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Sunday Morning Book Thread - 08-28-2022 ["Perfessor" Squirrel]
PIC NOTE
A history professor friend of mine recently retired and moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She still engages in research at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and took some pictures of the map room where the American Geographical Society houses an impressive collection of maps. They have a large assortment of globes to go with their maps. Pretty impressive space. Thanks to the power of the internet, many of the maps have been digitized, and are readily available for viewing online. MAPS IN LITERATURE I love maps as part of a story. They can take you to places you can never visit and that never existed, like Middle Earth. Or you can join real people as they travel around the world in their adventures, like Marco Polo. You can find maps in historical fiction to show real cities, towns, countryside, and battlefields. You can also find them depicting entire galaxies, such as the one in Star Wars. And thanks to the impressive feat of engineering of the James Webb Space Telescope, we humans will have an incredibly detailed map of the known universe before too long (they've already been discovering some bizarre anomalies that call into question the Big Bang theory). Maps can also be used to obscure knowledge as well as reveal it. Accurate cartography was (and maybe still is) a very competitive, cutthroat business. Mapmakers would include details in their maps that didn't actually exist so that they could foil forgers. Or perhaps the mapmakers knew something that we don't...Maps are an excellent way to introduce an adventure because seeing a map just conjures up all the possible stories that may be occurring in that world right now. Take the map below, for instance. This is a picture of a replica of the earliest known map to feature "America" as a place. The original is located in the Library of Congress. This replica shows the Known World of AD 1507. As you can see, it's highly Eurocentric, with the nations of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East being the most well-defined. The Far East is somewhat defined, but clearly distorted. The twin continents of North and South America might as well not even exist. All we get is some large slivers of wildly inaccurate land. I can easily imagine explorers of that time poring over this map, swapping tall tales of the monsters they encountered during their travels. I spent a little bit of time looking at a higher-quality image of the map trying to find the section marked, "Here there be Dragons" but couldn't find it.
(click for larger image)
Comment: This seemed to generate a lot of positive comments last week. I honestly don't remember much about it, other than the fact that my mother read it to us kids at the breakfast table. There is a sequel to this story called Belles on their Toes, which was also made into a movie (as was the original story more than once). The patriarch of the family, Frank B. Gilbreth, Jr., was a genuine WW II hero, earning a Bronze Star and Air Medal for valor.
So I just finished Cheaper By The Dozen, a book made into a movie that I personally always confuse with With Six You Get Eggroll and Yours, Mine, and Ours. It was really a lot of fun, and quite a throwback to an earlier, much more innocent time in America, when the future held such immense promise. The father is clearly a precursor to the moron horde, opinionated, bombastic, bloody-minded, and very, very funny. I recommend it highly. Posted by: motionview, a National Divorcee at August 21, 2022 09:44 AM (fWbjv)
Comment: Secret Squirrel is spot on in that the Left is very keen on studying the laws of human nature so that they can manipulate them to their own nefarious ends. There's a reason why they are neck deep in using propaganda and indoctrination to keep their minions in line. Because it works.
Currently listening to Robert Greene's The Laws of Human Nature. He is a rather loved/despised writer of books such as Seduction and The 48 Laws of Power. Listening to the author's intro, his voice made me wonder if he might be a demon. I don't know. Definitely cold and creepy. But I'll give the man this- his observations and analysis are spot on. In my line of work, I have to be a very quick judge of character and motivations. So far in The Laws of Human Nature I have found his key observations on body language and motivation are right on. He uses historical figures to tie in the various lessons on behavior. Worth a read or listen to- you know the bad guys are studying this too. Posted by: Secret Squirrel, author of sci fi, kids books and one silly army play on Amazon at August 21, 2022 09:49 AM (NgoNq)
Comment: I just watched the movie Gladiator last weekend, with Richard Harris portraying the venerable Caesar Marcus Aurelius. Meditations was apparently never meant to be published, though it has acquired some fame after the death of Marcus Aurelius. Quote: "Never regard something as doing you good if it makes you betray a trust or lose your sense of shame or makes you show hatred, suspicion, ill-will or hypocrisy or a desire for things best done behind closed doors." (V. 9, trans. Gregory Hays) Some of our corrupt politicians should ponder that from behind bars...
I'll delurk for a minute to report on my reading. I'm nearly finished with volume 2 of the Harvard classics. Specifically, The Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. At the rate I am going I'll be reading this collection for the rest of my life. It's on my Kindle and I keep it bedside for the middle of the night when I can't get back to sleep. I can report that it works pretty well at that. Posted by: Pod Hamp at August 21, 2022 10:12 AM (NhzYe)
Comment: Yeah, I never really saw the appeal of abstract art. Though patterns of art can be quite beautiful and there are some mathematical equations that can be used to create very interesting art indeed. But a crucifix in a jar of urine just doesn't scream "art" to me. Nor does a random assortment of twisted steel beams. The purpose of art, at its core, seems to be to elicit an emotional response. Revulsion at (some) abstract art is an emotional response, so in that sense, I suppose it serves its purpose. YMMV, of course. More Moron-recommended reading material can be found HERE! (371 Moron-recommended books so far!)
Finishing up reading Sister Beckett's Story of Painting. It's really good until she gets to the abstract art period. You have to believe she's just calling it in when she attempts to explain why certain abstract art is art. Good try Sister. Posted by: polynikes at August 21, 2022 10:54 AM (KTOXl)
- The Havoc Engine by Steven Harper -- Book 4 in The Clockwork Empire
- The Wellstone by Wil McCarthy -- What does a revolution by children look like in a post-scarcity, post-mortality society?
Comments
(Jump to bottom of comments)1
NTR
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 28, 2022 08:59 AM (Dc2NZ)
2
Tolle Lege
Looking for something new
Looking for something new
Posted by: Skip at August 28, 2022 09:00 AM (k8B25)
3
And "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a #@%!" is a non-guilty pleasure. It's actually a good read.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 28, 2022 09:01 AM (Dc2NZ)
4
Having enjoyed the "Dobie Gillis" TV show -- NOT during its first run -- I decided to check out the writing of Max Shulman, whose book inspired the show. From the library's meager offerings, I chose "The Feather Merchants."
That's GI lingo for civilians. The book was published during the Second World War.
Our Hero is home in Minneapolis on a furlough from an air base in Oklahoma, where he is a clerk. Mama thinks he's too thin and pushes food upon him, Papa has a war room wallpapered with maps, where he obsessively follows every development in the conflict, and his girlfriend is cold toward him because he is stateside instead of where he is likely to die heroically -- after she had given herself to him the night before he left for basic training.
Through the machinations of a troublemaking buddy, he tells people at a nightclub of how he blew a bridge in Morocco. (D-Day has yet to happen.) A wannabe reporter puts his tale in print -- and the town, including Hizzoner -- and his girlfriend -- sees him as a big hero. Obviously he is no clerk. Civic activities featuring him are laid on, and he is STUCK.
(continued)
That's GI lingo for civilians. The book was published during the Second World War.
Our Hero is home in Minneapolis on a furlough from an air base in Oklahoma, where he is a clerk. Mama thinks he's too thin and pushes food upon him, Papa has a war room wallpapered with maps, where he obsessively follows every development in the conflict, and his girlfriend is cold toward him because he is stateside instead of where he is likely to die heroically -- after she had given herself to him the night before he left for basic training.
Through the machinations of a troublemaking buddy, he tells people at a nightclub of how he blew a bridge in Morocco. (D-Day has yet to happen.) A wannabe reporter puts his tale in print -- and the town, including Hizzoner -- and his girlfriend -- sees him as a big hero. Obviously he is no clerk. Civic activities featuring him are laid on, and he is STUCK.
(continued)
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 28, 2022 09:01 AM (Om/di)
5
Those pants are a moveable feast.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 28, 2022 09:02 AM (Dc2NZ)
6
(second part)
I first feared that the contemporary references would be too dated for me, but then Shulman moved to timeless themes: food and sex. I can still enjoy a good meal. And the way the nightclub -- OK, strip joint -- sells war bonds! ...
I first feared that the contemporary references would be too dated for me, but then Shulman moved to timeless themes: food and sex. I can still enjoy a good meal. And the way the nightclub -- OK, strip joint -- sells war bonds! ...
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 28, 2022 09:03 AM (Om/di)
7
I read the Bands of Mourning by Brandon Sanderson. This is the sixth book in The Mistborn series, and I liked it the best of them all. Waiting for the seventh and final book of the series, The Lost Metal, which will be released on November 15th.
Posted by: Zoltan at August 28, 2022 09:04 AM (0ipkK)
8
Good morning, page turners.
Posted by: grammie winger at August 28, 2022 09:05 AM (45fpk)
9
Morning again, all,
I need to run out to do some errands; I hope to be back on the thread later. MPPPP, if you didn't see my comment earlier this week, I bought a paperback of Such Things As Dreams Are Made Of and am looking forward to reading it!
I need to run out to do some errands; I hope to be back on the thread later. MPPPP, if you didn't see my comment earlier this week, I bought a paperback of Such Things As Dreams Are Made Of and am looking forward to reading it!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at August 28, 2022 09:07 AM (c6xtn)
10
In the "Whew! that's a relief!" category, I located the dust jacket for the book on chasing and repousse I had borrowed from our lapidary society's library after having looked for it for at least three months. Now I just have to find the book and get it out of our house.
In the "Whew! that's a relief!" category, I located the dust jacket for the book on chasing and repousse I had borrowed from our lapidary society's library after having looked for it for at least three months. Now I just have to find the book and get it out of our house.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars at August 28, 2022 09:07 AM (pNxlR)
11
Yay book thread!
Finishing up Arrogance and Scheming in the Big Ten by David Young. It is about Michigan State's quest to be admitted into the Big Ten and is basically a history of college football from its origins to the 1950s.
This thing is crying for an editor and would be maybe 1/4 shorter without the needless and annoying repetition and digressions, but it still quite informative.
TL;DR - college football has always been a corrupt, money-grubbing exercise.
Finishing up Arrogance and Scheming in the Big Ten by David Young. It is about Michigan State's quest to be admitted into the Big Ten and is basically a history of college football from its origins to the 1950s.
This thing is crying for an editor and would be maybe 1/4 shorter without the needless and annoying repetition and digressions, but it still quite informative.
TL;DR - college football has always been a corrupt, money-grubbing exercise.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 09:08 AM (llXky)
12
You, too American Geographical Society? Or Maybe this is just part of the UWM liberry?
and our Milwaukee Transgender Oral Histories are part of the Digital Transgender Archive.
and our Milwaukee Transgender Oral Histories are part of the Digital Transgender Archive.
Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at August 28, 2022 09:09 AM (Wrs74)
13
Read Heinlein's Pandora's Box, Where To?, Free Men, and Blow Ups Happen.
Where To? has his predictions of the future and a revisit fifteen years after he made them. Some are right and some are off, but one thing no one ever predicted was the rise of the deviants who are ruining our civilization. Has anyone ever predicted what's happening here now?
I've also done some rewrites on a short story and I think I'm finished, all I do now is piddle with it. Just need to find decide what to do with it. Finished first draft of my novella and started another one which may only be novelette length. Still have a couple of short stories I need to go over and rewrite. Need some input though.
How's everyone else's writing going?
Where To? has his predictions of the future and a revisit fifteen years after he made them. Some are right and some are off, but one thing no one ever predicted was the rise of the deviants who are ruining our civilization. Has anyone ever predicted what's happening here now?
I've also done some rewrites on a short story and I think I'm finished, all I do now is piddle with it. Just need to find decide what to do with it. Finished first draft of my novella and started another one which may only be novelette length. Still have a couple of short stories I need to go over and rewrite. Need some input though.
How's everyone else's writing going?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 28, 2022 09:09 AM (7bRMQ)
14
This is the first time I've ever been on the ball for the Book Thread, and will use the opportunity thus: In this era when so many [bloody f*cking idiots] are urging readers, especially women, to eschew reading the work of Male Authors and read only Women Authors in the interest of "redressing balance," allow me to recommend two awesomely great Women Authors, both prolific enough to keep one reading for decades! Yes, ladies and gentlemen, let's hear it for the often-imitated but truly inimitable Georgette Heyer, most entertaining historical novelist ever, and Dame Agatha Christie, greatest practitioner of the classic puzzle mystery! In retirement, I am finding them endless fountains of old-fashioned pleasure. So there.
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at August 28, 2022 09:09 AM (SPNTN)
15
I've finished most of Evelyn Waugh's short stories (some of which I'd encountered before). I'm thinking of getting back into his Smart Set books as the weather changes. Maybe I'll allow myself the pleasure of re-reading Sword of Honour over the holidays.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 09:10 AM (llXky)
16
and our Milwaukee Transgender Oral Histories are part of the Digital Transgender Archive.
Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at August 28, 2022 09:09 AM (Wrs74)
---
They will be like the medical records of the Tuskegee Experiment or the notes of the Wansee Conference - crucial evidence in the trials to come.
and our Milwaukee Transgender Oral Histories are part of the Digital Transgender Archive.
Posted by: Cat Ass Trophy at August 28, 2022 09:09 AM (Wrs74)
---
They will be like the medical records of the Tuskegee Experiment or the notes of the Wansee Conference - crucial evidence in the trials to come.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 09:11 AM (llXky)
17
Good morning fellow Book Threadists. I hope everyone had a great week of reading.
Posted by: JTB at August 28, 2022 09:11 AM (7EjX1)
18
On the third book in the Saint Tommy, NYPD novels. It's unfortunate that the writer makes numerous word choice errors and/or typos that made their way into the books but I'm still enjoying them.
And I'm alternating the Saint Tommy books with the Reacher novels. Those are also a lot of fun and, until seeing "Reacher" on amazon (where has Alan Ritchson been all my life?) I had never had the slightest interest in them. Seems I was mistaken.
And I'm alternating the Saint Tommy books with the Reacher novels. Those are also a lot of fun and, until seeing "Reacher" on amazon (where has Alan Ritchson been all my life?) I had never had the slightest interest in them. Seems I was mistaken.
Posted by: Tonestaple at August 28, 2022 09:12 AM (5LVyB)
19
My mom had two English classes in college taught by Nabokov. He thought it important to draw a map of the physical layout of important scenes in books, as he believed it added to understanding the author's intent. Bleak House was one such book and she showed me her college notes recently and, sure enough! She had drawn maps of the main scenes.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at August 28, 2022 09:12 AM (Ws4S/)
20
In my days of reading the Executioner, the Destroyer, and the Penetrator books, I always had the map handy.
Then with Robert Ludlum, I have to dig out the Atlas.
Now I can get satellite images of almost anywhere in the world. And when I zoom in on cities in other countries, they look like shitholes, and I ask myself, "How can people live this way?"
So glad I live in the U.S.A.
Then with Robert Ludlum, I have to dig out the Atlas.
Now I can get satellite images of almost anywhere in the world. And when I zoom in on cities in other countries, they look like shitholes, and I ask myself, "How can people live this way?"
So glad I live in the U.S.A.
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 28, 2022 09:12 AM (Om/di)
21
3 And "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a #@%!" is a non-guilty pleasure. It's actually a good read.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 28, 2022 09:01 AM
I second that recommendation, sister! Mark Manson is an eminently sensible man with an engaging writing style, isn't he?
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 28, 2022 09:01 AM
I second that recommendation, sister! Mark Manson is an eminently sensible man with an engaging writing style, isn't he?
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at August 28, 2022 09:12 AM (SPNTN)
22
In the last few weeks, I've put a few e-books on hold through our local library. E-books are lent out for ten days I believe. So wouldn't you know it, three of my books became available for download on the same day. I'm in a mad dash to read them before they join the Library Invisible.
Posted by: grammie winger at August 28, 2022 09:14 AM (45fpk)
23
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, let's hear it for the often-imitated but truly inimitable Georgette Heyer, most entertaining historical novelist ever, and Dame Agatha Christie, greatest practitioner of the classic puzzle mystery! In retirement, I am finding them endless fountains of old-fashioned pleasure. So there.
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at August 28, 2022 09:09 AM (SPNTN)
---
I don't think you'll find anyone here that will argue with you. There are some truly great female authors out there in every genre.
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at August 28, 2022 09:09 AM (SPNTN)
---
I don't think you'll find anyone here that will argue with you. There are some truly great female authors out there in every genre.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 09:15 AM (K5n5d)
24
Good morning fellow book enthusiasts.
Following on Zoltan's comments, I read Sanderson's Mistborn: The Secret History. It ties up some loose ends and expands one's understanding of the larger Cosmere where Sanderson's other novels are located. I think it also gives some insight into The Lost Metal due out in November.
You have to have read the other books to get it and after the terrific Wax and Wayne books, a little boring but if you are a Sanderson junkie as I am probably necessary reading. Lol
Following on Zoltan's comments, I read Sanderson's Mistborn: The Secret History. It ties up some loose ends and expands one's understanding of the larger Cosmere where Sanderson's other novels are located. I think it also gives some insight into The Lost Metal due out in November.
You have to have read the other books to get it and after the terrific Wax and Wayne books, a little boring but if you are a Sanderson junkie as I am probably necessary reading. Lol
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at August 28, 2022 09:15 AM (Y+l9t)
25
Reading “ The Last King of America “ by Andrew Roberts. He feels that based upon recently released papers from the British Archives, old George lll may not have been as crazy as people make him out to be. I’m only about 1/4 of the way through and it involves a lot of royal familial relationships and shenanigans, but so far, so good. If you’re a history buff, this is pretty good.
Posted by: Retsgtrn at August 28, 2022 09:15 AM (NVtgT)
26
19 My mom had two English classes in college taught by Nabokov. He thought it important to draw a map of the physical layout of important scenes in books, as he believed it added to understanding the author's intent. Bleak House was one such book and she showed me her college notes recently and, sure enough! She had drawn maps of the main scenes.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at August 28, 2022 09:12 AM
Wow! I envy your mom deeply. I read Nabokov's Lectures on Literature and Lectures on Russian Literature when they were published; I was a college pup at the time, and wondered why my English classes couldn't be like those.
Posted by: Huck Follywood at August 28, 2022 09:12 AM
Wow! I envy your mom deeply. I read Nabokov's Lectures on Literature and Lectures on Russian Literature when they were published; I was a college pup at the time, and wondered why my English classes couldn't be like those.
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at August 28, 2022 09:16 AM (SPNTN)
27
Now I can get satellite images of almost anywhere in the world. And when I zoom in on cities in other countries, they look like shitholes, and I ask myself, "How can people live this way?"
So glad I live in the U.S.A.
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 28, 2022 09:12 AM (Om/di)
---
I often pop open Google Maps when I'm reading books set on Earth, both past and present, if only to get a general sense of the location in question. For instance, I read a book last week set in 19th century St. Petersburg, so I used Google Maps to see what the city looked like...
So glad I live in the U.S.A.
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 28, 2022 09:12 AM (Om/di)
---
I often pop open Google Maps when I'm reading books set on Earth, both past and present, if only to get a general sense of the location in question. For instance, I read a book last week set in 19th century St. Petersburg, so I used Google Maps to see what the city looked like...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 09:16 AM (K5n5d)
28
I too, am a map nerd. I have collection of military topographical maps acquired over my career. One of my favorites is a map circa 1950 of the Camp Swift Military reservation located near Bastrop TX. Camp Swift was used as a training base during WWII and later in the war as a POW camp. The map shows several POW cemeteries. I think they are now on private property but it would be interesting to track them down and add them to the Find a Grave database on ancestry.
Posted by: Stacy0311 at August 28, 2022 09:17 AM (VfLe7)
29
Me, standing in front of the bookshelf at 10 PM last night, desperately searching for something to re-read.
My lovely wife: Oh, who needs to go to Barnes & Noble?
Me: Are they still open?
My lovely wife: Oh, who needs to go to Barnes & Noble?
Me: Are they still open?
Posted by: motionview, a National Divorcee at August 28, 2022 09:17 AM (3+sv3)
30
I made my complaint about maps a few months ago when I was reading 1776 and Thirteen Days to Glory but I'll repeat myself since you brought it up.
Both of those books, and a lot of other historical narratives, include contemporary maps drawn by someone who was there. The old maps are (of course) monotone and hand lettered and works of art in themselves. Which is great for setting the scene historically but not so great for helping the reader really understand what's going on. Would it be so hard to keep the old maps but also include redrawn versions using modern graphology so readers can actually use them to help understand the narrative?
Both of those books, and a lot of other historical narratives, include contemporary maps drawn by someone who was there. The old maps are (of course) monotone and hand lettered and works of art in themselves. Which is great for setting the scene historically but not so great for helping the reader really understand what's going on. Would it be so hard to keep the old maps but also include redrawn versions using modern graphology so readers can actually use them to help understand the narrative?
Posted by: Oddbob at August 28, 2022 09:18 AM (nfrXX)
31
About to finish “I Chose Freedom” by Soviet defector Victor Kravchenko. Best expose of communism by someone who lived it that I’ve read.
Ought to be read in all schools; his observation that Americans seem more duped about the nature of communism than Russians still rings true.
Ought to be read in all schools; his observation that Americans seem more duped about the nature of communism than Russians still rings true.
Posted by: Durak Kazyol at August 28, 2022 09:18 AM (4zxRq)
32
For the fans, the latest Chet and Bernie mystery, "Bark to the Future", was released a couple of weeks ago. Must be pretty good. Mrs. JTB has been reading it into the evening.
Posted by: JTB at August 28, 2022 09:18 AM (7EjX1)
33
As far as writing, I'm getting back into keeping my site up to date and also penning columns for bleedingfool.com. My latest is somewhat germane to this discussion because it focuses on one of my recurring admonitions: write what you know.
We've talked about that here, and I make a point of stating that you can know things through personal experience and/or diligent research. I think a mix of both is best, but when dealing with things like vampires or space ships, the former isn't practical.
The thrust of the piece is that Hollywood's writing sucks because current crop have neither experience nor knowledge. What they do have is wokeness, and that is why their stories are incoherent garbage.
We've talked about that here, and I make a point of stating that you can know things through personal experience and/or diligent research. I think a mix of both is best, but when dealing with things like vampires or space ships, the former isn't practical.
The thrust of the piece is that Hollywood's writing sucks because current crop have neither experience nor knowledge. What they do have is wokeness, and that is why their stories are incoherent garbage.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 09:19 AM (llXky)
34
The Wellstone by Wil McCarthy -- What does a revolution by children look like in a post-scarcity, post-mortality society?
"Miri?"
"Miri?"
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 28, 2022 09:20 AM (7bRMQ)
35
I finished "The Queen's Gambit" by Walter Tevis. Yes, it is the book on which the selfsame series that aired on Netflix was based. Yes, it differs from the series.
Many of the non-chess goings on in the televised series were not in the book -- Beth's crazy mother's backstory and how she died, the fashion model with whom she had a drunken assignation in Paris, and the twin brothers who followed her from tournament to tournament. These were not missed.
The relationship with her stepmother, Alma, did not develop to the more affectionate and businesslike level, either, which I thought was a negative.
The book was a short and agreeable read. I would never have read it absent having seen the series. "Take it or leave it" is my bottom line.
I finished "The Queen's Gambit" by Walter Tevis. Yes, it is the book on which the selfsame series that aired on Netflix was based. Yes, it differs from the series.
Many of the non-chess goings on in the televised series were not in the book -- Beth's crazy mother's backstory and how she died, the fashion model with whom she had a drunken assignation in Paris, and the twin brothers who followed her from tournament to tournament. These were not missed.
The relationship with her stepmother, Alma, did not develop to the more affectionate and businesslike level, either, which I thought was a negative.
The book was a short and agreeable read. I would never have read it absent having seen the series. "Take it or leave it" is my bottom line.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars at August 28, 2022 09:20 AM (pNxlR)
36
I guess I should draw comfort from the fact that even hundreds of years ago people would make up wholesale fictions to fill in the gaps, rather than admit they just don't know (see the known map of the world). But I don't. It just emphasizes that we don't seem to improve with age.
Posted by: Gerber Ruber at August 28, 2022 09:21 AM (0bpPp)
Posted by: Durak Kazyol at August 28, 2022 09:21 AM (4zxRq)
38
Wasn't "Fruit Salad Pants" an ELP album?
Posted by: fd at August 28, 2022 09:21 AM (sn5EN)
39
One of the reasons I truly hate GRRM is that the maps in the books made no sense. Trying to figure out how a battle went, looking at a map and realizing it had no relationship to the description in the book.
Of course if you are using interns and fanboys to help you keep track of where you are in the story, mistakes could be made.
Of course if you are using interns and fanboys to help you keep track of where you are in the story, mistakes could be made.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at August 28, 2022 09:22 AM (Y+l9t)
40
I too, am a map nerd. I have collection of military topographical maps acquired over my career. One of my favorites is a map circa 1950 of the Camp Swift Military reservation located near Bastrop TX. Camp Swift was used as a training base during WWII and later in the war as a POW camp. The map shows several POW cemeteries. I think they are now on private property but it would be interesting to track them down and add them to the Find a Grave database on ancestry.
Posted by: Stacy0311 at August 28, 2022 09:17 AM (VfLe7)
---
My father gave me a massive atlas of the Civil War featuring contemporary maps of the various battles and geography. It is really cool but not something one can read without some sort of support (he joked that it was a 'coffee table' book that could actually be used as a coffee table.
Posted by: Stacy0311 at August 28, 2022 09:17 AM (VfLe7)
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My father gave me a massive atlas of the Civil War featuring contemporary maps of the various battles and geography. It is really cool but not something one can read without some sort of support (he joked that it was a 'coffee table' book that could actually be used as a coffee table.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 09:22 AM (llXky)
41
Cloud Castles was a great read
even me wife and sister agree!
even me wife and sister agree!
Posted by: vizzy at August 28, 2022 09:22 AM (R/9t3)
42
Well, Prof, first of all, it's "Heer there be dragons." Try searching for that.
A friend of mine in high school, the wargame aficionado,, once got a State Department map from the '50s that showed only those countries that the U.S. recognized. In Asia was this big open area of ocean, just west of Taiwan.
A friend of mine in high school, the wargame aficionado,, once got a State Department map from the '50s that showed only those countries that the U.S. recognized. In Asia was this big open area of ocean, just west of Taiwan.
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 28, 2022 09:22 AM (Om/di)
43
So I just finished Cheaper By The Dozen, a book made into a movie that I personally always confuse with With Six You Get Eggroll and Yours, Mine, and Ours.
In a similar vein, I've recommended Rosemary Taylor's Chicken Every Sunday, her memoir of growing up in Tucson AZ in the 1930s. Her mother ran a boarding house while Papa was a gadabout always planning get-rich-quick schemes. It's very charming and, like Cheaper, bittersweet in that it memorializes an America that's long dead.
In a similar vein, I've recommended Rosemary Taylor's Chicken Every Sunday, her memoir of growing up in Tucson AZ in the 1930s. Her mother ran a boarding house while Papa was a gadabout always planning get-rich-quick schemes. It's very charming and, like Cheaper, bittersweet in that it memorializes an America that's long dead.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at August 28, 2022 09:23 AM (AW0uW)
44
So glad I live in the U.S.A.
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 28, 2022 09:12 AM (Om/di)
We're working on it.
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 28, 2022 09:12 AM (Om/di)
We're working on it.
Posted by: WEF at August 28, 2022 09:23 AM (7bRMQ)
45
Love that map room and all the globes. I've loved maps ever since I saw my first chart of the bay. The stories they can tell, the way they add to books on history and fiction (LOTR), the way they can reveal history even without text, is magic. Then there is the artistic aspect.
Posted by: JTB at August 28, 2022 09:23 AM (7EjX1)
46
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, let's hear it for the often-imitated but truly inimitable Georgette Heyer, most entertaining historical novelist ever, and Dame Agatha Christie, greatest practitioner of the classic puzzle mystery!
=====
Serendipity! Kidlet was recommending books like JAusten to her cohorts (they are currently obsessed with PandP) and she recommended Heyer. I downloaded the complete Christie oeuvre (free) on my kindle. May have to upgrade my old beastie because even with the extra SD card, the battery is only good for 2 hours max.
=====
Serendipity! Kidlet was recommending books like JAusten to her cohorts (they are currently obsessed with PandP) and she recommended Heyer. I downloaded the complete Christie oeuvre (free) on my kindle. May have to upgrade my old beastie because even with the extra SD card, the battery is only good for 2 hours max.
Posted by: mustbequantum at August 28, 2022 09:23 AM (MIKMs)
47
That picture up top looks like global swarming!
Posted by: Muldoon at August 28, 2022 09:24 AM (kXYt5)
48
Good Sunday morning, horde!
Those pants are fine. I would put them in a cornucopia on the picnic table at a bbq in my backyard.
Those pants are fine. I would put them in a cornucopia on the picnic table at a bbq in my backyard.
Posted by: April--dash my lace wigs! at August 28, 2022 09:24 AM (OX9vb)
49
I was gifted a copy of "Taste" by Stanley Tucci a few months back and started it this past week. I like food and Italy, and I think he's a good actor, so I thought I'd give it a try.
Being from New York, and some point he starts to recount his feelings about 9/11. His take-away: Conservatives are evil for demonizing all muslims.
Screeching halt. Just not doing it any more. On the Goodwill pile.
Being from New York, and some point he starts to recount his feelings about 9/11. His take-away: Conservatives are evil for demonizing all muslims.
Screeching halt. Just not doing it any more. On the Goodwill pile.
Posted by: motionview, a National Divorcee at August 28, 2022 09:24 AM (3+sv3)
50
Ooohhh, I use Google maps and streetview when working on a scene set in a place that I haven't been to, or haven't been to in a while. It's handy for working out distances, and for working out what people traveling along a certain route would have seen.
I wish that I had been able to do a map of the California-Oregon Trail to include in my first novel - To Truckee's Trail, because it followed a pioneer party very closely, and some readers had wished that they could have followed along with my characters.
I wish that I had been able to do a map of the California-Oregon Trail to include in my first novel - To Truckee's Trail, because it followed a pioneer party very closely, and some readers had wished that they could have followed along with my characters.
Posted by: Sgt. Mom at August 28, 2022 09:24 AM (xnmPy)
51
[On the subject of Georgette Heyer]
I don't think you'll find anyone here that will argue with you. There are some truly great female authors out there in every genre.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 09:15 AM
Thank you for the honor of the reply, Perfessor! (I'm watching one of your relatives getting down and funky on the tree in front of my window.) But I'd heard Heyer dismissed for years as a "romance novelist," without substance -- and oh, how wrong that was! Her research and re-creation of the Augustan Age and the Regency are magisterial ... but because the stories are cheerful and funny, she's not an Important Novelist. YES SHE IS. SO THERE. I prefer comic to tragic opera, too.
I don't think you'll find anyone here that will argue with you. There are some truly great female authors out there in every genre.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 09:15 AM
Thank you for the honor of the reply, Perfessor! (I'm watching one of your relatives getting down and funky on the tree in front of my window.) But I'd heard Heyer dismissed for years as a "romance novelist," without substance -- and oh, how wrong that was! Her research and re-creation of the Augustan Age and the Regency are magisterial ... but because the stories are cheerful and funny, she's not an Important Novelist. YES SHE IS. SO THERE. I prefer comic to tragic opera, too.
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at August 28, 2022 09:24 AM (SPNTN)
52
Think I mentioned this last week. The 2023 Old Farmer's Almanac comes out this Tuesday.
Posted by: JTB at August 28, 2022 09:25 AM (7EjX1)
53
The Wellstone by Wil McCarthy -- What does a revolution by children look like in a post-scarcity, post-mortality society?
"Miri?"
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 28, 2022 09:20 AM (7bRMQ)
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No, it's *very* different. Society is ruled by an immortal Queen. Immortality is achieved by "fax" machines that make copies of humans by recording their bodies and memories, then spitting them out again good as new. Everything is provided via fax machines and wellstone, a substance that can transform into virtually any other material. Pretty wild ultratech world building.
"Miri?"
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 28, 2022 09:20 AM (7bRMQ)
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No, it's *very* different. Society is ruled by an immortal Queen. Immortality is achieved by "fax" machines that make copies of humans by recording their bodies and memories, then spitting them out again good as new. Everything is provided via fax machines and wellstone, a substance that can transform into virtually any other material. Pretty wild ultratech world building.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 09:25 AM (K5n5d)
54
MPPPP, if you didn't see my comment earlier this week, I bought a paperback of Such Things As Dreams Are Made Of and am looking forward to reading it!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at August 28, 2022 09:07 AM (c6xtn)
I did see that, and thank you. I hope you enjoy it!
Was going to so some writing today, but I've got a massive hangover. Probably just going to sit on the porch and sleep for the rest of the day.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at August 28, 2022 09:07 AM (c6xtn)
I did see that, and thank you. I hope you enjoy it!
Was going to so some writing today, but I've got a massive hangover. Probably just going to sit on the porch and sleep for the rest of the day.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at August 28, 2022 09:27 AM (AW0uW)
Posted by: Nevergiveup at August 28, 2022 09:28 AM (Irn0L)
56
One of the reasons I truly hate GRRM is that the maps in the books made no sense. Trying to figure out how a battle went, looking at a map and realizing it had no relationship to the description in the book.
Of course if you are using interns and fanboys to help you keep track of where you are in the story, mistakes could be made.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at August 28, 2022 09:22 AM (Y+l9t)
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Tolkien stands out in so many ways, but one of his greatest strengths is his descriptions of the battles and the way he builds narrative tension. He pulls back to show you the big picture (albeit with the dust of troops rising) and then zooms in on the heroes, showing what they see and how they're reacting to it.
One of the many reasons I hate Peter Jackson is that he completely jacked up the Minas Tirith battles. The retreat of Faramir from the Causeway Forts goes from bad to worse, and then the trumpet sounds from the Citadel! The Knights of Dol Amroth sound the charge and their infantry shouts in reply from the walls - why wasn't that filmed?!
Of course if you are using interns and fanboys to help you keep track of where you are in the story, mistakes could be made.
Posted by: Sharon(willow's apprentice) at August 28, 2022 09:22 AM (Y+l9t)
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Tolkien stands out in so many ways, but one of his greatest strengths is his descriptions of the battles and the way he builds narrative tension. He pulls back to show you the big picture (albeit with the dust of troops rising) and then zooms in on the heroes, showing what they see and how they're reacting to it.
One of the many reasons I hate Peter Jackson is that he completely jacked up the Minas Tirith battles. The retreat of Faramir from the Causeway Forts goes from bad to worse, and then the trumpet sounds from the Citadel! The Knights of Dol Amroth sound the charge and their infantry shouts in reply from the walls - why wasn't that filmed?!
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 09:28 AM (llXky)
57
Immortality is achieved by "fax" machines that make copies of humans by recording their bodies and memories, then spitting them out again good as new.
Is it like a real time recovery or do you lose whatever happened between the last backup and the moment of death? Because the latter could lead to some interesting situations where you come back to life and then make the same dumbass mistake again and again.
Is it like a real time recovery or do you lose whatever happened between the last backup and the moment of death? Because the latter could lead to some interesting situations where you come back to life and then make the same dumbass mistake again and again.
Posted by: Oddbob at August 28, 2022 09:30 AM (nfrXX)
58
I have yet to draw the maps for Walls of Men. My daughter is a talented artist and I'm hoping that over Labor Day she can crank some out for me. I have a baseline template, so all she has to do is show the various configurations of the kingdoms/dynasties.
Books on Chinese history have widely varying maps.
Books on Chinese history have widely varying maps.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 09:31 AM (llXky)
59
Thanks MP. Always looking for movies to watch with my teen, Chicken Every Sunday look like a good choice. She really likes the very old movies and I see from the cast that a young Natalie Wood makes an appearance.
Posted by: motionview, a National Divorcee at August 28, 2022 09:31 AM (3+sv3)
60
I would love to go to the Map Room.
Posted by: mustbequantum at August 28, 2022 09:31 AM (MIKMs)
61
You may have heard that Amazon is doing All The Wrong Things for its upcoming series "The Rings of Power", based on the works of J R R Tolkien. They are, as it is shot to pieces with wokeness. Previews and interviews concerning the previews in which principal players in the work hold forth about their personal identity markers and the series, but mostly their personal identity markers, provide ample nauseating evidence of impending dreck.
That said, I have been watching or listening to short videos concerning Tolkien's pre-LOTR lore on YouTube, mostly to be anle to understsnd better just how far away from canon the Amazon dreck strayed. Content generator "In Deep Geek" provides what appears to be a thorough catalog of topics for these subjects. Recommended.
You may have heard that Amazon is doing All The Wrong Things for its upcoming series "The Rings of Power", based on the works of J R R Tolkien. They are, as it is shot to pieces with wokeness. Previews and interviews concerning the previews in which principal players in the work hold forth about their personal identity markers and the series, but mostly their personal identity markers, provide ample nauseating evidence of impending dreck.
That said, I have been watching or listening to short videos concerning Tolkien's pre-LOTR lore on YouTube, mostly to be anle to understsnd better just how far away from canon the Amazon dreck strayed. Content generator "In Deep Geek" provides what appears to be a thorough catalog of topics for these subjects. Recommended.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars at August 28, 2022 09:31 AM (pNxlR)
62
re: Maps
Last night I was looking for the path of the Runaway Scrape, the path Sam Houston and his army took from Gonzales to San Jacinto. I figured, given the number of historical markers floating around the state, that it would be well marked. Ha!
In Northern Virginia, leaving Winchester going east it seemed like there were lots of "Mosby was here" and other markers.
I was only able to find one reference on the historical marker site relating to the RS before I just gave up. I was a bit surprised, though. apparently, they headed north east out of Gonzales instead of East, w/some mention of the La Bahia trail, though that didn't match Burnham's (ferry?) on the Colorado.
Last night I was looking for the path of the Runaway Scrape, the path Sam Houston and his army took from Gonzales to San Jacinto. I figured, given the number of historical markers floating around the state, that it would be well marked. Ha!
In Northern Virginia, leaving Winchester going east it seemed like there were lots of "Mosby was here" and other markers.
I was only able to find one reference on the historical marker site relating to the RS before I just gave up. I was a bit surprised, though. apparently, they headed north east out of Gonzales instead of East, w/some mention of the La Bahia trail, though that didn't match Burnham's (ferry?) on the Colorado.
Posted by: yara at August 28, 2022 09:31 AM (hBsVD)
63
Is it like a real time recovery or do you lose whatever happened between the last backup and the moment of death? Because the latter could lead to some interesting situations where you come back to life and then make the same dumbass mistake again and again.
Posted by: Oddbob at August 28, 2022 09:30 AM (nfrXX)
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It varies and that situation is addressed in the books. If you "die" before you can reach a fax machine, you are restored from your latest backup. You lose memories of what happened from the time you died until you are remade. But if you are injured and tossed into a fax gate, you can come out good as new. If multiple copies of yourself go into a fax gate, the memories of each are integrated into a single individual.
Posted by: Oddbob at August 28, 2022 09:30 AM (nfrXX)
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It varies and that situation is addressed in the books. If you "die" before you can reach a fax machine, you are restored from your latest backup. You lose memories of what happened from the time you died until you are remade. But if you are injured and tossed into a fax gate, you can come out good as new. If multiple copies of yourself go into a fax gate, the memories of each are integrated into a single individual.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 09:33 AM (K5n5d)
64
This week I finished Simon the Fiddler, by Paulette Jiles. This is her follow-up to News of the World, which was great. I really enjoyed Simon as well. It's a bit grittier than News, set in Texas at the very end of the civil war. Good read, as Simon tries (and fails) to avoid trouble everywhere he goes.
Posted by: DIY Daddio at August 28, 2022 09:33 AM (64aAI)
65
I did see that, and thank you. I hope you enjoy it!
Hi MP^4. I was about halfway through ..Stuff.. and then put it aside for a while. I just picked it back up yesterday and will probably finish it today. Did you see a bump from the Sarah Hoyt recommendation last week?
Hi MP^4. I was about halfway through ..Stuff.. and then put it aside for a while. I just picked it back up yesterday and will probably finish it today. Did you see a bump from the Sarah Hoyt recommendation last week?
Posted by: Oddbob at August 28, 2022 09:33 AM (nfrXX)
66
You may have heard that Amazon is doing All The Wrong Things for its upcoming series "The Rings of Power", based on the works of J R R Tolkien. They are, as it is shot to pieces with wokeness. Previews and interviews concerning the previews in which principal players in the work hold forth about their personal identity markers and the series, but mostly their personal identity markers, provide ample nauseating evidence of impending dreck.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars at August 28, 2022 09:31 AM (pNxlR)
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Yes, I've got a couple of columns up addressing this.
The core problem is that there is no easy way to read about the Second Age. Most of the material was unpublished and so one would have to read The Hobbit and LotR, the Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales.
None of the woketards working for Amazon wanted to put in that kind of effort, they they wrote a woke story using some of the names they found in the Wikipedia summary.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars at August 28, 2022 09:31 AM (pNxlR)
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Yes, I've got a couple of columns up addressing this.
The core problem is that there is no easy way to read about the Second Age. Most of the material was unpublished and so one would have to read The Hobbit and LotR, the Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales.
None of the woketards working for Amazon wanted to put in that kind of effort, they they wrote a woke story using some of the names they found in the Wikipedia summary.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 09:34 AM (llXky)
67
That said, I have been watching or listening to short videos concerning Tolkien's pre-LOTR lore on YouTube, mostly to be anle to understsnd better just how far away from canon the Amazon dreck strayed. Content generator "In Deep Geek" provides what appears to be a thorough catalog of topics for these subjects. Recommended.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars at August 28, 2022 09:31 AM (pNxlR)
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"In Deep Geek" does have some great videos on Tolkien's lore. He really dives into the subject.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars at August 28, 2022 09:31 AM (pNxlR)
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"In Deep Geek" does have some great videos on Tolkien's lore. He really dives into the subject.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 09:34 AM (K5n5d)
68
No, it's *very* different. Society is ruled by an immortal Queen. Immortality is achieved by "fax" machines that make copies of humans by recording their bodies and memories, then spitting them out again good as new. Everything is provided via fax machines and wellstone, a substance that can transform into virtually any other material. Pretty wild ultratech world building.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 09:25 AM (K5n5d)
I like it!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 09:25 AM (K5n5d)
I like it!
Posted by: Jared Kushner at August 28, 2022 09:34 AM (7bRMQ)
69
I checked out Carr's "The Terminal List" from the local library yesterday, having heard so much about the small-screen adaptation. So far, I like it. Haven't yet gotten to the section where Reece goes postal on everyone, but after reading what he went through at the beginning, I definitely get it.
Posted by: Dr. T at August 28, 2022 09:35 AM (tp+tP)
70
Serendipity! Kidlet was recommending books like JAusten to her cohorts (they are currently obsessed with PandP) and she recommended Heyer. I downloaded the complete Christie oeuvre (free) on my kindle.
Posted by: mustbequantum at August 28, 2022 09:23 AM
Kidlet has excellent taste! I think that ridiculous TV series "Bridgerton" has had the one good effect of spurring an Austen/Heyer revival. The newest Heyer reprints have a line on the cover: "For fans of Bridgerton"!
I think I downloaded the same Christie collection you did, but it isn't even close to the complete oeuvre; it's all her stuff that's made it into public domain. Lots more where that came from! If your local public library system offers the wonderful, wonderful Hoopla content-lending app, you can access most of it for free. Hoopla isn't compatible with Kindle, though; you'll need an Apple or Android device (I use my phone for the audiobooks and my tablet for text).
Posted by: mustbequantum at August 28, 2022 09:23 AM
Kidlet has excellent taste! I think that ridiculous TV series "Bridgerton" has had the one good effect of spurring an Austen/Heyer revival. The newest Heyer reprints have a line on the cover: "For fans of Bridgerton"!
I think I downloaded the same Christie collection you did, but it isn't even close to the complete oeuvre; it's all her stuff that's made it into public domain. Lots more where that came from! If your local public library system offers the wonderful, wonderful Hoopla content-lending app, you can access most of it for free. Hoopla isn't compatible with Kindle, though; you'll need an Apple or Android device (I use my phone for the audiobooks and my tablet for text).
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at August 28, 2022 09:35 AM (SPNTN)
71
I too love military maps, always pour over them reading a account, and as now setting up a historical war game try as much as I can to recreate it, if simply.
Another tool is Google maps, now using it in a virtual walking tour if 250 years later. But if a more recent battle it can be very helpful to see what was being discussed in text.
Another tool is Google maps, now using it in a virtual walking tour if 250 years later. But if a more recent battle it can be very helpful to see what was being discussed in text.
Posted by: Skip at August 28, 2022 09:35 AM (k8B25)
72
I've lived in Wisc0nsin my whole life (for awhile even in walking distance of UW-Milw. and had no idea that such a cool ma collection was held there. Love maps, collect Atlases, and now have to get to Milwaukee on a week day so I can see for myself.
Posted by: who knew at August 28, 2022 09:36 AM (4I7VG)
73
None of the woketards working for Amazon wanted to put in that kind of effort, they they wrote a woke story using some of the names they found in the Wikipedia summary.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 09:34 AM (llXky)
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It's even worse than that. They had the world's foremost expert on Tolkien, Tom Shippey, available as a consultant. They deliberately got rid of him (or he left in disgust) because they thought they could tell their own story set in Tolkien's world better than Tolkien.
Tabletop gamers playing Rolemaster or Middle Earth Role Playing could do a better job than Amazon's writing team.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 09:34 AM (llXky)
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It's even worse than that. They had the world's foremost expert on Tolkien, Tom Shippey, available as a consultant. They deliberately got rid of him (or he left in disgust) because they thought they could tell their own story set in Tolkien's world better than Tolkien.
Tabletop gamers playing Rolemaster or Middle Earth Role Playing could do a better job than Amazon's writing team.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 09:36 AM (K5n5d)
74
Finally
A federal judge on Aug. 27 announced a preliminary intent to appoint a neutral third party to review documents the FBI seized in a raid on former President Donald Trump’s Florida home, citing “exceptional circumstances.”
Aileen M. Cannon, U.S. district judge for the Southern District of Florida, said that she decided to give Trump a chance to make his case after reviewing Trump’s submissions and the “exceptional circumstances presented.”
A federal judge on Aug. 27 announced a preliminary intent to appoint a neutral third party to review documents the FBI seized in a raid on former President Donald Trump’s Florida home, citing “exceptional circumstances.”
Aileen M. Cannon, U.S. district judge for the Southern District of Florida, said that she decided to give Trump a chance to make his case after reviewing Trump’s submissions and the “exceptional circumstances presented.”
Posted by: G'rump928(c) at August 28, 2022 09:36 AM (yQpMk)
75
@51 --
"Queen! He's not the fellow who writes all those whodunits?...
"I thought you said he was an author!"
-- "The Case of Miss Aggie's Farewell Performance"
"Queen! He's not the fellow who writes all those whodunits?...
"I thought you said he was an author!"
-- "The Case of Miss Aggie's Farewell Performance"
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 28, 2022 09:36 AM (Om/di)
76
I too love military maps, always pour over them reading a account, and as now setting up a historical war game try as much as I can to recreate it, if simply.
Another tool is Google maps, now using it in a virtual walking tour if 250 years later. But if a more recent battle it can be very helpful to see what was being discussed in text.
Posted by: Skip at August 28, 2022 09:35 AM (k8B25)
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The situation in Ukraine is a nostalgia trip for people who wargamed WW II battles on the Eastern Front.
Another tool is Google maps, now using it in a virtual walking tour if 250 years later. But if a more recent battle it can be very helpful to see what was being discussed in text.
Posted by: Skip at August 28, 2022 09:35 AM (k8B25)
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The situation in Ukraine is a nostalgia trip for people who wargamed WW II battles on the Eastern Front.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 09:37 AM (llXky)
77
Tabletop gamers playing Rolemaster or Middle Earth Role Playing could do a better job than Amazon's writing team.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 09:36 AM (K5n5d)
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Iron Crown Enterprises reference for the win!
What's great about this is that Amazon is going to burn a ton of money on a show no one will watch. The more this happens the better.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 09:36 AM (K5n5d)
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Iron Crown Enterprises reference for the win!
What's great about this is that Amazon is going to burn a ton of money on a show no one will watch. The more this happens the better.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 09:39 AM (llXky)
78
Sometimes I think half the reason that I still love fantasy role-playing is the opportunity to make useful arbitrary maps.
Any fans of old David Ahl computer books, he has officially returned them to the public domain. See link in nic.
And I’ve been reading Ray Bradbury’s Death is a Lonely Business. It’s pretty amazing so far. Noir detective firmly in the Bradbury style.
Any fans of old David Ahl computer books, he has officially returned them to the public domain. See link in nic.
And I’ve been reading Ray Bradbury’s Death is a Lonely Business. It’s pretty amazing so far. Noir detective firmly in the Bradbury style.
Posted by: Stephen Price Blair at August 28, 2022 09:39 AM (U+Oxn)
79
My favorite maps were the fold-out ones from the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I spent a lot of time looking at those as a kid.
Posted by: bear with asymmetrical balls at August 28, 2022 09:40 AM (KFhLj)
80
31 Thanks for the pointer. The communists at Wikipedia devoted half the entry on “I chose freedom” to this:
The book received support from the Information Research Department (IRD), a secret branch of the UK Foreign Office which specialised in disinformation, anti-communism, and pro-colonial propaganda.[2][3] Through the IRD, the British government bought the foreign rights to I Chose Freedom and then deployed their agents to promote both the author and its works both within Britain and across the globe.
Rather proves the author’s point.
The book received support from the Information Research Department (IRD), a secret branch of the UK Foreign Office which specialised in disinformation, anti-communism, and pro-colonial propaganda.[2][3] Through the IRD, the British government bought the foreign rights to I Chose Freedom and then deployed their agents to promote both the author and its works both within Britain and across the globe.
Rather proves the author’s point.
Posted by: quantum mechanic at August 28, 2022 09:40 AM (g1EEm)
81
It's even worse than that. They had the world's foremost expert on Tolkien, Tom Shippey, available as a consultant. They deliberately got rid of him (or he left in disgust) because they thought they could tell their own story set in Tolkien's world better than Tolkien.
Tabletop gamers playing Rolemaster or Middle Earth Role Playing could do a better job than Amazon's writing team.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 09:36 AM (K5n5d)
It's not about writing a good story, it's about having the brand and using it as the latest woke skinsuit.
Tabletop gamers playing Rolemaster or Middle Earth Role Playing could do a better job than Amazon's writing team.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 09:36 AM (K5n5d)
It's not about writing a good story, it's about having the brand and using it as the latest woke skinsuit.
Posted by: Dr. T at August 28, 2022 09:40 AM (tp+tP)
82
What's great about this is that Amazon is going to burn a ton of money on a show no one will watch. The more this happens the better.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 09:39 AM (llXky)
---
Actually, I suspect a lot of people will tune into season 1 just to find out how much of a shitshow it's going to be. Amazon will declare that a "success." Then season 2 will roll around, no one will care anymore and they'll quietly cancel after season 3.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 09:39 AM (llXky)
---
Actually, I suspect a lot of people will tune into season 1 just to find out how much of a shitshow it's going to be. Amazon will declare that a "success." Then season 2 will roll around, no one will care anymore and they'll quietly cancel after season 3.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 09:41 AM (K5n5d)
83
Robert E. Howard’s Hyborian Age aka Conan’s World. Fantasy map overlayed on what in effect was Europe / Middle East. Stygia had a town called Khemi and was clearly Egypt. The national characteristics in the book match real world countries. Brilliant.
Posted by: Sam at August 28, 2022 09:41 AM (ud9p9)
84
Good morning. I must confess I am surprised at the globalism on display here. 
I put up my first chapter at https://simulastra.com/
I don't link directly to the chapter because the illustration is a naked cartoon demon. It's Sunday. No need for a direct link to that.
The front page there also has free content if you enjoy urban fantasy at all. It's a work in progress. I just wanted to start doing something.
Have a wonderful Sunday.
I put up my first chapter at https://simulastra.com/
I don't link directly to the chapter because the illustration is a naked cartoon demon. It's Sunday. No need for a direct link to that.
The front page there also has free content if you enjoy urban fantasy at all. It's a work in progress. I just wanted to start doing something.
Have a wonderful Sunday.
Posted by: David Prince at August 28, 2022 09:41 AM (FVaXK)
85
Hi MP^4. I was about halfway through ..Stuff.. and then put it aside for a while. I just picked it back up yesterday and will probably finish it today. Did you see a bump from the Sarah Hoyt recommendation last week?
Posted by: Oddbob at August 28, 2022 09:33 AM (nfrXX)
No, no bump that I can see. But I appreciated her recommendation nonetheless. And thank you for buying the book - I hope you like it. And an Amazon review is always welcome.
Posted by: Oddbob at August 28, 2022 09:33 AM (nfrXX)
No, no bump that I can see. But I appreciated her recommendation nonetheless. And thank you for buying the book - I hope you like it. And an Amazon review is always welcome.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at August 28, 2022 09:41 AM (AW0uW)
86
Kidlet has excellent taste! I think that ridiculous TV series "Bridgerton" has had the one good effect of spurring an Austen/Heyer revival. The newest Heyer reprints have a line on the cover: "For fans of Bridgerton"!
=====
My recommendation for many years has been that for intro to Austen in HS, they should use Northanger Abbey. Wild and silly and short, with the added benefit that most boys wouldn't be that turned off.
Never watched Bridgerton or Downton. Don't have much patience for soapy relationships.
For my money, Austen invented the modern novel.
=====
My recommendation for many years has been that for intro to Austen in HS, they should use Northanger Abbey. Wild and silly and short, with the added benefit that most boys wouldn't be that turned off.
Never watched Bridgerton or Downton. Don't have much patience for soapy relationships.
For my money, Austen invented the modern novel.
Posted by: mustbequantum at August 28, 2022 09:41 AM (MIKMs)
87
When I got to the Korean War, I seriously considered buying a copy of the Victory Games wargame. Went online and reviewed the components and wisely abstained.
I used to own around 100 wargames and sold almost all of them off when I was unemployed 15 years ago. I've kept my favorites, and have picked up some ones since then, but I'm really trying to avoid cluttering up the house. Any new gaming purchases must pass the "will you play it more than once?" test. I'm also looking at "one in, one out" because while Empires and Arms is a totally cool game, I haven't thought about playing it since 1995.
I used to own around 100 wargames and sold almost all of them off when I was unemployed 15 years ago. I've kept my favorites, and have picked up some ones since then, but I'm really trying to avoid cluttering up the house. Any new gaming purchases must pass the "will you play it more than once?" test. I'm also looking at "one in, one out" because while Empires and Arms is a totally cool game, I haven't thought about playing it since 1995.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 09:42 AM (llXky)
88
Actually, I suspect a lot of people will tune into season 1 just to find out how much of a shitshow it's going to be. Amazon will declare that a "success." Then season 2 will roll around, no one will care anymore and they'll quietly cancel after season 3.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 09:41 AM (K5n5d)
---
I disagree. I think they will watch at most 2 episodes and then quit. Look at the Cowboy Bebop flop.
Plus, money is getting tight these days. If the audience slides right from the premiere, no one's going to bank on a turnaround.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 09:41 AM (K5n5d)
---
I disagree. I think they will watch at most 2 episodes and then quit. Look at the Cowboy Bebop flop.
Plus, money is getting tight these days. If the audience slides right from the premiere, no one's going to bank on a turnaround.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 09:44 AM (llXky)
89
For my money, Austen invented the modern novel.
Posted by: mustbequantum at August 28, 2022 09:41 AM (MIKMs)
---
Ahem.
Posted by: mustbequantum at August 28, 2022 09:41 AM (MIKMs)
---
Ahem.
Posted by: Daniel Defoe at August 28, 2022 09:45 AM (llXky)
90
I disagree. I think they will watch at most 2 episodes and then quit. Look at the Cowboy Bebop flop.
=====
Thank goodness I wasn't the only one who thought it was tiresome.
=====
Thank goodness I wasn't the only one who thought it was tiresome.
Posted by: mustbequantum at August 28, 2022 09:48 AM (MIKMs)
91
Had held off on grabbing MP4's The Director's Cut since I could only find it on Kindle and I do prefer paper. Finally went for it, and wow! Really feel like I know Theo and Toby. Mystery is not usually my thing, but I'm loving the tension and situations they keep stumbling into.
Posted by: She Hobbit at August 28, 2022 09:48 AM (ftFVW)
92
The situation in Ukraine is a nostalgia trip for people who wargamed WW II battles on the Eastern Front.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 09:37 AM (llXky)
===
My thought is these are the people who wargamed WW3 with a Soviet thrust through the Fulda Gap.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 09:37 AM (llXky)
===
My thought is these are the people who wargamed WW3 with a Soviet thrust through the Fulda Gap.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at August 28, 2022 09:48 AM (EZebt)
93
Speaking of Austen, I saw an article on First Things claiming that the Ciaran Hinds film adaptation of Possession was the best of all of them, even surpassing Colin Firth's Pride and Prejudice.
Since my wife has an extensive DVD library of adaptations, I watched it and it is quite good.
(When I suggested we watch it instead of our usual Miami Vice episode you could have knocked her over with a feather.)
Since my wife has an extensive DVD library of adaptations, I watched it and it is quite good.
(When I suggested we watch it instead of our usual Miami Vice episode you could have knocked her over with a feather.)
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 09:48 AM (llXky)
94
That description of _The Feather Merchants_ reminds me of a wartime comedy film called _Hail the Conquering Hero_. Similar plot: guy who was rated 4-F works in a war plant but sends home letters pretending he's overseas with the Marines. On a visit home the town decides to celebrate their hero -- but there's a visiting group of Marines back from Guadalcanal who decide to help the mope. Amusing movie, part of the WWII/post WWII era of "Marines have magic powers" in cinema (also paratroopers).
Posted by: Trimegistus at August 28, 2022 09:49 AM (QZxDR)
95
I disagree. I think they will watch at most 2 episodes and then quit. Look at the Cowboy Bebop flop.
Plus, money is getting tight these days. If the audience slides right from the premiere, no one's going to bank on a turnaround.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 09:44 AM (llXky)
---
The Knight's Watch channel found some early reviews from people who have been privileged enough to watch the first two episodes. One reviewer said the first couple of episodes were pretty good, but they also said it could go off the rails in episode 3. Not encouraging. So yeah, I could see how people will watch the first couple of episodes and then tune out the rest of the season.
Plus, money is getting tight these days. If the audience slides right from the premiere, no one's going to bank on a turnaround.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 09:44 AM (llXky)
---
The Knight's Watch channel found some early reviews from people who have been privileged enough to watch the first two episodes. One reviewer said the first couple of episodes were pretty good, but they also said it could go off the rails in episode 3. Not encouraging. So yeah, I could see how people will watch the first couple of episodes and then tune out the rest of the season.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 09:50 AM (K5n5d)
96
Hi MP^4. I was about halfway through ..Stuff.. and then put it aside for a while. I just picked it back up yesterday and will probably finish it today. Did you see a bump from the Sarah Hoyt recommendation last week?
Posted by: Oddbob at August 28, 2022 09:33 AM (nfrXX)
I don't often read her, but which post is it?
Posted by: Oddbob at August 28, 2022 09:33 AM (nfrXX)
I don't often read her, but which post is it?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 28, 2022 09:50 AM (7bRMQ)
97
I just remembered!
I have a book, "Masters of the Battlefield," about noted battles throughout history. Each chapter has a pocket that contains a map of the scene.
I got it as a Christmas present decades ago. Have barely touched it.
*hangs head*
I have a book, "Masters of the Battlefield," about noted battles throughout history. Each chapter has a pocket that contains a map of the scene.
I got it as a Christmas present decades ago. Have barely touched it.
*hangs head*
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 28, 2022 09:51 AM (Om/di)
98
Booken morgen horden
Posted by: vmom stabby stabby stabby stabby stabamillion at August 28, 2022 09:52 AM (gbzeC)
99
Yara @62, when I was writing Daughter of Texas, I did find a map following the Runaway Scrape - it was, IIRC, from a local blogger and historical enthusiast, and he did note markers for all the campsites along the Runaway Scrape. Alas, I didn't bookmark the link and it's been several years and a lot of books since then. So there are markers and a path to follow. Keep looking!
I had a fan try and do a google street view to locate Luna City (at Route 123 where it crosses the San Antonio River in Karnes County) who was hugely disappointed when he realized I had made up the city, the historic McAllister house, and the Tip Top Ice House, Gas & Grocery.
I had a fan try and do a google street view to locate Luna City (at Route 123 where it crosses the San Antonio River in Karnes County) who was hugely disappointed when he realized I had made up the city, the historic McAllister house, and the Tip Top Ice House, Gas & Grocery.
Posted by: Sgt. Mom at August 28, 2022 09:52 AM (xnmPy)
100
Dear Daniel Defoe,
Jane Austen can make you care whether some silly twit has the right dress. You need to go into wordy fantasies to make your point.
A Not-So-Gentle Reader
Jane Austen can make you care whether some silly twit has the right dress. You need to go into wordy fantasies to make your point.
A Not-So-Gentle Reader
Posted by: mustbequantum at August 28, 2022 09:53 AM (MIKMs)
101
Tangentially related to Amazon’s impending LOTR debacle: I watched Top Gun Maverick streaming last night (it’s now available on Prime). Good movie. Surprisingly, it’s almost a verbatim remake of the original, which has me quite shocked at its success.
I would not have expected modern audiences to appreciate 1980s movie craft to such an extent. And critics: it’s high 90s on the Rotten Tomatoes. Perhaps there’s still some hope for humanity..
I would not have expected modern audiences to appreciate 1980s movie craft to such an extent. And critics: it’s high 90s on the Rotten Tomatoes. Perhaps there’s still some hope for humanity..
Posted by: quantum mechanic at August 28, 2022 09:53 AM (g1EEm)
102
I'm glad to hear a new Chet and Bernie mystery is out.
For those who like to listen to books, Jim Frangione does an excellent job of being Chet.
For those who like to listen to books, Jim Frangione does an excellent job of being Chet.
Posted by: Brett at August 28, 2022 09:54 AM (2ndRB)
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars at August 28, 2022 09:54 AM (pNxlR)
104
]I don't often read her, but which post is it?
https://accordingtohoyt.com/2022/08/14/ a-very-special-book-promo-and-vignettes -by-luke-mary-catelli-and-nother-mike/
Delete spaces after "14/" and "vignettes."
https://accordingtohoyt.com/2022/08/14/ a-very-special-book-promo-and-vignettes -by-luke-mary-catelli-and-nother-mike/
Delete spaces after "14/" and "vignettes."
Posted by: Oddbob at August 28, 2022 09:55 AM (nfrXX)
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 28, 2022 09:56 AM (Om/di)
106
Greetings:
Much like the current state of typography, the state of today's cartography which, in spite of all the modern digital tools, leaves good bits to be desired.
Which, in turn, leads me to one of my current "book" interests. While, to our visiting authors, the writing is most likely the elephant in the room, I'm rather interested in anecdotes about the design and manufacturing processes experienced.
I recently read "Geography Is Destiny" by Ian Morris who uses a handful of pretty unorthodox maps to make his points. But the basic disciplines, like if a place is mentioned in the text in should appear on the relevant map, seem to be being forgotten. And, I can't even remember the last time a came across those "chessboard" locators used and referenced in the text.
Much like the current state of typography, the state of today's cartography which, in spite of all the modern digital tools, leaves good bits to be desired.
Which, in turn, leads me to one of my current "book" interests. While, to our visiting authors, the writing is most likely the elephant in the room, I'm rather interested in anecdotes about the design and manufacturing processes experienced.
I recently read "Geography Is Destiny" by Ian Morris who uses a handful of pretty unorthodox maps to make his points. But the basic disciplines, like if a place is mentioned in the text in should appear on the relevant map, seem to be being forgotten. And, I can't even remember the last time a came across those "chessboard" locators used and referenced in the text.
Posted by: 11B40 at August 28, 2022 09:57 AM (uuklp)
107
My thought is these are the people who wargamed WW3 with a Soviet thrust through the Fulda Gap.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at August 28, 2022 09:48 AM (EZebt)
---
There's a clear difference between people who played wargames that used logistics rules and those who didn't.
The ones doing the old Avalon Hill style where you can move every piece and all you need for supply is a line clear of enemy zones of control are usually the most hawkish reality-challenged idiots.
The ones who know you have to establish depots, gather reserves and then sustain the attack - they get it.
Posted by: San Franpsycho at August 28, 2022 09:48 AM (EZebt)
---
There's a clear difference between people who played wargames that used logistics rules and those who didn't.
The ones doing the old Avalon Hill style where you can move every piece and all you need for supply is a line clear of enemy zones of control are usually the most hawkish reality-challenged idiots.
The ones who know you have to establish depots, gather reserves and then sustain the attack - they get it.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 09:57 AM (llXky)
108
I recall having a couple of those 3-D relief maps like the on on the stand back in the 60's. They really helped you understand the topology. IIRC they were made out of styrene plastic like stuff.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at August 28, 2022 09:58 AM (BFigT)
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at August 28, 2022 09:58 AM (AW0uW)
110
I used Google Earth quite a bit when following my dad's WWII diary. One in particular that I enjoyed was finding the town of Norma, which is indeed built on the edge of a 1000' sheer cliff.
May 29, 1944
Goodhan took me flying today. A “message to Garcia” sort of thing. A Lt of the 91 Recon was out on the point of II Corps advance and didn’t know the situation. So he radioed for some help. Army turned the problem over to the Arty section and we sent Goodhan[d] out to look. He buzzed a few towns trying to find out who owned them till he finally saw a jeep parked in Norma, a little town built right on the top of a 1000’ sheer cliff.
Google Earth search for Norma, Lazio
May 29, 1944
Goodhan took me flying today. A “message to Garcia” sort of thing. A Lt of the 91 Recon was out on the point of II Corps advance and didn’t know the situation. So he radioed for some help. Army turned the problem over to the Arty section and we sent Goodhan[d] out to look. He buzzed a few towns trying to find out who owned them till he finally saw a jeep parked in Norma, a little town built right on the top of a 1000’ sheer cliff.
Google Earth search for Norma, Lazio
Posted by: Muldoon at August 28, 2022 09:59 AM (kXYt5)
111
Jane Austen can make you care whether some silly twit has the right dress. You need to go into wordy fantasies to make your point.
A Not-So-Gentle Reader
Posted by: mustbequantum at August 28, 2022 09:53 AM (MIKMs)
---
The goal posts seem to be shifting here. Dafoe clearly antedated Austen in the creation of works of fiction which are still accessible today.
Whether you find them interesting is not the point. I'd rather read Dafoe than Austen, but I admit that's a matter of taste.
A Not-So-Gentle Reader
Posted by: mustbequantum at August 28, 2022 09:53 AM (MIKMs)
---
The goal posts seem to be shifting here. Dafoe clearly antedated Austen in the creation of works of fiction which are still accessible today.
Whether you find them interesting is not the point. I'd rather read Dafoe than Austen, but I admit that's a matter of taste.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:01 AM (llXky)
112
I'm continuing to read Pliny's Natural History. Ancient maps with the old place names are invaluable. I'll read a name and look it up and it will be some place in Noth Africa and I will think "oh so that's where that is". It seemed more exotic when they called it "Numidia".
Posted by: fd at August 28, 2022 10:02 AM (sn5EN)
113
Back to the Maps Room --
I was wondering how many of the maps were identifying which indigenous clans or tribes were currently in charge of an area. Interesting historically. Waaaay back in the day, every year around St Pat's Day, Chicago Tribune would publish a full-page map of Ireland with the main clan names and areas.
I was wondering how many of the maps were identifying which indigenous clans or tribes were currently in charge of an area. Interesting historically. Waaaay back in the day, every year around St Pat's Day, Chicago Tribune would publish a full-page map of Ireland with the main clan names and areas.
Posted by: mustbequantum at August 28, 2022 10:04 AM (MIKMs)
114
As for reading, started The Only Plane in the Sky: an Oral History of 9/11 and Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds. Both are excellent so far.
Posted by: who knew at August 28, 2022 10:05 AM (4I7VG)
115
Tangentially related to Amazon’s impending LOTR debacle: I watched Top Gun Maverick streaming last night (it’s now available on Prime). Good movie. Surprisingly, it’s almost a verbatim remake of the original, which has me quite shocked at its success.
Posted by: quantum mechanic at August 28, 2022 09:53 AM (g1EEm)
---
The achievement of Maverick is that it actually completes the story arc rather than simply recycling it.
That's what most sequels do - try another variation of the same story. Maverick uses the same story to illustrate how the world (and people) have changed. I went into that film prepped to hate it and even wrote a pre-review saying it was going to suck and I was very much surprised not only by how good it was, but by how much it affected me.
Perhaps this was because my military career is also in its twilight, but I couldn't help but admire how deftly the writers explained Maverick's endurance despite being a trouble-maker and also poignantly juxtaposed him with Iceman, who had all the markers of success yet died before his time of cancer.
Put simply - it told a great story.
Posted by: quantum mechanic at August 28, 2022 09:53 AM (g1EEm)
---
The achievement of Maverick is that it actually completes the story arc rather than simply recycling it.
That's what most sequels do - try another variation of the same story. Maverick uses the same story to illustrate how the world (and people) have changed. I went into that film prepped to hate it and even wrote a pre-review saying it was going to suck and I was very much surprised not only by how good it was, but by how much it affected me.
Perhaps this was because my military career is also in its twilight, but I couldn't help but admire how deftly the writers explained Maverick's endurance despite being a trouble-maker and also poignantly juxtaposed him with Iceman, who had all the markers of success yet died before his time of cancer.
Put simply - it told a great story.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:05 AM (llXky)
116
Mornin' Horde. I finished Alison Weir's novel about Elizabeth of York this week. If you get your Elizabeths confused like I do (how about a LaQueesha or Shaniqua to mix things up, Brits?), she was the daughter of Edward IV, sister of the Princes in the Tower, wife of Henry VII, and mother of Henry VIII. A tumultuous life to say the least. I enjoyed it, but not as much as Margaret George's The Autobiography of Henry VIII.
werewife, I put Heyer on my list - I love historical fiction and yes, I'll admit it, I love Regency romance.
werewife, I put Heyer on my list - I love historical fiction and yes, I'll admit it, I love Regency romance.
Posted by: screaming in digital at August 28, 2022 10:06 AM (pkAcY)
117
It may take two posts for the title.
A Grand Adventure: the lives of Helge and Anne Stine Ingstad and their discovery of a Viking settlement in North America by Benedicte Ingstad
This is the couple that found the Viking settlement in Newfoundland. It's written by their daughter. Helge had an interesting life before his marriage. He was governor in Greenland when Norway and Denmark were fighting for posession. I am just getting to the point where he tours America and meets her. It's well written and interesting.
A Grand Adventure: the lives of Helge and Anne Stine Ingstad and their discovery of a Viking settlement in North America by Benedicte Ingstad
This is the couple that found the Viking settlement in Newfoundland. It's written by their daughter. Helge had an interesting life before his marriage. He was governor in Greenland when Norway and Denmark were fighting for posession. I am just getting to the point where he tours America and meets her. It's well written and interesting.
Posted by: Notsothoreau at August 28, 2022 10:06 AM (9WSy4)
118
I know not whether it still exists, but an audio tour following the route of Lee's retreat from Petersburg to Appomattox CH used to exist in Virginia. IIRC, you drove from location to location and then could tune your car radio to receive a recording that explained what event on the retreat occurred at that location.
This was over twenty-five years ago, so whether it still exists is open to question. I'd inquire at Petersburg National Battlefield to check on that.
I know not whether it still exists, but an audio tour following the route of Lee's retreat from Petersburg to Appomattox CH used to exist in Virginia. IIRC, you drove from location to location and then could tune your car radio to receive a recording that explained what event on the retreat occurred at that location.
This was over twenty-five years ago, so whether it still exists is open to question. I'd inquire at Petersburg National Battlefield to check on that.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars at August 28, 2022 10:06 AM (pNxlR)
119
...was hugely disappointed when he realized I had made up the city, the historic McAllister house, and the Tip Top Ice House, Gas & Grocery.
Posted by: Sgt. Mom
*******
Heh!
Posted by: Sgt. Mom
*******
Heh!
Posted by: Muldoon at August 28, 2022 10:06 AM (kXYt5)
120
While reading Pliny, I learned of a new critter:
"In the copper-smelting furnaces of Cyprus, in the very midst of the fire, there is to be seen flying about a four-footed animal with wings, the size of a large fly: this creature is called the “pyrallis,” and by some the “pyrausta.” So long as it remains in the fire it will live, but if it comes out and flies a little distance from it, it will instantly die".
"Pryallis" would be a good name for Harry Nilsson album.
"In the copper-smelting furnaces of Cyprus, in the very midst of the fire, there is to be seen flying about a four-footed animal with wings, the size of a large fly: this creature is called the “pyrallis,” and by some the “pyrausta.” So long as it remains in the fire it will live, but if it comes out and flies a little distance from it, it will instantly die".
"Pryallis" would be a good name for Harry Nilsson album.
Posted by: fd at August 28, 2022 10:06 AM (sn5EN)
121
Delete spaces after "14/" and "vignettes."
Posted by: Oddbob at August 28, 2022 09:55 AM (nfrXX)
I read the next week's one. I see it's a permanent thread header. Thanks, I'll change the date.
Posted by: Oddbob at August 28, 2022 09:55 AM (nfrXX)
I read the next week's one. I see it's a permanent thread header. Thanks, I'll change the date.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 28, 2022 10:06 AM (7bRMQ)
122
I'm taking a break from bingeing on urban fantasy books with absolutely no redeeming value whatsoever and am just finishing up Kyle Harper's "The Fall of Rome". Back in my misspent youth, I took four years of Latin in high school. I really didn't learn all that much Latin, but my teacher covered a lot of Roman history, and I've had a side interest in Roman history since then.
I have never read Gibbons' " Rise and Fall". Just not interested. But I have read a bunch of fiction and nonfiction covering the entirety of Roman history, so I am pretty familiar with the larger outline.
Harper places the fall of Rome in the context of disease and climate change in addition to politics, something I'd never done myself. He writes about the three big pandemics that wracked Imperial Rome at about two hundred years intervals, resulting in a severe depopulation that depleted both the armies and the treasury. (I discovered I really should have paid a lot more attention to my biology teacher.) 1/2
I have never read Gibbons' " Rise and Fall". Just not interested. But I have read a bunch of fiction and nonfiction covering the entirety of Roman history, so I am pretty familiar with the larger outline.
Harper places the fall of Rome in the context of disease and climate change in addition to politics, something I'd never done myself. He writes about the three big pandemics that wracked Imperial Rome at about two hundred years intervals, resulting in a severe depopulation that depleted both the armies and the treasury. (I discovered I really should have paid a lot more attention to my biology teacher.) 1/2
Posted by: Captain Josepha Sabin -- I wasn't particularly fond of the '70s the first time around at August 28, 2022 10:06 AM (9SjWf)
123
I didn't want to hit the space limit, so I will conclude my thoughts on Maverick by noting that from now on, Top Gun is no longer a standalone film. Maverick is now the missing second half of the story.
How many sequels achieve that?
How many sequels achieve that?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:07 AM (llXky)
Posted by: Warai-otoko at August 28, 2022 10:07 AM (6FeV1)
125
hiya
Posted by: JT at August 28, 2022 10:07 AM (T4tVD)
126
I don't think that the pants guy owns a weedwhacker. (if you catch my drift....)
Posted by: JT at August 28, 2022 10:08 AM (T4tVD)
Posted by: JT at August 28, 2022 10:09 AM (T4tVD)
128
I would love to find out what sources Robert E. Howard had available to come up with so many archaic references and terms. Khemi for Egypt is just one. Considering he lived in a small Texas town and only lived into his 30s, he had a wealth of knowledge in such matters. He also wrote a LOT of stories, not just the Conan tales. Incredible amount of material.
Posted by: JTB at August 28, 2022 10:10 AM (7EjX1)
129
Probably the most interesting thing I read this week wasn't a book but a blog post by Bret Devereaux, on why the Romans didn't have an industrial revolution. It's on his blog, "A Collection of Unmitigated Pedantry," which I highly recommend.
Posted by: Trimegistus at August 28, 2022 10:11 AM (QZxDR)
130
Great job, again, Perfessor S.
one of the nice things about the book thread: future reading ideas.
And yeah, the book thread has cost me a few dollars over the years.
Completely worth it, though.
one of the nice things about the book thread: future reading ideas.
And yeah, the book thread has cost me a few dollars over the years.
Completely worth it, though.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 10:11 AM (5pTK/)
131
Old maps are great history teachers.
I once saw an atlas from the '40s. There was this huge country called French West Africa. Since cut into several countries.
I wonder just how accurate are today's maps of African countries. Take Chad. Are its southern boundaries that distinct?
I once saw an atlas from the '40s. There was this huge country called French West Africa. Since cut into several countries.
I wonder just how accurate are today's maps of African countries. Take Chad. Are its southern boundaries that distinct?
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 28, 2022 10:11 AM (Om/di)
132
I wonder just how accurate are today's maps of African countries. Take Chad. Are its southern boundaries that distinct?
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 28, 2022 10:11 AM (Om/di)
CHAD DOES NOT SKIP LEG DAY!
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 28, 2022 10:11 AM (Om/di)
CHAD DOES NOT SKIP LEG DAY!
Posted by: Chad at August 28, 2022 10:12 AM (6FeV1)
133
I think the Fall of Rome isn't the question people should be asking. All societies decline. The question I'm interested in is why did Rome manage to last so long?
Posted by: Trimegistus at August 28, 2022 10:12 AM (QZxDR)
134
Dune Novels: Planet Ix, always prounounced it "icks". In one of the pre-novels, find out it's the ninth planet of the system...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:13 AM (ynpvh)
Posted by: JT at August 28, 2022 10:13 AM (T4tVD)
136
Whether you find them interesting is not the point. I'd rather read Dafoe than Austen, but I admit that's a matter of taste.
=====
Sorry if I seemed abrupt. I was talking about language craft. She should be an honorary Irish.
=====
Sorry if I seemed abrupt. I was talking about language craft. She should be an honorary Irish.
Posted by: mustbequantum at August 28, 2022 10:13 AM (MIKMs)
137
F'ckin Chad
Posted by: Muldoon at August 28, 2022 10:14 AM (kXYt5)
138
Never regard something as doing you good if it makes you betray a trust or lose your sense of shame or makes you show hatred, suspicion, ill-will or hypocrisy or a desire for things best done behind closed doors...
Shorter mission statement of the Left.
THE ENDS JUSTIFY THE MEANS
Shorter mission statement of the Left.
THE ENDS JUSTIFY THE MEANS
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:14 AM (saYt3)
139
I wonder just how accurate are today's maps of African countries. Take Chad. Are its southern boundaries that distinct?
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 28, 2022 10:11 AM (Om/di)
----------
Where national boundaries are probably depends on who draws the map.
For instance, a Chinese map probably shows Taiwan as being part of China. Very likely, Tibet doesn't exist on maps in China.
And so on.
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 28, 2022 10:11 AM (Om/di)
----------
Where national boundaries are probably depends on who draws the map.
For instance, a Chinese map probably shows Taiwan as being part of China. Very likely, Tibet doesn't exist on maps in China.
And so on.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 10:15 AM (5pTK/)
140
{{{Captain Josepha Sabin}}}
I trust you are thriving in the cooler temps.
The book I like about the fall of Rome is The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History of Rome and the Barbarians by Peter Heather.
There are some uncanny parallels with today.
I trust you are thriving in the cooler temps.
The book I like about the fall of Rome is The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History of Rome and the Barbarians by Peter Heather.
There are some uncanny parallels with today.
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at August 28, 2022 10:15 AM (u82oZ)
141
OK, I give up. In the photo, what area does that raised relief map cover? There's no mountains in Florida ... just hills in the northern boarder area.
Posted by: SmokyStovetop at August 28, 2022 10:15 AM (GHdXS)
142
Julius Caesar is one answer to the question of why Rome lasted so long.
Posted by: David Prince at August 28, 2022 10:15 AM (FVaXK)
Posted by: Garbled Fogarty at August 28, 2022 10:15 AM (kXYt5)
144
139 I wonder just how accurate are today's maps of African countries. Take Chad. Are its southern boundaries that distinct?
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 28, 2022 10:11 AM (Om/di)
----------
Where national boundaries are probably depends on who draws the map.
For instance, a Chinese map probably shows Taiwan as being part of China. Very likely, Tibet doesn't exist on maps in China.
And so on.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 10:15 AM (5pTK/)
South China sea...all your bases are belong to us...
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 28, 2022 10:11 AM (Om/di)
----------
Where national boundaries are probably depends on who draws the map.
For instance, a Chinese map probably shows Taiwan as being part of China. Very likely, Tibet doesn't exist on maps in China.
And so on.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 10:15 AM (5pTK/)
South China sea...all your bases are belong to us...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:16 AM (ynpvh)
Posted by: JT at August 28, 2022 10:16 AM (T4tVD)
146
OK, folks, going to sit on the porch and wait for this hangover to fade.
Thanks to everyone who's bought one of my books or said a kind word. I like to remember them on the days my sadness overwhelms me.
Hope you all have a lovely day.
Thanks to everyone who's bought one of my books or said a kind word. I like to remember them on the days my sadness overwhelms me.
Hope you all have a lovely day.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at August 28, 2022 10:17 AM (AW0uW)
147
There are some uncanny parallels with today.
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at August 28, 2022 10:15 AM (u82oZ)
We're still the same old species of gullible, stupid, venal, violent assholes. A couple years ain't gonna change that.
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at August 28, 2022 10:15 AM (u82oZ)
We're still the same old species of gullible, stupid, venal, violent assholes. A couple years ain't gonna change that.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at August 28, 2022 10:17 AM (6FeV1)
148
145 F'ckin Chad
Posted by: Muldoon
Lotta F bombs today. First the captain, and now you !
Posted by: JT at August 28, 2022 10:16 AM (T4tVD)
Chad f'kd up the 2000 elections...
Posted by: Muldoon
Lotta F bombs today. First the captain, and now you !
Posted by: JT at August 28, 2022 10:16 AM (T4tVD)
Chad f'kd up the 2000 elections...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:18 AM (ynpvh)
149
The book I like about the fall of Rome is The Fall of the Roman Empire: A New History of Rome and the Barbarians by Peter Heather.
There are some uncanny parallels with today.
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at August 28, 2022 10:15 AM (u82oZ)
---
Concur. This is a good book.
And as someone else observed, the question become not how Rome fell, but how it lasted so long (and how Constantinople lasted even longer).
There are some uncanny parallels with today.
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at August 28, 2022 10:15 AM (u82oZ)
---
Concur. This is a good book.
And as someone else observed, the question become not how Rome fell, but how it lasted so long (and how Constantinople lasted even longer).
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:18 AM (llXky)
150
OK, I give up. In the photo, what area does that raised relief map cover? There's no mountains in Florida ... just hills in the northern boarder area.
Posted by: SmokyStovetop at August 28, 2022 10:15 AM (GHdXS)
---
Unfortunately, the resolution in the original image is too crude to make out any of the details of the wording on the map....
Posted by: SmokyStovetop at August 28, 2022 10:15 AM (GHdXS)
---
Unfortunately, the resolution in the original image is too crude to make out any of the details of the wording on the map....
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 10:18 AM (K5n5d)
151
Yesterday we had a brief longbow / crossbow discussion bout who was better General, Alexander or Caesar?
I mentioned two really good historical fiction books about Alexander by Steven Pressfield, Virtues of War and The Afghan Campaign.
I mentioned two really good historical fiction books about Alexander by Steven Pressfield, Virtues of War and The Afghan Campaign.
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:19 AM (saYt3)
152
I mentioned two really good historical fiction books about Alexander by Steven Pressfield, Virtues of War and The Afghan Campaign.
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:19 AM (saYt3)
You did indeed. And I forgot to write it down. So thanks for the reminder.
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:19 AM (saYt3)
You did indeed. And I forgot to write it down. So thanks for the reminder.
Posted by: Warai-otoko at August 28, 2022 10:20 AM (6FeV1)
153
150 OK, I give up. In the photo, what area does that raised relief map cover? There's no mountains in Florida ... just hills in the northern boarder area.
Posted by: SmokyStovetop at August 28, 2022 10:15 AM (GHdXS)
---
Unfortunately, the resolution in the original image is too crude to make out any of the details of the wording on the map....
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 10:18 AM (K5n5d)
Middle Earth, and that's Mount Doom with the tall peak...
Posted by: SmokyStovetop at August 28, 2022 10:15 AM (GHdXS)
---
Unfortunately, the resolution in the original image is too crude to make out any of the details of the wording on the map....
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 10:18 AM (K5n5d)
Middle Earth, and that's Mount Doom with the tall peak...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:20 AM (ynpvh)
154
"Perfessor" Squirrel
See the raised map tilted sideways and above the other maps on the table?
That is a series of 4 raised topographical maps of Tokyo to the end of Tokyo Wan. It shown Camp Zama and Kamakura. The time period shown was late 1950s.
How do I know? I have those 4 maps, even after many moves. They were fire to my young brain, back in the days. Still cool, for a period before the growth of the Tokyo metropolis.
See the raised map tilted sideways and above the other maps on the table?
That is a series of 4 raised topographical maps of Tokyo to the end of Tokyo Wan. It shown Camp Zama and Kamakura. The time period shown was late 1950s.
How do I know? I have those 4 maps, even after many moves. They were fire to my young brain, back in the days. Still cool, for a period before the growth of the Tokyo metropolis.
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at August 28, 2022 10:20 AM (u82oZ)
Posted by: Amy Schumer at August 28, 2022 10:21 AM (BgMrQ)
156
My next read will be a re-read of David Hackett Fischer's "Washington's Crossing". Once in a while, I quiz people on Washington's password for the night of the Crossing.
I also came across a fun little video game. "Hellish Quart" is a sword-dueling game based on physics. It's still in development, but is playable and downloadable from Steam. Lots of gameplay videos on YT.
I also came across a fun little video game. "Hellish Quart" is a sword-dueling game based on physics. It's still in development, but is playable and downloadable from Steam. Lots of gameplay videos on YT.
Posted by: mrp at August 28, 2022 10:21 AM (6eRlp)
157
/sock off
Posted by: browndog Official Mascot of Team Gizzard at August 28, 2022 10:21 AM (BgMrQ)
158
I once read that maps of the world have the publisher's country in the center.
I'd love to see some of those -- do they split North America?
I'd love to see some of those -- do they split North America?
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 28, 2022 10:21 AM (Om/di)
159
2/2 Harper also discusses the changing weather patterns that caused droughts in formerly fertile areas, drastically cutting the supply of grain and other foodstuffs needed to maintain the legions and the notorious "bread and circuses".
Something I found interesting is that Harper pays lip service to the current anthropological climate change hysteria, but turns around and talks about the Roman Climate Optimum creating the perfect conditions for the creation, stability, and longevity of the Roman Empire. He never flat out states how high temperatures got during that time, but does produce a couple of graphs that suggest to me the RCO was warmer than today.
Harper's appendices and bibliography make me wonder if the man ever slipped home for the occasional nap and shower.
Being a glutton for punishment, I have his " Plagues Upon the Earth", easily twice the size of "Rome", lined up for my next read.
Something I found interesting is that Harper pays lip service to the current anthropological climate change hysteria, but turns around and talks about the Roman Climate Optimum creating the perfect conditions for the creation, stability, and longevity of the Roman Empire. He never flat out states how high temperatures got during that time, but does produce a couple of graphs that suggest to me the RCO was warmer than today.
Harper's appendices and bibliography make me wonder if the man ever slipped home for the occasional nap and shower.
Being a glutton for punishment, I have his " Plagues Upon the Earth", easily twice the size of "Rome", lined up for my next read.
Posted by: Captain Josepha Sabin -- I wasn't particularly fond of the '70s the first time around at August 28, 2022 10:21 AM (9SjWf)
160
158 I once read that maps of the world have the publisher's country in the center.
I'd love to see some of those -- do they split North America?
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 28, 2022 10:21 AM (Om/di)
Maps eventually were placed under copyright law, and some map companies would put "wrong" stuff in there to identify their maps in the even someone tried copying them and selling them as their own...
I'd love to see some of those -- do they split North America?
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 28, 2022 10:21 AM (Om/di)
Maps eventually were placed under copyright law, and some map companies would put "wrong" stuff in there to identify their maps in the even someone tried copying them and selling them as their own...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:23 AM (ynpvh)
161
Probably the most interesting thing I read this week wasn't a book but a blog post by Bret Devereaux, on why the Romans didn't have an industrial revolution. It's on his blog, "A Collection of Unmitigated Pedantry," which I highly recommend.
Posted by: Trimegistus at August 28, 2022 10:11 AM (QZxDR)
Garrett Ryan covered that also in his "Told In Stone" You Tube channel.
Posted by: Trimegistus at August 28, 2022 10:11 AM (QZxDR)
Garrett Ryan covered that also in his "Told In Stone" You Tube channel.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 28, 2022 10:23 AM (7bRMQ)
162
I don't think you'll find anyone here that will argue with you. There are some truly great female authors out there in every genre.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 0
***
I can usually rely on Anne Tyler and Anne Rivers Siddons for good reads.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 0
***
I can usually rely on Anne Tyler and Anne Rivers Siddons for good reads.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at August 28, 2022 10:23 AM (c6xtn)
163
I've got a set of Army maps of Korea from the early 50s that belonged to my grandmother's third husband. I have no idea what to do with them.
Posted by: fd at August 28, 2022 10:23 AM (sn5EN)
164
I did a re-read of an older book I had as a kid and hadn't seen in decades. I ran across it while looking through some unpacked boxes. "The Flying Tigers" by John Toland. I always had a bit of a fascination with those dudes and what they accomplished with so little. I think this book probably started it. Well, that and the John Wayne movie.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at August 28, 2022 10:23 AM (VwHCD)
165
158 I once read that maps of the world have the publisher's country in the center.
I'd love to see some of those -- do they split North America?
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 28, 2022 10:21 AM (Om/di)
There are some Maps of Mexico where California is a island...One can wish.
I'd love to see some of those -- do they split North America?
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 28, 2022 10:21 AM (Om/di)
There are some Maps of Mexico where California is a island...One can wish.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:23 AM (ynpvh)
166
SmokyStovetop
The mountain is Mount Fuji, with some vertical distortion. I could see it, on a rare clear day, from our house in Yokohama. Even as a callow kid, it was cool.
The mountain is Mount Fuji, with some vertical distortion. I could see it, on a rare clear day, from our house in Yokohama. Even as a callow kid, it was cool.
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at August 28, 2022 10:23 AM (u82oZ)
167
OK, I give up. In the photo, what area does that raised relief map cover?
Could it be the Korean peninsula?
Could it be the Korean peninsula?
Posted by: Oddbob at August 28, 2022 10:24 AM (nfrXX)
168
128 I would love to find out what sources Robert E. Howard had available to come up with so many archaic references and terms. Khemi for Egypt is just one. Considering he lived in a small Texas town and only lived into his 30s, he had a wealth of knowledge in such matters. He also wrote a LOT of stories, not just the Conan tales. Incredible amount of material.
Posted by: JTB at August 28, 2022 10:10 AM
My favorite Robert E. Howard hero is Solomon Kane. A few stories only exist in fragments (leaving one wanting much more!), but all of them are terrific -- and there are 4 awesome ballads, too! Very much in keeping with the period.
Let me recommend a great read for all Howard fans: Bob Howard, a Cowboy in Carpathia. Author is the neo-pulp master Teel James Glenn. It's a fantasy-homage that begins with Our Hero deciding against suicide when his mother passes, and setting off for Europe. And we know what - and whom - to expect in Carpathia ....
Posted by: JTB at August 28, 2022 10:10 AM
My favorite Robert E. Howard hero is Solomon Kane. A few stories only exist in fragments (leaving one wanting much more!), but all of them are terrific -- and there are 4 awesome ballads, too! Very much in keeping with the period.
Let me recommend a great read for all Howard fans: Bob Howard, a Cowboy in Carpathia. Author is the neo-pulp master Teel James Glenn. It's a fantasy-homage that begins with Our Hero deciding against suicide when his mother passes, and setting off for Europe. And we know what - and whom - to expect in Carpathia ....
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach at August 28, 2022 10:24 AM (SPNTN)
169
Yesterday we had a brief longbow / crossbow discussion bout who was better General, Alexander or Caesar?
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:19 AM (saYt3)
---
I think it's interesting to look at some of the more obscure commanders who get no love. Obviously, I think Franco gets a raw deal in this respect.
I also think Chiang Kai-shek was pretty good, especially if you consider the conditions he was operating under.
Some of the Chinese emperors should be held up as equal or superior to Caesar, but traditional histories completely overlook them.
If only there was a book about them...
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:19 AM (saYt3)
---
I think it's interesting to look at some of the more obscure commanders who get no love. Obviously, I think Franco gets a raw deal in this respect.
I also think Chiang Kai-shek was pretty good, especially if you consider the conditions he was operating under.
Some of the Chinese emperors should be held up as equal or superior to Caesar, but traditional histories completely overlook them.
If only there was a book about them...
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:24 AM (llXky)
170
See the raised map tilted sideways and above the other maps on the table?
That is a series of 4 raised topographical maps of Tokyo to the end of Tokyo Wan. It shown Camp Zama and Kamakura. The time period shown was late 1950s.
How do I know? I have those 4 maps, even after many moves. They were fire to my young brain, back in the days. Still cool, for a period before the growth of the Tokyo metropolis.
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at August 28, 2022 10:20 AM (u82oZ)
---
Damn, that's impressive! The Moron Horde is full of surprises!
That is a series of 4 raised topographical maps of Tokyo to the end of Tokyo Wan. It shown Camp Zama and Kamakura. The time period shown was late 1950s.
How do I know? I have those 4 maps, even after many moves. They were fire to my young brain, back in the days. Still cool, for a period before the growth of the Tokyo metropolis.
Posted by: NaCly Dog (u82oZ) at August 28, 2022 10:20 AM (u82oZ)
---
Damn, that's impressive! The Moron Horde is full of surprises!
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 10:24 AM (K5n5d)
171
Posted by: Warai-otoko at August 28, 2022 10:20 AM (6FeV1)
If you like this type of subject matter , Pressfield's Tides of War about the Peloponnesian Wars and Alcibiades is my favorite.
Unfortunately Pressfield became somewhat woke in his last two novels. No matter how much you like someone they will always eventually disappoint you.
If you like this type of subject matter , Pressfield's Tides of War about the Peloponnesian Wars and Alcibiades is my favorite.
Unfortunately Pressfield became somewhat woke in his last two novels. No matter how much you like someone they will always eventually disappoint you.
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:25 AM (saYt3)
172
167 OK, I give up. In the photo, what area does that raised relief map cover?
Could it be the Korean peninsula?
Posted by: Oddbob at August 28, 2022 10:24 AM (nfrXX)
I think someone said Japan. See # 154
Could it be the Korean peninsula?
Posted by: Oddbob at August 28, 2022 10:24 AM (nfrXX)
I think someone said Japan. See # 154
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:25 AM (ynpvh)
173
Reread of Andersonville, by MacKinlay Kantor. Easily the premier Civil War novel.
Posted by: irongrampa at August 28, 2022 10:26 AM (KATBx)
174
I'm still reading Whaddyacallit by Whatsername.
But I managed to pick up a Reacker novel and Marion Ross' book my Days at my Little Free Library of Death.
But I managed to pick up a Reacker novel and Marion Ross' book my Days at my Little Free Library of Death.
Posted by: JT at August 28, 2022 10:26 AM (T4tVD)
175
I did a re-read of an older book I had as a kid and hadn't seen in decades. I ran across it while looking through some unpacked boxes. "The Flying Tigers" by John Toland. I always had a bit of a fascination with those dudes and what they accomplished with so little. I think this book probably started it. Well, that and the John Wayne movie.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at August 28, 2022 10:23 AM (VwHCD)
---
Hah! Yes, that book's been following me around since 4th Grade and I got it out when working on Walls of Men. I haven't put it away yet. Loved it back in the day.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at August 28, 2022 10:23 AM (VwHCD)
---
Hah! Yes, that book's been following me around since 4th Grade and I got it out when working on Walls of Men. I haven't put it away yet. Loved it back in the day.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:27 AM (llXky)
176
I once read that maps of the world have the publisher's country in the center.
I'd love to see some of those -- do they split North America?
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 28, 2022
***
It so happens I have an enormous atlas, the Times Atlas of the World, from 1966 or so. Times in this case being the London one. The maps begin with the Orient and the Pacific Ocean, not Britain, though the UK maps precede the North American ones by quite a bit. My US-published atlases, on the other hand, all start with N. America and the US.
I'd love to see some of those -- do they split North America?
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 28, 2022
***
It so happens I have an enormous atlas, the Times Atlas of the World, from 1966 or so. Times in this case being the London one. The maps begin with the Orient and the Pacific Ocean, not Britain, though the UK maps precede the North American ones by quite a bit. My US-published atlases, on the other hand, all start with N. America and the US.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at August 28, 2022 10:27 AM (c6xtn)
177
I would like to recommend a book by Elizabeth Letts, The Ride of Her Life, it is a true story about a woman from Maine who travels by horseback across the country to see the Pacific Ocean back in the early 1950's. Apart from the story of Annie and her dog and her horse, this is a story of America as well, the book is meticulously researched and very well written. It is a snapchat of what our nation used to be like, so a history book too in a way. It is a nice read.
Posted by: Debby Doberman Schultz at August 28, 2022 10:27 AM (a4EWo)
178
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:24 AM (llXky)
I agree about Franco. He was thrust into that position and was more than up to the task.
I agree about Franco. He was thrust into that position and was more than up to the task.
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:27 AM (saYt3)
179
OK, I give up. In the photo, what area does that raised relief map cover? There's no mountains in Florida ... just hills in the northern boarder area.
Posted by: SmokyStovetop
It does not help answer the question, but it is the same location as found on the 2D map placed on the desktop immediately in front of it.
OK, I give up. In the photo, what area does that raised relief map cover? There's no mountains in Florida ... just hills in the northern boarder area.
Posted by: SmokyStovetop
It does not help answer the question, but it is the same location as found on the 2D map placed on the desktop immediately in front of it.
Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars at August 28, 2022 10:27 AM (pNxlR)
180
169 Yesterday we had a brief longbow / crossbow discussion bout who was better General, Alexander or Caesar?
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:19 AM (saYt3)
---
I think it's interesting to look at some of the more obscure commanders who get no love. Obviously, I think Franco gets a raw deal in this respect.
I also think Chiang Kai-shek was pretty good, especially if you consider the conditions he was operating under.
Some of the Chinese emperors should be held up as equal or superior to Caesar, but traditional histories completely overlook them.
If only there was a book about them...
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:24 AM (llXky)
Chang Kai-Shek's operations were rife with communist spies, and he himself was influenced by the Russians holding his only son. It was a mess, and the State Department seemed to be filled with commie sympathizers who thought Mao was just alright...[paging Doobie Brothers for the Music Thread!]
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:19 AM (saYt3)
---
I think it's interesting to look at some of the more obscure commanders who get no love. Obviously, I think Franco gets a raw deal in this respect.
I also think Chiang Kai-shek was pretty good, especially if you consider the conditions he was operating under.
Some of the Chinese emperors should be held up as equal or superior to Caesar, but traditional histories completely overlook them.
If only there was a book about them...
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:24 AM (llXky)
Chang Kai-Shek's operations were rife with communist spies, and he himself was influenced by the Russians holding his only son. It was a mess, and the State Department seemed to be filled with commie sympathizers who thought Mao was just alright...[paging Doobie Brothers for the Music Thread!]
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:28 AM (ynpvh)
Posted by: Weak Geek at August 28, 2022 10:28 AM (Om/di)
182
Posted by: Debby Doberman Schultz at August 28, 2022 10:27 AM (a4EWo)
The logistics to care for the horse would be very interesting. Is that covered ?
The logistics to care for the horse would be very interesting. Is that covered ?
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:29 AM (saYt3)
183
2/2 Harper also discusses the changing weather patterns that caused droughts in formerly fertile areas, drastically cutting the supply of grain and other foodstuffs needed to maintain the legions and the notorious "bread and circuses".
Oh.
I read that as Harpo discusses.....
Oh.
I read that as Harpo discusses.....
Posted by: JT at August 28, 2022 10:29 AM (T4tVD)
184
I think someone said Japan. See # 154
Yep. That's why you should always ^R ^F before replying to something. And even then there's a good chance that you will be too late.
Yep. That's why you should always ^R ^F before replying to something. And even then there's a good chance that you will be too late.
Posted by: Oddbob at August 28, 2022 10:29 AM (nfrXX)
185
Some of the Chinese emperors should be held up as equal or superior to Caesar, but traditional histories completely overlook them.
If only there was a book about them...
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:24 AM (llXky)
---------------
Isn't Chinese history seriously corrupted because of the efforts of communists to erase historical figures which were deemed antithetical to communism?
If only there was a book about them...
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:24 AM (llXky)
---------------
Isn't Chinese history seriously corrupted because of the efforts of communists to erase historical figures which were deemed antithetical to communism?
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 10:29 AM (5pTK/)
186
Interesting factoid about the map in Lord of the Rings is that it was drawn by the professor's son, apparently going by his reading of his dad's work. The Prof then adopted it.
Posted by: davidt at August 28, 2022 10:29 AM (oTZbj)
187
Speaking of maps, I inherited my grandfather's navigational charts from WW II. He was a navigator with Air Transport Command, technically a civilian contractor working for American Airlines and retroactively made an Air Force veteran in the 1980s.
Since I was in the Air Force, my grandmother gave them to me when he died. Neat stuff. At some point (after the kids move out) I'd like to do a map room using them.
Since I was in the Air Force, my grandmother gave them to me when he died. Neat stuff. At some point (after the kids move out) I'd like to do a map room using them.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:29 AM (llXky)
188
183 2/2 Harper also discusses the changing weather patterns that caused droughts in formerly fertile areas, drastically cutting the supply of grain and other foodstuffs needed to maintain the legions and the notorious "bread and circuses".
Oh.
I read that as Harpo discusses.....
Posted by: JT at August 28, 2022 10:29 AM (T4tVD)
He was one of the good Marxists...
Oh.
I read that as Harpo discusses.....
Posted by: JT at August 28, 2022 10:29 AM (T4tVD)
He was one of the good Marxists...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:30 AM (ynpvh)
Posted by: Arthur Marx at August 28, 2022 10:30 AM (nfrXX)
190
The Ciaran Hinds version of "Persuasion" is my favorite movie/series of that novel and not only because he's handsome but because it comes closer to how I envision the main woman character. Apparently there was a recent multi ethnic version it where the sisters are both black and white and Captain Wentworth is Asian, Just no, I don't care if you do multi ethic casting in fantasy of Shakespeare or movies , but this is the early 18th century in England. I also do t want the fourth wall broken down where characters speak to the audience and the character curses and drinks secretly. That version was generally loathed.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at August 28, 2022 10:30 AM (Ai5Zp)
191
"No matter how much you like someone they will always eventually disappoint you."
"Think, of me, I'll never, break your heart..."
John Wick never disappoints.
"Think, of me, I'll never, break your heart..."
John Wick never disappoints.
Posted by: David Prince at August 28, 2022 10:30 AM (FVaXK)
192
I stopped selling on ebay a couple of years ago when they wanted my bank info. I've got a bunch of stuff I could move but f' it.
Posted by: fd at August 28, 2022 10:30 AM (sn5EN)
193
I used to go to the geography library at the U. of. Washington. It had copies (I assume) of the 9 x 9 inch photographs used for areal mapping and the optical machines to view them properly. Could get very detailed looks at future hiking trips in the mountains so all the up and downs, minimum feature was around 1 meters square, you could see roofs of small buildings and roads, i think also trails in bare areas, so perhaps slightly better than 1 meter resolution. Now we have on-line mapping.
Posted by: Fred4D at August 28, 2022 10:31 AM (wgxgK)
194
185 Some of the Chinese emperors should be held up as equal or superior to Caesar, but traditional histories completely overlook them.
If only there was a book about them...
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:24 AM (llXky)
---------------
Isn't Chinese history seriously corrupted because of the efforts of communists to erase historical figures which were deemed antithetical to communism?
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 10:29 AM (5pTK/)
If a country has no history, you can write a new one for them. That's what the Communists tried to do. Lots of books were burned during the "Cultural" Revolution...
If only there was a book about them...
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:24 AM (llXky)
---------------
Isn't Chinese history seriously corrupted because of the efforts of communists to erase historical figures which were deemed antithetical to communism?
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 10:29 AM (5pTK/)
If a country has no history, you can write a new one for them. That's what the Communists tried to do. Lots of books were burned during the "Cultural" Revolution...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:32 AM (ynpvh)
195
fd there is a market for them as you see here, where to possibly sell them is the question
Posted by: Skip at August 28, 2022 10:32 AM (k8B25)
196
Meant early 19th century. I don't want mess ups of my favorite novel because some dolts want to make it more accessible to modern audiences.
Posted by: FenelonSpoke at August 28, 2022 10:32 AM (Ai5Zp)
197
168 ... Thanks for mentioning "A Cowboy in Carpathia". I suspect my book budget is going to be stretched this week.
Posted by: JTB at August 28, 2022 10:32 AM (7EjX1)
198
I can usually rely on Anne Tyler and Anne Rivers Siddons for good reads.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at August 28, 2022 10:23 AM (c6xtn)
Anne anyone else?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at August 28, 2022 10:23 AM (c6xtn)
Anne anyone else?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 28, 2022 10:33 AM (7bRMQ)
199
Oh I forgot. I got my nic long ago from Pressfield's Gates of Fire.
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:33 AM (saYt3)
200
30 -- May I suggest the Penguin Atlas of History? Ihad to buy one back in college, and it is wonderful, especially if you are reading about various times when borders were much different. I recently checked, and it is still being published, at an obscene price. Check ABE for a cheaper used copy.
Posted by: Captain Josepha Sabin -- I wasn't particularly fond of the '70s the first time around at August 28, 2022 10:33 AM (9SjWf)
201
Chang Kai-Shek's operations were rife with communist spies, and he himself was influenced by the Russians holding his only son. It was a mess, and the State Department seemed to be filled with commie sympathizers who thought Mao was just alright...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:28 AM (ynpvh)
---
It goes back farther than that, when he forged the National Revolutionary Army and was the founding commandant of the Whampoa Military Academy. He had to contend with warlords, internal opponents in the KMT *and* the Communists.
It is not widely known, but the Long March would have accomplished nothing other than to shift the location of the CCP's final annihilation but for Japan's decision to invade the rest of China in 1937.
Far from crumbling, the KMT armies fought hard, inflicting several punishing defeats on the Japanese. The problem was that they had no means of resupply and Japan held all the arsenals.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:28 AM (ynpvh)
---
It goes back farther than that, when he forged the National Revolutionary Army and was the founding commandant of the Whampoa Military Academy. He had to contend with warlords, internal opponents in the KMT *and* the Communists.
It is not widely known, but the Long March would have accomplished nothing other than to shift the location of the CCP's final annihilation but for Japan's decision to invade the rest of China in 1937.
Far from crumbling, the KMT armies fought hard, inflicting several punishing defeats on the Japanese. The problem was that they had no means of resupply and Japan held all the arsenals.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:34 AM (llXky)
202
Greetings! I am reading Winston Churchill's "History of the English Speaking People" just completed volume II moving on now to the third.
A globe is the best way to represent the world. Flat maps are by nature, inaccurate.
A globe is the best way to represent the world. Flat maps are by nature, inaccurate.
Posted by: gourmand du jour, somewhere among the gravensteins at August 28, 2022 10:34 AM (+0/82)
Posted by: JT at August 28, 2022 10:35 AM (T4tVD)
204
Icecream cones are good. Bowls of icream are good. Icecream is good.
It's not a lie if CNN, MSNBC, and the rest of the MSM say it too.
The problem with our democracy is that the damn peasants won't shut up and give us their money and their daughters.
- The Meditations of Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.
It's not a lie if CNN, MSNBC, and the rest of the MSM say it too.
The problem with our democracy is that the damn peasants won't shut up and give us their money and their daughters.
- The Meditations of Joseph Robinette Biden Jr.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at August 28, 2022 10:35 AM (FVME7)
205
199 Oh I forgot. I got my nic long ago from Pressfield's Gates of Fire.
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:33 AM (saYt3)
I thought it had to do with the number and type of shoes you had...my bad.
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:33 AM (saYt3)
I thought it had to do with the number and type of shoes you had...my bad.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:35 AM (ynpvh)
206
Hah! Yes, that book's been following me around since 4th Grade and I got it out when working on Walls of Men. I haven't put it away yet. Loved it back in the day.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:27 AM (llXky)
Yeah its a good one. I found another book with it, but its a somewhat newer one from the 1990s. That one is called Flying Tigers- Claire Chennault and his American volunteers, 1941-1942. I'm going to reread that one too. I used to collect a lot of flying tigers stuff. Blood chits, patches, etc. I have a mint copy of an issue of Time magazine from 1941 with Chennault on the cover. The CBI region of WWII just doesn't seem to get much recognition.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:27 AM (llXky)
Yeah its a good one. I found another book with it, but its a somewhat newer one from the 1990s. That one is called Flying Tigers- Claire Chennault and his American volunteers, 1941-1942. I'm going to reread that one too. I used to collect a lot of flying tigers stuff. Blood chits, patches, etc. I have a mint copy of an issue of Time magazine from 1941 with Chennault on the cover. The CBI region of WWII just doesn't seem to get much recognition.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at August 28, 2022 10:36 AM (VwHCD)
207
Ooh, a map room... I could live in there and be perfectly content.
Posted by: t-bird at August 28, 2022 10:36 AM (6THwK)
208
166
Thanks, NaCly. With your comment, I looked up Mt Fuji in Google Maps and everything fits.
I'll be able to sleep tonight!
Thanks, NaCly. With your comment, I looked up Mt Fuji in Google Maps and everything fits.
I'll be able to sleep tonight!
Posted by: SmokyStovetop at August 28, 2022 10:36 AM (GHdXS)
209
If a country has no history, you can write a new one for them. That's what the Communists tried to do. Lots of books were burned during the "Cultural" Revolution...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:32 AM (ynpvh)
---
It goes farther than that - the Chinese characters and way of writing were also changed, making it harder for contemporaries to read older works.
Interestingly, the destruction of the old has reversed course. China is now lauding its great and glorious history because Communism is no longer a motivating principle - nationalism is taking its place.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:32 AM (ynpvh)
---
It goes farther than that - the Chinese characters and way of writing were also changed, making it harder for contemporaries to read older works.
Interestingly, the destruction of the old has reversed course. China is now lauding its great and glorious history because Communism is no longer a motivating principle - nationalism is taking its place.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:36 AM (llXky)
210
Oooh, maps! I love map books. I have a few of them on my shelves. Particularly: The Penguin Historical Atlas of Ancient Civilizations and The History of the World: Map by Map.
On the comic book front, I finished reading Thunderbolts Omnibus Volume 1, written by Kurt Busiek and drawn by Mark Bagley. It's about a super-hero team from the 90s, done by two veterans who love the genre. I read through it fast, and I loved almost every issue of it. It was the most fun I've had reading a comic in a long time....
...Alas, now I'm starting Volume 2, and it has a new writer, Fabian Nicieza, who looks like he has a tendency to preach...
On the comic book front, I finished reading Thunderbolts Omnibus Volume 1, written by Kurt Busiek and drawn by Mark Bagley. It's about a super-hero team from the 90s, done by two veterans who love the genre. I read through it fast, and I loved almost every issue of it. It was the most fun I've had reading a comic in a long time....
...Alas, now I'm starting Volume 2, and it has a new writer, Fabian Nicieza, who looks like he has a tendency to preach...
Posted by: Castle Guy at August 28, 2022 10:37 AM (Lhaco)
211
201 It is not widely known, but the Long March would have accomplished nothing other than to shift the location of the CCP's final annihilation but for Japan's decision to invade the rest of China in 1937.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:34 AM (llXky)
the Long March was also Mao's way of holding power, as the other communist leaders were not happy with him.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:34 AM (llXky)
the Long March was also Mao's way of holding power, as the other communist leaders were not happy with him.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:37 AM (ynpvh)
212
Interestingly, the destruction of the old has reversed course. China is now lauding its great and glorious history because Communism is no longer a motivating principle - nationalism is taking its place.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:36 AM (llXky)
---------------
You're saying those who have power will do pretty much anything to remain in power?
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:36 AM (llXky)
---------------
You're saying those who have power will do pretty much anything to remain in power?
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 10:38 AM (5pTK/)
213
Greetings! I am reading Winston Churchill's "History of the English Speaking People" just completed volume II moving on now to the third.
A globe is the best way to represent the world. Flat maps are by nature, inaccurate.
Posted by: gourmand du jour, somewhere among the gravensteins
You could find a homeless guy with a HUGE head and wrap the map around it. Mebbe give him some coupons or sumpin'.
A globe is the best way to represent the world. Flat maps are by nature, inaccurate.
Posted by: gourmand du jour, somewhere among the gravensteins
You could find a homeless guy with a HUGE head and wrap the map around it. Mebbe give him some coupons or sumpin'.
Posted by: JT at August 28, 2022 10:38 AM (T4tVD)
214
(they've already been discovering some bizarre anomalies that call into question the Big Bang theory)
You also mentioned this in the previous thread. It's nice clickbait - "refutes the Big Bang" - but astrophysicist Dr. Becky doesn't think so.
No, JWST hasn’t shown the Big Bang “didn’t happen”
https://youtu.be/1S2CxPUZDOY
You also mentioned this in the previous thread. It's nice clickbait - "refutes the Big Bang" - but astrophysicist Dr. Becky doesn't think so.
No, JWST hasn’t shown the Big Bang “didn’t happen”
https://youtu.be/1S2CxPUZDOY
Posted by: mindful webworker - used to read books at August 28, 2022 10:38 AM (Kf3JB)
Posted by: Brett at August 28, 2022 10:38 AM (2ndRB)
216
The Hitler invented National Socialism. China has perfected it. The best description of who they are is NAZI.
One China composed of pure HAN Chinese speaking Mandarin.
One China composed of pure HAN Chinese speaking Mandarin.
Posted by: David Prince at August 28, 2022 10:38 AM (FVaXK)
217
Top Gun Maverick: Put simply - it told a great story.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:05 AM (llXky)
I mentioned this last night on the movie thread, haven't seen the movie but extended clips. It appears to be the story of Gen. Billy Mitchell.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:05 AM (llXky)
I mentioned this last night on the movie thread, haven't seen the movie but extended clips. It appears to be the story of Gen. Billy Mitchell.
Posted by: lowandslow at August 28, 2022 10:38 AM (qH6FZ)
218
Retsgtrn--
I recently finished "The Last King of America" and enjoyed it very much. I think Roberts succeeds very well in rehabilitating the reputation of George III. Much of George's reputation for tyranny began in England as propaganda from political opponents. (Hmmm...why does this sound so familiar?) The Americans picked up the characterization because it fit in with their general grievances against England. However, most of the things that the Americans complained about were policies of George's ministers; he got the blame because he backed them up.
I recently finished "The Last King of America" and enjoyed it very much. I think Roberts succeeds very well in rehabilitating the reputation of George III. Much of George's reputation for tyranny began in England as propaganda from political opponents. (Hmmm...why does this sound so familiar?) The Americans picked up the characterization because it fit in with their general grievances against England. However, most of the things that the Americans complained about were policies of George's ministers; he got the blame because he backed them up.
Posted by: Art Rondelet of Malmsey at August 28, 2022 10:38 AM (fTtFy)
219
OT; feel free to ignore...
Ok, this guy has some kinda nerve, and the parents in this story were very nice to call the police. Had it been me, I'd be the one in jail, and some cop would be filling evidence bags with pieces of this Kraut bastard:
https://tinyurl.com/yre2yumd
Ok, this guy has some kinda nerve, and the parents in this story were very nice to call the police. Had it been me, I'd be the one in jail, and some cop would be filling evidence bags with pieces of this Kraut bastard:
https://tinyurl.com/yre2yumd
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at August 28, 2022 10:39 AM (uaLxw)
220
My mom had two English classes in college taught by Nabokov.
[kicks blue clay clod]. Shucks.
I had a poetry class with James Baldwin once.
Nothing to write home about, and I mean that literally.
The perils of big-fishing at Second-Rate State: you may find some very good profs, but they won't have names you can drop.
[kicks blue clay clod]. Shucks.
I had a poetry class with James Baldwin once.
Nothing to write home about, and I mean that literally.
The perils of big-fishing at Second-Rate State: you may find some very good profs, but they won't have names you can drop.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at August 28, 2022 10:39 AM (x61Im)
221
polynikes, Since the story takes place in the 1950's, it was a different country back then, when people genuinely cared for one another. Annie's horse (later horses) were well cared for and stabled in barns across the country. The book is quite detailed about this.
Posted by: Debby Doberman Schultz at August 28, 2022 10:39 AM (a4EWo)
222
Ooh, a map room... I could live in there and be perfectly content.
Posted by: t-bird
There's no toilet paper.
Posted by: t-bird
There's no toilet paper.
Posted by: JT at August 28, 2022 10:39 AM (T4tVD)
223
209 If a country has no history, you can write a new one for them. That's what the Communists tried to do. Lots of books were burned during the "Cultural" Revolution...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:32 AM (ynpvh)
---
It goes farther than that - the Chinese characters and way of writing were also changed, making it harder for contemporaries to read older works.
Interestingly, the destruction of the old has reversed course. China is now lauding its great and glorious history because Communism is no longer a motivating principle - nationalism is taking its place.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:36 AM (llXky)
communists were the first ones to try and erase history over there. You had the order from the Emperor (I forget which one) ordering the destruction of Confucian texts back in the hundreds B.C.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:32 AM (ynpvh)
---
It goes farther than that - the Chinese characters and way of writing were also changed, making it harder for contemporaries to read older works.
Interestingly, the destruction of the old has reversed course. China is now lauding its great and glorious history because Communism is no longer a motivating principle - nationalism is taking its place.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:36 AM (llXky)
communists were the first ones to try and erase history over there. You had the order from the Emperor (I forget which one) ordering the destruction of Confucian texts back in the hundreds B.C.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:39 AM (ynpvh)
224
The CBI region of WWII just doesn't seem to get much recognition.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at August 28, 2022 10:36 AM (VwHCD)
---
After 1941 China was in a stalemate. The Burma Road was cut and China had no external supplies. Japan held the ports and most of the major industrial areas. Japan couldn't advance and the Chinese couldn't attack.
When the US began a bombing campaign based in China in 1944, that forced the Japanese to attack the air bases, resulting in more Chinese suffering and losses. It was also logistically unsustainable and should never have been tried.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at August 28, 2022 10:36 AM (VwHCD)
---
After 1941 China was in a stalemate. The Burma Road was cut and China had no external supplies. Japan held the ports and most of the major industrial areas. Japan couldn't advance and the Chinese couldn't attack.
When the US began a bombing campaign based in China in 1944, that forced the Japanese to attack the air bases, resulting in more Chinese suffering and losses. It was also logistically unsustainable and should never have been tried.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:39 AM (llXky)
225
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at August 28, 2022 10:36 AM (VwHCD)
As an aside , we moved from Rapid City ,SD when my father retired from the service to Lake Charles, LA for my father's new job with Lockheed at the Chennault Air Base. We lived on General Vandenburg Street.
As an aside , we moved from Rapid City ,SD when my father retired from the service to Lake Charles, LA for my father's new job with Lockheed at the Chennault Air Base. We lived on General Vandenburg Street.
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:40 AM (saYt3)
226
communists were the first ones to try and erase history over there. You had the order from the Emperor (I forget which one) ordering the destruction of Confucian texts back in the hundreds B.C.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:39 AM (ynpvh)
---
The First Emperor ordered all books burned around 200 BC.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:39 AM (ynpvh)
---
The First Emperor ordered all books burned around 200 BC.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:40 AM (llXky)
227
BTW, Mao considered himself a new First Emperor and so burning books was consistent with that self___.
Hence the Cultural Revolution.
Hence the Cultural Revolution.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:41 AM (llXky)
228
Having enjoyed the "Dobie Gillis" TV show -- NOT during its first run --
-
Uh oh. I warched its first run. If I remember correctly, the book upon which Dobie Gillis was based is I Was a Teenage Dwarf.
-
Uh oh. I warched its first run. If I remember correctly, the book upon which Dobie Gillis was based is I Was a Teenage Dwarf.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at August 28, 2022 10:41 AM (FVME7)
229
If you like Cheaper by the Dozen" and similar books, check out "Life Among the Savages" and "Raising Demons" by Shirley Jackson. (Yes, THAT Shirley Jackson.) I first read them in grade school, although I didn't get all the humor at that young age, and still enjoy them today. Think I got "Raising Demons" as part of that Scholastic books program. I might still have that copy.
Posted by: JTB at August 28, 2022 10:42 AM (7EjX1)
230
216 The Hitler invented National Socialism. China has perfected it. The best description of who they are is NAZI.
One China composed of pure HAN Chinese speaking Mandarin.
Posted by: David Prince at August 28, 2022 10:38 AM (FVaXK)
LOL, yes, the Mongols were Han Chinese...
One China composed of pure HAN Chinese speaking Mandarin.
Posted by: David Prince at August 28, 2022 10:38 AM (FVaXK)
LOL, yes, the Mongols were Han Chinese...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:42 AM (ynpvh)
231
If a country has no history, you can write a new one for them. That's what the Communists tried to do. Lots of books were burned during the "Cultural" Revolution...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:32 AM (ynpvh)
Well hello there.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:32 AM (ynpvh)
Well hello there.
Posted by: Nikole Hannah-Jones and the NYT's 1619 Project at August 28, 2022 10:42 AM (i3yPZ)
232
@218 Geo. III and George Washington were both great agrarian experimenters, and both were nicknamed "Farmer George." Had they been neighbors, they'd have probably become friends.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at August 28, 2022 10:43 AM (x61Im)
233
226 communists were the first ones to try and erase history over there. You had the order from the Emperor (I forget which one) ordering the destruction of Confucian texts back in the hundreds B.C.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:39 AM (ynpvh)
---
The First Emperor ordered all books burned around 200 BC.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:40 AM (llXky)
Yes, Qin Shi Huang...that guy.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:39 AM (ynpvh)
---
The First Emperor ordered all books burned around 200 BC.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:40 AM (llXky)
Yes, Qin Shi Huang...that guy.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:43 AM (ynpvh)
234
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:39 AM (llXky)
Hindsight is 20/20. Maybe it should have been stopped but initially I can see the strategy and not the consequences.
Hindsight is 20/20. Maybe it should have been stopped but initially I can see the strategy and not the consequences.
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:43 AM (saYt3)
235
If memory serves quite a bit of Max Shulman, including the Dobie Gillis stuff, Feather Merchants, etc, should be available as ebooks from Open Road Media. Kindle, Nook, etc.
Posted by: Just Some Guy at August 28, 2022 10:43 AM (a/4+U)
236
And a number of scholars who refused were killed as well...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:44 AM (ynpvh)
237
About the maps of Africa and Chad's border. Read a book years ago about that part of the world (by Robt. Kaplan I think) where he said westerners are fooled by maps into thinking that they portray reality. In some African countries at the time the borders were meaningless. To attempt to quote him, the government controlled the capitol city, during the day, maybe. Outside of the capitol it was a free for all. That's probably still true.
Posted by: who knew at August 28, 2022 10:44 AM (4I7VG)
238
Slightly sideways on topic:
My favorite gift to my kidlets from their aunties was a talking globe. Press a button and point to the country or yes/no on exports or pick which ocean or sea. Keeping the darned thing in batteries and saving from localized sibling spats took a lot of effort and I had to send it on to the donate batches.
I miss the darned thing and I wish Geography was separate from 'Social Studies' again.
My favorite gift to my kidlets from their aunties was a talking globe. Press a button and point to the country or yes/no on exports or pick which ocean or sea. Keeping the darned thing in batteries and saving from localized sibling spats took a lot of effort and I had to send it on to the donate batches.
I miss the darned thing and I wish Geography was separate from 'Social Studies' again.
Posted by: mustbequantum at August 28, 2022 10:44 AM (MIKMs)
239
One China composed of pure HAN Chinese speaking Mandarin.
Posted by: David Prince at August 28, 2022 10:38 AM (FVaXK)
---
The Han can all read the same characters but don't share the same spoken language.
There's also a big north/south split. Also, the traditional use of the characters (on Taiwan) vs the new method imposes further divisions.
The "Han Chinese" are not to be confused with a homogenous ethnic group like the French or Germans.
Posted by: David Prince at August 28, 2022 10:38 AM (FVaXK)
---
The Han can all read the same characters but don't share the same spoken language.
There's also a big north/south split. Also, the traditional use of the characters (on Taiwan) vs the new method imposes further divisions.
The "Han Chinese" are not to be confused with a homogenous ethnic group like the French or Germans.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:44 AM (llXky)
240
BTW, Mao considered himself a new First Emperor and so burning books was consistent with that self___.
Hence the Cultural Revolution.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd
(He was really The Craw....)
Hence the Cultural Revolution.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd
(He was really The Craw....)
Posted by: JT at August 28, 2022 10:44 AM (T4tVD)
241
Yesterday we had a brief longbow / crossbow discussion bout who was better General, Alexander or Caesar?
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:19 AM (saYt3)
Between those two I would give the nod to Caesar. He fought more battles, many of them against competent enemy commanders with similarly equipped armies, and devised a broader range of tactical and strategic solutions to the problems he faced. Also, he wasn't a murderous paranoid psychopath, so there's that.
Alexander was a successful general in battle, but his victories were based on the superiority of the Macedonian tactical system (which was created by his father). Without that, his career would have been short indeed.
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:19 AM (saYt3)
Between those two I would give the nod to Caesar. He fought more battles, many of them against competent enemy commanders with similarly equipped armies, and devised a broader range of tactical and strategic solutions to the problems he faced. Also, he wasn't a murderous paranoid psychopath, so there's that.
Alexander was a successful general in battle, but his victories were based on the superiority of the Macedonian tactical system (which was created by his father). Without that, his career would have been short indeed.
Posted by: HTL at August 28, 2022 10:45 AM (Xds2W)
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 10:45 AM (llXky)
Posted by: 11B40 at August 28, 2022 10:45 AM (uuklp)
244
238 Slightly sideways on topic:
My favorite gift to my kidlets from their aunties was a talking globe. Press a button and point to the country or yes/no on exports or pick which ocean or sea. Keeping the darned thing in batteries and saving from localized sibling spats took a lot of effort and I had to send it on to the donate batches.
I miss the darned thing and I wish Geography was separate from 'Social Studies' again.
Posted by: mustbequantum at August 28, 2022 10:44 AM (MIKMs)
Could have some real fun reprogramming that. Click on Iran: "Shit hole country run by assholes who follow a pedophile's example for religion"...
My favorite gift to my kidlets from their aunties was a talking globe. Press a button and point to the country or yes/no on exports or pick which ocean or sea. Keeping the darned thing in batteries and saving from localized sibling spats took a lot of effort and I had to send it on to the donate batches.
I miss the darned thing and I wish Geography was separate from 'Social Studies' again.
Posted by: mustbequantum at August 28, 2022 10:44 AM (MIKMs)
Could have some real fun reprogramming that. Click on Iran: "Shit hole country run by assholes who follow a pedophile's example for religion"...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:45 AM (ynpvh)
245
Geo. III and George Washington were both great agrarian experimenters, and both were nicknamed "Farmer George." Had they been neighbors, they'd have probably become friends.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at August 28, 2022 10:43 AM (x61Im)
We can thank the British Parliament for our victory. George wanted to do a surge and Parliament rejected the request. A surge would have broke us in short time.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at August 28, 2022 10:43 AM (x61Im)
We can thank the British Parliament for our victory. George wanted to do a surge and Parliament rejected the request. A surge would have broke us in short time.
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:46 AM (saYt3)
246
(they've already been discovering some bizarre anomalies that call into question the Big Bang theory)
You also mentioned this in the previous thread. It's nice clickbait - "refutes the Big Bang" - but astrophysicist Dr. Becky doesn't think so.
No, JWST hasn’t shown the Big Bang “didn’t happen”
https://youtu.be/1S2CxPUZDOY
Posted by: mindful webworker - used to read books at August 28, 2022 10:38 AM (Kf3JB)
---
Yeah, it's one of those situations that will eventually get resolved in favor of *something* close to the Big Bang, most likely. There's so much data pouring in that weirdness makes headlines, but will probably turn out to be nothing (or small effect) later.
You also mentioned this in the previous thread. It's nice clickbait - "refutes the Big Bang" - but astrophysicist Dr. Becky doesn't think so.
No, JWST hasn’t shown the Big Bang “didn’t happen”
https://youtu.be/1S2CxPUZDOY
Posted by: mindful webworker - used to read books at August 28, 2022 10:38 AM (Kf3JB)
---
Yeah, it's one of those situations that will eventually get resolved in favor of *something* close to the Big Bang, most likely. There's so much data pouring in that weirdness makes headlines, but will probably turn out to be nothing (or small effect) later.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 10:46 AM (K5n5d)
247
I'm still fascinated by the Piri Ries Map from the early 1500's, which he says he made from older source maps, that show the Antarctic continent. Not ice, but the land underneath.
Posted by: CA Token at August 28, 2022 10:46 AM (5qEx0)
248
Oh, I could be SO happy in that room with all those maps and globes!
Thank you, Perfessor. It makes me smile just to know that room exists.
Thank you, Perfessor. It makes me smile just to know that room exists.
Posted by: creeper at August 28, 2022 10:46 AM (cTCuP)
Posted by: 11B40 at August 28, 2022 10:47 AM (uuklp)
250
MP4 - I just got your second Theda Bara book yesterday, and thoroughly enjoyed it. The first I had to order used, and it should be here soon.
Question for Amazon authors - do you get more for Kindle or printed versions of your books? I prefer printed books, but would get the Kindle version of Horde authors if it means more money in their pockets.
Question for Amazon authors - do you get more for Kindle or printed versions of your books? I prefer printed books, but would get the Kindle version of Horde authors if it means more money in their pockets.
Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at August 28, 2022 10:47 AM (oGiDo)
251
241 Yesterday we had a brief longbow / crossbow discussion bout who was better General, Alexander or Caesar?
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:19 AM (saYt3)
Between those two I would give the nod to Caesar. He fought more battles, many of them against competent enemy commanders with similarly equipped armies, and devised a broader range of tactical and strategic solutions to the problems he faced. Also, he wasn't a murderous paranoid psychopath, so there's that.
Alexander was a successful general in battle, but his victories were based on the superiority of the Macedonian tactical system (which was created by his father). Without that, his career would have been short indeed.
Posted by: HTL at August 28, 2022 10:45 AM (Xds2W)
His career was short. He moved his army around alot during that short time, though.
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:19 AM (saYt3)
Between those two I would give the nod to Caesar. He fought more battles, many of them against competent enemy commanders with similarly equipped armies, and devised a broader range of tactical and strategic solutions to the problems he faced. Also, he wasn't a murderous paranoid psychopath, so there's that.
Alexander was a successful general in battle, but his victories were based on the superiority of the Macedonian tactical system (which was created by his father). Without that, his career would have been short indeed.
Posted by: HTL at August 28, 2022 10:45 AM (Xds2W)
His career was short. He moved his army around alot during that short time, though.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:47 AM (ynpvh)
252
Ok, this guy has some kinda nerve, and the parents in this story were very nice to call the police. Had it been me, I'd be the one in jail, and some cop would be filling evidence bags with pieces of this Kraut bastard:
https://tinyurl.com/yre2yumd
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at August 28, 2022 10:39 AM (uaLxw)
Well at least he ain't no weirdo homo fella.
https://tinyurl.com/yre2yumd
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at August 28, 2022 10:39 AM (uaLxw)
Well at least he ain't no weirdo homo fella.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 10:48 AM (i3yPZ)
253
My favorite gift to my kidlets from their aunties was a talking globe.
----
My stepdaughter loves that thing. She's really good at it.
----
My stepdaughter loves that thing. She's really good at it.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at August 28, 2022 10:48 AM (uaLxw)
254
Late to the party this morning- had to walk my doggeh Robby and he needs his steps in!
Still listening to The Laws of Human Nature. Very interesting. Greene ties in historical vignettes into his observations, and they really help illuminate his points.
Also still re-reading "The Mote in God's Eye" by Jerry Pournelle. Always an enjoyable sci-fi yarn.
Still listening to The Laws of Human Nature. Very interesting. Greene ties in historical vignettes into his observations, and they really help illuminate his points.
Also still re-reading "The Mote in God's Eye" by Jerry Pournelle. Always an enjoyable sci-fi yarn.
Posted by: Secret Squirrel, author of sci fi, kids books and one silly army play on Amazon at August 28, 2022 10:49 AM (qBzmd)
255
Well at least he ain't no weirdo homo fella.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 10:48 AM (i3yPZ)
----------
Hey hey hey! We keep those guys in the libraries, where they belong, not out and about in the general public!
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 10:48 AM (i3yPZ)
----------
Hey hey hey! We keep those guys in the libraries, where they belong, not out and about in the general public!
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 10:49 AM (5pTK/)
256
Put simply - it told a great story.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd
It did. What surprised me is that it is told in exactly the same way it was told in 1987. Movies rarely tell stories that way any more. Simple. Straightforward. Minimal number of characters. I don’t know how to express it other than if you told me the sequel was made in 1987 I would believe you.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd
It did. What surprised me is that it is told in exactly the same way it was told in 1987. Movies rarely tell stories that way any more. Simple. Straightforward. Minimal number of characters. I don’t know how to express it other than if you told me the sequel was made in 1987 I would believe you.
Posted by: quantum mechanic at August 28, 2022 10:49 AM (g1EEm)
257
Pants of very questionable taste:
From the Atlas Obscura - necropants.
Icelandic 'tradition' in which you ask a guy once he dies to make his lower torso skin into a pair of pants. Once dead they must be removed in one piece. And then you sew into the crotch a coin stolen from a widow. That coin is then supposed to attract more coins...
Right. Eeewee.
From the Atlas Obscura - necropants.
Icelandic 'tradition' in which you ask a guy once he dies to make his lower torso skin into a pair of pants. Once dead they must be removed in one piece. And then you sew into the crotch a coin stolen from a widow. That coin is then supposed to attract more coins...
Right. Eeewee.
Posted by: Anna Puma at August 28, 2022 10:50 AM (JSjQO)
258
Alexander was a successful general in battle, but his victories were based on the superiority of the Macedonian tactical system (which was created by his father). Without that, his career would have been short indeed.
Posted by: HTL at August 28, 2022 10:45 AM (Xds2W)
His career was short. He moved his army around alot during that short time, though.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:47 AM (ynpvh)
I'm of the opinion these days that taking your technologically superior military into third world shitholes and killing a bunch of people doesn't make you great.
Posted by: HTL at August 28, 2022 10:45 AM (Xds2W)
His career was short. He moved his army around alot during that short time, though.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:47 AM (ynpvh)
I'm of the opinion these days that taking your technologically superior military into third world shitholes and killing a bunch of people doesn't make you great.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 10:50 AM (i3yPZ)
259
Posted by: mustbequantum at August 28, 2022 10:44 AM (MIKMs)
I will always remember Mnemonic I used in the 6th grade to spell geography.
George East's Old Grandfather Rode A Pig Home Yesterday.
I will always remember Mnemonic I used in the 6th grade to spell geography.
George East's Old Grandfather Rode A Pig Home Yesterday.
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:50 AM (saYt3)
260
I second the enthusiastic yips regarding Georgette Heyer from princess of Delray Beach. I am a total fan-girl. I discovered a meaty collection of Heyer in the public library of Surfside, Florida (just a bit south of Delray Beach) when searching out champion air-conditioning. It was summer 1967, I was staying with my grandmother. She did not have AC.
Libraries have largely culled Heyer. Philistines.
Libraries have largely culled Heyer. Philistines.
Posted by: sinmi at August 28, 2022 10:50 AM (A5IVt)
261
His career was short. He moved his army around alot during that short time, though.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:47 AM (ynpvh)
True. I guess I meant "even shorter", as in "ended at the Granicus".
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:47 AM (ynpvh)
True. I guess I meant "even shorter", as in "ended at the Granicus".
Posted by: HTL at August 28, 2022 10:51 AM (Xds2W)
262
well the parliament back in the grafton regime, started the ball rolling, with the stamp act, just a little off the top like the 87,000 agents, I learned about grafton, because of phillip james who was the one who circulated pamphlets under the name Janus, when he accused warren hastings,
Posted by: no 6 at August 28, 2022 10:52 AM (i0Lci)
263
And "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a #@%!" is a non-guilty pleasure. It's actually a good read.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 28, 2022 09:01 AM (Dc2NZ)
I agree, The Subtle Art is a very good book about getting on with your life by stop making it complicated.
Another book I have to suggest is The Survivors' Club, by Ben Sherwood, which reviews what is best known about people who survive situations that probably would kill them, and what sort of mental and physical preparation is needed. It is a series of vignette case studies pointing out particular elements that help a person survive, or don't. Care for others, bloody mindedness, forward thinking, luck, resilience and fear.
Posted by: All Hail Eris, She-Wolf of the 'Ettes 'Ettes at August 28, 2022 09:01 AM (Dc2NZ)
I agree, The Subtle Art is a very good book about getting on with your life by stop making it complicated.
Another book I have to suggest is The Survivors' Club, by Ben Sherwood, which reviews what is best known about people who survive situations that probably would kill them, and what sort of mental and physical preparation is needed. It is a series of vignette case studies pointing out particular elements that help a person survive, or don't. Care for others, bloody mindedness, forward thinking, luck, resilience and fear.
Posted by: Kindltot at August 28, 2022 10:52 AM (xhaym)
264
257 Pants of very questionable taste:
From the Atlas Obscura - necropants.
Icelandic 'tradition' in which you ask a guy once he dies to make his lower torso skin into a pair of pants. Once dead they must be removed in one piece. And then you sew into the crotch a coin stolen from a widow. That coin is then supposed to attract more coins...
Right. Eeewee.
Posted by: Anna Puma at August 28, 2022 10:50 AM (JSjQO)
Anna- we actually took a trip to Iceland in March of this year and visited that museum! Saw the necropants...and of course, they were fake. Sad!
From the Atlas Obscura - necropants.
Icelandic 'tradition' in which you ask a guy once he dies to make his lower torso skin into a pair of pants. Once dead they must be removed in one piece. And then you sew into the crotch a coin stolen from a widow. That coin is then supposed to attract more coins...
Right. Eeewee.
Posted by: Anna Puma at August 28, 2022 10:50 AM (JSjQO)
Anna- we actually took a trip to Iceland in March of this year and visited that museum! Saw the necropants...and of course, they were fake. Sad!
Posted by: Secret Squirrel, author of sci fi, kids books and one silly army play on Amazon at August 28, 2022 10:52 AM (qBzmd)
265
Well at least he ain't no weirdo homo fella.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 10:48 AM (i3yPZ)
----------
Hey hey hey! We keep those guys in the libraries, where they belong, not out and about in the general public!
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 10:49 AM (5pTK/)
I'm mean, yeah. If I was the parent of the 8 year old, I'd at least ask to see the $100K first.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 10:48 AM (i3yPZ)
----------
Hey hey hey! We keep those guys in the libraries, where they belong, not out and about in the general public!
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 10:49 AM (5pTK/)
I'm mean, yeah. If I was the parent of the 8 year old, I'd at least ask to see the $100K first.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 10:52 AM (i3yPZ)
266
I'm of the opinion these days that taking your technologically superior military into third world shitholes and killing a bunch of people doesn't make you great.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 10:50 AM (i3yPZ)
--------------
I'm of the opinion taking a technologically superior army into a third world crap hole is about creating opportunities for graft and has nothing to do with fighting and winning battles.
I'm of the opinion these days that taking your technologically superior military into third world shitholes and killing a bunch of people doesn't make you great.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 10:50 AM (i3yPZ)
--------------
I'm of the opinion taking a technologically superior army into a third world crap hole is about creating opportunities for graft and has nothing to do with fighting and winning battles.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 10:53 AM (5pTK/)
267
{{{NaCly}}}
Yeah, doing a bit better with somewhat lower temps. I just can't tolerate the heat and humidity any more -- not that I was ever fond of either in my earlier years. That's a big plus for moving to an apartment: central air. OTOH, I predict endless bickering between the XO and myself over the upcoming summers. My idea of ideal temp comes no where near his. He's freezing, and I'm happy as a little clam.
Just as good as the lower temps is that it has been raining every other day or so, saving me from having to drag the hose out and water everything.
Yeah, doing a bit better with somewhat lower temps. I just can't tolerate the heat and humidity any more -- not that I was ever fond of either in my earlier years. That's a big plus for moving to an apartment: central air. OTOH, I predict endless bickering between the XO and myself over the upcoming summers. My idea of ideal temp comes no where near his. He's freezing, and I'm happy as a little clam.
Just as good as the lower temps is that it has been raining every other day or so, saving me from having to drag the hose out and water everything.
Posted by: Captain Josepha Sabin -- I wasn't particularly fond of the '70s the first time around at August 28, 2022 10:53 AM (9SjWf)
268
of offenses that edmund burke followed up on, the successful handling of the second mysore war in india, not one of burke's finest moments,
Posted by: no 6 at August 28, 2022 10:53 AM (i0Lci)
269
Speaking of maps, some videogame maps are amazing. Two Assassin's Creed games, Odyssey and Origins, have Discovery Tours outside the game itself, Ancient Greece during the Peloponnesian War for Odyssey, First Century B.C. Ancient Egypt for Origins. They are huge maps populated by NPCs and providing guided tours, a shit !oad of them, of significant buildings, industries, etc. that are educational and informative. I'm quite sure there is a good deal of informed speculation (they admit that their Library of Alexandria is based upon a contemporary library from another Greek city because there are no reliable descriptions of the Library of Alexandria) but they are as close as you can get to hopping into a time machine and visiting these ancient civilizations.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at August 28, 2022 10:54 AM (FVME7)
270
OT; feel free to ignore...
Ok, this guy has some kinda nerve, and the parents in this story were very nice to call the police. Had it been me, I'd be the one in jail, and some cop would be filling evidence bags with pieces of this Kraut bastard:
https://tinyurl.com/yre2yumd
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at August 28, 2022 10:39 AM (uaLxw)
When my grandmother came back over from Italy in 1938 (she was born here), she was pregnant on the ship with my father. She was very sick and was in the infirmary. My aunt was only 2 at the time, but from the pictures I have seen she was a cute blonde hair girl. There was nobody to really watch her, so a rich couple from long island, who couldn't have kids of their own, took a liking to her and was watching her so she didn't have to be stuck in the infirmary with my grandmother. At the end of the voyage they offered to buy her from my grandmother for $10,000, which was a lot in 1938. Of course my grandmother said hell no.
Ok, this guy has some kinda nerve, and the parents in this story were very nice to call the police. Had it been me, I'd be the one in jail, and some cop would be filling evidence bags with pieces of this Kraut bastard:
https://tinyurl.com/yre2yumd
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at August 28, 2022 10:39 AM (uaLxw)
When my grandmother came back over from Italy in 1938 (she was born here), she was pregnant on the ship with my father. She was very sick and was in the infirmary. My aunt was only 2 at the time, but from the pictures I have seen she was a cute blonde hair girl. There was nobody to really watch her, so a rich couple from long island, who couldn't have kids of their own, took a liking to her and was watching her so she didn't have to be stuck in the infirmary with my grandmother. At the end of the voyage they offered to buy her from my grandmother for $10,000, which was a lot in 1938. Of course my grandmother said hell no.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at August 28, 2022 10:54 AM (VwHCD)
271
There's so much data pouring in that weirdness makes headlines,
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel
Weirdness gives the cranks a brief platform for their crackpot theories. That’s what’s happening here.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel
Weirdness gives the cranks a brief platform for their crackpot theories. That’s what’s happening here.
Posted by: quantum mechanic at August 28, 2022 10:54 AM (g1EEm)
272
We can thank the British Parliament for our victory. George wanted to do a surge and Parliament rejected the request. A surge would have broke us in short time.
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:46 AM (saYt3)
Huh? The 1776 British invasion was the single largest British expeditionary force in history, up to that time (I call it an "invasion" because US independence was declared about a week before the landings).
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:46 AM (saYt3)
Huh? The 1776 British invasion was the single largest British expeditionary force in history, up to that time (I call it an "invasion" because US independence was declared about a week before the landings).
Posted by: mrp at August 28, 2022 10:54 AM (6eRlp)
273
We can thank the British Parliament for our victory. George wanted to do a surge and Parliament rejected the request. A surge would have broke us in short time.
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:46 AM (saYt3)
Concur. I think the Brits thought at the time that allowing the Colonies to become independent would mean we would come crawling back asking for King Georgie to take us back into the empire sooner or later.
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:46 AM (saYt3)
Concur. I think the Brits thought at the time that allowing the Colonies to become independent would mean we would come crawling back asking for King Georgie to take us back into the empire sooner or later.
Posted by: Hairyback Guy at August 28, 2022 10:54 AM (R/m4+)
274
I'm of the opinion these days that taking your technologically superior military into third world shitholes and killing a bunch of people doesn't make you great.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 10:50 AM (i3yPZ)
VDH makes a strong case that Alexander was basically the Hitler of the ancient world.
That said, at least he won his wars. If he were American, Macedonia would be 0-5 and claiming superpower status anyway.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 10:50 AM (i3yPZ)
VDH makes a strong case that Alexander was basically the Hitler of the ancient world.
That said, at least he won his wars. If he were American, Macedonia would be 0-5 and claiming superpower status anyway.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at August 28, 2022 10:55 AM (uaLxw)
275
Word is that the Romans grew wine grapes in England.
Posted by: Ignoramus at August 28, 2022 10:55 AM (i0slg)
276
Shen Yun, the mere mention of that operation turns me in to Mr. Grumpy Pants.
They hire Americans on the condition that you convert to their religion, clearly illegal in the USA unless you have a special exemption from the law, which they apparently enjoy.
They hire Americans on the condition that you convert to their religion, clearly illegal in the USA unless you have a special exemption from the law, which they apparently enjoy.
Posted by: gourmand du jour, somewhere among the gravensteins at August 28, 2022 10:55 AM (+0/82)
277
Posted by: mindful webworker - used to read books at August 28, 2022 10:38 AM (Kf3JB)
The statement that JWST had refuted the Big Bang was started and spread by a long time advocate against the BB Theory.
The statement that JWST had refuted the Big Bang was started and spread by a long time advocate against the BB Theory.
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:56 AM (saYt3)
278
I'm mean, yeah. If I was the parent of the 8 year old, I'd at least ask to see the $100K first.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 10:52 AM (i3yPZ)
---------
A few decades ago, there was a story about a couple who traded in their kid for a Corvette. Supposedly, the salesman was tempted to go along with the process, because he couldn't bear the idea of someone being that callous about getting rid of their child. In the end, though, the salesman called the cops and pretended to go through with the trade.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 10:52 AM (i3yPZ)
---------
A few decades ago, there was a story about a couple who traded in their kid for a Corvette. Supposedly, the salesman was tempted to go along with the process, because he couldn't bear the idea of someone being that callous about getting rid of their child. In the end, though, the salesman called the cops and pretended to go through with the trade.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 10:57 AM (5pTK/)
279
Speaking of Time Machines....if I had one, I would bring back Adm Ernest J. King and introduce him to adm RACHEL Levine.
And I'd Introduce Patton to Lt. Col. Bearclaw.
And I'd Introduce Patton to Lt. Col. Bearclaw.
Posted by: JT at August 28, 2022 10:58 AM (T4tVD)
280
Ok, this guy has some kinda nerve, and the parents in this story were very nice to call the police.
I'm a little disturbed how the police seem to treat it so casually, almost as a joke:
"Mr. Kolb should have simply stuck to just grocery shopping. Thanks to our SIU, Mr. Kolb did receive a complimentary ride in one of our air-conditioned Police cars, and a free stay at Hotel 92 [Volusia County Branch Jail]," police said in the Facebook post.
Yeah, no. This guy is a known, repeat offender perv. He's no joke and shouldn't be treated like one just because he's old.
I'm a little disturbed how the police seem to treat it so casually, almost as a joke:
"Mr. Kolb should have simply stuck to just grocery shopping. Thanks to our SIU, Mr. Kolb did receive a complimentary ride in one of our air-conditioned Police cars, and a free stay at Hotel 92 [Volusia County Branch Jail]," police said in the Facebook post.
Yeah, no. This guy is a known, repeat offender perv. He's no joke and shouldn't be treated like one just because he's old.
Posted by: Arthur Marx at August 28, 2022 10:58 AM (nfrXX)
281
257 Pants of very questionable taste:
From the Atlas Obscura - necropants.
Icelandic 'tradition' in which you ask a guy once he dies to make his lower torso skin into a pair of pants. Once dead they must be removed in one piece. And then you sew into the crotch a coin stolen from a widow. That coin is then supposed to attract more coins...
Right. Eeewee.
Posted by: Anna Puma at August 28, 2022 10:50 AM (JSjQO)
I Think I'd rather wear Mormon underwear...
From the Atlas Obscura - necropants.
Icelandic 'tradition' in which you ask a guy once he dies to make his lower torso skin into a pair of pants. Once dead they must be removed in one piece. And then you sew into the crotch a coin stolen from a widow. That coin is then supposed to attract more coins...
Right. Eeewee.
Posted by: Anna Puma at August 28, 2022 10:50 AM (JSjQO)
I Think I'd rather wear Mormon underwear...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 10:58 AM (ynpvh)
282
Posted by: mrp at August 28, 2022 10:54 AM (6eRlp)
No huh about it. The surge was requested late in the war when we were on the breaking point mostly unbeknownst to the British.
No huh about it. The surge was requested late in the war when we were on the breaking point mostly unbeknownst to the British.
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:58 AM (saYt3)
283
/mime-sock
Posted by: Oddbob at August 28, 2022 10:58 AM (nfrXX)
284
There's so much data pouring in that weirdness makes headlines,
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel
Weirdness gives the cranks a brief platform for their crackpot theories. That’s what’s happening here.
Posted by: quantum mechanic at August 28, 2022 10:54 AM (g1EEm)
---
Anton Petrov has a good video about what's actually happening...TONS of evidence to support BBT (like the CMB which can only be explained with BBT). Basically, galaxies are able to evolve earlier than the simulations predicted (meaning the simulation/models need to be updated).
https://youtu.be/Y2DOCWyyhdI
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel
Weirdness gives the cranks a brief platform for their crackpot theories. That’s what’s happening here.
Posted by: quantum mechanic at August 28, 2022 10:54 AM (g1EEm)
---
Anton Petrov has a good video about what's actually happening...TONS of evidence to support BBT (like the CMB which can only be explained with BBT). Basically, galaxies are able to evolve earlier than the simulations predicted (meaning the simulation/models need to be updated).
https://youtu.be/Y2DOCWyyhdI
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 10:59 AM (K5n5d)
285
I had a fan try and do a google street view to locate Luna City (at Route 123 where it crosses the San Antonio River in Karnes County) who was hugely disappointed when he realized I had made up the city, the historic McAllister house, and the Tip Top Ice House, Gas & Grocery.
Posted by: Sgt. Mom at August 28, 2022 09:52 AM (xnmPy)
When I was young I spent a weekend trying to find the Miskatonic valley and Innsmouth.
Posted by: Sgt. Mom at August 28, 2022 09:52 AM (xnmPy)
When I was young I spent a weekend trying to find the Miskatonic valley and Innsmouth.
Posted by: Kindltot at August 28, 2022 10:59 AM (xhaym)
286
Book related enough, I just realized, whilst reading this here very webzine, that I had a dream recently where Tolkien (who was still alive in the dream) was revealed to be some sort of diabolical scoundrel. I don't recall what he actually did, but I can picture the newspaper headlines, with him smiling in a most evil way.
Not sure what it all means. My dreams are generally pointless.
Not sure what it all means. My dreams are generally pointless.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 10:59 AM (i3yPZ)
287
Regarding fictional maps: Yeah, the Map of Middle Earth is far-and-away the most recognizable!
But to round out the top three, I'll nominate Anne McCaffrey's map of Pern, which I still remember the basics of, 20 years later. Also, the already-mentioned map of the Hyborian Age by Robert E Howard. The Hyborian Age map has the advantage of actually having stories taking place in the far-flung corners of it. Its especially cool when someone adds some detail to REH's (somewhat basic) original. From the world of comics, there's a really neat version drawn by Tim Conrad
But to round out the top three, I'll nominate Anne McCaffrey's map of Pern, which I still remember the basics of, 20 years later. Also, the already-mentioned map of the Hyborian Age by Robert E Howard. The Hyborian Age map has the advantage of actually having stories taking place in the far-flung corners of it. Its especially cool when someone adds some detail to REH's (somewhat basic) original. From the world of comics, there's a really neat version drawn by Tim Conrad
Posted by: Castle Guy at August 28, 2022 11:00 AM (Lhaco)
288
Ok, this guy has some kinda nerve, and the parents in this story were very nice to call the police. Had it been me, I'd be the one in jail, and some cop would be filling evidence bags with pieces of this Kraut bastard:
https://tinyurl.com/yre2yumd
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at August 28, 2022 10:39 AM (uaLxw)
Old bastard has probably done this before and gotten away with it.
Jail guards need to give him lots of nice bed sheets while he hangs out waiting for his hearing.
https://tinyurl.com/yre2yumd
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at August 28, 2022 10:39 AM (uaLxw)
Old bastard has probably done this before and gotten away with it.
Jail guards need to give him lots of nice bed sheets while he hangs out waiting for his hearing.
Posted by: Hairyback Guy at August 28, 2022 11:01 AM (R/m4+)
289
259 Posted by: mustbequantum at August 28, 2022 10:44 AM (MIKMs)
I will always remember Mnemonic I used in the 6th grade to spell geography.
George East's Old Grandfather Rode A Pig Home Yesterday.
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:50 AM (saYt3)
King Philip Caught Old Farmer Green Sleeping:
Kindom Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species.
Bad Boys Rape Our Young Girls But Violet Gives Willingly:
Black Brown Red Orange Yellow Green Blue Violet Gray White (resistor values by color code, zero to nine)
I will always remember Mnemonic I used in the 6th grade to spell geography.
George East's Old Grandfather Rode A Pig Home Yesterday.
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:50 AM (saYt3)
King Philip Caught Old Farmer Green Sleeping:
Kindom Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species.
Bad Boys Rape Our Young Girls But Violet Gives Willingly:
Black Brown Red Orange Yellow Green Blue Violet Gray White (resistor values by color code, zero to nine)
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:02 AM (ynpvh)
290
Shen Yun tickets anyone ???
Posted by: 11B40 at August 28, 2022 10:45 AM (uuklp)
First time I saw an advertisement for that, I thought it was a Moonie festival.
Posted by: 11B40 at August 28, 2022 10:45 AM (uuklp)
First time I saw an advertisement for that, I thought it was a Moonie festival.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 28, 2022 11:02 AM (7bRMQ)
291
I'm currently reading "Complete Tales of the Unexpected", an anthology of Roald Dahl's short stories.
You might know Roald Dahl as the author of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" or "James and the Giant Peach". Or, in an adult vein, "My Uncle Oswald", which is both bawdy and hilarious, something like if Wodehouse wrote naughty books.
Dahl's stories often appeared on the old Alfred Hitchcock TV show and other similar TV anthologies. The early stories, which I'm reading right now, usually glide along on a placid, normally social surface, until the moment of a peek-a-boo twist, which changes everything you've read and usually leads to murder or revenge. His touch is very light and cool, which gives the stories a humorous rather than horrified effect. He often mines the little irritations in marriage that can grow into monstrous motives and actions. Very clever stuff.
Dahl also has a wonderfully clear and lucid writing style. From a technical standpoint, just a great writer. Excellent descriptions that illuminate and then stop. No fluffing the content with unnecessary exposition. His characters actually talk like real people might, but their conversations are (con't)
You might know Roald Dahl as the author of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" or "James and the Giant Peach". Or, in an adult vein, "My Uncle Oswald", which is both bawdy and hilarious, something like if Wodehouse wrote naughty books.
Dahl's stories often appeared on the old Alfred Hitchcock TV show and other similar TV anthologies. The early stories, which I'm reading right now, usually glide along on a placid, normally social surface, until the moment of a peek-a-boo twist, which changes everything you've read and usually leads to murder or revenge. His touch is very light and cool, which gives the stories a humorous rather than horrified effect. He often mines the little irritations in marriage that can grow into monstrous motives and actions. Very clever stuff.
Dahl also has a wonderfully clear and lucid writing style. From a technical standpoint, just a great writer. Excellent descriptions that illuminate and then stop. No fluffing the content with unnecessary exposition. His characters actually talk like real people might, but their conversations are (con't)
Posted by: naturalfake at August 28, 2022 11:02 AM (5NkmN)
292
Posted by: mrp at August 28, 2022 10:54 AM (6eRlp)
No huh about it. The surge was requested late in the war when we were on the breaking point mostly unbeknownst to the British.
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:58 AM (saYt3)
What? Lord North gave George III everything His Royal Majesty requested, including the largest expeditionary force ever assembled in the country's history. IN 1776! The only pro-go slow movement was by the Howe Brothers and their minority party in Parliament. And after the 1777 campaign, the Howes were out and Clinton was in.
No huh about it. The surge was requested late in the war when we were on the breaking point mostly unbeknownst to the British.
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:58 AM (saYt3)
What? Lord North gave George III everything His Royal Majesty requested, including the largest expeditionary force ever assembled in the country's history. IN 1776! The only pro-go slow movement was by the Howe Brothers and their minority party in Parliament. And after the 1777 campaign, the Howes were out and Clinton was in.
Posted by: mrp at August 28, 2022 11:03 AM (6eRlp)
293
"A “message to Garcia” sort of thing" is a reference long forgotten. It had to do with the US Government sending an envoy to find the Cuban revolutionary leader fighting the Spanish, and no one knew where he was.
Posted by: Kindltot at August 28, 2022 11:03 AM (xhaym)
294
When I was young I spent a weekend trying to find the Miskatonic valley and Innsmouth.
Posted by: Kindltot at August 28, 2022 10:59 AM (xhaym
Hey! We've got a snipe hunt scheduled for this afternoon. Wanna join us?
Posted by: Kindltot at August 28, 2022 10:59 AM (xhaym
Hey! We've got a snipe hunt scheduled for this afternoon. Wanna join us?
Posted by: creeper at August 28, 2022 11:03 AM (cTCuP)
295
Brett have a original account of prison life in the Civil War and read another original account and almost thought was rereading the same book but wasn't. Both had in it the raider trial in Andersonville just as the movie portrayed.
Book I have is from 1870s and cover is in bad shape but readable.
Book I have is from 1870s and cover is in bad shape but readable.
Posted by: Skip at August 28, 2022 11:03 AM (k8B25)
296
But to round out the top three, I'll nominate Anne McCaffrey's map of Pern, which I still remember the basics of, 20 years later. Also, the already-mentioned map of the Hyborian Age by Robert E Howard. The Hyborian Age map has the advantage of actually having stories taking place in the far-flung corners of it. Its especially cool when someone adds some detail to REH's (somewhat basic) original. From the world of comics, there's a really neat version drawn by Tim Conrad
Posted by: Castle Guy at August 28, 2022 11:00 AM (Lhaco)
---
It's interesting to note that Karen Wynn Fonstad has done atlases of both Middle-Earth and Pern (as well as several other worlds such as the Land from Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, the Forgotten Realms, and Dragonlance)
Posted by: Castle Guy at August 28, 2022 11:00 AM (Lhaco)
---
It's interesting to note that Karen Wynn Fonstad has done atlases of both Middle-Earth and Pern (as well as several other worlds such as the Land from Chronicles of Thomas Covenant, the Forgotten Realms, and Dragonlance)
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 11:03 AM (K5n5d)
297
275 Word is that the Romans grew wine grapes in England.
Posted by: Ignoramus at August 28, 2022 10:55 AM (i0slg)
Happened during the Medieval Warming Period too. France was actually worried about it. LOL
Posted by: Ignoramus at August 28, 2022 10:55 AM (i0slg)
Happened during the Medieval Warming Period too. France was actually worried about it. LOL
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:04 AM (ynpvh)
298
One map (not fictional) that I always found interesting is the Piri Reis map. The map was produced in 1513 by a Turkish cartographer and supposedly shows a partial coastline of Antarctica (before Antarctica was discovered).
I'm not saying it was aliens who drew the map. But it was aliens.
I'm not saying it was aliens who drew the map. But it was aliens.
Posted by: Secret Squirrel, author of sci fi, kids books and one silly army play on Amazon at August 28, 2022 11:04 AM (qBzmd)
299
276 Shen Yun, the mere mention of that operation turns me in to Mr. Grumpy Pants.
They hire Americans on the condition that you convert to their religion, clearly illegal in the USA unless you have a special exemption from the law, which they apparently enjoy.
Posted by: gourmand du jour, somewhere among the gravensteins at August 28, 2022 10:55 AM (+0/82)
What religion is that?
They hire Americans on the condition that you convert to their religion, clearly illegal in the USA unless you have a special exemption from the law, which they apparently enjoy.
Posted by: gourmand du jour, somewhere among the gravensteins at August 28, 2022 10:55 AM (+0/82)
What religion is that?
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:04 AM (ynpvh)
300
Alexander was a successful general in battle, but his victories were based on the superiority of the Macedonian tactical system (which was created by his father). Without that, his career would have been short indeed.
Posted by: HTL at August 28, 2022 10:45 AM (Xds2W)
Still did better than we did in Afghanistan. At least he didn't leave billions of staters of mil equip laying around....
Posted by: HTL at August 28, 2022 10:45 AM (Xds2W)
Still did better than we did in Afghanistan. At least he didn't leave billions of staters of mil equip laying around....
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 28, 2022 11:05 AM (7bRMQ)
301
"About the maps of Africa and Chad's border. Read a book years ago about that part of the world (by Robt. Kaplan I think) where he said westerners are fooled by maps into thinking that they portray reality."
As Gregory Bateson put it, "the map is not the territory."
As Gregory Bateson put it, "the map is not the territory."
Posted by: Brett at August 28, 2022 11:05 AM (2ndRB)
302
My wife, the lovely and accomplished Annalucia, this week are reading "Sicily: A Short History from the Ancient Greeks to Cosa Nostra", by John Julius Norwich. This brief book covers an enormous period of time and has a huge cast of characters, but is written with Norwich's usual grace and wit. Sicily is extremely important in the history of the Mediterranean, yet its history and culture are not well known; this book helps to make up for that. Highly recommended!
The book's copyright is 2015, which means that it was one of the last books that Norwich finished before his death in 2018. In a way, it closes the circle on Norwich's career, given that his first book was his massive history "The Normans in Sicily", about that brief, amazing period in the late 11th century when Norman freebooters conquered Sicily, then wisely ruled a polyglot kingdom in which Arab Muslims, Greek Orthodox, and Latin Catholics lived largely in harmony, to the prosperity of all. Like all of Norwich's histories, it is well worth reading.
The book's copyright is 2015, which means that it was one of the last books that Norwich finished before his death in 2018. In a way, it closes the circle on Norwich's career, given that his first book was his massive history "The Normans in Sicily", about that brief, amazing period in the late 11th century when Norman freebooters conquered Sicily, then wisely ruled a polyglot kingdom in which Arab Muslims, Greek Orthodox, and Latin Catholics lived largely in harmony, to the prosperity of all. Like all of Norwich's histories, it is well worth reading.
Posted by: Nemo at August 28, 2022 11:05 AM (S6ArX)
303
I'm of the opinion these days that taking your technologically superior military into third world shitholes and killing a bunch of people doesn't make you great.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 10:50 AM (i3yPZ)
I'm of the opinion taking a technologically superior army into a third world crap hole is about creating opportunities for graft and has nothing to do with fighting and winning battles.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 10:53 AM (5pTK/)
It's painful to think about now. How naive was I, thinking these people genuinely wanted to improve the lives of Mooslims, by giving them the gift of American democracy and wealth.
Sure. That's what we were doing.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 10:50 AM (i3yPZ)
I'm of the opinion taking a technologically superior army into a third world crap hole is about creating opportunities for graft and has nothing to do with fighting and winning battles.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 10:53 AM (5pTK/)
It's painful to think about now. How naive was I, thinking these people genuinely wanted to improve the lives of Mooslims, by giving them the gift of American democracy and wealth.
Sure. That's what we were doing.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:05 AM (i3yPZ)
304
Thanks for another Great Book Thread Perfesser !
Posted by: JT at August 28, 2022 11:06 AM (T4tVD)
305
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 10:48 AM
*******
BurtTC - I have a question for you about your part of the state. Do you know of any good Parkinson's disease support groups or resources in the Delta-Olathe-Montrose corridor? If you want to answer off line you can e-mail to seamus underscore muldoon at yahoo dot com. Thanks
*******
BurtTC - I have a question for you about your part of the state. Do you know of any good Parkinson's disease support groups or resources in the Delta-Olathe-Montrose corridor? If you want to answer off line you can e-mail to seamus underscore muldoon at yahoo dot com. Thanks
Posted by: Muldoon at August 28, 2022 11:06 AM (kXYt5)
306
. If I remember correctly, the book upon which Dobie Gillis was based is I Was a Teenage Dwarf.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at August 28, 2022
***
I once had a paperback copy of the original DG short stories by Shulman, and it was entitled The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis. Maybe that was a reissue under another title?
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at August 28, 2022
***
I once had a paperback copy of the original DG short stories by Shulman, and it was entitled The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis. Maybe that was a reissue under another title?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at August 28, 2022 11:06 AM (c6xtn)
307
(cnn't)
always interesting.
If you want to learn how to write, you should read him.
As for Dahl the man, he seems to have been a jerk, which I don't really care about.
Kingsley Amis has a funny and revealing story about meeting Roald Dahl at a party in his book, ""Memoirs".
Check Roald Dahl out for a fun read.
always interesting.
If you want to learn how to write, you should read him.
As for Dahl the man, he seems to have been a jerk, which I don't really care about.
Kingsley Amis has a funny and revealing story about meeting Roald Dahl at a party in his book, ""Memoirs".
Check Roald Dahl out for a fun read.
Posted by: naturalfake at August 28, 2022 11:07 AM (5NkmN)
308
King Philip Caught Old Farmer Green Sleeping:
Kindom Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species.
My very educated mother just served us nine pizza pies. (Sung to the tune of "Way down upon the Swanee River..")
Mercury, Venus, etc...
Kindom Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species.
My very educated mother just served us nine pizza pies. (Sung to the tune of "Way down upon the Swanee River..")
Mercury, Venus, etc...
Posted by: Oddbob at August 28, 2022 11:07 AM (nfrXX)
309
"What religion is that?"
Some version of Falun Gong, but really, it is irrelevant.
Some version of Falun Gong, but really, it is irrelevant.
Posted by: gourmand du jour, somewhere among the gravensteins at August 28, 2022 11:07 AM (+0/82)
310
298 One map (not fictional) that I always found interesting is the Piri Reis map. The map was produced in 1513 by a Turkish cartographer and supposedly shows a partial coastline of Antarctica (before Antarctica was discovered).
I'm not saying it was aliens who drew the map. But it was aliens.
Posted by: Secret Squirrel, author of sci fi, kids books and one silly army play on Amazon at August 28, 2022 11:04 AM (qBzmd)
Man the Mexicans do all the work, not just in the kitchens, roofs, and fields...
I'm not saying it was aliens who drew the map. But it was aliens.
Posted by: Secret Squirrel, author of sci fi, kids books and one silly army play on Amazon at August 28, 2022 11:04 AM (qBzmd)
Man the Mexicans do all the work, not just in the kitchens, roofs, and fields...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:07 AM (ynpvh)
311
Many thanks to the morons who turned me on to Georgette Heyer on the book thread several years ago. I too had avoided her because of the "romance" tag, which was a great mistake. Now she's some of my favorite bedtime "comfort food" reading when I need to displace thoughts of current events.
Posted by: Art Rondelet of Malmsey at August 28, 2022 11:07 AM (fTtFy)
312
Between those two I would give the nod to Caesar. He fought more battles, many of them against competent enemy commanders with similarly equipped armies, and devised a broader range of tactical and strategic solutions to the problems he faced. Also, he wasn't a murderous paranoid psychopath, so there's that.
-
My reading for the last several weeks has been dominated by.the SPQR series. (I'm up to VII The Tribune's Curse.) Caesar is presented very well, neither as a monster nor as a paragon of virrue, although our hero hates him. (SPOILER ALERT!!! In VI Nobody Loves a Centurian, Caesar is the murderer.)
-
My reading for the last several weeks has been dominated by.the SPQR series. (I'm up to VII The Tribune's Curse.) Caesar is presented very well, neither as a monster nor as a paragon of virrue, although our hero hates him. (SPOILER ALERT!!! In VI Nobody Loves a Centurian, Caesar is the murderer.)
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at August 28, 2022 11:07 AM (FVME7)
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 11:08 AM (saYt3)
314
A few decades ago, there was a story about a couple who traded in their kid for a Corvette. Supposedly, the salesman was tempted to go along with the process, because he couldn't bear the idea of someone being that callous about getting rid of their child. In the end, though, the salesman called the cops and pretended to go through with the trade.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 10:57 AM (5pTK/)
Hopefully someone else raised the child after that. And I guess the real moral of the story is, thank God the salesman wasn't your typical Chevy employee.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 10:57 AM (5pTK/)
Hopefully someone else raised the child after that. And I guess the real moral of the story is, thank God the salesman wasn't your typical Chevy employee.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:08 AM (i3yPZ)
315
Has anyone ever predicted what's happening here now?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 28, 2022 09:09 AM (7bRMQ)
George Orwell, 1984, published 1949
James Burnham, Suicide of the West, published 1964
Jean Raspail, The Camp of the Saints, published 1973
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 28, 2022 09:09 AM (7bRMQ)
George Orwell, 1984, published 1949
James Burnham, Suicide of the West, published 1964
Jean Raspail, The Camp of the Saints, published 1973
Posted by: cool breeze at August 28, 2022 11:09 AM (UGKMd)
316
re abstract art, the definition I was given of art in school was "the use of a medium to communicate with an audience", and I've always thought that worked; whether it is sound, color, movement, whatever.
I came to the conclusion years ago that the problem with much of modern "art" is that it has become use of an audience as a medium to communicate with oneself, by the artist.
Hence, sacred objects in jars of pee, nude women knitting with yarn stuffed up their menstruating caverns, (Yoko Ono screaming unintelligibly), Emma Sulkowicz' mattress escapades, all say "I need you to affirm me while I beat off" and little else.
At least to me
I came to the conclusion years ago that the problem with much of modern "art" is that it has become use of an audience as a medium to communicate with oneself, by the artist.
Hence, sacred objects in jars of pee, nude women knitting with yarn stuffed up their menstruating caverns, (Yoko Ono screaming unintelligibly), Emma Sulkowicz' mattress escapades, all say "I need you to affirm me while I beat off" and little else.
At least to me
Posted by: barbarausa at August 28, 2022 11:09 AM (VqoCx)
Posted by: Muldoon at August 28, 2022 11:09 AM (kXYt5)
318
308 King Philip Caught Old Farmer Green Sleeping:
Kindom Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species.
My very educated mother just served us nine pizza pies. (Sung to the tune of "Way down upon the Swanee River..")
Mercury, Venus, etc...
Posted by: Oddbob at August 28, 2022 11:07 AM (nfrXX)
Pluto and ?
or is that Pizzapies?
Kindom Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species.
My very educated mother just served us nine pizza pies. (Sung to the tune of "Way down upon the Swanee River..")
Mercury, Venus, etc...
Posted by: Oddbob at August 28, 2022 11:07 AM (nfrXX)
Pluto and ?
or is that Pizzapies?
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:09 AM (ynpvh)
319
Hiya BarbaraUSA !
Posted by: JT at August 28, 2022 11:09 AM (T4tVD)
320
It's painful to think about now. How naive was I, thinking these people genuinely wanted to improve the lives of Mooslims, by giving them the gift of American democracy and wealth.
Sure. That's what we were doing.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:05 AM (i3yPZ)
---------
To be far, my opinion has evolved over the last couple of decades.
Sure. That's what we were doing.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:05 AM (i3yPZ)
---------
To be far, my opinion has evolved over the last couple of decades.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 11:10 AM (5pTK/)
321
King Philip Caught Old Farmer Green Sleeping:
Kindom Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species.
My very educated mother just served us nine pizza pies. (Sung to the tune of "Way down upon the Swanee River..")
Mercury, Venus, etc...
Posted by: Oddbob at August 28, 2022 11:07 AM (nfrXX)
My mnemonic was "KP Cough Gus?
Kindom Phylum Class Order Family Genus Species.
My very educated mother just served us nine pizza pies. (Sung to the tune of "Way down upon the Swanee River..")
Mercury, Venus, etc...
Posted by: Oddbob at August 28, 2022 11:07 AM (nfrXX)
My mnemonic was "KP Cough Gus?
Posted by: mrp at August 28, 2022 11:10 AM (6eRlp)
322
Hiya JT!
Posted by: barbarausa at August 28, 2022 11:11 AM (VqoCx)
323
I think the Fall of Rome isn't the question people should be asking. All societies decline. The question I'm interested in is why did Rome manage to last so long?
Posted by: Trimegistus at August 28, 2022 10:12 AM
comfortable shoes?
Posted by: Trimegistus at August 28, 2022 10:12 AM
comfortable shoes?
Posted by: AltonJackson at August 28, 2022 11:11 AM (ENBF0)
324
I once had a paperback copy of the original DG short stories by Shulman, and it was entitled The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis. Maybe that was a reissue under another title?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
I looked it up. I Was a Teenage Dwarf was a sequel to The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
I looked it up. I Was a Teenage Dwarf was a sequel to The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at August 28, 2022 11:11 AM (FVME7)
325
317 I think that's where the border is, therefore I draw it."
/Rene desCartographer
Posted by: Muldoon at August 28, 2022 11:09 AM (kXYt5)
LOL. Punny.
Told a terrible on to my wife. That the king of France wanted to honor his scientists and mathematicians by having a huge parade, but poor Decartes was at the end, after the calvary went by. When asked why, the King said, "You never put Decart before de horse"
/Rene desCartographer
Posted by: Muldoon at August 28, 2022 11:09 AM (kXYt5)
LOL. Punny.
Told a terrible on to my wife. That the king of France wanted to honor his scientists and mathematicians by having a huge parade, but poor Decartes was at the end, after the calvary went by. When asked why, the King said, "You never put Decart before de horse"
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:12 AM (ynpvh)
326
Pluto and ?
or is that Pizzapies?
Not my fault that the song has an extra syllable. And Pluto still counts, dammit!
or is that Pizzapies?
Not my fault that the song has an extra syllable. And Pluto still counts, dammit!
Posted by: Oddbob at August 28, 2022 11:12 AM (nfrXX)
327
The statement that JWST had refuted the Big Bang was started and spread by a long time advocate against the BB Theory.
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:56 AM (saYt3)
I can see why. Watched a couple of episodes, it wasn't that funny.
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 10:56 AM (saYt3)
I can see why. Watched a couple of episodes, it wasn't that funny.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 28, 2022 11:12 AM (7bRMQ)
328
I read "The End of the World is Just the Beginning: Mapping the Collapse of Globalization."
Very interesting. Globalization and the New World Order were created after WWII at Bretton-Woods. As the sole Superpower, the U.S. created globalization by ensuring safe shipping and forcing countries that want to make war with their neighbors (e.g. Japan and Korea) to compete economically with everyone. The exportation of manufacturing jobs to low-cost labor countries WAS COMPLETELY INTENTIONAL. Just-in-time manufacturing was made possible. The last 75 years was a "golden age" for humanity as many poor countries were able to become wealthy due in large part by cheap fossil fuels.
COVID was a yuge blow to it. Scarce resources (e.g lithium) are going to make things worse. We are just talking about deglobalization. We are talking about decivilization.
Very interesting. Globalization and the New World Order were created after WWII at Bretton-Woods. As the sole Superpower, the U.S. created globalization by ensuring safe shipping and forcing countries that want to make war with their neighbors (e.g. Japan and Korea) to compete economically with everyone. The exportation of manufacturing jobs to low-cost labor countries WAS COMPLETELY INTENTIONAL. Just-in-time manufacturing was made possible. The last 75 years was a "golden age" for humanity as many poor countries were able to become wealthy due in large part by cheap fossil fuels.
COVID was a yuge blow to it. Scarce resources (e.g lithium) are going to make things worse. We are just talking about deglobalization. We are talking about decivilization.
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at August 28, 2022 11:13 AM (C1rbv)
Posted by: JT at August 28, 2022 11:13 AM (T4tVD)
330
BurtTC - I have a question for you about your part of the state. Do you know of any good Parkinson's disease support groups or resources in the Delta-Olathe-Montrose corridor? If you want to answer off line you can e-mail to seamus underscore muldoon at yahoo dot com. Thanks
Posted by: Muldoon at August 28, 2022 11:06 AM (kXYt5)
I will say this, I don't generally work with medical problems, although they can obviously come up. What I do know, is resources in that very area are ALWAYS scarce. Montrose would be more likely to have something, but my experience is that Delta is just not where you want to be, if you need help of any kind.
Posted by: Muldoon at August 28, 2022 11:06 AM (kXYt5)
I will say this, I don't generally work with medical problems, although they can obviously come up. What I do know, is resources in that very area are ALWAYS scarce. Montrose would be more likely to have something, but my experience is that Delta is just not where you want to be, if you need help of any kind.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:13 AM (i3yPZ)
331
303 I'm of the opinion these days that taking your technologically superior military into third world shitholes and killing a bunch of people doesn't make you great.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 10:50 AM (i3yPZ)
I'm of the opinion taking a technologically superior army into a third world crap hole is about creating opportunities for graft and has nothing to do with fighting and winning battles.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 10:53 AM (5pTK/)
It's painful to think about now. How naive was I, thinking these people genuinely wanted to improve the lives of Mooslims, by giving them the gift of American democracy and wealth.
Sure. That's what we were doing.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:05 AM (i3yPZ)
General Smedley Butler came to the same conclusion over a 100 years ago. In fact, I probably need to read "War is a Racket."
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 10:50 AM (i3yPZ)
I'm of the opinion taking a technologically superior army into a third world crap hole is about creating opportunities for graft and has nothing to do with fighting and winning battles.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 10:53 AM (5pTK/)
It's painful to think about now. How naive was I, thinking these people genuinely wanted to improve the lives of Mooslims, by giving them the gift of American democracy and wealth.
Sure. That's what we were doing.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:05 AM (i3yPZ)
General Smedley Butler came to the same conclusion over a 100 years ago. In fact, I probably need to read "War is a Racket."
Posted by: Secret Squirrel, author of sci fi, kids books and one silly army play on Amazon at August 28, 2022 11:13 AM (qBzmd)
332
Also still re-reading "The Mote in God's Eye" by Jerry Pournelle. Always an enjoyable sci-fi yarn.
Posted by: Secret Squirrel, author of sci fi, kids books and one silly army play on Amazon at August 28, 2022
***
Fyunch(click)!
Posted by: Secret Squirrel, author of sci fi, kids books and one silly army play on Amazon at August 28, 2022
***
Fyunch(click)!
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at August 28, 2022 11:13 AM (c6xtn)
333
We are NOT just talking about deglobalization.
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at August 28, 2022 11:14 AM (C1rbv)
Posted by: Muldoon at August 28, 2022 11:14 AM (kXYt5)
335
General Smedley Butler came to the same conclusion over a 100 years ago. In fact, I probably need to read "War is a Racket."
Posted by: Secret Squirrel, author of sci fi, kids books and one silly army play on Amazon at August 28, 2022 11:13 AM (qBzmd)
----------
I have that printed out and in a binder in my office. I don't trust the internet not to make that particular essay disappear.
Posted by: Secret Squirrel, author of sci fi, kids books and one silly army play on Amazon at August 28, 2022 11:13 AM (qBzmd)
----------
I have that printed out and in a binder in my office. I don't trust the internet not to make that particular essay disappear.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 11:15 AM (5pTK/)
336
Posted by: barbarausa at August 28, 2022 11:09 AM (VqoCx)
I agree for the most part. The audience is like the Emperor's subjects who didn't want to be considered incompetent/stupid.
I agree for the most part. The audience is like the Emperor's subjects who didn't want to be considered incompetent/stupid.
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 11:15 AM (saYt3)
337
326 Pluto and ?
or is that Pizzapies?
Not my fault that the song has an extra syllable. And Pluto still counts, dammit!
Posted by: Oddbob at August 28, 2022 11:12 AM (nfrXX)
Reminds me of a joke my Dad told me he head when he was a kid.
Two kids are preparing for a history test, and one kid asks the other, "Are you ready"?
second kid: "Yup, studied, came up with rhymes to help me remember".
Later that day same two kids are talking, and the first kid asks, "So, how did you do?"
"Not too good. Instead of remembering 'in 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue', I remembered it as 'in 1493, Columbus saided the deep blue sea'"...
or is that Pizzapies?
Not my fault that the song has an extra syllable. And Pluto still counts, dammit!
Posted by: Oddbob at August 28, 2022 11:12 AM (nfrXX)
Reminds me of a joke my Dad told me he head when he was a kid.
Two kids are preparing for a history test, and one kid asks the other, "Are you ready"?
second kid: "Yup, studied, came up with rhymes to help me remember".
Later that day same two kids are talking, and the first kid asks, "So, how did you do?"
"Not too good. Instead of remembering 'in 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue', I remembered it as 'in 1493, Columbus saided the deep blue sea'"...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:15 AM (ynpvh)
338
I think Robert E Howard used a lot of information from the Blavatsky books, which named places prior to the grand cataclysm. I also suspect he read Herodotus and Pliny
Posted by: Kindltot at August 28, 2022 11:15 AM (xhaym)
339
bring back Adm Ernest J. King and introduce him to adm RACHEL Levine.
We are dorks because we don't care to realize Levine is not a navy admiral. If you really wanted to see the sparks fly, you'd bring back Gorgas or Leonard Wood, whose profession "she" is actually defiling.
We are dorks because we don't care to realize Levine is not a navy admiral. If you really wanted to see the sparks fly, you'd bring back Gorgas or Leonard Wood, whose profession "she" is actually defiling.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at August 28, 2022 11:15 AM (x61Im)
340
I'm trying to work through maybe 30 or more Warhammer novels on audiobook. It's the first thing to challenge me in terms of scope since maybe Wheel of Time. It is what the Silmarillion was (vast) and what Star Wars was not (anodyne).
This is a competing priority with other books, CS Lewis ransom trilogy for example. There are only so many hours of the day where I am receptive and engaging.
This is a competing priority with other books, CS Lewis ransom trilogy for example. There are only so many hours of the day where I am receptive and engaging.
Posted by: BourbonChicken at August 28, 2022 11:16 AM (ybIRR)
341
Many thanks to the morons who turned me on to Georgette Heyer on the book thread several years ago. I too had avoided her because of the "romance" tag, which was a great mistake. Now she's some of my favorite bedtime "comfort food" reading when I need to displace thoughts of current events.
Posted by: Art Rondelet of Malmsey at August 28, 2022
***
I read one of her historical stories, a romantic comedy I think, years ago. I also hear that Larry Niven and his wife Marilyn are big fans of GH.
Posted by: Art Rondelet of Malmsey at August 28, 2022
***
I read one of her historical stories, a romantic comedy I think, years ago. I also hear that Larry Niven and his wife Marilyn are big fans of GH.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at August 28, 2022 11:16 AM (c6xtn)
342
Montrose would be more likely to have something, but my experience is that Delta is just not where you want to be, if you need help of any kind.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:13 AM (i3yPZ)
******
Thanks. This comports with my experiences in the area. Even G Jitty City is not likely to have anything very useful. Just thought you might have tangentially bumped up against something relevant. Never hurts to ask though, I suppose.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:13 AM (i3yPZ)
******
Thanks. This comports with my experiences in the area. Even G Jitty City is not likely to have anything very useful. Just thought you might have tangentially bumped up against something relevant. Never hurts to ask though, I suppose.
Posted by: Muldoon at August 28, 2022 11:18 AM (kXYt5)
343
Richard Levine.
First Law of Integrity: Don't allow other's insanity to make you say something that is not true.
First Law of Integrity: Don't allow other's insanity to make you say something that is not true.
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at August 28, 2022 11:18 AM (C1rbv)
344
Welp. Off to breakfast and errands. Thanks for the thread Perfessor. See (some of) y'all on the Gub Thread.
Posted by: Oddbob at August 28, 2022 11:19 AM (nfrXX)
345
Speaking of Pluto, it sort of stuns me Pluto is no longer considered a planet, because, if I remember correctly, it was discovered, or, postulated to exist, due to orbital irregularities in other planets.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 11:19 AM (5pTK/)
346
>It's painful to think about now. How naive was I, thinking these people genuinely wanted to improve the lives of Mooslims, by giving them the gift of American democracy and wealth.
We gave Iraq a jar of purple ink, which is more than we've done for ourselves.
We gave Iraq a jar of purple ink, which is more than we've done for ourselves.
Posted by: BourbonChicken at August 28, 2022 11:19 AM (ybIRR)
347
One of the many reasons I hate Peter Jackson is that he completely jacked up the Minas Tirith battles. The retreat of Faramir from the Causeway Forts goes from bad to worse, and then the trumpet sounds from the Citadel! The Knights of Dol Amroth sound the charge and their infantry shouts in reply from the walls - why wasn't that filmed?!
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 09:28 AM (llXky)
Jackson, like so many auteurs, thinks that he can make Tolkien better by jazzing things up. The Battle of the Pellenor Fields was utterly wasted by Jackson, what with all of the various threads coming together in a climactic battle at the gates of the City. Amroth, as you point out, but also the Wild Men, the unknown path taken by the Rohorrim, Aragorn commanding the Army of the Dead to his banner (and we could probably both go on for hours over the emasculating of Aragorn), the Barrow Blade felling the Witch King... Ugh. I can't even watch those films anymore, as they make me angrier with every viewing.
Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at August 28, 2022 09:28 AM (llXky)
Jackson, like so many auteurs, thinks that he can make Tolkien better by jazzing things up. The Battle of the Pellenor Fields was utterly wasted by Jackson, what with all of the various threads coming together in a climactic battle at the gates of the City. Amroth, as you point out, but also the Wild Men, the unknown path taken by the Rohorrim, Aragorn commanding the Army of the Dead to his banner (and we could probably both go on for hours over the emasculating of Aragorn), the Barrow Blade felling the Witch King... Ugh. I can't even watch those films anymore, as they make me angrier with every viewing.
Posted by: Brewingfrog at August 28, 2022 11:20 AM (TA4ej)
348
Contemporary maps of NYC, Philadelphia, Chicago, D.C., Baltimore, San Francisco, and LA should be captioned Here Be Dragons.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at August 28, 2022 11:20 AM (FVME7)
349
Time to hit the trail. You guys have a great rest of your day.
Perfessor, thanks for the thread!
Perfessor, thanks for the thread!
Posted by: Secret Squirrel, author of sci fi, kids books and one silly army play on Amazon at August 28, 2022 11:20 AM (qBzmd)
350
345 Speaking of Pluto, it sort of stuns me Pluto is no longer considered a planet, because, if I remember correctly, it was discovered, or, postulated to exist, due to orbital irregularities in other planets.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 11:19 AM (5pTK/)
Supposedly the definition now is that a planet needs to clear it's orbit of most other stuff. Pluto's orbit actually cuts into Neptunes, but due to a 3:2 orbital resonance, they never collide.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 11:19 AM (5pTK/)
Supposedly the definition now is that a planet needs to clear it's orbit of most other stuff. Pluto's orbit actually cuts into Neptunes, but due to a 3:2 orbital resonance, they never collide.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:20 AM (ynpvh)
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at August 28, 2022 11:21 AM (C1rbv)
352
Sure. That's what we were doing.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:05 AM (i3yPZ)
---------
To be far, my opinion has evolved over the last couple of decades.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 11:10 AM (5pTK/)
Indeed. Michael Malice is working on his next book, which he promises will be released soonish, is fond of saying how astonishing and welcome it is to him that conservatives (he most certainly does not identify as one) have quickly dropped their blind support for law enforcement and foreign wars.
While I don't agree with him on lots of things, he's dead right on that.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:05 AM (i3yPZ)
---------
To be far, my opinion has evolved over the last couple of decades.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 11:10 AM (5pTK/)
Indeed. Michael Malice is working on his next book, which he promises will be released soonish, is fond of saying how astonishing and welcome it is to him that conservatives (he most certainly does not identify as one) have quickly dropped their blind support for law enforcement and foreign wars.
While I don't agree with him on lots of things, he's dead right on that.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:21 AM (i3yPZ)
353
Geo. III and George Washington were both great agrarian experimenters, and both were nicknamed "Farmer George." Had they been neighbors, they'd have probably become friends.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at August 28, 2022
***
"Farmer George" is kind of an oxymoron, as "George" is derived from Latin (and originally Greek) and means "man of the earth (or soil)." See Virgil's Georgics, which lauds the virtues of the farming and country life.
Just thought I'd toss that one out there.
Posted by: Way, Way Downriver at August 28, 2022
***
"Farmer George" is kind of an oxymoron, as "George" is derived from Latin (and originally Greek) and means "man of the earth (or soil)." See Virgil's Georgics, which lauds the virtues of the farming and country life.
Just thought I'd toss that one out there.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at August 28, 2022 11:21 AM (c6xtn)
354
I decided to take a break from serious reading and bought "Hooker" by Lou Thesz a charming look back at a past era of pro-wrestling.
Posted by: sven at August 28, 2022 11:21 AM (Lzpvj)
355
Speaking of Pluto, it sort of stuns me Pluto is no longer considered a planet, because, if I remember correctly, it was discovered, or, postulated to exist, due to orbital irregularities in other planets.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
I say we make Australia an island!
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
I say we make Australia an island!
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at August 28, 2022 11:21 AM (FVME7)
356
I think Pluto was a rock that came into the Solar System and got trapped. It's orbit is not on the same plane as all the other planets.
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at August 28, 2022 11:22 AM (C1rbv)
357
George Orwell, 1984, published 1949
James Burnham, Suicide of the West, published 1964
Jean Raspail, The Camp of the Saints, published 1973
Posted by: cool breeze at August 28, 2022 11:09 AM (UGKMd)
Thanks, read 1984 before 1984 so don't remember much. The other two, never really heard of. They show a world run by "globo-homo" and other sexual deviants?
James Burnham, Suicide of the West, published 1964
Jean Raspail, The Camp of the Saints, published 1973
Posted by: cool breeze at August 28, 2022 11:09 AM (UGKMd)
Thanks, read 1984 before 1984 so don't remember much. The other two, never really heard of. They show a world run by "globo-homo" and other sexual deviants?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 28, 2022 11:22 AM (7bRMQ)
358
354 I decided to take a break from serious reading and bought "Hooker" by Lou Thesz a charming look back at a past era of pro-wrestling.
Posted by: sven at August 28, 2022 11:21 AM (Lzpvj)
And here I was thinking something else...no, not that, General Hooker from the Civil War!
Posted by: sven at August 28, 2022 11:21 AM (Lzpvj)
And here I was thinking something else...no, not that, General Hooker from the Civil War!
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:23 AM (ynpvh)
Posted by: JT at August 28, 2022 11:23 AM (T4tVD)
360
> Speaking of Pluto, it sort of stuns me Pluto is no longer considered a planet, because, if I remember correctly, it was discovered, or, postulated to exist, due to orbital irregularities in other planets.
____________
IIRC it was it's size and/or orbit around the sun which is "irregular" compared to the other planets. As a solar system purist I call bullshit on this.
____________
IIRC it was it's size and/or orbit around the sun which is "irregular" compared to the other planets. As a solar system purist I call bullshit on this.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at August 28, 2022 11:23 AM (BFigT)
361
358 Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:23 AM (ynpvh)
All earned their living to some degree lying down.
All earned their living to some degree lying down.
Posted by: sven at August 28, 2022 11:24 AM (Lzpvj)
362
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:13 AM (i3yPZ)
******
Thanks. This comports with my experiences in the area. Even G Jitty City is not likely to have anything very useful. Just thought you might have tangentially bumped up against something relevant. Never hurts to ask though, I suppose.
Posted by: Muldoon at August 28, 2022 11:18 AM (kXYt5)
No problem, I do dabble in this matter of finding resources for people, so while it is possible I might have had something to offer, sadly I don't.
******
Thanks. This comports with my experiences in the area. Even G Jitty City is not likely to have anything very useful. Just thought you might have tangentially bumped up against something relevant. Never hurts to ask though, I suppose.
Posted by: Muldoon at August 28, 2022 11:18 AM (kXYt5)
No problem, I do dabble in this matter of finding resources for people, so while it is possible I might have had something to offer, sadly I don't.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:24 AM (i3yPZ)
363
James Burnham's Suicide of the West is an excellent analysis (prescient) of where we are today.
His biography and how he got involved with and then left the American Communist Party is interesting.
His biography and how he got involved with and then left the American Communist Party is interesting.
Posted by: Ziba at August 28, 2022 11:24 AM (4h9M3)
364
Speaking of Pluto, it sort of stuns me Pluto is no longer considered a planet, because, if I remember correctly, it was discovered, or, postulated to exist, due to orbital irregularities in other planets.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022
***
Didn't the original definition go by size? Ceres is an asteroid because it's tiny; Deimos and Phobos are very small too, but they orbit a definite planet and thus are moons. But Pluto is bigger than they are and doesn't have a primary except the Sun. Wasn't it the agreed-upon rule that above a certain diameter, a body was to be considered a planet?
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022
***
Didn't the original definition go by size? Ceres is an asteroid because it's tiny; Deimos and Phobos are very small too, but they orbit a definite planet and thus are moons. But Pluto is bigger than they are and doesn't have a primary except the Sun. Wasn't it the agreed-upon rule that above a certain diameter, a body was to be considered a planet?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at August 28, 2022 11:24 AM (c6xtn)
365
Heck, if we consider Rhode Island a state and Bashful one of the Seven Dwarves, why can't we consider Pluto a planet?
Posted by: Muldoon at August 28, 2022 11:24 AM (kXYt5)
366
355 Speaking of Pluto, it sort of stuns me Pluto is no longer considered a planet, because, if I remember correctly, it was discovered, or, postulated to exist, due to orbital irregularities in other planets.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
I say we make Australia an island!
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at August 28, 2022 11:21 AM (FVME7)
Surrounded by ocean all around...
Other than Antarctica, the other continents are connected (North/South America, Eurasia/Africa)...
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing
I say we make Australia an island!
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at August 28, 2022 11:21 AM (FVME7)
Surrounded by ocean all around...
Other than Antarctica, the other continents are connected (North/South America, Eurasia/Africa)...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:25 AM (ynpvh)
367
356 I think Pluto was a rock that came into the Solar System and got trapped. It's orbit is not on the same plane as all the other planets.
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at August 28, 2022 11:22 AM (C1rbv)
It wanted to exist outside the other planets' plane of existence...
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at August 28, 2022 11:22 AM (C1rbv)
It wanted to exist outside the other planets' plane of existence...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:25 AM (ynpvh)
368
It's painful to think about now. How naive was I, thinking these people genuinely wanted to improve the lives of Mooslims, by giving them the gift of American democracy and wealth.
Sure. That's what we were doing.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:05 AM (i3yPZ)
The fact that "they" barred Christian missionaries from doing any work there shows they had only the graft and killing in mind.
Sure. That's what we were doing.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:05 AM (i3yPZ)
The fact that "they" barred Christian missionaries from doing any work there shows they had only the graft and killing in mind.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 28, 2022 11:26 AM (7bRMQ)
369
354 I decided to take a break from serious reading and bought "Hooker" by Lou Thesz a charming look back at a past era of pro-wrestling.
Posted by: sven at August 28, 2022 11:21 AM (Lzpvj)
---
Love it or hate it, professional wrestling does have a fascinating history.
Posted by: sven at August 28, 2022 11:21 AM (Lzpvj)
---
Love it or hate it, professional wrestling does have a fascinating history.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 11:26 AM (K5n5d)
370
It wanted to exist outside the other planets' plane of existence...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022
***
So you're saying Pluto identifies as a moon?
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022
***
So you're saying Pluto identifies as a moon?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at August 28, 2022 11:26 AM (c6xtn)
371
decided to take a break from serious reading and bought "Hooker" by Lou Thesz a charming look back at a past era of pro-wrestling.
Posted by: sven at August 28, 2022 11:21 AM (Lzpvj)
I did that with David Spade's autobiography, Almost Interesting.
Posted by: sven at August 28, 2022 11:21 AM (Lzpvj)
I did that with David Spade's autobiography, Almost Interesting.
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 11:26 AM (saYt3)
372
361 358 Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:23 AM (ynpvh)
All earned their living to some degree lying down.
Posted by: sven at August 28, 2022 11:24 AM (Lzpvj)
And the fact that hookers get their name from the women that followed General Hooker's troops...
All earned their living to some degree lying down.
Posted by: sven at August 28, 2022 11:24 AM (Lzpvj)
And the fact that hookers get their name from the women that followed General Hooker's troops...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:27 AM (ynpvh)
373
369 Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 11:26 AM (K5n5d)
Quite, I'd also suggest reading "Fall Guys" one of the original exposes.
Quite, I'd also suggest reading "Fall Guys" one of the original exposes.
Posted by: sven at August 28, 2022 11:27 AM (Lzpvj)
374
365 Heck, if we consider Rhode Island a state and Bashful one of the Seven Dwarves, why can't we consider Pluto a planet?
Posted by: Muldoon at August 28, 2022 11:24 AM (kXYt5)
Which one was Fauci?
Posted by: Muldoon at August 28, 2022 11:24 AM (kXYt5)
Which one was Fauci?
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:27 AM (ynpvh)
375
I love maps. Must be a hobbitt.
Posted by: Eromero at August 28, 2022 11:27 AM (DXbAa)
376
I have not read Jared Kushner's book on his time in the Trump Administration, so I got interested when I heard a radio interview he had with Hugh Hewitt.
He has received a lot of negative coverage in the media, including conserative, yes, but the things he said in the interview have made me want to read his book and find out more about what kind of person he is. I get the feeling he has been maligned in much the same way anyone close to Trump has been.
He has received a lot of negative coverage in the media, including conserative, yes, but the things he said in the interview have made me want to read his book and find out more about what kind of person he is. I get the feeling he has been maligned in much the same way anyone close to Trump has been.
Posted by: Ziba at August 28, 2022 11:28 AM (4h9M3)
377
My favorite Robert E. Howard hero is Solomon Kane. A few stories only exist in fragments (leaving one wanting much more!), but all of them are terrific -- and there are 4 awesome ballads, too! Very much in keeping with the period.
Let me recommend a great read for all Howard fans: Bob Howard, a Cowboy in Carpathia. Author is the neo-pulp master Teel James Glenn. It's a fantasy-homage that begins with Our Hero deciding against suicide when his mother passes, and setting off for Europe. And we know what - and whom - to expect in Carpathia ....
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach
Solomon Kane is my favorite Howard creation as well. Partly because of the setting. Conan and Lord of the Rings have made classic sword-and-shield fantasy stories ubiquitous. But adventures of the 1600's are a little harder to come by these days. And the feel is just...different. You have one-shot pistols, and then charge with swords.
One of the coolest Solomon Kane scenes is when he holds an entire cellar of thugs at gunpoint. He only has two shots, but no thug is willing to be the first (or second) to rush him, and thus die.
Let me recommend a great read for all Howard fans: Bob Howard, a Cowboy in Carpathia. Author is the neo-pulp master Teel James Glenn. It's a fantasy-homage that begins with Our Hero deciding against suicide when his mother passes, and setting off for Europe. And we know what - and whom - to expect in Carpathia ....
Posted by: werewife, princess of Delray Beach
Solomon Kane is my favorite Howard creation as well. Partly because of the setting. Conan and Lord of the Rings have made classic sword-and-shield fantasy stories ubiquitous. But adventures of the 1600's are a little harder to come by these days. And the feel is just...different. You have one-shot pistols, and then charge with swords.
One of the coolest Solomon Kane scenes is when he holds an entire cellar of thugs at gunpoint. He only has two shots, but no thug is willing to be the first (or second) to rush him, and thus die.
Posted by: Castle Guy at August 28, 2022 11:28 AM (Lhaco)
378
The fact that "they" barred Christian missionaries from doing any work there shows they had only the graft and killing in mind.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 28, 2022 11:26 AM (7bRMQ)
-------------
And also made it almost impossible for Christians to leave Afghanistan when our government bugged out.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 28, 2022 11:26 AM (7bRMQ)
-------------
And also made it almost impossible for Christians to leave Afghanistan when our government bugged out.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 11:28 AM (5pTK/)
379
Love it or hate it, professional wrestling does have a fascinating history.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 11:26 AM (K5n5d)
Never was a pro wrestling fan as an adult but I've been watching A&Es biography series on the WWE. I have to admit these guys are super athletes .
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 11:26 AM (K5n5d)
Never was a pro wrestling fan as an adult but I've been watching A&Es biography series on the WWE. I have to admit these guys are super athletes .
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 11:28 AM (saYt3)
380
Just finished up Larry Correia's third book in his "Saga of the Forgotten Warrior" series: Destroyer of Worlds. The series so far is good, though slower paced than either Monster Hunter International or Grimnoir Chronicles. Book 4 will be out in April 2023, and I think (but am not sure about this) that it might be slated for 5 books total.
Next up for me is his "Dead Six" series written with Mike Kupari.
Next up for me is his "Dead Six" series written with Mike Kupari.
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at August 28, 2022 11:29 AM (nRMeC)
381
370 It wanted to exist outside the other planets' plane of existence...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022
***
So you're saying Pluto identifies as a moon?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at August 28, 2022 11:26 AM (c6xtn)
Queerly, maybe an Assteroid...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022
***
So you're saying Pluto identifies as a moon?
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at August 28, 2022 11:26 AM (c6xtn)
Queerly, maybe an Assteroid...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:29 AM (ynpvh)
382
I think Pluto was a rock that came into the Solar System and got trapped. It's orbit is not on the same plane as all the other planets.
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at August 28, 2022
***
In his first novel, World of Ptavvs, Larry Niven suggests that Pluto originally was a moon of Neptune. It got knocked out of that orbit and into one around the Sun by a collision with a Slaver starship 1.5 billion years ago.
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at August 28, 2022
***
In his first novel, World of Ptavvs, Larry Niven suggests that Pluto originally was a moon of Neptune. It got knocked out of that orbit and into one around the Sun by a collision with a Slaver starship 1.5 billion years ago.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at August 28, 2022 11:29 AM (c6xtn)
383
Cheeseburger.
Posted by: Zombie Haystacks Calhoun at August 28, 2022 11:30 AM (Xrfse)
384
I'm a fan of the old Republic of Texas maps that incorporate New Mexico's Sangre de Cristo mountains. #SkiTexas
Posted by: Buck Throckmorton at August 28, 2022 11:30 AM (d9Cw3)
385
"Farmer George" is kind of an oxymoron,
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
*******
Seems redundant than oxymoronic.
'Farmer man of the soil' would be like 'tiny shrimp'
Just thought I'd toss that one out there.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
*******
Seems redundant than oxymoronic.
'Farmer man of the soil' would be like 'tiny shrimp'
Just thought I'd toss that one out there.
Posted by: Muldoon at August 28, 2022 11:30 AM (kXYt5)
386
Islam means submission.
Posted by: Eromero at August 28, 2022 11:30 AM (DXbAa)
387
An SF novel that kinda sorta relates to the map theme is:
"Celestial Matters" by Richard Garfinkle
It is one of the most fun and unusual SF novels that you could read.
CM is a hard science fiction novel if the "hard science" was the universe and solar system and "science" of the ancient Greeks.
The crew of the ship is on a secret mission to gather a piece of the sun to use to destroy their adversaries in a thousand year war, the Chinese Middle Kingdom.
Hijinks ensue.
I'm surprised this isn't considered one of the great works of science fiction and certainly would make a fun movie or streamed series.
I suppose if there's one weakness to the book, it's that the Greeks use Greek "science" and the Chinese use "Chinese science". It's explained but my preference would be for a set of universal physics which everyone must obey.
Still, a fun read and you'll never have read anything quite like it. Give it a spin.
"Celestial Matters" by Richard Garfinkle
It is one of the most fun and unusual SF novels that you could read.
CM is a hard science fiction novel if the "hard science" was the universe and solar system and "science" of the ancient Greeks.
The crew of the ship is on a secret mission to gather a piece of the sun to use to destroy their adversaries in a thousand year war, the Chinese Middle Kingdom.
Hijinks ensue.
I'm surprised this isn't considered one of the great works of science fiction and certainly would make a fun movie or streamed series.
I suppose if there's one weakness to the book, it's that the Greeks use Greek "science" and the Chinese use "Chinese science". It's explained but my preference would be for a set of universal physics which everyone must obey.
Still, a fun read and you'll never have read anything quite like it. Give it a spin.
Posted by: naturalfake at August 28, 2022 11:30 AM (5NkmN)
388
I get the feeling he has been maligned in much the same way anyone close to Trump has been.
Posted by: Ziba at August 28, 2022 11:28 AM (4h9M3)
----------
Considering the persecution anyone connected with the Trump administration has received, that Jared stuck it out is probably to his credit.
Posted by: Ziba at August 28, 2022 11:28 AM (4h9M3)
----------
Considering the persecution anyone connected with the Trump administration has received, that Jared stuck it out is probably to his credit.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 11:30 AM (5pTK/)
389
Posted by: Ziba at August 28, 2022 11:28 AM (4h9M3)
Probably but his history before the Trump administration is solidly liberal.
Probably but his history before the Trump administration is solidly liberal.
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 11:30 AM (saYt3)
390
379 Love it or hate it, professional wrestling does have a fascinating history.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 11:26 AM (K5n5d)
Never was a pro wrestling fan as an adult but I've been watching A&Es biography series on the WWE. I have to admit these guys are super athletes .
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 11:28 AM (saYt3)
Homer Simpson: "In Mexico, it's real!"
Famous Mexican Wrestler known as "el Santo". Made it into a ton of movies. Died of a heart attack the day after he revealed his true identity to the masses.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 11:26 AM (K5n5d)
Never was a pro wrestling fan as an adult but I've been watching A&Es biography series on the WWE. I have to admit these guys are super athletes .
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 11:28 AM (saYt3)
Homer Simpson: "In Mexico, it's real!"
Famous Mexican Wrestler known as "el Santo". Made it into a ton of movies. Died of a heart attack the day after he revealed his true identity to the masses.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:30 AM (ynpvh)
391
Never was a pro wrestling fan as an adult but I've been watching A&Es biography series on the WWE. I have to admit these guys are super athletes .
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 11:28 AM (saYt3)
---
Yep. They can run rings around other athletes in many other sports. It requires tremendous stamina and agility, as well as levels of pain endurance beyond most humans. You can't fake leaping 12 feet off the top rope and landing on your opponent's stomach...All you can do is brace yourself for impact...
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 11:28 AM (saYt3)
---
Yep. They can run rings around other athletes in many other sports. It requires tremendous stamina and agility, as well as levels of pain endurance beyond most humans. You can't fake leaping 12 feet off the top rope and landing on your opponent's stomach...All you can do is brace yourself for impact...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 11:31 AM (K5n5d)
392
379 Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 11:28 AM (saYt3)
They have a very eclectic skill set, they need a certain level of charisma, they have to have physical endurance, rapid judgement, and a loathing for comfort.
They have a very eclectic skill set, they need a certain level of charisma, they have to have physical endurance, rapid judgement, and a loathing for comfort.
Posted by: sven at August 28, 2022 11:31 AM (Lzpvj)
393
wait wut:
I do not believe that any spaces within the PREMISES have been authorized for the storage of classified information.
1. TS/SCI level had in fact been installed at Mar-a-Lago;
2. records show that the Secret Service had recently awarded a nearly $600,000 to build SCIF
I do not believe that any spaces within the PREMISES have been authorized for the storage of classified information.
1. TS/SCI level had in fact been installed at Mar-a-Lago;
2. records show that the Secret Service had recently awarded a nearly $600,000 to build SCIF
Posted by: rhennigantx at August 28, 2022 11:31 AM (BRHaw)
394
379 Love it or hate it, professional wrestling does have a fascinating history.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 11:26 AM (K5n5d)
Never was a pro wrestling fan as an adult but I've been watching A&Es biography series on the WWE. I have to admit these guys are super athletes .
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 11:28 AM (saYt3)
Andre the Giant. Damn, that guy weighed what, 700 lbs? And strong, too. From what I recall, was able to eat TWO of the "if you can eat this 5lb Texas steak and fixin's it's free" meals...in one sitting.
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 11:26 AM (K5n5d)
Never was a pro wrestling fan as an adult but I've been watching A&Es biography series on the WWE. I have to admit these guys are super athletes .
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 11:28 AM (saYt3)
Andre the Giant. Damn, that guy weighed what, 700 lbs? And strong, too. From what I recall, was able to eat TWO of the "if you can eat this 5lb Texas steak and fixin's it's free" meals...in one sitting.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:32 AM (ynpvh)
395
385 "Farmer George" is kind of an oxymoron,
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
*******
Seems redundant than oxymoronic.
'Farmer man of the soil' would be like 'tiny shrimp'
Just thought I'd toss that one out there.
Posted by: Muldoon at August 28, 2022 11:30 AM (kXYt5)
Technically, a grave digger and ditch digger are men of the soil too...
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
*******
Seems redundant than oxymoronic.
'Farmer man of the soil' would be like 'tiny shrimp'
Just thought I'd toss that one out there.
Posted by: Muldoon at August 28, 2022 11:30 AM (kXYt5)
Technically, a grave digger and ditch digger are men of the soil too...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:33 AM (ynpvh)
396
Some years ago, when I lived in LA and worked for a defense contractor, I spent a lot of time on the road with my Thomas Guide because Google didn't exist.
Posted by: Dr. Bone at August 28, 2022 11:33 AM (KD5bY)
397
Thanks for the maps link! Looking at 1780 maps,when this was still Cherokee/Catawba frontier.
Posted by: BignJames at August 28, 2022 11:33 AM (AwYPR)
398
Never was a pro wrestling fan as an adult but I've been watching A&Es biography series on the WWE. I have to admit these guys are super athletes .
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 11:28 AM (saYt3)
-------------
The outcome of matches may be fake, but, the stunts and injuries are real. Years ago, I ran across a video of a wrestler who came down off the ropes, I think it was, and his ankle just folded, because his boot stuck, rather than slide. Also, a wrestler was killed a few years ago, trying to do a stunt, rappelling down from the ceiling, I think it was.
Posted by: polynikes at August 28, 2022 11:28 AM (saYt3)
-------------
The outcome of matches may be fake, but, the stunts and injuries are real. Years ago, I ran across a video of a wrestler who came down off the ropes, I think it was, and his ankle just folded, because his boot stuck, rather than slide. Also, a wrestler was killed a few years ago, trying to do a stunt, rappelling down from the ceiling, I think it was.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 11:34 AM (5pTK/)
399
386 Islam means submission.
Posted by: Eromero at August 28, 2022 11:30 AM (DXbAa)
And not in the "make a submission to this journal" type of submission, either.
Posted by: Eromero at August 28, 2022 11:30 AM (DXbAa)
And not in the "make a submission to this journal" type of submission, either.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:34 AM (ynpvh)
400
Andre the Giant. Damn, that guy weighed what, 700 lbs? And strong, too. From what I recall, was able to eat TWO of the "if you can eat this 5lb Texas steak and fixin's it's free" meals...in one sitting.
Dude could also drink 40 beers at a sitting.
Dude could also drink 40 beers at a sitting.
Posted by: Zombie Haystacks Calhoun at August 28, 2022 11:34 AM (Xrfse)
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at August 28, 2022 11:35 AM (C1rbv)
402
393 wait wut:
I do not believe that any spaces within the PREMISES have been authorized for the storage of classified information.
1. TS/SCI level had in fact been installed at Mar-a-Lago;
2. records show that the Secret Service had recently awarded a nearly $600,000 to build SCIF
Posted by: rhennigantx at August 28, 2022 11:31 AM (BRHaw)
MSM: lies of commission, lies of omission...
I do not believe that any spaces within the PREMISES have been authorized for the storage of classified information.
1. TS/SCI level had in fact been installed at Mar-a-Lago;
2. records show that the Secret Service had recently awarded a nearly $600,000 to build SCIF
Posted by: rhennigantx at August 28, 2022 11:31 AM (BRHaw)
MSM: lies of commission, lies of omission...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:35 AM (ynpvh)
403
Pluto, (an interloper without adequate documentation) is the DACA Dreamer of planets. We owe him a home, a driver's license and a college education. And amnesty.
Posted by: Muldoon at August 28, 2022 11:35 AM (kXYt5)
404
Andre the Giant. Damn, that guy weighed what, 700 lbs? And strong, too. From what I recall, was able to eat TWO of the "if you can eat this 5lb Texas steak and fixin's it's free" meals...in one sitting.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:32 AM (ynpvh)
------------
Andre the Giant related a story about going to a restaurant, and, the waitress giving him a bit of a hard time. So, to get even, he ate everything on the menu, one order at a time.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:32 AM (ynpvh)
------------
Andre the Giant related a story about going to a restaurant, and, the waitress giving him a bit of a hard time. So, to get even, he ate everything on the menu, one order at a time.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 11:36 AM (5pTK/)
405
George Orwell, 1984, published 1949
James Burnham, Suicide of the West, published 1964
Jean Raspail, The Camp of the Saints, published 1973
Posted by: cool breeze at August 28, 2022 11:09 AM (UGKMd)
Thanks, read 1984 before 1984 so don't remember much. The other two, never really heard of. They show a world run by "globo-homo" and other sexual deviants?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 28, 2022 11:22 AM (7bRMQ)
"The Wanting Seed" by Anthony Burgess (the "Clockwork Orange guy)
and
"Regiment of Women" by Thomas Berger
do a better job of the whole globe-homo/sexual deviants dealio.
James Burnham, Suicide of the West, published 1964
Jean Raspail, The Camp of the Saints, published 1973
Posted by: cool breeze at August 28, 2022 11:09 AM (UGKMd)
Thanks, read 1984 before 1984 so don't remember much. The other two, never really heard of. They show a world run by "globo-homo" and other sexual deviants?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 28, 2022 11:22 AM (7bRMQ)
"The Wanting Seed" by Anthony Burgess (the "Clockwork Orange guy)
and
"Regiment of Women" by Thomas Berger
do a better job of the whole globe-homo/sexual deviants dealio.
Posted by: naturalfake at August 28, 2022 11:36 AM (5NkmN)
406
In elementary school we had a Geography project to do in 5th or 6th grade that involved actually making a 3-D topographical map of one of the continents.
I did South America and used different colored play-doh for the different elevations.
Got an A+
Unlike that bastard junior high school art teacher who hated everything I did.
I did South America and used different colored play-doh for the different elevations.
Got an A+
Unlike that bastard junior high school art teacher who hated everything I did.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at August 28, 2022 11:36 AM (BFigT)
407
396 Some years ago, when I lived in LA and worked for a defense contractor, I spent a lot of time on the road with my Thomas Guide because Google didn't exist.
Posted by: Dr. Bone at August 28, 2022 11:33 AM (KD5bY)
I loved my Thomas Guide. Still have maps in the car fro long trips in case Google maps tries to send me into a lake or a muddy field.
Posted by: Dr. Bone at August 28, 2022 11:33 AM (KD5bY)
I loved my Thomas Guide. Still have maps in the car fro long trips in case Google maps tries to send me into a lake or a muddy field.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:36 AM (ynpvh)
408
Seems redundant than oxymoronic.
'Farmer man of the soil' would be like 'tiny shrimp'
Just thought I'd toss that one out there.
Posted by: Muldoon at August 28, 2022
***
Ah, you're right. Oxymoron is where the two elements contradict each other, like "freezer burn" or "Dodge Ram." "Farmer" and "George" don't contradict at all.
'Farmer man of the soil' would be like 'tiny shrimp'
Just thought I'd toss that one out there.
Posted by: Muldoon at August 28, 2022
***
Ah, you're right. Oxymoron is where the two elements contradict each other, like "freezer burn" or "Dodge Ram." "Farmer" and "George" don't contradict at all.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at August 28, 2022 11:37 AM (c6xtn)
409
The outcome of matches may be fake, but, the stunts and injuries are real. Years ago, I ran across a video of a wrestler who came down off the ropes, I think it was, and his ankle just folded, because his boot stuck, rather than slide. Also, a wrestler was killed a few years ago, trying to do a stunt, rappelling down from the ceiling, I think it was.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 11:34 AM (5pTK/)
---
Their life expectancy is often cut short due to various injuries sustained in the ring. Steve Austin's knees, for instance, are so damaged that he has to wear braces constantly. Oh, and he once broke his neck when a tombstone piledriver went wrong. (Big E is currently out on the injured list due to a legit broken neck as well. It's only because his neck is so thick that he wasn't permanently paralyzed).
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 11:34 AM (5pTK/)
---
Their life expectancy is often cut short due to various injuries sustained in the ring. Steve Austin's knees, for instance, are so damaged that he has to wear braces constantly. Oh, and he once broke his neck when a tombstone piledriver went wrong. (Big E is currently out on the injured list due to a legit broken neck as well. It's only because his neck is so thick that he wasn't permanently paralyzed).
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 11:37 AM (K5n5d)
410
404 Andre the Giant. Damn, that guy weighed what, 700 lbs? And strong, too. From what I recall, was able to eat TWO of the "if you can eat this 5lb Texas steak and fixin's it's free" meals...in one sitting.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:32 AM (ynpvh)
------------
Andre the Giant related a story about going to a restaurant, and, the waitress giving him a bit of a hard time. So, to get even, he ate everything on the menu, one order at a time.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 11:36 AM (5pTK/)
LOL, great story!
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:32 AM (ynpvh)
------------
Andre the Giant related a story about going to a restaurant, and, the waitress giving him a bit of a hard time. So, to get even, he ate everything on the menu, one order at a time.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 11:36 AM (5pTK/)
LOL, great story!
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:38 AM (ynpvh)
411
Ah, you're right. Oxymoron is where the two elements contradict each other, like "freezer burn" or "Dodge Ram." "Farmer" and "George" don't contradict at all.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at August 28, 2022 11:37 AM (c6xtn)
------------
Oxymoron: Smart Democrat
Redundant: Stupid Democrat
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at August 28, 2022 11:37 AM (c6xtn)
------------
Oxymoron: Smart Democrat
Redundant: Stupid Democrat
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 11:38 AM (5pTK/)
412
Dude could also drink 40 beers at a sitting.
Posted by: Zombie Haystacks Calhoun at August 28, 2022 11:34 AM (Xrfse)
Ever seen a photo of him holding a 12oz beer? If he closed his fingers, you couldn't see it.
Posted by: Zombie Haystacks Calhoun at August 28, 2022 11:34 AM (Xrfse)
Ever seen a photo of him holding a 12oz beer? If he closed his fingers, you couldn't see it.
Posted by: BignJames at August 28, 2022 11:38 AM (AwYPR)
413
I say we make Australia an island!
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at August 28, 2022 11:21 AM (FVME7)
Then it might tip over!
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at August 28, 2022 11:21 AM (FVME7)
Then it might tip over!
Posted by: Hank Johnson at August 28, 2022 11:39 AM (i3yPZ)
414
Ahem. Thomas Bros. Guide.
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at August 28, 2022 11:39 AM (C1rbv)
415
408 Seems redundant than oxymoronic.
'Farmer man of the soil' would be like 'tiny shrimp'
Just thought I'd toss that one out there.
Posted by: Muldoon at August 28, 2022
***
Ah, you're right. Oxymoron is where the two elements contradict each other, like "freezer burn" or "Dodge Ram." "Farmer" and "George" don't contradict at all.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at August 28, 2022 11:37 AM (c6xtn)
or my favorite,
"Fresh Frozen, Real Immitation, Jumbo Shrimp"
'Farmer man of the soil' would be like 'tiny shrimp'
Just thought I'd toss that one out there.
Posted by: Muldoon at August 28, 2022
***
Ah, you're right. Oxymoron is where the two elements contradict each other, like "freezer burn" or "Dodge Ram." "Farmer" and "George" don't contradict at all.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at August 28, 2022 11:37 AM (c6xtn)
or my favorite,
"Fresh Frozen, Real Immitation, Jumbo Shrimp"
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:40 AM (ynpvh)
416
Just started "Communism and the Conscience of the West" by Archbishop Fulton Sheen.
I got interested in Sheen after a friend of mine recommended some YouTube videos of his old television program.
Though I am not a Catholic, IMO Sheen was a brilliant speaker and (so far) author -- and a staunch anti-Communist. The Catholic Church (and many other churches) could use more people like him today.
I got interested in Sheen after a friend of mine recommended some YouTube videos of his old television program.
Though I am not a Catholic, IMO Sheen was a brilliant speaker and (so far) author -- and a staunch anti-Communist. The Catholic Church (and many other churches) could use more people like him today.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at August 28, 2022 11:41 AM (bW8dp)
417
And also made it almost impossible for Christians to leave Afghanistan when our government bugged out.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 11:28 AM (5pTK/)
I'll bet "they" were really broken up about it too.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 11:28 AM (5pTK/)
I'll bet "they" were really broken up about it too.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 28, 2022 11:41 AM (7bRMQ)
418
"Farmer" and "George" don't contradict at all.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
Unless its George of the Jungle.....
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius
Unless its George of the Jungle.....
Posted by: JT at August 28, 2022 11:42 AM (T4tVD)
419
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 11:34 AM (5pTK/)
---
Their life expectancy is often cut short due to various injuries sustained in the ring. Steve Austin's knees, for instance, are so damaged that he has to wear braces constantly. Oh, and he once broke his neck when a tombstone piledriver went wrong. (Big E is currently out on the injured list due to a legit broken neck as well. It's only because his neck is so thick that he wasn't permanently paralyzed).
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 11:37 AM (K5n5d)
Chris Benoit, before he went on to a more successful career of maiming, broke another wrestler's neck. They say it was an accident, that the other guy basically twisted this way, when he should have turned left an Albuquerque. But Benoit already had a reputation for injuring other wrasslers, so who knows.
His last "match" though, yeah. He certainly was intending to harm.
---
Their life expectancy is often cut short due to various injuries sustained in the ring. Steve Austin's knees, for instance, are so damaged that he has to wear braces constantly. Oh, and he once broke his neck when a tombstone piledriver went wrong. (Big E is currently out on the injured list due to a legit broken neck as well. It's only because his neck is so thick that he wasn't permanently paralyzed).
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 11:37 AM (K5n5d)
Chris Benoit, before he went on to a more successful career of maiming, broke another wrestler's neck. They say it was an accident, that the other guy basically twisted this way, when he should have turned left an Albuquerque. But Benoit already had a reputation for injuring other wrasslers, so who knows.
His last "match" though, yeah. He certainly was intending to harm.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:43 AM (i3yPZ)
420
419 Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 11:34 AM (5pTK/)
---
Their life expectancy is often cut short due to various injuries sustained in the ring. Steve Austin's knees, for instance, are so damaged that he has to wear braces constantly. Oh, and he once broke his neck when a tombstone piledriver went wrong. (Big E is currently out on the injured list due to a legit broken neck as well. It's only because his neck is so thick that he wasn't permanently paralyzed).
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 11:37 AM (K5n5d)
Chris Benoit, before he went on to a more successful career of maiming, broke another wrestler's neck. They say it was an accident, that the other guy basically twisted this way, when he should have turned left an Albuquerque. But Benoit already had a reputation for injuring other wrasslers, so who knows.
His last "match" though, yeah. He certainly was intending to harm.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:43 AM (i3yPZ)
YOu have the wrestlers that made it beyond wrestling, like the "Rock", Rowdy Roddy Piper...
---
Their life expectancy is often cut short due to various injuries sustained in the ring. Steve Austin's knees, for instance, are so damaged that he has to wear braces constantly. Oh, and he once broke his neck when a tombstone piledriver went wrong. (Big E is currently out on the injured list due to a legit broken neck as well. It's only because his neck is so thick that he wasn't permanently paralyzed).
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 11:37 AM (K5n5d)
Chris Benoit, before he went on to a more successful career of maiming, broke another wrestler's neck. They say it was an accident, that the other guy basically twisted this way, when he should have turned left an Albuquerque. But Benoit already had a reputation for injuring other wrasslers, so who knows.
His last "match" though, yeah. He certainly was intending to harm.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:43 AM (i3yPZ)
YOu have the wrestlers that made it beyond wrestling, like the "Rock", Rowdy Roddy Piper...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:44 AM (ynpvh)
421
or my favorite,
"Fresh Frozen, Real Immitation, Jumbo Shrimp"
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:40 AM (ynpvh)
Honest politician.
"Fresh Frozen, Real Immitation, Jumbo Shrimp"
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:40 AM (ynpvh)
Honest politician.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:45 AM (i3yPZ)
422
Technically, a grave digger and ditch digger are men of the soil too...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:33 AM (ynpvh)
You know, morons.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:33 AM (ynpvh)
You know, morons.
Posted by: Waco Kid at August 28, 2022 11:45 AM (7bRMQ)
423
> Unless its George of the Jungle.....
I always felt like that show was false advertising.
The credits show him with TWO hot chicks, but there's only one in the show.
I figure that he was originally supposed to be in a menage-a-trois situation, but the censors nixed it after the credits had been made, but before the shows actually went into production.
I always felt like that show was false advertising.
The credits show him with TWO hot chicks, but there's only one in the show.
I figure that he was originally supposed to be in a menage-a-trois situation, but the censors nixed it after the credits had been made, but before the shows actually went into production.
Posted by: Rodrigo Borgia at August 28, 2022 11:45 AM (bW8dp)
424
421 or my favorite,
"Fresh Frozen, Real Immitation, Jumbo Shrimp"
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:40 AM (ynpvh)
Honest politician.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:45 AM (i3yPZ)
Fair taxes?
"Fresh Frozen, Real Immitation, Jumbo Shrimp"
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:40 AM (ynpvh)
Honest politician.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:45 AM (i3yPZ)
Fair taxes?
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:45 AM (ynpvh)
425
YOu have the wrestlers that made it beyond wrestling, like the "Rock", Rowdy Roddy Piper...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:44 AM (ynpvh)
---
They also have their share of injuries and trauma they've accumulated during their wrestling careers. They just happen to have enough charisma to make the jump from "sports entertainment" to just "entertainment."
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:44 AM (ynpvh)
---
They also have their share of injuries and trauma they've accumulated during their wrestling careers. They just happen to have enough charisma to make the jump from "sports entertainment" to just "entertainment."
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 11:46 AM (K5n5d)
426
"The audience is like the Emperor's subjects who didn't want to be considered incompetent/stupid."
Polynikes, I agree that's a big part of it for the glitter cognoscenti and the wannabes.
With public art, I think it is edging toward knowing you can't be the first person to stop clapping.
Or else.
Polynikes, I agree that's a big part of it for the glitter cognoscenti and the wannabes.
With public art, I think it is edging toward knowing you can't be the first person to stop clapping.
Or else.
Posted by: barbarausa at August 28, 2022 11:47 AM (VqoCx)
427
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:45 AM (i3yPZ)
Fair taxes?
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:45 AM (ynpvh)
Dunno, but I'm almost ready to coin the term "straight gay," to describe men and women who are most reasonable in nearly every other way, but prefer their sex partners be of the same sex. There seem to be more than a few of them, and it is worthwhile to notice it, rather than thinking all gay people want to corrupt your children and bang each other in public places.
Fair taxes?
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:45 AM (ynpvh)
Dunno, but I'm almost ready to coin the term "straight gay," to describe men and women who are most reasonable in nearly every other way, but prefer their sex partners be of the same sex. There seem to be more than a few of them, and it is worthwhile to notice it, rather than thinking all gay people want to corrupt your children and bang each other in public places.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:48 AM (i3yPZ)
428
425 YOu have the wrestlers that made it beyond wrestling, like the "Rock", Rowdy Roddy Piper...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:44 AM (ynpvh)
---
They also have their share of injuries and trauma they've accumulated during their wrestling careers. They just happen to have enough charisma to make the jump from "sports entertainment" to just "entertainment."
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 11:46 AM (K5n5d)
Jesse Ventura. Wrester, actor, Seal, Governor. And idiot, IMO.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:44 AM (ynpvh)
---
They also have their share of injuries and trauma they've accumulated during their wrestling careers. They just happen to have enough charisma to make the jump from "sports entertainment" to just "entertainment."
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at August 28, 2022 11:46 AM (K5n5d)
Jesse Ventura. Wrester, actor, Seal, Governor. And idiot, IMO.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:48 AM (ynpvh)
429
In addition to being a fun writer in general, Georgette Heyer is the *master* at characterization. She does not have cardboard spear-carriers. Even minor characters clearly have a past, their own motivations, and personality. When I coach beginning writers I encourage them to read her books to learn. (Her mysteries are fun too, for those who might be allergic to romances. Although her "romances" are not bad either. Even I read them!)
Posted by: Sabrina Chase at August 28, 2022 11:49 AM (h5F0w)
430
The commentary on the usage of the word "oxymoron" reminded me of a bit from the 1991 movie "Oscar":
Dr. Thornton Poole : That's an oxymoron.
Connie : Gee, you shouldn't oughta said that, Doc.
Snaps : Yeah, leave Connie alone. He does the best he can.
Dr. Thornton Poole : That's an oxymoron.
Connie : Gee, you shouldn't oughta said that, Doc.
Snaps : Yeah, leave Connie alone. He does the best he can.
Posted by: Grumpy and Recalcitrant at August 28, 2022 11:49 AM (nRMeC)
431
Yep. They can run rings around other athletes in many other sports. It requires tremendous stamina and agility, as well as levels of pain endurance beyond most humans. You can't fake leaping 12 feet off the top rope and landing on your opponent's stomach...All you can do is brace yourself for impact...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel
Laurence Taylor, the football player, had a 7 minute match at Wrestelmania. After the match, Taylor couldn't even stand up on his own. Meanwhile, his opponent (pro-wrester Bam Bam Bigelow, who 'lost' the match) casually walked to the backstage while being yelled at by his manager.
It's also fun to listen to Kane (Glen Jacobs, now mayor of Knocx County) talk about the stunts he had to pull...
Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel
Laurence Taylor, the football player, had a 7 minute match at Wrestelmania. After the match, Taylor couldn't even stand up on his own. Meanwhile, his opponent (pro-wrester Bam Bam Bigelow, who 'lost' the match) casually walked to the backstage while being yelled at by his manager.
It's also fun to listen to Kane (Glen Jacobs, now mayor of Knocx County) talk about the stunts he had to pull...
Posted by: Castle Guy at August 28, 2022 11:49 AM (Lhaco)
432
"sports entertainment" is redundant
Posted by: Bandana Dee at August 28, 2022 11:49 AM (0nTN1)
433
"Dunno, but I'm almost ready to coin the term "straight gay," to describe men and women who are most reasonable in nearly every other way, but prefer their sex partners be of the same sex. There seem to be more than a few of them, and it is worthwhile to notice it, rather than thinking all gay people want to corrupt your children and bang each other in public places."
BurtTC, isn't that a variant of "super gay", that the kid who coined "super straight" got hounded for by the trans supremacists?
BurtTC, isn't that a variant of "super gay", that the kid who coined "super straight" got hounded for by the trans supremacists?
Posted by: barbarausa at August 28, 2022 11:50 AM (VqoCx)
434
Ah, you're right. Oxymoron is where the two elements contradict each other, like "freezer burn" or "Dodge Ram." "Farmer" and "George" don't contradict at all.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at August 28, 2022 11:37 AM (c6xtn)
--
Two different, though similar, one-word (is that possible? I think so) oxymorons: 'Progressive', and, 'Liberal'. The latter once had meaning.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius at August 28, 2022 11:37 AM (c6xtn)
--
Two different, though similar, one-word (is that possible? I think so) oxymorons: 'Progressive', and, 'Liberal'. The latter once had meaning.
Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at August 28, 2022 11:50 AM (3kpeI)
435
The map room is pretty cool. I always liked framed maps. They work good in a private library.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at August 28, 2022 11:50 AM (VwHCD)
436
Jesse Ventura. Wrester, actor, Seal, Governor. And idiot, IMO.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:48 AM (ynpvh)
You are most welcome to drop the IMO from that statement.
He's the guy who keeps people like Al Franken and Fritz Mondale from ranking as Minnehaha's worst politician.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:48 AM (ynpvh)
You are most welcome to drop the IMO from that statement.
He's the guy who keeps people like Al Franken and Fritz Mondale from ranking as Minnehaha's worst politician.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:50 AM (i3yPZ)
437
432 "sports entertainment" is redundant
Posted by: Bandana Dee at August 28, 2022 11:49 AM (0nTN1)
WNBA is not entertainment...
Posted by: Bandana Dee at August 28, 2022 11:49 AM (0nTN1)
WNBA is not entertainment...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:50 AM (ynpvh)
438
Currently Reading Why People Buy, by Guy Baker, it's good.
And reading the book the Xi of China forces all his people to read, to achieve his stated purpose that "this isn't happening to us"
Armageddon Averted, 1970-2000 Collapse of the Soviet Union
And reading the book the Xi of China forces all his people to read, to achieve his stated purpose that "this isn't happening to us"
Armageddon Averted, 1970-2000 Collapse of the Soviet Union
Posted by: JustAnotherCabDriver at August 28, 2022 11:52 AM (rLGM8)
439
The fact that "they" barred Christian missionaries from doing any work there shows they had only the graft and killing in mind.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 28, 2022 11:26 AM (7bRMQ)
They never cared about the killing, either. Just the sweet, sweet graft.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 28, 2022 11:26 AM (7bRMQ)
They never cared about the killing, either. Just the sweet, sweet graft.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at August 28, 2022 11:52 AM (uaLxw)
440
COVID was a yuge blow to it. Scarce resources (e.g lithium) are going to make things worse. We are just talking about deglobalization. We are talking about decivilization.
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at August 28, 2022 11:13 AM (C1rbv)
There is a competing theory that Bretton-Woods was a stabilizing regime of theoretically hard currency globally, but when Nixon ended it we entered into an inflationary fiat currency regime world wide that forced everyone into shorter term thinking, debt financing and moving away from manufacturing and into financing and service industries. This type of investing takes advantage of the problems that an inflationary global fiat currency brings
Posted by: Chatterbox Mouse at August 28, 2022 11:13 AM (C1rbv)
There is a competing theory that Bretton-Woods was a stabilizing regime of theoretically hard currency globally, but when Nixon ended it we entered into an inflationary fiat currency regime world wide that forced everyone into shorter term thinking, debt financing and moving away from manufacturing and into financing and service industries. This type of investing takes advantage of the problems that an inflationary global fiat currency brings
Posted by: Kindltot at August 28, 2022 11:52 AM (xhaym)
441
BurtTC, isn't that a variant of "super gay", that the kid who coined "super straight" got hounded for by the trans supremacists?
Posted by: barbarausa at August 28, 2022 11:50 AM (VqoCx)
I don't know, that might be something different. I'm thinking of when you're having a conversation with somebody, and the name of somebody comes up, somebody you admire, and you have to say "he's gay, but he's one of the good ones."
Posted by: barbarausa at August 28, 2022 11:50 AM (VqoCx)
I don't know, that might be something different. I'm thinking of when you're having a conversation with somebody, and the name of somebody comes up, somebody you admire, and you have to say "he's gay, but he's one of the good ones."
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:52 AM (i3yPZ)
442
437 Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:50 AM (ynpvh)
Much "entertainment" is not...
Much "entertainment" is not...
Posted by: sven at August 28, 2022 11:53 AM (Lzpvj)
443
Old maps are great history teachers.
-
About 1972, I bought a good wall map of the world thinking it was the end all and be all of everything. No sirree Bob! Those borders were set in stone! No more upstart new countries! No more border modifications or empire collapses. All was well.
-
About 1972, I bought a good wall map of the world thinking it was the end all and be all of everything. No sirree Bob! Those borders were set in stone! No more upstart new countries! No more border modifications or empire collapses. All was well.
Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy? at August 28, 2022 11:54 AM (FVME7)
444
442 437 Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:50 AM (ynpvh)
Much "entertainment" is not...
Posted by: sven at August 28, 2022 11:53 AM (Lzpvj)
Which is oxymoronic...
Much "entertainment" is not...
Posted by: sven at August 28, 2022 11:53 AM (Lzpvj)
Which is oxymoronic...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:54 AM (ynpvh)
445
They never cared about the killing, either. Just the sweet, sweet graft.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at August 28, 2022 11:52 AM (uaLxw)
I dunno, I think they got off on the killing, too.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at August 28, 2022 11:52 AM (uaLxw)
I dunno, I think they got off on the killing, too.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 28, 2022 11:55 AM (7bRMQ)
446
Jesse Ventura. Wrester, actor, Seal, Governor. And idiot, IMO.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:48 AM (ynpvh)
-------------
I was done with Ventura when he insisted on pursuing his lawsuit against the widow of Chris Kyle.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:48 AM (ynpvh)
-------------
I was done with Ventura when he insisted on pursuing his lawsuit against the widow of Chris Kyle.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 11:55 AM (5pTK/)
447
The fact that "they" barred Christian missionaries from doing any work there shows they had only the graft and killing in mind.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 28, 2022 11:26 AM (7bRMQ)
They never cared about the killing, either. Just the sweet, sweet graft.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at August 28, 2022 11:52 AM (uaLxw)
Remember when we used to laugh when it was announced there was a "wedding party" that got smoked? Everybody dead? Bride, groom, parents of the betrothed, family, friends, etc?
What if those really WERE wedding parties?
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 28, 2022 11:26 AM (7bRMQ)
They never cared about the killing, either. Just the sweet, sweet graft.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at August 28, 2022 11:52 AM (uaLxw)
Remember when we used to laugh when it was announced there was a "wedding party" that got smoked? Everybody dead? Bride, groom, parents of the betrothed, family, friends, etc?
What if those really WERE wedding parties?
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:55 AM (i3yPZ)
448
My Dad had a book: "Great Battles of the 20th Century". The title always bothered me, as it couldn't extend to the end of the 20th century as it was written in the 1970's and ended with the Yom Kippur war...
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:55 AM (ynpvh)
449
I was done with Ventura when he insisted on pursuing his lawsuit against the widow of Chris Kyle.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 11:55 AM (5pTK/)
#MeToo
And he was my favorite in the WWF.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 11:55 AM (5pTK/)
#MeToo
And he was my favorite in the WWF.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 28, 2022 11:57 AM (7bRMQ)
450
Anyone who happens to be gay that does not need the constant attention and affirmation of the rest of the planet for their sexuality, to simply get through their day as a human, is fine by me.
They're just gay.
They're just gay.
Posted by: barbarausa at August 28, 2022 11:57 AM (VqoCx)
451
Speaking of entertainment, I'm watching an adult male cat, sitting on a chair, with his tail dangling and wagging out the slot in the back of the chair... tiny kitten watching it go back and forth, occasionally swiping at it, with adult male subsequently growling at him.
Well don't dangle your tail like that, goofball.
Well don't dangle your tail like that, goofball.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:58 AM (i3yPZ)
452
450 Anyone who happens to be gay that does not need the constant attention and affirmation of the rest of the planet for their sexuality, to simply get through their day as a human, is fine by me.
They're just gay.
Posted by: barbarausa at August 28, 2022 11:57 AM (VqoCx)
AS long as they don't hit on me. Sheesh. I'm straight, married, have kids. C'mon man, leave me alone.
They're just gay.
Posted by: barbarausa at August 28, 2022 11:57 AM (VqoCx)
AS long as they don't hit on me. Sheesh. I'm straight, married, have kids. C'mon man, leave me alone.
Posted by: jim (in Kalifornia) at August 28, 2022 11:58 AM (ynpvh)
453
What if those really WERE wedding parties?
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:55 AM (i3yPZ)
They probably were.
Thanks for the thread, Perfessor. Gotta go.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:55 AM (i3yPZ)
They probably were.
Thanks for the thread, Perfessor. Gotta go.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 28, 2022 11:58 AM (7bRMQ)
454
I dunno, I think they got off on the killing, too.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 28, 2022 11:55 AM (7bRMQ)
The people in the defense contractor/Pentagon revolving door? Perhaps there was an element of that. The Bushes and Kristols and Feinsteins of the world are just nest-feathering crooks of the basest sort there is, willing to feed their own people into a meat grinder for profit.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at August 28, 2022 11:55 AM (7bRMQ)
The people in the defense contractor/Pentagon revolving door? Perhaps there was an element of that. The Bushes and Kristols and Feinsteins of the world are just nest-feathering crooks of the basest sort there is, willing to feed their own people into a meat grinder for profit.
Posted by: Yudhishthira's Dice at August 28, 2022 11:59 AM (uaLxw)
455
Well don't dangle your tail like that, goofball.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:58 AM (i3yPZ)
-------------
Had a cat that liked to paw at dogs who were over 10 times her size. It was funny to see her perching on the back of a couch, and one of our large pooches wander by, only to have her take a swipe. Doubt the dog really noticed, as he was pretty much a walking rug.
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:58 AM (i3yPZ)
-------------
Had a cat that liked to paw at dogs who were over 10 times her size. It was funny to see her perching on the back of a couch, and one of our large pooches wander by, only to have her take a swipe. Doubt the dog really noticed, as he was pretty much a walking rug.
Posted by: blake - semi lurker in marginal standing(5pTK/) at August 28, 2022 12:00 PM (5pTK/)
456
I don't know, that might be something different. I'm thinking of when you're having a conversation with somebody, and the name of somebody comes up, somebody you admire, and you have to say "he's gay, but he's one of the good ones."
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:52 AM (i3yPZ)
Good homos are "gay". Bad homos are "fags".
I don't know, that might be something different. I'm thinking of when you're having a conversation with somebody, and the name of somebody comes up, somebody you admire, and you have to say "he's gay, but he's one of the good ones."
Posted by: BurtTC at August 28, 2022 11:52 AM (i3yPZ)
Good homos are "gay". Bad homos are "fags".
Posted by: Pork Chops & Bacons at August 28, 2022 12:00 PM (BdMk6)
457
"AS long as they don't hit on me"
I'm thinking that would come under "attention and affirmation".
I'm married, have kids and grandkids. I don't want anybody hitting on me, man, woman, furry, or freak.
I'm thinking that would come under "attention and affirmation".
I'm married, have kids and grandkids. I don't want anybody hitting on me, man, woman, furry, or freak.
Posted by: barbarausa at August 28, 2022 12:00 PM (VqoCx)
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...who was hugely disappointed when he realized I had made up the city, the historic McAllister house, and the Tip Top Ice House, Gas & Grocery.
Posted by: Sgt. Mom at August 28, 2022 09:52 AM (xnmPy)
That is such a disappointment to find that some of your favorite places are fictional.
Posted by: Sgt. Mom at August 28, 2022 09:52 AM (xnmPy)
That is such a disappointment to find that some of your favorite places are fictional.
Posted by: April--dash my lace wigs! at August 28, 2022 12:16 PM (OX9vb)
461
Cheaper by the Dozen! LOVE that book. My husband has never been a fictional reader; he had to spend so much time reading textbooks.
Anyway, my daughter had this book (read it for school) and she would read excerpts aloud in the car while we drove places. We would laugh and have great conversations about it.
She ended up buying my husband his own copy, which he DID read and he loved it, too. Great family memory.
We also read Bells on Their Toes, which was also good, but less funny.
Anyway, my daughter had this book (read it for school) and she would read excerpts aloud in the car while we drove places. We would laugh and have great conversations about it.
She ended up buying my husband his own copy, which he DID read and he loved it, too. Great family memory.
We also read Bells on Their Toes, which was also good, but less funny.
Posted by: Bonnie Blue - the ungrateful colonial maniac at August 28, 2022 12:19 PM (gao0c)
462
Maps in sci-fi and fantasy books very much enhance the story. My fave is in Voyage From Yesteryear, a wonderful hard-science sci-fi novel by James Hogan. Despite the science and the action (plenty of both), there's some interesting philosophy about what really motivates people.
Posted by: MichiCanuck at August 28, 2022 12:25 PM (m3iaN)
463
"As Gregory Bateson put it, 'the map is not the territory.'"
Not Bateson; Alfred Korzybski, and I'm pretty sure Bateson gave Korzybski credit for it.
Not Bateson; Alfred Korzybski, and I'm pretty sure Bateson gave Korzybski credit for it.
Posted by: Pope John 20th at August 28, 2022 01:17 PM (xi3bI)
464
The book "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis" was published in 1951 and was, IIRC (it's been years since I last read it), a collection of short stories first published in magazines, and the stories were not totally internally consistent with each other. " I Was A Teen-Age Dwarf" was published in 1959, the same year the Dobie Gillis series began on TV.
Posted by: Pope John 20th at August 28, 2022 01:37 PM (xi3bI)
465
Ursula K. Le Guin did a very good map for her "Earth Sea" series. I think a good map can really help a reader follow a story or, for that matter, a history.
Posted by: John F. MacMichael at August 28, 2022 01:50 PM (w6mSC)
466
Thanks for so many great recommendations on the book front. Love maps and when a book has them in it. It was a treat on family vacations when you were allowed to hold and help Dad with the map- pre any gps. In grade school we toured the Replogal Globe company. Wishing we hadnt’ donated our old globes years ago.
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Posted by: Sarah at August 28, 2022 02:58 PM (UhUI/)
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Hodgepodge comments, in no particular order:
We had the talking globe! I think I liked it more than the kids did. We kept it long after the voicebox died.
And, yes, making an accurate globe must be extremely difficult.
"The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis" was the basis for the TV show.
I loved the Thunderbolts series. Still remember the shock zi got upon reading the last two pages of issue No. 1. I still have the series. Busiek was so damned good until he took to Twitter.
This brings me up to comment 230.
We had the talking globe! I think I liked it more than the kids did. We kept it long after the voicebox died.
And, yes, making an accurate globe must be extremely difficult.
"The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis" was the basis for the TV show.
I loved the Thunderbolts series. Still remember the shock zi got upon reading the last two pages of issue No. 1. I still have the series. Busiek was so damned good until he took to Twitter.
This brings me up to comment 230.
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