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Sunday Morning Book Thread: 12/31/2017

snowy library.jpg

2017 is going out with a bang...Global Warming is currently freezing the snot out of the Northeast and, for that matter, much of the rest of the country. The people of Iran are hinting that maybe, just maybe, they are tired of almost 40 years of a repressive dictatorship and are ready for something different. America's deep state is pulling out all of the stops in its attempt to destroy a legally elected president, and he is standing tall and proud in defiance, laughing in their faces, and is systematically dismantling the power structures that they have so carefully built since the Wilson administration. The "Palestinians" have just been very publicly punched in the nose by the United States of America, and the only people to come to their aid have been the neutered apparatchiks of the UN. The U.S. economy is doing well, and looks to do even better. Perhaps it isn't "Morning in America," but it sure does look brighter.

And with that, let us move on to your favorite book of 2017! And mine was a thoroughly enjoyable spy novel by Daniel Silva, with his inimitable Gabriel Alon kicking ass and taking names. "The Unlikely Spy" might not win any awards, but it sure was fun!

So...what was yours? Extra points if it was silly and simple and loads of fun, and would embarrass your favorite English instructor.

[Technically, the wildly successful best seller: HRCWNBPOTUS was published in November of 2016, and only hit the shelves on January 20, 2017, so it doesn't really count as a 2017 book. And it's everyone's favorite, so think of another if you can]

******

From last week's Book Thread:
Oh, it’s Christmas so I'll shamelessly plug my novel, Shagging, Shooting & Death. If Jane Austin & Charles Dickens had gotten together, gotten drunk & decided to write a novel together it may have been something like this. Fast, funny, sprawling romp through the English countryside, with a lot of maiming, death and, of course, shagging. Very Moron friendly and a fun mental palate cleanser from the usual Regency/Austen clones.

Posted by: voraciously deplorable at December 24, 2017 09:22 AM (Q5R7z)

Shagging, Shooting & Death


Sounds interesting, though with a NSFW warning I assume....
***

And here is another Moron author with what looks like the beginning of a series....
cipher thriller.jpg

Cipher: A Thriller

CIPHER is a genre-bending thrill ride, meticulously plotted in a steady build of action-packed suspense, science and philosophy, spanning from the subatomic realm of quantum physics to the limitless ocean of the human heart.

With every escape path shrinking, with the FBI agents closing in, to get everything he's ever wanted, Nick Ravell might need to finally stop running... and somehow find a miracle.


***

It's interesting that while a trailer for a film can sometimes accurately portray both the plot and the feel of a movie, it's more difficult to describe a book in a few sentences. Obviously books are denser, with more possibilities of multiple plot twists and complex characters and descriptions, but writing style is tough to convey in a short snippet, and that is a very good thing. I have read books that were impenetrable for dozens of pages, but gradually became intoxicating.

Cormac McCarthey's "Blood Meridian" is a good example of a dense and difficult book that grew on me with each successive page. Had it been a movie, I probably would have wandered away after a few minutes. But of course no movie could be made that way, and thank God for that!

******

Ace has been at this whole blogging thing for a long time. And for all of that time he has been a tremendous asset to the conservative movement in America. Aside from his flirtations with Marco Rubio's garbage, he has been a good egg, advocating a conservative agenda while making us laugh and cry and often scream incoherently out the windows. I cannot think of a serious political commenter who has more skill at turning a phrase. Granted, some of them are obscene, but mostly they make us laugh while making a serious point.

He has also inexplicably and generously shared his pulpit with an assortment of cobloggers and open bloggers, and it is a demonstration of his trust in us that his editorial control over our blather is vanishingly light. He also tolerates, and in fact actively encourages an incredibly raucous audience (that's you lunatics) without complaint, and often advocates in favor of some who behave really badly. That is a testament to his respect for his readers, and it is a rare thing in the blogging world.

So on this last day of a very interesting year; a year in which Ace's perspective and wit and independence has been in full bloom, please take a moment and consider tossing a few bucks into his shelf fund. It's easy! The link to Ace's PayPal account is on the main page. It is quite safe to use, and only takes a minute or two. I have heard rumors that the Moron who gives the most will get a date with a very special person. I have heard the name Kate Upton bandied about, but she just got married, so that's probably just gossip. However Alexandra Daddario is single. Just sayin.....

Posted by: CBD at 08:30 AM




Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Good Mornin!

Posted by: rhennigantx at December 31, 2017 08:28 AM (BtQd4)

2 Morning, y'all.
Drizzly AM, so that's right - moar coffee!

Posted by: Anon a mouse at December 31, 2017 08:29 AM (7LY+6)

3 Hail to the Ewok! I'll throw some cash in the offering plate for Ace, I've been lurking here since at least 2005 or so. I have a feeling a lot of prominent conservatives read his stuff, they just never admit it.....

Posted by: Pave Low John at December 31, 2017 08:29 AM (OejZ/)

4 Nice

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at December 31, 2017 08:31 AM (mpXpK)

5 Nice Lieberryian.....

Posted by: Hairyback Guy at December 31, 2017 08:32 AM (EoRCO)

6 "Global Warming is currently freezing the snot out of the Northeast and, for that matter, much of the rest of the country. "

It's 40 degrees here.

That young lady is one tall drink of water. Shoulda closed the window last night.

Posted by: freaked at December 31, 2017 08:34 AM (UdKB7)

7 Yay book thread!!!!

Posted by: votermom pimping great books! at December 31, 2017 08:35 AM (hMwEB)

8 Nice Lieberryian....."

Indeed. It's a photo, though, so no "art thread content".

Posted by: Anon a mouse at December 31, 2017 08:35 AM (7LY+6)

9 Tolle lege
For Christmas my sister got me a autographed copy to me of Brian Kilmeade's Andrew Jackson and the Miracle of New Orleans.
And still working on but getting finished with Swords Around a Throne by the late Col John Elting

Posted by: Skip at December 31, 2017 08:36 AM (aC6Sd)

10 And with that, let us move on to your favorite book of 2017! And mine
was a thoroughly enjoyable spy novel by Daniel Silva, with his
inimitable Gabriel Alon kicking ass and taking names. "The Unlikely Spy" might not win any awards, but it sure was fun!



I don't think any of the books I have read this year is from 2017. They are old ones from my favorite authors, with almost all of them being a "reread". I do have one I bought today that is new and that is the opening book of a new series by Terry Goodkind.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at December 31, 2017 08:36 AM (mpXpK)

11 CIPHER is a genre-bending thrill ride,

It's genre-fluid?

Posted by: Mr. Peebles at December 31, 2017 08:37 AM (oVJmc)

12 I rarely read new books. I think the only new one I read in 2017 was Norman Friedman's on fleet air defense. It was up to the Friedman standard*, so I'll vote for that. I learned a lot. I always do with him.

For 2018, N A M Rodger's final volume of his naval history is scheduled. I'm planning it for my birthday.

*One reviewer referred to "the Friedman touch". In naval matters, there is no higher compliment.

I did got 14 books for Christmas. In one, a set of 1970s essays by historian JH Hexter, he rips a new on in the commie historian Christopher Hill, for - admittedly - setting out with a thesis, and looking ONLY for evidence confirming it. Hexter of course points out the flaws with that, but goes on to show that the evidence adduced doesn't even show what Hill claims it does. He goes to the quotes, in context, showing that the originals have been misrepresented. He concludes that Hill is actually incapable of even seeing counter-evidence; that everything, to his mind, confirms what he wants. That was fun. (Reminds me of many a leftist, too.)

Posted by: George LeS at December 31, 2017 08:38 AM (+TcCF)

13 That librarian seems to have a bit of a cocaine problem.

Posted by: Mr. Peebles at December 31, 2017 08:38 AM (oVJmc)

14 Early book thread! Nice. Thanks CBD.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 31, 2017 08:38 AM (qJtVm)

15 Your weekly Clark Ashton Smith:

“I, Satampra Zeiros of Uzuldaroum, shall write with my left hand, since I no longer have any other, the tale of everything that befell Tirouv Ompallios and myself in the shrine of the god Tsathoggua, which lies neglected by the worship of man in the jungle-taken suburbs of Commorium, the long-deserted capital of the Hyperborean rulers. I shall write it with the violet juice of the suvana-palm, which turns to a blood-red rubric with the passage of years, on a strong vellum that is made from the skin of the mastodon, as a warning to all good thieves and adventurers who may hear some lying legend of the lost treasures of Commorium and be tempted thereby. “

From “The Tales of Satampra Zeiros”

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 31, 2017 08:39 AM (qJtVm)

16 I, Satampra Zeiros of Uzuldaroum, shall write with my left hand"

So it's a Rom-Com?

Posted by: Anon a mouse at December 31, 2017 08:41 AM (7LY+6)

17 BTW, Norman Friedman is the kind of actual expert that Tom Nichols dreams of being. NF often expresses uncertainty about a point. Like Socrates vs the "experts" of Athens.

Posted by: George LeS at December 31, 2017 08:41 AM (+TcCF)

18
"For Christmas my sister got me a autographed copy to me of Brian Kilmeade's Andrew Jackson"

I got that for my dad and am looking forward to getting it back when he's done with it. Someone said one time that when choosing a gift pick something you would like yourself. That's why dad always gets books. He says if he can't read it or eat it he don't need it.

Posted by: freaked at December 31, 2017 08:41 AM (UdKB7)

19 Can’t seem to concentrate on one long novel so I’ve been flitting back and forth from book to book. From the “New Skies” SF anthology comes “They’re Made Out of Meat” by Terry Bisson (severely excerpted):

“They’re made out of meat.”
“Meat?”
“There’s no doubt about it. We picked up several from different parts of the planet and probed them all the way through. They’re completely meat.”
“So who made the machines? That’s who we want to contact.”
“They made the machines. That’s what I’m trying to tell you. Meat made the machines.”
“That’s ridiculous. How can meat make a machine? You’re asking me to believe in sentient meat.”

Here’s the whole short story:

http://www.terrybisson.com/page6/page6.html

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 31, 2017 08:42 AM (qJtVm)

20 I might think the picture is Lara from Dr Zhivago in some house in the middle of a Russian winter

Posted by: Skip at December 31, 2017 08:43 AM (aC6Sd)

21 Young Melania?

Posted by: redenzo at December 31, 2017 08:44 AM (14qvS)

22 I hope moron-horde authors publish under pen names.

It's safe, for now, to come out publicly as a conservative, for most people, depending upon your profession. But the pendulum inexorably swings. Unless President Trump is able to neuter the IRS and really thoroughly drain the swamp, it won't always be so safe.

Posted by: Pastafarian at December 31, 2017 08:45 AM (sgHEm)

23 My favorite is alwayx the one I'm reading, or the next. Not really sure.

Posted by: Skip at December 31, 2017 08:45 AM (aC6Sd)

24 Is the lady in the pic looking for Hillary's book? Is it still on the best seller list? I haven't visited BN in a while.

Posted by: Colin at December 31, 2017 08:47 AM (rgpGL)

25 All this snow talk reminds me of this......



http://tinyurl.com/hnwmj6s

Posted by: Earl Butz at December 31, 2017 08:47 AM (G3J8V)

26 21
Young Melania?

Posted by: redenzo at December 31, 2017 08:44 AM (14qvS)

Look at the picture of her at Drudge, she looks just like that NOW.

Posted by: Earl Butz at December 31, 2017 08:49 AM (G3J8V)

27 I reviewed my library list and none were fresh 2017 books.

My favorites were "Shelley's Heart" and "The Better Angels" by Charles McCarry, the "Unwind" series by Neal Shusterman, and I went on a real John Bellairs binge.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 31, 2017 08:50 AM (qJtVm)

28 Morning all

Posted by: Nevergiveup at December 31, 2017 08:51 AM (SjImc)

29 An early morning tip of the coffee cup to Grammie Winger's Badgers - great game! great season!

Nice to see their QB Hornibrook end the season with his best game of the year.

My favorite book this Christmas was Treasures from the Bodleian Map Room - a hardback with pictures of all of the maps that have been collected by the Bodlein Library (Oxford) , consisting of most of the best maps of the last 1,000 years, and a few that are even older than that. (I enjoy maps, especially antique ones)

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 31, 2017 08:52 AM (V2Yro)

30 "Dark Town After Dark" another classic. Never would be made today, that's for sure.

Posted by: Colin at December 31, 2017 08:53 AM (rgpGL)

31 that dress is lovely

Posted by: votermom pimping great books! at December 31, 2017 08:54 AM (hMwEB)

32 From morning thread:

Remember Geritol? The old-people-need-iron snake oil stuff? My dad said that when most states had Sunday liquor laws, the town drunks would be found early at the Rexall counter throwing shots back. Has a lot of booze in it.

People will abuse anything, Lysol, brake fluid, soray paint, deodorant stick... yeesh!!

Posted by: Common Tater at December 31, 2017 08:55 AM (lGHQg)

33 With every escape path shrinking, with the FBI agents closing in, to get everything he's ever wanted, Nick Ravell might need to finally stop running...

for president?

Asking for a friend.

Posted by: Andy McCabe at December 31, 2017 08:55 AM (Ndje9)

34 (I enjoy maps, especially antique ones)

Posted by: Tom Servo at December 31, 2017 08:52 AM (V2Yro)

I'll let you have my Garmin.

Posted by: BignJames at December 31, 2017 08:56 AM (0+nbW)

35 Just finished the 50 hour audiobook of Brandon Sanderson's newest book Oathbringer. Glad I didn't have to hold the thing while reading, the physical volume must be a monster. The writing isn't terse by any means, but there were a number of times I was laughing out loud for an entire passage and that rarely happens in a tersely written work.

Sanderson is apparently trying to pull all his series together, so it's interesting seeing how he's doing that. This book wrapped up the storylines n such a way that it would be possible to stop reading now, but there is clearly more story to be told. I appreciate that as I am concerned that Sanderson learned the wrong lesson from finishing Robert Jordan's series and seems to have set himself the challenge to write a series as big or bigger, with other writing on the side, and hope not to die of age, disease, or accident in the middle of it.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at December 31, 2017 08:56 AM (rp9xB)

36 Remember Geritol?"

My Wife. I think I'll keep her...

Posted by: Anon a mouse at December 31, 2017 08:57 AM (7LY+6)

37 Favorite book-Hard to choose one. Probably "Christ is in our Midst" by a Russian monk. Good spiritual advice and amusing in part, as well.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 31, 2017 08:57 AM (8+Ozj)

38 People will abuse anything, Lysol, brake fluid, soray paint, deodorant stick... yeesh!!

Posted by: Common Tater at December 31, 2017 08:55 AM (lGHQg)

My nephews ex, would drink anything after he emptied her secret hiding place. Mouth wash, vanilla, the list goes on and on.

Posted by: Colin at December 31, 2017 08:58 AM (rgpGL)

39
MainAll NewsInside IsraelZero infiltrators into Israel in 2017

Zero infiltrators into Israel in 2017
Immigration Authority: Not a single infiltrator crossed border into Israel in 2017, while 4,000 illegals left voluntarily.

A good target for America to aim for

Posted by: Nevergiveup at December 31, 2017 08:58 AM (SjImc)

40 Book of the year for me was "Dear Reader: The Unauthorized Autobiography of Kim Jong Il" "As told to " Michael Malice. A hilarious read guaranteed to piss someone easily offended off in your life.

Posted by: Chris at December 31, 2017 08:59 AM (F2mVF)

41 I wish I had more time to read but I am so busy now a days

Posted by: Nevergiveup at December 31, 2017 08:59 AM (SjImc)

42 Lysol, brake fluid, soray paint, deodorant stick... yeesh!! "

Sugar candy mixed with cough syrup. Right, Trayvon?

Posted by: Anon a mouse at December 31, 2017 08:59 AM (7LY+6)

43 I never could understand why Ace puts up with us.


But...I'm damn glad he does.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at December 31, 2017 08:59 AM (EyPfd)

44 Currently reading "Poirot: the complete short stories" by Agatha Christie. Pretty entertaining so far.

Posted by: Darth Randall at December 31, 2017 09:00 AM (6n332)

45 Hah! I got you! I clicked on the link, did "open in new tab," read the header and promptly closed. No eye bleach for me this fine last day of the year!

Posted by: Blake at December 31, 2017 09:00 AM (WEBkv)

46 my reading was dismal this year

Posted by: votermom pimping great books! at December 31, 2017 09:00 AM (hMwEB)

47 (I enjoy maps, especially antique ones)



Posted by: Tom Servo at December 31, 2017 08:52 AM (V2Yro)



I'll let you have my Garmin.

Posted by: BignJames at December 31, 2017 08:56 AM (0+nbW)

I have a couple of those rolls of maps from an old school house in the basement wrapped in plastic. I should unroll them to see if they are still good, and find the age. They came from a aunt who died and I helped clean out her house.

Posted by: Colin at December 31, 2017 09:01 AM (rgpGL)

48 21 Young Melania?
Posted by: redenzo at December 31, 2017 08:44 AM (14qvS)

---------------------

Good call!

Posted by: Blake at December 31, 2017 09:02 AM (WEBkv)

49 Read 'Salt: A World History' by Mark Kurlansky. A fascinating look at how salt influenced the world. For thousands of years it's been used as a food preservative, currency, aphrodisiac, as part of religious ceremonies, spawned many inventions, and of course taxed. City states, countries, kingdoms rose and fell depending on their access to and control of salt. He includes a lot of old timey recipes and cultures attitude toward food. He writes of the fear of becoming dependent on 'foreign salt', but makes no mention if there were those chanting 'No Blood For Salt!', and a lot of blood was shed.

A chapel in a Polish salt mine.
https://tinyurl.com/yb4hx9vv

Posted by: Jake Holenhead at December 31, 2017 09:02 AM (Kfmqy)

50 People tend to regard their books as children and so are sensitive to criticism. and the concept sounds very lively and I wish the author much success. However, I read Jane Austen in part to get away from people describing shagging and yes, Jane Austen could have a biting and nasty wit in her letters and there are obviously characters in her novels she makes fun of mercilessly and people do run off together. I didn't even particularly enjoy "Lady Susan" by her "Death Comes To Pemberly" by P.D. James although the whole series of Jane Austen solving mysteries (Can't recall the author-Stephanie Barron? was good. I also think Dickens had a lot more experience with shagging than Austen did.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 31, 2017 09:05 AM (8+Ozj)

51 Yes indeed, thank you Ace for everything! My day is not complete without a visit to the HQ. If I have time I may comment, most times I just sit and read and get myself edumacated. I don't know a smarter bunch of people anywhere else on the net.

I bought my husband Let Trump Be Trump and he is loving it so far. I can't wait to read it myself.

Today is inventory day. Cleaning shop up, adding or updating tags etc. Deleting items that have sat all year, adding some new ones I have made this past week. Getting ready for 2018! Hoping it's a good year!!

Posted by: Jewells45 at December 31, 2017 09:06 AM (CNHr1)

52 I read If You Can Keep It: The Forgotten Promise of American Liberty by Eric Metaxas. The "It" is our democratic republic based upon freedom and liberty. I'm afraid Metaxas is much more optimistic about our ability to do so than I am. With progressives controlling our education system, most of the media, much of the entertainment and culture, and one and one half of our two political parties; I think we end up with an authoritarian government from the left while on the way to their socialistic one-world government utopia. The book is still an interesting review of America's uniqueness and gives steps we must take to keep our foundations that made us exceptional in the first place.

Posted by: Zoltan at December 31, 2017 09:06 AM (T8WeQ)

53 Jake ---- If you haven't done so already, get 'Cod' by Kurlansky next. Equally great and wonderful read.

Posted by: Lurking Cynic at December 31, 2017 09:06 AM (gVxT/)

54 Posted by: Jake Holenhead at December 31, 2017 09:02 AM (Kfmqy)

When it comes to salt the past isn't just another country, it's another universe. There are certain subjects where the world as changed so much that I have to consciously *choose* to accept that the author is being accurate because modern experience is so different.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at December 31, 2017 09:06 AM (rp9xB)

55 "Lady Susan" by her or "Death Comes to Pemberly" by P.D. James.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 31, 2017 09:06 AM (8+Ozj)

56 Favorite book of the year was probably The Force, called to my attention by cbd on this book thread a month or two ago. It's a funhouse wild ride of police corruption in NYC. Sort of the novelistic version of Mr. Hyde to Blue Bloods' Dr. Jekyl.

On the weird true crime side, finishing my 3rd book this past two weeks about serial killer Ted Bundy. The final one is written by a woman who survived her encounter with this truly evil sob. I am not a nervous guy at all, but one night I had a hard time sleeping and every creak in the house or rustle of wind seemed magnified.

I think I will opt for something light and comedic to start the new year.

Posted by: RM at December 31, 2017 09:07 AM (eP+dt)

57 My favorite book of 2017 was The Deplorable Gourmet.

Posted by: bluebell at December 31, 2017 09:07 AM (sTBcq)

58 may all the hordes desires for the NY become true.

after reading NY times article on Drudge about times square ; not book related/ i believe i had already stated one of my sons is a limo driver in LV, he is saying the last few nights there have been tons of police and Na.G.on the lvegas strip . types with 'big guns" yeah he isn't a gun guy.

so i am wondering if this means the govt is hearing terrorism chatter, or is this what it is going to be like in every major city from now on?

Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 09:08 AM (t2Uf9)

59 My favorite book of 2017 was The Deplorable Gourmet.


==

because it's AWESOME!

Posted by: votermom pimping great books! at December 31, 2017 09:09 AM (hMwEB)

60 So on this last day of a very interesting year; a year in which Ace's perspective and wit and independence has been in full bloom, please take a moment and consider tossing a few bucks into his shelf fund.

Amazon has the ability to shovel a credit to either an email account or a cellphone number. I wish there was an AoS email burner account so I could push a credit that way. Wouldn't take long for a cob to set up something like that and have it on the front page. I do credits like that with grand kids, nieces and nephews, etc. Tax ramifications for Ace for gifts like that? Zero. Plenty of shelf destroying tools on Amazon.

I don't like PayPal.

Posted by: Acme Trucking Enterprises, White Truck Division at December 31, 2017 09:09 AM (2FqvZ)

61 Regarding the picture, looks like plenty of coke for the New Years party.

Posted by: JimH at December 31, 2017 09:10 AM (SaSvc)

62 I have a couple of favorite books that I read this year new:

Now or Never by Manning Coles, which is about Tommy Hambledon, the English spy, quashing a resurgent Nazi party growing among the bombed out ruins of 1953 Cologne;

Greks Bear Gifts by Murray Leinster, which is about benevolent aliens who come to Earth in peace, who are actually bent on economically destabilizing the entire planet, and enslaving it in the chaos the caused.

My favorite new publication was Michael Z Williams' A Long Time Until Now, which is about US Soldiers in Afghanistan who are displaced to the paleolithic where they have to survive the vicious winters and wild fauna, and get along with the locals and similarly misplaced warriors from the lower chalcolithic, Romans legionnaires, Mughal arquebusmen, and eventually a couple of up-time military folk who have a sort of clue as to what is going on.

My favorite re-read was Pratchett's Amazing Maurice and his Educated Rodents that I picked up for a friend's daughter. I had forgotten the book was so dark. However, my friend is a Goth so I suspect it went over well since Pratchett is a fantastic writer when he gets an idea he likes.

Posted by: Kindltot at December 31, 2017 09:10 AM (2K6fY)

63 Votermom -

Posted by: bluebell at December 31, 2017 09:10 AM (sTBcq)

64 Mrs IMG sent me this yesterday. She quizzed me on the top bookstore chains by number of store. I got the top 2 correct.

Number 4 rather surprised me. Amazon, with just 15 shops.

https://tinyurl.com/y8h9bfbw

"The internet is killing retail. Bookstores are just the first to go." You'd think by know anyone who owns or runs a retail chain would have changed his thinking, meaning internet *is* retail.

Posted by: Iron Mike Golf at December 31, 2017 09:11 AM (di1hb)

65 also i menationed the NY times article because they referenced in the article the L.V. shooting. and i had made the leap that at the mention that it was Terror related (not a lone unhappy sick loneWolf) because why would NY become alarmed at a lone worl?

Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 09:11 AM (t2Uf9)

66 Trumps DC Hotel Was Supposed To Lose Money. It Made $2 Million In 4 Months.


Winning!

Posted by: Nevergiveup at December 31, 2017 09:11 AM (SjImc)

67 Lurking Cynic,

Cod is on my list of books to read, and it's a really long list.

Posted by: Jake Holenhead at December 31, 2017 09:12 AM (Kfmqy)

68 worl= wolf.

sheesh

Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 09:12 AM (t2Uf9)

69 Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 09:08 AM (t2Uf9)

Someone here said yesterday that they go to a party near Times Square and this is the first year they've had to print out a pass to show police. It may be "an abundance of caution" but jihadis have been strongly encouraged to use New Year's gatherings for targets so it's probably warranted.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at December 31, 2017 09:12 AM (rp9xB)

70 That photo reminds me of a girl I dated in my twenties. And her cocaine habit.

Posted by: Michael Hazz at December 31, 2017 09:12 AM (EQSCG)

71 Willow, I suspect Vegas is a big NYE destination, just as Times Square is. So I would think they would beef up security anywhere like that, where there would be large gatherings of people.

Posted by: bluebell at December 31, 2017 09:13 AM (sTBcq)

72 Amazon has the ability to shovel a credit to either an email account or a cellphone number.

==

any email will do
goid idea

Posted by: votermom pimping great books! at December 31, 2017 09:13 AM (hMwEB)

73 Salt loomed heavily during the Lewis ampersand Clark expedition 1803-1806 they spent weeks boiling sea water at the coast in Oregon. It is a necessary commodity, that we kind of take for granted today.

Posted by: Common Tater at December 31, 2017 09:13 AM (lGHQg)

74 Polliwog the 'Ette,

Absolutely agree.

Posted by: Jake Holenhead at December 31, 2017 09:13 AM (Kfmqy)

75 Here's a list of things to put on that new Kindle.

http://tinyurl.com/y9tz2b8q

Posted by: SDN at December 31, 2017 09:14 AM (z3gg+)

76 She gives new meaning to "snowblower"

Posted by: josephistan at December 31, 2017 09:15 AM (ANIFC)

77 "Shagging, Shooting and Death". Sorry, dear, but $9.99 is more than I'm going to pay for a Kindle book by an author I've never heard of. $4.99, we can talk.

Posted by: SDN at December 31, 2017 09:15 AM (z3gg+)

78 Polli, yeah, He has only worked the last 3 NYeves there. But this is the first it was so heavily manned by police and others etc in his time.

Bluebell, yeah i have imagines that would be so. Maybe they were always lurking around where Now it is overt presence.

Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 09:16 AM (t2Uf9)

79 Our local radio stations run PSAs, sponsored by that onerous Ad Council, promoting the glory of salt. If PDT would just get rid of the Ad Council I can die a happy man.

Posted by: freaked at December 31, 2017 09:16 AM (UdKB7)

80 Book of the year for me was "Dear Reader: The
Unauthorized Autobiography of Kim Jong Il" "As told to " Michael Malice.
A hilarious read guaranteed to piss someone easily offended off in your
life.
Posted by: Chris at December 31, 2017 08:59 AM (F2mVF)


Michael Malice has a Podcast that I haven't listened to, but he was a guest on the Tom Woods Show podcast, and was pretty interesting as they were discussing 2017.

Posted by: Kindltot at December 31, 2017 09:16 AM (2K6fY)

81 -s

Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 09:17 AM (t2Uf9)

82 One of my favorite author's series, C. J. Cherryh's books set in the "Downbelow Station" universe have many of them that are, to me, a slog to get through the first 30-50 pages but then that work pays off in the rest of the story.

Posted by: geoffb at December 31, 2017 09:17 AM (zOpu5)

83 think two authors who would go well together romping through the country side, solving murders and describing various people shagging would be Charles Dickens & Emily Bronte since There certainly is passion and oddity in "Wuthering Heights".

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at December 31, 2017 09:17 AM (8+Ozj)

84 I well remember when that Earl Butz story broke back in the 1970s. Thing was, no media outlet would even hint at what this terrible joke was that Butz had told, other than that it was "rayciss".

A couple of years go by and I met the woman who later would become my first wife. Turns out her younger brother worked for a local newspaper in Port Arthur, Texas and he knew what the joke was and had passed it on to her. He'd read it when the AP put it out in full on their wire back when the story broke.

Posted by: The Oort Cloud - Source of all SMODs at December 31, 2017 09:18 AM (PNxM1)

85 My favorites from 2017, all guaranteed to give HS English teachers the twitches, and send English Lit profs into full out SJW frenzies:

First up, two from the International Lord of Hate himself, the man who brought us Sad Puppies and exposed the Hugos as a Leftist circle-jerk, Larry Correia:

1 - Monster Hunter: Siege, by Larry Correia
2 - The Monster Hunter Files, by Larry Correia and Bryan Thomas Schmidt

Next up, "Forged in Blood" by Michael Z. Williamson, proprietor of the Sacred Cow Slaughterhouse.

And finally, "The Cruel Stars" by Christpher G. Nutall.

Posted by: Dave L. at December 31, 2017 09:18 AM (g7uFZ)

86 Oh brother what a scam get he free ad money from the government:

The Salt Institute is a North American based non-profit trade association dedicated to advancing the many benefits of salt, particularly to ensure winter roadway safety, quality water and healthy nutrition.
We are located at:
405 5th Ave. South, Suite 7C
Naples, FL

Posted by: freaked at December 31, 2017 09:18 AM (UdKB7)

87 any email will do
goid idea

Posted by: votermom pimping great books! at December 31, 2017 09:13 AM (hMwEB)


I think so. The gift-giver also has the ability to send a short message of about 144 characters or so, like, 'Laughed my ass off at last thread, buy some more shelves' and then nic if so desired.

Ace can accept gifts of almost $19,000 a year from any ONE individual without any tax ramifications so -- with this crew -- I think he'd be safe.

Only downside is Amazon doesn't carry value-rite -- yet.

Posted by: Acme Trucking Enterprises, White Truck Division at December 31, 2017 09:20 AM (2FqvZ)

88 G'day from 2018 - and Happy New Year to you!

I'm currently wading my way through Plutarch's Parallel Lives - written around 2nd century AD - so really a 2017 book!

35,000 pages on my Kindle admittedly set on large print - a fascinating read especially when you realise that Plutarch focuses on characters - failings as well as bravery, kindness etc - what fascinates me is that our pollies and so called elites behave much the same way as 2,000 years ago - nothing changes


Also RIP Sue Grafton - I have all her books because i enjoy her stories

Posted by: Aussie at December 31, 2017 09:20 AM (hMsb6)

89 Malice, Lawless, and Deathrage are some of my favorite surnames. That would make a fantastic law firm sign.

Also, Malatesta.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 31, 2017 09:21 AM (qJtVm)

90 Oops mean't to say NOT a 2017 book * blame the chardy *

Posted by: Aussie at December 31, 2017 09:21 AM (hMsb6)

91 A California federal court has ruled that a high school football player cannot be ordered to stand for the national anthem before games.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at December 31, 2017 09:22 AM (SjImc)

92 * blame the chardy *

Now there's a t-shirt that needs to be made.

Or maybe embroidered on a pillow.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 31, 2017 09:24 AM (qJtVm)

93 This is the kind of crap that aggravates me. I just bought this book and read it for $9.99 and now Amazon puts it up on sale today for $1.99.


http://tinyurl.com/y7o9h5gp

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at December 31, 2017 09:24 AM (mpXpK)

94 Also, Malatesta.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 31, 2017 09:21 AM (qJtVm)


Why do I find it hilarious that the Malatesta family ruled Rimini for centuries?

Posted by: Kindltot at December 31, 2017 09:25 AM (2K6fY)

95 It's difficult to choose just one book as the favorite, but I will go with Domino by Kia Heavey, which I found thanks to votermom's blog. It was a fast, engrossing read with a satisfying though not exactly happy ending.

Posted by: Hokiemom at December 31, 2017 09:25 AM (WUYxS)

96 >>>2017 is going out with a bang


You lound eye have no idea! Anthrax tipped H-bomb almost leady.

Posted by: Kim Jong-Un at December 31, 2017 09:26 AM (/qEW2)

97 A California federal court has ruled that a high school football player cannot be ordered to stand for the national anthem before games."

So? Can't force them to attend classes, either. Why take this to court?

Posted by: Anon a mouse at December 31, 2017 09:27 AM (7LY+6)

98 Hokiemom, glad you liked it!
excellent story
I just wish she wouldn't epilogue

Posted by: votermom pimping great books! at December 31, 2017 09:28 AM (hMwEB)

99 So? Can't force them to attend classes, either. Why take this to court?
Posted by: Anon a mouse.
while i agree with the Judge on this specific deal.

I do believe in some states parents/kid get taken to court for not attending school.

educational neglect i think?

Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 09:29 AM (t2Uf9)

100 I don't really remember which books I read last year. everything - books, years - tends to blend together.

Posted by: josephistan at December 31, 2017 09:29 AM (ANIFC)

101 The best books I read in 2017:

The Black Obelisk by Erich Maria Remarque, 1956
A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century by Barbara W. Tuchman, 1978
The Peloponnesian War by Donald Kagan, 2003
The Secret Knowledge: On the Dismantling of American Culture by David Mamet, 2011
A Legacy of Spies by John le Carré, 2017 (the best he has written since 9/11)

Posted by: cool breeze at December 31, 2017 09:29 AM (2cg7P)

102 I read "The Westerly Gales Saga" by. E.C. Williams.

During the world wide troubles, a group of people survived. They were mainly on boats, and found their way to an isolated island in the Indian Ocean. Over generations, they find their way back to a civilization that begins to venture out onto the oceans, where some of their people establish homes on other islands. Trade from these brings hitherto fore unknown luxuries. We join just as an unknown enemy begins to attack their trade boats and the people have to develop a navy.

Even though I know next to nothing about sailing or the navy, I loved this series. It was the first time I have ever ridden a sailing vessel through the rolling waves of the Indian Ocean! A most wonderful series.

Posted by: Akua Makana at December 31, 2017 09:29 AM (YkUJb)

103 Malatesta, had to look it up.
See how much we have to do/ learn to keep up with ace chatter?

Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 09:31 AM (t2Uf9)

104 Happy New Year !

Posted by: JT at December 31, 2017 09:31 AM (pTvMZ)

105 josephistan, me too
I have to check goodreads or my blog to recall

Posted by: votermom pimping great books! at December 31, 2017 09:32 AM (hMwEB)

106 92 All Hail Eris

Great idea and thanks ! * need a slogan for the front of the T shirt wth Blame the Chardy on the back *




Posted by: Aussie at December 31, 2017 09:32 AM (hMsb6)

107 There was a Paolo Malatesta, and he was true to his name:

"Paolo's career came to an end when his affair with Francesca da Polenta was discovered by her husband Gianciotto, who killed them."

Pimping really is hard.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 31, 2017 09:32 AM (qJtVm)

108 JT, you're not the boss of Me!

Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 09:32 AM (t2Uf9)

109 Aussie!!!


So, how is 2018?

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at December 31, 2017 09:32 AM (EyPfd)

110 Malatesta, had to look it up.

See how much we have to do/ learn to keep up with ace chatter?
Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 09:31 AM (t2Uf9)[/i[

Oh, bad HEAD. Still funny.

Posted by: Kindltot at December 31, 2017 09:32 AM (2K6fY)

111 I do believe in some states parents/kid get taken to court for not attending school."

It's Fruit and Nut land, so only "middle class" folk to fall under the whip hand...

Posted by: Anon a mouse at December 31, 2017 09:33 AM (7LY+6)

Posted by: Kindltot at December 31, 2017 09:33 AM (2K6fY)

113 i had not realized Australias NY coincided with ours.

happy NY aussie!

Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 09:34 AM (t2Uf9)

114 57 My favorite book of 2017 was The Deplorable Gourmet.

Posted by: bluebell at December 31, 2017 09:07 AM (sTBcq)

"Horrible recipes by horrible people. You can taste the hate in every bite."

I wish Amazon had left that review up.

Posted by: George LeS at December 31, 2017 09:34 AM (+TcCF)

115 112
Posted by: Kindltot at December 31, 2017 09:33 AM (2K6fY)

Well maybe

Posted by: Nevergiveup at December 31, 2017 09:34 AM (SjImc)

116 well slightly sooner, but still.

Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 09:35 AM (t2Uf9)

117 112
Posted by: Kindltot at December 31, 2017 09:33 AM (2K6fY)

that was deep.

Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 09:35 AM (t2Uf9)

118 109 Aussie!!!


So, how is 2018?
Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at December 31, 2017 09:32 AM (EyPfd)

Are the toilets still flushing in the wrong direction?

Posted by: josephistan at December 31, 2017 09:35 AM (ANIFC)

119 Posted by: George LeS at December 31, 2017 09:34 AM (+TcCF)

Was that a spoof review by Mary Cloggenstein? Sounds exactly like an HQ sock.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at December 31, 2017 09:37 AM (rp9xB)

120 I wish Amazon had left that review up.
Posted by: George LeS at December 31, 2017 09:34 AM (+TcCF)
---------

Was that the one that accused us all of being racists? If so, I was happy to see that one go because I don't think it was a joke.

But if it wasn't that one, then I missed it, and I'm sorry. I've loved every review but the racist one.

Posted by: bluebell at December 31, 2017 09:37 AM (sTBcq)

121 Anybody notice that the young librarian honey left NO TRACKS IN THE SNOW?
Guess I've been reading too many Monster Hunter International books this year.

Posted by: That Deplorable SOB Van Owen at December 31, 2017 09:39 AM (gRjxh)

122 109 VIA

Hi there * looking around - 2018 looks strangely similar to 2017 - one and 1/2 hours ago! *


Cat lying on the coffee table, Mr Aussie snoring and sounds of a NYE party nearby....Nutbush City Limits is the song on high rotation at present


Posted by: Aussie at December 31, 2017 09:39 AM (hMsb6)

123 puppy thinks I can read the thread, crochet, and play tug with him all at once

Posted by: votermom pimping great books! at December 31, 2017 09:39 AM (hMwEB)

124 JT, you're not the boss of Me!


I wouldn't dream of such

Posted by: JT at December 31, 2017 09:40 AM (pTvMZ)

125 that was deep.
Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 09:35 AM (t2Uf9)


Pixy has been eating close tag fails, but that is not dependable. In the darkness of the bottom of the year, is no time to get sent to the Barrel.

Posted by: Kindltot at December 31, 2017 09:40 AM (2K6fY)

126 . In the darkness of the bottom of the year, is no time to get sent to the Barrel.
Posted by: Kindltot at December 31, 2017 09:40 AM (2K6fY)

agree i believe we have been too cheap, not only is it dark but there is no heater to be found.

Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 09:43 AM (t2Uf9)

127 113Willow

Hi there and best wishes to you and your family- may 2018 be better

Its already 2018 here in Sydney - we live in Tomorrowland here!

Posted by: Aussie at December 31, 2017 09:43 AM (hMsb6)

128 >>>A California federal court has ruled that a high school football player cannot be ordered to stand for the national anthem before games.


He's still got to read the gay-revisionist history textbooks though. CA really needs their own national anthem at this point. Maybe "Imagine" by Lennon.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 31, 2017 09:44 AM (/qEW2)

129 Aussie, so we Do have a time machine!?
would you tell me how to bet today on the lottery?

Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 09:44 AM (t2Uf9)

130 Best book I read this year? Elizabeth: The Forgotten Years by John Guy (thank you Goodreads for keeping track of what I read when).

Posted by: Captain Hate at December 31, 2017 09:44 AM (y7DUB)

131 and good wished for You and Yours aussie, may only the best of things follow you throughout the new year.

Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 09:45 AM (t2Uf9)

132 -d /+s

Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 09:45 AM (t2Uf9)

133 Paolo's career came to an end when his affair with Francesca da Polenta was discovered by her husband Gianciotto, who killed them.


Bond: Don't worry, you're not my type.

Vesper: What? Smart?

Bond: No. Single.

Posted by: Bandersnatch at December 31, 2017 09:46 AM (fuK7c)

134 118 josephistan

Hi and yes we're still doing everything differently from you lot up there - you know its bloody hard hanging on here while upside down...

Posted by: Aussie at December 31, 2017 09:46 AM (hMsb6)

135 129 willow

I'd love to help you with lottery numbers but then everyone here would also get those numbers!

Posted by: Aussie at December 31, 2017 09:49 AM (hMsb6)

136 Bander! You'll be happy for me to know where I am; you'll be happy for you to know I'm freezing my keister off.

Posted by: bluebell at December 31, 2017 09:49 AM (sTBcq)

137 131 willow

Thanks xx

Posted by: Aussie at December 31, 2017 09:50 AM (hMsb6)

138 Since we're plugging books, I'll plug mine. Short and serious account of how my father founded the precursor to Fox News in 1973 ("fair and balanced" was his coinage, not Murdoch's or Ailes', though he hired Ailes) and was smeared by a leading progressive journalist in his book on Ailes. I try to correct the record. Happy New Year.

https://tinyurl.com/y84sfzeg



Posted by: Dan Smoot's apprentice at December 31, 2017 09:50 AM (5msTp)

139 The snow on top of the garbage cans from friday hasn't melted in 2 days inside the attached but unheated garage.

Posted by: DaveA at December 31, 2017 09:51 AM (FhXTo)

140 Knowing I have been a trivia or facts nut since I was a kid (world almanac was my favorite book) my mother gave me a book for Christmas called The Book of Extraordinary Facts.

It even has a section on Red Heads. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were undisputed gingers.

Posted by: Roc Ingersol at December 31, 2017 09:51 AM (2DOZq)

141 Bander! You'll be happy for me to know where I am; you'll be happy for you to know I'm freezing my keister off.

Posted by: bluebell at December 31, 2017 09:49 AM (sTBcq)



And you'll be jealous to know where I'm going today.

Posted by: Bandersnatch at December 31, 2017 09:52 AM (fuK7c)

142 damn it aussie, There must be another way !
maybe we could pay those prescient off withtons of filthy liquor to look the other way

Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 09:52 AM (t2Uf9)

143 The girl in the painting is a spinner.

My fav 2017 book is [drumroll] The Deplorable Gourmet.

Posted by: Count de Monet at December 31, 2017 09:52 AM (QLvwG)

144 Bander! You'll be happy for me to know where I am; you'll be happy for you to know I'm freezing my keister off.

Posted by: bluebell at December 31, 2017 09:49 AM (sTBcq)


And you'll be jealous to know where I'm going today.
Posted by: Bandersnatch

i believe you both are sneaking off to have fun without the rest of us.

and now should be shunned.

Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 09:53 AM (t2Uf9)

145 Bander! Happy New Year's Eve.

What were some of your favorite reads this year?

Cod was definitely one of mine. I like the way the Kurlansky digs deep on one particular item (cod, salt, oysters, etc).

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 31, 2017 09:54 AM (qJtVm)

146 I seldom read books the year they are published but 2017 is different. First, of course, is The Deplorable Goumet. Second place goes to The Lyric Wore Lycra, the latest of the Liturgical Mystery series.

Posted by: JTB at December 31, 2017 09:55 AM (V+03K)

147 Bander, you coming to the same place where I am? No, that can't be right, because then I wouldn't be jealous. Hmmm.

Posted by: bluebell at December 31, 2017 09:56 AM (sTBcq)

148 Imagine there's no Yoko,
It's easy if you try...

Posted by: Burger Chef at December 31, 2017 09:56 AM (RuIsu)

149 *smooches Eris*

I just got Kurlansky's "Salt", which will be my airplane reading.

And to stop being coy I'm off to Rome today.

Posted by: Bandersnatch at December 31, 2017 09:56 AM (fuK7c)

150 I was looking for an alternate history book about a second Korean War, I stumbled on a book by Larry Bond RED PHOENIX, so far I am really enjoying the book. The events take place in 1985. The North with the help of The Soviet's launch an attack on the South Korean when they are in political turmoil and congress wants the US out.

I am enjoying the book so fair am having a hard time putting it down and for all those who like Audiobooks this book is 24 hours long.

I found out he wrote a sequel or an update called Red Phoenix Burning I guess he brought some of the characters from the 1 book back for this book.

Larry Bond if you remember co-wrote Red Storm Rising with Tom Clancey, if you liked that book you might like these.

Posted by: Patrick From Ohio at December 31, 2017 09:57 AM (dKiJG)

151 Wow, Bander! Have a wonderful trip! You're right, I'm jealous. But now I don't feel so bad about going to the Mill Wharf without you.

Posted by: bluebell at December 31, 2017 09:57 AM (sTBcq)

152 My favorite book read this year? Oh, dear -- too many to count.
The only recent release among them was a fascinating true-crime account by David Grann: Killers of the Flower Moon. In the early 1920s, members of the Osage tribe who held shares in the oil which had been discovered on their tribal lands were the richest Indians in America ... and they were being systematically murdered because of that wealth. The most sickening aspect of the murders was in many cases, those committing the murders posed as friends of the Osage, and the worst was a man married to an Osage heiress... chilling reading. This was an investigation that made the FBI and J. Edgar Hoovers' reputation.

Posted by: Sgt. Mom at December 31, 2017 09:58 AM (xnmPy)

153 rome, georgia or rome, italy?

because i have to decide if I will be jealous.

Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 10:00 AM (t2Uf9)

154 mummers parade tomorrow is a go
got to wonder how many ppl will watch given the freezing temps

Posted by: votermom pimping great books! at December 31, 2017 10:04 AM (hMwEB)

155 Bedtime here so have a wonderful yesterday and enjoy all the NYE festivities!


Back to books, a dear frind of mine is a successful author here in OZ - Bill " Swampy " Marsh - a boyfriend from years ago

He writes Australiana stuff - beautifully written stories about Outback nurses, the Flying Doctor Service , Country Women's Association and lots more

His most moving book " Looking for Dad" - his search for his Dad's history as a country bank manager - and his life

Anyone interested, Bill has a website - and he really is a wonderful Aussie!

Nightynight and have a wonderful yesterday!

Posted by: Aussie at December 31, 2017 10:05 AM (hMsb6)

156 I'll hit Ace's tip jar, but I ain't clicking that link.

I'll settle for a date with the lovely lady in the photo. Julie Christie from "Dr. Zhivago", right? (I just got here and haven't read the comments.)

Posted by: rickl at December 31, 2017 10:05 AM (sdi6R)

157 I like my Kindle and Nook, and I'm a sucker for the $1.99 books. Now I have more books than I can ever read. At least at the town library, I had to be far more selective, plus they had to be returned. Which met another trip by DD and a cup of coffee, which was along the way.

Posted by: Colin at December 31, 2017 10:07 AM (rgpGL)

158 Bander enjoy Rome. Though taxi drivers in that city are truly scary.

So which architectural wonders will you spelunk? Perhaps Trevi? Or maybe sneak into the Vatican to view the Sistine Chapel? Of course savor and enjoy the cuisine.

Posted by: Anna Puma (HQCaR) at December 31, 2017 10:08 AM (Od2ky)

159 And to stop being coy I'm off to Rome today.
Posted by: Bandersnatch at December 31, 2017 09:56 AM (fuK7c)
---

Make us proud, Cultural Ambassador!

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 31, 2017 10:09 AM (qJtVm)

160 All roads lead to Rome.....

Posted by: Colin at December 31, 2017 10:13 AM (rgpGL)

161 And to stop being coy I'm off to Rome today.

Posted by: Bandersnatch at December 31, 2017 09:56 AM (fuK7c)



Do you like gladiator movies?

Posted by: Count de Monet at December 31, 2017 10:13 AM (QLvwG)

162 It's been decades since I read through all the Louis L'amour westerns. Spenser for Hire was next. Classic heroes with skills, that saved the day for oppressed masses of "average people".

The last few years has been more about comprehending political hidden truths. Those books can be rather depressing, but I find them necessary. Often I read just chapters, and more for "fulfillment" from a sense of duty than for pleasure, since too often the bad guy wins.

"Into the Cannibal's Pot" is one of those ... South African whites that held out hope for their country (Mandela?) finally fled. The left's beloved hero Mandela was a brutal warlord that joined with the commies, but our MFM made him a civil rights saint.

Maybe the best novel yet to be written will be the tale of how we the average (deplorable) people (with skills) rejected Hillary/Soros and the evil shadow globalists. Then countries will seek to rebuild their own nations after a purge of the NWO instigators. Glorious domino theory in reverse.

Posted by: illiniwek at December 31, 2017 10:13 AM (otAqJ)

163 Have fun in Rome. Wallet in front pocket. Dago shifty and quick.

Posted by: Mr Aspirin Factory at December 31, 2017 10:14 AM (89T5c)

164 Have fun Bander!
looking forward to the trip report

Posted by: votermom pimping great books! at December 31, 2017 10:15 AM (hMwEB)

165 153 rome, georgia or rome, italy?

because i have to decide if I will be jealous.
Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 10:00 AM (t2Uf9)


Call it Rome, NY to be sure to avoid envy.

Posted by: Iron Mike Golf at December 31, 2017 10:17 AM (di1hb)

166 A friend a few years ago in Rome was offered a private tour by a young guy for a low price. He found out soon that the wallet or money belt was a good investment. He had his wallet in its usual place for a short time, then it was gone along with his money.

Posted by: Colin at December 31, 2017 10:17 AM (rgpGL)

167 143 The girl in the painting is a spinner.

My fav 2017 book is [drumroll] The Deplorable Gourmet.
--------

The Spinners only had girls as occasional backup singers.
It's a good choice for fave book.

Posted by: exdem13 at December 31, 2017 10:17 AM (W+kMI)

168 Have a great trip Bander!

Entering the Vatican's basilica can be a life changer. Climb to the top of the roof for a great view.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at December 31, 2017 10:18 AM (hyuyC)

169 The Bone Labyrinth. By James Rollins. Will change your life. (If you are currently an atheist/agnostic).

Posted by: Devan at December 31, 2017 10:19 AM (kC+1/)

170 You need a fake wallet in the usual place with a few bucks, hide your real wallet in a safer spot.

Posted by: votermom pimping great books! at December 31, 2017 10:19 AM (hMwEB)

171 Mike, ty, But i see others are mentioning the vatican so i'm starting to become suspicious he will be in Italy, and therefore i am not jealous.

Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 10:20 AM (t2Uf9)

172 Is it true that Italy is less jihadi-infected than France because of the Mafia?

Posted by: votermom pimping great books! at December 31, 2017 10:20 AM (hMwEB)

173 Book of the year for me was "Dear Reader: The Unauthorized Autobiography of Kim Jong Il" "As told to " Michael Malice. A hilarious read guaranteed to piss someone easily offended off in your life.
Posted by: Chris at December 31, 2017 08:59 AM (F2mVF)

He has a Podcast video and audio on Compound Media, it's pretty good, he gets other authors from different points of view and does interviews.

The last on was a dozy the Author he was interviewing was taking care of girl that was hooker and now has full blown AIDS, the Pimp cut her Achilles' tendon, The Author gets medical power of attorney and SURPRISE the girl doesn't have Aids or was pimped out she was hurting herself for attention, she has Munchausen

Posted by: Patrick From Ohio at December 31, 2017 10:21 AM (dKiJG)

174 111 I do believe in some states parents/kid get taken to court for not attending school." It's Fruit and Nut land, so only "middle class" folk to fall under the whip hand...
Posted by: Anon a mouse at December 31, 2017 09:33 AM

Pfft, the districts want all the bodies in the seats so they get all their money. They don't get paid for bodies not in seats. can't have those pesky absences cutting into their outrageous budgets.

Posted by: bebe's boobs destroy at December 31, 2017 10:21 AM (hscyr)

175 As the book thread is for books..

I just posted on the EMT.

Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at December 31, 2017 10:22 AM (EyPfd)

176 Spent way too much time looking through Audible's 2for1 credit sale that ends tomorrow night.
*How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big by Scott Adams
*Monster Hunter International by: Larry Correia
*Terms of Enlistment-Frontlines, Book 1 by: Marko Kloos
(most books in this series are available as read & listen with kindle unlimited)
*The Forgotten Man by: Amity Shlaes
*Gone with the Wind by: Margaret Mitchell (49 hours or less in car vs no way I'll ever devote time to 'read' it)
*Barking up the Wrong Tree-The Surprising Science Behind Why Everything You Know About Success Is (Mostly) Wrong-this 'new to me' book jumped out as worth a half credit.

Audio books with variable speed playback are unbeatable resource for someone with a long boring commute.


Posted by: SouthEast PA Lurker at December 31, 2017 10:22 AM (vFHFh)

177 Any Colorado morons know wth is going on in Littleton with "multiple deputies down?"

Some kinda hell bent shootout or what?

Posted by: weirdflunky at December 31, 2017 10:25 AM (du2N6)

178 >>>My favorite book of 2017 was The Deplorable Gourmet.

Posted by: bluebell at December 31, 2017 09:07 AM (sTBcq)

"Horrible recipes by horrible people. You can taste the hate in every bite."

I wish Amazon had left that review up.

Posted by: George LeS at December 31, 2017 09:34 AM (+TcCF) <<<r




The secret ingredient is hate.

Posted by: an indifferent penguin at December 31, 2017 10:26 AM (AJAk6)

179 After finishing The Histories by Herodotus I went for some light reading.

The Reason Why: The Story of the Fatal Charge of the Light Brigade by Cecil Woodham-Smith. was great history well told. In addition to why and how, I got a history of the Irish Potato Famine. One of the protagonists was an Irish lord.

And Third Reich Victorious: Alternate Decisions of World War II by Peter G. Tsouras was just the kind of froth I like. Some of the short stories makes me thing the author evaded command-directed urinalysis back in the day.
An article by one of my favorites, David Isby, did ring true.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at December 31, 2017 10:26 AM (hyuyC)

180 The other day someone asked for a book on the Czech Legion and their exploits in WWI/Russian Civil War. There was a book published last year "Dreams of a Great Small Nation" by Kevin J. McNamara on the topic. Haven't read it, but it gets good reviews on amazon

Posted by: josephistan at December 31, 2017 10:27 AM (ANIFC)

181 Yikes. Saved by a close tag. Close. Too close.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at December 31, 2017 10:27 AM (hyuyC)

182
Who likes Star Wars?
Who doesn't like Star Wars?

If you do or do not like Star Wars, then you'll enjoy this very very very old parody of Star Wars.

Hardware Wars

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ymFxkFfIhU




It's a hidden gem on Youtube.



Posted by: Soothsayer SLX Pro Series II Platinum Turbo at December 31, 2017 10:27 AM (AmGHy)

183 SteveOReno

Yes, she it very hot. But notice no footprints in the snow. You have been warned.

Posted by: NaCly Dog at December 31, 2017 10:28 AM (hyuyC)

184

"Help me Oggie Ben Doggie! You're my only hope."

Posted by: Soothsayer SLX Pro Series II Platinum Turbo at December 31, 2017 10:29 AM (AmGHy)

185 FINALLY, on my third attempt, I finished Making the Atomic Bomb by Richard Rhodes.

And I read a metric FT of Battle of the Bulge books, as I continue to research and write about my grandfather, a project that appears to be developing into a multi-year project. I distract far too easily.

Posted by: goatexchange at December 31, 2017 10:29 AM (YFnq5)

186
Ham Salad

Posted by: Soothsayer SLX Pro Series II Platinum Turbo at December 31, 2017 10:29 AM (AmGHy)

187 *sics the Imperial Steamtroopers on Soothsayer*

Posted by: Anna Puma (HQCaR) at December 31, 2017 10:29 AM (Od2ky)

188
in the parody, C3P0 is...

the Tin Man!

Posted by: Soothsayer SLX Pro Series II Platinum Turbo at December 31, 2017 10:30 AM (AmGHy)

189

*sics the Imperial Steamtroopers on Soothsayer*


Isn't it awesome!

Posted by: Soothsayer SLX Pro Series II Platinum Turbo at December 31, 2017 10:32 AM (AmGHy)

190 Amusing web site, for certain values of amusing.

The worst sci-fi/fantasy book covers. Many of these should make us Moron authors feel better about our book covers.

http://www.goodshowsir.co.uk/

Posted by: Anna Puma (HQCaR) at December 31, 2017 10:32 AM (Od2ky)

191 The big book news for me this year was the support my fellow Morons gave for my book series.

THANK YOU!

If you haven't had a chance, check them out at www.ahlloyd.com. They are the perfect antidote for SJW Star Wars.

Right now I'm leading a family book club with my kids to get them to read Lord of the Rings. They saw the movies and figured they knew the story. Obviously that isn't true.

Cautiously optimistic about the Amazon tv adaptation.

Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at December 31, 2017 10:33 AM (cfSRQ)

192
If you do or do not like Star Wars, then you'll enjoy this very very very old parody of Star Wars.


Old Ernie Fosselius fodder from SF convention video rooms.

See also 'Pork Lips Now' and 'Close Encounters of the Nerd Kind.'

Posted by: Mr. Peebles at December 31, 2017 10:33 AM (oVJmc)

193 *scutters away from Soothsayer*

I really don't want to catch a case of the Closet Cases of the Nerd Kind...

Posted by: Anna Puma (HQCaR) at December 31, 2017 10:33 AM (Od2ky)

194 AH Lloyd, you need to put http:// in front of your link

Posted by: votermom pimping great books! at December 31, 2017 10:34 AM (hMwEB)

195
My plan worked.

I have exposed the old nerds among us.

Posted by: Soothsayer SLX Pro Series II Platinum Turbo at December 31, 2017 10:35 AM (AmGHy)

196 Watch out for gypsies and their kids, the use them to pick pocket in Rome. Also our tour guide had crinkle paper I. Her purse so that if someone was sticking their hand in she could hear it.

We went on our Honeymoon and we got to see John Paul II I. Am glad we did, it was a Papel audience and he blessed our religious stuff. Our Tour guide encouraged us to bring every religious object we bought I am glad we listened. I had two bags of stuff, Also if you see then get some cheap street art. It's nice to hang in the house.

Posted by: Patrick From Ohio at December 31, 2017 10:38 AM (dKiJG)

197 Rickl you my long lost brother? I channel you comment yesterday and you channel my comments today?

Posted by: Skip at December 31, 2017 10:39 AM (aC6Sd)

198 Ace, Professional cat herder

Posted by: Skip at December 31, 2017 10:39 AM (aC6Sd)

199 193 *scutters away from Soothsayer*

I really don't want to catch a case of the Closet Cases of the Nerd Kind...
---------
You are worried NOW about that?

Posted by: exdem13 at December 31, 2017 10:40 AM (W+kMI)

200 Posted by: weirdflunky at December 31, 2017 10:25 AM (du2N6)

So far, all that is being reported is that there are 3 deputies at a local hospital with non life threatening injuries, and a fairly substantial area is on lockdown. There is a substantial police presence in the area from multiple offices.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at December 31, 2017 10:40 AM (tnRJU)

201 Happy New Year, book nerds. Many long, warm hours of solitude by the fire or on a warm beach for you to nerd out over.

Posted by: flounder, rebel, vulgarian, deplorable, winner at December 31, 2017 10:40 AM (Dp6qK)

202 http://www.goodshowsir.co.uk/

Scroll down for 'Poo Poo Make Prant Glow,' a tour de force in literary history.

Posted by: Mr. Peebles at December 31, 2017 10:41 AM (oVJmc)

203 Best book: by a wide margin...Seveveves, by Neal Stephenson.

Posted by: RussSmith at December 31, 2017 10:41 AM (0/0uS)

204 My fave book from 2017 actually published in 2017 was my Xmas gift, The Second World Wars by Prof. Victor Davis Hanson. Very interesting and enlightening reading, albeit with statistics and quotes to beat St. Matthew.

Posted by: exdem13 at December 31, 2017 10:42 AM (W+kMI)

205 So no flowing blood? What's up, JJ promised executions and exile. Fuck.

Posted by: Puddin Head at December 31, 2017 10:42 AM (vV/gB)

206 If this passes for science fiction for television, nuke it from orbit...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Callister

My geeky hat is wondering how stealing someone's DNA to make a digital clone endows that clone with all the personality and memories of the original? Then there are all the other problems.

Posted by: Anna Puma (HQCaR) at December 31, 2017 10:43 AM (Od2ky)

207
Also RIP Sue Grafton - I have all her books because i enjoy her stories

Posted by: Aussie at December 31, 2017 09:20 AM (hMsb6)






I have a Sue Grafton story, a no-shit, this is really true story.

About 4 years ago, when I was still living in Santa Barbara, my brother's 20 anniversary was coming up, and my sister-in-law is a yuuuuuuuge Grafton fan. Bro found out that Grafton was doing a signing at one of the local bookstores, so he asked me to pick up a book and get it signed for my SiL.

The line was all the way around the building, and I ended up waiting for about 3 hours to finally get in to see Grafton. I told her that the book was for my Grafton-fan SiL, and that my brother and I were "conspiring" to get the book signed with an anniversary greeting from Sue Grafton. She pretty much lost it in laughter, and told me that this was one of the better signings she had done in years.

Reports are that my SiL squeeeed like a little girl when she read the title page.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at December 31, 2017 10:43 AM (eXA4G)

208 182


Who likes Star Wars?

Who doesn't like Star Wars?



If you do or do not like Star Wars, then you'll enjoy this very very very old parody of Star Wars.



Hardware Wars



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ymFxkFfIhU



It's a hidden gem on Youtube.






Posted by: Soothsayer SLX Pro Series II Platinum Turbo at December 31, 2017 10:27 AM (AmGHy)



What's a matter, Ben? Was it as if millions of oysters suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced?

Nah. Just a headache.

Posted by: flounder, rebel, vulgarian, deplorable, winner at December 31, 2017 10:44 AM (Dp6qK)

209 IllTemperedCur , a lovely story, i love co conspirators doing a good deed.

Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 10:45 AM (t2Uf9)

210 205
So no flowing blood? What's up, JJ promised executions and exile. Fuck.

Posted by: Puddin Head at December 31, 2017 10:42 AM (vV/gB)



Care to recap JJ's prognostications for those absent over the holidays?

Posted by: flounder, rebel, vulgarian, deplorable, winner at December 31, 2017 10:46 AM (Dp6qK)

211 I liked the first two Star Wars and then the one with the midgets in Ewok suits with zippers in the back came out. I was cured forever.

I often wondered why the Dune series never made it on screen. Much better plot.

Posted by: Puddin Head at December 31, 2017 10:47 AM (vV/gB)

212 Posted by: Sgt. Mom at December 31, 2017 09:58 AM (xnmPy)

That is the background for a John Wayne movie. Don't remember the name because it's in a DVD collection I got a while ago. Hadn't realized the problem was that widespread or that it made the FBI.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at December 31, 2017 10:47 AM (rp9xB)

213 203
Best book: by a wide margin...Seveveves, by Neal Stephenson.

Posted by: RussSmith at December 31, 2017 10:41 AM (0/0uS)


Thanks. One of my favorites to date is Cryptonomicon, but I am not what I would call a book nerd. I'll keep it in mind.

Posted by: flounder, rebel, vulgarian, deplorable, winner at December 31, 2017 10:48 AM (Dp6qK)

214 " smeared by a leading progressive journalist in his book on Ailes. I try to correct the record. Happy New Year. https://tinyurl.com/y84sfzeg
Posted by: Dan Smoot's apprentice

great, I just bought it. You note that facts and reputations are "mutable or immaterial to the left as it suits its narrative".

It is more aggressive than that as I see it. The shadow powers of the left seek targets to destroy, certain characters/themes that will be a witness against their false narrative.

They don't want to give the other side a chance "on the witness stand", they are at war against such liberty, and intend to rule with iron fist as needed.

Small point, but I always like to convey that they don't want a fair fight or a real debate. I look forward to reading the rest of your story ... seems it might reveal how Fox was compromised at its root. Thanks.

Posted by: illiniwek at December 31, 2017 10:48 AM (otAqJ)

215 210 205
So no flowing blood? What's up, JJ promised executions and exile. Fuck.

Posted by: Puddin Head at December 31, 2017 10:42 AM (vV/gB)



Care to recap JJ's prognostications for those absent over the holidays?
------------------
He was giving some hints that the burning times were coming yesterday. Not sure who he was directing it to, but I really do like watching the burning times. I expected to hear the gnashing of teeth and wailing this morning.

Posted by: Puddin Head at December 31, 2017 10:49 AM (vV/gB)

216 211 I often wondered why the Dune series never made it on screen. Much better plot.

Posted by: Puddin Head at December 31, 2017 10:47 AM (vV/gB)

The first book did and the rest were not any good anyway. You can get a DVD from Amazon of the first one.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at December 31, 2017 10:49 AM (mpXpK)

217 179 After finishing The Histories by Herodotus I went for some light reading.

And Third Reich Victorious: Alternate Decisions of World War II by Peter G. Tsouras was just the kind of froth I like. Some of the short stories makes me thing the author evaded command-directed urinalysis back in the day.
An article by one of my favorites, David Isby, did ring true.
----
Herodotus isn't that heavy, but he does tend to meander on his way to his thesis. Fascinating stuff, and he explains why and how the Persians tried to take down the Greeks.

I have a collection of alternate-history essays on WW II much like the book described. It was fun reading, even if it could be summed up as "what if Hitler and his gang made rational, informed decisions and didn't waste time".

Posted by: exdem13 at December 31, 2017 10:50 AM (W+kMI)

218 My favorite book published in 2017 was the Deplorable Gourmet. what other cookbook puts the really important things- the sweets and desserts- first?

I really enjoyed Bill Bryson's "A Walk in the Woods" which is about hiking the Appalachian Trail. Bryson is definitely a lib and throws in some nonsense about global warming (the book was written in the late 90s and Bryson was afraid that the Appalachian Trail wouldn't be around much longer because of global warming. lo and behold it's still there in 2017) but it's funny and informative anyway.

Posted by: Donna&&&&&&&V my laptop died at December 31, 2017 10:50 AM (mRBuY)

219 Anna, would it shock you to know I have a few of those hideous covers in my collection? I have a soft spot for SF schlock.

I love the comment "In the 50s strange creature monsters hunted scantily-clad blondes almost to extinction."

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 31, 2017 10:50 AM (qJtVm)

220
Narrated by the late great Paul Frees.

Posted by: Soothsayer SLX Pro Series II Platinum Turbo at December 31, 2017 10:50 AM (AmGHy)

221 Breaking news - Protestors in Iran still protesting President Trump

Posted by: CNN at December 31, 2017 10:51 AM (aC6Sd)

222 Currently reading The Sands of Mars by Arthur C. Clarke. Published in 1951, I believe that this was his first science-fiction novel. The story revolves around the expansion of the Martian colony as seen through the eyes of a science fiction author that came to visit the colony.

Some interesting character studies and a rather frank assessment that the colonists (mostly in their 20s and 30s) spend their time either working to maintain the colony or making babies. I love sci-fi from the "Golden Age" because of the mix of new (atomic space drive!!!) and old technology (such as typewriters and analog dials) in the stories.

I've enjoyed the novel so far and just got the the exciting bit about half-way where the main character is involved in a crash-landing.

Posted by: Retired Buckeye Cop is now an engineer at December 31, 2017 10:51 AM (5Yee7)

223 The Incredible Shrinking Man - The Story of One Man's Legacy, part 1 in a planned eight-part series.

Posted by: Barack Hussein Obama, Esq. at December 31, 2017 10:53 AM (clYld)

224 Posted by: weirdflunky at December 31, 2017 10:25 AM (du2N6)

Where in Littleton? Littleton covers an enormous area compared to surrounding cities and ranges from very urban to very suburban in that area.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at December 31, 2017 10:53 AM (rp9xB)

225 *sticks tongue out at exdem13*

Nyah!

Reread The Diamond Age: or A Young Lady's Illustrated Primer by Neal Stephenson. Been ages since I had read it and had forgotten very large chunks of it. Of course the thickets of unfamiliar or newly crafted words acted as thickets of briars slowing down my usual blistering reading pace.

Posted by: Anna Puma (HQCaR) at December 31, 2017 10:53 AM (Od2ky)

226 My geeky hat is wondering how stealing someone's DNA to make a digital clone endows that clone with all the personality and memories of the original? Then there are all the other problems.
Posted by: Anna Puma (HQCaR) at December 31, 2017 10:43 AM (Od2ky)
----
Sometimes you gotta just roll with it Anna, and enjoy the ride. Like Mecha-Gojira.

It was a great story, as was "Metalhead", which I just watched.

Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at December 31, 2017 10:54 AM (qJtVm)

227 179 After finishing The Histories by Herodotus I went for some light reading.

The Reason Why: The Story of the Fatal Charge of the Light Brigade by Cecil Woodham-Smith. was great history well told. In addition to why and how, I got a history of the Irish Potato Famine. One of the protagonists was an Irish lord.

And Third Reich Victorious: Alternate Decisions of World War II by Peter G. Tsouras was just the kind of froth I like. Some of the short stories makes me thing the author evaded command-directed urinalysis back in the day.
An article by one of my favorites, David Isby, did ring true.
Posted by: NaCly Dog at December 31, 2017 10:26 AM (hyuyC)

Thanks I always look for Alternative History books and he wrote some Civil War Alt History.

I can't recommend Red Phoenix enough.

Posted by: Patrick From Ohio at December 31, 2017 10:54 AM (dKiJG)

228 215
210 205

So no flowing blood? What's up, JJ promised executions and exile. Fuck.



Posted by: Puddin Head at December 31, 2017 10:42 AM (vV/gB)





Care to recap JJ's prognostications for those absent over the holidays?

------------------

He was giving some hints that the burning times were coming yesterday. Not sure who he was directing it to, but I really do like watching the burning times. I expected to hear the gnashing of teeth and wailing this morning.

Posted by: Puddin Head at December 31, 2017 10:49 AM (vV/gB)




Burning morons or burning shitweasels in the US government?

Posted by: flounder, rebel, vulgarian, deplorable, winner at December 31, 2017 10:55 AM (Dp6qK)

229 All Hail Eris, there are even limericks to some of the covers.

Or this tag line - http://www.goodshowsir.co.uk/?p=12502
Malia Obama has kept active physically and professionally during her 'gap year'.

Are you planning to submit some to the site just to see if they post said covers?

Posted by: Anna Puma (HQCaR) at December 31, 2017 10:57 AM (Od2ky)

230 229 All Hail Eris, there are even limericks to some of the covers.

Or this tag line - http://www.goodshowsir.co.uk/?p=12502
Malia Obama has kept active physically and professionally during her 'gap year'.

Are you planning to submit some to the site just to see if they post said covers?
Posted by: Anna Puma (HQCaR) at December 31, 2017 10:57 AM (Od2ky)

I suppose smoking weed and flashing your ass in public are physical activities, in a very broad sense.

Posted by: Insomniac - Bah humbug! at December 31, 2017 10:58 AM (NWiLs)

231 "Paris in the Terror" by Stanley Loomis was also a very worthwhile read. It made me wonder why anybody would want to celebrate Bastille Day. It's not at all difficult to imagine todays leftists behaving like Marat and Robespierre if they could.

Posted by: Donna&&&&&&&V my laptop died at December 31, 2017 10:59 AM (mRBuY)

232 Basketball is a peaceful planet!

Posted by: Mr. Peebles at December 31, 2017 10:59 AM (oVJmc)

233 Since we're plugging books, I'll plug mine. Short
and serious account of how my father founded the precursor to Fox News
in 1973 ("fair and balanced" was his coinage, not Murdoch's or Ailes',
though he hired Ailes) and was smeared by a leading progressive
journalist in his book on Ailes. I try to correct the record. Happy New
Year.



https://tinyurl.com/y84sfzeg




Posted by: Dan Smoot's apprentice at December 31, 2017 09:50 AM (5msTp)
============================

Looks good. Bought it.

Posted by: Barack Obama is a bad, bad man at December 31, 2017 11:00 AM (Po6Jc)

234 How could I forget this cover? Talking about crossing the meme streams: A foreign language Philip K Dick novel with a Steampunk Dalek wearing a fedora on the cover.

http://www.goodshowsir.co.uk/?p=12491

Posted by: Anna Puma (HQCaR) at December 31, 2017 11:00 AM (Od2ky)

235 Wow. Guy arrested in Houston, top floor of Hyatt Regency with rifle, shotgun, handgun, and "lots of ammunition".

Drunk when arrested, so they are waiting for him to sober up before interrogation.

Posted by: Iron Mike Golf at December 31, 2017 11:01 AM (di1hb)

236 Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at December 31, 2017 10:53 AM (rp9xB)

The incident is in area of County Line Road by the 470 between University and Colorado; just south of the Centennial Airport. Seems there was a domestic disturbance that escalated quickly and there are several people in the hospital.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at December 31, 2017 11:02 AM (tnRJU)

237
Drunk when arrested, so they are waiting for him to sober up before interrogation.

So he and obama's FBI can get their stories straight.

Posted by: Soothsayer SLX Pro Series II Platinum Turbo at December 31, 2017 11:03 AM (AmGHy)

238 Ah, the joys of typing code. Fixed the link - I think.

The Sci-Fi version of Dune was excellent. The Lynch version was unwatchable.

Dune was the best book in the series, but terribly written. The others had better writing, but progressively worse plots.

In terms of laughs per minute, "Hardware Wars" was far better than "Spaceballs."


Posted by: A.H. Lloyd at December 31, 2017 11:03 AM (cfSRQ)

239 My favorite new publication was Michael Z Williams' A Long Time Until Now

Kindltot, definite Uptwinkles on that. Hoping for a round 2 to elaborate on the uptime world. And I'll take two of the shower fixtures.

Posted by: RI Red - still thawing out at December 31, 2017 11:04 AM (CDsEW)

240 Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at December 31, 2017 11:02 AM (tnRJU)

Thanks. Lived in the more urban section of Littleton almost 20 years ago.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at December 31, 2017 11:05 AM (rp9xB)

241 The shooting area is miles west of Centennial airport.

Posted by: Sacred cow at December 31, 2017 11:05 AM (uAAwg)

242 The high temp for the day and for the next five days being bereached, we pull on another shirt and gird our loins for polar temps here along the 30th parallel. Next month's natural gas bill will be . . . spectacular!

Posted by: Count de Monet at December 31, 2017 11:06 AM (QLvwG)

243 I have a soft spot for SF schlock.

I love the comment "In the 50s strange creature monsters hunted scantily-clad blondes almost to extinction."



Life doesn't imitate art. It imitates bad sci-fi.

Posted by: Sweden at December 31, 2017 11:08 AM (/qEW2)

244 The shooting area is miles west of Centennial airport.
Posted by: Sacred cow at December 31, 2017 11:05 AM (uAAwg)

What kind of a neighborhood is it?

Posted by: Nevergiveup at December 31, 2017 11:09 AM (SjImc)

245 So, was there a 3 gun match yesterday in the Houston area?

Posted by: Iron Mike Golf at December 31, 2017 11:09 AM (di1hb)

246 The two books which stand out in my memory this year are:

Revenger, by Alistair Reynolds -- fun space-pirate story;

The Storm Before the Storm, by Mike Duncan -- just reading this one and enjoying the hell out of it. He manages the amazing feat of making Republican Roman political maneuvering both comprehensible and gripping.

Posted by: Trimegistus at December 31, 2017 11:09 AM (UC678)

247 http://kdvr.com/2017/12/31/douglas-county-sheriff-responds-to-officer-down-call/

Posted by: weirdflunky at December 31, 2017 11:10 AM (du2N6)

248
In terms of laughs per minute, "Hardware Wars" was far better than "Spaceballs."


Posted by: A.H. Lloyd

And then, there was "Darkstar". Huh?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTa2vXL7FI8

Benson, Arizona

Posted by: Bozo Conservative....lost in America at December 31, 2017 11:10 AM (S6Pax)

249 >>The high temp for the day and for the next five days being bereached, we pull on another shirt and gird our loins for polar temps here along the 30th parallel. Next month's natural gas bill will be . . . spectacular!

-2 here with the wind chill.

Can't wait to go watch tomorrow's annual New Year's plunge. I predict epic shrinkage.

Posted by: JackStraw at December 31, 2017 11:10 AM (/tuJf)

250 Best book this year, I guess that's Fannie's Last Supper, where chefs recreate a feast from the first edition Fannie Farmer cookbook. Tons of late 19th century details about life and food and Boston history plus interesting details about how tech and food has changed, the history of cookbooks, cooking supplies, how that affected culture and civilization etc. Fascinating stuff.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 31, 2017 11:10 AM (39g3+)

251 I see the Raiders want to pursue John Gruden as Head Coach. I'm having a hard time believing John would want to give up his 7 figure paycheck for talking for a job that demands results and requires 7 day, 16-18 hour work days. Who wants to coach the Las Vegas Raiders?

Posted by: Puddin Head at December 31, 2017 11:11 AM (vV/gB)

252 thank you not only to Ace but to Oregon Muse. I look forward to reading the book thread every week even if I don't always have something to say in the comments section. It's a treasure and so is OM!

Posted by: Donna&&&&&&&V my laptop died at December 31, 2017 11:12 AM (mRBuY)

253 Good Sunday morning, horde! I'm late to the party this morning, but I made one last batch of biscuits before the diet beginneth anew tomorrow.

I failed miserably at my goodreads goal this year, so it should be easy to remember which book I liked best. Yet, I do not. I did enjoy The Hangman's Daughter, and will probably read another of Potzsch's books this year.

Posted by: April at December 31, 2017 11:12 AM (e8PP1)

254 Looking at the "SeveNeves" review I'm struck with the universe being similar to that of "Cowboy Bebop" and in some ways the "Eight worlds" universe of John Varley, both of which have humanity forced off of Earth and into space.

Not a criticism, just commenting on the similarities, as I haven't read the 880 page book.

Posted by: geoffb at December 31, 2017 11:13 AM (zOpu5)

255 Still in the negatives at Schloss Rot. Just discovered that having the air intake and the exhaust for the propane heat in the addition mounted adjacent to one another is a bad idea (try diagramming that sentence!). Seems as if the moisture in the exhaust freezes over the intake for the air. Causes furnace shutdown. Rube Goldberged a gallon milk jug cover to lower the intake. And it works!

Posted by: RI Red - still thawing out at December 31, 2017 11:13 AM (CDsEW)

256 I just finished up a Stephen Pressfield book The Virtues of War. Its about Alexander the Great, who truly was great but is such a tragic story sometimes it was hard to read. Not as good as Gates of Fire, and he uses too many modern terms which is confusing and distracting for me, but still well done.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 31, 2017 11:13 AM (39g3+)

257 My fav books this yr were the London Fog series by Bec McMaster. NOT new books but new to me. Romance and steampunk.
My fav new,new book is the Deplorable Gourmet.

Posted by: madamemayhem (uppity wench) at December 31, 2017 11:14 AM (yTnCT)

258 @35 -

Polliwog,

Sanderson plans to have ten books in that series, with a time skip between 5 and 6.

Also ambitious is his Mistborn setting. That setting has the original trilogy (finished), the four Wax and Wayne books that were completely unplanned (number four is being worked on), a trilogy that moves the setting to a tech level similar to our own, and a final sci-fi trilogy for the setting (Hoid is rumored to be a protagonist for that one).

Then there are his Arcatraz versus the Evil Librarians books for kids (five completed, with one more planned), the Elantris series (one book so far with a sequel announced), a planned sequel to Warbreaker at some vague point into the future ( which will presumably explain how certain characters ended up in Words of Radiance and Oathbreaker), a new trilogy, Apocalypse Guard, set on a different Earth in his Steelheart setting, and the finishing of his Rithmatist trilogy.

Posted by: junior at December 31, 2017 11:14 AM (DlSwL)

259 Apparently the Trump juggernaut is rumored to be considering cutting $255M in 'military aid' to Pakistan.

Posted by: Mr. Peebles at December 31, 2017 11:15 AM (oVJmc)

260 My favorite avoided book (HRCwnbPOTUS)

Excerpts submitted for review

Presiding: A Memoir
by Hillary Clinton
copyright 2031, Revolution Press
Inter-dimensional/Trans-Temporal edition published by Evil Leage of Evil Press
Wendell, Managing Editor
Faceless Minion #6969, Transcription Supervisor

Chapter 1

It began the evening of the election.
Actually, it began well before that, with Donald Trump's refusal to promise he would honor the results of the election. As I said at the time, this fundamentally undermined our democracy.
It came as no real surprise, then, that the process of casting doubts on my victory began immediately.
When the election was called for me shortly after 10 PM in New York, I had my staff contact the Trump team to give them time for his concession. He was put on, and the phone was handed to me. His voice carried the frustration and anger he had displayed throughout the long campaign, but he eventually managed to admit I had won (through gritted teeth, I'm sure).
Then he took the stage at the Hilton ballroom. Bill, John Podesta and I were on the way to the Javitz Center, the rest of the staff following behind. The drive took more than enough time for a simple concession speech, but when we arrived in the backstage area, he was still talking.
I felt that I should wait a bit longer to let him finish, but John said that I needed to show strength from the beginning, so we told the press I would be going on. They immediately cut away to my victory speech.
Of course, afterwards, Trump and his surrogates claimed this was some sort of attempt by me to offer one last undercut to my opponent, calling it "petty and vindictive", but really, does a concession speech need to be that long?
And then came the moment so many Americans were waiting for, when I came out....

...

Of course I understand that the final tallies across the states had to be finished and tabulated, but it truly should have been no more than a footnote. But Donald Trump couldn't simply let it go.
"I won the popular vote!" he whined. Again and again, for weeks (and months!) on end.
Khzir Khan, when speaking at the Democratic National Convention, offered to give a copy of the constitution to him. Perhaps he should have taken the offer. That way, maybe he'd understand about the Electoral College system in use in our great country. My clear victory of 279 votes to his 259 can only be described as a mandate, showing the will of a majority of the peoples of the states, something obviously much more important than a large surplus of votes in places like Texas and Florida.
Can you imagine if the sequence were reversed? Do you honestly think I, a lawyer with a perfectly clear understanding of the process, would harp about few million votes in certain areas, rather than a consensus among a greater variety of citizens?
...
...recounts requested by Gary Johnson (who denies any backing by the Trump campaign) for Ohio and Michigan. Endless conspiracy theories about Detroit vote total irregularities. All of these elements trying to undermine my presidency in the months before the inauguration even took place.
And then well into the first year of my administration, over and over, supported by his friends in the press.
To quote Donald himself: Sad!
...

Chapter 3

...
The economy.
Over and over I was forced to hear these words. My first year produced solid 1.5 to 2.0 percent growth each quarter and yet the obstructionists in congress kept repeating the lie that the economy was stagnant, while ignoring a simple truth.
Uncontrolled growth is bad. Whether for a population or an economy, it is simply unacceptable. The closest analogy is cancer. When a cell culture separates itself from an organ and becomes nothing but itself, it can kill the organ or indeed the entire organism. The same holds for a national economy. The foolish insistence from those who near-worship capitalism that it could be otherwise is a danger that modern societies are finally defeating.
While I understand that some segments of the American workforce can feel the pinch as we move into a more nuanced and morally balanced economy, the six to eight percent unemployment rate is a truly fair and reasonable measure of a just and focused guided economy.
And the many alt-right and radical conservatives who criticized my policies ignore the simple fact that Donald Trump, with no knowledge of the proper connection between government and business would most likely have enacted measures that would lead to truly disastrous numbers, most likely wiping out any growth from the Obama administration.
And of course, we would have then been forced to listen to Trump and his allies blame Obama for his problems. Just for sparing the public that, you'd think they would show me some gratitude.
...
Chapter 5
....and yet people continue to blame me for everything that happened on the Korean peninsula.
The Kim administration's drive for nuclear weapons began long before my election and there was no rational way to stop it.
While everyone keeps howling about the loss of life near Seoul, they completely avoid two truly important points: the bomb did not actually reach the capitol of South Korea and my decision to remove American troops from the region saved thousands of American lives.
And yet there are those who would have you believe that I "abandoned" an ally and gave the North Koreans confidence to start their strikes.
And as I said at the start of this chapter, the Chinese and Russian efforts to stabilize the area in the wake of the strike have introduced levels of peace not seen in half a century.
Furthermore...

Chapter 14
...my second election showed that the American people were behind me. I achieved a clear majority of the popular vote this time, in addition to my 273 votes in the Electoral College. What more could someone want?
...
Chapter 17
....
My efforts to equalize the financial status of ALL Americans had met with some success, but were repeatedly undercut by efforts of Republicans and their obstructionist methods.
My answer to this was, of course, the signature achievement of my second term: the Combined Omnibus Measures to Mitigate Inequities of the Economy (COMMIE). This broad, far-reaching effort to truly enact fair pay and incomes...
...need to enact further restrictions against so-called "parody" or "satire" exceptions to hate speech laws. Their constant mockery of me and my legislative actions undercut not just a person, but the entire Presidency itself).

Chapter 19
The "money flight" opposition to COMMIE had simply become too great and thus necessitated laws to restrict the emigration of needed workers and capital. This was clearly addressed by my friends in the Senate and House when they passed the Working Against Loss of Labor Act.
Our Canadian neighbors offered nothing but support, as did the majority of my fellow citizens. They wanted the WALL. They understood the WALL. And with a huge increase of border agents/RCMP, Canada pretty much paid for the WALL.
With all that, I never understood the vehemence I experienced over the issue...

Chapter 22
While I have nothing but the greatest respect for Vice President Kaine, it had become clear over the last eight years that he would simply not be up to the task of running the country. As election season approached, staff members and advisors gathered to help address the issue. And I couldn't be happier that they found an answer.
The twenty-fifth amendment clearly states that a president may serve ten years. While my opponents kept screaming this specifically refers to individual who finish out a previous indvidual's term due to succession, the DOJ and Supreme Court upheld that the Continued Opportunities for Uninterrupted Prosperity (COUP) measure was allowed.
Frankly, I would have welcomed the opportunity to retire and relax, but my country needed me and I felt I had no choice...
...the support of community organizations with long and varied histories such as Bringing Lives to Maturity (BLM) and Beginning Again to Move Nationally (BAMN) was instrumental...

Chapter 23

The gun violence plague that cast too many American lives had to end. The reasonable restrictions we had placed on gun ownership had failed, largely due to undermining efforts by the right.
My hard working staff's solution was brilliant and fair. The Greater ReAlignment of Basic Benevolence (GRABB) efforts would show the world that America was ready to join the sensible nations of the world on this fundamental issue of human rights...

Chapter 31

The basic Internal Service Ideally Moving Onward (ISIMO) had helped stabilize government positions by removing the need for Congressional approval for many positions. This success led us to move on to the General ISIMO, allowing me to finish up the rest of the four year term I had begun.
Again, my enemies would do nothing but mock this decision, never offering up any positive solutions for leadership beyond vague, repeated appeals to the Constitution, ignoring the evolving nature of the document they professed to care so much about...
...
And lest you think I've exaggerated the trouble I face over the issue, I would remind you that I needed to bring many members of congress (and their families) from both sides of the aisle into federal protection until the vote was completed.
...
Chapter 34

...with the breakdown of many municipalities, I was heartened to hear of the Honorable Caliphate of Michigan. Building on the recent traditions of Qur'anic and Sharia law being allowed in the United States, these noble people banded together and formed a widespread community offering protection and support for all.
Of course, the extremist Republicans and their racist, Islamophobic allies denounced it as soon as it was organized. With cries of "unconstitutional" and "oppression" on their lips, they proceeded to lie about an innocent group of dedicated, caring Americans who were only trying to help their fellow man. They even trotted out supposed "escapees" to tell false or misleading stories full of nothing but the typical xenophobic slurs we've come to expect.
Rest assured, if there were any evidence or credible reports of rape or murder at the hands of the leadership of the MHCoM, I would have never provided them with support...

Chapter 41
...the decision to suspend the elections of 2028 was the hardest choice I've ever made in my adult life. As I've said elsewhere in this work, the troubles wracking our nation were simply too great to leave to unfettered choice.
And indeed, using General ISIMO and the COUP, I instituted a brilliant, streamlined process for leadership across our nation. I would appoint the Governors (a tradition held by many a leader throughout history) and they would, in turn appoint Senators and Representatives, thus preserving Congress as we've known it for more than two hundred and fifty years.
And allowing the confidence vote the next year showed that it was the right decision. After a safely run vote where nearly fifty million citizens cast their ballots without interference from trouble-makers, I had a clearly displayed support in all fifty states. Not even the Republicans much vaunted Reagan victory of 1984 can claim that!
...
Vindictive, hateful people would simply not give up. The announcement that they would hold a full slate of state and Federal representation elections for the midterm was a clear threat against the country that I loved and all I had done for it.
By declaring the BLM and BAMN supporters as national auxiliaries, I had hopes that this insurrection could be quelled in an orderly, proper fashion, but I had no way of knowing so many violent lunatics would have betrayed our nation during the GRABB program and kept illegal firearms.
...
...the loss of the Guard and regular military units can be placed solely at the feet of the traitorous, malevolent criminal who leaked the Project Fire Break memo.
To any and all who read this, I can only repeat the two points that everyone seems to have missed:
First, the idea never really got past early theory stages.
Second, only a limited number of the lowest yield tactical devices were called for, to be used in remote, low population areas so as to minimize the casualties this warning would require.
Sadly, at the time, no was willing to listen.
...
After the last of my reserve protectorate forces had been pushed out, the peaceful, caring Caliphate was destroyed, its citizens forced to live under the rule of what amounted to warlords, whatever title of "Mayor" or "Sheriff" they bestowed upon themselves.
...
And so I found myself with only the most limited die-hard supporters. But with their strength, I stood up against my enemies and made them understand two very important things.

1: Everything I did, I did to make America, and indeed the world, a better place.
2: Hillary Clinton doesn't run from a fight.


About the author:

Open Term President Hillary Clinton lives with her family in Havana, Cuba, where she leads the American Government-in-Exile. She is currently working with the United Nations and other international partners to end the brutal and illegitimate regime of the self-styled "Restored Constitutional Republic of the United States".

[Writer's note: Any similarity between The Honorable Caliphate of Michigan and events taking place in Detroit from John Ringo's "The Last Centurion" is purely coincidental. No, wait, not coincidental. What's that other word? Plagiarized. Yeah, that's it, completely plagiarized.]

Posted by: Captain Comic at December 31, 2017 11:15 AM (wzqy/)

261 Wow. Guy arrested in Houston, top floor of Hyatt Regency with rifle, shotgun, handgun, and "lots of ammunition".

No derringers?

Pff.

Posted by: Rolling Stoned at December 31, 2017 11:15 AM (oVJmc)

262 And...I just realized CBD did this book thread. well he is a treasure too.

Posted by: Donna&&&&&&&V my laptop died at December 31, 2017 11:15 AM (mRBuY)

263 255 Still in the negatives at Schloss Rot. Just discovered that having the air intake and the exhaust for the propane heat in the addition mounted adjacent to one another is a bad idea (try diagramming that sentence!). Seems as if the moisture in the exhaust freezes over the intake for the air. Causes furnace shutdown. Rube Goldberged a gallon milk jug cover to lower the intake. And it works!
Posted by: RI Red - still thawing out at December 31, 2017 11:13 AM (CDsEW)


Maybe some duct work come spring?

Posted by: Iron Mike Golf at December 31, 2017 11:15 AM (di1hb)

264 Posted by: RI Red - still thawing out at December 31, 2017 11:13 AM (CDsEW)


You left the thermal exhaust port unshielded?

Posted by: Count de Monet at December 31, 2017 11:16 AM (QLvwG)

265 I'm having a hard time believing John would want to give up his 7 figure paycheck

Also, when is the last time he coached? Seems like he's been yakking for quite a while, might be a little behind the times.

Posted by: t-bird at December 31, 2017 11:16 AM (clYld)

266 Who wants to coach the Las Vegas Raiders?
Posted by: Puddin Head at December 31, 2017 11:11 AM (vV/gB)

Who wants anything to do with the nfl, but I understand they are also offering him an ownership share. Not sure how that would work with a coach who will have to fire one day?

Posted by: Nevergiveup at December 31, 2017 11:16 AM (SjImc)

267 Seems like he's been yakking for quite a while, might be a little behind the times.
Posted by: t-bird at December 31, 2017 11:16 AM (clYld)

I am sure he knows how to kneel already

Posted by: Nevergiveup at December 31, 2017 11:17 AM (SjImc)

268 I just finished up a Stephen Pressfield book The Virtues of War. Its about Alexander the Great...
--------------------------
Chris, I would interested in how Pressfield handled Alexander's march across the Gedrosian Desert. Did he suggest that this was Alexander punishing his men for mutiny in India?

Posted by: Puddin Head at December 31, 2017 11:18 AM (vV/gB)

269 Eris, guess would need to watch that episode to see if the story worked.

Posted by: Anna Puma (HQCaR) at December 31, 2017 11:18 AM (Od2ky)

270 Posted by: Captain Comic at December 31, 2017 11:15 AM (wzqy/)

tl;dr

Posted by: Insomniac - Bah humbug! at December 31, 2017 11:18 AM (NWiLs)

271 It's not at all difficult to imagine todays leftists behaving like Marat and Robespierre if they could.
Posted by: DonnaV my laptop died at December 31, 2017 10:59 AM (mRBuY)


It is said that Stalin adored George Jacques Danton, who set up the court of the Committee of Public Safety, and Robespierre as the perfect revolutionaries. Danton especially since he created the legal structure for the Revolution.

They don't just act like Marat and Robespierre, they actively emulate them. And if you read about the Vendee revolt and war, you know why this is bad. Anything that makes the Terror look like small potatoes is very bad.

Posted by: Kindltot at December 31, 2017 11:18 AM (2K6fY)

272 I blew away my Goodreads goal by almost a dozen books this year. I think I found a good number to shoot for though, I overdid it one year and had to push to get it instead of enjoy books and reach the goal on my own.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 31, 2017 11:19 AM (39g3+)

273 245,
" So, was there a 3 gun match yesterday in the Houston area?"


I wondered that too as I scanned which publications were most worked up over the story and they were mostly national left ones and local news from far off from Houston left enclaves.

Posted by: geoffb at December 31, 2017 11:19 AM (zOpu5)

274
Y iPhone runners over, Capt., but I will go back and read it

Posted by: t-bird at December 31, 2017 11:19 AM (clYld)

275 I think Captain Comic needs a time out.

Posted by: Puddin Head at December 31, 2017 11:19 AM (vV/gB)

276 Wow. Guy arrested in Houston, top floor of Hyatt Regency with rifle, shotgun, handgun, and "lots of ammunition".

No derringers?

Pff.
Posted by: Rolling Stoned

And a lot of Viagra, so he's got that thing that goes up.

Posted by: Bozo Conservative....lost in America at December 31, 2017 11:20 AM (S6Pax)

277 Extra points if it was silly and simple and loads of fun, and would embarrass your favorite English instructor.


*****


You know what's silly and simple and loads of fun, that would also embarrass your favorite English instructor?


A book of limericks, that's what!


Use Ace's link so that hopefully he gets a nickel or two.

https://tinyurl.com/muldoons-library-limericks

Posted by: Muldoon at December 31, 2017 11:21 AM (wPiJc)

278 -15 here in Minneapolis maybe I should drive to the up north cabin to really feel the bern.

Posted by: X-ray at December 31, 2017 11:21 AM (QQ4UP)

279 For the upcoming year, I plan on rotating between books on instruction (flint work, and investment), fiction, classics, and other non-fiction, such as history and current events. I really am going to try to read a book a week. That's going to mean less internet, so less time with all of you.

Posted by: April at December 31, 2017 11:21 AM (e8PP1)

280 Wow. Guy arrested in Houston, top floor of Hyatt Regency with rifle, shotgun, handgun, and "lots of ammunition".



No derringers?



Pff.

Posted by: Rolling Stoned



And a lot of Viagra, so he's got that thing that goes up.

Posted by: Bozo Conservative....lost in America at December 31, 2017 11:20 AM (S6Pax)

And the thing that tells time.

Posted by: Count de Monet at December 31, 2017 11:21 AM (QLvwG)

281 It's not at all difficult to imagine todays leftists behaving like Marat and Robespierre if they could.

That's exactly what we'd get. That is precisely what they want and look forward to, some of them.

Did he suggest that this was Alexander punishing his men for mutiny in India?

Unfortunately, he cut off the narrative to a quick "they went back home and Alexander died" after King Poros in India, and didn't even go into the battle there, which was a disappointment to me.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 31, 2017 11:23 AM (39g3+)

282 273 245,
" So, was there a 3 gun match yesterday in the Houston area?"


I wondered that too as I scanned which publications were most worked up over the story and they were mostly national left ones and local news from far off from Houston left enclaves.
Posted by: geoffb at December 31, 2017 11:19 AM (zOpu5)


Yeah, three guns is a "small arsenal".

The trespassing charge is because no guns allowed in hotel.

Cops called because of being (a noisy?) drunk.

Posted by: Iron Mike Golf at December 31, 2017 11:24 AM (di1hb)

283 Posted by: Barack Obama is a bad, bad man at December 31, 2017 11:00 AM (Po6Jc)

Posted by: illiniwek at December 31, 2017 10:48 AM (otAqJ)

Thanks very much! I hope you enjoy.

Posted by: Dan Smoot's apprentice at December 31, 2017 11:25 AM (5msTp)

284 Posted by: junior at December 31, 2017 11:14 AM (DlSwL)

Wax and Wayne?! That's Muldoonesque in its awfulness. I've listened to the first three and never put that together.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at December 31, 2017 11:25 AM (rp9xB)

285 281 It's not at all difficult to imagine todays leftists behaving like Marat and Robespierre if they could.
----------------------------
The Archetype is Puritan. There is little difference between Puritans, Jacobins and Bolsheviks. Same narcissistic conceit.

Posted by: Puddin Head at December 31, 2017 11:27 AM (vV/gB)

286 Copper Canyon apartment complex is the site. Northern Douglas County, one of the top ten wealthiest in the country. Suburban but busy suburban. Density lower than urban but urban feel. Lilly white.

Posted by: Sacred cow at December 31, 2017 11:27 AM (uAAwg)

287 It's not at all difficult to imagine todays leftists behaving like Marat and Robespierre if they could.
----------------------------
The Archetype is Puritan. There is little difference between Puritans, Jacobins and Bolsheviks. Same narcissistic conceit.
Posted by: Puddin Head at December 31, 2017 11:27 AM (vV/gB)

Comrade Stalin would be proud

Posted by: Nevergiveup at December 31, 2017 11:28 AM (SjImc)

288 Posted by: junior at December 31, 2017 11:14 AM (DlSwL)

Rithmatist trilogy? I haven't seen that there was a sequel, will look harder for it.

Posted by: Polliwog the 'Ette at December 31, 2017 11:28 AM (rp9xB)

289 Angela White's "Life After War" series. I" now waiting for Book 10.
Descendants of Jesus fighting for survival after war in America.

Posted by: BoynSea at December 31, 2017 11:29 AM (Kh5Q4)

290 However Alexandra Daddario is single. Just sayin.....

The only woman who's ever had to tell a lover, "Hey, my tits are down here!"

Posted by: Blanco Basura - It's OK, I'm with the banned at December 31, 2017 11:29 AM (IcT7t)

291 Well I need to scoot, work at Wally World today. So need to get ready.

And if anyone has a few spare bucks?
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014BTSEYO/

Please?

Posted by: Anna Puma (HQCaR) at December 31, 2017 11:31 AM (Od2ky)

292 Posted by: Captain Comic at December 31, 2017 11:15 AM (wzqy/)

Bravo! Well done. A Hillary presidency certainly qualifies as dystopian fiction.

Posted by: rickl at December 31, 2017 11:31 AM (sdi6R)

293 IMG beat me to it - but yeah, 3-gun match? Or, I dunno, a guy with some guns who's traveling?


What is "lots" of ammo to the (surely) elite Houston PD? Or to a "journalist"?


Sadly the ignorance and bigotry on this topic and so many others that is almost humorous to informed reasonable people are, in fact, the marinade in which most of the public soaks.


Outlook: grim.

Posted by: Farshimmelt Alte-Kocker, AKA rhomboid at December 31, 2017 11:31 AM (Dhcvl)

294 Writer's note: Any similarity between The Honorable Caliphate of Michigan and events taking place in Detroit from John Ringo's "The Last Centurion" is purely coincidental. No, wait, not coincidental. What's that other word? Plagiarized. Yeah, that's it, completely plagiarized.

Pretty great stuff though, although I think Hillary would work faster than that

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 31, 2017 11:32 AM (39g3+)

295 I don't know about favorite, but the one book this year that has stuck with me the most is "Rape of the Mind," by Joost Merlot.

He has literally written THE book on torture of captive military in WWII and Korea. It was written in the 50s, and the reason it stuck with me so much is the contrast between the men who emerged from those experiences, and those who came out of Vietnam and now, these WoT theaters.

We are not talking about POWs (mostly), but we are talking about the experience of trauma. So what's the difference? Why is it that men who experienced the horrors of captivity and torture, when they return to their lives, seem to have no lasting effects, and those who experience "normal" trauma of war zones, sometimes live with PTSD the rest of their lives?

I have some partial answers to that question, but only partial. As I was reading that book, I found myself arguing with the author, and had to realize, damn, he's THE expert on this topic... so why was I thinking I knew more than he did?

Anyhoo, it's kind of a big deal, because of course it's not just in war, but in various ways, our society is dealing with trauma as an underlying cause of so much distress and disorder.

People don't fundamentally change. So how do we explain the differences? How is it some people can emerge from trauma, reasonably able to adjust back to this world, and why can some never do so?

In some ways 2017 has been a triumph for me, because I'm digging into this, and finding some of the answers.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 31, 2017 11:32 AM (Pz4pT)

296 Wall of words.

Egad.

That lady shore is pretty! In that picture.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 31, 2017 11:33 AM (Pz4pT)

297 The only woman who's ever had to tell a lover, "Hey, my tits are down here!"

Her eyes are absolutely mesmerizing.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 31, 2017 11:34 AM (39g3+)

298 I have heard rumors that the Moron who gives the most will get a date with a very special person. I have heard the name Kate Upton bandied about, but she just got married, so that's probably just gossip. However Alexandra Daddario is single. Just sayin.....

------------------------


I clicked the link. Not because I didn't know. I knew. And I clicked.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 31, 2017 11:35 AM (Pz4pT)

299 @288

The Rithmatist sequel isn't out yet. It's been announced (it appears that the focus will be in the region that matches up to Mexico in the real world), but it's fairly low on Sanderson's list of priorities (which is a shame, as I loved The Rithmatist).

Posted by: junior at December 31, 2017 11:35 AM (+fHsM)

300 Someone left the window open in that library though, that's going to be tough to clean up.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 31, 2017 11:37 AM (39g3+)

301 However Alexandra Daddario is single. Just sayin.....
--------------------------------
The only woman who's ever had to tell a lover, "Hey, my tits are down here!"
Posted by: Blanco Basura - It's OK, I'm with the banned at December 31, 2017 11:29 AM (IcT7t)


Eh.

She's no Alison Brie.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 31, 2017 11:38 AM (Pz4pT)

302 Did you mean to say Marco Rubio's garbage or junk?

Posted by: Viator at December 31, 2017 11:38 AM (Ueq18)

303 Two of my sons live less than 3 miles from that shooting location in Littleton. Will need to keep an eye on things. Any updates?

Posted by: Muldoon at December 31, 2017 11:38 AM (wPiJc)

304 Thanks for the heads up on the Audible 2 for 1 sale.

The Milton Giles book on Churchhill's Ministry for UnGentleman Warfare is in the Sale.

Posted by: Patrick From Ohio at December 31, 2017 11:38 AM (dKiJG)

305 Ambassador Rice


How Can Trump Help Irans Protesters ? Be Quiet.

so typical of that despicable administration, coddle and cover for despots and allow regular citizens to be swallowed whole by murderous thugs over political and financial goals.

Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 11:38 AM (t2Uf9)

306 I clicked the link. Not because I didn't know. I knew. And I clicked.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 31, 2017 11:35 AM (Pz4pT)

We all did. It's like watching your favorite cartoon over and over.

Posted by: April at December 31, 2017 11:40 AM (e8PP1)

307 How Can Trump Help Irans Protesters ? Be Quiet.

So we know where Obama got his advice from

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 31, 2017 11:40 AM (39g3+)

308 Two of my sons live less than 3 miles from that shooting location in Littleton. Will need to keep an eye on things. Any updates?
Posted by: Muldoon at December 31, 2017 11:38 AM (wPiJc)


1 Deputy dead. Gunman assumed to be dead. Four other deputies and two civilians injured.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 31, 2017 11:41 AM (Pz4pT)

309 I'd love to pick up a Sharpes series audiobook set but they charge even more than the books for those things. Really not at all worth it.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 31, 2017 11:42 AM (39g3+)

310 Greetings:

Best read of 2017, "Waterloo" by Bernard Cromwell. A very well told bit of well-trdden military history but in a very well-constructed book. Printed on a matte-coated book paper to carry the color maps and reproductions of the fine art of the day, the book may be heavy to the hand but only real men read military history.

Posted by: 11B40 at December 31, 2017 11:42 AM (evgyj)

311 It's not at all difficult to imagine todays leftists behaving like Marat and Robespierre if they could.
----------------------------
The Archetype is Puritan. There is little difference between Puritans, Jacobins and Bolsheviks. Same narcissistic conceit.

Posted by: Puddin Head at December 31, 2017 11:27 AM (vV/gB)


========

Not sure I'd include Puritans there. Jacobins and Bolsheviks were truly unconstrained by any fixed principles. That's why their leaders kept getting paranoid and killing people off.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 31, 2017 11:42 AM (/qEW2)

312 48 hour rule but...

DV gone bad. 5 sheriffs down. One dead. Prob perp, sheriffs going DtD telling residents the threat has been neutralized.

Posted by: Sacred cow at December 31, 2017 11:43 AM (uAAwg)

313 ThunderB's twitter feed has been excellent. Some members of the security forces are refusing to fire on protesters, and protestors are calling for the army to join them. That's usually a sign that things are coming to a head.

Posted by: rickl at December 31, 2017 11:43 AM (sdi6R)

314 CBD, will you tell us about the photo at the top? just searched the page for words including "photo", "picture", and "paint", and didn't find any info. Who was the photog, title, etc.?

Posted by: The Inexplicable Dr. Julius Strangepork at December 31, 2017 11:44 AM (iMO2e)

315 Why is it that men who experienced the horrors of captivity and torture, when they return to their lives, seem to have no lasting effects, and those who experience "normal" trauma of war zones, sometimes live with PTSD the rest of their lives?
Posted by: BurtTC


******


I've wondered how much of an effect external societal/cultural expectations of the time and the particular war influence the individual. Have you run across anything along those lines in your reading?

As I see it, the reaction to trauma is part of the human condition. There is not a human being in history who hasn't experienced trauma. The reaction to that trauma is as varied as the individuals, but also can be shaped by the culture.

Labelling something (e.g. PTSD) does not explain it, but it can alter the perception.

Posted by: Muldoon at December 31, 2017 11:44 AM (wPiJc)

316 Christopher, one would think there would be a shudder throughout the land at Rice. But of course there won't be because the MFM will cover for Their dereliction of Duty in Foreign/ and National policy for Their Messiah and their pigs.

Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 11:44 AM (t2Uf9)

317 Danggit, yesterday during a thread somebody mentioned a book (WWII, naturally) that I'd never heard of and was going to search for at the library system - but I forgot the title/subject (and commenter). Published in 2015, only detail I can recall.


So - if that commenter is reading, maybe they'll remember.





Posted by: Farshimmelt Alte-Kocker, AKA rhomboid at December 31, 2017 11:44 AM (Dhcvl)

318 Rickl. perhaps so, But who could tell what's going on by Our media?

Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 11:45 AM (t2Uf9)

319 Sheriffs confirming one officer dead. At least 2 civilians shot. Perp dead.

Posted by: Sacred cow at December 31, 2017 11:45 AM (uAAwg)

320 Thanks sacred cow and BurtTC.

Posted by: Muldoon at December 31, 2017 11:45 AM (wPiJc)

321 most of america will look at Iran and see something similar to Occupy wallstreet as the Reason for demonstrations, not reality at all.

Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 11:46 AM (t2Uf9)

322 I clicked the link. Not because I didn't know. I knew. And I clicked.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 31, 2017 11:35 AM (Pz4pT)

We all did. It's like watching your favorite cartoon over and over.
Posted by: April at December 31, 2017 11:40 AM (e8PP1)


Or approaching a car accident on the side of the road, with traffic backed up for miles, and you furiously tell yourself "When I get up there, I'm not going to look, I'm just going to zoom past it." Then you pause and look anyway.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 31, 2017 11:46 AM (Pz4pT)

323 314 CBD, will you tell us about the photo at the top? just searched the page for words including "photo", "picture", and "paint", and didn't find any info. Who was the photog, title, etc.?
Posted by: The Inexplicable Dr. Julius Strangepork at December 31, 2017 11:44 AM (iMO2e)


It's a still from the movie "Dr. Zhivago". And I must say that it's most appropriate for the weather many of us have been experiencing.

Posted by: rickl at December 31, 2017 11:46 AM (sdi6R)

324 rickl, I think it was you who recommended Thunder B's twitter feed yesterday. Thanks! I've been following it for almost 24 hours, and have been linked to others because of it.

Posted by: April at December 31, 2017 11:47 AM (e8PP1)

325 If I were to write a novel about the Obama administration's antics and attitudes -- just what we know -- just 20 years ago, everyone would mock it as ludicrous fiction, something America would never put up with, let alone reelect, that such a blatantly criminal and corrupt administration would be savaged by the press, and that no one would even try such a thing.

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 31, 2017 11:48 AM (39g3+)

326 I got it from FenelonSpoke yesterday morning. I've also kept the tab open and keep checking it.

Posted by: rickl at December 31, 2017 11:48 AM (sdi6R)

327 Pro tip for the mullahs:

When you lead through fear, eventually your people will run into something they fear more.

Looks like that may be happening now.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at December 31, 2017 11:49 AM (gC2IV)

328 If I were to write a novel about the Obama administrations antics and attitudes

You would not be invited to many College Campuses to speak, that is for sure

Posted by: Nevergiveup at December 31, 2017 11:50 AM (SjImc)

329 4 officers shot
Sounds like a "modern spurting rifle" was used

Posted by: Yeah at December 31, 2017 11:50 AM (J3aIF)

330 "We are not talking about POWs (mostly), but we are talking about the experience of trauma. So what's the difference? Why is it that men who experienced the horrors of captivity and torture, when they return to their lives, seem to have no lasting effects, and those who experience "normal" trauma of war zones, sometimes live with PTSD the rest of their lives?"

I have no idea if this general statement is true or not, but assuming it is, my guess would be the elements of predictability and routine. One setting has structure, horrible as it is, the other does not. The chaotic nature of the battlefield may compound the effects of experiencing and witnessing pain and terror.

Posted by: Insomniac - Bah humbug! at December 31, 2017 11:51 AM (NWiLs)

331 Somebody in Littleton, Colorado has shot a number of deputies. He apparently ha a DIY license plate on his vehicle.

http://dpo.st/2Engg7x

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, The Persistence! at December 31, 2017 11:51 AM (+y/Ru)

332 If Iran does fall and the islamic leadership is purged, it's gonna be ugly. Real ugly. For Barky, anyway.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at December 31, 2017 11:51 AM (tnRJU)

333 @258

Oh, and Sanderson apparently announced a new book (with trilogy) on the 18th. It's about a girl and her salvaged sentient starfighter, is his current writing project, and is scheduled for release next September.

Wax and Wayne will have to wait.

/sigh

Posted by: junior at December 31, 2017 11:51 AM (+fHsM)

334 Posted by: The Inexplicable Dr. Julius Strangepork at December 31, 2017 11:44 AM (iMO2e)

I can't find the origin.....sorry.

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at December 31, 2017 11:51 AM (wYseH)

335 Ambassador Rice

How Can Trump Help Irans Protesters ? Be Quiet.


Not everyone is as inept as President Shit Midas whenever he opened his mouth, you stupid gibbering animal.

A has-been nonentity who ought to be behind bars, shooting off her mouth like the former idiot-in-chief. Enjoy your irrelevance.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 31, 2017 11:53 AM (/qEW2)

336 Fairly confident that nobody in the administration will give any heed to anything said by the ridiculous lightweights of the Bambi years, re Iran.


The worst foreign policy disaster in our history - Bambi's Iran debacle - may be unrecoverable, in some sense. A small miracle had been worked, in terms of getting otherwise useless "allies" (almost all of them sadly) to join in isolating the most dangerous regime in the world (after Iraq had been removed from the list).


Not a lot the US can do that will make much practical difference for the internal struggle. Silence won't be Trump's approach, obviously, and responsible public support is imperative. Odds are against the mullahs in the longer run, but timing is impossible to gauge (as we've seen with other autocracies).

Posted by: Farshimmelt Alte-Kocker, AKA rhomboid at December 31, 2017 11:53 AM (Dhcvl)

337 love to pick up a Sharpes series audiobook set but they charge even more than the books for those things. Really not at all worth it.
Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 31, 2017 11:42 AM (39g3+)

Look at getting an Audible account, it's 14.95 a month and you get credits for books and even if the audiobook price is hirgher than your subscription it's still 1 credit.

Posted by: Patrick From Ohio at December 31, 2017 11:54 AM (dKiJG)

338 Steve/Cold Bear, you have a way with (vituperative) words! Like your version better!

Posted by: Farshimmelt Alte-Kocker, AKA rhomboid at December 31, 2017 11:54 AM (Dhcvl)

339 If you monetize PTSD you are likely to get more of it.

Posted by: Puddin Head at December 31, 2017 11:55 AM (vV/gB)

340 Steve while she and tfg Should be irrelevant we still have a large portion of the country that considered Them their Messiah, an the only reason the world isn't perfect Now is people like Us tripped them and their plans up.

Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 11:55 AM (t2Uf9)

341 335 Ambassador Rice

How Can Trump Help Iran's Protesters ? Actually Do Something

Fixed it for Ms. Rice there. (Yes I do remember 2009 and the Crisis that had no Opportunity.)

Posted by: exdem13 at December 31, 2017 11:56 AM (W+kMI)

342 oh be careful sweetie that doesn't look safe you could slip and bonk your noggin

Posted by: happyfeet at December 31, 2017 11:56 AM (mLfQi)

343 Son texted us, says he drove "right by" the location of the shooting "this morning", apparently after the fact. According to the Denver Post article the shooting began before 6 a.m. and SWAT was getting set to go in at 7:15. At 9:32 the Sheriff tweeted that the shooter was down.

Posted by: Muldoon at December 31, 2017 11:57 AM (wPiJc)

344 I imagine the problem with the Iran green revolution re 2009 was that Obama soros, ayers, code Pink weren't influencing the revolution so it was dangerous as it was The people and actually partly grassroots objecting to their plight.

Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 11:57 AM (t2Uf9)

345 Why is it that men who experienced the horrors of captivity and torture, when they return to their lives, seem to have no lasting effects, and those who experience "normal" trauma of war zones, sometimes live with PTSD the rest of their lives?
Posted by: BurtTC


******


I've wondered how much of an effect external societal/cultural expectations of the time and the particular war influence the individual. Have you run across anything along those lines in your reading?

As I see it, the reaction to trauma is part of the human condition. There is not a human being in history who hasn't experienced trauma. The reaction to that trauma is as varied as the individuals, but also can be shaped by the culture.

Labelling something (e.g. PTSD) does not explain it, but it can alter the perception.
Posted by: Muldoon at December 31, 2017 11:44 AM (wPiJc)


It's a difficult subject to broach, because the answers appear to be very much cultural (as in how are WE responding, as a culture), and the predisposing factors for the individual, before he/she is exposed to the trauma.

In other words, pre-existing childhood/adolescent trauma are huge factors, as are underlying personality disorders (which often go hand in hand with the prior trauma).

Perhaps as importantly, there's a disconnect between this supposed war we're still fighting, and the extent to which the rest of society if connected to it. Which is to say, in large part, we're not. We're also disconnected from the underlying social ills (child abuse, non-two parent households, horrible schools) that are overwhelmingly affecting large chunks of society. May sound odd saying it that way, because we talk about some of that stuff here a lot, but I believe we aren't really addressing it, as a culture.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 31, 2017 11:59 AM (Pz4pT)

346 Samantha Power is just voicing the MO of Barry's admin. Do nothing. If things work out positively, take credit. If not, ignore it.

Posted by: Duke Lowell at December 31, 2017 11:59 AM (gC2IV)

347 @344

And more importantly, Obama's supporters were pushing him to cut a deal with Iran, and you can't do that while openly supporting demonstrators in the streets.

Posted by: junior at December 31, 2017 11:59 AM (+fHsM)

348 also the iran revoultion didn't start out as ' days of Rage.' (ayers) oh nevermind!... arab spring. because they think We forget.

Posted by: willow at December 31, 2017 11:59 AM (t2Uf9)

349 OldJarhead, I fear it's going to be very ugly for lots of good people in Iran if this thing goes serious/violent.


The bad guys are ruthless, amoral, and worst of all, have lots of skin (all of it - theirs) in the game. Like the senior regional Nazi Party leaders being specifically and intentionally "read in" to the Holocaust by Himmler at one point, the regime elements in Iran know their criminality, the blood on their hands, binds them to the status quo more than any ideology ever could.

Posted by: Farshimmelt Alte-Kocker, AKA rhomboid at December 31, 2017 11:59 AM (Dhcvl)

350 If Iran does fall and the islamic leadership is purged, it's gonna be ugly. Real ugly. For Barky, anyway.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at December 31, 2017 11:51 AM (tnRJU)


========

You think some sort of files will come to light? Some sort of Obama-Iran collusion that goes beyond what we already know about the "deal" he struck?

Illinois will still have an "Obama Day" holiday. 99% of AAs will still worship him.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 31, 2017 12:00 PM (/qEW2)

351 No one book stands out for me in 2017. I did finish Vindolanda by Adrian Goldsworthy last night. I quite enjoyed this sword and sandal story of a Briton-born Roman centurian trying to keep the lid on a Scottish rebellion led by a couple of Druid fanatics.

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, The Persistence! at December 31, 2017 12:01 PM (+y/Ru)

352 "Venus Beauty Supply workers say the Wednesday night confrontation began after customer Melissa Roper and her daughter didn't like the price of a weave, and the lack of customer service they apparently wanted."

This, as an opening statement to a novel, would challenge A Tale of Two Cities "it was the best of times, it was the worst of times."

Just sayin.

Posted by: Puddin Head at December 31, 2017 12:01 PM (vV/gB)

353 Maybe some duct work come spring?
Posted by: Iron Mike Golf at December 31, 2017 11:15 AM (di1hb)
Yeah, iron mike. I figure it'll have warmed up by mid July.

Posted by: RI Red - still thawing out at December 31, 2017 12:01 PM (CDsEW)

354 According to the WSJ (FWIW) the Arab vs Iranian (Persian), islam vs western democracy themes are being chanted by the protesters.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at December 31, 2017 12:01 PM (tnRJU)

355 Well?.....


Who's the hottie in the library?


Posted by: eleven at December 31, 2017 12:02 PM (+lOpA)

356 >>Samantha Power is just voicing the MO of Barry's admin. Do nothing. If things work out positively, take credit. If not, ignore it.

Saw an article last night quoting some Obama administration hump saying that they did nothing purposely because they didn't want to do anything that would piss off the mullahs. Their whole focus was eventually getting a deal done with Iran, not toppling the theocratic regime.

Posted by: JackStraw at December 31, 2017 12:02 PM (/tuJf)

357 Ambassador Rice

How Can Trump Help Irans Protesters ? Be Quiet.

-
I thought her MO was find the right lie..

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, The Persistence! at December 31, 2017 12:04 PM (+y/Ru)

358 I'm betting Trump colluded with Putin to destabilize Iran. I think they want to split Obama's Iranian stash cuz evil, greedy white men.

Posted by: Puddin Head at December 31, 2017 12:04 PM (vV/gB)

359 "We are not talking about POWs (mostly), but we are talking about the experience of trauma. So what's the difference? Why is it that men who experienced the horrors of captivity and torture, when they return to their lives, seem to have no lasting effects, and those who experience "normal" trauma of war zones, sometimes live with PTSD the rest of their lives?"
--------------------------------------------------
I have no idea if this general statement is true or not, but assuming it is, my guess would be the elements of predictability and routine. One setting has structure, horrible as it is, the other does not. The chaotic nature of the battlefield may compound the effects of experiencing and witnessing pain and terror.
Posted by: Insomniac - Bah humbug! at December 31, 2017 11:51 AM (NWiLs)


I believe you are correct, but I don't know if we've studied the subject sufficiently enough to know. I don't believe we've really scratched the surface on some of the differences between prior wars and these more recent conflicts either.

John Keegan, who wrote the book "The Face of Battle," covers this at great length, about how war is becoming more and more one where the individual combatant NEVER gets away from the front lines, because increasingly there are no lines. So the chaos is experienced all around them, all the time they are in battle zones.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 31, 2017 12:04 PM (Pz4pT)

360 355 Well?.....


Who's the hottie in the library?


Posted by: eleven at December 31, 2017 12:02 PM (+lOpA)

My ex-girlfriend. Had to break up with her, it was nothing but sex, sex, sex all the time. She was just using me for my body and didn't respect me for my mind.

Posted by: Insomniac - Bah humbug! at December 31, 2017 12:05 PM (NWiLs)

361 Captain Comic is the man.

Posted by: exdem13 at December 31, 2017 12:05 PM (W+kMI)

362 Saw an article last night quoting some Obama administration hump saying that they did nothing purposely because they didn't want to do anything that would piss off the mullahs. Their whole focus was eventually getting a deal done with Iran, not toppling the theocratic regime.
Posted by: JackStraw at December 31, 2017 12:02 PM (/tuJf)

Don't piss off the mullahs
Don't piss off hezbellah
Remember the "Right" is the enemy

Posted by: Nevergiveup at December 31, 2017 12:06 PM (SjImc)

363 nood, we can go back to books here now.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at December 31, 2017 12:06 PM (mpXpK)

364 Trump. Silence. Ha!

Posted by: t-bird at December 31, 2017 12:06 PM (clYld)

365 You left the thermal exhaust port unshielded?
Posted by: Count de Monet at December 31, 2017 11:16 AM (QLvwG)

Count, I'm not too worried, The wombats have hibernated for the winter and the Rebels are at least 100 parsecs away. But I can't find my damn engineering plans.

Posted by: RI Red - still thawing out at December 31, 2017 12:06 PM (CDsEW)

366
My ex-girlfriend. Had to break up with her, it was nothing but sex, sex, sex all the time. She was just using me for my body and didn't respect me for my mind.



Don't you just hate that?

Posted by: eleven at December 31, 2017 12:06 PM (+lOpA)

367 Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 31, 2017 12:00 PM (/qEW2)

Maybe Barky's sponsorship by his islamic benefactors and his birth certificate and college transcripts will be divulged.

Posted by: CrotchetyOldJarhead at December 31, 2017 12:08 PM (tnRJU)

368 OldJarhead, I fear it's going to be very ugly for lots of good people in Iran if this thing goes serious/violent.


The bad guys are ruthless, amoral, and worst of all, have lots of skin (all of it - theirs) in the game. Like the senior regional Nazi Party leaders being specifically and intentionally "read in" to the Holocaust by Himmler at one point, the regime elements in Iran know their criminality, the blood on their hands, binds them to the status quo more than any ideology ever could.
Posted by: Farshimmelt Alte-Kocker, AKA rhomboid at December 31, 2017 11:59 AM (Dhcvl)


Our prior Administration had a hand in propping up the evil monsters who are in charge over there. I wonder how much our government is still capable of sabotaging the revolutionary elements.

Posted by: BurtTC at December 31, 2017 12:09 PM (Pz4pT)

369 @355- eleven

If rickl wasn't just joshing us about it being from Dr Zhivago, I believe it's Julie Christie.

And yeah,,, samokin'

Posted by: teej at December 31, 2017 12:09 PM (BN/jk)

370 My ex-girlfriend. Had to break up with her, it was nothing but sex, sex, sex all the time. She was just using me for my body and didn't respect me for my mind.


Don't you just hate that?
Posted by: eleven at December 31, 2017 12:06 PM (+lOpA)


It's terrible. Every man's worst nightmare.

Posted by: Insomniac - Bah humbug! at December 31, 2017 12:10 PM (NWiLs)

371 356 >>Samantha Power is just voicing the MO of Barry's admin. Do nothing. If things work out positively, take credit. If not, ignore it.

Saw an article last night quoting some Obama administration hump saying that they did nothing purposely because they didn't want to do anything that would piss off the mullahs. Their whole focus was eventually getting a deal done with Iran, not toppling the theocratic regime.
=========
That would be about right, yeah. I would also say that like Castro in Cuber, Khomeini's spawn in Iran got a forever pass from the Leftards because they were anti-colonial/anti-imperial by kicking out the Shah. Totally understandable anger for holding US hostages, and so on.

Posted by: exdem13 at December 31, 2017 12:10 PM (W+kMI)

372 @360 My ex-girlfriend. Had to break up with her, it was nothing but sex, sex, sex all the time. She was just using me for my body and didn't respect me for my mind.
-----------------------------

This reminds me of an old goofy black and white comedy. The main character is listening to a young woman complain to her mother on a public phone about her boyfriend - about how all he does is compliment her mind, how he never compliments her stunning figure, etc...

The main character is just getting ready to introduce himself to her, when he gets distracted by Stan Laurel.

Posted by: junior at December 31, 2017 12:11 PM (+fHsM)

373 364 Trump. Silence. Ha!
===
It's only been 3 days since he last baited CNN on Twitter and made them overreact like hysterical bitches.

Posted by: exdem13 at December 31, 2017 12:12 PM (W+kMI)

374 I tried to find the scene on YouTube and got this, but it doesn't include the library. Maybe the picture was an outtake from the movie? TheJamesMadison would probably know.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGd87xRnEAI

Posted by: rickl at December 31, 2017 12:15 PM (sdi6R)

375 http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-42529576

Iran has moved to restrict social media networks that have been used to organise three days of anti-establishment protests.

The restrictions on messaging app Telegram and photo sharing app Instagram are "temporary", state news agency Irib reported.

The decision was taken "to maintain tranquillity and security of society", a source was quoted as saying.


========

This is what creeped me out about how Merkel/FB got together to discuss how to shut down dissenting posters. They want to cut the lines of communication and isolate, so that if the Germans ever get as desperate as the Iranians, they won't be able to fight back effectively.

Posted by: Steve and Cold Bear at December 31, 2017 12:16 PM (/qEW2)

376 I took the holiday break to re-read "Anathem" by Neal Stephenson. It was a tough read the first time through, as Stephenson had reached the point in his writing career when he seemed to find it necessary to invent a new language. Also, coming after "Snow Crash" and "Diamond Age", the monkishness of the story threw me off initially. However, I always found the ideas in the book fascinating, and the re-read was very enjoyable.

This world is split between secular powers and academics, with the academic world sub-divided into groups that only interact with the outside world for 10 days every 1, 10, 100, or 1000 years. This long attention span vs the instantaneous gratification of the secular world is interesting (and also the subject of Vernor Vinges work on Focus in "A Deepness in the Sky") and really says a lot about our current situation. You have people who can turn their focused attention to an important task for weeks, months, years vs. scatter-brained twits who cant look up from their phone long enough to miss getting hit by a truck.

Yet the desire for that immediate news feed, the gratification of a retweet is always there, a siren song of the digital age.

Anyway, a great book if you have the time and remember - Twitter makes you stupid. (You can find me on Twitter @motionview).

Posted by: motionview at December 31, 2017 12:17 PM (pYQR/)

377 The main character is just getting ready to introduce himself to her, when he gets distracted by Stan Laurel.
Posted by: junior at December 31, 2017 12:11 PM (+fHsM)

Huh. I never pictured Laurel as a cockblocker.

Posted by: Insomniac - Bah humbug! at December 31, 2017 12:17 PM (NWiLs)

378 Well?.....

Who's the hottie in the library?

Posted by: eleven at December 31, 2017 12:02 PM (+lOpA)


Natalia Vodianova

More here: http://noirfacade.livejournal.com/612816.html

Posted by: cool breeze at December 31, 2017 12:24 PM (2cg7P)

379 No mention of her elbows?

Posted by: X-ray at December 31, 2017 12:26 PM (QQ4UP)

380 378
Natalia Vodianova

More here: http://noirfacade.livejournal.com/612816.html
Posted by: cool breeze at December 31, 2017 12:24 PM (2cg7P)


Excellent detective work! Well, the photo shoot was clearly inspired by the Dr. Zhivago scene, so I wasn't totally off-base.

Posted by: rickl at December 31, 2017 12:38 PM (sdi6R)

381 pronounced Na-tall-ee-yuh Vod-yawn-ova

Posted by: Christopher R Taylor at December 31, 2017 12:40 PM (39g3+)

382 Me either!

Posted by: Skip at December 31, 2017 12:49 PM (aC6Sd)

383 For all my Russian reading I couldn't begin to pronounce any of it.

Posted by: Skip at December 31, 2017 12:51 PM (aC6Sd)

384 359 "We are not talking about POWs (mostly), but we are talking about the experience of trauma. So what's the difference? Why is it that men who experienced the horrors of captivity and torture, when they return to their lives, seem to have no lasting effects, and those who experience "normal" trauma of war zones, sometimes live with PTSD the rest of their lives?"
--------------------------------------------------
I have no idea if this general statement is true or not, but assuming it is, my guess would be the elements of predictability and routine. One setting has structure, horrible as it is, the other does not. The chaotic nature of the battlefield may compound the effects of experiencing and witnessing pain and terror.
Posted by: Insomniac - Bah humbug! at December 31, 2017 11:51 AM (NWiLs)


I believe you are correct, but I don't know if we've studied the subject sufficiently enough to know. I don't believe we've really scratched the surface on some of the differences between prior wars and these more recent conflicts either.

John Keegan, who wrote the book "The Face of Battle," covers this at great length, about how war is becoming more and more one where the individual combatant NEVER gets away from the front lines, because increasingly there are no lines. So the chaos is experienced all around them, all the time they are in battle zones.
Posted by: BurtTC at December 31, 2017 12:04 PM (Pz4pT)

My theory is that the Baby Boom generation & generations since have been raised in sheltered, comfortable upbringings. War is a horrible experience, and the people of today have little good way to deal with that. In generations past, suffering & death were a fact of growing up. People saw their siblings die young from childhood diseases, grandma & grandpa died at home, not hidden away in a nursing home, kids growing up on a farm worked long, hard hours, they slaughtered livestock - they were better prepared for the horrors of war than people today are.

Posted by: josephistan at December 31, 2017 12:54 PM (ANIFC)

385 Prepper nood

Posted by: josephistan at December 31, 2017 12:59 PM (ANIFC)

386 Anyway, a great book if you have the time and remember - Twitter makes you stupid. (You can find me on Twitter @motionview).

I don't need Twitter to make me stupid.

Posted by: Blanco Basura - It's OK, I'm with the banned at December 31, 2017 01:07 PM (IcT7t)

387 Hmmm.

*kicks corpse of dead book thread*

*stares into grey sky*

I enjoyed getting the first three novels of oddball author and personal fave, Harry Matthews, for Christmas.

I'll start with his first, "The Conversions".


*shoos away dingo gnawing on book thread's face*

*wonders how dingo got here from Australia*

*goes to Chipotle to contemplate the mysteries of Life*

Posted by: naturalfake at December 31, 2017 01:08 PM (9q7Dl)

388 My theory is that the Baby Boom generation
generations since have been raised in sheltered, comfortable
upbringings. War is a horrible experience, and the people of today have
little good way to deal with that. In generations past, suffering
death were a fact of growing up. People saw their siblings die young
from childhood diseases, grandma grandpa died at home, not hidden
away in a nursing home, kids growing up on a farm worked long, hard
hours, they slaughtered livestock - they were better prepared for the
horrors of war than people today are.

Posted by: josephistan at December 31, 2017 12:54 PM (ANIFC)

You are forgetting the Vietnam War.

Posted by: Vic We Have No Party at December 31, 2017 01:09 PM (mpXpK)

389 the book thread never dies!!!!

Posted by: @votermom @vm pimping great books usually free or sale at December 31, 2017 01:43 PM (hMwEB)

390 Just got here but wanted to let fiction readers in on the best book I read last year (which technically was printed in 2016). I Let You Go, by Clare Mackintosh, was one of the few books I still remember, as most of them are shiny squirrels that rarely pan out.

A young mother is devastated by the hit-and-run death of her young son and goes to the Welsh coast to try and heal. Meanwhile two police folk are determined to get to the bottom of the "accident."

Highly recommended.

Posted by: SandyCheeks at December 31, 2017 02:14 PM (ihzOe)

391 Posted by: SandyCheeks at December 31, 2017 02:14 PM (ihzOe)

I just put it on hold at the library

Posted by: @votermom @vm pimping great books usually free or sale at December 31, 2017 02:45 PM (hMwEB)

392 Anna, Eris: If you're on Twitter, follow @PulpLibrarian. He has some good stuff.

Some of my favorites of the year:

"Dead Six" series by Larry Correia and Mike Kupari;

"Churchill's Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare" by Giles Milton (a Horde recommendation);

"Black Tide Rising" series by John Ringo;

"Her Brother's Keeper" by Mike Kupari;

"Win Bigly" by Scott Adams;

"The Smear" by Sheryl Atkisson;

"The LawDog Files and "The LawDog Files: African Adventures";

"A Treasury of Southern Folklore" by B.A. Botkin (another Horde recommendation)

"Big Blue" by David Burkhead;

"A Long Time Until Now" by Michael Z. Williamson.

Rereads: several by Alan Coren; two or three from the "Flashman" series; a couple by Jean Shepherd; "Lord of Light" by Roger Zelazny"; lots of Pratchett and Wodehouse, as usual.

And the topper, of course, is "The Deplorable Gourmet".

New Year's Resolution is to read a Horde author every month and start leaving reviews. But there are so many of you! Still, a worthy goal.

Happy New Year to all!

Posted by: RovingCopyEditor at December 31, 2017 09:17 PM (/aIri)

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MuNuvians
MeeNuvians
Polls! Polls! Polls!

Real Clear Politics
Gallup
Frequently Asked Questions
The (Almost) Complete Paul Anka Integrity Kick
Top Top Tens
Greatest Hitjobs

The Ace of Spades HQ Sex-for-Money Skankathon
A D&D Guide to the Democratic Candidates
Margaret Cho: Just Not Funny
More Margaret Cho Abuse
Margaret Cho: Still Not Funny
Iraqi Prisoner Claims He Was Raped... By Woman
Wonkette Announces "Morning Zoo" Format
John Kerry's "Plan" Causes Surrender of Moqtada al-Sadr's Militia
World Muslim Leaders Apologize for Nick Berg's Beheading
Michael Moore Goes on Lunchtime Manhattan Death-Spree
Milestone: Oliver Willis Posts 400th "Fake News Article" Referencing Britney Spears
Liberal Economists Rue a "New Decade of Greed"
Artificial Insouciance: Maureen Dowd's Word Processor Revolts Against Her Numbing Imbecility
Intelligence Officials Eye Blogs for Tips
They Done Found Us Out, Cletus: Intrepid Internet Detective Figures Out Our Master Plan
Shock: Josh Marshall Almost Mentions Sarin Discovery in Iraq
Leather-Clad Biker Freaks Terrorize Australian Town
When Clinton Was President, Torture Was Cool
What Wonkette Means When She Explains What Tina Brown Means
Wonkette's Stand-Up Act
Wankette HQ Gay-Rumors Du Jour
Here's What's Bugging Me: Goose and Slider
My Own Micah Wright Style Confession of Dishonesty
Outraged "Conservatives" React to the FMA
An On-Line Impression of Dennis Miller Having Sex with a Kodiak Bear
The Story the Rightwing Media Refuses to Report!
Our Lunch with David "Glengarry Glen Ross" Mamet
The House of Love: Paul Krugman
A Michael Moore Mystery (TM)
The Dowd-O-Matic!
Liberal Consistency and Other Myths
Kepler's Laws of Liberal Media Bias
John Kerry-- The Splunge! Candidate
"Divisive" Politics & "Attacks on Patriotism" (very long)
The Donkey ("The Raven" parody)
News/Chat