many theorize he was muscled out with significant threat, but he still parades around Vatican grounds wearing all white -- which is reserved for THE pope.

http://bit.ly/2q6AR8J

Posted by: SandyCheeks at May 21, 2017 11:41 AM (joFoi)

231 A year ago at this time I worked within short walking distance from that used book store in Ft Washington, never saw it open. Guess thats just during the weekend.

Posted by: Skip at May 21, 2017 11:44 AM (Ot7+c)

232 228 ... Wenda, What is the specific title of Benedict's meditations you mentioned? Thanks.

Posted by: JTB at May 21, 2017 11:44 AM (V+03K)

233 Jerry Lewis in Sailor Beware still has the funniest physical comedy scene of all time.

Posted by: Jack Sock at May 21, 2017 11:45 AM (IDPbH)

234 Currently checking out Arthur Conan Doyle's non-Sherlock novel "The Tragedy of the Korosko"

All of his books are great, and that one really stands out. I wish it could be made into a movie, its so appropriate now. Sherlock Holmes was what he did to pay the rent, he preferred his other books more and they are usually better.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 21, 2017 11:48 AM (39g3+)

235 Moar on the Pope/Marxism connection:

https://spectator.org/the-popes-marxist-head-of-the-jesuits/

Posted by: GnuBreed at May 21, 2017 11:50 AM (wTwJ2)

236 This is too funny not to passalong, from LegalInsurrection
https://tinyurl.com/l7qymd5

Posted by: Skip at May 21, 2017 11:50 AM (Ot7+c)

237 I'm not Catholic, but I remember Benedict saying that he wanted to write a book about cats. Whatever the reason for his abdication, I hope he's able to do that.

Posted by: rickl at May 21, 2017 11:55 AM (sdi6R)

238 Been reading the Gathering Storm books for Games Workshop's Warhammer 40K universe. They have ret-conned the "Eye of Terror" campaign they ran back in 2003 in which Chaos forces won a minor victory and then nothing really became of it. It's all a lead in for the new 8th version of 40K.

Posted by: Darth Randall at May 21, 2017 12:01 PM (6n332)

239 JTB--The Joy of Knowing Christ.

Posted by: Wenda (sic) at May 21, 2017 12:01 PM (Kr0FZ)

240 Looks like the Trump speech thread is now pretty much dead. A lot of people added key parts. It was pretty damn amazing. My last comment:

As Winston Churchill said, "Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning."

We, who watched, may have just witnessed the end of the beginning. Assembling 50 out of the 57 leaders of Islamic Countries in one room. To hear out Donald Trump lay out the future and what they need to do.

I still can't get over this.

Posted by: E Depluribus Unum at May 21, 2017 12:05 PM (HTdUD)

241 Q: What do Steven Colbert and Donald Trump have in common?

A: They both pull out their swords and dance with men in robes on the weekend!

Posted by: The Gipper Lives at May 21, 2017 12:09 PM (Ndje9)

242
We, who watched, may have just witnessed the end
of the beginning. Assembling 50 out of the 57 leaders of Islamic
Countries in one room. To hear out Donald Trump lay out the future and
what they need to do.

I still can't get over this.

Posted by: E Depluribus Unum at May 21, 2017 12:05 PM (HTdUD)

I pray that we can look back on this part of history with pride. It really is something.

Posted by: Infidel at May 21, 2017 12:12 PM (ie8tB)

243 240
We, who watched, may have just witnessed the end of the beginning. Assembling 50 out of the 57 leaders of Islamic Countries in one room. To hear out Donald Trump lay out the future and what they need to do.

I still can't get over this.
Posted by: E Depluribus Unum at May 21, 2017 12:05 PM (HTdUD)

I'm probably totally mangling and misremembering it, but isn't there a quote like, "Sometimes the man finds the hour, and sometimes the hour finds the man"?

I wish I had watched the speech. Oh, well, reading along with the comments was cool, too.

Posted by: rickl at May 21, 2017 12:16 PM (sdi6R)

244 Ah...here's where you thread jumpers went.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at May 21, 2017 12:19 PM (J+eG2)

245 I'm going to repost my comment back over there. I don't want to derail the book thread.

Although mentioning a quote isn't completely off-topic in a literary thread.

Posted by: rickl at May 21, 2017 12:21 PM (sdi6R)

246 I can't imagine the work it took to put this summit together with the agreement of all parties involved. In 4 months since the the inauguration.

Posted by: Infidel at May 21, 2017 12:21 PM (ie8tB)

247 "I'm going to repost my comment back over there. I don't want to derail the book thread. "

Bring some Troll-B-Gone with you

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at May 21, 2017 12:22 PM (J+eG2)

248 wrong thread, sorry.

Posted by: Infidel at May 21, 2017 12:23 PM (ie8tB)

249 Leave it to PDT to do what no troll ever could, kill the Sunday book thread.

heh

Posted by: weirdflunky at May 21, 2017 12:24 PM (cLrRe)

250 I can't imagine the work it took to put this summit together with the agreement of all parties involved. In 4 months since the the inauguration.

Posted by: Infidel

Yes. Definite appreciation for what was undoubtedly a lot of Saudi arm-twisting involved. That was pretty phenomenal representation percentage by Islamic countries.

This could prove to be a 'tear down that wall' moment. One can pray.

In the end the applause was considerable. So the message was not rejected out-of-hand.

Posted by: E Depluribus Unum at May 21, 2017 12:27 PM (HTdUD)

251 Flash is a bully and a coward and a letch but he's
one of those likable rogues who despite himself ends up doing right in
the end.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 21, 2017 10:42 AM (39g3+)

Reposted because I don't think you were around and yet still sort of on-topic:I've read posts where you comment that you'd like to begin dressing a
bit more like the dignified men of the past, and I thought of you when I
saw this. Penney's has dress shirts for $7.50 with a promo code listed
at the top of the screen.

http://www.jcpenney.com/g/mens-dress-shirts-ties/

N-bwo3yD1nopel

It's not too tough to immediately begin dressing nicer, and people
(especially women, it seems) will notice. Just imagine moving up a
notch. Start wearing izods where you would once wear t-shirts, button
down shirts where you considered izods, and suits where you used to wear
button downs. Add a $75 sport coat for the free shipping and you've
got a nice ensemble ready to go.

Posted by: Chigger Fleas at May 21, 2017 12:28 PM (fD1ST)

252 The Rock is running for President.

I, for one, welcome our new Full Body Latte Overlords.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qs4mtbTsaL4

and then just let em run.

Posted by: charley horse at May 21, 2017 12:29 PM (+kahX)

253 I welcome The Rock and George "Played By George Clooney" Clooney running for president. I think they're due a woman or Hispanic, but it would be fun to watch them try to out-act one another.

Posted by: Chigger Fleas at May 21, 2017 12:32 PM (fD1ST)

254 Book-wise, I've started reading the Firefox series again. Very interesting.

Posted by: Chigger Fleas at May 21, 2017 12:34 PM (fD1ST)

255 the rock aint no reagan. clooney, is a caricature of clinton. should work.

Posted by: chavez the hugo at May 21, 2017 12:38 PM (KP5rU)

256 Been reading "Shattered." Lots of good scenes in there but not nearly as hard hitting as I had hoped. Plenty of Trump bashing, reverence for Hillary and other Dems and PC language. (ex: illegal alien are referred to as undocumented immigrants.) The writers are still good little Democrats and can't break out of their bubble.

Posted by: Ripley at May 21, 2017 12:41 PM (1BQGO)

257 252 Rock endorses Body Armor, but told the CEO to shut up when the guy praised Trump for bringing business skills. Rock didn't argue the merits, just called it "divisive". "Shut up," he explained.

That screams typical Hollywood liberal. Meh.

Posted by: The Gipper Lives at May 21, 2017 12:43 PM (Ndje9)

258 American Catholics seem more willing/able to think independently from the Pope. The countries to our south are much more vulnerable to a Marxist infiltration.

There are rumblings now about US intervention in Venezuela. There have long been concerns of Soviet/communist outreach into central and South America. (e.g. lots of American commies, including Obama's church, backed the Sandinistas). And now we even see some jihadists interested in rooting in S America, even as they spread across Africa and flood into Europe.

I take my religion like I take my politics, as locally controlled as possible. But to our south, peoples are far less educated and more vulnerable to the dictates of religious or civic oppression. A "leftist" pope will not be helpful in retaining/attaining liberty and independence. If he is against borders, what sort of government does her favor?

Posted by: illiniwek at May 21, 2017 12:45 PM (TmCOq)

259 Of course he's left center because Hollywood, but Dwayne Johnson has a shot if he is serious. He is very charismatic.

If no lady or boy or lady boy issues, he can be a player. Why not other than the fact the name of the black, muscular US President in Idiocracy was Dwayne. That might come up.

Posted by: charley horse at May 21, 2017 12:47 PM (+kahX)

260 A modest suggestion...

Get away from politics for an hour or two, Jeez.

And get away from contemporary writers for a couple of weeks, for a new perspective.

Grab something like the Works of Maupassant and immerse in decadence from another time and place.

I guarantee a beautiful shock to your artful sensibilities.

Posted by: Meremortal at May 21, 2017 12:49 PM (3myMJ)

261 Thanks

Posted by: 80's music fan at May 21, 2017 12:50 PM (HCnEB)

262 Flash is a bully and a coward and a letch but he's one of those
likable rogues who despite himself ends up doing right in the end.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at May 21, 2017 10:42 AM

I reread all of the Flashman series last year. I read the early ones as a kid at my uncle's place during summer visits as a kid. When he passed away I "stole" (with general permission) those early trade paperbacks and filled in the missing ones with early editions. My uncle worked all over the world for oil companies and he "explained" some of it to me. So funny. Both the novels and my late Flashy-esque uncle who was very upfront about being a scoundrel and black sheep of the family. He was proudest he always said of never going to prison. Not even in the US.

Posted by: Lester at May 21, 2017 12:53 PM (LfJIn)

263 I just finished The Bad Seed. I had no idea they knew about sociopaths in the early 1950's.

Posted by: Mike at May 21, 2017 12:56 PM (swJ7s)

264 If you like the Flashman series, try Fraser's The Pyrates and Mr. American.

Mr. American shows Fraser's admiration for the US

Posted by: Ignoramus at May 21, 2017 12:57 PM (pV/54)

265 Grab something like the Works of Maupassant and immerse in decadence from another time and place.

I guarantee a beautiful shock to your artful sensibilities.
Posted by: Meremortal at May 21, 2017 12:49 PM (3myMJ)
---
Yes! A delicious languor awaits those with the patience for puce prose.

Hence my Clark Ashton Smith jag.

Or just watch Alla Nazimova in "Salome", a moving Aubrey Beardsley illustration:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C7QxekC35w

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 21, 2017 12:57 PM (NT3RT)

266 Okay books. Doc Savage paperbacks. All of em.

The Rock is playing Doc Savage in the upcoming film. Doc Savage is the best. Underrated science fiction.

The Rock is a cool dude. Doc Savage is a cool dude. Should be a cool movie.

Posted by: charley horse at May 21, 2017 12:58 PM (+kahX)

267 Oh oh oh, I forgot to mention another book I checked out of the library, and it's my favorite kind, mostly pictures! *clappy hands*

The Computer: An Illustrated History from Its Origins to the Present Day by Mark Frauenfelder. He's one of my faves, from Wired and Boing Boing and MAKE Magazine.

Starts with bone tabulators and abacus, to the birth of punch card tech (the Jacquard loom) all the way up to today's wonders.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 21, 2017 01:06 PM (NT3RT)

268 It's oversized and has a dark little stain on the front, otherwise, it's in good condition. Since it doesn't fit anywhere it's collecting dust and I'd like to get rid of it. He seemed to think it would be worth something. From the sites I've checked, not really, plus I'd have to sell it to a used book site and they pay next to nothing. Any suggestions?

Posted by: SandyCheeks at May 21, 2017 09:11 AM (joFoi)

My .02? It's out of date for any serious research, and not old enough to be collectible, so nearly worthless.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 21, 2017 01:10 PM (0deF2)

269 Spent the week doing research and came across the online version of Claude Conder's _Tent Work in Palestine_ --- which is his description of the work of the Palestine Exploration Fund's survey of western Palestine (survey done 1871-1877; the 9 published volumes on the survey and maps came out 1882-188

. The Royal Engineers who did the work were not exactly snowflakes --- in their 20s, well-armed because they were sometimes under attack by the locals. Conder's book in 2 vols. was published in 1879. It's a great read. The Survey team was attacked in 1875 by some Algerian Arab immigrants living in Safed. Conder received a bad head injury and had to return to England, where he wrote several books based on his field notes. You can find them at Gutenberg.

Posted by: Alifa at May 21, 2017 01:25 PM (xOLDi)

270 Droll humor, has written at least one novel (well worth reading, "Rhubarb," about a cat who inherits a baseball team.

And now that I look it up, apparently there's a sequel!!

Posted by: BurtTC at May 21, 2017 11:03 AM (Pz4pT)

I have an early paperback edition of Rhubarb. It is a real hoot, and so many of the characters' foibles can be seen in public figures today. Well worth reading.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 21, 2017 01:46 PM (0deF2)

271 My .02? It's out of date for any serious research, and not old enough to be collectible, so nearly worthless.
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 21, 2017 01:10 PM (0deF2)

That's what I thought, but he seemed to think he was giving me something valuable at the time. He really loved his job!

Posted by: SandyCheeks at May 21, 2017 01:48 PM (joFoi)

272 The Rock is a cool dude. Doc Savage is a cool dude. Should be a cool movie.

Posted by: charley horse at May 21, 2017 12:58 PM (+kahX)

He's also a good physical fit for the character.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 21, 2017 01:54 PM (0deF2)

273 One more of those bizarre connections from the Bible that I recently learned about.

Remember the thief who was crucified alongside Jesus? Word has it they had met much earlier in their lives.

http://bit.ly/2r6tySN

Posted by: SandyCheeks at May 21, 2017 01:59 PM (joFoi)

274 "In more than the pomp of earthly kings , the dead were housed in Phandiom and their cities loomed insuperably vast, with never-ending streets and prodigious spires, above those lesser abodes wherein the living dwelt. And throughout Phandiom the bygone years were a tangible presence, an air that enveloped all; and the people were steeped in the crepuscular gloom of antiquity; and were wise with all manner of accumulated lore and were subtle in the practice of strange refinements, of erudite perversities, of all that can shroud with artful opulence and grace and variety the bare uncouth cadaver of life, or hide from mortal vision the leering skull of death. And here, in Saddoth, beyond the domes and terraces and columns of the huge necropolis, like a necromantic flower wherein forgotten lilies live again, there bloomed the superb and sorrowful loveliness of Thameera.

-- "The Planet of the Dead" by CAS.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at May 21, 2017 02:02 PM (NT3RT)

275 266
The Rock is a cool dude. Doc Savage is a cool dude. Should be a cool movie.

Can't imagine why it wouldn't be. This one was:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072886/?ref_=nv_sr_2

Posted by: Anachronda at May 21, 2017 03:41 PM (Oi5b2)

276 Hello fellow book threadists. (We need a nickname). I'm trying to finish _The Winter Fortress_ by Neal Bascomb. It covers various efforts to sabatoge the production of heavy water for Germany in Norway during WWII. My book club will cover it Monday, so I need to get back to reading.

Posted by: goodluckduck at May 21, 2017 05:11 PM (V8zw+)

277 Very late to the thread. Working on 'Band of Brothers'. Saw the series, but as usual, the book provides a great deal more insight than the produced show. Worth the read whether you have seen the the show or not.

In the queue is 'Lucky Bastard', McCarry, per recommendation by a Moron last week.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at May 21, 2017 06:31 PM (ZO497)

278 I was thinking about McManus last week. He wrote the last page in some hunting magazine, and had a story about hitting a lucky bulleye, but then not stopping at that point and missing the next several shots to ruin any credibility. I always would look for that last page story.

Posted by: goodluckduck at May 21, 2017 07:01 PM (V8zw+)

279 Dear Oregon Muse,

why don't you forget about fretting over the current Bishop of Rome. He's on a mission from God.

Posted by: Deacon Blues at May 21, 2017 07:08 PM (dZGNV)

280 Does anyone read dumb fiction? I'm going to the thrift store later to treat myself to some new (to me, anyway) mindless timewasters.
Hiassen, James Hall, Robt Parker, etc...
Any suggestions on what to look for?

Stuart Woods - his Stone Barrington novels are
quick reads and I find them enjoyable.
His first novel " Chiefs " is brilliant, IMO.

He's also had some other gems along the way.
I don't think you can go wrong with one of his books.

Posted by: JT at May 21, 2017 10:22 PM (zPCWd)

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